8.31.2012

college football is a go...

day 244...

...many moons ago, i would wake up on a crisp (or hot a#*) saturday morning, get dressed and head off to the stadium to watch ohio state play...this tradition then transformed in to i would wake up, head to the diner and work until kick off, then rush to the game...then this tradition was slightly altered where i would still wake up, head to the diner, but then i would stay on through the game...i stopped attending the games; & worked instead...no matter the tradition we all have them especially when it revolves around the greatest sport ever...COLLEGE FOOTBALL...& I LOVE IT...

...college football is so amazing & no matter the weekend, and no matter the team; anyone can lose on any given saturday & that is the best part...people journey from all over to watch their teams play or gather around their tv to watch over 12 hours of football...

...i am sorry did you not understand me, or think that watching college football wasn't an essential part of your everyday life from august - january...well come on join in the fun, create a tradition & game on...

GO BUCKS...GO IRISH...GO BULLDOGS...ROLL TIDE (especially tomorrow night)...




<3 sm="sm">

...my favorite phrases...

day 243...

i cannot keep it together...i keep falling asleep...ohh well just means more of me in a short span of time, aren't you so lucky ;)...

...so in light of me being lame...a little entertainment from my mouth to your ears (eyes)...don't worry there are not too many to subject you too....

..."shut the front door"...

              ..."hold the phone"....

..."love your face"...

                           ..."loves"...

..."i can't wait to see you so i can hug your face..."

                               ..."get ready, i am going to stalk your life"...

..."totes mcgoats"... (stole it from my cousin, i actually just prefer totes)

             ..."hey face..." (notice a pattern with the face expressions)

..."love you to the moon & back..."

...that is me in a nutshell, or if you know me, the expressions, the words i like to pass along to the people i love...


<3 kw="kw" p="p">


















somewhere over the rainbow...

day 242...

*...i am sorry did you fall asleep again, ohh wait that would be me...a 2-fer yet again...so lame in this old age...*

let us discuss one of thee best movies...

or rather...just relive it...

...its a twister --> dorothy's house lands on the wicked witch of the east...and dorothy now wears the ruby red slippers which totally ticks off the wicked witch of the west...dorothy wants to go home...so glinda gives her the what for and tells her she needs to go see the wizard in the emerald city...along the way she meets a scarecrow who needs a brain, a tin man who needs a heart and a lion who needs courage...so the 4 of them decide to go visit the wizard to get help...well of course the wicked witch of the west messes with them along the way...& when they arrive at the wizard, he tells them that dorothy needs to get the broom from the wicked with of the west (yes you have seen it but not read my version...)...on her way dorothy gets nabbed and of course the only way to get the slippers off her feet is to off her...but to the rescue are her little buddies...& they escape but the wicked witch of the west traps her...while the witch wants to play with fire with the scarecrow, & sets him on fire, dorothy grabs the bucket of water to throw on him &...

you have a wicked witch who has said her last words...

EXCELLENT!

<3 js="js">

8.28.2012

when you wish upon a star = Make-A-Wish Foundation..

day 241...

when you wish upon a star --> 225,242 wishes granted every 38 minutes...

...we all know of the organization, some even may have a personal connection...i do; i have someone on the inside who is working her hardest to make wishes come true, my sister, marisa works for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in WV...she among many others are granting wishes of children with life threatening illnesses...this means that a child (& family), for that one (or few) days enjoys moments of happiness in a place of their dreams or meeting a person they idolize...and where those words of sickness, medicine, hospitals and not so fun stuff can stay away and allow those moments of pure joy...& maybe just maybe, those moments will carry them through the not so fun moments and they will forever be etched in their hearts...

my sister, among her colleagues, & many volunteers do this i know for those moments of happiness...they do it to make wishes come true...

...so check out the local chapter in your area, get involved...help wishes come true...here is the link to the WV chapter...

Greater Pennsylvania & Souther WV Make-A-Wish 

A campaign for Par Mar Stores will donate $1.00 for every like on facebook; so like them!

The Steelers (according to my sister) are a very big supporter of Make-A-Wish; check them out...

