What a fabulous movie. I watched it in the theaters with my mom a few years ago(great chick flick), but, as a lot of things do, they become more meaningful at different points in your life. I am watching it this afternoon on my first relaxing post holiday day off and it is speaking to me in all kinds of ways.
Simply, it is about two women trying to find their place in the world. They are years, countries and classes apart, but both trying to find something meaningful in their lives that fills them, makes them whole, and brings them joy. It's an awesome story of trying and failing, and failing, and then trying again and then eventually, ever so slowly succeeding. It's so honest and straight forward and just a little bit of inspiration on this cold dreary day.
Reminds all of us out there that haven't exactly figured out where we are meant to be, and what we are meant to do, that there is hope.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Calm Before The Storm
So, as much as Dave and I love our families, with two sets of divorced parents and siblings in from out of town, the holidays can get a little crazy. And by a little, I mean a lot.
We have holiday activities scheduled from the night of the 23rd through the night of the 26th. NON-STOP. And then a few more on the 27th and 28th as well. And with the pup this year, logistics are that much tougher. He however, is very much worth it. I'm watching him go between staring out the window and attempted sleep at this very moment. He has been such a blessing to Dave and I - so full of love and pure joy.
But I digress. So, back to the holidays. Dave surprised me with a wonderful dinner last night at Trader's Point Creamery (a place I have wanted to try for a long time might I add) in what I think should become an annual calm before the storm tradition. It was a great atmosphere with live music, awesome wine and gorgeous Christmas decorations.
More than that though - it was a great chance for us to actually talk and spend some quality time together. Time has a way of getting away from us, with Dave in school, the pup and all the other things we have going on. Sometimes it seems like days go by without any real committed time to each other, which makes nights like last night so great. And, especially before the holidays those moments of calm are ever so precious.
So, as we enter this time of holiday love, joy and crazy - remember to keep a few moments of calm to those most close to you. They are sometimes the best ones of all.
We have holiday activities scheduled from the night of the 23rd through the night of the 26th. NON-STOP. And then a few more on the 27th and 28th as well. And with the pup this year, logistics are that much tougher. He however, is very much worth it. I'm watching him go between staring out the window and attempted sleep at this very moment. He has been such a blessing to Dave and I - so full of love and pure joy.
But I digress. So, back to the holidays. Dave surprised me with a wonderful dinner last night at Trader's Point Creamery (a place I have wanted to try for a long time might I add) in what I think should become an annual calm before the storm tradition. It was a great atmosphere with live music, awesome wine and gorgeous Christmas decorations.
More than that though - it was a great chance for us to actually talk and spend some quality time together. Time has a way of getting away from us, with Dave in school, the pup and all the other things we have going on. Sometimes it seems like days go by without any real committed time to each other, which makes nights like last night so great. And, especially before the holidays those moments of calm are ever so precious.
So, as we enter this time of holiday love, joy and crazy - remember to keep a few moments of calm to those most close to you. They are sometimes the best ones of all.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Secret of Life
As I was sitting here thinking about what my next blog post should be (following a promise to my husband that I would write a new post every week), the words to that old Faith Hill song popped into my head: the secret of life is...there ain't no secret.
It is not uncommon knowledge that I am constantly struggling with what to do with my life. Do I go back to school (if so, to be a nurse, or a counselor, or to get my MBA?), or do I work for a non-profit to fulfill my desire to help others, or do I get a job solely for more money? What do I do? What is right? My mom just smiles and nods her head as I tell her every "new idea of the week."
I ask myself the questions above over and over again in my head, and then freeze because each option brings up so many more questions. If I go back to school, how do we pay for it? How could I do that to us now that we are finally getting settled financially? Dave needs a new car - how could I not have an income to help us get that? If I get a new job - will it have as many vacation days? Will the hours be worse? Will I like the people as much?
What if I spend my entire life in advertising and wake up to find myself at age 50 in a job I hate because I was too afraid to change.
That is the question that's at the heart of the matter. Why am I so afraid of change? Every decision I have made in my life to this point has led me to something better. I have a fabulous husband, dog and house. I have 2 retirement accounts and no credit card debt. I obviously have the ability to make sound decisions (let's be honest, not all the time, but hey, who's perfect?).
I think this next move is much tougher because I have a family, as small as it may be, it is one. And as a woman, when you throw in the issue of kids (when do you want to have them, do you want to stay home with them?, etc.) that just adds all sorts of new complications. And excuses.
I am still here because I'm afraid of what could happen to me. However, that's where I need to listen to Faith and remember - that there is no secret to life. Whatever decisions I make in the coming year (that's my timing, 1 year) will definitely lead me somewhere new, somewhere challenging and probably somewhere better. But if not, you know what? I'll be ok. And probably better off for at least trusting God enough to try something new.
It is not uncommon knowledge that I am constantly struggling with what to do with my life. Do I go back to school (if so, to be a nurse, or a counselor, or to get my MBA?), or do I work for a non-profit to fulfill my desire to help others, or do I get a job solely for more money? What do I do? What is right? My mom just smiles and nods her head as I tell her every "new idea of the week."
I ask myself the questions above over and over again in my head, and then freeze because each option brings up so many more questions. If I go back to school, how do we pay for it? How could I do that to us now that we are finally getting settled financially? Dave needs a new car - how could I not have an income to help us get that? If I get a new job - will it have as many vacation days? Will the hours be worse? Will I like the people as much?
What if I spend my entire life in advertising and wake up to find myself at age 50 in a job I hate because I was too afraid to change.
That is the question that's at the heart of the matter. Why am I so afraid of change? Every decision I have made in my life to this point has led me to something better. I have a fabulous husband, dog and house. I have 2 retirement accounts and no credit card debt. I obviously have the ability to make sound decisions (let's be honest, not all the time, but hey, who's perfect?).
I think this next move is much tougher because I have a family, as small as it may be, it is one. And as a woman, when you throw in the issue of kids (when do you want to have them, do you want to stay home with them?, etc.) that just adds all sorts of new complications. And excuses.
I am still here because I'm afraid of what could happen to me. However, that's where I need to listen to Faith and remember - that there is no secret to life. Whatever decisions I make in the coming year (that's my timing, 1 year) will definitely lead me somewhere new, somewhere challenging and probably somewhere better. But if not, you know what? I'll be ok. And probably better off for at least trusting God enough to try something new.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Airports...
Airports. Growing up I love, love, loved airports. We didn't fly too often when I was a kid - but when we did, I used to love to sit and watch everyone walking by my gate and make up fabulous stories about where they were going, who they were with, and why they were traveling. I was even exactly right with my crazy stories a couple of times.
I love the energy of airports, so many people excited to get to where their going, sprinting to reach a late connection, or simply enjoying a good conversation waiting for the plane to arrive at the gate.
To me they are a symbol of hope and opportunity, and unknown.
Today - the unknown was not the exciting unknown you hope for. I have been now sitting in the Asheville Regional Airport since 1:30, a good 3 hours waiting for a plane to replace our original that had mechanical errors. It's been a long two days of business travel and meetings - and by this time, I just want to be home!
However, all this sitting also gives me time to think. When listening to the chatter around me, some of it really funny, some sad, and some just really stupid - it makes you think. Listening to the woman next to me who lost her son in April, to the women behind me complaining about the size of their bags for their golf clubs, to the woman speaking loudly on the phone to an elderly mother, it's a good time to think about life.
Hearing the thoughts of others can often provide perspective into our own lives and hearts. Today, those around me in North Carolina have reminded me that I am so blessed to have a grounded home life, a fabulous husband who is so loving and understanding, a great little pup, beautiful home, and so many amazing friends and family.
So thank you airport delay for the little dose of perspective on this Tuesday afternoon.
I love the energy of airports, so many people excited to get to where their going, sprinting to reach a late connection, or simply enjoying a good conversation waiting for the plane to arrive at the gate.
To me they are a symbol of hope and opportunity, and unknown.
Today - the unknown was not the exciting unknown you hope for. I have been now sitting in the Asheville Regional Airport since 1:30, a good 3 hours waiting for a plane to replace our original that had mechanical errors. It's been a long two days of business travel and meetings - and by this time, I just want to be home!
However, all this sitting also gives me time to think. When listening to the chatter around me, some of it really funny, some sad, and some just really stupid - it makes you think. Listening to the woman next to me who lost her son in April, to the women behind me complaining about the size of their bags for their golf clubs, to the woman speaking loudly on the phone to an elderly mother, it's a good time to think about life.
Hearing the thoughts of others can often provide perspective into our own lives and hearts. Today, those around me in North Carolina have reminded me that I am so blessed to have a grounded home life, a fabulous husband who is so loving and understanding, a great little pup, beautiful home, and so many amazing friends and family.
So thank you airport delay for the little dose of perspective on this Tuesday afternoon.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Taking Care of The Heart
The title of this post is the name of a new blog one of my wonderful friends recently started. I wanted to write this because her blog has really inspired me and made me think a lot, about a lot of things, over the past few days.
Let me start by telling you about my dear friend - which may help set up why her blog has been so impactful in my life. Erica was a year older than me in high school - and my saving grace as I tried to make it through my awkward teen years at Roncalli with out embarrassing myself too much. She was like the older sister I never had in a lot of ways, always full of amazing advice, encouragement and support. I would absolutely not have become the person I am without her in my life.
Every time I think of Erica, I am filled with warmth and love. The memories I have of the times we spent together always make me smile. Once we got into college, and even beyond, we still had the occasional 2 hour long phone chat - just to catch up. I found myself calling her when I knew I needed honest and truthful advice.
I always admired her happy personality, kindness to everyone around her, and her undying faith. She is a fabulous example of the way one should live, love and enjoy life. Not to say that she, like everyone else, has not had their share of heartbreaks and sorrows but she handles them with a calm and faithful grace that I have never seen in anyone else.
Now, since our wedding (and an extended period of time before) I have not talked too much with Erica and have ocassionally found myself missing the great conversations we used to have.
So, when I saw she had started a blog - I was really excited to have a way to keep up with her regularly - but when I started reading it, I realized I had found so much more.
Her insightful and honest posts on life, friendship, love and religion have really touched my heart over the past few weeks. Her words have challenged me to consider what is really important in my life - both in who I am to myself, and who I am to those around me. I look forward to reading the little glimpses of life, love and God that she so eloquently writes about.
Her most recent post included comments about how she felt that in her life she was not always giving enough to her friends, so I wanted this and share that whether she knows it or not, she is still giving me that amazing advice and inspiring me to become better than I am - and more of who I should be.
Check out her blog - it's really wonderful: http://takingcareoftheheart.blogspot.com/
:)
Let me start by telling you about my dear friend - which may help set up why her blog has been so impactful in my life. Erica was a year older than me in high school - and my saving grace as I tried to make it through my awkward teen years at Roncalli with out embarrassing myself too much. She was like the older sister I never had in a lot of ways, always full of amazing advice, encouragement and support. I would absolutely not have become the person I am without her in my life.
Every time I think of Erica, I am filled with warmth and love. The memories I have of the times we spent together always make me smile. Once we got into college, and even beyond, we still had the occasional 2 hour long phone chat - just to catch up. I found myself calling her when I knew I needed honest and truthful advice.
I always admired her happy personality, kindness to everyone around her, and her undying faith. She is a fabulous example of the way one should live, love and enjoy life. Not to say that she, like everyone else, has not had their share of heartbreaks and sorrows but she handles them with a calm and faithful grace that I have never seen in anyone else.
Now, since our wedding (and an extended period of time before) I have not talked too much with Erica and have ocassionally found myself missing the great conversations we used to have.
So, when I saw she had started a blog - I was really excited to have a way to keep up with her regularly - but when I started reading it, I realized I had found so much more.
