December 13, 2011

Journey

I was in yoga class the other day and the teacher read a passage out of a book that stuck with me. It basically talked about the fact that many of us have an idea in our head that when we reach a certain goal or milestone in life we will be happier. For example, "when I pay off all my debt I'll be happy," "when I graduate from school," "when I'm engaged" etc.. we look to some future event in which we think life will be so much better. In doing that we miss out on today. All of us are on some sort of up hill climb. While on this climb instead of looking at how far we have to go we should look back once in awhile and be aware of how far we've come. Whether we realize it or not we have all come a long way and we should be proud of our growth, what we have accomplished and be thankful for the journey.

November 23, 2011

Turkey Day Tips

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No pressure of finding the right gift and the theme of the day is eat, drink and be lazy with people you love. Who couldn't get behind a holiday like that? I've learned a few things over the years that will help create an ideal thanksgiving holiday. A bunch of no brainers but a friendly reminder never hurt anyone..

wear comfy clothes. you can be a fashionista 364 days a year but thanksgiving is a day where comfort should take priority. loose and baggy people. no matter how good and fit you feel in the morning, if you do thanksgiving right by 6pm you will feel like a sloth. a food coma in skinny jeans is not a good feeling.

just accept the fact that football is going to be on tv. there is nothing you can do about it. no one wants to watch the parade or the lady gaga thanksgiving special :(

families..we love each other to death but we bicker..its all in good fun, really..if you want to keep it at a friendly level do not bring up politics or religon.

cocktail, water, cocktail, water, cocktail, water..h2O breaks help with digestion and mental capacity. :)

Thanksgiving is like a marathon. If you sprint hard out of the gate you'll never make it to the finish line. Pace yourself. If you fill up on appetizers you will miss out on a lot of yummy food.

make sure you get your hands on some left overs. Seriously, there is nothing better because no one feels like cooking the day after thanksgiving.

Enjoy the day! If your lucky you have the day off and people to share it with. Remember to be thankful for not only the blessings in your life but the misfortunes as well. They make us strong, shape us into the people we are and remind us of what is most important in life.

Gobble til you wobble!

November 22, 2011

Easy Apps

I am in charge of appetizers this year for Thanksgiving dinner. I have never been given such an important role and I am little stressed out because I have to work tuesday and wednesday night. This gives me limited time to prepare everything and get over there while also throwing in at least a three hour nap to ensure I make it through dinner. No fear. I have found my answer. 4 answers to be exact. delicious appetizers with quick easy prep and cook time that will be sure to impress...

Zippy Green Chile Dip

8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
1/2 cup salsa verde
1/4 cup of milk
4oz feta cheese
1/2 bunch cilantro, stemmed
3 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeno chie, seeded and coarsely chopped
salt
chips for serving

use a blender, combine the cream cheese, salsa verde, milk, feta, cilantro, garlic and half of the jalapeno, season with salt

scrape and dip into a serving bowl and top with remaining jalapeno. serve with chips


Corn Crisps
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups of frozen corn kernels (precook in microwave for 3min)
1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
canola or vegetable oil

in a large bowl, combine to flour, salt, baking powder, cumin, sugar and cayenne. In a a medium bowl whisk together the egg milk and butter. stir the wet ingredients into the dry until they are blended. fold in the corn and scallions

pour oil into a lark nonstick skillet (should come up to 1/4 height of pan) and heat it until the oil is simmering. for each crisp , drop a slightly rounded tablespoon of batter into the oil. flattening it slightly with the back of the spoon

fry them in batches over medium high heat until they are golden. about 2-3 minutes. turn them over and fry them until the other side is golden. about 2 minutes more. transfer the crisps to a paper towel line sheet pan, sprinkle them immediately with a bit of salt.


Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 (10oz) package of frozen chopped spinach
2 (13 3/4 oz) cans artichoke hearts
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/2 cup of sour cream
1 cup of freshly grated parmesan
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese

preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray

heat the spinach in microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor

combine all the ingredients except the jack cheese in a large bowl. stir well. scrape into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the jack cheese on top. bake for 30 minutes. serve with chips


Brie de Croute
1 sheet frozen puff pasty, pre packaged
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup walnuts
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 8oz wheel of Brie
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
crackers for serving

preheat oven to 375 F

defrost puff pastry for approximately 15-20 min and unfold

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. saute the walnuts in the butter until golden brown. approx 5 min. add the cinnamon and stir until walnuts are coated well. place walnut misture on top of the brie and sprikle the brown sugar over the mixture. lay the puff pastry out on a flat surface. place the brie in the center of the pastry. gather up the edges of the pastry, pressing around the brie and gather at the top. gently squeeze together the excess dough and tie together with piece of kitchen twine. brush the beaten egg over the top and side. place the brie on a cooking sheet and make for 20 min or until pastry golden brown. serve with crackers

Happy Turkey Day!

November 13, 2011

This Christmas..

I had a realization recently. As the holidays come up I usually think about all the loot I want to get everyone and what I might get in return. This year I came up with nothing. I really do not want or need anything in my life. I am so blessed and happy to be where I am at. I don't always take the time to think about how blessed I am ..in fact I take it for granted. I have a job, food on my table, clothes, a roof over my head, family, friends and a Molly girl that love me. What else could a girl ask for?


This year I challenge everyone to look outside yourself and your own family and see that their are a lot of people in need around you even in your own community. There are so many ways to help and it all really does help. Most churches have a giving tree where you can pick a name of an in need child you can by a toy for. You can adopt an in need family or donate to an organization that does. You can drop of non perishable foods at your nearest food drive or soup kitchen that help to provide holiday meals for families in need. I challenge everyone to do one thing for those in need this holiday season... big or small..it all helps more then we will ever know. and it will make you feel good too!







Mother Teresa once said "If you can't feed 100 then just feed one. It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that we put into them that matters."

Muse

Loving this new Katie Perry song..


this one has also been on repeat..so beautiful..

October 23, 2011

FALL

I'm not really a fall lover like most people. I'm allergic to apples so I dont like apple picking. We never carved pumpkins growing up so I've never felt the desire to go pumpkin picking either. I do not like cider or hiking to watch the leaves change and the crisp cool breeze is just a rude reminder that it is another 9 months before I can make my way down to the beach again.





However, the one thing that makes it all ok..the one thing that I DO love is Halloween! This year is going to be a little different in ways halloween has gone for me over the past few years. This year marks my official entrance into adulthood as I will not be wearing anything scandalous. Halloween used to be a day where my friends and I could dress like skanks and get away with it. Oh, those were the days. However, as fat starts to appear in places it hasnt before and gravity was introduced to me for the first time in my life I decided on a more conservative approach. At first I was a little bummed but I realized I can still have fun with this beloved holiday.





Soo, what am I going to be? The suspense must be killing you. Gina and I are going to be hipsters! wooo. What is a hipster you ask? I had no idea either, this was Gina's clever idea that I have come to be grateful for as it is a perfect transition into adulthood halloween. Just picture pretty much anyone that works in a New York City starbucks or hot topic. A hipster is a subculture of society that lives a bohemian lifestyle. They are your punk rocker, hippie types. I realize that only people who know me will know it is a costume since half of New York City is hipster but we're going to have fun with it.. stay tuned for pictures and Happy Trick or Treating :)

October 07, 2011

Ghosts

While we are not defined by our past, it definitely effects us. Who we are today is shaped by the experiences we have had thus far and how we have chosen to deal with them. We all have ghosts of our past that tend to haunt us once in awhile. I think a big part of life is learning how to keep those ghosts in check. Overpower them so they don't control us. I have found that if we suppress these ghosts we lose track of them and give them the freedom to pop up without warning. It is important to be aware of them. If we understand them we will be able to understand ourselves better. It is important to remember everyone has ghosts because everyone has problems, it is one of the things that unites us as humans. No choice in that, however, there is a choice in how we choose to deal with them.

September 24, 2011

Friend

I have noticed as the years go by that friendship changes in adulthood. As we grow up our job is to go to school and we are around our friends all the time. Often, we spend more time with our friends then our own family. Now that we are adults, have real jobs and are in the beginning stages of starting families of our own, friendships change. The relationships mature and I think the mark of a real friendship is when time passes and you are able to stay in touch in spite of not seeing each other as much as you would like and you are able to pick up where you left off. We may not have 'playdates' anymore, or be roomates and go to the bar every weekend but it is understood that we are undoubtedly bonded to each other. We know each other inside and out and will always be there when needed. We also have a kick ass time when we are able to get together and the time spent with each other is that much sweeter.

No relationship is effortless. Some easier then others but all in all both people need to want to make the relationship work. . I think this is why our friend list thins out as we get older. In our adult years we have finally figured out what we value in a friendship, who is worth fighting for and who we are better off without.

September 23, 2011

Happy Place

It's baackkkk! Based on the season premiere it promises to be better then ever. Every tuesday night I will be on my couch with a big goofy smile on my face fighting back happy tears that this show pulls out of me, while tuning out Frank saying "how can you watch this garbage?" I don't mind because nothing can ruin my happy place..

September 18, 2011

Just What the Doctor Ordered

I have been sick for a little over a week now (insert 'awww' here) It is absolutely no fun. However, somewhere in between hacking up a lung and feeling the highs of all the cold medicines I have been consuming I did some online shopping to raise my spirits. I think I would be much more financially stable had online shopping ceased to exist. But what kind of world would that be? Here is my favorite sick week purchase...suede taupe booties..


steve-madden-shoes-boots-lorrena.jpg


...just what the doctor ordered. :)

September 17, 2011

Heaven Is For Real

While I was away I read this book...

I literally cannot stop thinking about this book. It is a very short, easy read and it is truly an amazing story. As a person who believes in God and heaven but has normal doubts and questions, this book is a breath of fresh air. It reinvigorates one's faith and gives new hope to this life and what comes after. It is not obnxiously religous but a simple story about a little boy who died for three minutes in the OR and what he expierenced. His innocent and naive interpretation of what he saw and felt warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I know that sounds cheesy but read this book and you will know exactly what I am talking about. He also confirms what I already assumed..there are animals in heaven :)

September 11, 2011

Eurotrip

Frank and I have just returned from our first ever Eurotrip together. We spent 10 days exploring Italy and Greece, more specifically; Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Corfu and Athens. We traveled with a Contiki tour which is a coach company for 18-35 year olds. We met some amazing people and made memories that will last forever.

I learned a few things while traveling. It is a big world out there and it is fun to explore and learn the differences in culture. Here are a few tips if you ever travel through the above places..

1. Don't expect the pizza in Italy to be as good as New York pizza because it is not. The wine however is amazeballs.

2. With the above said always order the house red or white. It is cheaper then water and better then some of the more expensive bottles. Needless to say, to save money, we drank a lot of wine :)

3. No peace signs hand gestures in Italy. Apparently, it means you need a toilet.

4. Italians can have an entire conversation with just their hands. If you want to fit in and not look like a complete tourist, learn a few gestures.

5. The showers in Italy are 3 ft by 3ft. Ladies, stretch before your trip to ensure ability of shaving your legs.

6. In Greece, when crossing the street dont hold up your hand in the 'stop' position. Apparently it more or less means eff you and they will speed up in an attempt to hit you for insulting them. True story.

7. Gyros are not pronounced with a g sound but instead as it sounds when spelt 'euros' Apparently this is true in other parts of America as well. who knew? So, again if you dont want to look like an obvious American, you'll pronounce it the Greek way.

8. You can't flush toilet paper in Greece. Do you know who hard of a habit that is to break?

9. Greek salads dont have lettuce! this was a shocker.

10. In Europe your ATM pin can only be 4 digits.. mine is 7..furthermore, they are not as credit card friendly as America, imagine how much fun my first day in Europe was.

Here are a few of my fav pics from our 'holiday'...















August 23, 2011

Quake

Big day in New York today as we had an earthquake! If you can call it that. Yes, the ground did tremor, no damage, some felt it and some didn't. If you have to ask everyone if they felt the quake then my thought is that it probably wasn't a legit earthquake. Do you think the people in Japan were like 'hey, did you feel the earthquake?' They were probably more like 'hey can you get this cement block of my chest so I can breathe?'

The news ate this up. There was live, "breaking news" coverage for about 3 and half hours on eyewitness news. It went a little something like this.. there was a tremor in the area from a 5.9 earthquake out of Virginia. No injuries, No damage. No tsunami threat. Story over, right? wrong. This was probably the most repeitive series of news reports EVER. People had to go home because they were too traumatized. I get it, in NYC everyone is afraid of terrorism and I can imagine how scary the initial rumbling probably was for the people in buildings but a mental health day? come on. In the hospitals we don't get that luxury. Even if the world is ending we are not allowed to leave. They shut down airports for awhile, too. I'm no expert but I thought the air would be the safest place during an earthquake.

Everything aside it was my first earthquake, I can say I've experienced one. I've had enough now. I hope it was my last.

August 21, 2011

I Know

..I know when we are snuggled on the couch watching a movie
..I know when we hold hands as we fall asleep
..I know when I miss you everytime we are apart for even the shortest time
..I know when you make me walk on the inside of you when we are in the street
..I know when we find each other to be the funniest people in the world
..I know when I feel my absolute grossest and you tell me I'm beautiful
..I know when I look at you and I still think you are the most handsome man in the world

All these things let me know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am exactly with who I am supposed to be with. We are very lucky to have found each other in this crazy, beautiful world. All these things I know..

August 17, 2011

Girlfriends

I feel so blessed to have the friends in my life that I do. Friends come and go but if your lucky you will have a few for life. I have a solid group of girls that I know I can rely on for anything. I feel like I have known them my whole life. I always say I wish I had a sister but I forget that I do in each of them. Like sisters, sometimes we fight but it's comforting to know we will always talk things out, we always make up, learn and move on better people. We have truley grown together over the years. Real friends don't let anything come between them. Like family I also take them for granted at times. I'm making more of a conscious effort to never take them for granted and to remind myself how lucky I am to have them in my life, to live close to them and get to spend the time with them that I do. Afterall, there is no fun quite like the fun you have with your best girlfriends.

This is just a little shout out to my girls..I love you..I want you to know how blessed I feel to have you in my life..thank you for just being you..you know who you are ;)

August 15, 2011

Relationships

I dont talk to my father..for those of you who know me well this is not news..we had multiple falling outs and it came to a point that I decided it was healthier for me not to talk to him at all because everytime I would, it ended badly..I struggle every year on this day whether or not I will say happy birthday to him..in the past it has been something that I have done through text message or email with limited response.

This year I struggled even more and I realized it shouldn't be so hard. I've figured out which relationships in my life are worth fighting for and which are not...it is not worth fighting for something that has nothing to give..it is not worth stressing over someone who doesn't think twice about you. So this is the new approach I am taking..I used to care..I used to let it effect me..but from now on I will NOT stress over anyone who does think about, care or love me back..it is simply not worth it..it is simply a waste of time..

Instead I will focus all of my love and attention on those that matter..those that think about, care, and love me back and also those that need me most..it's not worth the time and effort to try and make things happen with those that dont want it..I'd rather look in other places where it matters and fill the void with love, friendship and giving...

August 01, 2011

Pinterest

there is a new website called pinterest.com It is so much. I have to thank Laura for introducing me..It's kind of like Oprah's dream board brought to a whole new level. You decide on your different themed boards, it can be anything you want and you can take your pins from other people's boards or anywhere on the internet. It is kind of hard to explain so maybe you should just take a look. I only have four boards so far but you'll get the idea :)

http://pinterest.com/lizzybif/

July 28, 2011

Miracle

Just another story that reminds everything can be taken away from us in an instant. No one is promised tomorrow. Live a life filled with love, positivity and no regrets. My heart breaks for this mans wife.. I can't begin to imagine the pain she must be in .. please, say a prayer for the Bobis family..say a prayer for a miracle.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/long_beach_surfer_missing_in_indonesia_0KWbngtAnLnOnJKuPqmPQK

July 21, 2011

Gut

We have lots of influences in our lives; family, friends, media etc. I think one of our problems as a generation is listening to those influences. Afterall, all of the above are human. They are not the end all say all and they don't know us like we do. Remember that they don't necessarily know what the heck they are talking about. All they can do is speak from their own experiences which may not be our own.

I think one of the hardest things in life to do is listen to our gut. We can't always hear it over the loudness of other influences. We don't always trust it. However, I can testify that the few times I've said 'screw it' and followed my gut, I have came out on top; whether it be in simple decisions, school, work or relationships. Listen to your gut, your inner voice; it has no alternative motives, no bias, simply your best interest and what will make you happy. A gut instinct gone wrong is only that which is tainted by your brain, if that makes any sense at all. Dont' think, just feel, trust. your. gut. It very rarely lets you down.

July 19, 2011

Equality

Recently New York state legalized gay marriage! What a milestone for our generation. It is very comforting to see society becoming accepting of all different people and enforcing equality. I was proud to be a New Yorker that day and even happier for the gay men and women I know.

At the hospital I work with a lot of very religous people. Some of them were not too happy with this decision as they said in the bible it says that men must be with women and that it is unnatural. I argued that the bible says not to judge and treat everyone equally and with respect. Gay couples are not hurting anyone by simply loving each other. They deal with the same issues that male/female couples deal with but without any of the benefits. Legalizing gay marriage also doesn't have anything to do with religion. They are not getting married in the churches but in the eyes of the law. Last time I checked there was still seperation of church and state. But if you ask me, I dont think God minds who we love, afterall, His message is love.

Maybe one day the church will catch up to the times as our government seems to be slowly doing. The bible was written centuries ago and a lot has changed in society since then. I think some of the strict teaching such as you are going to hell if you use birth control, if you're gay, if you have gotten a divorce drives people away. God loves all of us unconditionally and those things don't make us malicious or sinful, but a human being of our generation. I can go on and on about this so I'll stop. In conclusion, Yay for the gays! May we all continue to grow as a society of tolerance, acceptance, equality and love.

