Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

It is hard to believe that our family was gathered together to celebrate Christmas just a short week ago, but it is true. Now Tom and I are alone, after spending a few days together in Chicago, and preparing to celebrate the incoming 2013.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful week of rest, relaxation, and reflection.

Max looking good for the holidays.

Baby Phia's first Christmas

Super Heros

Max got Playdoh and played with it for hours.

Family Photo

Fun with crackers and crowns

Assignment: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Finding Hope

This week I am having a hard time forming words. The tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary murders is haunting. I truly grieve for the people of Newtown and like many, am lifting the first responders, the school, the families, the precious children, and the town up in my prayers. Even for a Christian, this tragedy is one that creates more questions than answers. I am seeking, searching, and hoping for resolve of some nature.

Sadly, what I am seeing within the world of social media is harsh, angry comments pointing blame and creating a divide. Our President of the United States has had to visit four communities in his one term in office to comfort and mourn the loss of lives taken in mass murders. Four visits to share the collective sorrow of our people in four short years.
How long will we continue to shout for a solution while we hold firm to our personal beliefs in what is right? Isn’t it time that we have a conversation around gun control, the mental healthcare system, not to mention the sensationalism of media and entertainment in American today? No one is saying that guns will be banned but seriously, why is it unacceptable to discuss the all too easy access to semi-automatic guns? Why is it not okay to have a discussion on why people would need guns of this caliber without screams that rights are being taken away?

Let me ask you this, if not a discussion on gun control – what is the answer? What will keep our streets safe? In my lifetime, I have encountered guns used in anger and ignorance on four separate occasions: The loss of my cousin to a foolish game of Russian Roulette, a high school drive with a good friend and her boyfriend who was carrying (unknown to us until the end of the night when we were told he was seeking revenge), a classmate who was shot and killed our senior year, and a friend who was sitting on her porch this past fall when caught in gang cross fire. The gang crossfire, by the way, was after a football game and it was between two 14-year old children. For the record, I grew up in middle class suburbia not the inner city.

I don’t want to restrict your second amendment in any way but I ask that you respect my rights to discuss solutions. I don’t ask that you agree with me but I ask that you understand my belief that no person outside of the military or law enforcement needs access to high powered semi-automatic weapons and massive amounts of ammunition. If you try to listen to me – I will try to listen to you. Perhaps in our listening we can find a solution for those who come after us.

Regarding mental health, can we agree that there are serious issues within our current system? Can we agree that there are countless levels of personality disorders and that we do not have a system to keep these people or their loved ones (and others) safe if these disorders grow to violent tendencies toward self or others? Can we stop turning a blind eye to this issue? Can we have a discussion on what is needed to break the social taboo that seeking help means that you are broken? This is at crisis level and something must be done. We are not discussing those who scam the system for personal gain, so put that tired defense away. We are speaking of those who need, want, and seek help but are turned away, unsure of what to do, or simply do not have access. If you don’t believe people or stories like this are true, call me for some very personal stories. I will share these if it will help this discussion begin.

Finally, I do want to say a few words about the troubling social media messaging that is saying this tragedy happened because we are a Godless culture. You are right; the world is Godless for the most part. Evil has and will continue to happen because God has given us freedom and choice. America is one of the most believing nations in the world, yet this and other tragedies continue to happen. Today, there will be another murder, a drunk driver, a suicide, a violation. Bad things happen. I pray they didn’t but this is what it is to be human. Called by Christ, our actions, deeds, and words are to help bear witness, mercy, forgiveness, love, and comfort. Let me ask you, what does your messaging say to a young Christian? What is it saying to a non-believer? Is it more of a taunting than comfort? Is it a “I told you so” instead of a let me help bring you bring peace? Brothers and Sisters in Christ, be careful your tongue is used to praise God and that we are used for His will. Am I making a judgment here, yes, yes, I am.

You know, you don’t have to agree with me on all or any of these points. That is My point. Even if we disagree, let’s do it with respect, love and a united desire for solution.

Assignment: Romans 5:3-4 3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Where there is Hope there is God. I pray we all keep our Hope Alive.

