Reflections on Birth and Death days....

Three years ago today my father-in-law Ira Carlton Crandall passed away suddenly.  Today is my fathers 77th birthday.  We had breakfast with my parents to celebrate my father's birthday.  For dinner we went to Red Robin to celebrate my birthday which is coming up on the 30th.  The service for Carl was held on my 40th birthday.  I know that people make a big deal of turning 40...all about being over the hill.  But there is something about being in a memorial service for someone you love on that particular birthday that gives on pause.  We will never forget that week.  Rushing to pack to go to California knowing that Carl was not doing well, only to get the phone call every child dreads to receive....

It seems like it was just yesterday.  So as we celebrated my dad's birthday today, I found myself thinking about those events, and wanting to hold on to my dad just for another second.  I struggled with the fact that a family celebration and tragedy happened on the same day/week...why did it have to be that way?  I struggled with feeling that somehow I was robbed of something special, a birthday that will come only once.  And yet as time has gone by I have come to realize that it really gave me a special perspective.   My dad shares a birthday with the day that Carl was re-born into heaven. And I share a birthday with the day that we remembered and honored him for the wonderful father, dad and Navy officer that he had been.   We still sense his presence at different times.   He didn't miss the family reunion in Hawaii in 2009 - he came when it rained.  His sense of humor which I witness in my own husband on a daily basis.  Yes, it was a tragic day of loss...but in another sense he continues on our lives and memories - and for that I am truly thankful.

Hold your loved ones close while you still have them.  Make sure you tell them you love them every chance you get.   Make sure you don't regret what might be the last words you ever say to your loved one.  Live life to the fullest.  Don't take yourself too seriously.  And one thing that Carl taught me - Drive the back roads every chance you get!!!

More later.

On Social Media

I just recently signed up for a LinkedIn account.  I already have a facebook account.  I do not think I will be tweeting anytime soon however, but you never know.  After signing up, I have found that my e-mail box is full of new connections.  I am beginning to understand why employers do not want people doing social networking when they are at work.  You could spend all your time doing nothing but connecting with others over the various websites.  These networks are allowing me to connect with individuals I have not connected with in a number of years.  But when I find myself sitting at the computer and networking instead of going outside and enjoying a beautiful summer day...that is when it seems a little out of control.  With today's economy and job market, if you are looking for work the social media sites could be very helpful.  The more you connect, the more you can get your name, company or product visible.  I will continue to visit the social networking sites that I am connected with.  I likely will not visit them everyday, and certainly not several times a day.  My employer blocks such sites anyway - which does not bother me.   Thank you to everyone who is willing to connect with me on the various sites.  I see great value in them, but as with everything in life, make sure you are living with balance.  More later....

I have a mixed marriage

I have a mixed marriage.  I am a PC, my husband is a MAC.  He likes summer activities - beach, sand, sun, surfing.  I enjoy winter activities - skiing, tubing - you get the idea.  One of our ski resorts just announced today that they are going to open up for limited skiing and snowboarding for the 4th of July weekend.  I think that is really cool that we got enough snow to ski into summer.  My husbands response...."that is just evil!. The fourth of July is for BBQ and picnics, not snow, cold...yuk!"  Now I am not running out to purchase my ski passes, but I think it would be fun to go watch.

I am a snow-bunny.  When he puts on his snow clothes he says he "looks like a pill bug on steroids!"  Hey, he could go skiing and not look like a pill-bug!  He is a good sport - and I enjoy doing summer activities with him too.

So as the summer solstice is upon us, and summer begins - enjoy whatever it is you want to do with your loved ones - even if you have your differences of opinion.

More later....

So I have a blog....

My husband has a blog.  My brother has a blog.  So I guess I need to have a blog.  I will post my thoughts from time to time as things seem important.  I may even respond to my husband's blog with thoughts of my own.  That is actually what prompted me to start this in the first place.

You see - he just posted (tongue in cheek I might add) about how we have to pack when we travel.  I admit I miss the days when we could just pack a couple of small bags and go.  Now when we go - even for a weekend we have two suitcases, two pillows and knee pillows, and two backpacks - usually carrying our electronic gear such as computers, mp3 players, speakers etc.  When we go camping if my brother goes with us we are lucky to fit everything into our Honda and still have room for the three of us.  (We have yet to tie anyone or anything to the roof, but it has been close...).  Three suitcases (or duffel bags) three sleeping bags, camping pads, pillows, camp stove, wood for the fire, our small plug in cooler (or large ice chest), paper bags with food and water.  And that is if we are cabin camping at a KOA!  The one time we tent camped we had three blow up mattresses, and a couple of lanterns to add to all that.  Anyway - it is not possible to pack light...even if I didn't pack a sweatshirt.

More later....