Happy Birthday Hayley!

Today is my girl's birthday...10-years old. I can't believe she has hit the double-digits! This day is a little bittersweet, as I am so excited to see my precious daughter growing in to an awesome person...it's just happening really fast. Just as every parent says...it seems like yesterday when I met my sweet, tiny baby.

As she grows, she continues to bring magic and happiness in to my life. I thank God every day for giving me the perfect person to love.

Happy Birthday Hayley!

"I said you are the reason for everything that I do. I'd be lost, so lost without you." - James Morrison

New Ink

My yoga teacher inspired me the other day. She said, "Have a free spirit and be grounded." I think it is a divine concept...a principle I fully believe in and embrace in my life. I hope to always wander and discover, but I am so thankful for the wisdom and eagerness to stay grounded in my faith, my morals, and my heart.

In celebration of free spirits and grounded principles, one of my favorite people and I received some new ink this weekend. The birds flying outward represent going out into the world to explore and experience. The bird flying inward is a reminder to always return to my own heart....that is where my belief, my hope, and my love are.

Me and my sister...one of the greatest loves of my life...with our new ink.

I just love it.

Inspiration is the greatest. Namaste.

Is This Kid For Real?

I think it is incredibly interesting to learn the opinions, observations, and overall impressions of children in regard to adults. The notions are often comical, sometimes alarming, hopefully comforting, and generally surprising.

My almost 10-year old daughter is somewhat infamous for prompting entertaining conversations. I experienced one of her amusing exchanges last night.

Picture this: We were driving down the road and passed a Goodwill store. The conversation goes a little something like this...

Hayley: Mom, what is a Goodwill store?

Me: It's a place where people can donate clothing, books, etc. Other people can shop there...the items don't cost very much...like if someone doesn't have much money, they can get things they need there and it is cheaper than most other stores.

Hayley: (Insert stern face/bold tone here)...You mean poor people? Like us?

Me: Gasp. Hayley, we are not poor.

Hayley: (Insert sarcastic tone here)...Well, what are we?

Me? We are average. Not rich. Not poor. But, we have enough money for all the things we need.

Hayley: Oh.

As I was getting in to bed last night, I thought about our discussion...and even grew a bit concerned. Then I had a realization...maybe even solving the mystery why my kid thinks that we're poor. I find myself repeating something that was sometimes said to me as a child. When I would ask my mom for toys, candy, etc., she would occasionally say, "No, not today...I don't have any money." Oftentimes I say this to Hayley...when I am not willing to buy her the item she is requesting. And while I don't literally mean that I have zero dollars in my bank account, that is what she understands.

Lesson learned last night.... I must use my words more wisely in hopes that my child will no longer think we are poor.

Is this kid for real?

Changes in Lattitudes, Changes in Attitudes

I've decided to call off the "Boyfriend Search." I canceled my Match.com subscription, as I have experienced a complete shift in attitude - Single Is Good...at least for now. I love coming and going whenever I want. I love my money. I love spending time with whomever I want. I love the fact that I can stay out until 4am or get into bed at 8pm on Saturday night - and not feel guilty about it. I love not answering to anyone.

I have also had some strange encounters with "married people" lately. To be completely honest, these episodes have freaked me out...bad. Oddly, I've had several individuals approach me with stories of their unhappy situations in the past few weeks. I've heard from a man who feels stagnant and stuck...so much so that he is planning a vacation while his wife is working out of town...she doesn't even know. I've talked to a woman who does not want more children...her spouse does. I've spoken with a friend who is planning to jet once he finishes with law school. Yep...all of that scares the crap out of me.

With a few exceptions, most married people I know confuse me and/or make me sad for them. I am not naive to the fact that every relationship will experience it's trials and hardships, but it sometimes seems like too much. In no way do I mean to dis the married folk. I have much respect for those who do it happily. Right now, I'm just not ready or willing to try.

I think the marriage thing is so incredibly hard. I mean, if you don't find just the right person for you...like down to the last detail, you're potentially screwed. Sure, some people can make it work. Some are even willing to settle and just deal. Not me...not for a second...I simply can't do it. My position comes partly from the fact that I was married once. Being married made me want to be single in every aspect of the word. I'm sure my outlook will change if I meet "the one." For now though, I'm good. I may go on dates, but that is all it will be - a date. I am going to spend my time doing things I love...and soaking up my single-hood.

Match.com Sexies

I feel a bit guilty about this post, so any comments stating what a nice person I am would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to issue a disclaimer stating that my intentions are not meant to to degrade any of the people highlighted today. It's just that I've concluded it best to share my laughter with my fellow bloggers. Since these poor fruitcakes will never know anyway, here goes. Goodness Gracious Alive! I literally laughed out loud when I came across these profiles.

Let's start with this guy. His profile headline is..."Looking For It All!" He has a Yorkie and Cosby sweater...I think he already has it all. 

Next, we have this guy. Profile Headline: "Country Boy Looking For Country Girl." Clearly.

Lastly, and can I get a drum roll, please? Dude's user name is "Sexymexy."  Yes, you heard me right. Who wouldn't want a piece of that, really?

 That's it for today. Please try to contain your jealousy. Sure, this is what I'm dealing with...I guess I'm just a lucky girl.

I honestly do not know much about horoscopes and astrological signs, but I've never been a believer. I trust that we are each responsible for our own intentions/ambitions/directions, rather than the idea that we are prompted by the alignment of the planets or stars. I did, however run across the following translation of my sign this morning and it seems rather accurate.

When your Venus is in Aquarius, you don't want to follow all the "rules" in love, preferring to love in your own way, unfettered by convention or what is "supposed" to be, or usually, done. You are future-minded, a tad unconventional (in love, anyhow) and there's an unmistakable "free spirit" in you that shows up most obviously in matters of the heart. This is not to say you cannot—or will not—fall in love. Infatuations happen easily, but true love can be a little elusive for you. When you do make a commitment, you are generally able to stick to it. The commitment you make generally has to be a little different in order to be tolerable to you, and you are proud of that difference. Following the beaten track simply doesn't sit well with you.



You have an aloof air about you that others find attractive. If they are looking for a commitment from you at a later date, however, what was once considered charismatic might become annoying! It is easy for you to feel claustrophobic in relationships that are too close, too needy, or too demanding of your time. If you have the space to breathe a little, all the better. This is when you are at your best.


You are a curious person and enjoy intellectual stimulation in your relationships. Although you are not someone who would be considered flighty, you do not tolerate stagnation very well. You need to feel like your relationship is heading somewhere. Your ability to detach yourself from a situation, take a step back, and look at it from a unique perspective is a tremendous strength. As willing as you are to stir things up if you are in the mood to enforce change, there is a wonderful calm surrounding you that can be most appealing to others. You are ahead of your time in matters of the heart, and you will be best off finding a partner who values your insight.


Interesting.

You can check your own sign out here.