WOW! Update time!!

Howdy there! 
I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted anything.  I have been busy and new things and people are in my life... Not only is my job new, I feel like a new person.

To start, with my new job, I also cut my hair off.  I went from lovely ponytails to spiky hair in one cut. It has been an adjustment!  Side note: I am now growing out my hair as I just miss it too much.

I grew braver and I put myself out there.  I started dating again.  I went on a few dates that I thought were great... some that were okay and some that were "just get me out of here".  I have met a few men that I enjoyed time that I spent with, and a couple have become friends.  One has caught my attention long term, and I am now spending a lot of time with him and his adorable children.

Having children, age 17, 13 and 8 in your life is interesting.  The 17 year old is now living in a different province, and he is missed.  The 13 year old and I have have a few things in common and one is cooking.  He wants to be an Italian Chef and enjoys Italian food outings with me. I always tease him that once he is done becoming a red seal chef, that he and I are going to run off to Italy together to eat food, drink great wine and grow fat! I think he sees the humor in it all.  Little Missy is 8 and loves to swim.  We go swimming at least 3 out of 4 weekends! She is a princess and sure knows how to act like one! :)  Just when you think and resign yourself to not being a parent, life throws you a new plan.  I enjoy spending time together as a 'family".  We aren't quite there yet, however, we are making our way there.

You will all be interested in the guy.  He's an amazing man.  He gives his heart and all he has to his children.  He has included me into his busy and hectic life, making time for us to be alone together as well as with his kids.  He is 5 yrs older than me, is mature for his age, and yet can have fun. He is cute: taller than me (which isn't hard but I appreciate it), dirty blond hair, a goatee which I love, and is built.  Like a brick house. His hugs send me to the moon and I experience pure joy at his kiss.  I have never experienced such a balanced relationship in my life, a true give and take. A true love affair.

How's the new job? It's going great! I have had a lot of extra responsibility added to me over the past 5 or 6 months, which is fine with me.  I am hosting my first learning opportunity for my co-workers, as the billing expert.  I have grown so much in this area... learning tricks of the trade and all.  I have made some very valuable connections that I appreciate every day.  I love having clinic days, days when we  (my cardiologist and I) see patients all day.  I love being with my patients, using my skills and feeling useful.  I am learning to love the reception duties, however, I just hate making the mistakes that cause everyone so much trouble.

Book reviews.... They are coming, as I am constantly reading.  My new guy reads with me, and there is nothing like cuddling together while lost in our own books.  He does read what I suggest, which is a nice turn.

Well, that's part of the new me in a nutshell.  Time to run off and be a "step mom in training".

Life is what you make it.. get out there and just do it!

Book Review: French Romance Cooking Class by Beth Mathison

Short Story Review:

French Romance Cooking Class:

A Young at Heart Story

By Beth Mathison

Untreed Reads

This short story is a quick read that is well written.  You feel like you are a part of the cooking class as an observer.

There are three couples in the story, a newlywed couple,  a couple in their twilight years and our main characters, Frannie and David, who are in the middle.  The story takes place at a French Cooking Class, where the Chef teaches how to cook a three course meal while teaching about love.  I love who the author threads insight from the newlyweds and from the older couple, teaching Frannie and David about love throughout the class. 

Throughout the class, our main couple struggles through the class: no wanting to touch or eat oysters, getting behind in the soup and duck courses and floundering through the potatoes; however, they do it together and with each other’s help.  This is a couple that does everything together and loves it all.

This is a cute and quick read, at 14 pages.  It can be read quickly in a commuter ride and leave you feeling good.  I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys chick lit, as it is a romance without all the details of a sex life.  It would be safe for preteens to read as well.

Well written, well enjoyed!  I can only wish that this was longer as I enjoyed it so much!

5 stars!

Groovy Kind of Love

It's May. In the past seven or eight years in my life, this means that I have lost or about to loose a loved one. Between March thru May, I always cringe when the phone rings late at night or early in the morning.

Last year, I was invited to be the voice of a client who was dying. He chose me to be his agent. He also met his long lost brother... Who never left his side. We were as close as a client / staff member could be, and this helped me to know and understand what his wishes were. When he passed, I had a sense that it happened, as I couldn't sleep. He is missed and he is remembered.

This May, I have that pleasure again. J and I went up to hospice to visit R on Monday. It was a hard visit as R wasn't able to communicate like he once did- he was famous for teasing me and making me laugh. I was able to keep it together until we left his room... I cried in the lounge prior to coming home.

Why do I do this? I am chosen, and this is a privilege. The clients loved me and I love them back.  There is a trust there that allows them to choose me.  I know their wishes and they trust me to follow through on them.

Last night (Wednesday), the hospice called my place of work... R wasn't going to make the night. I was sent up to be with R as he passed.  It was a hard thing to do, however, I was well supported and in turn I was able to share this support with R.  When it came time for him to exhale for the last time, I was there, letting him know how special he was, how much love we shared and how he will never be forgotten.  I have an amazing team that I work with- I was checked on and hugged by every single one upon my return. The people that I had to get in touch with- coworkers who also knew and loved R- were so supportive and loving.  I love that kind of love.

This is a journey of the soul.  I never knew that I could be so strong, so full of love for the ones who chose me to be there.  I know that I am loved.... by my Higher Power, by my J, my family, friends, framily,co-workers and my clients... and this helps me give what I love get away.

Groovy Kind of Love- the love that is chosen to be given away.  Share that love today!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsC_SARyPzk  The offical music video for the song by Phil Collins.