Dirty Girl Mud Run 2013

This past Saturday, June 29th, I had the pleasure of participating in the Dirty Girl Mud Run event at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois, with 10 fabulous ladies from many different avenues of my life.

Several months ago, I created an event on Facebook to get others to join me in this crazy adventure!!  I decided to call us "Team DRRRty GRRRls" as a tribute to our gym's circuit, Team GRRR!!

I was honored to be joined by: 3 CPHS alums: Lisa Brower, Mary Crawford and Sonja Samuelson; 3 gym mates: Robin Campbell, Roberta Rewers and Carla Zavaladriga; 1 co-worker and her mom: Jessica and Alice; a very dear friend: Sandra Marek; and Sandra's friend: Migdalia.

Sonja is a breast cancer survivor, so we were also Team Sonja!  And got pink bracelets from Sonja's last benefit (in 2012, I believe) in recognition.

What a day we had!  More than I could have imagined! 

We weren't competing, so we walked the entire 5K and enjoyed completing each obstacle as a group!!  We laughed, we joked, we had mud fights. 

We were covered, some WAY more than others (ay, Robin & Carla?!?), from head to toe in mud!  I have never been so dirty!  Nor had so much fun getting there!

Because we will have moved a couple weeks before, I won't be making my annual Pink Ribbon Society Breast Cancer Awareness Tea, so I was doing this event in its place. 

There was a team with shirts that said Dirty Hoohahs!  They were my favorite!  And another with hats and tails as beavers ~~ hence we referred to them after several of the mud obstacles as the Dirty Beavers! 

I have a tshirt, a necklace, photos and memories to commemorate and remind me of this amazing group of ladies and the most fun we could have getting our hoohahs dirty! 

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." - Franz Schubert

Our Baby's Injury

On Sunday, June 23rd, after a quick grocery store run, we came home to find Luna had injured her right foot.  The poor thing was hiding in the corner of the loft.  We determined that her paw was damp from something and then Chris discovered it was VERY swollen.

When we were able to get a better look, we saw a cut on her paw, along with the swelling.  And, she couldn't/wouldn't put much pressure on it when she did walk. 

She didn't want to be on the main floor, even when we took the ladder to the loft down she just paced, so we let her walk up and down at her leisure, so long as she would rest.

We found one of our bedroom tables turned over, so we know she got her injury there.  We just don't know if her foot got stuck in the weave or if it fell on her.  Even Isis was acting differently, as if she was feeling guilty.  We suspect we had 2 little monkeys horsing around on the bed, most likely the headboard, and one little monkey got hurt!

I didn't get much rest that nite b/c I was concerned about her comings & goings, so I did spend about an hour sleeping with her.

Chris took her to the vet first thing Monday morning and an x-ray revealed her pinkie was broken.  So, she got a splint, an antibiotic shot (for the cut) and was sent home with a week's supply of pain reliever.  We were to bring her back in a week for a checkup.

Once back home, Chris took the ladder to the loft down as Luna is completely grounded for the 4 weeks (yes, 4 loooooong weeks) of the splint! 

The following Sunday, we again return home and find that she has messed with the splint to the point where it isn't even walkable and have to hold her down to cut it off!

Rather than taking her to the vet after work for her checkup, as I had planned, I had to take her first thing Monday morning for a new splint!  Sheesh!

This one was put on and secured higher up on her leg/shoulder.  I guess to try to avoid her getting it off again.  She isn't walking with it nearly as well.  Pretty much using her other 3 legs to get her where she needs to go.  But she is mostly laying around.  I think my baby is a bit depressed.  (Sad face here.....)

I believe this morning she was eyeing the loft and crying a bit to say she wanted up there, but we aren't giving in.  While she may manage getting up the ladder, I don't see how she could come down and we don't need any more broken bones, or other injuries!

(These 2 cats have cost us too many thousands of dollars in the past few months, what with Isis's iodine treatment followed by a urinary tract infection and now this!!!)

I wish I could bring Luna to work with me.  Even if she was just going to lay in the chair or on the floor, I would love to have her here with me, so I can love up on her and help her thru this difficult time. 

