I was right.

I usually am.

There were so many amazing things this time (as always). I swam in the warm cyan waters of the Pacific, with brightly colored tropical fishes, I ate so many wonderful meals, with tastes that don't even exist here, and enjoyed beautiful, soft sand beaches that most people only ever read about. Mexico makes me wish that I could process more, feel more, enjoy more, and remember it all. It is a sad truth that almost immediately, the sharp edge of the moment is dulled by the next experience that follows closely behind it. It is wonderful and tragic all at once. There are so many shades of light that dance across the endless horizon, aromas that gently play around the edge of your consciousness, memories so wonderful yet gentle, that you can't quite be sure they actually happened once they are gone.

So many things in life just can't be adequately expressed with words, and yet, if we don't write them down, we will certainly have already lost them.
I got to hold a tiny sea turtle baby on the day it was hatched. It was about 2 inches long and very, very strong. I held it in sand covered hands, and then set it down on the beach, to try and make it's way to the ocean. The guide told us that 1 out of 1000 baby sea turtles survive, so most likely my little baby would live a very short life. But, just maybe, mine would be the one. Nothing is as powerful as hope. It only takes one. Do something amazing today.

a new day

My dad is cancer free! What a fantastic idea.  I like to think that even when shitty things happen, they leave, in their wake, the opportunity of something good.  There is not a better reminder to appreciate your health, than being at the hospital, beside the bed of a loved one.  It is a familiar place for me, but even I can always appreciate a gentle reminder.
  I also got a chance to remember how much I love being home, and my bed, and my fridge (and snack drawer). And Alan. Of course to add to it just a little, I got sick myself (just a cold) and have been on the mend for a few days. Oh irony, leave me the hell alone already. It's not funny any more and I am tired.

Layla starts 3rd grade at public school next week, and we all have mixed feelings about that.  We are excited but anxious. (Mostly me) I am also looking forward to having just one "student" at home this year.  Maggie is glad to get some extra attention for a bit, and I am glad to be able to give it to her.  The girls are growing and changing so fast, it's hard not to miss some things.  Maggie has no front teeth and Layla's reading has really taken off. (also she has aged about 20 years this year and insists on parenting me ALL of the time. As if I can't handle it myself.....ok, good point)

On a brighter note, I cashed in my award miles and got myself a ticket to Puerto Vallarta. I talked a friend into going with me, (it will be hot, HOT, and sticky humid) and we are excited to spend some much needed time in the shade and the pool and the bar.  It is sea turtle season and I am beyond excited to finally get to release baby sea turtles!  It is something I have always wanted to do, and since we usually travel on the other side of the year, I always miss it.  Mostly I am excited to just get away. Turns out that parenting and cancer and diabetes and stress are a lot for this girl.  I am hoping to return refreshed and revitalized and ready to tackle the school year. I will get back just in time to get packed for Las Vegas.  Alan is taking me to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. (I know! I AM too young to have been married that long! I still scold my mom for allowing such a thing to take place. I mean, it all worked out in the end but, GEEZ!)

I am thankful every day that I don't have to live with 99% of the decisions I made when I was 15. And I am thankful every day that I still get to live with one of them.  I love you Alan.

Happy Solstice

Today is the first day of summer and we are having a celebration.  The sun is out, I had fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast on the patio, and a good friend is coming to share the day.  Life is good.

Enjoy the sunshine!