Any Questions?
Sunday
Friday
My merry must-haves
I absolutely adore this time of year – for me it is a time of peace, love and benevolence to all. I look forward to much time spent with friends and family, Christmas songs on the radio, and that winter chill in the air…it wouldn’t be Christmas without:
1. A beautiful Christmas tree
2. Elf on a shelf – if you don’t have one – you NEED one
3. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” (Only a hippopotamus will do…)
4. Letters to Santa – good for a laugh and sometimes a tear
5. Snow (like once every 30 years here in Louisiana)but it never hurts to ask
6. A family picture for Christmas cards
7. The sentimental gifts I give (never anything trivial – 100% from my heart)
8. A new ornament for the 2009 season
9. Lights on the house – ought to be interesting with Mark’s cast this year
10. Reading the “Story of Christmas” to my babies again and again
11. A Christmas Eve church service
12. An angel from the Salvation Army tree (always give to those less fortunate)
13. An Advent Calendar – the countdown to Jesus’ birth
14. The Grinch that Stole Christmas – special meaning in my heart
15. Homemade presents from my kiddos
16. Trying new recipes
17. Alabama Christmas songs – they are my favorite.
18. Singing Happy Birthday to baby Jesus
I do not ever want to be one of those people all wrapped up in shopping and socializing just to look up and realize the season has come and gone without having spent quality time with those I love. There are several things in my life that make Christmas my favorite time of year – my merry must-haves.
Any Questions?
1. A beautiful Christmas tree
2. Elf on a shelf – if you don’t have one – you NEED one
3. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” (Only a hippopotamus will do…)
4. Letters to Santa – good for a laugh and sometimes a tear
5. Snow (like once every 30 years here in Louisiana)but it never hurts to ask
6. A family picture for Christmas cards
7. The sentimental gifts I give (never anything trivial – 100% from my heart)
8. A new ornament for the 2009 season
9. Lights on the house – ought to be interesting with Mark’s cast this year
10. Reading the “Story of Christmas” to my babies again and again
11. A Christmas Eve church service
12. An angel from the Salvation Army tree (always give to those less fortunate)
13. An Advent Calendar – the countdown to Jesus’ birth
14. The Grinch that Stole Christmas – special meaning in my heart
15. Homemade presents from my kiddos
16. Trying new recipes
17. Alabama Christmas songs – they are my favorite.
18. Singing Happy Birthday to baby Jesus
I do not ever want to be one of those people all wrapped up in shopping and socializing just to look up and realize the season has come and gone without having spent quality time with those I love. There are several things in my life that make Christmas my favorite time of year – my merry must-haves.
Any Questions?
Thursday
My Thanksgiving Day from A to Z
A – Accidents, Greer had none in her big girl panties today.
B – Beauty in the changing leaves outside.
C – Coughing, caused the princess to wake me at 6:21am.
D – Diet Dr. Pepper – my father-in-law made sure I had some for dinner.
E – Eat...eat...eat and eat some more.
F – Football – love me some football.
G – Gobble, well not any more Mr. Turkey!
H – Heavy heart, first major holiday without my Daddy.
I – Impatient as I was waiting to eat lots of good food.
J – Jared and I had lunch with Grandmother and Wayne – priceless family time.
K – Kleenex was a necessity today.
L – Lazy, ate too much, was not productive in the least.
M – May, found out my sister-in-law is getting married in May – yeah!
N – Nap, Greer did NOT get a nap, need I say more?
O – Outside, started the morning taking pictures of the kids outside – they are precious!
P – Prayer, always before we eat – today was no different.
Q – Quick, I have a feeling that Christmas will sneak up on me now that Thanksgiving is over.
R – Radio, I was not quite ready for the Christmas music I heard today on the radio.
S – Sting, Jackson got stung by a wasp this morning while getting his shoes out of the Tahoe.
T – Tomorrow, time to start the Christmas decorating.
U – Utensils, if Greer dropped one on the floor, she dropped a million.
