More on Grandad

JOHN W. BIERY "JACK"

BIERY JOHN W. "JACK"
Age 87, of Marian Manor, formerly of Ross Township, early Sunday morning, December 20, 2009. Beloved husband of the late Claire (Howland) Biery; devoted father of John Biery Jr, James (Cynthia) Biery, Timothy (Christine) Biery, Robert (Karen) Biery, Mary Ann (Paul) Cain, and the late Christine McCullough; loving grandfather of Robyn (Aaron) Barber; Trisha, Shannon, Jonathon, Amy and Matthew Biery; Sarah, Emily and Patrick Cain; Kelly McCullough and Bethany (Christopher) Stowell; great grandfather of Zachary and Leila Barber, Jack was a proud 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp. during WWII. He was also a respected member of the Mount Lebanon business community for over 40 years as the owner of Beverly Service, Inc. Jack gathered a loyal following of customers and friends through his honesty and integrity in dealing with the public. Friends will be welcomed at the LAUGHLIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 222 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, TUESDAY 2-4 & 6-8 pm. Service at Laughlin's, Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock. If desired, memorials may be made to Marian Manor Employee Fund, 2695 Winchester Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
www.laughlinfuneralhome.com
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb

Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from December 21 to December 22, 2009

Rest in Peace Grandad

My Grandfather (Biery) has had a difficult year and the week of Thanksgiving was put into Hospice care. I've been thinking of him a lot since then as he settled into a peaceful and comfortable place over the past few weeks. I made the decision to remain in San Francisco as he went through his transition—choosing to remember him the way he was last December when Bethany and I visited. However, this decision wasn't easy and I was very saddened today when I received the call that last night he passed away in his sleep. Not only am I losing my Grandfather, but it reminds me of my Mom, who died 15 years ago and who I miss so much all the time. On the other hand, I can find joy and comfort in knowing that my Grandad can now be reunited with his daughter, as well as my Grandmother, who passed in August of 2006. Grandad was 87 years young.

Grandad - I'll love and miss you forever. xoxo

Japanese Bunny Cafes

Previously I posted about Japanese 'cat brothels.' Well, Nadine just sent me a video to a bunny cafe.. same idea, but with adorable bunnies! How could you resist? This is definitely going on our Japan itinerary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOPFvrFSQ3Q&feature=related

I'm an aunt!

Today my sister Julia and Mark welcomed their new baby Jack Richard Dahlgren!

9 lbs 3 oz 22 inches!

Born 1:46 am after 18 hours of labor!

cutest idea ever- cat brothels!

Have you ever heard of a cat brothel? It might be the best idea ever! Cat brothels, only in Japan as far as I know, are basically coffee or tea shops with a bunch of kitties to pet. Visitors pay a small fee to interact with the kitties as much as they like. They can also purchase treats for the cats, which of course make them much more favorable with the kitties. In addition, patrons can purchase beverages like teas and coffees to enjoy as they sit and pet the cute cats.

Apparently these cat brothels can be found in Japan and I fully intend on visiting one when i finally make it there! And maybe I'll open one myself someday!

http://sarahmarchildon.blogspot.com/2009/02/one-hour-of-heavy-petting.html

inspiring blog

Noooo, I am not getting married. But very once in a while I find a blog or site that really merits revisiting as much as possible. Alex, who is planning her wedding, shared this wonderful treat of a site with me: http://www.oncewed.com/

Even though I am not planning a wedding (I do attend quite a few!) -- I do appreciate good photography, lovely color palettes, DIY craft ideas, beautiful letterpress and invitation designs, fun themes and excellent web design. It's all there! Check it out! Get inspired! It's like going into an anthropologie store, but without even getting out of your chair!

My 30th Year: The year of changes

For years I've been saying that I want to lose weight and get in shape and be healthier. And for years I have mostly done the opposite peppered with stints of eating a certain way or going to the gym a little. Obviously, this hasn't worked!

If only time travel existed, I would go back in time and slap myself in the face! I would tell myself not to eat the pizza and soda constantly provided by Tribal DDB. I would tell myself to eat less pasta and rice and add veggies. And I especially would tell myself to be more active. For so many years I told myself things like "Oh, if i am going to eat _____ (insert high calorie food), I may as well eat as much of it as i want" or "tomorrow I won't have cheese enchiladas ever again."

Fast forward to 2009. I have figured out the exercise thing- I go to the gym fairly often and I take zumba, sometimes yoga, do strength training, or swim. I've had some sessions with a trainer and I am starting kickboxing next week. I don't even go as much as I think I could, but I am consistent with the zumba at least. And my gym buddy Svetlana is a big help!

Well now that I am 30, I decided it was high time for me to figure out the diet and nutrition side of things. So I started seeing a nutritionist-who I affectionately refer to sometimes as my food therapist. LOL.

She is great. I have seen her about 3 times over 4 weeks. My next appointment is in about 1.5 weeks. I have learned what kind of foods to eat in the morning—minimum high fiber and protein! I have learned what foods to incorporate into my diet—more veggies, fruits and protein! I have learned portion control. I don't necessarily have to cut out foods -- i can have the good stuff-- but i don't need to gorge on it.

I think the biggest thing I have learned is to BE PREPARED. If I don't have groceries, then I am naturally going to eat out, especially grab a slice of pizza ( I mean there are hundreds of those places by my apartment). Now I make a huge effort to go to the grocery store, as well as cook at home. I have been bringing breakfast, lunch and snacks to work consistently. I even mostly cut out coffee by indulging in Honest Mate teas from Whole Foods (they even have natural agave sugar in them-bonus!).

