Simply Put...

First off, I love Washington. What a beautiful state and Seattle...well that is a city I could absolutely fall in love with.

I had so much fun with Bear this weekend. From the moment I saw him in the airport, I knew I was right where I needed to be. From the sunflower he bought me...which by the way are my most absolute favorite flower, to the gluten free chocolate cake he had waiting for me back at his place,  the weekend was off to an amazing start.

I tried to soak up every moment I possibly could with him and live very much in the present, because I knew that as soon as I returned home, my mind would wander to him. And as such, I wanted to think back to this incredible weekend.

I think what I like most about Bear, is his complete honesty. And after this weekend, I've come to realize that he is going to be in my life for a very long time. He's the type of person you want by your side, the type of person who you are proud to call a friend.

Simply put, he's my Bear.

Best Part...

Tomorrow I am off for a new adventure.

I treasure these moments of my life. Excitement, uncertainty, all emotions that make me grow.

I love knowing that by the end of this weekend, I will have learned something new about myself.

And of course I can't wait to see Bear. Ya...that will be the best part.

Smitten...

So one week from today I'll be going to Washington to visit Bear.

I joke that after this weekend we'll see if he still likes me, but part of me is worried.

Worried because we had an amazing weekend together, but who knows maybe I'm not going to be the person he remembers me to be.

That's the thing about getting to know someone and liking someone. There are many doubts. I try to not let them creep into my head, but unfortunately sometimes I find they've already nestled their way in there.

It's a little terrifying to like someone and to wonder what it is they really think about you. So that's where I am...completely smitten with Bear, and sort of trying to figure out what it is he thinks about me.

Of course, it would be much better if I just stopped thinking and just enjoyed every moment.

Most Likely Me...

There's something about dancing that makes me so incredibly happy. My two sisters are unbelievable dancers.

Many years ago, I had taken a class with my older sister and I didn't have my contacts in. We were wearing identical outfits...yes even at 16 and 18. When I looked in the mirror I found myself in awe of how well I was dancing. And I began to dance harder than before. And every time I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I was amazed at how awesome I was...turns out I was looking at my sister.

I can only imagine what I looked like, but it taught me a great lesson...don't hold back. Especially when it comes to dancing. 

And so, whenever I feel stressed or anxious, I tend to bust out some moves. It really makes me slow down in life and enjoy the moment.

You'll often find me dancing at work...and not just a little jig here and there, but full out dancing.

You'll also most likely find me to be the first on a dance floor if there so happens to be one where I'm at.

I'm not the best dancer...not the worst. But I do enjoy it. So if you ever see some crazy girl dancing away to the beat of her own drum, it's most likely me.

Bear...

Oh where to begin, where to begin. Friday night I went out to meet up with some friends at a local bar. A girlfriend of mine, P., had a friend in town for the weekend. She had told me we would get along since we were so much alike.

Sometimes you wonder whether or not that's actually going to happen. For me, I think that's because I am so different depending on which group of people I am with. I like to say I am either an audience member observing, or I'm the actor on stage performing. It just depends.

So I wasn't entirely sure whether or not this guy would actually be as much like me as she thought.

When I first met him, I really couldn't help but smile. He gives off this energy that's confident yet not cocky. He's just really sure of who he is as a person, and it's attractive.

The only thing was, I thought he was interested in someone else. Not that that bothered me, because I always figure what is meant to happen will happen. It just meant I wasn't going to get in the way.

And instead, I would dance as much as possible that night,  letting go of all my worries and troubles of the day. And in case I haven't mentioned before, I love to dance. Love love love to dance.

I danced for a while, went back to the group, talked a little more to the guy that was in town, and then tried to get everyone to dance with me. I had been told this new guy loved to dance, about just as much as me. So if anything we would enjoy a good dance break together.

It was fun being out on the dance floor, and after a while the party sort of split up, people going their own ways.

At that point, I was ready to go home...seeing as though it was well past my 10pm bedtime. But my friend P. convinced me to stay saying her friend was interested in me.

I never really believe it when someone says that, but it was worth it to stick around and see if maybe he truly was.

I found him, and we started talking and i couldn't help but be drawn to his character. He's so genuinely nice, that I again found myself smiling, a lot.

He left for a minute and my friend P. said she knew we would get along and the great thing about him, was that he was 28 and getting divorced too.

I couldn't believe it...he came back to the table and P. told him about my situation and how we were in the same boat.

I've never felt so relieved and comforted knowing there was someone else who would completely understand what I have been going through.

And thus began a whirlwind of a weekend in which I fell for this guy, whom I will refer to as Bear from this point forward.

Bear and I, we are very much alike. And now he's back home many miles away, but I'm hoping there will be more to this story...there is already so much more I haven't shared.

But I do believe he is in my life for a reason, whatever that reason may be I will find out.

Days Like Today...

There is nothing more that I love than spending time with my friends and family. Take today for example, I woke up early and trained with my two girlfriends in the park.

At 7:15 in the morning, the park is peaceful, beautiful, and absolutely perfect to do a workout in. Following that I went home spent some time with my dogs, talked with my mom, then headed on my way to my sister's to play with my niece.

In all honesty, there is nothing that makes me happier than days like today. These are the days I look forward to. These are the days that keep me smiling. I hope you all have days like these that do the same.

Derek...

Sometimes I hear a song, watch a movie, read a book, and am totally inspired. To go on an adventure, turn my life around, try something new, approach life differently.

This week was no different. My brother in law introduced me to a show created by Ricky Gervais...Derek. And really the show is about kindness. Someone who is so pure and kind and does not have a bad bone in his body. I found myself crying during some of the episodes.

It's pretty amazing when something, like a TV show,can touch you in a way you didn't even expect.

I know I am a kind person, but this show inspired me to be even better, to be kinder, and to continue to be happy. I believe kindness and happiness are the meaning of life.