I love my dad! I am Daddy's little girl. And my little namesake! She's a doll. Harriet Eloise, my neice. I hope her temperment and personality are just as sweet as she is beautiful.
5 years ago
Friday, April 22, 2011
Harriet and Opa
I love my dad! I am Daddy's little girl. And my little namesake! She's a doll. Harriet Eloise, my neice. I hope her temperment and personality are just as sweet as she is beautiful.
Patriotism
Eloquence and the nonexistence.
I have decided it was long time that I show and demonstrate that I care. I also decided which party I would lean towards.
I believe that people should be allowed to govern themselves. Less is more. I believe in Capitalism at its finest. Let those that excel radiate their excellance and draw people to them, so we can all be greater. Don't take away the motivation for excellance.
Anyhow maybe later. But my love of my country really began when I was 17. I visited Washington DC for a second time. I went with my mom and Danny. My other visit here didn't illicit the same response because of maturity and destinations we went too. This time we went to Gettysburg, Monticello, as well as Mt. Vernon and the institutions in the District. I developed a great love for the miracle of the foundation of my country and the fathers of it. Those willing to risk there lives for freedom to pursue excellence and allow others the same freedom. It was inspired of God. As I read the Book of Mormon I see the blessings and abundance given to this country for the greater good of the world. Power and corruption being a root of evil as we see by many world leaders today; it seems that most leaders can't handle power. That is why our Founding Father developed a system of checks and balances, and houses of government. I love my country. Also, my American Heritage class freshman year enlightened me. I understood the foundation of our country better and developed gratitude for the early american's sacrifices for the pleasures I now enjoy. Would I give my life for this cause? Those that have the greatest to lose have the hardest time letting go. What would my answer be then?
Love of God and Love of Country.
Maybe I will join the Airforce reserves like I had thought about for quite a while. Spring/summer next year. I can not do everything, but I can do something. I deserve nothing but must work for everything.
All that being said....I finally registered to VOTE!
Fatigue is setting in. Driving 32 hrs, a 3 day reprieve at home but threw away 28 years of my life, and 15 more hrs of driving. My train of thought isn't as coherent as the epiphanies from my drive.
I have decided it was long time that I show and demonstrate that I care. I also decided which party I would lean towards.
I believe that people should be allowed to govern themselves. Less is more. I believe in Capitalism at its finest. Let those that excel radiate their excellance and draw people to them, so we can all be greater. Don't take away the motivation for excellance.
Anyhow maybe later. But my love of my country really began when I was 17. I visited Washington DC for a second time. I went with my mom and Danny. My other visit here didn't illicit the same response because of maturity and destinations we went too. This time we went to Gettysburg, Monticello, as well as Mt. Vernon and the institutions in the District. I developed a great love for the miracle of the foundation of my country and the fathers of it. Those willing to risk there lives for freedom to pursue excellence and allow others the same freedom. It was inspired of God. As I read the Book of Mormon I see the blessings and abundance given to this country for the greater good of the world. Power and corruption being a root of evil as we see by many world leaders today; it seems that most leaders can't handle power. That is why our Founding Father developed a system of checks and balances, and houses of government. I love my country. Also, my American Heritage class freshman year enlightened me. I understood the foundation of our country better and developed gratitude for the early american's sacrifices for the pleasures I now enjoy. Would I give my life for this cause? Those that have the greatest to lose have the hardest time letting go. What would my answer be then?
Love of God and Love of Country.
Maybe I will join the Airforce reserves like I had thought about for quite a while. Spring/summer next year. I can not do everything, but I can do something. I deserve nothing but must work for everything.
All that being said....I finally registered to VOTE!
Fatigue is setting in. Driving 32 hrs, a 3 day reprieve at home but threw away 28 years of my life, and 15 more hrs of driving. My train of thought isn't as coherent as the epiphanies from my drive.
Driving
Driving myself forward
onward
upward
crazy
insane
...almost drove away with the gasoline hose. Crazy? Maybe.
To reflect
gaze
look upon
study
evaluate
question
consider
ponder
analyze
probe
scrutinize
criticize
comparmentalize
dissect
undermine and
then finally destroy.
logic and reason
The mind can destroy the best of things, if you want to find something good or bad it will present itself. Synonyms that will lead you to down different paths of discovery. But contradictions don't exist.
onward
upward
crazy
insane
...almost drove away with the gasoline hose. Crazy? Maybe.
To reflect
gaze
look upon
study
evaluate
question
consider
ponder
analyze
probe
scrutinize
criticize
comparmentalize
dissect
undermine and
then finally destroy.
logic and reason
The mind can destroy the best of things, if you want to find something good or bad it will present itself. Synonyms that will lead you to down different paths of discovery. But contradictions don't exist.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
2 lessons
Lesson 1: Modern day medicine has provided us the means of extending our lives and helping fixing problems so our lives aren't cut short. But...Just because we can keep someone alive my artificial means doesn't mean we should. I think to myself and hopefully you will one day, 'What quality of life would they life?' Then make up your mind.
Lesson 2: Just because you hear something doesn't mean you should automatically believe not matter the source. I have found recently that with all the differing benefactors, information may be hidden or changed to best fit their profit. Also, in the gospel in order to have a solid foundation, we need our own testimonies of what we are being taught. So, take time to do your own research, get your own confirmation, and then encourage others to do the same.
Another brilliant lesson of the day, but I can't remember now because I didn't write it down. If it comes back to me then....
