I think that the word selfish to most of us, screams negativity. I do feel that sometimes being selfish is good, and a key to our sanity in fact. At times in life we start almost losing sight of ourselves and our own needs which negativitely impacts us, and in turn most likely those around us too.
Rhett and I have put our want to have a baby before our own needs and wants and haven't done much for ourselves in a while. So we have dedicated Summer 2011, as "The Summer of Selfish". We are doing things for ourselves, taking trips, and in cases spending money we probably should be saving, but hey, you only live once, right? We are kicking off the Summer of Selfish in two days where we jet off to Mexico for a week, and we can't wait! We are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the "all inclusive" life for a week, followed by a few short weeks later we are headed to California for a friend's wedding in Sonoma, where we look forward to some Vineyard Tours and good times with friends!
Tonight we are headed downtown to a friend's wedding and so far it's looking like a beautiful day! I thank Rhett for my new spin on life, my type A, saving, planning, almost obsessive personality hasn't afforded me the luxury of being carefree,or dare I say, selfish? He's taught me to let go, and focus on all we have in life and call we can do instead of what we don't have and what we can't do. So I'd like to raise my coffee cup (as it's only 8:30 here but soon to be replaced by a Margarita in a few days!) to living life, to my wonderful husband, and to being selfish! Have you been selfish today?
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
School's Out for the Summer!
Well ladies and gentlemen, today's the day we've all been waiting for (okay maybe not all, but I know that I certainly have ) SUMMER VACATION!!! Today was my last day of school with the kiddos. It was actually kind of bittersweet, I had an amazing class this year, and am really going to miss them, but I am very excited for the summer with our trips and relaxation!
On the way home today I had all these great plans, get my nails done, make an awesome dinner, etc. What did I do when I got home? Let the boys out and promptly fell asleep for three hours, I think the whirl-wind trip to Cincy for my grandfather's funeral combined with the craziness of end of year preparations finally caught up with me. I woke up to eat dinner with Rhett, as I rarely skip a meal, and now I'm winding down and getting ready to fall back to sleep again! I have the next few days to prepare for our trip, we have a wedding on Saturday, and then very early Monday morning we'll be headed to Mexico! I'm so excited I can hardly wait!! I'll be sure to continue to update now that I have more time, so stay tuned!
On the way home today I had all these great plans, get my nails done, make an awesome dinner, etc. What did I do when I got home? Let the boys out and promptly fell asleep for three hours, I think the whirl-wind trip to Cincy for my grandfather's funeral combined with the craziness of end of year preparations finally caught up with me. I woke up to eat dinner with Rhett, as I rarely skip a meal, and now I'm winding down and getting ready to fall back to sleep again! I have the next few days to prepare for our trip, we have a wedding on Saturday, and then very early Monday morning we'll be headed to Mexico! I'm so excited I can hardly wait!! I'll be sure to continue to update now that I have more time, so stay tuned!
Friday, June 17, 2011
An Ode to My Papa
When I think about the wonderful, selfless, charismatic, kind-hearted man, that was my grandfather, I’m reminded of a quote by Erma Bombeck; “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, “I used everything you gave me.”
I am assured of two things; One, my papa is confident and aware that he used all his talents and exhausted every avenue to be the best person he could possibly be, and two, him and God are already best buds, as my Papa most likely found a common interest with him and struck up a conversation, (as he often did, the man truly didn’t know a stranger) and is most likely out on the beautiful greens of Heaven, playing a game of golf with God and other precious family members such as his father and brother that have gone before him.
Reflecting back on the life of such an amazing person brings tears to my eyes. My Papa wore many hats, and he wore them all perfectly. Perfect dad to his two sons, perfect grandfather to his 6 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and WOW is all I can say about the kind of husband he was to my Nonnie.
Papa never thought of his needs and wants and always put others before him. He had a constant smile on his face, that despite how crummy a day you might be having couldn’t help but put a smile on yours. I have so many fond memories of him that warm my heart and comfort me during this hard time as I mourn his loss.
My childhood was filled with tons of memories of sleep-overs at my grandparents, birthday pool parties at their house, trips to Florida, and dinners out just because. My grandpa always filled my heart with joy. One memory that sticks out in my head is back in the day, before liquid restrictions and full- body scans at the airports, you could greet your visiting family right at the terminal. Wow, I kind of sound old, don’t I? Anyways, I remember coming out of that walk-way and seeing my Papa and Nonnie, and the welcoming looks they both had made me feel like I had to have done something right in my life to deserve to have someone feel that happy to see me. That was just how he was, he made everyone feel special, like they were the only one in the room. He constantly told my brothers and I how proud he was of us, and made us all want to make him prouder. He treated my Nonnie like a princess and made me want to search far and wide until I found someone that I could share the kind of marriage he had with her. I found that man, and was beyond thrilled when my Papa loved him as much as I do!
My Papa brought sunshine to this world, even the sing-song way he said hello when he answered the phone could brighten your day. There is never enough time in life, and we always wish for another day, and I feel this is definitely true of how I’m feeling about this great guy that I’m so lucky to have known. Today though, I celebrate the man he was and the legacy he’s left behind. I love you, Papa, thanks for being you.
I am assured of two things; One, my papa is confident and aware that he used all his talents and exhausted every avenue to be the best person he could possibly be, and two, him and God are already best buds, as my Papa most likely found a common interest with him and struck up a conversation, (as he often did, the man truly didn’t know a stranger) and is most likely out on the beautiful greens of Heaven, playing a game of golf with God and other precious family members such as his father and brother that have gone before him.
Reflecting back on the life of such an amazing person brings tears to my eyes. My Papa wore many hats, and he wore them all perfectly. Perfect dad to his two sons, perfect grandfather to his 6 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and WOW is all I can say about the kind of husband he was to my Nonnie.
Papa never thought of his needs and wants and always put others before him. He had a constant smile on his face, that despite how crummy a day you might be having couldn’t help but put a smile on yours. I have so many fond memories of him that warm my heart and comfort me during this hard time as I mourn his loss.
My childhood was filled with tons of memories of sleep-overs at my grandparents, birthday pool parties at their house, trips to Florida, and dinners out just because. My grandpa always filled my heart with joy. One memory that sticks out in my head is back in the day, before liquid restrictions and full- body scans at the airports, you could greet your visiting family right at the terminal. Wow, I kind of sound old, don’t I? Anyways, I remember coming out of that walk-way and seeing my Papa and Nonnie, and the welcoming looks they both had made me feel like I had to have done something right in my life to deserve to have someone feel that happy to see me. That was just how he was, he made everyone feel special, like they were the only one in the room. He constantly told my brothers and I how proud he was of us, and made us all want to make him prouder. He treated my Nonnie like a princess and made me want to search far and wide until I found someone that I could share the kind of marriage he had with her. I found that man, and was beyond thrilled when my Papa loved him as much as I do!
My Papa brought sunshine to this world, even the sing-song way he said hello when he answered the phone could brighten your day. There is never enough time in life, and we always wish for another day, and I feel this is definitely true of how I’m feeling about this great guy that I’m so lucky to have known. Today though, I celebrate the man he was and the legacy he’s left behind. I love you, Papa, thanks for being you.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Doctor R-U-N and Summer F-U-N
So as I was walking into the gym the other day a car in the parking garage had a bumper sticker that read, "Running is Cheaper Than Therapy". This has definitely proven to be true for me. After everything that Rhett and I have been through I have my days that are harder than others, but having this race to train for has been an excellent outlet to vent on emotional days. I am back into the swing of working out and am feeling great. It's funny on days (such as today) when I am taking a day off from working out, I actually feel weird! I am not going to lie though, taking a day off is nice too!!
There are days spent with a classroom full of 7 and 8 year olds that leave me exhausted and without much of a will to work out, despite how great it makes me feel! I do have three fall back motivators that have been helping me get my booty to the gym and rack up those miles:
1. The sick kids I'm doing this race for
2. My loving family and friends that have shown their support through kind words and generous donations!
3. The thought of getting into a bathing suit on OUR TRIP TO MEXICO!!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard it right! We are finally going on a trip together! We booked it about a week ago. On June 27th we are headed to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to stay at an all-inclusive resort and totally veg out on the beach together! We are so thrilled to take some time to just enjoy each other and relax! This will also be a lil celebration to kick off my summer vacation which will begin on June 21st, so the end is in sight! We started our ABC countdown this week and we only have 21 days left!!! So there is much to look forward to!!
I have be terrible at blogging lately and vow to be better! So check back when you can, there will hopefully be more posts to read! Until then, happy Friday! I have Friday night in with a pizza, movie, and couch time with the hubs in my very near future and quite looking forward to it!!
