Seven Random Facts...

I saw this post on someone else's blog and loved the idea. Write seven random facts about yourself and post it. You can invite others to do the same, but I'll stick with just writing them for now. So here goes...

1. I have a scar on my middle knuckle on my left hand from having chicken pox as a kid.

2. I sing all the time but never in front of anyone... unless really really drunk.

3. I'm adopted.

4. I still believe in happy endings despite all evidence to the contrary.

5. I like ABBA. So sue me.

6. I'm not as strong as I profess to be.

7. I like salty more than sweet.

That's it for now. Maybe my seven random facts will change some day. I think what comes out really depends on the mood. Right now, I think I'll go grab some chips and dip.

Talk to you soon.

Rollercoasters with eyes open

It has been a long time since I've been on a rollercoaster... well, a real rollercoaster that is. I live on a rollercoaster but more on that later. And frankly, I bet you do too.

I found that after I had my children, none of whom are children any more, my tolerance for rollercoasters really just disappeared. More nausea, less fun. I tried them a few times, but always with my eyes tightly shut, hands firmly grasping what-ever seemingly inadequate restraint that was holding my life in its steely hands. But despite my repeated efforts, I never had that exhilarating rush of adrenaline that, in the end, made it worth the anxiety ridden wait in line. I was always left feeling queezy, scared and resolute in my decision to never, ever do that again. Until the next time.

I have always admired those folks who ride the rollercoaster with reckless abandon, arms raised (I know, warnings be damned), eyes wide open and faces frozen in looks of pure glee. I've never been one of those people, but oh how I have tried.

So, the rollercoaster that is my life that I am riding now, I have decided I have been riding with entirely the wrong outlook. My eyes have been shut tight, white knuckles bared and nails digging into the palms of my hands so the only thing that distracts me from the intensity of the anxiety is the pain I am inflicting upon myself.

That just seems like a tremendous waste of energy. And time. And me. It's time to lighten up, give myself a break and have some fun.

So here is my not-so-new year's resolution (why wait 'til January 1?). Open up my eyes. Look at the people around me who are enjoying the ride, scream until the anxiety is a long-distant memory and finally, even if a bit reluctantly at first, raise my arms up and fly.

In the beginning... no wait, that's taken

Should I be bothered that I feel stumped on the simple task of naming my blog and it's first entry? No, I think not. Certainly not the first time I've been stumped by a task at first glance. Best to jump in and give my best shot.

So, as I was struggling with mechanics of setting this up a blogging friend asked me "What are you going to be blogging about?" Fine question. Is that a static thing? Solid? Stationary? I sure hope not because that would be unlike just about everything else in my life.

I decided to do this for two reasons really... one to try to get myself back into the pass-time I love but have spent far too little time at lately, writing. And second to have, if only for my own entertainment, a running history of the fun, foolishness, franticness, manic struggle that is my life. Maybe you'll relate to something and let me know I'm not alone. Maybe you'll give me a kick in the ass... Maybe you'll tell me to put my chin up and get on with things... Maybe you'll tell me if I keep doing that I'll get cavities (did I mention I'm eating wine gums now? no, not likely).

Or maybe you'll like traveling along with me. Company is always a good thing. Just don't hog the blankets and be gentle in your criticism. Honest but gentle.

Short and sweet... or something like that. Let's keep it at that; after all, I barely know you.