Brand New Chick

Hey!  I'm celebrating - and not only 'cause tomorrows my birthday - woo woo!  I feel back to my old self but also onto my new self too.  Finding out who I am and loving it.  Choosing to say "yes" more to the fun side of life.  And feeling purpose-filled.  Keepin' on, keepin' on - remembering the wise words of the Yes Man when he reminded our daughter Naomi that it's not how you die, but how you lived your life.  And it's all about choices - you get what you give.  I feel so philosophical today - last thought for my 42nd year and embarking on 43 (yikes! who said that?!!)

Go forward Brand New Chick!

Keep smiling!

Past the 5,000 Mark

Thank you, thank you, and thank you again for following my Adventures.  I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy sharing my stories.

Adventure Mommy has had 5,132 hits!!  Yipee!!!

Tiddleywinks and Other Funny Stories

Today at the home, a resident was having difficulty remembering my name.  I pointed to my badge hanging around my neck and she said "Lea Volunteer". Yep. Most of the residents think that Volunteer is in fact my last name.  I never correct them.  Although today, Helen was a bit upset that she couldn't remember my name.  I asked her if she had known any other Lea's in her life...nope.  Okay. Well, my friend Steph refers to me as "Pixie Lea" as we have a few other Lea's (or Lee's) in our group. I like that name.  It does suit me to a T!  So I told this to Helen.

When our time was up Helen said "Bye Pixie and Tiddleywinks" - pointing to Roxy the dog!  I laughed and laughed.  What a great ending to our visit.  I'm sure that to Helen Roxy will always be Tiddleywinks now.  As for my name?  I answer to just about anything!

The other funny story is not at all related to the retirement home, but to my home.  My kids in fact.  Specifically what makes my son laugh in hysterics!  Just about anything to do with stinky smells...like farts, poops, you name it - the stinkier the better and Ben is howling.  Me too!  I laugh when he laughs - his laugh is so contagious.  Just thinking about it is making me laugh.

Keep on laughing and smiling!

Say Cheese!

Someone commented to me this morning that I'm always smiling.  I really do try to smile as much as possible.  Because sometimes you gotta fake it til you make it! I figure that my smile is contagious and I'd rather be spreading that around than the grumpies - believe me, there is enough of that out there already!  So...

Keep smiling!

Inspired

How true!  Just yesterday, someone in my life told me how important I was to them - and how they weren't sure how they could have made it thorough the year without me.  WOW!  Super powerful stuff.  The thing is, I feel the same way about that person.  Isn't it great to hear those words?  We all need to hear that. That today you look beautiful. Or I really like how you handled that situation.  Or thanks for the big laugh!  And that hug meant the world to me.

That the little things really matter.  Here's another really great quote that resonates with me:

An arrow can only be shot by

pulling it backward.  So when life is

dragging you back with difficulties, 

it means that it's going to launch

you into something great. So just

focus, and keep aiming.

Kind of like Dory from Nemo..."just keep swimming"...

And...keep smiling!

A Change in Season

I'm just heading off to one of my volunteer gigs - the retirement home.  It's been a little quiet around there lately - I suspect it's just a bit of a change over. Sometimes it's bustling and others not.

I received an email yesterday from the Rec. Director advising that two of the residents had passed away.  I knew them both well.  Ms. B had recently been moved to a Long Term Care facility - actually while we were away in Cuba so I didn't have a chance to say good bye to her.  She was one of my favs.  I brought jokes for her almost every visit and she loved loved loved Roxy.  We always had a good visit - even if she was a little down.  I felt when I left her room that she was a little brighter.  Today I will have a chance (I hope) to see her husband who is grief stricken.

The other resident, Ms. G was a bit more challenging.  On my very first visit to the floor with Roxy over a year ago, Ms. G followed us around in her wheelchair all mad at us.  She didn't think we belonged there - certainly not a dog.  Well, I avoided her room on my weekly visits as I didn't want to antagonize her further. She was feisty!

But something changed with Ms. G the past month or so.  She would wheel out into the hallway when I was there with Roxy - I'd be talking to another resident and Ms. G would keep passing us.  So I took a chance and asked her if she wanted to pet Roxy.  No.  Okay.

Next visit, same thing.  She was becoming more and more interested in us.  Guess what?  This time when I asked her if she wanted to pet Roxy she said yes.  Wow! That even got a smile from Ms. G.  The last time I saw her was two weeks ago. She joined in for manicures - just watching of course.  But I spoke with her - "Good to see you,  Ms. G - how are you today?"  She smiled at me and said "Fine".  That was our last conversation.

Things can change overnight at the retirement home.  Heck - that can happen with anyone.

Tell someone you love them today - and really mean it.  Even give them a hug. And be thankful - look up at the beautiful spring sky, check out the buds on the trees and hear those Cardinals singing their pretty song.  Spring has sprung.

Keep smiling!

Big Fan

My son's hockey team is in the finals today...and we even have fans as far away as Florida!  Thanks Grampa - Go Hawks Go!