Winter is here.....

We had our first "real" snow of the season today. It still hasn't stuck to the ground but it was so pretty....it looked like a winter wonder land falling from the sky. I, of course, was happy to be watching this from the comfort of my nice warm condo!!

Magen and Peter Visit

Magen and Peter came to town for a wedding and while they were here we were able to find some time to get together. It was so fun to see them and their little ones.
Peter and I

Magen and I

This is the result of a couple glasses of wine and over 20 years of friendship!!

I love you guys and it was great seeing you!!

Remembering the 1 year anniversary

October 28th was the one year anniversary of Michael's passing. It's hard to believe that it has been a year since I have seen, spoke to or hugged my brother. The year has had many ups and downs but I take comfort in knowing that Michael is around me all the time and watching over me.

To honor and remember the one year anniversary I put together a momento that I sent out to many friends and family. I had bracelets made for all to wear as they choose. I wear my bracelet everyday and it makes me smile when I look down at it.....

(1977 Michael O'Hara 2007)

(Gone, but not FORGOTTEN)

With the help of my friend Kim, I made a memory card to go along with the bracelets. Awhile back I found a great poem that I really liked so I included the poem on the card along with some pictures of Michael.....

It warms my heart to hear that some people are wearing their bracelets everyday and I know that Michael is looking down and smiling!!!

9.14.08 Ashton's Baptisim

I flew back to LA in September for my Godson's baptisim. My best friend Kim (Ashton's Mom) and I have been friends since 7th grade....we go way back. I was so honored when Kim asked me to be Ashton's Godmother. It's a role I will take very seriously in the years to come.

Ashton is the cutest thing ever....and I am not just saying that becasue he's my Godson!! We had a great weekend and I was sad to leave.

The Gang

The parents

Me, Ashton & Chris(Godfather)

Me, Ashton & Kim

Me & Aiden (Big brother)

Ashton was talking to me....

Birthday wishes to heaven

Michael's Birthday was August 26th....he would have been 31. Mom was here the weekend after his birthday so we went down to the lake/river and attempted to send him off birthday cards atttached to balloons. The cards were a little too heavy so they didn't quite make it up, instead they went down into the water...nevertheless the thought was there and we know that either way he was there to recieve them.

Happy Birthday Michael!!!!!

8.28.08-9.2.08 Mom Visits

Mom came for a visit and we had a busy but great weekend. It was so good to have her here. I miss being able to go home and see my folks when ever I want.

We spent a night with the Albrechts which was full of laughter, memories and maybe a little too much to drink......

We spent the weekend out in Lansing with my Grandma and the family. My Grandma has Alzheimers and she has progressivly gotten worse over the last year. She fades in and out on remembering people and things. She remembered Mom and I which was a good thing. It was a pleasant weekend but unfortunate that she doesn't remember us being there.

8.3.08-Birthday Weekend

Debbie flew in for my first birthday in the city. We had a great time. We saw the play "Wicked" which was wonderful!! We shopped, ate, drank and just had an overall great weekend. It was great having her here.

Debbie also was my across country driving buddy when I moved to Chicago....that was another great trip and we made it safe and sound!!! And we survived being in a car together for 12 hour days....which was a success in itself!!!! Love ya Deb!!!

4th of July

Janelle and I used to work together at Richmond and since then we have become good friends. After Richmond, Janelle and her husband moved to Minnesota. So now we are both midwesterner's!! She made the trip down for the 4th of July weekend. It was great to see her and we had a lot of fun.

Big city living

Am settled into my new digs in the big city. I am in the middle of everything, on the 26th floor with an amazing view of the city. 2 blocks to the River, 2 blocks to Millenium Park, shopping, resturants, theater.....what more can you ask for!!

Changes....

The last year has brought many changes. If anyone would have told me a year ago that I would be living in downtown Chicago, in a highrise and walking to work everyday I would have laughed at them and told them they have no idea what they are talking about.....but they would have been the ones laughing becasue that is exactly where I am and exactly what I am doing!!
Life is funny, just when we think we have it all figured out, it throws us a curve ball and the last year has certainly thrown me a few curve balls.

The biggest curve ball was the loss of my brother on October 28, 2007. We were very close and his loss has hit my family very hard. Harder than most probably realize. I miss him terribly and can't believe that he has been gone almost a year.

The next curve ball came in January 2008 when I was laid off from my job, which was a blessing in a way becasue I HATED that job!!!! haha After several long months on the job search with no luck I decided to leave California and venture out to the midwest in hopes for luck on the job search and a fresh start.

It is now October 2008 and I am happy to say that I am settled into big city living in Chicago and loving my new life. I have started a new job as an Executive Assistant at a Private Equity company, have made some friends and have even gone out on a few dates!!! Life is looking up!!!

We never know what to expect and sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we expect but there is a bigger picture and we must trust in that. I have traveled down a path over the last year that might have been different if things didn't happen the way they did but I am confident that I am following the path that is meant for me and I know that I have a very special angel helping guide me down that path.

I am starting this blog so all of my friends and family back home can stay connected with my adventures in the big city. I think about you all often and miss you a lot!!!