...what's in your purse?? !

Have you ever seen in those life & style magazines where they show the contents of some celebrity’s purse? I just think that is so interesting what woman carry in their purse. Have you ever thought about what the contents of your purse say about you? Something to ponder….LOL

I for one have been carrying a purse for at least 3 decades… I have used my purse as a backpack, as a brief case, a diaper bag, and as I lunch box. A woman’s purse can say so much about her personality…the contents of the purse. I am sure the actual purse says a lot as well…but right now I wanna focus on what we as modern ladies feel the need to drag around with us on a daily basis.

A woman’s handbag symbolizes where she is in her life. The contents of a woman’s purse changed drastically as she moves thru the many stages of her life; what a woman’s carries can reveal so much about the multiple roles she plays & explains why so many of us feel incomplete without our purse. As women we always feel like we need to be prepared for any situation…..hence the statement ….everything but the kitchen sink….LOL Women just never know what situation they will find themselves in & what they will need.

It’s been said that men can tell a lot about a woman by the drink they order…but I think you can tell way more about a woman by the her purse….a purse is part of a woman’s identity & if men truly paid attention they could gain much insight into a woman’s physic by her purse & its contents.

I found the following to be interesting to say the least…..to help decipher a woman’s personality based on the type of purse she carries. Does your purse match your personality???

~from the internet – site unknown

Artistic Personality: These are the easiest women to pick out. Their handbags and purses make you look twice, even though guys don’t understand why. You won’t see any labels on her bag, but you will see colors and designs that make your pupils dilate. This is the girl who wants a guy who is going to challenge her creativity and ideas. If you want to approach a girl with an artistic purse, pretend everything is art and you will get her ear.

Attention Grabber: If a woman carries an expensive designer bag, you better give her a lot of attention. Everything is meticulous. Her hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, finger nails (sorry, I meant nail polish), are always perfectly coifed. That’s because this woman takes a lot of pride in her appearance. If you want to talk to a woman like this, go to the bathroom and check your hair before you approach her. If your hair is unkempt, grab some water and spit and style that mop before you try to dazzle her with your presence.

Party Girl: I’d advise all men to stay away from these girls but if you are a glutton for pain, then by all means pursue the challenge for a night. A party girl is going to have a purse that she can hold in her hand and still dance. Yes, it’s a complete stereotype but it makes practical sense. Have you ever seen a girl on the dance floor holding a huge bag? . The party girl’s purse will be small and easy to throw over her shoulder without much weight.

Executive Suite: This woman is all about her career. If you want your independence, go for a woman who holds one of these purses because she’s not going to have much time for you. Her ambition will hold her attention and you will likely be the one waiting for her at the dinner table, complaining that the food is getting cold. What does her purse look like? The next time you see a woman wearing a suit, take a minute to observe her purse or handbag. They all look the same. Her purse will blend into her outfit similar to that leather briefcase that holds every guy’s laptop.

…hmmmmmm not really sure if they are accurate….but a very interesting prospective…which I am sure was written by a guy. LOL I personally like a well organized purse for my everyday like…I am not scared of color, but I want something that will look good with whatever I am wearing or wherever I happen to be going. I like lots of pockets for all my stuff. I also love a little evening clutch when I am out and about for an evening. All I need is enough room for some lipstick, a cell phone & some cash.

The contents of a woman purse…..well that is another thing. We all have our reasons for carrying what we carry. What do I have in my purse….of course a wallet….sun glasses & reading glass (hey I am almost 50 lol)…cell phone…medication…lip sticks…lip gloss….a ton of those store cards so I get the discounts & members benefits….. pens…post it notes….work ID badge….a small cosmetics bag with bandages, Tylenol, tampons, pads, hand cream, oh an I have been carrying this little empty tape dispenser that my daughter decorated with stickers about 10 years ago…she presented to me on my very first day of work after being out of the work force for many years….it was a good luck charm….yes I still carry it with me. The other day while reaching into my purse I discovered something that my hubby had to have put in my purse…thank goodness I didn’t pull it out in from of anyone….he put a vibrator in my zipper pocket at a joke…all I have to say is paybacks are a bitch J

So what do the contents of our purses say about us? Maybe…

A wallet stuffed with credit cards might suggest that you seldom carries cash with her or that she likes to shop.

