Just love to love you...

Well, here ends the posts about people in my life who have been influential, whom I love very much so, and who, in some way, imparted something special into my life and into who I am today (did I use whom and who correctly? ekk). Anyways...

I wanted to use my previous blog posts as a gentle reminder to tell the people who are important to you, who you love, who have influenced you, that you appreciate them. Maybe you're creative and can find a beautiful and unique way to convey the message to them, but you know what else may work and is just as beautiful? Just flat out telling them, "You're important to me" or "I appreciate what you do" (you might get extra points for pinpointing exactly what you appreciate--e.g. "I appreciate that you washed the dishes last night" or "I appreciate that you called me the other day"....you get it) or saying, "I love you." Or maybe you're a person of few words but like to act on your love, clean the house up before your loved one gets home, buy them flowers, kiss them passionately, hug them with both arms embracing them; nice and tight, watch a chick flick with them even though you hate it, call them even though you aren't a phone person, look them in their eyes; put your cell phone down; and really listen to what they have to say when they are speaking--- find different ways to deliver your love to them. 

Don't get comfy with the people in your life. What do I mean by that? I mean, just because they are always around you think "I love you" goes without saying, that they know you love them, no need to say it or do anything special..WRONG. Us humans, as much as some of us like to deny it, love us some love. We thrive off of someone showing us love, appreciation, acknowledgment, and just some type of recognition; even if it's small. Why do you think people get pets? But I have faith in the human race, that we can show that type of love that a dog shows when its owner comes into the door after a long day of work. Are we really going to let pets take over that job for us? Okay...I'm getting side tracked...

Express your love. Don't wait and say you'll do it tomorrow, do it right now; go buy them their favorite coffee and surprise them at work with it, go clean the kitchen and have dinner ready and set up all pretty, call them and simply say "I love you"....

And to everyone who reads my blog, I know it' not a lot of you, but THANK YOU. Thanks for reading. I know I'm not super vocab savvy or always grammatically correct, or maybe you think I just blab, but you still read? Thanks. Thanks a lot. I'm just a girl that likes to share what's on her mind. 

AND thank you to those that comment on my FB and text me when you read, that makes my day; seriously. 

heheh

=)

5.27.12

I don’t know if this will be embarrassing, but I’ll take the chance.

Last, but most certainly not least— I am going to end my streak of posts about influential people in my life by ending it with a post about my very own boyfriend, MY baby, Jamaal.

We’ve only been dating for three weeks, I know, it has not been a long time at all; But when it’s right, it’s right. Everything about us coming together has been so beautifully orchestrated by God’s divine hand. If we had met a few years back, we would have messed it up and tried to do it “our” way. People laugh when they hear we knew each other from church because: a) people know who we use to be, b) church is a random place to meet someone, and c) because church can only be a place to meet “goody two shoes” or “hypocritical” people (right?-- Wrong). I laugh at all of those too, but not because it is unbelievable for me to think you can meet someone at church, but because no one knows the sweet and special connection Jamaal and I have. I don’t care where we met; I just care about us here and now, and our future of getting to know each other and growing together in the Lord.

We have some similarities, we have lots of differences, but most of all we really enjoy being with each other. We’re learning from each other, growing together, and we’re both excited to see where this takes us. We’ve promised to put God in the center of this relationship and we’ve already seen the fruits of that. My heart skips, leaps, and jumps while I write this because I’m just so ecstatic to see what the future holds.

Jamaal is level headed, passionate, responsible, “cool”, great dad, thoughtful, noble, and just a delight to be with. He listens when I speak but is quick to give his opinion, he encourages me but doesn’t baby me, he is sweet but never disrespectful, and he’s my boyfriend. I’m not even sure I’m use to saying “my boyfriend.” But I’m glad that when I refer to boyfriend, it refers to Jamaal; wouldn’t want it any other way…

xox

Fam Bam.

Next, My family.

Oh boy—where do I begin?

I have a mom and dad that will do anything for me. They have been through some stuff when we were younger, and they may have had their ups & downs, but they tried their best to not let it trickle into their relationship with my sisters and myself. They love us so incredibly much.

My Mami is my biggest supporter in life. She’s my ultimate cheerleader. She has always let me know how important I am, how valuable I am, how beautiful I am, how proud she is of me, and how much she loves being a mother (& now grandma!). She has always been such a hard working woman. She is selfless, supportive, and just an overall doll. My mom has taught me to love unconditionally, to appreciate, and to hold on to the ones we love.

My Papi, my dear dear papi; he has made me laugh, cry, angry, and happy. He has always been my life coach. He has and always will push me. He has embedded into my mind, that I am destined for greatness. He always expresses his love for me. He loves his girls so much. We are so much a like that we bump heads, but we also totally get each other in a special way that only father and daughter can get each other and understand. He has taught me to stand strong, to push and persevere, and to protect myself from heartache.

Mami & Papi, te quiero mucho.

& my sisters? Pshhhh, these ladies are literally the ISHHHH. They are the bee’s knees, the cat’s pajamas, the coolest kids on the block, the most precious and lovely ladies I have ever had the pleasure to know; I really mean that. I laugh and argue the most with my sisters, I yell and cry the most with my sisters, and I share and enjoy the most things with my sisters. Each of my sisters is individually fantastic.

Natasha: She is just beautiful inside and out. Natasha loves to love. She gives people the “benefit of the doubt” and is much stronger than she gets credit for. Natasha is creative, sweet, and just a breathe of fresh air. She is one heck of a listener and has a huge amount of compassion and patience in her little heart. She juggles so many things at once; You are amazing, Natasha.

Digna: She is hilarious. She loves with all her heart. She’s reliable and trustworthy, she’s adorable and darling, she’s loud and clever, and she’s just a precious young woman. I’m so happy that the older she gets, the better of friends we become. You’re a doll, Digna.

Xenia: She’s the stylish one, the risk taker when it comes to fashion, hair, and life in general. She gets stuff done- no hesitation. Poor girl had to grow up so fast; she went through a lot at a young age. We forget that. We forget that she had to grow up fast because of what was happening in life, and because she was the baby, but she never wanted to be treated as the baby—she’s always just wanted to be one of the girls. Xenia blows me away with her maturity. We have conversations sometimes, and I have to remind myself that she is only 17. You will do great things, Xenia.

As a family, we’ve been through A LOT together. We have a special bond that I’m pretty sure is unbreakable.

I also LOVE others in the family so very much: brother in law, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Each of you have taught me something new; everyone from the youngest and smallest to the oldest and wisest. 

           

  

XO

Mentors

A mentor is defined as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher, an influential senior sponsor or supporter. I couldn’t have said it better myself; that is exactly what the following people are to me: Pastor Joe and Ms. Jen, and Mrs. Johnson.

They have known me since my young, awkward, and silly days. They’re beyond friends—they’re life enthusiasts, encouragers, knowledge- givers, wisdom seekers, and they are dear and near to my heart.

Pastor Joe and Ms. Jen are like my spiritual parents. They have always encouraged me to fully seek God. They are nurturers.  They exemplify a life dedicated to God and a life of discipline and joy, a life that pursues and seeks the face of God. Pastor Joe and Ms. Jen are honest, loving, and admirable advisors. I get a little teary eyed writing this, because you both always express concern and love for me. I respect the both of you so incredibly much.

Mrs. Johnson was my teacher in middle school and now she considers me a colleague and friend. I’m not even sure how to express how much that means to me. This woman is one of the most real and honest people I have had the pleasure to meet. As a teacher, she pushed me to strive for excellence, to be original, and to be the precious daughter of God that I am. She did not just teach me every day academics, but taught me life skills; not to let people talk down to me, to look beyond the hardships, to work hard, to have my work be something I can be proud of, and to do things with my head held high. Now, she is still offering me advice, and is still one of the most lovely people I know.

  

Pastor Joe, Ms Jen, and Mrs. Johnson— thank you for sharing with me, listening to me, loving me, encouraging me, and for being totally authentic with me.

Dearest Friends.

For the next few posts I’d like to talk about some people who are important to me; people who have contributed to the being that is me. They’re people that love me for me. They are people who I laugh with, cry with, argue with, and know that no matter what, they’re willing to talk with me, help me, and still love me; even with all my annoyances and imperfections. They are people I respect and adore.

Now, I love people. There are a lot of people I respect and adore; but the people in my posts have an extra special place in my heart—I know, you may think that’s unfair, but they just do.

It's important to express your love for those around you every now and then; let them know you love them, you think of them, & that you appreciate them.

First, I’m going to start with my very best friend, Ms. Adelle Samaha.

We met when we were 8 years old. We are now 23 years old and still going strong in our friendship. If anything, this is the strongest our friendship has ever been. She goes to Purdue University in Indiana, and I live in RI. So we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like.

It sucks having your best friend live away from you (in high school she moved to Connecticut from Pawtucket, RI), so we’re use to having some distance from each other, BUT it does not matter how long Adelle and I go without talking, we will always pick up where we left off and laugh like we just saw each other the day before. Adelle is smart, beautifully talented, blessed with an amazing singing voice, woman of God, strong in her faith, firm in what she believes, confident, honest, bold, hard working, and just all sorts of wonderful. She lifts me up, prays with me, encourages me, challenges me, pushes me, holds me accountable, and loves me. She is exactly what a friend should be. 

Adelle has taught me to step my game up-- that reliance on God brings you to a whole new level; new levels of love, trust, companionship, and new levels in life as a whole. 

Man, we vibe so well together, we gel like no other.  We’ve gone so strong for so long that there is no turning back now! It's so hard to put into words how grateful I am to have her as a friend. Adelle, thank you for being a sister to me.


