Why, hello

I don't know what's so hard about writing, or why I don't do it. I've spent a tiny amount of time thinking about it. I've come to the conclusion that there were too many things going on that I couldn't write about that were having a big impact on my life. My mother was a big thing, and I did share about that, but I don't want this to be about her and her falls and the impact on my life. She's doing fine, btw. No more pain. As healed up as she'll ever be after breaking her femur. She's wheelchair-bound now, which means no more falls, hopefully. I ended my relationship with Rob after 3 years years together. Talk about a big decision! Rob is really a wonderful guy, and I have no regrets about the time we spent together. I just didn't see a future because of the many differences we had. We talk occasionally, and wish each other much happiness. Life at home has been, um, difficult. Thats not new. It's been better and it's been worse. I'm optimistic that one day it will be great. In the meantime, I try to practice the serenity prayer :-)

I've become the primary caregiver of my daughter's dog Sparky. Isn't he a cutie? I've never liked dogs. I never, ever, ever planned to have one. I'll admit he's grown on me. He was probably put in my life for a reason. My daughter loves him, but its the age old thing. Child promises to take care of pet/parent inherits the job. It's a good thing he's good-looking. He's in dire need of training classes.

I've joined a few Meetup groups to expand my social circle. I went to a happy hour at place that had an Eagles tribute band. They were pretty good. It was so loud that conversation with the other members was impossible. I sat in my chair and tried to look like I was having fun. I did go to each table during the break and extend my hand to each member to introduce myself. Pretty brave, huh? Everyone was very friendly, but I felt very out of place. I will go to another outing with them, but not where there's a band playing. I joined another group that a friend belongs to and RSVP'd to a potluck dinner for this past Saturday. I made cheesecake. Unfortunately I was very sick on Saturday and had to bow out. I RSVP'd with a hiking group for a newbie hike this past Thursday, but was sick for that too. I'm waiting for an event to open up for a 20 mile bike trip in June. I have a lot of training to go for that one! I love the concept for Meetup. It's not a dating site-it's a way for people with similar interests to get out and do stuff.

On February 6 my boss, mentor and friend, Mason, suddenly passed away. A month later, I'm still in shock. I'm so thankful for the 26 years we had together. He had a whole lot more living to do, and life isn't the same without him. His wife Pam has run the salon for years, and thank goodness we have her. The salon is called Mason and Friends, but it could easily be called Mason and Family. I think we're closer than ever.

I'm looking forward to spring. I'm SO over appreciating the beauty of the bare tree limbs against the sky. I want green! Leaves and flowers. I want to swim and ride my bike and kayak and hang out by the water. It's getting closer to that every day.

And that's it for now. I did it! I wrote! Ladeda!