Thanks to You Mom and Dad <3

I've been thinking lately about a few different things and with it being so close to the holidays I really wanted to focus on how grateful I am for the many amazing people I have in my life. Those who are always there no matter what, those who are kind and uplifting and even though some of us may have had problems with each other in the past, it's behind us now and we are here to learn to forgive and forget the bad and hold on to the beauty we have in our lives.

God does not judge therefore, what gives us the right to do so? He is kind, gentle and nonjudgmental. "Sure, we are all judgmental in one way or another, but all of our judgments are superficial, based on appearance and actions, things easily interpreted by whatever state of mind or prejudice supported the need to exalt ourselves, to feel safe, or to belong." Everyone is going to judge people, that's life, but you have the opportunity to realize when you are doing it and change that.

I've been confused with those who hold grudges and live in the past, only because I recently had the "joy" of experiencing what it was like to be treated with complete disrespect as a result of someone else's actions and honestly, I am happy and truly thankful for this experience, to see how I dealt with it. To communicate with them how I felt in a kind way. Explaining to them that what they did was hurtful and nonsensical. I have never in my life felt so incredibly small, hurt and uncomfortable. But I feel like I dealt with it in an appropriate manner. I still talk to both of them even though I choose not to surround myself with their company because of the negative energy I feel from them when I am around them, but I am still kind to them when I run into them at work or outside of work, because I want to be not because I feel like I have to be.

The point I'm really trying to get across is that we all have already been forgiven for the things we do in life that we are not proud of, and He made that possible, so why do we still judge those who have "wronged or hurt us in the past?" I say, express how you feel and let it go. It's time for something new in our lives, but before that can happen we all need to learn how to let go and strive for something greater in our lives. Find what makes you happy, open your heart and let go of everything that's holding you back from really enjoying your life and seeing the beautiful things. Forgive those you feel have wronged you and if you have the relationship with them to forgive them in person, do it. If you are no longer close to them, they are not in your life for a reason, forgive them, take a deep breath and let it all go.

Doing exactly this has helped me so much with what I have gone through, this past year and also what I went through when I was younger. Growing up was hard in many ways for me, but I was lucky to have such a wonderful mother standing strong and keeping me strong and having such a wonderful father in my life now more than makes up for everything my family's dealt with in the past.

Thank you for being there, thank you for striving to give us a better life and for showing us the beautiful things life has to offer! I love you all so much :) xoxo

Holiday's coming up..

I haven't blogged in a long time, probably because Facebook has taken over the world and now that mom and dad are on it there's really no reason to keep up a blog anymore except to maybe keep it as a sort of journal that everyone can read ha ha. I was reminded about my blog by someone yesterday and thought I should probably update a little.

I've been sick in bed for the past few days as you all probably know by now, so I've had a bit of time on my hands. However, today I'm going out no matter what, lol. I'm having dinner tonight with my friend Jess at the Border Grill for happy hour ha ha (funny cause I'm not drinking) and then we are going ice skating, perfect for someone who's trying to get over the flu right!? ;) I haven't been ice skating in years so it should be fun, I'm excited. Like a little kid.

I have had a touch of the holiday blues lately with the Christmas coming at us head on. I can't believe it's Christmas again. Seems like just yesterday, but I feel like I am in a much better place than I was last year at this time. Well, I know that I am and I'm so thankful to be where I am at now. Since last Christmas I've shed a few "lbs" and by that I don't mean weight, but some people in my life who were not the kind that I would normally invite along for the ride. I learned a lot about listening to my intuition and a lot about learning to take care of myself, stand up for myself and to not settle for anything less than the things and people I want in my life. So for that I am very grateful :)

Speaking of not settling, I recently posted a status update on Facebook stating that, "I don't like the fact that I get disappointed so easily, any ideas on how to change that?" I was incredibly surprised to find that most of the advice from people was to either a.) lower my expectations or b.) lower my standards?? WHAT??? Really? I found their advice to be really upsetting. I almost felt an anger towards them for even thinking that would be a good resolve. I wasn't quite sure how to take it, so I decided to just ignore it. Then Jessica came to the rescue with this advice... "Love everyone's advice on this! I can only say you DON'T need to lower your standards, Keep putting good energy and love into every high expectation you have and trust that it is happening. Ariel is right, all the little disappointments that happen are just the stepping stones to reach your high expectations. Your still a young bird like me lil' Aim, everything will come together just keep your focus on what you want out of life, all the stuff that isn't important will disappear when it doesn't work for you any more, if your willing to let it go ;)"

Honestly, how smart is this girl!? She is definitely an old soul and I love her for it. I'm so glad she said it..I really hope everyone who replied that way read Jessica's and Ariel's comments. Thank you girls!! Love you lots!

