Vote for Ellen!...Or, Just Vote!

I am voting for Ellen DeGeneres.  I believe she is the best choice to move our country forward and has America's best interest at heart.  I've thought long and hard about my decision and firmly believe that my decision to vote for Ellen is the correct choice for me personally as well as for America.  Below I have stated my reasons for voting for Ellen.  Remember, everyone has the freedom to make their own decision but you'll be making the wrong choice unless you vote for Ellen.

Ellen settles disputes with a dance-off.  We could say goodbye to war and violence if Ellen were President.  When an argument arises between America and Australia over whether Vegemite or Nutella is best it would be settled by recruiting the best dancers from each country and having a dance-off.  We would no longer lose innocent lives and could save money on military equipment. 

Her running mates are spunky, energetic, positive and love pink!  Often, when someone can't decide between Presidential candidates they'll make their decision based on the potential veep.  Ellen has the best of the best.  Although they aren't American citizens (minor detail) Sophia Grace and Rosie could really move this country forward with their positive energy, interview skills, big dreams and fashion sense.  Please see the video below which further proves my point that Ellen really landed some great running mates.

Sophia Grace and Rosie will make you smile even after the worst of days.

It's true that history repeats itself and Ellen has Atticus and Rainer to inform her on the past Presidents and their successes and failures (and sideburns).  Sometimes there's no reason to reinvent the wheel and when an issue comes up for President Ellen she can ask her Presidential experts Atticus and Rainer how it was handled by our past Presidents so that she handles it appropriately.  If it was handled successfully in the past she can follow suit and if it was failed to be handled successfully by our past Presidents she can take a different approach.  I reccomend a dance-off.

Atticus and Rainer believe "There's no Democrats, there's no Republicans, only Americans."

It's not what you know but who you know.  We grow up thinking that in order to be successful in life we need to know calculus, chemistry and philosophy.  It didn't take me long after graduating college that I learned a lot of success in the business world comes from who you know rather than what you know.  Ellen knows Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, Clint Eastwood, Drew Brees, Zac Efron, Channing Tatum and Luke Bryan.  Alright, maybe knowing these people won't make her a better President but I can promise after a long, stressful day in the Oval Office I would appreciate knowing the above eye candy.

Ellen believes we should all be kind to one another.  She ends every show stating that we should all be kind to one another and I can't think of a better belief or philosophy.  When we're kind to one another we're better people, our communities are better and the world is a better place. 


In all seriousness voting is important and it's one of our rights.  Our forefathers fought for it and many Americans have put their lives on the line to ensure we have the right to vote.  Exercise your right to vote today.  Your beliefs may not line-up completely with either of the candidates' but if you do your research you can decide which candidate is best for you and your family. 

Now, go out and vote!  And don't forget to appreciate that tomorrow we get the return of those commercials advertising things we never had an interest in purchasing but seem like a breath of fresh air compared to all those negative campaign ads we've been surrounded by for months.

Roddick Continues to Make Me Dream

Andy Roddick retired after he was defeated in the fourth round of this year's U.S. Open. 

I was obsessed with Andy when I was growing up.  As a young teenager he met my three requirements: 1. He played tennis 2. He was a Nebraska Cornhusker fan 3. He was hot.  When I was in middle school I got to hit with him at the opening of a Red Oak, Iowa indoor tennis facility.  I also got my photo taken with him and he autographed a poster for me.  This was huge to me.  In my small, never been in love world, this was comparable to the moment that Allie showed up at Noah's house after years of separation in "The Notebook".  Yep, I even had a space in my room dedicated to Andy with recent articles, photos and of course my autographed poster and photo with him and I.

When Andy retired it made me think about how much I would love to retire at 30 years young.  Of course, if I were to retire at 30 I would prefer to retire with Andy's salary rather than a non-profit fundraiser's salary. 

