Aunt Mugsie's I Believe List

My Aunt Mugs is one of my dad's sisters. She is my godmother and one of my all-time favorite people. My mom used to tell me how crazy she thought it was just how like her I am. She didn't live next door, but has always been part of my life. In college she lived down the street and would take us college kids out for real meals about once a month and always seemed to know just the right time for a time-out from the college scene. She has been a wonderful god-mother and an example that I am that I have had! Now, I know how to be a great godparent. Thanks, Aunt Mugs!

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I believe in God and that he sustains me through good times and bad.

I believe that Scottville was a great place to grow up.

I believe that it is okay to read magazines and newspapers for free at the bookstore as long as I buy some coffee.

I believe that we are definitely products of our parents.

I believe that it is always sunny in Kelly Shorts Stadium.

I believe that singing music by Palestrina and Bach, when the sun is streaming through the Cathedral stained glass windows, is a most sacred event.

I believe in buying cut flowers and good chocolate to mark special occasions and to continue precious traditions.

I believe that the music from the 70’s is the best.

I believe in prayer.

I believe that I carry my sister Christine with me everywhere I go.

I believe I learned my strong work ethic from my Dad.

I believe that all of my nephews and nieces are smart, beautiful and well loved.

I believe there is a comfy couch “up north” and that Mom, Dad and Christine can make room for anyone they want.

I believe that I can learn how to live a better life by paying close attention to my brothers and sisters.

I believe in public service.

I believe we all have a responsibility to help out those who are less fortunate.

I believe that the cup is half full.

I believe that friends are family.

love in an elevator.

What is it with elevators? They are in songs, featured as main characters in sitcoms, and the most anti-social small space to share with strangers. Today I rode in a few elevators and had the thought about how we can share such a close space and not even look someone in the eye--at all. I decided from now I would break that social norm and smile, make eye-contact and say a small hello (just like my friend Molly). For the better part of the day, this proved to make the trips up and down more enjoyable and less akward.

I had just seen my surgeon for the pre-op appointment and got all the nitty-gritty details and my inner- scientist questions answered. My head was spinning, but in a good way. I am ready! (Before going on, I should explain that the surgeon's office shares a wing with the Cancer Treatment Center at the hospital. Every time I go see him and am about to feel sorry for myself, I see those women and men and realize this ain't no thang.) As I was exiting and swirling in thought, a woman got on the elevator with me to go down to the lobby. She was the cancer patient I would want to be (if God forbid I ever had to be). She had a fabulous scarf covering her surely bald head and an amazing pair of dangly earrings--she looked beautiful. As she got on I totally had to compliment her scarf--it was gorgeous. So we had that brief elevator chat and then got quiet. And just as the doors had closed and the elevator began it's decent---SCREECH! CRANK! brakes. Yep, the elevator stopped.

Gorgeous Scarf (GS)looked at me, and asked did the elevator make that noise? Me: Yes, it's definately stopped. GS: Oh dear- should we call 911? Me: Um, I think we can call the elevator and they can give guidance. (So we called. They were sending help) Me looking at GS: "Um, seriously?" and cracking into a HUGE grin and just started laughing. We did not stop laughing for the full 45 minutes we were in the elevator.

She called her husband (he was downstairs) and offered to loan me her phone for my work call (I politely declined and thought this might be the best excuse to miss a call EVER!). We started to talk and just kept laughing at the situation we were in. Amoung the laughter, I leanred the CliffNotes version of her story. She is in her second round of chemo treatments for breast cancer. She is a mother of 2- 4-year-old twin boys that were born after her first diagnosis when she was 25. At 31, she is a mother and soon-to-be 2-time cancer survivor. Her name is Heather. And I spent an afternoon with her giggling in an elevator.

It was an everyday adventure. And today I learned that life can always be scarier than you think it is. That scary things really can bond you to someone else. And that laughter really does fix all things.

It was a good day. Who else would this happen to? Seriously.

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!