be happy Archives - Page 28 of 30 - Inspired & Strong | Making the Best of Every Day with Stacy

Campfire

September 28, 2021 No Comments

This past weekend we had lifelong friends over to our new house (Gram’s House) for dinner and a campfire. We bought a fire ring and put it towards the back of our property. Behind the house is wooded, so even though we are within town limits we are allowed to have a contained campfire ring in the backyard. I was so excited.

We had delicious chicken shish kabobs and our friends brought amazing salads, appetizers, and a zucchini bake. We had a fantastic dinner on our back deck at the large picnic table that was handed down from Jeff’s grandfather to his Aunt Sandy to us. Then we proceeded to the backyard to hang out around the campfire.

I felt like I was in the country around our campfire even though we were right in our backyard. I sat in the chair facing the woods. With the moonlight and the stars above, it was so beautiful and peaceful. There were nine of us, and we had the best time. Most of those around the campfire I have known since elementary school. Two of them were my sister’s best friends. It was so nice to be around people who know me and have known my whole family over the years. There is nothing like lifelong friendships.

Since we have all known each other forever the conversation was easy. We talked about everything from how terrible some of us sing, to being single and independent, to finding our Prince and having kids to how hard marriage can be, to peeing behind trees to concerts we’ve attended. The stories we all told had everyone laughing out loud. My stomach hurt the next day from all the fun.

Even though my sister isn’t here to partake in the campfire and to share the memories of Gram’s House and growing up in our little town, it made me feel close to her having two of her closest friends there with us. Jeff only knew my sister for about six months before she passed. Having her friends around gives me hope that over the years as stories are told he and my other newer friends will get to know her better and cherish her memory just like I do.

Jeff and I have two very different homes. Our winter home in Florida is Spanish Colonial-style with tile floors and big glass patio windows overlooking the pool and the canal. The floorplan is open concept and renovations have been done to all of the rooms over the past 20 years. Our summer home is half the size of the Florida home and in a town that is about 1/20th the size of our winter hometown. We live in a rural area but on the edge of “town”. Our back deck looks out into the woods which is beautiful. The only updates that have been done to Gram’s House are the ones that have been completed in the past five years. We still have a lot of work to do.

Even though the two homes are very different they are the same in that we love having people over to fill our homes with laughter and to make memories. We are so blessed in both states that we have amazing friends and family that join us in this endeavor. I feel like this poster sums it up.

In the end, I am so glad that we made the decision to buy Gram’s House. I love it and am beyond grateful for the people that surround me. I look forward to all of the new memories we can make in Gram’s House. I know she is smiling down and excited for us, too.

In Pilot's Wife

My Music

September 21, 2021 1 Comment

Many people, whether they are single or in a relationship love watching movies, television series, and Netflix. And maybe it’s because Jeff and I barely sit still for one minute let alone for an hour or two to watch TV, but the first thing we do when we walk in the house is turn on the music. In Florida, we use our phones to turn on our Sonos system. In Pennsylvania, we either turn on the Sonos Move that we bring with us or Gramps‘ Bose radio. Either way, music is on ALL THE TIME.

I was trying to think of something to blog about, and I thought why not talk about music. I can learn about your favorite songs and maybe you can listen to a few of mine. I love discovering new music so I hope to hear from many of you about some new (or old) artists that I may not know about and may soon love, too.

My Favorite Music as a Child

I was born in 1976. My parents loved music as well and had it on throughout the weekends. We had a stereo and a record player. In my dad’s Bronco, we also had an 8 track player! Some of you youngsters may have to Google all of that 🙂 but we had a good collection of music. We joined BMG records and would get 12 records or audiocassettes and later CD’s for the price of one. It was the best way to get new music delivered right to your doorstep.

