An Apple a Day...

Be warned- This is not an adventure story or even an uplifting post- now you can't say I didn't warn you.

Over the course of the last few years, people I love and people they love are being diagnosed with all kinds of ailments that I match up with the 80-year-old set, not for folks in their 20s and 30s! What is wrong with us? we make jokes baout being in "homes' in our forties and having jazzies that are decorated within an inch of their lives, but it's really not funny. It's concerning.

There are all kinds of ideas out there about why. Microwaves, the use of plastic, the air, the environment, and on and on... but when the ailments vary and the people come from all over, there's no easy answer and no common denominator.

You may wonder what has set off this rather depressing mindset. Well, this is the month of surgeries. The HLP* is having surgery on Wednesday, her BF is likely having a surgery in the coming weeks, and I am scheduled for my jaw joints on Feb 14th. Not one of us is over the age of 35. It's depressing. We should all be out and about frolicking and living life to it's fullest, not talking about who is going to care for us, how much it is going to cost, and figuring out any long term worries, if any.

I just don't get it. Do we need to eat more apples?

(*HLP- Heterosexual Life Partner. This is what I jokingly refer to my friend since she is my buddy in life. It's just silly, but so true. She's there for me and me for her. She shares my random life joys (pictures of the loved munchkins), life's sadness, life's fristrations, and is my favorite dinner buddy. We could talk for hours or be quiet in the same space and either way it's the best conversation I'll have all week. She's the same as a Life Partner, just without the passion.)

Molly's I Believe list

I have known Molly since 2004. She hired and managed me my first year working at event 360. The day she hired me we met at her then-favorite dive bar (Hernando's?), she ordered a pitcher of beer and told me that her father had been diagnosed with cancer. That evening cemented what I know will be a life-long friendship. The evening was also filled with my crazy and amazing future co-workers (and now friends). I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, but I knew I liked my new boss. Six years later, Molly and I still work for the same project but in different departments. Beyond work in those six years, we have shared a multitude of silly, poignant, touching, and life-altering moments. I am so glad that she took the time to look at a resume from a girl from Michigan who was interested in taking an adventure! Thanks for continuing to share the laughs and tears, my friend.

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I believe relationships are the most important things in my life and is where I place most of my time & energy (as opposed to things like politics and world news)

I believe what you learn outside the classroom is more important that what you learn inside

I believe in writing hand-written letters

I believe in talking to strangers and saying hello to everyone I pass on the street

I believe smiling your way through life only makes it better- for you and those around you

I believe in giving almost everyone the benefit of the doubt

I believe in making other people happy, helping them feel loved and making sure they never doubt their place in my life

I believe Ireland is the best place in the world and is where I'm happiest

I believe in visiting dive bars frequently

I believe my husband's laugh is one of the happiest sounds

I believe in doing the right thing, even if it's the hard thing

I believe it's not productive to be hard on yourself (and am still trying to practice this daily)

I believe my dad is still with me even though he's no longer here

I believe my mom is one of the most fun and strongest people I know

I believe my sisters are the funniest people and I can't imagine my world without them

I believe my nieces are destined for greatness and I feel so blessed to be their aunt

I believe my dog Clancy understands everything I say to him

I believe difficult days should be made easier by knowing that people you love are thinking about you

I believe, as difficult as confrontation can be, it's always better when things are out in the open

I believe in singing at the top of my lungs, but only if I'm by myself and if I have headphones on so I can pretend I'm not nearly tone deaf

I believe life can be really difficult. It can kick you in the ass and be unkind and make no sense. But out of those most difficult moments come opportunities to strengthen your character, to learn the most important life lessons and to realize how precious life is and the people you have in it

I believe losing my father was one of the most difficult experiences, but has taught me more than almost anything else in life

I believe St. Patrick's Day is the best holiday

I believe Jessica Schulte is one of my favorite people in my life and love how much she adds to the fun and funny in my life!

I believe white cars do the most bonehead things on the road

I believe in writing thank you notes

I believe talking about death & dying makes it easier to deal with when you're confronted with it, and that people don't do it nearly enough in our society

I believe in love- giving it freely and accepting it always

I believe if I don't stop now, I'll never submit this list!

One Year.

Wow! Yesterday I realized it was one year ago that left on the last leg of my adventure move from Phoenix, AZ to Seattle, WA. I left Modesto, CA (where I had escaped the "storm of the century") and took off for my new home. I left with a vague idea of where I needed to go and with a destination in mind. In San Francisco I had to phone-a-friend for directions to the road less taken, due to GPS issues and my lack of a real map. I got on the correct highway and began one of what will likely be an all-time favorite adventure. I headed up Highway 101 in the pouring rain. I had NO idea where I was going or what I would see.

Along my way, I saw the vineyards of Northern California, the most incredible Pacific ocean views (postcard worthy), the Redwood forest (incredible), and then the mountains. I kind of expected the vineyards and ocean views, but literally had no clue I would see the redwoods. I was driving along the roads, often times the only car out there, with no cell service--just a girl and her car. Literally, I was staring up at these trees thinking they were the tallest things I had seen in my life and then I saw the sign-- Valley of the Giants. It was only then that I put it together. (Before you judge--remember I still did not have a map with me, so honestly had NO clue where I was on the map.) I squealed all by myself because I was so excited. Then I started to sing "America the Beautiful" in my head..."from the redwood forest to the Gulf stream waters...". Until then, I never understood. At that moment, I GOT that song! Even with the rain and dreary winter weather that drive was as beautiful as some of the scenery I have flown around the world to be privy to view. "How lucky am I?", was all I could think as I continued to drive.

Between the surprising sites and the pure excitement of embarking on this adventure, I made the trip in 19 hours straight. By the time I was ready to stop, I was just SO close and then I saw the Space Needle. Talk about a sight for sore eyes! Right then and there I knew this would be home.

Since then, I have lived in my little cottage and loved it (rainy days and all). I am still discovering the sights and sounds of my new home. And I still delight in the mountain appearances, the fresh fish markets, and oh so much more. I am looking forward to what the next year will bring here in my new home.

My Mama's List

This is my mom. Really, no intro is needed. It's my mom. I get my giggles from her. :) Thanks for playing, Mom!

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I believe....
in family ... Ferd, Jessica, Alex, Jenny, my parents, sister, and in-laws (love them all!)
in my God, his Son and Holy Spirit
in the happiness Abby brings me...silly ole' dog
in friendships ... from yesterday, today and in my future
in the miracle of children learning to read, write and understand basic math
in the beauty of gardens ... mine and others
in taking time for reading for pleasure and for learning
in spending $ on quality make-up and shoes
in playing outside in all seasons
in a clean house
in honesty
in loyalty
in hope
in being on a perpetual diet
in eating your favorite foods
in drinking red wine ... almost daily
in laughter daily ... at myself and those who are funny when I am not
in knowing I have always tried my best at everything I have done
Finally,
I believe I am the richest woman alive, because I am married to Ferd.

Erica's I Believe list

Erica is my cousin and good friend. I believe she is one of the biggest reasons I love fun mail. When we were little we were "pen pals". As we grew up, she has remained one of my favroite people. I love that she is my friend. I am so very proud of her and the wonderful person she has become. (I used to secretly think she would become a nun, but I think her roles as mother, wife, and friend are so much better!). I cherish her (and her family) as part of my life. Her list made me cry.
Thanks so much for playing, Erica! As always you make my life richer just for being a part of it.

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I believe that ice cream makes everything better!
I believe that people give up too easily on their marriages.
I believe that becoming a mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me and losing my mom is the worst.
I believe that nursing my children is the most selfless thing I have ever done.
I believe that I will never stray far from the Catholic church because it is where I feel closest to my mom.
I believe that sometimes I take life too seriously and I'm grateful that my husband doesn't...it creates balance in our little world.
I believe that receiving real mail is one of the happiest events of the day.
I believe that no one should have to wake up before 7 am!
I believe that the greatest problems we face in America are directly related to a lack of quality parenting.
I believe in Christmas music 24-7 from Thanksgiving through New Years.
I believe that it is necessary to check email and facebook multiple times a day.
I believe that playing with my girls is more important than keeping up with chores.
I believe in lifelong friendships.
I believe that you can find love in unexpected places and people.
I believe that every woman should live alone at some point in her life...just to know she can do it!I believe in dressing up for Halloween even as an adult.
I believe in always having a camera on hand to capture all of the little moments.
I believe that life is all about CHOICES!
I believe that exeriencing natural childbirth did not need to be on my life list!
I believe that one day my girls will be best friends.
I believe that fall is the best time of the year.
I believe in the power of prayer.
I believe that it's hard not to judge a book by its cover.
I believe in forgiveness and second chances.
I believe that being a stay-at-home is my dream job.
I believe that you shouldn't borrow tomorrow's troubles...easier said than done.
I believe that sometimes you have to let go of expectations in order to not be dissapointed.
I believe that the day my husband completes his masters degree will be one of the happiest days of our lives!
I believe in structure, routines, and following the rules...boring, I know!
I believe in the love and support that my friends and family show me on a daily basis!

