tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078776912414529922024-02-19T20:26:06.482-05:00Lisa's Sunshine & LollipopsLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-59855367339624432152015-01-22T20:38:00.000-05:002015-01-22T20:38:05.663-05:00Little Miss SunshineMy Sidney is a girl with a sunny disposition. She is almost always "up", cheery and pleasant. Her overpowering voice coupled with her unbridled enthusiasm for things that she is passionate about sometimes makes me forget what a precious gem she is.<br />
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One of her friends took this picture of her. Her spirit was captured beautifully. Carefree, happy, flying high, enthusiastic, beautiful and energetic. That's my girl.<br />
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://cf97d5b3-c55d-44ca-8c8c-ece8b6b10f25/imagejpeg" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-25879203659890904082014-10-03T20:41:00.003-04:002014-10-03T20:41:57.930-04:00Marriage and KidsI recently came across an article that made me stop and think. I have read it three times and I am sure I will read it three more. The title, "How American Parenting Is Killing the American Marriage." How could this not stop you in your tracks? I do not buy into every aspect of the article as if it were gospel. I do believe, however, that there is validity to the overall premise. And, I will be the first to admit that I fall into this category. Yep, I said it. Right or wrong, my kids are the priority in life. After all, they are 8 and 11 - how can they not be? That is not to say that I do not have a life outside of them, but I do take my role as their mother, caregiver and protector very seriously. I suppose potential fallout or reward for making that decision has yet to be seen.<br />
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<a href="http://qz.com/273255/how-american-parenting-is-killing-the-american-marriage/" target="_blank">How American Parenting Is Killing the American Marriage</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-32286420985040390452014-04-04T15:58:00.001-04:002014-04-04T15:58:35.278-04:00Spring Has SprungIt's true - it finally happened. After a long, frigid winter the sun and some glimpses of warmth found their way back to Northeast Ohio. It couldn't come soon enough for me.<div><br></div><div>I am a lover of the sun, heat and blooming things. These are all signs of life to me. And, everything is so much better when the sun is shining! </div><div><br></div><div>As I was driving this week, I noticed an elderly gentleman working in his field - tending to a broken fence that no doubt was creamed by high winds and crazy amounts of snow this winter. It reminded me so much of my Granddad. If the weather was decent, he could be found tinkering in the yard, shed or garage. That's just how he rolled. It took me back to a time when he was here. Vibrant. Alive. Oh how I miss him. But, oh so thankful for my memories.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-13000533540667636602014-03-26T19:33:00.001-04:002014-03-26T19:36:51.809-04:00March Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>'Tis the season to lose your mind. Lose your picks. And, lose your bracket. March Madness should be a holiday in our home. Games are set to record if missed, apps are downloaded to keep tabs on teams and we get our money's worth from our XM subscription for the NCAA Basketball station alone. It's crazy! It's madness.<div><br></div><div>In the midst of the madness, my very dear friend Jill and I schemed and planned to attend the Women's NCAA quarterfinals in Toledo. What a memorable trip this was - for all parties involved. Jill and her friend Jody, as well as Jody's daughter Kylee who just so happens to play for Vanderbilt, managed to pull together an unforgettable trip for three young, aspiring basketball players. Sidney and her two friends along with Jill and I road-tripped to Toledo on a Friday evening in preparation for two games on Saturday: Vanderbilt vs. Arizona State and Notre Dame vs. Robert Morris. Excitement was brewing for days before this trip! </div><div><br></div><div>It was a journey of many firsts: my first time attending a NCAA tournament; Jill's first time spending over 24 hours with three high-energy 10 + 11 year old girls; the girls' first NCAA tournament and opportunity to see a college team other than Akron U play. All of these things on their own were really enough to make for a memorable, fun and exciting weekend. (Jill may disagree with her 24 hours with Sidney-squared and Katie!) But, there was more to come...