Could I Be Allergic To Cleaning?

Hello my name is Mandy and I'm cleaning challenged.  Or maybe I'm just lazy.  Probably a combination of both.  Now I sit here and wonder if my newest handicap with cleaning is that I'm allergic to it, literally. 


I hate to clean.  I've made no secret of that notion here in the past.  I do the minimal amount until company comes over.  That is how I roll. 


I have no problem keeping up with the dishes and laundry.  Yet when it comes to dusting, mopping and surface wiping, I'd rather cook, bake and dirty up pans than make sure the countertops don't have any food remains or stains from the last time I chopped up vegetables. 


This not a good way to be, especially when you have a toddler, a dog and a cat.  I should do more cleaning.  So I'm trying to take more steps into keeping a tidier house.  But it seems like when I do, I feel sick afterwards -- sneezing, coughing, headache and sore throat.  After I clean, I feel sick!


Therefore, right now as I type this, I feel quite crappy.  After all, Saturday my husband and I spent nearly four hours of non-stop cleaning around our house.  FOUR HOURS - No exaggeration.  We vacuumed, mopped, scrubbed toilets, scoured the surfaces, dusted, wiped down the fridge, microwave, and so on and so on. 


I know you're jealous, you don't have to utter a word.  Who wouldn't want to spend a weekend doing nothing but cleaning only to have it be dirty again two days later?


We had an entire weekend of rain and stormy weather so really, there wasn't anything we could do outdoors so we spent all our time inside trying to make our place better.  Kirk even began rearranging our furniture and switching out a few pieces we had not utilized yet. 


By Saturday night, the itchy throat started.  I drank a Mudslide hoping it would soothe it.  No such luck.  On Sunday I felt worse and today I'm just hideous.  And cranky.  I haven't exercised since Friday and I'm thinking of all the things I won't be able to accomplish this week because I'm sick from cleaning over the weekend~


Sure there is a chance that it's a coincidence that it happened just after I reinacted Cinderella for a day.  Vivian had a runny nose recently too but nothing serious.  We had a monsoon amount of rainfall that probably caused mold and fungi to resurface all around us.  I'm trying to think up other possibilities too so that I don't end up on one of those reality cleaning intervention shows.


But the bottom line is that I view cleaning as a thankless, endless job.  I don't get that sense of satisfaction that others get when they have a clean house.  I sit there and look at my spotless floors just cringing over the first speck of dirt that lands on it.  My tush can't even sit comfortably on a sparkling toilet because I know the shit will take over it soon enough, again literally.  I enjoy it for a minute, an hour or a whole day if I'm lucky.  After that things go downhill and I give up. 


Perhaps it would go smoother if I didn't wait so long to do it all?  I really need to do a better job at incorporating clean habits into my daily or weekly routine; that way,  that I'm not performing a Mr. Clean Marathon on the weekends when I should be enjoying family time. 


On a whim, I came up with some catchy ideas on how I could possibly do more cleaning several days out of the week --


Mop it Mondays - cleaning the floors in the house
Take out Tuesdays - take out the trash and anything lying around that hasn't been touched for a week.
Wipe down Wednesdays - surface cleaning and mirror wiping
Thursdays and Fridays could be off days!
Suck it Saturdays - vacuuming and dusting
Sunday - another off day OR a back up for Saturday if it doesn't get done then.


Sounds fun, right?  Yeah, right.  Until I actually have to do it.  Then I will probably convert my list into firewood and a backyard bonfire.  Sigh!  


Ugh, I don't know how to do this better!   My mom hired a housekeeper for most of my childhood so she's not the best role model for me.   I don't like to clean but I know it's a part of life.  And not everyone can afford to hire someone to do the dirty work for us. 


How do some folks get so motivated to do cleaning?  How I can prevent this allergy cycle from happening to me again? 

How often do you clean?  Every day? Once a week? Every other week?  Once a month?  When company comes over?   Almost never?  How do you tackle the tasks of cleaning?  What chore do you hate doing the most?  

While I wait for you to answer, I'll be dreaming of a fairy godmother to take me away.  Right after I swallow this cold medicine tablet.

Three Words - They Change Everything

Words can be so powerful.  Someone speaks them and they cause a reaction so powerful, good or bad. 

They can be amazing or terrifying or hilarious.  That is why I love writers, books, stories, poems and more.  The written word often invokes feelings in me that I didn't know existed. 

Still no written word is as remarkable as the spoken truth.  And yesterday evening my two year old daughter Vivian uttered three words that brought tears to my eyes.  Tears of sheer joy.  Tears of happiness.  Instant love and slayer of sadness.

Vivian for the first time ever, unprompted by me, said, "Wuv you Mommie."  (That's toddler talk for 'I Love You Mommy.')  She even gave me a hug and patted my back after she said it. 

Well folks, I just lost it.  I cried and cried with suprise and love.  The tears came so quickly and fell so swiftly that I almost lost my balance.  I can't even express how deeply her words and gesture touched me. 

My little girl, my Diva has never uttered those three words to me on her own before.  I've asked her if she loves her daddy and me.  Usually Viv replies "yeah" to my question.  She gives me random smiles,  hugs and looks that say I love you.  But this was the FIRST TIME that she spoke them on her own free will, with no cause or reasoning other than she wanted to say them.

What a beautiful, precious moment!  I wrote down the time (around 8:27 p.m.) and date so I will always remember this exchange.  That is why I'm writing this post. 

My daughter will absolutely drive me crazy.  At times, I absolutely question my abilities as a mother and wonder if I made the right choice by becoming a parent.  But hopefully in the future, I will remember those three words and that exchange we shared.  I will recall our special moment and I will know, without a doubt, that she and I were meant to be mother and daughter.  We were meant to love each other and explore this world together.

Vivian, I love you (or should I say, " I Wuv you").  You sure do touch my heart and my soul in ways I didn't think were imaginable.

And oh my gosh, you make me laugh too!  An hour after you told me you "wuv" me, you had me cracking up as we took a bubble bath together last night.  When you pointed to your chest and said, "Wash my boobies!" I laughed for several minutes straight.  Those three words also brought joy to my day. 

Thank you!   I love you!   And now I know (for sure) that you love me too.




My diva, my beauty who rocks my world!  She loves me, she really loves me!





She makes me laugh, when she's not making me cry!





We're quite the comical pair, aren't we?

Untitled Poem

White knuckles gripping tighter
A swift wipe of my sweaty palm.

Anxiety rises and muscles tense
Tears well up on the cheek.

