24.9.14
I was inspired to post again...4 years later
Two days ago, my boyfriend was looking through his phone and stumbled upon my blog, from four years ago. "This looks interesting," he said. He went on reading, and this was his favorite post --> http://nearlynatalie.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-to-do-when-you-lose-power.html. I re-read it as well. And I couldn't help but chuckle. Too funny
Anyways, so I'll see if I get back into blogging. But I though it was only appropriate to dedicate this post to my best friend and boyfriend Gerard. Unlike the last post (click on post) which was dedicated to my flashlight, I really truly do not know what I'd do without you Gerard. Thank you for being you, for making me smile and for always inspiring me.
I wrote this silly poem nearly 7 months agoand it still holds true today"
"Gerard without u
I don't know who I would be.
You fill my heart with love
And lots and lots of glee.
You are my life my love and my joy
A true happy ending of a lucky girl who met a lucky boy."
23.10.10
Old made New
Page CXVI started a project to transform old hymns in new-age ones. Here's a preview of their second album "Hymns II"
13.5.10
Jury Duty
So, it's been a while since my last posting. In truth, I've just been lazy. Or maybe I've been busy (though, not THAT busy). Since the last time I wrote, I have received my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, I have studied and by the grace of God, passed the NJ boards for PT, and I have waited and waited for my license to be processed. Once my license was finally approved, I finally started my first, real, full-time, PAID job as a PT so that I could treat REAL patients and I could receive my first, real, paycheck. Four weeks later, I feel like an ol' pro! :) HA HA, just kidding. No, most days I just take it hour by hour, patient by patient. It's all I can do right now to keep from being overwhelmed. Most days I think to myself that I have so much to learn. I guess I'll take that one day at a time too.
Today though, I have the day off of work...for jury duty! So far, I have enjoyed the time to just type away on my computer and drink coffee without having to worry about my patients falling or passing out on me. It's given me the chance to blog and to g-chat, two things that i haven't done in awhile. And of course, I'm happy because I'm listening to country music on Pandora. Oh, Pandora, how I love thee. And country music...seriously, I could be having the worst day and all I need to do is put on some country music, say Taylor Swift or Sugarland or Tim McGraw and my mood automatically gets better. Oh, the power of country music...if I only I could find me a nice, eligible cowboy :)
So, the thing about me blogging is this: I get all excited and inspired to start writing on my blog, but then I start doing other things on the computer and I lose my concentration and my focus. And, well, what started out as inspiration, turns into, well, fluff. Anyways, if I am to write seriously, I need to figure out a way to get past this roadblock. For now, I leave you with this question:
If you were stuck in jury duty all morning/day, what one thing would you do to pass the time? Would you read a book? Email a friend you haven't talked to in a while? Take a nap?...yes, there are perks to jury duty :)
Today though, I have the day off of work...for jury duty! So far, I have enjoyed the time to just type away on my computer and drink coffee without having to worry about my patients falling or passing out on me. It's given me the chance to blog and to g-chat, two things that i haven't done in awhile. And of course, I'm happy because I'm listening to country music on Pandora. Oh, Pandora, how I love thee. And country music...seriously, I could be having the worst day and all I need to do is put on some country music, say Taylor Swift or Sugarland or Tim McGraw and my mood automatically gets better. Oh, the power of country music...if I only I could find me a nice, eligible cowboy :)
So, the thing about me blogging is this: I get all excited and inspired to start writing on my blog, but then I start doing other things on the computer and I lose my concentration and my focus. And, well, what started out as inspiration, turns into, well, fluff. Anyways, if I am to write seriously, I need to figure out a way to get past this roadblock. For now, I leave you with this question:
If you were stuck in jury duty all morning/day, what one thing would you do to pass the time? Would you read a book? Email a friend you haven't talked to in a while? Take a nap?...yes, there are perks to jury duty :)
14.3.10
What to do when you lose power?
March 13, 2010
Around 4:30 this afternoon, I unfortunately lost power in my apartment: that was bummer #1. Bummer #2: I was in the middle of a game of scrabble with mom (via Facebook) and I believe I was winning… who can remember though, right? Anyway, the game was put on hold, temporarily….or so I thought.
It is currently 8:51PM and I am STILL without power. You might think, oh, this must be bummer #3. Well, actually, no. I’ve been really quite enjoying myself.
What can one possibly do by themselves, by the light of only one flashlight, without cable, without internet, without scrabble! (Disclaimer: This post is by no means meant to offend those who choose to live a simpler life. In many ways, I envy you.) Well, read, for one thing. And well, I thought about doing this, but then I had a few other brilliant ideas… Shall I share?
1. First, when darkness finally came, I did what most people would do without power…I cleaned my bathroom! The best part: I couldn’t even tell if I missed a spot; all I knew was that it smelt clean! Works for me! (Don't worry Mom, I will clean again!)
2. Next, I did some tidying/organizing. While going through my kitchen, I came upon something quite exciting: an unopened advent calendar (from 2008!!) I was craving chocolate!!! However, as you may have guessed, when I opened door #1, the chocolate was a pale brown, like old, ok really old, Halloween candy. I thought it best to pass this opportunity by. Maybe I didn’t need chocolate that desperately.
3. Then, I decided to sit down in my recliner for a while. And I decided to ponder life and all of it’s questions. Ah, how peaceful….Okay okay, I didn’t actually think that hard (refer to #4).
4. Most beverages are best chilled. Exception: red wine! I decided to pour myself a glass. Why not, right?
5. What was next? Oh yea, throughout this time, my iPod and phone were my saving graces. Mom and I texted about silly things (refer to #2). And I jammed with my latest downloads. One such selection: “Today was a fairytale” by Taylor Swift. Another: “Imma Be” by the Black Eyed Peas. (refer #6)
6. This was probably about the time that I started to dance! Sometimes, you should know, that I’m a little self-conscious about my dancing abilities. However, tonight, since it was mostly dark, I had no problem “Raising the Roof!”
7. The of course, there was the classic hour (or minute) of SHADOW PUPPETS. (This picture was actually really tough to get the right angle!)
8. And then finally. With my flashlight as my nightlight, I settled down for a nice slumber. Ahhhh. Now doesn’t that look peaceful!?! (I wonder what I was dreaming about?)
Did I mention that I quite enjoyed myself tonight?
Another brilliant idea that I had was to EAT ICE CREAM (Flavor: Tagalong, aka, chocolate/peanut butter like the Girl Scout Cookie)! And being without power, if I took the container out of the freezer, I would be forced to finish the rest of the container, so not to waste any! Unfortunately, I then remembered that I have trouble with milk products (sometimes) So, although this could have been my best idea yet ( I know mom would agree), I decided against this one. Oh well, I think I had enough fun for one night!
I dedicate this post to my flashlight! I couldn't have made it without you!
UPDATE (March 14): Power came back on around 2:20 today. And believe it or not, at least half the food in my freezer/fridge was salvageable. I can make light of one day without power, but I am so thankful that it was only a day!
Around 4:30 this afternoon, I unfortunately lost power in my apartment: that was bummer #1. Bummer #2: I was in the middle of a game of scrabble with mom (via Facebook) and I believe I was winning… who can remember though, right? Anyway, the game was put on hold, temporarily….or so I thought.
It is currently 8:51PM and I am STILL without power. You might think, oh, this must be bummer #3. Well, actually, no. I’ve been really quite enjoying myself.
What can one possibly do by themselves, by the light of only one flashlight, without cable, without internet, without scrabble! (Disclaimer: This post is by no means meant to offend those who choose to live a simpler life. In many ways, I envy you.) Well, read, for one thing. And well, I thought about doing this, but then I had a few other brilliant ideas… Shall I share?
1. First, when darkness finally came, I did what most people would do without power…I cleaned my bathroom! The best part: I couldn’t even tell if I missed a spot; all I knew was that it smelt clean! Works for me! (Don't worry Mom, I will clean again!)
2. Next, I did some tidying/organizing. While going through my kitchen, I came upon something quite exciting: an unopened advent calendar (from 2008!!) I was craving chocolate!!! However, as you may have guessed, when I opened door #1, the chocolate was a pale brown, like old, ok really old, Halloween candy. I thought it best to pass this opportunity by. Maybe I didn’t need chocolate that desperately.
3. Then, I decided to sit down in my recliner for a while. And I decided to ponder life and all of it’s questions. Ah, how peaceful….Okay okay, I didn’t actually think that hard (refer to #4).
4. Most beverages are best chilled. Exception: red wine! I decided to pour myself a glass. Why not, right?
5. What was next? Oh yea, throughout this time, my iPod and phone were my saving graces. Mom and I texted about silly things (refer to #2). And I jammed with my latest downloads. One such selection: “Today was a fairytale” by Taylor Swift. Another: “Imma Be” by the Black Eyed Peas. (refer #6)
6. This was probably about the time that I started to dance! Sometimes, you should know, that I’m a little self-conscious about my dancing abilities. However, tonight, since it was mostly dark, I had no problem “Raising the Roof!”
7. The of course, there was the classic hour (or minute) of SHADOW PUPPETS. (This picture was actually really tough to get the right angle!)
8. And then finally. With my flashlight as my nightlight, I settled down for a nice slumber. Ahhhh. Now doesn’t that look peaceful!?! (I wonder what I was dreaming about?)
Did I mention that I quite enjoyed myself tonight?
Another brilliant idea that I had was to EAT ICE CREAM (Flavor: Tagalong, aka, chocolate/peanut butter like the Girl Scout Cookie)! And being without power, if I took the container out of the freezer, I would be forced to finish the rest of the container, so not to waste any! Unfortunately, I then remembered that I have trouble with milk products (sometimes) So, although this could have been my best idea yet ( I know mom would agree), I decided against this one. Oh well, I think I had enough fun for one night!
I dedicate this post to my flashlight! I couldn't have made it without you!
UPDATE (March 14): Power came back on around 2:20 today. And believe it or not, at least half the food in my freezer/fridge was salvageable. I can make light of one day without power, but I am so thankful that it was only a day!
9.3.10
And the Best Disc-Golf Throw of the Game Goes to........
This weekend I played Disc Golf in a park in South Charleston, WV with my good friend Shelly. It was my first time ever playing disc golf, which is funny because I love frisbee so much. Anyways, I loved everything about it....especially the company! Best throw of the game (and the one I managed to get on video) goes to Shelly! I can't wait to play again with spring coming!
8.3.10
This girl is getting married in 144 days!
What can I say, she loves her cleaning products! (I have to admit, this WAS cool though)
14.2.10
Graduation Fun
---Proof that doctors know how to have fun too (Plus, I loved those huge sleeves!)
Graduation Fun from natalie cavadini on Vimeo.
7.2.10
Are you stuck?
Exhibit A: Yes, these car are stuck
...but well worth it!! Snow Totals: Philadelphia= 26.7 inches!
Exhibit B: My friend was able to manage this one, but still, what a crazy start?!? Snow + Scrabble with good friends = heavenly :)
...but well worth it!! Snow Totals: Philadelphia= 26.7 inches!
Exhibit B: My friend was able to manage this one, but still, what a crazy start?!? Snow + Scrabble with good friends = heavenly :)
2.1.10
Top 10 Things of 2009
My top 10 memories of 2009, in semi-chronological order...
1. Living in London for 3 whole months! A great roommate (thanks for all the fun Leslie). A great city. A great clinical at Queen Mary's Hospital. Great food (don't let other people tell you London has boring food...it's not true!) London. Greenwich. Wimbledon (center court!). Even Paris. Now I know firsthand why it's called Great Britain :)
2. Mom, Dad, Nicole and John came to visit me in London. What a fun family vacation! Playing tour guide was tough, but all in all, a great time by all. Favorite Memory (if I had to pick just one): The Jazz and Beer festival in Greenwich, England.
3. Playing ultimate frisbee in Green Park (in London) every Sunday. Met some great people (both British and American). I was in such good shape come September (can't say the same about January!?!) I remember being soooo tired \during my last game because Jim and Jonathan wouldn't let me sub in or out! Blimey. What fun it was though.
4. Labor Day weekend down the Jersey Shore. Boating, beaching, fishing, kayaking, eating, laughing and more- all with my family and the Davis Family. I still the two families finally met.
5. Natalie (a friend, not me) got married in Virginia Beach. As they pulled into the reception on a big yacht, my mouth dropped. Now that's an entrance! Natalie looked so beautiful and so happy!
