Lesson #23

Lesson #23 - You can do whatever you put your mind to.

My parents have always been great go-getters. Not in the traditional pushy, yuppy sense, but more of a quiet determination to try new things and see where they lead. There have been a bevy of businesses and while some worked well and others not so much, there has always been a common thread. If you want to do it, you feel passionate about it, and you think it through you can do it.

Now just because you can do it, doesn't necessarily mean that it will be a smashing success, but if you think it's worth a try then go for it. It's a great lesson and one that even my best friend from 4th grade comments on all the time - giving credit to my parents' example.

Thanks, Mom & Dad! (Now, Mom, go follow YOUR dream. You've always wanted to be a nurse, so DO it. You'd make a GREAT nurse! Check out Excelsior College (University?)...they have an online RN program.)

Love you both! =)

Lesson #20

Lesson #20 - If you're planning to surprise someone it has to be timed really well.

My dad traveled a lot for work while I was growing up and he especially hated going to Boston. It was, pardon the pun, just not his cup of tea. (hehehehe - sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Well, one time my mom got this brilliant idea to surprise him by flying up to meet him. All would have gone smoothly if the plane hadn't been a bit late and traffic wouldn't have been snarled. Timing, you know?

So, after a long day of training classes my dad calls home to say hi and chat with my mom. She, of course, is not there. So, I have to stall, because I'm the unlucky one who answered the phone.

Let's just say that trying to stall with my dad on the phone is not an easy task. I think he thought I was on drugs, because I was acting so strange. Thankfully, there was a knock on his door after a few minutes of him starting to get mad, because I was stalling and not putting my mom on the phone. Lo, and behold, it was my mom at the door.

So, from this little lesson I learned that if you're planning on surprising someone plan to arrive before they decide to call home. It will make for much happier phone conversations.

Love you both! =)

Lesson #19

Lesson #19 - Marriage and love go hand in hand.

This is a fitting lesson today for two reasons. The first is that it's my 9th wedding anniversary. Thanks for walking me down the aisle, Dad!

The second is because my dad recently emailed me the following tidbit for the blog...

"This next sentence is 100% true; "I owe everything that I have been
able to accomplish to Mom." Period. That is not an exaggeration. She
has always encouraged me, supported me and done whatever was needed to
help me succeed.

Would it be possible to include Mom in my blog? Maybe make it my "Mom
& Dad" blog? Hey, I only was able to contribute so much. Mom
contributed everything to you guys."

My parents have been married for more years than you can shake a stick at. The biggest lesson they've taught us about marriage is that you just work it out. There's no such thing as a blissfully happy couple all of the time. It's not possible. But there is such thing as a couple who loves one another, is committed to one another and, no matter what, stands by one another. That's my parents. Great lesson. Thanks, Dad and Mom!

I love you both!