Goodbye College, Hello Career

I just browsed over my trusty planner and to my amazement I only have 48 days until graduation...wowza this semester has flown bye. So I've got a month and a half to find a full-time job. I feel that the prospect of working for Kerry Ingredients and Flavours is very high, however I don't have the job in the bag yet....so I'll wait on doing my happy dance. I've interviewed with three people, love the location, building, company and feel that this position is the perfect match for my qualifications.

I've got everything in my life in order right up until May 31. I'll be coming back from my Florida vacation on the 31 to hopefully begin my career on June 1!

Off the Market

Yup, that title line is correct. I'm in a relationship and I couldn't be any happier to have the love of my life by my side. My friend Katrina said to me yesterday, "It's not official until you change your status on Facebook." Well I made the change today for the world to see.

I love my partner very much and I'm so thankful for each moment I have to share with him. We were together for three years and then were broken up on good terms for one. This past year I and him needed to experience certain things without one another. By the grace of God our love persevered over distance and time. We have both grown into being better partners and people as a whole.

I'm so excited for our future, however I'm still very excited about my own future. Even though I am in a relationship I plan to never lose sight of who I am and will continue to peruse my own interests. I've made the mistake far to many times in the past of converging my life with my partners, so much that I can't function properly on my own.

I have confidence that our relationship will work in the long haul, because I don't feel any anxiety, worry or fear. I completely trust my partner and have some of the greatest times with him. Last night we giggled non stop for an hour....it felt like a moment straight out of a movie theater scene.

I miss him when we are apart, but I don't have that over the top worry because we always stay connected to one another through our ability to communicate.

It's so unexpected to be in love again, but I couldn't have it any other way. It's nice to show him my love and feel his affection.

Stop, Pause and Capture a Moment

Oh there are random moments that I simply stop the hustle and bustle of my busy life...stand still, look around, breath, and capture the moment as if I have an internal camera. I take these life images and save them for my future. For I know one day, these are the days I'm going to miss, these are the days that I will wish to live again.

I take in the Madison city smell, feel the cool breeze brush my hair across my cheek, admire people who pass smiling, watch as the leaves and garbage glide across the sidewalk, listen to the small birds sing, notice how the clouds transform before my eyes and just watch life happen.

I don't only take in beautiful moments, I capture stressful moments when things seem to be troubling my young mind. A good example of this was two weeks ago I was up late studying for my "Political Science of Human Rights" exam and I looked up from my 13 page study guide at 1:00 am. My attention from cramming for four hours started to take a toll on my ability to focus. I looked around my apartment from the comfort of my bed. I surveyed my belongings, the way the layers of paint collect in the corners of the upholstery, the way the small light next to my bed cast shadows along the walls, and I smiled. I was proud of my life and exactly how it is. I might not have much, but what I do have I'm fortunate to have. I might not have money, the coolest gadgets, and an accumulating amount of credit card debt, but it's okay. I know one day I'll be beyond this point in my life. But I know deep down when I'm creating the next chapter in my life, I'll always miss this cozy inadequate at times college student lifestyle. I simply love my life and when I capture simple moments...I realize how great it is. I hope to one day look back upon my internal photo album and feel joy.

So as they say, "take sometime to smell the roses" it will allow for you to appreciate where you are and where you have been.

My Youth Dissapearing

I've felt a little different lately, this something actually started to occur over the past two years but sprang on quickly since mid December. In mid December I had a huge drunken argument with my sister. I woke up the next morning with an epiphany that it was time for me to grow up and start making mature decisions.

I'm 23 years-old, about to graduate from college and about to enter into the working world. I'm going to be the young face in the office on the bottom of the totem pole but I hope to be taken seriously in my work environment.

Any who, I know that no matter how old I am or how much responsibility is placed upon my shoulders I'll always hold onto my playful side and live for discovering interesting things in this fascinating world.

Spring Break

Oh it's that time of the year again....a week off from my studies, mornings to sleep in, time to relax and catch up with family and friends. So nice yet this is my last spring break. Soon enough I'll be in the working world and fabulous periods off from work each season will be nonexsistent. I'll be looking forward to Fridays each week, and those lousy two weeks of vacation and 3 sick days...yikes! I'm going to just take in each of the last days I have as a college student and appreciate where I am at right now in life.

