A recent business trip took me half way around the world; a thirteen hour time difference to be exact. I try not to worry into tomorrow, however, this time there wasn’t any effort, the flight took me there….HA. For some reason I couldn’t quite figure out the timing for days.

A short while ago, I was presented with an opportunity to help improve the life’s of people in a far away land. Helping these people will ultimately affect those presently around me, and some days feels like a heavy burden. The two groups will work together to become a strong united team that’s customer focused and driven.

Recently, my daughter decided to have Tillie the kitten spade, and called while scheduling the procedure; wondering if I would commit to bringing her in on surgery day since she would already be at work. I agreed since my schedule was more flexible. I have to admit right up front, I volunteered out of necessity, but wasn’t looking forward to the day.

Four of the five ended up having to take two cars because of all the items each person brought. It was quite the spectacle as the unloading began. We needed not one, but two shopping carts that were available for use. The service elevator was jammed full from top to bottom, I couldn’t get to my phone or I would have taken a picture; it was hilarious.

My son and his girlfriend have been dating for five years, and recently put an offer in on a house, and I knew the next step would be engagement. Whenever I get the chance to have one on one time with my son, we always have good conversations. Several months ago he mentioned his goal in their relationship was to buy a house first, and a ring second, however her goal was the ring first and house second.

Being a mid-west girl, I happen to live in between two bustling cities. It seems there’s always plenty of adventures to discover; but there’s certain adventures I find myself going to again and again. A few weekends ago I went with friends to Milwaukee’s Irish Fest; which happens to be the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture. It had been a few years since I’d been back; I really missed it. The event was nestled along the rocky shores of Lake Michigan, which made for a beautiful backdrop, and the day and weather couldn’t have been nicer.

Most of the early morning sky looked like a typical summer day; sunny one minute and cloudy the next. However, later morning clouds began to roll in that just hung in the air. As the time neared closer to the phenomenon, people began hustling and bustling about, filing outside one by one to get a look. 

Tillie is a social kitten and isn’t afraid of friends and family. She is playful and has the sharpest claws; my daughter and I have plenty of playtime scratches to prove it. From the time of her arrival, she is often perched on my shoulders, chest and neck. Tillie’s like a parrot, or a pirate kitty, as I sometimes like to call her. She refuses to let me do anything without her getting involved. If i’m laying down she constantly leaps on my head!

Most Sundays you’ll find me sitting in the fourth pew from the front, on the left hand side, directly behind my parents. I’ll be the first to admit, after a long week some Sundays I would rather stay in bed, but usually get myself up, and always feel better when I do. Recently, while making announcements, the pastor asked the congregation if they had been out to visit the prayer garden this season. Sheepishly, I shook my head……I was embarrassed I hadn’t taken the time to notice or give thanks to the people responsible for its beauty.

If you’ve followed my posts in the past, you may have read how much I love being near water. While vacationing in Bermuda, my girlfriends and I spent most of our time either in or near the water…..you could call us, Nauti-Girls…..HA.  The trip’s timing happened to coincide with America’s Cup yachting race, however on the days we were in the area the teams were either practicing or resting. All teams had been eliminated with the exception of New Zealand and the USA which would be competing for the victory.

The ship had everything a person could dream of, or even imagine. Early each morning the day’s itinerary was slipped under the door. It was a four to five page document filled from corner to corner with all the day’s events and opportunities. It was overwhelming to say the least. There were several events every hour on the hour and most times it was impossible to decide. You literally could be doing an activity every minute of every day.

Recently, she started begging to get a cat again. Most of her friends have moved out of the area and claimed if I let her have a kitten, she wouldn’t feel so lonely……no words. In a weak moment she made it sound so easy and somehow when I wasn’t expecting it, I actually thought about saying yes. Well, let’s just say she jumped on the opportunity and within a few days had her sights on one.

Recently, a girlfriend and I decided to go for an impromptu late breakfast, and ended up at a cute little outdoor place we could enjoy the beautiful summer morning. One of the specials of the day was listed on the menu as Sunshine and Bubbles. The name alone got our attention.

It’s All Good is a local coffee shop in my area, and has to be the cutest place in town. I’m a regular customer, whether it’s meeting a friend for coffee, working on my latest blog post or project while my daughter studies, or brainstorming over the next workshop. It kind of feels like home.

Our hotel was in the middle of Times Square, which made it simple to get around without hailing a cab or taking the subway. Unfortunately, rain gushed like water being poured out of buckets, and wouldn’t you know, all five of us girls forgot to bring umbrellas from our hotel rooms. We ended up staying much longer at lunch than we had anticipated since people outside, both with and without umbrellas were soaking wet just the same. Once the rain had settled into a manageable downpour, we stood in the doorway and jetted across the street as soon as the light signaled for the crowds to pass.

To celebrate a recent birthday, my children wanted to take me to lunch and as always, let the birthday girl pick the location. My first thought was somewhere near water, and with the late spring weather cooperating, dining outdoors was at the top of my list.

Lately though, it feels like life is passing me by……actually zooming past. Seems like before I know it, the week has flown, and I am looking at another Monday. It’s hard to believe half of 2017 is practically just a memory; I need to slow my roll. Slowing down means I need to live in the present moment and not dwell in the past or rush into tomorrow. It doesn’t always come easy for me. I have to remind myself to be intentional about my day, thoughts and actions. How often are we on auto-pilot and can’t remember how we got there?

On a recent trip to the grocery store, I came across an item that appears once a year in the mid-west, even if only for a short window of opportunity……drum roll please…….the Rainier cherry! When I stumbled across the yellow and bright blush-red little gems, I stopped in my tracks, my eyes lit up, and I could hardly wait to get through the checkout line, run home, and gobble some down. Last year I missed the entire season; it was over before I realized…..total bummer. Another golden opportunity missed.