A Little Bit Stronger...

On this week approaching Thanksgiving, I was going to list 10 things I am thankful for.  However, it became too cliched, and 5 things seem to be enough without being too redundant.

#5   Firstly, I am thankful for family and friends that I can count on to get me thru what is the
       hardest time of my life.  Thank you for your unending love and support and understanding when        I have to blink back tears.  The cards, calls, and kind words are balms to my soul, and I cannot
       express the importance and joy you bring me.  I am touched and you have made me a better                and more compassionate person thru your actions.  What a delightful and unexpected lesson.  XO
#4   The comfort of my home, car, food and security that allows me to take for granted how very
       lucky I am.
#3   My health.  I work hard at staying strong and the endorphins help me to forge on.
#2   The freedom to live, love, worship and speak my mind in the way that I choose.  (You know I
       ALWAYS have to speak my mind-and sometimes even have to have the last word!)  Don't hate-
       it's genetic!!
#1   The love of God,  my husband and pets who try their best to keep me loved, warm and sane.
       Without  y'all, I would surely crack.  You are the best and I love you all deeply.
#0  Wait!  There's a zero??   For hot showers, flannel pajamas, good vodka, big cookies, books-how
       could I forget my favorite escape?, lifesaving coffee,  good linens, garlic, down comforters,                scented candles, dark chocolate and automatic car starters-the gravy on my potatoes and icing on
       my cupcakes.  (red velvet, please!)

As I struggle thru many grey days, I have to remind myself that life is good.  Challenging, but good.
We question, but do not get to know all the answers.  The mystery of life is such.  So we remember, and wipe away the tears.  Cherish all the good things and be thankful for what you have, while you have them.

And lastly...Dane.  I am thankful that I had him for 31 years.  As I go thru this first holiday season without him,  I am trying to be happy that I was able to know and love him.  He was and is the best gift ever and I am forever changed by his life and his death.  I pray for grace to accept this.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and cherish every breath you take.  xo

Something Big...

What the hell is going on?  Can the quest for celebrity degenerate any lower?  I am so disgusted by the in-your-face, blatant, self promotion of these 'asstastic stars'.

Jennifer Lopez, the mother of two, takes every chance she can to show and shake her butt.  And when it wasn't enough, she paired up with a younger pop star and did a dual rumpy thing.  Nicki Minaj has rumored to have had implants making her already huge ass titanic in proportion-and she loves to show the world what she paid for.  And what the hell for?  I am genuinely flummoxed by all the attention that this body part is garnering.  But at least these three can sing.  Okay sorta...

Now comes along the biggest self promoter of all.  Kim Kardashian.  The girl who made a blue movie and 'thrust' herself into the spotlight, with no visible talent other than beauty, Kim has become a household word.  She can't sing, dance or otherwise amuse me, and yet every time I turn on my homepage, there she is, showing her ample junk.  I read that she earned 43 million in three months by loaning her image to a video game.  Are you kidding me?

What happened to old Hollywood glamour?  Are we so overstimulated by technology that it takes a real shocker to grab our interest?  I loved it when Marilyn, Jane, Audrey, Lauren, Bette and the such were models of modesty and true glamour.  They looked and acted like ladies and there was a mystery that kept us intrigued and wanting more-without airbrushing!  Class without ass, I say.....

Well, now that I have acknowledged the very thing and names I abhor, I guess I've made my point.  Don't you think this is a sad trend that is now becoming normal?  I hate it in print, song lyrics and the way I see women dress.  I can't imagine trying to raise a daughter in this culture.  Pathetic.

War/No More Trouble...

On this Veteran's Day 2014, I want to take time to thank all of the brave men and women who have served our country-unselfishly-to help keep us safe and insure our freedom.  They have done and are doing something that I, personally, could never have done. 


I was tickled to see the list of restaurants that were letting veterans dine on the house today.  How very cool is that?  I hope many took advantage of this.  P.T.S.D. is now and finally, being recognized as the serious medical condition that it is.  I personally know vets that are now getting benefits due to them from their trauma.  It's about time.   Also, to the doctors and nurses at the V.A. hospitals providing care to these special people.


But meals and benefits and even therapy will not make up for the way that war can change a persons life.  And for that, the greatest respect is deserved.   xo

Pay for it...

All over Chicago I saw statues of horses painted and decorated in amazing ways.  I asked and found out that the public art installation was honoring the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.  Each horse is named after a fallen hero of the Chicago police department.  The proceeds from a live auction will go to the families of the injured or killed in the line of duty officers.  How cool is that?

But, of course, this beautiful tribute had to fall victim to idiots that just couldn't help but lean on or push over some of the horses.  There were even photo ops gone bad as too many people tried to pose on the statues.  Accidents do happen, but vandalism?  I simply cannot understand how anyone could do that.  Are you bored?  Showing off?  Pissed off?  Completely shameful.

And as I ponder that travesty, I came home to my own little drama.  The cans that hold the spotlights in my yard were knocked over as well as two of my mum plants.  And just to add a personal touch, a large-and still full-cup of Speedway coffee was left on the front porch.  Hmmmmm, guess all in all, it was a pretty light touch and certainly nothing to compare with the poor horsies.  Skipping passing out Halloween candy was my crime and someone just had to 'trick' me a little.  Oh well, 'treating' myself at my Sister's restaurant was well worth it!

