Friday, February 20, 2009
Oopsie...
So, I am totally losing it. I brought everything I needed to Vancouver...except my camera cord! Oops. So all the adorable pictures I've been taking of Sophia and Ella can't be downloaded onto my computer until I get back to Salt Lake on Sunday night. Check back then!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sophia Grae Gniewosz
She is here!! Tiffany and Adam welcomed my second great-niece into the world yesterday around 5:30pm. Sophia weighs 5 lbs and is 16 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing great, which is SUCH a relief considering everything Tiff went through when having Ella. I can't wait to get up to Vancouver next week to meet Sophia and help celebrate Ella's 8th birthday! Congrats to the Gniewosz family...love you all!
This shot shows off just how tiny Sophia is.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
It's a GIRL!?!
I am SOOOO excited for my little sister, Denice, and her husband, Noah. They are having a baby girl!!! I really thought it would be a boy, but guess I was wrong. I am so excited to know that soon there will be two more precious baby girls in our family. (Tiffany, my niece, is due this month with a little girl as well - Sophia.)
Congratulations Denice!!! I love you.
Now I just need them both to move closer so I can actually see the babies all the time and spoil them rotten. Because that's what cool aunt's do!
Congratulations Denice!!! I love you.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Adventures in Dating: Learning from Love
Dating is hard. Dating in Salt Lake City is REALLY hard. Not being a religious person nor wanting that in my life, I first have to weed out the returned missionaries (though I have actually dated a few...and corrupted them all). I then have to accept that most men in their 30's who reside in Utah have already been married and or/fathered a child (or 2...or 5). To top things off, I am naturally attracted to men that I like to qualify as 'challenging'. I'm like a fly to honey when it comes to the creative, artistic types: writers, musicians, painters. And then there is my major weakness for skater boys, followed by the tattoo'd bad boys. Yes...you see my dilemma.
Though I am 'single' at this point in my life, I have definitely done my fair share of dating, loving and co-habitating with the male species. It's been quite an adventure! Many ups, many downs, many 'WTF' moments (Mom, that means "what the freak?")...and many, MANY lessons learned. So, here's a little shout out to a few of the guys who have blessed me with their teachings.
*Disclaimer: Some names have purposely been left out to protect the innocent
The first love -
Awww, Randy. Artist, skater and total sweetheart wrapped in one adorable package! From Randy I learned the importance of friendship. From the first day we met, we had an instant bond that has carried through to today. We managed to weather many storms together, which in turn helped us both become stronger individuals. I learned how to love, how I want to be loved in return, and how to balance that with other relationships in my life (family, friends, co-workers, etc.). I doubt I'll ever find another guy as genuine.
The almost-husband -
Introducing the bad boy. The tough exterior with a heart of gold. From Chad I learned that NO ONE should ever change themselves for another. He taught me strength, independence and the importance of communication. Someday he is going to realize his own potential and make one woman VERY happy...let's just hope she's not a stripper. :)
The best friend -
Some relationships start with a spark and flame out. Some start with a spark and slowly burn into an amazing, life-long connection. My friendship with Eric has taught me how to trust myself, the divine significance of loyalty and the joy of childlike fun. By watching him with his son, I've realized the type of father I want for my own children (if and when I have them). His ambition and generosity inspire me daily.
The skater boy -
An enigma wrapped in a conundrum. Dave got me out of my hole. He showed me the world (well, the United States, at least) and unknowingly taught me the danger of co-dependence. Moving into someone else's world was a challenge, but with his support, I learned the necessity of building friendships. In the end, he also taught me how to let go...he taught me that not everyone who enters our lives needs to become a permanent fixture in them. Some teachers move on, leaving us with new ideals of what we want in our future.
Hair Guy -
Ugh, this was a hard one. He was my return to reality and taught me that although two people can be so incredibly right for one another, timing is everything. His support, friendship and honesty have made me a much better person and I'll always love him for that.
Mr. "Odd" -
I like quirky. Quirky is cute. On the other hand, crazy is just that: Crazy. And should be avoided at all costs. Especially at 4am.
The 'Fun' guy -
We all know one of these. The goofy guy with the great sense of humor who pulls you in with a great one-liner...then leaves you in tears a few months down the road. From this one I learned that I will NEVER tell someone what I think they want to hear. Honesty is always the best policy, even if it means hurting someone you care about.
