Oh my goodness. Today, work was dreadfully slow partially because of the "Winter Snow Advisory" but unfortunately, my boss overstaffed and didn't cut anyone due to the fundraiser we were having for the Oxford basketball team. Needless to say, I was stuck and getting very irritated.
Upon my release, I noticed the horrific amount of snow that had accumulated during my shift, yet, I was determined to get home. I thought, "Even though I own a small Mazda Miata, I just bought new tires and they will get me there safe." So I took a chance, scrapped the snow off my windows with the only thing I could find, an unused CD case and began to drive. Iwas very happy about the way my fancy tires were gripping the road, and then I hit M24. WTF! I could barely see in front of me. The only things visible were the two lines the tires of a car before me had paved and the snow covered ditch. No matter how hard my tires gripped through the slush, I was sliding. I then reduced my speed to an annoying 35 mph, turned off the radio, sat to the edge of my seat, clenched the steering wheel with white knuckles and adventured on.
I normally live 25 minutes away from work, so 20 minutes later and still a long way to go, I slowly pulled over to a gas station, called my heroic Grandparents to come get me, and went inside. The first gas station said they were closing causing me to get back into my car to try the next. The kind attendant agreed to allow my car to sleep in the parking lot over night. Of course, I had to be a customer of the store, so I bought the one thing I thought I deserved, a beer. That's right, I bought a 24oz Bud Light, sat in my car and drank it. To avoid a DUI, I placed a scarf around my neck, put the hat my sister made on, and took my keys out of the ignition. The beer was cold in my hands, so I reached for my gloves. Of course, I could only find one and dubbed it my beer drinking mitten. Ha Ha At first, I wasn't proud of this moment, however, after a few swigs of that glorious nectar, I reevaluated the situation, appreciating my "badassness."
Ha Ha Ha I miss GA!
Hugs & Kisses
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving.... Of course, what else would I talk about
Today is a day to give thanks for the wonderful and even not so wonderful things in our lives. I believe that this should be done more often than once a year, but understand that we get so caught up in our lives the chaos that we forget to take the time to reflect on all that is good in our lives, which is why I appreciate the yearly reminder. Question: has everyone done so today? Have you really taken the time to appreciate it all? Make a list, mentally or on paper. Now, don"t forget to remind yourself of this list of gifts on those days when you think life is rough or nothing is good in your life. My list. . .
1. Faith; I appreciate the faith I have, actually try to have, in everything. I aspire to live my life by faith. I"m not meaning only the churchy churchy stuff either. Yes, I appreciate my faith in God, because it has helped me through many struggles and confusions, but there is so much more to my faithfulness. I have faith in my belief everything will work out, that I experience the things I do for a reason, and that where I am and what I'm doing at this very moment is exactly where I'm supposed to be. I have faith that love is powerful and will always conquer. I have a new found faith in the heart of people. I used to think people were bad at heart. I thought good people were not the norm because it is so difficult. I now believe that people are good at heart and through their environment have become corrupt. It's a struggle to regain that pure innocence but I have faith that it is possible.
1. My grandparents; they have been there for me and my sisters our whole lives, taking us out of horrible situations. Every happy family memory I have, from my childhood, is because of them. Even today, they've taken me in and have accepted my unconventional lifestyle. I haven't always agreed with them and they haven't always agreed with me but the love has always been there, even when its not obvious.
1. My sisters; I wish you could understand how much I love you. I know sometimes its hard to look back, but there is no reason why we can't be hopeful for the future. We also have not all always agreed, now, lets be honest, won't always will, but the love is always there!! Whether you want to admit it or not. Ha ha "Hero" by Foo Fighters is on the radio and I can't help but smile. You girls are my heroes. You have all been through hell and bake and look at the amazing women you have become. Appreciate that! Embrace that! You are amazing mothers in your own unique ways. I can't imagine measuring up to that.
1. My true friends; oh my goodness,words can not do justice for the way I feel about y'all. I am so lucky to have friends who love me for exactly who I am, who make me want to be a better person, who have showed me so much love and compassion, and who are honest with me, even when it's hard.
Deanna and I, the other day, were talking about relationships (like girls always do) and she said to me, "You want a perfect story and when it's not, you find something wrong with the guy and find a reason to leave them." Ouch! But its true and hopefully, I'll keep this in mind next time. The funny thing is I was reading out of one of my books today that said "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done."
1. Men. Ha ha to all the men from my past who have tried to tame this wild creature. My ex, Mike told a friend, "Nicole is like the wind, never able to capture, you just have to sit back and enjoy the breeze." Y'all have molded me in so many ways. I know I didn't make things easy. Ha Ha. I just wanted to let you know, I appreciate you for trying.
1. Nature; i appreciate the beauty of nature. I just saw a sign, on a chapel that said, "Where memory lives in beauty" I love my nature trails and have been given so many answers through nature. Everyone can receive these signs if you take the time to look. For instance, when I first came back to MI from GA, I took Cody for a walk to do some thinking. The confusion about whether to move back was consuming me. Then out of no where, these geese started quacking and flapping their feathers. Now, let me tell you, I have seen these geese, at this park all summer. There are about 500 of them who mind their business, rarely making a sound. So they start freaking out causing me to stop and look at what's going on. All the sudden, they start to fly, in groups of about 20 at a time. I had to laugh out loud. They are flying south for the winter. Ha Ha
1. People who attempt to preserve nature; I saw a lady bend over to pick up trash and throw it in the basket. Why cant more people do this? The environment is like our hearts. The less clutter and trash the happier and cleaner life can be. Ha ha cheesy I know.
1. My pets; now this is true love. Their unaltered love and loyalty to me is . . .at a loss for words. It shows how pure and unselfish love can really be. They warm my heart dailey.
1. This awesome old couple at the bar; So I had an old couple sit in my section and, of course, the first thought that came to mind was "shit". Ha ha those of you in the servixce industry understands. To my surprise they were pretty bad ass. You can tell they were so in love. They laughed, held hands, starred into each others eyes. They made me laugh so hard at times, I thought I was going to cry. The old man joked about how he was gonna pay for the bill. I said he could wear my apron and finish my shift. He agreed and said I could take his wife to get drinks at the bar next door. He paused and said "wait a minute, it'd probably be cheaper for me to pay this tab instead of the one you two will rack up, flirting with all the young men, over there." Ha ha
1. Yoga; I discovered Yoga a few years ago and couldn't help but fall in love. It has changed my life. It's made me take time to appreciate the things I've taken for granted. It's more than a wonderful workout, it's a way of life. It's one of those things you can't explain, you just have to experience it. So try it!
The point of all this, appreciate the big thigs in your life but dont forget to also appreciate the small ones. There is no need to rank them, they all mold your character in someway.
"Do all the good things u can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can." John Wesley
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hugs & Kisses
1. Faith; I appreciate the faith I have, actually try to have, in everything. I aspire to live my life by faith. I"m not meaning only the churchy churchy stuff either. Yes, I appreciate my faith in God, because it has helped me through many struggles and confusions, but there is so much more to my faithfulness. I have faith in my belief everything will work out, that I experience the things I do for a reason, and that where I am and what I'm doing at this very moment is exactly where I'm supposed to be. I have faith that love is powerful and will always conquer. I have a new found faith in the heart of people. I used to think people were bad at heart. I thought good people were not the norm because it is so difficult. I now believe that people are good at heart and through their environment have become corrupt. It's a struggle to regain that pure innocence but I have faith that it is possible.
1. My grandparents; they have been there for me and my sisters our whole lives, taking us out of horrible situations. Every happy family memory I have, from my childhood, is because of them. Even today, they've taken me in and have accepted my unconventional lifestyle. I haven't always agreed with them and they haven't always agreed with me but the love has always been there, even when its not obvious.
