On...

My accident has opened doors for me that I may not have opened myself. It also allowed me to be less afraid to open those doors, to peek in, and then, maybe even to walk in and see what happens. Perhaps, when you know what could have happened, it shifts perspective a bit on the things that do happen. I have had the opportunity to slow down. Anyone who knows me, knows that I rarely slow down. And I was definitely forced into it this time, but it has been good. It has allowed me to see what is truly important, rather than just urgent. I have had an opportunity to spend time with my children this summer. I understand how much they need me, and how much I need them. And while I always knew they were important, I know even more that love and attention are key to helping them understand and use the tools at their disposal for success. I have had an opportunity to push my body further in my determination for health and fitness. Yeah, I had to start over a bit. My muscles, when I first

As it turns out, the Pinterest that I developed a relationship with was one that was kind, imaginative, and giving. I was able to create a Minecraft birthday party that made Simon, and his friends, incredibly happy. But, even though the relationship wasn't bad and I got a lot out of it, it's not one I can or want to sustain. So, I'm breaking up with Pinterest. Pinterest, it's not you, it's me. I hope you don't take it personally. I know there are tons of other people who would love to have a relationship with you, one where they can be completely devoted to you. I cannot do that. You gave me good ideas. You helped me create something special for someone I love. You, for one brief afternoon, made me a really cool mom. You brought out a lot of good in me. For all of these things, I appreciate you.     Unfortunately, you also brought out a lot of qualities that I'd prefer not to be faced with day-to-day. I became competitive, not just with the oth

I have failed at a million things (as I'm sure most of us have).  Some of these things have been very significant failures that I regret. Others, in the grand scheme of things, haven't mattered so much. Regardless of whether the failure was significant or not, or led to future success or not, one thing I can say I'm thankful for, is that I try - that I keep going. This is a lesson I hope to instill in my children.  We are not successful because we fail, we are successful because we try, we fail, and we pick ourselves up and try again, and again, and again.  Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we still fail.  And that sucks. I mean REALLY SUCKS! But, even if we don't succeed in the task at hand. We can still succeed.  We can grow and learn from our failures and make adjustments for the future.  And still, I would rather try and fail than never risk trying. Because, to never risk trying means never growing and learning, and never ultimately succeeding. So, here

I will admit it: I love prepackaged stuff. Whether food (particularly kids lunches) or party supplies, if it's prepackaged, I'll pay the extra money for the convenience. I can see my mom reading this right now and cringing, at least about the food. Now that I've gotten that admission out of the way, I'll tell you why I'm thinking about this. Simon's birthday party is in a couple of weeks. He wanted a Minecraft themed party. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Minecraft , I promise that Simon could spend hours filling you in, but for the sake of time, it's a video game. Minecraft is a pretty popular video game and there are all sorts of plush creatures, LEGO kits, and other things that you can purchase. There are not, however, party supplies. WHAT?!?!! Why on earth has someone not made prepackaged party supplies for Minecraft ? I am not an artsy-craftsy kind of person. I don't just dislike being artsy-craftsy, I'm pretty sure it gives me