Thursday, February 28, 2013

Rafa

Anyone that reads my Facebook feed or that knows me very well, knows that I love tennis player Rafael Nadal. I've lost many a night's sleep watching him play in some far away location. He's been injured for the last 7 months and not playing. I've missed him terribly.

In watching his return, he's definitely not the Rafa of old. He's older (only 26, but that is fairly ancient for professional tennis players) and his body has been put through quite the tortuous schedule for too many years. His step is not as quick and his once thunderous swing is missing some lightning.

When he lost last year at Wimbledon and started his hiatus, I had this terrible feeling he would never return. He is back on the court, and I'm grateful. But it is difficult to watch him struggle in matches that he would easily have closed out before. It begs the question, would it have been better for him to have never returned than to come back and be less than the king he once was.

I will forever be a fan of Rafa, win or lose. It is not just his play, but his humble nature. He might be a Spanish bull on the court, but off the court he frequently shows his soft underbelly. And the sheer will and determination that he shows on the court is an example to all that hard work pays off.

I know players can't be on top forever. I will definitely miss him when he's gone. Until then I will continue to lose sleep watching my favorite tennis player of all time and savor every win along the way.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Productivity

There was a time where I could work anyone under the table. I had a manger once that told me I got more accomplished in one day than 4 people. Those days are definitely behind me.

I still am a hard worker, don't get me wrong. But my productivity comes in spurts. After a really fruitful spell, I think to myself "Imagine what you could have accomplished had you worked like this all day?!" I usually think back to the extra sleep I got or the much needed rest I enjoyed and quickly dismiss that thought.

I still move at a different pace than Tony. He and I don't work well together for various reasons, but his SLOW approach to EVERYTHING makes me want to scream. He works 15 minutes and then takes a break for 30. Makes me NUTS! He usually likes it when I keep working straight through and finish whatever we're doing while he's on break. Of course he takes credit for completing the task. I think he does it just to see my head spin around. UGH!!

Today was a reasonably productive day. There are still things I would have liked to have accomplished. But they'll be there tomorrow, never fear. No one will do them in my absence, that's for sure.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Careers

As a kid, I went through multiple phases of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I ran the gamut for sure - a semi truck driver, a scientist, an astronaut, a doctor, a track Olympian, etc. None of those ever stuck as I bored easily when it came to the day to day monotony of preparing for that field.

When it came time for college and having to pick a major, I went with my heart. I have always loved history and writing. I wanted to study history and become an archaeologist. I wanted to write history books and encyclopedias. Strange I know, but I remember the footage from Tutankhamun's burial site like it was yesterday. I've always been intrigued about the way people live and the customs they follow. And being a tomboy and loving the outdoors, digging in the mud to find stuff (maybe even treasures) sounded like a great idea.

But then reality hit. Tony informed me that I would never make any money with that career and it would be a waste of an education. As young as we were and already having started a family, we were very focused on succeeding. I took his input and the challenge. I got a management information systems degree and pursued the business world.

My first job was with Bank of America (then NCNB) in their Technology department in Charlotte. I was hired into their management development program. Within the first 6 months of being there, the program changed.  It was the best thing that could have ever happened for me. They wanted to give each candidate exposure to the various back office functions of the bank to guide them in becoming general managers.

It was perfect for me. I'd stay in a role for anywhere between 9 to 18 months. Having an expiration date for each job made them more tolerable. I did my best to learn, but mostly got to figure out what I didn't want to do as a career from each. The program also provided development classes, and I learned valuable lessons in an attempt to smooth some of my rough edges.

When the training was complete, I could go anywhere I wanted in the bank. I went back to one of the groups I started in and created a new role that would focus on the skills I had honed. It was a relationship management role. It was a role where I could help people. Always the mother hen, it was the perfect fit.

From there I had Cassidi and went to a part time status. I got an opportunity to change positions when it came time for me to go back to work. I learned some more things I didn't want to be when I grew up. It got so bad, that I left the bank and became a contractor. That taught me a lot of very valuable lessons, too.

But due to the long term instability of that type of work, I went back to the bank in yet another technology group. In the 17 years I worked for the bank, I had at least 5 major role changes and at least 50 different managers, thanks to reorganizations along the way. It was not a place that I got bored, and if I did,  I just had to wait a bit for things to change.

When Jennifer went off to college, I decided I needed a REAL change. Raising her in the city provided more challenges than I was up to for Cassidi. So, I went back to school for massage and yoga. A lot of people thought I was crazy for walking away from such a great paying job with vacation and benefits. But I realized it was making me be a person that I didn't like.

