Happy Valentine's Day!

Although this February 14th finds me what you might call "Valentine-less", I am most certainly not lacking love and/or lovely aspects in my life. And though there is not a romantic interest this Valentine's Day, my life is truly over flowing with love. It is brimming with irresistible qualities, people I adore and elements of joy that fill EVERY single one of my days with affection, devotion, passion and delight.
My children--I talked to both of them today. They are my life-long Valentines. I love them SO much.
My parents--I had lunch with my mom and received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my dad.
My friends and co-workers and neighbors--An amazing and constant source of love and support and kindness and affection.
My job--I LOVE MY JOB. I look forward to going each day.
My house--it's SO me, so comfortable and beautiful...it's home.
I have to give mention to BASEBALL! It's in the air and the best is yet to come! How about all the little things I am so grateful for--my computer, my Ipod, Netflix and the fact that I mailed my taxes off today...I am filled with love for SO many things today...and everyday.
Valentine's Day without a lover is kinda like Thanksgiving Day without the main course: There is still SO much to be grateful for, still so much deliciousness, and the only thing lacking might just turn out to be a turkey anyway.
With happiness and hope on this day full of love.

Arrivederci Grandpa John...

My Grandpa John died last night. This is a picture from the last day I saw him which was about three weeks ago. He was in such good spirits that day...he kept asking when I was going to find a good Italian boyfriend! (He was 100% Italiano!)
Even though it was somewhat expected the last few weeks and even though he had lived a very full 92 years, I am so very sad tonight. I have lived within a few miles of my grandparents all of my life and would run into them at Costco or the market up until just a couple of years ago. They were part of my kids' lives too, never missing a Fuddrucker's gathering up to just last month. I can't believe I am not going to be able to stop by and say hello to him anymore. He was hilarious. Corny as hell, but hilarious.
If I know my Grandpa, I am sure he's got a crowd around him in heaven right now, he's cooked up a big Italian dinner and he's telling everyone, "Hey, I do the jokes!"
Ti Amo Grandpa John

Happy 4th Anniversary Montage montage

A special thanks to Matt Jensen (in the argyle sweater), Allison's boyfriend, who went with me! Matt showed up at my door with a bouquet of flowers and knowledge about Willie Mays. And no necklace.

In praise of my DVR and the Police and the Grammys

Yep. Thanks to the DVR I am sitting here with my bowl of cereal watching The Police sing "Roxanne" on the Grammys. Fabulous! Love the Police. Saw them many times in tiny venues in the early days. Back when they had to sing some songs twice because they only had one album.
Love the DVR. Love fast forwarding through the commercials and the Dixie Chicks. I really love John Mayer. Please vote for me to sing with him next year. "Gravity!"

Still amazing after all these years...

While reading my brand new "Sporting News Baseball" Magazine last night, I was fascinated and impressed with the number of players who are either over 40 or will celebrate their 40th birthday this year. Being in my (early) 40s as well, I find it uplifting and encouraging and, I guess, I am just kinda proud of all these guys. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, these players have all been around for a while and you're probably at least familiar with their names.(If you haven't heard of them, well, it's a sure bet that you and I aren't dating.) These guys are the true, seasoned veterans and will be a pleasure to continue to keep tabs on as they begin the '07 season:Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Kenny Rogers, Reggie Sanders, Kenny Lofton, Randy Johnson, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Jeff Kent, Luis Gonzalez, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Jeff Conine, Craig Biggio, Moises Alou, Omar Vizquel, and Woody Williams, (among others!) Honorable mention goes to Mike Piazza who will be 39 this year!
And the most impressive and inspiring player, hands down, has to be Julio Franco of the New York Mets. Julio will take the field this year at age 49. Awesome.
Gosh I love baseball...

Olivia Newton John

Today a guest came up to my desk and said, "Good Morning, Olivia!"
I just smiled and said good morning back, not wanting to correct him.
Then he said, "You look exactly like Olivia Newton John! Has anyone ever told you that?"
Yep, quite often actually. And I am flattered every time.

Yes, I have a tattoo

Two years ago this week, I got this big, giant, colorful tattoo. Why? Because I always wanted one. Because all of my sisters have one. Because I was rebelling. Maybe I was looking for something permanent in my otherwise very temporary life at the time. Just plain stupidity. There's MORE to the story, but that's most of the reasons. And let me add, it was supposed to be about 1/2 the size that it ended up being. I have loved it, hated it, forgotten about it, screamed about it, cried about it, laughed about it and showed it off. The question NOW is...should I have it removed?
I have been looking into all the different kinds of tattoo removal treatments. Painful, time consuming and unbelievably expensive and extensive treatments. Removal by laser is the most effective, but costs nearly 10 times what the original tattoo cost, PLUS it takes 3 to 6 months of weekly treatments. Sounds painful in so many ways. I found a lotion online that is applied to the tattoo daily and actually makes your skin allergic to the ink, thus causing your body to slowly secrete it. Sounds attractive, huh? I can already imagine what my clothes and sheets will look like.
Honestly, because of the location of the tattoo, I go weeks without seeing it or even thinking about it. NOBODY at work ever believes that I have a tattoo, and are shocked when I reveal the gigantic four-color body art. (I know they think I am going to show them a tiny heart or a little flower.)There are days when I see it in the mirror and just cringe! I literally yell, "Julie Hibbard, what were you thinking?"
But then, of course, there are the days when I just love it, and wish that I could get a closer look at it. And days when I hope someone sees a little bit of it at the store or in a restaurant. There are actually a few good memories attached to the tattoo including the retelling of the three painful (yet entertaining) hours at "Sid's" that February afternoon. I swear it hurt more than giving birth. I was so very happy that day, yet getting the tattoo is something I have often regretted.
Funny thing is, today was one of those days when I looked at it, and smiled, and thought...Gosh, it IS beautiful...I think I'll keep it.
And blog about it.