Thursday, September 17, 2009

You Don't Look a Day Over 285...

Well well well... Happy 300th Post, Classy & Fabulous! Who knew we'd ever make it this far together? Certainly not me!

So I know that a bunch of you are new around here so I thought the best way to celebrate number 300 was to re-introduce myself.

So here we go.

Hi there! My name is Sarah. I grew up in a small town in Indiana and I actually still live there.

I grew up in a hilarious family - my mom, dad, brother and I.

I had a fabulous childhood characterized by tons of freedom - I biked and played and generally ran free. Basically, it was awesome.

I discovered at an early age that I didn't have any particular artistic or athletic or musical talents. It didn't bother me much.

A good combination of genes made sure that school wasn't too difficult for me, and I loved it. High school was a fun time for me, and I met some of my very closest friends during that time. We are close to this day.

Also in high school, I met The Boy. We were that couple that everyone was kind of puzzled by. I was the sassy but smart blonde... he was the football player who was also in the top of our class.

I think everyone wondered what we had in common... after all, shopping and sports rarely mix.

We stayed close and ended up heading to college together.

The only place I was interested in going to school was a private, Catholic, all-women's college. (No, I don't know what I was thinking, either. Other than the fact that I already had a boyfriend so what did I need boys for?)

He went to a rather prominent Catholic College that happen to be right across the street. (Notre L@me, anybody? I'm sorry, that was uncalled for.)

College was not all how I expected it to be. It was fun, it was exhausting, but even more than that - it changed me.

I learned a lot about many subjects, but for me - it was so much more than that.

During my freshman year, I got involved with an organization called Dance Marathon. At my small school, no large fundraiser like this had ever been attempted. The fundraiser, which raised money for Children's Miracle Network, was started by two of my best friends.

During our freshman year, professionals at CMN guessed we'd raise around $3,000 - if that.

We blew them away and raised over $21,000.

The next year? $47,000. After that? $85,000.

(I painted that banner. Who says I'm not crafty?)

And this past year, when I took the reigns of this organization, we raised $91,538.24.

Being involved with a Riley Hospital for Children (in Indianapolis) has brought so much hope into my life. Watching little children overcome illness and adversity has taught me that people are inherently resillent. And, most of all, this experience has taught me that we can achieve so much more than we can even dream of.

In the fall of 2006, my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. Her father had died a few weeks earlier after a several-year battle with the same disease. My paternal grandmother had died a year earlier from lung cancer. Needless to say, it had been a few rough years for my family.

In short, the cancer was just too advanced by the time she was diagnosed. She had been to the meergency room countless times, been to multiple doctors... the doctors just didn't see people her age with colon cancer.

My mom died on November 4, 2007. I was a junior in college. They had found out on Friday that there was nothing more the doctors could do. She died on Sunday. In my heart I know she surrendered to the disease because she didn't want my dad, brother, and I to suffer.

(Basically the worst picture ever, but one of the last we have together. Taken June 2007.)

After her death, I did my best to pull my boys together. I went back to college, my brother went back to college, and my dad went back to work. We didn't fall apart, but we are forever changed. My mom was very much the glue that made us work together... without her, we just aren't the same.

I started this blog in March of 2008. I started this blog because I was lonely. I missed having my mom to talk to, to vent to. In the beginning, I mostly read mommy blogs. They comforted me and made me feel safe.

Since then, I feel like my life has been on fast-forward.

I threw myself into my College life. I met so many amazing women -and I am forever changed.

Though we are all very different, my college friends have seen me through a lot. We cover just about every end of the personality spectrum... and yet we make up one crazy, chaotic bunch. I love them.

In May, I graduated from college. It was probably the happiest and saddest day of my life. I was so glad to be done, but so so sad to leave.

(The sign out in front of my College. This is me hugging it.)

In June, The Boy and I broke up. We had just come home from a friend's wedding. The wedding was amazing and I, being me, caught the bouquet.

(Not a pic from the wedding. A pic of us at my College's Senior Prom.)

I could say it was a mutual decision and we're both happier now... but that just isn't true. I spent 6 years giving him my love, my energy, and my time. I/We had picked out engagement rings.

The truth is - he wanted to move on. And he has. He moved away to the East Coast to start his new life and new job. The last time we "spoke" was via a 2-line e-mail in late July.

I go back and forth about the situation. Basically, I think I'm in denial about the whole situation. I feel like any day now he's going to show up at the front door or on my phone and we'll go right back to where we were.

I just don't know.

In July, my dad sold our family home. In August he and I (my brother is at college) moved into the formerly-dumpiest house in the whole wide world.

And today? Let's just say I'm having a failure to launch. (That's one of my favorite posts so go read it, ok?)

I'm unemployed, single for the first time in 6 years, no longer living in my fabulous home... so I'm not quite sure who I am.

Times, they are a changing...

But one thing I do know is this: I feel so blessed and happy to have found this little home on the internet. I love reading your posts and I love hearing what you have to say about my life. I truly do consider all of you friends.

Thanks for sticking around.

There you have it, approximately 1200 words on me and my life.

Tell me something about you. Or ask me a question. Did I leave anything out? Cause I feel like I went on and on and on...

Happy 300th, Classy & Fabulous! Here's to a million many more!

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37 Classy Comments:

Liparazzi said...

I stopped everything I was doing and read that whole post. It was so interesting but most of all touching. My dad had cancer a few years ago but luckily he managed to beat it. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. This online community is a great way to make friends who have similar interests and I really hope you get some comfort from the lovely people that make up this place on the net. Feel free to drop by my blog anytime and say hello :) x

Mrs. Hanson said...

I absolutely adore this post! You are one in a million. Although I don't know the exact words I want to say- I will say that your time will come! Your a great person with talent, your genuine and kind, you give your heart and soul... someday, everything will fall in to place! *pinky promise* UNTIL then... we'll be here, waiting-reading-watching!

XOXO

Sincerely Iowa said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, but I think she would be happy and proud of what you have done with your life. Like the previous poster said, your time will come. It might not seem like it, but things happen for a reason in our lives. You are getting stronger and wiser as each day goes by, and you're lucky to have such good online friends and real life friends!

Anonymous said...

Oh Sarah, I just heart you so much. What a great post. :)

Anonymous said...

What a great post! I read the entire thing. I can understand how you feel you're in a weird place right now, but you know...there is a plan for you and your life. I'm really sorry about your Mom, I can't imagine how hard that is on you, your Dad and brother. You seem like such a wonderful person and I really do wish you all the best!!

Okay so for my question.

If you could have any job in the world...what would it be? How about you give me 2 jobs a "dream" job and a "realistic" job. (ex: my dream job, get paid to travel around the world and review restaurants, shopping, etc).

CIP said...

CONGRATS ON 300! You are so strong and you've come such a long way!

Unknown said...

Great post! Some things I knew, some I didn't even though I have been reading for a little while. Love reading your posts, you keep me laughing with your comments... keep it up!

Sole Matters said...

im so glad that you posted this. i love being able to take a look into other peoples lives. my ex and i also broke up around that time..but we werent together nearly as long as you guys were. things will fall into place for you. =)

Sole Matters said...

p.s. you look stunning in the college prom pic.

Alyssa said...

Wow, what an emotional story. You truly are inspiring! I definitely will be reading your blog!

Fashion Face said...

Happy 300th post! The name says it all...you are fabulous!

Sarah said...

Congrats on 300! That's quite awesome. Thanks for sharing you life with all of us.

Everything will fall into place at just the right time when you aren't expecting it. It's happened to me so I know it's true.

I heart you and your blog. You are such a wonderful, kind, caring, etc person! :)

Lauren @ Dreams Take Flight said...

Happy 300th post! I've been following you for just a little bit, and I appreciate the recap :)

I really admire the honesty and heart you put into your entries.

Tara said...

Congrats Sarah! I was excited that I just got to 30 posts last week, lol! Thanks for the recap, I still haven't had a chance to go back and read your archives, so that was a great post for me.

I totally hear you on being in a weird place right now. I am too. Eventually it'll hit you and you'll know exactly when the right things come along for you.

So what is it exactly that you're looking for in a job? What did you go to college to do "when you grow up"? That's how I like to put it because I still don't know what I wanna be when I grow up, lol!

Annie said...

i just read your entire post, happy 300th...it made me cry.

you are such an amazing strong lady! i admire you :) no better words to describe you classy and fabulous!

eventually everything is going to fall into place for you, i have no doubts about that.
hope you are having a good day hun! :)

Andhari said...

