Proceed with Caution

For those in and around the local Northeast Alabama use caution! When? Always! My inbox has been overflowing lately with forwards from folks that have been emailed about being followed, questioned by strangers, attacked, robbed or just made to feel uncomfortable. The worst part is that they're all taking place right here in our hometown...in our local major discount stores. We can't be too careful! Everyday it's someone I know or a friend of someone I know that has been followed to their car and approached. My sister-in-law's friend was mugged in the parking lot of her major retail outlet in Opelika....by a woman! The lady sprayed her with mace and took everything she had! Ughhhhh! I found myself in this situation on Monday around lunchtime. Lunchtime! The middle of broad daylight! I never would have thought that anything strange would have happened at this time of day. Regardless, it did! The young gentleman followed me into the shoe department and he was unusually close to me. I had recently made the comment that I didn't think I would notice if someone were following me because I'm always so busy I don't have time to notice what's going on around me! But, this guy was noticable! He was creepy and most of all, he was all over me. It made me uncomfortable and out of sorts. Mostly, it pissed me off! I was so infuriated that someone was getting this kind of control over me and my time at the store! I mean, geez....I can't even go to the store anymore. Nothing major happened, but it could have. Had I been on the phone talking, he very well could have gotten away with my purse and I never would have known what hit me! I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the economy being so bad. Times are tough. People go to extremes. But, I'm not going to stand for it! So, my plea to all of you is to be careful out there. Take notice of your surroundings. As a mother, daughter, sister, friend...you have to take care of yourself! What are all of you doing to make sure you're paying attention more to what's going on around you?

The Balancing Act

It's tough...huh!? Some days I'm left standing in my kitchen, dust cloud settling around me, wondering how I got there. It's everyday events like shuttling to and from school, ball practices, extracurricular activities, housework/maintenance, pets, laundry and add a job (for those that have one) that keep us in a constant state of motion. I wonder if we actually know what it's like to sit still anymore. Gone are the days where the kids play in the yard while the grown-ups hold their rockers in place on the front porch. Air conditioning may have had a lot to do with that, I guess. What happened to the easy breezy days? Not just during Summer time. Everyday shouldn't be a mad dash to make the next big event in our lives. Life happens around us all the time. How much are we actually missing out on by taking it all on? Everything suffers when we stretch ourselves thin. From relationships to job performance - it all takes a beating. All the more reason to evaluate what we've got on our plates and choose what we can do without. With Summer half gone, I realize that I haven't gotten to enjoy much of it. I haven't been the beneficiary to too much relaxation. What I have tried to enjoy has ended up being something that everyone involved wouldn't have chosen...so I tend to bend to the majority. Nevertheless...make the best of the opportunities you have to enjoy life, your family and yourself. This is our only chance to take it all in and I'm going to try and do just that from now on....in stride! What about you?

Time Flies...

Eight years ago today was a Saturday. I was preparing to make the biggest decision of my life (at the time) right here in my hometown.

I've learned so much about myself since the day I said "I Do". Marriage is an ever-changing animal. There are many factors that make up a marriage and I am constantly amazed by how folks make it work. Everyone's marriage is different. Some share loads of laundry while others don't; some marriages have the woman tending to the babies while others have stay-at-home dads. Of all the things I'll list below that I've learned from my eight years I will say that #1 has to be that you can't compare your marriage to anyone else's - NO MATTER WHAT!

The following are from different scenarios that may or may not have happened in my household during the past eight years.

When in an argument with your spouse (no matter the subject) it is not a good idea to utter the words, "Well, your simple mind just can't comprehend this." Nope. No matter how you say it, it won't end up good. Trust me.

When you're trying to get your point across, be sure you've at least pictured a response before you open your mouth. At least then you'll know what to expect. For instance...If you and your spouse are discussing marriage with somone that isn't (married), saying the following is most likely not throwing down your best card: "What you need to do is just find you the ugliest nice person you can find and settle; that's what I did." (Are those crickets I hear in the background?)

Should your spouse lose something of value that just happens to represent the very sanctity of marriage, it might not be in anyone's best interest to inquire as to whether or not they pawned the item in question. Especially if it's during a frantic search of air conditioning vents and sink drains. Not smart - at all.

I have found that raising children is hard work...but it doesn't come close to raising a marriage. It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and even easier to lose sight of how you got there.

I planned a trip for my significant other and I for a spa getaway this past weekend to celebrate eight years of putting up with each other. After a while you get comfortable. There's something to be said for comfort, I think. I mean, ladies, you can wander around in no make up and rollers in your hair and not worry...cause you're married. Guys, you can.....well, we all know what you do when you get comfy...and not worry, cause you're married. That being said, I think nurturing that "first date" feeling could go a long way.

We were "sight-seeing" around the venue and got off the beaten path a bit. My significant other proceeded to do that thing guys do when they're comfy around you....my eyes rolled. "Now if this were our first date, you wouldn't have done that!", I said. (My point here was that after eight years I hope I still give you that "first date" feeling of nervousness.) "If you're looking for first date antics, you're in the wrong place!", he replied. "That's why you get married - so you can be comfortable!" There's truth in both statements, I think. While the comfortable feeling that comes with it is grand, first date feelings are not overrated! It all takes nurturing and it's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget how you got there. You forget who was with you along the way. And sadly, you can forget who you were when you started the journey.

Appreciation is often the first thing to go. I got news for ya'...that ain't good! Keep it out front and use the words, "Thank you! I appreciate that!", as often as you can. We don't think twice about saying something that could hurt the other's feelings...but for some reason we'll go months (or longer) without uttering these words. Think about this...if you're having a party and a guest offers to carry the trash downstairs for you, you wouldn't dare let it happen without a thank you to that person, right? But, on your average Monday evening when supper is going, kids are hollering and dogs are barking it's easy be miffed when your significant other might not think to take it out when it's full. You might ask and they comply...but how easy it is to forget to say "Thanks" when they do. There's the element of expectation there. Don't get me wrong...some expectation is good. But, what if simple thank you's along the way helped make them more frequent. Would that hurt? Not at all. And the beauty of it is that it goes for the guys and dolls!

Learn "I'm sorry". Learn when to insert it into the conversation. Timing is everything. It will only be beneficial to you - I promise.

Make it your goal each day to brighten that person's day somehow. In today's techno savvy world, a "thinking of you" is just a text or email away. Make it happen.

Bottom line...you have to laugh. Everyone else will be, anyway. Life is funny...don't think God sits up there watching documentaries and dramas all day! A little comedy is good for the soul.

Now...go; nurture; act like it's your first date...let me know how it goes!

Time - It's not always on your side!

As my "loyal following" is aware, I've recently made a transition at work into a sales position. It's something that I initiated and have been fortunate thus far with my sales and contacts. Nevertheless, the hardest part for me has been adjusting to the disorganization that I've recently adopted.

I'm so close to OCD about being organized, it just ain't funny! So, this is hard. I went from the person that had her "you know what" together to someone that is lucky if she remembers her purse on the way out the door. Luckily, that hasn't overflowed into my personal life....yet. I'm afraid that it's on its way.

Enter the "Time Management" class. I'm forever loving change. I'm in the minority of those that crave it. That's what brought on the career change most recently. I get bored easily. It's not bad...just helps me keep things interesting. It's the reason I have trouble listening to songs on my IPOD all the way through. It's the reason I have to purge my closets once every three months or so. It's the reason I can't pick a beer and stick with it. I'm always afraid something really good (not necessarily better) is out there that I haven't tried.

Today, I attended day one of two in a Time Management class. I'm a pretty happy-go-lucky person. I give just about everybody ample time to get their act together and show me what they've got. I'm no easy judge...but I'm fair. I went in expecting to learn ways to assist myself on managing my time better and I fear that I've been let down. I still have one class to go, but I'm discouraged by what I didn't take away from today - besides the homework. Pardon me, but if I'm in a time management course, odds are that I have plenty to do. I doubt very seriously that I need additional work added - more than likely it's assistance with the current balancing act of life, love and the pursuit!

I'll keep a positive attitude for session two. I'll remain in my "self-help" mode so that I continue to believe that I won't continue down this road of disorganization that most certainly leads straight to the gates of hell!

Pray for me.

Ahoy!

What's your most desired profession?

