Category: Life

Life

We Went to the Christmas Parade Today … It Was Sort of Lame

Karen

Except for these guys, they were pretty awesome. 😀

Christmas Parade 2011

When we received the information sheet about the Christmas parade from the band director on Thursday, it said that our kids were number 23!!!. We couldn’t understand why there were so many exclamation points behind that number – 23?!? That sounds like they were near the end of the parade to me. Why would he be happy about that??

We dropped Jazz off at the rendezvous point around 12:30 today, then me, Kevin and Dude went to Starbucks to grab some coffee (well, Dude and Kevin got coffee, I bought an apple cider because I had already had my allotted cup o’ joe for the day). Our intention was to make it back in time to watch our kids “step off”, but we were too late, they were gone.

No worries. We just parked at the end of the parade route and waited for them to show up.

IMG_4238

IMG_4242

IMG_4247

IMG_4249

When the parade started, I admit, I got excited. We haven’t been to a parade since the boys were little (Jazz was still in a stroller!) and I had forgotten how fun they were.

Only our parade? Was kind of lame, if you want the truth. And I was a little disappointed. All we saw were businesses and cops – not that cops aren’t exciting but … okay, fine. Cops aren’t all that exciting.

Though we DID see a concrete truck at one point so I suppose I shouldn’t complain all THAT much. *snort*

Anyway. Our kids marched by and as usual, they put on a fun show for the crowd.

IMG_4255

band-parade

IMG_4256

Since we were at the end of the line, we just walked with them and stood by while they dispersed, collected Jazz and started home.

Was that it? I thought. We didn’t see anything after our kids came by so we just assumed that was the whole parade. But I suspect we only actually saw ONE FOURTH of the actual parade. I know for a fact there were several other schools that were scheduled to be in the parade that we didn’t see.

So that 26 our band director was excited about? Makes sense now. We were actually considered at the FRONT of the parade – there was so much more after us.

The guys were ready to leave and Jazz was pretty tired by the time it was over. I could have stayed and watched the rest of it, but I was out voted, so we drove home.

At least Jazz has marched in a parade now and can add that to his bag o’ experiences.

*Side note: A Coca-Cola truck rolled by at one point and they had people handing out soda. Kevin and I just looked at each other and raised our eyebrows. Then Dude noticed that it was DIET soda, which made it so much better, don’t you know. We burst out laughing. Only in America.

AudioPlay, Life

Gimme Sweet Potato Pie

Karen

I don’t dislike sweet potatoes, but I don’t go out of my way to eat them, either. The only time I ever eat them is at Thanksgiving, or whenever Kevin is having a craving and makes them on the grill. (Which is actually not half bad, quite honestly).

You’re going to totally sing this song the rest of the day, aren’t you. HA! You’re welcome.

So. People. How was your Thanksgiving?!? Good? I hope so. If not, then I’m sorry. 😦

We had Thanksgiving over at my sister-in-law’s this year. We rotate dinners every year between Kevin and his two sisters. Last year we hosted, this year it was at Kevin’s oldest sister’s turn and next year, his youngest sister will host. Though I really stress out whenever it’s at our house, I really like this rotation schedule because it takes the pressure off one person having to host it every year.

thanksgiving

I had a headache. It was a combination of too much caffeine and not enough sleep. I’m afraid we cut our day sort of short because of it. The food was scrumptious, though. My SIL made some sort of Waldorf salad and WOW. We’ll have to make it a family tradition. She had SO MUCH FOOD, but we were feeding SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE that by the time the afternoon rolled around, the table was pretty much empty.

We are so blessed to have such wonderful families. No drama. No grudges (that I know of!). We all pretty much agree on politics and religion (sort of). We’re not perfect, but we are certainly blessed.

We’re putting our Christmas tree and outside lights up today. Will post more later!


(Click the blue arrow to play)
(Glee Christmas – “We Need a Little Christmas”)

Abundant Life, Politics

Twas the Month Before Christmas and Not a Christian was Praying

Karen

*Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas – no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ‘Holiday’.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe’s the word Christmas – was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny’s and Sears*

*You won’t hear the word Christmas; it won’t touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your ‘Dream Tree’*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!*

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s become “cool” to diss Christians nowadays. Why is that? Are non-Christians threatened by our God? Are non-Christians jealous that we have hope in this dismal world? Is it because they don’t understand what Christianity is? Is it because some Christians have given the faith a bad name over the years?

All of the above?

I could go into a long, detailed post about how people have become scared to admit they are Christians in this day and age, but I won’t. And here’s why:

Because Lindsay, from Suburban Turmoil, says it SO much better than I do.

And please, read the comments – they’re relevant, interesting and many “opposing” readers have valid points.

It all boils down to this: RESPECT. For each other, and for differing points of view.

And it’s no longer “cool” to make fun of Christians. Because I believe Christians have finally had enough. And they’re starting to stand up and defend themselves. And more and more people are waking up to realize that these non-Christian people who take the time and exert their energy to say, act and/or blog disparaging comments about Christianity are being exposed for the bitter, sad, lost, angry people that they are.

Is this an excuse to shun them?

Hardly.

It’s a silent cry for guidance, kindness and help that we, as Christians, have been called upon to offer them. If they reject our help, then that is their decision, but it is our responsibility as Christians to be the bigger person in this evil, corrupt world and offer a helping hand to those that are willing to accept it.

You can’t please everyone. IT. IS. IMPOSSIBLE. All you, me, and other Christians can do, is stand firm in our beliefs and be available if they need us.

I am a Christian. I am not afraid to admit that fact. I stand up for what I believe. And if people believe differently than I do, then that is their choice. I will not make fun of them or belittle what they believe. I have the freedom to disagree, and I’m not afraid to voice that disagreement in a rational, kind, and respectful way. Disagreeing does not mean I’m dismissing their views/opinions. It does not mean I’m making fun of their views/opinions, it means I disagree.

It’s as simple as that.

Please realize that if you’re one of those people who make a habit of snarling at Christians – we, the WORLD, see right through you.

Think about it.

And God loves you. Whether you accept that fact or not.

Life-condensed

Thanksgiving Wishes

Karen

Sometimes we complain that God put thorns on Roses. Yet others will rather say that God is good to have placed Roses among the thorns. In both cases we shall however be thankful for the roses. ~Kurt Avish
(Actually. God gave the world to Adam and Eve as a gift. Adam and Eve then fell for Satan’s tricks and transferred ownership of the world to Satan. Before Satan came along, roses didn’t HAVE thorns).

____________________

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” ~William A. Ward

____________________

Be aware of what you have in hand rather than to be for what you don’t. Everyone will be grateful to what you have.” ~Kurt Avish

____________________

I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy. ~Anne Frank

____________________

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues. ~Cicero

____________________

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie

____________________

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

____________________

The things that we most of the time take for granted are always those that deserve our gratitude. Be thankful to that thing or person today and make every day of the year a personal Thanksgiving one. ~ Kurt Avish

Really – what more can I say?

Have a blessed day, Internet.

http://twitter.com/#!/writefromkaren/status/139738618364305408

Day-By-Day

I’m Not a Nurse – I Just Dress Up Like One. Married to an Old Man? My Son Will Get a Life Or Else …

Karen

Faro Mangiabarche

I survived another work week.

It’s starting to get easier. I think I’m getting it. I hope I’m getting it. I didn’t have to correct AS many mistakes this past week as I’ve had to.

I’m behind. Just not AS behind as I was.

I’ll take what little encouragement I can get.

I’m learning the ropes for outlying clinics. The office lead went out of her way to drive me to the Branson clinic this past Wednesday. I thought that was really nice. (She likes me. But seriously, who WOULDN’T like me. HA!) She showed me how to set up the laptops in the exam rooms, then how to check patients in, make sure they sign the correct paperwork, collect any co-pay, if required, and of course, I know how to check them out – I do that every day.

The day went by fast – sort of. Since I sat and watched the entire day, I was a bit bored and the day dragged on a bit, but after I make myself some notes, I’m pretty sure I can handle outlying clinics in the future.

I rode back to Springfield in the van – with the doctor, his PA, his nurse and MA. It was awkward, but the doctor was super nice and after chit-chatting for a few minutes, he ended up sleeping the rest of the way back to town.

