This and That

Lots going on these days...its good, busy, and tiring, but that seems like its how life goes. Im learning how to live with fatigue!

Saturday I was able to get my locks brightened and trimmed. I have this lovely Brazilian woman who cuts/ colors it and she comes into the salon at 8am so that we can get going early. She is truly a lovely person. Ironically, she lives one cul de sac over...and even more interesting, she lives in the cul de sac where George W. relocated to. She knows George W. and says that he walks her son to the bus stop every morning. I love that little cat and miss him very much!!

The best part of the salon though was when Pumnani came and sat chatting with me. The plan was to do breakfast and then get a mani and pedi, but we ran long. She came into the salon with a bottle of diet coke and a Reeses Easter egg. Then she called E and told him he was on child duty so that we could have some beauty time. I sighed blissfully and thought to myself, "THIS is how it should be...I NEED to get a posse!! JUST KIDDING! Still, it was so fun just to hang with Pum Pum. In the busyness of each day its always a joy to find some time to be still and, well...just BE!

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Sunday was church and then out to lunch with the family (Steak and Shake...the Girl's pick this week!) Its a sweet little habit that we have been able to do which is so helpful during tax season especially. Having limited family time is difficult and even that small hour helps with connecting us again.

Of course later that day I had a nuclear meltdown which ruined all the great family vibe. I get overly frustrated with E and the Girl because they are truly "messies". They both leave a trail wherever they have been and it drives me CRAZY!!! Im usually okay and can just remember that its not major issue but occassionally, the frustration erupts when the house is just messy and its all stuff that has been neglected to be put up.

The evening ended though with a sweet conversation between the three of us. We all realize we need to move toward each other and not away from each other. They need to improve on self discipline in that area. I need to improve on grace and not complaining and getting resentful over it. One thing that is so interesting to me is that both E and the Girl have very forgiving spirits. They offer forgiveness and grace very easily when it's asked for. This is not natural for me as I enjoy a good grudge and like having "hand" over someone. Sunday night reminded me that graciousness is truly the better trait and one I need to work on!

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Today the lovely DownTown Julie Brown and I had lunch at Seasons 52. DownTown is like seriously the KINDEST person I have ever met. I always say to her that her mother must have been very good to her because she is a giver and does not take for herself. She loves helping and offering to do things and is just an amazing woman. During our adoption process she was the biggest cheerleader as she herself has two of the most amazing daughters who are adopted. She just sat and held the Baby Girl today while we ate.

Seasons 52 always makes me feel like I walking into a 1970's lounge. The decor is very earthy and very understated. I think that the wait staff has to be beautiful in order to be offered a job there because every server in the place was stunningly attractive...both male and female. The menu is very healthy and they have the BEST flatbreads and desserts. While not a huge fan of the "healthy eating" movement (sorry B, its true!) its a very chic place to dine and being with DownTown made it all the better!

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During tax season the single parent thing weighs on me here at the end. Its just so LONGggggg. I realize some people do this all the time and wonder how they manage! Thankfully we are in the last three weeks (which are also the hardest) and then it will be over!

Tonight after dinner I had a list of 5 things that needed to be done and told the Girl that she could pick three of them and I would finish the list after feeding the Baby girl. The list was:

• Clear the dinner dishes and put them into the dishwasher
• Get the trash cans in from the curb
• Empty the kitchen trash and put a new bag in
• Read to the Baby Girl
• Feed, water and scoop litter for Mike Rowe.

She picked 1, 2, and 4. The following hilarious video is from her reading to the Baby Girl. Its seriously funny and a little self indulgent, but you know...it is my blog after all! :)