May 31, 2008
May 30, 2008
God Through the Ages and the Caribbean
Here is the Anglican church in Nassau, Bahamas that we came upon. We asked the person standing at the front if we could go inside, and he said very tentatively, "Yes." All of us were so glad he did. Honestly, it was so beautiful inside, and it felt like we had been to churchthat week, it was so special.
Here are a few of the many memorials that are all over the side walls. They are beautifully worded, and such a history lesson! Many of these are dated when Nassau was basically a Caribbean shipping port, and slave trading was at it's peak. It was a colonized outpost. In the midst of that, to see the most loving memorials two hundred years later was nothing short of special. It was such an honor to be in this church.
This one above is a memorial to people lost in a shipwreck. Amazing!Click any of these to make them bigger. They are clear to read if you do.
This one above is so heart wretching. You can feel theheartache in the parents who had to bury their child.
This is the memorial that brought me to tears, it's hard to read, so let me tell it to you again. The italics are not mine, the italics and exclamations are part of the actual memorial."In memory of
Emma Clementia Blatch
whom it pleased the Almighty to visit suddenly
in the bloom of life with severe fever
of which she died October 16, 1825 aged 19.
Her earthly remains are deposited
in potter's field...her spirit with God.
Reader! Whoever thou art, let the sight of this monument imprint on thy mind, that young and old without distinction leave this world! Therefore fail not to secure the next."
Emma Clementia Blatch
whom it pleased the Almighty to visit suddenly
in the bloom of life with severe fever
of which she died October 16, 1825 aged 19.
Her earthly remains are deposited
in potter's field...her spirit with God.
Reader! Whoever thou art, let the sight of this monument imprint on thy mind, that young and old without distinction leave this world! Therefore fail not to secure the next."
I think that about says it all.
May 28, 2008
One Aspect of Cruising....
When (not if, please make this something you do before you go to heaven) you ever go on a cruise, there is towel origami! Every day your cabin steward, in our case Ami from Indonesia came with her cheery giggle and while we were sunburning somewhere, she made us towel art. You must see this. It is the coolest and cutest thing. It's such a pleasant surprise when you return to your quarters after a long day of being a tourist. Here are all of them from our trip:
First, this was our cabin for a week. It was a privilege to stay in one that had our own balcony. See that threshold on the floor of the door? That is the one my friend could never maneuver. My bed was the closest to the window. Many a time, I was sprawled out on that bed, only to watch her launch through that door. Wish I had caught that on video.
Upon entry to our cabin, we had a monkey hanging from the light fixtures.
From behind, well, it's a little odd, let's put it that way.
Then we had a crab, intermixed with our daily newsletter from the ship letting
us know the next day's activities.
Next we had the gorilla.
Then we had the frog.
My friend kissing the frog. Cute huh?
The jury was out on this one. It could be a dog or a bunny. We thought it was awfully cute.
First, this was our cabin for a week. It was a privilege to stay in one that had our own balcony. See that threshold on the floor of the door? That is the one my friend could never maneuver. My bed was the closest to the window. Many a time, I was sprawled out on that bed, only to watch her launch through that door. Wish I had caught that on video.
Upon entry to our cabin, we had a monkey hanging from the light fixtures.
From behind, well, it's a little odd, let's put it that way.
Then we had a crab, intermixed with our daily newsletter from the ship lettingus know the next day's activities.
Next we had the gorilla.
Then we had the frog.
My friend kissing the frog. Cute huh?
The jury was out on this one. It could be a dog or a bunny. We thought it was awfully cute.We couldn't take them apart! We put them in the closet of our room. One unfortunate incident happened to the monkey when we did this, his head fell off. By the end of the trip, we had to wave goodbye to our critters in the closet.
More pictures to come! I promise!
More pictures to come! I promise!
In Loving Memory
I am a huge Steven Curtis Chapman fan. I have loved him since the eighties when he had a mullet. His infamous song "I Will Be There" was sung at my wedding sixteen years ago. I rock out often to his song "Dive" on my CD player in my car. I love his music from old to new.
Last weekend his youngest daughter was killed by a car in their front driveway. His youngest three children were adopted from China. The Chapman's have been huge supporters of adoption, specifically, making resources available to families to ease the cost of adoption.
I heard this news from my husband while standing in line to check bags in Miami's airport, and my heart just jumped and sunk.
My most heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Chapman family.
Here are a couple of videos in memory of Maria Sue Chapman 2003-2008. She has journeyed from her earthly father's arms to her heavenly father's. May God heal the family and friends left here to miss her.
Last weekend his youngest daughter was killed by a car in their front driveway. His youngest three children were adopted from China. The Chapman's have been huge supporters of adoption, specifically, making resources available to families to ease the cost of adoption.
I heard this news from my husband while standing in line to check bags in Miami's airport, and my heart just jumped and sunk.
My most heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Chapman family.
Here are a couple of videos in memory of Maria Sue Chapman 2003-2008. She has journeyed from her earthly father's arms to her heavenly father's. May God heal the family and friends left here to miss her.
May 27, 2008
Top Ten Odd Things I Have Done in the Last Week
I am home, and what an adventure! This is the first trip I have taken like this where I haven't been with my husband or a family member that is old enough to be my parent. I took a friend who is a peer. The results, things were a bit more adventurous, and not tempered by "what would my aunt think if I did that?"
Here goes!
10) I rode in a taxi by the hospital in Nassau, Bahamas that Anna Nicole Smith had her baby girl in and her son died in. The taxi was being driven by a drunk taxi driver, though we didn't realize that when we got in the taxi. I had a slight vision of actually being in the hospital myself.
9)I have eaten a lot of adventurous food. Conch (pronounced "conck"), escargot, quail, duck, and plantains. Guess which ones of those I have had before. One of the best restaurants I ate at was a place called "The Poop Deck" in Nassau. I absolutely recommend this restaurant the next time you find yourself in Nassau. The walls are covered with celebrity pictures and autographs who have been there as well. Pictures will be coming soon of that.
8) I had my hair braided/cornrowed.
7) I have been flirted with by men twice my age and half my age, and so was my friend. Neither one of us initiated the flirtation, it was initiated by the men. We both agreed, since we spend most of our time in yoga pants at home with our kids, it's nice to know we still have some looks that are attractive to someone.
6) I got a tattoo. I'll let that fact sit for awhile while the shock wears off of most of you. I'll give you details at the end.
5) I took a shot of tequila, and I haven't done that since college. Don't plan to do it anytime again soon.
4) I snorkeled over the shipwreck Cali in Grand Cayman. Very cool story there, no it wasn't a wartime kind of thing, just maritime logic and maybe a bit too much rum in the decision making. (I recommend clicking on the pictures to make bigger, they are not mine, I found them on the internet, but I was in the exact spot where these were taken. My underwater photos need to be developed still.)
3) I laughed so many times watching my friend walk out onto our balcony of our stateroom (yes, balcony, not everyone got a room like ours), and trip coming back inside. I was usually laying on my bed, and she looked like Peter Pan trying to come through the threshold. It makes me giggle now. I also saw her do that coming out of a bathroom. It was comical by the end of the trip!
2) I stood at a memorial at the Anglican church in Nassau, read the memorial stone, and wept. I will share more on that in a future post. They were not tears of pain, but tears of God's work in the lives of people, not just now, but in 1825 when the memorial was first dedicated.
1) I have chatted (sometimes flirted) with people from all of the following countries: Serbia, Indonesia, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, and I can't think of the others, but I'll get back to you on that.
The tattoo?? It is a henna tattoo. It looks real, and will last for several weeks. But it isn't permanent, but it's been a fun joke to play on others, my husband mainly.
I have also updated my movie list. I saw a lot of movies in hotels that we rented, and also the movies we saw on flights. I have seen more movies in the last week than I have in the last year. I will be doing a completely separate post on the movie "Bella". Extremely tragic story with a wonderful redemptive ending. My friend and I were not just sniffling during this movie, but sobbing. And it has a message about crisis pregnancy. Are you intrigued?
And re-entry is brutal. I have a kitchen that has dishes filling the sink, it didn't have a buffet waiting for me when I got up this morning. I had to make my bed Saturday night when I got home, it wasn't made for me. In fact, the reason it wasn't made was because my husband had my toddler sleeping in it (a big no no when Mommy is home), which he then peed in.
Yep, re-entry is brutal.
Here goes!
10) I rode in a taxi by the hospital in Nassau, Bahamas that Anna Nicole Smith had her baby girl in and her son died in. The taxi was being driven by a drunk taxi driver, though we didn't realize that when we got in the taxi. I had a slight vision of actually being in the hospital myself.
9)I have eaten a lot of adventurous food. Conch (pronounced "conck"), escargot, quail, duck, and plantains. Guess which ones of those I have had before. One of the best restaurants I ate at was a place called "The Poop Deck" in Nassau. I absolutely recommend this restaurant the next time you find yourself in Nassau. The walls are covered with celebrity pictures and autographs who have been there as well. Pictures will be coming soon of that.
8) I had my hair braided/cornrowed.
7) I have been flirted with by men twice my age and half my age, and so was my friend. Neither one of us initiated the flirtation, it was initiated by the men. We both agreed, since we spend most of our time in yoga pants at home with our kids, it's nice to know we still have some looks that are attractive to someone.
6) I got a tattoo. I'll let that fact sit for awhile while the shock wears off of most of you. I'll give you details at the end.
5) I took a shot of tequila, and I haven't done that since college. Don't plan to do it anytime again soon.
4) I snorkeled over the shipwreck Cali in Grand Cayman. Very cool story there, no it wasn't a wartime kind of thing, just maritime logic and maybe a bit too much rum in the decision making. (I recommend clicking on the pictures to make bigger, they are not mine, I found them on the internet, but I was in the exact spot where these were taken. My underwater photos need to be developed still.)
3) I laughed so many times watching my friend walk out onto our balcony of our stateroom (yes, balcony, not everyone got a room like ours), and trip coming back inside. I was usually laying on my bed, and she looked like Peter Pan trying to come through the threshold. It makes me giggle now. I also saw her do that coming out of a bathroom. It was comical by the end of the trip!
2) I stood at a memorial at the Anglican church in Nassau, read the memorial stone, and wept. I will share more on that in a future post. They were not tears of pain, but tears of God's work in the lives of people, not just now, but in 1825 when the memorial was first dedicated.
1) I have chatted (sometimes flirted) with people from all of the following countries: Serbia, Indonesia, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, and I can't think of the others, but I'll get back to you on that.
The tattoo?? It is a henna tattoo. It looks real, and will last for several weeks. But it isn't permanent, but it's been a fun joke to play on others, my husband mainly.
I have also updated my movie list. I saw a lot of movies in hotels that we rented, and also the movies we saw on flights. I have seen more movies in the last week than I have in the last year. I will be doing a completely separate post on the movie "Bella". Extremely tragic story with a wonderful redemptive ending. My friend and I were not just sniffling during this movie, but sobbing. And it has a message about crisis pregnancy. Are you intrigued?
And re-entry is brutal. I have a kitchen that has dishes filling the sink, it didn't have a buffet waiting for me when I got up this morning. I had to make my bed Saturday night when I got home, it wasn't made for me. In fact, the reason it wasn't made was because my husband had my toddler sleeping in it (a big no no when Mommy is home), which he then peed in.
Yep, re-entry is brutal.
May 16, 2008
Twenty Four Hours From Now
T minus twelve hours, I will be getting in the car, heading to the airport.
I will board a plane for LAX. After sitting there for two hours, and meeting up with a friend, we will board a plane for Miami. We will arrive in Miami Saturday evening, to be greeted by reps from my company who will escort us to a fancy schmancy hotel, where I have been given a stipend for our dinner. The stipend, knowing what hotel this is, will pay for salad and ice tea, but who cares?
