This week-end I watched THE INSIDER with Al Pacino. It was based on a true story about the tobacco industry and how 60 Minutes’ reputation was tarnished over how they chose to NOT disclose all that they knew to protect jobs, theirs and by extension the tobaccos. Mike Wallace was asked why he allowed this to occur. In the movie, he said something like, ‘it doesn’t matter about all the good things you might have done in your life, what people remember is the last thing you did.’ I might add people seem to always remember the worst things as well.

So at 52 I am contemplating that thought. Someone once asked why I gave a rip about what others thought. And yet I do and if you are honest at all you will recognize that you do as well. I look at this little girl who I once was. I have been told I was a very happy baby. Well, you can tell I was well fed! What I believe is she didn’t give a rip….yet. AND, she was happy! Double AND, her being authentic quite naturally made others happy too! I think I miss her. Now, some who know me might say I don’t act like I care too much about what people think. What my wish this year is to care what SHE thinks. At the end of my life that is what will matter most to me anyway.

In the mean time, Thanks to all who were kind enough to extend birthday wishes today. I appreciate being remembered. Always nice to hear and read what you are thinking.

( I crack myself up!)

Today is my father’s birthday. He is still having fun! He and my Mom have seen the world together. This last year he completed another of his goals, visiting each of the states. I don’t know what else is on his bucket list, but I am sure we will find out!

Hope you had a great day. I am grateful for all you did on my behalf.

Thank you and love you.

Chris has been working up North for awhile. I invited myself to tag along yesterday. He humored me and took me to the Grand Canyon and one of my favorite places, Sedona. It was nice to get out of the city for a couple days. We drove into the cliffs. Chris always thinks if we go just a little further we will find the perfect picture. Hate it when he is right! ]]> http://www.pamelabowman.com/random/on-the-road-again/feed/ 1 http://www.pamelabowman.com/family/traveling-companions/ http://www.pamelabowman.com/family/traveling-companions/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:48:54 +0000 Pamela http://www.pamelabowman.com/random/traveling-companions/ Driving to L.A. is not my idea of a good time, but on this business trip I asked Wistie to accompany me. That way I would have someone to keep me company on the road. While we were there we spent 33 minutes at the beach. We just had to feel the sand between our toes. We almost bagged it and jumped/fell/pushed/shoved in the waves, but the idea of driving home all gritty wasn’t that appealing.

One of the conversations we had was about work. I talked about Chris and his ability to always enjoy whatever he was doing. I think he says his motto is, “if your going to do a job, do it well,” but I think his motto is, “Life is work so you might as well enjoy it.” So, we decided to follow his example and enjoy it.

I love watching my kids seize the day. While we were sitting on the beach and I was thinking about the LA traffic before us, I suggested we had better get on the road. Wistie quickly jumped back up and ran to the water. I guess she wanted to prolong the agony as long as possible. Funny girl.

We asked this man walking down the beach to take our picture. He asked us if we were both going to jump. I said no, but thanks for asking. He smiled, took the picture and handed me back the camera. There was a look of sadness in his eyes. He spoke quietly. “enjoy”. Made me wonder if he wished he had more “joy” with his family.

I believe we did. Wistie was a compatible traveling companion. Although she wouldn’t share her blanket at night. What is up with that?

This was our family’s version of a vacation. One day. That was all we could manage to get all of us together and do something fun. How sad is that?! I know… it is up to “the Mom” to plan this stuff, but I always feel like they really don’t want me to bother with it all. They’d rather do their own thing.

Surprisingly, we always end up having a fun time. We definitely got banged up this year! I could not believe the boys did the stuff they did out of that tree! Are they insane? Obviously they are. So exhausted! So burned. So nice to get out of the heat! WE really need to plan another outing soon. WE will work on that! Won’t WE! (Click on the picutre for a really cheesy video.)

Have we not assisted others in obtaining employment? Have we not provided service to others? Have we not been helpful to others?

Really let’s us know where we stand. Good to know. Kitchen’s closed. This chick has had it!

The end.

Happy birthday Cierajo! I hope your day is one where you celebrate your life. I know I am glad you were born! You have taught me how to enjoy being a Mom.

I hope you take some time today and think about your future. One thing I have learned is what Tennessee Williams said, “Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.”

One of my hopes for you is that you discover people around you that can appreciate who you are and that you appreciate who they are. One of the most wonderful discoveries in life is that true friends are those that can grow separately without growing apart. I know recently you have felt disappointed in those you once called your friends. I believe you have learned from these experiences and can better define the kind of people you will choose to associate with in the future. Friendships are born, not made. You can not force anyone to be your friend anymore then someone can force you to be their friend. And why would we want to. Friendship is based on trust and loyalty and the ability to be who we really are and still feel safe and accepted and loved. I hope you find those kinds of friends and if you don’t… you will always have your family who will love you and embrace you because you are YOU.

Have a wonderful day! You deserve it!