Best Life Barb

Pittsburgh bound we are.  My wonderful boyfriend and I will be leaving tonight for Pittsburgh to visit my family.  My daughter Rachael has yet to meet him.  My brother and sister need to meet him, too.

We are making huge plans.  We are going to downtown Pittsburgh tomorrow and sample some of Pittsburgh’s delights.  We may make it to the Rib Festival right next to Heinz Field.  YES,  I said Heinz Field…home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  I almost got a tour into the locker room for my man, but they are not there on weekends or on Labor Day.  It was going to be a great surprise!  I guess it’s the thought that counts, right?

God has one heck of a sense of humor…he sent me a Pittsburgh Steeler fan!  It could be worse…he could of liked New England or Baltimore! 

Sunday we are going to Idewild Park and Storybook Forest.   Yes I was there as a little girl of 2 or 3 years of age, and now my grandson Cameron will be there.  It’s amazing what happens in 50 years!

This past week at Heartbeat Radio for Women has been a total blast!  I am on the air to let people know that YES, you can live the life of your dreams.  You have to dream it, then DO THE WORK.  It’s not easy but it is so very worth it!

So here I go to see my adorable little grandson, meet up with some old and new friends, hang out with my family and most importantly live my very best life with the true love of my life, my soul mate, Randy.

I am bubbling over with happiness.  I can hardly stand myself…LOL….

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb

We were so excited about the orbs above our heads!

I have had this on my heart for a few months now and I’ve got to let it be known and let it go..so here goes.

This is an update of an earlier post of last year:

This is what I wrote in May of 2009:

It was the day after my birthday in 2007.  My friend Linda was over my house and we were playing on My Space on the computer.  All of a sudden I got a request to become someone’s friend.

Unless I know the person, I usually delete the request.  As I was ready to do just that, my friend Linda said…hey wait a minute, don’t delete him, he’s cute!

That one little action that I didn’t do changed my life for the better.

Lou Caracci was moving to Orlando from Pennsylvania.  He was divorced, in his forties and handsome as the devil.  It  just so happens that he wanted to network, meet new people in the area and for whatever reason, my profile popped up.

As crazy as this may sound, I wasn’t looking for a boyfriend.  Joe had just moved out and before that we were living as roommates for a few months.  Anyway,  Lou and I started a “myspace” friendship which culminated in our meeting a month or so later.

We just “clicked” immediately.  Lou is from Western Pennsylvania and so am I even though we lived about 2 hours apart from each other when we were growing up.

All my friends told me that a guy and a girl cannot be friends.  You, know it’s like When Harry Met Sally.  Something always happens, and it turns into something else.

Well not true.  We have been friends, good friends, for 18 months now and it never turned into anything other than that.  He is like a brother to me.  Although, if we had a dollar for every time someone said that we look good together, we would both be very rich right now.

I think we knew each other in a different life.  We understand each other, mostly he understands ME..lol…and we just feel very comfortable around each other, even in the beginning.  I started cooking him the foods his Mom used to cook for him.  We just hung out about every day and had so much fun!

When no one else could attend my CSB broadcasting school graduation, Lou came, with a present of Pittsburgh Steeler Stamps.  Something I had always wanted…:)

When I decided to do The Best Life Barb Show, there was no one else who could truly fill the spot of my co-host who became christened SWEET LOU.

We worked together, traveled together, had fun dancing together and even got a little tipsy together.  We became the very best of friends, something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I went to his baseball games and screamed for him like he was Babe Ruth and he is awesome at baseball even when he plays with the Bad News Bears.  I love Sweet Lou and I know that he loves me, too.  We have become each other’s family.  Sweet Lou has always been there for me, and I counted on him many, many times to help me out, or listen or pick up my daughter and grandson from the airport.

Not many people know the true me, just a few and one of those people is Sweet Lou.

Sweet Lou is kind, steady, a great listener, and very cheap.  Sweet Lou is an emerald personality, which just happens to be the personality type that I gravitate to.  I think by me being so outrageous and loud and Sweet Lou being so BORING and quiet (lol) we have balanced each other out.

So tonight, we are going out for the last time before he leaves for a new job in Virginia.  We had a lot of fun in the past 18 months, playing hooky on life.  I will miss hanging with my best friend, but like he says, he is only a phone call away.  Or maybe better yet a text….he just loves to text…it must be cheaper or something to text.

