This weekend was packed full of memory making moments. (Say that 5 times fast!?! LOL) But the one I want to share happened just yesterday.
Indy's grandpa passed away on the 19th and his funeral service was yesterday. It was a beautiful!
At the end, after the casket was wheeled out, Grandpa's kids were all standing in the front pew together and I wanted to try capturing a shot of them. However, Indy was a pallbearer so I didn't have anyone to wrangle the Tornado. I thought I was being cleaver when I told him to go see Grandma and Grandpa.
My precious, little one walked over and in his normal, loud voice said, "Hi Grandma and Grandpa! Did you come to a funeral today too?"
The entire church started giggling and every single person who came up to us afterwards said it was a perfect moment.
(The irony that today marks 10 years isn't lost on me.)
Memories.
They are usually what keeps people alive in our hearts. Remembering the laughter and smiles of friends and family. The stories from years past keeping history alive. They make up who we are as individuals and families.
Where I work, we have many elderly people who don't remember things. It's scary and confusing. My heart aches for them even on the days their confusion can be maddening.
Sometimes.... I wish I didn't have memories.
I would gladly forget many of the memories from the last 10 years. My heart wouldn't ache every day. I wouldn't weep for the things we've dealt with and the things we've lost.
Several years ago I started a blog to document the struggles of dealing with the life we were left with after that horrific night. As I started trying to write out the first few months of D's life.... I realized I just couldn't do it. It's therapeutic for me to talk about it.... but it's so hard to sit and recall everything. To make the posts coherent through my emotions so people understand.
The truth is.... unless you've lived it.... you wouldn't understand.
Others can comprehend how tough it must be.... to a point. Yet over the years, I've heard lots of remarks that show me just how little people really do understand about our lives. It's not black and white like people seem to think it is.
I've been fortunate over the years to "meet" lots of amazing people who truly understand the struggles of dealing with special needs. We all deal with different needs and we've been through different struggles with those needs. But the most important part of our relationship: we all *get* it! It's nice to have such a close knit group of friends who understand. I don't talk with them often because our struggles here have eased over the past few years. Just knowing they are there is enough. When I do need them, I have them!
With all that said, I believe it's time to get to the memory part of this post.
I wrote this out several years ago (7 in fact) but it's the memory that forever feeds my mind on this day. One I wish I could forget or even go back and change completely. I usually don't say I'd change my past as I try hard to live with no regrets.... but this is one I'd gladly make an exception for.
[[Let me make plainly clear, I do not regret my son or his life. I just wish I could have changed that moment in his history that made his life what it is today. That took everything away from him and left him trapped forever.]]
==========
Wednesday, March 3, 2004. Another cold, winter night and what I thought
would just be another day in the beginning of my son's life.
Instead.... it was the night that almost ended his life! The night that
I will never forget!
The "father" and D were kicked back on
the couch. I was in the recliner watching another show about abused
and neglected animals on Animal Planet. How ironic considering how the
night would end! D finally fell asleep and the "father" took him
to his crib. I remember watching him gently lay my baby down in the
crib all swaddled up in a warm blanket. The "father" then returned to
playing his war game on the X-Box.
After about 10 minutes I
decided I'd better get to bed before the next feeding. I proceeded to
turn off the TV and head for the bathroom. I don't remember what had
caused me to be stressed that evening but it involved the "father" and
no one else. D could easily take away any stress just by laying in
my arms and looking up at me. He still has that power even today.
While
in the bathroom, I turned on the small stereo we kept in there to
listen to music while showering. I turned up the one CD that could
always calm me down--*NSYNC. No more than 5 minutes had passed when the
door burst open. Standing there with my infant baby in his hands was
the "father". My child not responding to anything--his name, the touch
of my hand, the gentle tap on his cheek with my finger, nothing!
The only words the "father" spoke will stick with me forever!
"What do I do?"
I
knew what to do. CPR. The only problem? I had not been trained in 4
years to do infant CPR. I was afraid if I attempted it on my son that
I'd kill him by crushing his ribcage. I remember saying, "Should we
call an ambulance?" Then in the next breath telling the "father" to get
the car! We had to get him to the hospital!
I sat in the
backseat with D. Holding his head to keep it from flopping around.
Gently tapping his face and calling his name to get any kind of
response. Nothing.
The "father" sped through town doing 60 MPH.
We even ran a couple of red lights. As we turned onto Crawford,
heading for the hospital, we passed a cop. He immediately flipped on
his lights and started following us. The "father" had the nerve to ask
if he should pull over. I told him, "You can pull over once my son is
at the hospital! DRIVE!"
As we pulled up to the hospital,
without even shutting off the car, the "father" grabs the car seat and
runs inside with me directly behind him. The staff quickly rushes
D back to a room but shoos us out into a waiting room just inside
the ER. There time seemed to stand still.
The police officer who
had been following us came in to talk to us, as did the hospital's
Chaplin. The "father"--a man I'd never seen shed one tear in the nearly
2 years I'd known him--was sobbing hysterically and couldn't talk.
After I finally calmed myself down, I tried to calm him down. I needed
to know what had happened... as did the police.
It was more than my mind could wrap itself around. All the answers came in waves. Nothing seemed right.
==========
On the 6 year "anniversary" of that night, I took this photo:
Originally it was just a photo to capture my sons together, to show them as they were that day.
After I took the photo I started thinking back to who D was on that night in 2004: how big he was, what he'd already done, etc. That's when I realized that - although he was almost 4 months old - L was the same size his brother had been the night he'd been abused. That made the photo take on a whole new meaning! It is now one of my most treasured photos!
Today marks a decade. A decade of my life I never would have imagined would happen. It's been the worst and most rewarding decade of my life. I've learned who I truly am as a person and what I can handle. My knowledge of the medical field is more vast than I'd care to admit. (I won't ever have a PhD or MD tag behind my name but sometimes I feel like I do.)
I know some people probably think I dwell on this too much. That I should just move on and get over it. To them I have 2 words:
Fuck. You.
My son will never be able to "get over" what happened to him.
He will always have seizures. He will always be blind. He will never speak or walk. He will never be without his wheelchair or someone taking care of him.
Woah. Didn't we *just* start February yesterday?!?
Like it's been since he started daycare, T-man was sick at the start of the month. Another cold that aggravated his allergies and asthma. Poor kid just can't catch a break!
Monster has been doing great! Turned 10 at the beginning of the month and has stayed healthy all month.
For me the most exciting part of February was finally ordering a new DSLR camera. Mine is 7 years old and desperately needs replacing. I haven't really used it much over the past few years because it's not been in the best of shape. It works just fine but has its quirks. My new beauty should arrive tomorrow and I am so excited to start playing with it!!
I didn't complete nearly enough in February.
I've fallen completely behind in my Bible reading. To the point, I'm not reading it at all. Shame on me!
I manged to read only 1 book last month: Dawn of the Aspects by Richard Knaak. I desperately want to get through as much of my World of Warcraft lore as I can this year but I'm not sure how much that will end up being. *sad face*
Heh. I made it to the gym.... once. Yeah I'm that lame. I think setting the goal to go daily may have been overkill for me as many days I just can't find the time or I'm too tired from the previous day to want to go. I need to figure out a solution. I need and want to go but just can't seem to make myself go.
My WIP that I finished for February was my first mood blanket. Yes I said first! After starting the project in January, I realized if I kept up with that blanket like I was doing I would have a "Jonathan" blanket. (My mom and sister will understand that reference. LOL) Instead, I've decided to break up the year into several blankets. Each blanket will represent 2 months of the year. I'll show it off when I've finished weaving in the ends... heh.
Now it's on to March and April.... I'm still trying to figure out how I want to do this one but I won't allow myself to fall too far behind while I'm figuring it out.
I did better with taking more photographs. Of course, all those photos were just taken on my iPhone but more photos nonetheless. *smirk*
I completed my 28 Days of Me photo project. It was actually kind of fun! Although I realize now why people say I need to smile more. Haha The truth is.... I smile a lot! Just not in photos. That's who I have always been. Even my mom said so when I had my senior photos done. Her favorite was one of the few I wasn't smiling in.
It's hard to imagine that in just 6 short days, I will be the proud mother of a 10 year old. How did it go so fast?
His life has been a rollercoaster. Lots of ups and downs, curves and loops. As hard as it's been, I don't think I'd trade any of it for the world. He has made me grow as a person and learn things I never thought I'd know. I am a far better person because of him!
I've realized something as I've sat trying to write this update for the past few days.
I am not a writer! A poet, yes. But definitely not a writer.
That's probably why I haven't been able to blog daily like I always tell myself I will. Sometimes the words are there and they are fabulous.... but mostly, I just BS my way through much like I did on my high school English papers. Heh
January simply flew by.
I managed to read 2 books: A Time to Kill by John Grisham and The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson. (The latter being my new book for the month.) It was a good start to the Walt Longmire series! If you haven't heard of it, pick it up. You can also stream the first season of the A&E show - Longmire - on Netflix.
I've fallen WAY behind on my Bible reading. I found this great app that has plans to help you read through whatever it is you want to in Bible. I chose a 365 day plan to help keep it simple enough to read daily.... apparently not simple enough for me though. Oops.
I've given myself every excuse not to be at the gym. That stops today. I'll post the proof later.
I managed to finish a WIP that I started quite some time ago when I was testing the pattern for one of my favorite crochet designers, Sandy Powers. I've very happy with the outcome! I'll post a photo of it once I'm able to take my time and get a good one.
