What 2012 has taught me.

Life is definitely interesting to say the least.  I've learned A LOT over the 2012 year.   

Do not take your grandparents for granted.  One day, they will no longer be around to share stories of the past.   

Always listen to your gut when it comes to people.  It does not matter if they are allegedly your good friends or acquaintances.  I wasted too much time allowing someone to take advantage of me as well as take me for granted and never again. 

Marry your best friend.  Honestly, my husband and I could not be any happier in our life together.  We've been together for 9 years and almost married for 6 years.  We never left the newlywed stage.  

Kids grow up fast.  They learn a lot from their parents and their relationships with family/friends/spouses.  Try to teach them what a healthy marriage/relationship is.  It is not what is on the outside that matters, it is what is on the inside.  Be the example. 

My dog is not just a dog.  She is my furbaby.  She has gotten me through so much in my life and has taught me a lot as well.  

Love what you do and it will not be considered work.  I love my job.  I love what I do.  I always strive to be the best that I can be at whatever it is that I am doing.  

Everyone gets burned in life, it is how you pick up the pieces that matter.  It defines your character and who you are.  

Do not take people for granted.  You never know when its their time to exit from this world.  R.I.P. LT. Christopher Nicholas Cambiotti (EOW: 10/20/2012).  There has to be a good reason as to why God took you from our family so soon.  R.I.P. Jennifer Livadais.  Why you took your life so soon, I do not know. 

Never be afraid to try new things.  Life is about living in the moment.  Expand your horizons.   

If people are hating and/or jealous, then you must be doing something right.  Keep on, keepin' on. Pray for you enemies.  Lord knows that they need all of the prayers and help that they can get.  It's not easy being me, but I must make it look as if it is.  

At the end of the day, life is too short.  People come and go.  When one chapter ends, another one is beginning.  Things happen for a reason.  You MAY find out why, you may not.  In the meantime, live, laugh and love with everything and all that you are. 

 

 

Dear Chessie:

I tried to be the best dog mom to you that I could. I am sorry that there was nothing that could be done to make you better. I had to make that hard decision and while looking in your eyes at the initial exam and me thinking I am going to have to end up putting you down, was the hardest thing to do. Getting the phone call from the vet telling me what our options were, but the end result and most comfortable way for you was to put you down. I am glad that I was there and the last person that you saw and was with when you took your final breath.

Sure, I got you as an adult rescue six years ago. Not knowing exactly how old you were and what your upbringing was, but you were a challenge and an awesome one at that. Eating my Kenneth Cole heels, your fine taste in my couch among the other things that you annihilated in the house, not to mention your pee/pooh place in my office and ruining my hardwood floors, rugs and the carpeting in the bedroom. Yes, the carpeting in the bedroom. I was not too fond of the color either, and with you using it as your bathroom at times, made it easier for me to pull it up and get rid of it faster than I wanted. Your craziness with thunderstorms and freaking out trying to get into bed with me, meanwhile, panting loudly/nervously and shaking the bed. Not to mention your digging to China in my closet.

In saying that, you were an awesome dog who let Miles (my nephew) and Tayler ride like a horse. You never left Tayler's side when she was home. You were mothering to Roux (my other dog) although I thought that you two had lesbian tendencies, but I'll stick with your maternal nurturing of Roux.

You were a challenge that I would take and do all over again. You taught me patience and even though I got angry, I did not stay angry at you long. You were very loving and understanding of moods and always there.

I will miss you and I do look forward to bringing you home on Tuesday (ashes). You will always be in our hearts.

xoxo