Sweet Jamaica

You can't help but wake up at 6:30 a.m. here.

The sun begins its rise really early, well before 6 a.m., brighter than any star you would dare to look at, you have to shield your eyes, squinting, from the audacity of its glow.

V B S

VBS T-shirt

Give me a, "V!"

Give me a, "B!"

Give me a, "S!"

Hooray for VBS!!!

Do What Blows Your Skirt Up - Part Two

In all my 40 years, I have never done it.

Growing up, my father wouldn't allow it.

But, I was determined to do it. 

Today I was going to check it off my bucket list, and I was sure it was going to blow my skirt up.

Do What Blows Your Skirt Up

When was the last time you did something that blew your skirt up?

And by that I mean you did something that really made you happy.

Why haven't you done it?

Why do you keep putting it off?

What are you waiting for?

Life Happens

I got some news today.

Two different times.

Both within an hour of each other.

They were not good news.

One was really unfortunate.

The other...just life. Happening.

That's the only way I can describe it.

He's Not on Speed Dial

You can tell a lot about someone based on the number they have been assigned on your speed dial.

The people you call the most, or those closest to you, are usually on your speed dial list.

A quick look at your list will reveal a lot to you...about those in, or not in, your life.

On our drive home today a curious Buddy Roller asked, "Where does your daddy live?"

Me, "Jamaica."

The questions continued, "What does he look like?"

Me, "He has a head full of grey hair."

This I knew only because of a photo I saw of him many years ago.

I have written in previous posts that I don't really have a relationship with my dad.

What to REALLY Expect

What can you really expect when you're expecting?

There are a few things I wish someone had told me before Buddy Roller was born.

I have the famous book, What To Expect When You're Expecting.

I've read it.

But somehow it, and other books, didn't quite prepare me for what was ahead.

Wrist Candy

As a girlie girl, sometimes it's the little things that matter.

About a year ago, I started making stretchy bracelets.

A teacher friend invited me to a bead show, and it changed my life.

Why I Love Summers

One of the best perks about being a teacher is the time off.

After working really hard for 190 days, summers are very much appreciated.

Teachers get to relax, rest, and recharge for yet another demanding school year.

So as I do just that, I'm reminded about all the things I won't miss for the next two months.

No Smoking

The next time you decide to light up and fill your lungs with smoke, please take a look around.

Those close by, including children, may not want what you're having!

No thank you!

Buddy Roller had just finished swimming class, and we decided to have a snack outside where it was sunny and warm.

A few minutes later, here comes Ms. Nicotine ready for her fix.

Really?

There's like a child here!

And like most other smokers I've encountered before, she lit up right there next to us and dragged and blew out that disgusting and harmful smoke.

I know it's a public place.

I know smoking is prohibited inside.

I know she has no choice but to go outside.

However, why couldn't she go somewhere else farther away where she wouldn't be affecting others?

Smoking is dangerous.

If smokers want to take years off their life, that's their choice.

As for me and my family, we want to add years to ours.

So the next time you decide to light up, just make sure the air you're polluting is your own.

Please...and thank you!

Letting Go

I'm learning to let go...as a mom.

Not completely.

Just a little at a time.

That's all this mom can handle for now.

Buddy Roller started swimming lessons this week.

On the days leading up to his first lesson, I kept reminding him, "Focus, listen to your teacher, and no matter what, try your best and never give up."

First, there were the usual pool rules.

Then it was time to get in.

And the water was COLD!

A younger Buddy Roller would have called it quits, cried, and came running out of the pool.

This older Buddy Roller decided not to quit.

He's growing up.

When too much water got in his eyes, he kept them closed for several minutes and whined and complained, "Mommy there's water in my eyes. I can't open my eyes."

"Mommy I need help."

Instead of running over to him and enabling him, this mommy stayed put and told him, "Just wipe your eyes, and then open them."

He continued to moan and gripe and you know what? I just let his instructor handle it.

And sure enough, he figured it out.

When he jumped in the pool, and more water got in his eyes and ears, he didn't fuss.

He just kept pushing forward.

What I loved most about swimming lessons so far, is that he didn't give up.

He kept trying.

He did his best.

That's what matters most in his life. Period.

And I think me letting go...is what's helped the most.

Random Thoughts

1. How come grown ups don't fall off the bed during sleep? 

I mean, I'm assuming they don't. I don't fall off the bed. The Hubs doesn't either. I know I toss and turn, but still...I don't end up on the floor.  I didn't take a poll of all the people I know, but I think it's safe to say that grown ups don't. My four year old occasionally rolls off the bed during sleep (I even place pillows all around him). I find him sleeping on the floor during the night when I check on him, or the next morning when I wake up. I know for a fact this happens to other kids as well. How come kids and not grown ups?

2. How come the smallest objects and those that don't even weigh that much can hit your toe, any toe, and the pain is so excruciating? Pain that makes you just close your eyes, wince, and make you want to say curse words you don't usually use. How come?! Does that happen to you?

3.  How come the longer you stare at a word, the more it looks like it's been misspelled? Try it. Just look at this word MISSPELLED for at least five seconds. 

4. Why would a man WANT to be a gynecologist? I mean, I know lots of women who don't mind a male doctor "down" there, but I also know a lot of women who do. There's nothing wrong with a male gynecologist and I'm sure there are many, many excellent ones out there, but I'm just wondering.  I've never met a woman who loves going to her annual exam, so it makes me wonder why any man would subject himself to that. 

5.  Have you ever been at work, or in a meeting , or worse, at an all day training and get the feeling like you could have the best sleep of YOUR LIFE, if only you were at home at that exact moment??? Has this ever happened to you? It's happened to me quite a few times, and oh how I wish I could go to sleep at that precise moment.