Life as a Nanny and cook in a foreign country

I could make up a glamorous fairy tale about the grandmother from Birmingham who travelled abroad to take a job as a nanny and cook for a wealthy family in Costa Rica, but to say it was a fairy tale is not the truth....Here I am in a beautiful condo in San Jose, Costa Rica being a nanny, a chauffeur and a cook...generally nannies don't have a lot of privileges....but i get as much time off as I want....I generally go to the gym the first thing in the morning....all of the equipment is new and there are two tv's.........I can't find the remote control so I move a weight bench to stand on to reach the top of the tv to find an english channel so that for those 45 minutes or so....I am in my own world........
Right now I am not seeing much of Maya......but Liana is adorable and it is good to get some one on one with her and those hugs and kisses sure are good. The next few days I will have some more time with Todd (just got back from a real estate symposium in Colorado), Ana and Maya......I am trying to look at my time here as a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time with my Costa Rican family.....I am sure I will come home exhausted........but sometimes sleep is highly overrated and I am fortunate to have this experience (ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I HAVE MY OWN BATHROOM, GREAT TUB AND BIG TV IN MY ROOM....YEAH....AND I FOUND CBS AND ABC.......)and again having the privilege of watching my sons as fathers and businessmen....and knowing I might have a little part of responsibility for what they have become.....they truly astonish me as I silently watch.........time to make the muffins....I hear somebody getting up.....will post more later.......

WE COULD HAVE HAD TEN MORE MINUTES......

with Nelson, a charming customer representative at Verizon Wireless had we known that when Grammie and I got to the movie theater ten minutes late, we still had to sit through at least ten more minutes of previews. Grammie picked me up early to help me drop my car off near the Galleria.......so with time on our hands, we rushed to the Verizon store for some much-needed assistance with her new phone and 'BLUETOOTH'.....la-ti-da.........Dave thought it sounded like she was in a tunnel, I thought the quality was a little tinny and Laurie heard a lot of static......well, Nelson came to the rescue......if you know Grammie, you know she likes to be thorough, and Nelson knew just what to do to satisfy her every question....and one more thing, Nelson......not to worry.....I can fix that for you......but can I just try it out, Nelson......of course you can. Grammie didn't trust herself hearing the sound, so she gave me the phone and Nelson had the bluetooth and we were having conversations within the store.....testing, testing, can you hear me, Nelson.......as comical as it was, it was also a much appreciated and rarely seen example of GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.......no rush......no pressure to buy anything else........very unusual, very rare, and very LOVELY.......Nelson could definitely be our friend.....I presumptiously asked Nelson if he spoke spanish......what possessed me to do this, I don't know, but he pointed out two other employees who were both fluent (I guess in case he thought I wanted to speak spanish).....I could see Grammie looking a little perturbed as to why I asked him.....and goodness only knows why............as we got in the car and rushed to the theater, we couldn't stop talking about Nelson and how we would always come back to this particular location when we needed service........as we waited at the theater and watched our 'chick flick' "Waitress"........our thoughts went to Nelson again and we knew even the movie was so-so, we had found a friend at Verizon who we will definitely see again.......adios

BRIEF SUMMARY OF WHAT WAS........

A WONDERFUL, UNFORGETTABLE WEEK WITH MY DAUGHTER.....LAUGHTER, TEARS, CARBOHYDRATE WITHDRAWAL, LOTS OF BURIED TREASURE TEA......WHICH I EVEN STARTED TO LIKE, EVEN LOVE AND CRAVED ON THE PLANE RIDE HOME......WATCHING PEOPLE AROUND US WHO WERE ALL HAVING THEIR 'OWN' "SPA EXPERIENCE".........their conversations (we couldn't help but overhear most of them) were fascinating.....from spa virgins like Corey and I to veterans who have been coming since "THE RANCH" as it is known to the veterans.....everyone comes from their own reason for coming......you know the cost of the spa....and it was evident to see who had been coming for quite a while (not by the way they looked, necessarily, but the way they talked)....and those who had had several experiences.....as I think back, I don't think we met one other "virgin".......interesting thought to ponder.....
How easy it was to fit into this lifestyle.....biggest decision being how much to exercise and what time do we eat? The scary thing was after the first few days it started to feel "perfectly normal"......there is no exchange of cash there....everything goes to Room 173.
The sheer indulgence of having one treatment followed by another didn't even seem unnatural.......
Although we just got home late Saturday night.....it's almost like a wonderful dream......reality hits quickly...not as much for me because I don't have to go to work.....but for Corey, I am sure it was difficult......
But don't expect to hear any whining from Corey or myself...
We know what a privilege we had to spend this incredible week together......and hope to be 'RANCH HANDS' again next year......Adios

SLEEP INTERRUPTED......(uh-oh)

After our lovely evening last night.....corey viewed the pictures I had taken and she loved them....hmmm....maybe photography could be my new hobby....haha.....anyway, Corey went to sleep.....I stayed up a little bit and then settled in with my two nasal strips and the thermacare on my neck all ready for a great night's sleep......no sleeping problems for me, but when I awoke this morning I found out that Corey had spent four hours sleeping in her makeshift bed in the closet!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hung my head low as Corey assured me that she was really relatively comfortable and slept there four solid hours and then returned to her bed..............aargh.....what do I do? Do I try three nose strips tonight or do I go in the closet?????????????
Getting ready for a day of activities.....then at 3, Corey has an ayurevedic mud wrap and treatment and I have a massage at 4 and then a facial at 7........will get some sort of exercise in before that.....I know......life is rough for this duo...
we will enjoy these treatments for all of you....
Better close now.....Corey has not mentioned "cheeseburger" yet..poor thing is starting to get sick........maybe a cheeseburger would help!!!!!
Until later...

photography 101

after a lovely dinner with Corey, I ventured out with her new camera to take some pictures......wow.....I had no real appreciation of the property until this evening......landscaping is impeccable.....fountains, statues......many places to do some "serious reflecting".......I am making a point to take advantage of the next two evenings to do some meditating......in a surrounding like this......it will be so conducive to do some soul searching and daydreaming......very spiritual and a stunning canvas for the eye to marvel.......I hope my photos will be able to show you this landscape of what I have been privileged to be a part of (aside from the vanity parts, of course...)
About to go to sleep....a big day ahead.
P.S. If Corey says she wants a cheeseburger and fries ONE MORE TIME, I am going to start to fine her......she's a PIP, and I love her dearly..

ACCORDING TO COREY...

According to Corey, the following things she knows to be true....
1. I did not snore again last night......thank goodness
2. She thinks I am definitely doing everything, including eating, walking, whatever in sloooooow motion (she might be right)
3. she believes her exhaustion level is due to the fact that her body is CRAVING FATTY FOODS...,.IT IS TRUE....WE HAVE HAD NONE......SHE SEEMS TO BE GETTING A LITTLE CRANKY ABOUT IT....AND MY LAUGHTER ABOUT HER THEORY IS NOT HELPING HER AT ALL.....
4. She doesn't think that all of the exercise that she is doing (and it IS a lot) could have anything to do with her fatigue.....she is off her regular routine which tends to make you tired.....I do recall many a weekend when she is exhausted and takes naps on Saturdays and Sundays....and it's not because of fatty food deprivation........This is just a mother's opinion......
5. She believes she is wearing plenty of sunscreen and laughs at me at the pool when I am slathered and don't even rub in my lotion....
According to me, I know the following to be true...
1. I am exercising a lot, taking jacuzzis, getting rubbed and buffed, eating very healthy (not that I am loving it)....BUT THEY DO MAKE YOU AMAZINGLY AWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE PUTTING IN YOUR MOUTH.
2. I am loving exercising in the water.....what a change for me......this afternoon I took a Burdenko deep water class....I wore a water vest and "attempted" to improve on balance and stability while falling overboard too many times..
3. I am definitely tired...but I am also tired when I eat fatty foods, but Corey rules on this one.
4. I absolutely know that I am having a wonderful time sharing this experience with my daughter and would do it again in a second.......Gary........I can't thank you enough.....I will never forget this "vanity"....

I THINK I MIGHT BE.........

atarting to get on Corey's nerves......I know i can have that affect on her sometimes.....at breakfast this morning she was hysterical about the way I was eating.....she said "It looks like you are doing everything in 'slow motion'".......I do feel in a kinder, gentler place......the only decisions of the day are "what activity to do next".....the real world will hit me soon enough....right now I am very happy in lala land.......have already gone to the gym this morning at 7:00 and now headed to another class....will report in again later....NO TREATMENTS TODAY.......DRAT........