If I were to retire at 30 with Andy's salary here are a few things I would do:

1. Attend a John Mayer, Jimmy Buffett and Justin Bieber concert.  Not all at once.  That would be an interesting crowd though.
2. Go to Mardi Gras and I would bring my unmarried friends along.  Val would actually be the most fun to bring to Mardi Gras but now that she's married she's "retired".  I couldn't revisit New Orleans without my cousins either.
3. Learn guitar.  I already have the guitar but lack the time and patience to learn.  Now that I'm retired I have cleared up 9 hours a day to practice!
4. Treat my parents to a trip around Europe.  They can choose how long and where they visit.  Let's be real, I've driven them nuts on countless trips so they deserve a trip on me.  One without the stress of keeping me entertained.
5. Fund and organize efforts to build an indoor sports facility in Keokuk.  I'll never move back there but there are a lot of people there that shaped who I became and I think the young generation deserves a place to hang out.  I spent my young days running around town in cow costumes. There's obviously nothing for kids to do in that town. 
6. Treat the Whitakers and Taylors to a trip to Key West.  They're my second families and have treated me like it for years and years. It has to be over St. Paddy's Day though.  (St. Paddy's love ALL over your body!)
7. Go to a private island for yoga, cleansing and zen.  Isn't that what all rich retirees do!?
8. Bet a huge amount of money on a horse at the Kentucky Derby.  I would also rock the most ridiculous hat just because.
9. Get a tattoo. I don't have to worry about covering it up for a profession and if I get tired of it I'll have enough money to get rid of it.
10. Run with the bulls.
11. Elton John and Garth Brooks too.
12. Take cooking classes.  I have Andy's money but not the hot super model significant other.  They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  What do you think Adam Levine's favorite meal is?
13. Spend a year as a volunteer.  I'd like to live the life of a third world country resident; build a home for those living in boxes but striving to better their life, teach children that appreciate education, teach business skills to women living in a one bedroom home with a couple other families because they can't afford anything more.  I would like to offer my skills and labor to the world wherever it's most needed.
14. Purchase a reclaimed barnwood coffee table just to stick a big wad of Bubblicious gum under it.
15. Drink with Kathie Lee and Hoda for a morning. 

A girl can dream right...?

A Sunday for Forgetting

My beloved Huskers lost on Saturday 36-30 to the UCLA Bruins.  If you know anything about me you know that one of my biggest passions is Nebraska football.  Each fall I plan my entire weekend around the football schedule, I live in my best scarlet and cream and on my favorite tailgate foods and my mood on Sunday is dependant on Nebraska's Saturday performance.  That has caused me around 3-4 miserable Sundays each season the last ten years.

Not this week.  I refused to read articles from the Omaha World Herald about how Taylor Martinez went downhill after the first half or opinions of why the Blackshirts allowed 653 yards.  I watched the game and I didn't need to ruin my Sunday reminiscing the loss.  Instead, I was determined to keep busy doing "I" things from the moment I woke up until the moment I fell asleep.

I started my Sunday at a morning service at Harvest Bible Church.  The music and message always leaves me with a positive outlook and this week didn't disappoint.  Pastor Willey is like a living, breathing Spark Notes for the Bible and I love that he uses real life situations in his messages.  This week he used references to Twitter, Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre.  Does it get easier to stay tuned in?!

After church I headed to Books A Million and purchased my newest read, The Voluntourist by Ken Budd, "a six-country tale of love, loss, fatherhood, fate, and singing Bon Jovi in Bethlehem".  I'm really into autobiographies right now and this mix of travel and volunteerism was screaming at me from the book shelf.

It's my favorite time of the year!  It was a dress, leggings and boots kind of day on Sunday.

From the bookstore I headed downtown to check out the Beaux Arts Fair.  I parked near the river so that I could capture a few shots of the river on this perfect, sunny Sunday.  The fair had over 50 vendors and there were artists from all over the Midwest showcasing their talents.  I purchased a necklace for my mom and a Nebraska photograph for my dad, a little ironic considering I was bound and determined to keep from giving the Huskers a moment of my day. As Pastor Willey would say, #fail.