& ESPN does a featured series for, "My Wish" for kids wanting to meet athletes...here are a few...(spoiler alert --> tissues required)

My Wish: Kyle Busch
My Wish: Michelle Kwan
My Wish: Tim Tebow

...this is only a glimpse into an organization where wishes are their goal; and unforgettable moments is their purpose...

<3 an="an" p="p">




8.27.2012

dear person who is spending the rest of your life with ME...

day 240...

(part 4)...one must put everything out there...:)

EXHIBIT A
i do not care what you do, in life, if you work hard that is good enough for me...no matter we will manage...i will make friends with a pole if you need me to (i am kidding; see that sense of humor you just love)...what we have will not be based on money...but i do have a small request, even if we live in a shack, can i have a porch; preferably one that wraps around the house, but even a gigantic one, like exhibit A will suffice...porches are one of my most favoritest places on earth, i find them so peaceful...and that is a place i would like to share with you...where we can talk about everything or nothing at all...where we can sit and be...where we can watch the world move around us...and God willing watch our kids play in the yard...where any and all moments happen...where when the world seems to be crashing around us, the porch will bring us solace...if we have that, our spot, my place, then nothing else matters...

it may be simple, but it will mean the world to me...

love,
the person who is waiting to sit next to you on our porch ;)

<3 jc="jc" nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

8.26.2012

...a lot can happen in one year...&

day 239...

you can do anything for a year...

...a year = 365 days = a ton of minutes and = a bajillion seconds...
...so much can happen in one year, babies are born, people get married, we say good-bye, we start new jobs, we leave old jobs, we move to new places, make new friends, we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, we do so much in this short amount of time, and if you stop and think for a minute about what actually has happened to you in one year it is astounding...

so take it all in...sit back and really think...and then when it's all done be thankful for those moments, the moments of life, the moments of tears and laughter, the moments where only that moment mattered, the moments that created your year... & then hold on to those moments you need, & let go of those that you don't need only to make room for those of the next year...

...to the year...

<3 lh="lh" p="p">

8.25.2012

a boulder is in front of you, do you keep PUSHIN'?

day 238...

...i found this email, and it hit me this is what i want this blog post to be...for no other reason than for you to know when all else seems hopeless there is still hope...and there is a reason why...

"A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room
filled with light, and God appeared.

The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a
large rock in front of his cabin.

The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with
all his might...

So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from
sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold,
massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling
that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan)
decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary
mind. (He will do it every time!)

"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't
moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was
impossible and that he was a failure.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving
just the minimum effort, and that will be good enough."

That's what the weary man planned to do but decided to make it a
matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in Your service, putting
all my strength to do that which you have asked.

Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a
millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you
to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push
against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.

Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it.
Your task was to push.

And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you
have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself.

Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown;
Your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become
massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your
abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't
moved the rock.

But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your
faith and trust in My wisdom.

That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock.."


At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own
intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants
is just simple obedience and faith in Him.

By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that
it is still God who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong.................................Just
P.U.S.H.

When the job gets you down.............................................Just
P.U.S.H.

When people don't do as you think they should................Just P.U.S.H.

When your money is "gone" and the bills are due.............Just P.U.S.H.

When people just don't understand you.............................Just
P.U.S.H.

P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens"

<3 JL

8.24.2012

...need washing...run through the rain!

day 237...

"...NEED WASHING??

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing as carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.
'What?' Mom asked.

'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated

'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain,'

'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.

'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm

This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?

'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently... No one came or left in the next few minutes...
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life, a time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,' Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories....So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN..."

<3 JN

8.23.2012

"every great love starts with a great story...” -->ohh the notebook...

day 236...

"you are, and always have been, my dream.”

...many of us have seen it and cried many a time if not during every viewing of this movie...even those that do not typically watch these kind of movies, must admit that love story is worth watching...two young people fall in love and because of socio-economic circumstances are torn apart only to come back to find each other after all those years & even other lovers...

...i want that kind of love...over the course of my many years but especially this year (& yes i have said it before); i have discovered i will settle for nothing else than that kind of love...my heart is as such a hopeful romantic always seeming to want a storybook love... & i think i can have that & why not...i want a notebook kind of love, no matter how cheesy that sounds...i want someone to say...
               “You are the answer to every prayer I've offered. You are a song, a dream, a whisper, and I don't know how I could have lived without you for as long as I have.” 

...the great thing about it being a notebook kind of love is you determine the words that create the story...



<3 nbsp="nbsp" span="span" vh="vh">



8.22.2012

you know she/he is a keeper when...

day 235...

how does one know if they have a good egg or a rotten egg...well i think there are indications that will tell you if they are a keeper...

...they let you win the fights that don't matter...
   ...they know just what to say & when to say it...
      ...they will give you the last bite...
         ...they stick around no matter what kind of crazy you be bringing...
            ...they let you eat off their plate...
        ...when you say i need to be alone, they know when to leave but more importantly when to stay...
           ...they are always truthful even when you don't want to hear, "babe you look fat..."
              ...they love you in a dress but also like you in sweatpants...
                  ...they treat your family like they are their family...
                     ...they love to laugh with you...
                  ...they will cuddle with you...
                ...they let you control the radio/ipod/tv
                   ...they will eat the outside of your koosa...
                     ...they will hug you & just hold on...
                        ...they will pack you a lunch or make you dinner just cause...
            ...& you can always do the door test (a little hard due to automatic locks) but when you still aren't sure try this one out....



& if they end up passing your test; make sure you keep'em around...

<3 mm="mm" p="p">

8.21.2012

i love lucy...i love chocolate


day 234...
do you know i work in chocolate...i know you want to be me...well recently i have been helping out in the kitchen, yes think of me as willy wonka (rather an oompa loompa)...today i made peanut butter smoothies and toffee, alongside our chocolatier (who basically does circles around me) we had to make and then box up the chocolates...see my creation-->....so as i am pulling the candy off the belt, i recall a very funny episode of "i love lucy..."
...now I LOVE LOVE LUCY...i still watch the reruns of the show, and just laugh...she is hysterical...her comedy is like no other...so while doing my chocolatiering, and the toffee is getting ahead of me, i feel like i am channeling my favorite character; & of course i laugh to myself...so a salute to ms. lucille ball & chocolate...(no i did not shove toffee in my mouth to stay ahead of the game, well maybe a piece or 2 ;)



<3 ct="ct" nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

8.20.2012

lift yourself up...part 2

day 233...

...what does it matter if a man reaches his goal... --> & gains the whole world but loses his soul, for what have we won if in gaining this end...we've been much to busy to be kind to a friend...."

...your own souls is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel... (proverbs 11:17)

<3 cb="cb" p="p">

hang it on the cross...lift yourself up part1

day 232...

(yeah, yeah i know i am starting to form a habit...not by choice, i just love to fall asleep)

...a little something in case you might need it....

"...if you have a secret sorrow, a burden, or a loss, an aching need for healing...hang it on the cross...if worry steals your sleep and makes you turn and toss, if your heart is feeling heavy...hang it on the cross...every obstacle to faith or doubt you come across...every prayers unanswered...hang it on the cross...for Christ has borne our brokenness and dearly paid the cost...to turn our trials to triumph...by hanging on the cross..." (l.o.engelhardt)

..."i can do everything through him who gives me strength..." (ph. 4:13)

<3 cl="cl" p="p">

8.18.2012

one day...

day 231...

all it takes is one day & you can feel like you are on top of the world...that those people that are in your life lift you higher than you can ever imagine...all it takes is one day to feel every blessing imaginable...all it takes is one day & today was my day...

...this was my one day where my best friend from high school took time out of her morning to treat me to breakfast...my one day where another best friend shows up, leaving her children & husband behind & is uber prego with twins to celebrate with me...one day where my family & friends show up to be with me...one day where another best friend flies in to just so she can be there for me...just one day; where other friends/family changed their day so to be alongside of me on this occassion...that day where your family goes above & beyond...one day where those that love you shock you with an AMAZING surprise...

...all it takes is one day...& this was it for me...my day, the day that is forever etched in my heart, that allows me to be grateful, that shows me how much i am loved, that allows for me to add to my blessings...all it takes is one day...