AND THE GREAT NEWS IS........

the nose strips worked last night.....corey did not have to sleep in the closet...I doubled up on the strips and Corey only had to come jolt me ONE TIME.....and then I was perfect for the rest of the night........whew...........hope that wasn't a fluke....maybe Gary was right after all and the double strips DO WORK....didn't mean to impune your integrity, honey.....
the food today has been very good....are we just getting used to this routine or what??????? Corey had a great day of exercise...my neck started to hurt me....so I got a good orthopedic massage ntoday....the woman was wonderful...the guy I had last night was horrrrrrrible........then I had a great body treatment of scrubbing with some ancient kind of succulent root or whatever.....then got dropped into a vat of some sort of warm gel......not claustrophic at all........very cool.....corey's facial was awesome and we are now off to dinner........
We have decided that we will make the closet bed tonight JUST IN CASE......i am really getting into this whole "it's all about me" routine and it is especially meaningful sharing it with Corey........we are getting so spoiled......but you knowl...someone has to do it....until we talk again.......

what a great day!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah....it was truly a great day today.....I'm talking food-wise.....all three of our meals were not just okay.....they were GOOD and tonight's spaghetti and meat balls was excellent....small portion size but very tasty and along with our salads, and hot tea (the dining room was freeeeeeezing) and a small chocolate/raspberry tart, corey and I were all smiles....we are back in the room now and I am getting ready for my head, neck and shoulders massage and then please keep your fingers crossed that I don't snore this evening so that Corey can sleep....she does have a contingency plan in place.....we took the pillows off the couch and wrapped them in a heavy cover and placed them in the CLOSET.......for Corey's emergency bedroom.......I took a picture of the bed....'cause you wouldn't believe it unless you see it......off to my massage......the girls......

the start of a brand new day!!!!!

yeah....after Corey and I took our morning walks this morning.....we headed to breakfast with much trepidation.......but.....we had nothing to fear this morning....our breakfast was wonderful.....a little raisin bran, an egg frittata and l/2 of a grapefruit.....we are actually both stuffed........oh,, my goodness.....off to our day of classes...maybe we finally getting into the spa rhythms.......later.

uh-oh....I obviously snored last night!!!!!!!

Neither Corey nor I slept particularly well last night....I was tossing and turning all night......went to the bathroom at least 7 times and then upon,
Corey awaking this morning.....and my asking how SHE slept, she mumbled NOT WELL AT ALL.......Apparently from 9:30-11:30 and then 1:30-3:30, my snoring was so horrific, that she tried to construct a makeshift bed in the closet to avoid the "freight train" that was obviously coming from my bed......the bad news....besides the fact that she didn't sleep, was that I was wearing a non-snore nose strip.....Gary kept telling me they were working while I tried them out at home.....he was either trying not to hurt my feelings or I will have to try and wear two strips tonight.....oh, goodness.....poor Corey....you have to have a sense of humor here........oh, almost time for the 6:30 walk......will keep you informed........

A NEW DAY!!!!!!!

We both slept wonderfully last night....we did lose three hours on the trip...we start out our day at 6:30 for a two mile walk....corey goes in the faster group....very enjoyable and weather was very pleasant.....corey and I then split up....I went to an abs express class.....followed by a circuit class, a swimming class and a "core challenge"......whew.......exhausting, but fun!!! I most loved the water class and will do that everyday....Oh.....I am going too fast....I forgot about breakfast.....corey had a breakfast burrito in a whole wheat wrap.....the look on her face told me that it wasn't the best, but she did like her small fruit cup of pineapple....I had an egg white omelet and a little fruit..........you get satisfied, but really not full.....I can't quite explain it.
Now back to Corey's exercise....she took a spinning class, then went to the gym to do her running training for her upcoming triathalon and then joined me in the core challenge...........now, it's time for LUNCH...........
I had a veggie burger and a small baked potato....corey had some kind of pasta where she picked out the meat.....we both pouted a little as we left the dining room....I got to have ketchup on my veggie burger and I savored it and put some onto my baked potato....hey you gotta do what you gotta do.....
After lunch I napped for about an hour and made myself wake up for a wonderful crystal facial.....it was fabulous and a few product purchases later I was back in the room.....corey did her lap swimming this afternoon and I came home from my facial to find her in a "weakened state"....a little shaky.......we laughed hysterical as we thought about a cheeseburger and fries.....we had made early dinner reservations and we were standing in line when it opened at 5:30.......
\\What can I say....this place does not have the best cuisine.......I started with a demitasse cup of gazpacho.....corey's cup was veggie chili....she then had a slice of a sweet potato, sauteed spinach and a roll.......she said it wasn't bad....I had broiled chicken and a baked potato....we splurged on dessert....corey had a dollop of ice cream with fat free chocolate sauce and I nursed my two mini chocolate chip cookies for twenty minutes.....we are told to "savor our food" and "eat very slowly"........I'd say we did.....it took us one hour to eat those teensy morsels of food......we are sated....we are tired..
The exercise was wonderful.....we just "don't get the food part".....WE HAVE ASKED GARY TO MAIL US A CARE PACKAGE AND HE LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY.......maybe we will get used to this food deprivation.........signed up for some wonderful exercise classes tomorrow....the wonderful down beds and pillows are calling us......talk to you tomorrow.......we are taking all of you with us on this journey........laughter is the best medicine to hunger!!!!

