Allison

Allison is the type of person who writes a blog about the people she loves on their birthdays. She's also the type of person who doesn't expect to read about herself today.
Allison, just about every other person who knows her, calls her Allie. But when she was in the fifth grade I heard her finally lose it on someone who couldn't spell her name. "It's ALL-IS-ON, it's not that hard." I remember it often and giggle to myself. I've used her full name ever since. Besides no one else calls her that. It's special. It's twenty years of still being able to smell that day, special.
Allison is the kind of person who calls to check on you when you are down and out. Regardless of what life may be handing her at the time. She's the kind of person who is able to shrug off the small stuff. She has a heart of platinum. Among the things that are different about us, is her ability to forgive. I readily admit that this is a quality I struggle with. For her, all it really takes is an apology that is heartfelt, with sincerity and honesty behind it. She doesn't hang on to things for no reason.
She works hard at a job she is overqualified for. But she is not bitter, rather she is happy to have that job and be able to provide for her daughter. She exudes a confidence that I cannot touch, let alone own. She is happy, she counts her blessings daily... sometimes she has to help me see mine. There are many things about her, that I wish I could count as traits of my own.
This summer we will have known each other for 20 years. She was a friendly face in my new town all those years ago. It was the summer time before I started 4th grade at my new school, she was in the 5th. I bet she doesn't know that for the first four days of school, the only time I spoke was when I saw her afterwards. The kids in my class thought I couldn't speak English.
There are few people I've known as long, and still speak to. There is only one person, who's not my blood, that I still make an effort to communicate with, and that's her. If she befriends you, consider yourself among the lucky ones. But she's my best friend, go and find your own!
So here's to you Allison, on your 30th. I heart you! Happy Birthday!

My name is Lynn, and I cannot sew

Mike bought me a pair of pajama pants for Christmas in 2007. Sometime in 2008 (early) I ripped them. They sat in a Tupperware tub until this morning. Five minutes ago I finished sewing, and I use the term loosely, very loosely, them back together. It looks like something two five year old children collaborated on with some scraps of fabric. Oh who am I kidding, I am giving myself way to much credit here. I totally suck at sewing. It is at this time that I finally regret bribing Steven into doing my home economics sewing. I dare say these pants might last a week. *Sheepish Grins* I suppose I'll eventually get better at it, I just have to practice. Oh yeah, and probably have someone show me, that might help.

The hunt continues

Holy f***balls, batman. I have been at this birthday hunt thing for damn near two months now. I have also been on the mission to make a dollar out of fifteen cents. My kitchen table is somewhere under a pile of birthday ideas, coupons, birthday gifts, too many magazines, and clippings of ideas for the yurt. Today Mike is going to Portland for more thumb stuff. He is also on a mission for the ever elusive "it" present. Hopefully he comes home successful. If not, I will be sending a box of "almost 'it' presents", and posting a painfully long blog whining about the greatest birthday idea I've ever had... and then crashing and burning. At which point I will also be saying the age old classic, "It's the thought that counts, right?" Of course I know it's the thought that counts really, but I would really like this particular thought to make it to fruition. Off I go now, back to the chase!

The Path

Green Beer

Happy Saint Patrick's Day. I used to drink green beer on Saint Patty's Day. Now I have a two-and-a-half year old tornado. Today, the only way I'm getting green beer, is if I go buy a six pack and drop some food coloring into it!

Patrick and Patience

Today is Mikey's younger brother Patrick's birthday. Well, at least it is here. Technically it was yesterday for him, as he lives in New Zealand. I would love to write an actual post, but cannot as Mikey keeps needing to do things to the comp after losing the power twice yesterday. *Sigh* I need my own computer. I am not good at this waiting thing.

Birthday Shopping, or Something Like It

Yesterday I decided to text the husband of my best friend in hopes that he could help me figure out her birthday present. It was funny, I immediately got back gift cards. I laughed to myself as I resisted to urge to send back, "I am the best friend, the canned answer doesn't apply to me". I did however notice the quick response and have to say he's on his game. So now the present is looking like presents. Lot's of little/medium/ hopefully I win the lottery and get to add something awesome presents. As I now have a list of about 30 different items, none of which I think is "it", but collectively I just might have something here. Ah well, off to text and dig for more info.