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.