My new kind of love

Meet Sebastian.  

For the last few weeks have been some of the hardest weeks in my life.  I have been so fortunate to have amazing friends and family pull me through.  I would not have been able to be where I am with out everyone of these beautiful people and their incredible strength.  

I made a decision after many long conversations that I needed my confidence back.  I needed to prove to myself that I am not incapable of love, life, and relationships.  I don't know why I ever let anyone actually let me believe I am crazy, stupid, messed up, and so on.  Yes, I have a long way to go.  However, I know that it is possible.  Especially after a certain conversation that made me truly think about my anger and hurt.  

Last night was my first step towards getting back to the real me.  I found my little stud Sebastian! I adopted him from a cute little family out in Magna, Utah.  He is 4 months old and possible the sweetest man I have ever had in my life.   He is a mix of (unknown) and Schnauzer.  He won't get too big, and gets along really well with our other puppies in the house (Bello and Laya).  

Our first night at the house was interesting to say the least.  He was all wound up and wanted to do nothing but play all night long.  However, do to my human tendency to fall asleep...I did.  I woke up to him going to town on a lovely shoe box. Good thing I woke up when I did. He might have got to the nice hiking shoes inside.  I guess it's a good thing I actually keep all of my shoes in shoe boxes.  He has kept a smile on my face for almost 24 hours straight today.  

I am so happy to have the cutest pup in the world. 

Bill Clinton full DNC Speech 2012

If you want a you’re on your own, winner take all society, you should support the Republican ticket. If you want a country of shared opportunities and shared responsibilities -- a “we’re all in it together” society, you should vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

I love....

I like being a strong, independent woman, and to be honest, I was never afraid to be on my own.

Something small that matters big time

My sister Sarah and her husband are expecting a baby!  I can't wait to meet him or her for the first time next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The truth

Never forget what people say to you when they're angry--that's when the truth comes out.

Gravity by John Mayer

Makes anyone smile.....

These little girls smiles always brings a smile to my heart and brighten my day. 

People Change

Sometimes we forget what we got, who we are or who are are not.
I think we gotta chance to make it right.

The Past

“We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.”

Learn to let go

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
― Marilyn Monroe

Pure Bliss and Happiness

Hanging out with my sisters, brothers in law, nieces, and parents

Sleeping in with the man I love

The weekends

Snow Days at home

Drinking coffee

Drinking wine

Buying new shoes

The taste of mint tea

Getting letters in the mail

Seeing him

Getting a pedicure

Taking a hot shower

Watching the sun set over the Ocean

Swinging

Eating red starburst

Making someone smile/laugh

New running shoes

Power outages and candles

Feeling beautiful

Feeling loved

Loving someone

Hanging out with friends

Brunch with friends

Utah football tailgating and games

Going to a Utah jazz game

Feeling success

Shaving my legs

Getting my hair done

Traveling to somewhere new

Traveling with someone special

Doing someone a favor

Shopping

Seeing a full moon over the mountains

Watching fireworks with that someone

Rainy days

Seeing child hood toys/movies

Looking forward to something

The sounds of busy streets

Eating yummy food

The smell of a fire burning

Laughing so hard it hurts my cheeks

Reading a good book, that you cant out down

Photography

Laughter

Cuddling

Thirty before 30

30 before 30:

1. Run a Half marathon – Complete

2. Travel somewhere to Africa

3. Run a race with my mom

4. Buy my own digital SLR

5. Edit and Print Photos from Kenya

6. Sky Dive

7. Ride a camel (on the beach)

8. Full Spa Day

9. Take a trip with my mom

10. Take a golf lesson

11. Learn to Crochet

12. Sleep under the stars

13. Go on to a NFL Game

14. Do something awesome for/with my dad

15. Graduate with my Masters

16. Take a last minute road trip

17. Hot Air Balloon Ride

18. Snorkle

19. Horse Back riding on the beach

20. Wine Tasting

21. Give your mother a dozen red roses and tell her you love her.

22. Hike Mt. Olympus

23. Take a dance class

24. Visit a city in the U.S. I have never been to (Jacksonville, Amelia Island)

25. Watch the Sun Rise from an East Coast (Watched the sun rise in kenya)

26. Kiss in the rain

27. Buy a stranger’s coffee

28. Travel to a Country I have never been

29. Adopt a dog

30. Pay off a credit card

life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkabl...e thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” 

Charles R. Swindoll

Forever by Ben Harper

Ben Harper - Forever

"Forever"

Not talkin' 'bout a year
No not three or four
I don't want that kind of forever
In my life anymore
Forever always seems
to be around when it begins
but forever never seems
to be around when it ends
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do From you

People spend so much time
Every single day
Runnin' 'round all over town
Givin' their forever away
But no not me
I won't let my forever roam
and now I hope I can find
my forever a home
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do
From you

Like a handless clock with numbers
An infinite of time
No not the forever found
Only in the mind
Forever always seems
to be around when things begin
but forever never seems
to be around when things end
So give me your forever
Please your forever
Not a day less will do
From you

Farewell to President Basis

A fun night with my amazing boss and my amazing boyfriend!

