On the last post I talked about True Wife Confessions. It is a blog that a woman named Dawn has set up. Women email her all kinds of stuff and she puts it on the blog annonymously. Crazy stuff. Good and bad. Everything from "I was going to leave you next month, but then you took a week off work to take care of me after my surgery and I realized you actually do care about me. Don't let me forget again." To "I'm sleeping with your best friend and his wife and have been since before we got married."
Truly--it is the craziest things! S. and I have both gotten sort of addicted to reading it--it makes me grateful for the blessing of my marriage, sad for some things people are going through, angry that some men are such assholes, shocked that people would do some of the things that are written there!
I think we keep reading it to pat ourselves on the back for the "good place" our relationship is in right now, to warn ourselves about what CAN happen if you let it, and just for the flat out entertainment value of waiting to see what will happen next!
Dawn seems to be a pretty interesting person, if you read her personal blog, that is linked to TWC. Most of the time, she doesn't comment much on TWC, but the last post she was REALLY upset about a comment someone had made. She wrote a very eloquent, disturbing story in response to the comment. (The anonymous comment said "Truth hurts people" and that freaked Dawn out. Turns out, the person meant it as though she was talking to an audience of people. As in "The truth hurts, people!" You can read the whole story in the comments section of that post.) Anyway--it is interesting and seems to be a very useful tool for some people to get some things out there that they need to say, without putting themselves at risk of being heard by the wrong person. One of the posts says "I know you read True Wife Confessions. I know you are looking for mine." I think that is hilarious! It is kind of like reading Enquirer magazine or slowing down to look at a car wreck--you aren't sure why you are fascinated--you just are! www.truewifeconfessions.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Tagged--finally!
Yay!! I got tagged! I always want to get tagged in these games. I know most people consider it to be like chain letters, or whatever, but no one ever tags me, so I am excited! (I also like those "get to know your friends" emails.) So, I got tagged by Angie D. I also copied another game off of E's blog, because I wanted to play that one too (even though I can't really come up with answers to all of them yet). I am just going to type and hope an answer comes to me!
So--here's the first one:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your Blog (Please include the book and author) along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
6. Tag five people.
Ok--the closest books are 1) Baby Sign--each page has 1 word on it. No sentences. 2) Daily Wisdom to Satisfy the Soul--only has about 3 sentences per page (I read 1 page each night before bed--any more sentences than that wouldn't get read because I would fall asleep) There are no other books within arm's reach. I am going to the guest room (where the bookshelf is) and leaving the light off and choosing a book at random. Be right back. . . . .
Lovely. . .such the army family we are! The book I picked was "On Killing--The psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society." I am taking a moment to absorb the fact that a book with this title is actually in my house. Another point--the book was a gift to S. on our wedding day from a girl in TCU ROTC that I DO NOT consider my friend. I considered for a moment tearing out the page where she wrote her note. . .but decided that is too heavy a sentiment for the lighthearted intent of this game. So, back to the game. . .
Here goes. . .page 123 Sentences 5-8. "He goes on to give a superb example of the subtle and unconscious nature of this resistance to bayoneting: 'Prince Frederick Charles asked a [World War I] German infantryman why he did this. {refers to earlier sentence about turning bayonets around and using the handle as a club} 'I don't know,' replied the soldier. 'When you get your dander up, the thing turns round in your hand itself.' "
Well, that' s a lovely notion. Soldiers prefer not to use bayonets. Great. I should have just used the Baby Sign book! I will NOT be reading anymore of "On Killing." Except what-her-name's note page--I may read that again--right before I tear it out!
OK--the other game on E's blog:
I AM: living in a boys' locker room
I WANT: to lose 27 pounds
I WISH: plastic surgery was free
I HATE: that I have wasted so much time
I MISS: the "girls on the hill"
I FEAR: abandonment
I HEAR: everything
I WONDER: if God thinks I'm not good enough at being a girl to be a mother to one
I REGRET: how much money I have spent just on pizza
I AM NOT: sure about much
I DANCE: to country music, with my boys standing on my toes to teach them to 2step
I SING: terribly, but with enthusiasm
I CRY: about everything--even mayonaise commercials
I AM NOT ALWAYS: mean (surprise!)
I MAKE: hooded towels and brownies
I CONFUSE: m's and n's ("aminal" & "cimannon")
I NEED: to get a job
I SHOULD: go to bed
I START: with good intentions
I FINISH: slowly, usually
I BORROWED: all my kids names
One more thing. . .have you guys seen true wife confessions (on blogspot)? HOLY CRAP!!! S. and I were reading it the other night and decided we should read it once in a while to make us remember how lucky we are!!!
So--here's the first one:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your Blog (Please include the book and author) along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
6. Tag five people.
Ok--the closest books are 1) Baby Sign--each page has 1 word on it. No sentences. 2) Daily Wisdom to Satisfy the Soul--only has about 3 sentences per page (I read 1 page each night before bed--any more sentences than that wouldn't get read because I would fall asleep) There are no other books within arm's reach. I am going to the guest room (where the bookshelf is) and leaving the light off and choosing a book at random. Be right back. . . . .
Lovely. . .such the army family we are! The book I picked was "On Killing--The psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society." I am taking a moment to absorb the fact that a book with this title is actually in my house. Another point--the book was a gift to S. on our wedding day from a girl in TCU ROTC that I DO NOT consider my friend. I considered for a moment tearing out the page where she wrote her note. . .but decided that is too heavy a sentiment for the lighthearted intent of this game. So, back to the game. . .
Here goes. . .page 123 Sentences 5-8. "He goes on to give a superb example of the subtle and unconscious nature of this resistance to bayoneting: 'Prince Frederick Charles asked a [World War I] German infantryman why he did this. {refers to earlier sentence about turning bayonets around and using the handle as a club} 'I don't know,' replied the soldier. 'When you get your dander up, the thing turns round in your hand itself.' "
Well, that' s a lovely notion. Soldiers prefer not to use bayonets. Great. I should have just used the Baby Sign book! I will NOT be reading anymore of "On Killing." Except what-her-name's note page--I may read that again--right before I tear it out!
OK--the other game on E's blog:
I AM: living in a boys' locker room
I WANT: to lose 27 pounds
I WISH: plastic surgery was free
I HATE: that I have wasted so much time
I MISS: the "girls on the hill"
I FEAR: abandonment
I HEAR: everything
I WONDER: if God thinks I'm not good enough at being a girl to be a mother to one
I REGRET: how much money I have spent just on pizza
I AM NOT: sure about much
I DANCE: to country music, with my boys standing on my toes to teach them to 2step
I SING: terribly, but with enthusiasm
I CRY: about everything--even mayonaise commercials
I AM NOT ALWAYS: mean (surprise!)
I MAKE: hooded towels and brownies
I CONFUSE: m's and n's ("aminal" & "cimannon")
I NEED: to get a job
I SHOULD: go to bed
I START: with good intentions
I FINISH: slowly, usually
I BORROWED: all my kids names
One more thing. . .have you guys seen true wife confessions (on blogspot)? HOLY CRAP!!! S. and I were reading it the other night and decided we should read it once in a while to make us remember how lucky we are!!!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
The last week
Well, we certainly didn't waste the last week before school started. Everyday this week, the kids and I left the house before 8am and didn't come home until after dark most nights! In addition to getting haircuts, organizing school supplies, buying new tennis shoes, and other last minute housekeeping tasks, we also had some fun.
We went to the babysitting co-op's "Day at the Bay" on Tuesday night, which was really fun. I hadn't been to the bay before. It is nice--beach, saltwater, and bonfires without the waves. The little 2 really preferred that!
We went to the babysitting co-op's "Day at the Bay" on Tuesday night, which was really fun. I hadn't been to the bay before. It is nice--beach, saltwater, and bonfires without the waves. The little 2 really preferred that!
We had a potluck 
and after the sun went down we roasted marshmallows and made smores. 
The kids did several cute skits. 
It was nice to get to know some of the ladies better, and for the boys to have a chance to make friends. I am excited about the idea of the co-op, but I have been afraid to use it, feeling like the kids would not do well staying with strangers. I am hoping that having hung out with them all for a few hours will make them feel more like they are going to a playdate instead of to the babysitters!
We spent yesterday at the Wild Animal Park. It was way too hot there (it is usually about 15 degrees hotter inland than it is at our house) so it was above 100. The kids were SO good, but they got really hot. 
We went to Lorikeet Landing, which is a little bird area where you pay 
$2.00 to get a tiny cup of nectar. Then, the birds land on your arm and drink it. Sometimes they bite, but fortunately that didn't happen to us!
We cooled off when we sat down for the "Frequent Flyers" bird show, but the walk back to the car almost did everyone in. They were all about to panic, but fortunately, we had a cooler with ice and drinks in the car. They each had something to cool down and promptly fell asleep. The one bad part of the day was that I went to the gym before we went to the park, so walking the very steep hills wasn't easy on my legs!
