Our Christmas Tree 2008

Christmas 2008

Another Christmas Season is behind us... well almost behind us, there are still remnants of Christmas decorations, opened gifts that haven't found a home, oh and the Christmas tree is still prominently displayed in all its grandeur. But besides that, Christmas is "almost" behind us. We had a very relaxing Christmas Holiday this year (even though I wasn't able to get away from work). We started with a cookie bake with Lisa and Kyle Broesch, on Dec. 23rd, Rich, Bekah and I went to Disney for the day. We had a great time visiting all the places, eateries and rides that we enjoyed as kids. "Gotta have a pineapple whip... you know from the place across from Swiss Family Robinson Tree House!" We also enjoyed the Christmas decorations, the lights and holiday performances. We jumped on the monorail from Magic Kingdom to Epcot so we can visit the Countries and see their holiday decor. We bought candy in Italy, listened to Santa in Canada and ate a hot dog in America all in one day. We then made our way back to the Magic Kingdom to see Cinderella's Castle light up! It has been a few years, many in fact, since we have been to Disney. We enjoyed the day, taking our time strolling through the park, taking pictures and enjoying each other's company. Christmas Eve was a Mexican Fiesta! Fred, Amy, Katie and Lauren invited us over for a fiesta, we had maracas, sombreros, fajitas, burritos, Mexican decorations to set the mood. We even played "Pin the tail on the donkey" of which Rich proudly won a sombrero wearing rubber ducky. When we got home, Rich and I finished up the wrapping (yes, we were still wrapping) and Rich finished working on his "surprise" for Bekah.

Then alas it was Christmas Day, the gifts were presented beautifully under tree. Rich's surprise was dressed magnificently next to the tree.... okay, so here's the story on the surprise. Bekah was sharing with us how she loved the way we "presented" gifts under the tree. She loved the Presentation! When she was little, presentations were easier to do, we always left one big gift unwrapped under the tree. Whether it was a baby doll or skateboard with all the accessories, the presentation of the gift meant a lot to her. So this year, I asked Rich to make a manikin of sorts! As a teenager, the gifts are usually clothes or electronics, and such which makes it a little more difficult for the big presentation. Clothes laying out on the floor just isn't the same, that happens after Christmas! So Rich built a manikin out of 2X4s and a sign. My resident MacGiver. We dressed the manikin with Lucky Jeans, a sweater and a wrap and hat (to add flair). We contemplated printing a picture of Bekah to paste on a head, but frankly we were too tired! (Bekah said that would have scared her anyway, I think we made the right decision). The manikin looked great! She was surprised all right! The manikin stood between her new jewelry box and the Christmas tree. Now you know the story... I will get back to Christmas Day. It was the three of us Christmas morning. We had a nice leisurely morning. We made Cinnamon rolls like we do every Christmas morning. We were excited to watch each other open the gifts. We missed Zack this year and did talk to him to wish him a Merry Christmas. We were also missing my mom and Bill this year as they were celebrating Christmas in TN with Bill's parents and my sister and her kids. Later that evening, Rich's Mom, Dad and Uncle Rich came over along with my best friend Lisa. We had a nice ham dinner, very laid back and relaxing.

I am so appreciative of all my blessings. I enjoy so much spending time with friends and family. Whether it's a big planned event or just hanging out together.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Bekah with her manikin and Cinnamon roll. Bekah with the outfit on and her favorite gift...a Pippi Longstocking picture! :)

