It's a Theory - AH HA

Yesterday's ah ha moment was at the end of a 6 mile training run, I realized still had fuel in the tank to sprint the last 1/4 mile...and realized that I would have had it for a 1/2 mile if my awesome running friend (you know who you are) had kicked sooner - even if I was cussing your name when I realized what you were doing at the time.  This ah ha moment was an awesome one.  One that showed me all the training my BAM-mates have been doing together and apart is working and that we are all champions in our own right.

Today however, I think I am getting old....this morning I woke up at my traditional 5am and realized that 5 hours of sleep just isn't going to cut it anymore.  I am sure I have had other 'ah ha - you are getting old and need more than 5 hours of sleep' moments but this one bugged me.  Well, it didn't bug me enough to get out of bed and go workout with the crew at 5:30am, but it bugged me.

Or maybe it was the weather.  Or the cold that I can't seem to get over.  But I refuse to believe that a cold will hold me down so exhaustion it is.  Tonight, bed before midnight.  In theory.  I love a good theory.

I look forward to another ah ha moment today as they are not rare, you just have to be aware of you and your moments.  Another theory, and I love a good theory. :)

Have you had an 'ah ha moment' lately?

It's a list - add to it.

Ever have a week that just never seems to end?  Of course you have, and if you say you haven't, you are lying to us and yourself so stop it.   Anyway, it is only Tuesday and it has already seemed like a long week.  No particular reason so I thought I would make a list of reasons why weeks seem long and see what y'all think...in other words, step up and add your thoughts.  It's interactive Tuesday.  My thought being that some of the time stoppage might be thwarted by a fun interactive game if you will.  Yes, I have odd thoughts but if you are reading this blog you already know that.

1.  Lack of sleep  (yup, seems like the age old working parent excuse but I am sleepy.  Of course a friend pointed out that we also get up at 5 every morning to work out or run so really, we have no one to blame.)
2.  Too much work(it's a good problem to have)
3.  Too little work (not sure I remember what this problem looks like)
4.  Big crazy weekend planned (for example, this weekend is the tennis tourney, ZBB concert in honor of said friend's birthday week, high school open house...the kiddo is growing up and this is not slowing down like the week)
5.  Stuff you don't want to do looming (you know, house work, work work, yada yada yada)
6.  Weather (right now, the sky is grey and we are supposed to get wonderful rain which we have not yet seen.  Even my boss said this was a day that we should be working at home from our couches, with the fireplace lit and a movie on.  Yes, I am ignoring the fact that it is supposedly 70 degrees outside because I am cold)
7.  Too much other stuff to do (which oddly this week is not the case in our house.  Rest assured, I am sure we will fill it)
8.  This is where you start adding your wise thoughts - you know, interact.  It is called social media after all...

And for all you people out there keeping track (humor me please), we saw a ton of bunnies on the trail this morning and one squirrelabunny.  Yes it is a thing, and yes I saw it.  I will name it Thursday I am sure.

Back to interacting...

Silly Bunny

This morning a bunny rabbit almost threw itself under my car.  Why would you do that silly fur ball?  Yes, I swerve for animals; I cried when I hit a squirrel (I was sad for it's squirrel loved ones that will miss it) and I name the adorable animals I see on my runs everyday, but none of this is the point.  What is the point?

Well, this suicidal bunny got me thinking.  How many times in our life do we 'throw ourselves in front of a car'?  I don't mean literally of course, if you are literally throwing yourself in front of a car please get help as there is something not quite right with you.

As adults, it is presumed that we know right from wrong, that while we are in a situation we know what is going on and that we know what we SHOULD do.  How often do we embrace our inner child in the wrong way and  do what we shouldn't just to prove we still can come out 'alive'?  I will even go so far as to say that half the time I don't think we even realize we are doing it, it's just that inner child.

Oh - and if you know me at all you know I love my inner child.  She is what keeps me going on those rough days, long runs, thunderstorms, whatever.  Embrace the inner child, just not the inner devil child - at least not in traffic.

Time flies

And it's not just because I noticed I haven't blogged in a month, time really does fly.

This morning the kiddo and I went to his first official high school Open House.  The school we visited is smaller, and all boys.  It sits on a beautiful campus of wilderness (yet in a city) and the 3 academic buildings are nestled around a quad of gardens and pathways.  It was all breathtaking, and that was before we even went into a classroom.

As this is an all boys establishment (one of two that the boy is looking at),it was refreshing to see the teachers let the boys be, well, boys.  As the chemistry professor put it "We can let them be boys, or we can try to stop them which just means they will be boys, only behind our back and won't behave when we need them too!"  The boys supported each other, helping each other out and prodding when need be.

What's the point?  Kids grow up so much faster now than I ever did - the pressures of the world, constant communication, internet...you name it.  Today we started with mass in the chapel and a cell phone rang (I pity that boy!) and that was the last of the invasions until I got back in my car.   When one of the older students was asked what they thought of the fact that these students don't use laptops in class they said that it doesn't bother them.  They still use pens and paper, they still have to know how to spell without the red lines directing what to fix.

When's the last time you used pen and paper, then put it down to go in the courtyard and throw a frisbee?   Watched it fly like time before it reaches its destination...

It's Mom's Day!!!

Growing up, we all say - 'Please don't let me grow up to be like my Mother!' and slowly, but surely, we have kids and we do.

Well today is my Mom's birthday and I am proud to say, I have grown up to be just like my Mother and I thank God everyday for letting me be her daughter and for the things she has taught me.

Happy Birthday Mom - I love you!

(And yes, today I would pop my bubble & give you a big hug:)

Life is all about choices

Today I chose:

Which means tomorrow morning I choose 5 miles:

So worth it.

Friday Night Lights

I am not from Texas, but I have lived here longer than any other place in my life. My son is born and raised here; my boyfriend and his son are as well. Maybe it is in the Texas blood, to be born knowing intrinsically what Friday Night Lights are...

I went to high school in Virginia and Ohio. I don't think I ever paid for a football game, and I know we didn't have reserved seats or turf fields (and yes, I acknowledge that it might be different now). I remember them being a place to hang out with your friends. To get away from your parents for a little while in a safe place. I am a big school spirit person so I was there to cheer on our teams too. And while the latter is still true here in Texas, there are things that are different.

We have season tickets with parking passes to the games. They are awesome seats - 50 yard line, no one in front of us, season tickets. At this school, as previous posts mentioned, the history is so ingrained that I think there were as many adults without kids at the school anymore as there were with kids still there.

I remember the old bleachers and grassy fields, but these stadiums are new and big and shiny (the public schools are even more so) with real seats. And yes, they are turf - no grass here.

Everyone is at this game, everyone knows that during football season, this is where you are on Friday nights. To me, who didn't grow up with it, it is amazing to watch the community be all about this one normal Friday night game...and to be that way every week.

What's my point? Well, simply that it is a new world that my son will be going into - be it at this particular high school or one of the other catholic schools, it's a new world that he seems to slide right into without fail. I have been to a few games before, but now? It seems so much more real...and I think I finally understand what people mean by Friday Night Lights.

PS: The Rangers won by 1 point (not 1 touchdown, 1 point) and yes, I was screaming as much as the next person in the 100+ degree heat.

Please let them make their bed...

This past week my kiddo started 8th grade without much fanfare, and with only 2 pictures permitted neither of which where anywhere near the school. He went in as if he owned the place, a place he has been since preschool so maybe, in a way, he does. The week continued with seeing the other kiddo play his first scrimmage for his high school football game.

FIRST HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME.

FINAL YEAR AT GRADE SCHOOL.

Oh dear, these hit me like a ton of bricks. Now, our kiddos go to private school and this high school is a prestigious all boys Catholic school so it is steeped in tradition and history. The young kiddo was on the sidelines of the Homecoming game one year as the ball boy and my brother graduated from there. The older kiddo has family going back even further than that so when I say history I mean that both figuratively and literally.

