I'm 50 PLUS 3.

So okay, I can't lift my leg quite this high...but in my mind I do. Age is just a number, and I will always be a kid at heart.

The Day My World Changed.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."- Anais Nin


The moment that will change your life forever doesn't march in carrying a banner that says "THIS IS IT". When you are in the moment, it just seems like a normal moment in your life. It is only through time that we realize, wow, if I hadn't done (fill in the blank) then (fill in the blank) would never have happened, and how totally different my life would have been.


Exactly 33 years ago today I met my BFF at CMU freshmen orientation. I was entering a lecture room in Anspach Hall and saw her sitting alone. It was a chance glance (bright, white legs) to the left that would change our lives forever. 


I don't even remember what Jeanee and I talked about that first day, I just remember how engaging and cheerful she was. How she made me laugh and how she accepted me for me. And the only thing I knew about our future, was that we would be great friends. (Especially after meeting up with her and her mother, Jeanette, at The Cabin for Jeanee's 18th birthday celebration later that evening! That sealed the deal.)


Our lives wouldn't always be spent by each other's side, but we knew we were always there. Life would send each of us in different directions, but our connection always kept us in touch and many times pulled us together again. As a bridesmaid in her wedding I would meet my future husband, her brother. My best friend would be my children's aunt. Our families were forever connected. See what I mean by life changing? If I hadn't met her, who would I have been married to now? Would I have children? The world WOULD have been a different and incomplete place for me without her. 


During these 33 years there has never been anyone else in my life that has shared with me what she has, our life stories are intertwined, sometimes bittersweet, but always full of memories of laughter and love. And, most importantly, understanding and forgiveness. 

Happy 51st birthday girlfriend.

She got all the best genes.

Today is my sister Karol's birthday. Not only will she always be younger than me, which she was happy to remind me of on my recent 50th, but she will always have better hair than me (if you like  that Farrah Fawcett thing), be slimmer (if you like that no butt her pants may fall down at any moment look - okay, that's just bitterness talking), taller, more athletic, etc, etc, etc. You get the picture.

And, of course, she wins the most talented award too.  I think homicidal thoughts am amazed to watch her watercolor skills continue to evolve as time goes by. What started as a hobby is now her passion. And we all get to enjoy her work and proudly display her paintings in our homes. This one is my favorite. The little girl seems so happy and content. (Probably because she does not have a sister OR - sinister music here- she got all the best genes too!).

Happy birthday sister dearest.