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!

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

A book called "The Prophet" written by Kahlil Gibram has become my little handbook on life. The words are so intentional and instructional and true, and every time I read the passages I find new meaning in the wisdom there. Here, just a few of the many, great pieces of advice and insight from "The Prophet."

(Thank you, Barbara, for introducing me to this amazing little book that has done some big things in my life.)

On Love... "When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God." And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course."

On Marriage... "You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."

On Children... "Your children are not your children.They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you yet they belong not to you."

On Joy & Sorrow... "The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain."

On Friendship... "And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."

On Reason & Passion... "Rest in Reason; Move in Passion."

My how things change...

Although I feel like the fundamentals of who I am are constant and never-changing, I do notice that I have evolved since my younger years.

Take my food preferences, for example, when I was a kid, there were many things I wouldn't eat that I know crave and enjoy very much. One example of that is mustard, good 'ole plain, yellow mustard. I can eat it alone on bread now. Another example would be Ranch dressing. Anything that resembled creamy dressings used to turn my stomach, it was all vinegar-based dressings for me as a kid. I would say my horizons have been broadened and there are very few things I will not eat. Maybe that's because of maturity and experience, but I think it's also because my chef husband has shown me how good so many of these "off limits" food items are prepared in his own special way. I think of corned beef and cabbage as an example. As I sat enjoying this typical Irish feast last night after my husband had literally served me as I sat atop a pillow on the couch, I remembered a time when someone would just say the word "cabbage" and I would squirm. Now, I love cabbage. I think this openness and ability to change makes us resilient. Not just with food, but with people and places and things.

There was a time when I was much more selfish and had just the right amount of spoiling to be bratty at times while also being skillfully able to charm anyone I needed to. I may be wrong about this, but I would say the latter is more in play now than the former. That brat of yesterday can really only be seen by my husband, mother and grandparents as they are the ones who still insist on spoiling me!

Nowadays I would say I am much more gentle with people and their varying opinions, even though I find my opinions tend to be the minority in the typical circles I move in from day-to-day, but that is refreshing. I like to be challenged, even when it's on something I feel very strongly about. I guess that's another way I have changed; I am completely comfortable speaking my mind while also knowing when it is the right time and place.

Lastly, I have a different sense of what's most important in my life than ever before. My time and energy are precious and I refuse to expend much of either on anything that I feel is petty or unworthy - this being certain activities and certain people. As harsh as that might sound, that is just me speaking my mind and standing firm on that foundation that is unshakably me. As I continue to understand who I am, it is also nice to be able to acknowledge the small and not-so-simple changes that have occurred. As I am becoming more of a woman, wife, daughter, friend, professional and soon-to-be mother, I enjoy examining all of these things about myself - the why's and how's - because I think it is important to living a better, fuller, more enjoyable life.

I heard a song this morning on the radio on my way into work that truly touched my heart. Whether it be the hormones, or lack of sleep or just the truth and easy relatability of the words, this song makes me think of my husband and my baby girl and the journey we are on and are about to experience when she arrives. Thought I would share the lyrics to this song here. Please go to YouTube to listen to it with the music, too as it's a great song.

It Won't Be Like This For Long, by Darius Rucker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_lUnFjXg8

He didn't have to wake up

He'd been up all nite

Lay'n there in bed listen'n

To his new born baby cry

He makes a pot of coffee

He splashes water on his face

His wife gives him a kiss and says

It's gonna be OK

It won't be like this for long

One day soon we'll look back laugh'n

At the week we brought her home

This phase is gonna fly by

So baby just hold on

It won't be like this for long

Four years later 'bout four thirty

She's crawling in their bed

And when he drops her off at preschool

She's clinging to his leg

The teacher peels her off of him

He says what can I do

She says now don't you worry

This will only last a week or two

It won't be like this for long

Someday soon you'll drop her off

And she won't even know you're gone

This phase is gonna fly by

If you can just hold on

It won't be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager

And at times he'll think she hates him

Then he'll walk her down the aisle

And he'll raise her veil

But right now she's up and cry'n

And the truth is that he don't mind

As he kisses her good night

And she says her prayers

He lays down there beside her

Till her eyes are finally closed

And just watch'n her it breaks his heart

'Cause he already knows

It won't be like this for long

One day soon that little girl is gonna be

All grown up and gone

Yeah this phase is gonna fly by

He's try'n to hold on

It won't be like this for long

It won't be like this for long

There are many perks of working on a college campus, least of all the energy and excitement one feels on beautiful days like today. But I discovered a brand new perk while returning from picking up lunch today. I was in my car stopped in front of the student center where activity was bustling. I was waiting to get around a construction vehicle when I felt someone looking at me. I turned to my right and there sitting on a bench looking very leisurely and self-assured was a young man on a cell phone. He was talking to someone while staring and smiling AT ME!?! I was tempted to look behind me for another target of his attention to make sure I wasn't seeing things, but then he winked. Woah, that was a feeling I haven't felt in a while. I grinned to myself for several reasons as I began to drive off: one, what a nice compliment even if it was fron a cocky 20-something college guy; two, if he only knew I was smuggling a soccer ball beneath my top just low enough in the car where he couldn't see; three, how crazy it is to be so flattered to be looked and winked at by a complete stranger. Oh well, I'll take it and enjoy my beautiful day, my bright, shiny mood and my little secret compliment.

Footlongs, Sweet Tea & Ice Cream

I've expanded on my earlier craving of Peanut Butter and I'm now on to sandwiches of just about any kind, (the more sauces the better) good 'ole southern sweet iced tea and, of course, ice cream!

I dream of fluffy white bread or warm Italian bread slathered in mayo, drizzled with vinegar, sprinkled with salt & pepper and then filled with meats, cheese, lettuce and tomato. Maybe this first craving is because sandwiches, though filling and delicious, don't have a distinct aroma. It seems the stronger the aroma of a food (Italian and Mexican come to mind), the harder it is for me to want to eat it. As for the sweet tea, well I come by that honest as it's a staple in my Grandmother's kitchen. I feel indulgent sipping on this refreshingly wet and sinfully sweet beverage. I even allow myself to drink it with caffeine sometimes just because they serve a serious sweet tea here in the student center at SMU where I work and it's not decaf. And my precious Blue Bell Moo-lennium Crunch ice cream...there are few words to describe the thrill it brings me. Vanille ice cream with all kinds of nuts and specks of toffee - YUM-MEE!! It's my favorite ice cream of all time and now I have my Husband hooked, too.

So, as you can see food has become so much more than something simply to sustain my body and help my baby grow; it has become a bit of an obsession and I'm o.k. with that.

A Moment from Our Cravings Sponsors

Peanut Butter & Peach Jelly on Mrs. Baird's white bread in the morning

Veggie Soup and a big sandwich with lots of meat and cheese for lunch

A sensible piece of fruit for an afternoon snack

Dinner is just a means to an end - to get to the Blue Bell vanilla ice cream for dessert.

My days and nights are filled with cravings. Many times I give in to them and other times it just doesn't make sense. Like yesterday, for example, I wanted the freshest smattering of sushi slathered in soy sauce that I could sink my teeth into. Volcano roll, Dynamite roll, Sexy roll, good 'ole Spicy Tuna roll...

Doesn't make much sense to have that when most of the sushi I love is raw!

Above all else, I have been craving peanut butter. Luckily I had two jars at home BEFORE the salmonella or ecoli scare from peanut butter started. But if I run out, I'm in trouble! I'm also all about the big sandwich with the soft white bread, lots of veggies and meat and cheese. YUM! Luckily, I'm enjoying fruits and veggies, too, but that is a complete accident.

In Love...

I find myself taking a second glance when I see myself in mirrors or in glass doors when I pass by them. I hardly recognize myself these days and yet it feels as though this has always been meant for me. My body is changing rapidly with hips widening, belly rounding out and breasts expanding, but somehow it all feels just right. I am very comfortable in this moment in my pregnancy; I even venture to say I feel beautiful. I am not self-conscious, or irritated by these changes, I am in awe of them. There's a sparkle in my eye as though I have a secret, a really great secret only I can know. There's a spring in my step and a sing-song to my laughter that even surprises me when I hear it! I am in love with my pregnancy and I am so, very excited about my baby girl.

Sanguine

Cheerfully optimistic or confident

What a great word - sanguine! I am feeling sanguine these days because I am alive, healthy, happy, loved and expecting a beautiful baby daughter. I have plans with friends this weekend, I love my job and everything that goes with it, my family is doing well and I adore my husband. Amazingly I can still feel sanguine even after a week of not sleeping much. It seems God or fate or something else is trying to prepare me for the sleeplessness to come. It's as though the universe is whispering in my ear each night, "This is nothing, sweetheart, just wait until that baby arrives." Monday night was a no sleeper for reasons I will not divulge, Tuesday was alright but between having a head cold that worsens when I lie down and the frequent restroom breaks every two to three hours no night is restful, and then there was last night. I didn't go to sleep until 11 p.m. and then at 2 a.m. my dog, Yankee, began barking at what seemed like the front door. My dogs don't typically bark, especially at this hour, unless there's a good reason. So, Greg let them outside, and that didn't work, he checked the house for a security breach and that wasn't it, and the barking continued intermittently until 5:30 a.m. I didn't even get angry about it, I just laid there with my eyes closed trying to think good thoughts. I figured at least I was in my bed resting, and that will be the biggest difference between now and this summer when little Rylee is dictating my sleeping habits. Greg, on the other hand, was not happy. He grumpily stated this morning that he would not be meeting me a the gym today as we'd discussed the night before because of his "bad sleep."

So, sleep or no sleep...I'm sanguine all the same.

Broken Open

As an eternal optimist I am always looking for ways to turn something sad, tragic or unfair into something positive. I have also been seeking the counsel lately of those who can help me see the opportunity in hard times. So, in keeping with this recent theme I came across an episode of Oprah (one of my life gurus) yesterday and the show was about spirituality and a book called "Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow" by Elizabeth Lesser. Lesser speaks of choosing a life path when you've been through something difficult that helps you understand why the pain has happened and what can be learned from the pain. Lesser uses the analogy of a rosebud who may either stay tightened and eventually wither and fall off the stem or of a rose who blossoms with each of life's lessons to bask in the rays of the sun and be refreshed by the drops rain. To be like the latter we must grow in difficult times and do our best not to allow difficult things to harden us. So, as my petals begin to relax and bend to the sun and rain from the recent challenges I have experienced, I feel I am to be broken open, but never broken to pieces.

(Note: I intended to share some of the unfortunate difficulties that are leading me to this place of understanding expressed in this blog posting, but I decided it best to move through those things quietly and peacefully. Thanks to all of you who have been such a huge support over the last couple of weeks, and please know I am doing well.)

From my Mother (and Maya) on Christmas

This year I spent the majority of my Christmas with my Mother. Christmas Eve we attended candlelight service, sang carols and giggled at two joyous babies sitting near us. Christmas Eve evening we spent with friends enjoying laughter and good cheer, and Christmas Day we spent with the carousing Carman family.

But two of the most special things about this Christmas were gifts, which wouldn't typically be the case as I am more of a memories made person - relishing in the moments that make Christmas special as opposed to being gift-obsessed.

I received a beautiful, special blue lapis, diamond and silver blueberry charm and bracelet, which is special between my Mother and I in reference to the new Little One we are expecting, and Maya Angelou's book "Letter to My Daughter." I wear the former every day with pride and expectation and I read the latter in a matter of hours this past Monday night. It's a wonderful book with many great lessons inside. Here are some of my favorite Maya passages that I know my Mia also appreciates:

"The word philanthropy was taken from the two Greek words, philo - lover of; and anthro - mankind. So, philanthropists are lovers of humanity ...I learned that I could be a giver by simply bringing a smile to another person. The ensuing years have taught me that a kind word, a vote of support is a charitable gift."

"When I find myself filling with rage over the loss of a beloved, I try as soon as possible to remember that my concerns and questions should be focused on what I learned or what I have yet to learn from my departed love. What legacy was left which can help me in the art of living a good life?

Did I learn to be kinder,

To be more patient,

And more generous,

More loving,

More ready to laugh,

And more easy to accept honest tears?

