Chuck the ice pack and the friend

(For my IC, thanks for always being there.)

What is it about a person that makes you want to kick them in the shin but then turn around and give them an ice pack to ease the pain?

Some people really irk me, especially the person who's being exactly themselves and oblivious to anyone around them. They're the worse type because they think their actions are acceptable behavior. People like this make my skin feel like hundreds of ants are trying to conquer a new empire by racing from my nicely manicured toes to the top my ever changing hair colored head. Being a well-balance Libra I try to see the other side of the coin: that it could be my behavior, judgement, demands that are wacky. But who am I fooling? It really is just them.

I have a friend, and I use this term loosely, who doesn't return phone calls, texts and emails yet expects to get my attention at the snap of a couple fingers. When we're together the conversation lacks. Discussions are one sided and boring and I feel like I'm really just asking questions of the Magic 8 ball I had when I was a kid. Sharing stories or information is like prying state secrets from the Russians. Honestly, what fun is that? Where is the sharing, the laughter, the memory-making?

The shine wore off of this friendship a while ago. Yet, it's hard to let go.

As many times as I've said good-bye, I've said hello. I keep trying to tell myself my friend is a good person and means well. Yet time and time again I'm disappointed. Perhaps it's my mothering-instinct saying "this person can't really be that bad." Being the total control freak I am perhaps I believeI can change my friend. Nutty, huh? (I certainly don't want someone changing me!) Maybe it's all of that and more. One thing's for sure, it's definitely unhealthy for me.

This time I've garnered up my strength and said, "enough!" It's time to break-up this friendship and surround myself with only the best. No more working on a one-sided relationship and no more answering finger snaps. It's time to learn from my mistakes, surround myself with my girls, be silly, and laugh until my belly hurts.

Sparkle & Delight

For me, "moments" occur when I'm completely awestruck at how perfect an aspect of life can be. These moments are fleeting but always have a great impact. I had such a moment last night watching Jack play football. Jack just intercepted the ball and was running with gusto. I was surrounded by cheering fans when it hit me: I have a vast array of awesome friends who add sparkle & delight to my life daily.

My friends come in all shapes and sizes: old & new; rich & poor; black & white; nerdy & sporty; single & married; religious & atheist; goofy & serious. The diverse personalities give each person a glow that shines when we're together.

I love that my friend circle has expanded greatly over time, especially in the last few years. Having a son makes it easy to connect to new people but so does an open mind and positive attitude. I've tried to cast aside preconceived notions and judgmental thoughts so I can be open to the limitless possibilities of the joy waiting to be shared between friends. And, I've been greatly rewarded by the beautiful people that surround me.

Live in the moment and seize every opportunity to spend time with the girls, meet someone new or smile to a stranger as you're walking down the street. Before you know it the sparkle and delight will rain down on you.

Be Happy

Newest title to my book collection: Be Happy.

It's the perfect little addition to my bookshelf. I could've written this little lovely myself but glad I didn't have to go to all that trouble. Favorite quote thus far: "Happiness is not a destination; it's a personal choice." Love it!

Get it. Enjoy it. Revel in all the sunshine.