I have noticed that kids expect more and more presents each year at Christmas. I've seen parents with baskets full of gifts for their children, and I'm not saying that they're bad parents, I'm just saying I don't agree with them. Parents shouldn't spend tons of money on Christmas presents when they already spend hundreds of dollars throughout the year on those same children.
My family has always been poor. We kids didn't know that we were, but we were struggling to get by. We didn't notice or mind when we ate beans and boiled potatoes for a month or more because it's all we could afford. We didn't complain when we had to chop down our own Christmas tree, or when we didn't have any of the toys that talked or anything (maybe we had some from yard sales, but we never had batteries for them).
When Christmas came, mom would apply for help from the local church. We never had a ton of presents, but we appreciated them all. I remember one year, my mom had bought us all thin blankets from a yard sale and saved them for Christmas and we loved those blankets more than anything else that year. They were picnic blankets, made into tents, used on our beds...or for pallets when we would sleep in the living room floor. Of course, when we went to school in January after Christmas break, we would brag about all these "great" presents we had gotten...and sometimes scoff at the other kids that bragged about their new video game systems or money or whatever the new technology was at that time.
As we grew up, mom stopped applying for help and we just didn't have as many presents. Mom's close family (sister and aunts) would sometimes bring us gifts and want us to open them while they were visiting, but we'd all insist on saving them for Christmas day.
Presents stopped while I was still in high school. After break, everyone would ask what I got for Christmas and I'd simply say "nothing big" and name a few of the things mom had gotten me through the year (mostly at yard sales or at thrift stores). Through college, the same thing applied.
To me, Christmas has always been more about spending time with family and friends. We've never had money for many presents, so presents have never been a big part of Christmas for me. I mean, sure, I get a little sad when people brag about what they've gotten for Christmas (and yes, they still do) and I havent gotten anything. It's a little disheartening when mom's so excited about giving a gift from the consignment shop, only to find out it doesn't fit right.
This year, I went with mom to yard sales and we bought some little things which we put in boxes for Christmas for the kids. I made hats for the older girls and cookies for the guys. I've not been working because I've been sick and the doctors can't figure out what's wrong with me...so it's back to our old Christmas style.
My nephews were obviously disappointed in the gifts this year. My 3 year old niece LOVED everything she opened. The girls have loved their hats so far and the guys enjoy the cookies. It's discouraging that so many kids put so much emphasis on gifts at Christmas...they all want big gifts too. Things on my nephews' Christmas lists this year included: real gold bar, new stereo, rifle, money, four wheelers, new laptops, and cell phones (which they already have cell phones, they just wanted better phones).
I remember visiting Santa here in town and being asked what I wanted for Christmas when I was 5. I simply answered "I guess a new doll would be nice, but I'd really like a new pair of dress shoes." That's it. I didn't name off a long list of things I wanted and didn't ask for anything special or technological...just a pair of shoes.
My niece is 3 years old and is like that. When we asked her in the summer what she wanted for her birthday, she just wanted a rug. For Christmas she said she wanted a tea pot and a plain box with art stuff and balloons in it. We didn't get her the art box, but we got her 2 little tea pots that we found for a dollar a piece at a consignment shop. She has loved those presents more than any kid could ever love a mp3 player or cell phone or whatever.
Anyway, Just a few thoughts. Next year will you be one of the parents stressing at Christmas and buying baskets full of toys and electronics...or will you take a walk on the simpler side of life?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Been a while...
Geez Louise, it's been a long time! I haven't been up to much, so I didn't think I had a lot to write about. I think I was just procrastinating again.
My niece has started preschool and is loving it. Unfortunately, we're still hoping that her lazy dad will look for a job (something he hasn't done in nearly a year). My sister just has to work extra hard to make ends meet because of him. I wonder how his child support for his son is getting paid? hmm...
It's been a year since my brother died. For those of you who don't know, he was working painting a water tower and fell from the top. He died on impact on September 19th last year. It's been a hard year, but every year has it's ups and downs. Unfortunately, we just learned that his boss hasn't paid for the funeral or headstone yet, and they can't deliver the headstone until it's paid for. We're waiting because we have total confidence that his boss will follow through with this promise.
I've been searching for a job. Unfortunately, elementary teaching jobs around here are kind of scarce. A few of the schools around here actually let some teachers go at the end of the year last year because they had small class sizes and were able to combine them some. I've searched more, but still have not been able to find anything. Jobs are scarce and people aren't leaving their jobs to make room for new people.
I've been having some health problems...yeah, imagine that! I've had bronchitis since around July 27th and it doesn't seem to want to go away. I've been through 3 rounds of antibiotics, steroids and cough syrup...yet, it's still here. The doctors told me that they want to do a pulmonary function test to check for something more serious than acute bronchitis, but I haven't been back to the doctor again. It's hard to go to the doctor when you aren't able to find work and you've been broke for forever.
