Sunday, June 28, 2009

Sunday Song: "Toes" by Zac Brown Band


Summer is finally here - thank God! With this welcome seasonal change official, a song I cannot get enough of is Zac Brown Band's "Toes."

My mother-in-law introduced me to the song and it has just been the absolute perfect summer jam and a great way to escape the curve balls life has thrown me as of late. I am looking forward to playing it many, many times as I venture up north this coming week....

Cheers to summer and to my husband's cute toes, as shown above! :)

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sunday Song: "Everything" by Michael Buble + Love & Marriage

"And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times, it's you, it's you, you make me sing. You're every line, you're every word, you're everything."
- Everything, Michael Buble

When Jason and I got married - one year ago today - this was the song we had our first dance to, so now every time I hear it, it makes my heart happy.

I looked back through all of our wedding pictures and through the masses of cards we received today. I wanted to write a post about what I have learned during this first year, but I think the message in a card Jason's cousin gave us sums up what our marriage is and continues to aspire to be...I wanted to keep it electronically so we can continue to reflect on its meaning.

How to make a beautiful life together
Let love be your shelter.
The world is noisy and confusing at times, so make a home that is a haven, a peaceful place where you can listen to your hearts and savor the comfortable closeness you share.

No matter how busy your days may be, make time for yourselves.
Hold hands.
Unwind.
Surprise each other.
Find little chances every day to show you're grateful to be partners, to be friends, to be married.

Life is not perfect.
You will make mistakes, but each time you meet life's challenges together, you will grow wiser, stronger, and surer of your love.

Cherish your yesterdays.
They are irreplaceable souvenirs of your journey through life.
Make memories that will bring smiles and sighs whenever you look back. (Look back often!)

Look forward, too.
Dream together.
Plan together.
Make promises to keep.
Believe in your tomorrows because tomorrows are what forever is made of.

To make love last, put each other first.
That is the way to make a beautiful life together, the kind of life you both deserve so much.

I thank God everyday for allowing me to meet my soul mate. One year down, many decades ahead!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Sunday Songs: Nobody writes a song like Disney

There's nothing more I love than Disney songs. In fact, I've been known to download them onto my iPod and when they randomly come on, an instant smile is brought to my face.

Each song reminds me of my childhood. I could even blame my love for Disney songs on my passion for singing. I remember singing the words to EVERY song from all the classic princess movies from a very young age.

To gear up for the Disney On Ice show I'll be working to promote in the fall, I've decided to list out my favorites and make a playlist to listen to whenever life has got me down. In no particular order, here's my faves:

"Circle of Life" from The Lion King
One of the most powerful intros of any Disney movie IMO. (ask me to sing the intro if you want a laugh)

"A Whole New World" from Aladdin
Aladdin and Jasmine give little girls across the universe hope that love really will take you somewhere new and offer endless possibilities. Whether you agree or not, that's up to the listener.

"Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas
A very deep song for children for sure. I absolutely love the animation that happens during this scene!

Oh Cinderella, you prove that anything can come true.

"Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid
Eric, why can't you see Ariel is SO in love with you?

"Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King
No Disney mix is complete without this anthem. It means no worries for the rest of your days....and who doesn't crack up at sidekicks Timon and Puma's lyrics?

"Belle" from Beauty and the Beast
Probably my favorite Disney song ever. As a kid, I loved doing the voices from all of the characters from the movie and the girls I used to babysit would beg me to sing it to them. It's very Broadway-esque, so I'm guessing why I love it so much!

Whoever thought up this song was crazy. And I love it!

"Reflections" from Mulan
This song/movie showcases girl power. This song teaches young women that girls can do anything boys can do.

"Once Upon A Dream" from Sleeping Beauty
If only I was a soprano...I would sing this to my husband!

Have I missed any? What are your favorites?

Rant: Don't use the handicap button if you don't need it!

