Grandma Wallner

My great grandmother passed away last night. I haven’t seen her in a few years; she and my grandfather were getting up in age and a little bit of dementia had set in, so my great uncle put them in a home close to his so he could be near them and help.

I know that she was having a hard time keeping me straight – confusing me with the other grandchildren – the last time I saw her. The one thing I remember about my grandmother, and that I will always remember, was how regal she seemed to me. She was of that golden era where they wore lots of striking makeup, plenty of perfume and were dripping in jewels – real or not. Going over to her home was like stepping into a dress up movie. She had the vanity tray with many beautiful, ornate perfume bottles on it, along with beautiful hair brushes. Hers was one of those homes where young children aren’t allowed to touch much – all the furniture and pieces are beautiful and antique. She always let me go into her bedroom and look and play with all the perfume, jewelry and makeup. She had so much costume jewelry that it was like being backstage at a Vegas show. I adored going over there.

Grandma – thank you for the memories. I miss you already.

Where has the time gone?

Helloooooooooooooo out there! Remember me? I used to come by pretty regularly. That was before things flipped upside down in my world – personally and professionally. It’s all good though…things are getting back to normal and calming down. Finally. I’ve missed you all so!

I have to share. Remember last September when I was in the goofy dancing video (Dancing with Matt)? Well, it’s finally been finished! Here is my “official” claim to fame:

http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/?fbid=8KLdR

You can’t even see me in there. But I can see me. lol. It’s such a beautiful video. One day, I’d love to visit those places.

Talk again soon! Enjoy!

The Anniversary of My Birth (as Joey would say)

I’m 33 today. I am making a new playlist on my iPod titled “Happy” (original, eh?). This will be pick-me-up songs. Not that I need it right now – it’s for future use. I have found a great version of “So Long, Farewell” (yes, from ‘The Sound of Music’) as recorded by The Vandals. Look it up on iTunes or something – it’s great.

Reflections

My life is good. In so many ways. I feel blessed, lucky and all of the above. I have most everything a gal could want (non-material) and it’s a nice feeling. Days like this remind me of how very lucky and special I am and I need to remember this feeling on the days that I forget that piece of information. My world is filled with the loveliest people you could ever hope to know.

I was talking to a friend the other day, pondering this stage of my life at 33 and wondering what I had to show for it (just wondering – not having a pity party). They responded, “There aren’t any secret formulas to what a person wants to do in life that we suddenly just find. Maybe you’re already doing what it is you want to do and where you want to be. If you’re making new friends at work, and enjoying the job and the city, you’re way ahead of many people — maybe most people.” Whether that’s true or not in relation to other people, it sounded so matter-of-fact and positive, like I’m on the right track whether I know it or not.

That being said, thank you to all the amazing friends I have out there. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your love, support and couches. 🙂

Seriously? Seriously??

It’s been that long since I posted? I suck! To make things short and sweet: enjoying DC, got a new job in Reston (VA), LOVE it, learning new stuff everyday, went home to AL for Christmas, loved seeing everyone – makes me miss them more, went to New York City for New Year’s Eve – that rocked the house in a major way, Jeff is coming to visit in a little over a week, and then it’s my birthday. That was quick, hey?

Note to reader: I saw the biggest sun today. It was so big and beautiful rising this morning that I contemplated going the opposite way on the parkway (away from work) just to look at it longer. I hope you have a day like that soon. Check out the sun on your way to work next week!

Here’s your song o’ the day. I heard it the other day on the way home and it made me so happy and sad. Happy to know that I have friends like this; sad that I’m not near them right now – I certainly need ’em! 🙂

True Colors
by Cyndi Lauper

You with the sad eyes
Don’t be discouraged
Oh I realize
It’s hard to take courage

In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small

But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow

Show me a smile then
Don’t be unhappy,
Can’t remember when
I last saw you laughing

If this world makes you crazy
And you’ve taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I’ll be there

And I’ll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid
to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow

It’s been like, forever

I started my new job a few weeks ago and have been MIA ever since. This could be because I commute for an hour and a half, work 9 hours and then commute another hour and a half home. Not fun. The job itself is not what I signed up for either and I’m quite unthrilled at the prospect of staying there much longer. Don’t get me wrong, I usually try to tough it out for a good long while or give it a few chances. That’s not working here. I fear I may have picked the wrong job and now I must remedy that. I’ll keep you posted.

In other news, Thanksgiving was apparently last week and I completely missed it. Seems I was working or something. Kidding! I did have a quiet Thanksgiving and stayed in all day. This past weekend, Ashley’s bestest bud and another friend came to visit from Alabama. We had a great time with them going around the historic, haunted mill town of Occoquan, then to Ikea and then off to Georgetown for some more shopping and yummy dining at Mie N Yu.

I’m hoping to get home for Christmas, so let’s get together!

That’s about it for now, but I will leave you with 3 words that changed my life back in the day:

“Couple Skate only!”