Desert Magnolia

Many years ago, when my life became more complicated than I thought it would ever be, I started making lists. They provided a way to organize, to create a visual reminder and to help stay on track. Distractions are par for the course; having a To Do list means a second thought often occurs before serious veering takes place. These lists have, through the years, undergone changes in form. When I was the road warrior professional, I kept everything electronically, either in some calendar (that then produced my coveted lists for me), or some format that was all the techno rage at that particular point in time. I also carried a BlackBerry for many years because a: it was a good tool and b: I was expected to be in touch, 24/7, and up to speed, always. Onward. The lists became more and more complicated. I worked for a development company for a bit (a short bit - it sucked for reasons I'll spare you right now but I'm still trying to regain the piece of my soul that was consum

Anyone who's ridden the Grey's Anatomy emotional roller coaster knows that curve balls are part of the formula. They love shocking us, and we love being shocked. If we didn't, we wouldn't keep going back season after season, right? I mean who among us isn't still mourning Lexie and McSteamy?? Last night, though, that one felt like a gut punch, one you didn't get to brace for. Well done, Shonda, well done. And yes, I'll go back for more. I always do.

The last week has been incredible. Daughter and her BF were home, and we got to spend time cooking and catching up and laughing and just being in the same space for a few days. It was fabulous. I am ...feeling full of Mama love, of commitment for my big goal, of belief in the future, overall. But the present, the present is awesome, too. Last night, very late, we put sweet girl and her BF on a plane for NYC. And now they are back to their lives in that very busy place, finding their way and defining their next steps as they do so. Today I regroup, connect with some clients, have lunch with the Granny Brigade, then dive into books. First final exam is tomorrow. Huge quiz follows, the next day. Next week, four big finals..big, hard, ugly, dense, finals. Am I ready yet? Nope. Will I be ready when the time comes? I'll do my best. Happy Spring! Stevie