We moved when Cassidi started 6th grade. I still worked from home with the bank and started my massage and yoga on the side. I then transitioned to part time at the bank as things picked up on the other front. Finally, I felt it was time to take the leap. I went on a 6 month leave of absence to see if I could really make it. It worked, and I hung up my corporate world shoes.

I have since opened my own day spa with a business partner. It has been extremely successful financially and just as rewarding spiritually. My mother hen gets fulfilled everyday. In the pursuit of that new career, I felt God led me to it and through it. There were so many times where I was trying to cram the square peg into the round hole and then HE would get my attention. I finally learned to let go, and let God. It was a tough lesson, but thank goodness HE is truly patient.

In the last few years, I have wanted to write. I've searched and searched my soul to find the answer of getting me started. It's an unknown world that I can't attend a class to master a skill or the dynamics of the profession. I'm sure there is a "how to" book somewhere that I could buy to get me going. I just need the impetus to get the ball rolling.

I think I have finally found just that. In documenting Eleanor's cancer journey, I received numerous words of encouragement about my writing style and skills. Many people said "You need to write a book". I've been trying to figure out just what it is I'm supposed to write. I want it to be something that is helpful to others and not just about making money. The other day God finally made it clear to me what I'm supposed to do.

Being the history and human condition lover that I am, it only makes sense for me to write about people. When my Grandmother died, my Mom wanted me to write her story based on the accounts of her family. I didn't get around to it by the time Mom died 11 months later. And then of course when she died, I wanted her story told. Again, I have not gotten that done. Finally now that Tony's Mom has died, I want her story shared. These thoughts have been mulling around in my head, but I never put two and two together until recently.

I need to be the one to write these stories. Not just for these people, but for anyone that has lost someone that they want their story captured for future generations. It is sort of like ancestory.com with the pieces woven together into a patchwork quilt representing each loved ones life.  What better way to honor those that have gone before us than to document their life so their great grandchildren know where they get their stubborn streak or deep blue eyes.

I was so excited when God opened my eyes to his plan. There are a few kinks I have to work out in regard to just how to make this happen, but I know it's what I need to be doing. The same day I realized this, I was also working with a pregnant client. It struck me that I could also document the birth stories for Mother's to share with their children.

A biographer - that is essentially what I'd be considered. But not just of famous people that have reams and reams of information to share. But of the everyday person that lives their life putting one foot in front of the other. It's not really a unique idea, but hopefully one I can make affordable to help carry on the legacies of those that have gone before us.

Careers used to be for a lifetime. I'm so grateful to have been afforded the luxury to experiment and explore so many. I hope this one is as exciting and educational as the others have been. I know that God has led me through this journey all along. I doubt this will be my final destination, but only another patch to add  to my own quilt of life.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Reverence


On February 16th, we lost Tony's Mom to cancer. She was diagnosed nearly four years ago with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. She underwent a year of treatments and they got her into remission. She never regained her full strength, but that was all relative. The energizer bunny at half speed still outdoes the rest of us, and she gave that bunny a run for his money.

In early December she started losing strength. She then started having muscles cramping. She decided to have blood work drawn and got 9 flags. She didn't alert the doctors at UVA just yet. She had a mission in mind.

The last few Christmases we have spent at Andy's house that is just up the road from Jay and Eleanor. This year she wanted to host it back at their place. She fussed and refused to change her mind. We tried to get her to let us just bring all the food in. She let us do everything but the turkey. She handled that. Oh, and don't forget all the cleaning and preparations of having all of us there. The house was decorated and she put her tree up with ornaments again.

While we were there, Eleanor disappeared after we opened our gifts. I got to looking for her and it turned out she was soaking in warm water, because her legs were cramping so badly. She eventually got out and it was time for us to leave. She was mostly bent over the counter in pain. It was a sad sight, and we were all frustrated with her for pushing herself to such an extreme.

Afterward, we talked and she was talking about next Christmas. I told her we had 360+ days to mull that over, and we could cross that bridge when we got to it. She agreed, and we changed the subject. I thought it was odd that she so willingly moved on, but I never let on. Eleanor was tenacious when it came to getting what she wanted, so I took it as a victory I could sidetrack her.

Another surprise that came while we were there was when she wanted to participate in the picture taking that we did. Anyone that knows Eleanor knows that when a camera comes out she hides. But at Christmas, she not only let us take her picture, she told us which ones she wanted together. Again, we were all enjoying her new found agreeability and didn't question it for fear of her changing her mind.

All the while, I was kind of patting myself on the back. This past summer, we celebrated Jay's 70th birthday at our house. I decided the best way to get her to participate in our picture taking was by excluding her. I invited over each family and got their picture on the swing. I invited Jay over to join in. Finally, when I needed her in the pictures, I sent Jennifer over to tell her Grandma she'd really like to have some pictures with her. It worked! So, I thought maybe that was fresh in her mind, and she was bound not to be excluded this time. And not only that, she was going to call the shots this time - just to show me who was boss.

But now that we look back on the events of the last two months, we know the real reason for her change in perspective. We think she knew she was sick again in early December. She wanted to have one last Christmas at Grandma's for her grandchildren. And she wanted it documented. She didn't want anyone to forget it.

On January 3rd she went back to the doctor in Richlands. On the 4th the doctors at UVA confirmed that the cancer was back. She started treatments on January 7th. They seemed to be going along well. She was released to pathway within the first 5 days which seemed like a good omen. Her energy was waning, but that was to be expected.

But through it all, she never really felt like she was going to ever make it home this time. Some say your perspective dictates the outcome when it comes to terminal illnesses. But there is also something about knowing your body and gut instincts. I think she felt like she had dodged the bullet the first time. She didn't feel as lucky this go round.

Right when she finished the treatments and was in the wait to see how it works phase, she contracted an infection that put her in ICU. From there, it was all downhill. We tried to remain positive. We held on to every hope that she would recover. But it just wasn't meant to be.

A spinal tap showed that the treatments did not work. The chemo had damaged nerves in her throat. She couldn't swallow or talk above a whisper. She had to have a feeding tube to take in nutrition. Once they told her the news, she had that removed and the antibiotics they were giving her for the infection discontinued. From there it was only a matter of time.

But in the time she had remaining, she made the most of it. Always one to plan and organize, she gave us instructions for her service. She told us who, what, where, when, and how. We didn't have to guess at a thing. It made preparations so simple, and we didn't have to wonder if she'd like it. Simple, but not easy. No matter how matter of fact she was, the hurt in our hearts was ever present.

The family all gathered, and we said our goodbyes. She got to see every son, grandchild, brother, sister, and daughter-in-law. She even got bonus sister-in-law, niece, and nephew visits. Through it all, she stayed strong. She kept us laughing to ease our pain right to the very end.

We know she is resting and at peace. We know she is in a place where there is no cancer. That she has joined the many loved ones that have gone before her. We know one day we will join her. Until then we will have reverence of her memory and carry the torch of love of family that she passed on to us. We miss you Eleanor McCann, but know you are now our guardian angel watching over us. Thank you for loving us.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Island

There are times when I truly believe I could be a hermit. I spent the day mostly alone, like so many of my days. Once Cass heads to college, I know I'll be spending even more that way. I really like them, but I need to learn to make the days more productive, though.

It's amazing how quickly time seems to pass when I'm home alone. I do string the day together moving from one thing to the next. If I didn't have the Internet I could probably get a whole lot more accomplished. I find that I don't even turn on the tv these days.

I used to dream of vacations on a deserted island with the warm sun on my face. I still do sometimes. But the island of my little cabin in the woods is pretty daggone hard to beat. Today at one point I had the urge to open all the windows and feel a warm breeze blow through. Too bad the air is still chilly.

I'm ready for the warm weather this year. Today I was contemplating why that is when I love the snow so much. I think it has a lot to do with the wood heat we burn. There is a layer of dust covering everything. And then there is the trail of dirt through the house from dragging in wood. It's incredibly warm and romantic, but it's just so messy.

The thought of spring cleaning ran through my head today. That's a rarity these days. I've given up on a clean house. In Charlotte you could eat off my floors. Here, the 5 second rule might give you a disease. It's grown on me, but I have my days.

One day soon I'll have just myself to clean after for the most part. And to cook for. And to keep company. My own little island. I wonder just how much I'll enjoy it then.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Disheartened

Tonight we played for the district title. Our girls held on close through three quarters, but the final quarter they got us. The title is more about pride than anything. If we play our cards right, we'll play the same team again for the tournament title. Nonetheless, it's just a game. Disheartening as a loss seems, it's all relative.

My mother-in-law is fighting for her life. She has leukemia that just recently came out of remission. She finished her treatments in preparation for a bone marrow transplant. Right at the end of her treatments, she contracted an infection. She has been in the hospital for over two weeks now. It's a frustrating time as they can't pinpoint the problem, and she's making no progress in getting better.

There are sick people all over the world. Some that will get better, and some that won't. It is all part of the circle of life. It doesn't always make sense why one person falls ill and another one doesn't. It doesn't make sense why one recovers and another one doesn't. The journey we all take as individuals is far more reaching than our own life. However, at the moment, we are being selfish and are caught up in Eleanor's journey.

I ask that you take a moment and send up a prayer for her and her loved ones. She is my husband's mother and my girl's grandmother. Our hearts are hurting watching her endure this journey. We all need to feel the love and warmth of God's arms holding us close.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/eleanormccann/journal

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Joy

It's amazing how the smallest of things can make your heart smile. I try to find as many of them as possible these days. This weekend I found quite a few. They show up in the oddest places.

I've always loved watching tennis. When I was in high school, I would set the clock on a Saturday morning during the summer to watch breakfast with Wimbledon. I loved Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe. They always provided a lot of entertainment as well usually won.

I didn't play tennis in high school because I ran track every spring. But when I went to college I took tennis as one of my Phys  Ed requirements. My partner and I were the champs of the class. It was so much fun. I don't think I've wielded a tennis raquet since, however.

Cassidi decided to fulfill one of my vicarious living desires and play tennis this year. I couldn't believe it when she said she would. I can't decide if she's doing it to make me happy or to avoid getting that job I told her was waiting after basketball. Whatever the case, I'm ecstatic.

Yesterday we shopped until we dropped to buy all the necessary "equipment". After buying 3 racquets, 18 balls, sweat bands, racquet stabilizers, training ball pad, 3 practice outfits, shoes, and a bag, I think maybe my dream should have stayed just that. But it was kind of fun,too.

Today we decided to take all the equipment for a spin. I was bouncing in the seat of the car on the way to the courts. Cass kept looking out of the corner of her eye at me with her usual grumpy disdain. She didn't say it, but I know she was thinking it. "Mom, if you don't calm down, I'm NOT going to play." I could feel it and was trying to restrain myself.

When we got there, I knew I had better stretch. I took the opportunity to encourage her to as well. She surprisingly joined me. I hope she'll remember to do it each time as tennis looks easy, but it is really hard on your body. From there, we went on one side of the net just to get a feel for her ball striking abilities.

Once she got bored with that, we progressed to our own sides of the net. She tried some serving, return of service, and some volleying. It all went well. We didn't even get into any fights, which is entirely amazing. I didn't want to leave, but she had homework. I relented, and we loaded up.

On the way home, the adrenalin started wearing off. I started feeling some of the effects. I'm definitely not as young as I once was. Who knows if we'll get back on a court together before her school practice starts and she finds more capable partners. But I had a blast and if nothing else, got this one day of being 16 again. Oh the joys :)

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Retail Therapy

I figured I'd go for two in a row since I created a new rule yesterday. Actually, today has been nothing but shopping and not much else came to mind in the short time I have to write this. It's been a LONG day for a self professed shop-o-hater!

Since Cassisi decided to play tennis this year, we needed to get all the gear she needs. A trip to Winston was in order since we don't have a whole lot of options around here. We rarely go shopping and even more rarely go to a city to do it. With all the events coming up, I thought we should knock out a couple of the other shopping needs,too. Whenever I get in a shopping mood, it's best to get in as much as possible. We may have overdone it a bit today.

Our receptionist told me about a store that sells slightly used sporting equipment. We decided to give it a try. We found two racquets that are brand new and a third that looks like new. I got all of them for about half what I'd pay for a new one. I felt like I hit the jackpot. We did have to get one stringed, however. Not being familiar with Winston, we let the GPS dictate the driving. We did a lot of circular driving today.

After we dropped of the racquet to be strung, we went to Sports Authority for the remainder of the gear and clothes. That was an ugly bill. But she assures me that she will wear these clothes until the cows come home and that she is going to play tennis forever. Right!

We had a bit more time until we had to be back for the racquet. We hit the mall. Since we didn't have long, we thought we'd look for her graduation dress first. She walked in to the first store and found the perfect dress. It was uncharacteristically easy. I wouldn't let her get it right away, so we looked through the rest of the store. I liked a couple of others, but she insisted on the first one. I should know better than to try and convince her of my choices.

We headed back to the store that did her racquet. We were in and out in a flash, and it was surprisingly cheaper than they had quoted us on the phone. So it was back to the mall for more retail therapy (and emptying of my bank account).