God Bless you Sweet Lou and don’t ever think I will be out of your life, because I won’t ever be.  I wish you the very best!

Update:  September 2, 2010

For whatever reason, I haven’t heard from Sweet Lou since April of this year.  Unfortunately his sister died at that time and if I could of I would of been there for him.  Sweet Lou was one of the best friends I ever had.  When I needed him, he was always there for me.  I can remember when my back hurt me for about 4 months and I was crying because I was in so much pain and Sweet Lou came and took me to the doctors.  I counted so much on him.  Sweet Lou was my rock for many months.

I don’t know what I did or what happened with our friendship.  I know I have this tendency to have it be “all about me.” Not a good trait at all, but common in my profession. I have been working on that for months and I think I have started to turn the corner on it.  I guess it could of been too late to save the friendship of Best Life Barb and Sweet Lou.

I’m not even sure that’s it!  All I know is that Sweet Lou and I spent many days together and I miss his friendship terribly.  I called his sisters and an old friend of his and I have that intuition that they know something and are not telling me.  Or maybe not.  I guess it doesn’t really matter.

So now it’s time to say goodbye to my Sweet Lou,  my friend.  I’d hoped that I could be around when he became a grandfather as he was there for me when Cameron was born.  Sweet Lou went with me when my daughter Rachael had her sonogram to find out the sex of the baby.  He was such a part of so many important events in my life.

Recently I sent him a card for his 50th birthday.  Quite a milestone, I would say.  I didn’t need a thank you, I needed my Sweet Lou back.  But that’s not going to happen obviously.  I haven’t heard so much as a peep from him. God has chosen to take Sweet Lou out of my life for this season.

So now this is PERSONAL but I’m putting it out to the universe cause you mean that much to me!

 Sweet Lou,……..Today I cried because I know it is time to say goodbye to a good friend. I also laughed.  Laughed about all the fun we had, salsa dancing, going to those silly meetings, picking out the barbeque grill and having so much fun in Seattle.   And New Orleans….we were quite the pair, me picking the fleas off of you when you went into that house that was flattened by Katrina.  I loved watching you pitch and I screamed the loudest for you.  I was your biggest fan and truly your best friend.

I will always love you as my BFF, Sweet Lou.  But no more cards, letters, texts or phone calls.  I get the hint.  OVER IT!! lol If you ever need me,  you’ll know how to get in touch.

Sweet Lou, goodbye and good luck and your Cleveland Browns still suck.

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb

We were dancing the night away...:)

My feet haven’t touched the floor since August the eighth.  That’s when I first met my Randy C.  It has been nothing less than a whirlwind, a Cinderella story and Pretty Woman all rolled into one.

We are moving at warp speed.  There is nothing out there to prevent us from whatever we want to do.  Neither of us are married, involved with another and our kids are all grown up and gone away.  We don’t have to get permission from our parents, mine are gone to Heaven with Randy’s Dad.  I may be a bit ahead of myself, but I think that Grandma is a fan.  I know for a fact that I am a fervent fan of his family!

All of the “I’m never going to do this again, and I’ll never do that again” and I”m waiting for 90 days and 2 years, etc. etc etc.  is going straight out the window.

We love each other, plain and simple.  It hasn’t been long at all.  But that doesn’t matter when you are with the one you are supposed to spend your life with.  And we believe we have been divinely matched.

But alas, before you call in the justice of the peace, there are a few things that need to be done.  First and foremost, it’s meeting the family.

I was lucky.  I got introduced to Randy’s wonderful family on our third date.  Grandma turned 79 and we went to dinner with the whole tribe.  Some other women may have been intimidated or uncomfortable, but I’m not some other woman, now am I?   lol….I feel in love with the whole crew that night.

His oldest sister Marsha is a take charge assertive woman.  But she isn’t overbearing, she’s is just a matter of factly woman.  You will know where you stand with her.  I love her boldness and her ability to do whatever it takes to make things right for her mother.

Her daughter Robin is a sweetheart.  Lovely, both inside and out.  Robin is married to the love of her life, Lynn, and they both recognized that special bond that Randy and I have immediately.  Because THEY have it too.  Love them. Now I’ve met Marcia’s daughter Pam and she is super pretty.  Like gorgeous.  I can tell that she is very emotional and has a caring heart. I look forward to spending more time to get to know her.

Randy’s sister Pam is a great listener.  She makes me feel so wonderful just to talk with her, I feel like we’ve known each other for years and that I can confide in her as a sister.  Pam is my sister now.

Pam’s daughter Stephany is a registered nurse.  Beautiful with long brown hair and an intellect that would rival many.  Loved her immediately and her husband Jeff and Randy are very close.  They are just good people.

Troy is Pam’s son.  OMG what a braniac!  But a very, very sweet personality under all of the knowledge.  Troy is like most of us, he wants to be HEARD and listened to.  And when you do, his whole face lights up like a Christmas tree.  It’s wonderful to have him in my new family circle.

Sister Stephanie is cute as a button!  Tiny little body with a big ole smile.  She made me feel at home immediately.  Stephanie is the same age as me and loves her family and is super excited about her brother finding me.

Tricia is Stephanies daughter and is like a bright ray of sunshine.  Blonde, pretty but so sweet.  Could be a  supermodel and is the mother of two adorable kids. Stephanie’s son Brad is PLAYGIRL material.  So handsome with a smile that could melt an iceberg in a minute.

Those are the people that I am closest to as of now, but I know that I have a lot more to meet.

Randy got to meet my two oldest, Brian and Brodie this past Friday night.  We had so much fun.  My boys, actually all my kids are very protective of me.  I haven’t had the greatest track record in choosing men.  They just want me to be happy, that’s all. 

We went out for drinks and out to eat and the conversation flowed wonderfully.  Being that Randy is a big ole Pittsburgh Steeler fan scored a ton of points.  We plan on either going to the games or watching them at Brodie’s house. 

My daughter in laws…loved my Randy.  They could see what every one could see when we are together.  Total peace, love and happiness.

Next week we will be going to Pennsylvania for Labor Day.  Things are happening fast.  We need him to meet Rachael and the baby and Randy Luke and Rich.

Then we will figure out our next move…:)  Don’t know exactly what it is, but I have to you this, I have been truly blessed to find the perfect man for me.  He feels the same about me and it’s like an explosion any time we are together…which is pretty much all the time except for when we work.

We are enjoying our fairytale, and sooner rather than later we will all live happily ever after.

I’m fixin to go shoppin soon…:)  And I’ve never ever been happier with someone in my whole life.

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb

It’s kind of late but I wanted to make sure I get this out to the universe.  THANK YOU! 

It is very important to be grateful for the happiness in your life.  I always like to refer to the statement about the man who complained he had no shoes until he met the man without any feet.

Okay first things first.  Randy and I didn’t get to go to South Beach.  His wonderful Mom had a heart attack last Friday.  As of the moment, she is stable but not especially well.  His mother is delightful.  I am so glad we met.  Now I know why Randy is the way HE is.   All I’m going to say is that his family has welcomed me into his life with open arms.  Good people, they are.  I feel right at home with all of them.  I am a sister now, so they say, and I look forward to eventually claiming that role legally.  I know, isn’t it nuts?  But when you know, you know and I definitely KNOW. 

As far as work goes, I am getting busy.  We are putting out a big push for Heartbeat Radio for Women.  We are doing a lot of events.  This weekend my colleague Michelle Wargo and I will be attending a live remote in Eustis.  We then will be going to the Red Chair event at the Bob Carr in Orlando with our mates.  Super excited about that.

The Florida Home Expo will be coming up next month.  We are going to be speaking with a lot of people about our terrific radio station.  No problem for me.  I know how great it is.  I plan on spreading the word.  You need to help me spread the word!  Tell everyone you know about us!  Heartbeat Radio for Women!!!

I have to tell you that this past week I got such a great compliment from Cody Rhodes, from Scy Fy’s Warehouse 13.  He told me that he was doing interviews all morning and mine was the BEST!  You know I learned how to interview by being myself ..PLUS studying Oprah.  I love her.

Labor Day is coming up and I am very anxious to have MY family meet the new love of my life.  Plus, I’m really missing Baby Cameron.  Pretty soon, I will just be able to call him Cameron because he won’t be a baby much longer.  Rachael and his Pap (Big Randy) recently took him to see Randy Luke in Philly.  Cameron got to meet Bert and Ernie..how cool is that!  He is the cutest baby ever…and no I’m not biased at all, am I?  Oh I need a baby to hold…my grandbaby.

I wasn’t feeling well earlier today, but I feel better now.  I think I hold too much in sometimes…yeah me…I know I talk a lot…but sometimes I get frightened and I hold my thoughts in and they manifest into feeling crappy.  I’m at my best when I can just let it all out there.  That’s one thing you can be sure of with me…you certainly know where you stand!

Looking forward to Oprah’s final season.  I know you all think I’m an Oprah stalker, but I really don’t care.  I love Oprah.  She inspired me to live my best life and go for it.

And I’m doing that every single day…thanks Oprah!  I promise to remember you when I win my Gracie. 

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb

Randy and Barb

The last week and a half has taken me by storm.  I met the love of my life.  I love my job.  One of my best friends has gone away and I am meeting a lot of new friends.  I guess you could say my stress level should be through the roof.  But as of today, I am truly living the life of my dreams.  My best friend Charlotte told me that it was coming.  She believed in me!  I wish I could share my happiness with her, but I can’t right now.  I miss my Miss Charlotte, but I’m okay, learning not to lean on her.

Kiran has come and gone and is back in Trinidad.  I am trying to step up to the plate and sell some sponsorships.  If anyone reading this would like to sponsor one of the shows on Heartbeat Radio for Women please call me at 407-970-2777.  Our listenership is way up~many people are jumping on board with Heartbeat Radio for Women.   Why wouldn’t they?  HB Radio is a perfect platform for advertisements from women based businesses.  Come on women, we need to support each other!

I met with Traci Brosman the other day for a very productive meeting.  Traci and I found out immediately that we work very well together.  We are trying to get our book out.  At the moment, the working title is Empowering Stories.  If you have a story to tell, please send your email address to me at barb@heartbeatradiousa.com and I will select a chosen few to be published in the book.  I”m hoping to have the book ready very soon.

I have to start focusing on the tasks at hand.  I can’t seem to get this handsome, sexy man out of my brain for a instant.  Next week, my boyfriend starts school which will give us a little space.  We have been together every day since we have met.  We have held on to each other and neither one of us seems to want to let go for an instant.  God has such a sense of humor….he sent me this absolutely wonderful man in the Fall of my life and I just couldn’t be happier about it. 

Back to work and focusing…..right?….did I tell you that Randy and I are going to South Beach for the weekend??? LOL…okay, okay…back to work.  FOCUS!

all the Best,

Best Life Barb

My honey....:)

Once upon a time there was a little girl who dreamed that when she grew up that she would have it all.  A handsome husband,kids, a boy and a girl of course and the white picket fence.  I can remember literally looking in a hand mirror once as a child and pretending that I could see my happy cookie cutter family staring back at me.  I was probably about eight or nine years old and at that time the true love of my life was my father.

My father was amazing.  He was handsome and loving.  Being the baby, the youngest of three, I came to be his shadow.  My Dad couldn’t go out of the house without having to drag me along.  But honestly, I don’t think he minded a bit.  He smelled of Lucky Strike cigarettes and beech nut peppermint gum.  He always had my picture in the first sleeve of the pictures in his wallet.

I love him with all of my being.

Then one cold November day, that just happened to be my 10th birthday, my beloved father died of a heart attack.  He was less than two weeks away from being 38 years old. 

I was crushed.

Ever since that moment, I truly believe that my father’s untimely death impacted my life in more ways than one.  As a teenager, I was so  boy crazy, craving that love that I was missing from my father.  I married my high school sweetheart right after our graduation.  I was 17 years old.

Nine years later after two children, that marriage fell apart.

Immediately I married my very next boyfriend….I did love him at the time, but we were very different people.  That marriage brought me another boy and girl and lasted 17 years.

Then I was charmed by a sociopath.  I must say my third marriage was my most colorful.  We had a freakin blast.  My ex used to crank the car radio up and at the red light, pull me out of the car and slow dance with me in the street.  How romantic, huh?  Well a few years later, he was doing that to someone else, then someone else and someone else…all while by being married to me.  I took him back because I loved him more than I loved me.

When he walked out on me, I thought my love life was over.  I dated a few men, even had a long term relationship that never went anywhere. 

I then decided that I didn’t need to be in a committed relationship.  I would just date.  And I have been.  For the few months, I have been dating regularly.  But no sparks at all.  No fireworks.  No floating of my boat…:)  Nice men, some of them, but not anything that my heart go pitter patter. 

That all changed last week. 

I was on a few dating sites with minimal luck.  Truly I had a hard time finding a guy with a decent car and a decent job.  Seriously! 

After going out Saturday night on a date that I felt no attraction to, I was disappointed.  I am a intelligent, beautiful, caring woman.   Was my time over at 53?  Did I have more chances than most?  I have struck out three times in marriage.  Was I out of chances?

It was raining on Sunday, pouring actually.  I was doing housework and just watching tv when I got a message on my blackberry that someone messaged me on one of the dating sites.  If I am busy, I would usually just ignore the message.  Lucky for me I wasn’t busy.

A very nice looking guy messaged me…..You look like a lot of fun.  I chuckled and wrote back that I was a lot of fun!  Now in the online dating world, you must be very careful with your words.  To one man a lot of fun could be ….a lot of fun in bed….but I was hoping that this message wasn’t that kind.

Well to make a long story short, I called that man that day and we had a wonderful conversation.  I could feel that initial “click” right away.  We started talking on the phone every night for a few nights and it was incredible to me.  You know, I’m a busy woman and I have lately put my career ahead of just about everything in my life.  There were many times when I would just push the ignore button on the cell phone because I didn’t have time to talk.

I was looking forward to hearing from this man, named Randy, who I just met.  In my heart of hearts, I felt like I knew him forever.  I have never met anyone like that.  We laughed and talked for hours.

We made plans to meet on Saturday, but both of us couldn’t wait.  We met last Thursday.  After five minutes, Randy was holding both of my hands and he hasn’t let go yet.

Last night, Friday, we went out again and had a terrific time going to dinner, listening to music and we can’t seem to keep our hands off of each other.  Now whoa….wait a minute, before you start thinking that we ended up in the sack….we haven’t and we aren’t…not for now at least.  I told him about my 90 day rule of no benefits until then and he was fine with it.  I have to laugh because I will probably be the one to break that rule..:)

Randy is handsome, with sparkling blue eyes and a wonderful smile.  He smells so good.  He has beautiful hands that fit perfectly in mine.  Another plus is that he is a terrific kisser, something that is so very important to me.

After last night, we both decided that we were “in a relationship” and changed our statuses on facebook.  We don’t want to date anyone else at all. 

On my online dating profile for the dating site, I put to the Universe and prayed to God for what I wanted in a man.  I figured if I got 80 per cent, that he would be a keeper.  Here is what I asked God  for: 

I am looking for a man who is: funny, a leader, supportive, street smart, sensual, stable, spontaneous, unpredictable, a family guy, sports enthusiast, good provider, good husband material, romantic, expressive and will keep me on my toes. One more thing! Having a job, or a stable income and a car is necessary. I want someone who is financially responsible, as I am.

I got lucky, I got every single one of those things…plus my God is very good to me….he also gave me a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, too.  You can’t get better than that!

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb

Best Life Barb and Randy

Best friends!

When you become a true adult, a “grown-up” then you have to start making some realizations in your life.  People that you thought would be in your life forever do sometimes leave.  For whatever reason. 

And sometimes you have to do the leaving. 

It’s a painful, but necessary lesson.

Four years ago, when my husband walked out on me, literally, I fell to the floor.  I couldn’t breathe.  I didn’t deserve it, so I thought.  My husband was the be all person to me.  I loved him with all my heart and made foolish decisions at times to get his approval.  I don’t want nor need his approval anymore.

Miss Charlotte was my rock.  I wouldn’t of gotten through it without her.  I will always be grateful.

Friends come and go and last sometimes for years.  Then something stupid happens and voila ~ they are out of your life.  That’s happened to me a couple of times and I have been the dumper and the dumpee.  Neither feels very good.

You have to realize that God put these people in your life to teach you a lesson.  To learn something.  Then he takes them away, maybe when he feels it’s time for you to stand on your own two feet. 

I’m happy right now.  I have some really nice people in my circle.  I enjoy my job, I am blessed in that capacity.  I will be just fine.

 I have decided to sever the friendship with John.  He was very nice but was too serious, too soon.  I appreciate the flowers, the texts, the poem, the certificate for the foot rub, but I just wasn’t “feeling” it at all.

My best friend Charlotte and I have decided to end our friendship.  I am grateful she was in my life. I will always love my Miss Charlotte.

I’m on my own, now.  I guess that’s how it really always ends up. 

And it’s really okay!!!

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb

xxx ooo

At the comedy club, dying to get the microphone.

So here I am, 53 years old and in the throes of dating. 

Something I have never done before.  Well, I’ve dated just one person, it was serious, then I either married them or went on to have a committed, monogomous relationship. 

This is different.

I met a few very nice men recently.  I am not serious about anyone at this point.  But I’m having a good time.  They are having a good time.  Why do I have to be serious about anyone?  Why can’t we just enjoy each others company without having a direction to go?  I’m in no hurry.

One man that I am dating  is very nice.  Caring.  Sweet.  And I truly enjoy the conversation and the company.  Another one is funny, keeps me laughing constantly.  A great sense of humor and seems to keep me at bay. He loves to challenge me.  Which is fun.  Another has just asked me out and is very fit and handsome with a great spirit, personality and drive.  Right up my alley.  A very passionate soul!

Last night John and I went to dinner at my favorite restaurant in Altamonte Springs.  We then went to the Improv in Orlando.  I was able to score free tickets for not only us, but my son Brodie and his fiance’ Sara.  We sat right up front and had a good time.  I usually don’t drink but I had a Long Island Ice tea and it was good.  John is a gentleman and very good company.  I like him, he’s a good guy.  He lavishes me with flowers and poems and promises for foot massages.  But I’m not ready to get my feet rubbed just yet. 

Dating Best Life Barb is not easy, I’m sure.  I think I am intimidating to many men, because of my strong personality.  Look guys, I just know what I want and know what I have to do to get it.  My work ethic is premier, my incessant need to be successful is paramount and the passion for what I do is not going anywhere.

So if you can hang, you are welcome to.  A relationship with me can be amazing!

 If you can’t, no problemo.  I’m at the point in my life where I’m not done fighting for what I want and deserve.

I’m on the path to New York City with a microphone in my hand representing Heartbeat Radio for Women.  It’s going to be one helluva ride!

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb

When I just think about the title of this blog,  I can feel the passion rise up from my belly.  Tony Robbins is the epitome of motivational speakers.  I get to interview him tomorrow on Heartbeat Radio for Women!  ( I feel like doing a cartwheel!) 

This week is going to be phenomenal.  Kiran is in town and we sure have to get down to business.  I have meetings and interviews and all kinds of fun things to do this week.  Not only do I get the pleasure of interviewing Tony Robbins, this week, I will also be speaking with Sandra Lee from the Food Network, Bethenny Frankel from The Real Housewives of New York and Finola Hughes from General Hospital, All my Children and Charmed.

I’m living a charmed life, now aren’t I?

Linnea Star came to town and was a big hit!  I feel such an affinity for her.  Linnea saw some very big successes happening for me in the very near future and I am agreeing with her!  She sees me in New York City on the red carpet interviewing guests for Heartbeat Radio.  I love New York and I would be honored to have that happen.  Besides, Baby Cameron is in Pittsburgh and thats a whole lot closer than Florida…also…Randy Luke lives in Philadelphia, a mere train ride from NYC.

I’m ready, Lord, so you keep having these BLESSINGS happening!

The Oprah show called multiple times this week.  Oprah is launching her farewell season and they are looking for her most memorable guests.  I guess I made a bit of an impact, not once but twice. 

Oprah Winfrey was a key factor in me becoming Best Life Barb.  If I weren’t on her show, I would of never found my passion, my love, the airwaves.  I cannot thank Oprah, John St. Augustine or Bob Greene enough for leaning me in the right direction. I may be chosen for a story on Oprah, how my life changed.

Traci B. and I are working diligently on getting our book out there.  Writing a book is not easy, but when this is all said and done, I’m going to be helping thousands upon thousands of people by my words and by my heart.

People will laugh, but I am seriously considering changing my legal name to Best Life Barb.  Why not?  I think it’s a great name. 

My personal life has been very blessed also.  I’ve been dating pretty regularly now and enjoying myself.  I met a nice guy named John and we have been spending a lot of time together.   He is very calming and seems to balance me out.  I like him.  Geez,  I hope he doesn’t mind me using his name!  We went out yesterday and went to dinner and the movies and it was fun!I still haven’t gone out with the winner of the Chamber of Commerce auction, although he has asked me to lunch numerous times…I just haven’t been available yet.  I think that we are going to do our date on the 15th of August.  Another great guy. 

I went to church this morning with John.  I haven’t been at church for a while and it felt good.  I also had to fill in this morning and run the boards all by myself for the Spiritual Equipping show with Dani Johnson. I was scared to death, needless to say I am not the most technically gifted person in the world. But…ta da…  I am proud to say I did a great job! 

See that goes to show you, that if you want something bad enough, you can get it.  The walls are just there to remind you how bad you want something.

You hear that Oprah?  I’m looking forward to sharing my story with the world and helping as many people as I can to live their best life.  So you guys keep calling me and I’ll answer the phone on the very first ring…:)

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb

Today is Sunday and I just spent ten days of Heaven with my grandson Cameron.   When I left him and his mother off at the airport this morning,  I cried like a baby.  You know what kind of tears I’m talking about.  The ones that come from deep within your soul, the ugly cry, the snot running out of your nose cry. I don’t care.  I bawled.

I miss him terribly already.

This all started ten days ago when Joe and I (yes you heard that right) picked Rachael and Baby Cameron up at the airport.  Joe and I have decided to just be friends and that works fine for me.  He probably thinks I’m mad at him and I was for a second and I’m not now.  I don’t want to be mad at anyone anymore.  It serves no one.

I was yelling for Baby Cameron as soon as I saw the shuttle stop and he had the biggest smile ever.  He grew a foot!  And he was talking up a storm.  Cameron’s name for me is Mimi and he was saying it a LOT. 

I rented a two bedroom villa in Orlando to start our vacation out and before long my son and daughter in law came and also my son Randy and his partner, Rich flew in.  Then my ex-husband Randy came and we were one big happy family, with only Brodie and Sara missing.  They had to work late and we were all off to Marco Island early the next morning.

So there I was with almost all my kids PLUS an ex-husband and an ex-boyfriend.  I sure do keep them around, don’t I?  LOL  Well, my ex-husband is already spoken for and we all get along fine and Joe and I are only friends and Joe had to go to work.  I have to say that I feel very comfortable with that arrangement. 

I am at a really good place in my life.  I’m learning to live my own life and it’s all good.

After making all of the necessary arrangements, we had 2 car loads of Lewis-Smith-Simon’s all headed down to the beach at Marco.  It was all that I expected, plus more.  The sun, the sand, the pool, the baby, the eating out and the typical family squabbles.  I loved every second of  it all. We celebrated my son Randy’s 26th birthday….and Cameron LOVED blowing out the candles of the cake.  (see picture above!!!)

We ended up coming back to Leesburg  during mid week and I babysat while the kids did their thing. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was one thing on the list.  I must add though that  one bad experience was that my son Randy Luke pulled his back out.  He was in horrible pain and I took him to the chiropractors and the urgent care center.  Finally at the end of the week, he was a teensy bit better.  Poor kid.  He was hurting so bad.  I waited on him like I used to when he was little.  It was very fulfilling.

Rachael was Rachael.  Enough said.

I have to tell you that it’s times like these that make you realize how very important family and friends are.  Even if the family and friends are ex’s, it really doesn’t matter.  The kids matter.  The babies matter.  Every Moment Matter…(thanks JSA)

So back to my world of Heartbeat Radio for Women and Leesburg and Spunky and dating and friends.  A very nice young man named David bid on me and won me for a brunch date and romantic horse drawn carriage ride.  He sounds very excited to meet me and I, him.   So that’s a new adventure coming up.  I’m dating a few people now and enjoying the times out.

Linnea Star will be in town this week (psychic) and so will my boss Kiran.  I’m always excited to meet new people, and I love it when Kiran comes into town.  Kiran and I have a very close relationship, honestly I feel I’ve known her all my life.

So baby Cameron is back in Pennsylvania and my house is clean.  Next I have to work on the car.  There are french fries where no french fries should be allowed 

Like I said, it was truly TEN DAYS OF HEAVEN.  But now, it’s back to business and getting Heartbeat Radio for Women to the TOP.

all the BEST,

Best Life Barb