You really have been through a lot and I think you're amazing :) Happy 300th posts! Here's to a lot of more in the future.

Rachel said...

I just stumbled across your blog, so this is the first post that I have read - I guess I picked a good day! Look forward to reading more.

Stephanie said...

Congrats on your 300th post. I am new here, but will be coming back.

Jennie said...

Happy 300th post! You will find your way, sweetie. I enjoy reading your posts so keep sharing. Can't wait to see what this new chapter of your life holds! :)

Breadwinner Wife said...

I'm so sorry about your mom. I have really enjoyed reading your blog since I found it this summer. You sound like a great girl and you will find a great guy one day who will value you forever (I'm sure you have heard that many times). Thanks for letting us read about your life!

Cheerful Homemaker said...

Happy 300th post! Thanks for the re-introduction. :)

Brown Girl said...

Congrats on your 300th post. I loved getting to know more about you in that post. I am so sorry about your mom, I can only imagine the loss you must feel.

You seem to be an amazingly strong, classy, and funny lady which is a lethal combination. I hope you work it to your advantage! Change is hard but change is good...right?!

valentine said...

wow. i had no idea all that had happened to you recently. and i am sorry that you find yourself kinda lost and not sure who you are.

i haven't gone through quite what you have, but i have struggled with finding myself, it is a hard and lonely process, but you will be much happier at the end. promise.

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

You do seem to have so much strength and compassion for the world! I admire you for putting this out there and opening up to us all because it proves you have been through a lot! Thinking of you!!

Kassie said...

Thank you so much for writing this!! I'm fairly new to blogging, and it seems like when someone mentions something, I'm left wondering like I walked into the middle of a movie. :)

But really, this was incredible, and so touching. I had an extremely similar situation with my ex (we even had a wedding date "penciled" in w/o a proper engagement) and am currently looking for my first job out of school. I know it's annoying hearing platitudes about how things will fall into place (I'm getting irritated hearing it myself lol) but they will!! For both of us, and then we'll have a bloggy celebration!! :)

Stephanie said...

Aw great post!

I lurve you. You know you are one of my favorite bloggy friends.

As I have said a katrillion times, a new boy will show up who is even better than the last...but he won't break your heart ;)

Krista said...

Oh I loved reading this post so much! (And not just because it talked about Dance marathon -- my fave!!) -I'm fairly new to your blog as well, and I've so enjoyed getting to know you. I can only hope that we continue to grow closer as the days and weeks go by :)

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing this about your life, it was very touching. I'll look forward to reading and following along as you figure life out - and you totally WILL figure life out. We all will :)

d.a.r. said...

What an awesome post!!!! I loved reading this!

alyssa said...

just found your blog & you are precious! what did you go to college for?!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry you lost your mom. And I'm glad you've found support. As for the breakup - you will look back at it in a few years and be grateful. Losing your first love is hard but a wise friend told me that there is something so much better about your second love. It was true for me although I never thought I would make it through the heartache of the first. You have so much going for you. You'll see.

In This Wonderful Life said...

I think you are wonderful and such a strong gal!

Sarahviz said...

I loved reading this about you - you are a classy & fab gal, Miss Sarah!

Eternal Lizdom said...

I clicked over here from Lucky Thirteen after you commented that you are in Indiana (so am I- Fishers, actually). And I was glancing through the posts, figuring we didn't have much in common but liking what I saw... cute girl, fun, light hearted sense of humor...

And then read this and my mommy heart opened up. There aren't enough words to say all the things I want to say to you and explain everything that leaves me feeling connected through this post of yours.

But I'm adding you to my list... I want to watch you blossom and grow and see your roots take hold. You've got a lot of amazing-ness ahead of you, around you, in you.

dislocated GA peach said...

thank you so much for this post. i just came across this blog and wow, i stopped doing my job to read this post. so thank you thank you and keep blogging!

The Shabby Princess said...

Oh honey, I lost my mom in 2003, suddenly, during Christmas break durong my first year of college, so, I know kinda what it's like.

I started blogging because I was lonely too.

I'm so glad you'd found wonderful internet friends. I love your blog!

Molly said...

Hi Sarah, I just stumbled upon your blog tonight and I am so glad I did. I'm truly excited to read. I can see that your pour your heart on your blog and I wanted to say that I am in awe of your strength through tough times and you must be such a wonderful person.

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