Giving Thanks

The point of Thanksgiving is remembering the things that you are grateful/thankful for. It's our special time to give thanks and it's more than the obvious like food because honestly we are all fortunate for many moments throughout the year.... Here are just a few that jumped into my head

1. I am thankful I haven't had to experience unemployment.

2. I am grateful for my dad and brother in my life.

3. I am grateful for my fur children and the laughter/fun they bring to my life.

4. I am thankful for a supportive, loving and caring fiance'.

5. I am thankful for Conner (my God child). His smile reminds me of the simple things in life.

6. I am grateful for life!

Always remember to find a positive in each and everyday... You choose your destination!

Autumn Quote

I love looking up unique quotes that fit the season, reason or moment in time -- tonight here is what I found!

"There is nothing quite like a fall day. The cool crisp air, pumpkins in the field, and playing in the leaves. The smile on your face can warm a chilly day."

6 Months & Counting

It's definitely been a busy, fun rememorable 2010 and I am in disbelief that it's mid-way through October. Summer flew by fast and fall is doing the same. In less than 6 months I am excited to marry not only my soulmate but my best friend! We have had a blast wedding planning and things are really starting to fall into place!

Highlights of the summer: Conner's Birth & Baptism, Canoeing, Girls Weekend, Casino Weekend, Ed's Birthday, Getting To See My Dad 2x

Highlights of fall (thus far): Wedding Planning, Steelers Sundays, Celebrating Our 3rd Dating Anniversary

We have some fun things to look forward to before the big day... It's tradition each year to go pick out pumpkins, crave them and bake the pumpkin seeds. (One of my favorite date nights with Ed) Ed and I are also heading to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving so I can meet the Valasek side of the family... Also in January, we are taking a small ski trip up to Traverse City, Michigan with Kelly & Tim and even hope to get in some snowmobiling on the way back home.

Updates in 2010

Wow, it's been quite some time since I last updated my blog - honestly it was not due to lack of activities, news etc - it's honestly been time and commitment to keeping it updated!

Rewind and update since 2010 has begun: I rang in the New Year and my Dad's 60th birthday Vegas style. Then I came back to Indiana for a two weeks before hitting the slopes with Ed for our 2010 Ski Trip. It was everything and more I could have ever wanted in a ski trip and a proposal. I'm thrilled to be marrying my best friend on April 9, 2011. And since we have returned - it's been planning, playing and relaxing.

My summer is jammed packed with girls weekend, wisdom teeth removal, baseball games, canoeing and more.

Here is our wedding website it's still a work in progress but hope it have it done this week:

www.mywedding.com/edandshalimar

Race for the Cure

April 18, 2009: Dad, Daniel, Ed, Karen, Kevin, Kathy and I participated in the 18th annual Race for the Cure. It's such an inspirational and eye opening time for me. Not only have I known people of many ages that have been fought breast cancer first hand but I lost my mom to a 7 year battle with it. Unfortunately my mom was never able to take part in the event due to her gout etc but she would be amazed by all the love and support given to such a great cause. It was great to hear Indianapolis is the 2nd largest Race for the Cure. I am still researching to figure out who #1 is. Indianapolis had a great turnout of 42,000 + not to mention we couldn't have asked for better weather. I plan for many more years to come to take part, donate etc to Racing for the Cure to breast cancer. I am determined one day they will have it all pin pointed down to a science.

Seasons!!!

As you all know I was born and raised in Texas until I was eight years old. When I moved to Indiana I had no idea what seasons really were or what to expect for that matter but sitting here thinking and yearning warmth it made me realize there is something I love about each and every season.

Fall: the changing color of the leaves, carving pumpkins (thanks karen for the introduction), hot apple cider, running around in a sweatshirt, watching lexie chase the falling leaves, bonfires so you can roast marshmellows

Winter: skiing, snuggling up by the fireplace watching movies, snow, watching lexie frolic in the snow, baking, christmas trees and decorating, traveling for our annual ski trip, hot tea, sitting inside starbucks chatting while sippy on chai-tea lattes

Spring: pretty flowers blooming, watching the grass turn green, long walks, the warmth of the sun, sitting outside at scotty’s brewhouse, working in the yard, knowing i don’t have to wear a wintercoat

Summer: cookouts, canoeing, anything and everything you can do outdoors, tanning, laying out by the pool, sitting outside at scotty’s brewhouse (this is a mutli-season activity), sun tea, taking lexie to the dog park, flip flops, driving with the windows down and sunroof open, watching the fireworks on the lake

Although this has been a longer than long winter I truly do enjoy the change in seasons.... Now back to thinking of the warmth :)

5 Things I Am Yearning To Do

1. Ride In A Hot Air Balloon: I just think it would be amazing floating up in the sky looking down at all the amazing sites. I loved parasailing when I did it in Hawaii.

2. Visit Chicago: I want to take a day or two or three preferably when the weather is at it's best and explore the sites, museums etc. I have driven through it a time or two but never have had the time to enjoy what Chicago has to offer.

3. Ride In A Nascar: For my dad's birthday, Dan and I got Dad a pass to ride around any Nascar track of his choice and race the car. Well I would like to do one less than that and just be a passenger :)

4. Travel to Russia: I had the opportunity my junior year in high school to meet a girl from Russia and from that point on loved learning about Russian culture. I would love to see the castle where the Romanov's lived.

5. Partake In More Cancer Fundraising: Every year I do Race for the Cure in Indianapolis and donate to Make A Wish but this year I am reaching out to help donate to Texas 4000 and Race for the Cure Nashville. It's a near and dear cause to my heart - it's something I never get tired reading and or talking about.