Do you ever sit & fantasize about winning the lottery? I mean, yes, I know we have all figuratively won some type of "lottery" already - whether it be in the love of our lives, the blessing of our children, an amazing health story, or whatever it may be. And I certainly don't make light of THOSE winnings ...
However, on a lighter note I do sit and think sometimes, what if I won the lottery? What would I do with it? Sometimes if I'm really bored, I'll even make a LIST. HA! I admitted it, how embarrassing!
I like to think that the first thing I would do is TITHE (at least 10% right off the top, right?) I vacillate between giving it all to my church, or some to the church and some to fund Alzheimer's research. I think about starting a foundation that would do some good in the community, maybe turning an empty Walmart or Bi-Lo into a FUN, Christian environment for teens and tweens to hang out, eat out, listen to music, play video games, and be supervised by youth leaders.
After the tithing, of course I would pay off any debts, including our home. I would set up a college fund and a trust for Logan so he would never have to worry about money. I would consult a trustworthy financial planner to see how much I needed to set aside for the future and for retirement so I wouldn't end up on one of those TV shows about "Lottery Winner to Homeless in 24 Hours."
After tithing and setting money aside for the future, then I would start SPENDING! lol I would buy my mom and my in-laws each a nice condo where they could live in comfort and not have to worry about the upkeep of a home anymore. My dear mother-in-law and father-in-law are 70 and 80 years old, respectively, and they still get out and mow their own grass and several yards around them, too! I would make sure they never had to worry about anything so they could enjoy their golden years!
I would put my nieces through college and set up trusts for them so they could have a great start into adulthood.
I would buy a condo in Clearwater Beach so I could visit my favorite spot whenever I wanted! I would travel to the places I want to see before I die, but probably never will, such as Spain, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy (and Hawaii).
I would fund some type of strong ANTI-BULLYING legislation and be a champion of that cause. Fortunately, Logan promises me often that he has not been the victim of bullying, but I see it too much in the news and I really have such a tender spot for all those kids whose clothes aren't the latest style or their parents don't make enough money, or they are overweight or from a different culture. I could preach on this topic for hours, but let me move on...
Of course, I would quit this job that kills my spirit daily, but I would want some type of work or activity to keep my mind sharp.
I would fund our church's food pantry program so that we could feed thousands instead of hundreds of people each month.
I would get one more plastic surgery procedure done. (giggle)
I would probably buy a house with a bigger closet and a 3-car garage since Logan will be driving soon.
I have friends with financial needs - hospital bills, vehicles that have broken down for the last time, and I would try to help as many as I could.
I would definitely go on some mission trips. We have talked about doing this many times, but I cannot get extended time off from work and my boss does not understand the desire to do missions.
And contrary to all the good I want to do ... I might, maybe, also buy a Range Rover.
What would YOU do?
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Menu Planning
Okay, let's lighten the mood up a little bit from my last couple of posts.
There is one thing I've been doing lately that I AM proud of, and that is menu planning. I got SO SICK of asking Artie every day around lunchtime, "what's for dinner tonight?" That usually ended up with us picking up takeout for dinner. Not a healthy choice for either our bodies or our budget! Plus I tend to get sick of the same old takeout after a while. Logan could eat a Wendy's baconator every day of the week, but not me.
So I decided to try menu planning, and we've been doing it faithfully for about the last three weeks. During the week when I am bored (or frustrated) at work, I check out my recipes on Pinterest or look up recipes online. I make a list of possible meal ideas. I usually choose two crock pot meals so that on Tuesdays and Thursdays when Artie works and isn't home to cook, I can put something in the crock pot in the mornings before I leave for work and it's done by the time he gets home. He can just whip up a couple of sides and voila, dinner by the time I finally drag into the house.
Usually on Fridays I make a list of meals for the following Monday - Friday and a grocery list to match. I then post it on the fridge so we know what needs to be laid out to thaw, etc. On Mondays and Fridays, Artie is usually responsible for cooking something. On Wednesdays, Artie has class and usually Logan & I go to the Y to work out, then come home and eat a sandwich or a quick frozen meal. On the weekends I've been trying to make a soup or something else that we can eat all weekend.
So far this is working out really well. Planning ahead is MORE than half the battle when it comes to weeknight meals.
I've had a couple of crock pot recipes that failed, but you never know until you try. I've never been a good cook, so this is giving me a chance to make easy dinners in the crock pot and contribute to the kitchen duties. Overall, it's working out well for all of us. Except maybe Logan, who misses the baconators.
There is one thing I've been doing lately that I AM proud of, and that is menu planning. I got SO SICK of asking Artie every day around lunchtime, "what's for dinner tonight?" That usually ended up with us picking up takeout for dinner. Not a healthy choice for either our bodies or our budget! Plus I tend to get sick of the same old takeout after a while. Logan could eat a Wendy's baconator every day of the week, but not me.
So I decided to try menu planning, and we've been doing it faithfully for about the last three weeks. During the week when I am bored (or frustrated) at work, I check out my recipes on Pinterest or look up recipes online. I make a list of possible meal ideas. I usually choose two crock pot meals so that on Tuesdays and Thursdays when Artie works and isn't home to cook, I can put something in the crock pot in the mornings before I leave for work and it's done by the time he gets home. He can just whip up a couple of sides and voila, dinner by the time I finally drag into the house.
Usually on Fridays I make a list of meals for the following Monday - Friday and a grocery list to match. I then post it on the fridge so we know what needs to be laid out to thaw, etc. On Mondays and Fridays, Artie is usually responsible for cooking something. On Wednesdays, Artie has class and usually Logan & I go to the Y to work out, then come home and eat a sandwich or a quick frozen meal. On the weekends I've been trying to make a soup or something else that we can eat all weekend.
So far this is working out really well. Planning ahead is MORE than half the battle when it comes to weeknight meals.
I've had a couple of crock pot recipes that failed, but you never know until you try. I've never been a good cook, so this is giving me a chance to make easy dinners in the crock pot and contribute to the kitchen duties. Overall, it's working out well for all of us. Except maybe Logan, who misses the baconators.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Living with Our Choices
During my recent “mid-life crisis” I have dwelled a lot on the choices I have made and where those choices have taken me. I am living a life right now that is the result of choices I made months or years ago. Never take a decision lightly, because you never know what the consequences of that decision will be later on in life.
One of my MANY poor choices was to not take care of my body. After Artie & I got married, we ate whatever we wanted whenever we wanted and did not exercise at all. We developed habits in those early years that have stuck with us, and in the past two years, we have had weight loss surgeries and plastic surgeries to try to get back some of the healthy bodies we wasted away. We have spent over $58,000.00 on surgeries, and all of that could have been avoided by making better food & activity choices for many, many years. What I have learned from this poor choice – take care of you body, it’s the only one you have to get you through this life.
Another poor choice I regret is how I have spent my money over the years. Artie and I had several very difficult financial years during our marriage, and anyone who has ever dealt with money problems can sympathize. It will nearly break you down. Over the last few years, however, we have been truly blessed and by the grace of God have had a much better financial situation. We have a beautiful home and we drive nice cars, one of which is actually paid for in full. We take trips and buy nice things for Logan. We try to help our family as much as we can... But I am a shopaholic. I am an Amazon-aholic. I love to buy things, whether I need them or not. I’ve been working on this problem since the new year and have actually shopped very little. Fortunately, my shopping has not put us in financial trouble, but my regret is that if I had made better money choices and shopped less, where could we be right now? Could Artie have gone back to school earlier and be finished by now? Could our mortgage be paid off? I don’t know what we could have done with all the money I’ve wasted on trivial things.
Probably one of my biggest regrets, as I’ve blogged about before, is the choice that now has me trapped in a miserable job situation. I worked here before Logan was born and was so very blessed to be able to leave here a month before Logan’s birth to take a medical transcription job. I worked from home for four years, but I was undisciplined and did not get enough work done, so I wasn’t making much money. When my former boss, now once again my boss, called and begged me to come back to work here, he caught me at a time when I really needed a more steady income and I agreed to return. That was 10.5 years ago and I have regretted that decision almost every day of that 10.5 years. The only good to come of it has been my relationship with my dear friend, Sara, who also works here. If only I had worked harder at the transcription job when I had the chance … if only I had taken a different job instead of returning to this one … if only if only if only… Now I am stuck here until Artie graduates and gets a nursing job, and then my DREAM is to leave this job and work only part-time or return to transcription from home and do it right this time. I have lost so much time with Logan, years I will never get back, because of the hours I work and the inflexible attitude of my boss. If Logan is sick, Artie takes him to the doctor or stays home with him. If Logan needs picked up or dropped off, Artie does it. Artie takes Logan to school every day. Artie picks Logan up every day. I hate that I am not a bigger participant. I leave my house at 6:20 each morning and arrive back home around 6:00 each night. And I’m not even addressing how it feels to work for the most demanding, narcissistic personality you could possibly meet.
So these items and many more have been the subject of much rumination over the last few months. I have made some poor choices and now I’m living the consequences of those choices. Be very mindful when you are making decisions, whether they seem big or small to you at the time, of how this could affect your future and your family’s future.
One of my MANY poor choices was to not take care of my body. After Artie & I got married, we ate whatever we wanted whenever we wanted and did not exercise at all. We developed habits in those early years that have stuck with us, and in the past two years, we have had weight loss surgeries and plastic surgeries to try to get back some of the healthy bodies we wasted away. We have spent over $58,000.00 on surgeries, and all of that could have been avoided by making better food & activity choices for many, many years. What I have learned from this poor choice – take care of you body, it’s the only one you have to get you through this life.
Another poor choice I regret is how I have spent my money over the years. Artie and I had several very difficult financial years during our marriage, and anyone who has ever dealt with money problems can sympathize. It will nearly break you down. Over the last few years, however, we have been truly blessed and by the grace of God have had a much better financial situation. We have a beautiful home and we drive nice cars, one of which is actually paid for in full. We take trips and buy nice things for Logan. We try to help our family as much as we can... But I am a shopaholic. I am an Amazon-aholic. I love to buy things, whether I need them or not. I’ve been working on this problem since the new year and have actually shopped very little. Fortunately, my shopping has not put us in financial trouble, but my regret is that if I had made better money choices and shopped less, where could we be right now? Could Artie have gone back to school earlier and be finished by now? Could our mortgage be paid off? I don’t know what we could have done with all the money I’ve wasted on trivial things.
