Journey & Adventure

Yesterday was The Boy’s 20th Birthday. I’m not sure how I feel about that little tidbit. Yesterday, it seemed like just another day, but today I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of where the last 20 years of my life went. Today would have been my mom’s 63rd birthday. As with the last 20 years, the 5 years since her passing have flashed by. I don’t know where the time has gone. So much has happened, yet so little has changed. Tomorrow, I’m having lunch with my boss to complete my performance review. We NEVER go for lunch together until it’s performance review time and then suddenly he feels the need to take me for lunch. Maybe he feels if he feeds me first, I’m less likely to speak my mind. I’d much rather just meet in his office and get it over with. Ugh… Day After Tomorrow is pay day! Everyone LOVES pay day – even if the money is spent before you receive it. Wait, maybe that’s just me… And then…it’s Friday! Need I say more? Happy Tuesday – I hope your...

For not doing much these last few weeks/weekends, I cannot seem to shut my brain off. I honestly believe I have recently developed an adult form of ADD, as I cannot seem to focus on one thing for very long and my mind easily wanders from one thing to the next. Needless to say, getting through the work day has been a huge problem for me. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by social obligations – current or pending? Like I said before, we haven’t done much this summer and we certainly haven’t been socializing, but I’m feeling overwhelmed by social obligations that haven’t even happened yet. I need to invite multiple friends over for dinner. You know the whole – “it’s my turn” fiasco. I need to visit an old co-worker – she doesn’t drive, so it leaves me to go to her. I need to RSVP to my niece’s wedding. I need to help plan my friend’s 50th birthday party. I need to make multiple appointments for not-so-social events like the dentist, doctor, eye doctor, etc. All I do is think about these ...

People say – “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” I say – “Absence makes you wonder why you didn’t stay away longer.” Yes, I’m back. It’s good to be home, but it’s not so good to be back at work and back to reality. Reality is overrated. I know, I know...enough of my bemoaning the fact that my vacation is over. We arrived home late in the evening on my birthday, March 31st. We left the Philippines on my birthday.  I had two whole days of birthdays thanks to the International Date Line. It was the longest birthday of my life, but thank goodness, I didn’t age twice.  That would NOT have been cool. This time around, jet lag caught up to me with a vengeance. It’s now Wednesday, April 04, 2012 and I’m just starting to function again. Thank goodness it’s a short work week – Good Friday is a Godsend (pardon that horrible pun). I hope to finally get some pictures downloaded from my camera tonight and put together some thoughts from our trip, which I hope to share w...

Sorry to disappoint, but such is not the case.   I’m somewhat back, not that I was ever really gone – I just took a little break from technology.   Rest assured, I was still following what you had to say, I was just too lazy to comment - sorry.   So, what’s new?   Hmmm, in my world, let’s see…   In case, you are the one that had crawled under a rock - the Royal Newlyweds are visiting Canada.   As much as I’ve tried not to get sucked into the maelstrom, I’m oddly fascinated by the phenomenon that is our monarchy.   Kate and William certainly have more pizzazz than the older royals.   J and The Boy are still driving me crazy on a daily basis.   Nothing in particular stands out, but I guarantee that a day does not go by when I don’t contemplate running away from home.   We went to the zoo last weekend.   We’ve been before and I was impressed before, but this time, I was left feeling disappointed.   ...

Literally – as part of my son’s 18 th birthday celebrations, he has asked to be taken to the horse races and being the obliging parents that we are, we’ve agreed to indulge his whim.   Horse racing runs in my family.  I had an uncle that was a jockey, another that was a trainer and a third that was a world class farrier and many more family members that are well versed at shoveling (bull)shit.   Technically, The Boy is now legal age to place bets and with that he firmly believes that the “ponies” are a sure fire way to win him some money.  *insert eye roll here*    Don’t worry, we have also supplied him with the parental lecture about responsible gambling (if there is such a thing).  He's actually been studying up on how to read the program, stats and placing bets.  I'm shocked since studying is not something he has ever willingly participated in. It doesn’t matter if we win or lose, we are guarante...

Today is my son’s 18 th birthday.  How the hell did that happen so quickly?  It can’t possibly be true, but sadly it is – I’ve double checked the calendar.  Eighteen years ago today, I gave birth to a 7 lbs 7 oz, 19 inch baby boy.  He’s not so little anymore, but still as adorable… Here is a brief conversation from this morning: Me:    Happy Birthday. The Boy:   Thanks. Me:    So, what are you going to do today?  The Boy:    Go back to bed. Me:     Is there anything special you are planning to do to celebrate turning 18? The Boy:   I’m going to buy a lottery ticket and a girly magazine.  Can I have 20 bucks? Me:   *snort* (as I begin to laugh hysterically).  Have fun with that. The Boy:   Yep (at this point J chimes in) J:   I suggest Playboy.  Ummm, I hear they have great ar...

Today is my birthday and with birthdays come reflections - reflections of where I’m at in life and where I want to be in the next year or so.    Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way… I’ve learned – every day should be lived like it’s happy hour. I’ve learned – to laugh often, at both myself and others. I’ve learned – not to take things too personally because some people are just asses. I’ve learned – you should always follow through on a dare – at least once in your lifetime or until such time as you get caught. I’ve learned – some people won’t be there for you when you think they should be.  It’s these disappointments that make us stronger. I’ve learned – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I’ve learned – swearing can be good for your mental health. I’ve learned – I’m my own best friend.  I have to be – my real friends are crazy. I've learned - if you l...

Today is just like any another day, except it’s my birthday. Birthdays are one of those events I don’t typically put a lot of thought into. I don’t expect grand celebrations or lavish gifts since I would rather celebrate anything I feel like throughout the year and not reserve my celebrations to just one day. Birthdays are inevitable events and there’s nothing you can do about them to stop them from coming. Am I concerned about growing older? Of course, but only because there are so many things I want to do and see and not enough time or resources to accomplish them all - at least not within my predetermined timeframe. I like semi-instant gratification and except to see immediate reward and its days like today that I am reminded that another year has passed and what have I accomplished since my last birthday? Well, within the last year, I’ve traveled to Roatan , Honduras ; Myrtle Beach , SC ; Bonaire, Netherland Antilles and Samana , Dominican Republic . I am thankful...