This Is Your Life.

We are both very lucky, and we just don't realize it enough.  Maybe it's the fact that today is the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) that's making me all sappy and nostalgic.  Maybe it's that something so joyous and exciting forces me to look back on some of my own memories with the utmost fondness and awe.  Maybe I'm just an emotional girl.  No matter the cause, days like today make me appreciate my life more and more.  I think about my maternal grandparents, the patron saints of happiness and love.  It's easy to think that maybe I put them on a pedestal because they are family, but I think anyone who knew them, family or not, would agree that they were unique.  Their lives were so full of joy, their memories so rich and vivid.  They lived the lives they wanted to live and loved every second of it.  The never stopped being in love with one another, and they did everything they could to create a better life for their children and grandchildren along the way.  I look at my parents, both so different, yet so determined to make sure that my childhood was enriching and full of joy.  I am certainly my mother's daughter, and she is her mother's daughter.  Neither of us would change it, though sometimes it's a bit annoying to realize that you're now doing that one thing you said you'd never do because it bothered you when your mother did it.  Karma.  I'm convinced though that my life is getting better and better by the minute.  Jeff and I were married four months ago, and it went by in the blink of an eye.  There are certain things that I remember about my wedding day, but overall, it's a blur.  I'm not sure if it's supposed to be that way, or if I am "special", but I wish I could do it all again--just to pick up on what I can't remember today.  I watched how happy Prince William and Catherine Middleton seemed to be today, how relaxed they seemed to be (as relaxed as one can be knowing that your every move is being watched by millions).  They looked at one another with such comfort and love.  They seemed to have been able to make sure that, even if just for a few moments, the day was really about them, as individuals, and not about the pomp and circumstance.  It was beautiful to watch.  It made me fondly remember how I felt saying my own vows to Jeff. Even though there were 150 people watching us, it felt like, just for a moment, it was just us.  I tried to soak it all in, like everyone told me I should, but just as quickly, it was over.  It's only now, looking back on it, that I soak it all in.  Now, four months later, we've moved on to new adventures.  We bought a house and are slowly but surely making it our own.  With each friend or co-worker that has a baby, we look at one another, giddy with excitement at the thought that we too will be starting a family soon.  When?  We're not quite sure.  We have a plan, but much like the other things we've done in our lives, some of it is really up to chance.  I look around us and see the group of friends that we've managed to keep over the years.  We're both so blessed to have these people in our lives.  As annoying as some of them can be at times (you know who you are), we wouldn't trade them for anything.  They keep us grounded, keep us laughing and keep us inspired.  Our families are always there, pushing us to be better people, but reminding us that they love us just as we are today.  It's a terrific feeling.  Neither of us know what tomorrow will bring our way, but I hope that we can continue to live the mantra posted above:

"This is your life.  Do what you love, and do it often.  If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit.  If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV.  If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.  Stop over analyzing, life is simple.  All emotions are beautiful.  When you eat, appreciate every last bite.  Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences.  Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.  Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.  Some opportunities only come once, seize them.  Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating.  Life is short.  Live your dream and wear your passion."

I also hope that, much like William and Kate, we can continue to have fairy tale moments, for years and years to come.