What I mean by that is....what would you like to do (either for a living or not) for the rest of your life if you had no other obligations? No kids to worry with. No significant other to depend on you. No pets to tend to. No strings, whatsoever. What would you do?

Maybe you'd stay right where you are doing exactly what you're doing. If that's the case, I applaud you for doing what you MUST love. For me...that's not the case. I was thinking about this today as I was on my way home from the birthday party of a friends child. My IPOD was on shuffle and several Jimmy Buffett songs were played in a row. It got me thinking...if I could sever ties with my community, house, schools, work, etc. I'm almost certain that I'd like to travel the world by sea. Essentially, It'd be a pirates life for me! Don't laugh...not a pilfering one, I'd be nice. But, to have a life that is free from worry or want....to wander the seas aimlessly....to take in more sunrises and sunsets than my eyes care to see.....to drink myself silly on Captain Morgan's Rum.....what a wonderful experience. I imagine a life of sea salt and spray; a life that is completely uninhibited and lead only by impulse and desire. Where do I want to go today? What do I want to do today? Who do I want to be around today? What would I like to eat today?

All that and I haven't even touched on the amazement found in scouring the many islands in search of the greatest places to eat and dives to visit. Can you just imagine? Close your eyes and think about the adventures at sea that would await! It entices me more and more every time I think about it!

Then, my wonderful kids laughing upstairs remind me that I'm tethered to this role...for now. I'm a landlubber, like it or not! At least until they head off to college. Do you think they'll be embarrassed to introduce me to their friends?

"Hi John...this is my mom, Lola...Capt. of the Hemisphere Dancer." (Several Jimmy references)

Neveryoumind...it's not like I'd give a hoot at that point, right?!

Oh well, there's always retirement. May your seas be calm and your rum plentiful!

Change...

....it should be self-starting.

We are all aware that it happens whether you like it or not. We are all aware that you better expect it. Everything changes. You best prepare yourself. However, I'm a believer that you should be the one to set the wheels in motion for change. Perhaps it's my desire to retain some control in situations. Or maybe it's the thinking that you should always be of a proactive mind. Either way, I think it just feels better if you're the one making the decision to get the (change) ball rolling.

I'm on several committees within my community. American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Committee, Business Expo (Chamber of Commerce affiliated), Salute to Industry (also Chamber affiliated), CCAF and Junior League is coming up. I was making mention just the other day that something was going to have to give because I was feeling stretched pretty thin. I'm beginning to feel like a professional committee member. Honestly, it's something I enjoy. I get to participate in several different events and showcase my talents in organization and communication. I'm not too shabby at planning either! Nevertheless, it can become overwhelming if you don't keep a watch on it.

Well, before I even had a chance to make the change and forego my seat on one or more of the committees, the decision was made for me. My boss feels that it no longer behooves me or the company to serve on several of these committees because my "job" has changed and my focus has shifted. I'm not saying I don't agree with that angle...just that I'm disappointed that I wasn't quick enough to the draw. I strive to stay a step ahead...of just about everything! I fell short in this instance.

Oh well...time to regroup! Get back in the game, so to speak and kick tail with my new responsibilities. It might be nice to relenquish some of the current ones for something fresh and new. Time for me to go make a difference somewhere else....at least that's what I'm going to tell myself.

Anyone else feel this way?

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...

Pardon the recent absence. I was much needed on the homefront! It's good to take time to check back in with the family and all that goes on. It can get pretty hectic pretty fast. It'll knock you on your ass if you're not careful! But, I'm glad to be back. During my brief hiatus I learned a few things. I'm a big proponent that you learn something new everyday. Seriously...everyday. It may or may not be anything substantial or worth writing home about, but it's new.

