Not Just Another Birthday

I've created a bucket list. You know, a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. It was a birthday goal of mine, so please go check it out and, if you like, start thinking of your own list.
Get going! And Happy Birthday to me!

Comments From the Car

It is time for another rendition of COMMENTS FROM THE CAR. This year's installment was recorded during our trip from Cody, Wyoming, to the Oregon Coast, roughly a 16 hour trip.


*listening to "Live Like We're Dyin'" by Kris Allen*
B: You can do the Macarena to this.
K: Heeyyyyy!
*Macarena then performed by the adults in the front seats, making the teens in the back squirm uncomfortably*

B (to a very slow camper trailer): This trailer is going 30 miles per hour in a sixty-five. I could moonwalk faster than this guy.

Mare-Bear: (rummaging through the treat box): I want some Bugles.
K: You've eaten too many Sunchips. You're fine.
Mare-Bear: But they're getting crushed. We need to eat them.
K: They're fine.
Minutes later....
Mare-Bear: Can I have some Bugles now?
K: No.
Mare-Bear: Why not?
B: Because sometimes you don't get what you want right when you want it.
K: We're preparing you for life.
B: Life is not a bag of Bugles.
*adults nod and grin, pleased with our lesson*
Minutes later...
Mare-Bear: Can I please have some Bugles? They're getting crushed to bits and pieces... I have a point, you know.

SmileyB: Why did the elephant cross the road?
Chels: How?
SmileyB: Uh... let's try that again. WHY did the elephant...

If you liked these, please see this 2007 Comments From the Car post.

The Drops Add up

When I started this blog... just a little over four years ago... I called it "Glass Half Full" because that's how I naturally tried to see things, all the time. I was born with the madness and despite the best efforts of a couple of teachers, some mean kids, a few boyfriends, a college roommate or two, and hard hits from life in general as I became a real grown-up, the tendency has stuck to me like the dimple in my cheek. I like the dimple. Some genetic mishap from my dad's side caused a point in the fleshy part of my face to stay put when I smile, or when I grimace, rendering me quite harmless looking. And I like being positive about things, looking for the bright side, making the best of things.
Yes, I've had my share of eye rolls in my direction, but the glass half full thing comes in handy when my volleyball team needs a boost instead of a downer, when my teens think it's the end of the world and I have to convince them it's not, when unexpected turns bend our road of life and my husband needs reassurance to offset his perfectionism, when the world around me is collapsing, bringing me down with it. I have a tendency to fight it. Fight it hard.
So, in reflecting on this blog and past entries, and knowing I needed to catch the time to update and post after a very busy few months, I offer you a few glimpses of moments that fill my cup. Half Full, of course.

Great Grandma & Grandpa Jensen's 75th Wedding AnniversaryVisiting Great Grandma & Grandpa AngleseyMe & My SiblingsWe Can't Seem to Shake Mom

And these are just a few drops. Half Full, indeed.