Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I open this blog with a question: How valuable is a memory? There are parts of my life that I wish I did not recall, but I am able to recall them nonetheless. Then there are parts of my life that I hope I will never forget and cherish those memories. Times when life was well spent.
My grandmother is in the advanced stages of dementia. Alzheimer's is one branch of the dementia tree; just to give you an idea. Reality to her is like walking through a forest in the fog. Every now and then you see a tree, but you have no bearings as to where you are going. She still has memories of life long ago, and often gets them mixed up with her life today. For example, she will ask when my grandfather is going to work when he has been retired for some time. She will just ask in the middle of the day when he will be going home and he will explain to her that he is home.
You read that she was hospitalized last week with dehydration and a severe urinary tract infection. The dementia is most likely the cause of this. The consulting nurse that I met today explained that to me. She said that while our minds tell us that we are thirsty and we automatically get a drink of water; her mind receives the message that her body needs water and the message gets lost in the cobwebs. Same with the infection. She literally forgot she needed to use the bathroom.
I used the title of the movie for the title for this post for a reason. If you have seen the movie, you watched as the main character slowly lost the memory of the woman he loved. He made this decision voluntarily, but as the movie went on, he clung to the fast fading memory. This is similar to what is going on in her mind, only at a faster pace.
How valuable is a memory? Because you never know when it will be gone forever.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Home from the hospital
My grandmother is home from the hospital now. She's on a new antibiotic for the urinary tract infection and seems to be doing a lot better. She's more active, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. One thing that we will continue to struggle with is it keep her hydrated. She refuses to drink water, even when it means taking her pills. In fact, that may be the reason why she doesn't like to drink water.
I'm grateful for those who had us in your hearts and prayers. You're kind words were not lost; even if I was a bit out of it at the time and might not have acknowledged you. I admit that I haven't been as responsive to others as I should have. I am letting you know that I do appreciate you. Thank you.
If anything happens, good or bad, I will let you all know immediately. Or, you know, whenever I have the first chance to notify people.
Take care and I will post again soon.
My grandmother is home from the hospital now. She's on a new antibiotic for the urinary tract infection and seems to be doing a lot better. She's more active, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. One thing that we will continue to struggle with is it keep her hydrated. She refuses to drink water, even when it means taking her pills. In fact, that may be the reason why she doesn't like to drink water.
I'm grateful for those who had us in your hearts and prayers. You're kind words were not lost; even if I was a bit out of it at the time and might not have acknowledged you. I admit that I haven't been as responsive to others as I should have. I am letting you know that I do appreciate you. Thank you.
If anything happens, good or bad, I will let you all know immediately. Or, you know, whenever I have the first chance to notify people.
Take care and I will post again soon.
Monday, January 14, 2008
My grandmother is in the hospital
Today has been a very long day for me. I'm surviving on about four hours of sleep. And yet, I can't shut my brain off.
Yes, you read that right, my grandmother is in the hospital. It began about 4:30 this morning when my grandfather woke me to get my aunt's phone number. My grandmother could not stand. At all.
We waited for my aunt (who lives in Tacoma) while trying to figure out exactly what was wrong with her. She's not exactly a spring chicken. In fact, she's 85. She passed spring chicken a few decades ago.
So, my aunt gets here and we successfully move her from her bed to the couch so we could try to get some food, water, and pills in her. She went from semiconscious to completely unresponsive very quickly. All we were able to get in her was a couple bites of toast and a few sips of the coffee that I made. We didn't like the direction this took, so we got an ambulance. They literally arrived a minute later (I kid you not) and checked her vitals. They immediately diagnosed her with being severely dehydrated. They then rush her off to the hospital with us right behind them.
We were in the waiting room for five minutes before they told us where they put her. This hurry up-and-wait scenario would be the theme of the day. Especially the waiting part.
So anyway, she was in an emergency room for the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon while they ran a barrage of tests; including an x-ray, a CAT scan, and blood work. The diagnosis was that she had a urinary tract infection to go with her dehydration. Kind of a one-two punch that knocked her flat. Thankfully, the nurses in the ER were extremely attentive and made sure she was comfortable throughout it all.
That changed when she got a room. They decided to keep her overnight to observe her and to pump antibiotics into her throughout the night. The nurses here were, well, lax. That is other than one who looked like she was sick and tired of the others. We had made a comment when we first got the room that the catheter wasn't working out, but that wasn't removed until not long before we had to leave for the night and at one point it took them almost an hour just to get her a bedpan.
They are going to release her sometime tomorrow. It's supposed to be in the morning, but we'll see. I'm sorry if none of this makes sense, but I'm a bit rummy right now. Take care and I hope to post again on a lighter note.
Today has been a very long day for me. I'm surviving on about four hours of sleep. And yet, I can't shut my brain off.
Yes, you read that right, my grandmother is in the hospital. It began about 4:30 this morning when my grandfather woke me to get my aunt's phone number. My grandmother could not stand. At all.
We waited for my aunt (who lives in Tacoma) while trying to figure out exactly what was wrong with her. She's not exactly a spring chicken. In fact, she's 85. She passed spring chicken a few decades ago.
So, my aunt gets here and we successfully move her from her bed to the couch so we could try to get some food, water, and pills in her. She went from semiconscious to completely unresponsive very quickly. All we were able to get in her was a couple bites of toast and a few sips of the coffee that I made. We didn't like the direction this took, so we got an ambulance. They literally arrived a minute later (I kid you not) and checked her vitals. They immediately diagnosed her with being severely dehydrated. They then rush her off to the hospital with us right behind them.
We were in the waiting room for five minutes before they told us where they put her. This hurry up-and-wait scenario would be the theme of the day. Especially the waiting part.
So anyway, she was in an emergency room for the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon while they ran a barrage of tests; including an x-ray, a CAT scan, and blood work. The diagnosis was that she had a urinary tract infection to go with her dehydration. Kind of a one-two punch that knocked her flat. Thankfully, the nurses in the ER were extremely attentive and made sure she was comfortable throughout it all.
That changed when she got a room. They decided to keep her overnight to observe her and to pump antibiotics into her throughout the night. The nurses here were, well, lax. That is other than one who looked like she was sick and tired of the others. We had made a comment when we first got the room that the catheter wasn't working out, but that wasn't removed until not long before we had to leave for the night and at one point it took them almost an hour just to get her a bedpan.
They are going to release her sometime tomorrow. It's supposed to be in the morning, but we'll see. I'm sorry if none of this makes sense, but I'm a bit rummy right now. Take care and I hope to post again on a lighter note.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
No, I'm not married. Thanks for calling.
I got home tonight, and as I do every night, I asked my grandfather if I had any phone calls. I ask him this because not everyone has my cell phone number, and others would rather call me at home to save me minutes on my cell.
Anyway, so he says "yes"; and then proceeds to tell me that a woman called to see if I was married. I kid you not. Just to make sure I heard him right, I asked him to repeat himself. He did.
He said that a woman asked if I was there and he informed her that I was at work (which I was). She then asked him if I was married. She didn't give her name or anything, so I haven't the foggiest clue who it was.
Now, this doesn't sound like a question that a telemarketer would ask. At least no telemarketers that I have talked to, anyway. And everyone who knows me knows that I don't even have a girlfriend. So, ever since then, this question has puzzled me: who called? And of all the questions to ask, why that one?
Now, mind you, I have nothing against marriage. I hope to be married someday and have a family of my own. It's something that I look forward to in life. But still...
Anyway, I just thought I would share that with you. If you happen to have any sort of a theory as to who might have called, I would love to hear it. I had a good New Year's, which I spent in Seattle after work. I ran into a couple old friends who I literally haven't seen in years. And a quick note, my 27th birthday is this coming Sunday.
Take care, dear readers, and I hope to post again soon.
I got home tonight, and as I do every night, I asked my grandfather if I had any phone calls. I ask him this because not everyone has my cell phone number, and others would rather call me at home to save me minutes on my cell.
Anyway, so he says "yes"; and then proceeds to tell me that a woman called to see if I was married. I kid you not. Just to make sure I heard him right, I asked him to repeat himself. He did.
He said that a woman asked if I was there and he informed her that I was at work (which I was). She then asked him if I was married. She didn't give her name or anything, so I haven't the foggiest clue who it was.
Now, this doesn't sound like a question that a telemarketer would ask. At least no telemarketers that I have talked to, anyway. And everyone who knows me knows that I don't even have a girlfriend. So, ever since then, this question has puzzled me: who called? And of all the questions to ask, why that one?
Now, mind you, I have nothing against marriage. I hope to be married someday and have a family of my own. It's something that I look forward to in life. But still...
Anyway, I just thought I would share that with you. If you happen to have any sort of a theory as to who might have called, I would love to hear it. I had a good New Year's, which I spent in Seattle after work. I ran into a couple old friends who I literally haven't seen in years. And a quick note, my 27th birthday is this coming Sunday.
Take care, dear readers, and I hope to post again soon.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
New Year's Resolutions
I have been racking my brain, trying to best describe 2007. It wasn't a bad year, because there were times this year that I was the happiest I have ever been. It wasn't a good year, either. I guess the best way to describe it would be that 2007 was a difficult year. I would even goes as far as to say that it came in like a lamb and it will most likely end like a lion.
So, instead of talking about the year that is quickly coming to a close, I am going to take this time to make my New Year's Resolutions.
First off, while I drink plenty of water, I still don't get my full eight cups of water. So, for the 366 days that make up 2008, I am going to consume three full venti sized cups of water. Each venti size is 24 ounces, or three cups.
Second, I am going to actively look for a steady job and have one. One that will actually pay me for what I'm worth and have a stable enough to where I'm not feast or famine. One that I could turn into a career and would want to.
Third, I am going to be a lot more tidier. Right now, time is stretched thin, and it's bugging me that I don't have as much time to clean as I need. Also, I'm going to manage my time better, so I'm not just spending my entire days off cleaning.
And finally the fourth one. For my fourth resolution, I am going to take life one day at a time. One hard lesson this year has taught me well is just how quickly life can change from one day to the next. I know not what tomorrow will bring, but I shall worry about it tomorrow. For today, I need to deal with today.
Since we're still on the topic of New Year's, I would like to add just one more thing. I work both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Luckily, I get off in plenty of time to actually enjoy the night and I don't work until the following afternoon. So far, I have no plans.
I have been racking my brain, trying to best describe 2007. It wasn't a bad year, because there were times this year that I was the happiest I have ever been. It wasn't a good year, either. I guess the best way to describe it would be that 2007 was a difficult year. I would even goes as far as to say that it came in like a lamb and it will most likely end like a lion.
So, instead of talking about the year that is quickly coming to a close, I am going to take this time to make my New Year's Resolutions.
First off, while I drink plenty of water, I still don't get my full eight cups of water. So, for the 366 days that make up 2008, I am going to consume three full venti sized cups of water. Each venti size is 24 ounces, or three cups.
Second, I am going to actively look for a steady job and have one. One that will actually pay me for what I'm worth and have a stable enough to where I'm not feast or famine. One that I could turn into a career and would want to.
Third, I am going to be a lot more tidier. Right now, time is stretched thin, and it's bugging me that I don't have as much time to clean as I need. Also, I'm going to manage my time better, so I'm not just spending my entire days off cleaning.
And finally the fourth one. For my fourth resolution, I am going to take life one day at a time. One hard lesson this year has taught me well is just how quickly life can change from one day to the next. I know not what tomorrow will bring, but I shall worry about it tomorrow. For today, I need to deal with today.
Since we're still on the topic of New Year's, I would like to add just one more thing. I work both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Luckily, I get off in plenty of time to actually enjoy the night and I don't work until the following afternoon. So far, I have no plans.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee
When things in out lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was.
The professor then picked us a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things-your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions. If everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter-your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else-the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the golf balls or the pebbles. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friendship."
(Courtesy of Harnish Lincoln Mercury auto dealership.)
When things in out lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was.
The professor then picked us a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things-your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions. If everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter-your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else-the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the golf balls or the pebbles. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friendship."
(Courtesy of Harnish Lincoln Mercury auto dealership.)
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
This is my December
2007 has not been a normal year for me, in any stretch; and the weather so far this month has mirrored that perfectly. On the first day, there was snow and lots of it. Too bad it didn't stick and by the end of the evening, it gave way to the torrential rains that you probably have heard about. Then came the wind, and they coupled to create quite the monsoon that lasted for most of the week. Then came the blessed sun and one can only hope and pray that it sticks around long enough for the state to dry out.
