A really cool text message...

SO I am trying to get into the 21st century...I blog. I text. I Facebook. I do not tweet. It is important not only for me, but also for my students to know that I am staying ahead of the times for them.

But I have had a moment this morning, while texting my dear friend Jason that I received this text from him. " God works in mysterious ways. And you are finally happy."

How profound...

What makes me happy?

Last night Justin and I were hanging on the couch, watching "Lemminy Snickets" with Blaine Garrett and all I could think was...this is contentment.

Yesterday was Father's Day. Dinner with some of my family...this is happiness.

Hearing your niece's voice on the phone...knowing that you get to see her soon...that puts a spring in my step. Sydney is putting huge phrases together and I cannot wait to see her and Gage, Chloe, and Grace in one week! There will be so many changes as we have had time away from each other.

I am on vacation in one week with Justin. We are heading northward...to see friends and family from many years. To Kansas City to spend time with Jason. To Omaha to see lots of friends and family and to get a tattoo!!! Then on to Fargo to spend lake time with Mom and Steve and family. Drive cross state to Medora to see the musical and hang with my dear friend Emily, who is co-hosting in the show this year!!! It seems like forever since I have been back there...maybe 11 years? I cannot wait to share this experience with Justin...take him on a hike in the Badlands.
And then on to Bismarck for my 20 year high school reunion! Where did that time go? It has flown by and so many life experiences. I am looking forward to seeing old friends and finding out what has been going on in their lives.

So yes...
I am happy.
I am very content.
And I am so blessed!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!!!

To a man who is a hero.

To a man who's strength is neverending.

To a man who works hard and loves hard.

To a man who's heart is so deep and forgiving and open.

To a man who I am lucky to call my father.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

And here I sit...

Ok so...
I am addicted to bad television. I am sure that most of the American public would agree with this statement.

I find myself watching The Real Housewives of New York, New Jersey, AND Betheny Getting Married? Not because it is thought provoking. Who in their right mind would think that women bitching, complaining, thinking they can have whatever they want or sing whatever they want, be successful or putting their claws into each other for viewers is thought provoking? It reminds me very much of the the Claire Luce play, The Women. And yet, here I sit captivated. Sadly so...cause I get frustrated with the fact that I feel like I am watching pure crap but love it. I was hooked from day one. JOHN WICHMAN!!!! ;) It is like sitting in the Colosseum in Rome watching the feminine gladiators hash it out amongst thousands of viewers with their weapons of lipstick and stilettos.

Then there is What Not To Wear and Say YES to the Dress...It is that dirty downtrodden Cinderella coming out from underneath her soot laden fingernails and becoming a Princess. Who doesn't ever wish that someone would whisk you away to a new wardrobe or find just the right dress or jacket or outfit that picks you up and dusts you off... And here I sit dreamily...

Or watching Color Confidential, Color Splash (with my boyfriend David Bromstad), and Divine Design on HGTV...PURE HEAVEN!!! I can watch old episodes and watch each transformation happening and get lost in the dreams of that one day when I have a house of my very own to transform and add my own personal flair to...a little pop of color does not hurt, people!! Just sayin!!

So...There is the summer of watching, dreaming, and captivated.

Ever had one of those friends?

Ever had those friends that you have known for so long that they can complete your sentences?

Ever had those friends that you have known for so long that they know eactly what to say and when to say it?

Ever had those friends who know which buttons to push but you secretly love them for forcing you to look at something with a new outlook?

Ever had those friends who you have known since first grade and no matter where you are in this world, no matter how long you are apart, that when you speak on the phone or finally see each other after a long time apart, you pick up right where you left off?

I have been blessed to have a number of friends that hold such a special place in my life and in my heart.

And one of those dearest friends turns 38 today...

Shari: I absolutely love and adore you. I am so grateful that God has brought us together to share this worldly path together. No matter where we go or whatever we do, I know that I can always trust that you will have that special way to make me smile and lighten my heart when I get too serious.

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays fill with the pinkest flamingoes!!