6. Celebrating Angie's 2-years cancer-free anniversary! And look, Angie's hair is getting soooo long..don't we look like sister's now?? Love you Angie!
7. Scrabble! Playing Facebook Scrabble with Angie, Mom, Dad and/or Hannah. I spent countless hours last year staring at a Scrabble board trying to score big! And I did
because I had so much fun (even if I did lose to Angie 20 out of 21 times).
8. Nicole got Engaged! My big sister. Engaged. To a great guy. A better than great guy. John! Welcome (almost) to the family John! Can't wait for the Big Day!
9. Taking my last school exam EVER. I've been a student for 20+ years--it was about time! Physical Therapy License Exam: bring it on!
10. Becky got married! I was honored to be a reader. Becky looked beautiful and had the biggest smile on her face ALL NIGHT! Caleb looked quite handsome too. What a magical and beautiful night!
Yes. What a Memorable Year 2009 was. Two Thousand Ten: Hear we come!
1. Living in London for 3 whole months! A great roommate (thanks for all the fun Leslie). A great city. A great clinical at Queen Mary's Hospital. Great food (don't let other people tell you London has boring food...it's not true!) London. Greenwich. Wimbledon (center court!). Even Paris. Now I know firsthand why it's called Great Britain :)
2. Mom, Dad, Nicole and John came to visit me in London. What a fun family vacation! Playing tour guide was tough, but all in all, a great time by all. Favorite Memory (if I had to pick just one): The Jazz and Beer festival in Greenwich, England.
3. Playing ultimate frisbee in Green Park (in London) every Sunday. Met some great people (both British and American). I was in such good shape come September (can't say the same about January!?!) I remember being soooo tired \during my last game because Jim and Jonathan wouldn't let me sub in or out! Blimey. What fun it was though.
4. Labor Day weekend down the Jersey Shore. Boating, beaching, fishing, kayaking, eating, laughing and more- all with my family and the Davis Family. I still the two families finally met.
5. Natalie (a friend, not me) got married in Virginia Beach. As they pulled into the reception on a big yacht, my mouth dropped. Now that's an entrance! Natalie looked so beautiful and so happy!
6. Celebrating Angie's 2-years cancer-free anniversary! And look, Angie's hair is getting soooo long..don't we look like sister's now?? Love you Angie!
7. Scrabble! Playing Facebook Scrabble with Angie, Mom, Dad and/or Hannah. I spent countless hours last year staring at a Scrabble board trying to score big! And I did
because I had so much fun (even if I did lose to Angie 20 out of 21 times).
8. Nicole got Engaged! My big sister. Engaged. To a great guy. A better than great guy. John! Welcome (almost) to the family John! Can't wait for the Big Day!
9. Taking my last school exam EVER. I've been a student for 20+ years--it was about time! Physical Therapy License Exam: bring it on!
10. Becky got married! I was honored to be a reader. Becky looked beautiful and had the biggest smile on her face ALL NIGHT! Caleb looked quite handsome too. What a magical and beautiful night!
Yes. What a Memorable Year 2009 was. Two Thousand Ten: Hear we come!
19.11.09
20 Questions
1. Why does coffee taste so good in the morning?
2. Why does it taste even better in your favorite mug?
3. Why must landscapers start blowing leaves so early? mornings are supposed to be quiet and peaceful.
4. Why do we need a holiday to remember to be thankful?
5. Why can't I eat more on Thanksgiving? My eyes are always bigger than my stomach.
6. Why does breakfast taste so much better when you're sharing it with a little redhead cutie-pa-tutie? I can't NOT give her half of my bagel.
7. Why do kids sing so loudly and usually off-key but they sound so cute?
8. Why do bananas have to ripen so quickly?
9. Why are good friends so hard to find sometimes?
10. What would we do with friends?
11. What would we do without family or those we adopt into our family?
12. Why are we so scared of making mistakes?
13. Why are we scared of public speaking?
14. Why can you never think of birthday present until AFTER your birthday?
15. Why does Christmas sneak up on us every year? We know it's always the same day every year!
Ok...so I'm struggling to come up with 5 more questions (but 20 questions sounds better than 15.) If I think of 5 more creative, thought provoking questions, I'll let you know!!
