Sage Advice

About a year and a half ago, and old man with a cane walking out of an Olive Garden after an early bird dinner gave me a piece of solid gold advice I've never forgotten. I've tucked away this nugget for all of these months, and endured a fair amount of scoffing from those who are close to me in order to remain steadfast to carry it out in good time. Tonight was the night, and it was such good advice that I wish I could go find the man and vigorously shake his hand. I'd go to the Olive Garden; I'd search Orland Park metropolitan area if it made any sense at all.

I can't do that. All I can do is pass it on, spread the joy, and encourage the experience like that man did for me. What I'm saying is, see The Bucket List. See it. This time next week you'll be calling, saying, "Where was the Olive Garden where you found that old man? How do I get there from 94?"

How I know my parents are A-Okay

My parents are in the first two years of an empty nest. Since all of us girls are so far away, I worry about them sometimes. I've stopped worrying.

Saturday was my first bridal shower. It was all family, hosted by my dear aunts on my mom's side. It was so touching and fantastic, and there were many moments that made me well up a bit. My mom wasn't there of course, and she was the only missing part.

So she calls on Sunday, and I'm ready to spill about the great family time and to thank her for the tear-jerking toast she had Deborah read. Instead she says, "Okay, well, I just wanted to call and say we're at the Folk Music Fest downtown, and we're listening to a guy sing a song called Guacamole! Ha ha! He's all 'Ay yay yay Gua-ca-mol-ay!' Ha ha! We thought you would like that. Okay bye!"

I did like that, by the way. :)