Catching up continues

Day 25: Thanks, but I'll have to pass on the madness of Black Friday shopping. Instead, the boys asked to go see a movie. And there is where I found my daily gratitude: thankful that their taste in movies is maturing. They asked to go see Tower Heist with Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy. It was a fun movie...and considerably less crowded than the Muppet Movie (which we'd all like to see as well, just not on opening weekend).

Day 26: Thankful for finishing the family Christmas letter. Yes, I know...it isn't even December 1st, but I'm wired such that I can't start the Christmas shopping, decorating or baking until I write the letter. And sometimes the creative mojo just isn't flowing. But it was today and so we cranked it out, picked some pictures and now all I need to do is put it all together and mail them out in the next week or so.
Day 27: Thankful for a dedicated craft space. While it is hard to believe if you saw how much stuff I still have, I have been working on clearing through some of my crafting supplies. Recently, I reached the point where I decided I needed to reorganize the actual storage system and requested an early Christmas present. This is the Expedit bookshelf, sold at IKEA and very popular with scrapbook fanatics because of the square design that fits our over-sized books so nicely. I am in love with my reorganized space and am hopeful that the crafting mojo will really start to flow!

Wrapping up thankfulness...Day 23 and 24

Day 23...thankful for the gift of coffee club. This is a picture from earlier this year, but every Wednesday, we gather at the local coffee shop for good coffee and great conversation. Work gets in the way for some of us, but I know that the love and support of these women is just a quick phone call away.

Day 24: The big day of giving Thanks has arrived. And this year, I was thankful for our simple plans to celebrate. In years past, we've gathered with friends but this year would be different and we found ourselves home alone. There was a sense of calm and quiet that came with just being together as a family of 4. I'm sure next year I'll be up for playing hostess, but this year...it was a treat to just be with my 3 guys.

Thankful for...Day 22

a good book.

Thankful for...Day 21

Another quick one...thankful for ibuprofen. For a short week, it was a long day. Leaving me with a headache and a back ache. (I don't think I sat down for more than 5 minutes at a stretch today). And to go with those Advil...I'm thankful for the hot bath that is next on the to-do list.

Thankful for...Day 20

I'm thankful for "the team effort" that the Things and the Hubby have been displaying here at The House of Chang. Earlier this Fall, I was feeling over-worked and under-appreciated on the domestic home front and had several meltdowns and temper tantrums. Not the ideal strategy to incorporate change, but hey...in my defense I was stressed.

Since then, things have been so much better at home. They all pitch in and the work gets done in half the time it took me to do solo. Today, we tackled a couple bigger projects: as we moved all the electronics out of the boys' bedrooms and finally bought Thing Two a real bed (he'd outgrown his twin bed, and initially thought a futon was the way to go, maximizing his floor space in his room. Yeah...those things are not very comfortable, are they?).

None of this would have been possible had we not all pitched in and worked together....thanks guys!

Thankful for...Day 19

Today, the boys and I were reminded how fortunate we are to have the resources to put together a Thanksgiving meal. Thanks, Terri for letting our family help your church in making sure that 200+ families in need will also have the items they need to feast next week.

Thankful for...Day 18

Friday....and yes, some days, the gratitude is as simple as the day of the week.

Thankful for...Day 17

Google...oh how did we manage without it?

Especially when your oldest child remembered his homework (yeah) but forgot his notes....and it's been way too long since I had to balance a chemistry equation.

type in a quick search and boom...my old mama brain has been refreshed...and we're back in homework checking business!

Thankful for...Day 16

Thing Two has been having some struggles adjusting to the challenges of middle school. Frustrating times here in the House of Chang as we sort through forgotten homework, assignments not turned in, distracted in class and other "growing pains" that come with transitioning to middle school. His one consistently happy place is Orchestra. Tonight, we enjoyed his first concert. I am thankful that even in the middle of rough times, he has found something school related that puts a smile on his face. It gives me hope...that soon the rest of school will involve more smiles, and less tears.

Thankful for...Day 15

Today I am thankful for Stewie....he's cute, he's fun to ride and today...he was my only means of transportation. My car is in the shop, unsure when I'll have her back. So until then, it's Scooter and Me. I guess the bonus gratitude is that even if I didn't have Stewie, I'd be ok for a couple days...as there is pretty much everything I need within walking distance. Work, grocery, fast food, even a frozen yogurt spot. Yep, we COULD manage for awhile without a car. What we can do vs. what we want to do...well...yeah, let's hope the car is fixed quickly.

Thankful for....Day 14

Not a day goes by at work, that I don't give thanks that my children are fortunate enough to have that soft place to land at the end of their day. where the parents love them, unconditionally, support them in their pursuits, providing rules and boundaries, forgive them when they falter.

I have come to appreciate that even out here in the 'burbs, that this is not a given. Too many kids are struggling, with parents either not available physically and emotionally.

I am thankful that both my hubby and I are present....and there for our kids. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Thankful for...Day 13

How I spent my Sunday: Going to church, having donuts for breakfast, catching up on shows that have been recorded, helping a reluctant child finish up some homework he really didn't want to do on his own, taking a nap, chatting with family, doing a load (or two-three-four) of laundry. There is so much to be enjoyed on a lazy Sunday (ok, for the record, while I don't enjoy laundry, it is a necessary chore)....and I am thankful that our family schedule is such that this is actually a rather typical way of spending Sundays.

Thankful for...Day 12

Today, on my 16th wedding anniversary, I am thankful for the gift of marriage. This poem has been around for a long time....but the words ring true for Hubby and I. Not every day is perfect, we have our ups and downs, our ins and outs, but the trend is always in the upward direction. Hubby, Happy Anniversary....I hope you like the present I got you...(which is...money in the bank...he said he wanted nothing, he gets nothing!).

Recipe For A Happy Marriage Poem

4 cups of Love 2 cups of Loyalty Dash of Faith 3 cups of Kindness 4 cups of Understanding 1 cup of Friendship 5 spoonfuls of Hope 1 barrel of Laughter Pinch of Forgiveness (no substitutions) Dash of Thoughtfulness (not optional)

Take love and loyalty and mix thoroughly with faith. Blend in kindness and understanding, add friendship and hope. Sprinkle

abundantly with laughter. Garnish with forgiveness and thoughtfulness. Bake with sunshine. Serve daily with generous helpings.

Thankful for...Day 11

Veteran's Day...2011....I've shared before my gratitude for military service. It really was the launching point for so many amazing things that have happened in my life...both personally and professionally. This year, our district placed a tremendous amount of emphasis on Veterans Day: from tribute cards to mail to vets, visiting active duty to lead the school in the pledge, to the

visual tributes I'm sharing in the post. So, while I will always remain thankful for having had the opportunity to serve my country, this year I am also thankful to work for an employer that continues to respect and recognize our nation's military.

*visiting military service members (parents of students), and school staff that are Vets. (missing are about 4 other staff)

Thankful for....Day 10

Today, it is impossible to pick just one thing to be grateful for....

1. I am thankful I got passed over for that elementary school nurse job I first applied for. Today, we had visiting elementary students on campus and a child was injured. No big deal, until I got the dad on the phone. The amount of parental telephonic hand-holding I had to do was more than I was up for.
2. I am thankful for my school employing a full time psychologist. Because when a kid's schizophrenia is not in control, the situation gets ugly real quick. Thankful that Dr. D. was in the house and could handle the situation. Because psychiatric nursing? Uh, no thanks.
3. I am thankful that I do not have to be any one's case manager. I can help and support but I am not the one left holding the case file. The things they have to get parents to understand without escalating the situation is never ending and requires negotiation skills that put my "people" skills to shame.
4. I am thankful for TAKE OUT......because at the end of a chaotic day...the last thing I want to sort out is what to fix for dinner.

Thankful for...Day 9

As I sit here, watching the younger Thing work on his homework....I'm mighty thankful I only have two kids. Because right now, the thought of having to endure the adjustment to middle school for any more kids? Might just do me in!

Thankful for...Day 8

Today, work was quiet enough that I was able to take a lunch break. Those of us who work in health care can appreciate what a rare treat this is (right up there with regular opportunities to use the restroom)....that it deserves a shout-out of thanks!

Thankful For...Day 7

I had plans to keep today's thankful post simple and silly. But alas, that is not meant to be. I learned earlier today of the sudden passing of a long-time friend of my family. We do not know the details of George's sudden passing, but our hearts are heavy for the grief his family must be feeling.

So, this evening, I am giving thanks for the laughter and happy times spent with George and Carolyn.

It is impossible to say one name without the other. Really, they were THAT kind of couple. One minute, they were bickering and fussing at each other (I'm hearing his southern drawl, as he calls out her name, almost always starting with the phrase Sh*t, Carolyn, and a sigh and an eye roll....)....the next moment, there was that carefree flirting that comes from a couple truly in love with each other.

We were neighbors for only a couple years, but somehow they always managed to stay in touch, making time to see my parents. They flew out to take a joint vacation with my folks...where they rented an RV and drove to Canada. It would be the last time my mom was healthy enough to enjoy such a road trip. When my college graduation rolled around, they flew out to share in the celebrations. And when I was pregnant with Thing Two, again, they found a reason to come and visit.

These kind of family friends come along only a few times in our lives....how lucky we were to call them friends.

Rest in peace, Papa George....

Ready for the Road...Summer 1986

(if you look closely, you can see my mom in the driver's seat!)

May 1987...Commissioning

Ceremony

George, you are in good company now and then....

Aunt Jimmy and Grandma Irene

Thankful for...Day 6

Today, I am thankful for BIRTHDAYS! Growing up, birthdays were a special time for us. My mom baked a cake and every cake contained a special figurine. It was always a great surprise to discover what would be the cake topper. After my mom passed away, birthdays became a bit more bittersweet. What's the point? Mom wasn't around to make that cake and share in the fun.

But then, I became a mom....and birthdays became fun again.

Thing One enjoying birthday cake at Hubby's 40th

I'd still say we're a rather low-key family when it comes to celebrations (HELLO? Half the time I don't have candles to put on the cake) .

There is one person out there who really knows how to have a birthday in style. My friend Judy. Today....is not just her birthday....but it is a mileSTONE birthday.

And while I knew I wanted to help her celebrate, I really struggled with how to make it fun, festive and still very flexible....as every day is unique in the challenges she and her family will be facing. So, during my snow day, I sent off a quick email...asking a dozen friends or so to help me collect, and embellish fifty ROCKS. Because well....

The plan was to do a bit of a ding-dong ditch. We'd leave the basket (which actually grew to be a big box and then some) on her front porch...letting her know that we were all thinking of her on this special day.

But then her daughter called and said "The party is ON"....asking that we stop by for a brief hug, smile and slice of cake.

As you can see, she really did enjoy her basket of rocks. What started as a "Oh my, this might be a stupid idea" (as I said, I asked for people to find rocks in the middle of a blizzard), ended up being something I am so proud to have helped create. Through the years, Judy has shown us all how important it is to take time to find joy in the journey, spend time with our families, make crafts with our kids, and well...get a little messy. So many of us did that this weekend, all in honor of Judy.

So, yep, today....I am thankful for birthdays......and remember....more birthdays...less cancer

Thankful for....Day 5

Today, I'm thankful for my digital camera. Remember, back in the day....when we used film...and you had taken some great pictures, but you had to wait until the roll was finished, turn the film in for developing and still we waited for the prints to be ready.

Sharing pictures? Oh my, what a challenge that posed: Did you order duplicates at time of order.....or have reprints made of the few pictures that turned out. Then you had to mail the pictures or wait until you saw the friend, hoping that you remember that you promised to share the pictures with them.

Yep, you bet I'm grateful for the digital age and how sharing pictures is such a quick, easy process.

so, why the rocks? You'll hear more about that later....but today, I had a blast laughing with friends while we painted rocks.

Hope you had a chance to spend some time today, with those that make you laugh and remind you that each day gives us so many things to be thankful for!

Thankful for....Day 3 and Day 4

Oh my, give me a bonus day off and my entire routine falls apart. What happened to yesterday? If you are local, you know this picture is NOT a recent picture. It is from a couple weeks ago. This week's view? Covered in white.

Which brings me to what I am thankful for....our gorgeous Colorado weather. It changes...sometimes dramatic changes occur in the course of a few hours. Wednesday I had a snow day. Yesterday afternoon? I was overheating in my coat.

I like the changes...and am thankful for them.

And what am I thankful for today, November 4th?

My friend Carol....she's the one in the middle. And yes, another "archived" picture. When her boys were both in school full time, she herself headed back to school and in May she graduated with her masters degree in Education. In August, she landed her first classroom gig. A pretty amazing feat given how tight the economy is and how most teacher openings have hundreds of applicants for just one vacancy.

I'm thankful for the years of friendship we have enjoyed. Through her, I have been reminded how important it is to stay focused on the end goal, to remain positive and confident...no matter how many obstacles get tossed in your path.

Carol, I know you are still in the overwhelmed state of being a first year teacher...but should you see this? HAPPY BIRTHDAY! So thankful to call you friend!

Thankful for...Day 2

'Nuf said.....

Thankful for...Day 1

November? Um, hello...what happened to October? How can it be November already?