1. My sisters; I wish you could understand how much I love you. I know sometimes its hard to look back, but there is no reason why we can't be hopeful for the future. We also have not all always agreed, now, lets be honest, won't always will, but the love is always there!! Whether you want to admit it or not. Ha ha "Hero" by Foo Fighters is on the radio and I can't help but smile. You girls are my heroes. You have all been through hell and bake and look at the amazing women you have become. Appreciate that! Embrace that! You are amazing mothers in your own unique ways. I can't imagine measuring up to that.
1. My true friends; oh my goodness,words can not do justice for the way I feel about y'all. I am so lucky to have friends who love me for exactly who I am, who make me want to be a better person, who have showed me so much love and compassion, and who are honest with me, even when it's hard.
Deanna and I, the other day, were talking about relationships (like girls always do) and she said to me, "You want a perfect story and when it's not, you find something wrong with the guy and find a reason to leave them." Ouch! But its true and hopefully, I'll keep this in mind next time. The funny thing is I was reading out of one of my books today that said "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done."
1. Men. Ha ha to all the men from my past who have tried to tame this wild creature. My ex, Mike told a friend, "Nicole is like the wind, never able to capture, you just have to sit back and enjoy the breeze." Y'all have molded me in so many ways. I know I didn't make things easy. Ha Ha. I just wanted to let you know, I appreciate you for trying.
1. Nature; i appreciate the beauty of nature. I just saw a sign, on a chapel that said, "Where memory lives in beauty" I love my nature trails and have been given so many answers through nature. Everyone can receive these signs if you take the time to look. For instance, when I first came back to MI from GA, I took Cody for a walk to do some thinking. The confusion about whether to move back was consuming me. Then out of no where, these geese started quacking and flapping their feathers. Now, let me tell you, I have seen these geese, at this park all summer. There are about 500 of them who mind their business, rarely making a sound. So they start freaking out causing me to stop and look at what's going on. All the sudden, they start to fly, in groups of about 20 at a time. I had to laugh out loud. They are flying south for the winter. Ha Ha
1. People who attempt to preserve nature; I saw a lady bend over to pick up trash and throw it in the basket. Why cant more people do this? The environment is like our hearts. The less clutter and trash the happier and cleaner life can be. Ha ha cheesy I know.
1. My pets; now this is true love. Their unaltered love and loyalty to me is . . .at a loss for words. It shows how pure and unselfish love can really be. They warm my heart dailey.
1. This awesome old couple at the bar; So I had an old couple sit in my section and, of course, the first thought that came to mind was "shit". Ha ha those of you in the servixce industry understands. To my surprise they were pretty bad ass. You can tell they were so in love. They laughed, held hands, starred into each others eyes. They made me laugh so hard at times, I thought I was going to cry. The old man joked about how he was gonna pay for the bill. I said he could wear my apron and finish my shift. He agreed and said I could take his wife to get drinks at the bar next door. He paused and said "wait a minute, it'd probably be cheaper for me to pay this tab instead of the one you two will rack up, flirting with all the young men, over there." Ha ha
1. Yoga; I discovered Yoga a few years ago and couldn't help but fall in love. It has changed my life. It's made me take time to appreciate the things I've taken for granted. It's more than a wonderful workout, it's a way of life. It's one of those things you can't explain, you just have to experience it. So try it!
The point of all this, appreciate the big thigs in your life but dont forget to also appreciate the small ones. There is no need to rank them, they all mold your character in someway.
"Do all the good things u can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can." John Wesley
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hugs & Kisses
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Everlasting Friendships
I know it's been a long time since I last blogged and I apologize. I have been working soooooo much. It's also very exhausting trying to figure out what the next step for me is. I need a life coach; any takers?
So yesterday, at work, a little girl was sitting at a table with her parents, making friendship bracelets. I commented on how lovely they were and how much work they must be. She blushed, chatting a little, while going about her business. About 30 minutes later, she walked up to me and handed me an adorable pink, white, and purple one she made right there and then, for me. I told her how much I loved it stating that purple was my favorite color (even though it's actually teal). What a sweetheart.
Today, I started thinking about what to write, then the thought of relationships and the little girl came to mind. It was so easy for her to give her "friendship" away, to a complete stranger, why is it so difficult for us, as adults to do the same? People come in and out of our lives so quickly, how do we know what relationships to hold on to, and which ones to let drift away?