I can’t blame the man. I’m betting he doesn’t get a lot of sleep to begin with.

We got back to the Springfield clinic around 2ish. And I stuck around and worked the rest of the day. In fact, I ended up working until 5:30 (I’m THAT dedicated. Actually, I just don’t want to get that far behind because 1. I don’t want my superiors to think I can’t handle my job and 2. patients are counting on me to get them set up for tests that the doctors ordered so they can proceed with whatever treatment results from those test).

I think they want me to work the Harrison clinic on December 9th. That will be with the other doctor I schedule for. I’ve never met him, so I’m more nervous working that clinic, I think. His nurse is super nice though and I’ve talked to her on several occasions.

One of the gals I work directly with is going on vacation this week – she’ll be gone until Wednesday of next week. I’m not really nervous to have her gone, but it will make my job a little more difficult. I ask her A LOT of questions and though there are other people close that can answer my questions, I don’t feel as comfortable with them. It’s a sink or swim moment, I think. I hope she has a really good time, she deserves the break (they were SUPER short handed before I got there), but at the same time…

*SCREAM!!!*

We got Jazz’s saxophone back from the music store this week. We took it in because it was growing this funky green stuff all over it and it was quite disgusting to look at. They ended up taking it apart, soaking it in a chemical bath and putting it back together again. Now it looks brand new again. I’ve been watching videos on YouTube on how to keep it clean and I will make sure Jazz watches these videos and stays on top of his maintenance in the future.

We can’t afford to pay to have that cleaned every year. It wasn’t as expensive as I thought it might be, but still … it’s something that we can do ourselves.

Or Jazz can do, I should say.

Kevin and Dude are one year older – Kevin turned the big 50 and Dude is 19. We didn’t do much – the guys wanted to eat at Lamberts (the home of the throwed rolls – yes, they really throw rolls at you) and though I like eating there, I HATE the wait time. They are always so stinkin’ busy and Friday night was no exception. However, we got there early enough that we only had to wait about 20 minutes.

It’s a fun place to eat – but the portions are HUGE. I ended up getting the pulled pork sandwich (*drool*) and all three guys got the fried chicken. We went back to Kevin’s parents’ house afterward and had cookie cake.

IMG_1098

I didn’t want Dude to feel left out, so I bought him his own cookie cake:

He didn’t mind.

It’s been a challenge trying to celebrate both Kevin and Dude’s birthdays on the same day without making one, or the other, feel left out. When Dude was younger, I used to run around with my head cut off trying to decorate, pick up presents, and get the house cleaned up so we could have a party for my guys. Now that they’re older, it’s not AS big of a deal.

I can’t believe I’m married to a 50-year old. Kevin neither acts, nor looks, 50-years old to me. Not that 50 is old, it just SOUNDS old, doesn’t it?

Dude is officially enrolled at OTC. He went up to OTC on the 17th, by himself, and attended some sort of seminar for new students. He got his student number and was at the bookstore when Kevin met him on campus. They turned in his high school transcript (because Dude wouldn’t ask questions and find out where he was supposed to turn them in) and Kevin was supposed to help him register for classes. But somehow, Dude talked Kevin out of that plan and they ended up coming back home. Kevin then told Dude to get online and register for his three classes (because he had the capability of getting online and doing that since he attended the seminar) while he went back to work. When he came home, Dude still hadn’t registered and Kevin sort of lost it with him.

Welcome to my world.

I’ve told Kevin, from the moment our oldest graduated from high school, that he would have to push Dude EVERY. STEP. OF. THE. WAY. into his future.

And I was right. Dude will take the easy road, every time. And if it even SEEMS like it’s going to be an uncomfortable, and/or new situation for him, he will simply procrastinate and do nothing until we end up losing our temper with him and MAKING him take that next step. I’ve had to push that boy all his life, and I’ve gotten very frustrated with him over the years. I would give him the chance to do whatever it was he needed to do, on his own, first, and when it didn’t happen, then I would have to step in and twist his arm until it DID happen.

I don’t think Kevin really understood what I was talking about until recently. Now that I’m working and unable to hold the boy’s hand anymore, Kevin has had to step up and take charge. He’s A LOT more relaxed than I am, which is better in so many ways, but still, even Kevin has limits. And when he came home and Dude STILL hadn’t registered for his classes, he got pretty angry with him.

