50 things that make me happy

April 11, 2012

Before starting this blog, I thought to myself “What did I blog about one year ago today?” I looked back and saw that one year ago yesterday I wrote Remembering Nana. I wrote that blog before I went to bed the night of her (my grandmother’s) funeral. I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since her death.

Thinking of Nana reminded me not only how much I miss her, but how happy she made me. The perfect fuel I needed to start the ‘blog fire’. Below are 50 things that make me happy. Are any of these on your happy list?

  1. Fresh manicure/pedicure
  2. Ice cream
  3. Actually, just food in general…
  4. Finding the most perfect outfit for an occasion
  5. Entertainment magazines
  6. A freshly mowed lawn
  7. The smell of spring
  8. A tough workout
  9. Bath with candles
  10. Wine
  11. Mad Men
  12. Approaching a red light only to have it turn green before I stop
  13. The feeling of the sun when it hits my face
  14. The ocean
  15. Kittens
  16. Vacations
  17. Receiving hand-written cards
  18. Finding a parking spot close to the store/restaurant
  19. Picking out presents
  20. Impressing my coworkers
  21. Getting A’s in school
  22. Organization
  23. Reading books for fun (no more school books!)
  24. When I receive a random kudos from a coworker or client
  25. Amusement parks
  26. Threaded eyebrows
  27. Sleep
  28. Dancing to 80′s music
  29. Nailing a client presentation
  30. Wearing pumps that don’t hurt my feet
  31. Good hair days
  32. When I shop online and find my purchases waiting at my doorstep
  33. Sparkling car after a car wash
  34. When I get money back on my tax return
  35. Laughing so hard I cry
  36. Making a new recipe that turns out SO yummy
  37. When I get surprised (the good kind of surprised)
  38. Traveling
  39. Finding money in the pocket of my jeans
  40. Being healthy
  41. When my cat crawls on my lap all by herself
  42. Weddings
  43. Feel-good movies
  44. Waking up refreshed and ready for the day
  45. When I cross everything off my ‘to do’ list
  46. Flowers (not just receiving them, but seeing them bloom!)
  47. Seeing elderly couples hold hands
  48. Massages
  49. Afternoon naps (weekends of course!)
  50. Though this is #50, it is #1 in my life–being with my family/friends/the man. No comparison to anything else.

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Posted by Jackie

Work like a boss

March 8, 2012

I saw this picture and it struck me. I certainly don’t have to think like a man to be successful. But is it that simple?

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Posted by Jackie

2011 Reflections; 2012 Forecasts

January 3, 2012

I’m not one to usually ‘be ready’ for a New Year to begin. The holiday season is my favorite time of year. With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, there’s a part of me that wishes it could last forever.

This year was different.

2011 was still a great year! A lot of exciting events happened: Scott (boyfriend) graduated from pharmacy school and Charlie (brother) graduated from the University of Michigan. I celebrated my two-year anniversary at Borshoff, was promoted to an account manager, and also visited Las Vegas and New Orleans for the first time. My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Key West where they so kindly let Charlie, Scott and me tag along. I made my first ‘big girl’ purchase and bought a new car (Love my Rav4!). And, I just got back from the most amazing vacation in Ft. Myers with Scott’s family where we rang in the New Year on the beach as we released paper lanterns into the night sky.

However, 2011 was also a sad year. I lost two grandparents (my mom’s parents) within four months of each other. My other grandmother’s health declined significantly, and my uncle divorced. I’ve been very fortunate throughout my life, but these events have taught me how to grieve and that it’s okay to do so.

But now 2012 is here and it will certainly be a year of change for me. In May, Scott and I will celebrate our four-year anniversary. It will also be around this time (maybe even sooner) that we start looking for a house of our own. I can’t wait!! Slowly, we’re taking that next big step so who knows what will come after (or before) that…

Also in May—GRADUATION! I will finally complete my MA degree at IUPUI. Next Thursday I begin the first class of my last semester (taking two classes). I’m actually looking forward to classes starting just because it’s one step closer to saying hello to my diploma in May and goodbye to outside assignments after work hours. It’s a good thing Scott and I are buying a house because I’m going to have to find a hobby or something to keep me busy with all my extra free time. Good thing I love decorating and organizing.

Finally, this September I turn 25. That’s halfway between 20 and 30. I consider that a huge milestone, too.

With that said, I’m excited the New Year is here so I can start making small steps to big changes in my life. I am more than ready for the next stage to begin.

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Posted by Jackie

Remembering Bubbie

September 7, 2011

My maternal grandfather died on August 27. It happened just five months after his wife, my Nana, died (March 31). I couldn’t imagine losing both of my parents just months apart. I know Bubbie wanted to make sure he was there to take care of Nana while she battled her disease.  After she passed, I think he was ready to go himself.

I was able to spend a lot of time with Bubbie just one month ago. The family celebrated his 90th birthday in July. And now he is gone–it happened so fast. He wasn’t ill, however, slowly, his body was giving out on him—kidney failure. I wasn’t there the night he died, however, my mom tells me his last words were “Let’s go!” as he took off his oxygen mask. He was not afraid of death.

Of course I am sad that he is gone, but there is a part of me that is happy; happy that he and Nana are finally reunited. I bet they are having a ball up there! I find comfort knowing that they are together again.

The funeral for Bubbie was this past weekend. It was wonderful seeing the family again, despite the circumstances. The ceremony was beautiful and held in the Catholic Church. I read Psalm 91 and my mom spoke, like she did at Nana’s funeral. My mom’s words were touching. She reminded everyone that her dad was a man from the greatest generation that ever lived—he was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and saw action in the South Pacific as a navigator, flying supplies into Guadalcanal. After the war, his faith, family and country were the things that remained the most important to him.

I held it together during the funeral. However, when the honor guard came to the cemetery to honor their fallen brother, I lost it. About 15 veterans came in uniform to show their support. They were already in front of the grave, rifles in hand, when we arrived.  One member of the guard led the other veterans and saluted my grandfather after they shot their rifles and a lone bugler played Taps. They then presented my family with the American flag that was draped over his casket. It was very emotional and something I will never forget.

Here are some pictures of the honor guard at the cemetery.

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Rest in peace, Bubbie. You lived a long, wonderful life and were loved by so many. I love you.

Obituary

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Posted by Jackie

My ‘real’ to-do list

July 29, 2011

I am really into organization and lists. I love making lists. I love crossing things off lists. My lists are usually work and school related. However, if I had it my way, here’s what my to-do list would look like:

  • Sing
  • Smile at strangers
  • Play with puppies and kittens
  • Keep learning
  • Eat chocolate with no regret
  • Buy everything on sale
  • Think happy thoughts
  • Dance, dance, dance
  • Notice kindness
  • Eat ice cream daily
  • Make the most perfect cups of coffee
  • Sleep in
  • Read for fun
  • Hope
  • Dream
  • Count my blessings
  • Laugh
  • Love
  • Love some more

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Posted by Jackie

Food for Thought

June 18, 2011

I’m really not into email chain letters. However, every so often my mom or dad will send me one and I read every word. I don’t forward them on, but they are good to share elsewhere; like Adult Truths. This past week, my dad sent me one that I thought was really something else. I
bolded the lessons I thought were particularly good reminders.

Supposedly, this was written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of Cleveland, Ohio.

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.”

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your
friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is useless.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the
present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what
their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be
in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t
worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath, It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or
joyful.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the
second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life,
don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy
lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, and then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In
five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone, everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is; it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of
anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative–dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone
 else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

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Posted by Jackie

Happy Birthday…to my Blog!

May 22, 2011

I would fail as a mother if this blog was actually human. My first blog was published May 18, 2010, so let me rephrase… Happy BELATED Birthday my lovely blog! I can’t believe it’s been a whole year. I first started blogging because I had to…an assignment for my summer 2010 graduate class on social media. Though I was skeptical in the beginning on what exactly to blog about, it didn’t take long for me to come up with content. I’m a busy lady…work happens, school happens, bad stuff happens, good stuff happens, life happens. My cognitive juices are always flowing and I can type crazy-fast. Put the two together and voila! BLOG.

In honor of my blog’s 1st birthday—this post is dedicated to two special celebrations! My boyfriend Scott (err… Dr. Booziotis) has graduated from pharmacy school!  Congrats to my handsome PharmD! Well… it’s about time! Anyone who has to endure six years of school deserves a diploma, a job, a party in your honor… and a case of beer. Lucky for him, he got all four. I couldn’t be more proud!

Another thing to celebrate…our three-year anniversary! I don’t mean to get all sappy…but three years is definitely an accomplishment. In the card I gave him I wrote, “I’m down to keep going if you are?” He smiled and accepted, and then gave me a Tiffany’s necklace of a butterfly. He know’s the butterfly is meaningful to me because of Nana. God, he’s good. I will wear it always.  

So Happy Belated Birthday blog, Happy Graduation Scott and Happy 3-Year Anniversary to us!

OK, back to reality. I have to prep for a client meeting tomorrow morning and begin research for a class term paper. Oh yes…class. I’ll share all the details about my new summer class in my next post!

