Coming of Age..... at 35

Many don't know my entire story...at the age of 19, I paused my life to begin a battle of survival.  Most of my 20's I was in and out of hospitals, living an entire year in a hospital and going 18 months without eating.  I managed to finish college, but there was a sharp decline after that.  I would not resurface to my life until the ripe old age of 30.  Can you imagine falling asleep at 19 and waking up at 30?  On one hand I think,  I will never get that time back and will sitting around sulking about it make up for it, but on the other, I think that if I change my perspective slightly and own that experience, I mean really own it, I will metamorphosize into limitless possibilities. I feel as if I am coming of age at 35.  New York City has given me permission to be my own person.  When I first moved here, I did not know who she was.  With that permission the past 2 years have been about finding her.  In the past, I defined myself by comparisons to others, but the beauty of this great city is that it does not allow you to define yourself by others.  To survive in NYC, you must stand in front of that mirror and really look at yourself and begin to love the reflection because of what you see, not what you are compared to.  Thank you NYC.....
The bottom line (I love bottom lines) is that I was sick for a decade and did not have a "normal" life.  I am not the type of person who is going to settle down, get married and have 2.5 kids.  I am fueled by my past to seek many adventures in my future.  Finally, I am content to be me.

Welcoming 2011.... Resolutions?? I don't think so....

A new year means a new start which prompts people to make "New Year Resolutions".  I'm not one of those who fall into this trap!  In my mind, Resolutions = temporary.  I prefer the "action" school of thought, therefore I made a 2011 bucket list.  If I were to parish on 12.31.2011, these are the things I would have like to have done in the year 2011.  You are probably wondering what this 2011 bucket list consists of.  Well, for starters, I would like to put up a "Geek Alert" for many of you who live life's adventures through me:-).  First on my list is to read a book about one of our nation's presidents.   I chose Andrew Jackson.  I bought the book "American Lion" and am captivated by every word.  I'm not a politically junky or anything, but, I would like to see a few more presidents like him.  I'm not going to his life away, as I highly suggest you pick up the book and ready it!  However, I will say this.... I never thought I would relate with a president as much as I do Andrew Jackson!  Anyways, onto my next item on my list.  I have been playing around with the Spanish language for some time.  I have decided that this is the year to step up to the plate and learn the language fluently.  This is going to require hours of listening and studying, but, once again, its not a resolution, its an my bucket list!  Item number 3 is related to my artwork.  In the year 2011, I will show my art publicly at least once.  For those of you who know me very well, my art has always been very private, so for me to take it public is a HUGE challenge for me, and so we shall put in on the list as challenges are meant to be overcome.  Item number 4 is to get by butt back to Europe.  I have been looking at different tours and trip options, now its just getting everything in order to book!  Number 5 is still under development.  I am toying with a few things, however, I have not made a final decision.  To my audience..... any suggestions??

Happy New Year to you All!