And If The Elevator Tries To Break You Down, Go Crazy...

Waking up this morning, tired, with a headache, but definitely still smiling from last night's fun. Had you asked me in June of 1989 if it were possible for me to have had this much fun at my 20 year high school reunion, I would have laughed in your face at the idea of my even GOING to that event, never mind helping plan it, hugging everyone, and laughing all night long.



I posted on my Facebook profile yesterday that I was glad for the perspective 20 years has allowed me, as I knew I was going to be able to walk in that room and feel like I belonged there. Because one of the things I've learned over the last two decades is that high school is so not the end-all, be-all of who you are; it's just the beginning. And, I looked at all of the things I've managed to accomplish over the last few years, and I knew I would be really proud and happy to share those with my peers. That small girl who was bullied and ostracized for so long in her younger years, and stayed on the fringes throughout high school walked into that room last night looking fabulous, feeling accomplished, and had fun talking to every single person in there. And, to her surprise, they were all equally as glad to see her there, too. Three people even said to me that I was the reason they attended, which was simply amazing and humbling to hear.



So, I checked people in and greeted them with hugs and smiles and laughter. People bought me drinks like it was their job to do so. And, towards the end of the night, one of the other organizers, who I was not particularly friendly with when we were young, turned to me and said I was now permanently on this organizing committee, I was able to smile and be sure of that fact.

Because, at this point, it's all water under the bridge. After 20 years, it's just not a big deal anymore who went to prom with who, or how many parties you were invited to by which person. What matters is what we've learned, and how we use it. And I've learned that everyone just wants to feel included.



Last night, everyone was.



See the rest of the pictures here.


Let's Go Crazy - Prince and the Revolution

MP3 File

Walk Right In, It's Around the Back

One does not screw with tradition. Wishing you all a healthy and happy Thanksgiving holiday. I know that I have many, many gifts in my life to be thankful for this year, my niece's return home from the hospital, my amazing family, my friends who have held me up through good times and bad. You are all blessings.

With love, from the Group W Bench...

Alice's Restaurant Massacree - Arlo Guthrie

MP3 File

All I See Are Stilettos, I Guess I Never Got The Memo...

No, I am so not kidding. Driving into Children's Hospital with my nephews last week, they introduced me to this song. And it's a JAM; something is terribly wrong with me, but, here it is. Go forth unto your Saturday and kick it.

Really... Miley Cyrus. I need my head examined. After the next chorus...

On The Road To Recovery

Huh?, originally uploaded by crau1971.

Good news on the Gracie front; she was moved out of ICU today, and is nursing again, even laughed a little today. Her doctors say if she keeps up this rate of recovery, she "could" be home this weekend.

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and good wishes. It's been a tremendously stressful and frightening week for my family. Your support has been immeasurable. Keep sending those good thoughts and prayers.

Gracie Girl

so cute it's scary, originally uploaded by crau1971.

Many of you know that I have a new niece, Grace. She's 6 1/2 months old, and she is light of my family's life. She is bubbly and bright, and everyone who meets her absolutely loves her.

Including her doctors at Children's Hospital.

Gracie, unfortunately, hasn't been a stranger to Children's. She was diagnosed in utero as having a kidney defect. She's already had one surgery to attempt to correct it, and just recently, was put on an antibiotic to prepare her for a second surgery to repair damage to her bladder and kidney. All other systems functioning well, which, is a blessing. This weekend, Gracie had a rare allergic reaction to that antibiotic, and is currently "stable and comfy", according to her mother, in the Children's Hospital ICU. She has blisters near her eyes, and in her mouth, and those were causing her airway to be obstructed, which is why she's in the ICU today. She's a fighter, though. But this is scary, scary times for our family.

She'll be in the hospital for a while, and I just wanted to let you all know this, so that you can send her your good thoughts and prayers. She, and her mom and dad and brothers, not to mention the rest of my family, need them. Besides, she is so cute it's scary.

We Gotta Start It Off With A Positive Jam

I have a date Saturday. A second date. He's brilliant, and funny, and good-looking in a quirky, Craig Finn, kind of way. He's in law school at my alma mater. We met for drinks on Tuesday, and hardly stopped talking the entire time we were together, except to randomly look at each other quizzically, as if to say, "where did you come from?" And I'm nervous and excited to get together again this weekend. The parking ticket he was issued the other night while we were out was, "totally worth it, to get to meet you", he said in an email yesterday.

Normally, I keep my dating life off of this site. You're all probably rather surprised to see me talk about this so clearly. Those of you who know me in real life completely understand why. But, I feel I need a little positive energy thrown my way. Liz would yell at me for being surprised he wanted to see me again so soon. It's my nature to be cautious, slightly unbelieving. I've been burned before. However, we get back from the universe what we put out into the universe, so right now, I'm putting out positive vibrations and a radiant smile. Please, do the same.

I.have.a.date.

Positive Jam - The Hold Steady

MP3 File