But I'm not here to talk about the weather. As odd as it has been, I have absolutely no control over it. I can only endure, and hope for the best. It's just one more storm in my life. Quite literally.
No, I am here to talk about the Christmas season. Ever since my Dad passed away, the holidays have lost their touch; there's been no magic to them at all. I have only meandered through them, putting on a happy face while feeling nothing inside. The lone exception was last year. Last year I got a spark back. There was a twinkle in my eye again. I was able to actually get back into the spirit of Christmas.
Why? For one very, very good reason. Someone came back into my life. Someone who I hadn't seen or spoken to since high school. She came back into my life and we were hanging out together. There's this little bar that we used to go to all the time and just hang out and have fun. Mind you, we would only drink water, but there was karaoke, which is a blast. I'm not normally someone who would participate, but she gave me the confidence I needed to get up there and sing my heart out. It helps that she thinks I sing well.
That someone is still in my life. This is one of the few reasons, despite it all, I'm actually once again looking forward to Christmas. By despite it all, I have a few major things that are getting in my way.
Number one, is money. I had a very large bill almost wipe out my last paycheck and I won't have another paycheck until the middle of the month. This brings about the second problem: time. My work schedule is all over the map, which makes not only shopping a bit of a problem, but also slims down drastically any chance I have to spend time with those that I care about. The third is just how unpredictable my life is right now. Obviously, this has much to do with the previous two.
The best solution I have come up with is that I throughly plan on doing all my Christmas shopping done on one day. I've done it in the past, so I know that it's possible. I just have to make sure that it's early enough in the month so I can send off a certain package to Texas, but late enough so I actually have money so I can go shopping. This alone would alleviate much of the stress that I'm feeling right now. After all, if I do all my shopping on one day, this frees up my time as well. Although I would like to point out that I have actually started some of my Christmas shopping. So, technically speaking, I'm not doing it ALL on one day. But whatever.
Yes, I am going to make the most out of this Christmas season. Time is short, so I'm going to put my all into it. All that matters is that I am able to make someone very happy.
This will be a busy month for me, but I will post again before the new year. By the way, I would like to point out that my next post will be my 100th.
2007 has not been a normal year for me, in any stretch; and the weather so far this month has mirrored that perfectly. On the first day, there was snow and lots of it. Too bad it didn't stick and by the end of the evening, it gave way to the torrential rains that you probably have heard about. Then came the wind, and they coupled to create quite the monsoon that lasted for most of the week. Then came the blessed sun and one can only hope and pray that it sticks around long enough for the state to dry out.
But I'm not here to talk about the weather. As odd as it has been, I have absolutely no control over it. I can only endure, and hope for the best. It's just one more storm in my life. Quite literally.
No, I am here to talk about the Christmas season. Ever since my Dad passed away, the holidays have lost their touch; there's been no magic to them at all. I have only meandered through them, putting on a happy face while feeling nothing inside. The lone exception was last year. Last year I got a spark back. There was a twinkle in my eye again. I was able to actually get back into the spirit of Christmas.
Why? For one very, very good reason. Someone came back into my life. Someone who I hadn't seen or spoken to since high school. She came back into my life and we were hanging out together. There's this little bar that we used to go to all the time and just hang out and have fun. Mind you, we would only drink water, but there was karaoke, which is a blast. I'm not normally someone who would participate, but she gave me the confidence I needed to get up there and sing my heart out. It helps that she thinks I sing well.
That someone is still in my life. This is one of the few reasons, despite it all, I'm actually once again looking forward to Christmas. By despite it all, I have a few major things that are getting in my way.
Number one, is money. I had a very large bill almost wipe out my last paycheck and I won't have another paycheck until the middle of the month. This brings about the second problem: time. My work schedule is all over the map, which makes not only shopping a bit of a problem, but also slims down drastically any chance I have to spend time with those that I care about. The third is just how unpredictable my life is right now. Obviously, this has much to do with the previous two.
The best solution I have come up with is that I throughly plan on doing all my Christmas shopping done on one day. I've done it in the past, so I know that it's possible. I just have to make sure that it's early enough in the month so I can send off a certain package to Texas, but late enough so I actually have money so I can go shopping. This alone would alleviate much of the stress that I'm feeling right now. After all, if I do all my shopping on one day, this frees up my time as well. Although I would like to point out that I have actually started some of my Christmas shopping. So, technically speaking, I'm not doing it ALL on one day. But whatever.
Yes, I am going to make the most out of this Christmas season. Time is short, so I'm going to put my all into it. All that matters is that I am able to make someone very happy.
This will be a busy month for me, but I will post again before the new year. By the way, I would like to point out that my next post will be my 100th.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
Alright, yes, I do realize that by the time you have read this, it will be over. You will probably be home from fighting off the hordes of people trying to by stuff for their loved ones I sincerely hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I know for a fact that I did. It was honestly one of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had.
Thanksgiving day started out the way all holidays start out-behind schedule. I woke up early enough, sure, but still managed to get behind. I skipped breakfast (for a good reason), got ready early enough, and yet, still ran behind.
On an errand for my grandfather, I met my sister at a local grocery store. From there, we went to where my best friend works and we were fortunate enough that we got there before they closed. When we arrived, she literally met us outside; even though another rush was about to begin. Even though she was busy, we spent a little time together and she was able to walk us out.
After that, we headed back down south to the grandparents (on my Dad's side) house for Thanksgiving dinner #1. There was a lot of laughter and fun and a lot of food. Also, there were lots of pictures. It's rare that my sister is able to come out to visit, so we definitely made the most out of it. I was even able to get a (sort of) four generation photo. I say sort of because instead my mother being in the photo (she spent it in Bellingham), it's my aunt.
After that, we (my sister, niece, and I) went over to our other grandparents. I don't see them very often and on my Mom's side there are a ton of people. Luckily, everyone made it there, which is a feat in and of itself. It seems like everyones lives have become so busy over the past few years that even holidays there's quite a few people missing. And like I said, that side of the family has a great number of people, so it's not too surprising.
My niece slept the entire way from one set of grandparents (actually, great grandparents to her) to the other and through about half the evening. This gave us the pre-dinner conversations and most of dinner in relative peace. Don't get me wrong. I love my niece. I really do. Ask anyone. But she's definitely at the age where she can be a total handful. She's doing a fine job of running me into the ground. When she did wake up, she was rather cranky before she totally woke up; which was when she became the life of the party. Such is the life of an almost two year old.
