My kids call me a “death attorney” without even a trace of sarcasm. And it is true we have seen a lot of death lately. As an estate planning attorney it sometimes falls to me to be with my clients during their last days, hours, even at their bedside at their last breath. Some have no one else. As for my kids, we have a lot of pets and they have experienced loss there, a beloved old Tom cat we actually inherited from one of my clients, a hamster, a goldfish won at the fair and to which my daughter became quickly attracted over just a few short days he was with us, (I am not ashamed to admit that I actually attempted to cover this one up by substituting Bubbles with Bubbles II but my daughter was too shrewd and would not be fooled.)
I saw this quote and I find it a good one. When you see a lot of death, especially of people who are your age, it brings home the reality of your mortality. We will all cross that bridge into the unknown. Maybe having lived long, maybe not. Maybe surrounded by loved ones. Maybe alone. Maybe peacefully. Maybe painfully. Maybe knowing, expecting. Maybe by surprise.
I am chilled when I think about those who pass that way stout in their belief that there is nothing beyond. Even without tangible visible proof I choose to believe in the after life, which is some open and flexible version of my Christian teachings and the less formalized, spiritual possibility of reincarnation. I believe in physics and that matter in whatever form whether body or soul does not just disappear.
Does seeing death regularly make it more palatable? Probably not. But it does highlight the importance of making sure it is a life well lived. This probably means different things to different people. To me it means sharing love, shining my light, spreading happiness, whether to my children, clients or friends.
My good friend is suffering. I have been on this journey with her, especially since we live next door and have similar age kids in the same school. It has been heartbreaking to see her go from vibrant yoga studio owner to very very sick. Please help if you are inclined, whether by donating or praying.🙏🏻💫
I love to listen to The Message version of The Holy Bible app first thing in the morning. I know my Mom would not approve because to her the only true Word of God was the King James, but even though I have read the Bible several times through I still gain so many new insights by listening to this version:
“A student doesn’t get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn’t make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, ‘Dungface,’ what can the workers expect?”
Matthew 10:24-25 MSG
Today I was listening to Matthew and realized where our “sticks and stones” reference comes from, maybe most people already know this and maybe I did at one point also but it was highlighted freshly today as I listened. Check it out! As true today as then…whatever mean things people say about us, however they try to paint us in society, however they criticize, they cannot touch our souls which belong to Jesus. Words can never hurt me, meaning they cannot affect me at that deepest core of who I am. On the surface, sure. Have teenagers? They can say some pretty hurtful things. So can friends, (with friends like that…), colleagues, anyone jostling you for a place in business or society, Christian or otherwise, but words can never hurt you, never move you from your eternal place with Christ Jesus.
My teenager: “Stop texting me. You know how I feel about you and how you treated me. If you want another chance it’s too late”
Me…was it the trip to Universal over NYE, fast pass & all you can eat…?
Was it taking time to homeschool you until you were in 6th grade when you entered with honors?
Feeding you good food?
Meeting with you & your school counselor over & over when you had a rough freshman year?
Taking you to church?
Taking you out to eat?
Making the foods you like?
Making sure you always have what you need?
Helping you find a job?
Teaching you to drive & helping you get your permit?
Welcoming your friends into our home?
Being involved in your school?
…
Total dismay
Unfortunately, a narcissistic parent will weaponize the teenager against the other parent and use them to continue the abuse they cannot enact against you directly as they once could.
When your girl picks skiing for her girls weekend with mom you can’t say no to returning “home” to Colorado to see friends. 😊When you’ve only got one ski day over the long weekend to make up for 6 years you’ve got to get right back in.⛷
Great to be back on the slopes after a number of years. Funny how a 10 degree day can feel warm when you’re bundled up and working hard. But the shady side of the mountain on the way down is chilly.
