Thankful Thoughts Vol. 3: LOVE

As of today I have 5 more weeks left in Paris. Seems like a short amount of time compared to how long I have already been here but it seems like the closer it gets the longer it seems. Why? Because its like running to a finish line, the closer you get the harder it feels and the farther away it seems to be. I don't want to think of the end of Paris as a finish line but I definitely feel like I'm running towards something and not away from Paris. I'm running towards my friends and family and Mike. I'm feeling ready to start the next chapter of my life. (not that I won't miss Paris as soon as I touch down in LA).

My going away party January 2012

Can you believe that it has been almost 8 months since I have seen Mike? I think that is the longest we have ever gone without seeing each other since we met in high school. It has been a crazy and challenging year but I think our relationship has grown and strengthened so much through all the struggles and successes from being long distance. 

Mike's visit to Paris in April 2012

I am definitely ready to be back with him and little Tay. I'm really excited and looking forward to what is next for us and to just be able to be together! Be able to have coffee together, go to a movie, play with Taylor at the park, spend time with our friends and families. It all sounds so wonderful. 

Homecoming circa 2005 muahahaha

I can't tell you all how thankful I am for this relationship. We have been through so many struggles together but have proven them all trivial in comparison to love for each other. He makes me laugh everyday, understands me sometimes more than I even understand myself, supported me moving half way across the world for a year, and really is the other half to my soul.

I am a lucky girl to have found such an incredible relationship and to be able to have watched each other grow up. We've been part of each other's lives since we were 14 and 15 years old and I think that growing up together really gives us a greater understanding of each other. I can not wait to get back to him...8 months is TOO long!!!

So, thank you, Mike. Thank you for supporting me so much and being there through it all. I love you and can not wait to actually see your face (not through a computer screen!). 35 days and counting. 

I believe...

I've seen this post going around the blog-o-sphere and I absolutely love it. Living abroad alone definitely gives you time to think and all the challenges I've experienced over the months has made me do a lot of soul searching.


So, I believe..

...in a good meal. food feeds the soul and the body and when shared among friends there is nothing better.

...in hugs. good, strong hugs.

...in finding your passion. don't give up on yourself!

...in family. the single most important group of people in your life. don't take them for granted.

...in girls nights

...in dancing and singing (super loud) to your favorite songs while cleaning, cooking and driving.

...that a good run and some good music can cure almost anything

...that you should count your blessings often

...in crying, laughing and showing your emotions

...in wine, cheese and bread like every good Parisienne.

...that life is short so tell people you love them. don't hold back and do what makes you truly happy

...in pink, teal, blue and yellow

...that being outside is sadly underrated these days

...in grey's anatomy. I'm invested

...in traveling, often.

...in sunshine and the beach. there is no place like home

...that dogs can make anything better just by being there with you

...in coffee, good coffee. especially cappuccinos

...that staying positive is challenging but so important

...that relationships take work. don't get lazy with them. you will regret giving up a good friend because you were too "tired" to call or self-absorbed to ask them how they are.

...that we all have friend soulmates



...in love

...in challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone. it is the only way to grow. even if it is painful and uncomfortable sometimes

...that you should find pleasure in simple things every day

...in manners. please and thank you go a long way

...in being a good person even when its really hard

...in health and fitness. didn't we just say that life is short? don't choose to make yours shorter. eat well, be active.

...that your happiness is in your hands! its a daily choice, what do you choose?

what do YOU believe in?

If you really knew me...

I just finished reading Courtney's post on "if you really knew me" and thought it was so perfect. I love reading her blog about her and her husband's adventures and now their new bun in the oven! I am stealing her idea and rolling out some random real life facts about myself, mike and our lives.

If you really knew me...

- You would know that I was bald until I was three. My parents had to stick bows and headbands on my head because everyone thought I was a boy!

-You would know that I am basically allergic to everything: dust, grass, trees, flowers, cats, pollen.... Most naturally occurring things make me go into a sneezing frenzy. My friends said back in high school: "bless you times infinity". They got tired of saying it so often!

-You would know that I hate change. It gives me massive anxiety and I cry over a lot of things. Moving to Paris was definitely the most stressful thing I've ever done. I'm working on embracing change instead of freaking out like a five year old child. After all, change is the only constant in our world!

-You would know I love country music! I love it so much and don't care who judges me! My friends from home appreciate its greatness but everyone I've met in Paris thinks I'm weird. Country music has gotten me through so much in my life and I would not trade it for the world. I am also insanely jealous of everyone who got to go to the "Brother's of the Sun" Tour! Seriously. Not. Fair.!! All time favorite song? Red Dirt Road by Brooks and Dunn

-You would know that I am a really good sleeper. I love sleeping in and now that I can't do it because I have to be at work at 7 or 6 am Tuesday-Sunday...well, I just don't know how I will survive! I might become an avid napper.

If you really knew Mike...

-You would know that he loves mobile technology. He loves keeping up on all the new cell phone trends and releases. So far, the iPhone is still the winner!

-You would know that he loves Colorado over California. Mountains, hiking, shooting, open spaces... 

-You would know that he makes my favorite breakfast perfectly every time! Eggs in a basket. His are delicious and every time I try it turns out awful. He has even tried to teach me and I still snuff it up every time! He's got skills.

-You would know he hates country music *gasp!*. I know, he listens to this strange genre called "alternative".

-You would know he (and his family) are die hard Buffalo Bills fans. Its tough but they have stuck it out through the many years! Sundays usually involve a good amount of beer during football season :)

If you really knew us...

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-You would know we met in our sophomore year high school science class. He played football, I was a cheerleader...We know. Cliché! Post-college we reunited much less awkward.

-You would know that we argue about who is the funnier one in the relationship. Clearly, its me.

-You would know brunch is totally our thing. We do it really well. We also do frozen yogurt really well too.

-You would know we are still trying to figure out what we are doing to do with our "lives". Does anyone ever really figure it out??

-You would know we love going to the movies. We used to go all the time but no scary movies. Scary movies are off limits!

-You would know that we are obsessed with our dog, Taylor. She is the world's cutest. I miss her!

-You would know that we still have five months and 4 days until we see each other again.


Find out anything new?! Write up your own facts and link up with me! I'd love to read your answers! Have a great week!