Probably one of my biggest regrets, as I’ve blogged about before, is the choice that now has me trapped in a miserable job situation. I worked here before Logan was born and was so very blessed to be able to leave here a month before Logan’s birth to take a medical transcription job. I worked from home for four years, but I was undisciplined and did not get enough work done, so I wasn’t making much money. When my former boss, now once again my boss, called and begged me to come back to work here, he caught me at a time when I really needed a more steady income and I agreed to return. That was 10.5 years ago and I have regretted that decision almost every day of that 10.5 years. The only good to come of it has been my relationship with my dear friend, Sara, who also works here. If only I had worked harder at the transcription job when I had the chance … if only I had taken a different job instead of returning to this one … if only if only if only… Now I am stuck here until Artie graduates and gets a nursing job, and then my DREAM is to leave this job and work only part-time or return to transcription from home and do it right this time. I have lost so much time with Logan, years I will never get back, because of the hours I work and the inflexible attitude of my boss. If Logan is sick, Artie takes him to the doctor or stays home with him. If Logan needs picked up or dropped off, Artie does it. Artie takes Logan to school every day. Artie picks Logan up every day. I hate that I am not a bigger participant. I leave my house at 6:20 each morning and arrive back home around 6:00 each night. And I’m not even addressing how it feels to work for the most demanding, narcissistic personality you could possibly meet.
So these items and many more have been the subject of much rumination over the last few months. I have made some poor choices and now I’m living the consequences of those choices. Be very mindful when you are making decisions, whether they seem big or small to you at the time, of how this could affect your future and your family’s future.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Anniversary Weekend
I have had such a blissful morning so far. Off work, for one! Artie took Logan to school and then went to a doctor's appointment, so Lucy & I have had the house to ourselves. She keeps hanging around our luggage - she always knows when a trip is brewing. She will be staying at the kennel this weekend again. Thankfully she loves it there.
It's a beautiful chilly morning. I have straightened the house, finished packing, and wrapped a few gifts. I'm waiting on Artie to return from the doctor so we can head off to the mountains for our 3-day anniversary weekend. I can't believe we have been married for 25 years! I've been a Davis longer than I was a Dunsmore!
We don't have any super thrilling plans. We're staying in a cute little hotel that faces the Parkway, so we can watch the traffic from our balcony. We can walk to Olive Garden, Red Lobster and a few other restaurants. We will be across the street from Tanger Outlet Mall, so we plan to finish up our Christmas shopping.
I feel kind of guilty for leaving Logan behind, but with all the recent stress and arguing with him over his big Facebook mistake, I think it will be kind of nice to leave all that behind for a few days. Plus Artie and I never get away alone, so it will be fun for us and relaxing.
My big boss is not at the office today so that means I won't be getting work-related calls and emails and I can truly just relax.
Artie and I have definitely had our ups and downs over the past 25 years, but we have always known that God brought us together and He has kept us together. Hopefully our next 25 will be even better than the first 25!
Have a great weekend everyone!
It's a beautiful chilly morning. I have straightened the house, finished packing, and wrapped a few gifts. I'm waiting on Artie to return from the doctor so we can head off to the mountains for our 3-day anniversary weekend. I can't believe we have been married for 25 years! I've been a Davis longer than I was a Dunsmore!
We don't have any super thrilling plans. We're staying in a cute little hotel that faces the Parkway, so we can watch the traffic from our balcony. We can walk to Olive Garden, Red Lobster and a few other restaurants. We will be across the street from Tanger Outlet Mall, so we plan to finish up our Christmas shopping.
I feel kind of guilty for leaving Logan behind, but with all the recent stress and arguing with him over his big Facebook mistake, I think it will be kind of nice to leave all that behind for a few days. Plus Artie and I never get away alone, so it will be fun for us and relaxing.
My big boss is not at the office today so that means I won't be getting work-related calls and emails and I can truly just relax.
Artie and I have definitely had our ups and downs over the past 25 years, but we have always known that God brought us together and He has kept us together. Hopefully our next 25 will be even better than the first 25!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Dr. Hanna, Part 2
Dr. Hanna said that he thinks my high platelet count is probably due to lingering inflammation and abscesses from my plastic surgery in March. He is going to run more tests on the GALLON of blood they took today to confirm that. If that is not the case, then it could in fact be a bone marrow disease. He said with the counts I have, if it is a bone marrow issue, it would not even be "significant enough to treat at this time." I guess this is good news. I wanted him to come out and say that I had no possibility of a bone marrow disease, but I guess this is the next best thing. I won't see him again for four weeks unless something "earth-shattering" shows up on the additional blood work. Continue praying for me, please! Thank you!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Dr. Hanna
Up early this morning and much more anxious than I thought I would be - my appointment with Dr. Hanna is in a couple of hours. I don't expect horrible news, but the thought of going to a hematology/oncology specialist is still nerve-wracking. I know many people are praying for me this morning. It's always good to know if something is wrong in your body so it can be treated, but I have certainly had my fill of doctors these past few months. Artie pulled out another stitch from one of my open areas just this past weekend. Will it ever end?
I'll post an update later today.
I'll post an update later today.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Don't I Feel Silly...
If you read my post yesterday, please forgive my naivete! Apparently my faith in my son was undeserved. He IS the guilty party. Let me just say life is going to be very rough for him for a few weeks. No xbox, no phone, no iPad, no computer...and more.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Fighting Your Child's Battles
I have such a hard time staying out of Logan’s “battles” and letting him fight them for himself! One of Logan’s very close friends recently had their Facebook account hacked. A very nasty, vulgar post showed up on their wall as if they had posted it. However, they are claiming that Logan posted it while logged in under their name. Logan swears to me that he did not do it. His tight-knit group of about 10 friends seems to be split in their opinions, about 70% believing Logan and about 30% siding with his other friend.
I called the friend’s mom and explained to her that I was aware of the situation and that I had “interrogated” Logan about it and felt sure that he was telling me the truth and that he did not do this. I told her I was not naïve enough to believe that my son is an angel, but that I believe he is being honest with me about this issue. She was very kind and friendly and said she did not outright blame anyone. They were upset by what was posted, but they immediately took it down and asked their son to change all of his security settings.
I am so upset that any of Logan’s friends would even think him capable of this, and even so, that some of them still don’t believe him when he proclaims his innocence. I know I cannot get involved in the friendship highs and lows of young teens, but it hurts me for him. He is really hurt that his friend doesn’t believe him. And of course, if he hurts, I hurt.
My therapist tells me that I am not doing him any favors by trying to protect him from all of life’s stings and fighting his battles for him. Apparently it is good for him to learn how to navigate these issues of life and friendship. However, when my child hurts, I do not like it and it brings out the “Mama Bear” in me. I'm so sad that my child is sad. :(
I called the friend’s mom and explained to her that I was aware of the situation and that I had “interrogated” Logan about it and felt sure that he was telling me the truth and that he did not do this. I told her I was not naïve enough to believe that my son is an angel, but that I believe he is being honest with me about this issue. She was very kind and friendly and said she did not outright blame anyone. They were upset by what was posted, but they immediately took it down and asked their son to change all of his security settings.
I am so upset that any of Logan’s friends would even think him capable of this, and even so, that some of them still don’t believe him when he proclaims his innocence. I know I cannot get involved in the friendship highs and lows of young teens, but it hurts me for him. He is really hurt that his friend doesn’t believe him. And of course, if he hurts, I hurt.
My therapist tells me that I am not doing him any favors by trying to protect him from all of life’s stings and fighting his battles for him. Apparently it is good for him to learn how to navigate these issues of life and friendship. However, when my child hurts, I do not like it and it brings out the “Mama Bear” in me. I'm so sad that my child is sad. :(
Friday, November 18, 2011
Lacking Motivation
I am having a real problem with lack of motivation lately. This is unfortunately not a new problem for me. I am sitting at work this morning with a to-do pile up to my neck and all I want to do is drive home and lie down. Of course, Artie is at home so that makes it even more tempting.
I know in today’s economy I am so fortunate to have a job. The stress level is very high, but the pay is decent and I’m inside all day with a great view. When I do have to work on the weekends, it’s from home. I feel guilty when I complain about my job because I know so many people who just need to work!
I think part of my problem is the weather change. It’s been really cold here in Knoxville the past few days, and that always makes me want to cuddle up at home with a blanket and a fire. Another contributing factor is missing my dad. That is always worse around the holidays. He LOVED Christmas and I miss his goofy excitement. I am also still not feeling completely well physically, and I have that big appointment with the hematologist looming in a week or so, which is weighing on my mind.
I have to force myself to turn to my work pile and dig in. It’s like every file weighs 100 lbs. and I don’t want to lift it. Does that make sense to anyone but me?
I am so excited about next week being Thanksgiving and going to SC. My niece, Deann, and I have so much planned for that weekend with all the kids: making & decorating cookies, gingerbread houses, making ornaments, putting up Patti’s tree, playing Christmas music, and of course EATING.
Sorry to be a downer today. I’ll try to get pictures up tonight or tomorrow of the remaining Christmas trees. We’re doing our outdoor decorating tomorrow, so I’ll post that too.
Happy Friday to everyone (else). ;)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Growing" Pains
Two milestone events for Logan this week and MOMMY is having "growing" pains! First of all, he went (Finally!) for a haircut on Saturday. His hair is still long, but it looks much cleaner after the cut.
During the shampoo phase, I noticed all this fuzz growing down the side of his face and realized he needed to SHAVE! I couldn't believe it. His long hair had covered it before. So once we got home, Artie SHAVED Logan's face! I couldn't believe it. I mean, I know he's 13, but he's still my B-A-B-Y!!
And while I'm still barely recovering from that, I have to prepare for Logan's big class trip to Williamsburg! They leave in the morning at 6:00 a.m. (!) and they won't be back until late Saturday night! 4 days! I mean, what will he do without us?!? Who will fix his snacks and keep his water bottles stocked & cold? Who will wash his hair and blow dry it? (usually Artie) Who will help him get dressed in the mornings and keep his dirty clothes separate from his clean ones in the suitcase? Will he brush his teeth AT ALL for four days? Will he shower? Will his friends run him out of the hotel room? Will he misbehave so badly that the teachers call us to drive to Williamsburg and get him? Will he be safe? Will he get car (bus) sick? (Very likely!) I can give him Dramamine before he leaves in the morning, but he's not allowed to carry meds with him, so how can he have some for the return trip? Did we pack enough clothes? Will he be cold? Will he lose his iPhone or iPad? Will he over-eat? Will he trash his hotel room? Mostly I'll just miss him. :(
During the shampoo phase, I noticed all this fuzz growing down the side of his face and realized he needed to SHAVE! I couldn't believe it. His long hair had covered it before. So once we got home, Artie SHAVED Logan's face! I couldn't believe it. I mean, I know he's 13, but he's still my B-A-B-Y!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Saying Things We Regret
Don't you wish our mouths had a censor delay like they use in radio and on TV? So we could pause and think before we actually spew something out that might be hurtful to someone or embarrass them? I certainly do.
I have such a big mouth and apparently I love to talk. Sometimes I just blurt out whatever is on my mind and don't think about it first. I did that over the weekend and said something that really upset another person. I feel so bad about it now and wish I could take it back, but once those words are out there, they can't be unsaid.
This is a very short blog, and I know I haven't had as much to say lately. I am just really down on myself this morning for running my mouth. :(
I didn't say anything to intentionally hurt someone, I just didn't think how it might embarrass them before I shared it with other people. So it's a lesson to please think before you speak. It's much easier to censor yourself than to deal with the consequences later!