Love was in the air along the Davenport riverfront.



The next adventure of the day was a trip to Maquoketa Caves State Park.  I grabbed Rusty and drove to the caves for a hike and attempt to take to some more photos.  The hike was great.  The photos were not.  It's not easy taking photos when you've got a dog that attempts to yank your arm off every time he catches a whiff of anything. 

I finished the evening catching up on my Fantasy Football team and watching a few episodes of Breaking Bad. 

The day was great.  I successfully stayed away from any article about the Huskers loss and spent time doing things I enjoy.  Let's hope the Huskers go undefeated the rest of the year so I don't have to worry about keeping myself busy from sunrise to sunset any other Sundays. Wishful thinking on my part.

I'm just considering myself lucky that we don't play Iowa State anymore because I'd hate to suffer the day after a loss to the Cyclones.  Now that would just be embarrassing. 

(Ethan, in the far fetched chance that you read my blogs I think you're awesome and I hope your team continues on the win streak!  Also, you probably don't get my sarcasm, yet.)

My Favorite "C" Word

                                                                               

I've always considered myself confident.  I've always had big dreams and felt like with a lot of hard work, a fearless attitude and a little luck that they would come true.  I've also had a relatively realistic view on life.

It's funny how life works.  I know I'm not the only one that's had huge dreams going into something and with time and a few obstacles those dreams seem to change from what they started as.  When I started school I was bound and determined to be a veterinarian.  After some struggles with Chemistry and Pre-Calculus tests those dreams seemed to change a bit.  (Most kids have high expectations when they're starting school and if you don't believe me just check out Pinterest).  When I entered college I was a Pre-Physical Therapy major.  After a few failed Animal Biology tests and a couple tear-fests that I remember all too well, that career path changed to Business.  (It turns out I'm much better at relationships and communication than science).  My dreams changed because over time I realized my strengths and pursued a career that would highlight those.

I wouldn't change anything about the way I got to where I am today.  Regrets are a waste of time and I'm proud of where I am and who I've become.  That being said, I know I have a really long way to get to where I want to be and to accomplish all that I wish to accomplish.

I've only been in the "real world" for 20 short months but I feel like I've learned so much.  There are things that my parents, teachers and professors, and my mentors have nagged me about that have finally started to click and make sense.  There's a lot to life that experience teaches you.  Last week I had one of those "ah-ha" moments.  I had a great work week and as I worked on a few projects at Starbucks I took a moment to realize that I'm a completely different person than I was when I first joined the work force.  As I said, I've always considered myself confident but I've found a new sense of confidence I didn't even know could exist and one that I could only gain with experience.  The sales presentations I do at various companies, the numerous meetings I have with volunteers and vendors and the daily contacts I make to ensure I organize successful fundraisers have created a brand new me. 

A lot of this new confidence stems from the fact that I work alone.  I'm the lone LLS employee stationed in Eastern Iowa and if there's a presentation to be made or an interview to do I've got to put even the slightest fear I might have behind me and rock it.  I never saw myself as fearful or tentative when it came to doing those things but the more I do it, I can tell that I'm far more confident than I was 20 short months ago.

One of my mentors is a big quote person.  The other day I dusted off the book, "Reach for the Stars, Give Up the Good to Go for the Great" she once gave me and found a perfect quote for the new found confidence I've discovered in myself:

                                         "Before you can win, you have to believe you are worthy." --Mike Ditka

This quote summed up me and the way I was feeling last week to-a-tee.  The last few months I was tossing and turning in bed and worrying about my upcoming walks.  I've come to realize that worry is a wasted emotion because it gets you no where.  My new outlook on life is to hold my head up high, march forward with confidence and have no regrets.  I had no idea that I was slightly timid or fearful until this new confidence knocked me on the side of the head and taught me that if I perform my best anything is possible.  This new found confidence is going to open new doors and lead me to huge things.