1. I learned that a good friend of mine, Lori, is pregnant. This wouldn't be such overwhelmingly amazing news if it weren't for all she and her husband have gone through to get to this point. She's not too far along...only a couple of weeks probably...and she's already glowing! They're about to experience one of life's greatest miracles and I'm so excited for them!
2. My best friend Kristin just lost her daddy, Mike Cooper, to Cancer. He fought a hard fight and gave it all he could for as long as he could. The best part - he found his peace before he left this world. Read the story of how it all happened...and I suggest you get a tissue or three!
3. I learned (as I have before and will continue to do) that relationships are hard. Whether you're talking about a marriage, a best friend, a parent/child or work related, balancing the art can be tough. It takes lots of hard work, mountains of patience and understanding.
4. I was reminded of how much vacation is necessary. I'm working with a pretty tough deadline at work right now and I'm so looking forward to getting out of town and not worrying about a thing!
5. I re-learned (cause it wasn't like I didn't know!) that I have fabulous neighbors! Seriously...I'll put them up against anyone's. They're just as much fun partying as they are sitting in the driveway putting together patio furniture, or hanging out on the deck in the afternoon. "Home" is so much better with great neighbors!!
6. I learned that I have to take a break sometimes and re-group. Maybe it's just a book and a bath...but a re-group is necessary! It's easy to get caught up in making sure everyone else around you is taken care of. Easy, but not always healthy. Make time to tend to you - you're just as important!
7. I learned, unfortunately, that "Rock of Love" with Bret Michaels is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing ever to grace the small screen...yet I can't make myself change the channel. What a joke...yet I'm mesmerized!
8. I learned/realized that I haven't had my hair cut (not even trimmed) since November 2007 (over four months if you're counting) and that's way too long. I've got to make that a priority this week!
9. I was reminded that if you want something, it might just be as easy as asking. I tend to overthink/overanalyze situations until I end up making them more complicated than they ever started out being. All you have to do is ask.
10. I learned that hard work can payoff from time to time. You can work hard, save your money (or not), make at least semi-smart decisions and then.....you can reward yourself. And you should! You've only got one shot at enjoying this life....you should certainly be willing to take some chances along the way!
11. Finally...I've been reminded that my kids aren't standing still. I have a picture on my mantle of each of them and I was saying something the other day about how I needed to update the pics within each frame. It dawned on me that I was having trouble remembering my little girl that little. In the picture she's about a year old and it seems like eons ago! Add insult to injury by realizing that I'm only about a head and some change taller than my little man and you've got yourself a 'sobfest'.

All in all, the "break from the blog" was beneficial. I missed it, though. It's a great release to be able to tap, tap, tap my way into relaxation. I'm flattered that so many even give a rat's "you-know-what" about anything I have to say...but if you go away laughing I've done my part! So, I'm back on track...and thanks for reading! There's some funny stuff coming up soon!

Return to reality!

Vacation has come and gone. Now comes the crappy part - unpacking. Everyone had fun! The aquarium may very well have been the highlight of the trip. Not only did the kids enjoy it, we did too!

If you've never had the pleasure of visiting Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN....you should! Soon! It's really cool. A little on the pricey side, but you get your $$ worth and you'll agree once inside. From petting Sting Ray's to the moving walkway that carries you "inside" the tank...it's a great ride!

(That's "Bruce" in the tank at the aquarium - a little eerie to have him swimming overhead, if I'm being honest. I was reminded of the scene in JAWS...yikes!)

In addition to the aquarium, the pool at our hotel was of high interest to the kids! Ober Gatlinburg didn't offer them much other than a cool ride up and back down. Next year, perhaps they'll be more interested in the ice skating (and manmade snow)!

I'm pretty sure I know every word to The Incredibles, Snow Buddies and All Dogs Go To Heaven and I discovered the following: if necessary, I can sit in my backseat for long periods of time....I love my seat warmers....sometimes kids surprise you with their good behavior.....walking is good for you - it won't kill you and dessert is fabulous - always have dessert!

I will say this...and all parties in attendance agreed...the only way to go to Gatlinburg is in a cabin. That's the way we've always done it in the past, but schedule's wouldn't allow for others to come along this time, so we opted to snag a hotel room instead. It just wasn't the same. You just don't get the same 'mountainous' feeling in a hotel room - even if you are in the mountains.

All in all...good food, good company, good attractions and good attitudes made for a great trip! Now I'm off to unpack - ughhhhhh! The reality of being back at home sets in hard.

Road Trip!!!!!

The family and I are headed for a mini-vacation tomorrow! Gatlinburg is our destination. I'm looking forward to the aquarium....the kids are going to get a kick out of that. Honestly, I probably will too! I loved the aquarium in Chattanooga!

The ice skating should be fun for them too....especially now that they're old enough to give it a shot. I love Gatlinburg in the winter - and I hear they're callling for snow while we're there. That will make it even better! I remember how excited the kids were with the little bit of snow we got here in Alabama last month...and that was nothing!

My gripe has to be that I haven't packed anything. I'm a "pack the car the night before" kind of gal...and I don't have it done this time! Granted, I've been busy lately. But, this just means that I'm going to be up doing it tonight when I should be enjoying some much needed rest. Why? Because I won't be able to close these big brown eyes until I know I'm at least half way there. There is something so peaceful about knowing that all you have to do is get ready in the morning....but something is telling me that tomorrow morning won't be that relaxing. Sigh...I'll do my best to achieve premature packing, but I'm also a realist. It's 10:30 pm and I haven't even gotten our suticase down. Odds are against me, ladies and gents.

But, the pitcher of margaritas at the mexican joint this evening hashelped me be OK with the fact that tomorrow might be a bit hurried. Tomorrow morning I might be singing a different tune when I get that overwhelming feeling of not having all my ducks in a row. But, for now, I think I'm just going to call it a night. We'll get there tomorrow - one way or another - and if we forget something, I guess we'll just buy it!

Who am I kidding....that would drive me crazy! Until my return, I wish you a happy weekend! See you Monday!

Put Me In Coach!

That time of year is just around the corner! When you rush at break neck speed from work to pick up your little critters and cart them to their respective "after-school activities". It's time to gear up for fast food dinners on the run and fun times watching kids pick clovers in the outfield. Which brings me to my reason for this blog...Hayden's T-Ball pictures are back! Yep...and only about 10 months after they were made. Not bad, eh? Sigh....Ugh!!!!(and many other distraught, annoyed words) It absolutely disgusts me that people can be so unorganized! How is this possible? I really can't understand it! If organization is not your strong suit...or you simply can't handle the task of getting pictures to parents after they arrive....say, 'no thank you'. Step up and say, "That's not my strong suit...I'd rather be in charge of snacks." There is nothing wrong with that. Snacks are important - just ask the kids. That was always so funny to me last year. The kids would be into the game for about the first 7 minutes. After that it was, "Can we eat snack yet?" or "Who brought snacks this week?". It's a lot of pressure to bring 'cool snacks' too. Last April all participants in my son's athletic organization convened on one location for the photo shoot. That day, of course, was chaos. In defense, there were several teams there and each team had to have a picture in addition to each little players portrait being made. But, come on...it's not that difficult to organize something like that. My frustration comes from the fact that I've been pulled and jerked around as to the whereabouts of the pictures for which I paid $19 for over six months now. I've contacted the athletic organizations director. I've contacted the photographer to see if I could just get one wallet of my little dude in uniform! I didn't want the fancy player cards or anything...just one picture. It has taken an act of Congress nearly, but today my mailbox held a nice surprise. As I lowered the hatch, I found a lone white envelope which held part of my $19 package purchased in the Spring of 2007! I shouldn't have been so excited...because of the time lapsed and all...but I was. And now that the new season is set to kick off in less than a month, I'm ready to step up to the plate. I've thrown my name in the ring to coordinate/organize this 'event' for the organization next year. I might be sorry later, but right now I'm optimistic because I know I will rock at organizing the whole thing! Here's to making T-Ball fun and organized! Who's with me? ;)

Wastin' Away...

I apologize for the ever-so-brief hiatus. I've been sick. Turns out, my flu shot worked after all because that's not what got me down. After four days, several drugs, one double roll of Angel Soft (we never have Kleenex in the house) and two shots...I was deemed to have a bacterial infection - not the flu. That's a win, if you ask me. Another win - that neither of the kids came down with it! Whooo - hoooo! It all started on Thursday and the only time I got out of the bed from then until Sunday afternoon was to shower and use the facilities. Friday morning was so bad that I was bargaining with my mom for a catheter...getting up was that bad! Whatever this was, started out and set up in my lungs and eeeewwwww....it just got worse! So, I ventured out (for the first time in four days) today and headed to the doctor. The wait wasn't bad...they gave me two shots - which induced vomiting due to the fact that I hadn't eaten and my weakened state - and two prescriptions. So, we're good to go! I'll be 100% in no time. I'm tired of fever...I'm tired of the quarantine....I'm tired of Mucinex...I'm tired of boring TV...I miss my kids...and mostly, I'm tired of feeling like I'm putting everyone else in a bind. I'm ready to be me again. Tomorrow can't get here soon enough!

