Two years of love, laughter, and learning.

It was a little under two years ago, when my mom and sister packed me into a mini van and took off for the city of Pittsburgh.  I still can't believe that this was two years ago.

TWO YEARS AGO when...

I joined this program, PULSE

Met these women.

And found a city that I will be able to call home forever.

Today is my last day walking into the PULSE office for work. I can't believe that the last year went so quickly, but I'm so excited for the next chapter of my life. I gave my love to The Boy in Pittsburgh and for that reason alone this city, program, and people that we've met, will always have a place in my heart. 

So here's to today... the rainy Friday that it is, the last day in the office, but just another day I get to adore this city.

Thanks Pittsburgh and PULSE for giving me two years of love, laughter and a lot of learning.

Leave.

My Megan posted this on her blog this morning. 

I think she knew that I needed to read it. 

Thanks Megarah. :)

M.E.H

Country Roads.....

:) 

It's vacation time!  I'm thrilled to spend a few days in my mom's Laughing Place and more importantly excited to introduce one of my favorite places to my love. 

Around Easter, my sister bought us all the book, Take Me Home, Country Roads. It has lyrics to John Denver's song and illustrations to go with it.  I just read through it 3 times while I was packing.   

Country Roads... Here we come! 

Everybody's Got a Laughing Place

When I was little, my mom use to sing this song. (It's from the movie Song of the South, which isn't PC anymore and I don't think you can find it anywhere... but that song will get stuck in your head if you let it.)

Everybody's got a laughing place
A laughing place to go
Take a frown, turn it upside down
And you'll find yours we know
Honey and rainbows on our way
Where everyone is worth his weight
Boy are we in luck
We're visiting a laughing place
Everybody's got a laughing place
A laughing place to go

Mom always says that her laughing place is in West Virginia. Something about the mountains, bends in the road, and the smell. It also helps that our family is in WV.  Well, this coming week, we're going to that laughing place and I cannot wait. It's the one place that I wont get cellphone reception, where I can spend my day sitting on a front porch swing with a glass of sweet tea. 

Laughing place, here I come. 

"Love can be hard. Love requires you to be kind when you are angry, patient when you feel anxious, compassionate when you judge others, caring when you feel apathetic, trust when you've been wronged, let go when you want to hold on, know that the other person is you, take risks when you're scared, to always see the lesson and never look back once you've decided."

- Jackson Kiddard

Decisions

It's hard to make decisions... especially when there isn't a right or wrong answer. 

Sneak Peek to Summer

Today. I had my sneak peek of Summer.


Recently in Pittsburgh the weather has been a little bit crazy. It has gone from 80 degrees to low 50s very quickly. Today, I walked out of my house to that smell of West Virginia air. Anyone in my family knows what I'm talking about. It's a light, cool, mountain air. I love that smell. I would always yell through our screen door when I was little that, "IT SMELLS LIKE WEST VIRGINIA OUTSIDE, MOM". She would always nod her head and walk out to breathe it in.  That was our summers. The week long vacation at Aunt Marie's house. Camping outside with Lisa and Lori. Walking through Twin Falls, hoping that there would be water pouring off of the stones. I closed my eyes for a minute and smiled as I thought about those days.

As I was sitting next to Joel tonight coming home from the grocery store, I couldn't help but smile and stare out into the place I call home now. The sun was setting and the lights from all of the businesses on Penn Ave had that florescent glow. As we drove through the light I peered into the side mirror and watched the sun fade behind me. My arm resting outside of the car, reflecting in the mirror. It was in that moment when I caught my first glimpse of Summer in Pittsburgh. I don't know if it was the way the breeze was blowing, or the peaceful smirk that Joel had on his face, but I could picture Summer in that moment.

As much as I love Summer, the activities, the vacation, the people outside, I also love Spring. I am not wishing it away at all. The flowers, beautiful flowers, the image of growth and life. Who wouldn't love it??


So, for right now, I'll take my sneak peek to Summer and I'll smile every time I think of it. I'll store it away for a rainy day when I can bring it out to look forward too.

Here's to the West Virginia air and a glimpse of Summer.

ap

April 11

April 11th 2012 was a day I'll never forget.

It actually started off as a day that I never wanted to remember... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

I woke up on that Wednesday morning feeling incredibly rested. Anyone that knows me, probably can realize the issue with that statement immediately. My alarm didn't go off, so I have a very nice sleep, waking up around 9:30. I had planned to be in my office at 9 that morning, just to finish some preparations for the annual fundraiser that we were getting ready to have on Friday. I was already a tad bit stressed, but I took a breath and jumped into full "get ready" mode. As I ran downstairs to grab a lunch and brew some morning coffee, I started to put away the dishes. (The night before I noticed my favorite mug was dangling off the edge of the drying rack.) I immediately grabbed the mug and set it on the counter, apparently I didn't set it completely on the counter and I watched in slow motion my favorite mug fall to the ground. I had the coffee pot in one hand and spilled water everywhere trying to catch it, but the mug shattered.

To remind you, this all happened before 10 am.
Here are my Tweets from that morning...

It was not a good morning. Not at all.
That was actually just the beginning. With all of the stress piling up at work and an afternoon from Hell. I considered walking home, putting on my sweatpants and crawling back into bed. I really wanted to do that. REALLY!!

However, my evening was going to be filled with a date. I felt as though I was in not shape for a date with the boy, but we planned it a week or so before and I knew we were going to my favorite restaurant, so I was totally game. Restaurant's in Pittsburgh are a lot of BYOB, so as Joel stopped by to pick me up he had my favorite wine.  I thought he was being nice to me after my breakdown in the afternoon, but apparently he had other plans. We talked about our Easters over dinner, talked about the weather, made each other laugh and had one of the best dinners ever. I would have considered that a perfect date. He had other plans. We jumped in the car and he stopped at the house where I lived last year. The PULSE house on Stanton.  I was not in the mood for seeing people, and I knew the house was having dinner, so I was incredibly confused at what was happening. He grabbed his guitar and pulled me to the porch swing. The same swing where we started dating, the swing where I would sit and watch the world fly by me last year. I love that swing.  As we sit, he brings up a promise we made (that I hadn't lived up to yet) and said "I'm going to follow up with my end of the deal, but first...."






He went into all of the great things that have happened over the past 8 months and then pulled out a beautiful beautiful ring. After lots of giggling and smiles, I said Yes! :)

Soon after, everyone in the house ran out, and we ended the proposal with this song....




That's the story of my April 11th. It started off as a horrible day, but ended up pretty darn good.  :)

Girls Weekend.

Akron, Ohio... you better be prepared.

March 23-25th.

Hannah. Megan. Anna.


finally.



Sadly, we will be missing one, but she is a little bit farther away...
Ash, we love you!! Why don't you just move Kentucky a little bit closer?!?!

Madness of March

No, I'm not talking about basketball, however, I did fill out a bracket in which was probably ripped to shreds the first night. (I'm a big fan of the underdogs).

In Pittsburgh this week the weather was crazy. I think it was like this everywhere else too, but I just couldn't get the weather images out of my head. High of 75 and sunny, High of 70 and partly cloudy, High of 72 and absolutely freaking amazing outside. I don't actually believe weather.com said that, but that's how I read it.

I walked to work in a skirt this week, in short sleeves, with sunglasses, and sandals. I was grinning like a fool. I love this new weather pattern that you're throwing at me dear March. I'm sure that this weather isn't good for gardens or the summer, but for right now.... bring on the sunshine.

Happy Six.

Boyfriend.

Thanks for loving me.


Thanks for 2.5 years of friendship before the 6 months of a different kind of relationship.



Oh... and Happy Valentine's Day. :)


Love love love.

Moose aka Lete Lou aka Leticia aka my baby

It was a little over three years ago when I was sitting on my bed in Northern Ireland skyping with my best friend Jamie in North Carolina. We rarely used skype and definitely not when I was in NI. We communicated more via facebook. (while she still had it) This particular instance was incredibly special to me, it was after I got the email that she was having yet another baby girl and that they were going to name her Leticia Marie. I called her right before her husband came home from work and right when we saw each other we started to bawl. Seriously... half of our conversation was us crying to each other because we both just missed each other so damn much. Mia was taking a nap so we were trying to be extra quiet, but it didn't work very well. That skype date was the first time I saw that baby belly, the first time I sent a few prayers to Vinnie because he was going to have his hands full, but also the first time I knew I was going to love that baby girl like crazy.

Fast forward a few months. The weekend of January 23-25, I was on baby watch. Jamie flew home early to have the baby in Ohio, while Vinnie was driving up from NC. I came home from school to spend time with Mia, but to also be there just in case she went into labor. I believe my thought the entire weekend was.. "oh lord, please don't go into labor, please oh please oh please." We spent the weekend getting everything ready, making sure we had a bag packed, food ready, and our game faces on.

We were extremely lucky, by the time I left on Sunday to head back to school, there wasn't a baby in sight. HOWEVER, she didnt wait long. Monday afternoon, I got the phone call. It came from Jamie herself. "Well, I think it's going to happen soon. We know you have class, but we'll be here whenever you can come"
The worst part about this entire situation is that I had a presentation on Tuesday. One about my time in Ireland, so I couldn't leave, but I had my car ready to make the trip immediately after I was done.... I woke up the next morning to a picture... this picture.


It said, "hi Tia, can't wait to meet you"

January 27th, 2009
6lbs 3 oz
18 1/2 inches long

pure goodness.

I met them at the hospital at 1:30pm and stayed until the snow storm outside started to pick up and I needed to drive back. That baby girl took a piece of my heart that day and she still refuses to give it back.

Here's to you my baby Lete. Happy Birthday.

Here are some Justin Bieber lyrics just for you, baby!

"You know you love me, I know you care
Just shout whenever, and I'll be there
You are my love, you are my heart
And we will never ever ever be apart

And I was like...

Baby, baby, baby oooh
Like baby, baby, baby nooo
Like baby, baby, baby oooh
I thought you'd always be mine (mine)"

5 years old going on 20

Tomorrow is a big day.

5 years ago (in about 5 hours to be exact) my best friends husband called my cell phone at 2 am. It woke up my sleeping sister, my worn out college final taking body and my parents. The ring tone that I set specifically for this moment went off. It was similar to a lullaby, but I knew what it meant. My sleepy body instantly got excited and I answered with anticipation. Vinnie sounded exhausted, but said, "her contractions started, but we're just going to wait it out at home for awhile. We want her to be comfortable while she can. I'll call you when we head to the hospital." I think this was the one time that I've run into my parents bedroom at 2 am and screamed, we're having a baby!!!

Please take note, "we" actually stands for my beautiful best friend and her husband. They were having a baby girl. It was during my winter break my freshman year of college. I was so pumped to be a Tia.

A few hours later I got the call that we were moving to the hospital and that I was to come when I could. At 7am, Bucket and I jumped in the car and drove to the hospital where my Jamie was. She looked tired, excited, and in pain, but seemed to be in good spirits. It wasn't too much longer, after a little bit of pain meds, when we were told to go wait in the hall. I can't tell you how excited we were.... we waited, paced, and finally heard a little cry from inside that room. Mia Lynn Bocardo. My beautiful Mia. She came into this world sharing her emotions with that voice and continues to do it to this day. (however, she has a little more sass now.)

I can't believe that she is turning 5 tomorrow.

That seems too old. I still want to be able to pick her up when she cries, yell at the kids that will be mean to her, and secretly give her treats when she isn't supposed to have them... but let's be honest, I will forever do all of those things as long as she lets me.

My Mia, here's to you. 5 going on 20. Stop growing up and if you wont do that, always let Tia wipe away your tears.

Happy Birthday baby.

Two friends, different countries, and peppermint mocha

One of my dear friends writes a blog.

The Peppermint Mocha Chronicles

~ Experiencing the joys of life...one cup at a time.

One of my dear friends, lives in South Korea.


One day they met up via Skype and had a date. I am super uber jealous of this date, but I love reading about it. :)

Date with Nate.

"She wears a scarf and a smile ...

Some people say we have a strange relationship. I usually talk to my mom in some way or form every day, whether it's through text, a phone call, or email. I've grown up watching her bake in the kitchen, I've sat next to her in the lawn chair while we soak up that beautiful thing called sunshine. We've laughed till we cried and cried till we laugh. I will call her if I dont know the answer and I usually will get a "like" on anything facebook related... (she tends to be a stalker)

Recently my twitter feed has been blown up with this thing called a #ViciousPacman - Friends have asked what it is, others knew and have been an incredible support. In May, mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (or the BC as we call it in our house.) We immediately, or as immediate as it could be, had a plan and had to wait. I can tell you, the waiting game is the worst game ever, but we made it through part of the storm. After rounds of tears, some laughter, a ton of support, a wedding, and chemo we are onto the next step.


Radiation. Today, mom started radiation. One down, Thirty two to go, was what she said to me on the phone tonight. :) 32 to go.




BUT, as frustrating and scary things have been these past few months, some incredible things have happened too. We've had flowers, cards, emails, pre-made dinners, and tons of friends drop by the house as continued support. Unfortunately, with the sisters and I living a few states and towns away we haven't been able to witness it all, but having my mom call and say, "you wont believe..." on the phone, I can feel the love through her voice.

Tonight, after our usual discussion, mom decided to bring up that she got a letter from the hospital where she works today. She tried to remember most of what it said, but the gist of it basically said, "Sandy, there is a fund at the hospital in which employees can nominate or try to help one another out when they are going through something personal. Your coworkers have come together and we are going to support you in this way." This isn't the first time that my mother's coworkers have done something like this over the past few months, but every time something like this happens, my mother is in awe. I can usually hear a few tears in her voice and usually begin to choke up as well.

The best part of the entire letter was the description of my mother from the individuals at work...

"she wears a scarf and a smile and makes sure everyone else is taken care of before herself, so Sandy, take some time for yourself."


Thanks Firelands Dialysis Unit for loving my mom so much. We couldn't have made it to this point without you.
1 down, 32 to go.

wonderful wednesday, favorite things

As I sit here on my Wednesday evening, I'm trying to think of something good to post. Great things happened over this past week. I saw my sisters, best friends, nieces, family. Ate a lot of food, did a lot of early morning shopping and took multiple naps, but I'm still not sure what I want to really focus on. So instead of some wonderful things from the past week, I'm posting some of my favorite things.

So here goes.

1. White Christmas. I love this movie. I grew up with this movie. I fell for the dancing, singing and of course the love story. I usually don't limit myself with a specific number of times I'm allowed to watch this movie, but now that it's close to the Holiday's, I'm prepared to watch it over and over again.



2. A cuppa hot tea on a chilly night. I'm currently drinking a mug of peppermint tea, but last night it was honey vanilla chamomile. I sit with a blanket and hold a cup of tea at the end of the day and it's like instant relaxation.

3. Walking home after a long(ish) day.
I'm super lucky to live .5 miles from my office. I can usually make my morning commute to work in about 2.5 songs on my ipod (depending on how long they are). I really enjoy the walk to work. In the fall, I could step on the leaves as I made my way down the hill. Every morning I get to see progress on a duplex that is being renovated. As important as it is for my morning commute, my evening commute is even more important. It's a time for me to wind down from all of the busy work, wind down from the little things that might drive me crazy, but it allows me to leave work at work... (for the most part)
So, I'm thankful for that half a mile walk home.

4. Gilmore Girls.
End of Story. 7 Seasons of goodness. Mother and Daughter combo. Small town charm. Crazy family drama. What's not to love?!?!




What are some of YOUR favorite things?!?!

wonderful wednesday.

A running list of things I love...

1. letters.
This week, I get to spend each day opening a little letter. It's going to bring a smile to my face.

2. Walking into a house filled with love.
I did that a number of times this week. Joel and I were invited to celebrate my besties new house on Sunday afternoon with a large gathering of people that love the Nitz's. It was so good to see Hannah and Caleb, meet their friends, family and just spend time together. They are amazing people, and their home is beautiful.

Tuesday evening, I left the 'Burgh early and decided to make the drive home. It would give me more time in Clyde to see friends and help mom get the house together. I arrived in Clyde at 10:45pm to find the lights turned off. All of the animals were sleeping along with my parents. However, I noticed that there was a small light coming from a tv in my parents room. I slowly made my way up the stairs to scare the crap out of my father. It was honestly priceless. Even though he was half asleep waiting to find out about the Dancing with the Stars finale, he wanted to show me all of the new things in the house, he wanted to find food for me to eat and wanted to make sure I was comfortable. It was one of the best greetings ever.

Wednesday morning. I have two nieces. They can be angels, monsters, hellains, or the sweetest children ever. I love them. So much. I've helped raise them. Their mommy, is my beautiful best friend. I haven't seen these girls in a few months but they continue to get bigger in each picture I receive. It breaks my heart a little each time. Anyway, I pulled up to their house this morning and opened their back door to be greeted by two dogs and an almost 3 year old who was saying, "Tia, tia. I slept with mommy and daddy last night." I soon look over to see my best friend and her husband with dark circles below their eyes. Yep, she did sleep with mom and dad, but mom and dad didn't sleep very well. :) I think that was my favorite greeting ever. (please note: Mia is holding a picture of her as a baby in a duck costume. When I found this today, I started to cry. True statement. Stop growing up!!!!! PLEASE.)

3. Phone calls from the car.
Last night, I got to catch up with my sister as I made my way back to Clyde. It's amazing to me how relaxing I find driving and chatting. It seems to make my 3.5 hour drive home go that much faster.

4. Black Friday shopping
I dont actually know if this should qualify under wonderful wednesdays. As most of you know, I LOVE my sleep. I NEED sleep. I turn into something horrible without the proper amount of sleep. Ask my mother about the dare lock-in in 6th grade, if you would like a memory of crazy Anna. She get's mean. But once a year, the Pawsey/Berry women take on the morning to go out for bargain deals. HOWEVER, half the time there isn't anything we NEED to shop for. So we just get up early, complain about the cold, get breakfast at mcdonalds and try to keep tabs on our aunt every black friday. So here's to this years black friday.

