Life is good.

Hi there friends! I am back to announce my winner… I felt this person asked me a question that really started me off on something that has really changed me.

 Kimmie  asked the magic question: I’m going to ask ….. what was the best lesson that you ever learned to help you through life??

That there is nothing more important than family and friends. When I became ill last year and was hospitalized, it was a real turning point for me. I took a good hard look at my life and couldn’t believe how much I took for granted. Especially those that love me. Life is what you make of it- if you want it to be good it’s up to you.

Some of people may be sick of me talking about it , but it is a HUGE part of who I have become over the last year and who I am.  Last year in June, I had a blood clot. To make a long story short, the clot broke off into my lungs and I was in and out of the hospital for 2 weeks. I was told that had I ignored the pain in my leg and chest that I could have went to bed and never woken up. That scared the CRAP out of me.

Needless to say, I made some changes both physically and meantally. I never realized how much I was loved. I mean I know that I am loved, but to see that fear in their eyes and the worry it just puts things in perspective. I am so blessed in my marrige, family and friends.

I *try* really hard not to sweat the small stuff.

I count my blessings everyday.

I tell my loved ones “I love you.” every single day.

I smile.

I laugh.

I *try* to be the best person I can be.

I remember how precious life is and how blessed I am to be alive.

These are some of the most important lessons that I have ever learned. I am so thankful to have learned these things at a young age. Unfortunately it took me getting sick to realize a lot of these things- BUT I learned them.
That is the story of why Life is good.

****Little Miss Kimmie, email me! Your blog candy will go postal as soon as I get your addy!

****I also picked a 2nd question at random for a little extra surprise candy, so Sharon in NE, also email me! That way yours can go out ASAP too!
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I also want you to meet one half of my very best friends… meet Kelly. Kelly is my sister for those of you who don’t know. She is an identical twin. Our sister, Lisa, and my other best friend,  lives in Pittsburgh. Pictures of her to come! We miss her like crazy and call her all the time. I just wanted you all to meet Kelly- a lot of my SCS friends would like to put a face with a name. Isn’t she cute?? Lisa is obviously just as cute!

Stamping to resume tomorrow! I have lots of stuff to show you all! Have a great night and again, thanks for reading my blog. I had such fun answering all your questions! You all rock!

Hugs,

Andrea

I know you are patiently waiting for my winner… I am going to post again in a little. Sweat baby! Sweat! LOL

In the mean time, here are the answers to my latest wave of questions. You guys really asked me some great stuff!!!

1. Bettinaon asked me,

But I want to know, as we all become a little more sedate in life and crafting becomes our outlet, what is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

I can’t really say that I was necessarily all that crazy, but I miss Thursday night Karaoke after classes! The business department was closed on Friday’s, so we always went drinking after classes!

2. # Dawnmercedes wanted to know: If you had to have another hobby, other than stamping, what would it be

I used to cross stitch, so maybe I would still be doing that- but I wish I could draw or paint.

3. Allisonon  Gawd…I can’t think of any interesting questions…any tattoos?

 No, no tats. But I would love to get one- I can’t though because of being on blood thinners.

4.  Debra  asked me, When you were little, what did you think you were going to be?

I wanted to be a pediatrician. I wish I would have gone for it!

5. Michelle said, Fun questions so far! Mine is: Do you ever get sick of the chocolate smell? I visited Hershey a couple of summers ago and was surprised at how much it really did smell like chocolate - then went to the Reese’s plant (My fave - yum!) and it smelled like peanut butter!

Sometimes, yes. I am on the edge of Hershey/Hummelstown, but really close to the plant. You can smell it sometimes and it can make me sort of nauseated!

6. Linda SS wanted to know, I am enjoying your blog. Please tell me the reason that you are partial to Boston Terriers. (besides the fact they are so CUTE:-) My husband said he had one when he was young & the only thing he remembers about Cuddles is that he was very gassy. I am interested in hearing about this breeds attributes.
Thanks, Linda SS

I am partial because I love “bully” breeds- bulldogs, mastiffs, boxers, etc. Her size and personality suit my lifestyle. She is such a comic! Oh, and your husband is right- they are SUPER gassy! LOL

7.  doverdion asked,  “If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?”

Honestly? Not one thing. My life has changed a lot in the past year and all for the better. I couldn’t be happier!

8. Kimmie said, I’m going to ask ….. what was the best lesson that you ever learned to help you through life??

That there is nothing more important than family and friends. When I became ill last year and was hospitalized, it was a real turning point for me. I took a good hard look at my life and couldn’t believe how much I took for granted. Especially those that love me. Life is what you make of it- if you want it to be good it’s up to you.

9. Stephanie wanted to know, Hmmmmm…..a question…….How about: What was your favorite and least favorite part of high school?

I was the in between kid- I got along with most everyone and didn’t really belong to a group. I could hang out with anyone. I don’t miss HS though- you couldn’t pay me to go back to being a teenager. College on the other hand… now those were really good times!

10. Shannonon: What is the one simple thing you can’t live without?

Flavored coffee cream!

11. Shelley ~ photocropper:   What was the craziest thing you have ever done?
I will share mine if you email me?

I don’t really have an answer to that… I wasn’t really all that crazy. BUT you can email me your answers!! teehee

12. Susanon  My question to you is: Where do you want to be in life in 5 years? 10 years? Do you dream of children? A career? You mentioned you work in a family business…can you share more?

WOW… so much to say here! I will try to be short. Yes, I do want children. Badly! I am not allowed to get pregnant right now though because of my blood clot last year. Soooo as soon as the restriction is lifted, I will be blogging preggo style!

My family does commercial HVAC. I am the controller there. I over see all the financial parts of the business and the HR as well. The business has been in my family since the 70’s. It was my grandfathers and my dad took it over.

My brother is working on a webpage, you can see a little of what we are doing here: http://www.hcnyeco.com/index.asp

13. jodeneon asked, My question is what is your favorite thing to do with your stamping supplies?

I like a little of everything! I am not particular… if I am stamping, I am happy!

14. Sharon in NE

I swear my dog (a papillon) can read my mind…alright, maybe its light reading, but it can’t be easy because my thought pattern flicks around between subjects so fast its hard to figure out. (see? where was I…) Some people think dogs can read their owners minds and seem to be one step ahead of them. What do you think?

I think I agree with that! Grace seems to know what I am feeling a lot!

15. Claudia F.:  Neat idea….my question is this: How high is “UP”?

Could you please repeat the question? LOL

16. Jan Scholl:  

You are being exiled to an island and must take one item to grow for food. What would you take? Remember this will be your only thing to eat for the rest of your life.

I am not sure, but it would be a carb… like biscuits or Spanish rice!