Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was nice - it wasn't overly joyous, based on the company but it's just nice to be with 'family' and enjoy a nice meal.

I'm thankful for a lot of things this year and every year.

Let me do it in an elementary school format-


Things I'm thankful for:

* my wonderful, though nutty, family
* my awesome, though equally nutty, friends
* my sisters and my brother who are so dear to me
* my niece who remains a constant joy in my life and who teaches me about life in all her own little ways. I'm so thankful to be an aunt!
* my health - although not 100% - I'm thankful for health and life.
* God - for giving me the pull that brought me back to Him and church.

I'm just really thankful for everything I take for granted on a daily basis... big and small.

Mission Accomplished!

In following up to my Bountiful Feast post where I mentioned the site I created to provide food to those in need; I'm glad to say that it was a success.

I only ended up with 3 families/individuals that we helped but it was better than zero.

Jeff and I made the deliveries (two of which were almost an hour away)... and it wasn't so bad. I was so thankful for all the help I received from everyone... and a little disappointed in those that I didn't..

I hope I can do this again next year or even carry it over and maybe do something for Christmas!

It was a great feeling to be able to help those in need.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving .. spending it with loved ones.

Still spinning.....

Things are still nutty around here. Life has really been a whirlwind this year, but I hope, with 2008 quickly coming up on us, that it will be a much better year than 2007 has been. I've had a lot of happiness this year but I feel like the sadness has kept up with it, running a close second all the way.

I'm a little discouraged at some of the decisions that are being made as a result of some of the things that are taking place... but I know that I have no power to change those things. I just wish that those involved would use better judgement and really consider a situation before taking any big, abrupt steps and making decisions that could affect their lives and the lives of others in the long run.

Some days, and not often, I find myself feeling overwhelmed with a feeling of helplessness.. like I want to be able to "fix" everything. I realize I can't do that but I really want to make an effort to try.. I had one day this weekend, where I was struggling with some emotions and I just knew that I was going to break down but I managed not to.. I know I should have let it out because it always feels so much better.

On a good note, I've been getting food together from family and friends to add to the baskets I'll be giving to the needy this Thanksgiving. I got a really nice reception from friends at work who are really eager to help in my task.
There's really only about 3 families I have lined up so far but if I only fed one family, it would still be enough.

Have a Great Sunday & an even better week!

updates all around .....

Haven't been on in ages. I feel like I've been so busy lately but then I sit back and try to account for what I've been doing with my time and I'm at a loss! lol

Anyway - Just wanted to post some updates - mainly just this one.

I created a website for my newest endeavor... I'm going to provide food baskets for the needy during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I really hope I get some help from the community and friends/family. So far, I've got a couple leads and am working on some new ones.. I put a posting and a link on the wishuponahero website and I received some great feedback on there...
Please view my site and consider helping to make a difference...

Thanks so much!!
http://bountifulfeast.weebly.com

Stop the world...I want to get off!

Things are so crazy here lately. I can't believe how things have taken such a turn from this time last year. I know life's about changing etc.. but that's gotten a little out of hand now.. I have a million things on my mind - trying to sort things out and figure out how I can help lighten the burden on those people whose live's are in turmoil.. I just can't seem to come up with a quick-fix.

Both of my sisters are getting divorced. So that's always a tough situation.
I hate that my niece is in the middle of one of them. I know that's not what my sister wanted to ever see happen. It really sucks.. Such an unfortunate situation for both of them. I hope that somewhere along the way, they both find some contentment in their lives and if eventually they find someone to share their lives with, then so be it.. I wish them all the happiness they can possibly handle!
They didn't deserve to be dealt such shitty cards but they're handling it the best they can I guess... I just don't understand some people - mainly men in this case.
Who make big life decisions and then just decide that they want to reverse it? It doesn't happen like that...

And women?!! Women who move in on married men! It just makes me physically ill.

Longing ....

I came across a website the other day - and on there was a happily married couple who are looking to adopt a child. I was so moved by their plea and their story, that I had to send them a message. In the age of people killing their newborns or disposing of them anywhere they can, it's so heartwarming to see a story of such longing and desire to have and raise a child they'll call their own.

I really wish them the best and hope that this turns out for them.

