Humbled.

Do you ever have those days where, after weeks of focusing on your own life, goals, and worries, you hear from a friend, read a story in the newspaper, etc. and are completely humbled?
I just had one of those moments. In fact, I've had a few recently.
I have a friend who just emailed me about going to Afghanistan on a peaceful mission to rebuild through art, trade, and education. Who lives her life like rainy days and hard moments don't exist. Who literally has a smile that lights up a room. WOAH. Humbled.
But it's not even just the big, exciting adventures like that that I hear about that stop me in my tracks. It's hearing about friends and family basically keeping to themselves and working less than romantic jobs who drop everything for someone in need. Who put their own lives on hold time and time again for a sick parent, a scared sibling, a friend who calls them crying at 2 am. And they do it without a complaint and without expecting anything in return. It doesn't mean they are perfect or that they might not wish things were different, but they take what life hands them and they move forward. Incredible.
It's the stories in the newspapers like the one I read awhile back about the art student in NY who got hit by a bus, who everyone essentially gave up on besides her boyfriend. And how the boyfriend sat by her bed, day in and out, doing everything he could to talk to her and get her to communicate. At the ripe bold age of 22, that boy knew that love meant being there for someone when the rest of the world decided it was no use.
And it's the even more simple gestures, like patients at a hospital who try to make their doctors or nurses smile everyday. Who think about the other people around them and are concerned for their well-being even though they themselves have every right to be cranky and self-focused. It's the students who work hard and study harder day in and day out because they believe that they can go into the world and make it better someday whether through healthcare, literature, law, or education.
Stories like these remind me that for all you hear about cheating politicians and celebrities, crime, and dishonesty, there are people who are always plugging away to give us hope in humanity and the belief that people are inherently good.
So for all the wonderful friends, family and strangers that I have come across, thank you for humbling me and reminding me that there is always more to be done and more love to give.
Happy Friday, happy weekend :)
Lots of love from the snowy midwest! XO

I Love Poems.

Well, this little diddy came at all too perfect a time. Happy Saturday... may you all get a laugh and a little spark under your feet this morning like I did :)
www.reelyredd.com/usa-guest-stanton-0109.htm Second one down called "Keep A Goin'."

That's really all I have the energy for right now. Off to teach ballet. Lots of love.

Southwestern Travels and A Whole Lotta Love

Dear readers (I say that as if I have hundreds upon thousands of devoted blogfans when really I know I'm speaking to a few faithful friends)-
I apologize for leaving you for the past two weeks. It wasn't intentional, I promise. More like, it has been wild and crazy (but in lots of good ways). First, let me say this- my new job as a parttime Spanish/ballet/hip hop/music & movement teacher for preschoolers is rewarding, hilarious, and exhausting (Red Bull has literally become a staple in my diet). In the course of minutes, I am surrounded by colorful tutus, tiny babies yelling in Spanish and questions like "Are you pregnant?" coming out of the mouths of 6 year olds. Let me tell you, there is nothing more motivating than hearing those words. P90x it is. Chris is going to join me.
It has been a lot to juggle because contrary to popular belief, I firmly believe that 25 hours worth of multiple parttime jobs is far more stressful than 40 hours a week of one full time job. It's the switching gears and living out of the back seat of your cars that really gets you. In the course of a day I am now changing diapers, writing lesson plans, or cramming for a microbiology exam. No big deal though. I love my munchkins, every single one of them, and classes are great (even though frustrating at times).
Let's skip ahead here now as Chris and I just got back from a FABULOUS trip to Arizona! We were checking out jobs and schools in the area. I will be honest when I say when he first mentioned the idea, I was less than excited. I had never had any interest in Arizona and as a former Texas ex-pat (not the correct terminology, but I don't really have a better word to use), I was terrified at the thought of heading BACK to the Southwest- after all, two years ago I was clawing my way out of it. HOWEVER. I. LOVE. ARIZONA. It is beautiful, warm, filled with art and Spanish influence, has AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, MIND BLOWING food, and is chock full of the friendliest people you will ever meet. I honestly cannot think of one single thing I DISLIKED about it. And that is rare for Mariah, the cynical New England lover. I think what sold me was walking around a store wearing red cowboy boots and a Stetson hat while music from the Rusty Spur Saloon blasted across the street. It's a totally different world but one that I feel quite comfortable and happy in. So we shall see :) Now if I could JUST find out if I get into/will get into nursing school...... oyyyyy still a little stressful, but trying my best to take things one day at a time and realize that no matter what it takes to finish school and get to the next step, my relationship will remain strong and constant. After all, all you need is love. That is truly what matters in the end- not fancy degrees or loads of money. Just love, plain and simple.
Now off to take the week by storm! Lots of love from a slightly warmer than normal Midwest :)