Tis the Season to be Jolly

Time off of work, Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, and decorating the tree. All things to make one happy, but sometimes I can't help but feel sad. Traditions have changed, relatives are missed, and not everyone can be together on the same day.

What Christmas "used to be".....
My mother always had box after box filled with decorations and I remember always looking forward to putting my favorite ornament on the tree, etc. There was Christmas music blaring in the background and glasses of eggnog scattered around.
The setting of the celebration took place in a home belonging to a relative and EVERYONE would be there. It seemed like the happiest time for all. We would attend midnight mass at Gethsemane Lutheran in Cicero and for some amount of years we would have rows of pews filled with family members.
After church is when Santa came to my house. (Someone would always leave church early or not attend and how I didn't catch on to that is beyond me)! We didn't grow up with a lot of money, but my family always managed to purchase the gifts on my list. I remember wanting the Barbie dream house and thinking I probably would not get it because it was expensive. Well once I saw the size of the gift, I knew that my odds were pretty good. After opening the gift with an incredible amount of excitement, the whole neighborhood probably heard me scream. It was as if I won the lottery! These are my memories of Christmas past.

What Christmas is "now"......
People move out of homes, even out of state, get married, have children, and begin having their own traditions. I try to keep things the same as much I can. As for the decorating, my husband and I have our own tradition. We put up the decorations the Sunday after Thanksgiving and like my mother's tradition we keep Christmas music playing all day.
I still see some of my aunts, uncles, and cousins even though the number of people there has drastically changed. But sometimes I can see/feel that the atmosphere and mood has changed. People are disappointed that some couldn't make it and others like my Grandma are greatly missed.
As for midnight mass, sad to say no one attends anymore including myself. My husband and I attend a Catholic church on Christmas Day. But it's not the same without family, this is what I miss the most, and this is the true meaning of Christmas.
Now I don't want to sound like a downer. Christmas is still my favorite holiday. This year, my husband and I had a great time hosting Christmas with our immediate family, but one year I would like to extend the invitation to all.
Traditions change, but I have my memories that will last a lifetime. I wonder what Christmas future will bring?

Joie de Vivre

One thing that has been on my list of things to do for quite some time now is to watch all of the Sex and the City episodes. Mission accomplished! I never watched the show because I thought it was about exactly what it sounds like. But what I learned is that it's a show based on a strong bond of friendships. The hurt and disappointments that arise from men and how a solid group of girlfriends can get you through anything.

I recently received some "old school" boxes that I had still at my mom's house. I was so eager to read the old letters from friends in high school and middle school. First I noticed how times have really changed. I laughed because one letter from an ex boyfriend said, " I'm sorry, please page me later." Pagers!? We were so cool! :) Another letter, from a grade school friend, stated how excited she was because she purchased some really cool stuff from Woolworth over the weekend. I completely forgot that place existed (along with Service Merchandise!) But through this old box of memories, I was sad to see how I lost touch with some that were close to me, happy to see some go that were not true friends, and even happier to see how I remained friends with some, and how I've built new friendships.

Friends got me through times that I thought were tough. Oh the high school years....the unnecessary drama! Crushes, girl drama, boyfriends, more drama, etc. I'm sure you were one who drew hearts in so many letters with your name and the boy you wanted or had and thought you were going to marry. I look back and have no idea why I put myself through the stress! I should've just waited until I was older and dated MEN!! But you live and learn....
As long as it took for the boys to grow up and become men, that is how long it took for me to establish the friendships I have now that are going to last a lifetime.

I've had great, crazy, and emotional times with my "besties" as they call it now. A real friend is someone who you can be yourself around. Someone who doesn't compete with you and is genuinely happy for you. Someone who listens, asks questions, and wants to know about you. Don't you despise when you are sitting there just listening to that one person who loves the spotlight?! Or what about those that say hurtful things out of jealousy or only to make themselves feel better about what their possibly lacking? Back to good things.....newbies have been added and I'm thankful to see how much our friendship is growing (Lynn, Joanna...aka "Fazio", Betty, and Nicole G!). Love ya girls!