Forgiveness

I've always been a big advocate of forgiveness - usually when it comes to almost anything. Lately, there's been a lot of talk about forgiving.. (more so when we talk about sinning and forgiveness at church). I just wish people were more forgiving in their lives. I know it's not always easy and for some major things, you just don't or can't forgive someone, but it's such a burden to bear when you hold onto those feelings. I was remembering the other night, when it came up at church, a time in my life that I forgave someone quickly and without a second thought -
When my brother was hit by a car a few years back.. I was scared to death! He was in critical condition initially, which always scares the pants off of you... and I can remember most of my family just wanting to hurt the guy who hit him..and just wishing bad things on him.. but what I remember about myself is that I found myself wondering about the man that hit him. Wondering if he was ok and if he was worried about my brother? I knew he was. I wanted to go to his home and tell him that he my brother was going to be ok, just so that he'd know and could get some peace from it. It wasn't intentional - the man stopped when he hit him. Who knows to this day; what really happened that day. All that matters is that my brother is here today. I know that a couple people probably still wonder how I had such compassion for this man, but it's not really hard to explain. It actually gave me peace that I could forgive him.. It was an accident.

My heart hurts

These past few weeks, or maybe months, I have been really discouraged by humanity. People around me have shown such a lack of compassion and respect in different instances lately.. and I find it so disheartening.
I don't feel like getting into specifics right now.. I just can't believe that people can be so cold and have no or little compassion for those people around them..who are in situations that are NOT desirable.. whether it's a sickness, or a shortcoming; whatever the case .. these people around me, in my immediate surroundings, on a daily basis, are just unbelievable. I take pride in being who I am and that I have a huge heart..I just wish I could instill the same qualities/ideals in others. I know that's not humanly possible but it just really sucks...

Coming to know Him

So far, so good with my confirmation class. I feel like I'm learning alot as I go. I have a lot of questions each week - either after I read the assigned chapters in my book or when we have class on Thursday. Luckily, J is very knowledgeable and I'm able to discuss things at length with him.. which helps me to better understand and hopefully comprehend things...

I don't know how my fellow 'class mates' like it; but I really enjoy when we go over the discussion questions at the end of each assigned-reading chapter. It gives us a chance to discuss personal views/feelings on various topics.. and it's enlightening to hear what others have gotten from it..spiritually/emotionally.

I found that I need peace and quiet when I decide to sit down and read my book - or I can't fully concentrate. I highlight and make notations on the topics or phrases that interest me or that I have questions about.


Even though it's not complete, I do believe that I'm coming to know and understand Christ as I've never before.
It's such an enriching journey I'm on here ...

Finding me....

I feel like I'm in such a slump lately. I've been going through hell trying to figure out what it is I want to do with my life.. career-wise.
J and I were discussing it at length the past couple days and he was even kind of interested that I don't know what it is I want to do. The thing is I have narrowed it down somewhat.. I know that I want to be in the Medical field, like I've planned for so long... but now I'm even toying with the idea of maybe going into Legal Studies and becoming a paralegal. Law and things of that nature, really intrigue me.. so I imagine I'd be really satisfied in that field. As for the Medical thing, I've always wanted to be in the clerical aspect of that field.. not really hands on. I could be a Medical Secretary with the proper schooling.. I don't know what's taking me so long to get things up and running.. I've been researching some online courses (certificate programs) at various schools either in the area or not.. and I've already arranged how to pay for it and what time period I want to take the course. Geez, I should have had all this figured out by now - no? I'd love to graduate college and get my associates... I have all these things I want to do and wish I could do, but yet I never take the steps to accomplish these goals. I need to realize that it's not just going to fall in my lap one day when I least expect it....I have to make it happen!!
Honestly, I need to sit down and make a plan and get it in action. I don't like feeling so down ( for a lack of better words) ... and INCOMPLETE. I'm 31 - I need to figure things out. Life is happening and I'm just sitting here....

Change of plans

Well, we didn't make it to the Weight Watchers meeting to register like we planned.
Monday turned out to be a very hectic day with lots of unplanned obstacles. For both of us. So we're planning to go next Monday. I don't want to keep putting it off - We need to go!


And in other news - Tonight's the Genesis concert .. Not a big fan but Jeff loves Genesis so I'm going with him. It will probably be a good concert. Anything note-worthy, I'll blog it.

Weight Watchers .... Take 2

Well, I finally recruited someone to go to WW with me! I'm so excited - I really think that I'll stick it out this time. I don't know why I ever left the last time but it always helps to have someone to go to these things with.. so hopefully we both stay committed and really get some great results!


I think we'll do well .. We both really want to lose weight and we both need to.
We're at a point in our lives where we want to lose the weight and hopefully keep it off. The meetings help because it gives you that support environment and you get a lot of information out of it... other members' insight and great stories of weight loss and reaching goals. I know it's just a matter of deciding to do it and then setting your mind to it and accomplishing it.

