Thursday Never List for Friday

Running late, because the White Rabbit is off smoking a hooka or something.

And by that I mean I had to pick up Tiberius from the airport and clean house beforehand. At least I cleaned the kids’ bathroom.

So here’s a list of random Nevers for y’all.

Random Never List

#5– Never Go Anywhere Without ID

I cannot stress the importance of this. Especially in Bangkok.

#4– Never Pass Up the Opportunity to Dance

There is no such thing as a bad dancer when you are enjoying yourself, Elaine.

#3– Never Give Up Your Principles

They are worth far more to you than to others.

#2– Never Confuse Kindness With Flattery

The results can be bad. Really bad.

#1– Never, Ever Pass Up a Good Thing

*SMOOOCH*

Hope y’all have a wonderful Friday 😉

To Those Who Served

A profound and heartfelt thanks.

For my husband, and my brothers-in-law, my neighbors, and my friends.

And for my brother Draco, who never failed to call and thank all of those he knew.

We can never repay what you have sacrificed for your country.

Off to a Great Start

As some of y’all know, I have been sick this past week. I had the ‘flu and didn’t know it.

Thus proving moms are superhuman.

Anyway, this morning I went to put up last nights dishes, and found the lid to my vintage Pyrex© dish was broken in shards. Son had forgotten to gather and take out the trash. Dogs decided to run outside in the mud because the grass is too wet with dew or something. And then Lenny just had to rush back out the front door, because hey, the garbage collectors were taking OUR TRASH. No, she ran in the mud, not the street. And I just remembered the day-old laundry in the washer.

And yet it’s still a great day. Why? Because *I* could have been broken, or trashed, or muddied, or stinky. And it’s always a good day when you realize that you are none of those things, and that those things are small and don’t control your life in any way.

Remember the blessings, and ignore the crap. Unless you happened to step on it while chasing psycho dogs. Then just wipe it off and move on 😉

10,000th Comment!!!

I can’t believe this itty bitty blog has had 10,000 approved comments. Obviously I don’t include spam in that number. If I did, it would be a lot higher. Stupid bots. Anyway, I want to express my thanks to all who take the time to comment here. I know it doesn’t take long to do so most of the time, but your time is precious to you and it means a lot that y’all share it with me.

And the honor goes to:

OGRRRE!!!

With the winning comment:

Ms. Sith, you are a sick, sick individual. I like that.

There is much truth in that statement.

So once again, thank you all for indulging me in this past time 😀

No Words

I’m sorry, but I had no idea on how to write this.

My brother-in-law, LC Draco, is in the hospital, in very serious condition due to a cranial bleed and having suffered several strokes. My heart grieves because he has been my older brother for 25 years. I humbly ask for your prayers, good thoughts and vibes, and karma for him.

Draco is a warrior, through and through. He has defied many odds and is still going strong. His road will be a long one, but he has a very loving family who will not let him walk alone.

Thank y’all for your patience, and your prayers.

On This Independence Day

Let us remember the sacrifices that helped build this country.

Remember, we have a Republic. Let’s work to keep it.

What a Difference a Weekend Makes

This weekend we traveled up east to visit family. It had been almost a year since we had gone for a visit, and we were chomping at the bit to get there. I have always found cousins to be the ties in families, and this was no different. All in all, my aunt- and uncle-in-law  hosted two of their kids, and their families, two of their nephews, their wives, and their seven children, along with other family friends. And I won’t lie: it was mostly my aunt-in-law! She not only did this at the last minute, but with a gracious heart and plenty of laughter. I’m sure by Sunday she was completely exhausted.

It doesn’t get better than that, huh? Relaxing by a lake, watching them fish and enjoying the sounds of kids playing and laughing. And that was the ONLY time we slowed down. The rest of the time was occupied with visits and cooking and eating and playing games and generally having fun. Sometimes being busy is the best way to unwind.

And I can’t wait to do it all over again 😀

The Eagle Has Landed

Today is the day my husband gets his Eagles.

He has worked hard, and achieved more than most. His dedication to the U.S. Army and his department is deep, committed, and unquestioned, just as it is with his family. And his loyalty extends to all, regardless of rank or affiliation. He is a true soldier.

My heart swells with pride, knowing he has reached another milestone in his career. His peers and superiors have expressed not just their congratulations, but also the hope and desire that he continue in this path towards the next level. And that is achievement indeed.

I Miss John Hughes

Sometimes I miss being a teenager. Not often, but when I do, I get nostalgic for what defined my generation. No, I do NOT miss the mullets, or parachute pants, or the headbands, or the sleeveless t-shirts, or the skinny ties…well, ok, I do miss the skinny ties. They were rather cool. No, I miss the innocent angst that churned throughout our high school years. I miss the afterschool gossip in the hallways, the stinky bus rides, and even hanging out at the mall because it was Saturday night and there was no other place to go. Innocent angst that never really hurt anyone, stuff that you could cure with a calorie-fest and a Christian Slater flick. THAT is what I miss.

Now that I’m a mom, it’s tough to see my kids going through the same trials and tribulations. You know how things will turn out. You try to guide them, and warn them, and all you get is the same ol’ “You just don’t understand.” So, I do the next best thing.

I make them watch a John Hughes movie.

No one else understood teen angst as well as John Hughes did. NO ONE!!! I don’t care that they didn’t have cellphones or internet in the movies. Growing up is the same on the inside for every generation. In a small way, I’m glad I don’t have to experience teen heartbreak. But in a big way, I’m glad I know what it was like, and that at least my kids will listen to a movie, if not me.

After all, I was born a mom. What would I know about Life?? 😉

When You Find The One

I dread that question. I know it’s coming, but I don’t want to hear it. To hear it means to answer it, and it won’t be easy.

When will I know if he or she is The One??

It’s a tough question to answer, isn’t it? On one hand, you want to tell them that HE (OR SHE) WILL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR MY BABY!! Then again, part of you wants to make sure they find the happiness you did. I remember Eldest asking me a long time ago how I knew Hubby was the man for me. I told her a simplified story, but the truth is, he was the one that made me laugh at everything. That was how I knew. It took years for us to adapt to each other as one, but I knew.

I never asked my parents that question, probably because I was afraid of the answer! But it boils down to what he or she is willing to sacrifice for the other. Seeing the imperfections that make them perfect in the others’ eyes, and knowing that at the lowest point, they will help carry the burdens.

I can’t pick their soulmates. I can only guide them through that minefield. But if one day, my daughter texts her boyfriend about how bored she is in her History class, and ten minutes later he bursts into the room, screaming, “THERE’S A TROLL IN THE DUNGEON!! Thought you ought to know…” and pretends to faint in front of the class, I will let her know that he is a keeper 😉