For the past few days I've been feeling a little out of place here in Western, TN. I've always thought that I was a country girl but I'm beginning to realize that I am definitely NOT! I'm a Southern girl that was raised in a small town (granted it wasn't nearly as small as where I live now) but I'm absolutely, positively not a country girl. I've come to this realization because there are truly country people here and they do things that I have no interest in what-so-ever.
Take, for instance, hunting*. It seems like all the men do it around here and if you don't do it, you're less than a man. I don't like hunting and neither does Bryan. I can't imagine actually killing another living creature. I think I would fall all over myself. I don't really understand the sport behind it either. I mean, come on, sprinkling deer pee all around to attract a deer while you sit up in a tree (dippin' and spittin') just waiting for one to come around doesn't seem like a sport. It seems lazy. When you can chase that deer/duck/rabbit/squirrel/etc. down, wrestle it to the ground, and kill it with your bare hands - you can call hunting a sport. At least then you might break a sweat. And isn't that something that all "sports" have in common - sweat?
Another thing that's HUGE here in Western, TN is pageants**. I haven't met one mom my age here that hasn't had or wanted to have her little girl in one - including some of my good friends. But, I am one of the biggest ANTI-pageant women out there. I see those Toddlers and Tiaras shows on tv and my stomach turns. Introducing girls to the cruel world of rejection and society's view of beauty vs. inner beauty when they are babies (yes, BABIES -- the categories start before 1 year of age) is sickening to me. I don't even know what my baby girl will look like and I already know she's beautiful. She's beautiful because she was beautifully and wonderfully made. She was set apart by The Creator. I don't ever want her to feel any less beautiful because a panel of judges preferred the 3 year old in a belly exposing dress with fake teeth, fake hair, and a fake tan.
Thinking of the day when Jackson comes to us and asks to go hunting with a friend makes me shudder. Bryan and I have both decided we do not want him to even touch a gun until he is an adult and even then Bryan wants to be the one to show him how to use one. I worry Jackson will get teased or bullied because he's not country, doesn't wear camouflage, and doesn't hunt. I worry he won't feel masculine enough because he wasn't raised to do those things.
And, what about when my future little girl (God-willing) wants to be in a pageant because all of her friends are in them? Will she say, "Mommy, why can't I be in a pageant? Aren't I pretty enough to win one?" That would absolutely kill me.
Not only am I feeling out of place here, but I worry that my children will too. I want my children to be who they are, which will most likely be similar to how Bryan and I are (that's just how learned behavior goes). I want them to grow up in a community that embraces diversity, education, faith, and family -- where soccer games and dance class are the normal routine for a Saturday, not hunting and pageant practice.
Am I being ridiculous and judgmental here? Am I worrying over nothing? Am I truly out of place, or maybe just feeling out of sorts lately?
Comments please!
XOXO
*If you are hunting to provide food for your family because you cannot afford meat at the grocery store, that is completely different. I've known families that have to do this and that is what hunting should be. Also, if you donate your hunted meat to organizations that give it to families in need, I'm not talking about you.
**Once children are teenagers and adults they can make their own decisions. If a girl wants to be in a pageant as a teenager to possibly earn a scholarship, I'm totally ok with that. Let that be her decision.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
RSV should stand for Really Snotty Virus
I'm serious. Really snotty. Really, really snotty.
I knew the next week or so would be hard since Jackson has RSV, but no one told me just how nasty it would be. And I don't mean nasty as in unpleasant, irritating, or dangerous. I mean gross NASTY!
There is snot everywhere! Snot on the crib sheets, snot on the carpet, snot on the couch, snot all over the sippy cup, snot on Jackson's clothes, snot on MY clothes, and I've even found snot on the dogs. (At least getting snot on my clothes gives me an excuse for not getting out of my PJs this week. Now what's my excuse for the rest of the time?)
In an effort to control the snot I have two boxes of tissues that I carry with me throughout the house. However, this causes a whole new problem. I have to keep the boxes of tissues away from Jackson or he'll pull every last one out of the box. Do you know how hard that is?! I've found the easiest solution is to hide them under the afghan on the couch or under the covers in the bedroom. This has also caused a cruel game I'm playing with myself called, "How many times can you sit on the tissue boxes before one actually goes up your toosh?"
Another issue with the tissues (hey that rhymes!) is that snotty tissues = crack for dogs. If I leave a used tissue out, I might as well just look for it in the back yard in about 12 hours. Red inhales it as if he was starving. Which he just might be because the amount of snot that is draining in Jackson's stomach has caused him to not want to eat anything, or keep what he does eat down (Yay! Snot and vomit! Double the fun!!), except for one thing. Dog food.
Since he's been diagnosed with RSV, Jackson has become OBSESSED with the dog bowls. He's constantly trying to eat the food and dump the water out everywhere. In an effort to lesson the amount of times I have to fish a kibble out of his mouth or clean up water (4 times yesterday) I'm keeping the dog bowls up on the kitchen table all day, except when Jackson's sleeping.
So, maybe my dog is starving and is just trying to get a little extra nutrition by eating the snotty tissues? Or, maybe, he's just as tired of the snot as I am, so he's cleaning up the mess for me?
I knew the next week or so would be hard since Jackson has RSV, but no one told me just how nasty it would be. And I don't mean nasty as in unpleasant, irritating, or dangerous. I mean gross NASTY!
There is snot everywhere! Snot on the crib sheets, snot on the carpet, snot on the couch, snot all over the sippy cup, snot on Jackson's clothes, snot on MY clothes, and I've even found snot on the dogs. (At least getting snot on my clothes gives me an excuse for not getting out of my PJs this week. Now what's my excuse for the rest of the time?)
In an effort to control the snot I have two boxes of tissues that I carry with me throughout the house. However, this causes a whole new problem. I have to keep the boxes of tissues away from Jackson or he'll pull every last one out of the box. Do you know how hard that is?! I've found the easiest solution is to hide them under the afghan on the couch or under the covers in the bedroom. This has also caused a cruel game I'm playing with myself called, "How many times can you sit on the tissue boxes before one actually goes up your toosh?"
Another issue with the tissues (hey that rhymes!) is that snotty tissues = crack for dogs. If I leave a used tissue out, I might as well just look for it in the back yard in about 12 hours. Red inhales it as if he was starving. Which he just might be because the amount of snot that is draining in Jackson's stomach has caused him to not want to eat anything, or keep what he does eat down (Yay! Snot and vomit! Double the fun!!), except for one thing. Dog food.
Since he's been diagnosed with RSV, Jackson has become OBSESSED with the dog bowls. He's constantly trying to eat the food and dump the water out everywhere. In an effort to lesson the amount of times I have to fish a kibble out of his mouth or clean up water (4 times yesterday) I'm keeping the dog bowls up on the kitchen table all day, except when Jackson's sleeping.
 |
Look at those poor, sad faces! They're starving I tell you...STARVING! |
So, maybe my dog is starving and is just trying to get a little extra nutrition by eating the snotty tissues? Or, maybe, he's just as tired of the snot as I am, so he's cleaning up the mess for me?
 |
| Stalking his prey. |
 |
| Shameful...just shameful. |
Ehhhh...probably not.
XOXO
Monday, January 24, 2011
Cloud of sickness
A new year is not all that January brought the Parsons family. It has brought a cloud of sickness that WILL NOT go away! The first week of January was, of course, when Bryan was recovering from his tonsillectomy and everyone was fairly healthy otherwise. Good thing, too, since we were visiting family in North Carolina. Well since we've been back, we've all just taken turns being sick.
First, Jackson got a little cold. Nothing to worry about but enough to keep us away from friends and church for several days. Then I threw out my back. I may not have been "sick" but as anyone knows who's thrown out their back, you'd almost rather be sick! Especially, when you have a toddler who wants you to pick them up all the time.
