Thank Goodness.

Thank goodness for my mom. Thank goodness I have someone to call when I need to know how to cook shrimp ("Meri, read the package, if they're pink that means you bought PRE-COOKED shrimp") or how long is too long for my turkey sandwich to be un-refrigerated ("It was on the counter ALL NIGHT!? Throw it out Meri!") Thank goodness for my mother's honesty ("you're not going to wear that are you?") and her amazing sense of humor (7:49am text message: "today is National Popcorn Day!") Thank goodness for lessons in bargain hunting and wine drinking, jeans washing and thoughtful gift-giving. Thank goodness for unwavering emotional support (my cell phone pretty much auto-dials “mom” when it senses I'm on the verge of tears) and years of cheerleading (I didn’t know Hallmark made so many “you can do it!” cards). Thank goodness for a shining example of love, caring, compassion and courage.

Thank goodness for my mom (and the happiest of birthdays to YOU).

Image via Pinterest

Hump Day Distractions

Hump day is a significant occasion even when you're spending the week on the couch! Here's some stuff to help us all rally and get through the week:

* This would definitely result in a call from HR

* Chocolate and salt. COMBINED. Ooooh yeah. Be a Betty Crocker or just a saavy shopper

* I wonder if Dr. H would mind if I started hanging these ALL over the apartment

* I think I need to order a case of these (and it still might not be enough to hold me over until summer time) (via Cup of Jo)

* Trying this out tomorrow (girl's gotta feel glam even if she's on crutches and wearing sweatpants!)

* Kids say the darndest things! (You absolutely MUST view more than just the first page. The gems go on and on)

Image via Pinterest

On the mend!

Happy to report that I'm back in one piece... one achy, napping, constantly icing piece. Awesome. I could give you a deep blog post about facing my fear of hospitals like a champ (woop wooop!) but instead I think we'll focus on being distracted and happy. Dr. H making me mac cheese from scratch = happy.

Looking

at

these pictures?

Definitely happy :)

Don't worry about me, I'm hanging in there!

First Image via Pinterest

I have a boo boo.

It’s not a serious boo boo (thankfully) but it’s an ouchie one... I have a torn ACL and medial meniscus. It’s similar to what happened to THIS GUY and THIS GUY. Somebody send me to the Superbowl! It’s also the same thing that happened to ME when I was 15 years old. Somehow in the many years since my surgical repair (dancing, running marathons, wearing 3” high heels and hiking the Inka Trail?) I broke my “brand new knee”. Brand new no more...

Today I am having surgery to fix this bad boy, hopefully once and for all. Luckily, I get to come home the same day and let Dr. H nurse me back to health. Though it’s possible I’ll be MIA for a day or two, in all likelihood I’ll be bored out of my mind and blogging up something special for you. To be determined. In the meantime, wish me luck facing my illogical fear and I’ll see you on the other side.

Image via google

Valens.

Fact – I LOVE love. Hearts, romantic gestures, smiles which have a meaning far greater than just happiness... love is my favorite emotion because it wraps so many other wonderful feelings up into it. In honor of February (“love month” as one of my fellow bloggers (iheartthisblog, check her OUT!) calls it) I would like to dedicate today’s post to something I love. This post is dedicated to friendship; specifically, my very bestest girlfriends and the incredibly special friendship we share.

“My girls” are the definition of unwavering love. For 15 years (did you know girls could get along with one another for that long!?) across continents and colleges, through relationships and tragedies, we have managed to forge a bond that is truly unique. We are, at times, the definition of cheesy, but the love we share is exactly what love is supposed to be – unconditional, joyful and completely fulfilling. Who in your life fills you with love? Though February tends to emphasize love between romantic partners, the name "Valentine", is derived from valens (4 years of latin and 5 seconds on Wikipedia) which means “worthy, strong, powerful”. What I have with my girls is the very essence of valens. May the love you share with friends, parents, children and siblings fill you up this month and every day thereafter.

Image via Pinterest

Why so scared?

Fear is a funny thing. Sometimes a fear can be easily explained, but other times we develop a fear which festers in our mind and gets worse without any explanation or support. Whether it be the dark, heights, public speaking or small spaces, the world is chock full of things to be “afraid” of. I for example, am terrified of hospitals. Despite the fact that beautiful miracles happen in hospitals every day, I am mildly panicked by everything about them and I have been for as long as I can remember.

Do you have an illogical fear? If so, how do you talk yourself through the moments when your fear must be faced? I think the only weapon is positive thinking (“this bridge is sturdy”, “the overwhelming majority of airplanes land safely”...) but when you’re scared, that doesn’t feel like a very mighty sword. It’s hard to stay merry when you’re feeling afraid!! Here’s to staying strong and being brave, even when fear is creeping in. Image via Pinterest

Hump Day Distractions

If this isn't a Hump Day DISTRACTION, I don't know what is...

Another Wednesday is upon us, so here are some links from around the web to get you over the hump!

* Just in time for Superbowl parties, here's a link to some ridonky looking dips.
* Remember when Aaron Carter dated Lindsay Lohan? How about Sheryl Crow and Lance Armstrong? Take a walk down famous couple memory lane...
* Amusing and True.
* When a groom takes his bride's Bieber Fever to the next level.
* This hairdo looks super easy and very do-able.

* Are you sending SomeeCards to your family and friends? You should be.