She was always bouncing around, anxiously awaiting each of our arrival's home, playing with her bell in the middle of the nite (when we have forgotten to put it on the shelf)...and I cannot wait to have my sleep interrupted for that sound and not the sound of the splint as she drags it across the ceramic tile.

I can't wait to again see my Lula Bean's face, waiting for me at the top of the stairs when I get home from my day.  Or bringing "String" or "Bell" (her 2 favorite toys) to one of us to play with her!!!

One of Life's Milestones

Last year I turned 40.  During my annual gynecological exam in August, my nurse practitioner reminded me that it was time for my first mammogram!  I received the order at the end of my appointment. 

I am still holding on to that order (well, I should be...I need to locate it)!!

I need to clarify one thing here, it's not just that I have been nervous ~my boobs are gonna be squished, for goodness sake~ but there was also a snafu with our insurance and my usual health care providers (I am dealing with billing issues for appointments in December last year and January this year).  But with our move getting closer and quitting our jobs right around the corner, I need to use my insurance benefit now. 

That said, I called for an appointment yesterday.  I am scheduled for next Wednesday (July 10th) at 11AM.

I am still nervous!  Which seems rather silly considering I have SIX tattoos!  I know pain!  I choose pain! 

On my drive to work this morning, mammogram on my mind, I remembered that for my mom's 40th birthday, we gifted her her first (& as it would turn out, thus far, her only) mammogram.  Where did the time go???  That was 1996!!  How could I be due...and now late...for this 40th milestone???

Can I admit I sorta wish my mom was here & not all the way in Florida, so she could talk me thru it, hold my hand, give me pain relievers after???? 

But, like so many milestones I have met and the rest that lay ahead for me, I will do this one by myself, without her. 

{She hasn't been a fan of any of my tattoos, either!  Not that she has any room to talk b/c she has 2 herself!}

Our last hurrahs in the Conch Republic!

Oh, yes, it's ladies nite!!  Oh, what a nite!!

Thursday was the BIG day!  We had reservations at Aqua Nightclub for the 7PM drag show!  

But before we get to our fantastically scandalous evening, let's touch on our day, shall we?  My mom wanted to see the Flagler Museum, so we made our way north, back to the bight/wharf.  We were pleased to find we could go right in and watch the videos about Henry Flagler and his rail line (check out this very important part of Key West...well, really, Florida...history if you are unfamiliar).  

On our slow stroll back to the condo, we stopped for some fries and a drink at this kooky little place called Bo's.

We enjoyed a lazy afternoon at "home" by cooking hot dogs on the grill and me heading to the pool while Mom & Chris napped!!

Then, it was time to get ready for the big show!!!

We had a little table reserved in our name and got to ordering our first round of drinks!  When the show began, we were raring to go and so were the queens!  Jessica Deveraux, Elle Taylor & Inga gave THE best drag show I have seen!  They were spot on in their performances and they came right out into the audience to dance, engage and make us all feel part of the nite!! 

Mom was having the time of her life!  She was giving me singles for tipping, laughing constantly and ordering several rounds of drinks!  Almost before we knew it, the show was done.

Fortunately, we were allowed to return for the 9PM show free of charge!!  Hell to the yeah, we were coming back!

In between shows, we headed to 801 Bourbon Bar for a drink.  (Bet you thought I was going to say The Bull, right??!!)

The 2nd show was just as spectacular as the first and completely different!  Ah-Maz-Ing!

Not sure how much money we went thru in singles...for some reason both my mom & I thought we had used all of ours up, but found more in our purses later!  It was as if our purses were growing dollar bills!!!  HA!

We are in love with all 3 queens!  My camera battery died during Elle's first performance of the first show, so we barely got any photos and zero of Inga!  But we were then completely engaged and present for both shows, rather than behind the camera lens! 

I received a friend request from Inga after we returned (I had posted what a good time we had on Aqua's FB page, so she commented there and sent the request!!!)  I then friended both Jessica and Elle.  I tagged Elle in a couple of the photos of her I shared and she even used one as her profile pic!  I just love her hair and will, most likely, take the pic of her the next time I get a haircut! 

Friday was Mom's day to fly back home.  We walked to Croissants de France for breakfast...many of my family members kept raving about the place.  The breakfast wasn't all that, in my opinion (I would rather have gone back to Blue Heaven for the Rooster Special), BUT the croissants we bought to eat later were the treat! 

It was sad to send my mom away in her taxi, but we had such a great visit that it was easier than the other times we have parted (usually when I am flying back home).  Chris & I were both so pleased that Mom really had a tremendous time and that she had the opportunity to relax away from all of her everyday cares in a place she has talked about visiting for many years!!!

Eventually, we headed back to Duval and walked around, ending up at The Bull for some more margaritas and people watching from one of the tables at the "window".   (I took one of the coasters which I have at my desk as a constant reminder of the laid back & fun times!)   We spent some down time at the condo with our plan to return to the 801 Bourbon Bar for their free 5PM cabaret-syle drag show.  We could have come back for a later show and then stuck around (for free) to the next, we were informed that each show gets a bit crazier (or should I say raunchier!!!) and that by the 11PM show, the queens may be nekkid!  But we knew we would be pretty worn out by late evening and planned to get up VERY early Saturday morning to watch the sun rise. 

After the show, we headed north to catch our last sunset.  We caught Catman's show again, too!!! 

Five (or was it 5:30) AM came pretty quickly!  But we got up & dressed, headed to the beach at the Southernmost Beach Cafe to sit in the sand and at the water to watch the sunrise (we knew we wouldn't see a great one b/c we weren't on the eastern part of the island, but we were making due).  It was pitch dark as we passed the Southernmost Point Mile Marker and headed to the beach. 

Can you believe the beach was locked?!? 

Well, we walked back to the Southernmost Point and climbed over the ledge to stand on the rocks jutting out and from there we watched the nite give way to dawn.

Then we headed back to the beach!!!  We walked along the water and then the pier.  While sitting at the end of the pier, Chris spotted a stingray!  We could also see a "mass" that could have been a school of fish or, perhaps, a small pod of dolphins, but it never came close enough for us to be sure.  

We walked around some more that morning.  I tried an iced Cuban coffee (made with coffee ice cubes ~ genius!) from this little coffe place near the bight, The Cuban Coffee Queen, I think.  We went to Croissants de France for a couple more rasberry coconut croissants (this time buying the day-olds for only $1) and coffee!  We also bought a turkey & swiss and ham & swiss croissants to eat during our layover in Tampa.  

We met a great guy, Allen, during our Key West - Tampa leg.  He & his partner live in Dayton, Ohio, where Allen is a hairstylist!!!  They seem like great guys and people we would enjoy living near and hanging out with!!!

It was a very full week, yet we were glad to return home to our girlies!     

More Fun-in-the-Sun Highlights

Tuesday was my mom's day to join us!

Chris and I headed to Duval for the morning.  We stopped at The Bull (which became our go-to place for most of the trip!), the oldest open air bar in Old Town Key West, for some 2 for 1 margaritas!  The Bull, which is the 1st level of the 3 bars, has stools right at the front, facing Duval Street, so you can drink, people watch and enjoy the good weather! 

There is a lady who sits right outside the bar; she is known as a barker.  She hands out drink tickets for all 3 bars there.  There is also a guy who sets up "shop" on the sidewalk in front of The Bull where he sells necklaces, braclets & anklets he makes. 

Neither the barker, nor the jewelry guy, work really hard at engaging the passersby.

Shortly before noon, I think, the barker took her lunch break.  Well, I was feeling good from my margarita and the sunshine, so I slid off my barstool and went out front to take over for her while she was gone! 

It was so much fun!  Chris & I laughed the whole time!  The jewelry guy even came over to chat.  He had some bubbles, so he asked these 2 girls sitting next to us (who were from Australia) to work the bubble machine in front of the fan.  I was totally hawking the drink cards!  I was making jokes and conversations with the people passing by!!  Telling the sweaty folks, "You look thirsty!"  Chris was taking pics of me working!  I think I was the hardest working tourist on Key West!!!  I know I got some people to head into The Bull for some drinks!  And I hope I made the real barker some money! 

