Not only do I love Friday's because it's the start of the weekend, but also because I can share my favorite things with you all.
1. This song. Like most songs I write about on here, it speaks to my soul. I think this song is one hundred percent better without Christina in it (sorry I had to say it). Those piano cords and his voice rip out my soul in such a good way.
2. That I get to spend the dreaded 13th of the month with my Dad's best friend slash our neighbor Joe. Was it weird that one of my Dad's best friends was an 83 year old man? Not really. Is it weird that I'm tickled pink whenever I get to talk to him or hear that he talked highly about me at work? Not even close.
3. These girls. This family. This picture. Our memories.
4. Text messages from important people in my life telling me what a wonderful special person I am. Yes, this is selfish, but I got two text messages this week that honestly put such a huge smile on my face because I'm reminded how many great people I have in my life.
5. Peppermint Mochas from Starbucks and the wonderful baristas that welcome me with bright personalities every morning. It's a great way to start a day.
Let me leave you with this piece of advice that I am reminded of every day, but especially on the 13th of the month. Let your loved ones know how important they are to you. Hug people who you adore and tell them you love them. Embrace the good in your life. Because you will miss it when it's gone.
Because let's be serious, who actually enjoys Monday?
Let's start writing some beautiful stories friends
Do you feel it? Or smell it?
Snow has a specific smell that takes over the air. Such a weird statement but if you grew up in New England, you may understand the idea of being able to smell a snow fall approaching.
I love the sight of snow falling, especially at night. It seems as if the whole world stills for those first few minutes of the storm and a silence drops on our busy lives. When the snow is untouched? That's complete beauty.
In case this snow starts tonight or tomorrow, please be safe friends.
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.
Thanksgiving was a few days ago. If this is any preview for the holidays, they are going to suck big time. But with family, and some wine, I think I can survive them. Plus I have this huge plan for the month of December that might make me feel better this year. I wanted to do big things last year and never followed through. This year, I just might make it happen.
Anyway, on Sunday I went to a Friendsgiving and we were instructed to write down 10 things that we were thankful for. We laughed, we cried, we toasted. But it was nice to sit with my closest friends and share what I am thankful for every day.
1. I'm thankful for my health. I'm on an ever present roller coaster ride but this year, the ride hasn't been horrible. And for the first time in years (knock on wood....) I have yet to end up in the hospital for any sorts of time except to visit my mother.
2. I'm thankful for patience. While I have little patience most of the time, I haven't acted out in my many thoughts of screaming at mean people or annoying coworkers.
3. Food, especially nachos.
4. Pictures to remind me of all the great memories.
5. And my family which includes the friends that have turned into family. I have leaned a great deal on them in the recent years of my life but nothing compares to this year. My mother and brother have been my rock. My work friends and Milford family have seen ugly sides of me and still loved me regardless. And every single person who has text messaged me, stopped by, called or reached out in some way, it means the world to me. I lost one of the most important family members in my life this year, and I am especially thankful that I had him in my life for 26 years.
I'm a firm believer in constantly telling those around you how thankful you are for them daily. It shouldn't just be a once in a year thing. I think we should always tell those we love how much we love them, including tons of hugs every day.
1. I caught the eight o'clock show of Catching Fire with Emily and Liz. Basically, it was amazing and I'm not just saying that because I loved the series. Gone was the shaky camera angles that plagued the first movie. And in turn, we saw each character's story grow deeper. Also, it doesn't hurt that Jennifer Lawerence is beautiful.
2. Friendgiving this Sunday. Wonderful food. Great drinks. And even better friends. What more could a girl ask for to end a week.
3. Love letters. Not only do I look forward to getting them, but sending them makes me really happy. I love knowing that a letter will hopefully bring a huge smile on my friends faces.
4. Catching up on with old work friends over dinner. After a really crappy reason to get together with former coworkers, to be able to go out for a quick meal was refreshing.
5. Buzzfeed articles. If you don't find at least one article upon looking up the website you enjoy, then I feel sorry for you. I mean who doesn't love lists?
There are times that I almost hear my dad telling me to smile a little more. To laugh at something or to make some sort of joke that everyone in the room is avoiding.
With the holiday season rearing it's head from hiding earlier then ever this year, I can't help remember where I was a year ago. I wasn't in a great place because I didn't understand why I had to go to the hospital again and be on all sorts of medications again.
Plain and simple? I was tired of it all.
So I came up with a mission to write letters and leave them in the hospital. For those people who had to spend time in the hospital for whatever reason. For the hospital staff who has to work long hours and are sometimes the only source of entertainment for patients.
Did I ever proceed with this mission of mine? No.
I called to find out how one can make this happen and they basically told me it's not possible. And that one door slamming in my face brought my whole resolve to a screeching halt. Instead, I turned to my friends, and sent them letters and cards for the holidays.
This year? I want to send my love letters to people who have experienced some sort of pain in their life so they can smile for a small minute. I want to send letters to those people who I care for to let them know I love them. And spread a little love and smiles during this holiday season.
Because that's what the holidays are all about right? Sharing love with those around you.
