Then I Got To Thinking...

Bicycle Brunch Hop

2012-02-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

My sweet cousin Lauren just turned 25.

Her and I have been through a lot together... school, family, friendship, ect.

I wouldn't have missed this chance to celebrate with her!

She lives near downtown Sacramento and wanted everyone to ride bikes around town to brunch and then a few other restaurants, bars, and pubs.

The weather worked out nicely, the sun came out for us. We peddled around downtown and gained people as the day progressed.

We started at DeVere's for brunch. They have delicious food and bottomless mimosas!

Starting out the morning...

Birthday girl!

Cheers!

So many brunch options!

Ready for the next location!

TL and the Birthday girl

Some of the girls...

I managed to get a flat tire... so the boys took my wheel off and went to a bike shop!

Me and TL

Happy 25th Birthday, Lo!

I love riding bikes places! It was a fun and festive day.

I love Owls

2012-02-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

More than a year ago, I started really loving owl decorations.

I've always thought owls were cool animals - and many decorative owls are so cute!

My mom is the most thoughtful person I know. She loves picking out sweet little things for us that we know we would love for our house.

Recently, she got me a little bundle of new things. This blanket is hand made by a friend of hers - I love the colors, and it's such a sweet little themed blanket. I will keep it forever :)

And these are some little owls she found at Pier 1. Love them!

I love my mom and how thoughtful she is :)

Hope you're having a wonderful Valentine's Day!

TL and I both have work today (we celebrated last night). I did cash in a massage gift card he got me for Christmas and it was amazing!!

Tell Me... An experience that made you learn about yourself.

2012-02-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

I've met so many great ladies through this community. I wanted to start this "link up" because I think it's a great way to get to know people - and I would love to know more about the wonderful people we connect with.

This week's topic...

"Tell Me... What's an experience you've had in your life that has made you learn something important about yourself?"

Growing up, I was always the kid that couldn't stay the night at people's houses easily. I always missed my mom, missed home, and missed the comforts of my own bed. Until 6th grade, I usually called my mom to come and pick me up... slowly I started staying over at friend's houses.

I remember driving my sister Kelly to college and moving her into the dorms at UCSB for college and thinking to myself... I could never do this.

As I made it through high school and started applying to schools, I was still nervous about the transition of moving away from home. I made sure I had a safety net of schools very close to home just in case. When I found out I was accepted to SFSU, I was excited because it was the school I wanted to go to. Even though it's only about 2 hours away from home, I still had anxiety about it.

I remember the day I packed up my bedroom into the back of my dad's truck and trailer and made the big move. I remember watching my mom and dad drive away for the first time after moving me into the dorms... and I remember the first day of being alone at a campus where I knew nobody.

My first year, I quickly met some pretty incredible girls, joined a sorority, and found my little niche with my classes. It wasn't always easy... but it was the first time in my life that I made such a dramatic step out of my comfort zone! Of course I still missed my parents and family... but everyday I got more and more comfortable with the idea of living "on my own". I am so thankful for the experience of college... not just academically, but because I learned that I can be independent. I also learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is where I grow the most.

Here's a few pictures from my first year of college ;)

The first girls I met in college - such great people. Hanging out on my bed in my dorm room! I was the zebra queen.

I think this was the first "college" party I ever went to. Can you find me in there? ;)

My first Birthday away from family with some beautiful girls, Steph, Juls, Chels & cousin Greyson.

This was actually from the very beginning of my second year - some fabulous girls that I am so lucky to know!

What about you??

Link up below.

Super Bowl Sunday

2012-02-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

With TL getting over pneumonia, we had a pretty laid back Super Bowl Sunday.

My aunt and uncle had a little gathering and we went and spent the afternoon and evening there with family and friends. My uncle who hosted the party is actually TL's Captain at work ;)

I'll admit, I didn't really have a lot of interest in the game because I am still slightly depressed about the Niners loss to the Giants. But I did make sure I caught the half time show with Madonna. Despite all of the bad reviews... I thought it was entertaining. She looks good at 53!

Lot's of good appetizers, drinks, and good conversation.

The guys hogging the couch!

Some of the food...

Looks like burgers... but - it's cookies, a brownie, and frosting. I thought these were so cute!

They live in a little golf community, so we took the golf carts for a spin!

My aunt Chelle, me, and cousin Greyson

Hope you had a great weekend!

What did you think of Madonna?

__________________________________________________________________________________

PS. I am doing the "Tell Me" post tomorrow... the topic is:

"Tell Me... What's an experience you've had in your life that has made you learn something important about yourself?"

Come back and link up tomorrow :)

Weekend Reminders

2012-02-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

This weekend I will be focusing on helping TL get better (pneumonia again, ugh), volunteering with Junior League, and watching the Super Bowl! Any fun plans for you??

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

all images via pinterest

Tell Me... what unexpectedly changed your life?

2012-02-01T16:57:00.000-08:00

I've met so many great ladies through this community. I wanted to start a new "link up" because I think it's a great way to get to know people - and I would love to know more about the wonderful people we connect with.

First topic...

"Tell Me... what unexpectedly changed your life?"

By this, I mean - what's changed your plans? It can be positive or even something negative. Just something that came up unexpectedly in your life that changed your plans.

When I was in my last semester of college, I had just gotten out of an unstable relationship and was determined and very focused on my career. I imagined myself moving to small towns across the country chasing my dreams. Little did I know, TL walked into my life and completely rocked my plans.

In January of 2008, my brother in law told me I should come over to my sister and his house for dinner because a guy from work (they work together) was coming over and wanted to meet me. I was in my casual SFSU sweatshirt and didn't really have expectations. But I won't ever forget seeing TL come through the front door of their home and the instant connection we had. We've never gone a day with out talking since that night.

No man had ever made me rethink my career or my plans of moving. But, there was something about this 6'2", blonde hair, blue eyed guy. He treated me differently and something inside of me knew I couldn't let him get away. I suddenly started questioning my career - and little did I know that staying with him would take me on this crazy adventure we've been on.

{here are a few pics from when we were first dating}

I had the same haircut I have now!

Our first trip to Disneyland together in March of '08

{Eating at the Cliff House Restaurant in SF}

It's been a great journey with this guy - he was definitely an unexpected change... he rocked my world! :)

What about you??

Write a post and link up below if you want to share!!

J Crew Swim Collection

2012-01-30T19:14:00.000-08:00

TL and I are getting ready to take another trip to the tropics this year... and after browsing through Jess' The Kentucky Priss blog, I was led to the J Crew site and found some amazing swim suits I am completely drooling over!! If only they weren't a gazillion dollars.

I wish I could have one of each... but this one is my absolute favorite:

Seriously, I am in LOVE... the top and bottoms are perfect, they cover enough and look comfortable!

Here are some of my other faves...

Simple, and so adorable!

{love this color!! and style}

{I am really into one pieces... and I love the ruffles on this!}

Love the style of the bottoms. I am all for the extra coverage... and the polka dots are so cute!

All suits pictured are from JCrew.com

I know it's a little early in the year... but I can't help it.

Hope you have a wonderful week!!

Our Wedding Album

2012-01-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

We finally got our wedding album... and after 2.5 years of being married, it was fun to get it and relive the day through our pictures. I wish I could put it up here, but since I can't, I just took a few pictures of the pages :)
{ excuse the yucky poor quality phone pictures of pictures ;) }

{the front cover... the wind did that to my veil}

It turned out great... I am so happy we have something special to remember that day :)

Now I just need to figure out where to keep it...

where do you keep yours?

Album by: Ford Family Photography

the meaning of friendship

2012-01-27T11:50:00.000-08:00

Holy moly... this week flew by! I know I say this too often, but time seems to pass more quickly every year. February is almost here... the first month of 2012 is almost over. Hard to believe.

I was talking to a couple of my college girlfriends the other night, and I got to thinking about the affect of time and distance on all friendships. I'm truly lucky to have such supportive and loving ladies by my side through the different chapters of my life. My friends are very important to me.

My "college" girls are the ones I call when I have big news, a problem, or just need someone to talk to. They know all of my weaknesses, flaws, and issues... and they continue to support and love me unconditionally.

Our experiences together haven't always been perfect, but when I am spending time with these girls... I am truly happy.

Even though we don't talk everyday, we have the ability to pick up where we left off in our weekly phone conversations.

It's only been a few years since our amazing adventure together through college ended and now we are scattered across California. But... we always do what we can to make sure we're together a couple times a year and for the big moments in each other's lives.

I've been so fortunate to keep in touch with a few friends from high school - especially my best friend, Jenny. This girl and I have been through so much, including living 500 miles apart and we've stayed very close. She is like a sister to me.

{back in 2005...}

And when TL and I moved to our new area almost 2 years ago... I met an incredible group of girls who i've gotten close with. They are so encouraging, funny, and always have something new to teach me about life. I always leave our Happy Hour dates with a belly ache from laughing so hard.

"Friendship is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." - Muhammad Ali

All of you fabulous girls that I have met and connected with in this community of bloggers are also my friends. I feel like we know a lot about each other, and I appreciate the support & encouragement you always give to me! I've learned so much from your creativity, life experiences, and adventures. Thank you :)

Friends come and go in our lives as we grow and change individually. And I think that's okay. I find it interesting that people at all different stages and ages in life can develop friendships.

Do you have certain friends in your life that are irreplaceable?

Happy Weekend!

The Soggy 49er Game

2012-01-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

It was soggy, misty, and rainy for the entire 49er game... but hosting the NFC Championship at Candlestick Park and having the opportunity to be at such a close game was worth wearing the ugly oversized poncho.

The boys were so excited to be going... and we were convinced they could make this win. Sadly, a few costly mistakes {and a couple of bad calls} ended their dream trip to the Super Bowl.

But regardless... it was exciting, overwhelming, and exhausting! Losing in OT was sad... you could have heard a pen drop after that Williams fumble, but the truth of it all is that the Niners had a come back, Cinderella season.

Kristin Chenoweth sang the Star Spangled Banner, and Brad Paisley performed during half time. It was neat to be there for that, too.

Grey and rainy... but it didn't stop us tailgaters... look at all those tents!

TL and his brother... both in about 340 layers of clothing!

Frank Gore came and said hello ;) He's #21... our star running back.

*goosebumps*

You can see Kristin on the jumbo screen... she performed right near us, but not close enough for a picture.

My throat and voice are still raw. Not to mention, I woke up this morning with sore legs from jumping up and down and standing the entire game. I think we only sat for about 1 minute of the entire game.

Such a horrible way to end the game and season... but we made it all the way there, and I think we can do it again next year!

The rain has arrived...

2012-01-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a very dry winter in Northern California. We haven't seen any significant amount of rainfall in months, and I have missed it.

I know some of you friends in Seattle have seen some recent storms, and now - those are headed our way!

Something about the rain feels fresh & cozy to me. Hopefully we get lots of snow up in the mountains, we're ready to hit the slopes :)

TL, the pups and I are staying in together tonight. I love evenings like this.

Happy Thursday!

PS. thank you for all of the positive feedback on my phobia post... I was pleasantly surprised :)
PPS. JF still loves you.

Confession of my biggest phobia...

2012-01-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

We all fear... some of us have fears that are bigger than others.
Of course I fear the general things - like failure, disappointment, ect...but many of us (me) have a specific phobia that makes them feel like they are losing control when dealing with it and causes anxiety and panic.