Lesson 2: Just because you hear something doesn't mean you should automatically believe not matter the source. I have found recently that with all the differing benefactors, information may be hidden or changed to best fit their profit. Also, in the gospel in order to have a solid foundation, we need our own testimonies of what we are being taught. So, take time to do your own research, get your own confirmation, and then encourage others to do the same.
Another brilliant lesson of the day, but I can't remember now because I didn't write it down. If it comes back to me then....
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Finding gratitude
I took a casual position at the hospital thinking I would work weekend nights, so I could be home and help my sister-in-law out with the kids Monday through Friday. Ideally that schedule sounded fabulous but there are a few things I've considered and adjusted my schedule accordingly since the orginal plan. I don't have the patience for children 24/5 (I have heard that it is different when it is your own), I need a break. My employer, UPMC Worksource, will schedule me per my request where ever the need. I have discovered I don't have very far to go. I live within 5 miles of Passavant Hospital, which is frequently under staffed below what I consider safe. No details...I would like to keep my job. What I can say is there is no reason units should not be fully staffed (I am not specifying or focusing my opinion on any particular hospital but read and imply as you wish). There are staffing agencies, and travel agencies that would gladly come in and fill their needs. There is no price for patient safety and satisfaction. I have found the cost/benefit ratio for the hospital is esteemed over the cost/benefit of the nurses. People will quit, and transfer under such undesirable working conditions. An ICU should never have a 4:1 ratio; even 3:1 is highly frowned upon. That being said I could work every day of the week because the need is there, but since I am helping Cindy I have chosen to work full time instead of casual. This week I am working 50 hrs. (I will be traveling a bit in coming months so I am buying quality items to travel with, and am picking up extra hours to afford such).
Things I've noted and inventions I appreciate more because they make my job easier, and less of a risk for infection. Hospital gowns. Okay so you may not like the open back revealing your derriere, but have you considered the ease of access. If you are immobile and must be pulled up in bed you would be strangled by the fabric as you move up and it stays in place. Taking into consideration that my time is spent in an ICU my patients are hooked up to many monitors and many IV's making the snap system forming the sleeves a brilliant idea, so I don't have to unhook everything and risk contamination. The other noteworthy invention is the lur-lock needleless IV system. Instead of having access ports on the IV tubing that requires a needle to puncture for medication, etc. lur-lock has a port on the IV tubing which the syringe screws in to access IV. I can't even imagine the decline of needle stick injuries reported from this invention. Those were my thoughts the last couple nights of work.
Things I've noted and inventions I appreciate more because they make my job easier, and less of a risk for infection. Hospital gowns. Okay so you may not like the open back revealing your derriere, but have you considered the ease of access. If you are immobile and must be pulled up in bed you would be strangled by the fabric as you move up and it stays in place. Taking into consideration that my time is spent in an ICU my patients are hooked up to many monitors and many IV's making the snap system forming the sleeves a brilliant idea, so I don't have to unhook everything and risk contamination. The other noteworthy invention is the lur-lock needleless IV system. Instead of having access ports on the IV tubing that requires a needle to puncture for medication, etc. lur-lock has a port on the IV tubing which the syringe screws in to access IV. I can't even imagine the decline of needle stick injuries reported from this invention. Those were my thoughts the last couple nights of work.
Body, heart, mind, and stomach
I finally found a great website for teaching children about the body. In case you ever have an opportunity to teach kids, your own, be a nanny or anything: kidshealth.org is a fabulous addition. I was trying to find something creative besides me just talking to them about it, and in a way that would entertain children. As discussed in a previous blog I have taught them about the circulatory and digestive system, we have a long way to go. Endocrine will my next attempt.
My car is officially broken in by children. I thought spilling jello on the floor of my car years ago was devastating but nothing compares to the events of yesterday. My main job living helping out my sister-in-law is taking the kids to violin, ballet, and classes they have several times a week at the various museums. Yesterday was Science class, and then Thomasin had a class at the Natural History Museum about Native Americans. (I love that they have all kinds of classes for families who have chosen t o home school. I would have found this such a better experience for myself when I was a kid). I had Marta for the 2 hrs while Thomasin was in class. I was debating on what to do. Options stay and pay to park or take her somewhere briefly for a bit and then come back and walk around to see the dinosaurs. I opted for the later. I took her to get hot chocolate. She had wanted me to buy her hot chocolate for weeks, and actually had a fit when I bought ice cream and not hot chocolate. It wasn’t available, what was I suppose to do?. Here was an opportunity to redeem myself. Anyhow, we parked the car and first thing vomit spewed from her mouth. It was just the orange and carrot we had for lunch luckily. I got her to her blow nose, wash her mouth out and flushed the sidewalk off with water to run the contents of her stomach into the gutter nearby. Then I gave her hand sanitizer. I kept asking her if she was okay, she didn’t have a fever, and insisted she was fine. Hah! I learned my lesson. I proceeded to buy hot chocolate. Which she thought was delicious. She drank it and it fine for about 45 minutes. But she was complaining of being tired, and wasn’t her usual active self. To wrap this up, once we started home Marta all of a sudden vomited, what looked like a chocolate fountain/falls all over in my car. It was everywhere on the seat, back of the chair, ground…she was covered in vomit. I mean, come on, don’t you realize your stomach is sick?! I had nothing to clean it up with but napkins to wipe her face. When we got home, I let her unbuckle herself and then went to work cleaning up my car. I’ve cleaned up vomit before, many times and all kinds of things that you could never imagine but not having gloves and being in my car made my slightly flustered. The lack of cleaning supplies, chemicals are bad in this house, I had little to scrub with. I took oxi-clean laundry stain remover spray, and vinegar. That’s it folks. Apparently vinegar kills the bugs. I won’t get into this topic right now of natural home cleaning products. Let’s just say I like my chemicals, when it comes to heavy duty jobs like this.
On to other things. The Super bowl didn’t end quite like I thought. The commercials were mediocre. The halftime show by Black Eyed Peas was subpar, and the Steelers made a lot of preventable errors. Let’s just say, I didn’t stay til the end. My favorite part might have been the introduction video narrated by Michael Douglas. I have such a love for America and the development of it, the Industry and what not this video touched me.
I might add that I had the best Valentine’s yet. No details. Who doesn’t love getting flowers, and spoiled by hand selected music. It is a special treat for special occasions. Lilies are tender, delicate, and elegant...they smell delicious. Maybe roses would have been better, but I am nontraditional. It was perfect for me. I think the gesture meant means more to me because my Valentine is not near but far away and couldn’t physically be with me. It is letting someone know you are thinking of them, fondly perhaps. I ended the night with a piece of Chocolate coconut cream cheese cake from Cheesecake Factory. My absolute favorite.
My car is officially broken in by children. I thought spilling jello on the floor of my car years ago was devastating but nothing compares to the events of yesterday. My main job living helping out my sister-in-law is taking the kids to violin, ballet, and classes they have several times a week at the various museums. Yesterday was Science class, and then Thomasin had a class at the Natural History Museum about Native Americans. (I love that they have all kinds of classes for families who have chosen t o home school. I would have found this such a better experience for myself when I was a kid). I had Marta for the 2 hrs while Thomasin was in class. I was debating on what to do. Options stay and pay to park or take her somewhere briefly for a bit and then come back and walk around to see the dinosaurs. I opted for the later. I took her to get hot chocolate. She had wanted me to buy her hot chocolate for weeks, and actually had a fit when I bought ice cream and not hot chocolate. It wasn’t available, what was I suppose to do?. Here was an opportunity to redeem myself. Anyhow, we parked the car and first thing vomit spewed from her mouth. It was just the orange and carrot we had for lunch luckily. I got her to her blow nose, wash her mouth out and flushed the sidewalk off with water to run the contents of her stomach into the gutter nearby. Then I gave her hand sanitizer. I kept asking her if she was okay, she didn’t have a fever, and insisted she was fine. Hah! I learned my lesson. I proceeded to buy hot chocolate. Which she thought was delicious. She drank it and it fine for about 45 minutes. But she was complaining of being tired, and wasn’t her usual active self. To wrap this up, once we started home Marta all of a sudden vomited, what looked like a chocolate fountain/falls all over in my car. It was everywhere on the seat, back of the chair, ground…she was covered in vomit. I mean, come on, don’t you realize your stomach is sick?! I had nothing to clean it up with but napkins to wipe her face. When we got home, I let her unbuckle herself and then went to work cleaning up my car. I’ve cleaned up vomit before, many times and all kinds of things that you could never imagine but not having gloves and being in my car made my slightly flustered. The lack of cleaning supplies, chemicals are bad in this house, I had little to scrub with. I took oxi-clean laundry stain remover spray, and vinegar. That’s it folks. Apparently vinegar kills the bugs. I won’t get into this topic right now of natural home cleaning products. Let’s just say I like my chemicals, when it comes to heavy duty jobs like this.
On to other things. The Super bowl didn’t end quite like I thought. The commercials were mediocre. The halftime show by Black Eyed Peas was subpar, and the Steelers made a lot of preventable errors. Let’s just say, I didn’t stay til the end. My favorite part might have been the introduction video narrated by Michael Douglas. I have such a love for America and the development of it, the Industry and what not this video touched me.
I might add that I had the best Valentine’s yet. No details. Who doesn’t love getting flowers, and spoiled by hand selected music. It is a special treat for special occasions. Lilies are tender, delicate, and elegant...they smell delicious. Maybe roses would have been better, but I am nontraditional. It was perfect for me. I think the gesture meant means more to me because my Valentine is not near but far away and couldn’t physically be with me. It is letting someone know you are thinking of them, fondly perhaps. I ended the night with a piece of Chocolate coconut cream cheese cake from Cheesecake Factory. My absolute favorite.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Superbowl XLV
I love driving around town and seeing huge banners, jerseys, flags on cars and advertisements for parties about the big game. In case you don't know what I am refering to it will be Superbowl XLV tomorrow. I am now a Steelers fan, especially since I live here.
Although the song is 'black and yellow,' I've been corrected in speaking that the color is more gold than yellow. But watching this video, there is no other way to interpret it but lovin some Pittsburgh.
Nice try by Lil' Wayne. It is great that he can take Wiz's song and change it to Packers. Musta written that one when he was still locked up. Haha.
After the game I look forward to visiting the Carnegie Art Museum to see, 'Boating on the Yerres' by Gustave Caillebotte on display temporarily from the Milwaukee Art Museum. I think that this is Impressionism if I am not mistaken. Correct me if I am wrong. Probably my favorite period in Art History.
Although the song is 'black and yellow,' I've been corrected in speaking that the color is more gold than yellow. But watching this video, there is no other way to interpret it but lovin some Pittsburgh.
Nice try by Lil' Wayne. It is great that he can take Wiz's song and change it to Packers. Musta written that one when he was still locked up. Haha.
