Because Amazing Is Something We Need in Our Lives

This post is about super heroes and food, art and travel.

The last two weekends were filled with quick trips to visit friends in New England and the Midwest. Both trips were extra heart warming for me because they were to see dear friends that I used to see every day, but life has put miles and often busy schedules between us.

To have four full days to talk about everything big and small with those who know you in and out,  is the best way to recharge. Also, to be able to hang out with four fantastic kids and two dogs (who we loved long before Mason) makes for a fun, always shifting time. Follow it up with a dynamic twin duo, one awesome pug and more good friends and August is full of splendor in my book.

I am in complete awe of how my dear friends balance their lives as mother, wife, friend, and colleague. (I can hear them scoffing at the word "balance" right now.) These women are extraordinary individuals who will feign politely when you say to them "you're amazing." But really, truly these women and so many others I know can say to Ann-Marie Slaughter with a voice full of experience "Of course we can't have it all by someone else's definition. The liberating reality is we can have it all when we chose to define our lives and our happiness for ourselves."

This is not a one day, one year actualizing reality. It's a life's work.

Yet, the grace, calm, and humor my friends bring to their lives and the multiple roles they hold is something remarkable. There is no time out when you're raising children and sure ends get frayed from time-to-time for everyone, but each time I'm able to spend time with my friends who are mothers, I leave buoyed and humbled by the sheer range and volume of tasks and cares they handle in a day.

You are modern day super heroes in my book and my life in enriched for having you in it.

Oh, and the World's Fair exhibition at the Nelson-Atkins was tremendous. It is a testament to what can be accomplished when a museum harnesses the power and creativity of cross-functional teams to create a better, richer visitor experience. Well done friends.

And the food? Well, nothing beats Oklahoma Joe's and trying out a few new places too. 

We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, 

we take a little of each other everywhere.