I'm not even sure I have anything worthwhile to post, but I've been so super emotional lately I feel like I just need to write. Lots of things are happening and I've been very busy working (gratefully) but things are still qutie rocky and I'm plowing through. My book is definitely helping me out there, keeping me on the road to happiness and to the positive side of things. I just find that lately I cry very easily. Needless to say, I cry easily on a normal basis, but lately it's been ridiculous. I'm trying to chalk it up to female issues but I can't help but think I'm just in a general funk.
In keeping with my attempt to stay positive and focus on that, here are a few things I'm thankful for this week:
- Peej - my beautiful, smart, healthy son - my husband who loves me even though - Sarah Grace - the author of the book that i'm reading - for friendships that are strong and true - that Jaime has a healthy baby coming in 2012 - paper and pens - DVR - my jobs - restraint
enjoy your day folks.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Happiness Project
This is the title of the book I am currently immersed in, not coming up for air. It is a memoir about this woman who decided that she was happy ... but not as happy as she should/could be. So she decided to take on a 12 month Happiness Project. She took on all these age-old ways to make yourself more happy and also created her own ways putting a set of resolutions on every month and then adding the next month's set.
I can absolutely relate to this woman and how she came about starting this Happiness Project. I am not even halfway through this book yet, and I have taken vigorous notes, and begun to develop my own Happiness Project. I, of course, will not be starting my own until I have finished her book and learn all I can learn. I do need to say though, to whoever may be reading this, that you can always be happier than you are if you just look at yourself and work through YOU. Don't make your unhappiness about other people because it isn't.
I will absolutely be updating a bit more often as that is one of the factors to being more happy. For now, I leave you with one 'Secret of Adulthood' of my own creation.
"More often than not, procrastinating about something causes more physical and emotional hurt than would be caused if you did that something right away"
I can absolutely relate to this woman and how she came about starting this Happiness Project. I am not even halfway through this book yet, and I have taken vigorous notes, and begun to develop my own Happiness Project. I, of course, will not be starting my own until I have finished her book and learn all I can learn. I do need to say though, to whoever may be reading this, that you can always be happier than you are if you just look at yourself and work through YOU. Don't make your unhappiness about other people because it isn't.
I will absolutely be updating a bit more often as that is one of the factors to being more happy. For now, I leave you with one 'Secret of Adulthood' of my own creation.
"More often than not, procrastinating about something causes more physical and emotional hurt than would be caused if you did that something right away"
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11
Today I am hugging my son and my husband a little bit tighter than usual.
I'm a crier, I cry easily and often. What can I say, I'm emotional. Today I watched just about 20 minutes in total of the name readings at the World Trade Center (which btw looks beautiful the way they've rebuilt it. I'd love to go visit and etch some names of those brave people who died that day). In any event, during that 20 minutes of watching I saw people reading names who had lost mothers, brothers, sisters, fathers, in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, best friends, fire fighters, police men, port authority police and more. My heart breaks for these people, all of them. I have been fortunate in my life to not have suffered many deaths in my immediate family and I am so grateful for that. My mind can't help but wander to those children who were still unborn when 9/11 happened. Those unfortunate children (because I can't think of a better word than unfortunate) that didn't have the chance to meet their mother or father because of that fateful day. I saw photos of some of these children, some of them that read some names. There were children who were too young at the time to really remember their parents that was lost that day. I wouldn't want to imagine what it would be like for them. One boy in particular read names towards the end and said "and my father, I wish you could be here to give me advice and cheer me on on the sidelines when I play sports just like the other dads" There wasn't a hint of anger in his voice, not one. He was grateful that his father was a hero. It sincerely broke my heart and uplifted me at the same time. To those children I say, live life to the fullest and always remember those you lost on that day. Everyone's heart is with you, across the country and in others.
When I couldn't watch anymore I switched to FOX where the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams were getting ready to begin their pre-game ceremonies. There was a lone trumpeter playing TAPS while they showed footage of those in the stadium and those around the country. Afterwards, they unraveled an American flag the size of the field. The football teams held one side as members of the police, fire department and crew pulled the other end across the field. Both teams, together, representing what our country is really about. An amazing Naval officer sang the National Anthem and it was beautiful. There were players with tears streaming down their face. Followed up by every person in the crowd chanting "USA! USA!"
