An Ode to Spring

Spring has slowly been working itself into 2014 and I think I can speak for most people in New England when I say I can not welcome this change with open arms.

I have a positive outlook for this spring.  This winter seemed to drag so long (and is still coming if you believe the reports of this snow storm) that the few days of warm weather has put a HUGE smile on my face.  

After a long winter of gray, I love seeing all the pictures of colorful flowers.  In fact, it's making me beyond excited to start planting my garden.  That's right I plan on planting my own cut flower garden so I can surround myself with flowers on a regular basis.  Flowers just put a smile on anyone's face. I'm open to any sorts of suggestions.

Here's to spring everyone.  Flowers and sunshine.  Blue skies to encourage positivity.  Hikes with friends. Colorful outfits.  And wonderful memories with some amazing people.
 
 

Friday Fun

Life knows when you need an old friend to pop back into your life.  

You know those friends.  The people who you don't talk to all the time but when you do get back together, it's like no time has passed.

Julia walked into work on Friday and tears sprung into my eyes at not only the surprise but the fact that she took the time to come visit.

The last time I saw Julia was at my dad's wake and I can't remember the time before that.  We have tried to email back and forth but life sometimes just gets too busy.  Plus we had opposite schedules for a while there so we could never make set plans.

But for two hours, in a Starbucks next to work, Julia and I caught up with everything that has been happening in our lives.

If I'm honest, it was a perfect way to end a loooong week.  Old friends.  Great conversations.  And, a great drink.

(I told you I would blog more....)

Friday Favorites

Oh hi old stranger.  Lovely to see you again.  Here are few of my favorite things.

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  I wanted to read the book because it's coming out in theaters but the book exceeded my expectations.  I laughed.  I cried.  And I could no believe how much this book hit close to home.

2. Speaking of books....Words from a Wanderer by Alexandra Elle.  I found this on Amazon the day I went on a book splurge and it's beautiful.  I enjoy reading the encouraging words before work at Starbucks.

3.  Snapchat conversations with one of my best friends Tenzin.  Which includes her view of lunch at the hospital when she works the evening shift.  Makes me miss her a whole lot.

4.  Spring Break Memories.

5. Jamming to country music because I want the warm weather more then I want anything else.  But seriously, can someone tell me what's better then hearing country music to get you ready for summertime and beers with your best friends.

Life Lessons at 27

I've wanted to do a birthday post similar to last year's wonderful little post about life lessons I have learned now that I have recently turned 27.  (Yes it's a delayed post but work has been super busy and I think I have had a cold for most of said week.)

1.  Never, ever be afraid to tell the people who mean the most to you how important they are to you.  Unfortunately nothing in this life is guaranteed and I think one of the most important things is to remember we need to embrace those who we love and remind them every day.

2. A night of sitting on the floor, drinking and eating and gossiping with your friends is sometimes all a girl needs to let life worries disappear.

3.  Live for the experiences.  I have realized that I want to do everything.  I want to go to all the concerts.  I want to go to restaurants.  I want to go experience all the joys in life with my friends and no price tag (okay some price tags) will stop me.

4.  There is nothing more beautiful then watching your childhood best friend get married to the love of her life.  This includes watching your second dad cry when he walks into the hotel room and tears up when he sees her for the first time.  Or knowing that a special angel is smiling down on that girl he always thought of as his daughter as she became a Miller.

5.  People surprise you.  With a note, text message, visits, and hugs.  Kind words heal the soul and I don't if I could have survived 26 without the countless well wishes that many people in my life have sent me.

6. Yes, you can enjoy a beer from Luke Bryan's concert because of connections your friend has.

7.  Fresh flowers can liven up any room.

8.  It's a compliment when older gentlemen tell you there is not many people like you in the world.  For some reason I appreciate compliments from the older generation because they can tell what's really real.

9. NOTHING is better then a great outfit.  When you feel amazing, you feel invincible.

10.  Surround yourself with positive people.  People who will push you to be the best person you can be.  People who will support you.  People who will love you no matter what you have done, or no matter how much time has past since you have talked to them.  The people who love you regardless and want to see only the best for you.  Negativity takes it's toll on a person and if there is one thing I have learned, life is too short to let that affect you.

11.  Buzzfeed articles make the world go round.

12.  Jennifer Lawerence is a brilliant actress and a role model of our time.  Rarely do you hear her talking about a diet or exercising.  Instead you hear her talk about beers and eating and I really think she would fit right in with my friends.

13.  I was never one who disliked the number 13 or expected bad things on Friday the 13th.  I have since become a girl who can not stand that number and dread the day every month.

14. Inspirational quotes can make a tough day a little easier.  Do not judge anyone who may post many of them because you never know what they are going through.

15.  My father was one of the best people in my life.  The guy who would see me upset and give me a hug or try to crack some joke to get me to smile.  This world lost some of it's sparkle on May 13 2013 and I have been forever changed.  I'm a firm believer that my dad made sure to surround me with people who love me and try to get me to laugh even during the darkest days.  There has not been a day that has gone by where I don't miss my dad, but I hope he's with me every step of this crazy life and that he's proud of his little girl.

Happy belated birthday to me and hope everyone has a safe Superbowl Sunday.

Five Steps Back

Yesterday was a tough day.

Not that I don't miss Dad every day. But yesterday was the most difficult day I had in a while.

Mom and I were talking about informing people about what happened to Dad.  

And right there I balled my eyes out.  Because I miss him.  Because I don't get how people don't know.  And because I'm actually terrified to run into those people.

Next week is my birthday and I don't want to face it.  I will no longer be the age that Dad last knew me.  It's mind boogling to me.

The hard days take me back a few days.  I just don't want to be the strong one anymore.

Throwback Thursday

It's no secret that I am a fan of great music.  Yesterday I was reminded of some old favorites while Brenda's Pandora was playing at work.  

I mean who wasn't a fan of Fall Out Boy back in the day?  Becoming a fan of Fall Out Boy opened up a whole new music world for me at that time.  Yes, I'm nostalgic for this great music time in my life.  And yes, yesterday morning as I was working, I sang under my breathe to every FOB song that came on.

In honor of Throwback Thursday, I present one of my favorite songs from high school/college days. 

2014 Thus Far....

First blog post of the year 2014 and it's going to be a quick little round up.

Mom, Chris and I went to Miami for a vacation from winter, reality, and to spend as much time on the beach.

Flash forward to the polar vortex and the first two days were "cold" for Floridians in the fifties, but wonderful to us who were coming from temperatures in the teens.

Unfortunately for me, the days of relaxation wore off within a few hours of working.  

This vacation was a roller coaster of emotions.  I was standing by the ocean in January and wished so much that my dad was there.  But we got clues that he was there, every part of the vacation, and I couldn't be more blessed for those signs from heaven.

I promise to update this more in the year 2014.  More pictures, more posts and plenty more memories.