Music Echos

Isn't it funny how music can echo your emotions. Reflect how you feel. Put your feelings into words.

I put my iPod on shuffle today. And every sone that played reflected how I was feeling today. My mood of being confused but hopeful. Sad but strong. Upset but determined. And just handling my life with grace and dignity.

Music expressing my feeling and mood is something magical.

To A.S.I. - This one is for you

I am a fighter. I fight for what I want. I fight for what I need. I fight for what's mine. And I don't handle rejection well. I don't like being told no.

Maybe since I am a fighter that's the reason I haven't given up. Even though I said I was done, I wasn't ready to give up. I don't like to quit. I had to say I was done to give my heart some peace.

But I wasn't ready to give up because of several reasons. I wasn't ready to give up because I saw something in your eyes. I wasn't ready to give up just yet because I felt something in your touch. I wasn't ready to give up because I felt something in my heart and soul for you. I wasn't ready to give up because I liked the feeling of butterflies in my stomach everytime I thought of your sweet face.

I saw something in you and I felt something for you. I was scared. I know what I felt was real. I'm not scared of that feeling anymore. For that, I thank you.

And again, thank you for letting me know that I can open my heart. Thank you for letting me know I can survive yet another heartache.

There's just something about you that I believed in. Something that got me. Hook. Line. and Sinker. You reeled me in. I liked it. And I believed what you said.

I believed you the other day when you said that you were sorry and that we would talk. I believed it. You reeled me back in. And I held tightly onto that string again. But I have to let go again because my heart can't handle the pain.

But I am still not ready to let go. I know I need to let go. But I don't want to. You got to me and in a good way too.

I don't know if this is my final good-bye. Maybe it should be. But I don't want it to be good-bye.

Thinking of you!

p.s. I want to be there for you even if I have to settlle for reamining your friend.

think about this one...

Fall in love or fall in hate.
Get inspired or be depressed.
Ace a test or flunk a class.
Makes babies or make art.
Speak the truth or lie and cheat.
Dance on tables or sit in the corner.
Life is divine chaos. Embrace it.
Forgive yourself. Breathe.
And enjoy the ride…
- Solbeam


It's all about a choice. You make the final decision in what you do. The experiences around you help influence your choice. But the choice is yours. It's all on you.

Change & Happiness

Change & Happiness.

These are a couple things going on in my life right now that I am trying to embrace. Change and happiness. I have a lot of change going on. And it is bringing me happiness.

My life is starting a new chapter. I’m ready for this new adventure. It’s a new journey.

I have always known what I have wanted in life. I have always known the kind of person that I wanted to be. I have also gone after what I want. My path has changed but I have embraced it. At times I may have taken the wrong road or the long way around. But it has ultimately got me to this point in my life of change.

My job is changing. I am still at RMH, but I am changing positions. I am looking forward to all the challenges that my new job will be bringing. It’s exciting. I am embracing this change.

I am planning on continuing my education. That’s a big change. Going back to school. Being a student again. Taking my career to a whole new level. I am embracing this change too.

My heart is changing. I have forgiven Danny Grayson for what he did to me. For EVERYTHING that he did to me. That was a big change. I said when. I had enough. Enough of being angry. Enough of being bitter. Enough of being unhappy. Forgiveness has brought about the biggest change. It has also enabled me to be truly happy.

My heart is also being taken by someone special. He makes me smile. Really, smile. I’m ready for this change and happiness. I’m ready. He makes me happy. I’m embracing this change. I am trying really hard. It’s a difficult thing for me to trust. But I am learning. And he is being patient. I asked him to show me some things and if he did, then my fragile heart was his. And it’s not fair for me to ask for these things if I’m not showing them to him as well. (You show me & I will show you the same).

I am ready for all of this change. I am ready to see what kind of happiness I will have.

Show Me...

Show Me…

Show me that you’re for real.
Show me that you care.
Show me that I matter.
Show me that I deserve it.
Show me that you are better than him.
Show me that promises are not broken.
Show me that I can trust you.
Show me that I have your trust.
Show me that you understand.
Show me that I will be a priority.
Show me that I won’t be forgotten.
Show me that you can handle me at my worst because then you deserve my best.
Show me that you make me happy.
Show me that you are willing to climb over my wall.
Show me that you have patience; I will try not to make you wait long.
Show me that I’m worth it.
Show me that you are honest and speak the truth.
Show me that you will be loyal.
Show me that you respect me.
Show me that you appreciate me.
Show me that I am special to you.
Show me that I can tell you anything.
Show that you are not willing to let me push you away.
Show me that I am worth fighting for and worth keeping.
Show me that you’ll hold me tight.

