This guy restores my faith in human kind. I wish there were more like him. No, he wasn't going to get drafted into a multi million dollar contract to entertain the masses for his sport, but he did give up the last of his glory years before becoming a grunt worker like you and me. There's a LOT to be said for that.
To read this story, copy and paste this URL into your browser.
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/college-track-star-sacrifices-career-lifesaving-bone-marrow-donation-article-1.1331389
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Resourcefulness
Tony has frequently told me about her abilities, but tonight I got to see them for myself. Our rabbits have reproduced yet again. We have needed to build new boxes for them and get a divider installed. The crazy events in our the house in the last couple of weeks has made that impossible. Today I blew my cool and threatened to get rid of all the bunnies. Cassidi freaked.
Tennis practice was cancelled so she met me at Lowe's. She bought two OSB boards, two 2x2 boards, and wood screws. I brought the six bunnies, two of which she had given away and four that she got the pet store to take. She took care of all of that and we met back at the house.
When I got home she was already setting out everything we would need. She had saw horses, the power saw, a straight edge, and a wood pencil. As soon as we got the wood out she started measuring and we got to cutting. We continued to need different things, and not only did she know where they were, but how to use them. The knowing where it was part is amazing as Tony has every gadget under the sun and everything has its place.
When we were done, she had coordinated the making of the two bunny boxes and a divider that required a creative solution to accomplish. All the gadgets were put back where they belonged, we hadn't lost any fingers or limbs, and everything worked the way it was supposed to. Amazing!
The other part is that she and I didn't fight too terribly badly throughout. When Tony and I work together, at least one of us is ready to kill the other by the time we're done. She has a lot of me in her, but there is plenty of Tony's doing in there. She is very particular in how something should be done like him and the words and phrases she uses sound just like Tony. I had to laugh a time or two tonight as we worked.
Independence is something I've strived the most for in raising our girls. When I told Tony my reaction to her tonight, he said "Her husband is going to hate the fact she's so handy". I guess he knows a little bit about that. He often gets frustrated with me for doing things on my own. I don't hold a candle to what Cass is capable of. More power to the brave soul that takes her on!
Tennis practice was cancelled so she met me at Lowe's. She bought two OSB boards, two 2x2 boards, and wood screws. I brought the six bunnies, two of which she had given away and four that she got the pet store to take. She took care of all of that and we met back at the house.
When I got home she was already setting out everything we would need. She had saw horses, the power saw, a straight edge, and a wood pencil. As soon as we got the wood out she started measuring and we got to cutting. We continued to need different things, and not only did she know where they were, but how to use them. The knowing where it was part is amazing as Tony has every gadget under the sun and everything has its place.
When we were done, she had coordinated the making of the two bunny boxes and a divider that required a creative solution to accomplish. All the gadgets were put back where they belonged, we hadn't lost any fingers or limbs, and everything worked the way it was supposed to. Amazing!
The other part is that she and I didn't fight too terribly badly throughout. When Tony and I work together, at least one of us is ready to kill the other by the time we're done. She has a lot of me in her, but there is plenty of Tony's doing in there. She is very particular in how something should be done like him and the words and phrases she uses sound just like Tony. I had to laugh a time or two tonight as we worked.
Independence is something I've strived the most for in raising our girls. When I told Tony my reaction to her tonight, he said "Her husband is going to hate the fact she's so handy". I guess he knows a little bit about that. He often gets frustrated with me for doing things on my own. I don't hold a candle to what Cass is capable of. More power to the brave soul that takes her on!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
MIA
For those of you that have been following my posts and knew about the prom after party we had, I apologize if my absence caused alarm. I was not arrested, am not in jail, but may wish I had been. At least there I'd probably have gotten some rest.
Prom was great despite a few bobbles. The florist must not have heard my request to put black ribbon on the corsage. I had to rework that in a rush. Cassidi wanted a partial undo with curls in the back. We spent 2.5 hours trying to accomplish that, but when the stylist let her hair down the curl fell right out of it. It was gorgeous the way it turned out, but it did cause her some alarm on the way home. We were late and didn't get to take pictures at the place we wanted to. That was sad, but we still got a lot of great pictures.
Her date was adorable! He is the son of a childhood friend of Tony's. They came to spend the night with us and it was great catching up with them. We reminisced of bygone days when we were young and wild. Now we're old and too pooped to party!
The after prom went well enough. I didn't get a lot of sleep between worrying and giving sobriety tests. Everyone cooperated and the night went off mostly without incident. With as many kids as were here, there's a lot to be said for that.
Having prom 3 weeks before graduation is probably a good thing. It was the prelude to the chaos that I'm sure will ensue come May 18th. My to do list is slowly dwindling. I'm down to the t-shirt quilt and the three scrap books. Surely I can get those accomplished in that time. And the good news is that if I don't, the world won't end! That being said, I am not going to stress myself out about it. Famous last words, huh?!
Prom was great despite a few bobbles. The florist must not have heard my request to put black ribbon on the corsage. I had to rework that in a rush. Cassidi wanted a partial undo with curls in the back. We spent 2.5 hours trying to accomplish that, but when the stylist let her hair down the curl fell right out of it. It was gorgeous the way it turned out, but it did cause her some alarm on the way home. We were late and didn't get to take pictures at the place we wanted to. That was sad, but we still got a lot of great pictures.
Her date was adorable! He is the son of a childhood friend of Tony's. They came to spend the night with us and it was great catching up with them. We reminisced of bygone days when we were young and wild. Now we're old and too pooped to party!
