Recap and Resolutions

Here we are, saying goodbye to 2010 and welcoming 2011! For some reason, I lock up and start crying when I embark on a new birthday, but when the world blows out its candles I can't stop smiling. I like the feeling of knowing we're all in this together. Come rain or shine, 2011 is on its way! I'm not so sure why I'm excited to wave 2010 goodbye because it simply has been the best year of my life (yet).

Recapping 2010, I would need another year to write it all down. For now, this is what the past 365 days brought my way:

I said "I love you" and truly meant it. It really is the best feeling knowing whatever is inside your heart, it was worth the wait.

I visited my friend Bee and came across manners only alive in Charleston.

I had 10 wonderful years with Rodeo. I opened my arms to a hopeful 10 more with Oriole.

I had to say goodbye to my best friend E. I didn't think you could meet someone so kind, hilarious, patient, outgoing and dedicated all wrapped in one. I miss her daily but now realize what true friendship is. 

I packed up my life into a Uhaul, drove 1,700 miles and arrived in Charm City all because of one guy. I am so lucky our paths met and I would do it over again in a heartbeat.

I found M and Mona! (Actually my mum did, but we met, clicked, and now live in a cute, comfy and cupcake free apartment. This is a big step for me)!

I ended one role as an Admin Assistant and began one career as a Volunteer Coordinator. To say you like your job is one thing, to wake up loving your job is another!

I was reunited with my long lost friends T and Whit. T came over from Turkey, Whit snuck over from Seattle. Even after so many years of being apart, both are a part of my life and I couldn't be more thankful! Bring on the next adventure, I'm coming your way!

I turned 25 and ran a 1/2 marathon. Both are turning points I never thought would happen, but I'm so glad they did!

And 3 that I can't go without mentioning - I found a stylist I love and trust. I was able to visit both parents. Without a doubt, I have the most amazing Mum and Pops and it's because of them I was able to make it this far from home. I became a Godmother! It was such an honor to be asked and such a blessing to know what's ahead!

I have more than a few resolutions for the year ahead. I want to continue the energy from 2010, but spice up the flavor. Some include:

- Read more books with Whit.
- Really watch what I eat. The one exception is as much ice cream as I want in the summer.
- Learn how to kayak with Mike and paddle our way across the seas.
- Visit E, Bee, Whit, T and hopefully Amana.
- Get a dog.
- Take on more Craigslist and painting projects.
- Challenge myself at work to seek out more opportunities and engage more with those on board.
- Wrap my arms around my mum every 4 months (if not more). Show my Pops my new stomping grounds!

 Moving from 2010 year-long quote, "I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart," I'd like to announce my Twenty Eleven mantra - "You are everything that is - your thoughts, your life, your dreams come true. You are everything you choose to be. You are as unlimited as the universe."
- Shad Helmstetter

Save the cork, sip the bubbly! Wishing you a very splendid and safe New Years!

Are you having a holly, jolly Christmas?

The temperatures are shrinking under 30, ice melt is in high demand and nativity scenes are setting out baby Jesus. What is it about this time of year that brings me back to remembering why I love Christmas and why I dread the expectations (ones I've created of course) behind Christmas. I simply love December 25th because of the music, the bows, the lights, more lights and my family. It's been a few years since I've been able to stroll on over to my mom's house and bask in the glory of mom-made everything. Given this special day, I have made it home and am currently typing away from her kitchen table, while nibbling on pomegranate seeds and lil smokeys. It doesn't get much better than this.

But why do I dread this time of year? - Money and Grinches galore. People hustle and bustle spending wads of green, clog up cashier lines and forget to take the time to smell the roses, so maybe not roses but definitely the poinsettias. I'm not sure we'll ever get back into the real meaning of Christmas, I myself have always associated it to anything green, red and wrapped, but as I get older and begin the 12 days of Christmas countdown, I find myself wanting for things to be simplified. (Like I said I can be a Grinch.)

Whatever it is that's going to get me through tomorrow and years to come is something I need to address quickly. I can't stand the lines, I can't stand the thought of going in debt and I certainly don't like the taste of cheap peppermint bark. I might come empty handed when gifts are hidden under the tree, but in my current, less than happy bank account, and personal beliefs, I want this time of year to be about driving and scoping out the lights, sipping on cranberry martinis, bundling up in fleece blankets and being with the ones most dear to my heart. Following the Grinch, I've realized one thing - "It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags." Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas..." He thought "...means a little bit more."

Pup-A-Rino

Happy Friday!

So this week has taken its sweet time reaching today, and I'm only hopeful this weekend doesn't follow the same pattern and next week will arrive before I know it. I'm headed home and this marks a place in my heart I can't wait to fill! I haven't seen my family and friends in many moons, aka months, and I just can't wait to hug them all. Now onto the post...

I've been seriously contemplating the idea of getting a dog for a year, but within the last month I have found myself researching nothing but Golden Retrievers and how to welcome home your new best friend. I set a date on my calendar for "Anytime Spring Time" to pick up my very own pup! This left the option up in the air if I wanted it to be late-February through early May. Well it looks like my calendar needs an update ASAP :) While hanging out with Mike last night, we spent some quality time looking at rescue shelters and their most URGENT Dogs. It broke our hearts and filled our minds. Now while he stayed up the whole night on a detective mission, I went to bed dreaming of who I can bring home.

The time has come - I'm welcoming 2011 with a pup-a-rino! So it might not be a puppy, and I'm not even sure who "it" is right now, but all I can say is while I'm basking in my home-sweet-home vacation and enjoying time with my family and friends, I will also be taking some time to find my perfect match.
I really hope it's her, Abby > She has quite the past and definitely deserves a new start and a new home.

 If you can spare some room in your home and heart, you should check out your local animal rescues.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Back on.

I never thought about the possibility of writing for someone else other than myself. I started writing in a diary upon entering the fourth grade. Ever since my fluffed-up, pink-polka-dot journal of secrets filled up, I resorted to buying every notebook, journal and diary in sight. What is it about paper and writing that drew me in? I've always had a loud and somewhat squeaky voice, but I never pitched it high enough for most to hear. Writing was that outlet - as it is for most with a similar problem. So the other day I got to thinking, "What is it about Three Bracelets that others might enjoy? What is it that I enjoy?"

We all are witnesses to life on some level, it's what we put in and take out that varies. I am a person who leans on inspiration to get me through most ups and downs. I need creativity, independence, support, love, motivation, challenges and achievements to grow. (I think most of us do.) It's the whole glass half-full system that perks me up, along with my morning coffee. I realized the reason I write here for myself and for you is because I need to know at some point in my day, my glass was half-full. This in return spins the inspiration wheel for tomorrow's surprises.

I knew something was missing from my life, and I wanted to start blaming it on the winter time blues getting me down, but then my left wrist slapped me in the face (not really) and asked, "What's missing?" You wouldn't believe it ... my three bracelets! I quickly rushed to my bracelet box and uncovered three tarnished bracelets. Perhaps this was a slight symbolism for my mood lately - tarnished. They, along with I, needed a good shining. Guess who is back in full-swing ready to take the world by storm, fill up my glass and continue writing? This girl!

We're Back On