Family

I love my family. I honestly have this great group of somewhat odd, but loving community of people who have the same blood in their veins that I do. My family obviously has shaped so much of who I am and it makes me thankful that I like them so much.
My mom (Nora) and sister (Rachael) came to visit me in Beaver Falls, PA for a long weekend. I had a lot of fun with them. I think the thing with family is that you just feel normal. I mean, there is this place that I automatically fit into and it feels comfortable and normal. So I spent some time showing them around (they have both been here before) and we did a bit of shopping, but for the most part it was just great to be with them.
But as I am thinking about family I can't help but think of all the other people in my life who have helped shape who I am and I am struck by this amazing "extended family" that I have found in my closest friends. Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to Chicago and spend the weekend with my friend Steph. I got to see part of her world and meet some of the people in her life. I feel at home with Steph and I think she helps me understand myself better.
So today I am thinking about family and reflecting on the 2 great weekends that I have recently had. Thanks to all of "my people" for the role you play in my life and for taking care of me. I love you guys!

These are the women I have been privileged to work with this year. I have been surprised by them, stretched by them, challenged by them, frustrated by them and loved by them. And now, any more lessons I will learn from them will all happen in hindsight. Tonight we had our last gathering before we all part ways.
Today I have been thinking about what it means to end something. Life is full of transitions and I often times choose to jump into what's next before I take time to process what I am loosing.

A Tribute to Things

I have decided that there are a lot of things in life that I really like...I mean I really enjoy. Unfortunately, as much as I enjoy these things, I neglect to pause, and be thankful. So right now I am going to take this moment to be thankful for: Downy Wrinkle Releaser, nice smelling candles, my crystal nail file, q-tips, my cell phone, pinatas (seriously, who doesn't love them), my ghetto razor scooter, acne medication, frozen dinners, coupons, wind chimes, my watch, remote controls, mp3 players, talk radio, deodorant, the ability to read, sidewalk chalk, Jack Handy's Deep Thoughts...