December 28, 2010.
It has been two days of harsh winds, blustery snows, and over as well as UNDER caffeination. And finally I sit here in the ATL. Waiting for my flight to Indianapolis.
Ok, I'm just being melodramatic, but thought that intro was more catchy than anything else I could come up with (by the way, I hate ending sentences with WITH. I know it isn't proper).
So the real story is that I was supposed to leave Maine on December 26th but my flight was cancelled at 9 am that day due to a blizzard. I would be lying if I said I wasn't extremely happy about that deep down. I wasn't mentally prepared to leave home so the extra day of lazing around with the fam was just what I needed. I rebooked my flight for yesterday (Dec. 27th) at 5:35 pm and was delayed 3 hours, thus missing my flight in Atlanta. I was going to just wait and fly out of Portland on Dec. 28th (today) but the reps told me that if I didn't at least get out of the Northeast, I would not until Friday at the earliest. YIKES! So much to my family's dismay, I hopped on the flight and found myself sleeping in an airport hotel for approximately four hours before having to head back and wait at the airport once more. Now, fingers crossed, I should be on my way back to the boyfriend in APPROXIMATELY half an hour. I will confirm that at a later point. [CONFIRMED]
Anyway, Christmas week was awesome. Winter travel and last minute shopping can be stressful, but Mom treated us to a girls' day out (manis and massages included) so that eased some of the tension ;)
This was the year of new traditions. Family Christmas parties, fun games at Christmas, even a new breakfast menu! It was great to see everyone and just laugh... I think that's what I loved most about this week- the constant laughter and conversation that flowed with ease. Living in a new place makes me appreciate the familiarity of family and friends that much more.
I think it was also a week full of excellent advice and thoughtfulness. I know I already posted about my great convo with Dad but I had an equally stimulating conversation with a girl on the plane last night. I'm not even sure how these conversations start but I'm pretty sure in another time and place we would've been best friends. At one point we got onto the topic of religion (always an interesting one) and while I would DEFINITELY say she was a bit more pious than me, we came to a very interesting conclusion about relationships. The long and short of it is that faith in the right person for the right reasons makes us strive to better people. When you succumb to relationships that are unhealthy or lack any real challenge, you can become complacent and even overestimate yourself as a person. Being with someone (whether in the spiritual sense or the physical, in person sense) who is actually right for you and good for you is humbling and also motivating. It sort of goes along with that old cliched saying, "You make me want to be a better man/woman." Just some food for thought....
Happy almost New Year everyone!!!!! Lots of love...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Christmas Cheer :)
For those of you who care or took notice, I apologize for being MIA this past week. I was making a diligent effort to post at least once a week, but finals, work and travel home for the holidays somehow got in the way.
Let me start by saying, I am THRILLED to be done with classes for the semester. I am loving sitting at home in my living room in Maine, watching Despicable Me and thinking about making peppermint brownies. I love that this week I will get to see lots of family and friends and fa la la la la around town. I feel like being away from these people and working hard make downtime and conversation with them that much more meaningful.
For a weekly recap, I took Chris to the airport Friday to go visit his family in LA. I went home after that, had a glass of wine and read O magazine (guilty pleasure... but I like those tips on living your best life). I went to bed early that night as I needed to be up at 3:45 am on Saturday to get to the airport in time for my flight.
My lovely former roommates picked me up at 8:30 am in Boston and we went back to my old apartment for a yummy breakfast. A few hours of digestion later, Melissa and I went with our friend Krista to visit another friend in the hospital. It was great to feel the love of all those people and laugh (real belly laughter). Saturday night we participated in a 12 Days of Christmas pub crawl around Somerville and had such a blast!!!! People were out in full Santa costumes, drinking and merry. At three am, after a night of festive drinks and dancing, I found myself on the futon with some chinese food and trashy TV. PERFECT :) May I suggest, as a fun drink, the poinsettia? Cranberry juice and champagne. Easy, delicious, and full of Christmas cheer!
Sunday, Kristen and I headed home to Maine and spent time catching up with the fam. Then yesterday, after a few errands and a lunch date with Kristen, I headed home and watched the snowstorm start. Tara and I attempted to drive in it for a dinner date with mom, aunt and friend, but ohhh was that a bad idea. We made it home safely, but I have never felt more anxious driving. Could barely see a foot in front of me!
