Life Lessons

A friend emailed this list to me. This is such a great list. I sent it out by email as well, but thought it was a must post list! We should read it often!

As I was getting ready to post the list here I thought I would look for the original online. I'm glad I did. The email said Regina Brett was now 90 years old....she is not. Here is the original column.


Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
by Regina Brett
Sunday, May 28, 2006, 10:13 AM

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Tahoe - Our Last Full Day

Our last full day in Tahoe was Father's Day.
Happy Father's Day my love. I hope you had a wonderful day.

It was also M's birthday. TC made a very yummy chocolate cake and we ate it all day.

After celebrating Daddy Day and M's birthday we went on a hike. That's two in one trip! A first for us.

This was #8 - Vikingsholm and Emerald Point in best easy day hikes Lake Tahoe by Tracy Salcedo. We did not walk the entire hike listed in the book. We walked to the Ehrman Mansion then back.

Ehrman Mansion has beautiful grounds. You can purchase tickets for a tour of the inside (which we did not do this time).

We sat on the beach. The girls and I imaged what it must have been like to take a boat out to the teahouse. We went to the little museum. They have the suitcase of Helen Henry Smith. As a little girl, Mrs. Smith spent 14 Summers in Tahoe at this mansion and going to the teahouse. It was fun to see what kind of things she brought with her every Summer. Her fancy pink dress for tea, books, her camera, her teddy bear, her miniature silver tea set...etc. O was amazed that another little girl brought her teddy bear everywhere just like she did.

As we were admiring the beautiful grounds and the girls wishing they could go out to the teahouse, we saw Mrs. Smith!

I snuck a picture. I couldn't help it. To think this women spent so many Summers at this house, sitting on this beach, going for tea in that teahouse on the little island. I wanted to talk to her. Just sit for hours and listen to her stories.

I asked CK if she wanted to meet Mrs. Smith. If she did, I would take her to say hello. We could introduce ourselves. CK thought for a moment and said no. O immediately said, "I do!" Okay, I told her let's go. I thought CK would then change her mind, but she didn't. I didn't push it. It was up to her.

O and I walked over to Mrs. Smith. She was talking with a few rangers and other people. Family or friends I imagine. I said, "Excuse me, Mrs. Smith?" I told her we were here visiting and my daughter and I wanted to say hello. She was very kind. She asked O how old she was and if she liked the house. O spoke in a soft clear voice, answering her questions as she looked up in ah at this old women who spent her Summers at the teahouse. Mrs. Smith told O the house was like a castle. All O could say was "Ooooooh." O told Mrs. Smith she liked the teahouse. Mrs. Smith said that was fun. They would have tea and little tea sandwiches there.

I didn't want to keep Mrs. Smith too long. We said thank you and good bye. She said "Come and visit us again."

I am very proud of O. She did very well. What a treat to meet Mrs. Smith.

There was a lot of wildlife on this hike and on the grounds of the mansion. Beware of this wildlife on the grounds. They are NOT afraid of people! It was great to photograph, but if you aren't feeding the geese they will nip at you!

The three little hikers.

The three hikers, overlooking Emerald Bay. What a view!

Monday we cleaned the house, packed up and all went home. Another wonderful Tahoe vacation.

We look forward to going back in August. We'll be able to spend time with friends who we don't get to see and celebrate a wedding! I'll make sure to post that trip as well.

Tahoe - At The Park

Saturday TC and I went on our annual girls shopping trip into town. It's always a nice outing and time to visit.

While we were in town the dads took the girls to the park down the street. Here are some of the pics C took. Nice job!

Our Annual Tahoe Hike

Every year we take a different hike. We choose a hike from best easy day hikes Lake Tahoe by Tracy Salcedo.

This year we took hike #9 ~ The Lighthouse. It was a very easy 2.5 mile round trip hike. Of course, beautiful views along the way. At the end there is a very small lighthouse that is the size of an outhouse.

Here are pics from our hike.

Wildlife spotted along the trail. Well, not the bear. That was in the museum/store.

Our four little hikers. Well, little T...she gets a backpack ride.

The two families.

Tahoe - First Day and a Half

This is our Fifth Annual Tahoe vacation with the B family. We can't believe it. As always, we are having a great time. So great, this is the first chance I've had to post some pics.

Some flowers from the front yard. You should have many more Nonna! TC and I think there are many beautiful flowers still to come.

I realize the top two are weeds (or wishing flower), but I was playing with my camera. Not bad for weeds.

The four girls in the front yard. Not the best lighting, but I haven't had time to retake this shot.

Our friend in the kitchen window. M spent the first hour putting spiders outside. This one we let stay. He hasn't bothered anyone. Very hairy.

Fun at The Lake.
The water is VERY low. We'll see if the guys do their annual jump from the pier.

Just a couple fun shots at The Lake. The three girls were sitting under the flag so I thought I would take a fun shot.

If I'm not mistaken, this is the first tooth lost in the Tahoe house! Such a beautiful toothless smile!

What better dessert than s'mores, or snores as little T calls them.

Playing on the front porch in the evening.

Reading a funny book.

The Love of Shoes Starts Early

This is how the girls and I spend our evenings when Daddy is working. At our new favorite store...DSW Shoes! Well, this is only our second time at DSW and the first time I bought a pair of shoes. Not bad. I'm trying to be good.

The first time we went into DSW Shoes the girls did not want to go in. Then we walked in and they saw all the shoes. You should see these two girls in this store. O started it by trying on every pair of shoes she possible could. As fast as she possibly could. The higher the heal the better!

Tonight when I said I wanted to go in and look around again, they couldn't wait! I just had to post this picture. Red 3" pumps of course!

My little shoppers. I love it!

My Early Bird

Last night I could not fall asleep. It was about 1:45am by the time I got to sleep.

What time does my wonderful younger daughter wake up? 5:30am!! With her stack of "Fly Guy" books reading to me in my bed. I'm so glad she enjoys reading and is doing so well, but 5:30 in the MORNING! Can we wait until 7am? Please.

BTW, she still doesn't think she can really read. Silly girl.

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of school. (Yeah, Summer vacation!) I can not believe how fast this past year went. When they say each year goes by faster and faster they are right. What a year it has been!

CK finished Second Grade. She was in a Second/Third Grade combo class with the best Second Grade teacher ever! Strict, loving, & kind...a year full of challenging work. It was perfect for CK.




O finished Kindergarten! Yes, I cried! I took LOTS of pictures during the Kindergarten last day of school concert so I wouldn't cry. No reason to take so many still shots when Daddy is there filming, but I couldn't help it. I can not believe my baby is now a First Grader! No more Kindergarten...ever... (sniff, sniff). The up side...FULL days next year! YES. (gotta look forward to something)

O had the best Kindergarten teachers ever! A team of two wonderful teachers who taught her so much. A year full of learning, fun, art and play. I was blessed to be able to share every Friday in the Kinder class helping. I learned a lot myself and being able to share "Fun Friday" with O was very special.




We are so proud of both our girls. They both do well in school and have grown so much this past year. I can't wait to see what next year brings. First and Third Grade, oh my!

Happy Summer Vacation!

My Little Jedi

My daughter tried to pull a Jedi mind trick on me today.

I was asking O what she wanted for lunch today. Here is how it went:

O: "Macaroni and Cheese and chips."
Mommy: "We don't have anymore chips."
O: looking in the refrigerator, "Mommy, what is this again?"
Mommy: "Cottage Cheese."
O: "Mommy, I will have Macaroni and Cheese, Cottage Cheese, and a banana. Then after lunch I will have a chocolate. mmmmhmmm"

O said this all so matter of fact, with no question in her voice what so ever. I did see her little devilish grin. C and I thought it was so funny.

Major Cleaning of Girls Room - Before & After

It took me a day and a half, but I did it! I cleaned, reorganized, separated toys and clothes to be donated, moved stuff out, moved stuff in.