...one day where yet again, my cup runneth over...

<3 sc="sc">

8.17.2012

..."ohh my God, Becky look at her butt...

day 230...

this was circa my junior high dances...and i loved this song, actually my anthem :)...ohh sir mix-a-lot, sure made a lot of us with larger behinds, ohh so happy...

remember this one...go ahead get your dance on...



...& this song has been known to help little babies to laugh; especially if you are ross & rachel...


& now the new version of baby got back...which is so entertaining....ENJOY!




<3 fn="fn" p="p">

are you freakin' kidding me...censor me please...SPOILER ALERT -->THIS A HOT MESS!

day 229...

...2nd day in a row where i have passed out like a drunk college kid on a good night...WTF, i turned 30 and now can't stay up past midnight to save my life...this is not happening, maybe it was the exhaustion of partying so hard, & yes i just typed that to now realize i sound like an old person...i had a great topic which now i will save for tonight, WHEN I write a blog post on the right day...i am so annoyed with myself...

so can one be annoyed with one self, it sounds very philosophical...i think the answer is yes, one can...i am often annoyed (i know how can i be annoyed with how awesome i am) with me, the stuff that comes out of my mouth, often i think, 'don't say it, don't say it'...then it is out there usually paired with the expression on my face, WTF, did i really just say that...then for awhile i was becoming uber annoying on my texts (we have talked about, i'm seeing someone, i am an over communicator); however this time it wasn't the quantity it was the quality, i would go back & reread something & be like, WTF was i thinking, who writes this (then i remember i should also have a censor for my blogging too)...someone stop her...but then guess what even though i have these thoughts, sure doesn't mean i stop the next time; i'm like a fat kid in a candy store (used that one before) just keep comin' back for more...

well, at least this hot mess no matter the age is still a HOT MESS...

(ps just googled quotes about being a hot mess, & totally came up)

MS <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

8.16.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> ..."surround yourself with the people you love, & BE THANKFUL"...

day 228...

(*see what happens when you turn 30, you fall asleep and don't blog {that behavior sounds familiar like a former 29 year old i know}; however i wrote it this morning & it didn't save it so that is why there is a second delay of this blog post)

THEE DAY... -->..."surround yourself with the people you love, & BE THANKFUL"...

...2 days ago i went to bed as a 29 year old & woke up as a 30 year old...the day was filled with flowers, phone calls, messages, breakfast, hugs, lunch, 30s of pennies, paper clips, purple envelopes, paper, cupcakes, notes & cookies, dinner, drinks, more flowers, a poster filled with 30 hot men, an Ohio Stadium picture (from not so OSU fans)...the day was filled with people...

...& even though this day was a celebration of my life, it was more about the celebration of the people in my life...words cannot even begin to describe the love i felt due to the people that are in my life, the people that are my heart...i am overly humbled by my day and all the people that have shown me love...God blesses me everyday but yesterday i was blessed even beyond what i ever could imagine...

...so this 30th birthday, i am THANKFUL for YOU, and all that you are to me & all that you have done for me...& for each and everyone of you that have touched my life, that have made me, me, and have forever left your footprints on my heart, i hope that one day i can say THANK YOU to your face for that & so much more...

...my heart is overfilled with love, and beaming with happiness, with all my love to the moon & back...my cup runneth over (yet again)...



(*ps the celebration is to be continued, with the fam partay...)

<3 am="am" p="p">

8.14.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> ...the secret life of me....

day 227...

2 days... --> ..."the secret life of me..." ready set go...

...the eve (actually 13 minutes) before i become the big 3-0...i do not act, dress, or seem like i am 30 but  i am ready for it..so bring it on...

