don't forget to kiss the cook!

As I sit here in my cozy bed tonight, I am finding it so hard to believe that Thanksgiving Break has come and gone. Looking back on my week at home (and looking at the pics I have taken), I am noticing that the majority of what I did was COOK and BAKE. Two things which I looove to do, but never really have time for at school. And even if I wanted to make anything in the kitchen of 888, the appliances are SO old that they pretty much burn anything I attempt. Lindsay and I gave up on that back in September. Megas, however, still finds a way to make successful meals. Maybe she will teach me her ways next semester.

On Wednesday, the Fab4 made pumpkin bars. Such a Thanksgiving Break tradition for us! They were so delicious and moist. Pumpkin IS my favorite holiday flavor. The funniest thing was that while we were making these treats, 3 neighbors stopped by with 2 loaves of pumpkin bread and 2 pumpkin pies! SO MUCH PUMPKIN.

Later that night, James, Julia, Cam, and I went on a "joy ride" which quickly turned into a "stress ride" as Julia put it. We thought James broke Mr. Wheatley's car. Turns out it's totally fine...unnecessary stress! Well, eventually we got back to the Wheatley's, and naturally what did we do? COOK! Cam randomly decided he wanted eggs. So James took on the role of head chef, and made us breakfast sandwiches. I was in charge of the toast, haha. Apparently everyone doubts my cooking abilities. Playing in the kitchen is always so much fun!

That next day was obviouslyy Thanksgiving. Since Mommy is still recovering, it was up to my brothers and Dad and I to make the feast this year. Dad and Michael prepared the turkey. Michael made the sweet potatoe casserole. And I did the rest, including setting the table. Oh, and Daniel......ate. He is always such a great help. Regardless, our family had a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner. And boy oh boy did we have SO MANY things to be thankful for this year.

This weekend I really just hung out at home, did a little shopping, and chilled with James while I still had the chance. Last night was the FINAL hangout. Weird how days go by. I also got a jump start on getting the house ready for CHRISTMAS. During the day I brought up all of our Christmas decorations and started making the Christmas cards. I even got James to take a picture with me at Fairfax Corner in front of the big Christmas tree. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

dower house drive

Let me just start of by saying, there is NO place like home! There is just such a wonderful sense of neighborhood in Franklin Farm, and I am loving every second of it. I am so glad it is only Monday and I still have a full week to be here with my family and friends!

So far I have just been relaxing and "playing mom" at home. Gotta love the domestic life. It is definitely a nice break from my hectic college life though! Mike and I have been taking care of Mom, cooking meals, doing the dishes, making sure Daniel is doing his homework, doing the the laundry, cleaning the house, running errands, etc. It really is a team effort over here, but my bros and I are doing a great job (we think so at least)!

Tonight starts our family and friends' home-cooked meal plan. For lunch, the Fish's came over and brought rolls, lunch meat, fruit, pasta, scones, muffins, cookies, apple cider, tea, and more! It was incredible. And for dinner, the Lohmann's just brought over lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and apple pie! We are so so spoiled. Well, Daddy just got home. Time to set the table, put dinner in the oven, and enjoy another Terminello family dinner. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

from wahhh to yeahhh!

So sorry to all of my blogfrogs who have been anxiously awaiting a post. As I mentioned last Friday, this week was just a LITTLE hectic. 3 exams, 1 quiz, 1 final paper...CHECK! Now I am home sweet home, and am the happiest girl in the world! Here is a quick recap of my week:

Monday-I woke up and literally had a panic attack. I always thought I knew how to handle my high-stress lifestyle, but I woke up on Monday morning and was seriously stressin'. I have never experienced anything like that in my life! But after some deep breathing and Taylor Swift, I was back on track. Shout out to MORGIRL and TA for being there for me during Econ when I thought I was gonna break down and cry in the middle of class. I love my Econ girls!! That night, I went to the Alpha Phi house and decorated cupcakes with my sisters and sang Alpha Phi songs at the rush workshop. Great stress reliever!! Then I went back to 888 and started studying like crazy...joy.

Tuesday-EXAM #1...Astronomy! You would think that out of my 3 exams of the week, Astronomy would be the easiest. WRONG. For one reason or another, science and I just don't mix. Hopefully I did okay on this one though, my last Astronomy exam wasn't the strongest. For dinner, KJ and I went to West End and then went to the SAA meeting/elections. It was pretty intense, lasting about 3 hours. Good thing I brought my dessert to hold me over! However, I was so much happier to be at an SAA meeting over studying for my next test on Wednesday.

