Ode to the Surprises in life
for some of them keep you on your toes.
Some surprises are so unexpected
it's like punching you right in the nose.
Surprises like birthdays or babies or cars
can bring a tear to your eyes.
But those are the good shockers
as they should be, you may surmise.
Then there are the surprises that make you think twice
About what is actually the wrong thing or is it right?
Business is business while friendship aside
is one interpretation, in one's business plight.
Friendship is friendship unless there's a fine line
Sometimes so fine, you forget it is there.
So thanks for surprises we are reminded of this.
That fine line got thicker, just to be fair.
I have learned that I have much more to learn,
but the more I learn, the more I know.....
I love surprises and am blessed with good friends
I love the highs and accept the lows
I have learned that friendships are few,
that IS a good thing, now that I realize
for they are more special, more rare,
and to be cherished, not a surprise.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Amo l'Italia
Amo l'Italia That is Italian for "I love Italy. It's February, the month of love. What better thing to do than go head on into the Siberian freeze aka Italy. Milano and Veneto regions were under snow warnings, freezing tempertures, slushy roads as well as beautiful sunshine, great landscaping, and LOVE.
Maria and I did an AMAZING job as coordinating this trip, splitting the research and reservations. I booked two hotels and car. Maria booked two hotels. We coordinated our flights to meet up in NYC. At which point, I had to see my baby girl before heading to Italy to see Maria's baby girl.
Snuggle, snuggle with my petunia, first! Why is my son in law traveling soo much? If he continues, maybe Stephanie can be relocated anywhere! Then, my suitcases are packed and ready with a little schmootz from Winston....for Italy. You know I over packed. Silly me, I thought taking only one coat vs two was a compromise. But noooooo.
With a drink waiting for Maria, we had our pinot grigio , and were ready to ...... sleep on the flight! I did a little. Hello Milan! you are snowy. I saved about $400.00 on renting a manual car and agreed to be the driver.....Woo Hoo. Wait...the insurance is $390.00? what the heck?
After several attempts to exit the Milan airport, Maria and I were on our way to Bergamo, Italy. A beautiful small town in the Milano region. Its a good thing Maria brought her GPS and had her I-phone for directions, because by the time she figured out any of those devices we arrived at our destination. We pulled up to the curb of the Bergamo train station and picked up Alexa and her friend Jen as if they were kids waiting in the car pool lane for their mommies. With the GPS that Lex possessed, little did she know that that GPS was attached to a little bit of stress having me as the driver. However, I got to experience the real Italian streets, one lane, cobblestone, STEEP, BEAUTIFUL.
It was truly a fun, fun trip and I treasure every moment of being with one of my best friends and longest best friend along with her beautiful baby girl of whom I loved since she was born, even though we spent little time together over the years. It doesn't matter.
Our trip ended as polar opposite to the quintessential beginnings of small Italian town to trendy, fashion district, art deco, aka weird, hotel. But the most consistent part of life in Italy is the delicious food, great wine, topped off with the best lemon-cello.
Maria and I did an AMAZING job as coordinating this trip, splitting the research and reservations. I booked two hotels and car. Maria booked two hotels. We coordinated our flights to meet up in NYC. At which point, I had to see my baby girl before heading to Italy to see Maria's baby girl.
Snuggle, snuggle with my petunia, first! Why is my son in law traveling soo much? If he continues, maybe Stephanie can be relocated anywhere! Then, my suitcases are packed and ready with a little schmootz from Winston....for Italy. You know I over packed. Silly me, I thought taking only one coat vs two was a compromise. But noooooo.
With a drink waiting for Maria, we had our pinot grigio , and were ready to ...... sleep on the flight! I did a little. Hello Milan! you are snowy. I saved about $400.00 on renting a manual car and agreed to be the driver.....Woo Hoo. Wait...the insurance is $390.00? what the heck?
After several attempts to exit the Milan airport, Maria and I were on our way to Bergamo, Italy. A beautiful small town in the Milano region. Its a good thing Maria brought her GPS and had her I-phone for directions, because by the time she figured out any of those devices we arrived at our destination. We pulled up to the curb of the Bergamo train station and picked up Alexa and her friend Jen as if they were kids waiting in the car pool lane for their mommies. With the GPS that Lex possessed, little did she know that that GPS was attached to a little bit of stress having me as the driver. However, I got to experience the real Italian streets, one lane, cobblestone, STEEP, BEAUTIFUL.
It was truly a fun, fun trip and I treasure every moment of being with one of my best friends and longest best friend along with her beautiful baby girl of whom I loved since she was born, even though we spent little time together over the years. It doesn't matter.
Our trip ended as polar opposite to the quintessential beginnings of small Italian town to trendy, fashion district, art deco, aka weird, hotel. But the most consistent part of life in Italy is the delicious food, great wine, topped off with the best lemon-cello.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
GRRRRR......
......Stands for Great Revelations, Relationships, Resolutions, Revisions, Reservations...aka ... The new year! Let's be optimistic first, but not with blinders on....ok? ok.
2011
Revelations: keenly aware of those I have loved most or all of my life and where they should stand now. just because you love someone does not mean you have to have them in your life.
Relationships: I love the relationships that have developed over 50 years, over 30 years, over 20 years and over the last few years. From that, I will love spending time with and making time for those treasured relationships
Resolutions: You got it, lose weight, workout in some way every day, eat healthier, read more learn more and if all else fails, I will learn more about what plastic surgery to have and then I can read more at that time. Plus, without a doubt, the meds will enhance the probability of weight loss.
Revisions: On a budget, dam it! Thank you American Airlines for enabling me to devise a budget and be more conscientious about spending. (ex: $100 for miscellaneous items to compliment a 60's theme outfit vs $400 for MadMen attire).
Reservations: I have a few with people, places, and things. I have no reservations that the older you get the smarter you are and I'm already a people genius. But as far as places, I need maps! As far as things, different things are important to me these days.
2011
Revelations: keenly aware of those I have loved most or all of my life and where they should stand now. just because you love someone does not mean you have to have them in your life.
Relationships: I love the relationships that have developed over 50 years, over 30 years, over 20 years and over the last few years. From that, I will love spending time with and making time for those treasured relationships
Resolutions: You got it, lose weight, workout in some way every day, eat healthier, read more learn more and if all else fails, I will learn more about what plastic surgery to have and then I can read more at that time. Plus, without a doubt, the meds will enhance the probability of weight loss.
Revisions: On a budget, dam it! Thank you American Airlines for enabling me to devise a budget and be more conscientious about spending. (ex: $100 for miscellaneous items to compliment a 60's theme outfit vs $400 for MadMen attire).
Reservations: I have a few with people, places, and things. I have no reservations that the older you get the smarter you are and I'm already a people genius. But as far as places, I need maps! As far as things, different things are important to me these days.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Grinch Schminch
Twas the weeks before Christmas and all through the days
was a melancholy JoJo shopping while in a haze
And Mark was still working, as bankruptcy ensues
Where we will be next year, we haven't a clue
It's business as usual, so says American Airlines
Thus, I spend "as usual" and hope to be fine.
The credit line extends for the gifts must be bought
I shop online cause going out, I'm distraught.
A few parties we go to and attend with a smile
It's a fake, I admit and but to them I have style.
My heart warms, and to some my smile becomes real
For the family I see, makes me happy with love that I feel.
To hell with you eleven for trying to dismay
wonderful times of this year you can't take away.
But I became quite enlightened by the family and friends
on who really cares and of whom we can depend
Reservations, Resolutions and Revelations this year
Make me feel smart and much wiser than I appear.
To all of those out there who don't give a shit,
You know who you are so just know that I've had it.
To close on a year, of lessons both welcomed and not,
My attitude is great and I'm thankful for all that I've got.
I've got family, I've got friends and also our health,
All of which, I shall cherish, who needs the wealth.
Kisses and Hugs are the gifts that keep giving
See ya later, 2011, we will NOT stop living.
was a melancholy JoJo shopping while in a haze
And Mark was still working, as bankruptcy ensues
Where we will be next year, we haven't a clue
It's business as usual, so says American Airlines
Thus, I spend "as usual" and hope to be fine.
The credit line extends for the gifts must be bought
I shop online cause going out, I'm distraught.
A few parties we go to and attend with a smile
It's a fake, I admit and but to them I have style.
My heart warms, and to some my smile becomes real
For the family I see, makes me happy with love that I feel.
To hell with you eleven for trying to dismay
wonderful times of this year you can't take away.
But I became quite enlightened by the family and friends
on who really cares and of whom we can depend
Reservations, Resolutions and Revelations this year
Make me feel smart and much wiser than I appear.
To all of those out there who don't give a shit,
You know who you are so just know that I've had it.
To close on a year, of lessons both welcomed and not,
My attitude is great and I'm thankful for all that I've got.
I've got family, I've got friends and also our health,
All of which, I shall cherish, who needs the wealth.
Kisses and Hugs are the gifts that keep giving
See ya later, 2011, we will NOT stop living.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
November is just another "chapter" of my life
For those old enough to remember a movie....... For those too young for the classic movie, this is my motto for the month:
The good.......the bad......the ugly.......
The good: Friends and enjoying a wonderful, most delicious dinner at Donna's and Souhail's beautiful home, with my favorite Veronica's. A good friend renting my house! Family! Mark's hunting experience in Cordoba, Argentina, shooting over 4000 doves, getting 4 massages, traveling 4 days, smoking 4 cigars. Burton's cancer recovery. Thanksgiving in Connecticut with everyone and having my brother and family join us for beautiful weather, great company, delicious food. My kids, my daughter's husband, Garrett's girlfriend. Paid bills. Knowing who are true friends. Knowing which family members care so much. Chirstmas shopping, shopping.
The bad: Being home alone while Mark travels, American filing CHAPTER 11, Fighting with Mark for shutting me out of his business. (only because he doesn't like my opinion)
The ugly: Mark fighting with me due to not liking my opinion. Revelation: everyone must have a plan B and Mark is always too busy to think about anyone or anything else. My Thanksgiving weight gain. Dysfunctional family situations that will remain in my mind, because I do not want to add to the dysfunction. Revelation: I know more than everyone thinks for I predicted that this company should protect itself by filing BK for a while.
However, The good seems to outweigh the bad and ugly. Revelation: I don't keep the bad and ugly in my mind long enough post.
The good.......the bad......the ugly.......
The good: Friends and enjoying a wonderful, most delicious dinner at Donna's and Souhail's beautiful home, with my favorite Veronica's. A good friend renting my house! Family! Mark's hunting experience in Cordoba, Argentina, shooting over 4000 doves, getting 4 massages, traveling 4 days, smoking 4 cigars. Burton's cancer recovery. Thanksgiving in Connecticut with everyone and having my brother and family join us for beautiful weather, great company, delicious food. My kids, my daughter's husband, Garrett's girlfriend. Paid bills. Knowing who are true friends. Knowing which family members care so much. Chirstmas shopping, shopping.
The bad: Being home alone while Mark travels, American filing CHAPTER 11, Fighting with Mark for shutting me out of his business. (only because he doesn't like my opinion)
The ugly: Mark fighting with me due to not liking my opinion. Revelation: everyone must have a plan B and Mark is always too busy to think about anyone or anything else. My Thanksgiving weight gain. Dysfunctional family situations that will remain in my mind, because I do not want to add to the dysfunction. Revelation: I know more than everyone thinks for I predicted that this company should protect itself by filing BK for a while.
However, The good seems to outweigh the bad and ugly. Revelation: I don't keep the bad and ugly in my mind long enough post.
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