Her insightful and honest posts on life, friendship, love and religion have really touched my heart over the past few weeks. Her words have challenged me to consider what is really important in my life - both in who I am to myself, and who I am to those around me. I look forward to reading the little glimpses of life, love and God that she so eloquently writes about.
Her most recent post included comments about how she felt that in her life she was not always giving enough to her friends, so I wanted this and share that whether she knows it or not, she is still giving me that amazing advice and inspiring me to become better than I am - and more of who I should be.
Check out her blog - it's really wonderful: http://takingcareoftheheart.blogspot.com/
:)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Life at 6919
So I had this idea to do a photo album and blog post about life at 6919 (our address...obviously :) And post fun pictures of our family, house, food, friends, and everything that makes our lives so great.
This is mostly a reminder to myself to do that. Be looking for that in the days to come! :)
This is mostly a reminder to myself to do that. Be looking for that in the days to come! :)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thankful
So - I have not been doing very well at #76 on my list of 101 things. Record what I'm thankful for monthly. Since I haven't done this since July, I figured I would just do a Summer wrap up post and with the rest of the things I am thankful for from the summer of 2010.
1. Dexter (most of the time :). He helps me be more patient and is the sweetest little guy.
2. 2 more beautiful weddings for one of my friends and my sister in law.
3. My life finally slowing down a little bit!
4. Finishing my first CASA visit.
5. Trip to Chicago with great friends.
6. Trip to Ohio with my friends of 20 years. Not too many people can say that at the age of 26.
7. Great 26th birthday party for Dave.
8. Great friends.
9. Fall weather and apple cider :)
10. Sunsets.
11. Nice neighbors.
12. Good weather for Bags 2 Riches.
13. My new window office!
14. Interns.
15. Planners (like the kind you write in :)
16. My trip to Asheville for our work photo shoot.
17. Family.
18. Evan finally deciding what he wants to do with his life!
19. Lifetime warranties on foundation work.
20. Vacation days!
1. Dexter (most of the time :). He helps me be more patient and is the sweetest little guy.
2. 2 more beautiful weddings for one of my friends and my sister in law.
3. My life finally slowing down a little bit!
4. Finishing my first CASA visit.
5. Trip to Chicago with great friends.
6. Trip to Ohio with my friends of 20 years. Not too many people can say that at the age of 26.
7. Great 26th birthday party for Dave.
8. Great friends.
9. Fall weather and apple cider :)
10. Sunsets.
11. Nice neighbors.
12. Good weather for Bags 2 Riches.
13. My new window office!
14. Interns.
15. Planners (like the kind you write in :)
16. My trip to Asheville for our work photo shoot.
17. Family.
18. Evan finally deciding what he wants to do with his life!
19. Lifetime warranties on foundation work.
20. Vacation days!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Finally Photos!
So, about a month ago, I promised photo proof of several of my 101 things that I have completed. What a great plan right? This would not only provide proof I was getting something done, but also give me some more photography practice.
However, this plan was thwarted when our trusty digital camera I gave Dave our first Christmas together (almost 4 years ago now)completely stopped working. Awesome.
But, because life has a way of working things out, we now have a new, better than ever camera. I bought my little brother's super nice Cannon camera as he upgraded to one that takes HD video, for much cheaper than a brand new nice camera. So finally, here is some photo proof.
More, and hopefully even better photos to come soon :)
However, this plan was thwarted when our trusty digital camera I gave Dave our first Christmas together (almost 4 years ago now)completely stopped working. Awesome.
But, because life has a way of working things out, we now have a new, better than ever camera. I bought my little brother's super nice Cannon camera as he upgraded to one that takes HD video, for much cheaper than a brand new nice camera. So finally, here is some photo proof.
More, and hopefully even better photos to come soon :)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Nothing else to call this but...update :)
As the title of this post says, there really is no other way to describe what I am about to write - except as an update. Not a boring one though - SO many exciting things have been going on lately!
1. Pup - is officially named Dexter. Our lovable little guy has gotten bigger over the past two weeks! We're still definitely working on the potty training side of things, but he has gotten much better on that, and is getting into more of a routine with sleeping etc.
He is hard work - but brings so much joy, and I think, Dave and I closer.
2. CASA - I just finished my volunteer training for CASA yesterday. I LOVED every minute of it. Our trainer was absolutely fabulous, and everything we talked about really appealed to the psych side of my brain, which has not been used in a while! Not to mention my heart, because how can the issues some of these kids have not affect you? I have my first case - a little guy taken away from his home because of parent's drug use. I am really looking forward to meeting him and his parents.
Even though I am so excited about it, I had my first bout of nervousness yesterday, about the commitment and time this will take, and doubting my ability to get it done. But, like they say, anything we do for these kids, is that much more than they would be receiving without us! Again, here comes the being brave.
3. Life - is crazy busy still, but punctuated with some nice moments of quiet. The past two weekends we have had time at home to ourselves, to talk, watch a good movie, nap, clean or play with the pup. I have really really enjoyed the time to just stop - and enjoy the moment.
I am also making progress on some of my 101 things, travel wall, book reading, flowers, labeling etc. I even think I may make some updates to my list. Some of them are things I thought I should include, but are not really challenging me like they should and are a little redundant (I mean - I had had a few cocktails at the time).
So stay tuned for some more updates on life, love and happiness :)
1. Pup - is officially named Dexter. Our lovable little guy has gotten bigger over the past two weeks! We're still definitely working on the potty training side of things, but he has gotten much better on that, and is getting into more of a routine with sleeping etc.
He is hard work - but brings so much joy, and I think, Dave and I closer.
2. CASA - I just finished my volunteer training for CASA yesterday. I LOVED every minute of it. Our trainer was absolutely fabulous, and everything we talked about really appealed to the psych side of my brain, which has not been used in a while! Not to mention my heart, because how can the issues some of these kids have not affect you? I have my first case - a little guy taken away from his home because of parent's drug use. I am really looking forward to meeting him and his parents.
Even though I am so excited about it, I had my first bout of nervousness yesterday, about the commitment and time this will take, and doubting my ability to get it done. But, like they say, anything we do for these kids, is that much more than they would be receiving without us! Again, here comes the being brave.
3. Life - is crazy busy still, but punctuated with some nice moments of quiet. The past two weekends we have had time at home to ourselves, to talk, watch a good movie, nap, clean or play with the pup. I have really really enjoyed the time to just stop - and enjoy the moment.
I am also making progress on some of my 101 things, travel wall, book reading, flowers, labeling etc. I even think I may make some updates to my list. Some of them are things I thought I should include, but are not really challenging me like they should and are a little redundant (I mean - I had had a few cocktails at the time).
So stay tuned for some more updates on life, love and happiness :)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Pup!
We got a new addition to our little family last night, a 7 week old golden-retriever lab mix, yet to be named (lots of options, just not one perfect name yet!).
He is VERY cute and lovable, I hope his snuggly personality stays! He is in some ways everything we said we didn't want. He'll probably be kind of big, probably shed more than we like, he's part lab (I'm anti-lab), and we didn't get him on the ideal Saturday stroll through the pet store.
However, I think that could be great for us. He was a compromise, some what spur of the moment and will probably be a challenge (at least more than a 5 lb yorki-poo). Raising him will be an awesome thing for us to do together, and maybe a little lesson that there is no real perfect, but you love what you have, and embrace the choices you make. Be they in the perfect fashion or not :)
He is VERY cute and lovable, I hope his snuggly personality stays! He is in some ways everything we said we didn't want. He'll probably be kind of big, probably shed more than we like, he's part lab (I'm anti-lab), and we didn't get him on the ideal Saturday stroll through the pet store.
However, I think that could be great for us. He was a compromise, some what spur of the moment and will probably be a challenge (at least more than a 5 lb yorki-poo). Raising him will be an awesome thing for us to do together, and maybe a little lesson that there is no real perfect, but you love what you have, and embrace the choices you make. Be they in the perfect fashion or not :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
BORED
Bored. Bored. Bored. Bored.
This is one of the slowest days I have had at work in a long time, punctuated with annoying conversations with a vendor, one that is completely unwilling to accept responsibility and work together on a project. Woof.
Come on beer cart. I'll need a margarita this afternoon.
After my lunch - maybe I'll branch out of my Gmail, facebook and puppy web searching and find something more interesting. photography blogs maybe?
I think that would be a good start.
Happy Friday :)
This is one of the slowest days I have had at work in a long time, punctuated with annoying conversations with a vendor, one that is completely unwilling to accept responsibility and work together on a project. Woof.
Come on beer cart. I'll need a margarita this afternoon.
After my lunch - maybe I'll branch out of my Gmail, facebook and puppy web searching and find something more interesting. photography blogs maybe?
I think that would be a good start.
Happy Friday :)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Ok update time. I re-posted my list of 101 things to remind myself what I promised I would do :)
This time to myself/doing things for myself thing is a constant challenge, especially with how busy life can get. Don't worry - I'll keep working!
I updated the things I have done in bold. Not the most interesting post - but always good to update :)
1. Get better at photography. Have some work worthy to post on this blog.
2. Buy a Coach purse.
3. Take my husband out for a fabulous date.
4. Learn how to grill. Sort of grilled for the first time yesterday. Hey the recipe was for the grill, and I started it all on my own ;)
5. Cook paella - the full recipe. Including crazy seafood like mussels.
6. Do something unexpectedly nice for each of my fabulous friends.
7. Blog - about everything and nothing.
8. Print out and frame my wedding pictures.
9. Read 5 books that enhance my knowledge of meaningful subjects. 2 half down.
10. Run a full marathon.
11. Go skiing.
12. Make a cool martini recipe for friends.
13. Do everything I can so Dave can buy a new car.
14. Get a new king bedroom suite. Done and done. It's amazing.
15. Plant a garden in my back yard.
16. Buy nice running clothes to run my marathon in.
17. Set definite career/life goals for the next 5 years. Working on it. Going to try a new job in my field out first, before making any jump back into school.
18. Print out and frame the rest of Robby's pictures on our living room wall. 2 more down. 2 or 3 more to go.
19. Finish our travel wall in the dining room.
20. Start and finish the following scrapbooks: high school, college, europe in 2005, europe with the fam/dave, wedding and honeymoon.
