Things To Be Thankful For: #30: Today!

Here it is, the last day of November, and I am struggling to decide just what exactly to be Thankful For.  The start of the holiday season? The chocolate cake I had for breakfast? The iphone that helps me redirect on the highway when I'm stuck in traffic? The fluffy, dog, that gave me kisses this morning? The sweet, boyfriend that always makes me smile?  The friend who encourages me when I'm down? I could keep going, so how could I ever choose just one?  

So, on this beautiful and sunny November 30th, I am going to simply say that I am Thankful For Today.  I am thankful for the here and now, and the knowledge that each day brings a new gift.  I am thankful for the opportunity to learn something new, the opportunity to do something good for the world, the opportunity to apologize for something I've done wrong, and the opportunity to grow.  I am thankful for my beautiful friends, and family, and I am beyond thankful for YOU taking the time to read this blog.  Thank you for making Spreading Sunshine special and for making Today, Shine!

Thank you .

:)

Things To Be Thankful For: #29: Family!

I am truly blessed to be a part of such a loving and wonderful family! Mom, Dad, and Mike, teach me daily, what it means to love others, and how to do it with a whole heart, expecting nothing in return.  They are selfless, compassionate, open minded, and willing to help any one in need.  I am inspired by their strength, and their unending joy.  They all make me laugh and smile, and my heart just overflows with love for them! I am beyond grateful to be loved by these three incredible people!

Things To Be Thankful For: #28: Christmas Trees on The Streets of NYC!

Is that the scent of pine lofting down the streets of New York City? 

Yes! Christmas Tree Vendors have been popping up all over the city and each one makes me beam like a five year old child! One just went up by our local Starbucks and I have to admit that I linger just a little bit longer when I walk by!  I truly cannot get enough of that heartwarming smell and I think I may even have to bring home a little Christmas tree today!

Take a walk around your block to find the Christmas Tree Vendor closest to you!

Things To be Thankful For: # 27: A Murmuration!

Maybe today you are in need of witnessing a little bit of the world's untouched beauty.  Maybe today you need to feel connected to something.  You need to remember that there is meaning to everything, and that everything happens for a reason, even when it doesn't make sense in the present. 

Last week my dad sent me this video, entitled "Murmuration."  I saved it in my inbox for a few days before I finally took the time to open it.  Let me tell you that I wish I had opened it sooner, because I was just floored when I watched the short video.  It was breathtaking.  And not for any real reason, except that it made me remember that we are all a part of something that is truly beautiful.

All you need to know is that a group of  starling flying together is called a murmuration.

Enjoy!   http://vimeo.com/31158841

Things To Be Thankful For: #26: The Meatball Shop!

The Meatball shop is one of my all time favorite restaurants in NYC!  Whether A la cart, in a smash, or on a hero, you won't be disappointed with the flavor of The Meatball Shop's meatballs! Smothered in your choice of fresh cheese and homemade sauce, and accompanied by fresh greens, you simply can't go wrong! Their meatballs are absolutely delicious and come at a very reasonable price!

Just in time for your Holiday Shopping, The Meatball Shop has released their very own cookbook! To check it out, and to uncover which fabulous Meatball Shop location is closest to you, click here: http://www.themeatballshop.com/

Don't forget to order an ice cream cookie sandwich while you're there! Their homemade ice cream between two delicious homemade cookies is just, perfection! My favorite combination? The fresh mint ice cream between a chocolate chip cookie and a peanut butter cookie!

Things To Be Thankful For: #25: The "Leftover Thanksgiving Sanwich!"

Oh that Delicious Thanksgiving leftover sandwich!! I'm talking, layers of turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and gravy, all piled between two tasty pieces of bread! For some, like Ross Geller, it may even include an extra, secret piece of gravy soaked bread, known as the "moist maker!" :)

For a good laugh, check out this episode of "Friends" entitled, "The One With Ross' Sandwich," where Ross goes crazy over his leftover thanksgiving sandwich! Its one of my all time favorite episodes, and I promise it will make you smile at the very least :   

http://www.youtube.com/rossthanksgivingsandwich

Things To Be Thankful For: #24: A Very New York Thanksgiving!

