Another Year of Amazing....

With 2014 now in the past and diving into 2015 without any hesitation, I look back and see that I have some pretty amazing accomplishments for the last year.  Long live the walls I crashed through... (Taylor Swift) As I look back on 2014 I can't help but give myself a small pat on the back.  I have successfully learned more about myself and am dealing with certain areas.  I feel like I am closer to my family and have circled in on my small but amazing group of friends and have started to finally settle down.  That's right the person who never wanted to settle is settling down. I am one step closer to accomplishing my goals, and dreams.  I seem to have found the place where I belong. I have finally stopped long enough to enjoy being where I am.  Figured I would share my happiness. Pictured below is my family ... Enjoy

This Years Bucket List

THE BUCKET LIST

1. See the Eiffel Tower and Explore Paris

2. Travel the world

3. Study abroad for one Semester

4. See Bon Jovi in Concert

5. See Celine Dion in Concert

6. Own my own Home.

7. Buy a new car

8. Lose 150 pounds

9. Get Married to a wonderful man

10.Fall Madly in Love

11. Own nice things

12. Finish my degree

13. Have an amazing career

14. Spend time with Grandma

15. Join the Peace Corps

16. Have my own business

17. Live near the ocean

18. Fix my credit report

19. Be a Healthy and Happy Person

20. Complete everything on this list.

Thankful for such an extraordinary life....

With my last final vastly approaching tomorrow morning, and excitement of the semester being over, I find a large amount of excitement running through me.  Why this level of excitement, I ask?  I have been on the right path for some time now and what an amazing feeling it is. Nearly six months ago I made one of the boldest decisions of my life. I stopped doing what was comfortable and made a commitment to change. I quit the job I had worked so hard at for 10 years to do what I originally set out to do. I chose to find a new job and go back to school. This was a terrifying realization for me.  The fear of failure sat so high with in me that I forgot to do what makes me happy.  "Happy!" Something many do not know about me is that I hold my beliefs very close at heart. I believe that "Happiness is Something we Create!"  Funny because for the first time I was so far away from this belief that I had lost myself somewhere between the Past and Present.  Scary place to find yourself when you're 30.  I needed to re-evaluate, I needed to re-think my choices, and above all I needed to make some hard decisions. New job and back to school was just the beginning, now I needed to dig into some of the hard things, I needed to re-assess "Me."  I have found that I am holding on to anger and resentment in so many areas.  I finally sat down one day and made a list of everything that made me unhappy in some way.  The list scared me because dealing with this meant going back to places inside I had hoped to never re-visit again. My relationships with loved ones was at an all time low, my love life was severely painful, I found that I had been hiding behind myself making people believe I was happy when I wasn't and finally realized that it was time. For so long I have been taking care of people, doing for people, loving people, and getting so little from the things I was doing that I was in fact drained with everything.  Fighting for the moment where the weights I was holding on my shoulders wouldn't be so heavy.  I felt like I had a responsibility and obligation to take care of others and forgot that I had a responsibility and obligation to take care of myself.  I felt selfish for wanting to find my own Happiness when it felt as though that same Happiness would be taken away from someone else. Now I have come to terms with knowing its not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make my happiness a priority.  I have learned that it is necessary.  Many have disagreed with this decision and sadly they have not been able to remain in my life. I wish them well and hope they too find the same Happiness that I will continue to develop everyday.  Your place in my life will never be forgotten because you have been part of the reason for this bold decision to be happy. For that I Thank You.  For my friends, you know who you are, I keep you close at heart making memories with you every chance I get...And to my wonderful Family it is because of you that I am who I am today and the biggest reason why I am so Thankful for such and extraordinary life. <3

Greatful beyond belief.......