The after prom went well enough. I didn't get a lot of sleep between worrying and giving sobriety tests. Everyone cooperated and the night went off mostly without incident. With as many kids as were here, there's a lot to be said for that.
Having prom 3 weeks before graduation is probably a good thing. It was the prelude to the chaos that I'm sure will ensue come May 18th. My to do list is slowly dwindling. I'm down to the t-shirt quilt and the three scrap books. Surely I can get those accomplished in that time. And the good news is that if I don't, the world won't end! That being said, I am not going to stress myself out about it. Famous last words, huh?!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Jitters
It's the night before senior prom. I'm excited and nervous and emotional and exhausted! I was just thinking this must be how it feels preparing for a wedding. She tells me she's never getting married - this after she tells me she's not honoring my "you must be 30 to marry" rule. I can tell you one thing. The man that gets her will have his hands FULL! We are telling him there is a definitely a NO RETURN policy if we can ever sucker anyone into taking her!
Everything is in place and we just have to execute the plans. We are doing an after prom party here and to say I'm nervous about that is an understatement. I know the large majority of the kids, but you just never know how they will behave. I'm taking keys as they drive in the driveway and everyone must spend the night. I'm not contributing a thing, but I was once a teenager. I'm not naive enough to believe they are angels. But these kids will live to see their graduation while they are under my watch!!
I know they are all going to be beautiful and have the time of their short lives up to this point. I want them to make memories that will make them smile and laugh in 20 years. They all want to be grown ups in one way but are stuck in young people bodies. They don't understand the advice to enjoy the present and the carefree lives they are leading. But one day they will. Like the night before their child's senior prom. Jitters and all.
Everything is in place and we just have to execute the plans. We are doing an after prom party here and to say I'm nervous about that is an understatement. I know the large majority of the kids, but you just never know how they will behave. I'm taking keys as they drive in the driveway and everyone must spend the night. I'm not contributing a thing, but I was once a teenager. I'm not naive enough to believe they are angels. But these kids will live to see their graduation while they are under my watch!!
I know they are all going to be beautiful and have the time of their short lives up to this point. I want them to make memories that will make them smile and laugh in 20 years. They all want to be grown ups in one way but are stuck in young people bodies. They don't understand the advice to enjoy the present and the carefree lives they are leading. But one day they will. Like the night before their child's senior prom. Jitters and all.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Treadmill
The irony of my life right now is that I really need to be on an actual treadmill preparing for senior week where I am going to be surrounded by skinny Minnie's. However, the one I'm on doesn't seem to do anything but add weight to my body. It mostly has to do with the terrible eating schedule I keep and then the food of convenience that I choose.
We started the preparations for prom tonight getting a manicure and pedicure for Cassidi. I decided to treat myself and get a pedicure, too. It was a busy day at work, and I rushed to get there. I don't know that I fully was present to enjoy the moment. I did however enjoy the massage chair. My mind is just racing these days.
I know life is going to come to a drastic halt come August, and I will wish for these days back. But I do catch myself day dreaming about that slow pace sometimes. The treadmill is so much more enjoyable when you can stroll easily and enjoy the scenery. Right now, everything is a blur.
We started the preparations for prom tonight getting a manicure and pedicure for Cassidi. I decided to treat myself and get a pedicure, too. It was a busy day at work, and I rushed to get there. I don't know that I fully was present to enjoy the moment. I did however enjoy the massage chair. My mind is just racing these days.
I know life is going to come to a drastic halt come August, and I will wish for these days back. But I do catch myself day dreaming about that slow pace sometimes. The treadmill is so much more enjoyable when you can stroll easily and enjoy the scenery. Right now, everything is a blur.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Behind
Just when I think I'm getting caught up and on top of things, I add more to my list and get behind schedule. I'm even working my to do list in my sleep. These last few week are gonna be the death of me for sure. My eyes are starting to leak the emotions of my heart. Buying graduation cards, putting together the "memories" projects, and realizing the time is dwindling is starting to get to me.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Hotties
Once a hottie, always a hottie?! The mirrors in the changing room answered that question loud and clear for me today. I need to install floor length mirrors throughout the house (and a special one on the refrigerator door!) to help remind me. I'm losing the battle of the bulge at a fairly rapid clip.
The list of empty nest activities needs to be topped with exercising. I have ever been this out of shape and overweight. I weigh more today than I did 9 months pregnant with either of the girls. That's a very depressing statistic. And at my age, it's not just about vanity.
Obesity is a very serious health problem in this country. Pinterest and all the yummy recipe pictures aren't helping that matter. That and all the convenient foods we eat. A lot of additives and byproducts in our foods today complicate the healthy living process, too.
My reasons for falling off the in shape wagon are many, but at the end of the day nothing but lame excuses. I MUST correct this problem before I am unable to. I could already be there. Peri menopause is NOT kind. But I just need to set my mind to it, and make it happen! Now to figure out how to add more hours to the day!!
The list of empty nest activities needs to be topped with exercising. I have ever been this out of shape and overweight. I weigh more today than I did 9 months pregnant with either of the girls. That's a very depressing statistic. And at my age, it's not just about vanity.
Obesity is a very serious health problem in this country. Pinterest and all the yummy recipe pictures aren't helping that matter. That and all the convenient foods we eat. A lot of additives and byproducts in our foods today complicate the healthy living process, too.
My reasons for falling off the in shape wagon are many, but at the end of the day nothing but lame excuses. I MUST correct this problem before I am unable to. I could already be there. Peri menopause is NOT kind. But I just need to set my mind to it, and make it happen! Now to figure out how to add more hours to the day!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
