Important Tears

A successful Friday! Today I actually managed to get some decent stuff done at work. It was also my boss' birthday! Dr. Gowda, the one who has me as his surgery coordinator. We got him a yummy, cute little cake and everything. It was a nice moment. And later, when UberEats randomly showed up at our office, we realized it was his beautiful, loving wife sending her hubby lunch for his special day. How sweet is that? I really like her. And I really like the two of them together. I can't explain hehe they just make me happy.

Today I take apart the Jesus puzzle (my January one) and start working on February. It's a collection of pies! Which sounds really good right about now. I've been craving cookies or a donut or like a SOLID dessert all day. Cake is too squishy to count haha.

I had plans with Xabiel but he had to cancel. Which means I spend the night in. Honestly? So freaking relaxing. I'm watching One Day at a Time. This show is so good. I already adored it and all the issues it tackled. But season 2 is something new. And I'm obsessed. And as much as I laugh and love, it also really hits home. The episode I just watched was about depression, how one character realized she'd have to live with it forever and she can't just go off meds and stop therapy expecting to suddenly be cured. The intensity was real. I can't describe it but, knowing that my depression feels like hers sometimes and that this time period is usually when it hits its peak, it really just pulled at my heart. Full tears. And to hear that her mother, who doesn't really get mental health and never knew how best to support her, could finally admit to not fully understanding but still wanting her daughter to do whatever necessary to be happy REALLY. REALLY. Hit my gut. I don't think I can stress how important that is. Even if it was from a fictional character, I think I really needed to hear it.

I texted Karla when the episode ended and told her I was sobbing. Because I was, no exaggeration. No giant heaving breaths or anything dramatic but honest to goodness tears that will not stop. And I told her I needed chocolate and ice cream and blankets. She sent me "I'M HERE FOR YOUUUUUU!!!!!!" followed by emojis of chocolate and ice cream and beds with blankets. If there's anyone I can count on it's my sister.

The One Year Mark

On Tuesday, my little nephew turned one year old. I remember last April very vividly. It was a hectic time to say the least. I enjoyed the projects I was a part of when they didn't stress me out, but overall, it was a pretty hard point. A lot changed and I felt rather defeated most of the time. I guess April in general is a transition period for me. But on April 18, 2016, my adorable little David Jonathan was born. Thank God. I don't know what would've happened to me if he didn't arrive at that perfect time. My niece and nephew, despite all the insanity and chaos they bring, are little angels that God sent to save me. Of that I am convinced.

He's finally warming up to me. Maybe it's because he's sick haha. But he actually asks to go with me now. He's playing with me and chatting with me a lot more. Hopefully I'll be able to help him walk or talk some more before he and the gang move. I'm so happy to spend these last few months with them right by my side. And hopefully he doesn't get me sick before my show haha.

Eric is here for the weekend! On Saturday, we will have a huge celebration for the itty bitty. The theme is Charlie Brown, of course! It'll be a treat for everyone. I know being away from his family is not easy for Eric, and Karla misses him every day. I'm grateful that they're able to have moments like this weekend where they can be happy together. As much as I want desperately to keep them, God has a plan for my big sister. She has her own family now and that's where she needs to go: wherever is best for them. No matter how far, she's still there for me. So I've got to make sure to do the same. For her and for the kiddos.

December Catch-up

Wow. Have I really not written on here in almost a month? Yeah, I've been busy. But that's unacceptable. Let's get so some smiles

• It's Christmas. Like I know it's not yet, but it's Christmas. And there's pretty lights everywhere and all these fun decorations and outfits and the radio has Christmas music and people are in such a cheerful mood. Yay holidays!
• We keep getting all this amazing food brought to the office. Blessings galore.
• I miss McDaniel and Dog Party and Holiday Cabaret and all those fun things. But it's nice to see everyone else enjoy them and have a whole new generation take part. Plus, Torreke and Veronica danced to Howl's Moving Castle score and I'm still not over it.
• I had my last therapy session on the 9th. I was told that I could always count on my therapist as a resource if I ever needed it, but that I'd gotten to a good place and made a lot of progress in a short time, so I don't need regularly scheduled appointments anymore. I've gotten my anxiety to a manageable place.
• I had a birthday! With lots of fun gifts! And delicious foods. But mostly, with my favorite people. Cutting a cake with my immediate family was honestly so nice. My niece always manages to put a big smile on my face. She even prayed for our dinner and for my birthday. I was a very happy aunt. And the next week, I had a bigger dinner with some close friends. Seeing them was such a treat, but seeing them all get along and become fast friends is truly the greatest gift I ever could have asked for.
• I had a lovely brunch with Jim Dyson, only my favorite alumn ever! We caught up and talked life after McDaniel and RWBY fan theories. He's such a good person and I had a blast. Can't go wrong with Silver Diner!
• I've been able to talk to Nick a lot more. The kid has a life, and finals affect everyone differently, so I am still sad that I didn't get to see him for my birthday, but I refuse to hold a grudge or let that get to my energy. I'm just glad we're talking somewhat regularly again. I'm very happy to have him in my life.
• Michael is such a great friend. He's just so supportive and kind and understanding. I am glad that we've always gotten along so well.
• Hairspray Live happened. It may not have been the greatest thing ever but I had fun and it brought back some sweet memories.
• Pentatonix had their own Christmas special oh my goodness I am way too proud of them.
• I got to see Eric! We had a mini-birthday celebration for the both of us. I need that boy in my life more, seriously, he's a gem and I miss him.
• Brookside Gardens twice. I never ever ever get tired of that place. It's so beautiful and magical and happy. It reminds me of childhood, and it's so fun to walk through, even if it is cold haha.
• Ugly sweater party at church! Even if I didn't win, everyone looked so cute and it's nice to be silly with the youth group every once in a while.
• Christmas party at work was awesome. Exhausting and kinda expensive on my end, haha. But awesome. People are still telling me how much they enjoyed the games, which is always nice to hear. And I just enjoyed some delicious food with people I am proud to call my co-workers. Everyone looked so good. And I got the most beautiful ornament from my boss' wife. There's no way on earth she knew how much I love angels. That's God at work right there.
• Have I mentioned how happy I am that you're here? I hope I have. Because I really am. I almost feel spoiled compared to the 8 years without you right by my side. I have no idea what I'll do when you leave. But I know it's not forever. And until then, I'm loving the mess out of having you in the states.
• There's more. There has to be more. It's been such a good time. I am so very blessed. Bad days happen and bumps get in the way but overall, I am grateful. I pray that the rest of the world be able to feel the love this holiday season. It's a scary time for so many out there, but none of us are alone. And there's always someone, somewhere willing to help in whatever way they can. So I'll do what I can to keep spreading that cheer. And to keep it going all the way into 2017!

12-20-15

Superhero birthday parties are fun! It was my cousin's daughter's birthday. She went as Raven from Teen Titans (which makes my heart happy because yas younger generation, know the awesomeness that is Teen Titans!). And my little niece Cristina went as Batman. Except, the shirt is yellow with a black symbol on it. So she calls it her Charlie Brown shirt. Personally, I think that just means we are raising her right.

Sidenote. Night three of Jonathan Lieder coming in clutch, and just being a generally awesome person who gives good company and makes me laugh when I really need it.

12-5-15

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALT DISNEY! Yay birthday. It was just a good day in general. So many kind words and hugs and pizza and fun and laziness and then semi-formal with my wonderful Alpha Psi family and compliments and yay. I'm just so very blessed. God has allowed me to reach this point. Despite all the crazy icky hardships I went through, I am here and it is because of Him. And even better still, He isn't done working with me yet! It's a new year and I've got quite a journey ahead of me. Only He knows where I'm going and how long the journey will be. But if He's leading, then I know it will be absolutely perfect :)

Friday Night Plans

Not of the romantic variety. I get to go home and see Karla! I am off to have dinner with her and some of her favorite ladies. And we shall dance the night away. I'm so pumped.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARLA!

He Really Likes It!

Boy got his present today. I was kinda terrified all day that they would not be delivered or that he'd be like unimpressed or LITERALLY NAP THROUGH THE DELIVERY I don't even know. But he got his gift and was super happy about it and oh my goodness that's all I could ever hope for.

Brilliant Ideas

I know what I'm getting a certain someone for his birthday. I thought I knew. But then I remembered. And now I'm pumped.

SEUSS

I got to listen to the Seussical soundtrack for a long time today. Twas lovely. And the reason waaaaas....

Today is Cristina's 2nd Happy Birthday!

 My niece is two!

Today has been so fun and I'm so grateful to all the people who helped and who came to the party. She had a great time. She looked so cute. The gifts were wonderful. And we, as a family, are just so beyond blessed.

Cinco de Plinco

Today was a Mies-wun's birthday! She's 21. That's a little crazy. But hooray for her happy birthday :) We went to the MVA to get her new license, and then had a fun little shopping trip. We took pictures in flowers. And now we are drowning in homework haha. But today is a day to be grateful for one of my dearest best friends <3

Party for 2!

For a 2 year old, that is! Cristina was invited to a birthday party today. The birthday boy is named Daniel, and he is the son of a friend of Karla's. We went to his party together and it was adorable. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme, which is apparently his favorite show. There were cute little chairs and tables, a baby ballpit, finger painting, lots of fruit & juice for the itty bitties, cheese and crackers and grapes for the adults, this delicious orange lemonade, and of course pizza and pasta for everybody. All in this beautiful house. Seriously, it's gorgeous. What do I have to do to get a house like that? What do I even need all that room for omg. But the whole thing was so cute. And Cristina had lots of fun. She "won" a medal for pinning the nose on Mickey. And I'm pretty sure her painting went right up on the fridge!