Today I tried to be a bit more productive and finish a goal statement for one of my schools and then had lunch and coffee with Dad. We had a great long talk about being happy, knowing yourself and your passions, learning how to compromise and how to stick to your guns, etc. It was one of those great talks I'll probably always remember and that shed a lot of light in my mind about what I'm doing and why. I particularly liked his emphasis on understanding that pushing yourself and letting your passions help drive you is incredibly good for the heart and soul but that it doesn't mean it's always easy or clear cut. That hurdles happen, paths change, and people change but to take each day in stride and stop and think about what you're doing and why whenever you have a doubt. If you can see the big picture and think, "Yes, this is what I want for myself and my life," then you pick yourself up and take each success or failure for what it is and forge on. To never feel trapped because you are never trapped. And to be keenly aware of the future and what you need to do get there without losing the joy and memory making of the present moment. Thanks for that, Dad!
So here I sit now, thinking about some of my favorite memories of this past holiday season and ones from when I was little...here are a few for your reading pleasure:
1) Christmas time, age... ohhhh 6? Going to the Boston Museum of Science with all my cousins on Dad's side. I don't remember a THING about the museum, but I remember driving in the car with my Dad and Kristen and listening to Silver Bells. I also remember lunch at some big restaurant with all my cousins after the museum visit and listening to Christmas music and laughing a lot.
2) Hearing the Carpenter's Christmas Portrait album every year for as long as I can remember. It is absolutely home.
3) The tree lighting in Scarborough the year that Mer fell and twisted her ankle as we left. Not fun for Mer, but man was it a good tree lighting :)
4) Age 10, staying up ALL NIGHT reading Calico Captive in my bunk bed with a flashlight because I was too excited to sleep. All I wanted that year was a Super Sender Diary (essentially a very primitive version of texting). AND I GOT IT.
5) Working at the soup kitchen with my 7th grade class a week before Christmas. And having a homeless man tell me to remember that on Christmas day, when I was with my family and warm and happy, to remember that I put a smile on a man's face who had had the hardest year in his life. I will never forget him.
6) Last minute Christmas shopping and getting dragged around with Dad all over creation when I was about 5 or 6. He used to travel around the state a lot for work (I think he was in sales?) and I somehow ended up in the car with him a whole bunch. I'm sure I complained about that a lot at the time but I still remember running around and hearing the Christmas music.
7) The year I was a tiny peanut and helped drag a Christmas tree home in the snow from the Deering Oaks. I'm sure I didn't help much. But I look at the picture and laugh everytime.
8) Age 14, when Noelle appeared around the corner as a tiny puppy with a Santa hat on and I cried because I had asked for a dog every year for as long as I could remember.
9) The times Mom, Kristen, Tara and I baked about a billion different types of cookies and gave them out to the whole neighborhood.
9) The times Mom, Kristen, Tara and I baked about a billion different types of cookies and gave them out to the whole neighborhood.
10) Christmas pageants in elementary school.
11) Watching Christmas Vacation and ice skating on the pond at night with the Grottons.
12) Christmas PJs, every year
13) Mini meatballs on Christmas Eve
13) Mini meatballs on Christmas Eve
14) Christmases at Nanny and Grampy's
15) Holiday parties in high school at Jen's
16) The year I got Suzy Snapshot and Baby Feels So Real (which later served as Baby Jesus in the church pageant)
17) Old Port Christmas shopping sophomore year- hot cocoa and running around in the freezing cold, in and out of festively stores in Portland
18) Building ENORMOUS snow forts outside that we thought we could sleep in (they were seriously awesome)
19) Driving around looking at Christmas lights
20) Christmas Caroling with my roommates last year (and basically all Christmas Caroling in middle and high school)
21) Holiday wish-a-thons with Make-A-Wish
22) The year Santa came in a firetruck around the neighborhood and passed out toys. Prior to that, we were watching some Angela Lansbury Christmas movie on a tiny tv with no cable in my bedroom and I loved it.
23) 24-hour Christmas Story marathons with Mimi
24) The snow day we had one year where we spent the day watching the Saved By the Bell and Brady Brunch Christmas specials
25) Hearing, you may NOT get up until 5 am, girls. BACK TO BED!
26) Singing Silent Night in the nook with Nanny
27) Coming home from Argentina after 5 months away to my mom, dad and Grampy wearing Santa Hats at the Airport. And Grampy singing Feliz Navidad :)
28) Writing and performing a Christmas play for the pediatric ward at the Children's Hospital with my sisters and friends in the 8th grade and delivering toys to the patients.
29) Last Christmas for a variety of reasons
30) This Christmas and feeling like a grown up with Chris- decorating our REAL tree hanging stockings and cursing trying to fit the tree stump in the stand, hehehe :) And then making Christmas cookies for our families. Here is some photographic evidence:
I can only hope that when I have my own little munchkins someday, that their christmases feel just as magical as mine did and do :)
Merry Christmas, everyone! Much love!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
A Year Of Learning
Before I begin my blog post today, I would just like to say that I am SO SO SO proud of Chris for passing his boards!!!!!!!!!!! :) We were supposed to have champagne last night to celebrate but between catching up from the past 6 days apart and going out for apps at 9:00, it sort of got away from us. We will tonight though, for sure! This is a very big deal!!!
On the agenda for the weekend (per his idea, God love him) is the following:
1) Cutting down (yes, CUTTING DOWN) or own Christmas tree
2) Going to the Christmas Tree Shop for some more decorations and finishing the house so it looks beautiful for the holidays
3) Seeing a movie we've both been dying to see
Yes folks, a real date weekend if you ask me. The kind that really makes you excited for Friday night.
Our house is looking cute right now, I will add. I tried to do some crafty, low budget decorating and so far we have:
1) Twinkle lights and little red candles in votives along the mantle above the fireplace
2) Some fir tree boughs with cranberries along the counter, nestled in with green and red candles
3) Glittery foam wreath and snowmen cutouts on the windows
4) A gingerbread "chalet"
5) A countdown calendar in the living room
6) Cranberry branches in vases and on the coffee table
7) Red and green garland wrapped around the banister
8) Throw pillows tied with ribbon to look like presents
I am feeling pleased so far :)
Now moving along to blog part 2, a bit more serious, a bit more profound.
"I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou, you are a wise, beautiful woman. And I love this quote mostly because it is extraordinarily idealistic and I am an idealist. I also love this quote because I find it challenging. Because in the "How do you deal with lost luggage or tangled Christmas lights" piece alone, I cringe envisioning my reaction. Frustration, stress, probably some loud lion roaring if no one else was around.
I really like the part on caring more about making a life than a living... and I have found that for someone who has stood on her soapbox for years talking about how money doesn't matter and how all you need is love, compassion, and a good work ethic, I have done a poor job of practicing what I preach this year. I have become consumed by a competitive little rat race and that needs to change.
I have discovered this year that I am extremely impressed by everything. When I hear an awesome musician, I am inspired immediately to go home and pick up my guitar, frustrated that I can't play perfectly yet. When I hang out with Mer, I long for a flat tummy, table top leaps and the sound of syncopated tap rythyms. When I listen to Chris, I want to save lives. When I talk to Kristi, I want to teach 2nd graders how to read. When I talk to Melissa, I miss Make-A-Wish and want to plan events and travel coordinate again. I think being inspired is a wonderful thing, but at what point does inspiration become detrimental to becoming the person YOU are meant to be? And how do we separate an appreciation from a determination?
Yesterday I found out I did not get into UMaine nursing. They have a wait list about 8 miles long. They didn't say, "REJECTED," they said, "NO SPACE." But I felt totally rejected. After all, I grew up in Maine, when to college in Maine... for a state yearning for retention of its young, it does a poor job of finding us space in its professional programs. I am allowed to say this, I think, given that UMaine rejected me from their law program and forced me to Texas (which didn't work out, obviously). And sadly, in a state like Maine, with an economy like this, it's not easy to make a living or a life if you do not have a stable career path ahead of you.
I found out about this over the phone while nannying because they sent the letter to my house in Maine, not to my new house in Indiana. Prior to this I was smiling, laughing, and singing the 12 Days of Christmas with my little charges, loving the fact that my boyfriend was coming back from Anaheim that night. Well, kids aren't stupid and when my face fell and my clapping stopped, they both immediately followed me throughout the house while I paced, trying not to get upset. My cute one-year old hugged my leg while I stared at the ceiling and then offered me his toy hamster. I looked down at him and managed a smile somehow, probably because he's so damn cute. Then the four-year old (far too smart for her age) asked, "Mariah, why aren't you having fun with us anymore? " And I replied, "Hunny, Mariah's a little sad right now, but she'll be OK in a couple minutes." "Well, why are you sad, Mariah?" "Well, I didn't get into nursing school." "Ohh.... hmmmm.... Mariah?" "Yes, sweetie." "You look really beautiful when you're sad." Wow.... yup, didn't know what to say to that. But I did scoop her up and give her a big hug. And, because I do not want to jade a little girl who is a lot like me and has perfectionist tendencies already, I said, "But you know what? Being sad doesn't make anything better does it? And it's important to always look on the bright side and try again, right?" "Right!!!" And we played a bit more, some tic-tac-toe, some coloring. And then (talk about making me want to cry for all the right reasons), she said, "I'm going to call my mom and she will help you find a school." Mind you, she meant on her fake cell phone. And this is how the one-sided convo went:
"Mom, Mariah needs your help. She needs to go to school. It's not fair, she brings her books everyday and reads them and everything! And she needs to be nurse. Ok, bye. Mom says she will call her friend and get you a school."
When people tell me they can't stand kids, I can't understand it. Because I'll tell you what, they may be young, they me cry and need attention, but my God, do they know how to love unconditionally. They are the best, most caring little citizens that our world has to offer.
Granted, I then had a conversation with my mom on the phone who reminded me that sometimes when we take on too much all at once, we wind up in a pressure cooker like the one I have been in this year. Because to be honest, did I expect that moving to a new place, into a house with a boyfriend who I had only known long distance, while taking difficult classes, getting a new job(s), taking a big pay cut, and applying to school down a totally different career path than I was on was going to be easy? My goodness, if I thought it was going to be anything less than daunting, overwhelming, and terrifying, was I being naive! So I need to stop trying to outdo myself and racing onto the next big task or I will end up a grumpy, 90 year old woman who finally figures out the meaning of life as she takes her last breath (I am paraphrasing from mom a bit right now).
Where are we in a race to, exactly? Why are we constantly running? Why has it become more important to get degree after degree, promotion after promotion, accolades and gold stars than to laugh with friends, hug our family members, cheer on our siblings in a hockey game, or just read a good book with a glass of wine that will make us feel awesome about the world we live in and smile for a second? We are a generation that seeks instant gratification, approval and chemical healing at every corner. It is no wonder that about 75% of the people I know are on, were on, or will be on anxiety medication and anti-depressants by the time we/they're 30.
So I want to do two things right now:
1) Remind myself that a nursing school wait list, while frustrating, means two things- a) that a lot of people are trying to fight their way into a profession with a critical shortage and not a lot of faculty left to educate which gives me hope that people do care and want to make a difference like I do and b) that just because I didn't get into UMaine does not mean I will not get into school. And in fact, even though I did not get into a school in Maine does not mean I am doomed to be away from New England for the rest of my life. Nothing in this world is permanent, for better or worse.
2) Apologize on behalf of the not-so-very-great version of me that has existed in Indiana for 4 months. If I were Chris, I would've walked out the door in September. So I am a lucky girl for sure, because if nothing else, I gotta whole lotta love coming at me from this boy.
I vow the following right now (knowing that I will fall short of these things often but will keep picking up the pieces and trying again):
1) To stop comparing myself to everyone around me
2) To stop assuming
3) To stop letting my "pains" turn me into "a pain."
4) To stop and smell the roses and write in my gratitude journal everyday
5) To love more and argue less
6) To get outside and move and be happy that I have good health, great friends, a great family, an awesome boyfriend, and a warm place to lay my head at night.
7) To stop complaining about my waistline because a few extra holiday pounds means I am not starving and homeless
8) To go to church more and thank God for what I do have instead of constantly praying for more
9) To keep trying
10) To work my tail off and get into nursing school- BECAUSE I WILL, DAMNIT! This means stopping immediately after this post and studying hard for my stats final tomorrow.
"I've learned that people will forgot what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Dear 2011, there's your mantra.
XOXO
On the agenda for the weekend (per his idea, God love him) is the following:
1) Cutting down (yes, CUTTING DOWN) or own Christmas tree
2) Going to the Christmas Tree Shop for some more decorations and finishing the house so it looks beautiful for the holidays
3) Seeing a movie we've both been dying to see
Yes folks, a real date weekend if you ask me. The kind that really makes you excited for Friday night.
Our house is looking cute right now, I will add. I tried to do some crafty, low budget decorating and so far we have:
1) Twinkle lights and little red candles in votives along the mantle above the fireplace
2) Some fir tree boughs with cranberries along the counter, nestled in with green and red candles
3) Glittery foam wreath and snowmen cutouts on the windows
4) A gingerbread "chalet"
5) A countdown calendar in the living room
6) Cranberry branches in vases and on the coffee table
7) Red and green garland wrapped around the banister
8) Throw pillows tied with ribbon to look like presents
I am feeling pleased so far :)
Now moving along to blog part 2, a bit more serious, a bit more profound.
"I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou, you are a wise, beautiful woman. And I love this quote mostly because it is extraordinarily idealistic and I am an idealist. I also love this quote because I find it challenging. Because in the "How do you deal with lost luggage or tangled Christmas lights" piece alone, I cringe envisioning my reaction. Frustration, stress, probably some loud lion roaring if no one else was around.
I really like the part on caring more about making a life than a living... and I have found that for someone who has stood on her soapbox for years talking about how money doesn't matter and how all you need is love, compassion, and a good work ethic, I have done a poor job of practicing what I preach this year. I have become consumed by a competitive little rat race and that needs to change.
I have discovered this year that I am extremely impressed by everything. When I hear an awesome musician, I am inspired immediately to go home and pick up my guitar, frustrated that I can't play perfectly yet. When I hang out with Mer, I long for a flat tummy, table top leaps and the sound of syncopated tap rythyms. When I listen to Chris, I want to save lives. When I talk to Kristi, I want to teach 2nd graders how to read. When I talk to Melissa, I miss Make-A-Wish and want to plan events and travel coordinate again. I think being inspired is a wonderful thing, but at what point does inspiration become detrimental to becoming the person YOU are meant to be? And how do we separate an appreciation from a determination?
Yesterday I found out I did not get into UMaine nursing. They have a wait list about 8 miles long. They didn't say, "REJECTED," they said, "NO SPACE." But I felt totally rejected. After all, I grew up in Maine, when to college in Maine... for a state yearning for retention of its young, it does a poor job of finding us space in its professional programs. I am allowed to say this, I think, given that UMaine rejected me from their law program and forced me to Texas (which didn't work out, obviously). And sadly, in a state like Maine, with an economy like this, it's not easy to make a living or a life if you do not have a stable career path ahead of you.
I found out about this over the phone while nannying because they sent the letter to my house in Maine, not to my new house in Indiana. Prior to this I was smiling, laughing, and singing the 12 Days of Christmas with my little charges, loving the fact that my boyfriend was coming back from Anaheim that night. Well, kids aren't stupid and when my face fell and my clapping stopped, they both immediately followed me throughout the house while I paced, trying not to get upset. My cute one-year old hugged my leg while I stared at the ceiling and then offered me his toy hamster. I looked down at him and managed a smile somehow, probably because he's so damn cute. Then the four-year old (far too smart for her age) asked, "Mariah, why aren't you having fun with us anymore? " And I replied, "Hunny, Mariah's a little sad right now, but she'll be OK in a couple minutes." "Well, why are you sad, Mariah?" "Well, I didn't get into nursing school." "Ohh.... hmmmm.... Mariah?" "Yes, sweetie." "You look really beautiful when you're sad." Wow.... yup, didn't know what to say to that. But I did scoop her up and give her a big hug. And, because I do not want to jade a little girl who is a lot like me and has perfectionist tendencies already, I said, "But you know what? Being sad doesn't make anything better does it? And it's important to always look on the bright side and try again, right?" "Right!!!" And we played a bit more, some tic-tac-toe, some coloring. And then (talk about making me want to cry for all the right reasons), she said, "I'm going to call my mom and she will help you find a school." Mind you, she meant on her fake cell phone. And this is how the one-sided convo went:
"Mom, Mariah needs your help. She needs to go to school. It's not fair, she brings her books everyday and reads them and everything! And she needs to be nurse. Ok, bye. Mom says she will call her friend and get you a school."
When people tell me they can't stand kids, I can't understand it. Because I'll tell you what, they may be young, they me cry and need attention, but my God, do they know how to love unconditionally. They are the best, most caring little citizens that our world has to offer.
Granted, I then had a conversation with my mom on the phone who reminded me that sometimes when we take on too much all at once, we wind up in a pressure cooker like the one I have been in this year. Because to be honest, did I expect that moving to a new place, into a house with a boyfriend who I had only known long distance, while taking difficult classes, getting a new job(s), taking a big pay cut, and applying to school down a totally different career path than I was on was going to be easy? My goodness, if I thought it was going to be anything less than daunting, overwhelming, and terrifying, was I being naive! So I need to stop trying to outdo myself and racing onto the next big task or I will end up a grumpy, 90 year old woman who finally figures out the meaning of life as she takes her last breath (I am paraphrasing from mom a bit right now).
Where are we in a race to, exactly? Why are we constantly running? Why has it become more important to get degree after degree, promotion after promotion, accolades and gold stars than to laugh with friends, hug our family members, cheer on our siblings in a hockey game, or just read a good book with a glass of wine that will make us feel awesome about the world we live in and smile for a second? We are a generation that seeks instant gratification, approval and chemical healing at every corner. It is no wonder that about 75% of the people I know are on, were on, or will be on anxiety medication and anti-depressants by the time we/they're 30.
So I want to do two things right now:
1) Remind myself that a nursing school wait list, while frustrating, means two things- a) that a lot of people are trying to fight their way into a profession with a critical shortage and not a lot of faculty left to educate which gives me hope that people do care and want to make a difference like I do and b) that just because I didn't get into UMaine does not mean I will not get into school. And in fact, even though I did not get into a school in Maine does not mean I am doomed to be away from New England for the rest of my life. Nothing in this world is permanent, for better or worse.
2) Apologize on behalf of the not-so-very-great version of me that has existed in Indiana for 4 months. If I were Chris, I would've walked out the door in September. So I am a lucky girl for sure, because if nothing else, I gotta whole lotta love coming at me from this boy.
I vow the following right now (knowing that I will fall short of these things often but will keep picking up the pieces and trying again):
1) To stop comparing myself to everyone around me
2) To stop assuming
3) To stop letting my "pains" turn me into "a pain."
4) To stop and smell the roses and write in my gratitude journal everyday
5) To love more and argue less
6) To get outside and move and be happy that I have good health, great friends, a great family, an awesome boyfriend, and a warm place to lay my head at night.
7) To stop complaining about my waistline because a few extra holiday pounds means I am not starving and homeless
8) To go to church more and thank God for what I do have instead of constantly praying for more
9) To keep trying
10) To work my tail off and get into nursing school- BECAUSE I WILL, DAMNIT! This means stopping immediately after this post and studying hard for my stats final tomorrow.
"I've learned that people will forgot what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Dear 2011, there's your mantra.
XOXO
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Holidays on a Budget
Happy snowy Saturday, kids!
Not sure if it's snowing where you are but I'm looking at quite the winter wonderland outside. And there is nothing better than blogging in fleece snowflake socks with freshly brewed coffee and Christmas music playing. Oh and did I mention a brand new book from Borders? (I am such a book geek... seriously, most girls could spend dangerous amounts of money at Coach. That is how I feel about bookstores. Nerd.). Chris might argue that being at Disneyland in Anaheim is far better than this (as that is where he is right now) but I don't know... I'm feeling pretty content ;) Though I DO love Disney.... guess it's a toss up!
So originally I set my alarm for 7 am so that I could drive thirty minutes to a Christmas craft fair in Westfield, but I am rethinking that decision given the weather. However, the prospect of going to a craft fair gave me my own ideas about how to approach Christmas decorating on a budget this year.
First, let me backtrack and explain that my big goal for 2011 is to get a better handle on budgeting and living within my means. I feel that this is particularly pertinent given the fact that I am a student right now and not working full-time. I am not a frivolous spender by any stretch (though I do love a good latte), BUT I think that sometimes I pay far more for things than I need to. For example, there is the issue of the cell phone. Now granted, I am not on a family plan because that's not the way things work right now, so my monthly bill is higher than most to start. However, I decided yesterday I was sick of the amount I spend each month on a stupid phone. So I called up AT&T and asked the rep what I could do to shave costs. First of all, there is the issue of unlimited texting-$20/month more for that! I asked her if there was a lower amount. She told me that for 1500 texts a month you could pay $15 so I opted for that (the lowest plan was 200/month but knowing me and my generation, that would not be a smart choice). I made her laugh when I told her that if I am sending/receiving more than 1500 texts a month I need to SERIOUSLY reevaluate my life. Then we changed early nights and weekends to just regular nights and weekends. Let's be honest- I had those plans for when I was doing long distance. But there is no one I talk to for 6 hours at a time on the phone anymore so I think it's safe to scale back. NOW- the total savings per month from what I was paying is $15 which means a savings of $180 in a year. Not a ton, I know, but it's a start! And I am going to continue to look into ways to get the most bang for my buck in other aspects of my life as well. No more sweet, naive, I pay what you tell me to pay Mariah. She's gone-zo.
ANYWAY- that was long winded and boring, I apologize.
