Surprise!

Imagine my surprise -- being named Rockin' Girl Blogger by Liz. While I'm not sure what I've done to deserve it, I appreciate Liz's support. Liz is the one who rocks ! I believe I'm now supposed to pass it on to another rockin' girl. There are so many great blogs out there and so many wonderful women who would deserve this award, but since I can only choose one I must give the Rockin' Girl Blogger to the woman whose blog got me addicted to the whole blogging thing -- the woman who writes the first blog I ever read for the sheer enjoyment of it -- the woman who shares her love of family and friends -- the woman who lives life completely and fully and describes it all so beautifully. She who must be named:

MaryB of Shorty PJs!! You are one rockin' woman, girl!

Now, I don't come anywhere close to rockin' in the technology department, and I haven't yet figured out how to get anything into my sidebar (yes, that's why it's empty). So, if you'd like to visit Mary, and I hope you will, you can read her blog at:

http://www.shortypjs.blogspot.com/

Thanks and love to Liz and Mary. You both rock!

I Need This

Especially today. But I want a full one!

Guilty

So far today, I've spent most of my time trying to not feel guilty. I have the day off! Off, you say? What can she possibly mean? Doesn't she have every day off? Well, yes and no. As you probably know, I don't work outside the home -- at least not in the traditional sense. But I'm never not busy. Especially lately.

Last week, mother-in-law took a very bad fall. She's 84 now, which only makes it more serious. She broke her jaw and her cheekbone. Husband was planning a two-week business trip and was scheduled to leave the following day. He thought about staying home, but his mom insisted that she was just fine and he should go. So, of course, off he went, and you know that she isn't just fine. They did a battery of tests. Doctors were concerned that she didn't know why she fell. Turns out that she "had a cardiac event" which they believe caused her to pass out and fall, face first, onto the parking lot at the assisted living center where she lives. So, on Friday, they installed a pacemaker. They moved her to a rehabilitation center yesterday in the hopes of getting her up and around and back home in a week.

Prior to that, on Wednesday, mom and dad were coming to stay with the kidlets while I went to visit mother-in-law at the hospital. That didn't work out. Dad also fell (on Wednesday), getting a slight black eye (nothing compared to last time) and cuts and bruises on his arms and one leg. I couldn't have them stay here with the children with Dad in that condition! Instead I made dinner for them and sent them home.

So back to today. I know that I should probably go visit mother-in-law. I know that I should probably go visit Grandma, especially since I definitely spend less time with her when school's out. I know I should probably go sit with Dad for a while. I know I should probably go visit my closest girlfriend. She has MS, and I try to spend as much time with her as I can. I know I should probably do laundry. I know I should probably go weed the garden. I know I should...

But I'm not going to do any of those things. Husband will not be home until Saturday. That means that this is the only chance I will have to be alone, all alone, for the rest of the week. And he's already been gone for a week, so I'm starting to get a little crazy. Yes, I love my children. I just need to have one day for me. Just me. So far I've gone to my hair stylist. Then I came home and read the paper. Now I'm off to take a friend's child to swimming lessons. So, I guess I don't really have the entire day off, but it's only one hour. Who am I kidding? I couldn't say no. And, it lessens the guilt about goofing off for the remainder of the day.

When I get back, I plan to sit by the pool and read (son took Harry Potter with him, so it'll have to be something else). I also plan to go to the local deli to pick up a few nice chunks of cheese to have with some refreshingly ripe fruit and a small glass of chardonnay for dinner. In the words of Rachel Ray (did I ever mention that I am addicted to the Food Network?), "I never met a cheese I didn't like." Then, maybe the Hershman and I will take a walk to the marina after dinner. Who knows, maybe someone will pity me and invite me for a sail.

Guilty or not, that's what I'm doing. Now if only I can make it through the day without apologizing for it. It'll be fun trying.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Lazy Days of Summer

There's nothing like spending the day with family at the beach, no matter where we are. This time it's Westport, Massachusetts. My husband's family has had a cabana there for more than forty years! It feels like home.

Break the grip, and don't forget "bubbles up!"

There's no better place to play than in the dunes.

The castle, after being attacked by a wave.

Is It Just Me?

Is it just me...

...or does everyone need a vacation upon returning from their vacation?

...or do most Americans seem really rude? And why does rude behavior witnessed regularly still surprise me?

...or do most people wish the press would simply stick to reporting real news?

...or does everyone worry about their credit score?

...or would most people think it's inappropriate for a three- or four-year-old girl to walk the aisles of the grocery store without a shirt?

...or does smashing the cake into your new spouse's face at your wedding seem like a really bad way to start a marriage?

...or does everyone feel embarrassed when their pet misbehaves?

...or does everyone read their horoscope even though they don't put any stock in at at all?

...or is there anything better than seeing your children giggle?

It's perfectly okay if it's just me.