Oh man!

I'm beginning to think that the obstacles and challenges we face are really life lessons. If we open ourselves up to them and take a moment to calmly evaluate what's been going on, we can find the piece of the puzzle that makes sense in the total picture of our lives.

No, I haven't been drinking.

No, I'm not dying.

Geez. Maybe I'm just growing up. 'Gasp!'  Nah, that's not it either. But what it is, comes annually. My winter is over. It's back to reality. I've got a long hard work road ahead of me, and I better have learnt something from my vacation time.

Vacation time, is of course, a misnomer in this instance. It's been a very challenging winter coping with my mother's stroke and all that it entails. What I do know is that she is a very strong woman. And from her, and all that has faced me,  I know myself to be a very strong woman as well.  But this isn't going to turn into a feminist blog. Indeed, far from it. I need men. And, OMG, I have the best men in my life! Holy crackle am I lucky! I have certainly found that out in the last 4 months.

From my husband, to the school principal, to my boys, who all said "Go!" Go to your mom. Head straight to the hospital, we'll hold the fort down here.  To my brother who shared his house with me, and his chores, and whisky wednesdays. And all my guy friends who heard me suck and whine and still talk to me. To the buddies who bought me coffees and didn't run away when I was bawling my eyes out.

Of course, there's my dad. My awesome dad! Pitched in with hockey games and transportation and fed the kids and reminded me of why I do the things I do. And why there are things I have to do. And where my priorities have to lie.

I've learnt that shopping doesn't solve anything. Except for that one new awesome pair of (expensive!) jeans which I love, make me look ridiculously tall and totally put a smile on my face. They're worth it. Even if just for the comic value. Oh, and that pretty much all your Christmas shopping CAN be done on-line.

I've learnt that I can eat out at restaurants alone. I can get lost in a city that I grew up in. I've learnt that I still don't like to read books, but I love to write. I'm really a pretty smart cookie. (I can also make good cookies!) I see the best qualities in people and sometimes I can make them believe it too.  I worry a lot. But worrying is not a bad thing. It can show you the value of things you care about.

I've learnt that when life gets so frustrating that you feel like screaming, exercise and music does help. I've learnt that I like to punch things, but only in a socially acceptable manner. So, I've taken up boxing. I feel stronger for it. Inside and out.  And how much do I love my truck? So much! Seriously, it has never failed me and is always ready to tackle the road ahead. And did I ever spend a lot of time on the road this winter!

I've learnt that being honest and open and vulnerable is ok. It's scary. But it can be really rewarding. I've learnt how much I rely on humour. I tell jokes constantly. I love making people laugh, or LOL or hahahaha, however the format applies. Humour, well timed, can make just about anything seem palatable.

Ladies. All the lovely ladies in my life, don't be getting any penis envy here. Just because this blog gives props to the boys, doesn't mean I don't need you. Far from it!  But I DO, really have to hand it to the boys this winter. They have all really stepped up. Ok, it's time for a group hug! I love you, man! Ahem, men!