Look Who's Turning 1!

So. My niece turned one.

DISNEY PARTY!

And we are so so so so so blessed to have this little princess in our lives.

It's one thing when you have a party.

It's another when NOT ONLY does everyone compliment the party you worked so hard on

but the guest of honor enjoys herself, too :)

To the Medina Twins

My Wonderwall

SO. A birthday post. After people were wonderful and said happy birthday to me and all that. The girls got me. The best gift. In the world. So it was 3 parts. Part 1 was a beanie baby teddy bear with its hands folded in prayer called Hope. And he had a little poem to introduce himself as my new prayer buddy. Part 2 was an itty bitty precious moments figure. She had brown hair and a gorgeous white dress with blue buttons, a blue sash, and a blue rounded collar. She held a blue rose with a turquoise stone inside. Part 3 was a charm bracelet with little angels on it and a heart that says "Guardian Angel Protect Me". Needless to say, I cried a little. It was LITERALLY. Perfect. I'm still emotional about it.

And the day after my birthday, I enjoyed a DELICIOUS dinner with my Mommy and sister and niece at Olive Garden. Twas delish. And while there, we overheard a guy who sang kinda like Frank Sinatra on the speakers, but the lyrics were from Black Hole Sun! Turns out singer Paul Anka has an album called Rock Swings where he covers all these rock songs, like Smells Like Teen Spirit. So far this is my fav

II

"Blogs don't have to travel as far"

UGH. Love it.

Your blog is back your blog is back your blog is back your blog is back!!! I'm literally WAY too excited about it. And right as school starts. Perfect. I'm so thrilled to hear your stories again. Seriously, I love your wring style. Something about your imagery. I always feel like I'm right there with you. Man how I wish I could be. And the pictures are so great! D'aww, little Abbi in the mountains. I'm glad we have this again. Our private blog where we share everything. How I've missed it. <3

Sidenote: Sorry you have to share a post with the kid. But Happy 19th birthday to a certain fool I know who will always be one of my closest friends.

A New Purpose

Reason 306

Meet Cristina Dinora Bowen

Send JJ Right Over!

Reason 302: So we went to a kids party with everyone from church. If kids parties aren't fun enough, we played Red Rover. We had a BLAST. Mind you, it's a pretty violent game. But it's mad fun. And the kids seriously got so into it. I love hanging with these people.

WARNING: THIS IS NOT ABOUT KARLA!

A baby was born today! A little baby boy. He's my cousin's baby, the one who (supposedly) had the same due date as my sister. He was born today, healthy and happy. Sorry, no picture. I wouldn't post one without parental permission. But I can promise you he is precious. He will be quite handsome, just like his daddy. Welcome to the world, Baby Guzman!

Mommy & Me

Reason 280: GUESS WHERE WE'RE TAKING MOMMY FOR HER BIRTHDAY PRESENT?

One of Those Nights

Reason 260: Birthday party with my familia! Love it. Mind you, as expected, little to no homework got done and I'm terrified about tomorrow. But today? Enjoy delicious cake, lots of laughter, and all the talk about babies. Happy Birthday Tia Mela! (And Aaron Fellows, who I miss bunches).

Irrelevant to the birthday, this has been in my head ALL. DAY.

M-O-U-S-E

Reason 236 Disney Day Three

HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY STORM!

• Wake up. Wash hair. YAY, best feeling.
• Pack. All souvenirs are go!
• Wear the button, Storm. Wear the button! (I got to pin it on, teehee)
• Magic Kingdom! For the last time. Starting with the Trolley Song? Oh yeah, I'm in heaven already.
• NOMS! Delicious egg & ham croissant. Yesssss
• Haunted Mansion. No success with Storm's theory. But we found an older gentleman with the same birthday!
• Pirates again. Relaxing boatride almost lulled me to sleep haha
• Little boy uses spyglass to look for treasure. Points to it. Dad runs to get it. Finds nothing. Boy giggles. Repeat five times. Swoon every time.
• Philharmagic. The smell of that pie. Every. Time.
• No Mickey & Minnie houses? I never saw them :O I'll have to search for pics.
• Walk through the circus.
• Laugh Floor one last time. And Storm is picked as a character! Randall! But he had to be invisible. That kid hit the ground so fast. Well done, he still has his acting chops. May not have been "That Guy", but I think that's pretty amazing. People laughed. I was amused. Life is good.
• Travel home. With WONDEFUL MEMORIES of a beautiful trip. But first? Brazil vs Italy on the plane, mwuahaaha.
• I miss warm weather already.

I don't think they understand how grateful I am for this trip. I'm exhausted physically. And my wallet is crying. And it's all okay. Because I have just had the best Spring Break ever, thanks to the Kowaleski family. Love. All my love. All of it. May it be repaid ten-fold. And may you get some sleep. Yes. That is the best wish I can bestow upon thee. I wish for your sleep. Sleep well. Sweet dreams. Thank you again and again and again.