Cassidi found her prom dress online this year with little to no effort (I've taught her well). We had a little bobble with the size, but it was easily returned and the correct size reordered. All we needed was shoes and jewelry. We struck out on the jewelry, but found the exact shoes we were looking for. Looks like the Internet is going to have to save the day on the jewelry, though. After the day I had today, I can't wait to do my favorite kind of shopping - online from the comfort of my couch.

Since we were having such good luck, I went all out and decided to get my dress for graduation, too. I even found shoes. I will have to keep reminding myself how lucky I am that I did this early as the date nears. That way I won't be scrambling around trying to find the perfect outfit in addition to stressing out that my baby is leaving the nest.

All in all, it was a very productive day. My pocketbook is a LOT lighter, but it was great spending time with Cassidi. I definitely can't do that when she's holed up in her basement room while I shop online upstairs. I guess that is where the therapy part of the phrase comes in.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Parenthood

Kids don't come with a handy dandy book of instructions. You can find books to advise you on how to take care of and guide them, but they don't take into consideration your individual child and the unique situations they will find themselves in. And never mind trying to use on one what you used with another. The school of hard knocks of parenthood doesn't have a graduation date.

The only solace I am ever going to find is when they have children of their own. I've wished 10 boys upon Jennifer and 5 girls just like her upon Cassidi. I look so forward to the day when they are pulling their hair out in trying to raise their children. I will turn a deaf ear, you can believe that. And that will most likely be literally, since I firmly believe they are both going to spite me and NEVER give me grandchildren.

Just when I think I'm making progress, there is another stumble. It's not the stumbling that I mind so much. It's the repeated stumbles over the same dead log in the road. Use a damn chainsaw to cut through it or pick a different path! It's pretty simple, but for some reason impossible to achieve.

I know my parents had to have had these same thoughts. Gosh knows with the auspicious start I had, they thought much worse. I was far from perfect (and still am for that matter). Relatively speaking, I know the girls are much better off than their peers. But dang it's frustrating using the sorry standards of society today as the measuring tool.

I know I'm in the same boat as many parents. It's good to know I'm not alone at times. Sometimes I feel like I've done a lousy job as a parent, and others not as much. I am very proud of so many things the girls have accomplished. But there are a few hard headed traits that they have that I'd like to beat out of them. I have no idea where they get their stubborn streak :)

Even though they frustrate me to a boiling point over and over, I still love them and am grateful they are in my life. My Mom always told me you are never done raising your children, no matter how old they are. I'm starting to understand what she meant. I know she's smiling down on my parenting woes getting the last laugh from her own challenging children wishes upon me. I guess I'm getting exactly what I deserve.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Social Networks

Okay, I know that's two words, but really it's a single concept. If they aren't put together, they mean something entirely different. So I'm just expanding upon my word rule a bit. It's my challenge, so I guess I can take liberties with it when it makes sense to. :)

As a kid, I would never have fathomed the capability of computers today. I remember when my boyfriend got a Commodore 64. I made fun of him for being a weirdo. The term geek didn't even exist back then! When I asked him what he was going to do with it,  it was mostly to play games. 

Now we have hand held devices that do magic. Part of that magic is keeping in touch with our friends and family. We have email, texting, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, and Pinterest to name a few. The apps for a phone change daily and unless you're a teenager, or have one to tell you what the latest is, you're lost.

As a parent of a minor, I have become quiet the cyber stalker. She hates it with a fiery passion. But I do this for a few reasons. One, it's about the only way I know what goes on in her life. Two, I want her to realize that if I can see it, the rest of the world can, too. And three, if she does something that causes harm to someone else, I'm the one responsible.

Parenting is so much more than making sure they brush their teeth and do their homework these days. Just read your news stories. "The majority of teens suffer from anxiety if they're away from their phone for more than 15 minutes", "If you unfriend someone on Facebook you will most likely lose them as a real friend, too", and "You know how cool you are by the number of likes you get". It's crazy!

And then there are the uses of these tools. Cyber bullying is out of control. Back in the day, the worst bullying was when you took someone's lunch money or wouldn't let someone sit at your lunch table. There are kids killing themselves these days because they are being tricked into doing and saying things online for the purposes of using it against them with their peers. It's completely out of control.