Just an update on the animal neglect blog...I contacted PETA. They weren't as helpful as I would have hoped. They just called the policeman that I had spoken to. They told me that the officer said that all of the dogs had food, water, and some form of shelter. I acknowledged all of that, but the shelter wasn't big enough for all of the dogs and there were several dogs with eye infections. Anyway, I guess nothing came of that, but I wish that they had done something.
I guess that's all for now. I'm sure more will be going on to write about. I just hope I can remember to write! haha
My niece has started preschool and is loving it. Unfortunately, we're still hoping that her lazy dad will look for a job (something he hasn't done in nearly a year). My sister just has to work extra hard to make ends meet because of him. I wonder how his child support for his son is getting paid? hmm...
It's been a year since my brother died. For those of you who don't know, he was working painting a water tower and fell from the top. He died on impact on September 19th last year. It's been a hard year, but every year has it's ups and downs. Unfortunately, we just learned that his boss hasn't paid for the funeral or headstone yet, and they can't deliver the headstone until it's paid for. We're waiting because we have total confidence that his boss will follow through with this promise.
I've been searching for a job. Unfortunately, elementary teaching jobs around here are kind of scarce. A few of the schools around here actually let some teachers go at the end of the year last year because they had small class sizes and were able to combine them some. I've searched more, but still have not been able to find anything. Jobs are scarce and people aren't leaving their jobs to make room for new people.
I've been having some health problems...yeah, imagine that! I've had bronchitis since around July 27th and it doesn't seem to want to go away. I've been through 3 rounds of antibiotics, steroids and cough syrup...yet, it's still here. The doctors told me that they want to do a pulmonary function test to check for something more serious than acute bronchitis, but I haven't been back to the doctor again. It's hard to go to the doctor when you aren't able to find work and you've been broke for forever.
Just an update on the animal neglect blog...I contacted PETA. They weren't as helpful as I would have hoped. They just called the policeman that I had spoken to. They told me that the officer said that all of the dogs had food, water, and some form of shelter. I acknowledged all of that, but the shelter wasn't big enough for all of the dogs and there were several dogs with eye infections. Anyway, I guess nothing came of that, but I wish that they had done something.
I guess that's all for now. I'm sure more will be going on to write about. I just hope I can remember to write! haha
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Animal Neglect
I'm writing today about something I've seen. If you know me very well you know that I love watching Animal Planet and that I love animals. Today I went with my friend to a kennel to pick up a miniature Dachshund that was being given away. If you have ever been to a kennel, you know that they can be deplorable places.
What I saw today, absolutely broke my heart. Dogs matted, some with eye infections, some with insufficient shelter. I seriously shed a few tears, as did my mother and friend. When we went, we knew they had the miniature dachshund and a blind Boston terrier to give away. The Boston terriers eyes were filled with the "green goop" sign of an eye infection. The dogs in surrounding pens were matted so severely that you could barely tell what kind of dog it was.
I called the county sheriff's office to have them check into it (like PETA suggested). They called back and said that the dogs had water and food. The deputy then told me that the pens all had shelter in them (which is true, but it isn't sufficient shelter for the number of dogs in each pen). The owner of the kennel took the deputy out to see the Boston terrier and said they have medicine and are doctoring the eyes (the deputy didn't ask to see any medicine). He said that because they have food, water, and shelter there was nothing they can do about it. I think it's horrendous that the police didn't look into all of my complaint and that they didn't think that the neglect was anything to worry about.
I was able to take a few pictures on my phone while I was in the yard alone, but they aren't the best pictures and you can't see the severity of the matting. I just hope that PETA will do something on their part to insure that these dogs will have a good life. Attached are a couple of pictures that kind of show the matting, but since they are phone pictures they aren't the best.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Cleaning
The wedding is off. We got a call on Monday morning from my brother saying that he and his girlfriend had broken up and are not getting married. We were all happy about that, but then had to make the 2 hour drive to pick him up from her mom's house.
On another note, I was told (by the principal) when I resigned from teaching because of health problems and no real answers that my business with the school was over. I got a call from the superintendent and he said that the school had a couple of checks for me that I can pick up whenever I'm in town. Since we never go to that town for shopping or anything, we'll probably make a trip there today to pick up those checks. They couldn't have really come at a better time so, I'm thankful for that. God really does provide!
On Friday we are supposed to meet a lady from our local Freecycle. She is giving us some cosmos and four o'clocks and Mom is really excited about that. This lady is meeting us before her chemo treatment so we'll probably be talking to her for a while. Mom will want to add her to the church prayer list.
I have been cleaning my room, just a little at a time. Isn't it amazing how much "stuff" we accumulate?! They say teachers are destined packrats, and my mom is a packrat...I guess I was just meant to be this way. I threw away so much stuff and donated so much stuff to a thrift shop and still have stuff to go through. I see now how big my supply of baby clothes is! I had them for my niece and a little girl I was keeping but now that they are too big for them, it's just hard to get rid of them. Some are too small for my great niece and others would fit, but are the wrong season. I'm sure I'll find someone to loan them to though. Oh, and I have a Johnny JumpUp...my niece is nearly 3 and my great niece is only here maybe a couple of days a month. I'd rather this thing be used than sitting in my bedroom. Luckily, I know a family (grandparents) that has had around 4 babies since January, so they may be able to use it.
Anyway, I'm going to try to start writing more regularly again. Once I start slacking on something, it's so easy to keep slacking and even kind of forget about it. Memorial Day weekend is nearly here....do you know where your swimsuit is? haha
On another note, I was told (by the principal) when I resigned from teaching because of health problems and no real answers that my business with the school was over. I got a call from the superintendent and he said that the school had a couple of checks for me that I can pick up whenever I'm in town. Since we never go to that town for shopping or anything, we'll probably make a trip there today to pick up those checks. They couldn't have really come at a better time so, I'm thankful for that. God really does provide!
On Friday we are supposed to meet a lady from our local Freecycle. She is giving us some cosmos and four o'clocks and Mom is really excited about that. This lady is meeting us before her chemo treatment so we'll probably be talking to her for a while. Mom will want to add her to the church prayer list.
I have been cleaning my room, just a little at a time. Isn't it amazing how much "stuff" we accumulate?! They say teachers are destined packrats, and my mom is a packrat...I guess I was just meant to be this way. I threw away so much stuff and donated so much stuff to a thrift shop and still have stuff to go through. I see now how big my supply of baby clothes is! I had them for my niece and a little girl I was keeping but now that they are too big for them, it's just hard to get rid of them. Some are too small for my great niece and others would fit, but are the wrong season. I'm sure I'll find someone to loan them to though. Oh, and I have a Johnny JumpUp...my niece is nearly 3 and my great niece is only here maybe a couple of days a month. I'd rather this thing be used than sitting in my bedroom. Luckily, I know a family (grandparents) that has had around 4 babies since January, so they may be able to use it.
Anyway, I'm going to try to start writing more regularly again. Once I start slacking on something, it's so easy to keep slacking and even kind of forget about it. Memorial Day weekend is nearly here....do you know where your swimsuit is? haha
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Marriage
Ok...so my younger brother is planning to get married. He's not just getting married, he's getting married to a girl none of the family likes...a girl that has 3 children but doesn't take care of any of them...a girl that has always been on my list of people I don't like or want to be around.
It's not just that they're getting married. They're getting married 2 hours away from here because that's where her mom lives (even though the rest of her family lives around here). They want all of us to drive 2 hours there so they can get married in a gazebo...by the justice of the peace. After the wedding, they want everyone to drive the 2 hours BACK here so that they can have a party (I guess in place of a reception). AND we don't know what time any of this is on the 22nd of this month because we have to wait for out invitation to come in the mail. And their reason for rushing this....because my brother wants to leave. They're planning on living in a trailer like 2 miles down the road.
On another note, my dachshund puppy, Molly is growing pretty fast. She's such a cutie! My niece, Madison will tell you "This puppy's name is Miss Molly Mae." Things have been pretty dreary around here. It has rained for about the last week (maybe over a week). Yesterday it just sprinkled some and today i think i actually saw the sun a little. It's supposed to start raining again tonight and rain at least through the 12th. I'm SO tired of rain!
It's not just that they're getting married. They're getting married 2 hours away from here because that's where her mom lives (even though the rest of her family lives around here). They want all of us to drive 2 hours there so they can get married in a gazebo...by the justice of the peace. After the wedding, they want everyone to drive the 2 hours BACK here so that they can have a party (I guess in place of a reception). AND we don't know what time any of this is on the 22nd of this month because we have to wait for out invitation to come in the mail. And their reason for rushing this....because my brother wants to leave. They're planning on living in a trailer like 2 miles down the road.
On another note, my dachshund puppy, Molly is growing pretty fast. She's such a cutie! My niece, Madison will tell you "This puppy's name is Miss Molly Mae." Things have been pretty dreary around here. It has rained for about the last week (maybe over a week). Yesterday it just sprinkled some and today i think i actually saw the sun a little. It's supposed to start raining again tonight and rain at least through the 12th. I'm SO tired of rain!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
baking...
I'm pleased to say that my gluten intolerance has not had much of an effect on my baking and cooking. Sure, I'm more careful and have to watch what I use and everything, but I've been baking and cooking just like before.
This morning I woke up wanting cereal, but when I saw we were out, it didn't take any time at all for me to find my copy of Gluten Free Girl's Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies . I mixed them up really fast, rolled them into balls, rolled the balls in sugar, put them on the cookie sheet, made the criss cross with fork prongs and stuck them in the oven. In about 10 minutes I had warm peanut butter cookies that I could eat. I had two for breakfast!
When I first was told I have Celiac disease and would have to read every food label, avoid cross contamination, and follow a strictly gluten free diet, I thought my world would end. I love biscuits...I found a gluten free biscuit mix. I wanted cookies...found recipes for those (even a mix for chocolate chip cookies). Then I had my birthday. What in the world would someone gluten free have for their birthday?! I found a gluten free cake mix that I did not like. It was too dense, thick and I could taste the eggs (for those of you who don't know, I have a pretty keen sense of taste...tasting eggs when you're eating cake is disgusting). I think next year it will be ice cream for my birthday...we'll see.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my baking success with you guys. I'm hoping that I'll be able to find some more great recipes for gluten free foods soon.
