What Happened When I Bought My Sister a Fiona PEZ Dispenser…

What Happened When I Bought My Sister a Fiona PEZ DispenserDecember is probably the one month of the entire year that has people scrambling for the perfect gift — for friends, for co-workers, for loved ones, for your neighbor who you really don’t know all that well, but you see each other every day at the dog park, so, you know. Translation: The pressure is really real, people! And all that pressure?? It’s got me thinking a lot lately about gifts and their deeper meanings. How do you know you’ve found the right gift for someone? What makes you look at something and go, “YES! This is most definitely it”? For me, I’m reminded of those questions every time I think back to what happened when I bought my sister a Fiona PEZ dispenser. The story goes something like this…

I don’t even remember when I bought the gift, but I know that it was years ago. In fact, I don’t even think it was for Christmas. I’m pretty obsessed with PEZ dispensers and actually sport quite an impressive collection and during one of my classic shopping trips one day, I spotted some Shrek dispensers. I snatched up two of them: Shrek himself and Fiona. I didn’t buy them with my sister in mind, but the more I thought about it, the more it fit and seemed like fate was somehow stepping in. She’d been struggling and having a hard time in those days and my heart just broke for her. Granted, I knew I couldn’t make all her problems disappear, but I did know that I wanted to do something — anything — to lift some of that darkness, even if it was only a little bit.

So I added the Shrek dispenser to my collection and gave her Fiona. It may have been a small gesture, but the meaning behind it was anything but tiny.

“I want you to think about something every single time you look at Fiona,” I told her. “I want you to think about the moral of the movie. It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside or how people see you because what’s inside? That’s who you are. That’s your true soul. And that’s what is important. None of that other stuff matters. You are loved — so much more than you’ll ever know.”

Today, all these years later, that PEZ dispenser still sits on the bookcase in her bedroom; Fiona has become a fixture and continues to watch over her, and I like to think that it has something to do with the meaning behind my gift. Small. Simple. Incredibly powerful.

And, when I took this picture, I noticed the poignant framed quote beside it…

Be not afraid of going slowly

Be afraid only of standing still

The lesson here, friends: Never underestimate the power of a gift, no matter how small. That PEZ dispenser couldn’t have cost more than $3 and yet it meant more than any million-dollar diamond ever could. As the old saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts” and I fully believe that. So go forth and give with all your heart this holiday season. It just might mean more than you’ll ever know… xoxo

Dear Janelle: On Your 30th Birthday!

Dear Janelle:

I know you get “embarrassed” when I blog about you, but since I’m your older sister, it’s sort of my responsibility to toot my own horn about you on your birthday. I’m just doing my job. I can’t help it that you make the bragging part so easy!

But, as birthday gift to you, I will make this short and sweet. It’s your 30th birthday, a milestone in which you instinctively want to look to the past. At all the mistakes you thought you made. At all the times you didn’t feel like you quite measured up. At all the things you wish you could do over.

Well, as your big sis (I’ve got four extra years of life knowledge, remember, so I know what I’m talking about!), I’m here to tell you this simple truth: None of it matters. I don’t want you to look back today because where you are right now? My gosh, you’ve come so far. I just want you to see that and to see yourself for who you really are — one heck of an amazing woman!

And, really, if I’m being honest, I should be the one who looks up to you. I just want to bottle up your grace and wisdom and spirit because that is what life is all about. So please love yourself — today and always. You know I’ll always love you and will be here for you always. I love you, Sister Bear… xoxo

P.S. More Janelle love: Her 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th birthdays.

Happy Birthday, Janelle: 3 lessons you’ve taught me…

Dear Janelle:

I know, I know. You said you didn’t want me to post about your birthday, but you should know me better than that by now. After all, I write about my life, and suffice it to say, you’re a pretty huge part of it, so here we are.

First, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You’re the big 29 today, and that fact alone baffles me. How can that be? It seems like it was just yesterday when we were in the living room making elaborate ramps for our Matchbox cars. Or putting on glamorous fashion shows for our Barbies. But, obviously, we’re not children anymore. We’re adults. Where some sisters drift apart as time marches forward, I like to think you and I have only grown closer. I’ll be the first to admit that our life has had its share of ups and downs, but I can’t imagine anyone else I’d rather share this roller coaster ride with. We’ve been through a lot, and I’m proud to say that we’ve been through it together. Partners in crime, even. I may be the older sister, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today with you. I’ve learned so much about love and life from you. Don’t believe me? Here are three lessons that top my list…

1. A kind heart goes a long way: You were voted Most Kind-Hearted in elementary school. Do you remember that? You’re always kind to everyone you meet, and I’ve long admired that quality. Not everyone has that sort of kindness in their hearts, so it’s something that should most definitely be treasured when you do find it. After all, the world could use all the kindness it can get. Thank you for being a friend.

2. Giving up is not an option: When you were little, you once stayed outside all day until you’d mastered learning to ride a bike. We were all in awe of your sheer willpower. Over the years — from things like college to exercising — you’ve taught me that persistence really does pay off. Even after Father died, you never gave up. Even through your own struggles, you never gave up. And for that, I am forever inspired. Thank you for being a friend.

3. Be who you are: I absolutely love your quirky self, so please never lose that side of yourself. It’s a beautiful side. You’ve taught me to be unapologetic in who I am and to not care so much about what people think. It’s amazing how freeing it is, don’t you think? And did I mention how utterly real you are? You’re probably the only person in the whole world who I can count on for an honest opinion. About anything and everything. As we say, you always “tell it like it is,” and I’m a better person because of that. Thank you for being a friend.

Happy birthday, sister! You may be my sister, but even more important, you’re my BEST FRIEND in the whole wide world. I couldn’t ask for a better, funnier, cuter, more honest friend. Thank you for always being there and for all the good times. Here’s to many more years of good times — and millions of smiles. I love you more than you’ll ever know, Sister Bear!! xoxo

Do you have any siblings?

Happy National Siblings Day, friends — that most glorious of days when we all take a moment or two to pause and really appreciate our siblings. Founded by Claudia Evart following the tragic death of her brother and sister, the day has even been recognized by 40 governors.

“Like many, I have these pictures of my brother and sister, who are both gone, but remain with me daily, not just in these pictures, but in my daily thoughts and in my heart. I lost both of them in tragic accidents, making me understand the everlasting bond we have with our siblings,” says Evart.

So, Janelle, it’s no secret that we’ve been through a lot together, but I wouldn’t want to share this roller coaster journey with anyone but you. I’m proud to be your big sister and even prouder to call you my little sister. Here’s to many more great years together!!

Do you have siblings, friends? Are you the oldest, youngest or somewhere in the middle? Any sibling lessons you’d like to share? Make sure to give your siblings an extra hug today — they deserve it! xoxo

Are you a highly sensitive person?

I know I’ve posted this photo before, but it’s such a perfect representation of the differing personalities between my sister and me. We’re probably about five and one, respectively, and our facial expressions seem to say it all. I’m sitting there, wide-eyed and totally unafraid to take on the world. Janelle, on the other hand, is completely terrified. She’s timid and doesn’t quite know what to make of this big place. I’m happy while Janelle seems to be on the verge of tears.

Over the years, those personality traits have stayed with us (is that how it is with you and your siblings?), and that’s not to say that one of us is better or more well-adjusted than the other — we just have different temperaments.

I thought of Janelle when my mom found this sensitivity quiz over the weekend. You check all the boxes that apply to you and then figure out your score at the bottom.

Go ahead and take the quiz. What was your score, friends? Are you a high sensitive person? Were you surprised by your score, or did it pretty much fit with your personality? Look for my score in the comments! xoxo


P.S. More fun quizzes: What’s your mental age? What’s your personal dialect? Which Golden Girl are you? What’s your true color aura? What decade do you belong in?

[Bottom photo via We Heart It]