Day 3: Memory
I was in high school when this happened. We were such random people. Weird, odd things happened to us...all the time. We had eaten a fresh fish dinner with broccoli as a side. Shortly after dinner, my dad put a piece of Trident Freshmint flavor in his mouth. A few moments after that, his face crinkled and he spit out his gum. I asked him what was wrong. He simply replied, " There's a reason Trident doesn't sell 'Fishmint' gum". Evidently as he chewed a small piece of fish unwedged itself from between his teeth. I know. I know. That's gross. But it really cracks me up.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Day 2: Memory
Today's memory is brought to you by a werewolf and the city of London.
As many people know, my dad was a big fan of music. This particular memory is short, but sweet.
He had Warren Zevon's "Werewolf of London" on vinyl and he played it for me when I was probably 5 or 6 years old. During the chorus, he would hold his head back and "Ah oooooooooo" along with it. He was so happy sharing that with me. Of course, as a child I thought it was funny that a man howled during a song. At any rate, this one is a keeper.
As many people know, my dad was a big fan of music. This particular memory is short, but sweet.
He had Warren Zevon's "Werewolf of London" on vinyl and he played it for me when I was probably 5 or 6 years old. During the chorus, he would hold his head back and "Ah oooooooooo" along with it. He was so happy sharing that with me. Of course, as a child I thought it was funny that a man howled during a song. At any rate, this one is a keeper.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Day 1: Memory
The one that popped in my head is so dumb. Mainly because it is of what I did.
I was in high school- the summer between my freshman and sophomore year. My dad and I were watching "Pops goes the 4th" where the Boston Pops plays a multitude of patriotic songs,etc at the big theatre on the harbour. It was at the end when the Pops always performs "1812 Overture" and it features the firing of a canon. I looked at my dad and asked, "Where do the canon balls go?". Yes, I was being serious. To get the full picture, I was sitting on the other side of the room to my dad's left. He was drinking from a coffee cup. He set it down and looked at me and said, " I know that my intelligent child did not just ask where the canon balls go?" I said,"Well, where do they go?" He shook his head and said,"Honey- they do not fire canons into the Boston harbor or the crowd. They aren't firing any canon balls. It's just the boom." I specifically remember blinking at him. He started to laugh and stood up and walked out of the room shaking his head.
He talked about that for years... "Do you remember when you thought they fired canon balls at people at the Boston Pops concert?...."
I was in high school- the summer between my freshman and sophomore year. My dad and I were watching "Pops goes the 4th" where the Boston Pops plays a multitude of patriotic songs,etc at the big theatre on the harbour. It was at the end when the Pops always performs "1812 Overture" and it features the firing of a canon. I looked at my dad and asked, "Where do the canon balls go?". Yes, I was being serious. To get the full picture, I was sitting on the other side of the room to my dad's left. He was drinking from a coffee cup. He set it down and looked at me and said, " I know that my intelligent child did not just ask where the canon balls go?" I said,"Well, where do they go?" He shook his head and said,"Honey- they do not fire canons into the Boston harbor or the crowd. They aren't firing any canon balls. It's just the boom." I specifically remember blinking at him. He started to laugh and stood up and walked out of the room shaking his head.
He talked about that for years... "Do you remember when you thought they fired canon balls at people at the Boston Pops concert?...."
Memory for a day....
I have decided that I am going to write one memory of my dad (or at least a memory that he is on at some point) each day for a year. By the time that is done, I believe I will have a nice collection of memories. ::)
stepping away...
I am going to step away from the Gratitude Challenge for some time. Not that I am not grateful for a lot. I just had something on my heart and it will take awhile to write/blog about so stay tuned....
Friday, October 7, 2011
Humble Pie
Stepping away from the Gratitude Challenge for a moment, a few related thoughts and ideas are on my mind right now.
People that know me know that I do not have children and don't intend on having children. It certainly isn't because I don't like kids or hate them or anything crazy like that.
I absolutely adore children and love my work with children who need a little bit of help. Children aren't just part of the plan for Josh and I. Having said that, I think that parents have a tough job in the world. I don't know how they do it on a daily basis. Sometimes a couple of hours with a child or two exhausts and frustrates me, but at the same time I can find such joy and happiness in those same two hours. Maybe that's why parents do it. Maybe that's how they do it.