V – Vest, Jackson wore his black vest and looked fabulous.
W – Waddle, the only way I could move after I ate ALL day.
X – X-ray, always reminded of the Thanksgiving I spent in the ER – X-rays showed a rotten gallbladder.
Y – Yawn, see below!
Z –Zzz’s…where I’m headed now.
Any Questions?
B – Beauty in the changing leaves outside.
C – Coughing, caused the princess to wake me at 6:21am.
D – Diet Dr. Pepper – my father-in-law made sure I had some for dinner.
E – Eat...eat...eat and eat some more.
F – Football – love me some football.
G – Gobble, well not any more Mr. Turkey!
H – Heavy heart, first major holiday without my Daddy.
I – Impatient as I was waiting to eat lots of good food.
J – Jared and I had lunch with Grandmother and Wayne – priceless family time.
K – Kleenex was a necessity today.
L – Lazy, ate too much, was not productive in the least.
M – May, found out my sister-in-law is getting married in May – yeah!
N – Nap, Greer did NOT get a nap, need I say more?
O – Outside, started the morning taking pictures of the kids outside – they are precious!
P – Prayer, always before we eat – today was no different.
Q – Quick, I have a feeling that Christmas will sneak up on me now that Thanksgiving is over.
R – Radio, I was not quite ready for the Christmas music I heard today on the radio.
S – Sting, Jackson got stung by a wasp this morning while getting his shoes out of the Tahoe.
T – Tomorrow, time to start the Christmas decorating.
U – Utensils, if Greer dropped one on the floor, she dropped a million.
V – Vest, Jackson wore his black vest and looked fabulous.
W – Waddle, the only way I could move after I ate ALL day.
X – X-ray, always reminded of the Thanksgiving I spent in the ER – X-rays showed a rotten gallbladder.
Y – Yawn, see below!
Z –Zzz’s…where I’m headed now.
Any Questions?
Wednesday
My gratitude goes on...
My Momma – she keeps my juggling act going.
My Daddy – and the fact that he is no longer suffering from severe pain – in his heart and shoulder - most of all, the love he gave.
My laptop – you wouldn’t be reading this without it.
Laughter – it really IS the best medicine at times.
Our soldiers – freedom definitely isn’t free.
Coffee – my go juice.
My sewing machine – I have a lot of talent waiting to be uncovered.
My crockpot – not having to stand over the stove makes all the difference some evenings.
The stars in the sky – all the wishes I have thrown in their direction.
Memories – priceless possessions that no one can take away.
Hard times – make me stronger and the good times better.
The little things – that aren’t so little.
My iPhone – is there life without it?
Good music – from back then or right now – all serves a purpose.
My heart – as soft as they come – but as smart as it needs to be.
To be continued tomorrow…
Any Questions?
My Daddy – and the fact that he is no longer suffering from severe pain – in his heart and shoulder - most of all, the love he gave.
My laptop – you wouldn’t be reading this without it.
Laughter – it really IS the best medicine at times.
Our soldiers – freedom definitely isn’t free.
Coffee – my go juice.
My sewing machine – I have a lot of talent waiting to be uncovered.
My crockpot – not having to stand over the stove makes all the difference some evenings.
The stars in the sky – all the wishes I have thrown in their direction.
Memories – priceless possessions that no one can take away.
Hard times – make me stronger and the good times better.
The little things – that aren’t so little.
My iPhone – is there life without it?
Good music – from back then or right now – all serves a purpose.
My heart – as soft as they come – but as smart as it needs to be.
To be continued tomorrow…
Any Questions?
Monday
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself getting swept up in the hustle and bustle of the pending holiday season: the crowds, the noise, the pile up of assignments as the semester ends. This year, for many reasons, I'm taking the time to stop for a moment and remember a few of the good things in my life – the things that I am so very thankful for…
My children – the lub to my dub.
Mark Louis – enough said!
Women that realize the importance for their yearly exam – my job rocks!
The words “I love you” – and the mouths I hear them from.