Wednesday-EXAM #2...BIT! I am typically really good at BIT, because it is math. I dominated my math empo classes last year (mostly because I am just really good at guessing the right answer for math problems). You could call me lucky! So yeah, I think BIT went really really well. I thought I didn't know the material, but it turns out I knew more than I thought once I got the exam. Don't you love when that happens? After a short day on campus, I went to Moe's for dinner with my AMAZING Alpha Phi fam. I love you Anna Tobia and Lindsay Martin! I am so so lucky to have such a supportive big and gbig.

Thursday-Finally a break from exams! It was nice to have a day where I just went to class, and didn't have to worry about being tested on my knowledge..haha. I also redeemed my $25 gift card from Mandy that I won at the New Girl D2 dinner that Panhellenic sponsored. YAY I love free money! Then I came home and studied for my next exam, naturally.

Friday-EXAM #3...Econ! I definitely didn't study as much as I should have for an Econ test, but what do you expect for an exam the day I leave for Thanksgiving Break?! So I went in and sped through it! I don't know if it was because I actually knew the material or because I just wanted to get out of there. But usually it takes me FOREVER to figure out Econ questions. I am just going to assume it was a good thing! Yippeee, I finally finished all my exams! I hurried home to 888 to finish packing all my belongings, and Julie came to pick me up to hit the road for NOVA. Good thing there was SO MUCH TRAFFIC right outside of Christiansburg that it took an hour to move 15 miles. Great way to start the trip. However, after a few detours and coffee breaks, we made it home in about 5 hours! It was a great bonding trip for Mrs. McIntire, Julie and I...so much fun! Halfway through the ride, I also got some amazing news...I AM A 2011 ORIENTATION LEADER!! I am honestly so honored and happy, words cannot even begin to describe. The application process was brutal, and all of the applicants were so so qualified. This is a dream come true. Around 8pm I finally rolled into Franklin Farm, and was so warmly welcomed home by my recovering Mom, Angel and PD, Danny, and Daddy...where were you Mike? Anyways, it felt so amazing to walk through my front door, and I am so happy to finally be relaxing at home with my family. I have missed them so much! Right now, I am just sitting in my PINK room with Mommy chatting, blogging, and painting nails. This is the good life!

time flies

WOW, it's already the weekend again?! How do the weeks always seem to come and go so quickly? Time flies when you're having FUN!

Tonight I went to VT's mens basketball season opener with KJ. It is hard to believe that it is already the start of basketball season. I am so glad Tech football is still in season (and hopefully will be for awhile longer). I'm not ready for football to be over.

Unfortunately, the Oakton Cougars lost tonight against Robinson, so their season has come to an end. I am so sad I only got to see one game this year. I promise I will be at more next fall, Mikey!! So hard to believe you are going to be a SENIOR next year. I am so proud of you lil bro!

My Mom's surgery is over and done with...phew! And she is already home sweet home!! Our family is so blessed. My grandma, Angel, is there taking care of her right now until I get home for Thanksgiving Break. Countdown: 7 days!! I am sure this weekend and week will fly by as per usual, and I will home before I know it. Only 3 exams and a final paper standing in my way...yikes!

Today is my girl, KZ's 20th birthday! When did we all get so old? I still remember the day I met Katie in Mr. Miller's 5th grade class. We have shared so many amazing and unforgettable memories. From the sixth grade play at Crossfield, to awkward times on the bus to Rachel Carson MS, to GYE Yearbook Camp, to summer nights in NOVA. I don't know what I would do without you. I love you Katie!! You are such a special friend, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life.

be not afraid

Tomorrow is the big day. My Mom and Dad are heading down to Charlottesville, and Mommy's brain surgery is on Tuesday. Yes, we are all scared. But I know that God is watching over her and our family. I can't wait for her to be on the road to recovery, and I know she can't either!

Thanks to all of our family friends who have been so supportive during this tough time. My Mom is so lucky to have such a wonderful and thoughtful support group. HUGE shout out to my best friends Katie, Kelsey, and Julia for their undying friendship and love. I don't know where I would be without you girls, Fab4 forever!

Keep Kiley Terminello in your prayers this week please. I love you Mom, wish I was there with you!

"Be not afraid.

I go before you always;

Come follow me,

and I will give you rest."

yeah 3x

Check out this video for Chris Brown's new song, Yeah 3X! It is sooo good, and a nice change from Taylor Swift (which has been on repeat for the past week). 