...this is it, so what have i learned, about me in the past 30 years..i have learned that i love people...they evoke an excitement in me that i cannot explain, i love the energy they put out...in addition i have some thee most amazing family & friends, anyone can ask for...i love faith, it is what keeps me sane...i want to make sure i live each day to my fullest potential, take in every moment, and never forget to say, "i love you" to those that i care for...i think one of my coolest purposes is being an aunt...i think that turning 30 is just a whole new chapter and i cannot wait to see what life has in store for me...i still believe in love and romance, and think that the big guy in the sky has thee most amazing plan for me (he has already given me a glimpse so i cannot wait for the rest)...i know that i just don't want someone to like me, i want them to love me & all the quirkiness about me...now more than ever, i know how precious time is & that i only get this, so i am going to go for it...i know that my heart can be broken, but it can also be repaired...i know that some of thee most important words are, "i'm sorry & thank you."...i am ok with not knowing everything and that i still haven't figured everything out...i realize that i need to let go more than holding on...i know that i want to write, so this will not be it for me come december 31st (insert thought, ohh geez now she thinks she is mark twain)...i know that dreams can become a reality but they can also become altered to match your path...i have learned, loved, forgave, prayed, laughed, cried, & lived and know that this is not it...there is so much more...ready, set, game on....


<3 mc="mc" p="p">

8.13.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> ...the world is full of emotions, that is why life is not boring......

day 226

3 days --> "...the world is full of emotions, that is why life is not boring...

...we fall down, we either laugh or we cry...someone cracks a joke, we laugh...somebody cuts you off on the highway, we get annoyed...your niece or nephew runs into your arms for a hug, your heart melts...

...our lives are dictated by emotion...(i know women are so emotional, blah, blah; well maybe if you were a little emotional we wouldn't have to over compensate for you and we wouldn't be SO emotional...see there it is emotion...)...as it dictates our life it also provides the musical score to what we are living day in & day out...one can choose to embrace the score or try to dismiss it...my advice to you, is embrace it, if you need to cry, ball your freakin' eyes out...if what you need is a good laugh, laugh away...if you need to scream b/c someone is being an idiot, do it...

...keeping those emotions bottled up will only be cause for one thing to happen, for you to burst at the seams and who knows what havoc you will rain on once you get going...God intended us to have all these feelings, and to express them (yes, express them in a healthy way:) so people will know what we are feeling and most importantly we will know what we are feeling...

...so me & EMOTIONS how do we size up...
i live to LAUGH, i hate to CRY, i despise being ANGRY, i love to be HAPPY, i rather not be SAD, i enjoy CONFUSION (hell, that is where i function at 99% of the time), i don't understand HUNGRY(cause i never am), i do not do WORRIED or STRESSED (or at least try not to), i can handle being EXCITED but not SCARED, i can always use a good SURPRISE, i am usually SLEEPY, i tend not to get DISGUSTED but it has been known to happen, it can take a lot for me to be EMBARRASSED, & i am never SHY (don't see the point), and on a daily basis i will be and can be LOST on anything and everything...
this is me, my emotional baggage and all...i can always promise a good time, may not be the smoothest ride, but everyone needs to take risks...get on the EMOTIONAL train, & see where it takes you...

<3 bc="bc" p="p">

8.12.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> ...in order to live, one must love...

day 225

(*side disclaimer...my blog is being weird, so please disregard the dates; they were written on separate dates...i screw up & miss a day here and there but that was quite a bit off; i know you care that is why i am including this disclaimer)

4 days... --> "...in order to live, one must love..."

...in 30 years i have been in like, and in love only a couple of times (i think)...i have crushed a lot but i am not so sure you can count them as in liking or in loving...yes we all know i am a hopeFUL romantic...so i will keep hoping & praying for prince charming to come along and swoop me off my feet or i will just settle for my lobster...

...both of my short lived love experiences, of course, did not teach me everything but it did teach me about what i want...so here goes another one...

dear my other half...

in order for us to work, i have a few rules...of course you can add your own, and even make suggestions to mine but ultimately we have to play this like a team...

...please always communicate with me...i want be the one you come to when you need to talk...always look to have fun with me, there are going to be times it will not be fun but when it can be, let's have a f%$#& great time...always be honest with me...just as we need to be each other's confidant we also some times need to be each other's conscious...so never tell me what i want to hear (well maybe if i need it ;), but always tell me the truth...help me to become a better version of me...push me to know my faith better...just love me and the rest we can figure out together....