You know that saying if you wrote a book about your life will someone want to read it? I think if you have lived it up to the fullest then your answer would be yes. And I have my friends and of course others to thank for the best times that I think could be in my book. Just to name a few........
(Had to be there moments to fully appreciate it).

-South Beach-meeting Tommy Hilfiger on the stairs of the Delano hotel. We had no idea who he was. My friend told Tommy- you are just some old man trying to pick up young girls. He laughed and we hung out with him, his models, Pauly Shore, and Fred Durst during that trip.
- Vegas-all three of the trips! We rarely slept and met Pauly Shore again!
- Nicole throwing up in a champagne bin at our table after she met the man of her dreams!!
- Ann and I had no idea how to get back from Chicago back in the early days of "clubbing" and we ended up in Indiana.
-Valet crashing Ann's new Mustang. We ended up leaving the police car to take pictures in Cabrini Green. (Charlie's Angels poses, of course)!
- "The Nightriders"-top secret, can't say more about that one!
- A friend who will remain nameless lost her stick on boobies (that we called jelly patties) on the dance floor and we then proceeded to slap them against anything they stuck on. Including the car window!
- Missing the Chicago fireworks in July (pretty much above our head) because we were drinking for about 13 hrs. straight.

-And many more........

These are some of the crazy times I remember and I would not change! Like Sex and the City, I have my group of girls I've created lifelong memories with. Not only were we out having fun with one another, we were always there for each other. I feel blessed. Conversations with a girlfriend reminds me of writing-it's very therapeutic.

Yes it took me a while to grow up, but I had fun sooo much fun! I can look back without regret because I have boxes filled with memories and now I'm creating a whole new one. Life is changing. People are more mature, have gotten married, and have had babies. I'm thankful for that because it's a whole new, exciting chapter. I'm in a good place right now (married, more responsible, and enjoying low key events with friends) and the timing is just right!

I look forward to the many more good times we are going to share together!

And the Survey Says......

One can be inspired by another in a big or small way. Sometimes you just need to hear words of wisdom to get you motivated to do something.

Girlfriends/loved ones can guide you to new beginnings if you have good people in your life. I love to help others and hopefully sometimes my words/advice can make a change (big or small).

I got inspired to fill out this survey after reading it on my friend’s page. Thanks Betty!

1)What is your idea of perfect happiness? Laughter, hugs, and a hot bath/shower. I feel like the water washes away a rough day.
2) What is your greatest fear? Most bugs, especially spiders/centipedes. It takes me a while to get back to being normal after seeing one.
3) Which living person do you most admire? My mother. She has conquered battles and is the hardest working woman I’ve ever met.
4) What is the trait you most deplore in others? Materialistic b.s. Sometimes I just want to say well I think mine is cuter and it was much cheaper! :)
5) What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I hate how I have OCD with certain things. I have to have pictures perfectly straight, things on my desk/dresser in a perfect row, etc.
6) What is your greatest extravagance? A vacation or a trip to a relaxing spa.
7) What is your favorite journey? Sad, but I haven’t really been on what I would consider a “journey”…just vacations.
8) What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Patience.
9) On what occasion do you lie? When I absolutely have to.
10) What do you dislike most about your appearance? My hair, its unpredictable everyday!
11) Which living person do you most despise? A lot of celebrities, they really know how to ruin something good.
12) Who is the greatest love of your life? My husband.
13) When and where were you the happiest? June 28, 2008 at the church and at the reception.
14) What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Regretting how you have chosen to live your life when it’s too late.
15) Where would you like to live? A place with palm trees and a beach. Just not Cali.
16) What is your favorite occupation? Teacher…it’s a rewarding but tough job!
17) What is the quality you most like in a man? Just being an overall good person to you and your family…sounds second grade but it’s so true.
18) What is the quality you most like in a woman? Trustworthy, loyal, easy to talk to, and one that can be truly happy for you. (Oops, wrote more than one).
19) Who are you favorite writers? Every author brings something new.
20) Favorite Motto: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”


Thanks Betty!