My point is, I made a list of things we needed for Christmas decorating and started to get stressed about how much everything would cost. Now granted, going to cut down our own tree is exciting and festive and something I am totally willing to spend money on (and Chris is on the same page which is great). But all the lights, garland, ornaments, etc.? Is it necessary to spend upwards of $100 for some holiday cheer?? I think not.
Interestingly, growing up I never considered myself a crafty person. But I think between my old job at Make-A-Wish and my current part-time job as a nanny, I have become far more creative than I ever imagined. I am now confident that I can tackle this challenge.
I started doing some online searching and found this great site:
www.rd.com/home-garden/16-easy-and-cheap-christmas-decorating-tips/article113060.html
There are lots of ideas I love, like taking old Christmas cards and matting them or using them to create a swag. I am a total pack rat and don't think I've ever thrown away a card, so what better way to justify my hoarding disorder? And how cute are the candy canes in the hurricane glasses throughout the house? A pack of candy canes is only a few dollars and hurricane glasses at the Christmas Tree Shop are only a few bucks as well. And tying cute bows around throw pillows for the couch? Awesome. Cranberries in vases look beautiful too- Mom gave me that idea first. Ooooo and how cool is the picture frame matting of festive wrapping paper? I am half-tempted to use these "projects" on the kids I nanny for. We made a pretty great Christmas tree shaped countdown calendar last week.... I'm sure they are up for a few more challenges ;)
Anyway, the point is, Christmas is about the special touches that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside (I mean, it's not really about that at all, it's about baby Jesus and family and friends, but you know what I mean). And most of the time, the things that make a house a home are the creative and personal pieces in it. So am going to make my list, check it twice (hehe) and see what I can do to stay within the budget but make this house beautiful! IDEAS ALWAYS WELCOME (ahem, I have quite a few crafty friends, you KNOW who you are!)
Oh, one more thing, for festive food and drinks, I find lots of great ideas in Family Circle magazine (God, I deserve a mini van and a swift kick after this post). No, but seriously... they come up with the greatest, easiest little ideas! Like popping some fresh cranberries into champagne flutes before serving. Or adding a little food coloring to sugar cookie dough to make them holiday appropriate. OR, one of my favorites, taking fun ribbons and amping up generic tree decorations (great for if you're just starting out like we are and only have a few nice ornaments).
And finally, if you're reading all this thinking, whatever, Mariah, I hate crafts, please keep in mind that I was the child who would write a thirty page story on that crappy 2nd grade "learning" paper and have my friend Elizabeth illustrate the pages because I hated coloring. So seriously- if I can do this stuff, any and all of you can. And how nice to alleviate some of the spending stress and feel like you made something unique?
Ok, as much as I'd love to remain in my happy little Christmas bubble, I have a stats quiz that wants me to duke it out with him and ohhh, just two finals standing between me and the end of the semester. Can we all believe I've almost made it through one semester of science and math? Because I'm about to give myself a star for not pulling a law school. And for those of you who know me, I hope you laughed and rolled your eyes at the insert of self-deprication right there.
Lots of love!!!! OHHH and P.S.- as per the advice of a former wish mom whose CarePage entry this morning brought tears to my eyes, "Hold those you love extra close this holiday season. Take nothing for granted." Happy Holidays to you and yours! And happy 2nd week of advent, for those of you who follow that calendar :)
Not sure if it's snowing where you are but I'm looking at quite the winter wonderland outside. And there is nothing better than blogging in fleece snowflake socks with freshly brewed coffee and Christmas music playing. Oh and did I mention a brand new book from Borders? (I am such a book geek... seriously, most girls could spend dangerous amounts of money at Coach. That is how I feel about bookstores. Nerd.). Chris might argue that being at Disneyland in Anaheim is far better than this (as that is where he is right now) but I don't know... I'm feeling pretty content ;) Though I DO love Disney.... guess it's a toss up!
So originally I set my alarm for 7 am so that I could drive thirty minutes to a Christmas craft fair in Westfield, but I am rethinking that decision given the weather. However, the prospect of going to a craft fair gave me my own ideas about how to approach Christmas decorating on a budget this year.