An up-to-date library card indicates you like to read.

A bottle of hand sanitizer means you are concerned about germs.

A bottle of hand lotion shows concern for your skin. The fragrance of the lotion hints at your personality.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and feminine products indicate you like to be prepared.

Tubes of lipstick, lip gloss and make-up compacts show you are concerned about looking your best at all times.

A ponytail holder, dental floss and ear plugs hold nothing in common as a group but individually reinforce your state of readiness.

A little piece of paper with unintelligible words scribbled all over it can indicate scattered thoughts.

A condom shows that you are always prepared & safety first.

It really doesn’t matter if you carry a purse, what kind of purse you carry, or the contents of your purse….we all have our reasons & what we feel comfortable having or not having….but….have you ever thought about what your purse & its contents say about YOU???

 

Fashionesta...Thrift Store Fashion Challange

Fashionesta…..a passion for fashion….yes yes Yes!  I  caught the fashion bug.  Actually I have had the fashion bug for most of my life – I don’t ever remember a time when I didn’t enjoy fashion.  Growing up with a glamorous mom who was in the beauty industry I saw firsthand the tremendous amount of effort that goes into looking beautiful. 

Of course now unlike when my mom was a fashion junkie, its still effort; however things have changed drastically.  I can remember the endless number of wigs my mom used to wear….it was so cool – she would have a different style & color each day.  Now – there are those ladies out there that still sport a wig or two from time to time, but for the most part wigs are more of a costume.

 I also remember watching my mom getting all dolled up to go out with my dad…she always looked so beautiful.  She used to paint on her face…remember the days of the heavy paste foundation and the rouge?  What about the thin drawled on eyebrows and the pink matte lipstick….now those would be considered retro..lol  

I have always enjoyed make –up….but now days I mostly only wear the bare minimum – however I do have those occasions when I cake on the war paint.  My passion is the clothing…the shoes…the accessories…the jewelry. I am pretty sure I get that from my mom who had a huge closet with tons of shoes and purses & clothes galore…everything from 60’s mode to evening glamour.  I loved going thru my mom’s closet.  She hated me going thru her closet..lol Unfortunately when I was actually old enough to wear her things….my feet were to big & I was too tall..yep – my mom is somewhat height challenged. 

As I entered my teen years my love affair with fashion was in full force.   I truly believed you are what you wear….lol  My closet was stuffed full. I loved to shop…catalogs where all the rage at that time…every birthday, xmas, whatever I wanted more clothes.  I lived & died by the fashion magazines..lol   Kinda still do…lol

As I entered my young adult years I still loved fashion…but when you have to buy it with your own money…somehow the thrill of it falls to the wayside.  With school, living expenses, car payment, food and of course my drug use….didn’t have much $$$ to feed my fashion addition.   So…I started doing the retro vintage thing before it was the thing to do. I started looking for vintage pieces at thrift stores & yard sales….at that time it was very easy to find vintage..now – not so easy.   Yes I have to admit – there were times when my look was a little off the wall…..I so enjoyed the Cindy Lauper/Madonna look…..looking back now I think what the hell was I thing??? Lol

After I had babies my fashion direction changed – of course I still wanted to look good but fashion took a back seat.  I focused my passion for fashion on my baby daughter – she was always dressed to the nines….until she decided what she was going to wear not mommy.  Lol  During that period of my life I just wanted to look as thin as possible – like that worked..lol  I sported a lot of denim legging in a variety of colors, over sized button down shirts and ….yes penny loafers with white ruffles anklets…lol   I still love penny loafer btw!