Show me these things and my fragile heart is yours. Just handle it with care.

I forgive you...

I forgive you…

I know that I must forgive you. I know that I must forgive you for everything you did. Until I forgive you, you have a hold on my heart. I can’t let anyone else in until I forgive you. So… I forgive you.

I’m not doing this for you. I am doing this for me. I need this. I have to have this. I need to let you go. Completely let you go.

I forgive you for breaking my heart.
I forgive you for all the empty promises.
I forgive you for all the promises that you broke too.
I forgive you for betraying me.
I forgive you…

I forgive you for not trusting me with your whole heart when I trusted you with my whole heart.
I forgive you for not loving me with your entire soul when I loved you with my entire soul.
I forgive you…

I forgive you for falling out of love with me.
I forgive you for canceling our future. Even though I left, you canceled our future a long time ago.
I forgive you for making me angry.
I forgive you for making me bitter.
I forgive you…

So here it is… I forgive you! I’m doing this for my happiness not yours. I’m letting you go. Completely letting you go.

I’m saying good-bye. Good-bye to all the memories. I can’t even hold onto the good memories. I’m saying good-bye to you. Again, this is not for you. This is for me!!

I will never forget what you did. But I forgive you for what you did.

But I have learned so much from you. And for that I thank you. I know that I am so much better than I ever have been. I know that I am worth it. I know that I am a better person now. I found strength, courage, love, passion, faith, grace, and dignity. I found all of these things even though you didn’t show them to me.

I know that I will find what I need. I am still cautious. I’m still learning. I have a wall up. I am guarded. I’ve built a wall not to block anyone out, but to see who loves me enough to climb over it. But with time and patience, I will find what I need. I will find that love. I’m not giving up on it yet.

I forgive you. I let you go. I say good-bye.

I can now completely, fully move on. I can move forward.

No Shortcuts

“There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.” – Beverly Sill

I love when I am able to find a quote that hits the heart. A quote that makes you think. A quote that may make you reflect. A quote that can make you feel. A quote that may touch your soul. A quote that will speak to you.

I have found another quote that speaks to me. I like this one because you can take in many ways. I like a quote like that. Think about this quote again… “There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.”

If it is worth it there are no shortcuts.

It can simply mean a destination of a place. If your trip is worth it you don’t want to short change yourself on seeing or experiencing something.

It can be a transition. Personal transition. Financial transition. Professional transition. If it is worth it you don’t want a short cut.

It can be a personal journey. Personal grow. Finding out who you are. Your journey to the new place in your life, the new you is worth going and no shortcuts are needed.

You have to go through it to feel it. You need to feel and see and experience the entire thing. You learn to appreciate what you are going through. You appreciate yourself. You appreciate your courage and your strength. You appreciate the people that surrounded you in your time. You appreciate your surroundings. You appreciate what the future may hold for you.

This Is My Cause

Every woman has a story… What’s your’s?
Part of my story is that I am an advocate. I have a passion for breast cancer awareness.

Have you ever pictured a world without breast cancer? I have. And this is why I have a passion and this is why I advocate for awareness. I hope that my nieces and my future daughter may know a world free of breast cancer.

On October 4th, my “Breast Friends” and I will be joining arms and walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. We will be doing our small part to advocate and raise awareness.

We race to remember.
We race with love.
We race with a memory.
We race to honor.
We race with dignity.
We race to celebrate.
We race with grace.
We race with hope.
We race for life.
We race because we have passion.
We race to be strong and to have courage.
We race for a promise of a cure.

This is why I race for a cure. This is my cause.

ABC's of Aging Gracefully

ABC's of Ageing Gracefully

Avoid collagen, Bloom late, Celebrate, Dance at weddings, Eat more chocolate, Fall in love again, Go grey, Hold hands, Inspire, Jettison grudges, Kiss like you mean it, Laugh, Mend fences, Nurture friendships, Open doors, Perspire with aplomb, Quit whining, Rekindle romance, Spoil babies, Teach someone to read, Upset convention, Volunteer, Wear red, eXpect joy, Yield gracefully, Zing.

