Wednesday, September 24, 2008

ciao ciao ciao

Wow...here it is! It is my last working day in Utah. I was seriously beginning to think that this day would never come. But here it is! In a few short hours I'll be on my way to Disneyland. I'm really proud of my family...they are doing something very spontaneous. About 3 weeks ago we were having a nice Sunday dinner at my parent's home. Usually Sunday dinners consist of political debates which have been known to send me home feeling somewhat irate, but this particular Sunday there were no such instances. They were discussing a vacation that they wanted to take in March to Disneyland, I knew that I wouldn't be able to go in March and threw out the idea of going in September. By some miracle I was able to talk them in to going on a semi-last minute trip! So today we leave for Disneyland! When I come back I sign the closing papers on my condo...and I'm freeee!

It seems crazy to think that I've owned my place for over two years now....its even crazier to think that soon I will not be paying a mortgage. Its a nice feeling actually-I've been stressed financially beyond belief. Its funny though how life always finds a way of working itself out. I can't even count how many times I was stressed about paying all of my bills...and yet somehow it always worked out.

I'm really going to miss my co-workers, they have been so much fun! I've really enjoyed the people I've met and the connections I've made. There are so many fun memories but I know its time to move on. I've worked in the hotel industry most of my adult life and it is definitely time for me to go in a different direction!

Monday, September 22, 2008

icecream

for dinner...its all i want.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Faith in Barack Obama and Faith in me

Look....I am not one to push my political agenda on anyone. I will state my beliefs and I'm happy to discuss and even debate with those who have a different view point from me. I even dated a Republican once. haha I just feel so strongly these days about different "issues" that are being thrown around that I really should say something. I want to tell you why I support Barack Obama for the next President of the United States. Feel free to agree or disagree. I think I'm diplomatic enough to understand other points of view and even consider them.

First let me start by saying that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly. As an American I feel a duty to the future generations and every other country in the world to carefully consider my choice for President. It is not egotism that makes me say this. It is just a fact. The President of the United States is one of the most important and influential people in the whole world. With this great position there comes great responsibility. We are now in a situation in the world where we can stand idly by and continue to rely on other nations for our fuel sources (nations who by the way don't really like us) or where we can solve this problem on our own. Obama wants to put together a force to solve this problem in which we will be self sufficient within ten years. We have an opportunity to be a leader in the world for solving the environmental issues that will effect the WORLD or we can watch more and more glaciers melt and sit back and wait for the end as we continue to pollute.

There are many bad people in this world but there are also many good. We started something in the Middle East, and we have to finish it. But we need to do it responsibly and we need to let the people in Iraq make their own way. We are a great nation, we fought for our independence from England and we won. We made our Constitution we made our own laws and we didn't have much help from anyone. We have done many good things in Iraq, as well as some bad things, but it is time for us to bring our soldiers home. Of course we will have a presence there for many years to come. We are in the process of training Iraqi's to police their streets and to protect their country. I have heard some amazing stories from men and women who have served over there. I know that the media has not always told everything that is happening in the correct light but I strongly feel it is time for us to get out...responsibly.

I also seem to have a soft spot in my heart for diplomacy. (Weird I know) I believe its time that we practice a more diplomatic foreign policy. I think we need to work with other world leaders. We need to show that we are strong and humble. We owe it to ourselves to put past issues behind us and begin a new path. Its time for us to stop the double standards that we have practiced for years.

I am concerned that our country has gone down hill since we started putting so much focus and money in to Iraq. Our economy is in shambles and many families are not making it. I feel so blessed to be an American. I know that my life is a dream for most people in the world. This is knowledge that I do not take for granted. But I am saddened that people in this country who are paying taxes and struggling to make it have to choose between buying gas and paying for health insurance for their children. I do not think socialized medicine is the answer (Neither does Barack). But I do believe that all children in this country should have health insurance and I do believe that premiums and health care should be more affordable. For most of my adult life I have not had insurance. I've been lucky...no health problems yet (knock on wood) but there are things I should have checked out but with no health insurance I can't even begin to think of paying for it.

I'm tired of politicians pointing fingers and placing the blame, it is OUR problem America. We elected them. We don't watch them. We don't call, we don't write. We have got to stop being so apathetic. WAKE the FUCK up! If you elect an official, watch what they do. If there is an issue you care about-write a letter. Get involved. We have so many wonderful people in this country that I truly think if we all just got a little more involved we could begin to heal the hearts of those suffering. I am not saying that I've done as much as I can. I've written a few letters but I haven't gotten around to volunteering in a long time.

Anyway...to my point: I believe in Barack Obama. This man is truly a gift. He is our chance to make some real change in Washington. He will work with both parties to make the best America possibly. He inspires me to believe in change. He gives me a brighter outlook. He has great plans for this country. Read his website if you're interested to hear about those plans. You don't have to vote for Obama just because I am. But I beg of you to please study both candidates and really consider your decision, for it is not just the fate of our nation, but the fate of the world in your hands.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

wowzer....

so...they want to close on my house next week...before i go to disneyland. WOW! HELP! I have to pack up my whole life.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Today I am a woman...and a DEMOCRAT!

This is the best election year that I can remember. I am so proud to be a democrat. I am proud of how far we have come and I am proud of who we have chosen to be our candidate. When I saw Barack Obama speak four years ago at the DNC, I knew he would one day be our President. For the last eight years I have stood by feeling helpless to make any kind of change to our current situation. But Barack Obama has given me hope. He has given me courage. He has proven that he can lead the people in this country that want a change. He has organized us together so that we can have a say. We no longer need to feel helpless. The government is listening. It is time for the citizens of the United States of America to stand up and take our country back! It is not the government's job to raise our children. It is not the government's job to hold together our families. It is not the government's job to tell me what I can and can't do with my body! It is time we end this war in Iraq, it is time we solved this energy crisis, it is time for us to take care of our planet! It is time for us to heal old wounds and take care of the health of the children of this great nation.