As my last Photo Friday post shows, I've been doing well on my mood blanket. It has been so much fun to decide what mood I'm in every day and document that in yarn. I will have to break my blanket up into multiple blankets. I'm thinking about doing 6 over the course of the year with 2 months in each blanket. It will be interesting to watch them all progress and see the collection I have at the end of the year.
I didn't do so well with taking more photographs in January. But I'm attempting to do better this month. I've even decided on a little project to take more photos of myself since I'm normally the one behind the camera. Those will be a post all unto themselves.
At the start of the year, I decided to take on the challenge of documenting my daily moods with yarn. Every day I add to a blanket with the color of my choosing that reflects my mood.
I chose to work my blanket in these colors/moods:
Red = angry/frustrated
Blue = happy/content
Green = tired
Black = stressed/worried
Gray = sad/lonely
Variegated = confused
Every odd day (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc) I would add 4 rows to my blanket while every even day (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc) I'd add 2 rows.
Now that January is over, I am happy to share my progress. Here is the start of my "crochet" mood blanket for 2014.
I will try to blog separately about my blanket and the moods I had. That may not happen terribly often but since I want to blog more, maybe I'll finally kick my own tush and keep up! (I know I've failed so far but I'm a WIP just like my blanket. Haha)
I've decided on no resolutions this year. I never stick with them (with 1 exception in 2005) so this year I'm trying something new.
When a friend posted a list of things she wanted to do before her next birthday, it inspired me to create my bucket list for the year.
Over 2014, I will enrich my life by:
- reading the Bible and learning about religions.
- reading a minimum of 4 classic books.
- reading no less than 1 new book each month. (By "new" I mean one I've never read before.)
- exercising for at least 1 hour daily (not including work).
- reading the complete works of Shakespeare.
- working on family history.
- writing more letters.
- taking a family vacation.
- finishing no fewer than 1 WIP project each month.
- knitting a mood blanket.
- taking more photographs.
- hanging out with friends more.
- blogging often.
- getting my tattoos designed and inked.
It may seem simple but many of these things I tell myself I'm going to do then never do them. It's time to stop procrastinating on being a better me! I will share my progress through the year.... which will also help achieve my "blogging often" goal. ;)
There's been a game of sorts floating around Facebook. You like the status of someone who has posted random facts about themselves and they give you a number. You then write that many random facts about yourself on your wall.
Normally I can't think of anything. I'm pretty much an open book so it takes a while to think of things people may not know about me. I've gone a little crazy with them so I figured I'd compile them on my blog instead of annoying all my friends.
If you're a friend on Facebook, you can just skip to #56. =)
==================
1. I hate talking about myself. But I can talk about my kids all day.
2. I registered to vote at 18 but have never actually voted. However, after the atrocities that have happened during this current administration, I will be voting from now on.
3. I'm thankful my "major" health problems are only joint related and exercise induced asthma. Watching Tornado and Monster deal with their medical issues has made me very aware that I have it good.
4. The only thing I miss about being a SAHM is the many hours of reading, playing WoW, and watching tv I got to do.
5. I envy women with pin straight hair who don't *have* to flat iron it.
6. I usually only bake 1 time a year - at Christmas. I make so many candies/cookies that I can't stand the thought of doing it again for another year. LOL
7. I am a terrible housewife. That's why it baffles me that Indy would ever wanna put a ring on it! LOL ;)
8. I despise dresses. I was meant to wear tank tops and jeans!
9. I am obsessed with jewelry but don't wear much very often as it starts to annoy me quickly.
10. I'm apparently allergic to earrings made of any metal. My ears start itching within an hour. But I usually tough it out to be a tad girly.
11. I do not like wearing flip flops but they are easy to slide on when I head out the door so I just let my chiropractor yell at me.
12. I have suffered from migraines since I got pregnant with Monster. They never left so I don't think I can blame them on the ex-douchebag anymore.
13. I've known Indy my whole life and thought he was my cousin until I was 10. That was when Mom explained that we called his parents aunt & uncle out of respect. I've had a crush on him ever since.
14. I'm terrified of driving. I manage to do it but I've lost many people to car accidents and it's one of my worst fears to die in a crash.
15. I miss playing tennis even though I suck at it.
16. I have grown a lot as a person since I was little. I used to be painfully shy and sometimes I still am. But I force myself out of my comfort zone more than I ever have.
17. I am partially deaf but not enough to require hearing aids.
18. I've been typing since I was 10 when I taught myself with Mavis Beacon.
19. Math is the only subject I've always loved. Algebra is my favorite subject ever!
20. I've only flown once in my life (2 actual flights - 1 to CA & the return back to WA). And I hate it! I nearly hyperventilated on the return flight because I got separated from my teacher.
21. I've never purchased a car with my own money. They've always been bought by someone else. Even Alice was bought with a scholarship I was awarded.
