No. Stop. Don’t. Those are the words I hear sometimes and ignore.

You know why?

Because I can’t think of something that makes me happier than hearing the authentic laughter of a kid. In this case, mine, Elle.

This morning she woke up and came into my bed like she usually does. We started a tickle fight. And by we, I mean Elle. As a ten year old she loves to test me. “Mom, does it tickle when I do this?” as she lightly scratches the palm of my hand or reaches for under my neck.

And of course, I’m totally grateful to be stronger. Because I hate to be tickled. But even the few tickles she got in were totally worth it. I mean, hearing that guttural laugh reminds me of being a kid. Totally carefree and happy.

Elle even managed to get a picture of my mouth smile during our tickle fest. Well she got two shots but the first one was of my boob (“covered” by a nightie) and that sure as hell isn’t getting posted.

So here’s to today. I’m going to act like a kid and laugh authentically…hard and from the gut.

I adore my mom. Actually I’ve called her mumsie since college. We’re super close. We’d live closer if we could. (Long story on why she had to leave Utah. Just to be clear and so I don’t look like a horrible daughter, her reason for leaving was health related.)

Anyhow on my recent trip to Texas, my mom did so many things that made me laugh….

at her. Not with her.

Mumsie - July 4, 2009

But I told her. So when she reads this, she may smile. Or take me out of her will. But whatever, she knows I love her more than any other mom. She’s my favorite!

So here are a few things that made me laugh:

• She called my cell right after we landed but before we got to the gate to let me know there was a bathroom right outside my gate by baggage claim. Because I probably needed to use it. My rebellious side surfaced…so I held it. And waited until we got to the restaurant for lunch. Damn her, she was quick to point out that restroom too.
• Before I jumped into the shower my first morning there, she explained that the shampoo was on the left and the conditioner was on the right. Keep in mind, these were ordinary labeled shampoo and conditioner bottles. And I’m 37 years old and quite literate.
• She apologized for slowing down on the freeway. I asked why she was sorry. She replied, “Well, I had to slow down because all these zippy little cars near me were driving crazy.” Actually they were going the speed limit and driving along in their own lane. My new favorite phrase…”zippy”.
• She wears lipstick on her teeth. And she’s just like me. Wait, I’m just like her. We always wear lipstick. I try to keep it off my teeth since that distracts from the piece of spinach or whatever else I’m sporting for the day.
• She is so quick with everything. She takes showers without getting wet (it seems). She wears swimsuits under her clothes, just in case. She cooks everything on high. Yet another skill I got from her…cooking.
• She gets along with everyone. Including my dad and his wife of 15 years. Mom and dad divorced 35 years ago. And she hung out at his house all weekend long like they were old acquaintances. She has a talent.

Damn, I love that lady! She always makes me smile and laugh. And love. And now with all this material, you’re now stocked with “your mom” jokes for a while. I’m nice like that. Got that from her.

I’ve spent a few days on vacation with family. This forced me out of my regular routine in life and in the meantime I learned some stuff. I want to share it. I’m nice like that.

Don’t…

run around the pool or boat dock. It’s slippery as shit and you will fall. Mom was always right when she shouted that order.

think only putting sunscreen on your face, shoulders and chest will stop you from get too much sun on your arms and back.

make fun of having white wine poured over ice. It’s freaking hot in Texas and it’s the only way to keep it chilled.

think you can eat three hot dogs in a day and not feel fat later. Sure the hot dogs were eaten along with cake, chips, pastries and plenty of wine. But I still think it’s those tubular meat things that put me my waistline over the edge.

think you can go tubing behind the boat and not get your hair wet. Nope. Impossible. Soaking wet was the result.

take family and friends for granted. One day they won’t be here to spend time with us. Relish every moment. And tell them you love them.