Here's hoping I'll make it through -- along with everyone else.

wonderful wednesdays. (friday special)

Well crap. I apologize for it being Friday.
I think my Google reminder didn't go off for this week, so I completely forgot about posting. I'm sorry Mom, it will never happen again.

This week was a super super busy one. With a trip to Philly, annual appeal stuffing and a Thanksgiving dinner with the PULSErs, I'm quite surprised that I had time to sleep.


So, I'm going to channel a few friends and their blogs for today's post.

Thanksgiving Dinner according to Sarah , Boyfriend

I flew out to Philly on Monday morning to attend an Americorp session for PULSE. I stayed at a hotel, took the public transportation and made new friends. As I was making my way through the city, I had this strange feeling. I was making it through the city on my own. I was finding my way from point A to point B. I loved it. It made me think about how far I've come since my senior year of college. It's crazy to me how time flies and where one ends up. The conference in Philly went through Thursday, but my time was done after Tuesday Morning. My supervisor and I switched spots and he wrapped up the rest of the week. He's kind of a big deal (he presented at it and all!) But it was a really good way to start a week. I felt accomplished by the time Friday came around, which was a really nice feeling.

So my Wonderful Wednesday post is pretty random this week - - I apologize. :)

But here's to a fun filled weekend and holiday week.

Pinterest.. i love you

Pin.
Like.
Pin.
Like.

That is what happens, every time I log on to pinterest.com

While I was pinning and liking yesterday, I came across this recipe. I want to make these. I remember watching an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay where they were making Chinese Dumplings. I believe I drooled while watching it.

So here's to another recipe that is once again added to my ever growing pile of, "i need to make this."




Mom, can we make these sometime?!?!?!

wonderful wednesdays.

Well, here's to the most wonderful of wonderful wednesdays. This is a recap. A recap of life, love and the past two weekends of traveling. If you stick with me on this post, I thank you. :)

Two weeks ago, was the weekend that I was incredibly nervous about. The boy decided it was a good time to take me back to Ohio, to meet his sisters, mom, step dad, grandma, nieces, and anyone else we could run into within 24 hours. Yes folks, we were only there for 24 hours. I was excited for the ride out. I love driving in a car, I love blasting the music when it's just me and catching up with old friends, however, this was going to be a little different. You see my lovely friends, this was our first long car ride together. I couldn't help but think to myself, will I be able to talk on the phone to an old friend, will we listen to music the whole way, am I going to sit in silence the entire time, or am I going to be ridiculously nervous the entire trip?! Well, it was one of the best trips ever. I've learned a few things since I've started dating this boy...
1. I can sit in silence and be happy with it.
2. I laugh frequently.
3. He has lovely taste in music (even if he hates some of my choices)
4. If someone calls and I want to chat, he is more than willing to let me, he will more than likely join in the conversation :)

So - - the first 4 ish hours, were cake. We talked about work, life, music, sat in silence, took a phone call and then sang away to music. It was the last minor leg of the trip, when I started to get quite. I believe he looked at me and said, "you, okay?" "yep, yep, yep, crap.... what if they don't like me?"

Well ladies and gents, the 24 hours spent in Ohio two weekends ago was awesome. I was welcomed into the house with a belated birthday gift, delicious food, and a night filled with music, games and a family spending time together. It was so good to get away from the city and find myself surrounded by people that are supportive and care about the life that you're living.
I can't wait to spend a longer weekend with them.

After that weekend, I made my way into the next work week with Wedding Weekend anticipation. I was thrilled that we had a relaxing week in Ohio, but the next stop at the end of the tunnel was the official Wedding Weekend. BearPaw Fest 2011, Molly and Alex, Berry/Pawsey, mysistersgettingmarried weekend. I'm not sure which of the following you've heard me say, but I'm sure it was one of those.

This past weekend, I watched my sister marry the man that she loves. I watched her promise to "never stop fighting for them." It was an amazing moment. I watched Alex tear up as she walked down the aisle, I watch my dad hold her hand and kiss her cheek, I watched my mother walk down and light that candle that represents our family, I witnessed my sister and I hold hands and smile as our older sister, our role model, the person that broke up our fights, picked us up when we cried and supported us in every way possible, get married. We were her support this weekend. We fastened her dress, held her flowers, and attached her veil as she made a commitment to love.

So here's to two weeks of wonderful wednesdays, but most of all, here's to love, life, and families.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry, I hope you're enjoying that Georgia weather.