365 Days of Thanks..Day 37

Day 37: I am thankful for the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Every Christmas, I think back on that first Christmas in Bethlehem when our Lord and Savior was born.  I imagine what it was like and the sounds of the angels singing and those who came from afar to see the newborn King.  It is probably far beyond anything I could ever imagine, but knowing I have life after death because God sent His son is the most amazing gift I could receive. 

Thank you Lord for your love!!

Dreams...

I have been doing a lot of thinking about dreams lately.  Not only the dreams we have while we are asleep but those we strive for in life.  We are given this life, this one and only life to make it amazing and to try and make a difference in the world. 

My dreams have been wonky lately.  Yes, I did just use the word wonky.  I love that word.  When the weather is nice, I take my bike out on the trails around here.  So one morening when I woke up, I was not surprised I had a dream about biking on the trails.  I was taking my bike out.  I usually go about 8-10 miles each trip.  Towards the middle of my ride, the clouds started to close in.  I started to bike home as fast as I could.  As I continued, lighting started to strike.  I made it home but was barely missed by the lightning.  When I woke up the next morning, I looked up the significance of lightning in dreams.  It stated that changes would be coming and happiness on the way.  I took that as a good sign but still waiting for some of those changes. 

I had another dream where I was in a swimsuit going down a blue waterslide that was about a mile long.  Along the way, a kid would put obstacles in my path and I had to stop and move them.  I moved them and then continued on my way.  I woke up before I got to the end of the slide so I don't know how long it actually was.  I was curious about what this meant so I went to my friends on facebook.  My friend posted this: "It means that it feels like you're in an unstable period filled with change (and growth!) and that you feel like it's long and never-ending (which is why it's a mile long). But you choose to see it positively and make the most of it, since you see it as a water slide and not a rapid river that's hurting or drowning you." I found this explanation very helpful and makes me feel better about the dream.  I also found out that Water tends to be about purification, change, renewal and new life. Perhaps this is a good dream and the future will continue to be optimistic. 


With these dreams, it has made me think about my own dreams in life.  It makes me realize what I want in life.  In life, more and more I realize I want a family.  I am looking forward to one day saying vows to my future husband and starting our lives together.  With that life, I hope to bring some amazing children along with it.  As far as my career, I don't know where it is headed at the moment.  It is scary and exciting all at the same time.  I am a planner and it is hard not knowing what the future holds.  Ask anyone who knows me, I struggle with this.  I am optimistic that something will come through and things will be better.  Until then, I am working on another dream: my novel.  I have always dreamed to see my name in print on a book.  I have been in newspapers, poetry books and other blogs on the web but to see my name on a novel, it would be amazing.  It is a possiblity that I hope will come true one day.

Until these dreams come true, I will continue to dream.  It keeps me going and the fact that I can is amazing to me.  I don't know what the future holds but I hope that my dreams come true and how they are meant to.  I just have to remember to go forward with love. 

365 Days of Thanks...Day 36

Day 36: I am thankful for the sunshine. 

Back home during the winter, days can be pretty dreary.  We wouldn't see the sun for days except when it was illuminating the sky above the dark clouds.  Here in Colorado, the sun shines almost everyday, even when there is snow on the ground.  The snow doesn't stick around like it does back home but it is beautiful when it snows and the sun shines off of it. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!

 

I always love this time of year.  Ever since I was a little girl, I loved this time of year.  Christmas Eve was spent at home with mom, dad and the brother.  We would play out in the snow all day, usually pelting each other with it.  Mom would call us in for dinner.  Beef stroganoff.  I love it.  I try to recreate it but I am horrible at it.  Then one of the parents would take my brother and I somewhere.  Just one, the other stayed at home.  When we got back, "Santa" mysteriously came.  We would then get to tear into those presents while eating the Christmas cookies we made the day after Thanksgiving.  After the present opening was done, we would change and head to the candlelight service at church.  We would head home and sleep till the next morning. 

The next day we were greeted with Pillsbury orange rolls with icing.  Orange juice usually came in too.  After that, we would load up the car/truck/jeep with the presents for the rest of the family and head to Burlington, to my grandparents house.  I come from a very small family and usually everyone would be there, including sometimes a couple dogs.  We would all gather, hang around for awhile.  I usually found the veggie tray and put a black olive on each finger.  My aunt (at the time) got me to love them.  I still do to this day.  My fingers are a bit bigger now so it doesn't work as well.  The family would then gather in the living room.  There wasn't a big tree, just a small one on the table.  My grandfather would always wear his Christmas vest that would light up and a tie as well.  My brother and I would usually be Santa handing out presents.  We were the only kids in the family, so it was fun.  Dinner was served at the big table.  Since we were a small family, there was no separate table for the kids.  After dinner, the table would be cleared while Trivial Pursuit was being brought out.  The adults would play the game with their drinks while my brother and I did what we could.  I sometimes would sit down at the piano and play.  After awhile, we would pack up the car and head home.  My brother and I usually fell asleep but always woke up as we turned down our street. 

I miss those Christmases as a kid but as I am getting older, new traditions are starting.  Since I met my love, we spend Christmas Eve together after I go to church. We have a dinner of stuffed shells, with a bottle of wine usually from my mother.  After dinner, we would exchange gifts.  This year, I have found something I am hoping he truly loves.  The next day, we pick up his boys and head to his folks for Christmas Day.  It is nice to be included in their family celebration but it makes me miss my own family.  My family is getting smaller and smaller and it is hard to be away from them. 

I look forward to having my own family one day and starting some traditions with them.  It may have been a hard year this year, but I am still loving this time of year.  Nothing can ruin my Christmas spirit. 

It is a great time of year to share some love!! <3

365 Days of Thanks..Day 35

Day 35..I am thankful for running into old friends.

I popped by the liquor store earlier today to pick up a bottle of wine and ran into an old coworker. It was one I enjoyed working with and I was happy to see her!!   I love running into people I haven't seen in awhile!

365 Days of Thanks...Day 34

Day 34: I am thankful for the warriors in my life.

Some may call them angels, some may call them blessings but they are my warriors.  They help to keep going and fight for what is right. I am thankful for all of them and that I have them in my life!

Onward with Love

For the past few weeks, my computer has been on the fritz.  Finally, Saturday night, we wiped it clean and reinstalled everything.  Thankfully, everything is working alright and I can finally blog again!  I have miss writing longer blogs and expressing myself through it all. 

With that said, I am looking forward.  The past few months have been hard and I am working on being stronger everyday.  I have been seeking for new opportunities and working on keeping up the optimism. 

I know my road has been tough lately, but I also remember that I am not the only one going through this.  Thousands of others are in the same situation as I am, some of them are even worse.  Some may have families to support them, friends by their side or support of others.  Some are not that lucky.  I consider myself one of the lucky ones, or blessed ones.  I am truly blessed by all the people surrounding me in my life.  Without them, I would not be able to get through any of this. They have been a support through it all and understand that I made the right decisions. 

I know that I will find an amazing position when God puts it in front of me.  I truly believe he guides my life and will guide me to where I need to be.  All I know, is wherever I end up next,  I will make a difference and it will be an amazing journey.  I was placed in Colorado for a reason, and whether I know it already or not, I am meant to be here.

With that, I am looking forward with optimism and love.  I was finally able to forgive those who did me wrong and put that in the past.  There is no sense in looking back on negativity and an unpleasant time when the future seems so bright. 

Onward with love! Onward with optimism! Onward!

365 Days of Thanks...Day 33

Day 33: I am thankful I didn't have to buy a new computer!

My computer has been crashing on me for the past month.  I ran every virus scan known to man and finally had to DBAN it!  Thankfully, I backed up everything and it feels like a new computer.  :)  I am thankful that I have it back and didn't have to spend money on a new laptop!! 

365 Days of thanks..Day 32

Day 32: I am thankful for a good breakfast.