I have been writing down everything i eat for like 6 weeks now. It keeps me in check. And best of all, I have lost 4 or more pounds! If I can keep up that rate, I'll be so happy by end of summer! Really all I want to do is wittle down my venusbelly. So let's hope for that!

Such a "Kelly" store... Loyal Army

I've seen this company's stuff in Boston and all around, but I finally got to go into their very own store on upper haight this past weekend. Such cute stuff! I picked up some treats for Carrie & Stephen's new baby boy. I hope i can go back to pick out some totes and duffels and tees for myself soon! I'll have to remember to shop there for Megan and Paige, too!

www.loyalarmy.com

Hmm, birthday wish list?

I thought i'd make a birthday wish list.. since my 30th is around the corner!

Handmade Hellos from Hello Lucky Letterpress
http://www.hellolucky.com/handmade-hellos.html

New workout wear from Lululemon- would love a giftcard :)

And i'm still looking for the perfect high-tops.. maybe Nike Dunks or some Vans Old Skools....

Leila is here!

Congratulations to Robyn, Aaron and Zach - Leila Nicole is here!
(born Mon 1/26/09)
I know, i know, this post is very late...

inspiring design

So i found the perfect letterpress wedding shower invites for Bethany's shower at FLAX, a great art store here in San Francisco. Well today i finally visited the company's website and it's so cute. Great design-both the site and the products. AND they have a great blog. Check it out:

Letterpress products:
http://www.hellolucky.com

Hello Lucky Blog:
http://www.hellolucky.com/wordpress/

have fun!

Big Life Events All Around

So, it looks like everyone is moving into the next chapters of their lives lately. My cousin Robyn is pregnant with her second child, due in January. Margaret is pregnant with her second child as well, due in February. And the biggest news of all... Carrie is pregnant with her FIRST child, due in March!! I am so excited!

On top of all that, Bethany and Chris are engaged. The wedding is at the end of March. Also, Traci and James are on their way to engagement, and will likely marry next May i think.

As for me, Faisal is moving out here and will be here on Saturday morning. Yay! I can't wait!

So many exciting things going on! It's going to be a busy next six months or so!

PS

I was just re-reading some of my blog posts and I thought I should give an update. My zumba class unfortunately changed date and time, so I am unable to attend it currently. Occasionally I catch a Sunday class, but I'm not very good at remembering to go! sheesh

I have however been going to Dark Fusion Bellydance at Shoebox Studios, taught by one of my favorite dancer/performers Ariellah. It's been so fun and very challenging. She's tough!

In addition to bellydance, I try to catch yoga at my Nob Hill gym whenever I can. I havent gone lately, but it's one of my favorites. Last time Faisal was here, we went together.

Oh Friday

So I was just trying to figure some stuff out on here today, and I read through my comments. In the spirit of Margaret's comment about changing my blog title, I have. Ha Ha!

It's a pretty day here in SF. I'm glad it's Friday! Tomorrow Jen and I will be joining Svetlana and her hubby Ryan in Jenner on the Russian River to celebrate Svetty's birthday (about 2 hours North). Should be very relaxing!

Also, 2 more days until my love Faisal departs from DC, making his way to live in SF. I am very excited! He'll spend some time in Dallas with his family, and then drive out to SF accompanied by his best friend Amyn. They should arrive next weekend! Yay!

Happy Weekend Everyone! XOXO

the latest and greatest

so the past week or so has been pretty great. first of all, i got a ton more unpacked at home. i am on my way to organization! can you believe it?

Also, while Jen was in Texas (wish i could have gone), i had a great weekend. Friday night I hung out with Cynthia, Dan and Cynthia's friend and fellow bellydancer Lorraine. I've heard about Lorraine for years, so i was excited to finally meet her. She was here on a long layover before continuing on to Taiwan (i hope that's right). Anyway, we had dinner at A La Turk, a turkish place that Cynthia took me and Faisal to before. Yummers. It was a very laid back evening as after dinner we went back to Cynthia's place for homemade espresso brownies and laughed as the dogs entertained us.

Saturday night, joined by Andrea and Svet, I got to try Mykonos, the little greek restaurant just around the corner from my apartment. Delicious! Afterwards we bar hopped from Tunnel Top (blackberry mojitos) to Red Room (sugar rimmed lemon drops) and rounded out the night with a slice of pizza. Amazing how much trekking around we did in spite of the rain and Andrea's sassy blue open toe kitten heels.

Sunday I went to Jordan's super bowl party. I got to meet a bunch of his co-workers from BSSP. Brooks was there, too, along with his girlfriend Reagan. They are both from Texas.

The best part of the weekend though was Monday night, if that even counts. I finally got to try Zumba, a dance-cardio class that Leah's been recommending to me for a long time. She took it from her local YMCA and loved it so much that she is now certified to teach it. And of course she rocks at it! And now I know why. It was SO MUCH FUN! I can't wait to go back. It incorporates all types of latin dance, hip-hop and even bellydance into a fun hour-long workout.

Other than zumba, i am going to try to start going to kickboxing, body conditioning and pilates all at my nob hill gym. And soon i'm going to join urban gypsy's bellydance classes. But with work being so unpredictable, i'll take things one step at a time for now. :)

re-inspired

inspired by Alexandra, Angie, and all the new and exciting experiences i am having day to day now, i am going to start blogging. so we'll see how consistent i am with this :)

creating a blog

well, i signed up for blogger when i was creating a website for a friend. now i am testing it out for myself.