Meghan's I Believe List

I have known Meghan since my first job out of college. She made the transition from college to "real life" a little easier and a helluva lot more fun! She lives in Chicago and works as an event consultant. Currently, she is pursuing a fabulus life and a new grown-up relationship. She is definately on the list of people to see everytime I'm in chicago!

Thanks for sharing your list, Megs. :) *********************************************************************************

I believe in the power of laughter

I believe that there are few things worth getting wrinkles over.

I believe in my Nana

I believe that a man needs to earn it and by “it” I mean trust, my love and all that goes with it

I believe wineries are magical places

I believe that all my friends are talented and amazing

I believe in singlemoons

I believe that goat cheese stuffed sweet peppers from Pastoral Cheese Shop can make any day better

I believe in singing really loud on car trips

I believe in being interesting and knowing a little bit about a lot of stuff

I believe it is ok to not be a fan of pets J

I believe your reputation is one of the only things that is truly yours and you should protect it as best you can.

I believe holding a sleeping newborn is one of the times when all seems right in the world

I believe knowing what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you do want

I believe you choose to be happy and it is a choice you make every day you wake up

I believe time is way more important then money

I believe in naps, especially on rainy days and they are usually better with someone then alone but not always

I believe in “getting the butterflies” and that they are important

I believe in wearing a seatbelt, sunscreen and comfortable shoes whenever possible

I believe in mental health days

I believe in learning something new everyday
I believe wearing sassy underwear with a matching and equally sassy bra under your suit in a job interview makes all the difference. They don’t know you have it on but you do and it gives you super powers for some reason!

My I Believe list

I believe in sleep in Saturdays (or Sundays)
I believe in magic
I believe in the power of a good cup of coffee
I believe my friends are incredible!
I believe my papa gives the best hugs
I believe I am who I am because of the people I love
I believe my disease has taught me life lessons I would have otherwise never learned.
I believe I was a water creature in another life
I believe if you are at a beach, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be in the water!
I believe you can have many loves of your life
I believe I will live happily ever after (with or without a prince)
I believe time spent laughing is never wasted time
I believe children are miraculous
I believe I am a late blooming 1950s housewife

I believe in reading every day, even if it’s only one page

I believe watching my friends become mothers is a gift that I cannot explain.
I believe in quiet time
I believe my mom is still the best person to cry to.
I believe in everyday adventures
I believe Seattle is where I will lay my head for a very long time
I believe a home should be cozy
I believe you can never have enough bags, enough shoes, or enough coats.
I believe Target is the greatest store on Earth- if you can’t find it there, you probably don’t need it!
I believe you should travel and experience life
I believe in a comfy couch
I believe in gut feelings
I believe a hug can fix anything
I believe I still laugh harder with my brother than any other person I know

I believe my faith will always be with me
I believe in fun mail!
I believe you should wear underwear that makes you feel sexy, even if you’re the only one that sees it
I believe in silver linings- always.
I believe I am an amazing singer (in the car, alone, listening to my fav song of the moment)
I believe the people who are important will remain important, no matter how far away they are.

The I Believe project

Sometimes the best ideas come from someone else. And this newest project is just that. What's the quote? "Imitation is the biggest form of flattery", I think. Well, here it is. I stole this idea from another blogger that I do not know. She had people put together I Believe lists (click here). My friend Stephanie was a guest blogger her on the page and I was instantly inspired! I began to think in I Believe terms. So, I asked some "favorites" to compile their own lists to be posted on my blog. To be fair, I decided my list should appear first. I'll post new ones throughout the next little bit.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

And thanks to the peeps who compiled their own lists. hugs.

