I often talk about my closeness to my mother and how much I value my friends. However, two of the most important relationships in my life are the ones I have with my sisters. I have always known this. Even in those tough teen years when my elder sister was "the good one" and I was trying out the rebel or when my little sister was "responsible" and I wanted to, well, do more rebelling we were still each others' best friends. In my twenties, some of my best single years, my older sister and I were roommates for years.... More »

You know the expression "life is too short"? Ever heard of "carpe diem"? Well, I have and now I plan on living it. I am learning what I always thought I knew. Life, my friends, is for living. The legacy we leave behind is not about how many things you've bought or how pretty you looked or how successful you were in your career. The legacy we leave is in the memory of others we've touched. And, from now on, my focus is on creating them and cherishing the ones I'm given.So, after just touching down from my whirlwind tour... More »

11 days is a loooooong time to be away. Of course I miss my husband and my friends and my parents but there is someone I just need to see. Someone I need to hug and squeeze and spend some time with so badly. She, my favourite girl in the world, watched the Chelsea football match her brother and uncle attended cheering just like she was there herself. She sent kisses for the baby and read my blog regularly to stay connected. She didn't complain about not being able to come on this fabulous journey and has enjoyed her time... More »

Checking in from the UK to report on our whirlwind 3 day tour of Paris! Wow. What an adventure. We stayed with friends, celebrated their son's 12th birthday, walked, ate, traveled by boat on the Seine, learned naughty words in French, drove Paris by night, explored Versailles and much, much, more.But, for my son, one of the biggest experiences was - just like most growing boys - the FOOD.A Crepe stand in Paris. Caramel and Salted Butter Crepe. O.M.G.Cheeeeeeeeeese. My boy and I love our cheese and the Camembert was unreal. Enjoying the traditional Steak Frites at a fine restaurant in... More »

Finally the day is here! My 9-year-old son and I have been planning this trip for ages and today we are actually on our way. No more "5 more sleeps". No more packing or planning or wishing. Here it is! And we are two very lucky people. Tonight we leave my hubby and 6-year-old daughter for an 11 day adventure in London and Paris (and yes, I'm a bit nervous about leaving her for that long). We will be staying just outside of London with my little sis, her hubby, and their nearly 2-month-old squeezable baby girl. We will only... More »

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable. - Helen KellerAs most of you know, my mom has cancer. This week we found out that the cancer has spread. This news is unbearable. Impossible. There are few things in my life that I would consider more personally... More »