I've been dealing with this since I was little. There was a specific incident that I remember being completely afraid of for the first time, but I don't know exactly what caused me to develop it. If you're a close friend of mine... you already know my fear and have probably had to deal with me before. {i apologize if you have}

Okay... I'll cut to the chase. I am an ematophobic. Simply put, I have an irrational, stupid fear of vomit. And I know there are more of you just like me out there.

I'm the girl who covers her eyes during the "puke" scene of a movie {in fact, I haven't seen Bridesmaids because I was told there was an entire scene I would hate}, I wouldn't be caught dead on a ride along at my husband's work {he's a firefighter/paramedic}, and I absolutely refuse to visit the ER {you know I really love you if I visit you in the hospital}.

Think about it... vomit can be anywhere. I tend to have a little {or a lot depending on the situation} of anxiety when I am in a really crowded and rowdy place. I've been known to skip out on a day at the theme park {roller coasters make people sick}, concerts, and college fraternity parties. My close girlfriends and family are amazing... they do their best to be aware of our surroundings when we go out. But, I often end up feeling really embarrassed or left out because of it. I'm truly lucky TL and my friends put up with me.

I don't know anyone who likes puke. It's disgusting. It looks gross, smells gross, and feeling nauseous is one of the worst feelings. My fear isn't of me vomiting - I am fine when I do. It doesn't bother me when I see a baby spit up, or even when I know someone has the flu and they are getting sick in the other room. I have no problem cleaning up after my dogs when they get sick.

My fear has more to do with that loss of control when you are in an area where you can't get away and someone gets sick. I was told I have an "internal locus of control" and it makes sense. {read about that by clicking here and reading under "causes"} I also get really nervous when people are intoxicated and throw up because I worry that they won't make it away from me. I am not a fan of crowded buses, on public transportation, airplanes, or anywhere I can't get away if someone gets sick.

Sadly, this ~~little~~ fear of mine has caused me to miss out on some fun things. When I write about this, I realize I am sounding a bit crazy... I swear i'm not. I have made big leaps in recent years with dealing with it. You remember that trip to Vegas I took with my girlfriends, or even going to the 49ers game, ect... all of the fun experiences I write about. I enjoyed them so much and often the fear doesn't get to me... but occasionally, in the side of my mind, that little fear creeps around.

College was when I started making regular attempts to face it, and with the help of my girlfriends... I made a lot of progress and didn't miss out on too much! But anytime I am around and it happens, I panic and get away from the area as fast as possible {I have been known to run away}.

You might be asking... what are you afraid of? It can't hurt you!! And believe me, I ask myself that same question. That's what makes it an irrational fear. It's not like being afraid of spiders or snakes, because they can bite you... but it's the same feeling.

So... this year, my goal was to start doing what I can to face that fear. I know it may never go away completely, and the thought of living with it for the rest of my life causes me so much sadness.

If I could change anything about myself... it would be this stupid fear.

I guess the reason I am writing about this is because I want to encourage other people to not be afraid to admit their fears. I am also hoping that openly admitting this will help me take a small baby step in dealing with it and pushing myself to realize how silly it is. There isn't a cure {believe me, I have researched} - but I refuse to accept it. I'm afraid, but I just have to keep facing it. In fact... you'll find me in that rowdy sea of red at the Niner game again this Sunday!

Anyone else have a fear of something unusual?

{please tell me i'm not the only one...}

PS. It took me a REALLY long time to decide about posting this... so please don't make me feel like an even bigger idiot by thinking less of me. ;)

photo courtesy

Best. Game. Ever.

2012-01-15T12:12:00.000-08:00

TL and his brother have been season ticket holders at Candlestick Park in San Francisco for almost a decade.

When I met TL, I was a Niner fan simply because they are the team closest to where I live and I grew up with Niner fans in my family. But... dating him and eventually marrying him meant I would attend several games and spend several Sunday afternoons cheering them on.

Yesterday was one of the best games I have ever seen... and we were so lucky to be there and witness it in person! It was so fun! Total chaos. Hugging people I have never met. And the camaraderie between the fans and everyone in the stadium was incredible. The energy was unlike anything I have experienced!!

We started the day out early, getting to the stadium early to get a good parking spot, and then meeting up with some family friends to tailgate and play a few games.

Right when the game ended... we were going crazy! {TL, me, my dad, and BIL Joe}
We were standing the whole time!

Now, we wait to see who we're going to play next Sunday.

I am still in disbelief of this game... the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter was some of the most exciting football I have ever seen!

Go Niners!!

New Years Bunco

2012-01-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Not only was it our first Bunco of 2012 this last weekend, it was also the one year anniversary of when our little group of girls formed our Bunco team!

Many of you have asked me what Bunco is... and so, I thought I would quickly explain. It's basically a dice game that takes no talent or thought... it's just about rolling 3 dice and trying to get certain numbers. For us, it's a time to get together, chat, and enjoy good food & drinks!

Michelle hosted this month... and the theme was sparkles to bring in the new year. She had little tiaras for us. We had homemade pizza for dinner, and lots of yummy finger foods. It was such a great night! :)

Great way to kick off 2012 with these ladies... I love 'em!

Already looking forward to next month's theme... ;)

Norman's Ice Cream & Freezes

2012-01-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

On one of our visits to San Francisco last month, we walked around the Pier with friends and found a yummy little ice cream shop. It's a tiny little shop - but it's raved about on foursquare and yelp... and it's easy to see why when you visit it! It also has won all sorts of little food awards :)

The owner is adorable. He said his wife makes all of the fudge!

That's the whole shop! Super tiny. Super cute.

Doesn't this look delicious?!

Definitely worth a try if you visit SF - you can find it in Del Monte Square !

Hello, 2012... you're here already?

2012-01-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

That was fast.

2012 came so quickly.

I pondered all of my ideas for new years resolutions while I was showering earlier, and nothing come to mind that I am determined to set as my resolution.

I'm naturally a goal setter. I've always been that way. I set daily goals, short term, and long term goals and refer to them usually pertaining to work and life in general. I think I will just stick to that routine.

But my resolution for this year is this... live each day the best I can.

We can't control lots of things in our lives, but we control ourselves, our attitude, actions, and reactions. Happiness is our choice and typically I try to make decisions that will make me happy.

Each new year is a fresh start... but so is every day.

This year, I want to work a little harder at facing my fears. I want to forgive people more easily and not sweat the small stuff. I want to continue to recognize and appreciate all of the amazing people in my life.

Of course, I also want to remember to eat healthy, take my vitamins, and take the dogs on a few more walks.

What about you?

Any New Year's Resolutions... or revelations?

Happy New Year!

{a little collage of our low key New Years Eve!}

2011 in a nutshell...

2011-12-31T12:35:00.000-08:00

What a year!
Lot's happened around the world, as well as in my little world.
We watched Japan get rattled and destroyed during one of the biggest earthquakes in their history. Osama Bin Laden was killed, the war in Iraq came to an end, our stock markets took some scary dips, and we lost one of the most intelligent creators of our generation, Steve Jobs. With all of this unfolding around the world... my life had some ups and downs of its own. {mostly ups, thankfully}

In my little world...
We celebrated the kick off of 2011 in San Francisco, watching the fireworks and spending time with our friends C&K.

I got a new job in February working for a non profit organization that I am extremely passionate about... it's been a great fit for me.

I travelled to 9 countries during a month long trip to Europe with my best friend (TL) and celebrated my Birthday in Paris.

{Started in Germany}

{ended in Ireland}

My precious nephew Ryan turned two.

My college girlfriends and I took a weekend to relax and catch up in Los Angeles.

