And so it goes

Today I was feeling overwhelmed with saddest. I'm not sure what brought it on (actually I do). I was sitting in church when I found out a couple I've known at church will be moving back to Atlanta in a few months. But then it made me think of another couple who will be moving back to England in July. Mary and Rob, what a wonderful twosome. Mary and I have done many prayer events together and is someone you feel automatically attached too. So I was sad thinking about their move back. Then I became sad thinking about England and thinking again how I can't afford a trip back to see my dearest friend Colin who has terminal throat cancer. After that thought, it just went down hill. Even though the sermon was upbeat, I couldn't help but miss Colin so much. Then when thinking of Colin, it made me think of my friend Lori that passed from cancer in September at age 44. Do you see the progression of events. One thought automatically led to another. That kind of sadness is so hard to shake. I figured if I went grocery shopping, food would definitely take it off my mind. But then son #3 started complaining about his throat feeling scratchy again and requested a trip to the drs. Off we go.....and again another case of STREP! We have never had strep circling the family like a vulture before!! The dr. said it was probably a very strong strain of bacteria - which happens - and some of the germs lingered, then grew, then tested positive again. Do you think we could win an award for most cases of strep in a short period of time in one family?? Needless to say, that did get my mind off of sadness for awhile and focused on making son #3 feeling better. I wonder if popsicles wil make my sadness better? Worth a try! Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully a better one. I think I'll sit down and write a letter to England, just to let them know I'm thinking of them.

Born in the USA

Today is Super Bowl and Bruce Springsteen is the headliner for the half-time show. He is also coming in concert to the DC area soon. Boy that really takes me back. I remember in 1983, getting to see the Boss at RFK stadium. I had just spent a week in Jamaica. Upon returning, I brought back with me food poisoning. For 2 days I was laid up, sick as a dog. Of course, everyone at work thought I had partied too hard while on vacation and was now taking sick days. Not the case. On day 2, the phone calls started - do you need your ticket to Bruce Springsteen? Say what? No way, I was going to that concert if I had to go in an ambulance! So on day 2 of my illness, I crawled my way out of bed and along with friends, headed to the metro. Destination - RFK stadium. The metro ride was hell. I was laying in the floor for most of it - too weak to stand. We get to the stadium, luckily, people were in such a party mode and kept moving around, I was able to lay across some chairs to rest. I will say, once Bruce came out and the music started, it was like the illness was moved from my body - we sang, we danced, we loved the Boss. When the evening ended, I was lucky to still have the energy to get back to the metro. Again, laying on the floor of the metro (no seats available). Wow what a night. I can't believe how many people called me to acquire my ticket. But let me just say, as painful as it all was, it was well worth it. I chalked it up to another adventure in life. So as I heard the Boss was playing Super Bowl, I couldn't help but be shot back in time. It was the only time I got to see Bruce but it will always be a fabulous memory.

And by the way, Jamaica was a wild time too - definitely worth the food poisoning too! If it wasn't for Jamaica, I wouldn't have met my dearest and my most wonderful friends Jane and Colin who live in England. After 20 plus years, we are still friends and have shared even more memories on other great vacations together.

Strep again and again

As if once wasn't enough, now son #2 has it again. Rather, the dr said, it is possible for strep to not go away and another round of meds are required. What is with that? I have called the dr. so many times in the last 2 weeks. It will end soon - right?

Strep again!

Crap, now son #3 has strep!!! I guess its a waiting game - whether son #1 and my husband get strep next. Guess all this strep just means we're a loving family???

To ponder

This past week I was approached by sons #2 and #3 skating coach, who happens to coach a competitive junior academy for skaters. She said she has had her eye on son #1, who is usually skating randomly and recklessly while the others take lessons. She wants us to consider, if son #1 has a desire, letting him join. Lots of time on the ice, lots of commitment.....mmmmmm. So maybe in the next few weeks, we'll go when they are practicing and see what is involved. I asked, are you sure that is the son you want? I have 2 others who would be far more enthusiastic! The other 2, are still too young....they want the son #1, I guess they see something I'm currently blind too. Considering son #1 has only had a small amount of formal coaching, in which he was bored and decided to do his own thing. Luckily, our area rink has ranked nationally with their junior league AND the coaching is free....as long as you do the time. This could be an interesting thought - we'll see. There is always something to new to ponder.

Where to start

Today is mental breakdown day. Simple as that. Today I took a mental health day off from working at the preschool. I had to go in yesterday because I couldn't find a sub and I'm still trying to recover from strep (not bouncing back like son #2). Today I have a sub, I'm sitting in a quiet house ALONE! Of course, it's almost 10:30 a.m. and I haven't started one thing but check facebook and blog but I needed to clear my head. All kids are staying at school late today so I have time...at least so I think. It will be 3 p.m. before I know it, day over. Strep really kicked my butt. Doesn't life just suck sometimes? So I'm trying to think of a few positive things to get me going....I guess the first thing is, I got up and I have improved from the last few days. That the kids were all well enough to go to school. Our new President is in office. I actually have food in the frig. My computer and internet is working. I might even watch a movie while folding several loads of laundry today.....hey, my day isn't starting off that bad after all. I probably won't get half of what I set out to do done, but then there is always tomorrow.

“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”- Winston Churchill

Inauguration Day

When major events happen in the world, people always try to remember where they were or what they were doing when the event took place. I know I won't forget where I was or what was happening on such an important day. Son #2 and myself have strep throat - REALLY bad. I had so many things planned to celebrate today, alas, we are laid out on the couch wishing we could eat but can't bear the pain. Son #1 is busy hanging streamers all over the basement/family room as we watch the inauguration on TV. I didn't get a chance to get our Inauguration t-shirts or make my red, white and blue food BUT there is always tomorrow. We'll keep the streamers up for a few weeks since President's Day is in just a few weeks and we can do red, white and blue food for that day.