After the game I look forward to visiting the Carnegie Art Museum to see, 'Boating on the Yerres' by Gustave Caillebotte on display temporarily from the Milwaukee Art Museum. I think that this is Impressionism if I am not mistaken. Correct me if I am wrong. Probably my favorite period in Art History.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Carpe Diem
Pittsburgh:
No job yet...soon. I keep saying that hopefully one day it will be a reality. SOON. In the meantime:
My days consist of preparing meals, and coercing children to get ready for the day amongst that is brushing the teeth, to be obedient or nice to each other. A shorter version of my explanation as to why they should brush their teeth went something like this:
Thomasin:'I don't want to brush my teeth. I don't like tooth paste.'
Simone: 'Well you need to brush your teeth'
Thomasin: 'Why?'
Simone:'Well after you eat food if you don't brush your teeth bugs build up on your teeth and make your teeth rot.'
Thomasin: 'What is rot?'
Simone: 'You know the compost in the backyard with all the vegetable peelings that are breaking down and decomposing after sitting there for a long time? Well that is rotting.'
Thomasin: 'Oh.'
Simone: 'Your teeth will get eaten by the bugs, and rot. Your teeth and mouth will began to hurt and all your pretty teeth will fall out.'
Since then I just need to remind them of the bugs in their teeth and Thomasin isn't as reluctant to brush her teeth.
Sticky hands, dirty faces, Peanut butter sandwiches, craft activities, glue, crayons, picture books, story time, go fish, dress up, store, house, leaking poopy diapers, crying children, and a frequently harassed immune system.
Josh remarked bitter sweetly after a chaotic evening with the children, "It is kinda like 'Ground hog's Day.' You wake up the next day and do the same thing over again.
No job yet...soon. I keep saying that hopefully one day it will be a reality. SOON. In the meantime:
My days consist of preparing meals, and coercing children to get ready for the day amongst that is brushing the teeth, to be obedient or nice to each other. A shorter version of my explanation as to why they should brush their teeth went something like this:
Thomasin:'I don't want to brush my teeth. I don't like tooth paste.'
Simone: 'Well you need to brush your teeth'
Thomasin: 'Why?'
Simone:'Well after you eat food if you don't brush your teeth bugs build up on your teeth and make your teeth rot.'
Thomasin: 'What is rot?'
Simone: 'You know the compost in the backyard with all the vegetable peelings that are breaking down and decomposing after sitting there for a long time? Well that is rotting.'
Thomasin: 'Oh.'
Simone: 'Your teeth will get eaten by the bugs, and rot. Your teeth and mouth will began to hurt and all your pretty teeth will fall out.'
Since then I just need to remind them of the bugs in their teeth and Thomasin isn't as reluctant to brush her teeth.
Sticky hands, dirty faces, Peanut butter sandwiches, craft activities, glue, crayons, picture books, story time, go fish, dress up, store, house, leaking poopy diapers, crying children, and a frequently harassed immune system.
Josh remarked bitter sweetly after a chaotic evening with the children, "It is kinda like 'Ground hog's Day.' You wake up the next day and do the same thing over again.
Come Away With Me
How did I get so lucky to go on a cruise at almost no cost? Well, it is all about who you know even when it comes to traveling. One of my best friends from college has worked for the Royal Caribbean land tour, basically driving a tour bus in Alaska for several summers. She gets an awesome deal at the end of her season for a cruise, if there are cabins available. Six months ago we planned going on a cruise together. It was my lifesaver from March through the summer. Badda bing! Badda bang! Fast forward to November and we start with our Southern Road trip which ends in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Come experience my cruise with me.
After sorting out our lack of paperwork we were welcomed aboard. We head to our room in Deck 3111 (I believe) to get settled. Our luggage did not turn up for quite a while; rather someone else’s luggage was put by our room. We found a Cruise Compass on our beds, which was the schedule of all the activities for the day. Every evening afterward from Day 1 to Day 10 it was a special treat to come back to our rooms after dinner and plan the following day with our new Cruise Compass before heading to the disco. I carried that thing with me everywhere with the exception of port days. After having a snack we had a bon voyage and emergency evacuation drill. We wandered around the boat for a bit. Found the Rock Climbing wall, and other areas that would be significant for the rest of the cruise.
Every night we went to the Performances in the Coral Theatre. Welcome Aboard Show, “A Tribute to the King” starring Travis Ledoyt, Las Vegas Illusionist starring Kyle Knight & Mistie, Production Showtime: City of Dreams, Ventriloquist Michael Ziegfeld, Comedy and Music show by John Bressier, Production Showtime: Tango Buenos Aires, Juggling and other stuff by Jeff Taveggia.
We went to movies, music trivia, Volleyball tournaments, live music at various bars, nightly disco with DJ Diggy, dance classes, and of course Rock Climbing at least once during the day if not twice. The wall was a regular and there was just something or maybe someone special there. ;)
We had scheduled seating for our dinner. Our table after the first night became vacant besides SD and I, and Sheryl. Occasionally a newlywed couple from Mexico would join us and a cruise friend, Jeff.
The cruise schedule went a little something like this:
Day 1 All Aboard
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 Labidee, Haiti
We walked around the island. Talked with some of the locals. Rested, read in some hammocks. Went on a Kayaking tour, played some volleyball and swam.
