Death and Deciding to Go on Vacation

I have a friend who died last week at the young age of 40 years old.

We first met when I was in 3rd grade.  For many years we were not in touch, but in the last couple of years Facebook reconnected us and a friendship was born again.

When someone passes away it is only natural to remember the past.  I kept on thinking how when I was in 3rd grade, and my friend was in 4th grade, our whole lives were in front of us.  You don’t think that you will be dying so young and having to say goodbye to all your friends and family.

My friend’s death has made me reflect on my life right now.  We work so hard, we try to be frugal and we are saving for the future, but  I was reminded once again how we also have to enjoy life today.  We need to seize the moment and grab opportunities.

Thank you Kirk for being a friend.  Thank you for making me realize that our family needs a vacation.  Have a safe trip to heaven!  I hope to see you there many, many years from now.

For our annual vacation 2012 we have decided to go to Italy!  Now I am going mad and obsessing about finding some cheap fares.  If you have any tips please pass them on!

Flying with the kids may be scary, but we are looking forward to it.

Thank you for letting me share and have a great day!

The Wise Yet Weird Quote From My Chinese Fortune Cookie

When I am lazy to cook at home we usually go to our favorite Chinese restaurant.  In the USA, most Chinese restaurants give you a fortune cookie after your meal. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, contrary to popular belief that fortune cookies are a Chinese invention, it was actually an American idea.

During this visit I thought my fortune cookie was so profound, it said, “Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

At first I thought that the statement did not make much sense, but after thinking about it for a minute I felt that it actually is so true.

Today I woke up in a bad mood and my day did not improve.  The day before I had a happier outlook and my day actually was great. 

This fortune snapped me out of my bad attitude because I did not want it to be my destiny.  What is amazing is after I changed my attitude the day started getting better and better.

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with good fortune!

The Wise Yet Weird Quote From My Chinese Fortune Cookie

For my birthday celebration we had a delicious Chinese feast.  In the USA, most Chinese restaurants give you a fortune cookie after your meal. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, contrary to popular belief that fortune cookies are a Chinese invention, it was actually an American idea.

During this visit I thought my fortune cookie was so profound, it said, “Today, is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.”

At first I thought that the statement did not make much sense, but after thinking about it for a minute I felt that it actually is so true.

Personally, I worried about today yesterday, but I realize that my worrying was a waste of my energy.   Like most people, I have my ups and downs, but overall all life is pretty good.  Today was great so there was no reason to worry at all. 

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with good fortune!

Hope, Faith and Waiting

One of my favorite quotes is by Alexandre Dumas, “Until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words,–‘Wait and hope’”

Photographs taken by Massimo, age 5

A few days ago I mentioned that we put our house on the market.  Simultaneously I also signed up for the magnet school lottery.  At the same time we found a house that we can see ourselves planting our roots and we made an offer, but the owner still has not decided anything.

We are organizing ourselves, but our future is still unclear.  Scenario 1 may have us staying where we are if we don’t get a good offer for our house and I may look at private schools if I don’t win the school lottery. We recently refinanced our home and our mortgage is so great that scenario 1 has it’s perks.

Scenario 2 may have us moving  if our house is sold and the school lottery won’t even matter at that point.  We will be able to plant our roots in a new home and have an exciting new beginning.

Have you ever had the feeling that you “planted” all the seeds of “hope” and now the only thing you can do is sit back and see what happens?  Many people find enjoyment in the process and anticipation.  Patience is a struggle for me because I love the knowing part.

My husband, Michael, balances me because he is a very patient person.  He recently told me a story about how when he was younger his parents tried to sell their home for 3 years and it did not move.   His Mom and Dad were patient and they let life go on.

About 7 years ago the same home that sat on the market for 3 years sold for more than what they hoped for the first time they listed it and they were then able to open up Skappo, the family owned restaurant, and a few years later they  found their dream house that was built in the 1760s.

Today, I will give you another favorite quote by John Quincy Adams, “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”

My only choice now is just to sit back, relax and enjoy the present.  There is comfort in knowing that in the end everything eventually works outs.

I hope you have a wonderful day!