Times Square

New York is unlike any place. When we arrived, as we began our cab ride to Times Square, my first impression was that New York City looked like Chicago.

As we neared the hotel, we saw store fronts with glamorous dresses showcased in the window and gradually, my impression of the city changed. I noticed taller buildings, more taxi cabs and brighter lights.

When we arrived at the hotel, the girls thought the room was amazing! They stood on the windowsill of the full length windows overlooking Times Square and talked about how they had never seen anything like the city.

We ventured down into the square and along with many other people, looked up in awe at the lights. So many people walked around, cameras facing upwards, taking photographs of their surroundings.

I so badly wanted to love New York since I have wanted to come here for so long, but I was worried I wouldn't like the city. Initial reaction is...I think I am going to love this place!

Leaving for New York

Today, Madeline, her friend Jill and I will begin our big adventure to New York City! I am so excited!

Heart Ache

Andrew reminded me when I go away for the weekend, it will be the longest time I have left the house without he and his brother.

I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship with my children. I am thankful for every day I have to watch them grow and experience the world around them. All the laughter and the tears make every day of my life worthwhile.

I gave Andrew a big hug and told him I am going to miss him so much. Towering over me, he hugged me back, and said "Me too."

As I felt my heart tighten in my chest, I knew he would be okay, but I didn't like the heart ache. I sure am going to miss him.

First Time in New York

It is difficult for me to write my blog, because I keep thinking about my trip to New York with Madeline and her friend, Jill. Madeline is very creative and talented with her writing abilities, and I mentioned to her she needs to come up with a name for the trip.

She said she would think about it and let me know tomorrow.

I laughed, because later this evening when I was on the telephone with Jill's mom, a theme came across to me but I refrained from commenting. The conversation went something like this:

Her: So, you have never been to New York either?
Me: Nope.
Her: Wow. So you are all going to experience this for the first time together?
Me: Yep.

Inside, I am laughing, because I am thinking, first time? Should I say to the mom "Yeah, just three New York Virgins?" After I ended the telephone conversation, I mentioned it to Madeline, and we laughed as she came up with a few more inappropriate trip titles.

I can't wait to hear the final trip name.

All That Glitters

When I looked outside this morning and saw the sun rising, the forest looked like it was twinkling. The frost was thick on the tree branches and the sun was low enough on the horizon to make everything look sparkly.

Snug in the house was fine, but when I went outdoors, the cold air reminded me of Morocco in Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare:

All that glitters is not gold;
Often have you heard that told:
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold:
Gilded tombs do worms enfold.
Had you been as wise as bold,
Young in limbs, in judgment old,
Your answer had not been inscroll'd:
Fare you well; your suit is cold.

Pretty Woman

Vivian: People put you down enough, you start to believe it.
Edward Lewis: I think you are a very bright, very special woman.
Vivian: The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?

The other day I watched the movie Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. I have seen this movie many times, but I haven't watched it in awhile. As I was watching it, I was surprised as to how much I identified with Vivian right down to her talking about a carpet picnic, knowing how to drive a stick shift and fidgeting.

However, going a layer deeper, is Vivian's lack of self worth. I can certainly identify with that personality trait. Vivian is right. The bad stuff is easier to believe. I'm still figuring it out.

Heart on My Sleeve

I wear my heart on my sleeve for all to see. I can't hide the way I feel about someone or something. Sometimes I can find ways to conceal it, but most of the time, I fail.

The downfall of wearing your heart on your sleeve, is it leaves you vulnerable for people to hurt you.

However, I would rather wear my heart on my sleeve, and take the hurt that comes with it, because at least I know I am alive.