For Real Christmas List

So, here's my for real Christmas list.  It includes all the things I already have that I am so grateful for:

The best family in the world including:

The Cutest Niece That Ever Lived.

  Nora makes the best handmade birthday cards ever. They are so precious. She loves books, princesses, and pink and purple. She reminds us all of the innocence of childhood, she gives hugs, kisses, and jokes unselfishly. 

The Best Parents.

I can't even tell you all how amazing my parents are. I am 28 years old and have never seen them fight. they are what I hope my marriage is like; devoted, wonderful, giving, and sharing. They gave everything to my brother and me. They gave us the best childhood and after 35 years we can tell they are still just as in love as the day they met. 

My Grandparents

My Grandma Spornitz is 90 years old and still kicking. She and my Grandpa set the bar for the rest of us. My maternal Grandparents were not as fortunate to live such long lives, but they were an inspiration to us, they stayed together through thick and thin, sickness and health, and I was fortunate enough to spend time with Grandma McDole for the last years of her life. My Grandmothers especially were such strong women

They gave us the tools we needed to be the best we can be. I thank the universe for everyday my Grandma Spornitz can still share her wisdom, her generosity, and her compassion. she will always be my inspiration in life.

My cousins.

 How could I be the person I am without them? They inspired me to go to college, be the person I am, I will always be a better person because of my cousins!

My wonderful Fiancee

He always makes me laugh, makes me feel good about myself, encourages me when I feel ready to quit, helps me feel happy when I feel broken, is my partner in crime, and loves me even when I'm being an unequivocal crazy person.  And I know he'll make a great Dad!

Being Back in Kansas City
I've been back for almost 2 years and I'm so glad! (Even though no one here knows how to drive.)

My wonderful friends

some I've known for 25 years, some for 16, some for 10 or less. All the friends I've made, have been loyal and wonderful and amazing and there for me for everything. I wonder how I've deserved so many wonderful friends and I thank the universe for every one of them..

I also Love my cat. Ollie.

He snuggles on my lap on days that I feel people have failed me, he purrs on my lap when I feel like I've had the longest day ever. And he is the sweetest little snuggler  I have in my life. 

Thanks to everyone, all my family and friends who make my life so full. 

I am so grateful for everyone who is generous enough to share their time with me.

I have the best parents

I have the best brother and sister-in-law

I have the best niece

I have the best fiancee
I have the best mother and father -in -law to be

and I have the best cat

and that's all I need to be happy.

so thank you all for sharing your love with me

I am lucky to have such a wonderful group of people (and animals) to enrich my life.

you all keep me going, and I love you.

Merry Christmas!

Girlosophy

I'm a bit of a dork and, I will admit that there are a lot of books aimed at teens that I really love at the age of 27. With all the adult hype over the Twilight series and such, I know I'm not alone. I really love these books, the Girlosophy series that are written by Anthea Paul. So far there are nine books in the series (four of which I own) and they are all full of good advice, real girls and women, true stories, and wonderfully colorful pictures. My favorite is A Soul Survival Kit but they have some other great titles including The Love Survival Kit, How To Write Your Own Life, Real Girls Eat, and The Oracle, among others. I wish I would have had books like these when I was 15 because they do not just scratch the surface. They give actually useful information, advice, and inspiration that stems from a soul level. Paul wants girls to focus on what is real, feeling comfortable in their own skin instead of finding the right bag to carry with the right shoes. At any age, Girlosophy is one to live by. 

Mind Your Manners

I have a weird fascination with Etiquette Books. In this day and age where people are constantly checking their blackberries for new text messages and emails during a conversation with their grandmother, there isn't a period of time where we need these books more. I wouldn't say that I am an authority on perfect behavior, but I really do love to read these books. I find them interesting because they really say something about culture, it is intriguing to know what is considered correct. Books like these can come in really handy. Many of them have chapters on international etiquette if you're traveling to another country, they can tell you what is appropriate for a wedding, funeral, or a business dinner if it's been a while since you've attended, they will tell you what to wear for semi-formal, formal, or black-tie events. Some even have chapters on personal style and will give you a check list of what to pack on a week end away so you can still travel without looking like a slob or forgetting to bring some nice shoes and wind up wearing your New Balance Trainers the whole time. The Etiquette Grrls have a funny take on etiquette and a New England perspective on all things correct. How To Live Like a Lady is almost a pocket guide, its small and includes the essential information on Life, Manners, and Style. I own all three of the these books, but if you want just one comprehensive guide, Emily Post is definitely the authority, her book is bigger than Webster's Dictionary. 

Good Advice

Never permit a dichotomy to rule your life, a dichotomy in which you hate what you do so you can have pleasure in your spare time. Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time. 

~Pablo Picasso