Life's Slogan

While I probably should put on a happy face through my trials because they will "only make me stronger" (which I know is true but just don't want to admit it), I've just chosen to deal with mine the best I can. I cry when I need to (which is more frequently than I maybe should), pray when I need to (a lot), talk about it when I need to... and I can't help but think, all the time, about the messes I've been handed.

As much as I've thought about elaborating on my "poor me" list, I've decided against it. Whining (for the most part) is not what I'm about. And, on the other hand, I'm positive these aren't the first occurrences of these particular situations. To me, yes. But I'm sure there are countless numbers of others who have found themselves thinking, "what now?" after being attacked from every side with obstacles that are "good" for them and wondering what's next. And, on the other hand, it definitely could be worse. But apparently, when it rains, it POURS. And I'm still not ready to welcome it.

Things will look up, I'm positive about that. Perhaps, things "looking up" will mean just dealing with it the best I can, and praying I'll get through it with some help. I know I'm surrounded by great people that are here for me (thank you to my friends and family, especially to my sweet husband who's been there for me with a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. I love you and love that you care about me).

For now, I guess I'll just be waiting for something else to go wrong... because, as of late, life has seemed to enjoy handing me chaos-filled situations and saying,

"Have a crappy day."

The Robster.

My sister's son Robby, I'm not afraid to say, is a genius. His obsession with letters started around 18 months or so (maybe sooner). He knew all of the alphabet, along with their sounds, and even started to spell words, gaining quite the vocabulary at age two. 

At age three (now),  he happily replies, "I want to learn!" when asked by his mother what he wants to do on any given day.

 

His obsession recently has been states. Once he learned them all, he moved on to state capitols (he can name them all... which I can't even come close to doing). Next, he was on to countries. He started with South America, learning all of the countries within the continent, and their capitol cities. His room is covered with maps of the world, and his punishment when he does something wrong is to take them down, which will make him cry more than anything else.

Unfortunately, I don't see him much. Holly's family lives in Florida, where the plane tickets don't come cheap. I am grateful for modern technology - computers, blogs, web cams, email, and the telephone. Holly fills me in with the details when she can, and there have been a couple of recent "Robby-isms" that have stuck with me. This kid is a crack up.

He has overheard his parents say that he is a genius, but I'm not sure he fully knew what a genius was. However, the following statement made by him suggests otherwise.

Holly (paraphrasing): "Robby, it's time for you to take a nap."

Robby: "I don't need a nap! I am a genius!"

He also has an impeccable memory, and loves music. Holly has recently shown him the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air rap, which he will watch over and over again. After learning part of it, I give you another reason why this kid is just too much... and much too cute.

Holly (on the phone, away from home, talking to Robby): "Hey buddy, how are you?"

Robby: "Good. I miss you, mom."

Holly: "What are you doing?"

Robby: "Just chillin' out, maxin', relaxin', all cool."

Not only is he a genius, he apparently has the wit to match. I'm thinking he probably got that from me. (I really just wish I was that cool.)

August Reading

For those of you who read and liked the Host, I have to apologize for the fact that I never finished it. It had to be one of the most boring books I've read in a while... and so, I had to surrender. 

I decided to move on to a book that I've had on my shelf for quite some time, waiting for me to finish that darn Host. I can't tell you how much better it feels to look at the book you're in the middle of and want to read it... it makes all the difference in the world.

The book this month will be The Pact: A Love Story, by Jodi Picoult (same author as My Sister's Keeper). The description is below, for anyone who might be interested.

Until the phone calls came at 3:00 A.M. on a November morning, the Golds and their neighbors, the Hartes, had been inseparable. It was no surprise to anyone when their teenage children, Chris and Emily, began showing signs that their relationship was moving beyond that of lifelong friends. But now seventeen-year-old Emily has been shot to death by her beloved and devoted Chris as part of an apparent suicide pact -- leaving two devastated families stranded in the dark and dense predawn, desperate for answers about an unthinkable act and the children they never really knew.

Better Make It Weird...

The tradition with TJ's and my birthday went to a new level this year with his turning 30. Because 30 is quite the mile mark, I wanted to make it extra special.

Since I can remember, TJ has had an obsession with Jell-O. Any color, any flavor. Any time.

While brainstorming something creative for his 30th, it was Chris who suggested that I fill something up with his favorite treat.

This is what it turned into.

A cooler, fun size candy bars, money... and, of course, the Jell-O.

I wrapped the dollar bills in plastic wrap and Chris helped me pour the Jell-O in with the money and the candy.

We added some change in...

And another layer of Jell-O on top. To our dismay, most of the goodies below floated their way to the layer above... and the vision I had of him digging through to find the good stuff (which, at that point, would be coated in orange and lime-flavored goo) started to disappear.

But, I wrapped it up nice, and waited until the rest of the gifts were open before bringing it out.

I think he liked it.

He still dug through the cold layers to find the money, at least,

And even took a mouthful of it. Mmmmm.... I think a fist full of Jell-O actually was on his wish list this year.

And, the end result was... pretty. I call that a success.