2. Why does it taste even better in your favorite mug?
3. Why must landscapers start blowing leaves so early? mornings are supposed to be quiet and peaceful.
4. Why do we need a holiday to remember to be thankful?
5. Why can't I eat more on Thanksgiving? My eyes are always bigger than my stomach.
6. Why does breakfast taste so much better when you're sharing it with a little redhead cutie-pa-tutie? I can't NOT give her half of my bagel.
7. Why do kids sing so loudly and usually off-key but they sound so cute?
8. Why do bananas have to ripen so quickly?
9. Why are good friends so hard to find sometimes?
10. What would we do with friends?
11. What would we do without family or those we adopt into our family?
12. Why are we so scared of making mistakes?
13. Why are we scared of public speaking?
14. Why can you never think of birthday present until AFTER your birthday?
15. Why does Christmas sneak up on us every year? We know it's always the same day every year!
Ok...so I'm struggling to come up with 5 more questions (but 20 questions sounds better than 15.) If I think of 5 more creative, thought provoking questions, I'll let you know!!
6.11.09
Tearing Down the Walls....
Today they tore down the walls (and ceiling) of my kitchen (which may not seem like a good thing, but it is). I have to admit, it's a little chilly and there is a chlorine-like odor lingering around my apartment. Ugh. But, if I step back, I realize that this was a necessary thing. Plus, they were already weak and therefore would have fallen down eventually anyways.
"Why share this on a blog?" you might ask. How is this relevant? Well, we all put walls up around us that need to torn down. Walls that we put up so that no one can see who we truly are...so no one can see inside. We put these walls us for our own protection, or so we think. And we try to hide behind our walls. What if we tore down those walls? What if I showed you exactly who I was inside? Do I hide b/c I'm afraid of what others will think of real me? I truly believe that the world would be a more honest, genuine place if we all tore down our walls. It might us a little nervous. There might even be a new, no-so-great odor in the air. But as the saying goes: honesty is the best policy. Do you believe this? If so, will join me in living it?
17.10.09
This one's for you Nicole!
Ok, so HUGE news:
My older sister (my only sister), Nicole, is engaged. Engaged to none other than John, a fun, funny, energetic, smart and cool guy, and I'm so thankful that's he's going to be my future brother-in-law for two reasons. One, because I've always wanted a brother (Nicole was a good play-mate growing up, but she never wanted to play basketball with me- hence why I always wanted a brother- I'm kidding and serious at the same time. Two, because like John's roommate said the other day: some people can be grouped together by personality, but John, well, he's one-of-a-kind. And, to be quite honest, I am sure glad that he's one-of-a-kind. But I wouldn't want my sister to marrying any "average joe." She deserves a one-of-a-kind kind of guy. And that's why I'm so thankful that their engaged. They truly are perfect for each other. And what's perfect for Nicole, is perfect for me because she's my sister and my best friend (and I get to be her Maid of Honor...how cool is that??)
Regardless of whether or not we saw eye to eye about basketball, I have always looked up to Nicole. She has always been my #1 supporter and #1 encourager- and since before I can remember, I have aspired to be just like her. The way she always put others before herself. Her brains. Her beauty- inside and out. Her faith. I admire all these qualities and more. And most of all, if I never had Nicole as an example in my life , I'm really not sure what kind of person I'd be today. Everything I am, I am becuase of Nicole. She taught me how to be a leader. But also to have a servant spirit. She taught me how to work hard in school. And to work hard for the things that matter the most. She taught me how to be optimistic. And goodness knows, I needed to learn that! And she taught me that inner beauty is much more important than outer beauty. And sometimes, you are blessed with both...
So, this one's for you Nicole! I love you. I am so excited for you. And I can't wait to stand beside you on your wedding day. As your maid of honor and as your sister. Because you have always stood right beside me. And I wouldn't be who I am today, without you.
I love you both, John and Nicole. A HUGE congratulations!
9.10.09
I love my life.
Do ever think sun showers are funny? If not funny, at least fun. I don't what it is about them, but they make me smile.
My friend Kate used to say that there is a difference between liking something and loving it? For example, you might not like your younger brother or sister when they pull your hair and pinch your arm, but when it comes down to it, you still love them- because they're family. Can it work the same way with life in general? Can I not like my life sometimes, but still love it? I agree with my friend Kelly who always says: I love my life.
A couple mornings this week, I have not liked my life. I have woken up with pain, that I had thought had resolved itself a while back. I didn't like having to wake up, pop Advil, and then continue to suffer until the Advil started to work. The pain eventually subsided and I went about my day.
I think it was Wednesday, when the winds were really strong that forgot about wearing your favorite hat or using your sun umbrella. I was walking to school as I do everyone morning and I thought to myself- I love my life.
I love that I live somewhere where the season's change, the leaves on the trees starting to transform.
I love that I am still a student. and therefore can enjoy things only students can enjoy: mid-afternoon naps, mid-morning naps, mid-evening naps.
I love that I have an amazing family. Who still want to visit me, even if only for a few hours.
I love that I get to play scrabble, almost everyday. Even if I lose, almost everyday. It keeps my mind sharp!
I love that I can come home from school and skype mom, watching her cook dinner on the other end, and hearing about how she is such a social butterfly.
I love that I work at Trader Joe's- stocking shelves, searching the stock room for a customer's favorite product only to tell them we ran out, packing groceries, blowing up balloons for the kids in the store. Yea, it's a good job.
Finally, I love my life, because it's life. Real. Sometimes messy. Sometimes frustrating. But it's still life. And it teaches me something new everyday. Like the saying goes, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know which one you're gonna get."
My friend Kate used to say that there is a difference between liking something and loving it? For example, you might not like your younger brother or sister when they pull your hair and pinch your arm, but when it comes down to it, you still love them- because they're family. Can it work the same way with life in general? Can I not like my life sometimes, but still love it? I agree with my friend Kelly who always says: I love my life.
A couple mornings this week, I have not liked my life. I have woken up with pain, that I had thought had resolved itself a while back. I didn't like having to wake up, pop Advil, and then continue to suffer until the Advil started to work. The pain eventually subsided and I went about my day.
I think it was Wednesday, when the winds were really strong that forgot about wearing your favorite hat or using your sun umbrella. I was walking to school as I do everyone morning and I thought to myself- I love my life.
I love that I live somewhere where the season's change, the leaves on the trees starting to transform.
I love that I am still a student. and therefore can enjoy things only students can enjoy: mid-afternoon naps, mid-morning naps, mid-evening naps.
I love that I have an amazing family. Who still want to visit me, even if only for a few hours.
I love that I get to play scrabble, almost everyday. Even if I lose, almost everyday. It keeps my mind sharp!
I love that I can come home from school and skype mom, watching her cook dinner on the other end, and hearing about how she is such a social butterfly.
I love that I work at Trader Joe's- stocking shelves, searching the stock room for a customer's favorite product only to tell them we ran out, packing groceries, blowing up balloons for the kids in the store. Yea, it's a good job.
Finally, I love my life, because it's life. Real. Sometimes messy. Sometimes frustrating. But it's still life. And it teaches me something new everyday. Like the saying goes, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know which one you're gonna get."
29.9.09
Words to live by...
Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourself. -Phillipians 2:3
I've been turning these words over and over again in my head recently. These are some of the questions I've been asking myself:
Do I count others more significant than myself?
The words I speak. The judgments I make (even if only in my head). The actions I take...or don't take. Are they glorifying to God? Or I am just trying to glorify myself?
Do I consider others around me when making decisions?
What is my motivation for saying and doing the things I do? Is it rivalry, conceit? Is it out of humility? Why or why not?
I will continue to ask these questions. But what can I do right now? "Be gracious in your speech...bring out the best in others" the Bible says. Yeah. I think I'll start there.
Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
-Colossians 4:5-6 (The Message)
I've been turning these words over and over again in my head recently. These are some of the questions I've been asking myself:
Do I count others more significant than myself?
The words I speak. The judgments I make (even if only in my head). The actions I take...or don't take. Are they glorifying to God? Or I am just trying to glorify myself?
Do I consider others around me when making decisions?
What is my motivation for saying and doing the things I do? Is it rivalry, conceit? Is it out of humility? Why or why not?
I will continue to ask these questions. But what can I do right now? "Be gracious in your speech...bring out the best in others" the Bible says. Yeah. I think I'll start there.
Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
-Colossians 4:5-6 (The Message)
14.9.09
So excited for the weekend. Can tomorrow be Thursday, please?
