Winter Traditions

Aside from going to see the tree in NYC every year, there are a few other traditions that happen every time the cold weather hits . It's funny how one year you decide to do something, and the next it becomes tradition. It's as if there is no way that you can let this year pass without doing it. It never has to be some grand event either, it can honestly even just include yourself - whether it's watching a movie every Christmas day, or eating a special meal on New Year's Eve. Sometimes, though, traditions just stop... it could be because you've grown out of it, you can't seem to find the time, or you just don't want to do it anymore.

I created a winter to-do list this year, of things I wanted to do, which included obvious things like seeing the tree in the city, making a gingerbread house, and driving around aimlessly looking at Christmas lights. Needless to say, when winter rolled around and the holiday seasons snuck up on me, I ditched the to-do list, and decided that whatever was to happen, would happen, and I didn't need a list to check off in order to make memories with my family and loved ones. As you saw from my last post, Sal and I did make it to the tree, and we even got to look at Christmas lights together! We drove around staring at the bright, shiny lights that made the streets feel magical. Sal knew a couple of special places where the lights covered every inch of the house. We even decided to have a contest of who could find the most penguins, and to be honest, we found quite a few christmas pigs in the process. (I won, in case you were wondering). We talked all night, and stopped to pick up some hot chocolate, which is the perfect drink to have when you're in your nice warm car, staring at the lights. We got to thinking though, how weird it would be if you drove around and stared at people's houses on any night during the year... how it's not creepy when there are lights on the houses... but how creepy it'd be coming to a stop in front of a house to just stare... weirddddd.

Not only did that tradition continue, but I was able to make my grandma's cookies with my mom, brother, and cousin. It used to be my mom who made them for the holidays, and then my brother joined in, and quite recently I have helped out. We added my cousin to the list this year, and it just made it that much better, that much memorable. To make these special cookies though, it takes at least three days... one day to make the dough, which must be chilled at least overnight... one day to bake them, and another to ice them. We were all able to make the dough and bake them together, making silly comments about the other ones dough like we were in competition with each other. Eventually putting Elf on, the movie that must be playing when we bake them, and watching the oven, making sure not to burn them. 

It didn't even matter when some of the cookies came out funny looking, what mattered was that we were continuing my great grandmother's legacy, and baking cookies that were in my family for generations, for our loved ones to enjoy. We were baking them together, creating our own memories, as she had with those who she baked with. These everlasting memories will be what we remember, not the way the cookie tasted... okay maybe that too, because these cookies are really that delicious.

Some traditions fell through the crack this year, like our gingerbread contest, but we just didn't have time for it. We bought the gingerbread houses, and then every time we had tried to plan to put them together, someone had something else to do. We even tried doing them after Christmas, but at that point, no one really was in the spirit to do them. We figured we'd save them for next year, because who really eats a gingerbread house anyways, right? So it's not like they'd go bad. There's always Christmas in July!

Traditions truly teach us more about ourselves each year... what we're willing to hold on to and continue, and what we push aside and forget about. What's really important to us will continue on, and what isn't will be forgotten. 

Halloween 2014 Recap

Was it just me or did it feel like Halloween lasted for about two weeks this year? Maybe it's because I went to a costume party a week before Halloween, or maybe it's because there's been candy in the store for about a month.

This year was fun nevertheless. Sal's friend, Jimmy, was planning on throwing a party the weekend before Halloween, being that he was in his new house, yes... you guessed it, the one by the lake. He had some of his friends decorate, got a bunch of drinks, and decided to order pizza and subs for everyone. It wasn't a requirement to dress up, but it just made it more fun. After work, Sal and I headed up there with my brother and his girlfriend, both were home from college. We were all dressed to perfection. Sal was Clark Kent, my brother was a doctor, and Michele was a football player. They were all cute costumes, most of which were put together with clothes they already had. For my costume, I decided to reuse an old costume. Sal and I buy a new costume every year and twice we had no where to go to wear them to... I know, sad story. Anyways, one year Sal and I bought Top Gun costumes; his being more of a flight suit, and mine a dress. I tried mine on, and it didn't fit my shoulders, which just shows you how much kickboxing has positively affected me, and how much muscle I've gained. So I decided to wear Sal's Top Gun flight suit, but I wasn't going to just be Maverick or Goose... oh no... I was going to be one of our friends, Mike, who is currently in Oklahoma in the Air Force. He wasn't going to be at the party, so I figured I'd be him! It turned out that one of our other friends decided to be Jimmy. The two, Jimmy and Mike, are best friends, so it was absolutely hysterical. We even had Jimmy's mom calling him upset that she didn't know Mike was home. I have to say that we were picture perfect. 

The night drifted on by as we kept the party alive - bonfire, beer, good friends, and music played by two awesome guitarists. 

We headed back home before it was too late for us grandmas and grandpas, because some people (like me) have to work on the weekend. When I was home, I felt as if Halloween was done and over with, and like another year had passed, but we still had a week until the real day!

I didn't have any plans for October 31st, and I had to work at the hospital all day, but it was so so worth it. The other Child Life Specialists and myself decided we wanted to dress up together, so we chose to be the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, even though there were only three of us. We bought the shirts, chose to wear black leggings, and I added long green socks, from my soccer days, and a purple tutu to match my mask. We wanted costumes that we could get away with if something serious was to happen at the hospital (a new diagnosis of something or a serious accident). 

We were at the hospital bright and early with a mission to make the day fun for the children, to get them to laugh, and not care if they were missing trick or treating with their friends. We do reverse trick or treating, giving nurses, who were also dressed up, bags of goodies (Halloween related and not) like playdoh, vampire teeth, shirts/socks, coloring books, toys, and more, to pass out to the children. They'd knock on their doors, yelling "Trick or Treat!" The children would be in the room, waiting, with their bags open wide and huge smiles on their faces. It turned out to be a huge hit once again, and we surprised the children, and their families with cupcakes decorated just for the occasion! Project Sunshine from a college nearby joined us for the party and had crafts available for the children, their siblings, and families to do in the playroom. 

It was such a great day, and I'm pretty sure no one was upset that they missed Halloween outside of the hospital, at least not too much. 

So now you can understand why I thought Halloween was much longer than it was, but how it might've been the best Halloween yet. Hope all of you had a wonderful Halloween! 

Flashback to Easter

I have much to catch up on in the blog world, and I'm okay with that. Don't mind me as I play catch up. I still want to document all of life's adventures and celebrations, so I will, regardless of how long it takes me... regardless that I'm blogging about Easter, when I probably should be blogging about Memorial Day, but I'll catch up... maybe one day.

The Saturday before Easter, I had to work, but I didn't mind. We ordered hard boiled eggs, and a wonderful group donated easter egg dying kits for the kids. I set up everything in the playroom, and invited the kids, their parents, and even the nurses to get involved in egg dying. Regardless of whether these children are in the hospital or not, traditions must still happen! If I was younger, and I wasn't able to participate in these traditions with my family, like easter egg dying or opening presents on Christmas, I would have been extremely upset. Of course, I would have gotten over it, but for children, it's like the end of the world. The following day, on Easter, a fellow Child Life Specialist came in and did an Easter egg hunt with the children, and even passed out Easter baskets!

While the children were waking up and opening their Easter baskets, I was preparing myself for a free yoga class with a friend. We had heard about it from another friend, and thought it would be the perfect time to try a different workout; it being free was just an added bonus. We headed to the studio, and had an incredible class - I even ended up doing a headstand, with help of course. I want to try to continue to do yoga - it is on my 25 before 25 list after all. We decided to stop for a fresh smoothie from a local place, and while mine was a little watery, it ended up being refreshing. 

I headed home after to get ready for our early Easter dinner. Before I got ready though, I made sure to open my Easter basket, which was filled with healthy treats! The Easter bunny sure understands my healthy lifestyle!

My family always eats Easter dinner early, which is different than any other night, and any other holiday. Usually we eat dinner late, so I look forward to Easter. In the past we've spent Easter with family, or at home by ourselves, but for the past two years, we've eaten out, and it's worked out really well. Good food, great company, without all the added stress and mess. I know what you're thinking - "What about the people working?! Don't you feel bad that they have to work, and you're enjoying time with your family, when they can't?" Yes, I do feel bad, and those thoughts have crossed my mind, but I hope that they volunteered to work, and that they were planning on spending time with their family that night, or celebrate the day before/the day after. 

We headed off to dinner - just the four of us. We went to the same restaurant we went to last year, and enjoyed the light laughter of the kids at the other tables, the families talking and enjoying one another's company, and the food that seemed to just keep coming, along with the sangria. We ended up getting dessert, and of course, I tried to get something on the healthier side, and that's when my eyes came to find the coconut sorbet, served in a coconut shell (I may or may not have had this last year as well). 

Sal and I don't usually spend the holiday together, unless we meet up later that night. Well my family decided at dinner that we would be heading to my cousin's house afterwards, and I just could not wait. I love spending time with family - especially my cousins, if you couldn't tell from my posts. No drama, just conversation over more food, and laughter. There was plenty of laughter when we arrived, especially when the chocolate icing just somehow ended up all over my cousin's face. The night seemed to fly by, and when Sal had finished celebrating Easter with his family, he joined mine. It was a long day, but a memorable one to say the least. 

Not Your Usual Valentine's Day

I feel as if Valentine's Day just crept up on all of us, especially those of us still currently covered in snow. I don't feel as if it's going to be spring anytime soon, and I'm beginning to wonder if this grey and white world is going to last forever, if I will never see another green blade of grass again.

Now Valentine's Day has never been a huge day for Sal and I, because we celebrate our relationship, and show our love for each other each and every day. Many couples may say this, but we really don't need any day in particular to show each other we love one another. So, when I found out that Sal was going to be at his internship all day, I didn't take off of work. I figured it made no sense to sit at home, when I could be at the hospital sharing love with all of the children that were hospitalized that day. I helped a generous family pass out teddy bears and balloons, donated by them personally. I spread more happiness when I pushed around cupcake cart for both the children and their families. It felt great to be able to share this love to those that might not be feeling very loving or joyous.

Due to the snow we got, Sal ended up having off from his internship for the entire day. Now you may be thinking that after work Sal and I had made plans to see each other, but you'd be wrong. Weeks before, I talked to my friend and we decided that we were going to spend Valentine's Day together - get each other gifts, go out to dinner, drink a little wine, and enjoy the night. We've celebrated Valentine's Day together before, so when she suggested this, I thought it'd be a perfect night! We didn't need boys to make us happy or feel loved on such a Hallmark holiday... we had each other, and there's no kind of love like the love you have for your best friend, of 6 years I might add! We didn't make reservations, thinking that not everyone goes to California Pizza Kitchen for Valentine's Day... boy, were we wrong. We definitely should have made reservations. Oh well! It gave us some time to walk around the mall and search for a bench to sit and wait. When we finally sat, we decided to exchange gifts, and when we did, the look on our faces had to have been priceless. We both handed each other a box, of a similar size and weight. We looked at each other, and then continued to open it up. Lo and behold, it was the EXACT SAME ALEX AND ANI BRACELET... the Best Friends charm... hey, at least we knew where we stood in our friendship! After laughing so hard we were crying, we figured out one of us had to return one, because we couldn't both be wearing the Best and Friend charm, together. So I decided I would return mine, and find us matching charms that represented us in our very unique ways.

Soon we found ourselves at dinner, clinking our glasses of wine, and chatting the night away.

Of course, I was sad that I didn't see Sal at all, but we saw each other a few days later, and spent a few hours together, cuddling. He showed up to my house with beautiful red roses, in a vase, a hilarious card, and a bottle of wine, to be shared at a later date. We love our wine, and sharing wine tasting experiences together has become "our thing." I've always told him that I would trade all of these material things that I own for experiences... traveling to new places, trying a new hobby, or going on an adventure. I never ask him for anything anymore, but I'm also just as grateful when he shows up with a bottle of wine in hand, or a movie he knows I've been wanting to see. He doesn't ask me for anything, and actually never has, but he's always happy when I show up with surprises for him.

So it wasn't a usual Valentine's Day, but it was pretty close to perfect if you ask me. 

DIY: Holiday Gifts

I love giving all year long. If I see something in the store that would be perfect for someone I know, I usually buy it and give it to them right away. During the holidays especially though, I try and think of thoughtful gifts for those around me. When I can, I enjoy making gifts because they're that much more meaningful. Pinterest has become such an inspiration when it comes to DIY projects and gifts. I usually just pin things and let them sit there, but this Christmas I decided to change that. At the hospital I work at, there were several people that I wanted to give a gift to this year, and it was easy to choose what I wanted to make for them: a holiday mason jar filled with sweets & a little bag of nail polish!

Have A 'Sweet' Holiday Jar by I Heart Naptime

What You'll Need:

Mason jars 

Hershey Kisses

'Have a Sweet Holiday' Printable

Modge podge or Glue

Here's How:

1. Print out "Have a Sweet Holiday" printables. 

2. Cut and modge lodge each sign to mason jar. 

3. Fill mason jar with hershey kisses and seal.

For Your Mistletoes by Ivy in the Bay

What You'll Need:

Nail polish

Foot lotion

Tinsel

Small baggies

'For Your Mistletoes' Printable 

Stapler

Here's How:

1. Print out 'For Your Mistletoes' printable; I used card stock paper, because it seemed stronger. 

2. Fill small baggies with tinsel first, then add the nail polish and foot lotion. 

3. Finally add the printable on top of bag and secure with staples. 

Your coworkers, teachers, and friends will love these thoughtful gifts, I can promise you that! 

Christmas at Our House, It's Tradition

I still don't want to admit that Christmas has come and gone, and maybe that's why I haven't posted about Christmas yet. We anticipate all year for Christmas, and then it's gone within a blink of an eye. I had to work on Christmas Eve, which was something that I have never done, but I wasn't mad because I was able to bring a little holiday cheer to the children that were stuck in the hospital on Christmas. We received so many donations at the hospital that we were able to make bags for the children to open up on Christmas morning, because Santa visits the hospital. Every child that still believes in Santa doesn't realize that; they think that since they're not home, Santa will forget about them, and my job is to make sure the hospital experience is as normal as possible, so of course Santa comes to the hospital! While I didn't get to see the joy on the children's faces on Christmas morning, they were on my mind as I opened my own gifts. After we had packaged the gifts in bags, I headed home to help set up yet another Christmas Eve at our house. It's become a tradition that we all look forward to, no matter how much we stress about it. It doesn't matter who comes or what we eat, all that matters is that we're surrounded by loved ones. Isn't that what Christmas is about... not the presents or the feel in the air, although that does contribute to the happiness, I know it's all about the love. As family started to arrive, I started to feel that love, fill up the room. As family, and friends started to arrive, and the coats were sprung across the bed, I began to think how truly lucky I was to have this love in my life, to know that each individual was there because this meant something to them too... it had simply become a tradition.

The night quickly slipped away as wine was poured and delicious homemade food was devoured. Tutus were brought out and pictures were taken by the tree. It could not have been more perfect, with friends and family all around, even if I did wind up with an overabundance of pictures being taken on my phone {thanks Mel}. I wouldn't have changed a thing.

The next morning, I awoke to the smell of bacon, eggs, and cinnamon rolls... not an unusual smell to wake up to on Christmas morning in my house, because my mom made sure that we always shared Christmas breakfast together. I couldn't sleep any longer, even though it was still early. I think no matter how old I get I will always wake up early on Christmas morning, whether there are presents under the tree for me or not. It's just a tradition. Plus how could anyone go back to sleep after smelling bacon. 

We passed each other the gifts we had picked out and wrapped up, but we didn't unwrap together, instead we watched as each individual person unwrapped their gift, because what's the sense of rushing? What's the sense of passing along your well thought out, meaningful gift and not being able to see the joy on their faces, that is unless they know what they're getting... like my dad had known, after we had went shopping together so he could try on new cowboy boots. He still acted surprised when he opened the box I had wrapped. It was the joy in everyone's eyes that made the presents well worth it. We could have gotten each other nothing, and no one would have cared, but that feeling ... that feeling you get when you know you gave the perfect gift... it's indescribable... even as I sit here trying to type this... I'm unable to, and I would safely assume there are more people out there with these feelings. That morning we spend as a family, alone, but together. That morning quickly slipped into the afternoon, and before I knew it we were headed to Michelle's house to celebrate with her family, and eventually my Aunt and Uncle's to end the night. That is when I saw Sal. Some might think it's weird that we don't spend Christmas day together, but it doesn't bother us, it's what works for us. We each respect our families and our times together, and realize this time with our family is important, there will be plenty of time to spend with each other and our own family in the future. We didn't exchange gifts this year either, which people reacted to with confused looks as well, but again, it worked for us. Instead of material things, things that we could buy ourselves, we decide to save that money and go on trips and adventures together throughout the year. 

Christmas is a time to spend with those you love, to share that love, but not by showering each other with gifts, but by being with one another, sharing stories, laughing, and creating tradition after tradition. 

A Different Kind of Thanksgiving

Last year, Sal and I ran in a local 5K Turkey Trot together, after having trained for weeks on end. We  never ran before we started training, and after a few weeks, I felt invincible. Of course, there were many times when I wanted to give up, but I didn't. We made it to race day, and ran our hearts out. This year was a little different because Sal was unable to run, though he was signed up. It turns out that Sal injured his leg and the doctor suggested (actually, he demanded) that Sal not run any more. When I heard the news, I was slightly devastated, and not because he was injured, because I know Sal will just persevere and push himself past the injury, but because I had lost my running partner. I laced up my shoes that morning, put layer upon layer on, and popped my earbuds in place, going through the motions I'd go through on any race morning. We waited at the start line together until we were about to start; that's when Sal headed to the sidelines, and I knew I had to give it my all. Despite the cold temperatures, and the empty space at my side, I ran. I ran even though I hadn't run in weeks, all while repeating in my head, the faster I ran, the warmer I'd be... the faster I ran, the sooner I'd see Sal. He was my motivation during that run, just like he's my motivation during many days.

When I made it to the finish line though, I didn't see him, and he didn't see me... there were thousands of people at the race. It was my fastest recorded 5K - 29:02. I was shaking, so I kept walking and grabbed a bottle of water, an orange slice, and a roll. I quickly decided my body needed liquids more than solids, after a quick bite of bread. I searched frantically, until I saw the back of his head in the crowd. I ran to him, as fast as my already sore legs would run, and called his name. We were both upset that he hadn't seen me cross the finish line, but he smiled and said he was so proud that I had finished, especially without him. I'm glad I didn't just roll over when I heard my alarm go off that morning, glad I called Sal to wake him up that morning, and glad I had finished yet another 5K on my own. You are stronger than you think you are. You don't always need someone there by your side, but having someone at the finish line is an indescribable feeling.

We quickly left because by that time Sal's feet were frozen, and he could no longer feel his hands. My heart was still racing, and my blood was warm as the adrenaline was still coursing through me, but I knew it would wear off fast, so I didn't hesitate when he said let's go home! I finished off a water bottle, and talked with Sal about the race, as we drove home. We were both looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with our families... Sal at his house, and mine at a formal restaurant. We decided a few years ago that we would see each other at some point during Thanksgiving, but that we would spend it with our family separately. I am all for spending holidays together, but Thanksgiving seems like an important holiday to spend with your own family. It works for us. I had some time before we were going to our dinner, so I took my time, enjoying watching the Thanksgiving Day parade with my brother and mom, while chowing down on pumpkin muffins she had made for us while I was running.

When we arrived at the banquet hall, we were greeted with 'Happy Thanksgivings,' and while I was sad that these individuals were all working, and my being there was not helping them be with their families, I hoped they'd be able to see them after their shift was over. The spread was incredible, from butternut squash raviolis, turkey, and a mashed potato bar, to pies of all kinds and chocolate covered fruit! While we tried to take our time, pausing after appetizers, and again after dinner, we were stuffed at the end of our three course meal, that ended up being four or five for my brother and dad. The atmosphere was perfect, and I truly felt like I was enjoying dinner with my family at home. We cheered with champagne, that might've been the best I've ever had, and then drank wine during dinner. It was relaxing, and it felt right, unlike many holidays prior to that ended with everyone in different rooms. I enjoyed having my family right there with me for a few hours. No cell phones were brought out, and the conversation never lulled. There was no stress in the kitchen, and even though there were no leftovers, I kind of consider that a blessing. Not being able to stuff your face with turkey and mashed potatoes all night, is definitely a good thing for me. I counted my blessings sitting at that table together, and my family is definitely at the top of that list.

When we got home, we relaxed in the living room, lighting a fire, and turning on a movie. We sat on the couches, and laughed for what seemed like hours. I could not have been more thankful, could not have been more blessed.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their loved ones. 

Tony Stark & Pepper Potts

This year Halloween was quite different than the last years, and I'm not complaining. I had to work at the hospital during the day, but I was able to go in early enough to get home with enough time to get ready to go out with friends.

At work, some of the nurses and other child life specialists dressed up for the children. It took me quite some time to finally decide what I was going to be and I was leaning towards a minion or Super Mario, until I was in the halloween store and I found a woody costume that would be perfect with my cowboy boots! Since it'd give me another chance to wear my cowboy boots, I was sold. It was easy and comfortable to wear, except I hadn't realized I'd be running around the floor with cowboy boots on (my feet were a little bit sore when I finally took them off).  The children loved it, as did most of the staff; and it made the day fun. The children couldn't dress up or go out trick or treating, which I never thought about prior to working in a hospital. Even while I was volunteering and interning in hospitals, I never thought of children being in the hospital on holidays. While you may be thinking Halloween isn't a huge holiday to miss, it is to a 7 year old who planned to dress up as his favorite super hero and have a candy competition with his friends. We were able to bring joy to children though, even the babies who would be missing their first halloween, by doing reverse trick or treating! We handed out halloween bags that morning (though pillow cases could have worked just as well; remember those days?!), and we had the nurses and staff participate by knocking on their door, saying 'TRICK OR TREAT,' and giving them a small toy or knick knack ... does anybody still say knick knack anymore? The children, as well as the parents, loved it, and were happy their children were able to celebrate halloween in a special way. We also had ongoing crafts in the playroom, with the help of volunteers, and passed out cupcakes, as well as their own mini pumpkins! While we couldn't carve the pumpkins, some kids used markers to draw on them.

It was incredible seeing the resiliency of children in the hospital; while they were upset in the days prior to, they were no longer upset when they had a bag filled with special toys. I bet they didn't think they'd be celebrating at all in the hospital. Hopefully it made it a little less scary and a lot more fun.

When I got home, I had a bit of a wardrobe change, transforming myself into Pepper Potts. Not sure who she is? Have you ever seen Iron Man? Pepper Potts is Tony Stark's girlfriend. Tony Stark being Iron Man himself, and who, you ask, would be Tony Stark... well Sal would be. Sal had it in his mind that he wanted to be Tony Stark, not Iron Man, just Tony. Joking around, I said it would be funny if I was Pepper, only I didn't have blonde hair. He decided that after 5 years, it was time for us to actually dress up as a couple on Halloween. While I wasn't against the idea, I wasn't completely sold, until he told me that I could wear business attire, and just had to add on a blonde wig. I have to admit something though; the minute I put the blond wig on, I cried. Identity crisis commence! I was fine once I got into character, and kept repeating that I could take the wig off once the night was over. Once we were both dressed, and I had my ID badge on, along with my Stark Industries notebook in hand, we looked quite like the characters themselves! We headed out with our friends, and while I thought it was obvious who we were, we had to explain it to some, but I didn't mind. It was funny to see what people chose to dress up as, all while enjoying a few cocktails.

I learned a few things about myself that day... #1 being that I will never, ever dye my hair blonde.