I am thankful for good friends that live in Atlanta, hugs from those friends, people with bright blue eyes, clean bathtubs, and painted toenails.

I expel any helpless feeling that I harbor that prevents me from effecting change.

gmitchell1314 sent you a video: "Time To Say Goodbye Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.flv"

I can't get this song out of my head. This was the song that the Bellagio's fountains were playing during my last Vegas visit. It was so beautifully choreographed that I cried. This song just makes my heart happy. Music has such an impact on mood. Okay, so I last heard it as one of the UFC fighters came to the octagon with it last night-Akiyama. Brilliant choice!

Time To Say Goodbye Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.flv
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parenting

The more experience I have, the more I have to learn.

This is me and my honey in Chicago today. I love Chicago in the summer. There is so much to do, the weather was fantastic- sunny with a nice breeze from the Lake. Last night we went to see the fireworks on the Navy base here. I got a little choked up. The bandstand played all of the patriotic music, and they talked about soldiers across the world who would rather be home but they are out there serving their country and us. They dedicated the fireworks to those soldiers. The fireworks were beautiful!! They went on for quite awhile. I also enjoyed being on a military base again. I was raised on a military base, so I am used to clean lawns, having soldiers around, everyone calling me "ma'am", and being around people with a sense of honor and respect for authority. I felt safe there.

We went to the "Taste of Chicago" and tried foods from all of the famous restaurants in Chicago. They also had a 'foodie section' with gourmet food freshly prepared in white tents. It was fantastic!!

KJ decided to stay at home with his friends for this vacation. It is very odd to be here without him. But I am doing okay with it. I only cried twice. He is an adult now, and I don't want to make him go on vacation to Chicago if he doesn't want to. I just wish that he wanted to. But we are having a ball. Tomorrow.... Six Flags!!!!!!

I have been having a lot of back problems, and had to start taking pain meds from the nine hour drive here, and then all of the walking in Chicago. I am hoping that this will pass soon. I hate to be in pain, and I really don't like to struggle to physically keep up with my family. The last thing I want is to rely on pain meds to get me through the day. I don't want to end up on "Intervention" :-)

I haven't posted for awhile, so I am ramling on... more later.

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