Here we go again...

With all the craziness in life, the one thing I have realized is that the more things change  - the more things stay the same.  In our house at the moment, we are in full swing of getting ready for the school year to start.  C is now a senior, and K is a sophomore... how did this happen?  I mean really?? They were just babies yesterday (or so it seems).  Now, we are discussing the next chapter in C's life, and what he wants to do.  Does he want to go to college, go in the military, go to a trade school?  There are so many questions,  and just not enough answers.  It's just weird to think that in less than  a year, he will be graduating from high school and starting the next chapter of his life.  While I am super excited to see where the next chapter in his life takes him, the mom in me does not want to let go. 

On another note...you know the feeling you get when you see a name pop up on your phone, and you just start grinning from ear to ear?  When you see them you get butterflies, and your heart beats a little faster.  Those are the people who make you smile, and laugh and, well... those are the people you want to keep in your life :) 

That's all for now... Happy Tuesday peeps!!

Dating...ugh!!

So...whoever said dating was fun, must have been insane!!  It is hard enough to date in your 20's, but in your 40's and 50's (no... I'm not there yet) - it is almost impossible!!! I have been divorced for about 10 years, and if anyone would have ever told me I would still be single in 10 years - I would have said, "heck no." The funny thing about dating - you never know what you're going to get, and it's always an adventure.  The people that you think would be the perfect partner in crime, are definitely not.  The ones that you think you may have nothing in common with, are sometimes the ones you which you have the most in common. The ones who you thought were trustworthy - are the biggest snakes.  It's just funny... you never know what you're going to get.

I had a conversation today about people and the "types" of people they date and that got me thinking.  I don't really have a type.  I have dated long hair, gray hair, and no hair.  I have dated short, tall and everything in between.  I know I am no longer skinny mini, with long hair.  I know that I am set in my ways, and I know I can be difficult at times (to say the least).    I also know that there are some good guys out there that I haven't given a chance like I should have.  I know that I have a crazy schedule, with kids who have crazy schedules, and that it is hard to make time.  I also truly believe that you make time for ALL things that are important to you.  But, I wouldn't change anything!

So... as I think about my dating life, it is definitely a challenge!  This week, I have another "first date."  They can be dreadful, painful and long! Or... they can be entertaining,  enjoyable, and you could possibly have the time of your life.  This one - I'm looking forward to.  Who knows what will happen?  I will find out soon.  I can tell you that I will never settle for anything less than what I think is perfect (regardless of what others think).

To all my friends who know me ( and laugh at me) - I still believe in fairy tales and happily ever afters and that will NEVER change!

Things I am thankful for...

This morning, I woke up at 4:13am (to be exact), and was unable to go back to sleep.  At first, I was angry that I was awake and couldn't go back to sleep.  Then... I started thinking (which can be a scary thing at times). I began by planning out my day at the office, and thinking about my job. Then, i started thinking about how much I love my job.  And... I don't say that lightly.  I actually look forward to going to my office every day.  I LOVE what I do.  I love that I am actually friends with my co-workers, and we really do LIKE each other!  

My next thought was about my friends.  I have realized the older I get it really doesn't matter how many friends you have - what matters the most is the ones that remain by your side through thick and thin.  The ones who love you regardless of the mistakes you make.  The ones who will tell you the truth when you need to hear it (even if it hurts). The ones that can make you laugh so hard you think you may pee your pants. The ones who you can call at 3:00am, and will pick up the phone and listen for as long as it takes.  The ones who support your crazy decisions, and then are there to pick-up the pieces when everything falls apart (just like they warned you they would).  Those are the friends that I love! 

As I got up and started moving, I looked at my textbook and I thought, "wow... I have homework."  Who decides to go back to school time in their 40's?  This girl... that's who!  As I sat and looked at my book, my next thought was I have 8 more classes to go, and I will be finished.  I will finally finish what I started in 1989. Then, I am immediately thankful that I have the opportunity to do this!  As tough as it may be at times, a single mom, working crazy hours, kids, sports, and school full-time - I would not change a thing! 

The one word that sums my life up... BLESSED!

Life lessons: Friends and Sisterhood...

This has been a really weird week (for lack of better terms).  There are some things that happened, that I don’t really understand, and probably never will.  I have learned or have been reminded about several important lessons in life this week.  The first being… family isn’t always blood.  Yes, we all have those blood relatives that support you regardless, stand behind you and always have your back - but then… you have those people who you choose to be your family.  The friends that are there through thick and thin, the kids you choose to “adopt,” – the ones you know will never let you down… they are family, and you love them like they are your own.  You support them and love them unconditionally – even when you may not like what they do.  You support them because they are family – and that is what you do!

The second lesson is on friendship.  Friends are not always perfect… they may disappoint you and let you down. They may choose to walk away, and you have to accept that.  Friendships have to be built on mutual respect for one another, and should be unconditional.  Friendships should not be selfish – if they are… they don’t last. The other friendship reminder I received was – you don’t have to see or talk to someone every day to be friends.  You can go for months or even years and pick up right where you left off – like a beat was never missed. They are the friends that when you are having a tough day, you pick up the phone, they meet you for a drink, and make you laugh until you almost pee your pants!  They listen, and let you vent – they never judge.  They love you unconditionally for who you are – when you are wearing shorts that have holes, your hair is a mess, and did not have any sleep the night before (yep.. true story).  They love you just as you are - I am especially grateful for this friend today!

The third lesson is… we are all human, and we all make mistakes.  Regardless of our title, our position, or our place in life – we are human.   We are not perfect.  We all make mistakes.  The key is to learn from those mistakes so they are not duplicated over and over.  This one has been especially hard for me this week. Sometimes we have to remember that God has a way of protecting us, and we should not question this. We should do what is right, regardless of how hard it is.  

The last thing I was reminded of… is how grateful I am for my sorority sisters.  In 1989, I pledged Kappa Delta and chose to “strive for that which is honorable, beautiful, and highest.”  These ladies are my sisters in every sense of the word. They are the most supportive group of women I know.  They are my prayer warriors, cheerleaders, and biggest supporters.  They are my sounding board, and shoulder to cry on.  They are always there if/when needed.  I have said it before, and I am saying it again – when God put us all together 25+ years ago, it was not a mistake.  He knew we would need each other later in life.  This weekend it was proven, that not only are my sisters there for me, they are always present regardless of what country they live in, and can even make time for a phone call (even in the Dominican Republic).  I would not trade this group of ladies for the world, and am forever grateful for each one of them.

So… these are the simple life lessons I was reminded of this week.  Most importantly – I was reminded of how much I truly LOVE my people!!

Listening vs. hearing...

How many times do you give advice?  You give advice to your friends, family, children and even co-workers. But… when someone gives you advice do you really listen? I was talking with a friend last night, and it was brought up that I was great at giving advice – just not following it.  What?!?  You have got to be kidding me!  I listen to everything people say to me.   After he left, I got to thinking - I know I hear what people say to me, but do I really LISTEN?   There is a big difference. 

After I began thinking about this, I started thinking about my relationship with God.  I pray and ask for God’s guidance – but, do I really LISTEN to His answers? And, why is this such a hard concept? Is it because we are impatient? Yes.  Is it because we think we know best? Yes.  At times, it is very difficult to put aside our thoughts and feelings about the way we think things should be, and follow God’s plan. Not only do we not listen, we worry about things that we shouldn’t, or things that are out of our control. We need to pray and turn everything over to Him.

Phillipians 4: 6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” While this seems like such a simple solution – it’s not. It is hard. It is hard not to listen to all of those around you, and just focus on His answers.  It is hard when life throws you curve balls, and chaos breaks out to take a step back and put your trust in Him. I would encourage each person this week to pray and put your trust in Him and see what happens. You might be amazed by the results!