So, this weekend, while doing a little "spring cleaning" I came across an old Ann Landers column I had clipped out of a newspaper back in November of 1999. (Wow - remember back in the day when we read an actual PAPER and actually took a scissors and cut stuff out of them??) In November of 1999 I had lived in the Twin Cities for one year and was most likely still feeling a bit homesick - I spent the first two years I lived here driving back to Fargo and Detroit Lakes every weekend to hang out with my dear dear friends I loved and missed so much. Thankfully, back then gas was only .79 cents a gallon when I moved here - not this ridiculous 3.92 we are paying at the pump right now! Anyway - the article was a "reprint" for Ann Landers and talked of a guy who had so much to do when his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer - dreams, promises, etc. This man lost his wife 18 months after her diagnosis and The Station held great meaning for him. I LOVE this writing as well - how true true true.
The Station is as follows -
THE STATION
By Robert J. Hastings
TUCKED AWAY in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves on a long journey that spans an entire continent. We're traveling by train and, from the windows, we drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at crossings, of cattle grazing in distant pastures, of smoke pouring from power plants, of row upon row upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of city skylines and village halls.
But uppermost in our conscious minds is our final destination--for at a certain hour and on a given day, our train will finally pull into the Station with bells ringing, flags waving, and bands playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will come true. So restlessly, we pace the aisles and count the miles, peering ahead, waiting, waiting, waiting for the Station.
"Yes, when we reach the Station, that will be it!" we promise ourselves. "When we're eighteen. . . win that promotion. . . put the last kid through college. . . buy that 450SL Mercedes-Benz. . . have a nest egg for retirement!"
From that day on we will all live happily ever after.
Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no Station in this life, no one earthly place to arrive at once and for all. The journey is the joy. The Station is an illusion--it constantly outdistances us. Yesterday's a memory, tomorrow's a dream. Yesterday belongs to a history, tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday's a fading sunset, tomorrow's a faint sunrise. Only today is there light enough to love and live.
So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.
"Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot oftener. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along. The Station will come soon enough.
________
Amazing isn't it how it couldn't be more true. It is that reason, the life must be lived as we go along part that my man finally got his car - The elusive Mustang GT.
It all actually transpired three weeks ago - (Mother's Day weekend - EEK!) but I promised not to blog about it until he had a chance to drive it up to NoDak and surprise his Dad. The only person I know who talks more about something but never goes through with it is Rob's dad! I told Rob I did not want him to be still talking about the sports car he never got thirty years from now! So, he drove it up to Grand Forks this weekend to surprise his dad with his purchase on his way to the annual golf tourney in Grafton.
And the story goes like this...after taking the kiddies to the zoo on a Saturday morning, we drove through the car lot as we do most weekends at least once. There sat this car, a shiny deep red colored Mustang GT. "Get out and take a look" I tell him - and he's out there for several minutes (we've looked at enough of these that most looks are simply drive bys now) so I hop out, check it out quick and tell him - "take it for a drive - we'll be across the street enjoying ice cream" (see I scream you scream)So, he drives it, he likes it, we go home - I tell him all the reasons he has to get the car (hertz shifter, aftermarket racing exhaust, only 5k miles on it, life's too short, etc etc) and FINALLY, he goes back to the dealership alone. (Amazing how hard it is to test drive cars with two little kids and no grandmas in town!) Seriously, how many men out there would need this much convincing to go out and buy themselves such a gift?? About 2 hours later he calls me sitting inside his shiny new car. CONGRATULATIONS ROB - You did it!! Unfortunately - he's been sick about it. He's worried about taking money away from me and the kids - has he SEEN the amount of toys, etc that we have around this place?? We "need" nothing until a trip to Disney!! True, this car is not a necessity. Suze Orman would frown upon this purchase and say DENIED...but I think life is just too damn short. What are we working for if not to fulfill our dreams? Rob's one dream in life has been to have himself a sporty car - well, you got it baby - you got it! People keep asking me what will I get for Father's Day if this is what he got for Mother's Day (and he DID offer to switch days with me by the way). The thing is - I have everything I've ever wanted. My two adorable (I can say that because they are asleep finally!) angelic children. All I've ever wanted was to be a mom and I've been granted that wish two times over. Yes, there are things I want out of life yet - but nothing that I would regret not having should my train pull into the station.
Life is too just too short.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Life is too short. Life. is. too. damn. short. It's a mantra I live by each and every day of my life and try to instill in others. One just never knows when their number is up and for that reason we have to live each day as if it were our last. Today I ask that you keep Kelly Andrews in your thoughts and prayers - I have mentioned Kelly before - she is a gal from my home town - Grafton, ND - (a non-smoker) who was diagnosed with lung cancer this past November -
Yesterday afternoon Kelly married the love of her life, Collin. And last night, just a few short short hours after being married, Kelly passed away. Please keep Collin and the rest of Kelly's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this most difficult time.
I have been inspired by Kelly's positive attitude throughout this whole ordeal and hope that you will hug your loved ones just a little bit tighter today, and in all the days to come, in honor of this remarkable woman. Peace be with you Kelly.
Yesterday afternoon Kelly married the love of her life, Collin. And last night, just a few short short hours after being married, Kelly passed away. Please keep Collin and the rest of Kelly's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this most difficult time.
I have been inspired by Kelly's positive attitude throughout this whole ordeal and hope that you will hug your loved ones just a little bit tighter today, and in all the days to come, in honor of this remarkable woman. Peace be with you Kelly.
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cancer,
thoughts and prayers
Happy Anniversary!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
today marks 4 years - four GLORIOUS years - that I have been married to my husband! Happy Anniversary to us!
I actually had to convince him that this was our FOUR year anniversary - not our THREE year anniversary! We have a little girl who will be three this fall who was not with us on our wedding day - in utero or otherwise!! (Though a baby was on my mind at the time but not his!!) Apparently time is flying by a lot quicker than he thinks it is! ~
I feel truly blessed that this guy who moved into our house in Edina as a complete stranger eight and a half years ago chose me to be his wife - I know I can be a real witch to live with ON OCCASSION and I'm thankful he puts up with me...Life would not be half of what it is, not nearly as enjoyable for me - if I didn't have him to share it with. Here's to 4 more glorious years, and four more after that, and four more after that - (yes, all with this same wonderful hubby-o-mine!) I love you Rob!
Flowering Dandy's...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Oh how I love this tiny little window of the year when our "little" tree out front looks like this!! It annoys the crap out of us 11.5 months out of the year being planted smack dab in the middle of our yard - in front of the ONLY west facing window in our entire house - but right now, for a few glorious days - the tree not only LOOKS fantastic but SMELLS fantastic too!
Cross your fingers that the winds and the rains stay at bay just a smidgeon longer so we can enjoy this beauty for a few more days! Yesterday the wind/rain had blown a some of the flowers onto the ground and poor little H - she wanted to pick them all up for me!
*sigh* if only we could.
(and DANG! Is that really our yard?? My hubby has our yard lookin' pretty darn GREAT right now if I do say so myself!)
We also discovered THIS in our yard...what's up with THAT? Have you EVER in your LIFE seen a dandy like this? Check out the difference between your "average" dandy and the whopper on this beautiful bunch!! I can't help but wonder if our dog on steriods happened to drop a load in this spot in the yard - resulting in weeds on steroids?? Jeepers Creepers!
I couldn't resist...
Saturday, May 17, 2008
I just HAD to buy these shoes - they were on clearance for heaven's sakes...
and the good news is...the little Diva loves them!! I was GOING to see if she wanted to wear them with her new green polka dot dress she wore to her great auntie's wedding this past weekend but decided not to tempt fate - she DID after all, humor me and wear not only that adorable dress - but pig tails as well! Isn't she pretty??
and the good news is...the little Diva loves them!! I was GOING to see if she wanted to wear them with her new green polka dot dress she wore to her great auntie's wedding this past weekend but decided not to tempt fate - she DID after all, humor me and wear not only that adorable dress - but pig tails as well! Isn't she pretty??
Happy Mother's Day
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day to me and to all of you beautiful moms and dads out there. I know that moms and dads each get their own special day - seems sort of silly to me really - maybe that's because I didn't get breakfast in bed or a nap in or time to work in my yard??
Anyway - It's Mother's Day and I'm a mother and it's the best job I've ever had. The toughest, the hardest, the most underpaid, blah blah blah - but it's really truly fantastic. I love my little angels (devils?) and couldn't imagine the world - MY WORLD - without them. They fill my life with more than I ever could have imagined possible. My heart hurts for all the Mamma's that aren't with their babies today and for all the babies who aren't with their Mamma's today - whatever the reason may be. Me and my babies - we had a GREAT weekend - we went to the zoo and saw the dolphin show, we ate ice cream, we played with bubbles, we cuddled and snuggled and giggled and chased. We had a great time. We are living our lives to the fullest and enjoying each other the best ways we know how. Happy Mother's Day to you and yours - xoxo DG
Jackpot!!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
So this past weekend a very lucky couple in MN won the state's largest powerball jackpot of 180 million dollars...no, it wasn't us...unfortunately...but today is one of those days where I do sort of feel like I won the lottery (again - I feel like that every once in awhile!!) True, it's not 180 million dollars but it is the Melsa Museum Adventure Pass valued at $28.00 - that's like winning the lottery for me!! (and I didn't even have to knock anyone over or shoot any dirty looks this time!) With gas prices as high as they are (today they are 3.65 a gallon here! OUCH) How much do YOU have to work to pay for your gas? It is nice to have things to do close to home that are afforable so...dolphin show it is! We certainly enjoyed ourselves watching the dolphins a few weeks ago and will this time too I'm sure.