I do look forward to the time when I can stop being a helicopter Mom and use these tools for my own enjoyment. Cassidi will be 18 in two weeks. She'll legally be responsible for her own actions. Unfortunately I don't think her brain will magically develop fast enough in these two weeks for me to hang up my cyber stalker mom title just yet.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Stamina

I've always been somewhat of a work horse. I have always drunk from the fire hose vs the water fountain. In high school I played sports in addition to my studies. I always insisted on making As and wound up salutatorian missing an A by one point in the final semester in my favorite subject, history, that would have made me valedictorian. That memory always gets me.

In college I found the same fire hose. I was married, had a baby, took a full course load, worked 20 hours a week, and managed to graduate in 3 years. Again my grades were highly important to me, and I graduated magna cum laude. Juggling was something that just came naturally.

When I started my job with the bank, I was one of the very few that had a child. Networking and working long hours were always very important to success, and I sometimes didn't get to do that because of child care issues. But through the years we found close friends to watch the girls. I put in many 60 and 70 hour weeks.

Moving to the mountains and co-owning my own business has been somewhat of a slower pace, but still fairly challenging. I don't work the long hours that I once did behind a desk. Doing massage is far more physical demanding though. I have some days that I wonder if I'll be able to move the next day.

The older I get, the less I'm able to keep up. The stamina that I once had is slowly dwindling. When you use your body as a tool, it eventually retaliates. This cold weather has reminded me I'm not 16 anymore. But that doesn't keep me from telling people I am. Maybe if I say it enough times, my body will listen.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Nostalgic

Tonight was the last basketball game of the regular season and it was at home. That made it senior night. It all happened pretty fast and it was over before I had a chance for it to really register. That's a good thing, because I would have been crying like a baby if it had.

I did cry at the start of the game. The coach decided to start an all senior team. We have six senior, so that meant someone had to sit out. The most gracious player of them all let the others play. That's what team work is all about!! Cass got to be a lucky recipient of that decision. She started in four other games throughout the season, though. But one of our seniors has gotten very little time her entire varsity career. Seeing her get to start in her only varsity game did wonders for my heart!

I think another one of the reasons I didn't get too emotional is I know we still have district and regional games left. That all starts next week. The girls have really come on strong here at the end in the district. We need a miracle to happen in a game two other teams in the district are playing this Friday to win it outright. But hey, lesser miracles have occurred. If the outcome doesn't go in our favor, we'll have to have a play off game. That just  means yet another game. So I haven't cashed in all my basketball chips just yet.

But I know it is coming. The day when I sit and ponder all the games, the lessons learned, the injuries, the coaches, the players, the road trips. It's amazing how much effort gets put into this thing we do to keep our kids busy with what we want them doing so they won't do the things we don't want them to. And even more amazing how it becomes engrained in our hearts along the way.

As a previous basketball player, I have loved watching her play. She's grown so much in the sport. She could have had a great year if she had just tried. But she got completely burnt out and the spark was gone. She had moments of glory, but they soon fizzled. I can't say that I blame her considering they play 10 out of 12 months. It's like they're pro athletes. But again, it kept her focused and out of trouble.

I'm thinking when that last game is over, the winds will completely drop out of my sails. But there is a player that is in 8th grade that I've fallen in love with. She is going to be absolutely amazing to watch in the next four years. She might not be my girl, but I'll cheer her on just the same!

Congratulations Cassidi on an amazing ride called basketball. It will be a part of your life forever. You will dream of it and wake up wishing for one last game for years to come. Thank you for all of the entertainment and hard work. We love you!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Victory

Tonight we played Richlands for the last time in the regular season. For Carroll County, the rivalry isn't anywhere near as important as it is to Tony and me. Since we've been living in VA, we have bled blue for Cassidi. But when we play Richlands, we bleed green!! As Tazewell County High alumni there is no bigger rival than Richlands.

The first game we played them at home this year.  We were up at the end of every quarter going into the 4th. We were tied with seconds left. A girl that had been open all night but never shot fired up a 3 pointer. It swished away our hopes of overtime. It was as if all the air was sucked out of the gym.

Tonight's game was just the opposite. We were tied after one, but down by a lot at the half and the 3rd quarter. It was looking like the blue tornado was going to level us this season. But as luck would have it, we were tied and the same three point girl shot another 3 pointer with about 20 seconds to go. Fortunately she missed this time. They fouled us with 5 seconds left. Our player sank both shots. We were on pins and needles until that buzzer rang.

CCHS brought home the W with a score of 37-35. We will most likely have to face them again in district tournament play. I don't know that I can take another close game. I'm so proud of our girls for digging deep and not losing faith in themselves. It is just a game, but revenge is sweet. GO LADY CAVS!!!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Champions

It's Super Bowl Sunday. A day that little boys dream of from their pee wee days on. Every backyard football game is set in the context of the two minute drill for the game winning Hail Mary. A game of and for champions.