As the evening went on, I reconnected with family members that I rarely see and updated those I see a bit more frequent. This was definitly one of the largest Thankgivings I can remember. It felt good to see so many loved ones that I don't have a lot of chance of seeing. It felt like one giant family again.
Anyway, that was my Thanksgiving in a nutshell. I would love for you to share with me your Thanksgiving experiences; as well as your Black Friday experiences as well. It was seriously the slowest Black Friday that I have worked. There were times when I was literally looking for something to do.
Anyway, it's after two am and bed is beckoning me. Take care and I'll talk to you soon.
Alright, yes, I do realize that by the time you have read this, it will be over. You will probably be home from fighting off the hordes of people trying to by stuff for their loved ones I sincerely hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I know for a fact that I did. It was honestly one of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had.
Thanksgiving day started out the way all holidays start out-behind schedule. I woke up early enough, sure, but still managed to get behind. I skipped breakfast (for a good reason), got ready early enough, and yet, still ran behind.
On an errand for my grandfather, I met my sister at a local grocery store. From there, we went to where my best friend works and we were fortunate enough that we got there before they closed. When we arrived, she literally met us outside; even though another rush was about to begin. Even though she was busy, we spent a little time together and she was able to walk us out.
After that, we headed back down south to the grandparents (on my Dad's side) house for Thanksgiving dinner #1. There was a lot of laughter and fun and a lot of food. Also, there were lots of pictures. It's rare that my sister is able to come out to visit, so we definitely made the most out of it. I was even able to get a (sort of) four generation photo. I say sort of because instead my mother being in the photo (she spent it in Bellingham), it's my aunt.
After that, we (my sister, niece, and I) went over to our other grandparents. I don't see them very often and on my Mom's side there are a ton of people. Luckily, everyone made it there, which is a feat in and of itself. It seems like everyones lives have become so busy over the past few years that even holidays there's quite a few people missing. And like I said, that side of the family has a great number of people, so it's not too surprising.
My niece slept the entire way from one set of grandparents (actually, great grandparents to her) to the other and through about half the evening. This gave us the pre-dinner conversations and most of dinner in relative peace. Don't get me wrong. I love my niece. I really do. Ask anyone. But she's definitely at the age where she can be a total handful. She's doing a fine job of running me into the ground. When she did wake up, she was rather cranky before she totally woke up; which was when she became the life of the party. Such is the life of an almost two year old.
As the evening went on, I reconnected with family members that I rarely see and updated those I see a bit more frequent. This was definitly one of the largest Thankgivings I can remember. It felt good to see so many loved ones that I don't have a lot of chance of seeing. It felt like one giant family again.
Anyway, that was my Thanksgiving in a nutshell. I would love for you to share with me your Thanksgiving experiences; as well as your Black Friday experiences as well. It was seriously the slowest Black Friday that I have worked. There were times when I was literally looking for something to do.
Anyway, it's after two am and bed is beckoning me. Take care and I'll talk to you soon.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Guess who's coming for dinner?
My sister, that's who! And she will be here for an entire week!
Okay, for those of you out there who don't follow my blog all that often-I have an older sister who very much lives out of state. In fact, she just moved from one state to another very recently, but is still no closer to home. She is happily married and has a daughter who will be two in the beginning of next month. Man, time flies.
Anyway, I'm lucky if I get to see her once a year and this year it will be twice! I spent my week vacation at the end of June at her (well, now old) place and now she will be spending a week here. She will be staying with a friend and she will be bringing my niece along with her. Her husband will be spending Thankgiving with his family.
She will be flying in tomorrow (okay, technically today) afternoon and I will be meeting her at the airport with our grandparents. After that, I'm not sure what will happen; but my coworkers are really anxious to meet her. Hopefully we will spend a lot of time together this week; but whenever she's out here, she's busy visiting everyone she rarely sees. I know for a fact that she will be spending Thankgiving dinner with me and then we will go over to the grandparents on our Mom's side for dessert. At least, I think that's the plan. I'm not sure.
Anyway, I know I'll have a crazy week. I hope to post again on Thankgiving, but no promises. Take care and don't do anything I wouldn't do.
My sister, that's who! And she will be here for an entire week!
Okay, for those of you out there who don't follow my blog all that often-I have an older sister who very much lives out of state. In fact, she just moved from one state to another very recently, but is still no closer to home. She is happily married and has a daughter who will be two in the beginning of next month. Man, time flies.
Anyway, I'm lucky if I get to see her once a year and this year it will be twice! I spent my week vacation at the end of June at her (well, now old) place and now she will be spending a week here. She will be staying with a friend and she will be bringing my niece along with her. Her husband will be spending Thankgiving with his family.
She will be flying in tomorrow (okay, technically today) afternoon and I will be meeting her at the airport with our grandparents. After that, I'm not sure what will happen; but my coworkers are really anxious to meet her. Hopefully we will spend a lot of time together this week; but whenever she's out here, she's busy visiting everyone she rarely sees. I know for a fact that she will be spending Thankgiving dinner with me and then we will go over to the grandparents on our Mom's side for dessert. At least, I think that's the plan. I'm not sure.
Anyway, I know I'll have a crazy week. I hope to post again on Thankgiving, but no promises. Take care and don't do anything I wouldn't do.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends"-John 15:13
I would like to dedicate this post to the men and women in the armed services. Whether they are in the mud and sand of Iraq or still in boot camp hardening themselves for battle; their sacrifice is why we are still free today. While we may go to the parades and the sales at the malls; they are out there living the struggle. They eat and breathe and die on foreign soil so that we here are free.
My Dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Although he was stationed in Hawaii, he still had to deal with the war. He was on the crash crew and had to deal with some very hairy situations. I have a lot of family members who were in the military and for a while I was seriously thinking about joining. I still haven't given up the notion completely.
This is Veteran's Day. A day set aside so we may honor those who have served our country. We have this day to honor those who give their all. Who live each day with literal blood, sweat, and tears. Throughout my years of working with the public, I have met people with true stories of amazing courage. The stuff that would be a guaranteed box office hit. And all they say is that they were just doing their job.
So I have a request for you, dear readers. If you know a vet, thank a vet. Just this simple gesture is enough to brighten their day, maybe even their week. They may not immediately show how happy it makes them feel, but it does.