Turning Over a New Leaf

Woman Descending the Staircase by Gerhard Richter

Things happen for a reason and I 100% agree with this statement. Our path is already written for us and all we can do is live our lives and hopefully learn from it.

Some of you may know that recently I've encountered a minor health scare. It didn't feel too "minor" at times because when it comes to my health, I have the tendency to think of the worst case scenario.

I've had excruciating pain in the back of my head and neck almost every morning over the summer. It would last until I lifted my head off the pillow and then it would immediately subside. I thought to myself that perhaps my dilemma was stemmed from something as simple as just owning a really bad pillow. I even told my husband that I wanted to get rid of his plush, expensive mattress. I feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud, my body needs more support, and I love firm mattresses! Well needless to say, the mattress or the pillows were not the problem.

I woke up one morning to a text message that I could not read. My vision was blurred and I immediately made an appointment to see my doctor. After a MRI, I was told I have occipital venous angioma and need to see a neurologist. Occipital what??? I don’t have the abbreviation of M.D. after my last name... nor do I have neurological books that I read when I get bored. I felt so confused!

After the neurologist translated the "med talk" to a level that was easier to comprehend, I learned that I have a vein in my brain that is swollen and that I needed to get a MRA done. MRI/MRA=valium! This was not a fun experience for a claustrophobic patient like me, but thankfully I got to play 80's music which made the experience a bit more enjoyable.

After 15 vials of blood, fainting, and two visits to an MRI center, I found out today that I am okay!!!!!!

The vein that I have will remain slightly swollen from the others, was most likely something I was born with, and should not lead to any major problems in the future (cross your fingers). I was also told all of my blood work looks good. Whew!

As I said before, we live, we learn. What I learned from all this was:

Medical-visual disturbances can be related to silent headaches without pain.

Personal-take better care of myself. Even though this could not be prevented in any way, I know I'm not taking care of myself as much as I should be.

My entries are always honest and I was just writing about that I need to pencil in more me time. And I've been doing this and I feel happy that I am focusing more on myself. I try not to make plans every weekend and I am doing different things.

I joined flirty girl fitness and will be taking my first class next week. It's a completely different twist on the usual work out routine, but looks like so much fun. Also, I've enrolled in cooking classes at The Wooden Spoon in Chicago and The Chopping Block. I'm currently looking into purchasing a Pure Barre DVD which is a work out that incorporates ballet. And I have a spa day coming up-I think I deserve it:)

As for my husband and I, we are on the same page and it is very refreshing for the both of us. We’ve had our fair share of nights out and it’s time for a new chapter. Together we are accomplishing the necessary, such as work around the house and Tom has continued mastering new recipes. He's an excellent cook! We’ve been enjoying ourselves whether it's staying in or not. A couple of weeks ago we went to the Art Institute (my choice, he’s a good sport).

Such an exquisite selection of work from Gerhard Richter, Grant Wood, El Greco, Frank Lloyd Wright, George Seurat, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, and Camille Pissaro to name a few. My favorite exhibits were Impressionism, European, and American Art and his was Architecture and Design. After this visit, I thought of one of the two best college courses that I have ever taken. I took an Art History course at Morton College and learned how to compare paintings and locate hidden symbols. After this visit, I started to remember what I learned in the past and how much I adore art.

I want to thank all of you that supported me through this. I've received numerous calls, texts, voicemails, and even a card. Your love and encouraging words made me feel so lucky even when it got a bit rough.
Sorry if you did not know, this wasn’t exactly good news to deliver to everyone at the time and it was hard to explain everything when I didn’t exactly know what was going on.

In case your interested:

http://www.flirtygirlfitness.com/

http://www.woodenspoonchicago.com/

http://www.thechoppingblock.net/classes.html

http://www.akohlerexperience.com/spa_br/spa_br_index.html

A Happy Home

Last Saturday, my husband and I decided to stay in and watch a movie. (A very simple and perfect night for us). After browsing through a variety of previews we decided on a movie called Seven Pounds. I have never heard of this movie before, but it looked like one that had an underlying meaning. Every now and then I come across a movie that ignites a lot of deep thoughts from within. This was one.......

