I found this article on Yahoo this morning. It struck me as funny at first, but I did read it. I don't know if I agree, but I guess to each his/her own. Like usual, my comments are in red.
Parents begin potty training at birth
By RODRIQUE NGOWI, Associated Press Writer Mon Aug 27, 2:05 PM ET
SUTTON, Mass. - Thirteen-month-old Dominic Klatt stopped banging the furniture in the verandah, looked at his mother and clasped his right hand around his left wrist to signal that he needed to go to the bathroom.
His mother took the diaper-less tot to a tree in the yard, held him in a squatting position and made a gentle hissing sound — prompting the infant to relieve himself on cue before he rushed back to play. Why not take him inside so that he learns to go "pee pee in the potty?"
Dominic is a product of a growing "diaper-free" movement founded on the belief that babies are born with an instinctive ability to signal when they have to answer nature's call. Parents who practice the so-called "elimination communication" learn to read their children's body language to help them recognize the need, and they mimic the sounds that a child associates with the bathroom. Ah, um, I don't know what to think. An "instinctive ability"? I guess you could say that, my niece used to cry when she pottied, but that was because she had bowel issues and it hurt.
Erinn Klatt began toilet training her son at birth and said he has not wet his bed at night since he was six months old.
"The nice part is ... really getting the majority of poops in the toilet versus having to clean that," Klatt said. "I don't have to wake up at night and change diapers or have wet sheets anywhere. That's really nice. I can see that being a good thing.
"And being able to travel without a big, bloated diaper bag is terrific," she said. Probably lessens her chiropractic bills too.
Some parents and toilet training experts are skeptical.
"They teach them from birth? Oh, my God!" said 40-year-old Lisa Bolcato, as she held her 5-month-old daughter, Rose, at a park on Boston Common. "When you're getting two hours of sleeps between feedings, I don't think that you have the time to do it. You just make sure that your child's healthy and happy and well-fed."
Still, the practice is common in many parts of rural Africa and Asia where parents cannot afford diapers.
In the United States, many of the parents are stay-at-home-moms, but there are also working mothers. Some meet in online groups, at homes and in public parks to share experiences and cheer each others' efforts. If I am a stay at home mom, I have laundry, dishes, meals, etc to do. I don't have time to sit and watch my child for the slightest sign they need to potty. Ok, sure I'd watch them, but play pens are our friend. I'm not going to sit right by the pack and play all day and stare at my child and wait for a signal.
Experts at the Child Study Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center say children younger than 12 months have no control over bladder or bowel movements and little control for 6 months after that.
But some parents begin going diaper-free at birth, and the infants can initiate bowel movements on cue as young as 3 to 4 months, said Elizabeth Parise, spokeswoman of DiaperFreeBaby.org, a network of free support groups promoting the practice. So it's kind of like training your dog to go on command. Fido, do your business.
And unlike some methods of toilet training, there are no rewards or punishment associated with it.
Dr. Mark Wolraich, professor of pediatrics and director of the Child Study Center, said the practice essentially conditions young children to go to the bathroom at predictable times or show clear signs when they must go.
"To be truly toilet-trained, the child has to be able to have the sensation that they need to go, be able to interpret that sensation and be able to then tell the parent and take some action," said Wolraich, who is also editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics' book on toilet training.
"And that's different from reading the subtle signs that the child is making when they have to go to the bathroom."
Parents attempt the early training to forge closer ties with their infants, to reduce the environmental impact associated with diapers and to avoid skin irritation caused by a wet diaper, Parise said.
Others were inspired by observing the practice while traveling abroad.
The practice also enables parents to get insight into an infant's development since more accidents occur if a child falls sick or enters a new phase such as learning to crawl, walk or talk.
This is because an infant may be too distracted by illness or efforts to master a new skill to communicate the need to go to the bathroom, said Melinda Rothstein, an MIT business school graduate who co-founded DiaperFreeBaby.org.
She says finding a supportive daycare center is the biggest challenge for parents who choose not to use diapers. Other problems include finding tiny underwear for diaper-free infants. No crap! I worked in a day care. I can't imagine working in the 1 year old room with all 10 kids and trying to watch every single one for what could be a secret signal they are about to go in the ball tub!
Isis Arnesen, 33, of Boston, has a 14-week-old daughter, Lucia, who is diaper-free. She said it can be awkward to explain the process to people, such as when she helped Lucia relieve herself in a sink at a public restroom. Once again, why not hold her over a toilet. If you are going to teach your child at a young age, why not teach them the appropriate places to go?
"Sometimes I don't know what's gonna happen and it doesn't work, and sometimes I feel a little embarrassed," Arnesen said. "It makes her happy though, right? She smiles, she's happy."
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Another Saturday Came and Went
We have been unable to make church for three weeks now. It's really getting to me. I am making sure I spend more time in prayer, reflection, and devotion, but it's not the same, and I don't think it should be. Three weeks ago I was horribly sick. Two weeks ago, we had a family "reunion." This past Saturday, we decided to get to the Spencerville Hog Roast early so we could make it back to Waterloo in time for church. Apparently Taylor doesn't like BBQ pork, and boy (no, that is no indication of Taylor's gender, it's too early to tell), did Taylor let me know.
We spent Saturday evening on the couch. We did watch "Facing the Giants." I would highly recommend this movie. If you don't know anything about the movie, check their site out. It's cool to see what a church can do when their faith is in the right place. There are tear filled moments, but maybe that's just because I've been where the coach's wife is, although not for the same amount of time. It is a good movie, and I highly recommend it.
Well, it's back to a regular work week and I'm trying my hardest to stay on task and get the whole month of September planned out ahead of time. So far I have half of it done. Back to work I go so that I can accomplish my goal for the day.
We spent Saturday evening on the couch. We did watch "Facing the Giants." I would highly recommend this movie. If you don't know anything about the movie, check their site out. It's cool to see what a church can do when their faith is in the right place. There are tear filled moments, but maybe that's just because I've been where the coach's wife is, although not for the same amount of time. It is a good movie, and I highly recommend it.
Well, it's back to a regular work week and I'm trying my hardest to stay on task and get the whole month of September planned out ahead of time. So far I have half of it done. Back to work I go so that I can accomplish my goal for the day.
Music for your Monday Morning
This is hysterical. You have to check it out.
I've always wanted to ride on the back of a mower when Ayron tows it from work, but he never lets me. My latest idea? Saturday we had to tow a hog roaster back from Spencerville (I know, you're thinking, "where?"). I thought it would be funny to strap a saddle on it and ride it home that way. Once again, Ayron was a joy kill.
I've always wanted to ride on the back of a mower when Ayron tows it from work, but he never lets me. My latest idea? Saturday we had to tow a hog roaster back from Spencerville (I know, you're thinking, "where?"). I thought it would be funny to strap a saddle on it and ride it home that way. Once again, Ayron was a joy kill.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Banking
I am thinking about changing banks. I like the bank we use now, but last month our checking account became severely messed up and no one was willing to help us detangle it. I would also like to be able to check my balances and stuff on line. Does anyone have any suggestions? Are there any banks in Auburn that offer a free checking account and on line banking for free as well?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
You Grew Up In the 90's
I found this on facebook. It cracked me up. It was just what I needed after coming into work to be hit with a ton of crap. My comments are in red!
Just wanted to remind people of the good ole days.You're a 90's kid if:
You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE!"
You can sing the rap to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" In west Philedelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days. Chilling out, maxing out, realxing......
You remember when Kurt Cobain, Tu Pac, River Phoenix, and Selena died.
You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey from "Blossom" and that "How Rude!" comes from Stephanie from "Full House"
You remember when it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
You got super excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school. Believe it or not, I never played Oregon Trail.
You remember reading "Goosebumps"
You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off"
You have pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
You took plastic cartoon lunch boxes to school. You actually think my dad would let me pack? Ha!
You danced to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls.
You remember the craze, then the banning of slap bracelets and slam books. My nieces now have a couple of the braclets!
You still get the urge to say "NOT" after (almost) every sentence...Not...
Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? was both a game and a TV game show.
Captain Planet.
You remember when super nintendo's became popular.
You remember watching home alone 1, 2 , and 3........and tried to pull the pranks on "intruders"
"I've fallen and I can't get up"
You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates
Two words... Trapper Keeper. I had the coolest on my 6gh grade year. Oh man I miss that!
You never got injured on a Slip 'n' Slide
You wore socks over leggings scrunched down No, No, No! It was three pairs of different colored scrunch socks over your sturup pants, with clashing kangaroo shoes while sporting a cool crimped hair do.
You remember boom boxes vs. cd players
You remember New Kids on The Block when they were cool
You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell"
You played and/or collected "Pogs" I totally forgot about those. Man, I'm getting old!
You had at least one Tamagotchi, GigaPet or Nano and brought it everywhere
You watched the original Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Ninja Turtles
NANCY DREW AND THE HARDY BOYS WERE THE BEST MYSTERY BOOKS
Yikes pencils and erasers were the stuff!
All your school supplies were "Lisa Frank" brand.(pencils.notebooks.binders.etc.)
You remember when the new Beanie Babies were always sold out.
You used to wear those stick on earings, not only on your ears, but at the corners of your eyes. I had a friend that did that all through high school and her freshman year in college.
You remember a time before the WB.
You've gotten creeped out by "Are You Afraid of the Dark?"
You know the Macarena by heart.
"Talk to the hand" ... enough said
You thought Brain woud finally take over the world Huh? Don't get it.
You always said, "Then why don't you marry it!"
You remember when everyone went slinky crazy.
You remember when razor scooters were cool.
When we were younger:
Before the MySpace frenzy...
Before the Internet & text messaging...
Before Sidekicks & iPods...
Before MIKE JONES...
Before PlayStation2 or X-BOX......
Back when you put off the 5 hours of homework you had every night.
When light up sneakers were cool.
When you rented VHS tapes, not DVDs.
When gas was $0.95 a gallon & Caller ID was a new thing.
When we recorded stuff on VCRs & paid $3.50 for a movie.
When we called the radio station to request songs to hear off our walkmans.
When the Chicago Bulls were the best team ever.
Way back.
Tag.
Get Over Here!!!! means something to you.
Hide-n-Go Seek at dusk.
Red Light, Green Light.
Heads Up 7 Up. We got to play it every Friday during library time with Mrs. Souder. Now I live up the street from her.
Playing Kickball & Dodgeball until your porch light came on.
Hopskotch.
Slip-n-Slides.
Tree Houses.
Hula Hoops.
HELLO....HOT WHEELS!!!!!
"POWER OF LOVE" BY CELINE DION..ONLY COUPLES COULD SKATE TO THIS.
The annoying Giga Pets & Furbies.
Running through the sprinklers.
That "Little Mermaid"Crying when Mufasa died in the Lion King.
Happy Meals where you chose a Barbie or a Hot Wheels car.
Getting the privelage to sit in the front seat of the car.
Drinking Sqeeze It "Squeeze The Fun Out Of It"
CAPRI SUN
Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons in your PJ's still wrapped up in your TMNT, Power Rangers, Barbie, Fairy Princess comforter.
Or what about:
Hey Arnold.
Rugrats.
The Secret World of Alex Mac.
Ren & Stimpy.
Double Dare.
Rocco's Modern Life.
AAAHH!! REAL MONSTERS.
Wild & Crazy Kids.
Clarissa Explains it All.
CAMP NOWHERE I was trying to get Ayron to remember this show the other day and I couldn't think of the name. Remember the creepy older male counselor. Yikes.
The original cast members of All That.
Kenan & Kel. Kenan is now on Saturday Night Live
"CITY GUYS"...ROLLW/ THE CITY GUYS The one guy is now on a WB show.
Doug.
Magic School Bus.
Adventures of Pete and Pete.
Dinosaurs. "Not the mama, Not the mama!"
Blossom.
Hangin with Mr. Cooper.
Bill Nye the Science Guy
MR RODGERS!!!!
Who could forget Snick? & Nick @ Nite with Bewitched, I Dream of Jenie, The Facts of Life, I Love Lucy and TGIF.
Go back to the time when:
Decisions were made by going 'eeny-meeny-miney-moe'.
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming 'do over!''
Race issue' ment arguing about who ran the fastest.
Money issues were handled by whoever was banker in 'Monopoly.'
It wasn't odd to have two or three 'best' friends.
Being old referred to anyone over 20.
A chance to skate as a couple at the local roller rink was like winning the lottery.
Scrapes & bruises were kissed & made better.
It was a big deal to finally be tall enought to ride the 'big people' rides at the fair. Until I realized how messed up the tilt-a-whurl can be when you ride with Dad and Natalee. I thought that pod was gonna spin right off the ride and slam into Blackwell's front window!
When playing Nintendo was the hardest thing ever.
When Ninja Turtles ruled the world.
Another Baby Sitter Club and Little Sister (Karen) book came out and you put your name on hold for it at the library. Totally! And then how excited you where when they started to make them into movies.
When Aladdin was new, before the trilogy was complete.
Sockem Boppers
Just wanted to remind people of the good ole days.You're a 90's kid if:
You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE!"
You can sing the rap to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" In west Philedelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days. Chilling out, maxing out, realxing......
You remember when Kurt Cobain, Tu Pac, River Phoenix, and Selena died.
You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey from "Blossom" and that "How Rude!" comes from Stephanie from "Full House"
You remember when it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
You got super excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school. Believe it or not, I never played Oregon Trail.
You remember reading "Goosebumps"
You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off"
You have pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
You took plastic cartoon lunch boxes to school. You actually think my dad would let me pack? Ha!
You danced to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls.
You remember the craze, then the banning of slap bracelets and slam books. My nieces now have a couple of the braclets!
You still get the urge to say "NOT" after (almost) every sentence...Not...
Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? was both a game and a TV game show.
Captain Planet.
You remember when super nintendo's became popular.
You remember watching home alone 1, 2 , and 3........and tried to pull the pranks on "intruders"
"I've fallen and I can't get up"
You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates
Two words... Trapper Keeper. I had the coolest on my 6gh grade year. Oh man I miss that!
You never got injured on a Slip 'n' Slide
You wore socks over leggings scrunched down No, No, No! It was three pairs of different colored scrunch socks over your sturup pants, with clashing kangaroo shoes while sporting a cool crimped hair do.
You remember boom boxes vs. cd players
You remember New Kids on The Block when they were cool
You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell"
You played and/or collected "Pogs" I totally forgot about those. Man, I'm getting old!
You had at least one Tamagotchi, GigaPet or Nano and brought it everywhere
You watched the original Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Ninja Turtles
NANCY DREW AND THE HARDY BOYS WERE THE BEST MYSTERY BOOKS
Yikes pencils and erasers were the stuff!
All your school supplies were "Lisa Frank" brand.(pencils.notebooks.binders.etc.)
You remember when the new Beanie Babies were always sold out.
You used to wear those stick on earings, not only on your ears, but at the corners of your eyes. I had a friend that did that all through high school and her freshman year in college.
You remember a time before the WB.
You've gotten creeped out by "Are You Afraid of the Dark?"
You know the Macarena by heart.
"Talk to the hand" ... enough said
You thought Brain woud finally take over the world Huh? Don't get it.
You always said, "Then why don't you marry it!"
You remember when everyone went slinky crazy.
You remember when razor scooters were cool.
When we were younger:
Before the MySpace frenzy...
Before the Internet & text messaging...
Before Sidekicks & iPods...
Before MIKE JONES...
Before PlayStation2 or X-BOX......
Back when you put off the 5 hours of homework you had every night.
When light up sneakers were cool.
When you rented VHS tapes, not DVDs.
When gas was $0.95 a gallon & Caller ID was a new thing.
When we recorded stuff on VCRs & paid $3.50 for a movie.
When we called the radio station to request songs to hear off our walkmans.
When the Chicago Bulls were the best team ever.
Way back.
Tag.
Get Over Here!!!! means something to you.
Hide-n-Go Seek at dusk.
Red Light, Green Light.
Heads Up 7 Up. We got to play it every Friday during library time with Mrs. Souder. Now I live up the street from her.
Playing Kickball & Dodgeball until your porch light came on.
Hopskotch.
Slip-n-Slides.
Tree Houses.
Hula Hoops.
HELLO....HOT WHEELS!!!!!
"POWER OF LOVE" BY CELINE DION..ONLY COUPLES COULD SKATE TO THIS.
The annoying Giga Pets & Furbies.
Running through the sprinklers.
That "Little Mermaid"Crying when Mufasa died in the Lion King.
Happy Meals where you chose a Barbie or a Hot Wheels car.
Getting the privelage to sit in the front seat of the car.
Drinking Sqeeze It "Squeeze The Fun Out Of It"
CAPRI SUN
Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons in your PJ's still wrapped up in your TMNT, Power Rangers, Barbie, Fairy Princess comforter.
Or what about:
Hey Arnold.
Rugrats.
The Secret World of Alex Mac.
Ren & Stimpy.
Double Dare.
Rocco's Modern Life.
AAAHH!! REAL MONSTERS.
Wild & Crazy Kids.
Clarissa Explains it All.
CAMP NOWHERE I was trying to get Ayron to remember this show the other day and I couldn't think of the name. Remember the creepy older male counselor. Yikes.
The original cast members of All That.
Kenan & Kel. Kenan is now on Saturday Night Live
"CITY GUYS"...ROLLW/ THE CITY GUYS The one guy is now on a WB show.
Doug.
Magic School Bus.
Adventures of Pete and Pete.
Dinosaurs. "Not the mama, Not the mama!"
Blossom.
Hangin with Mr. Cooper.
Bill Nye the Science Guy
MR RODGERS!!!!
Who could forget Snick? & Nick @ Nite with Bewitched, I Dream of Jenie, The Facts of Life, I Love Lucy and TGIF.
Go back to the time when:
Decisions were made by going 'eeny-meeny-miney-moe'.
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming 'do over!''
Race issue' ment arguing about who ran the fastest.
Money issues were handled by whoever was banker in 'Monopoly.'
It wasn't odd to have two or three 'best' friends.
Being old referred to anyone over 20.
A chance to skate as a couple at the local roller rink was like winning the lottery.
Scrapes & bruises were kissed & made better.
It was a big deal to finally be tall enought to ride the 'big people' rides at the fair. Until I realized how messed up the tilt-a-whurl can be when you ride with Dad and Natalee. I thought that pod was gonna spin right off the ride and slam into Blackwell's front window!
When playing Nintendo was the hardest thing ever.
When Ninja Turtles ruled the world.
Another Baby Sitter Club and Little Sister (Karen) book came out and you put your name on hold for it at the library. Totally! And then how excited you where when they started to make them into movies.
When Aladdin was new, before the trilogy was complete.
Sockem Boppers
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Feeling Crumby
The past couple of weeks I have been feeling crumby. It is probably due to the fact that I am supporting another life, but it has been rough for me, and for Ayron. I have been extra whinny (shut up Natalee) and half the time I don't know what I need or want to make me feel better.
Ayron, sensing my rough time (how could be not) brought me home a present last night. He gave me a gorgeous diamond cross necklace. It is beautiful. I was truly happy. I'll admit that at first I was upset that he spent that kind of money, but he quickly shut me up. It is nice to have surprise presents, I'll give you that.
I began feeling guilty about it as the night wore on. Did he think that he had to buy me something to make me feel better? Questions flooded my mind. I realized that while I truly love the necklace (don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound ungrateful) he could have made me just as happy by doing some little things around the house.
My friend and I have been unloading to each other about our daily responsibilities and how we get our significant others to help out. She leaves lists. I'm more subtle. Ayron's style and my own are drastically different as well.
I would rather do a little bit each morning so that when I get home from work (or on my day off) I don't have a ton to do. The house will always look decent (except for the mud pit in our front yard) in case someone stops by. Ayron would rather put everything off until his day off. He spends his day off lounging around until right before I get home, then he frantically tries to throw a load of clothes in the washer, a load of dishes in the dishwasher, clean the bunny cage, and vacuum.
I shouldn't complain. He helps more than some people do. I just don't like watching the chores pile up till the last possible moment. I like to stay ahead of the storm. Is that wrong of me? I've even thought about creating a weekly chore chart. For myself, not for Ayron. I don't want you thinking that I treat him like a kid, he is an adult. But just to better organize myself.
For Example:
Monday: Rabbit Cage, vacuum, dishes
Tuesday: Dishes, laundry, kitchen
Wednesday: Dishes, bathroom
Thursday: Dishes, Rabbit cage, laundry (if needed)
You get the idea. I'm afraid Ayron will think that I am pushing him to help out. I just wish he'd help me during the week so that on Sunday we aren't frantically trying to get a bunch of stuff done before the upcoming week. Maybe my nesting stage has kicked in several months early, who knows. Maybe I'm just odd. Any suggestions?
*** In response to a comment that was left. I do not think the number of hours one works is relevant. I work outside of the house and while my hours were flexiable this summer, I still managed to work a ton. I know he works a lot too, I get that, and I'm grateful. I also know there are certain things I cannot do on my own either do to lack of knowledge or physical reasons. I do not think that it is wrong for me to ask him to do them. We do talk, and things still don't get done. I work on things around the house everyday, before and afterwork, and on my days off. I don't think it's too much to ask for him to load the dishwasher after dinner or throw a load of laundry in before he leaves in the morning. Long rant short, I don't think the number of hours matter. We bought the house and we need to help each other maintain it.
Ayron, sensing my rough time (how could be not) brought me home a present last night. He gave me a gorgeous diamond cross necklace. It is beautiful. I was truly happy. I'll admit that at first I was upset that he spent that kind of money, but he quickly shut me up. It is nice to have surprise presents, I'll give you that.
I began feeling guilty about it as the night wore on. Did he think that he had to buy me something to make me feel better? Questions flooded my mind. I realized that while I truly love the necklace (don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound ungrateful) he could have made me just as happy by doing some little things around the house.
My friend and I have been unloading to each other about our daily responsibilities and how we get our significant others to help out. She leaves lists. I'm more subtle. Ayron's style and my own are drastically different as well.
I would rather do a little bit each morning so that when I get home from work (or on my day off) I don't have a ton to do. The house will always look decent (except for the mud pit in our front yard) in case someone stops by. Ayron would rather put everything off until his day off. He spends his day off lounging around until right before I get home, then he frantically tries to throw a load of clothes in the washer, a load of dishes in the dishwasher, clean the bunny cage, and vacuum.
I shouldn't complain. He helps more than some people do. I just don't like watching the chores pile up till the last possible moment. I like to stay ahead of the storm. Is that wrong of me? I've even thought about creating a weekly chore chart. For myself, not for Ayron. I don't want you thinking that I treat him like a kid, he is an adult. But just to better organize myself.
For Example:
Monday: Rabbit Cage, vacuum, dishes
Tuesday: Dishes, laundry, kitchen
Wednesday: Dishes, bathroom
Thursday: Dishes, Rabbit cage, laundry (if needed)
You get the idea. I'm afraid Ayron will think that I am pushing him to help out. I just wish he'd help me during the week so that on Sunday we aren't frantically trying to get a bunch of stuff done before the upcoming week. Maybe my nesting stage has kicked in several months early, who knows. Maybe I'm just odd. Any suggestions?
*** In response to a comment that was left. I do not think the number of hours one works is relevant. I work outside of the house and while my hours were flexiable this summer, I still managed to work a ton. I know he works a lot too, I get that, and I'm grateful. I also know there are certain things I cannot do on my own either do to lack of knowledge or physical reasons. I do not think that it is wrong for me to ask him to do them. We do talk, and things still don't get done. I work on things around the house everyday, before and afterwork, and on my days off. I don't think it's too much to ask for him to load the dishwasher after dinner or throw a load of laundry in before he leaves in the morning. Long rant short, I don't think the number of hours matter. We bought the house and we need to help each other maintain it.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Nuthing Nue
I really don't have anything interesting to say. Then again, do I ever?
I am at work. Blech. I was in a good mood, until I fell on the ramp that leads up to my office. I managed to remove all of the skin on my left leg from my knee down to my ankle. It is a lovely shade of purple and dried blood. I am glad I didn't rip my jeans. They are my favorite jeans and they room for me to "grow into."
School starts again on Thursday. I am pretty sure I won't have any kids until the second or third week into September, which is good, but if I had students, I wouldn't be as bored. I am graduating two kids from the after school program this week, so that is exciting. It will only leave me with two, but that's ok.
Wow, this post is horribly boring. I'm gonna stop now.
I am at work. Blech. I was in a good mood, until I fell on the ramp that leads up to my office. I managed to remove all of the skin on my left leg from my knee down to my ankle. It is a lovely shade of purple and dried blood. I am glad I didn't rip my jeans. They are my favorite jeans and they room for me to "grow into."
School starts again on Thursday. I am pretty sure I won't have any kids until the second or third week into September, which is good, but if I had students, I wouldn't be as bored. I am graduating two kids from the after school program this week, so that is exciting. It will only leave me with two, but that's ok.
Wow, this post is horribly boring. I'm gonna stop now.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Amazing
Ok, this post needs a preface, so here it goes. I never wanted to be one of those annoying pregnant ladies who thought they were the only one who has ever been pregnant and that the world should revolve around them. While I have several friends that are pregnant, I also have several that are trying without much success. I have not forgotten you and I continue to pray for your success (that just sounds silly, but it's true). I also understand that this is something women have done since the beginning of time. I have it easy compared to 100 or even 30 years ago. I am still capable of doing things, heck in the "good ole days" pregnant wives still tended to the fields, took care of the animals, etc. Ok, rant over, on to my thought for the morning.
I get emails every week from a baby website that just lets me know what is happening in my body, news on baby stuff, etc. I was reading the 9 week one today and it hit me. There is a human in me, growing. I knew from the beginning there was a human in me, but it really hit me. Here is what I wrote to my friend during our daily work day chat: "I am truly amazed by what is going on in my body right now. It is amazing to think that God designed us to be able to do this and without much thought on our part. I don't understand how people can go through this process and not believe in God."
Taylor is growing and changing right now and I'm not even "telling" him/her to do it. It happens on its own. That is astounding. Right now he/she is working on eyelids, arms, legs, toes, and the first nerves to what will be his/her brain. And Taylor is only the size of a pea pod. I am truly amazed and this whole process has humbled me greatly. It's also made me sick to my stomach, but more so humble.
I get emails every week from a baby website that just lets me know what is happening in my body, news on baby stuff, etc. I was reading the 9 week one today and it hit me. There is a human in me, growing. I knew from the beginning there was a human in me, but it really hit me. Here is what I wrote to my friend during our daily work day chat: "I am truly amazed by what is going on in my body right now. It is amazing to think that God designed us to be able to do this and without much thought on our part. I don't understand how people can go through this process and not believe in God."
Taylor is growing and changing right now and I'm not even "telling" him/her to do it. It happens on its own. That is astounding. Right now he/she is working on eyelids, arms, legs, toes, and the first nerves to what will be his/her brain. And Taylor is only the size of a pea pod. I am truly amazed and this whole process has humbled me greatly. It's also made me sick to my stomach, but more so humble.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Extremly Frustrated
I am getting really frustrated about work. I have been working with several other people/offices to help a certain participant in my program. I was told that if I did steps A-Z they would help me and we could get this person the help they needed. All I needed to do was A-Z and they would take care of the rest. THEY LIED! I just got off the phone to find out they did nothing and played me up to the family like the bad person. I wasn't even there to defend myself. It seems like they don't want to do their part. So I spent a whole day doing A-Z only to have it back fire on me and cause me to have more work. They didn't even check with me to see if it was feasible, they just did it. It throws a huge wrench in my schedule. I'm so upset.
I took this job so that I could teach. I took the "coordinator" position because I felt bad. There, I admit it. I took it because they couldn't find anyone else to take it. I didn't realize how much time it took to do a bunch of dumb paperwork that never gets looked at but we have to have "just in case." I feel like I don't get the respect or help that I need. They literally just handed me the whole program and went "Here, you figure it out because we don't want to." So when I do make a decision on something, they start screaming and blowing whistles. Well, help me, don't criticize me after I've done something.
I miss teaching. Even during the school year, I don't get to do a whole lot of teaching. Many of the kids do the "independent study" program the alternative school offers, so I basically just sit there until they have a question or need a test graded. I want to teach. I want to have students who are willing to learn and who do not have so many problems. I don't want to be on so many committees just because of the title I accepted. I'm hardly even at the house (My program is run out of a house) the first week of every month because I've been put on so many freaking committees and been giving so many dumb duties that have nothing to do with my program. It is getting really frustrated. When I do ask for help, I either get ignored or looked at like "Well, I don't know what you want me to do!"
I brought all of this up to my boss this past spring but he doesn't know how to help. He is a passive person. He'll try to not deal with it in hopes it goes away. I can't work like that. I need help, guidance, leadership, someone to stand up for me, and I'm not getting that here.
Maybe I'm so worked up due to the hormones, who knows.
I took this job so that I could teach. I took the "coordinator" position because I felt bad. There, I admit it. I took it because they couldn't find anyone else to take it. I didn't realize how much time it took to do a bunch of dumb paperwork that never gets looked at but we have to have "just in case." I feel like I don't get the respect or help that I need. They literally just handed me the whole program and went "Here, you figure it out because we don't want to." So when I do make a decision on something, they start screaming and blowing whistles. Well, help me, don't criticize me after I've done something.
I miss teaching. Even during the school year, I don't get to do a whole lot of teaching. Many of the kids do the "independent study" program the alternative school offers, so I basically just sit there until they have a question or need a test graded. I want to teach. I want to have students who are willing to learn and who do not have so many problems. I don't want to be on so many committees just because of the title I accepted. I'm hardly even at the house (My program is run out of a house) the first week of every month because I've been put on so many freaking committees and been giving so many dumb duties that have nothing to do with my program. It is getting really frustrated. When I do ask for help, I either get ignored or looked at like "Well, I don't know what you want me to do!"
I brought all of this up to my boss this past spring but he doesn't know how to help. He is a passive person. He'll try to not deal with it in hopes it goes away. I can't work like that. I need help, guidance, leadership, someone to stand up for me, and I'm not getting that here.
Maybe I'm so worked up due to the hormones, who knows.
Thanks JO
I posted a picture on my Flickr site a while back with a comment that I wanted to change it. See if you can spot what JO did for me? Thanks Jo!!
Before
After
Scooter
When I took Scooter into the groomers a week ago, I was asked to sign a wavier. Turns out that posted his picture on the website. Take a look.
Granted, it's not his best shot, but it does show his slobbery tongue. I'm thinking of sending them another one, but for now, it works.
Granted, it's not his best shot, but it does show his slobbery tongue. I'm thinking of sending them another one, but for now, it works.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
About two weeks ago I decided to cave and join the facebook nation. I love it. I have reconnected with a ton of people from high school. It's fun to see how some of they have changed and how some haven't. Someone I grew up with and had several crushes on over the years is now joining the priesthood in a couple of days. It's interesting to see who has ended up where and what they are doing. I found an old friend that moved away our 7th grade year and discovered that he is in Iraq. Some of us stayed here, some of us moved. I wonder what they think of me when they see my page? If you've got a facebook page, I'd love to be a friend.
Monday, August 13, 2007
I Miss The Excitement!!
I miss the excitement of getting ready to go back to school. I miss the smell of a new package of mechanical pencils. The way a new 5 Star 5-Subject notebook feels in a backpack. The motivation everyone has to make this "their year." Everyone is organized and ready to go. I miss that. I really wish I could go back to school again. I even looked into taking a Continuing Ed. course through IPFW, but I talked myself out of it. When I do go back to school, I want the classes to counts towards my Master's degree. Some how I don't think that Yoga 101 will.
God's Humor
I firmly believe that God has a sense of humor. I believe that at times, He's just sitting up there laughing uncontrollably. Here is more proof to back up my claim.
This morning, I got up when Ayron did, as usual. While Ayron was in the shower I sat on the couch and at a cup of pudding (yeah yeah, breakfast of champions). I decided to release some of the pressure that was building up in my tummy. You have a lot of extra tummy pressure when you are pregnant, and at times, you have to let it go. So I delicately, very lady like, lowered my stomach pressure. As soon as I did that, BAM the carbon monoxide/gas leak detector started going off. I knew I had tummy pressure, but I didn't think I had enough to set off an alarm! I quickly gathered the dog, Ayron, and cell phones and went outside.
We called Phil, Ayron's brother, who is the assistant chief of a fire department. He told us to quickly open up all the windows and call the gas company. So we did that. After about ten minutes of waiting and wondering, the helpful guy from NIFL came and with his fancy detector machine, entered our house. His $2,000 piece of equipment didn't detect a thing. He checked every room, the garage, everything. All he got was "0"s. He wrote down a bunch of information about our detector and told us that he thinks it may have malfunctioned.
Long story short, when you need to release some pressure, make sure you aren't sitting right next to the gas leak detector.
This morning, I got up when Ayron did, as usual. While Ayron was in the shower I sat on the couch and at a cup of pudding (yeah yeah, breakfast of champions). I decided to release some of the pressure that was building up in my tummy. You have a lot of extra tummy pressure when you are pregnant, and at times, you have to let it go. So I delicately, very lady like, lowered my stomach pressure. As soon as I did that, BAM the carbon monoxide/gas leak detector started going off. I knew I had tummy pressure, but I didn't think I had enough to set off an alarm! I quickly gathered the dog, Ayron, and cell phones and went outside.
We called Phil, Ayron's brother, who is the assistant chief of a fire department. He told us to quickly open up all the windows and call the gas company. So we did that. After about ten minutes of waiting and wondering, the helpful guy from NIFL came and with his fancy detector machine, entered our house. His $2,000 piece of equipment didn't detect a thing. He checked every room, the garage, everything. All he got was "0"s. He wrote down a bunch of information about our detector and told us that he thinks it may have malfunctioned.
Long story short, when you need to release some pressure, make sure you aren't sitting right next to the gas leak detector.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Happy St. Patty's Day To Me
I know what you're thinking, you must be crazy. It's only the beginning of August. Well, we had our first ultra sound on Friday and we found out that I am now 8 weeks along and I am due on Saint Patrick's day. No, we will not be naming the baby some odd Irish name. The name is still Taylor. Here are the two pictures they gave us. The second one shows how she measured Taylor to tell how old he/she is.
In this photo I think Taylor looks like a sea horse! We go back on August 30th for our next ultra sound and then we can see fingers and toes. We did see Taylor's heart beat and see him/her move around depending on how she touched my belly.
Shopping Nightmare
Ayron and I bought a new TV a couple of weeks ago. It doesn't fit in our current entertainment center (given to us). We decided to go look at entertainment centers yesterday afternoon. I didn't know there were so many freaking choices. After several hours and several stores, we finally went back to our first stop (the Sauder store in Coldwater Crossing) and finally decided on one. It will be in the store on Friday, so hopefully we can pick it up on Saturday. There is one glitch though. The wall that we want to put it on has our thermostat and at only 45 inches off the floor, it will prevent our new center from sitting flush against the wall. What does that mean you ask? It means that Ayron will have to poke a hole in my hallway wall, rerun some wires and then patch the old hole. He swears it will be easy, and I made him promise to let his dad help. Let's just keep our fingers crossed.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Onsie
Today is our first dr's visit. Well, let me clarify, our first Certified Nurse Mid-Wife (CNMW) visit. I love my CNMW, she is a great person. She has delivered a ton of babies and I completely trust her with my life as well as Taylor's.
I was thinking about the appointment this morning and as I walked out the door, I saw it. The Onsie. We were given a onsie by Nathan and Emily D. I currently have it hanging by the front door. I love the onsie. It says, "Nothings Wrong, Just Testing You." I think it's hilarious. It hit me. One day I will have something to put in that. What in the world were we thinking. Are we ready? Will we ever be ready? That thing is so small.
As if my nerves about this whole process aren't already shot, JoEllen (Ayron's Mom) decided to tell me Twin run on her side of the family as well as Tom's (Ayron's dad). Great. I'm already freaked out about one, lets make it two. Can you imagine. Potty training two at once? High School Book Rental? College? Braces? AHHHHHHH. I know, I know, no need to get yourself worked up since you don't know anything yet. Easier said than done.
Don't get me wrong, I am so excited about being a mom, I want this child(ren) more than anything. I have this feeling that there could be twins. I will be so excited if it is twins, one birth and I have my two babies. That would be cool. Can you imagine two Ayron's running around. Oh my gosh.
I was thinking about the appointment this morning and as I walked out the door, I saw it. The Onsie. We were given a onsie by Nathan and Emily D. I currently have it hanging by the front door. I love the onsie. It says, "Nothings Wrong, Just Testing You." I think it's hilarious. It hit me. One day I will have something to put in that. What in the world were we thinking. Are we ready? Will we ever be ready? That thing is so small.
As if my nerves about this whole process aren't already shot, JoEllen (Ayron's Mom) decided to tell me Twin run on her side of the family as well as Tom's (Ayron's dad). Great. I'm already freaked out about one, lets make it two. Can you imagine. Potty training two at once? High School Book Rental? College? Braces? AHHHHHHH. I know, I know, no need to get yourself worked up since you don't know anything yet. Easier said than done.
Don't get me wrong, I am so excited about being a mom, I want this child(ren) more than anything. I have this feeling that there could be twins. I will be so excited if it is twins, one birth and I have my two babies. That would be cool. Can you imagine two Ayron's running around. Oh my gosh.
Stolen Post
I have stolen this post from my other blog. I thought about it all night and decided to add some more things to it. What do you remember/miss from your childhood. Keep in mind that what you write could show your age.
So it was my turn to pick the blog topic. After putting it off for several days (Sorry Kianne) I finally made up my mind this morning. Here are a few of my childhood favorites.
Hasbro's Kid Sister
Sarah, my kid sister, and I did everything together. Her hard plastic head with blue eyes that always looked like a deer in the head lights, even slept in my bed. I'm surprised I don't have a permanent indent left by her nose in my back. Her perfectly positioned freckles, plastic shoes, blue overalls and hat had me at hello. Plus, I could drag her where ever I wanted to go. Let me back track. My biological sister is 7 1/2 years older and often found me annoying, although I don't know why, I was wonderful (please sense the sarcasm in my typing). Natalee could not be persuaded to do anything, however, Sarah, my kid sister, she had no choice. We took bike rides(I'm sure she loved her basket seat), climbed the neighbors weeping willow tree, played beauty salon, and hang out in the backyard. There was one thing she couldn't do well, swim. Her big plastic head was floatable, but her fabric body soaked up moisture like a sponge. I'm pretty sure I still have Sarah, I think she now lives in a Rubbermaid tote in my shed.
Sit and Spins
Ahh, the best way to spend a hot afternoon, making yourself so dizzy you puked in the neighbors backyard. Starring at the spiral shaped colors on the (handle), watching them go round and round as you go round and round till you can't see straight. Funny this is, I could spin myself silly every afternoon, yet the gravatron at the fair seemed so unnatural.
Jail Break
I was fortunate to grow up on a cul-de-sac where lots of other kids lived. Ours was the cul-de-sac to play on. Kids from the rest of the block would come and beg to play. Right at the end of the cul-de-sac (that's such a funny word) was a light pole. That was base. I remember that Leah once tried to hide in a raspberry bush. That was a rough night. Turns out that Benadryl makes her unbelievably hyper. Ryan used to scale the pole and play look out, shouting to his team where everyone was. I tended to be the jailer. I wasn't a fan of hiding in the dark, I was happy to guard the jail.
Kick Ball
When we weren't play jail break, there was kick ball. A crack in the straight portion of the cul-de-sac was 1st base. My mailbox was 2nd, the light pole was 3rd, and home was a crack in Beaty's drive way. We had to be careful. A poorly aimed "home run" often bounced off our front window, which did not please the father. I really miss those days. I'm tempted to send out invitations to all of those kids I used to play with to have a day of jail break and kick ball.
Willow Tree
My neighbors had the perfect willow tree. It was very climbable. Stuart and I would spend hours in that tree. We had to be quiet though because his dad worked third and the tree was right outside his parent's bedroom. We were pirates, royalty, family, thieves, animal rescuers, explorers, just about anything you could think of. That tree had magical powers. The new owner of that house is thinking of cutting it down. It has gotten out of control and it is dying a slow death, but it will still be sad to see it go.
Jellie Shoes
I loved those things. They made your feet so hot and sweaty, and then sweaty feet equaled a farting sound when you walked. My mom used to try to get me to wear socks with mine. Come on mom, that was so uncool! I used to get rocks stuck in the bottom and my dad used to get so mad. I think he spent more time picking rocks out of the bottom then I did actually wearing them. They tried to make a brief comeback when I was in 7th grade. I had the coolest pair of chunky healed, clear, silver glittery pair. I loved those pair, till I fell off of them. Yes, I feel. Jillian and I had the same pair. We thought we were so cool. We'd wear them just to annoy our typing teacher. Ahh, those are the days.
Mario Brothers
The original. We never owned a Nintendo, we did have an Atari though, but Bennett's, they had a Nintendo. We used to lay behind the couch and play it all evening. I sucked at it, but it was so much fun.
My Record Player
My grandparents used to own a record store in downtown Garrett back in the day when Garrett was THE place to be. Growing up we had a ton of old records laying around the house. I remember lugging the blue and yellow bog out of the closet and plugging it in. I had Mickey Disco (It really was Nat's first) and the song "They're Coming To Take Me Away." I loved to sit on my bedroom floor listening to records. The cracks, pops, scratches, ahhh, I love that sound.
Ok, so at the risk of sounding like an old woman I'm gonna stop. What do you remember/miss from your childhood?
So it was my turn to pick the blog topic. After putting it off for several days (Sorry Kianne) I finally made up my mind this morning. Here are a few of my childhood favorites.
Hasbro's Kid Sister
Sarah, my kid sister, and I did everything together. Her hard plastic head with blue eyes that always looked like a deer in the head lights, even slept in my bed. I'm surprised I don't have a permanent indent left by her nose in my back. Her perfectly positioned freckles, plastic shoes, blue overalls and hat had me at hello. Plus, I could drag her where ever I wanted to go. Let me back track. My biological sister is 7 1/2 years older and often found me annoying, although I don't know why, I was wonderful (please sense the sarcasm in my typing). Natalee could not be persuaded to do anything, however, Sarah, my kid sister, she had no choice. We took bike rides(I'm sure she loved her basket seat), climbed the neighbors weeping willow tree, played beauty salon, and hang out in the backyard. There was one thing she couldn't do well, swim. Her big plastic head was floatable, but her fabric body soaked up moisture like a sponge. I'm pretty sure I still have Sarah, I think she now lives in a Rubbermaid tote in my shed.
Sit and Spins
Ahh, the best way to spend a hot afternoon, making yourself so dizzy you puked in the neighbors backyard. Starring at the spiral shaped colors on the (handle), watching them go round and round as you go round and round till you can't see straight. Funny this is, I could spin myself silly every afternoon, yet the gravatron at the fair seemed so unnatural.
Jail Break
I was fortunate to grow up on a cul-de-sac where lots of other kids lived. Ours was the cul-de-sac to play on. Kids from the rest of the block would come and beg to play. Right at the end of the cul-de-sac (that's such a funny word) was a light pole. That was base. I remember that Leah once tried to hide in a raspberry bush. That was a rough night. Turns out that Benadryl makes her unbelievably hyper. Ryan used to scale the pole and play look out, shouting to his team where everyone was. I tended to be the jailer. I wasn't a fan of hiding in the dark, I was happy to guard the jail.
Kick Ball
When we weren't play jail break, there was kick ball. A crack in the straight portion of the cul-de-sac was 1st base. My mailbox was 2nd, the light pole was 3rd, and home was a crack in Beaty's drive way. We had to be careful. A poorly aimed "home run" often bounced off our front window, which did not please the father. I really miss those days. I'm tempted to send out invitations to all of those kids I used to play with to have a day of jail break and kick ball.
Willow Tree
My neighbors had the perfect willow tree. It was very climbable. Stuart and I would spend hours in that tree. We had to be quiet though because his dad worked third and the tree was right outside his parent's bedroom. We were pirates, royalty, family, thieves, animal rescuers, explorers, just about anything you could think of. That tree had magical powers. The new owner of that house is thinking of cutting it down. It has gotten out of control and it is dying a slow death, but it will still be sad to see it go.
Jellie Shoes
I loved those things. They made your feet so hot and sweaty, and then sweaty feet equaled a farting sound when you walked. My mom used to try to get me to wear socks with mine. Come on mom, that was so uncool! I used to get rocks stuck in the bottom and my dad used to get so mad. I think he spent more time picking rocks out of the bottom then I did actually wearing them. They tried to make a brief comeback when I was in 7th grade. I had the coolest pair of chunky healed, clear, silver glittery pair. I loved those pair, till I fell off of them. Yes, I feel. Jillian and I had the same pair. We thought we were so cool. We'd wear them just to annoy our typing teacher. Ahh, those are the days.
Mario Brothers
The original. We never owned a Nintendo, we did have an Atari though, but Bennett's, they had a Nintendo. We used to lay behind the couch and play it all evening. I sucked at it, but it was so much fun.
My Record Player
My grandparents used to own a record store in downtown Garrett back in the day when Garrett was THE place to be. Growing up we had a ton of old records laying around the house. I remember lugging the blue and yellow bog out of the closet and plugging it in. I had Mickey Disco (It really was Nat's first) and the song "They're Coming To Take Me Away." I loved to sit on my bedroom floor listening to records. The cracks, pops, scratches, ahhh, I love that sound.
Ok, so at the risk of sounding like an old woman I'm gonna stop. What do you remember/miss from your childhood?
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Shawn McDonald (Part II)
This song hit me over the head on my drive home last night.
Pride
Pride, walk out the door
Well, I don't need you anymore
I can do it on my own
Won't you please leave me alone
And Pride, walk out the door
Well, I don't need you anymore
I can do it on my own
Won't you please leave me alone
Well I'll say goodbye
Well I'll say goodbye
Well I'll say, I'll say goodbye
And hate, walk out the door
Well, I don't need you anymore
I can do it on my own
Won't you please leave me alone
See hate, walk out the door
Well, I don't need you anymore
I can do it on my own
Won't you please leave me alone
Welll I'll say goodbye
Well I'll say goodbye
I say goodbye
I say goodbye
I say goodbye
Well I'll say goodbye
Well I'll say, I'll say goodbye
Cause all we need is love [10x]
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Shawn McDonald Part I (Amazing Grace)
I love Shawn McDonald's music. I have a friend who is just as equally excited about him as I am. Maybe it is his honesty? Or his raw sound? Or could it be his story. If you don't know his story, I highly recommend reading the next paragraph.
Shawn McDonald was raised by his grandparents. When he hit his late teens, he rebelled. He was living on the streets, doing and selling hardcore drugs. His parents had always taken him to church, but he never felt a calling. One night, while squatting in an apartment, he felt the urge to pray. During his prayer, he felt God tell him to get rid of his drug stash. He immediately flushed it and cleaned up any evidence. In the middle of the night, the police came to arrest him, they were sure they'd find him stash and finally be able to bust him. All they found was an empty apartment. Since then, Shawn has reconnected with God. His music illustrates his struggles as a Christian. The songs are so raw and real.
So back to my story. I'm sitting here at work, not feeling well at all. I am trying to decide if it is morning sickness (I'm usually sick at night) or the flu that is going around. I am moaning and groaning about having to come to work today for this big meeting and I'm struggling to finish Augusts activities for the after school group. I bought Shawn's new cd yesterday, so in an attempt to calm myself, I put the cd in my laptop. Track # 13 is "Amazing Grace."
I've heard "Amazing Grace" hundreds, if not millions of times. I've heard it done in just about any way possible. Bag pipes are especially moving. I found myself reallying listening to the words and hearing Him through Shawn's voice. I was immediately calm. It was amazing (no pun intended). That song has never touched me so deeply as it did this morning. I love this cd!
Here is one of my favorite songs of his.
Shawn McDonald was raised by his grandparents. When he hit his late teens, he rebelled. He was living on the streets, doing and selling hardcore drugs. His parents had always taken him to church, but he never felt a calling. One night, while squatting in an apartment, he felt the urge to pray. During his prayer, he felt God tell him to get rid of his drug stash. He immediately flushed it and cleaned up any evidence. In the middle of the night, the police came to arrest him, they were sure they'd find him stash and finally be able to bust him. All they found was an empty apartment. Since then, Shawn has reconnected with God. His music illustrates his struggles as a Christian. The songs are so raw and real.
So back to my story. I'm sitting here at work, not feeling well at all. I am trying to decide if it is morning sickness (I'm usually sick at night) or the flu that is going around. I am moaning and groaning about having to come to work today for this big meeting and I'm struggling to finish Augusts activities for the after school group. I bought Shawn's new cd yesterday, so in an attempt to calm myself, I put the cd in my laptop. Track # 13 is "Amazing Grace."
I've heard "Amazing Grace" hundreds, if not millions of times. I've heard it done in just about any way possible. Bag pipes are especially moving. I found myself reallying listening to the words and hearing Him through Shawn's voice. I was immediately calm. It was amazing (no pun intended). That song has never touched me so deeply as it did this morning. I love this cd!
Here is one of my favorite songs of his.
Hold On
Another day gone by
And again I ask myself why
I question my sanity
Why I believe what I believe
Some might think that I am crazy
For believing in something I cannot see
So won't You now
Hold on to me, hold on
Hold on to me, yeah
Please don't let me go no, no, hold on
'Cause I am prone to wonder
Prone to leave this faith I know
Hold on
And now they say that the wise man
Well, he fears the Lord
And this fear, well, it's the beginning of all wisdom
And I must be a fool
'Cause I sure don't seem to fear You
'Cause the very things that You will me to do
Well, I just don't seem to get around to
The very things that You hate
Are the very things that I always stumble into
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on
'Cause I am prone to leave this faith I know
Prone to leave this God I love
Won't You hold on
Won't You hold on to me
Monday, July 30, 2007
What Is In The Water??
** Let me preface this post by stating that I know many couples who are trying to conceive. I am praying for you. I don't want you to read this blog and become upset. It is simply what I am thinking. Please know that I am praying for your success.
After seeing some old friends this weekend, I have come to a conclusion. There is something in the water in Northeast Indiana. Off the top of my head I can think of close to 10 couples who are pregnant.
I have been experiencing more morning sickness the past two weeks. I am lucky that mine doesn't last all day. Mine actually starts at about 7pm and lasts until 9:30. I have been lucky. I have only actually gotten ill twice.
We have our first appointment with the nurse mid-wife on Friday. I am excited. We will be able to hear the heart beat. I can't wait to find out just how far along we are. There are reasons to believe that I am further than what they think I could be. Hopefully after talking with her and possibly and ultrasound we'll have a due date. I'm so excited.
After seeing some old friends this weekend, I have come to a conclusion. There is something in the water in Northeast Indiana. Off the top of my head I can think of close to 10 couples who are pregnant.
I have been experiencing more morning sickness the past two weeks. I am lucky that mine doesn't last all day. Mine actually starts at about 7pm and lasts until 9:30. I have been lucky. I have only actually gotten ill twice.
We have our first appointment with the nurse mid-wife on Friday. I am excited. We will be able to hear the heart beat. I can't wait to find out just how far along we are. There are reasons to believe that I am further than what they think I could be. Hopefully after talking with her and possibly and ultrasound we'll have a due date. I'm so excited.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Another Forwarded Email
This email came from my sister. I guess we both found it hysterical considering our English degree background.
NEW WORDS FOR 2008:Essential vocabulary additions for the workplace (and elsewhere)!!!
1. BLAMESTORMING Sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible.
2. SEAGULL MANAGER: A manager, who flies in, makes a lot of noise, craps on everything, and then leaves.
3. ASSMOSIS: The process by which some people seem to absorb success and advancement by kissing up to the boss rather than working hard
4.SALMON DAY: The experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream only to get screwed and die in the end.
5. CUBE FARM : An office filled with cubicles.
6.PRAIRIE DOGGING : When someone yells or drops something loudly in a cube farm, and people's heads pop up over the walls to see what's going on.
7. MOUSE POTATO : The on-line, wired generation's answer to the couch potato.
8. SITCOMs: Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage. What Yuppies get into when they have children and one of them stops working to stay home with the kids.
9. STRESS PUPPY: A person who seems to thrive on being stressed out and whiny.
10. SWIPEOUT: An ATM or credit card that has been rendered useless because magnetic strip is worn away from extensive use.
11. XEROX SUBSIDY: Euphemism for swiping free photocopies from one's workplace.
12. IRRITAINMENT: Entertainment and media spectacles that are Annoying but you find yourself unable to stop watching them.
13. PERCUSSIVE MAINTENANCE: The fine art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work again.
14. ADMINISPHERE: The rarefied organizational layers beginning just above the rank and file. Decisions that fall from the adminisphere are often profoundly inappropriate or irrelevant to the problems they were designed to solve.
15. 404: Someone who's clueless. From the World Wide Web error Message "404 Not Found," meaning that the requested site could not be located.
16. GENERICA: Features of the American landscape that are exactly the same no matter where one is, such as fast food joints, strip malls, and subdivisions.
17. OHNO SECOND: That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you've just made a BIG mistake. (Like after hitting send on an email by mistake).
18. WOOFS: Well-Off Older Folks.
19. CROP DUSTING: Surreptitiously passing gas while passing through a Cube Farm.
NEW WORDS FOR 2008:Essential vocabulary additions for the workplace (and elsewhere)!!!
1. BLAMESTORMING Sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible.
2. SEAGULL MANAGER: A manager, who flies in, makes a lot of noise, craps on everything, and then leaves.
3. ASSMOSIS: The process by which some people seem to absorb success and advancement by kissing up to the boss rather than working hard
4.SALMON DAY: The experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream only to get screwed and die in the end.
5. CUBE FARM : An office filled with cubicles.
6.PRAIRIE DOGGING : When someone yells or drops something loudly in a cube farm, and people's heads pop up over the walls to see what's going on.
7. MOUSE POTATO : The on-line, wired generation's answer to the couch potato.
8. SITCOMs: Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage. What Yuppies get into when they have children and one of them stops working to stay home with the kids.
9. STRESS PUPPY: A person who seems to thrive on being stressed out and whiny.
10. SWIPEOUT: An ATM or credit card that has been rendered useless because magnetic strip is worn away from extensive use.
11. XEROX SUBSIDY: Euphemism for swiping free photocopies from one's workplace.
12. IRRITAINMENT: Entertainment and media spectacles that are Annoying but you find yourself unable to stop watching them.
13. PERCUSSIVE MAINTENANCE: The fine art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work again.
14. ADMINISPHERE: The rarefied organizational layers beginning just above the rank and file. Decisions that fall from the adminisphere are often profoundly inappropriate or irrelevant to the problems they were designed to solve.
