Category Archives: Memories

2013 Giving Thanks

Everyday, I try to look back on the things that I am thankful. We lived in an extraordinary world and it’s easy to forget how blessed we truly are. Today, I’d like to take a moment to look back over the last year on what I am thankful for…

My health. I am able to run, enjoy yoga and continue to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

My family, which I was lucky enough to have add a new member earlier this year – Miss Audrey, my niece. They are an incredible support system, build me up when I’m feeling low, and always have a way of bringing happy tears. I’m blessed to have an amazing Memere, who I miss daily and has taught me many things in life.

Friends. Near and Far. When we get together it’s like a beat was never missed. Let’s talk about an incredible support system. Wow. Honesty, craziness, laughing until there’s tears and comfort. To new friends, connections and experiences. Forever thankful.

Opportunities. Where to start. An extremely large company purchased the use of a photo, shadowing and pursuing a photography “hobby”, trips to incredible places, randomly coming across beautiful places, doors open when you least expect them. Walk with one foot in front of the other, keep going no matter how difficult the road is. Keep going.

Music. Yes, you get your own category. I can never put into words what music does for me, nor the feeling of coming across musicians that completely blow me away. I’ve had the opportunity to attend many shows this year and it’s really helped to bring me to where I am. Nothing can replace the feeling.

My job, my car, my home. Never should these be overlooked, even if the job can be difficult at times. I am thankful.

Life events. Wow. 29 really surrounds you with life events. Marriages. Babies – my niece among many others who have brought a new beautiful life into this world and those who are on their way. We really are growing up folks.

Parts of the past twelve months have been pretty difficult. I know I’ve been pretty difficult. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support, laughs, new friendships, honesty, experiences, opportunities and everything that goes with it. I will never be able to repay those who have been my constant support. I love you all from the very bottom of my heart.

Let’s all make a little toast, raise your glass to the trains that we’ve missed, the ones that we’ll make and to remember to be thankful for those around us daily. We never know when they may not be here. Don’t let moments pass.

What are you thankful for this season?

We’re On A Boat!

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I’ve recapped my recent trip to Lake Austin a couple times in the last month of Bill’s impromptu trip to Austin. Here are some of my favorite pictures to wrap it all up! We had such a good time out on the lake! These guys are some of the best and most fun to hang out with, bringing together Vermont and New Jersey in Texas! Can’t wait until our next reunion!

“Reunited and it feels so good!” Then we saw this fella trying to fly… I’m pretty sure if I even attempted this I would find my face going straight for the water. Yikes!

Don’t hate me Bill… the funny faces made it online! We’ll look ridiculous together! Awww – there, that’s better! Maybe I should’ve titled this post “Bill” – you’re pretty popular with the camera my friend! Until our next adventures!

The Start of Something New

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22 was awesome. 23 was even better. Somewhere in there I made it to 28 and that’s even come to an end but I’m very happy about it. Sure there’s been some pretty memorable and awesome moments, incredible opportunities but there’s also been a lot of, we will call them “growing moments”. I shouldn’t complain, I know people are and went thru things that are far worse than anything I’ve gone thru and I shouldn’t complain but I’ve never been so ready to “end a year”.

29 is a new start for me on so many, many levels. It’s funny how in the back of my mind I’ve been thinking about “29 Things To Do While I’m 29”, similar to what I did for “28” (I’ll do a recap of that at some point) but I’m going to do something a little different for this year.

There’s only going to be one item on my list….

Quit giving such a damn about what other people think. I live everyday trying not to let other people down, when at the end of the day, it’s me that feels let down. In retrospect, I’ve put others before myself more than necessary and end up completely disregarding what I wanted. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not turning selfish, I still care about what other people think/feel, but it’s time to put me into the consideration. We’re going to swap this sucker around. If you don’t like it, well you can deal with it.

So, as a reminder on this last year in my 20’s, here is a letter to me.

Diana,

You have always been a person who grabs every opportunity and tries to enjoy it as much as possible. You try to fill everyone’s expectations, make sure everyone is involved and accommodate everyone. It’s not a bad thing to put others before yourself, frankly, it’s a quality that seems to be fading but be sure to make this last year count as a year for you. Too many years of your “20’s” have been geared towards others. This year, I wish for you…

* Enjoy your moments in the moment. Don’t start thinking or worrying about what’s next before the agenda on the plate is done. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! Savor life!

* Know you are deserving, important, beautiful, smart, loyal, entertaining and a friend that everyone should want to and be glad to have. You are always up for anything, literally anything whether it’s watching a movie and staying in, going to a show on a Sunday night, doing something sporadic and unusual or going on a random trip a couple hours away. It’s pretty awesome.

* Quit worrying. God has a plan for you, trust it, live it, go with it.

* (I know I don’t have to remind you of this but…) You are surrounded by some of the most amazing people. Family, friends that you’ve had since kindergarten, friends from college, “Texas” friends, blogging friends and you consider them all like family. You embrace people and they embrace you. No matter where you are, where they are, they’re only a call away. They are there for you no matter what and love you. Your friends accumulate – there’s a reason for that. 😉

* Do something for you. The life you are living is not for anyone but yourself. As Elaine said in college, “At the end of the day the only person you can count on is yourself.” Take hold of this last year in your 20’s and make it a starting year for something so great that you will have no idea how it ever got to that / this point. Grab opportunities, give yourself a challenge, know you are more deserving than you think you are (quit cutting yourself short), know that people should be fighting for you and not the other way around. Take a trip for yourself. Surround yourself with the “good” people. Stand up for yourself, others and the things you believe in. Step outside your comfort zone. For once, just wing it. Go with it. Life doesn’t have to have a plan, it already has a plan for you.

Lastly, the horoscope from Seven Days for this week says “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Come on – if that doesn’t state the obvious, start reading this letter again.

With Love – A Small Reminder to Yourself