One More Week and It will be a Year

This year has been a, no pun intended, huge year for me to address my health and fitness. I am approaching the one year mark on the beginning of my weight loss journey. In fact, hold on; let me check, I had Madeline take “before” pictures of me, so I wanted to check the date anyways. April 6, 2011. I just looked at the pictures, and I don’t even recognize myself.

When I cleaned out my closet, I saved the shirt and pants I had on in the photos so I could have Madeline take a picture of me at the one year mark. It took a year for me to lose 60 pounds. I don’t even know how many total inches – I know over 10 in my waist, and dropped five or six dress sizes. I am back to where I was 21 years ago and could easily fit into my wedding dress.

It hasn’t been an easy journey. I had to learn everything I could about nutrition and exercise. The strength training has helped me so much. Learning I don’t have much muscle and that is why it is harder for me to burn off body fat has helped me be more patient. I knew I was in it for the long haul and had to travel the journey alone.

So am I done? No. I still have a ways to go. Not looking for any particular number on the scale, in fact I have learned not to weigh myself and focus on the number, but to think about how my clothes fit. That is what it is all about for me is the clothes. I look in the mirror now, like what I see and know someday, I will look even better. A number on the scale is not what motivates me; it is the reflection in the mirror and shopping for clothes.

The trainer and my doctor, along with everything I have read on line said it will take a while for my body to adjust to my weight. Time and genetics will determine if I will lose excess skin; however, I will do my part, and when there is nothing more I can do, I may venture into the realm of plastic surgery.

My one year anniversary is getting close, and I had the need to share.

My Birthday

45. Wow. Can that be real? No way.

Happy Leap Day!

When I was growing up, I was so disappointed I wasn't born on Leap Day. It wasn't until I was older that I discovered the year I was born was not a Leap Year. Oh well.

An Extra Day?

Dang Leap Day! I have to wait an extra day for my birthday! lol

Struggle

I struggle. I can't focus. I don't want to go back to my old life, but it seems to me it would be much easier for everyone.

World's Greatest Children

Sometimes I feel bad because I have been so focused on myself lately. I question whether I have neglected my children in order to focus on myself. I remind myself that I need to be happy in order to be the best mom to the world's greatest children.

Community Service

I have always felt it is important to do community service. I stopped doing a lot of things over the past year, but right now, I really need to focus on myself. Someday, I hope to recommit to helping others.

Want to Help

I don't remember a lot of conflict with the older kids when they were pre-teens. I really want to help my youngest sort through some issues. I wish I could help him, I just have to figure out how.

Feeling Wanted

It was so nice to see my parents more over the past few months. The best part was when I was leaving my parent's house was when my mom hugged me and said she "was sad to see me go."

Decisions

Making a decision, and finding out later if it was right or wrong, is better then making no decision. I wish I was encouraged as a child to take risks.

Will I Find Happiness?

Why is life so complicated? I never thought my life would come to the point it has. I am confused. I want to be happy, but I am unsure of what will make me happy.

Song That Won't Let Go

Every once in awhile, I get a song stuck in my head, and I suddenly will hear myself singing it aloud. Right now the song is Crazier by Taylor Swift. A simple song.

I'd never gone with the wind
Just let it flow
Let it take me where it wants to go to
You open the door
There's so much more
I've never seen it before
I was trying to fly
But I couldn't find wings
But you came along and you changed everything

You lift my feet off the ground
You spin me around
You make me crazier, crazier
Feels like I'm falling and I am lost in your eyes
You make me crazier, crazier, crazier

I've watched from a distance as you made life your own
Every sky was your own kind of blue
And I wanted to know how that would feel
And you made it so real
You showed me something that I couldn't see
You opened my eyes
And you made me believe

Baby you showed me what living is for
I don't wanna hide anymore
Oh oh

You lift my feet off the ground
You spin me around
You make me crazier, crazier
Feels like I'm fallin' and I am lost in your eyes
You make me crazier, crazier, crazier
Crazier, crazier, crazier

How Tall Are You?

As I was standing next to my son, Andrew, looking in the mirror, I teased him that he is a little taller than me. He laughed and smiled his boyish smile, but looked slightly irritated.

I asked him if people still comment on his height.

"Every day."

Surprised, I asked him what people say.

" "How tall are you?" is the what people ask most of the time."

"Really? How often do people ask you?"

"Every day."

We both smiled in the mirror as I pulled him close and hugged him.

Friendship

As I watch my daughter grow up, I understand how important it is for her to learn about friendship. To learn about sharing and caring, and how friendship is the foundation to all relationships in her life and not to take them for granted.

To not be afraid to show her true feelings, nor pretend for the sake of hurting another, to express feelings she doesn't have.

Don't pretend.

Peace

Before I know it, I will reach the one year mark of the beginning of my journey. This journey has included taking the time to repair and restore myself emotionally, physically and mentally.

However, it now encompasses much more in my life. It has evolved into my reflecting on how I want to spend the remainder of my life. I need to find inner peace.

Faith

Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.

- Kahlil Gibran

Faith is what has been carrying me through my journey. Faith in knowing that the path I am choosing may be difficult, but knowing in my heart it is the path of destiny.

Believe

It was kind of sad today as I looked around the house with all the Valentine's Day decorations, and thought it may be the day to pack them away for next year.

I know the red, pink and white lights decorating the mantle, the rose covered hearts hanging on the wall and the heart covered table cloth may be a bit much for the holiday, but I can't help but smile when I look at them.

It reminds me of something I believe in that makes me feel alive.

Love.

Happy Valentine's Day

Two such as you with such a master speed,
cannot be parted nor be swept away,
from one another once you are agreed,
that life is only life forevermore,
together wing to wing and oar to oar.

-Robert Frost

How can I resist posting such a beautiful quote on Valentine's Day?

Hope

I found my strength today. I knew it was hiding in me somewhere, but I wasn't sure how much remained. The strength is there, I just need to believe in myself.

A Perfect Place to Wait

“You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you. That’s where I’ll be waiting.”

― JM Barrie, Peter Pan

I still think this is one of the most romantic quotes. The concept is powerful.

You Belong To Me

In the movie Shrek, it is very romantic when Shrek and Princess Fiona are sitting near a campfire having dinner on the last day of their journey.

Princess Fiona: Mmmm... This is good... mmm... this is really good... what is it?
Shrek: A weed rat, cooked rotisserie style!
Princess Fiona: No kidding... Oh, this is delicious!
Shrek: Well, they're also great in stews. Now I don't mean to brag, but I make a MEAN weedrat stew! [They both look over at the kingdom of Duloc]
Princess Fiona: I guess I'll be dining a little differently tomorrow night...
Shrek: Maybe you can come visit me in the swamp sometime... I'll cook all kinds of stuff for you: swamp toad soup, fish-eye tartar, you name it!
Princess Fiona: I'd like that... [he sucks up a weedrat tail, and awkwardly laughs. She smiles back at him, and their eyes meet. In the background, a love ballad, "You Belong To Me," plays]
Shrek: Um... Princess?
Princess Fiona: Yes... Shrek?
Shrek: I... um... I was wondering... are you... um... are you going to eat that? [he makes a gesture of frustration when she isn't looking. She places the weedrat in his hand, and they lean towards each other... ]

I think the person that said the one word definition of a fairy tale is SHARING is absolutely right. I would share my weedrat in a heartbeat.

Good Deed

It makes me feel good to think visiting people brightens their day. The bonus for me, is being able to smile for making someone else feel special.

Face the Day

Sometimes you need to have someone tell you to unwrap yourself from the fuzzy blanket and get out of the comfy chair.

Laughter at Dinner

Today was a particularly stressful day. But I heard something I haven't heard in awhile.

Laughter at the dinner table.

Safety Goggles

Benjamin is very creative, and I never know what device or apparatus will end up on the kitchen counter daily.

Today, he made a carbon dioxide, simple for lack of better term, distillery. Of course, it involved plastic cups, water bottle, multiple straws and a mixture of sugar, water and yeast.

Madeline saw this apparatus on the counter, and in a not so lady like fashion inquired as to the purpose of the device.