My daughter noted how people in Colorado are nicer than those in Florida. Of course we can’t make generalizations but Colorado had some great people. Of course why wouldn’t you be happy when you are up in God’s country on a beautiful day? I talked to everyone on the ski lifts, being a “single” as I was (which is pleasant because you can pick which runs to do unanimously!) and everyone was mild to extra friendly. Except the people who said they were using all 8 chairs at Aires ski while I enjoyed a drink waiting for my daughter to finish ski lessons. 🙄
I put her in ski lessons her first day because I don’t want her to have the same trauma I experienced learning to ski by being thrown in. I have a Great dad but my first day skiing he took me up the chair lift (not the bunny hill) on a rainy icy day and the snow didn’t reach my feet when I got to the top & I had to jump. I know it’s not that far but it still left a scary impression. And I wanted my girl to have a better first experience.
So many young families hustling their littles to lessons, lugging gear and some dogs. It makes me nostalgic, envious even. My husband never wanted our children in these lessons because of the expense. I was fearful they had missed out. But my girl learned so fast & is confident about her future progress so I am somewhat assuaged.
No matter how many beautiful people and families, a beautiful mountain day is not exempt from trouble. On my mid morning Bloody Mary break I observed a couple fighting. He was apparently pushing her to ski beyond her comfort level. In a lift line I encountered a similar upset, wherein the man stated “you didn’t know you didn’t like that run until you got into trouble on it so just don’t run into trouble thus time.” I had so many similar experiences skiing with my ex through the years. Maybe it pushed me to be a better skier but sometimes I was terrified. Skiing today by myself I only went where I wanted and it was freeing.
The view from Lunch Rock, Mary Jane
In short, I was vindicated and relieved all at the same time. After years of being concerned my kids has missed out on early lessons in skiing, tennis, golf, horseback riding, hockey…now I know that there is still hope for them to enjoy these sports at least on a recreational level anytime they choose, with just a little professional training or maybe just some practice. 🤗🙏🏻
Sometimes my kids drive me crazy. They interrupt my thoughts. They always need something. They resist my directions as I try to move our family forward in orderly direction. They request food and do not eat it. I buy them clothes and they do not wear them. And sometimes it is annoying when people speak so glowingly of their children and families as if none of these realities is theirs. But I Love Love Love my kids. And when you lose one to parental alienation as I have my oldest it makes you so so grateful to be in their presence and meet their needs and carry out their bidding and clean up their messes great and small.
Do you recall the Tuskegee Syphillis Experiment/“Study”? It was a project that spanned 1932-72 wherein a group of poor black men with syphillis were observed and told they were being treated for “bad blood”. No informed consent was obtained and they were not provided with the treatment of the day which toward the end of the study was penicillin, a known cure. This “study” was conducted by the US Public Health Service. Got that? By the US Government.
Do you remember learning about the horrible experiments performed on human subjects by the Axis Powers during WWII? Wide ranging, some of these involved forced experimental vaccines. (encyclopedia.ushmm.org). These were performed by medical professionals paid by and sanctioned by the government. Out of the discovery of these unethical medical practices and scientific experiments developed the Nuremberg Code (available through the National Institute of Health website, history.nih.gov). Number 1 of the ethical rules set out is the requirement for informed and voluntary consent.
Fast forward to the current mass vaccination campaign on adults and children using unlicensed, experimental mRNA components. Those who question or speak out are being banned and gagged. For example, the very creator (or one of the founders) of the mRNA technology was banned from raising reasonable concerns of its current use. Ironically he was bullied for questioning science. It is pretty Orwellian when the media sets itself up as The scientific source and silences those actually schooled and experienced in the scientific field.
Some say that all of the current banning and silencing cannot be seen as a First Amendment violation because it is private companies (Facebook, Twitter…) taking these steps. However, I would propose that we consider the fact that the social media platforms and forums form a significant part of the public debate forum that the First Amendment was created to protect and which its case law has consistently established parameters of protection. So while Dr. Robert Malone, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Joe Rogan may still be free to set out an actual soapbox on the street corner (…or would they in today’s political climate…?) their forum for expressing political dissent and public health commentary has been significantly curtailed by a “private” company in a way that seems to fly in the face of the protections established by the Founders.
We should ask why banning of certain thought and free speech is necessary? Can the reasonable individual not sort through the varied information to come up with his own conclusions? Should we rely on one company or group of individuals to feed us the “correct” information? When we as a society lose freedom of expression, the beautiful ability to discuss ideas and develop sharper thought that has throughout every period of renaissance produced newer and better products and smarter individuals, our freedom has been extinguished. Read your 1984 and consider the memory hole and governmental involvement in producing a uniform thought controlled populace. Is that the environment in which you want to live? I know my answer.
A few years back, pre COVID (since that is how we measure things nowadays), I brought my kids to Universal. It was one of the first trips I’d brought them on as a single mom and it felt big. But I ended up with my first ever huge migraine, out of nowhere, and was so sick. It was a terrible visit. So since then I’ve been wanting a redo. Today was that big day!
Basically Universal is split into 3 parks, the main Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. I feel Islands of Adventure connotes a water park, it is not. Volcano Bay is the water park. It is important to note that Harry Potter World is situated in Both Universal and Islands. So you fully enjoy you really need a ticket to both of those parks.
Universal consists of the following worlds: Production Central, New York, San Francisco, Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, Simpsons, Hollywood and Woody Woodpecker (kids area). Islands contains: Harry Potter: Hogsmeade, Marvel Super Hero, The Lost Continent, Jurassic, Toon Lagoon (water based rides) and Seuss Landing (kids area).
This time I had studied up on Harry Potter world. My boys are huge Harry Potter fans. When I was homeschooling them these were the first books they took off reading. They’ve also loved the movies. So I purchased one day tickets to the two parks between which Harry Potter works is situated. There are several guides on how to cover Harry Potter world in one day. I guess my family is super efficient because we covered both parks with good success in one day! Here I tell you how….
Basically Diagon Alley is London, Harry’s home. Hogsmeade is the school/castle. Diagon has only one ride which we did not do, Gringotts.
We aimed to arrive at the 9 am parking opening but actually arrived around 9:20. Parked in the garage. Walked to the park. Started at the main Universal. Rode the NEST (Transformers) ride. Had an incident with losing an Express pass and had to head back to Guest Services to correct. Once corrected we explored Diagon Alley. We also rode the Rip Ride Rockit (in Production Central) We were unanimous that, however cool it is to ride straight up and also the fact that my youngest was deemed of sufficient height, the ride really shakes up your head. Note to send: Tylenol!!
After checking out Diagon Alley briefly, we entered Kings Cross where you board the train to Islands. I should say that we are more riders than shoppers in general so I honesty cannot comment on any shopping experience other than having to buy a fanny pack ☺️ because I forgot a backpack and decided I should carry the express passes (which are paper rather than wristbands which just seems completely impractical especially since they get soaked on the water rides!) I chose a very cute unicorn one that served me well. Pricey mistake however: $26. The train ride across to Islands was fun. It is both attraction/ride and transportation. One of my daughters didn’t even realize we’d crossed into another park.
In general Universal is more discuss effects than huge roller coasters. It’s not that it does not have roller coasters but the real main attractions seem to be rides that incorporate loads of special effects. Several have 3D glasses such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in the castle which we rode a couple of times.
Note: unfortunately the Pteranodon Flyers, which looked super fun, have a height ceiling so are mostly for smaller kids. The rides Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure & the VelociCoaster do not accept Express Pass so we passed on those as the lines were long (one hour or more). On the Universal app you can sign up for an alert but the lines never reached our threshold of 15 minutes or less.