When she returned, I hopped off her seat & we headed back to the condo to await my mom's arrival!  What a hoot!!  What a memory!!! 

Mom got there in no time and was so happy to 1) be on vacation, 2) be on vacation in Key West and 3) be on vacation in Key West with us!!!  We were glad we could do this for/with her, too.

After a short rest, the 3 of us headed to Blue Heaven for lunch.  We all got their grilled cheese sandwiches, which did not disappoint!  As I had suspected, Blue Heaven was certainly my mom's kind of place!  We made sure to take her upstairs to see the former bordello digs!!

We made a stop at The Bull, too, of course!  Chris and I got margaritas (with our 2 for 1 card that I snagged from the barker).  My mom drinks rum & coke and The Whistle, the 2nd floor bar, had 2 for 1 well drink cards, so Chris ran upstairs to get Mom's drinks while I got ours.  The 3 of us enjoyed sitting along Duval, while chatting with the jewelry guy and making the passersby happy with the bubble machine!!! 

I think we may have hit Mallory Square for the sunset activities.  We saw Catman ("This guy is a nut!") and this 55-year old man who does amazing acrobatic feats, even including brave audience members!

Eventually, the 3 of us made the trip to the Garden of Eden ~ the only clothing optional bar (well, for all sexual preferences...I am sure the strictly gay bars are less restrictive than most!).  There weren't too many people, as it was only 9.  Some drunk girls near the DJ, one or two couples and several people at the bar.  I believe there were 3 or 4 women who were topless (they had simply slipped their tops down to their waists).  We heard that it picks up around 11 and is a very interesting scene! 

Had I been able to drink some more, I like to believe I would have participated.  But wouldn't you know...for the first time in our whole trip...it started to rain.  And then it really started to come down!!!  We ran under a bit of cover near the bar, tho I was still getting wet, and when we didn't really see any sign of it letting up, we headed back down to the first floor...The Bull, of course.  There we sat, listening to some live music, having a drink, waiting for the rain to subside so we could walk back "home". 

On Wednesday, we walked to the Southernmost Point & got our pic together!  There is usually a decent waiting line, so since it was really short, we took our opportunity!!  From there, we walked to the Southernmost Beach Cafe for breakfast!  Just like the lunch Chris and I had, breakfast did not disappoint!!  My mom and I both took leftovers back to the condo, along with another piece of free key lime pie! 

We made sure to take a several hour rest period in the middle of the day.  Mom napped, while Chris & I went to the pool.  Our plan for the evening was to get to Alonzo's for Happy Hour again.

Just after we got to the pool, tho, here came some more rain.  We waited it out under cover of the little bathroom cabana.  It lasted about 20 minutes.

Would you believe that after we returned from the pool another 20-minute rain shower?!?  Well, that is fairly typical of Florida summer rains! 

We all got ready for our evening out.  I bought the 3 of us temporary tattoos which read "Happy Hour is the Best Hour": Mom wanted hers smack dab in the middle of her chest, Chris wore his near his right shoulder blade and mine was on my left bicep!  Now we were ready to head out to the wharf. 

Can you guess what happened almost right after we left the condo?  Yup, down pour!  We got under an overhang at a government building and huddled there for several minutes, debating if we should go back (which was MUCH shorter) or wait a bit to see if things let up (like the 20-minute showers of earlier) and keep on with the plan to Alonzo's.  At this point it's around 5, we have left later than maybe we should have b/c Happy Hour is only from 4-6:30.  We figure what does it matter if we are wet!  We are on vacation!!  And much of the time we have been sweaty, anyway!!!  So, we start the crazy journey from one overhang to the next, like Frogger, trying to make it for half price drinks and appetizers!!!  At one point, Chris is the scout, going ahead to find the next spot and my mom and I almost pee ourselves from laughing!!!  By the time we make it to Front Street, we are pretty wet...and the streets are pretty flooded!  So we are wading thru ankle deep water!  I would just take off my sandals as we crossed! 

Whew!  I think we made it by the hair on our chinny chin chins!  We wanted to sit outside at Alonzo's, (like Chris and I did our first visit) but the wait was questionable and we didn't want to miss happy hour pricing, so we took a booth inside.  We quickly ordered drinks and food, and another 2 rounds!!!   

From there, we walked along the boardwalk, easterly, and explored where Chris and I had not yet meandered.  We also found Flagler Station, where my mom had been incessantly talking about finding b/c she wanted us to see the video clips of the Flagler Railroad.  (Would you believe we were told by someone at the Visitor's Center that this place no longer existed?!  My mom was crushed, until we stumbled upon it that nite!!!)

We were back at Duval, so we landed at 801 Bourbon Bar for drinks and to listen to karaoke!  Mom loved this place, too, and we snapped a pic of her and Miss Pride 2013, Jessica Grabbit, in her Cleopatra costume!!

Details of our BEST nite to come.  Hint: Aqua Nightclub!!

Key West 2013

What a week we had on the island! 

Our first time on any island, I believe.

We had a rather long travel day getting there; having to layover in Orlando for a bit.  What better way to start vacation, especially to Key West, than to start drinking, right?!?  Well, we thought so and that is what we did at the Orlando airport...about 10AM!  We had mini bottles of liquor that we drank like shots!  We were feeling very vacation-y!!

We arrived at our condo, but weren't able to "check-in" for a few more hours.  We were able to stow our bags and make a quick clothes change before hitting the streets!

We immediately made a beeline for Duval Street and did some walking while trying to decide where to stop for a bite to eat.  It was Pride weekend and there were vendors along a few blocks, where we received huge pink beads ... oh, and condoms (which we sent back with my mom to my sisters!!)  Eventually, we went to Amigos, which was recommended by a friend from the gym.  We probably made our first, of many, stops at The Bull, too!!

After returning to the condo to really freshen up, we headed back out to partake of the night life!  We went to the 801 Bourbon Bar where they were having a 90's flashback.  We spent the whole nite there drinking (using our trusty flask) and singing along with the tunes.  Coincidentally, our bartender that nite was Ms. Pride 2013 (we learned this the next day when seeing her on a float in the Pride Parade), who was dressed in pasties, thong and thigh-highs!  BOLD!

Sunday found us walking by the Southernmost Point (the red, white, black & yellow mile marker that says 90 miles to Cuba), but not stopping to take pics b/c my mom wanted us to wait for her arrival.  We headed east, to more beach area, and decided to eat lunch at the Southernmost Beach Cafe.  This will turn out to be our favorite restaurant the whole trip!  It's an open-air place and the food is fresh, tasty and reasonably priced (did I forget to mention that Key West is expensive!!).  I had some coupons for free key lime pie, so we used one and shared a piece!  Pretty delish!!

From lunch, we went to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.  This place blew us away!  I had been to a butterfly exhibit at the Smithsonian a few years back, but it really didn't compare to this permanent museum!  There were so many and varied butterflies!  These blue ones were super active, too.  They almost never stopped and so were very hard to photograph.  There were some gorgeous and colorful birds, too.  Everywhere we turned, a butterfly or 5!  I kept pointing them out to Chris to photograph.  We had to watch where we stepped b/c they sometimes just plant themselves in the walkway!  We would have loved to take advantage of coming back later that day, you can do so for free, but we weren't going to be able to work it into our schedule because ...

The BIG deal of the day was the Pride Parade along 12 blocks of Duval Street beginning @ 5.  We got ourselves ready and walked up early to secure a spot, as we didn't know how crowded the parade route would be, and I got us right up front at Bourbon St Pub.  I was able to get glitter-bombed by the manager of 801 Bourbon Bar!!!  Awesome!!!  We also had our picture taken by the official parade photographer!  

After the parade, we meandered and found ourselves at Mallory Square.  We stopped at El Meson de Pepe, where we shared an appetizer of Cuban nachos!  Rather than tortilla chips, they serve plantains!  It was great...alongside ropa vieja and the normal nacho accoutrements!!! 

We then stuck around for sunset at Mallory Square.  Street performers & vendors galore!!

We weren't out too late on Sunday as I think our long, long day on Saturday (getting up at 2AM and being out until midnite) caught up to us! 

Up pretty early on Monday, we made our way to Ft. Zachary Taylor state park right before it opened at 8AM.  We walked around and on top of the old fort, which is very cool.  We love historical stuff like that!!  We then made our way over to the beach...our first walk along the waters of Key West.  It's pretty rocky and going into the water would probably require aqua socks, but it is very beautiful.  With your paid admission, you can come and go all day until sunset!

We walked back to the condo to shower and then walked just a block or so south of our condo to have a late breakfast at Blue Heaven.  There was a bit of a wait, but we were able to look around the gift shop and then seat ourselves in front of the small stage to listen to Queen Catherine & Mike.  I didn't sit for long, tho, as Queen asked if I would hold her cell phone to capture video that she was going to upload to YouTube (this would turn out to be the 1st of 2 times I "worked" while on vacation!!).  We both enjoyed the Rooster Special breakfast.  (Altho, we didn't know we would each be charged $1.60 for syrup!!  Seriously, who charges for syrup?!)  This little bohemian hideaway is one of those "must-see" places.  In a former life, it once was a bordello ~~ you can still go up to the 2nd floor to see the rooms, complete with the peep holes on the doors, and a small stage, plus view the balcony from where the ladies of the nite would have "hawked their wares" to the passersby!  This area must be used for dining during bad weather or, perhaps, you can rent it. 

We then walked to the Lighthouse and Ernest Hemingway's house (didn't take the tours, tho) before heading to the cemetery (of course!).  It was a decent walk, especially in the hot, hot sun!  We walked around and got some pics of some pretty interesting structures and tombstones, but couldn't stand baking any longer, so we started the walk back . 

We treated ourselves to a stop in a small pub, Krawl off Duval, because they served craft beers (my favorite).  It was a perfect respite: A/C, cold drinks and seats!!!  Got to chat up the bartender, a young-ish guy who stays here & there for a couple years.  He had lived in SoCal a couple years, got bored, moved to Boston for a couple more, got bored, and was now in Key West.  He came from Michigan!!! 

We spent the evening at Ft. Zachary Taylor to watch the sunset.  I believe it was the best one all week!  We watched the sunset cruise sailboats pass by, along with the big Coast Guard ship.  I laid on a beach towel and rested to the calming sounds of the ocean.  Chris took lots of pics while I sort of napped.  AND...a wedding was in place for sunset, so we were able to listen the entire couple of hours to my favorite musical insturment ~ the steel drum!!  It couldn't have been more magical!!! 

At some point during these first few days, on a recommendation from Chris's sister, Natalie, we visited Alonzo's Oyster Bar for happy hour!  We were able to snag an outside table to enjoy our half price drinks & food!  Yes!  The buffalo shrimp, fried calamari and conch fritters were superb!  Our tropical drinks weren't too shabby, either!  All in all, they were a perfect meal!  We knew we would be coming back with my mom!!!

Whew....more tomorrow! 

Notes...scribbled on the back of an envelope

...during my last plane trip.  On my flight back from my quick Florida trip in April, I wrote some notes about things I wanted to remember, to practice, to learn about and to mention here.  Many have remained just that ~ Notes!!  Darnit!  I'll address them here and hope to expound on them in the future.

Travel is Transformative.  I came across this little nugget in the book I was reading that flight and it struck me as so very true.  Each time I have traveled, whether it be a quick family visit or the much-planned and adventure-filled weeks with my hubby, I return changed.  I learn something about the places we visit, the people we meet, the ideas I get for future plans, the talks Chris & I share along the way, the interactions I have with each of my family members...everywhere is an opportunity for growth.