Adios el Taco Bell

Fifteen years ago today, I had to admit to myself that I had a problem. I had become entrapped by Taco Bell. It began in 1980, when the first Taco Bell moved in a mere 10 minute drive from high school. We were able to do off campus lunches and my friends and I were lured by the promise of high food volume at a low price.

It was there I fell in love with menu basics. I am not a fancy franchised food gal, I like the core – the simple delights mass production has to offer. Oh, the beautiful flavor of the bean burrito with a package of hot sauce. The crisp delight of a corn shelled taco or tostada. Oh, the taste bud pleasures created by whatever ‘meat’ substance they use on their product – simply addictive.

Over the years, I would dabble. A splurge here, a purge there but by 1997, my need had grown. Damn you cheap and fast Tex-Mex! I found myself getting a fix weekly, maybe twice a week. With each trip my cravings grew. It was never enough.

I remember the day clearly, one of my daughters and I were going to see the Nutcracker. We decided to grab some fast food beforehand. Clearly, Taco Bell would be the place to go. I mean, what better way to say; Feliz Atracon, than with Taco Bell. I am sure we went big, dropped maybe $7 or $8 dollars for our treats. Then we ate without a care in the world until it hit me – what the heck am I doing? What the heck am I eating? Why the heck do I do this so frequently?

And like that, I stopped. Today marks the 15th anniversary of taking my life back and making December 13, 1997 the last time I “made a run for the boarder”

Sometimes, I remember what it tasted like and I miss it.

Assignment: Feliz Atracon – wondering what that means . . .Google it from Spanish to English.

I Must Confess - I like Cheese

Let me begin this week’s entry with a disclaimer. What you are about to read may sound like it is coming from the mind of an art snob, but trust me, that isn’t the case. This post may be dangerously close to the insult fault-line but remember this; I sought each of these occasions out personally. I spent time and money to willingly and eagerly attend so what this is in fact is a confession for my love of cheese.

I love cheesy things. Nachos notwithstanding, I recently realized that I crave cheesy entertainment. It began with Weird Al Yankovic at an outdoor concert in the 1980’s. I don’t remember much of this concert. I wasn’t under any influence, I simply just wasn’t overwhelmed. He was entertaining, I am sure. I have to guess I laughed a little, but the only memory that really stands out is a woman in the crowd with a haircut I really liked.

That’s the fun of cheesy entertainment, you never know if you are going to truly love it, cringe, cry, or slink to the back of the room hoping not to be seen.

The next, “I HAVE TO GET TICKETS TO THIS” concert was Gallagher. There was a large group of us going to this one. We had tickets in the front few rows of the show. The real threat zone, because a smashing watermelon is Gallagher’s signature move. Back in these days, I had to be to work at 6:00 A.M. (a key reason I hate mornings so much today), and this was a weeknight concert. I remember he had a lot of sight gags and it was a long show. It was a very long show. I feel asleep for a while but awoke in time for the signature move, so worry not.

For Trans-Siberian Orchestra, we traveled through a snow blizzard to attend this sold out performance. I love rock and roll (cue Joan Jett) and I love Christmas, so a band that plays rock and roll Christmas music is, well . . .let’s just say it. It is a Christmas Miracle. The music that you hear on the radio is even more awesome when heard performed live. These hairband throwbacks swing their golden locks round with pure abandonment. Everything is going perfectly and then for the second act, they break into songs you DON’T HEAR ON THE RADIO. At one point, I fell into a restful sleep only to wake moments, hours, I don’t know -but sometime later, and the same song was still playing! Show was saved with the indoor pyrotechnics – very cool.

This falling asleep in public thing, should I worry?

The follow-up for Trans-Siberian was Mannheim Steamroller. Let me be very clear about this – I L.O.V.E this group’s music. It makes me happy and we traveled more than 2 hours to see this show. This was going to be the holiday show of a lifetime. The music was perfection, without question. However, I was distracted as I had to bear witness to the matching powder blue tuxes the musicians were forced to wear. I think this group makes a lot of money, and to this day, I do not understand this fashion statement. Um, hello, 1970 or retro chic? Maybe they never change their uniforms much like a baseball player in a winning streak? Whatever the case, I was getting over the shock only to have it replaced with a movie shown behind the band while they played on in seriousness. I can only describe it as ‘Game of Thrones’ to Christmas Music. On the upside, I stayed awake the whole time.

Next on the list was Blue Man Group at the Palace. Travel for this one was more than three hours. I had to see this show for work, no kidding. I was expecting full-on eye-rolling, stifled giggles and a nap. This did not happen because I liked this show, a lot. My eyes were not rolling; they were fixated on the drummers behind the Blue Men. These guys were a-maz-ing. They put on a great show with all their jumping and pounding. They never stopped. I can’t believe there isn’t a Blue Man Drummer Fitness for WII or something, cuz that would sell. For me, it is a onetime only show but it was a really good one time.

Most recently on the list was the Cirque Du Soleil and local Symphony. Again, a show for the Holidays so the music was favorable and the performers were death-defying. Okay, I don’t think anyone’s life was in peril but their limbs were continuously at risk for charilehorses. It was pretty cool.

So as you have read. I like Cheese and I am not ashamed who knows. Now if you will excuse me, A tonight is the Hallmark Holiday Special movie on ABC and I must get ready to watch it. Someone grab the crackers, this is going to be great!

Assignment: Embrace your guilty pleasures.

Happy Birthday Andy

Andy and his nephew, Max


A fellow blogger shared a story about her young daughter’s good deed to help a homeless man. This story reminded me of my son Andy, who on Monday will leave the world of teens to become a twenty something. Andy is a kind soul. His gentleness and caring nature are some of his greatest character traits.

When he was a little boy, we visited the local fire station for the annual Fire Safety Celebration. We were greeted by the area volunteer fire fighters who served cider and donuts while offering rides on the fire truck. After sampling all the fun, I noticed that Andy was having a deep conversation with his little sister, Maddy. They looked like they were negotiating a serious issue. I then watched Andy walk over to a fire fighter and hand him something. I asked him what he had done, his reply was a casual “We gave them our allowance”.

That morning they had each been given a quarter or maybe it was fifty cents, not a lot of money to most of us but for a single digit child, it was EVERYTHING. Andy had been so moved by the work these volunteers do, the food they shared, and the fun they provided that he wanted to give them a gift of thanks. I may have shared this story before but it is worth repeating because I never want to forget that day.

Flash forward to a few years ago, when Andy was a senior in high school. We were Christmas shopping and he was nearly done with his list and his cash supply. He had $12.00 remaining when we walked outside. A Salvation Army bell ringer was at his kettle and Andy walked over and gave him $5.00, not a single but nearly half of all he had remaining. When I asked him what made him give such a generous donation his reply was a casual “He was alone and it is cold outside”.

These are only two examples to help capture in words our son’s kind spirit.

Andy is currently a college sophomore. He is studying to become an elementary school teacher: a profession that is overworked, underpaid, and demands that he be invested in the sake of a child’s life. What a perfect place for him in this world.

Happy 20th Birthday Andy, you never fail to amaze me or make me laugh.

Assignment: If you know the boy, then send him warm wishes. If you don’t know him – thank a teacher for what they do to bring hope to children each and every day.

Thankful for All Things Great and Small

When I am old and forgetful, this is a Thanksgiving I am going to want to remember and so I am going to share a few of the highlights with you. Sure, yes, I know – you are welcome, now on with the Thanksgiving that was 2012.

The highlights begin with a Wednesday call from Maddy asking what we were going to have for Thanksgiving Dinner. Lasagna Maddy – what else would we serve? She then quizzed me on the deserts: Michigan Cherry Pie, Pumpkin Pie, and a White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake. Her reply, ugh you made that last year and no one ate it. Thankfully, this year, I am not attempting any oven adventures. Instead, I am supporting the economy. I can’t bake – I don’t even want to pretend like I can anymore. I have no pride left.

Finally the great day arrives and I start it with the 2nd Annual Marshville Damn Pie 5k. This is a neighborhood run and I love it. It is so much fun it really feels like community family of runners coming together. The route isn’t one of my favorites but I like that we run it blind. No timers. We all predict our finish time before the race and then we just go out and run. The runner closest to their time wins a pumpkin pie. I missed it by .17 seconds last year and missed it by more than 4 minutes this year. Yes sir, a PR for me on this fine day.