The girls were great. I started on the room all by myself. It's SO much easier, but, like always, I told the girls they get to decide what toys get donated. They donated half of their stuffed animals (which is a lot of stuffed animals) and a lot of other toys as well. I'm very proud of them.

They did have an extra incentive to get rid of toys this time. I told them if they wanted their toy kitchen and table in their room we needed to clean up, reorganized and DONATE toys so it will fit. They stuck to their end of the bargain so I stuck to mine.

Here are some before and after pics.

BEFORE

Under the window is the girls baby cradle (haven't been able to part with it until now) filled with dress up clothes and some stuffed animals.

Bucket shelf unit filled with toys and books. Never a great plan for the books, but never got around to changing this until now.

Entire room. YIKES! What a mess!


AFTER

Entire room. MUCH better. Looks twice as big!

Got rid of shelf bucket unit. Kept the buckets. This bookshelf was in the family room. Works great here. Looks like a big girl room now!

As promised....play kitchen and table. I can't believe they fit perfect here! The girls played with it as soon as I was done with the room.

Next...Mommy & Daddy's room, garage, and office. One room at a time. I will get this house organized!

A Great Start to Memorial Day Weekend

One of our favorite things to do is to go see our minor league baseball team. CK is really starting to pick up the rules and how baseball is played. O, well O likes all the ball park food and watching the mascot, which happens to be a gorilla.

We surprised the girls and went to the game this past Friday night. We had an extra treat with fireworks after the game. That is the best place to see fireworks. Now it really feels like Summer has started, but there are two more weeks of school (darn).

It's hard to see, but Smokey The Bear joined Gigante on Friday.

Life Still Happens While Mommy Is Away

Two weeks ago I went to my yearly professional photography class. Daddy had the girls while Mommy was at class for three and a half days. (THANKS HONEY! You rock!)

I left on Mother's Day afternoon. I arrived at school with a button made by O that read, "I love you." In her own writing. I loved it. So did everyone at class. No need to explain.

On Monday afternoon C sends me a video, via cell phone, of CK riding her bike without training wheels. I cried. So proud of my big girl, but sad I missed it. On the other hand I was so happy she was able to share that moment with her daddy! Very special.

C told me later he tried to get CK to wait until I got home to take off the training wheels. I'm glad she didn't want to wait. She might not have done it. It was all her idea. Gotta go with that right then!

Then Tuesday at dinner I get a pic & text, via cell, from C that reads, "O just pulled it out right now!" O finally lost her first tooth. It had been loose forever and when does it decide to fall out? When Mommy is gone. Again, I cried. I was so happy for O, but was sad I missed it. I was happy she was able to share that moment with daddy. My fear was the tooth fairy might forget to leave money under O's pillow. The tooth fairy was on it!

At dinner that night at school the other moms and I shared our stories of what our children were doing back home that we were missing. I think we all sat with tears in our eyes thinking about it.

Here are some pictures I took when I got home.

Bike is getting a little small. Gotta get a new one soon!

A ride around the neighborhood.

Now, just gotta get O off of training wheels.

Look at that big toothless smile! I love it!

First Holy Communion

She looked like a princess in her white dress and veil. She wore her Baptismal cross pendant. Her ears were pierced for the occasion. She has been preparing for this day for two years. She is ready, yet nervous.

My cousin saw CK standing in line outside of the church, waiting to enter. CK looked very nervous. My cousin new exactly what to tell CK to make her feel better. Thank you!

The mass was beautiful. We had a lovely celebration. We missed family who were not able to join us. We hope to see you soon.

God Bless my beautiful daughter.

Leaving Kauai

Our flight leaving Lihue Airport on Kaua'i departed at 8:40am. We had breakfast at the airport to save time. Plus we didn't have much food left at the condo. I must admit I had tears in my eyes as we left our beautiful condo rental.

CK finished up her journal and O colored, while we were waiting for our flight.

























