Smiling Mom

We’ve known since the beginning of December that my grandma was living on borrowed time.  She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at that time and given 3 weeks to 6 months to live.  Seven and a half months later, she passed away.

My mom was there, by her side as she passed on.  For that I’m grateful.

The funeral is Saturday, so we’re scrambling to get everything together for the funeral and our next two vacations… today.

We leave tomorrow.

And I had to sell my ticket to BlogHer.

Such a bummer.  This was to bet the first time I’d ever taken a weekend for myself to satisfy my guilty pleasures.

There’s always next year, right??

Sigh.

Priorities.  Family always comes first.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So tomorrow, we leave to attend our final party for Grandma Bryan. And Saturday, we say goodbye.

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I’ve recently been hit with a steam of spam comments.  As a result I’ll be turning off my comments for the days I’ll be gone from my computer.

So all hundreds of you coughONEofYoucough don’t be alarmed when you are unable to leave your witty thoughts on my posts.

Peace, and if you’re attending BlogHer, have a wonderful time.

My one year Blogging Anniversary just passed. Um hello, where was I??

Oh and today is my birthday.

Yeay me!

Last year I was all , “oh look at me, I’m going to celebrate the big 3-0. Why fight it…I’m going to grow old gracefully…yada yada yada.”

That was then. This is now. Last year I turned thirty.

Thirty was a doable number.

Thirty.

Just thirty

Like, I’m not old yet thirty.

Thirty.

Now I’m not thirty.

Oh no. Not thirty anymore.

I’m not just out of my twenties thirty

I’m in my thirties.

On my way to thirty five thirty.

Oy.

Where does time go?

Anyway…

Last year I gave myself a gift.

The gift of attention. I took time to learn who I was, be who I am, and stand tall for things I believe in.

I’m proud to say that I think I’ve done just that.

This year, as I enter my thirty one-dom I’m more settled, confident, and able to say what I mean and need.

Oh ya!!

So in keeping with this theme of growth, I’ve decided to focus on another aspect of my life.

Giving attention to others.

Like real attention.

Not laptop on lap, remote control in hand, phone on ear, “Yes dear, I’m listening…” type attention.

Disclaimer** I NEVER do that that, I’m just sayin’….

Ahem.

But rather eye-contact, TV paused off, laptop closed type attention.

Like get on the floor and play with my kids more attention.

Like I hear what you are saying, Honey, and although I don’t agree, I still think your point is valid attention.

Whew. That’s going to be a toughie.

It will take some serious changing of some really bad habits.

But I’m in need of a change.

Bring on the growth.

It’s time.

So happy birthday/blogging anniversary to me.

I hope this gift will serve my family and me well.

Wow, what an amazing writer.  I wish I knew her personally!  ;-)  (OK she’s not perfect, but I hear she’s cute… and a good writer… and well… you know.)

It doesn’t hurt so good today.  Off to camp.  I hope the bears don’t eat me.