Marriage

What makes a good marriage? Is it longevity? Compatibility? Some would say constant flowers, gifts and words of adoration go into a good marriage. But I've come to believe (and note: I've only been married 1 year, 3 months and some odd number of days, so you can put me in front of a firing squad if you would like for thinking I can give marriage advice...but please don't) that a good marriage is made up of two people who love each other and who would go to the ends of the earth to be with one another and make each other happy. Two people who would fight through hell and high water to stay together. Two people who honestly and truely enjoy each others' company, even if sometimes they would disagree with that statement.

I have been witness to many marriages. Some short, some everlasting and some absolutely perfect, though they look quite tumultuous on the surface. Call me cheezy (or any other clever name you can come up with...you won't hurt my feelings) but I honestly believe that sometimes people are meant to find each other and spend the rest of their lives together. It happened with me and my parents, so why can't that happen with romantic relationships?

I have come to think about this because I have recently discovered what love really means and how it manifests itself. My husband does not come home every day after work with beautiful flowers for me, he doesn't bring me chocolates on Valentine's Day (he claims he doesn't believe it's a real holiday, but we'll save that for another post) and doesn't think everything that comes out of my mouth is adorable and cute. But what he does do is surprise me everyday with his devotion and true and undeniable love.

As you may know, my father has been sick on and off, and though he's getting better it was very bad for a while. One night, I awoke to a phone call from the police, informing me that my father was being taken to the emergency room in an ambulance and I needed to meet my mother at the hospital. I of course was in a sudden state of panic, and before I could even form a thought or wipe the sleep away from my eyes, my husband was getting dressed and asking me which hospital we needed to drive to. I told him I could drive myself and he should go back to sleep because of his early morning, but it never crossed his mind that he wouldn't go with me. We stayed at the hospital until the sun was beginning to come up, and when there was nothing else we could do we went home. 1 hour later, my dear, sweet husband went to work. Never complaining, never saying he was tired, he drove to work and called me on his drive to tell me that he wanted updates constantly on my dad's condition and that he would leave work at the drop of a hat if I ever needed him. When I hung up the phone, I knew that I was married to the man of my dreams.

Some girls may not have that exact dream when they envision their future husband, but I would encourage girls to open their eyes and stop thinking that candy, flowers and big diamonds (though they are nice and always accepted) are what make a marriage.

My husband showed up at every one of my father's doctors appointments. He came and visited him in the hospital every day after he got off work. When my father woke up from a coma (long story, but if you're reading this you probably know it) my husband wanted to visit him immediately. Every night he prayed with me and every day he showed up. He showed up. As simple as that sounds, I believe that's what makes a marriage.

One day on my way home from work, I decided to stop by my parents house to check on my dad. I hadn't talked to my husband, figuring I would see him at home when he got off work. When I pulled in my parents' driveway, to my surprise my husband's car was sitting in parking spot, looking like it belonged. And it did. I walked in and he was sitting with my parents, chatting and looking so comfortable I could have mistaken their house for ours (except for the OBVIOUS size difference.) Without me asking, without me even knowing, he had shown up.

And now to my point: marriage is not always pretty. It's not always the fairy tale you dreamed about while lying in your childhoood bed. But when you find that one person who shows you selfless love, love that stays strong through the good and the bad, love that actually shines brighter during the rough patches, that's when you know you have the makings of a good marriage. Whether you are single, dating or married, always remember that. Love isn't flashy. It's during the simple times, the sometimes overlooked moments, that true love really shines. And if you remember that and embrace those moments, you can never go wrong.

And who knows, diamonds, flowers and Frank Sinatra seranades could come out at any moment...just be patient. ; )

Call Your Parents Just to Say "I Love You"

Life Lessons

You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grown apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear Father,
From your forever grateful kid.

---Author Unknown

What a Wonderful World

As almost everyone who knows me well knows, I have 1 very favorite song. It can make me smile, cry, laugh, dance (just depends on my mood) everytime I hear it. Well this video takes that song to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL! Mom, thanks for sending this to me. It's great! And on a day like today, this video is perfect. Enjoy....and pass it on to your friends and family!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rooyt3ptNco&feature=email

If you're looking for a quote and tidbit, I'm sorry but there will not be either today. Say a prayer for your family, friends and those who may be sick or suffering. And have a good Monday.

Make Time

Last night, I had an extremely painful yet fortunate chance to say goodbye to a very close family friend. She has been battling brain cancer for 16 brave months and now doctors say she only has a few days left. As I type this I'm getting choked up thinking about what a wonderful person the world is about to lose and how unfair it is. But if death teaches us anything it's that life is precious and sometimes short and it should never be taken for granted. The amazing things this woman accomplished during her time on her earth are mind-boggling. The thousands of lives that she's touched are forever changed and so many people will be forever grateful that they had the opportunity to know such a wonderful woman. She is, simply, what I aspire to be - smart, beautiful, kind, headstrong, compassionate, loving and above all a great friend no matter what.