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Cartagena, Columbia
Piss pouring pain. Buckets. Cats & Dogs. Sheets. What other term could I use to describe how much it rained that day. And no, I didn’t have an umbrella. We wandered Old Town, the wall, and Fort San Felipe. Fort San Felipe had a bunch of tunnels leading down underground to all sorts of places. But with the rain much of the lower tunnels were flooded and it was a bit slippery.
Day 6 Colon, Panama
Sarah-Dawn, Sheryl and I rented a cab drove through a National Reserve to the Panama Canal. The Miraflores Lockes to be exact. We watched the process of several boats going through this set of locks. It was really amazing. Panama now has control over canal, and they are actually building a larger canal for bigger ships to pass through. It costs exuberant amounts of money for a boat to pass through. I’m couldn’t believe it when I heard how much it was.
Day 7 Porta Limon, Costa Rica
Day at the beach. Literally from 9am to 4:30pm SD and I were sitting on the beach or in the water. I spent a lot of time floating on my back in the water. I did get a sun burn. Upper thigh, back, and a little on the chest. More on one side than the other too. We didn’t have an umbrella and there were no trees so I was actually surprised I wasn’t worse off.
Day 8 At Sea
Day 9 Grand Cayman
Scuba diving. I am having a hard time with the equalizing of my ears. I LOVE diving and being underwater but it takes me so long for my ears to adjust. Anything beyond about 65 feet isn’t really pleasurable for my sinuses either. I wasn’t sick and I didn’t have any health issues at the time, so I don’t really know what my problem is. Ok so the dive itself I didn’t see Turtles like we thought. I saw an eel on my reef dive and then we had a wreck dive.
Day 10 At Sea
Day 11 Back again to Ft. Lauderdale
I had escargot & caviar in one evening the day the Captain came to meet his guests. 'You're fancy huh?!'
Did you enjoy your cruise with me?
Come experience my cruise with me.
After sorting out our lack of paperwork we were welcomed aboard. We head to our room in Deck 3111 (I believe) to get settled. Our luggage did not turn up for quite a while; rather someone else’s luggage was put by our room. We found a Cruise Compass on our beds, which was the schedule of all the activities for the day. Every evening afterward from Day 1 to Day 10 it was a special treat to come back to our rooms after dinner and plan the following day with our new Cruise Compass before heading to the disco. I carried that thing with me everywhere with the exception of port days. After having a snack we had a bon voyage and emergency evacuation drill. We wandered around the boat for a bit. Found the Rock Climbing wall, and other areas that would be significant for the rest of the cruise.
Every night we went to the Performances in the Coral Theatre. Welcome Aboard Show, “A Tribute to the King” starring Travis Ledoyt, Las Vegas Illusionist starring Kyle Knight & Mistie, Production Showtime: City of Dreams, Ventriloquist Michael Ziegfeld, Comedy and Music show by John Bressier, Production Showtime: Tango Buenos Aires, Juggling and other stuff by Jeff Taveggia.
We went to movies, music trivia, Volleyball tournaments, live music at various bars, nightly disco with DJ Diggy, dance classes, and of course Rock Climbing at least once during the day if not twice. The wall was a regular and there was just something or maybe someone special there. ;)
We had scheduled seating for our dinner. Our table after the first night became vacant besides SD and I, and Sheryl. Occasionally a newlywed couple from Mexico would join us and a cruise friend, Jeff.
The cruise schedule went a little something like this:
Day 1 All Aboard
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 Labidee, Haiti
We walked around the island. Talked with some of the locals. Rested, read in some hammocks. Went on a Kayaking tour, played some volleyball and swam.
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Cartagena, Columbia
Piss pouring pain. Buckets. Cats & Dogs. Sheets. What other term could I use to describe how much it rained that day. And no, I didn’t have an umbrella. We wandered Old Town, the wall, and Fort San Felipe. Fort San Felipe had a bunch of tunnels leading down underground to all sorts of places. But with the rain much of the lower tunnels were flooded and it was a bit slippery.
Day 6 Colon, Panama
Sarah-Dawn, Sheryl and I rented a cab drove through a National Reserve to the Panama Canal. The Miraflores Lockes to be exact. We watched the process of several boats going through this set of locks. It was really amazing. Panama now has control over canal, and they are actually building a larger canal for bigger ships to pass through. It costs exuberant amounts of money for a boat to pass through. I’m couldn’t believe it when I heard how much it was.
Day 7 Porta Limon, Costa Rica
Day at the beach. Literally from 9am to 4:30pm SD and I were sitting on the beach or in the water. I spent a lot of time floating on my back in the water. I did get a sun burn. Upper thigh, back, and a little on the chest. More on one side than the other too. We didn’t have an umbrella and there were no trees so I was actually surprised I wasn’t worse off.
Day 8 At Sea
Day 9 Grand Cayman
Scuba diving. I am having a hard time with the equalizing of my ears. I LOVE diving and being underwater but it takes me so long for my ears to adjust. Anything beyond about 65 feet isn’t really pleasurable for my sinuses either. I wasn’t sick and I didn’t have any health issues at the time, so I don’t really know what my problem is. Ok so the dive itself I didn’t see Turtles like we thought. I saw an eel on my reef dive and then we had a wreck dive.
Day 10 At Sea
Day 11 Back again to Ft. Lauderdale
I had escargot & caviar in one evening the day the Captain came to meet his guests. 'You're fancy huh?!'
Did you enjoy your cruise with me?
Monday, January 03, 2011
2011...
