Being a Richards

There are so many reasons why I feel lucky to be one, the greatest of which being my friendship with my sister-in-law, which just seems to get better every time I'm with her...the affection I am able to muster for my father-in-law when he's driving too fast and almost kills us all...and the basic fact that no matter what, we always seem to have a good time.

But after this last weekend, I'm reminded of one of the greatest aspects of life in the Richards clan...laughter. I am, without fail, someone who loves to laugh. I'm almost always laughing...and most people know I'm near when they hear my horribly high-pitched, piercing, yet hearty bellow. This is likely because I grew up around funny people.
And so, as luck would have it, I've found more reasons to laugh by being a Richards. Yes, sometimes the reasons aren't supposed to be funny...and the sheer humor I find in them are just an example of the ways in which we cope with things we don't always understand (uukayy?!?--that was for you, Denise:) ).
But most of the time, I'm laughing because I'm having a damn good time. Each of my in-laws makes me laugh in ways that are new...which...is AWESOME.

I won't go into how funny Kathy can be...and almost always when she doesn't realize it.
Dave, Kath, Denise...and now Paul...they all have their own magical way of making me spit beer out of my nose.
Or wine.
Or sangria.

And so, to honor the most recent addition to the Richards clan...I would like to share with you (drumroll)...my brother-in-law, Paul. Since he joined the family, I know I've been laughing harder...and more often.

A Father

Among the many reasons I love, believe in and support Barack Obama...one of the greatest is his views on parenthood. The way he looks at his children, the hopes he has for them. The fact that he's just another parent like so many of us.

So, here's an article that embodies that...and is worth reading: http://www.parade.com/export/sites/default/news/2009/01/barack-obama-letter-to-my-daughters.html

"I'm still alive"

Yes, sung in your best Eddie Veder voice.

For many reasons, this particular statement applies.
The following have played a role in holding me hostage from my blog. I'm not saying they make sense, are justifiable, or even dignified...I'm just trying to maintain full disclosure.
(as though that's ever been a problem for me)

1. Holiday chaos fallout
2. Husband's travel...and my subsequent emotional fallout
3. Facebook (yup--totally undignified)
4. Slack-ass-ness
5. Book I got for Christmas--Audacity of Hope--wanting to finish before next Tuesday...I'm a slow reader
6. Video I'm putting together for youth group Pasta Dinner
7. General Blog apathy
8. More slack-assedness (had to have an even number in my list...totally O.C.D.)
Wait...
9. Benjamin not napping as much--too tired at night to Blog
10. Meijer...? Ok, this so isn't a good reason, but I needed to end my list with an even "10" things, and we all know Meijer works when nothing else does. At least it does in our family.

Peace out.