</div><div><br></div><div>Jody, Mark and Kylee managed to sweeten the weekend. After we checked into the hotel, the girls were prompted by Jill to knock on a hotel room door where they were greeted by Kylee - #23 for Vanderbilt. The girls were awestruck by this beautiful, towering real-life college basketball player who greeted them with the warmest of welcomes and a huge hug for each of them. After the loads of bags and piles of stuff were dropped off in our hotel room, the Smith family including Kylee invited us to the lobby to chat, take pictures and get acquainted. We all quickly realized what an amazing family this was - they were so warm and generous with their time as well as making us feel like they knew us for a long while. Truly genuine people. The girls enjoyed chatting with Kylee, having photo-opps and talking about the day ahead. </div><div><br></div><div>In the morning, the girls had a chance run-in with the team and the coach who slapped them high-fives and talked to them before they boarded the bus. The girls were on cloud nine!! So, after the face-painting, last minute beautifying and loading up the car we found ourselves in the arena heading to find where are seats would be. We were fortunate to have reserved seating with the team's family and found ourselves sitting right behind the Vanderbilt bench. And, I mean right behind it - like three rows behind it. I couldn't have imagined that we would have been sitting so close to the action. Right in the middle of it. Amazing. We were thrilled to have such great seats to cheer on Vandy! Mark (Kylee's dad) apparently thought third row seating was not good enough for Sidney-squared and Katie and moved them down to the 1st row behind the bench. Again, awestruck little girls. </div><div><br></div><div>We yelled and cheered. We questioned calls. We loved watching the game. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a win. </div><div><br></div><div>I am so grateful to Kylee and her family for making this experience such a positive, memorable for Sidney - for all of us. It always amazes me when people go out of their way to create sunshine for people they don't even know. And, that is exactly what this family did.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74cOxulPM4_TzlzSx3r2YwnkzAiXNSmlYcjlRfes7mE_gndU6QRJJchDY0zVc37ya7_Ij3ntT52Imq0Q4E0rLAQHSQoKqsst56sMG6cpIoMfm4zL2i94YPTrMuvDeVbOL58Sm-aMslIc/s640/blogger-image--1926220784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74cOxulPM4_TzlzSx3r2YwnkzAiXNSmlYcjlRfes7mE_gndU6QRJJchDY0zVc37ya7_Ij3ntT52Imq0Q4E0rLAQHSQoKqsst56sMG6cpIoMfm4zL2i94YPTrMuvDeVbOL58Sm-aMslIc/s640/blogger-image--1926220784.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwr5GHsT3PjfERRPsPpsTQP3XCVmhbf-DkrJYc7Jlt9-f_Pq2FOC8dbUoTagfOZJ7Wu6qD_qMKV6Ics4Juu_0GcnNaoAwXIDIU6HEZdG-ay-wB-Qb_bXLnbw6qBSVA_qi1VVCgFPzsblw/s640/blogger-image--998922397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwr5GHsT3PjfERRPsPpsTQP3XCVmhbf-DkrJYc7Jlt9-f_Pq2FOC8dbUoTagfOZJ7Wu6qD_qMKV6Ics4Juu_0GcnNaoAwXIDIU6HEZdG-ay-wB-Qb_bXLnbw6qBSVA_qi1VVCgFPzsblw/s640/blogger-image--998922397.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PQv5Jr5WEkSmpdw7vT_kKki4Ogq10EGpXscXb_JOSG1oNlgjIMZahhb-CZ_talsi0C2ntydm5ljty8UIKwa3sRbUjCG31fmRbA5aVn3Sk_FhUw86sZOvqUGxHAXbAmTwnSETvTF6wXY/s640/blogger-image--1879541502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PQv5Jr5WEkSmpdw7vT_kKki4Ogq10EGpXscXb_JOSG1oNlgjIMZahhb-CZ_talsi0C2ntydm5ljty8UIKwa3sRbUjCG31fmRbA5aVn3Sk_FhUw86sZOvqUGxHAXbAmTwnSETvTF6wXY/s640/blogger-image--1879541502.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3u_b_THuWPabPWS3JfDXQ9q0G2rjFLXoNbTRKcSjcV-fxNVH5I68AqOwAzgQQWaRwD1_moh2ums6_tLymqKTSOoVPifyysZCoF6xxzMoubzMyrj4rw_nppsMQIpIXUeyplFJxLuxGEA/s640/blogger-image--2144011063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3u_b_THuWPabPWS3JfDXQ9q0G2rjFLXoNbTRKcSjcV-fxNVH5I68AqOwAzgQQWaRwD1_moh2ums6_tLymqKTSOoVPifyysZCoF6xxzMoubzMyrj4rw_nppsMQIpIXUeyplFJxLuxGEA/s640/blogger-image--2144011063.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep2Y_H-F_c4_y7rysuQEegkBke_QbiyiS8xLi1Q9xW95kmbjEBcETR869R5zbSPXWkr5KM-G6HpzMlvM5lhGgfZqFGFgaE3mTZ10Pd5OEaxJrsWbIIqa91cJMwwRghm30c-I4J2VzW1E/s640/blogger-image--467964606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiep2Y_H-F_c4_y7rysuQEegkBke_QbiyiS8xLi1Q9xW95kmbjEBcETR869R5zbSPXWkr5KM-G6HpzMlvM5lhGgfZqFGFgaE3mTZ10Pd5OEaxJrsWbIIqa91cJMwwRghm30c-I4J2VzW1E/s640/blogger-image--467964606.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-47734411304037739172014-03-06T22:10:00.002-05:002014-03-06T22:10:44.258-05:00The Story Behind ForgivenessIf you have not read the blog post <a href="http://lisa-sunshineandlolipops.blogspot.com/2014/02/forgiveness.html" target="_blank">Forgiveness</a> check it out and then return to this post to gain perspective of the story of Forgiveness.<br />
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I fell in love with Matthew West's song "Forgiveness" the first time I heard it. The lyrics are compelling. Stirring. We are called to forgive and show grace - yet we as humans struggle with this difficult act. Forgiving people who have wronged us. It sometimes feels impossible to do.<br />
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I recently learned of the story behind the song and it broke my heart. I found myself convicted and thankful all at the same time. I implore you to take the five minutes and watch and listen to this video.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xs7iyq_matthew-west-story-behind-the-song-forgiveness_music" target="_blank">The story behind Forgiveness </a><br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-30487136889471008072014-02-27T19:46:00.000-05:002014-02-27T19:46:45.468-05:00Forgiveness<div class="verse" style="text-align: center;">
