Today the radio station was playing songs from the sixties as my friends and I were riding around doing errands and squeezing in some fun and mischief.

The conversation turned to reminiscing about sitcoms of the past and who thought which ones were the most believable. I guess it was unanimous that I seem to have had trouble understanding what was real from what was scripted life on the TV.

For every example I thought was real and true, they had a negative or I guess more realistic point of view. For example I loved "Father Knows Best". but they had to point out that in real life the kids had trouble with drugs and problems adjusting.

I suggested that Bonanza was good, a single dad raising his sons in the west. They pointed out that everytime the boys fell in love it was a sure thing the woman would die.

What about Lucy I said. To which they said Ricky was a chauvenist, "Lucy where is dinner?" Plus he didn't want her to work.

It was fun and made me laugh as each example of shows from Ozzie & Harriet to Cosby was discussed. We definitely had different perspectives (smile). Theirs were probably more realistic than the way I viewed them since I tended to believe that the happy circumstances were real. Could be the reason I am surprised by how things turn out?

Real or memorex, I am still a believer that happily ever after is within each of our grasps.

CHANCE #139502

Chance is an adorable and friendly Bearded Collie cross with a tan and black coat. This seven-year-old boy weighs approximately 65 pounds and really likes his treats. Chance is a nice boy who is good with children, dogs and cats. It is recommended that children in the home be aged 12 and up. He is partially housebroken, knows sit, but pulls on a leash. Chance would really benefit from an obedience course. The SPCA offers Canine Obedience Basics, a 6-week class to adopters for $45 and the public for $65. Come on down to the SPCA and take a Chance.

One of the ladies here at work asked me to write something that she could include in a gift she was giving to a newlywed couple moving into their new home. Here is the recipe for homemade happiness I wrote for her.

Be quick with praise and compliments
Never let little things go unnoticed
Make every person you meet feel like they're
the most important person in the world.
Be kind, be cheerful and be supportive.
Love life, laugh, read,
put your heart into everything you do.
If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.

Take a big mixing bowl and fill it with a smile.
Add a pinch of work and play,
a dash of thoughtfulness and care.
Mix with patience and understanding.
Add a couple of good deeds,
a tablespoon of consideration,
a sizeable portion of forgiveness
and mix thoroughly with tears of joy
Sprinkle in seeds of faith and bake with the warmth of love.

Serve with enthusiasm, honesty and hope in your heart.
Cherish each day; never let it be, "just another day"
Be kind and do for others for that's the secret
to making genuine happiness.

"Oh, The Places You'll Go!", by Dr. Suess

The perfect perscription to address the ups and downs life presents while encouraging us to find the success that resides within us.

Dr. Phil and other self help greats tell us that we each have self talk going on in our minds. Self talk is the unspoken things we tell ourselves in response to situations, people, places and things.

For example: Looking in the mirror may generate "Wow, you look good." Or my self talk that says, "Wow, you need to lose weight, shape up. How in the heck did you get to look so old!?! Too much sun, too much food, too many years." And the talk goes on and on rambling in not always a positive way.

On the other hand in a situation that may seem bleak my self talk is usually upbeat searching for the good that may be hidden in the circumstance or that may be on the other side.

In the wee small hours of last night when I should be sleeping, I realized that my self talk about pending choices and decisions is a reverse Nike commercial; "Just don't do it".

Hmm, time for me to work on erasing some of my self talk tapes and replacing them with positive words of motivation and hope. I need to have my "Guardian Angels" write the text. I am definitely blessed to have people in my life who believe in me.

Tomorrow is bring a potluck lunch. I used the flat bottom ice cream cones filled 2/3 with cake batter. Baked them at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until they rose up rounded above the edge of the cone.

After they cooled, I iced some with chocolate, some vanilla and some with strawberry flavored icing. Presto now I have cake masquerading as ice cream to take in and celebrate the first day of summer tomorrow.

Whatever you do, wherever you are, I hope you enjoy your day. Happy Spring!

It has been a long time since last I curled up with my laptop to write. I have missed it. I have been traveling extensively for business this year. There have been lots of unexpected twists, turns and detours as I have maneuvered my way though 2005. Many have been out of my control and the consequences of other people's choices and decisions.

Yet here it is Sunday, June 19, and I am happy. Happy to have heard from each of my sons today. Happy to have enjoyed a weekend that included sunshine, long walks, movies, baseball, and even incredible fireworks.

Half the year has passed by quickly but those are days in the past. If my dad were alive and I called him to wish him a happy Father's Day he would remind me that each day is a treasure and it is our responsibility to find the golden moments.

I've thought about my dad alot and miss both him and my mom every day. Once again I find myself at a crossroad trying to decide which direction to take. It is time for me to regain control of my life's adventure. My parents never seemed to fear change. They dared to take risks. They relocated. They dared to try different professional adventures and if things fell short of expectations they tried again. They truly had huge caring, loving hearts and an unbridled entrepreneurial spirit.

At the baseball game on Saturday night I noticed that the players tapped fists instead of exchanging high fives. I liked it. I tried it. Great fun to tap the fist of someone as a way of giving them an "atta boy".

If my sons were here I would certainly tap their fists and give them an "atta boy" for the extraordinary way they are dads to their children. I know their granddad, my dad, would be incredibly proud. No doubt my mom and dad and even David Hallal my dearest friend are looking down from heaven with pride at the role my sons play as dads.

With happy memories of Father's Days gone by and renewed determination to find the golden moments in each treasured day, I am preparing for an exciting week ahead.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads who love and cherish their children and do all in their power to keep them safe from harm.

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I just re-re-read what I wrote...it definitely was rambling (smile). Wishing you happy memories. Judy