Wishing You and Yours the Happiest of Thanksgivings, from NYC!

Things To Be Thankful For: #23: The New Muppet Movie!

They're Back, and in Theaters Today: November 23, 2011 starring in their new movie "The Muppets."  This loveable cast of classic characters and big name actors are sure to make you laugh and smile!  I hear there are even a few new additions to the team and I cannot wait to find out who they are.  Make sure to check out "The Muppets" this holiday season at a theater near you!

For more information click here: http://www.imdb.com/muppetmovie

Things To Be Thankful For : #22: Feast For All!

Love Thanksgiving AND Cam from Modern Family? Well here's a perfect way to celebrate BOTH!  "Like" the Turkey that Cam (better known as Eric Stonestreet) is holding on facebook, and Pepto-Bismol will donate 8 meals, per "like", this Thanksgiving! What a fun and easy way to give back this holiday season!

To take action click here:  http://www.facebook.com/Feastforall

Things To Be Thankful For: #21: New Year's Eve (the movie)!

If you loved the heart warming and celebrity filled movie, "Valentine's Day"  like I did, then you can't wait for the new flick, "New Year's Eve" either!

According to Warner Brothers: "New Year's Eve" celebrates love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts, in intertwining stories told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year.

The cast includes all star actors like: Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi,  Abigail Breslin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges,Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel,, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer,  Hilary Swank, Sofia Vergara, and... my personal favorites ZAC EFRON and LEA MICHELE!

In Theatres: December 9th! 

Check out Warner Bros for more info: http://newyearsevemovie

Things To Be Thankful For #20: Soup Kitchens!

 

One Thanksgiving, my sweet friend, Caroline and I decided to Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen.  We had heard about the opportunity through our church and signed up the night before, willing to work the early morning shift (6am-10am).  Initially, we were a little bit disappointed that we weren't going to be working at what we thought would be a  "busy" time slot, but when we drove into the parking lot at 5:30 am, people were already lined up around the block waiting for their Thanksgiving Meal.  It was a  powerful  and humbling site to see.  I immediately realized that any time, was the right time to volunteer. 

Caroline and I helped out in the kitchen, chopping veggies and washing lettuce, preparing the Thanksgiving salad. We worked along side, couples, singles, friends, and relatives, but what stood out to me most was the father that was there volunteering with his two children, ages 7 and 8.  I  thought it was amazing to see kids learning at such an early age, just how important it is to give back to others.  I was in awe!

If you have a little time this holiday season, maybe think about volunteering at a local soup kitchen.  I promise that your time will not only change the life of a stranger, but your life as well!

To Volunteer or Donate To the New York Food Bank click here: http://www.foodbanknyc.org/

Things To Be Thankful For: #19: KitchenAid Mixer!

I couldn't be more in love with this glorious machine!  

My KitchenAid Mixer has made baking, and cooking in general, entirely too fun !  Now with attachments like a pasta roller, ice cream maker, citrus juicer, food grinder, fruit and vegetable strainer, and ravioli maker, what more could a chef possibly need!?  Available in 24 different colors, including the pink, "cook for the cure" option which donates money to Susan G. Komen!

Learn More at :http://kitchenaid.com/

Things To Be Thankful For: #18: The Traveler's Gift!

This month at Star 99.1, we've been talking about things to be Thankful For with our listeners.  On Friday, our question of the day asked listeners to call in with what book they were most thankful for. This of course made me wonder which book I was most thankful for.  What book had impacted my life for the better? Well Andy Andrews' book, The Traveler's Gift quickly came to mind.  I have read this book multiple times and it always leaves me feeling uplifted and encouraged!

I don't want to give away the plot, but I will tell you that the main character meets some pretty, incredible historic figures.  Men and women who changed the world as we know it, for the better, but didn't realize their gifts at the time.  -- That really put life into perspective for me.  It helped me to realize that what I do now, may not make a difference immediately, but over time it could be life changing.Wow.

I highly recommend this book! Find out where to pick up a copy, here:   The Traveler's Gift

Things To Be Thankful For: #17: Cupcakes From Magnolia Bakery!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I LOVE CUPCAKES (actually you may not even have to know me that well to know that I love cupcakes)! I simply cannot get enough.  I love the fun colors, happy sprinkles, delicious frosting, and flavorful cake, and better yet, it's all in the palm of your hand! 

I have been so spoiled this past year, to live just blocks, from Magnolia Bakery!  I pass it multiple times a week, and I have to admit that it takes all of the will power I have, not to purchase delicious treats daily.   I have to say that of all of the cupcakes I've ever had, that the vanilla buttercream cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery are my absolute favorite! They are simple, delicious and taste like home. :)

To find the Magnolia Bakery closest to you, click here: http://magnoliabakery.com/

Things To Be Thankful For :#16: Buy One Get One Free at Starbucks!

Now this is definitely something to be Thankful For! Starting TOMORROW, Nov 17- Nov 20, grab a friend and head to Starbucks from 2p-5p for their special Holiday Buy One, Get One Free, Deal! That means tomorrow, you and a friend could each be enjoying a Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Gingerbread Latte, or an Eggnog Latte for the price of 1 beverage!

For More information check out the Starbucks Website: http://merry.starbucks.com/

I think this is a fitting time to say... The More the Merrier! :)

Things To Be Thankful For: #15: A Blanket!

Don't you feel comforted just thinking about a blanket?

Whether its to keep you warm on a chilly night, protect you during a scary movie, or to create a magical playground for a child, a cozy blanket is always a necessity!  Yesterday, while driving home from work, I drove behind a car with a blanket completely covering the back seat.  Now at first, I have to admit, I was a little confused, but no sooner was I confused, then two little heads popped out from behind the blanket laughing and smiling!  Remember those days of making tents and blanket forts and laughing for hours in this new world that you'd invented? What a great time! It made me smile to think of how something so simple could bring so much joy!

Maybe Linus had good reason for carrying that blue blanket around with him all of the time, after all! 

Oh, and here's a fun fact: The blanket was just inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame! Don't believe me? Check it out here: http://www.toyhalloffame.org/

Things To Be Thanful For: #14: National Pickle Day!

Happy National Pickle Day!

How funny is this? Who knew Pickles had their own day to celebrate!? Lucky Them! 

Pickles have been around since 2030 BC providing that extra crunch to your lunch! Although Snookie has given pickles a bad rep, it's said that Cleopatra attributed her beauty to her full diet of pickles, so go ahead, have another!

 For More information check out:  National Pickle Day

Things To Be Thankful For: #13: Gorgeous Grandma!

November 13th, 2011

Happy Birthday to the most beautiful and wonderful, Grandma!  My gorgeous Grandmother, or "G-Ma" as we call her, is without a doubt the most loved and precious member of our family!  She truly has the most loving heart of any one I've ever met, and would give you "the shirt off her back," if you needed it.  G-Ma has taught me the importance of love, joy and laughter, as she is always helping her friends and family, smiling and keeping in good spirits!  She is fun loving and never lets anything get her down, and I admire that so much! I truly am so blessed to be this Grandmother's, granddaughter! 

I love you, G-Ma!

Love,
Betsy Girl

Things To Be Thankful For: #12: Simple Beauty

What a beautiful sight to see! 

This past weekend Mike and I headed out for a jog around 4:30pm, and thanks to day light savings time, we were able to sneak a peak at this incredible sunset.  About 30 minutes before the sun went down, Central park was glowing with hues of green, orange, red, and gold.  The light danced from fall leaf to fall leaf, illuminating the sky, and turning central park into what looked like a gorgeous painting.  At that moment, we didn't think it would be possible to see a more beautiful site, but then the sun began to set! The sky quickly turned from blue to pink and purple, reflecting off of the water and bouncing off of the skyscrapers to create this stunning scene! 

It truly was breathtaking....

Such Simple Beauty.

Things To Be Thankful For: #11: 11-11-11!

 

Happy  Veteran's Day!