If I accept those legacies of my departed beloveds, I am able to say, Thank You to them for their love and Thank You to God for thier lives."

"It seems to me that becoming a Christian is a lifelong endeavor. I believe that is also true for one wanting to become a Buddhist, or a Muslim, a Jew, Jainist, or a Taoist. The persons striving to live their religious beliefs know that the idyllic condition cannot be arrived at and held on to eternally. It is in the search itself that one finds the ecstasy.

Now that the word is pretty much out, I feel comfortable finally writing a blog about my pregnancy. I am eleven weeks and one day today and I'm feeling less nausea and more energy than in the past few weeks prior. What a blessing. I mean this is a time when all you want to do is be happy and excited, but you get pulled down by feeling yucky. I'm glad I'm doing better and I hope that only continues as I head into week twelve.

Aside from some upset stomach and sleepiness, I am ecstatic over the life growing inside of me. I am enamored with how much happens each week and how much the baby grows and all of the transformations going on. If one didn't believe in God before, well, there's no denying it when you understand and experience the miracle of pregnancy. Of course I'm nervous and I take one day at a time as I know anything can happen and I have no control (I repeat, "I have no control..."), but the overwhelming feeling is happiness and a feeling of blessing. I am so excited to be a Mother, and I can't wait for the adventure.

When you're facing two days filled with death and despair, there's only one thing to turn to...music. Some favorites I dedicate to my loving Husband, the one who hears the music, from me, the one who understands its meaning.

"Girl" The Beatles

Is there anybody going to listen to my story

All about the girl who came to stay?

She's the kind of girl you want so muchIt makes you sorry

Still you don't regret a single day.

Ah girl! Ffff...Girl!

When I think of all the times I've tried SO HARD to leave her

She will turn to me and start to cry;

And she promises the earth to me

And I believe her

After all this time I don't know why.

Ah, girl! Ffff...Girl!S

he's the kind of girl who puts you down

When friends are there, you feel a fool.

When you say she's looking good

She acts as if it's understood.

She's cool, ooh, ooh, ooh,

Girl! Ffff...Girl!

Was she told when she was young that pain

Would lead to pleasure?

Did she understand it when they said

That a man must break his back to earn

His day of leisure?

Will she still believe it when he's dead?

Ah girl!Ffff...Girl!

"Just the Way You Are" Billy Joel

Don't go changing, to try and please me

You never let me down before

Don't imagine you're too familiar

And I don't see you anymore

I would not leave you in times of trouble

We never could have come this far

I took the good times,

I'll take the bad times

I'll take you just the way you are.

Don't go trying some new fashion

Don't change the color of your hair

You always have my unspoken passion

Although I might not seem to care.

I don't want clever conversation

I never want to work that hard

I just want someone that I can talk to

I want you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always be

The same old someone that I knew.

What will it take till you believe in me

The way that I believe in you.

I said I love you and that's forever

And this I promise from the heart.

I couldn't love you any better

I love you just the way you are.

"The Sun is Shining" Bob Marley and the Wailers

Sun is shining, the weather is sweet, yeah

Make you wanna move your dancing feet now

To the rescue, here I am

Want you to know, yall, can you understand?

When the mornin gather the rainbow, yeah, yeah

Want you to know, I'm a rainbow too now

To the rescue, here I am

Want you to know, yall, can you, can you, can you understand?

Sun is shining, the weather is sweet now

Make you wanna move your dancing feet, yeah

But to the rescue, here I am

Want you to know just if you can, here I stand, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no

Can you understand me now, baby?

Do you believe me?

"America" Simon and Garfunkel

Let us be lovers we'll marry our fortunes together

I've got some real estate here in my bag

So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner pies

And we walked off to look for America

Kathy, I said as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh

Michigan seems like a dream to me now

It took me four days to hitch-hike from Saginaw

Ive gone to look for America

Laughing on the bus

Playing games with the faces

She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy

I said be careful his bowtie is really a camera

Toss me a cigarette, I think there's one in my raincoat

We smoked the last one an hour ago

So I looked at the scenery, she read her magazine

And the moon rose over an open field

Kathy, I'm lost, I said, though I knew she was sleeping

I'm empty and aching and I dont know why

Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike

They've all gone to look for America

All gone to look for America

All gone to look for America.

