Surprise!

One of the main reasons for my visit to Ohio was to spend time with my mom on and around her birthday. What she didn’t know was that 60 of her closest friends and family were going to convene today to do the same thing.

She was shocked down to her socks today when we showed up at a supposed "staff cookout" for my dad’s work to discover that it was instead a party for her. Her family drove from Indiana (a four hour drive) to celebrate with her. She laughed, she cried, she hugged, she beamed and she got overwhelmed with all of the love in the room for her.

She was indeed, queen for a day. Happy Birthday again mom!

Filed under: Mi Familia

Should be Sleeping

It’s 2:08 a.m. but my body says its only 11:08 p.m. I think I’m finally going to switch over to EST when it’s time for me to go back to CA.

But I am having such a good time with the fam and especially my nephews. Today I learned how to play a spiderman video on game boy. I watched a ton of cartoons with one or both boys curled up with me on the recliner. Then tonight I watched them do flips on the trampoline.

I’m realizing that I forgot some of the finer nuances of summering in Ohio. Like the fact that spending time outdoors requires preparation, just like the winter time. Only this season you’re not bundling up you’re spraying up to protect yourself from the skeetos. Aah yes the nuclear, summer mosquitos that suck all your blood.

I also forgot about lightening bugs. I was standing by the sliding glass doors overlooking the backyard my first night here and was reminded how beautiful they are as their tiny bodies lit up the summer night. Tomorrow Mikey and Jordy are going to show me how they catch bugs, it probably wouldn’t be good if I showed them that you can use the lightening bugs to write on the sidewalk.

I’m also remembering that Ohio summers are gloomy. We haven’t seen the sun since I got here. It has also been sprinkling on and off and only about 85 degrees. This is much nicer weather than we had in So. Cal. last weekend where it felt like we were in a swamp it was so hot and humid.

Who needs sleep when you’re having this much fun.

Filed under: Mi Familia

Happy Birthday Mom

Today my mom turns 50.

She’s freaking out about it, doesn’t want to and is heading into the decade kicking and screaming. I remember that turning 30 was hard for me, I can’t imagine 50. Those big milestone birthdays really cause you to stop and reflect on your life. You take a check and balance of what you’ve done vs what you’ve hoped to have done. This type of thinking causes men have affairs, quit their jobs, buy sport’s cars and marry a woman 20 years younger. We constantly want to turn back time and get a do-over. Unfortunately life doesn’t allow for those.

I think her life has been worth it. Not only did she make my life possible, but as a woman she’s courageous, strong and resilient. She’s overcome a lot and really knows how to love unconditionally. When my mom takes care of you it is completely.

I know that she longs to define herself differently but I admire who she is. I love you mom and I wish you 50 more years that are lived abundantly full of things that make you happy.

Filed under: Mi Familia