Friday, May 27, 2011

Things Oprah Taught Me….

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Wednesday was it friends.  Oprah’s last show aired and we all bid farewell to an inspiring woman and her 25 year show that touched millions.  I was looking through some of her most memorable shows and quotes and wanted to share a couple of my favorites with you.

“Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to find it."

"You also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world. You have the power to change somebody's life."

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.

"Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity."

"All my life I have always known I was born to greatness."

"The essential question is not, "How busy are you?` but `What are you busy at?` `Are you doing what fulfills you?`"

What I know for sure is that what you give comes back to you.

The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.

What we`re all striving for is authenticity, a spirit-to-spirit connection.

My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.

I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that`s as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

1 Year

Exactly one year to date was the happiest day of my life… I married the man who makes me laugh everyday, who I can talk to about anything and everything, who spoils me on a daily basis and who I can see myself growing old with.  I love you Michael, thank you for making our first year of marriage a magical one.

 

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Thursday, May 19, 2011

A busy couple days

I am taking my photography seriously these days.  Taking it where I can.  Here are a couple pictures from my Cousin Dante’s communion. 

Dante Communion 1

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Dante Communion 3

Dante Communion 4

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And later on that day my mom and I headed out to Chicago for Oprah’s last show! We were there! The Surprise Spectacular!!!! It was an amazing time.

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This was just outside of the Shedd Aquarium overlooking the city and Lake Michigan.  Breathtaking!

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The Jelly Fish showcase “Jellies” were SO COOL!!!!!! I have a bazillion pictures from that alone.

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My mom even met Reggie! The man who does Oprah’s hair everyday…amazeballs.Chicago 10

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I literally have over 400 pictures of Chicago and I am sure I’ll devote a whole post on it – but till then, enjoy!!!

A little update



Remember this post?

Here is a little update:

10.) Take a photography class – There is a class coming up at SCCC. Signing up this weekend! I signed up and the class is every Tuesday for the next 8 weeks!

16.) Try 6 new beers. I tend to go for what’s on special or what I love. Time to expand the taste buds. (1/6) Tried an India Pale Ale

26.) Take a trip down to the windy city. Visited this past week from Sunday 5/15 - 5/18. Will post soon on our trip

Monday, May 9, 2011

Weekend Scenes

We had a super fun and busy weekend.  Here are a couple of my favorite shots.

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Tom Grad 3

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Sunday, May 8, 2011

My mommy.

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Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and best friend.  Words cannot describe the love I have for her, or the fact that I have to talk to her a couple times a day, or how she just gets me.  I love you mom, more than you know and I wish you all the happiness and love in the world.  Love you lots. xoxoxo.  Your loving daughter.

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Monday, May 2, 2011

Balancing Act

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I’ve always known I am a better person when I am balanced.  I know I am more efficient , more productive and all around more pleasant person when I am balanced.  Even if I am not 100% balanced which I haven't been in a while (and that’s ok) when the majority of the key components in my life are balanced… I feel good.  I feel content.  To be balanced for me, it  means my home life is good, hubby and I are doing great we are jiving and grooving and we are on a productive schedule, it means at work I feel like I am being productive there as well, everyday I go in with a plan on what I want to get accomplished, I am incredibly organized and feel excited about what I am doing.  It means my home is clean and organized, it means everything is put in it’s place and smell’s heavenly.  It mean’s my family is happy and healthy, everyone is bustling around in their everyday lives and tasks.  It mean’s I am being social and doing things for me outside of my everyday duties as a full time worker, a wife and daughter and friend.  It means I am going out and doing and experiencing things for me, it means I am reading more and journaling and writing.  It means my purse isn’t in a constant state of disaster and my car doesn’t look like I have been living out of it for the last 3 months.  It meanns I am taking care of myself, I am working out it means I am eating healthy…

While I know what I need to do to be balanced, and to be completely honest, I just am not.  Certain things are balanced, my relationship with my husband, my family and friends are wonderful but other aspects of my life are me being reactive instead of proactive.  I am not doing 100% to keep my home clean, I am not doing what I need to do to keep an active and healthy lifestyle.  I am stressed far too much at work, I haven’t been doing things for me outside of my everyday duties and it leaves me feeling unfulfilled.  But I am trying.  Small steps.

Saturday was a great example of me doing something for me and not worrying about the puppy, or work, or anything else that stresses me out.  On Saturday I woke up and got dressed and headed over to OM SPA in Dearborn where I decided to treat myself to a 50 min Swedish Massage… it was divine! I sat in the relaxation area in my big plushy robe and cup of tea sans cell phone.  Just me and my thoughts and the calming music filling my ears.  I truly enjoyed my massage especially with all the traveling I have been doing, my shoulders and neck were very tense.  Afterwards, Mike and I decided to grab some lunch together.  Afterwards he and I caught a flick and we realized we both couldn’t remember the last movie we saw just the two of us.  We are always going out with family or friends so it was nice to have just the two of us.  Afterwards we went to Borders and I picked up “The Paris Wife” about Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, so far I love it! After the bookstore we met up with some family and went to a new restaurant for us, a Korean/Japanese restaurant where I had their Shrimp Tempura dish, yum! And of course ended the night with some delicious ice cream.  It was a day filled with fun and experiencing the beautiful weather and just not worrying or stressing.  I needed it.

What do you do to remain balanced?

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