What I Know For Sure

My head is spinning. I have two very important events this weekend...with lots of responsibilities at both. I have a talk to write that I'm giving tomorrow. I have many things to buy for both events. Next week is the last week of school...and that's a whole other ball of wax with end-of-year parties, teacher gifts, and my final week of triathlon training.

Lately it's all I can do to keep from running away and hiding.

So. I'll blog. It's therapeutic for me...to write things down, list my "to-do" items, get things off my chest. That's kind of what this blog has become for me. A release. Not merely an avenue for sharing cute pictures of my kids or things we've done together. Throughout this blogging experience I've had this great epiphany that I actually like to write. No, I LOVE to write. And, lately, my life has not afforded me the time to indulge in this hobby I enjoy so much.

I've thought a lot about "life" in general lately...and my mind kept returning to a column in Oprah's magazine. "What I Know For Sure" is usually the last column on the last page in her mag, and while I don't subscribe to it or read it monthly, I do find myself picking it up in a salon or doctor's office if only to flip to the back and read this column where Oprah shares life lessons It has inspired me to do the same. Right here. Read on if you wish.

What I Know For Sure:

1. Saying "no" when people ask me to volunteer when I'm feeling overwhelmed makes me feel empowered.

2. No one makes me laugh like my children do.

3. Summers spent poolside are my idea of a little slice of heaven.

4. Seeing my children beam with pride makes my heart swell.

5. Having girlfriends whom you can share ANYTHING with is one of God's greatest gifts.

6. I am a pretty good judge of character after one encounter with that person.

7. Time spent alone is essential for my well-being and mental health.

8. A good song on the radio can change my mood instantly...for the rest of the day.

9. Chips and guacamole are soul food for me.

10. Showing appreciation for someone makes my heart smile. Trying to do that more often.

11. You don't really know someone based solely on their blog.

12. Good, quality teachers are angels sent from heaven.

13. Exercise is the best therapy for me. A glass of cabernet with friends is a close second.

14. I'm now having to schedule time on my calendar to do nothing at all. Sad.

15. Listening to someone requires eye contact. With my children, I try to remember to kneel to their level so that they know I'm giving them my full attention.

16. While Animesh and I are no longer the sole influences in our children's lives, we are still building and solidifying the foundation at home. It's a daily effort and one we must not give up on.

17. I am still too sensitive. Not sure that will ever change. Not sure that I want it to.

18. Quiet time with God strengthens me.

19. Time spent with true friends also strengthens me.

20. I cannot do small talk. I'm a "lay it all on the table" kind of person. To know me is to know that you'll hear a lot about me. I like to be real, open, and honest. And, I appreciate the same openness in return.

21.It's okay if the house isn't perfect or the kids are wearing mismatched clothes. What's more important is that the home is full of love and laughter and that the kids picked out and put on the clothes themselves.

22. Family dinners ground us after a busy day.

23. Unconditional canine love is something I should strive for more in my life.

24. A phone call from a friend at just the right moment is God sending us an earthly angel when we need encouragement or a good laugh.

25. Watching my children love on each other gives me a warm fuzzy feeling I cannot put into words.

26. Picking my battles with the kids has enhanced and strengthened my bond with them. Some things I just need to let go.

27. On the other hand, disciplining when it is hurting me deeply has also strengthened my bond with them. The boundaries they don't think they need are what they crave the most.

28. Deep breaths really do help calm me down.

29. It is necessary to make time for the people and things that really matter.

30. Healthy relationships require work, forgiveness, patience, communication, and unconditional (canine) love.

31. Coffee on the back patio as the sun rises gives me peace.

32. Entertaining in our home brings me joy.

33. Fresh flowers in the house also bring me joy.

34. I am not the same person I was before having children. And, I'm glad.

35. I've discovered that having goals to strive for is an important part of who I am.

36. Whatever I do and whatever I say, my children are always watching me as an example.

37. Animesh watching the kids while I'm gone does not mean he is "babysitting" them. He's their father, for cryin' out loud.

38. I feel some degree of "mommy guilt" at least once every single day.

39. I hate that I feel "mommy guilt" at least once every single day.

40. Practice really does make perfect (or at least "better" in my guitar-playing quest).

41. I could listen to Jason Mraz sing and play guitar all day and night. *deep sigh*

This list is longer than I intended it to be. And, I'm not even finished. But, I've got to run to Costco for many an item needed for the big weekend.

These things I know for sure. How about you?

Happy Memorial Day weekend.