It is said that in 1918, on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, the world knew peace!  This historic event of course marked November, 11th as Veterans Day.  Here's a fun fact though, for the first time, this holiday has landed on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – of the eleventh year. That's right, 11-11-11. Pretty Neat!  Take the time to say thank you to a Vet today, or check out one of these organizations to give back to the brave, men and women who fought, to bring you Peace! 

http://www.pickupplease.org/

https://www.uso.org/ 

Things To Be Thankful For: #10: Twin Cousins!

Alright... Twin Cousins don't really exist but I think we could at least pass for sisters!! This Gorgeous Lady is celebrating her Birthday today, and I couldn't be more thankful for her! Allison is the most talented, creative, and fun loving girl you'll ever meet! She is passionate, and is equally as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!  Whether you're in Vegas, California, New Jersey, or at home in New York City, you are always guaranteed to have a good time (and most likely embark on an all night adventure) when Allison is around!

Happy Birthday, Ace! :)

Things To Be Thankful For: #9: Black & White Cookies!

A classic New York Favorite! Can't choose between chocolate and vanilla? Well don't worry, because you don't have to with this delicious treat! Share it with your friend, like my best friend Beth and I do (she gets the chocolate and I take the vanilla) or eat the whole thing yourself! It's a win win situation with this famous, Manhattan Cookie!

Stop by Juniors to get one today:  http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/

Things To Be Thankful For :#8: Friends With Big Hearts!

This photo, of my beautiful friend, Lindsay, and I was taken about a year ago when we were living together in a one bedroom apartment in New York City.   It was taken at a Holiday Party, and it makes me smile to remember the great times and adventures we shared together!  I will never be able to say Thank You, enough, to Lindsay, because she helped me at a time when I needed it most!  She has the most loving heart and has been a huge blessing in my life!

Love you, Lindsala! <3

Things To Be Thankful For: #7: Old School Mac & Cheese!

Hey Friends! You know the kind of Mac & Cheese that I mean, right?  Yeah, you know it!! The Mac & Cheese that comes in the blue box, with that little pouch of glorious cheese powder that you mix in yourself! Oh yes, that deliciously creamy, Mac & Cheese that transports you back to your childhood!  Can't you just imagine sitting at your mom's kitchen table, beaming and drooling, over that gigantic bowl of Mac & Cheese, now?

It makes me smile just to think about!  Yum!

Things To Be Thankful For :#6: The NYC Marathon!

All I have to say to the NYC Marathon Runners is... WOW! These incredible men and women train for months and months, to run this aggressive, 26.2 mile run! They run to accomplish personal goals, to encourage friends and family, but most importantly they run to create awareness for outstanding organizations, like the Christopher Reeve Foundation &  Team Fox to name a few!

Things To Be Thankful For: #5: BRUNCH!

What is better than BRUNCH, really?  

If you ask me, Brunch is the perfect way to celebrate any weekend! You want eggs? You got it! Pancakes smothered in fresh fruit and syrup? No Problem! A Burger that's almost too big to handle? Why not! And who could forget to mention, the endless cups of coffee, delicious mimosas, screw drivers, and bloody marys!

For a great Brunch in the NYC area check out one of my favorites, Isabella's! The line can get long, but it is well worth the wait (especially for the free adult beverage that comes with your entree!): Isabella's Restaurant UWS

Things To Be Thankful For : #4: A Dylan's Candy Bar with a Sprinkles Cupcakes Station Inside!

Happy Friday!!

I don't think it gets any more glorious than this! New York's Famous, Dylan's Candy Bar is teaming up with The Beverly Hills Original, Sprinkles Cupcakes, to bring you a POP UP SHOP! It opens on November 21st, and will be conveniently located on 42nd Street and 6th Avenue, right across from Bryant Park! Get ready to grab yourself a little treat, and think about how SWEET your life is!

Things To Be Thankful For: #3: National Sandwich Day!

Happy National Sandwich Day, Friends!!

Bet you didn't know that there was a whole day made to honor sandwiches! Loos like, it's time to get out your bread, mustard, mayo, miracle whip, turkey, ham, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and anything else you can think of that would suit a sandwich (pretty much anything goes these days)! Enjoy that delicious creation, and don't forget to thank the Earl of Sandwich while you're at it! 

http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-sandwich-day

Things To Be Thankful For: #2: Shoes That Give Back!

Happy Day 2 of a Whole Month of Things To Be Thankful For!

Thanks for coming back! 

A few weeks ago, I posted a ridiculous picture of sparkly pink shoes, on Star99.1's facebook page asking listeners to write in and tell me if they liked them or not.  What I figured was that most people were going to write in and tell me that I was crazy, but what I didn't know was that this post would open my eyes to an incredible company that I was unfamiliar with!  In posting these, over the top, sparkly, shoes, a woman called in to tell me about  TOM'S SHOES that also made pink sparkly shoes!  Now if you've never heard about Tom's shoes, than you're probably rolling your eyes, thinking... okay great, just a new way for Betsy to drool over another pair of pink shoes... but here's where you're wrong! TOM'S SHOES is an amazing company that GIVES a pair of shoes to a child in need, for every pair of shoes that you purchase! Not $0.50 towards shoes, not 20% of the money needed for a pair of shoes, but A WHOLE PAIR OF SHOES!

With the Holidays coming up, what would be better than giving your friends a pair of fun shoes, while also helping a child in need?? Check out Tom's Shoes Here : http://www.toms.com/

And maybe even buy yourself some pink sparkly ones... :)

A Whole Month Of Things To Be Thankful For!

 

Hey Friends, Happy November aka Thanksgiving Month!  

For those of you who know me well, you know that I love the Holidays, and especially Thanksgiving! I love the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the fall weather, the delicious food, the naps, the chance to give back, the opportunity to gather with friends and family, and heck, this year I might even love football! I have to say, however, that most of all, I love that moment when everyone is gathered around the table and each person has the chance to say what they are thankful for!  

I'm not sure if you remember, but last November was when I officially started "Things To Be Thankful For."  I  thought it would be neat to post 1 thing, to be thankful for, every single day, for the month of November, and I am planning to do that again this year!  With Thanksgiving coming up, and the Holidays just around the corner, I couldn't think of a better way to  kick off this season of Thanksgiving and Blessing! I encourage you to keep a list of Things that you are thankful for, and to Stay with me here throughout the month, as we post Things To Be Thankful For!

November 1st, 2011: Things To Be Thankful For : #1: Challenges!

While on the road to achieving your dreams, its safe to say that you may very well encounter a challenge or two.  But I want to remind you that challenges often come when you are closest to reaching your dreams!  They may seem like set backs, but they are there to keep you focused, and to keep you moving forward.  When running up hill, the hardest part comes right before you reach the peak, but as we all know, the view from the top is beautiful.  I want to encourage you to keep pressing on, and to use the challenges that you face, as a springboard to propel you forward, towards you dreams! Today, I ask you to be thankful for your challenges because they only bring you closer to greatness!

Thing To Be Thankful For: NATIONAL COFFEE DAY!

 Hey Friends! It's National Coffee Day, a day that doesn't really need very much of an introduction or an explanation... just a great day to celebrate! Some shops are offering free coffee, while others are offering different buy one, get one free deals!  Make sure to check your local shops for the most updated info- and if you're just sitting at home enjoying this day, go ahead... pour yourself another cup of joe! Enjoy!
 
http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-coffee-day

Thing To Be Thankful For: The First Day Of Fall!

Happy First Day Of Fall, Friends!! 

I personally think the fall is the most GLORIOUS time of the year! The leaves change colors, the temperature cools off bringing a hint of excitement to the air, football games start, sweaters keep you warm and cozy, boots keep your toes warm while also helping you look fashionable, down vests are always appropriate, apple picking and pumpkin picking bring laughter and smiles, Halloween candy hits the stores (this means pumpkin Reese's cups and candy corn!), and lets not forget all of the delicious fall flavors and scents, like apple crisp, pumpkin pie, just picked off of the tree apples, and my all time favorite the pumpkin spice latte! So many exciting things happen in the fall, and it is also the time for new beginnings. School starts, trees shed their leaves, and the autumn months bring an opportunity to start something new! So whatever you're holding on to today, I want to encourage you to let it go, start fresh, and enjoy this beautiful fall!

