Life is Laughable….

OMG!  You never know what life’s moments are going to throw you and you can laugh, cry, scream or of course do all three!  So, yesterday was one of those days and the dreary gray skies didn’t help my mood!  It’s moment’s like these that only a Grown UP Girlfriend can understand!  So, It had been a rough day to begin with…I proceed to rush home from a meeting to grab the bus, jump in the car with one of my kids to grab a few birthday supplies and then head to the sitters to grab my youngest…at that point the 2 kids in the car decide to begin that annoying tease/scream progression that can drive you just bonkers on any given day…we run to the high school to pick up my oldest from practice, who is in a foul mood; oh joy!  So, we have a grumpy teenager, sitting next to a grumpy mom with 2 crazy kids in the back seat…on the way home it took 2 pull overs to stop the antics!  Exhausted yet?  We arrive home…as we all start to pile out…the inside phone rings, it’s my “Ricky” who has just the right timing to call at just the worst moments in the world who really wants my ear…the 2 cell phones start ringing the kids are fighting, I’m turning on the sprinkler so that the grass will get watered so I don’t have to hear it from “Ricky” later, it falls over into the hydro-seed (a big no! no!)and I get my period…all in one full swoop.  Of course, ricky is oblivious to all of the background noise and can’t quite understand why now is just not a good time!  Yes, it’s more than a calgon moment…it’s a mommy tantrum moment when you want the merry go round to stop, sit in the middle of the floor and cry, but you really can’t even though yes, you really want to!  Thank goodness there are others who experience the same chaos and talk about it…if I didn’t know how my Grown Up Girlfriends felt I would feel horribly alone and am so thankful others have crazy days like mine!  We really do have good moments in our family…yesterday just wasn’t one of them.  Although, once everyone was in bed it was smooth sailing…

 

 

Sex and the City the Movie

Okay, If you haven’t seen it I don’t want to give it away, but I do want to say I LOVED IT!  It was the ultimate chick flick and I am surprised it started with bad reviews.  The theatres were crowded.  We went Friday night to the 7 PM showing and were 20 seats away from a close out in both theatre rooms.  When we left, the line was just as long for the 10 Pm showing and rumors are that it was the same way in theatres around the country.  One of my very best Grown Up Girlfriends had the same experience at a Sunday night show in Vermont so the enthusiasm is still strong and going.

I thought the movie did an excellent job of taking you on the emotions of the “friendship bond.”  OMG!  When it comes to the main story line of friendship, it’s what every woman should have when it comes to real Grown Up Girlfriends.  It’s all about the bond of friendship…it’s all about the ones that are there for you through all of the highs, lows and in-betweens…who doesn’t want friends that just love you for who you are and  who accept your life every step of the way even if they don’t like what’s in it?

I’m not ceratin I have a specific hilight of the movie, because I loved it all.  I loved how the screen play writer and the actresses/actors took you on the emotions…I (along with others in the theatre) cried because I laughed so hard and cried because you could connect with some of the emotional pain of the characters at times.  I’m not certain I’ve ever experienced a theatre this tightly filled with people, that were so emotionally connected to a film out loud, but It was fun to experience.

I thought the movie and the fan following was definitley a confirmation of the power of women and the importance of friends!  It’s a must see and a must own in my opinion (although I will definitely hide it from my children!)  It definitely went back to the HBO format as I was a TBS follower…

After the movie we went to a very trendy, fun tapas restaurant and of course I decided to be very cliche and ordered a Cosmo!  What can I say…I relate mostly to the character Charlotte, but love the others too!

Great ending to the movie, great ending to my evening!  I have to say after watching for so many years…I was a little sad to think of it as ending….but, you wonder if a sequel would do as well or if it’s just good to end it on a fabulous note and let it just be that! 