Good Intent

Letting Go

"To let go isn’t to forget, not to think about, or ignore. It doesn’t leave feelings of anger, jealousy, or regret. Letting go isn’t about winning or losing. It’s not about pride and it’s not about how you appear, and it’s not obsessing or dwelling on the past. Letting go isn’t blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts, and doesn’t leave emptiness, hurt, or sadness. It’s not about giving in or giving up. Letting go isn’t about loss and it’s not about defeat. To let go is to cherish the memories, but to overcome and move on. It is having an open mind confidence in the future. Letting go is learning and experiencing and growing. To let go is to be thankful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow. It’s about all that you have, all that you had, and all that you will soon gain. Letting go is having the courage to accept change, and the strength to keep moving. Letting go is growing up.

I am finally satisifed.

Michael Jackson's This Is It - They Don't Care About Us - Dancing Inmate...

Melts my heart!!!

Melts my heart!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihGCj5mfCk8

True Friends

I, like my friend Devra, have had WAY too many conversations with people in my life who are faced with that awful dilemma of wondering who their true friends are.

Why do people think they get to make any judgment on another?  Now, I know I am not perfect and make mistakes.  However, way too many people right now have NOT A CLUE what it truly means to be a friend.   My suggestion to people who think they get to tell anyone how to live their life better; is look at yourself and reflect on your own faults for 5 minutes.  Take that time to realize you are not perfect and although you think you know better for someone else YOU DON’T. 

I have watched an amazing man be cut down time and time again because he has made positive changes in his life and honestly it makes me angry and laugh all at the same time because these people are making judgment at all.  To those people who think they are so amazing and know what’s best for him, you don’t.  HE IS THE ONLY ONE that can know that.  You are not true friends.  If you truly loved him, and were actually true friends, you would be supportive and encouraging.  

However, I have to thank you for being so completely stupid.  Due to your own personal insecurities and selfish attitudes; this amazing man that I love has gained true friends that support his life decisions.  They do not cut him down.  He now has 3 different families that already adore him because of the incredible outlook on life he has. 

I love him and always will be his true friend to this man, because he will always be a true friend to me. 

Mike Mills. I will miss you.

MICHAEL J. MILLS

May 25,1956 – May 2, 2012

LOVING
SON, HUSBAND, FATHER, BROTHER, UNCLE, & FRIEND

A LIFE DEFINED

AND

LEAD BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

IN HIS ACTIONS, WORDS & DEEDS

As a Son:

S –Sentimental and Slow to Anger

O – One of a Kind

N – Number 5 of 8 Children, now reunited with Mom & Dad

As a Husband:

H - Humble

U – Unyielding Conviction of his Morals

S - Stubborn

B -

A – Attentive to Family Needs

N – Never forgot Important Dates

D – Devotion to the Great Outdoors

As a Father:

F - Forgiving

A - Attentive

T - Thoughtful of family needs

H - Hard working

E – Entertaining

R – Remarkably Loving

As a Brother:

B – Bonded and loved his siblings

R – Rarely had an unkind word

O – Owned the patience of a saint

T – Thoughtful of his brothers & sisters

H – Humble

E – Eager to Lend a Hand

R – Reserved, yet outwardly Protective

As an Uncle:

U – Unforgettable memories

N – Nurturing

C – Caring and Concerned about us

L – Loved to Listen

E – Ever so Generous

As a Friend:

F – Fun to be With

R - Respectful of Others Feelings

I - Inquisitive

E – Extremely Loyal

N – Notably Sincere

D – Devoted to family and friends

For these reasons and so many more

Our Dear Mike

You will be missed and live in our hearts

Forever

May you Rest in Peace in the arms of our Lord and Savior and Mom and Dad at your side. Watch over us all until we are all

united again one day as Family & Friends.

This is our prayer. Amen

We know you’re shining down on us from Heaven like Mom & Dad we lost along the way and we know eventually we’ll be together – One sweet Day

God Blessed my Broken Road

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

Mike and Mady - Seattle, Washington

 
On May 1, 2012 I received the dreaded phone call from my heartbroken mother that my beloved Uncle Mike had left us to be with grandma and grandpa.  

I am lucky and blessed that I have such an amazing relationship with my family members.  However, this came as such a tragedy that my heart instantly flooded with sadness and emotion that became uncontrollable. As the day went on, I found myself going back to the night Mike and I had a conversation during our family reunion in Florida (2011).  He and I sat out on the patio one evening discussing life, love, loss, the past, the future, and so much more.  I remember him saying to me, “love with all you have Lora.  You’ll regret things when you don’t.  You won’t have regret knowing you did all you could.  You will always make mistakes.  Just remember to learn from them.”  

It was this very conversation that has had more impact in my life then any therapy session, book I have read, story I have heard, or advice I have been given. I have been given some wonderful advice many times however it was something about the way he said the things to me that night that really struck home with me. 
This conversation with an intelligent man full of passion and love combined has led me to drop my guard, push my self-doubt aside, and trust my gut.  I was able to accept that I life is unpredictable, so go after what you love, and what you want.   I remember Mike told me, “you are a smart girl and you will figure it out”. He was right.  I will.  I have faith in myself that taking a risk, may hurt, but it’s still a lesson learned.  Learning I did in this last 6 months post our conversation.  It reminds me that when one door closes another door opens.  That it did too.

Mike was an amazing man.  I feel so blessed to call him family.  I feel blessed that I had this conversation with him in October of 2011.  It breaks my heart to know that was the last time I would hear his words, his voice, his wisdom, his love, and his passion.  However, as written by Dr. Suess, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

I will miss you and always love you Uncle Mike.