First, let me backtrack and explain that my big goal for 2011 is to get a better handle on budgeting and living within my means. I feel that this is particularly pertinent given the fact that I am a student right now and not working full-time. I am not a frivolous spender by any stretch (though I do love a good latte), BUT I think that sometimes I pay far more for things than I need to. For example, there is the issue of the cell phone. Now granted, I am not on a family plan because that's not the way things work right now, so my monthly bill is higher than most to start. However, I decided yesterday I was sick of the amount I spend each month on a stupid phone. So I called up AT&T and asked the rep what I could do to shave costs. First of all, there is the issue of unlimited texting-$20/month more for that! I asked her if there was a lower amount. She told me that for 1500 texts a month you could pay $15 so I opted for that (the lowest plan was 200/month but knowing me and my generation, that would not be a smart choice). I made her laugh when I told her that if I am sending/receiving more than 1500 texts a month I need to SERIOUSLY reevaluate my life. Then we changed early nights and weekends to just regular nights and weekends. Let's be honest- I had those plans for when I was doing long distance. But there is no one I talk to for 6 hours at a time on the phone anymore so I think it's safe to scale back. NOW- the total savings per month from what I was paying is $15 which means a savings of $180 in a year. Not a ton, I know, but it's a start! And I am going to continue to look into ways to get the most bang for my buck in other aspects of my life as well. No more sweet, naive, I pay what you tell me to pay Mariah. She's gone-zo.
ANYWAY- that was long winded and boring, I apologize.
My point is, I made a list of things we needed for Christmas decorating and started to get stressed about how much everything would cost. Now granted, going to cut down our own tree is exciting and festive and something I am totally willing to spend money on (and Chris is on the same page which is great). But all the lights, garland, ornaments, etc.? Is it necessary to spend upwards of $100 for some holiday cheer?? I think not.
Interestingly, growing up I never considered myself a crafty person. But I think between my old job at Make-A-Wish and my current part-time job as a nanny, I have become far more creative than I ever imagined. I am now confident that I can tackle this challenge.
I started doing some online searching and found this great site:
www.rd.com/home-garden/16-easy-and-cheap-christmas-decorating-tips/article113060.html
There are lots of ideas I love, like taking old Christmas cards and matting them or using them to create a swag. I am a total pack rat and don't think I've ever thrown away a card, so what better way to justify my hoarding disorder? And how cute are the candy canes in the hurricane glasses throughout the house? A pack of candy canes is only a few dollars and hurricane glasses at the Christmas Tree Shop are only a few bucks as well. And tying cute bows around throw pillows for the couch? Awesome. Cranberries in vases look beautiful too- Mom gave me that idea first. Ooooo and how cool is the picture frame matting of festive wrapping paper? I am half-tempted to use these "projects" on the kids I nanny for. We made a pretty great Christmas tree shaped countdown calendar last week.... I'm sure they are up for a few more challenges ;)
Anyway, the point is, Christmas is about the special touches that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside (I mean, it's not really about that at all, it's about baby Jesus and family and friends, but you know what I mean). And most of the time, the things that make a house a home are the creative and personal pieces in it. So am going to make my list, check it twice (hehe) and see what I can do to stay within the budget but make this house beautiful! IDEAS ALWAYS WELCOME (ahem, I have quite a few crafty friends, you KNOW who you are!)
Oh, one more thing, for festive food and drinks, I find lots of great ideas in Family Circle magazine (God, I deserve a mini van and a swift kick after this post). No, but seriously... they come up with the greatest, easiest little ideas! Like popping some fresh cranberries into champagne flutes before serving. Or adding a little food coloring to sugar cookie dough to make them holiday appropriate. OR, one of my favorites, taking fun ribbons and amping up generic tree decorations (great for if you're just starting out like we are and only have a few nice ornaments).
And finally, if you're reading all this thinking, whatever, Mariah, I hate crafts, please keep in mind that I was the child who would write a thirty page story on that crappy 2nd grade "learning" paper and have my friend Elizabeth illustrate the pages because I hated coloring. So seriously- if I can do this stuff, any and all of you can. And how nice to alleviate some of the spending stress and feel like you made something unique?
Ok, as much as I'd love to remain in my happy little Christmas bubble, I have a stats quiz that wants me to duke it out with him and ohhh, just two finals standing between me and the end of the semester. Can we all believe I've almost made it through one semester of science and math? Because I'm about to give myself a star for not pulling a law school. And for those of you who know me, I hope you laughed and rolled your eyes at the insert of self-deprication right there.
Lots of love!!!! OHHH and P.S.- as per the advice of a former wish mom whose CarePage entry this morning brought tears to my eyes, "Hold those you love extra close this holiday season. Take nothing for granted." Happy Holidays to you and yours! And happy 2nd week of advent, for those of you who follow that calendar :)
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