Yesterday

...was St. Patrick's Day (technically since it is after midnight, it was two days ago).  I have never been a big fan of St. Patty's Day, it's hard to think fondly of the day you were told (at 7 years old) that your grandfather had "passed away."  St. Patrick's Day makes it impossible for me to forget just how long Paw-Paw has been gone.  My mom said "It's hard to believe that it has been 14 years since I've seen my Daddy."  It broke my heart (and still does). Even though it has been equally as long since I've seen him, it just isn't the same.  I can't imagine, I don't want to imagine.

I am lucky to still have one grandparent, Granny Dixon.  She is really wonderful and I know I often take her for granted. But I can't help but miss my "Gee-ah" and "Paw-Paw."  Living in their house is a constant reminder.  I will occasionally open the coat closet and touch Paw-paw's old work shirt that Gee-ah wrapped around her blouse after he died.  Tears well up in my eyes every time.  They were great grandparents and I was lucky to have them as long as I did, but the older I get the more I miss them, the more I wish I had been able to have them just a little bit longer.

Anyway, although I don't love St. Patty's Day, I took some time to remember my grandfather, spent some quality time with his daughter (who looks soooo much like him!), and had a few green beers. UK won and I was accepted into UK's Graduate Program. Plus, I didn't get pinched.  So, all in all, it was a very good day.

Ah, Life.

I waste my time getting strung out over silly little things. 

This is what I'm attempting to give up for lent.  Picking my battles, not worrying over things that won't matter tomorrow, and letting things go. 

Happy Mardi Gras (or Shrove Tuesday, whichever you prefer)!

Is "alternate" suppposed to ease the sting of rejection?

Because I don't think it really does.

But thanks anyway Vandy, I think you just made my decision a lot easier.

Home is where your Mom (Dad, or dog) is.

    I know that everyone says it (well not everyone, but lots of people) but I have been blessed with the best parents that anyone could ask for.  I have a pretty wonderful Saster and pooch, too but I'll save them for a later blog.  Lately I have been thinking about how lucky I am to have my Mom and Dad. They are pretty much the coolest parents and the older I get the more I realize this.

There is no one better to call and cry to than my Mom.  "Saint Janice" is the most understanding and caring person on the planet.  And although I know that she is always on my side, she is pretty good at pointing out the other side of a situation, even if that isn't really what I want to hear.  She is a great listener and I know she always has time for me. There is nothing more comforting than your mom, and mine is the best!

I'm pretty sure that he doesn't realize this, but I think that my Dad is one of my biggest inspirations.  He works tirelessly to give my family not only everything that they need but most everything they want.  I have been spoiled beyond belief and I know that I will never be able to repay him (I love to think about the day when I can take my parents out to dinner and drinks and pick up the tab as they have done sooo many times for me).  But besides that, my Dad is the biggest softy that I know. Although I have him to thank for my temper, he really is incredibly compassionate and so full of love for his family (and community for that matter, just ask the PHS band!).  I don't think he will ever know how much I truly look up to him.

So as individuals my parents are awesome, they are even better together.  They have the kind of relationship that most married couples envy.  They just celebrated their 30th anniversary in November and they are so obviously in love.  I am so thankful to have parents that are still happily married, and they have set such a great example for me.

Lastly, I have them to thank for my love of James Taylor (which explains the blog title) and many other soft rock classics.  I have always loved eating dinner at home to the soundtrack of Chicago or Phil Colins. 

Although I said earlier that this blog was for me, I secretly hope that somehow, someday, my parents can stumble upon this blog and know how thankful I am for their influence on my life and their never ending love and support.

                                                     And look how cute they are! :)

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time...

So, this is my first post.  I don't know why I decided to start a blog exactly.  I probably won't post very often, and when I do it will probably be because I am feeling dramatic, sad, or super happy, and that is probably okay because there will probably be no one reading it but me.  If by chance someone happens upon this blog and enjoys it, fine...but I am not doing this for followers, I am doing this for me.  With that said...here goes nothing! :)