Thing To Be Thankful For: Quotes That Inspire...

A little over a month ago, my mom sent me this quote from one of her favorite movies, Chocolat, and it just spoke volumes, to me.  Père Henri says: 

"I'm not sure what the theme of my homily today ought to be. Do I want to speak of the miracle of Our Lord's divine transformation? Not really, no. I don't want to talk about His divinity. I'd rather talk about His humanity. I mean, you know, how He lived His life, here on Earth. His kindness, His tolerance... Listen, here's what I think. I think that we can't go around... measuring our goodness by what we don't do. By what we deny ourselves, what we resist, and who we exclude. I think... we've got to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create... and who we include."

I just love that last line, "I think... we've got to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create... and who we include."  In today's day and age, what we do (and by that, I mean our actions), define who we are.  If we aren't embracing life to the fullest, working to creating a better world, and loving those around us, than what are we doing? We have to  life passionately, with our whole hearts, with every chance we get.  And this doesn't have to be a difficult task.  It's just simply taking the time to appreciate the things and the people that are right in front of you, and taking care to make sure that they thrive.  Whether that means making a phone call to someone you haven't spoken to in a long time, changing career paths, inviting a new neighbor out to lunch, spending time with a friend who needs a listening ear, pursuing your passions even though they seem scary, giving a homeless person a cup of coffee, or helping an elderly woman carry her groceries up the stairs, these are the steps we must take to create a life full of goodness.  A life that expresses to others who we are, and exactly what, and who, we are living for.

Thing To Be Thankful For: Peach Snapple!

Thing To Be Thankful For: Peach Snapple!

Today at work, a new shipment of beverages came in, and with it came a 24 pack of Snapple Iced Teas!  Now I don't know if you love the peach flavored Snapple as much as I do, but to me, it reminds me of everything happy in life!  Silly, I know, but just the scent of peach Snapple, takes me back to laughing with my friends in the high school cafeteria, or waiting for dance class at Dance Design; being on a field trip in middle school, sitting on the beach in Malibu , having a picnic down by the river, or even walking down the streets of New York City about to embark on a new adventure.  All and all, it just feels like joy in delicious summertime (or anytime) drink, and today I am thankful for it!

Thing To Be Thankful For: OREOS!

Milk's Favorite Cookie, as they say! The cookie that makes every kid smile,somehow seems to make every adult smile, too!! These sweet treats are delicious at every age and never fail to please! Go grab one... or two... or three... or... well you get the picture! :)

Thankful For: "This Is The Stuff"

Thing To Be Thankful For: June 2nd: Francesca Battistelli's "This Is The Stuff"

Sometimes life gets you down, but it doesn't mean it has to get the best of you!  If you're ever having a bad day, this song will make it better! Most of all remember that you are not alone, and other people know exactly what you're going through!  This song helps to remind me of that, and I hope it helps you too!

My favorite line is "In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I'm blessed!" 

Check out "This Is The Stuff" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqqdA8LHN7I

Beyond Thankful For My Sweet Momma!

This is my sweet, beautiful, wonderful, amazing Momma!  Today we were blessed enough to have lunch together at the Fabulous Plaza Hotel, in New York City, and we had such a nice time!  The food was delicious and the company was even better! My mom is my best friend and someone who has always been there for me.  She has truly taught me what unconditional love is, as she loves me more than anything in this whole world.  I am so lucky to know that and to be able to say that.  She has sacrificed countless hours to help me in any endeavor and she always makes me smile!  I am forever grateful to her and I I only hope that one day I will become half the woman that she is.  My mom is the perfect example of LOVE!  

Thing To Be Thankful For: My Mom! 

Thankful For A weekend Full of Wonderful Friends!

This weekend I had the joy and pleasure of getting to see some of my best friends from high school!! We graduated 8 years ago, and its just incredible to think about how we've all kept in contact over the years, and how when we're together its like absolutely no time has passed at all.  These people are pure joy in human beings! They inspire me, teach me how to live life and most importantly how to love those around me every day! 

