One of my best days in forever!  Hyperbole much?  Well, let's review; I:

1. Talked to my mom and dad.  Not like, "Hi, mom, I'm busy right now, can I call you back in 10 minutes?" Sure, honey.  And....  of course, you forget because you are tied up with some other minutiae.  I got a chance to really TALK to my mom and dad tonight.  In fact, I even had to give my mom a 'yellow card' because I could hear her in the background tying to get a couple more smoke signals through from NY to CA.  She's a pip!  I told her tonight how proud I was that she still goes to Curves twice a week, even though her workout partner, confidante, traveling companion, best friend and sister passed away a couple of weeks ago.  I know I am going to live to be a hundred.  There is not an ounce of doubt in my mind about that now. Again, thank you, cancer...

No, this conversation was real, with depth, energy, and communication. I emphasize that last part because, at times, we go through the motions of these conversations.  I mean, I can easily remember times when my mom would call me an amount which may have seemed, I don't know, excessive, but then again, I'm certain my kids feel the same way.  No, I'll try so very hard not to take those phone calls for granted, mom.  You are the absolute best, Rose Petronis.

Many phone calls home are punctuated by a quick 'hey dad' relayed through my mom.  Fathers and sons don't 'talk' as often, but we don't have to.  We just know that things are good - or at the very least that things are tolerable.  Hey, it ain't always pretty, but we always know who is going to emerge at the end...

But moms, moms need constant reassurance.  Are you sure you're okay?  [This inquiry is sometimes delivered with no other identifying information as to why I might not be okay...  At other times, the plea is a tad more direct, "I'm worried you're doing too much..." or "I'm worried that you're not getting enough..." or "O wish you wouldn't ride that motorcycle..." or... You get the picture.

My dad and I - unless it's talking about sports quickly - usually get right to the heart of the matter.  Tonight, we talked about diet, weight loss, the overall health impact of losing weight, the stress on the body, etc.  Sorry if I sound like a zealot.  I'm not hear to preach.  I just know how I feel and how much of that is attributable to eating better.

So, it sounded like my dad has decided against knee replacement on his other knee, and is adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Very cool.

I love you very much, mom and dad.  Be well.


So, in retrospect, all the other cool shiznet that happened to me today?  Yeah, no.  They don't make the list with "TALKED ON THE PHONE WITH MY MOM AND DAD."

Peace, out!

Tonight, someone who is not only a student and a friend, but a future educator as well.  Sylvana, this one's all you, kid:

"P-dawg! (yes, I just went there)

Well... what can I say? You've been such a fantastic person year-round, and I really appreciate how kind and sympathetic you've been to me. I really hope good luck stays with you, and that things will turn out well!!! 

P.S. EXCREMENT!"

Sylvana, yes, things turned out quite well.  I am one very happy camper.

This happy camper is about to reward himself with "Office Space"  That's my stapler... Yeah, you're gonna have to come in on Saturday... Yeah...

Later, folks!

Now get out there and Carpe that Diem!!!!

Much, much, much love...