AAAAAmaz-Ing Dayzzzz

I was kidnapped...full fledge taken swooped up and whisked away by my husband for a pre-Birthday get away. The timing could not have been better. The past few weeks have been a little on the overwhelming side and the vibe was in the air and Keith stepped up to the plate. Yay!

Before the abduction kicked off we celebrated Taylor's final home game as a Shawnee Cheerleader. All of the senior parents of both the cheerleaders and football players were honored and it was a great night celebrating the celebration : )                                            

GOOD JOB TAYLOR!!!!!

 I was forced to be pampered. I had no choice. Keith planned a totally amazing 32 hours in Hershey, Pa. teeming with chocolate, spa sessions and a little romp around Hershey Park. I am grateful for my husband. I am thankful for a man who finds joy in making me happy, finding ways to make me smile and is my official wing man through life. I'm one blessed chica.
As I hit the big 3-6 tomorrow I am enjoying every moment of my life and look forward to the next 365 days ahead.

A scoop, a run, a zen...

It's Saturday night and I am alone, the house is quiet and I'm finally sitting down. At thirty five I'm beginning to get better at the whole learning what is best for you thing. I like being busy and I'm wired to be uncomfortable in silence, alone and not doing something. I'm a slow learner, but sometimes the quiet and the solitude is just what I need.
The day started before the sun had risen as Taylor, her friends and I schlepped to AC for a Color Run. A few thousand pounds of color later we were caked in all the colors of the rainbow. A whole heap of people came out to run, nosh and raise money for the Big Brothers Foundation in South Jersey. I love keeping fit, raising awareness and spending time with a kid who is pretty rad (biased, but factual: ).

Taylor, who also travels in warp speed, headed to Coneheads ice cream shop to scoop in the name of Shawnee's Glow Run. All proceeds raised from the run in April along with 50% of the ice cream scooped is heading to the Hope Alive Clinic in Haiti. I don't think I have ever met a kid so stoked to serve, scoop and smile where there was no 'perk' on her end.
It's awesome to think that the collaboration of efforts, time and commitment of teens in South Jersey will have life long impacts on so many lives in Haiti. Taylor witnessed the hurt and pain first hand along with the amazing experience of watching kids and their loved ones receive medical care. The hundreds of other kids who will be involved in this process won't fully grasp the magnitude of their impact. Every dollar, each medical supply and individual sacrifices will add up to allow amazing things to happen. How cool is it to think that the little things here over a period of time are going to do HUGE things just a four hour plane ride away? Good job Shawnee High School! Be the change, baby!

swanky south

On the heels of the retreat there was need to schlep a few items down before heading down with the kids and allowed for a somewhat full weekend of hanging with the family. Even though the weather was filled with rain, humidity and a little more rain my heart was happy to be in the midst of family goodness. The ride feels longer and seems to take a little more out of me. I wish they lived closer. 

Being with Jess brings a sense of goodness and joy of being with my sister that I find so very special. Having the opportunity to hang out, be with the boys and my parents is pretty great. I cling to our chats, breakfast on the porch and time just being together. Even after nearly eighteen hours in the car over the weekend it was still absolutely worth it. No doubt.

Head lamps, recharge and football

I believe in weekends. The world would be a better place if we had an extra day in the week allowing for a responsible full five day work week leading up to a three day weekend. If I were to run for office, this would be one of my focal points. Everyone would just be in a better mood and there would be time to get the things on the home front accomplished while allowing for a little zing and zang for the heart. Balance is everything.

With yet another completely awesome weekend of clear skies and warm temps I am loving October from my head down to my toes. From a morning run with my girls prepping for our half marathon in November to watching Tay under the lights cheering for Shawnee; it was a pretty great way to kick off the weekend. 

As I sit out on my hammock swing listening to crickets chirp and gazing at the canopy of stars above I am thankful for friends, family and recharge time. There are moments I feel guilty. As I sit here typing, sipping tea and relaxing there is so much pain, loss and struggle happening all over the globe. I feel very unworthy of all this excess and the everyday that I can so quickly take for granted.
So I will sit here and give thanks, lift those in my heart and mind and prayer and ask God for open and receptive eyes to see the needs of others. We can't change the world, but we can impact the heart of one person who can then pass that goodness on. Here's to a week that creates a domino effect of love, compassion and goodness that is one step closer to changing the world.