A bath tub full of hot water – 30 minutes to relax.
My New Balance tennis shoes – good for a comfortable run!
A Family – it is not in numbers but in your heart.
A forgiving God – much needed answered prayers.
My camera – p.r.i.c.e.l.e.s.s.
My friends – new and old.
Lessons learned – my how I have grown.
Small town living – nothing else like it.
To be continued tomorrow….
Any Questions?
My children – the lub to my dub.
Mark Louis – enough said!
Women that realize the importance for their yearly exam – my job rocks!
The words “I love you” – and the mouths I hear them from.
A bath tub full of hot water – 30 minutes to relax.
My New Balance tennis shoes – good for a comfortable run!
A Family – it is not in numbers but in your heart.
A forgiving God – much needed answered prayers.
My camera – p.r.i.c.e.l.e.s.s.
My friends – new and old.
Lessons learned – my how I have grown.
Small town living – nothing else like it.
To be continued tomorrow….
Any Questions?
Sunday
Saturday
Mammo-scam...
In my eyes, it's simple, because I know that mammograms will detect up to 90 percent of breast cancer in women. Polls taken for decades show breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women ages 40 to 59. How can anyone say that a mammogram is not cost effective at age 40? Isn't that putting a price tag on a woman's life? I find that completely unacceptable but that's just my opinion.
The American Cancer Society's Opinion:
•Breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women, accounting for more than 1 in 4 cancers - it is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
•2.4 million women living in the U.S. have been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer and one out of eight American women who live to be 85 years of age will develop breast cancer.
•An estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in American women during 2009 as a result 40,610 deaths are anticipated.
•The greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer is gender (female) and the second is age. Between 2000-2004, 95 percent of new cases and 97 percent of breast cancer deaths occurred in women aged 40 and older.
•Patients with private insurance from all racial/ethnic groups are more likely to be diagnosed with stage I breast cancer and less likely to be diagnosed with stage III and IV than those who were uninsured or who had Medicaid insurance.
So, how many mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, daughters and friends are we willing to lose to breast cancer while the debate goes on?
Any Questions?
Thursday
Male patients test my patience
The past 30 hours have reminded me why I have chosen to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner as my lifelong career – I am witness to a minor thumb surgery turning a grown man into a winey hiney – sad as it seems – that is exactly what has happened.
Given the high level of independence Mark usually exhibits most of the time – all self-sufficiency is now out the window – and I am not coping very well. I don’t mean to sound so insensitive – I really want to help him – but at this point, I am convinced that there is absolutely nothing that I can do!
He will not sleep….hardly a wink all night and/or all day.
Lortab makes him pace back and forth and back and forth…I’m dizzy
He keeps commenting that his fingers are swollen…hello? They cut your hand open honey!
He repeats, “My thumb is numb – but it hurts.” – OoooooKaaaaayyyy?!?!
Nausea is not his friend – I have to agree with this one!
He is upset that he cannot help with his usually husband/daddy duties – he should giggle to see me clean after I cook – that never happens.
While I cannot wrap my spinning head around the fact that a minor thumb surgery has him so high strung that even I cannot keep up – I know that he is hurting, he is tired, and he is thrown off kilter by this dramatic change in his daily living – but the bottom line is – men make terrible patients – I’ll pap every female between here and the moon – male patients test my patience.
Any Questions?
Given the high level of independence Mark usually exhibits most of the time – all self-sufficiency is now out the window – and I am not coping very well. I don’t mean to sound so insensitive – I really want to help him – but at this point, I am convinced that there is absolutely nothing that I can do!
He will not sleep….hardly a wink all night and/or all day.
Lortab makes him pace back and forth and back and forth…I’m dizzy
He keeps commenting that his fingers are swollen…hello? They cut your hand open honey!
He repeats, “My thumb is numb – but it hurts.” – OoooooKaaaaayyyy?!?!
Nausea is not his friend – I have to agree with this one!
He is upset that he cannot help with his usually husband/daddy duties – he should giggle to see me clean after I cook – that never happens.
While I cannot wrap my spinning head around the fact that a minor thumb surgery has him so high strung that even I cannot keep up – I know that he is hurting, he is tired, and he is thrown off kilter by this dramatic change in his daily living – but the bottom line is – men make terrible patients – I’ll pap every female between here and the moon – male patients test my patience.
Any Questions?
Wednesday
Sometimes more but never less...
Yesterday I asked Jackson exactly what he wanted from Santa Claus – he had yet to produce a list for me despite my several requests.
Jackson is indulged (I like that better than spoiled) – but after brain surgery and 18 months of chemotherapy – how could he not be? I am not the only one responsible for spoiling (okay - I'll use that word after all) him - the gifts galore have spilled in week after week – month after month most from his family and friends - only some from me. He has a grateful spirit – never a brat - at times discouraged and a bit hardheaded - but never a brat.
I expected his list to be minimal – a few small things, aside from the iPhone he has mentioned once or twice in jest - or maybe not in jest, either way I never expected what I heard.
Me: “Jackson, are you still working on your Christmas list? – It’s getting time to mail it to Santa.”
Jackson: “I don’t need to give you a list – I know what I want already.”
Me: “But if we don’t mail a list to Santa, how is he gonna know? You know it takes time for Santa and his elves to make toys in their workshop – sometimes LOTS of time”
Jackson, “Oh – they don’t need to make what I want!”
Me: “Really?”
Jackson: “Yep – Just make sure that I get to go see Santa before my next MRI and I’ll tell him what I need – you don’t make miracles in a workshop, momma.”
There was nothing left to say – either that or the lump in my throat wouldn’t let the words out - he is amazing - sometimes more but never less.
Any Questions?
Jackson is indulged (I like that better than spoiled) – but after brain surgery and 18 months of chemotherapy – how could he not be? I am not the only one responsible for spoiling (okay - I'll use that word after all) him - the gifts galore have spilled in week after week – month after month most from his family and friends - only some from me. He has a grateful spirit – never a brat - at times discouraged and a bit hardheaded - but never a brat.
I expected his list to be minimal – a few small things, aside from the iPhone he has mentioned once or twice in jest - or maybe not in jest, either way I never expected what I heard.
Me: “Jackson, are you still working on your Christmas list? – It’s getting time to mail it to Santa.”
Jackson: “I don’t need to give you a list – I know what I want already.”
Me: “But if we don’t mail a list to Santa, how is he gonna know? You know it takes time for Santa and his elves to make toys in their workshop – sometimes LOTS of time”
Jackson, “Oh – they don’t need to make what I want!”
Me: “Really?”
Jackson: “Yep – Just make sure that I get to go see Santa before my next MRI and I’ll tell him what I need – you don’t make miracles in a workshop, momma.”
There was nothing left to say – either that or the lump in my throat wouldn’t let the words out - he is amazing - sometimes more but never less.
Any Questions?
Monday
Far more than I bargained for!
Only she could get away with mascara on her forehead - self-made bangs - beef jerky - and an attitude like no other...well, maybe a bit like me!
Any Questions?
Saturday
Friday
He isn’t stressed – He is sadistic
A radical Islamic US Army officer shouts "Allahu Akbar!" and then commits the worst act of terror on American soil since 9/11 killing 13 people wounding 31 others. He is just stressed out. Right?
1. He attended the same mosque of Anwar al Awlaki, a jihadist imam who had preached to three of the 9/11 hijackers and is now regarded a Yemen hero.
2. He posted anti-American hate-speech on the Web and praised suicide bombers and all in Allah’s name and proudly used his own name.
3. He compared Islamic suicide bombers with American solders jumping on a grenade to save their comrades.
4. He was often seen loudly criticizing the US Army and the U.S. policies with classmates.
5. In 2007 was supposed to make a presentation on a medical topic of his choosing as part of a residency program – instead he lectured on Islam, suicide bombers and threats the military could encounter from Muslims conflicted about fighting in the Muslim countries of Iraq and Afghanistan.
6. He continually refused in the name of Islam, to be photographed with female soldiers and colleagues.
It shocks me to see military leaders so full of political correctness (I am tempted to use another word – but it isn’t too lady like) and so worried about their own behinds - that surrendering to our enemies is easier than calling this an act "terrorism”? Come on! At some point, it becomes our obligation, as a nation, to focus on the distressing truth that domestic terrorism actually exists. Major Hasan pre-planned this terrorist attack and executed it in cold blood. He isn’t stressed – He is sadistic.
Any Questions?
1. He attended the same mosque of Anwar al Awlaki, a jihadist imam who had preached to three of the 9/11 hijackers and is now regarded a Yemen hero.
2. He posted anti-American hate-speech on the Web and praised suicide bombers and all in Allah’s name and proudly used his own name.
3. He compared Islamic suicide bombers with American solders jumping on a grenade to save their comrades.
4. He was often seen loudly criticizing the US Army and the U.S. policies with classmates.
5. In 2007 was supposed to make a presentation on a medical topic of his choosing as part of a residency program – instead he lectured on Islam, suicide bombers and threats the military could encounter from Muslims conflicted about fighting in the Muslim countries of Iraq and Afghanistan.
6. He continually refused in the name of Islam, to be photographed with female soldiers and colleagues.
It shocks me to see military leaders so full of political correctness (I am tempted to use another word – but it isn’t too lady like) and so worried about their own behinds - that surrendering to our enemies is easier than calling this an act "terrorism”? Come on! At some point, it becomes our obligation, as a nation, to focus on the distressing truth that domestic terrorism actually exists. Major Hasan pre-planned this terrorist attack and executed it in cold blood. He isn’t stressed – He is sadistic.
Any Questions?
Thursday
Wednesday
As a rule of thumb...
He has torn ligaments, strained muscles and even sprained an ankle – head held high, always able to say, “I’m 39 years old and never broken a bone” – those days are over with.
Monday was like any other day on patrol in Bossier City. Mark was cruising one of the neighborhoods greatly affected by the recent weather wrath – I can just picture him, window rolled down, chew in his left jaw, 98.9 playing on the good times radio. His police radio goes off – it is the U.S. Marshall’s office asking for police assistance. They had been staking out a parole violator at his residence and were following him – they needed a “marked unit” (police car with lights and sirens) to assist in taking down the felon.
Mark was first to arrive at their location – attempted to initiate a traffic stop – the felon was not interested in his attempt. Needless to say, a pursuit ensued. Not very “high speed” only ranging in the area of 70-80 mph – the felon led the BCPD and U.S. Marshall’s office in several directions before disabling his vehicle after taking a nose dive into a concrete ditch – the foot chase began.
Now, I’m not sure if you know this – but Mark is in darn good shape – he is a runner – he is quick (once we joined WK Health Center – our initial physical fitness test gauged him to be 18 years old, while they assumed that I was going to need a wheelchair – hard to explain on my part – after all he IS almost 10 years older than me – I hope he visits me in the nursing home) back on track…
Mark ran down the suspect – tackled him and all the while the felon will NOT cooperate. He resisted arrest over and over – even with the Captain and 2 others officers in the mix – getting the suspect handcuffed seemed near impossible – but in the end it was Good Guys – 1 / Bad Guys – 0, just the way we like it.
Mark complains of a sore hamstring and a “sprained” thumb. Refused medical attention and came home to be with his family. A family that is grateful that he was not seriously harmed or forced to cause serious harm to another – split second decisions can change a life forever – police families know that all too well.
Well 24 hours later the proof was in the swelling – well actually the suspicion was in the swelling – the proof was in the x-ray – broken thumb. His first broken bone. It is broken in the carpometacarpal joint. His hand is swollen beyond belief – I have never seen anything like it – which is not saying much, while I do work in the ER, most of my experience is with women’s health – not many swollen thumbs there and I’ll leave it at that.
I guess the lesson to be learned here – don’t brag about certain misfortunes that you have not yet to experience – it can happen to anyone at anytime – at least that is my rule of thumb.
Any Questions?
Tuesday
Thank God for dirty dishes...
...they have a tale to tell;
while others may go hungry,
we're eating very well.
~Author Unknown
Any Questions?
Sunday
Brewed Awakening
There are a few things I need to survive – oxygen, water, food, and COFFEE. I can drink coffee morning, noon and night – cream and equal, please. You will never hear of me having coffee beans imported from random countries around the world – using a super-automatic espresso machine – or taking my coffee’s temperature – not going to happen.
I enjoy a little variation to my coffee every now and then (but never minus the caffeine) – Hot or Cold – but not really in between. From my house, Starbucks, and even the local Circle K – each a different taste – flavor – and price (and yes, price can make a difference on how that coffee tastes).
I don’t consider this a guilty pleasure – after all research shows that coffee is actually good for you. As a matter of fact webmd.com talks about a study done by the researchers at Harvard that showed one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits BUT having six cups or more each day slashed men's risk by 54% and women's by 30% over java avoiders. Also mentioned were at least six studies that indicated people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's, there was a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.
I am sure Harvard and other research institutions are not going to study Diet Dr. Pepper to support my other drink dependency so until they do I’ll just sit back and enjoy this brewed awakening!
Any Questions?
I enjoy a little variation to my coffee every now and then (but never minus the caffeine) – Hot or Cold – but not really in between. From my house, Starbucks, and even the local Circle K – each a different taste – flavor – and price (and yes, price can make a difference on how that coffee tastes).
I don’t consider this a guilty pleasure – after all research shows that coffee is actually good for you. As a matter of fact webmd.com talks about a study done by the researchers at Harvard that showed one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits BUT having six cups or more each day slashed men's risk by 54% and women's by 30% over java avoiders. Also mentioned were at least six studies that indicated people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's, there was a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.
I am sure Harvard and other research institutions are not going to study Diet Dr. Pepper to support my other drink dependency so until they do I’ll just sit back and enjoy this brewed awakening!
Any Questions?
Saturday
Wonderful womanly woe!
Graduate school has taught me plenty – I hope to help oodles of people with my knowledge and experience. However; I never intended on gathering knowledge that would so blatantly point out some lifestyle modifications I might need to personally consider.
So there is this whole list of symptoms caused by several of our fabulous body systems that are working overtime to make us females crazy (or crazier) during a given week every month. We are entirely emotional. Our bodies are fueled by hormones and brain chemicals, both moving at 100 miles per hour. Irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings that alternate with sadness and anger make for a really crappy week. Physically you can bet on fatigue, bloating, sore boobs, pimples (you’re lucky if you have only 2 or 3), and an odd appetite with random food cravings.
Midol provides some relief but here is where I wish I lacked knowledge – the appropriate measures to prevent PMS…I should exercise more, eat regular and balanced meals, get plenty of sleep, remain free of stress, get ample sunlight – okay, I am going to puke if I keep on or maybe that is just another side effect of this wonderful womanly woe.
Any Questions?
So there is this whole list of symptoms caused by several of our fabulous body systems that are working overtime to make us females crazy (or crazier) during a given week every month. We are entirely emotional. Our bodies are fueled by hormones and brain chemicals, both moving at 100 miles per hour. Irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings that alternate with sadness and anger make for a really crappy week. Physically you can bet on fatigue, bloating, sore boobs, pimples (you’re lucky if you have only 2 or 3), and an odd appetite with random food cravings.
Midol provides some relief but here is where I wish I lacked knowledge – the appropriate measures to prevent PMS…I should exercise more, eat regular and balanced meals, get plenty of sleep, remain free of stress, get ample sunlight – okay, I am going to puke if I keep on or maybe that is just another side effect of this wonderful womanly woe.
Any Questions?
Friday
Short, sweet & to the bullet point
I interrupt this Friday to fill you in on my week - good, bad and otherwise!
This week...
o My baby brother celebrated 60 days of sobriety – I am so proud.
o Monday I got lost on my way home from teaching clinicals – called the hubby crying – he rocks!
o New tires and a front end alignment – I am unstoppable (kinda).
o Good grade on my test – I'm gonna brandish the nurse practitioner title.
o Back to teach today – didn’t get lost – I rock!
o Reducing my student's stress - one word of encouragement at a time – they are loved!
o Two days of Family Practice clinicals – made several correct diagnosis – who knew what I knew was correct about the flu?
o Cut Jackson’s hair – now that it is thicker than ever (thanks to no more chemo) – time to get him a hairdresser – I’m way out of my league.
o Talked about Thanksgiving plans – have many thoughts about what to do and when to do it – nothing set in stone.
o Jackson is already half way to his AR (Accelerated Reader) goal at school – I’ll be listening to him read encyclopedias by next month – that’s my boy!
o I’m still in shock about the tornado(s) from last week – the blink of an eye people – the.blink.of.an.eye!
o Isabella’s new “hot pink crown” name tag came in – I love me some eBay – Christmas shopping here I come.
o Last Sunday – Princess Pigskins took a loss – I’ll make a comeback this week.
o Greer’s self-made bangs are growing out – not fast enough – I’m impatient!
o I sang the alphabet to Greer, periodically stopping to ask what letter came next –
I say “A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H…what’s next?”
She says, “Nine”
I say, "That's "H" not "8""
She says, "Oh"
o Mark is off tomorrow for the first time in 2 weeks – I took the weekend off at the hospital – looking forward to some “us” time.
o I am enjoying my video camera – my kids are NOT camera shy – It tickles me pink!
o School nurse calls – swine flu nasal mist available at the school next Thursday – I think to myself… I already signed that consent with a BIG FAT NO... she tells me Jackson should stay home that day – contagious kids everywhere – true, very very true.
o LSU vs. Alabama Saturday – our house will be rivalry city!
o I thought about my Daddy a lot this week – even blogged about him last night – got a sympathy card in the mail today – laminated copy of his obit – he misses me too!
o My sister-in-law came by – left me a new bible study – she knows my heart – I love her so!
o Greer has started putting on a nightly dance performance in the kitchen – she has talent, a scary talent!
o Jackson chose to wear his Mudbug's jersey for free dress day at school – I hate hockey but he is so handsome in that jersey – I almost like it!
o Still working on the Halloween candy – need to be working on the marathon – oops!
o Next week is looking a lot like this one – I cannot wait!
Any Questions?
This week...
o My baby brother celebrated 60 days of sobriety – I am so proud.
o Monday I got lost on my way home from teaching clinicals – called the hubby crying – he rocks!
o New tires and a front end alignment – I am unstoppable (kinda).
o Good grade on my test – I'm gonna brandish the nurse practitioner title.
o Back to teach today – didn’t get lost – I rock!
o Reducing my student's stress - one word of encouragement at a time – they are loved!
o Two days of Family Practice clinicals – made several correct diagnosis – who knew what I knew was correct about the flu?
o Cut Jackson’s hair – now that it is thicker than ever (thanks to no more chemo) – time to get him a hairdresser – I’m way out of my league.
o Talked about Thanksgiving plans – have many thoughts about what to do and when to do it – nothing set in stone.
o Jackson is already half way to his AR (Accelerated Reader) goal at school – I’ll be listening to him read encyclopedias by next month – that’s my boy!
o I’m still in shock about the tornado(s) from last week – the blink of an eye people – the.blink.of.an.eye!
o Isabella’s new “hot pink crown” name tag came in – I love me some eBay – Christmas shopping here I come.
o Last Sunday – Princess Pigskins took a loss – I’ll make a comeback this week.
o Greer’s self-made bangs are growing out – not fast enough – I’m impatient!
o I sang the alphabet to Greer, periodically stopping to ask what letter came next –
I say “A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H…what’s next?”
She says, “Nine”
I say, "That's "H" not "8""
She says, "Oh"
o Mark is off tomorrow for the first time in 2 weeks – I took the weekend off at the hospital – looking forward to some “us” time.
o I am enjoying my video camera – my kids are NOT camera shy – It tickles me pink!
o School nurse calls – swine flu nasal mist available at the school next Thursday – I think to myself… I already signed that consent with a BIG FAT NO... she tells me Jackson should stay home that day – contagious kids everywhere – true, very very true.
o LSU vs. Alabama Saturday – our house will be rivalry city!
o I thought about my Daddy a lot this week – even blogged about him last night – got a sympathy card in the mail today – laminated copy of his obit – he misses me too!
o My sister-in-law came by – left me a new bible study – she knows my heart – I love her so!
o Greer has started putting on a nightly dance performance in the kitchen – she has talent, a scary talent!
o Jackson chose to wear his Mudbug's jersey for free dress day at school – I hate hockey but he is so handsome in that jersey – I almost like it!
o Still working on the Halloween candy – need to be working on the marathon – oops!
o Next week is looking a lot like this one – I cannot wait!
Any Questions?
Thursday
Without warning
There was never a “terminal” diagnosis, a call to hospice, a last good-bye – he died and my heart crumbled. While I know that I will never “get over” his death – I wonder if it will always hurt this badly. His coat hangs in my closet, his pictures hang on my walls – I hang on his last words.
My parents divorced when I was 12 and as many children do, my siblings and I lived with our mom visiting Daddy every other weekend and every Wednesday. 3 years later my mom remarries – we move to Maryland for a brief period then back to the south to the big D – Dallas. Daddy visited Dallas here and there – we went to Louisiana to do the same. He even stayed with us once while mom and Mike headed to the East coast for a vacation.
While there were good times, we still had our differences –he always wanted nothing but the best for me but I was too busy learning my own lessons in my own time. I was the first born – the one to set the example – the one to pave the way – the one who was responsible for his grey hair (at least that is what he said).
He was often my sounding board – my shoulder to lean on – my level head (I don’t always have one, you know?) He was so incredibly proud of me – at times in total disbelief that I had come so far (thanks for the confidence Dad!).
I feel cheated, I know that sounds selfish but I had so much more to say and do with him. I wasn’t ready for the last Christmas or his last birthday dinner; for our last phone conversation or our last embrace. While I know that I would have never been ready for any of that… I just wish that life was easier on days like today – only to be changed by his life having been longer.
Any Questions?
My parents divorced when I was 12 and as many children do, my siblings and I lived with our mom visiting Daddy every other weekend and every Wednesday. 3 years later my mom remarries – we move to Maryland for a brief period then back to the south to the big D – Dallas. Daddy visited Dallas here and there – we went to Louisiana to do the same. He even stayed with us once while mom and Mike headed to the East coast for a vacation.
While there were good times, we still had our differences –he always wanted nothing but the best for me but I was too busy learning my own lessons in my own time. I was the first born – the one to set the example – the one to pave the way – the one who was responsible for his grey hair (at least that is what he said).
He was often my sounding board – my shoulder to lean on – my level head (I don’t always have one, you know?) He was so incredibly proud of me – at times in total disbelief that I had come so far (thanks for the confidence Dad!).
I feel cheated, I know that sounds selfish but I had so much more to say and do with him. I wasn’t ready for the last Christmas or his last birthday dinner; for our last phone conversation or our last embrace. While I know that I would have never been ready for any of that… I just wish that life was easier on days like today – only to be changed by his life having been longer.
Any Questions?
Wednesday
Sunday
"Pink...
...is my signature color" and because I almost ALWAYS forget to sign my blog - this makes it much easier. Thanks momblognetwork.com!
Any Questions?
Any Questions?
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