I Was In Need

 I was in need of a girls night out and finally was able to oblige my soul with a wonderful evening of laughter,  news, gossip and friendship. Getting together with friends have proven more difficult as the years pass because life gets busy and everyone has families that take priority.  But making time for friends will always be important,  so girls nights will be on the agenda, no matter how long it takes to finalize those plans.

After an invigorating night out, we all feel energized and ready for the next one. It's just a matter of timing, but a time will always be had.

We were also catching up on life and birthday celebrations. We will never not need to hang with friends. Friendships are an integral part of living life to the fullest, without apologies or regret.  There are just some parts of the soul that need that sort of fulfillment and a couple of drinks out with the girls don't hurt either. 

The First of Many

 My daughter recently celebrated her birthday and it was the first celebration I have missed in all of her 19 years. Celebrating a birthday without the birthday girl was interesting. But she did celebrate and had a wonderful time doing it. I just wish I had been there to celebrate with her.

I guess this is our new normal now. With her being away from home,  studying abroad, there will be more birthdays, special occasions and holidays that we'll inevitably miss. Celebrating together will be remote and life will never be the same.

But one pony don't stop no show, so she celebrated with new friends, my family and her new boy friend and had a blast.

Happy 19th birthday baby girl.

Cue The Pomp and Circumstance

 It finally happened. After months of delays and rescheduling,  my oldest son has finally come to the end of his academic career. He finally finished the last chapter of his university studies and has graduated at last.

It was a bitter sweet moment because after all, he didn't get to graduate with his classmates. But a win is a win no matter how it's accomplished and he walked across that stage, head held high, title in hand, finally able to say he has completed this long academic journey.

And as a parent, I could not be any more proud. My son did it! He was able to accomplish a dream that alludes so many. He got a college degree. And now he is the proud title owner of two technical degrees in 2D Digital Animation and Video Game Creation.

Matcha Craze

 I had to finally see what all the matcha fuss was about so I decided to give it a try.

As it was my very first time trying anything matcha, I had to just dip my pinky in for a taste. Nothing crazy because I'd heard stories of it tasting like grass and I don't like grassy flavored things. 

Dunkins was the place and their strawberry foam matcha was the drink of choice to ease myself in.  My first sip wasn't terrible. But I was so glad my matcha had the sweet strawberry foam to take the edge off the strong matcha flavor.

After I mixed in the foam AND added FOUR whole (mini) packs of sugar, the drink was almost perfect. It had the hint of sweetness I desired while also being refreshing.  

So, in conclusion,  is matcha my drink now? No, but I'm glad I tried it. I may even try more matcha flavored drinks, like a Boba or a hot chocolate or a dessert. But straight up matcha just for kicks,  absolutely not. Let's just say without the add ons, matcha just isn't the drink for me.

It's  a pretty looking drink, just not as pretty tasting.  However,  after I doctored it up a bit (see photo below), it wasn't half bad.

Chill Easter At Home

 I love going places,  dressing up and getting cute and going somewhere.  But nothing beats a holiday at home. Yes, invite me for a day off at your house to celebrate,  I will come. But being home, chill and relaxed on my own time is unmatched.

Easter was a bit different this year as my daughter wasn't home, but it was a nice holiday all the same. I kept the celebration simple while sticking with all the magic and doing all the things that make the holiday so special for my kids. 

                Brunch was delicious 

    Baskets all set and ready to go

Then it was time for the scavenger egg hunt. Even as my kids get older, I still feel the need to keep some traditions alive.

                         My boys

After a wonderful day, we closed out Easter with a pretty awesome spread for dinner.

It was the perfect Easter at home.