My childhood was filled with the sweet sounds of bands like the Eagles, Michael Jackson, Prince, Kenny Rogers, and Credence Clearwater Revival to name a few. My mom loved Air Supply and REO Speedwagon, and I flash right back to my childhood when I hear any of the above artists. One evening at Gram’s House, we were listening to Brown Eyed Girl on the tape player. My sister and I must have hit play and rewind 100 times trying to learn all the words as my parents would sign along and tell us what was coming up.

My First CD

As I got a little older, the music industry came out with CDs. My first CD was the Boomerang Soundtrack. I had a collection of over 100 CDs by the time I went to college (which got stolen from my car BTW). I had everything from Garth Brooks to Shai to Sophie B. Hawkins to Janet Jackson.

My Favorite Song to Sing with my Best Friend

I have had the same best friend since 7th grade. We played softball and basketball together and developed an everlasting friendship to this day. She was a year younger than me and she won’t let me forget it now! But we would ride around the country roads of our town and learn the words to various songs. Our most favorite that we still send pictures of when it’s playing on Sirius XM is Stay by Lisa Loeb. We still know every word because we kept hitting rewind and signing each line until we KNEW every word. We also love Sophie B. Hawkins and the song Did We Not Choose Each Other. Of course, we also rode all over Edinboro with my portable CD player blasting Janet Jackson’s Janet CD. Other high school memories include our softball team being on the bus with the baseball team and every few weeks after a good win we would all sing Friends in Low Places on the way home. I also loved The Jets Got a Crush on You. And my high school girlfriends will still play it for me when we go out together.

My Favorite Song to Sing

If you know me or have been reading this blog for a while then you know my favorite song to sing after a few beers is Dreams by Van Halen. Jeff’s mom had the pleasure of listening to me sing a few weeks ago. Although she laughed and laughed, I am afraid I may have scared her away. Hopefully she comes back for another performance very soon.

My Favorite Artist to Sing that Sounds a Liiiiiitttttttllle Better than Sammy But Not Much

My roommate from college brought a double-disc live CD back from a concert she went to one summer. The artist was Ani Difranco and it was her Living In Clip CD. Ani opened for Bob Dylan that summer of 97 in Boston. Once D brought her into our lives, we couldn’t stop listening to her. We listened to those two CDs over and over again. I can still turn on almost any Ani song and know the words. I love Gravel, Little Plastic Castles, Angry Anymore. Shameless and Buildings and Bridges. My husband says I sound much better singing any Ani song rather than any Van Halen song. So I am going with it.

Other CDs that I wore out in college were TLC’s CrazySexyCool, Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club, and Dave Matthews Band Before These Crowded Streets. Our favorite concert to go to in college was DMB. So much fun!

Music When You are in Love

I believe these songs change over time as you and your partner grow into different stages of your relationship and one song may work for one relationship but if that relationship ends another song fills the void when a new partner is found. Jeff and I love making playlists on Spotify and some of our favorite songs from the beginning of our relationship until now are Written in the Sand, Happens Like That, What Ifs, Unforgettable, Meant to Be, Whole Lot in Love, The Bones, More, and Made For You. We started a playlist when we started dating and made it collaborative so we could add to it as time went on. It’s still one of my favorites. If you don’t have Spotify, you should check it out. For $10-15 a month you can listen to almost any full album by any artist new or old. You can also make and share playlists.

When You Need a Good Cry

This song Show Me Around brings tears to my eyes. It really hit me after Gram passed but it makes me think of my dad, sister, and grandpa as well. If you have lost someone this song can bring you some hope even though it will make you a bit sad, too. Drink a Beer, Watch Over You, and I Will Not Say Goodbye are a few more to put on when you are missing your person.

When You Hang out with Your Girlfriends

My sister and I loved listening to music, too. So many songs and CDs make me think of her. A few of our favorites were The Wreckers, Dixie Chicks, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and Indigo Girls. Whenever I hear an older song from one of these artists, I instantly go back to the moment with my sister. One of our favorite songs, when we were tired of a relationship and needed to be strong and move on, was Fergie’s Big Girls Don’t Cry. We used to love driving around to this song with the top-down on my VW EOS signing at the top of our lungs.

