Saying Goodbye to July and Old Fashion Handwriting

I cannot believe it’s going to be August tomorrow! Where did July go? Where is this year going?? My July went by in a blink of an eye- I swear it was the 4th of July last week! It doesn't help that I spent almost 2 weeks in the hospital!! (More on that later) I always like to start my month out with a list of "goals" that I would like to accomplish that month. I was so busy, I didn't even have time to make one for July- EEK! That is the one thing I would like to accomplish tonight- a Goal list for August.

I know I've heard in the news for the past year or so, that handwriting- cursive, script- won't be taught in schools anymore. It absolutely boggles my mind that children won't have any idea how to sign their names. I know my handwriting is something to be desired most days but at least I know how to sign my name properly. As I've grown up, my print and cursive have combined into this print cursive hybrid but geeze! This article really got me thinking... Will the younger generations know how to sign their names? 

Bring Back Handwriting

This was an interesting article I read; I am such a big supporter of handwriting. I usually hand write everything and then type it out if i need to. I always feel that actually writing things down or working things out the “old way” on paper with a pen or pencil always feels more organic I helps me retain the knowledge and helps me retain more information.. Does any one else feel this way?

Since we are on the subject of handwriting, I am on the hunt for a new planner. I decided earlier in the year that i was only going to use a little pocket calender. That has been working fine for me.  I also have a notebook that serves as a catchall for notes/ideas/messages/doodles. I am toying around with the idea of a all in one planner but i have such reservations. I am so picky with my planner and what I would like in it. I don't need meal planning pages and cleaning schedules. I would like just a large calender, an area to write notes and it to be portable.I know it sounds simple but its so hard to find.

As I am trying to get back into blogging, I made a plan first using paper and pen to actually plan and layout what I want this to be. I thought it was interesting that Emily Ley  posted on Instagram her process for the Simplified Planner planning and it started with white oak tag and sharpies. She laid everything out on paper before she dove into the computer/ technology pool. I wonder if there is a certain personality trait or if its just a learned habit to start the "old fashion way" first.

I hope to post more regularly in the coming weeks. My life has gotten pretty crazy in the past few months and I hope this blog will keep me accountable and able to keep some normalcy in my life.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Look up to the night sky to see the Blue Moon then indulge in a Blue Moon to celebrate (( Only if you are of legal drinking age!!))

xx, Gabrielle

  ((all photos in this post are my own))

Beginning again

July 2015. 

I'm back again. Ive had such a turbulent year and it doesn't seem to be getting better. I have to stay positive and not stress over every little thing. After an eleven day hospital stay (I did say I wanted a vacation but not a vacation like that!)  I have one answer and lots of unanswered questions. I feel as if my body is against me. I have a lot to be thankful but I can be sad because of everything that has been happening. I know things can be worse.

I am thankful for my parents support and information they provide me.

I wish I had a close friend to vent to. Mama and daddy hear everything but sometimes I need to tell someone else.

I hope I can have a good night sleep and a good day tomorrow.

-Gabrielle

Sunday thoughts

**Another unfinished draft from my archives. I love reading these old drafts. I remember this so clearly. I was dating a guy who clearly did not have the best communication skills and I remember feeling so frustrated about the miscommunication. I clearly was not communicating what was bothering me so it was an interesting conversation. I added some thoughts/memories in italics after the last paragraph.**

This weekend was full of emotions- happiness, sadness, frustration confusion , embarrassment, confidence.

Friday night I had drinks and dinner with an old friend. We've known each other for TEN years ( which totally freaks the two of us out!! How can we be this old?!)  we went to a local place in downtown and it happened to be a retirement Happy hour for a prosecutor. We both started recognizing different people and then we spot out favorite judge! This judge is fabulous- she dresses amazing, she is an amazing person off the bench and she does the adoptions for most of my cases. (Full disclosure- I was a total fan girl when I saw her outside of the courtroom, in normal clothes [still looking fabulous!!!] ) she spotting my friend and I and came over to chat!!!  she introduced her hubby to us and told him exactly what our roles were. I was very impressed!

After my fan girl moment, we caught up on our relationships (she always gives me the best advice) and we were freezing! We say outside for 2 hours and the weather!decided to do a total 180 and it got cold- we went inside to put out name on the list for a table and while we waited we caught up more, snapped selfies, chatted  with out boyfriends and drank some more!

I love this girl- we have been through the ringer and sometimes didn't talk for a while and we have always picked right back up when we get together again.

What a wonderful night!

Saturday I awoke bright and early to get chores done before heading over to boyfriends for an afternoon filled with games! I texted him the night before :
G:what times are the games
K: 1
G: okay I'll be over for 1215! See you tomorrow

After doing most of my chores, getting dressed (shoulda wore shorts!!!) and giving mama a support so she can get something's off her chest, I try and go find daddy to say goodbye. He's not at the firehouse picnic yet and I called him. He was at home depot so I told him to meet me at the bank to say good bye (it was 1140). I knew it would take me at least 30 minutes to get to boyfriends and we would be leaving at 1230 to get to the games afternoon in hamilton; I had only a few minutes to spare and he showed up a few minutes after he said he would - he asked me what did he do to upset mama. I told him and he denyed it. I got so upset with him I drove away in tears. I get to boyfriends house in record time and his car is not in the driveway. I was a few minutes late but I got worried and even more upset now. I call him and he's picking up wine and beer for the game afternoon. I thought' great so we can just go' he said he would be home in a few. As he pulled into his driveway- I got the dog biscuts for lobo and kiley and hopped outta the car. He motioned to his wrist implanting I was late. I know I know I stated with a sad feeling because I was late and I'm a very prompt person normally and I was thinking About what happened before I left.

As we were walking into his house, the pups greeted us and they immediatelt sat down in front of me because they knew I had a treat for them. I made they attempt to lay down and then they got their treat. The pups surround me by the door and they won't let me in for a few minutes. Boyfriend reappears with a beer and proceedes to the couch. I approach him and ask what time are we leaving? He said after the game ie the rangers game. I let out a loud groan and slump down on the couch. I was visibly upset and said " I thought you said the GAMES were at 1 not the GAME. His response was " I was wondering why you were coming over so early" hmph. Hmph hmph. I was so aggravated at this point I didn't even want to stay. His parents appeared and his mom gave me a big hug (she's so so sweet!) and we start to chat.

We ended up leaving for the game afternoon after the game. I loved his friends and they were always so sweet and kind. We played Narobi, a CSI game, ticket to ride, munchkin and another off beat game. They were just always sweet and genuine with me. I kinda miss them. They were the first people I knew in my adult years who loved playing board games and I LOVED this. 

Needless to say, this relationship's communication sucked. We both didn't know how to effectively communicate with each other but after reconnecting years later, we both sorta apologized to each other for that. I wish him all the luck in life. He was a cool guy to know. Sometimes, the universe puts people in your life to teach you things/show you something and He was definitely that. 

Game Night

My parents and i started playing games after dinner once or twice a week. We always eat dinner together- mama always makes something yummy and healthy. Tonight was turkey breast from the German Butcher Shop (yes! that is what its called!!) and a sweet potato.
After dinner I dug out of my closet, Clue, Disney Trivia and Picture Picture. We ended up playing a round of Clue (Daddy won $10!!) ((we also play for money too!) and We ended up playing multiple rounds of Picture Picture. Apparently there is no trace of this game on line. I ABSOLUTELY  love this game because you have to be creative and quick and very observant. The gist of this game is there are 50 photos that a person chooses from and places it in the holder. Everyone has 90 seconds to write down what they find in the photo on a little slip of paper with the letters A to Z on it. ( Only one word per letter) After 90 seconds you compare answers to see what everyone else got. If someone else wrote down the same word as you, neither of you get a point. (If three people are playing, and two write down Apple and one writes down Avalanche, only the third person gets a point)
I am a super observant person and I really enjoyed this game as a kid and I think I even enjoy it more now.
I really enjoy spending time with my parents, playing silly board games. Daddy always thinks mama and I are plotting against him so we win.

off to plan something super secret.

xx, gabrielle

the first day of the new year...

Beginnings are scary: the start of a new relationship; the first day of school; the first day of a new job; the first day in a new city... Beginnings are a way to start fresh, start new, forget what happened in the past and be something else. The first day of a new year is a great beginning- you can ((finally)) close the door on the previous year; you have the good memories, the lessons learned all tucked away in your memory. January 1st is the beginning of something new. If you want to change something, you can; if you want to start doing something new, you can. The possibilities are limitless.

How I spent the very first day of 2015, you ask?

In my pajamas, sitting on the couch, playing mindless games on my phone, reading and just relaxing; something I don't always get to do. My parents took it easy today- my mom watched some of the honeymooners marathon and daddy watched NCIS. We ate dinner as we always do as a family and we quietly welcomed the new year with open arms.

In case you were wondering, I kept on dreaming right into the new year last night.... I fell asleep watching Cutthroat Kitchen. HA. I am getting old.

As I settle down for more relaxing, I leave you with this photo from last New Year's Eve with my parents.

xx, gabrielle

New Years Eve

HAPPY 2015!

I am hopeful for this year.

My goals/resolutions are simple
1. be healthy
2. be happy
3. do good

I am not asking for a lot, you see.

Be safe for all who are heading out and I am very content sitting home tonight, snacking in my champagne bottle pajamas.

Blessings for all to have a splenderous new years start.


-Gabrielle

Begin Again.....

Its September 1st. The unofficial close of the summer. This was the summer that wasn't. I didn't get to the beach, a baseball game, a carnival, a special event. I didn't see fireworks, the city nor explore Atlantic city. It was a sad excuse for the summer.

I was diagnosed with Chrons Disease, a chronic disease that affects my GI tract. [I sure do win the great diseases, let me tell you. ] I spent the summer trying to figure out that I really wasn't crazy and I was really sick. After fainting for the third time, I KNEW I needed to see a doctor. Dr. B has been great and he has been right about what he thinks is going on with me. It is very frustrating.

I feel that I need to change some things in my life. Its not like I am doing terrible things but this diagnosis has opened my eyes. I need to start doing things that make me happy; make me less stressed and enjoy life. I know this is not life ending but to me, I need to start really living life.

Earlier in the year, I was a bump on the log all I was doing was working. I wasn't happy. I started painting in the spring and that slowly started to make me happier. I took up yoga for a short time before my anemia and chrons started acting up. I was sleeping so much because my iron count was SO LOW. My social life was almost non existant, a went on a few dates but nothing was real- there was no spark. I want a spark- is that so hard to get?! Apparently!

Its September, fall is starting and I have a new outlook on life so I am beginning again, again.

I want to come back to this blog, I missed you. It keeps me accountable, and it lets me document life, since I am not taking photos of my everyday life.

I have no idea who reads this- (Hi everyone! nice to meet ya!) but whoever you are, thanks!

Let me officially start this off by introducting myself and giving you a sneak peak into my life:

Name: Gabrielle or Elle for short
Location: the beautiful Jersey Shore (yes where Jersey Shore was filmed but I am nothing like them!)
Occupation: Paralegal and Hostess
Age: 26.7
Likes: Bright colors, creativity, people watching, the local summer, family, memories, photos, and reading, to do lists, productivity, organization and home décor.
Dislikes: liars, smokers, fake people, unorganized people and drugs.
Hobbies: painting, people watching, golf, reading, relaxing.

I am excited to start writing again and I am excited to have you along for the ride.

Have a great night.
-Elle

Reflection

**This is an unfinished draft from 12 years ago and even though it doesn't show me in the best light, I feel like to keep things real around here, I should share this. I remember this day vividly and looking back on it, it wasn't as big of a deal as I made it out to be. I did not have the control over my emotions as I do now. I am so happy I these old posts to look back on because the advice I give myself, is what i still need to hear now, a decade later. This was a few months before my health took a nose dive. **

So its Sunday night here, in New Jersey and the world cup USA vs. Portugal is on and social media is blowing up with patriotic wear and soccer status'.
I've had about 5 meltdowns(?) I don't know if that is the word, AH yes breakdowns at least today. I have been so emotional lately. I cried a bunch of times today because I was either frustrated or really sad. 

Sitting here, I guess I realized
1. I HATE when plans change especially since I was looking forward to them all week. ( I know it wasn't your fault technically but I get flustered when plans change and/or don't work out)
2. I cant take a whole week off. Thank goodness I only took random days off here and there for the rest of the summer. I need to work. My type A personality needs a schedule, rules, routine and uniformity.
3. I am a jealous person. Its a side of me that I am not proud of but Its the truth. I am a very jealous person. I loathe admitting that but its the truth. When someone has something/does something/is something that I want/I want to do/is I am envious of them. I was to always have the best and the newest but my paycheck doesn't always allow for that. I need to stop comparing my life to others. 
4. I have no friends that I can call up randomly and say lets go out tonight. Actually my friends are spread all over and I rarely get to see them. is this weird? Does anyone else have this problem?
5. I need to get motivated- I have no motivation whatsoever to do anything to keep myself fit. I try to eat healthy but going to the gym- no go. I know I can work out anywhere but I need to get my ASS into shape (well back into shape. Im pretty sure, Ive gained like 5lbs from last year. I know that isn't a lot but I see it in my stomach which doesn't make me happy.

Somedays, I get down on myself. I know I shouldn't do that. I have a great life- I have my health, family, TWO jobs, savings account, a car, and other possessions. There are a whole lot of people around the world who don't have these things, I need to be more thankful. I need to focus on what I do have and where I am going in my life.
6. I need

Taking stock///April

Making : a to do list to really complete this month
Cooking : cupcakes, whatelse?!
 Drinking : lots and lots of H2O
Reading: Lone Survivor
Wanting: Guidance, More Time, More Energy
Looking: for the “money tree” everyone seems to have found already
Playing: hid and seek with the world
Wasting: time not completing my todo list
Wishing: to find a part time job
Enjoying: this sunshine after so much rain.
Waiting: for the real spring to arrive
Liking: whats going on in my life right now
Wondering: where my prince charming is?
Loving: all my Easter decorations
Hoping: that this nice weather will stay
Marvelling: at the craziness of the human body and what it can do
Needing: someone to help me organize my bills and papers
Smelling: the roses!
Wearing: my favorite colors today- tiffany blue, navy and nude
Noticing: how my hair is just not cooperating with me anymore
Knowing: that I am content and unsettled at the same time
Thinking: about money, life, and lunch (its 9:01am )
Bookmarking: Organization tips and DIY tips on house repairs
Opening: a new chapter of my life (it’s a new month)
Giggling: at what I overheard in the office
Feeling: happy, content and unsettled at the same time (is that possible?!)

life gets in the way....

image

Hi everyone!

I really had the best intentions to try to post more regularly on here but, you all know that the best laid plans go awry.

The past two weeks have been a world wind I think it would be easiest to use bullet points and go from there:

• I am finally feeling better from being sick THANK GOODNESS! That flu really kicked my butt, the cough which was lingering, has finally made an exit! (Please do not come back!)