I have such a big mouth and apparently I love to talk. Sometimes I just blurt out whatever is on my mind and don't think about it first. I did that over the weekend and said something that really upset another person. I feel so bad about it now and wish I could take it back, but once those words are out there, they can't be unsaid.
This is a very short blog, and I know I haven't had as much to say lately. I am just really down on myself this morning for running my mouth. :(
I didn't say anything to intentionally hurt someone, I just didn't think how it might embarrass them before I shared it with other people. So it's a lesson to please think before you speak. It's much easier to censor yourself than to deal with the consequences later!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Updates on Previous Posts
Whenever I run into friends who read my blog, I'm often asked "whatever happened with ...." and they are asking for an update from a previous blog post. So I thought I'd provide some updates on things that are going on with us.
Annual Review: Still hasn't happened yet!
Making Christmas Cards: I have bought boxed cards to send this year. I don’t have time to do it all, and I think sending the cards out is more important than whether or not they are handmade.
Small Groups: We are really enjoying our small group from church. The people in our group are very welcoming and we are slowly getting to know them better. Our discussions are always very enlightening. It is so encouraging to spend time with a group of people who help you grow in your faith!
“Parenting Fail”/Logan’s Weight Issues: Logan is still working with a trainer at the YMCA three times per week. He loves it, and I am SO THANKFUL for that! The trainer is doing an excellent job of keeping Logan motivated. Logan has lost 8 lbs. so far and 4% body fat.
STEM Academy: We are working on the transfer request paperwork for the STEM Academy. My plan is to apply and pray for God’s will to be done in Logan’s life. The admission is on a “lottery” system, which means they will choose a certain number of kids from each school in the county. If Logan doesn’t get chosen, then it must not be part of God’s plan for him to attend STEM. I cannot see the future, so I do not know what is best for Logan. Only God knows that.
Real Housewives Addiction: I have managed to stop watching ONE of the cities so far. I stopped watching New York because they just went too far over the top with their drama. I do hope to wean myself down to just one or two cities, instead of the four remaining shows.
25th Anniversary Trip: It has been a big ordeal trying to figure something out. We finally decided to cancel our trip to Louisville for my cousin’s wedding during the first weekend of December. Artie & I are just going to the mountains for a long weekend and Mom is going to stay with Logan. We still hope to make a trip to the Bahamas next year, but we will see what the future holds. I certainly appreciate all the suggestions and emails about your ideas for this dilemma!
Spouse in College: Artie has really struggled with the Fall Quarter course load he had (which of course means I have struggled right along with him!) He finally decided to drop his Anatomy & Physiology class and the Lab that went along with it. That leaves him with General Psychology and Interpersonal Communications to finish out the Fall Quarter. He then plans to take ONLY the two Anatomy courses for Winter Quarter. They require so much of his time and attention that it was just too much for him to carry four courses and work part-time also. Please continue to pray for him, for all of us, as he works toward this degree. I am so proud of how hard he is working and how well he has done so far!
Thank you for following along with the Kim's Life blog!
Annual Review: Still hasn't happened yet!
Making Christmas Cards: I have bought boxed cards to send this year. I don’t have time to do it all, and I think sending the cards out is more important than whether or not they are handmade.
Small Groups: We are really enjoying our small group from church. The people in our group are very welcoming and we are slowly getting to know them better. Our discussions are always very enlightening. It is so encouraging to spend time with a group of people who help you grow in your faith!
“Parenting Fail”/Logan’s Weight Issues: Logan is still working with a trainer at the YMCA three times per week. He loves it, and I am SO THANKFUL for that! The trainer is doing an excellent job of keeping Logan motivated. Logan has lost 8 lbs. so far and 4% body fat.
STEM Academy: We are working on the transfer request paperwork for the STEM Academy. My plan is to apply and pray for God’s will to be done in Logan’s life. The admission is on a “lottery” system, which means they will choose a certain number of kids from each school in the county. If Logan doesn’t get chosen, then it must not be part of God’s plan for him to attend STEM. I cannot see the future, so I do not know what is best for Logan. Only God knows that.
Real Housewives Addiction: I have managed to stop watching ONE of the cities so far. I stopped watching New York because they just went too far over the top with their drama. I do hope to wean myself down to just one or two cities, instead of the four remaining shows.
25th Anniversary Trip: It has been a big ordeal trying to figure something out. We finally decided to cancel our trip to Louisville for my cousin’s wedding during the first weekend of December. Artie & I are just going to the mountains for a long weekend and Mom is going to stay with Logan. We still hope to make a trip to the Bahamas next year, but we will see what the future holds. I certainly appreciate all the suggestions and emails about your ideas for this dilemma!
Spouse in College: Artie has really struggled with the Fall Quarter course load he had (which of course means I have struggled right along with him!) He finally decided to drop his Anatomy & Physiology class and the Lab that went along with it. That leaves him with General Psychology and Interpersonal Communications to finish out the Fall Quarter. He then plans to take ONLY the two Anatomy courses for Winter Quarter. They require so much of his time and attention that it was just too much for him to carry four courses and work part-time also. Please continue to pray for him, for all of us, as he works toward this degree. I am so proud of how hard he is working and how well he has done so far!
Thank you for following along with the Kim's Life blog!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Christmas Preparation Fantasy
So I have all these Christmas ideas spinning around in my head - not gift or shopping ideas, but baking, decorating, card-making ideas. Things that put you in the Christmas spirit. Artie & I used to make bunches of Christmas candy and cookies and put them in tins for gifts. We haven't done that in years, probably since Logan was born! I've already blogged about my card-making dilemma and how I can't decide whether to buy my cards or make them this year. I have earmarked at least 100 pages in my scrapbooking magazines for Christmas card ideas.
We are also planning to put up ALL of our Christmas trees this year for the first time in five years. We have six trees and may actually add another one this year. So I'm thinking of where to place them (it's our first time putting up more than one tree in our new house).
The problem with all of these nifty ideas is WHEN to make TIME to actually accomplish all of these things. It takes the fun out of it if you have to do it after work when you're exhausted. I know I would enjoy doing all of these things. I just need to slow down and take time to enjoy the season.
Sending out Christmas cards is very important to me. It's time to take a moment to remind your friends and family that you are thinking of them, and although you might not talk daily or even for months, that they are still on your mind. I also LOVE to receive cards ... HINT HINT. I always try (not always succeed) to have my cards ready to mail on December 1st. Maybe I can enlist Artie & Logan to help me make the cards. If I precut everything, we can have a gluing and stamping assembly line, right? I don't think they would go for that.
The baking is always fun, but since mine & Artie's surgeries, we can't eat a lot of sugar. It's kind of sad to bake Christmas goodies and not be able to eat them. Plus we don't need to have all that candy & sugar around with Logan on his weight loss program.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Great Concerts
Artie, Logan & I have been fortunate enough to attend some awesome Christian concerts over the past year or so. Logan took two friends with him to this concert at the Civic Auditorium in July 2010, and Kristi, Pig & Hannah went with us, too. It was a great mix of music styles, with Chris Tomlin & Toby Mac.
I did not get any photos that night because they wouldn't let me take my camera in since it has a removable lens. My phone would not get any photos because of the lighting.
We all enjoyed Chris Tomlin so much that we drove all the way to Johnson City to see him again in October 2010. Kristian Stanfill opened for him that night.
The three of us drove to Nashville this year to see Toby Mac & Skillet. That was a FABULOUS concert. Artie was on his feet most of the night, and if you know Artie, that's an amazing feat all in itself.
We have 3rd Row tickets to see Casting Crowns, Sanctus Real & The Afters on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I can't wait for that one. I've never seen any of those bands live, but I know their songs!
I did not get any photos that night because they wouldn't let me take my camera in since it has a removable lens. My phone would not get any photos because of the lighting.
We all enjoyed Chris Tomlin so much that we drove all the way to Johnson City to see him again in October 2010. Kristian Stanfill opened for him that night.
The three of us drove to Nashville this year to see Toby Mac & Skillet. That was a FABULOUS concert. Artie was on his feet most of the night, and if you know Artie, that's an amazing feat all in itself.
We have 3rd Row tickets to see Casting Crowns, Sanctus Real & The Afters on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I can't wait for that one. I've never seen any of those bands live, but I know their songs!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Medical Issues
I am currently dealing with several medical issues. Hopefully none of them are serious, but the combination of them is really wearing me down! I still have three small “holes” that have not healed from my plastic surgery back in March (yes, 7 months ago)! I went back to the surgeon this week and discovered that at least one of those holes was actually a stitch abscess (an underlying stitch trying to poke through the skin). He removed the stitch, which was approximately 2 inches long, and cleaned the area. He said it should definitely close up now. The other two areas did not have visible stitches, but he did inspect and clean them thoroughly. Hopefully I will eventually have NO open areas from this surgery. What a relief that will be!
My primary care doctor is sending me to a hematologist/oncologist next month for an elevated platelet level. This is an area of some debate, as my plastic surgeon thinks my platelets are perfectly normal – especially for someone who had major surgery a few months ago and still has healing wounds. Any time you are referred to a specialist with the word “oncology” in the title, it is a scary thing. Apparently my primary care doctor is more concerned about possible blood clots and strokes than he is about leukemia or blood malignancies. Either way it’s just something else to worry about.
I am still struggling with my eye issue, the neovascularization that I posted about in a previous blog. I am now on a medication called Restasis, which is supposed to eventually heal me to a level where I can wear my contacts again.
I have somehow managed to injure my tailbone. When I visited the doctor about it, he did x-rays and an exam and did not see any fractures or bone injury. He said there are many ways you can injure a tailbone – by sitting down too hard, by sitting in one spot too long, by falling and landing on it, etc. I do not remember doing any of these things, unless it was sitting too long on a road trip. However, it is a VERY painful problem to have. Anytime I sit for more than 10-15 minutes, I have excruciating pain in my tailbone. Church and the movies are big culprits. My recliner at home is not even comfortable. I am sitting on a donut pillow under the doctor’s orders (which Logan finds hysterically funny). This is one of those things that can “take several months to heal,” according to the doctor. Yippee.
And I will be having my wisdom teeth removed in a couple of weeks because two of them are impacted. I have been having quite significant toothaches recently. My dentist recommended that these teeth come out, even though most people my age don’t bother with it if they still have them.
With all of these things going on, it is probably not surprising that I feel tired and run-down most of the time. I can’t believe how much older I feel. Please keep me in your prayers. I don’t want to be whiny or depressed; I just want to feel better!
My primary care doctor is sending me to a hematologist/oncologist next month for an elevated platelet level. This is an area of some debate, as my plastic surgeon thinks my platelets are perfectly normal – especially for someone who had major surgery a few months ago and still has healing wounds. Any time you are referred to a specialist with the word “oncology” in the title, it is a scary thing. Apparently my primary care doctor is more concerned about possible blood clots and strokes than he is about leukemia or blood malignancies. Either way it’s just something else to worry about.
