I want to cry

There's no guarantee this will post either... I got on a good run with a post that's been on my mind and had to step away momentarily.  I'm trying this new-fangled tablet and I'm not real smooth yet with all the apps (thanks, history with ancient BlackBerry) so you can imagine my dismay when I realized it was.all.gone.

I'm the kind of writer who for the most part has the best draft in the first draft - or so I tell myself - so I'll have to see how the spirit moves me when I go at it again.

In the meantime, I may search out a refreshing libation and see what inspiration comes.

Grrr... but grateful I have a tablet and a working mind.

Until we read and write again.

An open letter of thanks

For friends, family, bosses, lovers, peers, colleagues and formers of all (well, except parents, because I don't have any former parents.)

We tend to show appreciation and gratitude for positives, for good fortune, for successes. But I have learned through the course of my life that it's usually the negatives that do a better job of shaping people and events. Well, shaping me, at least.

So for all the turmoil, disappointments, turbulence, tribulations, falsehoods, untruths, half truths, let downs and shenanigans that I have so generously been showered with over the years, I thank you all.

Because if it weren't for those experiences, I don't think I would have learned patience, tolerance, self reliance, forgiveness, tenacity and pure independence. Not to mention truthfulness, loyalty, sincerity, reliability and helpfulness. Give your word and keep it. Help people out and pay it forward. Pay attention when people speak - listen actively. Live, don't just exist. Be genuine.

I'm going through one of, if not the, most challenging times of my life these days. But I know I'll survive and prosper. And I will be eternally grateful to those who, through their actions and inaction, showed me just how resilient I am. Thank you for building me up.

new year, new you?

It's so easy to get excited about the possibilities a new year holds: the chance to make changes, to try new experiences, to shed old habits, to create new habits. I'm not in the habit of making resolutions... that's kind of like annual reviews to me. Address an issue as it comes along, no sense in saving it for the year end and all the build up.

So as I embark on 2013, I'm trying to focus on the positive and the things I want to improve, not necessarily bad things I want to 'fix'. And then my mind starts to wander with the seemingly endless list of things - careers - activities I'd like to try... you know, since you do only get one ride on the merry-go-round and all.

When I grow up, as if, here's what I want to be for my new year, new you: an ESPN commentator. A scuba dive instructor. A travel writer. A photographer. A mentor. A mentee. An FBI profiler. A PGA tour events professional. A pediatrician. A bartender in Tortola. A teacher. A philanthropist. A mom. A wife. An attorney. A pilot. A rancher. A southern belle. An adventurer. An actress. A motivational speaker. An around-the-world sailor. A seasonal ski instructor. A race car driver. A chef. A US Senator.

I guess we'll have to see how the world turns and what comes up on my next spin. But rest assured, I'm going to seize every day and every opportunity I can!