Gratitude

Life is really sneaky sometimes.

I seem to recall wanting to learn gratitude in 2013.

Well, be careful what you wish for.

But I guess if I were going to wrap up a year about gratitude and wanted to really drive the point home, having to lose something as basic as power and returning it 9 painfully long days later would make anyone grateful.

Lesson learned.

And perhaps I need to make one final gratitude list for the year as well....

• I am overwhelmingly grateful for our friends who have prayed, listened, hugged, made food, took our kids in as their own, texted, posted, twittered, and loved us through it all.  I firmly believe that you will see how well you are loved when in crisis.  The crisis part sucks, but we know we are loved.  And Twitter makes us giggle.
• I have a whole new respect for Toby, who seems to be able to single-handedly take care of three houses without power.  #tobyrules
• Home appliances.  You never know how often you use each and every one of them on a daily basis till you can't.  
• Clean laundry.  I don't think this needs any explanation.  
• Home-cooked meals.  We have eaten out 99% of our meals this past 9 days.  Not good for the checking account, nor the waistline.  

I know there are more that I will think of later, but I will simply leave you with this picture, which I believe is the epitome of gratitude.  It was taken by a friend of mine and I stole it off her Facebook page.  I don't think she'll mind.  Her family (including her parents next door) were out of power for the same amount of time as us, and today she was able to capture so many moments that reflect only love and gratitude... not the anger and frustration of the past nine days.  It literally overwhelmed me to tears to look through the picture and see the joy.

So, while I will never want to go through anything like this ever again, it's nice to know that we are surrounded by love and were never alone.  

Bless you all who have gotten us through this week.  We truly couldn't have done it with out you...

Finally, merry and bright...

Where did Christmas go?

Well, it's been a week.

And by a week, I mean a week we'll always remember.... not fondly.

But, being who I am, I'm going to try and at least finish my 12 Days, with twelve things I'm grateful for this week.  It's going to be a stretch, but hopefully keep things light for me.

1. Generators.  (even though it sounds like someone is mowing their lawn in my bedroom.)
2. Heat.  (No-Power Fun Fact #1:  The worst reminder that your house is 44 degrees is the toilet seat.)
3. Laptops.  (Without our laptop I wouldn't have been able to snuggle with the boys Christmas Eve to watch Home Alone.  Without power we wouldn't have done it.)
4. Family and Friends.  (Both to share the misery or offerings of love.  It's been duly noted :))
5. Twitter.  (The conversations between Toby, Andy, Regina, and Andy G were simply priceless.)
6. Slippers for cold floors.
7. Blankets.  Lots and lots of blankets.  Although we figured out that Evan's down blanket has a hole.  Feathers everywhere.
8. Gas fireplaces.  We wouldn't have survived without it.
9. Sleepovers on the dining room floor.
10. Candles.  Yes, I had three setting aside as gifts for Christmas... oh well.
11. Speedway coffee.  Who knew it was so good and only 99 cents?
12. The human spirit.  This whole week has been a giant reminder of how blessed we really are.  You never know what you really have till it's taken away.  Got it, God.  And I am grateful.

I hope you all had a week that reminded you of what gratitude really is about.  Some people in life will never get it, and I simply will never understand that, but let them be a reminder of what you don't want in your life.

Happy Friday!

The Ninth Day of Christmas.

Whew... I think with this post I've caught up!  This Holiday Season is kicking my butt this year, and I was under-prepared to begin with!  Today was the first day I've been able to really relax and try to enjoy some down time.

Praise the Lord.

That's enough of a gift for me.

...So, back to our regularly scheduled program.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas,

My true friend gave to me,

9 Pins of Interest,

8 Quotes of Katherine,

7 Moments in Time,

6 Word Wednesday,

5 Gooooold Ruuuuules,

4 Christmas Videos,

These 3 Things,

2 Fun Trips,

and

An Attitude of Gratitude.

9 Pins of Interest (see what I just did there? :))

True story.

Someone needs to remind me of this daily.

Vail, CO = Bucket List.  

Literally.

This is just funny.  And true.

Best.  Soup.  Ever.

Inspired 

2014 Goals

Sigh... my hero.

There you have it... I'm caught up and feeling good.  I may just have to reward myself with an episode of Scandal!

Have a great night...