Above. The Natalie on the left is getting MARRIED this Friday! The Natalie on the right is SOOOO excited for her.
Above. Left = my Angie. She's been cancer free for TWO YEARS (Praise God!) Middle= the Cutie-Pa-Tuttie (Angie's daughter). Right=Me. I'm celebrating Angie's life this SATURDAY
9.9.09
Top 20 Labor Day Memories
This labor day my friend Angie and her family came down to the Jersey Shore. Let's just say: it was magical! Here are my top 20 memories:
1. That minivan pulling up to the house, late at night. Being able to give Angie a real, in person, hug. They were really here! The Davis’s and Cavadini’s together at last.
2.Waking up extra early so that the kiddos wouldn’t be afraid of their new environment. Sitting under my blanket and watching the sun rise over the peaceful lagoon.
3.Seeing two little heads pop out of their rooms, wondering where they were. Giving them real, in person, hugs. Showing them the lagoon in my backyard.
4.Seeing a third little head through the screen door. When I gave her her life vest, she very happily exclaimed: “this life vest matches my pajamas!”
5.Watching my mom and dad with the kiddos, the surrogate grandparents for the weekend; seeing how quickly and honestly they loved the kids.
6.Watching Bri and Angie play with their baby girl in the ocean. Loving parents loving on their baby.
7.Searching for “unique” shells with the kiddos; “this one’s unique because it looks like a boat” Bear exclaimed.
8.Fighting the tide with Angie. “This makes me feel young,” I say. “Oh yea, I hadn’t noticed. I only noticed how out of shape I am” Angie replied smiling.
9.Bella’s bathing suit matched her hair! This made her happy.
10.Falling asleep at 9:00 p.m. Waking up only for a piece of peach pie.
11.Head massages!
12.Bella wanted her new best friend, my sister, to snuggle with her before bed (only a little jealoug b/c I wanted to snuggle)
13.Kayaking with dad. Exploring the lagoons; the lagoons look so much bigger from our small little kayak.
14.Boating with the Davis’s. Getting soaked. Watching those little faces light up as the boat speeded up. Looking out into the big old bay!
15.Captain Micah driving the boat in his blue sunglasses, taking his job very seriously. Sitting on Captain Chuck’s lap.
16.Bella in her pok-a-dot shirt. A little cutie-pa-tuttie.
17.Kissing and hugging the kiddos as often as we could; they were just too darn cute.
18.Hearing those little giggles.
19.Spending quality time with Angie. Hearing her southern twang. Thinking, "it doesn’t get much better than that (even if I did lose in Scrabble….again!)"
20.Two families meeting for the first time. Loving upon each other.
(Thanks for the pics Angie! I had to show them off)
1. That minivan pulling up to the house, late at night. Being able to give Angie a real, in person, hug. They were really here! The Davis’s and Cavadini’s together at last.
2.Waking up extra early so that the kiddos wouldn’t be afraid of their new environment. Sitting under my blanket and watching the sun rise over the peaceful lagoon.
3.Seeing two little heads pop out of their rooms, wondering where they were. Giving them real, in person, hugs. Showing them the lagoon in my backyard.
4.Seeing a third little head through the screen door. When I gave her her life vest, she very happily exclaimed: “this life vest matches my pajamas!”
5.Watching my mom and dad with the kiddos, the surrogate grandparents for the weekend; seeing how quickly and honestly they loved the kids.
6.Watching Bri and Angie play with their baby girl in the ocean. Loving parents loving on their baby.
7.Searching for “unique” shells with the kiddos; “this one’s unique because it looks like a boat” Bear exclaimed.
8.Fighting the tide with Angie. “This makes me feel young,” I say. “Oh yea, I hadn’t noticed. I only noticed how out of shape I am” Angie replied smiling.
9.Bella’s bathing suit matched her hair! This made her happy.
10.Falling asleep at 9:00 p.m. Waking up only for a piece of peach pie.
11.Head massages!
12.Bella wanted her new best friend, my sister, to snuggle with her before bed (only a little jealoug b/c I wanted to snuggle)
13.Kayaking with dad. Exploring the lagoons; the lagoons look so much bigger from our small little kayak.
14.Boating with the Davis’s. Getting soaked. Watching those little faces light up as the boat speeded up. Looking out into the big old bay!
15.Captain Micah driving the boat in his blue sunglasses, taking his job very seriously. Sitting on Captain Chuck’s lap.
16.Bella in her pok-a-dot shirt. A little cutie-pa-tuttie.
17.Kissing and hugging the kiddos as often as we could; they were just too darn cute.
18.Hearing those little giggles.
19.Spending quality time with Angie. Hearing her southern twang. Thinking, "it doesn’t get much better than that (even if I did lose in Scrabble….again!)"
20.Two families meeting for the first time. Loving upon each other.
(Thanks for the pics Angie! I had to show them off)
27.8.09
I'm broke, but it was well worth it.
It's a strange feeling, coming home after 3 months of living in another county. Back to New York accents. Back to driving on the right side of the road. Back to a place you've known all you're life. And you feel both instantly comfortable but also out of place. Momentarily at least. Now, I can't teleport (not yet at least), but it almost feels like I have. Such an abrupt end to an amazing summer away. A sudden reality check. But a necessary one. And so, for the past few days, I've lived in unbelief. Yes, it's great to be home. There's no place like home. But it's surreal. Did this summer really happen? Did I really take the overnight bus from London to Paris and back again? Did I really play ultimate frisbee in the Queen's park (Green Park)? And where did all the pubs go??
Anyway, what I really set out to say in writing this blog was a simple thank you. Thank you to mom and dad, family and friends, professors at Arcadia University and those people who gave me the extra loans, for supporting me through this adventure and amazing experience. Thank you to the staff and patients at Queen Mary's for welcoming me to London, for taking me under your wing and leading me by example, for teaching me so so much about amputees, prosthetics and physio, for being my family, and for being my friends. I will cherish all the memories, and who knows, maybe I'll be back to visit some day. Thank you Leslie for being my roommate, for exploring London with me, for keeping me sane and calm as we waited on the side of the highway for our bus back to London, and just for being a friendly and familiar face day in and day out. (I still can't believe how small our room was!)
This whole "living in London" experience was a greater blessing than I could ever have hoped for. I am grateful for the memories and the lessons learned (both PT related and life lessons). But most of all, I am grateful for all the support from all of you. Thank you. Cheers.
Anyway, what I really set out to say in writing this blog was a simple thank you. Thank you to mom and dad, family and friends, professors at Arcadia University and those people who gave me the extra loans, for supporting me through this adventure and amazing experience. Thank you to the staff and patients at Queen Mary's for welcoming me to London, for taking me under your wing and leading me by example, for teaching me so so much about amputees, prosthetics and physio, for being my family, and for being my friends. I will cherish all the memories, and who knows, maybe I'll be back to visit some day. Thank you Leslie for being my roommate, for exploring London with me, for keeping me sane and calm as we waited on the side of the highway for our bus back to London, and just for being a friendly and familiar face day in and day out. (I still can't believe how small our room was!)
This whole "living in London" experience was a greater blessing than I could ever have hoped for. I am grateful for the memories and the lessons learned (both PT related and life lessons). But most of all, I am grateful for all the support from all of you. Thank you. Cheers.
17.8.09
Frisbee = Zen
I wanted to give a HUGE shout out to my fellow ultimate players! I have been blessed 10 times over by playing frisbee every (ok, most) Sundays while I've been here in London. As my friend Jim puts it, "playing frisbee is my zen." It clears your head. It's a great workout. And seriously, how much better can it get: playing frisbee in a beautiful park right in front of Buckingham Palace, most mornings getting serenaded by the "changing of the guards" marching band music. I wonder if the Queen looks out her window and smiles when she sees such fit young people (including you, Jim!) enjoying her park?!? I can dream at least. Anyway, being able to play has added so much to this whole experience abroad: what a treat it is to be able to join together with complete strangers and have good ol' fashion, light-hearted fun. So, thank you all for the fun and memories and for welcoming me so warmly.
Play on and may frisbee continue to a your zen!
16.8.09
Before and After
By popular demand, ...Natalie BEFORE the Haircut:
... Natalie AFTER the "best and worst" Haircut EVER:
Both silly pictures, oh well :)
... Natalie AFTER the "best and worst" Haircut EVER:
Both silly pictures, oh well :)
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