Fifty years of Carol

My family as I know it now is not the family in which I grew up. My parents split up when I was 17, and while bad came from that as it is wont to do, good also came from that too. Both of my parents are remarried to spouses who suit them perfectly. Two new families were forged, and I get to be a part of both of them. Both of my step-parents and their families treat me very well, and today I celebrate my step mom, who turns 50 on August 11.

On her birthday, she will be living the life in Jamaica with my dad and friends. She loves the beach and vacations, so there's no better way for her to celebrate her birthday. You guys, they're going to have their own butlers. Hello dream vacation. Wallace, do please bring me my tea. And some vodka over which to splash it.Thank you my good man.

Carol has never tried to be my mom, a common mistake among step-parents, but she has always loved me and looked out for me like a mother would. Even when I lived at home and was an epic mess with no signs of my current standards of cleanliness, productivity, or ability to cook; and no understanding of why her and my dad would expect those things from me.

She is generous, adventurous, smart, funny, and kind. She's into trying new things, be it recipes, restaurants or vacations. Being around Carol is always fun. She is the electricity that powers this half of my revised family.

Have a fabulous 50th, Carol. I'm thankful for everything you are and everything you do.

Speaking of birthdays, today my friend Marla from Luck Fupus celebrates hers! Visit her blog and share some birthday love.

With that, my friends, I'm off on a shore adventure tomorrow until Monday, which means a blog hiatus. I'll see you back here Tuesday for the long shore weekend that was. Step in time with me on facebook and instagram to see what I'm doing between now and then. Toodleoo.

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