When I was a little girl there were four little words that could make me stop doing anything-- be it playing with my Barbies, messing with my Colorfroms, or interfere with my obsession over Rainbow Brite and her never-ending battle with Murky and Lurky. I'd jump as if struck by lighting, a huge smile sweeping across my lips, and run full-tilt in the direction of the words.
Those magical words? I need a hug!!!
The bellower? My father, who was normally reclined on our very 70's-ish brown couch while watching a game on the telly.
Thinking back, I realize now it was hardly ever during commercial break that he'd beckon me. It would be the middle of an inning, bases loaded, Mattingly at home plate, and the game hinging upon him whacking a homerun out of the ballpark or the fourth quarter of an away game that was down to the wire, the Jets with the ball hoping to make it down the field in under 60 seconds.
Despite all the insanity of the game and his passion for it, my dad would call out my name and I'd come running, fling myself into his arms, and receive the world's biggest squeezy hug-- the most important hug of all time. Then I'd settle down next to him and yell until I was hoarse, lending my enthusiasm and my passion to my father. I'd cross my fingers so hard, hex the other team with boos and jeers, and get swept up in the moment along side him.
It's strange how it took him getting ill for me to remember all this. Such a simple act, yet oh so very telling. In his moments of need, he'd call out to me. And not just his need for someone to give him a hug, to show him they loved him, but when the game was on the line, all the cards stacked against him, my dad knew who he needed most-- his little girl.
As the years flashed by and our family warped and shifted things have changed between us, as they are bound to do. Life isn't always the friendliest of people and sometimes he likes to throw road blocks in our way and misdirect us with all sorts of shenanigans. And yet, through it all, every wrong turn, dead end, and pot hole, one thing has remained, I will forever and always be on my dad's team. I will always answer the call.
Because despite the turbulent teen years or the hurt and pain of growing up and realizing your parents are all too human, I never ever stopped needing him, his passion for life, his wonderment at the little things, and his love for me. And now, when he's called out to me from his hospital bed, I cannot help but drop everything and give him a hug.
If I could write a story-- a story worth reading, a story that could change lives-- I'd pour into it my love for my father and every thing he taught me. It wouldn't be perfect, because my dad and I, we are far from it and our tale has been messy along the way-- the big kind of messy that makes you cringe and you think will never get fixed and might just need to be tossed. But the ending would be a thing of beauty, one for the record books, one full of hope, love, and, most importantly, squeezy hugs.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Five for Friday
It's Friday.
This week's been a week.
Let's sum it up, shall we?
This week's been a week.
Let's sum it up, shall we?
1. This week in the Twitter-dom.
Dasia continues to make my heart happy with her wonderment:
Rachel and I continue our quests for WORLD DOMINATION, which works hand in hand with Marie, Kim, and I'z plan for galactic domination.
I learned of Anna's #tweetofdoom, which frankly both excited and scared the hell out of me.
Frankly, I'm not sure my heart can handle such a tweet.
For now, I think I'll let the anticipation continue to build.
Annnnnnd lastly, the bestie approved of my reading adventures.
Isn't she adorable?!
Want in on a not so super secret?
WE ARE A WEEK AWAY FROM MEETING IN THE FLESH!!!
Errrr...
that sounded way creepier than I intended.
Moving along.
2. This week in reading.
Speaking of reading,
I read:
A Million Suns is the sequel to Across the Universe
and it is overall a fun times read.
If you like Sci-Fi with a dash of mystery and romance
then I think you just.might.likey.
A quick warning:
It's a little slower than the first book
and I wanted to punch Amy a few times
for doing and saying things that made no sense to me.
Those two things aside,
what I find most exciting about this series is its unique setting.
In Summation: Rent it. Read it. Tell me what ya thunk.
3. This week in meme-thingies.
I joined in on Angie Richmond of the blog Write Me Happy
22 Things Creative Change Challenge.
I encourage y'all to check it out and join in.
I have a good feelin' 'bout this one.
If you are interested,
4. This week in writing.
I wrote my first ever fairy or faerie or whatever story.
It's just shy of 4,000 words and it made my heart happy.
In fact, the only reason I wrote it
was for the aforementioned
happy heart.
It was amazeballz--
the writing,
the writing,
possibly the story too.
5. This week in things that made me smile.
And finally, this week was one for the record books,
in which I received epically bad news
and was in desperate need of some funniez.
The interweb always doth provide.
Keep your noses clean
and your toes jam free, my friends.
Until next week,
I'll see ya on the flippy flop.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
22 Things
Most of ya know I've got a thing for the number 5.
It's a nice round number and it keeps me sane.
Don't question my logic.
It's sound.
I swear.
Today I'm risking it all and breaking with my tried and true
bloggy commitment to write only lists of five.
For those just tuning into this weekly program,
that's three years of blogging and never once breaking the rule of five.
