http://smiley360.com/mission-details.cfm?missionID=534

http://smiley360.com/mission-details.cfm?missionID=534

Things Change

So, two years later...not much has changed, but thing have really changed. Things do that. They change. Time flies, people change, living situations change, jobs change, relationships change, our kids grow up, and money goes faster than it comes in. Well, that's how it happens in my life anyway.

My daughter and I are adjusting fairly well to her father's death, and to my father's death. Honestly, both are missed. But, our lives are moving along. I bought a house in December 2010, and we moved just into the new year. What an experience this has been. I never thought I could buy a house on my own, being a single parent especially. But, I did. And, it has been a tremendous accomplishment. Paying for it is a whole 'nother story. But, so far we're getting through.

I have no idea what's in the future for us, but I do know this....things change.

Spring/Summer Summary

I haven't posted here in SIX MONTHS. Wow. I kinda miss it. I kinda miss me.

The past six months have been interesting, to say the least.

I met a guy....thought he was great for nearly three months, he turned out not to be so great, and that was the end of that.

Then, a terrible thing happened to my daughter's father when he had a massive stroke on June 10th, and never came out of the coma. He died on July 1st of cardiac arrest. If I'm going to be completely honest with myself, and others, it has brought on many layers of sadness and relief, at the very same time.

I haven't been watching my weight do anything but climb in numbers for months...over a year, even. It's very discouraging and scary. And, I haven't been exercising for multiple reasons, as well.

All-in-all, I'd say that I'm really not doing very well. But, considering all of this, I don't feel that bad. Huh. It seems like I'm missing something...

What do you think?

How could this happen on my favorite day of the week?

I don't feel good today.

Me sad.

Life is Good

My first post in the new year...and we're already 13 days in...how sad is that? Oh, well. Let's just say I've been...uh...busy. And, stuff.

I feel at a loss for words, yet a desire to communicate. Not of my needs, as I am in need of nothing. So, what is it that I need to communicate? I know that I say it over and over, but I truly am grateful for my family and friends. And, I keep gaining more wonderful people into my life, nearly every day. Yes, maybe at a distance, but they can still touch my heart and soul.

I love growing up, and getting older and wiser. And, I'm learning to embrace every wrinkle in my life...to actually appreciate that which made me who I am today, and for each lesson I'll learn for every tomorrow.

Life is good.

A Little Something Nice

On Friday, I had the nicest thing happen to me.

I went through the drive-thru at Starbucks near the Oregon City Shopping Center. I was a little early en route to work, and wanted to treat myself to an eggnog latte. This doesn't happen very often, and especially not at this time of day. I sent a text to Brian telling him this was the most packed I'd EVER seen any Starbucks. The line inside the store was almost nearing the front entrance, and the drive-thru had a line that wrapped around the building. I was in a pretty good spot, nearing the ordering speaker when I sent the text.

Not bothered at all when I got to the speaker, I ordered a double tall eggnog latte. I noticed what looked like the driver in the car ahead of me struggling to pull change together to pay. Normally, I may get impatient with this, but I was feeling good about treating myself and getting ready on time, etc.

I pulled up to the window, and as I handed my card to the barista, she leaned out of the window to get a little closer to me. She advised me that the lady ahead of me had just paid for my drink.

My face softened, and my head leaned to the side a little..."That's the nicest thing I think I've ever heard of." I was in shock that someone would be so nice as to pay for my drink. The barista smiled big and said, "Yeah, she does that every couple of weeks when she gets paid. It's just a matter of you being in the right place at the right time."

I was overcome with joy at that moment...and I will definitely pay it forward someday soon.

Giving Thanks

There's no way I can express my gratitude for all who have served for our Country.

This is me, attempting to honor all who served. Thank you!