This is a picture of all of us from 2003:

And here are some pictures of the glorious faces I got to see this weekend:

This is Evan aka RIFF.  We were in West Side Story together when we were seniors.  Evan is one of the most loving, talented, and creative people you will ever meet.  He is going to save the world, one day!

And this is Kevin aka Tony (also from West side story) : He is now an Opera singer and I couldn't be more proud!


Here are Michelle, Laura, and Jess:  This picture was actually taken a few summers ago when we all went to Boston to visit Laura! They are all such beautiful and talented women and I am so blessed to have them in my life!

 Last but definitely not the least...

Here are Steve and Mike: My Fake Brothers! We went to Pre School Together, and we've been best friends since we were three years old!  I know I drive these two crazy but somehow they manage to love me anyway!  I don't know what I'd do with out either of them!



"You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (John 13:7)

About two weeks ago I was given this incredible opportunity to start at a christian radio station, Star99.1 FM!  I was so thrilled to start, but also overwhelmed, as I had already taken on three jobs, and this was to be the fourth.  Then came the questions: How will I get from NYC to where the radio station is?  Where will I park my car at night?  How will I pay for gas and tolls?  But, a radio job is what I had been searching for ever since I moved back to New York in 2009, and the possibility to work for a christian radio station, and serve people and God, couldn't have been more perfect... so I hoped and prayed that God would provide for me, and I said "YES!"

My normal schedule was to be on Saturdays from 10a- 3p, and Sundays from 12p-4p.  However, this week they asked me to fill in from 7pm-10pm...and work my normal weekend shift. I was so excited to have more hours, but also a little bit worried about how I was going to balance out all of my jobs.  So, I took a deep breath and I called out of my restaurant job, I called out of my job doing promotions, and I asked my office if I could leave a little bit early every day to make the hour and a half drive to the radio station- haha!  And somehow, by the grace of God, all of my employers were extremely generous, and even beyond that, excited to help me fill in these extra shifts at the radio station!

Monday came, and so began my new schedule... office from 9:30a-4:00p, take a subway to the west side, pick up my car, drive from nyc to the radio station, work at the radio station from 7:00p- 10:00p, and then drive back to nyc and find parking! wow.... you'd better believe that by Tuesday morning I was already wondering how I was going to make it through the week.  But then something funny happened....

Last night while I was at the radio station I came across this quote in my daily devotional book, and I read it to the listeners:  " You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (John 13:7)  

I just sat back, kind of floored for a minute.  I had been so consumed and worried about making it through this week, and then I read that verse.  I thought about how incredible it was, and how true.  The passage went on to give an example of the type set to a typewriter.  About how, when we look at the type set to a typewriter, the letters are all backwards and they don't seem to make any sense... however after they are printed on a page, they make perfect, and wonderful sense! And so maybe that's how our lives are.  Maybe... some things happen in our lives, and they are tough, and we struggle through them, and we wonder how we are going to keep going, and if these things are making a difference in our lives, or the lives of the people around us.  But as these events unfold, and as we keep pressing on and walking forward, with our heads held high, this beautiful story unfolds behind us.... And one day, when we look back... it will all make perfect sense!

So for today, I leave you with the same quote... and I hope it makes you smile when you think about your life.  No matter what stage of life you are in, or what sort of struggles you are going through... one day, you will look back and realize that it all made sense!

"You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (John 13:7)

I tip my hat to professional bloggers...

So yesterday I was very excited about my glorious commute to work, and how smoothly it all went, and I wrote, what I thought was a lovely entry about it, and included a trifold "Thing To Be Thankful For," and I was quite proud.  And then this morning I came on to write my third "Thing To Be Thankful For" for the week... and I was very humbled.  I realized that yesterday's entry had somehow been deleted or maybe never even posted at all.  Sigh... haha I think I have some work to do, to get this whole "blogging thing" down.

But all of that to say, my "Thing To Be Thankful for" is people that are successful bloggers!  I am so impressed at the dedication people have to their blogging and the incredible new blogs that they come up with each and every day or week!  It's going to take me a while to work  up to that, but in the mean time I am very lucky to have GREAT bloggers to look up to!

Thing To Be Thankful For: Friday, May 13: Successful Bloggers

1. Mike's sister, Julia, whom I finally had the pleasure of meeting! She lives in Seattle, and writes a great blog about her adventures in the world of acting.  Anyone who's ever had to audition for anything will appreciate her fun blog :
 http://shesabadactress.blogspot.com/

2. My friend Katherine, who is the most fantastic photographer in New York City.  She has written this beautiful blog with posts of some of her most recent photos, and they are sure to make you smile:
http://www.katherinemilesjones.com/?p=659

3. My cousin, Allison, writes this amazing blog about food, how to make it, and where to eat it! She is always on top of the biggest food crazes, and has the best cooking tips!  Warning: this blog will make you hungry! =)  :
http://spaghettibettyblog.wordpress.com/

4. Hyperbole and  Half: Okay, so I don't actually know this person, but her blog makes me laugh hysterically at my desk, day after day, and I couldn't ask for anything more than that!  If you need a good laugh, be sure to check this out:
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/10/god-of-cake.html

A Beautiful Morning Commute!

First of all can I just say, wow.  What a joy and a blessing it is to be back and finding all sorts of things to be thankful for!  I am so glad to be doing this again!

As some of you may know, I live in New York City.  And while, New York City, is one of the greatest cities in the world, it is not necessarily one of the easiest cities to live in.  There are days you wake up, and your morning bus doesn’t show up, the subway doesn’t run, the atm eats your pay check, your ipod dies in the middle of your favorite song, you spill your coffee all over yourself, you trip in the middle of the sidewalk, a cab drives too close to a pot hole and sprays muddy water all over you, or maybe you even step off of the sidewalk and into a puddle that looked like it should have been about an inch deep, but actually turned out to be about a foot deep- haha (oh yes, all of those have happened to me)-- SO... all of this to say, that New York City can definitely get you down.  HOWEVER, after starting this blog again, I am so excited to post my "Thing To Be Thankful For" each day, that I now see things to be thankful for EVERYWHERE!  Maybe it's just because it's a sunny day, and I started off my morning with a cup of coffee... but somehow I think it's something more than that. It's sort of amazing how spreading joy, brings joy.  And, as a result of that, today, my "Thing To Be Thankful For" is trifold! Woah.

Thing To Be Thankful For: Thursday May 12th: A Beautiful Morning Commute!

1. A Bus that shows up on time!

2. An Ipod that plays all of your favorite songs in a row, without you having to skip songs! 

3. After such a long cold winter,... a BEAUTIFUL, SUNNY, New York, Day!

Good Morning World! I'm Back!

Good Morning World!

I'M BACK!

As some of you know, back in November, I posted a series of pictures on my facebook wall (and some on Spreading Sunshine too) for "Things To Be Thankful For."  I thought it was perfectly fitting for the month of Thanksgiving to list 30 things to be thankful for (1 thing each day).  I posted pictures of friends, of family, of pets, of cupcakes, of coffee, and all of the big and little things that make me smile each day.  It was such a joy! However once I reached the end of November, I thought, 'I did it, I listed 30 things to be thankful for all month long, wow! Now I can take a break.' At the time I was living with a friend, and working two jobs full time, so it was a feat in and of itself to just find the time to post each day.  


But after a few days went by... something strange inside me happened... I missed taking note of all of the things that I was thankful for!  I missed tagging photos of my family, or friends and watching as they would post their comments about the joy and happiness toward the specific memory or item, too!


So what have I decided to do!? Use Spreading Sunshine as my way to continue on with "Things To Be Thankful For!" I'm embarrassed to say that it has taken me SO long to come to this realization... BUT, here I am and beyond eager, to share "Things To Be Thankful For" again with you!


Thanks for bearing with me! I hope your day is blessed by reading this!

THING TO BE THANKFUL FOR: Wednesday May 11th 

A Bright Sunny Day and Coffee in my Heidelberg, Starbucks Mug!