Today Is: When One Door Closes Another Door Opens Day

“The next right decision… what is it?” -- Oprah

“I feel very adventurous. There are many doors to be opened and I’m not afraid to look behind them.” – Elizabeth Taylor
“What He opens no one can shut and what He shuts no one can open.”
– Revelations 3:7

As the door to apartment 2-224 swings shut one final time it symbolizes much more than a secured entry/exit. With the closing of one door many other doors have opened. It is time to move on, both in the physical sense of moving out of my Denver apartment and downtown living style to moving into the unknown, the unexplored and the unpredictable. It is also time to shut the door to living a life of comfort and mediocrity; for the door of uncertainty and passion has swung wide open. For one of the first times in my life I feel that I am not only following after my dreams, I am chasing them rampantly. In previous years I’ve opened the doors of my dreams, however I’ve never had the courage to walk forward into the unknown and embark wholeheartedly shutting the door behind me. Instead, I have found myself stuck in the doorway, one foot inside the other skeptically out waiting for someone to come in, turn on the lights and show me around. This time is different! I hear the small voice inside myself say, “unlock the door of your dreams and walk boldly in with conviction.” So that’s what I am about to do. I hold the key to my own future, it’s time, and I’m finally ready to turn the lock, open the door, and place both feet inside with everything that I have!

“…when we might step through the doorway into something bigger, better – both beyond ourselves and yet more of ourselves at the same time.” – David Whyte

“Right now… today, you are only one choice away from a new beginning.” – Marcy Blochowlak No Glass Ceiling, Just Blue Sky

“…so surely it is with us, there is a voice within if only we would listen to it; that tells us certainly when to go forth into the unknown.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
“Pushing past the envelope of comfort – those edges we impose on ourselves – is where big stuff happens. Stuff the meaning of which we often don’t know at the time.” – Patti Digh Life is a Verb

Today Is: Fare Thee Well My Friend, Fare Thee Well Day

“Thanks for the memory… how lovely it was… It was swell while it lasted. We did have fun… so thanks for the memory… You never were a bore I thank you so much... Awfully glad I met you. Cheerio and toodleooh. Thank you so much!” – Rod Stewart “Thanks for the Memory”
“It’s the final steps of a journey that create an arrival.” – Sam Parker

Dear Denver,
I write this letter to you to show my deep appreciation and adamant love for the wonderful relationship we have established over the past two years. Although I met you long ago, I never was able to fully appreciate you and your beauty. As a young child, I never understood the history of your wisdom nor did I value your open mind; I was unaware of all the amazing traits that you have and all that you are capable of. It was not until I truly got to know you that I am now able to say that I am so much better for having you as a big part of my life. The past 24 months have been unforgettable and I have you to thank for that. I’ve gotten to know you quite well over these past couple of years and I’ve learned a great deal about you and about myself. I realized how much I love the city, I love being able to walk to almost all my destinations, I love that I can find serenity in your majestic surroundings but also am able to get lost in the commotion of others. I love that you accept all walks of life and your arms are open to all who wish to travel to see you. I love that no matter what time of day it is, you’re always ready to take on all adventures and that you have an unforgettable look about you when the sun hits you just right! I will always treasure the walks/runs, the late night events and entertainment, your impeccable taste for food, and the countless moments that are unable to be expressed in words; not to mention the great coffee shops that I spent many a hours at. Thank you for providing me with a greater sense of life; because of you I have come to understand the many blessings that I have been given and although it is with a distraught heart that I am packing my bags and saying goodbye, I know that it will not be forever. You have left quite an impression on my heart and when the day comes for me to return to the states I know that you Denver will be one of my first destinations that I must return to. Thank you for everything that you have provided me; I know that I am better because of you! As I drive away from my apartment one last time, I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. You are a one of a kind and I will always love you!

“A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.”

– George Moore

“It’s impossible to summarize love.” – Meghan O’Rourke

Today Is: S’aint You Special Day

“She was designed by the power of the universe and sent forth on a mission so profound that her impact cannot be fully explained.” – Sidney Poitier Life Beyond Measure

“The Code of The Flying Paint Saint,” she said clearly states, “Friends know friends never paint alone.”

Last night I was saying my well wishes to my old roomie as we both backed up our cars with the last of our belongings eager to move on to our next great adventures. As I drove away it hit me yet again that this was the end of another chapter. I called my dear friend Jess, wanting desperately to hear her familiar friendly voice in hopes that she would know exactly what to say to make me feel better. We discussed briefly a few logistics about i have. i give. and then said our goodbyes; I wasn’t willing to open up about my saddened state after all. As her end of the phone went dead I began to sob; I felt alone and apart. As I drove over to Home Depot on my way to buy paint for my empty apartment the tears continued to flow until I received this message, “I was gonna ask you if you decided you were gonna paint? If so I can help! Let me knowJ” It was Jess. I’m not sure if she could hear the sadness in my voice or if she could feel the hurt and sorrow of my heart through the phone but somehow she knew I needed her; must be the Flying Paint Saint Instinct.

We painted well into the night laughing hysterically about the fact that we had to paint in the dark (with the exception of the bright light that my Flying Paint Saint was radiating). Thanks to my Flying Paint Saint my night ended up being wonderful despite the conditions. Just like the light that exuded from her in that dark room she left me glowing with both great joy and gratitude. I cannot thank her enough. The visit from my Flying Paint Saint lit up my night and painted both my room and my life with brighter colors.

“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind, ‘Pooh!’ he whispered. ‘Yes, Piglet?’ ‘Nothing,’ said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw. ‘I just wanted to be sure of you.’” –A.A. Milne

“Helping out is a gift that comes from the heart.” – Diana

Today Is: You Taught Me... Day

"We're here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark." -- Whoopi Goldberg

You taught me to believe in the beauty of my dreams
(thanks for always believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself)

You taught me when you want something bad enough you must do all you can to achieve it
(thanks for helping me start achieving my dreams with the i have. i give. project)
You taught me how to cry just as hard as I laugh
("Those who don't know how to weap with their whole heart don't know how to laugh either.") You taught me to appreciate and understand others,even when I don't think that there is anything worth understanding
(your love/obsession for celebrities, People Magazine, celebrity gossip and fashion)

You taught me to love like a child
(you're innocence and pure joy over Winnie the Pooh and Disney)

You taught me the importance of friendship
(roomie dates, dinners, and countless late night talks and questions games) You taught me how to accept help and receive compliments
(I didn't say I learned)

You taught me how to drink red wine
(although I still prefer beer)

You taught me how to love wholeheartedly
(diving head first into something because it's better to have loved than to have lost)

You taught me how to give advice
(even when you might not have been asking for it)

You taught me how to make fun of myself
(that's not hard to do!)

You taught me to have patience
(when giving cooking lessons especially)

You taught me to have fun and laugh at all times
(singing in the car, dance parties, x-mas decorating, and who could forget BAR games)

But most of all Erica, you taught me that life is best lived when shared with others!

Thanks for the memories, the love and the laughter! You will be missed:)

Today Is: The Beginning of Another Chapter Day

"I could fold those words into a letter whispered just after these words, ' I am on the cusp of a remarkable journey. All the longings of my life have led me to this amazing transition in my experience.' Ah, yes. Jump." -- Maryanne Radmacher









Some of my besties getting together one last time at the Raven's Nest:
( No furniture = floor party)

A few more photos of one of my favorite nights at the Nest!
Oh how I'll miss you 2-224

As I sit in my empty apartment I can feel the sadness begin to well up behind my eyes in the form of tears. Each moment I spend staring at the blank walls and empty living space I am reminded that this is the end of yet another chapter of my story. The end of a time in my life I thought that I wanted to last much longer; a time where I thought I would have more accomplished, loved more, and discovered much more. Instead I leave my last few years behind; my most treasured possessions packed away in boxes, my memories stored away in a safe place and the rest of my things discarded like yesterdays trash. As I begin to prepare for the future I begin to reminisce about the past. When I moved in this place two years ago I of course thought I had it all figured out; then all of a sudden something unexpected comes along and knocks you off track and you have to find a way to not only stand on your own two feet again but move forward on your own. As I pack up the last of my things, memories from the past twenty-four months in apartment 2-224 (aka the Raven's Nest) come flooding back to me. It was an unforgettable time in my life and a time that I feel like I grew up the most in. For the first time in my life I feel like I know what life wants from me and I'm going to do all I can to answer that call. This experience has taught me a lot about life and how to truly live it. With the last few days left in this empty place, it leaves me time to think about all that I have learned, all that I have become and all that I long to be in the future. It also leaves me with a deep appreciation and utter gratitude for what I had here and the relationships that I developed. I do not know what will come in the next twenty-four months; no one does, but what I do know is that no matter where my next chapter begins this is not the end of my book. My story just keeps getting better and better; you just have to keep reading.

"What do you pack to pursue a dream and what do you leave behind?" --Sandra Sharpe

"Continue to live toward your dream -- the ultimate embrace of it will be worth your journey." -- Elizabeth Gilbert

"The knowledge of your destiny may stalk you for years, undetected except for occassional moments of longing or hope that glint like eyeshine in your darkest hours. Then when you least expect it, a Wildly Improbable Goal (WIG) will leap out of nowhere and overwhelm you in one breathtaking burst." -- Martha Beck

"I will make a commitment to fulfilling my dreams no matter what I may be feeling and I will dare to move forward in the face of life's challenges. I will believe that what God has placed inside me is superior to the mountains that stand in my way." -- Lance Wubbles

Today Is: Until We Meet Again My Friend Day

“The language of friendship is not words but meanings.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Okay Buddha”, I hear Lili’s sweet little voice say to me from across the cube. After I compose myself from the stifled laughter, I quickly hit “REPLY” and send off a few more words of wisdom. Lili, my cube mate, has become an instant friend and today was her last day of her internship so I dedicate this post to her.

Lili, although I will never be able to articulate into the proper words what you and your friendship have meant to me, here is what I couldn’t say to you until now! Until will meet again my friend!

Girl, as I told you before the minute that I heard that I was going to be getting a cube mate, I was ecstatic! I had never had a cube mate so I couldn’t wait to meet this infamous person; little did I know that this person was going to change my life forever! From the moment that you started, I knew that the summer was going to be an enjoyable one. You greeted me each morning when you came in, and you conversed with me every chance you could get. I knew we would get along when you continuously questioned me about coffee, asking where the nearest Starbucks was. Unfortunately, you came to find out that our work environment isn’t the most conducive for building friendships, but you didn’t let that stop you, we became instant SPARK pals! We had many moments of LOLing and sharing wisdom from SPARK that I will always remember and will greatly miss in the months to come. And the few moments outside of the office that we got to share in, were pretty unforgettable... the grateful dead on wheels, Pasquini's pizza, and who can forget cupcakes!!! You taught me a lot about the media friendly world that we live in, although I wish I could have soaked up much more, and you made every day a little less Corporate, and for this I am grateful. I know that God brought you into my life for a very special reason, and no, it wasn’t because I desperately prayed about getting a cube mate. God knew what he was doing when he sat you next to me, literally!

With our Photo a Day Challenge, I have reinvented myself, and you are the person that I have to thank! I'm not proud to admit, but I must be honest, I mean this is BareSoul isn't it? I am one to overly commit to things and then when it becomes too difficult or I see that there is a chance for failure I tend to gracefully quit before that can happen! (You miss 100% of the shots you do not take." --Wayne Gretzky) However, you my little Lilikens would not accept anything but commitment and success and I cannot even begin to put into words how grateful I am for this! Because of you, I have overwhelming joy in my life again. When I write, there is something that lights up inside of me and I feel renewed and whole. I know now that God had a plan for us to meet, and he saw fit that it was now, although this is not goodbye, I know that you're purpose for now was fulfilled! Thank you for everything that you have done for me and I cannot wait to share in the many joys for your life in the years to come. Remember when you become famous where it all started. I know I will:) Until we meet again my friend, thank you for the wonderful woman and joy that you are!

