[Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.]

I miss my mother more and more everyday.  Thought it gets easier but it doesn't.  Heard someone in a dressing room with the same voice as I remember and it was bone chilling.  A good friend of mine reminded me when I heard this woman's voice, "puts things into perspective on what we take advantage of, like the sound of our mom's voice." And she is completely right.  Don't take people or things for granted.  Ever.  Easier said then done.

[Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.]

This pic is of my niece, Kenley... she is in the stroller looking up at me through the clear plastic awning while we went on our long walk.

My family makes me smile.

[Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.]

This is a ride in Epcot called Mission: Space.  This ride mimics a "real" flight to Mars.  This ride was so intense that they even supply BARF BAGS!  Yes similar to those in airplanes.  It only last about 5 minutes but those were the worst 5 minutes of my life.  During this 5 minutes you experience forces up to 2.4G!!  Simulators have never bothered me before!  The G's, the confined spaces, and the feeling of disorientation made me hate my life for 5 minutes and minutes following the end of "the trip to mars".  I am now very afraid of this ride and will never go on it again!  

Yes I am also very aware that you can go on an "easier" mode of this ride and wish I knew what I know now then!  

[Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.]

My sister Danica, me, and my niece Addie @ the March of Dimes NICU Reunion 2009.

[Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.]

This is my urn with my moms ashes.  I look at it everyday, think of a great memory of my mother and I together, and give it a rub.  I do this every single day to always keep her fresh in my memory and to get rid of the bad memories of the accident and loosing her.  

miss you mom.

[Day 25 - A picture of your day.]

My day...

I work out about 5 days a week.

I'm my sister personal assistant :) I also help babysit and spend a lot of time with my nieces Addie and Kenley about 5 days a week as well.

Not to mention I also cook dinner, clean, and run necessary errands regularly.

[Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.]

I wish I could change loosing my mother.  And change the way I lost her.  Seeing and being apart of that boat accident was so traumatic and devastating.  It took me years and years to deal with what I saw and experienced.  I never got to say goodbye and tell her I love her.  That was very hard for me to cope with over the years.  The thing is I have been through a lot aside from loosing my mother so I think I still would be a strong person without going through this tragic accident. 

[Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.]

My favorite book(s) to date are the entire Twilight Series.  I have never read books fast enough before in my life.  I was hooked the first page I read.  Ya ya ya... laugh all you want, but that just means you haven't read them :) By the way, the books are way better then the movies.  

[Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.]

I wish I could sing better... okay who am I kidding... I wish I could actually just sing :)  

[Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.]

(there is a lot of events I wish I could forget but I didn't and couldn't post pictures of such events/person.)

I wish I could forget that I didn't have health insurance.  I was denied because of my pre-existing condition that I have been dealing with for years. It is an inexpensive condition that I could manage without insurance's help... but what happens in an emergency? what happens if I get ill and need to be taken in an ambulance?... LAME!

[Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.]

Obviously right now is not the best time to visit but one day I will make it to Egypt.  Egypt is where my mother's family originates and would love to learn about where her family came from.  Its absolutely fascinating! 

[Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.]

Not much as changed eh? lol gotta love all the fabulous early 90's decor surrounding me :)

[Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.]

Biggest insecurity you ask... my stupid weight.  Not so much the numbers because I am very thankful I have a lot of good muscle and I like that I am strong... but the inches... damn the inches! :(

[Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.]

My niece, Addison.  She has had the biggest impact on me the past 3 years.  She is truly amazing. Actually I don't think that I have ever been so impacted before until she arrived in my life.  She has been through more than most adults and has prevailed every single time.  She has lived a very rough life and still carries a constant smile on her face.  I wish I could take away everything she has gone through and still faces.  No one ever wants to see a little tiny person endure so much pain and scare and unfortunately me and my family have for the past 3 years.  It is so saddening but I think it has brought my family closer.  

This post couldn't have come at a better time.  Addie is currently sick and is spending time in the hospital for the second time this week.  She was diagnosed with the flu but we cant get her oxygen levels to level out.  Please pray that Addie recovers from this quickly and that it doesn't get any worse then it is!     

I can't believe how strong you are Addie!  Keep being brave and we will get through this once again!   

aw sweet little-itty-bitty addie

[Day 16- A picture of someone who inspires you.]

My boyfriend, Michael, inspires me.  He is a very hard worker and gives 100% at everything he does (work, social life, at home, etc).  He was raised very well and has maintained those great morals, values, and qualities throughout his life so far.

Not only does he inspire with what he does but  how he acts is also inspiring.  He is so loving and doesn't have one mean bone in his body.  He is usually very optimistic and can find the positive in most every negative situations. His optimism has gotten me through some really tough times in our year of being together.  He knows how to comfort me and love me for exactly who I am.  He isn't just like that with me, but everyone he knows.

[Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.]

I have to make it to Bora Bora before I kick the bucket! (maybe I should start saving now so it's sooner rather than later!)

[Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.]

I couldn't imagine living without my father.  He is the best father, grandfather, brother, half brother, friend... 

He goes up and beyond for anyone who crosses his path.  He is a very hard worker.  He loves to get people to smile with his "jokes" that are sometimes actually funny :)  He praises and acknowledges hard work... he is the best Mr. Mom that my family could ever have.  

I love you, dad!

[Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.]

I really love the band The Format.  They have numerous really good albums and I have seen them live a few times and they are just great! Unfortunately, they are no longer producing albums anymore and that makes me really sad.  I know a lot of people liked to jam out to them so I know I am not the only one that misses them.  If you are not familiar with this band... check them out! 

* Interventions and Lullabies 2003

* Dog Problems 2006

* And Now I Hope You're Alright - Live In California - EP

http://theformat.com/

[Day 12 - A picture of something you love.]

I love drinking St. Clair's Cab-Zin while sitting on their patio with good company! (something I wish I could be doing today since I feel so yucky!)

[Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.]

I. Hate. Clowns. Nothing about them amuses me.

[Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.]

Honestly, I do not have a picture of the person who I "did the most messed up things with" anymore.  I have put them away because that was a very long time ago and we are no longer friends.

So here is my best friend Rachael.  We have done a lot of messed up things together... good, bad, dangerous, silly, stupid... let's just say, we both have grown up a lot :) We are the bestest of friends because we have always stuck together when we were doing these "messed up" things and also the good things!  I like to think of these "messed up" things as learning!

[Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.]

The person who has help me the most is my counselor Sue.  I met her a little after my mother died.  I knew I needed help with my grief and loss. She pretty much saved my life.  She helped me through the whole grieving process of loosing my mother and also helped me with other tough life situations that crossed my path in the 8 years of seeing her.  

She is the most wonderful person I have ever met.  I have seen numerous counselors in the past (throughout my childhood) for many different things so I was very hesitant at first.  I quickly discovered it was so easy talking to her and she never crossed any boundaries that made me feel uncomfortable.  Before I knew it, I had been seeing her for about 8 years straight and was devastated to end my counseling sessions. I was moving back home and she was moving out of state as well.  It was very hard to let go, but if there is one thing she has taught me is that Change is okay and it can be good.  She taught me how to deal with change.  I finally realized I was ready to battle my life solo.  I know she will always be there for me if I need her.  

This picture is a engraved plaque attached to a clock that she gave my for my college graduation.  It makes me smile every time I looked at it.

[Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.]

This picture makes me smile and laugh.  I always have so much fun with this girl and always have.  I love to be goofy so it's always nice spending time with people who enjoy it as well.    

This picture is from a Bachelorette party a friend of mine and myself hosted for another friend at Hotel ABQ. We are just being goofy as ever.

[Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.]

My most treasured item is my iPhone4.  I always have my phone on me and when I don't (other than when I am asleep) I feel so disconnected and empty! I use it for the camera, video camera, text, Facebook, games, alarm clock, calendar, photo editing, GPS, keeping up with sports teams/scores, logging my exercise/food journal, Skyping, banking etc.

(of course this is 2nd to the baby pillow I talked about in a pervious blog- Day 15 of my 30 Days of Truth.)  

[Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.]

I would love to trade places with Sandra Bullock.  She is one of a few tasteful actors left in Hollywood.  She hasn't been all caught up in the Hollywood fame, glam, and drama.  Yes she has had her own personal drama (ex husband cheating on her) but her life has never gotten out of hand.  She dealt with the infidelity with strength and composition.   She portrays herself with class and style.  Not to mentions most of her films are classics. 

My favorites: Speed, The Net, Hope Floats, Forces of Nature, 28 Days, Miss Congeniality, 2 Weeks Notice, Crash, The Proposal, and The Blind Side. 

Not only is she an inspiring actor but a good mother to her newly adopted son.  She is an all around, upstanding, and classic woman!

[Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.]

One of my most favorite memory in my entire life is my trip with my good friend, Lara, to Switzerland!  We visited so many different countries in just 2 weeks... Italy- Verona, Milano, Parma, Lake Como; Switzerland- Zurich, Lugano, Luzern.  