Anyways, that's all for me right now, dear readers. Take care and safe journeys.
I would like to dedicate this post to the men and women in the armed services. Whether they are in the mud and sand of Iraq or still in boot camp hardening themselves for battle; their sacrifice is why we are still free today. While we may go to the parades and the sales at the malls; they are out there living the struggle. They eat and breathe and die on foreign soil so that we here are free.
My Dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Although he was stationed in Hawaii, he still had to deal with the war. He was on the crash crew and had to deal with some very hairy situations. I have a lot of family members who were in the military and for a while I was seriously thinking about joining. I still haven't given up the notion completely.
This is Veteran's Day. A day set aside so we may honor those who have served our country. We have this day to honor those who give their all. Who live each day with literal blood, sweat, and tears. Throughout my years of working with the public, I have met people with true stories of amazing courage. The stuff that would be a guaranteed box office hit. And all they say is that they were just doing their job.
So I have a request for you, dear readers. If you know a vet, thank a vet. Just this simple gesture is enough to brighten their day, maybe even their week. They may not immediately show how happy it makes them feel, but it does.
Anyways, that's all for me right now, dear readers. Take care and safe journeys.
Monday, November 05, 2007
The waves are calmer
Today, my best friend and I took a walk down on the waterfront. It has been a couple months since I've seen her and it felt really good to spend some time with her. We had stopped and were watching the waves. She asked me what I was thinking and I told her "life".
For me, life has been a lot like the open water on the ocean. Rather calm and serene, a few waves to make it interesting. But since my Dad passed away, life has been more like the choppy waters that we saw today. Full of uncertainty and complications that have been making it hard for me to keep my head above water. Do I blame him or his passing? No! It's just how my life has been, that's all. It had to happen sometime.
2007 will definitely be a year that I will remember. I have endured quite a few storms this year that have caused the waves to rise up and come down hard on me. The most blatant example is that I lost my job of six years because the company went belly up. Yes, I have moved on to another job. This other job has provided even more chaos in my life and I struggle with it daily. Not just the physical demands that I go through on a daily basis, but the psychological ones as well. I literally have no clue when I start my work day whether it will be a good day or not.
How is it that I have kept my chin up, despite it all? Easy. I have a very close set of friends and family who are looking out for me including my best friend who cares about me and wants the best for me. She calms my storms and quiets my seas. I can have the worst day and all it takes is to talk to her and spend time with her and all is right with the world. I am most at rest when you are in my life.
Today will go down in my highlights for the year. All because of you.
Today, my best friend and I took a walk down on the waterfront. It has been a couple months since I've seen her and it felt really good to spend some time with her. We had stopped and were watching the waves. She asked me what I was thinking and I told her "life".
For me, life has been a lot like the open water on the ocean. Rather calm and serene, a few waves to make it interesting. But since my Dad passed away, life has been more like the choppy waters that we saw today. Full of uncertainty and complications that have been making it hard for me to keep my head above water. Do I blame him or his passing? No! It's just how my life has been, that's all. It had to happen sometime.
2007 will definitely be a year that I will remember. I have endured quite a few storms this year that have caused the waves to rise up and come down hard on me. The most blatant example is that I lost my job of six years because the company went belly up. Yes, I have moved on to another job. This other job has provided even more chaos in my life and I struggle with it daily. Not just the physical demands that I go through on a daily basis, but the psychological ones as well. I literally have no clue when I start my work day whether it will be a good day or not.
How is it that I have kept my chin up, despite it all? Easy. I have a very close set of friends and family who are looking out for me including my best friend who cares about me and wants the best for me. She calms my storms and quiets my seas. I can have the worst day and all it takes is to talk to her and spend time with her and all is right with the world. I am most at rest when you are in my life.
Today will go down in my highlights for the year. All because of you.
Monday, October 22, 2007
October 28th
There is a subject that I write about very little on here. A subject that I rarely talk about; even with either friends and family. Nevertheless, it is a topic that is extremely near and dear to my heart. I'm talking about the death of my Dad.
Let me begin this with saying that he was the best Dad I could ever have asked for. One thing that very, very few people know about me is that he was not my biological father. Where my biological father is, I honestly could care less. That man left my life at a very early age and I would like to keep it that way.
But the Dad that I had was beyond incredible. He was so supportive of both my sister and I and he loved his wife with all of his heart. He was beyond devoted to her and he cherished her more than all the gold in the world. He raised us and made us his own. We took his last name unofficially and when I was a junior in high school, I made it official. I bear my last name with a true badge of honor, because of what it represents and who gave it to me.
He taught me so many lessons and most of who I am today is because of him. He was the ultimate family man and he gave his everything for us.
This is one of the main reasons why his passing almost four years ago has impacted me so much. For most of his life he suffered with a lung condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) as well as asthma. Towards the end of his life, he literally fought for every breath that he took. The thing of it is, since I was still living with my parents at the time, I hadn't realized this. It was just how it was. But he did.
The Sunday before he passed on, he was adamant that we go to church. It had been a while since we had gone, so we didn't think anything of it. We went, and then the next day it was back to work. All three of us were living in Auburn, but working in North Bend. So a day of work was literally a day we were gone all day.
His last day was a Tuesday. I am so grateful that we all had the day off and we spent it together as a family. I can still see the sunset that he pointed out to us. The most brilliant and beautiful sunset I had ever seen and even now. We went home and spent the evening together watching TV. Like most families, this was a daily occurrence, but I am grateful for it. We all were scheduled to work the next day, so we turned in at relatively the same time.
I remember it happened just after eleven. I heard some commotion and I got out of bed to see what was going on. My mom was in the doorway of their bedroom screaming and I saw him laying on the floor. She yelled at me to go help the paramedics find the house and I left with this massive spotlight of a flashlight that he had. I'm not sure if I was wearing shoes or not when I left.
They were there within ten minutes and they did the best that they could. I have no clue how many times they tried to resuscitate him, but they only stopped after they were finally able to convince us that he wasn't coming back. As an interesting twist of fate, one of the firefighters who responded to the scene was the father of one of my oldest friends; who also was there, but I don't remember seeing him. And the volunteer chaplain that was there was none other than our pastor, who also presided over the memorial.
