Four

Hey babe! Getting closer! You're 1/2 way done! Yee-haw. Just got back from a 4-miler and got to reflect on the day and all the things I'd share.

Top of Mind: I had an epiphany tonight. While pumping my gas goodness into the car at the Arco Station tonight (I actually had cash) I could not help but overhear a most disturbing exchange. It was so disturbing that I wanted to cover Mr. A's little virgin ears in the backseat and hope he never hears/utters such things.

A clearly disturbed young man, who could not have been more than 16 or 17, was throwing down a ranting storm on his dad. Now I don't know the history or what had happened to them leaving their kickin' BMW 5-series. I do know, however, that, while standing at the entrance to the gas station this young man unleashed more profanity and untoward thoughts than I think I have ever heard directed at a FATHER. The father sat there listening, taking it, uttering quiet words and phrases, and never raising his voice nor stopping him. I looked at my sweet, innocent, Mr. A who has been known to throw around a "gosh" or two and just hoped and prayed and prayed and hoped that he would never ever ever speak to you or anyone else like that. It was ugly and distressing. I'm pretty sure you would never ever tolerate such language or tone but just in case you're wondering where I stand on the issue, I thought I'd share.

The kicker - the father handed the boy some cold, hard cash that he pocketed and that disturbed young man then got behind the wheel of that BMW and squealed off. What???

Missing tonight: I've often mentioned to you how much harder I find it to make good girlfriends as the years go by. I find myself gravitating to the ones I've had for many many years. Cell phones, the Internet, and time have only made those friendships richer. I always find a couple everywhere we live, though, which I so appreciate. Usually when you're out of town I find a way to connect with some of those girlfriends and draw strength from one another, swap silly kid stories, empathize, or even validate one another. This week I have missed my girlfriends. I have missed the validation, the empathy, the story swapping, and mindless chatter at times. They all seem far away for some reason.

I'm going to try to do something about that tomorrow, though. Darcy and I are going to catch up for a night of gabbing, empathizing, validating, and laughing. Only appropriate since she's my oldest friend of 28 years.

I thank you for appreciating my girlfriends' influence in my life and encouraging me to maintain those relationships as time has gone on. That means a lot to me.

Kids: Doing great. Miss M thinks she should be able to run now. However, she's forgotten that she hasn't quite mastered the art of walking just yet. We all break into laughter when we watch her push herself up to stand and start walk/running and then bail on the ground, sit up, and start clapping for herself. At least she doesn't lack self-confidence.

Mr. A helped me pick out Miss M's new water bottle tonight (just like the one above). It is just like his so that she can't "steal" his anymore. He was so happy to carry it around the store and give it to the checkout lady. He told everyone, "This is for my sissy."

Mr. A wore your bike helmet to bed and said that he would take it off when you come back. Hurry back!

Biggie biggie kisses. Love you, Me.