Can't Wait!

So I am loving summer, especially this one because it has been pretty hot and it makes for good swimming weather. There is nothing like spending hot days at the pool or beach. I had to take a break from the water this week-end though. My 6 year old nephew called me last night and wanted me to come swimming with him nut I had to tell him no. I felt bad but I guess I have an appointment with him today. He said "OK but you come over tomorrow and go swimming. Come over at 2 o'clock!" LOL. I have some pics I took with the water resistant camera of him and all the kids swimming I can't wait to get developed. Well anyway as much as I am loving this summer I can't wait until near the end of it, or for fall.

 

I also can't wait for Labor Day week-end, we are doing the bridge walk this year. I need to start getting in shape for that though becuase it is a five mile walk and the bridge has an incline (a hump for lack of a better explanation). I am not at all sure how I am going to handle the whole heights thing - it makes me shaky (weak in the knees - ah! I don't think I will make it) just thinking about being that high up over the Straights. Yikes, maybe I can wait for that.

 

Right not I am waiting in anticipation for the books I ordered to come in. I ordered all my books for fall semester plus some GRE practice books. Shows you how much of a nerd I am - I want to get a jump on my reading for fall! I also need to start thinking about the GRE. I probably should have taken it already but I am not ready. Just thinking about it makes me anxious but I can't wait to get the books and start studying. This fall I really need to eat, breathe, poop and sleep psychology. If anyone thinks I am a bore now just wait until this fall. LOL. I can't wait!

 

Some favorite bridge pics:

 

 

Tootie Boo Boo

I had a weird dream last night but what stands out the most is the fact that my old kitty, Tootie Boo Boo who has been dead for almost 4 years, was in the dream. I was holding her and petting her. I could actually feel her presence, I could actually smell her. Tootie always smelled like a store bought kitty - like new clothes from Hudsons (Hudsons = Macys). I just can't get over how strongly I felt her presence. I actually think it was her 'visiting' me because try as I might I cannot re-create that feeling of her presence now. I wonder what the dream means...

 

Tootie Boo Boo - she was a stray cat that basically adopted my family. There was a rumour in the neighborhood that her name was Melissa and she belonged to a woman on our block who was dying of cancer. The woman's husband did not take care of the cat while she was dying so there she was. I am not sure what the story and I didn't investigate at the time. All I knew was there was a nice black cat hanging out by our house and she would wait for me to come home from work with scraps of food. I always did have a soft spot for cats. I convinced my Mom to take her in and that was the beginning of Tootie Boo Boo.

 

We realized that she was pregnant not long after we took her in. We also discovered that she may have been abused - when we bathed her she was full of oil and had what looked like cigarettes burns on her body. I named her Tootie because she had bad gas due to the pregnancy, LOL. She had her 4 kittens on my bed. Later she acquired the name Boo Boo - one day I was playing a sort of peek-a-boo game with her. I popped out around the couch at her and said "BOO" and she jumped about a foot high, I kid you not. It was a funny sight! Her eyes got wide and she jumped on all fours about a foot high! It looked like a cartoon. So after that I started calling her Boo Boo. She was quite a little character, my Boo Boo.

 

I loved that kitty. We had her about 16- 17 years. My Mom and I had to put her to sleep in September 2006 because she was sick - liver problems I believe. I thought she was going to die the year before but we were blessed with one more year with Boo Boo before her illness could not be controlled. The thing I remember about that illness the year prior to her death is when I took her to her vet on a Monday morning after being at the emergency animal hospital all week-end her vet came in after looking at her labs and said rather dramatically (and brusquely), "She's gonna' die!" I was stunned but I turned and looked at Boo Boo as she turned toward me and looked at me with her wide, green eyes - I got the feeling we were both thinking the same thing, "Thanks for the info Mr. Obvious...we're all gonna die, aren't we?' I started laughing and my sad mood lightened for a moment. I can't explain it, just like I can't explain the dream or why I feel the need to write about this today.

 

Tall Ships

The tall ships were in Bay City, Michigan this past week-end. Part of the highlights of living in the Great Lakes Region - a great interest in boats, sailing, etc. Bay City has a big tall ship festival every year and I always want to go but never seem to make it. I didn't make it this year either darn it! I was talking with some friends who went and they said it was interesting but a lot of the ships were metal and not wood like the real old time ships would have been. They were somewhat disappointed by that and the fact that the festival closed early each day. I still would like to go and I will have to remember to keep my eyes open for the festival next year and plan ahead.

 

Talking about the festival got my memory working and I remembered when my husband and I (along with my stepson and parents) actually sailed on the tall ship Manitou in Grand Traverse Bay a few years back. The company is called the the Traverse Tall Ship Co. and they do just 2 hour trips to 2-3 day excursions. I really want to go sailing again and it would be great to sailing on the Great Lakes for a few days.

 

http://www.tallshipsailing.com/index.html

 

There are some other places in Michigan that have tall ship festivals also. A long, long, time ago my husband, stepson and I went to one in Detroit - with ships on both sides of the Detroit River. This had to be pre- 9/11 because we went over to Canada without a problem. I loved looking at all the replicas of old time sailing ships. I am not sure if Detroit does this every year or not - I have not seen or heard anything about it since but it was an awesome festival. I know Chicago has a festival also. I would love to check that out one day. I love history and I love the Great Lakes so pursuing this interest in tall ships would be fun and interesting.

 

 

Pictures of us on the Manitou

 

 

 

Ooooh I found some links:

 

http://www.detroitriverdays.com/all.php

 

http://www.navypier.com/tallshipschicago/home.html

 

 

 

My Wonderful Husband

I asked my husband what I should write about and he said "Write about how wonderful I am." LOL ...typical male always thinking about how wonderful they are or a certain part of their anatomy is.

 

I was thinking about how wonderful he is though, especially to put up with me and all my eccentricities. He is a hard working man, and pretty tough in his way. I would say mentally tough because he has had to put up with a lot of BS and still keeps on going. He is very loving and thoughtful too. Also very goofy, which is important because I need to laugh on a daily basis.  I am lucky to have him - getting together with him was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I like to think that I am the best thing that ever happened to him too. LOL  

 

This about sums it up; my husband is so good at balancing all this:

 

"Love me without fear, trust me without wondering, love me without restrictions, want me without demand, accept me the way I am."

Blogging is a funny thing.

So I want to get this blog thing going on and I want to write about more than just myself, haha. I really must be forgiven for blogging so much about ME - I learned about blogging from a self-centered gay guy. Seriously though, I just have a lot of 'me' stuff I want to explore and get out there right now. Better to get it done now (while I am in school and being forced to be so 'self' focused) so later I can concentrate on other things. Plus I feel like I am only qualified to write about my experiences and I want to keep a record of my memories - blogging (or at least publishing/saving it online in one place) is a good way to do that, in my opinion.

 

I just feel the more I write the easier I will find it to express myself in other areas. I want to try to achieve a balance though. For every negative thing I write, write something positive; for every 'ME' thing I write, bring in an outside perspective or write something totally not about me. This is going to be challenging.

 

I do have some qualms about who may read my little meanderings of the mind (LOL) but for the most part I like to live my life like an open book and if people can't take it, can't accept me the way I am then tant pis! Too bad for them and too bad for me.

 

 

So I'm just sayin....

Well I have to get this out there. I dislike very few people, really....once I am able to talk to a person on a one on one basis I am able to find some common ground with them. The only reason I ever feel dislike (or some would say animosity) towards a person is when they hurt someone I love repeatedly and/or also constantly lie and manipulate just to get their way in things. That is wrong and that type of person can never be trusted, you know what I mean? Jealousy never enters in my like or dislike for a person. I am usually able to overcome my own foibles in order to foster good relationships with people. However there are a few people that I do dislike for the reasons I mentioned above - they have tried to hurt someone I love (more than once), they have lied (more than once), and they manipulate situations solely for their own benefit not much thinking of others.

 

My husband's ex-wife is such a one as this. She once told her son I disliked her or was mad at her because I was 'just jealous' of her (because I wanted what she had - him!). No, I simply dislike her becuase of the way she treats my husband, the father of her child. I dislike her because by treating the father of her child badly, in addition to telling numerous lies to Lord only knows how many people about my husband and me too, plus saying wholly inappropriate things about me and my husband to her child (our child), she does her own son (children) a great disservice. Truly. This disturbs me. Every time she lies and I find out about it, or she says something bad to my stepson about us it just brings up all the past ills and wrongs she has done. This fosters a great dislike in me for her and makes me want to combat this any way I can. The only way I know how is to write out what I am feeling. So today I am just sayin...just putting it out there - I never dislike someone simply because of jealousy or my own judgment/prejudices. I form dislikes of people based on my experiences with them and their own bad, bad behavior.

 

To add to my little explanation of my dislike for this woman: not only has she treated my husband badly, lied to us and about us, etc. she always seems to be trying to do whatever she can to take parenting time away from us. It seems every time summer rolls around she is fighting us about spending any time (over and above the every other week-end) with our stepson in the summer. That is what spurred this little blog - another instance of her 'screwing' us out of time for no good reason. There is not much I can do about it but like I said it helps for me to write (and vent through writing). It is also my hope that the more I write about my experiences as a stepmother, the more I write out the story of my husbands dealings with his ex perhaps I will find a way to help someone else who is experiencing the same problems.

 

So, Im just sayin' I have reasons for my dislike and a reason for writing about it. She has tried to blame my dislike on something within me (deflect the blame away from her - typical I guess) but my dislike for her lies solely in her behavior and treatment of people I love and care about. If I have to write out all instances I can remember of what made me dislike her I will because what she has done, what she does, is wrong, and hurtful and I am not going to let her sweep it under the rug, forget about it, pretend it never happened or try to blame it on someone else. I am the type of person who believes that by calling a person out on their bad behavior just might eventually bring about a change or at least let the offender know that what they are doing is unacceptable and is not going to be taken lying down. Plus things that she has done and does often hurts her own son and that is something I cannot forgive or forget.

 

Internship/School/Work

Yay! I am so happy. I have to do an internship for my Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree. I have it all lined up already for the fall. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be and it seems like it is going to be really interesting. I will be working in a clinic. The doctor I will be working with has received high marks and praise from students that have worked with him in the past and hopefully I will learn much. I am excited!

 

------

 

I took a class this spring. I usually don't take classes in spring and summer but I thought it might be my only opportunity to take this social psychology class. It was all online. I am not fond of online classes because it just seems like you don't get as much out of it as in the classroom. It turned out all right though - I did learn a lot and I found that I love social psych. I ended up with an A- in the class even though I was trying to work 2 jobs, and was super stressed out.  I am glad I did it! Now I just need through the next year. It is going to be tough because I still want to work on my second degree in addition to doing an internship or two (I really want to do another internship at a school or something; I have an idea in mind but I don't want to write about it just yet), and everything else I do on top of it. I am working on better time management skills to say the least.

 

------

 

More good news. I filled in for my boss at the Census while she was away for a week (sudden family emergency) and her supervisors appreciated it. I received many thanks and "Good work!" compliments. It is nice to be appreciated for a change, LOL. My boss at McDonalds is never happy with anyone's work unless they are devoting their life to the place and that I refuse to do so therefore she does not have much use for me. So I am feeling pretty damn proud of myself today, I am enjoying the recognition.  Also, I found out I may have more work with the Census even though my initial job is winding down. I hope so because I really do enjoy the work. I have met so many lovely people working for the Census, not to mention being able to get out and see different parts of the county I live in. 

 

------

 

I haven't had time to keep a blog like I would like to. I really want to write more, and need to make an effort. Same old story  Keeping a blog does help my writing and helps me to keep ideas flowing - well it helps me remember ideas and also what I was feeling, thinking at any given tiime. It is overwhelming at times though because I have so many thoughts running through my head, so many things I want to write about but not enough time in the day. It really stinks because like I touched on, writing does clarify a lot of things for me and it helps me relieve the anxiety and stress I sometimes feel. I really just need to devote a certain time everyday to writing and stick to it. I will be taking a couple of writing classes in the fall so getting the habit now would be a good thing. I think at this point I need to make a vow to myself to actively work on my writing skills.

 

 

When Zombies Crash

Car full of 'zombies' crashes on highway

A carload of partygoers dressed in zombie costumes crashed on I-84 in Portland, Ore., leading bystanders to overestimate the severity of the passengers' non-life-threatening injuries.

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38178388/ns/local_news-portland_or?Gt1=43001

 

 

Read the title of the article and started cracking up. I can just imagine "OH NO! This one's brain is falling out!"

More on the 130 year old woman...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38165224/?gt1=43001

Total BS!!

Census worker arrested for trying to do his job

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/2467954,CST-NWS-census06.article

http://www.kfsm.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-census-squabble,0,1930924.story

This is total BS in my opinion. To be arrested for trying to do your job?? OMG people!

Woman Claims To Be World's Oldest Person At 130

Georgia Claims It Has World's Oldest Person, 130

Authorities In Georgia Claim Villager Turns 130, Making Her The Oldest Person On Earth

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/08/ap/world/main6657434.shtml

WOW!! I am not sure I can believe this. I can't even imagine living to be 130...and still having to use an outhouse! WTF?! 

Just think about all the history she has witnessed. 

Awesome Holiday

St. Louis Blues Festival

 

On Saturday July 3, 2010 my husband and I decided to go check out the St. Louis Blues Festival. St. Louis is a small town "In the Middle of the Mitten" I cna't remember ever being there. It is a nice little town (one I would like to explore more) and the festival was great and a pretty good deal too, only $10 per person for a whole day of blues. We sat right up front too! We went to see our favorite blues band, Michal Bailey Band. He was awesome as usual. We also got to check out some new acts, the highlight of which was Toronzo Cannon & the Cannonball Express from Chicago. This guy is the ultimate performer. He would actually come down off the stage and interact with the audience. He played his guitar with his teeth! Wow the guitar playing was amazing (very intense) that night - it left me breatheless! It is hard to describe - should have written about it that night but I was so tired. I hope I got some good pictures; I had to buy a disposable camera because the batteries for my digital camera died before the concerts started.

 

I am glad my husband and I went to check out the festival. We want to remember it next year. All kinds of blues and fireworks too!

 

http://www.saintlouisbluesfestival.com/

 

http://web.me.com/toronzocannon/Toronzo_s_Website/Home.html

 

Fourth of July

 

The next day Sunday 4th we spent at my Mom's house with my Mom, husband (of course), my stepson, my sister-in-law, and my three young nephews. The kids played in the pool while the adults cooked and relaxed on the patio. Then we all went to watch fireworks. I tooks some nice pictures of the kids (and my husband) acting goofy.

 

Hot day at the beach - I love Holland Michigan.

 

Monday, the day after the 4th my husband and I decided to take off for the beach. I love Lake Michigan and I need to go see the Lake every now and again. Yes it is an absolute need! I get melancholy if I cannot go to the Lake. I really wanted to go up to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes but it is too far for a one day trip. My husband and I decided to go on over to a beach we remembered from a previous trip to Holland, Michigan. It is only about a 2 hour drive and so worth it. The beach is lovely and huge (very wide and deep) and is watched over by a red victorian lighthouse on the other side of the pier. There is a snack bar and gift shop at the beach which is a plus - very good icecream there.

 

That day the beach was crowded - I had never seen so many beach umbrellas! I had never seen a Michigan beach so crowded before to tell the truth. I liked it though. It was relaxing despite the crowd plus it was wonderful to see so many people having a good time (great day for people watching, well and reading, napping LOL). Lake Michigan is usually cold but that hot day the water was actually at tolerable temperature and the waves were pretty good. Once I got in the water I did not want to get out. We stayed for the sunset and I took lots of pictures. We closed down the beach and almost got locked in by the DNR (we were at Holland State Park). LOL, no not really. It was funny though. We went back to our car and there were still a few people getting their stuff together and leaving the beach. THe DNR came and started locking up that end of the parking lot. Well this van speeds accross the parking lot toward the gate. I could here this lady just a bitchin' a mile a minute inside the vehicle. She stopped at the gate and started yelling at the DNR. From what I could gather she thought she was being locked in. The DNR assured her there was another exit and she took off, still bitchin'. My husband and I were standing by our car with bemused expressions on our faces trying not to laugh. The kicker was when the DNR came over to us to assure us we were not being locked in. All I could do was stand there and laugh. I love the beach! I love Lake Michgan! And I love Holland, Michigan - it is a great town.

 

All an all had a great 4th of July holiday.

This is morbid...

Widow lived with corpses of husband, twin

'Death is very hard for me to take,' she says, as police investigate

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38096102/ns/us_news-life/?GT1=43001

 

 

Poor woman. She needs counseling not prosecution. I hope no charges are filed against her. It is morbid and sick but sad too. I hope she gets help. I wonder if she would be open to the idea of cremation for her loved ones? Then she can keep the cremains on her mantle and talk to them all the time.

I didn't know you could get in trouble for this...

British woman Caroline Cartwright pleads guilty to loud sex after neighbors - and postman - complain

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2009/12/15/2009-12-15_british_woman_caroline_cartwright_pleads_guilty_to_loud_sex_after_neighbors__and.html#ixzz0sGxTXr3r

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2009/12/15/2009-12-15_british_woman_caroline_cartwright_pleads_guilty_to_loud_sex_after_neighbors__and.html

What is the world coming to when you can't express yourself? LOL 

Liar liar pants on fire!

I wish liars pants were on fire so then you could tell right away who to trust and who not to trust. I can understand lying in order to protect someone's feelings but to make stuff up out of thin air just to get attention is crazy. Pure craziness!  Sometimes it is harmless but you can never trust a person like that. I can't say I don't understand people like that but they never ceases to amaze me. Probably because that type of behavior just goes against everything that I am and all my beliefs about what a good person should be. Honesty is the best policy. If you can't be honest about who you are then whose life are you really living? Not yours - just your perception of what other people expect or a false image of what you wish you were. Sad.

Well go figure...

Despite recession, world's richest get richer

 

(That's what caught my eye and I thought, "Well go figure." I guess the old adage is true - the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. All these rich MFers complain about taxation and they are going broke in the recessions too. Blah blah blah)

 

World’s rich got richer in 2009

India, China and Brazil see fastest growth in wealth

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37846803/ns/business-personal_finance/?GT1=43001

 

Excitements and Anticipations

I am excited! Yesterday I was at school -UofM-Flint and went on down to the Psych dept. to see if they had a list of places for me to check out for an internship. I am taking an interneship in the fall for my degree. Well they didn't have a list but a box of large index cards with previous students experiences with their internships, dating back into the 1980's. At first I was slightly overwhelmed but I decided to look over the most recent years. I compiled a 6 page list of places to look for an internship! Just reading over the other students experiences made me excited to start mine. I just have to decide what kind of experience I want to have and hope that they will take me on as an intern. I am torn between trying to work at a personal counseling clinic or look into trying to intern at a school with a school psychologist. I was actually thinking about asking the counseling center at Mott but I will have to think about that. I almost want to do at least 2 internships.  I can't wait though.

 

Right now I am on campus - I had a little picnic of pasta salad. It is such a beautiful day out. I love UM-Flint and I love Flint Michigan. I went downtown today to check out the new grocery store that recently opened. It was a cute place. I bought an apron - such a wifey thing to do. I hope it does well but I worry that maybe they won't get enough business although new condos are going in accross the way in the Durant Hotel and I believe a bunch of new apartments and student housing is being built all over. It is exciting to see stuff happening downtown. My husband and I went to Blackstones in Flint for our anniversary dinner (3 years married but 11 together, woohoo!) - they have awesome food there and the atmosphere is wonderful.  Anybody in the Genesee County area or passing through should check out Flint.

 

I have been working for the U.S. Census. It has been quite the learning experience - fun but challenging. It seems to be winding down now which is sad but we'll see. I have put away a little bit of money so I am excited about that. It would be nice to have a little more but c'est la vie. My husband and I haven't really planned any trips this summer because of my job but if it winds down soon we may be able to. I am so in the mood for a road trip. I really want to go back to the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We do have a trip planned for Labor Day, we are going to Mackinac Island and are also going to walk the Mackinac Bridge. I have always wanted to do that so I can't freakin' wait!

 

 

Beautiful Smile

So I have been working quite a bit lately. Luckily I have
some happy pills now and I keep smiling, even at work. What makes it better is
when I am dealing with nice people; even better is when I get lovely
compliments like the one I did today. I was pretty happy this morning, if not
more than a little tired. I very nice couple came in and the woman told me “You
have such a beautiful smile!” That made me feel great because working at McDonalds
you often feel like a greasy frump – well at least I do, LOL. So when that lady
told me I had a beautiful smile I felt less frumpy and more happy. I like to
remember compliments – they are gifts to me, something to bring me up when I am
feeling a little out of sorts about myself. And it reminded me of a couple of
other times customers had complimented me on my smile.

 

One early morning a man came in to the store and I was
making coffee. I turned to him, smiled, and told him I would be right with him.
He seemed surprised at my greeting, almost awestruck. At first I thought I may
have had something on my face but he told me that the way I smiled at him was
beautiful. He seemed amazed and a little embarrassed. It made me feel really
good though. It was a beautiful compliment and I had not quite fully realized
the power of a smile until then.

 

Another great compliment I got was a lady told me I had nice
smile – that I smiled with my eyes as well as with my mouth. She kept looking
at me and I felt I brightened her day. I love brightening someone’s day! It is reciprocal
– when I feel I made someone feel better I feel better and give out more smiles…
until some ass comes along and ruins it. Haha, not always though, you can’t win
over everybody. Overall though I think a smile goes a long way to making everyone
feel good. 

-----------------------------------------------

Work 

Another person who has a beautiful smile - my stepson. I hope he keeps that smile. He just got his first job. He is working at Wendy's, another fast food restaurant. I think he likes it so far and I hope they treat him right there. He has wanted a job for a while now and I am happy for him but I worry too. I want him to put school and school activities first before the job. I know a job is a good opportunity for both earning money and learning but I want my stepson to be able to enjoy being a kid (he is 16 yeah, but still a kid - not grown yet and he does not need too many responsibilities yet). It is important that he is able to do well in school and take advantage of experiences being in school offers. I don't think job experiences should be top priority right now but I am afraid that once he really starts working he will get caught up in wanting more and more money and material possessions, the kind of drive that goes along with having a job and leaves little room for anything else in life. 

It is fun to talk to him about the job though. We share working in fast food in common now - he will soon realize all the 'joys' of working I have discovered. LOL. In a funny way I am proud of him for taking on this challenge. I hope he does well and is able to balance everything AND we still get to see him. 

Frustrations!

So mad and frustrated about a certain situation but of course I can't do much about since I don't make decisions in a certain young man's life. Let me tell you, if I did and if I had more control over the money designated for his care things would be a lot different because I am not a stupid, selfish bitch. Have a nice day : )

Uh ...yeah...DUH!

I saw this article/video on MSN entitled "Should Gay Americans Serve?" and my initial reaction was 'Uh yeah! Duh! Why shouldn't they?" I haven't had time to watch the video but I think some peoples opinions will make me mad.

 

Is it time for openly gay men and lesbian women to serve in the military?

Last week, the House voted to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the policy that bans openly gay Americans from serving in the military.

 

http://americas-soapbox.msn.com/?from=en-us_msnhp&Gt1=24000#d0cf860f-0eca-4eed-968a-60f336da82a1

Oh yes!

"Say whats in your heart and speak whats on your mind, for those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

 

Stolen from someone on facebook - kind of what I always thought and I am really feeling it right now.

Wow! I can't believe this.

 http://publish.vx.roo.com/nypost/viral/2010/flashembed/

What's wrong with this picture?

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/05/illiterate_for_most_of_his_lif.html

 

The Good, The Bad, The Heartbreaking-ly Sad

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/04/former_secretary_of_state_made_1.html

http://www.umflint.edu/music/In%20Concert.htm

Family Tree

So is April family tree month? On Thursday my stepson made mention of the fact that his mother is researching her family tree (as well as stepson's family - his father's family, go figure). Then on Friday I went on facebook as I am watching the show "Who Do You Think You Are?" (that show where they trace celebrities family tree) and see I have received an email from a lady researching her husband's family tree and she wanted to know if my husband's family could be connected to her husband's family because she recently found out they had ancestors in Flint with the same last name as ours. It was so weird and coincidental. Maybe it is the show that is making everyone want to research their family trees. Of course it got me thinking about my ancestors. 

I am sort of interested in researching my family tree but a lot of the work has already been done on both my Mom and my Dad's side. My Mom is big on genealogy. I get frustrated because to me a family tree is sort of like a bunch of names strung together - 'so and so begot so and so, etc.' A lot of the family stories are lost. I am more interested in the stories. I kick myself for not taking down my Grandparents stories while they were alive. I have a few stories my Grandmother told me, or memories of hers really. I remember being fascinated by all her old pictures - she had dozens from the late 1800's and early 1900's and calling cards too (I loved those -.they were so Laura Ingalls Wilder!) By the time I came along though, she couldn't remember who a lot of the people were. Sad. I will have to write out all my memories of my Grandma and also the things she told me.  

I do have one story of my Grandfather's (Orvis is that family name, which I always thought an unusual name) family - who were loggers and lived all over Michigan. Then there was the other side of my Grandpa's family (his mother, I believe), the Wisdoms (another unusual surname). This branch came over from England to Michigan in the mid 1800's. I want to make a fictional story based on this family story - it is sort of romantic. I wish I had more details but I suppose that is where I will have to create stuff. To make a long story short, my Great, Great-Grandma was a 'Lady of Quality' in England and lived with her family in a 'house with many servants, and they had a London town house' too (this was noted in her obituary). She married a gamekeeper and they emigrated to Michigan where she had to learn how to cook and clean and adjust to living in a one room cabin! Also noted in the obituary was that she had a lot of lovely linens her sister sent to her but they were ruined from use on her rough-hewn cabin table. I couldn't even imagine. I want more details!! I have done a little research and found the estate my Great-Grandfather was a gamekeeper at. I want to go to England someday and check it out. So that always ends my interest in genealogy because I do not have the time to chase down the stories - I need to see and physically go to the places.

I now remember another story about my Great-Grandma (my Grandpa Orvis' mother) and I believe daughter to the lady I wrote about above - I think both their names were Elizabeth. She lived up in Clare, Michigan or thereabouts. She was a tough woman - she cooked for all the loggers. Then if she needed to go to the store she had to hike 20 miles there and 20 miles back through the wilderness. She had to hide from the Native American's because they would take her purchases. It has been said that she was a medicine woman and new all about herbs and natural medicines. More story fodder. See this is the stuff that gets lost along the way, so I really need to start recording it. 

I forgot another funny tidbit. Once I dreamt I was going to visit relatives in Italy. Well as far as I knew I was not Italian. Lo and behold, a few weeks later my Mom, who was doing research on the family tree found out that somewhere on my Grandfather's side (her Dad), we are either Italian and/or Spanish. A ha, so my dream started making a little sense. I had a premonition! That was weird but cool. I don't think anything else has been discovered about these Italian or Spanish ancestors though. Agh! So much gets lost. That is why I believe writing, journaling and even blogging is so important. 

Fantastic Tree Houses!

I so want one, but I suppose I am too old. My creakin' knees and fat butt would have a difficult time getting up in one. I am not giving up hope though! I will have one yet!

http://glo.msn.com/living/7-tremendous-tree-houses-2006.gallery?GT1=49000

Joan Didion

“Life changes fast. Life changes in an instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends. The question of self-pity.” Joan Didion, from The Year of Magical Thinking

I have a presentation today on Joan Didion and writing. Just trying to put it all together. Didion is an interesting person and I have learned something about writing from learning about how she works - I am not quite sure what yet.  Well it is hard to articulate but she is definitely an inspiration. After this semester is over I am going to read her book The Year of Magical Thinking, it is a book on grief.

 

Men and Divorce

I am taking a developmental psych class this semester. We have to make weekly posts on BlackBoard (an online learning site) about a topic or topics discussed in class over the week. We were studying marriage, divorce, and work this past week so below is my post which my professor praised me for. I like to post my school work that I am proud of and I get awesome compliments on - haha, I know, I am weird or whatever but I really like my post and I plan to do some more work on this topic in the future. Lately I have been researching parental alienation syndrome and hostile parenting in divorce to come up with a research project. More research definitely needs to be done on those subjects as well as fathers going through divorce and those 'deadbeat dad's'. I know there are plenty of deadbeat parents but I believe some are labeled unfairly. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Men and women do recover differently from divorce
but I believe that as far as finances go, things are changing. I believe men
are having a more difficult time recovering financially from divorce than in
the past. The NPR article Prof posted touches on the fact that the current
recession has hit all men hard (not only African American men, although they
already suffered from high unemployment before the recession due to racism and
other factors mentioned in the article), really cutting into manufacturing
jobs. Many current news articles have addressed the problems of a lot of people
(both men and women of course) not being able to afford divorce because of the
economy – no one wants the marital home anymore because they cannot afford to
make payments. This has forced many couples to stay together or at least live
together even after divorce. This illustrates that all people are being
affected negatively financially. 

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120351534

Also I believe that perhaps men’s problems may not
have been reported in the past giving inaccurate information as to how divorce
actually does affect them financially. Most men 'fly under the radar' because
they do not have access to government assistance if they are in financial
crisis; well other than if they lose a job and obtain unemployment insurance.
Unlike women, they do not typically receive Medicaid and food stamps because
they are less likely to care for children and do not bear children. So women
(with children) in poverty are more likely to be reported and counted because
they apply for and qualify for government assistance. Men usually just have to
suck it up and deal with financial hardships as best as they can and pay their
child support if there are children involved - they are even expected to
maintain the same level of child support even if they are experiencing
financial hardship. 

Overall, men are less likely to talk
about their problems. Many of the deadbeat Dad's we hear about just disappear
from their children's lives because they feel of little value when they are
unable to pay child support (or maintain child support payments) when they are
in financial hardship. In Chapter 10, implicit social beliefs are discussed. It
seems that there is an implicit social belief that children are better of with
Mom after a divorce. This is not always the case but the belief seems to be
upheld by courts and it scares a lot of men into not fighting for custody, or
at least shared custody. There is also a belief that men that do not pay their
child support are all deadbeats. Sometimes it is just that they were
experiencing financial hardship and could not get caught back up after.
Generally, it is then that they disappear from their children's lives so they
get the bad reputation of not only not providing for their kids but not wanting
to have anything to do with them. 

I wish that there was some way to get people to
consider the consequences of divorce before they get married or at least before
they have children. Divorce seems to be much harder on both males and females
in the relationship when children are involved (not to mention the toll it
takes on the children). 

http://www.theartofloveandintimacy.com/2007/03/four-horseman-of-apocalypse-john.html



The 'four horsemen' (John Gottman's work) we talked about it class, how
they negatively impact a marriage, continue to negatively impact relationships
(including a child’s relationship with their parents) after a divorce. Usually no
one, of course, has any interest in maintaining any sort of relationship but
many people forget (or try to ignore the fact) that if they made a child
together they are tied to the other parent for life. I know first hand the detrimental
effects divorce has on men by watching my husband have to deal with his ex-wife
over visitation and child support issues. He has always paid his child support
but his ex (blog disclaimer; of course this is my perception of events and even though she has admitted to being 'petty' I am sure she sees things differently, so all this is my opinion, perception, conjecture, etc.) often treats him like he is a deadbeat – sometimes criticizing him
in front of their son (God only knows what she says behind his back); she shows
open contempt for him, gets defensive when anything she does is questioned
although seem to feel free to question him, and she also often stonewalls over
visitation/parenting issues. It is like WE are all stuck in a bad marriage
because we have to deal with each other for the sake of the child. Sure this
will lessen when my stepson turns 18 but there are many events, milestones or
'rites of passage' that happen after 18 that parents are likely to be involved
in. So if relations are contentious it is really bad for all involved.



I could go on and on about divorce and the
negative effects, especially what I have witnessed with my husband and stepson.
It always brings me back to this: people need to be more careful who they get
involved with, get married to and make children with. Sure the stigma has worn
off divorce in this country but the negative impacts of divorce are great and
there is much research to be done on its effects, especially of the effects on
men, who are often forgotten in the mix.



Here are a couple of good websites I like
concerning divorce:



http://www.mediate.com/articles/psych.cfm



http://www.paskids.com/

http://www.hostile-aggressive-parenting.com/what_is_Hostile_Aggressive_Parenting.asp

http://divorcesupport.about.com/od/childrenanddivorce/qt/chilfrens_right.htm

 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is one of the most thoughtful and
informative posts I've ever seen.  Thanks very much.  How the economy
affects divorce rate, gender differences in how one reacts to divorce and
unemployment, the 4 horseman "following" the couple, even after
they're divorced and negatively affecting the remarriage...and more.  Lots
to consider...thanks again. 

Chit Chat

Spanish not so good - darn verbs

Writing conference - good and free food

went to poetry reading

great thoughts about writing

Pecha kucha

sharing of ideas - that is what college is all about

met a rather impertinent lady but nice - she meant well

late for psych class though

Psych class outside

beautiful day

good class - all about marriage and Gottman's work

afternoon appt. - good work done, hard work done

kids playing in the yard this evening - nice that winter is over

nice to have the windows open, nice to hear the crickets in the yard

all and all a good day

 

 

 

 

Some Fun

I had some fun in band class. I sit next to the euphonium player (who is a very talented musician) and today he brought with him a little rubber fetus about 2 -3 inches long. He got it from some event at the University Center. This band mate is a character to begin with (during one song, which is very cartoonish, he kicks his one leg out for emphasis while playing - it is funny to watch) but with props, especially with something off the wall as a little rubber fetus, he is hilarious. Ok, maybe I just needed a good laugh too. He was putting that little fetus in all sorts of places - in his instrument (it almost got stuck in there), up his nose, hanging from his glasses. Of course the funniest spot was hanging out of the fly of his pants; naughty, naughty but very entertaining in a juvenile sort of way. It gave me the case of the giggles which is not good (although I did need the laugh) because I am not a very talented musician (at least not on the trombone) and need to be focused in band. I hope we were not irritating the band director. I felt like I was 15 and in high school again. I don't know if that is good, bad, or just makes me out to be a very silly woman.

 

Well I felt like a 15 year old until I went over to UCEN after to class, weighted done with my trombone, a big purse, and my backpack - I can barely walk with all that stuff and it makes my bones ache. I had to see if I could get a little fetus of my own but they were all gone. Darn it! I really wanted one.

 

Now I am sitting in the library with my lovely new pink laptop. I skipped my last class so I could come up to the top floor of the library and write. I like it up here - it is quiet and I sit facing a wall of windows, looking out on the campus and the Flint River. It is a nice day outside. I half thought about going out on the grass to write but although somewhat pretty to look at, the river often smells like sewage. PU... Flint is looking good up here though. It warms my heart and gives me hope. Spring is on the way, rebirth... and all that.

 

I love my new pink laptop. It gives me more freedom around campus and I am hoping it is going to give me a push to write more. It does seem to be working. I am thinking about hanging out in the library more often - I seem to get more done in here than if the computer labs at school. I think it is because of the quietness and also I have windows to look out of. 

 

I also have a new pink backpack to go with the laptop and it seems to lighten my load, even with carrying the extra weight of the computer. Must be that it distributes the weight better than my old backpack. Can't really do much about the trombone though. Now if only I could find a way to get some good hot tea up here everything would be perfect. Well that an the fact that I have to pack everything up to go to the bathroom. Note: Don't drink a huge bottle of water (1 pt. or 700 mL) quickly while trying to get some writing done in the library.

 

Well that is a little snapshot of my day. Today was a good day and I am grateful for these little moments of silliness and contentedness.

 

Good Quote, Good Wisdom

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them." ~ Maya Angelou

I love this quote - just heard it on Oprah. It was all about women who were betrayed by their husbands. Very interesting show and I agree with the quote 100% although these men were very good at hiding their true selves. Reminds me of a few people and a few mistakes I have made in not trusting my instincts. Of course, being a fair person I try not to let my intuition and initial judgments of people (I give people a few chances at least, always at first believing that I am to harsh a judge)  rule how I feel about them but it comes down to this: how many times do you have to be knocked in the head before you realize you cannot trust someone?

Health Care Passed The House!!

WARNING: This is going to be a rambling RANT because I am sick and tired of the pissin' and moanin' done by Republicans and HATERS against national health care. 

OH MY GOD people! I cannot believe national health care could ignite such a firestorm of divided opinions. I cannot even pretend to know a whole lot about this health care bill and I am not 100% sold on it because I think a lot of concessions were probably made to get the damn thing passed but WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH ALL AMERICANS HAVING HEALTH CARE? Please tell me ...especially when the happiest countries in the world have nationalized health care. What does that tell everybody? If the happiest countries in the world have health care why can't the RICHEST?

Also WHAT THE FUCK IS SO RIGHT ABOUT OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM NOW THAT SOME PEOPLE JUST CAN'T EVEN CONCEIVE THAT IT DOES NEED TO BE OVERHAULED?

So you people who are against a national health care because America does not have the money, are you happy that all of our money has been going out the door to support fat cats at the nations banks? Anyone remember the BAILOUTS??? And Obama did not start that mess so fuck off. 

What about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - we spent a ton of OUR money (not to mention the blood of Americans) on those wars and on helping other countries build their infrastructures (are we back to colonizing?). We have gotten very little for our money spent on wars. Has anyone in AMERICA heard of INTELLIGENCE - that is how we stop terrorism here and against our people not trying to colonize other countries all in the name of democracy which is concept some people DO NOT WANT!! THE WAY AMERICANS SPIT OUT THE WORD SOCIALISM HERE IS THE WAY OTHERS SPIT OUT THE WORD DEMOCRACY IN THEIR COUNTRY; if they do want democracy they need to fuckin' fight for it themselves not have it thrust upon them. We do not even have peace of mind for all that money spent. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION MY ASS!! WTF? We can't spend some kind of money on the American people for a change??... on something we all need - HEALTH CARE!! Anyone that doesn't agree with me can just SUCK IT because you know I am right. We spend tons of money on other countries and do little for the people here other than welfare mothers and old people so either you got to be poppin' out kids or have one foot in the grave to get anything from the United States, from your own tax dollars (Oh yeah, forgot to mention third world countries that give birth to and hide terrorists). IS THAT RIGHT? 

So what some people are saying is they are FINE with their tax dollars going to support people in other countries, AND people here that don't believe in common sense and birth control and also people that Americans most often forget about because they are to old and infirm to work anymore but they WILL NOT STAND FOR THEIR TAX DOLLARS TO SUPPORT REGULAR WORKING AMERICANS THAT PAY TAXES, THAT ARE THE FUCKIN' BACKBONE OF THIS COUNTRY? That is a damn shame.

P.S. 

Socialism is not a bad word.

OBAMA is not what is wrong with this country - GREED and CHAUVINISM is what is wrong with this country! Not to mention RACISM.

The 2 most interesting news stories of the day:

Hurt dog limps into New Mexico ER

German shepherd mix finds his way to a hospital after injury

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35896305/ns/health-pet_health/?gt1=43001

 

Cute and what a smart animal!

 

&

 

$365 a year for food

It's not a social experiment for her but rather a matter of a very tight budget.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/blog/page.aspx?post=1708340&_blg=1,1708340

I would love to be able to this but alas I am at the whim of my cravings and would be totally crazy the within the first few days. I will be checking this blog thought to see how it turns out for her and maybe get some ideas. Of course I have to consider my husband and stepson - they would not like this lady's menu.

So close...

I am so excited! A little bit of something to kick me in the arse and give me some get up and go. I went to talk to an advisor today and I am sooo close (a little closer than I thought - 8 MORE CLASSES CLOSE!!! I can't freakin' believe it!) to graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I am actually even closer to getting a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology but because I want to go to graduate school, getting the Bachelor of Science is better. The BS offers an internship. If I had planned it better I could have graduated this May but I was fooling around working on a double major - silly me. I took way too many English classes (and I found out I do not need Foreign Language credits for a BS either). Yikes! I am a ways away from graduating with the 2 degrees I wanted (BS in Psych and a BA in English, it would probably add another semester or maybe even another year) so I decided I am just going to concentrate on the Psych and get that done. I can always finish my second degree later and I also want to investigate how to get a teaching degree because one of my goals is to work on a college campus either counseling or both counseling and teaching. 

The English classes were fun an interesting though and I am not sorry I took them (and I am sure my Spanish will come in handy too). I am kicking myself a little because I found out that when I graduate I can walk with the U 0f M - Ann Arbor class, and this May the commencement speaker is Barack Obama. I would have loved to hear him speak in person. Darn it! 

Well now I have to start looking at Graduate schools. I saw a couple of programs in Michigan that I was interested in. I think my top pick is at Wayne State - they have a combination Clinical and School Psychology Program. I have heard that it is really competitive to get in a Psychology Program so I am going to really have to study hard for the GRE. I need to get an outstanding score! I even have a back up plan if I do not get into Grad school right away and of course I hope I will be able to find a good job. So I have my work cut out for me for the next couple of years to say the least. 

So close ... yet so far. 

Fakiness

Doesn't seem sometimes that the majority of people in our society today are fake and are leading lives that are fake - more or less based on what they have seen on TV or built on an image they want to project rather that being a REAL person? They are unable to or are scared and/or lazy to do the work, take the time to become a real, genuine person. It seems like it to me and I cannot stand all the 'fakiness'.

It is Spring Break

It is spring break and I am in a reminiscing mood. I guess
it is not Spring Break exactly, maybe mid-semester break would be the more
proper term but anyway I have a week off. I can't really relax because I have a
few papers to write but it will be nice to sit a home. I have been in that kind
of mood for the past few months - just want to sit at home or hibernate. Yes I
an in hibernation mode, as I call it. I always get super tired in January and
February. This year it has been really bad. I can't stay up past 11pm and I need a damn nap everyday too! I hope
that after break I will start feeling more energized. 

I can't believe we are already 2 months into the new year
and my school semester is half over. I didn't really get to reflect and write a
blog on 2009 like I wanted to. And 2010 seems pretty HO HUM so far for me,
although besides being exhausted I am feeling a bit better in other areas. I am
hoping it will get a little more exciting. 2009 was a good year in some
respects but a bad year in others.

My husband and I took some good trips in 2009 - those were
the highlight of my year. Of course all the trips were in Michigan
but I love Michigan and the more
places I go to within my home state the more I find to explore. 

In May we went
to Grand Rapids, which was awesome
because believe it or not Grand Rapids
is a happening town! It is probably the place with the most growth in Michigan
right now. I hit up a few museums (the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum is
great!) and relaxed after a very trying winter semester. The best part of that
was that it was paid for by somebody else besides us, haha. My husband had to
go there for a Homeland Security Conference. On our way out of Grand
Rapids we decided to take a detour by Holland,
Michigan since the tulip festival was going
on. We saw the longest parade ever – the kinderparade. Holland
is a lovely place and it is close to my favorite lake – Lake
Michigan. Of course we stopped by the beach. I love it over there,
I just can’t say enough about it! 

Then we took our anniversary trip to Mackinac
Island. I was almost afraid we would be sick of Mackinac because
it is not a very big island and we have been there a lot within the last few
years but I was soooo wrong. We caught all the lilacs in bloom and it was
heavenly. We went on an island ghost tour - it was magical walking the island
at night. We also saw a band (Michal Bailey Band, blues) that we love there.
Then we hiked all over the island and discovered a few places we had not been
too yet like Pontiac Trail, a scenic path along the west bluff and Manitou Trail,
a quite arduous trail (the oldest on the island I have heard) off of the East
Bluff that goes to Robinson’s Folly and on to Arch Rock. I took some amazing
pictures and my love and appreciation for the island deepened. 

In July we had our annual family camping trip with my husband’s family. We went
and camped just over Mackinac Bridge
at Straits State Park
in St. Ignace, Michigan.
Our campsite was on the Straits with a terrific view of the Mackinac
Bridge. We had an amazing time - I
love the U.P. The weather was not the greatest but we did go to the beach a
couple of times. Of course we went to Mackinac Island
for a day and I got most of the family to hike the treacherous Manitou Trail to
Arch Rock. Then we (my husband, stepson, Wally the dog, and I) drove out (my
stepson actually drove the majority of the time – he has his learner’s permit) of
the bad weather to places all around the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula
that I really wanted to show my husband and stepson. We went to a ghost town in
Fayette, Michigan.
That is the on the Garden Peninsula
that juts out into Lake Michigan. Words fail me in
describing the beauty of that region. I had been there as a girl and it made an
impact on me - I always wanted to go back and I am so glad I made it and got to
show my husband and stepson. We drove up to Munising Michigan
on Lake Superior and saw Miners
Falls and Wagner
Falls – beautiful of course and I
took some lovely pictures. Our dog Wally really loved the waterfalls, so
thankful we got to take him. Then we took a scenic boat tour of Pictured Rocks. Again
words fail me but it was awesome, amazing, beautiful…. Lake Superior
water around that area is a clear emerald green and too beautiful for words. I
really want to go back to that region and do some hiking. Another day we took
in Tahquamenon Falls,
largest falls in Michigan and in
the top five of the biggest falls east of the Mississippi.
We drove on up through Paradise to Whitefish Point on Lake
Superior and went the Shipwreck
Museum. That was cool. And we got
to see the fog role on in from the Lake. That day I put
my foot in three of the great lakes, haha – Lake Superior,
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. On
our last day we went on up to Sault Ste. Marie and took the Soo Locks Boat
tour. I had been on it when I was a girl but it seemed more interesting this
time around. It was something my husband and stepson really wanted to do so I
am glad we got to do it and I believe they enjoyed it. Really the whole trip
was awesome and writing about it makes me want to go back. Also I it makes
realize I need to come up with some new adjectives because I cannot express
enough how awesome, amazing, lovely and beautiful the Upper Peninsula
is with my limited vocabulary! LOL, it grows tiresome, cliché and boring but
the UP is wonderful!

Our last trip of the year was to my parent's place in Manistee County, Michigan (west side, Lower Peninsula) - another beautiful spot, one of my all time favorites. My husband and I went there for Labor Day week-end and we got to take Wally too! We relaxed and went to the beach (Onekama, on Lake Michigan - I highly recommend) a couple of times and also did up the town of Manistee with Wally in tow. I took more great pics. We took Wally walking all around and swimming too so he enjoyed himself and got tons of attention from people we met along the way. Everyone made much of him and would tell him and us how pretty and well-behaved he was. He got lots of pets. Again I find myself so grateful for that opportunity of time spent with our poor doggie - the memories and also for all the pics I took.These are the moments I live for, truly.

The bad part of the year was I was sick (respiratory
problems) and stressed because of it a lot of the time, and so damn tired of
course. I started of the year with 3 pets (my two birdies and our poor dog,
Wally) and ended the year with none. Also a couple of me and my husband's family
members have major health issues so it was poopy to see them going through pain
and all the other stuff (a lot of changes and learning to deal with chronic illness)
that go along with being sick. To add to our (hubby and I) stress our well (sometimes I wish we had city water, or lived in a city or suburb) quit
working … twice! That cost a pretty penny to get fixed (had to replace the pump
and tank, the second time it was due to a defect in the new tank so luckily we
didn’t have to pay for that). Then to top it all off our furnace quit working
too! That wasn’t as bad of a fix as the well but we may need to get a new
furnace in the near future and we are so not looking forward to that expense. It
really was beginning to feel like we were stuck in a bad country song (are
there any good ones?? LOL)… “the well runned dry, my furnace broke and my dog
up and died…” But my husband and I made it through the year all-right. 

School last semester (fall) was pretty stressful. I thought I planned my classes so they would be lighter and easier to handle while I took a hard statistics class I had to take, but it did not quite work out as well as I planned. Even though I only work part time I have trouble fitting everything in. First I joined the Wind Symphony last fall because I thought it would be fun and easy - found out that I pretty much suck at playing the trombone, LOL. It is not like riding a bike. My memory has been getting bad lately so to remember all the notes and what stuff is supposed to sound like is challenging. I did get a little better but it was a struggle. I also took a creative writing class. I like to write but I found out that what I truly like about writing is the finished product and not necessarily the process. Plus I go through phases where I do not feel like writing at all and this summer and fall I was in one of those phases. Very difficult! The aforementioned stats class was a bear! I will not bore anybody with the details but it did have me wanting to pull my hair out at times. The other class I took was Spanish and that was fun and easy. When all is said and done I made it through the semester and made the Dean's List. Wahoo!

The Christmas holidays were nice. We had my family (my Dad's
side - my aunts and uncles, my cousins and my two great-aunts) over for a big
party. It turned out great! Our house looked beautiful and I can't believe it
can hold over or about 40 people. Everybody had a good time. My husband and I received a
lot of compliments and it was good to have everybody over, especially my two
great aunts whom I hardly ever see. That was also a highlight of my year.

 

More Weight Loss Inspiration

I love this story about this student who lost 80 pounds in a year. She did it by just exercising little by little when she could. It is inspirational! I really need to start doing that. I also have a friend who lost 27 pounds in 2 months. I am so proud of her because I know it was not easy. Now I just need a kick in the butt to get me moving! 

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/02/biggest_campus_loser_20-year-o.html

Need to start blogging again...

Interesting Article

New rules for a shrinking middle class

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/new-rules-for-a-shrinking-middle-class.aspx?page=1

I like reading how people have adapted and changed to these troubling economic times. It gives me hope and ideas.

Lost a friend...

Wally Kaboom, Rest in Peace 12-15-09 He was a great dog, gentle and loving. He will be missed tremendously.

We had to put our dog Wally to sleep. He was 12 or 13 years old and his health was failing. His hips had been really bothering him and then he started having seizures. We had taken the day previously (he started having seizures that morning) and the vet drew blood and sent him home with us and some meds to await the results of the blood tests. He had 3 seizures the next morning so we rushed him to the vet.

The vet told us Wally's sugar was really high and he was diagnosed as a diabetic. We left Wally at the vet for treatment to bring down his sugar and figure out the right dosage of insulin for him. We thought he could be treated but later found out the medication for him would be $200 a month. At first the vet said it would be less money and he could do well with treatment but you never know and the seizures may be a symptom of the diabeties or it may be something else. We also found out Wally had a heart murmur. ARGH! My poor husband and I struggled, wrestled, all day trying to decide if we should go ahead and try to treat Wally or given his age and health if we should just put him to sleep. It was anguishing to make that decision (the worst I have ever had to make) but we finally decided to have him put to sleep. We went to the vets in the afternoon and the vet told us we were making the right decision, that he thought Wally was doing pretty poorly.

The vet brought Wally into the room with us. Wally was lethargic but started barking because he wanted to go home. It was heart wrenching! He didn't sound like himself and he could not get up on his back legs. We were waiting for my stepson to get to the vets office from his mom's house. My stepson wanted to say good-bye too. So we waited with Wally. I couldn't say good-bye. I wanted Wally to think everything was going to be OK but I think he knew. I think he knew for a while. It is so sad... We were there with him when they gave him the injection. It was quick and his spirit left quicky. I can't believe how fast he was gone. I hope he is in peace now and I hope he knows how much we love and miss him.

Commencements

Today I played for UM-Flint commencements. I joined the wind symphony and this is one of the things we have to do. It was kind of stressful - it is finals week, yuck! I kind of enjoyed it though - just thinking that I will be one of the graduates in a few months. Silly me - I was getting emotional. I always have to pinch myself because I can't believe I am actually going to school at UM-Flint and that I am on my way to getting my Bachelors. Then I was thinking about the ups and downs of going to school and how much I want to accomplish still. I really need to step up my game. 

I liked what the key note speakers had to say. The first speaker, graduated from UM-Flint in 1973 and has continued to be a part of the University and the Flint community even though he does not live in the area. He talked about optimism and giving back to the community. The second speaker, a graduating student also talked about the same ideals. I have much to learn from these people. I just wonder where they get the energy. 

My Birthday

Today is my birthday. I am old! No, really. Mentally I don't feel old but my body is starting to feel the age. ARGH! It sucks. Well as usual I have been feeling like crap. Tried all the time, and ache-y too - more so than usual. This does have an effect on how much mental energy I can spend on extra stuff so I have not been writing like I want to. I miss keeping a blog. I will get back to it one of these days. 

 

Basically it is the same ole same ole. School, school, school, a little bit of work and always fighting sickness and fatigue. Now the holidays are coming so there is that stress on top of everything else. I wish I could convince my family to just take off for the holidays - forget the gifts (except for the little ones) and just go someplace nice and warm for the season. A cruise would be nice.  Well that is where I am at right now.

Poetry

"Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks."

- 

Plutarch

I like that quote, how apropos that it would be on my space today. I would replace painting with photography though.

~

We are writing poetry in creative writing class so here is my first attempt in a long time at writing a poem. I kind of like them...

the fridge

I open the door to the fridge

It is one of two

Because we need more room

To store all our food

 

I open the door to the fridge

So packed that five things fall out

Half empty cartons of spoiling food

I stuff them back in

 

I open the door to the fridge

And a smell like a fart wafts out

I close the door quickly

Trying to ignore the stench

..........

Clean Out, November 19th 2009

Half eaten can of old spam,

almost empty cartons of sour cream

too numerous to count,

stacked up haphazardly – they always fall out.

Throw them all out.

Expired

 

Spotted lunchmeat – definitely bad,

styrofoam container of leftovers from

some restaurant visited on Mother’s Day.

Even more in another fridge to get rid of;

doggie bags meant for later.

Forgotten

 

Biscuits dated 14^th of April 2009.

Squishy zucchini squashed and

no good now.

Brown guacamole, green fuzzy cheese,

liquefied lettuce and more…

Wasted

 

Don’t forget the eggs,

of a carton 3 are left.

Don’t think of dozens of others

in bags long ago thrown away,

like now - too heavy to lift.

Trashed

------------------------------------

Poetry is not always pretty and it does not have to rhyme. 

Perhaps this bears repeating...

I am reposting this blog from last March because a certain someone needs to know - 'I told you so'

 

You know I really hate to be a bitch but it really angers me that things could be prevented instead of just reacted to. It confuses a kid. Also, I don't particular like it when people try get credit for doing something that should have been done a long time ago or they should be doing all along. Not to mention all the BS. Would you like a gold star? Sorry but this one is mine  Call me crazy, a bitch, drama queen or whatever but I do know a few things.

 

March 19

Report Card Time: Too Many Activities=Bad Grades?

I don't know - you tell me. What are you thinking?

Also, why do some parents think that teenagers are grown and can be left to their own devices? Sometimes I think that some parents want to think their teen is grown up so they don't have to deal with issues or can spend more time on what they, the parent, want to do (or just be involved in the fun stuff their child is doing - COP OUT). That is lax parenting.

My thoughts are that teens are not grown up yet and still need guidance (this may be the time they need the most parenting), and yes sometimes they have to be told they cannot do stuff. Especially when they are getting bad grades (bad grades in my book is anything below a C-). There is no excuse! Especially when their grades have been less than stellar for years and nothing (or very little has been done about it). Academics need to be made (need to be seen as important by the teen, by both words and example) a priority. This means schoolwork, in class work, comes before all other extracurricular activities (whether they are school sanctioned or other activities). Talking to a teen about grades is all very well and good, letting them know your displeasure, and you can talk to you're blue in the face and they will say they understand and will do better yet the bottom line is you need to follow up all the talk with some action - either the kid has to do better in school, like he has been saying he had been or wants to do or some of his activities have to go until he does better in school. A teen needs to know parents mean business and the only way to get through to them sometimes is to take something away that they dearly want to do or make them work to get in the first place.

Of course it is better to make them work to get something they want before they actually get the privilege rather than take something away but sometimes, as in the case of lax parenting, parents have already given their teen what they wanted - independence, the ability to participate in any or all activities they want to. Then when the teen gets bad grades they (both parent and teen) want to make excuses and not do what needs to be done to correct the issue. What do you think is going to happen in the future? The teen is just going to miraculously improve his grades without guidance from anybody? Well wouldn't that be wonderful but unlikely to happen. No, most likely, if nothing is done about the bad grades, the teen will continue to flunk classes and get further and further behind, especially if he is allowed to participate in numerous extracurricular activities. That is why the teen should be getting decent grades before he is allowed to participate in extracurricular activities - make him earn it so he knows what it takes to keep it.

Does this make sense? Or is it better just to let your teen do what he wants and hope and pray for the best? Hope that he has the wisdom to make hard choices, to show some restraint, put academics first, and have the time management skills of an adult. Well you know my thoughts on the matter.

I learned this the hard way. Truth to tell, I still struggle with managing my time and activities. I was given all the independence I wanted as a teen. I was able to participate in any extracurricular activities.  I wanted to, which really wasn't that much. I did drama and choir outside of school hours. I was also in band but I was not in Marching or Jazz bands, so there was very little outside of school work. I had a job. I got bad grades, got behind and eventually quit high school. Truthfully, it wasn't just participating in extracurricular activities that led to me get bad grades, but that was part of it. I only participated in 3 extra activities - not 4 to 5 or more. It would have helped if someone would have stepped in and did something to make me see I had to make academics (no matter how boring or tedious, no matter how stupid and irrelevant I thought some subjects were) a priority. That I had to put some importance on things that had to be done to get by (this I hate - who doesn't hate jumping through hoops just to get a diploma? Or doing things they could care less about? But it is a part of life) rather that just placing importance on the things I really wanted to do. So if my parents had made me earn the right to participate in the activities or taken them away when I started failing high school, I might have learned to prioritize, and that there were things I had to do first before I got to do the things I really wanted. I have seen this work with other kids. A firm and guiding hand from the parents usually results in better academic performance and a kid who knows how to manage his time and activities. If that has been lacking then the kid will not learn and will be like me - he will end up learning the hard way or may never learn it. Is that what parents want?

 

 

March 21

Maybe someone can tell me ......

What is going through a mother's head when she buys her teenage son a cell phone with unlimited texting after the kid flunked a class last trimester (and the trimester before that) and has had less that stellar (way less than) grades - basically rewarding bad grades? On top of the that, the kid professes to have ADD although he has never been diagnosed (well not that is known of - that info may have been kept from us; some people just are not good at communicating unless they have their hand out), what in the heck is having unlimited texting going to do to the kids attention span? This kid (who is a good kid just does not have his priorities straight and has some issues he needs to work on) does have trouble following directions, paying attention, completing tasks and completing them well, is forgetful, and has problems with organization. Yeah, what parent in their right mind would think giving a kid a new phone with unlimited texting is a good idea? What does that reinforce? Won't it make the kid's attention problems worse?
 
I wonder what excuses there will be when the poor kid has to repeat a bunch of classes and cannot take the classes (such as band) he wants. How about the ultimate bad situation - he gets so behind in school and ends up quitting or cannot graduate with his class? I wonder who will be to blame? 
 
Please, anyone with kids (especially teens) share your feelings on this situation or even teens or young adults.