“We will never be the same as we were before this loss, but ever so much better for having something great to lose.” – Leigh Standley

“The palest ink is better than the sharpest memory.” – Chinese Proverb

Today Is: What Rules? Day

After a scarring incident occurred in fifth grade, me and several of my girlfriends swore we would never eat nor touch blueberries ever again. I can remember being offered blueberry flavored foods and turning them down because "I don't like blueberries" remember! I was with a girlfriend one day when she ordered a Blueberry scone, I watched with dissatisfaction as she broke the scone up into small bite size pieces, savoring every blueberry flavored bite. Being the sweet woman that she is, she offered to break me off a piece of her "deliciously claimed" scone; what moments before repulsed me all of a sudden was tempting me to reach out to her opened hand and indulge in the blue baked goodness. I was torn, blueberries were never to be eaten again, it was a rule I had created for myself, but how could I pass on a baked good; bread is my staple! Before I realized what I was doing I had reached across and took her offering, quickly shoving it into my mouth as if my brain would catch up with my hand and drop the scone before I could enjoy in the sweet taste of wrongfulness. As soon as I swallowed I had this overwhelming guilt come over me. What is this I thought? (Lord knows it wasn't because of the carb/caloric intake) No, I felt guilty about breaking the rule that I had created for myself. You don't eat blueberries because they repulse you because of the traumatizing event that happened when you were 10, don't you remember? I was in a mind war. The left side of my brain was thinking very analytically and thouroughly; 'You swore to never eat blueberries again'; but my right sided brain was thinking outside of the box and questioning this rule. (My right sided brain has never been one for rules or in-the-box thinking.) I wish I could say then and there was the last time I ever created such ridiculous rules for myself but I cannot; it wasn't until many blueberries later that I realized how ridiculous this was. I had literrally stopped eating something that was so good for me because of a strict rule I had layed upon myself, this started me thinking. How many of these rules have I created in order to keep myself from doing something that may be out of my comfort zone or challenge me in a way that I'm not ready for? How many rules have I followed because that's what the social norm is or what seems to be "the cool thing to do". I came to the realization that the rules that I was creating for myself were silly and unecessary so now I break rules all the time, but that's only because I don't have rules. I can never follow the rules when they're there so I just choose not to create rules for my life; instead I live the way that I choose to live for me and no one else.

Today is: Creative is an Art Form Day

They say they're not creative
but what does the word really mean?
Is it how well you can create an image
or is it the tone of voice you influctuate as you sing?
Do you have to be able to make something that's bright, shiny and new
or is creativity more about finding a way to express and represent the real you?
Must you be an expert with a paper as it's slowly pressed against the pen
or is creativity the expert as it reflects its creativity on the outside from within?
Paint splashed upon my hands
My finished product is displayed before me where I stand.
Creative is an art form; a special kind of art that every one can create
You must believe in yourself and let yourself go, allow your inner self to reflect upon it's state.
Let your mind see the colors and the words you seek to write.
Now let your heart feel with all it's got and always shine your creative light.
Creative is an art form, and it's for all who want to try
Let go of your conformity and rules and let your creative bliss take charge and fly.

"If you're alive, you're creative...
we 'reduce' and 'deflect' our creative selves in many ways.
Life is the creative act, not the canvas or the blank page." -- Patti Digh "Creative is a Verb"

"Creativity isn't learned, it is released." -- Patti Digh "Creative is a Verb"

"I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." -- Vincent van Gogh

Today Is: Fortune Teller Day

My little sister (from the Big Brother Big Sister program) having her first taste of ice cream of the future!

"If you cannot accurately predict the future, then you must flexibly be prepared to deal with various possible futures." -- Edward de Bono

What is it about your younger years that you seem to dive into the unknown much easier than you do as you get older? Maybe it's because your worries are greatly about insignificant matters, or because your responsibilities are much less daunting, it could be because you know that if you fall out of the nest your not far from the tree, or maybe, just maybe, you haven't felt what true failure feels like. Your heart hasn't become bitter today because of tomorrow's yesterdays. No matter what the reason I long for the days when I think like a kid again. Willing to dive effortlessly headfirst into the unknown just to see what I might find on the other side and if it turns out to be disappointment; dust myself off and start again tomorrow. I cannot predict the future so I may as well climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

"Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent." -- Nolan Ryan

"The soft minded always fears change. He feels security in the status quo, and he has an almost morbid fear of the new. For him, the greatest pain, is the pain of a new idea." -- Martin Luther King Jr.