Cheers to a new found confidence!  I'm excited to see who I'll become and what I can do at LLS as I continue to gain experience, learn new things and conquer new obstacles!  Let the dreaming continue...

"Only In America"

Today is Armed Forces Day and the final day of Armed Forces Week.  This holiday was first celebrated on May 20, 1950 and replaced separate Army, Navy and Air Force days once the armed forces became unified under the Department of Defense.  Today those that have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard in times of peace and war will be on my mind and I will take time to be thankful for all they sacrifice so that I can live in the land of the free.

I have to admit that while growing up I took my freedom for granted.  I did not pay tribute to those who fought in the wars before my time nearly enough.  I was not all that interested in history and only learned what I needed to pass my tests in school without really thinking of all those individuals that fought for my freedom. 

This morning I woke up and went for a run and as I ran the streets of Davenport I could not help but feel free.  Because of so many courageous people and the sacrifices they made in World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and others I am able to run the streets without having to worry about stepping on an IED, I get to choose the music playing on my Ipod, as a woman I am not forced to cover my skin and I can wave at a stranger without a second thought.  I couldn't help but think that in other parts of the world people don't have these same free choices that I sometimes take for granted.  I am grateful to live in a country where fellow citizens and even some of my own family and friends make the choice to be away from their families and friends, expose themselves to danger, endure days that are less than desirable and put their lives on the line so people like me can live a life full of freedom.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about true heroes. Many people, including myself, grow up idolizing athletes and calling them their heroes.  School children list Aaron Rogers, Justin Verlander, Derrick Rose and LeBron James amongst their list of heroes.  Mia Hamm and Andy Roddick were mine.  Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing wrong with any of these athletes or with people idolizing athletes or naming them amongst their list of heroes.  In fact, I think athletes and musicians are in a position to make this world a better place because of their status.  I am inspired by those that use their status to help the less fortunate, better our world or simply to brighten someones day.  I do question our society when so many people list professional athletes on their list of heroes and so few forget about our veterans and soldiers.  Again, just to be clear I have nothing wrong with athletes.  Especially those like Tim Tebow and Ndamukong Suh who are giving their time and money to charitable organizations.  Yes, I said Ndamukong Suh, who according to Cork Gaine's Business Insider article published on December 28, 2011, the "NFL's dirtiest player" was also listed as the league's most charitable athlete giving $2.6 million that year.  Many athletes and sports organizations do a great job giving back to our armed forces and other charitable causes.  I am only questioning if our society in general does enough to support and thank our soldiers and their families.

Maybe my frustrations of the lack of love for our armed forces' heroes stems from my hometown.  It seems that many households in my hometown get more hyped up for a state championship or when a local kid is recruited to play sports for a Division I school than when their local troops return home from a year long deployment overseas.  I would have liked to see on that same State Central Bank a banner reading "Hometown of the Iowa National Guard-832nd Engineers" the day that so many of our hometown heroes returned from Afghanistan.  To each their own; one great thing about living in a free country is that we all get to choose our own heroes!

Maybe it's because I've had friends recently serve overseas.  Maybe it was the intensely patriotic guys I was surrounded by while in college at the University of Iowa.  Maybe it's that just over a month ago my hometown community lost a courageous soldier that fought for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maybe it's the story I've closely been following of Cedar Falls native, Taylor Morris, who lost both legs, his left arm from the bicep down and his right hand while injured in Afghanistan on May 3rd.  He's only 23, the same age I am.  Maybe it's the ever-inspiring book I just finished reading, "The Heart and the Fist" by humanitarian turned Navy SEAL, Eric Greitens.  Maybe I'm just older and more mature and appreciate the more important things in life now.  I don't think there's one reason that I'm more appreciative of the United States' armed forces and grateful for their service but I spend a lot more time these days thinking about all that our veterans and soldiers sacrifice for our freedom and I most definitely don't take my freedom or their courage and compassion for granted. 

