23/365 - PATRIOT

I had always been one to stay within my comfort zone - afraid to step into unchartered territories, for fear of failure. That all changed a few years ago when I ran for (and won) an elected office. It is unlike anything I ever thought I'd do, and has paid off massive dividends for my school division and for my personal growth.

The single most intimidating thing for me was engaging with my elected officials to advocate for public education. After settling into my new role, I realized "Well, they're just regular folk like me" (for the most part).

I put myself out there and advocated hard at both the state and federal levels, and have gained great insight into the legislative process. Generally, it's a "banging your head against a brick wall" process, but there are also pockets of true reverence and positive intent. Now, I actually enjoy my time at the Capitol. I'm educated on the issues. I advocate passionately. And I engage in meaningful conversations. Today was top-notch!

You know you're doing something right when THEY ask YOU for a favor...

22/365 - REDEYE

On the surface, a redeye flight sounds like a great idea. It's the ultimate, frugal-loving, multi-tasking opportunity. You get to extend your trip, you don't have to pay for a hotel, you get to sleep as you travel, etc.

The problem is this...I can't sleep on a plane. I have to be horizontal to sleep well. The two inch reclining chair is bullshit. I can do a little neck-bobbing nappy, but don't get any substantial sleep.

Perhaps I was over ambitious in planning to squeeze out extra time on my adventure weekend. I knew that the redeye would put me in RVA just in time to attend an important education conference.

It's all good - change clothes in the bathroom, put on a little face powder, and poof - I'm a public education advocate.

This is my "don't mess with me" face. Redeye or not...

21/365 - INSPIRATION

As my weekend draws to a close, I look back on all that I've done and learned. A highlight of the trip was the Inspiration Trail hike in the rain with a group of pretty special people. The hike in was very chatty. The hike out was completely silent. Loved that. Quiet. With my thoughts.

I continue to be amazed at the different topography. Soaring red rocks. Deep canyons. It pleased me to no end that I was able to experience it, even if I had to do so in this attractive blue poncho.

Besides the obvious camaraderie and fun I have on these adventures, the biggest payoff is taking on new challenges and completely blowing them away.

The smile on my face says it all...

20/365 - LABYRINTH

A labyrinth is defined as "a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze." I take that to mean the word, and not the structure.

An actual labyrinth has one entrance - one way in and one way out. It could be construed as a metaphor for life - that you have only one path to follow.  Except I don't believe that to be true. There are many paths one can take in life, but perhaps finding success on that one path means you need to stay the course.

The act of walking through the labyrinth is peaceful. I did so silently, alone with my thoughts. A walking meditation. As the circles shortened and grew tighter, I was more and more excited to reach the center. Once I did, I enjoyed this view, took it all in, and then began my retreat. By the time I exited the labyrinth, I had answers and energy.

Who would've guessed walking in a circle could be so productive...

19/365 - VIEWS

The drive from the airport to my destination is stunning in a way that I find hard to articulate. The soaring rocks and gorge are fascinating to me. We simply don't have mountains like this in Virginia.

Thankfully, my friend is driving because my face is glued to the window and my mouth agape, like a little kid. The shock of this view is overshadowed only by seeing two people hanging off the face of a rock sheer, ostensibly for fun.

Our resort is surrounded by vivid red rock cliffs and canyons, the likes of which I've never seen. As I relax in the hammock on a sunny day, I'm simply in awe.

 

18/365 - SHINY

Las Vegas doesn't waste any time...slots and bells and lights, all right there in the airport. This is a town that takes its fun very seriously.

The spectacle of the strip is outshined only by its patrons, including the lovely lady in front of me with a black thong that peeks through her too thin, painted on, red leggings. To her credit, she has a nice figure and her leggings match the red hoodie and coordinating KI$$ ME blingy tank top that fails to cover her assets. Somehow, it works for her.

I already "did Vegas" last year, in fine style, including a J Lo concert and falling out of a plane. So I will just continue on my trip to Utah and know I'm not missing a bit of Vegas' shiny goodness.

17/365 - MINUTE

After a week of staving off a cold with homeopathy and wishful thinking, I finally gave up and went to the doctor. Said cold developed into a painful sinus infection, but I really don't have time for this as I'm preparing to leave tomorrow for a long flight and adventure weekend. The answer? Minute Clinic.

I love the Minute Clinic for these situations - meaning, those where you've already diagnosed yourself and just need validation by someone who can write an Rx for you. As someone who suffers from sinus infections pretty much annually, I know the tell tale signs. I won't bore (disgust) you with the details.

I got what I needed and will head out tomorrow with all the right tools. And it only took a minute...

16/365 - NO

What does it mean?

What do I do?

Discuss... 

15/365 - COMMITTEE

Lately, our trees have been filled with vultures. A LOT of them...like, 30 or so. They hover and glide and fill our trees which casts an even darker shadow on these cold winter days. I snapped this picture on a recent run where they appeared to be following me through the neighborhood.

A group of vultures in flight is called a kettle; a group of them resting in trees or on the ground is called a committee; and a group of vultures feeding is called a wake.

They drive Sammy absolutely nuts. He runs back and forth across the yard as they soar very loudly around the pond and settle back into our trees. They fly loudly. You can hear the air they cut with their massive wings.

I've read that vultures can actually be positive spirit guides that show you how to use energy powerfully and efficiently. I'm not sure I'd want one as my spirit guide, but do agree they are powerful and efficient. If you've ever seen them pick a carcass clean, you'd agree.

Ultimately, when you're on a run and sucking air, to see a "committee" of vultures following you makes one quite uneasy.

14/365 - ROAR

I am woman, hear me roar...or some such nonsense like that. Growing up in the ERA era, I've always been uber sensitive to being an "independent woman." Watching my Mom in the traditional role of a mother and housewife, I wanted more. I wanted a voice. I wanted to not have to rely on a man.

Of course, hindsight shows me that Mom and Dad had a partnership and hers wasn't a subservient role. Her taking care of the home and the kids allowed Dad to fully commit to a very demanding career that provided for his family. But I digress.

This statement of equal rights, independence, and feminism is an elaborate and over-complicated way of saying this...I FIXED MY DISHWASHER! It would have been so easy to call a repairman, or to wait for Bert to fix it after his business trip, but I didn't. I researched it and I fixed the damn thing. It even involved turning off the breaker, so you know it was serious!

Bottom line is this, I don't need to rely on a man, but I'm sure glad I've got him <3

13/365 - FORTITUDE

What keeps you going? What drives you when things get hard? And why are the "hard" things easier to commit to than the easy things? These were just some of the things running through my mind today during my run...along with "this is stupid" "why am I doing this?" "that a-hole just ran past me like I'm a turtle" etc.

It seems I can commit to an audacious (for me) goal of training for a half marathon better than I can commit to putting away my laundry. I don't if it's the drudgery of smaller goals or what, but I guess I shouldn't question it if it propels me to shoot for and achieve greater things.

The last two years have been all about putting aside my negative talk and doing big things. Ridiculous things. And I kinda love it <3

12/365 - DOCUMENTATION

One of the greatest things about technology is the ability to capture anything instantaneously - both the innocuous and momentous. Then, there are those instances where you snap a quick picture and look back on it with a new lens. What seemed innocuous is actually momentous.

When your husband is teaching your 15-year old the fine art of shaving, you (intellectually) recognize that it's a milestone. But when you're running around the house, picking up dirty laundry, trying to make sure dinner doesn't burn, letting the dog outside, answering the ringing phone, etc., you can miss it. 

My phone is an appendage. I literally have it with me at all times. Thankfully, I was able to pull my phone out of my back pocket with one hand as I balanced the laundry basket on my hip with the other to snap this pic as I raced down the stairs. 

At the time, it was no big deal. But a year later, Bert has taught son #2 the same routine and I missed it. That makes this picture all the more precious.

Must. Stop. Blinking.

 

11/365 - ACHOO

I got nothin' today, folks. Sorry.

10/365 - LOVENOTE

In this time of electronic everything, getting anything other than bills or junkmail in the mailbox is kind of a big deal - to me, anyway!

Receiving a letter in the mail is a quaint novelty. But getting a package is downright exciting! I'm not talking about shipments from Amazon or other online shopping addictions (ahem - Berrrrrt). I mean a package shipped to you from someone. It's like your own personal Christmas or birthday celebration, except on a totally random day.

I knew my friend was mailing me something (Mie Goreng fried noodle seasoning - yum!) and I'd been keeping an eye out for it. But when I opened the package, I saw this sweet lovenote staring at me. The biggest grin swept across my face as I counted my lucky stars for all the wonderful friends I have.

Or moons, as the case may be... <3

9/365 - ARRIVEDERCI

She's been excited for over a year at the prospect of studying abroad, but when the reality of packing and ticking down one's list kicks in, so do the jitters. The last few days have been challenging and stressful as she tries to pack efficiently for several months, says goodbye to friends, and prepares to be gone (far) from home for the longest time ever in her life.

I encourage her to focus on all the good things - the new people she'll meet, the things she'll learn, the places she'll go, the experiences she'll have, and the fact that this is an opportunity not everyone gets. She knows all that but still, it's hard. Thankfully, as she is dropped off at the airport, the smile is genuine. She is happy and excited and courageous.

Meanwhile, this Mama is trying to reconcile her job of raising productive, compassionate, and independent young adults, and actually letting them go. NOW who needs to muster up the courage?

Arrivederci, baby...until we see each other again. xoxo

8/365 - STELLAAAAAAA!!!

If you haven't eaten at Stella's in RVA, you're missing some of the best Greek food ever (outside of Pylos in NYC and my kitchen). It is authentic and consistently good. While reservations are required and need to be made weeks in advance, one can always take a chance and try to get a seat at the Community Table.

The girls and I were in the 'hood tonight and did just that. The three of us were seated at the table which accommodates ~14 people - a gorgeous long, marble table with high stools placed around it. For me - other than the amazing food - the thing I most enjoy is the energy at Community Tables.

At one end was a couple with their young son. They were having fun and engaged with their son in a delightful way. His bowl of pasta was big enough to choke a horse, and they got a great laugh out of it.

Directly across from us was a much older couple. They didn't feel the need to speak to one another much - almost as if they didn't really need to.

At the other end of the table was an obviously Greek gentleman who appeared to be a regular based on how the waitstaff treated him. Seated adjacent to him was a lovely middle-aged woman who I thought was with him until she left in the middle of his meal with a parting "Nice to meet you."

Later, three young ladies were seated. Quick hugs and a bottle of wine to start their night.

Wonder what they thought of this 'ole Mom and her two girls, or if they even noticed.

** We ordered a village salad, pasticio, and lamb frites to share. Ridonkulous!

7/365 - FROZEN

When the weather is stupid cold for several days, the best course of action is to just go with it. After days of frozen pipes and heat repair, you figure it out with space heaters and stoked fireplaces. So you've earned some fun - invite your friends over for "ice skating," a bonfire, homemade soups, and adult beverages. If we're lucky, the weather is wicked enough each winter to enjoy at least one true snow day-playdate in the 'hood.

In years past, we would worry about the kids making bad decisions by staying outside too long or walking too far out on the ice. Now, it's the grown-up kids (read: Dads) that we worry about. At one point, I see my husband driving the golf cart on the pond** and, instead of playing devil's advocate, his friend takes pictures and videos of the shenanigans. The upside is it gives us the courage to enjoy walking on the pond with a little more confidence.

Inside, we fill our bellies with homemade soups, a wicked chocolate cake, and avoid the one cocktail fail of the day. With the amount of wood on this bonfire, it is sure to burn all through the night. Today was a good day.

The camaraderie warms my heart more than the fire.


** Don't freak out Mimi - it's only about a foot deep where he did this!

6/365 - WINDOW

House-shopping can be stressful. If you focus on the things you really, really want and are disciplined and patient and measured in your approach, it becomes less so. But then...you see a house that you kinda love and all discipline and logic go out the window. Literally. You consider buying a house simply because you fall in love with a window.

Our next chapter includes buying a house in the city that we can rent out and start to build equity. We are excited about this investment. We know the area. We know this property will only increase in value. Plus, we already have responsible tenants (daughter and friends) looking for a place.

This may or may not be the place, but I'm confident things will work out as they should. If this is it, it will be a return to our roots. I'm excited for what will transpire the next few weeks/months. We shall see. Stay tuned...

5/365 - ZOSO

When you have a date with hubby but decide to make it a family affair, it can end up being one of the best dates of your life! We took the kids to see ZOSO (led zepp band) in concert at the National. Our boys (ages 15 and 16) got to experience downtown Richmond and their first concert, complete with late night shenanigans and stuffing our faces at Joe's Inn at 1am. Adrianna and her friends, adults themselves, amped up the fun factor, too.

They took in everything - Driving in the snow through the Fan and downtown. Dad giving the homeless guy money. Seeing, smelling, and hearing all that a concert typically has. Walking in single digit weather looking for late-night food. And being the responsible DD for the rest of the Hardy party. It was a fun and funny night, and I was so happy to spend time together...although Bert and I were in the VIP seats. But. Whatever.

Makes me wonder...we're either the worst parents in the world, or the best!

4/365 - NO

The power of NO is something that frequently eludes me; however, I fully embraced it today in my quest to simplify. I didn't realize how much stress was wrapped up in a certain decision. Once I made the decision to say no, I felt lightness and liberation. Immediately.

Saying no is hard for me because of (alleged) control issues and FOMO. Those things I felt I "had" to do, because of a sense of duty or service or passion, ultimately snowballed into something much bigger. I got caught up in it all because I like to be involved; I like to be in the the know; I like to explore and collaborate and solve, and I'm pretty damn good at it. But eventually one has to decide which direction to take - a full commitment at a higher level or just checking out?

Ultimately, I decided that the FOMO that bothers me is all the other stuff in my daily routine. My workouts. My writing. Minding my house. Feeding my family. I won't "miss out" if I'm the one driving my own daily agenda. By cutting back on certain commitments and the numerous, lengthy meetings that come with them, I will instead have time to focus on the things that I wish to prioritize. I'm trading status, influence, and clout for anonymity, simplicity, and happiness.

Just say no. It sounds simple. It's not. But it's worth it.

3/365 - SNUGGLY

Samson is the snuggliest dog we've ever had. That's saying something because we've always indulged our pets to cuddle up on furniture, and we generally treat them like babies. However, this little burrito has been especially cuddly lately. He misses Rosie, his constant companion for the 9 years of his life, and he won't leave my side.

On the evening of her passing, he sat in front of the fireplace exactly where we said goodbye to Rosie. He just sat there. Alone. He stayed there for a good ten minutes by himself. I swear he felt her. For several days after, he would go to "her spot" every morning and evening looking for her. He sniffed around and seemed a bit confused that neither she nor her stuff was there.

Sammy-Boo is getting lots of extra love and attention from the family because we're all feeling the loss, too. I guess we all need a little snuggling...and perhaps a bigger bed.

2/365 - COLD

Stupid cold, in fact. Today brought single digits. No heat on the first floor. Frozen pipes. School bus drama. No phone, cable, or internet. And a car that was abandoned at a gas station. 

I must've been "in a mood" when I programmed Comcast to my phone last year. This popped up when I called them about the outage, and I was laughing when they answered the phone!



At the end of the day, all is well - food in the fridge, fire in the fireplace, all my chicks safely at home. #blessed <3

1/365 - LOVE

Day 1 of the new year, just seconds after the ball drops, I embrace my best friend and feel pure happiness and love. Hard to believe we've not spent a New Year's Eve apart in 37 years. That number is a bit jarring because it means I'm far older than that!

We spend the evening relaxing at home in front of the fire,  finally getting motivated at 10pm to actually get dressed up and head across the street to ring in the new year. The boys are upstairs playing on their computers with friends, and the girls are out and about celebrating with their friends.

Time, circumstances, fashion, and endurance have changed in those 37 years, but one thing remains constant - spending it with my love. <3