End Of An Era

Wow only 3 August entries...and that's all you're gonna get, too! I'm just gonna go ahead and say it even though I hate cliches...So much to say, so little time. I've broken out the real diary to keep it all documented and therefore you'll probably get a "Month In The Life" entry when I return, which will be on 9-11. But I would be remiss if I didn't mention my brother John on the day after his 40th birthday. Remember, it is not what you do, but who you are! You could drive a garbage truck for all I care and you would still be the same caring, unselfish, hardworking, loving dad, and all-around-good-guy. I don't know why, but your face always comes to mind when I think of soft spots in my heart. God bless you in whatever you decide to pursue and speaking from my 10-year seniority, let's not call this one "over the hill". 

OK then, troops, carry on!

Rant And Rave

Now that I have awakened from the coma I shall forever lovingly refer to as Hurricane Melissa, there are just a few topics that have become eminently clear in my mind. Therefore I blog.

Job ~ If I have to go, and I do, I will. If I didn't have to, I wouldn't. But I never seem to want to. Pretty sure that will never change even if the situation would. And it won't. My glass is half empty when it comes to work.

Money ~ I have tried to not let the almighty dollar become my god and rule every decision, or sneak into every conversation I have! An old ex-relative of mine used to answer the "I got it on sale" scenario with, "the whole world is on sale". So it didn't' surprise me when my common sense started rearing it's ugly head on this whole "motor home vacation idea." I'll betcha that thing goes through a gallon of gas faster than I can complain about all the SUV's that are passing us like we're standing still. 

Relatives ~ You can't live with 'em and that's a good thing, but I couldn't live without 'em, either. For starters: Ariel Janae. What a pleasant young woman you have turned into (not saying you weren't pleasant earlier, just saying). You have had a couple of curves thrown your way but have stayed positive and charming through it all. You and your mom brighten up a room by just walking into it, and it's not just cuz you both wear the cutest and funkiest clothes in W. Michigan...it goes much deeper than that. I hope you enjoy your h.s. years as much as my girls did, and good luck with trying to get a Mona Shores type POP's concert pulled together. We would sure enjoy coming to watch you perform much more than we're going to enjoy playing East in football this year. Remember to shine and always go towards the light.

Ang & Joel. Good morning! I cannot say enough about your quiet convictions and faith. If I wasn't such a wus, here I would go into great detail about the strength and determination you portrayed in delivering that baby naturally. And those same traits will turn into powerful parenting skills. They already have. I'm positive that you've passed the valium/prozac test and have come out victorious on the other side. I am so excited to see Aidan grow up in your physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally sturdy home. LiVeSTroNG. 

Mom & Dad ~ you both remind me of that silly Energizer bunny...you keep going and going! Whenever you describe a little ache or pain, the first thought that comes into my head is, "what? you're just now feeling that?" Your absolute unconditional love and support of our kids in everything has meant the world to Mark and I. As we peeked over our shoulders during the open house it was reassuring to see you interacting with grandkids, great-grand kids, friends, and acquaintances. In the midst of it all I don't think you missed one weed in the garden or one empty dish that needed refilling. I'm going to have to insist that after Monday's auction dust has settled...you finally take the break you so deserve and need.

Open Houses ~ Me proving to the world that not everyone stops taking pictures after the first baby.

Well as you can see by my list above the fun isn't over 'till the fat lady sings. No pun intended. I have a sunset to catch.

Countdown

Tues July 26

T minus not very much time and counting! Mark, get off the computer and fix the screen door, finish cleaning out garage, paint....need I go on? Kids: pre-warn any friends you happen to drag bring home on Friday that they'll be put to work. And anyone reading this: you show up before 5:59pm on Aug 6 and you'll probably get a job. Just kidding! Except for you Mark, seriously, step away from the computer. 

Note to west Michigan meteorologists: please forecast severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours for Aug. 6.

Sat July 30

Young Love

Not mine, silly! Mine's old-----28 years old, to be exact. Not stale, stagnant or musty old, but old none the less. As I celebrate this day I'm desperately trying to remember my season of young love. It's difficult to get out of the driveway in my quest to go down memory lane. Time! So as I sit back and watch my kids (well, not necessarily sit back) words like young and new are not in my description of love. They have long since been replaced by comfortable, content, secure and happy. And just for the record...what a ride. My hope for today is that I (we) have led by example. Remember: love is a choice.

Mon Aug 8

OK, just a tad tired. And grateful. And overwhelmed. And excited. And bittersweet. And apprehensive. Did I mention tired? I'm still pulling my thoughts together on the whole open house dealie. It is somewhat strange when different aspects of your worlds collide right at your own front door. I hope everyone, (especially those that follow along here) took the evening as the biggest "thank-you" I could possibly muster for the role you have all played in Melissa's life. And I'm quoting my friend Kate not Hillary Clinton when I say, "It absolutely does take a village!" So thank you, merci beaucoup, obrigado and thank you once again. More later.

And now the final countdown begins. I am painfully aware of the anticipation and sadness that separation brings, but on the other hand I am coming to terms with this new phase that is starting to unfold. I eagerly await the adventures, travels, and new acquaintances that the YA's is going to afford our family. I mean c'mon, it's southern fricken California, for crying out loud! I'm positive Melissa, you are where you're supposed to be right now and also in the fall. I can not wait to hear the stories, see the shows, and cherish the reunions. So yea, whenever I get super homesick for girl's night out, I guess I will just have to jump in the car and go harass Jennifer. Whatever will I do if she's overwhelmed by studies, work, and Boyfriend, that she limits me to some sort of ridiculous once a month visitation rights. I call shotgun on Jen for Amazing Race 7 and Survivor Guatemala premiers and finales. Seriously, Jen, look what listening to God's small still voice has afforded you! I can't wait to see what lies ahead and I'm positive that since you've overcome some major fears in your life since the middle of July, music performance is going to be a piece of cake! It's your time. And that brings me to Ben and Annie. God bless you both as you struggle through this year of US 131 trips. My hope for you is that when you look back on this short span of time in your life you will be able to see how all things work together for the good. It's very cliche, but you know the old absence makes the heart grow fonder saying! What with Melissa in California and my restricted schedule with Jennifer, I'll probably be dragging you to lunch, Annie, every 10 days or so! And even though I'm ecstatic to help plan a wedding, the marriage is what I've prayed about since he was born. Go ahead...society, put your negative spin on the empty nest syndrome, my heart is full.