There are days spent with a classroom full of 7 and 8 year olds that leave me exhausted and without much of a will to work out, despite how great it makes me feel! I do have three fall back motivators that have been helping me get my booty to the gym and rack up those miles:
1. The sick kids I'm doing this race for
2. My loving family and friends that have shown their support through kind words and generous donations!
3. The thought of getting into a bathing suit on OUR TRIP TO MEXICO!!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard it right! We are finally going on a trip together! We booked it about a week ago. On June 27th we are headed to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to stay at an all-inclusive resort and totally veg out on the beach together! We are so thrilled to take some time to just enjoy each other and relax! This will also be a lil celebration to kick off my summer vacation which will begin on June 21st, so the end is in sight! We started our ABC countdown this week and we only have 21 days left!!! So there is much to look forward to!!
I have be terrible at blogging lately and vow to be better! So check back when you can, there will hopefully be more posts to read! Until then, happy Friday! I have Friday night in with a pizza, movie, and couch time with the hubs in my very near future and quite looking forward to it!!
 |
| Our last trip together, back in 2007!! Overdue? I think so!! |
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A Snowy Birthday
As I awoke Monday morning I looked in the mirror and noticed that my face was still peeling from the sunburn I received last Sunday, while basking in 80 degree temps, only to realize a few seconds later, that on April 18th ( Rhett's B-day) we have been "blessed" by a blanket of snow. Seriously, Chicago, really?
I didn't let this sudden mood swing of weather get me down though, I had taken the day off to spend it with Rhett! He had to work a few hours in the morning so I rode out to Oakbrook with him and went into work with donuts in tow, to meet his coworkers. Then I ran some errands and we went to a lovely lunch at Wildfire and then to see the movie, "Source Code" which we both enjoyed. We had an awesome time spending some QT together. I am thankful for everyday I have with Rhett, and told Rhett on Monday I really should send his mom and dad a thank-you card, they do good work. So thanks, Bob and Jan for giving me the best present ever, your son!!
In other news, I think the manic weather changes have taken their toll on me. I started feeling under the weather yesterday and awoke today, feeling full fledged SICK. I called in sick this morning, two days in a week missing work, don't think I'll be getting "teacher of the month" ha. But I think sleep was what I needed. I slept until 10:30, and for those of you who know me well, this is not common practice for me! I'm hoping to feel better soon so I can run again tomorrow! Thanks so much for all your donations! I'm more than halfway there!
http://www.heroesforlife.org/site/TR/MarathonTeam/MarathonTeam?px=1087020&pg=personal&fr_id=1260
I didn't let this sudden mood swing of weather get me down though, I had taken the day off to spend it with Rhett! He had to work a few hours in the morning so I rode out to Oakbrook with him and went into work with donuts in tow, to meet his coworkers. Then I ran some errands and we went to a lovely lunch at Wildfire and then to see the movie, "Source Code" which we both enjoyed. We had an awesome time spending some QT together. I am thankful for everyday I have with Rhett, and told Rhett on Monday I really should send his mom and dad a thank-you card, they do good work. So thanks, Bob and Jan for giving me the best present ever, your son!!
In other news, I think the manic weather changes have taken their toll on me. I started feeling under the weather yesterday and awoke today, feeling full fledged SICK. I called in sick this morning, two days in a week missing work, don't think I'll be getting "teacher of the month" ha. But I think sleep was what I needed. I slept until 10:30, and for those of you who know me well, this is not common practice for me! I'm hoping to feel better soon so I can run again tomorrow! Thanks so much for all your donations! I'm more than halfway there!
http://www.heroesforlife.org/site/TR/MarathonTeam/MarathonTeam?px=1087020&pg=personal&fr_id=1260
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Spring Break!
So yesterday officially began my Spring Break and I am so thrilled! Although we aren't going anywhere, I am still excited to relax, sleep in, and just do whatever I want! I wish my poor hubby could get a few days off too, he works too hard! I am hoping this summer he can take a few days off so we can go somewhere together.