I'm thinking of turkey, dressing (I don't eat that stuffing inside the turkey, I eat dressing!!), sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows on top, green beans, cranberry sauce, sweet tea and more pie than I can ever eat.

I'm thinking of family. People I haven't seen in a long time whom I will have the pleasure of seeing tomorrow on Thanksgiving. I'm also excited to spend time with my Grandparents, two people I thank God for every morning when I wake-up and every night before I go to sleep.

I'm thinking of all the multitude of things in my life I am thankful for, but at the moment I am focusing on the gratitude I have for my Mother. You see, my Mother is my best friend. I know friends of mine can stay on the phone for hours with girlfriends. I can do that, too, but when I want to chat or have a good, in-depth conversation I always call my Mom. We talk about everything and nothing. We laugh, we have healthy disagreements and we solve the world's problems. Our relationship has grown and blossomed so much since I was a girl. My Mom is strong and sassy, delicate and sweet, larger than life and introverted all at once. She is an enigma that I'm constantly learning about and from. We hold each other accountable and do our best never to lie to one another. I know it's not always the case that girls and their mothers, especially only children and single mothers, should move through all that teenage angst and parental resentment to be truly good friends, be that's what has happened with me and my Mom. I am so grateful for that and I am so blessed to have a best friend who's known me my whole life, knows just about everything about me and loves me unconditionally. I love you, Mom. Thank you for being you and being there for me always.

We've had a lot of ups and downs recently. With my Father-in-law in the hospital not doing so well one day and seeming to be headed for recovery another, it's been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. A couple of lessons I am learning along the way:

If you love your family and those who will be in the position to care for you should something tragic happen to your health, put down in writing exactly what your wishes are for you care and for what you would like to happen after you die. This isn't a fun activity, especially for those of us who are young and believe these are things better left for the future, but you have to look at it as a gift you are giving those who love you. Do you really want your husband or wife, daughter or son, mother or father to have to decide whether to put you on life support, bury you or have you cremated? In the midst of sadness and despair, having to make such decisions is incredibly unfair and cruel.

Never underestimate the power of the human body and medical science. John O'Neill, my Father-in-law, has faced death more times than I can count and that's just this last month. He was also in a terrible care accident several years ago when none of us thought he would make it. Though I tend to think the Nine Lives of the O'Neill men is something to investigate, I also believe having his crazy family around him all the time and knowing he is loved, has made a huge difference in his fight. Not to mention the men and women of Harris Methodist H-E-B Hospital who are fighting for John medically. Never give up, never give in...if the fight is worth fighting for and your life and those you love are worth living for...never give up.

Finally, and this is the most impactful thing for me personally through all of this, no matter what the relationship has been or what it has lacked, when you face the reality of losing a parent, your heart breaks. This person who gave you life is in pain, is nearing the end and all you think about are the "what ifs" and the "what could have beens." You want to inject them with hope for the future by telling them of all the things you can do together, how things can be different, but ultimately you can't take away the illness and the feeling of uncertainty that permeates this time. All I can recommend from living this with my Husband over the past few weeks is to wrap your arms around your parents, tell them you love them and be there for them even if they haven't always been there for you.

Self-Congratulation

Monday evening I pulled into my garage at home and heard the thump-thump-thump of the bass as my Husband's music made its way through the walls from the kitchen where our computer is set-up with Bose speakers. I jokingly told my Mother over the phone that my Husband was at it again...listening to his music so loud that the whole neighborhood can hear. She laughed and we shared yet another moment where we knew what they say is true: you do marry someone very much like your Parent. I said 'good-bye' to Mom and went on into the house, but as I reached the hallway and the music became clearer, I realized this was not the typical song-a-thon my Husband loves to host on his Mondays off from work. He was a part of the music. I rounded the corner and realized Hubby had purchased yet another integral piece of his "At Home Band." With a bass guiter (left-handed, of course) and an amp along with Eric Clapton and his band as back-up, Greg was strumming along to "Cocaine." When he looked up and saw me, he smiled that big, proud smile and looked so happy with himself. He looked about 12 years old and had a mischievious grin on his freckled face. Another toy for my hard-working boy...