A woman is often measured by the things she cannot control.She is measured by the way her body curves or doesn't curve,by where she is flat or straight or round.She is measured by 36-24-36 and inches and ages and numbers,by all the outside things that don't ever add up to who she is on the inside.

And so if a woman is to be measured let her be measured by the things she can control,by who she is and who she is trying to become.
Because everyone knows, measurements are only statistics.
And statistics lie.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN
by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
A hive of honey bees.
I say It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say It's in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say It's in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand
The need for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me

I've learned...

Audra, you are right sister. It does feel good to look back and think how far I’ve come. I did make it. It did not beat me. I am fabulous.

It has been 6 months since I walked away.

I’ve had my ups and downs. I’ve been bitchy. I’ve been cranky. I’ve cried several tears. I’ve been angry. But I made it. And I couldn’t have made it without the love, support, encouragement, and comfort of so many fantastic people in my life.

I’ve learned so much over these 6 months too.
I’ve learned about vehicle repossession. (Thanks Danny!)
I’ve learned about a small business credit card going to collections. (Thanks again!)
I’ve learned that I am courageous and strong.
I’ve learned that I am loved.
I’ve learned that I am fabulous.
I’ve learned how to handle things with dignity.
I’ve learned that I deserve so much more. I deserve better.
I’ve learned how to pick myself up and dust myself off all with grace.
I’ve learned that I am determined.
I’m learning that it takes time to heal.
I’m learning that I can trust again.
I’m learning that I can work two jobs.
I’m learning that I have the greatest people in my life.
I’m learning new confidence.
I’m learning that I am beautiful (inside & out).
I’ve learned that I can start over.
I’ve learned that when you get knocked down, you got to get up no matter how much it hurts.
I’ve learned that laughter is the best medicine for an aching heart.
I’ve learned that true friends can help heal the soul.
I’ve learned how to hold my head high.
I’ve learned that time really does heal your wounds.
I’m learning a new kind of patience.
I’m learning that I am willing and able.
I’ve learned who I can trust.

This journey has been hard. It’s been difficult. It has sucked. I have paid with my heart and my wallet. I’m learning everyday. I have no regrets. And in a weird way I don’t know if I would change anything if given the chance. Because I would not be where I am right now, this very moment, if it hadn’t all happened. Now the money part would be nice to have back but I have learned for it. Things can be fixed. Debt can be paid off. It’s all about growing, learning, changing.

My one hope is that karma is real. I hope that he gets his. I’ll stand on the sidelines of life watching. Nothing will be said. I will watch and then walk away.

I’ve blessed it. I’m letting it go. I’m over it. Moving on!

And no matter how hard I try, I cannot hate him. I’ve tried. I am very angry with him and I am extremely disappointed with him. Even with the bill that he stuck me with, I’m mad but I don’t hate him. And I do wish the best for him. I hope that he finds his way. I hope he’s happy.

I know that I am happy. And I know I am loved.

I Love My People

Man, I sure do love the people in my life!

What I have gone through in the last 6 months has been crazy! And I couldn’t have made it through it all without the amazing support and love of my family and friends. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it weren’t for all of you. You really find out who loves you when you need them the most. New friendships can be formed too. I’ve discovered both in my time of need.

First – My mom. Wow, what can I say about her? She is amazing. She has taught many things and many of them I have learned through watching her. I have learned grace, dignity, and strength. She has shown me that you have to put on your big girl panties and deal with it. She has taught me what a strong woman is. She has listened to me and given me so much advice. She has taught me how to handle tough situations with grace and dignity.

Zac – I can’t believe that we went through all of this together. Not something that I ever thought we’d share. But in a way I am thankful for it. You have always been my friend. But now, I consider you one of my best friends. What we went through only made us closer and our bond stronger. Thanks for being my big brother and my best friend and one of my protectors.

Sean – Thanks for making me laugh through all my tears. For always being my big brother and a protector. Thanks for being a friend! You offered me lots of advice!

Kevin – Even though you are across the country, thank you! You have shown love and lots of support through the phone and e-mails. Thanks for being my big brother, protector and friend.

Kyla – You are wonderful! You’ve been there when I needed you. You told me the truth and didn’t judge me when I made my decision and you still stood by my side. You comforted me when I told you everything. You were a supportive and listening ear. You were a shoulder for me to cry on. You gave me sound advice. You told me that I was strong. You told me that I would look back and have no regrets. You told me that in time I would be thankful. You told me that I deserved better and that I would find that better person too!

