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.

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!

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.