Just Sharing

OK, so I am no expert on the subject. It was not part of my upbringing and I have only recently been exposed to the traditions and what not. My exposure has honestly been limited to gift giving and parties. Although there is magic in all that, tonight I have really figured it out. Well, at least what it means to me. I cancelled a couple plans to hang out with my friend. He has always been very giving. Recently he had a heart attack and just returned from the hospital this week. I didn't want him to be alone during the Holidays, I know they mean a lot to him. He means a lot to me. He is more like a grandfather to me.
We sat and talked about his surgery and the ordeal of what he went through. He showed me his battle scars. We watched a Western Movie, ate good food, talked some more, and ate some homemade Italian cookies from our other neighbor.
He told me that all he wanted for Christmas was a hug from me and a visit. When I left he said Merry Christmas, thank you. No gifts, no money spent, no decorations, and no stress over anything. Just someone to share the evening with and have a couple laughs. Good times, good company, and maybe the BEST Christmas eve event I have ever been to in my limited experience. He made me smile!
It is about making people smile, enjoying some one's company, being with people who you enjoy. Thanks Chuck! I am so thankful you are home and safe and healthy. That is my Christmas gift from you!

I have been seeing this list of things people want to leave behind in 2007. I have seen it in forums, blogs and my space. Well, 2007 was an interesting year, not always pleasant, but I find myself at the end HAPPY! Isn't that all that counts? I really do not want to concentrate on everything I want to leave behind. It is all part of my dash (thanks Dad). Many good things happened to me this year. I have become close to the people I need in my life, and I have realized their value. I have gained knowledge that I will use for the rest of my life, both personally and professionally. I have learned to like myself and everything that contributes positively in my world. I read the Secret!!!

So here are the TOP 10 things I look forward to in 2008

10. Dave Matthews New Album - which by the way was supposed to be out in 2007 and never happened. (But I am on a positive mission so I am hopeful.)

9. The 2008 DMB Tour - 2007 ROCKED!!!!!

8. Spending less time bitching and worrying about work, and more time just enjoying life and the fabulous people I have around me. I promise to take all my vacation days before they are taken from me!

7. Meeting new people and reuniting with my friends that I may not always see. I love hanging out with Jenn again, it reminds me of what I may have taken for granted or missed out on. So I am going to make a valiant effort to ensure that I see Carmela, Mandy, Jean Anne, Amy Beth, and Corie a lot more this more this year. I have the BEST group of girlfriends.

6. Heather getting a house! I will be so happy for her, I know she has everything packed in storage somewhere to fill it. It has been her dream, and I cannot wait for it to come true! Not that she would let me decorate or help, I am more of the support role here. She has always been there for me.

5. Watching my sister find her passion. She is so good at photography and her pictures amaze me. I thought she found her niche being a mother, and she did. However, she is so talented and passionate about her photography and I KNOW big things will happen for her this year. I can't wait to watch it all unfold and I am so proud of her.

4. Spending more time and visits with my Grandparents. I call, but I do not visit them enough. I look forward to spending more time than I did last year. I also look forward to making sure they know they are loved!

3. Watching my nieces and nephews grow up and making sure I do not miss any BIG moments! I am Aunt Jenn after all, and I want to be the BEST Aunt Jenn out there. So Mavrick, Kaylee, Abby, Sweet Pea and Domenic - I love you guys and just let me know and I will be there.

2. Spending time with Eric again! He knows me like no one else, (well except Heather and my Sister). He makes me laugh. He also gives me constructive criticism which is helpful (sometimes painful and unprovoked) but always has my best interest in mind. That is worth it's weight in gold. I am very lucky.

1. MY PARENTS! I love them so much and I want to spend as much time as I can with them this year. They sacrificed so much for us kids and NOW is the time for them to reap the rewards. I want this year to be the best year they have ever had!

If you are ever in the Ft Lauderdale area you have to check out this place out!

I will admit as soon as we walked in a buttefly flew in my hair and I was ready to leave. But after a while you get used to all the butterflies dancing around. It is very pretty and peaceful. The flowers were amazing as well. I wish they would grow around here. Check it out!

We had a great time as a family in Florida. It was wonderful. I have an amazing family. We never got the group shot that we talked about all week, but here are some random pics that I love! Thanks Mom and Dad!