A struggle for normalcy amongst the flu!

It's flu season. I'm not worried about me. I got the flu shot. Even if "they" are saying that the strain out this year isn't the same as the one I was innoculated against, I'm not worried. My husband has the flu. He's on night two of coughing, aching, stuffy head and fever and I gotta tell you...no one is more ready for this to be over than ME! I'm the type that wants to be left alone when I'm sick. I don't want anyone around me. I want a phone, a remote, a thermometer and a drink nearby. That's all. It's all because I am a perky, upbeat person 90% of the time. When I'm sick, I'm not that person. I don't want to burden anyone with my unhappy attitude. Nevertheless, I recognize that not everyone is like that. Case in point - my husband. Like most men, it's the end of the world when he's sick. Am I right ladies? For the most part, if a lady gets the flu it's business as usual...just with a little more attitude. Kids still have to be carted around, houses still have to be kept up, contacts still have to be made & pets still have to be cared for. The family unit (as a whole) still has to operate. But, heaven forbid a man catch a cold or, worse, the flu. The entire operation might as well shut down! Needs are at an all time high and you're #1 on the demand list. The upside...at least you're needed, right? I find it most humorous that the phrase, "Ugh...I feel like crap!" is uttered repititiously. No shit, you feel like crap. YOU HAVE THE FLU!!!!!! Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about it. You can go to the doctor only to have him send you home on fluids and rest. But, you're probably already doing that before you head up there, right?

• Just stay in bed.
• Rest.
• Drink lots of fluids so you don't get dehydrated.
• Take Tylenol regularly - or change it up by switching between that and Motrin. Always works for the babies.
• Take something for congestion if it happens to accompany your fever.

Your body is going to ache - a lot. You're doing more harm than good by trying to do anything more than recover. Perhaps the flu is the body's way of saying, "Slow down, damn it! I'm tired!"...just a thought.

Co-sleeping...it ain't for everyone!

Hayden as a wee little man!

(Definitely an alternative to co-sleeping!)

In the blogosperic world we live in today, it's easy to find a chat room, message board or blog telling you all about how to raise happy healthy humans. My advice (not that anyone has asked) is to do your own thing. You were raised by someone...you are guaranteed to have picked something up from it. The hard part is deciphering the good from the bad and going from there. I bring up Co-sleeping because it's something foreign to me. I don't do this. I never have. I can count on one hand the number of times my son has ever been in the bed with me to sleep - and he was sick all three times. Now, that's not talking about the very young infancy age when he was in the same room right next to the bed and might as well have been in it with me. Those teenie babies need to be near you...heck, they've been inside you for nine months. You can't expect them to let go immediately. But, then your second one will come along - like my little princess - and letting go is exactly what they'll do. From the day she came home from the hospital, she slept in her own bed...for eight hours or more each night. I'm not making that up. She was independent from the moment my water broke. I struggle with issues like this, as we all do. I feel guilty sometimes when my kids (one or both at he same time) come all the way down the 17 stairs in the middle of the night for whatever reason (bad dream, wet bed or daddy's loud snoring) and I march them right back up to get in their own bed. I feel very guilty. I want so badly to throw them in the bed with me and cuddle next to them and hear their little hearts beating. But, the independent/determined side of me wins almost every time. I want them to be independent. I want them to be strong. I want them to be self-sufficient. I expect too much from them, I fear. Now, don't get me wrong. It's not like I can't go back to sleep once they're tucked safely back to sleep. I'm out once I'm back in the bed. It's afterwards...the next morning. I think to myself, "Would it have been so bad to let them crash for just one evening?" "What's it going to hurt to let them fight over who sleeps next to me...so close I can smell their lotion?" Nothing, that's what. It wouldn't hurt one thing. I can speak from both sides of this, I think. I was a co-sleeper with my mom for a long time. I was probably 10 or older before I started taking ownership of my own bed. Different circumstances, however. It was just she and I. No one else to consider, really. If I examine how it all affected me, I must say it was minimal. I am a very independent person...not because my mom didn't let me sleep in her bed, but because of the many other qualities, morals and values that she instilled in me. What it all boils down to, I think, is that there are different choices for different folks. For those that choose to co-sleep with one or more of their kids, they will most likely have to deal with separation issues later in life. For me - one that chooses not to - I'll have to deal with the troubling issue of "maybe if I had let them crash with me, they'd be closer to me." I'm curious about your opinions on this...don't take it as controversial. I'm just interested to know. There's certainly no worry of a right or wrong opinion here. Tell me your thoughts!

