It's your life

I got a great inspirational card from my mom one time, and this is what it said:

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit.  If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love. Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful. Life is simple. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things, and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.

I think I should frame this and hang it up so I can look at it everyday.

In memory of my loved ones

I can't believe it has been almost 10 years since my grandpa passed... or it will be at the end of May. This missing him doesn't get any easier.

There are a couple others that I miss having around as well. Those people include my Uncle Jerry, Great Grandma Peek, Great Grandpa Sam, Great Grandma Jo, Aunt Lisa... and my good friend Steven.  I also miss my pets who have passed: Rusty, Riley, Lucky, Midnight, Millie, Sunny, and Tiger.

I think of them always and even though they say that it gets easier with time, I still miss them.  There are days that  I still feel their presence. And, I think that this helps them to live on through memory and to share in my life. I know that they would all be so proud of the person that I have become.

I recently bought a sympathy card for a friend of the family, and it reminds me of how I deal with my loved ones being gone.

Here is what it said:

"When I look up at the sky tonight, I will think of you and your loved one. I will find a star-- the one perfect, shimmering star that looks like it could be brand-new. And I'll make a wish in my heart for you to feel their love and presence with you still. For comfort and healing to shine down on you. For peace to light your path."

For me, grieving is not only spiritual (not religious), but makes me think more about the natural things that surround me. I feel the presence of my loved ones in the sunshine, the moonlight, the stars, the ripples of the water, grass or crops with the wind, the movement of the trees, the grace of birds in flight, the lapping of the water on the shore and on my feet, and the wind itself. And, it brings a smile to my face.

Here is an article that I wrote about my grandpa's funeral: http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2004/11/11/opinions/letters/letters01.txt

Where will you go?

I never do silly little personality quizzes, but this one might be helpful. I took the "What city should you actually live in?" quiz and found an interesting result.

They ask you a series of questions such as how you take your coffee, music you listen to, favorite food, what kind of pictures you like/interests, trip that is on the top of your bucket list, favorite alcohol, what you look for in a relationship, and type of exercise you prefer.

Some of my answers included: I don't drink coffee; "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns 'N Roses; Pizza, Pizza, Pizza, Pizza, Pizza; Chocolate, Obviously; Wine tasting in Tuscany; Road trip America; Red, red wine; Local craft beer; Smooth, I need to be wooed; sense of humor; and Hiking is Nature's Exercise; What's exercise?

Results: "What City Should You Actually Live In?
You got: Portland
You are a free spirit, but not in the LA way, in the “you’re probably more cultured than most of your friends” way. You’re up-to-date on all the latest coffee brewing techniques, have a long list of local blogs you love to read, and can taste the organic goodness in every bite you eat. Move to Portland already, you sexy smarty pants."

(Both times I took the test with slightly different answers, I still got Portland both times.)

I know that I have always felt more at home in an eclectic, artsy, laid-back city which is why I loved the West coast when I lived/visited there briefly. I really love Seattle and San Diego. I have always wanted to go to San Francisco and Portland. I have also thought about Santa Barbara. I also am a big fan of organic food and living near the ocean and mountains. I like to go for walks outside and nature inspires me artistically. I have a love for music and art. I also like to try different cuisines and listen to many types of music. I feel like in a former life that I was a hippie because I like the natural look and dislike make-up and using heat, coloring, or styling products in my hair. I also like being outside to feel the sun and the wind on my face, the water on my feet... feel the sand or grass between my toes, and soak in all of nature that surrounds me as I feel at one with it at the same time. Nature calms me.

I'm thinking, if I can, I will try to find a job or go get my masters degree out on the West coast. We will see where life takes me after the Navy. You never know what will happen next. Life is full of surprises.