Letters For Lucas

Wonders, Mishaps, Blunders and Joy.. commentary on my life as a mom in the form of letters to my son

There’s More To Me Than My Blog

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I talked to a friend recently with whom I hadn’t spoken to in a while and mid-conversation, when we had reached the part when I was all up to date on the current events of her life and it was time for her to ask about me, she said, “I already know everything that’s going on with you, I read your blog.”.“Oh.” And with that, the call was pretty much over.

Here’s what I should have said:

“Um, no you don’t and why would you think that anyway?”

This is not the first time I’ve heard this.
And this is not the first time the comment has irked me hurt my feelings.

I’ll be the first to admit that I share a lot here, but I don’t blog about everything! 

Some things are meant to be private. And I’ve learned that the hard way a couple of times. 

There are lots of topics that I refuse to discuss here. I will never share details of my marriage, my sex life, my struggle to have a second child, my relationship with my sister (again), my ex-husband (again) or basically anything else that could potentially hurt a relationship that is important to me or be used against me in a court of law.

I’m a social networking butterfly and communicate regularly with a lot of people via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Skype, instant messages through Scrabble and Words With Friends, texts, the rare phone call and if I’m really lucky, in person. Every once in a while it would be nice if the people I knew in real life would ask me about me instead of assuming they’ve read it all on my blog. 

Just saying.

If you’re a blogger, does this ever happen to you? 

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Tackling Disneyland On My Own

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If you had told me a year ago, heck, yesterday that I would take Lucas to Disneyland by myself someday, I would have told you, you were absolutely nuts.

But, I did it!

I even braved the crowds on a day before a holiday weekend.

Now, who’s nuts?

What can I say? I’m glutton for punishment.

Actually, it was housekeeper day and I needed a big outing to keep us out of the house for a few hours.

Lucas did great and despite the nearly 90 degree heat and I did pretty great too, if I do say so myself. 
We were on the tram and heading for the park at 9:30, where upon arrival, went straight to “It’s a Small World”, which Lucas claims to be his “favorite” ride now. It’ll be a few days before I get that @#$% song out of my head…

We hung out with Mickey & friends in Toon Town for nearly an hour, otherwise known as spent time stalking Goofy and then enjoyed a nice lunch together in Tomorrow Land, that only set us back  $14.00 – shocker!

We watched the Disneyland Marching Band perform, strolled through Critter Country and met Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore, rode the “Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” for the first time (which is perfect for toddlers, by the way), toured the entire park on the Disneyland Railroad (a given with a “choo choo” lover in tow) and were back in the comfort of our air conditioned car just in time for nap time. 

I was very apprehensive about tackling Disneyland on my own; couldn’t fathom juggling Lucas, stroller, bag, long lines, heat and not to mention, my patience level, but every time I seem to worry like this, Lucas ends up pleasantly surprising me.

There were no melt downs, he kept his hat on, ate everything I put in front of him and got in the stroller when asked. It was the perfect outing! 

And bonus… he’s out for a while and my house is sparkling clean. 🙂
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Project Smile – June

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Proof that my June was magical.

While celebrating Lucas’ second birthday, my 39th and Father’s Day, welcoming three cichlids into our family and breaking in a new pair of sneakers, enjoying a fun overnight in Palm Springs with my girlfriends, I was gently reminded by my sweet son on a walk around our neighborhood how important it is to stop and smell the roses every once in a while.

I’m also proud to share that we got Lucas completely off of bottles in June. 

It was a great month! 

To see what had me smiling in May, click here and to link up and share your own month of joy, please visit Kristi of Live and Love out Loud.

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A Preschooler?!

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I no longer have a toddler. 

At two years old, Lucas is considered a preschooler. According to Gerber that is; who identify a preschooler as:

  • Runs well without falling
  • Chews more skillfully and efficiently
  • Mastering the use of spoon and fork
  • Sits in booster seat or child seat at family meals 

Check, check, check and check. 

But a preschooler? I can’t get my head wrapped around it yet, even though in just one short month, Lucas will be attending preschool three morning a week.

I am so excited for him! I truly cannot wait for him to learn more than I feel I could ever teach him; wonderful and amazing things, beyond basic manners, nursery rhymes, numbers, colors, shapes and the alphabet. I’m excited for him to increase his social skills and come home and tell his dad and I all about his day. There is no doubt in my mind that he is going to love school.

    But a preschooler! How did that happen? 

    I suppose it was inevitable. Lucas is in a “big boy” bed, off bottles (FINALLY!), can carry on a complete and coherent conversation, has a great sense of humor and is becoming more terrific than terrible (most days). Plus, he’s curious about everything and loves learning. School is next natural stage. 
     
    When asked if he’s a baby, Lucas will be the first one to tell you, “no, big boy”. But, if it’s all the same to him, he will always be my baby.

