Did you know that St. Patrick was not born Irish and that his birth name was possibly Maewyn Succat?? You can go here to learn more about the man of the hour and his holiday that is celebrated worldwide. Also did you know that the phrase "kiss me I'm Irish" came from the idea that Irish people were the next luckiest thing to kiss beside the famous blarney stone?
Ok well there's my attempt at giving you a history lesson. Take it or leave it but I'm at least offering it. (Remember I'm a Social Studies teacher so I can't completely control this need to share the history of things with people.)
Anyways on this day, and all the others, but particularly on this one, I am proud to say that thanks to my Dad's paternal side of his family, I am a quarter Irish. (Just in case your wondering I am also a quarter German, half Italian, and 100% American.) I love being Irish and although I'm not a huge beer drinker (I know I would be killed if some of my Irish ancestors read this..hahaha) I still think its a really fun holiday to celebrate. I also think its awesome that they die things green for this holiday. Who doesn't think green rivers, fountains, and beer are awesome?? (Come to think of it, why don't we have a pink holiday like this? I could really really love that!!) But seriously I hope each of you are having a wonderful green filled day!!!
Here's one of my favorite Irish Blessing's that I share with all my blogging peeps: May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!
Sending love, shamrocks, and a pot of gold your way!!! xoxoxox
Most people are often inspired by and look up to the the people of this world that achieve or have achieved greatness in their profession. And I would say that to some extent I am right there with them. Working hard and being successful in ones professional life is an important satisfying thing. And the people that accomplish this, are people that we can learn a lot from.
However I have come to realize that with too much professional success and too much of a thirst for money and the material things that money buys, comes a sacrifice in the form of ones family and personal life. For me it really is about finding balance. Working hard but still spending time with the people I love, being successful while still truly enjoying the amazing world that we live in. And when it comes down to it I would rather be truly successful in my relationships within my personal life than anything else. I will work my butt off while I am at work, but I refuse to take my work home with me. I want to be present in every moment and every relationship. We only have one life on this earth to live and so we better do it in a way that makes us and the people closest to us proud.
Here is a little activity that really puts this idea into perspective:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.
7. Name at least five CEO's of major corporations.
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
And these are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time..
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..
The most money..or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the most.
Someone emailed me this a couple of years ago and I saved it because I thought it was something that I really needed to be reminded of. At times I get so caught up in the idea of keeping up with everyone else and wanting to show off that I think it is important to remember that while these are a super fun part of life, they are hardly what life is all about.
THINGS GOD WON'T ASK ON THAT DAY
1.... God won't ask what kind of car you drove. He'll ask how you used your car to do his works.
2.... God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
3.... God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped to feed and clothe.
4.... God won't ask what your highest salary was. He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
5.... God won't ask what your job title was. He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
6.... God won't ask how many friends you had. He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
7.... God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
8.... God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character.
When all is said and done I think few if any people on their death bed are thinking "gee I wish I had worked more in my life and made more money and bought more stuff", however what I do think they are thinking is that "I wish I spent more time with the people that meant the world to me and more time enjoying life and sharing God's love with others". I truly feel the world would be such a different, better, and brighter place if people really stayed true to not only themselves but to God and the people closest to them.
I hope you feel inspired to go be the best you that you can be. And remember even though we aren't perfect and sometimes we get off track and things get messed up and we get caught up in the things that don't matter in life, God loves you and forgives you. All you have to do is reevaluate and get back on track. It's never too late to start being the person you want to be.
Sending you love and the ability to balance all the things life throws at you!!!!
I found this in an old email and thought it would be fun. Some of the questions are missing but oh well....
1. Name: Melissa
2. Birthday: 8/23/84
3. Birthplace: Burbank, CA
4. Current Location: My Home
5. Eye Color: Brown
6. Height: 5'1" (I'm a shorty.)
7. Right or Left Handed: Right
8. The Shoes You Wore Today: Black Candies Wedges
9. Your most Overused Phrase: This is a hard one. Its not so much a phrase but I do say "really" a lot when I'm annoyed or frustrated by something or someone....
10. Thoughts First Waking Up: WEEKDAYS: No.....it cannot already be time to get up. I am soooo not ready to do it all over again today. WEEKENDS: No.....oh wait I don't have to go to work. YAY!!! (I would actually consider myself a morning person but in a really weird way. I like to get up and enjoy the morning and be awake for it but I am not super awake right away in the mornings and I like peace and quiet so I can slowly wake up and get going. I hate the feeling of sleeping the day away so even though mornings are rough and I am more of a night owl I would still say I am a morning person because I make myself be....)