22. I'm obsessed with hats. I make myself a new one every few months.
23. I have a teddy bear my chiropractor gave me when I was 4 or 5. She's falling apart but I still have my Tammy!
24. I'm obsessed with Harry Potter. I collect replica props and have my own cloak. Now I just need my wand (*hint*hint* Indy)!
25. I'm terrified of motorcycles but still wanna ride one. Maybe. Some day.
26. I've always hated my handwriting.
27. After 30 years, I finally own my perfect pair of boots. Thanks sweetheart!
28. I've suffered from severe insomnia thanks to Monster's health issues. And now my body seems to think 4-6 hours of sleep is plenty. Though I disagree.
29. I hate cooking. I've screwed up mac & cheese before.
30. I love reading about history but it always puts me to sleep.
31. My favorite Star Wars movie is Return of the Jedi.
32. I blew up one of my cars in high school when a piston head broke off and shot a hole through the engine block.
33. I prefer Chris Pine's Captain Kirk over William Shatner's.
34. My favorite animals are frogs, monkeys, and cats.
35. My favorite superhero will always be She-Ra.
36. I love Jar Jar Binks! So much so one of my nicknames is Jar Jar.
37. I hate seafood. Except crab and clam chowder.
38. I've never had real crab. Just the fake stuff. And it's Jeannie's fault that I like it. lol
39. I've always gotten along better with guys. It may just be the tomboy in me.
40. I grew up on a farm. I do not remember what crops my dad grew.
41. I've only been stung by a bee once. And I was so terrified I would have a major allergic reaction (since both my parents are allergic.... Dad being deathly allergic) that I went to the ER and had them give me Benadryl. LOL
42. My first car was a 1988 Dodge Shadow. I begged Dad to buy it because it was a stick shift and I knew no one would be able to take it from me and claim it for themselves. I miss that car!
43. No one knew how to put my Shadow into reverse but me. LOL
44. I love classic cars! My dream car is a blue 1969 Chevy SS Chevelle convertable. I rode in one about 10 years ago and have coveted it ever since.
45. Clearly I like talking about myself when I'm tired.
46. I'm allergic to make up. That's why I never wear any.
47. I'm severely allergic to benzoyl peroxide.
48. I met my 2 very bestest friends in the whole unicorn online. I really miss talking to Lee! But at least I have Tracey!
ETA: I also met my other besties Ashley & Lori online when I was 14. They've been my sissies ever since! <3
49. Sometimes I want another kid. Then Tornado snaps me back to reality.
50. Potty training was harder than taking away the binkie. I never want to do either ever again!
51. I have an amazing group of medical needs friends. I may not need them for myself very often but knowing they are there when I do, makes it easier to deal with the rough patches.
52. I hate the smell of cucumber melon anything. Well actually I love it..... but every time I smell it I think of the ex-douchebag. He ruined it forever.
53. Ever since Jeannie & Dan were foster parents, I've wanted to be one. Maybe some day when Tornado is older!
54. I did my senior term paper on foster care. I had a hard lesson when Monster was in it because it was not even remotely like I thought it should be. I wish every foster family was like Jeannie & Dan!
55. It has taken a LOT of hard work on my part to allow someone to help me care for Monster. I am thankful every day for it though because it has allowed me to find myself again outside of all the medical stuff.
56. My absolute favorite movie ever is Titanic.
57. I was so obsessed with Titanic in 8th grade that I would read any book about it that I could get my hands on.
58. I will argue with people about Titanic facts.
59. My favorite book to date is The Chamber by John Grisham. I started it when I was pregnant with Monster but had to put it down while going through all the abuse stuff. It just hit a little too close to home. I did finally finish it several years later (obviously).
60. I have yet to dislike anything Mitch Albom has written. Fabulous author! You can't go wrong with any of his books!
61. I still suck at Mario Bros.
62. The first time I read Wicked by Gregory Maguire, I had to keep my laptop on my lap open to dictionary.com to find out what he was saying.
63. My vocabulary sucks!
64. English was my worst subject ever. Well besides Spanish.
65. I BSed my way though just about every paper in my senior English class.
66. I read for the pleasure of enjoying a break from reality. Do not ask me to assess the story and tell you the meaning behind it.
67. It took YEARS to get me interested in reading. What finally grabbed me was The Boxcar Children series.
68. I still own my TBC set. Have some holes I need to fill in though.
69. My life will not be complete until I've visited Southampton, England and Belfast, Ireland.
70. I've always wanted to take a cross country road trip on I-90 from Seattle to Boston.
71. I have a little notebook I keep my Bucket List written in. Mostly because I have a horrible memory. Thanks kids!
72. I have a major passion for photography. But I don't have the time to do it like I want to.
73. I briefly owned a photography company named Snap Blossoms Photography.
74. I wish I could draw and/or paint.
75. I hate putting puzzles together. I really suck at them (unless they are a 25 piece kiddie puzzle).
76. I used to know all 50 states and their capitals. I might be able to tell you what they are but it'd take a very long time to pull that knowledge from the recesses of my brain.