     There comes a time in every girls life when she feels special, inside and out.  She is surrounded by her friends and family and the ones that love her the most in this life.  For me that time happened on my birthdays.  I can remember when I was a little girl having 6 very special people always there to wish me happy birthday wishes and making me feel like I was the most important person in this world.  The last time I felt "that" kind of special I was almost 10 years ago.  The last time I was in the presence of those 6 people seems so very long ago.  Who are these special people you ask.  Well they were my grandparents, my mom, and my great grandma (G.G.).  Every wonderful moment I ever had included them in it, but as we get older those special people get older too.  One day we wake up and they are gone.  I feel blessed to still have half of them in my life.  The other three I constantly find myself wishing for just one more day, one more moment, but most of all I wish I could be in their arms just one more time.  Funny how you forgot they were in the same room with you when we were little but now its is very apparent that they are gone.  Growing up I had an amazing family both on my mom's side as well as my dad's I was very close to them.  Now when I look the non immediate family members I see my grandma through her sister's eyes.  I hear her through their voices, I feel her with their hugs.  It is almost as though the closest thing to having her on my birthday was bringing me them so even if only for a minute I would hear her, see her, and feel her one more time.  My grandpa used to give these really amazing hugs, they held on to you so tight you felt safe from whatever the world could do to hurt you.  My aunt and uncle came in from london to celebrate with me and when my uncle hugged me I felt my grandpa.  It was the same hug,  I didn't want to let him go and found myself hugging him at random times during his visit just so feel that feeling one more time.  The one person I have yet to feel like I can still feel is my great grandma.  I miss her the most sometimes.  I always felt this unspoken bond with her, it was undescibable something I have always wished I would get again.  I finally got it.  I didn't get a tangible feeling though.  It was not someone I could give a hug, or see their eyes, or hear a voice even.  It was not until the next morning, I got up to say goodbye to Greg and Karen and I remember thinking I felt very selfish because I was praying they would stay forever. When the car pulled away I went inside crying my eyes out and sat on the floor of the big living room looking out my big double glass french doors and there were the blue jays.  Call me crazy but she always told me Blue Jays were symbolic of goodness and protectors.  They look over their nests even from afar.  There they were sitting on the brick in my back yard staring me in the face as if a way to let me know that she was there.  Funny I always wanted the people that meant the most to me to be together again and even though I couldn't have everyone I am greatful for the ones I got.  I sometimes get lost in my life and some think I forget about them.....I never forget about anyone important to me I have now and always will love each and every one of you.  Just know that you being here was the best gift you could ever give to me.  So here is for today as well as forever and always.  

 



 

 

 

 

 

Moments of Impact

     As different paths take us down the road to our already determined fate, I sit here and wander how I got to be who I am.  Blessed and happy with this life I realize that it is I who has defined who I have become.  There are these great memories I have that have shaped the person I have become and my greatest fear in all of this world is that some divine power will one day take them away from me.  I am not a person who needs large materialistic things but cherishes the small details that most people take for granted.  The smile of excitement on your face at the moment you see me, or the phone call just to say "Hello."  Even though I am eternally greatful for the gifts that have already been bestowed upon me I can't help but miss a piece of my former self.  I miss the fun I used to have with my girlfriends before life became responsible and at times very demanding, but I would not trade it for anything in the world for the emotion and love I feel inside when my nephew sees me and runs directly into my arms.  Funny how the road of compromise never leads to paths that cross often.  What does it take to have the best of both worlds.....something always have to give a little in order for it to work. On the flip side of things moments of impact can also be just as upsetting as happy.  The moment when you and your best friend get into a fight and it rips your inside to shreds, or learning that the person you love the most in this world is never going to be in your life again. These also change us and mold us if we let them. Somethings just don't always fit.  I have found that I seem to just fit into many peoples lives sadly they do not always fit into mine.  These are moments when I realize the individuals are here for a reason and if they stay that moment of impact rises, and a part of me blossoms.  I love that feeling.  I fear of that moment of impact is going to rise up again in the very near future, which could potentially be so impactful that it may only elude itself to be a memory.  The idea of that is very fearful but the path to happiness tells me that it will be a road I must travel down.  As I reflect on many roads once traveled I reflect on the feelings of heartache and resistance at the love I had that ended and the friendships lost along the way only to bring me to a better place.  Oh the irony. The person inside finally told me to look at the people I love and walk away.  The time shared was special and life altering but now intended to be over for new growth to take place.  Through this I find comfort in my belief of if something, anything is meant to be it will always be.  It may be delayed but nothing can stop it. Happiness is something we create and sometimes, more often than not, we sacrifice our selves for fear of losing the things we love.  How often we forget that if they are destined to leave they will no matter what decisions are made.  Our destiny is already decided & the road we take to achieve its outcome is the journey to greatness within us.  It is the things we are ashamed of, proud of, and the things we have chosen to live with or without.  All of it boils down to "Moments," of impact that define who we are.  I hope I never forget that.