I can't help but be grateful today for my family and my friends who mean the world to me. I'm so blessed that I did not lose anyone on that day. I continue today to pray for those who were lost and their families. I continue every day to thank God for our troops who voluntarily protect our country every day. I continue to thank God for our police officers, fire fighters, port authority workers, volunteers and anyone else who gives their life and work for us.
God Bless all these families and God Bless our Nation and it's President.
I'm a crier, I cry easily and often. What can I say, I'm emotional. Today I watched just about 20 minutes in total of the name readings at the World Trade Center (which btw looks beautiful the way they've rebuilt it. I'd love to go visit and etch some names of those brave people who died that day). In any event, during that 20 minutes of watching I saw people reading names who had lost mothers, brothers, sisters, fathers, in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, best friends, fire fighters, police men, port authority police and more. My heart breaks for these people, all of them. I have been fortunate in my life to not have suffered many deaths in my immediate family and I am so grateful for that. My mind can't help but wander to those children who were still unborn when 9/11 happened. Those unfortunate children (because I can't think of a better word than unfortunate) that didn't have the chance to meet their mother or father because of that fateful day. I saw photos of some of these children, some of them that read some names. There were children who were too young at the time to really remember their parents that was lost that day. I wouldn't want to imagine what it would be like for them. One boy in particular read names towards the end and said "and my father, I wish you could be here to give me advice and cheer me on on the sidelines when I play sports just like the other dads" There wasn't a hint of anger in his voice, not one. He was grateful that his father was a hero. It sincerely broke my heart and uplifted me at the same time. To those children I say, live life to the fullest and always remember those you lost on that day. Everyone's heart is with you, across the country and in others.
When I couldn't watch anymore I switched to FOX where the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams were getting ready to begin their pre-game ceremonies. There was a lone trumpeter playing TAPS while they showed footage of those in the stadium and those around the country. Afterwards, they unraveled an American flag the size of the field. The football teams held one side as members of the police, fire department and crew pulled the other end across the field. Both teams, together, representing what our country is really about. An amazing Naval officer sang the National Anthem and it was beautiful. There were players with tears streaming down their face. Followed up by every person in the crowd chanting "USA! USA!"
I can't help but be grateful today for my family and my friends who mean the world to me. I'm so blessed that I did not lose anyone on that day. I continue today to pray for those who were lost and their families. I continue every day to thank God for our troops who voluntarily protect our country every day. I continue to thank God for our police officers, fire fighters, port authority workers, volunteers and anyone else who gives their life and work for us.
God Bless all these families and God Bless our Nation and it's President.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Taking Control
In life, there isn't enough time to let things pass by. You can't assume that things will turn out your way if you just sit there and let things happen to you. MY Monday Motivation (thanks Jaime) is taking control. I AM TAKING CONTROL.
No more letting life pass by and leaving things unsaid and undone. I'm taking control of me and my life. Love ferociously, live life without regret, take life by the horns.
It's going to be a great ride ...
No more letting life pass by and leaving things unsaid and undone. I'm taking control of me and my life. Love ferociously, live life without regret, take life by the horns.
It's going to be a great ride ...
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Gain/Loss
Well it's been an ... interesting week or so since my last post. I didn't think it was possible for so much to happen in that span of time. Much of it is internal but it's a lot. I've taught myself some lessons, taught myself restraint, and most importantly, taught myself that I am worth it. That's a big lesson for me to learn. (Although, I admit I haven't learned it completely) I was sent for kind of a spin and just when I stabilized myself, I was spun around again in the opposite direction. I am so grateful to have had a great friend there to give me a shoulder and an ear. I hope I never have to rehash that again. It's like gain and loss (and I don't mean the weight kind). Sometimes you go through something and you think you've gained in your life, but you've really lost, and vice versa. Tread carefully and really examine.
Onto other things, Making It On Broadway for the summer is over and it was an amazing week filled with amazing students, teachers and guest artists. I learned a lot about my passion for performing and have made the decision to never give it up. I really did some soul searching about it and I think i have a really positive outlook now. One of my best friends in the world moved to New York and is now ... right there, which is needless to say, amazing. I couldn't be happier about that.
I've enrolled myself in a musical theatre class to continue to hone in on my craft and I'm busying myself with all things POSITIVE. I have to just be thankful at this moment for some things. Namely, my husband and my son. I get the most joy in my life from them. It is the most amazing thing to watch my son grow every day and learn new things, communicate, run, laugh, sing, dance and everything else under the sun that he does. He is just the best. I'm thankful every day that I was given an amazing husband and together we have an equally amazing child. I am onto bigger and better things in life and I know the future is bright.
Don't know what else to update at the moment but the seas have calmed ... for now.
Onto other things, Making It On Broadway for the summer is over and it was an amazing week filled with amazing students, teachers and guest artists. I learned a lot about my passion for performing and have made the decision to never give it up. I really did some soul searching about it and I think i have a really positive outlook now. One of my best friends in the world moved to New York and is now ... right there, which is needless to say, amazing. I couldn't be happier about that.
I've enrolled myself in a musical theatre class to continue to hone in on my craft and I'm busying myself with all things POSITIVE. I have to just be thankful at this moment for some things. Namely, my husband and my son. I get the most joy in my life from them. It is the most amazing thing to watch my son grow every day and learn new things, communicate, run, laugh, sing, dance and everything else under the sun that he does. He is just the best. I'm thankful every day that I was given an amazing husband and together we have an equally amazing child. I am onto bigger and better things in life and I know the future is bright.
Don't know what else to update at the moment but the seas have calmed ... for now.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Honesty
It really is the best policy. It's also one of the scariest things a person can be. Honest. Sometimes honesty is hurtful, sometimes its joyful, sometimes it causes pain, sometimes it causes bliss, sometimes it gives closure, sometimes it leaves a door wide open and questions unanswered, sometimes it makes you realize you were a fool, sometimes you realize you were a genius, sometimes it makes you know you were right, and sometimes it proves you were dead wrong. Be as honest as you can be in life because you never know what it can bring to your life.
Friday, July 29, 2011
It's Better In the Bahamas ...
We boarded our cruise ship at around 1:30pm and didn't shove off until 7pm. Now, neither me or my husband has ever been on a cruise before so this was, nonetheless to say, very exciting! We spent the time before shoving off exploring the ship. I'm amazed that on a cruise, there is ALWAYS somewhere to eat, and since meals are included, you can eat your fill! Now we didn't overdo it at all, but it was nice to know if I got hungry, I could eat. We swam in the pool, explored the ship, layed out on the top deck of the boat ... and bought a 45oz. margarita in a souvenir cup. Yup, 45oz. It was delicious. We chose that night to dress up and have fancy dinner which was nice. I got a little bit sick for about 2 hours but I napped and it passed. We watched the beautiful sunset as we left Florida and enjoyed our first night out on the ship.
We arrived in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island the next morning at 8am. We scheduled our day to include Snorkeling and then spending the day at Lighthouse Point at Our Lucaya Resort. I have never been snorkeling before and I'm generally terrified of being attacked by animals in the ocean but, I wanted an adventure and my husband wanted me to enjoy a new experience, so I did it. Now I will tell you, I got into my snorkeling gear and literally just jumped into the ocean (and the experience) It was amazing. Amazing to see this beautiful reef with all the beautiful fish living on and around it. We spent just over an hour in the water and I can say I will cherish that experience forever and hope to do it again in the future.
We headed to the resort and had lunch and then spent the majority of the day on the beach. Now, at Lighthouse Point, there is an infinity pool. For those who are unfamiliar. it is a pool that has a well where it looks like the pool goes straight into the ocean. It was absolutely beautiful. The beach was right there with its white, soft sand and warm, crystal clear water. We had an amazing day just relaxing and enjoying the pool and the ocean, the pool then the ocean, the pool then the ocean ... you get the point. We did a little bit of shopping where I got two really adorable handmade bags and little gifts for my mom and my sister. We boarded back on the ship and decided that night we would see the show on the ship. It was a set of three performers. The first: a magician. honestly amazing and mystical. I mean, I always wonder how they do it. The second act: a father, daughter team. the father held a dagger in his mouth and balanced ... just about everything on the edge. It was pretty amazing, especially when he balanced the tip of a sword with a mirror and chalices on the hilt of the sword! The daughter was a crazy hula hoop girl. I mean, like twenty hula hoops at once. She was also an acrobat/dancer. The third act: comedian: SERIOUSLY FUNNY. We laughed the entire time. After the show it was late and we decided to head up to the deck and just take in being out at sea. Lounge chairs should be everywhere in the world for everyone's convenience.
We came back to port and flew home that night. I can honestly say that it was the best trip I've ever taken with my husband in all our years together (seven this year in October). I enjoy times where we can talk, converse, hug, kiss, cuddle, watch tv and just enjoy each other. That is a really important part of a relationship and a marriage. I got to experience things on this trip I never thought I would be able to experience and I'm truly grateful. So, Sarah, if you read this, THANK YOU. I will never be able to repay you for the trip and what it meant to us. You have been the best friend I could ever ask for and I love you so much.