I had big plans for this summer which included numerous mini vacations to Mackinaw, the Dells,and "home" to NoDak, but with the high price of gas...suddenly investing in one of these monstrosities for our yard doesn't seem like such a bad idea!!
I had big plans for this summer which included numerous mini vacations to Mackinaw, the Dells,and "home" to NoDak, but with the high price of gas...suddenly investing in one of these monstrosities for our yard doesn't seem like such a bad idea!!
They Crack Me Up!!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
So yeah...it hasn't exactly been "easy" having two kids not quite 15 months apart - but I wouldn't have it any other way...The two of them really truly are best friends - check out this pic taken yesterday in Walmart...We went to "test drive" bikes for Miss H. - the two of them held hands all through the store - as they often do when we are out in public. It just cracks me up! Whether they are sitting side by side in the double umbrella stroller or just taking a leisurely stroll through the garden center at Walmart - they really do look out for each other!!
Why - Just look at this pic of big sis giving little bro a hug...Don't they look happy!??! EEK!
It's the little things that count...
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Daddy (not sleeping) but taking time out to revel in the little things - cuddling with the greatest joys our hearts have ever known ~
I made some decisions today. It's something I do every day...but today I have made very important decisions. Life altering decisions. All morning I've been thinking about the fact that Little Miss H. went to daycare wearing the exact same long sleeved t and sweatshirt that she wore yesterday, (and slept in last night.) She was in no mood to take it off last night and certainly not this morning at 6 am. My hubby asked if we were going to try and change her before taking her to Lisa's - "No", I said, "it's fine". She hasn't been feeling that well this week - stuffy/runny nose, chest congestion and last night complaining of her ear and tummy hurting...something she has rarely if ever done.
If she wants to wear the same clothes as yesterday - who cares? Certainly not me. (Not anymore) I've been a little bit sad lately thinking of all of the crappy things that are going on around us. The fact of the matter is, life is too short and it most certainly isn't guaranteed. From now on I'm going to let Miss H. make a few more decisions on her own (within reason of course.) If she wants to wear that same shirt again tomorrow - provided it's still relatively clean - so be it. So the Shrek figures are mixed in with the Little People and the Little People are in the Loving Family house - oh well. If the kids want to lay in bed with Rob and I and watch "Hocapontas" just "one more time" then we will. They are only this little once and the time is flying by much much much too quickly. Where have my babies gone?? I have always tried to live my life with no regrets and now more than ever, with two little souls depending on me - it is just so important to have fun, to enjoy the little things. Each and every moment of each and every day.
Not only is the sun shining today but we have each other. That's far more than we need to survive.
I made some decisions today. It's something I do every day...but today I have made very important decisions. Life altering decisions. All morning I've been thinking about the fact that Little Miss H. went to daycare wearing the exact same long sleeved t and sweatshirt that she wore yesterday, (and slept in last night.) She was in no mood to take it off last night and certainly not this morning at 6 am. My hubby asked if we were going to try and change her before taking her to Lisa's - "No", I said, "it's fine". She hasn't been feeling that well this week - stuffy/runny nose, chest congestion and last night complaining of her ear and tummy hurting...something she has rarely if ever done.
If she wants to wear the same clothes as yesterday - who cares? Certainly not me. (Not anymore) I've been a little bit sad lately thinking of all of the crappy things that are going on around us. The fact of the matter is, life is too short and it most certainly isn't guaranteed. From now on I'm going to let Miss H. make a few more decisions on her own (within reason of course.) If she wants to wear that same shirt again tomorrow - provided it's still relatively clean - so be it. So the Shrek figures are mixed in with the Little People and the Little People are in the Loving Family house - oh well. If the kids want to lay in bed with Rob and I and watch "Hocapontas" just "one more time" then we will. They are only this little once and the time is flying by much much much too quickly. Where have my babies gone?? I have always tried to live my life with no regrets and now more than ever, with two little souls depending on me - it is just so important to have fun, to enjoy the little things. Each and every moment of each and every day.
Not only is the sun shining today but we have each other. That's far more than we need to survive.
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