Lyndsey – You are amazing! You’ve always been there when I needed you. You too were a shoulder for me to cry on and lean on too. Your support has been fantastic. We’ve had some great times over these last several months. You told me that everything would be okay. You gave me some good advice too.

Christina Louise – You are fabulous! You’ve been there when I needed you. You were a shoulder for me to cry on. You listened for months and months before I made my decision to leave. You supported me in my decision. You reminded me that I could do better. You told me frequently that I was beautiful and strong. You too told me that things would be okay. You have given me so much advice. I’m grateful for everything. You even helped me with all the financial issues too!

Kara – Thanks for all the laughs. Thanks for the nights out. Thanks for all the fabulous advice. Thanks for the comfort. Thanks for listening. Thanks for telling me that everything was going to be okay.

Debbie, Juliann, Misty, Jamie, & Tonya – Thanks for staying by my side. Thanks for still being my friend. I would not have blamed you if you all would have chosen to not talk to me again. You all will always have a special place in my heart. I still consider you all my family. You all are very near and dear to my heart and soul. You all have told me that I deserve better and that you always thought that I was too good for “him”. And that means so much to me.

Sarah Rose - Thanks for listening to me. I have vented to you so many times. I can’t even being to try and count how many times you have listened to me. Thanks for all of that time!

Kellye & Melanie & Raven – Thanks for the new formed friendship. Thanks for helping me plot my revenge. Thanks for all the laughs. You all are fabulous!!

Phillip – You are an amazing friend! Thanks for all the late night phone calls. Thanks for listening to me vent.

Audra – Thanks for reminding me that I come from a long line of strong woman. For reminding me, that I am beautiful and strong. Thank you for being one of those strong women that I admire. Thanks for not seeing me as just SP’s little sister but as a friend too. Thanks for being my friend. Thanks for all the wonderful words of support and love.

Misti & Madchen – Thanks for the new found friendships. Teaching me the great phrases of “Halakaleem” and “It is what it is”. Thanks for not seeing me as just SP’s little sister but as a friend too.

Courtney & Jennifer – Thanks for the new friendships. I know that these friendships can be ones that will continue to grow. Thank you for the resent advice. I truly appreciate it!

Tamara – Thanks for helping me see that I am beautiful. Amazing what a picture can do for the soul. Thanks for reminding me like others have done that I can do better. Thanks!

And thanks to any one else that I did not name. There have been so many people that have loved and supported me. It’s hard to think of and name EVERYONE! So please, don’t take any offense.

I found a great new saying… “It’s not how you fall; it’s how you get up.” And I decided to get up with grace and dignity.

These thanks don’t even being to scratch the surface for the gratitude I feels towards each and everyone. These are just simple words but my heart is full of love that I feel from each and every one of you.

I’ll never forget how everyone has touched me, my heart, and my soul with the love and support. Everyone is just simply wonderful.

It’s hard to put it all in words.

But… THANKS! THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND SOUL!!!!

Relay for Life

Why Do I Relay?

I relay for Pop.
I relay for Grandma Peggy.
I relay for Marilyn ‘Malo’.

I relay for the countless others who have fought the good fight.

I relay for me.
I relay for you.
I relay for my family.
I relay for your family.
I relay for my children.
I relay for your children.

I relay so that maybe my children will know a world without cancer.
If not my children, the maybe my grandchildren will know a cancer-free world.

I relay to be proactive.
I relay for awareness.
I relay to encourage.
I relay for hope.
I relay for a promise.
I relay for change.
I relay to make a difference.
I relay for the strength in numbers.
I relay for support.

I relay in honor of survivors.
I relay in memory for those who lost the war against this monster.

This is why I Relay.
Why do you Relay?

For more information on, please check out the American Cancer Society’s website and the Relay for Life website.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/par/content/PAR_1_Relay_For_Life.asp

http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/

What's A Girl To Do?

I have said before that I’m ready.
I’m ready for something, anything.

What exactly am I ready for?
A date… still questionable.
A relationship… NO!

I am ready for an adventure though,
A road trip,
Quality face time with friends,
Time away from everyday things.

I have put some thought into this whole dating thing. Serious thought. But I am still sitting on the fence.