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    Reflections On 39 Years

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    It’s my birthday and in my 39 short years on this planet, I have…

    1. moved 27 times.
    2. owned five cars.
    3. ran a 1/2 marathon.
    4. sky dived in Tucson, Arizona and scuba dived in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
    5. learned that money can’t buy happiness, but it can make things a little easier.
    6. graduated from college.
    7. been fired from, laid off and quit three different jobs.
    8. learned that everything in moderation is the best way to live.
    9. been a bridesmaid four times and a bride twice.
    10. attended approximately 39 concerts (15 of which were Dave Matthews shows).
    11. learned that change is unavoidable.
    12. been on a road trip (15+ hours round trip) by myself.
    13. broken my collar bone.
    14. been in five car accidents (three of which were my fault).
    15. gotten three tattoos (and want at least one more).
    16. walked 180 miles in three 3-Day Walks for breast cancer research.
    17. thrown a surprise party.
    18. climbed the pyramids, hiked into the Grand Canyon, kissed at the top of the Eiffel Tower and walked across the Golden Gate Bridge.
    19. realized that family, no matter how often you see one another is important. 
    20. learned that you can get grey hair and acne at the same time. Unfair and annoying, but true. 
    21. won a sewing contest in the third grade, the leading role in a school play when I was a Senior in high school, a customer service award once I started working and two giveaways from blogs I read.
    22. never had to be bailed out of jail.
    23. learned that home is where the heart is.
    24. swam with dolphins in Mexico and zip-lined in Costa Rica.
    25. been the first one to apologize and the first one to walk away.  
    26. learned that music really can save your mortal soul.
    27. discovered that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength.
    28. called 911 twice (not for Lucas, thank goodness!)
    29. collected more books than I’ll ever be able to read.
    30. watched every single episode of Sex & the City, Alias and Grey’s Anatomy.
    31. attended the Grammy’s and Emmy’s.
    32. learned that a vast majority of people can be worn over with a smile and a little kindness. 
    33. been blessed with the best friends a girl could ask for.
    34. only wanted the very best for my sister, Leah.
    35. never missed my parents more than I do today, except maybe tomorrow.
    36. had more perfect moments than one person should be allowed.
    37. made a baby with a man I admire, love and respect.
    38. never tired of hearing “Mommy”. 
    39. a lot more living to do and tons more to learn.

    Here’s looking forward to the next 39 years!
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    Searching For Peace

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    Even though she hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in days, she woke up before the sun.

    There were no more international calls to make or receive; all the details had been handled to the best of her ability, knowledge and strength. 

    The photos and music had been carefully selected and the difficult but necessary phone calls made.

    She bought a new black dress that she knew would hang in her closet forever but only be worn once.

    The obituary had been written and ran in the newspaper the previous day. She will always wonder how there can be a word limit when describing a person’s life. Let alone two. How do you convey all the wonderful qualities about someone and list the reasons why they will be missed in 300 words or less? 

    This morning she would do something life affirming. 

    She wanted a chance to forget for a while; to do something that she would do any given day so as to feel the slightest bit normal.

    A walk through a beautiful canyon. She would immerse herself in abundant wildlife, get lost in hillsides resplendent with palo verde trees, graceful groves of ocotillo and prickly pear cactus. 

    She wanted to be surrounded by life, to fill her eyesight with nature and growth so that her dark and broken heart may heal someday.

    Today was a day to remember, mourn and begin searching for peace.


    This post is fiction and was written for The Red Dress Club’s writing assignment, Red Writing Hood. This week’s prompt: Write a 300 word piece using the following word for inspiration: LIFE. Constructive criticism is welcome.

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    Jet Setter

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    Voluptuous and simple – the world is larger than one had thought. – Denise Levertov

    I grew up overseas so I have been fortunate to see a lot of the world, but there are still places I want to visit.

    Topping my list right now, in the order of which they may be visited, are:

    Palm Springs – I know, I know, I was just there (read all about my recent trip here) and it’s only 90 minutes from my front door, but I am craving some consistent sunlight, lounging by the pool with the latest celebrity gossip magazines, a good book and yummy cocktails with cool names like “The Julie”; and some alone time with my husband. For the record, all the other destinations on my list will include Lucas.

    Vancouver, Canada – My husband spent nine months in Vancouver several years ago and has always spoken so highly of his experience, the scenery, the accessibility to nature and outdoor activities and the people. The way he talks about it makes me want to go!

    Greece – Ever since I saw Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Mama Mia, I have wanted to go to Greece. All terrible movies, but the stark contrast between the gorgeous blue Mediterranean sea and white buildings, the rich history and authentic sadziki are all very alluring.    

      

    My list of “must see” destinations is never ending… Croatia, the Galapagos, Ireland and Tokyo are high on the list too. 

    I would also love to take Lucas on an African safari one day. There’s nothing else on earth like being within 30 feet of an elephant, lion, zebra or giraffe. To date, that has been my favorite trip. 
     
    Where do you want to go?

    This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, Prompt 4.) A country you would like to visit.

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