Good Thursday morning,

And that's exactly what it is... a good morning.
Why?  Because you woke up and you're able to read this post.
Hopefully, you have no impairments and your ability to move around without assistance from a person, or a walker or a cane is not an option you have to deal with.

But check this out:
What if the only way you could move around is with the aid of a walker and you've been on this walker since July 9?

My first time out of the apartment was August 1 when I was able to run several errands (with the magnanimous help of a friend).  Getting up and down the 15 stairs was quite the experience but I made it.  Using the walker to get around was an effort, but I got through it.  Getting in and out of an SUV was an effort but I got through it.

I must admit, that I did have reservations regarding being seen with the walker because I attributed walkers and canes with women who are older, or frail, or disabled, or not viable.  But, I had to get over that antiquated thinking.  The use of the walker (whom I've named Winsome) is only temporary and in a few short weeks I anticipate getting back to my regular routine.  Won't He do it?

Nonetheless, I am not driving, I am not allowed full weight bearing on my right leg, no running errands on my own, no going to the office (now, that part I'm totally not missing.),  As a matter of fact, I don't look forward to returning to the gig at all, but that's another post for another day - maybe.
I've had many many moments to think and to work on my book, and to pray and to listen to His voice because I believe this "inconvenience" I'm experiencing right now is a lesson that I sorely needed.  I need to come back to myself,  I need to really "see and hear" me.  I need to put my ducks in a row and get on with the business of getting my ish together.  I am extremely excited about the plans that I have to relocate and to return to an industry where I can thrive and where my unique talents and insights are expected, valued, appreciated and welcomed.  That is what I look forward to.

I've also learned during this time of recuperation who my real friends are.  Because as far as I'm concerned, the word friendship is a verb - its an action word.  Don't tell me you're going to be there for me and you have no intention of doing so.  Later for that mess.  But you know what?  It is all good. I only want folks on my team who want to win and want to see me win and I want to see them win.  It's really quite simple.

Fakerazation (I know that's not a word) is not my thing and I don't want it in my life ... in any form.

Otay, time to get me and my walker Winsome off my soap box.  I wouldn't want to fall and break my other hip.   LoL...   Hey, we gotta laugh, yes?

Take it easy.

Thanks for reading and please share.

Peace and hair grease.

It's been eons since I lost wrote...

Greetings Gorgeous,

I've been home for two weeks recuperating from surgery to fix the hitch in my get along.  Gee whiz, what a difference a day makes.  My leg is stronger, the pain has subsided,  and I don't have to take as many pain pills, so all in all, these are very good things.

During my time off I have been journaling, reflecting, working on my 2nd book, resting, doing my leg exercises, praying and looking forward to a new chapter in my life.  My born day is in 3 weeks so that's a good thing (if God's willing and the creek don't rise).  Not quite sure what's on tap, but a visit to a day spa sounds nice.

As Melania...er I mean, Mrs. Michelle Obama said so eloquently 8 years ago... "your word is your bond..." so when someone tells you that they will visit you and keep in touch with you while you're recuperating and they don't, I think that's pretty effed up!  Actions speaks sooo much louder than words.  Don't say it if you don't mean it.  'Nuff said.

Peace and hair grease.

And remember:  A closed mouth does not get fed.

Out.

R3

B'days are a good thing

I celebrated my b'day yesterday (8/15). How old am I? I'm one year older than I was on Saturday. '0] and although it was low key I had a fabulous weekend and thoroughly enjoyed my celebration(s).

I had dinner @ McCormick & Schmicks with a small group of friends on Saturday. My previous b'day dinners have been bigger affairs with almost 10 folks sitting around the table. However, this year was different. I've decided no more "seat fillers" for me. If you don't have a special place in my heart then a b'day dinner invite you will not receive. There were 2 women at my dinner last year who I no longer have a friendship with. (It's interesting what a difference a year makes). And when I reached a "milestone" b'day a few years ago, there were about 25 folks at my b'day dinner. I don't even communicate with half of those people right now.
So, I said all that to say it's not about the number of folks who come to your party. It's about having folks around you who are genuine, honest, and have unconditional love for you. That's what a true friend is all about. Drama and dishonesty are not part of their agenda.

On my actual b'day (8/15), I took my nieces and my sister bowling. I love to bowl but I don't go often enough. We had a blast (I won, by the way). I'm going to add bowling to my "to do" list. It's a great little workout. And then I fixed myself a delicious seafood pasta dinner. (Now, it's back to salads again until Thanksgiving).

God blessed me to see another b'day and I am so grateful. And if God's willing and the creek don't rise next year I will be living in another city and will have a new set of friends to break bread with.

Rest in Peace, Daddy

My Dad was buried yesterday. It was a beautiful service; very dignified, royal, succinct, yet powerful. My father, William, was an Air Force veteran; he serviced the aircraft.
To see the pomp and circumstance of the flag folding and presentation ceremony was spell binding. The regalia and the precision of it all left me awestruck.
The playing of TAPS brought tears to my eyes. It's such a mournful song that evokes so much emotion. When I hear it from now on it will have a special meaning in my heart.
I never saw the picture of him that was placed next to the urn. My sister, Tracy, provided it. But what a picture it was. Dad was happy, healthy, smiling, robust, handsome. He was my Dad. But he's at rest now.
His passing just confirms my, your, our, mortality. Each day is a gift and each day should be lived the best we can possibly live it. At least, we should try.
Rest in Peace, Poppa. Rest in Peace.
Life is good and it's going to get better.
Peace and Blessings.

My Dear Old Dad

I saw my father yesterday. It's been a while and I felt the need to check him out. You see, he has Alzheimer's and has been in a nursing facility for almost 3 years now. Seeing my Dad isn't the hard part; although, it is difficult. It's getting to his room that's causes discomfort for me. Passing the elderly in their various states of degeneration is hard. It makes me sad because their demise could be mine...or yours.

I walked into my father's room and there he was slumped in his chair dozing. The handsome, robust man is no more. Yes, I see the vestiges of who he used to be...but the operative words are "used to be." I brought him his favorite soft baked cookies but he wasn't interested. Did he know that it was me - his daughter? I doubt it. He looked at me and I gave him my best smile and said "Hi Daddy. It's me. Robin." There was a glimmer of recognition but then it faded away as fast as drops of water on a hot skillet.

The nursing staff brought in his lunch and I fed my father. I placed the spoon in the mashed potatoes, made sure they weren't too hot. I placed the spoon to his lips and he chewed. That made me feel really good.

I sat with him for about an hour and a half. I listened to him hum. I talked to the nurses about his right hand that's bothering him due to arthritis. Then I kissed his forehead and told him that I loved him and would see him again soon. And I will.

If you have your father or your mother, please acknowledge them and tell them that you love them. Yeah, they might get on your nerves. What parent doesn't at some point? But if they are still alive you are very blessed. And be grateful for that.

Take it easy.

Peace and hair grease.

It's been a long long time

Check it out people...I did something last night I haven't done in years. My heart was racing like a big dog and I was sweating like Miss Piggy.
Nooooo, it wasn't what you think it was; although that would not be a bad thing. What I did was I worked out to a Billy Blanks TaeBo tape for about 45 minutes. It kicked my arse but it was rejuvenating and I liked it. My plan is to do that at least 3 times a week, coupled with walking on my treadmill. That regimen should help me get some of this blubber off my butt. It's not a good look and it's not acceptable, so I'm on a mission. Springtime is just around the corner and I want to be fresh to death...again. I know that's an old school term but I don't care.
Now I'm going to buy a pair of workout shoes.
Take it easy y'all.
GO SAINTS!!!!

One Year Ago Today...

A year ago today my journey began. I suffered three aneurysms, spent 3 weeks in the hospital (Dec. 19 - Jan. 13) and was off work until March 3. A lot has transpired since my "situation." I am so grateful to be alive and I give thanks to Him daily for giving me another chance to get this thing called life right. I'm still recuperating and trying (desperately) to get my sexy back. But it seems as though she's hiding and won't come out. But it's cool...she will come back to me. I will see to that.


Parts of my head are still tender to the touch but that's to be expected considering my skull was cut open with a saw and then stapled back together.


To commemorate this anniversary I made it a point to have solid plans for this weekend. Last night I went to the Dave Koz concert at the Radisson - Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun and Brenda Russell rocked the house. But you wouldn't know it based on the folks who were sitting near me. You would've thought they were watching a piano recital at an elementary school. Talk about dead beats. But I didn't give a damn. I paid $65 on my ticket and I was there to enjoy myself; which I did. I hollered, screamed, clapped, danced in my seat - you know - the things that most (non stick in the muds) do at concerts. According to these losers I "ruined" the show for them. Hmmm...me, one woman with that much power. Yeah right...whatever.
I told them all to kick my ass. For real.


Anywho, I digress. This afternoon I'm checking out the matinee of "Precious." I was going to see "Avatar" but I'm not interested in standing in line. I need to see "Precious." I read the book twice and the reviews have been stupendous. It's the subject matter that gives me pause. But I gotta take it like a woman and see it. Afterwards, lunch and drinks.

Remember: Life is good and it's going to get better.


Be well, be happy, be blessed and know that each day is indeed a gift and not to be taken for granted.


Have a very Merry Christmas.