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could just remember that lesson that we learned in kindergarten. Don't touch other peoples things and keep your hands to yourself.  And for crying out loud, never leave a FULL cup of coffee anywhere-cuz that's truly nuts!

Happy November my Darlings! xoxo

Sisters are Doin' it for Themselves...

I can cross this one off my 'bucket list'.   I finally made it to Chicago.  Friends were shocked to hear that I had never been there before, being a girl that loves to visit big cities.  So when Sister-in-law extraordinaire had a conference being held in the Windy City, I was only too happy to hop the train and tag along.

I found the city almost exactly as it had been described to me.  Big, beautiful, diverse, and clean.  Cheryl, who has visited a number of times, was a perfect tour guide.

I tend to love 'port towns' and the touristy area of Navy Pier proved to be my favorite place.  It reminded me of a county fair without the animals (which I love) and the sleazy carnies.  Riding on the giant ferris wheel gave us the most incredible view of the city and waterfront.  Conveniently, the yummy specialty cocktails we enjoyed at 'Harry Cary's' gave Cheryl the chutzpah to overcome her fear of heights.  Well sort of....

As usual, I enjoyed the street traffic and people watching.  I was totally impressed with the Asian men and their incredible cool.  They just nail urban style perfectly.  And also as usual, I am sorrowed by the homeless and their dilemmas.  Many were obviously diseased.  I know I can't save or even help them all and I hate that.  The brutal Chicago winters must be totally uncomfortable for such.  All I can hope for, is that there are plenty of shelters available and hope that someday mentally ill, veterans, unemployed, and addicted can be offered health care and help.  It's truly the dichotomy of most big cities, that the most indulged people are beside the least fortunate. 

Sissy and I are getting old.  On Saturday night, where could we be found?  Toting large shopping bags?  Partyin' it up in one of the great bars?  No way, J(spot)!  Girlfriend and I were tucked in our beds watching a rental movies.  Yup, it's like that.  We are perfect travel companions and we didn't feel like we were missing a thing.

But, it's back to reality and that's okay with me.  As usual, Homegirl is just as content at home-till the next time duty calls!

Thanks again to Cheryl, who is the Ethel to my Lucy.  Love u, xo

You Gotta Be...

Friends.  I love my friends.  Not the virtual facebook 'friends', but real honest to goodness friends.  They are the supporting characters in my life and I don't know what I'd do without them. 

 Friday night, oh boy, all Hell broke loose.  On a whim, I called buddy Tim and was shocked to discover that he, too, had a night open.  (I later found out that he cancelled a date!)  It's not often that those stars align and we both knew it was a rare event that found us both available.  A suburban white woman and a younger, urban dwelling, dreadlocked, black man make an odd looking friendship, but we revel in our differences as much as our commonality.  Tim and I met in the middle at a great little joint and did a crazy dance/run things to each other. Tim catches me up in a crazy hug and we literally jump for joy!  Then came reminiscing, laughing, and telling new tales.  Hours flew by and we reluctantly parted before an impaired driving ticket would have to be issued, ruining our night.  Luv u Timmy-my brother by a different mother!

My BFF Kristen and I talk almost every day and sometimes 3 times a day!  We can barely get thru our gym classes without getting stern looks from our trainer.  We can examine and beat to death any subject big or small.  No detail is left unturned from split ends, organic cooking, and shopping!  We debate the general conundrum of child rearing and life as we know it.  She has been there for me thru some of the darkest days of my life.  Her family has adopted me as their own and I love them for it.

I could spent a week telling you of the rich friends in my life, but I think you get the idea of the importance of them to me.  I want to also mention a few others-most of which I have talked about before in my blog.  Therese, Mark, Marky Mark, Rose, Matt, Kelly, Cheryl, and Jeanne.  My friend Tami deserves her own blog post and will get it soon! xo  If I've forgotten anyone, please forgive me.  Thank you all, you make me feel special.  And I love you. xo

Under the Influence of Love...

It's been a chocolate martini kinda week. And that's never a bad thing.

On Wednesday, good friends Tom and Kara announced to us that in the spring they will welcome their first child. With tears and hugs we toasted the good news, all except the little Mommy who sipped her water.  We are so happy for them and that will certainly be one lucky baby.  Hopefully I can horn in a little and babysit sometime even tho I will have to stand in line behind some very anxious grandparents!  Congrats Tom and Kara!

On Saturday, we joined cousins Chelsea and Andrew as they said their vows.  There is not much prettier than an outdoor fall wedding, especially with the sun shining down on the lake and spiked cider to sip during the ceremony.  The bride and groom are old friends that just realized their love a couple of years ago.  We again toasted, this time to a life of happiness and love.  Congrats Chels and Andrew!

On Thursday of this week, my sissy Cheryl and I will train it to Chicago for a long weekend.  It is my first ever visit to the Windy City and I'm getting so-o-o-o excited.  Cheryl has some training stuff to do and I will do what I am best trained for-shopping!  I will need no pointers in that department, it comes naturally...Her and I will hook up after her classes for some dining and exploration.   Hope the weather isn't too cold and windy,  and is suitable for dragging shopping bags around.  And Cheryl and I will surely toast our friendship.

Wonder if they can make a Hot Chocolate Martini?  My bet is yes!

Hope you have a week filled with happiness and love.  Oh, and chocolate!  xo