First Day of School!!
It's here! Both boys started school today. We all took N. to class, and then we went back later for R.'s "orientation day." J. and I got to stay with him, as class was only 1 hour today. It was fun and his teacher, Ms. V, is just wonderful. I have only been around her a couple of times, but so far she seems to be the kind of person that was put on earth to teach preschool!
When we dropped N. off, we were walking to the playground where they all line up. I think he must have remembered me telling him that I cried after I dropped him off on the first day last year. He was walking right next to me and as we went through the gate, he said "Mom, are you sad?" I said "Nope. Not this year--this year I'm just excited for you!" He got a huge smile on his face and said "Me too!" and ran off to find his friends. Isn't that sweet??
His teacher, Ms. S, seems very nice. We only got a couple of seconds to talk to her and take her picture. I have heard from several moms that she has been here for a long time and she is wonderful to the kids. She seems very nurturing and encouraging. Exactly the kind of environment that N. excels in!
All in all, I think we are off to a good year. I am looking forward to helping in their classes when I can, and to spending some "only child" time with J. I am also hoping the kids will meet some friends who live close and that we can get to know some new families through the kids.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Life Motto
Once, a couple of years ago, VN emailed out a forward from the division commander's wife. (For those non-Army folks, the division commander was a 2 star general.) V put at the top something to the effect of "We should always listen closely to the advice of senior army wives." Since this was during a deployment, I was expecting some "pep talk" about keeping your resolve, support your husband, we can do it, we're stronger than most people. . .blah blah blah. I almost deleted it without reading the rest. Turns out, it was this hilarious thing with all kinds of little quotes about friendship and army life. I wish I could find the whole thing, but I only have the last line, because I decided to make it my life motto.
Now, understand that this does NOT mean I am falling off of the Weight Watchers Wagon, and most of the time I am the designated driver, but the spirit of the statement just makes me smile.
I tend to overthink, overanalyze, overplan, and overorganize. I seem to spend most of my life thinking about two things: 1) How I screwed up events or relationships in my past; and 2) What I need to be doing to make the future right. Once in a while I realize that I haven't thought about the actual present day in months. I guess this is more of a goal than a motto. Someday, I am going to learn to enjoy my own company, and to believe that there are at least a couple of people out there who enjoy my company too. (Maybe)
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!”
Now, understand that this does NOT mean I am falling off of the Weight Watchers Wagon, and most of the time I am the designated driver, but the spirit of the statement just makes me smile.
I tend to overthink, overanalyze, overplan, and overorganize. I seem to spend most of my life thinking about two things: 1) How I screwed up events or relationships in my past; and 2) What I need to be doing to make the future right. Once in a while I realize that I haven't thought about the actual present day in months. I guess this is more of a goal than a motto. Someday, I am going to learn to enjoy my own company, and to believe that there are at least a couple of people out there who enjoy my company too. (Maybe)
My Darling Husband
S. and I met in college. I was 19. We saw each other via a mutual friend once in a while. Then we hung out as friends for a while. Then we started dating. At some point, I fell in love with him. It might have been the first day I saw him, or it might have been 2 years later. I'm not sure. But, there is one day that I remember KNOWING that I loved him.
I had told S. relatively early in our relationship how much I love to read. Magazines, books, essays, poetry, whatever. I don't really even care what the subject is, I just like to read. The power of words amazes me. Millions of people speak English, but some have the talent to arrange them into art. Or into weapons. Or into entertainment. Whatever. . .I am just struck by the emotions, questions, reflections, or fears that a single sentence can evoke.
What I didn't mention to S. for a while was that I desperately wanted to BE one of those talented people. I have always wanted to write something that other people would take the time to read (even if they thought it was boring--if they took the time to read to the end, I would feel accomplished.) When I was little, I was always writing stories that I turned into books. I would take typing paper and cut it in half, fold it, and staple it and then write my story on the pages. I wrote a lot of poems too. I gave them as gifts sometimes. I've read back over some of them, and they were really cheesy, but I was 10. . .so I guess I should give myself a break.
Anyway--at some point I shared that secret dream with S. Some time later (probably several months) I was looking in his wallet to get a dollar for a coke (with his permission!!). I found my picture, and the "fortune" that I had gotten in my fortune cookie when we had chinese food a few weeks later. He had kept that fortune and put it as a "caption" on the picture of me in his wallet!! The fact that he would do something like that at all was enough to make me smile, but I knew I loved him when I saw how much he cared about what was important to me. The fortune said "You are a lover of words, and someday you will write a book."
Somehow, him keeping that fortune close to the picture of me felt like him believing in me and supporting my dream. I don't know if I will ever do it. I have a million excuses (no time, no subject, blah blah) but really I'm just plain scared. Of not being good enough, of rejection, of not even being able to finish. I don't know if I still believe in that dream.
But, S. still has the fortune in his wallet with my picture.
I had told S. relatively early in our relationship how much I love to read. Magazines, books, essays, poetry, whatever. I don't really even care what the subject is, I just like to read. The power of words amazes me. Millions of people speak English, but some have the talent to arrange them into art. Or into weapons. Or into entertainment. Whatever. . .I am just struck by the emotions, questions, reflections, or fears that a single sentence can evoke.
What I didn't mention to S. for a while was that I desperately wanted to BE one of those talented people. I have always wanted to write something that other people would take the time to read (even if they thought it was boring--if they took the time to read to the end, I would feel accomplished.) When I was little, I was always writing stories that I turned into books. I would take typing paper and cut it in half, fold it, and staple it and then write my story on the pages. I wrote a lot of poems too. I gave them as gifts sometimes. I've read back over some of them, and they were really cheesy, but I was 10. . .so I guess I should give myself a break.
Anyway--at some point I shared that secret dream with S. Some time later (probably several months) I was looking in his wallet to get a dollar for a coke (with his permission!!). I found my picture, and the "fortune" that I had gotten in my fortune cookie when we had chinese food a few weeks later. He had kept that fortune and put it as a "caption" on the picture of me in his wallet!! The fact that he would do something like that at all was enough to make me smile, but I knew I loved him when I saw how much he cared about what was important to me. The fortune said "You are a lover of words, and someday you will write a book."
Somehow, him keeping that fortune close to the picture of me felt like him believing in me and supporting my dream. I don't know if I will ever do it. I have a million excuses (no time, no subject, blah blah) but really I'm just plain scared. Of not being good enough, of rejection, of not even being able to finish. I don't know if I still believe in that dream.
But, S. still has the fortune in his wallet with my picture.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Gross stuff about being a mom
When I was a kid, I had a really weak stomach. Everything made me gag. I was always saying something smelled bad, or whatever. If anyone threw up and I could even HEAR it, I would throw up. Then I became a mom. . .
For starters, my first child has reflux. It eased up after about 4 years, but is defintely still around. The first year of his life, I pretty much wore 2 shirts. They both got puked on so much, I started to not even notice if it was clean or dirty when I put it on. At that point, it was just breast milk, so it didn't smell that bad. Then, food entered the picture. Yuk. So, he still does it from time to time. Often initiated by smells.
During his second week of the new school here, I got a call to come pick him up because he had thrown up. When I got there, it was obvious that he wasn't sick. He REALLY didn't want to go home, because it was the one day of the month that they had "sports special" after school. I explained to the nurse that he had reflux and it was often triggered by eating too fast, smelling something bad, etc. In this particular instance, it was a smell. His friend brought broccoli in his lunch. N. loves broccoli, so I didn't know what the problem was. But, he didn't want to say. He would rather go home than explain. When I asked why, he said he didn't want to embarrass his friend. We (the nurse and I) assured him we wouldn't tell. Apparently, the broccoli made the other kid's breath smell bad, and they were sitting close to each other, so when he breathed, N. could smell it. (I am getting off subject--but just wanted to point out again what a tenderhearted kid he is--he would rather miss sports day than embarrass his buddy!)
So--anyway--I'm pretty used to getting puked on. But, I just want to give you a little synopsis of my week.
1) N. pukes in the top of the McDonalds playland.
2) R. poops, but doesn't wait to get wiped--comes out of the bathroom with no clothes on, and gets on his bed. Then slides off. Poop all over comforter.
3) J. takes off his own diaper and poops in the floor of my room.
4) J. steps in poop and smears it around the floor of my room.
5) Because he is allergic to dairy, J. drinks soy milk. This week, several diapers smell so bad that I puke!
6) R. is too short to reach the toilet in the bathroom at the movies, but refuses to believe me when I tell him this. He stands on his toes and manages to pee on my sandals. I am standing behind him.
7) J. takes chewed up cheddar cheese out of his mouth while I am holding him. When I start to talk, he puts it in my mouth.
8) Because he is allergic to dairy, the chewed up cheese makes J. totally congested the next day. Twice he sneezes the entire contents of his sinus cavities all over me. Once my mouth is open.
9) J. eats a worm that has dried up on the driveway (again, I want to puke!)
Now really--I realize that this is not something you really want to have a conversation about, but COME ON! All this in one week! Can you blame me for taking away the toys?????? I have had it! I am going to revolt tomorrow and refuse to go to soccer practice. They can have a boys day, and I am taking my gift certificate and getting a freakin' pedicure (and if anyone pukes on my toes you can find me either the nearest psychiatric hospital or jail!!)
For starters, my first child has reflux. It eased up after about 4 years, but is defintely still around. The first year of his life, I pretty much wore 2 shirts. They both got puked on so much, I started to not even notice if it was clean or dirty when I put it on. At that point, it was just breast milk, so it didn't smell that bad. Then, food entered the picture. Yuk. So, he still does it from time to time. Often initiated by smells.
During his second week of the new school here, I got a call to come pick him up because he had thrown up. When I got there, it was obvious that he wasn't sick. He REALLY didn't want to go home, because it was the one day of the month that they had "sports special" after school. I explained to the nurse that he had reflux and it was often triggered by eating too fast, smelling something bad, etc. In this particular instance, it was a smell. His friend brought broccoli in his lunch. N. loves broccoli, so I didn't know what the problem was. But, he didn't want to say. He would rather go home than explain. When I asked why, he said he didn't want to embarrass his friend. We (the nurse and I) assured him we wouldn't tell. Apparently, the broccoli made the other kid's breath smell bad, and they were sitting close to each other, so when he breathed, N. could smell it. (I am getting off subject--but just wanted to point out again what a tenderhearted kid he is--he would rather miss sports day than embarrass his buddy!)
So--anyway--I'm pretty used to getting puked on. But, I just want to give you a little synopsis of my week.
1) N. pukes in the top of the McDonalds playland.
2) R. poops, but doesn't wait to get wiped--comes out of the bathroom with no clothes on, and gets on his bed. Then slides off. Poop all over comforter.
3) J. takes off his own diaper and poops in the floor of my room.
4) J. steps in poop and smears it around the floor of my room.
5) Because he is allergic to dairy, J. drinks soy milk. This week, several diapers smell so bad that I puke!
6) R. is too short to reach the toilet in the bathroom at the movies, but refuses to believe me when I tell him this. He stands on his toes and manages to pee on my sandals. I am standing behind him.
7) J. takes chewed up cheddar cheese out of his mouth while I am holding him. When I start to talk, he puts it in my mouth.
8) Because he is allergic to dairy, the chewed up cheese makes J. totally congested the next day. Twice he sneezes the entire contents of his sinus cavities all over me. Once my mouth is open.
9) J. eats a worm that has dried up on the driveway (again, I want to puke!)
Now really--I realize that this is not something you really want to have a conversation about, but COME ON! All this in one week! Can you blame me for taking away the toys?????? I have had it! I am going to revolt tomorrow and refuse to go to soccer practice. They can have a boys day, and I am taking my gift certificate and getting a freakin' pedicure (and if anyone pukes on my toes you can find me either the nearest psychiatric hospital or jail!!)
I'm Ready for School To Start!!!
I am so ready for the kids to go back to school. R. is starting preschool at N's school this year. He will only be able to go 2 mornings a week, but at least it is something. Maybe he will meet a couple of kids his own age that live close by. I hope so. He has been so lonely since we moved here.
N. is basically going nuts being home all day. They are at each other's throats all day long. I am so tired of hearing them fight. My sister, B., told me about this thing called "First time obedience" from the Growing Kids God's Way program. I used to think it was crazy, and that kids would never do things the first time you said it. But, when we went up to visit them in the spring, she was explaining it to me.
Basically, the concept is that if I am having to scream and yell and repeat myself over and over--then I am not doing my job as a parent. I have not adequately explained to them what is appropriate behavior (minding me) and what is not (continuing to disobey). So, here's how it works. You tell them something one time. Like "Stop arguing with each other." That is the warning. And, you tell them the consequences for disobeying. "If you continue to argue you will have to go take a nap."
The trick is that you have to make sure that the consequences are something that you are willing to follow through with. For example, yesterday on the way to the movies, I almost said to R. "If you don't stop yelling, you can't go to the movie." Well, there was no way to keep him from going without punishing everyone, so I said "If you yell again you can't have any candy or popcorn at the movie."
So, today I am so sick of all of the fighting and crying and yelling that here is what I did. I unplugged all of the TVs. I took away game boys, CD players, and all other electronic devices. No one is allowed upstairs (where there is another TV and a computer). They have the toys in the downstairs toy box and each other. I won't even play with them. They can't have friends over. They are going to learn to treat each other with kindness and respect or they are going to learn how long a day can be when you have to sit against a wall and stare at each other all day.
The consequence if they fight or argue today is that tomorrow they don't even get the toys. Just each other and the yard or the floor. That's it. We'll see what happens. Only 5 more days 'til school starts. . . .
N. is basically going nuts being home all day. They are at each other's throats all day long. I am so tired of hearing them fight. My sister, B., told me about this thing called "First time obedience" from the Growing Kids God's Way program. I used to think it was crazy, and that kids would never do things the first time you said it. But, when we went up to visit them in the spring, she was explaining it to me.
Basically, the concept is that if I am having to scream and yell and repeat myself over and over--then I am not doing my job as a parent. I have not adequately explained to them what is appropriate behavior (minding me) and what is not (continuing to disobey). So, here's how it works. You tell them something one time. Like "Stop arguing with each other." That is the warning. And, you tell them the consequences for disobeying. "If you continue to argue you will have to go take a nap."
The trick is that you have to make sure that the consequences are something that you are willing to follow through with. For example, yesterday on the way to the movies, I almost said to R. "If you don't stop yelling, you can't go to the movie." Well, there was no way to keep him from going without punishing everyone, so I said "If you yell again you can't have any candy or popcorn at the movie."
So, today I am so sick of all of the fighting and crying and yelling that here is what I did. I unplugged all of the TVs. I took away game boys, CD players, and all other electronic devices. No one is allowed upstairs (where there is another TV and a computer). They have the toys in the downstairs toy box and each other. I won't even play with them. They can't have friends over. They are going to learn to treat each other with kindness and respect or they are going to learn how long a day can be when you have to sit against a wall and stare at each other all day.
The consequence if they fight or argue today is that tomorrow they don't even get the toys. Just each other and the yard or the floor. That's it. We'll see what happens. Only 5 more days 'til school starts. . . .
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
What's wrong?
Something is wrong with my blog. . .it won't come up. This is just a test post to see if something will happen.
Waylon's Song
If you can't tell from today's new theme song--I'm homesick!! (I don't know why--it's hotter than the face of the sun there right now!)
By the way--if you don't know who I'm talking about in the title of this post--WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU???? Waylon Jennings for heaven's sake!
By the way--if you don't know who I'm talking about in the title of this post--WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU???? Waylon Jennings for heaven's sake!
Little Ones Room
Today I did some updating on the little boys' bedroom. I had hung stuff on the wall when the crib was in there, but since the new "big boy furniture got delivered, I haven't changed things. The "theme" is cowboys, since R. is going to be a cowboy when he grows up. The windows are a little weird to deal with, since they have venetian blinds, so this is the window treatment that I came up with. The fact is that I am weird enough that this put me in a good mood for the rest of the day! I also wrote their names above their beds in the same "lasso" rope. The picture looks a little weird because I cropped 3 photos together to show the whole thing.
Monday, August 14, 2006
LVAD
Do you know what an LVAD is? I don't even know if that is the right acronym. I also don't know exactly what it stands for. What it is is this. . .a machine that replaces the left side of your heart. Not helps your heart like a pacemaker--it replaces it. I mean, they cut a hole in your heart and connect it to this machine that is on the outside of your body. You can hear it pumping all the time. It runs on batteries and you have to change them. At night, you plug directly into the machine that charges the batteries and you run on electricity. Guess what happens if the power goes out? If you don't have a battery available, you use a hand pump. . .yep--you pump your own heart with a hand pump.
So, why do I know this (other than the fact that it was a subject on Grey's Anatomy) and why am I writing about it? Because my stepfather has one. He has been a heart patient for almost 15 years--maybe more than that. He had heart attacks, CHF, a defibrillator put IN his heart (yes--the thing that shocks you--inside his body) and now, the LVAD. It basically keeps you alive until you get a heart transplant. Some people have lived on the LVAD for 18 months waiting for their new heart.
Here are some of the things that go along with the LVAD.
1) The surgery itself is just horrendous. The transplant itself will be nothing compared to this. The recovery took about 3 months (longer?) and my mother thought she would completely lose her mind. I won't even go into the details of that, because I wasn't there and I couldn't possibly do justice to the awful things they both endured.
2) Right before he got the LVAD, G. was so sick he could barely walk from the living room to the bathroom. He had congestive heart failure and he was just shutting down. Now, on the LVAD he is doing SO much better. He's lost weight, he's working out, etc. So. . .life is better. What to wish for? Get a heart, well of course, but that is scary too. What if he is doing so well on the LVAD, and then rejects the heart? Would it be better to have stayed on the LVAD?
3) Life is in suspended animation right now. They can't go ANYWHERE because you don't know when the heart will come available. You have to be able to get to the hospital QUICK. So, it is like being on house arrest.
4) That #3 causes them (meaning my mom and G.) to feel isolated and left out. They want to come visit us, but they can't. They wanted to go to a family reunion, but can't. They want to make plans, but they can't. . . So they feel like everyone else's life is moving and theirs isn't.
5) The VERY VERY VERY worst thing. For him to get a heart, someone has to die. And--it likely will be someone who wasn't expecting it. If you are sick or whatever, you have been on medications and stuff like that so your heart isn't eligible to be transplanted. So, the hearts come from healthy, usually young people who die tragically. A horrible thing. So, it isn't like you can sit around and WISH for someone to die. Of course, we all wish for a heart, but it would sure be nice if they could grow one in a petri dish. You can rationalize that the person was going to die anyway, they volunteered to be a donor, so they WANT someone to have their organs etc. but still. . .someone has to die. Some family has to suffer. G. hasn't even gotten his heart yet, and already I am praying for the family of the donor. For peace, for comfort, for a sense that they did something to help someone else.
I know a lot of people don't want to be organ donors for a myriad of reasons. But, just to let you know, there is no truth to the rumor that "they will let you die if you are a donor so they can have your organs." If you physically die--meaning your heart stops beating--your organs are no good. They keep people on the life machines and they do lots and lots and lots of brain scans to be sure that their is NO brain function. So, if you can find it in your heart to do so--please choose to be an organ donor. Some states mark it on your drivers' license. There is a spot for it on our military IDs--most importantly, let your friends and family know. When you are brain dead, your body basically becomes the property of your next of kin, so they get to decide whether or not to donate your organs. My next door neighbor has a bumper sticker that I SO agree with "Don't take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here!"
OK--here's a weird thing. . .this morning I decided to write about this, but I didn't finish because I had to leave so I saved it as a draft to finish when I got home. On my way home, I got a message on my voicemail from my mom that said that G. went to transplant clinic today and they told him "You need to be sure you are ready." Whoa. . .
So, why do I know this (other than the fact that it was a subject on Grey's Anatomy) and why am I writing about it? Because my stepfather has one. He has been a heart patient for almost 15 years--maybe more than that. He had heart attacks, CHF, a defibrillator put IN his heart (yes--the thing that shocks you--inside his body) and now, the LVAD. It basically keeps you alive until you get a heart transplant. Some people have lived on the LVAD for 18 months waiting for their new heart.
Here are some of the things that go along with the LVAD.
1) The surgery itself is just horrendous. The transplant itself will be nothing compared to this. The recovery took about 3 months (longer?) and my mother thought she would completely lose her mind. I won't even go into the details of that, because I wasn't there and I couldn't possibly do justice to the awful things they both endured.
2) Right before he got the LVAD, G. was so sick he could barely walk from the living room to the bathroom. He had congestive heart failure and he was just shutting down. Now, on the LVAD he is doing SO much better. He's lost weight, he's working out, etc. So. . .life is better. What to wish for? Get a heart, well of course, but that is scary too. What if he is doing so well on the LVAD, and then rejects the heart? Would it be better to have stayed on the LVAD?
3) Life is in suspended animation right now. They can't go ANYWHERE because you don't know when the heart will come available. You have to be able to get to the hospital QUICK. So, it is like being on house arrest.
4) That #3 causes them (meaning my mom and G.) to feel isolated and left out. They want to come visit us, but they can't. They wanted to go to a family reunion, but can't. They want to make plans, but they can't. . . So they feel like everyone else's life is moving and theirs isn't.
5) The VERY VERY VERY worst thing. For him to get a heart, someone has to die. And--it likely will be someone who wasn't expecting it. If you are sick or whatever, you have been on medications and stuff like that so your heart isn't eligible to be transplanted. So, the hearts come from healthy, usually young people who die tragically. A horrible thing. So, it isn't like you can sit around and WISH for someone to die. Of course, we all wish for a heart, but it would sure be nice if they could grow one in a petri dish. You can rationalize that the person was going to die anyway, they volunteered to be a donor, so they WANT someone to have their organs etc. but still. . .someone has to die. Some family has to suffer. G. hasn't even gotten his heart yet, and already I am praying for the family of the donor. For peace, for comfort, for a sense that they did something to help someone else.
I know a lot of people don't want to be organ donors for a myriad of reasons. But, just to let you know, there is no truth to the rumor that "they will let you die if you are a donor so they can have your organs." If you physically die--meaning your heart stops beating--your organs are no good. They keep people on the life machines and they do lots and lots and lots of brain scans to be sure that their is NO brain function. So, if you can find it in your heart to do so--please choose to be an organ donor. Some states mark it on your drivers' license. There is a spot for it on our military IDs--most importantly, let your friends and family know. When you are brain dead, your body basically becomes the property of your next of kin, so they get to decide whether or not to donate your organs. My next door neighbor has a bumper sticker that I SO agree with "Don't take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here!"
OK--here's a weird thing. . .this morning I decided to write about this, but I didn't finish because I had to leave so I saved it as a draft to finish when I got home. On my way home, I got a message on my voicemail from my mom that said that G. went to transplant clinic today and they told him "You need to be sure you are ready." Whoa. . .
Back to the Gym. . .
Well, I didn't do a great job of maintaining my workout schedule while I was away, but I still managed to lose some weight. I am now more than 1/2 way to my goal! Yeahaw!! I will post a before and after picture when I am totally finished. Although, that will be quite frightening for all of us, and you must keep your children away from the computer screen so they won't be scarred for life.
I have been taking a front, side, and back view picture of myself at the beginning of each month. It is totally disgusting, but it is motivating too. The only problem I am having is that I feel so much better than I did when I started--I am losing my motivation a little! So, today I put the determination back into myself. I am rededicating my willpower--and I am going to do it!! My goal is to be able to get a job with Weight Watchers by next January. They only hire from within their own membership and you have to be at your goal weight and stay there!
So, today we went back to the gym. I was afraid that J. might freak out, but he did well. I worked harder than I thought I would be able to--but I am sure that I will suffer tomorrow! Oh well--that just confirms that I was working! I am going to try to make it to my trainer's pilates class tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, it is at 8:15, so if the children are still sleeping--I am not going to make them get up. We are getting back on the school schedule, but that is early even for that! (School starts at 8:25--in exactly 9 days!!)
Here are some good things that have happened to me from losing 46 pounds (so far). 1) The most obvious--I can shop in the regular department. Even though I don't shop much, when I do, it is nice to not have to go to the plus size area 2) I can take a regular bath towel to the gym. (I want to be TOTALLY covered in the shower area, so I was taking a beach towel, but now I regular bath towel wraps all the way around me with some extra so I feel "safe".) 3) When I stretch my quad muscles, I can grab my right ankle with my right hand and my left with my left (instead of having to do opposites because my leg won't bend far enough!) 4) I can get down on the floor to play with the kids and get bakc up again, without looking like a sea lion getting up on a rock 5) I bought a swimsuit yesterday and I didn't start crying in the dressing room--it doesn't look nearly as good as I want it to--but it is WAY better than it was (and the swimsuit was 75% off--which makes me even happier!)
The other great thing is that being back at the gym means I have child care for 1 1/2 hours. It makes me feel good, I get a shower, and I am ready to be around the kids again (I love them, but it sure doesn't hurt any of us to get a break once in a while!)
I have been taking a front, side, and back view picture of myself at the beginning of each month. It is totally disgusting, but it is motivating too. The only problem I am having is that I feel so much better than I did when I started--I am losing my motivation a little! So, today I put the determination back into myself. I am rededicating my willpower--and I am going to do it!! My goal is to be able to get a job with Weight Watchers by next January. They only hire from within their own membership and you have to be at your goal weight and stay there!
So, today we went back to the gym. I was afraid that J. might freak out, but he did well. I worked harder than I thought I would be able to--but I am sure that I will suffer tomorrow! Oh well--that just confirms that I was working! I am going to try to make it to my trainer's pilates class tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, it is at 8:15, so if the children are still sleeping--I am not going to make them get up. We are getting back on the school schedule, but that is early even for that! (School starts at 8:25--in exactly 9 days!!)
Here are some good things that have happened to me from losing 46 pounds (so far). 1) The most obvious--I can shop in the regular department. Even though I don't shop much, when I do, it is nice to not have to go to the plus size area 2) I can take a regular bath towel to the gym. (I want to be TOTALLY covered in the shower area, so I was taking a beach towel, but now I regular bath towel wraps all the way around me with some extra so I feel "safe".) 3) When I stretch my quad muscles, I can grab my right ankle with my right hand and my left with my left (instead of having to do opposites because my leg won't bend far enough!) 4) I can get down on the floor to play with the kids and get bakc up again, without looking like a sea lion getting up on a rock 5) I bought a swimsuit yesterday and I didn't start crying in the dressing room--it doesn't look nearly as good as I want it to--but it is WAY better than it was (and the swimsuit was 75% off--which makes me even happier!)
The other great thing is that being back at the gym means I have child care for 1 1/2 hours. It makes me feel good, I get a shower, and I am ready to be around the kids again (I love them, but it sure doesn't hurt any of us to get a break once in a while!)
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Photos from our trip
Swimming in the backyard at the "reunion" of my Theta family
R. playing school
Visiting friends from Germany (who are now in San Antonio)
the twins are 2 days younger than J.
kissin' cousins
we moved around so much, the poor boys didn't know where they would sleep each night!
my grandparents, my dad, my brother, N. (U.B.), his wife, M. their daughter, G., me and my kids
N. and G.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Who DOESN'T want to go to the beach???
CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS??? Last night, Fiday, we were talking about what we should do today (after N.'s soccer practice). I suggested the beach, since I haven't been there since I got home (4 whole days ago!) and I had promised myself I would be there by 3pm the day we arrived...do you KNOW what S. said?? Nothing. . .he just sort of sighed! Can you believe it? We live 6 miles from the beach and the man does not JUMP at the chance to go there every day! Weird, huh? He doesn't like it. It's too dirty. This from a man who can go 32 days without a shower when he is in the field!! What the heck is wrong with his brain?? Who knows? All I know is that I love this place.
This is yet one more thing that makes me believe that God wants us to be in the Army. This job is totally a set up. I think of it is both a reward and a bribe. It is God saying "the last 10 1/2 years of your life have not been a waste, and it will be OK if you stay longer." The reason I think this is because I used to say all the time "I wish I could live somewhere that it is 75 degrees all the time. I don't need seasons. I also wish I could live on the water. Any water. Ocean, lake, big river. . .something." S's answer? It is just NOT going to happen. The Army doesn't have any posts that close to the ocean. He was glad too, because he doesn't like it and he'd rather be in the mountains (which make me completely clausterphobic in about 10 mins) Ha ha ha ha ha ha!! I win! As my oldest son would say "Yay me!!" I love it here. 75 degrees year 'round! (Except last month, which they tell me was the second hottest month in San Diego history--but I was in Texas where it was 105 in the middle of the night, so cry me a river!) And 6 miles from the ocean! I can be there in 15 minutes, even with traffic. There are stickers and posters around here that say "No Bad Days!" I'm telling ya--that's how I feel--get in a bad mood? Grab the sunblock and boogie boards--we'll be home in time to cook dinner!
Oh--here's a really cool tip I have learned from some native San Diegans. . .you know how when you go to the beach, when it is time to leave, you try to rinse off the sand? And it doesn't really come off, and even if it does, you turn around to walk away from the outside shower and you get sand all over you again on the way to the car? And, you can't get the kids to rinse off anyway, because it is so cold? Here's the solution: Baby powder. When you get out of the water, dry off with your towel. Then, rub baby powder all over wherever you have sand. The sand just dusts right off. You are still dry, so no more will stick and you aren't freezing! It also helps keep away the chafing that kids sometimes get from wet swimsuits!
This is yet one more thing that makes me believe that God wants us to be in the Army. This job is totally a set up. I think of it is both a reward and a bribe. It is God saying "the last 10 1/2 years of your life have not been a waste, and it will be OK if you stay longer." The reason I think this is because I used to say all the time "I wish I could live somewhere that it is 75 degrees all the time. I don't need seasons. I also wish I could live on the water. Any water. Ocean, lake, big river. . .something." S's answer? It is just NOT going to happen. The Army doesn't have any posts that close to the ocean. He was glad too, because he doesn't like it and he'd rather be in the mountains (which make me completely clausterphobic in about 10 mins) Ha ha ha ha ha ha!! I win! As my oldest son would say "Yay me!!" I love it here. 75 degrees year 'round! (Except last month, which they tell me was the second hottest month in San Diego history--but I was in Texas where it was 105 in the middle of the night, so cry me a river!) And 6 miles from the ocean! I can be there in 15 minutes, even with traffic. There are stickers and posters around here that say "No Bad Days!" I'm telling ya--that's how I feel--get in a bad mood? Grab the sunblock and boogie boards--we'll be home in time to cook dinner!
Oh--here's a really cool tip I have learned from some native San Diegans. . .you know how when you go to the beach, when it is time to leave, you try to rinse off the sand? And it doesn't really come off, and even if it does, you turn around to walk away from the outside shower and you get sand all over you again on the way to the car? And, you can't get the kids to rinse off anyway, because it is so cold? Here's the solution: Baby powder. When you get out of the water, dry off with your towel. Then, rub baby powder all over wherever you have sand. The sand just dusts right off. You are still dry, so no more will stick and you aren't freezing! It also helps keep away the chafing that kids sometimes get from wet swimsuits!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Another crazy thought
First--let me just start with the fact that the last crazy thought I wrote about (the two people I never want to see again) had nothing to do with anyone in the army. I think it may have seemed like that because I wrote "I don't want to be stationed with them" but I just meant I didn't want to live near them. Army lingo has just invaded the way I think and talk about everything. They aren't in the army--or married to anyone in the army.
One more thing. . .although not to the same extent--I also strongly dislike one more person--the doctor at the German hospital who wouldn't tell me what was wrong with S. and told me to learn German. (My husband was dying for heaven's sake! Not a time to learn a new language!!) So--I don't like him either!
Ok--the new crazy thought. What if you were honored at an awards show. (Like the Oscars). What would you say? Who would you thank? This is not an award show for your movie career (I don't know anyone with a movie career) It is just for your life. Just a chance to get up and say thanks for who made you who you are. Now obviously, you thank your parents, your siblings, your spouse, your kids, etc. But, I mean do you have an obscure people who don't even realize that they impacted you, that you would like to acknowledge? (This seems to be the exact opposite of the last crazy thought, huh? I didn't realize that until I was writing it!)
So, in keeping with a couple of my friends blogs who have something they do once a week "Memories on a Monday" "Travel Trivia" (I would make those words blue and turn it into a link if I were halfway computer literate--but I'm not)This is going to be mine. Once a week I am going to write about someone who has had a positive impact on my life. Someone that probably doesn't even think they impacted me at all (if they even remember me). Then, if I can find their email addresses, I am going to send it to them.
The first one is Shirley Weatherford. Her daughter was my close friend all through childhood. I first really met Shirley when she was my Bluebird leader. Bluebirds is like girl scouts. It is part of Campfire Girls. Shirley picked us up from school for our first meeting. In the car an Elvis song came on and I said I didn't like Elvis. She actually stopped the car and said I couldn't ride in her car if I didn't like Elvis! Then she laughed and laughed. I still remember the sound of her laugh. It was (is? I doubt it has changed much) so nice. Just plain happy.
Shirley was a part of my life in different aspects throughout my childhood. We lived in a small town so the adults all held many roles. She taught Sunday school at my church, she owned a really good cafe in town, and of course, I was at her house a lot because I was friends with Joy. (Her daughter's name is Joy--see what I mean--she's happy!) In high school, she was the home ec teacher and then she was the sponsor for PALs (peer assistance and leadership) and I was a PAL. That was a great year. She was a lot of fun and I learned a lot from her about random everyday life and how you should live it.
I'm not sure what "specifically" I want to thank Shirley Weatherford for. She didn't teach me a specific skill or do one dramatic thing for me that changed my life. I think I am just a better person because I grew up knowing her. She was happy and kind. She treated everyone (even irritating high school teenage girls) like they were smart and special. She had time to listen to me no matter how insignificant my problems were. She also listened to me during several times in my life when the problems were definitely significant. Her home was cozy and comfortable. I always felt welcomed and calm when I was there.
She was great to know as a kid, because she genuinely liked us, and enjoyed spending time with us. She was great to know as a teenager because she was a stable force in a turbulent time, and she gave guidance as though she was giving friendship. I don't really know her as an adult, since I left there at 18 and haven't moved back, but I imagine that she would be just as great to know as an adult. The kind of person that not only do you want to have as your friend, but that you want to be like.
One more thing. . .although not to the same extent--I also strongly dislike one more person--the doctor at the German hospital who wouldn't tell me what was wrong with S. and told me to learn German. (My husband was dying for heaven's sake! Not a time to learn a new language!!) So--I don't like him either!
Ok--the new crazy thought. What if you were honored at an awards show. (Like the Oscars). What would you say? Who would you thank? This is not an award show for your movie career (I don't know anyone with a movie career) It is just for your life. Just a chance to get up and say thanks for who made you who you are. Now obviously, you thank your parents, your siblings, your spouse, your kids, etc. But, I mean do you have an obscure people who don't even realize that they impacted you, that you would like to acknowledge? (This seems to be the exact opposite of the last crazy thought, huh? I didn't realize that until I was writing it!)
So, in keeping with a couple of my friends blogs who have something they do once a week "Memories on a Monday" "Travel Trivia" (I would make those words blue and turn it into a link if I were halfway computer literate--but I'm not)This is going to be mine. Once a week I am going to write about someone who has had a positive impact on my life. Someone that probably doesn't even think they impacted me at all (if they even remember me). Then, if I can find their email addresses, I am going to send it to them.
The first one is Shirley Weatherford. Her daughter was my close friend all through childhood. I first really met Shirley when she was my Bluebird leader. Bluebirds is like girl scouts. It is part of Campfire Girls. Shirley picked us up from school for our first meeting. In the car an Elvis song came on and I said I didn't like Elvis. She actually stopped the car and said I couldn't ride in her car if I didn't like Elvis! Then she laughed and laughed. I still remember the sound of her laugh. It was (is? I doubt it has changed much) so nice. Just plain happy.
Shirley was a part of my life in different aspects throughout my childhood. We lived in a small town so the adults all held many roles. She taught Sunday school at my church, she owned a really good cafe in town, and of course, I was at her house a lot because I was friends with Joy. (Her daughter's name is Joy--see what I mean--she's happy!) In high school, she was the home ec teacher and then she was the sponsor for PALs (peer assistance and leadership) and I was a PAL. That was a great year. She was a lot of fun and I learned a lot from her about random everyday life and how you should live it.
I'm not sure what "specifically" I want to thank Shirley Weatherford for. She didn't teach me a specific skill or do one dramatic thing for me that changed my life. I think I am just a better person because I grew up knowing her. She was happy and kind. She treated everyone (even irritating high school teenage girls) like they were smart and special. She had time to listen to me no matter how insignificant my problems were. She also listened to me during several times in my life when the problems were definitely significant. Her home was cozy and comfortable. I always felt welcomed and calm when I was there.
She was great to know as a kid, because she genuinely liked us, and enjoyed spending time with us. She was great to know as a teenager because she was a stable force in a turbulent time, and she gave guidance as though she was giving friendship. I don't really know her as an adult, since I left there at 18 and haven't moved back, but I imagine that she would be just as great to know as an adult. The kind of person that not only do you want to have as your friend, but that you want to be like.
Lebanon
When we first moved into our neighborhood, one guy told us the culdesac was like the United Nations. The people who own our house are from South Africa, one family is from Korea, one is from Germany, and one is from Lebanon. The other three (plus us) are Americans. So, people here don't go out of their way to be friendly or get to know the neighbors. I have kind of forced myself on the people next door by acosting them whenever they are outside (I notice they stay inside a lot now, hmmm?) But, the German family and the Lebanese family both have been very welcoming to us.
The kids have become friends with the A. family (Lebanese) so we see them pretty frequently and just hang out and talk while the kids play.
My Lebanese friend, M. has gone to Lebanon to visit her mom. She took their youngest 3 children (they have 4) and her disabled mother-in-law with her. Her husband and oldest son stayed to do som "home improvement" projects (put in a pool, retile the whole house, etc.--he is REALLY into that stuff and she DOES NOT like to "live in Home Depot" so he takes the opportunity that she is gone to work on it)
So. . .I'm in Texas and S. is in Hawaii teaching (he has a VERY hard job!) And Israel starts to bomb Lebanon. S. calls me and we discuss if it is appropriate for us to call SA (M.'s husband) We decide that although we are American and military, we are also his friend, and it is OK for us to call and see how he is doing. So, S. calls him. He is, of course, in a panic. M's family is from Beirut. They are not there now, they are at a resort in the mountains in the north, but he is still freaking out. He has to get them out of Lebanon. He and S. discuss what he might be able to do. He has family in various places that he can try to get them to, but this is the first day of the bombing and everything is shut down--cars, boats, planes. . .nothing is leaving. S. tells SA that we will call him every day. Call either of us if there is anything we can do. SA asks us to pray for them. We assure him we will.
The next day, SA says he has sent an international cell phone to M. He has found a cab driver to drive his family to Damascus in Syria. They have family there, and they will take them to Amman, Jordan. The airline has said that they will honor Beruit flights from Amman.
The next day, S. gets home from Hawaii. He has 1 day before he leaves for Las Vegas (I told you--his job is HARD!) He goes down to check on SA. He has not slept in 4 days and is trying to figure out how to get his family out of Amman. He would prefer to get them to London, so they can pick up the flight they are already booked on, but he will take anything--Rome, Paris, whatever. He is calling airlines. S. tells him that he should use the internet--it will be quicker. S. writes down our cell phone numbers and again says if we can do anything from where we are--let us know. As he turns back to give him the paper, SA is so sad. He says "Do you have 30 minutes?" S says sure. SA says "Can you help me do this?" S. says of course. He is quick on the computer and can help find some tickets. They start looking. Everything is booked. They finally find a flight and call the airline to book it immediately. After it is booked (it took 6 minutes) they try to find more flights for a couple of days later, in case it takes longer to get to Amman. There is nothing. They have to get there for that flight. It is in 7 days.
S. goes home and the next morning goes to Las Vegas. We keep in touch with SA. Two days later, I have a message on my cell. It is SA. He says that his family is in Jordan and they will make the flight. He and his oldest son are going to join them in London and stay for a couple of days. He says about 4 times how much he appreciated S's help. He couldn't have done it without him.
The family gets to London, he meets them. They come home. All is (technically) well. But, M. is completely traumatized. She can't stop crying. She tries to talk about it, and tells me how they were holding a white sheet out of the car as they were driving so they wouldn't get bombed. She is almost hysterical just trying to describe the waiting for 4 hours to get a visa to go through Syria. She can't sleep but she is constantly exhausted. It will be a long time before she is able to settle down. She doesn't know how her mother is doing. But, she is home and her kids are safe. She tries to console herself with that.
Now--here's the thing. Our two families don't view the situation the same. Obviously, we come from two totally different spots on the spectrum with this issue. It is not something we will ever talk about with them--the politics of it all. Their kids are upset, and saying things that make my kids confused. We just try to tell them that they have been through a terrible trauma and that they should not argue with the A. kids about it. Just understand them and let them be. But--outside the political part. The BIGGER part is this. A friend helped a friend. A father helped a father take care of his family. It doesn't change the scope of international politics, but it might have a small ripple effect. SA will tell people that story. Someday, he may say "An American soldier helped me when I needed to take care of my family." Who cares? Maybe nobody. But, maybe his kids will remember that story. Or, maybe his cousin who still lives in Lebanon will remember it. Maybe in little ways like that we can bring these two seemingly opposite worlds to care about each other.
Now--don't get me wrong. S. is ALWAYS going to put the army first and he would never ever ever do something that would go against his country or his government. But, in this situation, he was able to reach out and lend a hand as a man and a father. The fact that he is an American, a Christian, and a soldier wasn't important at the time--but maybe in hindsight it will be. Someday, there may be someone talking about how all Americans are awful and our soldiers are infidels, etc. And maybe someone will say "Let me tell you a story. . ." Wouldn't it be nice to think that you impacted even just one heart even a little? I'm very proud of my husband.
The kids have become friends with the A. family (Lebanese) so we see them pretty frequently and just hang out and talk while the kids play.
My Lebanese friend, M. has gone to Lebanon to visit her mom. She took their youngest 3 children (they have 4) and her disabled mother-in-law with her. Her husband and oldest son stayed to do som "home improvement" projects (put in a pool, retile the whole house, etc.--he is REALLY into that stuff and she DOES NOT like to "live in Home Depot" so he takes the opportunity that she is gone to work on it)
So. . .I'm in Texas and S. is in Hawaii teaching (he has a VERY hard job!) And Israel starts to bomb Lebanon. S. calls me and we discuss if it is appropriate for us to call SA (M.'s husband) We decide that although we are American and military, we are also his friend, and it is OK for us to call and see how he is doing. So, S. calls him. He is, of course, in a panic. M's family is from Beirut. They are not there now, they are at a resort in the mountains in the north, but he is still freaking out. He has to get them out of Lebanon. He and S. discuss what he might be able to do. He has family in various places that he can try to get them to, but this is the first day of the bombing and everything is shut down--cars, boats, planes. . .nothing is leaving. S. tells SA that we will call him every day. Call either of us if there is anything we can do. SA asks us to pray for them. We assure him we will.
The next day, SA says he has sent an international cell phone to M. He has found a cab driver to drive his family to Damascus in Syria. They have family there, and they will take them to Amman, Jordan. The airline has said that they will honor Beruit flights from Amman.
The next day, S. gets home from Hawaii. He has 1 day before he leaves for Las Vegas (I told you--his job is HARD!) He goes down to check on SA. He has not slept in 4 days and is trying to figure out how to get his family out of Amman. He would prefer to get them to London, so they can pick up the flight they are already booked on, but he will take anything--Rome, Paris, whatever. He is calling airlines. S. tells him that he should use the internet--it will be quicker. S. writes down our cell phone numbers and again says if we can do anything from where we are--let us know. As he turns back to give him the paper, SA is so sad. He says "Do you have 30 minutes?" S says sure. SA says "Can you help me do this?" S. says of course. He is quick on the computer and can help find some tickets. They start looking. Everything is booked. They finally find a flight and call the airline to book it immediately. After it is booked (it took 6 minutes) they try to find more flights for a couple of days later, in case it takes longer to get to Amman. There is nothing. They have to get there for that flight. It is in 7 days.
S. goes home and the next morning goes to Las Vegas. We keep in touch with SA. Two days later, I have a message on my cell. It is SA. He says that his family is in Jordan and they will make the flight. He and his oldest son are going to join them in London and stay for a couple of days. He says about 4 times how much he appreciated S's help. He couldn't have done it without him.
The family gets to London, he meets them. They come home. All is (technically) well. But, M. is completely traumatized. She can't stop crying. She tries to talk about it, and tells me how they were holding a white sheet out of the car as they were driving so they wouldn't get bombed. She is almost hysterical just trying to describe the waiting for 4 hours to get a visa to go through Syria. She can't sleep but she is constantly exhausted. It will be a long time before she is able to settle down. She doesn't know how her mother is doing. But, she is home and her kids are safe. She tries to console herself with that.
Now--here's the thing. Our two families don't view the situation the same. Obviously, we come from two totally different spots on the spectrum with this issue. It is not something we will ever talk about with them--the politics of it all. Their kids are upset, and saying things that make my kids confused. We just try to tell them that they have been through a terrible trauma and that they should not argue with the A. kids about it. Just understand them and let them be. But--outside the political part. The BIGGER part is this. A friend helped a friend. A father helped a father take care of his family. It doesn't change the scope of international politics, but it might have a small ripple effect. SA will tell people that story. Someday, he may say "An American soldier helped me when I needed to take care of my family." Who cares? Maybe nobody. But, maybe his kids will remember that story. Or, maybe his cousin who still lives in Lebanon will remember it. Maybe in little ways like that we can bring these two seemingly opposite worlds to care about each other.
Now--don't get me wrong. S. is ALWAYS going to put the army first and he would never ever ever do something that would go against his country or his government. But, in this situation, he was able to reach out and lend a hand as a man and a father. The fact that he is an American, a Christian, and a soldier wasn't important at the time--but maybe in hindsight it will be. Someday, there may be someone talking about how all Americans are awful and our soldiers are infidels, etc. And maybe someone will say "Let me tell you a story. . ." Wouldn't it be nice to think that you impacted even just one heart even a little? I'm very proud of my husband.
SOOOOOOOOOOOO TIRED!!!
We just returned from a one month visit to family. It was a nice trip. I'm glad we stayed so long (the kids and I--S. only got to stay for a week--SOMEBODY has to work around here!!) We got a chance to REALLY visit with everyone, instead of just dropping in for a day and saying hi. I got to catch up with my cousins that I have missed for years, spend some real time with my parents, and visit some friends from Germany who are now in my favorite city in the world!
We got to go to my family reunion too. That was wonderful. Sometimes I think that people who get to spend their whole lives close to family don't realize what a blessing it is. I know it is probably irritating sometimes, but it sure was nice to be able to call my sister and sister-in-law and say, "Hey we're going to the park in 15 minutes. Wanna go?" And theycould do it!! It was a great trip!
However, it was so EXHAUSTING!! We literally crossed the state several times--and it AIN'T Rhode Island, folks! Texas is a big place! I am SO glad we did it! But, I am also SO glad to be back in my own house, with my own bed, etc. I did laundry before we came back, so there weren't a lot of projects to do to get settled back in. Just unpack. I really don't like that. I love to pack, but not to unpack. I don't know why. I love unpacking when we move--it is fun. This is not. Oh well. A small price to pay.
A bunch of stuff happened while we were there.
I got to hang out for a few days with my cousin who is 11 months younger than me and his wife and kids. That was fun. We were close when we were small, and then life situations sort of prevented us from seeing each other much for a few years. But, I will always have a special connection to him in my heart, and I was glad to get to spend some time with them. His wife is also really fun, so that was cool. I hope we will get to see each other more. They are moving close to the rest of the family soon, so I guess at least when I go home to visit I'll get to see them. They travel more than a lot of my family, though, so maybe they'll come see me??
My brother and sister-in-law had their second baby. She's gorgeous. I don't know if it is because she was a c-section baby or what, but really the kid is beautiful. About a month before her birth, they moved to a new place. So, their family is making a bunch of adjustments at once. Fortunately, they are all GOOD adjustments.
My grandfather found out he will have to have a hip replacement on Aug. 28th. Although it stinks to have to have surgery, this is also good news, because he will feel SO much better after it is over! He has had "arthritis" for so long, and it really limits him. This is NOT a man who is used to limits! He has always been able to do ANYTHING he wanted, to this was NOT making him happy. And really, no matter how many pills you take, arthritis just doesn't stop hurting. So, it is actually GOOD to know he will have this surgery. It will finally STOP HURTING! He seemed in much better spirits when he found that out!
My cousin had a baby, and he was born with the valve in his heart closed. They rushed him to the hospital in Little Rock (a fabulous children's hospital there) and they did a surgery and fixed it. Amazing! Praise God for medical science. Can you imagine being J. (the mommy)? She had a C-section and had to stay at the hospital while they took him away. Awful. She only stayed a day and a half, loaded up on pain pills and got to Little Rock! Good news is, baby M. is doing great (he is also GORGEOUS!)
My grandmother took care of big brother, and everyone else was able to go be with them at the hospital. I was about to say that that was another benefit of living near family, but as I write it, I realize that I DO have that family (not at this assignment--but usually). The army is that family for each other. We may not be releated, but we totally are there for each other in those situations! Remember when PA had to go to the hospital during Iraq? All the "girls on the hill" had it handled! I remember once V.N. said to me "The army is the only place where someone will come take care of your kids at 3am no questions asked--even if she hates your guts." That is so true! (I don't know if you can tell, but I have definitely reached a turning point in my feelings about the army. I will write more about that later, but it is still a "tear jerker" issue for me, since it also involves a turning point in my relationship with my husband.)
What else happened. . .
My mother had eye surgery--on her birthday! What a way to spend a birthday. But, I guess for someone who hasn't been able to see without glasses or contacts for 50 years, it was a good gift. Her retina seperated months ago (scary scary awful) and eventually was repaired, but this was lens replacement. Now, she can see better in that eye than she ever could with contacts! She is a little lopsided, since she hasn't had the other eye done yet, but she is soon! Yeah mom!
My brother had the "biggest presentation of his career," and he GOT the account. Understand that I have no idea what he does--it is too complicated for me--all I know is that they just bought some land to build a house, and this can't hurt! Yeah!
I am trying to convince my sister to get married here where we are at the beach. Now, there is the small detail of the fact that her boyfriend has not yet proposed to her, but that does not concern me at all! I am an event planner at heart and I want to do this wedding!! Ha ha! Seriously--if you two are reading this--this is a beautiful place, what more do you want??
Well, that's it for catch up. There are a couple of other things I want to talk about, but they are big, so they will be their own posts. That's it for now!
We got to go to my family reunion too. That was wonderful. Sometimes I think that people who get to spend their whole lives close to family don't realize what a blessing it is. I know it is probably irritating sometimes, but it sure was nice to be able to call my sister and sister-in-law and say, "Hey we're going to the park in 15 minutes. Wanna go?" And theycould do it!! It was a great trip!
However, it was so EXHAUSTING!! We literally crossed the state several times--and it AIN'T Rhode Island, folks! Texas is a big place! I am SO glad we did it! But, I am also SO glad to be back in my own house, with my own bed, etc. I did laundry before we came back, so there weren't a lot of projects to do to get settled back in. Just unpack. I really don't like that. I love to pack, but not to unpack. I don't know why. I love unpacking when we move--it is fun. This is not. Oh well. A small price to pay.
A bunch of stuff happened while we were there.
I got to hang out for a few days with my cousin who is 11 months younger than me and his wife and kids. That was fun. We were close when we were small, and then life situations sort of prevented us from seeing each other much for a few years. But, I will always have a special connection to him in my heart, and I was glad to get to spend some time with them. His wife is also really fun, so that was cool. I hope we will get to see each other more. They are moving close to the rest of the family soon, so I guess at least when I go home to visit I'll get to see them. They travel more than a lot of my family, though, so maybe they'll come see me??
My brother and sister-in-law had their second baby. She's gorgeous. I don't know if it is because she was a c-section baby or what, but really the kid is beautiful. About a month before her birth, they moved to a new place. So, their family is making a bunch of adjustments at once. Fortunately, they are all GOOD adjustments.
My grandfather found out he will have to have a hip replacement on Aug. 28th. Although it stinks to have to have surgery, this is also good news, because he will feel SO much better after it is over! He has had "arthritis" for so long, and it really limits him. This is NOT a man who is used to limits! He has always been able to do ANYTHING he wanted, to this was NOT making him happy. And really, no matter how many pills you take, arthritis just doesn't stop hurting. So, it is actually GOOD to know he will have this surgery. It will finally STOP HURTING! He seemed in much better spirits when he found that out!
My cousin had a baby, and he was born with the valve in his heart closed. They rushed him to the hospital in Little Rock (a fabulous children's hospital there) and they did a surgery and fixed it. Amazing! Praise God for medical science. Can you imagine being J. (the mommy)? She had a C-section and had to stay at the hospital while they took him away. Awful. She only stayed a day and a half, loaded up on pain pills and got to Little Rock! Good news is, baby M. is doing great (he is also GORGEOUS!)
My grandmother took care of big brother, and everyone else was able to go be with them at the hospital. I was about to say that that was another benefit of living near family, but as I write it, I realize that I DO have that family (not at this assignment--but usually). The army is that family for each other. We may not be releated, but we totally are there for each other in those situations! Remember when PA had to go to the hospital during Iraq? All the "girls on the hill" had it handled! I remember once V.N. said to me "The army is the only place where someone will come take care of your kids at 3am no questions asked--even if she hates your guts." That is so true! (I don't know if you can tell, but I have definitely reached a turning point in my feelings about the army. I will write more about that later, but it is still a "tear jerker" issue for me, since it also involves a turning point in my relationship with my husband.)
What else happened. . .
My mother had eye surgery--on her birthday! What a way to spend a birthday. But, I guess for someone who hasn't been able to see without glasses or contacts for 50 years, it was a good gift. Her retina seperated months ago (scary scary awful) and eventually was repaired, but this was lens replacement. Now, she can see better in that eye than she ever could with contacts! She is a little lopsided, since she hasn't had the other eye done yet, but she is soon! Yeah mom!
My brother had the "biggest presentation of his career," and he GOT the account. Understand that I have no idea what he does--it is too complicated for me--all I know is that they just bought some land to build a house, and this can't hurt! Yeah!
I am trying to convince my sister to get married here where we are at the beach. Now, there is the small detail of the fact that her boyfriend has not yet proposed to her, but that does not concern me at all! I am an event planner at heart and I want to do this wedding!! Ha ha! Seriously--if you two are reading this--this is a beautiful place, what more do you want??
Well, that's it for catch up. There are a couple of other things I want to talk about, but they are big, so they will be their own posts. That's it for now!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Do you think YOU are this person for anyone?
Well, I am on vacation in Texas, which is why I haven't posted lately. I forgot the software CD for my camera, so I can't download any photos. I suppose I could post stuff without photos, but I always want to share the stuff the boys are doing. But, today something occurred to me that I just had to put down on paper. It has nothing to do with where I am on who I am with. I was just thinking of stuff from my past, and this popped into my head.
Originally, this blog was supposed to be all about my kids, but it has mostly become somewhere for me to ramble. Most of my ramblings are about the kids, since that is what comsumes most of my time, but some things pop into my head that I want to get out. . .writing them here seems to be sort of like therapy!
So. . .what I was thinking about. I wonder if there is anyone in the world who would HATE to ever be around me again. I know there are people who don't like me, or don't care about me one way or another, but does anyone hate me so much that they could not stand to be around me again? I was thinking about this because I was thinking about how we move so much in the army, and my family is SO different from that. That made me think about all the friends I have made and left, and wonder if I will get to be stationed with again.
Steven and I have this thing called the "imaginary neighborhood." We talk about if we could create our own dream neighborhood, who would get to live there, where they would live (meaning the more we like them, the closer they are to us--next door, down the street, two streets over, another city, etc.) Sometimes we like one half of a couple and not the other half. So, we either try to match them up with a different spouse, or they just have to live there alone. It is a strange game, I admit, but we both love to people watch, so I guess this is an extension of that when there are no people around to watch!
So--of course, this line of thinking lead to the opposite too. Is there anyone in the world that I would NOT want to have around again? There are several people that I could do without, but if they were around, it wouldn't kill me. You don't have to be best friends with everyone in your unit, for instance. So, I was thinking of this. There are 2 people in the world that I honestly PRAY that I will never, ever encounter again. Not for even 5 minutes in a grocery store. I don't think it is appropriate to fix a great deal of energy on disliking someone, but these 2 people I just can't stand. One is from my very distant past, and one is from my recent past. I NEVER EVER EVER EVER want to be around them, stationed with them, in the same unit with them, EVER EVER again. That made me wonder if anyone feels that way about me. Now, understand that this is different that just getting irritated by someone's personality or annoyed by their eating habits or whatever. I mean they have done personal harm to me (or my family--which means to me) and I hate them. I know it is not right to hate someone. But, I do hate these two people. A lot. A really really lot. I hope no one feels that way about me. I have tried my whole life to be kind, but I also know I have screwed up and made people mad. I wonder if I have ever made them THAT mad. . .I hope not. Because I REALLY REALLY REALLY don't EVER EVER EVER want to lay eyes on those two people again. EVER.
Originally, this blog was supposed to be all about my kids, but it has mostly become somewhere for me to ramble. Most of my ramblings are about the kids, since that is what comsumes most of my time, but some things pop into my head that I want to get out. . .writing them here seems to be sort of like therapy!
So. . .what I was thinking about. I wonder if there is anyone in the world who would HATE to ever be around me again. I know there are people who don't like me, or don't care about me one way or another, but does anyone hate me so much that they could not stand to be around me again? I was thinking about this because I was thinking about how we move so much in the army, and my family is SO different from that. That made me think about all the friends I have made and left, and wonder if I will get to be stationed with again.
Steven and I have this thing called the "imaginary neighborhood." We talk about if we could create our own dream neighborhood, who would get to live there, where they would live (meaning the more we like them, the closer they are to us--next door, down the street, two streets over, another city, etc.) Sometimes we like one half of a couple and not the other half. So, we either try to match them up with a different spouse, or they just have to live there alone. It is a strange game, I admit, but we both love to people watch, so I guess this is an extension of that when there are no people around to watch!
So--of course, this line of thinking lead to the opposite too. Is there anyone in the world that I would NOT want to have around again? There are several people that I could do without, but if they were around, it wouldn't kill me. You don't have to be best friends with everyone in your unit, for instance. So, I was thinking of this. There are 2 people in the world that I honestly PRAY that I will never, ever encounter again. Not for even 5 minutes in a grocery store. I don't think it is appropriate to fix a great deal of energy on disliking someone, but these 2 people I just can't stand. One is from my very distant past, and one is from my recent past. I NEVER EVER EVER EVER want to be around them, stationed with them, in the same unit with them, EVER EVER again. That made me wonder if anyone feels that way about me. Now, understand that this is different that just getting irritated by someone's personality or annoyed by their eating habits or whatever. I mean they have done personal harm to me (or my family--which means to me) and I hate them. I know it is not right to hate someone. But, I do hate these two people. A lot. A really really lot. I hope no one feels that way about me. I have tried my whole life to be kind, but I also know I have screwed up and made people mad. I wonder if I have ever made them THAT mad. . .I hope not. Because I REALLY REALLY REALLY don't EVER EVER EVER want to lay eyes on those two people again. EVER.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
American Soldier
One of the things that I love about country music is that there is a song for everything. Whatever emotion you're feeling, situation you're in, prayer you're saying. . .you can find a country song that fits perfectly. I also love that country musicians are, for the most part, very patriotic. There are some GREAT patriotic songs in the country music world. One of the reasons I am putting this song here, is because a lot of my Army wife friends DON'T listen to country, so they probably haven't heard this. . .but I know they will love it!
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