11. Your Best Physical Feature: I have been told my eyes or my smile. (My boobs, butt, and feet have also gotten a lot of attention...hahaha)
12. Your Bedtime: Since I like to workout every morning I try to go to sleep by 10:30pm the latest. Let's just say this doesn't always work out.
13. Your Most Missed Memory: Probably ones that involve my Nanna.
14. Your Fears: Dying before I have accomplished all that I want to accomplish and losing those close to me are probably the two biggest.
15. Your Weakness: I have many....shoes, accessories, food, being too nice and too concerned about not hurting others feelings, not liking it when I don't get my way...those are probably the ones that get me into the most trouble.
16. Perfect Pizza: BJ's restaurant cheese with extra tomatoes and buffalo sauce on the side.
20. Pepsi or Coke: ummm.....WATER or Iced Tea for me please! Soda just doesn't really do it for me. I will have it sometimes or in mixed drinks but I don't think to drink it, buy it, or order it usually.
21. McDonald or Burger King: My husband and I really don't eat much fast food (he really doesn't like us to eat it so its usually more of a treat when we're on the road going somewhere) but probably McDonald's for their fries if I had to choose.
22. Single or Group Dates: Depends on whats on the agenda for the date. Both can be nice.
23. Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Ewww.
24. Chocolate or Vanilla: Both Please.
25. Cappuccino or Coffee: Coffee with Sugar Free Creamer
26. Do you Smoke: Nope.
27. Do you Swear: I try not to but at times I do. It really depends on who I am around I've noticed.
28. Do you Sing: Yes but its definitely not a talent I have...hahaha
29. Do you Shower Daily: generally speaking definitely!
30. Have you Been in Love: I have been for over 10 years now!
31. Going to College?: Check!! I have my B.A. in History with a minor in Political Science and a Secondary Education Credential in Social Studies. Now I need to just start working on finishing my masters....
32. Going to get Married: Already did this one!! I was blessed to have married the love of my life and my very best friend on 7/7/07!!!
33. Believe in yourself: For the most part yes.
34. Get Motion Sickness: Ummm sometimes in cars and on boats. I think a lot of factors play into this one.
35. Think you are Attractive: I don't think I'm a dog if that's what your asking.....Like all girls I have days where I feel more attractive than others.
36. Are you a Health Freak: No. I try to be aware and better about things but I wouldn't say health freak.
37. Get along with your Parents: Yep! I was blessed with amazing ones!
38. Like Thunderstorms: If I can be inside under a blanket enjoying them with the hubs and our pup!
39. Play an Instrument: Yeah when I said that singing is not a talent, I should of just generalized and said that music is something I love but definitely not a talent I possess. I wish I did but I just am not good with tone, rhythm, beat, pitch, and any other music type things.
Well that's it for today. I hope I have shared some stuff with you that you may of not known about me otherwise. I would love to see your answers to these same questions. What kinds of things do we have in common and which ones are we completely different on???
"It's the journey that matters, not the destination."
"Getting there is half the fun."
These sayings are probably true at most times. Part of what makes certain things special is the time, effort, and resources you put into getting there. Nonetheless I can't tell you how many times I have wished I could have the choice to just teleport myself to wherever it is that I wanted to be at that moment. The money you spend to get somewhere, along with the time, energy, and inevitable exhaustion that goes into it, sometimes takes away from what could be even better if you could just be there already. How awesome would it be if I could just snap my fingers and take myself wherever I wanted to be at any given time in the day? Whether it was to do or see something particular or to visit someone special or to just go shopping and grab a bite to eat and get away, it would be absolutely amazing!!!!
{And of course (just in case you were wondering) in my crazy made up world of super powers, I would be able to teleport my stuff with me as well. This over-packer has to be well equipped wherever she goes. Once an over-packer, always an over-packer....hahahaha}
Anyways what would YOU'RE dream super power be???!
Sending you love and fun thoughts of of Super Powers!!!!
Happy Almost Friday!!! There is cause to celebrate because it is almost the weekend!!!
I must say I am soo excited about the 3 day weekend! Work has been busy and the extra day is well needed!
There are so many things I want to do in my life and with my life. I have such a long list that I keep it on this app that I found for my phone and I add to it and cross things off of it as I come up with new dreams and complete old dreams. I thought today I would share just a sample of some of from my bucket list with you. I must say these are in no particular order and are just a random selection.
