Family | BulgingButtons

April 1, 2017
by BulgingButtons 2 Comments

Happy Birthday to my Boy

Today was the first time in years that I didn’t serve birthday cake for breakfast on this date. You see, that’s our family tradition, or at least it was. Today, however, my son woke up on his birthday away from home.

Now he wasn’t far from home, just a few miles away in the dorm, but still, he wasn’t here. He turned nineteen today, and it was strange not starting the day with a little birthday party.

He’s growing up, and changing, and so our traditions are changing too. We went to lunch with his grandmother today, and that was a wonderful way to celebrate. Not the same, of course, but still we spent time together.

Frankly, I was pleased that he made the time to do it. After all, when you’re a college student so many things compete for your time and attention, and typically your mother and grandmother don’t top the list. He did it for me. I know that. I appreciate it.

My son has matured so much in the past year. The change from a senior in high school to an almost finished freshman in college has been remarkable. He’s accepted the change with grace. I can learn from him.

Happy birthday, son. I love you.

March 10, 2017
by BulgingButtons 2 Comments

When a Dog Breaks Your Heart

Maybe it’s too soon. Maybe I shouldn’t write this. I can’t help it though. I have to. You see, early this morning my friend (who I love like a sister) had to say goodbye to her beloved dog. I know.

He was a beautiful dog. A stunning golden retriever, huge and smiling with massive paws and plumes of fur. He was a family dog, leaving behind my friend, her husband, and her two kids, one in high school, the other away at college. 17264811_10210450952442342_4921562558907777139_n

This dog.

He was beautiful.

He was clumsy.

He was sweet.

He was theirs, and they were his. His people. His family. His home and his life. And what a life he had. He was cherished. He lived well.

His passing is heartbreaking, for my friend, for her family, and for anyone who has ever loved a dog. Even a dog who wasn’t majestic. Even a dog who didn’t steal shoes from the front hallway. Even a dog that wasn’t named for an animated movie character.

For my dear friend, for her family, and for all of us who have had our lives enriched by a good dog, I am heartbroken.

You’re a good boy, Koda. You will be missed.

February 1, 2017
by BulgingButtons 9 Comments

Welcome to the Tiniest Month Challenge

February is so short it seems like it begins and ends in a flash.

What better month for a challenge, then?

So here’s my challenge to myself, and by extension to all of you:

Pick something and stick with it. Every. Day.

At least for this tiny month of February.

Some ideas that have rattled around my brain:

hit my Fitbit steps goal everyday
take time to read for pleasure
eat vegetables
mindfully give a compliment
write
avoid social media
stay out of Starbucks
call Mom

We all have things that we “should” do that we neglect. Since this is such a short month why not pick one and stick to it? It’s only 28 days, after all.

In an ideal world I would do ALL of the things on my above list everyday, but I don’t. I’m going to pick ONE and stick with it, but what to pick?

I see my ideas in roughly 3 categories: mental health, physical health, and social connectedness (which, really, is a part of staying mentally healthy I suppose). For me, physical health is the most urgent of those needs at the moment. To that end I choose the first goal: to reach my steps goal each day.

I would love to have company on my tiniest month challenge. If you’re interested please comment with your tiny month goal, and don’t worry if the month has already begun, you can start anytime you want!