In my job, I have the privilege of partnering with parents and their children who need a little help. Most days come and go without a hiccup. Then there are some that leave me speechless and heartbroken. Today for a brief while, I didn't know what to say or what to do. A few of my kids are currently in pediatric wards for serious illnesses. I went to visit one of them and his mother today. I knew he had become sick but I guess I wasn't prepared for it. He had numerous tubes attached to him, including a vent so he could breathe. I am used to seeing this bubbly happy baby boy; not this baby. I nearly cried when I saw him, but I didn't cry in front of Mom. I waited until I got to my car. It just made me sad.... and guilty. Guilty simply because I complained earlier in the day that I didn't sleep well last night and here was this momma who has hardly slept in over a week because of how sick her baby is. I don't know how she has done it. I guess because she has no other choice but to be there for her child. The strength that it takes to do what has to be done when a person's child needs help. I have been told that a parent just does it because they have to. Maybe that's why I don't have kids. I don't have THAT kind of strength. That is humbling.
People that know me know that I do not have children and don't intend on having children. It certainly isn't because I don't like kids or hate them or anything crazy like that.
I absolutely adore children and love my work with children who need a little bit of help. Children aren't just part of the plan for Josh and I. Having said that, I think that parents have a tough job in the world. I don't know how they do it on a daily basis. Sometimes a couple of hours with a child or two exhausts and frustrates me, but at the same time I can find such joy and happiness in those same two hours. Maybe that's why parents do it. Maybe that's how they do it.
In my job, I have the privilege of partnering with parents and their children who need a little help. Most days come and go without a hiccup. Then there are some that leave me speechless and heartbroken. Today for a brief while, I didn't know what to say or what to do. A few of my kids are currently in pediatric wards for serious illnesses. I went to visit one of them and his mother today. I knew he had become sick but I guess I wasn't prepared for it. He had numerous tubes attached to him, including a vent so he could breathe. I am used to seeing this bubbly happy baby boy; not this baby. I nearly cried when I saw him, but I didn't cry in front of Mom. I waited until I got to my car. It just made me sad.... and guilty. Guilty simply because I complained earlier in the day that I didn't sleep well last night and here was this momma who has hardly slept in over a week because of how sick her baby is. I don't know how she has done it. I guess because she has no other choice but to be there for her child. The strength that it takes to do what has to be done when a person's child needs help. I have been told that a parent just does it because they have to. Maybe that's why I don't have kids. I don't have THAT kind of strength. That is humbling.
Gratitude Challenge Day 5
Day 5: Take five minutes to write about how grateful you are for all of the wonderful things that you currently have in
your life. Don’t long for what you don’t possess—instead, take stock of all the blessings you already enjoy.
I have a good life. I have a good job that allows me to connect with human beings everyday. I know I make a difference in one person's life everyday. I have a roof over my head. I have clothes to wear and a washer and dryer. I have food in my kitchen. I have family and friends that enrich my life.
There are a lot of people that don't have simple, basic things. I should be and am grateful for the fact I have basic necessities.
your life. Don’t long for what you don’t possess—instead, take stock of all the blessings you already enjoy.
I have a good life. I have a good job that allows me to connect with human beings everyday. I know I make a difference in one person's life everyday. I have a roof over my head. I have clothes to wear and a washer and dryer. I have food in my kitchen. I have family and friends that enrich my life.
There are a lot of people that don't have simple, basic things. I should be and am grateful for the fact I have basic necessities.
Gratitude Challenge : Day 4
Day 4:
Write a short message of thanks for some of the “negative” things in your life.
Negative things in my life. Hmmmmm.
Being overweight. - I could be thankful for that because it means I have food to eat .
Getting my feelings hurt- Thankful that I have the ability to feel different emotions.
While I will never be grateful or thankful that my dad died, his sudden passing forced me to look deep within myself and find strength that I never knew I had.
Write a short message of thanks for some of the “negative” things in your life.
Negative things in my life. Hmmmmm.
Being overweight. - I could be thankful for that because it means I have food to eat .
Getting my feelings hurt- Thankful that I have the ability to feel different emotions.
