spread the love

A year ago I lost you, friend. It's a strange feeling to know that something so preventable cannot be fixed, earned back, redeemed, or solved. A year seems like a solid time to 'get a hold of myself' but I'm afraid this cloud of sadness will loom over all of our hearts for an undefined amount of time.

This weekend I was back to visit. It was a rough few days. There were seldom moments when I was not thinking of you. I often had to turn my head to bit my lip & shed some tears, or leave the room, go for a run; anything to get my mind off the fact that it's already been a year. My heart is still so heavy knowing that I just wasn't able to help.

I am still so blessed with the fact you left all of us with so many people to lean on when times are tough. It's important for us to 'talk it out' versus keeping everything bottled up. Being sad is not a weakness. Letting friends in our thoughts and feelings IS ok and is encouraged. You, my dearest Shaun, are missed greatly. Thanks for all our great conversations, hugs, and laughs.


Open up to your loved ones. Tell them how important they are to you. Be there for them. Listen and Love. and don't forget to laugh.

Ghosts That We Knew - Mumford & Sons

Can't Get It Right Today - Joe Purdy

---- i love you all. 

3 decades

Let's be honest. I've got something special in my life... 

This special 'something' is actually a reaaallly special 'someone'.  She became a big sister when she was 6, and she was my 'sissy' and 'Emmy' for the longest time. (I admit out of the public ear, I still will bring out the old nicknames).

Throughout the years, I have been blessed with so much.
10) Emily played Nintendo with me in the we-hours of the night. She also would take me on 6am walks around the block. (Not sure why we did that, but it was cool back then!... Now that I think of it, instead of my parents making her walk the dog, maybe they were more worried about burning off some of my energy... that explains the leash)
9) She allowed me to get out of bed to get pickles for HER and I
8) She "warned" me about the red killer ants in the ceiling that steal little kids
7) My sweet big sister LET me sit in the cardboard box while she pushed it down the stairs.
6) Emmy convinced me that the cement was dry enough to rollerblade on. (Not true)
5) She has taught me to become a pack rat. She cleaned her room (now, house), and somehow it ends up in mine.
... but seriously!

5) My sister has always been a beautiful individual to grow up along side of.

4) She has set a strong set of values that are admirable and noteworthy, and I find it very intriguing.

3) I'm so unbelievably blessed to have my sissy as a 'speed dial' in order to tell her about my most interesting. sad. boring. weird. exciting story.. or to ask her opinion. She's like my never ending life line. (minus math)

2) It makes my heart smile when people tell me I look like my sister because I think Emily is B.E.A.~UTIFUL!

1) I love my sister. I'm blessed to have her so close to my heart! 

Love you better.

hey ralph

met an old friend today.

rummage tuesdays

I consider today an excellent day; I was surrounded with laughter in class, clinicals, rummage sales, and watching the twins game with friends. Days like this I find myself laying bed with a giant smile painted across my face... and then I realize that it's a bit creepy to smile in the dark by yourself... then I'm giggling... adding to creepiness.

oh yeah, I feel blessed that I found my fall-back job plan: car salesman - sold my honda today!
and another tidbit, I didn't find too many irresistible treasures at the rummage sales.. but the good company made up for it.

Trips to SuFu

The Jaspersons (my favorite set of triplets) came to visit this weekend. Each way, to and from Sioux Falls, they made a pit stop at my grandpa Corky's to visit and to snag some cookies. I know my grandpa wasn't complaining!

I tried entertaining the ladies in between working my weekend shift at the hospital. It sure was nice coming home to familiar faces! It was like a mini dorm, and I loved every minute of it. Between the scavenger hunt and rap video, mom's margaritas, home-cooked food, bedtime stories, and a feisty kitten, I'm hoping I can get them to come back soon.

A date has not been set yet, but I challenged Carmella to a guacamole and salsa making contest in Moorhead this summer. We'll be looking for hungry judges, and I'll be willing to throw in some extra incentives if you cheer(ahem, vote) for team (am)erica! ;)

Chubsters

Oscar the grouch shoes and baby giggles...

side of the road

Well, good morning spring time! You are looking mighty beautiful today.

Why not stop and smell the roses? Well... In my case, why not pull over on the side of the road to snap a few pictures of the flowers? ( I feel as if my sister should be proud )