"Ever wonder... ask questions and live into the answers." -- Kobi Yamada

Today Is: Little Reminders Day

"Learn to hear what your inner voice is telling you, and your whole world changes." -- Oprah

Have you ever gotten a little reminder, that's brightened up your day?
I believe that those little reminders are God's way of showing us what He has been trying to say.
So when you feel that little tug on the corner of your heart
Let it serve as a reminder that God is never far apart!

"Learn to hear the silence in between the notes." -- Mary Anne Radmacher Life Begins When You Do

Today Is: Remember When Day

This was my cousin Kelly & me a year ago right after the big give!

“Somewhere something incredible is waiting to happen." -- Carl Sagan

It was a year ago today that I stood in front of friends, family and supporters as I read the letter that I had written to a very special young woman, Mikayla.
"As I started to think about the things that I could give I began to get pretty discouraged as I came to the realization that I was no millionaire and I didn't have the resources to help either of these people in need. Instead of getting discouraged and giving up I began to think of what I could give; my hair. After that it was no longer a question of what can I do but how do we do it?"
It is with great pride, honor, admiration, respect, humbleness, humility and most of all gratefulness that I can write this today; we have made a difference. Thanks to i have. i give. and all our wonderful supporters, we have changed history for the better.
Looking back over my own growth in this past year (and I don't just mean my hair) I truly have changed in many ways. I have come to better recognize and respect what true beauty really is and what it truly means to be beautiful. I also know now that as an individual you are the first person who has to wake up every morning and say to yourself; you are worth it and enough; just as you are. As you stand in front of that mirror YOU must look beyond the mirror and inside yourself and not only say "You are Beautiful" but you must believe and know that you are beautiful; for if you don't who will?
I have also come to understand the meaning of humility. I have been through a lot of difficult struggles over the past 12 months; luckily I'm standing even stronger because of those struggles that I had to overcome. Because of those lessons I have been able to be vulnerable, allowing myself to be the fool, giving myself the chance to experience failure at the price of seeking greatness. (This will continue to be a great work in progress) I've had to have somebody even out my neck hairs, wax my sideburns; I've worn a scarf around my head in public so terrified that others were staring, concerned about those that I was with afraid they would be embarrassed when in reality I was the only one who was embarrassed. I gripped a teddy bear in a public mall like I at the doctor’s office when I was four and they were bribing me with toys, all to get my ears pierced. (come to find out it doesn’t really hurt; all the worry for nothing!) I rocked a hideous mullet (on more than one occasion during the growth stages). I’ve had to look past the image of myself and look into the inner aspects of myself. I had to have my mom undress me as I got into the shower, and I have to swallow my pride as I pack up my things to move back to my mom and dad’s; I’ve listened, and often times cringed, when I listen to people tell me how long my hair has gotten (I’ve had to bite my tongue multiple times before the words, ‘Compared to what?’ slip out.) I have to stifle my jealousy when I see a girl walk by with her shoulder length perfectly combed hair, or even worse when I see a guy with thick and luscious locks. As I said, I have learned a lot about humility. At these times I have to remind myself why I put myself through this pain and struggle; it really puts things in perspective when I think about how I gave my hair away for someone who deals with these struggles, and many even worse on a daily basis; a child who had no choice to do this to themselves, a child who would probably be grateful to have neck hair, sideburns, or a mullet. So it’s time to pack my bags of humility and catch the train for the next stop to the town of Blessing and Gratefulness; it awaits me.
I’ve come to realize that sometimes it takes you losing something to understand the impact of the loss and this past year has been a great testament of those feelings of “Remember When”. As I look back over the past year I am grateful beyond words for the life lessons I have been able to experience. I am so grateful for the girls of the i have. i give. team and all of our supporters over this past year. i have. i give. is much more than I ever could have dreamed it to be and I have grown so much from the experience of it all. I know someday we’ll look back many years from now and we’ll say “Remember When…” I hope that that day reminds everyone how blessed we are to have but how much more blessed we are when we are able to give.

“The beauty of memory is how it allows us to look back at the events of our lives through the lens of different contexts and to see the meanings over-looked before – revealing even more riches then we first suspected.” – Sidney Poitier “Life Beyond Measure”

Today Is: She Said Yes!!! Day

"... the sacred marriage: the coming together of two who have each met themselves on the road. When two who have this intimacy with themselves are fully with each other -- whether for a lifetime or for a moment -- the word is held tenderly and fed by the image they create simply by being together. They can be friends or family, lovers or life partners, or simply two strangers whose lives intersect for a moment. They may be telling each other stories, or making love, or sharing a task, or sitting in silence together. It doesn't matter. If, having met myself in the empty moments, I am willing and able to bring all of who I am to another, receiving all of who they are, then we are truly together." -- Oriah "The Invitation"

"It's wedding season...!" -- Wedding Crashers

Cheers to all my dear friends who have recently gotten engaged! So happy to celebrate in the love that you and your wonderful mates have found! May your coming years be filled with unrelentless love, joy and most of all utter happiness!

Today Is: If It Makes You Happy Day

"When we begin to settle into our comfort zone the risk for failure is small, but so is the reward for greatness." -- ACB

Have you ever found yourself not doing something that you love because you're afraid that you're going to fail? I seem to be sabotaging myself much more than I would like to admit right now. Tonight, as I was baking banana bread for a friend at work, this realization came to me... I've been avoiding doing things because I'm afraid of what the outcome might be. I tend to fall into the comfortable, that I forget what it's like to be a little bit afraid of something; to risk something for the reward. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy and I will talk myself out of listening to my creative bliss in an effort to guard myself from getting hurt when in reality, I'm hurting myself much worse by not even taking the chance! I'm so glad that pulling out my bakeware not only filled my kitchen with sweet smells but also filled my heart with a sweet desire to take a risk and seek the reward!

"You must be so passionate about your dream that instead of feeling that you have to leave your comfort zone, you are magnetically drawn to the edge."

-- Lee J. Colan & David Cottrell Winners Always Quit

Today Is: Mirror Mirror On The Wall Day

"Become aware of the wonder of common but extraordinary moments."

-- Jill Badonsky "The Awe Manac"

As I stood before my bare body and stared into a mirror that bore it all; my imperfections, my slightly bigger curves, my unshaped stomach, and my untoned arms, I shared a moment of truth and shame. Truth because it made me humble; humble in ways only a mirror can do as you stare at your naked body. I was staring directly at imperfections and characteristics of myself I tend to hide or make up for in another form. This was a moment of truth because it showed me how I care for myself last. How everything comes before what's best for me; which in many cases is important but when I'm not taking care of myself, I can't take care of anyone else either.

This was also a moment of shame because instead of looking at myself and seeing the beauty of me, I could only notice the parts of myself that I cannot bring myself to see as beautiful, only flawed. After I know that true beauty resides in your heart not on your waist line, my first thought was; step away from the mirror, or just don't look again. What happened to that confident, strong, independent woman I once was? I want her back!!!

"I shut my eyes in order to see." -- Paul Gaugon

Today Is: Memories of the Past Are Treasures of the Present Day

"Live an extraordinary life to ensure that when you die the people who are left have the feeling that with your passing the world has become a duller place." -- Patti Digh "Life is a Verb"

As I've been preparing to move, I've been diligently cleaning out all of my stuff that I've accumulated over the past 25 years. So much of what I had at one point deemed worthy of saving, I have now shoved into a trash bag ready to donate. There have been things that I've found however that have brought back memories and flooded my heart with emotion. As I went through a box of collectibles at my parents house I came across a necklace I had saved of my great grandmother, Na-Na's. Na-Na wore this necklace all of the time, I didn't know it then, but I do know it now, she was into fashion and she was always looking good. She wore great jewelry and always looked so stylish. At the time I saved this necklace because it was a way for me to remember her and her style, but all this time that necklace had been stored away in a box of collectibles that I didn't even remember that I had. I now have it included in my jewelry box and am reminded of the wonderfully amazing woman that she was. What a treasure it was to discover that necklace. The world truly became duller after my Na-Na passed as she had this light about her that could not only brighten a whole room but illuminate an entire house. She was remarkable. I love you Na-Na and I miss you dearly, but I can feel your love wrapped around me as I wear this necklace and each time I look down I am reminded of you.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." -- Thomas Cambell

Today Is: My Love Is Like A Blank Canvas Day

"Dear Girl,

I feel that the time has come for me to have a girlfriend. I know you're out there somewhere. Don't worry I'll find you...

I'm coming to find you, so don't go anywhere. Stay where you are, whoever you are..."

-- Derek Whittier

Dear Man,

You're out there somewhere, I can feel you closer to my heart, the very thought of you warms me to the bone. I know I don't know you yet, but I do know this, I love you so much already. You are what I have been waiting for and you are what I never dreamed about because I wasn't able to grasp someone as handsome, loving, romantic, and amazing as you are. You're truly a one of kind. I know that when God sees fit for us to meet, the world is going to stop, if only for a brief moment, in order to make history together. I am unsure how I got so incredibly blessed with such a wonderful man as yourself but I'll can say is now I can finally understand why I've waited so long. Please know how much I will always cherish our love and our dear friendship and with each day that passes, I long to awake by your side to share in another day of such love and happiness. Thank you for loving me and sharing in my life.

Our love is like a blank canvas, waiting to be scribbled with words and memories, painted with passion, and molded into a treasured possession.

I love you and I pray that I will meet you soon and that you'll love me more than you ever knew was possible. Until then, live life to the very fullest and we'll meet someday soon.

With great joy and excitement!

"How do you know who you're supposed to be with?"

"... she knew he was the one because when she was with him, she felt her best self."

-- Cyndi Finkle

Today Is: Witches, Wizards and Wands! Oh My Day!

"Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard." -- J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Books are one of my favorite things in this world. There is nothing like sitting down in a great chair, sipping a hot drink, and losing yourself in the pages of another character's story. I'm re-reading the Harry Potter series so I can watch the movies in sync. I'm about 3/4 of the way through the fourth book and I'm finding myself featured in the fantasy land of Hogwarts; chasing dragons, playing quidditch and hanging with Harry, Hermoine, and Ron. Books are the perfect get-away without ever having to leave. I've been in Lemoore, CA for the week working on compiling video footage of a few serious safety accidents; it's been an emotionally draining week to say the least and then on top of that it's been the travel trip from hell. So when I find myself caught up in the happiness of Hogwarts I'm grateful. Harry and his friends face great challenges each year not to mention the fears that they must conquer almost daily. As I read through chapter 20, I thought to myself that Harry is a great example of courage and perseverance because he faces all challenges head on and he defeats everything; even with the demeantor of odds. What a great reminder that no matter what I face in the coming days, weeks, months, and years, I will come through it and I'll be not only stronger but better because of it. Knowledge is power!

"I'm going through this experience for a reason... There's something I'm supposed to be doing because of this." -- Ali McGraw

"Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared."

-- Eddie Rickenbacker

"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." -- Oprah Winfrey

Today Is: What Happens in Vegas Day

Here I am sitting at the Las Vegas airport when the ticket counter asks if anyone flying to Fresno, CA would be willing to volunteer their seat for a $400 travel credit voucher; so of course I take it... This guy standing in line, volunteering his seat as well begins talking to me about Vegas and how since we have time now, we should hit the strip together. It sounded fun but we ended up spliting ways shortly after we got our vouchers, however since we were on the same flight out I saw him later in the day and we start talking again. He's telling me about how in 2006, he took a trip to Germany; he then stops and says, "Have you ever been abroad?" "No." I say, but immediately I can feel my insides do a somersault as I release the words, "I'm moving to Africa." His immediate reaction is shock and then he says, "Well, tell me about it?" I tell him the whole story; everything from when I was in high school to my desire right out of college to the fateful day at basketball practice when I got the much anticipated phone call. "It's always been a dream of mine and it's finally coming true." I tell him.

We continue talking and the conversation heads in all different directions, when all of a sudden he says, "You know, that's really cool. You're following your dream. You're doing something you've always wanted to do. I should do that." I looked at him, smiled with my liver and said, "You're right, it is really cool and I'm really excited about it! And YOU SHOULD! Follow your dream. Don't ever settle for status quo."

I'll never forget that conversation with my airport friend Micah. I have a new appreciation for the saying, "What happens in Vegas..." because that's a moment in Vegas I'll never forget.

"Look for people who will aim for the remarkable, who will not settle for the routine."

-- David Ogilvy

"Dream passionate dreams. Design their reality." -- Candis Fancher

"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go." Carol Burnett

"We've got to have a dream if we're going to make a dream come true." -- Denis E. Waitley