Moments of Musing

Be Adventurous

Filed Under: Uncategorized //

This weekend, a cousin of mine and his girlfriend were in town so we got together for a Bulls game. If you’d have told me a year and a half ago I’d be here going to home basketball game in Chicago, I might have thought you were crazy.
 
But here I am… living an adventure.
 
If someone asked me to describe my life in one word I would just use that word: ADVENTURE. My life has been full of it.
 
I’ve navigated my way through countries whose languages I did not know with people I’d just met. I was born and raised in a city unlike any other. I’ve lived abroad. I met my soul mate while on vacation and I’ve spent months with him on an island. I am constantly learning. I’ve taken risks. I’ve experienced some of life’s low lows … but even higher highs. And now, I am taking on yet more adventures — of living in Chicago, of being a {military} fiancée, and of being a practicing attorney. 
 
Overall, life has been exciting and rewarding. It’s all been so very worth it.
 
Adventures.
World Adventure Typographic Map Print

Motivarional Quote Letterpress Typography Print - Mid Century Modern, Home Wall Art Decor - "Make it Your Life..." Typographic Poster. .00, via Etsy.

 

Aloha Friday Week #2

Filed Under: Uncategorized //

In honor of my extended stay on Oahu and my nostalgia for the palm trees, Pacific Ocean and Aloha spirit during this cold weather, I’ve decided to have a weekly Aloha series this month! Each week I feature some of my Hawaii favorites.

This week’s favorites are HIKES:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Lanikai Pillboxes
Manawili Falls
 Akaka Falls


Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

Filed Under: Uncategorized //

I often wish people would help others out more. A few weeks ago, my cancer survivor hero mom and I did something that we hope will help others. We cut over 28″ of our hair to donate to Locks of Love. 
 
 Photo: Today, my cancer survivor hero mom & I chopped off over 28" of our hair for Locks of Love<3
 
If you have long hair and are thinking of cutting it, perhaps you too should consider donating it. The guidelines for donating to Locks of Love are:

  • Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable.
  • Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.
  • Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable.  If unsure, ask your stylist. We are not able to accept bleached hair due to a chemical reaction that occurs during the manufacturing process. **If the hair was bleached years ago and has completely grown out it is fine to donate.
  • Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable because it is not bundled in a ponytail or braid.
  • Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable. If shaving your head, first divide hair into multiple ponytails to cut off.
  • We cannot accept dreadlocks. Our manufacturer is not able to use them in our children’s hairpieces. We also cannot accept wigs, falls, hair extensions or synthetic hair.
  • Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches. 
  • Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails.
  • Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches.
  • 10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.

 
 *There are also other organizations such as Wigs for Kids and Pantene Beautiful Lengths, but their requirements vary.  
 
 
If you happen to donate your hair, let me know!
 

Wedding Planning Logistics

Filed Under: wedding planning //

Happy Wedding Wednesday! 

Before we were engaged, Timmy and I would talk about the logistics of our wedding but now that we’re actually engaged, we have decisions to make!


Date?
This was literally the first thing (after being told “Congratulations!” of course) that we were asked when announcing our engagement. Timmy’s EAS is next summer so that throws a curveball into things. As of now, we’re thinking sometime in November 2014. 

Location?
Timmy is from Michigan and I’m from NYC. We’ll be living together in Chicago at the time of our wedding. I have a close knit, large family back home and he has some family in NY so we are having the wedding in NY or NJ — and having engagement photos taken in Michigan and/or Chicago. 

Planning while in a LDR?
We will have to divide some duties and work together on others. I’ll be in charge of the super girly things — my dress and the bridesmaids dresses. He will be in charge of his tux and the groomsmens tuxes. We will confer about the color scheme, save the dates, invitations, venue and decorations… He will hopefully be on leave during the holidays(!!!) so we can get some things done then. 

Wedding Party?
We already know who our MOH (my cousin who’s like my sister) and Best Man (Tim’s younger brother) will be and actually celebrated with them in Vegas. My younger brother will also serve as my Man of Honor. Regarding the other members of the party, we will most likely make decisions during Timmy’s leave and ask them shortly afterwards. 

Honeymoon?
We’d love to go to Bora Bora but we are open to other similar locations, as well. Our only requirement is that it be much more relaxing than not. As long as we’re together I know it’ll be blissful.

simplyeventsllc.blogspot.com 
to all you fellow fiancées! 

Heroes Among Us

Filed Under: Uncategorized //

Happy Veterans Day! There are veterans walking among us everyday. Be sure to thank them. Their service oftentimes goes unnoticed. I have been and will always be proud of our veterans, especially my T. 
To me, today serves as a reminder for every other American who might not be as thankful on a daily basis.
 When Dr. Trucillo of the American Recall Center reached out to me to help spread the word about the article, “Caring For Our Heroes: Learn About PTSD This Veterans Day,” by Cheryl Lathrop, I did not hesitate. 
Taken from the article: 
“Many vets return from their service just fine, and get on with their lives. Some return with physical injuries, both major and minor. And some return with mental health issues. One of the most common after a traumatic event is PTSD—Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The symptoms of PTSD can be terrifying, disrupting your life and making it hard to continue with your daily activities. Symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but there are certain hallmarks of PTSD that are common. There are four types of PTSD symptoms :
  • Reliving the event (called a flashback)
  • Avoiding situations that remind you of the event
  • Feeling numb
  • Feeling keyed up

If you’re a vet, thank you for your service! If you need more information, visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs and specifically the Veterans Health Administration. Click on “PTSD COACH” to find online help for PTSD.”