Dear Dad

Dear Dad,
Where has this year gone. This time last year we were at the hospital, faced with the truth...believing for the impossible. I think of those hours, of you in the bed...unresponsive. I wanted to tell you goodbye. To see you open your eyes one more time. To see me. I know we'd said everything there is to say...I just wanted to say and hear it one more time.

Just a couple of months before, you were in the hospital, faced with losing your leg and I was by your side. We got in this huge argument (you-by the way-were a terrible patient!) and I told you I'd go if you wanted...you told me no, you wanted me to stay. The rest of the evening was tense but, as we were going to sleep, you told me you loved me and you were glad I was there. I told you I loved you right back and I was glad to be there. You beat the odds the next morning and kept your leg. And I went home that afternoon.

That moment defines so much about our relationship. So much hurt from the past. So much hard headed-ness on both sides. So many arguments. But always love. And no matter what, I am so glad you were my Dad. As in, if God gave me the choice to go back and make my choice, I'd choose you.

This year seems to have gone by so fast...and yet it sometimes seems to be even longer than a year. I still think "Dad would like this" or think "I need to call Dad" before remembering...I still think of you every time I see Diet Dr Pepper or a Budweiser sign. I don't always cry these days...but you always cross my mind. I think of your laugh and they way you said "Hey now..."

I think you'd be glad of how close Kristy and I have been. I think you'd be glad how close we are all to Aunt Penny. You'd be proud of her and-I hope-of us and the way we handled your passing.

I wish so many things...but I trust in a good God. And because I trust Him, I've let go of the "why?" and held on to the good, to the love. I'm going to miss you always.

Your "#1 gal"

Best Goodwill Ever!

The Goodwill in McDonough? Ah-maz-ing!

Not sure if it is normal for them to have these or it was just brilliant stroke of luck but:

Check out my super cool boots that my super cool, amazing son bought me for my birthday!

 And look at Bree's find. Gorgeous dress and awesome fairy costume! Ren Fest here we come!

They have a great selection of normal clothes too. Pretty well organized in size and color! The only thing that drove me batty was the books. They have huge selection and they aren't organized by title or author and since I was looking for one particular book, it practically gave me a headache. Prices are good...staff are slightly unfriendly but not so bad I won't go back! Our costumer says this one is her favorite too and seeing as how much time she spends in Goodwills and thrift stores, that is saying something! So go check it out when you get the chance!

Resolutions & Dating

"Slightly neurotic, somewhat overweight, Christian single mom of two teenagers, 40 year old activist seeks less neurotic, laid back, Christian male to go on dates if she can possibly find time in her schedule..."

Ummm...okay, so I made this resolution to go on a date in 2013. To be honest I hadn't thought much of dating until I made the resolution but now, since I've thought about it, this might not be as easy as I thought!

So, to make it less complicated, here are a few tips for any guy who is thinking of asking me out:
1) First of all, I'm oblivious. Like really, really oblivious. So flirting doesn't work. Unless you are REALLY obvious, I don't pick it up...and if you are REALLY obvious, then I get freaked out a little because then I think you are REALLY desperate! Aside from that, I don't flirt well. I over think things and so I'm trying to figure out what you really mean or how you will respond to this or that...I'm not good at improv for the same reasons. So, simple and direct would be nice. It makes things easier!

2) If you ask me if I have a "boo" we are automatically done. Especially if you are my age, then it sounds even more ridiculous.

3) You are going to have to be really patient...and a night owl. Considering I usually get out of rehearsals around 9:00-9:30...there's a reason why Taco Mac, iHop and Steak and Shake get most of our dining out business!

4) You don't have to be as driven or passionate about issues as I am...as a matter of fact, it's probably better if you aren't! That much kinetic energy in a relationship would be...explosive. But it's nice if you actually care about something.

5) I'm a practical romantic and a nerd. I love flowers, but if I can plant them...I'll probably like them even better. And if it is a book I've been wanting to read, I'd probably love it even more!

6) I'm independent...but old fashioned in some ways. I'm not going to pursue you. If you like me, take a chance and ask me out. It can only end in one of two ways: yes or no. It's not like I'm going to run you over with my car!

7) Don't want to hear my entire life story on the first date? Good! Because I don't want to tell you! Taking the whole evening to talk about myself doesn't sound fun to me! On the other hand, I'd love to hear about you...unless it's an hour long vent about how horrible your ex-wife is and how she ruined your children.

8) Don't like teenagers? No need to apply.

Oh my gosh...l may never date again!!!

What about you guys? What are things about you or dating would you want everyone to know?