The flaky fling-turned-forever friend -
Chad, chad, chad. (Yes, there have been many Chad's and Dave's...try to keep up with me.) Chad has taught me the amazing power of laughter and fun. Whenever I have a bad day, he is the one person I can count on to lift my spirits. And it doesn't hurt that he gives great hugs. Through our simultaneous adventures in dating other people, we have both learned to listen to each other. I tell him not to date crazy girls, he tells me to drop kick boys who don't give me the love I deserve. And his 'Lloyd Dobbler' moment in front of my house will forever keep him in my life...I'm never letting him go. :)
And last, but certainly not least...I hope...
L'Homme Fatale -
The most recent of males to disrupt my peaceful life has taught me much more than I ever wanted to learn...both about relationships and myself. I've learned that I NEED communication. It's like air and water for me. I need to share with others and have them open up to me. I've learned that egotistic men are NOT attractive, especially when it's an obvious veil for insecurity. Anyone who is too self-absorbed to return a text or phone call is not someone I want to build something with. And I'm glad I've learned these things, because I'm using them to better myself. So, thank you.
Love and dating are ridiculously taxing on one's psyche! But, I guess as long as I'm continuing to learn, I'll keep rolling with the punches. Here's to more men...bring them on!!
Though I am 'single' at this point in my life, I have definitely done my fair share of dating, loving and co-habitating with the male species. It's been quite an adventure! Many ups, many downs, many 'WTF' moments (Mom, that means "what the freak?")...and many, MANY lessons learned. So, here's a little shout out to a few of the guys who have blessed me with their teachings.
*Disclaimer: Some names have purposely been left out to protect the innocent
The first love -
Awww, Randy. Artist, skater and total sweetheart wrapped in one adorable package! From Randy I learned the importance of friendship. From the first day we met, we had an instant bond that has carried through to today. We managed to weather many storms together, which in turn helped us both become stronger individuals. I learned how to love, how I want to be loved in return, and how to balance that with other relationships in my life (family, friends, co-workers, etc.). I doubt I'll ever find another guy as genuine.
The almost-husband -
Introducing the bad boy. The tough exterior with a heart of gold. From Chad I learned that NO ONE should ever change themselves for another. He taught me strength, independence and the importance of communication. Someday he is going to realize his own potential and make one woman VERY happy...let's just hope she's not a stripper. :)
The best friend -
Some relationships start with a spark and flame out. Some start with a spark and slowly burn into an amazing, life-long connection. My friendship with Eric has taught me how to trust myself, the divine significance of loyalty and the joy of childlike fun. By watching him with his son, I've realized the type of father I want for my own children (if and when I have them). His ambition and generosity inspire me daily.
The skater boy -
An enigma wrapped in a conundrum. Dave got me out of my hole. He showed me the world (well, the United States, at least) and unknowingly taught me the danger of co-dependence. Moving into someone else's world was a challenge, but with his support, I learned the necessity of building friendships. In the end, he also taught me how to let go...he taught me that not everyone who enters our lives needs to become a permanent fixture in them. Some teachers move on, leaving us with new ideals of what we want in our future.
Hair Guy -
Ugh, this was a hard one. He was my return to reality and taught me that although two people can be so incredibly right for one another, timing is everything. His support, friendship and honesty have made me a much better person and I'll always love him for that.
Mr. "Odd" -
I like quirky. Quirky is cute. On the other hand, crazy is just that: Crazy. And should be avoided at all costs. Especially at 4am.
The 'Fun' guy -
We all know one of these. The goofy guy with the great sense of humor who pulls you in with a great one-liner...then leaves you in tears a few months down the road. From this one I learned that I will NEVER tell someone what I think they want to hear. Honesty is always the best policy, even if it means hurting someone you care about.
The flaky fling-turned-forever friend -
Chad, chad, chad. (Yes, there have been many Chad's and Dave's...try to keep up with me.) Chad has taught me the amazing power of laughter and fun. Whenever I have a bad day, he is the one person I can count on to lift my spirits. And it doesn't hurt that he gives great hugs. Through our simultaneous adventures in dating other people, we have both learned to listen to each other. I tell him not to date crazy girls, he tells me to drop kick boys who don't give me the love I deserve. And his 'Lloyd Dobbler' moment in front of my house will forever keep him in my life...I'm never letting him go. :)
And last, but certainly not least...I hope...
