Paula’s Playground

So, I’ve been on hiatus for a few months. Sometimes life is hard work and frivolous things (like a blog) take a backseat. Even though I don’t blog about my kids, rest assured they are filling every minute of my days with joy and drama.  With three teens in my home, that’s a lot of drama. Add to that a business, a marriage on-the-rocks, a few pets, and extended family and you get the idea.

I’ve been in a somewhat contemplative mood as well, with a milestone birthday coming up in a few months. I’ll be celebrating 40 years of me.

At this time of year, twenty years ago, I met the man I would marry, and have six beautiful kids with. The oldest just turned 17, and the youngest will turn 4 next month.  Its been a wild ride.

When my future husband met me at the library of the university we both attended, I was a quirky 19-year-old kid. On our first date I was wearing tight black pants, a ‘Property of Alcatraz’ sweatshirt, and black converse sneakers with Disney characters on them.

The other day we were eating lunch together — a ‘date’ as part of our plan of recommitting to each other and saving our marriage — and he said that I hadn’t really changed at all in twenty years. I was worried he meant  maturity level, but he said he meant looks and personality. I blushed and thanked him, but reminded him I definitley dress more like a mom now. He smiled and pointed down at my shoes. Black converse sneakers. Only this pair had Kurt Cobain lyrics written on them.

And now, in the hopes of recommitting to this blog, I’m launching a few new features to get me back into my blogging as therapy. One of the things that got me through my teen/young adult years was what was termed “new Wave” music back in the 80s and 90s. My love for that sound continues strongly today. Every Monday I’ll post a favorite new wave style song. Most will be old stuff, but I’ll find some new things too. The feature will be called “Blue Mondays.” And the very first video could only be one of my favorite new wave songs ever. ‘Blue Monday’ by New Order. This song came out in 1988, the same year my life would start down the path that led me to where I am now. I used to tear up the dance floor to this song, and It still moves me to do so today. Even at 40.

“You are never a burden.. don’t ever think that. Friends need each other to pick them up when they are down and I would do nothing less. ” — Dawn Drover ~ Twisted Sister

A Million Dollar Friend is the kind of person who instinctively knows what it means to be a good friend; this kind of person makes you look forward to the days ahead and fondly remember the days that have passed. A Nice Place In The Sun

I’m honored to receive the very cute Million Dollar Friend award from its creator, Annie from A Nice Place In The Sun. Our friendship has had some bumps and obstacles, and we went through some really crazy stuff. I’m glad I took the time to really get to know her despite all that, and I’m even happier that she still wanted to get to know me too. Ann is a really cool lady and one day I’d love to give her a hug, just because.

Now, I’m supposed to give this award to people I consider “Million Dollar Friends.” I have people that aren’t online or in the blogging world that I would certainly want to give this award to, and close friends I’ve made in other forums such as LiveJournal (LJ) and BookCrossing (BC), but I’ll just have to tell them myself as I can’t link to them here. I’m blessed that I do have a few names from the blogosphere that I truly do consider a million dollar friend to me.

• Linda at Raven’s Range — Linda is one of those LJ/BC friends that happens to have a blogging empire of her own. We’ve known each other for several years now and she has always stuck by me. When I went through a very dark time, she was always quietly there, saying the right things and letting me know she cared. I truly love this woman and always will.
• Nancy at Words and Pictures from a Fancy Horse — Fancy is another LJ/BC friend that I’ve known for some time. Like Linda, she has always stayed close to me, sending little bits of love and support. She is a beautiful and non-judgmental lady that I am proud to call a friend!
• Robin at The Spirit Knows Best — Robin is a new friend that is such a supportive and caring person. She really cares about people and she’ll reach out when no one else will. She is one-of-a-kind!
• Zubli at A Total Blog — Zubli adopted me as his little blog sister some time ago and he still makes me laugh with his funny blog comments and MyBlogLog messages. He sparkles! I like never knowing what is going to happen next with this guy.
• Mike at Things By Mike — I adopted Mike as my little blog brother after I discovered him when I stumbled on his amazing and original blo comic strip, Gummy the Lovesick Alien. Mike and I may not talk for months and we both seem to get blog burnout at the same time, but I always feel better knowing people like him are out there in the world. A truly class act this guy, and talented too!
• Bobby at Revellian Dot Com — Bobby is really special to me. He’s a very sweet, funny and amazing guy that happens to suffer from bouts of depression (just like me). If you are lucky enough to have Bobby as a friend, you don’t need a million dollars! He is very loyal and generous to his pals.

And now in my typical googly-eyed girl fashion, I leave you with a little song. Dance amongst yourselves..

How To Be A Millionaire ~ ABC (1985)