#38: It's a Really Big Deal

Beauty is not the only thing in the eye of the beholder -- life's "big deal" moments are too. Ever notice how something can mean so much to you, and yet it isn't even a blip on someone else's radar? Or how certain offenses can make another insane while you wonder what the heck is wrong with them...

I think as I've gotten older, some things that might have been important in the past, just aren't. But I've also noticed it reversed, now after certain life experiences, I want to throttle and/or educate whenever one of these surprise big deal moments occur, mostly when it's an ignorant comment tied to my AAA family, complete with adoption, asthma and autism.

But it's not just the negative stuff that's a big deal. In fact, sometimes it's the simplest things that can become monumental. Tonight was the perfect example of that. You would've thought I was witnessing my first born son as he single-handedly saved the world... or had discovered a cure for cancer or something. Heck, by the way I was carrying on, one would have assumed, at the very least, that I was the mother of one of those carefully cast, sappy stories American Idol counts on to kick off a new season.

But no, the big deal in my life was Jacob's very first live theater performance, a very fancy first grade production of Little Red Riding Hood, held in the school's multi-purpose room. Don't get me wrong, I was excited to see his acting debut, but I wasn't expecting to be completely overcome with so much love, pride and adoration churning away in my body. I think the poor lady next to me was worried I would spontaneously combust -- or at least wondered if I had eaten something questionable.

Life Lesson #38: Don't sweat the small stuff, but it's totally okay to cry over it. 

I hate to brag and all but I've gotta say, I've given birth to the best "storyteller #9 (slash-squirrel)" this side of the Mississippi.