Remember to love....

How often do we, as people, go through the motions of everyday?  How often do we just complain about the not-so-important, or the things in life that just don't "go our way."?  I'm guilty.  Shoot.  I'm guilty of it as of a few hours ago.  We get so wrapped up in our everyday, and sometimes monotonous, lives that we forget about what really is important in life...living.  We need to remember to not just set the alarm, show up to work on time, and do the same thing we do every other day, but to really wake up, to do our job, and to do take in everything we do throughout the day.  How often to we listen to the breeze in the trees?  Or smell the flowers that sit outside our apartment building or house?  Or really feel the warmth a smile generates?  Better yet, how often do you say "How are you?" and really actually mean it?  We live in a world where are so concerned with so many facets of life that we forget to take in the simplistic ones or the ones we may take for granted.

I found out today that I basically don't have a Christmas because I work the entire day (11-7:30) and then open the following the day (5:30-1:45).  I'm sure you are probably having the same "wtf" face as I had when I saw the schedule, but alas, I made the best of it.  Yes, Christmas is a specific day; every year it falls on December 25.  We all know this.  I don't know about you, but Christmas for me is kind of a big deal.  It has nothing to do with the presents.  It has nothing to do with the amazing food.  It has everything to do with the people I spend it with.  I love my family, my second families, and my friends.  They mean the world to me.  Them being in my life is the greatest gift.  Christmas always been a day of memories, of waking up at 6am to open gifts, of eating Grandma's poppyseed roll first thing in the morning, playing games with cousins, spending time with those you only get to see maybe once a year, of enjoying the people you love's presence.  Throughout the years, my journey has taken me all over the country...and world, actually.  However, those that are still in my life are here for a reason, and we need to recognize that.  We need to remember that those people are there for a reason.  The essence of Christmas shouldn't be just one day a year, but everyday.  Looking at my past year, I've had a few Christmases.

Getting coffee with my second family in New York, or grabbing drinks, brings back amazing memories.  Luckily, I was able to do this a couple times this year.  These people made my time in NYC the best ever, and they have become forever friends.  I visited Michigan three times this summer for three different people's weddings.  Throughout each, I was re-acclimated with different portions of my life.  I felt honored to be a part of my cousin Victoria's wedding; she has been such a huge aspect of my life since childhood and has always remained a good friend.  I got to be with family for an entire weekend of debauchery and good times.  I came home for Emily's wedding.  I got to spend time with my first friends outside of Southeastern Detroit.  They helped shape me into the person I am today and taught me what it means to love and have make yourself a family.  I got to do a reading at Amy's wedding in late August.  Some friendships from high school will never fade; this is one of them.  It was an honor to read at her wedding.  Although we don't talk everyday, she will always be one of those people I have in my life that I know I can count on whenever for whatever.  Throughout all of these visits, new memories were formed, vacations were made, and pictures were taken.   They were my Christmas.  Why?  Because I got to be with those I love, get myself presents, and eat amazing food.  I just had my first LA Christmas yesterday with Lo, Matt, and Mattie.  We made a homemade taco feast complete with chicken tacos, queso dip, and guacamole, as well as gift exchanges and opening stockings.  It was the perfect Christmas away from home with my second family.

It's the simple things in life.  We need to remember to love.  To remember to take in the positive that life gives us, and learn from the negative.  To allow ourselves to be greater than we ever thought could be.  To dream big.  To make those dreams come true.  To try something new and allow it to come to fruition.  We need to say yes more.  We need to breathe...

I watched this movie this evening entitled "Listen to your Heart."  I recommend it wholeheartedly.  It was one of the most brilliant movies I've seen.  It's an independent film about a man falling in love with a woman who cannot hear, and losing the one you love.  It reminds you about what is important in life and what we all seem to take for granted all too often. Please watch.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed, but rather enlightened.  It's on netflix.

This Christmas/holiday season, remember to love.  Remember to appreciate those around you and let them know you love them.  Take everything in, from the sight of the snow on the ground to the sound of the breeze in the trees.  Use your senses to heighten your sense of life and your sense of living.


Merry Christmas to you.  Much Love.  Always.

The sun will come out...

SUNDAY DECEMBER 18, 2011

 

 Again, reading my book outside, looked up and a pivotal moment in the book and saw this.  I call it "God Light."  It's those rays of hope and beauty that just put you in awe and make you smile.  It's those moments that make you stop, breathe in, and really notice the world around you...we need to make more of a habit of that.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17, 2011

 Georgie.  She loves attention.  She's definitely the princess.  I love dogs/animals because of the various personalities and love they offer.  I've only been here a few days this time around, but I love it.  I know I'm not at a point in my life where I could have a dog, but I'm so thankful I can "borrow" others for the time being. :)

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2011

I was sitting outside reading an enlightening book, looked up, and saw this.  The way the sun is peeking around the trees kind of went with the theme of the book and made me smile.  The sun will always come out eventually, you just have to stay strong and keep living in the moment and pushing forward.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 2011

 I'm watching Crystal and Oliver's house/dogs again. Oscar clearly runs the house. ha.  The dogs love to get up on the roof, and it's hilarious.  They have a beautiful view.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2011

 

 Lo and My's task was to decorate the store for Christmas.  So, we bought garland and baby stockings, wrote everyone's names on them, and then hung them up.  The bows were also added for a little extra Christmas fun.  It's amazing how even the slightest change or Christmas decoration can really change the whole environment.  Love it.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 13, 2011

 I have presents under the tree!  Well, just for one night, at least.  I bought and wrapped all of my family's presents.  This is how great they looked...before I packed them into a box and shipped them off to MI ready to opened Christmas morning via skype. :)

MONDAY DECEMBER 12, 2011

 Sometimes, instead of grabbing for seconds or thirds, you might as well just grab the whole bowl and giant spoon and dig in.  How could you not when it's gnocchi and your mom's pasta sauce?!  Exactly.  That's when the chubby kid comes out...and I'm not even sorry about it.

Christmas is coming!

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2011

 After a day of shopping, Lo and I ended the evening with arts and crafts.  Here are all of the mini stockings with all of my co-workers' names on them.  To personalize our store a little more and bring in a little more of the holiday spirit, we decided to buy garland and these stockings to hang at work in front of the bar.  I'm excited to see how it'll end up looking.  (A picture, I'm sure, will follow.)

 SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2011

I was sitting on the futon watching a movie and glanced to my left.  This was what I saw.  How could this not make you smile and appreciate life.  Christmas brings with it so much beauty and pure happiness.  Love.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2011

I was walking into my apartment building and I noticed this flower bush.  It's clearly always been there, but I've never really noticed it/taken it in.  I think I need to open my eyes more to see what's around me.  I used to be so good at that; I need to get back to that place.  I think we should all try to be in that place.  Can you imagine how much we bypass and don't even give a second glance to everyday?  How many times have you passed the same thing and never really noticed it until way later.  It's time to open our eyes and take in the world.  The time is now, the moment is ours.  Carpe diem - Seize the day.

 THURSDAY DECEMBER 8, 2011

Disneyland with Steven and Terah!  Going to Disneyland with these people has become one of the things I look forward to most.  We don't get to hang out all of the time because of our schedules, so it's nice that we schedule time to hang out every month...at Disneyland.  (Thanks Terah!)  A good time is sure to be had, laughter is sure to be hearty and plenty, and an insane amount of pictures are sure to be taken.  Love them.  (This picture was us on the Matterhorn.)

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 7, 2011

I bought this picture of a painting from the Fairfax trading post a few weeks ago, but finally hung it on my wall.  I absolutely love everything about it.  I love the beauty that comes with the supposed "death" of the tree.  Is it death?  or is it a new life?  With death comes new life and a new beauty or new view of life?  I just the artistic and spiritual value symbolized within.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 6, 2011

We got stockings!!!  It's really feeling like Christmas, now!  Lo and I clearly have stockings, but we also got one for our honorary roomies, Mattie and Martin.

MONDAY DECEMBER 5, 2011

 Carrying over from Sunday night, this picture is taken at about 12:30am, Martin is making an apple pie.  Who ever said making apple pies at midnight was a bad idea?  It's the BEST idea.  If you haven't done it, I suggest this, too.  Kind of fun to be hanging out in the kitchen and baking...or watching your friends bake...at 1am.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2011

Peppermint Hot Chocolate night!  If you haven't done this yet this year, I suggest you do.  Grab some good friends, grab the hot cocoa mix, the almond milk (my favorite), and peppermint schnapps.  Throw on some Christmas tunes and you're good to go.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3, 2011

Lo and I decided to be even more festive and bought garland to hang on the wall with Christmas lights!  AND we hung it all by ourselves.  Teamwork and determination.  Pretty exciting.  It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

 FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2011

 It's funny how something (even something weird or stupid) you see can spark memories, whether good or bad.  I saw these pants while at the mall with Martin and instantly started audibly laughing hysterically.  Red pants.  The story behind it? Two years ago in NYC, Paula and I headed out of the bar from Marnie's birthday festivities to get to the subway.  While waiting for the train, some guy with BRIGHT RED leather pants walked on by.  We thought it was hilarious (we may or may not have consumed some...um...beverages) and talked about them and made jokes about them and thought they were the funniest things ever.  This then prompted a photo shoot by trying to be inconspicuous, as well as taking pictures of the ground and in front of the handicapped signs once on the train.  Not funny to anybody else, but these pants brought back a flood of memories and laughter.  Love it.  It's the simple things in life.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 1, 2011

This is a picture of all of us at El Compadre - one of my favorite restaurants.  This was taken the first night that my mom and Danielle were in town, but I keep looking at it because I'm so glad that they finally got to meet my second family, and my second family got to meet my family...all over margaritas.  The best.

Surprises

 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Lo and I and our Christmas tree!  Apt. 12 is getting festive and into the holiday season!  It's so nice to be living with your best friend and be able to create so many new and great memories in your life.  This has been such a great experience already, and it's only been one month!  I am so thankful.  Tis the season...Cheers to new roomies, a beautiful new apartment, and the beginning of a wonderful holiday season.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2011

 First thing in the morning - drinking coffee out of the new Tigger mug mom bought me when we were at Disneyland.  How can you not smile with that mug in front of you?!

MONDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2011

We're simplistic.  We find a tree and instantly need to take a photo shoot of fifty pictures.  I would like to tell you I was joking, but we would both know I'd be lying.  Finding fun and having adventures in the most unexpected of places? Perfect.  I think we all need to do that more.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2011

 THE BEACH!  This is something that, everyone who knows me, knows I am obsessed with.  My mom and Danielle are also obsessed with the beach.  It may or may not run in the family.  None the less, a trip to the beach was a definite must.  We obviously had a photo shoot, laid out and caught some rays, and ended the day with margaritas on the pier.  Beautiful.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2011

What better way to celebrate life than to spend a magical day at Disneyland?!  One of the things on my bucket list was to go to Disneyland with my mom and Danielle at the same time because I knew it'd be ridiculously fun and a day full of memories.  I was right.  The three of us had the best time ever...I don't think I'll check it off of my bucket list yet, though, because I want to do it again. :)

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2011

Danielle was coming to visit me...and my mom came with her and surprised me.  Clearly, it affected me.  Completely and utterly surprised, and the start to an awesome weekend.  This is when I first saw her at the airport.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2011

 Thanksgiving dinner at Uncle Mark's.  Uncle Mark took in his adopted nephews and niece, along with having his actual nephew, Matthew, over for Thanksgiving.  It was a fun/great tasting dinner with plenty of laughs, stories, and old and new memories.  This is what Thanksgiving is about - enjoying every little moment, and taking those moments in a day to really talk to and really listen to those around you.  It's a reminder of how we should be living everyday.  Spread the love.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2011

 Was flipping through a book at the store and this was one of the things I saw.  It's so true and something I strive to live by for sure, and totally believe in.

