Nostalgia finds me every year at this time......

My grandparents were married in 1935. 

I glanced at the calendar earlier and saw "Grandma and Pap Anniversary-1935" on Sat, Dec 22nd, and thought, wow.

If they were still here, tomorrow they would be celebrating 83 years of marriage. 

Does longevity like this still exist today? 

I think, for the lucky, it does.

I asked my mom about her birth date being 8 years after Pap and Grandma got married. 

She replied: "Yes. Marilyn born in 1936. Winnie born in 1940. Mary in 1942 and me in 43. Chuck in 1947, Jane in 1952 and Debbie in 1956".

Marilyn was the first born to my grandparents. Back in the day as it was, there were complications during her birth, where the Doctor  unfortunately had to decide who to save. Marilyn passed away the day she was born. We didn't have the pleasure of knowing her here, on this earth. I heard them say many times, she was beautiful.

When my family sings Happy Birthday to any one of us on our special day, my Grandpa, i.e. "Pap" would always end the song with, "get out and wallllllllllllk".

I still do this today, in his honor. It often makes us all a bit teary-eyed, but in a good way. 

It's in remembrance, you see. 

Christmas time is here. While we all often think of loved ones that are no longer with us, all year through, I think their absence is especially felt during the holiday season. 

I remember some of the days-gone-by stories told, of Christmas past and what the world was like back then.

For my mom's generation, their "queue" to come out of their bedrooms and slumber to welcome Christmas, was hearing Bing Crosby's "Jingle Bells" playing in the background. Many of us in my family continue this tradition today. 

Nostalgia finds me every year at this time. I fondly pull the memories from my mind and smile, remembering the celebrations each year. 

Mazel Tov to my Pap and Grandma, I think of them every day. If I go to the post office, I think of Pap. His career was with USPS. "Parcel post!" he would yell, as he drove the postal truck down the alley, tossing the package to the porch it belonged to. My mom often riding with him, passed along this memory to us.

If I'm cooking, I think of grandma, who rarely measured anything with exact specifications. She was a "just a pinch" type of girl. I hope I measure up, it would be the best goal I could ever reach in my lifetime.

Merry Christmas to you dear friends. If you are blessed to still have the older generation in your family still with you, ask them about their Christmas memories. Write it down, you will be so glad you did. 

Here's to our 2018 season and the promise of the New Year. May the memories you create this year, last a  lifetime.

See you soon friend,

Tiffany

PS During the holidays, Breakfast at Tiffany's will be in remembrance of when I was  a little girl, watching Sesame Street while my mom fixed us breakfast and served it on metal trays decorated with our favorite Sesame Street characters. For me, that was Big Bird. I just loved him! 

Does any of us truly have the answer to any of life's predicaments?

I woke up this morning thinking that yesterday was a perfect day. And it wasn't that monumental things happened, it was a simple day actually.

So I asked myself, what makes a day perfect?

For me, I find that I'm happiest in the least amount of chaos. Oh sure, I can keep up and multi-task when necessary, juggling several to-do list items. But I love knowing that things on that list are complete and I have free time to do whatever I want to do. If the house is clean and the things put away, the day looms with freedom and the promise of anything great, whatever we choose.

Then I realized that this is also true with intangible things.

In the work space of my life, things aren't put away. It feels like they're all over the place. I, along with 43,999 (this is an accurate number) are being forced to make career decisions that we may or may not be ready for. I was in the latter category for about a month. A few days ago I finally accepted that ready-or-not, it was time to make choices that will affect my future. Have I reached *the* answer to the question with possible consequential results? Not necessarily. I mean does any of us truly have the answer to any of life's predicaments? Please, if you do, call me.

So, here it is. Verizon has decided that a considerable portion of their IT organization must leave the company and become employees for Info Sys, "one of the largest outsourcing contracts signed by Info Sys in recent times" -to quote one of many articles posted online.

And here I am. I've decided that I will accept the buy-out offer that Verizon has placed in front of me in package form.

I'm not ready. I like my job. I love who I work with and have worked with for years. These people are like family to me. I'm good at what I do. I'm not ready to leave. I don't want to begin another career. I am not r e a d y.

These are the thoughts that have kept me awake at night for over a month. A few nights ago, I woke up so refreshed that I questioned why, ( don't do that, accept the gift ) and found that it was because I let all of those thoughts go. I opened my clenched fists, palms up, and released them. I had full faith. I had full trust. I had peace and contentment that I haven't felt for quite some time. Not because I have another job lined up. Not because I'm sitting on a nest egg of carefully saved money. And not because I was the recent lottery winner. None of these things are true.

I think it's because I realized that the outcome I'm trying to avoid is going to happen sooner or later anyway, heavy on the sooner, so why not take their offer and take my skills to a company that I will be proud to work for. And let me  be clear, I was proud to work for Verizon. I just don't recognize the company like I used to. I am not in-the-know of their vision or future direction. Or in the very least, I'm not understanding what I do hear, and read about. I will never say a bad word about the company that gave me a career and helped me build a skill set that I can use wherever I choose to go. The company that fed and clothed me, provided a means for travel to other countries and paid my bills. 
I mean, what does one say, to the company they've spent close to twenty-five years with? 

I was in Paris, France in September past, walking the River Seine, over-hearing "Bonjour" and "merci" and drinking in the perfect day. I also heard, "Au revoir".

So, Verizon. Au revoir. Adieu. 

And good luck to you and all of us that decide the new journey will be even better, than the one before. 

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

PS Breakfast at Tiffany's is tacos! and more tacos! isn't *that* exciting?! Of course I will keep you posted on the comings and goings of my career life. For now, suffice to say that it's business as usual. I don't know when the actual last day will be, of my time with Verizon. And finally, GO CHIEFS! Mahomes and Co, you're my heroes! 

Third photo courtesy of my sister, Sara. That lucky girl gets to see this spectacular array of color every North Missouri Fall day. 

And remember....this too shall pass

I have a tendency to feel overwhelmed when it feels like issues are beginning to stack on top of each other.
They are usually every-day things that of course can be easily handled, yet still, when it's one thing after another, I become claustrophobic.

What inevitably occurs is a shift re-focus, if you will, where it becomes apparent that I've been sweating the small stuff. I'm sure you have heard of that mantra, 'don't sweat the small stuff'.

It's valid advice.

So while I was in fairly excruciating pain yesterday, trying to accept the inevitable root canal that I *knew* was in my future, and thinking about the check engine light that glared at me from the dashboard of my car Sunday, and remembering my moms impending eye surgery.....I thought, okay universe. That's enough. Please cease at least until I can catch my breath.

Then I learned a friend from my hometown passed away today.

And I thought, there it is. That reminder I've received many times.

These things that happen in our lives that truly mean very little when compared to the big stuff, are not the devastation they seem to be. They are easily fixed with some attention and scheduling.

By nature, Im not one to complain much about anything. I've reminded friends and family at various times that 'this too shall pass'.

My friend was way too young to be gone so soon. Now, I grieve for her familys loss, and her time cut short on this earth. The unfairness of it. That is real devastation. Not my dental issues, or car troubles.

I hope things are going well for you, friend(s). If the list of issues is beginning to stack, remember; 'this too shall pass'.

Take care of yourselves, and be kind to one another.

Tiffany

P.S. Breakfast at Tiffany's of late has been filled with fresh fruit from the local Farmers Market. I think strawberry crepes sound delicious, don't you?

No burden is he to bear, we'll get there.....

 

If I'm laden at all
I'm ladened with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

More and more, I hear this song in my head.

On repeat. A loop.

I don't recognize the country we live in today.

I will never give up hope though. You can count on that.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

Meet me in the summertime....

Winter slumbered, gathering energy. with long and peaceful rest

Until the window was opened, when hearing birds chirp with zest

The scent of hollyhocks under the soil, drew me closer to the want of Spring

The fireplace yawned with the knowledge, it would no longer be the thing

Squirrel ribbons began their winding, up the tree, they chased

Seemingly twitterpated, 'round and 'round they raced

A season for new beginnings

I often muse romantically

Starry nights are for lovers

Seeking their partners actively

And as the wind shifts, from north to south to east

I decide that trying again

Should begin, in the very least

When balmy nights are painting

sunsets brilliantly streaking the sky

I form my invitation

Won't you meet me in the summertime?

We'll take long walks, holding hands

Sharing our dreams and hopes, and fears

Quick with the realization

True love's promise might be near

Dare we leap into the unknown
the future's forecast, a murky blur

Risking feelings, our hearts on loan
You say, 'but worth it', in spite of myself
I concur.

Thanks for meeting me here friend,
Tiffany 

Many of my relationships began with music....

🎵🎶 music...makes the people....come together🎵🎶

It really does.

I saw a post in social media today that had a picture of a shiny CD, with songs written on it. The post read, 'the younger generation doesn't remember this'. I won't speak for them, it may be true that they don't remember. But I thought, 'yeah but what about mix tapes!'.

Those were the days!

Many of my relationships began with music. I don't mean only the romantic kind, but also friendships as well. It's such an easy way to connect with someone.

