Girlfriends

It's hard for me to hang out with friends.  Hell, it's hard for me to maintain friendships -- period.  Just because I lead an oddball lifestyle that doesn't give me normal time to buddy-up.  And I'm really not a phone talker.  I think I over-did it in high school and college .. and now iddle chit-chat on the phone keeps me from other things.

And because I really don't see the family much  -- all of us all together -- during the week, there's always immense guilt about doing something other than giving them every second of my time on the weekends.  

This morning I made an effort.  I got my hate-to-get-out-of-bed-on-a-weekend ass up early this morning and trekked clear out to the northland.  And I mean -- way the heck out there.  I kept thinking I musta missed my exit ... but no....it's just THAT far.  And when I got there .... I went to a scrap store where scrap friends met up to shop.  That in itself is fun .. I had some extra "winnings" left to spend ... and fun people to just be in the same store with.

But then I had to leave.  The boys had overlapping baseball games and I needed to get back.  Kyle has really noticed lately that he doesn't see me much....so I couldn't stand not to see his game.  He always runs up to hit -- and looks out into the crowd for his "fans."  And Jack's been getting so confident - - I don't want to miss how much he is improving .   Nick's FIRST T-ball game was today...and he was very excited.

But dang.  It sucked to leave.  They were all gonna walk to a place for lunch ... and just sit and chat .... adults....women.  Chatting and laughing, and we always have such a hard time getting everyone together...and I was gonna miss out.  

But.  

I did the right thing.  Kyle got the game ball for hitting two bombs way out in the field -- and got three in the park homeruns. (Technically because he was the last batter each time.)  And Jack hit a TRIPLE!  And was so happy he threw his hands up on third base and was smiling so big ..... and looking right at me to make sure I saw.  Yeah, I was in the right place.

Blog Blessings - Tag

I received two "Blogging Blessings" one from Maricar and one from Lisa.

So I'm passing it on to a few wonderful blogging friends.

"The idea…it’s a game of tag with a difference, rather than looking inwardly, we look outside ourselves and bless, praise and pray for 3 blog friends. By participating in this endeavour we not only make the recipient of the blessing feel valued and appreciated, but we are having some fun too. We’re going to see how far the bloggin’ blessings can travel around the world and how many people can be blessed! Recipients of a bloggin’ blessing may upload the above image to their sidebar if they choose to."

First, thank you to Lisa and Maricar for thinking of me.

First, Lisa:
Lisa is my "clone" ... we often seem to have the same perspective on things ... and respond to it with appropriate sarcasm. She makes me laugh, offers me support, a place to vent and understands my propensity to be motivated by guilt. She's also incredibly creative and inspires me.... I admire her strength and motivation to just "do what you gotta do." She paid me the greatest compliment by calling me a 'kick ass mom & professional who does it without (seeming) to break a sweat.' Wow. That means a lot for someone to NOTICE and then post for the world to see. You don't know what you've done for me ... and I say: Backatcha.

And then there's Maricar. Maricar Maricar Maricar. The person I gravitated to during CKU .. and really the only person from that time I still want in my circle. Sadly as soon as I found this cherished friend, she ditched me for other states. Something about having to be with her husband and kids...blah blah. What a freak. I can still count on her to make me smile, keep me on my toes and reassure me that I'm not a horrible mother on a horrible mother feeling day. Glad you're in my corner, friend.

Now's part where I tag three people .... I know you're supposed to do 3 blogging friends, but I feel motivated to do three people who SHOULD have blogs ... or I miss and just want to reach out and touch.

1. DANA

Dana: Thank you for being a great example of a real mom. Devoted and harried. You really know how to "keep it real" ... and that helps keep me grounded. You've saved the day for us so many times by watching the kids...and they love it when they get to "play with Dana." You're the only non-family person who's ever watched them. You're a blessing to my family and to me as a friend. I love that you are silly and goofy and put children first. Pretty darn cool.

2. KARLYN

Ah, my long lost friend Karlyn. How sad that the picture of you I use is off your station website. I should've grabbed the great one you sent at Christmas of you and the big fluffy dog. But that's where we are now -- "hi" at Christmas and me occasionally checking your station bio just to make sure you're still there and to smile at the stuff you wrote. Karlyn was my maid of honor...and all around go to girl in college. I just want you to know I still think of you often, wish you the best, and miss you.

3. JENN

You can't tell from this picture, but that's me, Jack & Nick and Jenn and maybe Becca .. all riding an elephant. Yep, we're riding an elephant. And that's appropriate. We seem to have a lot of silly fun memories. And we can always just pick up where we left off if we haven't seen eachother for awhile. Hanging out with you is always relaxing -- even if we're chasing kids...or riding elephants. I'm glad we keep in touch, even if its just to say what the kids are up to and how we wish we could get together for another estrogen weekend.

I am blessed with these good friends. Thanks for tagging me and forcing me to take a moment to appreciate them.