July 11, 2011

Harry

There is a new man in my life..or I guess I should say boy. I have to start out by saying that I have never been a fan of these books/movies because I have never given them a chance. Frank has been insistent on watching the series and because I am the best girlfriend around I agreed to sit through the first of the eight movies. Well, now we are on number 6. They are pretty damn good if you have even wondered. If it's true as it usually is that books are better then the movies, I can only imagine what they are like. I'm not a sci-fi freak in the least but I do love these movies.. much to my surprise. Love, love Harry Potter...


cutie head

July 05, 2011

Caylee


Unless you live under a rock you've heard by now that Casey Anthony was found 'not guilty' While I do believe she is in fact guilty there are few things to keep in mind. 1. The jury was not able to see any media coverage of the trial during the 31 days and we are definitely tainted by this. 2. There was no dna at the crime scene linking her or cause of death. 3. This is the country we live in and while we know she probably is guilty there simply wasnt enough evidence to exclude reasonable doubt. I am proud and privileged to live in a country where the judicial system versus popular opinion is superior.

Casey Anthony is not a free woman. She will never be able to put this behind her. She will never be able to have a normal life. Prison might have been a better option for her in comparison to what she probably faces from the public in the future. She will get hers. I believe in Karma. I felt all through this trial Caylee was lost. The trial became about so much more. This post is not just to restore a little bit of faith in the legal system but to remember what this is all about and that is justice for Caylee. She didn't get justice today officially but her story has been heard and she has people that think of and pray for her..Take a moment in your day today and say a prayer for her..that she is safe and happy with God.. also..as hard as it may be..I challenge you to pray for Casey and her family..afterall, don't the lost and sinful need our prayers the most?

June 23, 2011

Charm

I am very excited about my recent purchase from the Helen Ficalora Jewelry line..I love her charm necklaces..she has initials as seen here on Ms Ritchie..and she also has a line of charms..

I love how simple and dainty they are..


My purchase was this paw print..so cute..


June 19, 2011

A New Kind of Tradition

I think it is so important to take time to honor the people in our lives that we love. In this day and age where the traditional family is not always the majority, I think days like mother's day and father's day should become a symbol for a larger spectrum. Don't feel pressure to have what traditional society calls a mother and father; maybe you have two dads, two moms, a single mom, a single dad, aunts, uncles, friends..whatever it may be it does not mean you don't have someone to honor on these days.

God may not always give us what we want but He always gives us what we need. So, if days like today tug at your heart a little because you feel like you are lacking that traditional figure, take another look from a different perspective and I bet you have people in your life that have mothered or fathered you, loved you and have been there for you that make up for an absent parent. I've always said a family doesn't always necessarily mean blood and just because we call them grandpa, uncle, cousin, friend doesn't mean they can't fill a void in us that someone else should if we let them.

Happy Father's Day to all the men and women who have fathered me through the years..I love you all and am so blessed to have you in my life. :)

June 16, 2011

I'ts baaaackkk

could not be happier this show is back! dance is therapy..it tells stories, touches the heart, impacts the soul..it's rare we get such an epic piece so early on but here it is..thank you travis...


June 08, 2011

Indiana

not really sure why I haven't heard this song before but I feel robbed. I love it. Melissa's music is so powerful. So much soul, power, heartache and strength..I hope you love it too...

June 02, 2011

Strike

You know that kind of thunder that shakes the ground and sends a piercing sense of panic through your body? I used to hate that kind of thunder. We had quite a storm a few days ago and it got me thinking about a special memory I have of my mom and brother..

We had just moved into our apartment in Malverne, it was just me, my mom and my brother for the first time. There was a thunderstrom in the middle of the night that knocked out the power on the block. I was about 6 and my brother was 2 ..we were freaking out. I think my mom was a little nervous as well. I remember sitting on our kitchen floor with my moms arms wrapped around each of us, holding us tightly while she whispered words of reassurance. Reassurance that wasn't helping with the impending sence of doom we were experiencing. That's when she told us that we had no reason to be scared because thunder is actually angels bowling and the really loud ones are strikes and we should cheer for them. There we were sitting on a cold floor, lights out in the middle of the night yelling "strike!" at each crack..laughing and playing. A fear made fun.

It must have been hard to be a single mom in moments like those. I'm grateful to my mom for that night. I remember feeling safe in her arms. It is one of my favorite memories from my childhood. Still to this date when I hear an earth shaking crack I can't help but smile and I always think..strike!

May 29, 2011

For Good

I am a firm believer that everyone, good and bad, comes into our lives for a reason. We are meant to learn from our relationships and grow as people. Relationships undeniably change but that doesn't mean they were for nothing. They all change us...for good.

I feel like a broken record but I LOVE GLEE. This is my favorite song from Wicked. The lyrics sum up the above. This is an edited, shorter version of the song but you get the idea...enjoy..

Glee Music Video: For Good from alittlelamb on Vimeo.

May 25, 2011

Thank You...



Thank you...


...for being my best friend

...for hugs that make me feel safe

...for always knowing how to make me smile

...for loving all of me, flaws and all

...for your sincerity

...for your kind heart

...for being motivated

...for treating everyone with respect

...for being a hard worker

...for loving animals

...for going on adventures with me

...for your sweet kisses

...for being there for me always

...for doing anything you can to make me happy

...for asking me out 7 years ago

...for being trustworthy

...for never letting me down

...for showing me I can have a healthy relationship

...for being a positive male figure in my life

...for your unconditional love and support

...for being my soulmate

...for making me the happiest, luckiest girl in the world


I hope I can return to you all that you have done for me. I love you so much. Happy Birthday, Frank!

May 21, 2011

A Long Life

My momma is one of the best people I know. She is such a good person, saint-like really. She has such a good heart and always tries to do the right thing. I love to talk to her about things because she always gives me good advice, a good perspective.

We went out the other night for dinner and I was talking to her about getting married and how I stress about affording a nice wedding. I also told her how all my friends expect a big ring and I thought I did too but I'm not really sure if that matters to me She told me, "Liz, marriage is not about the ring or the party. If that's what you are focused on then you shouldn't be getting married. Marriage is about a long life together and if you love the person it shouldn't matter where you get married or how big your ring is. And remember it is a very long life." She went on further to explain where diamonds come from and it's true that people die and suffer to distribute diamonds. All that should matter is the love. That made me feel a lot better. She is right. I shouldn't stress about superficial things or care what others think. It doesn't matter.

She's always there to ground me, bring me back to reality and remind me what is important in life. People, not things. Love, not money. A long life together, not one day.

May 09, 2011

Laugh

In you case you wanted to laugh today...


May 06, 2011

Sydney



My heart has been heavy over the last few days as we lost a member of our family. Sydney was the kind of family member everyone wants. She was sweet, beautiful, always so happy to see you and loved her family unconditionally. She was happiest on your lap and had a special love for my mom. She was loyal and a bit sassy. She had a strut which told you she knew she was cute. But she wasn't always a girly girl. As my brother, Max and I can tell you from throwing toys back and forth she was a vicious competitor when she wanted to be. Molly will also tell you she wasn't one to messed be with, she let her know who was boss whenever Molly would try to steal her food.

It doesn't seem fair that these family members who often times bring us the most joy have such a short time here on earth. I think the truth is..it's all they need to make a life changing impact. Sydney really got sick four years ago. You wouldn't have known that up until the last few months. She was such a little trooper. She was there for us in ways we could never explain to someone who didn't experience it. I believe her time to go was a few months ago but she knew we weren't ready. Maybe it was selfish of us but she bounced back a little and we couldn't bear to lose her. She fought and finally she had no fight left. She knew we were ready, we told her it was ok to go and she did.

I couldn't have asked for a better companion growing up. I love her more then words could ever explain and my heart hurts to know I will never see her again in this life. Dogs are the most selfless, loving creatures on earth which is why I know all dogs go to heaven..we will see her again....I love you my sweet, sweet Sydney girl..we will miss you..until we meet again...




April 27, 2011

Friends

One of the hardest things to cope with I have found as I have gotten older is changes in relationships. We all go through periods of time where we are closer with certain people then others and then it changes. Consider how who your best friends are have changed over the years. Chances are you have different best friends now then you did in college then you did in high school then you did when you were a kid. We all think we will be friends forever when we are young and the truth is as we get older, people and priorities change..people simply drift apart.




Every relationship takes an effort from both sides. If one person is willing to make the effort and the other is not, that is the end of the relationship whether we like it or not. This is true with friends, family and romantic relationships. It's a two person effort, always. I believe each relationship we have in our lives is meant to teach us something, therefore, no relationship is ever a waste. Even when people hurt us, we benefit. We learn from each other. In every healthy relationship we laugh, we cry, we have fun, we fight, forgive and move on, sometimes together and sometimes not.




My mom broke it down for me the other night at dinner. She explains that we have three types of friends; A, B and C. We usually like our friends for different reasons, for what they bring to our lives that is unique to them. Some we always have a great time with, some friends are great to talk to, some we can live with, travel with, some give great advice, some tell us how it is etc.. Our 'A' friends are kind of the whole package. They are our best friends. The people we count on and have that unconditional bond with. Our 'B' friends are people that we have fun with, we grab dinner once and a while with, basically an A friend with out the unconditional, sisterly bond. A little more casual. Our 'C' friends are people we simply have a good time with here and there. They really aren't involoved in our lives in any other way. You will find that throughout your life some friends may drift through the different categories, being closer to you at certain points of your life then others... some are consistently 'A' friends. If you have even one 'A' friend you should consider yourself very lucky. Treasure them.