One of the best days of my life happened on July 16th, when I watched my sister Julie tie the knot to her husband Matt... and the festivities leading up to her wedding take the cake for some of the most fun celebrations I have ever been a part of.

{Bridal shower for Juls}

{houseboating bachelorette party}

TL and I visited Hawaii to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary in September. I fell even more in love with this guy this year.

My sister Kelly shared the news that she's expecting her 2nd little baby boy... due in March.

My girlfriends and I took our annual girls trip to Vegas.

I got a second part time job as a morning traffic anchor working back at a television station in our area {again} and have been fortunate to work with some incredible people.

I spent many happy hours, movie nights, and bunco nights with a wonderful new group of friends in my neighborhood... we've gotten very close.

We took a trip to Disneyland with our close friends Sabrina & Justin to see it lit up for the Holidays. Boy was it beautiful!

The year ended on a high note... getting to spend the holidays with all my family together. It was the cherry on top of it all. :)

This year we are spending New Years with my MIL to celebrate her Birthday and bring in 2012 with a bang!

Thank you to those of you I have met through this blog, those of you who provide encouraging words, and follow along on this journey with me. I love this community of women that I have come to know. You are a source of knowledge, creativity and support for me. Thank you!

Cheers to a new year, a fresh start, and many new adventures!

Christmas Weekend

2011-12-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was very fun... lots of time spent with my beautiful family. TL and I both worked for the days surrounding Christmas, but we had the day off and got to visit with both families!

TL and I also got many new wonderful gifts... very exciting!

The tree at my parents house... gifts for all 9 of us!

Our stockings... the boys get hip packs (it's an inside joke). Santa even put pictures so we knew ours. ;)

Dad making his traditional Green Eggs & Ham and Egg with Rice for breakfast... yum!

Breakfast after stockings... we've done it this way every year!

My dad got my nephew a ride on John Deere tractor... isn't this the cutest thing ever?

We spent Christmas afternoon and night with TL's family... she got us all footie PJs (including the pups)

Max & Zeus waiting to open their presents from Santa (aka my MIL)

A little family picture :)

TL's family stayed with us for a few nights... and my whole family came up to our house so we were all together. It was the best part of Christmas!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

My Hope for the Season

2011-12-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays - I've been so fortunate to be raised in a family where tradition and love gives me the feeling of joy near Christmas that I have felt since I was a little girl.

The holidays this year has also brought me a little feeling of helplessness. I feel a weight of sadness for so many I know who are missing people this year and I feel like the season can intensify that grief for them.

A friend of mine since high school was deployed in Afghanistan for less than 10 days and was shot in the head last week. His wife flew to Germany to be with him leaving their baby with family - and I truly believe he has the strength to survive this. But to know his family is struggling and separated through the holiday...

The family of my sister's student who was hit and killed by a car earlier this year is celebrating their first Christmas with out their fourteen year old Tom. He was the light of their life and he wont be there...

I have several people in my life who have lost their mom, dad, or family member in the past years and that seat will be empty at the breakfast table Christmas morning...

I can't help but wish everyone could have the people they love most with them during this time of year.

I feel so abundantly blessed and appreciate the people, family, and friends I have in my life. I guess as I have gotten older, I have come to cherish and not take for granted the people I am able to make memories with every year.

I don't mean to be a downer about the holidays - it's a beautiful time of year. It's one of my favorite times of the year and I always look forward to it. I have loved getting the Christmas cards in the mail this year with pictures. It's been my favorite thing to look forward to daily. I also love looking our tree filled with ornaments connecting me to memories of growing up.

I just don't want to forget to think about anyone who may be lonely during a time of year when lonliness seems to hit you the hardest.

This is the season of hope. If you're lucky like me and get to spend the holidays with the people you love most... squeeze them a little tighter this year - and enjoy. And if you're missing someone close to you, know that I am thinking of you and sending you a little extra cheer :)

The Academy of Science in San Francisco

2011-12-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

During a little trip to the city, we decided to check out The Academy of Science in San Francisco. It's a beautiful museum in Golden Gate Park - and we had never been.

