Monday, February 25, 2013

Wanted: Vacation

As I mentioned in my most recent Friday Fav, life lately has been a little rough. Through this patch, I can't stop dreaming about a vacation. Like a real, stress left behind, work turned off, bust out my sandals, and let's hit the beach type of vacation. Mike and I have never really been on a vacation ... just us. We've traveled so he could meet my family. We've traveled back and forth while we were doing the long-distance thing. We've gone on some of the best day trips. But we have never whisked away to the seas, kicked our feet back, got our tan on, or sipped some fancy daiquiris.

Right now, more than anything, I wish we were here:
Whitehaven Beach, Australia.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Friday, February 22, 2013

Friday Fav - The Right Place at The Right Time

Happy Friday, Friends! This week has flown by and been a great one. I love today's Friday Fav and the lesson I've learned from it, what I hope I can do with it, and how it needs to be a reminder for us all.

Today's Friday Fav is all about being at The Right Place at The Right Time.

This phrase has been a constant reminder for me over this last year and through 2 very big life happenings that have taken place.

At this time last year, Mike's family was told the hardest news you can hear - your mom has been diagnosed with ALS (a progressive neurodegenerative disease). Hearing words like these, no matter the disease, is heartbreaking. Your life is quickly taking a turn and the direction everyone is headed in is unknown. 

At this time last year, I was talking to my family about this recent diagnosis and our hearts were all torn. I remember talking to my dad about life, situations with which were dealt (many times the unknown), and how you really have to just keep swimming. I remember him texting me constantly checking in with how things were going. I remember him asking me what he could do to help her out. I remember him saying, "We will never know what tomorrow may bring, but having people who you can lean on is how you keep going."

Five months ago, I found out my dad was no longer here. I remember who I heard it from, how I responded, where I fell, how I got home, the flight back home, and the moment I had the chance to see him and say goodbye. I remember the one person who showed up right after I got the call. I remember who I was following home because I needed the time in my car for myself. I remember who hugged me all night as I sobbed, attempted to pack, didn't sleep, and had to figure out how I would get back home. I remember who bought me coffee, a bagel and plenty of magazines at the airport, who held my hand the entire 5 hour flight home, and who was with me every step of the way as we made my dad's final arrangements. I remember Mike and how he was there and has been every step of the way. 

As Mike goes through his own journey with his mom and family, I want to remind him that I'll be that person who he can lean on. I want to be that person who will teach him how to keep swimming. Not knowing what tomorrow may bring, I want to be with him every step of the way. 

Through 1 year and 2 significant life happenings, I can't help but remind myself that our paths crossing has been the best gift. From everything we've gone through, we seem to have fallen into each others lives at the right place and at the right time. 

So wherever you are in your own life, who is next to you, and who might need you to be next to them, remember life is never certain and while the unknown can be inviting, it can also be really rough. You might just be that person who is at the right place at the right time. 
                    

Have a great weekend and lean on! 






Monday, February 18, 2013

President's Day

With the day off, I have some pretty exciting President's Day plans! You know things like grocery shopping, skimming the aisles of HomeGoods (favorite store) for some new pillows, and a few mounds of laundry (exciting, right?). There's no better way to nod my head to higher taxes than taking care of some must-do chores!

One thing I love most about living in the East is the fact that a lot of our country's history unfolded in my backyard. Growing up, my American history lessons revolved around "exploring" The Oregon Trail, memorizing Native American tribes and languages, and defending Utah as the beautiful Beehive State, not just a state for Mormons. Since being in Maryland, I've spent many weekends exploring D.C., walking the cobblestones of Annapolis, and just recently seeing the battlegrounds of Gettysburg.

Some things, such as these pictures, are better in person, but if you're closer to the footsteps of Lewis & Clark or still panning away for gold in California, enjoy!

Happy President's Day! 









Friday, February 15, 2013

Friday Fav - A Whole Lot of Love

Happy Friday! There's something about a holiday thrown into the week that makes my smile a little bigger. It also helps that this holiday is coated in chocolate and spent celebrating my favorite Valentine, Mike. Being that his birthday is on Valentine's Day, we tend to celebrate things a little differently, but we still say a lot of I love you's. Those are a must.

This week while wrapping up Mike's birthday gift and topping his cake off with his sprinkles, I couldn't help but think about life, love ... and happiness. A lot of this thinking also came while browsing the Quotes category of Pinterest.

(Warning, this could be a cheesy post.)

Friday Fav - A Whole Lot of Love


I talk a lot about my life on here and what's gone this year without my dad. One thing that I skip over while immediately heading for Sad Town is what I do have going for me, rather than what I don't. Today you're in for a treat, because I've got a whole lot of love.

I have the most amazing family. I know we're all biased, but I really think God handed me the best one. I love going through my baby albums, awkward teenage photos, and various moves across the country realizing how supportive they have been through every part of my life. The best gift I received is to have been given my family.

I have a guy who keeps my heart and belly happy. He knows how to make me laugh, keep my blood boiling, surprise me with a clean house, and above all he takes care of me. He's the kind of guy you dream about finding. He's the guy you love to love.

I have friends who get me where I need to go. I've got amigas across the world (serious on this) who while scattered really far feel like they're only next door. You know you've found a gem of a friend when they send you a Bieber Valentine, take pictures of golden retrievers they see and send you your daily fix, call you for a 3-minute chat and end up with a $15 long-distance bill, and are the ones who show up for days when you need them the most.

And last but not least, I have a life that I truly do love. When I think of everywhere I've been, the things I've done, the classes I've taken, the projects I've signed up for, the people I've met, the heartbreaks I've felt, the adventures I've gone on, and all of the unexpected happenings that have crept in between, I am still smiling.

With a world spinning out-of-control around me, I realize the most important thing that I have control over is my life. And with that, I'm so glad it's surrounded by love ... and whole lot of it!
                                                                             Source: modernhepburn.tumblr.com via Brittanie on Pinterest

Friday, February 1, 2013

Friday Fav - GO RAVENS

Happy Friday!!! As everyone gets ready to throw back some brewskies, stuff their bellies with wings, and countdown to Sunday, just know my little west coast heart has found love in something very, very unexpected, an East Coast Football Team. I couldn't tell you a play or the rules of football, but I can tell you that this Super Bowl I'll be cheering for my favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens!


Friday Fav - GO RAVENS!

These past few weeks have been on-the-edge-of-your-seat type excitement! From showing the Broncos whose boss to sending Tom Brady home in tears, I've been so happy to live in a city where Purple Pride is everywhere (minus the purple camo pants). So from Baltimore's best to wherever you'll be watching the game, let's GO RAVENS!

My first Ravens game

My Ravens crush, Dennis Pitta


P.S. I can't believe I really wrote a post about football.