Art On A Limb

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2008-04-12T08:18:00.001-05:00

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Not Missing... It's Just Been A Really Long Nap

2006-06-14T23:58:00.000-05:00

Nap?? As if. Okay - all you moms win. You DO work harder than anyone else. Not like I didn't believe it, but you just don't know till you DO it. Sheesh!

Our daughter is on the neighborhood swim team and playing on a volleyball team at the Y. They will overlap on one day only - the last swim meet and the first volleyball game - she's in a quandry, but it doesn't matter to me. Just pick one :-)

Life is pretty darn good right now. We had family photos taken a week ago and we went to select our choices tonight. Some were actually good (don't usually like my own photos) and the individual ones of our daughter were beautiful. On top of that, the one of me and my husband was a keeper! So, overall, I think we did pretty well.

I hope my blog buddies are doing well - I am off to explore!

Sharing All This?

2006-04-26T22:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know I just posted about my siblings, but I guess I have somewhat of a confession to make... this blog is completely private. No one in my entire family even knows it exists - not my husband, not my daughter, not my parents, or siblings.

Yet, the whole thing is open to anyone, anywhere... I haven't decided if that's too weird or not, but it's working for me in the moment.

My husband really just isn't interested in sitting in front of a computer - I get this, "I sit in front of one all day long at work, why would I want to come home and do it here?" I do, too, but I don't see it as "work" but more of a release.

Our daughter is very active, so her spare time is spent swimming, playing volleyball, or flirting - or any combination of the group. Flirting might be number 1.

Looks like I'm ready to get back in the groove. Do you share your blog with friends and family? Coworkers?

Do you share your blog with your friends and family?

Super Siblings

2006-04-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

I have a great sister. She's really been my overall best friend. My brother is in the top two as well. I'm finding the older I am, how very much I value both my brother and my sister.

I am the oldest. When we were growing up, there was all the typical rivalries and competitiveness, but that's all behind us now. Well, it rears it's head once in a while, but not often.

How do you get along with your siblings?

Before the Month is Over

2006-04-25T06:51:00.000-05:00

Well, we've been parents for a month and 5 days and it feels like forever. We jumped right in at the onset of puberty, and this child is very open to discussing all subjects.

Last night, I was informed she would probably be having sex by age 16. I informed her she would not. Then, she went on to tell me all about how things work - you would not believe some of the crazy ideas these kids get.

Anyway, I told her if she felt like she was seriously considering it, we needed to talk and get her "protected" - she was flabbergasted that I wouldn't just say, "You aren't allowed to have sex until you get married." I told her she wasn't allowed to have sex until she got married, but this was just a precautionary measure. When I explained what a trip to the gynecologist was like, she changed her mind - lol.

My brother-in-law showed up unexpectedly last night and spent the night with us - he was passing through for work, so it was really nice for my husband to have guy-time with his favorite brother.

That's all that's going on in my world right now....

Completion!

2006-04-01T23:05:00.000-06:00

I know, I know... I keep saying I'll be back on track... here's my attempt to start. Well, we got through the hurrican and whirlwind and now are the official parents of a 14 year old. Goodness! It's worth every moment of it all.

Our adoption went splendidly on March 20th - this is our daughter's birthday. As I mentioned before, she was so excited to get adopted on her actual birthday. The whole day was like a big extravaganza. She originally came from a much smaller country than the one in which we live, so we had to do the adoption in that county. Well, lo and behold, Lisa had been featured twice on a local TV station as a child available for adoption in the past and the station just happened to call CPS prior to our finalization date to see if there were any children getting adopted they could feature.

When they heard it was Lisa, they kicked it into high gear - the whole proceedings were filmed (and supposedly this judge does not care for filming in his courtroom, but he allowed it this time)and then all 3 of us were interviewed separately. My husband and Lisa did fine - I cried like a baby through the whole darn thing.

So, it's final. And it feels SO good to have it done.

My goal now is to get back on track.

I've missed this more than I realized.

The Storm Before the Calm

2006-03-11T23:31:00.000-06:00

We're down to 9 days before adoption and every kind of disrepect and smarty-pants attitude you can conjure up has appeared in our home. Overall, this child is a total sweetheart, but, underneath the charm and good manners, is a little demon. Of course, that demon could go by the name of "Thirteen."

Thirteen's name is about to change to Fourteen, so, thankfully, God's mercy is great. We need it.

Once we get past the actual date, I plan on posting regularly again.

I'd take the eye of the hurricane right now.

The Great Wait

2006-02-18T22:47:00.000-06:00

Time is just zooming past exactly like my grandmothers said it would. Goodness, I miss them.

Our adoption has been scheduled (finally!) and we are actually going to be able to adopt our child on her birthday. She is so excited to be able to tell everyone she joined her family on the day she was born - just like everyone else.

If, per chance, you are wondering if it is too big of a challenge to adopt an older child, our experience would make you want to do it. Don't get me wrong, there are lots and lots of challenges. Our girl is obsessed with "hot boys" right now and keeping this in check is exhausting. You can tell by how infrequently I have posted lately.

There are school issues as well.

The key thing has been consistency for us. That she knows, without any doubts, what the consequences of her actions will be. Consistency and follow-through. And buckets and buckets of love.

So, the Great Wait is almost at an end. We have one month to go and we'll take any and all positive prayers, thoughts, or vibes. We are so grateful for the ones we have received and are blessed to know people really care.

(oh, and I love the Olympics - bonus thought!)

Light

2006-01-28T08:40:00.000-06:00

It's been way too long since I took time to post. I'm still digging my Northern Exposure addiction and thought I would share some of my favorite quotes from the show today. I found these listed here. Guess the ones that appeal to me most were the ones (in green) stated by Chris Stevens on his morning show on KBHR. Here we go:

Goethe's final words: "More light." Ever since we crawled out of that primordial slime, that's been our unifying cry: "More light." Sunlight. Torchlight. Candlight. Neon. Incandescent. Lights that banish the darkness from our caves, to illuminate our roads, the insides of our refrigerators. Big floods for the night games at Soldier's field. Little tiny flashlight for those books we read under the covers when we're supposed to be asleep. Light is more than watts and footcandles. Light is metaphor. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom Lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home- Lead Thou me on! Arise, shine, for thy light has come. Light is knowledge. Light is life. Light is light.

Isn't it cool how life interconnects? It just so happens that I believe we are all beings of light - we have the opportunity to shine and dispel the darkness. One small flame eliminates the dark, scariness. Shine on!

Since it's raining here today, I'll share the following one as well:

Rain usually makes me feel mellow: curl up in a corner time, slow down, smell the furniture. Today... it just makes me feel wet. What is it about owning things? Why do we feel the need to own what we love, and why do we become such jerks when we do? We've all been there, you know: we want something; we own it; and by owning it we change it. When you finally win that girl of your dreams, the first thing you do is try to change her. That little thing she does with her hair, the way she wears her clothes, the way she chews her gum. Until eventually, what you like, what you don't like and what you change all merges into one. Like a watercolor in the rain.

Yep, I know what he means, however, today, it's making want to just read or draw... spend some quiet time.

How does the rain make you feel?

Anutter Mutter Day

2006-01-08T08:31:00.000-06:00

I love Unconscious Mutterings, but I usually want to answer with a whole phrase - this time I tried to limit myself to just a one-word answer. It was more difficult than I thought it would be.

Better off:: Dead
Girls:: Only
Uniform:: Code
Classified:: Ad
Hard:: Headed
Kitty:: Cat
Team:: Sports
Massive:: Amounts
Depressed:: Income
Award:: Winning

Have a great Sunday!

Let's Just Be Normal

2006-01-06T06:55:00.000-06:00

Tonight may be our daughter's first sleepover at our house. She's very excited. I agreed to take her and her friend to the movie, then we'll bring home pizza & ice cream.

After that, they're on their own to play games, watch DVDs or whatever.

It's so nice to see "Lisa" starting to do normal, teenage stuff. (If you haven't been here before, Lisa is a bright & beautiful 13 yr old girl we are in the process of adopting) This is the first time in her life that normal things happen on a regular basis - to her, the "normal" things are special.

We're digging it, too!

Anew

2006-01-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

Another spin around sun and we start another trip. Unlike the roller coaster, this ride doesn't stop and have us all exit to the left. Good thing, I imagine.

I like a fresh start and new slate. Resolutions don't always pan out, but I like starting my clean slate with good intentions. Why not? Thoughts create - might as well make 'em good ones.

Speaking of which, I highly recommend the Totally Unique Thoughts (TUT) site. Sign up for the daily notes (take the oath) and start your day off great!

As a good southerner, we had a delicious dinner of black-eye-peas (for luck), cabbage, and cornbread. We had other things as well, but those are required fare for the day. My dad came over to enjoy some, too.

The tree came down. It's bad luck to take it down before New Year's, so that chore is over.

Funny the little superstitions you grow up with and feel you must keep. Ah well, that's part of what makes the whole holiday season special.

Tomorrow is for lounging.

Yeah!

Smoothies

2005-12-27T22:09:00.000-06:00

Okay, the holidays have gone rather smoothly. We only had one blow-up about the messy bedroom and bathroom, but that's normal. We have to remember that a 13 year old's brain is still growing and they can't foresee the consequences of their actions.

Can you believe I had to work Monday? Everyone else within a 400 mile radius had the day off, but us. One guy came to work and said he though the Rapture had occured.

That we had to work wouldn't be such a big deal, but my company gives us about 17 holidays a year and 3 - 5 personal days on top of our vacation. Why they chose to work the day after Christmas is still baffling us all. We got the Friday prior, but not Monday, however, we get the Friday before New Year's AND the Monday after.... go figure!

Being as the name of my site is "Art On A Limb," one might wonder where the art is. I just haven't taken the time to do anything new for a while, but I plan on doing that soon. My art is pretty much a form of meditation for me and I am feeling the need to enjoy it.

Well, my Friday (aka Thursday)isn't too far off. Yipee!!