WHAT HAVE WE DONE?

I am first writing about our day yesterday......two 2-hour flights and a 30 minute drive to the "Ranch".........our adventure begins.....
VERY OVERWHELMING..........got to eat lunch right before the kitchen closed.....I had bean chili and Corey had a whole wheat pizza with four teeny dollops of cheese on it and a few tomatoes.......aargh......I hope this is not a sign of things to come.....we give ourselves our own tour....it's hot as hell and as we go to meet with our program advisor to see what treatments we want, and begin to choose the exercise classes that we will be taking, I was in "anxiety attack mode".......I just wanted to cry....but fortunately that passed.....we chose to eat dinner at an outdoor cafe, what can I say? The portion sizes are for midgets...there is no salt on the table...no caffeinated drinks.....corey and I splurged and split a brownie the size of a large postage stamp.....we ate it very slowly and trudged back to our room.....corey took two tyelonol p.m. and we were asleep by 7:30.......oh my goodness.....is this what spa life is going to be.......we both sleep well but are a little worried about what is to come.....check in again

I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!

It's hard to believe that it is June 8 and I leave today to drive over to Corey's and tomorrow we go to Canyon Ranch Spa!!!!!!!!! We have had this date on the calendar since last November and although I was very excited then, it was and has been "just a date"........I am going through my regimen of getting organized and my suitcase is about ready to be closed.....I have put my "Canyon Ranch luggage tags" on my suitcase.....the whole idea is still very surreal to me.......I have been reading the literature that they've sent me........about creating a new journey and although every sounds so extraordinary.......until we get there and I start experiencing some of this "journey"......I must admit to you that I am "clueless" as to what to expect.
I know I will be rubbed and buffed.....and then do it again and again.....I know I am signed up for a hot stone massage and then a massage where two therapists work on you at the same time....I know I will be exposed to so many different sorts of exercise classes and experiences, but yet.....I REALLY KNOW NOTHING........
All I can tell you is what I told Gary this morning........I do realize how extraordinarily lucky I am to be given this opportunity and to share it with Corey......my boys and their wives in Costa Rica have already called me this morning to see "how "I was doing"....(Yes.......I guess they do know that I get freaked out sometimes before I go on trips of every kind!!! The secret is out!!!)
I wish I could take Grammie and Peggy with me on this trip.....that would be the only way it could be any better.....but know that everything I experience, you will be right there with me (I'll keep you informed of all that "we do and feel" and eat or don't eat........)
I feel like I am going to a monastery.....cell phones are only permitted in your room........argh!!!!
This very lucky lady is going to pack the car, run a couple errands and be on her way.........hurry and get packed....off we go.....

SOME SERIOUS THOUGHTS AND WHAT THEY DEMAND!!!!

A break from my "It's all about me" blog......I was watching the Oprah show yesterday where controversial film director, Michael Moore (infamous for his film documentaries "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 911") was on to promote the upcoming release of his new film, "SICKO".........before I go any further, let me say that Michael Moore is not known for his "tact"....he is known for raising the ire of the public while he brings up controversial issues.......he does this for a reason.....he brings media attention to some issues which frankly need media attention.....big business does not need to be sweeping these problems under the carpet....the media has no problem covering Paris, et al to an ad nauseum stage....Paris will emerge from her 24 jailhouse blues days even more of a superstar who will receive more on-air time than before.....I think Michael Moore is a hero....he has put himself under FBI investigation.....,there are hotlines for insurance companies in case anyone calls with inquiries about his movie, due to be released on June 29......He receives threats from government agencies...and why? He is exposing the "insurance companies" for their severe failures in taking care of the U.S. population......I just watched a few small trailers of the film, and I was so taken aback, I was ready to ride my bicycle to Washington and join his protest....
but immediately realized that was a bad idea for many reasons....
I am one of those "lucky" people who has insurance and who never really gives this a second thought....until I watched yesterday as seven people who 'WERE INSURED' who developed serious illnesses and were denied so many aspects of coverage that we assume that we have.......do we all read our insurance policies.....I confess "NO"...
I am glad that my awareness has been raised....did you know that the U.S. is 37th in ranking of health care to their people.........behind Costa Rica (ironic for me, isn't it?).........I look forward to seeing 'SICKO'........I want to take my head out of the sand........I have had a keen awareness of the plight of those who are uninsured......shouldn't everyone in the U.S. have a right to be insured.......insurance companies are my new target to read about.......for those who are uninsured and for those of us who may mistakenly think we are "safe" with our converage....

POSTSCRIPT (p.s.) TO MY JOURNAL

The whole big deal I made this morning about whether to cancel my hair appointment or reschedule it put me in a bit of a flurry this morning.....after working out with Blake, and then doing a 20 minute cardio at the Y, I was going to go ride my bike and a little "grammie" friend advice echoed that maybe I should skip the ride and not overdo things......I listened to the little voice, came home and had a little breakfast and was getting ready to go "back to my roots" when the phone rang....and my stylist asked to reschedule it until tomorrow morning......I was strangely relieved.....I think I will spend the day hanging around the house getting my suitcase semi-packed and maybe this afternoon, I will tread in the pool and be a little kinder to my body before I leave in four days for my "virgin" spa trip......it just shows the best plans can sometimes go astray......this might be a morning nap day........until later...

DOES VANITY GET TRUMPED BY MY LIMEY!!!!

I am not quite sure how to handle a decision that I made yesterday.......in the midst of getting organized to leave for my spa trip this weekend, I was also planning out my exercise schedule for the rest of the week.....first of all, that is totally bizarre.....I go to the gym in the morning.....what needs to be changed about that....Let me further explain.....I had an appointment this morning at 9:00 a.m. to have my hair colored (and might I say, it really needs it......the white is coming out everywhere!!!)......I knew Martha and I would be working out with Blake at 7 this morning and then a quick trip to the Y to do some cardio......which would take me close to 9:00.....sounds like I could make it, right????? Am I leaving anything out.....of course I am......MY MORNING BIKE RIDE.........dare I give up the ride this morning and get out of my newly established pattern? It will be too hot later and I am trying to stay out of the sun at peak hours or else I need to slather sun screen on to my newly exfoliated retin-a'd skin......I am trying to avoid further sun spots....not sure how to get rid of the 10,000 that I already have.....vanity is now under the category of "sun safety".......
Where was I? I got off the subject.....but now I remember.....my morning bike ride....should I sacrific it.......I gave myself the answer.....a resounding "NO WAY".....I proceeded to call my salon and cancelled my 9:00 a.m. appointment......
People might snicker when I go to the gym today and as I begin to sweat the white roots stand out even more......but I will persevere.....this journey of mine is taking me to new motivations.......I can always put on a baseball cap or use a scarf or something.......so my plans were confirmed last night....7:00 a.m. with Martha and Blake, 8:00 with Martha at the Y for some cardio and at 9:00 on the trail with Limey.........I feel at peace with that........
I guess I need to go get ready to start my day.....Gary got home late..late...late last night....it's wonderful to have him home so we can have a few days together until Corey and I leave for Arizona.....I get dinners cooked for me......we will probably do a few evening rides on the trail together.....I feel great as I see and hear his excitement over my biking adventures.......
Oh....and before I go, did I mention that I rescheduled my hair color appointment to 11:00 this morning.........I just had to do some rearranging......."vanity" is a badge that I wear proudly........

Seeing New yet Familiar Faces

That title for my blog is certainly an oxymoron......new, yet familiar......what is that all about? Let me attempt to explain.....I have now gone to the bicycle trail two days in a row at about the same time.......Many of us athletes (or should I say exercisers) are a creature of habit and like to do our workouts at the same time every day.....it maps your day for you.....anyway, I am seeing familiar faces at the bike trail.....no bikers that I can recognize, because we pass each other too quickly (I do a great death grip on the handlebars when I see another bike coming)....but I am recognizing some walkers and we have already begun to smile and say "good morning"....I not only say "good morning".....I also ring my bell....I have mentioned that I have a bell on my limey, have I not? well, anyway, I do....and now when certain bikers ride by (those who are riding slow, very slow), we ring our bells at one another.....now if that is not a good reason for going bike riding, I don't know what is.....I put a smile on my face and enjoy the breeze and acknowledge that I am one lucky lady for being able to do all these activities....both financially and physically......I actually started leaning into the turns a bit today......one step at a time.......this new found "exercise out of the box" has also allowed me to smile at different people at the gym and acknowledge their performance on whatever they are doing.....this little wallflower might turn out to be a social butterfly.......I'll keep you informed........5 more days until Corey and I go to Canyon Ranch.....yeah!!!!

