Answer of the day

"Brown Eyed Blessings" asks: "I'm the mom of a 2 year old with down syndrome. I'd like to know what you wish you'd known when your daughter was a toddler. What would you have focused on? What do you wish you hadn't worried about? That type of thing. Thanks! :)"

As far a what to focus on...focus on LIVING. It's easy to get carried away, and feel like EVERYTHING has to be turned into a mini therapy session. Don't worry, it doesn't. And, when you feel like you've just had ENOUGH, and want to skip a session, that's OK! Take a break!

As your child gets older, find the things he likes, and pursue them. But, whatever you do, KEEP HIM ACTIVE! As our kids get to be teenagers, it is SO EASY to let them be couch potatoes. Granted, all kids with DS are different, but a lot of kids with DS become less active, but their appetite and metabolism stay the same. You really have no way of knowing what your child's build will be when he gets older. I've had a well-respected developmental pediatrician say to me at Angela's 10 year check-up, "She will probably always have trouble gaining weight." Three years later she's 60 pounds heavier, eating constantly, and like most teenagers, if given the opportunity will stay in front of the TV all day. But, I won't let her. No, she swims, she bowls, she's involved with SOS. Don't get me wrong, she has plenty of down time, but not too much. She is BUSY! Here's a link about how we keep Angela active.

I posted this in June, in honor of Angela's 13th birthday. I'm going to repost it here!

.................................

June 6th, 2009

13 years ago, at 11:06 a.m., the operating room was silent, except for the sound of a helicopter landing on the hospital roof. While the doctor's hands closed my open belly, hushed whispers

from the doctors and nurses could be heard from the corner of the room. Finally, from out of my view, the pediatrician said, "She's starting to get pink now. Lets get her ready to fly."

That first year was a scary year, yet amazing year. In those first days we were told you were different from us, that if you survived there were things you would never be able to do. But we held you, we loved you, and we promised you the world, if only you'd hang on a little longer. You were beautiful! Your big dark eyes studied everything, and though they told us you'd likely never be able to communicate, you produced your first sign, "eat", followed a few days later by, "more", I should have known right then what was ahead! LOL You got your first hearing aids and learned the importance of sound. Before we knew it, your first birthday was was here, and for the first time I found myself thinking of the future. There were things I wanted to know! I wanted to know what you would be like at 3, at 6, 10....and at 13.

Your second year came with a few surprise surgeries, and the many hospitalizations to go with them. The feeding tube that went in, then came out, then went in again. They told us you might never walk. Too bad they didn't get to see all of us sitting in a circle in the living room cheering as you walked back and forth to each of us. They didn't get to see the pride in your eyes, or in ours. They didn't get to see my tears of joy.

Your third year brought a day I never thought I'd see. You started preschool! I cried that first time I put your tiny 20 pound body onto that HUGE bus! You were a signing maniac, and could say anything you wanted to say with signs. You started to read, and to run. You even started to eat and drink by mouth again. You were beautiful, with hair so long you could sit on it, and eyes that twinkled with mischief. You amazed everyone; teachers, doctors, but mostly us.

Your fourth year. You learned to feed the chickens and collect their eggs. You learned to drive your Barbie jeep all over the farm, and where the mother cats hid their new kittens. You taught your teachers to think outside the box that is Down syndrome, and that they didn't have to do things the same way they have for the past 10 years. You were different! Your diagnosis didn't mean the special ed. setting was the right one, so you went on to teach your regular ed. preschool teacher that "different" can be amazing!

Your fifth year brought Kindergarten and new friends. And even though it was bigger than you, you learned to carry your lunch tray. You stopped signing for the most part, and talked all the time! If only we could understand you. With a lot of changes in our family that year, you still continued to make great progress, more than anyone had ever hoped for.

Your 6th year brought 1st grade, reading, writing and math. You were the tiniest first grader ever! You loved going to school with your friends! Your speech took off and we were understanding you more and more. You were a shining star.

Your 7th year brought two moves, and it brought Dean. It also brought a long winter in the hospital, and missing all of 2nd grade. You loved your dogs, and your bedroom, or going anywhere with Dean. But mostly you loved music!

Your 8th and 9th year were unremarkable as far as medical issues were concerned. You continued to progress and flourish in school, which you loved!

Your 10th year brought us a scare we thought we'd never have to face, and set your motor skills back a bit. We were told you were a walking timb bomb, at risk of a massive stroke. That there would be no warning, that by the time we noticed anything it would be too late. Then we were told that was wrong, and then "Well, we just don't know." We were so confused! Whatever had happened caused you to loose the ability to run, and your walk became labored and you tired easily. Nobody seemed to know what to expect. But through it all were your shining eyes and smile! Still happy with every new person.

Your 11th year brought your Make A Wish trip, which brought some of us (You, me, Dean, and Tyler) to Give Kids the World in Florida. A magical time for all of us, and a time for us to celebrate the fact you were still with us. We made so many memories together on that trip! Even with all that, during that year you learned to swim, and amazed me with your tenacity.

Your 12th year brought horseback riding, pierced ears, braces and gold medals in Swimming. You started performing on stage, and we were so proud of you! Your comfort on the stage, in front of a crowd proved to those who didn't know you that even those who are "different" can be performers.

And here we are. You're 13 years old today. I can still smell the baby you. I can still feel your fuzzy hair. I can still feel the touch of your chubby little hands. Today I looked at the creases on your palms, and remembered my fascination with them when you were a baby. Those creases that told us the truth of your diagnosis. But I also remember how you proved everyone wrong. That Down syndrome wasn't the curse they wanted us to believe. Down syndrome was our blessing. I remember wanting to know what you would be like at 3, 6, 10...and 13. If only all new parents who've been told their baby has Down syndrome could see ahead. If only they could see everything would be o.k. That there is life after diagnosis. I wish that all parents could have a child just like you Angela...they would be so blessed.

Best eye exam ever!

Who can say that about an eye exam???

So, I've been waiting for my insurance to kick in so I could get several long-overdue things taken care of, one of them being an eye exam and getting new glasses. Mine were a couple years old and badly scratched. (stuffing them in my motorcycle hip purse will do that.)

Let me back up a bit. Three years ago I was evaluated for lasik eye surgery, and was told I was a "perfect candidate". Not only that, but if I hurried and got it done before I needed reading glasses, I could have mono-vision done. That's where they slightly over-correct just one eye, and leave the other one alone. Pretty much the same thing that's been done with Angela's eye glasses. Anyway, they said, "But, get it done quick because you're almost 40 and will need reading glasses soon, and then the surgery won't work."

Now I'm 42

People have been telling me, "I bet you'll need reading glasses this time." and to be honest, I've been obsessively testing my ability to read fine print. LOL

Well, I can't really afford the eye surgery, which is the only reason I haven't done it. But I'm tired of wearing glasses. I used to wear contacts 10 years ago, but with my astigmatism my corneas were too steep for the contacts to be very comfortable. However, contacts have changed a lot since then so I had decided I would get fitted for contacts at this appointment as well.

So to the eye doctor I go. I get to there, and wait for a full half our past my scheduled appointment time, because there is some guy ahead of me and I can hear him asking 5.,000 stupid questions. But hey, they're HIS eyes, and he wants everything right. Meanwhile I had an appointment AND I have a class starting in 45 minutes. I purposely scheduled this appointment so I had time to get to class right down the street.

Finally the woman doctor comes to get me. As she shakes my hand she says "Have you ever worn contacts?" "Ummm yeah, actually, thats one of the things I wanted to do today, was get fitted for them again."

"Don't waste your money!" She says. Then she starts talking a million miles a minute: "I'm not going to charge you for the fitting, because I kept you waiting so long, AND I'm going to give you two free pairs of contacts, one for astigmatism and one without because some people say the astigmatism ones aren't very comfortable. THEN, I want you to go get evalulated for lasik."

Ok...she hasn't even LOOKED in my eyes yet!

I tell her I was evaluated a couple years ago, but couldn't afford the $1500 for one eye.

"Oh...the cost has come down so much since then!" (finally she's looking in my eyes.)

"Uh huh...uh huh....yep....uh huh....Your vision hasn't changed AT ALL since your last visit! It is probably the most stable I've seen for a 42 year old."

So, I'm thinking she's getting kick backs from one of the lasik eye places. "Which place would you recommend going?"

"Oh, you can go to any of the big ones. They've all got pretty much the same equipment. LasikPlux...Vision Centers, they're all good. I have heard that Dr. Whiting is no longer with LasikPlus, you could try him too. I've heard he's the lowest in town. But really you can go to any of them."

This reminds me of another question to ask her, "What do you think of Latisse?" She gets all excited, "Oh! Look at my eyes! I've been using it for three months!" She looks me right in the eye and gives big blinks. Her lashes look fantastic! "So, do you want me to write you a script for that?"

She gives me a pair of contacts to try on. They feel great, (and will last a month to 6 weeks!) and she also gives me another pair to bring home. Then she hands me free solution and cleaner, etc, along with a prescription for Latisse.

I walked out of there wondering what in the world just happened. Seriously all of that was in a 15 minute visit. And... I DIDN'T PAY A SINGLE DIME! I'm loving my contacts, but i know I'd love lasik even more. Dean just paid for my major surgery 2 months ago, there's no way he's not going to pay for this one. But..hmmm....Ok I need to ramp up my other business!

So, that was my really great eye exam yesterday.

Got my...

Got my tools...

Got my rain coat...

Got my mud boots...

Gonna go build me an ark! That's what you do when it's rained for two solid weeks, right?

Question of the day

If you could have any superpower, which one and why?

Ok, I've thought about this one since it was posted 3 days ago, and I finally figured it out. I want to be "Paper thin woman"!

No, seriously, think about it. First of all there is the obvious benefit of being "Paper thin". What comes with being paper thin? Well, light as a feather, of course.

Now, think about this: How many times have your kids been in their rooms with the door shut, and it's VERY QUIET in there, and you reeeeaaaaly want to know what's going on in there but you don't want to disturb the peace? I mean, they could be playing a game on their own (gasp) or reading a book on their own (bigger gasp) or.....(biggest gasp of all) SLEEPING! Ahhhh but "Paper Thin Woman" could slip under the door unnoticed and find out exactly what's going on! However, if you are mom to teenage boys, slipping under a bedroom door unnoticed is not recommended! I'm just say'in......

Or, what about the staff lounge at your kids' school. Don't you sometimes want to know what they're saying about your kid? You'd have to be prepared to realize that not everyone thinks your kid is cute though. I don't think everyone at Angela's school thought it was "cute" when she was walking around calling everyone "Dumbass". WE thought it was kinda hilarious, though of course we didn't TELL her that!

I bet Paper Thin Woman could unlock doors, kinda like you do with a credit card. (does that even really work?) I'm thinking I must have been having dreams about unlocked doors, because it seems all I can think of for Paper Thin woman to do is get to the other side of closed/locked doors. LOL

What else could paper thin woman do? Well, she could fly anywhere, pretty much. Just fold her up and stick her in an envelope, and she and Flat Stanley could travel the world together.

So, join in here with me. If I were Paper Thin Woman, what are some other things I could do, that I can't now as "Not-so-paper-thin Woman"?

Oh *&%#

Today was review for my first anatomy test, which will be next week. Four words...

I am so screwed.

Answer of the day

Molly asked: "What's one thing you wish people knew about DS?"

This might sound a little obscure, but I wish that people knew that if a person has DS, their ability (or inability) to talk has nothing to do with their ability to understand and comprehend. I have one friend who's daughter hardly talks at all. At 14 years old, she only says what is really important to her, and does a lot of grunting and growling. And yet, she reads and comprehends above grade level, loves math, and is a fantastic bowler.

I actually know a lot of people with DS who are like this, and everyone sells them short. Remember the old saying, "Never assume ANYTHING!"

Angela talks A LOT! She talks incessantly. Often she's talking to people I can't even see (the Jury is out as to weather or not SHE sees them!) Driving in the car with her can be painful to your brain unless she's sick and falls asleep. And yet, for reasons unknown to us, she doesn't read very well. Actually her reading is regressing I think, partly because she HATES to read. We have yet to find something that interests her enough to read about it. (can you tell this frustrates me?) She hates to write too, though that is due to the damage to her fine motor skills done by a stroke. She will pretend write, the same way a typical child does around age 3 when they're just getting interested in writing. But Angela will use a computer and do some writing using a keyboard. It's still like pulling teeth to get her to do it though. Angela understands pretty much everything you say to her, and she will joke with you, and harass you. But don't expect her to read you a story!

ummmm...uhoh?

This morning I had to wake Angela up after 14 hours of sleep so we could go to bowling practice. She dragged herself out of bed, got dressed, a shower and ate breakfast. Other than seeming sleepy, she was fine. She then slept all the way to bowling (about a 15 minute drive.) Hmmmmmmmm

After bowling we went to swimming. She normally swims 60-90 minutes depending upon which of her friends are there. (if a good friend is there she'll swim longer because after doing laps they get time to horse around a bit.) Today she swam about 45 and was ready to get out of the pool.

We got home at 12:25, and she was asleep on the couch at 1:00. It's now 4:00 and SHE'S STILL SLEEPING!!!!!

I want to go feel her forehead, but I don't want to wake her up since the house is so peaceful. And yet...I worry. H1N1 is in full swing in our area. I just today found out a girl we know who has DS is in the children's hospital in critical condition, on a vent, in heart/lung failure due to complications from H1N1. This flu is a very scary one for those of us who have kids who are vulnerable to respiratory problems.

And so, Angela sleeps. I'd appreciate a prayer or two that whatever she's fighting off goes away quickly, and that it's NOT H1N1!

Film prize for actor with Downs

Very cool article in the BBC! A must read!

A Spanish actor with Down's syndrome has picked up the best actor award at the San Sebastian film festival.

Robert Pio Hajjar

Motivational speaker Robert Pio Hajjar tells it like it is. Oh, by the way, he has Down syndrome.

Q & A time

I have nothing clever or witty to say. No humor found in life this week. And, since I feel like I'm writing to myself, I'm having trouble writing. So, it's time for another Q & A. Last time only two people asked questions. Hopefully this time more people will come play with me, and I'll come up with something else to write about!

Volunteer Corn

I first met my friend Tamara almost 4 years ago. One of our puppies had come back to us, and Tamara's family, including her son Shawen, (who has Down syndrome and is the same age as Angela), was ready to add a family member to their home. They're from southern Illinois, and I'm in Minnesota, so we both made a road trip and met in Iowa. Since then, Tamara and I have gotten to be good internet friends, and it's been fun watching Shawen grow up through is mom's blog.

This morning Tamara writes about "Volunteer Corn". A message worthy of spreading!

Woman with DS swims Boston Harbor

I had the pleasure of meeting Karen Gaffney a couple years ago. A very neat young lady, and an exceptional athlete too!

Competitive Swimmer Karen Gaffney to Complete 8-Mile Swim Next Week; Media Invited to 'Ride Along'

BOSTON, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress:

WHO: Karen Gaffney, an accomplished swimmer/athlete and the first person with Down syndrome to complete a relay swim across the English Channel, completed a 9-mile swim across Lake Tahoe, and multiple competitions across San Francisco Bay.

WHAT: In a unique and never-been-done-before fashion, Ms. Gaffney will challenge herself to an 8-mile swim across Boston Harbor to raise awareness of Down syndrome and undoubtedly prove that the genetic diagnosis does not equate to a lack of abilities -- rather -- a show of amazing ability. Gaffney will follow the route of the 'Boston Light Swim,' a local tradition in the region since 1907. In addition, she will be an honored guest at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) Buddy Walk and Family Picnic being held the Sunday following her swim.

WHERE: Boats chartered for the media will launch at 8:30 a.m. from the Boston Harbor Yacht Club (1805 Columbia Road, South Boston) towards Little Brewster Island where Gaffney will start her swim. Boats will follow Gaffney throughout her swim past George's Island and Rainsford Island, under the Long Island Bridge, around Thompson's Island and completing at the L Street Bathhouse (Curley Community Center; M Street entrance, 1663 Columbia Road) in South Boston approximately 4-5 hours after start. Those interested in cheering on the swimmer can gather on the beach of the L Street Bathhouse around 1:30 p.m.

WHEN: Thursday, October 8, 2009; Boats must depart on time (due to tide/currents) and seating must be immediately reserved. Gaffney will also participate in the 13th Annual MDSC Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 11.

WHY: Gaffney is undertaking this effort to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month (October) -- so decreed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick last year -- and to prove that those with Down syndrome can accomplish their dreams. Now 31 years of age, Gaffney has successfully mastered a string of 'firsts,' completing 16 swims across San Francisco Bay - including the popular "Escape from Alcatraz" relay triathlon. In September 2007, she successfully navigated a nine-mile swim across Lake Tahoe and became the focus of a DVD documentary, Crossing Tahoe: A Swimmer's Dream. Gaffney opted to swim Boston this year to also raise funds for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and its support programs leveraged by thousands of families across the Commonwealth.

**To support Team Gaffney, visit http://mdsc.kintera.org/gaffney.

CONTACT: Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, 800-664-MDSC

SOURCE Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress

31 for 21

Here we are again. October. The smells of fall have finally arrived to Minnesota. The weather has gotten cooler, school is in full swing, and Angela can now legitimately talk about Halloween. (She started in June!)

October is also Down Syndrome Awareness Month. For the past 3 years, Tricia over at Unringing The Bell is heading up the 31 for 21 blog challenge. During this challenge, those of us who have an interest in the Down syndrome community commit to blogging every day during the month of October to raise awareness about DS.

In past years, I haven't always made my posts DS related. Why? Because my life is not ALL about DS. (though I'm sure sometimes it seems like it!) My life has many facets, the world of Down syndrome being just one of them. I don't know what I'm going to do this year, but I do know that I'm commited to the 31 for 21 challenge. If you'd like to join us, please visit Unringing the Bell for more details.

WOW

Ukraine's Got Talent....sand art depiction of the effects of WWII on Ukraine, and really all of the former Soviet Union. The songs the the story along with the art. Beautiful, emotional, extremely sad, and Amazing!

Repost: Power tools

I'm reposting this, because right now, sitting in my garage, is this very machine again!!! Seriously! Oh, and guess what? You can wash AREA RUGS With them! Yep! I couldn't believe it either. Bummer that they take days to dry though, because my attention span isn't really that long. Oh, and Dean got a new toy this weekend too, I'll tell you about it later.

.........................................

Insert Masculine Laugh Here

I'm talking about the laugh made by Tim Allan in "Home Improvement".

I have owned a handful of houses in my adult life. With home ownership comes power tools. But today I discovered a tool I'd never owned before. (still don't actually, as this one belongs to my brother in law.) It is a called a "Pressure Washer". Is it ever a ton of fun! I know lots of people use these every day, but this was a new thing for me! Warning, if you are prone to obsessive compulsive behavior, a pressure washer is NOT for you! Why? Because if you touch it, you will not be able to put it down. But I didn't know that today until AFTER I touched it.

So this thing has been sitting in our garage for a couple of months, waiting to go to said BIL's house. I had suggested to Dean that I might use it sometime to wash the floors in the 3 season porch (aka the puppy room) before our big party. Then today we were at Home Depot (I swear we're there every Saturday and Sunday morning!) and I was eying new cushions for the lawn furniture. I asked Dean "Do you suppose I could just take the old ones and spray 'em down with that pressure washer thingy?"

That was just the beginning.

When we got home, Dean pulled the thing out of the garage and showed me how to start it. He turned it on and started spraying off an old railroad tie at the base of our front deck, wiggling the wand back and forth, making marks all over in the wood. It only took me about 5 seconds to see that he was doing it all wrong of course. I took the wand from him, adjusted the spray, and proceeded to follow nice straight lines down the length of the board. As I did so, images of other similar objects came flashing into my head. Things that have been yucky looking for years that I could spray down and make new again.

The 20 year old railroad ties now all bright and shiny new looking, I headed for the back deck, lugging hoses and the thingy along with behind me. I removed all the deck furniture from the back deck, threw away all the junk flower pots and other junkie looking items that have collected back there, and turned on the machine. It is amazing to me how dirt collects over the years...on wood! Even green mossy/slimy stuff. I meticulously sprayed down each and every board, revealing brand new boards that had been hidden underneath the gunk. It occurred to me that this was MUCH more fun that stripping the wallpaper in my kitchen, a project that still sits nearly, but not quite, completed.

With a deck that now looked new, I accidentally aimed for one of the rocks on the retaining wall. WOW!!! When you spray ROCKS they turn all kinds of colors! I sprayed 10 or so of 'em before I realized the pressure was going to make the wall fall apart and that I'd better not do that anymore. Instead I grabbed those lawn chair cushions and started spraying those. They do look better, but they do not look good, and so I'll have to continue to work on Dean about getting new ones before the party. The furniture itself though, now THAT stuff looks great! And here I was thinking about throwing it all in a dumpster! I even sprayed the cement steps in back, making the cement look like it was just poured today. Interesting.

Next came the front deck. This area has been bugging me for quite some time. Somehow it is a collection spot for anything that gets emptied out of vehicles, or stuff from the yard that doesn't yet have home. Basically it is "flat surface disease" that has struck a very large, outdoor surface! It drives me nuts when people come over and on their way to the door they're walking past coolers, boots, a crappy looking grill, old empty planting pots and a throw rug that has been tossed out the door because a dog puked on it. So I grabbed the wheelbarrow and hauled away all the shed-worthy items and tossed the rest.

I sprayed down the cement step and discovered it looked better dirty. (oops) Under the dirt were splotches of paint, and bleached looking areas in the shape of paint cans. I sprayed down every board on the deck just like I'd done on the back, and just like the back it looks awesome! (it also needs to be re-stained. LOL) And about those rugs...the machine works great on those too, and they're now hanging to dry over the railing. I so wish I'd thought to take before and after pictures. It really is amazing. Later Dean and I were headed for some dinner, and I told him, "We need to get one of those machines!" He said there was no need to, since I'd now sprayed down every possible item. Little does he know what that thing could do inside the garage!

Psychologist & Patient

So, I have to write this paper. Not a "Paper" as in research and stuff like that, but a dialog between a psychologist and his patient about time management. Seriously? I get to play the psychologist? I wanna wear a cool suit coat while I do it, is that alright? Can I also imagine a couch for my patient to sit upon? Because in the movies, all psychologist have one of those funny chaise lounges, right? And, remember when they used to always show the patient getting hypnotized and stuff? Wait, maybe that was just in the movie "Sybl"? (oh, and doesn't the mention of THAT movie bring back horrible images????) Anyway, I put off writing this thing till the last possible minute. Bet it will make my instructor wonder if I was paying attention to our classroom discussion about "Time management skills".

I really wanted this dialog thingy to be a little bit funny. I mean, can you imagine being the instructor and having to read through all these things, when...(insert sound-byte of angels singing) she comes to my paper! So, I asked The Bloggess if she would like to be my patient and help me with the patient end of the dialog, since I'm pretty sure she might have had experience in that department. Unfortunately I don't think she was interested, and really my last few posts have shown absolutely no humor at all (not counting the one that links back to her blog!) so she'd have to dig a bit to find anything here that would make her think she'd want to write something with me. Besides, she's a paid blogger, and I'm "just a blogger", so...well....you know.

Anyway, I wrote the thing, and it is SO BORING! Like you can totally see some boring old stuffy psychologist in his dark office, with all heavy velvet curtains closed, and dark wood paneling on the walls, checking his watch every 30 seconds to see if, by some miracle, this boring woman is going to get out of his office already!!!! I am always good at finding the humor in any situation, and yet, I couldn't find it in this dialog. Oh wait, it's FAKE! I forgot that I made it UP! It is not REAL! When Angela starts talking about "I have a soccer tournament tonight!" I have to remind her, "Angela, you don't play soccer. What you're talking about is 'pretend', but right now we're talking about going to school, FOR REAL!" And then she's all like, "Mom, It IS REAL!" while tapping her head as if to say it's all up there in her brain, so it must be real.

But my psychologist and patient are NOT real. They are PRETEND, just like Angela's soccer tournament.

So my psychologist is supposed to help the patient come up with ways to solve some of her time management problems where balancing school, family life, and work are involved. Lets just say the husband in my make believe family was not doing ANYTHING around the house, and between work and school the wife was actually gone from the home more than he was, only they didn't realize it. So, since I have an emotionally stable fictional family, and the husband could win "Father of the Year" award for his willingness to help out of his wife would just ask, the psychologist in me was able to get everything all worked out!

I am DA BOMB of a psychologist!

A boobie kind of blog

Ok, if you are in need of some humor tonight (or..er..I guess it's technically morning now.) you MUST go read this blog! (by the way, thanks Tom for posting it!) But, don't stop there, cuz the CoMMENTS are just as hilarious as the blog post! Oh, but do NOT read out loud with kids around. Don't say I didn't warn ya! There are bad words, but just read past 'em, because it's still funny.

So, without further ado, for your reading pleasure: CLICK HERE

Email Problems

Hey! I am having server issues! Apparently emails that I've sent out aren't getting to the recipient. Instead they're lost somewhere in cyberspace!

Shelley, I've emailed you 2 or 3 times, and assume you haven't gotten then because I haven't heard back from you. Please tell Andrea I emailed her as well, and feel free to pass along my phone number.

Linda (Lund) I emailed a response to you.

Renee, I've emailed you a couple of times.

Ann, I've emailed you.

I have no idea how to fix this, but it's becoming a problem! I've emailed assignments to professors and they haven't received them. Lovely. NOT!

Homecoming

This past week was Homecoming week in our school district. Since Angela is now in 7th grade, and her middle school is attached to the high school, she's become much more aware of some of the social things that go on outside of the school day. Dean and I decided it was time to get a little more involved with them, show some school spirit, and go to the game.

Angela LOVES sporting events. She loves cheering on the home team, and she loves the energy. But mostly, she likes the food. LOL When we bought our tickets she was a little miffed that there were no hot dogs coming out of the ticket window and complained, "What? No food???" Of course, we had to walk past all the food to get to the bleachers. Poor kid. She is so deprived.

So Angela, Dean and I enjoyed the game, and the spirit that comes with school sporting events.

However, I have to admit I was distracted, and having a hard time.

While Angela and Dean were watching the game, I was watching all of Angela's classmates run around without their parents. The girls trying to figure out how to flirt with the boys. The boys totally oblivious. The giggling and whispering, and squeals if "There he is!" as one group went chasing after another. I loved their clothes, and their hair. Their tiny jeans, that I bet didn't need $30 worth of alterations for them to fit. Angela needs the zippers removed and replaced with velcro, and about 12-14 inches off the length.

All the while, Angela sat between us.

Several of her friends said hello, but nobody invited her to come hang out with them. The mother of one of her friends was sitting near us, along with a much younger sibling. Her friend came and got her little sister and brought her to the concession stand. A few minutes later they came back and the little sister was handed over to her mom, while the classmate took off with her friends again. Later, on the way home, Angela said, "Maybe next time S will take me to get a snack?"

Oh man....my heart ached with her.

Our district is HUGE, with 15 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 or 4 high schools. There were thousands of people at last night's game, and there's no way I would have been able to let Angela go on her own, but I know that in the company of friends she would have been fine.

So, after I had my pity-party cry, I decided Angela needs to start going to all the home games that she can. There aren't quite so many people at those, and I could start to give her a little more freedom. And, if we always sit in the same area, she'd learn very quickly how to find her way back. Once she's comfortable, (and I'm comfortable!) and her friends see her in a different environment other than school, maybe some more social stuff will start happening for her.

Ok, pity party OVER! Time to move on!

He Arose

This brought me to tears!

Thanks for sharing Renee!!!

Note to self

The next time I have a decent amount of time to blog, remind me to tell you about the tailor, free dinner, and behavior management. (3 different posts!)

2:20 a.m???

Why am I up??? Because an hour ago I finished my homework, and went to bed, only to lay there thinking about several VERY important things that MUST get done tomorrow, and freaking out that I would forget one of them! My heart started to race as I thought of all these things, and then kept remembering MORE!

Finally I got out of bed, made a list, and set it on the kitchen table. I put an exclamation point next to the couple of things that were most important. Then I realized every one of them needed an exclamation point. Then my heart started to race again.