We went tobogganing down the Swiss Alps, enjoying amazing real Swiss fondue, true Italian pizza and pastas, tried a lot of different yummy sweet treats that are popular around Switzerland, ventured to the famous Sprungli Chocolate Factory in Zurich, took lots and lots of photo's of the beautiful architecture and landscapes; visited large ancient Castles, the longest tunnels in the world, true Italian drivers, the houses of Romeo and Juliet; trains for transportation, and a long long long flight to and from Zurich.

[Day 04 - A picture of your night.]

My typical night:

~ Glass of wine (usually Cab-zin).

~ Home cooked dinner.

~ Cuddle time with:

          * my boyfriend. 

          * my girls, Luci & Roo.

          * my little guy, Brian.

~ DVRed shows.

[Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show]

Team Mom

Yes, yes I know I am silly.  As you may not know, I have a lot of guilty pleasures.  I have a lot of current favorites so I had to think of which show I looked forward to catching up on.  Although, the newest season of Team Mom 2 isn't my favorite but I still like the show. This show got me hooked when it first started as 16 and Pregnant.  I guess I love hearing about young teens problems and seeing how they deal with them alone and with their other peers.  This picture is of my favorite cast (which was last season).  I am not a huge fan of the new cast but of course I will record and watch every episode. 

This is also a current fav.  The show is Beyond Scared Straight on A&E.  I love cop and jail shows SO much! I know it's a strange show addiction.  I get so involved when I watch shows like this but this particular episode scared me straight and I don't even do anything bad or violent! haha. Maybe I should look into being a cop :P     

   

[Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest]

This picture is perfect because it describes exactly what we are when we are together... funny, hilarious, dorky, and silly.  Yes, she is my sister but she has also been my best friend for my entire life.  We argue like typical sisters, but I think we have a friendship that most sister do not have.  

I can always count on her for her honest opinion.  She has a heart of gold.  I have always looked up to her even when she wasn't making the smartest decision (no need to list them she knows exactly what I am talking about!)  :) I have learned a lot from her throughout the years.  She is a great mother and wife to her family.  She has learned everything she knows purely on experience since our mother has not been around to guide her through these steps of life.  I love how close we are and always have been.

 I love you sis!

[Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.]

1.  My dream vacation is Bora Bora!

2.  I love vintage owls!

3.  I graduated from ASU with a 3.9 GPA

4.  I am adopted.

5.  I love watching the Bachelorette and Bachelor.

6.  I'm a Mac girl.

7.  I absolutely adore my nieces Addison and Kenley.

8.  My sister is moving and I hate thinking about living without her again.

9.  I drive a hybrid.

10.  My favorite color is teal.

11.  I miss my mother terribly everyday.

12.  Christmas is my favorite holiday.

13.  I love sparkly things.

14.  I adopted to cats, Luci and Roo.

15.  I have started to cook a lot more and I secretly love doing it.

[Photos To Look Forward To]

*********************************************************
If you know me, you know that I absolutely love taking pictures.  Pictures of myself, my friends, my family, my pets, landscapes and even my food/meals.  Anywhere and everywhere I go, I take a snap of what's in front of me  :)  I have a good memory as is but having photos to show the memories to others is priceless.  I love capturing and documenting the important things in my life so I hope you enjoy looking through what is most special to me. 
*********************************************************
Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of your night.
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.
Day 31 - A picture of a tradition you have.
Day 32 - A picture of a crazy night.
Day 33 - A picture of the house you grew up in.
Day 34 - A picture of your currently most played CD.
Day 35 - A picture of your favorite place to eat.
Day 36 - A picture of your ‘other half'.
Day 37 - A picture of the people you spend most of your time with.
Day 38 - A picture of the best part of your day.
Day 39 - A picture of your favorite movie.
Day 40 - A picture of your favorite Disney character.
Day 41 - A picture of your pet.
Day 42 - A picture of your dream house.
Day 43 - A picture of something you can’t function without.
Day 44 - A picture of someone you’re told you look like.
Day 45 - A picture of your room.
Day 46 - A picture of where you wish you were right now.
Day 47 - A picture of your favorite place to shop.
Day 48 - A picture of your favorite actress/actor.
Day 49 - A picture of where you live.
Day 50 - A picture of your most frequented place.
Day 51 - A picture of your dream car.
Day 52 - A picture of your favorite sport.
Day 53 - A picture of someone you think is hot.
Day 54 - A picture of the one thing you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.
Day 55 - A picture of the last movie you saw in theaters.
Day 56 - A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 57 - A picture of your favorite holiday.
Day 58 - A picture of your favorite animal.
Day 59 - A picture of a random item that you own.
Day 60 - A picture of something you’re excited about.