Toodaloo!

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Posted by Jackie

Life’s Mantra

May 17, 2011

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Posted by Jackie

Remembering Nana

April 10, 2011

On March 31, my maternal grandmother died.

Today was her funeral. (Technically April 9, since it’s a little after midnight)

As I write this, I am sitting in my aunt and uncle’s basement recollecting about the day. For the first time, in a long time, the family was together again. And, though, the circumstances of our gathering were anything but pleasing–the support and love surrounding us all was immense. (Photo: Charlie, Nana and me on Butler graduation day. May 2009)

Nana had been sick for a long time. Dementia. Alzheimer’s—what an awful disease. She had no idea who I was anymore–not just me–the whole family. Nana came to live in Indianapolis in the fall of 2008. My mom visited her at the nursing home almost every single day. As time passed, Nana got worse. My mom told me not to go visit with her. “I don’t want you to remember your grandmother this way…” she’d tell me. “Just remember the good times.” I came across pictures of Nana on my mom’s phone one day. Nana was frail, in a wheelchair, her brown curls turned flat and white, face was gaunt—but boy, she never stopped smiling.  I ached for my mom.

The funeral was beautiful. The flowers; the number of guests who paid their respects. Though I am one of six grandchildren, I felt so honored and grateful for having known my grandmother and the person she was.  Charlie read Psalm 23. My cousin, Mark, spoke on behalf of the grandchildren–reminiscing about memories with Nana. Then my mom got up and spoke on behalf of the family. She was peaceful, positive and poised. I was so proud of her. At the close, a friend of Nana’s sang “On Eagles Wings” and people joined in on the chorus. My dad and two uncles, along with Charlie and my two male cousins were pallbearers. It was moving and emotional.

This was my first family funeral. Though Nana’s death was not necessarily a surprise—it didn’t make the passing any easier. I had many thoughts and questions running through my head that I wanted to share with Nana, so I decided to write her a letter. The night before the funeral, I did just that. I expressed my sadness, memories of joy, my love for her, but also how selfish I felt for wishing she was still here. I put the letter in an envelope and wrote “Nana” on the outside. Today, I slipped it next to her while the casket was open. Knowing that it is buried with her, and will be read by her only, offers me closure.

In closing, Nana’s death was extremely sad, but my mom and Aunt Sue thought of it different. My aunt brought about 25 decorative butterflies to the funeral today. We pinned them to the flowers surrounding the room and on the casket. I asked “What’s the deal with the butterflies?” My mom responded, “For so long, Nana’s spirit was cooped-up in this deteriorating body and she was unable to escape. But now, she has finally immersed from her cocoon and is able to spread her wings. The butterflies represent Nana.”

Rest in peace, Nana. You lived a long, wonderful life and were loved by so many. I love you.

Obituary

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Posted by Jackie

Love Love

February 16, 2011

I know I’m a little late on this, since Valentine’s Day has passed, but I needed time to decide how exactly to state my position.

A lot of people are hostile on or around Valentine’s Day and it confuses me why. How can  a “Day of Love” be scorned so much? I think people despise it for different reasons. Instead of Valentine’s Day, it has become “Singles Awareness Day;” a day that reminds people that they are still single without someone special in their life. People also think Valentine’s Day is overrated; “it’s not that great and it just gives couples the permission to flaunt their love, treats and flowers to the world.” From what I saw on Facebook and Twitter alone, I couldn’t believe the negative attitudes some people had. I just don’t get it. I’m not saying my opinion is correct, but I think people are missing the point.

I’ve been single on Valentine’s Day. I’ve been (and am currently) in a relationship on Valentine’s Day. What I am trying to say is…I’ve seen both sides. However, you will never see me bash it. Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day for lovers…it’s a day to remind those, who you do love, how much you care about them. You don’t need to be romantically involved to appreciate Valentine’s Day. This year, I sent 16 Valentine’s Day cards out; three of those cards were for boys (my dad, brother and boyfriend) and 13 went to my girlfriends or other family members. My girlfriends mean everything to me! They deserve a Valentine just as much as my man! I also brought chocolates to work for my coworkers and even had a Valentine’s Day dinner with friends since my boyfriend was out-of-town on the day.

My point is, instead of dreading the day, embrace it. Think about all those that bring joy or love into your life. Honestly, we shouldn’t have to have a holiday like Valentine’s Day to remind those who we love, that we love them. We should just do it anyway.

With that said, I do hope everyone had a pleasant Valentine’s Day. And if you didn’t, know that I love you for just taking the time to read this blog post.  :)

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Posted by Jackie

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