Laughing, I advised her to leave it alone. She couldn't resist and squeezed the water bottle.

Later when I was picking up Benjamin, the two of us decided to play a prank on Madeline.

Considering how gullible she is, Benjamin walked in the house and approached Madeline.

Benjamin: "Madeline. You know that thing on the counter? I don't want Mom to get mad, but I need to tell you. Whatever you do, don't squeeze the bottle. If you do it releases A LOT of poison gas into the air. It could be dangerous."

A few minutes later as I enter the room.

Madeline: "Mom? You know how you told us we should never tattle unless it is life threatening? Ummm. That thing on the counter releases poison gas and I squeezed the bottle making it release a lot more."

Benjamin and I burst out laughing. Yes, she is gullible. However, I think I need to keep some safety goggles in the kitchen because who knows what he is going to build. Now that I think about it, maybe a fire extinguisher.

Am I Really Different, or Just Me?

I have been told multiple times that I have changed and I am a different person.

I don't think so.

I think I have become the person I am suppose to be.

The Gift of Poetry

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love, but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward, nor tarries with yesterday.

--Khalil Gibran

Many years ago, I befriended a geologist at Wayne State University. He gave The Prophet by Khalil Gibran to me as a gift. Every once in awhile, I turn to this book of poetry and find something new, or read something again with new eyes.

His words have soothed my soul and provoked my thoughts. I am grateful to the man who introduced me to this poet, and now, so many years later, wonder what compelled him to give this gift to me.

Definitely, Maybe

In the fall, I wrote about something a priest said that bothered me. Many months later, I stand my ground.

I guess he never saw the love story of Will and April.

Betta Mating Endeavours

Tonight I took Benjamin to four stores in search of a female betta fish. Finally, the last pet store had one lone, remaining female and in minutes she was whisked home as a companion for Zen, the male betta.

Between stores, Benjamin educated me on the successful pairing of the male and female betta, along with detailed description of their reproductive habits. I wish them well in their mating endeavours, although I was informed she may be killed by Zen during the mating process.

It doesn't sound very Zen-like to me.

Sissy Groundhog

Happy Groundhog Day! I can never remember what it means if the groundhog sees his shadow. However, today I learned if he sees his shadow it scares him, he goes back into the ground and the prediction is we will endure six more weeks of winter.

I was told he is a sissy.

The groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Phil: sissy.
The groundhog at the Howell Nature Center in Michigan, Woody: not a sissy.

I wonder who ever came up with the idea?

What a Great Idea

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."

- Groucho Marx

Crazier

I think I found my wings.

Time Stops

Tonight I looked up and saw the moon. The sky was so clear, the moon was almost half full with a halo around it. A bright star twinkled.

I shivered from the cold, but I just had to look at the moon for a few more minutes.

This Is How I Want to Feel

I am guilty. Guilty of listening to this song performed by Garth Brooks and written by Bob Dylan more times then I will ever admit. The true romantic in me can't help it.

To Make You Feel My Love

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
There's no doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There ain't nothing' that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging on a rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothin' like me yet

There ain't nothin' that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love

-Bob Dylan

Mentally Tired

This has been a difficult weekend. I am torn up inside and just need to find some peace in sleep.

I need to find the shard of strength I have left, and hide it.

Rearview Mirror

Today I found a journal entry from January of 2010. In it, I wrote:

"So we can easily spend an entire life looking in a rear view mirror. Looking back. Wondering...what if? Wanting to participate in everything occurring around us, yet pretending to be content standing on the sidelines."

A few months later, I wrote:

"I am so depressed and sad. I wish I could make all of this pass."

As I read the entries this morning, I cried. I cried, and wished I could put my arms around my former self and tell her it is going to be okay. Tell her she will one day stop looking in the rear view mirror and smile again.

But most importantly, I would tell her she will feel alive again someday.

Emptiness

I don't like feeling empty inside.

It is easy to blame other people for the emptiness I sometimes feel.

I realized, giving so much of myself, and not wanting to give it, has made me feel empty inside. All along, it has been a choice.

I realized when I give from the heart, what I choose to give, I don't feel empty.