Tonight I watched the behaviors of the players, coaches, and fans in disappointment. The players are over paid prima donnas full of trash talking and disrespectful actions. The coaches meltdown worse than temper tantrum throwing two year olds. The fans boo and hiss when plays or calls do not go their way. I am ashamed to admit I was doing my fair share of whining from my comfy couch location at times.

 So much attention is placed on these sporting events where millions of dollars exchange hands. Meanwhile our nation is nearly $17 trillion dollars in debt. Does anyone else think it's ridiculous we glorify these events while there are millions of people in this country starving and freezing to death?

When I watch football, the majority of the time I am reminded of the Roman Empire days and the gladiators. These big brutes are in the middle of the arena pummeling each other for our entertainment. No, the players aren't slaves. But if you consider the amount of money most of them are paid in comparison to the long term injuries they receive, slavery might be a better option. The almighty dollar is their master and they are willing to do anything for it.

The other disturbing part of the Super Bowl is the half time show. It is further evidence that the standards of society have gone down the drain. A women scantily clad, rolling around on stage and shaking her booty is praised. Meanwhile this is the same person that just sang the most important song to Americans, the national anthem, at the inauguration. I just don't get it.

I realize I'm dating myself when I wish for the times when the social standards were based on respectable behavior. When people acted with dignity in the presence of others and especially when they were in front of a crowd. When champions were hailed for their superior performance and humility. When leaders led by example of integrity and sportsmanship.

I'm glad I grew up in a time where I can remember those values. I worry about our future generations that are watching the standards of today and won't know any better. I hope and pray respect can somehow make it back into the two minute drills being executed in back yards across America. Only then will we see true champions.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Lady

The McCann household is an animal abode. It has always been that way. First it was fish, because we weren't allowed to have any other pets in the apartment we were in. Then we got a black cocker spaniel named Sable. Jennifer loved her. But we moved to Charlotte and again couldn't have pets.  We gave her to a friend of Tony's Dad. Once we moved, we missed her so Much we decided to pay the pet fee and got Domino, a black and white cocker.

Domino got really aggressive, and I was afraid he was going to attack me or Jennifer. He knew Tony was the Alfa male of the house, but we, on the other hand, cowered when he showed his teeth. We ended up giving him to my parents. He was such a joy for my Dad.

We went a long time without any pets. We once had a cat that ended up moving to the neighbors, because they let him inside one time when we were on vacation. That poor cat got bitten by a snake and they spent untold sums on saving him. When they moved, we told them he was more their cat than ours, so please take him. Just recently she told me Whiskers died. He lived a LONG and loved life.

One Christmas, we decided it was time for another dog. Tony was working from home all day then. He had done all the research to find out what breed was the best foot warmer.  Everything pointed to a male chocolate lab. He did some searching and found a pup that had been returned, because the owner couldn't take his puppy phase anymore. It was perfect timing as we got him two days before Christmas. A neighbor helped us with his name, Mocha. We lovingly called him Mo.

We loved Mo to pieces. He held true to the foot warmer predictions. He never played favorites with any of us as he loved most whomever was patting his head at the time. He contracted Lyme's disease a few years back. To make matters worse, he was attacked by a pack of dogs and nearly killed. We nursed him back to reasonable health for his age. But he kept deteriorating, and we unfortunately had to put him down a couple of years back. We miss him terribly. We did however breed him to carry on his blood line.

Currently, we have three labs, a coon hound, two bunnies, and a cat. Cassidi is always yammering for more. I am constantly on the defense of adding to the brood. She now wants to get a female lab to breed Hunter. All I need is 10 puppies to add to the mix!

But try as I might, I have a soft spot for animals, too. The last couple of days that I've gone to work, I noticed a golden retriever laying in an open field beside a house on the way to work. It couldn't have been more than 8 feet from the side of the road. I've seen the dog wandering in the road on that stretch for a while now. The dog is older and moves at a senior pace. I've always been very patient with it and often thought something bad might happen to it.

The dog was laying there Friday morning when I went down. I just caught it out of the corner of my eye. I thought it odd because it was so cold. But then it was in the exact same spot when I went home and it was even colder. This morning when I went down, there it was again - same spot and colder still. I told myself if it was still there this evening, I was stopping. I just couldn't believe the owner of the dog wouldn't check on it.