Thanks to all those that have ever served in the United States' armed forces.  Thanks to them and their families and all that they sacrifice.  I am forever grateful to those that put their own lives on the line and fight for our amazing country.  You are all true heroes.  Happy Armed Forces Day to all the true American heroes!

Mad For My Mama

I challenge you to find someone more tenderhearted, patient or kind than my mom.  It's amazing that I have the same genes as her because I only wish I had half the pure kindness she does.  She is the true definition of someone you define as "beautiful on the inside and outside".  She is kind to people, does great things for her community and her patience is something I envy.  The best thing about her is that she doesn't do any of that to feel better about herself or because it might advance her in life and that's what really makes me look up to her.  She is kind, patient and purely sincere because that is who she is.  She is just a good person. 

Anna Jarvis is credited as the founder of Mother's Day in the United States.  Her mother felt the need for a day to celebrate mothers and pay tribute for all they do and when she passed away in 1905 Anna made it her mission to make her mother's desire come true.  On May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day an official holiday.

Each year when spring rolls around and I come across all of the Mother's Day cards and flowers in retail stores I can't help but think the hooplah of this holiday is a bit nutty.  My mom means too much to me to only celebrate all that she does for me and my family on just one day set by the government.  I love that she gets a day to be recognized by people all over the country for her wonderful traits but I think she deserves to be thanked and loved every single day. 

I've got so many memories with my mom; from baking Christmas cookies with her each year since I was a tot to stumbling back to our hotel room after enjoying martinis across the city of Chicago. When I think of my most proud and memorable moments to date one that sticks out is finishing my marathon two years ago.  I often find myself thinking about that experience and the pure joy that I held at that point in my life.  I was raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, living a stress-free college life full of friends and love and more fit than I've ever been.  That all contributed to my happiness but the thing that made my experience so memorable was the fact that I got to share every step and challenge of training for 26.2 miles with my mom.  She's such a great listener and I'm such a great talker and spending hours beyond hours on the road and trails allowed us to catch up on life, books, boys, sports, our theories on life and success and anything else under the sun.  I got to know my mom better than ever during this experience.  You're not always upbeat and positive or in the best form when you've been running for over 5 hours and you really get to know someone when the make-up is replaced by sweat and you're contemplating giving up your right hand for a hamburger.  I will forever cherish the time I got to share with my mom while training for our marathon.  Today I would not be a marathon finisher or better yet, know my mom like I do had we not trained for that race and I can't thank her enough for taking on that challenge with me.  Throughout my life she has taught me so much and I can only hope to be half the person she is some day. 

Yesterday I got to spend the evening with my mom since she was headed to Dubuque for work and stayed with me overnight.  We went for a 6 mile walk chatting and sharing stories, did a little shopping at Target and enjoyed sushi and frozen yogurt.  As we laid side by side in bed reading our books I couldn't help but thank my blessings for this memorable day and the beautiful lady that I get to call my mom.  Many people are blessed with great moms that make numerous sacrifices for their children, love them unconditionally and share insights on how to be a good and successful person and I have all this and more.  I'm lucky enough to have an amazing mom in my life but even more blessed that I can call her my best friend because even if she weren't my mom I'd choose to spend my days with her!

Chelsea Handler's Got Nothing (Eh, Everything) on Me

The other day I was talking to a friend about relationships and frisbee golf.  He mentioned that he thought my blog was boring.  He read half way through but had to stop because he lost interest.  He said I needed to write more like Chelsea Handler.  That I would catch more people's attention if I talked about being lonely, how long it's been since my last kiss (or whatever) or complained about the attention thriving girls that catch all the boys running around downtown.  It took me three days to figure out how to address my first blog complaint and I've come to the conclusion that Chelsea Handler is a million times better at making awkward situations or sexual topics funny. 

Honestly, there are times I'm quite inappropriate and try to make awkward situations funny but I'll keep those embarrassing antics for my closest friends for now.  [I know exactly who's rolling their eyes and baring a slight grin right now].