Fear and loneliness seep inside
How can I seek the truth?

An itch, a thought, a word
None can sooth me now.

Clinging to unknown depths and layers
Wishing for peace and acceptance. 

Reasons Why My New Cell Phone Will NOT Make Me Smarter

Watch out, I'm going to rule the world someday!

Kirk and I purchased new cell phones over the weekend.  Our contract expired on our old plan; plus, my husband's phone had been freezing on him for months now.  I know Kirk had been looking forward to the new phone for quite some time.  He is in his element when he's surrounded by new electronics or any sort of geek technology. 

I told him to just pick out a phone for me.  Because that's how much I cared about it.  I'm serious - I told him that I would be perfectly fine with any type, even something ancient like the old Zack Morris phone from Saved by the Bell - you know, the one that looked like this:

However, the current provider's deal of the month did not allow us to purchase the same type of phones; therefore, Kirk wanted me to go with him to pick out what style I wanted.  So off we went to the local T-Mobile store.  And yet I was more excited about going to dinner afterwards then selecting my new phone.  (T.G.I. Friday's and it was tasty by the way)


Without even glancing too much at the offerings and many features, I chose the myTouch 3G Slide Android phone.  I liked it because it has that mini keyboard that opens up so you can type.  Not quite sure why but I still like that keyboard. All the touching and rolling around with your fingers is annoying in my opinion.  Maybe that is the writer in me too - pretending my phone is a typewriter, something retro and sexy.  Let's forget the fact that I cursed at the last one I used for all the constant mistakes I made and the White-out I required. 


My old cell phone was a simple one.  I could text on it but I didn't have the internet available on it.  Basic, that's what I'd call it. 


Well to say that I've upgraded now is an understatement of the century.  In fact I can do practically anything with my phone now.   It's quite scary, actually.  I can surf the web, check my email, look up my GPS location, operate my phone as a compass (to find out if I am walking in the direction of north, south, east or west).  In addition, my phone can serve as a flashlight, a calorie-counter and even a scanner for bar codes and product details!  Yes, I'm NOT kidding!  Never in my life did I dream of doing these kinds of applications from the palm of my hand using a cell phone!

Here is a short list of other capabilities that I can do with my fancy, schmancy new phone -- NOT that I need to do these things or find them even the slightest bit important.  In fact, I'm quite sure that they will lower my I.Q. each time I use them.  But here they are, Reasons why my cell phone will NOT make me smarter --

• Flip a coin - my phone has an application that you shake an image of a quarter and the end result will be heads or tails.  Really, are folks too lazy to do the real thing anymore!?
• Whoopee Cushion - who can resist those fart pranks from the younger days!  That will be great fun on a future elevator ride someday, I can assure you!
• Track my period and ovulation schedule - I don't even know what to say about this one!  Really?  Do I want the customer service staff of T-Mobile to know when I'm bloated or if  I skipped a menstrual cycle??

• Make the noise of an Air horn - I'm actually kind of excited over this one!  Whenever my daughter Vivian acts up in public, I'm activating this charming sound to stop her dead in her tracks.  Yes, I am a Cajun redneck and I'm not afraid to admit it.
• Magic 8 Ball - Ya know, in case I feel like asking my cell phone random yes or no questions about my life so I can receive responses like, "The outlook does not look good." Or better yet "Ask me again later."  
• Tip Calculator - So I can no longer make excuses that I'm not sure what to leave my waiter or waitress after the meal is done.  Also, so I can relieve my brain of any math skills whatsoever.
• Drink recipes - If I hear someone at a bar name a drink I am not sure about, I can look up the recipe and ingredients list to decide if it's something I'd like to try in the future.  Way to go cell phones for encouraging alcoholism ;-)
• Funny Jokes - In case I'm stuck in a traffic jam and just need a little pick-me-up, perhaps?  I don't think so, not with jokes like this one listed:
  
  An Actual Joke Listed in my new cell phone -
  
  Weird: Waking up with a boner next to a friend;
  Weider: The Friend has one too. 
  Weirdest: The friend is a girl. 
  
  Do you think that joke is funny?  No?  Okay, good.  Me neither!

• English Spanish Dictionary - Just in case I feel like pressing "2" next time I have to call my insurance carrier, bank or basically any other American company.  That way I can have a little diction fun with my phone?
• Sound clips from various stupid movies and television shows - the top ones I've seen listed so far include The Family Guy, Napoleon Dynamite and the former comedy series - The Dave Chappelle Show.  While I enjoy a good laugh and a comical movie, I think I'd rather watch it on a big screen, not my telephone.

There are other crazy things my phone can do.  But I think you get the point!


Although these features are amusing and entertaining, I wonder if they'll be good for society and for me in the long run?  Won't these 'helpful' applications just cause humans to become more lazy?  Will we rely on technology to do all the work for us going forward?

I go back and forth with this notion.  I'm married to a technology lover so I definitely see the validity of the new electronics. Yet I still fear too much machine involvement. 


What do you think?  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Don't be afraid to say that you think cell phones could possibly suck out our brains and take over the world.... because frankly, I have been thinking that lately as well! 

A Visit With A Chocoholic (my second guest writer post)

I'll take them all please, thank you!

Today I have the pleasure of being a guest writer at Rachel's place, or as she is better known,  Diary of A Chocoholic.   She has a fun, fascinating site that covers her travels abroad, education, cooking, journey into marriage (December 2010) and more! 

What's not to like about Rachel?  She is so amusing and talented.  Rachel wants to open up a bakery, own a marketing business, write for magazines and do PR for a non profit group.  She's only 22 years old so I know she can accomplish all of these aspirations!   Rachel grew up in a small town in South Carolina but has studied in Scotland and is presently moving back from South Korea where her fiance' lived to contract-teach for a year!  Check out her post on South Korean snacks and food!


By far, Rachel calls herself a chocoholic.  In her own words, she told me:  "I'm addicted, I just can't stop! It's just one of my favorite flavors - Chocolate just makes the world a little better."  Rachel says that she regularly buys the Dove chocolate squares.  Her other chocolate cravings include Mississippi Mud Cakes, chocolate chip cookies and smores. 


The most interesting thing I find about Rachel, however, is her "Bucket List" - her list of 101 things she hopes to complete by March 15, 2013.  Her unique list is even organized by categories.   She created this list in order to set goals and dreams for herself over the next several years. 


