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| My Heart. My Joy. My Reason. |
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
The Dark Side Has Cookies
The Boy Who Talks (much): Ma, why those cookies there?
Me: Um, because I was eating them.
The Boy Who Talks (much): Put em up. (waits a beat) Can I have some?
Me: Welcome to the dark side.
Me: Um, because I was eating them.
The Boy Who Talks (much): Put em up. (waits a beat) Can I have some?
Me: Welcome to the dark side.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Smartest Stupid Thing I've Ever Done
I pride myself on not being a total idiot. Sometimes I am an idiot but I'd like to think that perhaps I'm not a total idiot. When I graduated from high school all those moons ago the State of Oklahoma said to me, "You're pretty smart and you're pretty poor why don't we pay 100% of your tuition to any school in the state for 5 years!" You know what I did? Of the 10 regular semesters I could have used that FREE money I only went for 4. See, stupid idiot.
My thinking on this was simply that I just didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up and wanted to take a stab at being a wife and mom. Not that I'm complaining about either of those decisions. Nickel and I still get along after all these years and Peanut is a pretty awesome kid.
A few years later I thought, well, why not finish up that Associates degree and so I did. Slowly, but I did. Ironically it was while taking the last of those classes that I got pregnant with The Boy Who Doesn't Talk (much). A few years after the last course I actually applied for graduation and they said, "It's only been 4 years since you finished, why not have the piece of paper to go with it." See, stupid idiot.
But this latest decision I've made is perhaps the smartest stupid decision I've ever made.
I'm going back to college.
Again. But no more children this go around!
The University of Oklahoma says to me, "You only have 42 hours left why not take classes online? They're just 8 weeks a piece. Take a couple in the fall and see what you think." Ok, sign me up.
The website for OU is vast. The course outline for my first class scares me to death.
I have to write eight 1250 word essays in two months. Eep. Well, you know, I like to write. But I like to write like this. From the top of my head where grammar doesn't matter. Well, it does. For the most part but it's not like all 4 of you that read my blog are going to comment about any grammar faux pas unless they're really out there. For this class I have to make sense. I think. I mean, it's college they probably frown if your papers don't make some sort of sense, right?
But getting a college edu-macation isn't a bad thing. It might help me land a better job or a promotion somewhere along the line. Nickel's auntie wants me to continue on to get my Masters. I say, "Whoa Nelly!" Let's make sure I can survive the next 42 college hours before we go tacking on another.... I don't even want to think about how many more hours (and years) it would take to get my Masters. So, if you need me, I'll be around looking for an excuse to avoid my homework. Maybe this is the spark I need to really get blogging again. I have lots of The Boy Who Doesn't Talk (much) stories to tell.
Until then.
My thinking on this was simply that I just didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up and wanted to take a stab at being a wife and mom. Not that I'm complaining about either of those decisions. Nickel and I still get along after all these years and Peanut is a pretty awesome kid.
A few years later I thought, well, why not finish up that Associates degree and so I did. Slowly, but I did. Ironically it was while taking the last of those classes that I got pregnant with The Boy Who Doesn't Talk (much). A few years after the last course I actually applied for graduation and they said, "It's only been 4 years since you finished, why not have the piece of paper to go with it." See, stupid idiot.
But this latest decision I've made is perhaps the smartest stupid decision I've ever made.
I'm going back to college.
Again. But no more children this go around!
The University of Oklahoma says to me, "You only have 42 hours left why not take classes online? They're just 8 weeks a piece. Take a couple in the fall and see what you think." Ok, sign me up.
The website for OU is vast. The course outline for my first class scares me to death.
I have to write eight 1250 word essays in two months. Eep. Well, you know, I like to write. But I like to write like this. From the top of my head where grammar doesn't matter. Well, it does. For the most part but it's not like all 4 of you that read my blog are going to comment about any grammar faux pas unless they're really out there. For this class I have to make sense. I think. I mean, it's college they probably frown if your papers don't make some sort of sense, right?
But getting a college edu-macation isn't a bad thing. It might help me land a better job or a promotion somewhere along the line. Nickel's auntie wants me to continue on to get my Masters. I say, "Whoa Nelly!" Let's make sure I can survive the next 42 college hours before we go tacking on another.... I don't even want to think about how many more hours (and years) it would take to get my Masters. So, if you need me, I'll be around looking for an excuse to avoid my homework. Maybe this is the spark I need to really get blogging again. I have lots of The Boy Who Doesn't Talk (much) stories to tell.
Until then.
Monday, May 13, 2013
The Best or the Worst, Take Your Pick
After today, my children will only attend school for 8 more days. Then they will officially be on summer vacation. They are both very excited. Though it means a lot more to Peanut than her brother as this is his first year of school. But he senses the excitement in the air.
It doesn't seem real. For instance today was the first day The Boy Who Doesn't Talk (much) wore shorts to school. Mother nature has lost her mind and refuses to let go of winter. I try, I really do try not to complain as I know any moment now she will snap back into reality and the lows will be in the upper 80s and the highs hovering around 110.
The weather isn't the only reason it doesn't feel like the end of the school year, time just seems to pass by quicker all the time. Remember when we were kids and the school year seemed to drag and drag and we thought we would NEVER get to summer? I sort of miss those days.
Because I work every other Saturday I get every other Friday off. That may change in the future but I'm going to fight it with all I have. Fridays off are the best. It's practically the weekend. I especially love them during the school year because I drop my kids off at school and then have 7 hours ALL. TO. MYSELF! It is glorious.
During my 7 hours I run errands here and there in town and sometimes do other mom stuff like laundry or house cleaning. Sometimes I go to the grocery store and buy just the food I want to eat without anyone else throwing silly stuff into my basket. I never buy Nerds unless some child is with me. Sometimes, if I'm lucky and plan ahead I have two hour visits at a local coffee shop with one friend (sometimes local author Lucie Smoker who is amazing and you should read her book if you haven't already) followed up by a two hour lunch with another friend! Those days are my favorite but on those days I don't get any laundry done. It's all about priorities.
But during the summer my Fridays off are spent with my kids. I'm not in anyway saying this is bad. I'm just saying there are no 2 hour visits over coffee and lunch is out of the question because it's just not the same with children there thinking they need to either be included in the conversation or dominating it. And that's fine too. It's just for a couple of months, totally doable.
But this year I have devised an evil plan. I'm either the best mom ever because I'm taking care of my sanity or I'm the worst mom, you can pick but don't tell me if you think I'm the worst mom.
This year, next Monday in fact, I'm taking a vacation day. WHILE THE KIDS ARE IN SCHOOL. A stay-cation because where would I go with only one day off? I'm trying to squeeze in the last little bit of school days that I can before summer hits.
Next Monday I plan on drinking coffee, having lunch, and who knows what else I'll get into. The kids might be counting down the number of days left in school but I'm counting down the number of days until my day off! Woot!
Wish me luck!
It doesn't seem real. For instance today was the first day The Boy Who Doesn't Talk (much) wore shorts to school. Mother nature has lost her mind and refuses to let go of winter. I try, I really do try not to complain as I know any moment now she will snap back into reality and the lows will be in the upper 80s and the highs hovering around 110.
The weather isn't the only reason it doesn't feel like the end of the school year, time just seems to pass by quicker all the time. Remember when we were kids and the school year seemed to drag and drag and we thought we would NEVER get to summer? I sort of miss those days.
Because I work every other Saturday I get every other Friday off. That may change in the future but I'm going to fight it with all I have. Fridays off are the best. It's practically the weekend. I especially love them during the school year because I drop my kids off at school and then have 7 hours ALL. TO. MYSELF! It is glorious.
During my 7 hours I run errands here and there in town and sometimes do other mom stuff like laundry or house cleaning. Sometimes I go to the grocery store and buy just the food I want to eat without anyone else throwing silly stuff into my basket. I never buy Nerds unless some child is with me. Sometimes, if I'm lucky and plan ahead I have two hour visits at a local coffee shop with one friend (sometimes local author Lucie Smoker who is amazing and you should read her book if you haven't already) followed up by a two hour lunch with another friend! Those days are my favorite but on those days I don't get any laundry done. It's all about priorities.
But during the summer my Fridays off are spent with my kids. I'm not in anyway saying this is bad. I'm just saying there are no 2 hour visits over coffee and lunch is out of the question because it's just not the same with children there thinking they need to either be included in the conversation or dominating it. And that's fine too. It's just for a couple of months, totally doable.
But this year I have devised an evil plan. I'm either the best mom ever because I'm taking care of my sanity or I'm the worst mom, you can pick but don't tell me if you think I'm the worst mom.
This year, next Monday in fact, I'm taking a vacation day. WHILE THE KIDS ARE IN SCHOOL. A stay-cation because where would I go with only one day off? I'm trying to squeeze in the last little bit of school days that I can before summer hits.
It's like the Labor Day of the school year for this mom. Bwahaha!!!
Next Monday I plan on drinking coffee, having lunch, and who knows what else I'll get into. The kids might be counting down the number of days left in school but I'm counting down the number of days until my day off! Woot!
Wish me luck!
Thursday, April 04, 2013
I Saw My Mother Do It
I grew up on a in a small community called Etta Bend. Once a thriving community with a train stop, a lumber mill, a one room school house, and residents hunted in the tree-dense hills and fished along the river. Today, Etta Bend it a barely a dot on a rare map. The one-room school house burned at one point and the children went to other schools in nearby communities, there are no train tracks to speak of, I have no memory of the lumber mill and I do not know how it met it's end, but I like to think that the trees won the battle of territory. People still hunt and fish and the horse-shaped road is still dirt and rock. Supposedly, the county was going to pave it in 1970. Residents are still waiting.
I learned to drive on that dirt road. I even let my slightly younger best friend drive for the first time on a straight stretch of road. I like that dirt road, part of me hopes the county forgets to pave it for another forty years.
Etta Bend is home to one little church and as you might suspect, I grew up in that church. When I started driving I became Minnie's chauffeur. Minnie was a sweet old lady who was like a second grandmother to me. She had babysat me from time to time and was my Sunday School teacher more often than not. For all the years I knew her Minnie never drove. I don't know if she even owned a vehicle. I think I remember a rusted old car that sat near her home but I don't know the details. Minnie relied on people to bring her to and from church on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. When her family was close they performed the duty but as her family branched out my family picked up the slack.
I loved driving Minnie to church. Not only because I loved her but because I loved driving. It was a little thing to me, barely took an extra 10-15 minutes depending on road conditions.
But Minnie wasn't the only one I even played chauffeur to. Before I started driving a woman started attending our church. She too lived on Etta Bend, but this woman didn't smell very nice. She seemed to be forgetful and would say things over and over. I had not grown up with her and I am ashamed to say, I had little patience for her. Her name was Susie.
Susie would sometimes walk to church which was over two miles from her house up and down hills over this rock and dirt road with her cane. As a teenager with a sensitive nose I did not think too kindly of my mother offering rides to this woman. It was impossible to hold my breath all the way. But my mother did not complain once. She even smiled and talked to her which I knew required breathing.
I saw what my mother did.
By the time I was seventeen I got over myself and joined the ranks as one of Susie's chauffeurs when she felt up to attending church, which honestly became less and less over the years. Time gets us all.
Fast forward fifteen years and now I'm in my car with my teenage daughter after school. We're talking about homework assignments and the substitute teacher for the substitute teacher when I saw Mrs. Miller walking down the street.
Mrs. Miller lives a block over and I see her out walking almost ever single day of the year no matter the weather. But this was a cold and rainy spring day. I could see Mrs. Miller struggle with her umbrella, which is obviously broken, a cup of coffee, a small bag from Burger King, and her cane.
I had never actually met Mrs. Miller before though we have lived in the same neighborhood for ten years. I pulled over and rolled my daughter's window down, "Would you like a ride?" She only lives three blocks away but it's a nasty day and clearly she's struggling. She takes in the car and after a moment of deliberation she agrees to the ride. I talk her into handing the coffee and sack to Peanut hold while she maneuvers her umbrella and cane into the back seat. During the short trip she asks if Peanut goes to the same Jr. High her children and grandchildren went to once upon a time. We talk about the yucky weather we've had but are thankful for much needed rain. Small talk that didn't amount to much at all. At her house I hop out into the rain taking the coffee and sack and carry them along with the broken umbrella up the three steps to her house. I smiled and said goodbye.
My daughter saw what her mother did.
I learned to drive on that dirt road. I even let my slightly younger best friend drive for the first time on a straight stretch of road. I like that dirt road, part of me hopes the county forgets to pave it for another forty years.
Etta Bend is home to one little church and as you might suspect, I grew up in that church. When I started driving I became Minnie's chauffeur. Minnie was a sweet old lady who was like a second grandmother to me. She had babysat me from time to time and was my Sunday School teacher more often than not. For all the years I knew her Minnie never drove. I don't know if she even owned a vehicle. I think I remember a rusted old car that sat near her home but I don't know the details. Minnie relied on people to bring her to and from church on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. When her family was close they performed the duty but as her family branched out my family picked up the slack.
I loved driving Minnie to church. Not only because I loved her but because I loved driving. It was a little thing to me, barely took an extra 10-15 minutes depending on road conditions.
But Minnie wasn't the only one I even played chauffeur to. Before I started driving a woman started attending our church. She too lived on Etta Bend, but this woman didn't smell very nice. She seemed to be forgetful and would say things over and over. I had not grown up with her and I am ashamed to say, I had little patience for her. Her name was Susie.
Susie would sometimes walk to church which was over two miles from her house up and down hills over this rock and dirt road with her cane. As a teenager with a sensitive nose I did not think too kindly of my mother offering rides to this woman. It was impossible to hold my breath all the way. But my mother did not complain once. She even smiled and talked to her which I knew required breathing.
I saw what my mother did.
By the time I was seventeen I got over myself and joined the ranks as one of Susie's chauffeurs when she felt up to attending church, which honestly became less and less over the years. Time gets us all.
Fast forward fifteen years and now I'm in my car with my teenage daughter after school. We're talking about homework assignments and the substitute teacher for the substitute teacher when I saw Mrs. Miller walking down the street.
Mrs. Miller lives a block over and I see her out walking almost ever single day of the year no matter the weather. But this was a cold and rainy spring day. I could see Mrs. Miller struggle with her umbrella, which is obviously broken, a cup of coffee, a small bag from Burger King, and her cane.
I had never actually met Mrs. Miller before though we have lived in the same neighborhood for ten years. I pulled over and rolled my daughter's window down, "Would you like a ride?" She only lives three blocks away but it's a nasty day and clearly she's struggling. She takes in the car and after a moment of deliberation she agrees to the ride. I talk her into handing the coffee and sack to Peanut hold while she maneuvers her umbrella and cane into the back seat. During the short trip she asks if Peanut goes to the same Jr. High her children and grandchildren went to once upon a time. We talk about the yucky weather we've had but are thankful for much needed rain. Small talk that didn't amount to much at all. At her house I hop out into the rain taking the coffee and sack and carry them along with the broken umbrella up the three steps to her house. I smiled and said goodbye.
My daughter saw what her mother did.
Monday, March 25, 2013
The Highlander
It is no secret, I love a good kilt. Especially when the man wearing the kilt is hot.
Take a moment and Google David Tennant, Gerard Butler, or even Sean Connery in kilt.
Mmmmmmmmmm....see?
What was I saying? Oh yes, kilts. I like 'em. I like 'em a lot. I even like to read Medieval Romance novels set in the...you guessed it, the Highlands. Don't judge me.
Yes, I've read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. It was a good book and would totally read the others in the series except I became some bogged down by the story line that Nickel thought for two weeks it took me to read it I was depressed, unhappy, and was going to leave him. I tend to become one with a book (which is why I choose happily ever after romance novels over thriller horror books everyday) so I'll just let my friends tell me all the interesting plot points in the rest of the series and piece the story together in my head where everyone is happy. Especially Jamie and Claire. It works for me, ok.
Nickel knows about my kilt fetish. He still refuses to wear one for me. Bummer. That would be a sight!
Today I went visited with some close friends of mine. My Melodious friend served tea. Today's blend was a very nice Highland tea. It was delicious and I may have been a glutton drinking at least four cups. In my defense, I have a terrible cold and the tea soothed my sore body. But I digress.
After our adventures and tea I came home and made a lovely Cottage Pie for dinner and took control of the remote and decided on the 1986 production of Highlander. I've seen this movie before, many many years ago.
I now remember why I haven't watched the movie is so long. It's ridiculous, as most movies from the 80s are. What were they thinking?
I had to turn the movie off before the end because I remembered why it was rated R. Because movies like this think it's appropriate to throw in a random sex scene. "Hey baby, you just found out I'm over 400 years old. Wanna have sex on my hardwood floors?"
Uh, no.
I mean, come on, ew.
He wasn't even wearing his kilt in that scene. Not that his kilt was cute in the flashbacks. It really wasn't.
Since I have a young boy and a new teenager in the house I thought it more appropriate for The Adventures of Chuck and Friends to be our entertainment. As that genre usually dominates our airwaves.
And this, my friends is why you do not watch Rated R movies from the 1980s no matter if there are kilts or not. This warning should probably apply to the 1995 production of Braveheart as well.
Take a moment and Google David Tennant, Gerard Butler, or even Sean Connery in kilt.
Mmmmmmmmmm....see?