The Eighth Day of Christmas

On the Eighth Day of Christmas

My true friend gave to me,

8 Quotes of Katherine

7 Moments in Time,

6 Word Wednesday,

5 Gooooold Ruuuuules,

4 Christmas Videos,

These 3 Things,

2 FUN Trips,

and

An Attitude of Gratitude.

We all know my author-crush on Katherine Center, and today I'll take it to a new level.  Someday I just want to sit and have a cup of coffee with her... or a bottle of wine.  Both would be great.  So, when I thought of doing a day of quotes, I went to her page first.  After I couldn't narrow down which one I wanted, I decided to make the entire day about her.

So here we go....

And so my hope for you, good boy, as you grow taller every day, is that you will learn to take good care of yourself, and you will learn to take good care of others - and, someday, you'll see how those two things are exactly the same.

My goal is to try and be as happy as I can - going through every day just as it is.


We are at our finest when we take care of each other.

The way that I love you makes me a better person.

You are writing the story of your only life every single minute of every day.

The truth is, being a woman is a gift.
Tenderness is a gift.
Intimacy is a gift.
And nurturing the good in this world is nothing short of a privilege. 


And there you have it.  Of course if you need more, here is my favorite video of all times....

Have an amazing day.

The Seventh Day of Christmas

On the Seventh Day of Christmas,

My true friend gave to me,

7 Moments in Time

6 Word Wednesday,

5 Gooooold Ruuuules,

4 Christmas Videos,

These 3 Things,

2 Fun Trips,

and

An Attitude of Gratitude.

This has been a year filled with ups and downs, like most years, but how often do you really look back and see what your moments are that you'll carry with you?  I don't think many people do, and hopefully after this, you might rethink that.  It doesn't take long, and I think it brings a certain amount of closure to this year before looking ahead to the next.

So, here's my 7 Moments in 2013

Happy in the Land of Oberon!

1. Finishing my book.  I loved writing every word in that book, but finishing it was just joy.
2. Sitting with Blake watching his beloved Penguins beat the Rangers during Spring Break.  
3. Round Barn.  Needs no explanation for anyone who was there.
4. Watching Hannah's long program at Mids.  Simply one of the best skating moments I've seen in person.
5. My first visit to Bells Brewery.  Again, you probably just had to be there.
6. Mrs. Stornant's funeral.  It's so hard to say goodbye, but seeing the love and courage that day was undeniable.  
7. It was snowing on the last day of January.  I know this because it was also the first day Evan drove himself to school.  The gray hair hasn't quit growing since.

Of course there is more, but sometimes you just have to highlight the big ones.  The little ones can stay in your memory, but make sure you write them down!

Sweet dreams of holiday bliss :)

The Sixth Day of Christmas

So how is it that the Sixth Day of Christmas also falls on a 6-Word Wednesday?  Too bad the giant lotto was last night.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas,

My true friend gave to me...

6-Word Wednesday,

5 Gooooollllld Ruuuuules

4 Christmas Videos,

These 3 Things,

2 Fun Trips

and

An Attitude of Gratitude.

To sum up 2013 is quite difficult.  

I'm at a loss of words.

Totes Magotes is my new phrase.

And gratitude is my best attitude.

A friend is the best gift.

I'm blessed with many gifts indeed.

There you have it... Six 6-word Wednesdays for you.

Have an awesome Wednesday!

The Fifth Day of Christmas

On the Fifth Day of Christmas,

My true friend gave to me...

5 Goooollllld Ruuuuulllles

4 Christmas Videos,

These 3 Things,

2 Fun Trips,

and

An Attitude of Gratitude.

It's no mystery that we learn as we go along through life.  If you're not always learning and growing, then something is seriously wrong.  

Just my opinion.

So we all know the ultimate-original Golden Rule:  Treat others as you want to be treated.  But what if there were more than that, and by living the rules, we actually were happier?  I have added four more to my list, and everyone's list will look different, so don't think that you have to follow what I do.  You need to figure out what makes you happy and try to incorporate that into your life.

5 Gold Rules

1. Treat others as you want to be treated.
2. Read something every single day, even if it's a magazine article.
3. Count your blessings before you fall asleep.
4. Be honest about who you are with other people.
5. Listen to music (preferably with headphones) every day.

Of course there are others I could add, but then it becomes a chore.  5 is doable, and anyone can come up with 5 things that will improve and add meaning to their lives.  

Sit down at some point today or tomorrow and see if you can come up with 5 things you can (and are willing to) do everyday.  You just might surprise yourself to see what you want or need in your life.  

Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday!  I know I will :)

Fourth Day of Christmas

On the Fourth Day of Christmas,

My true friend gave to me,

4 Christmas Videos,

These 3 Things,

2 Fun Trips,

and

An Attitude of Gratitude.

Yes, some of these might be repeats from years past, but that only means I really really love them.  My new favorite one is the first one from Love Actually.

I hope you take the time to enjoy them... and create some Holiday Spirit.

Happy Monday!

The Third Day of Christmas

On the Third Day of Christmas,

My true friends gave to me,

These 3 things,

2 Fun Trips,

and

An Attitude of Gratitude.

I have to admit that I have not done my homework like I usually do for the 12 Days Tradition.  Most years by the first day I kinda have an idea of what I'm going to write about each day.  When I first started this, I would have a detailed outline in a notebook and sometimes tweak (not twerk) as I went along.  I've done a little less prep each year, but almost always have some notes.

This year I've got nothing.
Zip
Zero
Nada

Each day I wake up and wait for the something to inspire me to write about.  Not exactly what I'm used to, but I have to admit I'm paying attention to things around me a little more.  So when I sat down with Blaker at breakfast and let him put ESPN on, I wasn't exactly looking for the inspiration there.

However, this is the commercial I saw, and I almost missed it.  Almost let it play out without me even looking up from my phone, but I heard '3 things,' and my ears perked up.

It was almost as if God said, pay attention... this is for you.  Of course I started to google Jimmy V and the speech, and yes, I was inspired.

So today, for the Third Day of Christmas, I give you Jimmy V's three things we all should do every day...

1. Laugh
2. Think - spend some time in thought
3. Have your emotions be moved to tears.

If you do those three things every day, that's a full day... that's a good day.

You can also watch his full speech here.  It truly is an inspiration... 

Happy Sunday!

The Second Day of Christmas

On the 2nd Day of Christmas,

My true friends gave to me...

2 Fun Trips

and

An Attitude of Gratitude

Two Fun Trips.  Yes, this year I was blessed enough to pack a suitcase twice.  The first was for Pittsburgh, a family trip that was far different from anything we had done before.  The second will forever go down as the First Annual Wine Tour 2013.

One happy boy watching the Penguins

Beautiful (and chilly) view of Pittsburgh

Favorite time killer.

My favorite ladies

I believe this was Stop #1

Oh Gravity... How I miss you.

True story.

Sigh... what fun memories.  It reminds me how much I love to travel and hoping that 2014 will bring even more memories on the road.

Happy Saturday!  Enjoy that snow coming down :)

The First Day of Christmas

I know what you're thinking, and for the record, I'm thinking it too.

Where the hell have you been?

That's the giant elephant in this tiny room of a blog here.

I have lots of excuses (some are even good ones), but really, I'm not going to bore you with those.  They're always the same anyways, and I know you remember my go-to list of reasons I don't write.  Thankfully the dry spell doesn't last forever, and once again, I am wanting to give you something for the Holiday Season.

So here we go with the first day....

On the first day of Christmas

My True Friends gave to me...

An attitude of gratitude.

Yep, gratitude is the big lesson this year for me, and I'll admit I've worked for this one.  Gratitude doesn't just happen, and one really has to work at it on a daily basis.  Some days it comes naturally and others... not so much.  But in my heart I believe this is truly the answer to most of our problems.

I believe we always have something to be grateful for, even in the bad times.

Grateful for health.
Grateful for a paycheck
Grateful for laughter
Grateful for friendship
Grateful for social media
Grateful for Charlie
Grateful for love.

Day 1... make your gratitude list.

Word.

Have a fabulous day, my friends.

9 Things

I was browsing through Facebook tonight waiting for my hair to process (no more grey!!) and someone had posted '9 Things you don't know about me', and I have to admit, I love those damn things.

I love learning things about people they usually keep to themselves, because when we start to open up and be honest about who we really are, that's when connections are really made.  That's when we get to the really good stuff.

That's what I try to do on here, but yes, I was reminded today that it's been lacking lately.

