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.
 
 

Winding Down from Thanksgiving

Another weekend coming to a close and part of me couldn't be happier about that.

Weekends are hard. No easy way to put that.  Weekends I have a lot of time to sit around and think.  And having time to think is not a good thing to do.

Last night I sat around with Chris and his best friends from high school.  These are the kids who I have watched grow up into some pretty amazing adults.  They are taking the world by storm all over the East coast and yet they come together every now and then to catch up and go out.

I love that.

As we were sitting there, I reminded them about last year Thanksgiving Eve when my dad drove all their drunk asses home from the bar.  One of them looks at me, says "Funny story," and proceeds to tell us that when he got out of the car, he got sick in his driveway.

As I sat around the table with them, I imagined my dad walking into the kitchen, telling everyone hello, and continuing on with his night of watching television.

Its moments like that I really miss my dad.  When he would be so impressed with the people that my brother and his friends have become.

Things I'm Thankful For

Part of what I love about the holidays is the time spent with my family.  Thanksgiving is always a great time to reflect on things that you are most thankful for, with most people sharing with those they love all the things they are thankful for.  

I had planned on sharing pictures here every day this week to show some of the people I am thankful for most in my life.  With all the ups and downs this life has given me these past few years, I am incredibly thankful for all the wonderful people in my life.  I have the biggest cheerleaders on my side whenever I start to feel down.  With all my health problems, I have realize that I am extremely lucky to have people willing to help me and my family whenever we are down.  

I am thankful that I was able to enjoy the holiday with my family and eat some delicious foods.  I am thankful that my flare up has gone away and that Natasha and Boris have not been bothering me too much.  I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends, and every single person who has helped me and my family in the past.  I'm thankful for my job, even if I want to rip my hair out sometimes when I'm there.  And I'm thankful for the roof over my head and all the wonderful things my parents have provided me throughout my life.

Olympic Fun with my Sisters <3

Sorry for the fomatting, I'm terrible with computers sometimes.

But here are a few pictures of some of my favorite people, that I am so thankful to have in my life.

La Familia

The Second Family at the Beach

Tenzina and Holly. Two of the girls who make me sane at work

Smiles & Laughs Always

Madison <3

Mandy <3

Brother and Sisters

The Replacement Jen

Nana with the Connecticut Grandkids

Since the beginning.

Some of my favorites.  Really just love this picture

My Girlfriends.

My Absolute Everything....

This weekend I had the pleasure of celebrating some very amazing people in my life.  Friday was Mom's birthday.  We went out for drinks with our neighbor Joe and his daughter and son in law.  We ran into an old neighbor and she cried and cried when she saw how grown up Chris was and my parents for the first time in years.  Then we went out to dinner at Kumo and had a lot of fun.  Hibachi can be a very stuffing experience and I look forward to our yearly trek there for Mom's birthday.



Today was Father's day and I got to spend some time with Dad.  It was a beautiful day weather wise and we got to go on some errands this morning.  Dad wasn't too happy upon hearing about the picture I took when he was sitting on the outdoor patio while we were at the store.  Only for the fact that he didn't know I snapped it.  Bazinga, Dad, Bazinga.  He laughed when I went to give him his card because I lost the damn envelope, but he used Chris's card as he was dying laughing at my huge blunder.

I am glad I got to spend quality time with the people whom are always there for me regardless of what I do.  My family.  Dad, Chris, Mom and I had some really good laughs, especially at dinner on Friday.  I don't say it often to them, which is a downfall of mine, but I really do love them.  I am proud to call them my family every single day because they are such amazing people.  They change the world every day without even realizing they do.  Guys, I love you.  Thank you so much for always standing by my side even when I am at my worse.  You take my good and bad sides, even when I don't seem to deserve the  love you so openly give it.  Love you.  So happy to be stuck with you for the rest of my life.