77. I love Smallville but hate Superman. (Thanks to the ex-douchebag!)
78. I've only ever kept 1 New Year's resolution. It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and made mine and Monster's lives so much happier!
79. It really is easier to stay up until 6 am than to get up at 6 am. I am so very NOT a morning person!
80. I always wanted a little brother.
81. I hate being the youngest.
82. I always wanted to be a gymnast and figure skater.
83. I most definitely can't ice skate.
84. I don't understand hockey but love going to watch the Wenatchee Wild kick ass.
85. I hate football. I could never understand it.
86. I really admire the racers who do NASCAR but I simply can't call it a sport.
87. I hate golf especially because my drive is so awesome, I always lose my ball on the first hole. LOL
88. I hate cleaning. If you see me doing it, I'm pissed so proceed with caution.
89. If I'm blaring Eminem and lying on the floor, I'm seriously depressed.
90. You can usually tell I'm zoning out if I'm twirling my hair. LOL
91. I've always wanted super long hair but it gives me headaches if I let it get past my shoulders.
92. I don't mind doing the laundry. I just hate putting it away.
93. CSI is probably my favorite tv show ever.
94. I can crack a bull whip. It is much harder than you think it is!
95. I'm scared of walking over bridges. Thanks to my mother and aunt!
96. I'm sometimes still scared of the dark. Usually only in unfamiliar places. Or if there's a large lightning storm happening.
97. I hate camping but love nature.
98. I always get sick when I go camping because of the smoke from the fire.
99. I once wanted to move to LA. But I don't think I could ever leave Wenatchee. Plus CA has too many natural disasters. I know WA has had earthquakes but I've never felt one.
100. I'm absolutely terrified of lightning. I get panic attacks just looking at gorgeous photos of lightning.
101. I cannot sit with my feet on the floor. Ever.
I say dabbled because I seem to only write in overly emotional times.... or when it's an assignment for school. Heh
I can go years between "sessions" of writing.
I've been reminiscing lately so I decided that I want to share a few of my favorites. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do!
DISCLAIMER: All these poems are my original work. Copyright is held by me so please don't use or publish these without my express permission. Email requests to missindyjones@gmail.com. Thank you!
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FIGHT
(written 1998; published 2001 in "Divining Beauty", pg 119)
At the end of the day,
I will stand and say,
"Standing for what's right,
I will fight all through the night!"
When they stand and say
that I am as senseless as the day,
I will say,
"Nay! For I am the day!"
"And the day will come
that I have won,
And you will be left here
to cry to yourself, my dear.
No one has the right
to stand and say, 'Don't fight!'
Fight for our land
come join and lend a hand.
And with the sun's new light,
we will stand and fight!"
======
ALWAYS & FOREVER
(written 1997/98; published 2001 in "Of Love and Dedication: Vol 2", pg 52)
He left years ago,
returning only a few times.
To visit his family,
he had left so long ago.
Seeing his smiling face,
they remembered him when he was a boy.
He'd changed so much!
Now he was a man like his father.
He returned to visit
and left once again,
to return again in years to come.
Once again he'd return,
to see his family.
He'd remember them, Always!
Always & Forever!
======
THE FORGOTTEN ONE
(written 2008)
I am the one who always comes last.
Every day, all the way through my past.
No one sees what has been done,
As I am The Forgotten One.
My world revolves every day without thought.
No care of my feelings is usually sought.
Loneliness is not to be the way of life,
But it deeply cuts my soul like a knife.
Tears drip down hard as I cry.
Now the page is no longer dry.
I try with all my strength and might,
To locate the words that are right.
I sit writing of emotional pain.
Yet it seems I have little to gain.
All I want is to be cared for,
But I only see the back of the door.
Battered, tattered, and bruised I feel.
But daily I learn how to deal.
Every day, day in and day out,
It takes all I have not to shout.
Why am I always the one who comes last?
Every single day, all the way through my past!
Can no one see what has been done?
No, of course not, as I am The Forgotten One.
Poor little Tornado has felt icky all day! Ran a fever over 101 most of the day. I think it may have finally broken... *fingers crossed* so I was able to get him to eat a few crackers and drink some water. Hopefully I'll be pulling my hair out again tomorrow! *wink*
A while back I decided to set up a blog where I could document some of Tornado's hilarious comments and conversations. But I never got around to actually posting anything.
Until now! *smirk*
Make sure to bookmark the link to watch our little comedian progress.... haha
Maybe it's the fact that we are pretty sure there are no more clones to be joining our alliance.
Or maybe I've finally realize that Tornado's name aptly fits him and his personality.
LOL
Five years ago, my name obsession was something very serious. Being a SAHM with a disabled child allowed my mind to wander. A lot. It annoyed Indy but he let me have my fun.
And he gave it back in return.
I have flashed back several times to a blog post I made on MySpace back in January 2008. (I know... MySpace? What's that!? Hahaha) Now that I've finally managed to regain access to my accounts (gotta love forgetting passwords!), I think it's time to share the hilarity of our naming process BEFORE we ever even considered getting knocked up!!
Enjoy! *smirk*
P.S. I'm not posting ALL of the comments from that particular blog. Just the ones that seem appropriate and hilarious. *wink*
============
Seeking serious opinions!
Current mood:curious
Lorn's family has a tradition of using the initials LM. Of course, Lorn being the smart ass that he is suggested Lucius Malfoy
as a name. Luckily, his dad shot down Malfoy so I think I can get him
away from it. But Larry (Lorn's dad) really liked Lucius and suggested
the nickname of Luke. Sadly.... I'm starting to like Lucius a bit
(simply because I can call him Luke... which I love... and he'll
definitely know he's in trouble if he hears Lucius ).
But I'm having a difficult time with finding a middle name. I want it
to honor family (since that's MY tradition) but I also want a good,
solid middle name.
Any suggestions?
What do you think of the few combos I've come up with?
Lucius Michael (but I really don't want to use Michael ) Lucius MonroeOthers that aren't family that I like:Lucius Monet (I've loved Monet for a while and why not get kids interested in literature AND art? *hint*hint* Lorn )
replies (in order):
Lorn
Greetings, friends as neighbors!
I usually avoid posting in other peoples blogs, as I feel it's somewhat like scribbling in the margins of somebody elses diary.
However, this post in particular requested serious opinions, as being as
I have a number of serious opinions myself, I feel uniquely qualified
to post.
It is true that I am the third generation in my family to bear the initials "LMC".
1. My grandfather - Laverne Morris C***** (who goes by "Vern").
2. My father - Larry Melvin C*****.
3. Myself - Lorn Michael C*****
Looking at these distinguished monikers, I think we can all agree that
the first two guys got screwed in at least ONE of their names.
As a child, I'll admit that I wasn't initially fond of "Lorn" - (rhymes
with too many things), but over time I kind of liked being unique.
Going down this path, how could one not be fond of the noble Lucius?
LUCIUS
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Ancient Roman, English
Pronounced: LOO-shus (English), LOO-see-us (English) [key]
Roman praenomen, or given name, which was derived from Latin lux
"light". Two Etruscan kings of early Rome had this name as well as
several prominent later Romans, including Lucius Annaeus Seneca (known
simply as Seneca), a famous statesman, philosopher, orator and
tragedian. Also, three popes have borne this name.
See that? Derived from light! Borne by a statesman, philosopher, orator AND tragedian!
Also, THREE Popes! THREE of 'em! That's a lotta popes, no matter how you look at it.
Surely this is a name of kings!
This name could also serve as a form of protection for any young lad as
well. I challenge you to picture the following scenario:
1 - EXT PLAYGROUND - DAY - KINDERGARTEN RECESS
Bully: Hey! LUUUU-ciuss! You haven't paid your milk tax this week!
Lucius Malfoy C*****: *muttering something under his breath about mudbloods*
Bully: What'd you say you little freak?!
Lucius Malfoy C*****: "I said that cretins like you should excercise
more caution when choosing whom to pick on. Pursuing this course of
action would be MOST unwise."
Bully: *a stunned expression on his face* You - huh?
Lucius Malfoy C*****: *tossing his fine white hair over his shoulder*
"Quit drooling, you ignoramus. You're coating my cloak in spittle!"
Bully: "That does it! I'm going to smash your face in!"
Lucius Malfoy C*****: *drawing his wand from his ebony cane* "Cruci-"....
Bully: *running* TEACHER! MOMMY! HELP!!!!
Lucius Malfoy C*****: *sigh* "A pity."
FADE OUT
I rest my case.
Although I will admit - Monroe aint' bad.
Lorn
-----
Sherri
Ok so I wasn't anticipating that much of a response but ok.
First off... I highly doubt unless he's wearing a wig that his hair will
be blond like that. We are both dark brunettes so highly unlikely. If
anything he'll have Snape's black hair as that runs in my family. :P
Second.... yeah I could totally see our kid with your vocabulary. LOL
Third.... in this day and age, no child would be allowed to carry a cane with him so that's out.
Fourth... you laughed
-----
Lorn
A debate! Hurrah!
First - that depends on whether he has any genetic mutations. Being as
both of of us would be considered non-wizards, it's likely that with his
magical abilities would come other genetic mutations, such as fair
hair.
Second - Anybody with the name Lucius could DWARF me in the vocabulary department.
