Dear...

Dear Pepsi w/ lime,

I have found myself craving you mroe and more as I see my store of you running low. I want to keep you for as long as possible. The only way I know to do this is to only partake occasionally. I know we have had great times together. We've shared laughter and tears. We've seen each other through afternoons full of screaming children and evenings alone. We needed each other. That time is passing. We can't continue doing what we're doing. I must begin, at least, finding a healthier companion. I've tried in the past and couldn't pull myself away. I'm stronger now. I can do it. I know we'll still cross paths, and that's okay. I'll miss our afternoons on ice and our evenings in the driveway, but it's better this way.

I can't bear to go, but can't bear to stay.
You'll be gone soon enough.

Desperately,
Lover of the lime.

Seriously!

Lately, I've been a little cranky - not sure why - still trying to figure it out. Regardless, I guess Luke has picked on my crankiness. Last night while sitting on the couch, he looked around and said in an irritated voice, "What is all this Crap?!" Rich and I looked at each other and laughed.

Over the past few days, I've noticed Luke saying things, like, "No. No. Lucy. That's naughty." What? How does he know she's being naughty...oh wait, that's what I always say to her.
-OR-
"Shoo fly. Go Away"
-OR-
"Get. out. of. here. Mom. I said, go away."
Seriously, I'm sure I never say things like that. Especially when I find Luke in the front room near my table of breakables....and he is not listening to a thing I say (or so I think).

It's been a good reminder that I need to get it together and clean up a little. No more "go aways". Although I might still have a few "shoo fly"s - our house is full of them...argh!!

Well, until next time, America...

Ok...

My Dear Dr. Pepper,

You are a great friend. You're there in times of need and times of happiness. You're there for laughs and tears. Thank you for all you do for me. I'm so sad to see you go, but I can't bear to lean on you any longer. The time has come to part ways. I'll go mine; you go yours. Together we were great. Apart, we'll be great, still.

Good bye.
Devoted follower

p.s. I'll still see you on special occasions, but we'll have to keep our time together brief and controlled.