Music Mondays: For Good

I’m not sure what triggered me to be feeling extra sentimental today.  Not that it takes much (I unfortunately inherited my mother’s tendency to tear up at sappy songs and commercials) But something got me to thinking about the past, who I’ve been and who I’m now becoming.  It may sound cliché, but sometimes those realizations really do hit you out of nowhere.

Perhaps it’s the fact that I’ve met or gotten to know some really great people over the last few months– be it through Zumba  (<3 you Alex, Ingrid and all of my other newfound fitness friends) Or those I’ve met through other mutual friends – I am so thankful to have these new wonderful people in my life.  You all know who you are! J 

Perhaps it’s also because the final Harry Potter movie is coming out on Thursday and somehow that signals such a significant ending in my life and of “childhood.”  Some people laugh at that when my childhood friends and I say it – but really, it is. We grew up with Harry Potter.  When he was an awkward 10 year old, we were too.  When the final book came out, we had just finished high school.  My fifth grade teacher read the very first book to our class.  13 very significant years of my life were marked by when the next book or movie was coming out.  And it all ends in four days! So looking forward to sharing this ending with my good friends Emma, Karen and Kaitie!  Please don’t laugh at me if I cry a little, guys. J

Or maybe it’s just looking back on how much has changed over the last five years of my life.  The people who have come and left – the ones who have come and who I hope will never leave – They have all changed me in too many ways to describe. 

"I've heard it said - that people come into our lives - for a reason.  Bringing something we must learn and we are led to those who help us most to grow - if we let them...But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you....Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better - I do believe I have been changed for the better – Because I knew you, I have been changed for GOOD.”

Happy Music Monday everyone – Enjoy Wicked’s “For Good”

4th of July Weekend

Well it has been a rough couple of weeks.  Between broken water heaters, financial downfalls and illness, it seemed like a “What-the-hell-else-can-possibly-happen?” kind of week.  But as with everything, this too shall pass and did pass, and I did manage to get in 8 1/2 hours of gym time with lots of Zumba and Body Pump to go around.  Chris and I also managed to finish all 35 episodes of ‘Parenthood’ – which will definitely be up there on my list of fav shows in this upcoming TV season.  

And while I have to say, I was a bit nostalgic for Donner Lake 4^th of Julys of years gone by, I also managed to have a fantastically fun and busy Fourth of July weekend filled with Food, Family, Friends and Fun! J

Birthdays, birthdays and more birthdays – Way too much food – Poker playing babies – swimming, bbqs, drinking, fireworks - and of course – Zumba 4^th of July glowstick party! J

My Fourth of July weekend in pictures:

Happy 4th of July!  Hope yours was equally fantastic!!