May23

The Wheel.

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(just listen in the background, there’s nothing to see here folks…but a beautiful version circa 1977)

The wheel is turning and you can’t slow down,
You can’t let go and you can’t hold on,
You can’t go back and you can’t stand still,
If the thunder don’t get you then the lightning will.

The wheel is turning. Oh my, the wheels are turning.

Andrew is making dinner. Soft shell crab and shrimp Po’ Boys, if you’re curious. I know, right? Don’t even tell me how lucky I am. I know.

So Andrew is making dinner. We were chatting. Our son took the car and left for the high school senior awards night.

I’m trying to let that sink in.

He took the car.

He’s graduating from high school. Next week.

I could post a picture of him when he was little here, but I’ll save that for a nice juxtaposition with his graduation photo. Hehe.

So the wheel is turning. So fast. So fast. I’m happy. I’m a wreck. I’m happy and a wreck. Reminds me of one of my favorite jokes:

Guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, “Help me! I’m a wigwam, I’m a teepee, I’m a wigwam, I’m a teepee.” And the shrink says, “Relax. You’re two tents.”

I know you already knew that one but I couldn’t resist.

I can’t really explain what it feels like to watch your child drive away. Those of you with older kids? I bet you know. It’s just the first domino. I’m so full of emotion. So full of emotion.

Is the kid ready for this? Ready to be so independent? Ready to move away? To be self-reliant? You bet he his. I’m bursting with pride. But that doesn’t make the tears stop.

source: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/mbylow source: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/mbylow%5B/caption%5D

May19

To whom it may concern:

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To my friends – and my mom – who told me how frightening it was when their child started driving on his own, I’m sorry I thought you worried too much. To those who cried when they sat still and realized their child was graduating high school and shortly leaving for college, I didn’t know. I just didn’t know.

There are so many things I didn’t know. Like how much it hurts when your child works hard for something and it doesn’t work out. Or how hard it is to actually follow through on consequences when the kid doesn’t make the best decision.
I also didn’t know what it would feel like when the son who barely spoke out of the house as a child stands up in front of a couple hundred people in the community and speaks like a man and shows his heart. Nor did I know how exciting it was to see a kid develop his talent and his dream and have others believe.

I didn’t know how fast the time would go. How having a partner to make decisions with and share a life with would be so amazing and so challenging at the same time.

I didn’t know when I held that first baby with his chunky cheeks what the next 18 years would be. And I still don’t know what the next 18 will be.

But I’m bursting with pride and fear and worry and happiness and love.

May11

Roses are red, violets are blue.

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roses
When Andrew brought me these beautiful roses this morning, he didn’t say “Happy Mother’s Day.” In fact, he handed them to me with a big smile and I remarked how much I loved surprise no occasion flowers.

Did I forget it was Mother’s Day tomorrow? Kind of. Actually, about an hour later when the thought crossed my mind, I was glad that I hadn’t associated the flowers with the Hallmark holiday. I associated the flowers with the fact that Andrew thought about me when he was out and about. And that he loves me and wanted to see the smile on my face.

I don’t really know what was in his head, but I don’t care. They’re beautiful. And tomorrow, the whole family is doing what I want to do. Spend the day together. We’ll go to a flea market and out to eat. Did I mention that we’d all be together? Woo hoo!

I am grateful for the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and children in my life. I hope I show it all year long.

Apr26

Thoughts at the end of a long week.

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source: sxc.hu

source: sxc.hu

Ideas for blog posts keep popping into my head. But lately, I’ve just been too slammin’ jammmin’ to write them. Work has been fascinating lately and super busy and I plan to be posting over there soon. I’ve been writing and presenting at conferences and meeting people and all kinds of good stuff.

But still, I’ve been reading a ton, following you all on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn as best as I can (Though I assure you I’ve missed really good stuff you posted – so feel free to tell me again!) In my reading, observations, and thoughts, some things came to mind that I feel compelled to share:

  1. Hairclips may not be stylish but they truly hold my hair up the best. I wish I could wear them in public, but I’ve been told I can’t.
  2. It’s remarkable how quickly a mob can form online.
  3. I often prefer to keep quiet.
  4. It’s not possible to make everyone happy. But, I hate when people I love aren’t happy.
  5. Laundry is a gift that keeps on giving.
  6. I wished for a lap cat and I got the queen of all lap cats. She drives me nuts when I’m working but I love her very, very much.
  7. It’s rare that I’m alone.
  8. Can you believe that woman swallowed the diamond?
  9. I had a horrible nightmare last night and couldn’t get it out of my head all day.
  10. I haven’t had a good cry in a long time. Not sure if that is good or bad.
  11. My oldest son is going to college in the fall. I know this is true, but it’s hard for me to believe.
  12. It’s polite to respond to people online. Would you snub someone who spoke when you saw each other at a party? Particularly if you’ve crossed paths over and over again?
  13. I try to assume people have good intentions. It feels a lot better than assuming the opposite.
  14. Wine is good.
  15. I like peace & happiness.
  16. I have been cleaning my closet in stages and getting rid of the stuff “Stacy & Clinton” would want me to dump. I’m getting there.
  17. I feel really guilty when I dump on someone. I did that today and I’m sorry. Totally wasn’t fair.
  18. Can you believe it’ll be May in a couple days?
  19. Did I mention the hairclip? Love the hairclip.
  20. I am going to feel this morning’s crunches tomorrow. Mark my words.
  21. The church down the street offers free English lessons. Brilliant marketing strategy.
  22. The Christmas cactus (care of my fab SIL) is blooming again and is totally gorgeous.
  23. Grilling season is really kicking up. This is good news.
  24. I saw my old neighbors today. There are days I wish we hadn’t moved. (Don’t tell Andrew.)
  25. No one really knows anyone else’s life.
  26. Our first shipment of our year’s supply of Seattle’s Best Coffee came today. Woo hoo!
  27. I miss baking and need to fit that back into my life. It’s been weeks, people!
  28. Big project plans in the works for the summer. Exciting stuff.
  29. OMG it’s almost time to plant summer vegetables. Tomatoes, cukes, peppers, arugula, and some herbs. Not sure what else.

So, that’s my brain dump. Now? I’ll sit in the quiet, sip some wine, and chill.

Mar31

Sunday in Paris

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No offense to you curling fans out there, but I find it very amusing to be in a hotel room in Paris watching the sport in German on TV while keeping my sick son company as my husband and other 2 sons venture out to a nice dinner. Aside from snacking on the amazing baguettes we picked up earlier, I plan to order the Japanese dinner from room service. And finish the bottle of wine Andrew & I started late this afternoon after my solo field trip to Marais. What an adventure.

This morning, I hung back with the sick one when the rest of the guys visited Versailles. They loved it. And afterward, I took them to find a pharmacy & to a really nice (and very French/not touristy) lunch.

Now, I’ll look for a pay-per-view movie to watch with the kid – assuming I can bring myself to switch the channel from the curling.

Mar18

Jumping for joy.

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wendyjumping This is me at Blissdom last year. Alli took the pic. And I love it.

In 3 days, I’m jumping on a plane and headed to Dallas. Yes, to Blissdom! I’m having a tough time deciding what I’m most excited about:

  1. Seeing old friends
  2. Making new friends
  3. Teaching/speaking about Using Data for Creative and Impactful Marketing
  4. Hearing Chris Mann sing
  5. Seeing C.C. Chapman speak about Living An Amazing Life
  6. Sleeping in my own room (Sorry, Andrew. But, it’s just 2 nights!)
  7. Offline time with some of my Cabot colleagues

If you see me there, please say hello!