I've been trying to think of something good to write all week. I haven't thought of much.
First, my sister Stephanie was in the hospital with kidney stones. She's fine now, but that is so very painful. And I feel like that is more her place to tell the story.
Work is busy, but that's hardly new.
It was unseasonably warm early in the week, and last night, a big cold front came through. Today we had ice, sleet and snow. I looked outside at one point, and the snow was swirling all around with the wind. It looked like I was in a snow globe!
One new thing I'm trying this week is based on an article I read, "What does it take to lead a happier life?" Researchers are studying how to increase happiness, and the article refers to a simple exercise: every night, think of three good things that happened that day and analyze why they occurred.
It's a bit like the Gratitude Journal that was made popular by Oprah and Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple Abundance, a few years ago. The thing I like about this exercise is the analysis of why those things happened.
On Monday, one of my good things was this snuggly baby I got to hold at the hospital. My analysis of why this happened? Because I volunteer. That made me give credit to myself and realizing how much I get out of giving.
Anyway, I figure it can't hurt, and who knows? It might just increase my happiness level.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
A Good Start
Everything went well!
The kids arrived on Wednesday night, and we went out to a Japanese hibachi restaurant. Steve's son Declan was very comfortable around me, acting like he sees me all the time. (We met in February.) His daughter Hayden was shy as Steve had predicted. She only spoke to him through dinner, and I tried to make comments, to which she would politely smile and then turn back to him.
Thursday was the Big Day, and I started by cooking the pies. The kids helped peel the apples for the apple pie, and Hayden helped me with the stuffing. Otherwise, I was pretty much on my own. I didn't want to make them help if they didn't want to. I was also really missing my sisters and parents. We usually are all in the kitchen talking and preparing together.
The kids were thrilled about the shrimp cocktail, which I served in martini glasses. They tried everything, including my family recipes for spinach casserole, turnips & carrots and Chachie's cranberry relish.
On Friday, Steve took the kids to a museum and bowling. I went shopping by myself and almost got my whole Christmas list done! We met back at the house for dinner. I made a cheese fondue appetizer (big hit) and turkey pot pie (also enjoyed). Later, Hayden helped me wrap some gifts, and we had a great talk.
Saturday was a short day with the kids as they headed back to Albuquerque that afternoon. We had a nice breakfast together and some shopping. They were so sad to say goodbye to their dad, and he is still sad at having to say goodbye to them.
The kids arrived on Wednesday night, and we went out to a Japanese hibachi restaurant. Steve's son Declan was very comfortable around me, acting like he sees me all the time. (We met in February.) His daughter Hayden was shy as Steve had predicted. She only spoke to him through dinner, and I tried to make comments, to which she would politely smile and then turn back to him.
Thursday was the Big Day, and I started by cooking the pies. The kids helped peel the apples for the apple pie, and Hayden helped me with the stuffing. Otherwise, I was pretty much on my own. I didn't want to make them help if they didn't want to. I was also really missing my sisters and parents. We usually are all in the kitchen talking and preparing together.
The kids were thrilled about the shrimp cocktail, which I served in martini glasses. They tried everything, including my family recipes for spinach casserole, turnips & carrots and Chachie's cranberry relish.
On Friday, Steve took the kids to a museum and bowling. I went shopping by myself and almost got my whole Christmas list done! We met back at the house for dinner. I made a cheese fondue appetizer (big hit) and turkey pot pie (also enjoyed). Later, Hayden helped me wrap some gifts, and we had a great talk.
Saturday was a short day with the kids as they headed back to Albuquerque that afternoon. We had a nice breakfast together and some shopping. They were so sad to say goodbye to their dad, and he is still sad at having to say goodbye to them.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Getting Ready
This Thursday is Thanksgiving, and instead of the usual big family get-together, Steve and I will be hosting his two kids, Hayden, age 13 and Declan, age 11. I'm excited and nervous and anxious. But I will miss all my family, getting together at Jennifer's house.
It's a little strange to only have four people for Thanksgiving. (that's four including me!) I don't even need my extra leaf in the table! But Steve and I both agreed that it's best to have a small gathering for me to get to know the kids better. We also thought it might be a little overwhelming to introduce them to all my family just yet!
To make it a little easier for them, I asked Steve what they traditionally have in the menu. I'm making apple and pumpkin pies for dessert (I will miss your pecan pie, Daddy!). And for an appetizer, we're having shrimp cocktail, which became a family tradition for them when they lived in Germany and couldn't get a turkey.
It's a little strange to only have four people for Thanksgiving. (that's four including me!) I don't even need my extra leaf in the table! But Steve and I both agreed that it's best to have a small gathering for me to get to know the kids better. We also thought it might be a little overwhelming to introduce them to all my family just yet!
To make it a little easier for them, I asked Steve what they traditionally have in the menu. I'm making apple and pumpkin pies for dessert (I will miss your pecan pie, Daddy!). And for an appetizer, we're having shrimp cocktail, which became a family tradition for them when they lived in Germany and couldn't get a turkey.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
A New Experience
Thursday and Friday were a completely new experience for me. We were interviewing and filming the patients I mentioned in my post last week about What's Real. I learned I'm pretty good at interviewing. The hardest part for me is that I couldn't make verbal or auditory cues, like saying "Oh" and "Mm hm" while they were speaking. We're editing out the questions altogether, so all you'll hear is the person's story. I gave a lot of thumbs-up and big smiles. And if they said something particularly funny, I had to do a silent laugh! I wanted to encourage them and make them feel as comfortable as possible to tell their story while being as quiet as possible. I almost felt like I was doing charades.
After our first day of filming on Thursday, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much! I also found that I was completely exhausted. I went to bed at 8:30 (which I never do) and slept soundly until the next morning.
Each of the people we were interviewing aren't actors, so everyone was nervous in front of the camera with the hot lights and many production people in the room. I tried to make each feel comfortable and let them know that their unique story is important and inspiring. We got some incredible footage -- more than we had expected -- and the clients were thrilled.
After our first day of filming on Thursday, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much! I also found that I was completely exhausted. I went to bed at 8:30 (which I never do) and slept soundly until the next morning.
Each of the people we were interviewing aren't actors, so everyone was nervous in front of the camera with the hot lights and many production people in the room. I tried to make each feel comfortable and let them know that their unique story is important and inspiring. We got some incredible footage -- more than we had expected -- and the clients were thrilled.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
How would you describe me in one word?
On the radio this morning, one of the DJs brought up the idea of describing each other in one word. They got a variety of responses from listeners and coworkers.
It got me thinking. It's difficult to sum someone up in just one word. We're all so multifaceted, and it forces you to choose the most evident characteristic.
So, readers, here's your chance! How would you describe me in one word?
It got me thinking. It's difficult to sum someone up in just one word. We're all so multifaceted, and it forces you to choose the most evident characteristic.
So, readers, here's your chance! How would you describe me in one word?
Monday, November 13, 2006
The Dog with Three Families
A week and a half ago, my uncle Tom came to visit to pick up a piece of furniture I had been keeping for him. Tom used to live in the Dallas area, and he lovingly opened his home to me after my first divorce. We were roommates for awhile, until he decided to move to the Austin area to be closer to his daughter. Since he was significantly downsizing his living area, he asked me to keep his dog Scout, an energetic shepherd-greyhound mix. Scout had a heart of gold and had a way of wrapping you around her toe.
When I remarried, my new home came with two large dogs that made Scout very nervous. I was concerned for her, and my best friend Janet offered to take her into her home. It was a great situation for Scout, since Janet and her family had a huge common ground area for Scout to run around and tree the squirrels, and someone was always home to share her company.
Scout has been slowing down fairly significantly lately, showing signs of arthritis in her stiff joints and the advancing stages of dementia. I told Tom he needed to come visit to say goodbye.
Tom was here on a Tuesday. We had a lovely visit with Scout, including all three of us: Tom, Janet and myself. Then we had dinner and toasted what a beautiful spirit she is.
Last Friday, Janet had to make the excruciating decision to put her down. Scout had gotten so restless and animated, she didn't sleep for three days and then collapsed. Unfortunately, the procedure didn't go as smoothly as hoped, but we know now Scout is in a better place, hopefully full of squirrels to chase. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
When I remarried, my new home came with two large dogs that made Scout very nervous. I was concerned for her, and my best friend Janet offered to take her into her home. It was a great situation for Scout, since Janet and her family had a huge common ground area for Scout to run around and tree the squirrels, and someone was always home to share her company.
Scout has been slowing down fairly significantly lately, showing signs of arthritis in her stiff joints and the advancing stages of dementia. I told Tom he needed to come visit to say goodbye.
Tom was here on a Tuesday. We had a lovely visit with Scout, including all three of us: Tom, Janet and myself. Then we had dinner and toasted what a beautiful spirit she is.
Last Friday, Janet had to make the excruciating decision to put her down. Scout had gotten so restless and animated, she didn't sleep for three days and then collapsed. Unfortunately, the procedure didn't go as smoothly as hoped, but we know now Scout is in a better place, hopefully full of squirrels to chase. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Ready to Blow
Oh, I'm so overwhelmed! I've been working all morning and still have 200 unread emails in my inbox. My supervisor told me people are telling him they can't get enough of my time on their particular projects -- no wonder since I'm overallocated as it is. He said they weren't complaining about my work, just that I'm not focused on their projects. Huh. I'm going 100 mph and not able to keep up.
I haven't had a vacation since March when Steve & I went to Hawaii. I started feeling really burned out in August. Now, mid-November, I feel whipped.
Do you ever have so many emails, phone calls, lists of things to do that you don't know where to start? Everything's urgent, making it difficult to prioritize. I can't wait until Thanksgiving, to have a couple days off, but then I don't know how I'll have time to take it off. There's too much to do!
This is why I have no interesting blog stories. I think about topics to write about and sometimes create the stories in my head, but I'm either away from a computer (flying) or am too tired by the time I get to a computer. Or, I decide the topic isn't blog-worthy.
I haven't had a vacation since March when Steve & I went to Hawaii. I started feeling really burned out in August. Now, mid-November, I feel whipped.
Do you ever have so many emails, phone calls, lists of things to do that you don't know where to start? Everything's urgent, making it difficult to prioritize. I can't wait until Thanksgiving, to have a couple days off, but then I don't know how I'll have time to take it off. There's too much to do!
This is why I have no interesting blog stories. I think about topics to write about and sometimes create the stories in my head, but I'm either away from a computer (flying) or am too tired by the time I get to a computer. Or, I decide the topic isn't blog-worthy.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
What's Real
Are you still reading? Did you think I dropped off the face of the earth?
Tonight I'm in Indianapolis. Work has been rough lately. I've been travelling every week for the past 4 weeks, and clients have been coming into town for meetings, too. At the end of the year, they all seem to find budget dollars that must be spent before year-end. It's good, but it's crazy busy.
Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was interviewing people who have a particular life-threatening disease, which I'm not mentioning on the blog because the project is still confidential. It was so moving hearing their stories. It reminded me why I chose health education as my major in college. It just felt so real, listening to their real-life struggles, and it puts most everything else into perspective.
These people -- men, women, black and white, young and old -- told how they now appreciate the small things, like rain, the breeze, and especially family and friends. Many of them spoke of God and said they felt they had a reason to be here. They sounded so certain. I've never felt that certain about my purpose. It makes sense to me that one man described his disease as "a blessing and a curse."
Tonight I'm in Indianapolis. Work has been rough lately. I've been travelling every week for the past 4 weeks, and clients have been coming into town for meetings, too. At the end of the year, they all seem to find budget dollars that must be spent before year-end. It's good, but it's crazy busy.
Monday and Tuesday of this week, I was interviewing people who have a particular life-threatening disease, which I'm not mentioning on the blog because the project is still confidential. It was so moving hearing their stories. It reminded me why I chose health education as my major in college. It just felt so real, listening to their real-life struggles, and it puts most everything else into perspective.
These people -- men, women, black and white, young and old -- told how they now appreciate the small things, like rain, the breeze, and especially family and friends. Many of them spoke of God and said they felt they had a reason to be here. They sounded so certain. I've never felt that certain about my purpose. It makes sense to me that one man described his disease as "a blessing and a curse."
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