And I even took my fish oil.

You know why it's called the Mall of America?  Because the majority of the country's citizens are within its confines on any given Saturday.  I should know.  I was in the chaos.  Made the mistake of driving a car instead of taking the train.  Forgot a coupon.  Locked the car key in the car.  Patiently sat through another KU b-ball game. (not gonna lie, this isn't torture)  Noted that I took supplements that should have ensured a solid memory and perhaps level blood pressure.  But uhh..   not so much. 
Though with every loss is there not a victory?  Well in this case, yes.  And I was not only the loser (as I just described), but the victor as well.  I managed to purchase all 3 items on my shopping list, with nothing more, and came in under budget.  (Is The Look for Less still on the Style Network?)  AND had a little reconnect with my previous internship supervisor at the HandsOn Twin Cities volunteer fair.  Good stuff, right?
But the funk remained...  and not in the good funk way.  So I'm chillin at the coffee shop, eating what is potentially the most delicious bar I've ever eaten (some cardamom and almond thing), and I get an email from my boss.  Her mom died this past week from an unforeseen (as they usually tend to be) stroke.  They didn't have what sounded like the most peaceful relationship, but my boss was working through a lot of the forgiving and forgetting.  Then her mom passed.  Instead of sadness and self-pity, my boss shared her feelings of positivity for her mom's peace and happiness...  and a peace she now feels as well. 
I couldn't help but think of the African philosophy of Ubuntu.  As many differences as we have between us, we still need each other.  Parent/child relationships can be the most tumultuous of them all, but it is still family.  Those are ties that cannot be broken and can (hopefully) be repaired and nurtured.  My boss made this effort, even at the end of her mother's life, and now feels enriched and happy and positive despite her incomprehensible loss.  I admire that and I will learn from it. 
So really.. what was today?  A little chaotic and frustrating.  But right now, it's good.  Life goes on, and my petty concerns of the day are just that.  I can absolutely appreciate the times when I get a swift kick in the pants that says "Snap out of it!"  And with that outlook, I think I'll head home to spend time with my two guys.  As long as the b-ball goes on hiatus for the night....

Welcome!...?

Hi.  How are ya?

I am the Dandis.  Or Amanda, for you traditionalists.  And I have a few things to say.  Well, more than a few things, but I don't want to scare you off.  This venture into the blogging world signals no great change in my life.  Perhaps ongoing change.  Who knows.  whatever.  Point being, I felt I needed a forum, even if I am my sole reader.  I'm not a great photographer, so I won't be posting wicked pics of my adventures.  Probably other people's pics with me awkwardly in them.  Otherwise, it'll just be random musings and an epiphany or two.  So hey, enjoy.  And as a teacher of mine used to say every single day...   Go forth and have a great day  ......won't you?