R-E-S-P-E-C-T...Find Out What It Means To Me

Sitting here today I started to think about respect. What happened to it? Let's face it, we can all say that we have respect for others but is that really the truth? If you were able to see yourself during the day would you be happy with how you treated others? Would you be okay with the way you acted? For some of us we show respect to others, whether we know them or not, but for a majority of us we preach one thing and do the exact opposite.

As time goes on, and I continue to grow, I've come to realize that respect for others have diminished and it is rare that you find some that lives by their values. Whether you are working or out with friends the reality is that respect goes right out the window when it isn't convenient for someone. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that there are a lot of good people out there, and I'm blessed to have many in my life, but I'm talking about the world in general.

Growing up I was taught to always have respect for others. I was taught that you should always be respectful in the way you act and talk no matter who it is. It doesn't matter if you don't have respect or like the person, you still act respectful. Today's world is so self-centered that respect doesn't matter anymore. Think about it...when you send someone a text message asking someone a question and they don't reply at all but you know they saw it, how is that respectful? Don't you think the respect that the person had for you is going to go straight out the window? Or if you decide to embarrass someone at work or in public, when the respectful thing would be to talk to them one on one or not say anything, how do you think that is going to affect your relationship with them.

Everything now a days is "when it is convenient for ME" or "ME, ME, ME." People don't think about others. Look back at relationships that you've lost, respect probably had something to do with it. As adults if this is how we plan to continue to act, I feel sorry for the younger generations and our future kids.

My sister and I taught Religious Education at our church. We had a class of 2nd graders. The way that they would take to us and each other was completely disrespectful. If any of you know us, that didn't last very long. We put a stop to it right away and created consequences if they were going to act that way. These kids were learning about respect from their parents. It was clear that the parents didn't even care what their kid was doing, or that's how they acted in their lives.

If people are rude and disrespectful to us, why do we keep them in our lives? Sometimes we don't have a choice. They are co-workers, family, or maybe a friend who you have known for years. No matter how we justify it to ourselves, when they do something that is mean or disrespectful, it still hurts. Even though we are hurt from it, face it, do you really think the other person cares, and even if you tell them you're hut, are they going to change their ways? Probably not! So why keep them around?

One of my best friends, Jenna, is truly an inspiration when it comes to this. She has cut people out of her life who are rude, disrespectful, and don't have her best interest in heart. I wish I could tell you right now that everyone who has been disrespectful to me, I've cut out of my life. The reality is, that I haven't. When I've had the choice to get rid of them, I have. It might not have happened right away, but we all eventually get to our breaking point and can't handle it anymore.

I'm dealing with a situation right now in my life where there are people that I want to cut out of my life, but the problem is that I don't have that option right now. If I had my perfect world, I would love to cut them out and then show them how they have been acting or give them a taste of their own medicine. It isn't in my personality to be rude or disrespectful to someone in return. Sometimes you just have to be the bigger person, and hope down the road they get what they deserve. We've all heard that saying, "Karma is a Bitch." It's only a matter of time until people get their karma.

We all make mistakes and can be disrespectful at times. It's a matter of learning from what we have done and then trying to change the way we act. People are going to make mistakes, no one is perfect. But learn from your actions, and try to show respect to everyone that you come in contact with. Why should anyone be treated less? What makes you better than the person standing right next to you?

All I'm asking is for people to show respect to one another. You never know the difference you are making in someone's life.

Have a magical day!! 

If I Could...

It is finally the weekend! All week I have kept praying that Friday would come around, and now it finally has. I hope everyone out there will be doing something fun this weekend. This weekend I have my cousin's bachelorette party. We are going to a hotel and then spa on Sunday. It will be so much fun and I can't believe that  she will be married soon! It's coming so fast.

Since it's Friday, I figured that I would do a fun question blog. Check it out below...

IF I COULD...
Travel anywhere, where would it be? I'd go back to Australia.
Meet anyone, who would it be?  Walt Disney
Bring anyone dead back to life, who would it be? Nana
Be anyone for a day, who would it be? A famous actress
Get anything for free for the rest of your life what would it be? All insurance 
Change one thing about your life what would it be? Some decisions I've made
Have any superpower what would it be? Either read minds or snap my fingers and be anywhere
Be any animal for a day which would you be? Dog
Date anyone who would it be? Jonathan Toews
Change one thing about the world what would it be? No war
Live in any fictional universe which would you choose? Neverland
Eliminate one of your human needs which would you get rid of? Acceptance from others
Change one of your personality traits which would you choose? Stubbornness 
Be talented at anything instantly what would you choose? Be the best wedding planner 
Erase an event from history (make it so it never happened) which would you choose? Losing my Nana
Have any hair/eye/skin color, which would you choose? Maybe green eyes
Live in any country/city, where would you choose? Venice, Italy or Melbourne, Australia
Change one law in your country, which would you change? Everything has to be hands free
Be any height, which would you choose? I like my height
Have any job in the world, which would you choose? Community Relations and Marketing for a sports team
Have anything appear in your pocket right now, what would it be? Winning powerball lotto ticket


What would some of you answer for these questions? Have a great weekend everyone!

