Happy Black Friday

Greetings and Happy Black Friday.  (Sorry I missed Thanksgiving.) Here is just little bits of life from my corner.

Just reread the last bog and wow its been six weeks!  Since then the Fall decorations outside have come and gone without any pictures.  Due to my busy schedule, in spite of my "Christmas AFTER Thanksgiving" philosophy, I decorated the outside for Christmas last weekend. 

Peter has made progress with his knee recovery.  He returns to the doctor Monday and I am a little anxious based on the last visit and Peter's lack of effort at home to do any recovery work.  He is currently attending PT three times a week.  Life for him is pretty much the same, school (grades are good right now, YAY), the couch and the remote.  

My folks had a great trip to Kansas and seem to be doing well.  I spent a few hours with them yesterday for Thanksgiving.  The weather was beautiful, mom made a nice Turkey dinner, and it was just good to be together. We are looking forward to spending Christmas at the beach.

So did I tell you about my part time job?  In August I started working as a Floor Set/Replenishment Team member at a nearby Bath and Body Works.  I  averaged working once a month until just recently. I go in after the store closes and help change out the displays. With the holidays I am working some during store hours to keep all those nice smelly things on the shelf.  I actually had my first Thanksgiving/Black Friday retail experience last night as I worked 5:30 pm to 1:30 am.  It was crazy but actually fun.  I spent several hours ringing jingle bells at the door and telling people about our specials.  I also restocked 29 plus flavors of hand soaps. Turns out I am pretty good at both of those.  I work the next couple of evenings as well. Between my preschool being open through this past Wednesday and working Thanksgiving weekend at Bath and Body Works, there hasn't been much "holiday break."  I was feeling pretty sorry for myself Thursday morning.  But while interacting with folks last night and stacking soaps I realized it wasn't so bad.  Probably better for me to be working than sitting at home overdosing on Hallmark Christmas movies. 

This semester I have been taking two classes at the local Technical College to complete a Childhood Specialist Teaching Certificate.  Sounds fancy but it just means I can keep doing what I love doing and that is teaching preschool.  It has actually been a great experience as the classes have enhanced my current job by the projects that have been assigned and the people I have met. I have just a few more weeks but there are several big projects to accomplish in the meantime.  

I really do love my job at the preschool. My co-workers are super, the kids are fantastic, and it is a great outlet for my craziness.  Where else can you work that you can declare the day a PJ day or get paid to do art and build tent forts. I recently took our class Pete the Cat (10 inch stuffed animal) on a weekend trip and did a photo shoot of his "vacation."  People look at you funny until you say "It's for my preschool kids."  Even then the Starbucks worker gave me an odd look when I put Pete on the counter and took a picture.

With the business of Christmas at my two jobs, school projects, and Christmas at the beach, I am thinking to really down play some of the Christmas hoopla.  But then again it is just the day after Thanksgiving, I may not be able to refrain from embracing the Christmas hoopla!

Thanks for reading my ramblings.  Thanks for being my friends.  Grateful for you. 

Now go out there and SHOP!!!!!! (Today is buy 3 get 3 free at Bath and Body Works!) Happy Black Friday!

In case you wondered

So I tend to be bad about telling my story in the middle and forgetting to let you know the end or at least the progression.

Peter is walking less like Quasimodo and wears his brace most of the time.  Last Sunday he went out without it before I realized it. Peter does not appear to be doing anything at home to strengthen his knee or improve his health.  However he appears to be working hard at PT and is on track in the normal progression of things.   

Peter turned 18 last Saturday.  He didn't want to go out as he said it was too much trouble to get dressed up with the brace and all. I don't think that was the whole truth but we just left it at that.  He wanted take out Red Lobster while he watched Football on the couch.  Peter said we could sit and eat take out in the living room with him.  Instead my folks and I went out to Red Lobster to celebrate Peter's birthday and brought him a take out box.  Except for the gifts (that Peter had pretty much pre-picked) and the Red Lobster it was an average day for Peter.  For me it was as if this weight fell off. Peter is 18 and I am not legally responsible! Woo hoo! I know that may sound strange perhaps unrealistic or harsh to some.  Yet it may help to understand that I operate from a very high sense of responsibility. Many of my decisions are greatly effected by feeling responsible for something or someone.  Until a week ago, legally I would be held responsible for Peter.  With Peter turning 18 I don't feel the responsibility.  Now I have choices.  I know I always did but without the legal responsibility weighing on me I can better see the freedom of choice.  (And yes there has been therapy sessions to help me get to this point.)  Presently I am choosing to support Peter to help him graduate from high school and to recover from his knee surgery.  As we reach those milestones, we will see what is next.

Hurricane Matthew caused our trip to Saint Simon's Island to be canceled. Graciously we have been given the chance to reschedule.  I am pretty excited that we now plan to spend Christmas at St Simon's Island.  We have often talked about going somewhere for Christmas but never have.  So this year we will and I am looking forward to it.  Due to that canceled October trip and some other factors, my folks have decided to fly to Kansas here at the end of October.  Their philosophy is that as long as they can keep going and doing, they will. And I am so glad that they can and do.

Fall has arrived and I am grateful for the cooler weather.  I have done a little fall decorating outside and have a bit more yard work to do next week.  Hopefully next week I will share a few pictures. Meanwhile there are bills to pay and homework to do.  So until next time, . .  . 

Riding the Coaster

So if you haven't figured it out yet, I emotionally tend to ride the roller coaster.  It has probably always been a bit that way but at this point in life the loops and falls tend to happen within a 24 hour period as compared to being spread out over days or weeks.  I typically wake up plunging down fast and make the climb to the top by the time I reach my awesome preschoolers.  Throughout the day there will be some twist and turns and as evening hits I tend to plummet down again.  The big question always is whether the physical is influencing the emotional or the emotional is influencing the physical.  I am somewhat supplement dependent to get through the day and my coworkers know when I accidentally forget to take them in the morning.  Though I think I would be much happier to live life on a simple Tea cup Saucer ride, I am trying not to fret and embrace the ride.

With that preamble you can imagine that since I shared about the great visit with Peter's PT's, there have been highs and lows.  

Low - Friday, I lost it with Peter in a situation that I could have handled so much better than I did.  And I can feel the residual from him as a result.

High - Mom and I had a delightful celebration of her birthday Saturday afternoon having lunch and window shopping.

Low - Cable TV means I am staying up too late and I am making poor food choices so I feel kind of yuck.

High - Sunday afternoon was somewhat lazy while talking with two dear long distance friends on the phone.

Low - Peter decides he isn't using his crutches so is walking like Quasimodo. I am pretty sure he does not have his brace on accurately but he will not accept any advice or expressions of concerns from me.

High - I bought a purple mum, some baby pumpkins and new white chairs for my outside decoration.

Low - I shouldn't have spent the money on the above items.

High - We are headed for the beach in 3 days.

Low - There is a Hurricane headed the way of that beach.

On and on the ride goes.  So currently I am praying for emotions that resembles one of those sedate kiddie rides at the amusement park and for clear direction about what we do regarding this beach trip. 

Light

I know I am very quick to tell you the hard things going on but don't always follow up with the positive.  That's not fair is it?  Thereflre I am taking just a minute this evening to tell you about some light shining in the dark today.

First we went to therapy early this morning and very quickly I knew we were in the right spot.  The therapist in charge of Peter's treatment works with a lot of young athletes specifically teens.  And I recognized early on that he views it as a kind of ministry.  The vibe of the whole rehab center is a peaceful one. There is evidence of Jesus there. It was also comforting when I recognized a therapist there as one of the men in my church. Peter's therapist told us Peter was currently pretty normal in his progress.  I saw him push Peter to do some things that I didn't think he was able.  And Peter seemed to gain a little more confidence.  He also was cooperative and "pleasant" at least pleasant  in regards to the Peter scale. Peter will go 2-3 times a week for about 3-4 months.  When he attends afternoons there will be a lot of other teen athletes in there as well and I see how this could be positive. I left there feeling much better about our current experience and very grateful for the upcoming interaction with this group of folks.

Second I had a man tell me today "how much he enjoyed meeting Peter," when he met with him yesterday. So now that is not something I often here.  Hobbling on crutches Peter went to meet with a man about some seasonal work starting in late November.  I was told about how Peter used football to make a connection and the enjoyable conversation they had.  I was told about how respectful and polite he was.  Wow.  And with this potential physical job, hopefully will come motivation for Peter to do the work to strengthen his knee.  

Thank you for your prayers.  These little events today have shed light and reminded me once again that God is for us and not against us.

Reality

The past two days have been "bottom days" in our home.  Those days that I hope are bottom and we are headed up because they were not good.  The reality of Peter having to be inconvenienced with a brace for a month or more, having to relearn to use his knee and being uncomfortable for an extended time has hit him and he has not taken it very well.  His decision Monday not to wear his brace (something he has to do) lead to our seeing the doctor yesterday instead of Thursday.  Stitches and bandages are gone but now remains a swollen knee in a brace that doesn't want to move easily.  We go for a Physical Therapy (PT) eval tomorrow morning.  The group we are going to are Sports Meds guys and though not covered by our insurance, they are providing a rate that is possible.  They are suppose to be the very experienced especially with teenage athletes.

Peter is not fun to deal with and I am not doing it well at times.  Please pray for him in this. Not sure even exactly how to pray.  He seems to lack motivation and perseverance.  He certainly struggles with acceptance.  Ultimately my desire is for him to recognize God's goodness in this.  I think it is safe to say he is pretty angry right now.  And as always I pray for people to reach out and his ability to receive. And do pray for my attitude. (NOT that I have patience though! We know what that usually means!) I do want to handle his moods well but often my own gets in the way.

This Saturday is mom's 80th birthday - yeah mom!  The following Saturday is Peter's 18th. We have planned a trip to St Simons Island for the long weekend over Peter's birthday. The plan is for Mom, Dad, Peter and myself to go as I have rented a house,  This is mom's trip but due to school break for Peter, it is his birthday weekend.  He has been invited but I confess I am kind of nervous based on his current attitude. I want this to be a fun trip for mom as this is a place she has wanted to go for many years but has never been. I am praying for a peaceful trip ( even if that means Peter stays behind.) My desire is that we can all go and have a pleasant trip.

I am always grateful for your interest, concern, and prayers regarding me and my family.

And yes tomorrow marks what would have been Larry's 52nd birthday.  I have a crazy busy day and won't be able to celebrate it with my folks.  I appreciate your prayers for them as days like this always are just a bit harder.

Day 3 Post Op

So Peter and I are in day three of recovery phase.  I think the "blues" have hit us both.  I can see it in his face and feel it in my own body.  We are  done with the ice pack contraption and some meds.  I am still administering pain meds and doing a lot of "getting this and that."  And trying to encourage him to do the prescribed exercises.

My biggest concern is Peter's halfheartedness about the exercises he is to be doing daily.  He is not doing any weight bearing on the leg either which he should be. He just says it hurts. Which no doubt it does.  I keep telling him how important it is to do them but get minimal response.  Then whenever I mention to others that he is not wanting to do the exercises, they are like "oh he has to or it will be worse,"  and then my anxiety increases.  I feel as if I am failing my responsibility cause I can't make him do it.  Somehow I feel like I should be able to and I am failing because I am not.  (This is a common theme with Peter and me.)

So please pray for Peter to have the internal motivation to do what he needs to to get his knee working again.  Pray that he will push through the pain.  I do not have much power of influence with Peter - at least not through my words.  So if there is something I need to DO to motivate I need God to show and empower me. (And while being open and transparent, I ask you please not to offer me suggestions - that only stirs up my anxiety.) Pray for God to show me.  And if there is someone else who could be motivational to Peter (and I have no idea who that would be as his social base is so small) pray that that person would enter the picture.

This experience is going to make us both stronger but at the moment it has us both feeling pretty kicked to the ground in weakness.

A New Experience with Peter

So I never came home from the hospital with a newborn.  But last night I couldn't help but wonder if I now had a better idea of what that might feel like.  After a day at the hospital, the staff sent me home with my son whose leg was all bandaged up and useless, an electric ice pack contraption and a list of instructions saying "good luck."  And I had this glazed over look in my eye with this great sense of " I am not sure I can do this - what if I mess up?!"

Currently we are 12 hours in and we seem to be surviving thus far.  I am keeping the ice contraption running, Peter is able to get around a bit with the crutches and I have yet to miss a dose of the ever important pain meds. Peter is asleep at the moment so not sure exactly what will occur when he wakes. Can I just say Peter and I are not particularly touchy feely. He does not like being hugged and whether for right or wrong I do not push the issue.  And though I interact with him daily, it wasn't until I tried to help my woosy, hobbling "baby boy" into the house that I realized just how tall and muscular he was.  It actually was a bit comical.

So for those of you who like details, here is a brief summary.  We went to the hospital at noon yesterday for a surgery scheduled at 2:07.  Peter didn't head to OR until about 2:20 and I think it was closer to 3 before I was notified that they had started.  I saw the doctor around 4:30.  He said that the meniscus was not torn but he had definitely blown out the ACL and they successfully repaired it. The fact that the Meniscus was not torn will hopeful make recovery a little easier. I saw Peter around 6. He was pretty miserable but wanted to make sure we were still going to pick up Chinese on the way home.  It had been a long time since he had eaten. His blood pressure was a bit high so we had to wait a little longer to be released.  By 7:30 we were on our way home.  

I confess I was in denial because I kept talking like I would be back at work today (Thursday.) That is until I saw him, the ice contraption (needed for the next 48 hours) and the list of instructions.  So I am home today and we will see about tomorrow.  Peter is not a talker and certainly doesn't express his feelings. However I could tell he was a bit anxious prior to surgery.  I am so proud of him though.  He handled the needles (he hates needles) and being told what to do by the hospital staff pretty well(he doesn't handle being told what to do very well either.)  The revealing moment was when I secretly attempted to take his picture in the hospital bed to send to mom, he caught me and made sure that didn't happen.  He said "I don't want anyone to see me weak." I found that statement revealing.  So as he was trying to get in the house he said "mom I am so weak" and I knew that was big for him to admit it. Peter's weakness is going to be pretty evident as he goes to school and rehab etc.  My prayer is God will use this in his life.

So as a consolation gift I ordered Cable TV so he can watch football at home.  I am always trying to save money and our brains from too much technology input so we tend to have limited "viewing" options.  But due to Peter's love for football, his lame leg, and well for my own selfish reasons we are bringing in Cable at least for football season.  So at least we have the Cable TV installation to look forward to today.

Thanks for your many prayers and your interest in us and our journey.  

Peter ....

I apologize for the delayed update.  It has taken two weeks to get the MRI done and have a follow up appointment.  

Today we met with doctor number two.  (FYI I am told that the doctors we have been dealing with are some of the best sports medicine doctors around.  A nurse told me that today's doctor -the surgeon - works with the Atlanta Falcons.) Dr. V told us that Peter does have a torn ACL as well as a torn meniscus. The double whammy to Peter's knee makes surgery a little more urgent than I had anticipate.  We left the doctor's office with surgery scheduled for Wednesday September 21.  It is an out patient surgery that will put Peter out of school for just a few days (hopefully.)  Surgery will be followed by use of a brace and physical therapy. Thus far my state subsidized insurance for Peter has covered the expenses.  Due to the nature of the injury and based on past experience I am hopeful that it will continue to cover the majority of Peter's medical costs. 

This is certainly not what I would have wished for but I have already seen God using this. Peter was removed from his PE class and put in a Comparative Religions class.  The teacher of that class is one I had been praying all summer that Peter could have (based on recommendations of others.) I confess this has an impact on my life and schedule that I would not have asked for.  But I am choosing to trust that God will use this for both Peter's good and my own.

As you think of us over the next months I appreciate your prayers:

• For the doctor's as they repair Peter's knee September 21st (time yet determined.)
• For Peter to be cooperative and serious about the physical therapy that will follow surgery.
• That the surgery and time away from school will not hinder Peter's grades and ability to graduate in May. (He put himself in a pickle and has tough classes this year that he has to pass.)
• For Peter and my relationship through this process.
• For my attitude about the "inconvenience" and change of plans that have had to be made.
• God's working in Peter's heart through this.
• God's provision for the medical expenses.

Thank you for your expressed concerns and prayers.  As I said, this wasn't on my wish list but I trust God to use this and chose to be grateful for it.

Peter

Peter, Peter, Peter . . . .

I could tell you how he has all these hard classes he HAS to pass this year to graduate (because he failed 3 of 4 during the Spring semester).  Or I could tell you about how he was going to get a job all summer and doesn't understand why people didn't know he was at home waiting to be hired.  (His application attempts were few and weak.)  I could tell you that he is driving with a learners permit and has grande plans to have a car and a licence when he turns 18 in October.  Yet he doesn't have a job and well no one here is going to hand him a car or pay for his insurance.  I could lament over how he has no friends I ever see and how he rarely leaves the house.  But what has prompted me to write is this . . . 

During PE on Thursday while playing football in the gym Peter injured his knee. (He is not playing football for the school due to poor grades.)  Peter wouldn't talk about it even though I could see something was wrong.  I learned the details Friday when the school nurse called suggesting I pick him up. She thought he should get off it because the knee was pretty swollen.  Later that day we ended up at a Sports Medicine Emergency Care.  I went in thinking he would tell us it was sprained and all would be well by Monday because that is what happened about this time last year.  However after examining Peter and hearing his story, the doctor is predicting that it is a torn ACL. Torn ACLs require surgery to repair. Peter just wanted to know if he could drive home (Answer was NO) and I just wanted to lay down on the exam room floor and cry. He is to have an MRI this week and we are to follow up with another doctor. There are lots of reasons why this all feels like a bad thing.  But after my high carb meal at Cook Out, cleaning house, Pandora Hymns station, and conversations with Jesus I am feeling less overwhelmed and more hopeful.  I am choosing to trust God will use this for Peter's good and no doubt mine as well. None the less if you think of it this week, I appreciate your prayers.  

My Classroom

A year ago I transitioned to working at First Baptist Day School full time.  For over two years prior I had worked there part time in addition to my special needs preschool job. I had been working as a one-on-one aid in the summer and head of After school Program in the school year.  So last year I was doing both of those roles in addition to assisting a teacher in a 3 year old class whenever I wasn't needed with the other.  It was fun but a bit disjointed.  This summer when that 3 year old teacher moved into a different role, I was given the position of the lead teacher for that class. So now I am in one role all day.  This summer I lead her kids in our summer program while prepping the room to receive a new batch of 3 year old's August 1st.  The former teacher had been in the room a long time and there was a lot of "unearthing" and "rearranging" needed.  The room felt busy and I had a specific vision for a calmer room setting.  Through the help of friends and co-workers along with some good thrift store finds and craft store coupons, I was able to create a learning space in which I am delighted to spend most of my day.  Want to see????

Inspired by a picture on Pinterest and helped by friends (Thanks Nydia) my door into the classroom
was turned into a Caravan Camper.  The flags have the names of the children.  The plan is to decorate
according to season.  Someone recently referred to my room as "the retirement home "
(because of the camper and peaceful interior.)

So the tinfoil was an afterthought developed when the hole I cut out of the paper was bigger than
the square window.  Just goes to show that sometimes acting out of necessity can make things better.

The pennant banner is our birthday calendar.  Each one represents a month and has the names
of children who have birthday's that month.  My bulletin board boarder and
circle time calendar all came from the Dollar Tree or Target $1 bins. This
area (just below out of sight) is known as "the gathering spot."
It is home of dancing, yoga, stories, and circle time.

I love my circle time chair.  A $15 thrift store fine with about $15 of paint.  Pillows were given to me by Gwen.
I snagged the easel for $5 at a yard sale to learn it is an expensive Pottery Barn easel.  In the basket are my
 Dollar Tree rugs that we use for Yoga and circle time.

The "manipulative" shelf was being thrown out by my mom's neighbor. I love this little
manipulative/writing/science corner.  Its a favorite with the kids.  The hornets nest was left
from the previous teacher and I brought in my Aloe plant that was not thriving at my house.

This is what inspired the theme.  I found this table top (without a base) at a ReStore a couple of
years ago along with two old school chairs.  I stored it in my shed waiting for "some day."  Nick, my parent's
 neighbor built the table base. I am so glad I bought it even not knowing what for.

I love my 3 posters from Cavallini Papers & Co.  They add just the right vintage flair.
 I added wood strips on top and bottom to give an old school feel. 

Nick's wife, Gwen has an amazing  fabric stash and had rolls of this polka dotted fabric.
And well it just so happened to match my crazy plum colored wall.  She made us these
fabulous curtains. It adds a little charm and just enough darkness at nap time.  This is
 the space where I hope to put a small sensory table.  I am working on getting one built.

The poster is a color wheel. Left door leads to bathroom.  The cabinet is the art station.  Above is
a bulletin board that serves as command central.  And the door with my hat and apron houses
my well organized and labeled craft/resource closet.  On the shelf, Pete the Cat is guarding our much
appreciated classroom IPad.  Pete moves each weekend.  He is kind of like Elf on the Shelf.
The kids enjoy looking to see where he is each Monday

This is my $10 table that I love.  I made the crate benches with the help of Pinterest, friends, and coupons.
 We use this table for all kinds of activities.  See the black rolling shelf?  It is for my circle time gear and
 it was $3 at a yard sale. Way above it is the ever so valuable visual timer.  The time is demonstrated
 by red.  When the red is gone, it beeps, and the kids all cheer.  Often I hear, "set the timer!"

This is the home living center (left side) and library (right). I was determined to replace
the plastic kitchen previously in my room.  Again with help and donations from Nick and Gwen, I got
a very fun vintage home living center that the kids love.  The chair in the library was $1 at a thrift store painted
with 50 cent jar of  Home Depot ooops paint.

The kitchen was a kids tool bench I bought for $1 at a thrift store.  Nick worked some carpentry magic, Stephen
painted it, and Gwen made the super cute curtain.  I painted this table hiding in my shed to create an Island/crib/
cash register stand. The storage bench was Gwen's discard and a favorite hang out.  

I love my classroom.  When people stop in and say, "oh how peaceful," I am like "yeah! That's what I was hoping for."  The best part of the room though is the staff and kids.  I work with a couple of great ladies who aid the peaceful vibe and keep things moving. And the kids are FABULOUS!!  The people truly are what make this room a great place to be.

So it happens.  I come and go.  The last few months have been busy, hot and I just haven't been motivated to blog. No good excuse.  But then it really is no big loss.  We all know I do this for me.  I am just grateful for those who humor me and look at my ramblings.  I do have a few things I would like to say and pictures to share so I am going to try to do some catch up in the coming weeks.  Today I am going to start by sharing pictures from dad's 80th birthday.  Dad turned 80 on July 6th and on the 3rd Mom and I surprised dad with a little cake party at the club house in their senior subdivision. We were all surprised by the turn out of 60 plus people.  Though we weren't sure when dad first arrived if he appreciated our efforts, he seemed to really enjoy the celebration.  As always mom was very thoughtful in her planning and did a great job putting this together. There were folks representing many aspects of dad's life including current and past neighbors, co workers from several jobs, friends from church, and other people who have been a part of our lives here in Gainesville.  Thanks Tammy for the great pictures that documented the event so well.

Hermie is Dead

Today I discovered that Hermie my hermit crab has "bit the dust," "kicked the bucket," "crossed over the rainbow bridge," "entered that big sand dune in the sky" etc.

I wouldn't be surprised if he died of a broken heart.  I told Peter in Hermie's presence, " I am not going to take you to the beach!' No hope of going to the beach may have been what brought his life to an end (or the fact I can't remember when I last cleaned his cage.)

I am pretty certain Hermie would want to be buried at sea.

So it looks like Hermie and I may be headed out on a beach trip after all.

Scary

Today I did the scariest thing I think I have ever done.

• Scarier than climbing to the top of the high ropes course
• Scarier than moving to Africa alone to live
• Scarier than driving in Uganda

Today I rode in the passenger seat while Peter drove my car around the neighbor! WHOOOAAA

He actually did well but I had to quit after about 20 minutes to get my heart rate to slow down! 

blah blah blah plus request

So since  my last post I have written many post in my head.  I have told you about some of my daily celebration adventures, quotes that I have made up, and other random stories.  But as is often the case, they have not reached the keyboard.  There is no real excuse, just not the priority.  I am trying to get back into running and some regular exercise.  Actually rising early in the morning to run a 5K tomorrow.  I am trying to readjust my sleeping schedule to "early to bed and early to rise" which is a whole new concept or me.  The past two weeks I was obsessed with redecorating my bathroom.  Now I am knitting little baby hats.  I am also making plans to sell my recycled gift card guitar picks and jewelry at an upcycle market at the end of April.  So lots of things to consume time and energy.  But there are a couple of things I want to share as well as ask of you so I am writing this little entry.

 

As stated above, I am working on some recycled item crafts.  For the April 30th market I need all the used, empty gift cards (the ones you spent and are going to throw away) that I can get my hands on. So if you have any just hanging around and want to send them my way, I am happy to give them new life.  I have another project (actually for Christmas) and am gathering wine corks.  So for those who like me hate to throw those kind of things away and want them to be useful, I would like to help.

 

The second request is for prayer for Peter.  I know many of you do or have prayed regularly for him.  I just felt the need to ask for a renewed effort.  It is hard to explain to you what is going on and many would respond that it is typical teenager.  I am not convinced that it is.  It definitely seems like more. His motivation is practically nil.  His expectations and perception of life are extremely skewed.  There is no evidence that he has any real friends.  A few weeks ago he made a choice that was extremely dangerous but he was oblivious and totally in denial when it was addressed.  He does not listen to advice or accept instruction.  I am aware that some of the stuff going on is because I enable it.  And I am working to break the cycle but it is not without a lot of yuck.  It is scary to watch the path he is currently on because  the current course  is certainly not headed upward.  Again many would tell me not to be alarmed but I am.  It has made me more prayerful and it made me want to ask others to pray for him as well.

 

This Wednesday March 16th is Saint Larry's day.  It will mark one year since my brother Larry's death.  In honor of this day I am taking the day off to spend with my folks.  The current plan is to have a work day in Mom and Dad's yard preparing their backyard flower garden.  The plan is to make this a day of celebration of family.  So if you think of it say a little prayer for us and share a favorite Larry memory if you have one.

more days of the year

So as recently mentioned, I like celebrating the more obscure holidays as I find on Days of Year.com.  So here is a little update on my celebrations.


On February 11th I did wear white.  I did spill the milk without crying about it.  I did make new friends, Daysi and Rebel.   I gave out guitar picks to my co workers.  And I was satisfied staying single for that day as well.

On February 13th to celebrate "Get a New Name" day, I gave myself a new name for the day.  Indigo Blu (Indie for short).  But I was home alone most of the day so I am the only one that called me that.

Monday February 15th was Single Awareness Day.  I had planned my second annual SAD party to take place at a local Mexican restaurant however due to expected bad weather (that never happened by the way) I postponed it.  So I spent the evening crafting and watching movies. 

Tuesday February 16th was "Do a Grouch a Favor" day.  I didn't give Peter any chores that day.  I figured that counted.

On Wednesday February 17th I celebrated "Random Acts of Kindness Day."  I did an act so random that I am not sure who benefited. Someone out there got a $20 bill when unknown to me it fell out of my pocket.  When discovered I decided that counted for my random act of kindness.  Can't get much more random than that.

Thursday February 18th was "Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast." Since it was also my co-worker's birthday, it was a convenient way for our preschool kids and I to celebrate her while having ice cream for breakfast. 

Though not found on the Days of the Year website, Friday marked mine and Peter's 13th anniversary of when we became family by his coming to live with me.  I bought Chinese take out to celebrate.

Today is Sticky Bun day so I baked a can of cinnamon rolls that I had in the fridge.  I bought and baked them for Peter yet managed to eat two already.

Looking ahead . . .
Tomorrow the 22nd  is Margarita Day.

Tuesday the 23rd is International Dog Biscuit Day.  I don't have a dog but recently found some "Scooby Snacks" that are graham crackers shaped like dog biscuits.  Seems like Tuesday will be a good day to share with the kids at the preschool.

The 24th is Tortilla Chip Day.  That is Peter's staple food!  And since the fourth Wednesday in February is also "Inconvenience Yourself Day" maybe I will do so and go buy Peter a bag of tortilla chips and throw in some salsa.

This one wasn't on the website either but Thursday the 25th is my friend Debbie's birthday!

Friday is my favorite this week.  It is "For Pete's Sake Day."  And since I have a Pete(r) in my life, I am sure I can find something to do for his sake that day.  Maybe more Chinese take out.

Saturday is Kahlua Day.  I have a good Kahlua cake recipe - hmmmm. 

Sunday is Floral design day.

Monday February 29th is Leap Day.  When I canceled the Single Awareness Day party I rescheduled it for Monday February 29th making it a "Leap for Joy, We're Single" party. I was amused to recently discover that on Days of the Year it is marked as Bachelor Day.  I guess I wasn't that far off.

May all your days be a celebration.

Thursday February 11th

I think I have mentioned this before but I am a fan of celebrating obscure holidays.

 

I get a weekly e-mail from a website called Days of the Year that highlights that weeks holidays along with links to information on other celebrations.  I have started taking a few minutes on Sunday to look at the holidays that I can celebrate for that week.  I have been known to make Chocolate Cake simply because it was Chocolate Cake Day.  Well as I looked at this weeks options I realized that February 11th is a humdinger of a day for celebrating.  Thursday is "Wear a White Shirt" while I "Don't cry over spilt milk" and then go out and "Make a Friend" by "Getting out my guitar" and all along be "Satisfied Staying Single (S3)" Day. 

 

This is a great day of celebrating for me. I have several white shirts.  I often spill the milk while serving the preschoolers breakfast. Although I don't have a guitar I might be able to convince others to get theirs out while I make friends by handing out guitar picks that I made.  And hey I am single.  Lets here it for February 11th!

Write a Book

If I have talked about this before, forgive me.

 

So when I was a freshman in college, my English professor told my mom that I should be a an English major as I "had a lot of potential."  My mom laughed as she knew the state of my spelling and grammar skills.  Even before the arrival of spellcheck, the professor assured her that was a minor detail.  In spite of the affirmation, I majored in Home Economics. Somewhere along the line mom must have decided that the English professor had a point.  She has been telling me for many years now that I should write a book.  My usual response is "Mom, the world doesn't need any more books, have you seen the clearance racks at the book store?!"  I do not feel like people are lacking in material to read but that isn't the real reason I decline.

 

It is a patience and persistence issue.  I do better with quick and easy projects.  That is why when I look at the daily 'All About Knitting' e-mails, I look at the patterns that say "2 hour project" or "fast and easy." I don't knit sweaters with details, blankets with multiple rows, or even socks with fine yarn.  Geez, that last dish cloth with the cotton yarn and #5 needles almost did me in.  I like to make head warmers, scarves with thick yarn, small dish scrubbies and itty bitty gnome hats.  I enjoy the creative process but I better have a product soon or I lose interest and it becomes part of a pile in the corner. It is for this reason that my friends did not receive Christmas cards.  I designed a homemade card at Thanksgiving time and got as far as printing the inside sentiment. But because the outside embellishment was taking longer than I hoped, I never finished them.  I have been collecting empty gift cards to make recycled art.  Currently I am making guitar picks and guitar pick jewelry.  I have tools and have made a few prototypes.  They are fun and easy.  But thanks to friends and kind clerks at Target and Starbucks, I have accumulated a large pile of gift cards.  And I feel it happening, this little craft is becoming BIG and overwhelming and I am getting itchy.  I fear this could be another craft in the corner.

 

Therefore the thought of writing something makes me nervous.  It seems so big and I can't get started.  The truth is sometimes these projects don't really take that long, but in my mind it is so big that I can't begin.  For several years I wanted to write my mom a personalized poem.  At her urging I made one for Dad the first time he retired.  Therefore I felt it was fitting to do so for mom after her retirement.  It was probably five years after her retirement that I finally did it after much thinking, talking  and guilt for not doing it.  Then one Christmas Eve I sat down and wrote it within half an hour.  It took five years to do something that really only took thirty minutes. 

 

With the knitting I have learned to tackle smaller projects and enjoy the process with it's quick outcome.  In a way I am learning to do the same with the writing.  It is one of the reason's I have this blog. There even was a time that I wrote "jacket covers" of novels.  It gave me a chance to create characters and scenarios with little commitment.  Recently when a friend text me that she wanted a hymn about Jesus' Love being sweeter than brownies, I wrote her one in 20 minutes. She had low expectations and there was no pressure. (Also I was probably procrastinating something else at the time.)  One of the hobbies that I have had for many years is creating song and book titles.  In fact the name of this blog is inspired by one of my early book titles.  I used to say that the autobiography about my life before Uganda was going to be titled "Where is Yonder?" The book about my life in Uganda was going to be "I Found Yonder." And the book about post Africa life would be titled "To Yonder and Back." 

 

Recently I have come up with a new set of autobiographical titles.  To help you understand context though I need to talk about hair for a moment.  I have long brown hair and these strands can be found throughout the house.  It has often annoyed Peter when he comes across one.  I personally am not very happy either when I find one on my kitchen counter.  Peter's hair is different.  When his short curly hair falls out on the sink in the bathroom it is in the form of dark black circles. And now as it is being grown out because Peter is no longer in Military School and mom has decided to let go, it falls out in fuzz balls. So back to the book.  From the time Peter and I became a family I have thought the autobiography of life with Peter would be called "For Pete's Sake." Then a few years ago I decide instead that it should be called "Circles In My Sink."  Recently I decided to make it a two part series.  The early years would be "Circles In My Sink" with the adolescent years falling under the title, "Fuzz on the Floor."

 

The truth is sometimes I feel compelled to embark on a project that requires patience and perseverance.  Remember the Half Marathon?  I did knit dad a blanket once.  Okay so it did use big chunky needles and multiple strands of yarn. I desire to make longer projects really.  I want to finish and send out the Christmas Cards for next year.  I want to make a weather inspired throw blanket.  And so who knows maybe some day I will write a book.  You can look for it on the clearance rack.

 

 

Getting Ready for Winter

New Year's Weekend I removed the gold and green Christmas décor on the outside of my house.  In spite of the 60 degree weather, I put up the "winter decorations." The appearance was a little disjointing on some of our unusually warm January days.  But with the recent temperature drop, it feels a little more appropriate.  Last year's décor was very glittery and honestly a little "too" much.  The look has been neutralized a bit this year and it seems to fit the house better.  It makes me smile when I drive in.  Want to see?

The Front Entrance - rarely used
but the space I spend the most time decorating.

Those are my ice skates from the ice skating phase
 when I was 17 and I took lessons.

Lantern came from Uganda with us for nostalgia sake.
The pail was bought to hide the bubble machine at a wedding.
Snowballs are foam and clear ornaments.
The logs were picked up on the side of the road one day.

 

Wine Crate End Table
Christmas clearance birds for 50 cents each from Hobby Lobby.
Clearance snowflake stickers and burlap placemat.
The elephant watering can was from a yard sale years ago.  He gets a seasonal ribbon.
We live in "Elephant" territory as that is the mascot for Peter's high school.

I keep recycling the P with different paint, ribbons and doo dads.

 

 

The Back Door - the real entrance to our home.

 

 

 

Prepping for the "Blizzard"

I was in the bathroom and I heard Peter "talking" in his room. The thing is I am not sure who he was talking to.  No one was back there (I checked) and he was watching something on his phone so I don't think he was talking on the phone to someone.  I am pretty sure he was talking to himself.  This is not the first time I have heard it.  It is alarming for this mom.  I already have concerns about how much time he spends alone in his room and add to that him "talking to himself," and well that just seals it.  It wasn't a half hour later that I realized I too was talking to myself.  So either I need to stop worrying about Peter or be worried for both of us.

 

My talking to myself is probably even more alarming as I realized I was running "commentary."  Perhaps it is watching too much Reality TV with Mom and Dad but I realized I was narrating my story.  My folks are big fans of the Alaska Reality TV shows.  I don't know the name of the show but there is this one with the Kilter Family.  Well lets just say we talk about the Kilter's probably more than our own blood relatives.  If you were listening in you would think they were relatives or personal friends. I think we are all a bit mesmerized by all they do just to maintain a life that for us largely comes from Wal-Mart and Amazon.com.  So call it Kilter influence but I found myself narrating my prep for the upcoming "blizzard".

 

So lets talk about that "blizzard."  First of all lets remember that I live in the South where it takes little more than predictions of rain and the temperature dropping to shut down the town.  Today is the second day my town has shut down schools this week because of the weather.  Currently that weather has been little more than cold rain.  Go ahead and laugh. Most of us here do too. "They" do say we really are suppose to get something tonight.  So my plans for tonight and tomorrow have been postponed and having been sent home early from work, I have spent the afternoon "preparing."

 

Now before you judge too much let me say that in the past couple of years we have had some winter weather that has caused havoc - icy roads, power outages etc.  Add to that my seven years in Uganda where I dealt with regular power and water "rationing."  I know it is better to be prepared and later put it all away unused than to be scrambling in the midst because you didn't.

 

So having taken lesson's from the Adams and Moores who I survived winter storms with during my Camp days and my own experiences in Uganda, I took some steps of preparation this afternoon.  First of all I made sure I showered and washed my hair this morning, just in case I don't have hot water for a few days.  Then I did laundry so my favorite clothing is clean.  I washed the dishes.  I baked brownies.  That had multi purposes. That act helped warm up the kitchen as well as provides chocolate should I have to deal with a power outage.  And yes now I have to do the dishes again.  I will get to that shortly. So then I found candles - lots of candles.  I prepped them and have them waiting in the laundry room in case they need to be deployed.  I also located flashlights and checked batteries.  And yes I know where the matches and lighters are.  I filled up some jugs with water for drinking as well as "other."  I took some refrigerator food and place it in my car (whose temperature is lower than the fridge's).  Now that might seem strange but this is my Uganda training.  I had a roommate in Uganda that would not let us open the fridge once the power went out.  Like she locked it.  Yes we had a lock on the fridge.  It seems extreme but it saved a lot of food from spoiling during regular 24 and plus hour power outages.  Living on a power rationing schedule we often knew approximately when the power was going to be out and could pull food out of the fridge and put in a cooler with frozen milk to be used during the power outage.  Therefore in my effort to not open the fridge I have a few items waiting in the car if needed.  And yes these are foods that don't need to be cooked.  We have a gas furnace for warmth but not a cooking source.  I did put a pan of water on the furnace grate so we would have some warm water.  I will drink warm tea if I have to.  I inventoried what can be eaten without cooking so if it happened I can present Peter with his options.  Oh I also moved my car to the bottom of the drive near the street.  This is also based on experience from the year I spent days trying to shovel the icy drive as well as the number of limbs that fell last year at the top of the drive way.  I have charged my phone and computer. 

 

And all the while that I am doing this prep I am "narrating" the how and why as if the Kilter camera  men are following me around.  So maybe I spend too much time alone or too much time watching reality TV.  Or maybe I just need my own show.

 

About 15 minutes ago the blizzard started - flakes looked like they were being dumped. Wow! I was feeling pretty proud of my prep and planning because by looks of things, the blizzard is on its way.

 

It has since stopped.  Oh well, blizzard or no blizzard it never hurt to have brownies.