My Simply Amazing Life......

In the last couple of weeks so much has happened that makes me greatful for this life.  I have amazing grandparents who have instilled wonderful things within me.....I would have to say that the number one thing I have learned was how to love. For the first time in my life I do not feel like there is anything missing.  Almost as if I am walking towards being complete.  It is such a great feeling.  I have the best family in the world and somehow I am able to intertwine them so that I can have the best of both worlds.  There is very little that makes me unhappy anymore.  My friends have become my family which makes me feel stronger everyday.  I have simply transformed into having the very best of both worlds.  I have a simply amazing life. <3

One more day with you......

  What a long, emotional week.  My grandfather died this week and it just so happened to be on the same day as my grandmother 4 years ago.  I kept asking why this was happening to me and my family and what was the purpose.  I still have yet to figure it out.  I question whether or not I trully believe in a divine power.  I know one thing....I wish I would have gotten to him sooner. When my grandma passed away I didn't go home to see her. I couldn't bear it.  I was feeling so much pain with her being sick I just could not go and watch her die.  I never got to say goodbye and today I regret it, much like I regret not following my instincts and going when I felt it were right. Now I face the same feeling of regret I did with my grandmother.  My grandparents loved me very dearly and always made sure that I knew it.  Now I can only hold on to the wonderful memories that they have given to me and pray that I never have them taken from me.  Thank You Grandma and Grandpa for providing me with such a wonderful family I am truly greatful for the gifts you have given to me.  Last night I had a crazy dream, a wish was granted just for me.  It could be for anything.  I didn't ask for money or a mansion in malibu. I someday wished for one more day with you.  One more day. One more time.  One more sunset and maybe I would be satisfied.  But then again, I know what it would do.....It would leave me wishing still for one more day with you.  One more day!  First thing I would do is pray for time to stop, I'd unplug the telephone and turn the tv off. I'd hold you every second and say a million "I love You's" Thats what I would do with one more day with you. One more day. One more time. One more sunset and maybe I'd be satisfied. But then again I know what it would do.....It would leave me wishing still for one more day with you!

A Trip back to Confusion.....

     I often find that when I fear something I take a trip back to a place called confusion.  It lives deep within my soul and makes me question everything about myself. Funny how that seems to work out that way.  So many of the decisions I have made have led me to have some of the most amazing experiences and moments in this life.  I come to a crossroads, yet again.  Maybe this is what happens when one is approaching 30.  I made a post to my wall the other day that said, "...focus on the next chapter!" I got a response from a friend of mine that expressed me having a lot of chapters in my book.  I thought about it and wondered was Eric right?  Do I still continuously change things? I do constantly.  For the past 5 years I have been working on my "self" discarding family and friends as though they were a card in a familiar game.  I still pull away when someone gets too close to me, in fact I ruin the relationship for fear of being hurt.  I often think the worse in them and imagine all of the horrible things that could happen and slowly convince myself that I should take myself out of the game.  Turns out, it is very lonely in Confusion. It is a place of solitary confinement where no one can ever get to even a locked door.  I have yet to even consider what the future holds but I know that I am terrified of getting older. The fear of losing the ones I love haunts me everyday.  As I sit here and reflect back on moments that I pray I never forget I again fear that I am missing out on the opportunity to make new ones.  So while I take another trip back to Confusion I promise all of you I won't stay long and when I am done visiting I will come back to the happy and constant in my life and hopefully make the decision to stay forever.

Special Moments.....

