I finally heard from Tully today and they selected another candidate. All forthe best I'm sure. Initially I was disappointed but after I thought about the changes it would have brought I decided it wasn't the right time. I'm sure I was asking too much money but I wouldn't change any of that now. It'll be interesting to see what life hands me next. It's a good day to live Macdougal.

OK so Tara was standing outside the YMCA Get off my back!!!!

I went to church today and our neighbor Betty was sitting behind me. During hospitality moment I went over and gave her a hug and she said," I love you and I see God in you." Wow! Kind of blew me away. I took Marissa to get fitted for her gown for Tara's wedding and in walked Em. Oh My God she looked beautiful!!! Really I looked at her and thought , Who is this beautiful person. Her hair was shiny and she just radiated beauty.It seems to me as if she went from being 2 to being grown so quickly. I have a picture in my mind of her holding a balloon bouquet on her first birthday. I have a picture of Tara standing outside the YMCE holding her book bag on her first day of pre-school and Marissa eating a mrshmallow off a stick. I miss those days so much at times. I am so lucky to be a mom. It is a grand day to live MacDougal!!!!!!

I wrote a post earlier bit it just vanished. We decided to stay in Clifton for now because the lady with the Geneva house wanted too much. We're going to commit to one more year and see what happens with my job search. I still haven't heard from Tully and who knows what lies ahead. Saw a picture of Tara in Colorado and it looked gorgeous. She and Dave are doing well. Hard to believe I was saying goodbye to her at this time last week. It's a good day to live......

Yesterday I found a job posting at Hobart ( Internal candidates only for now) that sounds fascinating. It's Manager of Jumpstart which is an Americorp program that has college kids teaching preschool children that are poor . I'm going to keep my eyes peeled and see if they post it to the public. We decided against the house in Geneva for now because she wants way too much. We are going to stay here for one more year and then have Scot take over. Still haven't heard from Tully but I did e-mail them yesterday. Whatever will be will be. Tara and Dave are enthralled with Colorado. How great for them to follow their dreams. It's a good day to live MacDougal

I'm at a place where I'm trying to figure out, "What's next?' Come to think about it when haven't I been at that place? My babies are grown and forging their paths, doing a wonderful job I might add. I think it's time for Scot to take care of mom for a bit. I'm getting drained and it's not making for a fantastic relationship for mom and I. She deserves better. I'll keep ya posted as to what's going on through my mind. WOW!!!! Scary. It's a good day to live.

Well Tara and David left for Colorado yesterday and I've spoken to her several times today. They have been driving straight through and should be arriving in an hour. How brave they are. It was probably one of the most emotional days I've had.They left with mostly clothes so they are starting from scratch. I sat next to someone in church today who said that her brother had gone out to Colorado 5 years ago and absolutely loved it so that was encouraging. Then Rev. Spence put a picture of the Rocky Mountains up on the screen and I thought , There's my sign. It is a good day to live MacDougal isn't it?

Well today we had Tara's shower. It was nice to see everyone. Dawn had us in stitches. I really do like Dave's parents. They're pretty down to earth. Once again I feel like I'm back in summer of last year when Tara went to NYC. I started crying just thinking about the two of them going cross country yesterday and it keeps hitting me in waves. I know it will be good for them, I've just gotten pretty close to Tara this past year and the thought of her being away for four months makes me sad. I've always said my girls are my sunshine and it's never been more true. I can be having the worst day and I'll see them and light up. I still recall sitting in church and having Tara sneak in and sit next to me. She came early in the morning from Keuka. I felt absolute joy. Here's a neat factoid, I found a single penny on one of the tables at The Palace today. I told Tara it was from Tim and her grandparents. I found one at graduation too. Coincidence? I think not. I was really proud of Em today. She made a huge amount of food, got gifts for everyone and was the entertainer. I read her card to Tara and cried my eyes out. She quoted her uncle Tim and said, " Remember those small towns will always be there". That of course reminded me that we never know when it will be the last time we see someone and of course I am crying now. I will end with.... Take good care of my baby. It's a good day to live MacDougal!!!!!

Yesterday I had a great day with Em, Tara and Marissa. We went to a bridal show and Tara won alot of great things. It';s a good day to live MacDougal!!!!

life in clifton Here's something I found today that touched me deeply.
First I was dying to finish high school and start college.
And then I was dying to finish college and start working.
And then I was dying to marry and have children.
And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough so I could get back to my career.
And then I was dying to retire.
And now I am dying...
And suddenly realized that I forgot to Live.
Dance While you can.
I will not stand to the side and allow the music in my heart to fade away and die. I will dance to my own life song.I want to dance with my loved ones to watch our dreams unfold one by one.I will stop looking back with regrets or looking forward with fear and give the best I have today.I will quiet my soul... silince the noise in my head and heart and ask myself what I really want out of life.I will slow down, set limits on my committments and work and make certain that those whom I love remain first in my life. I will not allow the pressures that bear down upon our lives to get wedged between us and keep us apart.I will share your hope's and dreams and desires. I will believe that you can turn your dreams into reality.I will make truth the hallmark of my life. I will have the courage to make decisions that I stand behind without wavering.I will stop complaining about what I don't have and I will learn to be truly grateful for what I do have. I will be content though not complacent.I refuse to allow my past to determine my future. I will make the necessary changes in my life to ensure that I am truly living consistently with what I want to be in my heart and what I say I believe in. I will remember that money is only material, that titles mean little, but that who I am is what really matters.

I've been coughing for over a month and finally went to the doctor's on Tuesday. I have a viral infection and viral laryngitis. On tuesday and Wednesday I had no voice at all. I'm starting to feel better I'm just very tired all the time. This bothers me because normally my energy level is rather high. In order to get off the pity pot I volunteered to deliver meals to shut ins today. I now have an attitude of gratitude. I met many wonderful people who were so lonely. Mom and Steve are both sick now so I've been taking care of them. I broke my glasses. I took them out of the case and one of the arms fell off. I'll have to get them fixed. OK that's enough for now. It is indeed a Good Day to Live MacDougal.

life in clifton
So for anyone new let me explain the cast of characters. My husband's name is Steve. I have three daughters; Emily married to Shawn, Tara engaged to Dave and Marissa at home. I have three stepsons; Casey married to Jenn with a daughter named Camryn, Stevie and Mike. My closing line; It's a Good Day to Live MacDougal comes from an awesome song Marissa wrote. Guess that's the basics

life in clifton
Lest anyone be confused by my comments let me clarify. I know Nicole had very loving, caring parentys with very good judgement and I know they said their " I love Yous". Just a very tragic accident.

So herfe we are on December 9, 2006. Yesterday the roads were awful due to snow and a 17 year old girl from Midlakes, Nicloe Laraby was killed. Nicole got up, got ready for school, was 200 freet from the school and got caught up on icy roads and had a head on collision with a 60 year old woman and died. Mariissa said she went out to the courtyard at school after she got the news and several children had made snow angels and someone wrote" We love you Nicky". Here's my point: Both Tim and Nicole woke up one morning not knowing it would be their last. Both so young and vital. Did they say the things they needed to say to people they love? Did the people they love let them know what was on their hearts? Important lessons. All we have is today. Never say, " I shoulda".
Not that I'm in any position to take someone else's inventory but..... It seems to me many valuable lessons have been lost since Tim died and that is the real tragedy. Sad that the world lost Tim but Tim lived life to the fullest and truly embraced it. He did exactly what he wanted to do and most assuredly left his mark. Ever since David's accident I've lived each day not taking things for granted. Do not get me wrong I have made more than my share of mistakes but I also know that I have given of myself.
I saw Pete last week for the first time in years and he said David is still in Illinois and that last year he saw him for the first time in several years. How sad is that? Lesson lost.
Moving on let me say I love my new job. I gave way too much to work over the past ten years. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have a "Do over". Oh back to Nicole for a minute. I was going to get Marissa a used car and in fact got her car mats that say, "Marissa, Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly" but now that little plan is on hold until Spring. I simply can't do it. Riss and I talked on the way into school yesterday because she said she wanted to borrow the car. I said the roads are bad and until you get more experience I have to say no. I went onto say that I loved her dearly and would never forgive myself if something happened to her. At that very moment Nicole was involved in a head on collision.
To go to happier things: Tara, Em and I went to Rita's to look for a wedding gown yesterday and that was fun. There's a great deal of fun in the planning. IT"S A GOOD DAY TO LIVE MACDOUGAL!!!!!!!!!!

life in clifton
YEAH!!!!! I got the job at Clifton Hospital. It's the Coordinator of Lyons Outpatient. I was feeling as if the weight of the world was off my shoulders as soon as I accepted the offer. Friday I was very emotional after telling my team and Bill. I was literally sick to my stomach. I've been at FLACRA for 9 years. I feel bad for my team because they are pretty rocked at the thought of me not being there. My prayer is that some caring, intelligent person fills my shoes. Marissa and I went to a Women's retreat today at the hospital. We did yoga, Qi Qong, meditative drumming and art therapy. Riss also got a massage. It was pretty fantastic. Marissa really enjoyed herself. Steve and I had a nice night last night. We watched Click together and actually sat side by side on the couch. Tomorrow Em and Shawn celebrate a year of marriage.HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! We had alot of fun last year. Okay I guess that's enough out of me. It's a good day to live MacDougal.

