Trying something new

I've thought several times about going back to take classes in a variety of subjects. But I've never said it out loud to anyone or if I did it was more of a mention or kind of an off handed comment. I love technology and do okay working with it. And last fall I found some webpage designing classes that interested me. I bookmarked the local college class page and told myself "after the weddings I'd come back".

Well it's "after the weddings" and with time on my hands with a snow day today the thought about that webpage class popped up while I was in my computer book marks when I was looking for something else. I trolled through the syllabus, first week assignment, pre-class quiz and then the books suggested for the class. I then skipped over to amazon.com and checked out the three books the professor recommended for the class. And to my surprise they didn't cost an arm and a leg. I trolled for the best price, least amount of shipping and book description. And as I sat there with those three books in my cart I second guessed myself, told myself it was a waste of time and money, and that I had better things to pay for with the cost of the books and class. Then something clicked. Why not do this? Why not try something new and for me? So I did it. I ordered the books! And once I can reset my password for the college website (I forgot what it was!) I'm going to register and pay for that class and start class later here soon. I'm going to do it. Try it. See how I do. If I understand it. And better myself. What the heck. Just like getting a hair cut or going to the dentist, these are things we do for ourselves to make us better in some way. Why not make your mind better?

So here I go again. I love to learn and we'll see if this is really my thing or not. But at least I know I did it. I took the risk. I'm trying to better myself and who know where this could take me. But I'm going to give it a try.

The ride has been a blast

I'm about to come to the end of an almost two-year long journey this next weekend. What started in late May 2015 with the simple but life changing phrase of "will you marry me?" and then went on to tripled is about to close.

When all three of my kids got engaged within four months of one another it was a thrill. This next step in their lives was exciting to witness and from a mom's perspective made my heart happy!

And to all of my kids and their significant others well, what has followed for the past 20 months has been amazing and an honor and a privilege to be a part of! Thank you for allowing me to share and celebrate with you all! From the struggles of setting dates and venues to menus, travel plans, working with the other parents, or caters or friends and a million other things, it has been a fun ride. (I have no horror stories like I've heard other mothers share,)

Honestly as all the dates were set, one by one, all I could think about was how fun! And it wasn't until people started pointing out that I had not one, not two but three weddings in less than five months that for a short time, a very short time, I had a small panic attack. Regardless if you are the parents of the bride or groom a wedding is no small undertaking. And well, I panicked. But that was short lived because regard less if they were five months or five days or five years apart I was going to enjoy to the best of my ability these three weddings! And I am! I've always found myself each time someone would comment about having these three life events happen so close together think about how lucky, blessed and loved I am that I am here and able to help celebrate these weddings. So blessed!

Each wedding has or will be as different as each of my kids. Fitting for their and their spouses personalities. There is no comparing. Each wedding has a different theme, food, cake, music, dresses, flowers and a variation on guests. Traditions have varied as well along with the weather! And each is beautiful beyond measure. I have no favorites, I have memories. Happy memories of love and laughter and fun. Who could ask for anything more?

So as this final "wedding week" rolls around and one week from today I will be a three-wedding mom veteran, it is with a smile and full heart I will remember each wedding, just as each of my kids learned to walk at a different age, have different personalities and different goals in life this next chapter in their lives is also unique and individual It makes them who they are and makes me proud.

So my wish today for each couple, as it was 20 months ago when all of this started with the first engagement, is for a lifetime of happiness, love, good health and support not only for each other but from family and friends. Life does not always go as we plan or want it. But when you have someone by your side who loves and supports you every step of the way it will be a journey filled with love, laughter, happiness and fun.

Thank you all for letting me go on this ride with you. It has been an honor and I've loved every minute of it. What great memories! Love you all!

New year, new start

Everyone looks back on the old year and ahead to a new year from a different perspective!

-Some people are happy to see the old year gone. I don't like wishing for time to go faster or wishing it away, or for a certain thing to be over in order to get on to another thing.  Life is too short to wish it away or to only wish for one thing then move on to the next. It is fine to look forward to something but the days in between are just as important and precious.

-Some people always view the out-going year as bad. Yes bad things happen every year. But just because of a few bad things doesn't make the whole year bad. Probably more than likely for a lot of people is if you look back most of the days of a year are okay or pretty good. But a lot of people let a few bad days define a whole year. Kind of like letting a few bad minutes ruin a whole day.

-Some people relish and enjoy the past year and all the experiences, regardless if it was a good or bad year. I find this especially true for those who are facing some of the hardest battles in life.

2016 was a mixed year for me. I celebrated two family weddings and three in all. I helped celebrate a milestone for my sister. I also dealt with health diagnosis in my family that are difficult, one in particular hit home. But both, the good and bad, has brought us together to celebrate and strengthened the bonds I have with my sister. The good with the bad, that's what life is all about. The good things, even small ones, need to be celebrated and appreciated. And the bad helps us appreciate the good and the normal days.

So in this new year I am looking forward to two more weddings! Both will be happy occasions. And in this new year I pray and hope for healing not only for my sister and brother from cancer but for all those who are dealing with health issues. There are a ton of other things to look forward to, 365 sunrises and sunsets (actually 363 sunrises and 354 sunsets since today is Jan. 2) but these small things are gifts, just as each heartbeat and breath is and each day is as well.

So here's to a new year. We know there will be good and there will be bad. But if it's a good or bad year when we look back on it on Dec. 31, 2017 is entirely up to us...make the best of it, most of it, live it and enjoy the ride.