 

TGIF

Yes, TGIF!  See we were all ahead of the whole text acronyms….Anywho, I am so glad it’s Friday!  It has been a long week.  Figuring it all out and simply staying afloat is not easy stuff; there’s a lot of energy exhertion that goes along with all of it.  Every time I think I’m in front of the “8″ ball, I’m suddenly behind it.  Hey, does anyone know when the roller coaster ride ends?  My roller coaster ride sometimes dips me into a load of chocolate to avoid!  Yes, all of Oprah’s people say “figure out why you eat.  Get to the route of it and you will resolve your issues!”  Mine is avoidance and unwillingness to cope at times, unfortunately I have to admit I haven’t given up the avoidance although I like to complain about the extra pounds.  My neighborhood (filled with Grown Up Girlfriends of course….) is kicking off an exercise group.  We have our fearless leader who is a runner and has completed 4 marathons, looks awesome and has a body to die for.  The rest of us will be running after her, out of breath and in pain, wishing for her toned body as she tries to whip our sorry behinds into shape.  Her motto “if you can run 3 miles at least 3 days a week you won’t have to worry about dieting.”  Well, I’ll keep you posted….I painfully start tomorrow…I praying for fabulous results (tiny hiney would be nice as I seem to currently be sporting my grandmother’s)…did I jsut blog that!

I quickly caught a glimpse of 4 women on the Today! Show that had recently lost a ton of weight and looked great.  I was impressed by the muscle tone.  I’ve been wondering lately, can you realy recapture what you’ve let go?  I’ll let you know…first, I have to let them pry the chocolate out of my hands!

Anyway, tonight I’m off to see “SEX in the CITY!”  My husband and I are double dating with friends; it’s sounds so young and fun…after marriage of almost 17 years!  I told my husband let’s see sex in the city, have a drink and he can have sex in the suburbs.  Again, did I just blog that…(only kidding, but why not?)

 

 

The Grocery Store

Today I hit the grocery store for a few quick pick-ups.  It was one of those days when I ran into someone I knew in every aisle, which truly I don’t mind.  I love catching up with people I don’t get to see that often.  It reminds me of when I used to pal around with my grandfather when I was little.  Not that I did it often, but when I did I remember loving, just loving, listening to him “shoot the breeze” where ever he was.  I even went to the barber shop, in a small town, where everyone knew each other very well.  It was an entire social experience unto it’s own…I was a “people watcher” even back then! 

Anyway, with every aisle turned, a new story unfolded….there was an old neighbor looking for a new car and chatting about her new found grocery shopping techniques with rising prices along with a catch up on her grandchildren.  In another aisle, there was an old friend who’s son had married and youngest daughter (who I swear was just going in to middle-school) but, I learned was actually entering high school, however, business was good (good news for the economy!!!).  In the next aisle I caught up with another woman I used to go to church with who had fell and broke a hip, but is extremely, extremely active and in awesome shape for her age.  The healing process was driving her crazy…in her 70’s and dying to get back out to mow and weed whack and garden and everything else she does!  A true role model of how I hope to be when I grow up!

And, then in the last aisle was a dear friend who when she saw me started to tear up and share what a rough time she was going through. 

My few minute pick up turned into a 1 hour trip…and, that was okay! 

In the midst of my career confusion and life experiences of battling with the “am I on the right road syndrome” was able to comfort her!  She said she was so glad that she had run into me, because she often would answer “everything is going great” to so many people who would ask how she was doing with her career change, because she felt like she couldn’t tell them the truth when in reality she felt alone and confused and just relieved to share in the right circumstances.  But the truth is, she did me the favor more than I did her…

She reminded me once again of the importance of the thread that weaves lives together.  She reminded me that we go through things in our lifes so that we can turn around and share out loud and strengthen each other.  She reminded me that it’s not fun when you feel like you are alone and that none of us deserve to feel that way.  She reminded me the importance of people encouraging each other and being there for each other.  She reminded me of the importance of Grown Up Girlfriends in our lives and she reminded me that we have to remember not to narrow our focus but to open our eyes and broaden our perspectives on so many levels in life.  Yes, she thought I helped her and I may have, but the funny thing is…when she least expected it she helped to strengthen me! 

We are really never alone!

Gas Prices

Yikes…the entire gas price thing is a little creepy; there’s just no way to put it.  Yesterday in the northeast, I drove through in the AM and the prices were 3.95 a gallon, by time I went through in the evening they had reached 4.05 a gallon at 3 gas stations.  Today when I drove by my current favorite gas station, it was 3.89 a gallon just down the road from the ridiculous 4.05 priced stations and it had only be 3.86 a few days earlier.  Okay…who is playing the game here?  Surprise…it’s Memorial Day Weekend.  Gas goes up every year over the big travel weekends and then typically goes down.  But, this year everyone can play a game with consumers and we wouldn’t know the difference because the only message we are hearing is that gas prices will rise, get ready for it.  So, what do we do?

There are many emails that go through the internet promoting “Don’t buy from exxon or mobil!”  Is this enough?  I don’t think it is.  It’s not that simple or it would have worked already.  Consumers need to take a more active roll.  In order for it to work (1) a majority of people have to participate and (2) you have to let them know why you won’t buy and when you will…send and email, drop off a note or send one! 

I do believe consumers can make a difference if a majority acted as one!  It just takes one voice.  What will be yours?  Will you sit and accept?  Or, will you take an active roll?  It’s already affecting millions of lives.  How long before it’s to late?

Friday Babble…

This week was a juggling week with a domino affect in my house…sick kids, sick babysitters and work to be done.  It left me in a whirlwind on days that I wasn’t certain if I was upside down or inside out.  I had a hard time getting through any “to do” list as the week controlled me instead of me controlling it and yet, I didn’t have a choice but to ride the roller coaster and hope it came to a stop soon.  Those are the weeks I tend to question everything in life…the days you want to throw in the towel and just wish your life consisted of nothing else but the worries of “what’s for dinner!” Then the calendar page turns, it all seems to fall into place and you pick up the pieces and move forward.  I have to say…I’m glad that it’s the weekend this week…I’m ready for a little down time!

Despite the craze, I did get a chance to fit in some work (never enough) and a little fun with friends.  Last night 6 of my friends took me out to dinner for my 40th…the long lasting celebration that’s been going on for a couple of weeks…it was so great to have dinner with some of my favorite people that share my life!  I am so thankful for the women in my life that I can bare all too…I mean really bare all and yet at the end of the day they still love you despite the endless imperfections of your life.  There were times in my life that even though I was surrounded by people I felt alone…I just wasn’t surrounded by the right people…now, I look around and am thankful I can turn in so many different directions and talk about the real stuff…figuring it out, raising kids, trying to run a business, weight, the evil people we have to deal with in life….at the end of the day the real gift was found in my family and friends! 

 

Back on track….

Hey there Grown Up Girlfriends!  I’m back and on track….I’ve been in the silent zone because the truth be told, I’ve had to slow down, get quiet, listen and re-group on many levels….there’s the business, turning 40 and having the antics of a teenager in the house!  It wasn’t an easy process at all times, but now that I’m almost on the flip side, I’m glad I had to walk the path(s)….I think or should I say at the moment anyway.  I used to feel like it was a weakness….”what do you mean I don’t know the answer?”  But, now I see the “slow down and listen steps” as a strength.  I have finally learned to cut myself a little slack and allow myself the gift of slowing down in order to move forward, which just didn’t come easily for me.  In the end, one of my biggest strengths came in the form of my real Grown Up Girlfriends…I have talked so often to women about the importance of insulating yourself with the right friends!  I really can’t stress it’s importance in survival!  The experience of re-grouping and finding the right path was part of the process, but in the spirit of Grown Up Girlfriends, it was my friendships that arose to the occasion.  They helped to pick me up, spread my wings and put me back on the right flight path(s)….if you don’t have friends that can do this for you, start looking.  You don’t have to get rid of everyone in your life, but you might need a new layer of friends that will be there to help the fledgling moments in our lives.  I wish the fledgling moments were less, but if you’re an honest and open girl, they are way more frequent then we want to admit.  Thank God for friendships….we certainly flounder less and get past it more quickly with the right encouragement, listening and guidance!  Listen…I’m talking about the hard core, honest friends that you don’t have to pretend with…the ones you can let in and really share the down and dirty with, the fears…the heartache…the confusion!  You know the ones that won’t look down their noses at you.  Unfortunately, I’ve had those “not-so real grown up girlfriends” in my life (we all have at one time or another) and I can honestly say…they are no longer on the inner layer.  Is that something that comes with age? 

