Don’t put yourself on the clearance rack…

I saw a young woman today who was scantily clad. She put herself on display. I wanted to tell her that she shouldn’t put herself on the clearance rack. She belonged behind the counter where the expensive items were held.

The message: Don’t put yourself on the clearance rack when you deserve to be behind the counter.

Dementia...

Dementia in a loved one is a cruel thing. Yesterday Mom had a day when I thought that maybe her diagnosis of vascular dementia wasn't correct, that these memory slips were just a part of getting older. Then you have a day like today whereby a woman with an incredible vocabulary can't seem to find a word she's used for over 80 years. You vacillate between wanting to fill in the blanks for her to minimize her frustration; then want to show respect and allow her to find that word herself. Quite simply, dementia is maddening and saddening. If I feel this way, I can't imagine what Mom is experiencing.

This may be the time for me...

Q, has decided on either military and/or federal employment (ICE) after graduation in the fall semester next year. Q’s 5 year program is almost done! Dean’s list throughout college, Eagle Scout, international travel.—check.

I realized when in Europe that it may be the time for me to formulate what the second chapter of my life will look like. It is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking, but I’ve never been one to take the safe and expected route. I woke up the other night and had an epiphany: after many years, this may be the time for me.

Life is never perfect/no one promised it would be…

Life is never perfect; no one promised it would be.

But at the end of each day

I must say that I am grateful.

I am grateful; I am so very grateful.

3 pieces of KFC, extra crispy,,,

I was in Madrid today.  It was my last day touring Europe and I was a bit blue.  I found myself walking through old  town and headed down a  steep hill.  Down, down, down, which matched my mood.  

An elderly, slightly disheveled woman began staring at me as I waited to cross the street. Her eyes were glacial blue and admittedly she made me a bit uncomfortable,  The wizened woman was not begging as some are prone to do when down and out.  She approached me, somewhat tentatively. She had a smallish puppy with her with a home maid leash made out of twine.  She asked if I might have a bit to eat in my backpack; something she could give her puppy to provide nourishment. 

I asked if her puppy liked chicken.  Her lined face lit up and she answered emphatically "Yes, of course she does!" What did she and her puppy have for dinner?  3 pieces of KFC, extra crispy.

One thing...

There is one thing we are obligated to do in life.  Live it!

I wouldn't change a thing...

God only knows my life has not been without its ups and downs, but truth be told I wouldn't change a thing.