On our Sedona trip, while taking a very early morning walk in the desert, we came upon a hot air balloon being set up for a ride.  Never thinking either of us would ever WANT to do such a thing, I didn't look into it before the trip.  But at that moment we both decided that, yeah, let's do it!!  If we were ever going to do something this daring, the beauty that is Sedona is THE place!  The next morning, we got to hold the sides of the balloon as it was being readied for flight and then we were up, up, up in the air above the red rocks ~~ it was magical!  It was freeing!  It was soul-transforming!

Our Colorado trip two years ago, left us both forever changed.  Upon cresting a hill and seeing Boulder at the base of the Rocky Mountains, we suddenly knew THIS is where we want to be...and we have been working on our move there since (which comes to fruition this September!!)!

When I visit my family, I try to see everyone, at least once.  I want them to KNOW me and I want to share in their lives.  We have, for the most part, lived states away (both geographically and the paths we have taken), but I don't want that distance to keep us from forging bonds.  Each time I return from these visits, I learn not only more about them, but also about myself ~~ where I am in my life and in the family dynamic, how to work on my relationships, how much I wish I could be right there as the little ones are growing.

Time is Fleeting and Memories are Everlasting.  I am now "in my 40's" and I have nieces, nephews and a great-nephew (with another along the way in August).  My grandparents are getting older, as is my mother.  I don't live near my mom and siblings (and their kids), so when I get to spend time with them, I want to treasure the moments.  I want my nieces, Shyla & Kennedy, to KNOW their Aunt Jennie.  I don't want to just be a photo, a phantom, an idea. 

I adore my grandparents!  Chris & I both enjoy spending time with them!  We love to hear their stories and just hang out!  I was able to enjoy a delicious meal with them & my mom, under a warm April evening sun at an outdoor eatery on the water.  With me, Grandpa & Grandma all enjoying a cold beer!  (Mine a Summer Shandy, of course!!)  I know how lucky I am to have a close, personal relationship with them and I will never take that for granted. 

Recently, my sister, Kelley, shared a photo of Kennedy snuggled up to her G-pa and it made my heart sing!  I am the first grandchild and I am the one who first snuggled up under his arm and I am the one who "broke him in" for all the grand (& great) children to come!  It had to be one of the most precious pictures I have ever seen!!!  It immediately took me back to being a little girl, visiting my aunt, uncle & cousin in South Bend, waking up to run to my grandpa and snuggling with him before he got out of bed!

I do like having photos from trips.  And digital photography has made it so much easier to take and keep so many more celluloid memories!  However, I like to be "in the moment" more than behind the lens.  So, my photos are few(er), but I am present and engaged.  I am practicing mindfulness...and that makes me happy!

Small daily indulgences.  Are necessary!  A glass of wine, meditation, conversation, mindfulness ~~ are to be practiced regularly.  Well, for me.  You may have your own list (and if you don't, I highly encourage you to give it some thought).  I would add in exercise, too!  Conversations with the important people in my life bring me joy.  When I get to spend time with girlfriends, especially those who are life-long pals, I am invigorated!!  I cannot forget the 2 most important girls in my life, Isis & Luna, who bring me unconditional love and with whom I enjoy daily belly rubs and snuggling! 

Ahoy, Matey!!

Chris and I are getting ready to leave on a jet plane!!!  Key West bound!  Our bags are stocked with rum & vanilla vodka...along with some beach-appropriate attire!  I checked us in this morning for our 6AM flight out of Midway tomorrow

.  We land in Orlando about 9:30, where we will change planes before finally making the island at 11:45!  In true pirate-style, we will begin drinking before 10AM! 

Our vacation mottos:

"You can't drink all day, if you don't start in the morning!"

and
"Drinking rum before 10AM makes you a pirate, not an alcoholic!"

We have a 2-bedroom condo, where my mom will join us for a few days!  We arrive during the middle of Pride ~~ in Key West!  CRAZY times ahead!!  We are going to drink & make merry, all  week long and on the flight home, just to delay the inevitable return to "reality"! 

I will practice mindfulness.  I will make memories.  I will step out of my comfort zone.

I will be renewed!!