We had a three hour layover in Honolulu. We had a nice lunch and looked at some pictures on the computer from the past week.

Here is our plane. It's going to be a long flight home.

The girls are wonderful travelers. They can't wait to go on another trip. I told them we have many people we could go and visit by plane.

O was so cute, on every plane, the first thing she did when she sat in her seat was look at the safety/emergency guide. She would sit and look at all the pictures. Then she would proceed to tell me what position we take if we land in water. Every leg there and back. It was so cute. She was a great travel buddy. C said the same about CK.

We are back home now. Now the not so fun part of vacation starts....unpacking, laundry, and back to normal life.

We did everything we planned on -- from surfing, snorkeling, shopping, hiking, swimming, playing, going to a lu'au to just relaxing. We don't have any regrets about missing anything. We were able to do a little bit of everything.

We will plan another Kauai trip. C promised us that. Aloha for now our beautiful island paradise. We'll return soon. Mahalo for the fabulous memories.

Our Last Day in Paradise

Our last day in Kauai was also my birthday.

We woke up to rain. This was the day we planned on snorkeling. I already told you how it all turned out in my last post. Now for some snorkeling pics. Not too many, sorry. It's hard to take pictures when in the water. We did buy a cheap waterproof film camera and will post those pics once we get the film developed.

The best place for kids and beginner snorkeling is Lydgate Beach Park in Wailua. It was perfect. This day was VERY WINDY, but we still saw lots of fish. We all loved it. I learned this was C's first time snorkeling too.

CK wanted to try out O's Lookie Board. She did snorkel and did great! I just don't have any pictures of that. Hopefully with the film water camera.

O on her Lookie Board. She had so much fun! Next trip she'll be snorkeling with her sister.

For my birthday dinner we went to a wonderful restaurant in Hanalei....Bar Acuda.

Bar Acuda is a tapas restaurant. (ta-pas [täpǝs] (n.) origin-Spanish. A variety of small savory dishes typically shared communally amongst friends.)

It was fabulous! Here are just a few of the dishes we had.

Honeycomb from the North Shore with Humbolt fog blue cheese, Mizuna greens and Fuji apple.

Banderillas - grilled flank steak skewers with honey and chipotlé chili oil

Grilled Mahi-Mahi with salsa verde

We also had:
Whole roasted tomato bruschetta with leeks, balsamic and grilled bread
Roast chicken breast salad with croutons, bacon lardons, and soft egg
House smoked trout salad with grapefruit, avocado, fresh horseradish and arugula
Roasted pork shoulder with potatoes

The view from our table.

Another view of Hanalei in the evening. (C took this image. Very nice.)

Singing Happy Birthday to Mommy back at the condo. Thank you for my wonderful birthday cake, Tiramisu Cake.

I had told C that the trip was my birthday gift. I didn't want him to buy anything else. This fabulous vacation with my family was all I needed (plus I bought myself enough things on the trip). The girls didn't understand this. O was very upset when they sat me down to sing Happy Birthday and she hadn't made me a card. I quickly got her a piece of paper and a pen. She made me a nice little card. I love it. Such a sweetheart.

Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the beach on the other side.

I promised to tell you about the chickens and roosters on Kauai. Here is the story.

Chickens and roosters were brought to Kauai as domestic pets and also for cock fighting. In 1992, hurricane Iniki came through the islands. It was not supposed to hit Kaua'i, but at the last minute turned. The people on Kaua'i did not have time to pack up everything before the hurricane hit the island. The chickens and roosters then roamed free and multiplied. They have no natural predators on the island.

The chickens are the only ones who will eat the centipedes, so the locals love them. The chickens and roosters are everywhere. In yards, on the side of the road, at the beach, on the golf course....everywhere. We saw many hens with their chicks. The rooster was always close behind.

The roosters also don't seem to know they should only crow at daybreak. You will hear them all day long. It didn't bother us at all. We didn't hear them until we opened a window, so they never woke us.