And because Dude procrastinated so long that day, he ended up not getting a class that he wanted because it was full by the time he finally committed to registering. He has an English class, a math class and some stupid computer class that he could probably test out of but won’t because he’s afraid of his own shadow and Kevin and I simply don’t have the time to MAKE him do it.

*sigh*

But. The boy is registered and classes start January 17th. He will go from 9:00 to 11:00 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday leaving Tuesday and Thursday free for him to catch up on homework and work – whenever he gets a job.

And that’s another thing.

Kevin and Dude went laptop shopping on Friday. Kevin needs a better laptop because he landed a pretty big client and has to work at their offices for the next four months. They went to a computer store and after Kevin made his selection, he asked them if they were hiring. He actually talked to the owner. And the owner told him, (and Dude), that in order to work in his, or any, really, computer store, Dude would need his A+ certificate. (Some computer thing).

So. We are going to push Dude into getting his certificate because that is his ultimate goal – to work with/around computers. And what better way to start than in a computer store?

Right?

When you ask Dude if he WANTS to do that – he makes a noncommittal sort of sound. But here’s the thing – Dude doesn’t WANT to do anything. What Dude WANTS is to hide in his room and play video games all day because it’s easy and it doesn’t require any effort on his part.

Because the boy is 1. shy and 2. lazy.

Um. NO.

So. We have to push him – for his own good. Because when you ask Dude what he wants to do, or what interests him, he simply shrugs. Since he’s not making a commitment to his future, then I guess we’ll have to push him to that commitment.

I have to be honest. I will breathe easier once Dude starts taking an active interest in his life and starts taking the initiative on DOING something with himself. It’s exhausting always being the bad guy. I know he’s young. I know he probably doesn’t KNOW what he wants out of life, but hells bells, if we wait on him to make up his mind, he’ll be 30-years old and still holed up in his dark room, with his over-sized headphones on his head, completely lost in his cyber world.

Um. NO.

I love my oldest son something fierce. But I’m REALLY ready for him to start living his life.

Without us.

Soon.

I think I’m going to have Jazz drive to school tomorrow. With me, of course, because he doesn’t have his license yet. But I’m not entirely sure he’s READY to drive to school, in morning traffic, yet. He really hasn’t practiced all that much – he’s only been on the busy roads about half a dozen times, but I’m getting impatient for him to learn to drive. It’ll be SO MUCH EASIER when he gets his license.

But if I push him too hard too soon, it will scare him off driving entirely and we’ll end up taking one giant step backward.

*sigh*

Patience is not my strongest suit.

I bought two Christmas albums yesterday: Michael Buble and Glee.

I know!

I’ve already burned both albums and I will be posting the songs from those albums very soon. Buble’s voice is so smooth – he’s sort of a cross between Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr. And of course, the whole Glee cast is fun and different. I had thought I might put our Christmas tree up this weekend, but I’ve just been too sapped of energy to even think about it. I have a four-day weekend coming up, so that will give me a chance to get some stuff caught up around the house and to get the tree up.

I started my Christmas shopping today. I buy everything online because 1. I have NO time to shop and 2. I would rather avoid the lines and simply have it delivered to me.

Only. I don’t trust our mail service anymore (because NetFlix didn’t receive yet another movie and I’ve now resorted to dropping our movies off into an actual mailbox instead of leaving them in our mailbox), so I will have to have our packages delivered to either Kevin’s office, or order my stuff from Wal-Mart and just pick up my stuff from them.

Which saves me on shipping but UGH, PAIN IN THE BUTT.

I know this crappy economy has put people in dire straits and you can always tell when things are bad when people start stealing movies out of your mailbox or break into places to steal copper so they can resell it, but still! It’s not an excuse.

And lastly …

http://twitter.com/#!/writefromkaren/status/138343101042405376

http://twitter.com/#!/writefromkaren/status/138343359109537793

http://twitter.com/#!/writefromkaren/status/138344131725508609

http://twitter.com/#!/writefromkaren/status/138344854706061312

http://twitter.com/#!/writefromkaren/status/138345992448782336

There. I feel better since getting that off my chest.