A new decade. Really? I can’t believe it. Nor can I believe that I am 28. Today I feel my age. Why is it at the new year that I feel my age because I didn’t get a year older, the earth did. Another year is gone. Does that mean that the earth is a year older, when does Mother Earth have a birthday…Earth Day? I admit this may be a dumb question and I may realize that when someone gives me the answer but right now it is a good question. Anyhow, most days I can say that I feel 18. My experiences/stresses the past couple years have aged me though...that cortisone running rampid through my blood hasn’t done much for me. Ben has come out here to visit DC, more or less to get out of the house (Josh’s house) with all the kids. Everyone asks which one of us it older. I mean he is only 2.5 years older than me and I do know that men age better than women because a wonderful thing called estrogen or the lack thereof but I am not menopausal nor have I had the effects of childbearing on my record yet. I guess this is kinda a sensitive subject for me.
I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions because you make a goal at the new year and it lasts maybe a month or two and then it is forgotten. This new year I had a little New Year’s evaluation of my progress in one of my recent sleepless nights.
After my evaluation I have concluded:
I need an increased awareness of:
Foods I ingest. Where is comes from, how it is processed and the long term effects of what I consume. My body is the greatest physical gift I have ever received and will ever recieve. Only those that have known me for a long time understand when I say I have treated it like an old piece of luggage. Have you heard of Glycation? If not it may be something you want to look into among other health considerations.
Gratitude. Take more time to be self –aware. I have so many great things in my life. I think I disregard them on too many occasions. I want to be more grateful for my bounteous blessing.
Develop my passions. Which I won’t expand upon.
Solidify my foundation. Am I the foolish man that built his house upon the sand or wise man that built his house on the rock? Huh?. I think that I have moved a few times and right now I have blue prints of an amazing house, but haven’t started the digging. It is about time though.
Right well there a few other things but I’ll save it for another day.
I have 363 days of the year left. If this is going to be MY year and I need to make it count…every day.
I ended the year well. I passed both my Esthetics tests. I am doing good things, but I realize that not everything will come easy but has a price. i have to be strong.
Today I left DC for good, at least for the time. How do I feel now that today it is official? I was fine until the end of testimony meeting for some reason it hit me. Even if I come back and visit my friends, which I will, things won’t be the same. I hate goodbyes. I left the meeting early so I wouldn’t have to say anymore goodbyes, but Mike chased me out to the parking lot (after I thought I was clear to shed a few tears) to say good bye. Thank you to all my wonderful friends. I love you. I hate change, although I thrive on it as well.
Til we meet again!
I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions because you make a goal at the new year and it lasts maybe a month or two and then it is forgotten. This new year I had a little New Year’s evaluation of my progress in one of my recent sleepless nights.
After my evaluation I have concluded:
I need an increased awareness of:
Foods I ingest. Where is comes from, how it is processed and the long term effects of what I consume. My body is the greatest physical gift I have ever received and will ever recieve. Only those that have known me for a long time understand when I say I have treated it like an old piece of luggage. Have you heard of Glycation? If not it may be something you want to look into among other health considerations.
Gratitude. Take more time to be self –aware. I have so many great things in my life. I think I disregard them on too many occasions. I want to be more grateful for my bounteous blessing.
Develop my passions. Which I won’t expand upon.
Solidify my foundation. Am I the foolish man that built his house upon the sand or wise man that built his house on the rock? Huh?. I think that I have moved a few times and right now I have blue prints of an amazing house, but haven’t started the digging. It is about time though.
Right well there a few other things but I’ll save it for another day.
I have 363 days of the year left. If this is going to be MY year and I need to make it count…every day.
I ended the year well. I passed both my Esthetics tests. I am doing good things, but I realize that not everything will come easy but has a price. i have to be strong.
Today I left DC for good, at least for the time. How do I feel now that today it is official? I was fine until the end of testimony meeting for some reason it hit me. Even if I come back and visit my friends, which I will, things won’t be the same. I hate goodbyes. I left the meeting early so I wouldn’t have to say anymore goodbyes, but Mike chased me out to the parking lot (after I thought I was clear to shed a few tears) to say good bye. Thank you to all my wonderful friends. I love you. I hate change, although I thrive on it as well.
Til we meet again!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas! Christmas! The Beginnings of a New Book!
I have finally done it. What 'IT' is doesn't make me incredibly happy or pleased. I moved. It is bitter sweet. I didn't head that far away yet. I only made it to Pittsburgh. I have always felt lost, like a don't really belong anywhere and DC was the first place where I really felt any roots. Now I am uprooted. I don't really know why I never let myself get attached to a place. Is it because I think I am missing out on something somewhere else? Or because I fear getting hurt in remaining? Or maybe I thought there would be more things happening in my life at this point that aren't and moving is going to help me take the next step? I can't put a finger on it. But this isn't just starting a new chapter in my life, but a whole book. I closed the final chapters of my last book, it was filled with varying degrees of joy and sorrow but these experiences have been irreplaceable.
Now Pittsburgh...
I had a job interview Monday. I pretty much have the job but I need the recommendations filled out, which can be hassle in itself getting someone to fill it out in a timely fashion. I will most likely be working in the ICU Float pool at UPMC Passavant hospital, which is 10 minutes from Josh’s house. I like Pittsburgh a lot. I like that downtown is about 10 minutes from their house and it doesn’t take long to get there or anywhere in the city. The Science Center, museums, hospitals, sports arenas, and shopping are all really close. I like the rivers that run through the city, and the steep hills throughout the city. Why did I move here? I like it. It may be a single’s suicide but the city is great.
