Happiness

5. What are 5 things that make you most happy right now?

Lets see. This should be fairly simple.

1. My husband and the love we share. Its my favorite thing.

2. The fact that the OKC Thunder are killing it this season, but more importantly that my favorite player is doing so well! (And Joel said he wouldnt last....HA!)

3. Volunteering, volunteering, volunteering. We have been volunteering at Jewel Box and Poteet theatre whenever we can and I love that its a way to be involved but not live there.

4. Peanut. I mean, how can you not look at this little guy's head and smile.

5. Knowing that in 20 weeks, 1 day, 16 hours and 27 minutes Jeremiah and I will be flying to New York for our ONE YEAR anniversary. It doesnt seem real, but the anticipation of it makes me so happy!!!



Dear 16 year old self....

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.


This one is actually super hard for me to think back and figure out. I guess I feel like that was an incredibly long time ago (almost 11 years now....weird). So here it goes.
 
1. Your family may be falling apart right now, but I promise things will get better so just hang in there. They may never be the same...but life goes on and they do get better!
 
2. When Tommy asks to hold your hand, dont make fun of him for asking. He's being a gentleman and you're just too caught up in what you think a "real man" should be like you dont even recognize it.
 
3. Dont let Gabe's smooth talking and your need for affection fool you. You dont need him in your life. Just say no. He's not the one. You'll meet the one 8 years later and he's amazing. I know 8 years doesnt sound like fun, but he's worth it.
 
4. Take care of yourself. Dont use food as a crutch because it will haunt you for the rest of your life.
 
5. Its okay that you dont want to go to college. You will have plenty of skills to find work that dont require a degree. And not having a degree does not make you less of an important person.
 
6. I know driving seems scary to you because of the accident last year. But know that not everyone's breaks go out....that was a fluke situation. You can drive, and drive safely. Look that fear in the eye and do it. You'll be glad you did.
 
7. You're going to want an escape from the chaos that is going on in your family life. I know the pain seems unbearable, but dont medicate the feelings. Dont think a pill can make it go away. You'll feel foolish and guilty for thinking so later if you do. Find other outlets of release.
 
8. Get involved in musical theatre now. Though you would eventually find it later in life, why waste 5 years without feelings fulfilled. Its your passion and you just dont realize it. You also will think you cant do it. But you can.
 
9. Help out your mom more. You dont realize how hard it is for her right now. You know its hard, but you have no idea how hard. Hug her more. Help her more. And know that she too will be restored.
 
10. Its okay that your dad is gay. I know that this seems like the most horrible thing that could ever happen. But its okay. Its not something to be ashamed of. Its okay to mourn what you thought your dad was, but embrace who he is. It may not always be easy, but love is love.

Relationships with Parents

( I think its funny that whenever my sister blogs, it reminds me that I need to!)

My relationship with my parents seems to be ever changing. You're always going through a different stage though some things stay the same. My love never waivers thats for sure.

My mom is and will forever be my life's greatest "staple". Shes the one that I can run to for anything. The most calming thing is to lay in her lap and let her stroke your hair. It makes you forget all your worries and cares and just feel love. She is the reason I am who I am. I hope to be like her more every day. She's a strong woman full of real faith and love. Who wouldnt want that? What they say about your evolving relationship with your mom is true. Im not sure when it happens, but it does. Shes not only an amazing mom but she's an amazing friend. I would be absolutely lost without my mama.

My dad is my dad. I feel like our relationship is always changing. Life sometimes gets in the way of us being as close as we may be at other times. But all in all he is still my dad. I still miss him. I still love him with all my heart. It is extremely hard sometimes. But at the end of the day, I know that I want him in my life in some fashion. We dont speak as often as we should and we certainly dont see each other very often. We both have our own lives, and our own paths. Occasionally they cross and those are usually good things. I know that he would do whatever he could to be there for important things. I know his love is limitless with his kids. I am proud that he is finding happiness in his life as I have found mine. But as I said, sometimes life just makes it more difficult than you had thought it would be.