Anything about Everything

What does gratitude mean to me? A lot of things.  It means taking quiet time every morning to hold space for all you have in your life and all you are going to have. It means taking a moment and saying thank you to whoever you believe in for an unexpected miracle.  It means taking a moment to appreciate the negative things in life, or the things that didn't work out. These things opened the door for better things to come. It's recognizing the highs and lows in your life and acknowledging their part in your path.  It's spending time with family and friends you don't get to see often and realizing how truly special the time together really is. It's taking time for yourself in the middle of chaos and allowing yourself some peace. What does gratitude mean to you?  

 I always like to challenge myself to do a month long challenge - then I end up side tracked or distracted (same thing?) and just let it go by the wayside. This new season of life that I am in - has put a lot into perspective for me. For starters, I am learning to live with Mike. It's no secret that moving in with someone is hard - but learning how to live with someone who has differing opinions and lifestyle choices than you - total game changer. I am not saying I hate it - in fact, I enjoy learning how to fix problems and COMMUNICATE. It's a rough go sometimes, but no relationship (family, romantic, or friendship) should go without arguments or disagreements. This is so refreshing - communicating when things aren't sitting well.. but also when things are going right! Life is all about balance, and living with Mike has certainly taught me a lot. This isn't about how my living situation change has affected my life. I am simply saying that my priorities and views on thin...

It's been more than 6 months since I sat down to start a post - and I was feeling extremely guilty for not having anything to talk about.  Until now... On June 8th, a tree next to the house I was renting got struck by lightning and flew into the house. Everyone was unharmed, but there was extensive damage to the house. As of last Friday, my (former) landlord said that he was unable to hire a contractor because insurance was disputing the adjuster's figures. Which makes NO sense, as the adjuster works for them - but insurance has always baffled me. This could mean that he will probably never move back into this house, and once it's done, rent it out - both apartments. The fact that he can't even start to hire a contractor blows my mind!  I didn't post much about it on social media because I wasn't ready to open up about the trauma that followed. I am still not ready to discuss it - but I am ready to finally share what's happened since these pictures were take...

  Whew - we made it! It's finally the end of what we can all agree was a dumpster fire of a year.  As we enter 2021 with a lot of uncertainty, I hope you are proud of yourself for finishing this year. It started off okay - I mean we had 2 solid months of real life before things started to shut down right in front of us.  2020 wasn't all bad. If you know me personally, you know that I am someone who thrives off being busy and constantly moving around. This year really forced me to slow down, to embrace the fact that I am not in control of a lot, and to be present. As hard as this year has been, I am forever grateful for it. It was a year I didn't know I needed.  I know I posted about it earlier this year - how the best investment you can make is in yourself - and I firmly stand by that. I am someone who carries a lot of burdens  (some aren't even mine.. how kind!) and this year allowed me to step back and process a lot of the burdens and trauma in my life. I gave...

  Once I got myself out of the trainwreck that was part 1 of my online dating - I started talking to someone else. It just kind of happened - I had no intention of getting back on the dating horse just yet. I needed to process the CF that had occurred the month prior - but something told me to give this one a shot. We messaged back and forth daily, and the conversation never went stale. I had hope - or so I thought.  The only reason I know what the date was when I saw him - is because it was literally the day after earth shut down in March... March 14th. We met up for drinks and joked about how messy the world got (looking back that may not have been the best way to look at things). The conversation was great in person, and he was SUPER handsome. He had everything I'd hoped for in a guy - good looks, great job, loves dogs, military background... HI HOW YOU?! He walked me to my car afterwards, and goes "How would you feel about a hug, given the current climate and such?" I...

  As I mentioned on my Instagram story a few weeks back - I am doing a series of posts talking about my online dating experiences. Buckle in - this is going to get funny, weird, and everything in between!  For this first installment, let's look at how 2020 started!  **DISCLAIMER: This is in no way to bash the person he is, nor is it an attempt to hurt his reputation. It IS, however, a retelling of one of the weirdest times of the year before COVID-19 decided to take over). I have been very open about my online dating adventures - this is no different. In fact, I think this takes the cake for a serious  WTF  situation. Buckle in folks... this is a real trip!  I am a self proclaimed true crime junkie. I will watch any and all documentaries, Dateline on NBC is one of my guilt pleasures, and I will read true crime books until my eyes cross. I am intrigued by how the brain works, the reasoning behind why things happen, and what drives people to such extremes....

If you are a human with access to Disney Plus, you are very aware of the newest addition this month - the Broadway production of Hamilton.  I was never really into the idea, even as a history nerd, and where tickets were so difficult to get, I just couldn't understand why there was such a draw to this show. He wasn't even president!  Well.. I have eaten crow and am now obsessed with the show and all the little nuances that go with it. I have been listening to the soundtrack nonstop (yeah, that was a reference...), and often find myself singing something from the show throughout the day.  I am honestly blown away by the incredible work that Lin-Manuel Miranda put into this production and the way it is portrayed. From the cast selection to the music, the set to the costumes - it's a serious stroke of genius. The show is centered around Alexander Hamilton (I am not going to summarize it.. do yourself a favor and sit down for 2 hours and 40 minutes and ENJOY IT!), and his dem...