13 happy songs

It's not quite the weekend. And I'm in a lull.

So there's nothing that can break a crummy mood better than happy songs.

Do you have a theme song a la Ally McBeal that you have use to lift your spirits?

Here are my top 13:

• Living With A Dreaming Body - Poi Dog Pondering
• Home - Josh Verdes
• Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band
• Wannabe - Spice Girls (don't judge)
  
• Joker - Steve Miller Band
• Steal My Kisses - Ben Harper
  
• My First, My Last, My Everything - Barry White
• Down At The Twist And Shout - Mary Chapin Carpenter
• The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
• Enid - Barenaked Ladies
• Dancing Queen - ABBA
• Come On Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners
• And I can't find a link but anyone ever watch JoJo's Circus? Well one day JoJo went to Tater's House and sang "Wake-y, wake-y, rise and shine. Hurry up, we're wasting time. You can always sleep later. Happy birthday, Tater!"

steps

The staircase seems so steep. Never ending.


And right now, the destination is unknown.

what she thinks she learned

A nice leisurely drive turned uncomfortable this past weekend. I scolded Amara. Then I felt guilty. So we had cookies and all was right with the world.

The world.

After a trip overseas to visit relatives in the Philippines, Amara and I picked my Dad up from the airport and headed to Amara's House. While in the car, I lamented about all the laundry my Dad must have. And he stated he had none.

Amara chimed in from the back seat.

And that's when it turned awkward.

Amara explained that she knew how they did laundry in the Philippines. She elaborated on the entire process: Filipinos take a load of clothing down to a river, soak the fabric, then scrub it with a rock.

Huh?

I immediately asked Amara where she learned such a thing. I could feel my blood pressure rising. And I know my cheeks were turning some shade reminiscent of Valentine's Day.

Amara flatly said she learned it at school.

I wanted to shake my finger at Amara. Did she not know that our family had caretakers and maids? Our family was from a metropolitan area, equipped with washers and dryers powered by electricity. How could I best explain to Amara that not everything she hears or sees anywhere is always the truth?

Amara saw a photo in one of her school books. So logically, to Amara, if her text book said a Filipino child washed her clothes in a river, then all Filipinos in the Philippines must.

It took a moment, but I felt my heart sink. Amara did nothing wrong. She goes to school to learn. And that's what she did.

So my Dad and I had a long talk with Amara. We explained how parts of our world are not as fortunate as others. But even though we may be different, we all have a lot of similarities too. And that goes for those who live in our own city.

By this time, we had pulled into our driveway. Amara hopped out, a bit wiser. And so did I.

those that inspire

There are many people I have encountered in my life that have helped mold me into the person I am. Some have been the objects of my undying gratitude. Others may have briefly made an appearance in my history ever so momentarily. Still there are individuals I never knew.

So this Thursday Thirteen is dedicated to all of them. Because life is truly so precious. And spending just a second to reflect on all the goodness these people brings me much joy.

1. My Grandma. This sums it up beautifully.

2. My Mom. I miss her terribly.

3. Amara. Enough said.

4. Mrs. H. Growing up, not only was she my best friend's mom. But Mrs. H. was a third grade teacher at my elementary school. It was the first time in my life I recognized who a working mom was. I understood the concept of "career." And Mrs. H. didn't stop there. She was also my Girl Scout leader. She proved you can be a career woman and be involved in your children's lives.

5. Mr. Mac. I have known Mr. Mac since my freshman year of high school. As a teacher, he pushed me to excel (even in economics). He welcomed discussions stemming from every perspective. Diversity was nurtured and valued in his lesson plans. As a friend, Mr. Mac drove me to the church for my wedding. As a mentor, he continues to guide me in my decision-making today.

6. Steve. I knew I wanted a job in television. But I never had any direction until I met Steve. To this day, he is the best assignment editor I have ever worked with. And he is the one I blame for me choosing the assignment desk over reporting or producing in a newsroom.

7. Laurie. I first spotted her at a BlogHer conference wearing a pair of fierce glasses. I struck up a conversation with her and am so grateful I did. She's battling cancer gracefully and blogging about it as she fights. She's a published author and a pretty great mom. Her outlook on life inspires me.

8. Amy. I ran a half marathon in her honor. She is a friend I am blessed to have and a mom I often envy because she only totes around the most stylish handbags.

9. Corazon Aquino. As the first female president of the Philippines, TIME Magazine called her the Saint of Democracy. As a Filipina, she led a revolution that changed the face of a nation. With her election, I knew all things in this world were possible.

10. Mr. C. and the rest of my acapella choir friends. They taught me to appreciate the arts and musical theatre. Rent. Oklahoma. Jesus Christ Superstar. And I think it prepped me to love Glee.

11. Audrey Hepburn. I love how she is the epitome of glamour. And I envy her alter ego Holly Golightly and every one of her little black dresses. Each day should have drama, excitement and allure.

12. And I cannot forget to mention fellow blogger, Makita. Her post 52 to Now inspired me to write about those that encouraged me to be a strong woman and loving mother.

13. Last of all, it's all of you. You inspire me to write just another mommy blog. Even if only one or two people read this (and that includes Amara), I am thrilled to have a platform to which I can express myself freely and openly. So thank you to you!

photo credit: macrophile
license: Creative Commons 2.5

wine or whine?

This picture was taken in the Summer of 2009 in the Napa Valley.

I either need

1. a vacation.
2. another bottle of vino.
3. to start running again.

Whatever it is, I'm hoping I get to it soon!

Happy Wednesday!

cards 4 cancer: can you help?

I've been snooping through my Mom's belongings.

At least it feels that way.

I have had the unnerving task of tidying up my Dad's place over the last few weeks. I expected the barrage of emotions when I sifted through my Mom's clothing. And I knew finding a home for all of her research books would be a painful process.

But what I didn't realize I would find were the countless number of cards and letters my Mom had saved. She must have found a sense of comfort in each correspondence to have kept them throughout the years.

And I can truly say today I understand why each letter was important. The days after my Mom's passing, I found solace in notes given to me by family and friends. I'm sure Mom felt the same way about her cards.

So as a tribute to my Mom and to all those battling cancer, I've decided to be a Team Leader for Cards 4 Cancer.



I will be collecting greeting cards for patients at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center. And while I was a bit angry after Mom's prognosis back in the fall, I do recognize the extraordinary work the doctors, nurses and staff do there. After all, my family wouldn't have been blessed with my Mom for the last six years if it weren't for them.

I am looking for good people wanting to spread a little cheer to cancer patients. I'm hoping my Girl Scouts will step up and join me in a card-making party next month.

Cards can be store bought or handmade so I am recruiting local businesses to donate supplies and/or cards.

Are you in the Cleveland area and want to help? Let me know! You can donate one card or ten!

And if you're not, check out the Cards 4 Cancer website to see if there is a team working in your neighborhood.


Note on Tumor Tuesday: It may sound morbid, but on some Tuesdays on this blog, I will write about a topic relating to brain tumors or brain cancer. My Mom lost her courageous battle. But one of her goals in life was to bring more attention to brain tumor awareness. This is my way of contributing to her goal. You can find some of my go-to resources on brain tumors here.

may I have this dance?

Even as a high maintenance, 6-year-old diva, Amara continues to melt my heart.

Last week, she pulled Dad2Amara aside after dinner and asked quietly, "Will you go to the father-daughter dance with me?"

It was so precious, I honestly wanted to cry.

So all dolled up Amara and her daddy got Saturday evening for their big date.

I did Amara's hair and put lip gloss on her for added sparkle.

They posed for pictures at home and then some more for a photographer at the dance.

And as I suspected, Amara boogied the night away as Dad2Amara was a wallflower hovered over the hors d'oeuvres watched admiringly from a distance. Amara even busted a move on stage!

Come Sunday morning, Amara was still asleep when I rose. Her Daddy apparently swept her off her dancing feet. She was content and exhausted.

And I was thrilled that for one day, Dad2Amara and our daughter were not at each others' throats.

Side note: I spent the evening catching up with a dear friend over several glasses of wine and good hummus. So no lonely Mom2Amara here!

outshining mom

Even when she's taking a self portrait, Amara takes better pictures that Mom2Amara!