So whatever mood you are in, check out a few of these songs. Also, please comment or email me a few of your favorites! I love listening to all kinds of music, especially new artists. Oh btw, three more artists to check out on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, or ApplePlay are O.A.R, Diamond Dixie, and Amber Patino. Enjoy!!

Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

In Family

Jeff’s mom

September 14, 2021 No Comments

As you read in My Prince, I met Jeff in 2017. Prior to this past week, I only met his mother once when we were in Dallas for a wedding. She was having major back issues and seemed very uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. Since then, we have invited Jeff’s mom to several events but she has been hesitant and unwilling to travel. Plus, she had a small dog that needed care. Jeff saw her a few times as he has had layovers in the area.

This summer Jeff’s mom finally said yes! She agreed to come to West Virginia to see her children and grandchildren and other family members. Recently, her little pup was not doing well and needed to be put down. We are heartbroken for her but she no longer had any excuses. So Jeff’s mom was on her way!

Jeff and I agreed to go to Texas to get her and help her maneuver the airport. Although we had to take a roundabout way of getting back to Pennsylvania from Virginia, it was worth it. I think us being there for her really helped her relax and feel more confident about getting on a plane again. Although she was a flight attendant for 25 years she hasn’t really flown since she retired. And I think we were all nervous about how Jeff’s mom would do. But she checked herself in and was at the gate by the time we got our bags and checked back in to met her at the gate. Sometimes you just need to take the leap! And we were so happy that Jeff’s mom was taking the leap at 74!

We were able to celebrate a wonderful birthday dinner as a family with Jeff’s mom on her birthday. She was happy to be surrounded by family on her big day. And we all had a wonderful time. I think sometimes the anxiety of a situation is worse than the actual situation. We all had a great time celebrating this lovely lady. And I hope she felt that, too.

Jeff’s sister lives at the top of a hill in West Virginia with a beautiful overlook. She also has four dogs and Jeff’s mom loved every one of them (as did Gram :)). She has talked about how she loves the views from Jenn’s porch. She loves the birds, the deer, and “even the groundhogs”. Actually, we think she likes it so much that after 35 years away she may move back to West Virginia. And our fingers are crossed that she does!

So in the end it doesn’t matter if you are 8, 15, 21, 32, 50, or 75 the anxiety of a situation is usually much worse than the actual situation. And sometimes no matter how old you are or what situation you are in, sometimes you just need to take the leap!! I, for one, think it will all be alright and whatever will be will be. Just do it!

In Family

MacAttack

September 7, 2021 1 Comment

Happy Birthday to my niece and my mother-in-law!

Today is my niece’s ninth birthday. I cannot believe she is nine already. Where does the time go? I remember holding her the day she was born. She had the darkest hair but a full head of it! When my sister was born she had a full head of the darkest hair, too! Then she became the blondest of blonds. I couldn’t wait to see what this little one would turn into. And just nine years later, she is a beast on the softball field with the nickname MacAttack.

She is the most beautiful little girl. She has blue-green eyes and light brown hair. Watching her grow up has been one of the best experiences of my life. From taking her first steps to saying her first word to learning the colors of the rainbow to reading her first book and now playing softball. It’s just amazing how quickly these little people grow right up.

I miss holding her and cuddling with her. She thinks she’s all grown up. She doesn’t want to hold my hand anymore out in public and rarely will sit on the couch and snuggle. But I hold on to every moment that she does. And I told her I am squeezing her every chance I get. Of course, I get the pre-teen roll of the eyes.

Because my sister loved Luke Bryan so does my niece. I remember MacAttack singing his songs all the time. She knew every word and knows most of the words to every country song now. I love watching her sing and dance. She has no worries or insecurities. She just does what she enjoys doing unlike the rest of us who worry about what we look like. She and my nephew will sing and dance in the back seat of the car or in the restaurant. Watching them is one of my most favorite things to do.

My sister and I were about three years apart and so are my niece and nephew. Although we had our issues, we got along really well, and I miss her so much every day. I am happy to say that my niece and nephew get along really, really well, too. They love playing with each other and MacAttack loves being the big sister. She is so excited to take him to school this year. She will be in fourth grade and he is starting kindergarten. She is protective of him and doesn’t want him to hurt himself when he does all the boy things he does! Just wait until he starts hitting on all of her girlfriends (which he already does!).

I am so proud to be MacAttack’s aunt. I was so proud of her and the way she would treat Babcia (Gram). MacAttack would take her hand and walk her to the door. I hope she learns to be an independent, happy woman. I hope she always sings and dances whenever she feels like it. I hope she knows there is no limit to what she can do and no boundaries. She can be whatever she wants to be. And I hope she knows her aunt is one of her biggest fans.

In Family

All-Star

August 10, 2021 No Comments

In the spring, my husband and I decided to rent a house in Virginia for six weeks to spend time with my niece and nephew. A few weeks ago, I realized that we would be in town when my niece played in the all-star tournament. Last year, she tried out but didn’t make the team. This year, she worked really hard and was determined to make the all-star team. She went to camps to improve her skills and her hard work paid off. She made the team!

My husband and I went to the first all-star game. It was a beautiful day. A bit warm but that’s the way it is in Virginia in the summer. My brother-in-law was the coach and placed my niece at second base. I, for one, was super excited because I played second base throughout my softball career.

That first inning of the all-star game, I was so nervous. Even though he won’t admit it, I know my brother-in-law was nervous, too. I know he wanted the team and most importantly, my niece to do well. And boy, did she!

There she was my sweet, sweet girl. Her team was in the field first to play defense. The other team hit the ball pretty well and scored a run or two. Then my niece caught a ball at second base to make the first out and then she caught a line drive coming at her to make the third out. She made two of three outs that inning. I almost cried. I was so proud and so happy for her. She had told me the day before she was a little nervous and scared. I was hoping because she made those great plays, it gave her some confidence. I couldn’t have asked for more!

Then it was our turn to bat. My niece was the fifth batter. There were two outs, and I just kept praying for two-out lightning. And there she was! She hit a great line drive over the short stop’s head! Go MacAttack go!! She got a double and batted in a run. I was so proud of her. My little niece who can be a bit scared and shy was playing with such confidence and grace.

As the all-star game went on, I was more and more impressed with these little 8 and 9-year-old girls. They looked like they knew what they were doing. I was so so proud and impressed. Then I was a bit sad because it also means they are growing up! And growing up too fast!

When I got home it hit me. I started thinking how sad it was that my sister wasn’t there to see this little lady playing a sport that my sister loved as well. She would have been so proud of MacAttack, and she would have been the loudest one cheering for her. I know she was there in spirit and will be at all of my niece’s life events and future all-star games. And I know I can’t think of how awful and unfair it is that she isn’t here. It hurts my heart so much, but I know that I need to be present in the moment and not bring everyone down thinking how much I wish she was there.

I miss my sister so much, and I am beyond blessed to have two little pieces of her to hold onto and share. These little people give me so much joy and their kind hearts ring with my sister’s gentle spirit. So I need to thank God that he put me in the position to share these moments with them. I wish he could bring my sister back to all of us, but I guess that only happens in the movies and soap operas. Until then, little one, I love you and miss you so much, and I know you are so so proud of your little baby girl.

In Family

Changes

August 3, 2021 1 Comment

Hello loyal followers,

This past year has shown me how beautiful life is. Although there have been many ups and downs, I continue to give thanks for being so blessed. With that being said, I am trying to make some changes. I am trying to simplify my life, which means simplifying my social media and this blog. I love doing this blog, but for a few months, I felt it was taking time away from my husband and my family. I started this blog to share stories of my Adventures with Gram, and to have something to do when my husband left for work. When I lost Gram, I felt like my inspiration was gone. I wasn’t sure what else to write about. She wasn’t there to make me smile or laugh with her little comments. She wasn’t there by my side when my husband was away, and I missed her. Plus, I didn’t think you wanted to hear about our loss over and over again, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what else to write about.

At this point, I realize I do have many more stories to tell. I have stories about Gram, about caregiving for her, about my travels, and about my journey in love. I want to continue to write, and I hope you will continue to read. My Adventures with Gram, Travel excursions and Family stories will be posted here. I am hoping to get back to a weekly basis, but they will be posted when inspiration finds me 🙂 I LOVE doing the daily inspirations and hope that they inspire you, too. I will also continue with the Weekly Wednesday Workouts. Every now and again I may post a full video here or on Instagram TV but for the most part, I will show you the moves and give you the workout. Please let me know if you need suggestions or modifications.

I am going to try to do more on linked social media and Instagram. Follow me @strong_inspired on Instagram. I will be posting recipes and stories as things come up. Some workouts will also be published on IGTV. Of course, you can always go back and do your favorite workout or find a special recipe on the blog.

I hope you enjoy these changes. If you have any feedback, please email or message me. And please follow me on Facebook and Instagram and share with your friends and family!

In Pilot's Wife

So Busy

June 24, 2021 No Comments

Hi, my loyal followers,

I am sorry there have not been posts this week. I feel so overwhelmed and busy that I feel I need to take a few weeks off from blogging and refocus. I thought I would have time to get the posts ready but the days sped right by and all of a sudden there were no posts.

The past few weeks have been busy and hectic with transitioning from our winter home to our summer home. We are heading to Virginia to spend time with the family. So for the next few weeks, I feel I need to concentrate on spending time with the kids (our niece and nephew) and my mom. I cannot wait to take them places, play sports with them, and just hear them play and laugh.

I will try to continue with the daily inspirations because I love posting them, and I hope you enjoy reading them. If I get a chance I will write a blog post, do a workout, or a recipe. If you need a recipe or workout idea, please feel free to email me, and I will create one for you!

Also, be on the lookout for a newsletter. August 8th is coming up soon and InspiredAndStrong will be ONE year old! I’d like to get your feedback on how you like things so far and how I can improve my blog to meet your needs.

Thank you for following me and for living this crazy, busy life alongside me! Here’s to many summer adventures! Enjoy!

Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

In What We Eat

Delicious Coffee Treat

June 11, 2021 No Comments

Ingredients

My friend recommended this recipe to me. We just got a Ninja blender, and I am so excited! I had to try.

16 oz coffee
2 pitted dates
2 Tbsp peanut butter powder or 1 tbsp creamy almond/peanut/cashew butter

Stacy’s Suggestions and Preparation

Make a cup of coffee in the Keurig.
Put the coffee, pitted dates, and peanut butter in the single-serve Ninja.
Screw on the top and blend for 30 seconds or so.
Pour the coffee mixture back into your coffee cup.
Enjoy!

Photo by Christiana Rivers on Unsplash

In Family

Happy Birthday Babe

June 8, 2021 1 Comment

Today is my husband’s birthday. I think the words of the day really sum up his philosophy on life and birthdays. If you missed the quote it says,

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

We do our best to live life to the fullest. We understand life is short, and we know many opportunities don’t come around but once in a lifetime. We also know life is too short not to be happy.

We have been together for four birthdays. My husband always downplays his birthday but celebrates mine to the fullest. I did plan a wonderful celebration in Chicago for his big 5-0 but then, he did it again and pulled the spotlight away from himself by asking me to marry him at HIS party! This year, we will be celebrating him with many friends and family as we take a little road trip up and down the east coast. Today, we will be poolside with his favorite, margaritas and Key Lime Pie!

