Then and now

Yesterday, I had someone from my past contact me. It was an old boyfriend. He was my "what if" guy. You know, the one you think about and wonder how different your life would be if you had stayed together. We had kept in touch through Christmas cards and the occasional phone call every year or so, but we hadn't seen each other since right after college. So, when he called to say that he was in Miami and would love to see me I was shocked. Mostly, because he had always said that he hated Miami. LOL!

I met him for dinner last night and we did some sight seeing. We laughed over stories from our past and caught up on our current lives. His son turning sixteen, my still having a North Carolina accent, the divorce from his wife, the fact that I still can't speak spanish, the new job that brought him to Miami, my love for this city that keeps me here, the chances of him visiting again...

Well, it was good to see him and the sight of him still makes my heart skip a beat. He has grown into an even more wonderful man then he was all those years ago and he was pretty wonderful then. His life is full and happy and I am happy for him.

After I left him at his hotel, I smiled all the way home. We had shared a wonderful night, but (didn't you just know there would be a but) I wouldn't trade the life I've known since we parted for the life I would have had if things had worked out for us way back then. Staying with him all those years ago would have meant never meeting Charlie, the real love of my life.

It's been almost three years since Charlie passed away and they've been rough years. I miss him everyday, but the years that we had together have given me the strength to get through. My life is not perfect and it isn't the life I used to dream of, but it's my life and it's a pretty good one to have.

My life may not be perfect, but I do have perfect days and if those Dolphins had been able to pull off a win, yesterday would have been one of them. LOL! I can't wait to see what today has in store for me!

How are you going to spend your day...

http://www.4shared.com/file/67581680/4667fed1/Today_10-20-08.html

Life is good!

This morning I participated in the Buddy Walk to support the Downs Syndrome Foundation. I was part of a group walking in honor of my student, Vincent. The three mile walk took place on the boardwalk at Hollywood Beach. There was a nice breeze and the sky was a little overcast so the sun wasn't too bright. There was a breakfast for us and a cookout after the walk was over. They even set up bounce houses for the kids. The Ocean lifeguards were training on the beach so us female walkers had some eye candy. LOL! It was funny how everyone stopped for a break right where those guys were.

As we huddled up for pictures I looked around at the group I was with and smiled. I am lucky enough to have friends that will give up a Sunday morning just because I asked them to. Friends who are honest enough to tell me when they don't like my shoes or outfits. Friends with shoulders that I have leaned on more times than I can count. Friends who let me know when I'm getting just a little too full of myself. Friends who showed up to honor a five year old boy.

I have the best friends in the world and life is good. Now, if only the Dolphins could manage to beat the Ravens...

Here's a goodie for those of you that have found friends as good as mine and for those of you that are still looking...

http://www.4shared.com/file/67435000/b9dd7d88/Travels_10-19-08.html

Creativity

Lately, I've suffered from a lack of creativity. Have you gone through that? I need to make Halloween gifts for my class, but I don't like anything that I've come up with so far. I need to catch up on some scrapbook pages, but I just can't get into it. I'm getting paid to make some candy bar wrappers for a friend to give out at her daughter's tenth birthday party, but I just want to eat the chocolate. LOL!

I think I've fallen into a rut. I keep doing the same things the same way and I need a change. I need to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I have no idea what that something new will be, so wish me luck!

Here's a goodie for anyone else that has ever fallen into a rut...

http://www.4shared.com/file/66537707/e5d4ee34/Creatively_10-19-08.html

It's a beautiful day!

It's a beautiful day here on Miami Beach! It's 79 outside and the sun is shining. Does life get better than this?

I had plans to get so many things accomplished today and haven't done any of them. I decided to play instead! I won't be doing any housecleaning today. Today my home is a "No broom zone" LOL!

Here's a goodie for anyone else that decided to play today...

http://www.4shared.com/file/67448333/49f5c565/Broom_10-18-08.html

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back outside!

Special things

Just a quick post today. Lots and lots of things to get done. Have a wonderful and special day!

http://www.4shared.com/file/66537665/5c4242a9/Special_10-18-08.html

Request

I received a request for this. Amber, I hope this is what you were trying to describe. Just let me know if you need anything else.

http://www.4shared.com/file/66537609/3aea904/Actions_10-17-08.html

Crafting Area

Last night I was trying to clean up the room I do my crafting in. It's a small space so it should have been easy, but OMG! I couldn't believe how much stuff I had stored in there. LOL! I've always looked at pictures of workrooms in the magazines and thought about how much I wish I had that space. Well, not anymore! After my feeble attempt to clean my space I've decided that it fits me perfectly---just like an old comfortable shoe.

Here's a goodie for anyone that knows what I'm talking about...

http://www.4shared.com/file/66215282/9660f90b/Work-room_10-16-08.html