Dear all,
Well now, Kimberly recovered nicely from her virus; only to go back to her internship and work with a sick intern, and now has come down with H1N1! We were to urgent care on Sunday; and so I couldn't work on Monday, until I had been cleared by HR and Employee Health. Kimberly is in bed; as she is soooo tired! I made Mom's hot cider for her yesterday, and some homemade chicken soup which should have her well in no time. The doctor at urgent care acted as if it was much ado about nothing. I seem to have immunity, and Brandon and Christine are still "well". Brandon has been followed by his dr. who says that the periods of confusion he is having daily might be a brain tumor. I asked about his low B12, since the lab said it might cause neuropsychiatric episodes. He seemed surprised and read the note. We will be getting a new dr. for Brandon after he sees the neurologist on the 29th. He seems better since starting to take a mega B complex now for 5 days. We are also going to go the CHLA Life Clinic and ask for a dr that knows about cancer survivor health. Please keep us in your prayers. I don't feel too worried and my mother's intuition isn't alarming at this point. Christine and Brandon have been through so much in the last 3 years, and they are stronger than ever. It is a blessing to witness. Love all, Kim
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Flu
Hi all!
Well, here it is...We have been hearing about H1N1 for months, and since I am a health care professional I get to really be hearing about it, so when my daughter exhibits symptoms of the flu; body aches, temp of 100+, headache, running nose (the worst ever), sore throat, ear ache, and finally cough, I tell her to get herself to the Doctor and let him know I work in NICU so I need to be sure it isn't H1N1. She goes and comes home on antibiotics and a nasal decongestant. No, he doesn't think she has IT! Why? Because she should have more body aches! He says its probably some other virus. This is my big girl who never complains, but did, and so I gave her my arthritis Tylenol (1350mg) to help with the fever and pain, as well as 2 Benydryl to help with the copious nasal discharge, and to facilitate sleep the night before. She was pale as a corpse with huge dark circles under her eyes; and you all know she's normally a beautiful brown sugar color, with sparklely eyes. This doctor did not check her by swabbing her nose or throat, so I don't know if I've been exposed! How are we supposed to keep the public protected if doctors don't do their job? Now, my son is complaining of ear ache and feeling confused, and so went to urgent care last night where they prescribed...you guessed it antibiotics and a decongestant! No one swabbed him either, so we still don't know. We are all in the high risk group in our family, since Kimberly is 24, and Brandon, Christine and I have underlying health problems of asthma, CP, and Lupus. In case you don't know, antibiotics don't work on viruses. I'm still having them take them just in case it really is bacterial, but I'm skeptical. With this kind of healthcare we should all be sick in no time! Just a heads up...In our family we have a nail biter, face touchers, nose itchers, etc and so all the hand washing in the world is not going to be insurance enough. They carry hand sanitizer in their backpacks, purses, cars, and so on, but as you see they are still all sick. I wash my hands every few minutes (since I'm in healthcare, its a habit). I'm feeling that familiar tickle in my throat, and can't tell for sure, but I don't think the warmth I feel is a hot flash. I took a sudafed a little while ago for my post nasal drip, and I feel a little "off". Sure wish I knew if this was the H1N1...since I'm now at work for the day! Stay well if you can, Love Kim
Well, here it is...We have been hearing about H1N1 for months, and since I am a health care professional I get to really be hearing about it, so when my daughter exhibits symptoms of the flu; body aches, temp of 100+, headache, running nose (the worst ever), sore throat, ear ache, and finally cough, I tell her to get herself to the Doctor and let him know I work in NICU so I need to be sure it isn't H1N1. She goes and comes home on antibiotics and a nasal decongestant. No, he doesn't think she has IT! Why? Because she should have more body aches! He says its probably some other virus. This is my big girl who never complains, but did, and so I gave her my arthritis Tylenol (1350mg) to help with the fever and pain, as well as 2 Benydryl to help with the copious nasal discharge, and to facilitate sleep the night before. She was pale as a corpse with huge dark circles under her eyes; and you all know she's normally a beautiful brown sugar color, with sparklely eyes. This doctor did not check her by swabbing her nose or throat, so I don't know if I've been exposed! How are we supposed to keep the public protected if doctors don't do their job? Now, my son is complaining of ear ache and feeling confused, and so went to urgent care last night where they prescribed...you guessed it antibiotics and a decongestant! No one swabbed him either, so we still don't know. We are all in the high risk group in our family, since Kimberly is 24, and Brandon, Christine and I have underlying health problems of asthma, CP, and Lupus. In case you don't know, antibiotics don't work on viruses. I'm still having them take them just in case it really is bacterial, but I'm skeptical. With this kind of healthcare we should all be sick in no time! Just a heads up...In our family we have a nail biter, face touchers, nose itchers, etc and so all the hand washing in the world is not going to be insurance enough. They carry hand sanitizer in their backpacks, purses, cars, and so on, but as you see they are still all sick. I wash my hands every few minutes (since I'm in healthcare, its a habit). I'm feeling that familiar tickle in my throat, and can't tell for sure, but I don't think the warmth I feel is a hot flash. I took a sudafed a little while ago for my post nasal drip, and I feel a little "off". Sure wish I knew if this was the H1N1...since I'm now at work for the day! Stay well if you can, Love Kim
Monday, September 7, 2009
God's love
Dear ones,
I went to a memorial for a 19 month old baby on Saturday. The little boy was the 3rd child of my children's childhood friend, Sarah. We have known Sarah since she was 3. Many memories were shared of long days spent under the 2 trees in my front yard. Days of popcorn and koolaid, games, and plays, and playing "store", "school" and "hospital". My front porch saw alot of business from the neighborhood because our huge trees kept things cool. We knew we had to attend this memorial.
Sarah, and her brother, Mark, were so happy to see our family; and we were so glad to bring some comfort of happier times to them. Their grandparents, our next door neighbors, had been "foster grandparents" to my own two children, until they passed on. When the new neighbors moved in they began digging up all of my friend Ann's beloved roses. I ran out there, and explained in my broken spanish that these were my deceased friends roses. They put sticks in pots for me, and unfortunately, with my brown thumb of death, only one survived. I waited with anticipation to see which of the roses made it. It was a melon orangey color; not my favorite, but still....Ann's legacy. I had just trimmed the bush back a couple of weeks before learning of the memorial for Ann's great grandchild. I thought to take some roses to the memorial. When I checked the bush there were only 3 closed buds on a branch. The memorial was saturday, and I knew they wouldn't open in time, when the night before they were still closed. I said a little prayer and told my grown children I would take the buds and mix them with babies breath the next morning and maybe it would be enough. We almost forgot to check. Brandon remembered, and we went out and here was one of the buds perfectly open just in time! I added babies breath, to the one open blossom and 2 buds; and tied it with white ribbon, and placed it in a pill bottle with water, since the memorial was down in SanClemente. It smelled lovely and looked beautiful, but I felt a little silly at my small offering. I felt I was supposed to take it anyway.
The memorial was beautiful. The pastor spoke at length about God, and then said that God is not in control of this fallen world; if He was, He would be considered a child abuser. I looked at the small melon rose and suddenly I knew that God was indeed in control; even of something so small as forcing a rose to bloom overnite, to be a small comfort for a greiving family. When I gave the rose to Sarah, and told her it was from her grandmothers bush, she was touched and wept with gratitude and said "I have to show my mother, because we have felt my grandmother's presence in these last days so strongly." When she showed her mother, they wept together over the little rose and both exclaimed that it was their favorite color of Ann's roses. I am amazed at God's love. The rose survived to comfort them at this time. I never would have known that years ago when I tried to preserve Ann's roses, and was disapointed that my least favorite color was the only one to survive, that it wasn't meant for me, but for Sarah and her extended family at this difficult time. God knows and loves each and every one of us, and will comfort us in His way. We may not understand why a little boy dies mysteriously, but we can know of His love for us, and take comfort that everything happens for a reason. Our God is in control, and is a loving Father of us all.
I went to a memorial for a 19 month old baby on Saturday. The little boy was the 3rd child of my children's childhood friend, Sarah. We have known Sarah since she was 3. Many memories were shared of long days spent under the 2 trees in my front yard. Days of popcorn and koolaid, games, and plays, and playing "store", "school" and "hospital". My front porch saw alot of business from the neighborhood because our huge trees kept things cool. We knew we had to attend this memorial.
Sarah, and her brother, Mark, were so happy to see our family; and we were so glad to bring some comfort of happier times to them. Their grandparents, our next door neighbors, had been "foster grandparents" to my own two children, until they passed on. When the new neighbors moved in they began digging up all of my friend Ann's beloved roses. I ran out there, and explained in my broken spanish that these were my deceased friends roses. They put sticks in pots for me, and unfortunately, with my brown thumb of death, only one survived. I waited with anticipation to see which of the roses made it. It was a melon orangey color; not my favorite, but still....Ann's legacy. I had just trimmed the bush back a couple of weeks before learning of the memorial for Ann's great grandchild. I thought to take some roses to the memorial. When I checked the bush there were only 3 closed buds on a branch. The memorial was saturday, and I knew they wouldn't open in time, when the night before they were still closed. I said a little prayer and told my grown children I would take the buds and mix them with babies breath the next morning and maybe it would be enough. We almost forgot to check. Brandon remembered, and we went out and here was one of the buds perfectly open just in time! I added babies breath, to the one open blossom and 2 buds; and tied it with white ribbon, and placed it in a pill bottle with water, since the memorial was down in SanClemente. It smelled lovely and looked beautiful, but I felt a little silly at my small offering. I felt I was supposed to take it anyway.
The memorial was beautiful. The pastor spoke at length about God, and then said that God is not in control of this fallen world; if He was, He would be considered a child abuser. I looked at the small melon rose and suddenly I knew that God was indeed in control; even of something so small as forcing a rose to bloom overnite, to be a small comfort for a greiving family. When I gave the rose to Sarah, and told her it was from her grandmothers bush, she was touched and wept with gratitude and said "I have to show my mother, because we have felt my grandmother's presence in these last days so strongly." When she showed her mother, they wept together over the little rose and both exclaimed that it was their favorite color of Ann's roses. I am amazed at God's love. The rose survived to comfort them at this time. I never would have known that years ago when I tried to preserve Ann's roses, and was disapointed that my least favorite color was the only one to survive, that it wasn't meant for me, but for Sarah and her extended family at this difficult time. God knows and loves each and every one of us, and will comfort us in His way. We may not understand why a little boy dies mysteriously, but we can know of His love for us, and take comfort that everything happens for a reason. Our God is in control, and is a loving Father of us all.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
An Unlikely Family
To all who venture here,
All my life I can remember wanting a real, normal, family. I read books like "Little Women", "Little Men" and even "Grapes of Wrath" showed family working together to survive. I can remember living with my paternal grandmother and loving it. All the cousins around and aunties and uncles. My parents were divorced; both were judged to be lacking in the parenting department, and so Grandma took care of us. I felt really loved, even though I missed my mother emensely. My Father was like a big kid, tickling us all the time til we cried, and piling us up in a 3 kid sandwich and laying on us. He was 6'6" so this wasn't fun, especially since I was usually on the bottom! Then Father married a woman 15 years my senior. I was 5 or so. She turned out to have even less parenting skills and was a very scary, abusive, psycho. The fact that Father did not protect us says alot. It was a long nightmare, interrupted by 18 months in foster care for me when I was 6. The care I received in foster care was calm and capable. I wanted to stay there forever, but was sent back to the nightmare at age 8. I left one month after I turned 18; tired of the molestation by my Father and being beat up by my stepmother. I went back for my sister, and then my brother, as soon as I was able.
The point is that I survived miraculously, fairly OK. My sister and my brother did not get to see "normal", and so they have had to try and figure it out themselves. I love them both very much. I understand them, when others may not. My brother always hugs me a little too tight, and has a heart that is so big. My sister swings back and forth between her truth, and what really happened; she lived with lies all her life, and that became normal. I see the struggle in her. Then I have my other sister who grew up with my mother who was clinicly depressed over the loss of her other 3 children. I also have a foster sister who my Mom and "Dad" loved by choice. They are all my siblings forever, scars and all. Whether we can survive, the loss of our chosen parents "Mom and Dad" remains to be seen. We are fragile at best at staying a "family" and that is sad, because after all "all I've ever wanted is a normal family". My children remind me often that I have broken the cycle of abuse, and that we are a pretty normal family. We are small, but I hope significant in the path my posterity shall take. Some things take a lifetime to accomplish, and somethings will have to wait for the next act. I guess I shall have to leave it to Him... Love's Eternal, Kim
All my life I can remember wanting a real, normal, family. I read books like "Little Women", "Little Men" and even "Grapes of Wrath" showed family working together to survive. I can remember living with my paternal grandmother and loving it. All the cousins around and aunties and uncles. My parents were divorced; both were judged to be lacking in the parenting department, and so Grandma took care of us. I felt really loved, even though I missed my mother emensely. My Father was like a big kid, tickling us all the time til we cried, and piling us up in a 3 kid sandwich and laying on us. He was 6'6" so this wasn't fun, especially since I was usually on the bottom! Then Father married a woman 15 years my senior. I was 5 or so. She turned out to have even less parenting skills and was a very scary, abusive, psycho. The fact that Father did not protect us says alot. It was a long nightmare, interrupted by 18 months in foster care for me when I was 6. The care I received in foster care was calm and capable. I wanted to stay there forever, but was sent back to the nightmare at age 8. I left one month after I turned 18; tired of the molestation by my Father and being beat up by my stepmother. I went back for my sister, and then my brother, as soon as I was able.
The point is that I survived miraculously, fairly OK. My sister and my brother did not get to see "normal", and so they have had to try and figure it out themselves. I love them both very much. I understand them, when others may not. My brother always hugs me a little too tight, and has a heart that is so big. My sister swings back and forth between her truth, and what really happened; she lived with lies all her life, and that became normal. I see the struggle in her. Then I have my other sister who grew up with my mother who was clinicly depressed over the loss of her other 3 children. I also have a foster sister who my Mom and "Dad" loved by choice. They are all my siblings forever, scars and all. Whether we can survive, the loss of our chosen parents "Mom and Dad" remains to be seen. We are fragile at best at staying a "family" and that is sad, because after all "all I've ever wanted is a normal family". My children remind me often that I have broken the cycle of abuse, and that we are a pretty normal family. We are small, but I hope significant in the path my posterity shall take. Some things take a lifetime to accomplish, and somethings will have to wait for the next act. I guess I shall have to leave it to Him... Love's Eternal, Kim
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Family Update
Dear all,
Well, it was over 105 today, but not humid, thank goodness. The kids went to Disneyland today; with Nina and her boyfriend from North Dakota. He fits right in, and everyone seems to be getting along nicely. They met online about 3 years ago. Christine stayed home, as she was injured at work a while back, and is recovering from post concussion syndrome. She gets vertigo and dizzy so the rides did not sound fun. She is spending the day with her parents. I went to the bank, post office, and grocery store, and did 2 loads of towels after the sun went down. I finished a good book "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" and I can recommend it. Did the dishes, watered the lawn etc. A productive day....
Christine is on workman comp, and Brandon is on break from parades, which won't start up again until sometime in Oct. He is back in school and is really enjoying 2 classes. Christine had to drop her class due to the head injury. Kimberly is also taking a class, working, and has a new internship working for "Silly Sally's" children's entertainment. She is a busy girl! I plan to go back to school next spring if my health holds up, and my parents estate gets settled. I also plan to get my own affairs in order in case something happens to me. Ever since their grandparents died, my kids have been worried about me leaving them with out some instructions in place. How did the last 21 years go by so fast?
Well, I guess I just don't have much to say here. Hope all of you are well and happy. We could use some prayers for Christine to get well, Brandon to have enough time to finish school, Kimberly to get a job in her field of study, and for me to have the title of "Grandma" bestowed upon me this next year. No pressure though, just wishing...love eternal, Kim
Well, it was over 105 today, but not humid, thank goodness. The kids went to Disneyland today; with Nina and her boyfriend from North Dakota. He fits right in, and everyone seems to be getting along nicely. They met online about 3 years ago. Christine stayed home, as she was injured at work a while back, and is recovering from post concussion syndrome. She gets vertigo and dizzy so the rides did not sound fun. She is spending the day with her parents. I went to the bank, post office, and grocery store, and did 2 loads of towels after the sun went down. I finished a good book "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven" and I can recommend it. Did the dishes, watered the lawn etc. A productive day....
Christine is on workman comp, and Brandon is on break from parades, which won't start up again until sometime in Oct. He is back in school and is really enjoying 2 classes. Christine had to drop her class due to the head injury. Kimberly is also taking a class, working, and has a new internship working for "Silly Sally's" children's entertainment. She is a busy girl! I plan to go back to school next spring if my health holds up, and my parents estate gets settled. I also plan to get my own affairs in order in case something happens to me. Ever since their grandparents died, my kids have been worried about me leaving them with out some instructions in place. How did the last 21 years go by so fast?
Well, I guess I just don't have much to say here. Hope all of you are well and happy. We could use some prayers for Christine to get well, Brandon to have enough time to finish school, Kimberly to get a job in her field of study, and for me to have the title of "Grandma" bestowed upon me this next year. No pressure though, just wishing...love eternal, Kim
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Summer Heat
I am not a summer person. I love autumn. Autumn can not get here soon enough. I ran the air conditioner again last night...all night. It is a window unit out in the living room, and I have to position a fan, going full blast, to blow into the back where the bedrooms are. On a personal note...I absolutely hate menopause! Not that I have a uterus anymore...but the power surges are so embarrassing, and in this heat I look like I'm melting...all the time. The sweat drips off my earings for gosh sakes! So come on cool, crisp, beautiful fall! I also need a job working in a refrigerator, and not under baby warmers set to body temp...yep 98.6. When I asked the elder ladies at church how long this phase of my life would last they smiled and said they were still having hot flashes! They got to be 90! How is that possible? I did ask Mom about all these annoying symptoms, while she was still alive, but she said she didn't experience them. Lucky me...! So I didn't get much sleep again last night, and woke up to 3 dogs staring at me; 10 minutes before the alarm was set to go off. They wanted to go out. I really needed that last 10 minutes. No one should have to get up at 430 in the morning. It just feels wrong. On the upside, I had the freeway pretty much to myself. I listened to country music on the way in to work; which is just stories put to music, which always makes me smile; so that by the time I switched freeways I was in a much better mood. The moon was huge and orange looking suspiciously like a harvest moon, which can only mean one thing...Autumn is on its way!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Summer ahhh...
Hello all!
Well here it is, summer at last. It has been mild and cool so luckily haven't had to use the air conditioner. Christine is at work most days in the Disney stores in California Adventure. Brandon still hasn't received hours and discovered no one informed his boss he was off medical leave! Hopefully, he will get some hours next week. Kimberly is still at the theatre and still looking for an internship. She may go back to school to get another degree. But for now it's summer. The kids just celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary (june 10), and Christine's birthday #25 was yesterday. They went to San Diego for 3 nights and 4 days to celebrate. They came back looking very happy and rested. They went on the Ghost bus tour and had a wonderful time. Brandon wore his Ghost busters t-shirt. I have been slowly going through all the paperwork one accumulates as I have been bitten by the organizing bug. Unfortunately, I was also bitten by the pharygitus bug and spent the last week in bed! One of my patients died while I was out, which is upsetting to me.
I am also going to be in Illinois July 1st thru July 8th to take care of some business. I will be able to see adorable Isabella Elizabeth then. Well, got to get back to work. God bless all. Love Kim
Well here it is, summer at last. It has been mild and cool so luckily haven't had to use the air conditioner. Christine is at work most days in the Disney stores in California Adventure. Brandon still hasn't received hours and discovered no one informed his boss he was off medical leave! Hopefully, he will get some hours next week. Kimberly is still at the theatre and still looking for an internship. She may go back to school to get another degree. But for now it's summer. The kids just celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary (june 10), and Christine's birthday #25 was yesterday. They went to San Diego for 3 nights and 4 days to celebrate. They came back looking very happy and rested. They went on the Ghost bus tour and had a wonderful time. Brandon wore his Ghost busters t-shirt. I have been slowly going through all the paperwork one accumulates as I have been bitten by the organizing bug. Unfortunately, I was also bitten by the pharygitus bug and spent the last week in bed! One of my patients died while I was out, which is upsetting to me.
I am also going to be in Illinois July 1st thru July 8th to take care of some business. I will be able to see adorable Isabella Elizabeth then. Well, got to get back to work. God bless all. Love Kim
Monday, June 1, 2009
Dad
Dear All,
Well, I am still feeling stunned by the loss of my "Dad". He died on Monday the 18th of May; exactly on his "half birthday" Christine reminded me. He was 83 and a half. A year and a half after Mom is way too soon. It makes me feel so empty inside. I have been walking around for days now, hardly knowing what to say. I go to work because that is what he would have done, and while busy with tasks I don't have to think about it. The hospital botched the diagnosis, even with my sister there ( who is a paramedic) telling them what was wrong. We both try always to do our best caring for our patients, so it is hard to wrap our minds around our being helpless to save our own father.
I always told Dad that they broke the mold when they made him; but that if I ever found someone who was like him I would consider remarrying and I meant it. He loved Mom very much and missed her emensely. He was a man ahead of his time, and yet was able to do all the repair stuff, and was a person of integrity and few words. He did not ever talk bad about anyone. He could make me feel fabulous with just a few words, or reprimanded with even less. He made me want to be the best person I could be. My son, Brandon adored him for his patience and intelligence. Kimberly, loved watching our video of him over and over as a child. Christine is so glad she got to know him. They all love quoting him. "What would Grandpa do?" and "Grandpa knew it!" have become common statements at our house. Having lived through the depression he was wiser than the average person, and very cautious as well. Going through his things, we have discovered he was more generous than we knew. Many the loan he gave out...never to be repaid again. We never knew it.
I am comforted by the thought that he has joined his parents, wife, and daughter on the other side...born into eternity. I like to think he and Mom are in charge of some special corner of heaven with lots of wild life and plenty of space to walk. (Dad walked 3-4 miles a day) And plenty of time to be with friends and dance if they feel so inclined. I think my brother, Kelly, said it best at the memorial when he said, "Dad was father to one, and Dad to six". How true! He never made us feel like step children, or foster children. Many of us certainly didn't make it easy on he and Mom. He had a huge heart and I'm so glad to have known him. It is weird not having him to make me feel like I belong somewhere. Thanks for making me feel like I belonged Dad!Thanks for never beating me, or molesting me. Thanks for your patience and your tolerance. Thanks for loving my Mom. Thanks for loving all of us strangers, warts and all. Thanks for being my Dad! Thanks for being Grandpa to my children. Thanks for being there.
Well, I am still feeling stunned by the loss of my "Dad". He died on Monday the 18th of May; exactly on his "half birthday" Christine reminded me. He was 83 and a half. A year and a half after Mom is way too soon. It makes me feel so empty inside. I have been walking around for days now, hardly knowing what to say. I go to work because that is what he would have done, and while busy with tasks I don't have to think about it. The hospital botched the diagnosis, even with my sister there ( who is a paramedic) telling them what was wrong. We both try always to do our best caring for our patients, so it is hard to wrap our minds around our being helpless to save our own father.
I always told Dad that they broke the mold when they made him; but that if I ever found someone who was like him I would consider remarrying and I meant it. He loved Mom very much and missed her emensely. He was a man ahead of his time, and yet was able to do all the repair stuff, and was a person of integrity and few words. He did not ever talk bad about anyone. He could make me feel fabulous with just a few words, or reprimanded with even less. He made me want to be the best person I could be. My son, Brandon adored him for his patience and intelligence. Kimberly, loved watching our video of him over and over as a child. Christine is so glad she got to know him. They all love quoting him. "What would Grandpa do?" and "Grandpa knew it!" have become common statements at our house. Having lived through the depression he was wiser than the average person, and very cautious as well. Going through his things, we have discovered he was more generous than we knew. Many the loan he gave out...never to be repaid again. We never knew it.
I am comforted by the thought that he has joined his parents, wife, and daughter on the other side...born into eternity. I like to think he and Mom are in charge of some special corner of heaven with lots of wild life and plenty of space to walk. (Dad walked 3-4 miles a day) And plenty of time to be with friends and dance if they feel so inclined. I think my brother, Kelly, said it best at the memorial when he said, "Dad was father to one, and Dad to six". How true! He never made us feel like step children, or foster children. Many of us certainly didn't make it easy on he and Mom. He had a huge heart and I'm so glad to have known him. It is weird not having him to make me feel like I belong somewhere. Thanks for making me feel like I belonged Dad!Thanks for never beating me, or molesting me. Thanks for your patience and your tolerance. Thanks for loving my Mom. Thanks for loving all of us strangers, warts and all. Thanks for being my Dad! Thanks for being Grandpa to my children. Thanks for being there.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Weekend Ahhhs...
Dear All,
Well, here I am back at work. I feel so much better than last week. I think I needed some sun and fun. We (Kimberly, Nina, and I) went to Sea World on Friday. It was sunny and cool. I got a nice pink glow from the sunshine, and I walked for hours. My hip was screaming after a few hours, so I told the girls they should just go ahead; and I would enjoy people watching, and the shops. I am proud of myself. I didn't buy one thing! We had lunch there, and waffle ice cream hot fudge sundaes, later before leaving. Apparently, they had an earthquake in L.A. while we were there. We didn't feel it, but Brandon did at home. Kimberly got to see her beloved manatees, and I saw the sea otters. Nina is partial to the polar bears. It was very relaxing to go for the day. I was in bed by 10pm. I slept in until 11am! I couldn't believe it! I went to lunch with Belle, who came down off the hill (from Big Bear City), and then we went to see "Ghosts of Girl Friends Past" with Matthew McConahey. Love that man's voice. Smooth. It was very cute and we laughed alot. An enjoyable time. Then yesterday I went to church, for all 3 meetings, and it was very uplifting. It was Fast Sunday where we fast for 2 meals, and give an offering of money for the poor instead. This is the way we can feed those who are in need. Times are tough, so there are more in need. It works very well. Then I took a nap for 2 hours! I made a roast and spanish rice for dinner. There was a womens fireside last night; so I went to that, and had a wonderful time discussing a book "A Heart Like His" I think it was, which was all about opening up your heart and loving your fellow man the way Christ did. We had Strawberry Shortcake for desert and great conversation. It lasted about 2 hours. I got home around 920pm. I walked in the door just as Brandon was leaving. He had a concerned look on his face. When I asked him where he was going he said "to look for you!" I was surprised, since I had told him where I'd be...Apparently, these firesides usually only take 1 hour, so he got worried. Giggle, giggle. I did not do my laundry this weekend...I rested. Boy, what a difference! I am a new woman. I was fed spiritually and physically as well as emotionally. A great weekend. I did make Jacque's Cranberry Cookies for everyone at work, since I was feeling so energetic. So today everyone is saying how awesome they are! Thank you Jacque...and no comments about me looking tired! Love ya, Kim
Well, here I am back at work. I feel so much better than last week. I think I needed some sun and fun. We (Kimberly, Nina, and I) went to Sea World on Friday. It was sunny and cool. I got a nice pink glow from the sunshine, and I walked for hours. My hip was screaming after a few hours, so I told the girls they should just go ahead; and I would enjoy people watching, and the shops. I am proud of myself. I didn't buy one thing! We had lunch there, and waffle ice cream hot fudge sundaes, later before leaving. Apparently, they had an earthquake in L.A. while we were there. We didn't feel it, but Brandon did at home. Kimberly got to see her beloved manatees, and I saw the sea otters. Nina is partial to the polar bears. It was very relaxing to go for the day. I was in bed by 10pm. I slept in until 11am! I couldn't believe it! I went to lunch with Belle, who came down off the hill (from Big Bear City), and then we went to see "Ghosts of Girl Friends Past" with Matthew McConahey. Love that man's voice. Smooth. It was very cute and we laughed alot. An enjoyable time. Then yesterday I went to church, for all 3 meetings, and it was very uplifting. It was Fast Sunday where we fast for 2 meals, and give an offering of money for the poor instead. This is the way we can feed those who are in need. Times are tough, so there are more in need. It works very well. Then I took a nap for 2 hours! I made a roast and spanish rice for dinner. There was a womens fireside last night; so I went to that, and had a wonderful time discussing a book "A Heart Like His" I think it was, which was all about opening up your heart and loving your fellow man the way Christ did. We had Strawberry Shortcake for desert and great conversation. It lasted about 2 hours. I got home around 920pm. I walked in the door just as Brandon was leaving. He had a concerned look on his face. When I asked him where he was going he said "to look for you!" I was surprised, since I had told him where I'd be...Apparently, these firesides usually only take 1 hour, so he got worried. Giggle, giggle. I did not do my laundry this weekend...I rested. Boy, what a difference! I am a new woman. I was fed spiritually and physically as well as emotionally. A great weekend. I did make Jacque's Cranberry Cookies for everyone at work, since I was feeling so energetic. So today everyone is saying how awesome they are! Thank you Jacque...and no comments about me looking tired! Love ya, Kim
Thursday, April 30, 2009
On Being Tired!
Dear All,
I don't know how to get through the day anymore without dosing off. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm sick. Which just means "You look terrible". I was sick earlier this month, I am 52 years old, and I do get up at 430am and I do work a 12.5 hr shift, and I don't bounce back like I used to. I am peddling the stationary bike for 15-20 minutes most days to try and get in shape, and I watch what I eat and try to destress by scripture reading and prayer. Anyway, at least 3 people have asked me if I'm sick today. And I thought I was having a good hair day! I am trying not to get depressed but it is discouraging!
I plan to go to San Diego with Kimberly and Nina tomorrow, for the day to see the animals at Sea World; get some sun, and excercise, and have some fun. I hear it might rain. We still might go anyway. I have 3 days off; and boy do I need them! I have been working a little overtime lately, but apparently I can't do that anymore with out looking like I'm coming down with something. Can't wait to see my beloved sea otters; now they know how to relax. I usually have to go someplace so that I can keep from doing something at home. It always does me good. I have an annual pass that will expire in early June. We will have to eat cheap while there as I am on a strict budget...More on that later. Love Kim
I don't know how to get through the day anymore without dosing off. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm sick. Which just means "You look terrible". I was sick earlier this month, I am 52 years old, and I do get up at 430am and I do work a 12.5 hr shift, and I don't bounce back like I used to. I am peddling the stationary bike for 15-20 minutes most days to try and get in shape, and I watch what I eat and try to destress by scripture reading and prayer. Anyway, at least 3 people have asked me if I'm sick today. And I thought I was having a good hair day! I am trying not to get depressed but it is discouraging!
I plan to go to San Diego with Kimberly and Nina tomorrow, for the day to see the animals at Sea World; get some sun, and excercise, and have some fun. I hear it might rain. We still might go anyway. I have 3 days off; and boy do I need them! I have been working a little overtime lately, but apparently I can't do that anymore with out looking like I'm coming down with something. Can't wait to see my beloved sea otters; now they know how to relax. I usually have to go someplace so that I can keep from doing something at home. It always does me good. I have an annual pass that will expire in early June. We will have to eat cheap while there as I am on a strict budget...More on that later. Love Kim
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Empty Nesting?
Dear All,
Well, I thought I might write some sort of explanation here as to why I still live at home with my grown children...I have often had fleeting moments, hours, sometimes days, where I dream of everyone being moved out and on their own (empty nest). I think of the possibility of paying off the neverending bills, dropping down to parttime at work and going back to school to get a degree in psychology for counseling parents and children, the house echoing with my lone footsteps...It looked like I might get my wish for a while. Now, with the recession, I am beginning to accept that the dream will have to wait. We have all been overwhelmed lately trying to stay "on plan", and never having time to see each other, much less stop and smell any roses. So, after much discussion we've decided to take the slower, but saner, route to success, and happiness. We are going to enjoy interdependence a little longer; and therefore have more time together, and more prosperity, instead of poverty. Brandon had an epiphany recently (with help from Bishop); that he was concentrating all his energy on school, and little on God (whom he loves), church(which he loves), family(which he loves more), or excercise(which he needs) etc. After the rest of us took a similar inventory, we discovered we also need more balance in our lives. Christine also was too heavy on the schooling end, Kimberly has been madly paying off the bills she accumulated while in school (paid off now), and she's forgotten how to relax, and me? I have been working like mad at work and home, like some sort of martyr to keep everything going!
This semester ends in May, and then Brandon and Christine will be working more at work (they were both off on medical leave for much of this year), and at home(to help me out). Kimberly is making more time for friends and family now that her bills are paid off, and is calmly searching for a job in her field of study. Hollywood says they won't be hiring til next year, so she really just needs another internship to stay in the loop. I, will try to let the house remain more cluttered, and accept all the help I get there, as well as sign up for one class in the fall. My dream of going part time at work (or even dropping overtime hours) will have to wait. The debt will get paid off ,eventually, and I will get my Bachelor's someday anyway. Good news...The kids are going to try and get pregnant, with my blessings, next year sometime. You heard it here first. Whether or not they have their own place, with my approval! I am hoping to add on to my home, one master suite and bathroom, as well as renovate the place, in a manner that allows for a more open floor plan. I kind of like the idea of some strong construction type guys working on my house. Okay I'm old, but not dead. Now that I'm on dayshift, I can actually plan some improvements. I hope the bank is as excited about the possibilities as I am! I can't wait to be a grandma, and I'm so glad that Brandon and Christine have decided not to wait any longer to bless all our lives with a baby! They will have been married 3 years this June. So my worries about having an empty nest, will have to wait a couple more years. Who wants to be lonely anyway? I don't need to hear my footsteps echoing in an empty house. On with the adventure! Love Kim
Well, I thought I might write some sort of explanation here as to why I still live at home with my grown children...I have often had fleeting moments, hours, sometimes days, where I dream of everyone being moved out and on their own (empty nest). I think of the possibility of paying off the neverending bills, dropping down to parttime at work and going back to school to get a degree in psychology for counseling parents and children, the house echoing with my lone footsteps...It looked like I might get my wish for a while. Now, with the recession, I am beginning to accept that the dream will have to wait. We have all been overwhelmed lately trying to stay "on plan", and never having time to see each other, much less stop and smell any roses. So, after much discussion we've decided to take the slower, but saner, route to success, and happiness. We are going to enjoy interdependence a little longer; and therefore have more time together, and more prosperity, instead of poverty. Brandon had an epiphany recently (with help from Bishop); that he was concentrating all his energy on school, and little on God (whom he loves), church(which he loves), family(which he loves more), or excercise(which he needs) etc. After the rest of us took a similar inventory, we discovered we also need more balance in our lives. Christine also was too heavy on the schooling end, Kimberly has been madly paying off the bills she accumulated while in school (paid off now), and she's forgotten how to relax, and me? I have been working like mad at work and home, like some sort of martyr to keep everything going!
This semester ends in May, and then Brandon and Christine will be working more at work (they were both off on medical leave for much of this year), and at home(to help me out). Kimberly is making more time for friends and family now that her bills are paid off, and is calmly searching for a job in her field of study. Hollywood says they won't be hiring til next year, so she really just needs another internship to stay in the loop. I, will try to let the house remain more cluttered, and accept all the help I get there, as well as sign up for one class in the fall. My dream of going part time at work (or even dropping overtime hours) will have to wait. The debt will get paid off ,eventually, and I will get my Bachelor's someday anyway. Good news...The kids are going to try and get pregnant, with my blessings, next year sometime. You heard it here first. Whether or not they have their own place, with my approval! I am hoping to add on to my home, one master suite and bathroom, as well as renovate the place, in a manner that allows for a more open floor plan. I kind of like the idea of some strong construction type guys working on my house. Okay I'm old, but not dead. Now that I'm on dayshift, I can actually plan some improvements. I hope the bank is as excited about the possibilities as I am! I can't wait to be a grandma, and I'm so glad that Brandon and Christine have decided not to wait any longer to bless all our lives with a baby! They will have been married 3 years this June. So my worries about having an empty nest, will have to wait a couple more years. Who wants to be lonely anyway? I don't need to hear my footsteps echoing in an empty house. On with the adventure! Love Kim
Saturday, April 25, 2009
What do you think of my hair?
Dear all,
I can not believe that it has been so long since I posted a note! The computer is on the fritz, and I don't like to borrow the laptops unless I need to pay the bills. Those of you who are waiting for me to answer their emails...I have over 300 pieces to sort through! I wanted to post something about being easily offended and slow to forgive. I really want those I love to be slow to be offended, and quick to forgive. Especially when writing, it is so easy to be misunderstood. No facial expressions, or tone, to alter one's meanings. I find that it always helps to talk, talk, talk, until both parties understand each other. Keeping it in the "I feel thus, when you blah, blah, blah...is one excercise which seems to help. Also, repeating back what you think the person is saying to the person is a great way to get clarification. ie Are you saying...? or Do you mean...? It is also allowable to say..."You know, I'm feeling kind of irritable today so please...". Someday these misunderstandings will be foder for laughter if handled the correct way. For instance...My son hates spiders. I mean he really hates them. So the other day he was balancing on his bed and trying to check the drapes for the critters when...he lost his balance, and in flailing around grabbed the head of his Goofy phone and it, of course, came off in his hand! He brought it to me, heartbroken, to see if I thought it could be fixed. He is 27. Now, I did not laugh...then. Much later, I did have a chuckle, and I am sure someday soon he will too. I marvel at my restraint! The point is funny things, and not so funny things, happen in life; and sometimes its best to refrain from comment for a moment or even a season. This same son, when asked yesterday by his lovely wife, what he thought of her new hairstyle for the ball, said without thinking "it's messy", or "it's a mess" depending upon whom you ask. Many tears later, and after much advice from sister and mother, we let them solve it themselves. Since they were both still at my house when I woke up this am for work, I assume they are fine; and Kimberly and I have a funny family story to tell. I'm sure they too will think it funny someday. It is like the question "do these pants make me look fat?" . Always, always, always, say "No!"(if you are the husband). Hope you all are seeing the glass as half full and finding the funny times to remember. Love Kim
I can not believe that it has been so long since I posted a note! The computer is on the fritz, and I don't like to borrow the laptops unless I need to pay the bills. Those of you who are waiting for me to answer their emails...I have over 300 pieces to sort through! I wanted to post something about being easily offended and slow to forgive. I really want those I love to be slow to be offended, and quick to forgive. Especially when writing, it is so easy to be misunderstood. No facial expressions, or tone, to alter one's meanings. I find that it always helps to talk, talk, talk, until both parties understand each other. Keeping it in the "I feel thus, when you blah, blah, blah...is one excercise which seems to help. Also, repeating back what you think the person is saying to the person is a great way to get clarification. ie Are you saying...? or Do you mean...? It is also allowable to say..."You know, I'm feeling kind of irritable today so please...". Someday these misunderstandings will be foder for laughter if handled the correct way. For instance...My son hates spiders. I mean he really hates them. So the other day he was balancing on his bed and trying to check the drapes for the critters when...he lost his balance, and in flailing around grabbed the head of his Goofy phone and it, of course, came off in his hand! He brought it to me, heartbroken, to see if I thought it could be fixed. He is 27. Now, I did not laugh...then. Much later, I did have a chuckle, and I am sure someday soon he will too. I marvel at my restraint! The point is funny things, and not so funny things, happen in life; and sometimes its best to refrain from comment for a moment or even a season. This same son, when asked yesterday by his lovely wife, what he thought of her new hairstyle for the ball, said without thinking "it's messy", or "it's a mess" depending upon whom you ask. Many tears later, and after much advice from sister and mother, we let them solve it themselves. Since they were both still at my house when I woke up this am for work, I assume they are fine; and Kimberly and I have a funny family story to tell. I'm sure they too will think it funny someday. It is like the question "do these pants make me look fat?" . Always, always, always, say "No!"(if you are the husband). Hope you all are seeing the glass as half full and finding the funny times to remember. Love Kim
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