(43-99) Guess Who Sang?

This morning was not a happy one, as I read my friend Lori's Facebook posts, saying that the Peoria school district override hadn't passed.  I'm not going to get into the details of what this would mean for our school district as I'm told that there are still early ballots that need to be counted, and I want to remain positive and optimistic until then - but suffice it to say that before learning about the uncounted ballots, I was quite distressed.

I got the kids ready for school, and I told them that since both Lyndzi and Kelsie had art today; I was going to meet them on campus for dismissal.  I reminded the girls that I expected them to be polite and cooperative with the art teacher; but assured them that my purpose for meeting them on campus was so that I could go directly to the principal if I received any concerning reports from them. 

I dropped the kids off at school and got back to work; but school and everything about it was very much on my mind.  Have you ever had one of those moments when you were  absolutely miserable but then you receive the MOST incredible news and you are deliriously happy?  OK, well, I'd never had one of those moments before either - until today! 

When I wrote "The Art Thief," and followed it up with "It Aint Over...,"  I thought that I had shared that it was my goal to have the Art Nazi gone by Christmas.  But looking back at my posts, I found that I never put that in writing; I had just shared that fervent hope with some of my friends.  Well MY FRIENDS; Christmas has indeed come early; as today I received the news that the Art teacher from hell had quit.  YES, you read that right, the Art Nazi resigned today; and I am delighted to report that the children will not be subjected to her anymore.  Talk about the GREATER GOOD!  Let creativity, crooked lines and the love of art prevail!!

To say that I am overjoyed would be an understatement.  I am THRILLED, I am GRATIFIED, I feel VICTORIOUS!  I feel like shouting "Ding Dong the witch is dead!"  Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord!  Thank you God!  AND EVERY OTHER proclamation that I can think of.  Yes indeed, the fat lady has sang!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-4) Positivity

I've had the pleasure of knowing my wonderful friend Russell B since my Junior year of high school and he has ALWAYS been a very special and important person to me.  Russell was close with my mom and SHE was a big fan of his.  Russell was / is very well-mannered and kind hearted and during all of my difficult times he was a very devoted friend.


Since Russell and I had this consolatory connection and my Mom had thought SO highly of him; I asked him to honor her by walking me down the aisle at my wedding and he happily agreed. Luis followed suit by asking Russell if he would stand beside him as his Best Man after bringing me to the alter; and again he consented.


Having Russell as such an integral part of our wedding was the quintessence of our day and I hope that through the years, Luis and I have amply expressed  how very much his presence and participation meant to both of us.

Yesterday I got an email from Russell, and before I go on let me affirm that I have his complete permission to share our correspondence with you.

In response to my "43-2" post, Russell wrote:
Very nice - I know this is a tough b'day for you - really did not want to make note of it on FB with the well wishes - keep it positive....but I can only imagine what you are going through.
So to turn this around - lets reflect on the good times and the well wishes that come from all over - and remember your folks with smiles and happiness.
Enjoy in the love of your husband, children and friends.
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To which I replied:
Thanks Russell! I am FINE! And I am totally taking a positive attitude about this year; which is why I'm doing the daily blog - God help me.

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And Russell wrote:
You never cease to amaze me.
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And I then asked WHY???
To which Russell answered:
You are always just sooooo positive about everything no matter what - yes I know you have your moments - but you stay so positive.

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To which I responded:
That's sweet of you to say. And all I can say is that it feels better to be positive than negative. I know that my life has been unusual in so many ways but I also know that I have so much more left to do and I just feel like this is the year. My kids are still very young; Luis and I are still very much in love and I think I can do more good here than with God right now - so he doesn't need me yet! I'm digging my heels in and I'm not giving it a thought AT ALL; REALLY!

I am THANKFUL for all that I have and CERTAINLY for your friendship!
xoxoxo
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And then, given Russell's respect for my privacy; I did the unthinkable and asked if I could publish our emails.  I told him that no one was safe anymore;  and I have to laugh, I mean here he was trying to keep our PERSONAL conversation off of the very PUBLC facebook and then I asked if I could broadcast it to the world through my blog.  However, knowing me as well as Russell does, I'm sure he just chuckled and then agreed.  But here's the thing;  I think that I asked because I don't believe that I could have written the words that I had so easily written to him any better for "The Bumpy Ride."   The truth of the matter is that I am just going about my life as if it's business as usual.  I refuse to consider the what ifs or give negative ideas a moment of my time. I'm just trying to live my life with positivity and gratitude.  Each day surely is a gift and it is up to each of us to choose our happiness.  I CHOOSE to be thankful for what I have rather than sad for what I have not.  My blessings are many and my friendships are abundant.  I have exceptional children, a marriage beyond compare and dream that I am following.  I hope that you will all do the same.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING