Appreciation

I think it's easy to not appreciate what you have right in front of your face. Advertising, neighbors, our own wants and desires make it easy to want more, or at the very least, something else. My friend Hira keeps reminding me that the grass isn't always greener, and it's generally true. But buying into the American dream is far easier than making the payments on the American dream.

I'm blessed to have friends in varying life stages: single, engaged, married no kids, married and pregnant, married with kids, married kids are out of the house, etc. It's so easy to look forward to the next stage of your life instead of appreciating where you are now. "I can't WAIT to have children" or "I can't wait for baby number 2" or "I can't wait to be retired." Friends whose children have left the nest often tell me to enjoy the moments spent with Kaitlyn as they happen instead of looking forward to the next "phase", whatever that phase may be. It's hard. You feel like you've been in this "phase" forever and want to know what life will bring next.

I could go on and on about the things I wish I did before I (got married, had a kid, etc). What I will say is that I hope that people reading this blog feel like they are living their lives to the fullest and that they are enjoying life as it comes. Seize new opportunities for travel and doing new things where you can. You never know when your life might change in ways that will prevent those things and you never know what doing new things will open you up to.

Onto the fun Kaitlyn stuff. This morning, when Kaitlyn woke up, she decided she wanted to build a castle for Elmo. Since her lego supply is limited, it didn't take long for the construction AND the demo. The next item on her agenda was a castle for Mommy. Blink and you would have missed the magnificence that was my castle. The "boom", aka gun, hung around for much much longer. Priorities! LOL

The cat population in the house continues to dwindle much to the relief of the hubster. Opportunities have presented themselves for me to acquire additional cats, but I have been able to resist thus far. We've lost three in the past three weeks, so I think I'm sufficiently traumatized to the point that I need a break. TIC is THRILLED to be surrounded by kittens and has started to hone her vet skills, but the rest of the household needs a break and it shows.

I have accepted a tentative offer for a new position with the federal government. It's contingent upon me receiving certain clearances, but I'm excited about the opportunity. I'd tell you more about the opportunity, but then I'd have to use that fun little mind erasing laser. Since TIC was last seen using it as a toy for the kittens, I'm ill prepared and therefore can only speak in vague generalities. However, just know that it's a COOL job in Washington, DC supporting some pretty important people.

Next month is Brent's 40th birthday and retirement party! If you'd like to receive an invitation, please let me know. The date is 11/20. In lieu of gifts, Brent is asking for donations for the Wounded Warrior project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Fisher House (www.fisherhouse.org). We are fortunate that we didn't need the services of either organization, but Brent feels very strongly about supporting others who weren't as lucky as we were.

Whew! That took all my brain power for a Friday. I'm ready for a nap!!