Remember to always make the effort with those you care about and tell people in your life how you feel about them. After all, life is too short and our relationships are what make it worthwhile.






April 17, 2011

Mad Money

I recently got my statement for my 403b account and it turns out I have a few bucks in there and the first thing that came to my mind is "I hope I live long enough to see this money." I work hard to put away money for my future and who knows if ill make it to 65..Morbid? Yea, but I've seen too many young people be taken much too soon to not have the thought cross my mind.



I think some people put way too much pressure on themselves to save save save. Ofcourse, it is important but it is also important to live NOW. There can be a happy balance. For example, when I first graduated I thought I had to put all my money towards my loans to pay them off as quickly as possible. I did put a good part of my salary towards it and barely made a dent. I have come to the realization that I'll probably be paying them off for the majority of my life and I'm ok with that. I'd rather pay the minimum balances to keep my credit and take the money that I keep to travel and do things that make me happy. I think it makes more sense to not stress about paying off your total bill balance all at once every single time, it's ok to have a little mad money to live your life the way you want. That's what it's all about. Yes, sometimes you end up paying a little more with interest but its a sacrifice I am willing to make sometimes. (I know a few narotic family members that are cringing at the thought) We work hard and should enjoy the benefits of our labor. Plan for your future but dont put all your eggs in one basket and have that be your only goal. Balance. No one is promised tomorrow so enjoy your life today. If you really want to do something and you have the means to make it happen, make the minimum payments that month and do it..your bills will still be there when you get back and the companies will still take your money. I promise. Life is too short. We can be responsible, plan and have fun all at the same time.

April 08, 2011

ICU Psychosis

When patients have been on our unit for a long period of time they can develop what we call "ICU psychosis." It is really just the hospital version of cabin fever. However, when you add that psychosis to an already pre-existing, diagnosis related confusion, it makes for one interesting night.


Her name was "Josephine." She was known on our unit for being a bit looney. Just when you thought you were on your last thread of patience, she would say something or do something and you couldn't help but laugh. I had her for two nights of her stay and that is really all I think I could handle... When she wasn't stuffing her dinner into her sock, yes, her sock, (a chicken, mashed potatoes and string bean dinner) "for later," she was stuffing obscene amounts of toilet paper into her gown "for later."


It was a little bit like the movie '50 First Dates,' every 2 minutes or so she would ask the same question again with no recollection of what the answer was the last 35 times.

J: "where am I?"

Me: "In the ICU"

J: "What?! are you playin? you ARE playin"

Me: "I am not playin"

....120 seconds later... "Where am I?"...



J: "(watching tv..) Oh my GOD!"

Me: "Whats wrong Josephine?"

J: "Donald Trump is the President?! How long have I been in here?!"

Me: "No he is not, he just says he might run for president"

J: "He's a damn fool."

Me: "I agree, do you know who the president is Josephine?"

J: "Sure, Regan!"

Me: "Try again, I'll give you a hint..he is our first black president..."

J: "Oh! Tiger Woods.."


J: "I have to go to the bathroom."

Me "Number 1 or number 2?"

J: "number 1"

Me: "You have a catheter in your bladder so you dont have to worry about number 1"

J: "I mean I have to go number 2."

Me: "Ok, I'll put you on the bed pan." ...pt on bed pan..

call bell goes off..

J: "I have to go the bathroom"

Me: " Jospehine you are on the bedpan and you have a foley so, please, go ahead."

J: "hahahah (in a deep ursula from the little mermaid type laugh.).okayy babyy"

..120 seconds later, repeat. 120 second after that the unit phone rings..

"I have to go to the bathroom"....


And then there was "Terri." She was convinced that she was in the middle of a game and we, the nurses, were actually people from her office playing parts. I was Jackie.


T: "Jackie! Jackie! put this rail down so I can get up.."

Me: "Sorry I can't. You have to many things attached to you and we dont want you to fall."

T: "Thats what I'm gonna say next time you ask me for a policy number! 'sorry I can't' and dont ask me to type for anymore either, bitch!"


T: "Jackie I dont, want to play this game anymore."

Me: "Terri, this isnt a game you are in the hospital."

T: "Ya and my blood pressure just went up to 3337 and I'm still here to tell you about it..I'm alive because it's a game. See! Thre goes Audrey's daughter into my laundry room! explain that.."


Then I have a little fun with it because at the end of the day you have to have fun or you will go insane..


Me: "Terri, who is winning? I think I'm winning.."

T: "I'm not sure. What level are you on?"