 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2011

 Family dinner night!  I made one of my favorite dishes - Baked chicken with cream of broccoli and stuffing.  Amazing!!  I made low a veggie burger wrap with caramelized onions and Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce.  All of it was amazing. (The company was obviously amazing, too.)

MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2011

Today is my mom's birthday!  This woman is the most brilliant woman I have ever had the opportunity to have in my life, and I am beyond thankful to call her my mom.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2011

 It rained all day.  I had the day off.  I watched the rain through the balcony window from the comforts of my apartment with the blinds wide open.  It was a perfect movie day.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2011

 How many times have you looked through your closet and said "Ugh!  I have no clothes! I have nothing to wear!"  Probably a few times.  I'm definitely guilty of this for sure.  However, here is an example of combining different clothes items - all older - to create a whole new look.  I'm not a fashion person, nor am I pretending to be, however I was kind of excited at the look that resulted from a sweater I threw on that I bought in high school (yes, high school), and how it blended with my newer style to create a casual, yet dressy ensemble.  Next time you get frustrated while looking through your closet, try blending something old with something new; you may surprised.  This is a good philosophy for a lot in life, actually...

The Underdog

Are you an underdog?  Underdog in the sense of maybe you’re not always the one that ends up on top right away, however with a bit of hard work, you end up surpassing that “top” spot?  Underdog is a word that has come up a few times the past few days whether through conversations with friends or by watching a movie or special features of a movie.  Why is it that people tend to root for the underdog?  Why is it that the underdog always seems to end up more successful, happier, and with even more than the front runner?  I’m not complaining, though…because I’m definitely in that underdog category, and I look forward to the journey I have in store for me…Maybe that’s what it is. 

The underdog is the one that consistently works hard, never giving up, to fulfill his or her dream.  However, because it takes him longer and he has more obstacles, he also has more life lessons.  Through it all, instead of just staying focused on an end goal in sight, he accepts the present, uses it to his advantage, learns from it all, and enjoys the journey along the way.  So many people are concerned with success in terms of monetary and materialistic gains, they forget about what they could gather while on the road.  People cheer for the underdogs because no matter how many times they get tricked, fall face first in the mud, or come to a dead end, they always find a way to continue in their path.  It’s an inspiring tale, an ageless tale, a courageous one, and a flawless one.  There are no flaws in pursuing your own destiny, but it takes a copious amount of courage to give up everything you may know to follow the search of you are/who you are meant to be. 

I think of all I have done on my journey of life thus far and it sometimes astounds me.  I, for one, cannot believe how much I have done in only 26 years of life, and then I think of all I still have left to do and all I have left to see…and the people I have yet to meet!  It’s not about the trophies.  It’s not about making millions of dollars a year.  It’s not about owning a mansion, or going to the Caribbean every year, or wearing a designer suit.  It’s about the friends you’ve made.  It’s about the life lessons you’ve learned, the sights you’ve seen, the moments you were a part of, and the memories made.  It’s about living…living every millisecond, of every minute, of every hour, of every day, of every year.  It’s about being who you are, flashing a smile, being generous, helping others, and being the positive energied soul that every human being has the capability of being.

People root for the underdog because the underdog sees these things.  Their success is being happy, and out of being successful in that way, everything else sort of falls into place.  Did you know that “The Lion King” was originally a project that no one wanted to be a part of?  It had all of the B-rate artists at Disney and was slighted because of the studio thinking “Pocahontas” was going to be a big hit.  Needless to say, this created a family within The Lion King group to prove that they had a special project.  They worked extra hard, were there for each other, and because of it – gained so much more AND created something truly special that they could be proud of.  Because of this collaborative effort and the bond that was formed from them being deemed as “less than,” their movie was ridiculously well received, broke box office records, and is still one of the best selling animated features of all time.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

A Big TV, what?!

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2011

Kind of an interesting choice for a picture of the day, right?  I thought so, too.  However, this picture has such a story behind it, which got me to thinking about how "a picture is worth a thousand words."  It's so true.  I was at my friend Lauren's this morning and as I was leaving her apartment complex, this television was in her lobby with a sign that said "Free" on it.  So, I attempted to move it.  In case you can't tell from the picture, it's ginormous and ridiculously heavy...and probably wouldn't fit in my Focus.  So, I called TJ and we began our adventure.  We headed to Lauren's in the Kia and then attempted to figure out how to get this thing outside of the building.  The building manager magically showed up and knew of a dolly for us to use.  We get it the 3 miles back to my apartment.  There's now not a third body to help, but only Teej and myself to carry this monstrosity out of the car, up the two stairs to the front door, up five more stairs to the terrace of the complex and then up the second floor up the building.  We were nervous.  Scared.  I was doubting my decisions in life.  TJ slapped those doubts away with thoughts like how the railroad people didn't quit when they made the railroad, the Egyptians didn't quit with the pyramids; we could move the TV upstairs.  He was right.  And we did.  We got it into the apartment.  Just the two of us.  This experience proved to me that sometimes, no matter what, you can find the energy and the will power if you really need it. :)  On that note, I am excited for our first movie night...which is hopefully soon. :)

P.S. I feel like such an adult with such a big TV...For the past 5 years, I've had a 19" TV.  I'm kind of excited. :)
P.P.S.  I like Free stuff. :)

Sushi and Smiles

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2011

 

Sometimes the best medicine is dinner with friends - because you never know what will happen, what will come up, or how excessive your laughter will be.  All you know, is that it will be a perfect evening and you will smile so much that your face hurts.  This was my evening, and I cannot wait until we do it again.  It was a reminder to take time to enjoy yourself and those around you.  :)

So good.

 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2011

Lo and I finally got the gas turned on in our apartment and were able to make our first dinner and eat together.  It was so awesome to be able to catch up and chill; we generally work opposite schedules.  The first meal involved Pinot Grigio and Vegetable Lasagna. mmmmmm... :)

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2011

One of my favorite combos to relax at the end of the day is a bowl of popcorn and a glass of wine.  This picture was sent to me from my mom...I have taught her well.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2011

I was at the mall today for the first time in a long time and got excited about them putting up the Santa stand.  Christmas is here...my favorite holiday. :)

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2011

I bought this card today and thought about how appropriate it was for where I'm at in my life and where so many of the other people are in their life.  Heck, sixteen of my really good friends are over the age of 90. :)

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2011

What is the best cure for a rough day?  A night out with some amazing friends for dinner and drinks.  Here we are at sushi and Zachy and Matt decide to do Saki bombs as Jonathan looks on.  It was a night of crazy talks, many laughs, and more memories to add to the mind.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2011

I got home and found the program for our show in my bag.  What a spectacular and special thing to be a part of.  I'm so excited for what the future brings for all of us.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2011

 

Marnie, Whit and I on the subway.  They are such a huge and special part of my life; it's hard to believe I've only known them for 2 1/2 years.  

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2011

I hold this group of people so dear to my heart.  These are the some of the people that help run "Tuesdays @ 4" and make it happen.  Janine, Martha, Whit, Marnie, and myself have been with it since the beginning, and Jamie and Candace have joined since.  This picture was from the day of the performance at NYU's Langone Medical Center.  This was our third performance in Manhattan.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2011

 

Some of my closest friends out at the bar.  It's funny because all of the friends are from different points in my life, but now they're all friends in NYC because of me.  I love it, and I love them.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Central Park in the Fall is one of my favorite things.  It's absolutely beautiful.  Since I don't really have a Fall anymore, I appreciate it a lot more.

 SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2011

The airport has become somewhat of a familiar ground for me.  It's funny because literally three years ago, I had only been on a plane twice before.  Once for an eighth grade trip to Washington DC and the second for a family trip to Hawaii.  I can't even begin to count how many times I've flown since then...2011 alone has had five trips; this New York one being the fifth.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2011

Lo finds hearts in everything.  Here are some spilled coffee grinds on the counter.  She, of course, found a heart, and in fact didn't want to clean it up because of it.  This is just one of the many reasons why I love having her as a friend - she finds the beauty and the art in everything..something I work toward everyday.

 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2011

 

Today is my one year anniversary in LA!  To celebrate, here is a picture of me and mom spending our first day on the West Coast.  We're on the Santa Monica Pier.  It's hard to believe how fast a year went by.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2011

I will never, ever get sick of the sunsets here.  This picture keeps staring me in the face every time I turn my computer on and I am slowly becoming obsessed with it. 

While the music is still playing, let's dance.

My "Tuesdays @ 4" group did a flashmob in NYC on October 25.  If you haven't checked it, or even if you have, I highly recommend it.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2011

 My bedroom is finally complete!  No more boxes!  I still need to get a few more things for the apartment, but that will come with time and money, of course.  I love it already.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2011

 One of my favorite times of the year since high school has been when the holiday cups come out at Starbucks.  The holiday cups make me so happy and really get me into the Christmas spirit.  Don't ask me why, but it's always worked that way.  I love them and it's something I look forward to every year.  It's the little things in life, I guess.

MONDAY OCTOBER 31, 2011

 I spent my Halloween in the epicenter of the Halloween carnival that West Hollywood throws.  aka. it was insanity.  We were open for 24 hours and our sales were completely doubled from a normal day's sales.  We were moving so fast; I was soooo exhausted after.  However, we had a really great time working together, we got to play fun music, and we got to dress up.  Hollie was a porcelain doll, Lo as Ke$ha, Matt as a garden gnome, and me as a cowboy.

 SUNDAY OCTOBER 30, 2011

 Best friends are hard to come by, but when you have them, you know you're lucky. :)

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, 2011

 The pier at Hermosa Beach.  Breathtaking and Beautiful.  It's unreal sometimes when I go back and look at the pictures I take to think that this is what nature can create.  Nothing is more beautiful than the a gorgeous sunset or sunrise.   It's crazy to me to think that if I had never moved out here, I would never have been a part of so many things - such as witnessing this sunset.

\FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2011

 After moving for literally the entire day, Lo and I are finally done moving into our apartment.  Boxes, bags, and newspapers everywhere.  A new and great beginning for both of us.

 THURSDAY OCTOBER 27, 2011

 Insane.  Me and my bare bedroom.  This was the beginning of a brand new chapter in my life a year ago, and after a year brings with it so many memories.  I didn't think I'd be as emotional as I was when I walked out of my bedroom for the last time.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26, 2011

 My old bedroom on Spaulding.  All of my belongings are packed up and ready to go.  It's crazy that 90% was in my Ford Focus when I drove it cross country last year...

TUESDAY OCTOBER 25, 2011

 MY NEW ROOM!  We signed the lease and have a brand new apartment!  So exciting!

MONDAY OCTOBER 24, 2011

 Lauren and her brother Adam were having a fun filled Fall day and stopped in to a. get pumpkin spice lattes and b. visit me.  It was such a wonderful surprise to see them.  Always love having beautiful and amazing friends come visit me at work. :)

 SUNDAY OCTOBER 23, 2011

Well, we found a place we were interested in, finally, and who was also interested in us.  We fell in love.  The apartment was big, spacious, open, had a lot of light, and was also in a terrific area; it was great.