Oh, happy day ...

Oh, and by the way, yesterday was Mr. Al Pacino's birthday. His age does not matter, as talent has no age.
And this year is also a milestone for the other cool cat ... the Pink Panther. He turns 40 this year, and he is as smooth as they come.
Happy Birthday to the two coolest characters out there!

Sarah Jessica Parker, I ain't ...

So at my new job, I am the new kid. There is no real dirt on me. Nothing to pick apart behavior wise, no old stories to share about me, no gossip to sling. At least there wasn't. Until one day last week, when I gave everyone something to talk about.
THE RED SHOES.
They are about 2 inches high, a deep red, almost burgundy, and show most of my foot. I will admit, they are a little racy. But when dressed as I was, (black slack, a high necked over sized red sweater and my hair pulled back neatly in a barrette) they are very calm.
You would have thought I walked in dressed like a show girl. I kid you not, the women of the office were stopping, turning around, and starring. They were telling others to go see my shoes. They would come into my office, pretending to ask a question, all the while looking at my shoes.
I happen to love these shoes. I rarely wear them. They make me feel like a lady. In fact, thanks to these shoes, I have developed a small passion for shoes. Not Sex in the City, Sara Jessica Parker, obsessive passion, but a real appreciation for cute shoes. I notice when others have on cute shoes.
The next day I wore a similar pair of shoes, but a very soft rainy day blue, and they were loved. The following day I wore a pair of comfortable blue sandals, that almost look like a converse tennis shoe.
Now, everyone looks at my feet as soon as I walk in. At first my co-worker, Kelly, and I just laughed. But now I am feeling a little pressure to keep up my new office "thang". I have become the shoe girl. Even though one of the receptionists has far better shoes than me. She and I both have a love for cute shoes and purses. (Thanks a lot Marija, you got me started on this! Now, not only do I analyze other people, but I am constantly changing purses to match the shoes I am wearing for the day. Do you know how hard that is for a mom to do? Half our life is in our purse! Hell, on any given day you can find band aides, a toy car, several coupons, and sometimes even a bagel!)
Anyway, I am telling you all now, if you ever wonder what in the world to get me for a gift, think gift certificate to any place that sells shoes and purses. It is as girly as I get.
And now, it is expected of me!

Ahhhhh, back to life ....

Well, as most know, it was a real struggle financially for me when we first moved up to Oregon. I ended up working retail, which actually turned out to be a great deal of fun, but didn't pay the bills.
Then, through divine intervention, the business office at a Urology practice offered a great job to me. It is a great office. I love working there. I love what I do. I like the people. I am very very thankful for the fact that I am getting back to life.
The retail world kept me away from my son for the most part, and left a big stack of bills I couldn't pay. And although it will take me some time to catch up, I at least have my head above the water now.
And my time back with Corey. That is the most important of all. Sure I run around like a mad woman trying to make all the baseball games and practices, the school events and play dates, maintain a house, and care for a dog and bird. Oh and hold down a full time job. But most of us do.
Sure it is difficult, and things are sacrificed (actually the house work and the bird suffer the most neglect.) But with the love and help from my parents/family, the love and support of my friends, and a great deal of prayer, it all gets taken care of. All the hustle and bustle can seem over whelming, but I will take it any day over the suffering we went through for the last six months. And there are little moments each day that remind you why you do it.
Like last night, Corey asked if he could lie in bed with me until he fell asleep. Okay. So there we were, cuddled up, when Milo the wonder dog jumped in. I was about to shove him off when he laid his head on Corey's shoulder and snuggled Corey's neck. Corey smiled big and said "One big happy family." The dog sighed and I grinned. Then Corey added "Except Sky, she is downstairs alone in her cage."
Oh crap the bird ... did I remember to change her water dish? The moment was over, but I know there are more to come. That is what it is all about. Yes, I am back to life.
And LOVING it!