I'll keep weekly updates on my progress... hopefully with cool little tickers and charts!

my-calorie-counter.com    The webs free Diet Log

Thoughts...and more thoughts...

Saw an interesting quote today:
"Every one dies; not everyone really lives". Thought that was worth sharing, especially on a day like today.

Today being September 11th.

I always think back to where I was and what I was doing on that dreadful day.
I was working for a family as a nanny at the time, and I know I was taking a walk with Justin. ..He was in the stroller and it was such a beautiful day out. I was just enjoying being outside and taking in the beauty of nature. I remember thinking what a great day it was so far. Not so for thousands of people in minutes to come after those thoughts.

I had just made it back to the house when Beth (my boss) had called me and asked if I had the TV on... so when I turned it on I just saw the 2nd plane crash into the building. At this point; I realized and she did too, that it wasn't an accident.

In addition to all of the passengers and staff on those plans; I hate knowing that there were children on those planes and what they must have went through! The fear in their little hearts/minds. It makes my heart ache to even fathom. I try not to. it's just not a day that anyone will ever forget. God Bless all those who were lost to it...in the planes and at Ground Zero. And God Bless everyone who lost someone to the tragedy.
I hope you all find strength and solace in the memories...

I'm getting confirmed....

No, really... I am.
I decided to go ahead and complete my sacraments. It only seems right to do it since I've recently just got back into church and so in touch with my faith again..after all this time. I'm really happy about it - It's a big step in the right direction for me. Last Thursday was the 'organizational' meeting. We (all 5 of us!) got aquainted, introduced, and also got a brief outline of how the class works, what books we'll be using, meeting times, place, etc...
I was a little embarassed when Father O'Donnell announced that I was the reason the class was even created! He said that after my persistent phone calls expressing my interest in the class, he decided that, if for no other reason, they'd have the class for me! That was pretty cute but funny. So alas, the class has started and in January sometime, we'll be confirmed in the Catholic Church. Yay!
Stay tuned for any updates - anything that I learn that I find share-worthy!

Summer '07

Guess the summer's just about over. It doesn't really phase me like it did when I was actually in school, but now it just means that the days of Curley's Fries & Mack & Manco's Pizza are over until next year
. I do love the fall though - so it won't be too bad knowing that I can expect to soon see the beautiful scenery that fall brings! Didn't get out as much as I would have liked this summer - but I did lunch with my sister in the city a few times, which was really great! (as usual) Guess as the weather gets colder and the season changes, we'll just have to do our girls day out in Olde City, inside instead of outside on the sidewalk under the umbrella table at Pizzocato. Hope everyone had a great summer. I know the kids are always bummed when school's going back in, I know I always loathed that first day back. But even with summer gone - I'm looking forward to the rest of the year and all that it brings. Hopefully lots of good - and scarcely any bad.

God give me strength?

I don't know if the right phrase to use would be: need a "break from life" or if saying a "break from reality" would be more accurate.
Probably the latter.
Talk about things really getting complicated in a really short time!
I don't know what's going on anymore but it seems like life keeps throwing some serious curveballs (more like hardballs or screwballs) to various people in my life. Relationships are so hard to understand! And the people who are in them, are even harder to figure out. You can never tell just what a person is thinking or feeling inside -- as much as we all wish we had that power.
It's so hard to trust and let your guard down emotionally knowing that any given day, it could just "bitch slap" you in the face.
I just can't bear it when someone I love/care about is hurting. No matter what it stems from... heartache, physical pain,...etc. Life shouldn't have to be such a challenge sometimes. I know it's never going to be perfect but I wish for "damn near". I'll always be there for my loved ones in their time of need..when they're hurting, confused, unsure, ... but I don't always know what to say. And mostly I just want to be able to banish all the pain and hurt and uncertainty from their hearts and minds. Life is always going to be an uphill climb but it should seldom be an uphill "struggle'. Sometimes, trying to figure things out just makes it all worse. Some things are just not meant to be understood I guess. That sounds crazy but I find that sometimes things need to be let go rather than putting yourself through the endless hell of trying to grasp the meaning or the reasons. But I do agree that in certain cases, for certain issues, the answers need to be found and in most cases; understood. It's true that "life" in general will always present a challenge somewhere along the way and sometimes, always... but I guess all we can do is pray for the strength to get through those times, be there for the people that need us (even though they won't always reach out), and just know that there will be better days.

Hello Sunday.... :(

Well, Dad's company picnic was a nice turnout once again. Even though they changed some things up this year, it was still nice to be with family and just have a good time. My precious niece really wore herself out this year! Now that she's a little older than last time, she can do more things. And did she ever! The heat was grotesque but thanks to the pool(s) we were able to cool off at any given time. I finally witnessed that my niece is a little water rat. She doesn't like to leave the water once she's in. She ate extremely well too, which is always a plus.

Unfortunately, I didn't have any good batteries so I couldn't take pics like I wanted to! But my sister did, so I'll have to "steal" some of hers and post them when I get a chance.
Friday we did dinner for Mom's birthday and then Saturday was the picnic --- so here we are at Sunday already and I'm back work. So strange that my work week starts on Sunday but then again it ends on Thursday when most people still have one more dreaded day!

Dr's

So I went to the dr tonight for what was my follow up blood pressure check and to discuss my blood work results.. Turns out that my triglycerides are elevated, but not extremely, and my cholesterol is said to be beyond excellent. That was what really shocked me the most.. She said it was really good.. I thought for sure she would say that my cholesterol and sugars and triglycerides were sky high but I was pleased that it wasn't quite what I had expected.

So as far as the triglycerides; I have to lose weight. I am really overweight and I need to lose at least 30 lbs to be where I should be for my frame/age etc.. The doctor says that she wants to see me again in 3 months and that my goal is to lose minimum 5 lbs. I would hope I can lose more than that but she is asking for less. I have been exercising more and watching what I eat more often but to be honest; I have not put forth a really big effort, so I know that I need to do that now. The triglycerides are what factors in when it comes to heart disease etc...
I'm already out of breath when I'm climbing the stairs or even just moving a lot. I come in from my car and once I get up the flight of steps and into the house I am huffin' and puffin'.. so that alone is a sign that I'm way out of shape and that means that my heart works harder.
I'm thinking I'll probably go back to Weight Watchers - My Dr. even suggested that.. and I know that it really works! I did it a few months back and it was really great. I lost about 6 lbs in the first 2 weeks - most of which was water weight initially - but it was a start. I felt better and I was sure that I'd started to look better... So I'm going to incorporate WW into my lifestyle change and also get the exercise going more often. I have a gym membership that I don't even use! So wish me luck - Stay tuned for a follow up post!

What fun!

Tam and I did our Atlantic City trip --- for the 2nd time!

Was just as, if not more, fun than last time! I really hope we've started something here that we plan to make a tradition of sorts..lol

It's so nice to get away for a night of just sheer relaxing and enjoying ourselves. Last time we weren't really sure where to go or what to do .. but this time we ended up at The Continental, which is inside the Shops at Ceasar's mall. It was so nice there! We had some cocktails and some appetizers that were simply delectable! It was a really nice, low key place that you could really unwind at.
We ended up at Providence, in the Tropicana, where we also stayed, and that place was pretty awesome. I read recently that it's a real "hot spot" in A.C. ... and I can believe it.
They offer VIP rooms etc.. They have dancers positioned throughout the nightclub and the music is the best mix of hip hop and house etc... that just makes you forget how long you've been on the dancefloor! They tell us that it's theh kind of club where they can turn you away at the door if they don't "approve".. or something like that. There are two entranes to the place - One is VIP entrance. (Which we didn't go through, but maybe next time!)
You can't even see in the place - until you've actually entered. They have a couple dancers in the windows that are your only glimpse of the place.. I guess they're supposed to be what entices you to want to go there. I wanted to go there the minute I heard the music coming out of there! The mix of people was good - some seemed like regulars.
I won't disclose what we paid for drinks there or what the final tally was when all was said and done .. but it was PRICEY to say the least. My sister's motto of Carpe Diem gets taken to the extreme sometimes! lol More like carpe second job to afford our next outing!



So all in all, it was a nice time once again to get out with my sister and just have a fun girls' night out.. We always finalize it with breakfast the next morning, and then head home - back to reality.

Priorities - (or not)

I titled it "Priorities" but once again, that is my opinion. I'm so irritated right now and maybe I don't have any right to be, but things really get to the heart of me sometimes.
So, here's the deal: I'm walking in an event in September to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma - I put up a poster at work and sent email. The response I've received has been way less than desirable. While I've had a couple people in our corporate office ask to sponsor me; no one in my immediate office has asked me about it or said that they'd like to contribute. {I didn't directly ask people because it seems to put people on the spot.}
Then the other day, I see that another co-worker posted a (mind you, much smaller) poster on the same board announcing a raffle in which you can win either a brand new car or opt for the cash value instead. So now, everyone's running around getting their money together.
I know of, so far, at least 2 groups of 5 people who are each putting $20 towards the cost of the $100 ticket. This to me is just frustrating... that people are so hung up on something that will benefit them.