It’s still hard to believe that I found such an amazing guy. Together, we are a whirlwind of adventure, love, passion, and inspiration to each other. He just seems to enjoy himself. Being around him is comfortable and easy and his kindness is appreciated by all of those around him.

Today is a chance to say to him that I am proud to be your wife. I feel so fortunate and honored to have you not only as my husband but also as my best friend. You have brought joy, purpose, and laughter to my life. Being by your side has made me a better person. Thank you for all that you do and for always having my back. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Happy Happy Birthday my Prince.

In Family

Hell of a View

May 25, 2021 No Comments

Every time I hear the song “Hell of a View” by Eric Church, I think of my niece and nephew. They love that song and sing every word. I think they like it because it says “I smoked my Bronco tires outta that town” and their Pops has a Bronco. They seem to like songs they can relate to. I hope they embrace the meaning of that song and take chances with their “toes hanging off the ledge with nothing to lose”. I hope they take chances and live life to the fullest every day like they are now.

When we are driving around from playground to playground and that song comes on, the kids sit in the backseat bobbing their heads and singing without a care in the world. Meanwhile, I am trying to fight back tears because I am thinking about how much I want my sister to be there with us. And how mad and sad and pissed I am that she was taken from us and from them. I am so upset that she isn’t here to hear them sing and to squeeze them when they go to bed every night. I know she is here in spirit, but I want to hear her laugh and see her smile.

May 7^th, 2018 was when we lost her after her 18-month battle with cancer. It really hasn’t stopped hurting since. I am not sure any of us have truly gotten over it. How can you? But somehow we have to try to find a way to get by, and we have to believe there is something bigger out there. So I guess we are supposed to be grateful that her pain is gone, and that she has a hell of a view up there.

May is a hard month for our family. Nine years ago on May 23, my sister, mom, and I held my dad’s hand as he took his last earthly breath after his nine-year battle with lung cancer. My dad was only 61 years old. I look at my friends and family around me now and think we are not far from 61. It’s unbelievable how young he really was. I am so glad he fought long enough to know my sister was pregnant, and he tried to hold on to see that sweet baby girl but didn’t make it. Days like this make me sad he didn’t get the chance to hold his grandchildren and spoil them. He would have had so much fun with those little ones. In his quiet way, he would have taught them so much. He LOVED music, too, and could have introduced them to some real classics. He could tell you the artist and name of almost any song. I still remember my dad’s face when he got a Bose stereo for Christmas one year. That was a hell of a view.

Because this past Sunday was the 23rd, I went to church. I felt that I needed to hear some kind of message. God must have sent the Pastor a sign because it seemed he knew just what I needed to hear. The message was that we are on a journey. The journey isn’t going to be easy and there are going to be challenges. He said God doesn’t call us to do anything he doesn’t think we can handle. Trials are necessary but God promises unconditional love and everlasting life. Jesus gave it all for us so we need to trust that God will give it all to us if we give it all to him. It is hard to think about the promise of Heaven when we are here on Earth just doing what we think is best. Sometimes it’s hard to see past the trials. Sometimes it’s hard not to question why. Sometimes it’s hard not to be envious of a friend who still has their father or their sibling. But I guess we need to believe, and we need to realize life is precious. Make the best of it and appreciate the view.

This quote from Mother Teresa pretty much sums up how I feel at times. She said,

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.

I guess God thinks I am one strong cookie with all the trials he has sent my way. But maybe we all feel that way. All of us have losses and struggles. Many of us question why. One day we will find out. One day we will be up in Heaven with a Hell of a View. Until then live life with your toes hanging off the ledge.

Featured Photo by Balazs Busznyak on Unsplash

be happy

Campfire

My Music

Jeff’s mom

MacAttack

Happy Birthday to my niece and my mother-in-law!

All-Star

Changes

So Busy

Delicious Coffee Treat

Ingredients

Stacy’s Suggestions and Preparation

Happy Birthday Babe

Happy Happy Birthday my Prince.

Hell of a View

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.

Missing Gram

Letter to Gram