Another First!

The Prince and I just returned from a vacation in Florida.  We booked this a while ago....quite early in our relationship, actually!  WHAT WAS I THINKING????

I'll tell you what I was thinking.....  I've met a wonderful man.  He is sweet and kind and treats me like a lady.  He makes me laugh and I look forward to seeing him every single day.  This man asked me to join him on a trip to Florida in January.... Of course I want to go!!  "Yes", I eagerly responded!  Only time would tell if this trip would actually come to fruition.  

Well, the trip did happen - and it was fabulous!  My daughter says the true test of  a relationship is going away and spending 24/7 together.  Well, we spent the last 9 days together - NON-STOP....  We were both a little sad when I had to go to work today.  

I am so grateful for this second chance at life.  Perhaps it is the history that we bring to the table, but we both seem to enjoy each and every day together.  We continue to make simple, but sweet memories.  Whether we are cleaning the house, doing the Sunday crossword or slow dancing in the kitchen, we manage to savor each moment and take nothing for granted.  

"Tomorrow" is promised to no one..... so grateful for our 'todays'.

I'm how old???

I am 60.  There, I've said it out loud!  It's really not such a big deal, but I've had fun pretending it was.  Nearly all my friends have passed this benchmark already.  I took every opportunity to remind them how "young" I was and they all reveled in the fact that I have finally moved over to "the dark side".

This was not only a 'milestone' birthday, but a very special one indeed.  My kids had a "surprise" party for me on New Year's Day.  I thought we were getting together for brunch - and we did - but with balloons, a sash and a tiara!   Allison cooked up an amazing spread and the weather was just picture perfect.  Their thoughtful, generous gifts were second to the best birthday cards I have ever received.  Even my Prince presented me with the most perfect card!!

I thought the celebration was over until I arrived home after work on my birthday.  There were balloons on the lamppost and mailbox.  PC showered me with more gifts and yet ANOTHER perfect card (it's all about the card, ya know!)

Age is just a number - if you let it be so.  All I want to do is enjoy my life....everyday, and hope for another birthday.  

New Year's Resolutions?

I have never been big on New Year's Resolutions.... but I do try to make subtle changes to better myself all the time.  There have been many positive changes in my life this year.  I am aware and grateful for every one of them.

Rather than a  list of Resolutions, I think I checklist is better suited for me right now:

Always be grateful for my blessings.  They are present in my everyday life and I must never take them for granted.

Remember to look for the good in people.  Sometimes, I will have to look long and hard, but, with perseverance, I will always find it.

It's the little things that matter.  The price of gas or the closing numbers of the stock market will not make me sleep better.  But if I was the reason someone smiled, I will have a happy heart.

I will tell those that are close to me that I love them all the time.  Saying it and hearing it will etch the sentiment in our hearts.

Above all, never stop being the "romantic realist"

Happy New Year.... Welcome 2017.