• I got to see one of my oldest friends, EP not just once but TWICE in the past two weeks! I enjoy seeing her because she is always filled with new stories and something new going on in her life. We were lucky enough to have a little girls night out at THE OFFICE with our old sewing teacher, MS, which was so much fun! EP and I have known MS for over 10 years (eek! How can that be possible? I just was in high school last year haha) As always with MS we were laughing our butts off and we even got free desert! Its always good to see people from your past who knew you back then and see you know and how much you have grown. Its a refreshing to hear their advice and see what they have to say because they know you so well!

• I went on a (part-time) job hunt on Wednesday since I had the day off ( Lincoln's Birthday) and that was exhausting needless to say. No word yet if anywhere wants to hire me

•  Now we had another crazy snow storm which made Thursday the 13th  very quiet in the office. Only 6 out of the normal 15 came in. It was so peaceful and quiet. Only 5 very brave clients came in which made me very productive at the front desk, making copies and cleaning. I was hoping that Friday was going to be same quietness that I enjoyed today but...

• NOPE FRIDAY was absolutely crazy. MB, my coworker and I were the only two clerks who came in and we both ended up sitting with 12 clients each! The amount of people that kept walking through the door was insane. We did so well though- we work great as a team and we made the best out of the situation. By 4:30, after all the clients were done, MB and I had a stack of paperwork still to finish. Needless to say, I have a to do list a mile long already waiting for me on Tuesday Morning (We have off tomorrow for President's day)

• Friday was Valentine's Day (duh! You already knew this!) and I really didn't know how I was going to feel about it since my recent split with my last suitor. I made my little Valentine's treat bags for everyone in the office and I wore my favorite red outfit and put a big red bow in my hair and put a smile on my face. (I kept thinking to myself, through all the craziness, I am a strong girl who can get through another breakup!) My parents had made plans to go out that night to a local favorite and the day before they got my takeout from my favorite restaurant (Gluten free chicken parm and mashed potatoes) so I had something special to eat. They also let me surprises for me! I was so surprised to see that they got me some Alex and Ani bracelets, a gift card to Redbox AND white chocolate non-parelies from the local chocolate shop. They are the sweetest parents in the world. I was so ravenous when I got home from work, I popped my dinner in the microwave and quickly realized that my favorite show (COPS) had a marathon on. THIS IS THE BEST VALENTINES DAY EVERRR... I thought to myself! HA. I grabbed a Redd's Apple ale and hopped in the shower (yup, I drank beer aka Redd's in the shower, am I a college frat boy?!) I picked out 'special' pjs for the evening- leopard pants and a red sweater - and hopped into bed to watch Valentine's Day (You know that silly cheesy movie with all those A-list stars in it?!) BEST VALENTINES EVERRR!

• OHHHH I almost forgot, I also sent my best girl friends a personalized GALantine and they all loved it! Each one of them is amazing in their own way and I couldn't be happier to have all 4 of them in my life. AM, AB, DK, & EP you are all amazing! LOVE YOU

• Yesterday was a snowy lazy day that was filled with pjs and cops all day!

• Today I was super productive this morning so I don't feel so terrible sitting on my bed, blogging and surfing the internet for the past hour.

My week ahead looks a little crazy, but nothing I cannot conquer. Speaking of conquering things, I have been feeling more and more blessed this week (among the craziness) and I have been prayer more and more which is unusual for me. I have been loving some of my instagram friends posting Sunday scriptures and I usually read them in my bible and mark them if I like them. I know He has plans for me and all of this heartache and craziness is part of it but I am impatient sometimes and I want to know where I will be ending up. I have big dreams but sometimes I am afraid to speak about them because they seem so grandiose. I am so curious to find out what's out there waiting for me. One of the Alex and Ani bracelets, my parents got me for Valentine's Day says "what's for you, wont pass you" and I thought that was so powerful and I just need to trust that this is all part of the plan. I am as always blessed and grateful for this life and I am so excited to see what the future holds?

Any exciting plans coming up this week?!

-the everyday jersey girl