My baby always makes me a wonderful breakfast on Sunday morning. It is a nice way to start the day, especially when it is football season!

365 Days of thanks...Day 31

Day 31: I am thankful for my grandfather.

He is one of the greatest generation and my hero. He is 91 years young and one of the strongest men I know. I am proud to be his granddaughter!!

365 days of thanks...day 30

Day 30: I am thankful for our veterans.

I am thankful for the men and women who have served our country and keeping us free. There are two men who are my ultimate heroes-my grandfathers. They served during World War II and I am proud to be there granddaughter!!

365 Days of Thanks..Day 29

Day 29: I am thankful for the right to vote.

Many women came before me and fought for the right to vote. Many never were able to have the chance. I do not take that right for granted and vote every chance I can because of those who fought so hard for it!

365 Days of Thanks..day 28

Day 28: I am thankful for an extra hour of sleep.

Every little bit helps!

365 Days of Thanks..day 27

Day 27: I am thankful for all those who love me.

I have such a great circle of support around me who are there for me no matter what. They are here in Colorado and spread all over the country. I am thankful for each and every one of them and I don't know what I would do without them!!

365 Days of thanks...Day 26

Day 26: I am thankful for a rainy fall day.

There is just something about a cool day with a nice rain. I always love rain but when I can curl up on the couch under a blanket with a cup of tea that makes everything okay!

365 days of thanks...Day 25

Day 25: I am thankful for the right to vote.

I sent in my ballot today for President and other offices. It is a right that was fought for by many women who were never able to see the ballot. I am proud to vote and proud of the women who fought for it!! I honor them by sending in my vote!!

365 days of thanks..Day 24

Day 24: I am thankful for my loves two sons.

They are pretty awesome and I love seeing them and hanging out with them. It always makes me smile!!!

365 Days of Thanks..Day 23

Day 23: I am thankful for the song I am woman!

I went for a run earlier today and I am woman came on my ipod. It motivated me somehow and I was able to run a little bit further and know that the future is going to be okay.

365 Days of Thanks..Day 22

Day 22: I am thankful for the love in this world.

I was having kind of a down day. I don't know why, but I was. I went on a couple errands and in both places there were people there who made me smile and laugh. It is the little things that make remember everything is going to be okay and the ladies I met today helped me remember that.

All you need is love!

365 Days of Thanks..Day 21

Day 21: I am thankful for Cheeto.

Cheeto is my loves cat. He is an Orange tabby and very quirky. He talks when no one wants to listen but massaged your back when you need it. He is a good kitty!

365 Days of Thanks...Day 20

Day 20: I am thankful for a Packers win!!

My team looked like they should last night!! They played like the Packers of old!! I can not wait till next week!!

365 Days of Thanks...Day 18 & 19

The Blogger dashboard on my computer hasn't been working so I wasn't able to update on my computer. So once again, I am updating from my phone.

Day 18: I am thankful for my cheesehead friends.

I hung out with a friend Thursday night who is also from Wisconsin. We didn't meet in Wisconsin, but found each other here in Colorado. I am so happy we are friends and she has become one of the best!!

Day 19: I am thankful for the smiley people on the trail.

I took my bike out on this chilly Saturday morning on the local trail. As I passed walkers, runners and other bikers, we all greeted each other with a smile and a good morning. It was a great way to start the day!!

365 days of thanks..day 17

Day 17: I am thankful for shorter hair.

My hair was getting a little long so I trimmed it today. It feels good having it a bit shorter.

(Sorry for the abbreviated post, I am posted from my phone)

365 Days of Thanks...Day 16

Day 16: I am thankful for my mother.

My mom and I have had some differences in our lives when I was younger but as I have gotten older, we have become the closest of friends.  She is the first person I call with good news, bad news or even if I just need someone to talk to.  She has been there for me through all the ups and downs and I hope she knows how much I love her.  She is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without her.  When I have a daughter one day, I hope that I can be a fabulous and supporting mother just like her!!