This movie initiated a conversation between Tom and I. We started to discuss how thankful we are. Saddened by the movie, I started thinking about what I tend to take for granted and I immediately felt guilty and selfish. Like many, I think I'm having a bad day when things are not going as smooth as I would like them to be. There are people who really have it tough and I/we need to be more thankful everyday.

The greatest gifts in life don't have a price tag attached. For some reason, we are all brainwashed to believe that if someone has a lot of money then that person has a good life. And then there is the statement that may follow ......the only people that say that are those that are envious. I disagree, these people are smart not envious. Smart because they see what really matters in life. Everyone wouldn’t mind having a few fine things, but it is what is free that is the most valuable.

Time to Unwind

(Our villa)

http://www.sundaraspa.com/

Relaxation, calmness, peace, serenity....are words that sound beautiful and yet are so hard to achieve. Most of us live in a fast paced environment and after a busy summer schedule, I have learned that I must slow down and apply the brake more often. I have a difficult time trying to relax, but I must learn to adapt to more of a “European” lifestyle. I find it absolutely absurd that it is a difficult task to watch television longer than an hour because I’m always thinking of things I can be doing instead! ADHD? No, I just have a difficult time investing in down time.

Having my first summer off, I’ve spent a small amount of time on relaxing. It’s like I’m programmed to be busy when I’m working or not working. I am aware that it is important to spend quality time with others, but I've learned that I NEED to pencil in a lot more time for myself.

I want things to become more structured and I want to start taking the list of classes that I’ve been meaning to take for quite some time now. (Cooking, dance, etc.) It is absolutely euphoric scratching something off of a list that has been on there for a long period of time.

This slight aggravation all came about during the past couple of weeks. While my husband was completing an outdoor task, he called my name and told me to come outside. As I'm walking down the stairs, I'm thinking I have so much to do. I have loads of laundry, I have to call this person back, I need to...... All of this is going through my head as I'm descending down the stairs. And as I stepped outside (probably looking irritated), I gasped. What Tom wanted to show me was a nest in our tree with a mother feeding her babies. I looked up in awe and all of this would've been missed because I am tied up in my house and not taking moments to step outside and appreciate nature and the life that surrounds it.

Another recent incident occurred while I was driving down my block. I looked up at a house and thought that is a cute house....that's ridiculous because I've lived here since October of last year! This is proof to all that I tend to miss out because I have become more tailored to being busy and I need to relax!

Our first year anniversary was memorable for me because we didn't go on a vacation that considers much thought, time, and planning. Instead we opted for an overnight stay at a spa and a week long getaway at the lake house in Wisconsin. Our activities included reading (me), bike riding, golfing (Tom), fishing, playing tennis, relaxing on the boat, and cruising on the jet ski. I found myself taking the time to look around and felt grateful the entire stay for the little gifts. Things I don't normally do at home and why does it take a vacation to indulge and appreciate the little things that life has to offer??

Life is constantly busy and I know that it only gets busier. I’m not saying I’m going to become a hermit, move to an excluded area, and eliminate myself from all future events. That wouldn’t be living. I simply just want to be more of a low key person and slow down a bit. Perhaps I'm bringing on unnecessary stress because I'm not taking much time to relax and have an overdue personal list that needs some attention.

America is a world of its own that contains a high amount of stress and how often do we take time out to enjoy the simple things in life? So take a moment to breathe, look around, listen to soft music, and treat yourself to alone time. Turn off your cell phone that occupies so much of your time! Count your blessings, tell someone that you love them. And partake in something you've been meaning to do for a long time now.

Cheers to a healthier beginning!

Much Love

Thank you to all who sent words of encouragement to me through email, comments, and conversations. It really means a lot to me that all of you took time to read my blog and enjoyed it! I only hope that you continue to check it every now and then. I changed my settings and it may be easier to leave a comment (if you wish). Thanks again!