I am still struggling with my eye issue, the neovascularization that I posted about in a previous blog. I am now on a medication called Restasis, which is supposed to eventually heal me to a level where I can wear my contacts again.
I have somehow managed to injure my tailbone. When I visited the doctor about it, he did x-rays and an exam and did not see any fractures or bone injury. He said there are many ways you can injure a tailbone – by sitting down too hard, by sitting in one spot too long, by falling and landing on it, etc. I do not remember doing any of these things, unless it was sitting too long on a road trip. However, it is a VERY painful problem to have. Anytime I sit for more than 10-15 minutes, I have excruciating pain in my tailbone. Church and the movies are big culprits. My recliner at home is not even comfortable. I am sitting on a donut pillow under the doctor’s orders (which Logan finds hysterically funny). This is one of those things that can “take several months to heal,” according to the doctor. Yippee.
And I will be having my wisdom teeth removed in a couple of weeks because two of them are impacted. I have been having quite significant toothaches recently. My dentist recommended that these teeth come out, even though most people my age don’t bother with it if they still have them.
With all of these things going on, it is probably not surprising that I feel tired and run-down most of the time. I can’t believe how much older I feel. Please keep me in your prayers. I don’t want to be whiny or depressed; I just want to feel better!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Still My Inspiration
Mamaw has been gone for almost 14 years now, but she is still my inspiration. I think of her every single day and wish that she were still here with us. She would have adored Logan (and my niece, Hannah), and it breaks my heart that she never got to meet them. I was about 10 weeks pregnant with Logan when she died. I think part of her spirit lives on in him. No, I don’t believe in reincarnation or anything like that – it’s just how I like to see it – it makes me feel better.
She was so content with so little. That is probably the biggest difference between me and her. I am never content. I always want more, more, MORE! More clothes, more shoes, more purses, more money, more jewelry. She had about four or five pairs of shoes and wore them until they literally fell apart. She made her own clothes. She cooked better than anyone else I’ve ever known. That’s another big difference between me and her. I can’t cook worth a dime. And I have no interest in learning.
She tried to teach me how to garden, can, sew, cook … and I learned very little because I wasn’t paying enough attention. In hindsight, I wish I had learned all of those things from her just to carry on her traditions and be more like her. I loved being with her because she made me laugh and she always listened to me with love. But when she tried to teach me to sew I took naps instead on the twin bed next to her sewing machine. Artie learned so much more from her than I ever did.
I was always close to Mamaw, even as a child, but in my adulthood, one thing I am extremely thankful for is that I stayed close to her. I called her EVERY SINGLE DAY for years, up until her mind was too far gone to carry on a conversation. We talked on the phone constantly, and I went to her house at least every other day. Artie was close to her, as well, and I’m also very thankful for that. The three of us had some good times sitting out on her carport breaking beans or sitting in her porch swing, just talking.
She gave herself home perms and her wispy white hair would always be in these super-tight little curls afterwards. Her house would stink for a day from the permanent solution. I could not give myself a perm if I tried.
She never learned how to drive or had a driver’s license. She relied on Papaw, and then her family, to take her wherever she needed to go.
She kept orange Tang in the kitchen cabinet.
Her kitchen table was the size of a minivan.
She was a “captain” on the church’s emergency call list, which meant anytime someone went in the hospital or died, she had a list of people to call and notify. She loved knowing all the news before everyone else! (That we DO have in common).
She was a GENIUS at crossword puzzles. I prefer seek-a-word; they are much less mentally challenging.
She wrote me at least one letter a week when I lived in Virginia Beach during my first two years of marriage. I was so homesick that first year, I called her and cried so many times. Back then you still had to pay for long-distance calls, and she made Papaw pay my phone bill so I could call her when I needed her.
She still washed some of her clothes on the washboard! Can you believe that.
I often think about what she would say if she saw me now. I don’t think she would be satisfied with what I have become. I do work very hard, just like she did, but I work at all the wrong things. Again, I wish I could be more like her.
She loved her church and she loved Jesus. She sang about Him in her beautiful soprano voice, and she knew she would be seeing Him when she died. I was blessed to inherit her little black book of songs and I love to flip through it when I’m sitting in the “praying chair” and sing some of her favorites. I guess the singing is another thing we have in common.
She might not be proud of all the choices I have made since she left me, but I do know one thing – she would love me the same anyway. She was the most special person in the world to me, and now would be second only to Artie & Logan. She was one in a million, and she is still my inspiration.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Why Does Logan's Room Smell So Bad?
I swear we clean it regularly. What is it about a teen boy's room that SMELLS? Is it Logan? Does he stink? I don't smell him when he's OUT of his room. We just put new carpet in that room a couple of months ago. He has a brand new bed. We don't leave dirty laundry or dishes in his room. I cannot figure it out!! It smells like a nasty combination of sweat, old food, and well, um... poots.
We have tried candles, air fresheners, plug-ins, cologne ... ahhhhhhh! I'm sure GIRLS' rooms do not smell like this.
I need more Febreze, please!!
We have tried candles, air fresheners, plug-ins, cologne ... ahhhhhhh! I'm sure GIRLS' rooms do not smell like this.
I need more Febreze, please!!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Family Trips
One of the blessings of having a small family, just the 3 of us, is that we can afford to take weekend trips or day trips and do a lot of fun things together. I am a firm believer that you have to spend TIME with your kid(s), not just in the house watching TV or watching them play with their friends. When you get away from the hustle & bustle of your daily lives, you actually have time and space for conversations. You can learn so much about your child on these little getaway trips, PLUS it makes great memories for them (and for you) to always cherish.