Well it is 4:26 PM and I am really just starting my working day. What I mean is that I started around 8:30 AM this morning, but with all the work I have left to do, it really is only the beginning. I like the financial freedom my job provides, we are not "rich" in monetary standards by any stretch of the imagination, but we do well for ourselves, have had the opportunities take vacations, be entertained, to entertain and provide for our family and not have to watch every dime we spend. It is a good feeling. Sometimes the stress of my job makes me wonder if it the "appropriate" amount of stress? What if I did something completely different, artistic, free spirited... would I be just trading off one stress for another? Helping to provide for our family and live like we are used too for the stress of not knowing if I can pay the bills? I don't know? But what I do know, is my daughter is happy! Where did that come from within this post you may be asking yourself. Well, I'll tell you, no matter what choices I have made or Rich and I have made together, we did right by our children. They are both happy, productive, well adjusted young adults. Bekah tells us often how grateful she is that we are her parents. She enjoys laughing with us, spending time with us and is truly appreciative of the way we have raised her. So, at the end of the day... to me, that is all that really matters! The rest will figure its self out. So for now, its back to work.
(This picture is from Christmas 2007, when we rented a cottage in Savannah, GA for the week)

Thank our Troops

Join My Team, Mills Family and Friends

I started a personal team to help support Child Mothers through an organization called Mochaclub.org. For only $7.00 a month, the cost of 2 mochas, you can help Feed, Educate, Save and Provide for someone in need. There are 5 other projects that you can donate to as well (Education, HIV/AIDS, Job Creation, Orphan Care and Sudan Regrowth).

Gulu, Uganda is replete with people who have lived in fear since the mid 80's. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel paramilitary group in Northern Uganda, has terrorized villages through raids where they are taking children to add to their army, killing villagers, and destroying the village. Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, has denied this. There are many young women in Gulu, Uganda, however, who tell a different story...

These young women are called "child mothers" because they were only children themselves when they were abducted, trained as fighters, and given as sex slaves to rebel soldiers in the LRA. Now that they have escaped or been excused as expendable, the community at large rejects them and their children.

Please join us in funding the "Village of Hope" where nearly 500 of these child mothers can live in a safe community with shelter, a job training center, a medical facility, and a school for their children.

Please visit the site and get the word out!

Link

Thank you.

For volunteering and getting involved closer to home, check out
Hands On Orlando

Link

It is so easy, open the calendar and any activity that has a link there are still spots available. Click the link, sign up and show up! That is all there is too it. Bekah and I have volunteered at the Westminister Care of Orlando and really enjoyed doing crafts with the residents there. Bekah and Zack volunteered at a Special Olympics basketball tournament through Hands On Orlando as well. Our experience with Hands On Orlando has been very positive and rewarding.

EHS Homecoming Week

Last week was a BIG week! It was Edgewater Homecoming week and Bekah was busy, busy. Bekah is amazing, she really stayed on top of everything that was going on all week and enjoyed doing so. As a cheerleader, it was her week to represent the school! Sunday, we built the Homecoming float at the house, the girls came over to help decorate, eat pizza and practice their bon-fire routine. It was fun spending time with the girls. Monday kicked off Spirit week with "Style Switch" day, Bekah dressed in clothing she normally would not dress in, she called her look "nerdy" however, she looked cute. The clothes she wore were not the hottest look, but she pulled it off! On Tuesday, it was "Twin" day and all the Varsity Cheerleaders wore the Varsity away football jerseys, jeans and the Varsity garter. Of course she looked cute! Tuesday night was the Homecoming parade down Edgewater Drive. Rich drove the truck pulling the float with the Seniors on it and the rest of the girls walked behind it doing their cheers and tossing candy. They looked great! After the parade, there was the powder puff game and the bon-fire where the team performed.
Wednesday was hillbilly day, luckily Bekah had overall shorts she could wear with her Dad's flannel shirt! Thursday, was Hippie Day and Friday was the Homecoming game, so Bekah wore her cheerleading uniform (with the Football Jersey as the top) The game was a lot of fun, the cheerleaders looked great and all squads performed. Unfortunately, we lost the football game. But the Cheerleaders did GREAT!

Saturday was the biggest day of all, the DANCE!
Bekah started the day with getting her nails done, then it was off to Roberts to get her hair and makeup done. She got dressed at Roberts and came home for half a minute for us to take pictures! We went to the Orlando Country Club to take more pictures with the Junior class. Then it was off to Jackson's, then on to dinner and the Dance which was at the Whyhdam Resort on I-Drive. Wow.. I'm exhausted just recapping the week. Bekah got home about 1:30 AM from the Dance and we were up until 3:00 AM talking about it! Bekah had a great time and danced all night long.
I am so happy for her, these are memories she will have for a lifetime. I am proud of her for being involved, finding joy and living out her high school days to the fullest!