It was at this moment that I realized yet again that our kids grow up without us allowing it. They might be the little boys who need a hug at the end of the day, or whine because we make them go to the grocery store or make their bed but they are still young men. One - heading into his last year at the only school he's ever known; the other - heading into a school where he is the lowest on the totem pole and yet fits in as he is a Jesuit Man now.

I can only hope that we have done the best we can to prepare them for the adventures that await them. It's the parents prayer my friends. That and 'Please let them make their bed just this once without being asked.'

Sigh and Smile all at once.

Socks

This is one of those random thoughts...

I have small feet, the only small thing on me is my little feet. So small that when the boys were folding socks (yes, we somehow got two teenage boys to fold laundry one time - there may have also been pigs flying), one of them held up my sock and said 'Who's sock is this? There is no way it fits anyone.'. Yes it was mine and fits just fine, thanks big foot.

Anyway - I was just in a tiled area of our office and realized my foot fits in one of those small tile squares with room to grow. This made me laugh for some reason.

Maybe it's Monday.

Meerkat Moment

I was at lunch today (a great salad place called Salata if you have never tried it - do so) with some fabulous women from work and one was telling a story and put her head up like Timon and said

"That is when I had my Meerkat Moment"

and I lost it in laughter. In a very crowded restaurant (yes, I am sure I scared the guy next to us).

Now, we know I have a thing about animals and how the little things are what really make my day no matter the situation. Today - she was my meerkat. And seeing as The Lion King was one of the boy's favorite movies growing up, it meant that much more.

Have a Meerkat Moment people - it will turn you upside down, or is that upside right...?

Who knew?

So this was the first trip the kiddo had a cell phone to text me when he was at the gate, on the plane, landing, meeting his grandparents, etc. Of all the texts, this one was my favorite...

Breakfast from Pizza Hut.

Little things people.

Hee hee

I got the best compliment yesterday and yes it made me smile and giggle...

"I saw someone on the airplane who reminded me of you, she was short, smiley and giggling while singing to herself softly. Just a happy girl."

It's always interesting to see how people are reminded of you, I have to admit that sometimes it isn't good (right?). As humans, we interact non-stop with one another whether it be in person or virtually - we can't always be smiley and giggly, but we can be good to each other. Maybe someone else is having a worse day than you and needs a smile!

Life's too short!

And yes, this is happy me coming off an amazing vacation so life is good. Here's a smile... :)

Theme Songs

Yes, I am quite crazy and hear music where ever I go, my parents raised me that way. Happy music, angry music, sad music, celebration music - you name it. And these songs change as the wind blows. I don't have one theme song my friends, I have many.

I am at a very happy point in my life but sometimes, even in the best of times, something knocks you on your arse and yesterday was one of those situations. It happens and you deal and move on (okay, I am really bad at moving on and not obsessing but it's my blog so let's pretend I have a handle on this for now).

As I am sitting at work listening to my music - headphones in as I am in cube world - it occurs to me just how much I have to be singing about right now. Then Andy Grammer (who?) comes on and starts singing about keeping my head up, so I can let my hair down...I start dancing in the cube. This is followed by Good Life by One Republic, please tell me what there's to complain about. Absolutely nothing.

Find theme songs people, it just might change your outlook on the day :) Enjoy the Good Life and Let Your Hair Down!

PS: Thank you to those cars who waited for the family of ducks to cross the street today, that was an awesome way to start the work day:)

The Pines and Growing Up

Tomorrow the boy heads to a church camp for a week that he LOVES and attends by himself every year. This year, a buddy who has been a little nervous to go alone, decided today to hit the bus with Reills tomorrow and attend teen week at The Pines.

For the past 20 minutes my kiddo has been telling his buddy how 'awesome' camp is and how it will be great. How he will be there with him and they will rule the camp. My little boy is a full fledged, independent and strong teenager. Sigh.

After a very productive day that started early for a Saturday with a kick butt workout and ended with a yummy dinner with my boys, I could be happier. This is not only my happy moment for the day, it will get me through the week if not longer.

All I can say is - thank you angels, you are watching over us again and keeping my very strong, independent boy just that way and secure in who he is without a second thought.

God Bless all! May you have a wonderful 'angels are smiling on us' moment too! :)

Lessons of Life

As we grow up, or should I say older because some of us are still short, life teaches us many lessons. Take time to savor the little things, push through the rain because without it there wouldn't be rainbows, the truth hurts, life is short, and on and on....this is about life isn't always fair and sometimes it hurts but you are the only one who can control your response.

I brag on the kiddo all the time, he is the joy of my life and I am very lucky to have such a great kid. Sure, part of it comes from my efforts as a parent, but 90% of it is all him and last night he rose to the challenge again. Life threw him an unfair pitch and instead of crying, complaining or giving up he greeted it as the first one out of the dugout, the one cheering the loudest the one smiling and keeping his head up high.

You will see my good sport on ESPN someday, or championing whatever he wants if his dream of being a sportscaster changes. And when I see him summiting life's challenges, I will continue to be the proudest mother around and learning from him as much as he learns from me.

Keep hitting it out of the park kid, I'm at your back :)

Motivation is a team sport

Many of us are in the midst of, starting, or completely journeys in our lives. Life is a journey and not a guided tour (go UD!).

Right now there I have different people motivating me for different things in my life and often forget that I am motivating them too. Maybe even just to get up in the morning and smile. Life is a team sport, you can't survive it alone whether you think you can (or are) or not.

All that to say - be true to you today...remember, the littlest thing might just be the motivation someone else needs!

Happy

As human beans, we are all guilty of assuming we know what is best for people...when in reality, don't you only know what makes you happy?

While some may think this post is directed at them, it isn't at all. I was just thinking about the word happy and what it means. I have gone through a significant and noticeable change in my life as of late and it has lead me to think about my life. I am happy now, happier than I have been in so very long and yet, I have moments where I am in despair - feeling more alone than ever and have come to realize, that after all this time it comes down to this one fact. Too often I worry about what everyone else thinks and forget to live in the moment and be happy. Happy with me, my life, my choices...

Yes my friends, even shiny happy me has those moments where I am weak and worry too much about what others think. I am here to say, I am not doing it anymore.

My challenge to you? Be happy. Jump in with two feet. Take the 'road less traveled' or the one paved. Do what you want to do. As my mother tries to teach me over and over, sometimes it is taking a chance that makes something that much more successful.

All are welcome...

Like me, my parents are always on the go and this week, Mom is helping Ashleigh Branstetter at the NOLA Jazz & Heritage Festival. To catch everyone up, Mom retired from the glamorous world of fine jewelry and time pieces in the retail world last July. Now, she helps friends out for fun...my mom is just amazing. Go see her, Contemporary Crafts, Tent H, and well, buy some of Ashleigh's pieces too. It's Mother's Day after all.

This is not a Mother's Day post so moving on, having never been to NOLA, I asked mom to send pictures in addition to having a beignet and coffee for me. She sent me this picture... "All are welcome". As we enter a weekend full of time with family and friends, even if it is busier than your week, remember it - all this time you have with your family & friends - and enjoy every minute. All are welcome that we allow in my friends, now dance to your music (I think mine is jazz this weekend :).

Holy Cow - It's May!! Be the flower for someone today

We certainly had the April showers, and they crept no so quietly into May; still waiting on those flowers!

We had an amazing weekend. The kiddo rocked his very first impromptu speech competition and took 4 place in the state THEN got called out for the Order of the Arrow as a Life Scout. There was so much pride flowing out of me that I am not sure my one heart could handle it. He also survived another vicious rain storm while camping, but this we come to expect as it seems to be the trend that when he camps - it rains. That makes me laugh, I must admit.

All this to say - do we always remember to tell the people we are proud of that we are? Do we remember that a little hug, or smile or encouraging word from a friend or loved one can go further than any external event or action does?

So this month, try to reach out to those in your 'village' and tell them how lucky you feel to have them in your life. Whether they are around a lot, just always there when you need them, or a kind acquaintance that you see in passing from time to time. You will be amazing the joy you will feel just by sharing with them - maybe you will be their May flower! :)

Oh - and kiddo, in case you missed it the first 100 times, I am so proud of the young man you have become. Keep up the good work and you will go further in life than you ever imagined.

Some Say Crazy - I Say Fun Times

This morning, way before sunrise, myself and my fellow contenders of Camp Gladiator were greeted with not only the big black truck of one of our fearless trainers, but tires. Big 'Country' flipping tires spread out and others with chains and harnesses attached to them.

Is this sight intimidating at 5:30am? Well, yes I cannot lie it is. But once we got started, that was just fun times. We flipped the tires, pushed and pulled the big truck (that now in the video we see had brake lights - hmmmm), harnessed up and pulled tires, ran the ladder and hurdles, lifted our weights. And we did it together, laughing, grunting, whatever it took. I mean come on, WE FLIPPED BIG TIRES. We worked together as a team, some of us have never met before but we have now.

Crazy? Maybe. Fun times? Hell Yes.

What are you going to do to have some fun? It's never too late to start, and your best is all you need to do...

PS: Wait for Sunday, then you will really think I have lost it if you think I am teetering on crazy now... :)

Mind vs. Body

Happiness is a state of mind. This is something that you hear in cards, witty saying books, songs, you name it. And while I do agree with this statement (as shown many times in this blog by my pure enjoyment and happiness from the little things), what happens when you wake up on one of those mornings and your body says - 'Thanks for playing but today, you stay in bed and sleep. We have taken a vote and you are not ready to be out of bed and happy yet."

This was one of those mornings for me and I must admit, I listened...hit the alarm, pushed the dog off the bed and went back to sleep.

There was a time I would have fought that urge, I would have gotten out of bed and been pretty beat down all day because of the blah start but if age has taught me anything, it is when you need an extra 30 minutes to greet the world, TAKE IT. Now, I am in a good mood, the sun is shining and I am ready to face the day with all the excitement (good and bad) that it has in store for me.

So my friends, what are you going to do today to take time and greet the world with a smile instead of a blah? Come on...I know you can do it...

Queen of the Ducks

Our campus has lakes, waterfalls and random green park like areas. With these lakes come geese (pretty but mean) and wonderful ducks.

On my drive in, the mallards with their beautiful green heads came to the curb and welcomed me to work (ducks can smile); some even bowed. Today, I am Queen of the Ducks - what are you the king/queen of?

PS: Let's not tell my subjects that I enjoy a nice duck for dinner please, thanks.

Oh yeah - that's where the time goes

Recap of the craziness that is my amazing, joy-filled, not a dull moment life.

• Reilly's anniversary -Love you Hank & Kari!
• Baseball
• Scouts
• Birthdays - another shout out to Kari!
• A friend completed a long and bittersweet journey and started a new one
• Ohgodthedressdoesn'tfitpleasemeetmeatthemall
• Boys - teenage boys
• Flowers, food, WEDDING!, party (kick ass shoes of course) Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Burnett!
• Wait - my hotel room is in Addison, IL???
• MS Walk - Lauren, you inspire me!!!
• The birds want our food and mimosas - We do not share our mimosas!!!
• Eagle Project - my boys are growing up way to quickly, we are so proud!
• Dinner with friends (nothing like splitting a meal and bottle of wine followed by a cannoli with my best friend)
• Basketball - MADNESS
• Choir - Ladies, you are amazing, thank you for including me in your world :)
• Baseball - win one, lose one...WhatABurger be ready for the Lions
• Golf - anyone interested in playing in the St. Mark Golf Tourney to raise money for the kids?

Throw in boot camps, batting cages, laughs with friends, school and work and it is a week in the life...I wouldn't change a thing and treasure every moment of it.

Just because you stop to smell the roses doesn't mean you stop dead in your tracks; how are you going to enjoy what life brings you?

Hello :)

This morning I walked into the office with a little sparrow hopping along the overhead pipes talking to me. We had a discussion about not pooping on my car, or my head, and how the day was going to get sunny so she could go outside. She was upset that it was spring and 42 degrees (you can't understand sparrow speak? how sad for you).

Yes, that little chirping bird was my happy moment for the morning, and yes, I talk to animals.

Hope you all find your happy bird today! Even if the day does seem like it will be too much to handle :)

True

Pursuing Face Book tonight I realized once again what an eclectic friends and family collection I have in my life. And every single one of them play such a vital part...

Too Many Memories to Give Up

There are a few things in my very scattered life that we hold onto and don't want to let go.

The lion is one of them - and apparently the feeling cross generational gaps.

Erin Go Bragh!

I am Irish Italian - well, by heritage - so St. Patrick's Day is fun for my family and always has been. I'll admit, I did not start eating corned beef until later in life, but now I love it, and not just in corned beef hash (the truly superior member of the breakfast meat family). We wear green, pinch those who don't, and use the wonderful day as a time to eat and drink with family & friends.

This year - they kiddo is still in Florida so I didn't have to continue the tradition that my mother always did for us...green milk. Oh yes my friends, we in the Reilly house dye our milk, eggs, and whatever else will take the food coloring green on St. Patrick's day. I can't even tell you a time my mother didn't do it for us, and this year? She did it for her grandson.

You know you have a crazy family tradition that you find endearing even if others find it odd...what is yours?

Slainte my friends!

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Spring Break - Take it!!!

This week is spring break in our fine state for the kiddos. Now, there are many families who take this week to take a break, go away together or stay home together and bond as a family. As I just started a new job, my kiddo went to see his grandparents without me so it is a bonding time for them.

I love when he gets to spend time with them alone, not because I get a break - I miss him incredibly even if I do get the break - but because I still remember time I got to spend with my grandparents, or great aunt and uncle without my parents and it created a bond that I still hold today - despite the fact that the last surviving member of that family club was called home this past January (Love you Joy!).

If you have followed this blog, you know that I am very much a fan of the little things that get you through the day. Heck, even a rainbow in the morning or seeing a butterfly in the wind brings a smile to my face but I am a simple soul.

Here's my challenge for you all today...what is your Spring Break? My Spring Break? Taking a week for me and not feeling guilty about it, working hard during the day, hanging with the dog, my friends, and myself at night!

Everyone needs a break friends...don't feel guilty about taking it!

Little Things

My son goes to a small Catholic School that I actually attended for a while a middle schooler. Every Friday, the kids go to mass to pray together as a community. I try to go when I can (it is during the work day) and today was one of those days. Today, I made time for it in light of everything going on in my life and the world.

Not all of us may know people directly affected by the earthquake this morning and the subsequent tsunamis but we are all one human family. Regardless of your beliefs, creed, birth place - we can all feel for those who are living out tragedies today. I happen to know a few people over in Tokyo who are safe, as are their families. They are the lucky ones.

I know I talk about how the little things are what carry us through the day, but in times like this - I find it especially true. I got chills today, and teared up a little, while listening to the children sing Amazing God together. It was my little thing. I know they aren't angels all the time - but this morning, they are the angels that brought me peace.

Take hold of the little things when you feel like there is no where else to turn. Baby step by baby step, it may help the sun come back out (be it fast or very slow) in your life. And God Bless all those being affected by today's tragedies.

Sweat It Out

I like working out in a boot camp. I am sick. Move on.

This morning it was a bitter 44 degrees when 1 other person and I started our 'session' and she admitted that if she had known it was this cold she wouldn't have come. It literally was 3 of us including our CG trainer who was a trooper still leading us with such a small group.