Rachel quickly discovered that I'm a big listmaker as well.  In fact, I checked it out -- I have 25 blog posts dedicated to various lists that I've made over the past year.  So when she asked me to be a guest writer about the successful art of list making, I said SURE, OF COURSE! 

And I promise it's not boring.  My post might even make you laugh.  More importantly though I hope it will help you take action in your daily routine.  So stop by the Chocoholic's place right now to read all about my tips and tricks on how you can make lists work for you!  Tell Rachel that I sent you! 


But before you go..... What do you think of list making?  What do you think of chocolates?  What addictions do you have that you give into regularly?  Leave it in the comments section.


Do you want me to write a guest post on your site?  Would you like to share your thoughts on here as a guest writer?  Let me know!  We can spread the love around - for chocolate, for list-making, for nachos and beer and more!  :-)

What's In A Name - A Game? Special Origin? Or Way Of Life?

Come on everybody!



Let's play the name game

 Mandy!


Mandy, Mandy bo Bandy Bonana fanna fo Fandy


Fee fy mo Mandy Mandy!



As you may know or have guessed, my name is Mandy.  That is NOT short for Amanda, Miranda or any other longer version of the nickname you may have heard. 

Have you given much thought to your name?  Where did it come from?  What is its origin?  Does it have a special meaning?  Is it a family name or just something your mother or father picked out randomly for you?  Did you know that in other cultures and countries, the freedom to name your children is not even an option!?   These are all things I was thinking about recently when I received the 50th compliment on my daughter's name - Vivian. 

But let's start with some naming history and origins in my family, shall we?

First there is me - Mandy.  The name printed clearly on my birth certificate is simply Mandy.  My mom chose it because she was (and still is) a huge fan of the singer/song writer Barry Manilow.  His popular hit, "Mandy," broadcasted on the air waves just a year before I was born. 

My brother Stuart was named after a character in the film Earthquake (different spelling though - Stewart played by Charleton Heston).  My mom Ginny (pronounced just like "Jenny") was supposedly named after a figure skater.  My dad Larry was named after..... hmmm, I'm not sure what he was named after actually.   My husband Kirk was partially named after the actor Kirk Douglas and also after the character of Captain James T. Kirk from the original Star Trek television series.  (His mom is a "Trekkie").

My daughter Vivian's name was selected mostly due to my love for actress Vivien Leigh (pictured below).  Her original birth name was actually spellled with an "A" in it by the way, "Vivian" just like my Diva.

                                     Vivien Leigh - a beautiful, talented actress with an even prettier name!


After I had an ultrasound revealing that Kirk and I were having a girl over three years ago, my husband and I had dinner at an Applebee's Restaurant.  We noticed a Gone With The Wind film poster hanging on the establishment walls while we ate and tossed around name ideas.   We were living in Dayton, Ohio at the time.  I thought it sounded like a beautiful, classic and Southern name.  Even though my daughter would be born in the northeast, I wanted to give her a Southern-sounding name since I am from the deep south.  Plus I love the movie and believe Leigh is one of the best actresses of all time.  Kirk liked the name and we were both settled on it.  (Side note: I never dreamed that later on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie would name their twin daughter a variation of the same name - Vivienne.   Back off Brangelina - I had the name first!) 

After our dinner outing at Applebee's, I went home to look up the Latin origin of the name "Vivian."   According to the documents I discovered, "Vivian" means "lively" or "alive."  (Full of life to be more accurate!) 

How funny and accurate of a description to describe my daughter, especially in these current days!  I've had several friends and acquaintances tell me that after you meet my child, she is NOT easily forgotten!  :-)

Selecting a "family" name or one associated with our ancestry has never been a priority in my immediate family.  In fact, I don't think there are any juniors, thirds or fourths on either my maternal or paternal sides of the family tree.  It's the same way with Kirk's family as well.  However, I certainly appreciate and understand why some couples choose to pass on that family name. 

In America we have the freedom of naming our children whatever we choose.  That is not the case in other societies or cultures though.  I recently finished reading "Eat, Pray, Love" where author Liz Gilbert describes the importance of name and order in Bali, Indonesia.  Every child is given a distinct name.  There are only four names to select from and are bestowed upon by the order in which a person was born.  To explain further, I'm going to insert a description of this Indonesian naming system, taken and printed from Wikipedia --

"(In Balinese culture) Regardless of being male or female, each person receives one of four names based on birth order. Though there are significant variations in the four names of Balinese people, there are four names in Balinese culture that are repeated frequently. The firstborn is "Wokalayan" (or Yan, for short), second is "Made," third is "Nyoman" or Komang (Man or Mang for short), and fourth is "Ketut" (often elided to Tut).

The first born is usually shortened to Wayan, and if there is a fifth child, he/she is often called Wayan Balik (or Wayan "again"). Of course, Balinese children/people are given other names, including a new "name" after death. However, it is important to realize that by and large, everyone does use these birth order names to refer to each other, and to call each other constantly throughout the day. "

Can you imagine an entire village where every fourth person has the same name?  I can't!  This is just one example of a unique naming way of life.  There are many, many other traditions and naming systems in other parts of the world that I won't write about nor will I pretend to understand. 


And then there are folks who choose to change their name legally to something completely different from what they were born into.  That always baffles me.  Well, unless of course your name is something like Harold "Harry" Dick.  I've actually known a few people with the last name "Dick."  They are all very tough-skinned folks.  You have to be, right?!

What is the meaning of your name?  Why did your parents bestow it upon you?  If you have children, did you give careful consideration to their names based on meaning or origin?  

Please share your thoughts on naming with me.   Come'on - let's play the name game.  Leave your responses in the comments.

Do You Like To Fine Dine?

I'm a casual girl.  I love my pizza, hotdog, nachos, wings and beer just as much as the next person.  Plus, I don't even need a football game or sporting event to consider the meal extra-special. 


I am also known to frequent McDonald's for coffee or Taco Bell for three crunchy beef tacos.  I cook at home nearly every night of the week.  Eating out is a pleasure, certainly not a necessity, in our household.  Kirk and I usually only eat out once every seven days.  We go to a place that accepts coupons too. 


But... there is something to be said for fine dining.  Even if that fancy meal occurs only once a year for a special occasion.  Although when that meal check arrives, you have to blink twice over the hefty price.  So if you're like us, you work a little overtime or set aside for that kind of enjoyment - an establishment where a coat, tie and shoes are required.


Kirk and I saved our nickles and visited such a place on our recent anniversary getaway.  We had the pleasure of indulging in a three-course meal with a wine pairing of each dish.  The entire experience took two hours.  And let me tell you, it was an "experience" that both of us are still dreaming about.


For starters we had our before dinner drinks - Me with my usual Long Island Iced Tea and Kirk with his Johhny Walker Black scotch.  Our gracious waiter let us sample a Parmesan Risotto mini-appetizer before bringing out the Caesar salad for two.  This salad was made fresh at our table complete with oils, peppers and anchovy paste.   We also tasted a freshly baked bread trio -- pumpernickle, wheat and white baked together with a parmesan-tomato dipping sauce.  Can you say yum!? The Sauvignon Blanc wine that accomapied our salad was delcious and cleansing to our palettes.


The rain poured down outside and we enjoyed a grand view of the grey skies and clouds from our glass window seat in the restaurant.  While we sat, a piano player moved his fingers like a sculptor chipping away at his masterpiece -- one glorious song after another.  Kirk and I each tried to 'name that tune' as he magically went on for two hours straight, no pause and no signs of fatigue.


Our main entrees arrived much to our delight since the aroma preceded it by several minutes.  Kirk loved his Lobster Ravioli while I bit into heavenly slices of my Sea Scallops Wrapped in Prosciutto.  Both of us admired our beautiful plates and took our time savoring each bite because it tasted OH....SO....GOOD.  A glass of Pinot Grigio helped us wash down the delectable main course. 


(Please note that we opted to try something unique and different from the menu.  The restaurant also had steak and chicken dishes which I can imagine might be the most mouth-watering slices of meat you'd ever have.) 


Then came the dessert -- the most scrumptious dessert ever made.  I ordered the Triple Chocolate Threat, but of course.  This trio included a chocolate banana bread pudding, a chocolate-coffee flavored truffle and another type of cocoa delicacy that I can't begin to describe.  I nearly licked the bowl clean like a hungry dog.  Kirk ordered a trio of citrus desserts which included a pineapple creme brulee and a fruit filled mousse (that tasted like Jell-O).  I can't remember the other delectable he had since I was so preoccupied with my own triple threat.  I wish I could recall the wines that were paired with our desserts because they were, by far, the ones we adored most of all. 


Now the fine dining atmosphere can be intimidating, even for me.  I suddenly become Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman, not remembering what fork goes with what meal.  "Is that the salad fork?"  The daunting tasks of not leaning over my meal and placing my silverware at eleven o'clock to indicate that I am finished hang over my head.  Yet the anxiety is worth the end result - a quality meal of epic goodness.

Not everyone around us was dressed as nicely as you'd expect either.  In fact I noticed one father and son both wearing shorts.  Even though it seemed odd to me, I commend the father for sharing the fine dining experience with his son who looked about age 12.   Perhaps the boy wanted to be eating chicken nuggets instead even though he seemed content.  We also spotted a quiet, elderly couple who hardly seemed to say a word to their waiter or to each other throughout their three-course meal.  Perhaps when you've been around that long, talking just isn't necessary. 


Kirk and I marveled at our food and surroundings.  We spoke kindly to our waiter, Mike, asking him questions on the differences of growing up in Maine (his hometown) versus raising his family of five children in the gulf south area.  Kirk and I reminisced about our past -- bringing up a few things about our courtship and how we have gone from dating to eight years of marriage.  Therefore not only did we have wonderful food but also stimulating conversation (without our two year old diva daughter around).


With all that food, you'd think we'd be so stuffed that we could not walk.  However that was not the case.  In fact, when the meal was over and we tipped our waiter and piano player, Kirk and I found the nearest bar and indulged in after-dinner drinks.  He had his favorite - Crown Royal with 7-Up and I sipped on a Toasted Almond which was a cross between a White Russian and a Mudslide mixed drink.  When you eat that amount of food over a two hour time frame, your body can digest it more easily.  You leave feeling satisfied, not like a pig in a blanket. 
  
I wish everyone could experience fine dining at least once.  It truly is an art form -- the food, the atmosphere, the presentation, the pampering and the taste.   I've only been introduced into fine dinning within the last decade and mostly thanks to my husband.

The funny thing is that as a child, I thought Red Lobster was fine dining. Hahaha!  During my teenage birthday years, my parents would ask me where I wanted to eat and I'd say, "Red Lobster" which was a two hour drive to Baton Rouge, from our home.  So off my parents would take me (because they're awesome like that) for an overpriced, probably-not fresh seafood plate of shrimp and fish. Instead we could have EASILY found a local Boudreaux and Thibodaux type place located just ten miles down the road from us.  Oh well, I wanted the experience of dining!  And that was fine dining to me at that young age.  As as kid, I suppose Red Lobster was my Chef Bobby Flay or Emeril Lagasse's restaurant!


As Vivian grows up, I hope that we can ask her where she wants to dine and take her to some fine establishments if she so chooses them.  I can't wait to see her face and hear her comments when she eats a truly superb meal. 


Food is such a wonderful thing and I'm learning to appreciate it more and more.  Both the grilled hotdogs with potato chips and the sea scallops over creamed spinach with rice. 

What is the best meal you've ever had?  Name a fine dining restaurant that you've visited and loved OR one that you hope to visit oneday in the future! 

Then And Now (Eight Years And Counting....)

Eight years ago I hit the jackpot.  I won the lottery.  I said "I do," to the greatest guy I know.  I married my best friend.  I was one lucky lady.

Here we are on our wedding day, at the young ages of 24 on August 17, 2002:




Here we are on our honeymoon - at a hotel bar in Cancun, Mexico:




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Today in 2010 I'm still a very lucky lady.  I am still holding onto that winning prize.  Each day I hold his hand (my Willy Wonka golden ticket). 

I am still married to my best friend.  Only now it is an even greater friendship, an even deeper love that we cherish more. 

I will continue to say "I do," every day for the rest of my life.  Because I know he is the man meant for me!


Here are Kirk and I pictured just a few days ago, on our most recent romantic getaway.   (Alone time that we have not experienced in over three years!!!)  We are celebrating eight years of marriage at age 32 years old: 



Not bad for an old married couple, right?!  ;-)  We still know how to enjoy each other's company and have a great time!




And we still like to have a drink at the bar.  This time it was in Point Clear, Alabama just a short drive from our home.  But still enjoyable and effective!  :-)


Happy Anniversary to the both of us!  I love you Kirk!  Thank you for marrying me, for loving me and for always being my wonderful partner. 


