Somethin' about nothin'

When I was young I did not have the a-typical view of what my life would be like when I grew up. My sister would describe a beautiful house, family, flowers, a perfect yard, and then go into great detail about what her home would look like inside and out.  Sometimes the color combinations were questionable at best, but we were young and my sister's image of her ideal home matured as she did.  I on the other hand had a much different vision. Sure, I dreamed of my home having flowers, green grass, and being beautiful inside and out...but my flowers were being tended to by the grounds keeper, the green grass was at the local park, and the beauty inside and out was from the building staff polishing the floors and walls until it sparkled.  At my front door was a doorman. He had a sharp, crisp suit and a smile to greet me. This is what I had always visioned.

Yes, my dream home was a high-rise, smack dab in the middle of a large city. I could almost feel the hustle and bustle of this city in my day dreams. What I didn't understand then, but do now, is what the draw was....and I'll tell you, it's the vibe. I love the way a big city feels, the way it moves. Each neighborhood has it own story to tell, and the people...oh, the people.

I'm lucky enough to live with my family in the San Francisco area. A big city different from all others, and one of the most naturally beautiful areas on the West Coast. Sure, every big city has it's ugly side, and let's not forget the traffic. I spent the day up in the Sacramento area for work, and what should have been a 2 hr commute home was almost 4 hours. My dear mom worries about how much time I spend in my car and is baffled as to how I could enjoy spending at times up to 7-8 hrs alone just driving. The answer is two fold.
1 - I enjoy being out and meeting new people, and I find the drive relaxing (yes, even in traffic)
2 - It's the view. It's beautiful in every direction.  (okay, so that was more like 2 1/2)

When I drove over the Bay Bridge today, the sun was shining over San Francisco. Just beyond the tall buildings was the thick marine layer moving in. The Golden Gate Bridge had already been engulfed and it was only a matter of time until the thick blanket would cover the entire city. Couple that with sailboats out on the glistening bay, and the sun starting to set, forming a colorful backdrop to the skyline. We do not have a doorman, but when I see that, I know I'm heading home.

I just can't help myself on this one. We've all seen the "work from home" adds that range from licking envelopes to becoming the next multi-millionaire. It's my humble opinion that 98% of these are scams, and that the remaining few are actually small business owners trying to make an honest buck. Okay, off the high-horse.

While browsing through some other blog postings I came across one of these work from home adds. Now, I will say that I have not done any research as to the validity of this type of site. For those who are curious, please take the time to do so.

The add I'm referring to is one convincing me that I too can have my own online adult store. Now, for those of you who know my family personally, can you just picture this conversation: "Hey Mom, work sent some samples home."  I believe she would then proceed to have a heart attack (sorry mom). But seriously folks...I have the devil on one shoulder telling me that I should do it just for the sheer humor value, not to mention the whirlwind of reactions from those near and dear to me (this would be the trouble maker in me), and the angel on the other shoulder is reminding me to think of my family and daughter (there are times when I'd like to squash this side).

I believe the Vicodin from my recent root canal is having an influence over any rational thought, and is helping to create a sitcom like comedy in my head around this topic. I mean really, can you picture it? I'm still laughing...

I have a 16 year old daughter who has just started her senior year in high school. Wow! I'm old...or so she tells me. Every time I see her a mental image of a carefree little girl with pig tails and a light sprinkling of freckles on her nose creeps in, as if part of a dream. She can see this process unfold in front of her, and with a roll of her eyes, she gently reminds me that she's no longer 5 years old. It seems like such a short time ago, a summer full of t-ball, uniforms, parades, team pictures, the smell of popcorn and sunflower seeds. She was the only girl on the team, and a full head taller than all of the boys. That didn't matter though, because boys at that age still follow instructions when being bossed around by a cute little blond.

As she grew older, her interest in sports, or anything extracurricular faded. The mere thought of doing something outside of going to the mall or hanging with her friends was an insult to her version of cool. The thought of the future was also very intimidating. She thought that because she did not know what she wanted yet, like several of her other friends, that she would be judged. Any discussion about her future and goals was painful at best, and she behaved as if it were a personal attack. She was not ready, and so we waited.

Now here we are. It's her senior year. She has just landed her first job (pizza), and was made President of a business (a non-profit run by her fashion class). She's going to be very busy and she's looking forward to every minute. I couldn't be more proud, and I know that she'll be great. Why do I believe that? Of course my opinion is not unbiased, but she's also getting involved in something she enjoys. She will be mentoring and leading others, and at times she will have to fill in where others are not able to do the task at hand. For years, when asked what she wanted to be when she grows up, her response was President. I'm sure that this is not the "President" that she had in mind way back when, but that's okay. We all have to start somewhere.