3 PUMPS, WHIP, NO DRIZZLE

Growing up, I worked in a restaurant, T&G Tasty Lunch, which was a tiny little greasy spoon in a mall in Canada. My friend Kim and I used to get a kick out of the "regulars" that frequented and while, on some level, we enjoyed the routine of their visits, we were a bit saddened that they came here almost every day the summers that we worked there. I remember thinking how odd it was that someone could eat the same meal at the same place, day after day. There was an older gentleman that came in that I always remembered because he had some sort of a defect with one of his eyes and because he always ordered what I thought was the most unsavory of dinners - liver and onions.

Well, I've decided today that I have become that old man. Each morning, I dutifully drive over to my local Starbucks, pull up to the window and place our order. For me: a grande, non-fat latte and for Spence: one grande hot chocolate, 3 pumps of chocolate, whip and no drizzle. I wonder if the young barrista has the same thoughts of me that I had of liver and onions guy. She knows me now, I am that "regular" customer, the one with the unusual order who has to be here every day. Is she wondering what brings me to her window, day after day, never going out on the ledge by asking for regular milk for my latte or requesting that the drizzle top the whip? How odd it must seem.

Here's the thing. While satisfying my caffeine fix it has also become my start to a great day and my good deed for my man who always smiles when I place it on his office desk. When I miss a day, things just don't feel right. Maybe liver and onions guy felt the same....

15 Minutes of Fame

Number 1 & Number 2 recently experienced their 15 minutes of fame in the form of special recognition in McKinney Kids Magazine and North Texas Kids Magazine.

Number 2's painting is featured this month on the cover of North Texas Kids Magazine

Number 1 is featured as the Awesome Achiever and her photo is on the cover of the Feb/March issue of McKinney Kids Magazine

We're so proud of them both!!!!!

CONNECTIONS

con-nec-tion (kuh-nek-shuhn) - anything that connects; connecting part; link; bond

This is the word I think of when I think of my very best friends, otherwise known as my CPF's (close personal friends). They are home, the comfy pair of slippers. They are the place where I connect, the people to whom I am linked and the ones to whom I have formed a lifelong bond. They are a group of women I have had the pleasure of knowing since high school.

I'm driving home from Florida after spending a week in their company. True to my word, I'm blogging about the trip, or rather, about them and the trip. They'll mock me for being sappy, but that's o.k., expected actually. I'll share moments from the trip about each of them that makes them unique but I won't use their names. They'll know who they are and each will know who the other is, that's what's so cool about us.

Constance is decisive and optimistic for it was she who texted me during my long drive from Texas to Florida and in the midst of some heavy duty complaining, delivered a much-needed attitude adjustment. The message, simply: take stock in the little things and relish the time with your man. Heeding her advice, I must admit that the time flew by. I'm appreciative of Constance because I didn't have to open a single map to a park and was presented with options everyday. Since I (like most moms) am always the chief on trips with my family, what a treat to be an Indian this time!

Anastasia is thoughtful and productive, the glue. Who else can take an idea and turn it into fun for 21 without even breaking a sweat? No problem, if there's sweat, she'll take your kid for ice-cream to cool off (she may even have a scoop or two herself!). You are proof positive that women can have it all without losing anything along the way. I want to be you when I grow up!!

Lucy - when I'm old and grey and my mind is feeble, Lucy will be there to deliver the perfect dose of laughter in the form of a hilarious memory from the past. There were so many stories that Lucy shared with me on this trip that I had completely forgotten about-what a gift man! In the face of adversity, she can still laugh and make others laugh...awesome. Thanks for the "Magic"al day with Jess - I hear your driving skills haven't changed much over the years. Oh, and don't forget to call your hairdresser and make some appointments for the CPF's...some serious bangs issues going on that need to be dealt with ....

Juliette is intelligent and strong. I admire her for these things. She is always ready to start an interesting conversation or debate and I enjoy talking to her, no matter what the topic. She's very well-read (and not in a People magazine kind of way) and lucky the parent who has a kid being educated by her right now. For the record Juliette, I whole-heartedly agree. Obama should not be appearing on Jay Leno when the country is in such a shambles and overweight people in wheelchairs should not be wheeled into public pools (pass the barf bag please!).

Individually, we are flawed, but collectively, our strengths make up this perfect circle and I believe that is what has kept us connected after all these years. Together we are decisive, optimistic, thoughtful, productive, humorous, intelligent and strong and where one of us falls short in one area, there is another there as a reminder of how to become a better person. What more can a girl ask for?

I had a great week and wish it could have lasted a little bit longer - love you all!!!