So here is my list for you tonight... 9 Things You Might Not Know About Me

1. If I had to, I could survive on cookies, popcorn, and wine.  In fact I'm eating a cookie right now, and it's warm, gooey, and spectacular.  I often say 'this is the best batch ever,' but I really think this one is this time.
2. I would love to have another cat in the house.  I loved Putter more than I ever led on, and still miss that purr.
3. I would rather not write anything than write something bad.  I know, perfectionism is going to ruin me someday, but there are days I open my laptop and just have nothing to say.  Those days make me sad.
4. I have learned that my depression is connected to whether I'm writing or not.  I have never been
   
   happier than when I was writing my book this summer, and quickly slipped when it was over.  Now that I see the correlation I am making sure that it is a natural part of my life.
5. After 30+ years I have finally kicked the Young and Restless addiction.  I watch it on my days off only and even then I'm usually doing something at the time.  I don't record it, and oddly enough, I don't really miss it at all.
6. One of the things I'm the most proud of is how my kids treat other people.  They are, without question, decent human beings.  I know that sounds goofy, but watching them interact with other people just makes me smile with pride.  I love who they have turned out to be.  
7. Every time I go to the movies, the lights go down, and the credits begin to roll, and I dream of seeing my name up there someday after 'Based on the novel by...'  Every. Single. Time.  
8. I can finally talk about my mom without crying every time.
9. I have read some of the best books in the past eleven months than I've read in years.  My favorite thing is to be able to share these books with you, and this year we were especially lucky.

No, there aren't many things about me that you don't already know, but maybe you learned something tonight that made you go hmmmm.  I think it's important that we share a little more every now and then, so try to do your own list.  I am eternally grateful that you're still reading and care whether I'm here or not :)

Hope you're all having a grateful month!!

Day 5

I saw this article on Facebook today and had to admit that it made me stop and think.  I will be the first to admit that after eighteen years of marriage the lines of love can be blurry.  Somedays they're clear, and sometimes the lines are faded.  You know they're there, but it's hard to see them.

Now while I'll be the first to fight for making sure we carve out time for ourselves and creating a life we love, I will agree that a marriage can only survive if we are in it for the other person.  Marriages fall apart when one or both are being selfish and only thinking of themselves, creating a pile of resentment.

This can be said for all relationships really.

Kids
Friendships
Co-Workers
Even Pets

I think when we stop looking for what we're getting out of a relationship, and focus instead on how to make the other person happier, we're really making a connection.  We're making a difference in their lives at that point, and hopefully, they're returning the favor.

Day 5:  Today I am thankful for Toby and all that he does for me.  He makes me laugh more than anyone else on the planet, and never goes a day without letting me know how he feels.  No, it's not always love and roses, but most days it's exactly what we need.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Day 3 & 4

Since I fell asleep about five minutes after I got home last night, I am lumping the two days into one. Also, I've been in Grand Rapids for most of the weekend, in rinks, restaurants, movie theaters, and oh yeah, a corvette.... going about 100 down the backroads of Byron.

It was two days of friendships, bonding, and hockey.  It's funny... I don't usually get to go on tournament weekends, and when I do, I realize how much I miss out on.  Sharing inside jokes, appetizers, and Motrin, all the while cheering on our boys to play their best.  Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't, but always it unites a group of people who might not normally spend the

weekend together.  And it's the moments like watching the MSU v Michigan game, sitting on the floor with all the other mom's in the rink, giggling like we were back in high school, that I am thankful and grateful for being a part of this team.

Day 3/4:  Every May there is a try-out for the next year's hockey team, and even though I'm usually pretty confident that he'll make it, I always say a little prayer for the other players too.  Not just for the boys, but mostly for the other parents on the team.  I want to keep hanging out with this group, laughing, cheering, and occasionally sharing the misery.  Being a hockey mom is definitely a sacrifice, but it is also one of the greatest gifts too.

So yesterday and today... I am grateful for the gift of hockey in our lives...

Go get 'em tomorrow Boys!  We still got some life in this one.  I'll be watching and cheering via Twitter.

Happy weekend!

Day 2

Halloween was never my mom's favorite holiday till the makers of Snow Village started making Halloween stuff.  Then, she loved it.

Growing up, I only vaguely remember going out and trick or treating.  What I remember crystal clear is dumping the candy on the floor of our living room and my mom sifting through to make sure there were no razor blades in any of the candy bars.

That I remember.

So it's odd to me that Blake is like the Halloween king.  He loves this day and dresses up with gusto.  Evan did too, but not the same way Blake loves

it.  When he asked me Tuesday if he could have kids over, I couldn't say no.

Even when Toby was chirping in the background about all the rain we were getting.  100% chance of rain... possibly a thunder storm.  Did you see all the green coming our way?

But I kindly ignored him, because I can't say no to things like this that I know Blake will remember when he's a dad.  He'll remember that we let him make a big deal about it, simply because he loved it.

He'll remember Halloween and all the goofy costumes he thought up the day before... and playing in the rain... and laughing so hard in the basement I could only imagine what they were doing.

Day 2:  Today, I am grateful for being a mom.  And not just a mom, but a mom who tries really hard to make sure they are going to have memories in the future.  I want them to look back someday and know that nothing was ever a sacrifice because it brought me just as much joy.

Today I got to bake, and fuss over a group of boys who sometimes don't want their moms around.  I know this time goes fast.  I've seen it happen with Evan... poof, he's 6'2 and all hair.  It seems like I spent so much time wanting him to grow up, and now I just want them to want their mom every now and again.  Today I actually got to do that again.

And it won't be until after he goes to bed that I'll look for the razor blades in the candy.

Or maybe just the stray Payday bar....

Direction

How many of you find yourself wandering around through life, and realize that days, sometimes weeks, go by and you have no idea how that happened?

Sometimes you write down the date and think, how in the hell did another month pass me by?

The busier we are, the faster time flies, because we are just getting through it instead of living it. We're not paying attention to what is going on around us simply because we don't have time to. When we have a free moment, we're on Facebook, twitter, or Pinning what we want our lives to really be like.

Twenty-One days from today our first events will be starting for Mids.  I can't even wrap my brain around the amount of work I will put in getting ready for that week, and yet, I sit here right now and I'm calm.  I'm tired of living my life through events and waiting till the next one is over.  One thing I've learned over the past few years is that there will always be another event around the corner, so you might as well savor what you can when you can.

I know I say that now... you may have to remind me in a couple weeks :)

So, I started thinking that I'll need something to keep me sane... something to keep me on my path, so I don't fall into the black hole of work despair.  And I figured that the best way, my favorite way, is through gratitude.  The fact that it's almost November is just good timing divine intervention.

Day 1:  Today I am grateful that I have the day off, because I know that leading up to the event I won't.  Today, I can relax with a cup of coffee and write about things that make me happy.  I can fight with Goldie who will get the chair next to the fire (she's winning right now), and the only thing I really need to shower for is book club later today.  I can relax knowing that the past week was a complete success with the start of our biggest learn to skate session in years.  I can bake, and watch Y&R, and not worry about anything.  I can smile with the fact that when I asked for help this week, it was given to me.

Basically, this is as good as it gets right now...

I hope today finds you in a good place too!

Happy Wednesday.

In the Middle

Does this give you any indication of my mindset lately?  How about this and the fact I haven't written in weeks?  

I am not afraid to say that right now I feel like I'm in the middle of nowhere, however, I am hopeful that this is exactly where I will find what I need.  I know the equation of work + no writing = someone I don't want to be, but sometimes we really don't have that many choices.  We just have to muddle through.  I'm not making excuses, it's just that I don't have a creative thought in my head, mostly because work is a little intense lately and will be for at least the next five weeks.

I have hope that this next month will be like a spotlight on what I do want in my life.  Does that make sense?  It's like sometimes you just have to sit in the middle of nowhere for a while to realize that isn't where you want to be.... and suddenly where to want to be and what you want to be doing becomes crystal clear.

There's a few authors I follow on Facebook, and I'm not sure that's a good thing or a bad thing anymore.  I read their posts and become quite envious of their lives, and while somedays it motivates me to write, there are other days I sink a little thinking I'll never get there.   And then I remember...

I'm in the middle of nowhere.

And that's okay... I've been here before.  I am learning to find gratitude here because I know something good will come from this, whether it's clarity or creativity.  Something good always comes out of it.

I have faith.

Hope you're all well.  

Happy Weekend!

#positivity

"Life is simple.  Your life is made up of only two kinds of things - positive things and negative things. ~The Power

Perhaps it's because I've been re-reading The Power, again, and trying to keep everything in life in perspective.  

Trying to see the big picture if you will.

But the more I try and the harder I look, the angrier people seem to be around me.  It's as if no one is happy anymore, and it's downright exhausting to stay positive in a negative world.  

It makes me wish I were a turtle and had a shell to hide from the world at times.  

So I thought that maybe all of us needed a wake up post and reminders that we are only here for a short time.  We really ought to find the good in life and let the rest of it roll off our backs.

Pay it forward.

Savor a meal.

Text something funny.

Read something.

Pin a happy quote.  Make it your desktop background.

Take an Instagram.

Make a playlist.

Go for a walk.

Breathe.

Watch Modern Family

I know stuff is still going to happen to us daily, hourly even, but keeping our focus on what's good instead of what's bad should be your only goal tomorrow. 

And then the next day.

And then the next....

You see the pattern?  

Am I writing the same post over and over again with different words and pictures?  Probably, but I will continue till we all can see what is important.  Until we understand.

What will be your #positivity moment today?

And if that doesn't convince you, maybe this video will....  enjoy :)

Fall

I've had one of those weeks I'd rather forget.  More back issues.  More coughing again.  No sleep.  You know the pattern by now.  Its as if this roller coaster I'm on will try to see how low it can go before it rises back up from the bottom of the hill.

But I know this about life:  rock bottom is just a strong foundation.  Thank you J.K. Rowling for that analogy... I say it to myself daily.

And it's funny, when I get to the bottom of the hill any more, I have less and less patience for it.  I immediately start looking for ways to get out of the hole and how I can fix what really needs healing.  I've done this long enough to know it's not really about the back pain.  There's other stuff going on and I need to start paying attention to what is really going on in my life.  I need to pay attention to my self.

Shocking, I know.

So just like the season I am going to make some changes in my life to see if it will help keep me upright.  Nothing too major, but at this point, I need to work on my health, because I don't want to be that old mom that can't do anything with her kids anymore.  In my head, I'm still fourteen.  In my body, I'm seventy... with emphysema.

I believe it all starts in our own head and how we see the world.  It's either positive or it's negative, and I'm not sure there is any in between when it comes to this.  So I may be uncomfortable sitting here, and I may be coughing like it's my last day, but I have a lovely glass of wine and Revenge will be on soon.  It's all about finding the good in any situation, and if you can't then you need to change the situation.  I know this isn't my natural state, but that's part of what I'm working on.  There's something to be said for rose-colored glasses.

So I will leave you with this tonight, and I hope it finds you somewhere cozy and warm.

"Here's what I tell myself now. That it's vital to learn how to make the best of things. That there is no tenderness without bravery. That if things hadn't been so bad they could never have gotten so good. And that it's always better to have what you have than to get what you wanted. Except for this: Every now and then, when you are impossibly lucky you rise above yourself-and get both."  
~ Katherine Center

Happy Sunday!

Nowhere But Home

This has been one of those years of reading that a decade from now I'll think, wow, what a great year for books.  From Me Before You to The Lost Husband, and everything in between, I have been inspired in so many ways, but mostly as a writer.

Now I'll add Nowhere But Home by Liza Palmer to my collection, which turned out to be not as 'light' as I thought it would be but as most of you know, I like a good cry at the end of a book.  

In the book, the main character, Queenie, takes a job as the chef in a Texas prison who makes the last meals for those being executed.   How does a writer even think this up?  And then to write it with so much heart was just lovely to me.  

Near the end of the book I began to wonder what would my last meal be if I knew when that was.  Most of the meals in the book took the prisoners to another time and place in their lives when they felt loved and comforted.  Comfort was the key word.

So (aside from the obvious morbid thoughts,) if I had just one meal left for someone to cook for me it would be this:

BBQ Spareribs.  I don't even remember the last time I've even had these, and growing up, we'd have them all the time.  They were my mom's favorites, and I still know her recipe off the to of my head.  

Cheesy Potatoes.  There are about a billion recipes for these, but again, I'll defer to my mom's version which was really taken from Campbell Catering back in the day.  When she got the recipe it was for mass quantities so she had to figure it out for a family of eight.  Again, I haven't had them in a while, but I'm thinking these might need to be made this week now.  

Cabbage/Ramen Noodle Salad.  Hands down, my favorite salad ever.  And yes, I make this all the time.

Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream.  The trick to this is to have the cake still warm so the ice cream gets a little melty.  It's simple perfection.

That's about it.  Kind of simple, but oh so comforting, and of course I want you all to think about what your last meal would be.  I know it's kinda creepy, but at the same time, it's fun to think about all the foods that bring us so much comfort and why.

If you get a chance, read the book.  It is beautifully written and very funny at times.

Happy Sunday!

Happiness

Sometimes I wonder if this is the lifelong quest for all of us.  What if our job, our only job, was to figure out what made us happy and we did it like we were getting paid?

What if you got paid to do something that made you happy?

Not your spouse.
Not your kids.
Not your boss.
Not even the damn dog.

