Thinking about...

Stealing blogging ideas from other sources.

Last tutoring session of the schoolyear was this week, so my subpar chemistry knowledge will be put on hold for the summer (but isn't my student the cutest thing you've ever seen?).
Sometimes I voluntarily practice the piano for an hour and then I want to call my mom because when did that ever happen?
Have you been watching Sherlock? If not, do yourself a favor and watch the first season (three episodes) on Netflix streaming. Then watch the second season on PBS.org. Or just buy the DVDs. You won't be sorry. Remember how I told you to watch Downton Abbey? I didn't lead you astray with that one, did I?
Humidity levels less than 90% would be a welcome change right now.  New life plan: write a wildly successful young adult novel and use the profits to open a bakery.

Wanda.

I think we can all agree that this is one bodacious woman, right?
Several weeks ago I was having trouble making a decision. (To be honest, I have trouble making decisions on a daily basis, which is why I can frequently be found in the aisles of Duane Reade staring at a different face wash in each hand for the better part of 10 minutes. But this one was a little more significant.) I'd talked to my sister and a few friends about it and they all gave the same excited input, but for whatever reason I was still unsure. I wanted another perspective and I knew who I needed to talk to to get it. When I called my mom and explained the situation, she laughed, "So you called me because I'm a stick-in-the-mud?"

She proceeded to do what she does best; her advice was rational, supportive, measured and loving. As much as I had appreciated the enthusiasm I'd gotten from others, the discussion with my mom gave me the courage to make a decision. And even though the situation didn't turn out as I'd hoped, it did turn out for the best, and I know I did the right thing.

Mom, thanks for being the person I know I can count on to keep me on track. Thanks for setting an example that challenges me to be better with your tireless love of learning, your compassion and service, and your energy to travel and exercise and throw dinner parties, all while aging like a fox.  You may think you're a stick-in-the-mud, but I just consider you my anchor.

I like Colorado.

Here are some reasons why:



Cash incentives (and ego boosts).



Birthday brunches, complete with Sarah blowing out the candle on the traditional birthday pancake (and then devouring the traditional birthday breakfast burrito).



Walks in the sunshine with mini-me.



Spectating in the shade with the puppy.



Being the best babysitter of all time (I messaged this picture to Sarah while they were out to dinner).



Dress-ups.



Roastin' peeps.

Some honorable mentions (not pictured): going running at Red Rocks and not suffering a pulmonary embolism, a James McAvoy appreciation session with a good friend, dear sweet cousins forgiving me for not visiting (right?), and the long-awaited return of Sherlock. It was a fantastic weekend! And really, anytime you can say, "I feel outstanding about everything I've eaten today," you've pretty much won at life.