Other exciting news. Danny is having a little Boy! After they found out what they were having they went on a shopping spree. Danny actually started making a quilt for the little boy they are going to have. He will be a great daddy!
And Cindy could deliver any day, we still don’t know what she is having but she thinks it is going to be a girl. My namesake then, lil’ Harriet Eloise. I love the name Eloise and it will most likely be a name of my daughter (I am being optimistic).
I also had my first outing with any of kiddos. It was a learning experience for me. Marta wanted to come with me when I offered to run errands and grocery shop for Cindy. It is so hard to concentrate on my list or consider any items that are not on my list having a child with me. I have difficulty shopping with anyone. I generally don’t get things done. The challenge began trying to get the car seat situated in my Honda. Then when I got Marta in the seat and ran back to grab something from the house, Marta was crying. She thought I’d left her there, but she knows how to get out herself. I didn’t understand what the problem was.
My next highlight of my move was skiing with the family. Each Christmas we draw names. The name that we draw is the special gift we buy for someone that year. This year Josh had my name. Of course the kids always want to help, and by helping it gives them something to do as well. Since I am going to be living with them attempting to help out, he figured by getting me boots I’d be more likely to ski with Thomasin than otherwise. Josh is going to be spending his time studying for his boards, and Cindy occupied with the baby so Josh got me ski boots so I can take Thomasin and she can practice her skiing. My present was given to me midweek before Christmas. Josh has had several days off this week so he took all of us skiing even Emil.
The name gift came in a paper bag with to two separate drawing of a large mountain. One had Thomasin and I skiing and the other picture of Marta and I skiing.
Then my table gift came a couple days early as well. Josh got tickets to a Steelers game for him and me. I’ve always mention to Josh that I wanted to go to a Steelers game. He said that tickets are really hard to come by and cost a fortune, because fans in Pittsburgh are serious so the tickets aren’t sold cheaply. It was awesome to be there. The stadiums in Pittsburgh are all along the water and are really beautiful. Josh happened to have hook-ups and got us Club tickets. We sat on the 10 yard line bundled up in all our winter gear. I mean I wore every piece of winter cloths I own: ski pants, sweaters, vest, and fleece, down jacket, another jacket, and 2 pairs of gloves. We definitely were going to be warm, but we worked up a sweat during the 2-mile brisk walk to the stadium. When we sat down the sweat on our bodies cooled and it didn’t take long for me to apply every layer I hadn’t already put on. Did I forget to mention that we also had wool blankets?. The Steelers beat the Panthers (who aren’t a good team) 27-3. It thought it would be a higher scoring game and a shutout since the Panthers really aren’t good but didn’t happen that way.
Christmas Eve went by very quickly. It is amazing how fast a day can go by when you have children that go to bed at 6PM. You have to have dinner ready at 5 so already preparing it around 4. I am not used to eating that early. Josh wanted to have a seafood feast for dinner. Josh took his family out to seafood and the kids loved cracking the shells, and pulling the tails of the shrimp that he thought it would be fun for the kids and delicious for us adults. Great idea! I helped make the clam chowder in the morning,which was the BEST clam chowder I have ever eaten. I don't normally like it but this chowder was Amazing!
Josh and I took the kids in the morning to get the lobster and shrimp which was an event. When we sat down to eat the kids all wanted to help daddy break open the lobster. Once the tail was pulled off there was processed food in the intestines that spilled out onto the plate. Marta immediatly pointed out to all of us that it was 'POOP!!' Apparently that is one of her favorite forbidden words right now.
We acted out the Nativity. This year Cindy had sewn leggit costumes. The kids played their parts better this year than last.
We exchanged our name gifts, and Cindy gave us all our new Christmas PJ's.
Ben didn't have a stocking so he hung one of his dirty socks instead. Marta went down the row of stocking, 'pretty, pretty, pretty...' and when she came to Ben's stocking she said, 'not pretty.' We all got a kick out of it.
The girls in their new pink night gowns laid down by the tree for the night in sleeping bags. They were a little chatty so to encourage them to sleep, Josh instilled the fear of Santa in them. Santa came out by their window in the sunroom. Marta froze when she saw Santa. They know that Santa won’t come if they are awake. It didn’t take much longer after that for the girls to quiet down to sleep. Santa came a little after midnight in his big red coat, suit, jingling bells and all. He filled the stocking with care, and surrounded the children with oranges and a lone coconut. Christmas morning was a bit of a whirl.
Boy, did we all get spoiled by the food tables Santa set for us to eat for the coming days.
Emil was the first to wake, besides Thomasin’s attempt to get mommy to come down at 3AM to open presents with her. He was a little terror for candy, presents, and had a hard time with understanding that not everything was for him. So the big gift of the year…IPod Touches for the kids. The kids are 5, 3, & 2 mind you but next summer we are going to Europe. Cindy actually home school’s both Thomasin, and Marta so having this piece of electronics will come in handy. Cindy and Josh spent hours playing games, and finding apps for all purposes. Some help them learn to write, match, spell, and learn German. It was by far the favorite gifts of the kids although when Marta talked with Oma over Skype she told Oma that the CTR Oma bought her favorite gift.
Love Christmas with little children!
Now Pittsburgh...
