"Lenita, I know the plans I have for you." GOD

I got THE CALL.  The news director from WMDT 47 News called me this afternoon to offer me the position of Morning Anchor.  I accepted!
 Shortly after getting this good news, I see an alert about the bombs in Boston.  I immediately call my sister, who lives there, to make sure she was out of harms way.  She was.  I'm grateful for my good news and sad for the loss of  life and the wickedness that pervades our society.  Ironically, it's this very news that I'll be reporting.  In the midst of chaos, God was working on my behalf.  I want to feel the hurt and sadness of people doing something for fun and accomplishment and entertainment being destroyed by evil.  It's hard to digest the two simultaneously, but to do that is to really feel and convey how blessed I am.  Thank you God that my husband came home as usual (with congratulatory flowers); and that he and Grace enjoyed their after dinner puzzle time.  It's in this normalcy that I'm able to celebrate what's good and cope with, without accepting, what's bad.  I say a prayer for help in a time of need and one of gratitude. 

From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul.....

Grace had her first practice today as a Ranger!  It was just shy of organized chaos as eight 3 and 4 year old kids stood around trying to decide what they understood about the game.  The skill level ranged from kids who were literally glued to their moms legs because they were so shy, to kids who were knocking it out of the park.  Practice lasted for about 40 minutes, which was at the threshold of lingering attention spans.  The kids took turns hitting the ball off of the tee, playing in the outfield and running the bases.  It was funny and so sweet.  My support system has said I am in for ongoing ride of activity..."once it starts it doesn't stop" were her exact words. BRING IT ON!
On a different but aligned not....
I felt some kind of way last night as I looked at pictures of a close friend celebrating her birthday "party/club" style.  In that moment, I felt like I was missing out on something.  I did miss out on the celebration because I couldn't physically be there, but at a deeper level, I am okay.  My reality of T-ball practice and errands and an afternoon of potting annuals and perennials on the deck so I can enjoy them as I sip a glass of wine and listen to John Coltrane is---- not just what it is---it's my charmed life.  I'm happy for my girlfriend who was able to celebrate in grand style and I'm grateful for the life God has given me.  One isn't better than the other.  The two can co-exist to make each of us all the more grateful.  The trips are different and the celebrations are altered a bit to include kids, but the love of life is the same.  Whether it's a family dinner or an all black party with an abundance of Veuve Clicquot or Dom, we're all looking for unconditional love and acceptance in this life...of this, I am sure!

Gooooo Rangers!


EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!

(my charmed) LIFE....in MD

The sun I packed in my bag from Florida and South Carolina finally decided to stop hiding behind the cold temperatures and clouds.   Today, Mr. Golden Sun shone brightly on me and all of the Eastern Shore, as far as I can tell.  Granted, the 87 degrees, I'm told, is as unseasonably warm as the last snow and cold blast was for March.  Mother nature clearly does what she wants.  Nonetheless, we made our way to the Salisbury Zoo and park after having a family lunch at a local spot downtown.  We are finding our way!  It's supposed to cool off a bit as the week goes on, but the reminder, that the sun does shine brightly where I am, was a good one.  Thanks for the grand gesture, God!

Got my Maryland driver license yesterday!  It's official now!

Grace started school this week.  It's preschool, and it's only three days a week and only half days at that.  But, the reality is that my days as a full time Stay at Home Mom are forever changed.  Once you start school, there's no turning back...only forward movement.  She's done well, and I can only hope it's, in part, because of the preparation from mom (and dad).  Our first homework sheet was the number "7" and our second sheet was a dinosaur color by number.  We have a folder and a cubby and a cot for nap and breakfast and lunch are provided should we choose to partake.  All told, it's only been two days but this pre school endeavor, I dare say, is working out!  Thanks for the grand gesture, God! 

Started swim lessons today!  She's getting it and that's evident in each round of lessons.  Every round goes higher and higher :o)  I think the biggest fun for her was putting on the new Hello Kitty bathing suit left in her Easter basket.  Whatever works, right! 

                          EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE