Friday, December 31, 2010

December 31 – Core Story

What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Bonus: Consider your reflections from this month. Look through them to discover a thread you may not have noticed until today.)

(Author: Molly O’Neill)


Today marks the end of this month long journey of reflection for another year.  The prompts have been fun, reflective, and sometimes challenging.  I missed some  prompts, but as I said at the beginning, I don't believe in working backwards, so I've chosen not to go back to all of the prompts I missed.  It's been a busy last week of December with the holidays, travel, and getting to meet up with a few old friends.  I have to laugh a little at this prompt because I remember one  time my sister and I were at a bar in San Diego, and this guy came up to her and said, "So, what's your story?"  Really, no joke!  So from then on, I've never thought about "what my story is", it was just too cheesy.  But I guess if there were to be a book written about my life it would be a story about surviving and pushing ahead.  Overall I have lived a very good life, but like everyone I've had some events in my life that made me not want to get out of bed some mornings, made me question my faith, and my own judgement.  But through each event, I've remained strong and positive and pushed forward.  At my core, I don't give up, and I try to help others forge ahead and see that anything's possible with the right mindset.  I think being in education I share this story with students all the time, tell them that they can control their future, they can control their own destiny.  I think I share this story through my friendships, because my friends have been there for me through the good times and the bad.  I think I share this story with my family because I remain a good role model of what family is about. 

This might be the last post of 2010, but this is not the end of my story! What will the next chapter be???? I have no idea, but I'm excited for the possibilities!

December 30 – Gift Prompt:

Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year? (Author: Holly Root) {Future tools: Lifehacker’s Free Tools to Manage New Years Resolutions and Gretchen Rubin’s Questions to Help You Make Effective New Year’s Resolutions. Has #reverb10 made an [...]

I received an overwhelming number of tangible and emotional gifts this year.  The one gift that I received this year that will remain in my memory forever is the gift of family time.  Living clear across the country from my own family, and not being that close to them, makes it tough sometimes, but when I married Kevin, I married into an amazing family that took me in as one of their own.  Getting to spend time with Kevin's grandfather, his aunt, and all of his cousins, siblings, and his mom this year, more time than was originally planned for, but all of it was fun and made me not miss home so much.  The saying, home is where your heart is, really rings true, because my heart is with Kevin and I feel at home with his family.  The extra time we got to spend with Aunt Pat, and all the time I was able to spend with Bop was the most memorable gift one could ever receive.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

December 25 – Photo –

A present to yourself Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, and where, and what it best reveals about you.




Kevin took this photo of me in Old Quebec, Canada on our trip in July 2010.  It best captures me because it's simple, but classic.  It also best reveals who I am because I'm always looking  behind doors for my next opportunity!

Friday, December 24, 2010

December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK

What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead? (Author: Kate Inglis)



Knowing that everything is okay is a huge relief for many of us.  At what point does one realize that all is okay?  I'm not sure it was this particular year, but I do  know that whenever I see my husband's smile, I know that everything  will be alright.  This past year, it came at different times.  For starters, seeing  his smile when I went into the hospital made me know that no matter what, I was going  to be okay. It came again when he  saw me and Bop off on our long road trip.  And again, when Bop had his stroke and I was the only one with him, as soon as Kevin arrived, and I saw his smile, I knew it was going to be okay.  No matter what it is, Kevin's smile and reassurance always brings me peace of mind.  I try not to take him for granted, and in case he doesn't realize it... he is the best thing that ever happened to me!  Even in the emotional  times we've had lately, with disappointment, sadness, and sorrow, he continues to crack a joke and make me laugh.  So I guess as I head into the new year, I will remember to smile, and continue to see how everything is okay, better than okay!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

December 22 – Travel

How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)

2010 was a WONDERFUL travel year for me!  I traveled to visit with friends I left in California, a solo trip just for girlfriend time.  I traveled along the East Coast on the road trip of a lifetime with Bop, experiencing a lot of firsts for me, ending in New York on the St. Lawrence River, where I am always at peace.  I also got to take some special trips with Kevin, we traveled to Old Quebec in Canada, and a fall weekend in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.  We're ending the year with a trip to Florida to spend Christmas with my mother in law and Bop. Our final travels for 2010 will be a short road trip with Bop to Key West after Christmas.

In 2011 I know for certain that in February, I will be taking a trip to meet up with my sister, whom I haven't seen in 2 years (which has been very tough).  We're thinking Austin, TX. Who knows what else... I'm hopeful to take a girl's trip to NYC in the spring, and possibly more short trips locally.  I find that when I travel it tends to be big trips that cost a lot and I have to plan for, but I'm hoping that this year, Kevin and I will take some little weekend trips, more spontaneously.

December 21 – Future Self

 Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)

It's hard to think what the next 5 years will bring, I never imagined 5 years ago that I would be where I am now.  In 5 years I will be approaching my 40th birthday and I'd like to think that I will be as in love with my husband as I am today, if not even more, I would like to think that I will have atleast 1 small child by then, possibly working on two, and I suppose I  will still be working in education, but perhaps I won't and I will be a stay at home mom.  I'd also like to be able to say that I've completed another half marathon! 

Looking at the year ahead, I'd like to just take it one day at a time and live more in the moment and appreciate everyday as if it's my last.  Not take life too seriously all of the time.

Ten years ago I was 25, single, living in Los Angeles and having a great time with my friends.  Looking back, I would tell myself that everything works out the way it's supposed to. Just because things don't go as planned, doesn't mean they don't go right!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

December 19 – Healing

 What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011? (Author: Leonie Allan)

This is an interesting prompt and I never would have thought about it until now.  2010 was a year full of healing for me and there were several parts to the process.  For starters my incredibly supportive husband healed me.  Even when he felt helpless and like he couldn't heal my pain, he did. My friends and family also were a big part of my healing.  Getting to spend time with them was important, and it helped me get past the pain, and realize how incredibly lucky I am.  The book, Eat, Pray, Love also played a huge role in my healing this past year.  I picked it up to read after my miscarriage, and it was incredibly comforting to take the journey in all the beautiful places mentioned in the book.  Reading about someone else's self discovery helped me with my own.  Lastly, running healed me to feel fit, and healthy, and alive.  Running is therapeutic for me and when I can push myself a little harder, I feel like I can accomplish anything and get past anything.

In 2011 I'd like to be healed  by the continued support of my husband, family and friends.  There is nothing better than sharing a memory, a good laugh, or even a good cry with the people who know me the best.  Traveling would also be nice if I'm feeling blue. :)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

December 15 – 5 Minutes

 Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

What I want to capture the most in my memory of the year 2010 is my trip with Bop over the summer!  It was such an amazing trip and I had the time of my life not worrying about anything! (well usually not worrying about much).  The memory of him directing me where to take us, pointing out the sights and history, and just spending time with such a special member of Kevin's family.  I also want to remember the memory of Kevin's and my trip to Old Quebec and Blowing Rock, NC.  Getting to spend that time together in a new environment and experience new things was amazing! I also want to remember the feeling of crossing the finish line in several 5K races in 2010, not because I had such a great pace, but because I finished and it felt great to run!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

December 14 – Appreciate

 What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

I have come to appreciate quiet time by myself the most this year.  I am usually a stay busy gal, and over the past few years I've been learning to not  pack my schedule so tight, and to take more time for myself.  I have always thought of others before myself, but sometimes I don't think of myself enough.  In the past year, I've learned how to take time for myself and not feel guilty about doing so.  I love my husband and my friends, but I will admit I do appreciate a night or day here or there where I can just be by myself and do things, or not do anything. 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Keeping Life in Motion

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

This prompt is kind of bittersweet in my household today.  I'm an action person.  I think of ideas, and I put a plan in  place to carry them out.  But today I feel like I need to take a step back, keep  my mouth closed, and just be there for Kevin and his family.  Some of you may know that Kevin's Aunt Pat has been sick for a little over a year and finally after a good long, fight she passed away last night.  Aunt Pat was an Action Lady herself!  She always had a plan, told the family what the plan was and held everyone together to carry the plan out.  Having been in Kevin's family for 4 years, I can't imagine how painful this is for those who got to spend a lifetime with Aunt Pat.  She was a beautiful lady that I feel lucky to have had in my life. It's never easy to lose a loved one, and it is especially difficult with the Christmas holiday right around the corner.  So my next step for now is going to just be to be there for Kevin and our family. 

This is  kind of a  side track from the prompt, but it's really weird how life happens.  A year ago this time Kevin and I were planning for a child, then that plan was put on hold.  We were planning a trip to CA for the holidays this year, but we decided it was best to stay here in the event that something did happen to Aunt Pat.  I am at peace with how it's all ended up, I wouldn't imagine it any other way.  I know Aunt Pat is at peace too and she will continue to steer us all in the right direction when it comes to plans! 

Sunday, December 12, 2010

December 11 – 11 Things

 What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

1. Stress
2. Irrational People
3. Drama
4. Negative thoughts
5. Snow
6. Bad tasting food
7. Pressure from others
8. A jam packed schedule
9. Fear of the unknown
10. to be a YES person

That's all I can think of!  I just need one more... well, while I'm thinking about it, I'll tell you how I plan to rid my life of these things:  Yes, I have a plan! I will exercise, eat right, and only foster relationships with people who believe in the same balanced life.  As for eliminating snow... well, I'm just saying I don't NEED it, but that is out of my control so I'm not going to worry about it!  Hey, here's my #11. Worry.  I don't need to worry about stuff! 

Friday, December 10, 2010

Wisdom

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)


I feel that I've made a couple of wise decisions this year, but the WISEST decision I made was to take the entire summer off from working and travel with Bop! (Kevin's 95 yr. old grandfather).  In order to do so I had to make a wise decision to close my business.  I am glad I tried owning a business, but I will say that ending that was a very wise decision.  It just wasn't my thing!  All my life, especially  my adult life, I have planned and lived a pretty structured life, so when I said I would take a road trip and travel with Bop and spend the summer on the St. Lawrence River, I knew that my plans and structure would be a thing of the past.  And that they were.  All I can say is if you ever have the chance to do something like this, it is a must!  I have so many fond memories of our trip, and I feel like I got to spend an immense amount of time with a very special person in Kevin's family.  Hands down, that was the wisest decision I made this year! 

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Just Bein' Myself

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

What you see is what you get!  There's nothing fake about me.  I think people appreciate the fact that I am a realist.  Eventhough it doesn't get me the most popular votes, my tendency to keep things real, and not try to be soemthing I'm not is refreshing.  At work, I am in somewhat of a leadership position and I always try to remind the people I work with that my job is to do what's best for kids, it's not about us, the teachers!  I don't give into people who complain about things that they have the power to change.  I stay true to my own beliefs and passions, even when it doesn't go with the majority.

I am always striving to be my best.  I don't believe in perfection, in fact, perfect is a word I detest!  But I do believe I can always be better and I constantly look for ways to improve.  I look for ways to improve my job performance. I challenge myself to work out harder than before.  I put the past behind me and try to look forward and make the best of the hand I've been dealt.  I see how unhappy some people in my family are, and I say, " We have this amazing power as human beings to change things." and I act on it!  I'm the only person who can change the way I think, feel, and act.I don't blame others.  We all make choices.Speaking of choices, I will admit I've made some bad ones, but with each poor choice I've made, I've found a lesson and taken the learning with me throughout my life.

I am not materialistic, I enjoy nice things, but can do without the latest trends and fads.  I enjoy giving to others, but I don't give things to people expecting something in return.  The thought is what counts, and I strongly believe in that.  I am very fortunate for the things I have been given and able to acquire in my life, I don't take it for granted.

Where I Belong

December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

I have never really thought about what community I belong to or what community I'd like to belong to.  I just tend to meet people, connect, and develop relationships, regardless of geography, background, etc.  But in the past year, I have discovered community in my neighborhood.  Ever since I left Los Angeles, I have wanted to find a place where I have a home, and friendly neighbors.  Alittle over a year ago, when Kevin and I bought this house, we were advised by our realtor to go and talk to the neighbors BEFORE we put an offer in.  Although I never would have thought of that, and am glad I've had the amazing realtor in Jennifer Douse at Allen Tate (little sales plug for her, she really is wonderful), it was one of the wisest things we did.  Upon moving in, we met a family across the street who is so much fun!  The husband is a pilot and his wife works part time in addition to raising their 4 small children.  The kids are awesome too! They like to come over and play at our house, they make me pictures, and borrow books to read.  The fact that Kevin and our neighbor enjoy beer, woodworking, and everything in between is a bonus.  I can honestly say that I've never felt more comfortable asking for help.  In the short time that we've lived here I've witnessed people helping one another in sickness, health, and tragedy. 

MAKE

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)


The last thing I made was Thumbprint Cookies.  It was something I've never made before, but found a recipe and it was incredibly easy.  I love to cook, but I do not like to bake.  I think baking is too restrictive, having to measure things out.  I prefer to cook dishes where I can add a pinch of this, and a smidgen of that.  Which my husband hates, because he says he can never follow my recipes! I can be creative in other ways too, but the most regular way that I express my creativity is through my cooking.  I grew up in a family food business, my father still owns a restaurant, and my mother was a very good cook.  I ate things as a child that most don't.  I still eat in a way that allows me to appreciate good, quality food.  I know that not everyone likes to cook, but who doesn't like to eat.  So I take great pleasure in creating delicious, and most of the time healthy food for others and myself to enjoy.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Reflection

I haven't posted in some time due to the fact that I went back to work fulltime this year and once the school year began, well, life just started rolling along and I found myself falling asleep early, rather than having time to sit down and get inside my own thoughts.

So thanks, to a friend, I've been introduced to http://www.reverb10.com/the-prompts/ which is an online initiative to get you to write and reflect.  Being a very reflective person by nature, I thought what a great way to get back to my writing.  I know a lot of people enjoyed reading about my summer adventure with Bop, and although I don't think my day to day life is that exciting, there have been some exciting events since the summer.

I probably should start with the prompt from December 1st, but I'm not about going backwards, so I'm just going to pick up with today's prompt.

December 5: Let Go. What or whom did you let go of this year? Why?

This year I let go of my need to be in control of things all the time.  Sometimes we're forced to let go of this, and maybe I was forced to accept it, but I did let go of the need because I realized it just wasn't worth worrying about so much.  Are there things I like to stay in control of? Of course, I'm not sure  I know a human being who doesn't appreciate controlling their own way.  But by letting go of this need, I've been able to relax and just enjoy life more.