Time to work on what has become my annual tradition....taking time each day in November to identify at least one thing I am thankful for.

Today, I am thankful for these cute kids....my little raptors. While I work at a high school, and most of the kids I see are teenagers, we are also fortunate enough to have an in-school day care program (for the children of staff). Yesterday, 18 little kids came trick-or-treating to my clinic. Luckily, we knew this in advance and had something better to offer than band aids and cough drops.

Halloween at the House of Chang is changing....no longer are the boys finding fun in dressing up, nor do I find myself packaging up treats to take to class parties. With my little raptors....well the fun of Halloween came to me!

Looking Up

Recently, my good friend Dodi reminded herself (and all of us friends on Facebook) that sometimes you just have to "look up".
But I have to confess, this Fall, it has been hard for me to consistently "look up". I've been feeling down. Watching my friend Judy and her family work through the realities of her diagnosis has been at times almost impossible to watch. My nurse brain has focused on the realities of her situation.
During the work week, I keep myself busy and distracted. It's easy to do...one never knows when this might march past your door....

The days are usually so busy I don't have time to let my mind wander to the worries waiting at home. And when I do feel down, well kids like this one

, have a magical way of lifting my spirits.
It's the weekends that get long. But, now here we are in the middle of Fall Break. We're getting ready to experience our first big snow of the season (no pictures, it's still pitch dark outside). And I am reminding myself of Dodi's words of wisdom to look up...
This past weekend, I looked up and out from my scrapbook table and here is the view that greeted me...

Pretty special, don't you think?

Yesterday, I looked up and was greeted by these two people....

For 4 hours, Judy and I chatted....we talked about everything under the sun.

When I looked up, I saw my nurse brain worries melt away (not an easy task when I'm sitting in a great room filled with 20+ chemo chairs, all full on a Tuesday afternoon)....
When I looked up, I saw my friends....determined to take down this beast of a cancer that has invaded Judy's body.
If they can continue to look up and forward.....I too can also keep on trying!

Go Judy Go!

Worried Thing...

Last night, Thing Two was finishing up his homework, when he got that deep worried look...

"Mom, were you catty when you were young?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Oh, I just was wondering if I have to figure out how to put up with these girls being catty forever, or if they'll grow up to be nice like you".

Yes, it was killing me not to probe more and figure out what these girls in his class were saying that he, "Captain Obvious" noticed. Usually, he's totally clueless to the drama unfolding around him.

But, I didn't want to expose the truth....girls grow up to be moms like me...who manage to disguise their cattiness a little more.

The tears were a flowing...

Sobbing Student: "Will I still be able to go to the parade?"

Sensitive Nurse (that would be me): "I'm not sure, that is up to the dean"

Sobbing Student: "Because you know, that is the only reason I came to school today. I wasn't feeling good, but I really wanted to go to the homecoming parade"

Sensitive Nurse: "I know, but it really won't be my decision"

Sobbing Student: "Well, can you at least tell me, is my mascara ok? It isn't ruined is it?"

Sensitive Nurse: "no, it looks fine".

This is only funny because....Sobbing Student was a HE!

And yes, HE was able to attend the parade because he was not high.
His two pals? not so lucky...both with the dean's decision and the ruined mascara...

The family optimist

Thing One tells me on the way home from confirmation class "You know, when I'm in high school, I won't be able to go to this class. I"ll be too busy."

"Ok, what will you be busy doing?"

"Well, when the chicks call, I'll need to be ready".

Yep...the family optimist...convinced that all he'll need to do is wait for the phone to ring...

Much Ado about Ice?

Little Darling reportedly "hurt" his ankle in gym class....but he just kept playing and never came to see me when it happened.

Little Darling got in a car at lunch and went with his cousin to Chic-Fillet for lunch.
Little Darling got back to school and his ankle started to hurt, so he asked his teacher for a pass.

He hobbled in (anyone with experience with a dramatic child can visualize the "exaggerated" style they present with when the injury isn't as serious as they wish it was...).
He wanted a bag of ice

I said No....and explained to him his injury was minor and didn't necessitate leaving a core class to seek medical care for something that occurred hours ago...I event pointed out that as a sophomore, we will be expecting more independence from him this year than last.

I sent him back to class without giving him a bag of ice...

Just as I expected, Hover Mama called "YOU DIDN'T GIVE HIM ICE? WHAT KIND OF NURSE ARE YOU?"
"YOU WILL NEVER TAKE CARE OF MY CHILD AGAIN, YOU HAVE LABELED HIM". THAT IS WRONG! (I do admit, I used the phrase "frequent flier" with her, and it is considered derogatory on some levels, should have said "he is a known visitor". There is your lesson in political correctness in school nurse lingo)

I tried my best to explain to mama that
1. My clinical exam and evaluation revealed no swelling, joint deformity or reason to offer ice just because he "asked for it".
2. Little Darling came to see me in excess of 40 times last year(I get tired counting that high....I quit at 40)...so he is a known visitor and I am trying to work on more independence now that he is a sophomore.
3. It wasn't medically urgent that he leave a core class for a minor concern when he was clearly feeling ok enough to leave campus for lunch. He wasn't hurting enough during his own time to seek care but during academic instruction? 90% of the "diagnosis" is made in the history (ok, I didn't tell her that, but was trying to impart this line of logic)
4. While yes, it is "just a bag of ice", I could just give it to him. However, the lost class time for a minor need is also an issue that needed to be addressed, along with the reality that I am responsible for the health care needs of 2300 students (yep, I am the only RN in the building).

If I spend it all day handing out ice packs (which could easily happen if I didn't set some limits on what type of care is provided during the school day), I will not be available to manage the true medical emergencies and administrative aspects of my job.

I sensed she was out for blood...so I tried to apologize but she wasn't buying it. We've all heard that tone of "no, just you wait, I am not letting this matter end".

I emailed my principals and their secretaries, giving them the heads up that an angry parent was likely to call them...maybe they can talk this mama off the ledge....I wasn't going there with her any more.

And should she head up the chain of command, determined to "get me in trouble" (because clearly that is what she wanted to do...again, you can just "tell)....

Well, then the cat will be out of the bag that Little Darling as a sophomore was in violation of the student code of conduct for leaving campus during the school day....(only upper class men are allowed to leave our building, AND his ride? was his cousin who attends another high school...another no-no for the students to visit the other schools during the school day)

My evil side will just love it if all her huffing' and puffin gets Little Darling in trouble. And just to show my snark, I'll deliver Little Darling a bag of ice to him when he sits in all day detention! ******

***Oh Don't worry, my faithful and trusted assistant will make sure I don't do something as petty as that...but it is always nice to imagine.

The honeymoon? Is so o.v.e.r: for me AND my students! (I still love what I do, where I do it, I'm just not a freshman anymore, and I'm setting some new standards/rules for what I'm willing to do. This seeing 85+ students a day simply has to end!)

Firsts...

Those milestone moments don't end after the first year...

Last week, the "baby" had his first energy drink. Yeah, bad mommy...but he really was being very low key about his 12th birthday...declining offers to have friends over, go to water world, even said "don't really need a present Mom, we've done loads of stuff this summer". So, with that, how could I resist his tender request to "Do you think, I could maybe try, you know...an energy drink?".

The verdict? "Eww...way too sweet, it needed extra water"....followed by "WOW, these are expensive, I think I'll stick to lemonade". (yeah, glad at least for now, this curiosity has been quenched)

Next up was to let him light his own candles. Who could resist with the flame producing device we found on vacation...a long handle lighter shaped like an M-16 rifle. Despite my hovering, he managed to light all the candles without burning himself.

And finally....first time in years I had the right number of candles for the birthday cake.(um, make that pie, the boy wanted Huckleberry pie...just like we had on vacation. good thing he told me that while we were still in Montana and I could pick up the supplies). Yeah Me: usually I have no candles and we end up lighting the baptism candle. But this year? I had it right.

Now the younger Thing is officially 12 and has headed off to middle school. Day 2, and he asks his brother at dinner "When do we actually start to you know...learn stuff?" Apparently, 2 days of getting to know you stuff and he's ready to move on.

I snuck a quick peek at his getting to know you worksheet...here are some of the things he had to say about himself.

• A list of books I've read: Behind the Bedroom Wall, all 5 Lightening thief Books and the first 2 Harry Potter books. (mom notes: he has read more, but I guess these were his favorites?)



• In school I want to learn "all they have to offer" (can you say Class Kiss Up?)



• I would like to be better at video games, typing and viola
  


• I fear rats, foreclosures and bankruptcy



• Words that best describe me: lazy, tired, unwilling to do lots of new things, giving, friendly, a mid-sized kid in height, smart, musically inclined

Funny Guy....

Proud Kid.....he's been selected to serve as a Web Leader for his middle school...think ambassadors for the incoming 6th graders...

This afternoon, the clouds rolled in and the thunder started to roll. From the next room, I heard Thing One remark "Wow, God must have had one baaaaaad burrito"

Hanging with the boys

I wonder what they are talking about?

Apparently, nothing too deep...probably what to name their fake mustaches...

And that folks is where I'm at today....taking a line from the book I am reading to heart "...I'm not quite sure whether to grab my camera or just live in the moment. Usually I grab the camera and later regret it when the picture doesn't turn out.".

So, set the camera (or kepboard/laptop) down and go live in the moment...even if the moment is just laundry, cleaning and tackling paperwork (that's what my day looks like...sad but true).

P.S.: Mustache names have not been confirmed but so far we've got Jordego for Thing One, and other two...just can't decide...

Late night ramblings...

Back to School...circa 2004

It's back to school for me...registration week. Time to crank up the blog with new school nurse stories.

Let's start the year off with a sweet story....An upside to working at the neighborhood school, is seeing the neighbor kids. Well, so far it has been an upside. I suppose I'll change my tune when or if I see them in a troubling situation. But so far, the neighbor kids have been friendly and happy to see a familiar face. Yesterday, a young girl that I've known since she was in 2nd grade was checking in. She's now a sophomore in high school. I spotted her talking to b.o.y.s. So I teased her "I'm gonna tell your mom". You see, my job is one part nurse-one part mama. She replied, smiling as she said "It's ok, Nurse Martha, they are Mormon boys". (see, I love working with this age group, they get my attempts at humor)

It's been good to be back at work this week. Keeping the hands busy so the mind doesn't wander. When my phone rang mid-day today, I was jolted out of my zone of working with some rather unsettling news. Judy's surgery did not go as planned and the situation has taken a new turn...not for the better.

I shall follow my son's recommendations (the wisdom of an almost 12 year old)...He told me "Mom, don't think of the sadness, if you can't just not think of it, then at least just think of the happy times with Miss Judy".

when did that boy grow up and how did he get to be so wise?

So tonight, I head off to bed...remembering and reflecting on all the Happy times we've spent with our favorite couple....Eric and Judy...and wishing them peace and courage to face the challenges presented today.

Preparing for Battle...Lish Style

Last night, we gathered with friends to wish Judy well as she heads off to battle. On Thursday, surgeons will spend 10-12 hrs tackling the cancerous beast that has invaded her body. The surgeons will remove all that they can, and finish it up with a series of hot chemo infusions applied directly to the stomach...a "shake and bake" approach to battling cancer.

It is not a surgery for the faint of heart or weak in spirit. So, what better way to rally support than to have a party...to wish Judy well and to show her family (Hubby Eric and 2 of the 3 girls were there) that there is a whole community behind them.

Thank you Patty C. for opening up your home and heart to this gathering of friends of the Lishes...You and Jack really know how to host a perfect party...even when the reason for the gathering is so very bittersweet!
Donna, my trusted side kick on this journey of support(pictured here with Lish Lady #2, who yes, is legally old enough now to hold that glass of red wine)...Donna and I both work in the medical field....it has placed us in a challenging spot...we know the medical realities....
And yet last night, we set those realities aside and embraced the Lish Factor....through laughter and love, you can face any challenge thrown in your path! (that's our Mr. E, hamming it up for the camera)
So to you my friend....remember the words of Jeremiah 30:17

"I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the Lord"...

Stewart gets around

So, my confidence in riding isn't near what Hubby and his pals have. But, in my little baby step process, I am starting to step out, or rather "scoot" around the neighborhood a little bit more.

Sunday, I scooted to church. Sure, it is close to home but the only way to get there is to drive on THAT road...a neighborhood road where folks sort of do their own thing with regards to road safety and speed. Shoot, even in a cage it isn't my favorite road to be on. But, I figured I could handle it for the short 1/2 mile distance.

and of course, I did fine...(but missed the photo op of Stewart at church, sorry...the other parishioners were looking at me strangely as it was)

Oh would you look at that, I've finally used my first tank of gas. Time to fuel up. Hee Hee...didn't realize you could fill a tank with just the lose change in the bottom of your purse. (ok, not really, for convenience, I used the plastic, but I had enough change to have paid in coins)
And today...Stewart met Target. I am sure they will form a life long relationship! The downside? Can't do much impulse buying when you have yet to decide on a supplemental storage system. What I bought had to fit under the seat (which it did).

So now, who knows what I'll try next? The mall perhaps? ....time will tell!