Wednesday, April 22, 2009

20 Things About My 29th Year
1. I had my first-ever hospital stay, which included my first-ever blood clot, and I learned what I do not want in a doctor!
2. For the first time in a long time, I felt helpless without my Mommie...until she came running to be by my side.
3. I really learned that God has plans for you and that He laughs in the face of the plans you make for yourself.
4. Patience is more than a virtue both when you're expecting something wonderful to happen (getting pregnant) and when you're supporting a loved one as they watch their parent pass away.
5. No matter what the relationship, there is always a void when a parent dies.
6. I appreciate my parents and grandparents (both living and deceased) so much more now that I'm going to be a parent.
7. Facebook is the bomb!
8. Time is precious, and one must always use it wisely.
9. My Husband is constantly showing me that he's one of the strongest, most wonderful people I've ever met, but in my 29th year he really showed the kind of man he is; I am in awe.
10. Just because it's called the "Ritz" and it's in New York, that doesn't mean it's the best.
11. Walking on the streets of New York alone, is one of the most invigorating feelings I've ever had.
12. I have been to paradise - it's called Staniel Cay, Bahamas - and we really can live without the Internet or cell phones or TV.
13. I can feel free and independent behind the wheel of a rental car or jetting through several airports, as I travel through four states in less than four days.
14. I am enamored with the military, especially those men and women I experienced at the Naval Academy in Annapolis who believe wholeheartedly in so many great traditions.
15. I felt, once again, the extreme pride of walking across a stage to accept a handshake of congratulations and a diploma signifying the end of yet another awesome educational experience.
16. I pushed myself physically with the assistance of a great personal trainer and several co-workers, and felt stronger physically than since I was in high school. That strength felt better than I ever felt getting on a scale and merely seeing the digits drop.
17. I raised several hundred thousand dollars for SMU's business school, which is my job, but more importantly I know there are people whom I will never meet that will benefit from the work I have done and that is my driving force.
18. I have gotten so much better with my New Year's Resolutions - flexibility and acceptance.
19. After my first taste of a cappucinno at a small Italian bistro in New York, I knew I was in love with both the hot foamy liquid and the chic feeling of enjoying it!
20. Though my 29th year was full of ups and downs and all arounds, and I would say it was a good year overall, my 30th year is sure to be the best yet!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

In remembrance of my Grandad Stratton...
On this sacred day in the Christian faith, I am aware and appreciative of Easter's significance, and I am also thinking of another significant Mann. Elmer Ione "Mann" Stratton was born on April 12, an Aries - honest and bold, today I am remembering my sweet Grandad.
I remember:
His easy smile that lit up his eyes...
That rumbly laugh that shook that roly-poly belly of his...
His gentle nature...
His ability to make my Mother feel better no matter what...
His love of family...
His interest in things with a history and a story, from his flea market to his antiques...
Our shared love of photographs and ability to keep special things for years...
The old pipe smoke smell that always permeated his path, a smell that still to this day makes me happy...
His talents, from music to languages to history...
Our shared birthday month and experience as only children of strong Mothers...
I never saw my Grandad angry, but I saw him upset a time or two, and I will never forget how deeply he felt his emotions...
His ability to be completely content sitting at his antique desk, looking at family photos, reading, or just gazing out the window...
I know my Grandad is in Heaven watching over us now and I hope he knows that I am always thinking of him, the undeniable love he gave my sweet Mother, and those last words of instruction he gave me before he left us. Words that show that even in the end, once a Father, always a Father. He said simply,
"Be a good girl and look after your Mother." Well, I'm doing my very best, Grandad.
With love, Stinker