“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

So, I've had a rough year. Or two.

I spend a lot of time actively NOT wallowing. "Stop being sad. Start being awesome!"

A semi-friend told me the other day I'm more bitter than usual lately.

Oh. Really?

So... that statement garnered my first - and, really, only - resolution of the year.

Be more awesome. Suck less, Heather. Suck.Less.

I've resolved to come up with at LEAST one awesome thing about... whatever. Every day.

And, to go with the most obvious, but most AWESOME thing about my life....

....Awesome thing about my life #1: My kids. I was NEVER that chick that wanted to get married, settle in, and pop out some munchkins. I don't like kids, I don't like being inconvenienced, I have zero patience. So I'm lucky my kids are so great, right?!

There's really not a day that goes by that I'm not super psyched to be their mom. I'm blessed that they're smart, funny, beautiful, and (mostly) super, super good. I try to be simultaneously pretty laid back AND super strict about things. It's a tough line to balance, but... I must be doing something right, 'cause... they're pretty great. I try hard to keep them KIDS for as long as I can.... and I really appreciate that they are KIDS. They still believe in Santa, and the Tooth Fairy (even at 11!). They still want to give me a kiss goodnight.

Some of my rules? No Hannah Montana, Suite Life, or any other nonsense where kids are allowed to run amok. I am super strict about basic politeness... please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, etc. I monitor EVERYTHING they do - everything. All the time. I'm ALL over their business, and I make sure they know it. I email their teachers, I check their internet history, I stand right over them while they're playing games... They know I'm watching.

But, to balance all that... I'm always straight with them. I talk to them candidly, and respectfully. I make sure they are clear about what I expect from them. I give them heaps of responsibility and freedom. And they are - so far - thriving in that.

I don't know how I got SO lucky.