They Talked

2005-12-24T22:34:00.000-06:00

From a Christmas episode of Northern Exposure as told on air by Chris Stevens aka Chris-In-The-Morning of KBHR:

"It's an old legend, that on Christmas Eve at midnight, all the animals fall on their knees and speak -- praising the new born Jesus.

(pausing to reflect)

Back in the winter of '68, my Dad was doing a short term for D and D. Mom was -- I'm not sure where Mom was. Anyway, I was home alone on Christmas Eve and I stayed up late to see if my dog, Buster, would talk. He did -- at least I think he did. I don't remember Buster's exact words, but that's not important. What matters is that a seven-year-old boy experienced his own
personal epiphany.

My point? It's that Christmas reveals itself to each of us in a personal way -- be it secular or sacred. Whatever Christmas is -- and it's many things to many people -- we all own a piece of it. Kinda like Santa's bag, inside there's gift for everyone.

My Christmas wish for you tonight -- may your dog talk"

And that's what it's about...

Forging On

2005-12-14T21:41:00.000-06:00

A week since the last post and peace has continued to reign fairly well. Tonight, she got a little snippy, so I tried to nip that in the bud quickly and I think it worked. Sheesh! This age is so dramatic and emotional.

One of my coworkers has twin girls that are also 13 - he says his girls are on emotional roller coasters, too, so at least we don't feel so alone.

Christmas is sneaking up and I still have some shopping to do. Fortunately, I am off tomorrow and Friday - woohooo! At least one day to get good sleep. Why just one? My nephew graduates from college on Friday, so we have to drive 3 hours for that event. I wouldn't miss it for the world, though. I am so proud of him. Seems like he was a baby just yesterday.

I am so glad my child is a sleepyhead and ready to go to bed by 9pm every night... I don't know how much I could do.

Happy Holidays, indeed!

We Just Thought THAT Was A Test!

2005-12-07T22:44:00.000-06:00

My goodness, we sure had a big one tonight! Our 13 yr old thinks she runs us and the house. Don't let anyone tell you that adopting an older child is easy, it isn't. It's definitely worth it, but it's HARD! They keep pushing your buttons to see if you'll give them back or give up on them.

This evening, I had to uncork evil-Lynda to restore order in this house. She did her job and peace reigns...

for now.

Amazing Mutters

2005-12-03T23:03:00.000-06:00

It's been ages since I took the time for an Unconscious Muttering, so here goes!

Amazing:: Grace
Delights:: De-lovely
Inspired:: Thought
Disgusted:: Eewwww
You:: and Me
Vagina:: Private
Palm:: Tree
Sweetheart:: Lover
Guilt:: Pangs
More to come:: Teaser

Treed

2005-12-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

The Christmas tree is up and gorgeous. The husband helped with the lights and the daugther lasted about 20 minutes. Basically, I had this all to myself, but to tell the truth, I like it, so all is well.

Maybe the borderline OCD was really a gift from my dad - it rears its head at various times - like when it's time to "do" the tree. I'm exhausted, but it looks great.

The most fun was having our daughter sit down with us when we were done and just enjoy the whole package.

Life is good.

Proved Wrong and Progress Reports

2005-12-02T22:31:00.000-06:00

If you read the previous post, you can see that our daughter was determined to proves us wrong, to get better than a C on her science test. We had more than some doubts, but I am happy to say she did it. She got a B. Quite frankly, I was shocked, but proud.

Then, the following day, here come the progress reports. Three grades have dropped - math, English, and US history... grrrrr.... science (shock!), has actually gone up. I spent the day emailing these teachers. It seems the big issue is talking, talking, talking, talking, talking. And when she's not talking.... wait! that doesn't happen.

All 3 teachers say that one on one she is delightful, but in the room, blab, blab, blab, blab. Our job is to "brainstorm" with her and make sure she understands that being respectful means closing the mouth during class.

Geez! This never ends. She says she can't quit talking. I say she can. Nuh-uh! Uh-huh!

The BIG Test!

2005-11-28T21:46:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness, this child is pushing all the buttons and trying us in every kind of way possible! Tonight we had a big fight because she didn't want to study for a major test she's having tomorrow in Science, which, incidentally, is her toughest class. I asked her a question - something like, "What is genetics?" Answer: The study of heredity. She'd get it right, I'd ask a different question, then come back to the first one, and she just didn't know. After all, "They're not going to put it twice on the test, Mom!"

Her thought is she'll know the answer when she sees it on the test and she's going to "prove us wrong" by passing that test. I have doubts. Serious doubts.

Then, I find she had a blow-out with her math teacher today. She got a 5 (yes, 5!) on a test. She didn't do anything wrong - her teacher just can't teach. She needs a new teacher and she's going to talk to the counselor tomorrow.

All of a sudden, it feels very overwhelming. Neither my husband or I had these issues when we were growing up - I mean, really, arguing with a teacher?? I'm gearing up to get a number of emails and phone calls soon.

Goodness gracious, God Almighty! And the worst part is my husband told me about the math teacher incident when he promised she could tell me when she was ready. Well, that just emptied Dad's "trust bank" and now she just wants to call him by his first name.

Eventually, that got resolved, but this little girl is stubborn as the proverbial mule and stronger than that ox.

We're accepting any and all prayers, good thoughts, and plain, old positive vibes. Please!

Too Many Appetizers

2005-11-25T07:44:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is over and we're still rolling around on the floor because we've all lost the ability to walk. I didn't think I ate that much, and in fact, I only had one helping of the traditional Thanksgiving fare. The problem, however, seems to have been the appetizers... our niece was late to arrive, so snacking ensued and now we can't walk or even sit up straight.

A good night's sleep DID help, but the feeling is still lingering.

My niece and her husband brought the new baby, so it made up for being late.

We're going to blame her for the appetizer consumption, though, baby or not!

Deviled Angels

2005-11-20T22:16:00.000-06:00

How does time go by so quickly? I received an email the other day from a "random" reader and I realized I have almost abandoned my space here. My get-away and place to just be me all by myself... and that's crazy talk.

Well, what can I say? We're still getting some attitude and we're also getting a delightful child. Half demon/half angel. In other words, a teenager.

The first report card arrived with 2 A's, 5 B's, and 1 C - the dreaded Science, of course. Overall, I was VERY impressed and wondered if I might have gotten the wrong report card. Lately, I have been receiving some emails from teachers informing me that my child is talking too much.

This child can be completely charming at times - she has the "yes Ma'am" and "yes Sir" thing down pat - teachers love this. Then, she can be very dismissive and you can actually see on her face that she thinks she is smarter than every other being on earth when you know she can't even spell "characteristics" properly... just for the barest of examples.

Our little 6 year old niece is spending the night tonight, and I have next week off, so we're planning a day of going to Denny's for breakfast, then to see Chicken Little, and then perhaps to do some ceramics. I'll be broke at the end of the day. If not today, it would be tomorrow, so I guess we'll just kick it up a notch.

Off to visit my blog friends!

Attitude

2005-10-29T07:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess our adopted teenager feels truly at home now - we're getting typical teen attitude. We're not as funny as we were anymore and outside with friends is much more appealing.

I have found her "currency" to use in a grounding situation - taking her to school (which keeps her from riding the bus with her friends) and no trick-or-treating with her friends. She hasn't received these restrictions, but just the mention of them is terrifying! Can you imagine having to stay home and pass candy out rather than going to get it?? It's mortifying!

Why has grounding even come up?? The science grade. I have found she wants to find the answers, but doesn't retain the material. This is great for homework, but really blows a test.

We are now becoming science afficianados. Here are our topics of interest at the moment:

Water Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Rock Cycle
El Nino
and Land & Sea Breezes

I know way more than I want to about this, but after being out of public school for (way)over 20 years, I am surprised at how the books have changed and how material is presented.

Anyway, we've got 'tude here and it's okay - we're just normal and that's great!

Too Long to Be Unconscious

2005-10-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hoooo Wheeee....It's been too long since I participated in the Unconscious Mutterings and it's about time I did - you could, too :-)

Infiltration:: Mole
Nice person:: Pal
Debt:: Debtor
Settle down:: Marry
Thomas:: Payne
Unforgivable:: Sin
Medicine:: Show
A year from now:: Future
Neighbors:: Friends
Dripping:: Wet

Astro Fever

2005-10-22T00:18:00.000-05:00

Goodness, gracious! Eleven days since a posting? Gee, that seems like all I do anymore.

I am hoping we’ll finally get in a groove that allows me five minutes to myself. There
have been so many weird circumstances to prevent alone time…. The adoption, two
hurricanes, family visits, and now my lifelong baseball team has made it the World
Series!

Okay, I am not a sports person, but I was raised by an Astros fan(atic) and it
rubbed off. My sister got most of it though, she starts with Opening Day and
doesn’t let go till it’s over. And it isn’t over yet.

We’re taking Lisa to meet my dad tomorrow. Being as Dad is that fan I mentioned
above, we plan on getting in and out before starting time.

Wait, let me go back to my Astros. As a young teen in the mid – late 70’s, Dad had
the whole family groovin’ on the ‘Stros. I can still see my players on the field.
I had favorites – Denny Walling, Alan Ashby, Jose Cruz, Joe Niekro, Terry Puhl,
and Joe Sambito. There were many more, of course, but those come to mind. And
then, there’s always Nolan Ryan, who showed up in 1980.

And now??? Now Roger Clemens… did he go to my high school? Why, yes he did!
I was 3 years ahead of him, but high school always seems to connect people. So,
here’s a Tiger cheer for Roger!

Okay, I went on a tangent there and couldn’t help it.

Let me state for the record that being a mom is incredibly wonderful. If, by
chance, you are reading this and wondering if it’s really cool to adopt an older
child, I would highly endorse it. Its work, but it’s worth it all.

Talking It All Out

2005-10-10T22:54:00.000-05:00

Ah, a moment to add to my blog and visit friends. I never knew there was so
much go, go, go to go around. There is.

Today, I took Lisa to a counselor. This is one of the requirements with the
children while they are in the adoptive placement process. The counselor is
a wonderful woman. It feels like all of the Universe is maneuvering to put the
proper people exactly where we need them as we cross each bridge on this path.
We feel so blessed. We are.

We took time this weekend to visit my and her new baby, Charlie. He is an
absolute doll. He slept the whole time – even when we were fighting over who
was going to hold him. He’s still so tiny and delicate.

Oh, Lisa has found herself a “boyfriend” – put in quotations because it’s not
official yet. At this point, they’re just friends. He doesn’t really like to “go out”
(this means “go steady” to my generation) with friends, so it’s a delicate balance.
The boyfriend lives on our block and rides the same bus. Could life get any better
than this? I am happy to know he’s a good kid from a family with values, so I am
not completely wigged out.

That’s about it for me now. Off to visit friends!

Rita and the Baby

2005-10-02T23:34:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This being a parent job is full time! I know a big portion of you know that,
but we’re starting with our 13 year old and it’s a trip. I am beginning to see
how old I really am – the pants are so low, those fingernail polish colors
are bizarre, and some of the hair styles are a trip. Oops! Sounds exactly
like something my own mom was saying when I was this age.

Seriously, Lisa has ended up being a delightful girl. Don’t get me wrong,
she still has those hormonal, teenage moods – puberty is kicking
in – however, she is tenderhearted and loving. I can’t imagine our lives
without her now.

Okay – changing the subject. We evacuated our home when Hurricane Rita
was headed our way and so did my niece and her husband. She was past her
pregnancy due date, but the hospital where her labor was to be induced
closed for the storm. Hence, she and her husband evacuated to another
aunt’s home in San Antonio – it took them over 24 hours to make that 4
hour trip.

She had the baby (Charlie) on the 27th and still has been unable to come
home due to an infection he got after being born. We still haven’t seen our
great-nephew and I almost can’t stand it.

It’s late and I must get some rest. I promise to visit my online friends
soon, too!

All Kinds of Adoptions

2005-09-26T00:06:00.000-05:00

What the heck? I think these things are cute as they can be. I was a "tiger" in
high school (Spring Woods), hence, the name: swoods

adopt your own virtual pet!

The Wind Began To Switch

2005-09-24T23:39:00.000-05:00

So many days have passed since I last posted and SO much has happened.  We got our daughter (we’ll call her Lisa) on the 16th and it was like she had been to camp and was home again.  She just “fits” us and our house and our pets.   Lisa is a doll – sweet, loving, and well-mannered.

This child has been starved for old-fashioned loving.  She’s getting it now!

Everything has been (and still is) way out of whack, though.  Monday, September 19th, we finally got her enrolled in school.  We jumped through enough hoops and she got to go to 2 classes then come home.  Tuesday and Wednesday were fine.  Thursday and Friday school was closed thanks to Hurricane Rita.

I have never evacuated in my life, but with Rita being a Category 5, we weren’t taking a risk with Lisa, so she and I fled to the Texas Hill Country to stay with my nephew.  A three hour trip took us 9 ½ hours to complete.  Sheesh!  We were worn out.  This morning we decided to return home as my husband said we had virtually no effects from the storm other than strong winds.  At least this time it only took 4 hours to get back.  That felt like we flew!

So here’s the rest.  School is remaining closed Monday and Tuesday which really messes up my work like, but I pray they understand.  I sure do want my child to get back in class and start making more friends.

To sum it all up, we couldn’t be happier if God had let us hand pick a child ourselves.  We would’ve chosen Lisa.

Another shoe may be getting close to dropping, but until it does, we’ll keep dancing.

In The Blink Of An Eye

2005-09-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

It’s a matter of hours now.  She’ll be here tomorrow around 1pm.   All of a sudden, I have thousand doubts… can we be the parents she needs?  Will we be able to handle the problems she tosses our way?  Will she ever think of me as her “real” mom?  Will my husband be a good dad?   How do we handle a child with an abused past when we will never really know all that happened or how she made it through?

Will our rules be too easy or too hard?  Are too many rules too much?  Can she be trusted?  How do we keep her in a good crowd?

I could go on and on and on and on….

Then, I remember that I truly do believe that God is good… all the time.  That we can handle this because it is by divine appointment we are all together.  Then, I sink into silly doubt again.  Then I remember.

I hope my memory holds out and we keep our appointment.

If all goes well, I will be back soon (probably after a certain young lady is fast asleep) to update how it’s going and to share the scoop on the sitter we have hired.  I may have found the real Mary Poppins.

Thanks for keeping up with this.  You’ve been a big support for me.

Almost Here

2005-09-13T22:44:00.000-05:00

The days have sped by so quickly!  Our daughter will arrive Friday around noon.  It’s hard to believe this is finally coming to fruition.  We feel so blessed.

As you can imagine, we’ve been in a whirlwind around here – final preparations to her room and all – the “all” being we realized the pantry needed to be cleaned out and restocked to lessen the clutter.  That means stuff came out that needed another place to go and it all snowballed from there.

It’s worth every moment, though.

One of you, Doris, I believe, remarked that this whole process is similar to an arranged marriage, and it really is!  You choose your child, wait to see if her workers pick you, and then (if you’re selected), after reading her entire file, a meeting with all the “officials” in her life is scheduled, and then you get to actually meet her.  This is a protective device for the child, so we can’t argue with it as no one would want these children to get hurt again.

Now, all that part’s over and we get to have a real life with our daughter.  The weird part is I am enrolling my first child in school this coming Monday and I’ve never done that before.  I hope I don’t cry and embarrass her!

More soon.

The Meet

2005-09-07T21:57:00.000-05:00

It’s time for me to make some apologies and get some updates posted here.  We met our daughter – she is an absolute doll!  Sandy blonde hair and green eyes – she wears glasses and is one of those people they look good on, but none of that matters.   She has the most wonderful personality – bubbly, open, well-mannered (a big bonus!), anxious and excited about having a “real” family.

We all hit it off famously and can’t wait till the 16th when we get her for good!   This is definitely the biggest blessing of my life.

A special thanks to Kimberly for always checking in to see how things are going.  I have been remiss in visiting my online friends and keeping up to date on all of you.  Maybe this weekend will let me do that.

Our girl called us today to tell us she had memorized all her new cousins’ names as well as her new address and phone number.   She’s so cute!

We got to keep her with us the 2 days we were in her area.  She is in the same state, but her section of CPS is handled in another town and county, so we had to travel to her (about 3 hours away) for the “presentation” meeting.  At these meetings, you get to meet all workers, therapists, counselors, and the foster parents.   This is your opportunity to ask questions, get insights, etc…   It went very well.    Afterwards, you get to meet your child – we were all nervous, but that disappeared right away.   Because we got along so well, they let her stay with us at the hotel for 2 nights.  This meant there was a lot of going out to eat and swimming going on.  We threw in some shopping, hiking, and going to a movie as well.

We could hardly bear to return her to her foster parents on Sunday, but we did.  She needs to say her goodbyes to her friends at school as well as have time to be with her foster sisters before she leaves for good.   We met one of them while we were there – she was about 16 – if I could, I’d take her, too.   That might be asking too much at once.

More as we get closer and I will get to all my friends’ blogs soon – I miss reading about you all.   Look for me in your comments in the very near future.

Yikes!

2005-08-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

…and yikes, again!  I got a call from our girl’s worker today and she had “bad news” for us.  Seems our daughter-to-be got in big trouble this past week.  She and her 16 yr old foster sister lied, said they were walking to church youth group, and really met up with a 20 yr old guy down the street.  Nothing happened, but it’s not a good thing.

That’s not all.  She also got busted stealing peanut butter crackers (50 cents) from a store down the road.

Being as we’re meeting her this coming Friday, this is a bit much to take in right now.   We are going forward and hope that a change in situation (mainly not living with older teens) and a new start will allow her to just be 13 again.

This information has thrown us for a small loop, but not a big loop, so we move forward and believe the best WILL happen.

(Amen)

Back on Track

2005-08-27T22:37:00.000-05:00

I can’t believe it’s been a whole week since the last time I posted.  Reality is slapping us in the faces and we’re finally realizing we’re about to be PARENTS!  Yikes! Now we’re starting to worry about finding someone to watch our daughter after school before we get home.

Since she’s older, day care is out of the question – most kids her age just come home alone, but because she is a ward of the State until the adoption is finalized, we can’t do that and we don’t want to.   Our problem is that we’re not in the loop of people who know people who do babysitting, etc…  I guess we’ll have to hire through a nanny agency.

Goodness, this is a trip.

Today was a day of slothful indulgence – taking naps and watching movies.  Big fun!

I plan on being a bit more careful to tend to my blog.  I need to go read my favorites and find some new ones.

We Spoke

2005-08-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

Wow! It works and is even easier than signing into Blogger.  Not, of course, that that was particularly challenging, but it is convenient.

I know I have been writing a lot about our adoption lately, but why not?  It’s the biggest thing in our lives right now.  Okay, here’s the latest… we have a meeting scheduled on September 2nd to meet our girl’s foster parent, workers, and her!   We’ll do all that on Friday and spend the night and spend Saturday with her, too.   After that, her workers will bring her to our home – wooohoooo!  It’s really happening.

I am saving the best for last – we got to talk to her already!  She has a cute little east Texas accent and very nice manners.  The girl is about as bubbly as you can get for a 13 yr old – definitely not shy and very excited about getting adopted!  We feel so blessed because her worker said she has another little 13 yr old girl getting adopted, too, and she’s scared to death and very apprehensive.  Truthfully, I think I would be more like her than mine, but we are so happy that our daughter-to-be is as happy as we are.

Now you know the reason I haven’t posted much lately – we’ve been extremely busy with all this.  Man, oh man, this is scary and big fun all at once.

As always, we appreciate prayers, good thoughts and vibes.  Thanks for being so supportive.
(image placeholder)

Testing

2005-08-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I just downloaded “Blogger For Word” and this is my first test… will see if it works shortly…

Saturday Stuff

2005-08-13T10:46:00.000-05:00

I just got back from the gym and I am pooped! I need to work out regularly rather than sporadically, but it doesn't seem to be happening right now.

Lately, I have been wanting to go shopping...a lot. I might be OCD in that area. I love to shop. I especially like going alone. It's fun to shop with friends, too, but not as much fun as when I go by myself. My husband is the typical male - goes in, gets what he came for, leaves. We don't shop well together unless we're on a mission which involves true "shopping around" for a particular item. How do you feel about it - love it like me?

I talked to our girl's worker yesterday and she decided not to tell her about us till Monday so that she could do it in person and bring our photos, etc... I am anxious to hear how she takes it. It could go either way with her at her age - it will be hard to leave her school and friends, yet she does really want a family.

Well, the husband is off to the gymn now, so maybe when he gets back, we'll go out to lunch - I hope so.

Have a great weekend!

Progression

2005-08-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

Today we finished reading our girl's paperwork. It is hard not to have your heart broken when you read what has happened in the lives of some of these children. Our hope is we can be the kind of parents that can help her overcome the issues of the past or at least put them in a manageable perspective.

I did talk to her worker this afternoon and the worker (Denise) was supposed to tell the child and her foster parents about us today. I am going to call the foster mother tomorrow for the first time and gather as much info as possible. Wow, it's all moving pretty fast now - we're excited and nervous all at the same time.

We feel so blessed that my stepmother is a psychologist and also owned a private school (1st grade - 12th grade)which she ran. She has extensive training with children and is very open to helping us in this journey. It really lets my husband and I feel we have an outlet that can back us up.

We're believing all this is happening in perfect order. As always, we are very grateful for support and encouragement. Thanks to all of you who have provided a portion of this for us!

Now for a change in subject... I am meeting an old friend for lunch tomorrow - she had moved away and is now back in town. It's been a long time since we've seen each other so this should be a blast!

Off to read some of your blogs....

Mutters on Mondays

2005-08-08T06:16:00.000-05:00

Monday already? Well, it's Thursday for me... I am on vacation Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Of course, we'll be spending those days at CPS reading our girl's file. From what her worker tell us, it's a reallllllllly big file, which, as you can imagine, means this child has had a lot of trauma in her life. Whew... we are taking on the biggest challenge of our lives, but it just feels right.

I want to thank all my blogging friends out there who have been so supportive. It's nice to hear words of encouragement and know that others support our decision to adopt an older child. A lot of our friends think we're crazy and asking for trouble. We realize it will entail all of that, but we're choosing to believe the benefits will outweigh the struggles. Thank y'all (<--can't help it, I'm a Texan) for being so positive!

As you can see, I just jump from topic to topic... I picked up my new glasses yesterday and I am still feeling a little "seasick" from the prescription change. Luckily, there wasn't a big variance, so it should straighten out soon.

My husband just got glasses for the first time (welcome to life over 40!) and he says they "don't work" while at the computer, but they're fantastic driving, etc... Someone has a vanity issue, but I'm not naming names.

I've been wearing glasses so long, it feels weird NOT to have them on. They're almost like a security blanket.

Here are my Unconscious Mutterings for the week:

Complexion:: Tint
Teach:: Guide
Back to school:: Clothes
Months:: Days
Nominate:: Propose
Favorite curse word:: Sh@t!
Concerned:: About
Better:: or Worse
Escalate:: Rise
Unveil:: Show

Why not do a little Muttering yourself?

Moving Forward

2005-08-05T06:15:00.000-05:00

Good news to report! We are moving forward at a great pace for a change. We received recent photos of our daughter-to-be and she's a doll with green eyes and dark blonde hair. At 13, she still looks like a little girl yet also like a young lady at the same time. Her worker told us she was a "pill" at times and the most delightful kid you can imagine all rolled up in one package. We're looking forward to it!

Next week, we go to our worker's office and read her file. This will take 2 or 3 days as it is quite extensive. After that, we schedule a visit to meet her and her foster mom.

Well, it's early and my hair needs drying or I'm gonna feel pretty weird going to work like this.

I'm planning on getting back to reading my favorite blogs this weekend - this looks like it's going to be a "normal" one - no planned activities - woohoo!

A Month of Muttering Sundays

2005-07-31T16:06:00.000-05:00

Seems like the time for Unconscious Muttering comes about so quickly lately!

Risks:: Opportunities
Abdominal:: Pain
Radiant:: Being
The usual:: bunch
Mix and match:: clothing
Wireless:: Radio
Remedial:: Reading
Mile:: Long
Long lost:: relative
Only one:: like you

Well, today was an errand day. My husband and I both had eye exams yesterday and today we went to pick out some glasses. My husband's prescription is so slight, they could make his in an hour. I have to wait a week (or so) before mine are ready, but I'm good with that.

Yesterday I also went to my niece's baby shower. Big fun was had by all... except for maybe my sister (her mother) who had it at her house.

We're hoping we hear more adoption stuff Monday. We really want to get this child as close to the start of school as possible. It starts August 10th here and we know we probably won't make it in that time frame, but we're hoping for as close as we can.

More as we know!

Another Adoption Update

2005-07-28T20:36:00.000-05:00

Good and bad news today. We found out the 15 year old girl for whom we were selected has opted to not be adopted. She wants to stay with her foster family in Dallas and continue in her school. We knew this would be a possibility - especially at this age. We were so looking forward to her, but believe everything happens for a reason.

And that's where the good news comes in. At the same time, we were told we were also selected for a 13 year old. This little girl has more issues in her past, but her younger age is a bit more appealing because it allows us more time with her before she's driving and all that high school entails. It looks like this adoption might move quickly and we're just thrilled.

More as we know it, and, as always, we're always grateful for prayers, good thoughts, and vibes.

Blame it on Harry

2005-07-24T19:14:00.000-05:00

Sunday's almost over and I'm just getting to my weekly Unconscious Mutterings. We can blame that on Harry Potter...

Believing:: Faith
Invasion:: of the Body Snatchers
Boys:: Town
Island:: of No Return
Repeatedly:: Redundant
Normal:: Temperature
Hex:: Spell
Tuxedo:: Penguin
Virgin:: Islands
Cereal:: Bowl

Here's knowing it'll be a great week! We're hoping to find out if we'll get to meet the young lady we're going to adopt - as always, we're accepting prayer, good thoughts, and good vibes.

Friday Finds

2005-07-22T17:32:00.000-05:00

Friday already? Gotta love it!

Well, I am not sure what I feel like writing about since it's been such a LONG week, as far as work goes, for me. I have my new position that I am trying to learn while teaching someone else my old one. The person I am replacing is trying to learn his new one and teach me. Hopefully, by next week, we'll all be in our new places without needing as much guidance and won't be continually distracted by training.

I fell down in a parking lot this week and have a lovely skinned knee which feel awful every time it bends. It was one of those falls you aren't prepared for and I didn't break it with my hands (as they were full), so I fell full force on my knee. Ouch!

One good thing is it got me out of a meeting with my trainer tonight and gave me some free time to surf around.

I have to tell you how much I love RoboForm - it saves my passwords, etc... There is a free version, but I finally took the plunge and paid for the "pro" version. Life seems to be made up of gazillions of passwords now, doesn't it. I have one for all the following: the home security system, my email at home, email at work, security entrance at work, my online banking, all my various websites, seven separate functions at work, and many, many more - the work one are all changing every 30 days as well... sheesh! So, having a tool that saves them is a treasure!

But, it's the weekend and I look forward to just enjoying having one.

Want to know what time it is anywhere else in the world, try the World Time Server.

Are you watching Big Brother this season? (I know, I can't help it, I have been watching this one since season one). Anyway, here is a great spot to find out what's happening from those watching the live feeds: Media Friends

I also love Iconoid - a wonderful free program that makes your desktop icons disappear, but brings them back when you use your mouse. Sure makes your wallpaper nicer!

Speaking of wallpaper, Mamselle has wonderful calendar wallpapers available each month. Don't worry if August is still 2004, she updates them on the last day of the previous month, so the 2005's are due soon!

Okay, that's all I have right now - enjoy!

Hot and Whiney

2005-07-18T21:30:00.000-05:00

I know this will be a whiney post, but it's just too darn hot! It's like someone put summer in an oven, threw us in there, and locked the door.

The thermometer doesn't reflect the actual heat, though. With a hurricane lurking in the Gulf, the humidity is even higher than it normally registers. (Can you have MORE than 100%).

I'll take a Houston winter ANY day!

Adoption Update

2005-07-14T20:11:00.000-05:00

We've been really frustrated with our caseworker due to the lack of information. As you may know, if you've been here before, my husband and I are in the process of adopting an older child (a 15yr old girl). Trust me, going through CPS is an adventure. In what, I can't quite pinpoint, but you can bet if you've ever needed a test of patience, this would be the way to go!

Today, finally, we found out the girl received our "lifebook" which is a scrapbook of pictures of us, our home, neighborhood, the school she'll attend, our families, etc... which allows the child to "see" the people and places that will be her home. This is a big step meaning we're moving forward.

Our goal is to get her before August 10th so that she'll be able to start a new school year on time. I don't know if you ever moved in high school or junior high (I know, I'm old - it's middle school now, but in my mind, it's still "junior" high)...anyway, my family moved once and I had to enter a new school in the middle of the year. For the rest of that term, I was "the new girl." We don't want our girl to have that extra stressed added on her.

That's all I have for now - more as we go!

Sunday Fun

2005-07-10T11:50:00.000-05:00

It's that time again... a day to relax and just share some fun or interesting sites I've come across online. So, without further ado, here ya go!

Your Dictionary When you just can't remember...
Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter
Where's George? Track your dollar bills
World Time Server "Hey, what time is it in...?"
Despair, Inc Replace those posters in your office!
80's Lyrics Quiz
Create Your Own Avatar
Be a Lego!
Magnetic Poetry
Spell With flickr

And, I don't want to forget my Unconscious Mutterings for the week:

Do-it-yourself:: Project
Pickpocket:: Oliver
Ballet:: Shoes
Resumé:: Updated
Phenom:: Fab
Love/Hate:: Relationship
Unusual:: Circumstances
Intense:: Heat
Interruption:: Cell Phone
Not enough:: Time

Happy Sunday!

Into The Wild

2005-07-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

Friday flew and now we're right smack in the middle of the weekend. They sure go quickly!

Today was kinda' fun. I released some books into "the wild" via BookCrossing and am hoping someone posts that they "captured" them sometime soon. Even if that doesn't happen, I have already been contact by two different people in Canada and we're going to trade some books, so for the price of postage, we all get new reads.

Well, I'm off to read some of my favorite blogs...

What's wrong?

2005-07-07T22:53:00.000-05:00

Friday is almost here and just the thought of it is great!

Our adoption process seems to be in limbo, however, this has given us an opportunity to learn to live our beliefs. We believe that everything will work out perfectly in its proper timing. It feels weird to accept what's what and not try to micro-manage the situation, but it is even more freeing to do so.

This morning we awoke to the news of the bombings in London. How sad it is to see this happening in this world once again. Our prayers are with the victims and their families and friends.

I hope we never face a day with kind of news again.

BookCrossing

2005-07-04T16:47:00.000-05:00

Love to read and share books? Why not check out BookCrossing.com and have some fun, too?

Patriotic Mutterings

2005-07-03T23:15:00.000-05:00

Just home from a fun day at the lake and an incredible fireworks display... it feels GREAT to be in the A/C now!

Oh, and here are my Unconscious Mutterings for this week:

Statistics:: Logistics
Grin:: and bear it
Saturn:: Rings
Fulfilled:: Sated
Life plan:: Goals
Cult:: Leader
Lily:: Munster
Stalemate:: Dead end
Celebration:: Party
Underwear:: Fruit of the Loom

One by One

2005-07-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

We are all One...

Weekends in Threes!

2005-07-01T22:48:00.000-05:00

Three day weekend! Those are always good, aren't they? Of course, it's about a 1000 degrees here and it hasn't rained in a month, so the idea of hanging around outside isn't really appealing, but it might just end up being fun after all.

Still no further news on our adoption progress, but we're believing we'll get good info next week. As always, we're gladly accepting good thoughts, prayers, or vibes.

Well, off to do to blog reading and maybe creating a little artwork.

If I had my wish, it would be clear and 65 degrees right now... what would you like it to be??

Halfway Through The Week

2005-06-29T21:14:00.000-05:00

The new job... I really like it! It's still confusing and I certainly don't "get it" yet, but it's a niche I think I'll fill just fine.

Tomorrow, I do the old job one more time and I am going to a beautiful town here in Texas - it's worth the drive alone.

No more news on the adoption. I don't want to send out any negative "vibes" and we appreciate any good ones sent our way. We're anxious to meet our daughter :-)

We're also looking forward to spending the Fourth with friends on the lake - it should be a barbecue and fireworks extravaganza.

Oh, if you've been keeping up with us, my brother has been released from the hospital - they finally isolated his "bug" as a specific bacteria and were able to cure it via antibiotics. We were starting to get worried, but that's over.

That's my little update for now.

Courtyard Utterings

2005-06-26T13:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks to our friends at Unconscious Mutterings, we know, for sure, it's Sunday again.

Useless:: Probably fun
Radiant:: Being
W:: ww.
Unpaid:: Parking ticket
Geek:: Patrol
Unfaithful:: Creep
Reboot:: The ultimate answer
No!:: Puhleeeeeeeeeze!?!
Squad:: Car
Fetish:: Freak

Speaking of Sunday, I'll share mine, thus far. I got up this morning and went to church to discover it is Courtyard Dedication Sunday. We've been in a new sanctuary for about a year, however, the courtyard has been in progress all this time. In the old sanctuary (which is still on the grounds), the courtyard was an integral part of the building - after services, everyone hung out there, had coffee, talked, etc... The really cool part was that there were speakers in the courtyard and you could just stay outside and hear everything going on within if you chose.

Well, we've all missed that, but today we finally got it all back. There are planters with huge trees in them with benches surrounding each one. There are two fountains, one of which is a water wall. There are huge beams with scarfing providing shady areas. All over the courtyard, there are random inscribed stones with words like: love, forgiveness, generosity, kindness, etc...

Today's singer was Ken Gayle - what a voice! We have many wonderfully talented artists that perform here - you never know who's going to show up.

Well, I've gone on and on about my place of worship - I don't normally do that, but what the heck? I share just about every other aspect of my life - why not share one of the most important?

Now I need to finish that laundry because the end of my vacation is in view...

Enjoy YOUR day!

Hey, I'm on Vacation!

2005-06-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

Sheesh! Soon as people know you're off, they find all kinds of things for you to do. Today I had to drive an hour & 1/2 one way to meet my dad and stepmother at the bank so I could be added to their safe deposit box (that's where they keep the will).

After that, I had to go pick up some office supplies for my husband and resew a button on a pair of pants for him.

My brother just returned from a work trip to Saudi Arabia and caught some mysterious bug. He's in the hospital in "isolation" because they're not sure what it is. My sister-in-law wants everyone to come there, but my brother doesn't want visitors. I have to agree with him. When I am sick, the last thing I want is people coming to stand over me and looking at me.

We've been through all the paperwork on our potential daughter, called CPS to see to whom to address questions we have and were informed the paperwork was not supposed to come directly to us, but through the agency (Same agency - 2 different towns). The caseworker almost made it sound like we kind of finagled the receipt of paperwork behind her back. Fortunately, she talked to the worker in the other town and they both discovered her secretary just up and mailed it to us directly. So, what do you know? We got to read it all, unscreened, and there's nothing they can do about it now!

Oh! job update: This is just plain freaky...I'm minding my own (and everyone else's) business and my work supervisor calls to tell me that the Big Cheese wants to talk to me. My mind immediately goes into panic mode - I don't know why, but it does... so I get transferred, he apologizes for interrupting my vacation, but due to 2 people unexpectedly quitting, they have shifted people around and they would like me to supervise the people who do the job I do now. The good part is, I will NOT be traveling and I don't have to quit a job with which I have 21 years of service and (most importantly) five weeks of vacation! This will allow us to adopt without worrying about me being out of town all the time.

Well, that's my day in a nutshell. Here's hoping tomorrow is calm and peaceful.

Six Feet Under

2005-06-22T23:19:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize this was the final season of Six Feet Under on HBO. We've watched this series from the beginning and this season has moved from airing on Sundays to Mondays - a fact we found out quite by accident.

Anyway, it just feels like it should wind up even though I'm gonna' miss it.

No news on the adoption front. We've waded through tons of paperwork about our potential child. Now, we wait to see what happens next.

I am on vacation this week and it looks like I might have to take more soon if this goes through as we hope. Or I'll quit and change jobs, or, or, or....

So much going on. Things never really "wind down," do they? Ah, well, that's what makes life such an adventure.

Life is Utterly Amazing

2005-06-20T09:37:00.000-05:00

I forgot to do my Unconscious Mutterings last week, so here they are for this one. Oh, and life is continuing to unfold in remarkable ways - read the rest after this list:

Domesticated:: Animal
Cask:: of Wine
Wayne:: Newton
Insidious:: Worm
Cool!:: Beans!
Dishwasher:: Detergent
Little house:: On The Prairie
Stepford:: Wives
Hung:: Up
Falling:: Star

This morning, a former coworker called me and informed me of a potential job at her company. They have regular hours and NO traveling. If you don't know, I travel a lot for my job now. Here's my thinking at this point: I have been at my present job 21 years (well, 21 in September), I have 5 weeks of vacation, retirement, 401k, pension, and fabulous benefits. My job, however, requires that I am gone 3 - 4 nights a week. With adopting a 15 year old girl, this would not be the best scenario. My current employer is going through a lot of transitions and the future is uncertain. The new place is an entirely different industry (oil/petrochemicals - hey, it's Houston, not too surpising). According to my friend, benefits start on day 1, they have retirement, pension, and 401K as well.

My issue is in the "gap" of time. I was planning on using my vacation time to be home before school starts to bond with our new child and get her ready for the changes in her life. However, once vacation was over, I'd be back on the road.

I haven't interviewed nor been offered the new job, however, if I were, then that gap of time might be difficult to manage. Who knows, maybe if I tell them everything, the Universe will conspire to make it all work perfectly.

My husband will stand behind any decision I make, however, I think he's leaning on me staying where I am due to the "lesser of two evils" thought - we know what we have here.

What are your thoughts??

What do you know? Real news!!

2005-06-18T22:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I said I had something to post. For those of you who have been following our progress in the adoption of an older child, we were informed that we were selected for the oldest child we expressed interest in. This girl is 15 (will be 16 in November) and is going to be a sophomore this year.

All of her paperwork arrived in the mail today. This means we have in our possession every bit of information that CPS has on this child. I have, of course, read it all - most of it out loud to my husband - and want to read it all again.

This girl and her sisters were victims of neglect and abandonment. Our girl has had 2 failed placements as well, so I imagine she may not be all gung-ho on doing this one more time, but she IS at an age to decide if she wants to go forward or not. Evidently, she has chosen to proceed.

We have a couple of fears, but are choosing to believe with the help of professionals and divine intervention, all will work out as it should be. Any good vibes sent our way are greatly appreciated.

Artistic Questions

2005-06-16T23:29:00.000-05:00

I have been traveling for work and have finally reached home - I love coming home! The following are two new works I have recently completed (see all posted on this blog thus far here). Aside from that, I have some more news which I will post tomorrow or Saturday.

There are lots of "artists" out there in blog land (especially since many of the blog authors are very talented writers). My question to you artists is this: Do you feel "exposed" when you share your creations? If so, what compels you to keep sharing your work? If not, what is it about showing/sharing your art that keeps you doing just that?

(click the thumbnail to see larger image)

Just for Fun (again)

2005-06-11T22:39:00.000-05:00

A lack of creativity prompts the following list of sites that are interesting, useful, or just plain fun. Enjoy!

The Human Clock

Unique Daily

43 Things

One Word

Spam Poison

I think the Human Clock is incredibly clever and worth a look just for all the work involved. Unique Daily is often weird, but sometimes funny. 43 Things is a great way to see what other want out of life. One Word is a quick writing exercise. And finally, Spam Poison snares those web spiders that we all encounter.

Have a great weekend!!

Friday (Woohooo!)

2005-06-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

We heard from CPS today. Not only are we in the selection process for the 15 year old, we are also being considered for the 14 year old, however, her selection meeting is set up for July 12th. We've chosen to believe if it's meant to be, the right one will be ours.

It's hard not to choose one over the other. The weird thing is that they don't really tell you much info about these kids. I guess you get the whole enchilada if you're selected.

Sunday is the husband's birthday. He'll be 48 and it just seems like yesterday that we were celebrating the 40th. I was teasing him today that in 2 years he gets the AARP card. He didn't think that was too funny. I did.

I'm going to paint ceramics tomorrow morning with my friend - that's something I really enjoy.

Given the name of this site, you'd think I'd have more artwork posted, but for some reason, I haven't completed anything in a while. I do, however, finally have a couple in the works and will be posting them when they're done.

Well, that's my "bits and pieces" for Friday night. It might be time for me to surf around and read my favorite blogs.

Hot News

2005-06-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

It's just HOT! I had to be outside today for work (well, I have to be outside a lot of the time)and summer is here. It didn't wait for the 21st, it's here now.

Tomorrow should be an "indoor" day for me and I am glad.

Okay, a bit of adoption update. We received word that we are being considered for the oldest child in which we expressed an interest. She's 15 now and will be 16 at the end of the year. The "selection committee" will be meeting on the 13th. The best I understand this is that four families must be considered for each child. At selection process, the child's worker, the family worker, and a mediator decide which of the four is best suited to meet the child's needs.

Hopefully, and God willing, we will meet her needs. If not, then we believe it will fall into place as it should with perfect timing.

As before, we appreciate any and all good wishes, vibes, or prayers.

Mutter, Lunch, and Boot Camp

2005-06-05T07:52:00.000-05:00

Another Sunday and it's time to answer my Unconscious Mutterings and I am happy to do it. I have to go see the words before I look at anyone else's answers or my thoughts are "tainted" - then, when I go check, it's amazing to see how the collective consciousness is, well, just that - collective.

Exhibit:: Art
Evolution:: Another turn ;-)
Loser:: Beatles (I know, vague, but a good tune)
Hypnotic:: Trance
Unlikely:: Hero
Interrupt:: Intrude
Ambivalent:: So?
Rise and fall:: of an empire
Indian:: Dance
Prophecy:: Revealed

Today I am going to a 40th birthday luncheon for my cousin. It's being held at a garden shop about an hour and a half outside of Houston. It's a lovely place and their tea room has wonderful luncheon fare.

Update from yesterday: I ordered the Boot Camp DVD's... I wonder if I will really use them or just try it once and never do it again?

I'll keep you posted.

Metabolism and a Trim

2005-06-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

Saturday and sunny. Finally, a day with no other pressing things to do and I can go get my hair cut, which I am about to do.

Went to the gym this morning with the trainer and had a "leg day" and now I am wobbly with Jello Legs. I'm taking that for a sign that it was an effective workout. Speaking of which, I am thinking of ordering Billy's Boot Camp DVD (from Ebay) and seeing if I can supplement my time with aerobics at home. Maybe that would help me in my weight loss quest. I had one of those breathalizer tests that records your metabolism rate - how many calories your body burns doing absolutely nothing. Well, no surprise to me, mine is very low - 1300. Which means I have to eat less than 1300 calories a day to lose weight. Of course, with exercise, I could probably stay at that amount and still lose.

I better eat less than that.

Off to the stylist!

Summer Sneaks

2005-05-31T21:20:00.000-05:00

Wow, now June looms, arriving first thing in the morning.

We basically had a food-fest weekend. Aside from a couple of barbecues, our next door neighbors (they're from Lebanon) brought us over an entire Lebanese meal. I wish I could describe how wonderful the kibbe tasted. This dish was incredible!

Tomorrow, I go to Tyler, TX for work. Fortunately, it's only a one-night-away trip. I am almost short on time this week, so I'm going to have to find a way to work more - now, that's just wrong!

But, life is good.

:-)

Update, Utterings, and "Uther" Stuff

2005-05-29T07:24:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day weekend - today involves a barbecue with friends and family (and not at our house - woohoo!)and maybe some odd jobs around the house later. It's raining right now, and, hopefully, that won't last all day.

Well, here are my Unconscious Mutterings for this week:

Crowd:: Control
Hamburger:: Tuesday
Choker:: Puka Shells
Lights:: Camera, Action!
Tinsel:: Town
Testament:: New or Old?
Best part of the day:: Morning
Election:: Year
Clarinet:: Saxophone
Dead Sea:: Scrolls

We're still trying to adopt an older child. We found one in our own town and going to pursue her as a possibility. It seems all the others we have been interested in are out of town, and in Texas, out of town means far away. The child we are looking at here has been in the system since 1993 (age 1) when her older brother was found wandering down the highway. We don't have many more details at this point - I'll keep you posted as we make our way through the mounds of red tape.

Have a great Sunday!

Catching Up

2005-05-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

I have been an awful blogger... my past work week was long and HOT! I had to go to Laredo, TX, which was the hottest spot in the entire USA the last couple of days. It was 107F the two days I was there. Sheesh! You can barely breathe in that heat.

This trip always brings something "different" to see. I saw a roadrunner (beep!beep!)really running down the road, and then I saw something I didn't want to see at all - a coyote eating a dead deer. Creepster. You don't usually see the coyotes in broad daylight, but there he was.

The majority of that trip to Laredo is an extended drive through cactus, mesquite, and scrub brush. I know our border security is not that great, but I can't imagine walking 10 feet through all that cactus - there's more than you can imagine. And trying to sneak through it in the dark has to be tricky.

Ah, but I have Friday and Monday off and all is well. I love days off!

Muttering for Fun and Asking for Your Thoughts

2005-05-22T07:12:00.000-05:00

First things, first:

It's always a fun Sunday when it's time for Unconscious Mutterings.

Heimlich:: maneuver
Gesture:: wildly
Party:: dress
Cuddle:: up
Room with a view:: penthouse
Sebastian:: Cabot
Ooooh:: Ahhhh
Sigh:: Relax
Two fish, three fish:: red fish, blue fish
Cake or death:: Marie Antoinette

Okay, now here's my second thing. If you've been here before, you know my husband and I are trying to adopt an older child (a girl - probably 12 - 15). All the older children available for adoption are through the state (CPS), which is the agency we are using. We could, however, switch to a private agency (we just found this out yesterday), and all agencies are "fishing" from the same pond, so to speak. What do you think? Stick with CPS or move to a private agency? CPS is the source of all the children, but their workers are overburdened and have no real motivation, other than the desire to be helpful, to work harder. After all, it's a government job - same pay no matter what. The private agencies ratio of workers to adoptees is much lower, however, they get all their info from CPS anyway.... I think my biggest concern is the CPS worker has no results-based incentive or motivation. I am leaning to switching, however, we both want to be sure we are making a sound decision. What are your thoughts??

Friday Taste of Texas

2005-05-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

Fridays are always great, but when you have the day off, they're even better.

So far, my husband and I have been to lunch at a wonderful restaurant (The Taste of Texas) and are now going to lounge around and enjoy the day. Of course, that might mean some shopping for me.

We're still waiting to hear something about the 13 year old girl - they're not ready to go into the "selection process" at this time, and the 15 year old sounds a bit more promising, however, we'll cross those bridges when we come to them.

Tomorrow, we're going to another adoption networking meeting and looking forward to seeing what that brings. This whole bureaucratic process is almost intriguing to watch play out. Watching government employees, who never receive incentives, or get results-based promotions, work for you, is frustrating yet interesting. I can't put my finger on the motivation except that the newer employees seem to really want to make a difference in the world. The older ones seem to be collecting a check. They are, naturally, the supervisors, so the cycle perpetuates.

Our caseworker is one of the new ones... we'll see what happens.

Blessed!

2005-05-17T21:54:00.000-05:00

Well, what do you know? The lady my husband ran into at the grocery store ended up being the recruiter where he was hired today. This company looks to be much more professional and stable than the last. We are grateful for the provision provided by the former employer, but are even more grateful for the new opportunity.

Life really is good :-)

Tomorrow, I drive to New Orleans for work - and that's all I have to do for the whole day. Sounds rough, doesn't it?

Nothing else going on in my life right now. Thank goodness!

Utter, Sputter, Mutter

2005-05-15T14:37:00.000-05:00

Circumstances can change so quickly! Today, my husband went to the grocery store, was standing at the butcher's counter, when a woman came up behind him and told him she knew him - she used to work with him where he is currently employed. She is now the recruiter/hiring manager for a similar company and has openings. She gave him her card and he's going to jump on it like a duck on a junebug! Life can (and usually is) full of wonderful blessings. As usual, we welcome all good thoughts and vibes in that direction. Thanks in advance.

And my favorite meme, Unconscious Mutterings, is posted below:

Grandma:: Love
Pet:: Pup
Desolate:: Lonely
Backspace:: Recover
Common ground:: Together
Storm:: Clouds
Dark:: As night
Water bottle:: Refreshment
Training:: Bra
Dot coms:: Dot orgs

Friday Follow-up

2005-05-13T18:13:00.000-05:00

The circle of life just keeps spinning around, doesn't it?? My husband was told he was "suspended" yesterday. Seems a customer called in with a recording saying it was my husband calling to harass her husband. Of course, if you could hear both voices, you would know it just wasn't physically possible for him to be the caller. It would be like confusing Ron Howard with James Earl Jones. The company, however, has to cover its "hiney" and do something. The compliance attorney, et al... say they can tell it's not my spouse. He's supposed to call them Monday to find out what their "investigation" has come up with. The only thing that worries him is they may take extreme measures just to keep that hiney covered. If that happens, job searching begins and that is never fun.