Most of that night is buried in my subconscious. I don't have flashbacks anymore, and I'm finally able to talk about that night without bursting into tears. He was cremated and his ashes are at Tahoma National Cemetery; because he was in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
The four year anniversary of his passing is this Sunday. I will be spending the entire day with my mother, who I don't see as much as I would like to. And those who have read this blog before know, on August 26th I received my very first tattoo and I wanted it to be in tribute to him.
Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you, my dear readers. Take care.
There is a subject that I write about very little on here. A subject that I rarely talk about; even with either friends and family. Nevertheless, it is a topic that is extremely near and dear to my heart. I'm talking about the death of my Dad.
Let me begin this with saying that he was the best Dad I could ever have asked for. One thing that very, very few people know about me is that he was not my biological father. Where my biological father is, I honestly could care less. That man left my life at a very early age and I would like to keep it that way.
But the Dad that I had was beyond incredible. He was so supportive of both my sister and I and he loved his wife with all of his heart. He was beyond devoted to her and he cherished her more than all the gold in the world. He raised us and made us his own. We took his last name unofficially and when I was a junior in high school, I made it official. I bear my last name with a true badge of honor, because of what it represents and who gave it to me.
He taught me so many lessons and most of who I am today is because of him. He was the ultimate family man and he gave his everything for us.
This is one of the main reasons why his passing almost four years ago has impacted me so much. For most of his life he suffered with a lung condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) as well as asthma. Towards the end of his life, he literally fought for every breath that he took. The thing of it is, since I was still living with my parents at the time, I hadn't realized this. It was just how it was. But he did.
The Sunday before he passed on, he was adamant that we go to church. It had been a while since we had gone, so we didn't think anything of it. We went, and then the next day it was back to work. All three of us were living in Auburn, but working in North Bend. So a day of work was literally a day we were gone all day.
His last day was a Tuesday. I am so grateful that we all had the day off and we spent it together as a family. I can still see the sunset that he pointed out to us. The most brilliant and beautiful sunset I had ever seen and even now. We went home and spent the evening together watching TV. Like most families, this was a daily occurrence, but I am grateful for it. We all were scheduled to work the next day, so we turned in at relatively the same time.
I remember it happened just after eleven. I heard some commotion and I got out of bed to see what was going on. My mom was in the doorway of their bedroom screaming and I saw him laying on the floor. She yelled at me to go help the paramedics find the house and I left with this massive spotlight of a flashlight that he had. I'm not sure if I was wearing shoes or not when I left.
They were there within ten minutes and they did the best that they could. I have no clue how many times they tried to resuscitate him, but they only stopped after they were finally able to convince us that he wasn't coming back. As an interesting twist of fate, one of the firefighters who responded to the scene was the father of one of my oldest friends; who also was there, but I don't remember seeing him. And the volunteer chaplain that was there was none other than our pastor, who also presided over the memorial.
Most of that night is buried in my subconscious. I don't have flashbacks anymore, and I'm finally able to talk about that night without bursting into tears. He was cremated and his ashes are at Tahoma National Cemetery; because he was in the Navy during the Vietnam War.
The four year anniversary of his passing is this Sunday. I will be spending the entire day with my mother, who I don't see as much as I would like to. And those who have read this blog before know, on August 26th I received my very first tattoo and I wanted it to be in tribute to him.
Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you, my dear readers. Take care.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Rarely do I post song lyrics as a post, but this one is deeply important to me. There have been times in my life where I have not been the kind of a friend that I would want. If I have ever been that way to you, you have my honest apology. I am and will try to be a better friend.
Friends Are Friends Forever
Michael W. Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus
Friends Are Friends Forever
Michael W. Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Good news, bad news:
The good news is that my elbow is feeling much better. I'm now taking Advil sparingly (unlike the copious amounts that I was taking before) and I am using it a lot more. Probably, still, more than I'm supposed to. But then again, I've always had the problem of not taking care of myself completely.
Bad news time: The insomnia is back in full force. It's almost three in the morning and I'm listening to classical music. Wide awake. Not good.
There's a perfectly good reason why. I miss my friend like mad. I could tell her everything and since we've been apart, there's no one else that I've been that close to. Sure, there's my sister, but we speak maybe once a month. There's a lot I've got bottled up that I would love to tell her, but I can't. I wish I could, but I can't.
I wonder if she's missing me, too.
The good news is that my elbow is feeling much better. I'm now taking Advil sparingly (unlike the copious amounts that I was taking before) and I am using it a lot more. Probably, still, more than I'm supposed to. But then again, I've always had the problem of not taking care of myself completely.
Bad news time: The insomnia is back in full force. It's almost three in the morning and I'm listening to classical music. Wide awake. Not good.
There's a perfectly good reason why. I miss my friend like mad. I could tell her everything and since we've been apart, there's no one else that I've been that close to. Sure, there's my sister, but we speak maybe once a month. There's a lot I've got bottled up that I would love to tell her, but I can't. I wish I could, but I can't.
I wonder if she's missing me, too.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Don't try this at home (or work)
So, news flash to absolutely no one, I'm kind of a klutz. Latest proof of this is what happened last night.
It's after close and I had just finished a load of dishes. I pulled them out of the Sanitizer and was walking over to the drive thru bar to set them down. My glasses were askew and I didn't see the pile of mats that were sitting there. I tripped and braced myself from crashing with my right arm; which smacked into the drive thru bar. Which just so happens to be made of metal. Needless to say that the tray fell and several dishes were broken. I felt like I was broken as well.
Since it is, well, me, my first concern was the wreckage that I had just created while my coworkers were more worried about me. Which is why it took a second before the pain kicked in. And the pain did kick in.
Mainly it's in my elbow. I use the present tense because it still royally hurts. Also, my forearm was also screaming at me as well as a few ribs. I landed hard, needless to say. My shift supervisor immediately banned me from doing anything else for the evening and made an ice pack for me. Only problem with that was that I still had to close my register. Turns out, I can do that one handed.
After that way done, I basically sat in the back room with my arm in a make shift sling that I made out of my apron and the ice pack. I'm feeling thirty shades of stupid and my body feels like I was on the receiving end of a baseball bat. Not the best way to end the night. Luckily, said shift was able to talk his father into giving me a ride home.
Sleeping sucked big time. What sleep I did get was shallow and interrupted quite a bit. I know, I know, the smart thing would have been to get it checked out even before going home, but we were all tired and it was past 11:30 by the time we left. Brains were done for the night and mine was the first one to shut down. Trauma kind of does that to me. Go figure.