Speaking of age, I turned 40 this month.  My husband seems to think I’m having a problem with it.   Wrong!  I have to say I’m really enjoying it.  I think the weeks leading up to it with everyone saying….”oh your 40 is coming” was way worse than the day itself.  I don’t know…you feel like something big is going to happen with everyon’es reaction towards the big 40.  I have to say, thankfully, nothing sagged more the next day!  I was just glad when the day after actually came to fruition.  Really, I’m actually feeling pretty content with the entire “40″ thing.  I have a friend that lies about her age.  She keeps it an entire mystery and I can’t quite figure it out.  Age is such a funny thing for women.  Why do we say 29 and holding?  I really think we should be proud of our age.  So many women make a face when they state their age once we pass the 40 mark.  I don’t know…I think we need to change this perspective for ourselves.  With age comes grace, an inner beauty and a life that’s being lived…celebrate, be proud and if you aren’t, make changes and get there!  

 

Staying Connected

I had the privilege this month of connecting with a couple of old Grown Up Girlfriends (not age wise…)at a college re-union.  They were in my wedding and we have many fond memories from the past.  Life gets in the way…we all moved to different areas, got married, started working and had families…but still have continued the holiday card connection throughout the years.  I have always said and continue to say, a real friend can pick up at any moment where you leave off and it’s the truth!  When we sit down, it’s as if we’ve been hanging out for years…It’s great to have the every day Grown Up Girlfriends in our lives as well as the ones that remain true in some fashion so that you can re-connect time and time again….When I get their holiday greetings, I still look forward to sitting and reading and finding out what’s going on!  It was great to catch up in person and now we are hoping for a pool side connection this summer with our families…stay connected…

Get going…

This month on the “top 3 picks” of Grown Up Girlfriend activities, we had selected going for a walk with a friend and enjoying the fresh air.  Not only is it a great thing for everyone, it’s part of my GGF experience that has truly made a difference.  As women we are so often denying ourselves the time, because the daily routine gets in the way.  There are many women who are great at keeping exercise and GGF time in their lives, and for those of us who find it more difficult, we should learn their lesson, their secret.  We need a little “us” time…the “us” time makes us stronger, more capable, refreshed and ready to deal!  So, grab your sneakers, a real GGF that loves to gab and get going!  I have a GGF who is my steady, Eddie when it comes to walking and not only is it great exercise, but it’s our therapy session (a more cost effective one I might add).  We walk every weekend and sometimes we are joined by several other of our GGFs.  During the summer we actually walk 4 days a week and try to hit 20 miles a week.  We keep saying we are going to walk a half marathon, but we haven’t done it yet, but will.  We have a standing rule, that is a necessity if you use your walking time for therapy venting like we do;”what’s said on the road, stays on the road…” 

The Tipped Universe…

Wow!  It must be with the changing of the temperature that the universe is tipped.  We all have those days, those weeks.  This is one of mine; the kind that doesn’t allow for me to control the schedule, but rather for the schedule to control me.  It keeps changing so fast and frequently that you have no choice but to grab on and go with the flow, otherwise you are fighting a dying battle.  It started last Thursday with one of my children getting the stomach bug that is going around like wild fire.  I’ve not regained control since…I have decided since tomorrow is Thursday, I’m due for a reprieve…well almost anyway.  As I look back at the whirlwind I just lived through, I am reminded THANK GOD for my Grown Up Girlfriends who allow me to vent, vent, vent and listened to the stories that goes along with raising children while creating a career.  It’s never a dull moment and there is always a story to share.  As I was in one of my frazzled states this week, I had to pass off something to someone and they reminded me to focus on the positive and forget the whirlwind that was surrounding me.  What great advice, because when we are in the midst of it all it’s one of the hardest things to do.  Even though we know this, when we are in the midst, we forget!  We get caught up in the minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day activities that distract us.  So, if your universe is slightly tipped…”change frequencies,” let go of the craze around you and just walk through it all as peacefully as possible, focusing on the positive.  A little easier said then done at times, but none the less, it’s worth the try!