<em>Its the hardest thing to give away<br />And the last thing on your mind today<br /> It always goes to those that don't deserve</em></div>
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<em>Its the opposite of how you feel<br /> When the pain they caused is just too real<br /> It takes everything you have just to say the word</em></div>
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<em>Forgiveness<br /> </em></div>
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<em>It flies in the face of all your pride<br /> It moves away the mad inside<br /> Its always angers own worst enemy<br /> Even when the jury and the judge<br /> Say you gotta right to hold a grudge<br /> It's the whisper in your ear saying, "Set It Free"</em></div>
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<em>Forgiveness</em></div>
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<em>Show me how to love the unlovable<br /> Show me how to reach the unreachable<br /> Help me now to do the impossible</em></div>
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<em>Forgiveness, Forgiveness</em></div>
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<em>Help me now to do the impossible<br /> Forgiveness</em></div>
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<em>It'll clear the bitterness away<br /> It can even set a prisoner free<br /> There is no end to what its power can do<br /> So, let it go and be amazed<br /> By what you see through eyes of grace<br /> The prisoner that it really frees is you</em></div>
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<em>Forgiveness</em></div>
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<em>I want to finally set it free<br /> So show me how to see what Your mercy sees<br /> Help me now to give what You gave to me<br /> Forgiveness</em></div>
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<span><br /></span>- Matthew West </div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-15509767044733566692014-02-14T10:28:00.001-05:002014-02-14T10:28:29.297-05:00Valentines DayValentines Day - I only celebrate when forced. Meaning, kids events. Ashton has a party and Sidney has a dance. The party should be a walk in the park. I am responsible for paper products and whipped cream for sundaes. Ashton will be thrilled that his mom will actually be at a party - aka: he doesn't have to ride the bus home! The dance on the other hand....it's been a thorn in the side for the past week.<div>
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My little tomboy who wears dresses only at weddings took the stance that she would be wearing jeans and a t-shirt to her "Dress your best" Valentines dance. That all changed the minute I hopped on a plane for a business trip. My daily check-in phone call turned into, "Mom, I want a dress for the Valentines dance." Awesome! I'm out of the state and you decide now that you want a dress. Great! "Dad will have to take you." Well, Dad didn't ended up taking Sidney, Nina did and she ended up with a shirt not a dress. Whatever...if that's what she wants, great! That decision was replaced by buyer's remorse within 36 hours. All the meanwhile, I was stuck in Atlanta with all of the winter wrath that hit the eastern seaboard. Stores, restaurants, business, flights, roads - all closed. State of emergency issued, no one moves. No one. </div>
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I made it home, 36 hours later than anticipated. Turned on my phone upon landing only to receive a multitude of texts from Sidney - all asking me to buy her a dress. I venture to the mall - buy two dresses and a blazer so she would have options. After she put them on she informs me she is just going to wear jeans and the shirt she bought with Nina. Un, no, you're not. Game over. The crazy came out and I legislated she was wearing the dress and would provide me photographic evidence at the dance that it was worn. Oh, happy day! Can't wait to see the pictures from the dance! </div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-11400783989103278152014-02-06T16:05:00.000-05:002014-02-06T16:05:01.736-05:00Ashton's PrayerAshton recently shared with Aaron a conversation he had with God. And, with great sincerity.<br />
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"I prayed to God last night that we would have a snow day. Just not on Wednesday so I could play basketball."<br />
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You've got to love the mind and heart of a seven year old.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-54270197287549898092014-02-02T11:30:00.000-05:002014-02-02T11:30:45.614-05:00ConfessionalThis morning's lesson in church was on marriage. I'm going into 15 years of marriage this July - so I should know a thing or two about it, right? ....not so much.<br />
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In the past few months, I have been working toward renewing my mind and soul. If you are a long-time church-goer you know what that means. If you aren't, it simply means trying to align your life with Christ. Having a Christ-centric life and outlook and thereby realized in thoughts, words and actions. It's life-transforming, I assure you. It's also painful to see how different life could have been if only this commitment occurred long ago. But, you have to start somewhere.<br />
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As I said, 14 1/2 years into marriage and I should know the meaning of that - the roles, expectations, the importance and meaning of vows. To some degree, yes, I get it. From a practical, Biblical standpoint, I have not upheld my vows the way that God intended marriage to be. There you go - my confession. <br />
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I have been working more and more on what those vows mean and upholding them with Aaron. It wasn't until this morning that I understood or allowed my heart to hear what marriage meant and at it's core - forgiveness. The covenant of marriage, not the contract. The marriage covenant of promises - of things that <strong>I</strong> promise, that<strong> I will</strong> do to honor God and my husband. Not a contract or a piece of paper stating that I am contractually bound to a person. But a promise to honor, love, submit and put him above all others.<br />
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Something many people know about me is that I am an independent, do what-I-want, when-I-want type of a woman. It's just how I roll. That's okay to some degree, but has no place in a marriage. This is a hard life-lesson for me. Something I have been working on along with forgiveness. My hard heart has gotten in the way many, many, many (did I say many?) times over the past 14+ years. Submission for me meant "doing what I am told" or agreeing to something I may not truly agree with. What I have learned over the past few months is that isn't what it means at all. It means the willingness to make my wants or needs secondary for the betterment of the marriage. To put Aaron's needs above mine. This is something that I do all the time - with virtually everyone - so why not him? The one person who should be my priority has rarely reaped what so many others have associated with me - service. <br />
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The point of all of this is to say, being married for over a decade doesn't mean that you're doing it right. I have been fortunate that Aaron has persisted despite a strong-minded wife who became closed-off and hard-hearted for various reasons. I am fortunate for grace and forgiveness even though I have not always offered it freely. <br />
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Marriage is tough. It's work. But, once you begin to understand it, it becomes a little easier to navigate and more enjoyable. I guess I will consider myself a slow learner, and thankful that I have an opportunity to move forward - with Christ and with Aaron. Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-74937356943195404622014-01-07T19:30:00.001-05:002014-01-07T19:30:16.566-05:00Reflections of 2013<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">...here it is - finally - the reflections of 2013. Historically, I am anti-resolution. I just don't get the idea of "I resolve to do _________" at the beginning of the year. Why not have an epiphany of something to improve upon and work toward it from that moment? I have had several of those throughout the year and have resolved to work on those in my everyday life.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What 2013 brought to light was....</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">.....silence can be deafening. Damaging. Counterproductive in some cases.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">.....my family is a safe haven. Their presence offers me serenity even in the most chaotic instances.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">.....my kids still light me up - every single day. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">....I do not love or even remotely like Sci-Fi or anything that resembles it. I can't even pretend to! I would rather watch an episode of Elmo's World (is that still on?) than Star Trek. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">....my heart is in service, this I know. I will serve in my home, my community and eventually someplace in the world.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">....I am not defined by my work or the success or failures that may come alongside of a career. My work is a means to an end, and that end is contributing to a healthy, happy household. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">....my marriage is a partnership rather than a parallel effort. Two on the same team works much better than two separately working toward the same goals.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">....I still get a kick out of the word "duty." I will laugh every single time. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">....my friends are invaluable. While they are few in number, they are mighty in support, laughter, love and strength and for this I am grateful.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2013 was okay...benign in some ways, treacherous in others and sprinkled with some good times. 2014 will be great - mark my words. </span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-8748497437574299192013-11-29T22:18:00.000-05:002013-11-29T22:18:33.506-05:00#Mayernik40Today is the fortieth birthday of my very dear friend, Joe. I met Joe a few years back at an advertising conference - on a bus - headed to Downtown Disney. Both of us flying solo. The rest has been history. Orlando, San Diego, Austin, Akron, Phoenix and Rochester have served as our stomping grounds and points of face-to-face reconnection.<br />
