The Grass is Actually Greener on My Side

I've had an issue with the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side" for a while now. What I've learned is that the grass may seem greener, but oftentimes it's not as it seems. Other people's lives and situations may look better from the outside but it is not always as visible how much hard work is put into it; Or, on the other side, how far the reality could be from the superficial appearance: i.e. the "glamorous" high paying job that requires 80+ hours a week, stifles one's freedom, or compromises one's integrity and/or purpose; or the "perfect" marriage that is hiding a dysfunctional or even abusive relationship.

I've decided that the grass is actually greener on my side. Or at least that's how I see it. I choose to accept what I have is just what I need and appreciate it. Yes I may be inspired by the example of others and can work towards other things, but I'm happy with what I have right now.

Some People Just Don't Get It

When I do things like buy a one-way ticket to Seattle or tell my job that I need a month off, I get lots of questions. I get tired of explaining myself and end up giving vague answers like "Why not?" or "That's just how I am" that don't necessarily satisfy the question-asker but get them to at least cease the interrogation.

When I read The Lost Girls' book, I felt better in knowing that I am not the only one who thinks the way I do. I honestly believe that most (if not all) people would love the opportunity to escape their day job and travel the world. However, many do not believe that it is a possibility and leave it in the category of things that other people do.

As one of those other people, I sometimes feel "weird" for thinking the way I do and doing the things I do. It's always comforting to meet and discover others who think like I do and who get it without me having to explain "it". I stumbled upon these article: "How a Career Break Changed My Life" and "7 Things You Learn about Yourself (and the World) While Traveling Solo" I was so excited to see someone else articulate thoughts I've had but have been hesitant to share with any and everyone, the fear of having to explain why it's a good idea.

Do you get "it"?

Fun Friday: Getting to Know Miss Journey

10 more things you may not know about me:

1. The word tilapia tickles my fancy
2. I want to be the voice of a cartoon
3. I've always wished for telepathy and the ability to fly
4. I have statue phobia and mythical creatures freak me out
5. I have an indescribable attachment to and longing to go New Orleans
   
6. I have a fascination with butterflies and hummingbirds
7. I spent only 3 weeks in kindergarten, which resulted in my graduating from high school at 16 and college at 20. (Sounds cool now, but I did not always enjoy being the youngest among my friends)
8. I can write with both hands. I'm not ambidextrous because I'm not equally strong in both, but I do pretty well. Also, even though I'm a lefty I do most things with my right. I'm stronger on my right side but have more refined dexterity on my left.
   
9. I can write backwards in print and script.
10. I always wish I had a twin.
    

Fun Friday: Getting to Know Miss Journey

10 things you may not know about me:

1. I'm an only child
2. I'm a lefty
3. I'm a Leo
4. I love chocolate (okay you probably knew that)
5. I love to drive, and take pride in my Fast and the Furious style.
   
6. My fave color is purple
7. I looove word games
8. I used to play volleyball and softball in high school
   
9. I love cartoons
10. My middle name is Lavern

Charity is Sexy with Lifestyle and Charity

I absolutely love the work that the ladies of Lifestyle and Charity are doing. They are making charity sexy, combining the worlds of social life and social good. Every month they gather some of NYC's stylish people altogether for a common cause. In May, it was such an honor to have Her Journey be a part of the event.

LC MAG Party Featuring Mediterra Collection from Lifestyle + Charity TV on Vimeo.

This month they are combining forces with NYC designer Lauren Gabrielson to support City Harvest. For details click here.

9/11: 10 Years Later

From September 1st, I was already reminded of what was coming. With this year being the 10th Anniversary of September 11th, the media overload only made me more anxious and uneasy. It wasn't until someone else commented on my demeanor not being like my usual self did I realize how much the upcoming day was actually affecting me. During the week leading up to the anniversary, I relived the weeks after September 11, 2001 over and over and over again. It is not something that I share with most people, but this year I am ready to open up and share that I lost my grandfather on September 11th.

Because my grandfather's influence is a part of who I am today, I now feel it is time to share a bit of the story. My grandfather was a man who stood for quality. From the way he carried himself to the way he treated others, it was evident that he was genuinely a class act.

Although I was not thrilled at the time, I remember the day he gave the assignment of ironing (by his standards) my school shirts for the entire week on Sunday evening.

I vividly remember how hard he laughed as I unwrapped my gag Christmas gift (two empty toilet paper rolls) and how excited I was to discover my real gift of a CD player that I wanted more than anything and not-so-subtly hinted at weeks before.

I remember discovering just how hard it was to clean a fish tank, trim trees, clean a pool and learning to tie a solid knot (all on one Saturday) with him.

Because he was so much fun to me, I now wonder how he managed that on top of everything else he did. I now have an even greater appreciation for the quality of man he was, and it makes him that much more special.

The saddest part for me is the moments I wish I could have experienced with him: my high school graduation, college graduation, getting my driver's license and first car, and eventually getting married. There is something so special about when a grandparent is proud of you, and I so miss that. But that is my motivation to continue to create moments that would make him and my grandmother proud. (My grandmother passed away two days before the 5th anniversary of 9/11.) I continue to remember the moments we had together. He was more than a grandfather. He was like a father and a friend to me. I am so grateful for the moments we shared. Though it has never been the same.

It seems fitting that my mother and I went to the 56th Fighter Group for brunch today. In a World War II setting that has been preserved, it felt as if we were among American history. Seeing the American flag that was adorned with all of the names of those lost on 9/11 reminded us that we are in fact a part of American history.

Photo credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ87Khz3hfNHdVq4Ooo2nzPsdWFEcN0ZfhCl2dXKcES4sR882uEMV5KbbZbgFbeHfJPb7RCXqbkSJAF3o5ZSTtKT5lgwtfYizSy5xvfwWccMfjbsrYU2nX-QEY-hGT6FLEFX6HXgCbAVQ/s400/01.jpg