The thought of a date makes me want to throw up at times. Other times, I get giddy thinking about getting dolled up and getting a little attention from a man. So to put it simply, I have butterflies and I am scared shitless. It’s been eight years since I’ve done this. I know that it’s not that long and I know that I’m young and that people start over all the time. Blah, blah, blah… But still, 8 years!!!

I’ve been single for six months! Yay, Meara!! No regrets. No looking back. I’ve torn the rearview mirror off!

But that thought brings me to the other thing that I know I’m not ready for… A relationship. Also brings me to my fear…

My fear of a relationship… I got burned! Burned bad!

But I don’t want that situation, experience, life lesson to dictate the rest of my life and relationships. I don’t want the next guy to pay for what “he” did. I want to be able to trust that I won’t get used, abused, and lied to. I don’t want to compare the good to the bad or the good to the bad. But I’ scared. I’m scare that the ultimate betrayal and broken trust is going to dictate my relationships. I’m scare that I will always compare the bad shit to whatever “new guy” does. It’s not fair to whoever may come into my life. How many will have to pay for what “he” did? I want the answer to be zero. I don’t want anyone to have to pay that cost. It’s too high. They’re not the one that broke my heart, my trust, my faith in others. It’s no else’s fault why I question what I question. It’s all “his” fault. No one should pay that price but “him”. But “he” will never own up to what “he” did. I know this.

So what’s a girl to do? How do I trust again? How do I not let what happened dictate any new relationship? How do I learn to trust again?

I want to trust. I want to trust someone with my heart again. I want to live my life, my way. I want to love again, one day, without the fair.

This is what has been on my mind lately. I want to learn how to handle this. I don’t want to ruin anything because of my issue. I want to deal with and handle my issue before it becomes a problem. Fix it while it’s a fear. I don’t want it to become a reality.

I’m guessing the answer is time, patience, and love from others.

I know I have the love from others part down… I have been blessed with some of the greatest people in my life. So many stepped up and reached out. And others stayed around when they didn’t have to stay by my side. I’m blessed. Truly blessed.

Lesson Learned

I’ve made mistakes in my life.
I’ve let people take advantage of me,
and I accepted way less than I deserve.
But, I’ve learned from my bad choices and
even though there are some things I can never
get back and people who will be never be sorry,
I’ll know better next time and
I won’t settle for anything less than I deserve.

Favorite Quotes

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." ~Edward Everett Hale

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." ~ Helen Keller

"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." – Serenity Prayer

"Dance as though no one is watching you; Love as though you have never been hurt before; Sing as though no one can hear you; Live as though heaven is on earth." - Souza

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understandings with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same." - Flavia Weedn

"Once is awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, Love gives us a fairy tale." - Unknown Author

"Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections."

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!"

"Life is not measured in the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."

"Dream as if you’ll live forever, and live as if you’ll die tomorrow" - James Dean

"Do the best you can with what you have and where you are."

"Well behaved women rarely make history!""You must do the thing you think you cannot do"- Eleanor Roosevelt.

"Do one thing every day that scares you." - Eleanor Roosevelt

"Dreams do come true; without that possibility nature would not incite us to have them."
- John Updike

"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!" - Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945

"Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life’s realities." Dr. Seuss

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

"I am good, but not an angel. I do sin, but I am not the devil. I am pretty, but not beautiful. I have friends, but I am not the peacemaker. I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love." - Marilyn Monroe

"There are no regrets in life, just lessons." - Jennifer Aniston

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift." - Eleanor Roosevelt

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over; it became a butterfly."
- Anonymous

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined."
- Thoreau

"Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will still land among the stars."

"Better to be an open sinner than a false saint."

"Wheresoever you go, go with all of your heart." – Confucius

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt

"Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ’em all together, I guess." – Elvis Presley

"May you live all the days of your life." – Jonathon Swift

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." – Albert Einstein

"BE WHO YOU ARE AND SAY WHAT YOU FEEL, BECAUSE THOSE WHO MIND DON’T MATTER, AND THOSE WHO MATTER DON’T MIND."
DR. SEUSS

Being positive is not about what happens to us, it’s about how we perceive what happens to us. It is the knack of finding a positive for every negative, and viewing setback as a challenge. The time to be happy is now!

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem."
- President Ronald Reagan, 1985

"When we can begin to take our failures nonseriously, it means we are ceasing to be afraid of them. It is of immense importance to learn to laugh at ourselves."– Katherine Mansfield"I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar."-Robert Brault

"Mo Anam Cara" meaning "My Soul Mate" in Irish

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."

