Keep them laughing

Okay, enough is enough. What is it with dying young? Not acceptable, not even imaginable and yet, a terrible fact of life. I know God gets bored in heaven and needs some great people to perk things up from time to time. It's just hard to understand. Good-bye Alex. Your laugh was infectious, your smile contagious, your humor and wit unmatchable...and the list goes on. The years we spent working together will always be a happy memory - especially sharing stories of your daughters and my son together. A Weatherization guru - a senior advisor on anything and everything technical to weatherize your home, a consultant for DOE.

Dirty Dancing forever

I just have one thing to say (I know, that is a tall order for me) - how can you ever tire of watching "Dirty Dancing". Now I'll be honest, I never learned to dance that way. Even after pouring out a ton of money for a year at Arthur Murray dance studio - dirty dancing was not on the dance card. I have to say, if there is one thing I really miss from my single/no children days is dancing. I use to love to go to the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo. Wow, what a time. Then there were the dancing bars located in hotels - no need to go down town when you just headed to the closes hotel. I even loved watching at the country music bars. Those were the days. Maybe that is how I stayed thinner. Of course, now being over weight, knee problems and it doesn't take much to throw my neck out and sleep terrible (side effect from carrying around the twins). Guess that is part of life. But when I become a senior citizen, I do hope I have the enery and breathing capacity to get back to dancing - ALOT! Show them your stuff Baby!

The Love of Music

If you would like an opportunity to win some amazing music for your music loving dad, go on over to Tech Savvy Mama www.techsavvymama.blogspot.com.

Surviving and Why

I asked this question often, as the child of an elderly parent who has managed to make all my years of growing up complicated and difficult. Most people say, he's 82, he's a widower, blah blah blah. I thank you for just trying to say something to make me or the situation better. Unfortnately, nothing will work. I often think about a book I might write, even though I'm sure a million have been written already.....but a book on growing up with parents with various mental illnesses (which names were not invented until recent years) and that it means despite all that, you can still grow up to be a good person, law abiding and most of all, a loving and devoted parent. Are there times that I ask....why me? Sure. Doesn't everyone? I could think of worse things, and others have lived far worse lives. So what do you do? You make the best of each day, vent to those caring individuals who will listen and understand, pick yourself up, make someone else happy, give extra hugs and kisses to your kids, and just be happy that you got up, have a roof over your head and can make as little or the most out of your day(s) ahead. No matter how hard another individual tries (and no matter how long) to complicate your life, you have a choice. Either let them or prove to yourself, you can be who and what you want. If you live with any type of torment in your life, hold on to something in your life. Believe in something if you can't believe in yourself. Be there for someone if you can't be there for yourself. Give your life meaning. You count. Don't let anyone tell you differently. God gave us many gifts and internal powers, let him guide you and show you the way. Pray. Believe. Survive.

Dedication to the Mouse

I was sad to learn that there was another passing of "the mouse". Wayne Allwine, the actor who voiced Mickey Mouse for more than 30 years, has died. He was 62. Allwine joined Disney in 1966 when he took a job in the mail room. He went on to work in the sound effects department and began voicing the company's main mouse in 1977. Allwine was the third man behind Mickey's voice.

Who would have thought, start out as a mail room clerk and end up as THE MICKEY MOUSE! Goes to show you, anything is possible.

"My only hope is that we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney

Giveaways and winners

I hope some of you entered the amazing giveaways. I managed to win the Sees Candy. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE chocolate so that was the perfect win but I'm sure my blood sugar won't thank me. Of course, the digital camera or beautiful jewelry would have been a cool thing to win. Some how, it's the candy that seeks me out. Where it can adhere to me - especially my butt. Why is that? Of all the amazing things on that list to win, I win the candy. I even said that as I was entering the contest....I bet I will win the candy. Regardless....as I have said before, winning giveaways is my new way of shopping. Whether its candy or a really cook birdhouse or beautiful wrapping paper (almost too lovely to use) or a Hannah Montana DVD....I'll take it. It makes me feel special and I LOVE getting packages in the mail. Bring on the giveaways!!

Beautiful Memories

When I saw this posting on Techsavvymama, I couldn't help but immediately think of my mother and grandmother, who both passed before their time and leaving a void in my life. What a beautiful way to keep a memory close to you. If you would like a chance to win one of these necklaces - go to http://www.techsavvymama.com/ or just go to this sight to read about the jewelry, you may want one for a gift for someone you love or yourself. Thanks again Tech Savvy Mama for sharing.

The Tree of Life Charm is handmade by Mark and Carla Mead of Black Mountain Jewelry Company. The jewelry is made from 100% recycled metals and fair trade gemstones. They also give 5% of each sale to Children’s charities. This collection was designed to help people find strength, feel connected and to celebrate life in a way that becomes possible when you have a tangible talisman, a physical reminder you can touch and be reminded of what touches you. www.blackmountainjewelry.com