Gratitude

Every night before I go to sleep, I try and take a few moments to count my blessings. I have many reasons to be thankful.

Gratitude is missing in so many people's lives.

Mrs. Cleland's Biased Cut Dress of Satin

Today was a very touching day for me. I decided yesterday I was going to spend the day and visit my parents. As an added bonus, I decided to make chocolate chip cookies and deliver some to my father-in-law and my former brother-in-law's mom.

My father-in-law was not home, so I left the cookies in the side door, so he would have them when he returned from his errands. As I ventured down the street, to drop cookies off to my next recipient, I wondered if she would recognize me.

She opened the door with a smile and I felt compelled to introduce myself. She immediately welcomed me into her home, complimenting my scarf while asking me if I made it. Her eyes lit up as I presented my small gift of cookies and she complimented me on how they looked like they were from a bakery.

She made me feel so welcome in her home, wanting me to take my coat off and stay for awhile. We visited and talked about her son. Conversation with her came naturally as she asked about my children and we talked about her grandchildren.

The longer I stayed, the more comfortable we both felt as she told me of her honeymoon in New York City and spoke of her deceased husband. She showed me her wedding picture and I admired her youthful beauty and biased cut dress of satin, along with her dashingly handsome beau.

We laughed. She cried. We hugged.

She showed me pictures of her children and grandchildren, and like many people her age, expressed the sadness of not seeing them. She cried as she remembered her son who passed away a year and a half ago. I wrapped my arms around her, told her I was so sorry and couldn't imagine the pain she feels in losing a child.

When it was time for me to leave, she thanked me so kindly for coming to see her. I asked if next time I was in town, if I could come and visit her again. She smiled a big smile and said she would like it if I did. I told her next time I would call, in case she needed anything from the store, I would pick it up for her.

She thanked me many times for visiting, and as I walked down the front steps she told me to take care. As I backed out of the drive, she stood in her doorway and waved to me. I smiled and waved back.

As I saw her standing in the doorway, I was thankful for the time we spent together and I smiled as thought of her in her youth with a biased cut dress of satin. I can't wait to see her again.

It is Going to Get Worse, Before It Gets Better

A sound, solid piece of advice.

I am frustrated, angry, hurt, and sad. Logically, I know it will get worse, but it will be better someday.

Whoever came up with the quote didn't take into consideration the order of the wording. Maybe to protect the heart, the quote should be "It will be better, just get through the worst."

Sounds better to me.

Cupid's Arrow

I'm such a romantic. I love all holidays. Any holiday is a good reason to decorate the house. The kids have grown up in an environment where we have celebrated everything from Groundhog Day to the First Day of School.

I have greeted children at the school bus with warm cookies, and boxes of ice cream sandwiches. I have decorated the house and set the breakfast table with fancy dishes for many occasions. However, I secretly like one holiday best.

Valentine's Day.

Maybe it is all the hearts of pink and red. Maybe it is in the twinkling pink lights. It could be the chocolate covered strawberries. Or, maybe, just maybe, it is the belief in true love.

Studying

When Madeline was a freshman in high school, I knew how important it was for her to develop good study skills. I know how difficult it is when your surroundings distract you from the task at hand.

A few weekends before final exams, she and I would go to Panera Bread so she could study. It removed her from an environment where she is distracted by her IPod, phone and computer. It put her in a situation where she could focus only on her school work.

Of course, the tradition has been passed on to Andrew. The two of them studied together this morning. The goal is to do well in school, however the bonus is spending time together.

Reality

I am having such a difficult time coming back to reality. I knew I needed some time away from home, but being away just validated I waited too long.

My Feet Hit the Floor

Reality is slowly setting in. I guess my feet hit the floor. When I look out my window I see the still forest, and not the bright lights and movement of the city.

To be fair, my heart and head do appreciate stillness in my surroundings. I need the peacefulness and tranquility in my life. What I forgot about for all these years is how much I love the vibrant, artistic qualities of a city.

For a few days, I remembered. I remembered, I need both to feel alive.

Middle of Nowhere

no·where: state of nonexistence or seeming nonexistence.