I miss make-up.

Yep, it's true. I miss wearing make-up. I really never thought I would say that, but this whole pink eye thing has requried me to be sans eye makeup for over a week. (The pink eye was a Christmas gift from my family that was definately not on anyone's list!) As I said, I miss wearing it. I am not one of those girl-y girls who counted the days until my mom would allow me to wear make-up. I think I was told no in 7th grade and then was allowed in 9th grade when I had zero interest. I went to high school with soaking wet hair everyday and was all about being au natural for most of the next several years. I wore make-up sometimes but mostly not at all. It really hasn't been a daily habit until the last few years. I think it was when I discovered undereye concealer(!). Genius! I have the Schulte-bags and Lawrence dark circles, so I look tired without it now (even when I am well rested). Plus, I have discovered there is something so nice about being girly. I gladly embrace my inner girly-girl. The one who wants to try out new colors, wear false eyelashes, and might be secretly excited about glitter (and/or sparkles.) I don't wear make-up for other people, I wear it for me. It makes me feel a little polished and more put together. I am awaiting the day I can wear it agian. Until then tired I will look. Sigh.

Oldies but goodies

Each morning, I start my day with a good cup of coffee (since moving to Seattle, I can say I have become a coffee snob!) and breakfast. I open the computer and begin to read my daily list. That is my list of news sources and blogs that I check to say, Good Morning to the day! Today I came across, what can only be described as an article on ym age showing. It was on yahoo news (not the most repuatble source, I know, but fun for the fluff of life!). The title- Things Babis bron in 2011 Will Never Know. It was based on an article written from the Huffington Post a few days back. There were many things on the list that didn't surprise me (or make me sad). But then there were the ones that made me feel like kids born in 2011 would be missing out if they never knew. The list below is going to make me sound like a ninty-year-old lady, but I don't care. Bring me my knitting, my walker, and hearing aid. I embrace the old lady inside and think you should too! Here's the list I pulled from their list. I mean it makes me really sad.
1.-Paper Maps. Alright I know that a gps, your phone, whatevs is much better tool to use, but what is going to happen on a family road trip when the mom can't mess up reading a map and the family doesn't get lost. All those great, "remember when mom thought norht was south" or "remember that great little hotel on that random road", or one from personal experience- "remember when you accidentally drove through the redwoods?!". There are stories and missed adventures without a misread map.
2.- Watches. I know they are already becoming obsolete and this makes me so sad. I mean, even my papa has been watch-free for years. First he used his beeper (remember those?!) and then moved onto his cell phone. If he is moving into technology, I prpbably should too. But there are so many times when a cell phone just can't be used. It is a computer and is not 100% reliable (no matter what I like or want to think!). Your smart phone stops working (all the time!). On an event in the rain, you can pull out a water proof watch and know the time. You cannot safely pull out your smart phone. Plus, there's something to knowing the time is right there on your wrist.
3- Hand-written letters/ Mail. Oh, this one makes my heart so very sad. I know the art of letter writing is dying and dying fast. I mean, why not? We have every other possible way to communicate with another person. Why would you write a letter that will take 3-4 days to arrive when you can send a text or email that will arrive in seconds. I will tell you why---
a.) Getting something in the post other than a bill, junk, or stuffing is such a fun feeling!
b.) A letter/card is tangible. You can look at the letter again and again and see the person's handwriting. It can prompt memories of their hands or emotions that an email typed neaty (likely without spelling errors) cannot.
c.) Greeting cards are fun! I love, love, love to send and receive cards in the mail. They are fun and something different than an email note. And as hard as Hallmark tries, the e-cards are just not the same. Plus, spending $$ on an email card just makes me mad! It's an email, that took .02 cents to make and you are charging me to send it to someone I love. No thanks!
d.) Without handwritten mail, where will Grandmas and Grandpas put the $5 cash for your birthday? Remember how great that was when you were little?!
e.) Without mail, what will happen to the love letter? Oh what a find when you come across one you thought you had thrown away. years later, they can still make you feel warm and fuzzy inside remembering how silly and passionate young love can be. Or maybe they just make you giggle (also fun). An email would have been deleted, on purpose the day you broke up. Those words will never come back across your world. And yes, once you re-read that note you will most likely throw it away, but what a fun memory to come across on that day.
4.- Commercial radio. Not the biggest on the list. But where else will you hear the local happenings in the background all day? I hate ads and annoying dj's as much as the next person, but it's fun to hear the local talk in each city I visit. XM is nice for the lack of ads, but I miss out on the traffic reports, weather, etc.

