Taking It Back

Growing up, it was rare to see my dad enjoying himself. It was always an odd moment when we all laughed together as a family. Except, EXCEPT when he would turn on the radio. Then he was usually all smiles. Huh, now I'm wondering why music wasn't ALWAYS on...

Anyway, the best? When Alicia Bridges "I Love the Night Life" came on. He would jump out of the kitchen chair and wiggle his butt back and forth with index fingers pointing in the direction of his motion. Very much like Steve Martin in the SNL Czech Brothers bits. Except I don't think Dad was performing a comedic routine. That is just the way he danced. That's still the way he dances.

Different bloodlines, but the tradition is now being passed down to Gracie. Minus the unhappy father who drinks nasty Busch beer part. Matt is always full of love, smiles and laughter and mainly sticks to mellow red wine. (Trust me, HUGE difference.)

Matt's song? Justin Timberlake "SexyBack". Yeah, I know.

So what do you do when you have a ramped up one year old who is half naked and doesn't want to go to bed? How about a dance fest?

It's a beautiful thing to have and hold memories of dancing with your daddy. Mine are clouded. Grace's will be surrounded with sunshine ray and radiant memories of dips, twirls, foot stomping, laughter and love.

The Power of Stoplights

I have a job interview this morning. I am incredibly nervous. I’m not so sure why, other than I think the job would be perfect for me. If I don’t get it, life will go on. It is no more money, just more experience, and I am desperate for experience right now.

As I neared the end of my drive into work today, my stomach started doing flip flops. The self defeating thoughts started burrowing into my head. I wanted to pull over on the side of the road and breathe before I started to cry.

Then two things happened.

My ‘beep beep’ went off on my radio to inform me that Bob Marley was here to save me with “Three Little Birds.” This is always an inherently happy thing in my world.

As I got to the refrain, I turned around (we were at a stoplight) to sing to Gracie. She turned her head, reached her hand up to touch me and gave me the most beautiful smile ever. Like she knew I needed it. And I did.

So to steal from my tweet, every little thing IS going to be OK. Thanks Bob!

Thank you Grace, for giving Mama just what I needed. Your smile can fix anything.