Far too often, I was up until 2 AM, word-smithing and looking for the perfect pictures before my Friday morning publication deadline.
I intended to start up again in a few weeks. After all, it is called the Weekly WOW! Here it is, the end of March, and I’ve only published one blog this year. I left you hanging after the first installment of the “Top 18 of ’18” featuring the destination wish-list of three of my employees but never revealed what places Gabriel and I are recommending for 2018. I promise – that post will come before it’s irrelevant.
Did anybody miss these weekly blogs besides me?
If you’ll indulge me, let me catch you up on what’s been going on with me in the first three months of 2018.
On the home front, there’s big news from both of Scott’s daughters. Erica eloped with her beloved Jason Nicholson on Thanksgiving Day at the Grand Canyon. Jason, a superb photographer, captured some gorgeous images to share with us, but we’re grateful that they agreed to share a second ceremony with family on the beach in Malibu on New Year’s Eve.
Two perfectly beautiful, fuss-free wedding ceremonies: Grand Canyon and the beach in Malibu
The newlyweds moved into an apartment in Northridge and adopted a cat. Erica recently started a job with AMA Waterways, a river cruise company. She returned from a familiarization voyage yesterday, having spent seven nights on the Seine River in France. Needless to say, she’s loving her job. Jason, a high school history teacher, is a great addition to the family and a fabulous photographer. We couldn’t be happier for the two of them.
Ashley, the younger daughter, moved back home from Nashville, where she had been living for about 18 months. She persevered through a number of challenges but finally decided that living in the south – even in a relatively progressive city like Nashville – wasn’t a good fit. We’re proud to see her getting her life back on track and making great progress on her personal goals. She’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever known, and I love having her back home with us.
Ashley is on top of the world these days!
Scott is a happy camper, setting his own schedule as a flight instructor at Channel Islands Aviation at Camarillo Airport and puttering around the house in his spare time. He still does most of the cooking, which I love and appreciate more than he knows. The recent rains have turned the hillsides lush and green. Our cats are happy, too. Since Ashley has returned home, we now have four of them – all black.
Three of the four cats. How do we tell them apart? Easy! Brutus is the largest, with an extra toe and a perfectly straight tail. Petey is portly, with a tail shaped like a question mark. Stinky is a baby (a mama’s boy) and walks around, whimpering, with a fuzzy bear in his mouth. And Littles, Ashley’s cat, has a tail that never stops wagging – even when he’s hissing at the other three cats!
And as for me, I’m happy to report that I’m back to optimum health! For several months, I’d been anemic, caused by the oral chemo meds I’ve been taking. They cautioned me that it would take some time for my body to adjust. Until that time, I had to put up with fatigue and periodic blood transfusions. But everything has finally evened out and my hemoglobin count is in double digits for the first time since last June! I feel fabulous! I’m motivated and inspired after my recent journey to accomplish some great things. Stay tuned!
Everything about my journey to India was epic! (and my new curly hair is a godsend!)
Our office lease was expiring this month, and we decided it was time for fresh space. We found a nice suite at a nearby building and were close to signing on the dotted line when our landlord came through at the 11th hour with a deal we couldn’t refuse. I can’t fault him for thinking I’d never move out since we’ve been in the building since 1980! Despite a redesign that gives everyone a private office, the same space is open and brighter than ever. With new lighting, ceiling grid, paint, flooring, and cabinetry – it’s stunning. My inner decorator is very happy. Our UPS driver recently asked us if we’d moved! We’ll be scheduling a big “Reveal Party” in the near future!
I’m being very intentional about editing, tossing, and purging my accumulated “stuff” from the past few decades. I can be a bit of a hoarder, but I’m practicing the art of ‘letting go.’ Our new office is too pretty to deface with anything I don’t absolutely need or love.
I’ve done a short trip and a long trip so far this quarter. I visited my 101-year-old Aunt Lil in Phoenix, plus stepson, Danny, who recently moved to Scottsdale. Then I drove down to Tucson to see good friends. A month ago, I jetted off for a big 3-week WOW! Travel Club adventure to India. I returned last weekend and am still processing the experience. In a word, it was EPIC!
I suppose that’s a hint about one of my “Top 18” will be!
Thanks for hanging in with me during this hiatus from writing. I’ve missed you, too!
Namaste.
As always, comments are welcome!
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18 Comments
Carlos Gallegos March 30, 2018 at 10:07am
Welcome back…So good to know thing are going great, health and otherwise.
Very happy for Scott self-guided schedule, and part time “Arm Candy” role.
Marilyn March 30, 2018 at 12:04pm
Ha! … Scott has probably never been called “arm candy” before! But, if the shoe fits . . . Hope all is well with you and Renee!
Joan Marso March 30, 2018 at 10:50am
I did miss hearing from you, but glad you have taken some time for yourself. Thank you for yet another inspiring communique as we end our week.
Ellen Borowka March 30, 2018 at 11:03am
Glad to hear all is well with you and your family! We missed your blogs! 🙂
Julie Franz March 30, 2018 at 11:28am
I’m always happy to read your blogs! I’ve missed them and hope you will share your experiences in India. Even though I was there with you, it would still be good to hear your perspective and maybe a few details I missed during this amazing adventure. Continued blessings for health and happiness for you and your family. 😊❤️
Marilyn March 30, 2018 at 12:05pm
Yes, Julie … I’ve already drafted some stories about my experiences and impressions of India. But since I created this void in my weekly postings, it seemed appropriate to provide an update! Stay tuned for news of India!!
Elaine March 30, 2018 at 1:35pm
Welcome “home” Dear Heart!! So happy you are feeling tip top. You look fantastic in your posted picture! Looking forward to reading your future posts!
Karen Oxrider March 30, 2018 at 2:01pm
Congratulations to you and your entire family. Wow, I love your blog and I love you. Cant wait to hear more able India. Most important is your EPIC “healthy” life. So happy and proud of you for walking the talk in all you do. Something to be said for that “wonder lust” pill.
Helene Volkman March 30, 2018 at 7:05pm
Keep up the good work, Marilyn! I always knew nothing could defeat you. Love your enthusiasm and confidence.
Best,
Helene
Laila March 30, 2018 at 10:47pm
So nice to see your ever joyful picture and get an personal and travel update.
Please keep us posted .
Hugs,
Laila
Joann Yamashiro March 30, 2018 at 11:36pm
Incredible busy year for you thus far in every aspect of your life! Usually about your travel adventures but Felt this was more like family time. I loved it!
Natalia Sans March 31, 2018 at 1:49am
Dear Marilyn,
Happy to read you again and that all is going back to the track of health and family happiness for you all.
Big hugs for you and Gabriel from us in barcelona!!!
Natalia
(Another Konzept)
Joyce Walters March 31, 2018 at 3:46pm
Sooooo good to have you baaaaack, Marilyn! Your blogs are such fun to read! And, I love that you have a fresh space to give you a fresh feel for the coming years.
marilyn way April 5, 2018 at 7:59am
Wonderful to hear all your good news!
Maureen April 5, 2018 at 8:09am
I missed your blogs! I travel vicariously through you, as you know, and I can’t wait to hear more about the India trip. It’s not high on my bucket list, but the more I hear from you, the more intriguing that part of the world becomes.
Julia Nizinski April 6, 2018 at 12:12pm
Yay!!! That’s good news!
Jill Stoliker April 13, 2018 at 1:14pm
This Blog was such a wonderful update on you, Scott, Erica, Ashley, Cats and Aunt Lil! I will look forward to seeing your renewed office space and your wonderful Staff. Your Blogs and the Comments remind me that we WOW and CTP travelers are part of a large and expanding family! I am so grateful for it all!
Marilyn April 13, 2018 at 4:02pm
Thanks, Jill. Yes – my WOW family is expanding with all the right people! I love you all and look forward to many more adventures together!