Its time to put it all on the line. Step right up to make fun of me if I am the only one, but I gotta get this off my chest. Who knows, that may be all I need.
Okay, so here goes. Does anyone else ever feel like they are still a scared little, snot-nosed kid? I mean, I am 30--not AARP yet, but not a kid by a longshot--and there are times when I would just like to curl up and cry. I guess I do the adult version of that, because I get cranky and lash out, or get quiet and withdrawn. Is this a normal thing or am I just weird? Better yet, is it ok? Or most importantly, is this one of those man secrets that I was supposed to stay hushed about and now will lose my man card?
The thing is, I do cry, everyone of you knows that. What I am asking is if it is ok to be that scared little blond munchkin, wandering in Briarwood Mall at 7 years old who didn't listen to his mom and ran off. Thing is, that time, my mom was still watching. Just letting me learn from my mistake. And then she was there to hug me and let me breakdown.
I know not all of you are religious, but go with me here for a sec, indulge me. Is that instance the same as now, when I am scared and feel lost and helpless and just want to break down, God is watching, letting me learn whatever lesson it is I need to move on and become stronger. And then, he is there to comfort me afterwards. He sends people in the form of a SS class when you are told your daughter is not going to make it. Best friends who have seen me through all my drama, ups and downs, and still love me. Or a wife, who comes along right when you've decided to give up looking for a partner. Or parents, who have been there for scraped elbows, knee surgeries, broken bones, and all the other "stuff".
Many of you know that I had a rough first couple of years of college. Looking back, those problems weren't that massive, I was just immature and unprepared to deal with them. So I tried suicide. People get taken aback when I mention it--its taboo, don't ya know--but for me it is a reality. And you know what? I am thankful for that collapse. It made me realize how many people cared for me. It made me look at things in a different light. It made me realize how easily I got overwhelmed in certain circumstances. It made me realize how scared I was, and that my emotions needed to be redirected. I was scared and went the easy route; I was an emotional hurricane, usually fueled by beer, who could go from happy to tears in not time, and for no real reason. Now, while most of you know that last part hasn't changed, I feel I have the rest of it in perspective. Or at least I am working on getting it so.
I am still scared. I am scared of what medical issues await my family. I am scared to be so far away from my loved ones. I am scared about change in general. I am scared to be alone. I am scared for my extended family and the issues that they face. I am scared.
But I think that is ok.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
What's that you say?!?
This is a quick one, but I would like to declare myself on the "global warming is a lie" side. *gasp* (And its not just because of the recent cold snap. that'd be too easy and extremely misguided...but it sure is cold, and there are 3 inches on the ground.)
How could I? What a shock!
Actually there are as many scientists who believe that this "global warming" is cyclical and no more harmful than it has been for the last 500 years--the time of the "mini ice age" thta began 500 years ago, lasted a couple hundred years and has been getting warmer since. And that first ice age? It got warmer after that too. Duh.
There are as many as 30000 scientists who have filed suit against Gore, led by John Coleman. They can't get any airtime. There isn't any real drama in "we could improve, but things are ok." Google "global warming swindle" if you have 76 minutes free. There is this one too: http://www.globalwarminglies.com/. Or this: http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/009/green-lies.htm. And many more just like them.
I am not asking you to agree with me. At least not outright. I am asking that instead of believing whatever the news tells you, check out the other side of an argument. Make an informed decision. My generation is awful about this, I hate to say, but we are like herds of sheep, blindly going wherever we are directed.
Anyhow, that's it. Not asking for a debate, or for you to leave your opinions, just hope and pray that more of my friends will prove how smart I know they are and do some research before believing just anything they hear.
How could I? What a shock!
Actually there are as many scientists who believe that this "global warming" is cyclical and no more harmful than it has been for the last 500 years--the time of the "mini ice age" thta began 500 years ago, lasted a couple hundred years and has been getting warmer since. And that first ice age? It got warmer after that too. Duh.
There are as many as 30000 scientists who have filed suit against Gore, led by John Coleman. They can't get any airtime. There isn't any real drama in "we could improve, but things are ok." Google "global warming swindle" if you have 76 minutes free. There is this one too: http://www.globalwarminglies.com/. Or this: http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/009/green-lies.htm. And many more just like them.
I am not asking you to agree with me. At least not outright. I am asking that instead of believing whatever the news tells you, check out the other side of an argument. Make an informed decision. My generation is awful about this, I hate to say, but we are like herds of sheep, blindly going wherever we are directed.
Anyhow, that's it. Not asking for a debate, or for you to leave your opinions, just hope and pray that more of my friends will prove how smart I know they are and do some research before believing just anything they hear.
Monday, January 4, 2010
2nd half of Christmas trip
Alright, took me some time, but with limited computer access, and time being shortened to 24 hours in a day--when did this happen?-I think I am doing well to get it done first day back in the UK. And if you don't, tough. ;-)
So the day after Christmas, we went shopping. Big let down as far as deals go, but I didn't need anything other than the two sweaters I got, so it was fine. Found a good new pizza joint in SA, but they had pretty bad service. Typical SA. No worries, we were headed back over to Eric and Nina's that evening for more merriment.
Before going that direction, I detoured to meet up with Karla, who is in the wedding planning process. It was nice to see her, and I hope I was able to help her by being a sounding baord/venting plate. Hope things are going smoother K! On to Eric and Nina's...got into a movie discussion, so I felt lost not knowing squat about movies. Wait, thats's wrong. I know a little something. Basically just snacked, sipped, and listed favorite all time movies in different genres. Good times.
Sunday came, and I was realy looking forward to a full day and I was on the last third of my trip. Another one of those happy/sad moments I despise. Clear cut emotions are what I need! Started the day off at River City Community Church (http://www.reallife.org/) Try to go here when I am in SA, and since half of the church is the Powers Family, I feel comfortable. Big treat this time as Jason was preaching. Little info here. Jason is Aaron's older brother, and Aaron and I have been best friends for a long time. We looked up to Jason since he was older and a baseball stud, and he was mean to us since he was older and a baseball stud. Think Bill Paxton, Weird Science, just not so whiny. Got it? Well now he is the associate pastor, and wow! I really enjoyed his message. It kinda reminded me, in a way, of the conversations we had with him earlier in life, except about God. It felt like he was just talking with me, and it was 100% Jason. Loved it man. Oh and he gave me some advice, more on that later.
After church, lunch plans got cancelled due to sickness (sorry Jessica!) so it meant on to Aunt Jammer's for the day/night. FYI, Jennifer B. is Aunt Jammer, so named by Rian before she could pronounce Jennifer. Easy to see that was going to stick. Since we hadmore time and no plans, we headed to her mom's house (Madre) for a nice visit before going to Best Buy where the girls, not me, the girls bought Jenn a matching case for her camera. From there to El Chapparal for some tasty Mexican food; another type that is sorely lacking over here. Then a quick beverage stop at HEB before going back to her place to watch football and then The Holiday. How appropriate. I crashed there for the night, and woke up for some Mythbusters and coffee. All in all, as expected, a great, relaxing time with Jenn. I love you, hon!
Now I had golf ahead. So I stopped by Mom and Dad's to change and Skype the girls before heading out to face my destruction. PLaying with Jeff's old clubs, unfamiliar course, and I hadn't beaten Jeff before. Oh well, at least it was golf. But wait! What's this? I hit 12 fairways! I putted decent. I chipped well. We won't talk about the approaches. I won. Wait, let me try that again. I WON! Ok, that feels better. Sorry Jeff, I know you are better, so I have to rub it in. Jeff dropped me off so I could shower and meet back up for dinner with him and his lovely wife, Jennifer. Dinner, then a tour of the new(ish) office, and back to their place for more chatting. A long day, but a memorable one. I enjoyed it, and can't wait to do it again, brother. Love you guys
I needed a rest, but there was one more box to tick before leaving. The Conways. We had a lunch date, at Carino's of all places. Imagine Tim and I at a Carino's? P'shaw. Anyhow, it took Avery a little while to warm up to Uncle Chris, but after the bread started flowing, she was fine. What a cutie. It was a really nice, laid back visit. I was glad we made it work, especially since I missed Tim's 30th, and will miss Little Mr Conway's birth in March/April. Boo me! Sucks living only through pictures, but it'll have to do for now. Love you all, Conway Fam!
Whew. A rest. Back to spend the last evening in SA with the parents relaxing. But there was thing I had to do still. That bit of advice Jason had given me? He likes Fatty's Burgers better that Chris Madrid's. Wow. I had to find out fo rmyself, and there was no disappointment whatsoever. Super delicious grub. I will say however, that they are two distinctly different burger styles, so I will refrain from comparing them. Too hard to compare a griddle burger to a grilled burger, just has to do with what I'm in the mood for.
Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back...delayed...again. Nothing bad, but of course I was. Poker that night after getting back to SS, and not as lucky as the first night back, cuz I lost, but ended up in the black for the trip, so good times. NYE had me playing Wii across the street at Matt's, and feeling old, but content. Sure wasn't just sitting around in 1999. Lucky to have survived those times. And to think, in 10 years, I'll have a kid in college. Shudder.
Day before I left, and I hung out with Candice, Rick and the kids, and Dennis and Glenda came over for dinner. Was good to be able to relax before I had to go, and the kids are old enough now where they remembered me without too much prodding. Really enjoyed my day, guys, thanks again, love you!
So, here I am, Monday morning, UK time. Took us a long time to get back here with delays arriving/leaving Chicago, and delays getting into Heathrow. Christmas was nice, and we had a nice dinner. Rian was the most excited to see me she has ever been, but that wore off pretty quickly. Ah well. Lace still isn't well, so she is off to the doctor today, and Baylie is still in bed at 8:30. I woke up at 4:30 with Kels, and now I have a long day of re-adjustment ahead of me.
Thanks a million once again to all those who helped make my Holidays so wonderful despite being apart from my family. I wish I could have seen more of you, or spent more time together, but again, someone shortened the hours in a day. Guess that is life. Wouldn't change it for the world.
All my love
C
So the day after Christmas, we went shopping. Big let down as far as deals go, but I didn't need anything other than the two sweaters I got, so it was fine. Found a good new pizza joint in SA, but they had pretty bad service. Typical SA. No worries, we were headed back over to Eric and Nina's that evening for more merriment.
Before going that direction, I detoured to meet up with Karla, who is in the wedding planning process. It was nice to see her, and I hope I was able to help her by being a sounding baord/venting plate. Hope things are going smoother K! On to Eric and Nina's...got into a movie discussion, so I felt lost not knowing squat about movies. Wait, thats's wrong. I know a little something. Basically just snacked, sipped, and listed favorite all time movies in different genres. Good times.
Sunday came, and I was realy looking forward to a full day and I was on the last third of my trip. Another one of those happy/sad moments I despise. Clear cut emotions are what I need! Started the day off at River City Community Church (http://www.reallife.org/) Try to go here when I am in SA, and since half of the church is the Powers Family, I feel comfortable. Big treat this time as Jason was preaching. Little info here. Jason is Aaron's older brother, and Aaron and I have been best friends for a long time. We looked up to Jason since he was older and a baseball stud, and he was mean to us since he was older and a baseball stud. Think Bill Paxton, Weird Science, just not so whiny. Got it? Well now he is the associate pastor, and wow! I really enjoyed his message. It kinda reminded me, in a way, of the conversations we had with him earlier in life, except about God. It felt like he was just talking with me, and it was 100% Jason. Loved it man. Oh and he gave me some advice, more on that later.
After church, lunch plans got cancelled due to sickness (sorry Jessica!) so it meant on to Aunt Jammer's for the day/night. FYI, Jennifer B. is Aunt Jammer, so named by Rian before she could pronounce Jennifer. Easy to see that was going to stick. Since we hadmore time and no plans, we headed to her mom's house (Madre) for a nice visit before going to Best Buy where the girls, not me, the girls bought Jenn a matching case for her camera. From there to El Chapparal for some tasty Mexican food; another type that is sorely lacking over here. Then a quick beverage stop at HEB before going back to her place to watch football and then The Holiday. How appropriate. I crashed there for the night, and woke up for some Mythbusters and coffee. All in all, as expected, a great, relaxing time with Jenn. I love you, hon!
Now I had golf ahead. So I stopped by Mom and Dad's to change and Skype the girls before heading out to face my destruction. PLaying with Jeff's old clubs, unfamiliar course, and I hadn't beaten Jeff before. Oh well, at least it was golf. But wait! What's this? I hit 12 fairways! I putted decent. I chipped well. We won't talk about the approaches. I won. Wait, let me try that again. I WON! Ok, that feels better. Sorry Jeff, I know you are better, so I have to rub it in. Jeff dropped me off so I could shower and meet back up for dinner with him and his lovely wife, Jennifer. Dinner, then a tour of the new(ish) office, and back to their place for more chatting. A long day, but a memorable one. I enjoyed it, and can't wait to do it again, brother. Love you guys
I needed a rest, but there was one more box to tick before leaving. The Conways. We had a lunch date, at Carino's of all places. Imagine Tim and I at a Carino's? P'shaw. Anyhow, it took Avery a little while to warm up to Uncle Chris, but after the bread started flowing, she was fine. What a cutie. It was a really nice, laid back visit. I was glad we made it work, especially since I missed Tim's 30th, and will miss Little Mr Conway's birth in March/April. Boo me! Sucks living only through pictures, but it'll have to do for now. Love you all, Conway Fam!
Whew. A rest. Back to spend the last evening in SA with the parents relaxing. But there was thing I had to do still. That bit of advice Jason had given me? He likes Fatty's Burgers better that Chris Madrid's. Wow. I had to find out fo rmyself, and there was no disappointment whatsoever. Super delicious grub. I will say however, that they are two distinctly different burger styles, so I will refrain from comparing them. Too hard to compare a griddle burger to a grilled burger, just has to do with what I'm in the mood for.
Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back...delayed...again. Nothing bad, but of course I was. Poker that night after getting back to SS, and not as lucky as the first night back, cuz I lost, but ended up in the black for the trip, so good times. NYE had me playing Wii across the street at Matt's, and feeling old, but content. Sure wasn't just sitting around in 1999. Lucky to have survived those times. And to think, in 10 years, I'll have a kid in college. Shudder.
Day before I left, and I hung out with Candice, Rick and the kids, and Dennis and Glenda came over for dinner. Was good to be able to relax before I had to go, and the kids are old enough now where they remembered me without too much prodding. Really enjoyed my day, guys, thanks again, love you!
So, here I am, Monday morning, UK time. Took us a long time to get back here with delays arriving/leaving Chicago, and delays getting into Heathrow. Christmas was nice, and we had a nice dinner. Rian was the most excited to see me she has ever been, but that wore off pretty quickly. Ah well. Lace still isn't well, so she is off to the doctor today, and Baylie is still in bed at 8:30. I woke up at 4:30 with Kels, and now I have a long day of re-adjustment ahead of me.
Thanks a million once again to all those who helped make my Holidays so wonderful despite being apart from my family. I wish I could have seen more of you, or spent more time together, but again, someone shortened the hours in a day. Guess that is life. Wouldn't change it for the world.
All my love
C
Friday, December 25, 2009
1st half of Christmas trip
Well, after a long layoff, due mostly to laziness, I am back. Truly back as well, in the sense I am back from the UK in the States for a strange Christmas journey.
Baylie and I came back last Saturday so that I could bring her to Wylie. She was a really good travel companion, and I even got a cuddle or two out of her. I know those moments are going to be fewer and farther between as she is getting older very fast--10 in 7 weeks, where has the time gone?
I had an adventuresome, brief day and a half at the house. The furnace room flooded, the car wouldn't start, and the ATM ate my card in the space of 10 hours. Ahh good times. But I won playing poker that night, so all was not lost.
The next day had me on my way to San Antonio via Tulsa & Houston for a whirlwind adventure. Trying to wedge 6 wonderful friends into 8 days is no small feat, but I came prepared with a plan, and so far--knock, knock--we are on schedule. Even ahead, if you count my bonus time last night. Score!
Tuesday was Aaron, Bre, Carson, Abby and Chris Madrid's. Boy, I sure miss being able to get a good burger. Had an awesome time. The kids remembered me, so we didn't have to spend the first hour or so having them warm up to me. Quite the opposite actually, with me becoming a road for Carson's cars within 5 minutes and Abby drawing me a picture of Aaron and I together. Aaron and I fell back into our old witty banter habits, remembering old times, and making new memories. Its so fun to be a grown up some times, especially when you are remembering just how dumb you used to be. Bre was as lovely as ever, and holds her own with us, which is wonderful. Really thankful God blessed AP with such an amazing wife. Oh, and by the way, EASILY the best photographer around. So talented Bre, still feel lucky you worked for us a million years ago. (OK, 4 and a half, but still.) What a wonderful and beautiful family. I love you guys so much!
Wednesday was a day for Mom and Dad. Dad is on call most of this week, but was off that day, so we wedged as much as possible in. Big breakfast at Mimi's Cafe, Dad and I took in Avatar 3D, and then a Brazilian steakhouse (OMG!) for dinner. The food was good all around, the movie was a visual stunner, even if it is a hippy propaganda movie telling us how bad we humans are.
Yesterday, I FINALLY got to see Kristen again. Only been 8 years, but lucky for me, she is great about keeping in touch. Coffee at Starbucks turned into two hours of catching up. Had a really great time and she invited me out with her and her brother after their evening church service, so I got a double shot of KW; lucky me. Hope its not another 8 years, hon, thanks for a great time!
Wedged in the middle yesterday was our Christmas dinner, which, though very nice and definitely tasty, seemed quiet and strange with just the three of us. No kids, no wife, no sister. Gotta say, not a fan. As much as I love you Mom and Dad, I hope this doesn't happen again. We went for dessert and drinks afterwards to Eric & Nina's, friends of my parents and mine since living in SA. Was nice catching up, and extra nice seeing as how Nina has been battling cancer, but is now in remission. Definitely an answered prayer!
So, here I sit, Christmas Day 2009. My family is literally spread out around the world. Much has happened this year. Starting with the news of CP & Epilepsy, through to the news we were moving abroad, to this moment. I couldn't have come close to predicting it. What a lucky guy I am though. With a great wife, three amazing kids--including a miracle, wonderful family and friends who are just as close as family I have made it through. I have griped and groaned (ask Lace), laughed and cried, sang praises and tilted at windmills, and here I am. Hopefully stronger, indeed enriched, and overall; extremely blessed.
So thank you, thank you all so very very much. I hope that I return a portion to you of what y'all give to me. To all of you reading this, I love you, and I am definitely a better person for knowing you. My life would not be what it is without you, no matter how often or how little we actually see each other or talk.
Merry Christmas (I know, I am getting carried away, roll with it) and I hope the new year brings you everything you hope and wish for.
C
Baylie and I came back last Saturday so that I could bring her to Wylie. She was a really good travel companion, and I even got a cuddle or two out of her. I know those moments are going to be fewer and farther between as she is getting older very fast--10 in 7 weeks, where has the time gone?
I had an adventuresome, brief day and a half at the house. The furnace room flooded, the car wouldn't start, and the ATM ate my card in the space of 10 hours. Ahh good times. But I won playing poker that night, so all was not lost.
The next day had me on my way to San Antonio via Tulsa & Houston for a whirlwind adventure. Trying to wedge 6 wonderful friends into 8 days is no small feat, but I came prepared with a plan, and so far--knock, knock--we are on schedule. Even ahead, if you count my bonus time last night. Score!
Tuesday was Aaron, Bre, Carson, Abby and Chris Madrid's. Boy, I sure miss being able to get a good burger. Had an awesome time. The kids remembered me, so we didn't have to spend the first hour or so having them warm up to me. Quite the opposite actually, with me becoming a road for Carson's cars within 5 minutes and Abby drawing me a picture of Aaron and I together. Aaron and I fell back into our old witty banter habits, remembering old times, and making new memories. Its so fun to be a grown up some times, especially when you are remembering just how dumb you used to be. Bre was as lovely as ever, and holds her own with us, which is wonderful. Really thankful God blessed AP with such an amazing wife. Oh, and by the way, EASILY the best photographer around. So talented Bre, still feel lucky you worked for us a million years ago. (OK, 4 and a half, but still.) What a wonderful and beautiful family. I love you guys so much!
Wednesday was a day for Mom and Dad. Dad is on call most of this week, but was off that day, so we wedged as much as possible in. Big breakfast at Mimi's Cafe, Dad and I took in Avatar 3D, and then a Brazilian steakhouse (OMG!) for dinner. The food was good all around, the movie was a visual stunner, even if it is a hippy propaganda movie telling us how bad we humans are.
Yesterday, I FINALLY got to see Kristen again. Only been 8 years, but lucky for me, she is great about keeping in touch. Coffee at Starbucks turned into two hours of catching up. Had a really great time and she invited me out with her and her brother after their evening church service, so I got a double shot of KW; lucky me. Hope its not another 8 years, hon, thanks for a great time!
Wedged in the middle yesterday was our Christmas dinner, which, though very nice and definitely tasty, seemed quiet and strange with just the three of us. No kids, no wife, no sister. Gotta say, not a fan. As much as I love you Mom and Dad, I hope this doesn't happen again. We went for dessert and drinks afterwards to Eric & Nina's, friends of my parents and mine since living in SA. Was nice catching up, and extra nice seeing as how Nina has been battling cancer, but is now in remission. Definitely an answered prayer!
So, here I sit, Christmas Day 2009. My family is literally spread out around the world. Much has happened this year. Starting with the news of CP & Epilepsy, through to the news we were moving abroad, to this moment. I couldn't have come close to predicting it. What a lucky guy I am though. With a great wife, three amazing kids--including a miracle, wonderful family and friends who are just as close as family I have made it through. I have griped and groaned (ask Lace), laughed and cried, sang praises and tilted at windmills, and here I am. Hopefully stronger, indeed enriched, and overall; extremely blessed.
So thank you, thank you all so very very much. I hope that I return a portion to you of what y'all give to me. To all of you reading this, I love you, and I am definitely a better person for knowing you. My life would not be what it is without you, no matter how often or how little we actually see each other or talk.
Merry Christmas (I know, I am getting carried away, roll with it) and I hope the new year brings you everything you hope and wish for.
C
Monday, November 16, 2009
Vent
I sit here in a quiet house, 2 kids asleep. Sounds like a parents dream right? The major problem with this one is that its missing one kid and its more like a recurring nightmare. Another night of hospitalization for a 16 month old who has spent so much time escaping those hollow, disinfectant smelling hallways, and another night of worry for us.
On the surface, this one would seem to be the most minor of her issues, but if you look deeper, it is nearly as troubling.
She is a trooper and I am not in any way attempting to over-dramatize this instance. More to the point, I am trying to rationalize and get a clear picture of what the rest of her life/our lives are going to look like. We try not to live in fear of scary words such as "shunt failure," "seizure," "stroke," "developmental delay," and "pneumonia," but I am beginning to wonder if we are truly taking it day by day and trying to be positive, or are we deluding ourselves in fear of seeing the real story. Should we instead prepare for our lives to be tossed into a washing machine once, twice, three times a year?
On top of it all, these other two little girls, are having to deal with Real World issues far too soon. As a parent you'd like to be able to shelter your kids and protect them from the ugliness of the world around them. Rian had her second birthday interrupted by an early preganancy and has, unfortunately, had too much attention taken away from her too soon. We both agree that this may be one reason for the--shall we call it rambunctiousness--that she possesses. And poor Baylie. Today, while at school, the mother of one of her classmates died suddenly. By the end of the day, they found out it was a stroke. Baylie doesn't say or show much, but surely these things affect her. I hope, over time, she realizes the need to talk about these issues as opposed to bottling them up. Lord knows, that tactic never worked for me.
So...anyone reading this. If you haven't already, or even if you have, it won't kill you, say a prayer for us. All of us. I know that I am blessed to have a wonderful family, both near and far. Thank you for all of your thoughts, and your notes and well-wishes.
C
On the surface, this one would seem to be the most minor of her issues, but if you look deeper, it is nearly as troubling.
- She was almost hospitalized twice last year with pneumonia.
- She has had breathing issues from the beginning of her 7 week early entrance to this world.
- Her body weight and size are no help in the matter as they have never had a real chance to catch up.
- Her immune system as a whole is weaker than the rest due to incubator time, birth weight, medical issues and so forth.
She is a trooper and I am not in any way attempting to over-dramatize this instance. More to the point, I am trying to rationalize and get a clear picture of what the rest of her life/our lives are going to look like. We try not to live in fear of scary words such as "shunt failure," "seizure," "stroke," "developmental delay," and "pneumonia," but I am beginning to wonder if we are truly taking it day by day and trying to be positive, or are we deluding ourselves in fear of seeing the real story. Should we instead prepare for our lives to be tossed into a washing machine once, twice, three times a year?
On top of it all, these other two little girls, are having to deal with Real World issues far too soon. As a parent you'd like to be able to shelter your kids and protect them from the ugliness of the world around them. Rian had her second birthday interrupted by an early preganancy and has, unfortunately, had too much attention taken away from her too soon. We both agree that this may be one reason for the--shall we call it rambunctiousness--that she possesses. And poor Baylie. Today, while at school, the mother of one of her classmates died suddenly. By the end of the day, they found out it was a stroke. Baylie doesn't say or show much, but surely these things affect her. I hope, over time, she realizes the need to talk about these issues as opposed to bottling them up. Lord knows, that tactic never worked for me.
So...anyone reading this. If you haven't already, or even if you have, it won't kill you, say a prayer for us. All of us. I know that I am blessed to have a wonderful family, both near and far. Thank you for all of your thoughts, and your notes and well-wishes.
C
Monday, November 2, 2009
Halloween Weekend 2009
Okay, so it just happened that Halloween fell on our first chance to take a vacation. Kinda weird being away for Halloween, since it is very much a local thing. We didn't know neighborhoods, so we just let the kids dress up for dinner, then bought them some candy and had a pig out fest in the hotel room. At least it will be something different to remember.
Other nice things to remember include; visiting Nottingham Castle. A 1200 year old castle that has been a focal point for many historical events, one of which you probably didn't know, the Robin Hood Legend. Yeah, crazy name, I know, but he was aguy who robbed the rich to protest a false leadership and helped the poor. That sorta sums it up, but you should check it out, pretty cool stuff. Also it mark sthe spot of the decree which started the English Civil War. Who knew they had one of those too? Didn't get great pictures due to some strange weather and lighting, but we can prove we were there.
Attached to the castle, or more appropriately, the castle's cave system, is the oldest Inn in England/Pub in the the world. Kinda neat. Three stories (being generous here) all in the cave openings, and a pretty cool spot to think about the guys who had a pint (more likely a tankard back then, you're right) before soldiering off to the Crusades, or some such English whim.
Then there is Sherwood Forest. A large gathering of trees some 25 miles to the North of Nottingham (think Robin Hood actually jogged down to Nottingham?) with the main focal point being Major Oak, the oldest tree in England (Scotland has one older!), estimate to be about 800-1000 years old. Also said to be a meeting point/HQ for RH and his Merry Men. Very massive. Very impressive. Got me to thinking though. If that legend is 800 years old, and the tree is thereabouts or a little older, why were they meeting at that particular tree? Wasn't very impressive back then. Crazy legends and their convenient lies.
Also, Rian is starting to understand that Disney is a liar. She was upset (again) that there were no princesses at the castle and that RH was nowhere to be found. She did have a marvelous conversation with Baylie regarding their walking stick (because you HAVE to have a walking stick in the forest) wherein she told Baylie that "potentially" her stick was bigger after Baylie told her they were basically the same size. How does a dead stick have potential? Not sure, also not sure how a three year is spouting those kinda words. She sure doesn't get that vocab from her Dad (wink, wink)
And finally, this vacation was a nice retreat from a period of the year that has come to be full of memories, good and bad, for the Butler & McCallum & Collinsworth families. It is always the time of year I dread the most, and I try to keep as busy as possible during this time. For those of you who don't know, suffice it to say there has been a fair bit of tragedy (too strong?) and loss at this time of year, and for those of you who do know and may remember, thank you for your prayers and thoughts for my family.
Love you all!
C
Other nice things to remember include; visiting Nottingham Castle. A 1200 year old castle that has been a focal point for many historical events, one of which you probably didn't know, the Robin Hood Legend. Yeah, crazy name, I know, but he was aguy who robbed the rich to protest a false leadership and helped the poor. That sorta sums it up, but you should check it out, pretty cool stuff. Also it mark sthe spot of the decree which started the English Civil War. Who knew they had one of those too? Didn't get great pictures due to some strange weather and lighting, but we can prove we were there.
Attached to the castle, or more appropriately, the castle's cave system, is the oldest Inn in England/Pub in the the world. Kinda neat. Three stories (being generous here) all in the cave openings, and a pretty cool spot to think about the guys who had a pint (more likely a tankard back then, you're right) before soldiering off to the Crusades, or some such English whim.
Then there is Sherwood Forest. A large gathering of trees some 25 miles to the North of Nottingham (think Robin Hood actually jogged down to Nottingham?) with the main focal point being Major Oak, the oldest tree in England (Scotland has one older!), estimate to be about 800-1000 years old. Also said to be a meeting point/HQ for RH and his Merry Men. Very massive. Very impressive. Got me to thinking though. If that legend is 800 years old, and the tree is thereabouts or a little older, why were they meeting at that particular tree? Wasn't very impressive back then. Crazy legends and their convenient lies.
Also, Rian is starting to understand that Disney is a liar. She was upset (again) that there were no princesses at the castle and that RH was nowhere to be found. She did have a marvelous conversation with Baylie regarding their walking stick (because you HAVE to have a walking stick in the forest) wherein she told Baylie that "potentially" her stick was bigger after Baylie told her they were basically the same size. How does a dead stick have potential? Not sure, also not sure how a three year is spouting those kinda words. She sure doesn't get that vocab from her Dad (wink, wink)
And finally, this vacation was a nice retreat from a period of the year that has come to be full of memories, good and bad, for the Butler & McCallum & Collinsworth families. It is always the time of year I dread the most, and I try to keep as busy as possible during this time. For those of you who don't know, suffice it to say there has been a fair bit of tragedy (too strong?) and loss at this time of year, and for those of you who do know and may remember, thank you for your prayers and thoughts for my family.
Love you all!
C
Robin & Marian Statue
Robin Hood
Peek-a-boo! on the castle grounds
A Royal decree
The Inn/Pub since 1189
First cool tree we found
Rian inside said tree
A deep conversation, I'm sure
Major Oak with the girls
Major Oak
One more time
Forest Walk
Leasea in all her glory, designed by Rian
Happy Halloween!
New coat, e-mailing Nonni
Are you done, Mom?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
And it was dark...
As dark as night, night, night. With apologies to Mr. Joel, I had forgotten how dark and how quickly it gets that way this far North.
How dark you ask? Well, if you blink, you've missed the sunset, if a group of seniors are playing a round of golf in front of you, forget finishing, and if you can't wait to get the kids to bed at night so you can relax, lie to them, cuz they can't tell time anyhow. Well, at least the little ones, and then I just have to bribe Baylie not to blab.
On top of Daylight Savings Time hitting here a week earlier than we thought, throwing our entire weekend out of whack, Baylie is on "half-term." Basically a fall break, but I am not sure from what, because I am not seeing a whole lot of anything school work wise. So she is bored, its too cold and wet to play outside and Lace is gone, so she and I drive 50-60 minutes round trip in the mornings in traffic and the same in th eevening. If we weren't paying so dang much for the care, I would just keep the little 'uns home as well. Maybe not good idea, considering that Rian was too impatient this weekend to wait for her promised "make-up" party, so she decided to give the NEW chair a make-over. Lipstick, nail polish and concealer leave marks in case anyone is wondering.
We are heading on our first holiday--vacation for us regular English speakers--and we let the kids pick. Bright idea. Now we are headed to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest to prove to Rian that Disney lies to kids. Should be a grand time. Wonder if I can pay some local down on their luck girls to dress up and pretend to be princesses? Better not, probably get arrested for solicitation. I don't want that, I want to get deported, NOT arrested.
And when we get back next Monday I get to prepare for "Tuesday of Pain." Which is to say that I'll need to work out after the break and I am getting the newest tattoo. Said to take four hours, this could be trouble; probably more for Leasea, who'll be greasing and lotioning my back for several days. And we all know how much she hates touching me...
Sorry such a long lay-off, try to do better!
How dark you ask? Well, if you blink, you've missed the sunset, if a group of seniors are playing a round of golf in front of you, forget finishing, and if you can't wait to get the kids to bed at night so you can relax, lie to them, cuz they can't tell time anyhow. Well, at least the little ones, and then I just have to bribe Baylie not to blab.
On top of Daylight Savings Time hitting here a week earlier than we thought, throwing our entire weekend out of whack, Baylie is on "half-term." Basically a fall break, but I am not sure from what, because I am not seeing a whole lot of anything school work wise. So she is bored, its too cold and wet to play outside and Lace is gone, so she and I drive 50-60 minutes round trip in the mornings in traffic and the same in th eevening. If we weren't paying so dang much for the care, I would just keep the little 'uns home as well. Maybe not good idea, considering that Rian was too impatient this weekend to wait for her promised "make-up" party, so she decided to give the NEW chair a make-over. Lipstick, nail polish and concealer leave marks in case anyone is wondering.
We are heading on our first holiday--vacation for us regular English speakers--and we let the kids pick. Bright idea. Now we are headed to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest to prove to Rian that Disney lies to kids. Should be a grand time. Wonder if I can pay some local down on their luck girls to dress up and pretend to be princesses? Better not, probably get arrested for solicitation. I don't want that, I want to get deported, NOT arrested.
And when we get back next Monday I get to prepare for "Tuesday of Pain." Which is to say that I'll need to work out after the break and I am getting the newest tattoo. Said to take four hours, this could be trouble; probably more for Leasea, who'll be greasing and lotioning my back for several days. And we all know how much she hates touching me...
Sorry such a long lay-off, try to do better!
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