Why am I risking possible webernet Armageddon?
Because I found this wonderful new meme-thingy
and I just had to join it.
What it is?
The 22 Things Creative Change Challenge
by one Angie Richmond of the blog Write Me Happy
What's 22 Things all about?
I'll let Angie explain in her own words:
and yet one so easily forgotten.
When faced with my BIG goals,
I personally tend to go all freak-out mode
and try to do far too much all at once,
thus causing overload in me brain-brain,
which sparks feeling of helpless and a lack of control.
cue: self-deprecation followed by an inability to do anything
The whole reason I started fresh,
the whole reason I've created this blog,
is to work toward squashing all my emo-mumbo-jumbo
and live out my dream of being a writer.
Not becoming one, cause I am one, but being one,
there's a difference and I'm finally seeing that!
The aim isn't to be a published writer
(although wouldn't that be grand?!)
but one of those people who sit down every day
and spin their little tales creating worlds
and people only they can dream up.
That's what I want.
BUT most importantly,
when I tell people who I am,
the real deal-e-o,
I want to be able to say it with pride
and not blush and mumble something incoherent,
a never-ending apology about who I am.
Angie's 22 Things a Creative Change Challenge is just the thing for me.
And I strongly believe it's not just for me,
but for everyone, whether a writer or an accountant
we all have dreams,
all have things we want to make happen,
and all have those freak-out moments of but-how-do-I-make-this-happen.
Angie is not only giving us a few tips on how to make changing our lives easier,
but for those of us willing to put ourselves out there she is providing a place
to talk, to share, to dream, to encourage, to change together.
How fan-freaking-tastic is that?!
And YES, I am totes tearing up!
*lightweight*
Also, her name is purdy freaking fabulous,
earning her solid street cred, no doubt.
When I think of my BIG goals
I know the best way to reach them is by:
1. surrounding myself with people who are supportive
and share the love by supporting them
2. learn to take care of myself and treat myself with more respect
3. get over my fears and insecurities
4. strengthen my skillz of a writer
5. meet other writers by networking, joining in,
and, in general, supporting them
The following are 22 lil steps I could take
in an effort to achieve my goal.
The List
but they just might change my life.
Most importantly,
they just might get me there,
ya know that place
far off in the distance
barely visible to the naked eye
where you've always longed to be
that feels right and just-like-home.
The place that scares you the most.
The place you long to be.
The place where you belong.
In the words of Thomas Edison--
"It's very beautiful over there."
Soooo...
What's your list?
by one Angie Richmond of the blog Write Me Happy
What's 22 Things all about?
I'll let Angie explain in her own words:
22 Things is a Creative Change Challenge. By signing up, you are announcing to the world - and more importantly yourself - that you are breaking free of the long standing idea that in order to make changes in your life, you have to do BIG things. 22 Things is about making a list twenty-two small steps you can take - right now - to change your life.It's such a simple realization
and yet one so easily forgotten.
When faced with my BIG goals,
I personally tend to go all freak-out mode
and try to do far too much all at once,
thus causing overload in me brain-brain,
which sparks feeling of helpless and a lack of control.
cue: self-deprecation followed by an inability to do anything
The whole reason I started fresh,
the whole reason I've created this blog,
is to work toward squashing all my emo-mumbo-jumbo
and live out my dream of being a writer.
Not becoming one, cause I am one, but being one,
there's a difference and I'm finally seeing that!
The aim isn't to be a published writer
(although wouldn't that be grand?!)
but one of those people who sit down every day
and spin their little tales creating worlds
and people only they can dream up.
That's what I want.
BUT most importantly,
when I tell people who I am,
the real deal-e-o,
I want to be able to say it with pride
and not blush and mumble something incoherent,
a never-ending apology about who I am.
Angie's 22 Things a Creative Change Challenge is just the thing for me.
And I strongly believe it's not just for me,
but for everyone, whether a writer or an accountant
we all have dreams,
all have things we want to make happen,
and all have those freak-out moments of but-how-do-I-make-this-happen.
Angie is not only giving us a few tips on how to make changing our lives easier,
but for those of us willing to put ourselves out there she is providing a place
to talk, to share, to dream, to encourage, to change together.
How fan-freaking-tastic is that?!
And YES, I am totes tearing up!
*lightweight*
Also, her name is purdy freaking fabulous,
earning her solid street cred, no doubt.
When I think of my BIG goals
I know the best way to reach them is by:
1. surrounding myself with people who are supportive
and share the love by supporting them
2. learn to take care of myself and treat myself with more respect
3. get over my fears and insecurities
4. strengthen my skillz of a writer
5. meet other writers by networking, joining in,
and, in general, supporting them
The following are 22 lil steps I could take
in an effort to achieve my goal.