L'Homme Fatale -
The most recent of males to disrupt my peaceful life has taught me much more than I ever wanted to learn...both about relationships and myself. I've learned that I NEED communication. It's like air and water for me. I need to share with others and have them open up to me. I've learned that egotistic men are NOT attractive, especially when it's an obvious veil for insecurity. Anyone who is too self-absorbed to return a text or phone call is not someone I want to build something with. And I'm glad I've learned these things, because I'm using them to better myself. So, thank you.
Love and dating are ridiculously taxing on one's psyche! But, I guess as long as I'm continuing to learn, I'll keep rolling with the punches. Here's to more men...bring them on!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
I AM....
I AM ... not feeling like myself today.
I WANT... to crawl back into bed and snuggle with my dogs and cat!
I HAVE ... a stupid cough that won't go away.
I WISH I COULD ... play the guitar.
I HATE ... rodents.
I FEAR ... rodents.
I SEARCH ... for understanding.
I DON'T THINK ... I should have gotten out of bed today.
I REGRET ... getting myself into debt.
I LOVE ... laughter and music!!!
I ACHE FOR ... requited love.
I ALWAYS CRY ... when I see animals hurt or suffering.
I DANCE ... all the time.
I SING ... even more than I dance.
I NEVER ... remember to put the trash out.
I RARELY ... watch the news. It depresses me.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH ... sad movies.
I AM NOT ALWAYS ... a total slob...just sometimes.
I HATE THAT ... I can be so lazy.
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ... what I really want.
I NEED ... a good hug!!
I SHOULD ... learn from my past instead of making the same mistakes.
I WANT... to crawl back into bed and snuggle with my dogs and cat!
I HAVE ... a stupid cough that won't go away.
I WISH I COULD ... play the guitar.
I HATE ... rodents.
I FEAR ... rodents.
I SEARCH ... for understanding.
I DON'T THINK ... I should have gotten out of bed today.
I REGRET ... getting myself into debt.
I LOVE ... laughter and music!!!
I ACHE FOR ... requited love.
I ALWAYS CRY ... when I see animals hurt or suffering.
I DANCE ... all the time.
I SING ... even more than I dance.
I NEVER ... remember to put the trash out.
I RARELY ... watch the news. It depresses me.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH ... sad movies.
I AM NOT ALWAYS ... a total slob...just sometimes.
I HATE THAT ... I can be so lazy.
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ... what I really want.
I NEED ... a good hug!!
I SHOULD ... learn from my past instead of making the same mistakes.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Just one of those days...
Today has been a day of deep thought for me. As the night is finally winding down, I just feel like writing. I'm not even sure what I want or need to write about. I have had a very long week of social interaction, even though my body has been telling me to take it easy. I think I've been filling my life with so much because I'm not wanting to deal with being alone. Being alone means I have to actually listen to the thoughts in my head...the feelings in my heart. I've realized over the past 24 hours that no matter how hard I try to avoid, I need to just get things out and stop internalizing everything.
So I was proud of myself last night for taking one giant step towards uncluttering my mind. Unfortunately it came bursting out via a 2am text frenzy. And despite the fact that I've received no response from the receiver and I spent most of the day feeling hurt and mad at myself, I am realizing tonight that I should be proud of myself for saying (writing) what I needed to.
I've been feeling very torn about some of the relationships I currently have in my life. I'm a deep believer in honesty and being able to open myself up to those I choose to have in my life. But lately, I am definitely keeping some friends at arm's length and not saying certain things that I want to scream out. Yes, very unhealthy...I know. Guess I should work on that this week. On the other hand, I have been bearing my soul to another who doesn't even care! Geez...I am pretty screwed up. Human connection is such a blessing AND a curse. But the hard experiences teach us the best lessons, right?!
Time to go rest my head now. I'm ready for a new week to begin.
So I was proud of myself last night for taking one giant step towards uncluttering my mind. Unfortunately it came bursting out via a 2am text frenzy. And despite the fact that I've received no response from the receiver and I spent most of the day feeling hurt and mad at myself, I am realizing tonight that I should be proud of myself for saying (writing) what I needed to.
I've been feeling very torn about some of the relationships I currently have in my life. I'm a deep believer in honesty and being able to open myself up to those I choose to have in my life. But lately, I am definitely keeping some friends at arm's length and not saying certain things that I want to scream out. Yes, very unhealthy...I know. Guess I should work on that this week. On the other hand, I have been bearing my soul to another who doesn't even care! Geez...I am pretty screwed up. Human connection is such a blessing AND a curse. But the hard experiences teach us the best lessons, right?!
Time to go rest my head now. I'm ready for a new week to begin.
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