Me: "5, I think"

T: "Oh wow thats really good Jackie, you are from accounting so I'd expect that from you. Now get in here you were supposed to be here hours ago to give me my back massage.."


All I can say is there better be a very special place in heaven for me and my coworkers :)

April 04, 2011

Adele

So apparently I'm a little late to this party because this artist has been a favorite for awhile...have you heard Adele? I am currently OBSESSED. Her latest album "21" I just bought and literally listen from song number 1 - 12 without skipping. Every song is amazing. love love love her. If you are late to this party as I was, I urge you to give her a listen on itunes. Like I said I love all her songs but here are the ones that I've been listening to on repeat...




You're Welcome :)

March 31, 2011

dah dah dah dah

Pretty sure this is exactly what a conversation between me and Gina looks like after a night at the bar...



March 29, 2011

Eat. Pray. Love.

I watched 'Eat. Pray. Love.' last night and I loved it. It's a movie that really makes you think about your own life. I think that sometimes we tend to get stuck in what is comfortable and that cripples us to do things that we want or need. No one has this life figured out. We are all doing our best. I think the mistake we make sometimes is living in our own bubbles and forgetting that there is a whole world out there waiting to be discovered and explored and through doing that we might just learn something about ourselves that we never knew before. I think that is the gist of this movie.. I love it and here are a few quotes that stuck...

"So the holy truth of the whole adventure here in India, is in one line: "God dwells within you...as you." God's not interested in watching a performance of how a spiritual person looks and behaves. The quiet girl who glides silently through the place with a gentle, ethereal smile...who is that person? It's Ingrid Bergman in "The Bells of St. Mary's" – not me. God dwells within me...as me."

"We all want things to stay the same. Settle for living in misery because we're afraid of change, of things crumbling to ruins. Then I looked at around to this place, at the chaos it has endured - the way it has been adapted, burned, pillaged and found a way to build itself back up again. And I was reassured, maybe my life hasn't been so chaotic, it's just the world that is, and the real trap is getting attached to any of it. Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation."

"You're going to have to learn to select your thoughts the same way you select your clothes every day. Now that's a power that you can cultivate. You want to come here and you want to control your life so bad work on the mind, and I don't think you should be trying to control a thing because if you can't master your thoughts you are in trouble forever."

“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life."

“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.”

“There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I’m going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts.”

"If you're brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you."

All quotes from Author Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat. Pray. Love.

March 28, 2011

On Second Thought...

Okay, so I know I said I was going to do the thirty day challenge..but in all honesty ..it got boring and a little repetitive. I guess the beauty of having your own blog is that you can make the rules as you go :)..so Im going back to writing about whatever is on my mind that day..

This week was dedicated to my hair..I got it cut, colored and straightened...whew. I feel like a new woman. When I was at the salon I noticed that everyone had these things in their hair. I liked em..what are they you ask? Rooster Feathers! They are little extensions that you put in that add a little something extra..I opted to not get them that day since I was getting the straightening but I've been obsessing since then and I want them..I want them bad...here they are...


February 27, 2011

Day 10

Day 10 - a picture of you and the person you do the most f***** up things with..

We all have that friend that we can be totally crazy with. Usually they are slightly crazier then us so we feel safe and free to just let go. Just as you have that friend you may be that person for someone else in your life. Well, that friend for me is Miss Laura Faith. I cannot count the number of things that we have done that I could really only do with her. I met Laura freshman year of highschool and we have been besties ever since. She is out of her freakin mind but I love her oh so much. There is really nothing I can do or tell her (besides the occasional medical story) that freaks her out. We were the girls who peed on Lindsay Lohans house, created the infamous cheerleading scavenger hunt, devised maps and strategies to sneak out of school to go to events at the colliseum. We have been known to fireball and break out into spontaneous dance parties in public, inappropriate places and on more then on occasion make fools of ourselves. But we had fun every minute of it. I love you LT!


February 23, 2011

Day 9

Day 9 - a picture of the person who has gotten you through the most...

I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life who is always in my corner. He is there to listen, he is there to calm and he even knocks some sense into me every once in awhile. He is always there for me and has gotten me through a lot over the past seven years...thank you babes for being my best friend and for never letting me down..I trust you with all my heart and I love you so much.

February 19, 2011

Day 8

Day 8- a picture that always makes you laugh...

my moms attempt at an excited jump in front of the eiffel..haha so funny! gets me every time..love you momma...

February 18, 2011

Day 7

Day 7: A picture of your most treasured item...

My most treasured item has to be my picture collection. One of my favorite things to do is take pictures..it is so much fun to be able to look back at all the great memories.. here are just a few of my more recent favs..