21. Go camping. Legit camping. Smokey Mountains in Tennessee with Marcus and Julie. SO much fun.
22. Get patio furniture.
23. Send 10 random cards to family and friends.
24. Go snowmobiling.
25. Label the wine/campagne corks we have saved. DONE. Photoproof coming soon :)
26. Visit wine country.
27. Dress up/do my hair every day for a week.
28. Buy a "Y" for my entry way.
29. Buy a fabulous way too expensive pair of shoes.
30. Take another trip to a beach with my husband.
31. Have a great girls weekend get away.
32. Write thank you notes to my family for their help with our wedding - and the 24.5 years before.
33. Buy a real Christmas tree for our living room.
34. Send out family Christmas cards to our family and friends.
35. Buy a REALLY nice bra - if you saw mine you would understand.
36. Comment on the "Notice the little things" blog Erin McGonigle started
37. Nominate my mom to be on Oprah (she deserves the makeover more than anyone I know)
38. Be a role model to my little brothers - in some small way.
39. Complete a creative project around my house (i.e. paint the kitchen chairs)
40. Go skydiving.
41. Finish the YarMac :)
42. Pass a Rockband song on hard.
43. Go to Vegas and enjoy it now that I am well over 21.
44. Get Marvin's delivered to an event I host.
45. Get on the board of a charitable organization.
46. Take some sort of college class (marketing, photography, whatever).
47. Make a smoothie at home.
48. Go to a metal concert with Dave, and enjoy it :)
49. Donate to my mom's nonprofit.
50. Go to a black tie event.
51. Make all my family recipes in the cookbook I got for a wedding shower.
52. Get a wine/alchohol rack for our dining room.
53. Double our savings account.
54. Make legit plans to buy a lake house.
55. Go to one of my Client's events.
56. Come up with a business changing event for one of my Clients.
57. Go on a road trip to somewhere I've never been.
58. Go to Europe again.
59. Visit my family in Nebraska.
60. Make a birthday calendar of all the important people in my life.
62. Drive a boat.
63. Volunteer regularly for a charitable organization.
64. Learn photoshop. Getting the full program installed on my work computer. Super excited!
65. Be brave. Volunteering for CASA.
66. Make homemade pizza, including the crust.
67. Frame one of my landscape photographs somewhere in my house. Also DONE :)
68. Work on my patience.
69. Pay for a happy hour for me and all of my co-workers.
70. Put photos in our photo coasters.
71. Record Dave and I's love story for our little guys.
72. Make an album of our wedding day.
73. Have fresh flowers in our house at least once a month.
74. Buy a really great bottle of wine.
75. Make homemade sushi.
76. Record things I'm grateful for monthly.
77. Make someone believe in Christ through my actions.
78. Change my last name to Yaraschefski on everything.
79. Keep my eyebrows well groomed the entire time. So far so good ;)
80. Write a poem.
81. Visit Joe Joe at college.
82. Take Evan out for a night on the town.
83. Make/decorate a ceramic project.
84. Figure out how to make Mama D's potatoes
85. Learn how to take a shot like a champ.
86. Be less selfish.
87. Stand up for myself.
88. Edge the landscaping in our front yard.
89. Regain contact with an old friend.
90. Buy a super sexy, way too expensive dress for something fabulous.
91. Buy a laptop for our house.
92. Take our neighbors cookies/cards to introduce ourselves.
93. Plan a special night with my mom.
94. Make a special gift for Kristy and Jason's wedding.
95. Buy the BEST gift for Kathryn and Ryan's wedding :)
96. Send Stephen/Laura a baby gift.
97. Be a better friend to my St. Mark girls.
98. Take Dave to a drive in.
99. Go on a trip with my St. Mark friends.
100. Learn about the mafia.
101. Find an old building in Indy and research its past.
Now that I have read through this list, I realized I have not recorded things I am thankful for every month, as of yet.
So here goes:
June:
5 beautiful weddings for 5 of my beautiful friends
Awesome thunderstorms
Visiting with my cousins in Chicago
Catching up with Emily and Ashley in Michigan
Dave's help with getting everything ready for my dad's birthday dinner
All our new furniture
Great friends
Being blessed with the means to participate in all of the above
This time to myself/doing things for myself thing is a constant challenge, especially with how busy life can get. Don't worry - I'll keep working!
I updated the things I have done in bold. Not the most interesting post - but always good to update :)
1. Get better at photography. Have some work worthy to post on this blog.
2. Buy a Coach purse.
3. Take my husband out for a fabulous date.
4. Learn how to grill. Sort of grilled for the first time yesterday. Hey the recipe was for the grill, and I started it all on my own ;)
5. Cook paella - the full recipe. Including crazy seafood like mussels.
6. Do something unexpectedly nice for each of my fabulous friends.
7. Blog - about everything and nothing.
8. Print out and frame my wedding pictures.
9. Read 5 books that enhance my knowledge of meaningful subjects. 2 half down.
10. Run a full marathon.
11. Go skiing.
12. Make a cool martini recipe for friends.
13. Do everything I can so Dave can buy a new car.
14. Get a new king bedroom suite. Done and done. It's amazing.
15. Plant a garden in my back yard.
16. Buy nice running clothes to run my marathon in.
17. Set definite career/life goals for the next 5 years. Working on it. Going to try a new job in my field out first, before making any jump back into school.
18. Print out and frame the rest of Robby's pictures on our living room wall. 2 more down. 2 or 3 more to go.
19. Finish our travel wall in the dining room.
20. Start and finish the following scrapbooks: high school, college, europe in 2005, europe with the fam/dave, wedding and honeymoon.
21. Go camping. Legit camping. Smokey Mountains in Tennessee with Marcus and Julie. SO much fun.
22. Get patio furniture.
23. Send 10 random cards to family and friends.
24. Go snowmobiling.
25. Label the wine/campagne corks we have saved. DONE. Photoproof coming soon :)
26. Visit wine country.
27. Dress up/do my hair every day for a week.
28. Buy a "Y" for my entry way.
29. Buy a fabulous way too expensive pair of shoes.
30. Take another trip to a beach with my husband.
31. Have a great girls weekend get away.
32. Write thank you notes to my family for their help with our wedding - and the 24.5 years before.
33. Buy a real Christmas tree for our living room.
34. Send out family Christmas cards to our family and friends.
35. Buy a REALLY nice bra - if you saw mine you would understand.
36. Comment on the "Notice the little things" blog Erin McGonigle started
37. Nominate my mom to be on Oprah (she deserves the makeover more than anyone I know)
38. Be a role model to my little brothers - in some small way.
39. Complete a creative project around my house (i.e. paint the kitchen chairs)
40. Go skydiving.
41. Finish the YarMac :)
42. Pass a Rockband song on hard.
43. Go to Vegas and enjoy it now that I am well over 21.
44. Get Marvin's delivered to an event I host.
45. Get on the board of a charitable organization.
46. Take some sort of college class (marketing, photography, whatever).
47. Make a smoothie at home.
48. Go to a metal concert with Dave, and enjoy it :)
49. Donate to my mom's nonprofit.
50. Go to a black tie event.
51. Make all my family recipes in the cookbook I got for a wedding shower.
52. Get a wine/alchohol rack for our dining room.
53. Double our savings account.
54. Make legit plans to buy a lake house.
55. Go to one of my Client's events.
56. Come up with a business changing event for one of my Clients.
57. Go on a road trip to somewhere I've never been.
58. Go to Europe again.
59. Visit my family in Nebraska.
60. Make a birthday calendar of all the important people in my life.
62. Drive a boat.
63. Volunteer regularly for a charitable organization.
64. Learn photoshop. Getting the full program installed on my work computer. Super excited!
65. Be brave. Volunteering for CASA.
66. Make homemade pizza, including the crust.
67. Frame one of my landscape photographs somewhere in my house. Also DONE :)
68. Work on my patience.
69. Pay for a happy hour for me and all of my co-workers.
70. Put photos in our photo coasters.
71. Record Dave and I's love story for our little guys.
72. Make an album of our wedding day.
73. Have fresh flowers in our house at least once a month.
74. Buy a really great bottle of wine.
75. Make homemade sushi.
76. Record things I'm grateful for monthly.
77. Make someone believe in Christ through my actions.
78. Change my last name to Yaraschefski on everything.
79. Keep my eyebrows well groomed the entire time. So far so good ;)
80. Write a poem.
81. Visit Joe Joe at college.
82. Take Evan out for a night on the town.
83. Make/decorate a ceramic project.
84. Figure out how to make Mama D's potatoes
85. Learn how to take a shot like a champ.
86. Be less selfish.
87. Stand up for myself.
88. Edge the landscaping in our front yard.
89. Regain contact with an old friend.
90. Buy a super sexy, way too expensive dress for something fabulous.
91. Buy a laptop for our house.
92. Take our neighbors cookies/cards to introduce ourselves.
93. Plan a special night with my mom.
94. Make a special gift for Kristy and Jason's wedding.
95. Buy the BEST gift for Kathryn and Ryan's wedding :)
96. Send Stephen/Laura a baby gift.
97. Be a better friend to my St. Mark girls.
98. Take Dave to a drive in.
99. Go on a trip with my St. Mark friends.
100. Learn about the mafia.
101. Find an old building in Indy and research its past.
Now that I have read through this list, I realized I have not recorded things I am thankful for every month, as of yet.
So here goes:
June:
5 beautiful weddings for 5 of my beautiful friends
Awesome thunderstorms
Visiting with my cousins in Chicago
Catching up with Emily and Ashley in Michigan
Dave's help with getting everything ready for my dad's birthday dinner
All our new furniture
Great friends
Being blessed with the means to participate in all of the above
Thursday, June 24, 2010
2 more down.
I found something yesterday that is going to take out 2 of my 101 things to do. Volunteer regularly with a charitable organization and be brave. I have decided I'm going to apply to be a volunteer for CASA (hopefully the Brownsburg Police Department will not thwart that attempt). Which is an amazing organization that provides child advocates for kids that are involved in foster and court cases. Child advocates review all of their files, visit all of the people in the child's life, and write a report to give to the judge in their court hearings. This will not only be a fabulous thing to do for children, but allow me to gain some experience (in case the grad school issue ever comes back again) and get involved in the community again.
Brave might seem like a stretch to associate with this one, but for some reason I have issues making commitments at times. I looked at the training schedule today (it's only like 5 sessions in August) and got nervous to commit! I have no issues committing to people - I pride myself on being the best daughter, friend, wife and employee that I can. That's easy.
I think it's hard for me to make a commitment that is purely about me, to allow myself to do something I've always wanted to do and something that is a little out of my comfort zone. Probably the good old Catholic guilt I was raised with.
And, this sounds so girly and awful (forgive me), but sometimes I still feel like I should be there ALL the time for Dave. Like, if we decide we want to do something - I DO NOT want to have a conflict. It's weird. And I've never said that out loud. Well typed it out loud I guess. I just want to be available all the time. Which, again is girly and awful. Hence the brave associated with this volunteering. This really is hard for me, as weird as it is to say that.
So - we'll see how it goes. Application is getting filled out tomorrow.
Brave might seem like a stretch to associate with this one, but for some reason I have issues making commitments at times. I looked at the training schedule today (it's only like 5 sessions in August) and got nervous to commit! I have no issues committing to people - I pride myself on being the best daughter, friend, wife and employee that I can. That's easy.
I think it's hard for me to make a commitment that is purely about me, to allow myself to do something I've always wanted to do and something that is a little out of my comfort zone. Probably the good old Catholic guilt I was raised with.
And, this sounds so girly and awful (forgive me), but sometimes I still feel like I should be there ALL the time for Dave. Like, if we decide we want to do something - I DO NOT want to have a conflict. It's weird. And I've never said that out loud. Well typed it out loud I guess. I just want to be available all the time. Which, again is girly and awful. Hence the brave associated with this volunteering. This really is hard for me, as weird as it is to say that.
So - we'll see how it goes. Application is getting filled out tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
1001 days
I love things like numbers and lists and really anything that creates order. Not only do they allow me to organize and categorize things, but they motivate me. Putting something on a to-do list, on paper, in front of me is the surest way to ensure that it will get done. If it stays up in my head, God knows what will ever happen to it.
This part of my life is beginning to have a nice little theme. Action. I have spent a lot of time talking about doing a lot of things, and now is about doing them.
I got a great idea from our wedding photographers blog. 101 things in 1001 days. This is my challenge to myself to try new things, and get around to doing some things I have been meaning to for a while. Some are silly, some are very challenging, all are very important. I listed them here as a reminder to myself to keep going! Check out what I'll be doing until February 2013. I'll update my progress every once and a while :)
1. Get better at photography. Have some work worthy to post on this blog.
2. Buy a Coach purse.
3. Take my husband out for a fabulous date.
4. Learn how to grill.
5. Cook paella - the full recipe. Including crazy seafood like mussels.
6. Do something unexpectedly nice for each of my fabulous friends.
7. Blog - about everything and nothing.
8. Print out and frame my wedding pictures.
9. Read 5 books that enhance my knowledge of meaningful subjects. 1 half down.
10. Run a full marathon.
11. Go skiing.
12. Make a cool martini recipe for friends.
13. Do everything I can so Dave can buy a new car.
14. Get a new king bedroom suite.
15. Plant a garden in my back yard.
16. Buy nice running clothes to run my marathon in.
17. Set definite career/life goals for the next 5 years.
18. Print out and frame the rest of Robby's pictures on our living room wall.
19. Finish our travel wall in the dining room.
20. Start and finish the following scrapbooks: high school, college, europe in 2005, europe with the fam/dave, wedding and honeymoon.