In an attempt to keep my friend somewhat interested in my blog I debated between writing about risque  topics like Chelsea Handler, bacon and football.  After writing, deleting, writing and deleting a few times I decided this is my blog and I will stick to writing about the numerous thoughts being thrown around in my head. 

That's not to say I couldn't write countless blog entries on football.  Really, why won't those cheating Saints just pay Brees what he wants?  He's a stud!

Anyways, this week I stumbled upon an article about the connection between sex and cannibalism with some spiders and praying mantises.  Mating is a very scientific and sometimes deadly task for some spider and praying mantis species.  Can you imagine a world that the small and scrawny males were risking their lives for sex or that females were dealt with the choice of eating their most recent mating partner?  I bet MTV would come up with a really great reality show that would blow "Jersey Shore" out of the water with that material.  A study found (Full story here) that the connection between sex and death with praying mantises may come down to nothing more in depth than the male's hunger for sex and just how hungry the female is.  Hungry females were more likely to eat their most recent mating partner and males were more likely to risk their lives for sex if they were in a dry spell.  In nature, sex led to death 16% of the time with praying mantises.  A 16% survival rate isn't bad when compared to the orb-web spider's chances of survival after mating.  The male orb-web spider is almost always eaten by the female after they mate.  The male has two opportunities to mate and can do so with the same spider or two lucky ladies.  Each time he mates, a "detachable penis" (there's actually a much more scientific term) falls off and he can no longer mate.  Ouch! 

Spider sex and praying mantis sex.  That's as close to Chelsea Handler esque as I am willing to share with the world wide web right now.  It's only blog number four and I'm throwing around some thoughts on sex and cannibalism in nature so I wouldn't count anything out just yet.  For the time being, I'll keep the humorous sex topics and blunt comments to Chelsea Handler but hopefully the "detachable penis" was painfully interesting enough for my blog critiquing pal.
                                                                                    
                                                                                        Funny and gorgeous. I love Chelsea Handler!

On a Journey to Find Myself

We all go through life trying to figure out who we are.  I don't think we ever really find who we're supposed to be but instead we are on a journey meeting people and making memories that shape us.  I believe in fate and I believe people come into our lives at a time we most need them.  We meet people and they shape who we are and help us determine our life journey.  I'm a people person and will make conversation with anyone I run into.  As many people as I've met along this life journey there are three that vary from others.  I can't pinpoint why I value their friendship so much but they stick out to me because they've changed my life.  They've changed the way I look at the world, myself and my journey.  They inspire me to be a better person and to live life to the fullest without regrets.  They aren't the richest people I know.  They aren't the most popular.  They aren't doctors or lawyers or politicians.  In my book they're so much more than all of that.  They're individuals.  They go through life being themselves and creating happiness amongst themselves and others around them through creativity, refreshing thoughts and a free spirit.  They aren't my best friends and they aren't who I turn to when I am in need of a friend.  Actually, they have no idea how much I value their friendship.  When I spend time with them I can't stop smiling, I feel free, I feel creative and I feel like I know who I am for once. 

When I'm around them I'm challenged.  I challenge the norms and I challenge the mold I have grown to think I need to fit.  They've taught me that happiness isn't building a stacked resume, or making the most money, being popular or holding the newest trends.  Happiness is about being yourself, learning to love, being inspired by music and art, seeing all that the world has to offer and making memories along the way.  As I continue my journey and shape my life I have found myself thinking of these three.  They give to me so much more than I'm able to give to them because they have helped me become myself.  They inspire me to challenge the norms that I used to think were so important to fulfill.  They force me to be open minded and enjoy people and things for just what they are.  They create a place of inspiration, creativity and freedom for me.

Thanks to three of the most inspirational, free spirited and life changing people I know.  You've helped me pave my life journey more than you'll ever know.

For the one that reminds me that happiness is within:

For the one that has no idea how much they encourage me to spread my wings:

For the one that inspires me to challenge the "norms" and live my life journey free and fearlessly...