Day 15: I am thankful for gluten free foods.
Day 14: I am thankful to be alive.
Day 13: I am thankful for cooler weather.
Day 12: I am thankful for this video!
Day 11: I am thankful for the first snowfall of the year.
Day 10: I am thankful for friends, old and new!
Day 9: I am thankful for a glass of wine.
Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.
Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of Thanks..Day 15

Day 15: I am thankful for gluten free foods.

Be diagnosed gluten-intolerant back in March put me in a dilemma when I could not eat some of my favorite foods such as bread, muffins and pizza.  But thankfully, manufacturers are creating better gluten free foods.  As I type this, my first batch of gluten free stuffed shells are cooking in the oven.  I am excited that I have been able to find alternatives!!

Day 14: I am thankful to be alive.
Day 13: I am thankful for cooler weather.
Day 12: I am thankful for this video!
Day 11: I am thankful for the first snowfall of the year.
Day 10: I am thankful for friends, old and new!
Day 9: I am thankful for a glass of wine.
Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.
Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of Thanks...Day 14

Day 14: I am thankful to be alive.

With everything that has been going on, I remind myself that I am just happy to be living on God's great earth! I need to remember this day by day and that I am always cared for. 

Day 13: I am thankful for cooler weather.
Day 12: I am thankful for this video!
Day 11: I am thankful for the first snowfall of the year.
Day 10: I am thankful for friends, old and new!
Day 9: I am thankful for a glass of wine.
Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.
Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of Thanks...Day 13

Day 13: I am thankful for cooler weather.

Fall has come to Colorado and I am thankful that it is no longer a sauna.  It means more cuddling, more sweaters and cups of hot tea!  I would probably get tired of it if it was all year long, but I will treasure it while it is here!

Day 12: I am thankful for this video!
Day 11: I am thankful for the first snowfall of the year.
Day 10: I am thankful for friends, old and new!
Day 9: I am thankful for a glass of wine.
Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.
Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of thanks..Day 12

Day 12: I am thankful for this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rCrG6TzG-nw

Our men and women in uniform have to have fun sometimes too!  Thanks for your service!

Day 11: I am thankful for the first snowfall of the year.
Day 10: I am thankful for friends, old and new!
Day 9: I am thankful for a glass of wine.
Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.
Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of thanks..Day 11

Day 11: I am thankful for the first snowfall of the year.

I woke up this morning to a small snowfall.  I love snow and even though it is gone now, it was a nice treat.  I am looking forward to the winter and future adventures in the snow!

Day 10: I am thankful for friends, old and new!
Day 9: I am thankful for a glass of wine.
Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.
Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

First snowfall!

I woke up this morning to a little bit of snow on the ground.  It was enough to cover the grass.  Many people were complaining about it but I find it refreshing.  The change in seasons can happen abruptly and then go back to the other in Colorado.

The first snowfall always reminds me of the snow when I was a kid.  I grew up in the great state of Wisconsin.  The summers are hot, the fall is beautiful and the winters are harsh.  But no matter how much snow there was, my brother and I managed to have a blast. 

There were many mornings waiting for the bus in our snowsuits with nothing more than our eyes showing.  By the time we got to school, we had snotsciles.  The lockers up and down the hallway would be cover in snowpants, winter coats and scarfs dripping of snow.  We would be sitting in class looking out on the parking lot where plows made huge piles of snow from the snow covering the lot.  When the bell rang for recess, all the students would rush to their lockers to put on those snowpants and other winter garments.  Running out to the snow mounds, as fast as you could run snowboots and snowpants, the fun began!

My brother and I had similar fun at home too.  The mounds were smaller but we still built forts to have snowball fights in the front yard.  We dug tunnels and archways to get through the snow. A small hill in our backyard provided for the shortest sledding ever.  Thankfully, we had an amazing neighbor across the street who let us sled in her backyard. She had a big hill that lasted for more than a five second ride. She watched over my brother and me like we were family.  The greatest accomplishment my brother has done in the front yard was a pyramid that was taller then him.  He is 6'5" so it was a tall pyramid!  We put tiki torches in each of the corners.  It was interesting to watch it melt and be the only piece of snow left in the front yard come spring. 