Wedding Season Times Eight

This has been one crazy year. Between a new job, planning church events, and trying to balance a social life and possibly find a boyfriend, weddings seem to have taken over my life. What do I mean? Between August 2014 and March 2015 (except for February) I have had a wedding every month. Out of those 8 weddings, I have been in 4, attended 1, went to Disney for 1, and declined 1. Weekends have been packed solid with bridal showers, bachelorette parties, wedding planning, and the actual wedding.

Even though my bank account is not very happy with me, there is something special about being able to stand up there with the people you love and truly care about. It's a wonderful feeling watching two people stand there, giving themselves to each other in front of God and their family and friends. Each bride looks like a princess, every groom look likes prince charming. That day is the beginning of their "Happily Ever After" (or so you hope). One of my favorite things to watch is the groom's face when he first sees his bride walking down the isle. That look says it all.

I feel like I have been around weddings for years. When I worked at North Central I would help our office out with all the weddings. I would help them set up the rehearsal, get everything organized, assist the bride and groom on their special day, and eventually help the bride down the isle. Some brides were definitely bridezillas, but most of them were on cloud nine.

Being apart and working so many weddings always makes me want to plan my own wedding. Not only that it makes me think about what my wedding would be like. As little girls we always dream about what that day would be like and who we would marry. As time has gone on I have definitely changed how I imagine my wedding. When I was in my high school floral design class, one of the big projects we had, was to design our wedding. I have that project stored in my room. As I look back I wanted my colors to be pink and silver and I wanted a spring or summer wedding. I had a ballgown dress and my bridesmaids had long dresses that touched the floor, and I thought I knew exactly who would be in my wedding party.

The one thing I have no idea about is who I want to stand up with me. Some of the people that I thought would be in my wedding will definitely not be standing up for me (they may be attendance however). People come in and out of our lives so quickly, I want to pick people who are going to stay in my life forever and who hold a special place in my heart.
After being in so many weddings and seeing what people have done I have definitely changed my mind on many things and until I walk down the isle it will probably change with every wedding I am in or attend.

There are some things I know for sure about my wedding. It will be in the Catholic Church, my sister will be my maid of honor, my engagement ring and wedding band will be my Nana's (the one she left me), my dad will walk me down the isle, and I plan on honoring all of my grandparents one way or another. Let's face it though, I'm single and don't have a ring on my finger so I have plenty of time to plan all the details.

My sister and mom joke with me that by the time my wedding comes around I am going to know exactly what I want and don't want. They think that their will be very limited planning with it because I'm going to know everything I want. It's probably true. Who knows I might be the most stress free bride anyone has ever met.

First things first I need to find that special guy who is will to take that journey with me. Who knows what 2015 will bring. Let's face it...life is one magical adventure!

Where There Is Faith, There Is Hope!!

Hi all, sorry for the delay in a new post. Between the start of wedding season, and a church picnic that I am planning things have been a little crazy. Anyways, I am truly going to make an effort to post consistently now...I promise.

While at work today, I was thinking about my life and where I thought that I would be right now. My mom always tells me, "We make plans and God laughs." God knows how my life is going to end up and what I'm meant to be, however, at the old age of 26 I feel like life isn't what I thought it would be. I don't have the job I want, there's no guy in my life, and I haven't done nearly all the things I want to do. Add on trials and disappointments and you can build yourself a road. Life doesn't turn out how we want or plan. I've had amazing adventures, experiences, and moments in my life that I thank God for everyday. It's easy to have hope and faith during that time in your life. The hard part is, how do you keep the faith and hope when life sends you one curve ball after another.

What do you do? If you're anything like me, I might freak out, have a few tears or meltdown, but then turn around and work on picking myself up. Life goes on, and you just have to learn to go with the flow. Trust me that is easier said than done, and I am the first person to admit it. We are all human, and unless you have a "whatever" or "I don't care" mentality, like me, you dwell on it and you doubt what is planned for you in life.

That's where faith and hope comes in. I have to believe in my heart or hearts that there is a reason why everything happens. There is a reason I didn't get the job I was praying for and I'm at a different job, a reason why prince charming hasn't turned up yet, and a reason why curve balls are being thrown. Without hope that one day things will all fall into place, life would suck and be miserable. There's a quote that says, "You can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air...but only for one second without hope."

Even when we get down on ourselves or don't know how we are going to get through an obstacle, we have to turn to God and ask for help. We have to have faith that he knows what's best for us and hope that there will be a brighter tomorrow. It's easy to forget all the blessings that we have been given when you are in that moment of hurt or turmoil. I'll admit I make that mistake too! We have keep in mind the big picture. We are all meant for great things, we just might not achieve it when we want to, but we have to believe it will happen.

Faith and hope are hard to keep. I'm fortunate enough to have amazing people in my life who are there to remind me when I forget. They are there to remind me to keep the faith, that their is always hope, to always pray, and to fight for what I want. I'm so blessed to have them in my life. They are there when I need them. Things are going to happen whether we like it or not. We can fight it or we can learn to accept. Either way faith and hope are the only way we are going to get through this magical adventure called life!!

