(43-191) A Spirit Lift

This has been A WEEK; for me; and by A WEEK; I mean it's been stressful.  I'm not going to give any details at all; let's just suffice it to say that I've learned a lot of lessons; which although painful, have also been necessary - and I'm ready to put it all behind me.  With that being said; I want to try and focus on the positive; on the things that are wonderful in my life; and the things that I have to look forward to. 

When I wrote "100 MORE Random Things About Me," #31 was, I make lists.  So in the interest of lifting my spirits, and reminding myself how LUCKY I am to be alive; and how fortunate I am for all that I have; I've compiled a top ten list of things that I am looking forward to; and I'm REALLY going to to try and focus on this:

1.  In just one week, we will be on our way to California, to spend the weekend with my cousin Jackie and family.  We are all SO elated and we just  can't wait!

2.  According to the Glamour Magazine essay contest rules; they were supposed to read the entries on or about February 1; so I'm remaining optimistic that I will hear from them soon; and if not, I will finally be able to share my essay with you.

3.  Getting my house in order.  The painting is ALMOST complete; and then everything will be able to get back into place; or in a new place.  I am really looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.

4.  The roller skating lesson.  It was supposed to be this coming Saturday, but we had to re-schedule for Feb. 19.  I am so happy to be able to give my kids the opportunity to have a positive skating experience; and I'm thrilled that a number of their friends will be joining them.

5.  The Oscars!  Pool or no pool (because I have no expectation of winning;) I just LOVE watching the Oscars. 

6.  "GLEE" "GLEE" and more "GLEE"  I have no interest in the Superbowl, whatsoever; but following the Superbowl will be an episode of "GLEE," and then back in it's regularly scheduled Tuesday time slot will be "GLEE;"  and for a GLEEk like me; that's something to smile about.

7.  My next pedicure.  I have an appointment with my friend Jenny, at Pure Elements; right after I finish work next Wednesday. Jenny does such an amazing job; and she's always fun to be around.  SO, shameless plug for Jenny, if anyone in the Peoria, Phoenix area wants to get a pedicure; I HIGHLY recommend making an appointment with her.

8.  Time off.  Of course I'm referring to the time that we're taking off to go to California; but in addition to our excitement about where and why we're going; it will be fantastic for the five of us to have time to relax together.

9.  Date day!  Luis and I will be celebrating an early Valentine's day tomorrow.  It seems like with all of the painting and things we've had going on, we haven't had a good bona fide date in several weeks and we are planning a special day for Friday.

10.  Just 175 days until I turn 44!  Need I say more?

Ahh!hh I took a deep breath; and I can honestly say that comprising this list has made me feel better.  It's put things in perspective; the things that are REALLY important.  Sure, there may be bumps in the road; but if everything was always straight and predictable; life would be kind of boring.  Don't get me wrong; I could use a little straight and predictable for a while; but I also know that when they occur, I am strong enough to weather any bumpy rides.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING 

(43-2) SLENDIFEROUS

Yesterday I truly was The BIRTHDAY Queen.  I'm thrilled to say that my birthday was positively wonderful and I relished every moment of the day.  I woke up early intending to start writing "The Bumpy Ride," but when I checked my email and saw how many well wishes I had; I was delightfully detained.   I would be remiss if  I didn't start off by saying how overwhelmed I was by EACH of the birthday greetings that I'd received on Facebook; in addition to the encouraging responses regarding yesterday's post and my new endeavor.   It seems that a lot of people on Facebook play a numbers game and they add "friends" that they never even communicate with, but that's NOT me; so it was so touching to see how many people wished me a Happy Birthday.  There were tidings from childhood friends, and new acquaintances; from Junior High pals, and High School cohorts, from College chums to work buddies, from old neighbors to scrapbook sisters, and from EVERYONE that I love and cherish in between.  The birthday wishes abounded; and though this is typically true for most people who use Facebook - on this significant birthday, it meant THE WORLD to me.   My friend Judy (who I've known since I was 4) wrote "Happy Birthday to my dear friend! Hope it's a slendiferous day!!"  Well, I thought that this was a FABULOUS comment; though I have to admit that I wasn't really sure what slendiferous meant.  Loving to use the dictionary and thesaurus as I do; I Googled the word and was just about to "assume" that Judy made a typo on SPLENDIFEROUS when I found that according to the "Urban Dictionary," slendiferous is  A little known term that denotes "the coolest of the cool."  Well who knew that Judy was so in the know... and that's pretty much what I wrote back to her.  I thanked her for thinking of me and gave her props for her progressive phraseology.  And so class, SLENDIFEROUS is our word of the day; and I DID indeed have a SLENDIFEROUS Birthday!!!

What I think I enjoyed most about my day was that I didn't do anything remarkable - I just did things that make me happy; with people that I enjoy.  I went to Starbucks with my friend Lori, went home and made the kids lunch; went for a pedicure with my friend Shannon; which was a double pleasure since we went to Pure Elements which is our friend Jenny's salon.  Unfortunately, Luis had to work; but The kids and I had a terrific time when we met Michelle M & Max at Red Robin for dinner AND I got to use my FREE birthday burger coupon.  As if that wasn't enough; Luis brought me a Tiramisu cake and I finished my slice along with my blog and I felt VERY satisfied on all levels.

I woke up today, happy to take on day 2 of being 43 and was surprised to procure even MORE birthday salutations and some gifts that I NEVER expected..  The generosity of my friends was / is just astounding and I feel SO BLESSED to have the kindest, most thoughtful people in my life.  Now what could be more slendiferous than that???
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING