Thursday, June 28, 2007

Traveling Skirt myth; aka the road not travelled at all

Today I left at six a.m. to catch my flight to Chicago. Everything started out perfectly! For one thing, I actually woke up when the alarm went off. Steve, in his usual way, asked urgently if everything was alright and promptly went back to sleep. Yes, everything was alright because I always am prepared - I was a Girl Scout! I arrived in plenty of time - at 6:35 am for a 7:50 am flight. I noticed a really long line in both the security check, as well as the indoor check in, but since I needed to check a bag, got in line. That's when I discovered the problem: My flight was cancelled, along with a number of others. All of the 'air refugees' were then herded into long, confusing lines where no one ever came to give information about what was going on. Turns out my flight to Chicago had something to do with the bad weather in Texas. In any case, after waiting for 30 minutes in a line that did not move (hint: foreshadowing of what was to come), I called my backup: Steve. He could not see anything amiss by going on line. So I called American Airlines, and after waiting for 20 minutes on hold, they dropped the call. I tried one more time: same thing. No one seemed to know what was going on, but we all knew that if we were going somewhere, we would have to get in this line and speak to American.

Meanwhile, I witnessed the best and worst of human behavior. A bunch of men in front of me were actually taking total delight in telling people where they had to get in line- at the back of a really loooonnnnggg line: I guess we can call them the gatekeepers. They were thrilled when newcomers to the situation (let's say, those in line less than 2 hours) walked up to the front of the line and asked whether this 'was the line for international' . . . but conversely, when someone who had a flight that was not cancelled and came up to ask for regular self check-in, everyone (including gatekeepers) would point them in the right direction and move aside for them to pass. And then there were the 'entitled few': they weren't first class, but they snuck in to the front of the line because they 'really needed to be somewhere'. The first class/frequent flyer platinum people fared better. Their lines only lasted for an hour.

Well, we tried everything we could think of but I wasn't paying $600+ for a ticket on another airline (this was an optional trip for me) so hopefully I'm going tomorrow!!! And, plus, I really had to pee!!! But wait . . .it gets better! I left the line after about 4 hours . . . and decided: I should take public transportation home to save money!!!

Easy enough, grab Marta from the airport. Unfortunately, two stops in a 'medical emergency' caused my train to stop. We were informed that buses would take us to the next stop around the incident. In any case, the Atlanta commuters were much nicer than the American airline commuters. Lots of joking and smiling and praying . . . I commend all the bus drivers who really tried to make things work today.

Seems like my trip to Chicago turned out to be a 9 hour return trip to my house! Which is good, because here is love, food, water, wine, a jacuzzi, and you can be sure I will take everything out of that damn suitcase!!! You will see me in the same outfit all weekend, but wtf!!!!

Oh yes: the travelling skirt. My girlfriends and I are sharing a really cool skirt: it can be a dress, a short skirt, a long skirt, and even reversible for a different look!!! Sharon took it to nyc, and I wore it today. But that sucker is being left behind, it had enough of a ride waiting at the airport and riding marta buses/trains today. Who will be next?? Send me your travel plans . . .

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Something in common




Can't they all just get along? Well, turns out that they can, assuming I buy them something! I had peace for an entire afternoon, from shopping to building to the launch. I actually thought I might take a run on the new skateboards, until Mary Jo informed me of how dangerous it is . . . I guess I knew that. So who wants to spend summer in a cast?

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Checkin' in


I'm still here, but not sure of what to say. I guess there are too many things distracting me. I hope that I can be true, always. May the light in me recognize the light in you, namaste.


Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Get up here and drive


A teacher that we work with told me a story today, and I hope I don't completely mess up the message. An officer and his soldiers were in Somalia, heading in to rescue Americans that were being held hostage. They were driving a jeep, and gunfire broke out. Two of the four were killed; and the private and the officer still alive were both hit. The officer yelled: "Private! Get up here and drive the jeep." The private cried, "But I've been shot!" And the officer replied: "Everyone in this jeep has been shot."

I've always believed that everyone around me is suffering, to some degree. We can compare ourselves, ask to be excused, but what will that get us? While suffering is painful, it encourages personal growth. And frankly, you can't do a darn thing about it! Try to escape . . . watch it return four-fold.

Please let me have compassion for those around me . . . we are not all on the same path.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Happy Father's Day


I actually sat on the porch this morning and read the Sunday paper! The Atlanta Journal had two amusing articles on raising girls and boys. Both appeal to me for differing reasons. The girl article was "Raising girls: unpredictable paths certain." After reading this article, I think our parents probably had it easy, even though some of us are now getting tattoos in our 40s . . .
http://www.accessatlanta.com/arts/content/arts/stories/2007/06/14/0617sltattoo.html

The boys article: "Raising boys: Dangerous work." Tell me something I didn't already know. Any who, apparently The Dangerous Book for Boys is a best seller - I'll have to pick that up. I wonder if there is an article in there about how to break your brother's arm by driving a golf ball into him at close range . . . I guess I should write my own book! (Thoughts: how to dig to China in your back yard using tools found in your dad's workshop; best methods for putting out yard fires; how to extricate your brother's hands from a pool table ball dispenser; and more!)
http://www.accessatlanta.com/arts/content/arts/stories/2007/06/14/0617dangerousbook.html

Happy father's day to all!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Sankofa Bird


I actually saw this as an art piece to buy (http://www.uncommongoods.com/). Maybe the next tattoo? I can identify with this concept right now, after re-experiencing all the memories from cleaning out my childhood closet. The only part of this that I don't agree with is the "flying forward while looking backward." Maybe that is why the bird is mythic. Crash!



The concept of SANKOFA is derived from King Adinkera of the Akan people of West Afrika. SANKOFA is expressed in the Akan language as "se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenki."
Literally translated it means "it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot".
"Sankofa" teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. That is, we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward. Whatever we have lost, forgotten, forgone or been stripped of, can be reclaimed, revived, preserved and perpetuated.
Visually and symbolically "Sankofa" is expressed as a mythic bird that flies forward while looking backward with an egg (symbolizing the future) in its mouth.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Red Eye

I have an engineering background, and one of my college jobs was with the Illinois Dept. of Transportation. We were 'management', doing quality control on the building of highways, traffic lights, etc. in central Illinois. I was recently back visiting my folks, and I noticed that they were resurfacing the exact place where I worked those 3 summer months, almost 30 years ago! I showed my kids a particular spot where something miraculous had happened to me. I also found a 'red eye' in my childhood box of memories, which I saved after a particularly harrowing experience.

We were laying out where the lines on the road were to be painted, using a nail with red ribbon attached - called a 'red eye.' I was out in the road, with a tape measure, tapping the red eye into the soft new asphalt with a hammer. The cars were stopped in front of me. I don't know why I always volunteered to be out in the road - I just liked it, for whatever reason. At this particular time, I felt the urge to look up - at my co-workers, who lined the side of the road and were holding the other end of the tape measure. Tellingly, they showed panic in their eyes. I didn't hesitate, but leaped towards the curb. I was hit in the calf and pushed off the oncoming car with my hand to get out of the way.

Apparently, the car who was stopped in front of me was rear-ended by another car who did not see the construction/slow down signs. They were hurt and I don't know about the people that hit them. What I do know is that I had a guardian angel that day, who told me to look up, who told me to trust my instincts, because if I hadn't, I would be dead, under a car, because I was kneeling in the road with my head in front of a stopped cars' headlights.

That was the second time I had been hit by a car in my life.

I came home that night - I was living alone in my parent's home while they were gone - and I remember crying and crying in my boyfriend's arms.

I have the red eye again in my possession . . . and I still love the idea that I put myself out there, and I can count on my 'angels' to save me should the occasion arise . . .

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Miscellaneous Topics . . and Happy Father's Day!

This is really sad . . . I don't want this to be a diet blog . . . and I don't want this to be about special needs kids. But I keep reading really good things about both. So maybe I want to make two blogs. That seems like wayyyyyy too much work.

So, briefly: Sharon just gave me an article from Health magazine. http://www.health.com/health/article/0,23414,1625465,00.html She and her son used one simple 'trick,' and they both found that it worked marvelously: put your fork down between bites of food and chew. It gives your stomach time to figure out that it is full. See the article for more insight.

Eileen sent me a really timely newsletter about fathers and ADHD kids - here is the link: http://www.celebrate-adhd.com/ADHD-Blog.html The reality is that this can apply to every father (& mother) and child!! Here are "10 truths" but please check out the rest of the article.

A Personal Letter to Other Dads By Kirk Martin, Executive Director, Celebrate!ADHD

Here are 10 truths that will help you begin to change your family life.1. Your involvement with your child and family is more important than your job or anything else you do. 2. The acceptance and approval of a father will have a greater impact on your child's life than from anyone else. Anyone.3. It is relatively easy to be successful in the business world. I'm not all that bright and I did it. But being a successful Dad? Tough. I will tell you straight up. If you are successful at business, but are not involved with your child, then your life's work will amount to nothing. 4. Accept the fact that your child is different. Different than you. Different than your expectations. You can't fight nature.5. Your goal at work is to see projects through to completion, to make sure you get a good return on investment. Your goal as a father is to make sure your child develops into the person he is wired to be-not who you want him to be. Sow your time, energy, wisdom and encouragement into your child-you will like the ROI.6. Do you get good results from yelling at employees? Then why do you think it will work with your kids? Seriously. What about long lectures and snide comments? You've learned to influence customers in different ways, so maybe it's time to try a different way with your child.7. Teach your kids to be problem solvers. Don't bark orders or "make" them do things. Lead your kids, teach them how to solve problems, respect their choices.8. Calm down and you'll see your kids calm down. If you can't control your temper or yelling, don't expect your kids to control their emotions. Change starts with you, not everyone around you. You are the leader, so be one for your child. You'll like the results.9. Find a way to connect to your child. I am a sports nut, but my son isn't. He's a car freak and loves music. So now we test drive fast cars and go to concerts together. 10. Take father-son or father-daughter trips. Get away from the hassles and stress of home and work. Go somewhere, anywhere and have fun together. Turn off the cell phone and engage with your child.Dads, you know nothing is more satisfying than overcoming a really tough problem at work.

Now you are faced with finding a really tough solution. If you take on this challenge, I can make you two guarantees.First, there is nothing more satisfying and important than forging a close relationship with your child. Second, you will never regret spending more time with your child.Decide this Father's Day to make the tough choices it takes to connect and communicate with your child more effectively. It starts with you.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Hey, all you moms(and others) that have kids with special needs . . .

Not my words, but please read:

To You, My Sisters
By Maureen K. Higgins Many of you I have never even met face to face, but I've searched you out every day. I've looked for you on the internet, on playgrounds and in grocery stores.I've become an expert at identifying you. You are well worn. You are stronger than you ever wanted to be. Your words ring with experience, experience you culled with your very heart and soul. You are compassionate beyond the expectations of this world. You are my "sisters."Yes, you and I, my friend, are sisters in a sorority. A very elite sorority. We are special. Just like any other sorority, we were chosen to be members. Some of us were invited to join immediately, some not for months or even years. Some of us even tried to refuse membership, but to no avail.We were initiated in neurologist's offices and NICU units, in obstetrician's offices, in emergency rooms, and during ultrasounds. We were initiated with somber telephone calls, consultations, evaluations, blood tests, x-rays, MRI films, and heart surgeries.All of us have one thing in common. One day things were fine. We were pregnant, or we had just given birth, or we were nursing our newborn, or we were playing with our toddler. Yes, one minute everything was fine. Then, whether it happened in an instant, as it often does, or over the course of a few weeks or months, our entire lives changed. Something wasn't quite right. Then we found ourselves mothers of children with special needs.We are united, we sisters, regardless of the diversity of our children's special needs. Some of our children undergo chemotherapy. Some need respirators and ventilators. Some are unable to talk, some are unable to walk. Some eat through feeding tubes. Some live in a different world. We do not discriminate against those mothers whose children's needs are not as "special" as our child's. We have mutual respect and empathy for all the women who walk in our shoes.We are knowledgeable. We have educated ourselves with whatever materials we could find. We know "the" specialists in the field. We know "the" neurologists, "the" hospitals, "the" wonder drugs, "the" treatments. We know "the" tests that need to be done, we know "the" degenerative and progressive diseases and we hold our breath while our children are tested for them. Without formal education, we could become board certified in neurology, endocrinology, and physiatry.We have taken on our insurance companies and school boards to get what our children need to survive, and to flourish. We have prevailed upon the State to include augmentative communication devices in special education classes and mainstream schools for our children with cerebral palsy. We have labored to prove to insurance companies the medical necessity of gait trainers and other adaptive equipment for our children with spinal cord defects. We have sued municipalities to have our children properly classified so they could receive education and evaluation commensurate with their diagnosis.We have learned to deal with the rest of the world, even if that means walking away from it. We have tolerated scorn in supermarkets during "tantrums" and gritted our teeth while discipline was advocated by the person behind us in line. We have tolerated inane suggestions and home remedies from well-meaning strangers. We have tolerated mothers of children without special needs complaining about chicken pox and ear infections. We have learned that many of our closest friends can't understand what it's like to be in our sorority, and don't even want to try.We have our own personal copies of Emily Perl Kingsley's "A Trip To Holland" and Erma Bombeck's "The Special Mother." We keep them by our bedside and read and reread them during our toughest hours.We have coped with holidays. We have found ways to get our physically handicapped children to the neighbors' front doors on Halloween, and we have found ways to help our deaf children form the words, "trick or treat." We have accepted that our children with sensory dysfunction will never wear velvet or lace on Christmas. We have painted a canvas of lights and a blazing yule log with our words for our blind children. We have pureed turkey on Thanksgiving. We have bought white chocolate bunnies for Easter. And all the while, we have tried to create a festive atmosphere for the rest of our family.We've gotten up every morning since our journey began wondering how we'd make it through another day, and gone to bed every evening not sure how we did it.We've mourned the fact that we never got to relax and sip red wine in Italy. We've mourned the fact that our trip to Holland has required much more baggage than we ever imagined when we first visited the travel agent. And we've mourned because we left for the airport without most of the things we needed for the trip.But we, sisters, we keep the faith always. We never stop believing. Our love for our special children and our belief in all that they will achieve in life knows no bounds. We dream of them scoring touchdowns and extra points and home runs. We visualize them running sprints and marathons. We dream of them planting vegetable seeds, riding horses and chopping down trees. We hear their angelic voices singing Christmas carols. We see their palettes smeared with watercolors, and their fingers flying over ivory keys in a concert hall. We are amazed at the grace of their pirouettes. We never, never stop believing in all they will accomplish as they pass through this world.But in the meantime, my sisters, the most important thing we do, is hold tight to their little hands as together, we special mothers and our special children, reach for the stars.

Monday, June 11, 2007

My dad sent me this

Thus and so, it must be OK!!! Here's what it is:

See the end of the world in 90 seconds

Some say the world will end in fire. Some say in ice. Or at least that's what Robert Frost wrote. The truth is nobody knows how the world will end. Still, that doesn't stop people from speculating.One of the more amusing versions comes from the Flash artist known as Fluid. You can check out his Doomsday scenario at AlbinoBlackSheep.com. Please be aware that the animation contains adult language and national stereotypes that will be offensive to some readers, hilarious to others. Watch the animation

The Cameron Diet

Look like this in ten days!!!
Our family is in a summer eating crisis! We have the gorger, the snacker, and the non-eater . . . somewhere we must find a happy medium. Announcing . . . the Cameron Diet! What keeps Cameron so trim and lean? Probably a very high metabolism, but also . . .he eats a lot of fruit; he does not eat mayo; he does not eat beef (he loves cows). I've never seen him drink coffee or wine, either. He doesn't even need to work out to maintain his physique . . . but I do see him jumping around alot. There has to be something to learn here . . .

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Monkeys seen, not heard, at St. Louis Zoo

A picture is worth a thousand words . . .

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Golf Hazard


Everything went quite well today until this p.m. during 'yard play time.' Who knew Gavin had such a swing? After watching him hit several duds, we were all surprised when he nailed John just above the elbow at less than25 feet. It was pretty painful and ended up in a trip to the Pana emergency room (Looks a lot different since my last trip there!). So, no more pics of empty drawers and closets (and you say 'yay!) Diagnosis - chipped bone, possibly growth plate. Upon return to Atlanta, have to get another x ray and john may be doing nada physical for the rest of the summer! Bummer. I guess you could call it even 'cause Gavin's broken arm and wrist both occurred from play with John. What goes around. . .ends up in a colorful cast!!
P.S. We went to Dairy Queen after . . . mocha moo latte for John and another box of dilly bars for the bro's, everyone is fat and happy!!!


Tuesday, June 5, 2007

On a roll/rock 'n roll

We really cruised today when Sue Berner came to help . . . I think she should become a professional organizer! Here is Sue in her element:


What treasures uncovered today? My mom's brother's purple heart from WWII; a Wii at walmart . . . well, that doesn't really count, but boy were they excited! We found John's Bunny's ear behind a book. And we cruised through the clean out (thanks to Sue, who promised to return Rick Kuhn's freshman yearbook to the rightful owner . . .) Thanks, Sue! Someone named "Pam" has scooped up all the boxes in Pana . . . so send us your boxes! Or come pick up some really good stuff!! Scott and Connie look cozy in their Russian fur hats . . as John & Gavin do! Closets are empty . . . kitchen is clean!

Monday, June 4, 2007

How you know you are spoiled . . .


Well you already knew that about me, din't ya? I am having a wee bit of Starbucks and Cafe de Paris withdrawal . . . but it sure is purty down here and it smells real good!!! It makes up for it with all the DQs . . . Gavin and I had a brief moment of frustration - drove 40 miles to drop off a donation and they were full! I even called first! But luckily they redirected me to a thrift shop that helped unload in the pouring rain. so a quick trip to dq with gavin after made everything banana split! The big success of today is that Springfield Salvation Army agreed to send a truck down to make a major pickup when they are ready! In the meantime, check out Dad's efforts: he cleaned out almost half of his den (cameron and john helped, maybe explain the fatigue later on).
Nana, feeding the troops:

this 30 year old closet has never been this empty - never! Woo hoo! This kitty loves the allergic Rae Boys

Sunday, June 3, 2007

On the road again


Handsome brother Scott. . .








Well, not currently, I'm parked on the sofa in my parent's house on Cold Springs Rd. in Pana, Illinois. I' m contemplating a pile of about 30 trash bags filled with stuff that I cleaned out yesterday. I need to find a place to donate the vintage 70's leisure suits that my dad used to wear; the grandkiddies old potty chairs; 20 pounds of stuffed animals; you get the drift. Wish I could haul the polyester pants back to the city where they would be scooped up, but really don't have the room (well, I could leave the kids here!). Unfortunately, the local swimming hole is under repair . . . so I don't know how much longer we will be here before we get kicked out due to bad behavior. Other than cleaning stuff out, we have enjoyed golf cart crop circles in the grass and nightly fireworks that we picked up in TN on the way here. Those zips are a blast! And the treasures we have uncovered . . . "I have dibs on the parking meter!" "typewriter" "German WWII helmet" . . . i might have 2 get a uhaul . . . I left my memory card at home in my computer!! that's ok, there are way too many memories here as it is (small tear) . . .






Transformation . . . .





























OK, just a full size basement, first floor, and garage to go . . . golf cart and windmill for sale!!! must transport from central illinois. . . .