Wordless Wednesday

Friends on Friday No. 3 - Meet Darla

Darla and I first met when I made a random appointment to get my hair done at the JCPenney Salon. I was new to the area, had gone to a few different salons and just couldn't find anyone to cut my hair in a manner acceptable to me. Believe me I am not that fussy about my hair, but it was a struggle to find a new sylist. Enter Darla, we hit it off pretty much from that first appointment. We talked about so many things and really seemed to bond. Darla is a great hair stylist, don't judge her on my hair, most of my mishaps are my idea and she is only doing what I ask. I can show her any picture and she can fix my hair that way, the problem with me is I constantly want cuts that just won't work with my hair or I want to go from super short to long overnight. Sometimes she wants to strangle me I am sure. Our relationship has evolved from hairstylist/client to friend.

Darla has a daughter and three beautiful granddaughters who keep her busy with all their activities. The picture of her on the motorcycle/dirt bike/whateveritis in the desert is just the kind of fun day she has with her family. (Wouldn't catch me on one of those)

Darla is a bit of a health nut, doesn't exactly understand my ding dong and diet coke for breakfast routine. She takes good care of herself, eats well, works out and enjoys life. Darla is also a great Happy Hour partner, we have a lot of fun meeting up when we can to unwind and catch up after our hectic days. Darla is an amazing woman. She is very levelheaded, compassionate, thoughtful, charming and just plain fun to hang out with. I am proud to call Darla my friend!

Mike moves in at NAU

Room with a view

Well the day has finally arrived for Mike to move in at NAU and begin his college career. I am very proud, excited, happy and a bit nervous over the whole thing. Mike is thrilled to be off and on his own. He is looking forward to new challenges, meeting new friends and experiencing the freedom that only life at college can provide.

His room is a pretty typical dorm room. It comes with a refrigerator/freezer which is nice and there is plenty of storage for his clothes and other items. He has a great view out the window and the weather in Flagstaff is just so much nicer than the Valley. It was a rather warm day there today, in the 80s, and gets down to the 50s at night. I think Mike is really going to like it there.

Mike, my wish for you never changes - I want you to be happy, find a passion and pursue it, be kind to others, enjoy life, take advantage of the opportunities given to you and remember that no matter what I love you and want only the best for you. Love, Mom.

Wordless Wednesday

Friends on Friday No. 2 - Meet Teri

Teri outside the lovely UHC building

Teri and Frankie on their wedding day, August 11, 2009

I met Teri through work. We both started at United HealthCare in the end of May 2007. My first impression of Teri was of someone who didn't take things too seriously and laughed her way through life. I couldn't have been more wrong. She takes things very seriously, she has had many obstacles to overcome in her life and she faces each challenge with determination to make the best of things and never complains about her situation. Teri and I have become close friends over the past few years. She has taught me to laugh at things I cannot change and not stress over them, to fight for things I can change and helps me see the difference.

Since I have known Teri she has finished school and gotten her associates degree, she continues her education to get her bachelors degree. She has a four-year-old son, Daniel, who was diagnosed with Autism and she is a vigilant advocate for him, always seeking and finding new treatments to help Daniel be the best he can be. Terri was married two years ago yesterday to Frankie HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and they have added a daughter, Aliana to their family.

I am proud to call Teri my friend. I am lucky to have such a wonderful, kind and generous woman in my life. I look forward to being in her and her family's life for many years.

Wordless Wednesday - Back to School

Friends on Friday No. 1 - Meet Kelsey

I am really excited Kelsey volunteered to be my first Friend on Friday! I work with Kelsey's mother, Michele (to be featured some other week) and that is how I met Kelsey. Kelsey is 15, she will be a sophomore in HS this fall, she plays basketball at school, she is quite the texter, she is an excellent student, she can text in her sleep, she loves to go to the beach with her family, and have I mentioned her love of texting? I only like her addiction to her phone when she is sending me a text. And Kelsey is just that kind of sweet young woman, if she hears from her mom I am having a bad day, she will text me and make me laugh. Kelsey is my pretend daughter, she gives me a taste of what it would be like to have a girl. Kelsey has a quick wit and truly is a joy to be around. I look forward to being a part of Kelsey's life for many more years and I can't wait to see what she accomplishes. It will be amazing, because she is AMAZING.

Wordless Wednesday - Enough said