A New Chapter

Happy almost Friday everyone!! I hope that you are all having a good evening. I know that I haven't blogged  in a while, but after some thinking I have decided to start back up again. Writing is something that I truly enjoy, and something that I want to keep up with. What better way to do that, than to blog.

I don't want you to think that I haven't been writing or blogging in two years, I actually was writing a blog for the Chicago Steel. I ended up having to give it up in June, because I got a new job. I won't lie when I say leaving and letting go of the blog was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Either way...here I am!

My plan is to keep posting about some of life's adventures that I have/will experience, but also talk about the different curve balls that life faces you with. If you decide to come back day in and day out that's awesome and I'm excited to have you share this magical adventure with me. Ultimately this blog is for me. It's a ways for me to keep track of this crazy adventure we call life, and hopefully connect with people about issues that are important to me and relateable to others.

So much has changed and happened within the past two years. Looking back I've changed and been able to grow as a person. This post starts a new chapter in my life. One that I'm looking forward to sharing with all of you. I hope you'll join me on this life's magical adventure!!

Weekend Movies

Happy Hump Day everyone! So this past weekend my sister and I hung out and watched a ton of movies. However, two of the newer movies that we watched was "Think Like A Man" and "The Lucky One." Both movies were absolutely amazing.

"Think Like A Man" was absolutely hilarious. The actors were great, and there was a happy ending which we all love to see. Jeremy and Dominic were two of the hottest guys in the film. Watching the movie, it made you think about how hard it is for men to think like women, and vice versa. But I'm not going to lie, it would be nice to have a book that told women what men were thinking. Yes, I know that it is a movie and that ironically each girl was dating someone who was described in this book, but seriously it would be so nice to have a guidebook. Especially for those of us who are into a guy but are too shy to say anything...a.k.a. me. But that's a different story lol. The bottom line is that if you are looking for a comical romance that both you and your significant other will enjoy...this is the movie!!

 

Now "The Lucky One" is definitely more of a romance movie. It was inspired by the Nicholas Sparks book, which was phenominal! Zac Efron was hot as usual and seeing his tattoo, whew. The connection between Beth and Logan (the character's names) was hot and undeniably fun to watch. It made you wish that you were the one with Zac in the movie. I was also impressed that the movie pretty much followed the book, which is something I am always worried about, especially with Nicholas Sparks books. I always seem to fall in love with the book and I just hope the movie will live up to my expectations and won't be ruined for me. The one thing that I was a little bit sad about was that the movie did not show the relationship between Logan and Zeus, the dog. Also they don't show the relationship between Logan and his friend who he lost at war, Victor. I really wished that these were portrayed in the movie, because they were so important in the book and really brought it to life. However, I think this is totally a movie worth watching, but you are going to wish you had a love story in your life like this lol.

The moral of the story is that if you are look for some amazing movies this weekend, here are two. Otherwise if these two don't appeal to you go to your local Family Video, or use netflix/redbox whatever, and find a movie you haven't seen yet. You never know what movie you'll find!

One Fabulous Weekend

As I promised I am back this week with a ton of fun posts, or at least I think they are :). Since today is Monday, I figured I would give you a weekend recap. This weekend was filled with a ton of family parties, and a whole lot of time spent with my sister.

Kathleen, is at UIndy, and to say that I miss her alot is the understatement of the year! She is my best friend and the person that I do almost everything with. She is the one person that I am able to be real with because no matter what at the end of the day she loves me.

I know, I know I'm getting all mushy. But with her moving away to Indiana it has been really hard. Well she had to attend a wedding this weekend so she was home Friday and Saturday! We had a blast. We watched a ton of movies, went out to dinner, and just hung out and talked. I definitely missed her.

She has a job interview at an ice rink today. Needless to say that doesn't surprise me. We have both grown up around the sport of hockey, and we have watched our brother, John, play hockey for over 16 years! Hockey is in our blood, and we love it! If she gets the job at the ice rink, I think it will make her feel more at home. I mean, come on, how can you go away to a school with no hockey team and be okay with that?? LOL. So GOOD LUCK TODAY KAT!! You'll rock your interview!

On Sunday, we had two family gatherings. My Uncle Mike and his girlfriend, Robin, were in town for a wine tasting. They live in Rockford for 3/4 of the year and Arizona for 1/4 of the year. Anyways, I haven't seen the two of them since April so it was nice to see them. We went to Home Run Inn, and let me just say it was absolutely outstanding!

My Uncle Mike and Robin are on the far left

After that we were off to my Aunt's house because we had family in this weekend from California. She ended up having a get together. It was so much fun! I got to see some of my cousins and two of my little cousins. Plus, I got to practice playing Mario Cart on the Wii. As you can assume I wasn't very good at it, but it was so much fun!



My Aunt and her family

  Well that's all for today folks! I hope your weekend was as fabulous as mine! Until tomorrow!