Some things I'm going to get accomplished this break:
-set up two more job interviews for the month of March
-have my graduation photos taken by my amazing cousin
-spend time with my Mom, Dad, sister and brother
-return to the gym, now that my health has returned
-prepare myself for my job interview with Kerry Ingredients and Flavours...so excited

Living 4 Today vs. Living 4 Tomorrow

I swear time speeds up the older we get. I believe it's due to our fast-paced American culture. We have so many time commitments, things expected of us, material items we have to own, that we fill our busy Blackberries and calendars and lose slight of the present.

Sometimes I find myself to be so focused on the future, that I begin to worry about it, which leads to me being stressed out in the present moment.

When we worry about what may or may not occur in the future, we miss the joy that is available today. It's a paradox. How does one balance living in the now with preparing responsibly for the future?

Planning for the future is fully compatible with living joyfully today. The other aspect of preparing for the future is accepting that things will probably not turn out the way we plan. Creating this acceptance of life's uncertainties is much more challenging than formulating and following through on plans.The source of most worry is a lack of acceptance of the uncertainties of the future. When one fully lives a life of acceptance, life's vagaries are not merely tolerated, but are enjoyed because they are life's gifts.

The recipe for a joyful life is planning and preparing for the future, while simultaneously accepting that you hold virtually no control over future events. By placing no demands on the future, you can enjoy whatever life brings.

My faith has predominantly helped me to deal with my worry. I know that God loves me and has a plan for my life. My faith allows for me to not worry, because his plan will be revealed over time.

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." - Buddha

Simple Life, Simple Pleasures

It's Friday night and I'm exactly where I want to be...home. My hair in a pony-tail, minimal make-up, comfy clothes and I'm about to plunk myself into the bath tub. I've been enjoying life at a slower pace over the past 2 months. This slow pace was originally brought on by my poor health condition but now I really like being alone. It's nice to stay clear from the hustle and bustle of the bars, noisy parties, dumb drunk men and catty women. I think I've done a lot of growing up over the past two months.

Making time for myself has been great...I've found myself again. I listen to my body and I do what I want to do. I give myself time to understand this complexed world and I've been figuring out where life is going.

I'm a bath kind of gal...my bath to shower ratio is 6:1/week. I find the hour soaking in the tub to be my favorite place to unravel my mind. It's time that I shut the outside world off and I just relax. I think about life and I reflect upon memories, highlights/low lights of the day, future hopes and organize my thoughts or things I want to accomplish in the following week. It's so nice to just take my time...shave my legs, scrub up, dissipate under the warm water and listen to my heart beat.

Take sometime to get better aquainted with your mind and body by spending an hour in a hot bath of water. Light some candles, put on a soothing song and meditate.

Treat Yourself

If you want something, work for it and buy it. There are three gifts that I have always associated should come from men: 1. diamonds 2. flowers 3. lingerie.

Well yesterday I had the urge to buy something sexy from Victoria's Secret and I did just that. I bought myself one of the sexiest outfits I've ever seen myself in and I have no one to wear it for....and that is ok with me. I mean yes there are men I could wear it for, but I actually bought this for me. It's something I can wear when I'm out to give me that extra boost of sexy confidence. And it's something I can dance around in at my apartment when I have "Crazy Bitch" blaring from my stereo and the the blinds shut.

The Types of Men To Stay Away From

1. The Lonely Guy

Characteristics: Sweet, romantic (though typically not great in the dancing department), loves planning outings, and thinks that the sun rises and sets right on you.
Why You'll Be Tempted: He's the sensitive guy who everyone says just needs a chance, plus he'll do anything for you.
Why You Should Run: He really will do anything for you, which can be very, very scary and the words “I love you” slip from his mouth on the second date.
Danger Sign: He not-so-casually remarks: "Since my other friends are married now, I'm really looking for someone to fill my evenings with." (Translation: "Please, please save me from my horrible crushing solitude.")
What to Say to Scare Him Away: "I love spending time alone."

2. The Mama's Boy

Characteristics: Sweet, but soft: he may have a bit of a belly from mom's home-cooked meals, and/or he may actually live at home.
Why You'll Be Tempted: He'll watch chick flicks with you.
Why You Should Run: He's actually already seen them all.
Danger Signs: He tells you you're the woman his mom's always dreamed of, and brings her along on your first date.
What to Say to Scare Him Away: "I tend to prefer guys who pick out their clothes themselves."

3. The Jock

Characteristics: Hunky, tough, always up for a spontaneous game of football, able to carry off a backwards baseball cap and seems to always have something manly going on.
Why You'll Be Tempted: Those muscles.
Why You Should Run: All the hours he spends at the gym bulking up those muscles, not to mention the hours spent gazing at his reflection in the mirror, in store windows, on the back of his spoon...he’ll never be able to give you the attention you need.
Danger Signs: He watches sports on TV constantly, even during sex.
What to Say to Scare Him Away: "The [insert local sports team here] stink."

4. The Womanizer

Characteristics: Whether he's traditionally handsome or a diamond in the rough, there's just something about this guy that makes you swoon. And he treats women like gold because he loves them -- all of them -- so much.
Why You'll Be Tempted: He knows how to compliment, woo, and touch to thrill -- especially thrill.
Why You Should Run: He uses the same routine on every woman he meets.
Danger Sign: He blanks on your name while you're both naked (it's tough to keep all those women straight).
What to Say to Scare Him Away: Two words: "Monica Lewinsky”

5. Mr. Not-So-Straight
Characteristics: Stunning good looks, dashing dresser, hip on the pop culture front, and refreshingly keen on shopping with you.
Why You'll Be Tempted: He really "gets" you.
Why You Should Run: You deserve more than a partner to watch "Will and Grace" with.
Danger Sign: When you both catch yourselves watching the Bachelor with equal enthusiasm and tears
What to Say to Scare Him Away: "My dad would love to take you hunting."

6. The Workaholic

Characteristics: High-profile business man: smart, ambitious, impeccably dressed, and completely unavailable (unless you're a CEO negotiating a corporate takeover).
Why You'll Be Tempted: He's dapper, charming, and successful. What's not to love?
Why You Should Run: See the "completely unavailable" part above.
Danger Sign: You start calling his office just to talk to his assistant -- since you've become so close over the phone.
What to Say to Scare Him Away: "Love those Democrats. I'd vote for Clinton again if I could."

7. The "Feminist"

Characteristics: Passionate, loves to talk (especially about politics), employed by a non-profit organization, vegan, owns several hemp bags, shirts, and wallets.
Why You'll Be Tempted: His passion for women's issues suggests he will be nothing short of enraptured by you -- a real-live woman. (Bonus: He never watches sports.)
Why You Should Run: While you're certainly no damsel in distress, it would be nice to have a guy do one of the following (all of which are strictly against his beliefs): Open a door, pay for dinner, send you flowers, or simply pick you up in his Volkswagon Bug for your date.
Danger Sign: He spells women with a "y."
What to Say to Scare Him Away: "What I'm really looking for is someone to support me -- in style."

8. The Trendoid

Characteristics: Well-dressed and confident, he knows the latest fashion trends -- even better than you do!
Why You'll Be Tempted: Flat-front chinos, slick turtlenecks, fashionable belts, cool shoes...what more could you ask for in a man?
Why You Should Run: His wardrobe will make yours look pathetic by comparison.
Danger Sign: He'd rather shop at Prada than have sex.
What to Say to Scare Him Away: "Dolce who?”

Don't Quite Get Acceptance Concept

Those who love you want the best for you, right? Well I and the man I have been dating have been trying to work out the kinks in our relationship over the past two months, but the one thing that keeps him at a distance is him thinking that I don't understand the concept of ACCEPTANCE.

This concept doesn't quite make sense to me, because I think people should want to please those they love..which means they should want to do certain actions. I'm not meaning that a person needs to change who they are, just try to show certain actions.

The definition of acceptance according to the Webster's Dictionary: " to endure without protest or reaction." Meaning that you perceive reality (situations, people, things) in your life accurately for what they are and not what you expect or want from them. This way you don't get disappointed or frustrated. True acceptance means realizing you can't control things or people so you just take them for what they are and happy with what you get.

Well I think my problem is that I understand that these people have the capability to change or do this action and I feel that I'm entitled to it due to the relationship between them and I. So why aren't they doing what I would like? And because they don't' do these actions I hold a slight resentment toward them which hinders my ability to have a strong relationship with them. Well In my mind if they would only do these actions they could have a strong relationship with me.

So I'm set out this afternoon to research the Internet in search of understanding this concept that is to bring me complete happiness.

Getting disappointed in some people's actions or lack of it is part of being human, isn't it? Like for example I accept that my father doesn't like to give out money, however I do still get upset that he doesn't mail me a birthday card with money or offer to help me out while I struggle through college. I have gotten upset with men I've dated because they refuse to show affection in the form oh how I believe a boyfriend should show to his girlfriend. These are the only two situations I can think of that I've gotten upset about someones lack of action because I can't change them. I hope for these actions from these people because I perceive my expectations from them to be standard. They are expectations that are culturally accepted...a father caring for his family (financially and emotionally) or a boyfriend rubbing his girlfriends shoulders or feet to reduce her stress. These are actions of love that show to me that they care for me and want me to be happy.

I understand the ability to just appreciate things for what they are and not hope for more will lead to happiness. So where do I go from here, how can I implement acceptance into my life? How do I give up what I feel I deserve? How do I reduce my expectation of how I feel love should be shown to me? I'm a little lost to be honest.

From http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/06/self-discipline-acceptance/ about acceptance. "This may sound simple and obvious, but in practice it’s extremely difficult. If you experience chronic difficulties in a particular area of your life, there’s a strong chance that the root of the problem is a failure to accept reality as it is.

From a blog http://rexiemh.blogspot.com/2006/09/acceptance-prayer.html "My prayer for the day....it has come to my attention yet again that I am trying to control things that are beyond my control. I need to accept that I have certain things in my life that have the appearance of being things I can change when in reality they are things I cannot change. By continually trying to change that which I cannot I am being selfish and not of maximum service to God and those around me. So for today I will pray this prayer and pick up the tools that have been given me to deal with those things.....thanks to those who love me enough to help me see this blind spot and have so compassionately guided me on this journey."

Becoming Aware of Your Weaknesses

"What is your greatest weakness?" seems to be a question that arises often during an interview and one that kind of freaks me out a bit. 

I've been doing a lot of personal evaluation over the past couple months. I've been focusing in on what I want in life and which path I want to take to attain it. One thing is for sure, I'm not perfect and I have certain areas in my life that if I take the time to strengthen will make me a stronger more confident individual.

My answer to this make or break question is that my writing ability is my weakness. This may come to the interviewer or yourself as a surprise, but it's true. Yes, I'm in the School of Journalism at UW-Madison but I struggle all the time with grammar and word choices. 

The fact that I know it's my weakness, makes me work that much harder to not show the world my struggle. To enhance my writing ability I've started this blog, designated a notebook for my most frequently misspelled words and new vocabulary, edit my work all the time and write often.

Facing my weakness head on and admitting it has empowered me to make a change. I just came across this quote:"Our strength grows out of our weaknesses." -Ralph Waldo Emerson. I hope one day I can look back upon my life and see that my ability to write was my talent. I love to talk and engage with the world. My spoken words will one day be forgotten, but the ink and type that have and will spring from my hands will last long after I am gone. 

I encourage people to critically evalutate themselves and make a change. It feels good.

 

Greater Appreciation For Life

By the grace of God I'm feeling healthy and I have a full stomach to prove it.

The past 48 hours have been amazing. I've been able to eat and drink liquids without fear of severe cramping. My body is finally healing. I received several phone calls and messages from friends and family members who have been praying for me...and I just want to let them know that God has answered.

This has been one of the hardest months for me, but has given me such a great appreciation for life. I've decided to give up alcohol completely and will be seeing a dietitian to ensure less flair ups and hopefully stay in remission for many years to come.

Accepting the Things I Cannot Change....Hard!

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference."

These are the words to the famous Serenity Prayer. Acceptance seems to be such an easy task, but it's really quite frustrating for me because I am an avid believer in change.

I have recently realized that my inability at times to accept situations and people have hindered my ability to find complete happiness.

I'm struggling right now to accept that I have a disease called, ulcerative colitis. I was diagnosed 4 years-ago with this inflammatory disease of the colon. The disease is treatable but there currently is no cure. My disease has come out of remission and restricting the amount of food I can intake. The cramps and bleeding are so severe that at times I feel that I might die or pass out from the pain. The mix of fatigue, low nutrition, sleep deprivation, drugs, stress and fear added up yesterday and I balled. The moment one tear fell, they simply rained down my cheeks. I'm in a battle against myself...mind vs. body and the body is winning.

Through my tears and fear I realized that have to accept this disease, otherwise I will stew in misery. For me to get better I'm going to give up solid food for one week and then slowly reintroduce solids into my diet. This is going to be a hard task but one I must do before or if I am to enter the next phase in treatment. Which would be going into a hospital for an infused drug called Remicade. The side effects on this drug are scary and it would be something I would have to maintain.

As for my trouble with accepting certain actions from people, I would have to refer to the man I am newly dating. We dated for three year during college but ended things shortly before he graduated because I was craving more from him. An important aspect of developing acceptance is learning to avoid craving. I craved more affection from him and longed for it, which unfortunately craving made me unhappy with the relationship. The longing created an unhappy form of dissatisfaction, which made me reject my relationship and blinded my ability to see just how good we had it. I and him have discussed both of our problems in the relationship and are making a good faith effort to incorporate affection and realistic expectations into the relationship. Only time will tell if I and him can truly accept and grow together.

So this is where I am. I'm going to keep on living and being happy. Life is good and God is great.

Please place me in your prayers, this is one of the hardest things I've had to deal with in my life.

Thank you.

Tummy Trouble

In the path of my busy college girl life I've come to a large obstacle...my deteriorating health. Over the past three weeks my digestive disease, ulcerative colitis, has taken a turn for the worst. The cramping pain from my intestines shredding because my immune system is fighting itself has forced me to limit the amount of food I can take in. I've been managing to get by eating one meal a day or in some cases like yesterday, only a snack. My Dr. keeps putting me on new drugs but nothing seems to be able to fix the problem. I'm going in next Monday to have some tests done, which means they are going to do a colonoscopy. Yeah, not the most exciting procedure but at least I get to sleep for the operation.

The lack of sleep, amount of drugs, pain, financial costs and worry about what is going on has started to take a toll on me. I'm trying to stay positive and busy but have some fear about my future well being. I've had great friends who have comforted me over the past weeks. I'm in no need for sympathy, just prayers if possible. 

I know I'll get through this and I'm not going to let my disease get the best of me. On the brighter side of this disease I'm down to 120lbs....so I'm ready to show off my beach body whenever winter decides to get  a move on. 

Economic Uncertainty for Some, Optimism for Me

Applying for jobs is a full-time job! I’ve been a busy woman lately, managing to balance my job, course work, personal life and keeping my eye out for prospective careers. The job hunt has been actually quite fun. I find myself scrolling through hundreds of job opportunities and daydreaming about what life could be like with certain companies. Some nights I get so excited that I can’t shut my brain down…forcing me to put the idiot box on to distract my thoughts.

So far I’ve underwent two job interviews and I’m feeling confident in my candidacy.

Short-term Accomplishments

Oh how life is good again. I sit here before my outdated computer screen with a smile this evening. The past couple days have been great! I have a couple things to brag about tonight.

First, I've reached my first weight goal of 130lbs. That's 15lbs over the past month. My secret to losing this weight is not eating after 7pm, drinking lots of water, working out 6 days a week, eating healthier and reducing the amount of alcohol intake. I'm down to my freshmen high school size...I love it!

Second, I've been applying for jobs in my free time and I've got an interview! I just might be a future Hotdogger for Oscar Mayer Wiener. It might sound corny but I'm actually really excited about this job. I just might have the opportunity to travel around the United States in a wiener...screw finding a man, I'll have all the sausage I want.

Third, my courses this semester are challenging but great. I'm starting to get my confidence back and I've established a busy routine. Focusing on myself and future feels good. It's nice to have my life in control again.

Taking Back the Control of My Emotions

I've done some reflecting over the past couple days about my emotional state and I've concluded that birth control has been making me emotional. I hadn't really thought much about it, until I had a conversation with my mother about the Nuvaring I am on. She told me she felt very similar when she was on the pill and at times paranoid.

I started the ring two months ago, and ever since felt depressed and have found myself crying over small good and bad things. Well I can't handle this up and down roller coaster of emotions anymore. I'm going to get myself off of this ring. My sex life is non-existent any how so taking back control over my feelings and saving money will be good...also no plans for sex in the near future.