Here is a side note on my running Personal Records (PR). When I was younger and ran with a smaller body and the spirit of a young woman, I could pace a nice 7.5 – 8.5 mile. That was the ghost of my Running Past. Now in the Ghost of Running Present, my PR is a swift 31.29 for a 5k (3.1 miles) and that is a solid 10.12 pace. I am gunning for a sub-10 with my Ghost of Running Future. Did you notice, now that we are past Thanksgiving I can freely make Christmas references?

Filled with the pride of a great run I walked home with my son’s megaphone slung over my shoulder, a bottle of champagne in one hand and a mimosa in the other. Nice start to the day and it was about to get trumped by a surprise visit from B, Max and Phia.

Then it was time to prepare for the feast and I kid you not . . . I completely messed up the Jell-O. My poor children will never be able to share stories of how they learned to cook in mom’s kitchen.

The day ended with Steve and Jess coming over for (purchased) deserts and some games. It was a great day. We missed Megan (who had to work) and Jake (who has a special friend family celebration in Chicago) but with Christmas only a month away full family joy will soon be had.

Assignment: What if we all tried Thanks-Thursday each week – how awesome would that be?!

Lead with Love and random Awesomeness

This past weekend, every time I even thought about writing, I ended up stepping onto a soapbox. There are a lot of things troubling me about this ole’ world. I believe we could benefit from a collective time-out. We need a chance to calm down and think about how we are handling ourselves and treating others. Simple toddler fodder but those basics seem to be absent of late.

Problem is, with each soapbox rant I envisioned, I didn’t feel any better. I was just venting like a crazy woman and it all seemed to add to the problem. With that, on this Monday before Thanksgiving, I am going to try to be a part of the solution. I am going to try to lead with love.

Love and random awesomeness so our minds can rest from the anger, hate, and blame people seem to be getting all too comfortable with for my taste. Here is some random awesomeness for you to start stretching out your bellies in anticipation for Thursday’s feast. Nope, that does NOT make sense but stay with me here.

This past weekend, our high school team fought the hard fight on the field but they were defeated. No worries, I still believe and I am beyond proud of their accomplishments. Extra ‘ta-da’ for the coach who lives in my home (insert cat noise here and envision me making a claw with my hand and a sexy face). Go Tiger , Whew, TMI . . . ?

One thing I did notice at the game was the significant lack of cheers from my high school days. Maybe if I share them with you, you will also find it odd. Let’s see if you can connect with any of these gems . . .

Be Aggressive. B.E. Aggressive. B.E. AGG. RESS. IVE. Say What? (Crowd reply: Say What?). Be Aggressive.

R.O.W. D.I.E, that’s the way we spell rowdie. Rowdie, let’s get rowdie.

Push em’ back, Push em’ back . . .way Back.

First and 10 – do it again!

And in anticipation for basketball season, my all time favorite (this is a PG-13 cheer never sanctioned by the cheerleaders . . and only conducted by students in the stands).
Hit em’ in the left knee. Hit em’ in the right knee. Hit em’ in the wee-nee, wee-need a referee.

Oh, good times.

Assignment: Lead with Love . . .See what that does for a change. Happy Thanksgiving.

Football Hopes and Dreams

My husband is one of the coaches for the area high school football team and that team is having a very good year. This past weekend they played for the regional title – and won. This is the first time in the school’s history that it has advanced this far into the playoff rounds. Next step is semi-finals and if that goes well, a battle for the state title.

This is some pretty exciting stuff for our small community. This is so exciting, in fact, that a few hundred of us made the 8 hour trip north to cheer the boys on to a victory. Yes, you read that correctly, 8 hours one way to watch a 3 hour football game and then get in the car and make the long trek home. Oh, and did I mention that this football game was played in a downpour of rain. None of this mattered. This weekend was for the boys, for the coaches, for our town and the community’s sense of pride and hope a sport can bring. I can’t explain this - you either get it, or you don’t (btw, I do hope you get it).

As I looked throughout the stands all I could see was purple and white. It was heartwarming. Our cheers were so loud that the radio station covering the game picked them up and carried them off to those who were following the game from home. It was amazing. The boys played so hard and never, ever, gave up. It was thrilling. At the end of the game, the victory was declared and the opposing team’s (outstanding running back) grandfather congratulated me (we were sitting next to each other – awkward!), and we all rushed the field to share our pride. It was beautiful.
On the field, tears of joy were flowing, hugs to players were given, and bliss – just pure, simple bliss was shared. At that moment, that very moment, everyone’s hopes and dreams had come true.