It was a heck of a work out (thanks Shane!), hard push then break, it was 100% to rest every 60 seconds or so and was amazing. Now, there are those of you who like running, walking, weight lifting, aerobics, etc. I like boot camp - it is different every time. There isn't long distance running (HATE) and not much down time so you get a full hour of push. What I like best about the CG boot camp is the fact that we work out as a team - you and your team (could be one person could be many) work together to succeed. We have even done exercises where if you can't finish it, your team finishes it for you. Amazing team work that takes into consideration that your 100% might be more or less than the next person.

Now to the point - I am not graceful. Yes, I can dance but that does not help my lack of grace apparently. I almost bit it 3 times this morning (and only once during something called the Frog Jump - ribbit ribbit). Did I get frustrated? Nope - we laughed and pushed harder. What can this teach us...well, you are going to stumble and fall but don't let it bring you down and collapse on yourself. Laugh it off and push harder. Sweat it out!

When you stumble, are you going to laugh and push?

It's all about comfort

I am on this workout and eating healthy kick that I truly hope becomes more of a way of life than a passing phase (and I have passed the 21 day mark so it stands a chance).

I get up very early and work out with a group of similar crazy people in a boot camp, we are those people you see in parking lots (or parking garages if it is below freezing or raining) before dawn or after work sweating as a team doing things we used to think of as fun in PE. Ah - the ignorance of youth...

Normally I am a heels girl, I am short and therefore like the height, like the way it makes my legs work and it helps with eye level (let's be honest, I like feeling eye to eye with others). What the heck does that have to do with the work out kick? Today I am in flatter than flat shoes because I am pretty sure that my calves would rage up and kill me if I tried to elevate them all day.

It's all about the comfort today - do something to make yourself comfortable and share it with others...you never know what effect it might have. You might just be the comfort they need:)

One of those moment

Today we had a whirlwind day, as is normal on the weekends. It started with a jaunt of more than 30 minutes to an academic contest for the kiddo. In the grand tradition of our family, my son was selected to compete in the Impromptu Speaking category.

In the prelims - he took 2nd out of his heat and 5th overall (of 6th) so then brings the finals. The finals were complicated to even think about as the final basketball game of the season was set to start the same time as the scheduled end for finals and more than 30 minutes away of course. Oh, and when do finals end on time?

He was selected to go 5th in speaking, and did quite well discussing the best way to remember things. I, as the proud mother, was of course impressed. (in a whispered tone - He let me sit in the room and listen, something I am not sure will continue in his speaking future. Sometimes parents just make you too nervous!!!) Immediately following speaker 6 (a fellow SM student who did great too), we hit the road trying to make it at least for the second half of the game. We made the last 4 minutes but we were there!

We had barely made it to our next stop when we got the call of results - 1st place. My little angel, the kid who I have seen grow into a young man, held the room and took 1st. Insert ever so very proud mother moment here. AMAZING PRIDE.

Now I hear another victory coming from his room - he is proud, he outgrew not one but two pairs of jeans. "I AM GROWING!!!"

Oh my wonderful son, you are growing in so many ways. This day has been full of those moments...I am just glad my eyes and heart were open to experience them.

Enjoy the moments friends - too often they are fleeting!

Oops

There is no excuse for not blogging since November, I mean you all know I always have something to say!!!

It's February now, holidays and birthdays flew by at warp speed as they have the tendency to do. Lots of fun had of course with family and friends. Basketball season has come, and as of this weekend, will be gone. Of course then baseball starts...moving on.

I took a new job (same company) and was told I would have to author 6 blog entries on my own for our corp blog that I helped create. One would think that this would be second nature to me seeing as I have been writing blog entries for years for other people (along with books, articles, speeches, you name it) but comfort was not the feeling I had. Fear. Fear sums it up nicely. Intimidation does as well.

I am a writer, never without something to say or thoughts to share - be they relevant or not. But when faced with the challenge of writing on a given topic where my name will own the byline? Well, then I start shaking in my very stylish 4 inch heels.

What is your unexpected fear? What is that one thing that should in no way intimidate you yet has you shaking in your stylish pumps my friends?