SO it hit me this year...

You know, I just don't have enough chigger & mosquito bites. And this beautiful weather and these glorious beaches are nice, but frankly I'd really like to feel like I'm living on the face of the sun for a couple of months out of the year. And HEY... If I can feel really sticky from some insufferable humidity? All the better!

OK. Not really. But I do miss my family, I do love the great state of Texas too, and most importantly... this girl has got a dream. It's called financial solvency.

I'm not going to make this a blog about California taxes and the poorly funded public school system. That discussion has BEEN had, and the differences are indisputable. And yes, they are a factor for my family. That family drives every decision in my life- professionally or personally- and so it is. Time to saddle up and head back home.

I leave behind another family in the people who are a part of KFI too. Those of you who have listened, participated and have become familiar friends online. And for those who fill the airwaves and walk the halls of this crazy, fun place... I've been blessed to work with THE BEST in my industry. Not many people get to say that in a career.

Love "y'all."

Chris

Seriously? Sometimes I stumble on these things even while running a straight line. Oh who are we kidding... I don't run.

She doesn't know it, and we've never met... but this news anchor and I? We're BFFs.

I have had these horrifying moments in my news career. Usually the fault of my former co-anchor in Sacramento- Kelly Brothers. They are the moments where you are incapable of holding it together. The laughter comes from a deep dark well & you just can't cap it. There's even a snort involved. My husband calls me the 'inappropriate laugher'. It's also known as Chris' "church laugh". And this Ryan Lochte interview... TOTALLY would have triggered it for me too. Has all that underwater breath-holding deprived his brain of oxygen?

He's so pretty.

 I admit to being a stalker-mom. Only after I opened my OWN Instagram account, mastered the privacy settings, and checked out what my daughter's friends were doing did I allow her to have an account.

Despite my caution and ninja-like monitoring moves, I see a lot of garbage in her network. Narcissism gone wild. Suggestive "selfies" of MIDDLE SCHOOL girls. Crude jokes. Sigh.

But every now and then... these awkward kids will surprise you. An unlikely source for 'positivity' posted details on an upcoming "Semicolon Day". I was especially moved because there have been several teen suicides in our community the past 12-14 months. The most recent one was particularly tragic, not only because it happened on-campus... but because the kid was bright and loaded with potential. When he died, I found myself wishing someone could have given him a glimpse into a crystal ball. How surprised our children would be to see their lives at the age of 30 when in the grips of some event or challenge they now deem insurmountable.

So if you see a kid with a semicolon on his or her wrist... it may actually be the one time you want to see them "getting inked". Here's the pitch making the rounds:

On April 16th anyone who struggles with self harm, is suicidal, is depressed, has anxiety, is unhappy, going through a broken heart, lost a loved one, etc. draw a semicolon on your wrist (;)

A semicolon represents a sentence the author could've ended, but chose not to...The author is you and the sentence is your life.

Any reporter will tell you... the right soundbite can make your story sing. This woman helped compose a rock-opera.

Maybe this is your wife and daughter. Or ladies, perhaps you'll see your life here in this 30 second clip. My husband Scott was L-O-Ling as he called me in to watch this commercial... certain I'd see myself in it. I don't know if I'm flattered because she's got mad skills, or scared that he's pointing to the chaos of our work-life-family balance... but he's not wrong.

Ours can't be the only home that often operates this way. Mine can't be the only children that inform parents of major projects the morning of... can they?

Eiher way, well done Google. Well Done.

So I'm checking out the nutritional stats on a bag of protein chips I bought, when something catches my eye...

Huh. Who knew personal journaling could be a potential allergen?

It's not often that I share personal photos, but the one above was taken in my mother's hospital room in the days before she died. It's me and my Nana, and it definitely stirs both sweet and sad remembrances of them both. It also stirs memories of that difficult time in our lives.

I got to thinking about that time when I came to work today. I was assigned a story about Hospice care... Something my family never took advantage of as my Dad fought time and again to save, or at least prolong his young wife's life. She eventually died in that hospital.

As an adult, I've had the great privilege of knowing hospice workers. There are a couple I count as very dear friends. With a new respect and understanding of what it is they do, let me first say... it takes a special person. If ever you want evidence that there are angels among us, look no further than a dedicated hospice worker.

I suppose the point of sharing that small bit of background, is to encourage you to take a look at the article I've linked below. Not every doctor begins conversations about hospice services in a timely manner. (There are theories on why THAT is in the article). It's true too though, that not every family wants to give up hope for that miracle. Understandably. My prayer for you is that you're never faced with this kind of decision. If you're in the midst of it... you also have my prayers.

Here's a write-up on the latest research:

Hospice use increases, but too late to help, says Brown University study

More Americans are dying in hospice, but the comfort care is too late and too short, according to a major new national study.

In the past decade, hospice use has risen, but so has time spent in hospitals' high-cost intensive care units, the Brown University analysis found.

The paradoxical finding comes with this explanation: Patients are increasingly admitted to hospice only after aggressive ICU care has failed -- and they arrive desperately ill with too little time to benefit fully from pain control and other measures, reported Dr. Joan Teno and her team.

