Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

As y’all know, things have been busy with Samantha being here and us being on the road. It has been years since she and I have taken a road trip together, and we are having a blast.

We’ve had mant discussions ranging from love, shopping, to life insurance quotes, and the differences we notice in our own policies.

Right now, she and I are both at the wi-fi zone of the resort and tapping out a few words before we head back and get ready for bed. We have alot to do tomorrow so I hope we can drag ourselves out of bed before nine. Gotta dash.

The best things in life really aren’t “things” at all, but instead moments that bring a smile to our face, warmth to our souls, that leave heartprints on our lives.

Todays “best things” include, but are definitely not limited to:

Climbing the tower with my friend Vivi- all 465 steps.

Lunch at the Stairway To Heaven Cafe, and the last can be summed up in a photo.

Looks like we’re going to take the plunge and buy a car this morning. We’ve been looking for the past several days, and Marcel just made an appointment with the guy at the dealership. I’m a little nervous about it- I guess the thought of handing over so much money to someone, but it’s a great deal, so I feel very confident about it.

If I could bottle this feeling in my stomach, I think I could corner the market on weight loss pills, because right now I don’t feel like eating anything. I must though, as we all know breakfast is the KEY meal of the day, and as much as I’d like to skip, I know better.

Thank goodness for fruit smoothies on days like today- I can drink my nutrition. That coupled with a few almonds should keep me going for a while.

Gotta dash.

I thought while I was sitting at the computer checking ALL my emails, that I would type out a few words before I head out the door to spend a little more time enjoying the day.

I know I haven’t been around much, but the weather is far too beautiful to spend time inside if you don’t absolutely have to, and since I was able to do a few chores this morning after we came home from our bike ride, I’ve had the rest of the day to do whatever I want- which has been spending the afternoon sitting in the shade, enjoying the gorgeous weather we’ve been blessed with.

We had a busy, busy weekend, which included a 6.5 mile walk along the beach yesterday, and a 10+ mile bike ride this morning. Couple that with a 3 pound weight loss when I stepped on the scales earlier, and I would have to say- life is good.

Tomorrow and Wednesday I have plans which will also require me to be gone most of the day, but Wednesday morning should afford me some time to write, if I don’t write before then. I’m definitely going to try before then, as I have so much to tell.

My Gratitude List for June 1, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• Gorgeous weather and time spent with Marcel biking this morning.
• A 3 pound loss on the scales this morning.
• A baby donkey that I had the pleasure of meeting this morning, and giving a hug.
• Sitting in the shade, writing letters and enjoying the day.
• My brothers 40th birthday bash, being a smashing success.

I have so much to talk about, but right now I need to head to the kitchen, pour myself a tall glass of Coke Zero, and head outside with the telephone so I can call one of my dearest gal pals, Julie.

We haven’t talked in a while via the phone, and it’s time. She’s not feeling well, so I hope she’ll be ok to talk, but I’m definitely looking forward to it. Yeahhh for friends! Hearing from friends is always a day brightener isn’t it? It is for me!

I promised myself that I was going to spend some time outside reading today, and I’m headed off to do just that in a few.  It seems like I just sat down at the computer, and I see that three hours have passed in the blink of an eye.  

That happens, especially when you spend most of the weekend away from the computer.   I needed to track my food, check on nutritional health supplements, write a few things that I needed to print and get ready to be mailed.  

The ‘todo’ list is still long, but tomorrow is another day.  Right now, the coffee and book are calling my name, not to mention the sunshine.

Earlier today when Marcel and I were having dinner, I was telling him how I couldn’t believe that next year will be my 25 year graduation from high school.   It’s hard to believe, especially since I know I still look 20, but it’s true.   

Next year is also the year that Ainsley and Olivia- the twin daughters of one of my very best friends will be graduating from high school, and even though I’ve only been in their life for the past 3 years, they are so special to me, as if I’ve known them my entire life.   They are precious, precious girls, and I love them both dearly.

I made mention to Marcel that I would really love to be there to see them get their diploma, but I know that our trip home isn’t planned until the holiday season.  I know I can’t be there, but yet, I really want to.   

Marcel suggested that I fly out next year for graduation, stay a few weeks and come home.  I’m tempted- and since I have a year to think about it, I may do it.   When I think about the money aspect, I know it’s alot of money to spend for a few weeks when we’ll be there several months later- but in the same aspect I would love to be there to see A and O graduate and to join in all the festivities with them.    Right now I don’t know what life will bring, but it’s definitely something to consider.

I remember my own graduation, just like it was yesterday, and so many of the friends I made during school I lost contact with- until Facebook.   It has proven to be a huge reunion place for so many of us, and thanks to Facebook,  some of us actually got together this time when we were home for the holidays, and we’re all planning a bigger gathering for the next trip.   

I have so many memories to share- memories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime.   

Embrace those special moments with special people.  Life is fleeting, and we never know what tomorrow brings.   “Geniet van de dag”  (Enjoy the day) – each and every day!

My Gratitude List for May 19, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• The rains holding off today so that we could get a bike ride in.
• Sunshine, after the rains.
• Soup night- which meant no cooking.
• Love.
• Mom and diddy, whom I love so much

Ahhh coffee- I ground enough beans to brew myself two cups, and just sat down with a big Mickey Mouse mug filled with coffee, a splash of cream, and a touch of Splenda- not much, just enough to give it a hint of sweetness. I’m curious to the flavor, since I’ve never bought it before, and is called Roma Espresso. I’m sure it can’t beat my all time favorite, Illy, but I enjoy trying different types, and now that I’ve had a sip, I can say that it’s good.

Marcel decided to take a nap. He’s tired after doing a little painting in the kitchen today. I’m still unsure why he chose a rainy day to paint, but at least he got it done, and for that I’m grateful. Unfortunately, the paint fumes and my allergies do not mix, but at least we are able to close off that part of the house and unless I go into the kitchen, I won’t smell it.

Marcel and I have been talking about home improvements. There are several things that we’d both like to do, one of which being adding crown molding throughout the house, plus replacing all the doors throughout. We’ve gone back and forth on whether to actually do that, because we would love to sell this place and move to something a little larger in the near future, but right now- with the selling markets being the way they are, I’m not sure that’s going to be realistic in the next few years.

Personally, I’d like to do the improvements anyway, since it will raise the value of our home, but Marcel sees it as wasted time and energy. I do understand his point, but what can I say- I love the idea of a new, fresh look. I guess we’ll eventually come to a decision.

Right now, while everything is quiet- I believe I’m going to work on my brothers ’40 things about me on my 40th birthday’. I wanted to make the list for him and have mom read it to him at his birthday bash- a little something that brings us closer to being there, even though we can’t be there physically. I ordered his gift today, which I know he’ll love. It’s golf related, and ANYTHING golf related is A-OK in his book.

It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring….. .

Guess what kind of weather we’re having today? Yep, you guessed it- rain! I actually don’t mind, since with the rains the winds have died down and I was able to get out today for lunch with friends and actually use an umbrella.

My knee was bothering me a little by the time we were winding up the walking for today, but we walked, walked and walked some more. I figure who needs fat burner pills, when you get as much walking in as we did today.

Right now, I’m enjoying the silence, and am considering spending some time outside on the porch, enjoying the rain, without having to get wet. Listening to the sound of falling rain is one of my favorite things, and I could couple that with a huge cup of coffee (I bought two new types today while I was out for lunch), and some letter writing. Sounds perfect to me.

What’s your favorite rainy-day activity?

The past two days I’ve really been able to accomplish so much that I’m actually starting to make a dent in my ‘to do’ list without it growing by leaps and bounds as I scratch something off it.  That is a great feeling, let me tell ya.

I’ve definitely had to make a few changes, but I’ve decided to take care of the things I need to do first, and then allow myself the time the things I want to do later, it’s working- at least so far.

I was hoping to write three letters today. Yes, two of them I could actually email, but I love a hand written letter, so I sat outside in the sunshine this afternoon with my pen, paper and a huge glass of iced green tea and I wrote. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get three letters written, but I did get one completed, stuffed in an envelope and addressed before Marcel got home from work and the meeting he attended today. He was sweet enough to take it out to the mail, so that it could actually be sent in todays mail- I’ll try to get the other two done in the next couple of days.

I’ve been having the overwhelming desire to create lately, so this weekend, I’m hoping to have the time to work on some new jewelry creations. It has been quite some time, and I really have several ideas I’d like to try to pull together. I’ll keep y’all posted when I do, and share a few photos of the creations.

The coffee is brewed and I am ready for a bath. I’d like to spend a little while with Marcel before he heads off to bed for the evening. He has to be up early in the morning for work, so he always goes early when he has to be up early.

My Gratitude List for May 13, 2009.
Today I’m Grateful For:

• Having some time to myself to prioritize and get some things checked off my ‘to do’ list.
• Having most of phase two of the flowers done, and being ready to move on to the third and final planting stage.
• Marcel mailing the letter I wrote for me, which allowed me to get dinner going.
• Beautiful flowers.
• Those few people in my life, who really seem to ‘get’ me.