The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. - Lucille Ball

I was thinking today about a few things that I know for sure. I say this because I have had a few moments of feeling like at the ripe old age of ahem... 40, I feel like there is still so much more to learn. John Cusak, an all time great actor and top 10 list maker has inspired me. So here is my list:

My top 10 things I know for sure

1. I love my husband to the point of no return. ( I married him young and as I have grown, I only love him more and more.. is that normal???)
2. I don't tell my children that I love them enough. (I have really amazing children.. considering that I was raised in a bar and their dad a hippie type lifestyle, who would have thought they even had a chance)
3. Being raised in a bar has definite advantages. (Okay, now remember when I say raised in a bar I mean more like we had to clean ashtrays, empty beer filled trash cans, scrub toilets... hence my aversion to cleaning, smoking and beer; but... I know how to end fights, start fights, fake a drunk, drink without getting drunk and how to stay away from the booze all together. Not to mention the advantage I have over my children trying to sneak booze... been there... did that!
4. My children have an advantage over me in Math and History but I can still kick their but in English and amazingly Science! Thank you Dr. Robertson at APSU! Okay so Forrest's Algebra 2 skills surpass my basic Algebra and Geometry skills on a level far superior to anything that I will probably ever be able to comprehend. However until he balances the national budget, I am still his mom and still better at English and comprehension! (yes I meant comprehension!)
5. Which leads me to spanking! Spanking can be an effective parenting tool. Forrest is over 6' tall. The first time I spanked him, it was on his hand. We were living on post at Ft. Benning, GA and he was being a defiant little shit and kept bending the aluminum shades. We all know how easy those things break and he would smile his beautiful smile and do it over and over. So I smacked him, then I told him why. Gave him some blocks to play with and went to my room to cry my eyes out! Spanking can be effective parenting. Meaning that it wakes you, the parent up, and you return to a state of consciousness.
6. Gray hair does not look like highlights! Gray hair is just gray hair. Okay maybe on some people, like Kiah and a few fortunate others, Gray hair is amazingly attractive, even on my sisters it looks great. I am not ready for gray hair. Maybe when my little sister hits 40, then I can let nature take its course. Until then.. "I'm gonna wash that gray right out of my hair!"
7. At the age of 40 you should already have a career plan. "We'll see what happens" is not a valid career plan! Yes, I have been following Kiah around the planet for 22 years, but that is not an excuse for bad planning. Try going on a job interview at 40! degree? got it, job experience... well... let's see... a little... does breastfeeding for 6 years count? Oh.. and I am hispanic, probably should capitalize that, and have a physical deformity, that might be a bit strong... but yeah... not very big on the "highly sought after" list!
8. I like going to church. I enjoy being in a community of people who can laugh at themselves, try their hardest to do the right thing, and want to raise their children getting to know and love God! It really is a good thing!
9. My dog Scooby loves me! Even if I tell him no, or don't take him on a walk, he loves me! (or at least I think so) He is always happy to see me, he comes and seeks refuge with me when he hears noises that offend him, and even though he knows I don't like his kisses, he sneaks one or two in, just to let me know I am important to him. Plus, he always shares Sully with me! Unconditional love, I don't have to have a job, take a shower, brush my teeth or buy him a new chew toy. He is happy with an ear rub!
10. I spend too much time at home! I spend too much time on the computer and I need a job!

Well, initially I thought it would have sounded allot better than it actually does written down. However, it tends to sound like I am complaining a bit.. which I am not. Or at least not intentionally.

If anyone reads this, take a few minutes, pray for our troops, pray for our families that have lost a loved one and pray for the people on the gulf coast.

Sweet Dreams!