Assignment: Send good thoughts our way for this weekend’s semi-final round.

Inventions!

Last night the football game was ccccoooollllldddd. With me, I had my .99 gloves and some hand warmers. This did nothing for the fingers that were quickly forming into flesh covered icicles. I removed my fingers from their glove sleeves and wrapped them over the warmer in my palm. As I watched the finger sleeves waving in the wind I thought, this is a great invention! I did more than think it - I annouced it proudly. As soon as I said it, I realized that the people who invented mittens must have had the same idea.

Assignment: Never stop thinking up the better mouse trap. But, don’t be surprised if people stare at you when you brightly announce it.

When Procrastination Scores a Win

One of the goals for this year (based on my birthday not the calendar) is to visit an art or cultural organization each month. I love art and culture but find that I can easily put off a visit for distractions of a more boring nature. I decided these visits would be a good addition to the improvement of me over this next year.

Today is the last day of October and my first month of implementing my new goals – and I am pressed for time. I waited till the last minute due to fictional and factual distractions and I am very close to scoring an epic failure. Not acceptable – so at lunch I headed out for an adventure.

I have been eyeing an area museum for a new exhibition they opened about a week ago. It looks amazing and it has one of my favorite artists on display. I popped in at lunch, without reading the website and found to my embarrassment – my membership had expired this past June (yep, distractions) and I only had $10 on me – no wallet, just cash. The entry for the museum and the special exhibition is $12 so I will be visiting that in November.

No problem, I will just head down to another museum to see their contemporary collection. Once I got there, I remembered that they have been forced to reconstruct their hours and was not open in the work day any longer. Hum, now my lunch clock is ticking away as fast as my calendar deadline.

With pure determination I forged on, across the park with a man sitting on the bench in a “Scream” mask (Halloween fun? – you never know) and I entered the library. The library is a historic and beautiful place – it has 5 floors of wonder. I spent my time on the 4th floor, which addresses local history. They had one of the most comprehensive and interesting displays on area high school football that I have ever seen.

The exhibition traveled from the late 1800’s to the 1950’s and it was filled photos, articles, and news clippings. In one article a memorial for a young player nicknames “Scottie” was displayed. Scottie died on the field in a freak accident. His final words, “It wasn’t Unions fault” – Union was the team his school was playing. The date; 1918, and the rest of season was canceled throughout the city after this death. Truly an interesting exhibition and just days before my husband’s high school football team takes the field in the 2nd round of play-offs, most timely to view. No lie, I loved it.

Assignment: Have a Happy Halloween filled with TREATS!

When Happiness Happens

• My husband is a volunteer coach for our high school football team. Last night they won the first round playoff game. Advancing to the second round hasn’t happened since 2001. This is his first year on the high school team – coincidence, I think not. It was a great game on a perfect fall evening.
•My son Andy came home to watch his dad coach and he sat with me the full game. As a former player on that team, he knows a lot about the plays. This is very helpful as I am pretending to know more about football than I do. I don’t think I drove him too crazy with my cheering – okay, I might have but I don’t really care.
•My satellite provider settled their dispute with AMC and we can now watch The Walking Dead. Listen, I am a television junkie – and proud of it. I grew up on TV, raised my kids with TV and I am not ashamed to write it So, this contract settlement is super great news (I have no idea what I would have done if I couldn’t watch Mad Men this January).
•One of my new goals is not buying clothes unless needed. This is a really hard goal because this is my drug of choice. This morning I put on my causal jeans and really noticed how baggy they were getting. My husband suggested when I was in town today; maybe I should get a new pair of jeans. He was right – I mean a girl should not try to pull off ‘baggy’ or sagging. .or mom jeans for that matter. Yes, reader I am down another size and I have the new jeans to prove it.
•And finally, I got to spend some quality time with two of my favorite men today on Make a Difference Day.

Here is a slice of our morning together.

Assignment: Did you make a difference today? Well, fear not - there is always tomorrow.

A Picture Speaks Louder Than Words

If a picture speaks louder than words, then lets close out this week in semi-silence. Please enjoy a few photos from one of my 50th Celebrations with family and friends.

My dear friend Sherri and I strike an official b-day pose.

Jake was in charge of coming up with something creative. I thought a skit or song & dance awaited me but that would have been to expected and mainstream. Instead, my family gave me a movie poster entitled, "New Era: The Nancy Brozek Story". They pulled personal photos and everyone got a credit mention in the movie. I especially loved: Produced by Larry and Betty Collins (in memory of my parents) and written and directed by God. Just a wonderful and thoughtful gift filled with love. Everyone at the party signed the back by giving their 'review' of the movie. Priceless.

Cake is very important to a party and my favorite part of cake, the corner. Look how many corners this cake has!

A simple wish but a good wish was made.

Max and I celebrate . .time to dig because the corners are calling us.

What a beautiful day with my loving family and friends. Blessed beyond words.

Assignment: Make a Wish!

It is a dark, gloomy, rain filled week – and the weather outside is bad too. Therefore, in an effort to pick myself up and bring a little random silliness into the chaos I offer these two facts.

My mom was born in 1932. I was born in 1962. My son, Jake, was born in 1982. My son, Andy, was born in 1992. Baby Phia was born in 2012. I like this pattern. It means we always get to celebrate milestone birthdays together. Plus, it makes it much easier for me to remember everyone’s age.

I am happy to report that my return to blogging has not gone unnoticed. It appears that there are 3 strong sources for the traffic flow: Facebook and 2 porn sites. I guess having the word “hard” in the title has given some a true let down.

Assignment: Make sure you have an umbrella with you at all times.

Happy Birthday to ME!

I am in the peak of my birthday celebration. A weeklong homage to the 50 years I have spent exploring this earth. I didn’t really know how I was going to take this. I am not depressed, so that is a plus. To be honest, I never visualized myself as a middle aged woman so my expectations are pretty casual. I mean, I knew I would dress well and be considered incredibly hip by all who meet me, but outside of that fantasy – I HAD NOTHING.

There are two saving graces for this:
1. I am super immature.
2. I made a bucket list for the 49th Birthday.

I think the bucket list helped because it was filled with things that I could accomplish. Everyone knows that when a human feels accomplished then the impact is positive. So, I had a number of things that I knew I wanted to do before I turned this magic number 50 and having goals feeds my competitive nature.

And now, for the first time, I am sharing my bucket list with the world (in no particular order).
• Celebrate my 5th year as a volunteer at Camp by becoming a Thunderbird. Mission Complete.
• Make sure I have girlfriend time at least once a month. Studies show that women who have girlfriend time have healthier lives. Feel used if you wish friends – but know, this time together helped your life too. Mission Complete.
• Take an off the grid hiking vacation with my man. And with that we left the world and ventured to the Upper Peninsula’s Picture Rocks. One of the best vacations ever! Mission Complete.
• Have a professional photo taken so my grandchildren would see that at one time in my life, I wasn’t all wrinkled. Mission Complete.
• Run a 5k a month. I once loved to run then I got fat, lazy and compliant. Once I realized that the pain in my back, the fat on my belly and the poor health I was having was completely my fault, I changed. Ran 15 races in 12 months – few highlights

o Ran a Halloween Themed 5k with a partner. . In the woods . .at night.
o A Girls on the Run mentoring experience helping a young girl complete her first race ever.
o New Year’s Day – in sleet and snow.
o Ran the River Bank Run 10K in a surprisingly good time.
o Ran a 200 mile relay with 11 other crazy friends and was given the honor of running the last leg of the race.
o Ran 3 races with my oldest daughter Megan.
o Mission Complete.
• Run the Mighty Mac: a 5.6 mile race over the bridge. The final race of my 49th year and I set a PR Pace! Mission Complete.
• Have an amazing, memory making, 50th Birthday celebration with family and friends. Mission EXCEEDED.

Now on to my goals for the 50th . . . . What will the year bring? At least a once a week posting to this blog will be one.

Assignment: Not happy with your daily routine? Change it up. I give you the permission you have been waiting for. . Now go. Go on. Shut off the computer and do something!