My Confession

Here's my confession..I found out today that I am in love with a woman. It took my 3 years to get naked in front of my husband (I'm worth the wait- I might add) and it took me only 2 minutes to undress for her! And I paid her to touch me! And when we were done...I wanted to shout out on a mountain top and confess to her...I LOVE YOU! So before you gross out and think that I'm ready to walk in the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade....I got a massage. I have been so sore and achy for months. My husband refused to massage me for days...so I hit him where it hurts! His wallet! I wasn't going to go around in pain anymore. It was the best impromptu call I have ever made. It really can be addicting and I think that I just may treat myself more often.

Updates

Just a couple of updates on the Gregori clan...I completed the Asti Bike Tour this last Saturday..the 50K. Next year, I vow to do the 100K. No major mishaps, except for the fact that my shoes wouldn't unclick from the bike pedals and I had to biff it, in front of the "professional" bike riders, sporting their air dynamic bikes and apparel! Embarrassing! Tina cracked me up because she decided that two guys were going too slow up a steep hill and she passed them up...that was my highlight! It was such a wonderful time and great accomplishment to do it with a group of friends. Of course, I didn't have my camera - I can't ride a bike and photograph at the same time.

Sent the kids back to their old school in Sebastopol this week. Sigh of relief! I guess I had to put them back in Cloverdale, to realize where they truly needed to be. The commute isn't as bad as I remember it...although it does get old. The kids were so excited to see their old friends. Brandon has decided he is going to be part of the school band and play the Saxophone - Lord give me patience already!

The kids both decided on their Halloween costumes - Brandon a rock star (can't wait to get pictures on that one) and Gianna...you guessed it...a princess. Such their personalities. And me..A witch...and yep...that's my personality! ha ha

Why Moms Have Rules?

Every night, I have the kids help make their lunches. Why didn't they tell me in Lamaze class, when I was pregnant, that this would be part of my parenting duties? I may have reconsidered having children, just for that reason. Not to mention, making lunches is the worst labor pains ever! I dread it....what to put in the stuffy sweaty vinyl box? I have to make sure their lunches are well rounded. I don't put 20 cookies and a soda in it..although there are days, that would be so simple! A fruit, a sandwich, pretzels...all the things that teachers want to see. So, last night, after gathering the lunches together, I told the kids to put them in the refrigerator. Simple request, I know. Then I walked away. Fast forward 10 hours with the rising sun. Open the refrigerator. "Wow guys! You already put your lunches in your backpacks? That's great." "Yeah mom, we put them in their last night." Oh, okay! So you think that mayo on that sandwich will not rot? Or what about that yogurt? Did you really want cottage cheese? Why do I waste my time, giving you a rule, if you are going to do what you want anyway?

Joy

I'm finally coming up for air. Sometimes, life can just knock the air out of you and it takes awhile to come back up. But I'm here! And a sweet friend (Lavon) has reminded me that through life, you can't forget the Joy! Joy doesn't mean the outside appearance of happiness, but the internal gratitude of the small stuff. And I noticed that I don't have to look for Joy - it is already present...in my friends, in my husband and children, and the fact that I am loved. This weekend I enjoyed watching Brandon go tubing and wake boarding for the first time. The pure excitement on his face was priceless. That truly made my day. The weekend before, I went to a wedding in Tahoe. Man, I am old! It was a little girl I use to babysit...scary! I spent alone time with my husband, without constant interruption...and I can now remember why I married him in the first place! Gianna and I went to the Miley Cyrus concert two weekends ago. When Miley Cyrus came out, I watched the raw joy on Gianna's face. It's amazing that a six year old knows what to do at a concert! So all in all....I got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, down in my heart!

Just When...

I thought I could breathe, cancer hit again. A lot of my friends say that in order to make this blog...you gotta have cancer. Frankly, I'm sick of writing about this! My friend Vickey (the one in the pink) just found out last night that she has to ride this journey. Two things I know for sure is this......

1. A group of girlfriends (such as us) can not be reckoned with. Our strength is uncompromising

2. God has a plan, even when we don't know what it is - His hand is in it all. We just need to learn to trust it.

I'm still processing it all. Not much more to say...only that I love you Vickey!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA

What is in a number? In the past 365 days, this number has built a friendship for a lifetime. Last year at this time, Nina didn't know she had breast cancer. And through all the struggles of the past year, I have learned to love this woman ( in a non-lesbian way!). She has a humor that is unparalleled. A strength that is bottomless. Courage beyond the lion in the Wizard of OZ. And today I am so happy that I get to celebrate another year with this amazing friend! I love you so much. Although, I have to say... I am jealous that you will be getting a new and uplifting rack! Happy Birthday Nina!

I Just Love Him!

I was always that type of kid that was every one's friend in school. To think of it..I'm pretty much that way as an adult too. I never really was a part of a main group at school. I always felt bad for those kids that didn't have a lot of friends. I guess, maybe, that's why Brandon is the way he is. He came home from school the other day and said he felt bad for this kid in his class. "Mom. He doesn't wear the type of clothes everyone else does. And he pretty much wears the same thing. No one wants to be his partner in class and no one wants to play with him at P.E. But I told him I would be his partner and so I played with him." I told Brandon that is one quality that I love about him..his empathy and compassion. "Brandon, you are so amazing! Do you know how you made that kid feel by doing something so simple as that!" I looked over at Brandon and I knew he understood his impact. He had big tears that settled right underneath his bottom lid and said, " I know, Mom. I feel sorry for him. That's why I did it!" Gosh, I just love that little guy.