Happy Birthday, Ylaria!!

So, just in case you haven't had enough birthdays for one week, today is Ylaria's birthday. She's 4. Ylaria is one of my favorite people. I'm wishing her the very best day and year. EVER.


Thank you so much for letting me be your friend, Ylaria. You've taught me so much in the year and a half that I've known you. I love it that our birthdays are so close together! We're practically twins....well, minus the 22 year age difference...and that fact that you're definitely more mature than I am. :p

I love you and I can't wait to see you next week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Beautiful!!

Love & hugs,
Olivia

My five things for today!

So I have to keep this short tonight because, despite my best intentions, I have not gotten nearly as much (or anything, cough, cough) done as I would have liked. Today I needed to share my five things, though, so here they are!

1. It's my birthday!! (I love birthdays!)

2. I took an "Erin" walk today. I swung on the swings and looked at the sky and appreciated the trees. It was beautiful.

3. My coworkers, friends and family are awesome. They always make me feel loved. THANK YOU for making my day so amazing!

4. This happened yesterday, BUT I got the most amazing gift ever from Ylaria and her family. It brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. I promise to share it soon!

5. I woke up! I woke up to another year, another day, another moment. Today was a good reminder that I still have time to do all of those things I want to do, to work on those New Years resolutions and other goals. I am very lucky for my 26th year. Not everyone gets here. I'll appreciate every minute of it.

Loads of love

Happy Birthday, Christi

Christi,

I've been thinking of you all day today. I hope you had a beautiful birthday up in Heaven. I know your family and friends would have much rather preferred to have you here, blowing out candles, celebrating with friends, making wishes for a new year. But, I also know that you have created your own magic today. You are everywhere. In the sunshine and the fluffy clouds. In the laughter and the happiness. In the love we feel for you and because of you. You're everywhere. Always.

In 9 short years, you changed so many lives. And in changing lives, you changed the world. The whole world was impacted by your spirit and your beauty and your love. My life was changed so very much. I strive to be like you. To live like you lived and love like you loved. It's not always easy-- you're in a league all your own-- but I try.

And tomorrow, when I blow out my own candles, I'll send a special wish your way. And a big thank you hug. You mean more than you'll ever know. I'll remember you forever. Always.

Real News

One morning she decided to throw away the paper & listen to the real news & by the end of the day, she knew that while people were sometimes confused, the rest of the world was not & she slept that night for the first time since she was a young girl.

I got this "story" from Storypeople today. Which got me to thinking. What is real news? 

What is my real news? 

Right now, I'd have to say it's that I've had an amazing weekend. I've spent my time with friends & family. Eating, drinking, laughing and celebrating. Friday, I met up with Dartmouth friends for dinner and drinks. We hadn't been able to get together in nearly a year; it was nice to see everyone again. Yesterday, my friend, Lisa, got married. It was a beautiful celebration and I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it. I've known Lisa since kindergarten and she's always been an amazing friend to me. Growing up with a disability can be hard. And kids are not always nice about "different" people, but Lisa always made sure I was included. She was always there to make me feel welcome and loved. When my brother died, she was the first person I called. It's the truest test of a friend. When you're in your darkest places, you search for light. Lisa has always helped me find mine.

I loved seeing my friends Jennifer and Andy at the wedding too. Jen, Andy and I have been friends since middle school and we've always had great fun together. From volunteer events, to movie outings, to malls, museums, libraries and cooking together, we've managed to make many memories. I am blessed to have them in my life. 

Today, I am doing more of the same with my family. It's Mother's Day and I'm spending the day with my sisters and mom. 

Three days of friendship, laughs and love. That's all the news I need. What's your?

And, as I enjoy this light, I am sending some love, light and comfort to Angela, Vickie and all of the other moms who have angels in Heaven today. I love you & I'm sending many hugs your way.

My Top Ten

So I've been spending a lot of time in the office these days. A. Lot.

Music has been helping me get through it. I love music. So, today, I decided that I would share my Top 10 favorite songs here with you (in order).

1. Bloody Nose- Earlimart
2. Where I Stood- Missy Higgins
3. You Found Me- The Fray
4. Let You Down- Tin Star Orphans
5. From Where You Are- Lifehouse
6. Si Tu No Vuelves- Miguel Bose
8. Run- Snow Patrol
7. About Today- The National
9. Since You've Been Around- Rosie Thomas
10. Thank You- The Little Heroes

What does this say about me? I am not entirely sure, but since 8 of the 10 were on OTH, it's safe to say that the show has an amazing soundtrack. Amazing. Oh, and I'm addicted to it. Severely.

What are your favorites? I'd love to know! Music and books are so fun to share.

And now, I have to get back to work. There's loads of it, after all. :o)

Hitting the ground running.

I ran this morning!! On the treadmill but it was a great run, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I'm nearly all healed. yay! A great run always makes waking up at 4:30am awesome. Really. I can't wait to try again tomorrow.

It's going to be another crazy week. Today, I am hoping to get out of work on time and head over to the Ronald McDonald House for a little bit before going home. I have a Masters program reunion on Wednesday night(tomorrow) and Thursday I am going to a Mets game for the bachlorette party. I've never been to a Mets game since my sister, Ana, is a huge Yankees fan, but I hear the new Mets stadium is uber-nice. AND, a girls night out is always fun. My kindergarten friend is getting married Saturday (so exciting!). And, Sunday is Mother's Day so I think we'll be having some family over to celebrate (and I'll get an early birthday cake. I've requested peanut butter and chocolate. Yum!) Which reminds me, I need to go shopping for my mom. :p

It's raining here. Loads. But, the rain always reminds me of Belfast. And, I love Belfast. Which is why I am planning (fingers crossed) another trip there sometime in early September. (I'll try to plan some details this week. I love planning trips!)

Yup, another crazy week full of fun things to do. But running always gives me energy and if all else fails, there's always coffee.

Here's wishing you a great week.

PS- Jennifer, I loved last night's OTH. Loved.

May

Here's wishing you all a very happy May. May is one of my very favorite months. Why, you ask?

1. It's my birthday month. I love birthdays!
2. SPRING!
3. I have A LOT of fun things planned for this month. Lots.
4. May is the 5th month of 12. Still loads of time to work on those New Years resolutions.
5. New OTH episodes. I don't care if this is lame. I am addicted to that show.
6. 90% of everything is attitude. I have decided to love my days. They are all we have, after all.