February 5, 2009

Happy Thursday

What a week. I went from dragging ass across my death bed to laryngitis and sounding like a raspy, dirty old man to laughing so fully and hard I couldn't stop the tears. And it's not even the weekend yet! That fast and furious kind of a roller coaster ride reminds me how alive I am, right now. Of course, I'd much rather do without the sicko histrionics, but swinging that pendulum from "just shoot me now" misery to "no, don't stop!" exhilaration kind of puts things into perspective. Pardon my Pollyanna, but sometimes you're so damn grateful to be alive and well, the little things that might otherwise set you off just don't matter.

It helps that last night I spent a couple hours with four of my most favorite friends on the planet -- collectively and affectionately known as the Hoo-Ha's. I look forward to our Hoo-Ha Happy Hours and gatherings from the time one ends until we see each other again. We've been together for over ten years -- through marriages, affairs, childbirths, deaths, and divorce -- and I imagine we'll still be sipping our drinks, telling closely held secrets, and laughing irreverently when talk of kiddos and empty nests, facelifts and wrinkles, men and sex are no longer our obsessions. Well, we may never quit obsessing about men or sex.

It helps that today I talked to my mom. Nothing major going on, but the sound of her voice from so far away makes me feel good and reminds me that I am loved in a way that no one else on earth has ever or will ever love me. Hearing Dad shout "I love you, Mimi!" in the background was just cream cheese icing on top of that deliciously rich family cake that only tastes better as the flavors age.

It helps that tonight my two nanaboys were only too happy to walk briskly with me around the 'hood, skipping along beside me in their black and blue Ba Ki Do uniforms and making small talk about their day. Sometimes a lot more can be heard in the quiet ramblings of children when their parents aren't around, but someone else whom they trust a whole lot is.

It helps that my two oldest daughters were with me to share dinner and conversation and to watch our fave Grey's Anatomy. Being together with a common purpose -- McDreamy and McSteamy -- makes for a great girls' night in. That my daughters like me a whole lot more now than they did as teenagers (and vice versa) gives me hope that we'll always be close-knit like the family I had growing up.

And it helps that I got in a good workout, hacked out this oh-so-goddamn-rosy blog post, and look forward to lunch with a dear writer buddy tomorrow -- which is, by the way, FRIDAY. On my bed lies a curled up calico kitten who, when not scratching the hell out of my arms, thinks I'm a pretty cozy and safe place to hang out. I don't want to disappoint her, so g'night, y'all.

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15 comments:

Lori said...

Glad you are feeling better and that you have been having some special moments with those you love. Love the name for your group...Hoo-ha's...sounds like so much fun! And there is always something to say about men and sex...lol!

Anonymous said...

You are one lucky lady, indeed!

Debbie said...

That is what I a hoping for - that the closeness and sharing I have will my kids will last throughout life.

Anonymous said...

So much ill health going around bloggy land lately. Makes us all wish for springtime to get here. Glad you feel better, and there's nothing like family to perk you up.

DI
The Blue Ridge Gal

Frank said...

It has been a rollercoaster week. Unfortunately for me, the pinnacle was listening to the worst talk ever at a funeral. Who accuses the deceased of murder as part of the eulogy???

You are very fortunate to still have your parents. Mine left far too soon. I guess that means by legal definition, I am an orphan, and available for adoption. That is if your parents are interested in an over 40, bank auditor, that likes to play with wood. No, not that kind of wood… I mean walnut, cherry, or oak.

Vic said...

Glad you're back with the living!! Your post about the cat dishes and the gymnastics was truly memorable (probably not something you'll forget either!)
My son just came and hugged me around the neck and went back to his cartoons. Not a bad way to start a Friday.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that my phone call could perk you up. Moms don't rest well when their children are sick, even if it is just a bad case of the flu and we wait to hear some acknowledgement of "feeling better". I have to tell you there is just nothing....absolutely nothing....that can top having special family closeness...my family is extra-special to me. The loss of my youngest will never, ever leave me...but fortunately, I have some special memories and it has only served to make me love and cherish those special children that are still here with me. You are my first-born.. and will always have a "special" place in my heart. Mom

Pseudo said...

Glad that you are feeling better. Have a great weekend.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

It's great that you're feeling good again and even better that you're feeling so great! This post made me smile all the way thru. Thanks, I needed it. ***muaahh***

PS. Don't go to my place today. Trust me.

nikkicrumpet said...

Sometimes it's the little things that really are the "big things" in life. I'm glad your little things are happy ones.

Stepping said...

Your Mom's post was so precious. I wish I had that kind of relationship with my Mom while she was alive. You are so fortunate. Treasure all these special times and tuck them away in your heart. They will serve you well for years to come. Glad you are back among the living.

Anonymous said...

Ditto all the nice stuff everyone else said and now I gotta ask a question. Is that little bitty thang in that group of hoo-ha's, you?

I hate you. *wink*

p.s. Hoo ha's make me laugh.

Julie D said...

Good for you! I need some good times like that...

Oh, and I love your hoo-has. Oh wait, that didn't sound right...

Fragrant Liar said...

Yeah, that's me -- the itty bitty thang -- in the pic back when my hair was super short. All my friends were in heels and I was the only one in flats, so I look like I've shrunk between them. :) But those are the Hoo-Has!

I love you, Ma.

foxy said...

LONG LIVE THE HOOHA'S!! :)

I love our group - wouldn't trade it for the world. I look a little like Princess HooHa with the tiara in that photo... ha.

Hope you finally feel a little better, missy!!