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It's not often that you meet a person, connect and develop a lasting friendship. I have found that with Joe. An amazing person. A creative mind. A generous heart. <br />
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Cheers to you, Joe, on your 40th birthday! May you have many, many more blessed years.<br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-13464915915674871962013-11-10T21:21:00.000-05:002013-11-10T21:21:23.240-05:00A Wise 7 Year OldDinner conversation is ALWAYS the best...everything gets put on the table. Eavesdropping on Sidney and Ashton's conversation was priceless.<br />
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Sidney: Mommy bought me bras today when we went shopping.<br />
Ashton: (nods his head)<br />
Sidney: She let me buy padded ones this time.<br />
Ashton: (nods his head)<br />
Sidney: They aren't the big padded ones. They have just a little padding.<br />
Ashton: 'Sinney' (as he calls his sister), you really don't need to tell me this.<br />
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Conversation over.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-46014669074486146882013-09-17T14:33:00.000-04:002013-09-17T14:33:00.003-04:00Baby MommaSunday afternoon the family ventured to Aurora Farms to make returns, use gift cards and squeeze one more thing into an already jam-packed day.<br />
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Everyone got something - consider the day a success. I got a new leather laptop bag and a huge laugh from Wilson's Leather. As I was checking out, Aaron was standing next to me and the kids were touching everything on the counter. I am paying no attention to the cashier other than to transact and get my two misfits out of the store! When I looked up she looked at me and asked (very sincerely I might add!) "Is your hair naturally blonde?" It threw me for a loop. Um, come again? Blonde? No. You see me standing right in front of you, right? I responded politely and curiously, "No, I am not a blonde...." The next question out of her mouth was the jaw-dropper. "Are those your kids?" Yep, sure are - those are my kids. I promise I didn't find them at a store and shop-lift them out from under their blonde parents! "I was blonde as a child, hence my blonde kids."<br />
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People never cease to amaze me. Or, fail to entertain me!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-43048171071640063002013-09-15T11:40:00.001-04:002013-09-15T11:40:35.064-04:00Clutter Equals ImaginationFriday morning I was on a conference call while Ashton was left to his own devices for about 20 minutes. Thank goodness for the mute button! There was a huge eruption of noise coming from the living room while I was battling myself to stay focused to the task at hand. Whatever was going on in there was a lot more interesting than the onslaught of information I was consuming.<br />
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I popped into the living room and motioned for Ashton to come get his things and move out to the driveway to wait for the bus. What I found was a floor littered with cars, airplanes, trucks, hex bugs and even one sole superhero - Batman. Surprisingly this didn't send me into an OCD fit with and urge to get it all picked up. Rather, I looked around the room in admiration of Ashton's creativity and big imagination. He's such a bright little mind.<br />
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What a great way to start the day. Batman, car races and helicopters - all in the midst of a conference call. <br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-16670422241590187912013-09-10T21:05:00.001-04:002013-09-10T21:05:37.035-04:00Laughter is PowerHave you ever seen Monsters, Inc.? Crazy looking monsters who capture children's screams at night to power their city? It's a great concept - alternative energy if you will.<br />
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A few weeks back, my little clan (my small group of friends) and I ventured to the Vermillion area for another weekend of relaxation, wine drinking and long overdue bonding. Of course, no trip to that region is complete without a stay at The Cabin in the Woods. Our hosts, as always, were gracious and very tolerant. Tolerant of incessant laughing. Laughter of insane magnitude causing side stitches, sore abs and watery eyes.<br />
