Is Your Family Holding You Back?

A friend of mine recently graduated from college and made plans to move to another state by herself. Naturally, she told her family of her decision and was hoping to receive their support in return. Wrong.

Rather than support her or assist her, her family essentially opposed her idea with accusing questions that were disguised as “concern.” They questioned why she couldn’t stay where she was, what she was going to do with herself in a new city, has she planned everything out etc.

Now this is where things get a little hazy. These could be seen as normal questions; sometimes family want to make sure you’re thinking rationally and have a solid plan before making a big move. However, when do you draw the line between being “prepared” and your family scaring you?

Adventures in tea houses, museums and beaches!

This time last week, my mom was in town and running me ragged! We traveled to places I had never been including a nice quiet beach (comparable to Clearwater Beach which I describe as the Wal Mart of beaches) in Largo, the Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts in Eatonville and a cute French store in Ybor City. However, my favorite place to go to with dear old mom is a cute tea house.

La France in Ybor City...very quirky!

 Our tradition now is to go to the Tea Rose Cottage in Ybor City anytime she visits. It's a quaint little house and gift shop that has a delectable variety of teas and delicious tea sandwiches and "crumpets." The tearoom's atmosphere is so cozy and inviting...and exclusive! It's only open Wednesday through Saturday and their hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ONLY with reservation. Yes. Reservations are required for this joint.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

My Dad is truly the best father in the entire world.

He has given me the best example of what a REAL man should be. He's strong, kind, fearless, caring, loving, corny, takes responsibility, provides and isn't afraid to protect for the ones he loves.

After being in the Army for 20+ years, he definitely has a very secretive, shy and fearing presence about him but underneath is a complete GOOFBALL and teddy bear.



Maybe it's because I'm the middle child, but I've always been able to get what I want (i.e. travel the globe) from him. No he's not a pushover, but I'm always able to find that sweet spot in him (that and making him feel guilty for FORGETTING about me since I suffer the middle child syndrome) that makes him say "Okay Naomi okay...."

My Dad has ALWAYS been there for me and since I've been in college I've seen it more through my own eyes.

There aren't enough words to explain how much this man means to me. He's proven to be the ONLY man whom I can fully trust and unfortunately, not a lot of women can say that about their fathers.

God blessed me with an AMAZING father and while I do still fear the when he says my name *usually means I'm in trouble* I love my father with all my heart and can only wish that people could get to know even the smallest portion of what I know.

Happy Father's Day!

The Person I Admire Most

My mother. There is no one person that I admire more than this woman. She's the only person in the world that I want to emulate. My mother exudes confidence, intelligence, class and grace. You can go head to head with her on any subject from homosexuality to wrestling to relationships and she will SHUT IT DOWN in a such a classy yet firm manner that you will leave with your mouth agape.



All you have to do is meet her to see where I "get it all from". Her mind is brilliant, her body is AMAZING for a 50 year old and her beauty is timeless. I can only hope that I am HALF of what she is.

I strongly believe that my mother is the SMARTEST person in the world. She has both book smarts (two degrees) and street smarts. She's seen so much and been through so much, and is still positive and dignified.

She always encourages and supports my endeavors. She always knows exactly what to say when I'm feeling down even when I don't want to hear it (because she's always right). Sometimes she doesn't even need to say anything...just her presence comforts me.



I admire this woman, I respect this woman...I fear this woman and I love this woman. She's the greatest example of what a lady should be like, and like a fine wine, she gets better with age.