What is the true meaning of Christmas? Without going into religious implications, I'm just going to focus on the main idea of Christ's ministry - service and love. I gave a talk to my AMAZING Young Women at church on Sunday and challenged them to perform one act of service for someone they didn't know during this break. It's lovely to give service to a friend or a neighbor but it's even more wonderful to give service to someone who can never repay you - to those who need it most. I personally give frequently to various organizations and I just want to testify that it really is a great way to honor the Christmas spirit, not just at Christmastime, but throughout the year. I'm just going to highlight the organizations I've personally made a commitment to donate to once a month or so and hope that it might inspire somebody to give to an organization as well.
This year, my parents asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I have stuff. I don't really need stuff. Nor could I really think of anything that I wanted. Sure there are plenty of things that I WANT. I would love for airline travel to be cheaper, I would love to be fluent in 3 languages, but those are things that I either don't have control of or need to work on personally! So instead, I showed my parents a brochure that had come in the mail; Heifer International. I asked for a goat! So my parents bought a goat in my name for my birthday. Heifer International is an amazing organization dedicated to the betterment of individuals and their communities throughout the world. http://www.heifer.org/
My family has been involved in the military my entire life. We have benefited from the USO and try to be involved in the USO as much as we can be. "The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to uniformed military Personnel." Thousands of people are helped by the USO throughout the world in various ways. There's not much more I can say about it, but check out the website! If anything, sign up for the newsletter (I think there's a link to it from the website) and you'll be sent letters about information on how to send a electronic letter to a soldier thanking him or her for their service. Money is great too, obviously, but morale boosters are just as, if not more, important! uso.org
The Wounded Warrior Project!! There aren't enough good things I can say about this organization. Oh my. The WWP provides support to the injured service members across the country. Oftentimes, soldiers flown in from the battlefields to various hospitals in the US arrive with nothing but their uniform. They are greeted by a volunteer from WWP and given a backpack with WWP clothes and essential toilet articles and some fun things to help pass the time during their hospital stay. The Wounded Warrior Project is not only there to provide support during a soldier's medical care, but allows for opportunities for the soldiers to return to a "normal" lifestyle with a job, if necessary, and an incredible support system across the country. Check 'em out!! woundedwarriorproject.org
I absolutely adore The Special Olympics. There is NOTHING more fulfilling than seeing world class athletes with intellectual disabilities compete and freaking rock at it. Volunteering my time and donating my money to this organization is by far the best money and time I believe I've ever spent. The amount of dedication and strong work ethic in this community is astounding and I am SO looking forward to doing more work with them in the coming years. http://www.specialolympics.org/
See above, but for world class athletes with physical disabilities! http://www.paralympic.org/index.html
So those are just the ones that I associate with on a regular basis; there are millions of other worthy organizations who would be happy for anything you are able to give! ECHO, in the DC area, is always looking for a variety of different things. Homeless shelters and food kitchens will never turn away volunteers, nor will animal shelters (I'm assuming). Google some options and see what you can do to give back! I know there are groups that collect dresses to give to young ladies who can't afford to buy them, but still want to have that magical experience at Homecoming or Prom. You can give items to Salvation Army or Goodwill or find an organization that collects, like Purple Heart or the Children's Center, both of whom my family donates to as well.
Giving service is one way that we can express our gratitude for everything we have. It might seem like a nuisance, but imagine how you would feel if you were in their shoes; most of us will never even begin to understand how difficult some people have it. Do your part! I'm sorry if this sounded like a lecture, but I promised my "girls" at church that I would participate in the challenge I gave them as well - and what better way than to help spread the information to others who might be willing to give back as well! Pay it forward :-)
Regardless, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. For my non-Christian friends out there, I apologize for the repeated use of Christmas, but that's my jam. :-) Enjoy this time with family and friends and enjoy the time you have off from school and work. Celebrate! Be safe <3 <3 <3
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
70 Paths to Happiness!
So I borrowed (ok, stole) this idea from a site I "stumbled upon" and I thought I'd give it a shot! I've been kind of down in the dumps lately and I needed to get out! If you've ever read the book The Phantom Tollbooth, I definitely felt like Milo and Tock when they were in the Doldrums! Bad news bears! So I'm going to attempt to break this down into a few different main topics and work from there :-)
I'm a big believer that things don't bring happiness, but experiences and people do. Ultimately, it's ourselves that bring us the ultimate happiness because we have the control, theoretically! That being said ...
TRAVEL
1. TRAVEL! Just go! The very best times of my life have happened when I've traveled.
2. Take a weekend trip. Especially if money is a concern, just get out of the house and go somewhere fun/new/different/boring/relaxing!
3. Visit the ocean. It's really an interesting feeling to realize just how vast it is. And having sand between your toes definitely helps ease your mind :-)
4. Go camping. I've never actually done this, bu I HAVE slept outside in the desert, which I guess is camping as well. (Yay Girl Scouts in Saudi Arabia! haha) There's just something about being so close to nature and relying on your surroundings that is just really calming and surreal.
5. Stargaze. I look at the stars every chance I get. When you go somewhere other than your home, look at the sky! I'm personally a huge fan of stars so this one is easy for me. But I was once taught that there are more stars in the sky than there are grains of sand on the earth. And if you've ever been to a beach, there's a TON of sand! Imagine that multiplied by an innumerable amount. Breathtaking.
6. Do something that takes you completely out of your element every time you travel. In Argentina, I went parapenting - I'm terrified of heights! It was absolutely exhilirating and I wouldn't change the experience for the world! It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
7. Immerse yourself as much as possible with the locals. No excuses. No explanations. Words can't explain how life changing it can be.
WORK
8. Do something that you love! You will perform better if you enjoy your job.
9. Make enough money to fufill your basic needs; don't strive to make too much in order to avoid becoming wrapped up in materialistic ventures. Decide what is necessary and budget your money.