"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." Mother Teresa

"God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try." Mother Teresa

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

"You shine like a star in your own special way and you add beautiful light to this world."

"Cherish yesterday. Dream tomorrow. Live today."

"To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child a or garden patch… to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
- Emerson

"Drunken words are sober thoughts"

"The unreal is more powerful than the real because nothing is as perfect as you can imagine it. Because it’s only intangible ideas, concepts, beliefs, fantasies that last. Stone crumbles. Wood rots. People, well, they die. But things as fragile as a thought, a dream, a legend... they go on and on."
- Chuck Palahniuk

"There are still good times to be had." quote from Steel Magnolias

"After all... Tomorrow is another day." - Scarlett O’Hara

"Don’t compromise yourself. You are you’ve got." -Janis Joplin

"Living well is the best revenge." -Courtney Parker

"You never have to do this day again." -Audra

"You don’t have this day to do again." -Audra

"Keep in mind that no matter how cute and sexy a guy is, there’s always some woman somewhere who’s sick of him." -Carol Henry

"I’m only as strong as the coffee I drink, the hairspray I use and the friends that I have!"

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." – Lao Tzu

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where the is no path and leave a trail."
- Emerson

"There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy and a tragedy." - Mark Twain

"You can understand and relate to most people better if you look at them -- no matter how old or impressive they may be -- as if they are children. For most of us never really grow up or mature all that much -- we simply grow taller. O, to be sure, we laugh less and play less and wear uncomfortable disguises like adults, but beneath the costume is the child we always are, whose needs are simple, whose daily life is still best described by fairy tales." - Leo Rosten

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." – Albert Einstein

"One shoe can change your life!" - Cinderella

"Life is an occasion...Rise to it. ~Mr. Magorium"

"Be bold in what you stand for and careful what you fall for. - Ruth Boorstin"

"Losing the future is the best thing that ever happened to me." - Marilyn French

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: IT GOES ON.” – Robert Frost

“It is better to fail in originality that to succeed in imitation.” – Herman Melville

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream not only plan but also believe.

"Be yourself. Who else is better qualified?" – Frank J. Giblin II

"It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." – Abraham Lincoln

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

“Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should…” – Max
Ehrmann

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

“Remember Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in heels.” – Faith Whittlesey

Things of MKE

For some time now, I have been creating a list of things about me. It's a list of things that I have learned about myself, completly random things, and some unknown facts.

So, here it is my new and improved list. I have done some editing. I have added some new things and taken away some things too.


I believe that I am a princess and I proudly admit it.
I'm easily amused.
I think that I once lived in the 1950s and through til the 70s.
I admire Eleanor Roosevelt
I love quotes and I love keeping a list of my favorites.
I have a great family.
I love being the youngest and having 3 brothers.
I'm an awesome aunt and I have the best nieces and nephews.
I have wonderful friends.
I have never felt more right about having a career as a social worker. I believe that it is my true calling.
I can be pretty cheesy.
I am a smartass.
I'm a romantic.
I love chick flicks.
I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter....books and movies.
I enjoy being a brunette more than a blonde
I think that I have a great smile
I get easily bored with my hair.
I love taking pictures and being in them.
If my career as a social worker falls through, I want to be a photographer or a make-up artist.
My OCD can get the better of me at times.
My mother is my best friend and hero.
I sometimes try too hard to please others and make them happy.
I'm a nosy person.
I love make-up.
I love my name and its meaning.
I love to laugh and smile.
I enjoy being silly.
I tend to cry a lot. I cry when I'm happy, sad, angry, or embarrassed.
I love Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean.
I'm an indoors kinda gal but I do enjoy the outdoors at times.
I love my family and friends more than they know.
Chocolate is my great friend.
I'm fascinated by the imaginations of authors.
I don't think that I will ever stop popping my knuckles, neck, or back.
I'm not a graceful person.
I want to learn how to play the piano.
I want to learn how to ballroom dance.
I enjoy playing golf even though I'm not any good. So that is why I want to take lessons.
My astrological/zodiac sign fits me perfectly
I'm an animal person.
I'm a proud pet parent.
I'm not a fan of fish or seafood.
My favorite color is red.
I think cows are cute.
I can watch "Liar, Liar" over and over and laugh just as hard the last time as I did the first time.
I'm a stronger person that I give myself credit.
I want to go on the show "The Amazing Racing."
I get annoyed when people don't punctuate correctly.
I sing loudly in my car when I'm by myself.
I love movies.
I wish child abusers the same pain as they inflict and then some.
I don't give myself credit for a lot of things.
I can be pretty hard on myself.
I sometimes have panic attacks and issues with anxiety.
I was once medicated for my problems of panic attacks and anxiety.
I'm fascinated by mental illness.
I enjoy having a few drinks but I hate being drunk.
I'm terrified that I will fail in life.
I hate when people can't pronounce or spell my name after I have repeatedly told them how.
I have had my heart broken a few times.
I'm not a fan of sweating.
I'm good at several things but I'm afraid that I'm not great at anything or will be great at anything.
I love celebrity gossip.
Receiving mail (not bills) always makes me feel good.
I enjoy sending cards and notes to my family and friends by mail. I hope it brings them joy.
I cannot draw a straight line.
I love to watch Disney movies.
I love to work on my scrapbook. It's one of the few crafts I can do.
I hate being fair skinned.
I sometimes enjoy having a baby face and sometimes hate it.
I have been to Elvis Presley's Graceland and I loved every minute I was there.
I believe in my guardian angel.
I also believe that on several occasions my angel has saved me.
I trust my gut instincts.
I sometimes have a vivid imagination.
My imagination sometimes gets the best of me.
I scare easily
I'm not a fan of scary movies.
I'm a sucker for a love story.
I love the sweet smell of a baby.
I love rainy days inside.
Cleaning the bathroom is my least favorite chore.
I admire my mother for all she has done and all she does. I appreciate her more than she knows.
I admire strong, opinionated, independent women.
I tend to be a pack rat.
I get my best ideas while driving.
I tend to snort when I laugh hard.
I often daydream.
I love naps.
I love sleeping on clean sheets fresh out of the dryer.
I love change even though it can be scary. Nothing should ever stay the same.
I can be a perfectionist.
I want a tiara.
I'm scared of motorcycles.
I have a tendency keep my feelings and problems bottled up.
I over analyze things at times.
I always try to see the best in people.
I don't like to lose.
I can easily remember birthdays and other important days.
I'm proud to say that I am paying for my higher education.
I try to have a positive outlook.
I question why bad things happen to good people.
I love the internet.
I’m addicted to "People" magazine.
I love birthdays and not just mine. I love all birthday celebrations.
My cat knows all of my secrets, hopes, worries, fears, and dreams.
I drop the f-bomb probably more than I should.
I have a bias towards the Marine Corps
I love tattoos.
The tattoo that I want to get is a pair of angel wings on my right shoulder blade.
I'm an affectionate person.
I have a lot of compassion for people and I try to empathize.
I can rationalize eating desserts especially chocolate.
I'm learning new things about myself everyday.
My internship was a rewarding experience in my life.
I love being a tourist.
I have started my list of the things that I want to do before I die.
One thing on that list is that I want to go to Disney World before I have children.
I never want to stop learning.
I admire all of my friends for different things. They are all special and unique in their own ways.
I believe that there is a special place in hell for people that harm children.
I'm full of random, useless knowledge.
I do not know where I'd be without my mom and brothers.
Hate is such a strong, powerful word but I do truly hate two people.
I love to rock out.
I'm passionate about many things.
I believe that you've got to stand up for yourself.
I believe in self-determination.
I can get on a soap box about some issues.
One area of social work that I want to work in is survivors of domestic violence and survivors of rape.
I do believe things happen for a reason. Many times we have no idea what that reason was though.
I could eat Mexican food once a day, everyday and be one of the happiest people around.
I wonder why things can be so addictive.
I love to text message.
I sometimes prefer text messaging and e-mail rather than talking on the phone.
Sometimes the best therapy is a phone conversation with your best friend or mom.
I love the smell of rain and fresh cut grass
My name means laughter in Irish
I hate having allergies.
I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not.
I love just because surprises (giving and receiving).
I never wanted a sister. I love having brothers and being the only girl.
I always try to follow my heart.
I love keeping my journal.
I hope that I am able to touch many lives as a social worker.
My first social work job started June 26, 2006 at Russell Murray Hospice. This is a dream job. It was a big goal of mine to work there and my first job out of the gate accomplishes that goal.
I admire all those that have served and protected our country. I have a great respect for the military.
Chipped finger nail and toe nail polish drives me nuts even on myself.
I believe that you should take chances and test yourself.
I believe that you should learn from your mistakes but never regret.
Love what you have and always remember what you had.
You have to take the good with the bad.
Always remember that people change, things go wrong, but life goes on.
I love to curl up with a book.
I believe that you should apologize when you should, always forgive but never forget, and let go of what you can't change.
I'm a believer
I'm a dreamer
I believe that there are signs all around us, we just have to learn how to read them
I live for the rewards that life and living bring to us.
I look forward to the day that I become a mother.
I enjoy making lists.
I believe in fairytales and magic.
I believe in miracles, even the littlest ones.
I love the posters and signs of Rosie the Riverter from WWII.
I believe that everyday is an adventure.
I love vacations and road trips.
I love when the tree's leaves turn colors in the Fall.
I love sunrises and sunsets.
I love kisses, hugs, cuddling, and holding hands.
I love flowers; all flowers, but roses and lilies are my favorites.
I cherish all the special memories I have made over the years with family and friends.
Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons.
I love how Thanksgiving and Christmas bring families together.
I love holding babies.
The older I get the more I like kids.
I believe there are angels around us and that everyone has a guardian angel.
I hope that my kids will look up to me the way that I look up to my mom.
I love going to lunch with friends.
I can get kinda competitive.
In competition, play hard or go home and no blood, no foul.
I love to watch college basketball.
I miss playing soccer.
My heart broke when Spooky, my cat, died.
I think that I have a unique style.
I have learned to appreciate dressing professionally.
I love to wear heels.
I want to grow old and be covered in grandchildren.
I'm starting to like my handwriting.
The only thing that I can write in cursive is my name.
The older I get, the more confidence I am building.
I have to remind myself that I am a strong woman.
I think that one of the best feelings in the whole world is to rock a baby to sleep and then hold that sleeping baby in your arms.
I think that I have met my sister from a past life.
I’m not perfect and will never be perfect.
I love vintage things.
I’m addicted to music.
I want to go to photography school.
I believe in fate and destiny and that we have our hand in it too.
I believe in Santa Claus.
I watch entirely too much TV.
I love celebrations, any kind of celebration.
I believe in siblings and the history that is created with them.
I’m truly grateful for everyone that’s in my life (past & present)
I probably spend too much time on the Internet
I can’t eat peas because they pop.
I believe in being proactive.
I hope to one day adopt a child or children
I applaud stay at home moms.
Best lessons are learned through actions.
I always tell my family and friends “Love you”.
I am becoming more active in breast cancer awareness.
I believe that survivors are heroes.
I admire teachers. They are in a thankless job.
For me, everyday is filled with music.
I love going to concerts.
My family is very close. Growing up was just my mom, my brothers and me.
I have had my nickname since I was around 6 months old and I love that I will always be called by it.
I love to sleep on my stomach.
I love the feeling of falling asleep.
Once I take a pair of socks off, I have a hard time putting them back on. They just don’t fit right.
I have a love affair with shoes.
I enjoy spoiling myself.
Driving around with no destination is one of my favorite things to do.
I love music/songs that tell a story.
I had tubes put in my eyes when I was 3 months old and when the doctor retired I was still his youngest patient to have to put tubes in.
I love to give compliments to others and watch the reaction on their face.
I gag easily
I cannot step on a bathmat after I have dried my feet and stepped off of it.
I’m learning to appreciate living in a small town.
I love my job more everyday.
I look up to and admire my co-workers for many different things. They are an amazing bunch to work with everyday.
In my best friend I have found more than just a friend… I have found my soul mate, a partner in life.
Cancer will affect everyone in their life in some aspect at some point…That’s why I Relay and Race for the Cure.
I enjoy a quite evening at home and rowdy weekends out!
I tend to stay up later than I should.
I enjoy flirting.
I am a morning person and a night person
I love a picture that will speak for itself
I love music that reflects my mood
I tend to be a peacekeeper
I’m dedicated to the people in my life
I love to hang out with my friends and share great laughs over cold beer.
I have grace, dignity, wit, and charm. I think that I have class, style, and beauty.
I want to find my heaven on earth.

It's long... I know. If you made it through reading it, congratulations, kudos to you my friend.