So that's my list. I know internet, smart phones and technology can improve many of the above, but what about the oldies but goodies.

PS- And my random thought for the moment. How is it that the perfect song always seems to pop on the radio at the very right moment?! As I was writing this, not one but three of my old favorite songs played on the radio. Just proves old (and the radio) is not always out of style.

New Year's Attempts.

For as long as I can remember in any job review, I am described as a goal-setter. I think it's inherent because I am constantly setting goals big and small. So, when everyone talks about New Year Resolutions, I am generally quiet. I don't make specific resolutions because it a new year. normally. This year, it has been top of mind. (ah, how things change as we grow older and wiser!). So, in an attempt to make my first resolutions since I was probably in the 6th grade, I decided to make them public for a few reasons. 1.) Putting it out there makes it very real. 2.) If I don't at least attempt to achieve these goals, someone will inevitably call me out on it (I know my favorites well). 3.) It seems like the right thing to do since I write a blog.

So anyway. Without further ado. Here are my goals (resolutions) for the year Two Thousand and Eleven:

1.- Since I get the newspaper everyday, I will read it the day it was delivered and then put it promptly in the recylcing tub

2.- I will not allow my recyclables to pile up into large, crazy monster piles (see above newspaper comment). The bins are literally touching my car where it is parked, so I need to touch them daily anyway.

3.- I really will use the available compost bins. No cheating. Again, it's right there- no excuses.

4.- I will do my laundry once a week. I am talking all my laundry, not just my favorites. This includes sheets and towels.

5.- When not traveling, I will leave the house at least once a day for more than two hours. This can be for a walk, a meeting, or just working from a coffee place (yes, even on the super ugly rainy days!)

6.- And the biggie-- I will strive not to be such a procrastinator. Contrary to what people think, I really do wait until the last minute to do a lot of things and it just seems to be getting worse instead of better as I age.

There are probably more, but this is what I can think of with my cold-stuffy head and what I feel like should be put out there to the universe (and to you dear reader). (let that tweak your imagination...I mean, think of all the other things there could be...oh my!)

And with that, I will leave you to ponder your New Year's Resolutions (if you have any at all).

Happy Resoluting!

(PS- As I was reviewing and checking for errors, I realize these may make me sound like a complete dirty, slob. I assure I am not. People who have been to my home would never likely notice these things (recycling bags, etc). And my towels/sheets are always changed out regularly, but I let the dirty ones pile up in the laundry area. I do not sleep in dirty sheets or use grotty towels! Just in case you were thinking otherwise...)

Stalled.

For the moment, my adventures are stalled. The cold, flu, funk that EVERYONE I encountered had over the holidays has finally caught me. (Sigh.) I haven't had aches due to a cold in forever! It could be a good thing--something normal. But being sick in general sucks. I mean who am kidding. Humans shouldn't wheeze when they intake a breath or feel like their heads are ten feet behind the rest of their bodies when they move. The good news, I will be on the mend soon because I went to the doctor immediately and she prescribed some good meds to kick this in the booty (and FAST!) In the meantime, I am going to continue my obsession with the following cozy items:

- Slippers (the Acorn are life-changers. Thanks to the dude and dudette, I am set!)

- My couch : A real, comfy, cozy grown-up couch. It sucks you in and I love it!

- Smartwool socks ---warm and snuggly! If you live in a cold place you definately need one pair.

- tea: thanks to the landpeople, I have an incredible assortment for any day, taste, or time.

-My Lululemon wrap sweatshirt- obsessed with since July and finally purchased over the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend with the dudette. (She is an exceptional shopping buddy!)

- and my Great-Grandma Lawrence quilt: it's been my favorite for years. When I lived with roommates in college, we fought over who got to cuddle under it when we watched tv. I think I've had it since I was 5. It's still together and looks nice and keeps me cozy warm.

Here's to a speedy recovery and adventures again very soon. This is not the way to welcome in a new year!