Liam really liked this bear.

Sappy Entry-read with caution

I've been going in for iron infusions at the cancer clinic once a week for the past couple of months. Today it struck me how really incredible those people are. Because I go at the same time each week, I've gotten to know a lot of the cancer patients a little. They are all so friendly and they like to tell me about themselves. I think I'm a magnet because I'm usually the only one under 60 in the room. I don't mind. They're incredible. There's Mae who comes in right before me every week. She can barely walk but she refuses the wheelchair every time. The receptionist walks her to her car every week and then stays and chats with her for a while. Then there's Doris. When she came in with her husband today, I had to hold back tears because they looked so much like my grandparents. They stood waiting to get checked in and Doris leaned on her husband for support. I saw him straighten up and move closer to her in support. He was old and thin and wrinkly and easily 70 years old. But there he was, physically and emotionally supporting his wife through hard times. I hope Jason and I are still that way in 4o years. And the new lady today (I don't know her name-yet) explained that she had to pace because she likes to walk but she was sick of going from the kitchen to the bedroom. She said she came from an athletic family. She has 20 grandsons, all over 6 1/2 feet tall with scholarships to play ball all across the country. She has bone marrow cancer. I know this is a sappy entry but it really struck me how lucky I am. I'm complaining about low iron and they're in the fight for their lives. I like they way they seek one another out and comfort each other. I like the way they don't waste time feeling awkward or self-conscious before opening up to one another. It's like they don't have time to waste for all that and they just get on with it. I hope I can be a little more outgoing and conscious of others needs before my own.

Older and Wiser Too

There has been a lot of talk lately on my blogging buddies blogs about feeling old. I know I'm not 30 yet, but I reserve the right to feel old. I have four children and so I'm about 10 years behind on sleep which makes me feel old. I got arthritis from a strep infection when I was a child so I know about bones achin' n such. I am currently the Mia Maid advisor. They constantly remind me how out of date I am. They don't know who Harry Conick Jr. is. The other day I asked them if they knew where their current favorite song "Chipmunk Christmas" came from. They all looked really confused! Someone suddenly remembered the new movie that came out and guessed it was from there. I soon discovered that NONE of them had ever heard about the Chipmunks! That's like not knowing who the Smurfs are! The latest thing to make me feel old is Ben's discovery of the game Heads up 7 up. How well I remember closing my eyes and anticipating someone's sweaty or rough hand smashing my thumb down. I could always tell if it was a girl or a boy who picked me. I always wanted a turn but when I was picked, I was too embarrassed to go up to the front. I love going to church on Sunday and seeing the outfits some of the young women put together. I swear I had the same things in 3rd grade-or wished I was old enough to wear them. My favorite was a wide red leather belt that scrunched up on the sides. I still remember my 5th grade teacher had one she wore over a long black tunic. Long live the olden days of slap bracelets and jelly shoes!

What Makes YOU a Nerd?

I believe that everyone is a complete nerd about at least one thing. You know weird details about something or someone. Like that time Amy had that 4 inch binder full of Mel Gibson interviews and pictures. If you ever want to know anything about Mel Gibson, ask Amy. Most of you already know my nerdish tendency towards the sci-fi show Stargate SG-1. I can't explain my fascination. I generally hate science fiction. I absolutely hated the movie "Stargate." It took Jason quite a while to get me to watch it in the first place. Now I dream about Richard Dean Anderson with his brown hair with distinguishing patches of gray (don't worry, he lost the mullet) and brown eyes... Somewhere between MacGyver and Stargate, he learned to act but he never grew old. I wish I was a tall incredibly brilliant blond like Amanda Tapping and I have unexplained desires to join the air force....
RDA 4 EVER!!!!
What are you a nerd about?

A Job Well Done?

Christmas break is wonderful when you're married to a school teacher! We had 2 full weeks to get projects done, which is what we did. We got a lot of painting done, the oil in our cars changed, fixed stuff on the van, and rearranged and redecorated. Too bad I forgot to get all of the paint put away before Liam woke up! Who knew such a little guy could figure out how to open that huge heavy paint can, dip in a stirring stick, and flick it all over the place. He was very proud of himself. I think he's got talent.