A letter to Frankie :)

hey frankie :) i know i didn't know you and i only met you once, but i have to say not a day passes where i don't think of you and what you stood for. everyday i face new people, challenges, opportunities and with every "new" that comes into the picture I wonder where it could take me. In my 20 years of living, I've already done some great things, seen some pretty cool things and experienced things I'll never forget. And for that I would like to thank you, if i hadn't heard what you had to say, I don't think I would have ever done the things I've done or encouraged others to do the same. YOU ARE AMAZING! :) and I'm soo happy to say the Victor is doing great! :) He played a great Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, he graduated, found himself a great girlfriend, surrounded himself with the love of great friends and family, and is now going to school in Iowa. I've always felt that Victor was going to do great things, and I've felt this since the 1st day I met him...but I'm happy to say that you are one of the most influential pushes that will push him through the good and bad to do the best he can do. I really wish I could have met you and gotten to know you :/ well Ima knock out, but thank you for everything :) I'll keep in touch :)

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Where to begin? Well as some of you may know, my summer really hasn't been a summer. My summer has been filled with working, interning,school and getting ready for school, of course I've made some time to hang out with friends and family...but I wish I could have had more time. But anyyyyyyyyywhooooooo after running a couple of errands and taking a break to read this awesome book I walked home just buzzing with thoughts. My mind was full of the chapter I just read and my tongue was happily savoring the taste of my dark chocolate Almond Joy and that's when it hit me...sometimes we become so occupied with school, work, and an endless list of "to do's" that we forget about the little things that make us happy...the little things that ultimately make life beautiful. So here is a list of some of my favorite things

reading and eating dark chocolate Almond Joys<>feeling fresh summer grass beneath my bare feet<> watching the sunset on a summer or fall evening<> watching the fireworks on the forth of July<> Taking a cold shower after a hot day<> The beautiful strumming of a Spanish guitar<> an iced Sangria<>Sleeping in <> hearing "I love you" from someone you really love<> standing in your back yard and letting a summer rain soak you as thunder and lightning go off above you<>Seeing the first signs of Spring<> a warm family filled home on Thanksgiving<> Scaring the shit out of your friend and laughing for 5 minutes because they jumped 5 feet in every direction<>The excitment a new year brings<>The bittersweet/nervous feeling of asking someone if they like you<> Chicago's skyline at night<> The feeling of accomplishment<> Reading a bedtime story to your children/little siblings/nieces or nephews/cousins<> The thrill when you're on a roller coaster<> The sincere hug from a best friend<> A home cooked meal<>Watching an eclipse<> Jamming to your favorite song on the radio<>Watching Master Chef while delighting yourself in a bowl of butter pecan ice cream with chocolate syrup on top<> Laughing at the movie Home Alone<> The 1st exhale of some good Hookah<>Listening to an Orchestra play

While my list of favorite things can go on, at the moment I can't seem to think of more...so with that said, take what I've just said into consideration and appreciate life a little bit more.Also, while some of your favorite things can be enjoyed so much better with someone else, sometimes some things are just better enjoyed alone.

Be inspired and grateful