And so, here I sit, because I can't wind down enough to get to sleep.

So, what are these important things that have to get done tomorrow?

Here's my list:

Pay the garbage bill, or they don't come on Friday.

Pay my health insurance premium or I don't have insurance for October.

Write a 500 word essay that's due tomorrow. (500 words is nothing, it's the topic that's a problem!)

Go online and fill out the rest of the financial aid forms before I get kicked out of school before I even take my first test.

Send a package for an order that came in yesterday.

Not on the list is "Take Angela to Sos", and "Step Class". (I have the feeling the step class is going to fall off my list, because I'll be too preoccupied to pay attention, and I'll end up tripping on my step and fall flat on my face!)

Oh yeah, and take a medical terminology test online. Oh, and be a mom to Angela. Oh, and be a wife, and think about what we're eating for dinner. Let the dogs in/out a few times.

Who's idea was it to go back to school, anyway???? One week. I have only been back in school one week. I'm not exhausted though. In fact, I've been quite energized! ALL the laundry is done, and the house is mostly clean. How can that be????? Those who know I have narcolepsy will laugh when I say, I'm hardly sleeping at all. Not because I don't want to, but because my brain just doesn't stop when I need it to. And yet, I'm afraid to take anything to help me sleep BECAUSE of past experiences. Before long it's all going to catch up to me, in a really bad way, I'm sure.

And now, I realize in the time it took my to write this post, I could have paid those two bills if I knew exactly where all the information was! LOL

Alright, enough. I'm going to try that sleeping game again.

I am struggling

It's just with one class, but it's one of my bigger classes. Of course, it's too late to drop the course! UGH!

It doesn't help that the supplemental disk, which holds all the review material, is lost somewhere in my house. I know exactly when/where I saw it last, and then, POOF! It's just gone! I have turned the house upside down, and if it's here, it's well hidden.

Of course, I can't move forward without that darn disk! So, if you could offer up a prayer that it turns up tonight, I'd appreciate it.

And yes, I know those who know me are laughing because this happens to me ALL THE TIME!

LOVE this woman!

You are beautiful

1/3

I am 1/3 of the way toward my fundraising goal for Bulgaria! A couple weeks ago I was able to raise $1,000 toward my goal of $3,000. I've added a new Chipin button on my right sidebar reflecting my new goal. THANK YOU to everyone who contributed!

Photo shoot

Two weeks ago Angela and her friend Tanya had a photo shoot. It was TONS of fun, and a great way to celebrate 13 years for Angela, and Tanya's "Sweet 16"!

Backseat Driver

Yesterday Angela and I went to run a couple of errands. Well, ok, she wasn't sitting in the back, she was in front next to me. Anyway, a car in front of us slowed down, causing Angela to blurt out, "C'mom yady! Where's your signal?"

While I was trying not to laugh, she then hollers, "Hey yady! It's the pedal on da right!"

I don't think Angela will ever be able to drive, road rage would be too big a risk!

I Wish I could Dance!

I would love to be able to do this. I've always had a secret fantasy of taking hip hop dance lessons. No, really! Anyway, watch this. Oh, and it's best viewed in full-screen mode.

For your viewing pleasure

What do you think?

Go read this article, and tell me what you think? I'm willing to place money on him texting while he was driving! What a sad day for that family, and a very hard lesson for that boy to live with the rest of his life.

There just isn't time

Ok, for all of my friends who, up until this point, have had more of a life than I have for the last 4 years, if I've given you a hard time about not blogging because you said you, "don't have time", I'M SORRY!!! I take back everything I've ever said!

I don't have time to blog either, which is why I'm going to copy/paste an email sent to a good friend of mine this morning. She wanted to know how I was, and where I went!

...............................................

Hi there! OMG....things are INSANE right now! If I have to keep up this pace for 2 years, I'm going to need to retire as soon as I'm done with school. Seriously, this is worse than a JOB! I don't even have time for fricking email! And I have a puppy page to put together yet. Oh...and it just so happens I have nobody applying for this puppy, which is why I need to get that damn page up! UGH!

School? Lets see. First I was required to take "Skills for Success", and I was supposed to start a class on Friday, but I found about 3 hrs prior so I skipped that one. I walzed through the weekend, mining my own business when the instructor sent out an email blast to everyone reminding them that x, y and z are due on Monday. And don't forget c! Part of this class is online, so I went to the online course to take a look and was BLOWN AWAY by what was due yesterday!!! I started at 8:00 Sunday night and didn't put it away until 2:00 Monday morning, then worked on it for 2 hours before school yesterday morning, and 3 more hours last night. I'm still not done. This is the level of homework for that class EVERY WEEK! Thankfully it's not a full semester class. I think it's only 8 weeks. Mostly this class is refresher English and Grammar, and so far all the quizes I've taken just proove that English is my first language, and no, I don't speak Ebonics. I also know which "there/their/they're" to use in sentence.

I started Anatomy yesterday. That's a 3 hr class every Monday. Out of the 22 people in the room, the professor is the only one who's birthdate is within 2 decades of mine. (He's probably about 45 or so.) so I'll be nice to him. He went over the syllubus, and about 50 times repeated how difficult that class is, and it weeds out the students who should NOT be in the programs they're headed for. And yet, I was able to answer a lot of his questions about medically related stuff when he was just messing with us trying to make us see how much we really don't know. That's a 15 week course.

I have "interpersonal relationships" which meets on Wednesday evenings for 2 hours. It's a BS class that you're forced to take no matter what program you're in. I really have no idea what it's about other than the name of the class.

I have an online course for Medical Terminology. I have to start it today or they'll drop me from the class. I just picked up the book yesterday. This class will help me greatly in the Anatomy class. A lot of the stuff I already know, but I'm sure there's plenty to learn.

So my schedule consists of either going to a class in person, doing an online class, doing homework for both of those, doing a load of laundry here and there, getting Angela ready for school, or ready for bed, running to St. Paul to pick up a load of those hospital pads, packing orders and getting them shipped, sweeping the floor, carrying the puppy around, THINKING about making dinner, and doing more homework. Yesterday I thought I was going to have a panic attack. We've decided to hire someone to clean once a week. I have Merry Maids coming on Saturday to give us an estimate. If it was just Dean and I here, it wouldn't be a big deal. But there is Angela to run all over the place for HER stuff, not to mention the supervision required, with all the little fires that need to be put out here and there.

The puppy is doing well. He's a big fat wood tick. His eyes opened yesterday, so now he's trying to walk everywhere. Poor puppy is lonely so I carry him around a lot. Once he's 4 weeks old he'll be going everywhere with me around the house. Once he's had his 6 weeks shots he'll be going EVERYWHERE with me, and I'll need to take lots of visits to dog school so he can be around the puppies in puppy class.

Today is my day "off". And what will I be doing? Running to pick up more orders, running a dog to the vet, doing homework, and running to school with Angela AFTER school because she's auditioning for the play and needs someone to be at school with her, and doing my online class.

I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to copy/paste this email into a blog post because I don't have time to write a blog!!!!!

I'm thinking I will loose weight and save money with this schedule. Loosing weight because I'm running ALL THE TIME, and save money because I don't have time to spend it. Who has time to shop for crap she doesn't need?

Getting nervous

I started one of my online courses over the weekend. I only got part way through the first lesson because I don't have the text book. So, I followed the link and ordered it online, only to find that it won't come for 7-10 business days. Have I mentioned there IS a time limit for this class??? I think tomorrow I'll stop in the the school bookstore and see if they have it. If they do, I'll ask if I can buy the book there, and when my ordered one comes, return it to them for a refund. Never hurts to ask!

Tomorrow I start Human Anatomy, which is a real-life class. Saying I'm not at all nervous would be a huge understatement! I said to Dean, "Who will I talk to? Everyone will be younger than me. Maybe I'll make friends with the instructors?" He then, very gently informed me that most of the instructors will probably be younger than me.

Thanks honey.

A Lesson on Tithing

As you know, I've been desperately trying to find a way to earn money for a trip to Bulgaria, to help my friend Shelley bring her kids home. (her husband is staying home with their other kids, so I'll be going along as an extra set of hands for 2 little boys! I'm beside myself with excitement, and gratitude for getting the honor of making this trip!)

Anyway, a couple weeks ago I stumbled upon a way to make some cash, and within a few days brought in several hundred dollars. And I know, with God's grace, it will continue until I have my goal met. If not with this, then with something else.

Yesterday I was driving to the local UPS store to ship off some of the items I'd sold, when God said to me, "I gave you this money, now it's up to you to tithe like you're supposed to be."

Do you ever have one of those discussions with God, where you understand what he's saying, but you're not sure how you're going to follow through with his direction?

"Ok God. That's all great, I'd love to tithe it, but as you well know, I'm not currently CONNECTED with a church, so where am I supposed to tithe it? And no, I'm not even going to GO THERE about the whole church thing right now, cuz I KNOW already!"

And he said to me, "You tithe it to someone who needs it NOW. They need it TODAY."

I sat quietly for a minute, and thought about that.

"Yeah, well I don't KNOW anyone who needs it NOW!" So as I continued to drive, I figured someone would pop into my head, only my head that is usually full of all kinds of nonsense was suddenly empty. Great.

"Ok God. When I get home, I'll go online and I bet you'll point out someone to me."

That's when something I'd read the night before came FLYING into my thoughts! I have a good friend who's in the process of an international adoption of a little girl with DS, and on her blog the day before she'd posted that their Dossier was sent in the mail and they should have a travel date very soon! One of the commenters asked a good question, something to the effect of "I see you still have $11,000 to raise. How will you travel if you don't get that money?"

Then God said to me, "That is who needs it TODAY. It may not seem like they need it NOW, but there are some parts of the story YOU don't know, but I know they need it TODAY!"

So, being the ever obedient person I am (no laughing Mom!) as soon as I got home I went onto her blog page, to find they're running a drawing for an item, with a goal of $3,000. I only have $60 to tithe, but it's $60 they didn't have. I sent my money off, and emailed my friend and told her do NOT put my name in for the drawing. Just add the funds to their adoption money.

No sooner had I clicked "submit" on the money, when an email came in from Paypal saying I had another order. And there was God's voice, "Don't forget to tithe!"

Well now what? UGH! I have to find ANOTHER person? I went surfing around online doing my usual online nonsense, when another good friend of mine posted something to her blog. I know this friend, like a lot of people, has been going through some pretty tough times financially. She mentioned they were trying to come up with the money for something. She wasn't asking for money, just making a general statement. She is a good friend, and I'd be thrilled to be able to help her out, even if it's only a few dollars. I called my friend going through the adoption...who is also a friend of this person's....and asked her if she thought this friend would accept the money. She thought she would. Then I told her my story. As soon as I told her why I was doing this, my email box announced to me that I had two more orders come in via Paypal!

Now I'm NOT doing this because I'm an exceptionally good person. And generally, if I'm going to do something like tithing, I don't thing posting about it on a blog is appropriate. And I know that some of you are laughing about ME posting a lesson on tithing! But I feel the need to share THIS story, here on my blog, because for some reason I feel like I should. So I am.

Who would have thought that Tithing would get me to Bulgaria?

From Zero to 100 at the speed of light

That's how I feel life has moved in the last 24 hours. Suddenly there has been a major shift in my life! OMG!

You may remember this post, where I was having a really bad day! The problem was, while my GPA from previous college courses was 3.0, I never took the ACT's. Instead, when I applied last spring, I was given the Accuplacer, which is a test to determine how college ready you are, basically. It takes the place of the ACT's. Well, I did great on the reading/writing portion, but the math? Yeah, not so much. I had to take the test twice in order to pass that portion. You need a 20.0 to get accepted into the program, and I had a 21.5, so I just barely made it. But, its a competitive program, so they take the better scores first. They take 20 into the program, and I'm number 50 on the list.

So, yesterday I called the school to find out if my name stays on the waiting list for next year, or if I have to start all over, or just what exactly IS the process anyway?

And they guy said, "Actually, if you take all your generals now, not only will have have them out of the way when it's time to start the program, but it will bring your numbers up so you can probably start the program in the spring semester."

Wow? Really? Ok, what "generals" do I have to take? Long story short, I've applied for financial aid, and on Monday start classes, with a 10 credit course load. I literally went from stay at home, spend too much time online mom, to full-time student! Have I said OMG yet?

I have Human Anatomy on Monday's during the day.

Interpersonal Relationships on Weds nights

Keys to Success on Friday afternoons AND some online stuff

Medical Terminology online.

It may not seem like much, but there is that stuff called HOMEWORK to do in there. Who is going to cook, and clean.....and do laundry?????? OMG! I'm starting to hyperventilate.

Maybe the justification for hiring a cleaning person just fell into my lap? ROFL

Today we remember

Backpacks

I wish I'd seen this before the school year started. Anyway, several years ago Angela had a clear backpack. It was the best backpack we ever owned! Last year I tried to find them online but had no such luck. The cool thing about clear backpacks is you can see EVERYTHING that's inside without having to dig around, including those little items lost at the bottom.

Well, my friend Teri posted about them a few weeks ago. And here they are! Clearbackpacks.com BACK! If your kid still needs a new backpack for school, I highly recommend these. Angela's lasted for three years, before one of the seams started to wear out. It was easily wiped off and looking new again with hardly any effort at all!

Here's a picture of Angela with her clear backpack. Ummm...I think this one is from 4 years ago? (first day of school and she was NOT happy with me standing at the bus stop with her. Can you tell?)

Thursday Thievery

I totally lifted this from my friend Kathy's blog! (at least I can admit to stealing!)

..............................................................................

"No matter what our kids and the new generation think about us,

To Those of Us Born 1930 - 1979
To all the kids who survived the 1930's,
1940's, 1950's, 1960's and 1970's!
WE ARE AWESOME !!
OUR LIFE IS LIVING PROOF !!!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank and/or took Dr. prescribed Speed while they were pregnant with us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints. As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had on baseball caps, not helmets. Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this. We ate Ding-dongs, Twinkies, white bread, real butter, 4% milk and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY. . . ? Because we were always outside playing. . . that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were OKAY. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Play stations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms. WE HAD FRIENDS!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We would get spankings with wooden spoons, switches, ping pong paddles, or just a bare hand and no one would call child services to report abuse. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them. Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all. If YOU are one of them, CONGRATULATIONS! You might want to share this post with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. While you're at it, have your own kids read this post so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?"

HA!

Click the picture to make it bigger!

1st time holding Adeen

Shame on you Abercrombie & Fitch!

It seems Abercrombie and Fitch got in a bit of trouble at their Mall of America store! I'm sorry the girl and her sister had to go through this, but I'm SO GLAD Abercrombie has been made to fix the problem, including awareness training for every employee in MN who has contact with the public!

You can read the full article here.

And, also, thanks to Elizabeth Maxon of Apple Valley for pursuing the issue and not just giving up! Just last weekend I had Angela in several stores, trying on pants. Never once did anyone question me when we both walked into the same dressing room (though I suppose they look at it differently when it's mother/daughter vs. two teenage girls.)

Anyway, Elizabeth gets my "Hero of the week" award.

1st day

Waiting for the bus on the 1st day of school

Bedazzle me

Angela is suddenly into shiny things! This might be because of the very cool jeans I bought her a couple days ago, that are now at the tailor getting 12 inches taken off the length, and getting rid of the but gap. LOL.

So, I'm looking for either a Bedazzler, or a Gemagic so we can do some fun stuff. But, I hate to spend the money on either of them if she's going to do it once then never want to touch it again. (Anyone need an Easybake Oven??????? What about an ice cream maker? Wooden train set?) I've looked on Craigslist, and found one, but it was already sold.

So, if you have one that your daughter no longer has any interest in, drop me a note!

Meet Adeen!

This is Adeen (pronounced "Ah deen"), which is Russian for "one". In this picture he's just 2 hours old.

Why this unusual name? Because he is the the single puppy born by c-section to our Zurri on September 2nd. And, since I'm supposed to be going to Bulgaria sometime next spring (??? Well, really I have no idea when.) Russian seemed like the right language to use. AND, it's a name I have yet to hear in one of my obedience classes! LOL

Raising a singleton puppy is more work than raising a litter of 8. All the things Adeen should be learning from his litter mates, I'll have to teach him instead. Things like how to handle frustration, meeting lots of people, bite inhibition, and everything in between.

Looks like the next 8 weeks are going to be VERY busy! LOL

A dog named Beau

probably one of my stranger posts

I'm wondering when my face became so lopsided?

Tonight I was taking new "after" pictures for my other blog, and noticed that right side of my mouth is droopy. And the crease on that side of my mouth is lower as well. Hmmm...maybe my head was just tipped?

And then I looked at my eyes, and umm HELLO! One is higher than the other. When did this happen? Have I always been this way and just now noticed it, or is this new? Did I have some type of neurological event that has caused one side of my mouth to droop?

I think I must have always been this way and just now noticed it, and perhaps age is making everything more apparent.

No more modeling for me! LOL