While I will never be grateful or thankful that my dad died, his sudden passing forced me to look deep within myself and find strength that I never knew I had.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Gratitude Challenge Day 3
Day 3: Write about something you feel grateful for in your life today.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (among other very important causes). Having worked with domestic violence victims for a number of years and sometimes worked with children that come from homes where DV is prevalent, this is something that is dear to me.
I am grateful that I have a husband who does not hurt me. A husband that learned in Kindergarten to "keep your hands to yourself". A husband that treats me with respect. A husband that adores me. A husband that doesn't have to say, "I love you" because he shows me everyday- although he does tell me everyday.
Sure, we have arguments and disagreements, but we are human. It happens. On this day and every other day, I am grateful to have a good husband who is so perfect for me. He isn't perfect and neither am I. But we are perfect for each other.
With that said, I know that statistics especially in the state of WV indicate that many many people aren't as lucky. I hate that that garbage happens everyday to innocent people. It isn't right. Sometimes I almost feel guilty because I don't experience abuse in "the name of love". That probably doesn't make sense to most people, but that is how I feel. Kinda like survivor's guilt, maybe? At any rate, while I am grateful for my love and husband; I am grateful that my husband thinks it is ridiculous that people hurt other people and has long been a supporter of DV victims and awareness for the problem.
Be thankful for the healthy relationships in your life, but think of others that may not be as lucky. There are always people who can help. There are agencies that can do so.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (among other very important causes). Having worked with domestic violence victims for a number of years and sometimes worked with children that come from homes where DV is prevalent, this is something that is dear to me.
I am grateful that I have a husband who does not hurt me. A husband that learned in Kindergarten to "keep your hands to yourself". A husband that treats me with respect. A husband that adores me. A husband that doesn't have to say, "I love you" because he shows me everyday- although he does tell me everyday.
Sure, we have arguments and disagreements, but we are human. It happens. On this day and every other day, I am grateful to have a good husband who is so perfect for me. He isn't perfect and neither am I. But we are perfect for each other.
With that said, I know that statistics especially in the state of WV indicate that many many people aren't as lucky. I hate that that garbage happens everyday to innocent people. It isn't right. Sometimes I almost feel guilty because I don't experience abuse in "the name of love". That probably doesn't make sense to most people, but that is how I feel. Kinda like survivor's guilt, maybe? At any rate, while I am grateful for my love and husband; I am grateful that my husband thinks it is ridiculous that people hurt other people and has long been a supporter of DV victims and awareness for the problem.
Be thankful for the healthy relationships in your life, but think of others that may not be as lucky. There are always people who can help. There are agencies that can do so.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Day 2: Gratitude Challenge
Day 2: Use the alphabet as a fun and quick format for making a list of things for which you feel grateful.
A-Autism- Now, before anyone gets their panties all in a wad let me explain this. I know how devastating autism is and how much it sucks and I would not wish it on my worst enemy's child. But from my side of it, if autism did not exist I would not have met the wonderful hard working parents that I have and I would NEVER have had the chance to meet some of THE coolest, neatest kids ever. With that said, I would not have found my niche, my thing, the thing I am good at. I GET these kids. They know that I get them and I am so grateful for the chances I have to make a difference in their lives. Maybe that's selfish of me, and I get that , but please understand that I did not say this with malicious intent.
B-Bacon- Simply put, I love bacon.
C- cats
D- dogs
E- epiphanies
F- forgiveness
G-Giving of one's self.
H- Hearts that work correctly
I- my own idiosyncracies. We all have them and it makes us who we are.
J- Joy
K- Kindness of strangers
L- Laughter
M-Marriage. I am lucky enough to have found my one and only. I believe deeply in the meaning of marriage and the commitment it requires. It is a partnership and truly takes work. I am grateful that my marriage works, is built to last (that sounds like a car commercial..lol) and that I enjoy it.
N- having a nose. Sure, we all take it for granted, but where would I be without my nose? I would look weird, that's for sure. I wouldn't be able to smell wet grass, or the air by the sea or the way my husband's face smells when he gets out of the shower.
O- Opportunities that present themselves in different ways
P- photos
Q- Quiet places
R- the ability to remember my childhood, my teenage years and all of the little things along the way.
