And if you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.

To say the very least, I think we can all agree that life is an interesting journey.
Along my humble path thus far, I have learned a few things- one of which is that things almost always work out. This is why I try not to focus on worrying about the future constantly.

There was a while in my life when I was quite a planner. I specifically remember my interview for the Salaam program, when I was asked where I saw myself in 5 years. I remember laughing and telling my interviewers that they were in for a lot more than they asked, then proceeded to tell them my detailed 2, 5 & 10 year plans.

My how things change.

But change is good, you have to be able to 'roll with the punches'. And I think my life right now is much better than where I had planned to be 2 years ago.

I got to see one of my best friends last night for the first time in about 6 months. We had planned a bottle of wine and a movie, our usual chatty night in. But from the second we both ran to the door, to the long hug when I left 5 hours later, we had so much to talk about, we never got to the movie.

Its funny, because she and I have only been able to talk a handful of times since we last saw each other, and usually just for a few minutes. But she is one of those friends who I always know that we can pick up exactly where we left off, no matter what. We discussed this together last night as well. Along with the fact that although we are at different places in our lives on some levels (she is married and has a baby), it doesn't feel like it. Although many things have changed throughout our friendship, each of us is inherently the same, at our core.

It is comforting to have friendships like these. A few of those constants, that you know will always be there no matter what.

We talked about so many things last night, and conversations kept circling back to our lives, and our plans. Its funny how there is always something. Always some looming decision or issue that seems like it is life or death. Like choosing wrong could make or break your entire being. (Sometimes I am dramatic). But really. Whether that decision is to move across the world, have a baby, get married, chose a major, change jobs, etc. Most people have one hanging over their heads.

This is the beauty of life. It is in a constant state of flux. Ever-changing. Ever-challenging. Ever-difficult. Ever-wonderful.

I think I have done a good job so far being able to accept life as it comes, I've definitely learned a lot. Of course you still have to make plans and set goals and have dreams and ambitions. But I try not to be too surprised if they don't work out exactly as I planned. Usually the change is better. At least in the long run.

And I have found that no matter what happens, as long as you keep the core of who you are the same, your deep down dreams, your true personality, no changes can break you. Its hard to keep that in mind sometimes.

Which is why, to ensure that I never forget mine- here it is. For all to see. My personal mission statement:

Personal: I will make time to take care of myself, mind, body and spirit. I will not hold in my emotions, and learn to face situations head on, with no fear. I will not let my self-worth be determined by anyone other than myself. I will take care of my own health so that I may live a long and productive life. I will make time to foster my spiritual health, deciding on an outlet for doing so and making a regular commitment.

Family/Friends: I will reach out to those who aren't able. I will make the time to communicate with my friends and family and help if needed. I will set an example with my actions making all who love me proud of me. I will raise a family that I can be proud of, with a strength of character and moral conviction and the passion to follow their dreams.

Professional: I will pursue my passion with relentless determination. I will gain the skills that I need to start my own non-profit organization that helps others realize and achieve their potential. My energy will inspire those with whom I work, my compassion help me connect with them, and my strength of character will set an example to follow. Each day I will actively contribute to world harmony.

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Cheers to the dreamers, the do-ers and the ones who are able to enjoy the beauties of an un-plannable, un-tamable future. Don't fight it. Run with it and live it up.

but as long as you love me so...

Back in the good 'ole MN for a few days. It hasn't been as cold as I expected. But it has been wonderful.
Despite the fact that the airline lost our luggage for 3 days- and when we did get it back it was in shmables... everything is great.
Yesterday I made the best snowman ever with Shady and my little sister. Yes, Johnny, Jesse, Angie & Kait, it topped our snowman last year. But it was a close 2nd.
I got all of my christmas presents wrapped. Thats my favorite part. Wrapping beautiful gifts and presenting them to people, hoping that they like what is inside.
It always hard for me to Christmas shop- I have to think about it for weeks, always wanting to get people the perfect, meaningful gift. Not all of my gifts were perfect this year, but a lot of thought went into them still.

But now.... Christmas is here! I am on my way out the door to a hair appointment with one of my home girls from high school- then to my dad's for christmas eve. So much fun!

I wish a Merry Christmas and a happy Saturday to all Nomads and their families worldwide!

