Happy (Blog) Anniversary To Me...Happy (Blog) Anniversary to me...

Happy Candy to you!!

Well, today is the big day! I started my blog one year ago (actually it was a year ago yesterday since the 14th was on Sunday last year) HA

Anyway, here are pictures of what I am giving to one lucky person who responds on this post (only US residents please) sorry! The cat is a 2-yr calendar you can stamp a cover for.

This comes at a price, though - since Valentine's Day is fast approaching and it's a day to share your LOVE (not just with your spouse or significant other, or child) but with everyone you care about - I'd love for you to share a story of how a friend/loved one has impacted your life and taught you a valuable lesson so that every time you are reminded of it, you think fondly of them.
My story is about a friend I left behind in CA that I have lost touch with (not permanently but since it's been so long since we have chatted, it feels like it) her name is Nazmin and she really is one of the most beautiful woman I've ever met. She triumphed over a marriage to someone she was not in love with to escape an arranged marriage to someone she didn't know (cultural thing) and had the most gorgeous, smart little girl (who's not a little girl anymore but she was when I met her) and was immediately diagnosed with stage III Breast Cancer upon giving birth. She went on to stay in her marriage only to end up burying her husband when he killed himself with her right outside the door when she told him she was going to leave him. Soon after she was re-diagnosed with her Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer. All the while she was falling madly in love with one of our co-workers (and he with her) and I was the first to notice. He was married at the time but knew his love for Nazmin was real and left his wife (they were not happy together for a long ime). Shortly after I left CA I heard they got married and are living happily together with their 2 daughters. I have received a few Christmas cards over the years back from them but not with updates and I miss her so much. She truly is the epitome of strength, courage, determination, drive, beauty and love. She supported me through a few trials of my own (like college woes, boy troubles and the loss of my mom), never judging me, always loving me and truly being a friend.

One of the many things I learned from Nazmin is something she learned from her mom - to not expect anything from anyone so you are not disappointed when they don't come through. It also will afford you the opportunity to be more grateful when you get something not expected. It's hard at times to remember this especially when as Christians we should serve in love. I expect my DH to act a certain way, to do certain things for me (without having to be told) and it can be a great source of frustration for me when he doesn't deliver. I have to sit back & relax and not sweat the small stuff. After all, I am not perfect and I do believe there are things he may expect from me that Ido not deliver as well. I will try to do better, I promise honey (DH actually reads my blog - it's something I don't expect but I sure appreciate!!)

If you stayed with me this whole way, thank you and tell me your 'person/lesson learned'

I will draw a winner on Saturday afternoon (3:00 central) you must either leave your email or your blog (a way for me to get in touch with you if you win).

E.T.A. I finally figured out how to keep a post at the top, so scroll down for new posts until the drawing.