Rusty & Laura Similarities

Does everyone have similarities with their pets or do I just let my mind wander aimlessly on my walks with Rusty?!  The similarities I share with my dog is slightly creepy.  Almost as creepy as his eyes.

Rusty is short and squatty.  His Corgi-like legs keep him low to the ground--which is also why I think ticks tend to find their way to his tummy all the time.  I'm all of 5'4 on a good day.  Unlike Rusty, I don't think ticks are attracted to this short and squatty body. 

Rusty is a lot like Dug, the dog from the movie Up.  His mind goes from a squirrel to the blowing leaves to a snack to the neighbor dog all with the snap of a finger.  I also have so much going through my head at all times that I tend to change topic in the snap of a finger.  My thoughts can change from Hunger Games to my new shoes to an upcoming fundraiser to guitar lessons more quickly than Kim Kardashian changes boyfriends.

Rusty hates to be left out of anything.  Even when he's run all day and is beyond exhausted he hates to miss out on a walk or car ride.  He will be passed out on the floor after a long walk but as soon as he hears the door open he is at your feet in a flash.  Like Rusty, I will do anything not to miss a beat.  I'll never forget puking across the state of Nebraska on a family vacation.  I dry heaved all day on the trails because I refused to miss out on a hike with the family.  I hate missing out on anything.  The way Rusty inevitably makes his way into my car shortly after I just vacuumed up all his fur is probably the same way I made my way on a "Guy's Trip" to East Lansing this winter. 

This weekend my friend said to me, "I like you better when you don't feel good.  You're calm and quiet."  Later that day as Rusty was running around like a fool I thought to myself, "I sure like Rusty better when he's exhausted because he's calm and not constantly in my face."  The things that drive me nuts about Rusty are probably the same things that drive my family and friends nuts about me.  Hanging out with Rusty has taught me a lesson or two in patience.  It's also led to a lot of respect for my friends and family.  Hanging out with someone that changes topic in a flash during conversation or can have difficulty staying on task, hates being left out of anything and everything, and is short and squatty can be exhausting and trying at times.  Thanks to all those that have stuck around the two of us for this long!

 I guess being friends with Rusty and myself requires our friends and family to deal with our demons in order to enjoy our angels!

I've Always Wanted...

How many times have you caught yourself saying, "I've always wanted to [insert something unbelievably cool]"?  For me it's been said countless times.  I've always wanted to backpack across Europe.  I've always wanted to sky dive.  I've always wanted to do RAGBRAI.  I've always wanted to make my own sushi.  I've always wanted to get a tattoo (although I can't decide what I'd want on my body for the rest of my life).  I've always wanted to camp while hiking the Tetons.  I've always wanted to join the PeaceCorp.  I've always wanted to run a marathon-again.  I've always wanted to learn to play guitar.

Last week was long, interesting and hard because death kept coming up in various ways.  I'm not one to speak about my emotions when it comes to death.  It scares me beyond belief and I hate seeing what loved ones go through when dealing with it, but I also think that the circle of life is an amazing concept.  We cry when we lose a loved one and we rejoice when a loved one is born.  It's the way this beautiful thing we call life works.  Last week as death kept presenting itself  I found myself thinking about my own life.  If my life were to be taken tomorrow would I have regrets?  Have I lived life to the fullest and done all that I have always wanted to? 

The answer was no.  Too many times I find myself living for tomorrow rather than today. 

Last week I bought an acoustic guitar.  It was my first step towards living for today.  I've been searching the net and YouTube for ways to learn to play.  It's been a lot of fun and although I'm really busy I try to put aside 30 minutes a day to learn.  I never said I've always wanted to be the next John Mayer but I'm working on one of my "I've always wanted to's".  Tomorrow isn't guaranteed and last week I was reminded of that over and over. When it's my time I don't want to have too many "I've always wanted to's" to be left undone.  I need to start living for today rather than tomorrow.

What have you always wanted to do, learn or experience?