Morning arrives and I immediately ask my grandfather for a ride to the hospital. It's feeling vaguely better because I slept with the sling on. We go down to the emergency room (after a brief stop in the lobby where I was instructed that I need to go to the ER) and I have lots of forms to fill out. In a way, I was lucky, because I write with my left hand and I injured my right arm. The nurse got a copy of my insurance (I'm so glad that I signed up for that) and I filled out the forms for L&I. Since an incident report was filled out right after the incident, I didn't have to worry about that one.
After that was a brief stint in the Waiting Room where my grandfather did his best to keep my mind off of it. Then I went into a room where a nurse felt up my arm to make sure that nothing else was wrong and then I waited to get x-rays.
Here's where the good news comes in. Nothing's broken or fractured or out of joint. I've gotta take it easy for the next few days (no heavy lifting) and I can take Ibuprofen for the pain. The swelling is down and I can use it some without it getting mad at me.
By the way, yes I did go to work today. Mainly it was a mandatory store meeting and a lite shift after that. Yes, I will go to work tomorrow night and no, I'm not going to do anything that's going to hurt myself. I hope.
So, news flash to absolutely no one, I'm kind of a klutz. Latest proof of this is what happened last night.
It's after close and I had just finished a load of dishes. I pulled them out of the Sanitizer and was walking over to the drive thru bar to set them down. My glasses were askew and I didn't see the pile of mats that were sitting there. I tripped and braced myself from crashing with my right arm; which smacked into the drive thru bar. Which just so happens to be made of metal. Needless to say that the tray fell and several dishes were broken. I felt like I was broken as well.
Since it is, well, me, my first concern was the wreckage that I had just created while my coworkers were more worried about me. Which is why it took a second before the pain kicked in. And the pain did kick in.
Mainly it's in my elbow. I use the present tense because it still royally hurts. Also, my forearm was also screaming at me as well as a few ribs. I landed hard, needless to say. My shift supervisor immediately banned me from doing anything else for the evening and made an ice pack for me. Only problem with that was that I still had to close my register. Turns out, I can do that one handed.
After that way done, I basically sat in the back room with my arm in a make shift sling that I made out of my apron and the ice pack. I'm feeling thirty shades of stupid and my body feels like I was on the receiving end of a baseball bat. Not the best way to end the night. Luckily, said shift was able to talk his father into giving me a ride home.
Sleeping sucked big time. What sleep I did get was shallow and interrupted quite a bit. I know, I know, the smart thing would have been to get it checked out even before going home, but we were all tired and it was past 11:30 by the time we left. Brains were done for the night and mine was the first one to shut down. Trauma kind of does that to me. Go figure.
Morning arrives and I immediately ask my grandfather for a ride to the hospital. It's feeling vaguely better because I slept with the sling on. We go down to the emergency room (after a brief stop in the lobby where I was instructed that I need to go to the ER) and I have lots of forms to fill out. In a way, I was lucky, because I write with my left hand and I injured my right arm. The nurse got a copy of my insurance (I'm so glad that I signed up for that) and I filled out the forms for L&I. Since an incident report was filled out right after the incident, I didn't have to worry about that one.
After that was a brief stint in the Waiting Room where my grandfather did his best to keep my mind off of it. Then I went into a room where a nurse felt up my arm to make sure that nothing else was wrong and then I waited to get x-rays.
Here's where the good news comes in. Nothing's broken or fractured or out of joint. I've gotta take it easy for the next few days (no heavy lifting) and I can take Ibuprofen for the pain. The swelling is down and I can use it some without it getting mad at me.
By the way, yes I did go to work today. Mainly it was a mandatory store meeting and a lite shift after that. Yes, I will go to work tomorrow night and no, I'm not going to do anything that's going to hurt myself. I hope.
Friday, August 31, 2007
So, by the way, I have a tattoo now. First off, yes, this is my first tattoo. Second, despite the pain and the price, I would love to get another. I got it on Sunday, August 26, 2007
Alright, now for the information. Late last week (Thursday, I believe) I was given the opportunity to go with my cousin and get a tattoo on Saturday. I had been wanting to get one since high school, but both being indecisive about what design and the pain that would go into it drove me away. I don't know why, but when the opportunity came up, I knew I had to go for it. Speak now or forever hold your peace kind of a thing.
So Saturday rolls around and I just got off work at a store that I don't normally work at. I call her to see where to meet and she mentions that she's in the same city that I'm in and that we have to meet somewhere. I mention a local shopping center, but she doesn't know exactly where it's at. I told her that I would come and find her, and we met up maybe a half hour later. We go to the guy's apartment (yes, I know, but believe me when I say that I'm paranoid about that kind a thing, so you know he had to be safe). We meet her husband, who was there already, and the three of us talk to Bruce (the tattoo guy) about what we want. Originally, all I wanted was how the date was done here (October 28, 2003 in case you can't read it). He gave me a look and said that since it was my first time, I should go big or go home. He then proceeds to draw this amazing design that I know that I want on my skin for the rest of my life.
While my cousin's husband proceeds to get his tattoo (we were all going to get our first tattoos together), I'm talking to a certain lady friend of my on the phone and hanging out with a friend of ours who literally is the real life Jolly Green Giant (I say this with total admiration and I know that he wouldn't be offended by it). I'm getting bummed out because it seems like this certain lady friend of mine isn't going to make it and I really wanted her there when I got my first tattoo. Turns out that his tattoo took longer than expected, and we had to head home. In a way, this is a good thing.
Sunday: I've just had a really bad day at work, and I'm not exactly in the mood to get a tattoo. Nevertheless, my cousin once again picks me up at work and we go to the guy's apartment. The mutual friend of ours is only there briefly, as he had to leave for a date. His new tattoo is just awesome. My cousin's husband is also there, waiting for us to arrive. His tattoo is looking good and he mentioned that it kept catching his eye all day at work. Bruce announces that it's my cousin who's going first, with his eyes smiling as he says this. He wants to make sure that I really know what I'm getting myself into.
I call my lady friend again, and once again, she doesn't think that she's going to be able to make it. She had left work and had just gotten home when I called her. She heard the disappointment in my voice and told me not to be and that she was really proud of me for getting it. For those of you who don't know, the date on my tattoo was the day my Dad died. I told her that my cousin was going first and that it was going to be a while. We talked for another couple minutes and then she told me that she had to do something and that she would call me back. She did, five minutes later and we talked for a bit. While we were talking, I kept wandering over and watching my cousin get her tattoo done. This did absolutely nothing to help my courage. I told her (my lady friend) where we were, but she said that she wasn't sure if she would up to it. After a couple more minutes, she mentioned that she had something to do and that she would call me back later.
Ten minutes later, she calls me and asks me "hypothetically" how to get there from a nearby restaurant. I'm beyond ecstatic by this; and hand over the phone to my cousin's husband who is a lot better at directions than I am. We both go outside as he gives her directions over the phone. We both see her car and he hands the phone back to me as she rolls up and parks. She gets out of the car and looks absolutely stunning. Here I am, looking like I've been through hell and she is just breathtaking. He had left back for the apartment when she parked, so we hugged and walked there together. As soon as we got inside, I announce her to everyone.
Since my cousin had just finished getting her tattoo before my lady friend showed up, it was my turn. Now or never. And there's no way I'm going to back down with her there. She told me that she would tease me for the rest of my life if I cried. I did not cry. I lied down on the table and Bruce grabs my leg and pulls me toward him. My lady friend offers her hand for the pain and I told her that I would make it up to her some day. I took her hand (come on now, do I look like an idiot?) and for most of the time I held it. Yes, I will admit that there were times when I definitely gave it a squeeze. On a few occasions, from the range of one to ten, it was a twelve. Especially around the Achilles tendon. And she kept telling me to stop moving and to breathe in through my nose and out of my mouth. She was clearly enjoying herself.
The tattoo itself took about an hour and a half. During that time, she sat there and entertained Bruce's grand kids and kept me focused. She would tell me to go to my happy place, so I would either think of my Dad who I know would be proud or I would think of her and how she was with me. She is my happy place.
At first, it hurt more than anything. The pain is constant and it's totally unique. After a while, the buzzing numbs the area, until it finds another rather touchy area. One thing that totally surprised me is that you sweat when you get a tattoo. I knew that it would drop my blood sugar, but I wasn't aware that you would sweat so much. All in all, I would love to do it again.
After the tattoo was done, he gave me the run down about not to do and how to maintain it. His daughter took the official photo of it for his book (which is actually his myspace page http://www.myspace.com/n_e_ta2u in the photos under "my work") and we hung out for a bit. My special lady friend mentioned that she wanted another tattoo, so we all went through different designs and such. I stood (there's no way I could have sat down) right next to her and she bounced ideas off of me. We were there for about a couple hours after my tattoo was finished.
It was late when we left and the moon was perfect. I seriously had the best night in long time last Sunday. As a foot note, I would highly recommend this guy if you are looking for a tattoo. Not only is he amazing, he's also a really cool person. He's got a great sense of humor, but he has his definite serious moments as well.
Anyway, now that I've probably bored you all to death, I'll leave you be. As usual, I'll post soon when something (or more likely nothing) happens. Take care and don't do anything I wouldn't do...
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Courtesy of my sister:
The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks an older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears several confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.
The old priest suggests, "Cross your arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand." The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on, and I understand, how did you feel about that?" The new priest says those things, trying them out. The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, 'No way! What happened next?'"
The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks an older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears several confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.
The old priest suggests, "Cross your arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand." The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on, and I understand, how did you feel about that?" The new priest says those things, trying them out. The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, 'No way! What happened next?'"
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Preparation for the Big One
There was a 7.4 earthquake that hit Jakarta, Indonesia today. There are no reports of deaths, and, luckily, there was no tsunami. But it got me to thinking about the region that I live in.
Washington State has a couple active volcanos. One, Mount St. Helens, has already erupted, but she's been acting like she wants to do it again. The other, Mt. Rainier, has been dormant for a long time and is overdo for a big blast. The last time it went, the area was considerably less populated. When she erupts again, the area won't be so fortunate.
There has been evidence in the past of a tsunami striking the coast of Washington. While our coast isn't as populated as the interior, it still will mean lost lives and massive amounts of damage.
Gather all that on top of the fact that this region has become a lot more active within the last fifty years. I have lived through two earthquakes already, and I'm only in my twenties. The second one was much larger than the first, and they were only six years apart.
I, for one, am not ready. I will be the first to admit it. As much as I tell myself to prepare, I don't This is for two reasons. Number one is denial. The old head in the sand trick. If I dont think about it, it won't happen. The other is I just have procrastinated on it. There's not a whole lot I can do, so I just put it off.
But still, there's that voice in the back of my head telling me that I should probably get on that. So, for starters, I've decided to put this website on my blog: http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/ It's all about how to prepare for the big one. The tips on there are pretty useful. Some of them I might even use.
Anyway, now that I'm done scaring the crap out of both you, my fine readers, and myself; I think I will go home and see how my grandparents are doing. Take care of yourself and I will post again soon.
There was a 7.4 earthquake that hit Jakarta, Indonesia today. There are no reports of deaths, and, luckily, there was no tsunami. But it got me to thinking about the region that I live in.
Washington State has a couple active volcanos. One, Mount St. Helens, has already erupted, but she's been acting like she wants to do it again. The other, Mt. Rainier, has been dormant for a long time and is overdo for a big blast. The last time it went, the area was considerably less populated. When she erupts again, the area won't be so fortunate.
There has been evidence in the past of a tsunami striking the coast of Washington. While our coast isn't as populated as the interior, it still will mean lost lives and massive amounts of damage.
Gather all that on top of the fact that this region has become a lot more active within the last fifty years. I have lived through two earthquakes already, and I'm only in my twenties. The second one was much larger than the first, and they were only six years apart.
I, for one, am not ready. I will be the first to admit it. As much as I tell myself to prepare, I don't This is for two reasons. Number one is denial. The old head in the sand trick. If I dont think about it, it won't happen. The other is I just have procrastinated on it. There's not a whole lot I can do, so I just put it off.
But still, there's that voice in the back of my head telling me that I should probably get on that. So, for starters, I've decided to put this website on my blog: http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/ It's all about how to prepare for the big one. The tips on there are pretty useful. Some of them I might even use.
Anyway, now that I'm done scaring the crap out of both you, my fine readers, and myself; I think I will go home and see how my grandparents are doing. Take care of yourself and I will post again soon.
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