'Tis Today: 2009 Daytona 500...

I'm here in my necessary room with one of my BFFs. The engine have roared and it's now time for the green flag to drop at the 2009 Daytona 500 and let loose 43 men to race for the win at speeds of 187 miles an hour. What a rush!

Of course, I have my favourites: "Smoke" - Tony Stewart, "Wild Thing" - Kyle Busch, "June Bug" -Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin, Ryan Newman, and Carl Edwards/Mr. Ed (*likeability completely depends on whether he interferes with any of the aforementioned during the race).

Gotta go cheer for Smoke - Go #14 !!!

Every day is Love Day...

Remember when...

Although it wasn't the reason I went to this local country store late last night, a smile came to my face as I sat in the car lost in my thoughts. Remember the days when you were dating and needed to buy condoms, either in preparation or contemplation? You certainly were too embarrassed to go inside the store and buy it yourself, or you just wanted to pretend that you were not sexually active, or was acting like you were not ready to put out so you left it up to your prospective lover to do the deed. To reinforce your lack of association with this person buying condoms from a store late at night, you chose to remain seated in the car. Racing thoughts engulfed your mind as you watched him walk up to the checkout counter, knowing that whatever his choice of condoms, it would certainly tell you alot about him ;-) Buyer beware (ha ha ha).

Celebrating Love...

On "Love Day" (Feb 14, 2009), my hubby and I will celebrate our 10th year anniversary. Tonight, we set out on our 21-HOUR drive with our daughter who will no doubt let us know exactly how she feels about being stuck in a vehicle for that length of time the whole way there...she's already questioning why we are not flying in a plane as always. Thank heavens for Katherine Rose and modern electronic devices.

Anyway, it's FLORIDA or bust !!! I must make a secret confession: I have ulterior motives for choosing FL as our holiday destination...the Daytona 500 is on Sunday so I'm killing 2 birds with one stone. I know, real romantic, right?

Well, here's to love and happiness (and road trips).

*Tarrus Riley: She's Royal

A stolen moment together...

Dear Ms. Doris...

Hey Girl!

Just writing you a letter because I can't get on the phone and call you right now. Your goddaughter is just as finicky as you thought she would be the first moment you saw her jumping around in my belly. Do you remember that?

We used to take our daily walk together at lunch. It was your idea to get me outside to breathe some fresh air. I had recently returned from the Caribbean after my aunt's unexpected passing. You understood what her passing meant to me. She was more than an aunt. She was more like a mother to me. You allowed me to be vulnerable in the presence of a true friend and escape my professional identity and the accompanying rules of decorum. With you, on those walks, I was allowed to grieve and you walked right there with me providing comfort throughout my journey.

I cried as I explained to you that the only thing my aunt ever asked of me was to give her a child to hold and I did not get to do that for her. I was quite comfortable with my life and wasn't trying to hear that. But, when I went back home and her death became undeniably real, I decided that perhaps I should have a child and leave my mark on the world. You laughed so hard as I boasted about how many times we tried to get pregnant on that island.

The next month, I couldn't wait to meet you in the courtroom. I ran in like the cops were chasing me. At first I thought the courtroom was empty but then you slowly appeared. I shouted, "Doris, I'm pregnant". You said "girl, stop playing". I said "I have the evidence to prove it". You pulled up the tv and vcr used play videos for the jury. I popped in the VHS and we saw the tiny being bouncing weightlessly through space. I proudly explained that we were witnessing the baby growing inside of me. We watched in amazement as we pondered how mystical life truly is. And in that moment, you became a godmother.

Tomorrow marks two years since you unexpectedly left this earth in the human form I knew and loved. You remain the ultimate diva. Beautiful. Kind. Spiritual. Selfless. Loving. And forever, my true friend.

I miss you Ms. Doris.

p.s. Between me and you ;-), I felt your spirit the first time I wound up your pink, angel musicbox that plays "I will always love you". I realize you were not ready to let it go just yet but girl, I ain't gonna lie, you freaked me out at first. And although your sister was the one who graciously gave it to your goddaughter, I want to thank you for allowing her to enjoy it.

*To read a moving dedication by Doris' sister, please click here.

I see love in my shadow...