Sunday, March 6, 2011

Invictus

In the past few months, I have learned so much from so many new people that I have met.  Whether it be an inspirational quote, a way of life, or just plain hardships and struggles that friends and family go through. 

Many of these things have helped me in my own life as I have struggled through my own share of hardships in the past 2 years. 

Life throws some serious curve-balls at you from time to time and you have to be able to accept them, for acceptance is the hardest part of it all. 

Learning to deal with a hardship and having the right support system is the best way to get through them. 
I have learned that nobody has it easy.  Everybody has something that they are going through.  There is no such thing as a perfect life.  It does not exist.  It is how you handle the tough times and how you overcome them. 

I will stand strong.  I will be be strong.  I will not be defeated.  I have faith.  I have hope.  I have perseverance.  I believe.

An inspirational poem I just heard while watching the movie "Invictus"

Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.



In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.



Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.



It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


William Ernest Henley

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Florida 2011

Steve, Ashley and I went to Florida for a few days.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn't as perfect as I had hoped it would be.  Either way, it was better than being home!!! 

Paul, Jess and Olivia joined us at Grandpa's house.  I even had a divorce translation gig to fill in for my dad.  Made some money while I was out there!  Yay!

Ashley LOVED the beach.  She talked about going to the beach almost every day.  The pool per Ashley's terms was "too big" and she wanted a "different pool". 

We visited Lion Country Safari as well with the girls.  Lots of super cool animals and fun feeding the giraffe, sheep and birds.  Lots to look at and tons of entertainment.  It made me see things through Ashley's eyes.  There is nothing better than reliving your child's moments by watching her.

Pictures below:







Friday, February 11, 2011

Little Photo Shoot with Ashley

Ashley and I had some fun getting creative with the camera.  She actually enjoyed posing like a little model with her dollhouse.  The pictures turned out super cute and am really happy with them.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Blizzard 2011

February 1st, the Chicagoland area got hit with one of the worst blizzard storms ever!
Although it was a little scary, it was kinda cool to watch nature go crazy.
Shoveling the insane snowdrifts was far from being fun but needed to be done as soon as the storm had moved out of the area. 

For the 1st time ever, we saw a CAT tractor come through and shovel the snow off the streets.  It was completely insane!

Now that we have dug out of it, it isn't so bad.  I have to say that Chicago recovers quite well for such a huge storm impact.