Changes in Latitudes, right?

Change is hard. It’s inevitable. It happens to everyone. Change is probably the most difficult thing to manage. But, it happens. There’s not a whole lot you can do about it. You have to know yourself well enough to know how you deal with change. Do you welcome it? Do you embrace the idea of change and look at it as an opportunity to try or learn something new? I embrace change. I got married at 20 years old. In fact, I had only been 20 for 17 days when I said ‘I do’. I look back on that now and wonder what on Earth made me think I knew who I was at 20. I had my first child at 21 and my second at 24. All of these milestones in my life helped me learn about myself. Not only that, but they changed me. I’ve heard people say that they are happy to report, at 30+, that they’re the exact same person they were 10 years prior. It would make me sad to say that. It would break my heart to think that I hadn’t grown or learned or broadened my horizons or perspective from the challenges I’ve faced. In fact, I’d be a little ticked off, to tell you the truth! What did I go through it all for, if not to learn something? Change is in the air. I can feel it. In fact, it’s been lingering for a while now. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s just around the corner. I’m excited to see what change has to offer. I’m intrigued to find out how it’s going to introduce itself. I feel mostly that this change is going to occur in my work life. Perhaps partly I’m longing for change in my work life. Who knows? Regardless, I’m ready. I recently came across two different articles having to do with business that included statements I found to be profound. One was, “You can’t expect your employees to get excited about selling your product if you don’t show interest in what they get excited about.” Great, right? Basically, if your only interest in your employees is whether they do their job and make their numbers, you won’t have very motivated employees. Think about it! The other statement was, “People don’t leave good companies. They leave bad managers.” Truer words have never been written. All that aside, change is gonna happen. I encourage you to approach it head on with a positive attitude. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll take something away when all is said and done.

Some Days Just Suck!

Ever had a bad day? Don't you hate it when things just don't go your way? Being the type person that enjoys things having order to them, I can't stand it when my routine is jacked up. My husband is currently enrolled at the local university. Each semester brings change on my part. I, being the 'parent primarily responsible for the shuffling of the children', often have a good bit of adjusting each go-around. It usually goes pretty seamlessly - due in-large part to my extraordinary organization skills - usually. Tonight was different. Monday night brings class, so I have to get back in the routine of picking up both children after work (They're at different locations on opposite sides of town.) I'm rarely one to ask for help, so this adds a degree of difficulty. This particular afternoon found me with little gas left. I left destination #1 (picking up Hallie) and headed for the fillin' station. Put my gift card in the pump and discovered I can't pay with a gift card at the pump. You gotta go inside. Well, that ain't workin' so I opted to chance it! Bad idea. I was coasting down the main road toward Hayden with only 12 minutes to get there. It was fine. I was going to make it. (BTW - I should mention, it's bad to be late to his school for pick up. Very bad.) All of a sudden, I felt that feeling in the gas pedal...you know the one. You're pressing the pedal, but nothing is happening. Sigh...I ran out. But, how lucky was I that I was only about 300 feet from the only station on this road? Very! I coasted...literally-stiff steering wheel and all...into the station that has only two pumps. Another nod to the Gods for making the pump I needed available. The stars were aligning. I had 1o minutes to get to him. I tried calling my husband. I tried my mother -in-law. I tried the school to let them know what happened. I just needed someone at the school by 5:30. My luck ran out at the station, apparently. I coudn't get anyone. I was approx. 8 minutes late. Now, I owe extra money for detaining the teachers at the school. They were less than pleasant with me. On one hand, I can't say I blame them. I know they have families to get to and I understand. But, I'm pretty sure I'll be finding other arrangements soon. Nevertheless, we made it home. We had McDonald's because that always makes us feel better. We survived. I've had worse days, that's for sure.