Sunday morning, awake and refreshed, we will board a the Carnival Fun Ship Liberty. We will pull away from US soil around dinner time. That same evening there will be a captain's fancy pants event to kick this whole shin dig off. We have three ports of call. We will be in Nassau, Bahamas on Monday shopping, I know that for sure. A day or so later, we will be in Grand Cayman, snorkeling. A few days after that, we will be in Cozumel, Mexico. We wanted to ride ATV's there, but my tweaked back won't go for that. We are doing a gourmet dinner there. Nice!
I am going on a cruise with a very near and dear friend of mine. This is all paid for and arranged by my company. It is an incentive trip they give away every year to those who earn it. I have earned it for six years now, and it's not that hard to do. Once I earned the first one, I made it a point to never not earn it. These are the sorts of trips people save a lifetime for.
We are both giggling excited, and yet, right now, we are in the tear away mode. What is that? That is finishing everything up at home so your household can function without you for a week. I have done all the laundry, paid bills, ran errands, bought pet food, had the lawn mowed, talked to the nanny who will stay one night, bought frozen pizza and lasagna, etc. I am not done yet. I have to pack. I have to remember all the things to pack. I should be okay, but I am going to end up packing at 10 pm tonight. Sigh....
This is not the rushed mode I wanted to leave on. My back is limiting me quite a bit. I am mobile now. But quite sore, when it screams, I stop. I need to be able to sit on a plane for 6+ hours without having spasms. I think I have my meds down to a T in such a way, I know when to take them before I need to get going. So laundry has been hard this week, driving is hard, I get tired easily because pain saps my energy, etc. I am a bit rushed. But I will be fine.
Plus, to make this just the best way to leave. My husband's college that he works at has graduation tonight. He has to be there. I have the kids with me. So there is no working on any of this until they are snoring.
And it's extremely hot here right now. We are pushing close to 100 degrees. It is absolutely unseasonable. I like to think it's preparing me for the Caribbean. But one difference is that my room will be air conditioned!
Anyway, I will be posting some fun pictures upon my return. I pray all of you have a great week. I also encourage you to remember that when I return, it will be Memorial Day. We need to remember those past, present and future soldiers who have died for us. The ultimate sacrifice anyone can make is their life. Thousands have done that for us. So while we will be barbecuing, enjoying the sun, and taking a day off. Say a prayer, attend a service in your area, show your kids what it means to memorialize people who are special.
I will board a plane for LAX. After sitting there for two hours, and meeting up with a friend, we will board a plane for Miami. We will arrive in Miami Saturday evening, to be greeted by reps from my company who will escort us to a fancy schmancy hotel, where I have been given a stipend for our dinner. The stipend, knowing what hotel this is, will pay for salad and ice tea, but who cares?
Sunday morning, awake and refreshed, we will board a the Carnival Fun Ship Liberty. We will pull away from US soil around dinner time. That same evening there will be a captain's fancy pants event to kick this whole shin dig off. We have three ports of call. We will be in Nassau, Bahamas on Monday shopping, I know that for sure. A day or so later, we will be in Grand Cayman, snorkeling. A few days after that, we will be in Cozumel, Mexico. We wanted to ride ATV's there, but my tweaked back won't go for that. We are doing a gourmet dinner there. Nice!
I am going on a cruise with a very near and dear friend of mine. This is all paid for and arranged by my company. It is an incentive trip they give away every year to those who earn it. I have earned it for six years now, and it's not that hard to do. Once I earned the first one, I made it a point to never not earn it. These are the sorts of trips people save a lifetime for.
We are both giggling excited, and yet, right now, we are in the tear away mode. What is that? That is finishing everything up at home so your household can function without you for a week. I have done all the laundry, paid bills, ran errands, bought pet food, had the lawn mowed, talked to the nanny who will stay one night, bought frozen pizza and lasagna, etc. I am not done yet. I have to pack. I have to remember all the things to pack. I should be okay, but I am going to end up packing at 10 pm tonight. Sigh....
This is not the rushed mode I wanted to leave on. My back is limiting me quite a bit. I am mobile now. But quite sore, when it screams, I stop. I need to be able to sit on a plane for 6+ hours without having spasms. I think I have my meds down to a T in such a way, I know when to take them before I need to get going. So laundry has been hard this week, driving is hard, I get tired easily because pain saps my energy, etc. I am a bit rushed. But I will be fine.
Plus, to make this just the best way to leave. My husband's college that he works at has graduation tonight. He has to be there. I have the kids with me. So there is no working on any of this until they are snoring.
And it's extremely hot here right now. We are pushing close to 100 degrees. It is absolutely unseasonable. I like to think it's preparing me for the Caribbean. But one difference is that my room will be air conditioned!
Anyway, I will be posting some fun pictures upon my return. I pray all of you have a great week. I also encourage you to remember that when I return, it will be Memorial Day. We need to remember those past, present and future soldiers who have died for us. The ultimate sacrifice anyone can make is their life. Thousands have done that for us. So while we will be barbecuing, enjoying the sun, and taking a day off. Say a prayer, attend a service in your area, show your kids what it means to memorialize people who are special.
May 14, 2008
The Worst is Over
After a few ups and downs, I think the worst of the back problems is over.
I got my meds (muscle relaxers and pain killers) on Saturday evening, which really took the edge off the excruciating pain. Before the muscle relaxers, my lower spine muscles were wound up tight, and any move I would make would send them into a painful spasm. That alone, is frightening. What if you want to roll over in bed? Or worst, just stand up? Getting from a laying position to a standing position was nearly impossible without having a spasm, which would make me collapse on the bed. Ugh!
Anyway, Monday morning, I felt good. I went to a candle party I had that night. Huge mistake. I got there, and no joke, the woman's driveway was a ski slope. Long, steep and winding up a hill. I dragged my stuff up that hill, and knew the second I arrived, that was a mistake. I was uncomfortable the whole night, and sent myself back to square one.
So, Tuesday morning, trying to get out of bed sent me into spasms again. Now, I got serious. I rescheduled my whole week, took my meds, and didn't move. BH brought toys into my bed and he played beside me all day.
In the middle of the night of Tuesday/Wednesday, I had to get up to take meds. It was difficult. The pain is still there.
When I went back to bed after that dosage, I got really worried. It is this Saturday that I leave for the Caribbean cruise I have worked so hard for. Plus, I am bringing a friend with me. If I can't go, she can't go. I am really worried that I can't even put my back in a seated position. I need to be able to fly on a plane for several hours. I fell asleep quite worried.
This morning, I feel good. My back is sore and stiff, but no more spasms. My range of motion to move my hips is better. I can function today, unlike my previous days where I am in bed with my phone and a remote. I am not pushing it though. I am just moving around.
So that is the update. I am feeling better physically and emotionally. I feel comfortable that I will feel even better by Saturday morning when I get on my flight.
Thanks to all of you who prayed for me, have sent me sweet emails, etc. I so appreciate it.
I got my meds (muscle relaxers and pain killers) on Saturday evening, which really took the edge off the excruciating pain. Before the muscle relaxers, my lower spine muscles were wound up tight, and any move I would make would send them into a painful spasm. That alone, is frightening. What if you want to roll over in bed? Or worst, just stand up? Getting from a laying position to a standing position was nearly impossible without having a spasm, which would make me collapse on the bed. Ugh!
Anyway, Monday morning, I felt good. I went to a candle party I had that night. Huge mistake. I got there, and no joke, the woman's driveway was a ski slope. Long, steep and winding up a hill. I dragged my stuff up that hill, and knew the second I arrived, that was a mistake. I was uncomfortable the whole night, and sent myself back to square one.
So, Tuesday morning, trying to get out of bed sent me into spasms again. Now, I got serious. I rescheduled my whole week, took my meds, and didn't move. BH brought toys into my bed and he played beside me all day.
In the middle of the night of Tuesday/Wednesday, I had to get up to take meds. It was difficult. The pain is still there.
When I went back to bed after that dosage, I got really worried. It is this Saturday that I leave for the Caribbean cruise I have worked so hard for. Plus, I am bringing a friend with me. If I can't go, she can't go. I am really worried that I can't even put my back in a seated position. I need to be able to fly on a plane for several hours. I fell asleep quite worried.
This morning, I feel good. My back is sore and stiff, but no more spasms. My range of motion to move my hips is better. I can function today, unlike my previous days where I am in bed with my phone and a remote. I am not pushing it though. I am just moving around.
So that is the update. I am feeling better physically and emotionally. I feel comfortable that I will feel even better by Saturday morning when I get on my flight.
Thanks to all of you who prayed for me, have sent me sweet emails, etc. I so appreciate it.
May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I mean everyone. Including those who haven't given birth, those who want to give birth, those who are mother's to us, etc.
I spent several years wallowing in infertility just hating Mother's Day. I wish all of those mother's a happy Mother's Day too. They will be a mom someday, I am sure. Until then, they are that extra mother in our kid's lives.
What am I doing today? Laying in bed. Ugh!
On Friday evening, just before leaving for a candle party, I wrenched my back. I did this once a long time ago. My husband and I were thinking it was like 1993 or 1994. I have had back problems since then. Usually a few ibuprofen and taking it easy is all it takes.
Not this time. I did on Friday night what I did many years ago. My entire lower back is tightened up. If I barely move, the muscles start to spasm, and that just hurts. I have actually screamed a few times when that happens.
Okay, so on Friday, I was a fool. I thought I could do the candle party anyway....I am embarassed to say, it was a joke. The hostess and her friends were extrememly gracious, understanding, and helpful. But I was embarrassed by my face contorting in pain. Driving home was a nightmare, that is when I screamed a few times. Sitting is the most excruciating position, and that is what you are doing when you're driving.
Didn't sleep much Friday night. Laid in bed all day on Saturday. Asked my husband to take me to an Urgent Care last night. I need muscle relaxers!
We walk in, my husband leaves me there because the kids need him. Lady at the check says, "Take a seat and fill these out." I told her, "No. I can't do that." She smiled and understood. Even walking was dicey. I just shuffled around the waiting room basically to keep the muscles moving and not getting stiff in one position.
Then I am taken to the exam room. "Please take a seat." I say, "Nope, sorry I can't." The whole blood pressure, temperature, etc. is done. Then the little nurse says, "Here put this gown on so that doctor can see your lower back" then leaves. The gowns that are like paper towels.
I didn't think anything of it until I started to reach for my feet to take off my socks. Ummm....no. How long did it take me to put on these yoga pants this morning? About twenty minutes using a clothes hanger to reach the pants to my feet in a horizontal position. No. I decided that since I am wearing yoga pants and a tshirt, the doctor has very good access to my lower back.
When the doctor walked in, he didn't even care about the whole robe/paper towel thing. He agreed that I need to get the muscles chilled out. He is sure nothing is broken, but there are muscle and maybe nerve issues. He gave me prescriptions for pain killers and muscle relaxers.
We run to the pharmacy, we are the last ones served before they closed. Whewie! God is good!
I took the meds at about 8 pm, then at promptly at 2 am this morning, the pain quickly spreads through my back again. Yep, they are right on time for wearing off. I have learned to take them about 30-60 minutes before they are due to "expire". Then there is no pain.
Anyway, that is my Mother's Day this year. I am just glad to be feeling better and having some meds. I get Mother's Day almost every day just because I have two great kids, and a wonderful husband. Hang in there with me for a day or so, my posts may not be so quick to come along, but I am hoping this is all on the mend by the middle to end of this week.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you!
I spent several years wallowing in infertility just hating Mother's Day. I wish all of those mother's a happy Mother's Day too. They will be a mom someday, I am sure. Until then, they are that extra mother in our kid's lives.
What am I doing today? Laying in bed. Ugh!
On Friday evening, just before leaving for a candle party, I wrenched my back. I did this once a long time ago. My husband and I were thinking it was like 1993 or 1994. I have had back problems since then. Usually a few ibuprofen and taking it easy is all it takes.
Not this time. I did on Friday night what I did many years ago. My entire lower back is tightened up. If I barely move, the muscles start to spasm, and that just hurts. I have actually screamed a few times when that happens.
Okay, so on Friday, I was a fool. I thought I could do the candle party anyway....I am embarassed to say, it was a joke. The hostess and her friends were extrememly gracious, understanding, and helpful. But I was embarrassed by my face contorting in pain. Driving home was a nightmare, that is when I screamed a few times. Sitting is the most excruciating position, and that is what you are doing when you're driving.
Didn't sleep much Friday night. Laid in bed all day on Saturday. Asked my husband to take me to an Urgent Care last night. I need muscle relaxers!
We walk in, my husband leaves me there because the kids need him. Lady at the check says, "Take a seat and fill these out." I told her, "No. I can't do that." She smiled and understood. Even walking was dicey. I just shuffled around the waiting room basically to keep the muscles moving and not getting stiff in one position.
Then I am taken to the exam room. "Please take a seat." I say, "Nope, sorry I can't." The whole blood pressure, temperature, etc. is done. Then the little nurse says, "Here put this gown on so that doctor can see your lower back" then leaves. The gowns that are like paper towels.
I didn't think anything of it until I started to reach for my feet to take off my socks. Ummm....no. How long did it take me to put on these yoga pants this morning? About twenty minutes using a clothes hanger to reach the pants to my feet in a horizontal position. No. I decided that since I am wearing yoga pants and a tshirt, the doctor has very good access to my lower back.
When the doctor walked in, he didn't even care about the whole robe/paper towel thing. He agreed that I need to get the muscles chilled out. He is sure nothing is broken, but there are muscle and maybe nerve issues. He gave me prescriptions for pain killers and muscle relaxers.
We run to the pharmacy, we are the last ones served before they closed. Whewie! God is good!
I took the meds at about 8 pm, then at promptly at 2 am this morning, the pain quickly spreads through my back again. Yep, they are right on time for wearing off. I have learned to take them about 30-60 minutes before they are due to "expire". Then there is no pain.
Anyway, that is my Mother's Day this year. I am just glad to be feeling better and having some meds. I get Mother's Day almost every day just because I have two great kids, and a wonderful husband. Hang in there with me for a day or so, my posts may not be so quick to come along, but I am hoping this is all on the mend by the middle to end of this week.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you!
May 9, 2008
A Mommy Moment to Forget
Just in case someone out there thinks life as a mom is all rosey. Not so. Typical morning this morning. Trying to get out the door for school. Invariably, while I am trying to streamline kids to the car, they decide to do something like grab a toy, grab a granola bar, want to go back for a Gameboy game, etc.
This morning. JM has a little skateboard. We have these little toys all over the house. If we need one because a fight has begun over one, I am not joking, I look down a heating vent, and find three. It is maddening!
JM has the skateboard. BH wants it. BH snatches it. BH learned to snatch from his big brother (pet peeve). JM is upset. I tell JM to go find another one. He can't (pet peeve). I tell him too bad. He then goes and finds one. I also make BH give back the snatched one. He flies into a two year old screaming fit.
So, he is getting loaded into the car screaming in my ear, JM is somewhere finding skateboard whatevers. He comes to the van with no toys. Fine, just get in.
THEN!! He drops the skateboard toy on the floor of the van and moves onto the next whatever.
Mommy buttons are now pushed. If he didn't want to play with it, then why did he not just give the silly thing to his brother! No, instead, he had to win the argument. He had to win the silly toy just so he could discard it. And while this is going, BH is still screaming because he couldn't keep the toy he snatched, which is now on the floor of the van. The nonsensical-ness of absolutely maddening! On so many layers.
I won't tell you what happened next.
This morning. JM has a little skateboard. We have these little toys all over the house. If we need one because a fight has begun over one, I am not joking, I look down a heating vent, and find three. It is maddening!
JM has the skateboard. BH wants it. BH snatches it. BH learned to snatch from his big brother (pet peeve). JM is upset. I tell JM to go find another one. He can't (pet peeve). I tell him too bad. He then goes and finds one. I also make BH give back the snatched one. He flies into a two year old screaming fit.
So, he is getting loaded into the car screaming in my ear, JM is somewhere finding skateboard whatevers. He comes to the van with no toys. Fine, just get in.
THEN!! He drops the skateboard toy on the floor of the van and moves onto the next whatever.
Mommy buttons are now pushed. If he didn't want to play with it, then why did he not just give the silly thing to his brother! No, instead, he had to win the argument. He had to win the silly toy just so he could discard it. And while this is going, BH is still screaming because he couldn't keep the toy he snatched, which is now on the floor of the van. The nonsensical-ness of absolutely maddening! On so many layers.
I won't tell you what happened next.
May 6, 2008
Icky Post....but humorous....be warned.....
Have you ever felt first hand "you reap what you sow"? Other religions call is karma, some call it yin and yang. I am a Christian, the others stole from us, God is laughing His head off at me right now.
This morning in my online game, that I play along with several of my readers, I got two huge bonuses. I never get those, I was feeling pretty puffed up. You're lucky to get one, I got two. By the way, ever wondered why Tracy and Angela (under "Blogs I Read") haven't posted much in awhile. They're as addicted to this game as I am.
God got me.
I have hired a friend/electrician to put outlets in my unfinished basement. Mainly, so I can move my office operation downstairs, making the spot upstairs where I currently have my carcass the homeschooling room for the fall.
He is here right now. He is working in the basement. Our dog is kenneled down there. I thought that would be best for two reasons. 1) It looks like rain. The smell of wet dog is nasty. Keep reading, that is the least of my worries. 2) She gets a little stressed out sometimes, and I thought she would feel better in her kennel.
I take BH upstairs for a nap. All is well. I come down to the first floor of our house, and is smelled like feces--badly. Our old cat has had a few continence problems lately, so I search the first floor of the house, while gagging.
Nope, keep going, I go to the basement. Electrician friend is working hard, and I am ready to pass out as the smell gets worse. I just ask him, "What happened??!" He says, "I think it's your dog."
And sure enough, there she is, in her kennel, covered with crap, and stressed out. I take her outside, all the while avoiding her wagging tail. I hose her off. Gagging. I take the bottom tray out of her kennel, hopefully not making a worse mess, take that outside and hosing it off. I hose off her blanket. I hose off our footprints from the house to the yard.
Now I go inside. The smell is mind boggling. Electrician! How could you handle this??! He says, honestly, he really said this, "I passed gas a few times, and didn't think a thing of it, but then it lingered, and I knew something was wrong." Okay, now that is funny!
I am cleaning up the inside of the kennel, etc. Cleaners, lots of paper towels, etc. And you know what two things came to my mind? First. That is exactly what I get for being puffed up about having tow bonuses on a virtual game. Things that aren't even tangible!
The second thing is captured in pictures....if you are a germaphobic, squeamish type. This may gross you out. You have been warned! Be extremely glad you weren't here for it. I have done a lot of hard returns on this so you have the option of bailing now.
It rolls down hill too.
My favorite cleaners and disinfectants for the project.
This morning in my online game, that I play along with several of my readers, I got two huge bonuses. I never get those, I was feeling pretty puffed up. You're lucky to get one, I got two. By the way, ever wondered why Tracy and Angela (under "Blogs I Read") haven't posted much in awhile. They're as addicted to this game as I am.
God got me.
I have hired a friend/electrician to put outlets in my unfinished basement. Mainly, so I can move my office operation downstairs, making the spot upstairs where I currently have my carcass the homeschooling room for the fall.
He is here right now. He is working in the basement. Our dog is kenneled down there. I thought that would be best for two reasons. 1) It looks like rain. The smell of wet dog is nasty. Keep reading, that is the least of my worries. 2) She gets a little stressed out sometimes, and I thought she would feel better in her kennel.
I take BH upstairs for a nap. All is well. I come down to the first floor of our house, and is smelled like feces--badly. Our old cat has had a few continence problems lately, so I search the first floor of the house, while gagging.
Nope, keep going, I go to the basement. Electrician friend is working hard, and I am ready to pass out as the smell gets worse. I just ask him, "What happened??!" He says, "I think it's your dog."
And sure enough, there she is, in her kennel, covered with crap, and stressed out. I take her outside, all the while avoiding her wagging tail. I hose her off. Gagging. I take the bottom tray out of her kennel, hopefully not making a worse mess, take that outside and hosing it off. I hose off her blanket. I hose off our footprints from the house to the yard.
Now I go inside. The smell is mind boggling. Electrician! How could you handle this??! He says, honestly, he really said this, "I passed gas a few times, and didn't think a thing of it, but then it lingered, and I knew something was wrong." Okay, now that is funny!
I am cleaning up the inside of the kennel, etc. Cleaners, lots of paper towels, etc. And you know what two things came to my mind? First. That is exactly what I get for being puffed up about having tow bonuses on a virtual game. Things that aren't even tangible!
The second thing is captured in pictures....if you are a germaphobic, squeamish type. This may gross you out. You have been warned! Be extremely glad you weren't here for it. I have done a lot of hard returns on this so you have the option of bailing now.
Look, the S**T hit the fan!!
It rolls down hill too.
My favorite cleaners and disinfectants for the project.May 4, 2008
Let me tell you what I know....
This is very important. I learned all of these statistics when I worked at Pregnancy Resource Center. I was the queen of knowledge for STD's (Sexually Transmitted Disease). The running joke was I could scare monogamous couples to be abstinent.
Here are the numbers:
* Most STD's do not have symptoms. Or if they do, they are ever so slight, the person doesn't notice.
* One in three people (this number was from 8 years ago, this could, and probably is, worse by now) have an STD and don't know it. Stop and read that again. That is huge. Look at the cars you are sitting by at a light. Look at the drivers, count up about twelve of them, four of them have an STD and don't know it.
* More women die per year from cervical cancer, caused by Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), than do from AIDS or even other cancers. Human PAPiloma Virus....get it?? PAP smear. Our yearly checkup. We are being checked for precancerous cells annually. I didn't know that they were really checking for an STD related cancer for a long time.
* Herpes (the one that causes outbreaks of blisters, and has no cure) transmissions are caused most often when the carrier is not having an outbreak. The long running belief was that you were only contagious during an outbreak. Not so.
My point here being, you can have an STD, be transmitting it to others, and not even know it. Your health is also in jeopardy. Cancer cells could be growing!
Way back when this was my specialty, there was a song on the radio that was a big hit called "Mambo Number Five". It was this catchy little tune where the artist lists off women he has slept with. I read an interview with the artist and he fully admits these were actual conquests in his life. I just can't imagine listening to the radio, a song from a lover comes on, and your name is listed with a whole bunch of other women. That had to be mortifying as one of the girls.
So, what did I do? I listened to that song about a dozen times to get the full list of women. There are twelve women and one name is doubled up.
Let's do the math. If you have slept with someone, you have also slept with all of the lovers that person has slept with. You need to accept that fact in the world of STD's. So, this man has named twelve women he has slept with and let's assume those women have each slept with twelve guys. It ain't far fetched in our world right now.
Do you know how many people he has been exposed to for an STD? 144,000 plus.
I am sure one of those people has one, don't you think?
I put this scenario into a little chart and put it in the waiting room of our PRC, and just watched.
Many gals just slammed the book shut, said something I won't repeat, sat back, and gazed at the ceiling. I am sure they were doing some math in their heads.
Okay, but what about the person who says, "I get checked (tested for STD's) often, I am fine." Honestly, that is great. I wish more people did. But what happens when it comes back positive to a disease that is incurable? Herpes and AIDS are the biggies for that. Getting checked is great, but it's not preventative. It's finding out the bad news and then back peddling.
What works? Abstinance before marriage, and once married, staying faithful.
I have been married almost sixteen years. I have never ever ever had to worry about contracting an STD and my annual exam is a waste of my time. I do it anyway mainly because one can still get cervical cancer even without HPV.
What do I think about the HPV vaccine that is touted these days and we see the adds for? I don't think it's a bad thing. But the adds are completely misleading. It is a vaccine against an STD. I will also teach any daughters I may have in the future this very thing. You can take a vaccine, that has it's own sets of risks, or play by the rules God has given us to protect us.
Abstinance works. It is 100% effective against STD's and unplanned pregnancy.
Condoms? Really? I promise you they don't work. I would see about once a week at PRC a girl pregnant after having sex using a condom. If they don't work for pregnancy and blocking men's swimmers, they certainly don't work blocking microscopically tinier bacteria and viruses.
Now, most of my readers are fuddy duddy adults who don't go partying at the clubs, meet people on craigslist for entertainment purposes, etc. But we need to know this. It has happened to me more than I care to think about.
I am sitting in a room with thirty-something professional women. We start talking about something like Britney Spears or Paris Hilton. One of Hollywood's tarts that have bad reputations. Paris more than anything because she keeps letting sex tapes go on the internet. I usually say something like, "She'd better get checked, I am sure she has an STD." I get the question, "Really? How come?" My answer is "One in three people have one and don't know it. With as many partners she's had, for her health, she needs to get checked." And it goes from there. It is friendly.
What shocks me every time. These highly professional, knowledgeable women don't know this at all. Then it becomes close girlfriend talk. I hear about the ex husband that gave one woman herpes. It caused complications in later childbirth. The woman who is having fertility problems because of scar tissue on her fallopian tubes. Or the other woman who has had to have a lot of her cervix laser/burned to remove precancerous cells. Carrying a pregnancy full term is dicey for her. Her cervix may not be able to hold a baby.
These women are wearing business suits, living in houses way nicer than mine, and driving cars way nicer than mine. They have it all, but they don't have their health.
This is important.
Here are the numbers:
* Most STD's do not have symptoms. Or if they do, they are ever so slight, the person doesn't notice.
* One in three people (this number was from 8 years ago, this could, and probably is, worse by now) have an STD and don't know it. Stop and read that again. That is huge. Look at the cars you are sitting by at a light. Look at the drivers, count up about twelve of them, four of them have an STD and don't know it.
* More women die per year from cervical cancer, caused by Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), than do from AIDS or even other cancers. Human PAPiloma Virus....get it?? PAP smear. Our yearly checkup. We are being checked for precancerous cells annually. I didn't know that they were really checking for an STD related cancer for a long time.
* Herpes (the one that causes outbreaks of blisters, and has no cure) transmissions are caused most often when the carrier is not having an outbreak. The long running belief was that you were only contagious during an outbreak. Not so.
My point here being, you can have an STD, be transmitting it to others, and not even know it. Your health is also in jeopardy. Cancer cells could be growing!
Way back when this was my specialty, there was a song on the radio that was a big hit called "Mambo Number Five". It was this catchy little tune where the artist lists off women he has slept with. I read an interview with the artist and he fully admits these were actual conquests in his life. I just can't imagine listening to the radio, a song from a lover comes on, and your name is listed with a whole bunch of other women. That had to be mortifying as one of the girls.
So, what did I do? I listened to that song about a dozen times to get the full list of women. There are twelve women and one name is doubled up.
Let's do the math. If you have slept with someone, you have also slept with all of the lovers that person has slept with. You need to accept that fact in the world of STD's. So, this man has named twelve women he has slept with and let's assume those women have each slept with twelve guys. It ain't far fetched in our world right now.
Do you know how many people he has been exposed to for an STD? 144,000 plus.
I am sure one of those people has one, don't you think?
I put this scenario into a little chart and put it in the waiting room of our PRC, and just watched.
Many gals just slammed the book shut, said something I won't repeat, sat back, and gazed at the ceiling. I am sure they were doing some math in their heads.
Okay, but what about the person who says, "I get checked (tested for STD's) often, I am fine." Honestly, that is great. I wish more people did. But what happens when it comes back positive to a disease that is incurable? Herpes and AIDS are the biggies for that. Getting checked is great, but it's not preventative. It's finding out the bad news and then back peddling.
What works? Abstinance before marriage, and once married, staying faithful.
I have been married almost sixteen years. I have never ever ever had to worry about contracting an STD and my annual exam is a waste of my time. I do it anyway mainly because one can still get cervical cancer even without HPV.
What do I think about the HPV vaccine that is touted these days and we see the adds for? I don't think it's a bad thing. But the adds are completely misleading. It is a vaccine against an STD. I will also teach any daughters I may have in the future this very thing. You can take a vaccine, that has it's own sets of risks, or play by the rules God has given us to protect us.
Abstinance works. It is 100% effective against STD's and unplanned pregnancy.
Condoms? Really? I promise you they don't work. I would see about once a week at PRC a girl pregnant after having sex using a condom. If they don't work for pregnancy and blocking men's swimmers, they certainly don't work blocking microscopically tinier bacteria and viruses.
Now, most of my readers are fuddy duddy adults who don't go partying at the clubs, meet people on craigslist for entertainment purposes, etc. But we need to know this. It has happened to me more than I care to think about.
I am sitting in a room with thirty-something professional women. We start talking about something like Britney Spears or Paris Hilton. One of Hollywood's tarts that have bad reputations. Paris more than anything because she keeps letting sex tapes go on the internet. I usually say something like, "She'd better get checked, I am sure she has an STD." I get the question, "Really? How come?" My answer is "One in three people have one and don't know it. With as many partners she's had, for her health, she needs to get checked." And it goes from there. It is friendly.
What shocks me every time. These highly professional, knowledgeable women don't know this at all. Then it becomes close girlfriend talk. I hear about the ex husband that gave one woman herpes. It caused complications in later childbirth. The woman who is having fertility problems because of scar tissue on her fallopian tubes. Or the other woman who has had to have a lot of her cervix laser/burned to remove precancerous cells. Carrying a pregnancy full term is dicey for her. Her cervix may not be able to hold a baby.
These women are wearing business suits, living in houses way nicer than mine, and driving cars way nicer than mine. They have it all, but they don't have their health.
This is important.
May 1, 2008
What in the world is going on?
I have been in mom mode for several years now. I have heard of friends say that as their kids approach school age they suddenly feel useful again. I disagree with that but I am beginning to feel what they are talking about. I disagree mainly because I am certainly useful when my kids are babies and toddlers.
But useful outside of the home. I just think God is up to something with me. I am not sure what it is, and I am just waiting, listening and being attentive.
Got a call today from someone....I gotta be careful here. I have been asked to mentor someone who really could use a mentor like me, I guess, who has the messed up past that I do. And that is great! I fully embrace my yucky past, because it shines the light of God's grace and mercy in my life upon Him. If it weren't for him, it would still be a trainwreck.
Now remember, I poured my guts out at an event last week sharing my testimony. And I have been asked to do a few more things. I do need to say "no" at some point, but something is going on here.
And this person calls me today, now knowing I spoke at the event last week. I just think something is going on.
I want to be attentive. And yet, I do know that my focused ministry in my life right now is my kids. I have homeschooling to prepare for. I need to sit back, listen, watch, etc.
I am quite tingly thinking about what is going to happen with all of these strange requests that seem to have one thing in common--my icky past. Strange huh?
But useful outside of the home. I just think God is up to something with me. I am not sure what it is, and I am just waiting, listening and being attentive.
Got a call today from someone....I gotta be careful here. I have been asked to mentor someone who really could use a mentor like me, I guess, who has the messed up past that I do. And that is great! I fully embrace my yucky past, because it shines the light of God's grace and mercy in my life upon Him. If it weren't for him, it would still be a trainwreck.
Now remember, I poured my guts out at an event last week sharing my testimony. And I have been asked to do a few more things. I do need to say "no" at some point, but something is going on here.
And this person calls me today, now knowing I spoke at the event last week. I just think something is going on.
I want to be attentive. And yet, I do know that my focused ministry in my life right now is my kids. I have homeschooling to prepare for. I need to sit back, listen, watch, etc.
I am quite tingly thinking about what is going to happen with all of these strange requests that seem to have one thing in common--my icky past. Strange huh?
First Fruits in a Global Marketplace
I don't know about where you live, but where I live you can feel it in the air. Strawberry season is coming! There is a huge local market for them here. But it's not quite time yet. Last night at my local Safeway, they had two quart containers of the most handsome strawberries for $8.99. Nice! So we are enjoying what I believe to be first crop strawberries from California.
I am not kidding, not one bad strawberry in the bunch. My kids think strawberries are candy, and I let them eat them without regard. Strawberries are so full of nutrients.
Getting the crop ready.
Enjoying a bowl of nature's candy.
Okay, what happened here? This is our backyard. My lawn mowning guy, who I pay to do my lawn is about to get fired. He keeps driving by saying he'll be here soon with his mower. He needs a hay baler at this point. Why am I heading to the backyard?
Because my little ladies get to enjoy first fruits as well. They chomp on all the hulls. They love them, and greens are great for their diet as well.
Plus, if they are eating well, their eggs are even better.
I am not kidding, not one bad strawberry in the bunch. My kids think strawberries are candy, and I let them eat them without regard. Strawberries are so full of nutrients.
Getting the crop ready.
Enjoying a bowl of nature's candy.
Okay, what happened here? This is our backyard. My lawn mowning guy, who I pay to do my lawn is about to get fired. He keeps driving by saying he'll be here soon with his mower. He needs a hay baler at this point. Why am I heading to the backyard?
Because my little ladies get to enjoy first fruits as well. They chomp on all the hulls. They love them, and greens are great for their diet as well.Plus, if they are eating well, their eggs are even better.
Registering for everything!
As summer quickly approaches, I feel like I am registering my kids for everything. My hubbie brought me two registration forms recently.
Here is the list:
BH's preschool for next fall, done.
JM's skate church.
JM's Bible camp this summer, done.
JM's day camp this summer, not done.
JM's Connections Academy school for the fall, not done.
BH's swimming lessons this summer, not done.
JM's free basketball camp this summer, done.
Yes, it seems like JM will be busy this summer. So as we begin the process of homeschooling, I think we can all agree, he won't be a hermit at home with mom.
I need to get smart. All of these ask for doctor's information, insurance information, shot information. And every time, I just go dig it all out. I need to photocopy one of them. Then I have it on one sheet.
Am I the only one who gets sucked into this kind of thinking.....When summer comes, and school is out, we'll have some free time. When summer is over and school starts, we'll have some free time.
I am not feeling it this year. I am feeling my free time just getting squeezed out of me!
Here is the list:
BH's preschool for next fall, done.
JM's skate church.
JM's Bible camp this summer, done.
JM's day camp this summer, not done.
JM's Connections Academy school for the fall, not done.
BH's swimming lessons this summer, not done.
JM's free basketball camp this summer, done.
Yes, it seems like JM will be busy this summer. So as we begin the process of homeschooling, I think we can all agree, he won't be a hermit at home with mom.
I need to get smart. All of these ask for doctor's information, insurance information, shot information. And every time, I just go dig it all out. I need to photocopy one of them. Then I have it on one sheet.
Am I the only one who gets sucked into this kind of thinking.....When summer comes, and school is out, we'll have some free time. When summer is over and school starts, we'll have some free time.
I am not feeling it this year. I am feeling my free time just getting squeezed out of me!
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