Even today, I love receiving texts with, 'you have got to listen to this song!' Or band....artist....

In high school, my boyfriend made me a few mix tapes. As in cassette tapes, yes. I regret that I don't still have them, but I remember. A really good friend used to send me tapes through the mail. That eventually became, sending CD's. I still have them, and always thought it was the coolest gift ever. He is still passionate about music of all genres, and I loved that he took the time to share what was new-to-me music, that he likes to listen to. I rank them just as high as I would a handwritten letter, also a gift.

What better way is there  to get to know someone, than having them share their favorite music, and why it's their favorite?

Music can be a best friend. It can heal, make you want to get up and dance, or sing loudly whether you know all of the words or not. It has seen me through bad days, and made great moments, a celebration.

🎶🎵 woahhh....listen to the music.....all the tiiiime🎶🎵

"If music be the food of love, play on" ~William Shakespeare

Indeed.

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

P.S. what are you listening to these days? Breakfast at Tiffany's could use some background music ideas! One of my favorite versions of 'Hallelujah' is below, I've always loved this song.

https://youtu.be/WIF4_Sm-rgQ

To thine own self, be true....

From pen to page, keyboard to screen, or, in my head, I've been writing my thoughts since I learned how to form a sentence. It occurred to me today, that many of these stories, written or not, are the culmination of *the* story. My story.

I live the pages every day, and every night in my dreams. I mean, isn't each paragraph that we live, a high point?

Maybe not. We certainly don't choose to have things go wrong, when they do. Or, not go how we imagined, or wanted them to. Still, I've always believed, and often said out loud, that a person is the sum total of everything they have gone through, and experienced, until right now. Present tense. Today.

My birthday is coming soon. I always do a fair amount of reflecting before the day of celebration arrives. You see, this year is a milestone birthday. So they say. I actually think they are all milestones in a way. Good grief, we just went twelve months past the last celebration, that's cause for another big hooray, isn't it?

I've found myself smiling and thinking, 'you know what? I am actually, sincerely, proud of myself!'
I work hard on a job that challenges me, that I committed to twenty-four years ago. I don't love it every day, let's keep perspective here, but as a whole, I'm proud of my work.

That isn't as important as the rest though. It's a means to the good stuff. The real living is just outside the work bubble.

And I finally...get...it.

I had my epiphany!

'So, did you have yours?' the artist asked me, as he was preparing to create my favorite word, well, one of them, on my arm. I told him that I did.
He smiled without looking up, preparation takes concentration.
'Are you going to SHARE what it is? Or is it a secret?'

It's a very simple, stolen quote, that my mom has said to me, since I was an awkward teenager trying to figure out the why's and what for's of the world. "To thine own self, be true".

And now, I say it to you, dear friend. Be yourself. There is only one 'you'. You are unique. You matter. You count. You were made for a reason.

So I say, laugh out loud and especially, the deep belly laughs that bring tears because you can't stop laughing. You want to wear the crazy hat, or make goofy faces when someone is taking your picture? Do it! All of your friends love country music but you like classical? Pump the Mozart volume! You know I could go on and on, but I'm certain that you understand.

Just.be.you.

And share your gifts, the world would be so boring if we didn't.

I decided to do the thing that many girls do at the most random hour; tell the stylist to cut a few inches of my hair off, add some highlights and layers, for a new fun look! Oh I know, it's a girl thing mostly. We often take excitement with doing this sort of thing. Although, I do have guy friends that love to as well. Plus, Spring has mostly arrived in N.Texas, and Summer isn't that far away. It's a great way to stay cool outside, with a fresh, albeit shorter, hair-do.

Of course I had to do a selfie to be able to show my mom and sisters! And, as always, I was being silly when I took the picture, they expect this you see. I love laughing, and making people laugh, and smile. I am sure we can agree, that the world we live in today, needs smiles. And reasons to laugh.

I've come to realize that waking up and deciding to be happy is the best decision ever. It's not always easy, but the days I master it, are forming a pattern of a great week, which turns into a great month. On the days where it might he a struggle, I turn to my favorites. A good book, a conversation with my comedian son, a walk, a great movie, a random phone call from a best friend....

So as Spring arrives, and we turn the clocks ahead, do a little Spring cleaning, and shift our thoughts towards warmer days, I hope you are happy and fulfilled. And if you ever need a reminder that you have unique gifts to share, I'm here.

Because there is only one you. And,

You matter!

See you soon friend,
Tiffany

P.S. Breakfast at Tiffany's will have mimosas included tomorrow, I'm going to a Spa! Maybe I'll write about that next time. Until then, be kind to everyone you meet. Okay?