2011 Finale

Well my dear friends this is my last post of 2011. It is so weird to think we have gone through another year. I guess it is true what they say time goes by faster when you get older. All the more reason to start doing more things that I want to do. Anyways I figured this would be a great time to recap on the year. Well, I can't remember most of it from month to month but I will do my best.

January- I started my last semester of college ever. I continued to babysit the most awesome kid on the planet. Nothing too exciting here.

February- Can't say much happened here either.

March- Again, I'm beginning to see a pattern here. Oh well, when you are focused on finishing school, there is not much time for anything else. I did go down to Florida for a few days for my spring break.

April- The pattern continues. Along with chaos at the end of the school year thinking for a second I would have to come back for another semester in fall which pushed me to my ultimate limit. This was the point I realized how stressed I was making myself and how much of me I was losing. It was at this time I decided to stop and restart. From that moment on I learned not to let things wear me down and I learned how to deal with stress in a better way. Also I believe this was the time my brother had a collapsed lung.

May- finished my last semester and started my summer classes. Started counting down til when I'd officially be done.

June- The trend continues, school and work. Lots more beach time.

July- I went to North Carolina for the 4th of July with my brother and my aunt and uncle. I believe I posted about this trip and I won't go into detail about it. It was a pain getting there thats all that needs to be said. It was a good time, but after I left I found out that my brother was in the hospital because his lung collapsed again. At the end of the month, I finally drove down to Charleston and died from walking around in the obnoxious heat we had. The city was absolutely gorgeous. I'd go back tomorrow if I could.

August- finished up school. Drove back to WI to live with my friend Aimee. My first weekend back I went camping in Door County. It was a nice trip, but then reality hit and I needed to start looking for a job. God blessed me immediatley and I found a job and was working there at the end of the month.

September- I was no longer allowed to live with Aimee so halfway through the month I moved in with my friend Erin and its been a good time ever since. I started officially working full time and have enjoyed that nearly every minute. My brother also went into surgery to repair his baby lung.

October- Wisconsin was blessed with such warm weather. I managed to make the most of my time outside. I hit up Devil's Lake with Amber and enjoyed the 80 degree weather. I carved pumpkins with Erin, she hasn't done that in years so it was cool to see her excitement.

November- I got the news no child ever wants to hear that my parents were getting a divorce. I didn't take it as bad as I thought I could. But like I said, I've learned to deal with stress and bad things in a much better way. I hung out with 2 friends I haven't seen since my days at MLC and that was fun. I had Thanksgiving with my grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. I made my first ever pumpkin pie which turned out delicious.

December- I went to my first staff Christmas party and had a blast. I met a pretty nice guy and just waiting to see where that goes. I celebrated Christmas low key this year since my family has had its own issues. We managed to skype each other which was nice. I also receieved a visit from my brother who has been staying with me the past week. He leaves tomorrow. :( Today I'm going over to a friends place who I haven't seen in nearly 2 years and we are getting our drink on. I will fill you in on details tomorrow. I also received my diploma and am an official graduate of Coastal Carolina University. To all those naysayers out there who said I was making a wrong choice or couldn't do it, there is no way, well look at me now biotches!

Overall, it's been a pretty good year. I've learned so much about myself and continue to learn and laugh and love and cry and live. 2011 I say goodbye to you and wish you adieu. Dear 2012, I hope you to be not quite as stressful as 2011 and allow me to learn a lot and experience so much more. Happy New Year to you all!!!

Peace&Love
~L

Cross the Line

I can't believe 2011 is almost over! I feel like I was just writing a post reflecting on 2010. I actually have plans for New Year's Eve and it doesn't involve work! But I will fill you in on those plans in a later post. I will also fill you in on what I plan to accomplish for 2012. Today however I just want to share a quote with you. I found it on Pinterest and really felt it fits me to a T.

"It's better to cross the line and suffer the consequences than to just stare at the line for the rest of your life."

Haven't we all been here at this point? Standing at the line wondering if we should cross over, take the risk. So many of us, however, sit too long and weigh all the options and never cross that line. We feel that whatever the risk it isn't worth it or more than likely, we're too afraid. I can say that I did not cross the line as often as I should have. I didn't take many risks. However, in the past few years I can say that I've taken more risks and crossed more lines. Example: leaving my comfort zone to go to school in South Carolina. Nowadays I'd rather not just stare at the line and wonder about the what ifs, I'd rather cross that line and deal with whatever comes my way as a result of that decision. I think we can all relate to this quote and use it as a resolution as we start 2012. No more staring at the line. It's time to start taking risks. It's time to start living!

Peace&Love
~L

It's time

Yesterday did not finish on a very good note, but I will keep that to myself for now. It's just another thing that I have to think about. I need to weigh my options. I've decided it's time to get into the car and just drive again, with no destination in mind, with no map in hand. Just me and the open road. Me alone with my thoughts and prayers. I need to stop letting people control my life. I need to stop letting people walk in and walk out just as fast. I can't make someone stay, but it's harder to watch them leave without a good explanation. The people who I don't want in my life manage to make it worse for me. I want to lay down some ultimatims here, but I'm way too nice to hurt someone. It's not fair. Thank God for this day off so I can run away at least for a little bit. It's that time again!

Peace&Love
~L

Merry Christmas!

I can't believe the day is actually here! It certainly does not feel like Christmas. This year was the first year I spent it without my immediate family and maybe thats why it didn't feel like Christmas. I did however skype with them and that made it feel a little closer to the holiday, but nothing compares to actually being there with them. This year I asked for quite a bit of unrealistic gifts like a kayak and a new fancy camera, but I knew I wasn't really going to get them. I've learned over the year to become less materialistic which is definately a good thing. I did however receive some very nice gifts which are pictured below. I can't believe how quickly this one has come and nearly gone. I'm headed over to my cousins house to hang out with some relatives and maybe that will get me in the Christmasy spirit at least for a little bit. I hope that everyone had a very blessed Christmas and received everything they wanted, but remembered why we celebrate this holiday in the first place: Christ's birth! Merry Christmas to all!

Sister and brother on skype

The book I had been eyeing for awhile. I can't wait to read!

Gift card for Victoria's Secret! Score

Cute cami

Penguin platter...long story with penguins in my family, but they think its funny to buy me them

Yes you read that right...gingerDEAD men

Ahhh christmas movies

Yes a penguin pooper...what has the world come to?

I can't wait to try some of these...love grilled cheese

My new Minny Wild mug :)

A hammock apparently for when I go camping

My new feather jewelry

I also got a few other penguin stuff and gift cards and can't wait to get the package from my sister and brother-in-law.

Peace&Love
~L

High on Happiness

I can't remember the last time I was this happy. Actually I don't know that I've ever been this happy. Even though this hasn't exactly been the best year of my life, as a matter of fact none of them are easy or always happy, but the good days far outnumber the bad days. For once in my life I'm actually ok with where I'm at and what I'm doing and I'm not trying to find another solution or move on from whatever I've been running from. I love my job, even though the pay isn't the greatest. I have a good support system of friends, who love me for who I am and even though distant separates us, whenever we do get together its like we haven't stopped seeing each other. I love my family and I know even though over the past few months it hasn't been easy seeing my parents split, I know it is for the best and eventually we will all see that. I know things don't just happen without a reason. I love the fact that its almost Christmas and I'm officially on my 4 day break from work and that gets me all sorts of excited. Finally, I met a really great guy, who I never would have imagined to be in my life, but he is. I know we just me and have hung out only once, but he gives me preventricular contractions. Thats all I can ask for right now. Right now I am high on happiness and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Peace&Love
~L

TGIF

Dang right! Most people have claimed this week to be the week from hell. At moments I thought I was going to go crazy. The children are on something that is for sure. My boss blamed their craziness on the recent full moon and the anticipation of Christmas, both are probably right on the money. I don't think it was a week from hell, that was last week for me. When I felt like death. I still have an annoying cough, I figure I have another case of bronchitis. But I can deal with it. The week went by pretty fast and next week will be here before I know it. I have lots of plans to do this weekend. START Christmas shopping. Yes start it. I don't know why I waited so long. I have to hit the bank, post office and grocery store. I also have to do laundry and clean. Boooo. But on Sunday I'm going to close off the week with a haircut. It feels like I just got one, but really its been almost 6 months and as much as I wanted to keep growing out my hair, I'm just sick of it. Here's to a pretty good week and here's to a weekend that will fly by fast!

Peace&Love
~L

Food Inc.

I was told to watch this documentary by a coworker. I have an interest in food and health and decided it would be worth the watch and boy was it ever. I was so furious after watching it I wanted to march up to Capitol Hill and demand changed be made to our current food system. There is no way I want to eat the food they put out in stores. I've always been really cautious about what I eat and knew that all of this stuff happened, but I just became ignorant and pretended that they didn't treat animals the way they did. These companies employees could get sued for talking about this stuff. Heck, I could get in trouble for even writing this, but I don't care. My body was not meant to eat any genetically modified foods. Just like cows are not meant to eat corn, I'm not meant to eat RoundUp. Whats really sad is that the government hires people from these companies to run the FDA and USDA. You can't tell me there isn't a conspiracy going on in Washington. I hate being lied to. I hate being herded like animals. Then we have issues with our health with direct links to the foods we eat. They say the healthiest foods to eat are organic but they aren't affordable. So what do we do? We are caught in this neverending circle? How do we afford foods that haven't been altered or processed? How do we get more people to see and understand where their food is coming from? How do we get away from treating animals like they are worth nothing? How about those who work in those disgusting factories? Oh yes I forgot many of them are illegal immigrants so it's no big deal. Then when a company gets in trouble they can just throw them under the bus and not take any responsibility for what went wrong. Someone needs to check the authorities and get them out of their positions. We need to go back to the way things were. When our food came directly from a farm and not a processing plant. Where animals are treated a little more humanely, even though eventually they will be slaughtered. Something needs to change and I'm more than willing to get the ball rolling. Washington I'm coming for you!

Peace&Love
~L

Staff Christmas Party

Oh the holiday season how I have a love/hate relationship with you! I love the feeling of being together with people who love you and support you and who you are glad to call friends. I also don't mind getting a few gifts along with that. I don't like shopping for gifts, standing in long lines, or waiting forever to mail my package(again long lines.)

Last night was our staff Christmas party and since I'm still a newbie I wasn't sure how much fun I'd have. I really only talk to like 3 out of 10 coworkers on a daily basis. There are some who still won't talk to me or give me the time of day, even though I try to talk to them. Besides the fact most of them have known each other for years, whereas I just started a few months ago and am trying to fit into their lives. However, I was surprised how easy it was just to sit there with everyone and talk and laugh about everything. We had ordered in food from Olive Garden, which was decent. We had lots of desserts. Of course it wouldn't be a Christmas party without alcohol. We also revealed who are secret santas were and got our final gifts of the week. There were lots of fun stories that were told about that as well. We finished off the night by playing apples to apples which is always a good time. All in all I have to say we had a wonderful night of eating and drinking and most of all laughing and bonding! (Wish I had brought my camera to take some awesome pictures of this night.)

Peace&Love
~L

Lack of Inspiration

Ugh I'm a failure again! I wanted to do better than last time with this picture challenge, but have had lack of inspiration the past week. When you are doing the same thing day in and day out you lose inspiration. Working everyday in a daycare and never getting out much tends to do that to you. Plus I picked up another round of some weird illness. It started on Wednesday midday. I started feeling sharp stomach pains and felt really nauseous and dizzy. I managed to make it through the work day and got home and was completely wiped. At this point I had on layers I was so cold. I had leggings and sweatpants, socks, slippers, t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, my winter coat, hat and mittens on and was still freezing. No doubt I had a severe fever. At this point I'm thinking the worst. Maybe I had appendicitis or something of that nature, but knew that I would have been in a lot more pain than I was. I went to bed at about 830 and slept until 745 the next day. Yes straight through. I felt quite a bit better the next day and went to work. I no longer had stomach pains, but I had no appetite. Basically for 2 full days I ate absoultely nothing and just drank Sierra Mist. By the end of Thursday I was tired but not as bad as the night before. Friday rolls along and I feel worse. The cold is settling into my lungs and I debate whether or not to go urgent care. I feel like I've been going a lot recently. I'm not sure why this is happening. Perhaps its because I'm living with a cat and I'm allergic to them and it makes me feel worse. But really that shouldn't be making me sick all the time. Especially when I'm really aware of what I'm eating and drinking and I workout almost everyday. Maybe I'm just pushing my body too much and not giving the rest it needs. But whatever is going on, I wish it to stop. I'm still feeling blah today, but no more fever and no more stomach pain. Just a stuffy nose and intermittent breathing problems.

On other news I took my first aid/CPR training class today which I passed with flying colors, as if you could really fail. I also have a staff Christmas party to attend tonight. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I know it will be fun.

Peace&Love
~L

5&6

So I skipped a day, sue me! I lost my inspriation for 24 hrs apparently, but I will get over it and so should you!

My next photos are great. Photo 5 is of a great night out with the 3 man wolfpack. I do believe this was about the time Dom said he got a job offer in Vancouver. Aimee and I told him he has to take it. Opportunities like this don't come often. Besides, it gives us an excuse to go to Vancouver now. The only thing he has to learn is the art of speaking Canadian, eh?

Photo 6 is of my uber belated birthday present from my sister and brother-in-law. Apparently they ordered my gift from China and it took awhile to get here. Then in much confusion, I never receieved a slip from the post office saying it was here, so today I went to the post office to pick it up. I was so excited I got my Minnesota Wild jersey I didn't even notice what it was missing...

Enjoy your weekend!

Peace&Love
~L

Meow- Photo 4

As I mentioned to you in my first post about restarting the photo challenge I wanted to incorporate themes. Well I haven't done much in the way of themes these past few days as you may have guessed. My first theme I figured might as well be animals. I live with a cat named Abbra. He is not my cat let me tell you. I am deathly allergic, ok not deathly allergic, but allergic none-the-less. Anyways Abbra and I have not gotten along. I wouldn't say I'm mean to him, but I won't touch him or pet him. If he comes near me I blow on him and he runs away because he does not like wind. He occasionally begs for food, but I deny him. I do not succumb to the needs of a cat. We have a love/hate relationship. I occasionally like to talk to him like he's a human, but I know he won't respond to me. He just stares in utter confusion as to what I'm talking to him about. Here's to all the cat lovers out there.

Peace&Love

~L

Falling Behind Again?

Here are photos 3 and 4. Photo 3 is my Zumba dvd. I love doing that workout. I love what it has done for me and my body. (The incredible shrinking Laurel). I appreciate the 45-60 minutes of exercise I get in everyday. It keeps me sane, healthy and running high on good fumes.

Photo 4 is sort of hard to tell but its supposed to be of this huge mansion out in Merton. Absolutely stunning and endless. I had a shitty day at work and felt like I couldn't do a damn thing right. (I know it wasn't actually true, felt like it though.) I just felt like showing you what some people get to live in these crazy amazing houses. I used to want to live in that style of house, but over the years have grown to love simplicity and would rather spend my money living life, not on a home that won't last forever.

Big house is farther away.



Peace&Love
~L

Photo 2

My friend Erin and I decided we were bored and wanted to get out of the house. A few weeks ago she had mentioned this place in Milwaukee called 7 Bridges. I had looked up online what the 7 bridges were and it looked rather interesting. So we decided to head down there and check it out. We first arrived at the Lake and decided to walk around there. However, pulling into the parking spot Erin's car decided to freak out and stall. We decided to walk around a bit and then try the car again. Lucky for us the car started and made it all the way back to her house in one piece. Unfortunately we only got to see the Lake. We decided against checking out the bridges and determined to try again another day. My picture focuses on the change in weather and the change in Lake Michigan. It has become more wavy and much more chilly. (Still dirty.)

Keep warm!

Peace&Love

~L

Starting Over

A long time ago, well not that long ago, I started a 365 day photo challenge that fell well short of the mark. Life sort of just got in the way and I just stopped uploading pictures. I also think my mind happened to stop trying to find creative things to take pictures of or unique ways of showing pictures. Well I'm attempting this challenge for the 2nd time and I think I have more momentum. I have an urge to be more creative, mainly because my creative outlets need to be used more often. I began thinking that maybe I ought to find themes for each week or a specific photo theme for each day so its less difficult with coming up with a photo, but I think coming up with 365 days of themes will be a chore. Some say the best way to go is to let the inspiration come to you each day so you aren't planning ahead or looking for something specific, but I feel more challenged if a rule is set before me. So here it goes back to the beginning. Day 1: Although this copies my first time through this challenge I think its still fitting, a photo of the photographer. This picture is a representation of my silly self and the "I can't believe I am going to try this again" look. Here goes nothing!

Working on themes now

Peace&Love
~L

Thankful

Happy Black Friday to you all! Hope you have done all your holiday shopping and loved standing in long lines to get some good deals. While you are all out being materialistic I am still thinking about yesterday and the opportunity that I had to spend time with family I hadn't seen in years! I still wish the day was going and we are still eating massive amounts of food. I have so much to be thankful for.

Here is Josh Groban's song Thankful:

Somedays we forget to look around us
Somedays we can't see the joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give

So for tonight we pray for
what we know we can be.
And on this day we hope for
what we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
and even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves
Theres way too much sorrow
It's way too late to say, I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us might find our truth
It's so long overdue

Refrain

Even with our differences
There is a place we're all connected
Each of us can find each other's light

Refrain


Remember to be thankful all the time for everything you have, not just when the holidays come around. Try not to get all caught up in the craziness of the materialistic things of the holidays.

Peace&Love
~L

Thanksgiving

Let the feasting commence! I could barely sleep last night as thoughts of turkey and pumpkin pie dance in my head. (Well and also that the Packers play today and for the first time in 10 games, I think they may not win. Sad.) I am so very happy to be seeing so many family members that I have not seen in years! Although at the same time I do not get to see any of my immediate family and that makes me sad, but I am thinking of them. It gets harder to see family when you move around the country to be where you want to be and then the expense of flying anywhere to see them.

"As we give, we find that sacrifice brings forth the blessing of heaven, and in the end we learn that it was no sacrifice at all."

Thanksgiving is the day we thank God for the things we have been given and they truly are blessings. But the greatest blessing and sacrifice ever given was his Son. When we give our time to help others or even to help ourselves we often think of it as a sacrifice. Usually its us sacrificing our time and money to help someone else, but really it isn't a sacrifice, especially if you do it wholeheartedly. When you see the end result, you understand that it was worth it all. We as people, should give more to our fellow neighbors and think of them more highly than we do. Give more than just around the holidays.

What am I thankful for this year? I am thankful for my friends and family. I am thankful for generally good health. I am thankful for a job. I am thankful for happiness and the understanding of what it means to be content. I am thankful for this life, no matter how bad it can get sometimes.

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy all the food and festivities!
Peace&Love
~L

Pumpkin Pie

Oh baby was it good!

I was a little leary at first about making a pumpkin pie from scratch. I mean actually chopping open a pumpkin, digging the seeds out, cooking the pumpkin until the flesh was nice and mushy. After it took mulitple attempts to get the pumpkin flesh to come off and realizing after mushing it, that it wasn't looking so good, I thought, Oh goodness no way is this thing going to turn out. But there is no turning back. After adding the other ingredients to the mix and letting the pie cook and cool overnight, I tried a piece of pie after work. It looked good. It smelled good. Oh boy did it taste good. I'm glad I kept on pushing through. I could have given up, thinking that it was not supposed to look like what it did, but heck, I would have missed out on something real good. I would not recommend starting cooking a pie of this sort at 8pm, because you will be up until almost midnight doing finishing touches. But I do recommend trying on making pumpkin pie from scratch and not straight out of the can. It is definately the best and you will never want to go back to the can again!

Sorry I don't have any pictures to show you. I had thought about taking pictures halfway through the process, which by then would have been pointless. I will try to upload a picture of the final product with a slice missing. ;)

I hope all of you enjoy a much needed break from work and get to spend lots of time with family and friends or whoever means the most to you!

Peace&Love
~L

Just a Quote

Just a quote I found on the greatest website in the world Pinterest! I thought it was fitting for all of us to remember about our lives.

"This is your life. Do what you love and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of you life, stop, they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things, and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream, and wear your passion."


Do it people. Do it ALL! I know I'm trying my best!


Peace&Love
~L

Almost There

Almost to the first of the major holidays and very much looking forward to it. I have a 3 day week next week at work and am so thankful for that even though I know its going to be very stressful. We will be short staffed most of those days. But hey there might be some overtime involved and I'm not going to complain about that. Mostly, I'm looking forward to the Christmas music. Apparently here in WI its okay to play Christmas music on the radio all day everyday. I have not managed to turn on this station except my accident and go eeww no, still too early. I appreciate the fact that there are people out there who love the holidays so much and probably listen to Christmas music all year, I am just not one of those people. I like the music blasting the day after Thanksgiving like it should be. If I listen too early, I feel like I lose my holiday spirit too early and I don't want that to happen. I'm almost to the point of cranking up my radio and listening to the tunes of the holidays.

Given that we are almost done with 2011, I'm already looking to next year and what new workouts I want to try. I'm pretty sure I never informed you that I did Insanity again and lost more weight. Amazing little workout there! I've looked into Shaun T.'s newest craze called Asylum. We will have to see though. For now I continue to mix it up like always. Happy to say that my size 9/10 jeans no longer fit. Maybe I should stop getting jeans until I stop losing weight. I feel that I'm the incredible shrinking Laurel. Almost there to my happy weight. I just hope the holiday meals don't screw me up!

Peace&Love
~L

Northwoods Getaway

I'm not one for just sitting around anymore. I always need to be doing something. It's my thirst for adventure that keeps me going. It's my search to learn more about life and myself. I can say I learned more about myself this past weekend as my friend, Amber and I decided to drive 5 hours to the UP on a whim. We decided our destination was Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and it did not disappoint. We went from 55 degrees and no snow to 40 degrees and 5 inches of snow. But in the park there was not a spot of snow which was crazy. I have hiked quite a bit in my day. I did a lot of solo hiking while I was in S. Carolina but on short trails where lots of people hiked. No fear whatsoever. I've hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up twice, but those always included other people. Besides you are always by others because its a popular hiking destination. This was the first time I hiked with just one other person without seeing another hiker on the trails. We hiked deep into the forest which was incredibly beautiful. I felt like I was hiking in the Pacific Northwest. At moments we'd freak ourselves out when we'd hear a sound thinking it was a bear or a moose only to see that it was a squirrel. It was backcountry baby and I loved every minute of it. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The feeling of being the only person alive (well besides my friend). The humbling experience of being in God's playground. The joy knowing there is still beauty left in this world, you just have to go out and look for it. I don't want to bore you with much more, so just look on.


Peace&Love
~L

Me and snow and sign

Miner's Falls

Bridalveil Falls

Gorgeous forest

The cliffs

Oh the life

In the deep dark forest

So pretty

Spray Falls

Sable Falls

First time on dunes

GNO

 After receiving the horrible news Friday night I was so looking forward to the planned girls night out, or should I say in. My roommate from freshman year of college is married to a pastor in training so the girl I currently live with and another friend of ours got together on Saturday for some pizza, movies, drinking and much needed catching up. The pizza hit the spot and the conversation had me laughing. We rented the movie Bad Teacher and needless to say I'm not a fan of it. I knew I wasn't going to be, but I needed to watch a movie that was comedic and not serious. The best part of the whole night was when Erin, Elyse and I went outside around 1130 at night and were just chatting about whatever. (Now remind yourselves that we had been drinking.) There happened to be a pumpkin sitting on Tracy's porch, apparently Erin did not see said pumpkin and tripped over it causing me to squat down in laughter, practically peeing my pants. My friend Elyse somehow captured this moment of me, while I captured Erin's epic face as she is about to trip, on camera. I don't know why it was so funny, but it was. It was definately what I needed to get through what was a start to a bad weekend. Whenever our group, or parts of our group, get together it is always a good time. Can't wait for the next time!


Peace&Love
~L

Our host, Tracy

Erin yelling at Elyse

I guess Erin likes to yell

Erin's epic face

Your's truly


What Happens When Your World Come Crashing Down

So what do you do when your world comes crashing down? When things in your life are no longer what they were? When what you've known all along has suddenly stopped existing? What do you do when you look to something as being a success and it becomes a failure? I'm not one to spill all of my personal secrets to the entire world, but I've never been here before. I've never walked down this path. Unfortunately I saw this coming at the end of last year and I wished it to happen right away or never to happen. I thought it could be worked out. You must be thinking what could she be talking about? Well my parents who have been married for 28 years have decided to call it quits. I thought all this time they loved each other and could work it out, but clearly I was wrong. My mom claims that she stopped loving my father when I was really little. Thats a long time if you ask me, considering I'm 23 now. My heart is broken, but I knew this was coming. I felt it all along, but I kept wishing it away. I can't control things in my life. I just have never felt this way before. I know I can navigate my way through this, but its going to take some time. This alone makes me question all I've known about marriage and happiness. I've got friends to get me through this. It makes me want to just run away from it all and never speak to my parents again, but I'm also 23 and an adult and can handle this in a civil manner. I'm pushing myself evermore to figure out where I'm headed next. I know now more than ever its just me in this life with God by my side and we are walking it together no matter how hard the road gets. Keep pushing. Keep moving. Keep believing that there is good left in this world.

So what do I do when my world changes? Keep on moving right along with it. Accept it. Deal with it. Love it.

Peace&Love
~L

One of Those Days

Ever have one of those days where you wake up and nothing seems to go right and you wonder how the rest of the day will turn out? Yeah that was my kind of day. The morning was a little rough. It started off with a car alarm going off for I don't know how long and it was before I was set to get up. Already annoyed. The weather did not help either. Cold, windy and gray. I didn't get to have what I wanted for breakfast since the microwave was being used for 5 minutes by another member of the household so I settled for breakfast on the go instead. The drive in to work seemed to take forever and people continue to drive like idiots. Which boggles my mind. Why are they allowed out on the streets in the first place? Once I got to work I took a deep breath before walking in saying to myself you can either let all of this crap bring you down or you can find something positive out of the mess. So I figured looking for the positive would be better than being a crab. Sure enough as soon as I walked in, I was greeted with smiles and good mornings. One of my favorite children brought in the most delicious cupcakes I have had in a while and that was a plus. I was able to get everything done on time for the most part today before being beckoned back into the classroom to deal with the crazy toddlers who somehow managed not to fall asleep today. (My guess it was the cupcakes that did them in.) The best part of the whole day was stepping outside and seeing a pretty spectacular sunset. Although I didn't to enjoy it very long I still appreciate God's little blessing. The day may not have started off great, but it ended with a smile from God.

Peace&Love
~L

Drama: Not for the Weak

Let me just say I HATE drama! I hate people who like to muddle in drama and soak their lives in it. I don't understand why anyone would love to stir the pot. All I remember about dealing with drama is that it stresses me out. Being 23 years old, I've learned how to deal with the drama in my life. I basically try not to deal with it. If someone is being dramatic I generally try to walk away. But sometimes you just get sucked in. Example a friend of mine was just dumped by her boyfriend. He basically told her the "it's not you, it's me speech". He told her they were in different phases of their lives and he didn't want to keep stringing her along if he knew he didn't see it working out. He said he had never met anyone like her and he truly meant it, but he felt they weren't right for each other. I respect him for that. I also wanted to be there for my friend. But I don't want to be in the middle of their situation. This guy has never done anything wrong to me, so I'm not just going to all of a sudden be mean to him, because my friend is no longer dating him. Anyways she kept accusing him of having another girl in his life but she doesn't know for sure. Then she had her mom write this really harsh and inappropriate facebook post on his wall. Don't even get me started on how that is wrong in so many ways. So she texted me last night and told me to tell her if anyone says anything about the post. Well he deleted the post and rightfully so. She texted me earlier and said she felt like crap for writing it. I told her the best way to clear her guilty conscience is to apologize to him. I told her she also didn't know for sure if there was another girl in the picture and she basically said well how do you know that for sure? Obviously I don't, but she can't be making judgments about it. That annoys me alot!
I'm pretty sure all of this drama crap is juvenile and we acted this way in elementary school. I don't understand how anyone can enjoy the drama and consuming their lives with it. Clearly, they have nothing else better to do. I don't want to be a part of it. If I choose to walk away it is for my own sanity. If you have ever dealt with drama you know it is not for the weak. You have to stand your ground if you somehow get sucked into it. If there is one thing I've learned stay far away from it.

Peace&Love
~L

Block Party

Any of you who have ever been to Milwaukee, WI know that it has a great bar scene. We drink lots of beer. We party a lot! We love to get crazy! Milwaukee started a new trend last night by closing off one of the main streets where the bars are to allow for a Halloween block party. Let me tell you it was one crazy experience and I wish I had pictures to prove it. (You just have to take my word for it.) People stood in the freezing cold waiting to get in to the bars. We were fortunate to be able to get in rather quickly. Some people's costumes were very creative some guys dressed up as the 3 blind mice, 3 little pigs, lots of Lady Gaga and Jersey Shore members even Osama bin Laden showed up to the party. Of course you had your typical females who dress in the sluttiest way possible, because Halloween is the only night you can truly get away with it. Overall the night was fun but insanely expensive and probably something I won't be doing again. But I thank you MKE for a night to remember and you actually managed to keep most of the drunks from driving anywhere. The next big party?? New Years Eve! Don't see myself heading downtown for that unless someone wants to pay for all my covers and drinks! Until next time MKE keep it classy!

Peace&Love
~L

When the Time is Right

I bought this song on itunes months ago and hadn't listened to it in awhile, but I listened to it today and remembered why I bought it in the first place. I've been doing a lot of thinking again about my life and where I'm headed. I must say I'm pretty content with where I'm at. There has been a lot of talk about material things and how we are never completely satisfied with our lives because we don't have more money or the next new thing and sometimes all it takes is a fire or a tornado to destroy everything. And then what? Do you take the time to focus your life on what truly matters? Or do you put yourself in a pit of depression for all the material things lost? I'm glad I can say right now that sure there are plenty of things I really want but realistically I will never have and that puts me at ease. I'm not a fan of money because it makes people different and not usually in a good way. I realize I need money to afford the basics in life and if its the basics I have I'll be ok. All I want from this life is to be surrounded by good friends and family and experience everything I can. This song to me means there is always an alternative answer. If it doesn't work the first time try again when the time is right. It may not be easy but its doable. Realizing that its not the material things in life that matter anymore. It is understanding that it doesn't matter what type of journey you've been on, it is the place you end at that matters. When you have the chance to change your life let it change you. Stop looking for happiness is the materialistic things and look for happiness in a person or life experiences.

It can be a real long road
It can be a lonely night
When you're on your own
And you're running out of light

It can be a real long ride
When you're running out of time

So when the time is right
Don't hold back
When the time is right
Don't hold back

Doesn't matter who you are
Doesn't matter where you've been
Doesn't matter where you start
Only matters where you end

It can be a real long road
When I'm looking in your eyes
Give me just one more chance
Give me just one more try

When the time is right
Don't hold back
When the time is right
Don't hold back

Doesn't matter who you are
Doesn't matter where you've been
Doesn't matter where you start
Only matters where you end


Enjoy the journey and reach your destination!
Peace&Love
~L

Dear Bronchitis

It is official all I do have bronchitis. That cough I've mentioned previously is definately what I expected. I am not a fan of this. I got another cold this weekend and am nearly over that, but it did wonders on my lungs. I would have just lived with the hack without going to the doc, but since it got worse, I needed to go in and make sure it wasn't pneumonia or something.

But I am still not a fan of this. Bronchitis has managed to make me rather miserable. In the past 2 nights I have gotten about 4-5 hours of sleep. I can't seem to fall asleep and if I do, I don't stay asleep, because I start coughing. Nothing seems to work. I'm on some medication, but it won't help for the long run. Besides the fact it does not seem like its working anyways. It has managed to make me stop working out, which I plan to start with a nice easy walk tomorrow to maybe get some more cleared out of my lungs. It also has changed my appetite. Nothing seems delicious to me. Normally things like cheese seem way too salty and chocolate tastes sweet, but not appealing. Thanks a lot bronchitis for taking hold of my lungs and not letting them go. I'm not much of a fan! I hope you leave me soon, since you've clearly overstayed your welcome!

Peace&love
~L

Lots of Thinking

Over the past week I've been doing lots of thinking. I've been thinking a lot about the future, my current job, what I want to be doing and where I'd like to go. I've come to the conclusion that my heartstrings are telling me to give something else a try. I'm weighing my options and hopefully will have the answers soon. I know I was so crazy excited about being back in WI just a few short months ago, but clearly I want something else. I'm not satisfied being here. I have nothing here to keep me tied down. I have no commitments. I'm not ready to settle for anything yet. I'm still young and still interested in a variety of things.

"It's never too late to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again." ~Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I keep coming back to this quote over and over. I understand now more than ever this is the time for me to do whatever I want. If I'm not happy with what I'm doing and where I am at, I can always try something else. About a year ago I would have told you that I am not happy with my life and I would have been confused and lost and not know where to go. Today I can tell you, things don't get to me like they used to. I am much happier now then I was then. But I've learned to accept things and grow up. I also have a loving God, who I am sad to say, throw to the curb all of the time, but yet he keeps surprising me with blessing after blessing. I see all these people accomplishing so much and going places I never thought of going, that I realize it is time for me to experience life in a very different way. I'm sick of living this typical American life. I want to see things from someone else's eyes. I want to meet hippies, adventurers, bikers, atheletes, etc. I want to see things that change my life and appreciate the life I've been given. I want to give everything a try, because I only get this one life to live and enjoy and gosh darnit I will! I hope that I get amazing opportunities to go to other countries and see how people live. I want to change a few lives and meet lots of people the world over! I'm ready for a change of pace! More than ever I feel that this change is needed and 100% right! I will keep you posted!

Live your life! Change it, if it is not what you thought it'd be! Live. Love. Be Happy!

Peace&Love
~L

Devil's Lake State Park

Well it has been long enough, but recently my friend Amber and I went to Devil's Lake in Baraboo, WI. If you have never been there, you should seriously go. It is absolutely gorgeous! Not a typical landscape for this state. We hit it just as the fall colors were at their peak and the weather was still in the 80's! We did a lot of hiking up and down steep and slippery rocks, but definately all worth it. Check out the pics below!

The drive in

Lots of rocks

Devil's Lake

My friend Amber on the overhang

Some fall colors

Balanced rock

More colors

Devil's Doorway

Peace&Love
~L

It Never Ends

I swear this week was the worst week ever. Don't get me wrong, it flew by pretty darn fast, but for the 2nd half of it, I felt incredibly sick and still don't know what I have. I've been hacking up a lung, but never felt really sick other than that. I've been extremely tired and no matter how much I sleep I still feel exhausted 10 minutes into my day. I'd like to think it's the heat we've been having here in WI and it's just wearing me out. Plus working all day and spending half of it outside in the heat doesn't exactly help. Today my stomach has been twisted. Sometimes it feels fine other moments it hurts like the dickens. But on the bright side, I've been coughing less, which is always something to be happy about. I just hope soon I can shake whatever has been ailing me and I can get back to ME!

Tomorrow I'm supposed to be going to the Dells with a friend and I would hate to miss out on that, especially since it's going to be another gorgeous day out and the leaves should be at their peak color. I wish I had something more exciting to share with you, but I don't and I'm sorry about that. I will try better next time! :)


Peace&Love
~L

Holy Hill

I'm loving this fall weather we are having. Every ounce of me wants to spend as much time enjoying it outside as possible. Today a friend and I went to Holy Hill, which is a very popular Catholic church in southeastern Wisconsin. People flock from all over the world to see this church. I can understand why, it is down right gorgeous. So if you are ever in the southeastern corner of the state you might just want to check this little gem out.

The church is sitting high on a hill, but tucked away in the countryside. This allows for a wonderful scenic drive once you are off the freeway. Once there your options are to walk through the sacred walkway which has stone statues depicting the life of Jesus or you can start out at the church itself and walk up numerous stairs to get around inside. Let me tell you, I for sure got my workout in today.

The walkway



The church

Unbelievably huge

We only had to climb 178 stairs

A steeple and view

The other steeple

My future house and view (not enough colors yet)

Me and view

A sign that said rubbish, really?

Also just because I live in WI now I need to update you on our sports teams, as if you don't already know: Badgers won! Packers dominated! Brewers have a stranglehold on the series!

Peace&Love
~L