I am so proud to be from a country where I as a woman can vote. I can attend school (and read good books!) and I can pursue all of the dreams that I may have. Because of these great privileges I feel a great responsibility.

Sarah Palin: I haven't spoken up about this because I've been letting it marinate. I am now so upset that I can't keep quiet any longer.Some women in this country are "thrilled" with the choice of Sarah Palin as VP for the Republican ticket. I am less than "thrilled". I feel that McCain's choice is a slap in the face to women who have worked so hard to eliminate sexism and have fought so hard for equality. I can stand up and say that as a woman she does not represent me in the least. How can a woman be so narrow minded that even in the cases of rape or incest she would deny a woman an abortion????? I find it so difficult to understand how anyone could be in support of her. She cares nothing about the environment and understands nothing of foreign policy and diplomacy. In these crazy times we need a leader who can lead our country out of the mess it is in. Considering McCain's health...it is a very scary possibility that if he is elected Palin could lead this country.

One day we will have a female president, but when we do I want her to be educated, experienced and understanding. Not uneducated, inexperienced and closed minded with a pretty face! Good Lord people!!! Get educated on the issues! Obama will save most of us money! Obama will provide health care to children! Obama will end the war in Iraq as soon as possible and Obama will help lead the CHANGE that this country so desperately needs!

Thoughts from a park bench....

We are all a mess. All of us are looking for that "one" thing that won't let us down. That "one" job that will challenge and engage us. That "one" place that will give us what we need, and of course, that "one" relationship that will change who we are forever. Humans don't want to be alone. We need to feel loved, needed, cherished and adored. the thing is, none of us can even begin to know where to look. that perfect job will just fall in to your lap if you work hard. That place will find you when you are ready. But love. Love is different. Love finds us, yet we run away. Love leaves us and we want it back. Love shows us who we are. And if we listen, love will show us everything in our hearts.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there...

Today is September 11th. This day brings many emotions for me. I will never forget that day seven years ago. Although looking back it was pretty normal. I was in Utah. I didn't look out my window and see pieces of the twin towers falling. I didn't lose someone I loved on that day, but I was affected. On that day I decided that I would become a diplomat. I saw that there were so many problems in the world and I wanted to try and help.

Today all I kept thinking was about that day 7 years ago. When the towers fell I didn't regret the pair of shoes I'd been drooling over...I didn't wish for more time with that cute guy I'd crushed on. All I wanted was to be with the people that I loved. And today my only thought was very similar. I longed to be with the people I love, especially one in particular that has serves our country every day. But the main thing on my mind today is that on September 11th is that we are all Americans. On this day we are not democrats or republicans...we are not white or black...we are simply Americans. And that I think is beautiful.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

When Harry met Sally...I was asleep

I was so tired last night. After a long night at work I came home to another mean note from my neighbor...and a beer. After reading the note...I downed the beer and quickly fell asleep on the couch. Boo for mean passive aggressive neighbors. They are lame. Yay for 3 people wanting to buy my house...and more calling today. It must be time for me to finally go!

I knew there were some issues with Utah that I needed to clear up before it would let me leave. And thankfully I think those are all cleared up. On Saturday night at the Greek Festival (slightly drunk off my ass) I happened to see the last asshole I dated. The funny thing is...I saw him like 3 months ago at the Farmer's Market and I couldn't run fast enough to get away from him. But on Saturday night when I saw him...I began to laugh. I laughed so hard that I cried. Meridith asked me what was so funny...and all I could say was, "that man is an asshole"...hahaha! It occured to me then and there that I am finally over him. Like I've forgiven him. I've been "over" him for a while....but the things he did to me were so bad...it took some time to heal.

And now I'm ready to go back to Jersey. With any luck the Mets will make the play offs and I'll be able to see them play at Shea stadium. There are so many shows I've been dying to see and so many other New York places that I've missed! I can't wait to have a bagel, walk through central Park, drive to Hudson Valley, walk down Broadway and I can't wait to see all of my fabulous friends that I haven't seen in 3 years! I love New York in the fall!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

And so it goes...

Its happening....the offers are starting to pour in on my house. This all tells me that it is absolutely time for me to go. FINALLY! Thank you Jesus. Thank you !

Friday, September 5, 2008

Good Day Sunshine!

Dear Universe- Thank you!!!!!!!!! I am so thankful for many things. Today when my alarm went off at 5 am I was tempted to turn it off completely...but I decided it wouldn't be such a bad idea to get up and go to work. On my way to work I got a wake up call from a comforting familiar voice and that made all the difference to my morning.

It is absolutely beautiful out. I love these end of summer mornings where its cold enough to need a light jacket...but a cup of coffee can quickly warm you up. Based upon the fact that I think I'll be leaving this place pretty soon...I'm going to make the most of my last Utah mornings. I love seeing the mountains, they are absolutely gorgeous and I love watching the city change colors from green to gold. I also love my friends. I've got some really great friends who are always there for me. I'm really going to miss them and I am especially going to miss my little sisters. I've done such a good job raising them. It will be hard for me to not be near them...but it is time for me to go in pursuit of my dreams.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. I've got a great weekend planned starting with a nice long walk when I get off work and then dinner and a movie with the girls and tomorrow Farmer's Market and Greek Festival!!! If only I had one more thing my weekend would be perfect. But he is in South Carolina trying to stay dry from the hurricanes. La Vita E Bella!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

things that make me go hmmmm

why is that when one thing goes well in your life...other things don't go well? just a question.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Today is really Awesome....really!

I got an offer on my house. :) A real legitimate one in writing..and its a good offer. In my mind I'm already gone.