There are these moments I have in my life that seem completely unrealistic.  Moments that feel as though, I  myself can not understand that they are happening to me. Almost as if they are a fantasy.  I can only achieve these moments when I am with one person.  It is a sad thing when you come to the realization that you are deeply in love with someone that is completely wrong for you but still you gravitate towards them because they have given you so many of these "Special Moments."  When is the right moment to stop and say, "What am I really doing?"  That was my night 2 days ago.  Its funny how the most spectacular moments somehow are the most promising and yet deadly.  For the last 8 years I have toyed with the argument of "Soul Mates" only exist in fairytales.  Last night my realization was that I have already found my soul mate, I just don't get to paint my own portrait, someone else is painting it for me.  Things never seem to go the way I picture it.  I never knew I could have a connection that was so life altering and heart wrenching.  When he holds me I feel complete even if it only lasts for a couple of hours everything that is bothering just goes away.  The only thing I see is his heart.  I sit back and realize how dependent I am on feelings of the heart but I would like to believe that moments like the ones with Mike are real and everlasting.  For someone who hasn't made a committment to me he has given me 7 years with no indication of an ending in the near future and this is why the special moments matter.

The 30th year......

Not really sure what I was supposed to expect out of this year but I can say this much, I didn't think I would be here.  Not to say where I am is bad just really pictured something completely different.  It is rather funny how life takes you on so many unexpected journies.  Someday I will look back and have an explanation for it all, but for now I going to continue to flow through the motions and let the journey take me to my destiny.  I have to say though....thislast year has turned out to be really amazing.  My life has taken me down a path of happiness, love and comfort.  I have an exceptionally loving family and circle of friends I never knew existed.  Suprisingly the things I hated have all turned out to not be something I hated anymore.  In the course of 3 years my family has grown stronger than ever before and my friendships have gone in a thousand directions but still manage to always come back to each other.  Scary how these things work out.  I have never been more greatful for these gifts......Here is to each year only getting better. <3

The 29th Year.....

What can I say, this last week has been amazing. Week started off with a surprise performance from 100 Monkeys inside of my store, autograph signing, and group picture.  Topped off with a live performance at "Slims," in San Francisco with the girls.  What an amazing night!  The next couple of days were just all around great times.  I spend my actual Birthday with one on my bestest friends who took me to a spectacular lunch and ending with a beer enjoying the live performance of "Sugarland."  There are no words to describe how great they are.  Their music has some how changed my life and given me a realization of who am and who I still want to be.  The music has not stopped since their performance.  Saturday night topped everything off with a great evening of laughter, and some of the most amazing friendships I never have had before.  Who would have ever thought bowling would be so much fun. And if all of this wasn't enough, the rest of the evening got that much better.  Whole world can change in a minute.  Happiness is something we create and I'm not settlin for anything less than everything. <3

Everything, For You!

I can be an asshole of the grandest kind.  I can withhold like its going out of style.  I can be the moodiest baby, and you've never met anyone who is as negative as I can be sometimes.  I'm the wisest woman you have ever met.  I am the kindest soul with whom you've connected. I have the bravest heart you have ever seen and you've never met anyone who is as positive as I am sometimes.  You see everything, you see every part, you see all my light and you love my dark.  You dig everything of which Im ashamed.  Theres not anything to which you can't relate  And YOU'RE still here.  I blame everyone else, not my own partaking.  My passive-aggressiveness can be devastating.  I'm terrified and mistrusting.  And you have never met anyone as closed down as I am sometimes. You see everything, you see every part, you see all my light and you love my dark.  You dig everything of which Im ashamed.  Theres not anything to which you can't relate  And YOU'RE still here.  What I resist, persists and speaks louder than I know.  What I resist, you love, no matter how low or high I go.  I'm the funniest woman you've ever known, I'm the dullest woman you've ever known.  I'm the most gorgeous woman that you've ever known.  And you've never met anyone as, as everything as I am sometimes.You see everything, you see every part, you see all my light and you love my dark.  You dig everything of which Im ashamed.  Theres not anything to which you can't relate  And YOU'RE still here.  YOU'RE still here.  YOU'RE still here.

Funny How things change....

Recently, I saw you!  In fact, I fought to see you.  You were the one who was hesitant but I needed to know one more time if what I am trying to accomplish is really what I want.  See I met someone, who is amazing, someone I could really be myself around, someone who is willing to just "BE," with me.  Before I royally f*ck up this amazing relationship that is blossoming, I needed to know if I could really be over you.  Seeing you would normally make me go weak in the knees and make my heart skip a beat, but not this time.  This time I felt like I was doing something horrible.  I used to wish that you would want and desire me more than I would you and now that day has come and I want it with someone else.  Funny how things change.  I am looking for the person who can't stop thinking about me....The person who loves me not more than I love them but equally loving each other. Someone who will let me free but trully go crazy inside until my return.  Im looking for "The One."  I wish you all the blessings that this life can bring in this world and the next and hope the next time I run into you it is not uncomfortable, hopefully you will be as happy as I always hoped you would be.  Goodbye my Lover, Goodbye my Friend. 

When I look to the Sky..........

So today was an amazing morning.  I spent it with my beautiful nephew who makes me laugh until my abdomin hurts and he is only 2.  When he left I began to do a couple of things that I had needed to get done and stumbled across an old picture of my aunt and grandmother.  Because I actually stopped to look at it for more than a few seconds I started crying uncontrollably.  I miss her so much.  She was my rock in this life.  When it rains it pours and opens doors that floods the floors we thought would always keep us safe and dry.  Well I feel like not only is my floor flooded but at times I am drowning in everything I consider to be "Less than Perfect."  Today started off amazing and turned into another day that was not as expected.  I find myself trying to correct every mistake that I have made up until this point of my life and still feel as if I am getting kicked in the ass.  In fact I know I am.  I finally sat down facing my huge french doors of my living room and looked outside.  I closed my eyes and said you need to not be so hard on yourself.  Just as my grandma would.  "You will get everything worked out."  I always did because she was there to believe in me.  When I look to the sky, something tells me you're here with me and you make everything alright.  When I feel like there is know one that will ever know me, here you are to show me.  I felt like I was lost, so I picked up the phone called my mother, Just to say Hi, and felt like you just showed me my way, all because I look to you.....in the sky. I believe in myself.

A sense of Accomplishment.....

Yesterday afternoon I recieved some amazing news.  I recently applied for a position in another store that would be a promotion (and a big one at that).  The company I work for has said districts and within those districts there lies a shining star.  When the light for that star burns out there needs to be a fix implemented that has the ability to affect change.  If one possess the power to achieve such an outrageous victory, the endeavour is greater than anyone has ever seen.  Needless to say I have been chosen for this task.  I am so excited and scared.  For years I have wanted to be in the spotlight and have others see the great things I can do and now I have my chance.  This is such an amazing sense of accomplishment I didn't ever think I would get back.  I'm up for the challenge and can't wait to see what this journey brings.  Here we go....

Embrace It........

My facebook post today stated "I am determined to have an amazing day today!  Lets embrace what the day brings." <3 Boy do I ever need the courage to live by this statement.  So my job that pays the rent has the best way of enhancing my want and need to finish school.  For any of you who know me, you will know that I give 110% when I care about something and lately in the work realm I just don't want to give it.  Why do we get caught up in a job or a life that is not making us happy?  Could it be that the job is enhancing a part of our life that would not be there without it? Or is it comfortability?  Hmm  I sit here and wander just what it is for me.  I look at where I am at my age and think What to do now?  (Hence the title of my blog)  I want to be done with school which will require less at work.....it can be done though.  Really want to buy a house....which is possible if I absolutely save everything I make.  So I made a list of all the things I want and/or need.  I am going to just cross them off one at a time and embrace this new way of life.  Here is to a new year and a new me.  Embrace It!

Great People in my Life.....

I have some of the most amazing people in my life.  I don't always tell them enough but I love them.  They bring out the very best in me.   I have the most amazing sister.  I never realized that when we were younger but now looking back on when we were kids I can't imagine how we ever fought.  Jess, You give me so much strength and a strong will to be a better person each and every day.  I am so proud of the person that you have become in your life and only pray that each of your days get better.  Thank You for being such a significant part in my life. I Love You!

Music to Soothe My Soul.....

My Recipe for a Stressful Evening

1 bottle of Ballatore Gran Spumante Sparkling Wine
1 to 2 hours in a hot bath
2 cucumber slices over the eyes
1 bottle of Twilight Woods Bubble Bath
1 Ipod with a playlist titled "Music to Soothe My Soul."

Playlist
Angel Eyes                         Jeff Healy Band
The Best is Yet to Come     Hinder
Bohemian Rhapsody           Queen
Bottle it Up                         Sara Bareilles
Breathe (2am)                    Anna Nalick
By your Side                      Sade
Champagne Supernova      Oasis
City                                   Sara Barielles
Come in with the Rain        Taylor Swift
Every Breath you take       The Police
(Everything I do) I do it for you     Bryan Adams
Fall into Me                      Emerson Drive
Fat Bottomed Girls           Queen
Fearless                           Taylor Swift
Gotta Be Somebody        Nickelback
Half Moon Bay               Train
Hate my life                    Theory of a Deadman
No other Love                  Heart
Heaven                             D.J. Sammy
When you love someone     Bryan Adams
I breathe in, I breathe out     Chris Cagle
I can't help falling in love with you     UB40
I run to you                   Lady Antebellum
I'd Come for you          Nickelback
If it makes you happy     Sheryl Crow
Jar of Hearts     Christina Perri
Last Kiss     Taylor Swift
Life After You     Daughtry
Lost     Faith Hill
Lost in this moment     Big and Rich
My heart is Open     Keith Urban
My next 30 years     Tim McGraw
Paperweight    Dear John Soundtrack
Parachute     Ingrid Michaelsen
Remember When     Alan Jackson
Right Where I need to be     Gary Allen
Maggie May     Rod Stewart
Smile     Uncle Kracker
The Story of Us     Taylor Swift
Take my Breath Away     Berlin
This Kind of Love     Sister Hazel
This Year's Love     David Gray
What Might have been     Little Texas
When I look at you     Miley Cyrus
Without You     Hinder
Words     Train
Don't let me Stop you     Kelly Clarkson
Long Shot     Kelly Clarkson
When I look to the Sky     Train

Tonight I am going to have this Recipe.....Ah Can't Wait.

Resolution Mode Day 2

At 7:30am this morning my wonderful alarm goes off and wakes me out of my blissful sleep for yet another day at the gym.  Its my day off and a friend has said that she wanted to get up and go to one of the classes that our gym offers.  I agreed.  Not such a bad idea except I have come to hate waking up early so this was hell for me.  Instead of getting out of bed to start getting ready I send my friend a text to verify that we will still be going in as planned.  Sure enough its a go and I'm thinking, "Oh! eff My Life."  I get up and have a huge glass of water getting ready and meet her there.  When we arrive 15 minutes early we see the class is already full and not available. "Now we know to come earlier," she says.  Well we are already up and hungry so instead of my strenuous work out we go to have a not so healthy breakfast then back to the grind to meet with the personal trainer.  Feeling horrible about the breakfast I had eaten I signed up for a personal trainer and decided that now I am really going to be getting even more focused than I already was.   I lost 3 more pounds today making it a grand total of 16 in 3 weeks.  Things are getting off to a great start.  No more delicious breakfasts for me though.  Woosh!  Thank You 3 more pounds off.

Resolution Mode.....

So as I began this year I wrote out a list of Resolutions that I wanted to achieve within the next year.  On this list it included the usual losing weight, getting out of debt and organizing my life. These are the same resolutions I have had for the last couple of years.  So, why now am I wanting to really act on them.  Well!  I was looking in the mirror the other day and thought to myself, "I hate my legs and thighs."  Time to do something about it.  So I joined the Gym and are starting a nutritional plan.  Being healthy is not easy and is going to take a mental mode switch to focus.  I need to focus and I am going to lose weight. 80 pounds to start and 150 to finish.  So here is to the start of a new blog and a new me.  Hopefully everyone will look to read my blogs and walk down this path with me.  More blogs to come.