You Lead Life; It doesn't Lead You

We can all blame others for something, all of us have had someone in our lives that we felt betrayed by, whether we had something to do with it or an innocent bystander. It happens, life can be disappointing. But the good part is that we are all in control, we can continue to have pain and blame others or we can choose to move on and create our own happiness. Maybe blocking out those you once cared about and who cared about you is an attempt to find happiness, but I have to believe that is only a band aid. "Happiness is never something you get from other people. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give." I believe this to be true. I would like to share something I read today on the plane. It is from "What I know for sure" by Oprah, a book that I carry with me for a bolt of energy.

In the 3rd grade, I learned the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." I loved those words. I wrote them on everything and carried them around in my book satchel. I was a good-deed doer. At one point, I even thought I was going to be a missionary. Every Sunday I would go to church, site second pew to the right,take out a notepad and write down everything the minister said. At school the next day, I would recite the sermon on the playground. I called it Monday morning devotion. My classmates would see me coming and say, "Here comes that preacher." I was 8 years old.

When the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church was trying to raise money for the poor children of Costa Rica, I started a campaign. I was going to collect more than anyone else. I gave up my lunch money and convinced the other kids on the playground to do the same. It was all part of the principle of "Do unto others" that I lived by. In the fifth grade, I ran into some problems. There was a girl in my class who didn't like me, so I went around school talking about her. One of my friends pointed out that if I believed in doing unto others and was talking about this girl, chances are she was talking about me, too. "I don't care," I replied, "because I don't like her, anyway."

For a long time, whenever I would say or do something that went against my better self, I would try to justify it that way. What I didn't understand is that all of your actions, both good and bad, come back to you and most often not from the people you are acting toward. Now I know that you receive from the world what you give to the world. I understand it from physics as the third law of motion: For every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction. It is the essence of what Eastern philosophers call karma. Your actions revolve around you as surely as the earth revolves around the sun. The more conscious I became of this, the more quickly my actions came back.

Today I try to do well and be well with everyone I reach or encounter. I make sure I use my life for that which can be of goodwill. Yes, this has brought me great wealth. More important, it has fortified me spiritually and emotionally. When people say they are looking for happiness, I ask, "What are you giving to the world?" I'll never forget this couple who appeared on my show. The wife couldn't understand why their relationship had broken down. She kept saying,"He used to make me so happy. He doesn't make me happy anymore." What she couldn't see was that she was the cause of her own effect. Happiness is never something you get from other people. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you are able to give. If you think something is missing in your life or you're not getting what you deserve, remember that there is no Yellow Brick Road. You lead life; it doesn't lead you.

See what comes into your life when you spend extra time with your children. Let go of your anger with your boss or coworker and see what gets returned. Be loving to yourself and others and see that love reciprocated. This rule works every time, whether or not you are aware of it. It occurs in little things, big things, and the biggest things. I have an advantage because I work in a profession in which everything I do generates an immediate response in overnight ratings, e-mails, and phone calls. Every day of your life, you are performing your own show, and the returns may come in more slowly or be less obvious. But everything is being returned. What you're thinking what you're saying, what you're doing, is having an impact on you and the people around you right now. I know it for sure. Oprah

I truly believe what Oprah is saying in this article. I believe that we choose to be happy or in pain. I choose to be happy, I choose to let go of pain and be in control of my own life. I choose to own what I need to own and will not own what isn't mine. My heart is full of love and will not feel guilt for someone else's pain that they choose to blame others for and hold on to. You lead life; it doesn't lead you.

Celebrating 21 years!

Rich and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary last night. Often times we go out of town for our anniversary but this year we decided to stay home and go out for a nice dinner. It was a perfect evening. We went to Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge Resort. We arrived early for our reservation so we could try to get a window seat overlooking the waterfall, although we did not get one of those seats, we did get by a window. Our menus were printed with "Artist Point Wishes The Mills Party A Magical Anniversary" it was a nice touch. The restaurant was very nice and the food was amazing! As I was enjoying my Cedar Plank Roasted Pacific Wild King Salmon with Pear and Chipeta Potato Truffle, accompanied by a glass of Kiona Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain '06 and Rich taking in the flavors of his Seared Jumbo Day Boat Scallops with Hazelnut Butter Potatoes, Brentwood Corn, Cherry Tomatoes, and Preserved Lemons with his glass of Columbia Gewurztraminer, Columbia '06,
I commented... we have come a long way from those "Fry Daddy" days! Rich then looked at his scallops and said.. Oh! I bet this would be good in a Fry Daddy! He's always thinking.
It doesn't seem like twenty one years, it really doesn't. When I sat across the table from Rich last night I thought, "Wow, how lucky and I to be married to my best friend." I love being with him. After twenty one years, last night I still hoped I looked okay for him, wanted to plan a perfect evening and wanted to make sure that Rich was happy, as that makes me happy. There are some differences now that we are in our 40s, we have worked hard for what we have and appreciate what life has to offer, treating ourselves to new experiences, trying new things. What I appreciate most about my marriage is that Rich and I have grown together. We grew up together, learning, understanding, supporting each other and challenging our own thoughts and beliefs that we were raised with to really figure our who we are. We don't agree on everything, but we respect each other's opinions and learn from each other. What a wonderful journey...
Oh and after 21 years, I learned that Rich doesn't really like Peach desserts, who knew, something new all the time.
After dinner we took a walk around the resort grounds and headed back to the car.
A simple, relaxing, enjoyable evening.
Perfect.

The Journey

The journey, back in February we made a family decision that we would move to Louisville, KY. We made the decision based on what we thought would be a great opportunity for me to run a remote site as Vice President of Operations. Rich wasn't very happy in his job and this was a chance for an exciting change. Rich began to look for a job in the area but didn't have any luck and though Bekah was very supportive, as time continued to pass, the thought of moving and leaving her friends and everything she knew behind was just too much to think about. Overall, things just didn't transpire as we thought...After a conversation with my boss, I decided I would not stay and return to Orlando once a replacement had been found. All of this has been an emotional roller coaster. It has been very difficult to be away from Bekah and Rich every weekday, I can't wait to be home full time. On the other hand, I really am enjoying my team here in Jeffersonville and will miss them very much. I am proud of the work that we are doing here and it will be very difficult to let it go and watch someone else take over.
The good news is I still have a job and I will be doing work that will keep me engaged with the programs and people I have enjoyed working with. The journey has been rewarding and difficult at the same time. I don't regret taking the chance, I am glad I did it and I have learned so much! My replacement starts September 1st. Tomorrow I am telling my team and my clients. This will be very hard to do. I know it is the right decision... but a very difficult one. This picture is of Bekah in Jeffersonville, IN. right across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY. This was taken during Thunder Over Louisville.

WOW I'M 40!

On August 16th, 2008, I turned 40 years old! Wow! I don't feel bad about it... hell it is quite young really! Of course, I wish I was in better shape, blah, blah, blah, but overall, I am feeling pretty good about it. I did decide to use this milestone to visit the good Doctor. Well the visit could have been better, could have been worse. The solution is simple (yea right! If it was so simple I would have already been doing it!) eat better, exercise and take medication. Is that all? No big deal, only been trying to do those things for 40 freakin years. Ha! So, I am not going to freak out about it, I will try however to get in shape. I would like to be around a little longer. I have a good life, a wonderful family and great friends, it makes turning 40 easy. Looking forward to the next 40!

Summer Fun!

Congrats Kosiewski Family

Good morning. We are back from a wonderful vacation to Louisville and Chicago. But more on that later, today I want to talk about our friends The Kosiewski's. Fred, Amy, Katie and Lauren. They are a beautiful family, inside and out. I wanted to write about them in my blog today because Katie, Fred and Amy's oldest daughter is graduating from Florida State University today with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs. Rich and I have known Katie since she was born. We are proud to call Katie (and Lauren) our nieces and Rich's God Daughter. Fred and Rich went to High School together and became best friends. I went to High School with Fred's "little" sister Lisa. Fred met Amy while at work (Disney) they fell in love, got married and had Katie 22 years ago! 8 years later, Lauren was born! Rich was still Fred's friend, I was still Lisa's friend and that is how Rich and I got together and how the entire group stayed together as friends. We are very blessed to have a wonderful core group of friends that we consider family. So today we celebrate Fred, Amy, Katie and Lauren.
Fred and Amy, you are truly wonderful parents, always there for your children, involved, interested, having a sense of humor, loving, caring, and always teaching! You set an amazing example for Katie and Lauren, strong work ethic, a balanced home, propensity for experiencing new things, taking risks, loving each other, caring for others, and enjoying life to it's fullest. Congratulations on Katie's graduation from FSU, because of your guidance, your love, and encouragement, (and $$ :)) your daughter is a college graduate! Congratulations! Of course, our congratulations also go out to Katie for sticking with it and accomplishing this huge goal!
Way to Go!
...and to Lauren, for putting up with your sister, Mom and Dad... I know you are bringing them all up right! We are proud of you, your strive to be the best and to do well in school! We love you all!

Getting Ready

It's Sunday night, I have had a good weekend. Rich and I saw the "Dark Night" yesterday afternoon, we both enjoyed the movie. It was mostly a lazy day... just hanging around the house getting ready for vacation. Last night for dinner we walked down to China Jade on Edgewater, had a nice dinner outside. We walked home and to our surprise Bekah had returned from her trip to Smith Lake with Jackson's Family earlier than we expected. It was a nice surprise. We all vegged out on Bekah's bed... dogs and all and listen to her stories about her week. She had a great time! It is back to work tomorrow, I leave for Louisville in the afternoon. Rich, Bekah and Jackson will join me on Friday. The Dave Matthews Concert is Friday night at Slugger Field, we are all looking forward to that! Then Saturday morning we have reservations at Lynn's Paradise Cafe http://www.lynnsparadisecafe.com/ for breakfast. We plan to go horseback riding later that day, but I have yet to make reservations for that. I need to do that tomorrow. Sunday we drive to Chicago, we are going to drop the car off at the airport as we will not need it while in the city. We are looking forward to exploring the sights of Chicago... Monday night we have tickets to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field! It will be a little strange not having Zack with us this year for our vacation. I spoke to him the other night, he is doing well. Got a new tattoo, it is very cool... a Spartan helmet and working out a lot. Classes are going well. He said he is just ready to be with a fleet. It was good to hear from him.
I believe that I have everything I need ready now for the next two weeks. I'm ready! I have a busy week ahead and can't wait to start our vacation on Friday!

"Goals" vs. "I Wants"