We headed to the resort and had lunch and then spent the majority of the day on the beach. Now, at Lighthouse Point, there is an infinity pool. For those who are unfamiliar. it is a pool that has a well where it looks like the pool goes straight into the ocean. It was absolutely beautiful. The beach was right there with its white, soft sand and warm, crystal clear water. We had an amazing day just relaxing and enjoying the pool and the ocean, the pool then the ocean, the pool then the ocean ... you get the point. We did a little bit of shopping where I got two really adorable handmade bags and little gifts for my mom and my sister. We boarded back on the ship and decided that night we would see the show on the ship. It was a set of three performers. The first: a magician. honestly amazing and mystical. I mean, I always wonder how they do it. The second act: a father, daughter team. the father held a dagger in his mouth and balanced ... just about everything on the edge. It was pretty amazing, especially when he balanced the tip of a sword with a mirror and chalices on the hilt of the sword! The daughter was a crazy hula hoop girl. I mean, like twenty hula hoops at once. She was also an acrobat/dancer. The third act: comedian: SERIOUSLY FUNNY. We laughed the entire time. After the show it was late and we decided to head up to the deck and just take in being out at sea. Lounge chairs should be everywhere in the world for everyone's convenience.
We came back to port and flew home that night. I can honestly say that it was the best trip I've ever taken with my husband in all our years together (seven this year in October). I enjoy times where we can talk, converse, hug, kiss, cuddle, watch tv and just enjoy each other. That is a really important part of a relationship and a marriage. I got to experience things on this trip I never thought I would be able to experience and I'm truly grateful. So, Sarah, if you read this, THANK YOU. I will never be able to repay you for the trip and what it meant to us. You have been the best friend I could ever ask for and I love you so much.
Honeymooned and Over the Moon
So it's clearly been a while since I posted last and that would be due to my out of state, out of country honeymoon. My husband and I got married last year and were gifted this amazing trip by my best friend in the entire world, Sarah. She gifted us at our wedding a 3 day, 2 night trip to Orlando with a 2 day, 2 night cruise to the Bahamas. We had until January 2012 to use it. We decided as soon as we got it that we would make it our anniversary honeymoon. We never took a honeymoon after the wedding because of work, baby, etc. It was absolutely fantastic, here's why.
We flew into Orlando late on a Saturday and got our rental car and our cheap hotel room for that night. Sunday we checked into our hotel, went to get cupcakes at Sweet! by Good Golly Miss Holly (winner of Cupcake Wars), took a refreshing and amazing dip in the pool, showered, dressed up and headed to Downtown Disney! Now, I LOVE Disney. I mean, I could live there. Seriously, I could live there. We decided to not do any Disney parks this time due to limited time down there (I know, what a bummer, right?!) Downtown Disney was good enough for me. We walked all around, ate dinner and just generally reveled in Disney. Now, Nicholas has an obsession with Toy Story. Well, all over Downtown Disney was Toy Story! Woody and Buzz! My personal favorite was this big thing outside the LEGO store.
I mean, awesome right?! Couldn't help but miss my little guy when we saw that. The next day it was up early as heck and off to Universal Islands of Adventure!! First stop: Wizarding World of Harry Potter!! I mean, it was pretty awesome. We waited in line for the Hogwarts ride, which was really cool, first since it was a long wait. We had delicious Butterbeer (frozen and carbonated), ate at the Three Broomsticks, and took lots of pictures. Of course, we did other parts of the park too. In particular, the roaring rapids ride there which is named barges or something like that. We rode it 4 times because it was so hot, and there was no line!! We finished off our day by riding the Hogwarts ride again and doing our shopping. I won't bore you with our purchases ... nerdy as they were.
We headed to SeaWorld the next day, and it was Dan's first time EVER going there so it was pretty great. I can't say much about the park other than it's totally worth it to experience it. The dolphin and Shamu shows were amazing and everything else was just so great. That night we drove down to West Palm Beach to see my good friends Jodie and Jessica and my goddaughter, Leah. We spent the night in the pool catching up and taking crazy pictures. This had been only 3 days of vacation and I was completely overjoyed at spending quality time with my husband and reconnecting without the hecticness of everyday life. The next day it was on a cruise ship and off to the Bahamas ...
