Laughter

I can't even remember the last time I laughed as hard as I did today at work. I laughed and laughed and laughed again. I laughed so hard tears came out of my eyes. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. I laughed so hard I worried that I'd pee my pants.

I work with some hilarious people.

It was a good day.

When I arrived at work in the morning, I was already in a FANTASTIC mood. And once the laughter started, my mood continued.

I've always been a big laugher. I can go from a smirk to a cackle in 1 second flat. My laughter tends to burst out of me. I just enjoy life and I enjoy laughing. And watching other people laugh makes me laugh.

It's good to be reminded that laughter always has a place.

It's always such a satisfying feeling to start your day with a huge smile and finish it with laughter. I'm hoping for more days like today.

The World Goes On

You know when someone dies and the world goes on? And it's a terrible feeling that feels wrong in every way?

Well today I was reminded that when someone dies, the world goes on. And it's a great and a wonderful thing too.

Whining and Wineries

After a day of wineries with some great friends, I'm thinking about my husband. My three buddies are all planning their weddings and I'm trying so hard not to be the self-pitying widow in their midst. 

I love hanging out with them and we always have a good time. I laugh and it's real laughter... But at the end of every bout of laughter is a stillness of sadness that lingers. It pokes me. It doesn't allow me to be fully engaged in happiness or excitement...and I hate that. 

I can shake my shoulders...try to get that stillness of sadness to fall away...but it's difficult. 

Because I want to go home and tell Rick about the great day we had today. Because I want to bring him with me to these weddings instead of going alone. Because I want to be able to contribute to the wedding conversations, but talking about my own wedding makes me sad. 

So I'm just going to get it out of the way. I'm going to tell Rick what I would tell him if he was here:

Dear Rick, 

The weather was beautiful today. It was perfect. I'm so happy my friend is happy and is celebrating getting married next month. I'm so happy my other two friends are so happy in their lives. It's the best feeling to see them smile about their guys and talk about fun stuff like dresses and honeymoons. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my friends happy.

It makes me miss you, though, Rick. Remember when we danced to Kenny Chesney for our first dance at our wedding? Remember when we ended our reception with a last dance together to our special Bob Dylan song? 

Remember when we had the time of our lives in St. Lucia on our honeymoon? The pictures still make me smile when I look at them. 

These girls always make me laugh, Rick. It's hard to believe the four of us have been friends for 12 years. It's always so easy with them. 

We saw a sign for sale at the first winery that said THIS WINE IS MAKING ME AWESOME. It was really funny and we all liked it. Wish I could show you a picture. 

I wish you could come to these weddings with me. Try to keep me company in your own way if you can. I miss you so much. 

Love, Arielle 

PS. Being a widow at 29 sucks.