I belive..........

Okay, so I needed to post an update and this was sitting there in my in box. I won't take credit for writing it, but I found it inspirational. And, I really do believe.

I Believe... That just because two people argue, that doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, that doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe...That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.

I Believe....That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them...and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,but we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I Believe...Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you...you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;They just make the most of everything. Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life...

Empty Nest at age 33?

There is an odd quiet in the house. Dave is reading, I am studying and the girls, they are gone. The come home from school to do their chores, maybe we will see them for dinner. Otherwise they are out with their friends. With my work and school schedule, some days I don't even see them. Dave assures me that they are still alive. They are too cool to hang out with us old fuddy-duddies.

We have a glimpse of the rest of our lives, when the kids grow up and move out. Quiet evenings at home with a good book or a good movie, just me and Dave. I am glad to say that we enjoy each others company. We discuss books, politics, watch Gilmore Girls. It is a subdued, calm existence. Once in a while we will mix things up and go out to a movie, or down to St George. This would occur more often if we had more money. But, I am satisfied with a trip to the used book store here in Cedar, maybe Beto's for lunch.

I also look forward to the time when our kids will realize how cool we have always been. For me, this stage did not come until I moved out of my parent's house. I loved to go visit them, and just sit and talk-I still do. They are just the same as they have always been, only my view and appreciation for them changed. It does get kind of lonely without the kids sometimes. Thank goodness for forced family outings. :)

you gotta see this......

Anthony Bourdain-No Reservations
I never thought I would like it: a travel show about an ex hippie stoner that seeks out the most disgusting cuisines in distant lands. Dave would watch it and laugh, and I would go into the other room. Dave reminded of the time that I chastised him for watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer only to find myself an adoring fan of the surprisingly profound and intellectual teen drama once I gave it a chance. So I gave in to those baby blue eyes, and braced myself for an hour of boredom as I sat down to watch an episode with him.

Anthony Bourdain is a chef and a writer, and his show is a perfect melding of these two arts. The first episode I remember was about China. He travels with a friend, usually some one he knows from his years as a chef. They go to the out of the way places far out of the "tourist" range and really explore the culture and the native food. He is invited into the homes of the locals and celebrates their customs with them. His narration is emotional-the mood ranges from witty to profound. It makes me think. It makes me laugh. It makes me want to write with a talent like his.In this episode, they are in a little restaurant at the local market. Him and his traveling companion are devouring some disgusting-looking squid ink dish and talking about how people, despite their differences, all want the same basic things. It is touching, hilarious and thought provoking. I am entertained and enlightened. I am linked with these people, these cultures so different than my own. I have been hooked ever since.

It is a show that blends the things that Dave and I love-writing, food and sarcasm. It has opened my eyes to many cultures and lifestyles. Even though it gets into some subjects that make me uncomfortable (an clip of Spaniards butchering a cow comes to mind) it is always presented as the true way that these people live. Though it may be offensive to some, it is every day survival for them, and that I can appreciate. It has made me appreciate things like running water and a bed to sleep in. It has opened my eyes to how we are all the same, how we all want the same basic things: good food, a sense of belonging, and faith in each other.

Heather Marie ventures into the world of adulthood.

Crazy to think about, even wilder to experience. The sweet, goofy girl is now 18. Dave and I can say that we have done a mighty fine job, but we are not done yet. Do children ever really grow up in their parent's eyes?

Heather is compassionate. She has a great sense of humor. She is outgoing, friendly-loves to be around children. She is determined, a social butterfly. She loves to eat sushi, steak, seafood and will try any food at least once. She has a strong sense of adventure and is always active. She loves to watch movies, play the guitar, running and hiking. She is tall and beautiful--the boys are starting to notice. She does what she wants and could care less about what anyone thinks about her. She is an individual and is not afraid to go against the grain. She is doing well in school, but is still undecided on what to do after graduation--nanny, military, college, working--they all seem full of adventure to her (Dave and I are trying to get her to commit to college or the military, either one is fine by us) We are proud of her. She has all the tools to be a success in life. Watch out world, here she comes.