life in clifton
Okay so turns out the freezer wasn't broken we just blew a fuse. It took us a week to figure that one out. I've had a couple of interviews at the hospital now so we'll see what comes of that. BEST NEWS OF OCTOBER 14th ..... TARA AND DAVE ARE ENGAGED. Em and Tara came over yesterday and we were already in the planning stages. Her ring is an heirloom that was made from David's grandmother's 40th anniversary ring. It's so pretty.Marissa didn't pass her road test on the first try so we'll give it another go on the 23rd. Em and Shawn's first anniversary is October 22nd and that's fast approaching. Those two have done well.Oh, Marissa and I went to see Garrett Chapel last week with Tara and Dave. It's beautiful. Majestic. I guess that's it by way of updates for now but that's more than my share of blessings.

life in clifton
So it's October 1st and I actually said, "Rabbit,Rabbit" at 2a.m. before I got out of bed so let's see what good luck comes my way this month. Today Steve celebrates 24 years of sobriety. Tomorrow marks four years since Chuck died. Thursday I have an interview at the hospital and Friday it's Missy's second birthday and Marissa takes her road test. The 22nd is Em and Shawn's first wedding anniversary and the 27th is Tara's 21st birthday. Wow!!!! This month promises many gifts and emotional events. I saw Tara on Friday and she was so sick. It made me worry. Saw Em, Shawn, and Watson yesterday. Our freezer broke so Em and Shawn had to eat the top layer of their wedding cake early. Yesterday I also attended a church group on facilitating small groups. We broke out into small groups and had to share a positive spiritual experience. I chose to share about David's accident because in reality it was a time in which all I had was faith. You could hear a pin drop as I spoke and then they passed around Kleenex. I fully realized how much I've grown because I wasn't always able to speak in front of a group , let alone motivate them. I've received two thank you cards this week from people I simply listened to and offered an empathetic ear. Listening is a lost art. I'm also thinking about the approahing December 9th date and it saddens me on so many levels. I'm sad for the loss of Tim and I'm sad for the lessons lost. I find these words going through my head as a common theme today," Last night I had a crazy dream. A wish was granted just for me, it could be for anything. I didn't ask for money or a mansion in Malibu, I simply asked for One more day with you."Here's the point.... It simply doesn't matter what posessions you have or how much money you earn. What matters is the hearts you touch. The memories you make. This is your legacy. It is indeed a GOOD DAY TO LIVE MACDOUGAL!!!!!!!

life in clifton
I finally spoke to Dr. DeMeis on Friday afternoon and she said I'd be scheduled for an interview the week after next. She said an interview for a part time position would takefour hours. For a full time position it's ten hours. I can't imagine what that is like but I guess it's an experience for my life list. Em took me to lunch at Belhurst Friday and that was fantastic. It seems odd to me that my little girl has grown up and is now doing so well that she's taking me to luch. Where have the years gone? I also heard that my aunt Joyce's husband, Uncle John is in the hospital, on life support due to a staff infection. He's only 54 years old. Each year some tragedy jars me back to the realization that life is so short. I must remember to say and do the things I need to each day. It's a good day to live MacDougal!

life in clifton
As to the 9/11 stuff, the most gripping picture for me was of the people covered in ashes walking side by side. 9/11 was tragic but out of that tragedy came a united front like New Yorkers have never seen. We saw the worst in humans being met with the best.I too think of Tim and as we approach the anniversary of his passing I can feel the tears streaming down my cheeks. I ask myself what this year will bring or even this day.I think in keeping with Ellen I will begin a life list. Today I was somewhat disappointed because I talked to Cal and she said she had already spoken to Dr. DeMeis at Hobart. I called and left a message for Dr. DeMeis and sent one final e-mail. Now I wait for a response but in any event I know I've given it my best shot. I can't wait for Em to be done with RIT and Tara Keuka. It's so exciting to watch them take on the world.I also came up with this brainstorm that one of these times when Steve's travelling Mom and I will get a room by Eastview and have a girls night. We can shop a little rest, do dinner, see a movie. I think that would do her good.It would also give Steve and Riss a break. It's hard for me to balance so many different roles but I am lucky. It's a good day to live MacDougal.

life in clifton
Well if Tara's posting again so am I. I'm currently pursuing part time work at Hobart. I really want to be part of the educational system in some way. I think this will pan out. We'll see. Today Spencer Tullis came by to take my picture for the paper because I wrote a micro mini blurb about why I read the Finger Lakes Times. It was funny because he called earlier in the day and said he'd give a call before he came over. I got home from Em's and immediately changed out of shorrts and sweatshirt into something else but then changed back to shorts and sweatshirt after afew hours went by with no call. I was getting dinner on the table when he called and said he was about two minutes away. He said he would just be doing a head shot so I stayed in my grubs. Can't wait to see this!!!! He literally pulled in the drive way jumped out of his black Saab convertible took my picture, shook my hand, said thanks for the kind words and left. Pretty funny. Saw both Tara and Em oh and Watson and Em's new furniture today. It was therefore an awesome day. Plenty of life changes for my daughters. I am the luckiest and it's a good day to live MacDougal!!!!