And What A Time It Was

Week-end...time flying

acrobatic, loud planes 

pictures and music

lazy country evening

station food thank you

road trip planning

springhill stories 

friendships quicken

have mercy

Tony...laughing

easy to include

getting to know you

how did you get to her 

he’s heaven sent

Jennifer...walking

with God and

risking her heart

packing up all her tears

getting ready to fall

never knew 

how happy she’d be

her smile’s back

one step at a time 

on a path with one

who is strong and true

her answer to prayer

Melissa....incoming

non stop talking

campers, counselors, god

facing her fears

re-entry

talk slows sleep overtakes

contemplating separation

overwhelmed but ready

group singing with guitar

then goes solo

friend connection failed

aug 6 will have to suffice

reluctant and excited

to start it all again

Chelsea....following

a small still voice

making life choices

hesitant at first

but no turning back

trusting and waiting

you’ll never go wrong

when your heart says go

let loose and hang on

Annie...patient and kind

the first corinthians type

anticipating and abiding

all in god’s perfect timing

how we all fell hard

without even trying

for her smile and grace

to overwhelm him

she has what it takes

a bit of heaven on earth

Ben...leading

always knew he would

working on his flaws

and listening to all

making plans to fly

putting away toys

but not losing the child

satisfied at last

with the girl of his dreams

love is his choice

river roll on

i silently contemplate

on return trip from church

with Ardy’s reminders

Ariel soaking it all in

great is thy faithfulness

my heart has wings

Young At Heart

Happy birthday Dad! I love you! And thank you! Thank you for your strong faith and making Jesus real to me. Thank you for sticking with it for over 50 years (or maybe I should be thanking mom for that one). Thank you for teaching me about life by just living yours as best you knew how. Thank you for all your moral, ethical, and yes even your stubborn lessons. Thank you for making mistakes that I have inevitably learned not to make. But mostly, thank you for showing me the closest thing on this earth to unconditional love. Keep cheating and stealing those years away from that old "three score and ten" nonsense. God bless you dad, as you celebrate life today. 

Speaking of July, Disney, and birthdays: I forgot a couple of characters. 

July 7 = Don. You're not getting any older your just adding some new titles like GRANDPA. 

July 7 = Ardy. For crying out loud, give me a call. Let's do lunch, and the beach. It's hot damn!

July 8 = Ron. I will remember you. Will you remember me? I'M THE MICHIGAN RELATIVE. Come over right away.

July 17 = Disneyland's 50th. Ahhhhhh 1955 it was a very good year.

July 18 = Happy Anniversary Kate & Mark. You guys put the "we" in "I do"

July 22 = Angela. It is definitely time to party. Hope you can make it. I know I'm gonna make a great aunt.

July 29 = Kate. It falls on a Friday...so I guess I'm automatically invited to the party :)

July 30 = Happy Anniversary to you Mark. Consider this your card.

Get your own blog!

Mark thinks I need to clarify that he was the one I had in to paint the bathroom. See, you already knew that didn't you? And Jen tells me I can't say anything about Tony, prematurely. My mom read my post entitled 7.2.05 and wanted to know who Mike was? Stay tuned.

Love Wins

Some new male actors to add to my list. Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson. I laughed out loud at Wedding Crashers almost continuously. I was skeptical at first, the back story all came within the first 15 minutes of the movie. I was worried as to how these two characters would become believable for the remaining ultimate crash. But soon I was wrapped up and soaking in their humor, dialogue, and comedic timing. They even managed to create somewhat of a story-line and though not on my list of favorites, a romantic comedy, none the less.

So we went to camp! I know now why (on closing day when they interview the campers) awesome is the adjective of choice. Sometimes when I go to update this journal I speak of the mundane, much ado about nothing really. And as you may or may not have noticed I can chit chat on here about a myriad of subjects. But then there are those times, I'm typing through the tears. I felt overwhelmed and so undeservingly blessed to get the opportunity to see and observe first hand what God is doing in my kids lives. So yeah, definitely blessed.

And now, to whom it may concern or apply, a back story:

Once, soon after I got my driver's license my mom and I were on a back country road. Up ahead we could see that some cows had escaped their electric fence and were meandering across the road. My mom, pretty adamantly, said "SLOW DOWN". I let off of the gas somewhat, but apparently that wasn't good enough for her. She then yelled, "JULEE I SAID TO SLOW DOWN!!!". I thought that would be a good time to actually start braking. Once again, I was having a hard time pleasing her...some of the cows were leisurely munching on the tall grass in the ditch...what were they gonna do walk right out into the middle of the----THUD. 

Moral of the story, Mama knows what she is talking about, always has the best interest of her child in mind, and is usually right.

I had someone come in to paint the bathroom. They finished tonight around 9:15pm. I am closing the gap on Melissa's scrapbooks. 2003 yet to go, and maybe a few Brazil pages. One more song to choreograph for the video. So the break tonight consisted of "Million Dollar Baby". Rent it.

Happy Bastille Day

Flicking around the channels last night while catching up on The Tour de France and landed on a new reality TV show..."Brat Camp". Troubled kids whose parents thought it would be a good idea if the whole world could watch them get straightened out. Hmmmm. Not much new...we are in working mode now. Seriously. Had a hump day happy hour with Kate...and tonight we're going to take a break and sneak into Club at camp. We won't have another opportunity to see all three in action up there. And Ben said if we came on Thursdays he could send us down the zip line with an arsenal of water balloons to hurl at campers out on the game field. We'll be armed with the still and video camera so hopefully I can update the web page soon. Yeah, so not much new...Hypothetically speaking, when at the edge of something new and exciting I say jump in with both feet.

