Amy’s Adventures

Two-hundred thirty-four years ago today, 56 white men signed the Declaration of Independence. Today, women are dominating the business world, gaining political clout and breaking the traditional stereotypes of submissive, wife, mother and homemaker.

The urban dictionary defines an independent woman as ” a woman who pays her own bills, buys her own things, and DOES NOT allow a man to affect her stability or self-confidence. She supports her self on her own entirely and is proud to be able to do so.”

So instead of honoring the old, dead, white guys I opted to honor a few ladies, who at least for me, exemplify the spirit of an independent woman.

1. Sandra Bullock - You cheat and we’re done.  She doesn’t mess around and is confident enough in herself to adopt a kid, leave you and start over, alone.

2. Demi Moore- The cougar matriarch who achieved success with her own name, talent and skills, then found a guy who didn’t care and wasn’t ashamed that he hadn’t yet done it all.

3. Oprah - She’s got Stedman and doesn’t need a marriage certificate to validate the relationship.

4. Jane Austen-  An independent woman way before her time. Despite being a Brit, she didn’t succumb to the traditions of marriage for which were expected of her, but instead followed her passion for writing. She showed them and is one of the most beloved authors of English literature.

5. Elizabeth I - Another Brit, but she kicked a lot of male ass during her reign and shaped Britain into the country it is today. She committed herself to country and said to hell with men. A strategy that paid off well for the UK.

Who did I miss?

Mom and I at Hilton Head Island

It’s Mother’s Day 2010 and a good time to reflect on the things my mom taught me.

• Respect your elders and say “yes ma’m/yes sir, no ma’m/no sir”
• Take a hostess gift when invited to a party
• Send a thank you note for gifts and weekend stays
• Be on time
• Honor your commitments
• Tell the truth
• Reading builds your vocabulary and keeps your mind sharp
• Stay active in mind and body, it’ll keep you young

I'll be here this time next year!

Accountability is required when you want to make a change. That’s why I’m writing this now, so in September when I begin to make plans I’ll have this post to look back on. I figure that if I put it out there, write it, then I’m much more likely to follow through when it’s time. So what the heck am I talking about?

Well, it occurred to me on my drive back home from NC this past weekend that it’s time for new traditions. As a childless, thirty-something without a significant other to speak of, I’ve discovered that for the past 7-8 years I’ve been sitting around waiting to join in without considering what my traditions will be without the kids and the family that have eluded me to date. Therefore, I’ve decided that it’s time the family of Amy begin new Christmas traditions on the Italian coast. That’s right folks, next year, while everyone’s rushing to wrap that last gift and round up the troops for Christmas Eve services, I’ll be on a flight to the Amalfi Coast for a week long escape from all the US Christmas craziness in favor of a quiet week of writing and photography. So save the gifts and cards, just say, “arrivederci!”

Although, I’m non-traditional in my Thanksgiving feast and opt for wine and pizza over turkey and mashed potatoes, my food choices don’t translate to the heart of the day–giving thanks. So in the  spirit of the day, I give thanks for:

1. Twitter - This simple tool has provided me with a world of new friends, which I enjoy hanging out with both online and in person.  Together we share information, drink wine and rant about what ever bugs us.

2. College Basketball - The dreary days of February and March are much more bearable with the thrills of the ACC basketball and March Madness.

3. Airplanes - Despite all the crazy added fees,  airplanes open me to the world of travel, for which I could never live without.

4. Clean Air- Having visited China where there are no regulations on pollution and a simple walk outside leaves you covered with soot and dust in your mouth, I am forever grateful for clean air.

5-iPhone - What can this phone not do? It keeps me connected to everyone and everything.

6. Paxton, the cat –For 12 years, this cat has provided me with friendship and unconditional love.

7. Google - If I have a question, Google’s always there.

8. Health- A traditional response for Thanksgiving, but I’m especially grateful since I get the flu once every 14 years and  a cold every 5 years. I’m a very healthy specimen!

9. Botox - I don’t get this is as much as I’d like, but it’s a miracle for minimizing the aging process.

10. Family - Another traditional response, but when things are tough, you’re stuck or need some extra help, I can depend on them.

Thanksgiving’s just five days away, but a local radio station and countless retailers have bypassed our forefathers in favor of  24 hour Christmas music. Now, I agree that the birth of Jesus should get more attention and yes, more songs, but let’s not totally shaft our forefathers. Don’t they deserve more than crowded airports, bloated stomachs and highway traffic jams?  After all, they risked their lives in search for the freedoms we enjoy today. Shouldn’t they have a few songs too? Yet, in my quest to find songs dedicated to these brave colonists, for which Thanksgiving was founded, sadly I only found one: “Faith of our Fathers.“