I know the close friends I have now will be around for the rest of my life. We can go days or months without talking but, without a doubt, that bond is forever. I have a friend, Mark, who I see very rarely. When we do, it's like a minute hasn't gone by. The last time we hung out, we stayed up all night, at the fountain outside Atkins Park talking about everything. Ha Ha Him and others have made me a better person through their love and friendship.
I'm not saying my relationships with all of them are perfect, because they definitely aren't. We have all had disagreements but have allowed the love we have for one another to conquer any fight. This is the test of a true relationship. People are not the same and it's very easy to forget that. Remember to always take a step back at look at the other persons point of view. You don't have to agree, as long as you understand where they are coming from and remember that they are not you.
So my question again, how do you know what relationships to hold on to and which to let go of? I've had friends in my past, who I've matured past, and thank God I did. We were heading in different directions. Instead of being swept in the current of their lives, I swam a different stream. These relationships were important in the growth of my character but were not intended to be lasting factors in my life.
I guess my answer is that you just have to decide which ones are worth fighting for, because there are defiantly going to be tests to any great relationship. But isn't that the point of those battles? To test where you loyalty is, where you heart is, what is important to you.
I recently told my sisters that I wanted to give up trying so hard. I was frustrated, emotionally and physically drained... But the truth is, I'll never give up trying to build strong relationships with them. Loving them is one of the most important things in my life. Yes, we will all fight, yes we will all disagree (mostly because we are all so damn stubborn Ha Ha) But I will never give up!
What relationships do you want to hold on to? Are there any that you want to get back, even if it means swallowing your pride? What's important to you?
Hugs & Kisses
So yesterday, at work, a little girl was sitting at a table with her parents, making friendship bracelets. I commented on how lovely they were and how much work they must be. She blushed, chatting a little, while going about her business. About 30 minutes later, she walked up to me and handed me an adorable pink, white, and purple one she made right there and then, for me. I told her how much I loved it stating that purple was my favorite color (even though it's actually teal). What a sweetheart.
Today, I started thinking about what to write, then the thought of relationships and the little girl came to mind. It was so easy for her to give her "friendship" away, to a complete stranger, why is it so difficult for us, as adults to do the same? People come in and out of our lives so quickly, how do we know what relationships to hold on to, and which ones to let drift away?
I know the close friends I have now will be around for the rest of my life. We can go days or months without talking but, without a doubt, that bond is forever. I have a friend, Mark, who I see very rarely. When we do, it's like a minute hasn't gone by. The last time we hung out, we stayed up all night, at the fountain outside Atkins Park talking about everything. Ha Ha Him and others have made me a better person through their love and friendship.
I'm not saying my relationships with all of them are perfect, because they definitely aren't. We have all had disagreements but have allowed the love we have for one another to conquer any fight. This is the test of a true relationship. People are not the same and it's very easy to forget that. Remember to always take a step back at look at the other persons point of view. You don't have to agree, as long as you understand where they are coming from and remember that they are not you.
So my question again, how do you know what relationships to hold on to and which to let go of? I've had friends in my past, who I've matured past, and thank God I did. We were heading in different directions. Instead of being swept in the current of their lives, I swam a different stream. These relationships were important in the growth of my character but were not intended to be lasting factors in my life.
I guess my answer is that you just have to decide which ones are worth fighting for, because there are defiantly going to be tests to any great relationship. But isn't that the point of those battles? To test where you loyalty is, where you heart is, what is important to you.
I recently told my sisters that I wanted to give up trying so hard. I was frustrated, emotionally and physically drained... But the truth is, I'll never give up trying to build strong relationships with them. Loving them is one of the most important things in my life. Yes, we will all fight, yes we will all disagree (mostly because we are all so damn stubborn Ha Ha) But I will never give up!
What relationships do you want to hold on to? Are there any that you want to get back, even if it means swallowing your pride? What's important to you?
Hugs & Kisses
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