I think my fashion spark re-lit itself when we were living in the DC area.  My hubby was gone most of the time and for the first time in 6 yrs of mommy-hood I returned to work….for it going back to work was an opportunity for fashion… working in an office I wore shirts, dresses, dress pants  and of course…..shoes!  It was fun & I enjoyed it…but I still found myself hovering to the safer side of fashion….somewhat conservative…not really a risk taker….maybe being a soldiers wife & a mom altered my fashion thinking.

By the time we arrived in CA I was back to my fashion way of life….at that time I was in the mindset of more is better….again I worked in an office & bought tons of clothes…..I then changed my job to asst. manager at Lane Bryant…let’s just say the discount is great…but when you spend more than you make – there is a problem….and not that my closet was too small for all the clothes..lol

I was not a mindful fashion buyer at that time…I still thought more is better…variety is better….some things I bought I never wore or only wore them once….that is a very bad investment….it took me a few years after CA to figure it out.   Live & learn I guess.

When we returned to Ohio I quickly got a job working out of someone’s home & then out of my home so the dress code was very casual.  There were days when I would wear flannel Jammie pants all day.  Yes, I did look nice when I met friends for dinner or when out with my hubby….but for the most part my fashion life was lack luster.  Prior to moving to Columbus I decided it was time to down size my wardrobe.   I had done this one other time…..when I first married my GI Joe & moved my 600# limit of stuff to Hawaii…..let’s just say my stuff was all…shoes, handbags, accessories & clothes….he had no idea…lol

So I went thru my wardrobe piece by piece…asking myself a few simple yes or no questions…Have I worn it in the last 6 months?......Do I love it?......Do I feel good when I wear it?   If the answer was yes – they were keeps…..if the answer was no – they were outta there!  In total I had 6 huge back trash bags full of clothes & shoes to donate.  It was time for me to put some thought into my look……it was time to be more mindful of what I bought & how much I spent.

 When I returned to work out of my home about 2 yrs ago I once again had to wear office attire.  Not wanted to invest a lot of money I pretty much stuck with the basics.   I thought I looked nice….for work….my daughter on the other hand asked me why I didn’t dress nice like I used to….that was a wakeup call….what she was actually saying was what happened to me putting energy & creativity into my look like I had in the previous year’s….she was right – I lost my wow factor…lol   Somehow lost the passion…….

There are those days when I look like a middle aged housewife…but for the most part I have

 re-embarrassed my inner fashionesta…..I am back to taking chances, pushing the fashion limit, being creative….of course all of that came with a price tag.  I was spending hundreds of dollars each month onto feed my addition..However this time…I was mindful…..before I would purchase something…I would ask myself……Do love?..... Do I feel good in it?...How often would/could I wear it?...and…What do I already own that I could/would wear this with?  I am not perfect & I did make a few blunders and or bad choices..but for the most part…..my wardrobe consists of lots of black…lots of jeans…lots of shoes and a bunch of accessories….my work clothes coordinate with my fun clothes….it’s a win win!

Over the year I have often went on what I like to call a fashion hiatus…..where I would not buy any new clothing or shoes, etc.  I have to say for a gal like me – I did very well.  So…..at this point in my life….where fashion funds are tight what is a gal….a fashionesta gal like me to do?  I still want to look current & stylish without spending a lot of $$$$$. 

Over the years I have shopped at many a thrift store…..I love a great find….but it just has never really been my deal…….but……times are a changing.  I was reading online about a Thrift Store Fashion Challenge….it was from 2011…on this site  the women only bought clothing at thrift stores for 6 months….they were permitted to buy things like undies, bras, swimsuits new.  So I started thinking…..I could do this.  I already have a core of a great wardrobe…..I can so do this….but for how long?  Could I maintain this for 6 months? A year?   Ya know…shopping is shopper no matter the location – the fix is the same…..I think.

USA Today says that more than 70% of adults shop at some sort of thrift or second hand store…buying used clothing  is more socially acceptable than ever..it’s somewhat of a trend.  Below is a list from another thrift store shopping site – best tips when buying second hand clothing….

1. Set a budget. This is difficult at first — you don’t know how much things cost. But eventually you’ll be able to tell yourself, “I’m going spend $20 today”. It becomes a game to see how much you can buy for $20.
2. Discard your prejudices. Some people consider thrift stores and used clothing shops nasty dirty places. Some are. Most aren’t. Explore your neighborhood. Find a shop or two that you like, and you’ll be hooked.
3. Go with a friend. It’s good to have a second opinion. Your friend may have an eye for what looks good on you — and vice versa.
4. Try things on. Sizes vary widely between manufacturers and even by eras. (Today’s clothes have looser fits.) But go in knowing your general size and measurements. Note that some places don’t have dressing rooms, so it’s smart to wear a modest thin layer in case you need to strip down in the aisle.
5. Examine each item thoroughly. It sucks to get home to find your new shirt has a hole in the pocket. Or that the slacks you thought were a steal actually have a broken zipper.
6. Check washing instructions. You don’t want to pay $3 for a silk blouse if you’ll never dry-clean it.
7. Use the tags as a guide to find quality brands you like, but don’t limit yourself. Sometimes a brand you’ve never heard of can yield a favorite piece of clothing.
8. Think layers. Maybe that shirt with a stain on the sleeve has a great collar for wearing under a sweater. For $3, you can afford to buy a single-purpose shirt.
9. Use thrift stores as a way to diversify your wardrobe. Buy colors and styles on which you normally wouldn’t spend much. Wear the new clothes a few times to see how you like them, and to gauge the reaction of others.
10. Used clothing stores are great for certain accessories. Why pay $30 for a new belt in a department store when you can get a better belt in your size for just $2? I like to shop at second-hand stores for hats. (Nice hats.)
11. Look for clothes new with tags. Sometimes unsold department store inventory finds its way to used clothing stores and thrift shops. You’ll generally pay more for these items, but not much.
12. If you won’t wear it, don’t buy it. You don’t save money buying a $3 shirt if it just sits in your closet for two years.
13. Wash clothes when you get them home.
14. Watch for sales. Used clothing stores (and thrift stores) run periodic specials. Our favorite local store just ran a half-off sale. The local thrift stores often have specials on certain items.
15. If you go to the same store often, ask when they rotate stock. Stores get new shipments regularly. Most also have extra stock in storage. If you become familiar with the owners, you might even ask them to keep an eye out for particular items.
16. Take your time. At normal clothing shops, everything is neatly organized. Not so at most thrift stores. When thrifting, it’s more important to be patient, to browse the racks methodically.
17. If buying used clothes becomes a habit, institute a “one in-one out policy”. Every time you bring home something new, get rid of something old. (Give it away, take it to a thrift store, or save it for a garage sale.)
18. Have fun! Buying used clothing can save you money. It’s also a fun way to kill a Saturday afternoon. At $3 an item, you can afford to be adventurous sometimes.

……..back to the Thrift Store Fashion Challenge…..the women who participated set a month budget…they would purchase things to add to their current wardrobe….they kept track of how much they spent on each item & would take a picture when they wore it.  I am thinking not only would this be a fun challenge….I would save $$ and still look good…and get my fashion fix.   I can blog about it, post pictures of great finds….expand my wardrobe and my look….what a great idea & a great challenge.

I’m am all in! I am have decided to commit to this Thrift Store Fashion Challenge for 1 yr…..I have set my monthly spending budget at $50…..the only “NEW” things I will allow myself to buy are of course undies & bras, swimwear and athletic shoes & socks.   I know I can so do this!   Not only can I do it – but I can do it with style.

Care to join the challenge?

....so long 2012

 

It’s so hard to believe my 49^th year is almost at an end.  I find myself looking forward to all that 2013 has to offer.  I keep secretly telling myself to keep my chin up and get through the last few weeks of 2012 with GRACE…believe me some days are harder than others. 2012 has definitely been very humbling not to mention heartbreaking at times.  It has also been a year of new beginning and so many changes, some hellos & many good byes…. some good & some not so good…but thru is all I have this glimmer of hope – a feeling that good things are on the way…right around the corner….I just know it. 