The little house by the dog put me in mind of being owned by someone elderly. And that made me worry that they didn't even know what was going on with the dog. So, again, I vowed to stop. Around 2:00 I headed up the mountain. And there was that poor dog. That was it, I stopped.

I approached the dog and it was clearly not capable of moving on its own. I did the presentation of the back of my hand and let it smell me. The ears were down, the eyes were sad, and it wouldn't have bitten a flea. I petted the dog and tried to let it know I was its friend. I had hope me stopping would draw someone's attention. But alas, no one came. So, I put on my big girl panties and told the dog I was going to see that it was taken care of. 

I have a friend from high school that has actually become a "real" friend via Facebook strangely enough. She is an animal lover like no other. She posts some difficult pictures and stories at times, but her heart is an animal loving heart through and through. She was my inspiration for standing up for this sweet dog's life. Thank you Jena for guiding me. You were the confidence I needed to do what came next.

When I approached the house, I wondered if I'd be met with a shot gun. Or stone cold silence. But whatever the case, I was determined to get to the bottom of this dog's story. I rang once, heard shuffling, waited. I rang twice, more shuffling, waited. I wasn't going anywhere. I heard a television and would not be ignored. Finally, the door opened. As I imagined, it was a little old lady on oxygen and a walker.

I apologized for the interruption. I asked if it was her dog and if she knew it had been there two days in the cold. She was sort of oblivious, but said the dog belonged to the neighbor. Well, not exactly because it was really a stray. She went on to say that the owner was sick, had checked on it a time or two, but couldn't do anything with it.

Secretly, that was what I was hoping for. I wanted to load her up and take her home! I asked her if that would be ok. She didn't see any problem with it. I gave her my name and number to contact me if there was a problem. She watched me head back to the car and wished me luck. She also said not to hurt my back lifting her. Oh, and I asked what her name was. She said they just call her Lady.

Armed with all the ammunition I needed, I moved the car back to her. I tried to lift her up, but she definitely couldn't stand to help me. Always improvising, I remembered a blanket I had in the car. I got it out, shimmied her on top of it, and used it to lift her up. I got her in the car in no time, afraid the little old lady was calling the neighbor to come and stop me. I assured Lady she was going to have a much better night than she had previously, and we were on our way.

Even though I couldn't see her as she was in the back, I jabbered to her the whole way home. I told her how we were going to get her warm and something in her belly and some water. I told her about animal loving Tony and Cassidi and all the sniffing she was about to endure from our dogs. I had on my best sales voice trying to convince her all was going to be well. All the while, she never made a peep.

I called Cassidi to meet me at the garage with some food. I got her transferred into the garage with no problem. She wasn't interested in food or water. I figured it was best to leave her alone until Tony got home to evaluate her. He should have been a vet as he has a way with animals. Actually, he has the same way with people. He's truly an angel!

Tony took longer than I expected to get home, so we went back up to check on her. It was still cold and she was actually shivering. We built a fire and moved her close to it. All the while, we petted her head, spoke lovingly to her, and tried to get her to take nourishment.

When Tony still hadn't gotten home a couple of hours later, I went up alone to to check on her and the fire. She was in the exact spot we left her. All this time she had never made even a whimper. She has the sweetest eyes that have some sort of green infection goo and are matted. I can only imagine it's from being out in these brutal temperatures. Her head also felt warm, but I couldn't figure out if it was from fever or the fire.

I got down on the blanket with her and we started talking. I apologized that she had had to endure this ordeal. I apologized that I hadn't stopped sooner. I told her that I knew she was in a lot of trouble and hopefully she'd get to go to doggie heaven soon. The little old lady that looked to be one hundred herself had described Lady as being OLD, probably 100. I had to chuckle.

But I told her I was sorry that she probably had not gotten the love she had deserved her whole life. And that soon she could be chasing butterflies again. I told her she could find Mo and the two of them would make fast friends. I sobbed and sobbed with her, my tears mixing in with her beautiful golden coat. I finally told her that Tony would be home soon, and he'd figure out what we needed to do.

Tony finally did come home. I had told him about her and he went straight to the garage. They got acquainted and he thinks her spine is broken, probably hit by a car. He says we're going to let her get warm for the night and see what tomorrow holds.

Lady lives up to the class and dignity of her name. I hate our meeting had to come in this way. I don't know how her story will end, but I guarantee it will be with more love and caring than laying in that field freezing to death. Our fur friends hold as much space in our hearts as our human friends. When the time comes Lady, may you rest in the peace of chasing butterflies in doggy heaven.