I am choosing to believe all will be well when he calls Monday and to keep positive thoughts and prayers generated in that direction.

Now, to change the subject a bit... we're getting a little activity regarding the 15 yr old we are interested in adopting and hope the ball gets rolling soon. We feel like summer is the time something will happen - it's better for the kids to move when school is out - especially older children.

Tomorrow, we're going to a local Greek Festival and hope it takes my husband's mind off things. We may go to the Scottish Festival, too. Why not??

Any positive thoughts or vibes are great appreciated. Whatever happens, we both believe it will be the perfect thing.

Hodge Podge

2005-05-10T20:23:00.000-05:00

Greetings! It feels like ages since I posted here and I don't want to fall out of practice. This traveling again for work is a bit taxing - I forgot how much of my personal time it consumed.

We submitted interest in another child to adopt. This girl is 15 and does not have any designated special needs. So many of the older children have some sort of need - emotional issues, medical issues, etc... Seems this girl is all-around average and that is sounding wonderful to us. I'll keep you posted as we hear something. We still have a request in for another child (13)who has some issues, but it's something we feel comfortable helping her work through (with help, of course). The whole process is SO slow - it can be a bit frustrating.

At this moment, I am in Baton Rouge, LA at one of my favorite hotels in which to stay for business travel. I like Baton Rouge much more than New Orleans. If you think about it, there's not one square inch of NOLA that hasn't been thrown up on. Creepy, huh?

Well, I guess I have rambled and patched together enough topics for one post. I am going to visit my regular reads.

Peace, love, and Bobby Sherman.

Quick Mutterer

2005-05-07T23:58:00.000-05:00

I was out of sorts last week and forgot to do the Unconscious Mutterings that I like so much, so I am getting right on that now:

Android:: pod person
Revenge:: bad idea
Knight:: gallant
Stranded:: alone
Weakness:: crack
Greed:: selfish
Walter:: aka "Walt" Disney
Dense:: heavy
Sheep:: lambs
Propane:: gas

And here it is Sunday. Well, I got home Thursday night, worked part of the day Friday (thanks to the other part being filled with the company picnic) and my husband and I have been on the go all day. It's after midnight and I must crash, but plan on actually making a real post tomorrow.

Hey, it's May!

2005-05-02T21:47:00.000-05:00

How does it get to be May before I know it? It seems weird that so many are just now thawing out when it feels like summer is knocking on our door.

This past weekend, my husband and I volunteered to work at his church's spring festival. We were assigned to man the Rock Wall booth. Basically, I took tickets and he manned the gate, just letting the kids in one at a time. Although that sounds boring, it was really fun. There are so many charming, engaging children out there with outgoing, friendly personalities.

After the festival, we went to the tiny airport near our house for a World War II aircraft exhibit - we saw them all bombers, Red Cross planes, Hell Cats, biplanes and a host of other I don't know the name of. The best part was that they were flying most of them.

We realized we don't "do" enough stuff like that - taking an hour or two a weekend to just explore and spend time together. It felt great and we're going to do more of it.

Just for Fun

2005-04-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

Today, I was going through a lot of my bookmarks of just plain fun stuff. I've never just listed links before, but what the heck! Why not explore and find something silly? Here ya go:

Peter Max - Did you ever have that "keep on trucking" poster or notebook? Well, here he is! Register to win a signed poster.

The Official Peanuts Website - Do you love Snoopy, Charlie, Lucy, Linus and the gang? Go to "Fun and Games" and check out the wallpaper.

The Holiday Snowglobe - Don't miss this - it cracks me up enough to wish it were Christmas right now!

Calendars by Mamselle - each month she makes a lovely collection to use as your desktop wallpaper - check out this month's selections.

ACME Heart Maker - Make a candy heart for your blog.

Umm... I have no idea how this works, but it's cool!

One Word,So Little Time Like to write? Enjoy this exercise.

Scribbler Yep, scribbling, but in a very cool way.

The Mini-Mizer - Picture Yourself in Plastic - see how you'd look as a Lego

The Tile Machine - make your own pixelized tile

Art Pad Just paint.

Do the Hula! And enjoy the theme from Hawaii 5-0.

art on a limb

First Line Answers

2005-04-27T22:39:00.000-05:00

And the answers are as follows:

1. When he was thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I read this in high school and found it to be irresistible - even though I had already seen the movie and it may be one of the most perfect movies ever made.

2. Marley was dead, to begin with. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens If I had to choose the best book ever written, I would choose this one. It sneaks up on you. If you think about it, it encompasses all of life - we have the power, we make our own choices, we are part of the interconnected web of life and all our movements and choices effect everything else.

3. I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest. Pilgrim At Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard And she won the Pulitzer for this work. Deserved! If you haven't read it, take the time to enjoy this treasure.

4. "Holy One, I wonder if any man born into the world was blessed with every virtue by your Father in heaven." Ramayana retold by William Buck The epic tale of India - it is as rich and complex as all of India. I love Hanuman, the Son of Air, a provider of courage,hope, knowledge, intellect and devotion.

5. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling How could I not fall under the spell of Harry and all the other Wizards? I have been around this sun over 40 times and I am awaiting the next installment just as anxiously as the reader who has taken his 10th trip.

6. Anyone who watches even the slightest amount of TV is familiar with the scene: An agent knocks on the door of some seemingly ordinary home or office. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris This author has the ability to have me spewing beverages or choking with laughter over and over again. Oh man, I love that!

7. Millions upon millions of years ago, when the continents were already formed and the principal features of the earth had been decided, there existed, then as now, one aspect of the world that dwarfed all others. Hawaii by James Michener I am tickled at how many people thought they knew this book, but couldn't quite get it. A couple of people swore this was a Carl Sagan work - I guess the "millions upon millions" did it. My theory is your first Michener novel is always your favorite Michener novel. Hawaii was my first and I am so glad it was.

8. When Augustus came out on the porch the blue pigs were eating a rattlesnake-not a very big one. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry Another book/movie combo that was just about perfect. I am not one to choose a western as my first choice to read. I have to thank my mom for pretty much making me read this one - thanks, Mom!

9. Where's Papa going with that ax?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White Miss Miller in 2nd grade read this to the class and my love of reading was cinched for all eternity. That was "some pig!"

10. For months the great pleasure excursion to Europe and the Holy Land was chatted about in the newspapers everywhere in America and discussed at countless firesides. The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain Oh yes, wit, wisdom, and sarcasm. Mark Twain is informative and a first rate smart ass - what a fun read!

11. The seller of lightning rods arrived just ahead of the storm. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury Dark and spooky and loaded with adventure - just what a young reader loves - I am glad I read this at that age.

The First Line

2005-04-24T14:30:00.000-05:00

I saw this meme somewhere, sometime, and I can't remember when or where, or even if it's exactly the same as this, but... list the first line to 10 of your favorite books. Already I am varying and listing 11. Can you tell from which books come the following lines? If so, let me know!

1. When he was thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.

2. Marley was dead, to begin with.

3. I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest.

4. "Holy One, I wonder if any man born into the world was blessed with every virtue by your Father in heaven."

5. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.

6. Anyone who watches even the slightest amount of TV is familiar with the scene: An agent knocks on the door of some seemingly ordinary home or office.

7. Millions upon millions of years ago, when the continents were already formed and the principal features of the earth had been decided, there existed, then as now, one aspect of the world that dwarfed all others.

8. When Augustus came out on the porch the blue pigs were eating a rattlesnake-not a very big one.

9. Where's Papa going with that ax?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.

10. For months the great pleasure excursion to Europe and the Holy Land was chatted about in the newspapers everywhere in America and discussed at countless firesides.

11. The seller of lightning rods arrived just ahead of the storm.

There are so many more books that I love, but I had to choose 10, cheated and did 11, and now I am wanting to pull some out and put more in, so I'll just stop and stick with these. I'm looking forward to your list as well.

Cussed on Saturday, Muttered on Sunday

2005-04-24T14:26:00.000-05:00

Lovely Sunday and it's time, once again, for Unconscious Mutterings. I don't like to peek at anyone else's answers till I do my own, so here they are:

Detachment:: Aloofness
Regard:: Care
Community:: Together
Strike three:: You're out!
Congregation:: Meeting
Generous:: Giving
Pretention:: Games
Pregnant:: Pause
Drinking:: Cup
Brilliance:: Radiating

and I am off to see if anyone else matches :-)

Gotta' go, gotta' go, gotta' go right now!

2005-04-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

Wow! Ever feel like you're always on the go? That's my life right now. I am home (Houston) from being in Louisiana for the weekend and leave again on Monday to go down to the "valley" of Texas. If you're not familiar with this, it means the border of Texas and Mexico. Since there's no mountains, or even hills, down there, they say it's the valley of the Rio Grande River. I've never quite understood that one.

Anyway, this means unpacking the suitcase, washing clothes, and repacking. Ah well, at least I am still employed when many of my friends and coworkers are facing the option of transferring to Dallas and joining a new subsidiary company or not working. For this reason, I feel grateful and very blessed.

Better hit the hay as I have a meeting with my personal trainer at 9am. That sounds pretty snotty, doesn't it? Trust me, it's not. I need to exercise and it seems having someone making me do it is a very effective means of getting it done.

More later!

Middle of Monroe

2005-04-19T18:05:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Monroe, Louisiana. I know, I know - hold onto your hat - my job drops me in booming metropoli (what's the plural of metropolis?) like this. Truthfully, although Monroe has none of the charm of southern Louisiana, and I haven't seen anything too quaint, charming, or pretty, yet... in terms of architecture, etc... the people are very nice.

Southern Louisiana seems even more nice. Maybe it's because they are still so southern - the people have manners and use them - right out in the open! One of the cutest things to me is how nice the ladies are to each other. No matter how old they are, they all call each other "Miss" - if you're looking for a file, one will say, "Go ask Miss Katie, she should know," or, "Miss Irene handles that."

And if you're carrying lots of stuff - laptops, printers, etc... the men actually help you - some even insist you let them carry it. I have no problem with that at all.

One more day in Monroe, then to Shreveport. After that, home!

Knitting and Muttering

2005-04-17T07:27:00.000-05:00

Here we go again! Today is lovely here in Houston this morning. It's 56 degrees (unusually cool here), the sun is out, and it looks like my whole yard is in full bloom. Below, find my Unconscious Mutterings for the day.

Yesterday, I was in Walgreen's Drug Store and wandered onto the As Seen On TV aisle. Well, I purchased the "learn to knit in one day" kit. I know how to crochet, but have always wanted to learn how to knit. Believe it or not, I knitted, however, when I got to the purl section, the whole thing came unraveled. I am not going to let it get me! I will master this even if it takes more than a day (24 hours aren't up yet). I travel a lot for work and decided to take this with me for something to do when I am in the hotel room and have nothing in particular to do.

Knowing myself, though, I'll probably be surfing online or reading instead, but maybe not.

Great escape:: Steve McQueen
Cluster:: Mess
Wrong place, wrong time:: Uh Oh
Guided:: Led
Forensics:: Pathology
Pros:: Cons
Safety deposit box:: Important
Quadrant:: Area
Precisely:: Exactly
Who are you?:: The Who

Rejection Call

2005-04-15T22:10:00.000-05:00

Today we received a call from our caseworker informing us that we were not selected to be the perspective parents of one of the girls in which we were interested. The reason was my job requires a bit of travel and they just didn't think it was conducive due to her background of abuse.

Although we are disappointed, the truth is that she was not truly our first choice. That sounds just awful when you write it - as if children are puppies. I don't mean it that way, but reading her background along with some of the others, there are 2 other girls who appear to fit our lives better.

Of course, we believe everything truly does happen exactly as it should and know that she will end up with a spectacular family.

Now, we'll continue down the path and proceed with confidence that we'll eventually be the "forever family" one young girl needs.

Actually, it wasn't a "rejection" but a confirmation that we are to keep going until. Yep, until.

Pondering Pygmies

2005-04-13T20:59:00.000-05:00

Oh great... I posted a whole post about pygmies and it disappeared into the cyber ethers. The gist of is that today, at work, a discussion came up about pygmies. Have pygmies made their way into the general, cosmopolitan society? If so, how is that working out?

Of course, none of us know a darn thing about pygmies other than what we've seen on Bugs Bunny and that might not be a reliable source.

Perhaps we could run a Google search - unless one of you have the answer...??

Another Taxing Day

2005-04-11T22:47:00.000-05:00

Got caught in a wild rain storm today, but was able to get inside before it got worse. After a long day at work, I got home to find out it was time to sign into Turbo Tax and face Uncle Sam.

For some reason, this is a time of pressure in our home. Not the paying, but the "doing" of the taxes. At least it's not as vocal as putting up the Christmas lights. That's story that will just have to wait till the season is right.

We've paid the goverment, Turbo Tax, and the piper...

Might just be time to hit the hay.

-

Fast Forward

2005-04-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

Ah, Sunday... how do you always get here so quickly? They seem to click off as soon as I post another Unconscious Muttering:

Horrendous:: Mistake
Home video:: Borrrrrrrrrrrrring
What a girl wants:: Attention
Grounded:: In trouble
Trusting:: Innocent
Simplistic:: Easy
Buzz:: Gossip
Balcony:: Theater
Roar:: Lion
Hooker:: Red light

Well, off to do something that gets me up and away from here for a while. The outdoors is calling...

Movie Sap

2005-04-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

Okay, I admit it... I am a sucker for emotional movies. I just stayed up late watching, "The Joy Luck Club" and it makes me cry every single time I watch it. Of course, "It's A Wonderful Life" still gets me, too.

Books are even worse!

Have you had any movie or book make you cry more than once?

Adoption Update

2005-04-08T06:07:00.000-05:00

Well, we're still looking for a child to adopt. So far, we have two young ladies we're interested in. One is 11 and the other is 13. I talked to the 11 yr old's caseworker today - she's had a lot of challenges in life, but she sounds like a pretty good kid. The 13 year old is a doll, too. Both girls, though, have been through Hell, basically - after all, if your parents have their rights terminated, it wasn't good. This means lots of "issues" and struggles.

If you feel like offering up prayers, good thoughts, or good vibes, we would heartily welcome them.

The first step is that the girls' caseworkers have to choose to consider us for parents, then, we go for a meeting with the worker and a mediator... after that, who knows? We're both leaning toward the 13 yr old. The only obstacle I am seeing is that my job require that I travel quite a bit. So, we're going to believe if we're meant to be the parents of one of these children, it has already been decided and all will be fine.

Blessings to us all!

Bring me......a shrubbery!

2005-04-04T22:17:00.000-05:00

Whew! I am SO pooped! We spent all day yesterday working in the front yard (for a change) and decided to make some major adjustments to the landscaping which involved pulling out about 8 shrubs. They were in there so good, my husband tied one to the car and tried to pull it out (after working it with a shovel for a long time). Needless to say, the plant won - the rope snapped with the strain. After more digging than people should have to do, they each finally came out.

I went back to work today, too - vacation was over. It was a very "easy" day and all went well. It was hard to move after having the yard kick my butt, but I did.

All the talk about shrubs bring Monty Python to mind...

Springing Forward

2005-04-03T12:03:00.000-05:00

Although I am later than usual posting my Unconscious Mutterings, I did spring forward today and am currently trying to adjust. I love when we "fall back." I sure wish "they" would pick a time and stick with it. Don't you?

Renewal:: License
Someone to talk to:: Friend
Count:: Dracula
Expiration:: Date
Upload:: Now
Publish:: Magazine
Holy:: Cow
Change in the air:: Something new
Titillating:: Thrilling
Glorious:: Wonderful

The AOAL Gallery

2005-04-02T00:36:00.000-06:00

Given the name of my site, I thought I would compile the works I have displayed here in my blog. I will try and keep it updated and located in the sidebar for the future. Just click on the title to view:

Kris

Vision*

Mary

No Name

Marlish*

Conduit

Off the Clock*

Valentine

Two Times

One Spirit**

Breath*

Phases

* = personal favorite
** = okay, I really like this one

Marlish

Spring in Suburban Houston

2005-04-01T08:38:00.000-06:00

This is my first time to use Hello - I am not sure exactly what I am doing - it seems foreign to me as I have always downloaded to my personal site and posted, but this seems to be less space-taking and possibly more effective. Well, I said I would share some photos from our yard. As you can see, we are well into spring. The "mystery tree" comes from some seeds we absconded from Grand Cayman a few years ago - they grow pods like a mimosa. The tree doesn't look too good in this photo because we got a frost after it started blooming and lost a lot of its leaves, but the flowers are just beautiful. The rest of the photos are self-explanatory. We still have LOTS of work to do in the yard, but it's start!

Close-up of mystery tree flower

2005-04-01T08:37:00.000-06:00

Mystery tree

2005-04-01T08:36:00.001-06:00

African iris

2005-04-01T08:36:00.000-06:00

The white iris

2005-04-01T08:35:00.000-06:00

Gordy by the little pond

2005-04-01T08:33:00.000-06:00

Another view in the backyard - that's Gracie in the lower right corner

2005-04-01T08:31:00.000-06:00

The backyard-March 31, 2005

Gulf Stream vs Cesspool?

2005-03-30T17:45:00.000-06:00

I am on vacation this week and it's one of those vacations where I'm not doing a darn thing. Well, I went to the dentist yesterday. He seems to find something that will tap out my entire insurance allotment each year.

I know I am doing a lot of subject-jumping here, but I am fully caffeinated at the moment. In surfing around in the sea of blogs and I am happy to say I feel like I have landed in the Gulf Stream of quality. The blogs listed in my BlogRoll and my "I'm Reading" section (I read them ALL regularly) are truly worth reading and engaging. Some are more substantive and others are just plain fun, quirky, or informative.

Then, there are the others.... spinning in a cesspool. I have a step-sister and step-brother, both of whom I have never met [note: my parents have been divorced for a long time. Both are remarried. Mom's second husband (a wonderful man!) passed away 6 years ago, and she has married again to a widower she met in her "Grief Group" These "steps" are his children]. Each have blogs on LiveJournal and they are, well, gross. Their posts are pompous, egotistical, and for lack of a better word, nasty. Don't get me wrong, I am not afraid to use a cuss word, but they never overwhelm my speech or writing. I don't believe every sexual movement needs to be notated and described. Ack! As I write this, I feel like I am falling in that cesspool and sinking to their level. I want to delete this paragraph, but am choosing to leave it here because I feel compelled to be completely honest in this post.

These "steps" are not aware that I know about their blogs - why would they? Anyway, after reading them, I have a different opinion of my mother. Since her marriage to this husband, she has disengaged herself from us (my brother, sister, and I) and has (seemingly) joined the ranks of the skanks.

Yeow! It hurts to even think, much less admit, that's the opinion you hold of your own mom. But, it's true. To make myself feel better about saying it, I want to also say that I love her. I don't particularly want to be around her, but I do love her. She was kind, loving, doting, and thoughtful when we were children and was a spectacular grandmother to my oldest niece and nephew when they were small, too.

So, as a grown woman, I choose to live life fully, acknowledge my thoughts and feelings, make choices that enhance my life and relationships, and recognize the many, many blessings I have had all throughout my life. My life has been very good and I am truly grateful.

Even though I am probably over the halfway mark of life, I am fascinated at what a pull the parental forces continue to have.

And, to bring this back full-circle, thanks to all of you who share your lives in a positive, creative manner.

Whew!