The List
- read a lil everyday
- write a lil everyday
- call/text a family member everyday and tell them I love them
- read a book with my littlest cutie everyday
- stretch in the morning and the evening
- take my vitamins everyday
- stop being afraid of editing Fluff, Nonsense, & Other Emo Crap (title copy written)
- find ways to break free from feeling small (i.e. grow a pair)
- dance around the living room at least once a week
- sing a song at the top of my lungs once a day
- take a long walk once a week
- take pride in my lil associate degrees (yes two thank.you.very.much!!) that took seven long hard years to earn
- learn to embrace being a super sucky speller
- learn a new word and/or grammar rule once a week
- make writing a priority in my life
- accept the help of my mister even when I feel he's giving too much
- listen to a new song once a week
- make date nights a priority
- instead of hoarding stories share them
- make time for tweeting and blogging
- turn off Twitter and iPhone for a few hours each day
- take time to sit with a cup of tea and a notebook each day to daydream
but they just might change my life.
Most importantly,
they just might get me there,
ya know that place
far off in the distance
barely visible to the naked eye
where you've always longed to be
that feels right and just-like-home.
The place that scares you the most.
The place you long to be.
The place where you belong.
In the words of Thomas Edison--
"It's very beautiful over there."
Soooo...
What's your list?
p.s. Make sure to check out Angie's list and find links to participating goal setters by clickity clicking here.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Five for Friday
Between watching too much CNN and the insane pollen count,
my head is all swirlly twirlly and unable to catch hold of a concrete thought.
I don't know about y'all, but after the last week I could use a lil silly.
It's Friday.
I've got some thoughts.
They normally be silly at best.
Let's give this a try, shall we?
my head is all swirlly twirlly and unable to catch hold of a concrete thought.
I don't know about y'all, but after the last week I could use a lil silly.
It's Friday.
I've got some thoughts.
They normally be silly at best.
Let's give this a try, shall we?
1. This week in tweets that make my heart happy.
These are in no particular order
for there is no possible way I could rate them.
for there is no possible way I could rate them.
I just... I don't even... You just became my hero.
Greta Maloney
Brilliance.
Evil Hammy ftw!
Wonderment-- plain and simple.
p.s. Jen later shared that whilst eating his pancakes
Mr. Somerhalder looked like this:
 |
| Picture borrowed from Jen's Pinteres. |
I approve.
Most importantly, the bestie approves.
Most importantly, the bestie approves.
2. This week in WATCH ALL THE THINGS.
Speaking of blue eyed pancake eaters,
this week I watched all of season three of The Vampire Diaries.
Because you are dying to know
my nonspoilery thoughts on this angst driven mess of a show
about underage teens who drink like sailors
and who are in desperate need of parents,
here are five:
a. Caroline and Alaric are my favorites.
I'm still trying to figure out how this happened.
b. Elena needs to stop the smokey whisper whine.
Also, she needs to admit she likes being the center of all the things.
This would save time and lives.
c. Bonnie needs to go.
d. Stefan is officially cooler.
e. Damon's hair needs help.
So let it be written, so let it be done.
BOOM.
3. This week in pie.
On the subject of biting into something delightful,
I made a Coconut Cream Pie.
Yes, it was amazing.
Yes, you too should make it.
Here's the recipe.
Your welcome.
this week I watched all of season three of The Vampire Diaries.
Because you are dying to know
my nonspoilery thoughts on this angst driven mess of a show
about underage teens who drink like sailors
and who are in desperate need of parents,
here are five:
a. Caroline and Alaric are my favorites.
I'm still trying to figure out how this happened.
b. Elena needs to stop the smokey whisper whine.
Also, she needs to admit she likes being the center of all the things.
This would save time and lives.
c. Bonnie needs to go.
d. Stefan is officially cooler.
e. Damon's hair needs help.
So let it be written, so let it be done.
BOOM.
3. This week in pie.
 |
| Coconut Cream Wonderment |
I made a Coconut Cream Pie.
Yes, it was amazing.
Yes, you too should make it.
Here's the recipe.
Your welcome.
4. This week in READ NONE OF THE THINGS.
alert the press, my friends,
I have not been read all the things.
 |
| source of awesome |
I can't read.
I just stare at books unsure what to do with them.
It's freaking me out.
For those of you who might not know my crazed skillz of a reader
let me 'splain, a normal week looks something like a book a day.
Don't believe me? Read this post.
Go ahead.
I'll wait for you to get back.
Those of you who know my insanity can stay,
appreciate my pain,
and fix it for the love of all that is holy!!
All the books are waiting, crying out
ANG READ ME
and I'm all *shrugs*.
Unacceptable!
5.This week in grasping at straws.
And finally, in the I've run out of interesting things to say category,
And finally, in the I've run out of interesting things to say category,
fortune cookies are clearly magical.
Always believe 'em, tis my motto.
On that note,
I hope and pray everyone stays safe today!!
I firmly believe the planet it broke.
Maybe we should do something about that...
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