Take Time for 12 Things

Just recently we had some friends from Maui stay with us last minute due to some unforeseen family drama on their families part. Chris and I were glad we were able to be there for them and that they felt close enough to call us.

Before they left, Karen (whom I used to work with at The Grand) left me with a poem that hit home on way too many levels.

Last weekend made me realize that no matter how young or old you are, whether you're still in high school or not, whether it's work, home, friends or family drama—EVERYONE has it. But we have to make sure to take time for the special things in life, 12 things to sum it up. And always be grateful for the days we have with our family and friends, drama or not.

1. Take time to dream .... it hitches your soul to the stars.

2. Take time to work .... it is the price of success.

3. Take time to think ... it is the source of power.

4. Take time to play ... it is the secret of youth.

5. Take time to read ... it is the foundation of knowledge.

6. Take time to worship .... it is the highway of reverence and washes the dust from your eyes.

7. Take time to help and enjoy friends ... it is the source of happiness.

8. Take time to love ... it is the one sacrament of life.

9. Take time to laugh .... it helps with life's loads.

10 Take time for beauty ... it is everywhere in nature.

11. Take time for health .... it is the true treasure of life.

12. Take time to plan .... it is the secret of being able to have time to take time for the first eleven things.

— Author Unknown

My Sister has a Big Kid Job!

It's official, my sister, Marina Dreyer is the new second grade teacher at St. Augustine's Catholic School!!! We all know how hard she's worked to get where she is at and we couldn't be any prouder of her.

For as long as I can remember, Marina has always had a passion and love for teaching. That's why I know she is going to be the BEST, CARING, MOST AMAZING TEACHER that school and those children have ever had. You don't become a teacher for the money. You do it because how much you want to make a difference in a child's life and how much you love to teach and educate. Those little second graders will love her so much and they are lucky to have her.

Not only does she love teaching, but also feels that teaching and introducing kids to Christ at a young age is super important for them. You're never too young to learn about the love of Christ. And who better to teach them then my sister.

I only wish I could've been there tonight for the family celebration dinner they had for her. Texas BBQ, family, and homemade dessert from Mariano our cousin from Argentina. Yep, that's a Dreyer dinner. They did call me so I felt I was apart of it a little :) I can't wait to come home and visit her in her very own, second grade classroom, decorated the way she wants!

CONGRATS MARINA - THIS WORLD IS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE YOU AS A TEACHER, EDUCATOR AND CARING, SWEET, AMAZING PERSON. I LOVE YOU!!

Are You a Good Neighbor?

Yesterday was a great Sunday, and I am so glad I went to church, as I am every Sunday.

I worked all day and I wasn't sure if I wasn't going to be able to go to church because of how late it was. Come 4:45, I'm rushing out already annoyed that I may be late to Church. But I get home change really quickly and get to church in time! And I even have time to pray before which I always love doing. It gives me a sense of calmness and serenity. Not think about anything but be present in that moment and connect with God. It's my time and no one can take that away from me.

I was also able to speak to my sister after Church - which always gives me a sense of calmness too. I'll be honest, I got kind of teary-eyed talking to her because we used to go to church every Sunday: teaching Sunday school then sitting right next to each other. It's sad I'm not able to go to Church with her on Sundays, but I know she's only a phone call away! Chris does go with me every now and then and I appreciate it when he does, because he knows how much it means to me.

But the homily really spoke to me.

It was in regards to The Parable of the God Samaritan Luke 10:25-37

In the parable, a Jewish traveler is beaten, robbed, and left half dead along the road. First a priest and then a Levite come by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan comes by. Samaritans and Jews generally despised each other, but the Samaritan helps the injured Jew. Jesus is described as telling the parable in response to a question regarding the identity of the "neighbor" which Leviticus says should be loved.

Are we good neighbors? Do we act neighborly? This was the father's questions to us. It got me thinking to us living here and how relevant this scripture was to our lives. We try to act neighborly every where we are and I think we're pretty good at it. Being here, it's a little hard I have to admit. Because all we have is here each other, not our friends or family. Yes, we have made friends here but it's really not the same. We do know our neighbors, which is a good thing. It just made me smile. I try to live by God's word and this was only another little way of God making sure we all are living this way.

You don't even have to be Catholic to be a good neighbor. It takes love, willingness, patience and comfort. God asks us to love him as well as love our neighbors. If we can't show love to our neighbors then how can we show love to God? It doesn't take a lot to go to your next door neighbor, the person who lives across the street or behind you and just introduce yourself and say hi. A little kindness goes a long way. The Good Samaritan didn't have to stop, but he did it out of the kindness of his heart. There should be more people like that in this world. Don't hesitate, don't wait, go and be neighborly. Even if you have lost touch with someone; if you know someone who is going through a divorce; who has an illness; who has lost someone close to them; let them know you are there if they need anything. They will appreciate it a lot more than you know, and you will feel better doing it :)

I leave you with these thoughts.....

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."

Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Find Someone To Love the You You Love

For all those SATC or Sex and the City (for you non- fans), you know this quote. With just five days to go before the sequel comes out, I think it's only appropriate to talk about all the great things we have learned from SATC.

Fashion: It is only appropriate to start out with this one! Coming from a big fashinoista- what I like to call myself- I love watching all the fashion trends on this show. Everything from Manolos, Gucci, Chanel, Louboutin, Hermes and so much more. Young women around the world drew inspiration from Charlottes classic look, Miranda's power-house suits, Samantha's sexy vixen dresses and Carrie's "fashion forward ensembles." This is especially important now because they are showing you can still be sexy and look great in their 40's and 50's. Even though I'm not quite there yet, I think that is much needed. Women need to know that turning older isn't just "turning older" you're much more wiser, beautiful and have lived life. Celebrate the age you are, don't hide it. You are only what you perceive yourself to be.

Friendship: A single lady looking for her Mr. Big, a high-powered lawyer and full time mom, a sexaholic who can't say no and a polished, conservative, happily married of one all manage to stay friends through life's ups and downs. Every lady can draw on their relationships with each other as they each represent a different woman in America. It is so important to have that close group of friends you can always call whenever anything is wrong, as we saw and will continue to see in the sequel. No matter what life, friends, family, jobs throws at you, your friends will be there- waiting with a cocktail in hand- to be your listening ear.

Jobs: They each have their own professional career and manage it with grace and elegance. Especially in a busy city like New York, you are able to see them excel at what they do best, even asking advice from their friends along the way. They also continue to manage every other aspect of their life as well. Why can't everyday women do it? We just have to tell ourselves that nothing is impossible and everything is attainable.

Love: Besides fashion, this one is my favorite. We all feel a void if we haven't truly loved before. You know the saying, if you haven't loved and lost before, you haven't truly loved. I honestly believe in that. I don't think Carrie would have been able to find out she truly loved Mr. Big if she didn't lose him once. Like I always say I don't regret anything in life, especially my past relationships because they have made me the person I am today. I am able to truly love Chris and be in love because I know what it's like to truly love someone. I have never loved anyone the way I have loved him. But that wouldn't have happen if I didn't love myself first. "If you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." Thank you Ms. Carrie Bradshaw.

Everyone needs to learn to love themselves first and I believe everything else in your life will fall into place.

Thank you SATC for all the things you have taught me. I can't wait to find out what adventures in life, fashion, friends and love this next part of your life brings you. Come on MAY 27!!