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!
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