Go Sky Diving.
Spend a New Years in Times Square
Write a book.
Visit all FIFTY STATES.
TRAVEL. TRAVEL. TRAVEL.
(especially Italy, England, France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Russia, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Egypt, Brazil, Japan, Costa Rica, Peru, The Bahamas, Australia, China, this list could seriously go on and on and on)
Go to Disney World.
(I am ashamed of myself. I am a self proclaimed Disney freak who has a season pass to Disneyland and yet I've never been...I would also like to go the other Disney Theme parks that exist throughout the world! )
Get a Penpal.
(someone I have never met and I think I would prefer to actually write and mail letters like old school status just because its much more fun and exciting that way)
Become a Mom.
I have so many more I could share but I seriously need to sleep now...hahaha
What kinds of things are on your bucket list?
Sending you love and the never ending possibility of dreams!!!!
FYI: I am trying really hard to blog once a week and so I have made Thursday night my blog night. If I happen to blog more than that or at other times during the weeks, that's even better but as long as I get my Thursday in I feel like I can be happy with that.
Anyway so now on to my tribute to Valentine's Day. Personally I think the love (no matter what type it is and who it comes from) in ones life should be celebrated daily. However, I also think its nice to have a day to have fun with and I have to admit I love all the Valentine's stuff that is out at all the stores since a lot of it is PINK so really I'm not complaining about this declared day of love. Since I may not blog again before the day of chocolates, roses, and all things sweet that is quickly approaching (and since I think a fun post is much needed after last weeks post), I thought I would blog about my favorite TV and movie fictional couples.
Joey and Pacey
from
Dawson's Creek
I loved this show and watched it religiously to the very tearful end. Mind you these were the days before dvr and so I remember rushing home to watch this and literally running from the car to the house so i would not miss one amazing moment. I really need to buy the complete series now that it is out. hahaha. But yeah from the first season I wanted this couple together and when it happened I was ecstatic and literally jumping around my living room. Even after they broke up I literally lived for the tiny moments that they would have. The chemistry and love between them still gives me shivers and I am so glad they ended the show with them together.
Zac and Kelly
from
Saved by the Bell
So corny, so sweet, so 1990's---really what's not to love?! This was probably one of the first couples that I was always rooting for and that I just could not get enough of.
Noah and Allie
from
The Notebook
I love them and I love this movie. I especially love the lines that Noah says outside of the house toward the end of the movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/quotes?qt0417831) because it sums up a lot of mine and my husbands relationship. I am very bummed that their real life counterparts did not last because the hopeful romantic in me loved that they were together but I guess it can't all go your way.
Chuck and Blair
from
Gossip Girl
They are just too made for each other and I love them for it. I really didn't want to watch this show but I had read the books with my sister and so I couldn't help tuning in to see the similarities and differences. The schemes, bantering, and chemistry of this relationship really got me hooked and now I never miss a week.
Ariel and Eric
from
The Little Mermaid
This is one of my all time favorite movies and so I couldn't leave them out. I think this movie really reminds us that sometimes when it comes to love you just know its right. Seriously though please don't watch the sequel because it will ruin it for you. I just choose to block and it and pretend it never happened and just picture their lives the way I would like for them to be living happily ever after....hahahahahaha
Topanga and Cory
from
Boy Meets World
The show followed them from geeky innocent little middle schoolers all the way through to them being married and I loved every minute of it. They just have that something that you can't help but adore.
Ike and Maggie
from
Runaway Bride
I know most people would say that they like Pretty Women more than this movie, but while I love Pretty Women I think I love this movie and their characters in it even more. The connection that you feel from that at certain parts of this movie is just amazing and is very swoon worthy. I love the way they get to know each other and fall in love and I love the message this movie reminds us of about being true to yourself and loving and knowing yourself first before you love someone else.
Yay for love and the couples that inspire us to love!! All year long and at this part of the year especially, cherish and celebrate the love that you in have in your life. Its an extremely precious thing that makes all the difference in the world.
Love and wishes for a great Valentine's Day to all.....
So I don't even know where to begin with this but I am going to try my best. Also in advance I apologize for this being such a depressing post and for how long of a post it will be. I think it is important for me to get it all out there. I have been dealing with this for a while now and I think writing this will help me to continue to heal. Joe and I have always known that we wanted to have a family together. From the time I was little I knew I wanted to be a Mom one day. Being the oldest child I think it is very much a part of me to want to nuture and take care of those around me. When we first started dating I was amazed that Joe was so passionate about wanting we be a Dad one day. We were only in High School at the time and for most of the guys I knew kids were the last things on their minds. I mean its not like he wanted them right there and then. Its more that he just knew that it was a long term goal that he had for himself which I found to be a really special thing. Being the oldest of four I have grown up around babies and kids. For this reason I don't think I have ever been in any kind of denial about what a large amound of work, responsiblity, money, and committment having kids is. For the reason I knew that I would not rush into having children. I would lay the best foundation possible so that when I was ready to have kids I would be bringing them into the best situation possible.
Its funny because from the moment you are married people begin asking the question, "When are you two going to have a baby?" I mean even though I am making fun of this, I am guilty of asking this exact question to other married couples as well. For some reason we just love the idea of things happening one after the other I think. For Joe and I, we knew that yes it was a dream of ours but also that we wanted to wait at least a couple of years before making that dream a reality. We wanted to spend some time just being two hoping this would allow us time to get settled together, buy a house, and really make sure our marriage had a strong foundation that was ready for kids. Now I honestly don't think anyone is ever really ready for kids. I think it is something that will change your life, the way you think, and the way you live in ways that you really can't imagine or anticpate. It requires putting your kids first at all times and making it a top priorirty to raise them into people that love and believe in God, people with strong morals/values and with a good solid character. Thats at least our way of looking at parenting. I want to be the best parent possible. I'm not saying I won't make mistakes because I'm sure I will make plenty but I know that together Joe and I will put everything we have into making our family the most important thing in our world.
The last couple of years we knew we were getting closer to being as ready as we would ever be to start growing our family. And this past Spring 2010 we decided that we were ready and that we would not necessarily try but more just let things happen. We knew and still know that there will be times when we will miss being two but we also know that when it does happen we are excited to take on the new challenge and adventure that parenting would bring. Wondering each month if you are pregnant is probably one of the most agnozing things I have ever experienced. Every little thing your body does becomes a sign that you either are or aren't expecting. Its funny because you go from trying to prevent pregnancy at all costs when you aren't yet ready for it to wanting nothing more then to be pregnant. It is just one of those weird opposites in life I guess.
In July while we were in New Orleans I realized I might be pregnant. On July 22 once we were home from NOLA I took a test and found out that I was expecting. I was soooo excited! Joe was at work when I did the test so I couldn't wait for him to get home so I could share the news with him. One of my friends had given me a bunch of pregnancy and baby books that she had from when she had her son and one of them was for the guy specifically to read. I told Joe I was indeed expecting by bringing him the book and telling him that it was time that he start reading it. He already knew there was a chance I was expecting but when I told him he was also super happy and excited and I think a little shocked by it all. From my simple calculations I was due at the end of March or the beginning of April. I was even really happy at how perfect that worked out since I am a teacher and that would mean I would have my maternity leave off with the baby plus the entire summer before I would have to leave them with family to go back to work. (Just to answer the question as it is probably popping into your mind although I would love to stay at home with my kids, living in Southern California is just too expensive with just one income (unless you make a crazy amount of money) and so most likely our kids will be staying with my mom who has a really flexible work schedule, my husband who also has a really flexible work schedule, and possibly some other family that have flexible work schedules when I have to work during the school year. At least breaks, holidays, and summer I will get to be home with them.)
