....to put your mom's birthday in your blackberry

Now don't get me wrong I'm a good son. I remembered earlier this week, and even talked about it with my Mom yesterday, but for some reason this morning when we spoke my mind didn't register it. I remembered as I had some paperwork to do and when I wrote down the date it hit me. This week has really just flown by. So I thought I would share a little about my Mom today so that you know how unforgettable this woman really is to me.

My Mom must be the strongest woman that ever lived. Being outnumbered 4 to 1 by headstrong boys in our house, I guess she would have to be. She is a passionate woman with incredible taste in everything. She dresses well and is quick to offer to pick up the tab at lunch lol.

As I was growing up when someone I knew got a haircut or wore something different I always noticed. I remember being very little and commenting on my Mom's new jewelry, shoes, or hairstyle. It was just something I always did. It wasn't until I got older that I realized that I think the reason I continued to notice and comment, was how good it made my Mom feel to hear that her little bit of extra effort was appreciated. I just knew I noticed, and always liked it. As trivial as this might sound, in all the relationships I've had in my past I can say one of the few consistencies has been how much that trait is appreciated. If I didn't have a Mom that made the extra effort to try something new, or have fun with her style, or if she didn't react so positively when I commented on it, that trait would've never became second nature. On the other hand when your ex military boss gets his buzz cut cleaned up he doesn't have the same reaction when you say "oh so you got a hair cut, looks good." I guess Dad's hair has always been the same lol.

My Mom is my movie buddy. My family is always doing something. We are generally playing games, eating, cooking something to eat, or watching a movie. My Mom and I however were always the movie team. I remember on several occasions playing hookie from family activities and hitting the theater. In fact during my divorce, one of the best memories I have is going on a Mom date to see "The Notebook" in the theater with her. It was just the push I needed to have a good cry, and blow off some steam. We both had a great time blaming allergies and laughing at eachother all the way back home.

I must say that out of all the great characteristics my Mom has, I think her patience is my favorite. Only later in life did I realize she even had any. As a very impatient person myself, it's hard to notice how patient other people are with me all the time. The fact that she didn't just come home guns ablazin' one day is really a shocker. She knows exactly how to give up in a conversation without being patronizing. This is a skill I have a feeling I may never master.

So I write this blog to say "Thank you Mom." You have inspired, supported, guided, and enriched this son's life more than you will ever know. And if you want to go see that movie "The Proposal," sometime soon, I will make a special trip out there just for you.

To my legions of followers that didn't give birth to me, I hope you aren't to disappointed that this post wasn't the recipes and wine I promised. But I swear to give you a great price breakdown and tasting notes on exactly what wine's I recommend for this wonderful summer season. (Oh and if you didn't cry during "The Notebook" I'm not the weird one, YOU ARE!).

Goodnight, and please support my Dad's blog http://www.dad-imjustsaying.blogspot.com/ and my brothers blog http://www.maybetodayworld.blogspot.com/. If you get a chance, I added a funny pole to my blog, and would love to see how you vote. It's on the top right corner of the page. Enjoy, and see you tomorrow.