Honorable Mentions

Mark has been using our Ninja every day. Sometimes twice a day. I haven't used it once. I clean it but that's it! He is a blending fool, mixing every concoction possible. He let me know he uses it all the time because he's getting his black belt in tastiness. Ninja-the gift that keeps giving.

Saturday we got up early and went to the beach to watch the sun rise. It was a fabulous morning. Never enjoyed the beach so much. YAY for an occasional early morning!

Longboat Key, while not a Key you hear of often (and not south of Miami), is GORGEOUS! The Sun 'n Sea is a great escape. Wow, talk about a view. We looked out our window and what did we see? The Gulf of Mexico staring back at me! We shared a cottage with some of Mark's family that came from Michigan. The Marks and I ate breakfast at this little cafe right on the water. Delicious food, delicious view and delicious company.

I forgot my random thoughts I had. And that's worth mentioning, too.

Birthday Love

I've never felt so much love on my birthday. It has been the best birthday ever. EVER.
I woke up to kisses from the one snuggled up next to me, then realized someone was smothering me from the top too. I opened my eyes to my mom and sister taking me to Waffle House for breakfast. And that's a big deal for me! My little brother, JoJo, his daughter and his girlfriend joined us there. The whole place cheered for my birthday, it was awesome.

Came home, relaxed a little. Got blindfolded and carried away to my surprise bowling birthday party! Mark called everyone he could think of the night before and while I was at breakfast. It was so fun. And let me tell you, I'm super hard to surprise. My 19th birthday there was a HUGE surprise at my apt that my super swell roomie arranged. And that's one of the few surprises I've had in life, other than getting pregnant!

Later we had everyone over for dinner. We ordered chinese from the tastiest place around these parts and some ate pizza and we had a great time. We ended the night with a Carvel ice cream cake, a regular cake, ice cream and ice cream sandwiches. WOW!

I got my hair done, a pedicure, makeup money and a makeup gift card, a frizz control hair product, 2 jars of Vegenaise, my very own portable hard drive to store pictures (cause I have a gazillion) and a Ninja for my kitchen. And best of all, I got to be a Mom! The gift that keeps giving.

It was such a great day. I have to say, I am one lucky girl! Thanks to all my family and friends (Yep, that's you) that made my day MEGA special for me. And a super special thank you to my sweet husband, Mark. You surprised me! And I love you SOOOO much! BEST. BIRTHDAY. EVER!

Pictures to come

These are a few of my favorite things

Things are a little rough (understatement of the year) in my financial world. We have a lot coming up that we're just not ready for. All we can do is our best and realize the opportunity at hand for learning and making memories.

And while we are surrounded with "issues" my birthday is coming. At times like these, I try to do as my favorite caller Julie Andrews says and think of my favorite things.

I love makeup. And by love, I mean LOVE. The smell, the feel, the colors, the textures. I love to test new colors and combinations on my hand while walking through Sephora or Ulta or Mac or wherever.

Cruises. I love cruises. Relax when and as much as you want. Eat when and as much as you want. Sleep when and as much as you want. Play when and as much as you want. Seriously, who doesn't love this idea??

Facials. Have you ever had one? They are GREAT! So relaxing, so refreshing, so rejuvenating.

Being spontaneous. Completely and irresponsibly spontaneous. "Let's go to lunch in Orlando or Savannah" "Hey, I found tickets to NYC, want to go??" "Watch out Disney World, here we come!" "

Roller coasters: the thrill, the excitement, the speed, the screaming, the ups and downs. Wash, rinse, REPEAT!

A good night of bowling. How fun is bowling? We used to make up silly rules like "if you don't get a strike, you have to dance" or sneak into the computer scorekeeper thing and change each others' names to some type of inside joke, to encourage a strike/spare so you can see what it says. Then laugh super hard at "Guacamole with Flies" or "Imfittintagoonabootarunwhichu" flashing across the screen.

That's better. I simply remember my favorite things, and now I don't feel so bad. :)

Thanks for indulging me.

right place, right time

Saturday night we had our Girls Camp Graduation/Awards ceremony. Don't get too excited, I feel it was a slight flop.

Anyhow, I was taking the trash out to the dumpster as a mother was walking to her SUV. Her husband, two sons and daughter had been waiting.

Older son stands out the door and shouts:

"Mom, Dad doesn't want to go now. You need to come do whatever it is you do, to make him do it."

Smart kid!! I laughed so hard and said under my breath "well, she can't do that with you kids in the car!"

Talk about being in the right place at the right time.