I'll return to birth control when I'm in a relationship where my partner can understand how the increase of hormones can affect me. I'm not alone in how I've been feeling. I've done some web searching about the effects of birth control. Check out these sites if interested in reading more: http://www.medications.com/se/nuvaring, http://www.medications.com/se/nuvaring/going-crazy, http://www.birth-control-drugstore.com/side-effects.html, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/07/010725081754.htm.

So if you're thinking about going on birth control make sure you have a supportive partner and are aware of the side effects.

Giving Up Alcohol

So I've had a rough week so far and the addition of a couple alcoholic beverages last night only added more stress into the mix. I just completed the first week of my last semester at UW-Madison and it's been hard because memories of my ex keep flashing into my mind. It also doesn't help that the guy sent me a drunk text the other night about missing me. Then I the following day gave in and texted him back that I missed him and wanted to see him...only for him to blow me off like his and my message mean nothing.

Well I went out with the girls last night. Had maybe 5 drinks with them and hit up the busy downtown Madison bars. It was fun at first, but then I wanted to escape home. I wasn't in the mood to scope out available drunk men or run into my ex. Which ironically happened at the end of evening when my girlfriends dragged me into State Street Brats. Low and behold he was there and so where all of his friends...lovely way to end my evening NOT.

I didn't stay long and stormed off to my good friend Sarah's apartment. I had time to finally lay down and think about my evening. I realized that alcohol only makes things worse, especially during this time change. So I'm not going to drink until my 23 birthday which is slightly over a month away. This is good because my body has been aching. I've been in denial over the past 6 months about my digestive disorder (ulcerative colitis). Alcohol and stress tend to make my intestines bleed. My stress level has been high and even one alcoholic drink seems to put me in crippling pain for the following three days. So I'm giving it up. This will keep me out of the bar scene...where the kind of man I want in my life won't be lurking. I also don't want to run into my ex anymore.

I tried giving him a second chance to come back into my life...which was stupid, but something I had to do because I had hope that his text message the other night was honest and trying. You know I think I finally understand why some people take so long to fall in love or place their guard down...it's to protect themselves from time periods like the one I'm going through. It's the worst feeling of wanting someone you can't have or quite frankly you shouldn't be with. It sucks when you've cared and known someone and then have to act as if strangers.

So no more alcohol for awhile. I need to let my body heal, mind focus and pay attention to the important things in my life. Thanks for reading.

Clean Your Closet and Don't Clutter It Anymore

Why relive those pathetic moments of you and your ex from the past....erase it and move on with your life! They're an ex for a reason.

So I took the final steps in moving on after a break up. I fixed my broken wings by taking the weight off of them; I erased my ex from my social networking site Facebook. It was actually one of the hardest decisions for me to make, but it was one that was needed. I enjoy being on Facebook but would find myself constantly looking at my ex's profile, because I missed him and was curious. Looking at his profile only brought anger and anxiety into my life. Two things that God and I don't want.

And you know what?It feels good! Get rid of your ex's shit, memories and get on with your life. As my mother has said, "You have two choices to do in an unhappy relationship. Live in pain for a little while or live in pain your whole life." I've chosen a little while and you know what a little while has passed. It's time to stop the pity party and enjoy my life.

Who cares about what my ex thinks about me, what matters is what I think about myself. :)

Friends Are a Blessing

Having truly good friends are hard to come by. I recently got well acquainted with a woman name Christie. Since the moment we began hanging out she has brought lots of laughter, encouragement and joy into my life. It's refreshing to have someone new who you can just be yourself with. Someone who unconditionally likes you for being just the way you are.

This afternoon she called me up while I was working. I was having a moment of weakness and her call brought back my strength. After a short conversation about me returning to my hometown of Pewaukee, she said, "I'm saving you from that wretched public transportation!". I normally take the Badger Bus home but today I have a beautiful escort. I couldn't even argue with her about saving her gas and time. So Christie is on her way for me from my hometown and taking me to my hometown...what a good lady. She doesn't quite know how lucky I feel to have this new found friendship, but one day I hope to be able to show it in return.

Well I just received her phone call, she is here and ready to have some fun. Spending time with those who love you....priceless...for everything else there is mastercard (The last part was brought to you by Christie....love it!.

With out my mother, sister, Niki, Sarah and Christie my sanity wouldn't have returned so quick. I love those women and appreciate all of their kind words, honesty, patience and willingness to cheer my ass up :).