I had a job interview Monday. I pretty much have the job but I need the recommendations filled out, which can be hassle in itself getting someone to fill it out in a timely fashion. I will most likely be working in the ICU Float pool at UPMC Passavant hospital, which is 10 minutes from Josh’s house. I like Pittsburgh a lot. I like that downtown is about 10 minutes from their house and it doesn’t take long to get there or anywhere in the city. The Science Center, museums, hospitals, sports arenas, and shopping are all really close. I like the rivers that run through the city, and the steep hills throughout the city. Why did I move here? I like it. It may be a single’s suicide but the city is great.
Other exciting news. Danny is having a little Boy! After they found out what they were having they went on a shopping spree. Danny actually started making a quilt for the little boy they are going to have. He will be a great daddy!
And Cindy could deliver any day, we still don’t know what she is having but she thinks it is going to be a girl. My namesake then, lil’ Harriet Eloise. I love the name Eloise and it will most likely be a name of my daughter (I am being optimistic).
I also had my first outing with any of kiddos. It was a learning experience for me. Marta wanted to come with me when I offered to run errands and grocery shop for Cindy. It is so hard to concentrate on my list or consider any items that are not on my list having a child with me. I have difficulty shopping with anyone. I generally don’t get things done. The challenge began trying to get the car seat situated in my Honda. Then when I got Marta in the seat and ran back to grab something from the house, Marta was crying. She thought I’d left her there, but she knows how to get out herself. I didn’t understand what the problem was.
My next highlight of my move was skiing with the family. Each Christmas we draw names. The name that we draw is the special gift we buy for someone that year. This year Josh had my name. Of course the kids always want to help, and by helping it gives them something to do as well. Since I am going to be living with them attempting to help out, he figured by getting me boots I’d be more likely to ski with Thomasin than otherwise. Josh is going to be spending his time studying for his boards, and Cindy occupied with the baby so Josh got me ski boots so I can take Thomasin and she can practice her skiing. My present was given to me midweek before Christmas. Josh has had several days off this week so he took all of us skiing even Emil.
The name gift came in a paper bag with to two separate drawing of a large mountain. One had Thomasin and I skiing and the other picture of Marta and I skiing.
Then my table gift came a couple days early as well. Josh got tickets to a Steelers game for him and me. I’ve always mention to Josh that I wanted to go to a Steelers game. He said that tickets are really hard to come by and cost a fortune, because fans in Pittsburgh are serious so the tickets aren’t sold cheaply. It was awesome to be there. The stadiums in Pittsburgh are all along the water and are really beautiful. Josh happened to have hook-ups and got us Club tickets. We sat on the 10 yard line bundled up in all our winter gear. I mean I wore every piece of winter cloths I own: ski pants, sweaters, vest, and fleece, down jacket, another jacket, and 2 pairs of gloves. We definitely were going to be warm, but we worked up a sweat during the 2-mile brisk walk to the stadium. When we sat down the sweat on our bodies cooled and it didn’t take long for me to apply every layer I hadn’t already put on. Did I forget to mention that we also had wool blankets?. The Steelers beat the Panthers (who aren’t a good team) 27-3. It thought it would be a higher scoring game and a shutout since the Panthers really aren’t good but didn’t happen that way.
Christmas Eve went by very quickly. It is amazing how fast a day can go by when you have children that go to bed at 6PM. You have to have dinner ready at 5 so already preparing it around 4. I am not used to eating that early. Josh wanted to have a seafood feast for dinner. Josh took his family out to seafood and the kids loved cracking the shells, and pulling the tails of the shrimp that he thought it would be fun for the kids and delicious for us adults. Great idea! I helped make the clam chowder in the morning,which was the BEST clam chowder I have ever eaten. I don't normally like it but this chowder was Amazing!
Josh and I took the kids in the morning to get the lobster and shrimp which was an event. When we sat down to eat the kids all wanted to help daddy break open the lobster. Once the tail was pulled off there was processed food in the intestines that spilled out onto the plate. Marta immediatly pointed out to all of us that it was 'POOP!!' Apparently that is one of her favorite forbidden words right now.
We acted out the Nativity. This year Cindy had sewn leggit costumes. The kids played their parts better this year than last.
We exchanged our name gifts, and Cindy gave us all our new Christmas PJ's.
Ben didn't have a stocking so he hung one of his dirty socks instead. Marta went down the row of stocking, 'pretty, pretty, pretty...' and when she came to Ben's stocking she said, 'not pretty.' We all got a kick out of it.
The girls in their new pink night gowns laid down by the tree for the night in sleeping bags. They were a little chatty so to encourage them to sleep, Josh instilled the fear of Santa in them. Santa came out by their window in the sunroom. Marta froze when she saw Santa. They know that Santa won’t come if they are awake. It didn’t take much longer after that for the girls to quiet down to sleep. Santa came a little after midnight in his big red coat, suit, jingling bells and all. He filled the stocking with care, and surrounded the children with oranges and a lone coconut. Christmas morning was a bit of a whirl.
Boy, did we all get spoiled by the food tables Santa set for us to eat for the coming days.
Emil was the first to wake, besides Thomasin’s attempt to get mommy to come down at 3AM to open presents with her. He was a little terror for candy, presents, and had a hard time with understanding that not everything was for him. So the big gift of the year…IPod Touches for the kids. The kids are 5, 3, & 2 mind you but next summer we are going to Europe. Cindy actually home school’s both Thomasin, and Marta so having this piece of electronics will come in handy. Cindy and Josh spent hours playing games, and finding apps for all purposes. Some help them learn to write, match, spell, and learn German. It was by far the favorite gifts of the kids although when Marta talked with Oma over Skype she told Oma that the CTR Oma bought her favorite gift.
Love Christmas with little children!
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