 

I am truly blessed by family, friends & health.  I am not complaining at all….I am thankful for what I have been given…..I try to live with gratitude, I try not to get lost in my (for lack of a better word) disappointment….that’s kinda harsh…..Let me clarify…I am disappointed with the circumstances not my/our  lives.  Financially our lives did a major nose dive after Mitch was let go….his office decided to go in a direction that left him &  several of his collogues outta work.

 

Yes, we did know it was coming and no matter how mentally & financially you think you are prepared – you aren’t...not at all.   To add insult to injury…Mitch found out the one thing that he has worked so hard to achieve & maintain…his TSS had expired because his previous employer didn’t feel it necessary to submit the required paperwork in a timely manner because he was not working on a project that required it…what crap is that?  So now almost 11months later….he is still waiting for the TSS.  And at this point in his career & our lives….that TSS is our golden ticket. For him it is a very frustrating waiting game…..but as we do know..this too will pass…we just hope it happens sooner than later.

 

My GI Joe hubby has transformed himself into a Mr. Mom since he has been spending so much time at home.  It’s great - he does laundry, vacuums, and has dinner on the table when I walk in the door. As great as it is having him home I am so ready for life to return to normal – for several; reasons…the most important  Mitch’s sanity.   I have to give him credit – for the last year or so he has been doing the tough mental & emotional work needed to learn to deal with his anger issues.  It has not been easy for him…or me…but I am proud to say he is doing it. Kudos to Mitch.

 

My crowning glory in 2012 as in every year since 1996 is hands down – my daughter Madison.  Being Maddie’s mom brings me more joy than I ever thought possible…yes there are those days when she drives me crazy as I am sure I drive her nuts….but that’s all in the fun  & complex relationship called mothers & daughters.   I am amazed on a daily basis how truly beautiful Maddie is on the inside as well as the outside.  She is such a gentle old soul with compassion…she is also a head strong, very intelligent young lady who is well on her way to greatness. 

 

In this past year Maddie has accomplished so much, she is now a sophomore in high school….seems like only yesterday I was holding her in my arms….when they say time flies – oh are they right!  Maddie started the school year playing on the tennis team with assorted injuries she was happy to see the season come to an end.  I do think at this point it is safe to say Maddie has decided to hang up her tennis racket for the rest of her high school years & focus on her studies and of course the school newspaper.  Journalism is Maddie’s passion – she wants to be a writer someday – which I have no doubt she will accomplish it.  This year Maddie landed a spot as the news editor for The Reporter  - she finds great joy in sharing her stories….not to mention being in charge…lol…she is her mother’s daughter after all.

 

2012 was a pivotal year for Maddie…she turned Sweet 16 and designed her own class right.  I see Maddie developing into this force to be reckoned with & I am so impressed by her. As I said before – maddie is destine for great things. Of course at 16 there is a rite of passage per say….it’s time to learn to drive.  I think like Maddie – Mitch & I are excited, nervous & thrilled all at the same time.  No doubt she will do fine.

 

My step son Trayel….who I am very proud of & has given us 2 beautiful granddaughters tied the knot this year to a wonderful young lady who is also a sailor.  Her name is Jennifer & after meeting her I could not be happier – she is a very intelligent down to earth young lady who has it all going on.  I wish them both much love & happiness. I look forward to getting to know Jennifer & hope they have lost more grandbabies in the future…if that’s what they want. 

 

My  granddaughters….I am ashamed to say I have not been active in their lives.  I do love & adore them & I could of course excuse it by saying they live so far away…but that’s not the deal….they both bring such joy to our lives & we do miss seeing them ….I think…I know I for one have been so self consumed by the many changes in our life that I just kinda didn’t cultivate a better relationship with either.  I am going to rectify that & one of my many goals for 2013 is to secure that bond & relationship with both little girls.

 

Talking about my family would not be complete without mentioning the four legged family members….and one three legged red head..lol    Cleo the Queen Bee of the house is now 18yrs old…I am not sure how old that is in cat years but she is still a bit feisty from time to time.  After her brother Max passed 2yrs ago Cleo seems to have come out of her shell so to speak…she is way more friendly than ever. But the reality is that she is aging & our goal is to keep her happy & healthy as possible for as long as possible. After all she is a Queen!

