A Graduate is Moving Forward!

Following my brother's college graduation yesterday, I got to thinking about moving forward.

There were times in life where I've felt "stuck" (i.e. read some very recent blog entries. ha!), and there were a few times here or there where I actually went backwards a bit. But today, it really hit me as to how far foward I've moved.  I've made big mistakes, I've hurt people I never intended to, I've made decisions that led to negativity, I've been selfish and not took others viewpoints into account, I've been stuck in a moment and refused to accept that things must change, I've been hurt badly and had my heart broken...yes, I could go on with all the things that took me back a few steps in life. But I've learned. Oh, how I've learned.

It's crazy how this obstacle course of my life has gone so far. Yet, here I am. I was blessed with a job out of college, I am blessed with a wonderfully supportive family, I am blessed with friends that stick by my side no matter what, I am blessed with a place to call home; I am truly blessed.

Somehow, when I took a few steps back in life, I would follow it with even more steps forward.
Somehow, I became a person of strength, endurance and perseverance.
Somehow, things are exactly where they're supposed to be in life, and yet I know things are still going to get even better in the future.

I know my brother has big things in store for him, and I know he's also had a rocky road to get to where he is now. I hope that he continues to move forward, and always remembers his humble beginnings.

Congrats, Zach!

xoxo

A Surprise Colorado Weekend

If there's one thing you need to know about my cousin Brook: she is BLUNT. Straight-up, forward, says it like it is, over the top, blunt. And I love her for it. As open and honest as she is though, she can definitely keep a secret! She has surprised me twice - flying in for my 8th grade and high school graduation! Both times I was so sure that it would just be my parents, brother and myself. But low and behold, Aunt Diane and Brook flew in and gave me the greatest graduation present I could ask for: them!

Now, Brook is the same age as my brother, so it's always been difficult to get out for her graduations...until college. Brook's and my brother's graduations are a week apart this year, so I KNEW I had to pull a "Brook" (and an "Aunt Diane") and surprise Brookie for her graduation from CU Boulder! I somehow managed to pull it off...

(Although she is taller than me, she's wearing heels and I'm not - so no need to think she's a giant or I'm a midget)   ;)

There was a lovely dinner with the family, followed with some Boulder-style partying (which we only took the following picture, sadly)

And then of course, there was plenty of soaking up time with this little guy:

He just melts my heart!!

There was lots of laughter, good food, great talks, girl time, hugs, and celebrating. I adore my Colorado family, especially my brutally honest and loud cousin, Brookie. I'm so happy I was able to surprise her! She makes me laugh, and I know I can talk to her about anything without judgement. I'm so proud of you, Brookie, for graduating and finishing this big step in your life! Congrats!

Hopefully, I'll get to see the Colorado Olivieri/Mencini/Johnston/Ribrody family again soon!

Love you guys :)

xoxo