Today, Benjamin had his final Quiz Bowl tournament of the season. The first match was a regular match with standard questions counting toward the team's points for the season.

However, the second match did not count as points and was just for fun. This type of match includes silly questions where there is no right or wrong answer.

Usually the audience is to remain quiet during the rounds, but this is the one time where words escaped my mouth before I could stop them.

It went something like this:

Facilitator: "Where is the middle of nowhere?"
Me: "Hartland."

Andrew was sitting next to me, and as soon as I said it, our eyes locked and we both started laughing.

I think I spent too much time in New York City.

Back to Reality

Today was my first day back home from my whirlwind trip to New York City. Reality set in as I unpacked my suitcases.

Brighton and Hartland are nothing like New York City.

Heart and Brain Agree

Last night we went to the top of the Empire State Building. As we rode the elevator to the top, I thought about what it would look like seeing the city from so high up.

When I walked out onto the observation deck, I was breathless. The lights twinkled in the city and I was overwhelmed at the view. At that moment, I felt my heart and brain both agree. I love New York City.

New York City Education

The girls make me laugh so much. Just to watch them and see their youthfulness makes me smile. They have learned so much on this trip including how to bargain to buy illegal handbags, how to hail a cab and how to get the check in a restaurant.

What a learning experience.

Broadway Books

The hotel we are staying at is right near the Theatre District of New York City. Tonight we went to see Jersey Boys and the night before the girls went to see Phantom of the Opera.

I am always amazed at plays because I can only imagine how much work and talent is needed for a production. As I sat in the theatre tonight, I was thankful I could block out my reality and place myself in another world for a bit.

Just to watch people with such great talent that they could mentally take me to another place is amazing. It is like reading a book, but I don't have to close my eyes and use my imagination because the characters are already there.

Times Square

New York is unlike any place. When we arrived, as we began our cab ride to Times Square, my first impression was that New York City looked like Chicago.

As we neared the hotel, we saw store fronts with glamorous dresses showcased in the window and gradually, my impression of the city changed. I noticed taller buildings, more taxi cabs and brighter lights.

When we arrived at the hotel, the girls thought the room was amazing! They stood on the windowsill of the full length windows overlooking Times Square and talked about how they had never seen anything like the city.

We ventured down into the square and along with many other people, looked up in awe at the lights. So many people walked around, cameras facing upwards, taking photographs of their surroundings.

I so badly wanted to love New York since I have wanted to come here for so long, but I was worried I wouldn't like the city. Initial reaction is...I think I am going to love this place!

Leaving for New York

Today, Madeline, her friend Jill and I will begin our big adventure to New York City! I am so excited!

Heart Ache

Andrew reminded me when I go away for the weekend, it will be the longest time I have left the house without he and his brother.

I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship with my children. I am thankful for every day I have to watch them grow and experience the world around them. All the laughter and the tears make every day of my life worthwhile.

I gave Andrew a big hug and told him I am going to miss him so much. Towering over me, he hugged me back, and said "Me too."

As I felt my heart tighten in my chest, I knew he would be okay, but I didn't like the heart ache. I sure am going to miss him.

First Time in New York

It is difficult for me to write my blog, because I keep thinking about my trip to New York with Madeline and her friend, Jill. Madeline is very creative and talented with her writing abilities, and I mentioned to her she needs to come up with a name for the trip.

She said she would think about it and let me know tomorrow.

I laughed, because later this evening when I was on the telephone with Jill's mom, a theme came across to me but I refrained from commenting. The conversation went something like this:

Her: So, you have never been to New York either?
Me: Nope.
Her: Wow. So you are all going to experience this for the first time together?
Me: Yep.

Inside, I am laughing, because I am thinking, first time? Should I say to the mom "Yeah, just three New York Virgins?" After I ended the telephone conversation, I mentioned it to Madeline, and we laughed as she came up with a few more inappropriate trip titles.

I can't wait to hear the final trip name.

All That Glitters

When I looked outside this morning and saw the sun rising, the forest looked like it was twinkling. The frost was thick on the tree branches and the sun was low enough on the horizon to make everything look sparkly.

