Living my dash

Wow, it's been an incredible two months! The events of family and friends started over the fourth of July weekend when my brother, sister-in-law, mom, lee and my cousin came to visit. I truly enjoyed having the family visit and celebrated the fourth along side some friends who joined us.

The following weekend we celebrated the Buerk family visit, and Werthman's new home. It was so good to see everyone, it does not happen often enough. I even got to see some local SAHS alumni, which is always a wonderful thing. I truly love being with these people, and I know as we have gotten older life keeps us busy and those times get harder to schedule. It does not matter, because when we see one another it's as though time hasn't skipped a beat. I love each and every one of them and cherish those times we have the opportunity to spend together.

Then there was the SAHS Phoenix reunion - wow what an amazing time. Can't even explain how much fun I had. I didn't want it to end, I had fun the moment we got in the car to head to the airport and even up to the moment we got back on the airplane to return home, reminiscing about the entire weekend. This poem is amazing, it says so much and means everything.

So fitting after all these years reuniting with fellow schoolmates:

I am a Military Brat

My hometown is nowhere, my friends are everywhere.

I grew up with the knowledge that home is where the heart is

and the family....

Mobility is my way of life.

Some would wonder about roots,

yet they are as deep and strong as the mighty oak.

I sink them quickly, absorbing all an area offers

and hopefully, giving enrichment in return.

Travel has taught me to be open.

Shaking hands with the universe,

I find brotherhood in all men.

Farewells are never easy.

Yet, even in sorrow comes strength and ability to face tomorrow

with anticipation....if when we leave one place,I feel that half my world is left behind.

I also know that

the other half is waiting to be met.

Friendships are formed in hours and kept for decades.

I will never grow up with someone, but I will mature with many.

Be it inevitable that paths part, there is constant hope

that they will meet again.

Love of country, respect and pride

fill my being when Old Glory passes in review.

When I stand to honor that flag, so also do I stand in honor of all

soldiers, and most especially, to the parents whose life created mine

Because of this, I have shared in the rich heritage of Military life.

Anonymous

Friends, Family and a night of fun

Okay, it's been since valentines day since we had all gotten together - everyone has just been busy with life and time sure flies by before you know it! It was memorial day weekend and a great opportunity for us to see one another. I enjoyed the dinner and seeing all the kids - it's been way too long! Dave and Busters was fun and it was great seeing the kids so excited (big and small kids....). Before you knew it the boys were off playing and somehow the girls were surrounding the bar... Joanna, JB, Danae and I proceeded to do a nasty bottoms up shot of redbull and gag-ermister... I totally enjoyed it but it went too quick! Here are a few pictures of the evening:



JB don't be mad, I love this picture -the girls and Cole are too cute!

Jo looking like a hot mama above with the cute couple Steve and Lisa, and little sweet Zach below, such a great picture!

So now I have three weeks until summer freedom and I can't wait! Lot's of exciting things coming up with Rhonda, Mike, Mom and Lee visiting for the 4th. Then the gathering at Danae and Jasons, and seeing the enter Dubinsky clan and their offsprings! Soon after JB, Jade and I are off to Phoenix for a SAHS reunion. Very much looking forward to those days.

In the meantime I realized somehow I have gotten way off track.Time to get back in shape so I can feel great - physically, and of course mentally. I never want to regress to my unhealthy self again. I know it will take time so I'm not going to beat myself up for some quick fix. Time, energy and work is what i'll need. Here is a picture of my dinner..... (I know I'm a freak) YUMMY, I really do loved BOCA burgers - always have I don't care what any of you say. Why do people think it's gross, I don't get it? I'm thinking they have never had one - that has to be it. Anyhow it's BOCA on a WASA cracker and salad. 120 calories for the BOCA, 45 for WASA and barey anything for the salad however the Paul Newman lighten up was about 35 calories for 2tbsp and I know I didn't use but a drizzle. It was yummy to my tummy!

Until next time......

Too busy

I have been so busy that I haven't had an opportunity to keep up this blog. So let me catch up on some of the few moments of enjoyment. About 4 weeks ago I went and visited Madison, Georgia. I had read several articles about this small town which is located about an hour outside of Atlanta and finally checked it out.

I went Friday night and wanted to check out a popular restaurant that everyone said I HAD to go to. It was only a fifteen minute drive so off to Social Circle it was. The famous Blue Willow Inn. It was southern food, buffet style (not a huge fan of buffets) and I had the best peach cobbler I have ever had! Cute place a definite must do if you are in the area.





On Saturday the Madison Cultural Center hosted their annual tour of homes so that is what I did, I purchased my tickets for only $25.00! An entire day of entertainment for only $25.00?...nice. Madison is such a cute town and so beautiful with it's history. The homes have so much character and there were so many of them. I say this because so many of the beautiful homes in Georgia were destroyed during Sherman's March to the Sea. In 1864 a gentleman by the name of Joshua Hill (former US Senator) was able to convince Sherman not to burn Madison, and because of this the city is known to the locals and "the city too beautiful to burn."

I think we often forget all the beautiful places we can explore that are right next to us and focus on further destinations. Madison is a city I would encourage you to visit, especially if you enjoy u.s. history. I just got the June issue of Readers Digest and they recommend it as one of 40 places to visit. I would add more pictures but I can't figure out how to keep it from posting to the top! Remember I'm a NEWBEE! I'll have to get some expert advice...

Why Christine's Dash?

I got an email that inspired me, the poem by Linda Ellis

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars,
the house,
the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Here is the movie version: http://www.thedashpoemmovie.com/

First Blog

Okay, so here goes....never thought I would do this and I don't know why I'm starting now. I guess more then anything it gives an opportunity for those too far away to keep up with my happenings, or lack there of. I also wanted to capture it for myself, a place I can go back to, and reflect. It's gong to be alot about nothing, but hope to share some adventures along the way. Til next time!