The Summer of my Youth

"All we need is the truth in our hand. Someone to call a friend. Never fear the darkness. All we need is just the sun in the sky. And the hope of a summer to come with the meaning of love.”


Time is flying by...I am buying a house, no - a HOME with Boo Boo. The kids are out of school after a spectacular year and onto 1st & 3rd grades respectively. Work is busy but good - I am up for the challenge and enjoying the balance I promised myself I would strive for this year and for all my life. Summer comes with so much love and promise.

I cannot put into words what this new home means to me - what Boo Boo means to me. It will be a wonderful summer indeed. In fact, he just pulled into the driveway - I have dinner in the oven and my heart is filled with joy.

Happy Birthday Buffy!

Today marks the birthday of my best friend, Buffy. Happy Day Buffy!

It is no secret that I hold my friends in very high esteem and am not shy about expressing how much I care about them. Today is no different and I may even jump the shark on this one because Buffy is worth jumping sharks for.

Buffy, in a word, is amazing. She came into my life about 15 years ago. I came to know her through my ex-husband. (actually that is how I know most of my closest friends now). After college it is difficult to make those long lasting friendships, but I was blessed. Our closeness grew when I wasn't even paying attention. I was in her wedding party and we had our boys 6 months apart from one another. We share a lot of the same interests (cooking, motherhood, reading, adventures, black jack, pina coladas, gaming to name a few - we even won fantasy football one year when we partnered up) We are a good balance for one another - her sexy blonde and my curly top auburn. Sums us up right there :) Drop in our other sister friends, the 'laotong' and we can cause some trouble. When we do not talk or see each other for a few weeks we miss each other.

Buffy' has quite literally gotten me through the darkest periods of my life. Her honesty, compassion, humor, loyalty, intelligence, strength and determination are inspiring. There is not enough that I can say about this woman's beauty - inside and out. There is nothing that I would not do for her. I look forward to growing old with her and experiencing all that life still has to offer us and our families - together.

So Happy Birthday Buffy!! I hope you have a wonderful day. Here is a poem by Maya Angelou for you...Phenomenal Woman!

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing of my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Note to self...

Find book - "Mrs. Somebody Somebody"

Something Amiss

"One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important." ~ Bertrand Russell

Something has felt a little amiss to me this morning. Like I forgot something at the house or am forgetting to do something. I looked in my bag, examined my calendar and checked my to-do list. And there it was....between my to-do list and my calendar I noticed it. No deadlines. No must-do or die things at work or at home for today. What?! What is this?! OK - so I have things to do at work (some writing hell) and my laundry needs some sorting and putting away and some dishes need to be done but other than that - I got nada. Holey gamoley!

What is a gal to do? Well I have an amazing plan for today...I am going to take a walk at lunch. I am going to leave at 5. I am going to get home by 6:30. I am going to get my chores done. I am going to make myself some dinner. I am going to take the bunny out to play and watch American Idol. I am going to go to bed when I am still awake and read my book. I am going to live a slow life today with no pressure or worry.

I say again...holey gamoley!!!

I have an idea....

I always wanted to write a book. I am going to write a book. I am going to write a book for my son.


That is my crazy for today....

Good Friday

I kind of never understood why it is called 'Good Friday'. I mean, it really sucked for Jesus. That whole crucifixion thing. Not good in any way shape or form. Or maybe it is a reminder to be good. I have to look back and find the origins of the Easter bunny. Pickle asked me today and I got nothin'. Should be an interesting Google. My own little easter bunny, PJ, is hopping around while I am working from home writing some marketing fluff. He is big enough to hop on and off the couch. He is cute! Just have to make sure he does not get into any wires that he might find tasty. Ever see a bunny try to hop on pergo floor? funny the way their back legs slip out. I am so easily amused.

Anymahoo - here is our Fu Lion dressed for the occasion and season. He needs some love on the paint side after the winter, but he truly enjoys being decorated :)


And a picture of Pickle with one of her many pom pom creations. Now I ask you...are those the eyes of a girl who sings Queen in kindergarten? :)


And lastly the kids snuggling with Cooper - the 95lb black lab. oh my Mo - the shirtless wonder. He has caught onto the benefits of being a man early...




And a picture of them with their Godfather Erik. I love this shot - I need to get an 8x10 of this one.


Oh! And we all have bikes now. Can't wait for a trail ride soon! mmm...Happy Spring!

Mommy Moment of Pride

Pickle got sent back to her table from 'rug time' in Kindergarten for leading a round of Queen's 'We will rock you".

*sniff* I am so proud :)