If you want to hear the interesting story about how we met, click here -- I wrote about our online love affair last year and how we chronicled our journey into engagement and marriage!  :-) 

A Winner, A Movie, Something Sweet, and Pillow Drool

Happy Friday the 13th or Freaky Friday or Day After My 32nd Birthday.... whichever way you want to look at it....

I'm in good spirits.  Even though I did have an unusual dream last night.  I dreamt that I injured my hand and had to visit the hospital.  I woke up rubbing my fingers and wrist.  In addition, I woke up to puddles of drool all over my pillow..... ewwwww!  

I had to turn my pillow over because it was so bad~!  Sexy, I know.  I turn 32 and now I'm a drooling idiot.  Oh well, what can you do?  At least I'm not wearing depends yet?!

And now the moment that some of you have been waiting for....  The Winner of My Birthday Giveaway!

Here is the video of Vivian pulling the winner's name- I apologize for her lack of enthusiasm.  She had just woken up from her afternoon nap so it was probably not the best time to have her on film.  Oops!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

In case you couldn't view the video or had trouble hearing it, the winner is Annie Bakes! 

And I promise you that there was NO favoritism in the name pulling.  Everyone who entered was given a fair chance.  The Diva determined the fate. 

Although I have to admit, maybe somehow the cosmic forces were in Annie's corner ---- after all, she did dedicate something sweet to me yesterday on her blog -- a sugar donut muffins recipe!  I asked her a few days ago if she'd post a dessert on the day of my birthday as I'm looking for new recipe ideas.  After I saw that delectable dish, I told Vivian that I'd try to make them this weekend since they look so fabulous!   So perhaps the two of them conspired together.... I don't know!  But Anne won and that's it!  

Check out this photo of the sugar donut muffins recipe she made partly in my honor:

                                YUM!  Don't they make your mouth water? I can't wait to make them!


Can you say Delicious Destiny? -- Congrats to you Annie!  You selected the random prize, option C.  So this will be a lot of fun for both of us.  I can spend all next week coming up with some great surprises for you.  I can be creative and use my imagination on what you might love to receive!  I'm excited!  Maybe even more than you are!  Please send me an email with your mailing address and I promise to have something to you by the end of this month!

By the way, thank you ALL for your kind comments and birthday wishes.  I had a nice time on Thursday.  Even though Vivian did pee in her bed.  Twice.  Ripping sheets from the mattress and doing laundry filled with urine wasn't exactly how I hoped to begin my day.  But oh well!  After the pee-pee incidents, things improved. 

Mid-morning on my birthday I ran 3.2 miles in just over 32 minutes (I pushed myself to do this in honor of my 32nd year of life)!  I was trying out a new pair of running shoes that I just purchased and felt great during the activity.  Later in the day I had lunch with a friend.  My pal Briony rearranged her schedule to spend a few hours with me.  We managed to have some adult conversation and many laughs since our kids were with a babysitter.  We shared fish tacos, a portobello mushroom sandwich, creme brulee and several cupcakes. They were absolutely divine.  T'was'a  good thing I ran those 3.2 miles!!!  :-)

Vivian was well behaved for most of the day too.  Thank goodness.  I told her after she awoke, "It's Mommy's Birthday today!" Then for the remainder of the day, at random moments, she'd say, "It's Mommy's Birthday.  And It's Vivian's Birthday!"  Hahaha! 

Today I spent a few hours to myself and saw the film "Eat, Pray, Love."  I really liked the movie.  I didn't love it but I liked it.  I'm so glad I saw it but even happier that I read the book.  (Here is the review I did on it).  I love the novel so much; therefore, it's hard for me to get over the fact that several of my favorite scenes and conversations were left out of the film.  But you can't include everything in a two-hour time frame, right?  The acting was superb though and the men in the movie were smokin' hot!  It was a nice treat to sit alone in the theater, collect my thoughts and just enjoy my popcorn and M&M's candy.  :-) 

Now the real fun is about to begin with my weekend getaway!  Kirk and I leave Sunday for a romantic overnight stay.  I love having my birthday festivities spread out over several days.  Call it the Festival of Mandy if you will.  Maybe he and I will both drool on our hotel pillows during our visit!  :-) 

I'll let you know after I return. 


Until then, have a fabulous weekend!  Do something festive!

Things That Get Better With Age.... (Or why I'm not freaking out over turning 32)

I'm just a day away from turning 32 years old.  I'm not a rock star.  Or a published author.  I've never been sky diving or mountain climbing.  I've not yet traveled to New York City which I've always wanted to do.  Alas, there are many hopes that I have and wish I could have achieved by this age.  But that's not what I want to focus on now. 

Instead I'd like to say.... hey!  32 isn't so bad!  It could be worse!   Sure my boobs are sagging a bit and I'm starting to get gray hairs and wrinkles.  But I've earned them.  They make me distinguished in some ways. 

No, let's talk about the things that do get better with age.  And why I'm happier at age 32 than I was at age 31 and my earlier years.

Here we go.... my list of why I am learning to appreciate age and birthdays....


1. A sense of humor becomes better over time --  I'm funnier now than I ever was.  Either that or I just think I am.  Whatever the reality is, I'll take it.  I laugh a lot more these days and people laugh with me (or at me?) more. 

2. Sex.   The sex is better.  There I said it.  I'm not sure if it's my age (women peak in their 30's right?) or if it just really does get more enjoyable and fun over time.  But at the rate it's going now.... I'll happily continue to have more birthdays.  (Sorry to my mom and dad, if that's too much information for you!)

3. Friendships.  As you grow older, you value those friends and special people in your life.  I find myself making more of an effort to those I really care about and it's a great feeling to give so much of yourself to others who mean the world to you.  This also includes my relationship with my husband.  Kirk and I aren't always romantic at each moment in the day but we are always friends and we do a lot of talking and laughing.



4.  Writing and reading.  These go hand in hand.  When I look back at my writing a year ago, I can tell it wasn't as good as it is now.  I'm learning to sharpen my skills and I'm doing that by reading others' works and expanding my mind to new genres and literature.  I can't wait to see where I'll be next year and all the books I will have read by then too!



5.  Food.  I've spent the past eight months really looking at food in a different way.  I have a new appreciation for recipes, ingredients and the dishes that I (and others) prepare.  I'm trying to savor my bites and enjoy the meals I consume.   Because they really are works of art when you think about it.  Tasty works of art.  Especially chocolate.  And don't even get me started on alcohol.... maybe that should be its own category....


6.    Taking on a challenge.   Just because you age, that doesn't mean you can't do new things and be successful at them!  I think I've proved that I am still a force to be reckend with!  In the spring, I pushed myself to run a 5k.  I've lost twenty pounds since the fall of 2009.  I challenged myself to start reading again and finished four books in a month.  I took on the task of potty training my two year old diva daughter.  With my help, she was mostly trained in five days.  I've successfully meal planned for nine months now.  I can do whatever I want and put my mind to, at any age.  I can see that now!  The hard part is just deciding what I want to do next!?

7. Success Stories (Of Older Women) - When I look back at the news for the past year, I am proud to see women older than me making history and a name for themselves.  Just look at Valerie Bertinelli and all her accomplishments.  She completed her first ever marathon at age 50.  She wrote a book and is engaged to be married.  She's living proof that life does not stop at the half-way point and you can take charge of your body, your life and your attitude.  Then there's Betty White!  Don't even get me started on that gem of a comedic actress.  She's done more at age 88 than I've done in my entire life!  If I can work toward and achieve half of what these two women have accomplished, then I'll be overjoyed! 


8. Wisdom.  It's true, you do become smarter as you become older (most of us anyway, I can't vouch for Lindsay Lohan).  I'm not a rocket scientist but I believe I'm becoming more knowledgeable in the subject of Life.  I'm making mistakes and learning from them.  I'm taking the time to reflect on what I've been doing the past year.  That is how you grow, change and become a better person.


9. Dancing.  No, I'm not a better dancer than I was at age 15 with my booty shakin' skillz and my blue leotard with silver streamers.   In fact, I'm quite sure that I've lost my rhythm.  But the fact is that I'm comfortable with the fact that I'm a goofy, silly dancer.  Since my nights of going to clubs are over, I have no problem putting myself out there and looking like a fool.  And that's what is cool about getting older.  You dance and you just don't care!



10. Freedom.  This may sound odd here.  Wouldn't freedom be the opposite of getting older?  Hmmm, I disagree.  I know that when you're a child, you have no responsibilities and no bills to pay.  But you're also tied to some authority, some one else's roof.  With age comes the freedom to live the life the way you want, to do whatever it is that you're meant to do.  As adults, we forget that we do have choices.  We choose how we're going to react, feel and more.  As a child, sometimes those decisions are made or shaped for you.  I love my freedom.  I love deciding what I will do, say, think and feel. 



And there you have it.  Just a short list of why I'm not crying over being a year older.  I'm happy to state my age and see what this next year has to offer me.



Being 32 is going to be great!  Happy Birthday to me! 

Let's have another year full of amazing laughter, sex, friendships, books, writings, challenges success stories, wisdom, dancing, choices and more! 

Celebrate Good Times, Come' On! (giveaway)

I love the month of August! Even though it's hot, sticky and everyone around (myself included) smells like a wet dog.



The reason I adore this eigth month out of the year is because of all the good fortune it has brought me. First and foremost, I was born in August (12). I met my husband Kirk in August (in 2001) and we married a year later (August 17, 2002). In addition, several of my family members share joyous occasions this month along with me - my sister in law's birthday, my parents' anniversary, etc. etc.


It's a hot month because it has a lot to be overjoyed about! And this year I have a lot to happy about as well.


For once, I'm kind of excited about being a year older. Bring on age 32~! I'm ready for you. I feel like I've got a lot to be thankful for this year. And I surprisingly feel happier and more accomplished than I did at age 31. I've made some positive changes into my daily routine that have put me in a better place, both mentally and physically.


Also, this year feels more fun. Vivian is at a very entertaining age. I can take her more places and we can do more involved activities together. I think we may visit Chuck E. Cheese on the morning of my birthday so I can be a kid again! I don't know who enjoys ski-ball more? Viv or me! ha ha ha! The other day, I suddenly had the urge to jump on a trampoline. So I don't feel old. That's what matters.


Also, a friend of mine has offered to have her reliable babysitter watch our kids so that we can enjoy a kid-free lunch (with cocktails) on my birthday! Won't that be fun? I always have Vivian next to me in restaurants and can hardly ever enjoy a meal without picking up the sugar packets she dropped all over the floor or stopping to take her to potty (while my food becomes cold).


Then best of all, Kirk and I have an overnight trip coming soon. This will be the first night we've ever been away from Vivian. But instead of feeling nervous, I'm really looking forward to it! My parents will spend the night at our home and watch Viv for us. I can't wait to have some alone time with my husband - to sit by a hotel bar/pool and just relax. What am I looking forward to most? Just going to bed early and sleeping late of course! (laughing) Okay, so maybe I am old!


Now, because I'm in a generous mood and I feel like sharing my celebrations with you, I would like to offer a special giveaway to my friends who read this blog and comment below.


Those who know me well and who have read this site for awhile realize that I never do giveaways. So this is a special treat! I'll even give you a few choices as to what you can win. After all, who doesn't like to have options?


The Prizes - Or what could you win just for being here, reading my site and leaving a comment


(A) Hmmm, thinking about this as I type.... Oh, how about a $15 gift card to Amazon.com to spend on whatever you like. The possibilities are endless.... a chia pet.... a waffle maker.... you decide!


(B) Oooh, what about a homemade gift made by both Vivian and me ? - Not exactly sure of all the goodies yet, but it I will definitely throw in a basket of baked desserts and other foods, a poem that I will write especially for you, a drawing by Viv and some of our favorite things.



(C) A totally random present -- kind of like a grab bag at a fair -- are you willing to take a chance and let me buy surprises for you? (Note that this one may require a little bit of time and include me asking you a few more random questions off the site.)


The rules - how you can win:

Leave a comment by 11:59 p.m. of Thursday, August 12th telling me:
(1) something worth celebrating in your life.
And (2) tell me what prize option (listed above) you'd like to win and why you deserve it.
Oh yeah, you have to work a little to win the prize! :-)


But that's it. You don't have to twitter or blog about me. I don't care about that stuff. I'm not someone who cares about numbers or gaining new followers. I just like doing something nice for my friends - my loyal, regular readers. In fact if I were you, I wouldn't tell anyone about this post so you can increase your chances of winning! ;-)


How and when a winner will be chosen:

My 2.5 year old daughter Vivian (as always) will pull a name out of a hat/box. I don't use those random number generators. It's all live and exciting in our household. The Diva is in full control of the winner's fate. ;-)


She will pull a name on Friday, August 13th. Because we're not superstitious and we'd like to offer a prize on Freaky Friday! Maybe she and I will even switch bodies too, just for fun. I'll do my best to video the name pulling and post the winning person's name by the evening of the 13th.


