To be continued

I'm taking a break from the bloggy world -- reading and writing -- for the time being. I hope to have something worthwhile to add by the time summer rolls around.

MIA for good reason

December has not been kind to me.

My cat died, there were two more deaths that touched our friends and family and I found out my newspaper went up for sale.

This post is related to the last item. I wrote a bio for IWantMyRocky.com. See it by clicking here.

Suffice it to say, I don't think I'll be around here for a while. Meantime, I hope everyone has a great holiday this year! I'm going to enjoy my Christmas, the second one with little B.!

A favorite

This has always been one of my favorite cartoons. I think about it every year around this time (and especially after partially watching Rudolph on TV).

Miss you, Gabby

We had our beloved cat of 7 years euthanized today. I know I'll miss her when I walk in the door tonight. She always greeted me with a little chirpy meow. Clicking on the topics, you can see past posts about her hiding tactics, penchant for golf clubs and role as a big sister.


In our room, cuddling up like she used to do.


Being a big sister, and one who's never far away from the camera.


Showing B. what a cat's tail looks like!


Making sure Mom carefully trims the nails.


When I was sick with mastitis for the first time, she stayed by my side.


She always loved to sit in B.'s rocking chair. I would get mad at her for it, but I think she did it to be closer to her "little" brother.


Remember what I said about the camera? She also always played nice with B.'s friends.


Caught her one night napping in B.'s bouncy chair.


She looked too cute to move.


I think these were her last few healthy days in September.


Always guarding B.'s toys after he went to sleep at night.


Of course, always inquisitive.


Always willing to cuddle on a cold day made for hot tea, a good book and quilts.


Oh, Gabby, we miss you so much.


We were lucky to have you with us for 7 years.


Now big sister Booty will relearn what it's like to be the only kitty at home.




But I'm sure she'll miss cozying up to her sometimes-annoying but always lovable little sis!


Dream some sweet kitty dreams!

Nothin' Like a Dame

B. loved watching the number from South Pacific "There Is Nothin' Like A Dame" as we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade over at Nana's house.

Kid stared at the TV, barely breathing. It was so cute. He loves musicals, just like his mommy.

True meaning

I’ve been thinking a while about change.

Because of this, I’m tweaking my outlook. A change of attitude, if you will. With so many unfortunate events crossing more of our paths these days, I decided I would truly be thankful for what I have. Too often, I/we/society takes for granted the things that are right before our eyes. All too often, it takes a great event to reprioritize our thoughts. I'm trying to do that without the big event (unless you count Thanksgiving).

So here is my list of things I am thankful for.

My family – To my husband and our beautiful son: I don’t know how I’d get through a day without you. I try to focus each day on something I can do for each of you to make your day brighter, better. And while I might not always succeed, thanks for letting me try.

My extended family – Mom, Dad, M. and the rest of my relatives! You always give me so much support, I don’t think I could be who I am without giving at least some credit to all of you.

My job – I am quite thankful I can come to work week after week and collect that check week after week. While I’d love to be a stay-at-home mom (SAHM), right now this works. Years ago, I never thought I’d want to give up my career, but after being a mommy, I realize how painful it is to leave a child every day. Thankfully, C. and I never have put B. in day care. One of us has been with him every day of his life. My career and C.’s willingness to be a seasonal SAHD has made this possible.

My health – Just like many people I know, I complain about my appearance, but that’s nothing compared with a person who cannot see. Or cannot hear. Or cannot walk. I am thankful for my eyes, ears, arms and legs. (Legs that should make me work a few miles on the elliptical machine more often.)

My friends – You know who you are. And I thank you, too, for the support over the years. Whenever I am “lost” or don’t know how to approach a certain obstacle, you have always come through for me. Thanks for the laughs, too.

So as you’re all celebrating Thanksgiving now or during this holiday weekend, please write a mental list of the things you’re truly thankful for. I’m sure you have already.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Where dance and sports collide

After watching the finale of Dancing With The Stars, I was talking with some of my colleagues about this little skit.

It's definitely worth a laugh, especially if you ever watched SportsCenter.