miscellaneous updates

Here are some random miscellaneous updates, bullet point style:

- First, I'd like to thank you all for your kind words of encouragement! I am happy to report that my mom is much better this week. She's still in pain, however, she's slowly feeling better each day. My mom and I have not been particularly close in the last 15 years, but when I took her to the doctors last week, we actually had a good time and even laughed {which thankfully took her mind off the pain}. I can't remember the last time I actually laughed with my mom. I'm really happy she's back in San Diego recovering. I hope she stays strong and continues to heal and live a healthy life. I want nothing more than to have a great relationship with my mom again. There was a time when I was growing up that I would say she was my best friend.

- I can't believe my summer vacation is almost over! With the class I'm taking at CSULB and the craziness of the last few weeks, I feel like I've not even come close to accomplishing what I set out to accomplish at the start of my summer vacation. My chore to-do list grows each day, but I'm appreciating the lack of Virgo-ness at the moment with completing that to-do list. I think what's most important right now, is cherishing the opportunity to relax and enjoy my time off {in between homework}. The wall cleaning, fireplace painting, CD organizing, and other mundane chores will still be there when the cold icky weather arrives. On the other hand, my fun to-do list includes more scrapbooking, organizing my closet, buying new plants for our balcony, reading at the park or beach, visiting with friends, and riding my Julius cruiser {I've had her a couple of years now and believe it or not, I'm struggling with finding the perfect name for her. Any suggestions?}. Riding my bike brings me tons of joy, mostly because I think the bike brings others joy. I get so many smiles and compliments when I'm on the road.
- To help with the relaxing, Rob and I are heading to Dana Point tonight to stay at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott. Rob is speaking on a panel tomorrow morning and the company offered us a hotel room, so I get to enjoy the fruits of Rob's hard work. While I'll need to do some homework, there's nothing wrong with doing it while lounging by the pool, or after a massage, if I'm really lucky {and Rob's feeling generous}.

- I received an email this morning from a friend who is newly engaged and she asked me to be a bridesmaid! Her intent was not to ask me via email. In fact she has beautiful card that was supposed to be mailed to me, but it was returned to her {actually, I think I neglected to give her our unit number}. I am so thrilled and completely honored! Jen has been waiting for her prince charming for way too long and I'm so happy she found him {or him her}. I can't wait for all the wedding festivities to begin! The big day is January 17th. They have a really romantic story that I look forward to sharing at some point.

- We got my first AT&T bill...turns out I like to text message now that I have a real keyboard on my phone. I guess we didn't think I'd send/receive more that 200 text messages when we created my plan. I went over by 428 texts! This seriously increases the charges! Yikes! Must switch to unlimited texting ASAP!

- Seriously, I know it doesn't matter at this point, but I haven't completed blogging about our road trip. Our family time in Arizona is what is missing. For some reason, it's important to me to complete that. Perhaps next week...

- As posted on Nanette's blog, Kay's baby shower was a huge success! I loved helping Jolene plan the day. Anytime planning a party is involved, I'm there! Especially when it centers around pink and honoring a really great person! Check Nanette's blog for photos...Jolene and I were so busy we didn't take a single photo.

- I just want to thank you again for your kind comments and emails over the last couple of weeks. It's really awesome knowing I have a community of supporters via blogging!