This was me rocking and rolling around on the desert dunes after learning some extremely unsettling news about certain ruthlessness that had actually taken place.  You do what you have to do, and I decided to take my frustration out this way.  I made it back to the homestead ok but still miffed as ever.

​Why?

This is precisely how my life perspective got kicked in the pants today - by riding on the back of my Dad's motorcycle through the scenic desert-y sands of New Mexico, pitstop for fry bread at Jemez Pueblo included. And now I'm feeling all adrenaline rushed with no desire of coming back down again, because who would, right?  And I'm also left wondering...

​How have I NOT been doing this all my life???

When the earth got yanked from beneath my feet after that unexpected job loss (elimination, technically), family stepped in and invited me to escape to the southwestern desert for a total brain reboot.  So here I am after landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico yesterday afternoon.  And while I know this whole experience is the perfect zen-like place to regroup and get back into the game, I also know that stabbing feeling deep in my chest will take some time to fade away.  But at least being here is helping me achieve my goals of 1.) Not going into Hermit Mode and 2.) Moving forward and attacking my job search with a vengeance.

​Bring it.

I mean, we didn't literally tear up the tennis court, just to be clear so my tennis team and I don't get ourselves banned from playing tennis on the fitness center courts. But FIGURATIVELY my teammate and I tore it up out there like nobody's business. All kinds of things went right for us, from my serve being SPOT ON to the opposing players showing badminton-like tendencies, e.g. trying to smash the ball like a birdie instead of an actual tennis ball, two very different things weight-wise.  

​So. Fun.

What's an Empty Nester to do when a college student returns home for Easter?  Color eggs, of course.  And now the nest is looking all fancy with bright pastel-colored eggs, at least until said eggs end up in breakfasts and salads over the upcoming week.  Must enjoy this pseudo-full nest while I can, in the meantime.

Spring Break brought this peepster back to the homestead for a week, and as you can see, we are all smiles about spending some much needed family time together.  And I seriously believe this particular Koala-filtered Snap accurately reflects how thrilled we are to be back in our Saturday shopping routine, even if it is just a trip to the local Target.  (Having that added stop to Starbucks just inside the door is a definite bonus making our smiles that much brighter - must acknowledge that little perk.)

Stumbling on another piece of Alaskan sport memorabilia brought tears of happiness to my eyes as well as memories of rolling my glittery blue bowling ball down the lanes, eating greasy bowling alley food, and wearing designer jeans with my custom team bowling shirt on bitter cold weekends with my Alaskan friends.  Now that was the life, one I'll never forget - and having this fancy trophy helps to keep the memory alive.

From 4th to the beginning of 7th grade, I had the privilege of living on an Air Force Base in Alaska where I became acclimated with all kinds of fun local activities, particularly ICE SKATING, a sport that easily became a favorite.  And even though I had free/open-access to the ice skating rink at my local school, Mt. Spurr, sometimes friends and I just took the easy way out and skated on roads right outside our homes.  So after getting all "pro" with my skating skills, I soon had high hopes of making it to the Olympics where I would dazzle the judges and become the next Linda Fratianne.  Sadly, that dream never became a reality, but I had the absolute time of my life trying to make it happen.  No regrets there, whatsoever.

Perfect comfort food for a day-after-sick-day: Pasta e Fagioli, Olive Garden copycat recipe for those who'd rather pay a fraction of the cost for a whopping potful of tasty Italian zuppa, the gift that will last all. week. long. *heavenly!*