So back to what I was saying earlier. I've made so many great friends this year and I'm so happy to have them all in my life. And now I'm thinking about moving to San Diego in February, so I'm going to have to start all over again in the friend department, but I'm okay with that. I will miss everyone, but I think I'm ready for something new...Whatever that may be...I guess this is my adventurous (Sagittarius) side coming out. I'm excited about it, but I will sure miss it here. Since I moved to this area, I've fallen in love with it! Dating here is, well I'll just say it's silly and I'm over it. I don't feel like anyone is really all the serious about it and I'm 26 this year!! I don't have time for games lol. Don't take that as me ready to get married or anything, but I would like to start a family by the time I'm at least 30, so 4 years to play, I think that works out perfectly. Right? Anyway, I would love to find a career in San Diego and I guess explore my options there. We'll see where it goes. My heart's not completely set on anything specific, but that's sounds about right to me at the moment :)

I'm having a hard time with Christmas this year...it's been 3 years since we've all been together for Christmas and I think it's about time that we pull it together and make sure that next year we have a real traditional Christmas like we used to have. I think it's important that we do and think we should all buy our plane tickets home now for next year lol. I'm so serious! Maybe we could spend it in Sun Valley, that would be so fun! Anyway let's work on that kids! Love you all so much! :)

I love my daddy!

It's Father's Day on Sunday so I wanted to dedicate this one to my amazing Dad.

Daddy,

I am so happy that you came into my life when you did. I feel that it is so important for a young girl to have a Father in her life early on. Someone to look up to. A Father's presence is critical when growing up for a woman. When you met mom, you kicked it in to super-dad mode and threw your whole self into being our dad. I know you knew we never had a daddy and you became one for us so quickly and you gave us everything you had...you taught us in just a few years what some Father's never get to teach their children and for that I am so very grateful!! :)

(First, I want to be sure that everyone knows that, my mom is so amazing and because of her determination and strength we have lived through some pretty rough years and she was and always has been so good to us. She is amazing and I don't know how she did it alone!!)

Before you married mom, I was so confused about what I was supposed to be doing in life. I was in high school. My grades were...well...not the best and I didn't really have the passion to do much of anything. I was uninterested with life and wanted just the norm. Which is fine but without passion in your life...there is not much. Mom was working so hard just to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table, working 12 hour days, yet somehow she managed to teach us so many amazing things, but we were constantly in "survival mode, whatever we can do to JUST make it." When you came into our lives, you helped us to understand that there is more to life than "just making it." You taught us that we had the potential of taking on the world and you pushed us to become more than we were! We are still working on this every day, however we would not be where we are today, we would not have had the experiences that we have had and we would not have the love and support of TWO amazing parents if it had not been for you.

There was a missing link before you married mom...You completed us :) I knew from the first time mom said she was going to marry you...(BEFORE YOU EVER DATED)...that you were going to be around for a long time! I am so happy that you are apart of us. Thank you for loving us, thank you for taking such good care of our mother (who like you) deserves the best of everything, thank you for encouraging us to risk, achieve, dare and most importantly love wholeheartedly as you do with us and with everyone who comes into your life.

You have shown me what it is in a man that I want someday. Someone who loves, cares and generously gives all of who they are, just as you do. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. Thank you for teaching us, making us laugh and showing us what it's like to know we can have everything! We are all so lucky to have you.

I also wanted to thank Scott, Kristi and Lisa for sharing their wonderful daddy with us. We are so lucky to have you all in our lives :) and Sandra darling too, of course!!!

I love you dad! I miss you and will always be so grateful to you for the love you have shown us is possible :)

Thank you :)

xoxo!!

Happy Father's Day!!

More Updates :)

Just wanted to quickly update everyone on what's been going on with us lately...

Tiffany has been working and wrapping up her finals at school!! Yay, she stays busy and I never see she or Jessica anymore. We all keep pretty occupied most of the time. We all have different schedules so I'm sure that doesn't help too much :( But we were able to get together for dinner at Dina and Scott's new place the other night, which was fun!! I love my sisters!

I'm not quite sure what Jessica has been up to lately, but I do know that she has been cigarette-free for over a month now!!! So exited for her! CONGRATS JESS!! We knew you could do it! :) Now come home we miss you!

I have been working, playing and starting a new website, I'll give you the link once it is finished! No details as of now...It's kind of a surprise so you'll hear about it later, when it's up and running :) I've been spending most of my time with my very good friends Cristina and Elsie. They are such amazing girls and I'm so lucky that they came into my life when they did. Someone must have known how much I needed them. They are such awesome girls!!

Elsie and I at 1912 in the Beverly Hills Hotel

Cristina, Elsie and .....ME ;)

2 of the cutest girls I've ever met!! :)

Love you guys! Hope all is well with everyone! xoxo

<3 Ima Loving you <3

I have such a beautiful mother <3

Being that it's Mother's Day on Sunday, I wanted to blog today about my cute mama!

She has always been my number one support system and now with my daddy, I never have to worry about much. My mom has been so good to me. She is always there making sure that I am standing tall even when I feel the smallest. I have been through so much in the past two years and she's been there with me through all of it, guiding me and leading me in the right direction. She calms me when I don't know how to stop the tears myself. She has always helped me to make the right decision in anything I do. She is so loving and wonderful. Everyone who knows her ALWAYS tell me that she is the most amazing woman they have ever met. She is so beautiful, kind, gentle, angelic, non judgmental, supportive and will always give 110% no matter what it is she is doing or for whom she is doing it. She loves us all so much, she loves her husband's children with all her heart. She's always talking about how they are doing, what they are up to and how grateful she is to have them in her life as does my daddy. She loves her husband and her beautiful new grandchildren. She always has so many cute stories to share about all of them. She always makes it a point to see and point out the good in everyone no matter who it is. I have learned so much from her...

I remember when I worked with she and Dad, I was having a hard time with some of the staff. I was becoming exasperated with some of the guys who were demanding and at times rude, therefore, I started resenting them and the time I spent there. I remember one time in particular, I was almost in tears not knowing how to handle a situation. She sat me down and asked, "What's going on." I told her everything that was bothering me. When I was done venting, she calmly told me to think about all the people with whom I was frustrated and then to think about what they are going through in their lives. She told me that we have no idea what they are dealing with (illness, death in the family, problems in their marriage/divorce, etc...) and then she told me to literally look at them and see myself. She told me that the individuals we meet and see everyday are ourselves in a completely different situation and they are trying to deal with their problems the best way that they know how with the tools that they have been given.

Ever since that day, my relationship with my family, friends and those I meet everyday has been completely different. It is easy to judge, but when you genuinely look at others and see yourself, how can you ever think you would be different than they are or handle things differently. They are doing the best they can with what they know...Just as you and I are.

After I spoke with her about this, working with my parents became easy. The guys noticed a change in energy with me and their attitudes changed towards me. I loved going into work for the first time. When I moved to Los Angeles, I could honestly say that I was going to miss everyone. I hugged them all and I truly felt love for each and every one of them. I thank God every day for this knowledge my mother has given me. I look at people and smile now. I know it's easy to judge, but since my mom talked to me that day, I have seen people in a different light. My life and relationships have been forever changed for the better because of one thing she said to me. This is one example of the kind of person she is and how she deals with every aspect of her life.

Thank you mama for being so good to our family, for never giving up on us, for loving us no matter what, for your support and love through everything we are going through, for showing us how to take the high road, for giving everyone a chance, for the love you share with those you meet everyday, for being an example to us and to so many who look up to you, for showing us that it is okay to be wrong, sad and frustrated, but for also showing us that life is beautiful and things will always work out. Thank you for taking care of your family, grandma, grandpa and daddy. Thank you for putting your foot down even though I know it was so hard for you, for being strong and taking the video games away when we played too much ha ha!! Thank you for never giving up on us even though I know we had so many hard times. Thank you for the hard times for they keep us grounded to this day. Thank you for keeping us fed, keeping a roof over our heads and for giving up the things you needed so that we wouldn't go without. Thank you for helping us think and grow wisely. Thank you for teaching us such wonderful morals and values. Thank you for teaching us to respect our bodies and ourselves. Thank you for teaching us that having no friends is better than having a "friend." Thank you for everything, but most of all thank you for loving us and ALWAYS being there no matter what!! :)

We will love you forever mama...

