Twenty-Nine.

On my birthday last year, I was pondering where I would be going, what I would be doing and who I would become as I prepared for my trip to Hawaii.

This year, a lot has changed. I'm still inspired from my journey to Hawaii, when before I had no idea what I was missing. I'm quicker on my feet, less sheltered and not as naive as I once was. Traveling and meeting new people opens your world for sure.

This year, instead of doing a family celebration before everyone went on to their own endeavors, I celebrated a fun filled 29th Birthday with my brothers in the afternoon and my friends in the evening. 

I expected a really low key, quiet birthday. (It was the first one I would celebrate where I was no longer living at home.) Instead, I (happily) received a lot of phone calls from friends and family giving me well wishes. I'd expected to hang out with my friends at night, (we'd made plans a week earlier) but when I called my twin brother to wish him a Happy Birthday, he told me that our brother Dan was surprising us with a birthday lunch and to meet at his place by 11:30. So, that began my whirl wind day. 

When I arrived at Brother's place, Brother 2 and his girlfriend Gen were waiting with gifts and cards. I was so touched. They certainly didn't have to get us anything. I received Barnes and Noble gift cards from my brothers and some money and a Target gift card from Gen. Then we went to a nice little place called Confectionately Yours. It used to be just an ice cream place, but now they've changed locations and made it into a full restaurant. It's one of the only restaurants in our old town/my brother's current town. The owner is super nice and hospitable. The food and ESPECIALLY the desserts and candy are to die for. It looks like one of those old school soda shops.

After lunch we went back to Brother's apartment to catch up for a bit. Then I met my friends for dinner. Some of the friends I hadn't seen in quite awhile, so it was so nice to catch up with them. 

I was just happy to be surrounded by good company, but they put a lot of thought into cards and simple gifts too. I think they were going with a "kid at heart theme". I didn't mind. I was moved.

My favorite childhood books. (PS: These were well searched for. Thank you all!)

The next day, my dad and stepmom celebrated our birthday with all three of us, plus Gen. (our birthdays are pretty close together) I was again surrounded by good company and my dad and stepmom got me awesome jewelry! (Lynda told me she thought the style of the necklace said me all over it. She was right. )

All in all, it was a lovely day. It was a nice reminder that I have good people and a lot of love around me. Sometimes, you need that reminder, especially when things get tough. It was certainly remembered that day.

I won an award!

Caity, an awesome blogger with a fantastic blog herself, has decided to honor me with an award. I've enjoyed reading her blog, The Skinny on Me, for a couple of years. In it, she chronicles her ongoing journey with losing weight, as well as her struggles with illness. I've marveled at her writing ability (much better then mine I'll tell ya) and continue to cheer her on as she reaches her goals. I urge you to read her blog. It's refreshing to find a real voice who focuses on real issues. Caity is also an aspiring actress! I wish her the best of luck with a roller coaster ride in LA.

And now, without further adieu, I would like to award the Liebster Blog to some of my favorites!

1) Carly @Tune into Radio Carly
2) Shannon @ Shanimals Crackers
3) Farsighted Fly Girl
4) Claire @ IN CHAIR
5) Hayley @ Holding the World in a Paper Cup

Thank you so much again to Caity! It's an honor!

Starting over.

Recently, I haven't felt so awesome lately. I think it's because a lot of things have happened over the past several months, so much so that it's dizzying, good and bad. My seasonal job came to a close in January, and while I received EXCELLENT reviews during my time there (and had a fantastic time), there's no room for me right now. I'm also coming to terms with the fact that I'm having a difficult time lately physically. My legs hurt more often, as does my back. I often get spasms in the middle of the night, that, while not painful, disrupt my sleep.

Not too long ago, I met someone. We had a lot in common, and while I won't go into too much detail or name names, I was very happy with him. Everything hit me like a ton of bricks and it was unexpected. Things didn't work out, but I was pleased that he came into my life when he did. I'll admit I miss him though. I never thought I'd miss anyone, or have anyone to miss. On the plus side, it shows that you never know what (or who) is around the corner and that maybe there IS someone around the corner for me. For now, I just do what I always do, and that's try to surround myself with good people and family.

I decided that I was getting into too much of a funk with all that was happening and all the stressors I was dealing with. It was time for a new change of scene. I wanted to travel again, this time on a limited budget and just get away for awhile. I honestly wanted to rent a car and go on a road trip, but with gas prices through the roof (and climbing) my stepmother's suggestion to go on a cruise sounded like a nice idea.

Dad dropped us off at the airport before work. Gracie the dog (who is feeling much better by the way) saw us off too.

Lynda and I arrived in Orlando the day before since our ship was to depart from Port Canaveral. I'll admit it, I was excited, but also a bit weary of Disney World. Disney World: Where even a sweatshirt is $70. No thrifting here. No sir. But you know what? I stopped worrying. Even if it was only for a day, it was a gift. Disney truly is the happiest place on Earth. Leave your weary self at the door.

Since we only had a day to walk around, we chose Epcot as our stomping ground. I thought it was really  neat that you got a taste (sometimes literally) of different countries and culture. We weren't able to visit every "country", but we did get Mexico, Canada, France and England in there. Of course, I also stopped to look at the giant Epcot ball. I couldn't go inside though, since it was closed for repairs. Oh well. Pictures anyway!

We ate a lot, and I did my favorite: I people watched while we were in "Paris".

The only things that I found completely disappointing were: 1) I went to an exhibit on energy by Ellen DeGeneres. It was incredibly outdated and there was a lot of information on the environment (that we know currently) left out of the film. When I say outdated, I mean I was probably ten when it first came onto the Disney World scene. Not very enlightening at all. Fun fact: Alex Trebek was also in the movie and he still sported his mustache. Yup. 2) We got a GREAT deal for a 4 star hotel and Lynda and I quickly realized we both missed our Holiday Inn or Best Western. The food at the hotel was awful. All cold food. Mostly stale. (especially breakfast) 


Other then that though, we both had a good time. I'll get to the cruise in my next entry, but before I close, I wanted to say thanks to all who have been reading along on my adventures. It's so appreciated. You all really lift my spirits up and it feels good to write to you all. I'll be taking my blog in a (slightly) new direction. I'll be writing more about Cerebral Palsy, the good and the ugly. I've been assessing my goals and I would love to get back into writing more. I'll be working on a project involving creating a picture book for kids with disabilities, as well as anyone else who would love to read along. I don't know where it will lead me, but I would love to connect with people through writing and reading. I've been a "writer" my whole life, but have never really done anything professionally with it. It's time to start doing. It's time to make those dreams come true.

Gracie.

Recently, my dad adopted a dog from a local rescue. The rescue found this sweet girl in Puerto Rico. They believe she had been on the streets for quite some time. No one knows if she escaped from a yard, or was simply left to fend for herself.

The rescue from New Jersey found out about her situation, and she ended up about an hour away from my dad, living with a foster family. Dad and my stepmom then contacted the foster family. One thing led to another, and...well....here she is. When she arrived, she was badly matted, had ear mites and was heartworm positive. (still is in fact) The rescue has been keeping up with the heartworm treatment very well and she should be okay (gradually) beginning next month. For now, Gracie can't have too much stress brought onto her or it may affect her heart. We've been keeping everything quiet and peaceful for her. The medicine also wears her out. (the vet said she'd be sleeping a lot and boy does she!) After her first night, Dad and Lynda had a mobile groomer come to the house, (one who was brought up to speed on her heart condition) and the groomer worked her magic.

Gracie loves cuddles and  just being petted. I think she knows and is relieved to be home. She's simply a sweetie.

Welcome to the family.

Reflections.

2011 was a bit of a crazy year for me.
I went to visit my best friend in Florida, then took an almost five month journey to Hawaii. After returning home to stay briefly at my parents house, I moved into a house with my two friends. I tried out a full time job position in sales, but it had no benefits and a very low pay, so I amicably left.

Then I got a seasonal position at a wonderful job and met fantastic people. A few days ago, that position ended, which leaves me a bit sad, but I was satisfied with the way my performance was rated.

Between working 30 to even 50 hour work weeks and driving back and fourth to my job, Brother's, my parents (which is over an hour drive now) and friends, I'll admit that I was too exhausted to keep up with my blog and it became pretty neglected. My 2012 resolution is to get back to writing again. What I've learned is that, even though I still fear the unknown, you never know what's around the corner, including good things.

I'm keeping up with my traveling vow. This time will be a little more low key (as in, not a 5 month long journey). First, I'll be stopping in Orlando to visit the bestie. Then, I'll be going on a trip to Key West
and the Bahamas.

A few changes will be different this time around. When I was on the phone discussing my plans with family, (more or less going "Wouldn't it be cool to do something like that again?") They said "Well, why not?" My stepmom will be my traveling buddy this time around. I think it's because she didn't like the idea of my driving to see a landmark or taking a road trip by myself. I don't mind though. One thing I learned last year is that I am okay with being by myself or with people. We leave February 4th. I think my family has seen how tense I've been lately. I'm glad I have them around reassuring me, telling me I can do it, championing me, and simply making me feel better. I hope I do the same for them.

I've been coming to terms with a lot of things lately, including that my CP and scoliosis may be affecting me a bit more as I age, and that I simply can't do everything I thought I could do. They've all been a big support in helping me come to terms with that.

"Katie, if you didn't have the challenges that you do, you wouldn't be the same person. It's part of who you are." said my dad.

I think he's right.

Update from the islands.

It's been quite awhile since I've been to my Hawaiian paradise. I miss it terribly. Luckily, Auntie has been providing me with updates. Apparently, Daylight (her cat) misses me, and sleeps in the hat that I left there at night. Also, She has given me updates on the happenings around town, including Christmas traditions, such as the Honolulu parade.

Shaka Santa. That's how Hawaii rolls.

worry wart.

I'll admit it.

Lately, I've been finding it a little more difficult to look on the bright side. I've been anxious quite a lot and I'm unsure why. I'm a bit of a worry wort, that I know, but I've noticed I worry more often lately.

In recent months, my car has decided it would be fun to break down numerous times. My bills ($1,000 for the first one just three weeks ago. Second unknown) for that car are beginning to be more trouble then it's worth. I'd finally had it when it began making a terrible grinding sound and I had difficulty steering the car. Luckily, I made it home safely and it was towed tonight.

Today, I was (I believe) pick pocketed while I was at work. My (brand new) phone was stolen. Again, I should probably count my blessings that I wasn't outright mugged, my phone had insurance and I was okay. Instead I'm just mad. I simply want to stand on my own two feet, build some savings, and not feel broke. I lie awake at night sometimes wondering when a temporary job will become permanent and I won't have to worry anymore. On the plus side, I'm being praised at my temporary job. Hopefully things will turn around.

I hate that I'm writing such a negative blog. Venting I suppose. I need to sit back, reflect and realize that I do have many blessings to count. It's just hard to see them sometimes.