My dad turns 69 today. He’s half the reason I’m alive. (I’ll honor my mom in August since we definitely couldn’t have done it without her.)

It’s so hard to swallow some of these numbers, although probably not as hard as it was to swallow that his middle child turned 40 last year.

Since I am about the age he was when my parents divorced, I can see how hard things can be; kids, marriages, careers and all the baggage in our heads we carry around for decades.

This adulting thing is not for the faint of heart. My intention is to offer some grace to my elders, especially my parents, and to myself.

He’s got some great sayings, some that my siblings and I still laugh and roll our eyes at, but most I find myself saying on the daily. “Shake it off” One of his favorites when we played sports.

Thanks Dad. I needed that one today. Happy Birthday you Old Pucker!

Body + Mind

208.1

My day started out amazing; I worked early where I got a ton of shit done, practiced yoga in a warm, cozy studio, came back home to an immaculate house thanks to my cleaning ladies, and was able to land an appointment with my mentor/acupuncturist.

I’ve been seeing her for many years and today it was like the culmination of all her help over time slapped me right upside the head. I left there feeling high and energized.

However, for reasons that escape me, I ended up raiding the fridge, made myself ghetto nachos, prepared and devoured a half a bowl of Puppy Chow and then felt awful afterwards.

And, to top it off, I also wanted to pour a glass (read: box) of wine for the first time in 21 days. Even though I didn’t, it was deflating.

I’m not so naive to think that I was never going to have one of these days, but it sort of came out of nowhere and I wasn’t really prepared. And, there was really no reason to feel blah.

The difference today is that I recognize it, can deal with it and let it go, starting over easily tomorrow, or, better yet, right now.

Historically, I would have twisted that spigot on the box promising myself I wouldn’t feel bad about it tomorrow, which of course would have been a bold-faced lie.

I’m thankful that didn’t happen. I’ll be even more thankful tomorrow.

House + Home

The cleaning fairies were here today so of course my house smells, looks and feels amazing. I’ve been using my free time at night to clean out closets and all the nooks and crannies filled with crap we don’t use.

I’m taking some time to write down exactly what projects we want to tackle in the next three years. Of course, it’s a ton, but my head feels clear enough to make a plan.

Also, new.

Debt + Finances

I’ve been saving money to put towards our debt all month.

Today I was pay down $1,000. Goal from January 1st achieved, one week ahead of schedule. Of course, I want to pay it ALL off this month with little to no effort, but if I’ve learned anything so far, that’s just not possible.

It’s amazing how easily I can find $1K when I pay attention. Who knew?

Parenthood + Relationships

My 9 year old son just announced that he doesn’t know if he wants to go to college or not:

M: Mom, I’m not sure I want to go to college
me: Why do you NOT want to go?
M: Well, because it’s four more years of school and it costs $100,000.
me: (touche) Why do you think you DO want to go?
M: Because I want to play NFL football and I can’t do that unless I play in college.
me: (as not to crush his dream) Well, you better get practicing and saving your money.
M: Mom (with an eye roll), I PLAY flag football.

Got it.

This parenting thing is a fine line between reality and shooting for the stars. There’s no doubt if he wants to and takes decisive action, he can play in the NFL.

It’s the action part I’m not sure about. The jury is still out.