...i have asked a lot from you...but i do not expect to only get from you, i vow to give you, me...i promise to always be your best friend no matter what, your biggest supporter, and your partner in crime...just as you push me to be a better me, i will be doing the same...i will challenge you when you need to be challenged and back off when you need me to just be...i will walk beside you, dream with you, & pray with you...i will be your person and i promise that my heart will belong to you forever and always...and that as each day we grow together as well as individually i will fall more and more in love with you...

looking forward to this chapter and each chapter to follow, b/c it will be an adventure of a lifetime...

with all my love in my heart...

your other half

ps if you don't get what i am saying...here is another way of saying it...
“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.” 
 Bob Marley


<3 br="br" eb="eb">

8.08.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> "...life is that much easier with a smile, so why not..."

day 224

5 days... -->
"...life is that much easier with a smile, so why not..."

...do u know what makes life that much easier...smiling...can u think of one reason not to smile...in my short lived life...there has not been one time where i can't think of reason not to smile...even the times when i wanted to cry my eyes out, someone or something made me smile or laugh...it may have not made it totally fine...but it did make it that much easier...

...so it's simple for me...start each day with a smile and work it from here... take each moment for what it is and smile through it...& when life hands you a bad hand, take a deep breath and work it with a smile...

...keep calm, smile on...

<3 BR


15 in 30 = ME! --> "...dream big, as only you can..."

day 223

6 days..--> "...dream big, as only you can..."

...a little girl stands in front of the mirror, hair brush in hand and is belting out at the top of her lungs, "i will always love you..."

...a young boy, stays out late in his driveway, shooting over and over until he makes 20 shots in a row...

...they all start the same way...as a small seed, a seed that starts to grow into big dreams, of becoming that singer, or sports star...or maybe the doctor or the judge...& even a wife/husband and hearing the little voices, call out; "mommy/daddy" ...

we all have dreams, i think it is the greatest part about living...some are small and some are big...some we obtain in time and then there are others that we hope to achieve some day or others we adjust for our lives' plans have changed...

no matter what, no matter what year or there is always a new dream some are more lofty and some are right in front of me...but i never stop dreaming...as a a wise young woman once said, "a dream is a wish your heart makes..."

<3 ms

15 in 30 = ME! --> "...memories fill a lifetime with love..."

day 222

7 days...--> ...memories fill a lifetime with love..."...

...i remember the summers when I was younger and how I would stay out past the street lights...and play hide and go seek or bloody murder with the neighborhood kids...

...i remember going to girl scouts and making crafts that my mom would stock pile for house decor no matter how much they looked like pure crap...

...i remember staying up super late to try and catch santa claus delivering my toys, only to fall asleep and find out my brother, nick actually caught a glimpse of him...

...i remember my first junior high dance and loving every minute and wearing a full body suit underneath a full button down jean shirt because that was the style...

...i remember stepping foot in to central catholic, and celebrating 4 years and walking out with a high school diploma...

...i remember crushing on boys, and thinking i was the coolest kid on the block because my brother's hot friends said hi to me...

...i remember leaving for college and bawling my eyes out because i was leaving my mom...and hating every minute of college my freshman year...

...i remember learning more about boys than I ever thought possible not just from my brothers but the 60+ guys i lived with...

...i remember going to college and meeting my dearest and bestest friends that are still some of my closest friends today...

...i remember going to grad school and then wanting to quit 5 days later...

...i remember finding a new best friend, falling in love with him and then having my heart broken, & in addition losing a best friend...

...i remember having lots of fun going out and partying with my sister and company...

...i remember watching 3 of my brothers date and marry their best friends...and bring into this world some of thee most amazing kids...

...i remember living, and loving, crying and laughing...i remember all these things and so much more...my memories thus far...that have filled my short little lifetime with so much...

...live for the memories...let the memories live in you...

<3 BH

15 in 30 = ME! --> "...dare to be bold..."


day 221

8 days...."dare to be bold..."


...cause if you aren't someone else will be...

....life is about taking advantage of the opportunities that present itself...realizing that even though it can be scary it can also be the greatest adventure of your life...but you cannot take part in that adventure if you are not willing to take the risk...

...i am halfsies on this one...i totally have it in me to be bold and daring but there is a small part of me that is scared to death...i have done some things that many would consider bold...but i have not stepped to far out of my comfort zone...so where has this taken me and where will i go with this lesson...well i know my limitations yet at the same time i know where i can push myself...isn't that what life is, daring to learn more about you so you can take you to a new level...if you don't then what is the point of living...

...the need to be bold should be defined by you...however in saying that i also think it is vital that you take advantage when you can be bold, otherwise some arss is going to take it & then where will you be in the same place you were before hoping to be bolder the next time...

so for me & hopefully for you...take a chance be bold...
     ...say, "i can't live without you when someone is about to walk away"...
say, "i don't want to do this for the rest of my life, and take a leap..."
      say, "i think i want to create or design because i can"...
...love like this is it...live as if you will die tomorrow...& be as if this is the last moment you will have...


<3 br="br" es="es">

8.07.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> "...a thought to ponder..."

day 220

9 days...."a thought to ponder, of the things that matter the most..."

...my little brother sent me this, and i find it interesting, especially when my blogging has turned into what i have learned...this one speaks of the stresses of life, the need to slow down & pay attention to the things that matter the most...those things are of time, family & friends, of love, of forgiveness, of faith of appreciating what is around us...so what matters the most to you?  & have you figured it out at this point?


"LOVE IS SPELLED T-I-M-E!"

it is not a short one BUT a good message!


<3 mm="mm">

15 in 30 = ME! --> "...take a picture it last longer..."

day 219

10 days -->"...take a picture it last longer..."

**disclaimer...passed out...holy cow, the age is creeping up on me**

pictures -- they hold our memories forever, they are the laughter, they are your tears, they bring joy and love...they allow for us to be in a moment so it can last a lifetime...

memories of fun...
memories of silliness...

memories for people...

memories of friendship...

memories of love & life
memories of pictures that shouldn't happen...

memories of family...
memories of good times...
memories of awesomeness (yes, that is a word) 
memories of "ohh my God what was i thinking..."


 so take a picture or two...

<3 jb="jb" p="p">




8.05.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> "...keep faith, carry on..."

day 218...

11 days..."keep faith, carry on..."


"...Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.  Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”  And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
(Matthew 14:22-33)

...when it comes to faith, peter & i would be best friends...i am sinking, barely keeping my head above water and then Jesus grabs a hold of me, says its ok you don't have to do it alone, have faith...God gives us little things that help us along the way, today this was the gospel in church, this is exactly what i needed to hear...i know i cannot do it alone...i try or i think i have a better way of doing it and i start to sink; so over the last 3 decades this is my anthem, this is my reminder, this is my faith, some days i sink, some days i walk strong but one thing is for sure, i know either way i am not doing it alone...

<3 mc="mc">

8.04.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> "...how blessed i am to be stuck with you..."

day 217

12 days -->"...how blessed i am to be stuck with you..."



...you may think she just wrote about people the other day (or she writes about them an awful lot)...& to those people who have crossed my path, thank you i do not think i can ever express my appreciation...but for those people who i have known all my life, i need to add a little extra shout out to you...

...i was born into 6 (well 8) & the saying, i believe is "you can't pick your family that is  why God made friends..." well i couldn't have picked any better and to top it off they are my closest friends...now we aren't always peachy peachy but we are truth with one another, we are love, we are hope, we are foundation, we are what are, and for each part of me that i have grown into over the years these people, my family is responsible for it....they complete the puzzle that is me...they make me strive to be a better me...and when i am at my worst they love me and when i think i cannot go on...they are ones that have picked up the pieces and carried me to the next step...they are the best example of  how much God loves me...& for almost 30 years i celebrate and give thanks b/c it was the best gift to get stuck with...these people, my family!

*disclaimer -- MY PARENTS TO...sorry no pic)

<3 lm="lm">

8.03.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> "own it; whatever it is you need to own it..."

day 216...

13 days --> "own it; whatever it is you need to own it..."