Love, H

Teamwork

Chicago is such an amazing city and there are some people that will pay a substantial amount of money for a view like this. This is the view of the city that Tom gets to see for free everyday during work hours. And this picture is only of one angle...not even the penthouse allows one to see nearly the entire city. In my opinion, he is lucky to see such breathtaking sights everyday, however I don't think I would be able to enjoy the ride up!!

(On the right-that outdoor rail is where the elevator is temporarily stationed...yikes)!

People will always ask the question, "What does your husband do for a living?" My reply is always the same. I state his title (project engineer) and I always hope that further questions will not exist. Truth is, I have no idea how to explain exactly what his responsibilities are! I can place a bet that many of you do not subscribe to Concrete Construction Magazine or have even read an issue. In one exciting monthly issue (the only one I ever intend to read), Tom was interviewed about his current construction challenge. Tom was asked about a utility program that makes the layout of the building quick and efficient. He replied as once he receives the drawing for each floor he does a digital takeoff of points along the perimeter and uses data to generate a list of point coordinates which then are loaded into a robotic total station. What?? English please!!! For those of you that understand that lingo, pat yourself on the back because I am absolutely lost! Yesterday, I decided to visit his office on the site because I was adamant about increasing my knowledge and I am a visual learner.

(These pics were saved on his computer, I'm not that risky)!

(Floor by floor-no two floors are alike. All of the building slabs are meant to look like waves of water. That was the challenge that he was interviewed about).

(Close up-you can see how complex the entire process is).

(Watch out!! That huge piece of material is called a table and it supports the concrete while it dries).

(High rise on the left not yet completed).

Vastly impressed, I left there wanting to know so much more about his job. So I asked away and here is a short summary of what his daily responsibilities are. He must know what materials need to be ordered and ensure concrete will be delivered in an expeditious manner. Some of his other tasks include taking the blueprints from the architect and structural engineer and place the drawings into CAD. He makes any necessary changes and comes up with a layout for his co-workers. He will tell them exactly where the columns and walls will go and he'll go out there and not be afraid to get his hands dirty to help out. He has and needs two computer monitors on his desk. Ugh, one is enough for me! On a day to day basis he must communicate with structural engineers, architects, project managers, carpenters, laborers, and iron workers to make sure everything is going as smooth as possible. And the list goes on....

(One heck of a team)!

The high rise is 850ft. above ground level. Amenities include the following; an outdoor track on the third floor, hot tubs, gazebos, firepits, indoor pool, outdoor pool, etc. The first twenty floors are a hotel, the next thirty are apartments, and then the top thirty one are condos. It's an eighty two story building and on the eighty second floor is the roof where the first picture was taken.

So maybe now I can explain more about his job, rather than just quoting his title. I left there feeling proud of him job. There are many stressful jobs that require crucial decision making. I'm not trying to say that he has the most difficult job. I'm just amazed on how hard working and intelligent he is. He works many hours per week and during this entire process, he still somehow found the time to build our home. I sometimes joke with him that he needs to go on Survivor because he can probably build a house made out of grass and survive there for years! I am very envious of him because I believe there is not one thing he can't do. And here's me....close to thirty one, still learning how to cook!

A Long Road

I thankfully am blessed with a job that is truly rewarding. However, getting to this point has not been an easy journey. It has taken me a longer period of time than others to decide on my career. I never understood how we are supposed to know what we want to pursue at the young age of 17. This is a time when we are so inexperienced and don't even care to hold a job for a long period of time. Crossing the line and entering adulthood at the age of 18 is when we are supposed to decide what we want to do with the rest of our lives?! “Take your general education courses first, it will come to you”. That’s what I was told and I always thought to myself what happens if it doesn’t come naturally? At an age where growing up is supposed to begin, for me it started at a much later age.

Most live their lives according to a timeline. I'm supposed to graduate at this time, be married at this age, etc. I didn't follow the "rules of life". I went to three colleges and took multiple courses that revolved around my Marketing major. And then it hit me. I'm only doing this because I want to be finished around the same time as everyone else, not because I truly want to do it. That was the point in my life when I realized I don't have to be like everyone else. I don’t have to have my degree when everyone is getting theirs. I'll only be happy when I know for certain what I want to do. Odds are, I most likely would probably be burnt out and wanting a career change if I started my career in my early twenties.

Walking aimlessly, I took some time off and eventually landed a job that I used to dream of. A pretty view of Michigan Avenue, a salary with bonuses, shopping during lunch breaks, and eating at the best restaurants in the city. Looking from the outside my job seemed perfect. Well being in the inside was a little bit different. My pretty little job was packed with a lot of ugly stress.

Let's fast forward a bit. I began working full-time and attending school full-time once I found a major that sparked my interest. And now here I am, a teacher.

At the age of 30, I just finished my first year of teaching. During the last week of school, I asked my class to complete an optional paper about if I changed anything about them. (This is something I attend on reading when I get old and can't remember a thing). I was completely astounded by their papers. I sat at my desk smiling, laughing, teary eyed, and shocked that the typical old teaching sentence of wanting to make a difference has come true for me. Here are some of their responses that I retrieved from their papers:

I'll never forget you took time to help me with my problems. I know that's not your job, your job is to teach.
You encouraged me to read at home which no teacher has ever managed to do. I congratulate you!
You taught me to never give up, to keep trying.
Thank you for making me realize everyone has problems because I thought I was the only one.
I am more responsible, mature, organized, and nicer because of you.
You’re like a second mom.
Mrs. K. is someone who is happy, positive, and outgoing. Something I can't do but wish to be like. You’re my role model.
You made me not only responsible for my homework, but my actions too.
You told me to be a leader and not a follower.
You’re like a mother to all of us. You take really good care of us.
You made me see I can be who want and to make good decisions.
You are the only teacher that actually cared for me. (Tear jerker!)
You made a big effect in my life and everybody else's too.

Just want to share a few more....kind of funny.

We don't like when you are mad at us, we talk about how bad we feel at lunch.
I love your clothes.
You are in the #1 spot, you knocked my kindergarten teacher from #1.
You know how to teach Math.
You’re much funnier than my old teachers.
You taught me not to talk back to others, especially teachers. (Who were his other teachers??)

And one of my favorites:
You’re really funny about cleaning and organizing things like my mom. I think you two could be really good friends.

What I learned from reading all of their papers is I'm doing something right. There are so many days when I think am I getting through to them? Out of all the times I had to yell, repeatedly tell them to pay attention, and reiterate concepts....I have made a difference in their lives. These kids (especially where I teach), have REAL problems, are growing up too fast, and some are just waiting till their old enough to drop out. As a teacher, it's easy to focus on the negative more than the positive. I have my days that I go home and am mentally exhausted. But I need to make sure my battery is charged overnight because every day is a new day and I may be one of the few positive adults in their lives.

Teaching is of course about helping them improve their skills, but it also involves teaching outside of the books, guiding them, and showing them you care. I don't need a degree in social work or counseling to help somebody. Or a Ph.D. so my students can think I'm the smartest person alive. I think my bachelor's degree is sufficient enough for now and perhaps forever and I’m okay with the fact that it took me a long time to get here.

Wimbledon 2009

There is one word in the English language I am not too fond of and that word is exercise. My ex boss who was the most bipolar person I've ever met (that's another story), purchased the first six months membership for me at Equinox, the high-end gym on extravagant Michigan Avenue. I worked out with a personal trainer who would probably eat lunch with her co-workers after and tell stories about the pathetic, unfit girl she is training. After my training, I still had no idea what to do in a gym. I just walked and sometimes ran (if I felt like it) on the treadmill and would stare at the snobby girls looking too made up for the gym. I actually saw someone with a Gucci fanny pack, leading me to believe that I'd rather be an unathletic girl than someone who can't live without being a label whore for one hour.

Six months after, I took over the ridiculous payments until the happiest day of my life came-the end of the unused, yearly membership. I have not stepped into a gym since and don't plan on it, but if I want to be a healthy person I need to take up something active so I decided on tennis. Here's where the fun begins! Well what I thought would be fun....

My husband and I have played tennis a few times. I would get some shots in that impressed him and even my toughest critic, myself. We decided to take tennis lessons together. Tom and I are not the type to have sweaters tied over our shoulders and want to be part of some exclusive members only place. Just thinking of that makes us want to hurl! Yesterday we walked into a local racquetball club for our first of many tennis lessons. Let me just quickly sum up MY experience.....I never knew that I married Pete Sampras. Once again, he is a pro at something he does not have any experience in. After practicing volleys, we started practicing forehands. Well the instructor quickly forgot about me and was primarily focusing on Tom. "Tom are you sure you never played a real game of tennis before?" "Tom I've only seen a spin like that in Wimbledon." That's what I heard and when it came to my turn, my frustration took over and I sucked more than I expected. After tennis Tom tells me what a great time he had and I looked over at him and thought "till death do us part", because I felt like beating him with my racquet. Okay not really, but the quick bubble image over my head occurred.

He tried to encourage me by saying, "Don't worry, this was your first lesson." Well news flash this was his first lesson too!! He, being the sweet man he is, told me that he wants us to practice together, I will get better, and is even willing to buy me a new racquet. Yeah, that's the problem...the racquet! ( I am stubborn....it's the German in me, blame my mother). And I'm a sore loser. I just can't understand why he excels in everything (including skiing) the very first time we attempt activities together. Could it be that he played sports for years, is a male, and is just naturally stronger than me? Hmmm...but I'm sure Anna Kournikova can kick his butt.

I am determined to get better, beat him (just once please), and not give up. And if I don't get better, I'll just enroll us in some dance classes and then he'll see what it's like to not be in the spotlight!

Something Different

I decided to start this blog because of the mere fact that I love to write. Why am I so passionate about it? Writing to me has always been a way for me to meticulously express how I feel without constant interruptions. I've always been one who could express my thoughts with confidence better on paper than in person. I've kept annual journals since the sixth grade which included positive and negative events that I encountered. Every year, I would re-read my journal and quickly dispose of it (in case of a potential reader). It has always been an amazing experience to see all of the obstacles I overcame, how I've grown, and how I was dead on about certain situations. I recently became inspired to get back to writing, other than my journal entries. It is such an exemplary feeling when one is told that you are good at something, especially when you enjoy doing it! I am not stating that I’m an impeccable writer, nor am I trying to impress my readers (well maybe just a little bit)! But in all seriousness, I adore my hobby and am very simple and honest when it comes to writing.

A little bit of background...
I'm the youngest of five girls. There is good and bad that comes along with being the youngest. Beginning with the good (the positive thinker in me), the so called "baby of the family" always gets away with a lot. A mother tends to believe her little one could do no wrong. For example, my mother truly believes that I don't drink. I'm sure those of you that know me well are probably laughing. Now moving on to the bad part about being the youngest is the fact sometimes I’m not taken that seriously. It’s as if I were born with an imaginary label that reads, “Warning-you will have a hard time accepting me as a mature adult.” I will be the first to admit that I am inept on some levels, but there are things the youngest can excel in.

Many are used to the Heather that loves to be out and about. That's the Heather that many are familiar with. But that is by far not all that defines me. To put it in simple terms, I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. The laid back side of me enjoys alone time, reading books, writing (of course), bike riding, art, and being there for my family and friends as much as possible. And then there is the other half that enjoys socializing with others over cocktails (the wording I chose makes it sound so mature)! I am versatile and hopefully my occasional blogs can show a different side of me for those who maybe don't know me as well as they thought.
I’ve always been a person who cares what others think. It’s a flaw of mine. And the thought occurred to me, what are people going to think about this blog? I’m sure there will be some that choose to ridicule. That is fine, this is me…accepted or not.

American Poet and Lecturer, Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes:
“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.”
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
With Love, Heather