Living in the Moment

Today was a glorious day of living in the moment. As all days should be.

And I am so glad to be home. Even if the cats have made a mess and the laundry (albeit clean) is out of control.

It was so nice to just be. Of course, the fact that it was like a summer day didn't hurt either...

Tianna had a softball game today and it was great to sit and watch the game with Howie, forget about real life for a bit and watch Tianna play while sipping on some great coffee.

As I was leaving one of the other coaches pulled up in his car, so I went over to say hello, but he gestured to the passenger seat, that I didn't see was occupied by my friend and I feel soul sister Gwen and it was just so wonderful to receive and give one of those hugs that conveys so many wordless emotions and feelings without saying a word, just through the powerful embrace and touch of another person who cares. We all need that.

Then it was an afternoon at Knoebels, a great amusement park with Nicole and her friend. I just lallygagged and they rode. I did treat myself to a ride on the humongo Ferris wheel and just enjoyed the sunlight and gentle breeze and lost myself in the simple pleasure of a ride for just a few moments. There were two senior gentlemen in the car in front of me; they looked like they were in their eighties, and of course reminded me of my dad...I wondered what their story was.

Then we visited my friend Dana who is selling jewelry to support crafters in India and we found some really fun things. And ate some good snacks, and drank great chai tea.

And the capstone event was a luau party for one of the outgoing doctors and we couldn't have had a better night...clear skies, balmy temperatures, great food and wonderful company. It's the first time in a long time I had a chance just to visit with the close knit group of people that Howie works with. One of the new incoming residents was there and she is someone who is a contemporary of Chris' and now starting as a first year Derm resident, so that officially qualifies me as feeling old.

But the funniest part of the evening was when several of the guys, including Howie put on grass skirts and coconut bras and posed...he even wore my great sunglasses, which the girls didn't even want me to wear. And they thought the glasses alone would be too embarrassing...

It was a fun, relaxed, joy filled day. The laundry will still be there tomorrow.

Peace.

A Full and Fabulous Day

So what can I say? All my days are full, but today was fabulous because I got to enjoy really nice, relaxed time with three of my four children and there wasn't much bickering. Hardly any at all...

I went shopping with the girls, there wasn't any fighting, reasonable choices, both in style and by cost were made, and I even bought myself a pair of pink shoes at Old Navy. In case you didn't know this or hadn't figured it out, I love hot pink!

I got some really affirming emails regarding the Bible study (stick to what you believe in, be true to your voice, etc.) and had a great day with the girls.

Then I had a great evening visit with Matt. He seems to be over the pain hump with his broken rib. Please continue to support him as you do through your thoughts and prayers. He is going through some inner struggle regarding important decisions regarding his future: relationships, career choice, location etc. knowing the first order of business is to recover from the rib, finish his internship, have wrist surgery and then...the rest. We had a wonderful visit with conversation, thoughts, dreams, desires, etc. and I have a great sense of joy and pride in where he seems to be at at the moment. He is giving very strong consideration to working with Second Nature, the Therapeutic Wilderness program that was transformational for him in 2002. This could very well end up being one of those very cool full circle stories...time will tell.

And then I got great news from my dear, hilarious and exceptionally talented friend Connie today letting me know she had all three of the stories she sent in to a Chicken Soup book accepted. Way to go Connie! We want to write a book together. Humor, of course and for moms and then we figure we can go on the Connie and Kathy travelling road show...dreams are always worth having.

A great day of simple pleasures. Make sure you take time for those in your own life.

Peace.

What Makes Birthdays Special...

What makes birthdays special? When you hit middle age, or twenty nine and several years of holding, the list is simple...

• Spending it with friends and family. Son Matt and girlfriend Carolyn in photo. There were nine of us, including my mom, Tianna, Nicole and my mom.


• Not having to cook, but not spending a small fortune on a meal, either. We boated to this great place and ate dockside and watched the sun set.


• Stopped on the way home for ice cream. YUM!


• Slept in till almost ten...


• Was just simply lazy (relaxed).


• Realized that Matt and Carolyn were also with us at the lake for Howie's birthday in May.


• Still have my dad living who I share my birthday with. He turned 80 today.


• Don't feel any older. Hope I don't act any older either :)

Peace.