...for 216 days now i get up go to work (unless it is the weekend), come home, hopefully exercise;)...do whatever else needs to be done & then when evening to late night roll around, i will sit and write my blog...some days the blog will thrive, i know exactly what i want to say & i say it & other days it was the most pathetic thing i have ever written but i am determined to finish this year writing every single day of my life...& some days i have 5 people read the post, and somedays i have almost 100...but i carry on...why?, why do something that in the great scheme of things has no bearing on anything...me writing a public journal/diary and thinking that someone might be interested in what i have to say...why do all that, why stay up until 1-2am and write...cause whether it is 5 or 95 people someone is reading it, & what i put out there is me & i own that...

...we put a lot out there...sometimes probably too much but if you are going to put something out there with your name you might as well own it...why else do it; you create a beautiful piece of art or bake a cake, own it...you did it & be proud of it...b/c the person at the end of their life saying, "i wish i would have tried that or i wished i would have claimed that isn't the same person saying, "well i sure in the hell tried a lot & i am sure in the hell proud of what i did do...

...for 216 days i have blogged about anything & everything and i have stuck with it...for 216 days i have written letters to some thee most amazing people in my life...for almost 2 years i have worked at a chocolate company...for over 10 years i have been able to communicate in the Deaf community...for over 29 years i have been a daughter, a sister, and a friend...for just about 30 years...
...i have learned more about me, and i own me...

<3 bb="bb">

8.02.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> finishing this chapter so as to leap to the next one...

day 215...

14 days ~"...finishing this chapter so as to leap to the next one..."

...i have written about moving on & letting go...my thoughts of it being, one of thee hardest things to do as a human, especially when it comes to people...however it is also one of thee most selfless acts a person can do...a phrase to live by...
         "if you care enough about someone in any capacity and you cannot give them what they need or what they deserve and they cannot let go; you have to be the bigger person and let them go..."
...why let that person hold on if you know deep down they need to move on...set them free...maybe they go hand in hand, letting go and setting someone free...

FOR ME...& the last 30 years of  practicing what i am preaching...
...it is a tough one for me, even though i am all about embracing & living in the present and letting the past be the past & letting the future determine the future...i struggle with letting go; often not wanting to write my next chapter or not wanting to let a character (person) be no longer part of my story...i want to fit everyone & everything in & have their purpose be maxed out but in reality that is not how life goes...events happen most often good or life changing for the better but then there are times when those happenings are not so good, & we feel as if something is sucking us back in over & over...but it is us not being willing and ready to let go...then once we prove to ourselves yet again by flipping the page & starting on chapter 30, that the story, our story, is much stronger, more interesting & 10x better, we know, i know, it was so f*^%&* worth it...
...as far as people, those are the hardest ones to let go...i know i need to realize that maybe they were only supposed to be a part of my story for a chapter or even a few pages & not the whole book...& that is OK...& i am not one to write people off completely; but just maybe when i do let them go they become my secondary characters instead of my main characters...they may even show up a few chapters later, but i know i have to let them have their time to develop their own story so as only to enhance mine if that is the way it is supposed to be...and that also allows for others to be a part of my story...

this lesson, even though epic is not easy, but is vital...b/c without moving on how is one supposed to live...

<3 mb="mb">

8.01.2012

15 in 30 = ME! --> "over the years it is the people who make me, me"

day 214...

15 days --> "over the years it is the people who make me, me"

"...people come into our lives for a reasonbringing something we must learnand we are ledto those who help us most to growIf we let themand we help them in return...but I know I'm who I am todaybecause I knew you...who can say if I've been changed for the better?but because I knew youi have been changed for goodit well may bethat we will never meet againin this lifetimeso let me say before we partso much of meis made from what I learned from youyou'll be with melike a handprint on my heartand now whatever way our stories endi know you have re-written mineby being my friend..." (wicked)
...during my short lived life on earth i have met some of thee most amazing people...people who inspire me to be a better me...people who are there for all the moments...and by them being there; they have allowed me to grow...from grade school to past college & even in my years now, i know that the people i surround myself need to be those that are hoping, thinking & praying for the best of me...one of God's greatest blessings to me is providing me with a heart full of people...
& those people in my life are my HEART..

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