We made the deicision to tell our closer friends and family the news so as we saw them other the weeks after finding out we shared the exciting news with them too. We even used some more creative ways to tell our parents and immediate families. It was so much fun coming up with exciting ways to break the news. Now I know a lot of people tell you to wait until you are out of the first trimester to share the news but we figured that even if something happened these people are our support system and we would want them to know anyways. Over the weeks we were getting more and more use to the idea that come the spring we were going to be Mommy and Daddy to someone. And I have to say as the news settled in we became increasingly excited and use to this idea. In September I had my first Doctors appointment. When they did the ultrsound I was immediately worried something was wrong. The doctor said I was measuring only a little over 6 weeks pregnant. I was suppose to be about 9-10 weeks already. I had tested positive on my pregnancy test longer than 6 weeks ago so I knew that this was a possibly bad sign. I tried really hard to stay positive as did Joe and the Doctor. She sent me to have some more blood work to see if my hcg levels were going up like they are suppose to in the first trimester. And after the first test it looked like everything was ok because the levels were going up. However after some more test over about a week and a half they called me to tell me the levels were going down and that they wanted me to come in for another ultrasound. This was probably the hardest part. Not knowing if everything was ok or not was horrible. I was sooo excited and now I was just devastated. And of course the researcher that I am, I started to read everything I could find about things on the internet and I have to say most things just made me more confident that something was definitely not right. I have to say that I cried a lot during this time. I was heartbroken at the thought of this pregnancy not resulting in a beautiful baby. Joe was so good about trying his best to comfort me and make me feel better. I know he was worried and scared but he really tried to stay strong for me. When I went in they did the ultrasound and I was measuring the exact same thing I had the two weeks prior at the first appointment. The Doctor told me I had what was known as a missed abortion or missed miscarriage. The baby had stopped developing and died and my body for whatever reason had not let it go yet. The fact that my numbers were going down was a sign that I would eventually miscarry naturally if I wanted to wait for that. She told me that she was very sorry and that she didn't know why this had happened yet because there were several reasons as to what could of gone wrong. She advised me to have what is known as a d&c where they go in and clean everything out. She said that even if I miscarried naturally I may still need this procedure because sometimes you don't miscarry everything. Plus she said this would help to bring closure sooner and help me to avoid the physical pain and other icky stuff that would be part of miscarrying naturally. She also said that if I opted to have the d&c they would be able to take a sample of everything to test to see what went wrong. She said this would be good to have so we would be able to know if this was just a freak sort of thing or if there was actually something wrong that would need to be addressed when we tried to have a baby in the future. During this time I think I was just in shock. I mean I had prepared myself, even expected that the news was not going to be good but being the positive person I am I think somewhere deep down I was just hoping that everything was going to be fine. I didn't even cry right away. I kind of just sat there in shock and disbelief listening to her talk and give us our options. The minute she left the room and it was just Joe and I sitting there and I finally broke down and so did Joe. For the past 8 weeks we had been preparing ourselves to become parents and now we were being told that we were not yet going to be parents after all. It was absolutely devastating. We comforted each other and kind of pulled ourselves back together. The Doctor returned to schedule the procedure. It was be at the hospital a couple of days later. It was outpatient but I would be put to sleep which I was at least happy about since I knew this was going to be painful in many other ways. I will spare you the details of the actual d&c. It was definitely horrible. I mean the nurses, doctors, and hospital staff were wonderful as were my friends and family and Joe but the overall idea of it was miserable. And it was hard having to tell people the new much more depressing news. Even though we didn't tell a lot of people word had still managed to spread and that made things hard. The testing that was done showed that nothing is wrong with Joe or I and that this was just a freak thing due to a chromosomal abnormality. The doctors assured me that it was a good sign that I am able to get pregnant and especially that it happened so quickly the first time and that the chances of something like this happening again are very rare. And I guess knowing that puts me slightly at ease. One of the most amazing things is that this has definitely brought Joe and I even closer together and made our relationship stronger. It has also reminded me of just how amazing our friends and family around us are. I am also amazed at how many women have shared with me their own stories of lost pregnancies upon hearing about mine. Because of the nature of the topic I don't think this is something we talk about in society a whole lot but it is actually very regular. 20-25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. I think it is just one of those tragic things in life. And as much as Joe (and I'm sure other men) are sad and heartbroken when these things happen, it is still nice to have women to lean on, talk to, and get advice from because these are the people that have really experienced physically, mentally, and emotionally similar things as me. I mean lets me honest as much as they want to be there for us, men cannot understand what it feels like to have something like this happening in and to your body. Despite this factor, I am so blessed to have such an amazing person to call my best friend and husband through life. It has been about 4 months since this experience. And Joe and I are back to letting things take their course. I am anxious and impatient for things to happen (as I am with most things...lol) but I am trying my best to put my faith and trust in God. I know that He has a reason and a purpose for everything He does and that He will let/make things happen when they are suppose to happen. It is sometimes hard to remember who is really in control and the whole idea of "letting His will and not mine be done" but I know that is the truth and that God is an active God that is always there watching over us always and that he is very much involved and part of every moment of every part of our lives. I still have days were I am sad and heartbroken especially when I think of the fact that I would be really pregnant right now and getting all ready for the baby to be here. However, I also know that when it all does happen again I will appreciate it even more than I would of the first time around. God does not give us things that we cannot handle. He has a purpose and a reason (even if those are not made known or clear to us) for everything and in the end I know that everything is going to be just the way it is suppose to be.
Anyways I think that is about it for now. Thank you for letting me get that all out.