15. 404: Someone who's clueless. From the World Wide Web error Message "404 Not Found," meaning that the requested site could not be located.
16. GENERICA: Features of the American landscape that are exactly the same no matter where one is, such as fast food joints, strip malls, and subdivisions.
17. OHNO SECOND: That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you've just made a BIG mistake. (Like after hitting send on an email by mistake).
18. WOOFS: Well-Off Older Folks.
19. CROP DUSTING: Surreptitiously passing gas while passing through a Cube Farm.
Forwarded Email
This is from an email that was forwarded to me. For some reason it struck me hard this morning. Maybe it's the mood I'm in, who knows.
Thought for the Week:Monday, July 23, 2007
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:DON'T LOOK BACK
Alexander Graham Bell once said, "When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we don't see the one that has opened for us."
Sometimes we just have to let go. Sometimes we just have to trust that something better is coming down the road, no matter how much we loved what we just lost. We have all experienced our share of loss, and it hurts.
However, I have found that when we let go of that which is gone, something better always shows up, and we can only enjoy it fully when we let go of the past.
Often we focus so much on what has been lost in our lives, the missed opportunities, the failed relationships and the negative experiences, that we do not leave ourselves open to receive the abundance that is waiting for us. When we're looking back, we can't see the opportunities ahead.
This week, think about those things you have lost, those closed doors. Remember the fond memories and be thankful for what you had, enjoyed and learned. Now, let them go and think about all the new wonders in your life and begin to embrace and enjoy them!
Thought for the Week:Monday, July 23, 2007
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:DON'T LOOK BACK
Alexander Graham Bell once said, "When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we don't see the one that has opened for us."
Sometimes we just have to let go. Sometimes we just have to trust that something better is coming down the road, no matter how much we loved what we just lost. We have all experienced our share of loss, and it hurts.
However, I have found that when we let go of that which is gone, something better always shows up, and we can only enjoy it fully when we let go of the past.
Often we focus so much on what has been lost in our lives, the missed opportunities, the failed relationships and the negative experiences, that we do not leave ourselves open to receive the abundance that is waiting for us. When we're looking back, we can't see the opportunities ahead.
This week, think about those things you have lost, those closed doors. Remember the fond memories and be thankful for what you had, enjoyed and learned. Now, let them go and think about all the new wonders in your life and begin to embrace and enjoy them!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
You Know You Are From Indiana When
I "borrowed" this from a facebook group. It's hysterical and unfortunatly, true. My comments are in light blue.
1.You drive for three hours and the scenery outside doesn't change. Haha, so true.
2.There's three feet of snow on the ground and school is still in session. And you complain the whole day since "the rival school closed)
3.You only go to the mall once a year 'cause it takes too long to get there. Or people consider Ft. Wayne's Mall HUGE.
4.While driving all you see is corn. Just wait, all of us Indiana folks are thinking it.
5.People still have Christmas decorations up at Easter. My mother in law
6.You start saying to yourself "More than corn in Indiana my butt."
7.Anyone with a cell phone looks out of place. Not true now
8.Walking through Wal-Mart with two carts full of kids is normal.
9.Anyone with a tan is rich.
10.The hip hang-out place is McDonald's. Curb Turding in a parking lot
11.There really is more than corn in Indiana. There’s soybeans, too. We all thought it, and they finally wrote it.
12.When you plan an orgy and a Euchre game breaks out. Not sure about this one.
13.A restaurant has an invisible wall in the non-smoking section and you believe it works. Slowly changing.
14.Speeding consists of 2 miles over the speed limit.
15.You think you don't have to use a turn signal on your car because you don't use it on your tractor.
16.You build your dream house on a cornfield, and you considered it posh.
17.You warsh your clothes and you think George Warshington was the first president. This one bugs me.
18.You're proud to be called a Hoosier, even if you don't know what one is.
19.You have no problem spelling or pronouncing "Terre Haute"
20.Detassling was your first job. Bailing hay, your second.
21.You can stack hay, swim in the pond to clean off, and then have the strength to play a couple of games of hoops all in the same day.
22.You say things like "catty-wumpus" and "kitty-corner". I say katty-corner.
23.You own a dirtbike or a ATV.
24.You live in a city ... and there's a cornfield in your backyard.
25.High school basketball game draws a bigger crowd on the weekend nights than movie theaters.
26.You can see at least 2 basketball hoops from your yard.
27.You can name every one of Bob Knight's "exploits" over the last few years. the chair, the chair.
28.You shop at Marsh. Do they have those up here?
29.Damon Bailey was your childhood hero. And you send your kids to his basketball camp just so you can see him when you pick them up.
30.The biggest question of your youth was "IU or Purdue?" Little bit of both for me.
31.Indianapolis is the "big city".
32."Getting caught by a train" is a legitimate excuse for being late to school. I tried this once. It didn't work. Mr. Flemming realized I was late coming from the cafeteria and he knew I lived in town.
33.People at your high school chewed tobacco.
34.Everyone knows who the town cop is, where he lives, and whether he is at home or on duty. 35.You actually know what the CART vs IRL debate is about and have taken a side. ???
36.To you, a raccoon is simply a "coon".
37.The vehicle of choice in your area is not a car, but a pickup.
38.Someone you know is BIG John Mellencamp fan.
39.You've been to the Covered Bridge Festival. Or been dumb enough to walk to it from the fire department.
40.To you, a tenderloin is not an expensive cut of beef, but a big, salty, breaded piece of pork served on a bun with pickles. Most of the time you can't even see the bottom bun.
41.You call a green bell pepper a "mango". Huh?
42.Sometimes, you call the toilet the "commode" or the "stool".
43.In the fall, one of your favorite pranks was corning cars.
44.You know what FFA and 4H stand for.
45.You know what chip-and-seal is, and your high school was located on just such a road.
46.You go the county fair every night of it's week-long duration.
47.You can say "French Lick" without laughing out loud.
48.There's actually a college near you named "Ball State."
49.The last "g" is silent in any word ending in "ing."
50.You think the state Bird is Larry.
51. If your high school had a hard core marching band and was proud of it. "Tonights marching band show will be preceeded by the rest of the football game"
52. You milk the cow in the barn when playing Euchre and you know what that means.
53. when farting contests are just something to laugh at or just something to do.
54. when driving down a back road road kill is ALL OVER the road, and it doesn't phase you.
55. when You use the same utensil for as much as you can, and it doesn't matter if your food touches, it's all going to the same place. Not sure about this one.
56. when your neighbors are amish, and it's not big deal.
57. If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead. Or at his sock line.
58. Vacation means going north or south on I 65 for the weekend.
59. You often switch from heat to AC in the same day and back again.
60. You know several people who have hit a deer more than once
61. You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching
62. You see people wearing camoflage at social events (including weddings)
63. You find 0 degrees "a little chilly."
64. You measure distance in minutes.
65. You see a car running the parking lot at the store with no one in it no matter what time of year.
66. You drink "pop".
67. You know what "cow tipping" is. What about snipe hunting?
68. Your school classes were canceled because of cold.
9. You see people wearing bib overalls to funerals.
70. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, or grain.
71. You know exactly where to go when the party is at "the lake or in the field."
72. You consider strangers people who use your front door.
73. You deny the Colts were ever in Baltimore.
74. When you hang out on a 3ft. hill in the center of town
75. When a girl breaks her leg and everyone still talks about it a year later
76. you see "lost cow" signs I've never seen this, but maybe it's because I live in the city.
77. you consider jeans and a nice shirt formal attire.
78. If you have ever been to the Twelve Mile 500 or raced in it for that matter.... (aka racing a lawn mower)
79. you understand this saying " a lep is a ball" I'm lost? Someone explain.
80. Someone brings Green Bean Casserole to every social function.
81. People ask you "PU" or "IU" and you know what they are refering to.
82. you hear somebody says Santa Claus and you say, I've been there
83. your local 4th of July parade consists of 1 marching band, 1 float, 20 horses, 50 firetrucks and 200 tractors!
84 your a sophisticated hillbilly.....
1.You drive for three hours and the scenery outside doesn't change. Haha, so true.
2.There's three feet of snow on the ground and school is still in session. And you complain the whole day since "the rival school closed)
3.You only go to the mall once a year 'cause it takes too long to get there. Or people consider Ft. Wayne's Mall HUGE.
4.While driving all you see is corn. Just wait, all of us Indiana folks are thinking it.
5.People still have Christmas decorations up at Easter. My mother in law
6.You start saying to yourself "More than corn in Indiana my butt."
7.Anyone with a cell phone looks out of place. Not true now
8.Walking through Wal-Mart with two carts full of kids is normal.
9.Anyone with a tan is rich.
10.The hip hang-out place is McDonald's. Curb Turding in a parking lot
11.There really is more than corn in Indiana. There’s soybeans, too. We all thought it, and they finally wrote it.
12.When you plan an orgy and a Euchre game breaks out. Not sure about this one.
13.A restaurant has an invisible wall in the non-smoking section and you believe it works. Slowly changing.
14.Speeding consists of 2 miles over the speed limit.
15.You think you don't have to use a turn signal on your car because you don't use it on your tractor.
16.You build your dream house on a cornfield, and you considered it posh.
17.You warsh your clothes and you think George Warshington was the first president. This one bugs me.
18.You're proud to be called a Hoosier, even if you don't know what one is.
19.You have no problem spelling or pronouncing "Terre Haute"
20.Detassling was your first job. Bailing hay, your second.
21.You can stack hay, swim in the pond to clean off, and then have the strength to play a couple of games of hoops all in the same day.
22.You say things like "catty-wumpus" and "kitty-corner". I say katty-corner.
23.You own a dirtbike or a ATV.
24.You live in a city ... and there's a cornfield in your backyard.
25.High school basketball game draws a bigger crowd on the weekend nights than movie theaters.
26.You can see at least 2 basketball hoops from your yard.
27.You can name every one of Bob Knight's "exploits" over the last few years. the chair, the chair.
28.You shop at Marsh. Do they have those up here?
29.Damon Bailey was your childhood hero. And you send your kids to his basketball camp just so you can see him when you pick them up.
30.The biggest question of your youth was "IU or Purdue?" Little bit of both for me.
31.Indianapolis is the "big city".
32."Getting caught by a train" is a legitimate excuse for being late to school. I tried this once. It didn't work. Mr. Flemming realized I was late coming from the cafeteria and he knew I lived in town.
33.People at your high school chewed tobacco.
34.Everyone knows who the town cop is, where he lives, and whether he is at home or on duty. 35.You actually know what the CART vs IRL debate is about and have taken a side. ???
36.To you, a raccoon is simply a "coon".
37.The vehicle of choice in your area is not a car, but a pickup.
38.Someone you know is BIG John Mellencamp fan.
39.You've been to the Covered Bridge Festival. Or been dumb enough to walk to it from the fire department.
40.To you, a tenderloin is not an expensive cut of beef, but a big, salty, breaded piece of pork served on a bun with pickles. Most of the time you can't even see the bottom bun.
41.You call a green bell pepper a "mango". Huh?
42.Sometimes, you call the toilet the "commode" or the "stool".
43.In the fall, one of your favorite pranks was corning cars.
44.You know what FFA and 4H stand for.
45.You know what chip-and-seal is, and your high school was located on just such a road.
46.You go the county fair every night of it's week-long duration.
47.You can say "French Lick" without laughing out loud.
48.There's actually a college near you named "Ball State."
49.The last "g" is silent in any word ending in "ing."
50.You think the state Bird is Larry.
51. If your high school had a hard core marching band and was proud of it. "Tonights marching band show will be preceeded by the rest of the football game"
52. You milk the cow in the barn when playing Euchre and you know what that means.
53. when farting contests are just something to laugh at or just something to do.
54. when driving down a back road road kill is ALL OVER the road, and it doesn't phase you.
55. when You use the same utensil for as much as you can, and it doesn't matter if your food touches, it's all going to the same place. Not sure about this one.
56. when your neighbors are amish, and it's not big deal.
57. If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead. Or at his sock line.
58. Vacation means going north or south on I 65 for the weekend.
59. You often switch from heat to AC in the same day and back again.
60. You know several people who have hit a deer more than once
61. You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching
62. You see people wearing camoflage at social events (including weddings)
63. You find 0 degrees "a little chilly."
64. You measure distance in minutes.
65. You see a car running the parking lot at the store with no one in it no matter what time of year.
66. You drink "pop".
67. You know what "cow tipping" is. What about snipe hunting?
68. Your school classes were canceled because of cold.
9. You see people wearing bib overalls to funerals.
70. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, or grain.
71. You know exactly where to go when the party is at "the lake or in the field."
72. You consider strangers people who use your front door.
73. You deny the Colts were ever in Baltimore.
74. When you hang out on a 3ft. hill in the center of town
75. When a girl breaks her leg and everyone still talks about it a year later
76. you see "lost cow" signs I've never seen this, but maybe it's because I live in the city.
77. you consider jeans and a nice shirt formal attire.
78. If you have ever been to the Twelve Mile 500 or raced in it for that matter.... (aka racing a lawn mower)
79. you understand this saying " a lep is a ball" I'm lost? Someone explain.
80. Someone brings Green Bean Casserole to every social function.
81. People ask you "PU" or "IU" and you know what they are refering to.
82. you hear somebody says Santa Claus and you say, I've been there
83. your local 4th of July parade consists of 1 marching band, 1 float, 20 horses, 50 firetrucks and 200 tractors!
84 your a sophisticated hillbilly.....
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Ok, so I don't have a myspace page. I do have a Virb page, and I now have a facebook account. I caved. I don't know why I did, I just did. Partly out of boredom at work one day. It is cool though. I'll admit that. I have been able to reconnect with several people from my past. It is a great way to stay current in each other's lives.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Freaky Friday (to say the least)
Friday sucked. I took the day off to rest and relax. I cleaned the house and then got a very interesting phone call around 3:30. It was Ayron. He just kept repeating, "Stay calm. Don't stress. Stay calm. Don't stress." I screamed, "Why and I supposed to stay calm? What happened!" His response, "I have a hole in my leg."
I thought he got shot. I yelled, "How do you get shot at Taylor Rental?" He then told me what happened. Here is the reader's digest version of what happened.
They were trying to hook a piece of equipment called the pulverizer to the tractor for a cranky customer who came in early. Ayron, in a rush, hooked the hooks in the wrong order. As he was holding the hook they should have hooked first, something happened, and the pulverizer let loose, and one of the many teeth on the equipment pierced his leg and pinned him against the tractor tire. Thank God for Jarrod, Jason, and Alex. They were able to keep their cool, get Ayron unpinned, and Jarrod rushed him to the ER.
The closest ER to Taylor Rental in K'ville is Parkview Noble. I do not recommend this place. The doctors are extremely rude, do not answer questions, and gag at the sight of blood. I'm not kidding you. He gagged when he looked at Ayron's leg. Yes, I know it was not exactly pleasant to look at, but a doctor gagging does not help calm the patient or the pregnant wife. They did xrays, gave him a tetnis shot, and finally a pain shot. They admitted they didn't know what to do, so they wrapped his leg and told us to take him to Ft. Wayne. They didn't even clean the wound out.
The staff at Lutheran were much more helpful. To make a long story short, they cleaned him out, pumped him full of antibiotics, stitched him up, gave us crutches and sent us home. He is now at home with his leg up in the air. My mom changed his bandage this morning and it looks really well considering the gaping hole it once was. He will have a cool "J" shaped scar. We go back to FWO on Thursday.
It sounds sick to say, but if it had been Jason's leg that got hit, it would have gotten him right in the knee cap. If it had been Alex or Jarrod, it would have snapped their leg. We did find out that he was only a centimeter away from slicing a key nerve. Most of the time that nerve cannot be repaired and they amputate. All I have to say is THANK YOU TO JARROD, JASON, and ALEX!!
I thought he got shot. I yelled, "How do you get shot at Taylor Rental?" He then told me what happened. Here is the reader's digest version of what happened.
They were trying to hook a piece of equipment called the pulverizer to the tractor for a cranky customer who came in early. Ayron, in a rush, hooked the hooks in the wrong order. As he was holding the hook they should have hooked first, something happened, and the pulverizer let loose, and one of the many teeth on the equipment pierced his leg and pinned him against the tractor tire. Thank God for Jarrod, Jason, and Alex. They were able to keep their cool, get Ayron unpinned, and Jarrod rushed him to the ER.
The closest ER to Taylor Rental in K'ville is Parkview Noble. I do not recommend this place. The doctors are extremely rude, do not answer questions, and gag at the sight of blood. I'm not kidding you. He gagged when he looked at Ayron's leg. Yes, I know it was not exactly pleasant to look at, but a doctor gagging does not help calm the patient or the pregnant wife. They did xrays, gave him a tetnis shot, and finally a pain shot. They admitted they didn't know what to do, so they wrapped his leg and told us to take him to Ft. Wayne. They didn't even clean the wound out.
The staff at Lutheran were much more helpful. To make a long story short, they cleaned him out, pumped him full of antibiotics, stitched him up, gave us crutches and sent us home. He is now at home with his leg up in the air. My mom changed his bandage this morning and it looks really well considering the gaping hole it once was. He will have a cool "J" shaped scar. We go back to FWO on Thursday.
It sounds sick to say, but if it had been Jason's leg that got hit, it would have gotten him right in the knee cap. If it had been Alex or Jarrod, it would have snapped their leg. We did find out that he was only a centimeter away from slicing a key nerve. Most of the time that nerve cannot be repaired and they amputate. All I have to say is THANK YOU TO JARROD, JASON, and ALEX!!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Guess What?!
I am hesitant to mention this, but I am going to anyways. The reason I am mentioning it is because I believe in the power of prayer. I know that several people had been praying for me and I firmly believe that is why we were successful.
Ayron and I are five weeks along. We are expecting a little Reeves in March. It is a very exciting time and I am grateful for everyone's prayers (you know who you are). I would like to also ask for your prayers during the next nine months. Please keep us in your thoughts. Thanks.
Ayron and I are five weeks along. We are expecting a little Reeves in March. It is a very exciting time and I am grateful for everyone's prayers (you know who you are). I would like to also ask for your prayers during the next nine months. Please keep us in your thoughts. Thanks.
Advice? Anyone? Please?
I found out this morning that I will have to "let go" of one of my staff tomorrow. I am not sad to see this person go. I have been waiting to replace this person. This person doesn't do their job. I finally have a replacement, and for that I am truly grateful. It means that I don't have to worry any more. I do have to let the person know that I no longer need their services. I am calling the person tomorrow. Is it wrong of me to hope that I get their voicemail? I'm chicken. I don't know how to tell this person. This is what I rehearsed all night (I was so worked up I couldn't sleep).
"(Insert person's name here) I was calling to inform you that we will not be needing your services anymore. Several reports were filed with the probation office as well as my boss about your performance and the board has decided to terminate you. Please return your key in the mailbox outside the house. Thank You."
I don't want to sound mean. I am glad that this person will be gone, but I don't know how to do it tactfully and not seem like a you know what. Someone please offer me some advice.
*************************
It's now Thursday late morning. I called up the person I needed to let go to see if he could come in so we could talk. He said that he was unable to both today and tomorrow. I told him that I didn't want to do it over the phone, but since his schedule was so full.........Needless to say, he was not happy. He called my boss and told him to not be surprised when everyone else quits. There is only one other person who could quit. This person's girlfriend. To be honest, it wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit. Sure, I'd have to find someone to replace her, but that wouldn't be hard. I have a file full of perfectly good candidates who would love to have a job to work with these kids. It is a great resume booster. I think the reason he didn't care is because his degree doesn't have to do with this field. I have one employee in particular that loves this job, she is using it as a resume booster. She told me so, and I was happy. If I were an employer looking at a resume for someone in the juvenile justice field, I would be impressed if this was on their resume.
I guess it's good to have the whole thing over with. I don't like being yelled at, it's not my thing. I was shaking so bad after I hung up with him. He called my phone several times while I was talking with my boss and I kept ignoring his calls. I was in a meeting. I'm sitting here waiting for the phone to ring again. Why am I so nervous? I am in the right here. He did things to warrant his release, so why am I chicken. I think it's time for prayer.
"Dear Lord,
Please grant me the strength I need to deal with this situation. Allow me to handle the whole situation with grace and a steady head. Give me the wisdom and confidence to say the right things. Please allow my co-workers and employees to stand behind my decision and see that it is for the better. Please allow me to stay calm and not to get stressed.
Amen"
"(Insert person's name here) I was calling to inform you that we will not be needing your services anymore. Several reports were filed with the probation office as well as my boss about your performance and the board has decided to terminate you. Please return your key in the mailbox outside the house. Thank You."
I don't want to sound mean. I am glad that this person will be gone, but I don't know how to do it tactfully and not seem like a you know what. Someone please offer me some advice.
*************************
It's now Thursday late morning. I called up the person I needed to let go to see if he could come in so we could talk. He said that he was unable to both today and tomorrow. I told him that I didn't want to do it over the phone, but since his schedule was so full.........Needless to say, he was not happy. He called my boss and told him to not be surprised when everyone else quits. There is only one other person who could quit. This person's girlfriend. To be honest, it wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit. Sure, I'd have to find someone to replace her, but that wouldn't be hard. I have a file full of perfectly good candidates who would love to have a job to work with these kids. It is a great resume booster. I think the reason he didn't care is because his degree doesn't have to do with this field. I have one employee in particular that loves this job, she is using it as a resume booster. She told me so, and I was happy. If I were an employer looking at a resume for someone in the juvenile justice field, I would be impressed if this was on their resume.
I guess it's good to have the whole thing over with. I don't like being yelled at, it's not my thing. I was shaking so bad after I hung up with him. He called my phone several times while I was talking with my boss and I kept ignoring his calls. I was in a meeting. I'm sitting here waiting for the phone to ring again. Why am I so nervous? I am in the right here. He did things to warrant his release, so why am I chicken. I think it's time for prayer.
"Dear Lord,
Please grant me the strength I need to deal with this situation. Allow me to handle the whole situation with grace and a steady head. Give me the wisdom and confidence to say the right things. Please allow my co-workers and employees to stand behind my decision and see that it is for the better. Please allow me to stay calm and not to get stressed.
Amen"
Monday, July 09, 2007
Vacation Part II
We did so much on vacation that I don't really feel like typing it all. Let's just say that we shopped till we dropped. It was great to get away and turns out that was just what we needed to keep our sanity.
I am now back to work and trying to get everything done quickly so I can go back home and enjoy time with Ayron. He took today as a vacation day as well so I am going to go home so we can clean the house.
I am now back to work and trying to get everything done quickly so I can go back home and enjoy time with Ayron. He took today as a vacation day as well so I am going to go home so we can clean the house.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Vacation Day One
It's actually 7am here on Friday morning. Why am I up so freaking early on vacation? I'm used to being up early. Plus, the pillows at our hotel suck. One is not enough, two is way to many. I think I finally fell asleep around 2 this morning and woke up at 6. Crazy, I know. I am relaxed though, and no agenda means that as soon as I am done here, I can crawl back into bed.
We got here (Portage Indiana) earlier than we had planned. We ended up going to dinner at the restaurant that is inside the big new Bass Pro Shop here. We then drove to the dunes. It was cool to sit and watch the sun set on Chicago across the lake. We did take our Nerf football and play catch. I think we are planning on going back tonight, but a little more prepared. I am going to take a blanket, appropriate attire, and sand castle building supplies.
It's now 8:10 MY TIME, which means it's only 7:10 here, and since Ayron was nice enough to go get my old pillow out of the car, I'm going to attempt to take a very early morning nap.
We got here (Portage Indiana) earlier than we had planned. We ended up going to dinner at the restaurant that is inside the big new Bass Pro Shop here. We then drove to the dunes. It was cool to sit and watch the sun set on Chicago across the lake. We did take our Nerf football and play catch. I think we are planning on going back tonight, but a little more prepared. I am going to take a blanket, appropriate attire, and sand castle building supplies.
It's now 8:10 MY TIME, which means it's only 7:10 here, and since Ayron was nice enough to go get my old pillow out of the car, I'm going to attempt to take a very early morning nap.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
VACATION!!
Ayron and I haven't had a vacation in two years. We went to Grand Rapids twice, but one of those was for a conference. We both took today through Monday off. Ayron did go to work this morning though, only to realize that he didn't need to. He is going to stick around for a couple of hours and then we are out of here!
We finally decided yesterday that we are going to the Chesterton area. We have a friend that lives up there and we are always listening to the cool places she goes, so now we are going there. I even managed to snag a sweet hotel room at the government rate of only $60 a night! The hotel doesn't have a pool though, which is fine by me, but Ayron is a bit disappointed. I don't plan on staying in the hotel long enough to swim. We are only five minutes from the dunes water park so we might do that tomorrow.
I normally like to have everything planned out to the "T" so it's hard for me to not have things planned. I was frantically calling hotels this morning and was so happy to find one that would take my government status. I better go home and finish the laundry so we have clothes to wear!
We finally decided yesterday that we are going to the Chesterton area. We have a friend that lives up there and we are always listening to the cool places she goes, so now we are going there. I even managed to snag a sweet hotel room at the government rate of only $60 a night! The hotel doesn't have a pool though, which is fine by me, but Ayron is a bit disappointed. I don't plan on staying in the hotel long enough to swim. We are only five minutes from the dunes water park so we might do that tomorrow.
I normally like to have everything planned out to the "T" so it's hard for me to not have things planned. I was frantically calling hotels this morning and was so happy to find one that would take my government status. I better go home and finish the laundry so we have clothes to wear!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
40 Things
This is a post I stole from my other blog.
40 Things I Did This (actually, in June) Month.
1. Made three new friends.
2. Was happy.
3. Was sad.
4. Faked enthusiasm for someone who received what I have been praying for.
5. Discovered my genuine enthusiasm for that same person, its just took awhile.
6. Discovered Diet Pepsi Max, and became a fan.
7. Was told not to worry.
8. Worried anyways.
9. Missed my grandparents.
10. Discovered the beauty in downtown Auburn.
11. Discovered a leak in a water line.
12. Became addicted to puzzles.
13. Completed several puzzles.
14. Started some projects I've been putting off.
15. Clean up my own mess at work.
16. Admitted that I made that mess at work.
17. Fell in love all over again.
18. Decided to make an effort to eat better.
19. Took time for me.
20. Dyed my hair darker for a change of pace.
21. Learned not to eat hot dogs.
22. Read a ton of books on every topic possible.
23. Prayed for firefighters.
24. Thanked my brother in law for all he does (see previous #)
25. Started walking more and on a consistent basis.
26. Became less jealous.
27. Connected with two people who are the same boat as me. Its nice to know I'm not rowing the boat alone.
28. Wondered about old friends.
29. Wondered if I've changed as much as they have.
30. Tried several new recipes. My favorite so far is cake batter cookies.
31. Swam.
32. Was weighed at the drs office and didn't freak out when I accidentally looked at the scale.
33. Saw two movies in the theater.
34. Saw several more at home.
35. Reconnected with my mother.
36. Had a car break down, then a truck.
37. Stopped being so dependant on my cell phone and watch.
38. Had a jumpy party.
39. Changed my spending habits.
40. Blogged, several times.
40 Things I Did This (actually, in June) Month.
1. Made three new friends.
2. Was happy.
3. Was sad.
4. Faked enthusiasm for someone who received what I have been praying for.
5. Discovered my genuine enthusiasm for that same person, its just took awhile.
6. Discovered Diet Pepsi Max, and became a fan.
7. Was told not to worry.
8. Worried anyways.
9. Missed my grandparents.
10. Discovered the beauty in downtown Auburn.
11. Discovered a leak in a water line.
12. Became addicted to puzzles.
13. Completed several puzzles.
14. Started some projects I've been putting off.
15. Clean up my own mess at work.
16. Admitted that I made that mess at work.
17. Fell in love all over again.
18. Decided to make an effort to eat better.
19. Took time for me.
20. Dyed my hair darker for a change of pace.
21. Learned not to eat hot dogs.
22. Read a ton of books on every topic possible.
23. Prayed for firefighters.
24. Thanked my brother in law for all he does (see previous #)
25. Started walking more and on a consistent basis.
26. Became less jealous.
27. Connected with two people who are the same boat as me. Its nice to know I'm not rowing the boat alone.
28. Wondered about old friends.
29. Wondered if I've changed as much as they have.
30. Tried several new recipes. My favorite so far is cake batter cookies.
31. Swam.
32. Was weighed at the drs office and didn't freak out when I accidentally looked at the scale.
33. Saw two movies in the theater.
34. Saw several more at home.
35. Reconnected with my mother.
36. Had a car break down, then a truck.
37. Stopped being so dependant on my cell phone and watch.
38. Had a jumpy party.
39. Changed my spending habits.
40. Blogged, several times.
Monday, July 02, 2007
I've Been Tagged
So. I have been tagged. I am supposed to write the five things I like most about Jesus, and then “tag” five others. I don't normally do the whole "chain letter" thing so I won't "tag" anyone, but here is my list of five.
Joy: Deuteronomy 16:15
Extreme: He did extreme things every day. We should all be so lucky.
Social outcast lover: Jesus loves His enemies, forgives prostitutes, touches lepers, feeds the hungry
Unconditional love : Romans 5:8,
Sacrificial discipleship: came to us in human form and made the ultimate sacrifice--He died for us.
Joy: Deuteronomy 16:15
Extreme: He did extreme things every day. We should all be so lucky.
Social outcast lover: Jesus loves His enemies, forgives prostitutes, touches lepers, feeds the hungry
Unconditional love : Romans 5:8,
Sacrificial discipleship: came to us in human form and made the ultimate sacrifice--He died for us.
Happy Anniversary To Us!!
Today marks our second wedding anniversary. We went out to celebrate last night. We are not big "to doers" so we kept it low key. We went to Olive Garden and then walked around the mall. Ayron got me a cookie press, which I have always wanted. I got Ayron some Tanqueray Gin. Our friends introduced him to Gin and Tonics and he fell in love. Now, don't get thinking we are drinkers. We are far from it. We do enjoy a drink now and again though. I currently don't drink (doesn't go well with the whole trying to get pregnant thing) but Ayron occasionally will. He told me that is what he wanted, so that is what he got. We also got ourselves an air popper so we can make good popcorn, not that microwave stuff. Why not use the WhirleyPop you ask? Ayron tends to catch those on fire!
We had a low key day, but that's the way I like it. I was putting pictures into a big collage frame we got as a wedding present (Yes Kianne, I started putting in pictures of people I know) and most of the pictures are from the wedding. It was funny to think that it has been two years. It doesn't seem like it. We've been through so much in our 6 1/2 years together (2 years of marriage) and its exciting to think of what HE has in store for us.
We had a low key day, but that's the way I like it. I was putting pictures into a big collage frame we got as a wedding present (Yes Kianne, I started putting in pictures of people I know) and most of the pictures are from the wedding. It was funny to think that it has been two years. It doesn't seem like it. We've been through so much in our 6 1/2 years together (2 years of marriage) and its exciting to think of what HE has in store for us.
Monday, June 25, 2007
I Believe In
This is a post I published for my other blog but I liked it so much I wanted to publish it here too.
I believe [in]...
love that conquers all.
a God that is bigger than we can imagine.
the power of prayer.
true friendships lasting through time and troubles.
that the sun should never set upon an argument.
the power of music lyrics.
we place our happiness in other people's hands.
myself.
that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you.
that good people can do bad things.
that bad people can do good things.
your parents did the best job they knew how to do.
the rite to be upset at someone.
that beauty magazines promote low self esteem.
retail therapy (to an extent).
I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone.
praying together.
Karma, what you give is what you get returned.
that IM chatting can be just as therapeutic as therapy.
you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned.
the power of a cat nap.
the grass is no more greener on the other side.
my past makes me strong.
you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye.
not having regrets, only learning opportunities.
that trust is more important than monogamy.
praying for strangers.
your most attractive features are your heart and soul.
that God should "mess us up" (thanks Adam).
that family is worth more than money or gold.
that adults are simply children masquerading.
the struggle for financial freedom is unfair.
the only ones who disagree are millionaires.
doing one random act of kindness a day.
forgiveness is the key to your happiness.
that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed.
waiting.
that God does not endorse TV evangelists.
learning from others mistakes.
love surviving death into eternity.
that every person should have a loving home.
that sometimes a knowing look is more powerful than an hour of speech.
that CEO's make way too much money and should share.
Europeans have it figure out.
in the power of blogging.
expressing yourself, however you see fit.
taking a sick day just to stay home together.
tithing in nontraditional ways.
in the power of my mind.
love that conquers all.
a God that is bigger than we can imagine.
the power of prayer.
true friendships lasting through time and troubles.
that the sun should never set upon an argument.
the power of music lyrics.
we place our happiness in other people's hands.
myself.
that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you.
that good people can do bad things.
that bad people can do good things.
your parents did the best job they knew how to do.
the rite to be upset at someone.
that beauty magazines promote low self esteem.
retail therapy (to an extent).
I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone.
praying together.
Karma, what you give is what you get returned.
that IM chatting can be just as therapeutic as therapy.
you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned.
the power of a cat nap.
the grass is no more greener on the other side.
my past makes me strong.
you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye.
not having regrets, only learning opportunities.
that trust is more important than monogamy.
praying for strangers.
your most attractive features are your heart and soul.
that God should "mess us up" (thanks Adam).
that family is worth more than money or gold.
that adults are simply children masquerading.
the struggle for financial freedom is unfair.
the only ones who disagree are millionaires.
doing one random act of kindness a day.
forgiveness is the key to your happiness.
that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed.
waiting.
that God does not endorse TV evangelists.
learning from others mistakes.
love surviving death into eternity.
that every person should have a loving home.
that sometimes a knowing look is more powerful than an hour of speech.
that CEO's make way too much money and should share.
Europeans have it figure out.
in the power of blogging.
expressing yourself, however you see fit.
taking a sick day just to stay home together.
tithing in nontraditional ways.
in the power of my mind.
Weekend Update with Carma
Ok, so it won't be nearly as funny at the Weekend Update on SNL, but still.
Is it sad when you can't remember what you did on Friday evening? Oh, we just hung out at home. So I guess nothing exciting to report about there huh?!
On Saturday I got two new tires put on the car (insert ohh and ahh's here). I took Scooter with me to Ayron's work. His new employee used to work for the tire center in Wal-Mart so he took my car over. Scooter managed to pass the time dusting the floor and eating any dust bunnies he could find! When I got home I noticed the occasional wet spot outside the bathroom had gotten worse. When Ayron got home we took a brief nap only to realize that we had overslept and the wet spot grew. He lifted the carpet outside the bathroom and to make a long story short, we think the tub is leaking. While we didn't make it to church, we did go out to eat with Nathan, Emily, and Adam. It was nice to have some time to just chat with a small group of people. We ended up going to see Evan Almighty with Adam. That movie is hilarious! I would recommend it to anyone. SHEEP!!!
We spend Sunday cleaning up around the house. I made Ayron do some yard work with me. We have some type of odd weed (at least I think its a weed) that keeps coming back. I managed to pull a bunch out by hand and Ayron just cut the rest down. After we weeded along side our garage we discovered that we had another Hosta plant there. I felt like that redneck joke, "If you mow your yard and find a car, you might be a redneck!" We had Jake and Kianne over for dinner and it was nice to have a good time without going out!
So I guess I lead a pretty boring life. Oh well, it works for me!
Is it sad when you can't remember what you did on Friday evening? Oh, we just hung out at home. So I guess nothing exciting to report about there huh?!
On Saturday I got two new tires put on the car (insert ohh and ahh's here). I took Scooter with me to Ayron's work. His new employee used to work for the tire center in Wal-Mart so he took my car over. Scooter managed to pass the time dusting the floor and eating any dust bunnies he could find! When I got home I noticed the occasional wet spot outside the bathroom had gotten worse. When Ayron got home we took a brief nap only to realize that we had overslept and the wet spot grew. He lifted the carpet outside the bathroom and to make a long story short, we think the tub is leaking. While we didn't make it to church, we did go out to eat with Nathan, Emily, and Adam. It was nice to have some time to just chat with a small group of people. We ended up going to see Evan Almighty with Adam. That movie is hilarious! I would recommend it to anyone. SHEEP!!!
We spend Sunday cleaning up around the house. I made Ayron do some yard work with me. We have some type of odd weed (at least I think its a weed) that keeps coming back. I managed to pull a bunch out by hand and Ayron just cut the rest down. After we weeded along side our garage we discovered that we had another Hosta plant there. I felt like that redneck joke, "If you mow your yard and find a car, you might be a redneck!" We had Jake and Kianne over for dinner and it was nice to have a good time without going out!
So I guess I lead a pretty boring life. Oh well, it works for me!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Seriously?! For Real!
I thought I'd take a quick minute to blog today. I am currently waiting for my second lap top to turn on and detect the wireless in my house (by house I mean my office). You should see my desk right now. I have two laptops set up (one stays here in the house, the other one travels with me) because I need to transfer some reports I did at home yesterday, from laptop number two, to my desktop. So here I sit. Two laptops, one desktop, one pencil caddy, one stapler, two printers, one fax machine, and several papers surround me. I am a bit overwhelmed today. I am doing my best to not have an emotional panic attack.
I did a presentation last night with my boss to the American Legion. My boss and I were talking before our presentation and I discovered that I have a meeting tomorrow morning with probation about one of my employees. I know we are going to discuss said employees behavior, yet I am nervous about the meeting. I am afraid his stupid actions will reflect badly on me. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not him. I have discussed a similar matter with him before, and he chose not to change. That is not my fault. I just have this fear that I will be attacked in this meeting. I have already created a plan of action to resolved the problem, so why am I so nervous about tomorrows meeting? I guess it's because I'm the type of person who likes to please everyone. I feel like I have failed. I was so eager to hire this person and I don't think it is going to work out. I have been praying about this whole situation for awhile (I kind of figured it would come to a head, regardless of my talk with employee). As I was driving home last night I felt like I was living the Barlow Girl's song "Never Alone." I actually found myself praying the lyrics to God. It went something like this.
"Ya know, I waited for you today. But you didn't show. I've needed you lately, so where have you been? You told me you'd meet me, yet I feel like you skipped out. And though I haven't seen you , are you still there? I know you are, but I can't feel you. I believe that you are, but I am looking to You for guidance. I need help. There, I said it. I get it. I can't do this on my own. I know that now. How much more broken can I be? (by this point it is important to note that I was not only thinking about the work situation but some other stuff I have been dealing with). I can't feel you by my side, so I'll hold tight to what I know. You're here and I'm never alone. And though you're invisible I'll trust the unseen. I am handing it all over. I am tired of thinking I can do this on my own. I'm done. Take it, it's Yours. Help me."
When I got home, I felt better. I touched the worry tree, and went inside. The worry tree is something Ayron's boss has started. We were telling B that we each bring home so much worry from work that we drag each other down telling our worries. Before we enter the house, we touch the worry tree, and place all of our worries on it. The tree is strong enough to hold them. We leave them outside. It sounds corny, but it works. I didn't sleep that well, but I do feel slightly better about my meeting tomorrow after talking to my boss this morning. I have to keep reminding myself that I did not screw up. I have a plan, I need to put that plan into action.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The meeting went great this morning. It wasn't as big of a deal as they made it seem. It was between me, my boss and one other person. It was very calm and a huge weight off my shoulders. When will I learn that I don't have to do anything?
I did a presentation last night with my boss to the American Legion. My boss and I were talking before our presentation and I discovered that I have a meeting tomorrow morning with probation about one of my employees. I know we are going to discuss said employees behavior, yet I am nervous about the meeting. I am afraid his stupid actions will reflect badly on me. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not him. I have discussed a similar matter with him before, and he chose not to change. That is not my fault. I just have this fear that I will be attacked in this meeting. I have already created a plan of action to resolved the problem, so why am I so nervous about tomorrows meeting? I guess it's because I'm the type of person who likes to please everyone. I feel like I have failed. I was so eager to hire this person and I don't think it is going to work out. I have been praying about this whole situation for awhile (I kind of figured it would come to a head, regardless of my talk with employee). As I was driving home last night I felt like I was living the Barlow Girl's song "Never Alone." I actually found myself praying the lyrics to God. It went something like this.
"Ya know, I waited for you today. But you didn't show. I've needed you lately, so where have you been? You told me you'd meet me, yet I feel like you skipped out. And though I haven't seen you , are you still there? I know you are, but I can't feel you. I believe that you are, but I am looking to You for guidance. I need help. There, I said it. I get it. I can't do this on my own. I know that now. How much more broken can I be? (by this point it is important to note that I was not only thinking about the work situation but some other stuff I have been dealing with). I can't feel you by my side, so I'll hold tight to what I know. You're here and I'm never alone. And though you're invisible I'll trust the unseen. I am handing it all over. I am tired of thinking I can do this on my own. I'm done. Take it, it's Yours. Help me."
When I got home, I felt better. I touched the worry tree, and went inside. The worry tree is something Ayron's boss has started. We were telling B that we each bring home so much worry from work that we drag each other down telling our worries. Before we enter the house, we touch the worry tree, and place all of our worries on it. The tree is strong enough to hold them. We leave them outside. It sounds corny, but it works. I didn't sleep that well, but I do feel slightly better about my meeting tomorrow after talking to my boss this morning. I have to keep reminding myself that I did not screw up. I have a plan, I need to put that plan into action.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The meeting went great this morning. It wasn't as big of a deal as they made it seem. It was between me, my boss and one other person. It was very calm and a huge weight off my shoulders. When will I learn that I don't have to do anything?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I'm a Professional
I got a letter in the mail at work yesterday. Here is a brief overview of the letter.
"It is my pleasure to inform you that you are being considered for inclusion into the 2007/2008 Cambridge Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals in Healthcare "Honors Edition" section of the registry."
So apparently, someone thinks I work in healthcare. I tried to fill out the stuff on line, but the site is having problems. I think I'll actually fill out the snail mail card and submit it. It's free, and I think it would be hysterical if I got in.
"It is my pleasure to inform you that you are being considered for inclusion into the 2007/2008 Cambridge Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals in Healthcare "Honors Edition" section of the registry."
So apparently, someone thinks I work in healthcare. I tried to fill out the stuff on line, but the site is having problems. I think I'll actually fill out the snail mail card and submit it. It's free, and I think it would be hysterical if I got in.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Here's Your Sign
As Ayron and I were leaving Applebees, an elderly couple was coming in. Ayron held the door open for the man. The man was wearing an oxygen mask and pulling the big oxygen canister. The hostess asked, "Just the two of you? Smoking or non?"
DUH!
DUH!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Downtown Statues
Auburn has some new residents, well, at least until September. This is an excerpt from the local paper.
"AUBURN — More than two dozen life-like guests arrived in Auburn Thursday to stay for the summer.For the next three months, the figures in J. Seward Johnson’s bronze sculptures will catch local residents and tourists off guard with their realism.Warren Johnson of Auburn said he did a “double-take” when he first noticed one of the sculptures of a little girl. Johnson was snapping photos of the sculptures this morning.“I thought I would get out here before the crowd,” Johnson said, adding that he is in awe of the sculptures. “It’s unbelievable what you can do with metal,” he said.The art work is part of Sculptures on the Square, a three-month exhibit sponsored by the Auburn Arts Commission Inc. in partnership with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and the Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, School of Visual and Performing Arts.The exhibit features 20 statues portraying people and children engaged in everyday activities such as talking on a park bench, mowing or tying a shoelace."
Most of the statues are placed around the DeKalb County Courthouse square and within walking distance of downtown, with two more at Eckhart Public Library on South Jackson Street and one at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum on Wayne Street.Dylan Tatman, 10, of Corunna, found the sculptures fascinating. He stood outside his parents’ coffee shop — Brewdaily’s on South Main Street — this morning and stared at the sculptures for several minutes.“I think the guy who made them — he really put a lot of hard work into it,” Tatman said. “He really wanted to get this done. He didn’t want to waste any time.”Looking at a sculpture of a boy and girl facing each other with an ice cream cone in their hands, Tatman particularly admired the detail of the girl’s white dress.Like many who observed the statues this morning, Tatman thought the sculptures looked real. He mentioned that he saw several cars one block west of the courthouse stop to let what they believed was a elderly lady with shopping bags cross the street. But the lady is really one of the statues.“I think they look real,” agreed Ruby Coburn of Hamilton.“I was impressed by their clothes,” said Coburn’s sister, Joan Steffen of Leo, while on her way to work at Campbell and Fetter Bank in Auburn. “I thought they were pretty cool.”“I think they will bring people in from other towns,” said Jeanne Stephens of Waterloo as she headed to work at the courthouse Friday morning.Organizers expect the exhibit to attract visitors from all over the Midwest. The project has been widely promoted through area and regional travel and tourism publications. The exhibit will coincide with the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival over Labor Day weekend.Auburn is one of only four cities in the world displaying Seward’s statues this summer. They also will be in Florida, North Carolina and Cortina, Italy.Numerous activities will take place in DeKalb County in conjunction with the exhibit, including a fine arts day camp, Arts in the Libraries programs, a series of art lectures and a summer art book club."
I happen to personally know Dylan, so the fact that he is in the paper is really cool.
Ayron and I were coming home from the library, and I had an idea, but I don't know who to pitch the idea too. I am thinking about contacting the editor of the paper, but let me know if you can think of anyone else to contact. I think it would be interesting to hold a writing contest. Have people pick their favorite statue and write a brief story about the person in the statue. What are they doing, thinking, saying, etc. Then, after a certain amount of time, have a panel of judges choose the top three stories for each statue. Then, it could be published in a book. I think I'm gonna email my idea to the editor right now.
*************************
On Friday night Ayron and I went out with his parents and then took a walk around downtown. I love the statues. I agree with Michael and Natty's comments. BTW Todd, no, none of your tax money was spent to increase the artsy awareness of Auburn. It was fun to see all of the people out and about. We ran into so many people and even stopped to have some popcorn at "Martha's Popcorn" stand.
I did send my idea to the editor as well as the Auburn Arts Commission and here is the email I got back from the AAC
"Thanks for the great idea.I have passed it on to the members of the Arts Commission and we are looking for a sponsor to see if the writing program can be carried out. I'm so glad that you liked the sculptures. "
Hopefully something will come out of it, if not, at least I can say that I tried.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Frustrated
I am frustrated, and what is even more frustrating is the fact that I can't pin point the source of my frustration. I think it is a combination of things. I'm sure part of it is due to my boredom. I have read so many books in the past week that I really don't want to read any more today. I feel like I am never going to get the hang of this stupid program that we use for work. I got tracked down and "talked to" about how I didn't enter something right in the stupid program. I want to be happy for those around me for their accomplishments, yet I feel fake because deep down I'm upset that I wasn't successful in the same thing.
I don't know how to deal with this frustration. Normally I'd take the dog for a walk, but it is way to hot out for him. I could read, but I've already read way too much lately. I'd drink, but we all know that is not a good coping mechanism. I could take up smoking if I didn't despise it so much (ask me my theory on smoking some time). I could wallow in some retail therapy, but that is costly. Maybe I'll try taking a nap.
I don't know how to deal with this frustration. Normally I'd take the dog for a walk, but it is way to hot out for him. I could read, but I've already read way too much lately. I'd drink, but we all know that is not a good coping mechanism. I could take up smoking if I didn't despise it so much (ask me my theory on smoking some time). I could wallow in some retail therapy, but that is costly. Maybe I'll try taking a nap.
100 Things That Make Me Happy
* These are in no particular order
1. Ayron
2. Friends
3. Cheese popcorn with a cherry Coke
4. My "boys" Scooter and Charlie
5. scrap booking
6. taking walks
7. flying kites
8. memories
9. purses
10. shoes
11. family
12. pudding
13. roses
14. sunshine
15. sleeping
16. a good laugh
17. McKenna
18. Madison
19. Marisa
20. surviving a rough week
21. picnic in the park
22. quiet moments alone
23. Hot chocolate; anything chocolate for that matter
24. long afternoon naps in my hammock
25. golfing - but only when Phil and I have cart races(FYI: Ayron is way to big to ride on theback of the cart where the bags go)
26. Unexpected flower deliveries
27. blogging
28. Getting a refund instead of paying the IRS
29. Lazy Sunday afternoons
30. Napping with my nieces
31. Mudding
32. Sunday afternoon flying kites with friends
33. Left over stuffed crust pizza
34. Being able to see the bottom of the laundry hamper
35. Cool shower after getting a sunburn
36. Listening to music at work
37. Colored pens
38. An afternoon in Borders
39. Used books from Amazon.com
40. Chatting with Kianne during work hours
41. Sleeping in till 7
42. A freshly made bed
43. Being organized
44. Giving Scooter a belly rub
45. Working on the house
46. Watching Charlie try to hop/run on tile floors
47. A phone call from my nieces
48. Flipping through an LTD magazine
49. Imagining the future
50. Sechler's dill pickles
51. Mt. Dew
52. Longer lunch breaks with the kids on Friday
53. My new addiction: Crystal Light Energy (Wild Strawberry)
54. Pay Day Friday's
55. QUEST Friday's
56. Remembering
57. Sleep overs
58. Grey's Anatomy
59. George (my body pillow and yes, he is named after George from Grey's Anatomy)
60. Long afternoon walks with Scooter
61. Smelling the lilacs in my yard
62. Friday's chocolate break
63. My cow mailbox: even though it is broken and leaks and will soon be replaced
64. Working Algebra problems with students (If anyone tells my old Algebra teacher this.....)
65. Any day when a kid doesn't vomit at work
66. Macaroni and Cheese
67. Brand new box of Crayola crayons
68. Midnight jumping parties in the moonwalk
69. "Uhh..you dropped this." "No I didn't."
70. STOMP
71. Ayron singing me my night time song
72. Monday morning "catch up" chats with friends
73. Afternoon jump sessions with my nieces (playing crack the egg with Madison)
74. Watching a student experience a "ah ha" moment during Algebra time
75. Afternoon chit chats with Nikki
76. Music
77. Driving with the windows down and the radio up
78. Goldfish crackers79. Our rotating dinner party group
80. Watching the rain
81. Live radio over the Internet (makes the work day much better)
82. Gardening (although you couldn't tell if you look at my yard now)
83. Bob Evans Cobb Salad (minus the bleu cheese)
84. The Fraggle Rock theme song (cast your cares away, worries for another day)
85. Kroger brand kettle corn
86. Watching bad 80's movies with Ayron
87. Mowing the yard
88. Fuzzy Bunnies (the marshmallow game)
89. Finding the toilet seat has been put down and the toilet paper has been refilled
90. Foaming hand soap sale at Bath and Body Works
91. Giraffes
92. Zebras (If you don't know why, then how well do you really know me?)
93. When everyone else is happy
94. Growing older (age wise) but staying young (at heart)
95. Sales
96. Learning something new
97. When I realize that I have become an adult and it is not that bad
98. Christmas get togethers with the family
99. Playing UNO with grandma (haven't been able to do that in years)
100. Two lines, eventually
1. Ayron
2. Friends
3. Cheese popcorn with a cherry Coke
4. My "boys" Scooter and Charlie
5. scrap booking
6. taking walks
7. flying kites
8. memories
9. purses
10. shoes
11. family
12. pudding
13. roses
14. sunshine
15. sleeping
16. a good laugh
17. McKenna
18. Madison
19. Marisa
20. surviving a rough week
21. picnic in the park
22. quiet moments alone
23. Hot chocolate; anything chocolate for that matter
24. long afternoon naps in my hammock
25. golfing - but only when Phil and I have cart races(FYI: Ayron is way to big to ride on theback of the cart where the bags go)
26. Unexpected flower deliveries
27. blogging
28. Getting a refund instead of paying the IRS
29. Lazy Sunday afternoons
30. Napping with my nieces
31. Mudding
32. Sunday afternoon flying kites with friends
33. Left over stuffed crust pizza
34. Being able to see the bottom of the laundry hamper
35. Cool shower after getting a sunburn
36. Listening to music at work
37. Colored pens
38. An afternoon in Borders
39. Used books from Amazon.com
40. Chatting with Kianne during work hours
41. Sleeping in till 7
42. A freshly made bed
43. Being organized
44. Giving Scooter a belly rub
45. Working on the house
46. Watching Charlie try to hop/run on tile floors
47. A phone call from my nieces
48. Flipping through an LTD magazine
49. Imagining the future
50. Sechler's dill pickles
51. Mt. Dew
52. Longer lunch breaks with the kids on Friday
53. My new addiction: Crystal Light Energy (Wild Strawberry)
54. Pay Day Friday's
55. QUEST Friday's
56. Remembering
57. Sleep overs
58. Grey's Anatomy
59. George (my body pillow and yes, he is named after George from Grey's Anatomy)
60. Long afternoon walks with Scooter
61. Smelling the lilacs in my yard
62. Friday's chocolate break
63. My cow mailbox: even though it is broken and leaks and will soon be replaced
64. Working Algebra problems with students (If anyone tells my old Algebra teacher this.....)
65. Any day when a kid doesn't vomit at work
66. Macaroni and Cheese
67. Brand new box of Crayola crayons
68. Midnight jumping parties in the moonwalk
69. "Uhh..you dropped this." "No I didn't."
70. STOMP
71. Ayron singing me my night time song
72. Monday morning "catch up" chats with friends
73. Afternoon jump sessions with my nieces (playing crack the egg with Madison)
74. Watching a student experience a "ah ha" moment during Algebra time
75. Afternoon chit chats with Nikki
76. Music
77. Driving with the windows down and the radio up
78. Goldfish crackers79. Our rotating dinner party group
80. Watching the rain
81. Live radio over the Internet (makes the work day much better)
82. Gardening (although you couldn't tell if you look at my yard now)
83. Bob Evans Cobb Salad (minus the bleu cheese)
84. The Fraggle Rock theme song (cast your cares away, worries for another day)
85. Kroger brand kettle corn
86. Watching bad 80's movies with Ayron
87. Mowing the yard
88. Fuzzy Bunnies (the marshmallow game)
89. Finding the toilet seat has been put down and the toilet paper has been refilled
90. Foaming hand soap sale at Bath and Body Works
91. Giraffes
92. Zebras (If you don't know why, then how well do you really know me?)
93. When everyone else is happy
94. Growing older (age wise) but staying young (at heart)
95. Sales
96. Learning something new
97. When I realize that I have become an adult and it is not that bad
98. Christmas get togethers with the family
99. Playing UNO with grandma (haven't been able to do that in years)
100. Two lines, eventually
Monday, June 11, 2007
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