WHERE IS THIS ENERGY COMING FROM.......

I don't know how to explain it. I am in no special sort of training for anything specific......actually Martha, my workout partner left town Friday afternoon, so she wasn't there to push me on........I went to the gym yesterday and did more than an hour of cardio and really pushed myself on resistance and incline.....then I picked up my bike.....my new lime bike is wonderful......I had an odometer put on it and a water bottle holder......got a great looking gray helmet........did not purchase any biking clothes (yet).......and of course my limey has a lime bell ringer......
This morning I went to the gym to meet Blake....I was early so I put in 20 minutes on the elliptical before he came....then did a good chest, back and interval workout, then went to the Y and did 80 minutes of cardio and then to the bike trail where I rode 7 miles.....I would have gone longer....but my quads were starting to talk to me......I really have a lot of energy left....but am forcing myself to stay home this afternoon......
as I try and analyze this...I have a few ideas of what's going on here.....first I have come to the realization (and it might be false) that my wrist is not going to get any better than it is now....I go through pain-free periods and then it hits me again......nothing horrible...but certainly uncomfortable.....maybe I am seeing what my body is capable of doing in some new and different ways....and that is enabling me to be so energetic......my bike riding is definitely addicting....and I hope to get some of my friends....Laurie and Carol...to get a bike too so that I can share this new adventure with them......If they are reading this....take the hint, girlies.
I am also aware that I am taking in less sugar......my cookie binges have disasppeared and been replaced by an occasional extra Weight Watcher ice cream bar.....maybe my diet is better.....aside from my watching my portion control.....
Oh.....I just thought of something.....yes, this is definitely the answer....what was I thinking...or should I say, not thinking!!!!
Corey and I are leaving for Canyon Ranch Spa this Saturday for a full week of any type of exercise possible.....instructional or not......private lessons or group...hiking, biking, yoga, pilates, water aerobics, meditation, great food...not to mention all of the spa treatments that we get to take advantage of....the spa lady called and advised me I had signed up for too many "exfoliiation" treatments...and I needed to add some restoring treatments.....whatever they want to do to me is fine.I'm always ready to be rubbed and buffed........I am getting so excited......I have been wanting to do this for the past twenty years.....and I really couldn't justify spending the money....and now to do it with my daughter, Corey.....it doesn't get better....we are both very fortunate........she can hardly speak...she is so excited and doesn't know how she is going to work for five days....but she'll find a way......
You know I have a new theory as to where my energy is coming from.......there's a lot of love going on in my family.....I am blessed to have so many people who care about me and who love me unconditionally!!!!!! I'll let you know when I crash later and have to take a nap.......don't snicker....naps are good for you.......until we meet again........

IF I ONLY HAD A MAGIC WAND.........

If I only had a magic wand, I think I might be a little cheerier this dismal Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. Weekends without Gary are always hard, and this one is shaping up to be no different.......I was planning on some good bicycle rides this weekend, but as of yesterday, my new bike, the trek limee, has not come in yet.....the air outside is anything less than amenable for a long walk, a bike ride or even a swimming session......the forecast is grim.....a little sun, maybe....a lot overcast.....probably......and a small chance of a little rain....minimal.....it would truly be a great day for a downpour....it would force me to stay inside and address some cleaning issues in my house which never seem to go away......but as long as there is a chance of doing one of my more "exciting" activities, I won't break out the mop, the swiffer, or the duster for the shutters.......if only I could just see my two lovies, Maya and Liana, just for a quick lunch and then over to Overton Park.....if only I could wave my wand and make all of my children better....(all are under the weather with different maladies....all minor, but as a mother, I know my presence would make them better (who am I kidding?).....if the paper delivery would be earlier on Saturday, I could be doing my crossword puzzle.
Gratefully, I have learned that there is no such thing as a magic wand......luckily, my wishes are real, yet highly trivial.....my day will be fine.....I will exercise, do a little cleaning and revel in the fact that a week from today Corey and I are going to Canyon Ranch Spa for a glorious week........
If only I had a magic wand, I would take all of you with me.......