Updates... :)

I love living in Los Angeles.  However, Hollywood is probably the last place I want to be.  Wynn, his girlfriend Tiffany and her daughter Morgan are moving to Santa Monica soon and I want to be out there to visit more often...so why not move there!?!?  Well I'm working on it.  I'm so excited. the people there are so much more different than here and there are so many things to do.  I have some great friends who live there and I'll be closer to the beach!  Yay!  Can't argue with that, seriously!  

I went out with my friend Elsie last night.  We went to a night club called H Wood  and over to Bordeaux after because we got bored, lol.  Prince was there ha ha.  He was walking with a cane...is he that old?  ha ha, just kidding, but really.  I haven't hung out in Hollywood a ton lately aside from my usual spots (Birds, Jones, etc...) but dragging Elsie over to the East side and going to these clubs not only reassured me that I want to be in Santa Monica, but it also "cemented" my feelings about night clubs...I don't like them.  The people are all the same here, they are all "too cool for school" and it's such a turn off, I usually find myself on the dance floor imitating everyone's "sweet" moves lol.  NO MORE CLUBS!!  It's so funny here.  Everyone is trying to be so different in their style and with their "personalities," or lack thereof,  they all end up looking and acting the same.  Whateva....who am I to judge?  I'm just excited to get out of here!  :)

Jessy is quitting smoking!!  So excited for her even though I know it's hell the first couple of weeks, not for me, but for her.  I would so much rather put up with an angry Jessica now than wait until she's older and see her going through hell because of those dang cigarettes...I love you Jessy!  You can do it!!  You're a strong girl, one of the strongest I know! We know you can do it!!

Tiffany is contemplating moving to Nashville!  Would be awesome, but I would miss her.  We'll see what happens.  She's been so busy lately with work and school I can't tell you what she's decided yet, but I think she'll miss me too much too lol ;)  Whatever she's chooses I'll support her and hope she does what's in her heart.  Only she knows what is right for her.

Work is going well for me...Mandy Moore was at one of my tables last week...she's adorable, very sweet, just as you'd think she was.  LeAnn Rhimes is totally full of herself.  I'd have to say Ben Affleck is my favorite customer ever! ;)  He's adorable ladies!!

Looks like rain today!!  It's been so hot lately I think it'll be nice to take a break from the sun for a bit!!  Hope you are all doing well!  I love you guys and miss you all tons!  I'll have some pictures up soon.  My USB cable is messed up and won't go into my camera :(  

Hugs and kisses!  Love you all!!

Don't Worry...Be Happy

Lately I have been thinking about why we all worry so much.  I am lucky to be one that (in the past) hasn't had to worry too often about anything.  I am just not a worrisome person.  But recently I have been overwhelmed with worry in many ways. 

While it is important that I find a little more work (so I don't possess the need to rely on others) I have recently found myself frantically consumed in hows and what ifs with  my relationships with my family and friends.  Worrying, for me,  has only encouraged the feeling of self pity and quite frankly it does nothing but create anger, frustration and helplessness in my quest through life and in my relationships with those who are closest to me.

I have a select few around me who have had family/friends pass away or they have been introduced to a new and difficult way of life due to their own personal difficulties.  I can't help but feel incredible sadness for them and I think that if I were in the same position, worry would be my number one default.  Worry is a cancer.  It spreads through every fiber of your being and creates tensity throughout, not only your body but moves through those around you.  They can feel it, they may not know it or know exactly what it is, but that energy moves throughout everyone.  The "worry cancer" expands through everyone you come in contact with and anyone you think about including yourself.  

We are all so worried about what is happening in our own lives and about how we are going to get from day to day that we forget about those around us.  Those who, in a sense, "carry" us.  Those who stand by us no matter what and help keep us going.  What are they worried about?  What can you do for them?  Try to put your worries and sadness aside for a little while and think about how you can be of service to someone else.  The smallest gesture to another offers the greatest rewards.  

What about your family and friends.  Call them and tell them you love them as often as you can.  You never know what tomorrow will bring.  I believe too often we regret the things we've said or something we did or didn't do, and we don't get the chance to make up for it.  What would you do today if you knew the ones you loved wouldn't be here tomorrow...  Your problems don't seem so bad when you truly think about that...

"Worry never robs tomorrow of it's sorry it only saps today of its joy." ~Leo Buscaglia

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet." ~James Openheim