Since living in Colorado, I have not seen as much snow as there was when I was a kid.  There have been some big snows, but nothing like when I was a kid.  One of my favorite snow memories of Colorado was New Years 2010-2011.  It was my second New Years with my love and our first as a couple.  I love to stay home and watch the ball drop, so thankfully he did too.  At some point during the night, we put on our swimsuits, snowboots, winter hats and robes and headed out to the hot tub.  It was a beautiful snow that made his hair freeze.  We were joined but others in the tub as well and we celebrated with champagne. 

The first snowfall always brings back these memories and I think of the memories that will be made in the future.  I adore the fall but also love the snow when it comes around. 

365 Days of Thanks..Day 10

Day 10: I am thankful for friends, old and new!

There have been people that have come in and out of my life for various reasons and at various times.  The ones that are still in my life, I am so thankful for.  I was able to have lunch with two of them today and I as soon as I saw them, I smiled.  It made me realize just how happy I am to have those people in my life who support me no matter what.  Life is better with friends! :)

Day 9: I am thankful for a glass of wine.
Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.
Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of Thanks...Day 9

Day 9: I am thankful for a glass of wine.

Do I need to say anymore???

Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.
Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

October Love!

Is it really October already??  Where has this year gone?  I still can't believe Halloween is in 29 days away.  But this is my favorite month of the year (the second is my birth month-February). 

The leaves turn these stunning shades of yellow and maroon that could never be matched in any artificial way.  Add in that glorious smell and the perfect way the sun shines through those leaves and I am in heaven.  I make sure that I spend just a little part of everyday outside. 

I was in downtown Denver today for a reason I will share in the future.  This gorgeousness that I love out here in the suburbs was replicated downtown.  Walking past the Denver Public Library, Civic Center Park and the Capital makes me smile.  So many people discount the beauty of the built environment but there is something about it. 

Things are starting to rumble on the job front and things are starting to come through.  I get more and more optimistic everyday.  I am thrilled that everyday I can be further and further away from the negativity of the past.  I am looking forward to the future and what it may hold. 

October always makes me feel so much better.  Each leaf that falls tells me how much love is out there in the world!  :)

365 Days of Thanks...Day 8

Day 8: I am thankful for Downtown Denver.

I was downtown today by Civic Center Park, and it reminded me just how beautiful this city is!  I love the mountains, but there is some beauty in the built environment. 

Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.
Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of Thanks...Day 7

Day 7: I am thankful for Gilmore Girls.

This show hasn't been on the air for years, but having all seven seasons on DVD is helpful!  While I am searching for my next meaningful job in life, I have been going through all the seasons.  I forget how much I love this show until I start watchign it again!

Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!
Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of thanks...Day 6

Day 6: I am thankful for NFL Football!

I love that every Sunday during the fall, my love and I sit on the couch watching every possible game! While I bleed Green and Gold (GO PACK GO), he is a Broncos fan.  Growing up watching football and seeing people in church in Packers jerseys put a love the game in my heart!

Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall.
Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 days of thanks...Day 5

Day 5: I am thankful for the smell of fall. 

There is a certain smell that fall has and I absolutely adore it!  While I was riding my bike this morning, the smell was amazing.  Combine it with the sun shining through the gold and red leaves and I am in heaven!

Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.
Day 3: I am thankful for my love.
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of Thanks...Day 4

Day 4: I am thankful for Starbucks coffee.

I have a change of scenery today and I am sitting in a Starbucks working on various things.  I love their coffee!  Sitting here sipping a cup of dark roast is pure bliss for me.  I am also a people watcher and this is the perfect spot.  The founder of Starbucks also went to my undergrad!  I think that is pretty cool! :) 

P.S. My thanks each day are random and are in no particular order. :) (someone asked me that the other day)

Day 3: I am thankful for my love. 
Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of Thanks... Day 3

Day 3: I am thankful for my love. 