I hope you are all fortunate enough to have a few boughs of Holly decking your halls.
;)

so sing it if you understand

I'm getting really pumped to go home to MN for Christmas- leaving a week from today.
I'm excited to hang out with the fam, catch up with friends, play in the snow, and introduced shady to the wonders that are a Minnesota winter & the Brekken Family Christmas.
Oh the anticipation!

There is a lot I have missed about Minnesota these last 5 months (the longest I have ever gone without being home)- but mostly its the people, speaking generally and specificlly. I'm telling you- there is no place that grows good people like Minnesota. Perhaps its the mid-west in general- but really, we are a special breed. And of course I have my own handful or two that I miss the most and can't wait to see.

It really is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I realize that more and more each time I go away. And I think that it makes it feel even more special- because I have no idea how often I will be able to come back from now on. Dang airlines and their money-grubbing ways...

Today- as a nice little suprise in my mailbox- travelocity sent me some links to help me get in the mood for my trip. Every time I use travelocity I love it a little more. They have the best deals, funny commercials, and now this- to top it off- truly appreciated.

So I thought I would share the list with the general population- you can get some MN trivia- or maybe appreciate my home a little bit more. True, the list is Twin-Cities-centric (as thats the airport I am flying into), but its close enough.


Minneapolis/St. Paul Tunes

Tangled Up in Blue Bob Dylan
Born in Minnesota, Dylan started his music career in the coffeeshops around the U of M. The bit about being a cook in the great North woods for a spell is autobiographical.
Play Song

When Doves Cry Prince
Another Minnesota native, Prince still has his Paisley Park studios in Minneapolis and much of the movie Purple Rain was shot in the Twin Cities, including the famous nightclub First Avenue.
Play Song

Minneapolis Lucinda Williams
A devastatingly sorrowful ballad about abandoned love, this song is off her album World Without Tears. Williams previously recorded albums such as Essence in Minneapolis.
Play Song

Sabu Visits the Twin Cities AloneJohn Prine
The cruelest thing a producer can do in this classically quirky tune is to send a child actor to the "land of the wind chill factor" and the "jungles of East St. Paul."
Play Song

Sculpture Garden Semisonic
The Walker Art Gallery’s Sculpture Garden is one of the most romantic spots to take a walk in Minneapolis, and no one knows that better than hometown band Semisonic.
Play Song

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and, although I do not agree with all the selections-- not only is Fargo NOT in Minnesota, but we DO NOT talk like that!-- here is there mood-setting movie list as well.


Five Great Minneapolis/St. Paul Movies

Fargo
Never before has a movie captured the Minnesota “Well alrighty then!” accent so well. The Coen Brothers are up to their always-quirky tricks in this creepy but funny murder tale.

Untamed Heart
Marisa Tomei tries to elude attackers and is rescued by unlikely hero with a baboon’s heart on Nicollet Island. They both work at Joe’s Coffee Shop, which is actually Jim’s on Central Ave.

Grumpy Old Men
Between ice fishing, shoveling snow and drinking beer, retirees Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau find time to argue over everything, including their snowmobiling female neighbor.

Mighty Ducks (and sequels)
Ice hockey is an official sport in Minnesota, so it makes sense that this trio of movies about a spunky youth team were shot here. The Mall of America even makes an appearance.

Purple Rain
Contrary to popular belief, we do have royalty in America. Minneapolis native and pop music deity Prince stars in this 1984 movie featuring First Avenue, a premier Minneapolis music venue

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So- YAY for Minnesota! Treat yourself to a snow angel or a snow-cone on me, depending on your personal location.

this is not a test

Dubai- best of both
Originally uploaded by hollybrekken.

Does anyone have any connections in Dubai for me? Any places where I can work, live, buy a watermelon?
Please let me know.

Shokran awy.

coincidence?

the world- dubai
Originally uploaded by hollybrekken.

doesn't this seem to fit in nicely with my previous rant about buying an island?

big girls don't cry?

Sometimes it strikes me as odd what things inspire which emotions within me. Sometimes those emotions suprise me- make me laugh at myself- make me question myself. Aren't I supposed to be tougher than that, more mature than that, more emotionally detatched than that?
Holding yourself to an ideal that you hope to attain has good and bad points. On the one hand it gives you a goal to shoot for- on the other hand it can sometimes result in bitter disappointment in yourself. But I guess even that helps you realize your shortcomings and areas in need of improvement. And makes you tough enough to handle it...

Sometimes I wish life were simpler. But then I know I wouldn't like it as much.
It is a fickle, fickle world in which we live.