- I took Sweetie and the Middle Mann to Chicago when she was 3 1/2 and he was almost 1. We were gone for 3 weeks. Poor little guy didn't poop the whole time we were gone. Seriously!
- I know it's sinful, but Softie and I went camping over Labor Day weekend before we were married. Princess Diana was killed that weekend. Ugh.
- I'd been hired to replace a gal who had gone to school to be a teacher. She was just about done and getting ready to student teach. I was supposed to train into her position for about 3 months. Three weeks after starting this job, I got married and we went on our honeymoon. While we were gone, the person whose position I was hired to fill was brutally attacked by her ex-boyfriend and she nearly died. Horrible for her. Oh, and on that same vacation, John F. Kennedy, Jr. died. Not as personal of a connection, but this does contribute to the fear celebrities should have when I'm not working.
- When Hunter was about 10 months old, we took a family vacation for 10 days to the Bahamas. Upon our return, Mr. Mann didn't work for four months.
- I took a week off in July 2004 during which my sister had a stroke and ended up living with us for a year and a half.
- Last January, I took off time to be with my sister when she died.
- This year, I took a week off for Christmas to be with my family and take advantage of the benefit of the very gracious amount of PTO offered by my company. Grandma died.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Are vacations really a good thing?
So, I made it through my week off and only one person died. Do you realize that bad things tend to happen to people when I go on vacation? Really weird, bad things...let's look at my track record.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
what a waking...
There I was, sleeping in my bed. All warm and snuggled in between my two favorite sleeping partners, snores-a-lot and snores-more-than-him. It was 4:30am. Without warning, the Big Mann's phone rings. This is not an unusual occurence since that's how we find out if he's working everyday. I was actually very excited to hear the phone ring since he has not been called to work since school let out on break a day earlier than expected (because of the wind storm and the power outage).
While he was on the call, I couldn't tell who he was talking to. He didn't sound particularly happy. He actually sounded very surprised. He expressed disbelief to the caller and apologies, but he didn't mention anything about being able to take the run. He didn't ask the standard questions of when he would need to be ready by or which location to show up to. As he ended the call, he told whomever it was that he'd let me know.
Grandma died in her sleep.
I don't really have much to say about it. She was old and had lived a very full life. She was married for over 66 years to Grandpa. They had six children together who are all grown with families of their own, and they all love the Lord. She has been an amazing example of patience and endurance in the different faces of adversity that came into her life.
She fell a couple months back and broke her neck. I haven't held out much hope for a full recovery. I'm sure that makes it seem like I have a very cold and hard heart.
Probably I do.
While he was on the call, I couldn't tell who he was talking to. He didn't sound particularly happy. He actually sounded very surprised. He expressed disbelief to the caller and apologies, but he didn't mention anything about being able to take the run. He didn't ask the standard questions of when he would need to be ready by or which location to show up to. As he ended the call, he told whomever it was that he'd let me know.
Grandma died in her sleep.
I don't really have much to say about it. She was old and had lived a very full life. She was married for over 66 years to Grandpa. They had six children together who are all grown with families of their own, and they all love the Lord. She has been an amazing example of patience and endurance in the different faces of adversity that came into her life.
She fell a couple months back and broke her neck. I haven't held out much hope for a full recovery. I'm sure that makes it seem like I have a very cold and hard heart.
Probably I do.
Friday, December 22, 2006
More to say
I think I have more to say. I feel pretty contemplative. It's funny though, because although my essence (and I don't mean that in an uber-phenomenal, hyper-spiritualized way. It just reads better than my 'ness, don'cha think?) is quiet, there's really nothing going on in my head. I think.
Maybe I've just really slept well this week. I've certainly slept enough. It's been a VERY rest-filled week. I have also had some very interesting dreams this week.
I would love to know if dreams actually mean anything. I hope they don't point to some internal serious issues! They're not as ewww-ish as they were a couple of weeks ago, but certainly they are relatively troubling.
I wonder about my dreams pretty regularly. I could probably blog about my dreams and support another whole blog with them.
I enjoy blogging, but I think that putting out the intimate details of my dreams out here on the triple dubs is maybe showing too much of myself. Modesty has some kind of long term promise, doesn't it?
Maybe I've just really slept well this week. I've certainly slept enough. It's been a VERY rest-filled week. I have also had some very interesting dreams this week.
I would love to know if dreams actually mean anything. I hope they don't point to some internal serious issues! They're not as ewww-ish as they were a couple of weeks ago, but certainly they are relatively troubling.
I wonder about my dreams pretty regularly. I could probably blog about my dreams and support another whole blog with them.
I enjoy blogging, but I think that putting out the intimate details of my dreams out here on the triple dubs is maybe showing too much of myself. Modesty has some kind of long term promise, doesn't it?
All I want for Christmas
I have been forced to think about what I might want to put on my Christmas list this year. It's been a bit of a struggle for me. There's pretty much only been one thing that I really want and it's bugging the poopie out of my spouse. He says that I'm ruining the whole meaning of Christmas by not wanting to have a bunch of stuff on my list.
We have very different opinions about the meaning of Christmas, quite clearly.
Where as he would like a little bit of this and a little bit of that, I would like mostly only intangibles or impossibles.
I would like more time. More time to enjoy every minute of my life. The kind of time that stops and lets me soak in every wonderful part of every moment with my kids. The kind of time that allows me to see the good in those around me. The kind of time that allows me to be rested. The kind of time that forces me to not procrastinate. The kind of time that eliminates regret when those I love aren't with me.
I would also like to have time that allows for re-do's. Not that I regret many actions that I've taken in my life. I wouldn't be who I am without having done all that I did, but there are places in my life that I don't think I appreciated enough.
Appreciation isn't something that you can just plug in and start up, I don't think. I think it's a character trait. The kind of thing that you really have to work toward. Is there a book or something that I can read or a special kind of tea that enhances appreciation?
Time and appreciation. Is that too much to ask for? It is Christmas after all, right?
We have very different opinions about the meaning of Christmas, quite clearly.
Where as he would like a little bit of this and a little bit of that, I would like mostly only intangibles or impossibles.
I would like more time. More time to enjoy every minute of my life. The kind of time that stops and lets me soak in every wonderful part of every moment with my kids. The kind of time that allows me to see the good in those around me. The kind of time that allows me to be rested. The kind of time that forces me to not procrastinate. The kind of time that eliminates regret when those I love aren't with me.
I would also like to have time that allows for re-do's. Not that I regret many actions that I've taken in my life. I wouldn't be who I am without having done all that I did, but there are places in my life that I don't think I appreciated enough.
Appreciation isn't something that you can just plug in and start up, I don't think. I think it's a character trait. The kind of thing that you really have to work toward. Is there a book or something that I can read or a special kind of tea that enhances appreciation?
Time and appreciation. Is that too much to ask for? It is Christmas after all, right?
Grandma and heaven
First of all, is heaven supposed to be capitalized? It's a real place. It's holy, like God is holy. God is capitalized. Even when I refer to Him in the middle of a sentence as a pronoun, the pronoun is capitalized. Hmm...something to think about. Probably it should be. I welcome feedback on this. :-)
Anyway, I found out yesterday that my Grandma isn't going to live for very long. A little over a week ago, I was informed that she had choked on her breakfast and was in the hospital with aspiration pneumonia. Her blood pressure spiked to more than 240/something that was WAY too high. She also had a very high fever. Apparently, they were able to drug her up enough to make her blood pressure go down and get the infection under control, but they have not been able to help her swallow any better.
Although Grandma was discharged from the hospital back to the nursing home within a few days, there is definitely something not quite right. On Wednesday, my mom, 2 of her 5 siblings, along with my grandpa and the doctor met to talk about things. There were lots of tears and after lots of discussion, it was decided that Grandma did not want a feeding tube. Her dimentia has progressed significantly and she's expressing a lot of fear about not really understanding what's going on. It's sad, but it's real. She's going to die within a few weeks.
I'm not really sure what to feel about it. I told the family last night and the middle mann's reaction was so sweet. He hung his head down, fussed with his hair and said, "um, that's not cool that Grandma is going to die...ugh...um, well, is she going to get to go to Heaven?" How sweet is that? Both of the boys are pretty upset by the news. The sweet innocence of these two little boys. When they heard that she'd get to do to Heaven, it suddenly became okay that she is going to die.
Softie, on the other hand, is not going so well. I think when he sees my grandparents, he actually sees the reality of his own parents. They are the same age. He's had a very distant relationship
with his dad for more years than I've known him. In fact, they spoke for only the second time in the 11 years I known him on Father's Day this year. I know that when he sees my grandparents deterioration, it really hits home that his own parents will go soon. That the time frame for healing the relationship with his dad is limited. AND that he doesn't know how to build the bridge to reconciliation.
Anyway, I found out yesterday that my Grandma isn't going to live for very long. A little over a week ago, I was informed that she had choked on her breakfast and was in the hospital with aspiration pneumonia. Her blood pressure spiked to more than 240/something that was WAY too high. She also had a very high fever. Apparently, they were able to drug her up enough to make her blood pressure go down and get the infection under control, but they have not been able to help her swallow any better.
Although Grandma was discharged from the hospital back to the nursing home within a few days, there is definitely something not quite right. On Wednesday, my mom, 2 of her 5 siblings, along with my grandpa and the doctor met to talk about things. There were lots of tears and after lots of discussion, it was decided that Grandma did not want a feeding tube. Her dimentia has progressed significantly and she's expressing a lot of fear about not really understanding what's going on. It's sad, but it's real. She's going to die within a few weeks.
I'm not really sure what to feel about it. I told the family last night and the middle mann's reaction was so sweet. He hung his head down, fussed with his hair and said, "um, that's not cool that Grandma is going to die...ugh...um, well, is she going to get to go to Heaven?" How sweet is that? Both of the boys are pretty upset by the news. The sweet innocence of these two little boys. When they heard that she'd get to do to Heaven, it suddenly became okay that she is going to die.
Softie, on the other hand, is not going so well. I think when he sees my grandparents, he actually sees the reality of his own parents. They are the same age. He's had a very distant relationship
with his dad for more years than I've known him. In fact, they spoke for only the second time in the 11 years I known him on Father's Day this year. I know that when he sees my grandparents deterioration, it really hits home that his own parents will go soon. That the time frame for healing the relationship with his dad is limited. AND that he doesn't know how to build the bridge to reconciliation.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
How'm I doin'?
A few days ago, I posted a list. I thought it might be good to take inventory of where I am as of today. There's only a little more than 3 days to go before the big day. Lots of things have happened since I made the list, so I'm VERY interested to see where I stand with it.
1. Clean up stuff around the house (this probably needs to be its own list so that I'll feel more like it's accomplishable) Although I never did make an additional list to clean from, I'm pretty sure I know where I'm at. I think, if I continue at the pace that I'm currently cleaning at, I'll be ready for my mom to come in without too much badgering about the state of my home.
2. Make a list of who I'm buying for and what they're going to get from me. Indeed, again! Although I did not make an actual list on paper, I have listed several times outloud and I'm pretty sure I'm on a good track here too! Weird!
3. Beat the small one until he believes me when I tell him he's the kid and I'm the parent. (this can probably wait, but it would certainly be nice to accomplish before the big day) Interestingly, this did not take beating. Apparently, he fears the power of Santa! We talked to him about how Santa knows if you've been naughty or nice. This has been very successful for us.
4. Call the Tacoma Rescue Mission about serving meals on Christmas Day. Rick signed us up today. Apparently, they'll call us to set something up.
5. Figure out what to do with the boys during that time. Right now, I'm thinking we'll bring them with us.
6. Come up with something really fantabulous that we can initiate as a new tradition since Michelle's gone. Something we've never done before that would honor and remember her. Okay, this one I have nailed! The only thing is that my brother isn't really on board for doing it in association with Christmas. He was very fervent about his disapproval so I'm not sure we'll actually do it on Christmas, but I can certainly introduce the idea and get totally ready to celebrate her life on the 11th of January (the one year anniversary of her death).
7. Study for my TEST! This must be done by Thursday. My boss has mandated such. I know you're going to be shocked, but I did not take the test last week. It was utterly CRAZY at work and there was not a moment to steal away, let alone 2 hours to take off and test! I'm calling tomorrow morning. If they're open, I might go take it. Depends on how I do on my practice test tonight.
8. Drop off donations at the Salvation Army. There's so much to go and...ooo, another item. Dude! It's all just sitting in my van! And I've gone through a ton of my clothes! There's no reason for me not to have completed this. I think I'm seeing a pattern here. Looks like tomorrow is going to be a very, very busy day!
9. Finish cleaning up my room and put all my clothes away (for real), getting rid of those that I don't need/want anymore. I have made pretty good progress on this. You might not know it looking at the room for yourself, but I know. It's come a long way, baby!!
10. Make that damn dress for the smallest grandchild. Opted out. I bought one instead.
11. Don't think of the project as a damn project, but rather as an intelligent expression of my, um, ability to do nice things for people I really don't know. Maybe I'll make it for her birthday. It's in March. That's do-able. Right??
12. Tour a new day care. Tomorrow.
13. Make a decision about changing day cares once and for all. I have until Tuesday morning to do this. It's probably going to pend the daycare visit.
14. Bake? Nope.
15. Decide what I'm making for Christmas dinner. Ham - AND I've already bought it!
16. Buy the ingredients for said dinner. As I said! Done!!
17. Pray more...ever... I actually have prayed this week
18. Read the bible more....outside of Sunday during the sermon...I, um, haven't.
19. Trust God more....ever...without facing incredible adversity...I pretty much feel pretty good about this one.
20. REFILL MY MEDS!! What's wrong with me?? I'm so not batting even .500 here. I am SO going to have a busy day tomorrow. Don't worry though, I've been stealing the Big Mann's. Thank goodness, we take the same stuff!
1. Clean up stuff around the house (this probably needs to be its own list so that I'll feel more like it's accomplishable) Although I never did make an additional list to clean from, I'm pretty sure I know where I'm at. I think, if I continue at the pace that I'm currently cleaning at, I'll be ready for my mom to come in without too much badgering about the state of my home.
2. Make a list of who I'm buying for and what they're going to get from me. Indeed, again! Although I did not make an actual list on paper, I have listed several times outloud and I'm pretty sure I'm on a good track here too! Weird!
3. Beat the small one until he believes me when I tell him he's the kid and I'm the parent. (this can probably wait, but it would certainly be nice to accomplish before the big day) Interestingly, this did not take beating. Apparently, he fears the power of Santa! We talked to him about how Santa knows if you've been naughty or nice. This has been very successful for us.
4. Call the Tacoma Rescue Mission about serving meals on Christmas Day. Rick signed us up today. Apparently, they'll call us to set something up.
5. Figure out what to do with the boys during that time. Right now, I'm thinking we'll bring them with us.
6. Come up with something really fantabulous that we can initiate as a new tradition since Michelle's gone. Something we've never done before that would honor and remember her. Okay, this one I have nailed! The only thing is that my brother isn't really on board for doing it in association with Christmas. He was very fervent about his disapproval so I'm not sure we'll actually do it on Christmas, but I can certainly introduce the idea and get totally ready to celebrate her life on the 11th of January (the one year anniversary of her death).
7. Study for my TEST! This must be done by Thursday. My boss has mandated such. I know you're going to be shocked, but I did not take the test last week. It was utterly CRAZY at work and there was not a moment to steal away, let alone 2 hours to take off and test! I'm calling tomorrow morning. If they're open, I might go take it. Depends on how I do on my practice test tonight.
8. Drop off donations at the Salvation Army. There's so much to go and...ooo, another item. Dude! It's all just sitting in my van! And I've gone through a ton of my clothes! There's no reason for me not to have completed this. I think I'm seeing a pattern here. Looks like tomorrow is going to be a very, very busy day!
9. Finish cleaning up my room and put all my clothes away (for real), getting rid of those that I don't need/want anymore. I have made pretty good progress on this. You might not know it looking at the room for yourself, but I know. It's come a long way, baby!!
10. Make that damn dress for the smallest grandchild. Opted out. I bought one instead.
11. Don't think of the project as a damn project, but rather as an intelligent expression of my, um, ability to do nice things for people I really don't know. Maybe I'll make it for her birthday. It's in March. That's do-able. Right??
12. Tour a new day care. Tomorrow.
13. Make a decision about changing day cares once and for all. I have until Tuesday morning to do this. It's probably going to pend the daycare visit.
14. Bake? Nope.
15. Decide what I'm making for Christmas dinner. Ham - AND I've already bought it!
16. Buy the ingredients for said dinner. As I said! Done!!
17. Pray more...ever... I actually have prayed this week
18. Read the bible more....outside of Sunday during the sermon...I, um, haven't.
19. Trust God more....ever...without facing incredible adversity...I pretty much feel pretty good about this one.
20. REFILL MY MEDS!! What's wrong with me?? I'm so not batting even .500 here. I am SO going to have a busy day tomorrow. Don't worry though, I've been stealing the Big Mann's. Thank goodness, we take the same stuff!
I guess I should post...
I've been on vacation since last Thursday. Vacation from work. Vacation from waking up on time. Vacation from eating right. Vacation from going to bed at a normal hour. Vacation from not getting to nap in the middle of the day. Vacation!
Silly thing though, since I've been off work, the people I live with seem to think that there's something going on in my head and heart. I'm not sure if they're right. It could be simply a lack of structure. Or is that just me wishing that there's nothing else to it?
Also of note is the 2+ days without power. It was pretty fun actually. I read to the kids for a couple of hours. We all sat together by the fireplace and listened to the wind up radio. We kept our milk outside because it was colder out there than in the fridge. I think we made out pretty well, compared to others in our area. I think there are actually still people without power. It will be a full week tomorrow. Softie just told me that some of the power companies have asked that people not light their Christmas lights because of the drain on the power supply. He said that the power company has apparently threatened to turn off the power to homes with outside lights that are lit. WOW! What's that? I've heard of water rations, but power rations?
Silly thing though, since I've been off work, the people I live with seem to think that there's something going on in my head and heart. I'm not sure if they're right. It could be simply a lack of structure. Or is that just me wishing that there's nothing else to it?
Also of note is the 2+ days without power. It was pretty fun actually. I read to the kids for a couple of hours. We all sat together by the fireplace and listened to the wind up radio. We kept our milk outside because it was colder out there than in the fridge. I think we made out pretty well, compared to others in our area. I think there are actually still people without power. It will be a full week tomorrow. Softie just told me that some of the power companies have asked that people not light their Christmas lights because of the drain on the power supply. He said that the power company has apparently threatened to turn off the power to homes with outside lights that are lit. WOW! What's that? I've heard of water rations, but power rations?
Saturday, December 9, 2006
my list
I said I needed to make a list of things to get done before the big day. Maybe, if I stop putting it off, I'll actually make one. I only have 15 minutes, 'cause then I've gotta go get the Sweet One from her Christmas party. CU was there...how cute is that? CU are the Sweet One's crush's initials.
The list...
1. Clean up stuff around the house (this probably needs to be its own list so that I'll feel more like it's accomplishable)
2. Make a list of who I'm buying for and what they're going to get from me.
3. Beat the small one until he believes me when I tell him he's the kid and I'm the parent. (this can probably wait, but it would certainly be nice to accomplish before the big day)
4. Call the Tacoma Rescue Mission about serving meals on Christmas Day.
5. Figure out what to do with the boys during that time.
6. Come up with something really fantabulous that we can initiate as a new tradition since Michelle's gone. Something we've never done before that would honor and remember her.
7. Study for my TEST! This must be done by Thursday. My boss has mandated such.
8. Drop off donations at the Salvation Army. There's so much to go and...ooo, another item.
9. Finish cleaning up my room and put all my clothes away (for real), getting rid of those that I don't need/want anymore.
10. Make that damn dress for the smallest grandchild.
11. Don't think of the project as a damn project, but rather as an intelligent expression of my, um, ability to do nice things for people I really don't know.
12. Tour a new day care.
13. Make a decision about changing day cares once and for all.
14. Bake?
15. Decide what I'm making for Christmas dinner.
16. Buy the ingredients for said dinner.
17. Pray more...ever...
18. Read the bible more....outside of Sunday during the sermon...
19. Trust God more....ever...without facing incredible adversity...
20. REFILL MY MEDS!!
Ahhh...the Holidays! Better life through chemistry, and LISTS
8^)
The list...
1. Clean up stuff around the house (this probably needs to be its own list so that I'll feel more like it's accomplishable)
2. Make a list of who I'm buying for and what they're going to get from me.
3. Beat the small one until he believes me when I tell him he's the kid and I'm the parent. (this can probably wait, but it would certainly be nice to accomplish before the big day)
4. Call the Tacoma Rescue Mission about serving meals on Christmas Day.
5. Figure out what to do with the boys during that time.
6. Come up with something really fantabulous that we can initiate as a new tradition since Michelle's gone. Something we've never done before that would honor and remember her.
7. Study for my TEST! This must be done by Thursday. My boss has mandated such.
8. Drop off donations at the Salvation Army. There's so much to go and...ooo, another item.
9. Finish cleaning up my room and put all my clothes away (for real), getting rid of those that I don't need/want anymore.
10. Make that damn dress for the smallest grandchild.
11. Don't think of the project as a damn project, but rather as an intelligent expression of my, um, ability to do nice things for people I really don't know.
12. Tour a new day care.
13. Make a decision about changing day cares once and for all.
14. Bake?
15. Decide what I'm making for Christmas dinner.
16. Buy the ingredients for said dinner.
17. Pray more...ever...
18. Read the bible more....outside of Sunday during the sermon...
19. Trust God more....ever...without facing incredible adversity...
20. REFILL MY MEDS!!
Ahhh...the Holidays! Better life through chemistry, and LISTS
8^)
Today...
So, I was sitting at home this afternoon, after my nap of course. I'm not sure what happened, but the walls started closing in on me. There's so much to do and I needed to run away from it!!!
After apparently picking a fight with Softie, that neither of us actually meant to have, I was out. Initially, the freedom was fantastic. I drove straight to the mall, completely alone! I knew that I wouldn't have to rush or deal with the pressure of little people needing everything that they see. YESS! It was going to be fun! Me and the world, in perfect harmony.
The weirdest thing happened though. In my running away by myself, I found myself face to face with a TON of ideas for gifts for the person in my life that's always the hardest to buy for.
Does everyone have one of those people? The person who you can't think of anything for or who will probably just take back everything they get, but would be completely offended by gift cards or pre-made little gift sets. They deserve more than a Meat and Cheese Box, but probably wouldn't like anything that you thought they would. They certainly wouldn't think anything of telling you what was wrong with what you chose for them.
She's always been hard to buy for. Our ideas of what is pretty or cool or worth having have always been so different. I've not ever really felt good about what I got for her, though I know that she's always enjoyed shopping for me. She always gets me very thoughtful things. Added to collections I have been building since childhood and special little things that only she could get for me.
Last year, I got her things for me. Is that actually selfish? I mean, I knew she wasn't actually going to be able to wear anything out or even use all of anything that I would get her. And I was right. She didn't make it consciously 2 weeks past Christmas. She didn't even remember what she'd given or received for Christmas only a few hours after our exchange.
But, you know what? I wish I had her to buy for this year. I saw the cutest pants at Old Navy, and this really neat thing of bamboo. There was special Asian plant food...she would have loved it.
Running away gets me nowhere. When will I learn?
After apparently picking a fight with Softie, that neither of us actually meant to have, I was out. Initially, the freedom was fantastic. I drove straight to the mall, completely alone! I knew that I wouldn't have to rush or deal with the pressure of little people needing everything that they see. YESS! It was going to be fun! Me and the world, in perfect harmony.
The weirdest thing happened though. In my running away by myself, I found myself face to face with a TON of ideas for gifts for the person in my life that's always the hardest to buy for.
Does everyone have one of those people? The person who you can't think of anything for or who will probably just take back everything they get, but would be completely offended by gift cards or pre-made little gift sets. They deserve more than a Meat and Cheese Box, but probably wouldn't like anything that you thought they would. They certainly wouldn't think anything of telling you what was wrong with what you chose for them.
She's always been hard to buy for. Our ideas of what is pretty or cool or worth having have always been so different. I've not ever really felt good about what I got for her, though I know that she's always enjoyed shopping for me. She always gets me very thoughtful things. Added to collections I have been building since childhood and special little things that only she could get for me.
Last year, I got her things for me. Is that actually selfish? I mean, I knew she wasn't actually going to be able to wear anything out or even use all of anything that I would get her. And I was right. She didn't make it consciously 2 weeks past Christmas. She didn't even remember what she'd given or received for Christmas only a few hours after our exchange.
But, you know what? I wish I had her to buy for this year. I saw the cutest pants at Old Navy, and this really neat thing of bamboo. There was special Asian plant food...she would have loved it.
Running away gets me nowhere. When will I learn?
Friday, December 8, 2006
something for real
I think I'm avoiding something. I have no idea what it is, but I'm not able to pull up any feelings. The last couple of weeks have been so busy at work and at home. Does this business that I'm filled with somehow inhibit my feelings? And if it does, can I stay this busy forever!?
Maybe I'm avoiding feeling anything about the impending holiday(s). Maybe the fact that I'm calling it an 'impending' holiday should tell me something about it. Most of the world is referring to it as Christmas or Happy Happy Joy Joy Time. For me...impending...interesting, I say.
I know this about myself, when I'm really supposed to be doing something that's really important and probably going to cost me something, I tend to get really busy. It's a flurry that I think I create so that I can attempt to avoid the really scary thing that I'm trying to get away from.
I have learned in the last 32 years or so, that this process that happens somewhat automatically in my planning life, doesn't actually work. What it does do though is accomplish TONS of meaningless things. I also am able to fully engage the adrenalin that I love coursing through my viens. I become pretty critical of other people's short-comings.
Okay, at this point I need to say that I'm not actually speaking generally when I say that. I'm speaking specifically of the HIPAA nazi at work. She's ridiculously engaged in her job. In her haste, she sent out this little desktop reference that probably cost the company a load of money. She, unfortunately completely neglected to get at least one more set of eyes on that which she had created. DUDE! Throughout is not spelled THREW OUGHT!!! So, is my ability to see this among many many other similar errors of hers related to my business or my general distaste for her? hmm....I think I'll judge myself more about that later.
Hey, lookie there. I wrote a little. I think that tomorrow, I might make a list of things to get done before the 25th (D-Day - and I'm hoping to be on the right side of the battle). Then, maybe I'll be more able to direct my business instead of letting my business drive me to insanity.
Maybe I'm avoiding feeling anything about the impending holiday(s). Maybe the fact that I'm calling it an 'impending' holiday should tell me something about it. Most of the world is referring to it as Christmas or Happy Happy Joy Joy Time. For me...impending...interesting, I say.
I know this about myself, when I'm really supposed to be doing something that's really important and probably going to cost me something, I tend to get really busy. It's a flurry that I think I create so that I can attempt to avoid the really scary thing that I'm trying to get away from.
I have learned in the last 32 years or so, that this process that happens somewhat automatically in my planning life, doesn't actually work. What it does do though is accomplish TONS of meaningless things. I also am able to fully engage the adrenalin that I love coursing through my viens. I become pretty critical of other people's short-comings.
Okay, at this point I need to say that I'm not actually speaking generally when I say that. I'm speaking specifically of the HIPAA nazi at work. She's ridiculously engaged in her job. In her haste, she sent out this little desktop reference that probably cost the company a load of money. She, unfortunately completely neglected to get at least one more set of eyes on that which she had created. DUDE! Throughout is not spelled THREW OUGHT!!! So, is my ability to see this among many many other similar errors of hers related to my business or my general distaste for her? hmm....I think I'll judge myself more about that later.
Hey, lookie there. I wrote a little. I think that tomorrow, I might make a list of things to get done before the 25th (D-Day - and I'm hoping to be on the right side of the battle). Then, maybe I'll be more able to direct my business instead of letting my business drive me to insanity.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Okay, I promise this is the last quiz for a while.
| Your Hair Should Be White |
 Classy, stylish, and eloquent. You've got a way about you that floors everyone you meet. |
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
I know...
It's probably cheating to load that many quiz results into my blog. That's more MySpace fodder.
On a side note, I've always liked the word "fodder". Too bad that little vocabulary test didn't ask what that means! I could have answered that one on the first try. But, I'm not telling you what it means...maybe that's the 5% Dixie in my American English dialect.
HA!
On a side note, I've always liked the word "fodder". Too bad that little vocabulary test didn't ask what that means! I could have answered that one on the first try. But, I'm not telling you what it means...maybe that's the 5% Dixie in my American English dialect.
HA!
Here's the results after a little bit of work! YESS!!
| Your English Skills: |
 Grammar: 100% Punctuation: 100% Spelling: 100% Vocabulary: 100% |
This one kinda made me nervous...
I think I'll work on my vocabulary and, um...grammar is so subjective, isn't it?? I'm KIDDING!!!
| Your English Skills: |
Punctuation: 100% Spelling: 80% Grammar: 60% Vocabulary: 20% |
This one is good!
Do you suppose I like this one best (so far) because it says I'm younger than I really am?
| You Are 28 Years Old |
 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax. |
Okay. Yeah. I'm bored.
| Your Linguistic Profile: |
| 65% General American English |
| 20% Upper Midwestern |
| 5% Dixie |
| 5% Midwestern |
| 0% Yankee |
I should??
This can not be real! I must work out more often than I know. Okay, I know that I took this silly little quiz. If I should, then I'm underweight...dog-gone grief! I'll take my 150 and give up another 20 if possible! Thank you very much! 8-)
| You Should Weigh 170 |
 If you weigh less than this, you either have a fast metabolism or are about to gain weight. If you weigh more than this, you may be losing a few pounds soon! |
Monday, December 4, 2006
hey there world!
I've been trying to come up with something to post today. I can't think of much. I'm not sure. Maybe I've thought out a lot already. There was this one thing that I did keep thinking about as the day progressed.
Friends...
There really are all different kinds. I've been challenged on several occasions to rank them for myself. The closest. The here and there. The here when they are, not for a while, and then back like no time has elapsed. The here for a time and never heard from again.
I've been challenged to realize that every encounter with every person either builds up or tears down on more than one level.
I am VERY blessed to have the friends that I do. Especially when I figure out that they love me like I love them.
Friends...
There really are all different kinds. I've been challenged on several occasions to rank them for myself. The closest. The here and there. The here when they are, not for a while, and then back like no time has elapsed. The here for a time and never heard from again.
I've been challenged to realize that every encounter with every person either builds up or tears down on more than one level.
I am VERY blessed to have the friends that I do. Especially when I figure out that they love me like I love them.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Sometimes, it's good to be a geek!
I was posting here last night and it was all gross and plain text. I opened up a new post window today and the same thing appeared to be happening. There was no Font, Size, Bold, Italic, Text Color, Hyperlink, Text Alignment, Numbers, Bullets, Spell Check, Insert Pic, or any of that stuff.
AHHH....I fixed it! Welcome back little posting helpers!
AHHH....I fixed it! Welcome back little posting helpers!
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Christmas trees and memories
I've tried avoiding it for as long as I could, but the smallest mann made it nearly impossible to avoid for another minute. The Christmas Tree is up, lit, and decorated. It's looking a little bit more like December in here.
For me, it has been a day of tears. Some mixed with memories. Some with sadness. Some with all of the other emotions that are wrapped up inside this time of year.
When I picked up the Sweet One from band practice earlier, I started crying again. She's so sweet. She asked me what was wrong, and I told her there was nothing wrong. She didn't drop it or try to avoid it or think that I was telling the truth for a second. She does that, ya know? Encourages the truth out of you when you really want to appear stronger than that. I love her!
So, I admitted to her that Christmas really brings to mind that Michelle has been gone for nearly a year. That Christmas was the last day that we shared where she had her wits about her. From late in the day forward, she started down the slippery slope of mental deterioration.
I miss her. I love her. I don't know what Christmas is going to be like without her. And though I know I can't stop Christmas from happening, I'm not sure how I'll make it through.
I was reading another blog where the author's dad died a little more than a month ago. He's so positive that his dad is happy and looking down with smiles and all this good stuff.
That seems so, um, fake. I don't think he wants to come off that way. I know that I've not hidden my feelings about going to heaven. I'm thinking that spending time watching earth is not something I'll be doing. I'm pretty sure that the grandure of Heaven will be so superior to this place, that I'll probably not even think much about life before death.
My thoughts about life after death - even though I'm certain it will be much better than life on earth - do not make it very easy for me face the upcoming season without Michelle.
Anyway, that's what's in my head today.
For me, it has been a day of tears. Some mixed with memories. Some with sadness. Some with all of the other emotions that are wrapped up inside this time of year.
When I picked up the Sweet One from band practice earlier, I started crying again. She's so sweet. She asked me what was wrong, and I told her there was nothing wrong. She didn't drop it or try to avoid it or think that I was telling the truth for a second. She does that, ya know? Encourages the truth out of you when you really want to appear stronger than that. I love her!
So, I admitted to her that Christmas really brings to mind that Michelle has been gone for nearly a year. That Christmas was the last day that we shared where she had her wits about her. From late in the day forward, she started down the slippery slope of mental deterioration.
I miss her. I love her. I don't know what Christmas is going to be like without her. And though I know I can't stop Christmas from happening, I'm not sure how I'll make it through.
I was reading another blog where the author's dad died a little more than a month ago. He's so positive that his dad is happy and looking down with smiles and all this good stuff.
That seems so, um, fake. I don't think he wants to come off that way. I know that I've not hidden my feelings about going to heaven. I'm thinking that spending time watching earth is not something I'll be doing. I'm pretty sure that the grandure of Heaven will be so superior to this place, that I'll probably not even think much about life before death.
My thoughts about life after death - even though I'm certain it will be much better than life on earth - do not make it very easy for me face the upcoming season without Michelle.
Anyway, that's what's in my head today.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
a couple of days off...
So, I took a couple of days off from blogging. I've been trying to think of something profound that's not nearly as dark as I've been lately. But first, I think there's something I have to get off my chest.
I've been writing here for a month now. Well, actually today is the last day of the first month. I feel that I have not mentioned something that I think is pretty important. I mean, after all someone did die for me and I haven't even been kind enough, or appreciative enough, or even polite enough to mention that I appreciate it or noticed let alone that I even know it happened.
Here's the story...it all started a little more than 6000 years ago. There was this big guy; he was bored for a while. One day, he took notice of this little clump of matter and he was all, "Um, I wonder what that could be after some work?" So he started messing with it, shining some light on it, scooping out the dirt and making some pretty big puddles. He thought about a couple of options, and since he had the time, he worked both of them out. In the puddles he made it all full of plants and animals. He did the same thing where on the dirt parts.
There was a little plan brewing in the big guy's mind. He was thinking, "what about putting something like us down there." So the three of them got together and played Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide if the new things they were working up should go on the land or in the water. That's a rough game when 3 are playing. After much wrestling, the land won out.
These people were given charge over all the animals and plants on the land and in the water, and they only had one little rule to follow. Of course, it didn't take them very long at all to break the only rule they had. There's a really cool thing that happens here in the story though. Mr. Big makes a promise that he will take care of the fallout from them breaking the rule.
There was lots of hurdles to get there, but about 2000 years or so ago the Big Guy sent his son to the earth through this chick who was going to get married to this one guy. But the guy wasn't the dad. It was kinda twisted, but that's how it had to happen. Mr. J grew up and learned all about his Real Dad and made a ton of friends. He also had some enemies. After about 3 years of some heavy paparazzi coverage, he ended up on trial for nothing but a complete fabricatation. The media, being the way they are of course, killed him. He had something to show them though. He only stayed dead for like, 3 days. Then he was like, poof! ALIVE!
Anyway, he did leave the earth, but he said that he's doing something just for me. Well, I guess there's other people he's doing it for, but he says he would have done it all for just me if he would have needed to.
I think it's pretty important to mention that I'm really, really glad that the Trinity had this huge place in their heart for me. Sometimes, I can't even imagine why or begin to understand it. But that's the truth. God made the whole entirety of everything that is anywhere and everywhere and for some reason, he made me...on purpose, for his purpose. I hope that I don't disappoint him every single day, but I'm pretty sure that I probably do. He says that he'll love me anyway, as long as I acknowledge my complete need for him and love him back. I don't know if I love him back enough, but I'm trying. I sure want to. I don't want to hurt his heart.
I love you, Jesus. I know that I'm nothing and completely without value without you. Thank you for making this whole big plan without even having met me, and for giving up your life on account of me. Silly little me. Yes, that's right, I love Jesus and I'm not actually ashamed of that.
Yes, I struggle with a feeling of unworthiness. I'm working on that. I suppose I should work harder at not shutting God out of that work. I'm working on that, too.
I've been writing here for a month now. Well, actually today is the last day of the first month. I feel that I have not mentioned something that I think is pretty important. I mean, after all someone did die for me and I haven't even been kind enough, or appreciative enough, or even polite enough to mention that I appreciate it or noticed let alone that I even know it happened.
Here's the story...it all started a little more than 6000 years ago. There was this big guy; he was bored for a while. One day, he took notice of this little clump of matter and he was all, "Um, I wonder what that could be after some work?" So he started messing with it, shining some light on it, scooping out the dirt and making some pretty big puddles. He thought about a couple of options, and since he had the time, he worked both of them out. In the puddles he made it all full of plants and animals. He did the same thing where on the dirt parts.
There was a little plan brewing in the big guy's mind. He was thinking, "what about putting something like us down there." So the three of them got together and played Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide if the new things they were working up should go on the land or in the water. That's a rough game when 3 are playing. After much wrestling, the land won out.
These people were given charge over all the animals and plants on the land and in the water, and they only had one little rule to follow. Of course, it didn't take them very long at all to break the only rule they had. There's a really cool thing that happens here in the story though. Mr. Big makes a promise that he will take care of the fallout from them breaking the rule.
There was lots of hurdles to get there, but about 2000 years or so ago the Big Guy sent his son to the earth through this chick who was going to get married to this one guy. But the guy wasn't the dad. It was kinda twisted, but that's how it had to happen. Mr. J grew up and learned all about his Real Dad and made a ton of friends. He also had some enemies. After about 3 years of some heavy paparazzi coverage, he ended up on trial for nothing but a complete fabricatation. The media, being the way they are of course, killed him. He had something to show them though. He only stayed dead for like, 3 days. Then he was like, poof! ALIVE!
Anyway, he did leave the earth, but he said that he's doing something just for me. Well, I guess there's other people he's doing it for, but he says he would have done it all for just me if he would have needed to.
I think it's pretty important to mention that I'm really, really glad that the Trinity had this huge place in their heart for me. Sometimes, I can't even imagine why or begin to understand it. But that's the truth. God made the whole entirety of everything that is anywhere and everywhere and for some reason, he made me...on purpose, for his purpose. I hope that I don't disappoint him every single day, but I'm pretty sure that I probably do. He says that he'll love me anyway, as long as I acknowledge my complete need for him and love him back. I don't know if I love him back enough, but I'm trying. I sure want to. I don't want to hurt his heart.
I love you, Jesus. I know that I'm nothing and completely without value without you. Thank you for making this whole big plan without even having met me, and for giving up your life on account of me. Silly little me. Yes, that's right, I love Jesus and I'm not actually ashamed of that.
Yes, I struggle with a feeling of unworthiness. I'm working on that. I suppose I should work harder at not shutting God out of that work. I'm working on that, too.
Monday, November 27, 2006
sometimes i wish i didn't think
The leader/coordinator of the grief support group that I've been going to for a couple of months sent me an email last week. She was just checking up on me to make sure that I've been taking care of myself in light of the first in a series of impending holidays. She's very kind (and I'm not just saying that because I sent her a link to my blog). I've actually asked her if she's always so nice. She calmly admitted that she's not. I love it when people allow themselves to be transparent enough to give me hope for myself.
Anyway, I said something in my email reply to her about a plan I have been brewing for myself. I've been thinking about going out to Michelle's grave. At her memorial, we received a beautiful marker with red and white fabric draping over a cross with a bird perched at the cross of the cross. Well, I haven't made it out to her spot for several reasons. Fear. Yeah, probably that more than anything. It's not that I'm afraid of the graveyard. My goodness, I used to live next door to one. Ah~the perks of being the pastor's kid.
Anyway, one of the things I said was that I want to make this trek alone. I'll admit, it's not really a trek, it's only a few blocks from my parents house which is only about 15 minutes from my house. But, there's definitely been a blockage for me to go there. My mom wanted to go out there for Michelle's birthday. I couldn't do it. Once, Softie drove me through there. There were kids in the car with us and I find it rather difficult to express what I really feel in front of them. Like on my wedding day, I felt the pressure of parent more than the pressure of bride. I felt like I had to be brave for them. Well, I feel that quite a bit about Michelle's death too. Like, if I let myself cry as hard as the ache in my heart wants me to around the kids, they might think I've lost my mind and it might really hurt them to see that.
So, this trek I'm thinking about, I want to do it alone. I want to face my fear. I want to admit to myself again that she's really gone. I want to be free to sob and cry as loud and as long as I feel like What I told my leader in the email is that I think I'm afraid to scare someone around me with my feelings. Then I said that maybe what I'm actually more afraid of is showing myself how deep my sadness is. It was something like that, and it's out now.
What if the latter part of that thought is more the truth? What if what I'm really afraid of is addressing the dark cavern in my heart for myself. What if I try to cover up my own fear of myself with this silly pride or protection of those weak people around me. You know, the ones who I'm responsible for keeping afloat? Um, what does that say about me? I'm pretty sure I couldn't keep anyone afloat even if I tried with all of my might.
I think I'll think about this a little more. I sure hope that there's not too much truth in a fear of myself.
Anyway, I said something in my email reply to her about a plan I have been brewing for myself. I've been thinking about going out to Michelle's grave. At her memorial, we received a beautiful marker with red and white fabric draping over a cross with a bird perched at the cross of the cross. Well, I haven't made it out to her spot for several reasons. Fear. Yeah, probably that more than anything. It's not that I'm afraid of the graveyard. My goodness, I used to live next door to one. Ah~the perks of being the pastor's kid.
Anyway, one of the things I said was that I want to make this trek alone. I'll admit, it's not really a trek, it's only a few blocks from my parents house which is only about 15 minutes from my house. But, there's definitely been a blockage for me to go there. My mom wanted to go out there for Michelle's birthday. I couldn't do it. Once, Softie drove me through there. There were kids in the car with us and I find it rather difficult to express what I really feel in front of them. Like on my wedding day, I felt the pressure of parent more than the pressure of bride. I felt like I had to be brave for them. Well, I feel that quite a bit about Michelle's death too. Like, if I let myself cry as hard as the ache in my heart wants me to around the kids, they might think I've lost my mind and it might really hurt them to see that.
So, this trek I'm thinking about, I want to do it alone. I want to face my fear. I want to admit to myself again that she's really gone. I want to be free to sob and cry as loud and as long as I feel like What I told my leader in the email is that I think I'm afraid to scare someone around me with my feelings. Then I said that maybe what I'm actually more afraid of is showing myself how deep my sadness is. It was something like that, and it's out now.
What if the latter part of that thought is more the truth? What if what I'm really afraid of is addressing the dark cavern in my heart for myself. What if I try to cover up my own fear of myself with this silly pride or protection of those weak people around me. You know, the ones who I'm responsible for keeping afloat? Um, what does that say about me? I'm pretty sure I couldn't keep anyone afloat even if I tried with all of my might.
I think I'll think about this a little more. I sure hope that there's not too much truth in a fear of myself.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
a goal
Most times, I title my entry before I actually write it. Today, however, I'm unable to come up with a topic based on my intention for this post. Ah-HA~ I thought of it~
a goal
I'd like to set a goal to get my A+ tests taken by the end of the next 2 weeks. I really don't know what's taking me so long to get these tests taken. I mean, I'm just putting off my raise. I'm just delaying me from getting more money.
I hope that if I can look at it that way, I'll get pretty fired up about it and want to compete to get prepared and past it just as quickly as possible! If I can pass the test, I'll get reimbursement from the class I took this summer and that could sure take care of a lot of Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas, I'm wondering if I can snag videos off of You Tube and burn them onto a CD or DVD. I have both. I'm just thinking about compiling some videos for a friend of mine (no one who reads this, sorry). I checked at WalMart tonight about pricing for something that she mentioned, and well, I'm not planning on spending that much on well, probably anyone who isn't in Softie's family.
Love!!!
a goal
I'd like to set a goal to get my A+ tests taken by the end of the next 2 weeks. I really don't know what's taking me so long to get these tests taken. I mean, I'm just putting off my raise. I'm just delaying me from getting more money.
I hope that if I can look at it that way, I'll get pretty fired up about it and want to compete to get prepared and past it just as quickly as possible! If I can pass the test, I'll get reimbursement from the class I took this summer and that could sure take care of a lot of Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas, I'm wondering if I can snag videos off of You Tube and burn them onto a CD or DVD. I have both. I'm just thinking about compiling some videos for a friend of mine (no one who reads this, sorry). I checked at WalMart tonight about pricing for something that she mentioned, and well, I'm not planning on spending that much on well, probably anyone who isn't in Softie's family.
Love!!!
MySpace searching
I'm really new to the MySpace searching. I was looking around and trying things out, but I wasn't having much luck finding anyone that I knew. There was this one lady who is married to a dude I was in 9th grade with. My sister graduated with his brother. So, I invited her to be my friend. She promptly declined my offer (snob! except that I totally deny people I don't know too!) So, I invited her husband. I sent a little message that said, "Hey buddy, we were on the track team together in 9th grade, and your bro knew my sis...we should catch up!" We'll see. The request remains in my pending folder. At least it's not been denied!
In a desperate attempt to find more people that I know, I logged into Classmates as Beth Notgonnasay. Yeah, I'm tricky...you're proud (it's okay, I'll keep it between you and me, I promise!!) Anyway, I came across some people I knew, so I searched them in MySpace and I actually found someone that I totally had a crush on in JH and 9th grade (which was high school for me) .
He died Memorial weekend this year. What's that about? And he married the daughter of the car dealer who we bought all of our cars from. And I can't find a dang thing that's related to her. My sister was friends with her older brother and we were in the same grade between 6th and 9th grades. She was way cooler than me, but I found out once I didn't go to that school anymore, that she wasn't nearly the snob I'd thought she was.
I did discover that he drowned while trying to save someone that was stuck in a dam. He was with his brother and they both died. I'm not sure if the dude they were trying to save lived, but I don't think he did. At least it was doing something good for the world, not just some deranged disease that took over his body.
He was a youth pastor at a church in Lombard Illinois.
Yeah, I've cried a few times today. I think the fact that the tears had already spilled about my sister made it even easier for me to be sad about his death. Sometimes I make myself crazy (not sure if you've noticed). How can I cry about someone that I haven't seen or really even thought about in like, 15 years? And why is it the only person who I actually was successful in finding (when I was actually looking to find someone I knew) was freaking dead?
Maybe I'm just getting old. Man, they were only married for like 18 months. I never would have put the two of them together, but how sweet to think that after years and years of watching each other grow up and being close, they finally decided to become husband and wife? I can only imagine the angst inside of her. I want to reach out to her and tell her something....I have no idea what...but I want her to know that there's got to be a purpose bigger than we could know. But everything I think to say is just the crap that people have said to me (sorry people). The canned shit that we think makes death hurt less. Saying the "right thing" doesn't make anything hurt less. And when it's this close to holidays and first's without and all these sucky reminders that I'm not ever going to get another minute with my sister alive, I guess hearing that someone else the I know, or knew has to feel the same hurt in their heart. To feel the guilt to be alive. To not want to take in the next breath...I'm there today. I'll take my meds tomorrow.
In a desperate attempt to find more people that I know, I logged into Classmates as Beth Notgonnasay. Yeah, I'm tricky...you're proud (it's okay, I'll keep it between you and me, I promise!!) Anyway, I came across some people I knew, so I searched them in MySpace and I actually found someone that I totally had a crush on in JH and 9th grade (which was high school for me) .
He died Memorial weekend this year. What's that about? And he married the daughter of the car dealer who we bought all of our cars from. And I can't find a dang thing that's related to her. My sister was friends with her older brother and we were in the same grade between 6th and 9th grades. She was way cooler than me, but I found out once I didn't go to that school anymore, that she wasn't nearly the snob I'd thought she was.
I did discover that he drowned while trying to save someone that was stuck in a dam. He was with his brother and they both died. I'm not sure if the dude they were trying to save lived, but I don't think he did. At least it was doing something good for the world, not just some deranged disease that took over his body.
He was a youth pastor at a church in Lombard Illinois.
Yeah, I've cried a few times today. I think the fact that the tears had already spilled about my sister made it even easier for me to be sad about his death. Sometimes I make myself crazy (not sure if you've noticed). How can I cry about someone that I haven't seen or really even thought about in like, 15 years? And why is it the only person who I actually was successful in finding (when I was actually looking to find someone I knew) was freaking dead?
Maybe I'm just getting old. Man, they were only married for like 18 months. I never would have put the two of them together, but how sweet to think that after years and years of watching each other grow up and being close, they finally decided to become husband and wife? I can only imagine the angst inside of her. I want to reach out to her and tell her something....I have no idea what...but I want her to know that there's got to be a purpose bigger than we could know. But everything I think to say is just the crap that people have said to me (sorry people). The canned shit that we think makes death hurt less. Saying the "right thing" doesn't make anything hurt less. And when it's this close to holidays and first's without and all these sucky reminders that I'm not ever going to get another minute with my sister alive, I guess hearing that someone else the I know, or knew has to feel the same hurt in their heart. To feel the guilt to be alive. To not want to take in the next breath...I'm there today. I'll take my meds tomorrow.
things I learned today...
Today, I learned quite a bit from the minimann (not to be confused with the minivan).
I learned that there's potential concern that we might blow up if we eat too many marshmellows, but when you're 5, it's definitely worth a full on trial.
I learned that no matter what kinda trouble he's getting into, he "always does everything right." (this was total news to me!)
I learned that one of the machines in the other room is called a dryer, so obviously, the other machine is called a wetter. (duh!)
There are days when he's such a keeper! Today was one of those days.
I learned that there's potential concern that we might blow up if we eat too many marshmellows, but when you're 5, it's definitely worth a full on trial.
I learned that no matter what kinda trouble he's getting into, he "always does everything right." (this was total news to me!)
I learned that one of the machines in the other room is called a dryer, so obviously, the other machine is called a wetter. (duh!)
There are days when he's such a keeper! Today was one of those days.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
mtv
Okay, as if it's not troubling enough that we're sitting around on a Saturday morning watching MTV, Mr. Mann has the remote! This selection is his choice! You're surprised? You should be me sitting next to him!
So, there's two channels of MTV - not that this is news to many, but on one channel, it's the Sweet 16 birthday parties of the rich and terribly spoiled! On the other channel is a show called Two-A-Days. Can I just tell you how troubling the title of this show is to me? Trust me, there's plenty of sex happening in the football show, not that they actually film it, but there's rumors and break-ups.
Ahh, high school...oh the memories. Seriously, it totally felt like the end of the world when I was in high school. Like every single thing that happened was seriously the end of the world. Oh, and the love of our lives...didn't that happen in high school too? Remember when a month seemed like you'd been together forever! That relationship was the real deal~remember?
hmmmhm...sometimes it's fun to go back through the memories...but it's still strange to sit around watching MTV as a family.
So, there's two channels of MTV - not that this is news to many, but on one channel, it's the Sweet 16 birthday parties of the rich and terribly spoiled! On the other channel is a show called Two-A-Days. Can I just tell you how troubling the title of this show is to me? Trust me, there's plenty of sex happening in the football show, not that they actually film it, but there's rumors and break-ups.
Ahh, high school...oh the memories. Seriously, it totally felt like the end of the world when I was in high school. Like every single thing that happened was seriously the end of the world. Oh, and the love of our lives...didn't that happen in high school too? Remember when a month seemed like you'd been together forever! That relationship was the real deal~remember?
hmmmhm...sometimes it's fun to go back through the memories...but it's still strange to sit around watching MTV as a family.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Funny Kids
It's funny how the kids play sometimes. Mini Mann comes down with the blood pressure checker. He wants me to help him make it work on his arm, the way he just made it work on mine. I started to say my version of the real name of the blood pressure checker - the sphygnomononomomoneter. The Sweet One then nearly perfectly enunciates the word that someone made up just to create an extra credit point in medical schools the world over! I have to look at the word in order to even spell it right.
sphygmomanometer
They never cease to amaze me!
sphygmomanometer
They never cease to amaze me!
lazy day...
This time off is the longest break I've had from work since January. And that break wasn't really for fun...just the death and burial of my sis. Anyway, guess what phenomenal things I've been doing with myself?
1. Sleeping - apparently, there's much to be made up!
2. Eating - a little. My tummy's kind of upset and I'm not sure why. I keep thinking that food will make it better, only to discover that I was wrong with that thinking. Hey, I'm off work, I should try to think less, don't you think?
3. Cleaning - Eww~yes, me! Cleaning...well, Sweetie definitely helped in the kitchen! She has a passion for floors!
4. Watching Softie sleep - He's not much of a napper generally, but today I believe that napping records have been broken. At 7:30 pm he's still not even dressed!
5. Hurting in my neck - and my favorite little massage therapist won't be back until Monday or Tuesday. It might help me to feel better if I could remember which day she said. The hope that's available from knowing when she's going to be back to work more on me, might make me feel a bit better.
6. Web surfing - mostly the policing of my sweetest girl's myspace. Well, that and checking out the sites associated with the coolest band I've ever known. (Okay, I've never actually known any other bands...but I think you've got to be the coolest ever)
7. Listening to my boys get along - I'm thinking that the virtually unending sounds of laughter today pretty much have blessed my little soul, dark and tortured as it is.
8. Thinking about things to blog - I'm kinda running on empty here. I'm sure there's great things to post about, the thoughts swim relentless inside, but the skill of pulling one out long enough to work through it fully is currently escaping me.
9. Updating my Flickr - There's actually 7 pics there...and I'm seriously considering putting more on too.
10. Planning Christmas gifts on NO budget. I'm seriously considering tearing up some old clothes and making stuff for people out of the fabric. Dress up for a 2 1/2 year old grandchild. Do you think that would suck?
11. Trying to imagine the time that would need to exist in order for me to actually make the gifts that I can't afford.
12. I'm still not sure where my Christmas tree will go. The new furniture we got this summer is kind of inhibiting the set up we've used in years past.
Dude! I just came up with 12 things that I've been doing on my supposedly lazy day! That doesn't actually seem all that lazy. I didn't even mention the several loads of laundry that I got done. Who is this person that writes in my place?? (kidding!!!)
1. Sleeping - apparently, there's much to be made up!
2. Eating - a little. My tummy's kind of upset and I'm not sure why. I keep thinking that food will make it better, only to discover that I was wrong with that thinking. Hey, I'm off work, I should try to think less, don't you think?
3. Cleaning - Eww~yes, me! Cleaning...well, Sweetie definitely helped in the kitchen! She has a passion for floors!
4. Watching Softie sleep - He's not much of a napper generally, but today I believe that napping records have been broken. At 7:30 pm he's still not even dressed!
5. Hurting in my neck - and my favorite little massage therapist won't be back until Monday or Tuesday. It might help me to feel better if I could remember which day she said. The hope that's available from knowing when she's going to be back to work more on me, might make me feel a bit better.
6. Web surfing - mostly the policing of my sweetest girl's myspace. Well, that and checking out the sites associated with the coolest band I've ever known. (Okay, I've never actually known any other bands...but I think you've got to be the coolest ever)
7. Listening to my boys get along - I'm thinking that the virtually unending sounds of laughter today pretty much have blessed my little soul, dark and tortured as it is.
8. Thinking about things to blog - I'm kinda running on empty here. I'm sure there's great things to post about, the thoughts swim relentless inside, but the skill of pulling one out long enough to work through it fully is currently escaping me.
9. Updating my Flickr - There's actually 7 pics there...and I'm seriously considering putting more on too.
10. Planning Christmas gifts on NO budget. I'm seriously considering tearing up some old clothes and making stuff for people out of the fabric. Dress up for a 2 1/2 year old grandchild. Do you think that would suck?
11. Trying to imagine the time that would need to exist in order for me to actually make the gifts that I can't afford.
12. I'm still not sure where my Christmas tree will go. The new furniture we got this summer is kind of inhibiting the set up we've used in years past.
Dude! I just came up with 12 things that I've been doing on my supposedly lazy day! That doesn't actually seem all that lazy. I didn't even mention the several loads of laundry that I got done. Who is this person that writes in my place?? (kidding!!!)
Thursday, November 23, 2006
thanksgiving
I know that today, we're supposed to be overwhelmingly thankful for everything under the sun, but I'm just not feeling it. Today, I'm wondering about things. (like today's any different than any other day, right?)
Anyway, why does so much have to change when someone dies? And how come death is so final? I know the heady reasoning, of course. But, the reality of it just keeps raising its evil little head. Today, before prayer, usually - for like, every year since I have memory in my mind, we go around the table and say what we're thankful for. Guess what? Apparently, now that my sister is dead, we don't have anything to be thankful for. My dad completely dodged the thing. During his prayer, he prayed about all the sick people in our family, but he didn't mention the GIGANTIC hole in the room. I cried during the whole prayer, well, from as soon as I realized that the subject was being completely avoided.
It wasn't until about 4 hours later that I couldn't stand it anymore. Mini Mann was on the phone with my cousin. Her dad is one of the sick people that my dad prayed for. I just looked around and said, "Does no one miss her?" My mom said that she did. That she missed how she probably would have stayed the night to prepare the meal with her this morning.
That's another funny thing to me. How is it, exactly, that people can remember things so differently from how they really happened? It's like there's some kind of a death amnesia that happens, sort of how you can't remember the actual pain of childbirth almost as soon as you're holding your baby. But that makes more sense to me, because you actually get something good from a baby being born. An amnesia affect that seems to have occurred in my mother's mind doesn't make the same sense to me. Unless, of course, she feels so guilty about how life really was that's she's happier because she can say that things were however she wants them to have been.
If there are those with insight, you're welcome to tell me anything you think might help me to understand this phenomenon.
Anyway, why does so much have to change when someone dies? And how come death is so final? I know the heady reasoning, of course. But, the reality of it just keeps raising its evil little head. Today, before prayer, usually - for like, every year since I have memory in my mind, we go around the table and say what we're thankful for. Guess what? Apparently, now that my sister is dead, we don't have anything to be thankful for. My dad completely dodged the thing. During his prayer, he prayed about all the sick people in our family, but he didn't mention the GIGANTIC hole in the room. I cried during the whole prayer, well, from as soon as I realized that the subject was being completely avoided.
It wasn't until about 4 hours later that I couldn't stand it anymore. Mini Mann was on the phone with my cousin. Her dad is one of the sick people that my dad prayed for. I just looked around and said, "Does no one miss her?" My mom said that she did. That she missed how she probably would have stayed the night to prepare the meal with her this morning.
That's another funny thing to me. How is it, exactly, that people can remember things so differently from how they really happened? It's like there's some kind of a death amnesia that happens, sort of how you can't remember the actual pain of childbirth almost as soon as you're holding your baby. But that makes more sense to me, because you actually get something good from a baby being born. An amnesia affect that seems to have occurred in my mother's mind doesn't make the same sense to me. Unless, of course, she feels so guilty about how life really was that's she's happier because she can say that things were however she wants them to have been.
If there are those with insight, you're welcome to tell me anything you think might help me to understand this phenomenon.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I'm DONE!!!
YAY!!! My work week is over! I'm so excited!! I got a call from my boss this afternoon and she told me not to come in tomorrow. Of course, we'll be available by phone, but I don't have to go in there and look at the walls, and answer the questions of the stupid people!
AHHHH.....see you work.....on MONDAY!!! 8-)
AHHHH.....see you work.....on MONDAY!!! 8-)
i suck!
I totally suck! I can't believe that I didn't post yesterday...would it help if I tried for some sympathy? I've been working crazy hours and last night when I got home, after 6:30, i took a little nap. Then I woke up and went upstairs to change my sheets...while carrying them downstairs, I started crying from the pain in my neck and back. Sheets?? Since when are sheets too heavy for me to carry? I'm a strong woman! Incredibly strong as things go...so, this pain...I'm TOTALLY not okay with.
And, it has forced me completely out of competition.
And, it has forced me completely out of competition.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
bass drum bootie
Yeah, I said Bass Drum Bootie! It's funny to me how sometimes, the little things that we say can end up making our day. I was just trying to get out of the way earlier tonight when I needed to back up from where I was to make room for someone else to get in and unlock a door. Well, apparently, my bass drum bootie is less of a bass drum these days...more of a tom...interesting.
Thanks for that. A compliment I wouldn't have expected coming from someone I never would have thought noticed. Yes, it's much smaller than it was last year this time, and I'm pretty proud of it. I usually only talk about it with girls, so it was pretty nice to hear someone else noticing.
I'll try to think of something really important to talk about tomorrow. Maybe I'll update my Flickr with more pics...
Thanks for that. A compliment I wouldn't have expected coming from someone I never would have thought noticed. Yes, it's much smaller than it was last year this time, and I'm pretty proud of it. I usually only talk about it with girls, so it was pretty nice to hear someone else noticing.
I'll try to think of something really important to talk about tomorrow. Maybe I'll update my Flickr with more pics...
Saturday, November 18, 2006
ugh~
I made it through my day today. After staying home with sick boys yesterday, I was rewarded with a wonderful opportunity to get out and spend my day working! I started at 8:00 and got home at almost 10:00. That's am and pm respectively. Needlesstosay, I'm very, very, very tired. I have nothing of substance to write about, but I'm glad I made it through today.
I was apparently in charge of my location from about 3:30 until 7:00 before I realized it! People started looking at me to tell them what to do next...I was thinking, "um, why are they looking at me like I'm in charge?" and then I realized it! I was IN CHARGE! Weird! I'm just a girl. I don't understand how I got to be in charge, but it was fun and I didn't suck at it!
My boss bought me a decaf egg nog latte and gave me a Starbucks gift card too. Not a bad ending to a very long day. Gosh, I hope the phones work on Monday.
I was apparently in charge of my location from about 3:30 until 7:00 before I realized it! People started looking at me to tell them what to do next...I was thinking, "um, why are they looking at me like I'm in charge?" and then I realized it! I was IN CHARGE! Weird! I'm just a girl. I don't understand how I got to be in charge, but it was fun and I didn't suck at it!
My boss bought me a decaf egg nog latte and gave me a Starbucks gift card too. Not a bad ending to a very long day. Gosh, I hope the phones work on Monday.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Little Mann's rash
Oatmeal baths...apparently the relief is suppose to out weigh the clean-up required.
did I mention the rash??
Thursday, November 16, 2006
rashes...
This has seriously been a season of rashes. In fact, since the littlest mann was born, he's had pretty sensitive skin. Always the one with the weird rashes that doctors have to look up in order to explain. Today was no different.
When we woke up this morning, I saw the beautiful sprout of a new rash. Since he's recently been treated for strep, I was not surprised to see a little scarletina, but by around 3:30, his babysitter became concerned. The rash spread during his nap. Even though she'd given him Benedryl to try to help, his mouth was beginning to be taken over by today's rash. I got off work as soon as I could, and by the time we got to the doctor's office, he looked like a poster child for "why we give kids immunizations". It was really ugly. The lady behind us in line at the pediatrician seriously took about 5 steps away from him once she saw his face. Good thing she didn't see his back!
Turning 5 has been an introduction to allergies for the little dude. The other two were so sick before they were 5. Once we moved them out of the dungeon of hell, my first apartment, they were no longer affected by these horrible creatures. But for him, it seems to be the opposite. We have a new agent to add to his list of allergies. In case you ever wonder, here's the list we've compiled since August. Grass, tomatoes, peanuts, smelly lotion, and now penicillins.
Good thing that Zithromax isn't made with penicillin! It's my favorite antibiotic. Only once a day for 5 days! There's lots less room for error with only once a day! YAY for me!
When we woke up this morning, I saw the beautiful sprout of a new rash. Since he's recently been treated for strep, I was not surprised to see a little scarletina, but by around 3:30, his babysitter became concerned. The rash spread during his nap. Even though she'd given him Benedryl to try to help, his mouth was beginning to be taken over by today's rash. I got off work as soon as I could, and by the time we got to the doctor's office, he looked like a poster child for "why we give kids immunizations". It was really ugly. The lady behind us in line at the pediatrician seriously took about 5 steps away from him once she saw his face. Good thing she didn't see his back!
Turning 5 has been an introduction to allergies for the little dude. The other two were so sick before they were 5. Once we moved them out of the dungeon of hell, my first apartment, they were no longer affected by these horrible creatures. But for him, it seems to be the opposite. We have a new agent to add to his list of allergies. In case you ever wonder, here's the list we've compiled since August. Grass, tomatoes, peanuts, smelly lotion, and now penicillins.
Good thing that Zithromax isn't made with penicillin! It's my favorite antibiotic. Only once a day for 5 days! There's lots less room for error with only once a day! YAY for me!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
questions...
In light of my last post, I'm now thinking about the questions that never seem to have answers. And now that I'm ready to write about it, I can only think of one.
Why do I have great ideas and then when I want to remember what they are, why do they disappear? Does this mean something? Was it a bad idea in the first place? Are my great ideas so fleeting that they really don't even exist? Am I the only person who questions their thoughts? If I'm not, why don't I know more people who do? Is there something wrong with admitting to my questions of myself? Will I ever have an answer to that question? or any of these random questions that are currently spinning in my head?
Why does it always seem that everyone around me has it together while I'm barely holding on to the end of a rope, past the knot...where only the frayed ends remain? Why does it surprise people when I admit to not having it all together? Can they not see me? Do I not represent myself accurately? And if I do represent myself accurately, why is it not clear to those looking at me?
Why do I feel an instant need to fill gaps whereever I see them? When I hear that someone has stepped down from a position or that someone's husband will be out of town, I want to jump right in there and help to pick up any slack as a result of the need that appears to me to be there. What if there's not really a gap after all, but I've thumbed in somewhere that I shouldn't have. Why do I try to find ways to blame myself for other peoples decisions that affect others badly?
Why do I continuously ask these random questions?
Why do I have great ideas and then when I want to remember what they are, why do they disappear? Does this mean something? Was it a bad idea in the first place? Are my great ideas so fleeting that they really don't even exist? Am I the only person who questions their thoughts? If I'm not, why don't I know more people who do? Is there something wrong with admitting to my questions of myself? Will I ever have an answer to that question? or any of these random questions that are currently spinning in my head?
Why does it always seem that everyone around me has it together while I'm barely holding on to the end of a rope, past the knot...where only the frayed ends remain? Why does it surprise people when I admit to not having it all together? Can they not see me? Do I not represent myself accurately? And if I do represent myself accurately, why is it not clear to those looking at me?
Why do I feel an instant need to fill gaps whereever I see them? When I hear that someone has stepped down from a position or that someone's husband will be out of town, I want to jump right in there and help to pick up any slack as a result of the need that appears to me to be there. What if there's not really a gap after all, but I've thumbed in somewhere that I shouldn't have. Why do I try to find ways to blame myself for other peoples decisions that affect others badly?
Why do I continuously ask these random questions?
something today...
I've got to think of something to talk about today. After all, I sort of slacked off a bit yesterday. I'm a big cheeseball - and I'm not afraid to admit it.
So, there was a huge windstorm and a funny little question was asked of me. This question is asked of me with an uncanny regularity. Always by different people, but the frequency is beginning to be a bit unnerving. Why is there a thought somewhere that I may have the answer to this crazy little question? Is there a perception that I have some kind of inside track with things that plug in, or things that power that which plugs in?
The question: Why is it that when the wind blows, the power goes out? All of the powerlines are underground, after all.
My final answer - I have no idea!
So, there was a huge windstorm and a funny little question was asked of me. This question is asked of me with an uncanny regularity. Always by different people, but the frequency is beginning to be a bit unnerving. Why is there a thought somewhere that I may have the answer to this crazy little question? Is there a perception that I have some kind of inside track with things that plug in, or things that power that which plugs in?
The question: Why is it that when the wind blows, the power goes out? All of the powerlines are underground, after all.
My final answer - I have no idea!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
the things thinking does
Last night, I spent the better part of 3 hours working on a post. I have decided it will never be seen in this format. I was telling my friend about it, and I referred to it as chapter 3 or 4 in the book about my life. It might end up being a couple of chapters. I'd just have to expound in a couple of places where I maybe short changed the information available.
With that said, now I have to come up with something to post today. So, I'll dive back into my muse from yesterday just a bit.
While I was driving in my car yesterday after dropping my daughter off to babysit, I was thinking. Do you ever have the opportunity to do something really bad that you don't do? I mean, there's opportunity, time, motive, availability. Truly, everything seems to have aligned for you to get away with it. But then, for some reason, you just decide not to do it.
With that said, now I have to come up with something to post today. So, I'll dive back into my muse from yesterday just a bit.
While I was driving in my car yesterday after dropping my daughter off to babysit, I was thinking. Do you ever have the opportunity to do something really bad that you don't do? I mean, there's opportunity, time, motive, availability. Truly, everything seems to have aligned for you to get away with it. But then, for some reason, you just decide not to do it.
Monday, November 13, 2006
napping
How does napping work? I have always loved taking naps. When my daughter was young, she hated napping. I tried to convince her that it was like getting to start the day over again in the middle of it. She fell for it which was good then. She loves napping now!
I love napping so much! I'm not sure if I was right when I told her that, but it sort of makes sense. I mean, if you sleep long enough. Most times, I'm more rested after napping than after sleeping all night long. My dreams are very often better. I fall asleep faster, too!
I can't help but wonder how it works.
I love napping so much! I'm not sure if I was right when I told her that, but it sort of makes sense. I mean, if you sleep long enough. Most times, I'm more rested after napping than after sleeping all night long. My dreams are very often better. I fall asleep faster, too!
I can't help but wonder how it works.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
fun!!!
I was just checking my email today, and low and behold! A comment from someone who I've never met. Blogging is a new little sport for me. A challenge that I am attempting to meet. A new community to share literary expression with. And I'm sharing it with my daughter.
She actually started blogging long before it was cool. She's actually got a number of places where she posts, but she's reactivated her blogspot in honor of sharing ideas and thoughts in a place where her moma does.
It's really wonderful to watch her grow. I am so in awe of her love for Christ and her complete trust in Him. Yes, she has her moments when she's down on herself, but that's what 14 is all about. I'm so excited to see her life unfold. I'm honored to have this opportunity as her mother. To watch her from this perspective.
Motherhood is really rewarding once you get through the elementary years.
She actually started blogging long before it was cool. She's actually got a number of places where she posts, but she's reactivated her blogspot in honor of sharing ideas and thoughts in a place where her moma does.
It's really wonderful to watch her grow. I am so in awe of her love for Christ and her complete trust in Him. Yes, she has her moments when she's down on herself, but that's what 14 is all about. I'm so excited to see her life unfold. I'm honored to have this opportunity as her mother. To watch her from this perspective.
Motherhood is really rewarding once you get through the elementary years.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
thinking again
I'd like to get away. I've been imagining a vacation spot that I'd like to be at and here's a little list of the requirements I've come up with so far:
1. Secluded
2. Must offer warmth (either inside or out)
3. Child free
4. No cell service
5. Wireless internet connectivity
I think I've narrowed it down. I'll be in my closet with a blanket...check on me in 3 days if you haven't seen me by then. I'll probably be thirsty.
1. Secluded
2. Must offer warmth (either inside or out)
3. Child free
4. No cell service
5. Wireless internet connectivity
I think I've narrowed it down. I'll be in my closet with a blanket...check on me in 3 days if you haven't seen me by then. I'll probably be thirsty.
sharing grammar
Something funny happened earlier today. My daughter and I have reached a new level of closeness. It was so funny to me and I knew that I my one reader would really enjoy!!
So, we woke up pretty leisurely this morning. With prompting it happened around 12:15. The we I speak of is the sweetest little girl in the world and myself. So, she came upstairs and we were hanging out in my bed.
She decided to tell me a little story about something that happened yesterday with her smallest brother. She was very happy when she started to tell it and then she said, "(chuckle) I love grammar!" It was WONDERFUL in my heart. She blessed me on SO MANY levels!! It ended up that she discovered a pun during an interaction with the little mann. Something about hunting.
The best part happened when I was laughing with her and told her that her story was so "punny"! I can't remember seeing her laugh like that in a VERY long time! Apparently, she'd learned about puns, but never heard the term 'punny'. I think it hit her in a pretty funny spot.
And the relationship continues, with the new dimension of grammar added in...the closeness grows. Now, if I could only teach her how to spell without spellchecker (as I spell check - HA!).
So, we woke up pretty leisurely this morning. With prompting it happened around 12:15. The we I speak of is the sweetest little girl in the world and myself. So, she came upstairs and we were hanging out in my bed.
She decided to tell me a little story about something that happened yesterday with her smallest brother. She was very happy when she started to tell it and then she said, "(chuckle) I love grammar!" It was WONDERFUL in my heart. She blessed me on SO MANY levels!! It ended up that she discovered a pun during an interaction with the little mann. Something about hunting.
The best part happened when I was laughing with her and told her that her story was so "punny"! I can't remember seeing her laugh like that in a VERY long time! Apparently, she'd learned about puns, but never heard the term 'punny'. I think it hit her in a pretty funny spot.
And the relationship continues, with the new dimension of grammar added in...the closeness grows. Now, if I could only teach her how to spell without spellchecker (as I spell check - HA!).
wishing...
Do you ever just want to cry but no matter how bad you want it, it doesn't happen? Sometimes I know why this happens, but sometimes I don't. Today would be a day that I don't. Well, I sorta do, but I'm not digging the explanation very much.
My medication keeps me going through my days. It keeps me upright and living, but it also tends to take away some of the rawness of my feelings. When I say that, what I mean is that I can think things through easier when I'm on it, and it's at the right dosage. But when I maybe want to actually feel something about the things I think about, the crying is somehow blocked.
I even tried looking at pictures of my sister to create some precipitation...there was a bit of fog, but no real tears. I tried talking about money, but all that brought out was frustration and fear. Not really tears. Today, I want to cry. There's a lot in my heart. I don't think tears are very often the solution, but I'm thinking that it may help to alleviate the gigantic lump in my throat. Who knows, maybe I'm just getting Hunter's strep...maybe I don't really need a good cry after all.
My medication keeps me going through my days. It keeps me upright and living, but it also tends to take away some of the rawness of my feelings. When I say that, what I mean is that I can think things through easier when I'm on it, and it's at the right dosage. But when I maybe want to actually feel something about the things I think about, the crying is somehow blocked.
I even tried looking at pictures of my sister to create some precipitation...there was a bit of fog, but no real tears. I tried talking about money, but all that brought out was frustration and fear. Not really tears. Today, I want to cry. There's a lot in my heart. I don't think tears are very often the solution, but I'm thinking that it may help to alleviate the gigantic lump in my throat. Who knows, maybe I'm just getting Hunter's strep...maybe I don't really need a good cry after all.
Friday, November 10, 2006
the week is over!
So, I made it through the week. Lots of things happened that I knew would, while even more things happened that I had no idea were coming. I mean, maybe I knew it on some level, but I had chosen or simply ran out of the brain power to keep it all straight.
I went to a concert tonight. It was this really rocking band that my super cool friend is a part of. They were in the studio all this week and I think it was an awesome climax to the week. The cream filling, if you will. The concert was awesome, the venue was cool. The weather fit in perfectly with the week...very, very, very wet!
It was an incredible concert in part because of feeling like I was a part of the process. Not in a really part of the process way, but in a nearby observance of the process. And when I heard the new songs, I wanted to cry...thank GOD I'm on enough medication to keep that from happening.
So, anyway, they pretty much Rocked!!!! Plus, I got to hear their new album! Fricken SWEET!
Love ya guys!! You're the bomb!! Thanks for letting me be near and live a little through y'all.
I went to a concert tonight. It was this really rocking band that my super cool friend is a part of. They were in the studio all this week and I think it was an awesome climax to the week. The cream filling, if you will. The concert was awesome, the venue was cool. The weather fit in perfectly with the week...very, very, very wet!
It was an incredible concert in part because of feeling like I was a part of the process. Not in a really part of the process way, but in a nearby observance of the process. And when I heard the new songs, I wanted to cry...thank GOD I'm on enough medication to keep that from happening.
So, anyway, they pretty much Rocked!!!! Plus, I got to hear their new album! Fricken SWEET!
Love ya guys!! You're the bomb!! Thanks for letting me be near and live a little through y'all.
Thursday, November 9, 2006
tired and cold
I'm so tired and cold, but I've made a committment to blog everyday this month. I'm putting off a warm bed before 11:3o, precipitated by my husband so that I can not fall off the wagon. I was thinking, there's a couple of posts that I haven't posted yet, but I thought that might be cheating. So, here it is...100% original material.
I worked at one of our imaging centers all day. Apparently, they seem to operate in an intesively insensitive manner with regard to the fact that 90% of the people who come in there have to take their clothes off. It was a freaking ice box in there all day long. I can't wait to get back to my office and turn the heat up so high that it makes me sweat! I love my office alone time. Heat! No one there to complain.
I might even take the car to work tomorrow, since it heats up so much faster.
Well, to all of my non-readers (since I'm operating completely unadvertised~though it is something I'm considering)...i've done it. The post for today is complete. Whoever determines whether or not a post counts or not, please count this one. It's original. It's real. It's just not really exciting or even a little interesting. But it's here...I'm still in the game.
hugs and kisses....
I worked at one of our imaging centers all day. Apparently, they seem to operate in an intesively insensitive manner with regard to the fact that 90% of the people who come in there have to take their clothes off. It was a freaking ice box in there all day long. I can't wait to get back to my office and turn the heat up so high that it makes me sweat! I love my office alone time. Heat! No one there to complain.
I might even take the car to work tomorrow, since it heats up so much faster.
Well, to all of my non-readers (since I'm operating completely unadvertised~though it is something I'm considering)...i've done it. The post for today is complete. Whoever determines whether or not a post counts or not, please count this one. It's original. It's real. It's just not really exciting or even a little interesting. But it's here...I'm still in the game.
hugs and kisses....
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
is it Friday yet?
I thought the week was full enough, and then I get a call in the middle of Safeway. Apparently, my brother in law has been trying to get ahold of us for a little over a week. He'll be here tomorrow and he's not sure when he'll be leaving.
I guess that means he'll see the mess. I have nothing extra with which to clean or straighten, or pick up even a single sock! Meetings all day, every day this week. Even a meeting tonight. Although, I did have an amazing opportunity to use my professional writing skills today. I got to write a scathing email to a whole corporation! And, it's not going to just fall on deaf corporate ears. Something's gonna have to happen as a result of my email. Heads will roll. DUDE! Sometimes I make me so proud of myself.
And then there's the conference that I got to have with the littlest's kindergarten teacher. Poor woman. She's really a wonderful creature, and yet, she has my son in her class. Apparently, he's pretty good with the social stuff and she's "very impressed with the confidence he has in himself". The only thing he could work to improve on is DOING WHAT HE'S TOLD! um...yer kiddin' me! I had no idea that was a problem!
There's part of me that feels glad that he shows others what a little creepo he can be. Then the other part of me is COMPLETELY embarrassed and 100% convinced that he's just practicing for PRISON. He'll be the good looking, gay dude who makes all the other boys in the jail do whatever he says.
I think he'd better toughen up a bit. He's actually kinda puny when it comes to putting his money where his mouth is. He probably thinks he's pretty tough since he can sometimes take his big brother down, but is it really fair to practice on the disabled? I think not. I hope he gets his butt kicked at school or somewhere, anywhere would be fine with me. He needs to learn that he's not the biggest fish in the pond.
I'm sure that a better mom might think that that is her JOB. I'm not sure it'll be possible with the parental unit he was born into. Softy and the meany. M is for Meany. M is for Mom. (in case you weren't sure who was who in the unit) We might need to go to some "love and logic" training together so that Softy will begin to see my process working through other people who clearly know more than me. You can have done this before, but that doesn't necessarily mean you did it right, right? Look at his kids and look at mine (the bigger two).
I hope we can get the mini-mann to end up more like mine than his.
Oh, wait! There's time to think about that later. I just want it to be Friday.
I guess that means he'll see the mess. I have nothing extra with which to clean or straighten, or pick up even a single sock! Meetings all day, every day this week. Even a meeting tonight. Although, I did have an amazing opportunity to use my professional writing skills today. I got to write a scathing email to a whole corporation! And, it's not going to just fall on deaf corporate ears. Something's gonna have to happen as a result of my email. Heads will roll. DUDE! Sometimes I make me so proud of myself.
And then there's the conference that I got to have with the littlest's kindergarten teacher. Poor woman. She's really a wonderful creature, and yet, she has my son in her class. Apparently, he's pretty good with the social stuff and she's "very impressed with the confidence he has in himself". The only thing he could work to improve on is DOING WHAT HE'S TOLD! um...yer kiddin' me! I had no idea that was a problem!
There's part of me that feels glad that he shows others what a little creepo he can be. Then the other part of me is COMPLETELY embarrassed and 100% convinced that he's just practicing for PRISON. He'll be the good looking, gay dude who makes all the other boys in the jail do whatever he says.
I think he'd better toughen up a bit. He's actually kinda puny when it comes to putting his money where his mouth is. He probably thinks he's pretty tough since he can sometimes take his big brother down, but is it really fair to practice on the disabled? I think not. I hope he gets his butt kicked at school or somewhere, anywhere would be fine with me. He needs to learn that he's not the biggest fish in the pond.
I'm sure that a better mom might think that that is her JOB. I'm not sure it'll be possible with the parental unit he was born into. Softy and the meany. M is for Meany. M is for Mom. (in case you weren't sure who was who in the unit) We might need to go to some "love and logic" training together so that Softy will begin to see my process working through other people who clearly know more than me. You can have done this before, but that doesn't necessarily mean you did it right, right? Look at his kids and look at mine (the bigger two).
I hope we can get the mini-mann to end up more like mine than his.
Oh, wait! There's time to think about that later. I just want it to be Friday.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
the fam
It's funny when you're growing up and you're pretty sure that your family is the most jacked up unit in the whole world. That there's no one who probably has to deal with the crap that you do in your house. That your parents are completely out of their mind and intent on making your life miserable!
Guess what? At some point, earlier than others for some of us, the fact is that we create that environment for our own kids. The reality is that our parents probably weren't the most miserable part of our family. It's actually the kids! I try to make everyone happy and keep things flowing, but inevitably, little creatures start invoking their will into our plans for them and ARGH!! No wonder parents seem crazy!!
I'll try not to rip out the limbs of the small ones. I keep them free of marks...visible ones anyway! Nah! They're great and I love 'em! They make me crazy, for certain, but they'll be the crazy parents before long!
Hee hee hee!!!
Guess what? At some point, earlier than others for some of us, the fact is that we create that environment for our own kids. The reality is that our parents probably weren't the most miserable part of our family. It's actually the kids! I try to make everyone happy and keep things flowing, but inevitably, little creatures start invoking their will into our plans for them and ARGH!! No wonder parents seem crazy!!
I'll try not to rip out the limbs of the small ones. I keep them free of marks...visible ones anyway! Nah! They're great and I love 'em! They make me crazy, for certain, but they'll be the crazy parents before long!
Hee hee hee!!!
Monday, November 6, 2006
Big week
I thought last week was a big week, but after today, I'm thinking that I haven't seen anything yet. Set up, connectivity, creating templates for training, updating the intranet, in between solving problems and putting out fires for my software. And that was before lunch!
Ugh! I hope that I'll be able to keep up with this. I just found out that one of my upgrades will probably not be happening until Friday, instead of Wednesday, but I'll still have to test it fully before it can be installed in the live environment. The phone training started today and it was boring as hell!
And with the rain...there needs to be some kind of a ray of hope for me. Ah yes, my blog! I was a little too busy at work today to try to come up with something to write about, so that's why you're getting this pretty boring little post about mostly nothing. I know I'm not the only busy person, especially this week. So, I'll keep my friends in my prayers and try to get as much sleep as possible.
Ugh! I hope that I'll be able to keep up with this. I just found out that one of my upgrades will probably not be happening until Friday, instead of Wednesday, but I'll still have to test it fully before it can be installed in the live environment. The phone training started today and it was boring as hell!
And with the rain...there needs to be some kind of a ray of hope for me. Ah yes, my blog! I was a little too busy at work today to try to come up with something to write about, so that's why you're getting this pretty boring little post about mostly nothing. I know I'm not the only busy person, especially this week. So, I'll keep my friends in my prayers and try to get as much sleep as possible.
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Oversharing
Oversharing. I was told earlier today that sometimes I do this. In fact, this person actually said that occasionally, he's just going to throw me a BIG O, just so I know that it's happened again.
I'll try to keep that in mind the next time I put on lip gloss!
Have a great time in the studio this week, WoV!! I'll see you all when you come back into the land of the living. I'll miss you while you're busy with each other.
I'll try to keep that in mind the next time I put on lip gloss!
Have a great time in the studio this week, WoV!! I'll see you all when you come back into the land of the living. I'll miss you while you're busy with each other.
Saturday, November 4, 2006
a list
Here's a list of some things one might have done in his or her lifetime: the ones I've done are highlighted and I put little parenthetical notes beside some of them. It's kind of long but it's interesting--and we all know it's fun to learn new things about each other!
If you decide to post this on your blog, leave a comment with a link to it!
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain (outside Gatlenburg, TN-not in the Rockies)
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. what goes here??
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise.
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a major sports game (White Sox, Mariners, Sonics)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables (with my daddy)
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars (there's always some sort of cover involved, something about bugs)
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon (no, but there used to be a troop that would take off from the field behind my house when I was little. Early Sunday mornings - it was really cool)
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne (eww, I think desperation would need to be involved. I have to drink just to deal with the taste of that crap!)
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster (bring it!)
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking (with pre-schoolers or after drinking)
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day (it was actually a couple of weeks after a trip to Oklahoma)
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk. (yes, someone other than myself)
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign (from someone who stole it from the street)
46. Backpacked in Europe.
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing (thank God I lived! Stupid dude behind me pulled on my leg to save himself! Who does that?)
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love (what about your kids after they can talk?)
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs (They're in a flip book at least.)
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke (Donnie-O-Kee!!)
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain (in a pool is WAY better)
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken (what about your kids before they can talk?)
69. Toured ancient site
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch (if you want my recipe, I memorized it when I was 10)
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas (honeymoon)
86. Recorded music (off the radio, babey!!!)
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date (Is this something that doesn't happen much?)
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently well enough to have a decent conversation (this is funny to me. I've listened in on Spanish conversations where they were talking about me and I responded back to them. does that count?)
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised (raising) children (child) (x3)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour (WoV Baby!!)
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge (I drove over it...probably not as cool, but I was only 18. It was an accomplishment to me at the time)
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking (When people watch, I think they want to see more!)
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Written articles for a large publication (This is the world-wide-web, right?)
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart (good times...)
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show (do dreams count?)
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse (I hope there are horses in heaven. I've heard there's no allergies there!)
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours (I wish this could happen more!)
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat (after a story my husband tells, I'm not sure we all haven't-something about McDonald's and "Australian Beef" and the FDA.)
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad (and the Odyssey)
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read.
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (fish is an animal, right?)
137. Skipped all your school reunions (so far so good!)
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language (crazy deaf kids!)
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ (is this what we did last night?)
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident (I've actually only been hit once-the rest, I caused. Yes, I caused the collision with a cop)
150. Saved someone’s life
If you decide to post this on your blog, leave a comment with a link to it!
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain (outside Gatlenburg, TN-not in the Rockies)
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. what goes here??
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise.
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a major sports game (White Sox, Mariners, Sonics)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables (with my daddy)
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars (there's always some sort of cover involved, something about bugs)
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon (no, but there used to be a troop that would take off from the field behind my house when I was little. Early Sunday mornings - it was really cool)
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne (eww, I think desperation would need to be involved. I have to drink just to deal with the taste of that crap!)
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster (bring it!)
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking (with pre-schoolers or after drinking)
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day (it was actually a couple of weeks after a trip to Oklahoma)
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk. (yes, someone other than myself)
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign (from someone who stole it from the street)
46. Backpacked in Europe.
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing (thank God I lived! Stupid dude behind me pulled on my leg to save himself! Who does that?)
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love (what about your kids after they can talk?)
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs (They're in a flip book at least.)
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke (Donnie-O-Kee!!)
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain (in a pool is WAY better)
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken (what about your kids before they can talk?)
69. Toured ancient site
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch (if you want my recipe, I memorized it when I was 10)
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas (honeymoon)
86. Recorded music (off the radio, babey!!!)
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date (Is this something that doesn't happen much?)
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently well enough to have a decent conversation (this is funny to me. I've listened in on Spanish conversations where they were talking about me and I responded back to them. does that count?)
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised (raising) children (child) (x3)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour (WoV Baby!!)
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge (I drove over it...probably not as cool, but I was only 18. It was an accomplishment to me at the time)
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking (When people watch, I think they want to see more!)
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Written articles for a large publication (This is the world-wide-web, right?)
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart (good times...)
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show (do dreams count?)
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse (I hope there are horses in heaven. I've heard there's no allergies there!)
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours (I wish this could happen more!)
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat (after a story my husband tells, I'm not sure we all haven't-something about McDonald's and "Australian Beef" and the FDA.)
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad (and the Odyssey)
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read.
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (fish is an animal, right?)
137. Skipped all your school reunions (so far so good!)
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language (crazy deaf kids!)
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ (is this what we did last night?)
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident (I've actually only been hit once-the rest, I caused. Yes, I caused the collision with a cop)
150. Saved someone’s life
Friday, November 3, 2006
Whew!
So, it's pretty late. I was over at my wonderful friend's house working with her technology. She's the bomb. It's so awesome to spend time with her. Even though she's a relatively new friend in my life, sometimes it freaks both of us out just exactly how much the same we are. I mean, who else admits to thinking things the way we do with each other. She is definitely a gift in my life! Just when I needed it!
Consequently, she's also the challenger for this little blogging endeavor. So, when I saw that it was 11:11 and realized that I only had 49 minutes to post today, we kicked it into high gear to make it home in time to post! I can't fall out of the competition only 3 days in. Although, I think it might suck just a little more if I make it through to the 27th or something and then miss a day! ARGH! That cannot happen!
Thank you my sweet friend, for your time and your technology!! And thank you God, for bringing her to me!!
Consequently, she's also the challenger for this little blogging endeavor. So, when I saw that it was 11:11 and realized that I only had 49 minutes to post today, we kicked it into high gear to make it home in time to post! I can't fall out of the competition only 3 days in. Although, I think it might suck just a little more if I make it through to the 27th or something and then miss a day! ARGH! That cannot happen!
Thank you my sweet friend, for your time and your technology!! And thank you God, for bringing her to me!!
Thursday, November 2, 2006
the question of the day
I went to my grief group tonight and an interesting question was asked. How has my life has changed since my loved one died? Interesting. Not something that I felt I could do justice with the 10 minutes allowed to respond. I couldn't think of a single way to explain my way through, or feel my way out of all that happens in my heart as a result of my sister's death. Maybe I can get a good start on it here...
I'm different because...
I used to be the middle, and now the older book end on my siblingness is gone. I'm not the oldest, just the oldest living. There's a part of me that's not sure how my left cover is supposed to stay standing. The other book end, my little brother, is a little too far removed in my opinion. He's convinced that I'm not well for taking her death so hard. His opinion is that I should just remember the good times and move on. If she were here, she'd tell me he's just immature or something, or she'd try to play the devil's advocate to show me a new way to look at his perspective. That devil's advocate crap always pisses me off. Unfortunately, my little bro apparently got that gene too! It's his favorite little argument tool.
To me, the devil's advocate game seems more like arguing for the sake of arguing - not arguing to defend your point of view. Interestingly, I'm always right which makes the devil's advcocate game impossible! I need to win arguments. I need to be right! Because I am, don't you know? It's exhausting to go up against a devil's advocate person because I find that I'm just explaining my perspective in so many different ways until the silly argue-er sees it my way and realizes that I'm right! Okay, maybe that's another post all together.
I'm different because my constant life mirror is gone. The mirror from the beginning of my life...the one that was always there. We shared a bed for years. We shared crushes on boys. We shared secrets. Oh, the secrets! I'm different because I don't have her to share them with. I cry almost every time I realize that I've told a secret to someone that I can't tell to her. I'm angry that I can't tell her. I'm sad that I can't tell her. I miss her.
So, about the mirror - I want to say more about this, but I didn't see a place to put more into that last paragraph. Not only did we share every day of my life until she didn't anymore, I knew who I was because I knew who she was and I knew that she knew who I was. I didn't have to be fake with her, even when she was sick, and in my being real there was no explainations necessary. She knew where I came from and all that I'd ever done, and now she doesn't, and she can't, and she never will be that life mirror again. Even if I imagined that somehow she were still a reflective source from which I could draw opinions about who I am, the reality is that I'm different than the mirror I knew and it's not fair to ME to draw relation from something that is not changing alongside me.
It's at this point that I realize that the metafore of a mirror is not good. Because at no point is a mirror actually capable of changing in the way that a life does. The room that the mirror is in can be different, but the mirror is the same. Her life was dynamic and it feels a little like using a mirror diminishes her impact. The impact her life had on the whole world, whether or not she knew it before she got to lunch with God.
I cry so much since she died. I mean, most times I'm good. I'm functioning at a pretty high level. Most people who see me probably don't know what a mess it is inside my brain. I think I pull off life pretty well. But, when I think about how I feel because my sister died, I'm so sad. I feel broken when I think about all of this. I haven't been able to figure out whether or not that means I'm doing this grief right or not. Like, is it that when I'm living life and not sad or thinking about her that I'm in denial and that how I feel when I think about how I feel is really where I'm at in my grief journey ~ I don't know. It's a pretty shady place when I start thinking about thinking too much.
I prefer just living.
I'm different because...
I used to be the middle, and now the older book end on my siblingness is gone. I'm not the oldest, just the oldest living. There's a part of me that's not sure how my left cover is supposed to stay standing. The other book end, my little brother, is a little too far removed in my opinion. He's convinced that I'm not well for taking her death so hard. His opinion is that I should just remember the good times and move on. If she were here, she'd tell me he's just immature or something, or she'd try to play the devil's advocate to show me a new way to look at his perspective. That devil's advocate crap always pisses me off. Unfortunately, my little bro apparently got that gene too! It's his favorite little argument tool.
To me, the devil's advocate game seems more like arguing for the sake of arguing - not arguing to defend your point of view. Interestingly, I'm always right which makes the devil's advcocate game impossible! I need to win arguments. I need to be right! Because I am, don't you know? It's exhausting to go up against a devil's advocate person because I find that I'm just explaining my perspective in so many different ways until the silly argue-er sees it my way and realizes that I'm right! Okay, maybe that's another post all together.
I'm different because my constant life mirror is gone. The mirror from the beginning of my life...the one that was always there. We shared a bed for years. We shared crushes on boys. We shared secrets. Oh, the secrets! I'm different because I don't have her to share them with. I cry almost every time I realize that I've told a secret to someone that I can't tell to her. I'm angry that I can't tell her. I'm sad that I can't tell her. I miss her.
So, about the mirror - I want to say more about this, but I didn't see a place to put more into that last paragraph. Not only did we share every day of my life until she didn't anymore, I knew who I was because I knew who she was and I knew that she knew who I was. I didn't have to be fake with her, even when she was sick, and in my being real there was no explainations necessary. She knew where I came from and all that I'd ever done, and now she doesn't, and she can't, and she never will be that life mirror again. Even if I imagined that somehow she were still a reflective source from which I could draw opinions about who I am, the reality is that I'm different than the mirror I knew and it's not fair to ME to draw relation from something that is not changing alongside me.
It's at this point that I realize that the metafore of a mirror is not good. Because at no point is a mirror actually capable of changing in the way that a life does. The room that the mirror is in can be different, but the mirror is the same. Her life was dynamic and it feels a little like using a mirror diminishes her impact. The impact her life had on the whole world, whether or not she knew it before she got to lunch with God.
I cry so much since she died. I mean, most times I'm good. I'm functioning at a pretty high level. Most people who see me probably don't know what a mess it is inside my brain. I think I pull off life pretty well. But, when I think about how I feel because my sister died, I'm so sad. I feel broken when I think about all of this. I haven't been able to figure out whether or not that means I'm doing this grief right or not. Like, is it that when I'm living life and not sad or thinking about her that I'm in denial and that how I feel when I think about how I feel is really where I'm at in my grief journey ~ I don't know. It's a pretty shady place when I start thinking about thinking too much.
I prefer just living.
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
something new
So, it's a new toy, this blog. I've been in and out all day long looking for comments or something. Funny thing, though...this is supposed to be a quiet, dark place for me to vent out the darkest places of my heart. I'm thinking, why would someone comment here? I'm probably hoping, more than anything, that no one will ever read this! But, then the voyeur in me perhaps hopes that someone will read. I've only told a couple of people that I've started this blog. Of course, one of them is my daughter. There goes the free-wheeling vent land I had so hoped for. NAH! She'll be okay with it...she knows me "inside and out" as she says.
NaBloPoMo
So, I'm giving this a try...blogging. Maybe when I'm not working, I'll have more time to actually say something important or notable at least.
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