Sister/Sister

I am thankful that my parents decided to have a brood of Milinski kids. I love my family, though growing up we definitely experienced the normal growing pains - sibling rivalry, fights, pranks. As a young girl with two brothers, I was ecstatic when my parents told me they were having their fourth (and final) child, a little girl. I figured I could dress her in the same clothes my dolls wear, put barrettes in her hair and just really help my mom take care of her and make sure that she was always presentable.

I absolutely love all my siblings, but the bond between sisters is something different - I consider my sister my very best friend. I taught her how to put on make up; pick out a fabulous pair of jeans; love starbucks; walk in heels; pick out the best shade of lipstick. I share all my secrets with her, we swap gossip, go see ridiculous concerts together, chill with a bottle of wine, get crazy during a night out, grab a delish bite to eat, see a movie (we have seen every Saw movie together). I try and give her sound advice whenever I can, since I am older by a whopping 5 years - and clearly wiser. You know, lead by example. Make sure my life choices are wholesome and wise so she can look up to her big sister. Obvi this was, and continues to be, pretty easy. 

One of the best things about having a sister close to your age, and size.. and shoe size... is swapping clothes. When we were younger, this was often done without consent. I would try and throw together an outfit for a night out with my friends and realize that I am missing a key piece to that outfit - it was either in the wash because my sister snagged, or she physically had the item on her. So the wicked cycle of stealing clothes, accessories, shoes, make up would go on and on and on until I moved out and took all my rightful items with me. Somehow, moving across the country didn't even rid us of that problem. Now it's not as bad, but still happens, she has several of my clothing items. And I have several of hers. 

We are always completely honest with each other. Does this make me look like a crazy person? How about this color? What do you think about this music? Should I dye my hair (insert ridiculous color here)? Her feedback and opinions impact my choices, my opinions.

My sister is the absolute best. I always look forward to seeing her, talking to her, finding out what she has on her mind. She is such a compassionate and positive person, has solid morals and beliefs. I respect that in a person - know what you want, know who you are. Don't let others influence you negatively. Stand up for the little people. Help those who don't have the means to help themselves. 

Love you so much, sunshine sister! Can't wait to spend some time with you during the best year yet! xoxo your big sis B

Doodles

I thought of a few different topics to blog about since it's my first epic blog of 2013... summing up the last 12 months? Winter sports (or rather, summer sports with this heat)? Shoe collections? I don't want to disappoint any of my cult, or fair weathered, followers. So, I decided why not write about doodles. Doodles rarely disappoint.

It happens throughout the day. Whether it's a collection of different sized circles, arrows, animals, monsters, buildings - doodles happen. My go to doodle is a flower. It starts simple - but eventually gets embellished and ends up looking something like this.

You know you're a Diva when...

- you're filling out paperwork for insurance changes and have to ask a co-worker for a pen because the only one you have is pink.
- you go camping but stay in a hotel instead
- multiple friends mothers have commented on your extensive shoe collection. And they've never even seen your closet
- you buy a new lipstick because none of the other 6 shades in your purse match your eyeliner and clutch
- you own a scarf in just about every color of the rainbow. And also own skinny jeans in just as many colors
- you hire a maid to clean your apartment (it's already immaculate) because you're really sick of doing dishes

What I am thankful for

It's rare that I take a serious approach to my blogs, so enjoy this epic occasion.

I have taken note of those of you mentioning what they are thankful for this month, so I want to share everything I am thankful for.

My family - all of you very special people I don't thank enough. Mom, Dad - you brought me into this world, thank you for creating such a unique and fabulous first daughter! Brad, the older brother who was such a big part of my up-bringing. Thanks for being there when I needed you. Brett, the younger brother I look up to (literally and figuratively) you are awesome and I am so proud of you. Breanne, you are an absolutely amazing young woman. I am so blessed and I do not thank you enough for being the person I share everything with - whether it's a laughing fit or sharing a sob story. Mo Mo, Robin, Willie, Sarah, Carrie, Chris, Sean, Claire, Geri, Dennis, Mike, Linda, Lori, Grandpa Syl, Chrissy, Brooke, Adam, Nicole, Nick - and those that aren't with us any longer.