Inside, there is an incredible rainforest with birds and butterflies flying freely, massive aquariums, and a 40 minute presentation about earth, the solar system and the universe. It was really neat and we learned a lot and had fun! Their cafe inside is delicious, too!

The outside

The rainforest

One of the aquariums

"Claude" the albino alligator at the museum - very rare! Doesn't he look fake!

Sabrina & I in the aquarium - so many beautiful and colorful fish

The living roof

I definitely recommend it if you are taking a trip to the city. It's a little pricey ($30 per person) but we spent more than a few hours in there and it really is a neat place!

Have you been?

It's Christmas Time In The City

2011-12-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

TL and I had a meeting to go to in San Francisco, so we decided to take some friends with us and make a little two day trip out of it. I absolutely love the city at Christmas time.

Justin and Sabrina haven't really explored much of the city before, so we decided to be their little tour guides and take them to a couple of our favorite spots. {I used to live there & TL's mom has an apartment there}

We made our way through a few delicious little restaurants - including: Dottie's True Blue Cafe in the Tenderloin, Straights in Union Square, Boudin at the Wharf, and The Grove in SOMA. We also visited Fort Miley, Baker Beach, Golden Gate Park, the full house 'house', Union Street and of course the Wharf & Union Square. {We fit a lot in two days!}

Golden Gate Park

Fort Miley {we saw dolphins}

Baker Beach

The Wharf

YUM... my favorite :)

The festive street cars

We also went to The Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park. That was my first time visiting the museum and it was really cool! I'll post about that soon.

A little over a week until Christmas... I can't believe it!

Naughty or Nice Bunco

2011-12-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

Our 12th month of Bunco was Christmas themed "Naughty or Nice". Shannon was the host, and she had everything very festive - and dinner was delicious. I was so excited to see all she had done to decorate and get ready!

Those who've been naughty wore red, those who've been nice wore white. I was a little naughty and a little nice ;) We didn't play for money this month - instead, we donated all of our money to adopt a family in need. We also did a secret santa gift exchange between us!

{The homemade favors Shannon made us}

It's been a very fun year with these fabulous ladies - already looking forward to January!!

Mom's Taco Soup Recipe

2011-12-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

TL has been sick all week... so last night, I decided I would cook dinner. (Shocking, I know)

I surprised myself with how yummy it turned out... although it is very easy to make.

Mom's Taco Soup

This is my handwriting on my mom's recipe cards that I made in middle school.

pretty easy to make!

Used my slap chop my mom got me for Xmas last year

Yummy

The topping ingredients

The finished product

I even set the table for us {sort of}

I enjoyed making dinner and hope to start doing it more often. I love using my mom's recipes she used while I was growing up. She and my MIL are both such good cooks, I have a lot to learn!

What's your favorite recipe that reminds you of growing up?

The Top 5 Regrets

2011-12-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

My college girlfriend, Wendy, recently posted this and I found it very touching... and true. A good reminder for all of us seeking pure happiness in this crazy life :)

{thanks for posting, Wen}

The Top 5 Regrets

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way.

From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard -

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship.

Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings -

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends -

Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier

This is a surprisingly common one.

Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.

They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

By Bronnie Ware – Purchase her book ‘The Top 5 Regrets Of The Dying’ here

This excerpt was found at Addicted 2 Success.

Christmas Decorations

2011-12-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

We've been working on bulking up our collection of Christmas decorations over the years... and I love having the lights up and on. It's very festive. {pics from last year}

My favorite is our tree because of all the special ornaments. Everywhere we travel, I try to get one, and every year when I put them on the tree, my mind is flooded with memories.

I also love the dining room table. Most of these decorations are from last year. I am so excited we actually get to use our dining room table on Christmas night this year!

What are your decorating secrets?