So, that's it - Good luck if you choose to play along. I'll be offline for most of this week dancing and celebrating! I hope you'll join in with me, at least in spirit!


Bring on the fun! Bring on another great year filled with many reasons to celebrate!

What I'm Wondering About....

Random questions pop into my head all the time.  Just ask my closest friends; they will attest to that. 

Often my online pals will ask me to formulate questions to get the conversation going if there seems to be a lull.  I can somehow reach into my average size brain and come up with something to inquire about. 


I would probably make a good game show host or welcome center employee.  I have no problems asking a complete stranger something about himself/herself or just anything that I'm thinking about it. 


Here are a few things that I am wondering about today.... feel free to jump in on the conversation! 

• Why is it that younger children wake up early when you'd wish they'd sleep late BUT teenagers who can actually offer help around the house are the ones who are lazy and sleep in? 
  
  
• Why do men have to nickname their private parts and offer catchy phrases as to the functions of those parts?  (If you only knew the long list of lines my husband uses.....)

• Why do I start looking at available jobs in my area every time I get really annoyed with my child?  After all, adults can be just as frustrating, (if not more so), than kids.
  
  
• Why can't I know someone like the character Phoebe Buffay from the former tv series Friends?  I wish I had a hippie-quirky pal who sang songs like "Smelly Cat" and hung out in coffee shops all the time.

My muse - I love Phoebe!

• 
  
  Why are some folks obsessed about having a clean house and others (like me) don't really give it much thought unless guests come over?
  
  
• 
  
  How come the angle at which you stand can make you look ten pounds lighter or heavier in photos?  Do you know how hard it is to remember to pose on the good side at the correct degree in order to look decent in spontaneous snapshots?

• 
  
  Why is it that I crave Mexican cuisine almost every week?  I think if I were only allowed one food for the rest of my life, I'd probably choose nachos and salsa. 

• 
  
  Why can't I find a deodorant that really lasts?  Oh wait, I know why, nevermind.  I live in Florida where it's 100 degrees and has 1,000% humidity for six months out of the year!!!

When Dial soap just isn't enough!

• 
  
  Why do movies you thought were cool fifteen years ago suddenly seem lame and full of horrible acting now?  I recently watched Footloose again with Kevin Bacon and really, what was I thinking!? Same with Flashdance!  I'll still watch them of course but now I laugh at them instead of want to be them.
  
  
• 
  
  Speaking of laughing, why do I often use the phrase, "That's hilarious!" but then I don't actually laugh before or after I say that?  No sounds come out of my mouth.  Weird.  But a few of my friends do the same thing too so I'm not the only one. 
  
  
   
• 
  
  Why did scientists have to declare Pluto as not being a planet of our solar system anymore?  I mean if we needed to get rid of one, why not remove "Uranus" from the bunch?  ;-) 

What are you wondering about today?  Which one of my above, random questions do you most identify with or like the best?

Tokens of Friendship

Who could have guessed that some of my closest friends, my true soul-sisters would be a group of strangers that I've never met in real life?  Yet sometimes you are put on the paths (even online, virtual ones) of the people you are destined to meet. 

Two years ago I met a group of women through an online resource called Babycenter.  We all had one thing in common - we were all new mothers and having a hard time with it.  Most of us all had children born within (or at least due within) the same month.  That's where we first began chatting - on the October 2007 birth thread. 

One insightful, fabulous lady named Carrie started a post about how hard motherhood is and how she wasn't really loving every minute of it.  She wanted to know if others felt the same as she did.  That simple, witty post led to many responses from other moms.  Later on Carrie formed a private group with those moms who connected and no longer felt afraid to admit out loud (or at least in print,) that being a mom is tough and even downright frustrating.  In the beginning, this group was about 40-50 people.  After a year and many stories shared later, this circle of friends became ten core women--  Carrie, Jess, Jen, Tammy, Dani, Erin, Cindi, Christie, Shannon and Me.  I am lucky enough to be a girl in this group of ten. 

I can't even begin to describe each of these amazing female friends.  I could write a blog post on each of them, but even that wouldn't sum up their awesome-ness.  So let me just say that these are my "go-to" girls.  We ten chat almost daily through a private online forum.  But many of us often text or call on occasion too. We've shared videos, pictures and personal experiences with one another.  We have told some of our deepest, darkest secrets and even a few confessions of our not-so-proud mommy (or wife) moments.  We ten all live in different places and we have different political and religious beliefs.  Yet somehow we are each other's biggest fans and cheerleaders. 

For over two years now, we have been each other's extended family - a network of strength, courage and encouragement.  We wait anxiously (but not always so patiently) when one of us has surgery or gives birth to a new baby.  When one of us is down, the rest send or post words of encouragement, offering virtual hugs to that person in the most sincere manner you can imagine.  I can't fathom my life without these women and I can hardly remember what vortex I nearly drowned in before they came along.  (Note: In fact, three of those gals had blogs (and still do) when I "met" them.  And if it weren't for them introducing me into the blog world, then I may not have even started my own site here.) 

To show our love for one another, Carrie, our "troop leader" (as I like to call her) came up with the great idea of sending each other friendship beads.  She was about six months pregnant at the time and wanted to use them as her "labor beads" -- inspiration to help her get through the tough ordeal of pushing her second child out via VBAC (a chance that she didn't get with her first child due to a c-section).  The rest of us LOVED the idea and said that it would become our "friendship" bracelets - tokens of the relationships we formed and work hard to maintain/cherish on a regular basis. 

The rules were in place -- Each of us would find a bead that represents our own individual personality or it would result in some kind of special quality that we liked.  We'd mail each participant four beads.  Then we'd form a bracelet, or a key chain, or a book mark or whatever keepsake we wanted with the charms.

Confession:  I only sent each girl two beads.   But that was because I  spent a little more on the beads AND they didn't have as many of the kind I liked in stock.  I chose to send a Fleur de lis bead and a square one with the words "love" printed on it.  The Fleur de lis is special to me because it's considered a symbol of pride in New Orleans, Louisiana which is very close to my hometown.  I also chose a "love" bead to represent the love I feel for those spectacular ladies.   

Everyone sent each other a note that accompanied the special beads chosen.  The words either explained the selection or they were simply a heartfelt thanks for being a good friend for the past two years.   Each time I received a new letter and bead in the mail, I was overjoyed!  It felt like Christmas for me but it was much more meaningful than those crappy socks your aunt or uncle often gives you.  

Here is the collection of the beads that were sent to me.  I lined them out on my kitchen counter top before I strung them together:



Beautiful, aren't they?  Just like the women they represent!

Have you ever participated in a friendshp bracelet exchange as a kid?  I did sometime between the fourth and fifth grades.  But it was simple, color strings that we braided ourselves.  Nothing too special.  There was no thought or heart put into it, not like with this project. 

Here is the bracelet I managed to make myself.  I'm rather proud too since I don't consider myself to be a very crafty gal.  Especially when it comes to putting things together, beyond words or food ingredients. 

I love the end result.  Every time I look at these beads, I will think of the special women that each one represents. 





These gals (my "BBC" friends) are very near and dear to my heart.  I found them during one of the most darkest periods in my life (thus far).  In many ways, they saved me and helped me realize that I was still a good person and a good mom.  These nine other gals were there for me throughout my doubts and my negative attitude toward motherhood in the early months of newborn hell. 

I love and cherish them all so much! 




I am so happy to have these tokens of friendship that I can wear any time I want.  And I shared our story here in case it inspires you to do something similar for the special friends in your life -- whether it's beads, a bracelet or some other creative source. 

I hope to meet these exquisite women in real life someday.  We often talk about meeting up in one central place.  However, when you have ten people coming from locations in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Oregon, and even Canada, it becomes difficult to coordinate all the different schedules, time zones and even countries.  The ten of us want to make it happen though.....somehow.....

I joke about it but my plan is to write a letter to the Ellen DeGeneres show explaining to her about our wonderful group.  Maybe she could bring us all together on her show to meet for the very first time!  Wouldn't that be incredible!?  Wouldn't that be a fabulous program you'd want to see -- virtual friendships and bonds of women who stick together no matter what.  Do you think Ellen would adore us?  She grew up in New Orleans, after all.  So she and I are connected!   Yeah, well.... a girl like me can dream, right? ;-)

Thanks to my amazing BBC friends and your beautiful tokens of friendship to me.  I'll wear them with pride just as I take pride in our relationships and feel joy in watching our conversations and our children grow each day.  I love you all!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


What are some tokens of friendship that you've participated in?  Have you ever put together a unique, thoughtful gift similar to this?  The best kinds of gifts are those that tell a story -- like a quilt or honoring a memory in some way.  Share your memorable gifts and symbols of friendship.

Talking To Strangers And Taking My Time

Earlier today I made a trip to Wal-Mart to pick up a few groceries and household items our family needs.  That is not my first choice of places to visit, believe me.  But it's a necessary evil at times to get a cheaper price in today's one-income family, budget-tight world. 

Anyway, we left the house before 8:00 a.m. because nothing is worse than going to Wal-Mart itself except for the crowds of people who visit the store.  I was in a hurry.  I had my list of fifty+ items and I was going to stick to that piece of paper in my hand.  Vivian had swim lessons in just over an hour so time was of the essence.

I'm walking around, avoiding eye contact but still maneuvering my grocery cart to avoid any collisions.  I stop in the dairy aisle and find the butter section.  Should I go with the Smart Balance or I Can't Believe It's Not Butter brand?  I know, I know.... it's not real butter or margarine but I'm trying to keep the calories and fat light in my house. 

I grab what I need and begin to walk away.  An elderly male holding two different Land O' Lakes tubs then begins talking to me.  "Hi," he smiles, "Do you know the difference between these two?  I want to use real butter but I also have to watch my intake."

My first thought (sadly) was... Is he asking me?  Who do I look like Mrs. Betty Crocker?  But he was polite and smiling.   So instead I replied, "I'm not sure what you mean?  What are you specifically looking for?" 

We then chatted for a bit about our limited knowledge of butter and margarine.  I told him that I wasn't sure what the best type for his situation was - that I just try to stick with the lowfat, light versions since I am maintaining my body weight.  He then tells me, "Oh you're young.  You don't need to worry about those things."   Ha!  Don't you love the charming and elder folks!

By this time Vivian was wondering why no one was paying attention to her.  The Diva then started saying hello and making babble with Mr. Land O' Lakes.  He smiled so brightly back at Viv, greeting her with big eyes.  I let her ham it up for a bit before walking away to continue my shopping.  I tried not to focus on the fact that I had lost about four minutes of my shopping excursion while speaking to this total stranger. 

As I've got my head in the milk section now, with 2% in hand, Mr. Land O' Lakes finds me again. He hands me the butter coupon that he doesn't need.  "Maybe you could use this for your purchases, " he says.  "Thank you," I reply then glance at it in his hand.  I shook my head gently no, "Oops, I bought a different brand so I don't need it.  Why don't you leave it there for the next patron to find?  Maybe it will make someone's day."  He then said okay and smiled at me.  Mr. Land O' Lakes flashed me a look that said (in some weird way) that I just made his day. 

I continued on with my list and my shopping, not giving this exchange much thought until later this afternoon.  Before I gave the kind stranger another thought, I became irritated in the long checkout line I waited in.  Soon after I grew annoyed when several of my coupons couldn't be used because of some fine print in the published lines. 

Still, the checkout person was kind and polite.  We exchanged a converastion about how we both barely eat any red meat.  Just on special occasions or outings.  I looked at my watch.  I might be late to the swim lessons but not by much. 

So the trip took a little longer than I expected.  Deal with it, I told myself.  Just as I said that, Vivian's swim teacher called to tell me that I could arrive later due to a cancellation in her schedule.  Perfect.  Problem solved.  No need to rush.  Why am I in such a hurry anyway? 

This little incident reminded me of how many times I've been helped (in big an small ways) by strangers in my life.  Some of my closest friends were once unfamiliar folks, just some random person who reached out to me in a way. 

I've been very fortunate to come into paths with wonderful people in my life.  Even though I'm usually very content with my inner circle, I must remember to extend that kind nature back to people when they need it OR when I might have something to give.  It really does feel wonderful to help someone else (even a Wal-Mart drifter) rather than just help myself (be self-obsessed) all the time. 

Why am I bothering to blog about this boring tale?  Well, I'm telling this insignificant story to remind myself of a significant point - Don't be afraid to talk to strangers, even when you are in a hurry.  You never know what good may come from it or how it could brighten a day for you and someone else.  Also, take your time.   Life should be enjoyed, not rushed through. 

I need to remember this more often and practice it.  Thank you Mr. Land O' Lakes.  I hope that butter or imitation butter you purchased gave you a delicious piece of toast or pancake.  You deserve it.