Marlboro Man

I'm really lucky because my office has a window and I get to see people coming and going from other offices in our complex. Some time ago I noticed this great looking guy who would come early 4 mornings a week and be in the building across the parking lot for about an hour and then leave. He caught my eye; tall, handsome, well dressed, perfect hair cut and a real nice smile. I nicknamed him "Marlboro Man".

One day I was out at my car getting something from my trunk and he walked past. I said good morning . . he said good morning back and I struck up a conversation. I laughed at something he said and then I told him that I called him Marlboro Man (he looked at me quizzically) and then I proceeded to tell him - not because you smoke but because you are HOT! It was his turn to laugh. (beautiful straight teeth).

Then I reminded him of the Coke commercial on TV of the women in the office who waited everyday for the construction worker to walk by their window and open a can of Coke. I said, you do that for the girls in our office. He said he thought that was flattering. Now, every morning when he is here he makes a point to wave at me as he drives away. My simple pleasure each morning - waving back at my Marlboro Man.

My Dad and Mom

I was born of goodly parents! My Dad and Mom are so special to me. They love each other and others unconditionaly. This year dad and mom will celebrate thier 60 year love affair. One of the beautiful things about dad and mom is they still hold hands, dad still opens mom car door, they still snuggle, they giggle with each other. Every day they show to each other and others what true love and devotion is.

Dad walks 3 miles 5 mornings a week and Mom swims for an hour. The are happy and content. I love my Dad and Mom with all my heart. I am such a lucky girl to call them Dad and Mom!

I am a Mother . . .

I am a Mom . . . have I mentioned that before? I have two wonderful children and they mean the world to me!

Amanda is my daughter, she is smart and funny! She has a big heart. She is a perfectionist and has a very strong mind when it comes to right and wrong. She loves nature, taking pictures and she loves the ocean- just like me!

Amanda made me a Mom on a rainy morning in 1976 on September 13th. She had red hair and when I held her for the first time I was sure she was going to break. She walked early, cut teeth early and her hair turned a very white blond (she is a natural blond, but changes the color at times just to switch things up). My bi-centennial baby brought joy to my heart and into our home.

Amanda has put herself through school and is a couple months away from getting her Bachelors Degree. She owns her own home and is a hard worker. One of our favorite things to do is take road trips together. It is so fun to drive, laugh, get lost (only when I am driving) and be crazy "Thelma and Louise" for a few days. I love my daughter!

My son Andy (given name Andrew- and if I call for him with this name he is surely in some kind of mischief!) has a huge heart. He is laid back and most likely should have been born in the hippy make love not war era, because he stepped right off that page! He drove a volkswagen bus to high school!

Andy was born in 1979, early in the morning of July 17th. He was all arms and legs and had these dark brown eyes that would make you melt when he looked at you. He was all boy with pockets full of bugs, rocks, caterpillers and other treasures. He wore out shoes so fast when he rode his Hot Wheels, because the shoes or boots on his feet were the brakes.

Andy is engaged to his girl friend Jennifer and they just announced they are planning a wedding day of April 3rd of this year. Another exciting adventure! I love you Andy!

A quirky thing I do for my kids on their birthdays - At the exact time they were born I call them and sing Happy Birthday to them and then of course tell them how important they are in my life. Andy doesn't mind the call so much because he was born at 9:26 in the morning, but Amanda was born at 3:07 am, so the call and cheerful voice of her Mom every year is a little hard to take at that crazy time, but it sure has been a fun yearly tradition. I love you kids! Thanks for making my life so wonderful!

8 Wishes

I am not fond of the phrase "New Year Resolutions", so to put a twist on that concept I am going to list 8 wishes I have for improving myself throughout the coming days, whether they take me a month or the full year this is what I wish for . . .

1- Smile at someone or something every day.

2- Be closer to God so I can hear his voice clearly and trust in him with absolute confidence.

3- Remember to relax. Take a deep breath!

4- Take more photo's, take better photo's that will trigger a memory.

5- Appreciate family - near and far.

6- Improve my health and fitness, and have fun while doing it.

7- Renew my enthusiasm for reading and creativity.

8- Feel confident that I am important to someone.

As I drive to work . . .

As I am driving to work this morning I wonder to myself, where are all these cars going? Some speed past with determination, delivery trucks find their way to the store so I can buy my next package of bagels and schmear for a quickie breakfast, little sports cars with a driver who is singing along to the music on their IPod or MP3 player (something I don't own but think about all the time), and a family van stuffed full of kids pulling up to school and doors on all sides open as everyone spills out ready for a day of education and homework.

I noticed the clear blue sky and wound my window down just a smidge to take in the fresh air of this early morning drive. Thanks to the small storm yesterday and the scouring of the air, it felt thinner and cleaner as I drew it into my lungs. I am grateful for my early morning drive, I can clear my head, my lungs and ready myself for the coming challenges of the day. I find something good in every new day, and the morning drive gives me time for little musings, as simple as "where are all these cars going?".

Check it out! I have figured out a few more fun things to add to my new blog. I spoke with my sister-in-law Lisa who in my opinion is a master at this blog stuff and she gave me the courage to continue "blogging" (a new work in my 2010 vocabulary) so continue I will. On to another day!

New Kid on Blog Block

I'm a little nervous, this is my first post. Just coming up with a snappy name and email was a big step out of my box, but here I am typing away wondering to myself, can I do this? Will this be something my friends will enjoy reading? Is my life interesting enough to entertain those who visit? Yikes! Questions?! what to do!? Now I have to consider the cute wallpaper, and songs, and . . . ok enough for my first try! I will return! Promise!