I Won!

It’s been a while! Earlier this week I was buying paint at ACE Hardware when the cashier asked me if I wanted to enter to win the toolbox. I smiled and said, “Why yes, yes I do. Just know, I’m going to win.” She smiled and said, “Okay honey, just your name, and phone number.” When I went to pick it up the next morning I asked her, “Do you remember what I...” “YES! You’re the one who said you were going to win!! WOW!” This is a great way to start the week.

We sent Dave on his way to drive to North Carolina where Mason and I were to meet him on Friday. As Dave had a delay in his travels, Mason and I encountered a hiccup as well. We casually missed our flight, if you can imagine "casually" missing a flight. Our flight was scheduled to depart at 11:15 in the morning and we were sitting at our gate at 10 AM. They changed the gate and I didn't get the memo. I take responsibility as I didn't tune in to see if there were changes. When I realized our flight had departed Mason went to check with a Southwest Agent and she just said she was sorry, but there was nothing she could do. Mason explained that Dave was driving from CA and we needed to meet him, he politely, but persuasively urged her to see what she could do. She looked again and noted that she could get us on a flight for Baltimore, but we could not get to Charlotte until tomorrow morning. He thanked her profusely and off we went. Way to go Mason! Talk about a wild ride! Dave's car broke down in Montana to the tune of ($1200) and additionally, we had a sizeable bill to repair the boat trailer ($1000). I've been working my fingers to the bone on the house and of course, there is real estate (which is fun!). Finally, Mason and I landed in Maryland but we were supposed to be in North Carolina. 

Friday was Dave's birthday and he had to spend it in a fleabag hotel where the pool is so green there are frogs living in it. Mason and I were faring better in the lodging department but we weren't comfortable there for very long, we were back at the airport at 6 AM the next day to catch a flight to North Carolina. Since I had been working since we landed and it was 1:15 AM (10:15 CA time), I headed to bed because even though I wasn't super tired, the alarm would be going off just a few hours later. 

On Saturday we all three connected in Hendersonville, North Carolina within 45 minutes of each other. Amazing that with both delays, we made it happen so easily! We are staying several nights in this gorgeous tiny home (thank you Jeff Greiner) in a little park called, Simple Living. We tootled Lake Lure, saw Chimney Rock Falls (Yes, I said it because that IS what it looks like, not a chimney at all!), and realized Rutherfordton is not the town for us. Dave and Mason went out for dinner while I hit a wall. I don’t know how many nights of 2-3 hours of sleep caught up with me and I was punchy. I was cracking myself up with jokes that Dave and Mason kept saying weren’t funny, but they were laughing out loud! Like the one where Mason said, “Hey look! There’s a pet store...right next to a gun/ammo store.” I quickly added, “In case you need to eat.” LOL! or not.., I stayed behind and took a much-needed nap.

Upon their return, Mason proceeded to crash while Dave and I sat outside marveling at the fireflies. Pure bliss. 

This had to be the weirdest birthday ever for Dave, but truth be told, adventures with my guys make my life so freeking interesting and fun, I wouldn't trade it for the world! Until tomorrow when we hopefully get to swim in our first (of many!) waterfall swimming holes.

What Color Is My Hair Really?

I’ve colored my own hair for years. I’ve also been to the salon and had it done for me on occasion, but it’s really expensive. Dave has teased me that I don’t even know what color my hair really is and I wouldn’t know if I was going gray like so many of my friends who’s gray is growing in like a skunk stripe. It made me wonder if he was right so I’ve been watching more closely and by more closely, I mean looking at my new growth in a 40X magnifying mirror! Yeah, no one really should look that closely, but I’m here to tell you, I am not “skunk stripe” gray by a long shot. I have a few gray hairs here and there but I’m really not going gray yet. I will say this though as it pertains to the 40X mirror, you look and see things you don’t want to see but with my menopause-memory as soon as I see myself in the normal mirror, I totally forget what I just saw magnified. LOL! During the SIP I took the quiz and signed up for eSalon hair color and I’m tickled with their products. Their system is easy and so affordable.

 


Here are a few more of the things we've done around the house while we've been sheltering in place. I love that Mason had the confidence to paint the handrail in the backyard. I love it!

We Must Speak Up If We Expect Real Change

Black lives matter, they absolutely do. This prejudice of people of color has got to stop. It has been going on too long and it’s clear if more white people do not speak up, show up, and stand up, it’s not going to stop. I’d say that’s pretty clear based on the 1960s to today. If George Floyd had to lose his life for real change to happen then I hope his family feels like it was not in vain. It was not okay and I’m so sad it happened but if real change comes...then he will not be just another statistic. ❤️

I was talking with Dave about how I was raised by racist parents but my mom and dad would tell you adamantly that they were absolutely not racist. My dad would tell you he wasn’t racist because he had a black friend. Yes, one (maybe more, I don’t all the way know, but I do know of one). And my mom was less obvious but if there were black people walking down the street, she would tell me to lock the car door. She also made it very clear that I was to never date a black guy. Her explanation was that it’s not a good idea to mix races. I shake my head when I recall these, “talks.”

I’ve made very deliberate and conscious attempts to undo that thinking and it’s not an easy thing to do. It starts with being aware of the unconscious conditioning. Mason has been set up for equality success far better than I ever was and if that’s the only thing I do well as a parent, I’ll take the win. I’m so proud of my little foothills town for speaking up, showing up, and standing up tonight - peacefully to send the message that this just has to stop.

Mason and My Granny

Today is a new day. I fell asleep last night watching a program on the top 10 songs of 1985, my “good old days.” I feel better today because I am choosing to feel optimistic. I was crying last night and Mason said, “Mom, you are safe. This too shall pass, it won’t end racism but hopefully, this will help improve things.” Really? From my 16-year-old son? WOW! The most touching part was him saying, “this too, shall pass” as that was what my granny always said. He was born after she passed and it’s always been the little sad part of me that they did not get to know each other so for him to say that last night was kind of like she was there. Today, I choose optimism, I choose hope, I choose love, and I choose happiness.

Oh, and I choose protein over carbs! LOL! Here’s another great way to eat dinner with Dave and Mason and even have what they are having when it’s not on my plan.

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad - 

1 burger grilled with cheese

2 slices of bacon crumbled

1C lettuce

1 TBS minced red onion

1 tsp pickle relish

1 TSP mustard (dressing)

Where Do The Years Go?

This was 20 years ago... WOW! 20? How can that be possible? It doesn't matter, I love him more today than yesterday although I am not sure how that is possible. We've seen some tough times but honestly, so very few in comparison to all the fun and laughs we've had. I'm grateful every day for you Dave and so thankful that you came home to us. It’s not our anniversary! LOL! It was just that long ago the picture was taken. This is one of our engagement photos, although we were already married during our "engagement." Marrying you was one of the easiest things I've ever done and absolutely the best.  

💘XOXO💘