Humor, don't leave home without it!

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road.
Henry Ward Beecher 

You ever meet anyone like this? I sure have and you know what the funny thing is? More often than not, I will change my behavior (i.e. stifle my sense of humor) to make humorless people feel comfortable. Is that ridiculous? Yes!

They say life hands you lessons until you master them, then you get new lessons. Well, facing people with no sense of humor has been the life lesson I have not mastered yet. Why do I feel I need to change to make other people feel comfortable? And I wonder why I feel totally drained when I am around humorless people. Hello!!

This year I an on a quest, a huge mission to not let anyone or any situation take away my light, my humor or happiness. My sense of humor sustains me, keeps me focused and happy! I love to laugh, to see the goofiness is EVERYTHING and feel the joy in everyday situations. 

As the quote says, having a sense of humor is the "spring" of life. It will help you navigate the bumps, dips and potholes! AMEN!

Children

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." 
― Anne Frank

 If this is the case I have great children!! Even despite my parental skills my children all have great character.

In my adult life, as a mom,  there has been nothing more heart breaking to me than when my children are sad or upset or hurt by a circumstance they face. My boys had a bad day yesterday. My Mr. Sunshine has opted out of his hip hop class because the teachers told him the class that he enjoyed was too hard for him and he would have to go back to the earlier beginner class. Well two things, one the earlier class is too early for me to get him there and second most of the children in the class are younger than him and third, yes I thought of a third, the later class is longer. Mr. Sunshine does not dance so he can shine in the recital he dances for that challenge. He knows it is hard and above his present level but he is willing to work hard and told me he wants the challenge. Mr. Sunshine faces many challenges in life, a severe learning disability makes school work especially reading very difficult yet he works hard and ironically is also in the gifted and talented program, he swims with a really hard and rigorous swim team that really challenges his physical ability. The swim team however realizes that most of the kids will not be Michael Phelps but that it is important to learn how to swim and appreciate the sport for life long fitness and enjoyment and that you don't always have to be first. I guess that is not something they look to teach in dance even though most of those children will not grow up to be a Hines or Barishnikov. Mr. Sunshine remains Mr. Sunshine and makes my heart heal despite the ache I feel for him, how can I let my heart ache for a little boy who can get beyond insensitive adults.

As for my big boy on his way to see his best girl and gets called off. Family night. I totally understand but still as he left with such excitement only to call several minutes later despairingly saying he will be home, and do I want him to pick up his sister from dance. Heart ache!!!

Oh well this is what being a mom is about, the good, the bad and the heartache. I am fortunate to have such wonderful children! They rock my world but make my world and I am grateful to them for helping me develop my own character. And it is one of Gods greatest gifts to be able to watch them grow into the beautiful young men and women they are.

Something Is Missing

A sense of humor... is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.
Hugh Sidey 
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_humor.html#JZa7Wd2ZvjY6xivo.99 

For the past couple of years, for various reasons, I've struggled with being happy. Happy, like the happy you feel as a kid looking forward to Summer, Ice Cream, a trip to see your grandmother. Why is it so hard to be happy? I've read books, blogs and even talked to people about it.

I think after the past couple of years with the economy, job situation, political craziness and financial stress we are all under, American people have lost their faith and more importantly their sense of humor. Without a sense of humor life is REALLY hard.

When I first started working on the late 80's, work was tough BUT I judged my day based on how many laughs we had at work, all of the funny stuff we did and said to each other. Work and life was way more playful. These days at work, you don't want to joke around, be goofy (which I totally am) because you fear losing your job. You don't want to be goofy in line at the airport, because you fear  being flagged as someone suspicious, you can't tease people because you don't want to be sued! It's crazy.

I woke up this morning thinking I'm going to start a happiness revolution. I'm bringing Happiness back! I want to be happy, I want to live my life in a playful manner and not FEAR the consequences. As a country we need to lighten up, take a deep breath and find some things to be happy about. I can do my part. One step at a time.

Taking Care of Each Other

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

Thomas Jefferson

 

 

This quote reflects the current climate of our country!! Our founding fathers were brilliant!! It is unfortunate that our present congress and congressional leaders are not so brilliant! Of course many republicans would turn this quote around to say that it might mean that people should take care of themselves and that the government has no place telling people what to do. I believe that government should take care of the people or at least set up a system where people have the means to take care of themselves. This not only includes issues like health care for all but gun control and hurricane relief! Not to mention employment.This is where the government could do more with so many people out of work and so much work to do, improving the infrastructure of the United States, utilities, transportation, parks and recreation facilities and all the damage done by super storm Sandy. Don't give unlimited unemployment benefits retrain and employ folks who are out of work and make it worth the effort. When unemployment pays more than the available jobs there is a problem! Where is the incentive to get back to work? This is truly where the government can appreciate the labors of the people, don't waste their talents, keep their self respect and work to take care of America's families.!

MIND POWER FOCUS ENLIGHTENMENT

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.

Buddha

 

 

I like this quote because this is what I am looking for this year. I have to find my book on focus…I guess if I were more focused and disciplined I would be able to find my book…anyway…it's a new year! A focused more disciplined life is a better life. Buddha is an interesting guy who I need to learn more about.

We all can control our minds…the mind is more powerful than the normal human being gives it credit for. The holiday issue of Whole Living asserts that our mind, along with some zinc, B vitamins, C vitamins, can fight the common cold. The mind is a powerful thing to use!!!!!

Happy Birthday Cailee, 14,  and William 11!! Fond and Happy Memories of their Birthday Buddy Aunt Anita!!! Thank you for the Happiness and Joy you have brought to our families lives!!!!

Happy New Year!!

I used to dream about escaping my ordinary life. But my life was never ordinary. I simply failed to recognize how extraordinary it was.

 

This is the year of quotes….I am thinking that maybe I will great my own…but I could not help but start with this one because it illustrates how humans do not see their lives as extraordinary. And there are so many extraordinary people out there in the world. Our pop culture is so focused on the negative, evil, heartache, money, fortune, fame and dysfunctional actors and politicians.

For me this is a year of back to basics! Family and Fun! Keeping things simple! Being Nice!

 

So I guess I could ask what makes a life extraordinary? My family and all the positive role models I have, my dad, mom, sister! My brother-in-law. Of course my children are extraordinary; I am so proud of Molly a wife to Clayton, mommy to Paul, hard working, home owner, kind, caring and compassionate but also tough! JJ, hardworking college student, 3.25 GPA his first semester at Rutgers! He is kind, caring and compassionate, a well -rounded young man, surfer, swimmer, really smart! Cakie, a real beauty, smart young lady, a teenager, a beautiful dancer, who is growing in kindness and compassion! And William, Wilson, Willie T, T, our sunshine! Working hard in school and swimming always with a smile!!

Fred is my anchor. I have such a wonderful life because I have the best husband any woman could wish, hope or pray for! He supports everything I do and aspire to do! His unconditional love IS extraordinary! There is no other man like him. I am truly blessed to have married him over 27 years ago…the best decision I ever made!!

SO Happy New Year! Back to Basics and keeping it Simple! Live, Laugh, Love with Family and Friends. Explore new things...Happiness, Health, Peace, Love and Joy!!

Kids

I LOVE being a mom. At this age I have a never-ending buddy. This weekend we went to a women's conference, got free samples of stuff, talked to people, bought books etc. We went on a great bicycle adventure this morning and hit every dead-end in our neighborhood. Guess what we found? A Horse. Yup, a horse at a dead-end in East Hartford.

We went to Old Navy and tried on clothes, but when faced with the option of clothes or a toy, the toy was chosen and the clothes were put back. GOT TO LOVE BEING 6!

We went to the studio, Jade helped me put together a table (pressed the drill button), water plants, organize my space and paint some boxes. We then went grocery shopping and my buddie helped pick out dinner options, snacks and ate potato chips and string cheese while riding in the cart.

We got home, I was making dinner and Jade helped with the salad. She washed it with soap, I put it down the garbage disposal and made some more. And now we sit, in my home office and she in her home office and I can't imagine life being ANY better than it is right at this moment. I absolutely LOVE being a mother. Of course, it helps when you have the coolest kid on the planet.

Life is great!