Random 100

Some of god's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers ~ Sung by Garth Brooks from a song he probably didn't write

Disclaimer;

I feel the need to rant like it's my career. This bird's eye view of Tom's mid life crisis is not pretty. Somebody needs to just hold them both down and inject some brain cells in her and some ritalin in him. It all leaves a sour taste in my mouth and gives the Eiffel Tower such a bad rap. 

If you've ever thought, "who the hell does she think she is?" I've decided to go ahead and tell you. 

1. I am a female, daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, niece, sister-in-law, and friend

2. I do not care for ice cubes made from tap water.

3. I usually vote Republican but do not believe in a 2-party system

4. I love water in any shape or form

5. I enjoy being alone

6. I enjoy being with people

7. I enjoy being alone amidst people

8. I don’t like small talk and therefore have a hard time making it

9. I secretly wished for a boy and 2 girls in the particular order I received them

10. I have been pregnant 5 times

11. I’m not really a girlie girl although I do appreciate frou frou once in a while

12. I do not appreciate flowers unless they are in the ground, especially roses

13. I feel that I can read people well

14. I never concentrate on unimportant details when relaying a story

15. I get fidgety when people argue about unimportant story details

16. I love to travel

17. I am somewhat apprehensive about take off and landing when flying

18. OK I am somewhat apprehensive about all forms of transportation unless I’m driving

19. I love to drive

20. I love hot weather

21. My favorite day of the year is the day after Thanksgiving

22. I wish I could draw and/or paint

23. I used to be an area manager for a national chain and even had a company car

24. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up

25. I love to hear stories of other peoples travels 

26. I laugh at myself, a lot

27. My favorite time of the day is dusk

28. I strongly believe that someday I will have something published

29. Besides airplanes flying I am most amazed at the cabillion pieces of information on the internet

30. I don’t always have to have something to drink with my meals

31. But I always have to have my meals

32. I think an absolutely average person would make a riveting Oprah guest

33. Sometimes I lie to escape hurting people’s feelings

34. I love to write on white boards, I also love to write on chalkboards

35. I'm optimistic and don't let other's opinion sway me

36. I have a hard time enjoying coffee out of styrofoam cups

37. I have a super soaker and I’m not afraid to use it

38. My favorite male actors are Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Steve Martin, John Cusack, Robin Williams, and Kevin Costner

39. Never have enjoyed Tom Cruise

40. One time at summer camp I memorized 150 bible verses, needless to say I won the prize

41. I am hideous at math, especially story problems, heck sometimes I count on my fingers

42. I have lived in 3 houses, 1 apartment, and a couple of dorm rooms

43. I avoid housework like the plague

44. My car list goes like this VW Beetle, yada, yada, yada, VW Beetle

45. I never let my kids believe there really was a Santa Claus

46. I keep my Christmas lights on, on my front porch, all year long

47. I have never smoked a cigarette

48. I love thunderstorms

49. I felt a small earthquake once, I think

50. I will never play the lottery

51. I had braces when I was in college

52. I have slept beneath the stars on occasion, but I would like to do so again soon

53. I have lived in a city of 8 million and a small town of 1200

54. I have never broken any of my bones

55. I would love to chaperone an overseas trip with teenagers

56. I consider myself a believer but don’t do well with organized religion

57. I wish people that laugh after everything they say, wouldn’t

58. I do not mind silence when talking with a friend

59. I will not go into Wal Mart again

60. Music very often moves me to tears

61. I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers

62. Both my mom and dad come from families of 5 or more siblings

63. None of my siblings live near me

64. Siblings is a funny word to me

65. I wish I had a better relationship with my brothers and sisters

66. I have friends that live in Australia

67. I’d love to live in Paris France

68. I'd love to visit New York

69. I have seen 4 Broadway musicals, none of them on Broadway

70. I make my New Year’s resolutions around September 1st

71. I can water ski slalom

72. I can snow ski on bunny hills

73. I love to camp with a list of amenities

74. I very rarely dislike a movie starring Jim Carrey

75. Some of my favorite smells are citronella, vanilla, coffee, rain, cut grass, and diesel gasoline

76. I think I have a sweatshirt fetish

77. If I had to pick one, I’d say I’m definitely a dog person

78. High school basketball, college football, and professional baseball & hockey

79. My favorite female actors are Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Meryle Streep, Sally Field, and Sandra Bullock

80. Never have cared for Renee Zellwegger 

81. You’ve probably already guessed that my favorite type of movie is a Romantic Comedy

82. I am aiming to document my history until I can’t anymore

83. I think my legacy will be that I laughed, I loved, I lived.

84. I love to meet new people and I try not to let first impressions mar my judgment

85. I am from the Midwest but have never seen a tornado

86. I am not one bit superstitious

87. I also have a list of 100 things I want to do before I die

88. I could scrapbook, take pictures, read, or write, for longer than I’d care to admit

89. I do not take myself too seriously

90. I wish I led a more simplistic life

91. I have a very strong handshake

92. I have a tendency to waste time

93. I am a self proclaimed procrastinator

94. But when I have a mission, direction, and a goal I could organize the Pentagon

95. I like to make lists

96. I need to think more global and step out of my comfort zone more often

97. I always like to look at the big picture

98. My favorite food is carbohydrates

99. If I had it to do over again, there would have been dancing at my wedding

100. One question I will ask God is, Why’d you do it?

A Poem And A Poet

Rain on the porch

Inhale fresh

Storm on the porch

Better yet

Sitting on porch

Mentality

Flowers smiling

Grass greening

Lighting flashing

Laptop wireless

Friends on the porch

Bring doughnuts

It doesn't get much better than this. Soon I should be getting ready to host the party. Soon the inevitable will be upon us and "we" must get Melissa ready for the road trip to "college" in August. And by "we" I mean me. And by college I mean YA.

But first I get to host Nic, Angelica and her two girls at their pre-springhill-meet-the-Michigan-relatives-campfire-fireworks-porch-party. It is always good to reconnect with family and Nic is never at a loss for some lively conversation or period of time when he isn't looking for something he lost. Not long after breakfast at the "Cherokee", and by "Cherokee" I mean let's mess with the new girl waitress restaurant, we settled down to a long summer's afternoon of nothingness. Hint: would have been a good time to get a couple of things done, but no. Instead down memory lane I go, and lo and behold a wealth of Ben and Nic antics accompany me on my walk. Who knew that the Evart Premiere of Duece would, in reality, be their farewell tour. If there is a reunion concert, I'm all over that. Life changes and so we move on. Later on that evening I had the pleasure of calmly talking Ben through about 40-50 miles of Northern Michigan tundra on his nomadic "mission" to visit Annie's family at their Ludington camp-sight. And by "mission" I mean...stay tuned.

Nic may have lost his keys for a couple of hours that day and Ben was quite turned around on Rt 10, but both of them seem to have a clear direction and sense of purpose on this journey we call life. Keep going towards the light and may the force be with you. Whatever paths your lives end up taking, all of us have been "doubly" blessed. And by doubly, I mean deuced.

After all that activity you'd think I would hunker down and start cleaning the garage...finishing up scrapbooks/slide shows...start a menu plan....woulda, coulda, shoulda. I must help Melissa start saying good-bye and so with a very warm invitation and a 15-minute window of opportunity we head off to hang out with Kate and Meg at the cottage. Could we have jammed any more relaxation and conversation into those fun-filled 18 hours? Evening walk on Lake Michigan, perfect sunset, last minute photos, and a rousing, "spirited"discussion at the kitchen table all made for a priceless memory. And by "spirited" I mean...oh never mind. Even though it was meant to be a good-bye it clarified in my mind that solid friendships don't call it that. I prefer, so long...until we meet again...farewell friend.