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Upon our departure, Walt our innkeeper and friend, told me that if our laughter could be bottled and used like it was in Monsters, Inc., it could power all of New York City. He meant it with all sincerity and in appreciation of our friendships and intentional endeavor to have fun and kick back.<br />
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What he said stuck. Laughter is power. I need to generate more power!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-25198813012733719172013-07-21T20:37:00.000-04:002013-07-21T20:37:50.936-04:00Making Mistakes Since 1964This is the tagline of my dear friend, John Puglia. "Making Mistakes Since 1964." The first time he said that to me I laughed hysterically thinking that he had just made some witty comeback to my accusation of him missing something that I had provided to him earlier in the day. Turns out, it's his official sign off - and he had the rubber stamp to prove it. Really, he did.<br />
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John had a real liking for taglines apparently - he bestowed two upon me. The first one should be no surprise to anyone - "The Girl on the Grid." He teased me incessantly for living and dying by schedules, getting excited about well-created spreadsheet and matrices and being a machine in some cases. In fact, he would leave me notes on grid paper just to reinforce his theory and thereby validating the tagline. The second tagline he gave me was "Blonde Roots. Really." I had a picture of my Granddad and I sitting on my desk and I was about three years old - and blonde. John would often tease me for being book-smart and lacking common sense - and specifically having no navigational sense whatsoever. Despite my dark hair, he was convinced the blonde roots were still there.<br />
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Our friendship really took hold a year ago - during a 24-hour, round-the-clock, work frenzy known as CreateAThon. I was on John's team and we really got to know each other well and had some quality bonding time through that experience. Nothing says bonding like a 1:30am walk to The Interstate - a notoriously gay bar - in Akron. I suppose he thought it would be good to wake me up if the cold air in the wee hours in the morning didn't do it. He was right. This was the first of many experiences we would have and share for the next year. <br />
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He introduced me to a new realm of restaurants, drinks, live music venues, speak-easies and bands. He also instilled in me an appreciation for experiences. These should not be understated. He invited me into his world - knowing it would be completely different than what I was accustomed to. He lived life to the fullest - experiencing every moment and challenged me to do the same.<br />
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I lost John a week ago today. I did. His boys did. His parents did. Numerous other friends and family. We all lost John - and what a loss that is. I still have not fully comprehended his expedited departure despite the fact that I attended his funeral only days ago. It was too soon. Far too soon for a person so full of life, energy and amazing talent. He loved life and that passion was contagious. To say I will miss him is a gross understatement.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and I - CreateAThon 2012</td></tr>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-68741668780969495312013-07-07T21:55:00.000-04:002013-07-07T21:55:05.064-04:00Mad Men Meets Pharmaceuticals Nearly all of my professional career has been spent in the marketing and advertising world. Tomorrow it changes. Tomorrow I leave my comfort zone to move into a field that is relatively foreign to me. If someone would have told me that I would wind up in the healthcare(ish) industry one day I would have told them they were off their rocker. My Grandie always wished me to be a nurse while I was growing up and I politely disagreed - no thanks. No blood, bodily fluid or needles for this girl. While I will not be functioning as a healthcare provider, being in the industry is still a bit bizarre. But, it affords me what I need - time.<br />
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For far too long I have been running on fumes and while I have done a kick-ass job in my professional career, I have done a mediocre job as a wife, mother, daughter, friend, volunteer. This is not me being melodramatic or a martyr, this is me keeping it real. The Mad Men lifestyle has afforded me many opportunities, growth experiences, travel, new relationships, fun and yes, even cocktails at my desk and over lunch. But, not without a cost. The cost being at the expense of the people most important to me. What it really comes down to is the realization that life is about five-minutes long. Recognizing what's most important to me and how can I achieve more life becomes the goal. Not the career. Not a job. People and life - that's what matters to me.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">"There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow; so today is the right day to love, believe, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">do and mostly live."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">- Dalai Lama </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-55557499414122911772013-05-18T22:54:00.001-04:002013-05-18T22:54:27.087-04:00Happy Birthday S+Since May 1st, I have listened to the countdown to the birthday of Sarah Cross. May 19th is the magical date that this vibrant force entered the planet. <br />
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S+ (Sarah Cross) is my project manager, right hand and friend. She is pushed and pulled all day long by two very demanding account executives and still manages to inject humor, levity and spirit into the daily grind. She brings flair and life to everything she touches. Her consummate desire to learn and grow is inspiring. Her ability to add "light" to the gloomiest of days is refreshing.<br />
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She has laughed with me. Cried with me. Prayed for me. Supported me. Inspired me. Worked with me and for me - long hours and in tough situations. She challenges me. Always keeping me on my toes.<br />
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She loves life and it is evident in everything she does. She adds beauty as well as captures it. She is an amazing woman.<br />
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On this day and every day I wish her a life full of happiness + celebration. <br />
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Happy Birthday to you, S+. May you have many, many more!<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-10502286251176792272013-05-13T22:32:00.000-04:002013-05-13T22:33:09.275-04:00FaithHebrews 11 states, "<span class="text Heb-11-1">Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Whether or not you believe (in God) faith is something that can be a difficult practice. Webster defines faith as "a firm belief or complete trust in something for which there is no proof." Not really my strong suit. I'm more of a fact-based, show me the data kind of a girl. I'm finding the facts and the data don't always point to the appropriate solution. </span><br />
<span class="text Heb-11-1"><br /></span>
<span class="text Heb-11-1">Sunday morning I sat in church listening to a message on faith. Actively listening. Reading ahead in Hebrews 11 to the next verse. Hungry to refresh myself on the notable acts of faith. Parting of the Red Sea, ark building....that's serious faith. </span><br />
<span class="text Heb-11-1"><br /></span>
<span class="text Heb-11-1">I'm making the shift to demonstrate greater faith in virtually every aspect of my life - personally and professionally. Leaps aren't easy. I guess why they are leaps of faith.</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-50970927240056626432013-04-27T21:08:00.000-04:002013-04-28T11:50:27.944-04:00RestorationHave you ever just had life jump up and smack you in the face calling for your attention? As in, "what the hell are you doing and why?" I suppose there are points in life where you need to be face-to-face with complete loss before you fully realize what you stand to lose. And, how profound that truly is.<br />
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To say that the past several months, and arguably the past year, have been trying and turbulent would be a gross understatement. Watching yourself slowly slip away from things and people that absolutely make you a whole person is painful. Fairly torturous. Hearing those closest to you say, "you've changed", "you aren't yourself anymore", "you've lost your levity" and knowing that it is all true is pierces a soul.<br />
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I'm here to say healing has begun. It's a tough path. It's not instantaneous. But, it's progress. And progress is success.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-84018335006104728712013-02-26T22:29:00.000-05:002013-02-26T22:33:43.688-05:00The Finer Things in Life<br />
Who thought that basketball - fourth grade basketball - would fall under a headline like "The Finer Things in Life...."<br />
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I have had the privilege of witnessing my daughter's growth - both on and off the court - for the past several months. There is nothing more satisfying than watching your child sharpen her skills. Develop confidence. Experience the value of being a member of a team - a tribe, if you will. Exuding passion that most adults cannot fathom. It's been truly refreshing and inspiring.<br />
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Her tenacious spirit is contagious. She keeps me grounded - reminds me what the finer things in life truly are.<br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-83215564618117620942013-02-01T22:25:00.000-05:002013-02-01T22:25:56.106-05:00Perfection in the Way of Progress<i>Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else's life.
Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other
people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out
your own inner voice. And most important have the courage to follow your
heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to
become. Everything else is secondary.</i><br />
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Steve Jobs<i> </i></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-84500178964257639712013-01-19T16:41:00.002-05:002013-01-19T16:42:36.687-05:00Desperate WhyRemember my 2012 Reflections? The overarching theme of what is important in life. Well, I had a face-to-face with that reality again this week. This time it wasn't my story. It was a story that my friend shared with me - one written beautifully by one of her friends who has learned what the meaning of life <i>truly</i> is. <br />
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<i>"What is your DESPERATE why?"<br /><br />In a flash my eyes welled up as I felt a jolt of pain in my chest. <br /> </i><br />
<i>Want to know my desperate why? <br /><br />These four men are my why. Jeff and I got caught up in the rat race in the last two years. Which took us away from what mattered, family. We spent very little time together, no enjoying life and very little laughter. Instead, we were separated...like when you throw something into a fan. Split and tattered into a million pieces. It almost broke us down, enough to rip our little family apart. Thank God we woke up.<br /><br />Now, we are committed more than ever before to simplify our lives. We reminded one another about the reason we decided to build a life together to begin with. Truth is, success is never defined by "things" or "money". True success is finding joy and honoring love. Savoring every moment that we are on this earth. Waking every morning with thoughts of gratitude. Gratitude for the love you have, not for the things you have. <br /><br />Now, this does not mean we will not continue to put our strength behind our work, this just means that our priorities shifted. They are where they should be. And although we still have our work cut out for us, we are now present every step of the way. And that my friends, is priceless. <br /><br />I urge you to ask yourself these questions:<br /><br />Do you know your "Desperate Why"?<br />Are you stuck on the wrong path? <br />Is fear of change holding you back? <br />Are you more concerned with what might be said about you if you shift your path instead of what's right for you and your family?<br /><br />It is never too late to make a positive change in your life.</i><br />
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Thank you, Denise, for sharing. And, thank you - Anna Cummins - for being bold enough to share your hard life lessons.<br />
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www.theevilwiener.com <i> </i>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-26551894419650976552013-01-06T21:58:00.001-05:002013-01-06T21:58:16.128-05:00Unkowingly ProfoundSidney's basketball team has been on a bit of a losing streak. They play well, but they fizzle at the end of the game. By the 4th quarter, will and stamina are not considered equal.<br />
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Prior to suiting up for Saturday's game Sidney issued a very profound statement. "Mom, I <i>need</i> a win." Tired of losing. In desperate need of seeing the fruits of her labor. A win is needed. Indeed it is, Sidney.<br />
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Her team won and she left me with a statement that addresses an ongoing pain of mine. I, too, am in <i>need </i>of a win. It will happen - it's just never fast enough. <br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-907877691241452992.post-23671523461247041522013-01-01T12:46:00.001-05:002013-01-01T12:46:26.539-05:002012 ReflectionsIt's that time of year. Not a time to project what the new year will bring, what resolutions I will make and break, but rather to reflect what I have experienced. 2012 has proven to be a rebuilding year. Personally and professionally.
Rebuilding certainly brings challenge. But, it also can yield reward.<br />
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I've learned...when one door closes, another one opens. But, walk cautiously because you don't know what is on the other side until you are through it.<br />
<br />I've learned...my circle is small. Tight. And, that's the way I like it.<br />
<br />I've learned...even "food poisoning" can be funny in the company of good friends and it never gets old talking about it.<br />
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I've learned...fourth grade homework is work - even with a college degree.<br />
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I've learned...you can find friends in unlikely places - embracing a new relationship while exposing potential vulnerabilities leads to rich experiences.<br />
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I've learned...my heart is in service. Not the rat race. <br />
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I've learned...setting a goal and achieving it is quite possibly one of the most rewarding feelings a person can have. <br />
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I've learned...my kids are flipping hysterical and not a day goes by that they haven't made me laugh. <br />
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I've learned...while time heals, it's never fast enough.<br />
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I've learned...you only go around once. Make the most of it. Carpe Diem.<br />
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I've learned...self control is easier said than done. Especially while being a spectator at my kids' games. <br />
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I've learned...sunshine can be found in any situation. Sometimes you just have to dig to uncover it.<br />
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I've learned...there's nothing "half" about a half marathon.<br />
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Here's to 2013. May it be filled with health and happiness.<br />
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603214829286488474noreply@blogger.com0