Irony, defined

I am always reminding my boys to brush and floss their teeth. "You only get one body," I say, "You'd better take care of it."

So, how ironic that out of everyone in my family, I am the first -- and only -- to have a permanent tooth pulled (due to untreatable damage below the gumline). The hole is nearly front and center, and if I don't have the fake tooth in place, I look like I walked out of coal mining town where the Mountain Dew flows like water.

I am grateful that I could get the work done, but it's hard to feel pretty with fake teeth. Bummer.

Napkins?

The other night at dinner, one of the boys wiped his hand on his t-shirt. I said, "Dude, use your napkin." The offending teenage picked up his napkin, wiped off his t-shirt and got back to eating.

A losing battle....

It's all good....

Happy news update -- last night, apropos of nothing, my little dude (okay, he's 13 but he's still my baby) said to the Mr., "You're the best step-dad in the whole world."

Granted my son has no basis for comparison, but I don't care. Mommy is happy :)

Directionally Challenged

It just seems right and fair that as you near your middle-age years, life should start making sense. And yet, while I recognize that I know more than I used to, I'm still shocked and awed by how little I really do know.

For example, what do I want to be when I "grow up?" In theory, I am a grown up. I generally like my job. But when I talk to friends and peers about the future, we all agree that finding our passion eludes us. Perhaps Oprah and More magazine have set the bar too high. I don't want to ditch it all to start baking cupcakes or run to a small, impoverished African nation and start an NGO, but there must be something bigger - right?

And what's with acne in your 40s? I thought that was supposed to end after the awkward teen years. In between examing my face for outbreaks and wrinkles, I hear my Aunt's voice in the back of my head warning of impending chin hair.

I'm trying to go with the flow; the path is just so unclear!

Stay happy....

Cycling

Just 48 hours ago, I was cranking up the air conditioner, and today, all of the house windows are open and it's 20 degrees cooler outside. Already, a few stray leaves are changing color. Fall is upon us.

As the seasons cycle through, I find myself cycling through different moods, different levels of acceptance. Some days are great and the natural hum or the household brings me total joy. Other days are a struggle and it all feels like a fight to get it even nominally in sync. The ebb and flow of family life, I guess.

My oldest is back at college and he is missed. I've got two boys who are high school seniors so the college hunt is intense. My sophomore stepson is off to a good start this school year; I am grateful. My little dude, now in 8th grade, is picking up all of the teenage attitude that I've come to know so well.

Married life is good. Like all parts, there are highs and then those other, less-connected times. But I am lucky to have the Mr. and I'm pretty sure he still feels the same.

Until next time, flow with the seasons and choose happy.