And so then, yeah! You'd think that I would proceed on to the "to do" list. Ha,surely you jest! Why not host another fun, food and one bathroom party of the Springhill regulars. You know the drill, and the rules are simple...you must announce any over-5 minute bathroom stays and that makes us all happy campers. 

I will now simply take my own advise and not worry about the open house, road trip or empty nest. And by "not worry" I mean...I have memories to make.

Picture Perfect

Picture perfect.

Coming Soon: Pictures

There aren't many summer evenings in West Michigan that can claim that title. Tonight is one of them.

There's no place like the back yard. The wind is almost non existent, I have a little campfire going. The flowers are peaking out between the pickets and it’s just me and my Mike’s H.L. in the back yard soaking it all in. I seriously have it too good. We are all absolutely too affluent and complacent. I joined the ONE campaign. But still, c’mon! There seems like so much more I could do. Jesus told the rich man to sell all he had and give to the poor...he knew that would be the hardest thing for the man to do. Copying the Catholics and their 40 day lent ritual, I’m gonna give up something...

Melissa, Mark and I drove up to Evart to visit Ben for his birthday. We took dessert and the dog. It was very strange driving into Evart and going right past the Springhill road. Ben, Annie, and Jen were on his front porch ready to greet us and even though we came bearing Brazil and birthday presents they all three acted like they had won the lottery when the dog jumped out of the car. As usual there was a gang from camp relaxing for the evening. Tony and Matt who had come to visit us last weekend were there. Well, Matt lives there so of course he was there. Ben announced that a few of them including Tony are coming home again this weekend for some Lake Michigan time. Nice guy that Tony is.

I have now hired two cohorts in my new business. Annie and Kate. It’s time to put the plan into action. Who wants to go first? 

Ya know what else is perfect out here....there are no bugs! 

Watched some tennis lately. Could the line judges at Wimbledon be dressed any frumpier? I guess it’s done that way so that no one is dressed any better than the royalty that frequents the all England club occasionally. Don’t worry. 

The Tour de France started today. 

Melissa has not stopped talking about Brazil and/or sleeping since she got back. Except for today. She has 8 hours of Live8 concerts on TIVO. A girl from her choir contacted Malaria on the Amazon and so we have been alerted to watch for headaches, fever, and nausea. Scary.

The fire is crackling and the embers are doing a little smore-like dance.

The sun is setting. 

Still no bugs.

Definitely blessed.

...So long Mike’s

Obrigado

Are we having fun yet?

I don't know about you but in my humble opinion the answer to the question is an emphatic yes! In fact, since that humid summer day in 1979 when you arrived on the scene the fun just hasn't stopped. Reflect today and take a moment to count your blessings and reminisce about the fact that you have already lived some of your dreams and then look ahead, for I'm sure the best is yet to come. I know I speak for your Dad, too, when I say we are totally and completely proud to call you our son. You have entertained this audience of 2 since day one. And now, as you enter your 26th year...live, share, care, learn and most importantly, love. Happy Birthday and God bless you Benjamin.

Get Here

The perfect journey is circular ~ The excitement of departure and the joy of the return ~ Dino Basili

Back in the good 'ole USA. What I'm presuming to be her flight just touched down in Chicago. I can picture everyone standing and stretching and then starting to jockey for position to get their carry-on's out of the overhead. It always seems like such a long wait until the line starts to move. Then finding their baggage claim and the ever so slow carousel. Her bright red suitcase with the lime green bow tired around it will not be hard to spot. I wonder if she's thinking about how final the good-byes will be tonight as she leaves that parking lot. They've always had Brazil in front of them to ward off the inevitable. I wonder how her and I will ever handle the fall.