Saying Goodbye to July and Old Fashion Handwriting

I cannot believe it’s going to be August tomorrow! Where did July go? Where is this year going?? My July went by in a blink of an eye- I swear it was the 4th of July last week! It doesn't help that I spent almost 2 weeks in the hospital!! (More on that later) I always like to start my month out with a list of "goals" that I would like to accomplish that month. I was so busy, I didn't even have time to make one for July- EEK! That is the one thing I would like to accomplish tonight- a Goal list for August.

I know I've heard in the news for the past year or so, that handwriting- cursive, script- won't be taught in schools anymore. It absolutely boggles my mind that children won't have any idea how to sign their names. I know my handwriting is something to be desired most days but at least I know how to sign my name properly. As I've grown up, my print and cursive have combined into this print cursive hybrid but geeze! This article really got me thinking... Will the younger generations know how to sign their names? 

Bring Back Handwriting

This was an interesting article I read; I am such a big supporter of handwriting. I usually hand write everything and then type it out if i need to. I always feel that actually writing things down or working things out the “old way” on paper with a pen or pencil always feels more organic I helps me retain the knowledge and helps me retain more information.. Does any one else feel this way?

Since we are on the subject of handwriting, I am on the hunt for a new planner. I decided earlier in the year that i was only going to use a little pocket calender. That has been working fine for me.  I also have a notebook that serves as a catchall for notes/ideas/messages/doodles. I am toying around with the idea of a all in one planner but i have such reservations. I am so picky with my planner and what I would like in it. I don't need meal planning pages and cleaning schedules. I would like just a large calender, an area to write notes and it to be portable.I know it sounds simple but its so hard to find.

As I am trying to get back into blogging, I made a plan first using paper and pen to actually plan and layout what I want this to be. I thought it was interesting that Emily Ley  posted on Instagram her process for the Simplified Planner planning and it started with white oak tag and sharpies. She laid everything out on paper before she dove into the computer/ technology pool. I wonder if there is a certain personality trait or if its just a learned habit to start the "old fashion way" first.

I hope to post more regularly in the coming weeks. My life has gotten pretty crazy in the past few months and I hope this blog will keep me accountable and able to keep some normalcy in my life.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Look up to the night sky to see the Blue Moon then indulge in a Blue Moon to celebrate (( Only if you are of legal drinking age!!))

xx, Gabrielle

  ((all photos in this post are my own))

Beginning again

July 2015. 

I'm back again. Ive had such a turbulent year and it doesn't seem to be getting better. I have to stay positive and not stress over every little thing. After an eleven day hospital stay (I did say I wanted a vacation but not a vacation like that!)  I have one answer and lots of unanswered questions. I feel as if my body is against me. I have a lot to be thankful but I can be sad because of everything that has been happening. I know things can be worse.

I am thankful for my parents support and information they provide me.

I wish I had a close friend to vent to. Mama and daddy hear everything but sometimes I need to tell someone else.

I hope I can have a good night sleep and a good day tomorrow.

-Gabrielle

Game Night

My parents and i started playing games after dinner once or twice a week. We always eat dinner together- mama always makes something yummy and healthy. Tonight was turkey breast from the German Butcher Shop (yes! that is what its called!!) and a sweet potato.
After dinner I dug out of my closet, Clue, Disney Trivia and Picture Picture. We ended up playing a round of Clue (Daddy won $10!!) ((we also play for money too!) and We ended up playing multiple rounds of Picture Picture. Apparently there is no trace of this game on line. I ABSOLUTELY  love this game because you have to be creative and quick and very observant. The gist of this game is there are 50 photos that a person chooses from and places it in the holder. Everyone has 90 seconds to write down what they find in the photo on a little slip of paper with the letters A to Z on it. ( Only one word per letter) After 90 seconds you compare answers to see what everyone else got. If someone else wrote down the same word as you, neither of you get a point. (If three people are playing, and two write down Apple and one writes down Avalanche, only the third person gets a point)
I am a super observant person and I really enjoyed this game as a kid and I think I even enjoy it more now.
I really enjoy spending time with my parents, playing silly board games. Daddy always thinks mama and I are plotting against him so we win.

off to plan something super secret.

xx, gabrielle

the first day of the new year...

Beginnings are scary: the start of a new relationship; the first day of school; the first day of a new job; the first day in a new city... Beginnings are a way to start fresh, start new, forget what happened in the past and be something else. The first day of a new year is a great beginning- you can ((finally)) close the door on the previous year; you have the good memories, the lessons learned all tucked away in your memory. January 1st is the beginning of something new. If you want to change something, you can; if you want to start doing something new, you can. The possibilities are limitless.

How I spent the very first day of 2015, you ask?

In my pajamas, sitting on the couch, playing mindless games on my phone, reading and just relaxing; something I don't always get to do. My parents took it easy today- my mom watched some of the honeymooners marathon and daddy watched NCIS. We ate dinner as we always do as a family and we quietly welcomed the new year with open arms.

In case you were wondering, I kept on dreaming right into the new year last night.... I fell asleep watching Cutthroat Kitchen. HA. I am getting old.

As I settle down for more relaxing, I leave you with this photo from last New Year's Eve with my parents.

xx, gabrielle

New Years Eve

HAPPY 2015!

I am hopeful for this year.

My goals/resolutions are simple
1. be healthy
2. be happy
3. do good

I am not asking for a lot, you see.

Be safe for all who are heading out and I am very content sitting home tonight, snacking in my champagne bottle pajamas.

Blessings for all to have a splenderous new years start.


-Gabrielle

Begin Again.....

Its September 1st. The unofficial close of the summer. This was the summer that wasn't. I didn't get to the beach, a baseball game, a carnival, a special event. I didn't see fireworks, the city nor explore Atlantic city. It was a sad excuse for the summer.

I was diagnosed with Chrons Disease, a chronic disease that affects my GI tract. [I sure do win the great diseases, let me tell you. ] I spent the summer trying to figure out that I really wasn't crazy and I was really sick. After fainting for the third time, I KNEW I needed to see a doctor. Dr. B has been great and he has been right about what he thinks is going on with me. It is very frustrating.

I feel that I need to change some things in my life. Its not like I am doing terrible things but this diagnosis has opened my eyes. I need to start doing things that make me happy; make me less stressed and enjoy life. I know this is not life ending but to me, I need to start really living life.

Earlier in the year, I was a bump on the log all I was doing was working. I wasn't happy. I started painting in the spring and that slowly started to make me happier. I took up yoga for a short time before my anemia and chrons started acting up. I was sleeping so much because my iron count was SO LOW. My social life was almost non existant, a went on a few dates but nothing was real- there was no spark. I want a spark- is that so hard to get?! Apparently!

Its September, fall is starting and I have a new outlook on life so I am beginning again, again.

I want to come back to this blog, I missed you. It keeps me accountable, and it lets me document life, since I am not taking photos of my everyday life.

I have no idea who reads this- (Hi everyone! nice to meet ya!) but whoever you are, thanks!

Let me officially start this off by introducting myself and giving you a sneak peak into my life:

Name: Gabrielle or Elle for short
Location: the beautiful Jersey Shore (yes where Jersey Shore was filmed but I am nothing like them!)
Occupation: Paralegal and Hostess
Age: 26.7
Likes: Bright colors, creativity, people watching, the local summer, family, memories, photos, and reading, to do lists, productivity, organization and home décor.
Dislikes: liars, smokers, fake people, unorganized people and drugs.
Hobbies: painting, people watching, golf, reading, relaxing.

I am excited to start writing again and I am excited to have you along for the ride.

Have a great night.
-Elle

Taking stock///April

Making : a to do list to really complete this month
Cooking : cupcakes, whatelse?!
 Drinking : lots and lots of H2O
Reading: Lone Survivor
Wanting: Guidance, More Time, More Energy
Looking: for the “money tree” everyone seems to have found already
Playing: hid and seek with the world
Wasting: time not completing my todo list
Wishing: to find a part time job
Enjoying: this sunshine after so much rain.
Waiting: for the real spring to arrive
Liking: whats going on in my life right now
Wondering: where my prince charming is?
Loving: all my Easter decorations
Hoping: that this nice weather will stay
Marvelling: at the craziness of the human body and what it can do
Needing: someone to help me organize my bills and papers
Smelling: the roses!
Wearing: my favorite colors today- tiffany blue, navy and nude
Noticing: how my hair is just not cooperating with me anymore
Knowing: that I am content and unsettled at the same time
Thinking: about money, life, and lunch (its 9:01am )
Bookmarking: Organization tips and DIY tips on house repairs
Opening: a new chapter of my life (it’s a new month)
Giggling: at what I overheard in the office
Feeling: happy, content and unsettled at the same time (is that possible?!)