I have a major pet peeve: when people who are not physically handicap use the handicap button on doors when they do not need it.

On Friday, a gal in stilettos, paired with a designer handbag and fancy sunglasses pushed the handicap button into the RenCen for absolutely no reason. She was perfectly able to open the door -- she was just carrying a small purse. But she used it. For no reason. She can't even use the germaphobe excuse because she touched the button to make the door open. Was it just laziness on her part? Most likely, but that's just another rant entirely. In my mind, there's no excuse. That button was not created for her to use at her helpless disposal.

I understand those who have their arms full utilizing the door opener. It's just truly bothersome to me when people use these doors for no reason. I feel blessed to not have to use that button. I have legs. I have arms and hands. I can open the door and perhaps even be courteous enough to hold the door for whomever is walking behind me.

Those doors use power. Power can go out. If everyone and their brother uses those doors and they breakdown and no longer have power, what happens when someone comes along in a wheelchair and really needs it and it doesn't work?

To understand my logic, I'll tell you a story. I had a friend in high school that I worked with that had cerebral palsy. She was extremely sweet and had mentioned to me once that she didn't hang out with many people outside of work and school because her wheelchair made everything difficult. So, my girlfriend and I decided to take her to the movies. We had a great time, but it the entire process wasn't easy. We had to pick her up from her house, lift her in and out of the car, lug the wheelchair around and sit in the front of the movie screen (not our first choice for a spot to sit) where there was actually room for a wheelchair. Had we not been there to open doors for her, it would have made for a horrible process for her I imagine.

I'm not asking for you to agree with my thoughts. I just want to say that people with disabilities have a hard enough time dealing with getting places. Think next time you're faced with an automatic button. Do you really need it? If not, please think twice and maybe even have a thought of thanks for being blessed enough to not have to use it.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Sunday Song "This one's for the GIRLS" by Martina McBride

This post is for the girls.

This past week has been full of girl power. Between enlightening conversations with many of my faves, I also had the privilege to hear Martha Stewart speak and see one of my great friends, Lyndsey, star in as Sandy in the play Grease (her second play ever, p.s.). I feel very fortunate to have TONS of great gals that help me through each day and show me what true girl power is.

I absolutely adore being married and couldn't ask for a better mate...but there is just something about dishing with a gf that just simply isn't the same with a male! (Jason, you know at the end of the day you have my heart!)

Hence, this week's song choice - "This one's for the girls" by Martina McBride. With the lyrics of that song dancing in my mind, here's my tribute to my life's leading ladies...

Thank you to all my girlfriends and all my amazing female family members. From my friends who I've grown-up with...to my college friends who always encourage me and share life's events with me. To all my other friends, whom I know from work, volunteering, church, through Jason, and several other places - thank you for enriching my life with your friendship.



Thank you to all four of my grandmas (including J's grandmas). You've all given me great words of advice and have given me the greatest blessings of all: my moms...I only wish I was able to see you all more. (Grandma N. below never wears a frown)
Thank you to my mother-in-law for raising such a wonderful man. Thank you also for opening your home and your family to me...and for making me feel so welcome in your family.

Thank you to my mom, who is my best friend. Thanks for being so strong and teaching me to be the same way. For laughing and talking with me about every insignificant detail of my life...and for giving me a perspective I generally don't think about. And of course, thanks for loving me with your HUGE heart.


To all the ladies in my life: THANKS for everything!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Inspiring 11-year-old with Lukemia has 1 Wish: To Receive Cards

The story posted below was recently published in the Tuscola County Advertiser a few weeks back and was circulated to me by my company's president as a plea for help. The story highlights a brave 11 year-old boy from Caro (you'll pass the town heading on I-75 in Michigan) who is fighting leukemia. His one wish? To receive cards.

The story indicates he has 2-4 weeks to live and that two weeks is up (and today is his 12th birthday). I've searched everywhere online and it appears that he is still hanging on. Won't you please just take a moment of your day to send him a card to brighten his day? He's such an inspiration...if only more people (ahem, adults) had the courage and passion for others like he has, the world would be a much better place.

