Author: Allie Zottola

Right Now

Hi! I can’t believe we’re in the double digits of April already. The weather is finally beginning to shape up here in Pittsburgh. We had our first thunderstorm of the season the other night. I like thunderstorms, but they also scare me. During the storm, Jimmy was cracking up at me running around the house closing our windows and saying “Whoa, it’s really bad out there!” ha.

It’s been a while since I last completed the current survey, so I thought I’d do it again because it’s fun to be able to look back and see what was going on in my life in the past. Things have definitely changed since 2013!

Current book(s) – Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and the Chronological Bible!

Current Books

Current guilty pleasure – Relaxing on a weeknight. Lately, Jimmy and I have been go-go-go all week (and weekend), so occasionally having absolutely nothing to do after work is heavenly!

Current music – Nothing. I’m so boring. I usually listen to audio books while I drive instead of the radio.

Current nail color – Again, I’m boring… I just have a clear coat on my nails. I guess that kind of fulfills the goal of taking care of my nails this year.

Current food – Everything Indian. I’m totally obsessed. Even back in the early days of my blog, I had a deep love for curry and all things Indian. I’ve been to a few amazing Indian restaurants in Pittsburgh (Zaiaka and India Garden), and have recently tired my hand at chana masala and chicken tikka masala. Our spice cabinet is filled with garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cumin, and curry powder. Our cabinets also feature coconut milk and chickpeas. Yep, totally obsessed. Next on my list to make: red kidney bean curry, baingan bharta, and naan.

My chana masala in all of its amateur glory.

My chana masala in all of its amateur glory.

Current television show – Shark Tank and almost anything on HGTV. Jimmy and I just discovered Shark Tank a couple of months ago and we’re hooked (ha.. get it?!). As for HGTV, I really enjoy Property Virgins, House Hunters, and Caribbean Life, but I’ll watch pretty much anything on that channel. Before Jimmy and I house hunted last year, my parents used to watch HGTV and I thought it was so boring. Now I totally understand their enthusiasm for all things home and garden! Sorry mom and dad!

Current wish list – To see my family soon! They all went to Florida and I miss them a ton. I’m having fun pet sitting my brother’s dog, though!

Moses and Lola

Moses and Lola were soo ready for a walk.

Current needs – A box of tissues. I caught a cold and used all of our tissues. I woke up in the middle of night with a stuffy nose last night, so I ended up bringing a roll of toilet paper with me to bed. So classy 😉

Current indulgence – Blogging right now! I should be doing a million other things around the house, but I just really want to blog.

Current blessing – The weather! Spring has sprung, and it’s a huge blessing.

Current excitement – An upcoming trip with Jimmy! We might be going on our first vacation (since our honeymoon) this weekend, and I’m super excited! I think we’re going to stay the night at a hotel in West Virginia, and hang out around Wheeling the next day. Can’t wait!

Tell me something current in your life!

Resurrection Sunday

Celebrating Resurrection Sunday is one of the most important Christian holidays. We celebrate the fact that Jesus rose from the dead and is indeed the Son of God. Since Resurrection Sunday is in spring, it also personally reminds me of new beginnings. When I became a Christian and was baptized, it was springtime. Everything was starting to grow again outside, and I began a new life in my walk with Christ.

Just thinking about that time in my life makes me so happy. It was the ultimate fresh start, and while I will always sin and make mistakes on this earth, I know I can be forgiven if I ask. I also know that every day as a Christian can be a fresh start as I to die to self every day and live for God instead. It’s an ongoing process, and an amazing journey!

With that said, Resurrection Sunday is one of my favorite holidays. This year, the whole weekend leading up to it was pretty busy, but it was a good kind of busy. I feel like I say that constantly?! I worked the whole weekend (my regular job on Friday and Saturday and pet sitting from Friday-Sunday), but still had a wonderful holiday spent with family.

IMG_4102

Jimmy and I had my family at our house for lunch after the morning church service. My brother and sister-in-law brought their dogs and we also had a dog I was pet sitting with us, along with Lola. So, we had seven people and four dogs in our teeny tiny house and I absolutely loved every second of it! Having a full house makes my heart feel so full, you know?

We spent the day eating, playing around, and walking the dogs down to a nearby creek to swim. We don’t let Lola swim (because she would literally swim across the creek and run away… lol), but she tried to! Unfortunately, she almost pulled me into the water and I fell on my hand when she pulled away from me. I honestly thought I broke my wrist for a second, but I’m a-okay, just a little sore. She’s so strong!

Some pictures from the weekend…

Parents Jax Dogs

We had too much fun with the dogs! We pet sat a dog named Allie, and every time someone said her name I kept saying “what?” haha. It was a little confusing to say the least. It’s funny that since there are no grandchildren in the picture yet for my parents, most of our get togethers revolve around our dogs.

Mom and Lolafamily

The food was great, too! I think Jimmy and I have enough leftovers to last us a few weeks! Ah, the perks of hosting ;). On the menu was: roasted turkey, meatballs and sauce, pasta, dinner rolls, broccoli, mashed potatoes, baked beans, veggies and dip, peanut butter banana muffins, cheesecake, and banana strawberry cake with lemon strawberry frosting. Waaaay too much food, but when is that ever a bad thing?

IMG_4096 cake

After the feasting and family time, we headed back to church for the evening service. Our church’s choir presented a wonderful cantata and Jimmy and I recited some scripture during the breaks between a few of the songs. We were both nervous, but it went well and the cantata had a beautiful message. All in all, it was a very blessed day celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection!