Wow. This summer has just been flying. I can not believe for the life of me that tomorrow is July 1st. That is just out of control. We've had jam packed weekends full of fun family stuff, or being busy around the house.
Dave has been busting his butt like you wouldn't believe. In the last few weeks, he sanded and re-stained the bay window sitting area. He of course put the shiny finish stuff on it too. Then put up a new front door, a new storm door to go with the front door, painted the door, put up new blinds for the front door, and yesterday he painted the nursery. In addition to what he has already painted, he will be painting our bedroom, the hallways and the dining room (I think) in the next couple of weeks.
Before painting the nursery, we had to clear that spare room out. Let me tell you, that was not an easy task! Before we could move the furniture OUT, he had to help his parents shuffle furniture around so they could accommodate our spare set. This was not an easy feat. This also required us to empty the drawers. Let me just tell you, I have a ZILLION clothes. I seriously don't know where they come from because I don't feel like I've bought that many clothes in the last few years. I'm constantly giving them to my nieces or the Salvation Army. Last year when I was pregnant, I gave an abundance to Tasha...But they multiply! Now, Dave and I are sharing a single bedroom set in our bedroom. Plus, I have a closet & drawers upstairs, and a closet in the basement. Poor Dave. Of course, these are all "skinny" clothes. You know the ones, the size 4's I might not be seeing for a while. UGH.
In addition to that we had a garage sale that we did pretty well at! But, that took a lot of time to set-up/tear down. However, I think it was WELL worth it! I'm hoping someone else we know (hint hint) has one...so we can put our stuff in with theirs. I did drop a lot off at the Salvation Army...just so it didn't make it's way back into my house. But, we still have a few items that are priced and ready to go.
We registered for the baby stuff. Ordered the baby bedding. My dad has brought over two of our four bedroom pieces. I've cleaned those up, although Lori has warned me, the best is still yet to come....THE CRUSTY CRIB. And by CRUSTY...it means I'll have to whip out a toothbrush and clean the spindles really well. The bedroom set is AWESOME. And once the room is done, I'll post some pictures.
So there you have it. Our boring YET busy life right now. I'm not thinking it's going to slow down anytime soon. We have this list that doesn't seem to end. We're enjoying it all though. OK, at least I am. Dave's doing all of the hard labor, I'm just a cheerleader :)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
George Carlin
I was so bummed to wake up this morning and find out that George Carlin had passed away. I saw him perform live in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand in 2001. He was SO freakin' funny. Definitely a bit outrageous, but absolutely hilarious. He was prepping for one of his HBO Comedy Shows, and he literally practiced his jokes on the audience. If he didn't think we laughed loud enough, or he didn't like the way it flowed, he would read the joke again, but change it up a bit.
A really funny and talented guy. A bit crude, but definitely funny.
When I was reading some of the stories online today, I found one that captured a comment he made about the Janet Jackson Super Bowl debacle a few years ago...
Just a funny guy pointing out some obvious things.
A really funny and talented guy. A bit crude, but definitely funny.
When I was reading some of the stories online today, I found one that captured a comment he made about the Janet Jackson Super Bowl debacle a few years ago...
Asked about Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, he told the Associated Press, "What are we, surprised?
"On that Super Bowl broadcast of Janet Jackson's, there was also a commercial about a 4-hour erection. A lot of people were saying about Janet Jackson, 'How do I explain to my kids? We're a little family, we watched it together ...' And, well, what did you say about the other thing?"
Just a funny guy pointing out some obvious things.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Book Review
Well, it's summer, and a lot of people find time to read in the summer...so I thought I would share a book suggestion.
A few weeks ago, I finished a book that is currently on our Book Club list. It wasn't the current book, but I thought I would read ahead. Any how, the book is called, "Pretty is What Changes" by Jessica Queller.
I have to be honest, I could not put this book down. It was fabulous. Interesting, educational, and thought provoking. An all around excellent discussion piece. I did not feel overwhelmed by medical jargon, and it never made me cry. It's a very touching book.
Here is a short description of the book:
A few weeks ago, I finished a book that is currently on our Book Club list. It wasn't the current book, but I thought I would read ahead. Any how, the book is called, "Pretty is What Changes" by Jessica Queller.
I have to be honest, I could not put this book down. It was fabulous. Interesting, educational, and thought provoking. An all around excellent discussion piece. I did not feel overwhelmed by medical jargon, and it never made me cry. It's a very touching book.
Here is a short description of the book:
TV writer Queller (The Gilmore Girls) was 31, single and healthy when her mother succumbed to ovarian cancer at the age of 58, having battled breast cancer six years earlier. Queller chronicles her mother's long and anguished struggle in vivid detail. After her mother's death, at the suggestion of an acquaintance, Queller opted to discover whether she carries the breast cancer gene; indeed, she tested positive for the BRCA-1 gene mutation, which gave her an 87% chance of breast cancer before age 50 and a 44% chance of ovarian cancer in her lifetime. With this knowledge in hand, Queller began the journey toward her pivotal choice: a prophylactic double mastectomy at age 35. Along the way she traveled between the West Coast and New York City, seeking medical opinions, information and unsuccessfully—but not for lack of trying—a man she can love who will father her children before she follows up with voluntary surgery to remove her ovaries. This Hollywood writer's story is seamless and gripping; readers will be rooting for Queller and her heroic decision to confront her genetic destiny. (Apr.)
I am a need to know person. At least I say that now. One will never know what they would do, or what they are capable of, until they are actually faced with those decisions.
I took a personal interest in this book for many reasons. I would love for every female family member, friend, and colleague I know to read this book. To gain some knowledge, share the information with another friend, and just be aware.
If you do read it, let me know. I'd love to have someone else I know read so I can chat about it with someone. Dave can only fain interest for so long :)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Busy
I haven't posted in a WHILE. I was in California for a week for work. That was fun, but the weather wasn't so fabulous.
Mostly, I've been working on some chores at home.
My biggest task has been to sort through the two GIANT buckets of pictures I have in my attic. The kind of bucket that over time has become so full of miscellaneous pictures. The first bucket was brought down on Tuesday by Dave. I spent a few hours Tuesday night starting to sort them into multiple shoe boxes (Family, Middle School, High School, College, Friends, Dave and I). That took me Tuesday & Thursday night. Today I sorted through family pictures. Separating the duplicates into piles for the Sherman's, Jolliffe's, my parents, and me. I have a lot of pictures. The sorting took almost three hours!!!!
Fortunately, since the era of digital pictures...I have less duplicates, and less pictures for that matter. All of my digitals are stored on discs. I give copies of the years pictures to our families for Christmas, and put a copy in our safety deposit box.
I'm not looking forward to sorting through the rest though. Even though they're already organized into boxes, it's tough to decide which pictures to keep and which to pitch. I guess it's easy when you don't remember the names of the people in the picture. This helped me immediately throw out a bunch from my College Business Fraternity. I guess that says how active I was.
Well, the goal is to thin my two BIG boxes into one. If I can accomplish that, that will be amazing. My life goal would be to just scan them all onto discs and throw the rest out. But first I need a scanner, and endless hours.
This weekend we also cleaned out the dressers in the spare bedroom that will soon become our nursery. This requires Dave and I to share a bedroom set in our main room, and then move "extra" clothes upstairs.
Do you have any idea how many clothes I have? I swear, I pack up bags for nieces and goodwill ALL THE TIME. I don't know where they came from. I can honestly say that over the last few years, indulging in shopping for new clothes is just not something I do anymore. Especially in the last year when I was pregnant, then not, then pregnant again. I haven't wanted to invest too much in new clothes, because of all the changes, and pending changes to my body. Make sense? I thought so.
So, that's what I've been up to. Dave and I have lists of stuff to do coming out of our ears. While it's fun stuff, and needs to get done, sometimes it can get kind of boring...and I wish I could snap my fingers and voila...done!
Have a great week! And maybe by my next post, I'll have finished my pictures! Or at least made a lot of progress....
Mostly, I've been working on some chores at home.
My biggest task has been to sort through the two GIANT buckets of pictures I have in my attic. The kind of bucket that over time has become so full of miscellaneous pictures. The first bucket was brought down on Tuesday by Dave. I spent a few hours Tuesday night starting to sort them into multiple shoe boxes (Family, Middle School, High School, College, Friends, Dave and I). That took me Tuesday & Thursday night. Today I sorted through family pictures. Separating the duplicates into piles for the Sherman's, Jolliffe's, my parents, and me. I have a lot of pictures. The sorting took almost three hours!!!!
Fortunately, since the era of digital pictures...I have less duplicates, and less pictures for that matter. All of my digitals are stored on discs. I give copies of the years pictures to our families for Christmas, and put a copy in our safety deposit box.
I'm not looking forward to sorting through the rest though. Even though they're already organized into boxes, it's tough to decide which pictures to keep and which to pitch. I guess it's easy when you don't remember the names of the people in the picture. This helped me immediately throw out a bunch from my College Business Fraternity. I guess that says how active I was.
Well, the goal is to thin my two BIG boxes into one. If I can accomplish that, that will be amazing. My life goal would be to just scan them all onto discs and throw the rest out. But first I need a scanner, and endless hours.
This weekend we also cleaned out the dressers in the spare bedroom that will soon become our nursery. This requires Dave and I to share a bedroom set in our main room, and then move "extra" clothes upstairs.
Do you have any idea how many clothes I have? I swear, I pack up bags for nieces and goodwill ALL THE TIME. I don't know where they came from. I can honestly say that over the last few years, indulging in shopping for new clothes is just not something I do anymore. Especially in the last year when I was pregnant, then not, then pregnant again. I haven't wanted to invest too much in new clothes, because of all the changes, and pending changes to my body. Make sense? I thought so.
So, that's what I've been up to. Dave and I have lists of stuff to do coming out of our ears. While it's fun stuff, and needs to get done, sometimes it can get kind of boring...and I wish I could snap my fingers and voila...done!
Have a great week! And maybe by my next post, I'll have finished my pictures! Or at least made a lot of progress....
Saturday, May 3, 2008
More Music
In 2003, Dave went to L.A for a Cisco Conference. While there, they attended a show performed by a co-workers friends daughter (Did you get that?). Her name is Marie Digby. A few weekends ago, Dave and I were coming home from running an errand, and he heard her on the radio. Almost five years later, this girl is getting some much deserved air time.
Her voice is gorgeous! And so is she. Too cute for her own good. Anyhow, she posts a lot of her music on YouTube, and recently was added to iTunes.
Take a listen, you'll be really impressed!Here's some of the songs she has covered, but if you look her up on YouTube, you'll see she has a bunch of originals too.
Rihanna - Umbrella (Acoustic)
Britney Spears - Gimme More (Marie Digby Acoustic)
Marie Digby - Stupid For You (Original Song)
Her voice is gorgeous! And so is she. Too cute for her own good. Anyhow, she posts a lot of her music on YouTube, and recently was added to iTunes.
Take a listen, you'll be really impressed!Here's some of the songs she has covered, but if you look her up on YouTube, you'll see she has a bunch of originals too.
Rihanna - Umbrella (Acoustic)
Britney Spears - Gimme More (Marie Digby Acoustic)
Marie Digby - Stupid For You (Original Song)
Monday, April 28, 2008
Song.
I bounced over to my friend Karen's blog tonight, and she had the link to a video that I think I've put on here before...maybe.
This song and video will knock the wind out of you and probably bring you to tears. But it is absolutely gorgeous. Maybe because this week is tough. Maybe because I'm starting to get nervous for our ultrasound on Thursday. Whatever it is, this song just took my breath away tonight.
This song and video will knock the wind out of you and probably bring you to tears. But it is absolutely gorgeous. Maybe because this week is tough. Maybe because I'm starting to get nervous for our ultrasound on Thursday. Whatever it is, this song just took my breath away tonight.
The song is called "I would die for that" by Kellie Coffey.
Here is a link to Kellie Coffey's story
Karen is a private person, but she shared in her post related to this video about some of their fertility struggles. All I can say is that life is not fair. Please keep her in your thoughts. I know that extra prayers never hurt anyone. Karen's original due date was July 17, 2007. That is the same day that Angela was born. An unfortunate, but special tie in our friendship.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
More OI Info
Lori called tonight to tell me about an article that she saw on her CNN local section, that happened to be on Cleveland.com. The article was about a family from Bay Village (where I'm from) that battled OI. Unfortunately, they have a genetic history.
Here is the link: http://blog.cleveland.com/health/2008/04/family_adjusts_to_life_with_ra.html
I just can't believe how much OI has been on my mind lately, and then to be made aware of all of this new information/articles is crazy.
He has a blog (he needs to update) and a foundation called "Special Bones Foundation". I've added both links to my blog and website favorites. I let him know that I would be interested in helping him with any events he helps put together. Something close to home that I can actually contribute to. The oif.org site has events too, but they're never local.
Read his story, it's very interesting, unfortunate, but insightful.
Who knew my blog could be so educational!?
Here is the link: http://blog.cleveland.com/health/2008/04/family_adjusts_to_life_with_ra.html
I just can't believe how much OI has been on my mind lately, and then to be made aware of all of this new information/articles is crazy.
He has a blog (he needs to update) and a foundation called "Special Bones Foundation". I've added both links to my blog and website favorites. I let him know that I would be interested in helping him with any events he helps put together. Something close to home that I can actually contribute to. The oif.org site has events too, but they're never local.
Read his story, it's very interesting, unfortunate, but insightful.
Who knew my blog could be so educational!?
Monday, April 14, 2008
I Learned Something New Today
I regularly receive emails from the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (http://www.oif.org/). I opened todays email, and clicked through to see the new updated site they mentioned. Within the new site were some stories written by people with OI.
In one of the stories (http://tinyurl.com/4mzz8q), I learned that the man who helped draft and push through the Americans with Disabilities Act had OI. His name was Paul Hearne. I did a quick web search and found this article--> http://tinyurl.com/3mhxly
I did not know that.
In one of the stories (http://tinyurl.com/4mzz8q), I learned that the man who helped draft and push through the Americans with Disabilities Act had OI. His name was Paul Hearne. I did a quick web search and found this article--> http://tinyurl.com/3mhxly
I did not know that.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Laugh out Loud Funny
OMG. I was reading one of the boards I frequent. The poster requested something funny to cheer her up because she was having a bad day. In natural fashion, the girls came through and posted some pretty funny stuff.
Here is a link to a really funny newsman acting like a goof.
Enjoy!
http://tinyurl.com/4ahzgv
Here is a link to a really funny newsman acting like a goof.
Enjoy!
http://tinyurl.com/4ahzgv
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Well. The Cats out of the Bag.
We are very excited and cautiously optimistic, to share the news that we are pregnant with our second blessing. We are having a boy, Daniel David, and he is due September 29th.
I started a blog for him before we knew he was a him.
I haven't been as diligent about adding some posts lately, but the most recent post shares the best news we have received in a long time.
http://oursecondblessing.blogspot.com/
We still have a long way to go before he arrives. We are very excited, but nervous too. Being pregnant again has been and will continue to be wonderful. But there are a lot of reminders that come with it. Feelings about what we have had and lost. So while we are so in love, we are not screaming from the rooftops. We won't go out and purchase anything for a while. The thought of making returns again, or having someone else make them for us, is enough to make me sick.
Right now, all we can ask is for people to keep us in their prayers for a healthy pregnancy.
I started a blog for him before we knew he was a him.
I haven't been as diligent about adding some posts lately, but the most recent post shares the best news we have received in a long time.
http://oursecondblessing.blogspot.com/
We still have a long way to go before he arrives. We are very excited, but nervous too. Being pregnant again has been and will continue to be wonderful. But there are a lot of reminders that come with it. Feelings about what we have had and lost. So while we are so in love, we are not screaming from the rooftops. We won't go out and purchase anything for a while. The thought of making returns again, or having someone else make them for us, is enough to make me sick.
Right now, all we can ask is for people to keep us in their prayers for a healthy pregnancy.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Celebrating 30-Years Today!
I love birthday's. Especially the milestones. Two years ago, it was my "Golden Birthday" when I turned 28 on March 28th. That was a milestone. This year, I am 30.
It's a little discouraging how many people are downers about birthdays. I mean really. If I wasn't having a birthday, it would mean I was dead, right? I'll take having a birthday, thank you very much.
The comments about birthday's just crack me up.
30 is a welcome change from 29. Some people like to joke that they are 29 forever. That would be my worst nightmare. 29 was not an easy year for me. And while there were lots of wonderful memories, some of the tough ones sting. I won't need to be reminded of my 29th year. It will be with me forever.
So please, when someone reaches a milestone birthday that isn't 13, 16, 18, or 21...don't be a downer. No one wants to hear that. Birthdays should be celebrated.
It's the time between the dash, right?
It's a little discouraging how many people are downers about birthdays. I mean really. If I wasn't having a birthday, it would mean I was dead, right? I'll take having a birthday, thank you very much.
The comments about birthday's just crack me up.
- It's all downhill after 30.
- Everything slows down, especially your metabolism
- Your body starts to ache, you start to feel the pains.
- A few others I received were...Come talk to me when you're 40 and we'll see how excited you are about birthdays then
Jeez Louise People.... It's a birthday, not a death march.
Turning 30 is great. I mean 30! I've done a lot of great things in 30-years. I hope that when I'm celebrating my 60th birthday, I'm amazed by all the more achievements and challenges that have kept me going. But I don't want to age myself too soon. I want to enjoy the years a head.30 is a welcome change from 29. Some people like to joke that they are 29 forever. That would be my worst nightmare. 29 was not an easy year for me. And while there were lots of wonderful memories, some of the tough ones sting. I won't need to be reminded of my 29th year. It will be with me forever.
So please, when someone reaches a milestone birthday that isn't 13, 16, 18, or 21...don't be a downer. No one wants to hear that. Birthdays should be celebrated.
It's the time between the dash, right?
eBay Story
So, I've been meaning to post about a crazy eBay story that happened to Dave and I a few weeks ago. We were selling our PlayStation 2 so that Dave can buy a Nintendo Wii. Yeah, because that's what we need. Anyhow, back to my story.
We've been buying/selling stuff on eBay since 2002. So we're pretty familiar with the process.
I woke up early on Saturday the 15th to get ready for a wedding shower. I went and checked eBay and saw that someone had bought the PlayStation. This was great. The guy who bought it emailed my Yahoo account. Here's his email.
Hi Seller,
Am glad to get back to you in regards to the payment for the eBay item. I am so happy to be the winning bidder of this item. Well i bought this item as a gift for my son who is currently studying foreign language in west Africa and i am so sorry for not getting you aware before. I have sent the payment via PayPal and i have received the confirmation that you have been sent the confirmation of the payment. Moreover, i included the shipping cost of the item to the payment, so just get me informed immediately the item is shipped first thing in the morning and make sure the item is shipped via USPS Global Express Mail EMS. My son's address is:
Name: O.F.Martins
Address: Transformer Road Oluyole Estate
City: IbadanState: Oyo State
Country: NigeriaPost Code: 23402P
hone #: +2348063014998
Thats the shipping address and i want you to get back to me as soon as you ship out the item and thanks for the concept of the business...
I was a little surprised by the email because he was SO BOSSY...and he was telling me to ship the PlayStation to Nigeria! NIGERIA!! Hello, the eBay listing said we would only ship in the United States!! So I printed the email so I could read it to Dave who was in bed sick. Before I logged off the computer though, I looked at my Yahoo account, and there was a PayPal email indicating that the eBay buyer had paid an extra $100 to account for the shipping to Nigeria.
So I went and told Dave. He was not happy about the whole thing and used a few superlatives to express his irritation. I just said, whatever, the guy paid an extra $100. If it costs more then that, I'm not going to ship it. Dave was fine with that.
So, after we packed up the PlayStation and printed out an address label, Dave was getting ready to bring it to the car. I ran back in the house for one more thing....and said "You know what, I'm going to login to my PayPal account and verify that the payment came through because of this whole Nigeria business". I logged into PayPal, and sure as shit, the money wasn't there. Wasn't pending, wasn't nothing! No where to be seen was this almost $200 dollars. So, I printed the PayPal email to read it in more detail. That's when I noticed it didn't look right.
Here is an excerpt from the email that was in fine print at the very bottom:
NOTE: This PayPal® payment has been deducted from the buyer's account and has been " APPROVED" but will not be credited to your account until the shipment reference/tracking number is sent to us for shipment verification so as to secure both inequalities (Buyer & Seller) from online fraudulent activities.
Below are the necessary information requested before your account will be credited.You will have to email us the tracking number to the PayPal Customer Care at: paypal@accountsverification.net .
As soon as we receive the shipment tracking number from you, you will receive a " CONFIRMATION EMAIL" concerning the accreditation of the funds into your PayPal Account and we shall get the funds credited into your PayPal Account within 24 hours.
I also noticed that the email was sent from:
"service@paypal.com" paypal@accountsverification.net
I called PayPal and they said it was a scam.
1. They never require a tracking number for shipment to be given before payment is received
2.The email came from a non-PayPal website (accountsverification.net)
3.A legitimate PayPal email would be addressed to me, by my full name, NOT my email address.
We almost shipped our PlayStation to Nigeria at the cost of $100+ in shipping!!!
Can you believe that? Nuts. Dave called eBay to tell them, and they told him that the eBay user name that was being used, has had this problem. Someone has hijacked a "good" eBayers account using a third party software and is doing all of these scams. So, if you ever sell something to an "Eric Diehl" or "ericdieheric" then watch your wallet!
Lesson learned for us. Fortunately, we didn't ship anything, or lose any money. Take it as a lesson learned. Make sure your emails from PayPal are really from PayPal.com. Otherwise, if you click on one of the links in the fraud email, you may expose your personal banking information. Lucky for us we didn't click on any of the links.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
What a LONG WEEK
Last week seemed endless. I mostly attribute it to the weather and politics. Between the ice storm and the primaries, I was ready for the weekend on Tuesday.
I want to provide an update on Sam. His surgery was Friday. The botox injection went great, but the the second surgeon in the room decided to do a balloon dialation because the pyloric muscle was so thick (from being enflamed, etc). The ballood dialation caused a lot of problems, especially a perforation in Sam's intestine. What was supposed to be a simple laproscopic surgery, became a massive surgery. Sam will be at Rainbows for 7-10days. I talked to Gretchen today, and the poor girl is frustrated. Right now while the intestine heals, Sam can't eat, he can only have sugar water. So he is hungry! Dawn and I are going to visit them on Tuesday and spend the morning with her. The good thing is, Sam *should* heal and be a healthy little boy after all of this. What's frustrating is that if it had been properly diagnosed by the last pediatrician, all of this would have been resolved a month or so ago with a simple surgery. Let's just say, I took that ladies name down, and when the time comes for Dave and I, she will NOT be on our pediatrician list!!!
On a positive note, people never cease to amaze me. The Book Club came through and made some great contributions to bring to Gretchen and Nick. Gift Certificates for restaraunts, magazines, wine, books, and more.
Other good news this week was that a good friend of mine found a new job right around the corner from me! I'm looking forward to catching up more often over lunch.
This weekend was low key thanks to the weather. Between watching movies, DVR'd shows and sleeping late...all I accomplished was a little bit of vaccuming and cleaning some toilets. Oh, and I made it to Giant Eagle too. Dave must have snow-blowed the driveway 8-times this weekend! Poor guy.
Hopefully next week will be faster and full of better news.
Please keep Gretchen, Nick and Sam in your prayers. They need the extra strength.
I want to provide an update on Sam. His surgery was Friday. The botox injection went great, but the the second surgeon in the room decided to do a balloon dialation because the pyloric muscle was so thick (from being enflamed, etc). The ballood dialation caused a lot of problems, especially a perforation in Sam's intestine. What was supposed to be a simple laproscopic surgery, became a massive surgery. Sam will be at Rainbows for 7-10days. I talked to Gretchen today, and the poor girl is frustrated. Right now while the intestine heals, Sam can't eat, he can only have sugar water. So he is hungry! Dawn and I are going to visit them on Tuesday and spend the morning with her. The good thing is, Sam *should* heal and be a healthy little boy after all of this. What's frustrating is that if it had been properly diagnosed by the last pediatrician, all of this would have been resolved a month or so ago with a simple surgery. Let's just say, I took that ladies name down, and when the time comes for Dave and I, she will NOT be on our pediatrician list!!!
On a positive note, people never cease to amaze me. The Book Club came through and made some great contributions to bring to Gretchen and Nick. Gift Certificates for restaraunts, magazines, wine, books, and more.
Other good news this week was that a good friend of mine found a new job right around the corner from me! I'm looking forward to catching up more often over lunch.
This weekend was low key thanks to the weather. Between watching movies, DVR'd shows and sleeping late...all I accomplished was a little bit of vaccuming and cleaning some toilets. Oh, and I made it to Giant Eagle too. Dave must have snow-blowed the driveway 8-times this weekend! Poor guy.
Hopefully next week will be faster and full of better news.
Please keep Gretchen, Nick and Sam in your prayers. They need the extra strength.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Say a Prayer for Sam
Our friends, Gretchen and Nick, had a little boy in November. Sam has had trouble out the gate with eating, acid reflux, and food allergies. There's a whole series of medical words that are related to what is causing this, I just don't know them all. Sam is so uncomfortable, that he can't eat or sleep, and he screams almost all day long. To quote Gretchen, "he writhes in pain".
Needless to say, Sam *might* be having surgery this week at Rainbows Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland. This is a huge decision that they will make as parents, as the surgery has never been done on an infant before. This surgery is highly recommended. They are in the right hands. They live in the right city. They've taken him to every specialist under the sun, and this seems to be the best recommendation. Sam needs to be able to eat, and sleep so he can flourish.
So I ask all of you to please say a prayer for Sam, Gretchen and Nick. They need the extra strength to get through this trying situation. No little 3 1/2 month old baby should have to endure such discomfort.
With Love,
Susie
Needless to say, Sam *might* be having surgery this week at Rainbows Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland. This is a huge decision that they will make as parents, as the surgery has never been done on an infant before. This surgery is highly recommended. They are in the right hands. They live in the right city. They've taken him to every specialist under the sun, and this seems to be the best recommendation. Sam needs to be able to eat, and sleep so he can flourish.
So I ask all of you to please say a prayer for Sam, Gretchen and Nick. They need the extra strength to get through this trying situation. No little 3 1/2 month old baby should have to endure such discomfort.
With Love,
Susie
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Dreams & Rodeos....
I keep thinking of what to blog about, and I got nothing.
Maybe I could talk about the CRAZY dreams I've had lately. Seriously, I wake up everday and tell Dave, "Oh my God, I had the craziest dreams!" and he's like "really, that's getting old". Dreams are never fun to try and explain to someone. They always lose the thrill and make you sound like a lunatic when you say them out loud.
Last year my coworker Sarah took Chantix, a drug to quit smoking, and OMG, she had the craziest dreams! Everyday she would come in and tell us one crazy dream after another, and Tony and I would just laugh at the nuttiness of them. Needless to say, she stopped taking Chantix, and the dreams subsided.
What else...
We took my nephews Jack and Francis to the Rodeo last weekend, and had a blast. It's crazy, the rodeo. Do you know what they do to horses and bulls to make them buck? The tie a rope around their "junk" you know, their bits and pieces, privates, goods, etc...And then, if a rider has made it past the coveted 8-seconds, two cowboys ride up next to the bucking horse. One cowboy is so that the rider can grab him and pull himself off the bucking horse, and the second cowboy loosens the strap around their junk, and the horse immediately calms down. It's really nutty (ha-ha...no pun intended!).
Here are a few pictures!
Maybe I could talk about the CRAZY dreams I've had lately. Seriously, I wake up everday and tell Dave, "Oh my God, I had the craziest dreams!" and he's like "really, that's getting old". Dreams are never fun to try and explain to someone. They always lose the thrill and make you sound like a lunatic when you say them out loud.
Last year my coworker Sarah took Chantix, a drug to quit smoking, and OMG, she had the craziest dreams! Everyday she would come in and tell us one crazy dream after another, and Tony and I would just laugh at the nuttiness of them. Needless to say, she stopped taking Chantix, and the dreams subsided.
What else...
We took my nephews Jack and Francis to the Rodeo last weekend, and had a blast. It's crazy, the rodeo. Do you know what they do to horses and bulls to make them buck? The tie a rope around their "junk" you know, their bits and pieces, privates, goods, etc...And then, if a rider has made it past the coveted 8-seconds, two cowboys ride up next to the bucking horse. One cowboy is so that the rider can grab him and pull himself off the bucking horse, and the second cowboy loosens the strap around their junk, and the horse immediately calms down. It's really nutty (ha-ha...no pun intended!).
Here are a few pictures!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
San Francisco Fire Drills
Wow, it's been almost two weeks since my last post. A lot has happened. Nothing too exciting...but I've been busy.
After recovering from "Sinus Infection 2008", I went to San Francisco for work. I left last Sunday, the 17th and came back on Thursday the 21st. All in all, it was just an OK trip. Don't get me wrong, it was nice to be sent across the country for training...but I'll share the frustrations that came with it.
After recovering from "Sinus Infection 2008", I went to San Francisco for work. I left last Sunday, the 17th and came back on Thursday the 21st. All in all, it was just an OK trip. Don't get me wrong, it was nice to be sent across the country for training...but I'll share the frustrations that came with it.
- The weather SUCKED! Don't get me wrong, I know it was freezing in Cleveland and that normally wet and windy sounds good...but not when you don't have a rental car and you have to walk almost everywhere. It was in the 40's! So much for California sunshine.
- I ended up buying a much used umbrella and a pair of gloves from Walgreen's. The pink gloves went into the trash after they turned my hands BLUE!!! I was terrified it was lead or something since we were so close to China town...but it was probably just an allergy to the dye.
- During the four nights we were there, the fire alarm went off THREE nights! Of those three alarms, we were evacuated from the building twice! This was frustrating as the alarms went of at 12am, 1am and 4am respectively. Nothing like being woken up to the worst noise in the world. After a while, it was just annoying. To the point that on the third night, I took my time getting ready, as I had already laid out my "fire alarm clothes". The most frustrating part was seeing the upset parents carrying their young children in PJ's who were very scared. And seeing the older couples wake their friends next door. That was really upsetting. Remember, it was cold, and people were out there without coats, shoes or socks.
- I was sent to a training class for an application I didn't have experience using, or with any clue what my role in that project would be. I made the most of it, but 8-hours a day of sitting behind a computer screen that had NO OUTSIDE INTERNET ACCESS was enough to make me crazy.
- And I missed Dave. It's a novel idea to think that I'll have a giant king bed to myself...but I missed his company and hogging the blankets just to annoy him. And I know he would have done some more fun things with me...like walk across the Golden Gate Bridge :) You can do this. It only takes an hour round trip! How cool is that?
But it wasn't all a wash. We did get to do a few fun things. We were staying right near Fisherman's Wharf. So we walked there everyday.
- We rode a trolley car.
- Walked down Lombard Street (curviest street in the world)
- Went into the Sir Francis Drake Hotel
- Walked around Union Square (shopping)
- Saw the seals at the Wharf
- And made a visit to Ghiradelli Square (yum! they give free samples)
I don't have much luck traveling via airplane. I always get stuck with...
- The person who should have two seats (and I'm not trying to be mean)
- The sniffler...blow your damn nose already!
- The throat clearer (This was on my 5.5 hour flight to San Francisco)
- The bad movies
- The bad movie screen view..you know, the one right above our head.
- The middle seat...ALWAYS!!!
- The person who crinkles their bagel bag in your ear when you're trying to sleep!
- The people who are rowdy and play cards the whole flight to Vegas and don't shut up once in 4-hours. They are so loud you can hear them over the in-flight movie!
- The drunk guy who smells like a bar and chats the whole flight home from Vegas.
Note to reader...don't sit with me on a flight...it's not going to be pretty!
I'm going to try and post some pictures of San Francisco. It is a really pretty place when the sky is blue.
Here is a link to my pictures...I'm working on adding the slideshow to my blog, but it's not working.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
"You are such a baby!"
That is what Dave has told me multiple times over the past few days. I guess I have complained a bit about not feeling well. I am doing much better today. I finally went back to work...and just have a lingering headache. When you blow your nose 24/7 for four days, your head tends to hurt. No amount of drugs has helped with the head pain either.
That was a doozy. I think in a few days I'll be over it completely. Thank God my trip to San Francisco is this weekend and not last weekend. I'm not sure I could have survived a five hour flight, plus three days of training. My head hurts just thinking about it!
I did manage to suck it up and take my nieces shopping Friday night. We have a bit of a tradition, although this year it was really late! Instead of buying them Christmas gifts, we do something fun together. This year, the three younger girls wanted to do Build-A-Bear and the twin "tweens" wanted to shop for clothes. So Friday night we went to Southpark Mall in Strongsville. Here is a picture of us after our shopping and dinner at "Johnny Rockets".
(LtoR: Emily 2, Susie, Janie 5 at the end of the month, Leah 7, Natalie 12, Sarah 12)
That was a doozy. I think in a few days I'll be over it completely. Thank God my trip to San Francisco is this weekend and not last weekend. I'm not sure I could have survived a five hour flight, plus three days of training. My head hurts just thinking about it!
I did manage to suck it up and take my nieces shopping Friday night. We have a bit of a tradition, although this year it was really late! Instead of buying them Christmas gifts, we do something fun together. This year, the three younger girls wanted to do Build-A-Bear and the twin "tweens" wanted to shop for clothes. So Friday night we went to Southpark Mall in Strongsville. Here is a picture of us after our shopping and dinner at "Johnny Rockets".
(LtoR: Emily 2, Susie, Janie 5 at the end of the month, Leah 7, Natalie 12, Sarah 12)
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Miserable Sick Person
So, I kind of have felt a bit under the weather. I went to the gym Monday, but then on Tuesday, I just didn't feel good, so I went home. It all started with a burning in my chest and the start of a runny nose. So Tuesday and Wednesday night, I went to bed early. On Thursday, I was blowing my nose more...and I think that is so annoying to do at work. So, I made an appointment with health services for Friday. I requested Friday off since I felt like dirt.
The plan was to sleep in. But it's hard to sleep when you can't breath. My ears ached and my throat was sore....so I went to the appointment. SINUS INFECTION. I've had these before, and I was surprised that this was one. It didn't feel that way at first. She looked at my throat. RAW from the drainage (sexy, I know). Negative Strep Test, good. Negative Ear Infection, good. The ear pain was caused by the sinus pressure. For the last two nights, I've slept with an outdoor winter headband. My ears are so clear, even the regular air hurts them.
So, I got the Z-pack. Let's hope it works fast. I thought I was going to die this morning. I look pathetic. The only thing I think will make me feel better, is if I break my nose on the right side. Or scoop my right eyeball out. The problem is obviously on the right side.
I haven't been sick in almost 18-months. I mean really good and sick. When I first started taking vitamins in preparation for a baby Shafer, the colds and sinus infections stopped. This was a pefect "I told you so" for David. When we found out we were pregnant with Angela, I had to go off all of my allergy medicine, and that was the worst withdrawal experience I've ever had. (I'm allergic to my dog). I never went back on it again when I was no longer pregnant, because I didn't want to ever go through that pain again. And I was fine. My body adjusted when I was pregnant, and continued to be fine when I wasn't.
So, I don't know how this happened, but it is a doozy. This was probably one of those door handle things, or something I picked up it up from a coworker.
I just feel bad for David. He has to put up with me. He should buy stock in Kleenex.
The plan was to sleep in. But it's hard to sleep when you can't breath. My ears ached and my throat was sore....so I went to the appointment. SINUS INFECTION. I've had these before, and I was surprised that this was one. It didn't feel that way at first. She looked at my throat. RAW from the drainage (sexy, I know). Negative Strep Test, good. Negative Ear Infection, good. The ear pain was caused by the sinus pressure. For the last two nights, I've slept with an outdoor winter headband. My ears are so clear, even the regular air hurts them.
So, I got the Z-pack. Let's hope it works fast. I thought I was going to die this morning. I look pathetic. The only thing I think will make me feel better, is if I break my nose on the right side. Or scoop my right eyeball out. The problem is obviously on the right side.
I haven't been sick in almost 18-months. I mean really good and sick. When I first started taking vitamins in preparation for a baby Shafer, the colds and sinus infections stopped. This was a pefect "I told you so" for David. When we found out we were pregnant with Angela, I had to go off all of my allergy medicine, and that was the worst withdrawal experience I've ever had. (I'm allergic to my dog). I never went back on it again when I was no longer pregnant, because I didn't want to ever go through that pain again. And I was fine. My body adjusted when I was pregnant, and continued to be fine when I wasn't.
So, I don't know how this happened, but it is a doozy. This was probably one of those door handle things, or something I picked up it up from a coworker.
I just feel bad for David. He has to put up with me. He should buy stock in Kleenex.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Week Recap
My last post was a bit depressing. I honestly didn't mean it to end like that. Dave was great though and reinforced some of the memories and reminded me of different things. As always, he's great.
My weekly challenge went pretty well. I made it to the gym 6 of the 7 days, and did a total of 20-miles on the treadmill. The goal was supposed to do 6-days * 4-miles = 24 total miles. So, I'm only sitting at 83.33% (20/24). A "B" performance. I got out of work late on Thursday, and just decided I needed to go home instead.
I skipped Yoga today because Dave and I had too many errands to run, so we went to the gym early and did our treadmill workouts. Yoga is at noon, so it kind of messes the day up if you have a lot to do.
Next weeks challenge will be similar to this weeks, but just slightly different. This week it will 3-miles on the treadmill and 4-miles on the bike each day, with the exception of Wednesday (Yoga). Last Wednesday, the treadmill wasn't available before Yoga to warm up, so I did the bike...and it wasn't as easy as you might think. So, I'm going to mix-it-up a bit :)
I'm off to go watch the Super Bowl commercials and work on my crocheting.
Have a great week!
My weekly challenge went pretty well. I made it to the gym 6 of the 7 days, and did a total of 20-miles on the treadmill. The goal was supposed to do 6-days * 4-miles = 24 total miles. So, I'm only sitting at 83.33% (20/24). A "B" performance. I got out of work late on Thursday, and just decided I needed to go home instead.
I skipped Yoga today because Dave and I had too many errands to run, so we went to the gym early and did our treadmill workouts. Yoga is at noon, so it kind of messes the day up if you have a lot to do.
Next weeks challenge will be similar to this weeks, but just slightly different. This week it will 3-miles on the treadmill and 4-miles on the bike each day, with the exception of Wednesday (Yoga). Last Wednesday, the treadmill wasn't available before Yoga to warm up, so I did the bike...and it wasn't as easy as you might think. So, I'm going to mix-it-up a bit :)
I'm off to go watch the Super Bowl commercials and work on my crocheting.
Have a great week!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Word Choice...
Today I was in a meeting, a long 5-hour business review with a supplier that had flown in from Boston. All great people, the product is really interesting, and there were some all around good questions asked relating to the future contract negotiations that will be taking place.
With that said, towards the end of the review, we were discussing SLA's and customer complaints. The one guy from the supplier was super nice, but used odd words to describe things. He was a bit wordy in his responses too. I don't think he was in sales, but sometimes he moved around the answer. Articulate words generally impress me. Some people really have a way with the spoken word, or can pull words out of their hat that are perfect in describing something that I would have used something so basic for.
Anyhow, I became very distracted after he used the word "autopsy" to describe additional research for customer complaints. "We'll have to do some additional autopsy work to identify the issues". Who the F--K uses that word to describe what most people would refer to as ANALYSIS. Additional ANALYSIS you nimrod!
I should have given him the business on the intimate knowledge of the word autopsy and all that word entails. But I didn't.
Thank goodness that was one of the last few statements in the meeting, because after that I was toast. My mind was jammed with thinking about Angela, waiting for the autopsy results, and then getting upset because as time has passed, I sometimes don't remember what it felt like to hold her. How I wish I had held her tighter, closer, and longer. That I would have traced my fingers around her face, hands and feet. She was so tiny, and I was so scared and shocked and on a lot of drugs, so the memories are a bit fuzzy.
My sister brought a pink blanket to the hospital that Angela was wrapped in from the hospital to the funeral home. That blanket was on our bed for months. I slept with it everynight. That and the bear they took pictures of her with. I still touch them frequently because I know that she touched them. They are such treasures. Especially the blanket because it is so pretty and soft and I know she was wrapped in love and comfort.
And now I am crying.
Good night.
With that said, towards the end of the review, we were discussing SLA's and customer complaints. The one guy from the supplier was super nice, but used odd words to describe things. He was a bit wordy in his responses too. I don't think he was in sales, but sometimes he moved around the answer. Articulate words generally impress me. Some people really have a way with the spoken word, or can pull words out of their hat that are perfect in describing something that I would have used something so basic for.
Anyhow, I became very distracted after he used the word "autopsy" to describe additional research for customer complaints. "We'll have to do some additional autopsy work to identify the issues". Who the F--K uses that word to describe what most people would refer to as ANALYSIS. Additional ANALYSIS you nimrod!
I should have given him the business on the intimate knowledge of the word autopsy and all that word entails. But I didn't.
Thank goodness that was one of the last few statements in the meeting, because after that I was toast. My mind was jammed with thinking about Angela, waiting for the autopsy results, and then getting upset because as time has passed, I sometimes don't remember what it felt like to hold her. How I wish I had held her tighter, closer, and longer. That I would have traced my fingers around her face, hands and feet. She was so tiny, and I was so scared and shocked and on a lot of drugs, so the memories are a bit fuzzy.
My sister brought a pink blanket to the hospital that Angela was wrapped in from the hospital to the funeral home. That blanket was on our bed for months. I slept with it everynight. That and the bear they took pictures of her with. I still touch them frequently because I know that she touched them. They are such treasures. Especially the blanket because it is so pretty and soft and I know she was wrapped in love and comfort.
And now I am crying.
Good night.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Success + Week of the Treadmill/Cleaning
Holy cow, it's been almost a week since my last post.
I met 99.99% of my goals last week. I worked out 3-days (Mon/Wed/Sun), I ran my 2.0 miles without stopping (today!) and I didn't drink any Diet Coke. I have only drank water with the exception of the wedding reception we went to last night. I admit, I had some Gin & Tonics. I figured it was "light" alcohol in a clear CAFFEINE FREE almost like water liquid.
However, I did not drink too much at the reception, although my wonderful husband cannot say the same. I managed to sleep in a bit, get my coupons cut and make my grocery list, go to the gym and run my 2.0 miles and take an awesome Yoga class. I really enjoy the Sunday Yoga. A nice way to relax before hitting Giant Eagle for the first time in WEEKS! I saved almost $25 with my coupons and double coupons! Coupons rock :)
So what will next week entail?? Well, since I did so well with the water, I'm going to try and carry that over a bit and limit my Diet Coke to one a day (16 oz) but for only three days a week, Mon/Wed/Fri. I bought some lemons and cut them up to bring into work to make the water more enjoyable. When I drink a lot of water, it makes me have to pee a ridiculous amount. More then when I drink Diet Coke, which I don't understand at all because Diet Coke is a diuretic. I just like to think that I have excellent kidneys. Although Noreen told me Friday night that when you drink a lot of water, you lose potassium, so I bought some bananas at the store today.
OK. Back to this weeks goals...
The biggest challenge with this weeks goals is the 4-miles a day. But, I'm going to bust my ass to get it done. Remember, I'm in two weddings this year :)
Have a fabulous week!
I met 99.99% of my goals last week. I worked out 3-days (Mon/Wed/Sun), I ran my 2.0 miles without stopping (today!) and I didn't drink any Diet Coke. I have only drank water with the exception of the wedding reception we went to last night. I admit, I had some Gin & Tonics. I figured it was "light" alcohol in a clear CAFFEINE FREE almost like water liquid.
However, I did not drink too much at the reception, although my wonderful husband cannot say the same. I managed to sleep in a bit, get my coupons cut and make my grocery list, go to the gym and run my 2.0 miles and take an awesome Yoga class. I really enjoy the Sunday Yoga. A nice way to relax before hitting Giant Eagle for the first time in WEEKS! I saved almost $25 with my coupons and double coupons! Coupons rock :)
So what will next week entail?? Well, since I did so well with the water, I'm going to try and carry that over a bit and limit my Diet Coke to one a day (16 oz) but for only three days a week, Mon/Wed/Fri. I bought some lemons and cut them up to bring into work to make the water more enjoyable. When I drink a lot of water, it makes me have to pee a ridiculous amount. More then when I drink Diet Coke, which I don't understand at all because Diet Coke is a diuretic. I just like to think that I have excellent kidneys. Although Noreen told me Friday night that when you drink a lot of water, you lose potassium, so I bought some bananas at the store today.
OK. Back to this weeks goals...
- Get my running up to 2.5 miles nonstop.
- Walk/Run at least 4-miles a day on the treadmill everyday but Wednesday when I have Yoga @ 5:30.
- Spend 30-minutes cleaning each day. Simple things like a underneath my sink, a closet, etc.
The biggest challenge with this weeks goals is the 4-miles a day. But, I'm going to bust my ass to get it done. Remember, I'm in two weddings this year :)
Have a fabulous week!
Monday, January 21, 2008
H2O -- Day 1 -- THIS SUCKS!
OMG. The Week of Water SUCKS Monkey nuts. This is awful...awful...awful.
Of course I did this without thinking of the week ahead. I have plans Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Water goes through Sunday...what the hell was I thinking?
I have not decided, but I've thought about at least being able to add chocolate milk to the equation. Regular milk is just disgusting, but the low-fat chocolate is *almost* as nutritionally sound. Plain water is so boring! I think I had 8,000 oz. of the clear stuff today. Normally, that is 8,000 oz. of Diet Coke...so I guess that's a good thing. Maybe I'll have a beautiful complexion when this is all over.
So, I ran 1.5 miles non-stop today. Making progress towards the 2.0 mile goal that needs to be achieved by Sunday. Progress...Slow and Steady means progress, right?
Of course I did this without thinking of the week ahead. I have plans Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Water goes through Sunday...what the hell was I thinking?
I have not decided, but I've thought about at least being able to add chocolate milk to the equation. Regular milk is just disgusting, but the low-fat chocolate is *almost* as nutritionally sound. Plain water is so boring! I think I had 8,000 oz. of the clear stuff today. Normally, that is 8,000 oz. of Diet Coke...so I guess that's a good thing. Maybe I'll have a beautiful complexion when this is all over.
So, I ran 1.5 miles non-stop today. Making progress towards the 2.0 mile goal that needs to be achieved by Sunday. Progress...Slow and Steady means progress, right?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Week of ??
Well, I successfully wrapped up my first week of doing something. This past week was "Week of the Soup". I had soup everyday for at least one meal. Today I had Spaghetti-O's to go with a grilled cheese sandwich. What a perfect day for that.
So I'm trying to decide what to do for next week.
Week of the salad?
Week of water?
Week of the gym?
Maybe I'll do a combo. Week of water + 3-days at the gym.
A little birdie told me something yesterday that I am stuck on. This special person asked a psychic about me. And without too much info, the gist of it is that I need to take good care of myself. It looks like my timing of trying to do healthy things weekly might have come at a good time.
Last Monday I was only able to run 1.0 miles without stopping. Wednesday, I was able to do 1 .25 miles, then Yoga for an hour. Saturday, I walked for an hour, and today I did another one hour Yoga class. Let's hope I keep doing more of the same! By the end of this week, I would like to be at 2.0 miles without stopping.
So, I apologize to my co-workers right now...the week of water will not be an easy feat. They are well aware of my Diet Coke addiction....and I'm hoping that I helped the withdrawal process by starting today.
So I'm trying to decide what to do for next week.
Week of the salad?
Week of water?
Week of the gym?
Maybe I'll do a combo. Week of water + 3-days at the gym.
A little birdie told me something yesterday that I am stuck on. This special person asked a psychic about me. And without too much info, the gist of it is that I need to take good care of myself. It looks like my timing of trying to do healthy things weekly might have come at a good time.
Last Monday I was only able to run 1.0 miles without stopping. Wednesday, I was able to do 1 .25 miles, then Yoga for an hour. Saturday, I walked for an hour, and today I did another one hour Yoga class. Let's hope I keep doing more of the same! By the end of this week, I would like to be at 2.0 miles without stopping.
So, I apologize to my co-workers right now...the week of water will not be an easy feat. They are well aware of my Diet Coke addiction....and I'm hoping that I helped the withdrawal process by starting today.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
6-Months Ago Tomorrow...
My heart just aches. I have thought about January 17th for a while. Six months just seems like such a significant period of time to pass since our loss. I remember in the moment, in the immediate days after, I didn't think it was possible for time to move forward. I remember the first week. Then the first month. Then the second and third. Then the fourth and fifth, and now tomorrow is the sixth.
In the beginning, I knew exactly how many days had passed. And then I would tick off the weeks. Now I count in months. For a long time in the summer, when I was home, I would wake up before 7:08. Angela was born at 7:08 AM and passed at 7:13 AM. I remember feeling guilty the first time I slept past 7:08 thinking "how could I not be awake for that!". That I had let our five minutes, OUR FIVE MINUTES pass.
Lots of things make me feel guilty. People that don't know me have asked if I have any children, and in the moment I say "no" because I think it isn't fair to unload something like that on a perfect stranger. I've thought of saying something like, "none living". But I don't. I don't want to be a buzz kill. Then I feel horrible. I feel like I've denied her. And that hurts.
Last night, I was updating my high school alumni stuff through some 800 number they sent to my parents. The women asked me if I had any children. And I paused. Finally, I said "yes, her name is Angela, but she is deceased". I would not deny her her in writing.
I think of music as the soundtrack of my life. There are songs that make me think of vacations, high school soccer, college, my husband, our wedding and a million other moments.
There are several songs that make me thing of Angela. In the summer, when I started running, I listened to "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel for five miles. That was the first time I had run that far without stopping in a long time. I would think to myself that I had such a gift of life. Good health. And strong bones. That I had a personal angel on my shoulder running with me, and I did not want to let her down.
Then my sister told me about a song that she heard on the radio. The song was familiar, but I liked the version by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton that I had heard before. The song is "When I Get Where I'm Going". They have a beautiful harmony, and my favorite part of the song is towards the end when they sang:
In the beginning, I knew exactly how many days had passed. And then I would tick off the weeks. Now I count in months. For a long time in the summer, when I was home, I would wake up before 7:08. Angela was born at 7:08 AM and passed at 7:13 AM. I remember feeling guilty the first time I slept past 7:08 thinking "how could I not be awake for that!". That I had let our five minutes, OUR FIVE MINUTES pass.
Lots of things make me feel guilty. People that don't know me have asked if I have any children, and in the moment I say "no" because I think it isn't fair to unload something like that on a perfect stranger. I've thought of saying something like, "none living". But I don't. I don't want to be a buzz kill. Then I feel horrible. I feel like I've denied her. And that hurts.
Last night, I was updating my high school alumni stuff through some 800 number they sent to my parents. The women asked me if I had any children. And I paused. Finally, I said "yes, her name is Angela, but she is deceased". I would not deny her her in writing.
I think of music as the soundtrack of my life. There are songs that make me think of vacations, high school soccer, college, my husband, our wedding and a million other moments.
There are several songs that make me thing of Angela. In the summer, when I started running, I listened to "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel for five miles. That was the first time I had run that far without stopping in a long time. I would think to myself that I had such a gift of life. Good health. And strong bones. That I had a personal angel on my shoulder running with me, and I did not want to let her down.
don't give up'
cause you have friends
don't give up
you're not the only one
don't give up
no reason to be ashamed
don't give up
you still have us
don't give up now
we're proud of who you are
don't give up
you know it's never been easy
don't give up'
cause I believe there's a place
there's a place where we belong
Then my sister told me about a song that she heard on the radio. The song was familiar, but I liked the version by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton that I had heard before. The song is "When I Get Where I'm Going". They have a beautiful harmony, and my favorite part of the song is towards the end when they sang:
But when I get where I'm going
And I see my Makers face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of His amazing grace
Christmas was hard, but to make myself feel better, I thought of this song, and how lucky that Angela was able to spend her first Christmas with Jesus.
A song I heard in October by Garth Brooks almost required me to pullover. Maybe I was sad because it was October 17th, and it was the three month mark. It was a song I had heard before, but listening to the lyrics, there was a new meaning. The song is "When You Come Back To Me". The lyrics from that song that touch my heart are:
On a prayer,
In a song,
I hear your voice,
And it keeps me hanging on.
Oh, raining down, against the wind.
I’m reaching out,‘
Till we reach the circle’s end.
When you come back to me again.
But there is one song, a song above all the others, that makes me think of this summer. It is the song "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's. I loved this song all summer. It's just simple and pretty. I love the name Delilah. It makes me think of my Mom's grandma's name, Delia (pronounced Deal-ia). I remember driving along, hearing the song, and asking Dave about naming our little girl Delilah. We obviously picked a different name, but this song holds a special place in my heart. No meaningful lyrics, just a pretty song that makes me think of Angela, and the summer. On a good day when I hear this song, I smile. On a not-so-good day, it makes me sad. But I never change the station.
Tonight, I took a Yoga class that was very enjoyable and pretty much kicked my butt. For the last five minutes, she had us lay with our eyes closed to relax. The last song that she played was one I had never heard before, but I looked it up when I got home. The song is called 'A Hundred Thousand Angels' by Bliss. You can imagine that hearing the lyrics to this song made my heart melt. Maybe I was too relaxed. But I like to think that it was a sign from Angela. The last words to the song are, "There's a hundred thousand angels by your side".
Tomorrow will be hard. But I know I'll get through it. We'll get through it. We have each other. And together we have gotten through six-months with our angel by our side.
Monday, January 14, 2008
One Mile
That's as far as I got today on the treadmill without stopping.
In the summer, I made an effort to run and get back in shape. I just felt frumpy and had a little baby weight but no baby. I decided it would help if I trained for a half-marathon. I found one that was going to be October 7th, The Tow Path Marathon. I ran the half and finished in 2:21:26.30. Of course Dave beat me and finished at 2:21:26.25. Really, he could have crushed me, but he stayed with me to make sure I finished.
I was so proud of myself. Maybe not that day because I was hoping to run the whole thing with out stopping, but I hit a wall at mile 11 and that's when I had to start my walk/run. I didn't think I would ever get to the finish line. Dave tried to motivate me, but after a while he only irritated me and I told him to shut his pie hole, but maybe not so eloquently. This race was a lot different then running the Cleveland half. At the Cleveland, there were so many people cheering you on. This was in a metroparks setting on a thin path, and and it was TOUGH to not be able to see the end or have people cheering for you.
Looking back though, I ran 11 miles without stopping! That's 11 times better then I did today! The first half-marathon I did was in 2006. Oh man did I suck! I didn't even train for that. This one I at least ran consistently and did the "long runs". I'm sure I could have done a lot better knowing how hard David has trained for his two marathons.
So, one mile. I'm back to the beginning. When I was home all summer, my first run was .50 miles. Then slowly I moved up. I'm hoping I'll be able to increase my distance.
All in all, I did three miles today. Half running and half walking. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit more running, and slowly the scales will tip back in my favor. Literally.
I even drank 32 oz of water at work today...what an accomplishment!
Baby steps....
In the summer, I made an effort to run and get back in shape. I just felt frumpy and had a little baby weight but no baby. I decided it would help if I trained for a half-marathon. I found one that was going to be October 7th, The Tow Path Marathon. I ran the half and finished in 2:21:26.30. Of course Dave beat me and finished at 2:21:26.25. Really, he could have crushed me, but he stayed with me to make sure I finished.
I was so proud of myself. Maybe not that day because I was hoping to run the whole thing with out stopping, but I hit a wall at mile 11 and that's when I had to start my walk/run. I didn't think I would ever get to the finish line. Dave tried to motivate me, but after a while he only irritated me and I told him to shut his pie hole, but maybe not so eloquently. This race was a lot different then running the Cleveland half. At the Cleveland, there were so many people cheering you on. This was in a metroparks setting on a thin path, and and it was TOUGH to not be able to see the end or have people cheering for you.
Looking back though, I ran 11 miles without stopping! That's 11 times better then I did today! The first half-marathon I did was in 2006. Oh man did I suck! I didn't even train for that. This one I at least ran consistently and did the "long runs". I'm sure I could have done a lot better knowing how hard David has trained for his two marathons.
So, one mile. I'm back to the beginning. When I was home all summer, my first run was .50 miles. Then slowly I moved up. I'm hoping I'll be able to increase my distance.
All in all, I did three miles today. Half running and half walking. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit more running, and slowly the scales will tip back in my favor. Literally.
I even drank 32 oz of water at work today...what an accomplishment!
Baby steps....
Sunday, January 13, 2008
New Years Resolution(s)...The Week of Soup
So, I've put off posting this idea because I am hoping that by putting it in writing here will hold me to be accountable...and I'm not sure that I was ready until now...
This new year, 13-days in, I have thought about having a series of resolutions for each week instead of one giant one.
When I did my pregnancy blog, each week I was pregnant, babycenter.com would send me an update as to how big the baby was...a fig, a bean, a banana, etc. I would then think of that week as the "week of the bean".
For New Years, I was thinking of picking some random thing for each week and sticking to it. Examples include going to the gym everyday for 7-days. Eating salad for lunch everyday, soup for another, giving up Diet Coke for a week. Drinking 8-glasses of water a day, etc. The point of each week is to do something healthy for that week (mind, body, spirit...or whatever) and feel successful about something...and hopefully, carry some of the good habits forward.
Thank God I did not suggest that next week (tomorrow) would be the week of the gym in the morning because after going out last night for dinner and drinks with friends, I was up early to go to a bridal show...I'm exhausted...and in no condition to get up at 5:30 for the fitness center.
So, now I have to decide what week this will be...I'm not ready for Diet Coke yet. Maybe next week.
Hmmm....Since I didn't go grocery shopping today (lazy), I nominate this week will be the week of eating soup everyday for lunch. Of course a healthy variety.
List of Ideas
This new year, 13-days in, I have thought about having a series of resolutions for each week instead of one giant one.
When I did my pregnancy blog, each week I was pregnant, babycenter.com would send me an update as to how big the baby was...a fig, a bean, a banana, etc. I would then think of that week as the "week of the bean".
For New Years, I was thinking of picking some random thing for each week and sticking to it. Examples include going to the gym everyday for 7-days. Eating salad for lunch everyday, soup for another, giving up Diet Coke for a week. Drinking 8-glasses of water a day, etc. The point of each week is to do something healthy for that week (mind, body, spirit...or whatever) and feel successful about something...and hopefully, carry some of the good habits forward.
Thank God I did not suggest that next week (tomorrow) would be the week of the gym in the morning because after going out last night for dinner and drinks with friends, I was up early to go to a bridal show...I'm exhausted...and in no condition to get up at 5:30 for the fitness center.
So, now I have to decide what week this will be...I'm not ready for Diet Coke yet. Maybe next week.
Hmmm....Since I didn't go grocery shopping today (lazy), I nominate this week will be the week of eating soup everyday for lunch. Of course a healthy variety.
List of Ideas
- Salad every day
- No Diet Coke
- Only 12-oz of Diet Coke
- No Alcohol
- Eight glasses of water
- Soup everyday
- Something green everyday (fruit, veggie, salad)
- Milk everyday (GROSS!)
- Gym everyday
- Clean for an hour everyday (this will suck!)
Any other ideas?
Friday, January 11, 2008
My Most Irrational Fear
Mine is getting my hand caught in the garbage disposal.
This is one of the most terrifying sounds and mental images that I have.
Whenever I use the disposal, I pull my hands away, clench my fists, close my eyes and hope my fingers won't get chewed up.
When Dave uses the disposal, I could be in the other room and he'll shout for me to move my hands because he's going to use it and then start laughing at me. My natural instinct still forces me to clench my fist.
I have no idea what this fear stems from, but it's very real. To the point, that my heart skips a beat, I get nervous, and I think about how awful it would be to have your hand chewed off by a disposal. I know, I'm a freak.
Now that I have told you this, next time you use your disposal, you'll be very aware of where your digits are.
I'm sure I have more. But this is the one that pops into my head the most. And since I'm bored out of my mind right now doing "work work", I thought I would take a moment, switch PC's and share my craziness.
This is one of the most terrifying sounds and mental images that I have.
Whenever I use the disposal, I pull my hands away, clench my fists, close my eyes and hope my fingers won't get chewed up.
When Dave uses the disposal, I could be in the other room and he'll shout for me to move my hands because he's going to use it and then start laughing at me. My natural instinct still forces me to clench my fist.
I have no idea what this fear stems from, but it's very real. To the point, that my heart skips a beat, I get nervous, and I think about how awful it would be to have your hand chewed off by a disposal. I know, I'm a freak.
Now that I have told you this, next time you use your disposal, you'll be very aware of where your digits are.
I'm sure I have more. But this is the one that pops into my head the most. And since I'm bored out of my mind right now doing "work work", I thought I would take a moment, switch PC's and share my craziness.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Angels of Friendship
Amy, Susie and Dawn - 2/27/2004 Two of my best friends from college are Amy and Dawn. They are two of the first people I met when I moved into my dorm room on my first day of college at Ohio University. Amy was my roommate, and Dawn lived right next door. I was nervous about Amy because she informed me as we were unpacking that she did not like U2. We were listening to 'Joshua Tree' and I just about fell over thinking "this will not work". Fortunately, I've was able to convert her over the years.
Dawn shared the wooden wall with us :) This clearly means that we were more than just neighbors, we were 'practically' roommates! We heard each other coming and going, would some times knock on the wood for fun, and even listened to Dawn get her ass beat by her crazy roommate of the quarter. That's a whole other story, but the highlight is that Amy and I heard the fight through the wooden wall, and opened our dorm room door just fast enough for a just showered, naked Dawn running into our room after her crazy roommate jumped her. It was so not funny then, but of course, it's hilarious now....I digress.
These two have been in my life now for 11-years. That seems so crazy!
The purpose of this post is to share with you just how special they are. After losing Angela, they were great. They called frequently, sent cards, came to visit, they were the best. Talking to them was so nice. Sometimes, I didn't even talk to them or return their calls, and I knew that would be OK. They understood. They gave me my space. They emailed to let me know when I was ready, they were there.
The three of us lead busy lives full of work, loving marriages or significant others, and all the other good things life brings. We have a tendency to play phone tag so much, it's a running joke.
In November, Dave and I went to Las Vegas during the week we were due. When we returned, there was a card in the mail attached to a gift box. We opened the gift, and there was a beautiful figurine from Hallmark called 'Angel of Faith'. Their card was full of love and friendship, letting David and I know they were thinking of us during our difficult time. It brought tears to my eyes. I remember putting off my 'thank you' call because I was emotional. When I did call, it was our typical case of phone tag. I remember just leaving a normal message for Amy, wanting to wait until we spoke to say 'thank you'. I left a message for Dawn, and I don't remember what I said, but I started to cry and ended up leaving a weird abrupt message. I saw Dawn a few weeks later at her holiday party and thanked her, and then Amy and I continued our phone tag.
Ames called today, and during our conversation, I realized that we had not spoken since early November and that I had never said 'thank you' for the beautiful gift. This is very uncharacteristic of me, and fortunately, Amy was Amy and was not upset by my lack of grace.
I've attached a picture of the Angel for all to see. It is absolutely beautiful and brings a smile to my face every time I see it.
Amy and Dawn are my Angels of Friendship. I love them both so dearly and think of them all the time. We have the best type of friendship. One that is always there, whether we talk every day or once a month. We never skip a beat and we always have fun hearing what's going on with each other.
Now that I'm writing this, I think I owe Dawn a call.....Damn phone tag!!!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Oh My Arms!
I have spent the last two Saturday's at David's Bridal with my two friends getting married next year. Both have asked me to be in their weddings, which is fabulous! But, now I need to get my ass in gear and work on the arms.
I love the dresses. They'll both be great. What I don't like is that my current arms flap in the wind a bit. I better get cracking!!!
**Update: Chinese food for dinner did not support my arm wings :)
- Jen's bridesmaid dress is strapless.
- Nichole doesn't know yet. I tried on both straps & strapless for her.
I love the dresses. They'll both be great. What I don't like is that my current arms flap in the wind a bit. I better get cracking!!!
**Update: Chinese food for dinner did not support my arm wings :)
Friday, January 4, 2008
I added a counter.
Dave thinks I'm a nerd and that I'm the only one that reads my blog. I don't remember how this came up during our gourmet Subway dinner tonight. But, we were chatting about the blog and he said this in a teasing yet loving way that only he can get away with.
When I told him I would add a counter, he accused me that I would 'hit' the site all the time just to fudge the numbers. I responded that I would make it a 'unique' visitor counter. This means it *should* only count each IP address once.
I really don't care if anyone other then me reads my blog. It's more for my own personal entertainment. So poof on Dave. Now that I know he won't be reading it, I can make fun of him here! Just kidding.
PS* Thank God it's Friday. I never thought the day would come. What a goofy holiday week.
When I told him I would add a counter, he accused me that I would 'hit' the site all the time just to fudge the numbers. I responded that I would make it a 'unique' visitor counter. This means it *should* only count each IP address once.
I really don't care if anyone other then me reads my blog. It's more for my own personal entertainment. So poof on Dave. Now that I know he won't be reading it, I can make fun of him here! Just kidding.
PS* Thank God it's Friday. I never thought the day would come. What a goofy holiday week.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
New Year. New Blog
Hey Everyone! I decided that in 2008, I would start a new blog and close out my Baby Shafer blog. I won't delete my old blog. Nope. No way. Too special. I just don't have anything more to add to it. I recently added a picture that I made that has Angela's handprints and footprints. That will be the last post. When we are blessed with another pregnancy, I will create a new blog for a new baby, and still keep Angela's separate. Two babies. Two blogs. Two sets of memories.
I was thinking the other day how much 2007 sucked. And there were some seriously shitty moments. I mean, losing Angela was heartbreaking, earth shattering, and life changing...Not a day has gone by that I don't think of her. I still have my weak moments. My tearful moments. And night time is still the hardest.
But then I thought of all the good things. And wow, there were so many good ones too. I think of so much happiness when we were pregnant, finding out we were pregnant, all of the love and support after our loss and most of all, my favorite moment of 2007...when we found out Angela's amnio results came back "normal'. This was by far the day that stands out the most. This is the day when we celebrated our healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Way more then the day we found out we were pregnant. But the day when we had so much at stake. The day we got the best news. The day we called every member of our immediate family to share the joy and emailed all of our friends and the overwhelming love and the joyous responses we received. So many people loved our baby before they even met her. This was the best day of 2007.
I would be lying if I didn't think that I will still have sad moments in 2008. But I am going to be optimistic in that this year will be fabulous! We have so much to be thankful for, and we are going to enjoy every minute of it. Hopefully...2008 will bring us more baby blessings.
In the meantime, this blog will be fun. I'm sure I'll post about Angela, or other baby loss thoughts...but I've got other topics too.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy year full of love, peace and joy!
Susie
I was thinking the other day how much 2007 sucked. And there were some seriously shitty moments. I mean, losing Angela was heartbreaking, earth shattering, and life changing...Not a day has gone by that I don't think of her. I still have my weak moments. My tearful moments. And night time is still the hardest.
But then I thought of all the good things. And wow, there were so many good ones too. I think of so much happiness when we were pregnant, finding out we were pregnant, all of the love and support after our loss and most of all, my favorite moment of 2007...when we found out Angela's amnio results came back "normal'. This was by far the day that stands out the most. This is the day when we celebrated our healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Way more then the day we found out we were pregnant. But the day when we had so much at stake. The day we got the best news. The day we called every member of our immediate family to share the joy and emailed all of our friends and the overwhelming love and the joyous responses we received. So many people loved our baby before they even met her. This was the best day of 2007.
I would be lying if I didn't think that I will still have sad moments in 2008. But I am going to be optimistic in that this year will be fabulous! We have so much to be thankful for, and we are going to enjoy every minute of it. Hopefully...2008 will bring us more baby blessings.
In the meantime, this blog will be fun. I'm sure I'll post about Angela, or other baby loss thoughts...but I've got other topics too.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy year full of love, peace and joy!
Susie
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