Third - Obviously you're not familiar with the Imperius Curse! Let
anyone DARE to try and steal LMCs cane! It'd be like somebody touching
my hat
----- Sherri
OMG!!!!!! You're a freaking dork!!!!!!! ROFLMAO
First..... ok... fair enough. LOL
Second..... I'm not so sure about that unless he's born reciting Shakesphere and passages from the dictionary.
Third.... oh dear lord I can't believe you went there. *rolls eyes*
Fourth.... no child of mine will be a Slytherin!
Fifth.... GET BACK TO WORK! :P
ROFLMAO
-----
Lorn
(Besides,
I seriously doubt if I'd get away with Darth Vader C*****, or Jabba
TheHutt C*****, so Lucius Malfoy C***** really isn't that bad)
Although "Indiana" also has a very nice ring.
Fifth - Yes Dear.
Lorn
-----
Sherri
I
can't believe I'm saying this but I might allow Indiana as a middle
name. Although it sounds weird with your last name no matter if it's a
first or middle name. But MAYBE. (I'd probably let you use it way
before Lucius if that makes a difference.)
-----
Sherri
Oh yes and you're right. No Darth Vader or Jabb the Hutt or anything like that.
Luke and Leia, yes absolutely! Han... maybe. Anything else... not likely.
-----
Tracey
You are both nuts!!!! I love ya though...LOL
BUT.....NOT LUCIUS!!!!! I'm the eldest and I will kick Sherri's ass if she uses it. ;) Love ya honey...*grin*
-----
Sherri MY ASS??? Why mine?? He's the one that actually wants it! (I said I'm willing to compromise.)
Thanks Lorn! You got me in trouble with Tracey! :P
-----
Lorn
I did no such thing. YOU'RE the one who posted the blog!
Lorn
-----
Sherri I still blame you. :P
============
Yes we are nerds. And we are proud.
So Tracey.... you never did kick my ass. Do you still hold true to your opinion on his name?? *SNORT*
Yes. It's another Mindful Body review. But let me tell you.... it's totally worth it!
In less than 6 months of opening shop, Nicole has continued to expand her amazing shop to include some of the most incredibly yummy, all natural products your body will crave! (Yes I said crave!)
You can read my first - simple - review of her soaps and lip balms >> here <<. I hope to find time to go more in depth than that in the near future. I will also do separate posts for all the new products she's come out with including: lotions, shampoo bars, massage oils, and bath treats.
But today's review is all about her astonishing Soothing Salve.
When I first read the blurb about it on her site... I'll admit.... I was a bit skeptical.
From Mindful Body's website (used with permission):
"This handmade salve is created using not only the wholesome and nourishing ingredients of cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil but it has an added blend of essential oils of:
eucalyptus: aids in concentration and focus, while soothing aches and pains
peppermint: stimulating and refreshing
ginger and lavandin: known for reported pain relieving properties Suspended in mineral oil, these essential oils create a minty, medicinal fragrance but also help ease aches and pains and relieve tension and sore muscles. A nutrient-rich and natural solution for overworked bodies! Great for deep tissue massage."
I was really rough on my body in my teens. Now that I've been working hard to get back into shape, all those aches and injuries are coming back with a vengeance. I read the blurb and thought, "How could that really do what it claims?" But I bought some anyways because Nicole has never steered me wrong.
And boy am I glad I did!!!
I joined a gym last month and go about 3 times a week. This month I decided to start the Couch to 5K program again in preparation for the Susan G Komen 3 day walk I will be doing in September.
The first time I got on the elliptical to "run" .... my knees revolted! So much so that I was almost crying from the pain. I grabbed my tin of Soothing Salve out of my bag and slathered it on. I was baffled but impressed that within MINUTES my knees stopped screaming in sore agony and I managed to finish the 30 minutes of training without issue.
Now I slather it on before I start working out. My muscles stay relaxed throughout my entire workout (which usually includes 1 hour of cardio and 30-45 minutes of weight training). I'm not sure if it's just my imagination or if it's part of the amazing properties of the salve.... but when I come home after a workout and hop in the shower.... I swear when the hot water hits those spots, the muscles relax even more!
The only thing I have yet to like about it is the greasy feel the salve leaves on my hands after I apply it.... but it sure has helped heal up my dry, cracked palms. So I guess that negates the only "negative" I could come up with. Haha
Seriously folks! If you haven't checked this shop out, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! Get your tush over to her Facebook page to keep up to date on when release days happen (she's so popular she has a really hard time keeping stuff in stock!) and browse her website to find some yummy treats your body will thank you for!
Another helpful blog for those who may not know.... and as always, you can click on a photo to enlarge it if it isn't big enough for you to see.
I found the first time I plugged my iPhone into my computer and opened iTunes that it automatically started syncing apps I had downloaded on my iPod. I went a little nuts when I first got my iPod (first Apple product I owned) and downloaded hundreds.... no I'm not exaggerating... of apps. Many of which I did *not* want on my iPhone.
In playing around in iTunes, I noticed there is a way to set exactly which apps you want synced to other Apple products without having ALL of them sync.
Here's how you do it:
1) Open iTunes (or plug in your device if you have it set to open iTunes automatically when you connect your device).
Don't even judge me on my music collection! =P
2) On the left side bar, locate which Apple product you want to sync under the Device heading.
Yes I am a nerd and named my iPod Titanic, my iPhone Brittanic, and my iPad mini Olympic. NERD PROUD!
3) Click on the App link on the top toolbar under Apple logo.
4) In the upper left box, you'll see a list of ALL the apps linked to your account. Simply go through and uncheck the ones you DON'T want to sync to that particular device.
5) Uncheck the "Automatically sync new apps" under the bottom of the list. This will keep new apps that have been added to your account from syncing to this device. If you do want it to sync, you will need to make sure it is checked in the list above.
6) Repeat with each Apple device you own.
You can do the same for photos, videos, music, etc. Just click along the top toolbar for each section and make your selections. It's that easy!
Hope this helped you keep your devices neat and tidy!
I realize I'm a day behind with this post.... but I was too busy trying to get last minute birthday stuff and start on some Christmas shopping yesterday morning. Which of course ate up all my cleaning time.
I've had a "new" desk waiting for me out in the garage for a while now. I just never got around to actually cleaning out my old one and moving them around. So that was my task today!
Before:
After:
The nerd in me is really excited too because I finally did my first Pinterest idea!
My old desk will be moved into Monster's closet to help organize it a bit. But that's another Tackle It Tuesday for the future!
As Tornado's birthday is just days away, I've been reflecting a lot on the past 3 years.
His start in life wasn't easy but he's overcome so many obstacles to get where he is today! I'm sad and excited at the fact that his last day of therapy is on his birthday. Now we will have time for the normal activities that I've always taken for granted.... I just don't know what those activities are? Haha
Even though he still looks small, he's grown a lot... as apparent to us now when he walks under certain pieces of furniture.
His vocabulary is astounding and his speech therapist couldn't be more thrilled! Every day he pops off with a word we didn't know he knew! Like this particular day while we were out shopping:
From a grumpy old man to a goofy monkey... I'm so excited (and completely terrified) to see where we go from here!
I'd say it's been a while! Well over a year.... but what can I say? I've been BUSY!
In October 2011, I finally found a job. After nearly a year of searching, I was hired on to work in a boarding home with elderly people. I was honestly hesitant at first.... I mean... I do caregiving every day at home. Would I like doing it outside the house too? I can say wholeheartedly, I LOVE MY JOB! The hardest part is saying goodbye but helping those who need it, it's worth it! This past year has been amazing!
As for the tykes.... well.... they keep me busy!
In March we finally got an individual provider (IP) approved through the state to come in and care for Monster. We'd been using an in-home company but we're having difficulties with the staff. Since Erin came on, it has been wonderful and a lot less stressful! She's amazing with both boys and they love her to pieces!
Monster has been pretty stable this year.... or so I thought. Back in June we did an overnight EEG at Children's to decide where we would go in treating his epilepsy. We were scheduled to be there for 48 hours but after 13 hours and 8 seizures, the doctor said he felt they had enough data and we could go home. Little did we know, he had way more than he needed! In that 13 hour time frame, Monster not only had the 8 seizures we saw and documented.... he had a TOTAL of 43 seizures. FORTY-THREE! And other than the 8 we saw, NONE of the others had any physical indications that he was having a seizures. I knew he had a lot... but I about fell out of the chair with the doctor gave me that number.
We have since switched him off one medication and onto another. Unfortunately, we haven't seen any results. The doctors have said before with each new medication we try, our chances of controlling the seizures decrease. We will keep pushing on though and do whatever we can to get them under as much control as possible.
Tornado.... wow. He's definitely a tornado! Hard to believe he's going to be 3 in just 3 days! Where has those last 3 years gone? One minute he's a small baby whimpering at us, now he's a little boy telling us what he wants. Such new territory for me! Haha But he can be a lot of fun even though he's just as much of a headache.... like most toddlers I'm sure.
Indy has had an eventful year as well. The beginning of the year saw the sale of his company to another local company. He's gone from owner to employee. It's been a change for him but I think he's enjoying it.
I'll leave you with a few newish photos of the clan! Enjoy!
curious
).
But I'm having a difficult time with finding a middle name. I want it
to honor family (since that's MY tradition) but I also want a good,
solid middle name.
)
I can't believe I'm saying this but I might allow Indiana as a middle name. Although it sounds weird with your last name no matter if it's a first or middle name. But MAYBE. (I'd probably let you use it way before Lucius if that makes a difference.)