Life is like lemonade, and I like mine just the way it is.

Over the years I have been through ups and downs as anyone has. I have had many experiences that make me who I am today, and I have encountered several people that have had an impact on my life, good and bad. Recently a friend and patient of mine passed away and this is not the first time I have dealt with this. As I drove home the day I found out, I thought of all the other people that I have gotten close to over the years in my career and it scares me to think that eventually I will lose these people too. The pain of losing them is hard, but to think of my life without them is just ridiculous. I have enjoyed my moments with them and each of their life stories has enriched mine. I am happy that one of my good friends, Esther Gates, is a 90 year old woman who is no where near slowing down, heck this woman invented priority mail! So I am enjoying the people that enrich my life, even though I know sometimes I will suffer a loss, but all in all it is worth it. There is also a different side of this coin. There are people that have come into my life who have had a negative impact overall. I am a forgiving person at heart. I have given lots of people second chances, and even a few people have gotten third chances. But once you cause hurt to me or my family, you might as well have moved to Russia, because you will not be back in the good graces of this family again. My husband and I have worked hard to get where we are in life, and we are extremely happy. We love our life just the way it is. We don't feel the need to add more drama or take away the upcoming drama that may unfold. The recipe is just right, and I think we have just the perfect blend, no more lemons needed. 03.15.11

The three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.

Just the other day I was complaining about the fact that I was walking through the isles at Target before Halloween and there were already Christmas decorations up. It was too early, I was not ready for that yet! Now Here I sit on December 7th and I wonder where the time went. My son is almost a year old and my daughter is this little girl and no longer a baby. She told me the other day when we were putting up the tree that she thought the tree was inspiring. Where did she learn a word like that and how does she know how to use it? I told her she was inspiring to me and she said that is awesome. This kid cracks me up. Grant is as cute as can be, mouth with 4 teeth on the top and bottom, the smile that warms my heart the second I see him. He loves me so much and gets so excited when I walk in the door, he even hugs me when I pick him up. My husband and I have been together for eight years now, longest relationship I have ever had, and I am so lucky to have him in my life. We actually went on a date the other night to the place where we first had dinner together, Logan's Steakhouse, all orchestrated by him. Even after 8 years the guy still can be romantic and thoughtful. I am so lucky to have all that I do in my life, this is way more than I expected and I am thankful for all of it. My job is going very well, I have such passion for helping people and I have even began a foundation in Alison's honor that helps people hear who cannot afford it. It makes my weeks go by fast because each day I love what I do, so I get to enjoy the work week as well as the weekend! We got to spend some time with my grandparents recently as well as my parents. Everyone flew in for Angela's baby shower. It was wonderful to have family time and to celebrate the two little ones that are entering our family. I can't wait to have these babies here, to be an aunt, and to see my sister as a mother. See I can't even stop gushing about all the stuff in my life that just plain rocks. So there you have it my three essentials that make my happiness. My family, my career and being a mom, and all that is coming along for us in the future! 2010 has been a fantastic year! 12.07.10