Good morning. It is Sunday morning in Orlando. I woke up and began playing with Blue and Bebe, our dogs, which is often my morning routine when I am at home. It is a great way to start the day. All they want is to play, be fed and take an occasional nap. Those things seemingly are the main desires of our dogs. Let me play... and feed me, I will rest when I need to. Wow.... you gotta love a dog's life? As least our dog's life, right? As far as we know, they do what they want and their tail's wag indicating happiness.
I posted an "I Want" List in yesterday's blog. It was a strange feeling. When I was writing it, I thought, well maybe I should change the verbiage to "Goals." That just seems more "acceptable" than just wanting something. Then I decided, nope... I am going to leave it as "I Wants"- it has not been easy. It might sound silly, but I kept second guessing my title and oddly enough, what I put in the list. Do I really want these things? I don't really "need" them... (except for good health) is it going to look like I am selfish for writing down things I want? If I change it to my personal goals, that just sounds better.... all of these thoughts were going through my head. I resisted the urge to change anything. I wanted to see where this would lead me. I wasn't even sure why I wrote the list in the first place. It just kind of happened. These are things that "I want" to do and I shouldn't feel bad about them. But there isn't anything on the list about my children, about my husband or even my friends, how can that be? How can I not want to do something for them? (More questions I asked myself!) In my soul searching... I realized, I am making myself feel bad for wanting to do something just for me. I already spend most of my time doing for others and I love it. My brain is telling me that logically it is okay to want to do something for myself, I even know it is healthy, my emotions are questioning my motive. Not sure if it is the way we (women) are raised, is it a society acceptance issue, is it genetics, I don't know... but most women I know are last on their list. Their wants are at the end of a long list of "what I need to do for others" if they are there at all. I need to do what I can to make myself as happy as I can, if these things on my list support that, what is wrong with it? I will always take care of my friends and family, that is what I love to do, that makes me happy. I want to achieve some personal "I wants" too! Just to clarify, it isn't that I don't get what I want, I certaintly do. This for me is about SAYING IT OUT LOUD!
Starting now, I am going to have "I wants" lists, just for me! Furthermore, I am also going to really try to achieve them and I am not going to have any self imposed guilt for wanting something.
At the end of the day, this feels pretty good. It's a start.

A List of "I WANTS"

Things I want to do....for Me!

I want to go to a music festival
I want to travel more (not including to and from Louisville!)
I want to get healthy and get energized
I want to get another tattoo
I want to volunteer more
I want to take a wine paring class
I want to learn digital art (last blog)
I want to have a beach shack
I want to express myself through various art mediums

I think that is a good start.

Photographs

Wow... how quickly photographs can get out of control. Well, at least for me. I take lots and lots of pictures and I have not done a good job keeping them organized. I have pictures online (in more than one place), I have pictures on my hard drive, I have pictures on a separate hard drive, I have prints, albums, scrapbooks, CDs and good old photo boxes! I am going to have to get it all organized someday. I am considering purchasing another computer just for my photos and projects, maybe that will help? For now, I am going to try to get my pictures on my home computer organized. I hope to do a little at a time when I am home on the weekends. Wish me luck!
I love photographs. Photographs of people, animals, nature, doesn't matter... I like them all. I would like to learn how to create digital art with my photographs. That is on my list of things to accomplish. I have Photo Elements 5.0. Unfortunately, I haven't had the time to really learn the features of the program. I bought a couple of books about using technology to create digital art. I can't wait to read them and start experimenting. Once I am home, back in Orlando. I would like to take a class on Digital Art. -
I better get back to organizing, so when the fun part begins... I will be ready! Hope everyone has a good week.

"Each of us is an artist capable of conceiving and creating a vision from the depths of our being." Dorothy Fadiman

The photograph in this post was taken in New Orleans, Garden District in March 2003.

Keep Moving

Good morning. It's Sunday morning, Rich is washing the cars, Bekah is sleeping and I am doing my usual, playing with the dogs and updating myfamily.com while ignoring the laundry that needs to be folded. Rich, Bekah and I got back from Pensacola, Florida last night where we visited Zack for the 4th of July holiday. Seemed appropriate to visit our Marine son on the day we celebrate our Country's independence. What else could we do really? We had a great time catching up with him. It is very apparent to both Rich and I that Zack is loving the Marine way of life, especially with comments like..."civilians are sloppy and undisciplined" but he was quick to say, not you, Mom and Bekah, that is different. It didn't bother me at all really. I understand or as much as I can where he is coming from. The point is, he is grown up. He has found who he is, he is happier than I have seen him in awhile, he is healthy and fit, mentally and physically. He is proud of what he is doing, who he is becoming and what he is accomplishing. Rich and I during the course of our last couple of days, at different times have looked at one another and recounted some of the conversations we had with Zack. Like when he asked us, "So, what did you do with my room, it would make a nice TV room." Zack is on his life's journey and he is not turning around, I am so happy for him.
With both the kids doing so well, it is probably time to start taking care of myself. That is easier said than done. It has been very hard to stick to any kind of healthy eating or exercise plan since I have been working in Indiana. I need to get over it and just figure out how to do something about it. I know what I need to do, it is time once again to do it. I owe it to myself. In the spirit of today's blog, it is important that we continue to "keep moving" moving spiritually, mentally and physically to be healthy and to continue to grow. Experiencing Zack and Bekah "Moving" is such a joy, hard at times absolutely, but a great adventure. Now it's time for me to create my adventure, to keep moving...