 

Our big boy Cinder short for “Cinderella” is almost 13yrs old and is really starting to display signs of old age.  He has been a very loyal & trustworthy buddy for all of us, I am sorry to say we may have to make a decision sooner than later….we do not want him to suffer.  We all love & adore him – we all will be devastated when Cinder passes, I especially worry about Maddie. Cinder was her 4^th birthday gift – the bond her & Cinder have is unbreakable – he loves her more than anything as does she loves him.  It will be a very sad day for all.  As I tell Maddie – we need to celebrate Cinder’s life with happy, loving memories. He is the best fella out there.

 

Last but not least is our three legged red head girl pup Maggie Mae.  Mag-Pie joined out family 2 yrs ago, she has been such a joy.  She has such a loving, affectionate disposition we could not have asked for a better pup.

Maggie started out following me around everywhere….but since our roles have changed & I am outta of the house everyday & Mitch is home – Maggie has decided she is a daddy’s girl….yep she is such a trader…..he spoils her rotten….she even sleeps with us.  LOL  There is no doubt that when Cinder passes Maggie will be there to comfort all of us, she will be our rock.  I often wonder if that is truly the reason she came into our lives…after all…..how many adoptive dogs are there on the internet……and she was the one we found…kinda makes ya wonder. Did we save her or was the plan for her to save us?

 

2012 has been a crazy year for me as well.  I have had emotional lows and a few highs……illnesses…depression and just plain old fashion lack of give a shit……..I started out 2012 with chronic sore throats that turned into strep throat each month for the first 4 months of the year….then after a blood test they determined I had a step infection in my blood….so bring on the drugs.   I also started on a low dosage of Zoloft…..to take the edge off……lol….not sure it it works or not….lol.  Then of course the Big “M” showed its ugly head..yes you know it – menopause……I have to say the human body is an amazing thing – however let me just say…..the side effects of menopause are a trip and believe me  I am not talking as in  trip the light fantastic.  Lol

 

My periods are wracked…some months extremely heavy while other months hardly anything….sometimes I have a cycle 2 or 3 times a month ….then there are those ones that last and last & last…..my boobies are sagging…..my belly is getting rounder….we are not even gonna mention the size of my ass…..getting older sure does do a number on your body….of course lack of exercise, eating junk & drinking alcohol don’t’ really do anything to assist  in the anti-aging process…lol  Damnit!

 

I am really not complaining about getting older – I actually am embracing the fact that I turn 50 this year….I will be fabulous at 50!  I have decided to do 50 things fir my 50^th year…things I have never done or experienced before…oh yes some are completely off the wall, some are romantic, so are just  downright crazy…..but I plan to make my way thru my list by 5/20/2014!  Just so you have some idea what I plan to accomplish my 5^0th year – here is my list…..

 

1.       Eat healthy

2.      Exercise regularly

3.       Run/walk in a 5K

4.      Dance in the rain

5.      Color my hair some wacked out color

6.       Walk naked on a beach

7.      Do a road trip with the girls

8.      See the Mall of America

9.      Zip line

10.  Visit CA

11.    White water rafting

12.   Donate blood

13.    Climb a rock wall

14.   Ride a horse

15.   Go to a drive in theater

16.    Spend a whole day in bed

17.   Get a tattoo

18.   Get rid of the negativity in my life

19.   Send a message in a bottle

20. Feel beautiful

21.   Risqué photo shoot

22.  Feel comfortable in a swimsuit

23.   Flash someone

24.  Gamble in Vegas

25.  Shoot a gun

26.   Have breakfast in bed

27.  Smash a pie in someone’s face

28.  Take a vow of silence for 1 whole day

29.  Pole dance class

30.  Road trip with no destination

31.    Receive Chocolates on Valentine’s Day

32.   Put together a family cookbook

33.   Give a homeless person a Xmas gift

34.  Have sex in public

35.   Receive an edible arrangement

36.   Go camping

37.   Kiss in the rain

38.   Ride a mechanical bull

39.   Go shopping without a budget

40. Run in the rain naked

41.   Swim in the ocean naked

42.  Walk on a nude beach

43.  Volunteer at a soup kitchen

44. Organize my entire house

45.  Thrift store fashion challenge

46.  Be creative

47.  Read 12 books

48.  Random acts of kindness

49.  Do a mother daughter trip w/ Maddie

50. Do a romantic weekend getaway w/ Mitch

My 2012 …. wakeup call…..to make a long story short – after spending some time in the hospital & having a come to Jesus conversation with my doctor..turns out I have very high blood pressure & I have to take it serious.  It took me awhile to wrap my head around it…I thought I could control my bp with my food intake…although I do think controlling what foods I eat can be a definite plus….until I get the numbers under control I have to accept taking meds.

 

2012 was a year of relationship  adjustments…ok more like re-adjustments lol   I started off the year trying to make sense of a friendship gone astray…the sense of grief & betrayal was somewhat overwhelming at times, now almost a year later I still don’t understand, however I do accept it – I try to only think about the fun times we shared…..no way am I gonna focus on the crap…just not healthy.

(When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.)

(When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.)

I lost touch with a few old friends & some family members who I dearly miss…one of my goals for 2013 is to reconnect & stay in touch. There again, I am not sure why or how I allowed the friendships fall to the wayside…maybe life got too busy or I just got lazy.  It is what it is…it’s gonna improve in 2013.

I reconnected with some old friends.  I am truly blessed by their friendship – they are like family to us. They are my lifetime friends.  We so enjoyed their visits this past summer.  Having them at our home is such a comfy feeling, just to sit around and enjoy each other’s company; sense of humor & chit chat is such a blessing. We defiantly hit the jack pot when they walked into our lives.  Next summer we plan to visit all of our friends in CA – on their turf.  So looking forward to it.

  (LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. – Author Unknown

 

A few new friends entered my life in 2012.  It is always a treat to meet people who you truly connect with on many levels. People who seem to be on the same page as yourself, who understand & accept you just as you are.  I have to say my new friends have added much needed joy & laughter to 2012.  As time passes I am sure our friendship will grow into a lifetime relationship.

 

As I look forward to 2013 I can’t help but think about turning 50 …. A decade of transition in so many ways…I welcome it with open arms, open heart & open mind.   Yes I know….getting older plays havoc in  many ways….. bodily changes, menopause ends the childbearing years, gray hairs; changes in vision  & of course…if it hasn’t already…. gravity takes its toll… necks sag, stomachs bulge, breasts droop, faces wrinkle, underarms swing, waists thicken and knees and back ache, skin loses its elasticity.  .Damn…why is it that I am looking forward to this milestone called 50?? lol   Damned if I knowJ

In a few more years I will experience an empty nest…of course I think I will be 53…lol…I so look forward to Maddie going off to college, to make her own way in the world…..however….it’s  depressing to imagine life without Maddie at home.. But in the long run I bet the freedom will be exhilarating, providing an opportunity to try something new such as a career change, going back to school, or downsizing and moving to a new location. Which is exactly the plan…..

Turning 50  - the infamous "midlife crisis,". (some would say I hit my mid life crisis years – yes if you truly know me then you know I am a nut case …in a good way….sometimes in an even better way..LOL)  I am driven by the opportunity to change or improve aspects of my life that I have been less than thrilled about over the years…..turning 50 is certainly momentous, but it doesn't have to be portentous. It is going to be a time in which I can evaluate what's important and what's not, and decide if, where and when change is needed. So looking forward to me at 50. I figure I have 10 yrs…a decade to get me right…lol

As I think about 2012 coming to an end….all I can think about is what wonderful opportunities 2013 will offer.  Big changes & huge opportunities are right around the corner..I can feel it in my bones.  You know some years ask us the hard questions & some years provide the answers……it is yet to be seen which one describes 2012.   Time will tell.