Blaine

Blaine came for supper tonight.  Words cannot express how much I love this young man.  The talks we have absolutely astound me.  Blaine recognizes his disability but doesn't use it as a crutch or excuse.  He never has, nor been raised or allowed to.   Tonight he said, "Why?  It doesn't get me anywhere.  The people at work don't care,  the coaches and athletes (UJ) all look past it, and you guys (family), love me no matter what."   Can you say WoW!!?

Blaine knows what had work is all about.  He knows the difference between needs ansmd wants, and knows that hard work affords him the "wants" in life.   He's prideful of the work he does in the gym, and also with the UJ.  He recognizes that not everyone is as "lucky" as he is.   Again...Wow!

I'm proud of each of my nieces and nephews, and love them all for the people they've become.  But it's no secret that Blaine holds a special place in my life and heart.

I'm proud of the man that he's become.

Brrrrrrr!

I'm not enjoying this cool, cloudy Labor Day.   Although I'm indoors doing things like updating my yoga schedule, washing clothes, doing mundane chores...I'd rather be outdoors biking and enjoying an adult beverage while basking in the sun.   Dream on, Sherry. 

So, instead, I'm indoors.  I guess it's not all that bad.  I am getting a chance to do some things that I won't have time to do later this week. 

I'm hosting a Traveling Vineyard wine tasting party next Saturday, the 10th.  I've always wanted to host one but never had the room to do so.  It should be a good time.  We get to share food, conversation and most importantly - taste new wines.  Hoorah!

September is a busy month for me.  I just added 2 special classes for September only.  They're really a test to see if I could make them in to monthly offerings.  I had promised myself that I'd start to slow down a little bit, but I'm having a difficult time doing that.   As long as I feel healthy, I feel like I should take advantage of that.   There will be plenty of time to sit down when I'm older and no longer able to move...when I'm 99.  LOL

Ok.  Enough....I have laundry to do, so better get to it.  Just thought I'd check in and let ya'll know I'm still here, still me, and moving.

Peace Out!  :)

Wonderful Wedding Weekend

I got back from my sisters house a while ago where I said, "Until next time" to my nieces Joan, Karen and my new nephew-in-law, David Mackenzie.   

Karen and Dave were married Saturday and it truly was a beautiful, simple yet very elegant wedding.  I could give you all the details of the beautiful vintage gown and how gorgeous Karen looked in it - but the words wouldn't do it (or her) justice.    Joan, her sister, looked equally stunning as the matron of honor and certainly saw to her sister's every need and want. 

Sadly, the girl's father - Earl - wasn't with us to walk his youngest daughter down the aisle.  He was present in our hearts and minds though; his name mentioned frequently by family and guests alike.  

Dave, my nephew, is an amazing young man and joins his brother-in-law, Matthew, in the high-energy, detail, goal-oriented family.  The love each of these young men have for my nieces has not escaped me. It takes strong men to keep up with these two ladies.  Their love, patience, and understanding will be put to the test multiple times - if it hasn't already - as these women pursue their dreams.   I'm confident though, that each of these men has what it takes to make a life and loving home with Karen and Joan.

 

Both of my nieces are on track in their careers.   Through visiting with Joan on Sunday evening, over a post-wedding glass (or two) of wine, I learned - or should I say,  understood, more of what their goals are and ambitions lie.

Joan is a PhD, MD who researches blood (hematology) and sees patients in clinic to discover what more she can do in her research to help them.  In the next few years, she'll be putting herself out there to different hospitals, universities, etc to start her own lab.  Where that may be is a mystery - for now.  But I know Joan and know that she'll make the best choice for her and make all that hard work pay off.  To be quite honest, I'm in awe of her.  Her drive, her ambition and knowledge are unparalleled by anyone that I've ever come in contact with.  With one exception - her sister Karen.

Karen is a PhD also - in the Chemistry field. She, too, has worked tirelessly towards a goal and she's a year away from making that happen.   She starts Thursday in her final year of Law School at William-Mitchell.  She'll be working patent law and use her chemistry background to research and litigate patent infringements.  (Thank you Joan for helping me understand this).  

Karen hasn't said anything, but Joan mentioned that she has already received an employment offer with the firm that she's been working with through her schooling.  Again, I state, I'm utterly amazed at all that she's accomplished.  

These two young ladies share a tight bond with each other - and the two men they've married understand that, I believe.  If not, I'm sure Peggy has clued them in....if not, I will!.  (I don't think it'll be necessary though).

I don't have children of my own.   However, my sister (and Earl) were gracious enough to allow me to have a part in these girls' lives.  They may not have been born to me - but I do consider them "my girls", just as I consider my nephew Blaine as "my Blainer."

I'm incredibly proud of them, and for all they've accomplished.  In the back of mind, I'm already thinking  "and they're just getting started."    

So, as I finish this blog entry with some tears in my eyes, I smile at the wonderful memories made this weekend.  The celebration of love Dave and Karen have for each other was/is beautiful - but not to be outdone by the love these two young ladies have for each other (and their mother).  

#FamilyisEverything #enaminesparty #LoveThemBoth #ProudAunt

Summer Heat

Surprise!!   Bet you thought I fell off the face of the earth, huh?  Well, blog stalkers...you can relax.  I'm alive!

The summer is in full swing and I'm trying very hard to enjoy as much of the sunshine and heat as I can.    It's been a different summer for me.  I live in town now - a huge, HUGE change for me.   For the most part, it's been good.   It takes me 7 minutes to get to work (if I obey the speed limits) and I'm able to spend more time with my friends. We've already had some wine parties at the house.  When the weather cools, there will be fire pit nights out on the patio. 

The biggest change for me has been the noise and lack of privacy.  In the country I could walk out on my deck buck nekkid and it didn't matter because no one could see me.  In town, not so much.   I have some very nosey neighbors who like to keep tabs on me.  That part pisses me off.   I'm a very private person and don't like anyone looking over my shoulder.  If I want then to know my business, I'd invite them in to my life.  

The other change is the bike riding.   I ride to the Pipestem occasionally.  Tto be honest, I do more road cycling now.   I ride alone now and I  don't trust myself riding on the trails alone.  If I get hurt, no one knows how to find me, with the exception of my former riding partner. So, I have been racking up the road miles quite a bit...and when I feel adventurous, I hit the trails.

The last year has been a tough one for me.  Any one reading this blog know that.  I feel like I've come out the other side a bit stronger.  I still have issues and I deal with the the best I can.   The main thing I have to remember is that everything happens for a reason, I don't have to have all the answers, and it is perfectly ok to just live in the moment and let shit happen....for good or for worse.

So yes, I'm enjoying the heat.  I enjoy the sunroof open, tunes cranked, wind in my hair and living life large - as much as I can.   I'm human, I have have feelings and emotions and I don't have to apologize to anyone for having them.  If they can't deal with me as I am, then they don't need to be in my inner circle.  Plain and simple!