And what if what made you happy didn't made anyone else happy in your family?  Would you still do it?  With gusto?

This is what's missing, I think.  We look for what we want, daydream about doing it, and maybe even try something new.  But the second it feels uncomfortable, or we couldn't do the twenty other things on our to-do list, we throw in the towel and think it was just a silly pipe-dream.

I saw a picture on Instagram today and it stopped me from flipping through any other pictures.  Someone had taken a picture of their To-Do list, only it filled just one side of the page.  On the other side, she had her To-Be list, and it was filled with things like grateful, vulnerable, curious, and generous.  What if you started your day wanting to be courageous or daring?  We stop ourselves so often, every single day really, because it's more comfortable to just keep doing what we know.

Safe.

I don't think that would ever be on a To-Be list.

What will be on your To-Be list tomorrow?  And yes, I expect you to do this :)

6-Word Wednesday

I have a frame in my bathroom filled with beach pictures and quotes.  One of those quotes is actually the definition of carefree:

adj.  1. having no worries and no responsibilities.

Now is that the classic definition?  Probably not, but it works for me, and for some reason, I been zeroing in on that quote every time I go in there.   Carefree just isn't in my vocabulary anymore, unless I'm describing someone else.  I think at some point I've even started to look down my nose at those who can pull off carefree as an adult.  But seriously, how happy would we be if we didn't worry, control, and obsess about our problems every minute of every single day?

I'm not saying we have to bury our heads in the sand, but if gratitude was my Summer project, balance in my Fall mission.  My biggest problem is I haven't learned, EVER, how to turn my brain off and just relax.  I get home from work and obsess about who did or said what.  My emails ping like techno music somedays.  And we all know that home isn't exactly relaxing lately.  

So there has to moments in my life where I'm not in control, in charge, and not worrying about it.  The last time I actually felt carefree was on Winetour 2013 at Roundbarn.  

Yes, I miss Johnny Blue-eyes.

I miss giggling on picnic tables.

I loved hanging with my friends.
It's someone's birthday here every day.

And sadly, there aren't that many moments in our lives.  It's as if we've all decided that being a parent means we have to be serious adults.  I just think we need more fun in our lives or we're going to wake up one day and wonder why we wasted our time.  

So, even if it's for five minutes today, do something carefree.  Turn the music up and sing or dance.  Make a playlist that makes you smile.  Watch Sixteen Candles and say every line you know.  Read something that would make your mother blush.  Do something other than be an adult.  

It's okay to have some fun.

You're allowed to let off steam.

Control is just a silly illusion.

I could go on and on...

But I'll spare you my 6-word obsession, and hope you find some happiness today just being carefree.

Happy Wednesday!

Less is More

Have you ever had one of those days where you look around and wonder why the hell there's so much $hi! laying around the house?  I mean, how does one family acquire so much stuff?  This was the first day that I had off since the kids have been in school, and I literally spent the day getting rid of stuff.

I stumbled upon this website last week and sat for almost two hours going over post after post.  It's certainly a commitment to a different way of life, and while I'm not sure I'm at that point yet, I do believe there is something I can take away from there.  If anything I felt better just by reading all the different posts about how people had changed their lives and were so much happier without all that STUFF.  Plus it inspired me to clean out my closet, which I hadn't done in almost two years.

Let me tell you how many things I haven't worn in two years.

I tried not to think too much about why I don't wear them any more (my dryer shrunk them all!), and I just piled them up and kept only the things I wear every week.  If I didn't wear it in the last six months, it was out.  Oddly enough, once I got started, I couldn't stop.  I almost went through Toby's stuff, but he would find that one obscure thing that I threw out and he desperately loved.  And I would have to lie about it... again.

And so I have a clean closet now.  I have sweaters in a sweater area on the top shelf next to the sweatshirts.  Jeans are stacked in one spot.  T-shirts are all in one drawer instead of three.  And it feels awesome.

I can't wait to clean something else now.  I challenge all of you to pick one room (even a portion of a room) and get rid of the stuff that is just taking up space.  At the very least go through that website and try to get inspired.

I guarantee you'll want to get rid of something when you do :)

Happy Thursday.... It's almost Friday!!

P.S.  Yes, I was even inspired to simplify my blog too.  Hope you like it.

Remember me?

It's been weeks since I've written anything for anyone.

Well, it feels like weeks.

I'm not sure how long it really is, but jeez Louise this isn't how I function, and I actually forgot about this until someone mentioned it today.  How could I forget about something that brings me so much happiness?  I'm smiling even as I write this (mostly because I know you were happily shocked to see a
new post today).

So here's the deal... I am officially out of any kind of summer schedule and even got the first week of learn to skate out of the way, so I am going back to making what I love a priority again.  It's strange how quickly all hell can break loose when a schedule is cattywompus, and nothing feels right unless I'm writing or working on something anymore... so I guess you're stuck with me.

Consider my writing like the Fall TV programming.  Sometimes you have to put up with a bunch of repeats till your favorite show comes back on (hello... The Voice is on soon!!)  

Thanks for your patience... I'll check in soon :)

Happy Monday!

Lost, Season 45

So I finished my first draft four days ago.

And I'm lost.  Like really lost.

Like, I don't know what to do with myself when I'm not working, lost.  And even work is a struggle these days.

There is nothing on TV.  I can't focus on any book.  Y & R is only fifty minutes on the iPad, and even that isn't doing much for me.

All I want is to go back to Lakeside and hang out with Linny and the guys.  I want Charlie to hug me and Jimmy to roll his eyes and make jokes.  I want to feel the way Grace feels after a run... not the way I do.

The thing is I knew I was obsessive with writing this book, so much so that I literally couldn't wait to
finish whatever it was that I was doing, so I could get back in Frankfort.

But everything I've read about revisions says to leave it alone for a week and go back to it with fresh eyes, so here I am... needing to write and someone to hear me.  Life would probably be easier if I liked to talk on the phone, but it's words that make me feel better.

I also know I've neglected this for so long, and it's time I get back to finding some normalcy after this summer (did I mention it was the best summer ever?).  On September 1 I will tackle revisions and get back into their lives, but until then I'm going to try and relax for a moment.

In the meantime, if you notice me somewhere and I look a little well.... lost, just hang in there with me.  I'll find my way back home eventually.

I have truly missed this and hope someone is still checking to see if I'm alive :)

Motherhood

As I sit here tonight it is killing me not to be able to see Sarah and precious little Jonah (Little J-Twizzle, for long).  And knowing I was one of the first to even know about him nine months ago, this doesn't seem fair.

I comforted with the morning sickness.
I sat through nine months of bagel eating.
I hugged and calmed her down when she needed, right down to the day before.
I tried to be brutally honest with what really happens in delivery so she was prepared.
I told her to get an epidural, even though she was one of those who thinks they're tough enough.

And I've texted.  Oh how I've texted... words of wisdom, dirty jokes, sarcasm, truth, and joy.

To say I make it a priority to help her through life is an understatement, and I don't know what it is that compels me to take on this role, but we are connected in a weird way that cannot be explained.

And if I can't be there this week, there are a few things I want her to know... mom to mom.

• First of all, you are going to be overwhelmed.  It may not hit today or tomorrow, but it will hit, and when it does you'll wonder why you ever thought being a mother would be cool.

• You will fall so head over heels in love with this baby, and will find yourself just standing over them to watch them sleep.

• Your whole being is going to be taken over by this small, beautiful boy (a boy!!), but you will soon find out that your heart grows even bigger each day.  You will have space for Jonah, as well as well as the life you had before him.  Yes, your priorities will change, but it doesn't mean you have to choose one or the other.  You will learn the fine art of juggling and relying on your friends... and that's okay.

• Post-pardum is real.  Take it seriously if you're sad.

• Ask for and accept help as much as possible, especially at the beginning.  You may feel like super-mom (and you are), but none of us got through the first week alone.  

• Take naps when he naps.  Even if it's 4 6 times a day.

• No one cares if your house is a mess.

• Be kind to your self.

• Your friends have always been your life line.  That will not change.

• Above all things, remember this:  Jonah might be one of the luckiest little boys I know because he has you as his mom.  I hope he gets your sense of humor and especially your snarkiness of late.   I hope he follows in your path to be utterly passionate about something when he gets older.  I hope he knows he has not just you and Joel, but the entire skating family and the place we call home.  You're going to spend hours upon hours worrying about the tiniest issues, but I assure you, everything will be okay in the end.

This should get you through to Friday, when come hell or high water, I'm coming to see Mr. T.... with presents and dinner.  I plan on holding him for a long time too, so get your fix before I get there.  

Until then, you can text me any time day or night.  

I can't wait to see how this next part of your life unfolds.