What was I saying? Oh yes, kilts. I like 'em. I like 'em a lot. I even like to read Medieval Romance novels set in the...you guessed it, the Highlands. Don't judge me.
Yes, I've read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. It was a good book and would totally read the others in the series except I became some bogged down by the story line that Nickel thought for two weeks it took me to read it I was depressed, unhappy, and was going to leave him. I tend to become one with a book (which is why I choose happily ever after romance novels over thriller horror books everyday) so I'll just let my friends tell me all the interesting plot points in the rest of the series and piece the story together in my head where everyone is happy. Especially Jamie and Claire. It works for me, ok.
Nickel knows about my kilt fetish. He still refuses to wear one for me. Bummer. That would be a sight!
Today I went visited with some close friends of mine. My Melodious friend served tea. Today's blend was a very nice Highland tea. It was delicious and I may have been a glutton drinking at least four cups. In my defense, I have a terrible cold and the tea soothed my sore body. But I digress.
After our adventures and tea I came home and made a lovely Cottage Pie for dinner and took control of the remote and decided on the 1986 production of Highlander. I've seen this movie before, many many years ago.
I now remember why I haven't watched the movie is so long. It's ridiculous, as most movies from the 80s are. What were they thinking?
I had to turn the movie off before the end because I remembered why it was rated R. Because movies like this think it's appropriate to throw in a random sex scene. "Hey baby, you just found out I'm over 400 years old. Wanna have sex on my hardwood floors?"
Uh, no.
I mean, come on, ew.
He wasn't even wearing his kilt in that scene. Not that his kilt was cute in the flashbacks. It really wasn't.
Since I have a young boy and a new teenager in the house I thought it more appropriate for The Adventures of Chuck and Friends to be our entertainment. As that genre usually dominates our airwaves.
And this, my friends is why you do not watch Rated R movies from the 1980s no matter if there are kilts or not. This warning should probably apply to the 1995 production of Braveheart as well.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Life of a Teenager's Mom
No, I'm not changing the name of my blog. I could, that would be a great title, but I think I'll stick with this one. Plus, it's kind of fun to be called "Fresh-Cut Flowers Girl" when being introduced.
I have much on my mind these days. Too much for a Facebook post. Besides, I'm on the outs with Facebook at the moment. I'm sure that tide will change again soon, but for now, old faithful blog, I turn to you to vent my thoughts and feelings.
Thirteen years ago I was in a lot of pain. Well, maybe not exactly thirteen years ago. I don't remember what time it was when I got my epidural. All I know for sure is that in a few short hours my Peanut will been a full fledged teenager. We've been through a lot that little girl and I. Some things were good and others weren't so good. I'm sure we'll have plenty more of those moments in the next thirteen years to come. I'm hoping by the time she's twenty-six she'll be the easiest person to get along with. I'm proud of her, my Peanut. She's quite an amazing young lady. She's smart, kind, and generous to a fault. The Lord is good.
Baby Butter, aka The Boy Who Doesn't Talk (much) has been talking more since he started Pre-K. He was able to start at the elementary school last spring in the Special-Ed program geared for 3 year olds that are delayed. Since he didn't talk much he was considered delayed. Not being overly worried about it we thought it was a great opportunity to get him extra help. He responded well to the teacher and the structure of going to school. As luck would have it, he has the same teacher again this year. Now he talks and sings and even recognizes some letters and numbers. He is especially fond of the letter "E" and the number "5". I don't know why but I agree that those are good ones. For all his progress I am thankful. The Lord is good.
I'm feeling off lately. I don't know if there is too much clutter or not enough time or just a phase or some sort of mesh of all of the above. There defiantly aren't enough hours in the day. After work all I want to do is sit down and zone out. Much like 97% of all working adults I'm sure. I miss working at the church where I had my own office and could take my time easing into work or starting off with a bang if I felt like it. I miss the quiet time where I could sit and write for a few minutes. I miss writing. I miss blogging. People make time for what they find important, they say, which is true. Obviously, I do not find deep sea fishing important. At least, not to me. But I do think cleaning is important, yet currently my desk is in such disarray that I'm having an inner battle just to ignore it and type this little blog instead. I should probably stop it and start cleaning. Declutter my desk and declutter my mind. I wish that was how it worked. I like things to be easy. But I fear I will end up distracted for my efforts.
Now that I've come to the conclusion that I'm just rambling about inconsequential things I will wrap things up. What it all boils down to is this. I love to blog but the truth of the matter is I crave feedback. I want to know how many people have read my little ramblings and I just don't get that kind of feedback here whereas Facebook has all those Likes and people actually comment on what I have to say more often than not. So while I would love to spend everyday blogging through my life and telling you boring story after boring story of what my children are doing I will probably stick with Facebook.
I think I'll go clean my desk now.
I have much on my mind these days. Too much for a Facebook post. Besides, I'm on the outs with Facebook at the moment. I'm sure that tide will change again soon, but for now, old faithful blog, I turn to you to vent my thoughts and feelings.
Thirteen years ago I was in a lot of pain. Well, maybe not exactly thirteen years ago. I don't remember what time it was when I got my epidural. All I know for sure is that in a few short hours my Peanut will been a full fledged teenager. We've been through a lot that little girl and I. Some things were good and others weren't so good. I'm sure we'll have plenty more of those moments in the next thirteen years to come. I'm hoping by the time she's twenty-six she'll be the easiest person to get along with. I'm proud of her, my Peanut. She's quite an amazing young lady. She's smart, kind, and generous to a fault. The Lord is good.
Baby Butter, aka The Boy Who Doesn't Talk (much) has been talking more since he started Pre-K. He was able to start at the elementary school last spring in the Special-Ed program geared for 3 year olds that are delayed. Since he didn't talk much he was considered delayed. Not being overly worried about it we thought it was a great opportunity to get him extra help. He responded well to the teacher and the structure of going to school. As luck would have it, he has the same teacher again this year. Now he talks and sings and even recognizes some letters and numbers. He is especially fond of the letter "E" and the number "5". I don't know why but I agree that those are good ones. For all his progress I am thankful. The Lord is good.
I'm feeling off lately. I don't know if there is too much clutter or not enough time or just a phase or some sort of mesh of all of the above. There defiantly aren't enough hours in the day. After work all I want to do is sit down and zone out. Much like 97% of all working adults I'm sure. I miss working at the church where I had my own office and could take my time easing into work or starting off with a bang if I felt like it. I miss the quiet time where I could sit and write for a few minutes. I miss writing. I miss blogging. People make time for what they find important, they say, which is true. Obviously, I do not find deep sea fishing important. At least, not to me. But I do think cleaning is important, yet currently my desk is in such disarray that I'm having an inner battle just to ignore it and type this little blog instead. I should probably stop it and start cleaning. Declutter my desk and declutter my mind. I wish that was how it worked. I like things to be easy. But I fear I will end up distracted for my efforts.
Now that I've come to the conclusion that I'm just rambling about inconsequential things I will wrap things up. What it all boils down to is this. I love to blog but the truth of the matter is I crave feedback. I want to know how many people have read my little ramblings and I just don't get that kind of feedback here whereas Facebook has all those Likes and people actually comment on what I have to say more often than not. So while I would love to spend everyday blogging through my life and telling you boring story after boring story of what my children are doing I will probably stick with Facebook.
I think I'll go clean my desk now.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The Long Night
10:58 pm
My bed is crowded with an extra body as I prepare to find my rest. I smile and gather the little boy into my arms and carry him to his couch. He doesn't like to sleep on his bed. His sister is already asleep on the other couch. I'm not sure why I even keep beds in their rooms really. The boy coughs in his sleep. I fill a humidifier to help him breathe easier throughout the night. Finally, I can go to bed.
11:24 pm
The bed shakes as someone crawls into bed next to me. I smile and make room.
11: 42 pm
The Boy cries and crawls out of bed. He coughs as he finds his way to his couch. I get up and find his cough medicine. His dad had tried to give him some earlier but the boy wouldn't take it. I try anyway hoping that in the sleepy haze he'll forget about how much he hates taking medicine. He hasn't but still he took some. I fix him some juice to help get rid of the taste in his mouth. He settles back down. I go back to bed.
12:17 am
A mumbled cry wakes me from slumber. I begrudgingly leave the warmth and comfort of my bed to follow the cries. In the darkness of the living room I find Boy Who Doesn't Talk (aka Baby Butter) standing there holding his monkey close to his heart. He coughs. I can hear that he is wheezing slightly as well. I go to him as he lays down in front of the dark Christmas tree in the dining room. I plug in the tree to give us some light and hold him. I rock him in my arms. Usually he does not allow this sort of comfort. He coughs again. He isn't running a fever. For that I am thankful. He sits up though he makes no move to leave me. He is still wheezing slightly so I set him down.
12: 24 am
I set up his nebulizer. He actually allows me to place the doggy mask by his face. I am frightened by the sense of helplessness. After a few minutes I go get his pillows off the couch and mine off my bed. I grab the big Spiderman quilt I made. He has abandoned his breathing treatment for the pillows. I show him he can have both. We lay there together as he takes in the fogged air. I feel helpless as I watch him watch me. He smiles slightly. We lay there together for a long time. I tell him to close his eyes. He says no. Boy Who Doesn't Talk does talk from time to time.
12: 49 am
I move to a nearby chair. It is hard for me to lay on the floor. I'm not as young as I use to be. But I can't go back to bed and leave him alone. Boy Who Doesn't Talk sits on his knees and talks in a language I cannot understand to the tree. He is excited and bounces on his knees.
1:29 am
He still admires the Christmas tree from his place under it. Most of the ornaments he placed on it himself. I wonder what he is thinking. The wheezing has past for now, I am thankful. "What's that?" he asks when I join him again. "Snowman" I whisper. "What's that" he asks and points to another ornament. "Dragonfly." "What's that?" he asks again. "An angel. What's that?" I ask him this time. "Car. Vroom." "And that?" I ask. "Ball!"
1:44 am
I remind him it is night-night time. He shakes his head at me and pokes out his bottom lip. I wonder when I'll get sleep again. He drags the Spiderman quilt into the living room and lays back down under the Christmas tree. I retrieve the quilt "Huh-uh" he says shaking his head and palm no. He goes and gets the quilt Nana made him. He and his monkey look almost ready for sleep. Almost.
2:14 am
The Boy is wide awake. I yawn and yearn desperately for my bed. The boy pats my head in comfort. "Heart" he says as he holds up the first Christmas ornament I bought his dad and my's first Christmas, two red hearts with each of our names written on them. I smile at the memory.
2:41 am
He's starting to wheeze again. The last breathing treatment has kept us up over two hours now. I don't know what to do. He's rearranging the ornaments on the tree and seems very happy doing this. Occasionally he lays down with me but only lasts a few moments before he up and busy again.
Sometime around 3:30 am
Sweet sweet slumber. Thank you Jesus.
My bed is crowded with an extra body as I prepare to find my rest. I smile and gather the little boy into my arms and carry him to his couch. He doesn't like to sleep on his bed. His sister is already asleep on the other couch. I'm not sure why I even keep beds in their rooms really. The boy coughs in his sleep. I fill a humidifier to help him breathe easier throughout the night. Finally, I can go to bed.
11:24 pm
The bed shakes as someone crawls into bed next to me. I smile and make room.
11: 42 pm
The Boy cries and crawls out of bed. He coughs as he finds his way to his couch. I get up and find his cough medicine. His dad had tried to give him some earlier but the boy wouldn't take it. I try anyway hoping that in the sleepy haze he'll forget about how much he hates taking medicine. He hasn't but still he took some. I fix him some juice to help get rid of the taste in his mouth. He settles back down. I go back to bed.
12:17 am
A mumbled cry wakes me from slumber. I begrudgingly leave the warmth and comfort of my bed to follow the cries. In the darkness of the living room I find Boy Who Doesn't Talk (aka Baby Butter) standing there holding his monkey close to his heart. He coughs. I can hear that he is wheezing slightly as well. I go to him as he lays down in front of the dark Christmas tree in the dining room. I plug in the tree to give us some light and hold him. I rock him in my arms. Usually he does not allow this sort of comfort. He coughs again. He isn't running a fever. For that I am thankful. He sits up though he makes no move to leave me. He is still wheezing slightly so I set him down.
12: 24 am
I set up his nebulizer. He actually allows me to place the doggy mask by his face. I am frightened by the sense of helplessness. After a few minutes I go get his pillows off the couch and mine off my bed. I grab the big Spiderman quilt I made. He has abandoned his breathing treatment for the pillows. I show him he can have both. We lay there together as he takes in the fogged air. I feel helpless as I watch him watch me. He smiles slightly. We lay there together for a long time. I tell him to close his eyes. He says no. Boy Who Doesn't Talk does talk from time to time.
12: 49 am
I move to a nearby chair. It is hard for me to lay on the floor. I'm not as young as I use to be. But I can't go back to bed and leave him alone. Boy Who Doesn't Talk sits on his knees and talks in a language I cannot understand to the tree. He is excited and bounces on his knees.
1:29 am
He still admires the Christmas tree from his place under it. Most of the ornaments he placed on it himself. I wonder what he is thinking. The wheezing has past for now, I am thankful. "What's that?" he asks when I join him again. "Snowman" I whisper. "What's that" he asks and points to another ornament. "Dragonfly." "What's that?" he asks again. "An angel. What's that?" I ask him this time. "Car. Vroom." "And that?" I ask. "Ball!"
1:44 am
I remind him it is night-night time. He shakes his head at me and pokes out his bottom lip. I wonder when I'll get sleep again. He drags the Spiderman quilt into the living room and lays back down under the Christmas tree. I retrieve the quilt "Huh-uh" he says shaking his head and palm no. He goes and gets the quilt Nana made him. He and his monkey look almost ready for sleep. Almost.
2:14 am
The Boy is wide awake. I yawn and yearn desperately for my bed. The boy pats my head in comfort. "Heart" he says as he holds up the first Christmas ornament I bought his dad and my's first Christmas, two red hearts with each of our names written on them. I smile at the memory.
2:41 am
He's starting to wheeze again. The last breathing treatment has kept us up over two hours now. I don't know what to do. He's rearranging the ornaments on the tree and seems very happy doing this. Occasionally he lays down with me but only lasts a few moments before he up and busy again.
Sometime around 3:30 am
Sweet sweet slumber. Thank you Jesus.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
You need Jesus
Working the front desk at the library I am able to talk to a wide array of people of varying of degrees of education, income and religion. On any given day I will speak to Catholics, Mormons, and atheists. Apparently there is something in my aura this week because three people have given me a "little something" from their church.
I thought I had a pretty good relationship with Jesus, but maybe they know something I don't.
I thought I had a pretty good relationship with Jesus, but maybe they know something I don't.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Did That Just Happen
I spent my day off with Peanut today. Butter likes to stick to his schedule and would really rather not go shopping so he spent a few hours at daycare. Besides, the lucky girl leaves for her annual summer Tulsa trip tomorrow. Then on Thursday Butter and I will pick her up and head to Tahlequah to visit for a few day. Pretty sweet vacation.
Nickel has threaten to "clean" Peanut's room while she is gone. That word strikes fear in both her and myself because Nickel's definition of "clean" very different ours. His involves lots of garbage bags. I'm not opposed to getting rid of junk and trash but sometimes he goes a little overboard. So to help her out we bought some clear tubs for her to sort her important things.
In the car on our way home she told me that she was actually in the mood to clean her room and was a little excited to organize these tubs. I told her I would help her pick up her room.
"Let me work on it for thirty minutes by myself, first!" she exclaimed.
"Uh, sure," I replied.
Wait, did she just say she was going to clean her room by herself? Sweet! I wasn't even trying to use reverse psychology but it worked.
I am amazing!
Nickel has threaten to "clean" Peanut's room while she is gone. That word strikes fear in both her and myself because Nickel's definition of "clean" very different ours. His involves lots of garbage bags. I'm not opposed to getting rid of junk and trash but sometimes he goes a little overboard. So to help her out we bought some clear tubs for her to sort her important things.
In the car on our way home she told me that she was actually in the mood to clean her room and was a little excited to organize these tubs. I told her I would help her pick up her room.
"Let me work on it for thirty minutes by myself, first!" she exclaimed.
"Uh, sure," I replied.
Wait, did she just say she was going to clean her room by herself? Sweet! I wasn't even trying to use reverse psychology but it worked.
I am amazing!
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Blowing Kisses
It's Tuesday. Generally I hate Tuesdays. But TheBoyWhoDoesNotTalk(much) blew me a kiss so everything is going to alright.
Monday, July 30, 2012
New Friends
The library director said in a recent staff meeting that she likes working the circulation desk with me because I know everyone. And to her it may just seem like that. We have a lot of regulars that come to the library on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Often I will comment on a book if I've read it or even just read about it and I'm frequently asked to recommend new books or authors for them to try. I have to scan their card to check them out and after so many scans and saying "Thank you [insert name here]" I remember their name.
First, I heard or read somewhere that if you know someone's name you have power over them. And since Nickel made me watch Spiderman movies, I know that with great power comes great responsibility so I don't abuse this power but if someone is not behaving as they should (a particular teenager comes to my mind) I can walk up to them, call them by name, and explain to them the behavior that is not acceptable and they are more likely to stop said bad behavior. It doesn't always work but in the case with that particular teenager it did. He was so impressed that I knew his name that he hasn't acted up since. Now when he comes into the library he says hello to me and encourages his friends to behave!
Second, knowing someone's name a way to form a relationship and friendship. Like Cheers only at a library. I don't know anyone named Norm though, sadly. And I do form friendships with patrons. I think it makes people feel good when they walk up to the desk to pick up a book they placed on hold and without them even saying anything I've pulled their book off the hold shelf and start up a conversation. I've got to know some patrons well enough that I've loaned out my personal books, text them about any and everything, share my reading logs from Goodreads, talk to them on Facebook, exchanged recipes, and played with their kids!
Speaking of kids, I'll tell you a little secret, my favorite patrons are the ones that are 0-6 years old. The babies I adore mostly because I don't have one that small to play with anymore and it'll be a long time (hopefully 15-20 years) before i have grandkids. The toddlers are fun because they're just getting into books and stories.
But the 4-6 year olds are the best! These kids tell me WONDERFUL stories. One day a boy of 6 or 7 years checked out a few books and he said to me, 'are you Butter's mom?' (Ok, he used Butter's real name but this is a semi-private blog so just pretend with me here.) I of course said, 'Yes! I'm Butter's mom. How did you know?' It turns out he goes to the same daycare. Kids see everything.
Another day another young man brought up his books to check out. I asked him what he was reading about that day and he told me animals. I told him I like animals too except for gnats and flies, but I like cats and dogs and I like giraffes because they have long necks and I think that's pretty cool. He told me all about how a giraffe licked him one time at the zoo. He was pretty proud of that.
One day two girls came in with their mother and were so excited because they had just found out that their mom was going to have a boy! They hadn't even had a chance to tell their grandparents yet. In fact I was the first one besides them to know that they were going to have a brother. That's quite an honor, even if I was just the first person they had spoken to after hearing such wonderful news. Now when they come in I ask them, 'When is that baby brother going to get here?' And they cheerfully tell me 'November!' and of course I act like I just can't wait to see him because neither can they.
Today a toe-headed boy came up to the desk with his grandfather. He told me about how he and his 7 cousins were going to spend the night at his grandparent's house next weekend. We decided that that was going to be a lot of fun. He was very polite. It made me a little sad that Butter doesn't talk to me like this boy did though.
I'm going to miss some of these kids when school starts and they're too busy to come to the library but hopefully they'll be back next summer. And I know there are kids that were too busy to come to the library over the summer that will be back when school starts. 'Tis a cycle, I suppose. But these kids and even the adults that I've gotten to know make my job so much fun!
First, I heard or read somewhere that if you know someone's name you have power over them. And since Nickel made me watch Spiderman movies, I know that with great power comes great responsibility so I don't abuse this power but if someone is not behaving as they should (a particular teenager comes to my mind) I can walk up to them, call them by name, and explain to them the behavior that is not acceptable and they are more likely to stop said bad behavior. It doesn't always work but in the case with that particular teenager it did. He was so impressed that I knew his name that he hasn't acted up since. Now when he comes into the library he says hello to me and encourages his friends to behave!
Second, knowing someone's name a way to form a relationship and friendship. Like Cheers only at a library. I don't know anyone named Norm though, sadly. And I do form friendships with patrons. I think it makes people feel good when they walk up to the desk to pick up a book they placed on hold and without them even saying anything I've pulled their book off the hold shelf and start up a conversation. I've got to know some patrons well enough that I've loaned out my personal books, text them about any and everything, share my reading logs from Goodreads, talk to them on Facebook, exchanged recipes, and played with their kids!
Speaking of kids, I'll tell you a little secret, my favorite patrons are the ones that are 0-6 years old. The babies I adore mostly because I don't have one that small to play with anymore and it'll be a long time (hopefully 15-20 years) before i have grandkids. The toddlers are fun because they're just getting into books and stories.
But the 4-6 year olds are the best! These kids tell me WONDERFUL stories. One day a boy of 6 or 7 years checked out a few books and he said to me, 'are you Butter's mom?' (Ok, he used Butter's real name but this is a semi-private blog so just pretend with me here.) I of course said, 'Yes! I'm Butter's mom. How did you know?' It turns out he goes to the same daycare. Kids see everything.
Another day another young man brought up his books to check out. I asked him what he was reading about that day and he told me animals. I told him I like animals too except for gnats and flies, but I like cats and dogs and I like giraffes because they have long necks and I think that's pretty cool. He told me all about how a giraffe licked him one time at the zoo. He was pretty proud of that.
One day two girls came in with their mother and were so excited because they had just found out that their mom was going to have a boy! They hadn't even had a chance to tell their grandparents yet. In fact I was the first one besides them to know that they were going to have a brother. That's quite an honor, even if I was just the first person they had spoken to after hearing such wonderful news. Now when they come in I ask them, 'When is that baby brother going to get here?' And they cheerfully tell me 'November!' and of course I act like I just can't wait to see him because neither can they.
Today a toe-headed boy came up to the desk with his grandfather. He told me about how he and his 7 cousins were going to spend the night at his grandparent's house next weekend. We decided that that was going to be a lot of fun. He was very polite. It made me a little sad that Butter doesn't talk to me like this boy did though.
I'm going to miss some of these kids when school starts and they're too busy to come to the library but hopefully they'll be back next summer. And I know there are kids that were too busy to come to the library over the summer that will be back when school starts. 'Tis a cycle, I suppose. But these kids and even the adults that I've gotten to know make my job so much fun!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
My New Favorite Author
I have a new favorite author.
This changes on a regular basis so it's not really that impressive. I've been frantically collecting all her works lately which is probably why it's taken me over three weeks to update this blog. That's a lie, truth is I've been reading her since February picking up a book here and there, but I have been reading a lot lately and working full time and it's summer and my girl child was gone for three weeks so of course I had to spend more time with the boy child and the man when I wasn't soaking up the peace and quiet and that is why I haven't blogged.
Oops. Sorry.
Let me tell you a little bit about Susanna Kearsley, the author that is my new favorite. (I'll try not to be too wordy but I make no promises) She is simply amazing. That is my opinion. And my opinion is very important, as you know.
Susanna writes, "modern gothic novels that blend historical adventure and modern-day suspense with romance and a touch of something spooky." (from her amazon bio)
All things that I really enjoy in books rolled into one.
These books are not bodice rippers where the man and woman fall instantly in love with each other at sight and after overcoming a little internal and external conflict live happily ever after (even though I enjoy those books too). In Susanna's books the characters are deeper than that and so is their love for each other.
Her first story I read was Winter Sea. I had seen it as a recommendation on Amazon and requested it through my local library's digital library. Winter Sea is about a woman named Carrie McClelland who is an author and her research has brought her to Slains Castle located in Scotland. There her book seems to write itself in her dreams and when she checks her facts she discovers that everything is spot on as though she has lived the moment she is trying to describe herself even though it happened more than two hundred years ago. The book is crafted so well that the both the modern and the historical parts of the story are woven together flawlessly.
After Winter Sea I picked up Rose Garden for $2.99 on my Kindle, I love when Amazon discounts books I really want to read! After her sister's death Eva Ward returns to a place she spent as a child. Staying with friends Eva busys herself helping her friend launch their new Tea Room, but somehow she finds herself slipping through time. In the past she meets Jack and Daniel Butler, well known and well respected smugglers. Finally she is faced with a decision, stay there and continue to slip back and forth between time or leave.
The third book by Susanna Kearsley that I read was actually the second one she wrote but was rereleased in the US on April 1 this year, was Mariana. Mariana is another story set in England that has time travel involved without being hokey and very plausible. Artist, Julia Becket has felt that Greywethers has belonged to her since she was five years old and twenty five years later impulsivly buys it. For a time she feels like she's loosing her mind when one moment a room is set up one way and in the next it is completely different, as though from another time. And there are strange people in her house talking to her and she knows exactly what to reply because at that moment she is no longer Julia Becket but Mariana. There is of course a love story but the twist at the end just might surprise you!
Other books that I have already read are The Shadowy Horses, Named of the Dragon, Season of Storms and The Spendour Falls. Each amazing in itself and worth the read. I would rank these six books in order from my favorite to least favorite but the truth is I'd have five favorites and two second favorites. And that list would probably change when I reread them, because I do plan to reread them. Several times I imagine.
Still in my TBR (to be read) pile are Every Secret Thing, Gemini Game and Undertow. The latter two have been out of print for some time and I'm having a hard time laying hands on them. I might have to use the interlibrary loan system through the library to read them until I can someday own them.
So in short, if you can call a nearly seven hundred word post short, read Susanna Kearsley books. The three books I discussed can be downloaded to an eReader from Amazon or Barnes and Noble if you are inclined to buy. If not check out your local library and see what's in their digital library or even on their shelf. I did as Ms Kearsley (and she actually replied) if her other books would become available in the US for eReaders and she said yes, eventually. If your library doesn't have her ask for Title Request form or an Interlibrary Loan form and get one on the way. She is amazing and I don't think you'll be disappointed in her.
This changes on a regular basis so it's not really that impressive. I've been frantically collecting all her works lately which is probably why it's taken me over three weeks to update this blog. That's a lie, truth is I've been reading her since February picking up a book here and there, but I have been reading a lot lately and working full time and it's summer and my girl child was gone for three weeks so of course I had to spend more time with the boy child and the man when I wasn't soaking up the peace and quiet and that is why I haven't blogged.
Oops. Sorry.
Let me tell you a little bit about Susanna Kearsley, the author that is my new favorite. (I'll try not to be too wordy but I make no promises) She is simply amazing. That is my opinion. And my opinion is very important, as you know.
Susanna writes, "modern gothic novels that blend historical adventure and modern-day suspense with romance and a touch of something spooky." (from her amazon bio)
All things that I really enjoy in books rolled into one.
These books are not bodice rippers where the man and woman fall instantly in love with each other at sight and after overcoming a little internal and external conflict live happily ever after (even though I enjoy those books too). In Susanna's books the characters are deeper than that and so is their love for each other.
Her first story I read was Winter Sea. I had seen it as a recommendation on Amazon and requested it through my local library's digital library. Winter Sea is about a woman named Carrie McClelland who is an author and her research has brought her to Slains Castle located in Scotland. There her book seems to write itself in her dreams and when she checks her facts she discovers that everything is spot on as though she has lived the moment she is trying to describe herself even though it happened more than two hundred years ago. The book is crafted so well that the both the modern and the historical parts of the story are woven together flawlessly.
After Winter Sea I picked up Rose Garden for $2.99 on my Kindle, I love when Amazon discounts books I really want to read! After her sister's death Eva Ward returns to a place she spent as a child. Staying with friends Eva busys herself helping her friend launch their new Tea Room, but somehow she finds herself slipping through time. In the past she meets Jack and Daniel Butler, well known and well respected smugglers. Finally she is faced with a decision, stay there and continue to slip back and forth between time or leave.
The third book by Susanna Kearsley that I read was actually the second one she wrote but was rereleased in the US on April 1 this year, was Mariana. Mariana is another story set in England that has time travel involved without being hokey and very plausible. Artist, Julia Becket has felt that Greywethers has belonged to her since she was five years old and twenty five years later impulsivly buys it. For a time she feels like she's loosing her mind when one moment a room is set up one way and in the next it is completely different, as though from another time. And there are strange people in her house talking to her and she knows exactly what to reply because at that moment she is no longer Julia Becket but Mariana. There is of course a love story but the twist at the end just might surprise you!
Other books that I have already read are The Shadowy Horses, Named of the Dragon, Season of Storms and The Spendour Falls. Each amazing in itself and worth the read. I would rank these six books in order from my favorite to least favorite but the truth is I'd have five favorites and two second favorites. And that list would probably change when I reread them, because I do plan to reread them. Several times I imagine.
Still in my TBR (to be read) pile are Every Secret Thing, Gemini Game and Undertow. The latter two have been out of print for some time and I'm having a hard time laying hands on them. I might have to use the interlibrary loan system through the library to read them until I can someday own them.
So in short, if you can call a nearly seven hundred word post short, read Susanna Kearsley books. The three books I discussed can be downloaded to an eReader from Amazon or Barnes and Noble if you are inclined to buy. If not check out your local library and see what's in their digital library or even on their shelf. I did as Ms Kearsley (and she actually replied) if her other books would become available in the US for eReaders and she said yes, eventually. If your library doesn't have her ask for Title Request form or an Interlibrary Loan form and get one on the way. She is amazing and I don't think you'll be disappointed in her.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Why You Don't Discuss Medical Issues with Car Guys
The following is an actual conversation my husband and I had just today on Yahoo IM. Please note that we've been married for almost 13 years and this is the man who suggested he could help the doctor cut baby Butter out of my stomach with a plastic spoon (follow the link to see Nickel with said plastic spoon).
Me: I think I should have my blood pressure checked.
Nickel: i have a guage int the garage
Me: a blood pressure gauge?
Nickel: fuel pressure..should be same
Nickel: think you gonna blow a gasket
Nickel: i can check your vaccuum also
Me: I'm wondering if maybe my meds aren't helping me as much. I'm really lightheaded when I stand up. I only lasted at work about an hour
Me: I feel better when I'm laying down though.
Me: I felt ok first thing this morning but as the morning progressed and I was on my feet I tanked and felt like crap again.
Nickel: crazy
Nickel: yeah i dont know anything bout blood pressure, so dont know if that would do it or not
Nickel: i dont know ..doc still on vacation?
Me: i don't know, haven't called maybe I could just email him and see what he suggests.
Me: he'll probably tell me to get my bloodpressure checked though. he's like that.
Nickel: seems like high blood pressure wouldnt make ya dizzy
Nickel: if you were a car i would say you have fuel pressure regulator issues
Me: wouldn't that equate to blood pressure?
Nickel: maybe blew a power vale last time you backfired
Nickel: yeah it does
Nickel: unless you have a vacuum leak
Me: bleeding on the brain?
Nickel: take a deep breath and hold it...see if you have any leaks around nose,ears, eyes..that area
Nickel: Some people with uncomplicated hypertension, however, may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and blurred vision usually with blood pressure that is very high. The presence of symptoms can be a good thing in that they can prompt people to consult a doctor for treatment.
Nickel: googles sez its high
Me: No leaks
Me: thanks googler
Nickel: still thinks its regulator,,,pressure high/not enough volume...could be your pump
Me: well, we don't want my pump, ie my heart, to go out so i guess i'll call the office.
Nickel: see if they can put in larger return line.
Me: I don't think that's possible without bypass surgery and I'm not in the mood for that thank you.
Nickel: we could do an external frame mounted set up make you look all cyberpunk bionic
Me: that's sweet, but no thanks
Nickel: i gots tools..the more dan and i clean the more i find
Nickel: i could build you a coolcan too fill with ice and keep you much cooler also
Me: well...uh...when you find them all we'll talk
Nickel: k
Nickel: til then best talk to a medical professional, or you will end up with petroleum based products runnin through your veins
Me: thanks babe.
Nickel: could move you up to a higher octane
Nickel: sucks you feel bad
Me: You know, I think I'm going to post this conversation on my blog. It's very enlightening.
Nickel: it may be easier to find a borg and get assimilated, they tend to repair flaws as they do the assimilation
Me: and someday when I write a book i'll put it in there too.
New Friends
I saw one of those eCard greetings on Facebook this morning that made me laugh. It has some inappropriate language so I won't post it, but the top part said, "I wish my house wasn't is such a disaster all the time, but folks won't quit writing good books and making cheap wine." I could care less about the cheap wine, but the good books are hard for me to put down.
But I recently discovered months ago and happily ignored until now, that several of my links are to people who a.) aren't there anymore and site has been disabled b.)haven't posted anything in an eon and have no plans to either or c.)I don't remember why I linked to them in the first place.
So I plan to go through my little list over yonder and see what needs taken down.
BUT
You knew there was going to be a but, didn't you? I've got several links that really must be added to the links tab and that is by far the most important news of this update.
But for now check out my friends Christy and Katie who will soon be added!
But I
So I plan to go through my little list over yonder and see what needs taken down.
BUT
You knew there was going to be a but, didn't you? I've got several links that really must be added to the links tab and that is by far the most important news of this update.
But for now check out my friends Christy and Katie who will soon be added!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
School's Out for Summer!
Catchy title, huh? Kinda makes you want to sing a song. Now if only you could remember the rest of the words to that song. I'd google them but I really don't care.
Yeah, I just said that.
I'm a librarian and I'm not going to take the time to find the answer and you can't make me.
So mleh.
Speaking of librarians, this video was messaged to my from a Melodious friend. She asked when I started doing commercials. I could do this. Watch.
So this actress is probably 10 years younger and 10 or 15 a lot of pounds lighter, but still, she looks Just. Like. Me!
Anywho, that's wasn't my purpose of blogging today. This was suppose to be about school being out.
Peanut has completed the 6th grade. Her teachers even decided it would be a good idea for her to go on to 7th grade next year. Amazing. Seriously, amazing.
I remember 7th grade. I remember my mother praying a lot that year, well actually she prayed a lot for three years. I'm pretty sure she was tempted to put arsonic in my dinner because really, who likes to be around 7th, 8th, or 9th graders? I look back at that time in my life and I shudder. Maybe we all went through that stage where our mother made us clothes that looked similar to sofa covers, black with huge pink flowers and the sailor collars. I shudder because I thought I looked so pretty. It's no wonder I didn't have many friends then. (side note: I did have some friends and I'm even still friends with people who knew me back then, they're awesome for not remembering the huge pink flowered outfit I wore like every other day) I didn't really make friends until 10th grade when I became almost normal again. Almost. I hear we all went through an awkward stage during Jr High but I don't remember anyone else being awkward. Maybe I just have selective memory.
Butter, also finished up a school year. He only went the last 9 weeks. Had I known there was a program for 3 year olds with speech delays I probably still would've been in denial and not attempted to get him in the program earlier. He's coming along. We can understand one in every thirty words now! (maybe a hint of sarcasm) He really likes school and riding the school bus, but he's missed being able to take an afternoon nap. So I'm hoping that he'll deal with daycare knowing that he gets to take a nap all summer. Not the same, I know. I mean, if it were me I'd rather take a nap than get on a bus and go to school, but to each their own.
So we have no big plan for the summer. Peanut's going to spend some time in the beautiful side of the state with my parents and going to camp. I loved church camp growing up but you couldn't pay me to go now. I value my sleep too much. But other than that not much happening around here. Just work. And lots of heat.
And to celebrate the first night of summer vacation I think I'll go to bed early.
I'm such a grown up. Dang it.
Yeah, I just said that.
I'm a librarian and I'm not going to take the time to find the answer and you can't make me.
So mleh.
Speaking of librarians, this video was messaged to my from a Melodious friend. She asked when I started doing commercials. I could do this. Watch.
Anywho, that's wasn't my purpose of blogging today. This was suppose to be about school being out.
Peanut has completed the 6th grade. Her teachers even decided it would be a good idea for her to go on to 7th grade next year. Amazing. Seriously, amazing.
I remember 7th grade. I remember my mother praying a lot that year, well actually she prayed a lot for three years. I'm pretty sure she was tempted to put arsonic in my dinner because really, who likes to be around 7th, 8th, or 9th graders? I look back at that time in my life and I shudder. Maybe we all went through that stage where our mother made us clothes that looked similar to sofa covers, black with huge pink flowers and the sailor collars. I shudder because I thought I looked so pretty. It's no wonder I didn't have many friends then. (side note: I did have some friends and I'm even still friends with people who knew me back then, they're awesome for not remembering the huge pink flowered outfit I wore like every other day) I didn't really make friends until 10th grade when I became almost normal again. Almost. I hear we all went through an awkward stage during Jr High but I don't remember anyone else being awkward. Maybe I just have selective memory.
Butter, also finished up a school year. He only went the last 9 weeks. Had I known there was a program for 3 year olds with speech delays I probably still would've been in denial and not attempted to get him in the program earlier. He's coming along. We can understand one in every thirty words now! (maybe a hint of sarcasm) He really likes school and riding the school bus, but he's missed being able to take an afternoon nap. So I'm hoping that he'll deal with daycare knowing that he gets to take a nap all summer. Not the same, I know. I mean, if it were me I'd rather take a nap than get on a bus and go to school, but to each their own.
So we have no big plan for the summer. Peanut's going to spend some time in the beautiful side of the state with my parents and going to camp. I loved church camp growing up but you couldn't pay me to go now. I value my sleep too much. But other than that not much happening around here. Just work. And lots of heat.
And to celebrate the first night of summer vacation I think I'll go to bed early.
I'm such a grown up. Dang it.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Fresh Air
A breath of fresh air, a change of scenery were just what the doctor ordered. Well, perhaps the Tall Doctor didn't say those exact words to me last time I was in his office. But I'm sure they were implied. And that's exactly what I got this past weekend.
For Mother's Day we packed up the children, gassed up the car and headed east. There's just something about Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma that sooths my soul. It give me comfort and a sense of peace fills me.
(Though having some funny sounds coming from my car that stressed my husband out didn't exactly help my blood pressure.)
The weather was absolutely perfect. It was warm but there was a nice cool breeze blowing from time to time throughout the whole afternoon. My wonderful sister-in-law prepared a delicious afternoon meal and the 6 adults gathered around a table near the pool while the 5 children found places to sit among the lounge chairs and parental laps. I had a headache for most of the day but the company couldn't have been better. The conversations, that I mostly just listened to, were lively and entertaining. I do so love Nickel's mom and brother and their spouses. The kids all get along very well though the two three year olds can push each other's buttons as three year olds are wont to do.
I don't know what it is about water but as soon as the pool is open the children have this overwhelming urge to jump in. So they did, all 5 of them took two or three dips playing until their lips turned blue and their parents made them get out. Peanut was told she could only get in if she watched Butter and she did a really good job accepting her roll without complaint. We, of course, were just a few feet away keeping our own eyes on the children as they played and when the three year olds were in the pool an adult was always poolside.
But I just relaxed. Soaked up some sun and Vitamin D. It was hard saying goodbye that evening but Monday morning would be upon us before we knew it so we headed back west. It was a short day trip, but it was exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries.
This coming Friday is my day off since I work on Saturday. Being the our last chance before school is out next week, Nickel has taken a vacation day. It'll almost be like having a 6 hour date! I'm so excited. We'll probably do really exciting stuff like go to the bank, go out to lunch and grab some stuff from the grocery store. But there are a few other things we're considering. We might go look at some used cars, as reliable transportation is a must with all the trips we make back and forth across the state. And there's even a slight chance we might watch a movie. But if those plans fall through we might just stay home and watch a movie and take a nap. We do love our naps. Silly children, the antinaptakers, sometimes thwart our weekend naps but if they're at school, they can't stop us! Bwahahaha!
Whatever we do it'll be nice just to spend some time alone without being interrupted, without choosing a restaurant based on if they have a kids menu, and without having to stop in the middle of a conversation to explain what certain words mean. Wow, doesn't that sound nice?
So, uh...is it Friday yet?
For Mother's Day we packed up the children, gassed up the car and headed east. There's just something about Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma that sooths my soul. It give me comfort and a sense of peace fills me.
(Though having some funny sounds coming from my car that stressed my husband out didn't exactly help my blood pressure.)
The weather was absolutely perfect. It was warm but there was a nice cool breeze blowing from time to time throughout the whole afternoon. My wonderful sister-in-law prepared a delicious afternoon meal and the 6 adults gathered around a table near the pool while the 5 children found places to sit among the lounge chairs and parental laps. I had a headache for most of the day but the company couldn't have been better. The conversations, that I mostly just listened to, were lively and entertaining. I do so love Nickel's mom and brother and their spouses. The kids all get along very well though the two three year olds can push each other's buttons as three year olds are wont to do.
I don't know what it is about water but as soon as the pool is open the children have this overwhelming urge to jump in. So they did, all 5 of them took two or three dips playing until their lips turned blue and their parents made them get out. Peanut was told she could only get in if she watched Butter and she did a really good job accepting her roll without complaint. We, of course, were just a few feet away keeping our own eyes on the children as they played and when the three year olds were in the pool an adult was always poolside.
But I just relaxed. Soaked up some sun and Vitamin D. It was hard saying goodbye that evening but Monday morning would be upon us before we knew it so we headed back west. It was a short day trip, but it was exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries.
This coming Friday is my day off since I work on Saturday. Being the our last chance before school is out next week, Nickel has taken a vacation day. It'll almost be like having a 6 hour date! I'm so excited. We'll probably do really exciting stuff like go to the bank, go out to lunch and grab some stuff from the grocery store. But there are a few other things we're considering. We might go look at some used cars, as reliable transportation is a must with all the trips we make back and forth across the state. And there's even a slight chance we might watch a movie. But if those plans fall through we might just stay home and watch a movie and take a nap. We do love our naps. Silly children, the antinaptakers, sometimes thwart our weekend naps but if they're at school, they can't stop us! Bwahahaha!
Whatever we do it'll be nice just to spend some time alone without being interrupted, without choosing a restaurant based on if they have a kids menu, and without having to stop in the middle of a conversation to explain what certain words mean. Wow, doesn't that sound nice?
So, uh...is it Friday yet?
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Time
Time has a way of passing without one really noticing. Or we notice but still it seems to take us off guard, or at least it does me. Tonight I was having a serious conversation with Peanut that as a mother I'd hoped to never have but knew it was necessary.
During our conversation we were talking about online privacy and I explained that on this blog she always has been and always will be known as Peanut. For the most part only friends and family read this blog but it is an open blog and according to my site meter people from all over the world have at least stumbled upon the blog.
Peanut later asked what exactly was a blog. She's known about mine for years but wanted to see it. So I pulled it up and showed her some of the funny things she has said over the years. Conversations that made me laugh and wanted to remember for all time. She was highly amused and impressed with herself. The pictures made her laugh and on more than one occasion she said "I was so little!".
Yes, she was. In many ways she still is but time is passing and with it each day she grows not just in stature but in maturity and wisdom. There will come a time in the next few years when her bones will set and I won't have to buy whole new wardrobes every year. Both happy and sad that day will be.
I'm glad that even though I didn't write much for a few years there I kept this blog. I had on more than one occasion thought about deleting it but always stopped myself. This way, I can keep track of time as it slips past me like a ninja. And Peanut and Butter can look at it in years to come and see what I had to say, what they had to say, and follow time's progression in our lives.
During our conversation we were talking about online privacy and I explained that on this blog she always has been and always will be known as Peanut. For the most part only friends and family read this blog but it is an open blog and according to my site meter people from all over the world have at least stumbled upon the blog.
Peanut later asked what exactly was a blog. She's known about mine for years but wanted to see it. So I pulled it up and showed her some of the funny things she has said over the years. Conversations that made me laugh and wanted to remember for all time. She was highly amused and impressed with herself. The pictures made her laugh and on more than one occasion she said "I was so little!".
Yes, she was. In many ways she still is but time is passing and with it each day she grows not just in stature but in maturity and wisdom. There will come a time in the next few years when her bones will set and I won't have to buy whole new wardrobes every year. Both happy and sad that day will be.
I'm glad that even though I didn't write much for a few years there I kept this blog. I had on more than one occasion thought about deleting it but always stopped myself. This way, I can keep track of time as it slips past me like a ninja. And Peanut and Butter can look at it in years to come and see what I had to say, what they had to say, and follow time's progression in our lives.
"Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past."
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past."
1936 Poem, ‘Burnt Norton’, by T S Eliot (1888 – 1965)
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Creativity
Do you ever feel like the creativity is being sucked out of you by a giant vacuum?
Last week a well of creativity sprung forth into life. I was excited. I was happy to dream big, imagine the possibilities, to try new things. I wanted to write again. I wanted to draw, take photographs, be a part of nature. That creativity spilled over into my work. I made little signs.
And I believe that was where I went wrong.
Some places, you see, frown on creativity. And though my creativity wasn't belittled or mocked it wasn't appreciated either. I can recognize patronizing smiles from a mile away. So I stopped. I put away my creativity and the well that had so freshly sprung was once again dried up.
Now I look at this white box and I've got nothing. Nothing to say. Nothing going on worth writing about.
Nothing.
I'm empty. I wish I could call in sick today and just head out of town by myself for the afternoon, but that isn't a possibilty so instead I'll try to take a trip in my mind. Where do you go to get away from the pressures of life? Where do you find your creativity?
Last week a well of creativity sprung forth into life. I was excited. I was happy to dream big, imagine the possibilities, to try new things. I wanted to write again. I wanted to draw, take photographs, be a part of nature. That creativity spilled over into my work. I made little signs.
And I believe that was where I went wrong.
Some places, you see, frown on creativity. And though my creativity wasn't belittled or mocked it wasn't appreciated either. I can recognize patronizing smiles from a mile away. So I stopped. I put away my creativity and the well that had so freshly sprung was once again dried up.
Now I look at this white box and I've got nothing. Nothing to say. Nothing going on worth writing about.
Nothing.
I'm empty. I wish I could call in sick today and just head out of town by myself for the afternoon, but that isn't a possibilty so instead I'll try to take a trip in my mind. Where do you go to get away from the pressures of life? Where do you find your creativity?
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Overwhelming Generosity
Where do blog posts come from and why do they always hit when you're in the middle of doing something else, like washing the dishes or better yet, sleeping? At 2:45 am my muse woke me up with a great blog idea and creativity held me captive until I told the story from beginning to end. But just telling the story in my mind wasn't good enough so here I am at 3:18 am penning my post
What started my muse thinking was the fact that it was getting warm in the bedroom. Being only May 6th we don't run the air conditioner 24/7 yet. When I'm sound asleep I don't really notice it being warm. But obviously, my muse did. And she remembered life without air conditioning at all.
Last summer as the temperatures started to rise we called upon a friend who for the last few years has had to charge our central air conditioning unit. Each year he would comment that he didn't know how much longer it would last and each year we survived the summer without issue. It took him about a week to come over as he had been on vacation at the time of our call, but he did come. But the charge didn't last longer than a day. I'm not even sure it lasted a day to be honest with you. He gave us an estimate for a couple different ways of approaching the situation and told us to let him know when we decided.
I was devistated. Best case senario, we were out four or five thousand dollars.
After Butter was born we used up all our reserves and racked up new debt with me staying home with him and later only making minimum wage. We didn't have anywhere near four or five thousand dollars to spend on the air conditioner we were having trouble just making our monthly mortgage payment.
So I took really cold showers, several times a day, and tried to stay positive and open to creative ideas from God. This was no easy feat as heat makes me very cranky.
Then on Sunday afternoon CurlyHaired Princess called. She and her husband were moving to another Airforce Base and wanted to stop by for a moment. We had already said our goodbyes but I thought this was just another one. But when I answered the door there she stood with her husband and a window unit. I don't remember if I cried then or after they had gone but I do remember being overwhelmed by their generosity. Nickel installed the unit in our bedroom window and for the first night in weeks I slept soundly and comfortably. Peanut slept on our floor and Butter slept in bed with us (well, at least until he decided it was too crowded and moved to his couch in the livingroom).
My mother told me she and my dad wanted to do the same for us because she knew the one unit wouldn't be enough so off we went to buy another window unit. This picture is from that purchase. Doesn't poor Peanut look hot?! Heat makes her cranky too. We found one a little bigger than the one CurlyHaired Princess gave us and installed it in the dining room. So for the summer we survived with two window units. They are fancy enough to come with remote controls and timers. The timers are wonderful! I could turn them off and tell them to come back on in so many hours, like maybe just an hour or so before we get home from work. Or I could time them to go off in so many hours, like the middle of the night. The kitchen didn't have any air, but to be honest, even with the central air the kitchen was always hot. And I just don't spend a lot of time in there in the summer, making meals as quick and easy as possible. The children didn't have AC in their bedrooms either, but it's not like they sleep in their rooms most of the time anyway. To this day, I often find them both asleep on the couches in the living room year round. As long as they sleep I don't care too much if it's in their beds or on the couches.
A year later we're still using the window units. Nickel just got the one in the bedroom back in the window last weekend. Bless that man! Our electric bills last year were no different than with the central air so we've opted to use the window units for at least another year. We will eventually fix the central air and will hopefully be able to bless someone else with the window units. But until then, whenever I'm hot and turn on the AC or am cold and turn it off I will be grateful for the generosity of my friend, her husband, and my parents, who all agree I'm much easier to get along with when I'm not hot!
What started my muse thinking was the fact that it was getting warm in the bedroom. Being only May 6th we don't run the air conditioner 24/7 yet. When I'm sound asleep I don't really notice it being warm. But obviously, my muse did. And she remembered life without air conditioning at all.
Last summer as the temperatures started to rise we called upon a friend who for the last few years has had to charge our central air conditioning unit. Each year he would comment that he didn't know how much longer it would last and each year we survived the summer without issue. It took him about a week to come over as he had been on vacation at the time of our call, but he did come. But the charge didn't last longer than a day. I'm not even sure it lasted a day to be honest with you. He gave us an estimate for a couple different ways of approaching the situation and told us to let him know when we decided.
I was devistated. Best case senario, we were out four or five thousand dollars.
After Butter was born we used up all our reserves and racked up new debt with me staying home with him and later only making minimum wage. We didn't have anywhere near four or five thousand dollars to spend on the air conditioner we were having trouble just making our monthly mortgage payment.
So I took really cold showers, several times a day, and tried to stay positive and open to creative ideas from God. This was no easy feat as heat makes me very cranky.
Then on Sunday afternoon CurlyHaired Princess called. She and her husband were moving to another Airforce Base and wanted to stop by for a moment. We had already said our goodbyes but I thought this was just another one. But when I answered the door there she stood with her husband and a window unit. I don't remember if I cried then or after they had gone but I do remember being overwhelmed by their generosity. Nickel installed the unit in our bedroom window and for the first night in weeks I slept soundly and comfortably. Peanut slept on our floor and Butter slept in bed with us (well, at least until he decided it was too crowded and moved to his couch in the livingroom).
A year later we're still using the window units. Nickel just got the one in the bedroom back in the window last weekend. Bless that man! Our electric bills last year were no different than with the central air so we've opted to use the window units for at least another year. We will eventually fix the central air and will hopefully be able to bless someone else with the window units. But until then, whenever I'm hot and turn on the AC or am cold and turn it off I will be grateful for the generosity of my friend, her husband, and my parents, who all agree I'm much easier to get along with when I'm not hot!
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