Another YEAR older-UGH

I had a great birthday this year! I celebrated with my friends at work...cake and lunch- Thank you JoJo! That was just Friday! Saturday- I spent the day with mom and dad, just hanging out. I did some homework and then had dinner with both of my grandmothers, Aunt Ruth, mom and dad, and then Clarissa. Adam had to work, but got there just in time for yummy Apple Pie. I did not want cake. My dad made a special dinner with grilled shrimp, salmon, and chicken... and then three different salads. I am spoiled! That night, Adam took me to see Taken, with Liam Neeson...It was really good movie! Sunday, Adam took me out to breakfast with a few of our friends, yum yum! Then I gave myself a gift!!! I whacked my hair off! I donated it to Locks of Love. I did this for my family that I have lost. My mother in law, my two grandfathers and my cousin. Adam's Nana had breat cancer, but it was taken care of and caught on time. You never know, one day, this can be a wig for someone that I know and love. You never know. I am already starting over - I would like to grow it out more then what I had it in the pictures. After that, my mom took me SHOPPING! I had a hay-day. Clarissa took me and Adam to sonic for a soda or ice-cream! I had a perfect birthday this year!

-OMG-

I have never been so scared and terrified in my life; until Clarissa told me she had taken a ride with a complete stranger. (Clarissa has been through a lot of crazy and scary things, but this takes the cake) We only live a few houses away from the school... so, walking to school is not a big deal. However, that day she was late; this was about two weeks ago. Instead of coming home and getting Adam to drive her to the front of the school, this lady that was also late offered her a ride with her daughter. I am sure that, that parent thought that it was harmless gesture and that she was being a good samaritan. Well, I can see that she was concerned, but she should have asked her if she was going home to get a ride or something, instead of taking my daughter...ya know!

When Clarissa told me this, I just balled up and chocked out every word, enough to scare her. She hugged me, and kept saying sorry and that she would never do it again. My thought process was that I kissed her for the last time that morning before I left for work... and that she could have been lost forever, like the movies or the shows. That is a horrible feeling!

As a family, we love to watch CSI, Criminal Minds and all that stuff. I also talk to Clarissa about the importance of watching your surroundings and to always be aware, because you never know. So, of all people in the neighborhood, I never thought that she would ever consider in a million years that she would ever get in the car with a stranger. My heart shuddered...to know that she did not think anything about it.

Well, after the long conversation, she understood what I was saying, called her instructor to remind the class about stranger danger... and to keep Clarissa's name out of it... since she was a little embarrassed. They happened to be talking about that same subject that next week, so it tied in to the subject.

So, words to my parents out there, NEVER let your guard down... ALWAYS talk to the kids about stranger danger... Don't be afraid to talk to them...They need to hear it - so that they are more cautioned about situations!

As for me, I am ok- NOW... but that is a day that I will never forget.