& to all my other friends that love me, listen to me, are there for me, challenge me, talk to me, check up one me—I love y’all. THANK YOU: Kris, Cass, Jaz, Britt, Nicky, and Bri. Also, Thank you to the awesome couples who have been there for me as a beautiful unit: Barbosa’s, Tolleson’s, McWilliam’s, soon to be Braga’s, Gibb’s, and Rojas’.

   

    

                                                   

A Little Different..

            I’ve struggled with recognizing my intelligence. I know I’m not the smartest person around, but I do know that I’m a very good student; which in turn, will help me to be a very good teacher. I work hard and try my best in all I do. I know that GPA, certain context based knowledge, writing and reading skills, and other academic- based proficiencies are important, but what about the people who, that may not necessarily come naturally to? How about the ones who have to really try hard, but in the end, their heart, sweat, tears, and work went into it?

            For people like me, the good student, the hard worker, the not so smart ones can be missed sometimes. I am not ashamed to be a person that may not always be the sharpest tool in the shed, but give me some time and I’ll give you something I’m proud of and something I put effort into. I want to help those students. I commend those who can get things right away and who are the “smart ones,” but I also commend and applaud those who have to work a little harder to get it and who have to go that extra mile to understand; that’s okay. I know it’s okay, because that is I.

            We forget to recognize the effort put into things- we automatically just jump to what the end product is; what about the journey it took to get there? I have been encouraged to teach to a diverse population, which includes: race, gender, learning differences, religious differences, difference in opinion, and other differences. I fully take on that challenge of teaching to the differences, because I know exactly how it feels to be different. As a teacher I’ll embrace, teach, and encourage the differences. 

Some essay I had to write for something..figured I'd share it. 

xo

Above All Else...

I read this book. It took me a few months, because school limits my time to read books that I want to read. But months later, I finished it. Let me tell you, I have never had a book make me feel so many different things while reading it. I cried, laughed, felt sad, and even frustrated. I got emotionally involved in the book! 

This book is about a woman's, Gwen Brobst, battle with cancer. It focuses on her and her husband's, Don Brobst (yes, the author), journey through the thirteen months of her having cancer. This book is so raw and honest. Don gives first hand glimpses into all the different situations Gwen and him had to deal with. It also includes different journal entries from Gwen, their daughters, and son. This isn't a book of made up fluff, but real and forthright accounts that the Brobst family dealt with. He doesn't just talk about the cancer but he explicitly shares about his and Gwen's love for each other. Do you like those Nicholas Spark love story books? Pshh, read this and you'll know what a real love story looks like; a love story filled with difficulties, prayer, passion, joy, and honesty. Don brings the reader back, to the earlier days in their relationship, to family vacations, to him being sick in the past, and sweet moments with Gwen and his family. 

Reading about Gwen is mind blowing. Gwen seemed to be the perfect mix of strength and gentleness, sweet and fiesty, and firm and agile. Everyone she came in contact with, was touched by her. She didn't necessarily have to say anything to them (but she seemed to be able to start a conversation with anyone), but they were just touched by her demeanor; her infectious smile, beautiful hair, her dimple. It's funny how I talk about her like I know her, but that's how the book makes you feel! You close the book thinking you know Don, Gwen, even their kids and son in law--Wendy, Andi, Jonathon, and Jason (and I mean this in the most uncreepy was as possible, haha). I'm telling you, this family is beautiful and inspiring. Their strength, faithfulness to God and each other, and their love is something to definitely read about. 

I think the biggest thing I took away while reading the book is that no matter the circumstances, no matter the situation we are in, God must be glorified; above all else, God is to always be glorified. 

His will be done. 

Some of my favorite parts in the book:

" God says in Isaiah 40: 29 that He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. That's comforting, because that's me." - Gwen

" Yes, we matter to God. We count to him-- all of us." -Don

" I know who you are; you are the knight in shining armor running into the dragon's cave to rescue me. You are the warrior that climbs the tower to kiss me and take me away from the beast, You're the man my parents warned me about, the man I've always dreamed about...." -Gwen referring to Don

"Who is my dad? He is the first man who made me laugh...He is the first man who made me cry...He is the first man who took me out on father-daughter dates and taught me my worth in Christ's eyes...He is the man who disciplined according to God's Word...He is the man who not only taught about loving the Lord but also showed me how...He is the man who loves my mom more deeply than I ever could have imagined...He is the man who taught me that a marriage should be founded on the Lord..." - Andi referring to Don

There are so many great little things about the book. Like the way Gwen always called Don "mister" or the way everyone knew that Gwen was Don's girl, Andi always ended her posts by writing, "Pray for mom. She is Daddy's girl." It's little things like that, that i'm so glad they incorporated into the book. Those small details make the book so personal and intimate that it's hard not to want to keep reading, and loving each person that is mentioned in the book. What's cool about it, is that these people are not "characters" that are made up, but real people that exist and that are just as human as the rest of us. It encourages me to see that things are not easy at all, but with God...

With God, the circumstances change, perception changes...

Thank you Don for writing this book.