We flew into Orlando late on a Saturday and got our rental car and our cheap hotel room for that night. Sunday we checked into our hotel, went to get cupcakes at Sweet! by Good Golly Miss Holly (winner of Cupcake Wars), took a refreshing and amazing dip in the pool, showered, dressed up and headed to Downtown Disney! Now, I LOVE Disney. I mean, I could live there. Seriously, I could live there. We decided to not do any Disney parks this time due to limited time down there (I know, what a bummer, right?!) Downtown Disney was good enough for me. We walked all around, ate dinner and just generally reveled in Disney. Now, Nicholas has an obsession with Toy Story. Well, all over Downtown Disney was Toy Story! Woody and Buzz! My personal favorite was this big thing outside the LEGO store.
I mean, awesome right?! Couldn't help but miss my little guy when we saw that. The next day it was up early as heck and off to Universal Islands of Adventure!! First stop: Wizarding World of Harry Potter!! I mean, it was pretty awesome. We waited in line for the Hogwarts ride, which was really cool, first since it was a long wait. We had delicious Butterbeer (frozen and carbonated), ate at the Three Broomsticks, and took lots of pictures. Of course, we did other parts of the park too. In particular, the roaring rapids ride there which is named barges or something like that. We rode it 4 times because it was so hot, and there was no line!! We finished off our day by riding the Hogwarts ride again and doing our shopping. I won't bore you with our purchases ... nerdy as they were.
We headed to SeaWorld the next day, and it was Dan's first time EVER going there so it was pretty great. I can't say much about the park other than it's totally worth it to experience it. The dolphin and Shamu shows were amazing and everything else was just so great. That night we drove down to West Palm Beach to see my good friends Jodie and Jessica and my goddaughter, Leah. We spent the night in the pool catching up and taking crazy pictures. This had been only 3 days of vacation and I was completely overjoyed at spending quality time with my husband and reconnecting without the hecticness of everyday life. The next day it was on a cruise ship and off to the Bahamas ...
Friday, July 15, 2011
My First Post
Wow, my first blog post. I feel the pressure ...
I figure, if you're reading this, you probably know me but on the off-chance that you don't, I'll let you get to know me a little bit better.
I'm 26 years old and I live in NJ. I have the most amazing husband in the world and WE have the most amazing son in the world. I'm a musical theatre performer and teacher and I LOVE being on the stage, learning about the stage, teaching about the stage, well just, everything about the stage. I sing ... all the time and I can't help it. I'm a hugger. I'm a giver. I love unconditionally and I love being able to make people laugh. I love nicknames with my friends. Oh, and one last thing, I'm hysterical. Seriously, like, really funny ... honestly!
Onto matters of life. Tomorrow I'm taking my honeymoon with my husband as our one year anniversary celebration. I can't wait. We haven't really had any time for each other in this busy thing called life for the past few months and I'm looking forward to spending time together, talking and reconnecting. He is truly the most wonderful man in the world and I am so blessed to have him as my husband.
So, there you are internet world, my first post. I can't say they will get intensely more intriguing, or that they'll be like a stand-up comedy show, but I can tell you they will be REAL. I've always wanted a place to write and I guess I've found one (shoutout to my Sunflower for getting me started, hooked, and for being amazing <3)
I figure, if you're reading this, you probably know me but on the off-chance that you don't, I'll let you get to know me a little bit better.
I'm 26 years old and I live in NJ. I have the most amazing husband in the world and WE have the most amazing son in the world. I'm a musical theatre performer and teacher and I LOVE being on the stage, learning about the stage, teaching about the stage, well just, everything about the stage. I sing ... all the time and I can't help it. I'm a hugger. I'm a giver. I love unconditionally and I love being able to make people laugh. I love nicknames with my friends. Oh, and one last thing, I'm hysterical. Seriously, like, really funny ... honestly!
Onto matters of life. Tomorrow I'm taking my honeymoon with my husband as our one year anniversary celebration. I can't wait. We haven't really had any time for each other in this busy thing called life for the past few months and I'm looking forward to spending time together, talking and reconnecting. He is truly the most wonderful man in the world and I am so blessed to have him as my husband.
So, there you are internet world, my first post. I can't say they will get intensely more intriguing, or that they'll be like a stand-up comedy show, but I can tell you they will be REAL. I've always wanted a place to write and I guess I've found one (shoutout to my Sunflower for getting me started, hooked, and for being amazing <3)
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