My friends - each and every one of you are so fabulous. I appreciate the relationship I have with each one of you, and I can't imagine my life without you in it. Ashley, Suzanne, Jill, Kelly, Steph, Karmen, Linsey, Michele, Lisa, Megan, Katie, Amy, Jessi, Amanda, Pam, Becki, Sheri this list could keep going... I love you all!

Employment - I am so thankful to be employed, and that I love my job. Not many people can say that. I have some of the greatest co workers and leaders. They work hard, they play hard and I appreciate that.

My past - I don't regret many choices I've made. It's helped me figure out the person I am today. Living in the past won't get you anywhere and my future is looking better every single day! I have the ability and freedom to create something really special.

I am also thankful for many other things... I will continue the thankfulness on Thanksgiving day. I am so blessed.

Continuing my thankfulness in this blog instead of starting a new one. :)

My health - I am very lucky in this aspect. I can go to the gym and work out whenever I want to. I can head out for a run when the weather permits. I feel good every day, I take care of myself. I am lucky to have not endured any rough patches due to having MS, my medication has kept attacks at bay.

Laughing - I laugh. A lot. Sometimes at myself, sometimes at a funny joke, sometimes because Will Ferrell makes me. I think it burn calories, so I am ready to laugh a lot today after eating my weight in food! I am thankful for everything that makes me giggle, chuckle, laugh, get hysterical.

Did I mention my family and friends? I am truly a blessed person. I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving! Be thankful for everything you have, make sure to tell the people you love how much they mean to you today! Well, tell them every day, but especially today.

Just one drink

My friend Suzanne and I have a really terrible habit. It's a Friday night. Or Saturday. Or which ever night of the week we can go out for a drink and be social. These conversations go a little something like this:

Bridget: Hey girl, what's going on?!

Suzanne: Oh nothing, what's up with you?

B: Well, I mean since we are so fabulous, I'd like to reward our fabulousity with a drink. But, just one - I don't want to get crazy.

S: Yeah I agree let's not get crazy but I think a drink is in order.

B: Sweet, let me change out of my PJ's and slippers and I'll meet you in like, 20.

S: Perf. See you soon!

B: Adios, hot stuff!

And then we meet up, have one drink. But somehow one turns into two, three, four, and before you know it I'm incapable of driving home and find myself in the back seat of a cab on my way home or something.

Just one drink. Famous last words. But sometimes you just gotta go with it.

The beginning

Lights blind, the music is so loud you can't even hear your own thoughts. Your body knows only to shake its hips and move its arms and feet to the sound of the beat. It's hot... Beads of sweat drip down you face, arms, breasts. Your skirt and tank top feel like an added 10 pounds. Looking around, there is only a wave of people moving in the same fashion. Noticing the dryness in your throat, you realize a drink is necessary. Quickly scanning the bar for an open spot, you lock eyes with someone who sends a jolt of electricity straight to your core. Immediate attraction... It's a battle to make your way through sweaty bodies and interlocking lips, finally meeting face to face. Once in the presence of each other it's like something has been roused... Something that's been asleep for months. Lips tremble, deep down nerves come to life. This feeling has been dormant for so long the reaction is unknown... This feeling is only beginning.

The Holiday bug has bitten

The urge to listen to Michael Buble's Christmas album came on swiftly this evening. Brought up Spotify and quickly flipped to my favorite song "Cold December Night". There is something about this album that gets me excited for the holidays - being around family and close friends, eating amazing meals, watching the snow fall, sipping an Irish Coffee (adult version of hot chocolate).

My Christmas tree and stocking will be up in the next few weeks, Christmas candles and decor out in my apartment for the season. I can't wait for the holidays this year - I have a hunch it's going to be the best Christmas yet!