21. Go camping. Legit camping.
22. Get patio furniture.
23. Send 10 random cards to family and friends.
24. Go snowmobiling.
25. Label the wine/campagne corks we have saved. DONE. Photoproof coming soon :)
26. Visit wine country.
27. Dress up/do my hair every day for a week.
28. Buy a "Y" for my entry way.
29. Buy a fabulous way too expensive pair of shoes.
30. Take another trip to a beach with my husband.
31. Have a great girls weekend get away.
32. Write thank you notes to my family for their help with our wedding - and the 24.5 years before.
33. Buy a real Christmas tree for our living room.
34. Send out family Christmas cards to our family and friends.
35. Buy a REALLY nice bra - if you saw mine you would understand.
36. Comment on the "Notice the little things" blog Erin McGonigle started
37. Nominate my mom to be on Oprah (she deserves the makeover more than anyone I know)
38. Be a role model to my little brothers - in some small way.
39. Complete a creative project around my house (i.e. paint the kitchen chairs)
40. Go skydiving.
41. Finish the YarMac :)
42. Pass a Rockband song on hard.
43. Go to Vegas and enjoy it now that I am well over 21.
44. Get Marvin's delivered to an event I host.
45. Get on the board of a charitable organization.
46. Take some sort of college class (marketing, photography, whatever).
47. Make a smoothie at home.
48. Go to a metal concert with Dave, and enjoy it :)
49. Donate to my mom's nonprofit.
50. Go to a black tie event.
51. Make all my family recipes in the cookbook I got for a wedding shower.
52. Get a wine/alchohol rack for our dining room.
53. Double our savings account.
54. Make legit plans to buy a lake house.
55. Go to one of my Client's events.
56. Come up with a business changing event for one of my Clients.
57. Go on a road trip to somewhere I've never been.
58. Go to Europe again.
59. Visit my family in Nebraska.
60. Make a birthday calendar of all the important people in my life.
61. Celebrate Dave's 26th in a big way.
62. Drive a boat.
63. Volunteer regularly for a charitable organization.
64. Learn photoshop.
65. Be brave.
66. Make homemade pizza, including the crust.
67. Frame one of my landscape photographs somewhere in my house. Also DONE :)
68. Work on my patience.
69. Pay for a happy hour for me and all of my co-workers.
70. Put photos in our photo coasters.
71. Record Dave and I's love story for our little guys.
72. Make an album of our wedding day.
73. Have fresh flowers in our house at least once a month.
74. Buy a really great bottle of wine.
75. Make homemade sushi.
76. Record things I'm grateful for monthly.
77. Make someone believe in Christ through my actions.
78. Change my last name to Yaraschefski on everything.
79. Keep my eyebrows well groomed the entire time.
80. Write a poem.
81. Visit Joe Joe at college.
82. Take Evan out for a night on the town.
83. Make/decorate a ceramic project.
84. Figure out how to make Mama D's potatoes
85. Learn how to take a shot like a champ.
86. Be less selfish.
87. Stand up for myself.
88. Edge the landscaping in our front yard.
89. Regain contact with an old friend.
90. Buy a super sexy, way too expensive dress for something fabulous.
91. Buy a laptop for our house.
92. Take our neighbors cookies/cards to introduce ourselves.
93. Plan a special night with my mom.
94. Make a special gift for Kristy and Jason's wedding.
95. Buy the BEST gift for Kathryn and Ryan's wedding :)
96. Send Stephen/Laura a baby gift.
97. Be a better friend to my St. Mark girls.
98. Take Dave to a drive in.
99. Go on a trip with my St. Mark friends.
100. Learn about the mafia.
101. Find an old building in Indy and research its past.
This part of my life is beginning to have a nice little theme. Action. I have spent a lot of time talking about doing a lot of things, and now is about doing them.
I got a great idea from our wedding photographers blog. 101 things in 1001 days. This is my challenge to myself to try new things, and get around to doing some things I have been meaning to for a while. Some are silly, some are very challenging, all are very important. I listed them here as a reminder to myself to keep going! Check out what I'll be doing until February 2013. I'll update my progress every once and a while :)
1. Get better at photography. Have some work worthy to post on this blog.
2. Buy a Coach purse.
3. Take my husband out for a fabulous date.
4. Learn how to grill.
5. Cook paella - the full recipe. Including crazy seafood like mussels.
6. Do something unexpectedly nice for each of my fabulous friends.
7. Blog - about everything and nothing.
8. Print out and frame my wedding pictures.
9. Read 5 books that enhance my knowledge of meaningful subjects. 1 half down.
10. Run a full marathon.
11. Go skiing.
12. Make a cool martini recipe for friends.
13. Do everything I can so Dave can buy a new car.
14. Get a new king bedroom suite.
15. Plant a garden in my back yard.
16. Buy nice running clothes to run my marathon in.
17. Set definite career/life goals for the next 5 years.
18. Print out and frame the rest of Robby's pictures on our living room wall.
19. Finish our travel wall in the dining room.
20. Start and finish the following scrapbooks: high school, college, europe in 2005, europe with the fam/dave, wedding and honeymoon.
21. Go camping. Legit camping.
22. Get patio furniture.
23. Send 10 random cards to family and friends.
24. Go snowmobiling.
25. Label the wine/campagne corks we have saved. DONE. Photoproof coming soon :)
26. Visit wine country.
27. Dress up/do my hair every day for a week.
28. Buy a "Y" for my entry way.
29. Buy a fabulous way too expensive pair of shoes.
30. Take another trip to a beach with my husband.
31. Have a great girls weekend get away.
32. Write thank you notes to my family for their help with our wedding - and the 24.5 years before.
33. Buy a real Christmas tree for our living room.
34. Send out family Christmas cards to our family and friends.
35. Buy a REALLY nice bra - if you saw mine you would understand.
36. Comment on the "Notice the little things" blog Erin McGonigle started
37. Nominate my mom to be on Oprah (she deserves the makeover more than anyone I know)
38. Be a role model to my little brothers - in some small way.
39. Complete a creative project around my house (i.e. paint the kitchen chairs)
40. Go skydiving.
41. Finish the YarMac :)
42. Pass a Rockband song on hard.
43. Go to Vegas and enjoy it now that I am well over 21.
44. Get Marvin's delivered to an event I host.
45. Get on the board of a charitable organization.
46. Take some sort of college class (marketing, photography, whatever).
47. Make a smoothie at home.
48. Go to a metal concert with Dave, and enjoy it :)
49. Donate to my mom's nonprofit.
50. Go to a black tie event.
51. Make all my family recipes in the cookbook I got for a wedding shower.
52. Get a wine/alchohol rack for our dining room.
53. Double our savings account.
54. Make legit plans to buy a lake house.
55. Go to one of my Client's events.
56. Come up with a business changing event for one of my Clients.
57. Go on a road trip to somewhere I've never been.
58. Go to Europe again.
59. Visit my family in Nebraska.
60. Make a birthday calendar of all the important people in my life.
61. Celebrate Dave's 26th in a big way.
62. Drive a boat.
63. Volunteer regularly for a charitable organization.
64. Learn photoshop.
65. Be brave.
66. Make homemade pizza, including the crust.
67. Frame one of my landscape photographs somewhere in my house. Also DONE :)
68. Work on my patience.
69. Pay for a happy hour for me and all of my co-workers.
70. Put photos in our photo coasters.
71. Record Dave and I's love story for our little guys.
72. Make an album of our wedding day.
73. Have fresh flowers in our house at least once a month.
74. Buy a really great bottle of wine.
75. Make homemade sushi.
76. Record things I'm grateful for monthly.
77. Make someone believe in Christ through my actions.
78. Change my last name to Yaraschefski on everything.
79. Keep my eyebrows well groomed the entire time.
80. Write a poem.
81. Visit Joe Joe at college.
82. Take Evan out for a night on the town.
83. Make/decorate a ceramic project.
84. Figure out how to make Mama D's potatoes
85. Learn how to take a shot like a champ.
86. Be less selfish.
87. Stand up for myself.
88. Edge the landscaping in our front yard.
89. Regain contact with an old friend.
90. Buy a super sexy, way too expensive dress for something fabulous.
91. Buy a laptop for our house.
92. Take our neighbors cookies/cards to introduce ourselves.
93. Plan a special night with my mom.
94. Make a special gift for Kristy and Jason's wedding.
95. Buy the BEST gift for Kathryn and Ryan's wedding :)
96. Send Stephen/Laura a baby gift.
97. Be a better friend to my St. Mark girls.
98. Take Dave to a drive in.
99. Go on a trip with my St. Mark friends.
100. Learn about the mafia.
101. Find an old building in Indy and research its past.
Monday, April 12, 2010
19 Days
Blogging has been something I have wanted to do for a while now. It has been hanging there, in the corner of my mind, as one of those things that sounds like it would be fun, like something I would maybe like to do at some point, for lots of reasons. However, there are a lot of those things (like learning photography, finishing my scrapbooks, hanging pictures on the walls, etc.)
However, I have chosen the blog as my first step in making myself become a do-er and not so much a "talk about it but never do it-er". Hopefully the list above will start to get a little bit shorter as I progress.
Since June of 2009 - I have gone to Europe for two and a half weeks, gotten engaged, moved back home, bought a new car, started to plan a wedding, bought a house, continued to plan a wedding, moved into the house, visited Washington D.C. and Nebraska, planned a wedding some more, helped my fiancee through emergency surgery, and had 3 bridal showers and a bachelorette party. I exhaust myself with that list.
However, these past 10 months have been some of the best of my life, filled with all kinds of new journeys and challenges. And I have loved experiencing all of them with my future husband. It has made me so confident in several things.
1. That I am the luckiest woman I know, that I to get to marry my best friend, who also happens to be the most caring, funny and loving man in the world.
2. I have no doubt that we will be able to make it through anything that life may throw at us. We make a very good team.
3. I don't know what I want to do with my life. I have more than most people are ever blessed with having, but how to best use my talents in this life I have yet to figure out.
Now, I know the whole "who am I" question involves a lifelong learning process, but I want to challenge myself to not only live in and love the moment, but think more about where I want to go!
However, I have chosen the blog as my first step in making myself become a do-er and not so much a "talk about it but never do it-er". Hopefully the list above will start to get a little bit shorter as I progress.
Since June of 2009 - I have gone to Europe for two and a half weeks, gotten engaged, moved back home, bought a new car, started to plan a wedding, bought a house, continued to plan a wedding, moved into the house, visited Washington D.C. and Nebraska, planned a wedding some more, helped my fiancee through emergency surgery, and had 3 bridal showers and a bachelorette party. I exhaust myself with that list.
However, these past 10 months have been some of the best of my life, filled with all kinds of new journeys and challenges. And I have loved experiencing all of them with my future husband. It has made me so confident in several things.
1. That I am the luckiest woman I know, that I to get to marry my best friend, who also happens to be the most caring, funny and loving man in the world.
2. I have no doubt that we will be able to make it through anything that life may throw at us. We make a very good team.
3. I don't know what I want to do with my life. I have more than most people are ever blessed with having, but how to best use my talents in this life I have yet to figure out.
Now, I know the whole "who am I" question involves a lifelong learning process, but I want to challenge myself to not only live in and love the moment, but think more about where I want to go!
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