I watch as her friends gather together to say their last goodbyes and band together as a group to keep each other strong. Her memory will live on through them, and what a wonderful thing that is. It makes me think of my friendships and how precious they are. Simple things like girls' nights and sweet notes to each other are so important because if you have a strong group of friends, you can do anything. Seeing these women rally around their friend in her final days reminds me to never take my friendships for granted. Always comfort a friend in need. Send flowers or a nice note to a friend for no reason other than to say hello. Keep in touch with friends who have moved away. Make time for your friends, even if you only have time to grab a quick cup of coffee once a week. These things are important because one day your time is up. And when that moment comes I know I don't want to have any regrets or think "If only I had done this." Life and time are fleeting and we must make all the memories we can before we have to say goodbye.

Quote of the Day: "Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone." - Dorothy Parker

Tidbit for Today: Go out and buy some nice stationary with your name or monogram on it and use it not only to write thank-you notes but also to write letters to your friends who you don't get to see or talk to that often. A letter is so fun to receive in the mail, even it's short, and it's a very personal and touching way to stay in touch.

Extra Tidbit

Everyone needs to get in their car at some point today, open the sun roof and drive around, singing some great rock out music! I was singing and dancing to Katy Perry - I find she's best if you turn it up really loud, sing at the top of your lungs and shake your hair all around!

Enjoy!

The Game of Life!

Drum roll please......................"The Game of Life" is now available....................................ONLINE!!!! Can you believe it?! I'm am now going to officially become the most WORTHLESS person at work! Unless you count getting married, having 4 kids, a job, a mansion and winning the Game of Life as the greatest accomplishment of a person's life.....

I used to rock this game with my girlfriends while drinking massive amounts of wine and comparing how many kids we had pegged into the back of our car. Well this online version offers even more fun because if you're tired of getting married to the same old blue or pink piece, you can........drum roll again please........................have a same-sex marriage!!!! Of course this is causing some uproar around the conservative circles, but how fun! Way to spice it up, Life. Way to throw us a curve ball. I just hope I still end up with the mansion!

I've included a link below that will take you to a site where you can play a free trial version. So come on, waste your day away with "The Game of Life" - it is St. Patrick's Day after all.

http://www.shockwave.com/gamelanding/gameoflife.jsp

Quote of the Day: "In all this world, why I do think/ There are five reasons why we drink:/ Good friends,/ Good wine,/ Lest we be dry/ and any other reason why." - Old Irish proverb

One more quote for good measure (it is St. Patty's Day after all): "Work is the curse of the drinking class." - Oscar Wilde

Tidbit for Today: Did you know that St. Patrick was actually not Irish at all? He was British, if you can believe that, and was kidnapped by some (probably drunken) Irishmen in the 15th century and made a slave in Ireland. He later escaped, but he returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary later in his life. Interesting tidbit I thought. HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!!!

"Oh What a Beautiful Morning"

As I stepped out my front door this morning, I took a deep breath and had my first taste of spring. I know it's only March 4th, but today was the first day I smelled spring. Laugh all you want, but yes, I can smell the different seasons. I can smell holidays too. Jealous?

Anyways, back to this glorious day. It couldn't be more beautiful. I am speechless and in awe of nature and life today. It's the kind of day you just want to be outside, maybe with a good book and a cup of coffee, sitting on a patio. It's the kind of day you want to spend with your friends and loved ones. It's a day to be thankful. It's a day to smile no matter what. It's a day to send your friends nice notes or messages, just to say hi. It's a day to do something nice for someone else, maybe even someone you don't know. It's a day to read a snuggie blog and almost spit out your coffee. It's a day to get excited about cuppies and joe - FYI, it's going to be even MORE beautiful tomorrow, Meesh!

It's a day to quit smoking. And it's a day to ask my friends and family to not only support me in this endeavor but also to kick my often rotund backside if I try to slip up. ; ) That's why you have support systems, right?

Here's to more beautiful and HEALTHY days! Happy Hump Day!

Quote of the Day: "Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." - Will Rogers

Tidbit for Today: If you're looking for something to do tonight, McNellie's Public House in Midtown has a great Wednesday special! $3 burgers - and this isn't just any burger....it's HUGE! And delicious! Plus, it comes with fries. You could go split one with your hubby, boyfriend or fiance, throw back a few pints and not dig too deep into your pockets. Enjoy!