This morning I woke up wanting cereal, but when I saw we were out, it didn't take any time at all for me to find my copy of Gluten Free Girl's Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies . I mixed them up really fast, rolled them into balls, rolled the balls in sugar, put them on the cookie sheet, made the criss cross with fork prongs and stuck them in the oven. In about 10 minutes I had warm peanut butter cookies that I could eat. I had two for breakfast!
When I first was told I have Celiac disease and would have to read every food label, avoid cross contamination, and follow a strictly gluten free diet, I thought my world would end. I love biscuits...I found a gluten free biscuit mix. I wanted cookies...found recipes for those (even a mix for chocolate chip cookies). Then I had my birthday. What in the world would someone gluten free have for their birthday?! I found a gluten free cake mix that I did not like. It was too dense, thick and I could taste the eggs (for those of you who don't know, I have a pretty keen sense of taste...tasting eggs when you're eating cake is disgusting). I think next year it will be ice cream for my birthday...we'll see.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my baking success with you guys. I'm hoping that I'll be able to find some more great recipes for gluten free foods soon.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
That's the Way it is...
This past week has been ok, but wasn't exactly the best week ever.
I did get my replacement phone about a week ago, but am having trouble getting all of the numbers that I had. Part of this is because some of the people don't get online very often and I can't find their numbers on past phone bills. It's hard to go through all of the phone numbers that you called, have called you, you've sent a text to, or that have sent one to you...after a while they all seem to be the same.
Our school had Lip Sync on Friday. My nephew, Alex, was in it with a few of his friends. They did some song I've never heard before..."Jeremiah Peabody's Polyunsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast Acting Pleasant-Tasting Green and Purple Pills"...it was cute, but they didn't win. I like going, but because the auditorium gets so crowded, I kind of hate it. I don't like being around so many people at once....especially packed into a crowded room with them.
I am still taking the "medicine" from that herbalist that I had went to. So far, it isn't helping. In fact, this morning my stomach hurts worse than usual.
On another note, I had a great supper last night. Of course, mom didn't like it because I used Italian Seasoning and she doesn't like it. I mixed Italian Seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, a little cumin, and some crushed red pepper in an empty bottle. I then rubbed that mixture onto some boneless pork loin chops. I heated a little oil in a pan and just pan fried them for about 4 minutes on each side. I then removed the meat and used the grease in a corn starch gravy (gluten free). I made mashed potatoes and broccoli with cheese. After I had everything cooked, Anthony fixed a can of biscuits for them. I thought it was all good. Mom doesn't like anything with Italian Seasoning and Anthony usually just fills up on potatoes and biscuits if they're made. So I guess I have leftovers for lunch today.
I'm thinking it's about time for me to go back to the doctor (a real doctor) about this abdominal pain. It's not getting any better and I'm tired of running a low-grade fever. I'm tired of being sick...and I'm tired of being tired all the time. My cousin (a nurse) said it sounds like mono and chronic appendicitis, but she wasn't sure. She asked the doctor she works with and he said he hadn't heard of anything like this before. One of my friends asked me the other day if all of the run around I get from the doctors has me nervous...I'm not nervous, in fact, I'm glad they aren't saying it's something serious. You would think that since it isn't serious, they'd figure it out quicker though. It has baffled at least 3 doctors that none of the CT scans, ultrasounds, xrays, or anything else showed gall stones even though my gall bladder was near rupturing. I think I should get an award for baffling so many doctors, nurses, friends and family. haha
Anyway, I think we're about to go somewhere. We got behind this week in our errands because I wasn't feeling well. It's not like we can get many errands taken care of on a Sunday around here, but some of them we will be able to...and places won't be to crowded.
I did get my replacement phone about a week ago, but am having trouble getting all of the numbers that I had. Part of this is because some of the people don't get online very often and I can't find their numbers on past phone bills. It's hard to go through all of the phone numbers that you called, have called you, you've sent a text to, or that have sent one to you...after a while they all seem to be the same.
Our school had Lip Sync on Friday. My nephew, Alex, was in it with a few of his friends. They did some song I've never heard before..."Jeremiah Peabody's Polyunsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast Acting Pleasant-Tasting Green and Purple Pills"...it was cute, but they didn't win. I like going, but because the auditorium gets so crowded, I kind of hate it. I don't like being around so many people at once....especially packed into a crowded room with them.
I am still taking the "medicine" from that herbalist that I had went to. So far, it isn't helping. In fact, this morning my stomach hurts worse than usual.
On another note, I had a great supper last night. Of course, mom didn't like it because I used Italian Seasoning and she doesn't like it. I mixed Italian Seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, a little cumin, and some crushed red pepper in an empty bottle. I then rubbed that mixture onto some boneless pork loin chops. I heated a little oil in a pan and just pan fried them for about 4 minutes on each side. I then removed the meat and used the grease in a corn starch gravy (gluten free). I made mashed potatoes and broccoli with cheese. After I had everything cooked, Anthony fixed a can of biscuits for them. I thought it was all good. Mom doesn't like anything with Italian Seasoning and Anthony usually just fills up on potatoes and biscuits if they're made. So I guess I have leftovers for lunch today.
I'm thinking it's about time for me to go back to the doctor (a real doctor) about this abdominal pain. It's not getting any better and I'm tired of running a low-grade fever. I'm tired of being sick...and I'm tired of being tired all the time. My cousin (a nurse) said it sounds like mono and chronic appendicitis, but she wasn't sure. She asked the doctor she works with and he said he hadn't heard of anything like this before. One of my friends asked me the other day if all of the run around I get from the doctors has me nervous...I'm not nervous, in fact, I'm glad they aren't saying it's something serious. You would think that since it isn't serious, they'd figure it out quicker though. It has baffled at least 3 doctors that none of the CT scans, ultrasounds, xrays, or anything else showed gall stones even though my gall bladder was near rupturing. I think I should get an award for baffling so many doctors, nurses, friends and family. haha
Anyway, I think we're about to go somewhere. We got behind this week in our errands because I wasn't feeling well. It's not like we can get many errands taken care of on a Sunday around here, but some of them we will be able to...and places won't be to crowded.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Stolen Phone Rant
Ok, so I know it's not the weekend but I'm a little mad and want to write. Today my little brother stole my phone. Yeah...I know, why would he steal my phone?! He has his own and it's not like mine is anything special. Of course, when mo asked him about it, he lied and said he didn't.
I got a message from a friend on myspace (we'll call him George) earlier saying that he got a text from some guy. Anyway, my brother had given George's phone number to some guy (I'm guessing Blake) and he texted George saying that I'm not who I say I am and all this mess. Anyway...it could have just been my brother pretending to be someone else so that George wouldn't be texting him on my phone. I don't know.
Just irritating that my little brother is a thief. I mean, honestly, it doesn't even make sense to steal someone's cell phone if you're going to be giving out the numbers that they have...especially since my brother has never met George.
Oh well....maybe he'll learn sooner or later.
I got a message from a friend on myspace (we'll call him George) earlier saying that he got a text from some guy. Anyway, my brother had given George's phone number to some guy (I'm guessing Blake) and he texted George saying that I'm not who I say I am and all this mess. Anyway...it could have just been my brother pretending to be someone else so that George wouldn't be texting him on my phone. I don't know.
Just irritating that my little brother is a thief. I mean, honestly, it doesn't even make sense to steal someone's cell phone if you're going to be giving out the numbers that they have...especially since my brother has never met George.
Oh well....maybe he'll learn sooner or later.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tom's Balloons, Groomer and a Witch Doctor
This past week has been pretty boring.
Thursday was Tom's birthday...the first one since he died. I made Lemon Icebox Pies to celebrate his birthday. Penny and her kids had the great idea of us all signing a birthday balloon and letting it go. Of course, if you know me or my family, you also know things don't usually go as planned. We all signed the balloon and Penny started writing what seemed to be a novel on it (ok, so it was really a few sentences) and the balloon popped before something fell and hit her on the head.
We decided to try again on Friday. Penny got two balloons this time and her sons tied them together. After we all signed (without a long message from Penny) they let the balloons go and they wrapped around an electric wire. Needless to say, we decided not to try again.
I've been a little sick lately...sinus infection and it's now bronchitis. It's nasty and I won't go into details right now.
My birthday is tomorrow. I have no idea what we'll do. Since I'm on this gluten-free diet because of Celiac, if we did a cake it would have to be gluten-free. Mom hasn't cooked gluten-free and I don't feel like baking a cake from scratch...so we may just do ice cream or something.
Oh, another thing that happened was on Tuesday of this past week I took Chandler to the groomer for the first time. I got him from a lady that owns a kennel and it's taken a lot of work to get him as trusting as he is right now (he likes ladies more than guys, but will growl at anyone except for me and mom). Anyway, I was told that he is one of the best dogs with kennel syndrome that this groomer has seen, especially for being 2 years old...and a male. The groomer didn't get to do a lot because he was just trying to build trust, so after a bath (only his back and top of head), blow dry, and brushing, we left (with no charge since he didn't get to do everything). We go back today and the groomer is getting the clippers out this time. I'm hoping that he'll be able to give Chandler a cut, because he is scraggly looking with this long hair (at least an inch and a half long all over).
We also went to Rose Bud to see the "witch doctor." Barry Joneshill is an herbalist...natural healer...whatever you want to call him. Our trip there was interesting. I went in (his "office" is a few chairs just inside a health food store) and we looked around while he finished up with some other "patients." Anyway, I noticed that a lot of the things there were more expensive than the health food store I go to for gluten-free, casein-free foods, soymilk, vitamins, and spices.
When it was my turn, I had my mom go with me and talk to him first. We st about 5 feet in front of him (no tables or anything between us) and told him what was wrong with us. After a few minutes of silence and him scribbling (the way doctors do), he got some papers and stapled them to the cards he wrote on and came over.
He told my mom that she was too much like her father (who has been dead since around '83) and had a hole in her gut, along with a hiatal hernia which causes her coughing, shortness of breath and a few other things.
When he came to me, he said that most of my medical problems are because I have 6 kidney stones, gout, and my body doesn't produce hydrochloric acid. He gave me a list of herbal things to get (pineapple juice, cherry juice, some pills, and hydrochloric acid pills). I got them to try and we'll see how I'm feeling in a few weeks. He didn't address my sinus infections, bronchitis, or my constant wheezing though. Also, he told me that for me to lose weight, I'd need to stop drinking so much during meal times (limit myself to 8 ounces while I'm eating but can drink as much as I want before or after). I don't believe that though because I don't drink anything while I'm eating, only after...I don't even drink anything for like 30 minutes or so before I eat. Anyway...I'll give it all a try and see I guess.
It's a whole new week and hopefully it will be more interesting than last. It seems like I'm forgetting something, but if I remember I'll just write later.
Thursday was Tom's birthday...the first one since he died. I made Lemon Icebox Pies to celebrate his birthday. Penny and her kids had the great idea of us all signing a birthday balloon and letting it go. Of course, if you know me or my family, you also know things don't usually go as planned. We all signed the balloon and Penny started writing what seemed to be a novel on it (ok, so it was really a few sentences) and the balloon popped before something fell and hit her on the head.
We decided to try again on Friday. Penny got two balloons this time and her sons tied them together. After we all signed (without a long message from Penny) they let the balloons go and they wrapped around an electric wire. Needless to say, we decided not to try again.
I've been a little sick lately...sinus infection and it's now bronchitis. It's nasty and I won't go into details right now.
My birthday is tomorrow. I have no idea what we'll do. Since I'm on this gluten-free diet because of Celiac, if we did a cake it would have to be gluten-free. Mom hasn't cooked gluten-free and I don't feel like baking a cake from scratch...so we may just do ice cream or something.
Oh, another thing that happened was on Tuesday of this past week I took Chandler to the groomer for the first time. I got him from a lady that owns a kennel and it's taken a lot of work to get him as trusting as he is right now (he likes ladies more than guys, but will growl at anyone except for me and mom). Anyway, I was told that he is one of the best dogs with kennel syndrome that this groomer has seen, especially for being 2 years old...and a male. The groomer didn't get to do a lot because he was just trying to build trust, so after a bath (only his back and top of head), blow dry, and brushing, we left (with no charge since he didn't get to do everything). We go back today and the groomer is getting the clippers out this time. I'm hoping that he'll be able to give Chandler a cut, because he is scraggly looking with this long hair (at least an inch and a half long all over).
We also went to Rose Bud to see the "witch doctor." Barry Joneshill is an herbalist...natural healer...whatever you want to call him. Our trip there was interesting. I went in (his "office" is a few chairs just inside a health food store) and we looked around while he finished up with some other "patients." Anyway, I noticed that a lot of the things there were more expensive than the health food store I go to for gluten-free, casein-free foods, soymilk, vitamins, and spices.
When it was my turn, I had my mom go with me and talk to him first. We st about 5 feet in front of him (no tables or anything between us) and told him what was wrong with us. After a few minutes of silence and him scribbling (the way doctors do), he got some papers and stapled them to the cards he wrote on and came over.
He told my mom that she was too much like her father (who has been dead since around '83) and had a hole in her gut, along with a hiatal hernia which causes her coughing, shortness of breath and a few other things.
When he came to me, he said that most of my medical problems are because I have 6 kidney stones, gout, and my body doesn't produce hydrochloric acid. He gave me a list of herbal things to get (pineapple juice, cherry juice, some pills, and hydrochloric acid pills). I got them to try and we'll see how I'm feeling in a few weeks. He didn't address my sinus infections, bronchitis, or my constant wheezing though. Also, he told me that for me to lose weight, I'd need to stop drinking so much during meal times (limit myself to 8 ounces while I'm eating but can drink as much as I want before or after). I don't believe that though because I don't drink anything while I'm eating, only after...I don't even drink anything for like 30 minutes or so before I eat. Anyway...I'll give it all a try and see I guess.
It's a whole new week and hopefully it will be more interesting than last. It seems like I'm forgetting something, but if I remember I'll just write later.
Monday, February 23, 2009
On the subject of love, sex and relationships
Many of you know that I have many opinions about love, relationships and sex. I'm not against any of the aforementioned...in fact I hope to find love, and that will lead to the others.
The problem with so many people I know is that they confuse love and attraction. People use the word "love" too loosely and that makes it lose it's meaning once you finally find that person that you truly love. Also, people use sex as a cornerstone of their relationships. Sex is not supposed to be abused like it is today, with people having multiple partners with no relationship between so many of them.
I have a friend that has been absorbed in sex, love and relationships since we were teenagers. She has had a few serious relationships, but wonders why none of them work out for too long. I think it's because she hasn't actually been in love and her relationships revolved around sex (among other things I have opinions about). She is currently fighting for custody of her oldest daughter, going through a divorce with the father of her twins, and living with the father of her youngest daughter.
True, I'm not in a relationship right now...and I'm a virgin...and not sure if I've ever been in love before. I have had relationships though and they ended in a mutual decision (none of that high school crying drama that so many other girls went through). I'm still friends with most of my ex-boyfriends because we have respect for each other. We built our relationships on things that relationships are meant to be built on....respect, loyalty, friendship...and yes, attraction. When a relationship like that ends, it shouldn't be a heart breaking event because you know that you weren't right for each other and because of the respect you have for one another, you truly want the best for the other person.
I think that sex should only come into the relationship when you TRULY know that you love the other person and there is a commitment to be loyal to each other. There are people (even some of my friends) that think that my opinions are prudish but I think they are the way things are supposed to be. I'm not saying that every time you have sex it should be candles, rose petals and romantic music...but it should be an event that you put your whole self into...physically and emotionally. So many people that I know only put their physical selves into it, when making love should be an emotional experience as well. When you have sex, I believe that it's a way to express your love (not prove it).
Anyway...enough of that. Just got on my soapbox for a minute.
The problem with so many people I know is that they confuse love and attraction. People use the word "love" too loosely and that makes it lose it's meaning once you finally find that person that you truly love. Also, people use sex as a cornerstone of their relationships. Sex is not supposed to be abused like it is today, with people having multiple partners with no relationship between so many of them.
I have a friend that has been absorbed in sex, love and relationships since we were teenagers. She has had a few serious relationships, but wonders why none of them work out for too long. I think it's because she hasn't actually been in love and her relationships revolved around sex (among other things I have opinions about). She is currently fighting for custody of her oldest daughter, going through a divorce with the father of her twins, and living with the father of her youngest daughter.
True, I'm not in a relationship right now...and I'm a virgin...and not sure if I've ever been in love before. I have had relationships though and they ended in a mutual decision (none of that high school crying drama that so many other girls went through). I'm still friends with most of my ex-boyfriends because we have respect for each other. We built our relationships on things that relationships are meant to be built on....respect, loyalty, friendship...and yes, attraction. When a relationship like that ends, it shouldn't be a heart breaking event because you know that you weren't right for each other and because of the respect you have for one another, you truly want the best for the other person.
I think that sex should only come into the relationship when you TRULY know that you love the other person and there is a commitment to be loyal to each other. There are people (even some of my friends) that think that my opinions are prudish but I think they are the way things are supposed to be. I'm not saying that every time you have sex it should be candles, rose petals and romantic music...but it should be an event that you put your whole self into...physically and emotionally. So many people that I know only put their physical selves into it, when making love should be an emotional experience as well. When you have sex, I believe that it's a way to express your love (not prove it).
Anyway...enough of that. Just got on my soapbox for a minute.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Hardest Month Yet....Birthdays
Well, for those of you that don't know...February is usually a very busy month for my family....Valentine's Day, my mom's birthday, and then my older brother's birthday. This year is going to be very different for us though...my older brother, Tom, isn't with us to celebrate his birthday on the 25th. Of course, this month has been harder for some of the family than past months. The days before my birthday (March 3) will be hard too...because between February 25 and March 3 has always been our "birthday celebration" when we have special meals and desserts and usually have our first cookout for the year.
Anyway, enough of that....yesterday was Valentine's day. We started the day with a phone call from my youngest brother saying that he, my younger brother and their friend were stuck because her car had died and they needed a jump. After close to an hour hooked up to Tara's car, we decided it was not just the battery. They all ended up coming to the house while my mom and I went out for our annual Valentine/birthday meal and a little shopping. Nothing too exciting.
Today we're having a family meal and whatever cake or ice cream mom decides on...she suggested lemon icebox pie, but I told her we'll do that for Tom's birthday like we've always done. So....we've got to decide what she'd like and fix it for everyone later.
Mom and I have been hoping to hear from one of my best friends from school so that we could keep her youngest daughter for a while...mom wants the distraction and I just love the little girl!! Anyway, nothing really new this week...maybe next week will be more exciting.
Anyway, enough of that....yesterday was Valentine's day. We started the day with a phone call from my youngest brother saying that he, my younger brother and their friend were stuck because her car had died and they needed a jump. After close to an hour hooked up to Tara's car, we decided it was not just the battery. They all ended up coming to the house while my mom and I went out for our annual Valentine/birthday meal and a little shopping. Nothing too exciting.
Today we're having a family meal and whatever cake or ice cream mom decides on...she suggested lemon icebox pie, but I told her we'll do that for Tom's birthday like we've always done. So....we've got to decide what she'd like and fix it for everyone later.
Mom and I have been hoping to hear from one of my best friends from school so that we could keep her youngest daughter for a while...mom wants the distraction and I just love the little girl!! Anyway, nothing really new this week...maybe next week will be more exciting.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Just a hello....and gripe about Valentine's Day
Well, the weekend is here again! I'm glad to report, that after ice storms, my family was only out of electricity Tuesday night through Saturday afternoon. We were lucky to have it back so soon, especially considering that we live in the country. Others weren't so lucky...a close friend of mine, Blake, said they just got their power back on yesterday.
Our cell phones have been having problems, but I think they're fixed now. We live near a cell phone tower and usually have perfect reception....however, for like the past week, there will be times we have NO signal strength at all. Anyway, I think it's fixed....and the number of texts I've been getting assure me of that.
We have been watching my niece this week some. We picked her up on Wednesday and she is going home this afternoon. She's two and a half....and a mess! We made up a song the other day (my niece and I) that she is singing while I type. "Madison's a booger head. Booger head, booger head. Madison's a booger head. hahaha hahahaha. Madison's a boo---ger Head!!" She loves it and sings it in all kinds of voices.
Anyway, I guess I'm just as boring this time as I was in the last post. Chandler, my toy poodle, has adjusted to having another boy dog in the house...but still barks and growls and Joe and Anthony, my brothers. Of course, because of his size Mom and I think it's cute...I guess we should try to train him away from that.
Valentine's Day is next week. I don't think I could like a holiday any less. I think that couples should celebrate their love for each other 365 (366 in some cases) days a year, not one day that we have assigned on a calendar. Valentine's day is a holiday that, I think, shows that we have scheduled our lives so much that we need to assign a day to show the person (or people) that we love how much we care for them. It's a pitiful holiday because if you are truly in love or love someone, you shouldn't have to have a single day set apart on the calendar to celebrate that love. It should be celebrated on a daily basis with as much gumption as people put into Valentine's day. However, if you use Valentine's day as a "love reinforcement" day, spending more time and effort to celebrate the love that you do each day, then you fully deserve to celebrate this day with your loved one. I think my gripe is that so many people are so busy after the holidays that they use Valentine's day as a love catch-up day....squeezing as much love into one day as they can because they haven't celebrated that love since the holidays.
Anyway, I guess that's all I have for now.
Our cell phones have been having problems, but I think they're fixed now. We live near a cell phone tower and usually have perfect reception....however, for like the past week, there will be times we have NO signal strength at all. Anyway, I think it's fixed....and the number of texts I've been getting assure me of that.
We have been watching my niece this week some. We picked her up on Wednesday and she is going home this afternoon. She's two and a half....and a mess! We made up a song the other day (my niece and I) that she is singing while I type. "Madison's a booger head. Booger head, booger head. Madison's a booger head. hahaha hahahaha. Madison's a boo---ger Head!!" She loves it and sings it in all kinds of voices.
Anyway, I guess I'm just as boring this time as I was in the last post. Chandler, my toy poodle, has adjusted to having another boy dog in the house...but still barks and growls and Joe and Anthony, my brothers. Of course, because of his size Mom and I think it's cute...I guess we should try to train him away from that.
Valentine's Day is next week. I don't think I could like a holiday any less. I think that couples should celebrate their love for each other 365 (366 in some cases) days a year, not one day that we have assigned on a calendar. Valentine's day is a holiday that, I think, shows that we have scheduled our lives so much that we need to assign a day to show the person (or people) that we love how much we care for them. It's a pitiful holiday because if you are truly in love or love someone, you shouldn't have to have a single day set apart on the calendar to celebrate that love. It should be celebrated on a daily basis with as much gumption as people put into Valentine's day. However, if you use Valentine's day as a "love reinforcement" day, spending more time and effort to celebrate the love that you do each day, then you fully deserve to celebrate this day with your loved one. I think my gripe is that so many people are so busy after the holidays that they use Valentine's day as a love catch-up day....squeezing as much love into one day as they can because they haven't celebrated that love since the holidays.
Anyway, I guess that's all I have for now.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Here I Go...
Well, I have been sucked into the world of blogging. A few friends have enticed me into becoming like everyone else, but I hope that they aren't expecting anything too marvelous or thought provoking.
This past weekend we have been busy. Saturday we had my nephew, Alex's tenth birthday party. My sister had got a hotel room for them like she has the past few years and we all went for cake (ice cream for me....stupid gluten-free diet). While we were there, we decided to bring my niece Madison home with us...she had fun, but I don't think my dog liked her much.
Last night it started raining some and froze. I fell twice just while taking Chandler (my black toy poodle) outside. I'm not sure the ice was fully to blame, I'm a bit clumsy.
Ok, enough of the boring stuff...well, honestly, boring is all I have today.
I'll be back later with something more interesting.
This past weekend we have been busy. Saturday we had my nephew, Alex's tenth birthday party. My sister had got a hotel room for them like she has the past few years and we all went for cake (ice cream for me....stupid gluten-free diet). While we were there, we decided to bring my niece Madison home with us...she had fun, but I don't think my dog liked her much.
Last night it started raining some and froze. I fell twice just while taking Chandler (my black toy poodle) outside. I'm not sure the ice was fully to blame, I'm a bit clumsy.
Ok, enough of the boring stuff...well, honestly, boring is all I have today.
I'll be back later with something more interesting.
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