Well, I am so bored right now. So I am just going to recap my weekend for all of you anxious blogfrogs. 


Thursday was of course the Georgia Tech game. I love Thursday night games! Mostly because of the fireworks. KJ and I froze our bottoms off sitting through the whole game. But thank goodness we did, because the HOKIES pulled a big win against GT. Nothing like a win on National TV!! Even though my poor toes were so swollen under 3 pairs of socks and rainboots, it took me 15 minutes at least to take off the boots. Still worth it though!


On Friday, I worked at the Virginia Tech Alumni Association's 135th Anniversary Banquet...at the coat check. I know, rollin' like a big shot. It was actually so cool though. We met a lot of VIPs including President Steger! After that, I went over to Julie's and had a relaxing girls night with her, her roommates, and KJ came later. We painted our nails, drank hot cocoa, ate apple crisp, and watched No Reservations. It was all fun and games until we went to leave and KJ got a parking ticket in Terrace View for parking along a yellow curb. "Sorry for ya," said the officer. Major buzzkill.


Today, on Saturday, I didn't really have anything to do. So I woke up late, naturally, and proceeded to have a very productive day. I did all of my BIT, Econ, and Religious Ethics homework. I love crossing things off in my planner! For dinner, I went to West End and had a warm sandwich and crème brûlée for dessert. YUM!


Well, that's about all I have for now. Sorry this was kind of boring, I just have nothing better to do. Stay tuned for more blog lovin'!

welcome all, and happy fall!

Well, I finally did it. After months of stalking Lindsay and Sara's blogs, I decided to man up and make one of my own. So here it is...the CAT's meow. Yes, the title is a reference to cats (which for those of you who know me, KNOW i hate). CAT=Christine Alexis Terminello. Just a quick clarification. Shout out to KJ and James for spending hours upon hours helping me brainstorm ideas for the name. And shout out to Deebz for making this blog her #1 bookmarked website. You guys are the best!


Since we are well into fall festivities now (I can't believe it is already November!), I am going to list just some of the reasons why fall is probably my favorite time of the year.....


1. FOOTBALL SEASON. Specifically, Hokie Football! There's nothing like a brisk, fall day in Blacksburg cheering on the Hokies. Tonight we take on Georgia Tech at 7:30pm. It's on ESPN! The Thursday night game is always a huge deal at Lane Stadium. Bring on the cold and the rain, I'll be there the whole game. Guaranteed. 

2. THE LEAVES. Watching the leaves turn from green to MAROON and ORANGE is one of my favorite things about fall. And what better place to watch that transition than on the very campus of Virginia Tech. Hokie spirit is everywhere! Luckily, I don't have to deal with raking the leaves since I live in a townhouse owned by landlords who do all the yard work for us. So nice! However, I do wish I could make piles of leaves and just jump in them. Oh, how I miss my childhood with the younger brothers.

3. HALLOWEEN. I love dressing in costume! Even if it takes me weeks to figure out what I want to be. This year I was a housewife and a cat. Between trips to Goodwill and sketchy Halloween stores in Blacksburg, I managed to make my costumes, and only spent a grand total of $7.55! $1.05 for an apron at Goodwill, and $6.50 for cat ears and a tail from the Halloween store. SUCCESS!

4. DELICIOUS TREATS. My all time favorite fall flavor is pumpkin. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin bars, pumpkin pie...I love it all! I always treat myself to West End's and Deet's pumpkin ice cream after a hearty meal on campus. It is seriously to die for! Another one of my favorite things to bake this fall season has been Halloween funfetti cupcakes. Pretty sure I have made about 62 cupcakes with orange frosting for various occasions. Always a crowd pleaser! 

5. THE PUMPKIN PATCH. Last weekend I was lucky enough to go to Sinkland Farms, the pumpkin patch outside of Blacksburg, with some of my Alpha Phi sisters. I couldn't even remember the last time I had been to a pumpkin patch, probably back when I used to go with my grandparents who live in Illinois. It was seriously the best day. We drank hot apple cider, ate bbq sandwiches, listened to the country band, went on a hay ride, pet animals in the petting zoo (I, of course, didn't touch any), and took lots of pretty pictures. 

6. IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS TIME. I know I am probably a little ahead of myself, but I just can't wait to start listening to my Holiday playlist and put up the Christmas tree. Although I am not a HUGE fan of the cold, I love watching snow fall, sitting by the fireplace, watching Christmas movies, and being at home with my family. First thing's first though, and that is Thanksgiving. Yumm. Cheers to the holiday season being in full swing!