21 Guns

Does anyone else still love Green Day like I do?

I've Come to Realize...

I think I have grown as a person over the past year, more so than ever.

I've come to realize that...

*Life is what you make of it.

*Family is everything. Don't ever take them for granted.

*The older I get, the more I know what I want and the less I am willing to put up witih.

*Hold on to and cherish your memories. Think of the good times, not the bad.

*Good friends are hard to come by.

*It's ok to be sad, but eventually you need to snap out of it and start living.

*You are never too old to find a new hobby.

*God has a plan for us all. Even if we can't see it.

*Do what makes you happy. Not what makes others happy.

*Let loose every once in awhile. It'll make you feel good.

*Get back to nature, it'll sooth your soul.

*Don't ever lose sight of who you are.

Please donate to the 2009 Memory Walk!

I am walking for all of those affected by this horrible disease. I lost my grandmother and great aunt to Alzheimer's. We must find a cure!!

I am determined to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. By participating in the 2009 Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®, I'm committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.

Currently more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and 78 million baby boomers are at risk – unless we find a way to change the course of the disease.

I want to do my part to fight this disease, but I need to ask for your support! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.

On behalf of the millions of Americans who are living with this disease, thank you for supporting my efforts. We're on the MOVE to end Alzheimer’s!

Please go to the webpage and sponsor me! Thanks!! :)

http://akronmemorywalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=306940&lis=0&kntae306940=CB2B73A323D748388CC736626AA5D225

Never get tired of watching this...so powerful!!

Tim McGraw singing "If You're Reading this." Such a good song.

God is Great, Beer is Good, and Maybe I'm Crazy

My BFF and I have been best friends since we were 11 years old. I was maid of honor in her wedding, and now am Godmother of her child. Now in order to be a Godmother, I have to be Catholic, (which I am) attend mass to show that I am faithful, and provide the church with a certificate. After calling my church to get this certificate (the church I attended my whole life, mind you) I found out that I wasn't registered and they had no record of me being there. I said, "Don't you have records of my First Communion and Confirmation?" "It doesn't matter!" said the secretary. "You need to prove that you are faithful by attending mass and donating each week." I thought that this was ridiculous...so in order to show I am faithful, I have to pay money? So I registered and began attending and paying each week. (I must add that there is nothing wrong with giving to the church. However, you should not be forced to do it or made to think that you are a bad person because you don't)I explained my aggravation to my BFF and after a month of attending mass at my church, she suggested that I switch to her church to see if it might be a better fit. She went with me to meet the new priest who I thought was wonderful. Not to mention, the church is beautful. I am very excited that I am a member now. And very excited to be a Godmother! And yes, I now am getting money deducted out of my count weekly at my new church. Because I want to. GOD IS GREAT!!

I love a good beer. However, I have learned that moderation is key. (these days!)Now, in my early 20's, I could party like a rock star. I could stay out late 4 times a week, drink however much I wanted, and be in pretty good shape the next day. I didn't care what I had to do the next day. I didn't even think about it. I was just living for the night. Now, of course I still have some brews on weekends. However, when I take that first sip, I think...."hmmmmm what am I doing tomorrow? This tastes so good, but will it be worth it in the morning? What if I drink too much..how long will it take me to recover? A hangover for me = laying around and eating bad food. Do I really want to waste a whole day (or even weekend) so that I can have fun and forget about things for a few hours? 5 beers or a head and stomachache tomorrow?" Of course I slip up every now and then and still inbibe too much But...I was VP of my sorority and BEER IS GOOD!

I have decided that I have some issues and may be...well, a little crazy. Ever since I was a kid, I have been afraid of doctors. This has carried on into my adulthood. In fact, when I go in and they check my blood pressure, it is often very high. It usually runs from 133/90 to 145/95, unless I am not nervous or it is a quick check-up. The nurses and doctors are often shocked by this. I am not old, or too much out of shape. I quickly explain to them that I get very nervous and it is always high but I do not normally have high blood pressure. I recently went to the dr. and the nurse was very concerned and made me sit in the conference room while she talked to the doctor. He knew that I was nervous and just told me to monitor it to make sure it was not normally high. He gave me a diagnosis. "White Coat Syndrome." Surely, I am not the only person who has this problem..am I? So, dad let me borrow his blood pressure monitor. And guess what I found out? My blood pressure is pretty good! I checked it this morning, after work, and before bed. And although it was a bit higher after work...it was about 115/78. Wow--what a difference from 145/95. Goes to show you what stress and anxiety does to your body. Unfortunately now, I am probably going to become obsessed with taking my blood pressure, as I have become obsessed with checking my skin for abnormalities, going to the doctor for every ache and pain and worrying about my stomach and seizure disorder. Honestly, I don't know how everyone puts up with all of my worries. Maybe I have good reason to worry. Or MAYBE I'M CRAZY! :)

Back to normal

It's been a month since I was hospitlized. I'm finally starting to feel like myself again. I have two more weeks of taking two medications and then I only have to take one--yay!! Still no driving--until at least October 16th, when my next appointment with my neurologist is. Today I worked out for the first time since. Wow--taking some time off is rough!! I need to get back in shape..it'll make me feel better. And healthier too.

I am starting to look at life in a new way. Since the incident I have come to realize how short life is and you never know what tomorrow will hold. I am fortunate that I have so many people around me that care about me. Throughout my whole ordeal those that truly care have been there for me. My mom has gone above and beyond from driving me around (constantly), cooking food, and just checking up on me. Katy and Eric have been there to drive me if needed. My dad is always there for me when I need to talk. Jenny always calls to check up on me. Brian puts up with my crankiness, tears, tiredness, you name it. He is my rock and I would be lost without him. Oh yeah, did I mention he saved my life? Beth is always there for me when I need a friend. I don't know what I would do without my family and friends.

I have also realized that I need to do what is best for me and not worry what others think. The main thing I HAVE to focus on right now is cutting down my stress. (yes mom, you are right!) But, I sometimes feel that everything is working against me and I have to sit and get crapped on while I watch good things happen to everyone around me. There are certain things I need to do in my life that hopefully will happen soon. Although there are many things I can't change, there are some things I can. I'm hoping by the end of the year things will get better.

So, please bear with me as I adjust to my new life. I know my turn is coming. I just wish it was now.