There’s something about a margarita that makes an ordinary weekend feel like a vacation. As the thick air enveloped the patio of my favorite Mexican restaurant, I savored the tang of salt that lined my delicious cocktail. I was hanging with my three favorite guys and munching on chips and salsa…life was good.
No matter, I laughed out loud. This was even before the margarita had worked its way into my system.
The meal and conversation progressed beautifully. I ate all the things I don’t normally allow myself to and it was divine. I asked Mad Dog his thoughts on his spicy jalapeño drink and he said it was good. It had been garnished with a pepper that had remained free and clear of the drink itself. This is when Full Speed boldly declared that he would give eating the garnish a shot.
We warned him but also applauded his bravery.
His face drained of all color. He was losing control ever so slightly. It started out slow and then reached max capacity.
I did the only natural thing a mother would do after imbibing on a way-too-strong drink.
I had the worst (best?) giggle fit of my life. The more Full Speed looked like he might expire lent to another torrent of giggles.
At that moment I knew I really was the greatest human alive, but maybe not the greatest mom alive.
Still, this picture…worth a thousand words!
Recently, an unusual phenomenon occurred in our family. I had two trips planned essentially back-to-back. One was a solo trip meeting a friend at a yoga retreat (amazing!), and the other was an awesome work event for Mad Dog (also amazing!). I was gone for four nights, home for two, then gone again for five nights. I think the boys actually missed me. I know I missed them.
That first morning when I was home for good, I was so happy to sit at the breakfast table with my guys. I got to catch up on all I missed and hear about their time with Grandma and Grandpa (thank you!). I, in turn, shared some of the cool things I got to see at the Arizona Biltmore and talk about the people I got to meet. I talked about how fun it was to meet the spouses of Mad Dog’s work team. I had so many people pull me aside to tell me how awesome Mad Dog is. They told me how as a leader he requires a lot from them, but he is fair and always has their best interest at heart. I was blown away by some of the ways he has positively impacted people. As I shared this with the boys I said that not only were people pulling me aside to tell me how awesome Mad Dog is, they started telling me how awesome I am, too.
“Why?” he demanded to know.
And, just like that, I crashed back to earth.
It’s good to be home….I think.