Adrian, I'm praying for you. I recently sent you a few cards from my nephews and I...I hope they get to you soon! xoxo from Troy, Michigan.

One small wish
By Stacey Tucker

CARO — An 11-year-old who has courageously fought leukemia is asking if the community could grant him just one small wish - to send him a card.

Adrian Gerber was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 8 years old. Over the past three years, he has battled his cancer and won twice, until it began to take a downward turn recently.

Gerber’s father, Randy Gerber, said the leukemia has begun to attack Adrian’s liver.
“The cancer cells are increasing, the leukemia cells are increasing and his liver enzymes are increasing” Gerber said. “They’re giving him just two weeks, maybe a month to live.
“We’re hoping he makes it to his 12th birthday on the 21st of this month.”

Although Adrian has been fighting hard to save his own life, the young man never quits thinking about everyone else.

Scott Schalow, whose daughter Leah has battled cancer, remembers a time when Adrian lifted her spirits when she needed it the most.

“My daughter never took her chemo really well and one day we were in her room and, without a knock, the door opens and it’s Adrian,” Schalow said. “Without so much as a word, he walks up and he lays these quarters on her pillow and he tells her to go to the vending machine and to get something good when she’s done.

“Then he quietly left the room, to face his own chemo treatment. I will go to my grave remembering that incredible act of selflessness.”

Adrian would also wander up a floor at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and could be found telling the children jokes, just to see them smile.

Randy Gerber said Adrian has taught him more in the last three years than he could learn in a lifetime.

“He has taught me what’s really important in life,” Gerber said. “It feels like he’s the strongest while we’re the weakest.

“I’m proud to have him as a son.”

With everything Adrian has been facing recently, his mother, Tina Smith said a card in the mail really makes his day.

“It’s a hard road that he’s been going down and right now we’re doing everything we can to brighten up his day,” she said. “It would be nice for him to know that the community is thinking about him.”

Leah Schalow agreed.

“I really hope a lot of people send cards to him. That would really make his day,” she said. “He’s just a really great person and it’s just horrible that something like this happened to him.”

Anyone interested in sending Adrian a card may do so at P.O. Box 201, Caro MI, 48723. He likes funny animal cards, loves dogs and hunting.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunday Song: I'm Alive by Kenny Chesney + Dave Matthews

I know I've been awful about blogging lately...I promise I will try to get better, but as you all know, it's tough when the weather gets as beautiful as it has been as of late!

Regardless, I wanted to share this song as a Sunday Song...by two of my favorite artists across two different genre's - Kenny Chesney (looking forward to seeing him in August!) and Dave Matthews, one of my favorite singers EVER (have seen him in concert several times)!

I was so excited the first time I heard this song. I absolutely adore when singers team up across different genres; to me, it's like peace on earth. Some other faves that have collaborated on a song/album include: Jay-Z + Linkin Park (Collision Course album), Aerosmith + Run DMC (song - "Walk This Way) and Black Eyed Peas + Jack Johnson (song - "Gone").

With that said, this song is just beautiful and serves as a great reminder when things get tough, just remember you're still alive. And, go Kenny & Dave!!!

I'm Alive
So damn easy to say that life’s so hard
Everybody’s got their share of battle scars
As for me I’d like to think my lucky stars that
I’m alive, and well

It’d be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you set and watch go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I’m alive

And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathing in and out is a blessing can’t you see
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I’m alive, and well
I’m alive, and well

Stars are dancin’ on the water here tonight
It’s good for the soul, and there’s not a soul in sight
But this motors caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I’m alive, and well

And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathing in and out is a blessing can’t you see
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Now I’m alive, and well
Yeah I’m alive, and well
I'm Alive

Listen to the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts-DCKDacEc