Snug in the house was fine, but when I went outdoors, the cold air reminded me of Morocco in Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare:

All that glitters is not gold;
Often have you heard that told:
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold:
Gilded tombs do worms enfold.
Had you been as wise as bold,
Young in limbs, in judgment old,
Your answer had not been inscroll'd:
Fare you well; your suit is cold.

Pretty Woman

Vivian: People put you down enough, you start to believe it.
Edward Lewis: I think you are a very bright, very special woman.
Vivian: The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?

The other day I watched the movie Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. I have seen this movie many times, but I haven't watched it in awhile. As I was watching it, I was surprised as to how much I identified with Vivian right down to her talking about a carpet picnic, knowing how to drive a stick shift and fidgeting.

However, going a layer deeper, is Vivian's lack of self worth. I can certainly identify with that personality trait. Vivian is right. The bad stuff is easier to believe. I'm still figuring it out.

Heart on My Sleeve

I wear my heart on my sleeve for all to see. I can't hide the way I feel about someone or something. Sometimes I can find ways to conceal it, but most of the time, I fail.

The downfall of wearing your heart on your sleeve, is it leaves you vulnerable for people to hurt you.

However, I would rather wear my heart on my sleeve, and take the hurt that comes with it, because at least I know I am alive.

The Moon

Tonight I looked up at the moon. The sky was so clear and the stars were twinkling. It is almost a full moon, although I can't remember if it is considered a waxing or a waning moon.

I wondered how many people were taking a moment tonight to look up at the sky and admire it. So constant, yet always changing. No matter the shape, one thing is for certain - I always smile when I look at the moon.

Counting the Minutes

One week from today, I will be in New York City.

I have been thinking about what this trip represents to me. Of course, it is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my beautiful daughter, and enjoy the sense of adventure we have shared over the years.

There are many places I want to see in the world, however, NYC and Paris have always been a dream. Ever since I as a young girl, I have carried dreams of visiting both. Why?

I thought of how exciting it would be to immerse myself in the culture of both places. The art, history, fashion and architecture. The people, communities and food.

Since it is only a week away, I have to admit I am nervous. I might just stand there and cry. Tears of happiness and sadness. Happy because I finally get to see NYC. Sadness because it took me so long.

The One Who Tucks Them in at Night

Yesterday was a sad day. One of Benjamin's friend's mom died in a car accident. She was driving on an icy, dirt road and her car ended up wrapped around a tree. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

It was heartbreaking to see Benjamin's tears roll down his cheeks as he told me.

This morning, he looked at me with those big, blue eyes and said "That is the worst thing that could happen to a kid. To lose their mom. The one who tucks them in at night."

Later, as we were cleaning up from dinner, and I was getting ready to go to the store, Madeline and Andrew didn't say goodbye to me. Benjamin said to them "Hey, what if that happened to us like it did to Luke, and mom never came home again?"

Tears filled my eyes. Yes, it was a sad day.

Farewell Blog

Today, my blog is shut down.

I never meant any harm in writing it. I only wanted to use it as a tool to make me a better person. It has always been for me to learn about myself, nothing more.

I did learn a few things. I learned that I do have a lot of traditions with my children. I learned I do have memories of my childhood. I learned the simplest things in life are important to me.

But the most important thing I learned was I don't like feeling vulnerable.

Serendipity

ser·en·dip·i·ty/ˌserənˈdipitē/ Noun: The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way: "a fortunate stroke of serendipity."

I love the movie Serendipity, not only because it is such a sweet, romantic comedy, but the title of the movie is one of my favorite words. Over the summer, I would joke with Andrew about my favorite words and how one day I would make a list with all of them including moxie, soil, opines, façade, tchotchke and serendipity. Sometimes the words would make my list just because I would like to say them aloud, yet other times it is because of the meaning of the word.

Serendipity is because of both.

Do I believe in serendipity? Yes. I do believe that some things are meant to happen whether it is referred to as fate, chance, destiny or serendipity, I find it hard to believe it doesn't exist. It just sounds more intriguing when it is referred to as serendipity.

Saying the word serendipity makes me smile.

Happy New Year

A new day, a new year.