One of our favorites was the Revenge of the Mummy in NY World. I thought both NY. And SF worlds replicated the actual cities in a very fun way. We had late night slices of pizza in NY, reminiscent of my days living there (the real NYC) long ago. 🍕
The water ride, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, is no joke. My girls and I got so soaked we had to invest in the $5 dryers for the first time ever!
Some rides were down as seems typical, Men in Black in Universal and Poseidon’s Fury in Islands.
Universal was very strict with mask wearing on the attractions.
Universal is not currently offering an all you can eat dining pass, probably because they heard about my teenagers at Busch Gardens last month, so be prepared to spend some bucks. Apparently you can bring in food but we like to travel light. The butter beer is good, especially the frozen variety. Also real beer for those of you traveling with kids/teens needing a break! We found one restaurant, Burger Digs in Jurassic, that advertised a vegan burger. In reality it turned out to be a portabella mushroom with a dairy sauce. I ate it but my 11 year old daughter was squeamish about the mushroom, claiming it was slimy. In general it is probably not an item the amusement park restaurants should be attempting. I’d rather they stick with the regular prepared patties.
Finally, the area surrounding the park, City Walk, appears to be a fun area to eat and hang out whether you have park passes and plans or not. Perhaps akin to Disney’s Disney Springs?
Admit it. New Years Eve is always sort of a disappointment, right? You spend big money for a ticket to what is billed as The Party or maybe you celebrate a little more low key with friends. You shell out for a babysitter. If you are me you dress up. . . And inevitably it is a dud. Just does not live up to expectations.
For me this has been a pattern. It’s not that I have a bad time on NYE . I just can’t say I ever thought one was so super remarkable over any other evening.
Last year, our stupid year of COVID, I was stood up by a friend, not due to COVID, but because he had to travel several hours to obtain a vaccine and his friend’s car broke down. So I spent it with my puppy. Probably the best date ever actually.
This year my kids & I did an adventure course this morning and had a great early dinner out. Tonight I am at our resort bathed and in my jammies and glasses. I’m sitting outside in our perfect Florida weather with fireworks going off at the theme parks in the distance drinking some really nice cava. In the background I hear Sponge Bob in one room and Mortal Combat in the other. This might be the best New Years ever…even if I don’t make it to midnight!
Today my family visited TreeUmph in Bradenton, Florida for the first time. It is an ingenious collection of ropes courses set among the trees in rural inland Florida. There are three different courses for different age and skill levels. The more challenging ones take about 3 hours. Kids have to be able to reach to a certain height to participate in the main course.
My oldest son had been once before a few years ago for a birthday party. For the rest of us it was our first experience.
I had signed up ahead and chose the main course for the three boys (ages 13, 14 and 16) and the junior for myself and girls aged 9 & 11. Once we arrived it turned out the youngest was too short to do the junior one. The junior course is actually the first three sections of the main course (5 total) so she was able to go with the boys & they actually graduated her to the main course after she completed the first three. The youngest and I had a lot of fun on the little kids course. She was a natural! I have to admit even on this lower course I was a little intimidated. But it is a great way to overcome any fear of heights! Funny how even though you Know you are strapped in and cannot fall your mind still Feels trepidation about crossing wobbly boards suspended in the air and jumping off to zip across thin air.
One thing I would recommend if you visit is to grab breakfast before right when you get off the highway! There is really nothing else! And you’ll want to fuel your crew first!
Also know that the main course is going to take a lot longer than the little kids one. My daughter was super speedy, unafraid & agile as she is! So we waited a while for the others even after I bought her another round.
We went in the morning which was great because it really started to get crowded after.
I purchased the unlimited water which was good (especially if you don’t want your kids bugging you about how thirsty they are!). Also purchased the gloves which I wore but some boys would not. And one phone strap for each of our groups so we could safely take pictures. Probably didn’t need the gloves or phone strap for the little kids course.
Unique and fun for the whole family! Closest thing I’ve done was in the rainforest of Costa Rica. Enjoy!
Notes From Real Life 