I'm officially back into the swing of exercising and I feel great! I wish it were warmer because running on the treadmill is really getting old, but temps in the 30's are taking over this weeks forecast, I did see temps in the 50's by next weekend, so I am pretty pumped about that! Rhett and I signed up for the Race to Wrigley in a few weeks, it's only a 5k but will be fun to run a race again, it's been a while! I've been mixing up my training with a combination of running and cross-training. This week I am going to be adding in some Bikram Yoga ( 100 degree yoga, it's amazing) and some spin classes. I am trying to slowly work my way up and take care of myself so as not to injure myself! Thanks so much to everyone who has donated, it is so touching and really helps to motivate me. On days I don't feel like running after a long day of work I think of those sick kids in a hospital bed and I get my booty to the gym! I've had my good and bad days since the miscarriage and I know Rhett has too, but over all we're doing great and just taking care of each other. I've tried to just count my blessings and not the things we don't have and it's made me realize we really are blessed. And just so you know when I'm counting my blessings, I count all of you!! You're the best thanks for reading and have a great Saturday night!
Some of you have asked for the link again ( I'll send an email soon!)
http://www.heroesforlife.org/site/TR/MarathonTeam/MarathonTeam?px=1087020&pg=personal&fr_id=1260
I'm officially back into the swing of exercising and I feel great! I wish it were warmer because running on the treadmill is really getting old, but temps in the 30's are taking over this weeks forecast, I did see temps in the 50's by next weekend, so I am pretty pumped about that! Rhett and I signed up for the Race to Wrigley in a few weeks, it's only a 5k but will be fun to run a race again, it's been a while! I've been mixing up my training with a combination of running and cross-training. This week I am going to be adding in some Bikram Yoga ( 100 degree yoga, it's amazing) and some spin classes. I am trying to slowly work my way up and take care of myself so as not to injure myself! Thanks so much to everyone who has donated, it is so touching and really helps to motivate me. On days I don't feel like running after a long day of work I think of those sick kids in a hospital bed and I get my booty to the gym! I've had my good and bad days since the miscarriage and I know Rhett has too, but over all we're doing great and just taking care of each other. I've tried to just count my blessings and not the things we don't have and it's made me realize we really are blessed. And just so you know when I'm counting my blessings, I count all of you!! You're the best thanks for reading and have a great Saturday night!
Some of you have asked for the link again ( I'll send an email soon!)
http://www.heroesforlife.org/site/TR/MarathonTeam/MarathonTeam?px=1087020&pg=personal&fr_id=1260
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Life Goes On!
One door has closed and another opened. We went to the doctor this week for the last time in a long while. We had the ultrasound and bloodwork and all looks good. I am officially no longer pregnant. So saying it "looks good" is kind of an ironic statement. When it became clear they we were going to lose the baby I think both of us just wanted the process to be done with. Just sitting and waiting for it to happen was the worst. We both are mourning the loss, but I think we grow stronger and more at terms with it everyday. We know there is a plan for us, and we are ready to stop fighting it and just let life happen.
Speaking of life... guess who actually has one again? US! The nurse called me on Wednesday and said according to my bloodwork results I should be good to start training for the marathon. So ladies and gentlemen... I'm back! They said Friday would be the first day exercise would be safe so I dusted off my running shoes, laced those puppies up, and away I went. It has been awesome to be back in the game. I feel so amazing after a run and I am so excited to be training for the marathon! Here is my link again if you want to donate and support my cause! http://www.heroesforlife.org/site/TR/MarathonTeam/MarathonTeam?px=1087020&pg=personal&fr_id=1260
I will also be sending out an email soon with the link! A shout out to Sarah, Rob, and Lucy for already donating! You are going to make some sick children very happy! In other news Rhett and I went out with our friends last night, it seems like it had been forever since we went out, had some adult beverages and let loose with our friends. It was so nice to see everyone and feel their love and support! We of course are saddened by our loss but feel like we are in control of our lives for the first time in a long time and it actually kinda feels amazing.
Speaking of life... guess who actually has one again? US! The nurse called me on Wednesday and said according to my bloodwork results I should be good to start training for the marathon. So ladies and gentlemen... I'm back! They said Friday would be the first day exercise would be safe so I dusted off my running shoes, laced those puppies up, and away I went. It has been awesome to be back in the game. I feel so amazing after a run and I am so excited to be training for the marathon! Here is my link again if you want to donate and support my cause! http://www.heroesforlife.org/site/TR/MarathonTeam/MarathonTeam?px=1087020&pg=personal&fr_id=1260
I will also be sending out an email soon with the link! A shout out to Sarah, Rob, and Lucy for already donating! You are going to make some sick children very happy! In other news Rhett and I went out with our friends last night, it seems like it had been forever since we went out, had some adult beverages and let loose with our friends. It was so nice to see everyone and feel their love and support! We of course are saddened by our loss but feel like we are in control of our lives for the first time in a long time and it actually kinda feels amazing.
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