Almost three years ago, I met this man who has changed my life.  He has become my rock and someone who I don't know what I would do without him in my life.  I wake up next to him in the morning and I am so thankful he is mine.  I love him more each day.  We have our differences but we work through it.  We are partners on this journey we call life and I could ask for a better partner. 

Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

Who You Are

Tonight, I went to my Krav center to take a crossfit class.  I take both crossfit and Krav Maga classes.  In tonights class, I had to do 100 pull ups, 100 situps, 100 push ups and 100 squats.  I am going to be sore in the morning.  It pushes me to stay in shape and really is a nice motivator being with oher people. 

But on the way back from the class, I was listening to Jessie J.  If you don't know who she is, look her up.  There is a song at the end of the cd called Who You Are. The lyrics spoke to me tonight.  The chorus of the song says:

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars!
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,
It's okay not to be okay.
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart.
Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,
Just be true to who you are!

 

After hearing these lyrics, I realized I had lost sight of who I am in my last job.  I was trying to fit in when I should have been who I was and stood out.  I laughed at jokes that were not okay, I took part in conversations that were not appropriate (or okay to me) and I socialized with people that I disagreed with on the basic human level. I asked for forgiveness a lot in those three years.  I lost sight of who I was. Being away from that and having the time to rediscover who I am is the greatest gift I can give myself. 

 

I am a strong, smart, creative, christian woman.  I was raised by amazing parents who as I got older, I realized just how much they sacrificed to do everything they could for my brother and me.  I am blessed to have them as my parents and I wouldn't trade them for the world.  I have this awesome older brother who even though we have had our issues as kids, we have grown into a relationship I can count on.  These three people have had a major influence in my life and I don't know what I would do without them. 

 

I have made a promise to myself to never let myself lose sight of me.  I know who I am and have worked hard to get to be this person.  There are so many people out there that love and care about me for who I am, not the one that is try to fit in.  Where ever I end up next in my career, they will except me for the awesome person I am and not ask me to compromise that. 

 

I am still a firm believer in love in all things.  "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love"

365 Days of Thanks...Day 2

Day 2: I am thankful for my furry friend, Audrey.
Audrey and I have been together for six years now.  She has lived with me in four different states, curled up with me when it is cold and has given me a companion through all the good and bad times.  She is a little sweetheart with a crazy side!





Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.

365 Days of Thanks....

I have decided to start a new project.  On top of some normal blogs, everyday I am going to add in something I am thankful for.  It is my way of looking on the optimistic spots in life and when I am having a bad day, I can look back at all the things in my life I am thankful for. 

Day 1: I am thankful for the chilly fall day.
   Fall officially started on Saturday and today is the first day that feels like it.  It is my favorite time of year.  To celebrate, I am making some yummy southwestern white chicken chili with some white wine for my sweetie.  I think it is the perfect way to bring in fall.

Prayers for Strength...

This past weekend, I did my first ever bike race.  I biked around the city of Denver and realized just how beautiful my new home is.  The 22.5 mile journey through the city got me really excited for the next step in my life. 

The search for a new job is proving to be tougher than I thought it would be.  I have been turned down for jobs that I thought I would be perfect for, and having trouble getting interviews for others.  I refuse to downplay my education either.  I worked hard for my Masters and I don't want to deny I have it. 

I have been asked why don't you find a job in another state?  I have found my home here in Colorado.  I have found a love that I don't want to lose and he is here.  For the first time since I was 18, a place is home. 

I know that everything will be alright, I just feel tested sometimes.  I am a firm believer that God does not put you through anything you can not handle.  I have been put through a lot but I know I have been given the strength to get through it.  I know that the next job I get will be one that I meant to have for awhile. 

I keep praying that God will put the right opportunity in front of me when it is meant to.  I am just hoping it comes soon....

Love is strength....

Certain People....

I am a firm believer that people come in and out of your life when you  need them. They are there for you when you need them for good reasons or bad ones.  They take steps in your journey to help with your next steps.