Missing Zack

This morning I woke up really missing Zack. I hope he calls soon. I miss him all the time, but this morning was especially hard as I expected to hear from him by now. I want to hear his voice. In my heart I know that he is doing well and I know he is right where he needs to be. When he was on medical for his shoulder, he couldn't wait to get back to the field and when he spoke about listening to stories from the Sergent Major, I could hear the excitement, the commitment and how proud he is to be a Marine when he shared those stories with me.
I am so proud of Zack and the commitment he has made, not only to our Country but to himself. To push himself beyond limits, to live by the Marine's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment in everything he does.
From the little redheaded boy holding a baseball bat for so many years to a strong Marine now holding his rifle, swearing to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.... he is an amazing young man and I am so proud to be his Mother. Zack has taught me so much, he has taught me to really let go, don't just go through the motions, but really let go... we have raised our children to be independent thinkers, to discover and explore all aspects of life and we can't protect them from everything, nor should we. After Zack went to boot camp, I realized I "acted" like I was letting go, allowing Zack to make mistakes, letting him learn on his own.... but my words did not always back that up. Looking back, too often (because of worry and because as a Mother we protect our children) I probably lectured too much and "preached" too much when all he really needed from me was a hug and to hear I love you. Zack taught me to challenge my own beliefs, he is incredibly intelligent and funny, he has heart of love and compassion, he is loyal to his friends and family. Zack, we all miss you, we love you and we are so very proud of you. I look forward to each and every story, every update, and every thought you share with us as you continue to embark on your life's journey. Semper Fi.
(The picture above was taken on a train to Savannah, GA. in 2003. The picture below was at Zack's USMC Boot Camp Graduation, April 24th, 08)

Update: This same afternoon we heard from Zack. Rich asked Zack if he was done with Combat training... his exact words were "Hell Yeah" He called to let us know that he was done in NC and everything is going well. He is not having any issues with his shoulder and he will be in Pensacola on Tuesday. Zack and Rich talked about all the weapons he learned how to use... Zack didn't share those details with me. He was upbeat and sounded great! We are hoping to go visit him in Pensacola over the July 4th weekend. Once Zack gets to Pensacola he will let us know what's next.

Laughing... Does a body good!

Last night I went to the WH to have a few drinks and see friends and colleagues I had not seen in awhile... it was great to relax, laugh, get hugs and watch everyone smile and have a good time. Rich, Amy and I left the WH and traveled on to a friend's house (They left the WH earlier and invited us over). I told Rich how good it felt to have friends, to exchange stories, no judging just laughing, smiling and having a good time. It makes sense that laughing is good for the soul, how could it not be... when we smile, it just feels good! Here is what a couple researchers say. It was no surprise to me that laughing does a body good!
According to Dr. Lee Berk and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California who have been studying the effects of laughter on the immune system. To date their published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.
So keep laughing! It does a body good!
Get a boost of happiness. You will get a boost of happiness – try forcing yourself to smile for thirty seconds right now. The great feelings that make you smile works in reverse too. By making yourself smile, no matter how you feel, your body will start to release all those wonderful chemicals that makes you feel happy. Try it right now and feel the difference. Have a great day!

