How was your year?

I made a resolution at the beginning of this year to try to be a better person, less negativity, closer to God, etc... I didn't have any unrealistic goals or goals that I wouldn't keep. I find myself trying to spread the positive thoughts all over to my friends and to my fiance because it's not healthy to be stressed. Definitely not healthy to be agonizing over something that you have no control over. I feel like I've had an amazing year and I am looking forward to a great year ahead. I will be a Mrs. by this time next year... I think that's so crazy but I'm so excited. I think staying positive throughout the year has really benefited my spirit, my life and those around me. So naturally I need to share with you a song the can bring up your spirits if you're down. When I first heard this song I had no idea that Bobby had the motivation to make great music. I definitely needed to let y'all know about Bobby Flacco because even if you're not a hip hop head, the message in this song is great.

Enjoy! Happy New Year!

Midnight Mass Prelude for the birth of Jesus Christ

Why be so negative?

Monday mornings are quite annoying especially when you had an extremely busy weekend and didn't get to sleep in as you had hoped for. But, you can determine how the rest of your day will go and how you act. I always laugh at the people that blame their bum ass attitude on the fact that it is Monday. Maybe you just have a bum attitude and it's not Monday's fault. My Monday didn't start the best but I'm not gonna ruin the rest of the day by being pissed off.

Either way, I notice that people will say "can't wait for the new year, so I can start fresh". Well my personal view is if you want to start fresh, why wait until January 1. You've made the decision to make some changes and have a better attitude, why does it need to wait until after we sing "For Auld..." I don't get that about people.

This time of year is extremely special for me not only because of the birth of Christ Jesus but, because it is a time to reflect on great times we've had and changes we've made. If reflecting causes you to be negative, well, then maybe you should just start yourself anew today. I don't consider myself a motivational speaker in any sense, but, really you are in control of your emotions and how you want to live. I personally put my faith in God and know that whatever is happening around me is for a reason. So, if I feel like I'm having a bad day, I say oh well and move on... it's just easier to get through life without being so negative.

Have a great day!

It is official....

My fiancé's last name change is official. For 30 years, he was a Bobé legally but, was always using the Cali last name in school and when his mother raised him. Today, the judge approved the name change. He chose to change his last name to allow us to carry on that name as well as pay tribute to his late mother. We agreed that his dad's name will never be a secret but, I respected the fact that he wanted to carry on the Cali name. 


Michael Anthony Cali is official. I cannot wait to be Mrs.Cali!!

New Season, New Resto, New Brew

Mike and I spent our engage-iversary weekend almost mimicking what we did when we got engaged a year ago, December 5. We had no specific plan except "go to the city" and walk around. With a number of tourists out and about too, we tried to avoid them as much as possible. We stopped in to Macy's Herald Square (big mistake), went to the Bryant Park holiday market, walked up 5th Avenue towards the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Saks changed their lights display, I don't like it. We were going to stop by St. Patrick's Cathedral for a prayer and mass was starting. So we stayed, that was our first time ending mass at St. Patrick's. It was a nice service and great message.  A couple of friends that I met while trying to find a home for the Chargers group branched off this year and started a new restaurant. So after checking out the tree, eating a slice of pizza, we ventured down 5th avenue again towards the The Park Ave Tavern. This new restaurant is a mix between art-deco restaurant and a good ol' fashioned pub. The crowd is grown and sophisticated but definitely not college. The best part it doesn't have a "bar" smell once you walk in. The decor is simple yet makes a statement. The beers are typical for a bar: Brooklyn Lager, Sam Adams, except for a few. All night I had this new brew called Mother's Mil by Keegan Ales. It is a dark stout that has a light taste. It is easy to love. More on this new resto, everyone looks sophiscated. I was in a sweater and jeans and I felt a little underdressed. Maybe it was just that night, but I can't wait to go back and try the table tap system they have downstairs. The sitting area at the bottom of the stairs is quite sexy too. Either way, I love new restaurants, new brews and especially this new season of cold and walking around the city.

Yawnnnnnnn!!

I need to start going to sleep earlier than 1am every night. I have been obsessed with using Photoshop, being on a wedding message board and just BSing online. Mike got a laptop a few months ago and it's been easier to be online with it while lounging with him at the apartment. It's a pretty big deal for me to have my own computer usage but damn, I need to be away from the computer for a bit. I am in front of computer for most of the day unless I am on the subway or sleeping. This is quite bad, maybe I should go work out. Anyway yawnnnnnnnnnnnn.... I'm looking forward to semi-sleeping in on weekend.

New Fonts Make Me Smile!

I was playing around in photoshop again... Til late of course (it's almost 1am). I downloaded a new font and created a new monogram design. I will probably put this on my etsy shop to see if any new brides bite.

'Tis the season of...

peace, understanding, love and reflecting on the year. As you may have noticed a lot of changes have been happening around me this year but I absolutely know that this is what is for me. I am at peace with the obstacles I have encountered. I am blessed to have a great family and by family I mean close and dear friends. I wish Michael and I could be in two places at once but we will be seeing our West Coast family sooner than later.

Don't get lost in the commercialization of the Christmas season and do something nice for someone you don't know this month.

How do you know?

If your friends will turn their backs on you during a really important time in your life?

If the new person you meet will end up being a good friend in your life?

If God was trying to tell you something all along and you chose to ignore it?

Either way, I think it's not a good idea to question and just LIVE. I am happy where I've been, who I've met, etc and can't wait for more LIFE to come

Love
Is
Forever
Except..........