One thing my Husband and I have in common is the ability to treat ourselves when we've worked hard and earned such a treat. Greg has done several catering gigs in the last couple of weeks, including a huge engagement party that lasted into the wee hours of the morning. He desserved to treat himself for his hard work. I tend to treat myself with luxurious mind and body treatments like manicures and pedicures and massage, or something new for the wardrobe, but I treat myself all the same. I really like this aspect of me and my Husband's personalities - the idea that we are good enough and deserve to celebrate our accomplishments.

So, as I sat and listened to Greg later on rubbing blisters on his already tired fingers strumming to Sammy Davis, Jr's "Mr. Bojangles," I realized he was serranading himself. He was playing a tune of appreciation for his talent and skill and strength to do all of the things he does so well each and every day. He is allowing his talent and skill as a chef to breathe life into his passion for music. Knowing that, his strumming, even with the occasional imperfections, sounds just Heavenly to me.

Election Mania: Salmon & Women

After several conversations with people I know, too many ads on TV to count, countless articles read in print and on-line...the Election is finally here!!

I'm not going to use my blog as a place for my personal political banter, because I'm as fed up with all the talk as the next person, but I will speak of what might be one of the best episodes of Boston Legal I've ever watched. It was on last night and the two main characters, Allen Shore and Denny Crane, were arguing over who they were voting for, particularly whom Denny was voting for. The show got hilarious when the men's raised voices came to blows at each other...from each of their paint ball guns right there in the law offices! I laughed out loud, something I don't do often enough when watching TV.

But before the arguing and the shooting began, there was an interesting and comical conversation between Allen and Denny where Allen asked Denny to list only two reasons why he was voting for McCain. Denny's two reasons came down to two words: Salmon & Women. If you didn't see the show, you won't get it, but boy was that episode funny. And the best part of all? By the end of the show, after they showed a montage of all of the characters voting, Denny had come to his senses and admitted he didn't vote for McCain after all, but voted for "the other guy."

To all those who voted, I applaud you for taking part in one of the most important civic duties ever bestowed upon on us, particularly those of us of the "minority" groups. And to the President-Elect of the United States of America, I wish you patience, peace in times of unrest and hope that the arms of God be around you in the coming years.

I didn't spend any money this weekend. Yes, Hubby and I ate dinner out and went to Home Depot, but I didn't spend any money on anything else. I also spent a lot of time at home - reading, cleaning, watching TV, spending time with my girlfriend who came to visit, spending time with my doggies and my Husband. I am in a new frame of mind - simplicity and relaxation.

I have also hit the "unsubscribe" button on many of the e-mails I get regularly. I just don't want all that crap loading up my e-mail Inbox. I will keep only the ones that I have used in the past couple of months, which is only a small number. Again, why clutter up my Inbox if I want to de-clutter my life?

So Much, So Much

From Usher and The Mansion in Atlanta...

to family, blessings and the excitement of New York...

to the history and beauty of Washington, D.C....

to friendship, comfort and joy in Alexandria...

to the pomp and circumstance of the Navy football experience in Annapolis, Maryland...

it has been a memorable, wonderful, fun-filled few weeks.

I could say it all started in Hot-lanta, but it really began in the Alamo City (San Antonio) where I went for work earlier in the month. There I was surprised to find areas of awesome shopping, ate some great food and made some new friends.

Atlanta followed in my time of travel. I've been there one other time for work and enjoyed it, but this time was a whole new experience. We stayed at The Mansion on Peachtree (http://www.mansiononpeachtree.com/) where the word luxury is an understatement when describing this hotel. I was greeted upon my arrival by Robert, my own private butler who was there purely to keep me happy. (OK, he was assigned to several other hotel rooms, but it felt like he was there just for me!) The decor, the service, the bedding, the bathroom...all were decadent and wonderful. I felt right at home and then I discovered a little piece of home right there in my Atlanta hotel room - my famous chef husband was featured in one of Atlanta's hottest magazines!! (http://www.modernluxury.com/ Click on Magazines / Atlanta / View Digital Magazine / See the Mag with the yellow dressed model on the cover.) How cool was that!? And just went I thought my trip couldn't get any better, my colleague, Mandi, and I ran right into Usher at the hotel. He was there celebrating his birthday with a swank party at the Mansion. Nice!!