"For many patients, hospice is an 'add-on' to a very aggressive....(read more here)

They seem to be everywhere... lists on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and family blogs. Advice to daughters. Letters to sons. Do we need more? Probably not, but listener Monica... from Santa MONICA (seriously) emailed me a few weeks ago saying she'd be curious to know what MY list would look like. I didn't have one... but it made me think. What WOULD mine look like? Having lost my own mother when I was 12, I sure wish there had been such a trend back then. That there was some handbook I could reference as proof of her loving heart, amazing spirit, and wisdom when I'm feeling a little lost at sea.

So. OK Monica... I'll play. Only because I'd actually like my girls to have each of these lists when age-appropriate.

Some of these tidbits are favorite quotes, some the wisdom from women in my family who've made the journey before me, and many are of my own making & madness.

I'd love for you all to share your OWN best bits of advice in the comments section at the end of this post... I just may put together a 'best-of' listeners list! You guys often have such great insights of your own.

Here goes. To my beautiful girls...

Today you live in our happy home and your life seems simple... but every day you make choices that will shape who you become.

• Be truthful. With yourself and others.
• Be loyal.
• Do puzzles.
• Read books.
• Be authentic.
• Don't ask God for things- thank him for them.
• "Your worth comes from who you are, not from the opinions of others".
• You can and SHOULD trust your intuition... always listen to "the whisper".
• Be a morning person. Get in the habit now if it doesn't come naturally. This will serve you well later in life. 
• Drama queens are recognizable as early as first grade. She won’t change. Choose your friends wisely from the start. 
• Play a sport. Be a sport. 
• Do you like it when people gossip behind your back? Yeah. Exactly. 
• Don’t be judgmental. 
• Family first. Always. 
• Have good girlfriends. Giggle and share silly secrets. But the REAL secrets? The only girl they are 100% guaranteed to be safe with is me.
• Be a good friend, but don’t let people use you.
• Don’t be petty. 
• Your attendance record at church doesn't make you a good person. Being a good person makes you a good person.
• You have no concept at this age of how short this life actually is. I'm asking you to trust me when I say don't waste it watching TV. Especially shows like Toddlers & Tiaras.
• "...sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it".
• Kindness is our family value. 

As you head into High School...

• You are going to have knockout curves. Don’t waste your teen years loathing them. You will love them someday. Trust me. 
• At your age, nothing good happens after midnight. Even Cinderella's fairy godmother understood this.
• Katniss is a literary role model. Bella is not.
• Someday, someone will break up with you. Your revenge will be his regret. 
• Turn off the TV and turn on music you love. Turn it up loud. We won't yell at you. 
• Your beauty will be powerful. Your brain even more so. Please use both responsibly. 
• Don’t chase after a boy.
• Don't even think of bringing home a boy who pulls up in the driveway and honks for you. 
• Let boys down gently and with kindness- if you’re not interested in someone romantically, offer your friendship instead. You can't imagine the courage it takes to ask a girl out. 
• Just because your brooding attitude at 15 will be "developmentally normal" doesn't mean that crap is going to be acceptable.
• You will make mistakes. Learn from them.
• You will hurt. It will pass. Your life is going to be full and amazing. I promise this.
• People... adults... parents... WE do not get stupid overnight. It's not us. It's your perception and hormones.
• Don’t listen to sad songs when you’re sad. It’s kinda lame & perpetuates the pity party.
• If torn between two boys, go with the one who treats you better rather than the one who looks better.
• If they both treat you well… go with the nerd. Every time.
• "Sometimes good parenting will trump me being nice.
• "If you're trying to convince yourself you're right, then you're probably wrong".
• When it comes to makeup and sarcasm… a little dab will do ya. 
• You cannot get an iPad for $19 by "clicking here". Nor is it a cancer-stricken, little girl's dying wish that you share/like/repost something on Facebook. Don't be naive. If you want an iPad, you'd better start babysitting your ass off. If you want to help a sick child, get off Facebook and go cook a family meal and scrub toilets at the Ronald McDonald House.
• "A smile costs nothing. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. Sometimes the memory of one can last a lifetime." Remember to smile.
• Hold doors open for people. Thank them when they do the same for you.
• It’s ok to fall as long as it’s in a forward direction.
• Sometimes I won't pick you up... because learning to dust YOURSELF off is an essential life skill. Don't worry. This will be a rare event.
• Don't act like you don't care about something or someone if you do.
• (**I'm motioning toward your lady-parts now**) THAT. Is YOURS. Don't give it to just anyone. Especially the first time.

As you become a young woman and conquer college...

• Moisturize your face EVERY DAY and NIGHT. 
• Know where you are financially. You may blow your budget or come up short sometimes... but know how & why it happened.
• I’ve got your back. Always. (though this will not apply to the aforementioned budget if it is blown irresponsibly).
• Dirty feet- they’re gross if you’re not in pre-school anymore. 
• Be confident. People- especially the men and employers worth having- are drawn to confident people.
• Don’t be a snarky smart ass 24-7. Those people aren’t cool. They’re kinda sad.
• BUT... the occasional smart ass comment done on the fly and delivered intelligently? Good stuff.
• Putting a tattoo on your perfect, beautiful body is like a putting a bumper sticker on Bently or Jaguar.
• Never let anyone but ME, in that last statement, compare you to a car. The man you DON'T want to marry will use this as a metaphor for women because he’s not creative.
• Self Help books are usually lame. You know what to do. Do it.
• No one on this earth owes you a SINGLE THING. Be grateful for the stuff you have, work hard for the stuff you want.
• Don’t expect you can reason with unreasonable people. Especially in your professional life.
• See the world. Experience other foods, cultures, and people.
• If he’s rude to the server at a restaurant, make that your last date with him.
• Of course that guy knows you’re competent & perfectly capable of… whatever. He was probably just raised a gentleman. Let him open the car door, then thank his parents and marry his ass.
• If you're going to sleep with a married man, you might as well write the letter now. Here- I'll dictate:
  • Dear Karma, I pick selfish, loser men with no character and am lacking it myself. I'd really appreciate it if you could make sure my future relationships are empty and unfulfilling. And while you're at it, please limit the joy in my own life from here on out since I tried to steal someone else's. Thanks! xoxoxox
• Choose happiness.
• Everybody loves a girl who can make fun of herself a little.
• “I need a drink” (or a cupcake) probably means it’s the last thing you need. Sit with your feelings. Even if they’re uncomfortable. Work it out girl.
• Acting helpless for attention is an embarrassment to all women who went before you and a horrible example for those that will follow…
• Be organized. You’ll have more time for awesomeness in your life.
• Life is not easy. It’s not. The only 2 people I know who DID have an easy life… they’re vapid.
• Know the definition of vapid.
• Come home for the holidays.
• Try to remember he's your ex for a reason 
• "It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do."
• Don’t be weird about your clothes & material stuff. Share it with your college roommate. It’s just stuff.
• ALWAYS keep your sense of humor.
• Anger and resentment is like drinking poison to hurt your enemy. 
• Never depend on anyone to give you what you want. Get it yourself. 
• Do not get married before you turn 25.  
• "Stand up. Fight for what you believe is right". But know too that not every frustration is an Erin Brockovich movie waiting to happen.
• Learn to be diplomatic.
• Date jerks if you have to, but when it comes to true love... find someone just like Dad. 
• Have goals.
• People on Facebook do NOT want to hear about your specific physical ailments. 
• You get ONE whine about your job, a guy, a friend. After that, you’d better fix it, change it, dump him or ZIP IT. 
• Be competent. 

One day, you will give you heart fully to someone. You will build a life together... and dare I hope... you will have a family. 

• I will always be the first-round draft pick when it comes to babysitters.
• Don't point out your flaws. I promise he's not focused on them –
• Don't chatter on the phone with friends when you are with your kids or spouse. Give your family your full attention.
• Don't be on the phone when you pick your kids up from school. They haven't seen you all day. Make them feel like they matter and that you missed them.
• Love books. Remember to MAKE time to read them.
• Live courageously.
• Laugh loudly and often.
• Be the first to let go if you’re having a standoff with someone you love.
• Embrace motherhood and marriage, but know that it’s ok too if you want to draw the line at a minivan.
• Never wear pants that have an elastic waistband unless you’re on your way to a yoga class.
• Take walks alone. It clears the head & calms the soul.
• Go camping with your kids. In a TENT.
• "The way you talk to your children becomes their inner voice..."
• Life is more fun for people who are not pissed off all the time.
• That perfect person you envy isn’t perfect. Neither is her life.
• "For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness or contentment." 
• Your husband doesn’t want a perfect wife. He wants a happy one.
• Don't let the kids sleep in your bed. It's a slippery slope toward an unbreakable habit and could be a wedge between you and your spouse.
• When toddlers outgrow their cribs, skip the twin bed and buy a queen. You can crawl in bed with your sick kids, cuddle comfortably after reading books, and company can crash there.
• Family meals together around the table are really, REALLY important.
• Cook for your family. Or marry a guy who loves to cook.
• Sometimes… ya just gotta know when to ask him to hit El Pollo Loco for a family meal deal.
• Marry a guy who loves to do the housework. And while you're at it, snap a picture of that sparkly unicorn that's been grazing in your front yard.
• Pinterest will at the same time inspire you, and upon execution of crafts and baking projects... make you feel like an utter failure.
• Take bubble baths.
• Strength train 3 times a week. Your bones will thank you for it when you’re 80.
• The real secret to a happy marriage is pretty simple. Maintain a flexible personality and body.
• Learn to say no at the toy store sometimes so you can say yes at the bookstore everytime.
• Sometimes the woman with the fewest problems will bitch the most. Be wary of this woman. She will suck the life out of you if you let her….
• Life can turn on a dime... change in an instant. Love with intensity.
• Do things for other people, but don't forget to do things for yourself.
• You've had a baby. Take a breath and hold on... it's going to go fast from here on out. Too fast.
• Remember to call your mother. she misses you....