My Little Pony Rider

My Little Pony Rider
Originally uploaded by mamalicious1.

Went to the National Western Stock Show last week and discovered that I might just have a cowgirl on my hands. I'm not sure if that scares me or not. Ellie was mesmerized by the rodeo and kept shouting, "go, boy!" or "yee haw!" much to the dismay of the more seasoned rodeo-goers around us (this was MY first rodeo, too). After a brief nap during the bull-riding, we ventured into the world of pigs and cows. I was most amazed at the full bar they offered in the middle of the cow barn. Not sure if it's the best place to drink a beer, but I loved the idea!

Tuesday Blues

I read once that it takes the average person 2 years (TWO years) to "recover" from divorce. I'm not even a year into it and I'm ready for recovery! Desperation about selling the house, heartache from the break-up, adjusting to being a single parent - it all came together last night and I had a full-on nuke-u-ar meltdown. It's a good thing Ellie was somewhere else when the volcano erupted because mama had a total tantrum.

Whew. Today is better and brighter and I feel more on solid ground. After a million friends have suggested finding a support group of some kind, I finally agree that I might try that. Any ideas where to start?

Copying Schloobie - 1st Concert

I saw the Cars when I was 16. I had no idea what to expect and my friend, "But," (Julie Butler - may she rest in peace) and I went to see our second favorite band on a cold, cold Indiana night. First choice would have been U2 but that was near impossible back in the day. When Ric Ocasek started the show with "Hello," I thought I might faint. I can still picture my seat in Market Square Arena (may IT rest in peace).

My interest in concerts has kind of fizzled in past years and I decided not long ago that it had better be a damn good artist for me to pay big money and fight big crowds to see. I must be getting old because I'd rather see a Broadway show, but I'm somewhat embarassed to admit that I'd still pay big money to see Michael Jackson and Britney Spears (shhhhh, don't tell anyone). Others on the list of I'd-really-like-to-see? Pink, Elton John, Susan Tedeschi and Madonna. I know, a bit of a difference in music there, but I love them all so much.

Oh yeah, I would have added Cyndi Lauper to the must-see list but she gave us the cold shoulder in Seattle after we'd spent a week with her on a cruise ship. Bummer.

It's a New Year, Charlie Brown

I don't typically make resolutions. The New Year normally just comes with a return to school and start of a new semester. While it marks the end of my much-loved Christmas break, I usually look at the New Year with dismay.

Not this year. 2007 is my year. 2006 was full of turmoil and anger. I learned more than I ever wanted to about heartache and change and baby, it's time to move forward. Mark my words, this will be a good year.

Things about 2006 that I'm most thankful for:

1. my kids. They are the most beautiful, brilliant kids I know. No joke: they are the air I breathe.

2. my health. While I ate too much and drank a few too many cocktails this year, I stayed relatively healthy. That year-end root canal reminded me that not feeling well can taint everything. I'm thankful for a good year of health.

3. my family and friends. In times of crisis, the solid friends rise to the top. Although excruciating to learn, it's an important lesson and I appreciate the friends who have stood by me. My family goes without saying. I will forever love them for it.

4. my girlfriend. She makes me LAUGH every day. She's patient with my emotions but doesn't let me sell myself (or us) short in any regard. She challenges me to be a good mom and to do it different. My life changed when she entered.

Onto bigger and better. I'll take the good stuff into 2007 with me and leave the ugliness behind. Onward...