I'll make a great mother, should I have boys

I recently read an article that indicated why some famous women have decided against children. Some reasons seemed fair enough. A great response, by Cameron Diaz, was that her life was unbelievable. Others indicated they simply would not make a great mother for various reasons, and my personal favorite, by Margaret Cho, said she feels nothing when seeing children. That's right, she's got no maternal instinct. Now, had you asked me the very same question up until a few months ago, I probably would've had a similar response, despite being a mother (and a good one, I might add) to my fur kid just shy of five years. Interestingly enough for me, with age has come new wisdom, and with new wisdom has come new meaning. Unlike the responses that I read in the article, I've decided incredibly recently that I do believe one of my purposes in my life is to be a mother. It's literally felt like an awakening.

So what next? Well, I've decided that although I embrace the idea of motherhood, it's something that won't happen tomorrow, if ever. My reason? It's finding that person who I think is worthy enough to be the father of my children. I'm just not convinced I've found him yet. There's a reason I'm 31 and still single. I'm picky, I have incredibly high expectations, and I know exactly what I want in a relationship, and most importantly, for my own future family, and while I know exactly what it is I am looking for, I can't be disappointed if it never happens for me. I've got way too many blessings in which to be thankful, and I'm certainly not going to allow myself to lower my standards just to make it happen.

One blessing, in particular, has been being a so called "mom" to Alfredo. If nothing else, he makes it clear that I'd be a great mother, should I have boys anyway. Through broken limbs, ear infections, eye infections, allergy issues, etc., I truly understand what it's like for a little toddler-like being to be 100% dependent on me.

So how does being a mom to "boys" in the maternal statement come to play? Well, as I have probably mentioned previously, Alfredo actually has a girlfriend, who is a dog in the neighborhood. Here is Dion, pictured on a play date with him:

Sidenote: Now, despite being a girl, when I first met Dion, I thought she was probably named after Dion Sanders. Turns out, she's actually named after Celine Dion. Way off! What's even better? When I first met Dion's mom (Staci), she thought I told her my name was Beth, not Barb. She called me Beth for a good six months. I never actually corrected her. Classic! 

Back to the story. I've made sure Alf has treated Dion the same exact way I'd have any of my boys treat their girlfriends, with respect and like a princess. Here's a sneak peak from Valentine's Day this year...

 

I really truly do believe that any guy who turns out to be genuine is a direct reflection of how he was impacted by lessons learned from mom, which is the single most important reason why I believe I'd make a great one. No girl should ever settle for mediocre. Ever. Does this mean I'd make a great mom for my own daughters too? I'd like to think so, it just seems like it'd be an entirely different way of raising a child. Someone once told me that I should have girls, because I could teach them everything I know. This compliment still tops the list of the best I've ever been given. And since parenthood, I believe, must be such an extraordinary thing, I leave you with a quote, and song, which really sums it up, in terms of the importance of being a great parent. 

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." ~Henry Ward Beecher

John Mayer, Daughters

In like a Lion

Where I come from, the saying goes, "March is in like a lion, out like a lamb." Well, I'm not so sure that saying exists in Arizona, unless you are referring to how my hair looks from driving around with the top down all the time. I know I know, rough life. Despite the high hovering in the mid eighties to low nineties lately,  which might I add, seems way too warm way too soon, the last several weeks have meant lots of time in the great outdoors. My fifth half marathon training is going rather smoothly, so very much so that I'm hoping to PR in the race. As much as I love running this time of year, Alfredo can't ever seem to get used to it. The second I grab my sneakers, he's on me like glue. His face also immediately turns from excited to somber. And please, pay no attention to my face as I am pre-run mode in this picture...not the most attractive looking part of my day.

See what I'm talking about?!

Another one of my favorite outside activities to do during the month of March is attending spring training. I can't get enough of it! Sadly, I've only been to one game thus far. Thank God there's still time. Go White Sox!

I sure wish dogs were allowed in the grass on spring training days, but to no avail. The little munchkin will have to wait for Bark in the Park, even though watching the DBacks, in my opinion, is brutal. I think Alfredo must agree. He spent the majority of last year's game looking anywhere but the field.

Anyway, despite not being able to take Alfredo along with me wherever I go, he sure manages to spend time outside on his own. One of Alfredo's most frustrating charming attributes is his stubbornness, displayed here:

  
Now that it's tis the season for open windows, I often find Alfie parked on the Papasan, specifically when he knows I'm getting ready to leave for somewhere. Nine times out of ten, I cave and he gets what he wants. I guess that one time I stay firm by forcing him to come inside, he still wins, because the only way I can get him inside is by persuading him with his favorite: Louisiana alligator treats. I'm not kidding when I say he rules the roost.

Let's see...other happenings this Lenten season. Oh yes! So a first for Alfie this March was attending (which ended up being participating in) a garage sale. Now, I didn't have much to spare other than some odds and ends things, but I did end up making some money, which is always fantastic. Alfie, of course, was the star of the show. He greeted people, actually let someone hold him (very few people get this luxury), met a cousin (another Boston Terrier from the neighborhood) and made quite the statement by randomly jumping and laying on a table.

Now, where he landed is quite ironic. Not only did he land on one of his items (a doggy raincoat), but we are talking about a dog who absolutely despises the rain. It gives me reason to believe he really didn't want me selling it, even though he also doesn't fancy clothes much. What can I say? He enjoys being naked. He's also a desert dog. He's definitely a product of the wild west.

And speaking of wild, after all the hype, I am finally getting with the times and reading the 50 Shades series. Before I mention anything, a disclaimer: 50 Shades is absolutely most definitely not my type of book/movie (although I have yet to see the film). I'm into non-fiction, documentary types, especially when it comes to books. I know. Boooorrrring to most, but I think otherwise. With that being said, I'm certainly out of my element. If anything is keeping me inside this month, other than work, it's reading this crazy series.

I can't even blame the books for keeping me inside. As shameful as I am to take any of them outside, here I am lounging with book #2 at the pool.

    
Maybe I'll share my opinion upon completion of the series. If I had to make a blanket statement one and a half books in, I'd like to proclaim that dogs just might be way easier to understand than men. Similarly to the month of March in most places and of the Christian Grey's in the world, you just never know if you're going to get the lion or the lamb.