The best people in life stick with you through it all.  I have a friend who I have known since high school.  Over the past few years, we have both been through so much (her more than me) but we have kept in touch and every time we see each other it is a wonderful reunion.  It is nice to know that no matter what we go through in our lives, we will be there for each other.  I am looking forward to one day when I get married, she will be standing by my side as my maid of honor.

Then there are those people who came into my life who I know I will never see again, and I am okay with that.  There were in my life for a short time or perhaps years, but I am happy to let them go.  I don't wish them harm by any means, I never could.  I am not that type of person, but I am just happy they are out of my life. 

My favorite people in my life is my family.  Throughout my life, no matter what was happening, they were there.  We have had our ups and downs but they have always been there.  I realize over the years and all the places I have lived, I can always count on them to be there.

The best relationship you can have is with yourself.  If you don't know yourself, how can you give your heart or your friendship to anyone?  I have changed a lot since I was a teenager, but I have learned so much over the years.  I am happy in the ways I have changed.  I am the only person who will be the only one with me throughout the whole journey. 

It is exciting journey I am on and I am happy for those who come and go on that journey.  I am happy I have a man who I adore to share it with, friends who laugh with me and a family who sticks me with it all. 

Love guides us all. 

The sound of crunching leaves

One of the perks of being unemployed is being able to spend more time working out and spending time outdoors.  I took a 10 mile bike ride through the greenbelt today and the weather was perfect.  I could feel fall coming through the trees as the sun shone perfectly on the path in front of me.  The leaves were slowly falling in perfect time with each pedal of my bike.  It was calming and reassuring at the same time. 

As I continued to ride, I felt the crunch of leaves underneath the tires. The wind picked up in some spots, but I pushed through.  Towards the end of the ride, I came across three men standing on one of the bridges.  They were older and looked like they had so many stories.  One had a walker and was mentally handicapped. The other two were hunched over the railing watching fish as they swam by.  I said a good afternoon to them, and all three of them said hello back at the same time.  The one with the walker had the biggest smile on his face and waved.   I asked how they were and they said they were thrilled to be outside and saying hi to everyone.  I wished them a great day and continued on my way.  This interaction, although short and sweet, made my entire day.  I may never see these men again but they made an impact. 

Fall is always a time of renewal for me.  Many people see Spring as that renewal but Fall has that calming effect on me.  I can curl up in a sweater with a hot cup of tea and a good book.  It is the perfect evening for me.  I am hoping this Fall will be the ultimate renewal for me.

As I have said before, it is all about the love.  May Fall renew love in the world!!

I wish...

A lot of changes have been happening over the past few months and I was advised to start a blog.  A friend of mine asked me, "if you could do anything, what would you do?".  I immediatly said "a writer".  I love to read and research.  I would be thrilled to spend my life in the stacks of the library and traveling to do my research.  This is my start...

Through everything that has happened, I have seen the truly horrible side of people and the most wonderful side of others.  I have left a toxic environment and I am searching for a more optimistic one.  I have left people behind me who no longer have purpose in my journey.  But through all of this, I wish the best.

I wish the best for the world as a whole. I would love to see a world without hate or violence, but that will never happen.  I wish for a community where a simple hello and a smile will change someones day.  I wish the best for those who I love but I pray for those who I don't. 

I wish for more love in the world.  Anyone who knows me understands that I am all about the love.  I don't like to dislike someone unless I am pushed to it. The list is very short, but there is a small list of people I wish to never speak to again.  But the list of those I care about in my life is so much longer. 

So these wishes, whether small or large, make me a part of who I am.  A small wish can make the world go round, as long as love is behind it.  I am thankful for my family and the support that they give me.  I am thankful for my love who is my rock and a constant support through all the hard times.  I am thankful for friends who I have known for years or those I have just met.  Without all these people, I wouldn't be the person I am. 

Thank you for listening to my musings.  I hope to write daily, but I am not going to promise.  Thoughts may come to me and I might have a lot to share. 

I always remember....sometimes, all you need is love!