I can’t believe you’re already a teenager! It feels like just yesterday you were a little girl, and now you’re blossoming into a young woman.
I’m so proud of the kind, compassionate, and intelligent person you’re becoming. You have a bright light that shines wherever you go, and I can’t wait to see what incredible things you accomplish.
To celebrate this special day, we’re off on an adventure to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA! I can’t wait to see the joy on your face as we ride the roller coasters, splash around in the water park, and make more unforgettable memories together.
Have a fantastic birthday, my love! I hope it’s filled with laughter, thrills, and everything that makes you happy.
Would you rather see ten minutes into the future or travel ten years into the past?
3001 This or That Questions -chartwell books
If I was asked this question in the past I know for a fact that I would have answered differently.
My answer today: Travel ten years into the past
Let me first explain that my option to travel 10 years in the past is not to make a life changing decision or to do something to change my future.
10 years ago I became…
I became part of the woman I am right now. Back then I couldn’t see it. But today I can definitely see it and I celebrate the hell out of this woman. She experienced a lot. She overcame a lot more.
As painful as it’s been, I wouldn’t trade it. Not even the saddest of the sad moments and situations. It all played a part in shaping me into the woman I am.
Believe me when I tell you that I haven’t always been real namastè, forgiving, understanding or caring. There was a point in my life where I was shootdadink…for those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, here’s a video for you.
I didn’t care about anyone but myself…
My answer 10 years ago: See ten minutes into the future
See…I hadn’t realized the joy of living in the moment and enjoying the little things like hearing, seeing, and feeling. I always wanted to know what to expect. I wanted to know what would happen in the future so that I would just know and so I could have some sense of controlling the outcome.
I grew into this person that I am and it damn sure wasn’t easy. I’ve had to go high when they went low. I’ve had to suck it up and roll with it. I’ve had to learn to forgive. I’ve had to endure some real hard shit. And it wasn’t until I lost my Mom that I learned that even when you know the outcome you’re still not prepared. You can’t simply “get” ready. You think you can…
So why not enjoy the little things now, instead of wishing you had later? If you know the future, that will be your focus. Your concern, your worry. What if you don’t see what you had hoped for? What if you saw something great but you self sabotage it?
Enjoy today…the moment. Sit. Listen to yourself breathe…and really think. It sounds amazing. It feels amazing…not everyone is able to do so…cherish it…
If you had to choose, what would you pick and why??? Travel ten years in the past or see ten minutes into the future…
Friendship is trust, care, sharing, responsibility, loyalty, understanding and support.
A friend is someone who understands your past,
doesn't judge you,
believe in your future,
supports and accepts you today the way you are...
Enjoy every moment with friends.
Today's beautiful moments are tomorrow's beautiful memories.
I have had some good ones and I have had some shitty ones.
Regardless of the outcome, I appreciate them all because they are serving or have served their purpose.
What a better way to start the weekend! Spend some time with your dearest friend(s).
Still not easier…in fact, it’s harder than last month.
I temporarily lost access to my best friend. The love of my life. The other half of my soul.
I reflect on how I wish you were able to meet him. He’s really a great guy. I can only imagine the conversations that you two would have had. Oh my goodness. You’d talk for hours. He’s the one that would have a beer with you. I even think, he would of been the one that could sweet talk you out of the house on a trip with us.
There is still so much I want to pick up the phone and talk to you about. My feelings, what’s going on, and get your advice, hear you sing or make a joke about anything and everything.
Your picture scrolled across my TV when it went to sleep yesterday. I looked at it and smiled. It was Brother’s going away party. You were standing next to him with his friends. I remember that day like it was yesterday. You were tired that day and you didn’t feel well but you made your way to his party. The party that I orchestrated. You were ready to go before it got dark so that you were at home. It was super hot outside and for a moment I had to make you come inside. You were sweating profusely and just didn’t want to be around “family”. Oh I understand now. Hell I don’t want to be around them now myself.
I sometimes find myself mad that I didn’t understand things that you told me growing up. And then I think maybe back then those weren’t things that I needed to understand. But now I have so many questions. I can hear you now. “Just shut up talking and listen! You ask so many damn questions. Inquisitive Ivy…” LOL. I loved it. You may have been one of few people who walked this earth who can make me hush.
There are days where I really forget that you are truly gone. And when I remember it hurts like it’s Day One all over again. I restart the stages of grief at least a few times a week. But it is ok. My new grief counselor says it’s normal. You never get over it. You learn to live with it…now that sounds better than time heals all wounds.
In My Unapologetic Life... 