dear dad

My father was a simple man...cereal for breakfast, work before fun, meat and potatoes for supper, the evening news on TV.

He always seemed happy. He worshiped my mother. He never complained, even though he worked construction in the Florida heat day in and day out, making peanuts for money. I don't recall him ever taking a sick day. Every year he spent his Christmas bonus on me.

He couldn't sing...but that didn't stop him; he sang me to sleep and sang me awake. He let me give him a real haircut when I was 8 years old and opened a pretend barber shop in my playroom.

With my dad, what you saw was what you got. He showed me what it means to honor your word. If he said he would, he did. He never let me down.

To me, he was safety and stability. He didn't sugar coat the truth or lie to make the hard times easier (but he did make the hard times easier).

My father wasn't my friend - he was my dad. He was the cornerstone on which my childhood rested.

Now a haircut isn't just a haircut, and the simplest things in life bring me the greatest joy. Thanks, Dad.

stop the insanity

Argh…I had so many random to-do’s swirling around in my brain, I just had to get it all down on paper. Now I’m going to post my thoughts here for safe keeping (the paper copy will be lost and forgotten at the bottom of my purse in no time).

I have a short break coming up from July 30th to August 10th. In that time, there are some projects I want/need to tackle. In no particular order…

-purge guest room (soon-to-be my son’s room) closet
-Magic Eraser wall spots (toddlers are messy!)
-clean between oven and cabinets and fridge and wall (the thought of all the crumbs down there drives me crazy!)
-clean out oven
-design and order photo yearbook (part of anniv gift)

I’m sure I’ll think of more to add to the list!

Our 5th anniversary is coming up on August 4th, and instead of receiving “things” from Matt this year, I’d rather him do some stuff for me around the house. It would be great if he could work on some of these projects, which are beyond the scope of my knowledge and abilities…

-spackle and paint hole/chip in bathroom wall near tub basin
-spackle and paint hole/crack in bedroom door
-steam clean living room carpet and couch
-clear out coat closet/install shelves for storage

Ok, I lied, there are a couple “things” I want as well…

-new bathroom curtain
-new throw pillows for living room couch
Finally, I have a “wish list” for Xmas and my birthday (which isn’t until February of 2013). I always go blank when my hubby asks what I want for either occasion. I figured I should save this list so I’m prepared next time!
-peel and stick tiles for kitchen
-rustoleum kit for kitchen countertops
-new curtains for sliding glass door and windows in kitchen/living room combo (we have boring white curtains right now)
-new lamps for nursery and living room

Ah, I’m experiencing a sense of control now :) Considering I’m more of a planner than a doer, here’s hoping I can actually check some of these items off the list!