Rebekah

Rebekah, my beautiful daughter is amazing. She is growing up so fast into a lovely, independent, strong, caring and beautiful young woman, inside and out. I am so proud to be her Mother. When I hugged her tonight as she was lying in bed, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy and at the same time wondering where the time has gone. It is such an amazing journey, being a Mother. The journey started for me from the moment I knew I was pregnant, that is when I first started talking, reading and singing to my baby girl and now sixteen years later I sit on the side of her bed and we talk about life, boys, what's next and so on.... I hope I have instilled in her to follow her heart, to live life to its fullest and to believe in herself in everything she does. She has taught me so much, I am a better person because she is my daughter and for that I am so grateful. She has a strong sense of self, she is centered and knows what she wants... and she loves with all of her heart. I am so blessed to be able to call Rebekah my daughter. Thank you Rebekah for being you! I love you, you are my SUNSHINE!

My Saturday

I'm happy to be home for the weekend. Bekah, Rich and I had a wonderful breakfast this morning at one of my favorite places... White Wolf Cafe. They started serving breakfast and this was the first time we had tried it, we will be back! It was wonderful. Bekah and I then were off to check out the YMCA and other gyms she is interested in joining then we did some shopping. It was so nice to spend the day together. She is a very busy 16 year old! I began making our vacation arrangements today, booking the flights to Louisville and Chicago. Searching now for the perfect hotel in Chicago as in Louisville we will be staying at the 21C Hotel. We have been to the museum and restaurant "Proof", can't wait to stay at the Hotel. Very unique.... the picture in this blog is of the entrance to the hotel. http://www.21cmuseumhotel.com/overview/default.aspx

This evening Rich and I are going to dinner with Fred and Amy, our very good friends. We are going to try the "Elephant Bar Restaurant"- I actually have been to one in Kansas City, but this is new for the rest of the group and new location for me. I have high hopes! All and all a very good day of spending time with family and friends.

Race to the Finish?

Race to the finish or is it just the beginning?

It is nice to be home. I am back in Orlando for the weekend. I have been going back and forth between Orlando and Louisville since February 08. I like Louisville, I like the job, but I LOVE my family! I look forward to being together every day of the week soon. I am glad I took the job, if we don't change and challenge ourselves we don't grow. I feel like I have grown in many ways these last 5 months, as a professional business woman, as a wife and a Mother. I have always appreciated my life and everyone in it, I am very blessed. This adventure has giving me a new sense of independence along with a renewed appreciation for friends and family. In the last 5 months, I have learned to drive in snow and ice, experienced tornadoes very close to me, awakened by an earthquake, I have been by myself more than I have in the last 20 years, I learned to bet on horses, I've met lots of new people and for the last two months I've gone without TV and I'm sleeping on an air mattress! (Because I was waiting for furniture) Oh did I mention I am also running a business? While at the same time being wife and Mother. Like when a replied to a text my daughter sent while I was at work asking me how much she was supposed to tip for a facial, I provided good motherly advice. And spending every possible moment with my husband when at home. We have good, meaningful conversations... all of us. I wonder what will change when we are together seven days a week? Am I ending a journey or just beginning one?

Need to Take a Break

I consider myself dangerous when it comes to being "tech savy" I know enough that is, to be dangerous. This is very frustrating at times. Like today, I know enough to know that everything should be working, my network connection that is, but for some reason it is not. I can't seem to get it working and it is driving me crazy. On Mondays I send out a weekly update to the CEO of our company and I can't seem to get logged in to do so. FRUSTRATING... now what do I do? Go to Starbucks to use Wi-Fi? There is not an exact time frame the the updates are due, but I like to be consistent... I am going to take a deep breath and keep trying. Let me be clear, my home wireless network is showing positive... it is my companies VPN that doesn't seem to be connecting to the gateway.
I think I will go paint a picture, take a photograph and leave this all behind. What do you think? I don't think this is "saving my sunshine"?

What is "Save My Sunshine" all about?

I don't really know yet. I want to post about things that interest me, topics that make me happy and hopefully others will also enjoy. When I think about "Save my Sunshine" I think of my environment, what I like, what I like to do, what and who I surround myself with, friends, family, music, art.... So, what does it mean to Save my Sunshine.... I don't really know yet, but I am hoping this blog will be an avenue to find out. This picture is a picture I took at Venice Beach, CA. I went there with my kids and we loved it!