Though it was sad for me to leave Hot-lanta, I was ready to get back and begin my next adventure - a New York, D.C., Virginia, Maryland sweep. Hubby and I planned a personal vacation as part of my work trip to New York and we had a great time. We spent time with our new nephew, Oscar O'Neill, and two of our favorite people - niece, Davan, and nephew, Jake. Not to mention Greg's Mom, Step-father, Sister, Brother and their significant others and the cousins and aunts. All awesome people. And what a great thing to celebrate with everyone - an engagement! Greg's brother, John, and his girlfriend, Lisa, are recently engaged. Congratulations!!

Part of this trip included yet another visit to the lap of luxury as we stayed at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York at Central Park South. The rooms were exquisite and the service was crazy, but they didn't offer private butlers. The Ritz might have to work on that...

I think I most enjoyed just walking the streets like I knew what I was doing. Having been in New York City several times and feeling intimidated by all the people and all the honking and seeming aggression, this trip I didn't feel that way at all. I got right out there and made my way through and it felt great. One particularly nice day was spent with my Mother-in-law, Nancy. We had a great lunch followed up by a cappuccino, which is one of my new favorite things, and then walked the streets - 5th Avenue, Madison Avenue. Then I came upon one of those old, amazing churches that come out of nowhere in New York among skyscrapers and the chicest boutiques. I felt suddenly that I had to go in. As I walked up to the church I noticed it was St. Patrick's Cathedral. I walked in and asked Nancy about all of the candles burning around the church and she said you can light a candle and say a prayer or ask for a blessing. So I did. The light of my prayer was lit along with that of many others who'd come from near and far to this place. The beauty of that moment and that place stays with me. I will never forget it.

In the final day of our time in New York, Greg and I went into Times Square, with the other tens of thousands who were there, and were filled with the energy of the lights and music and people. New York always has a way of making you feel like it's a small world after all and was that ever true on this night. We head into Carmine's to meet the family for dinner and who did we run into at the one restaurant? Mike Modano and Darryl Ray. If anyone knows Dallas Stars hockey, you know who these guys are. There they were sitting at Carmine's in Times Square in New York - what are the odds?! Greg and I went over to say 'hello' and felt a bit sheepish since it's obvious we're big fans. Mike and Darryl, both of which my husband knows, were very nice and agreed that it was a cool coincidence. We capped off the trip with a wonderful meal with the family and sadly said 'good-bye' to New York the next afternoon.

As sad as it was to leave Greg at the airport following our awesome time in New York, I was equally as excited to see some of my dearest friends while in D.C./Virginia. Casey and John are two of the truest, best people you will ever find. They are honest and kind and such great hosts to anyone who visits them. John's thoughtful dinners and wine selections and Casey's consummate ability to make me feel at home, just made my stay such a delight. To top it off, Casey took me sailing for the very first time! Two hours on a sailboat on the Potomac River with snacks and a good friend...what a nice afternoon. The trip was rounded out by our visit to Annapolis, Maryland, the site of the Naval Academy. The tradition and pride felt in that town and at the Navy game versus SMU was tangible, even in the rain and wind. I was mesmerized by the commitment of the men and women in uniform in these conditions to continually enter the field and perform their push-ups each time Navy got a touch-down. Not to mention the exhilaration of the fly over by the fighter jets and the gun fire periodically throughout the game; I'm convinced that the uniforms, jet places and gun fire are what intimidated the Mustangs into a frightful loss to Navy.

I think one of my favorite things about this trip was the enjoyment I got from driving around Virginia and D.C. and Maryland all alone. I was nervous about it at first, but soon just sat back and enjoyed the scenery. It was such a good trip and I will always remember it as being a very special time.

So, after my travels, I returned home with so many new memories and another year of marriage under my belt. (October 25 was our 5-year anniversary!!) Now it's time to focus on the remainder of 2008, enjoy the holidays and the chilly weather, and prepare for all of the joy and happiness that is promised for 2009. Thanks to all who made my October one of the best times of my life.