One of our favorite weekend getaways is Atlanta. We have been to several Atlanta Hawks basketball games, which we really enjoy! We have also been to the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Zoo while down there, as well as the Fernbank Museum. We drive down on a Friday night after work, get up Saturday and do a fun activity, attend a ball game Saturday night, and then drive home on Sunday.
Another really fun recent trip was to Nashville. I had not been to Nashville in YEARS! We drove down on a Friday for a Toby Mac & Skillet concert that night. We spent the night and came home on Saturday. The concert itself was incredible! But walking the streets of Nashville and showing Logan some of the sights was also a great time.
Of course we go to Pigeon Forge often, since it’s just a half-hour away. We have done a lot of fun activities up there, from go-karts to the wax museum to putt-putt, and of course the Aquarium, Splash Country, and Dollywood.
We took a family trip a few years ago on a Saturday morning to the Lost Sea in Sweetwater. It was a couple of hours drive and just a one-day trip, but it was a lot of fun. More shared memories.
During the July 4th holiday in 2008, we met our nieces in Lake Lure, N.C. for a weekend. It was such a beautiful place. It was halfway between us and them, and it was a great getaway weekend. Sometimes we include other people in our little getaways, but most of the time it’s just the three of us.
When Artie's uncle passed away in the fall of 2008, the whole Davis family went down to Florida for Thanksgiving to spend time with our family down there. Artie, Logan & I took an extra day and went to Busch Gardens, just the 3 of us. Again, more family bonding time. Logan still talks about that trip! (I cannot believe how BIG I am in this photo! Thank goodness for gastric bypass surgery!)
Sometimes it's just a concert, or the circus, or a night on the town together.
Family time is so important. It seems like Logan was just a baby yesterday and now he’s 13 on his way to 30. It goes by SO FAST!!! You never get that time back, so make the most of it! Spend time with your kids doing fun things. It doesn’t have to be a whole weekend trip, just get out of the house together and drive somewhere for the day. You won’t regret it!!!
One of our favorite weekend getaways is Atlanta. We have been to several Atlanta Hawks basketball games, which we really enjoy! We have also been to the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Zoo while down there, as well as the Fernbank Museum. We drive down on a Friday night after work, get up Saturday and do a fun activity, attend a ball game Saturday night, and then drive home on Sunday.
Another really fun recent trip was to Nashville. I had not been to Nashville in YEARS! We drove down on a Friday for a Toby Mac & Skillet concert that night. We spent the night and came home on Saturday. The concert itself was incredible! But walking the streets of Nashville and showing Logan some of the sights was also a great time.
We took a family trip a few years ago on a Saturday morning to the Lost Sea in Sweetwater. It was a couple of hours drive and just a one-day trip, but it was a lot of fun. More shared memories.
During the July 4th holiday in 2008, we met our nieces in Lake Lure, N.C. for a weekend. It was such a beautiful place. It was halfway between us and them, and it was a great getaway weekend. Sometimes we include other people in our little getaways, but most of the time it’s just the three of us.
Sometimes it's just a concert, or the circus, or a night on the town together.
Family time is so important. It seems like Logan was just a baby yesterday and now he’s 13 on his way to 30. It goes by SO FAST!!! You never get that time back, so make the most of it! Spend time with your kids doing fun things. It doesn’t have to be a whole weekend trip, just get out of the house together and drive somewhere for the day. You won’t regret it!!!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Haunted Forest
I am very excited about the Clinton Highway Haunted Forest, which is produced by Dante Baptist Church every year. It opens this weekend, and then runs again next Wednesday through Halloween. It is always such a fun time.
Back before Logan came along, I used to be a regular fixture at the Haunted Forest, and took great pride in being in charge of the forest guides. I had special Halloween outfits and jewelry, and really enjoyed leading group after group through the scary woods every night. It was great exercise, too! And the Haunted Forest will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart because it was during the week of the forest in 1997 that Logan was conceived. Hmmm ... that suddenly makes a lot of sense to me, why he can be so SCARY. ha ha ha ha
Now that I'm old, my favorite part of the Haunted Forest is the concession stand. They always have the BEST burgers, petros, hot dogs, and homemade desserts! And I think I saw fried Twinkies there last year! The KiddieLand area is always really cute, with games for the kids and prizes. And the bonfire at the center of the forest is always filled with people, sometimes singing, sometimes just eating and enjoying the show. The scariest part of the forest is the RIDE up there and back on the back of a hay truck. Depends on the driver, I guess. I always prefer to ride with Phillip Murphy, the pastor. He's the safest!
If you live in Knoxville, you should definitely come by and support the church's annual fundraiser. It's a lot of fun, great food, and even a witnessing segment as you leave.
Here is a Facebook link for more info:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clinton-Hwy-Haunted-Forest/139615902390
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Fall is in the Air
I love love love this time of year in East Tennessee! The colors on the trees are AMAZING! And the sky is a crisp blue that I don't notice any other time of year. The temperature is near-perfect. I also love the fall season because it means Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which is my favorite holiday.
Artie decorated our porch in a festive fall theme. Buying a ceramic pumpkin is SO much better than carving one every year, don't you think? Logan is not into that activity anymore, so we saved ourselves the trouble and mess.
On our trip to Pigeon Forge over the weekend, we saw the fall colors in full glory. The mountains were clear and beautiful in the background. The weather was absolutely perfect for our day at Dollywood on Saturday!
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