10. Be a self starter. Take initiative - you will be able to feel a sense of control if you're not the one in control and you will do what needs to be done if you're doing it for yourself.
11. Keep things in your workplace that enlighten you. I keep peppermint lotion and some pictures in my "area" at work. Michelle and I also keep a stash of chocolate :-) It's important to have a little something fun at your desk or wherever you work to remind you of why you do what you do.
12. Bake cookies/cake and bring it into work. Michelle and I had a blast doing it and it was very much appreciated. I have a tendency to bring breakfast from Bagel Bakery for Michelle and Sharon. It's just a little thoughtful thing that makes someone else happy.
HEALTH
13. Get enough sleep! I definitely don't do this, but not because I don't want to. Sleeping a NORMAL schedule is vitally important and can have lasting effects if you don't do it. I live for naps, but they're actually not the best idea when using them to supplement the lack of sleep from the night before. Whoops.
14. Take Vitamin C. Vitamins are good from any letter. But I'm a fan of C.
15. LAUGH out loud every day. Laughing releases stress and endorphins and makes us feel happier.
16. Go outside. Fresh air helps raise the levels of serotonin (the stuff that makes you happy!)
17. Work out. Cardio is great.
18. Eat chocolate. It's delicious, aside from its positive effects on your serotonin levels.
19. Meditate. Take some time out and just think about being calm! Definitely one of the hardest things for me; I need to learn how to relax and stop being go go go all the time.
20. Expose yourself to the sun - but not to excess. The sun's rays are proven to brighten your day.
21. Eat more colorful fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants which help remove toxins from our bodies that cause stress and aging.
22. 34) Drink hot mint tea. The scent of fresh mint is energizing and the steam will perk you up.
ATTITUDE
23. SMILE! It takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown.
24. Make a grateful list. Focus on all the great things in your life to enhance feelings of joy and attract more good things.
25. Break outside your comfort zone. Being comfortable doesn’t make you happy—challenging yourself does.
26. Follow your gut. Most of the time your first instinct is not only correct, but the best choice.
27. Don’t regret your decisions. If it turns out you were wrong, don’t waste time worrying about it, instead make the next best decision and move forward.
28. Accept that you can’t be happy all the time. Focus on being content and the truly happiness will be all that much sweeter.
29. Try to see from others’ perspectives. Much of our unhappiness comes from our frustration with other people not understanding us. Try to imagine how they see the world and the frustration will ease.
30. Let the little things go. There’s no sense in wasting your energy and inhibiting your happiness by worrying about things you can’t change.
31. Make the decision to be happy. Happiness is an attitude, not a physical state.
32. Don’t take things personally. So often, anger and frustration directed at us is a result of someone else’s misplaced stress. Recognize that it’s not necessarily about you and you’ll remain calmer and happier.
33. Savor the small moments. People who take longer to enjoy small moments and then reflect on them later in the day show significant increases in happiness.
34. Avoid comparing yourself to others. It’s damaging to self-esteem—focus on your own achievements.
35. Make meaningful goals. Harvard scientists say humans need a sense of purpose to thrive and that people with dreams and aspirations are happier than those without.
36. Embrace spirituality. Research suggests that people who participate in a religious community or explore alternate sets of beliefs are happier and better adjusted in life.
37. Have a good cry when you need it. Allowing yourself to break down completely is cathartic and you’ll feel better after you let it all out.
38. Learn to forgive yourself. Focusing on your past mistakes serves no purpose besides keeping you from moving on.
39. Maintain perspective. When life starts to feel out of control, remind yourself of the positive things in your life and how lucky you are.
40. Define what happiness means for you. Don’t worry about what other people define as happy, find what makes you happy and go for it.
RELATIONSHIPS
41. Always be true to how you feel. One cannot survive shrouded in false emotions and unwanted destinations. Wants and needs exist for a reason. Hiding from them only prolongs your journey to the happiness that I intend to find. (Borrowed from Eddie!)
42. Stay close to friends and family. Moving far away from networks of support can take a toll on your level of happiness—even if you have moved in order to make more money.
43. Get a dog. The studies showing the positive effects man’s best friend can have on your psyche are numerous: better emotional and physical health and a wagging tail.
44. Give more hugs. Hugging releases the same chemical as massage and is always free!
45. Make time for your friends. Personal connections are so important and making even a little time to be with people who make you smile can keep you happy.
46. Make new friends. Meeting other people is exciting and finding a new person with whom to connect can only enhance your fulfillment.
47. Write thank-you notes. Expressing gratitude makes you and the recipient happy.
48. Call your mom. Or your dad, or your grandma or anyone you haven’t talked to in a while and surprise them with a chat.
49. Get a cat. If you’re not a dog person, cats make wonderful, loving, stress-reducing housemates and bed-warmers.
50. Cuddle up with someone you love. Enjoy time with your kids or your partner for instant happiness.
51. Babysit for a friend. Being around children’s infectious optimism is sure to boost your mood.
52. Hold a baby. They’re cute and cuddly and without a care in the world—you’ll feel instantly uplifted.
ACTIVITIES
53. Color!!! Unless you're like me and COMPLETELY anal about having to use the exact colors for things.
54. Declutter. Throw away things that you haven't used in years and even some things that you have. It clears your mind as well as opens things up for new things/new memories.
55. Donate to those less fortunate than you. It will make you grateful for what you have.
56. Watch a funny movie with friends; it's fun to see which movies are funnier while watching with certain friends.
57. Nap nap nap :-)
58. Walk. Going on a walk can invigorate your mind and your body.
59. Surround yourself with smells that bring about good memories; I burn a couple different candles in my room depending on my mood. I always have Thai Dragonfruit on hand for my "whatever" moods and when I need a little pick me up, I burn peppermint candles. It helps bring you back to places/times when you were happy!
60. Dance. Always. Especially if there's no music.
61. Cook!
62. Dress up for no reason. Putting yourself together is a self esteem boost.
63. Wear perfume or cologne - but don't overdo it!
64. Volunteer your time to worthy organizations.
65. Do one random act of kindness EVERY DAY. Something as simple as holding open a door or letting someone in in traffic can brighten someone's day and can be contagious.
66. Write letters, even to friends down the street. Everyone likes getting mail.
67. Read. Take yourself away from this world, this time, and immerse yourself in something different.
68. Pick one day and turn off (or don't use) any form of electronic communication. No cell phone, no e-mail, no Facebook. I'll definitely be trying this out for a day or two over Winter Break.
69. Sing in the shower. Make sure it sounds absolutely dreadful.
70. Hide money somewhere in your room. Or in clothes for a different season (ex: it's winter; hide a 20 in a pair of shorts). It's exciting to find it later! I have $175 hidden somewhere in my room that I'm going to have to find before we head to Florida haha.
I know there are tons of other ways to be happy, but those are what I thought of (and some are borrowed from other places). I was always told to do one thing each day that makes you happy. So I figured I'd have a list of things to pick from to make it easier on myself. Hope some of these speak to you and make you happy as well. <3
71.
I'm a big believer that things don't bring happiness, but experiences and people do. Ultimately, it's ourselves that bring us the ultimate happiness because we have the control, theoretically! That being said ...
TRAVEL
1. TRAVEL! Just go! The very best times of my life have happened when I've traveled.
2. Take a weekend trip. Especially if money is a concern, just get out of the house and go somewhere fun/new/different/boring/relaxing!
3. Visit the ocean. It's really an interesting feeling to realize just how vast it is. And having sand between your toes definitely helps ease your mind :-)
4. Go camping. I've never actually done this, bu I HAVE slept outside in the desert, which I guess is camping as well. (Yay Girl Scouts in Saudi Arabia! haha) There's just something about being so close to nature and relying on your surroundings that is just really calming and surreal.
5. Stargaze. I look at the stars every chance I get. When you go somewhere other than your home, look at the sky! I'm personally a huge fan of stars so this one is easy for me. But I was once taught that there are more stars in the sky than there are grains of sand on the earth. And if you've ever been to a beach, there's a TON of sand! Imagine that multiplied by an innumerable amount. Breathtaking.
6. Do something that takes you completely out of your element every time you travel. In Argentina, I went parapenting - I'm terrified of heights! It was absolutely exhilirating and I wouldn't change the experience for the world! It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
7. Immerse yourself as much as possible with the locals. No excuses. No explanations. Words can't explain how life changing it can be.
WORK
8. Do something that you love! You will perform better if you enjoy your job.
9. Make enough money to fufill your basic needs; don't strive to make too much in order to avoid becoming wrapped up in materialistic ventures. Decide what is necessary and budget your money.
10. Be a self starter. Take initiative - you will be able to feel a sense of control if you're not the one in control and you will do what needs to be done if you're doing it for yourself.
11. Keep things in your workplace that enlighten you. I keep peppermint lotion and some pictures in my "area" at work. Michelle and I also keep a stash of chocolate :-) It's important to have a little something fun at your desk or wherever you work to remind you of why you do what you do.
12. Bake cookies/cake and bring it into work. Michelle and I had a blast doing it and it was very much appreciated. I have a tendency to bring breakfast from Bagel Bakery for Michelle and Sharon. It's just a little thoughtful thing that makes someone else happy.
HEALTH
13. Get enough sleep! I definitely don't do this, but not because I don't want to. Sleeping a NORMAL schedule is vitally important and can have lasting effects if you don't do it. I live for naps, but they're actually not the best idea when using them to supplement the lack of sleep from the night before. Whoops.
14. Take Vitamin C. Vitamins are good from any letter. But I'm a fan of C.
15. LAUGH out loud every day. Laughing releases stress and endorphins and makes us feel happier.
16. Go outside. Fresh air helps raise the levels of serotonin (the stuff that makes you happy!)
17. Work out. Cardio is great.
18. Eat chocolate. It's delicious, aside from its positive effects on your serotonin levels.
19. Meditate. Take some time out and just think about being calm! Definitely one of the hardest things for me; I need to learn how to relax and stop being go go go all the time.
20. Expose yourself to the sun - but not to excess. The sun's rays are proven to brighten your day.
21. Eat more colorful fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants which help remove toxins from our bodies that cause stress and aging.
22. 34) Drink hot mint tea. The scent of fresh mint is energizing and the steam will perk you up.
ATTITUDE
23. SMILE! It takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown.
24. Make a grateful list. Focus on all the great things in your life to enhance feelings of joy and attract more good things.
25. Break outside your comfort zone. Being comfortable doesn’t make you happy—challenging yourself does.
26. Follow your gut. Most of the time your first instinct is not only correct, but the best choice.
27. Don’t regret your decisions. If it turns out you were wrong, don’t waste time worrying about it, instead make the next best decision and move forward.
28. Accept that you can’t be happy all the time. Focus on being content and the truly happiness will be all that much sweeter.
29. Try to see from others’ perspectives. Much of our unhappiness comes from our frustration with other people not understanding us. Try to imagine how they see the world and the frustration will ease.
30. Let the little things go. There’s no sense in wasting your energy and inhibiting your happiness by worrying about things you can’t change.
31. Make the decision to be happy. Happiness is an attitude, not a physical state.
32. Don’t take things personally. So often, anger and frustration directed at us is a result of someone else’s misplaced stress. Recognize that it’s not necessarily about you and you’ll remain calmer and happier.
33. Savor the small moments. People who take longer to enjoy small moments and then reflect on them later in the day show significant increases in happiness.
34. Avoid comparing yourself to others. It’s damaging to self-esteem—focus on your own achievements.
35. Make meaningful goals. Harvard scientists say humans need a sense of purpose to thrive and that people with dreams and aspirations are happier than those without.
36. Embrace spirituality. Research suggests that people who participate in a religious community or explore alternate sets of beliefs are happier and better adjusted in life.
37. Have a good cry when you need it. Allowing yourself to break down completely is cathartic and you’ll feel better after you let it all out.
38. Learn to forgive yourself. Focusing on your past mistakes serves no purpose besides keeping you from moving on.
39. Maintain perspective. When life starts to feel out of control, remind yourself of the positive things in your life and how lucky you are.
40. Define what happiness means for you. Don’t worry about what other people define as happy, find what makes you happy and go for it.
RELATIONSHIPS
41. Always be true to how you feel. One cannot survive shrouded in false emotions and unwanted destinations. Wants and needs exist for a reason. Hiding from them only prolongs your journey to the happiness that I intend to find. (Borrowed from Eddie!)
42. Stay close to friends and family. Moving far away from networks of support can take a toll on your level of happiness—even if you have moved in order to make more money.
43. Get a dog. The studies showing the positive effects man’s best friend can have on your psyche are numerous: better emotional and physical health and a wagging tail.
44. Give more hugs. Hugging releases the same chemical as massage and is always free!
45. Make time for your friends. Personal connections are so important and making even a little time to be with people who make you smile can keep you happy.
46. Make new friends. Meeting other people is exciting and finding a new person with whom to connect can only enhance your fulfillment.
47. Write thank-you notes. Expressing gratitude makes you and the recipient happy.
48. Call your mom. Or your dad, or your grandma or anyone you haven’t talked to in a while and surprise them with a chat.
49. Get a cat. If you’re not a dog person, cats make wonderful, loving, stress-reducing housemates and bed-warmers.
50. Cuddle up with someone you love. Enjoy time with your kids or your partner for instant happiness.
51. Babysit for a friend. Being around children’s infectious optimism is sure to boost your mood.
52. Hold a baby. They’re cute and cuddly and without a care in the world—you’ll feel instantly uplifted.
ACTIVITIES
53. Color!!! Unless you're like me and COMPLETELY anal about having to use the exact colors for things.
54. Declutter. Throw away things that you haven't used in years and even some things that you have. It clears your mind as well as opens things up for new things/new memories.
55. Donate to those less fortunate than you. It will make you grateful for what you have.
56. Watch a funny movie with friends; it's fun to see which movies are funnier while watching with certain friends.
57. Nap nap nap :-)
58. Walk. Going on a walk can invigorate your mind and your body.
59. Surround yourself with smells that bring about good memories; I burn a couple different candles in my room depending on my mood. I always have Thai Dragonfruit on hand for my "whatever" moods and when I need a little pick me up, I burn peppermint candles. It helps bring you back to places/times when you were happy!
60. Dance. Always. Especially if there's no music.
61. Cook!
62. Dress up for no reason. Putting yourself together is a self esteem boost.
63. Wear perfume or cologne - but don't overdo it!
64. Volunteer your time to worthy organizations.
65. Do one random act of kindness EVERY DAY. Something as simple as holding open a door or letting someone in in traffic can brighten someone's day and can be contagious.
66. Write letters, even to friends down the street. Everyone likes getting mail.
67. Read. Take yourself away from this world, this time, and immerse yourself in something different.
68. Pick one day and turn off (or don't use) any form of electronic communication. No cell phone, no e-mail, no Facebook. I'll definitely be trying this out for a day or two over Winter Break.
69. Sing in the shower. Make sure it sounds absolutely dreadful.
70. Hide money somewhere in your room. Or in clothes for a different season (ex: it's winter; hide a 20 in a pair of shorts). It's exciting to find it later! I have $175 hidden somewhere in my room that I'm going to have to find before we head to Florida haha.
I know there are tons of other ways to be happy, but those are what I thought of (and some are borrowed from other places). I was always told to do one thing each day that makes you happy. So I figured I'd have a list of things to pick from to make it easier on myself. Hope some of these speak to you and make you happy as well. <3
71.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful. I'm not going to be very detailed in this "episode" for fear of forgetting someone or something, but I will do my best to relay the information that I feel needs to be publicly expressed.
First, and always, I am thankful for my family. My parents, my big brother, my grandparents on both sides, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I am grateful for the memories and experiences we share. My parents are absolutely wonderful people and have done so much for me and for others. I am so proud of my brother - for all he has experienced, for all he has had to put up with - for the incredible person he has become. I am grateful for the love that some members of my extended family show and for their interest in our lives. While I am disappointed at the turn of events that has led to some family drama, but I am grateful for that opportunity to have learned who is truly family by love and willingness and who is family only by blood.
I am grateful for my best friends. The ones who are always there for me, without fail - never expecting anything in return for all the support they have given me over the years. (Ok, I'm breaking my rule and I'm actually going to mention 3 people who have always been there and who have helped me be who I am today). Anthony Joseph Cacciatore - You are absolutely amazing. I have never met someone so selfless and caring as you. Thank you for listening to me cry at 3 in the morning and thank you for letting me talk and for knowing when I need advice and when I need to just talk. You astound me. You have encouraged every pursuit I have made without question and have pushed me to the limit of being the best I can be. Thank you for your random compliments and your reasoning of "I just thought you needed to hear it". We have both changed so much since freshman year at St. Norbert College but I'll never forget some of the memories we share from that year and beyond haha. I am truly grateful for you. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to someone who doesn't deserve it. I love you.
Kristopher Anthony Klein, you are remarkable. I feel so fortunate to know you and to have you as a positive influence in my life. You have this innate gift to touch peoples lives and leave them forever changed. Thank you for never judging me, for hours of heart to hearts in Maine, Argentina and through Skype. For Havana chocolates, $5 text messages, letters that take 3 months to get here (still waiting :-) ), and for being 100% honest with me. Thank you for putting up with my bullshit, but also for letting me know when I'm being ridiculous. Thank you for fighting with me at clubs in Mendoza and proving to me that what you told me is true. I'm grateful that you are my best friend - I'm grateful to have someone who knows me so completely, so fully, and who I know so completely as well. I'm grateful that when you tell me everytings gonna be alright, that somehow, I believe you. Thank you for being so understanding. I'm grateful for the chance to spend more time with you when you come back to the States and I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet your mom. Thank you for being an example to me. I love you.
Eddie James Grace, you are incredible. For 5 1/2 years, we have kept our promise of seeing each other at least twice a year. Together we have explored all over Europe, New York City, Washington DC, New Hampshire, Hawaii and Connecticut. You have dealt with some hardship but you have come through with grace. Your mother would be so proud of the man you have turned into. I'll never forget the first time we met in Elizabethtown, PA or the day our relationship changed at Disneyland Paris. I am grateful for the strong influence you are in my life - for your friendship and your love. For our carefully planned trips and even for the flights I missed because of you :-) I cherish the time we spend together and am so grateful that you are one of my very best friends. The fact that my family asks about you is a huge testament to your character and to the effect you have had on my life. You are one of the most bold people I know; I would never have been able to write a song for someone that has such genuine lyrics where you pour out your heart and accept blame. Thank you for introducing me to your entire family and for sharing such special people like Gram and Aunt Donna with me. I can't wait to see you again; it's your turn :-) I love you.
There is so much more I could say to and about these three young men, but that's all I have patience for right now! And there are so many more people who I could write about, but these three people have never let me down and deserve to stand apart from the rest.
I am grateful to be the godmother of two astoundingly gorgeous children. I could write for hours about everything I love about them, but I won't bore anyone with that. Instead, I'll just say how grateful I am to their mother, Johanna, for the opportunity she has given me in asking me to hold the honor of being their godmother. They lighten up every tough day and I love them more than I can ever hope to express.
I am grateful for the military, especially my friends who serve. Again, I won't name names for fear or forgetting someone. Please understand the profound impact the military has had on my upbringing and I am grateful for their service and sacrifice. I am especially grateful for the members of the military who can't be with their families at this time because of their various deployments around the world. I am grateful that I am able to sleep soundly because I am protected by a force that does not allow fear to penetrate their core. I am thankful for the chance to live in a country where my rights and freedoms are protected by willing men and women who have sacrificed more than some people will ever realize. While I am nervous for my friends who are deploying soon, I am grateful for their excitement and for the fact that they have their family of brothers and sisters in arms who completely support the missions my friends are undertaking, when I can't be there to do so.
I wasn't going to discuss material things that I'm thankful for, but I'll include just one because I'm not sure it DOES fall into that section. I'm thankful for my home. For the people who make up my home, the place where my home is, for the idea that I HAVE a home to return to. I'll talk more about the concept of home in a later entry, but I want to express that I am grateful for it regardless!
I am grateful for my experiences abroad. Growing up in a military family allowed us opportunities to live and travel all over the world. I'm grateful that my father's job had us live in Germany and Saudi Arabia and travel around the world twice. I'm grateful that my parents are intelligent, welcoming, diverse people who ensured that my brother and I were educated about the customs and culture of the countries we visited. I am grateful to have been able to experience a myriad of different cultures, customs, languages and peoples during the years when most kids are figuring out who they are because those experiences helped shape me. I truly believe that it is only when learning about different places, people, customs, languages, foods, etc that we can truly understand our authentic individuality. I'm grateful that I became a citizen of the world but that I still hold an individual identity that I'm not willing to sacrifice for anything. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to study abroad in Sicily, Italy and figure out who I was and what I wanted to be. I am even more grateful to have studied abroad in DC, Jordan and Egypt with some of the absolute greatest people you could ever hope to know. Monique, Rory, Will, Blake, Jen, Steph, Maria, Joe, Sadaf Iben, Jessica and Toni helped provide life changing experiences for me in the Middle East and I would not be who I am without some of the experiences I had overseas.
I am grateful for my beliefs and for the chance to live in a country where I can have and express my beliefs without fear of persecution. While there will always be dissention, I am not afraid to hold religious, political or personal beliefs and share them when I choose to do so because I know that my rights to those beliefs are protected by law. I am grateful to know what I know and to believe and have faith in that which I don't know for sure. I'm grateful for the people who have shown me the path towards figuring out what I believe and I am thankful for those influences in my life.
I am grateful for education. That I am able to hold intelligent conversations and that I can understand when intelligent conversations are being held with me. I am grateful that I was able to attend a wonderful college and learn from a diverse group of professors and a not so diverse group of students. While I experienced a ton of diversity growing up, moving to De Pere Wisconsin was a whole new world for me, coming from high school in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. But I am grateful for the opportunity to try and understand the world as the Midwest sees it. I understand and accept and love diversity but I have lived it. I am grateful to have been able to try and see how the rest of the US who wasn't raised abroad or in melting pot cities sees the world. I am grateful that I have an inquisitive mind and while my constant need for intellectual stimulation sometimes frustrates me, I am grateful that it is not the opposite. I am grateful that some of my teachers understand that the best education is done outside of the classroom and can not fathom how others are educated by books alone. I am beyond grateful to have been in James Percoco's Applied History class in high school - for the memories and experiences that I shy away from talking about because they are SO special that I feel like nobody but the kids in the class can ever understand. For the bonds I made with people in that class like Justin, Johanna, Ashley, Enzo, Bryan and Leslie. That through our bond, we helped edify each other while working through Leslie's murder at Virginia Tech. I am grateful for the ability to read and ask questions and for the mere ability to attend a school, as there are millions of girls who are not granted that privilege.
I am grateful for adversity - for the challenges that I've faced and for the instances I have had that have helped me be able to appreciate the good in life. Though it changed my life, I am grateful for my accident and for all of the problems I have had as a result of smacking my head. It has certainly not been an easy road, but the days when I have horrible migraines makes me appreciate the days when I don't have migraines. Those times when my short term memory fail helps make the memories I have more meaningful. Killing parts of my brain made me grateful that more important parts of my brain remained intact. Losing my teeth allowed for my implants to be significantly stronger than regular teeth. I know it sounds foolish, but I AM really grateful that I have had various health problems (mainly broken bones and ripped tendons haha) because it has helped me appreciate my health. I am not only grateful for adversity in the health sector, but in all sections of life. I won't go into details because this post is already far too long, but I am grateful for the pitfalls because I can appreciate the mountaintops because of the pitfalls.
To sum it all up, I am grateful. There are far more things that I am grateful for as well, but I just picked the first 10 or so that popped into my mind when writing a quick list and yeah. So that's that! I am thankful for my friends and I love you all! I'm grateful that my Aunt Laura, Uncle Jim, Kevin and Colin are here to spend Thanksgiving with us and I'm excited to spend time with family. :-)
I hope you all have an absolutely lovely Thanksgiving celebration and that you remember that this day is about giving THANKS for all you have and for remembering those who aren't as blessed as you are. Enjoy your holiday! Be safe <3
First, and always, I am thankful for my family. My parents, my big brother, my grandparents on both sides, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I am grateful for the memories and experiences we share. My parents are absolutely wonderful people and have done so much for me and for others. I am so proud of my brother - for all he has experienced, for all he has had to put up with - for the incredible person he has become. I am grateful for the love that some members of my extended family show and for their interest in our lives. While I am disappointed at the turn of events that has led to some family drama, but I am grateful for that opportunity to have learned who is truly family by love and willingness and who is family only by blood.
I am grateful for my best friends. The ones who are always there for me, without fail - never expecting anything in return for all the support they have given me over the years. (Ok, I'm breaking my rule and I'm actually going to mention 3 people who have always been there and who have helped me be who I am today). Anthony Joseph Cacciatore - You are absolutely amazing. I have never met someone so selfless and caring as you. Thank you for listening to me cry at 3 in the morning and thank you for letting me talk and for knowing when I need advice and when I need to just talk. You astound me. You have encouraged every pursuit I have made without question and have pushed me to the limit of being the best I can be. Thank you for your random compliments and your reasoning of "I just thought you needed to hear it". We have both changed so much since freshman year at St. Norbert College but I'll never forget some of the memories we share from that year and beyond haha. I am truly grateful for you. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to someone who doesn't deserve it. I love you.
Kristopher Anthony Klein, you are remarkable. I feel so fortunate to know you and to have you as a positive influence in my life. You have this innate gift to touch peoples lives and leave them forever changed. Thank you for never judging me, for hours of heart to hearts in Maine, Argentina and through Skype. For Havana chocolates, $5 text messages, letters that take 3 months to get here (still waiting :-) ), and for being 100% honest with me. Thank you for putting up with my bullshit, but also for letting me know when I'm being ridiculous. Thank you for fighting with me at clubs in Mendoza and proving to me that what you told me is true. I'm grateful that you are my best friend - I'm grateful to have someone who knows me so completely, so fully, and who I know so completely as well. I'm grateful that when you tell me everytings gonna be alright, that somehow, I believe you. Thank you for being so understanding. I'm grateful for the chance to spend more time with you when you come back to the States and I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet your mom. Thank you for being an example to me. I love you.
Eddie James Grace, you are incredible. For 5 1/2 years, we have kept our promise of seeing each other at least twice a year. Together we have explored all over Europe, New York City, Washington DC, New Hampshire, Hawaii and Connecticut. You have dealt with some hardship but you have come through with grace. Your mother would be so proud of the man you have turned into. I'll never forget the first time we met in Elizabethtown, PA or the day our relationship changed at Disneyland Paris. I am grateful for the strong influence you are in my life - for your friendship and your love. For our carefully planned trips and even for the flights I missed because of you :-) I cherish the time we spend together and am so grateful that you are one of my very best friends. The fact that my family asks about you is a huge testament to your character and to the effect you have had on my life. You are one of the most bold people I know; I would never have been able to write a song for someone that has such genuine lyrics where you pour out your heart and accept blame. Thank you for introducing me to your entire family and for sharing such special people like Gram and Aunt Donna with me. I can't wait to see you again; it's your turn :-) I love you.
There is so much more I could say to and about these three young men, but that's all I have patience for right now! And there are so many more people who I could write about, but these three people have never let me down and deserve to stand apart from the rest.
I am grateful to be the godmother of two astoundingly gorgeous children. I could write for hours about everything I love about them, but I won't bore anyone with that. Instead, I'll just say how grateful I am to their mother, Johanna, for the opportunity she has given me in asking me to hold the honor of being their godmother. They lighten up every tough day and I love them more than I can ever hope to express.
I am grateful for the military, especially my friends who serve. Again, I won't name names for fear or forgetting someone. Please understand the profound impact the military has had on my upbringing and I am grateful for their service and sacrifice. I am especially grateful for the members of the military who can't be with their families at this time because of their various deployments around the world. I am grateful that I am able to sleep soundly because I am protected by a force that does not allow fear to penetrate their core. I am thankful for the chance to live in a country where my rights and freedoms are protected by willing men and women who have sacrificed more than some people will ever realize. While I am nervous for my friends who are deploying soon, I am grateful for their excitement and for the fact that they have their family of brothers and sisters in arms who completely support the missions my friends are undertaking, when I can't be there to do so.
I wasn't going to discuss material things that I'm thankful for, but I'll include just one because I'm not sure it DOES fall into that section. I'm thankful for my home. For the people who make up my home, the place where my home is, for the idea that I HAVE a home to return to. I'll talk more about the concept of home in a later entry, but I want to express that I am grateful for it regardless!
I am grateful for my experiences abroad. Growing up in a military family allowed us opportunities to live and travel all over the world. I'm grateful that my father's job had us live in Germany and Saudi Arabia and travel around the world twice. I'm grateful that my parents are intelligent, welcoming, diverse people who ensured that my brother and I were educated about the customs and culture of the countries we visited. I am grateful to have been able to experience a myriad of different cultures, customs, languages and peoples during the years when most kids are figuring out who they are because those experiences helped shape me. I truly believe that it is only when learning about different places, people, customs, languages, foods, etc that we can truly understand our authentic individuality. I'm grateful that I became a citizen of the world but that I still hold an individual identity that I'm not willing to sacrifice for anything. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to study abroad in Sicily, Italy and figure out who I was and what I wanted to be. I am even more grateful to have studied abroad in DC, Jordan and Egypt with some of the absolute greatest people you could ever hope to know. Monique, Rory, Will, Blake, Jen, Steph, Maria, Joe, Sadaf Iben, Jessica and Toni helped provide life changing experiences for me in the Middle East and I would not be who I am without some of the experiences I had overseas.
I am grateful for my beliefs and for the chance to live in a country where I can have and express my beliefs without fear of persecution. While there will always be dissention, I am not afraid to hold religious, political or personal beliefs and share them when I choose to do so because I know that my rights to those beliefs are protected by law. I am grateful to know what I know and to believe and have faith in that which I don't know for sure. I'm grateful for the people who have shown me the path towards figuring out what I believe and I am thankful for those influences in my life.
I am grateful for education. That I am able to hold intelligent conversations and that I can understand when intelligent conversations are being held with me. I am grateful that I was able to attend a wonderful college and learn from a diverse group of professors and a not so diverse group of students. While I experienced a ton of diversity growing up, moving to De Pere Wisconsin was a whole new world for me, coming from high school in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. But I am grateful for the opportunity to try and understand the world as the Midwest sees it. I understand and accept and love diversity but I have lived it. I am grateful to have been able to try and see how the rest of the US who wasn't raised abroad or in melting pot cities sees the world. I am grateful that I have an inquisitive mind and while my constant need for intellectual stimulation sometimes frustrates me, I am grateful that it is not the opposite. I am grateful that some of my teachers understand that the best education is done outside of the classroom and can not fathom how others are educated by books alone. I am beyond grateful to have been in James Percoco's Applied History class in high school - for the memories and experiences that I shy away from talking about because they are SO special that I feel like nobody but the kids in the class can ever understand. For the bonds I made with people in that class like Justin, Johanna, Ashley, Enzo, Bryan and Leslie. That through our bond, we helped edify each other while working through Leslie's murder at Virginia Tech. I am grateful for the ability to read and ask questions and for the mere ability to attend a school, as there are millions of girls who are not granted that privilege.
I am grateful for adversity - for the challenges that I've faced and for the instances I have had that have helped me be able to appreciate the good in life. Though it changed my life, I am grateful for my accident and for all of the problems I have had as a result of smacking my head. It has certainly not been an easy road, but the days when I have horrible migraines makes me appreciate the days when I don't have migraines. Those times when my short term memory fail helps make the memories I have more meaningful. Killing parts of my brain made me grateful that more important parts of my brain remained intact. Losing my teeth allowed for my implants to be significantly stronger than regular teeth. I know it sounds foolish, but I AM really grateful that I have had various health problems (mainly broken bones and ripped tendons haha) because it has helped me appreciate my health. I am not only grateful for adversity in the health sector, but in all sections of life. I won't go into details because this post is already far too long, but I am grateful for the pitfalls because I can appreciate the mountaintops because of the pitfalls.
To sum it all up, I am grateful. There are far more things that I am grateful for as well, but I just picked the first 10 or so that popped into my mind when writing a quick list and yeah. So that's that! I am thankful for my friends and I love you all! I'm grateful that my Aunt Laura, Uncle Jim, Kevin and Colin are here to spend Thanksgiving with us and I'm excited to spend time with family. :-)
I hope you all have an absolutely lovely Thanksgiving celebration and that you remember that this day is about giving THANKS for all you have and for remembering those who aren't as blessed as you are. Enjoy your holiday! Be safe <3
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Lazy post
So I feel bad that I haven't posted in awhile. But I'm sick and I'm tired and I can't bring myself to write a post worth reading. So instead, I'll just put up a few pictures that I think are silly and will waste some of your time. Cuz let's be honest, that's why you're on here anyways :-)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
For my favorite penguin-shark.
Never let the things you cannot control sour you; do not allow yourself to be affected by situations and circumstances that you have no power to fix, control or change. Those problems can and will consume you until you are no longer only powerless, but hopeless as well. Obviously, that is easier said than done - we can't help but be affected by things we can't control, but it is our reaction to those instances that have the lasting effect. Are we angry, bitter, elated, upset, confused, etc? The situation may make us feel a certain way, but for how long?
People say time changes things but that's not true. Doing things changes things. Not doing them leaves things exactly as they are. Be proactive, but be smart about it. Do your best to figure out WHY a certain situation is affecting you in a certain way. Do not be satisfied with, or put up with, people who are reckless with your emotions. Never settle for anything less than what you deserve. Don't cling to the past. Ever. Don't cling to the comfort it might ensure or the security it seems to promise for there is ALWAYS a reason why your past never made it to your future. You and I are both firm in our belief that everything happens for a reason. If things happen that change your mindset or your life, let it happen. Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be. You only have one life (solo se vive una vez!!!! thank you Google Translate) and one chance to do all the things you want to do. "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss.
A good friend of mine sent me this quote back in college when I was having a rough time. I think it's from Grey's Anatomy...
"A couple of hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that till tomorrow, he said, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity. You think more people would listen to what he had to say. I don't know why we put things off, but if I had to guess, I'd have to say it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, sometimes the fear is just of making a decision, because what if you're wrong? What if you're making a mistake you can't undo? The early bird catches the worm. A stitch in time saves nine. He who hesitates is lost. We can't pretend we hadn't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beat the hell out of never trying."
After you are hurt so many times, you become so numb to the world around you and the feelings others try to convey towards you. You don't mean to but you've been so exposed to the poison and deceit that people seem to be blessed with that you just block out all human emotion...including your own. Please don't let it get to that point! :-) You've dealt with so much adversity and so much change; you are better equipped than anyone else I know to deal with it! Nobody said that life would be easy, they just promised that it would be worth it. All your life you are told about the things you cannot do or cannot have or cannot be. All your life they will say you're not good enough or strong enough or talented enough; they will say you're the wrong height or the wrong weight or the wrong type to play this or be this or achieve this. They will tell you no, a thousand times no, until all the no's become meaningless . All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly.
But today, right now, you will tell them yes.
I love you.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Freedom is never free
"There are only two defining forces that ever offered to die for you - Jesus Christ and the American GI. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom."
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. As Veteran's Day rolls around, I am reminded of the sacrifices made by the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Actually, that's not completely true. To say "I remember" implies that I forgot. Not a single day goes by where I don't thank my ancestors, family members, friends, neighbors and strangers for their willingness to march into hell on our behalf. Generally, as a society, we are indifferent to veterans. I am disgusted to read stories of how many veterans are out of work, homeless and committing suicide. The moral decay of our society has taken such a drastic turn in so much that we no longer honor the men and women who stood/stand up to defend our protected way of life. "Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit." - Ronald Reagan.
This picture breaks my heart ... have we grown so apathetic and disinterested that we no longer have respect for a symbol that has figuratively and literally been soaked with the blood of patriots? Yes, it is a flag - a piece of cloth with 13 red and white stripes and 50 white stars glittering against a blue square. But it represents so much more. The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history. It represents the experiences made by men and women, the experiences of those who live and die under that flag. "Our flag is our national ensign, pure and simple, behold it! Listen to it! Every star has a tongue, every stripe is articulate." - Robert C. Winthrop. I'll throw in another quote because I LOVE quotes! "We do honor to the stars and stripes as the emblem of our country and the symbol of all that our patriotism means. We identify the flag with almost everything we hold dear on earth. It represents our peace and security, our civil and political liberty, our freedom of religious worship, our family, our friends and our home. We see it in the great multitude of blessings, of rights and privileges that make up our country. But when we look at our flag, and behold it emblazoned with all our rights, we must remember that it is equally a symbol of our duties. Every glory that we associate with it is the result of duty done. A yearly contemplation of our flag strengthens and purifies the national conscience." - Calvin Coolidge.
Music is a huge part of my life. Regardless of how many times I have heard certain patriotic songs, my eyes still fill with tears at the pride I feel for this country and the immense blessing it is to call myself an American - the daughter of a soldier. I could write song lyrics for HOURS but if you're interested, youtube it :-) There are so many quality songs that honor veterans and I would be remiss if I don't mention at least one. One song that never fails to have tears running down my cheeks is the second verse of America, the Beautiful. "O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life!" What a beautifully chilling Truth. (Yes, Truth with a capital T!)
Fun fact (and totally random and out of place): As I write this, "Hero" by Mariah Carey just came on my Pandora. I first heard this song when I was living at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas after my mother, brother and I were evacuated from Saudi Arabia following terrorist bombings at my dad's office building. My dad's orders required him to stay behind. We sang and signed this song at our Christmas music program. We first started practicing in late October - a week before my birthday. The same week, I was walking down the hall in Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School and I see a soldier in BDU's jogging up to me. My dad had flown in for a visit and surprised Tim and I at school. I will never forget the feelings I felt that day. It warms my heart to watch videos of similar events taking place with soldiers surprising their loved ones in various atmospheres. I'll be honest, I'm a total baby when it comes to that. Families of soldiers are often forgotten during Veterans Day and Memorial Day but they have willingly sacrificed much more than many of us will ever lose.
As FDR said so beautifully, "We Americans of today, together with our allies, are passing through a period of supreme test. It is a test of our courage - of our resolve - of our wisdom - our essential democracy." The biggest problems we are facing (in my horribly jaded opinion :-) ) are not from foreign enemies, but from domestic ignorance and apathy. We take for granted the freedoms we have and we have this inaccurate sense of entitlement. Please understand that I do not mean to belittle the American public. Regardless of party lines, backgrounds, loyalties, we are all Americans existing and thriving under the very blanket of freedom provided by veterans.
Our veterans deserve more respect and so much more honor and recognition that we give them (collectively). I am blessed to be connected directly and indirectly to a multitude of brave men and women who serve. I have tried my best to give back to those who gave so much for me; I donate time and money to the USO, the Wounded Warrior Project and other organizations that support our Armed Forces both domestically and abroad. I honestly wouldn't be who I am without the influence of the military in my life. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! Please know that you are loved and admired. You are HEROES.
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