S- sunshine and smiles
T- the opportunity to teach
U- Understanding others.
V-my aunt Vera. She is the last of my dad's family that I have left. I am glad she is still around. She gets it on those days when I e-mail her just to say , "I miss him." or "I miss Gran". She misses them,too.
W- West Virginia- if you have never been to this state, especially the mountains, you do not know what you are missing.
X- Xaiver Scott, my late uncle. He brought such smiles to my face and I miss him. But I am so glad that he was brought into my life when he was.
Y- Youthful features. I know, I know. That is pretty selfish and vain, but I really am pretty lucky here. My dad looked like he was in his early 40's when he passed and he was 63. Heredity at its finest :)
Z- the zebra and its stripes... Unique as one's fingertips. the zebra is mother nature's way of saying, " Go ahead, be different". We should all take pause and be glad we are all different and unique.
A-Autism- Now, before anyone gets their panties all in a wad let me explain this. I know how devastating autism is and how much it sucks and I would not wish it on my worst enemy's child. But from my side of it, if autism did not exist I would not have met the wonderful hard working parents that I have and I would NEVER have had the chance to meet some of THE coolest, neatest kids ever. With that said, I would not have found my niche, my thing, the thing I am good at. I GET these kids. They know that I get them and I am so grateful for the chances I have to make a difference in their lives. Maybe that's selfish of me, and I get that , but please understand that I did not say this with malicious intent.
B-Bacon- Simply put, I love bacon.
C- cats
D- dogs
E- epiphanies
F- forgiveness
G-Giving of one's self.
H- Hearts that work correctly
I- my own idiosyncracies. We all have them and it makes us who we are.
J- Joy
K- Kindness of strangers
L- Laughter
M-Marriage. I am lucky enough to have found my one and only. I believe deeply in the meaning of marriage and the commitment it requires. It is a partnership and truly takes work. I am grateful that my marriage works, is built to last (that sounds like a car commercial..lol) and that I enjoy it.
N- having a nose. Sure, we all take it for granted, but where would I be without my nose? I would look weird, that's for sure. I wouldn't be able to smell wet grass, or the air by the sea or the way my husband's face smells when he gets out of the shower.
O- Opportunities that present themselves in different ways
P- photos
Q- Quiet places
R- the ability to remember my childhood, my teenage years and all of the little things along the way.
S- sunshine and smiles
T- the opportunity to teach
U- Understanding others.
V-my aunt Vera. She is the last of my dad's family that I have left. I am glad she is still around. She gets it on those days when I e-mail her just to say , "I miss him." or "I miss Gran". She misses them,too.
W- West Virginia- if you have never been to this state, especially the mountains, you do not know what you are missing.
X- Xaiver Scott, my late uncle. He brought such smiles to my face and I miss him. But I am so glad that he was brought into my life when he was.
Y- Youthful features. I know, I know. That is pretty selfish and vain, but I really am pretty lucky here. My dad looked like he was in his early 40's when he passed and he was 63. Heredity at its finest :)
Z- the zebra and its stripes... Unique as one's fingertips. the zebra is mother nature's way of saying, " Go ahead, be different". We should all take pause and be glad we are all different and unique.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Gratitude Challenge
A friend of mine posted this on Facebook and it looked interesting enough and I thought I would do this.
Day 1 Today you start The Gratitude Challenge. Sign the contract and make a commitment to take note and give
thanks for the next 21 days. Express why you accepted this challenge and what you hope to achieve from it.
I accepted this challenge because on any given day I don't always have the most positive outlook and honestly I don't have much to complain about yet I do complain. I think I have a pretty decent life, yet I don't think that I am thankful enough. So, hopefully this challenge will help open my eyes a little more.
Day 1 Today you start The Gratitude Challenge. Sign the contract and make a commitment to take note and give
thanks for the next 21 days. Express why you accepted this challenge and what you hope to achieve from it.
I accepted this challenge because on any given day I don't always have the most positive outlook and honestly I don't have much to complain about yet I do complain. I think I have a pretty decent life, yet I don't think that I am thankful enough. So, hopefully this challenge will help open my eyes a little more.
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