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!