The past couple weeks has been the worst. We were able to go to church 2 Wednesdays ago, but could tell that day that Jackson was feeling well again. I thought it was just teeth so I didn't want to take him to the doctor. The next Saturday, Jackson woke up from his nap screaming with both index fingers shoved in both ears. Picture here a very angry "hear no evil" monkey. I knew he had an ear infection so we quickly go to Urgent Care (its was 5 and they close at 6) and they confirmed it and prescribed him an antibiotic.
He was on it for 3 days but was not getting any better so I took him back to his pediatrician on Tuesday. Turns out, Urgent Care had prescribed a dose of antibiotic that would only be strong enough for a newborn. They gave us a stronger antibiotic and sent us on our way. After 48 hours you could tell Jackson was already feeling better so we felt like finally the cloud of sickness had been lifted! Phew!
WRONG!
The next Sunday, Jackson was his typical rowdy self and so we all got ready and finally made it to church for the first Sunday this month. We dropped him off in the nursery and headed to service. Once we were in service, we saw another family who has a little boy Jackson's age and you could tell he was SUPER sick. I don't think they ever brought him in the nursery but his grandmother kept nursery that day. I know if I would've seen my grand-baby feeling that sick, I would definitely have held him. So, I'm sure she was covered with sick germs by the time Jackson came in. And, I know she held Jackson because...well he's so cute, how could you not?! :)
On Wednesday, we got word that the other little boy had been diagnosed with RSV. I didn't think anything of it at the time because Jackson seemed just fine.
WRONG AGAIN!
Saturday, Jackson woke up with a horrible cough and started running a fever by the next morning. We took him to the doctor this morning and guess what...he has RSV. :(
I had a little twinge of anger that he probably (and I say probably b/c there will never be proof) caught it at church but I'm over it. I know that if that family knew their little boy had RSV, they wouldn't have brought him to church, so I don't blame them. I just feel sorry for both of our families and our sweet little boys!
I'm hoping that Jackson won't develop wheezing or breathing problems, but I'm highly anxious about it. More than anything, I'm praying that this will be the end of the sickness that's been hovering over our household.
Plus, all this sickness has seriously hindered my resolution plans. Understandably, I haven't been able to get any Celebrating Home work done, let alone work on my resolutions.
I don't think I can take any more!!
First, Jackson got a little cold. Nothing to worry about but enough to keep us away from friends and church for several days. Then I threw out my back. I may not have been "sick" but as anyone knows who's thrown out their back, you'd almost rather be sick! Especially, when you have a toddler who wants you to pick them up all the time.
The past couple weeks has been the worst. We were able to go to church 2 Wednesdays ago, but could tell that day that Jackson was feeling well again. I thought it was just teeth so I didn't want to take him to the doctor. The next Saturday, Jackson woke up from his nap screaming with both index fingers shoved in both ears. Picture here a very angry "hear no evil" monkey. I knew he had an ear infection so we quickly go to Urgent Care (its was 5 and they close at 6) and they confirmed it and prescribed him an antibiotic.
He was on it for 3 days but was not getting any better so I took him back to his pediatrician on Tuesday. Turns out, Urgent Care had prescribed a dose of antibiotic that would only be strong enough for a newborn. They gave us a stronger antibiotic and sent us on our way. After 48 hours you could tell Jackson was already feeling better so we felt like finally the cloud of sickness had been lifted! Phew!
WRONG!
The next Sunday, Jackson was his typical rowdy self and so we all got ready and finally made it to church for the first Sunday this month. We dropped him off in the nursery and headed to service. Once we were in service, we saw another family who has a little boy Jackson's age and you could tell he was SUPER sick. I don't think they ever brought him in the nursery but his grandmother kept nursery that day. I know if I would've seen my grand-baby feeling that sick, I would definitely have held him. So, I'm sure she was covered with sick germs by the time Jackson came in. And, I know she held Jackson because...well he's so cute, how could you not?! :)
On Wednesday, we got word that the other little boy had been diagnosed with RSV. I didn't think anything of it at the time because Jackson seemed just fine.
WRONG AGAIN!
Saturday, Jackson woke up with a horrible cough and started running a fever by the next morning. We took him to the doctor this morning and guess what...he has RSV. :(
I had a little twinge of anger that he probably (and I say probably b/c there will never be proof) caught it at church but I'm over it. I know that if that family knew their little boy had RSV, they wouldn't have brought him to church, so I don't blame them. I just feel sorry for both of our families and our sweet little boys!
I'm hoping that Jackson won't develop wheezing or breathing problems, but I'm highly anxious about it. More than anything, I'm praying that this will be the end of the sickness that's been hovering over our household.
Plus, all this sickness has seriously hindered my resolution plans. Understandably, I haven't been able to get any Celebrating Home work done, let alone work on my resolutions.
I don't think I can take any more!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
MLK reflection and what you really want -- AN UPDATE!
Today is the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Every year this day rolls around and for years I never really though anything of it except, "Yay! No School!" However in college, I truly began to understand why we have this day off.
I became a RA at App my Junior year. I learned more about diversity and adversity more in those two years than I'd ever learned in my life. I learned how racism, sexism, and homophobia are alive and well in the United States and that we are all affected by them no matter how much we try to deny their existence. I learned that cruel words can instill fear and that the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is one of the greatest lies we've ever been taught. I also learned that we should use the MLK holiday to do good for others. I participated in the MLK challenge in college, in which you spend the whole MLK Holiday doing community service work. Sacrificing your day off for those that are less fortunate. I think Dr. King would've wanted it that way.
This year I am unable to spend today during community service work. Partially, because I have a 15 month old with double ear infections and, partially, because the holiday snuck up on me this year. So, I've been doing a lot of reflecting today on what I've witnessed and what I believe about freedom.
I've never seen racism so vile as when Bryan and I lived in South Carolina. In both jobs I had during our years there, I was confronted with blatant racism. First, was at a local ad agency. The first year I worked there, I noticed that the MLK Holiday was not on the list for paid days off. When I asked my boss why, his response was, "We (referring to he and his family) don't celebrate Martin Luther King Day, we celebrate Robert E. Lee day." I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I simply said, "Well, it would be nice to have that day off to do good for others. To volunteer." Unfortunately, that didn't happen. But, I hope my response stung a little.
A couple years went by and I became a teacher in Pelion, SC. For those of you who don't know, Pelion was once the headquarters of the KKK. Upon learning this, I knew it would be important to include studies on Black History, Civil Rights, etc. into my classroom. My first year, for the week of the MLK Holiday, I required my students to memorize short excerpts of the "I Have A Dream" speech in which they'd recite and I'd record to show over the morning news. One student came to me the day after I gave the assignment and (with attitude) said, "My dad said I don't have to do the speech because he's a member of the KKK." I, of course, told him that was fine but he would have to do a small research paper on the speech instead. He left extremely peeved and I thought, "Oh no, I'm gonna be on the news." Luckily, no burning crosses showed up in my yard and every last student, including the KKK spawn, participated. I felt victorious! Unfortunately, that wasn't the last case of racism I experienced in Pelion. When discussing the Civil Rights movement, every year I had numerous students who were all too willing to divulge information about their grandfathers, uncles, etc. who had been in the KKK. I also witnessed, first hand, how text bullying can happen and incite true fear, after a white student texted all eight African American students in the 8th grade racist comments after Barak Obama's election, which almost started a riot.
I tell you these stories to prove how real racism is. And don't get me started on homophobia and the hatred my fellow Christians spew in the name of the Lord towards homosexuals who just want to be treated as equal. If you thought extremist groups were dead, trust me they're not. They are growing and becoming stronger due to the fear mongering that is allowed in our social and political arenas.
In the words of the Great Dr. King, I've decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Enough of the serious talk -- Now for a resolution update!
I haven't started training yet because I just don't want to start running in snowy, 30 degree weather. But I have picked a 5k to run in September! It's the Race for Fetal Hope in Charlotte, NC. I'm going to run it with my sister in law. Her aunt recently had a still born baby that was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. His name was Josiah, and we are running for him. I'm also running for my little Emma who I lost at 9 weeks. We don't have proof, but we suspect that she had some sort of genetic deficiency which caused the miscarriage. Here's the link if you want to learn more:
http://www.fetalhope.org/
I've also been doing a lot of research on my million dollar idea. I found out it costs WAY too much money to hire a patent attorney, get mock up drawings and a prototype, and apply for a patent. I also researched previous patents and have found that there is a similar patent out there for my idea. I have some apprehension in going forward now because I wonder why this lady's patent didn't take off. I'm not discouraged though, because her patent isn't child-proof and is designed slightly differently than what I was thinking, so I can improve upon it. I'm also not going to get discouraged about money. I'm going to contact some attorneys and engineers and talk with the engineering department at some local universities to see if a student could help me out for a lower price. I'll continue to keep you updated!
Thanks for reading my LONG post! XOXO
I became a RA at App my Junior year. I learned more about diversity and adversity more in those two years than I'd ever learned in my life. I learned how racism, sexism, and homophobia are alive and well in the United States and that we are all affected by them no matter how much we try to deny their existence. I learned that cruel words can instill fear and that the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is one of the greatest lies we've ever been taught. I also learned that we should use the MLK holiday to do good for others. I participated in the MLK challenge in college, in which you spend the whole MLK Holiday doing community service work. Sacrificing your day off for those that are less fortunate. I think Dr. King would've wanted it that way.
This year I am unable to spend today during community service work. Partially, because I have a 15 month old with double ear infections and, partially, because the holiday snuck up on me this year. So, I've been doing a lot of reflecting today on what I've witnessed and what I believe about freedom.
I've never seen racism so vile as when Bryan and I lived in South Carolina. In both jobs I had during our years there, I was confronted with blatant racism. First, was at a local ad agency. The first year I worked there, I noticed that the MLK Holiday was not on the list for paid days off. When I asked my boss why, his response was, "We (referring to he and his family) don't celebrate Martin Luther King Day, we celebrate Robert E. Lee day." I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I simply said, "Well, it would be nice to have that day off to do good for others. To volunteer." Unfortunately, that didn't happen. But, I hope my response stung a little.
A couple years went by and I became a teacher in Pelion, SC. For those of you who don't know, Pelion was once the headquarters of the KKK. Upon learning this, I knew it would be important to include studies on Black History, Civil Rights, etc. into my classroom. My first year, for the week of the MLK Holiday, I required my students to memorize short excerpts of the "I Have A Dream" speech in which they'd recite and I'd record to show over the morning news. One student came to me the day after I gave the assignment and (with attitude) said, "My dad said I don't have to do the speech because he's a member of the KKK." I, of course, told him that was fine but he would have to do a small research paper on the speech instead. He left extremely peeved and I thought, "Oh no, I'm gonna be on the news." Luckily, no burning crosses showed up in my yard and every last student, including the KKK spawn, participated. I felt victorious! Unfortunately, that wasn't the last case of racism I experienced in Pelion. When discussing the Civil Rights movement, every year I had numerous students who were all too willing to divulge information about their grandfathers, uncles, etc. who had been in the KKK. I also witnessed, first hand, how text bullying can happen and incite true fear, after a white student texted all eight African American students in the 8th grade racist comments after Barak Obama's election, which almost started a riot.
I tell you these stories to prove how real racism is. And don't get me started on homophobia and the hatred my fellow Christians spew in the name of the Lord towards homosexuals who just want to be treated as equal. If you thought extremist groups were dead, trust me they're not. They are growing and becoming stronger due to the fear mongering that is allowed in our social and political arenas.
In the words of the Great Dr. King, I've decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Enough of the serious talk -- Now for a resolution update!
I haven't started training yet because I just don't want to start running in snowy, 30 degree weather. But I have picked a 5k to run in September! It's the Race for Fetal Hope in Charlotte, NC. I'm going to run it with my sister in law. Her aunt recently had a still born baby that was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. His name was Josiah, and we are running for him. I'm also running for my little Emma who I lost at 9 weeks. We don't have proof, but we suspect that she had some sort of genetic deficiency which caused the miscarriage. Here's the link if you want to learn more:
http://www.fetalhope.org/
I've also been doing a lot of research on my million dollar idea. I found out it costs WAY too much money to hire a patent attorney, get mock up drawings and a prototype, and apply for a patent. I also researched previous patents and have found that there is a similar patent out there for my idea. I have some apprehension in going forward now because I wonder why this lady's patent didn't take off. I'm not discouraged though, because her patent isn't child-proof and is designed slightly differently than what I was thinking, so I can improve upon it. I'm also not going to get discouraged about money. I'm going to contact some attorneys and engineers and talk with the engineering department at some local universities to see if a student could help me out for a lower price. I'll continue to keep you updated!
Thanks for reading my LONG post! XOXO
Saturday, January 8, 2011
It's Resolution Time!
It's a week into the 2011 New Year and I am finally figuring out my New Years Resolution. Technically, since my husband had a tonsillectomy at the end of December and then we went out of town to NC to visit family for a late holiday, yesterday was MY first day of the New Year. I'm not too behind, right?
Since I was a teenager I always made the resolution to have someone to kiss the next New Years Eve, which always turned up to be a failed resolution until I was dating Bryan in 2001. He was my first ever New Years kiss and he'll be my only one. This story doesn't have too much relevance to this blog post, come to think of it, but I love it and wanted to share. :)
Other than that one resolution, I've failed at following through on every other New Years resolution that I've ever made. There have been countless resolutions to lose weight, start an exercise routine, and to have my quiet times every single day. And so far, I've disappointed myself time after time. This year will be different, dangit! I will follow through on my resolution. And, I think I've figured out a way to keep myself accountable. But before I get into that...
I have 3 resolutions this year...
1. To blog more (preferably every week).
2. To run a 5k.
3. To try and get an idea patented.
The first two resolutions kind of go together. I really enjoy blogging but I've found that I have a hard time figuring out what to write about besides motherhood, which I get bored with sometimes. So, I figure I can blog about my life, mommy-hood, and I can track my progress in training for a 5k and keep myself accountable through it. Oh, and I'm counting on you readers to keep me accountable too! If you haven't seen a post in a week or heard anything about me running, then I expect you to ask me about it. I'm serious - DO IT!
Running a 5k is going to be monumental for me. I've never had much...let's be honest...any success when it comes to running. In gym class, before we'd run the mile I always told myself, "Lindsey, this time you're going to run the whole thing!" I never made it past the first lap before I gave into walking. (Hey, at least I wasn't that girl who from the get-go walked the whole thing and received the stink eye from the rest of the class as she finally passed the finish line b/c it took her the whole period to run...eh hem...walk the mile, keeping us from a rousing game of dodgeball.) I've started Couch to 5k on 3 separate occasions but never made it past the 4th week. I think, though, that is because I was doing it for weight loss/exercise reasons not because I wanted to run a 5k.
Not to mention, I'm horrible at running. And I don't mean that I'm horrible at it because I'm not in shape. I mean I am really, REALLY bad at running. My form is just plain ugly. I don't know how to run correctly. Bryan says I look like a mouse on a treadmill. My little feet are working as fast as they can, but it looks like I'm not getting anywhere. (Thanks hun!) I'm hoping I'll get better at it as I continue to train. I've already googled "How to run" and have watched some videos and gotten some tips on appropriate form. (How did people learn anything without Google?) Now, I just need to look into some 5ks, pick a race, and then I'll have a deadline.
I am more dedicated to follow through on this resolution than I've ever been about any other. Partly, because I want to prove to myself that I can do it. More so, because when discussing it with my wonderfully supportive husband he said, "Are you REALLY going to run a 5k?" I responded with a hard slap to the arm and, "Well NOW I am!" Thanks for the vote of confidence honey! That's more motivation than I'll ever need! :) In all seriousness though, he really is supportive and proud of me for this.
My last resolution I can't really talk about. I mean, I can't tell you my idea or you might steal it and patent it yourself. And those are MY millions, buddy! But, trust me, it's good. Really, really good. I've told a couple family members and they agree. (Fingers crossed they weren't just blowing smoke you know where.) I'll keep all of you posted on the progress as much as I can without spilling the beans. I promise, once I make my millions, I'll blog about it. :)
Happy New Year Ya'll! 2011 is going to be great!
Since I was a teenager I always made the resolution to have someone to kiss the next New Years Eve, which always turned up to be a failed resolution until I was dating Bryan in 2001. He was my first ever New Years kiss and he'll be my only one. This story doesn't have too much relevance to this blog post, come to think of it, but I love it and wanted to share. :)
Other than that one resolution, I've failed at following through on every other New Years resolution that I've ever made. There have been countless resolutions to lose weight, start an exercise routine, and to have my quiet times every single day. And so far, I've disappointed myself time after time. This year will be different, dangit! I will follow through on my resolution. And, I think I've figured out a way to keep myself accountable. But before I get into that...
I have 3 resolutions this year...
1. To blog more (preferably every week).
2. To run a 5k.
3. To try and get an idea patented.
The first two resolutions kind of go together. I really enjoy blogging but I've found that I have a hard time figuring out what to write about besides motherhood, which I get bored with sometimes. So, I figure I can blog about my life, mommy-hood, and I can track my progress in training for a 5k and keep myself accountable through it. Oh, and I'm counting on you readers to keep me accountable too! If you haven't seen a post in a week or heard anything about me running, then I expect you to ask me about it. I'm serious - DO IT!
Running a 5k is going to be monumental for me. I've never had much...let's be honest...any success when it comes to running. In gym class, before we'd run the mile I always told myself, "Lindsey, this time you're going to run the whole thing!" I never made it past the first lap before I gave into walking. (Hey, at least I wasn't that girl who from the get-go walked the whole thing and received the stink eye from the rest of the class as she finally passed the finish line b/c it took her the whole period to run...eh hem...walk the mile, keeping us from a rousing game of dodgeball.) I've started Couch to 5k on 3 separate occasions but never made it past the 4th week. I think, though, that is because I was doing it for weight loss/exercise reasons not because I wanted to run a 5k.
Not to mention, I'm horrible at running. And I don't mean that I'm horrible at it because I'm not in shape. I mean I am really, REALLY bad at running. My form is just plain ugly. I don't know how to run correctly. Bryan says I look like a mouse on a treadmill. My little feet are working as fast as they can, but it looks like I'm not getting anywhere. (Thanks hun!) I'm hoping I'll get better at it as I continue to train. I've already googled "How to run" and have watched some videos and gotten some tips on appropriate form. (How did people learn anything without Google?) Now, I just need to look into some 5ks, pick a race, and then I'll have a deadline.
I am more dedicated to follow through on this resolution than I've ever been about any other. Partly, because I want to prove to myself that I can do it. More so, because when discussing it with my wonderfully supportive husband he said, "Are you REALLY going to run a 5k?" I responded with a hard slap to the arm and, "Well NOW I am!" Thanks for the vote of confidence honey! That's more motivation than I'll ever need! :) In all seriousness though, he really is supportive and proud of me for this.
My last resolution I can't really talk about. I mean, I can't tell you my idea or you might steal it and patent it yourself. And those are MY millions, buddy! But, trust me, it's good. Really, really good. I've told a couple family members and they agree. (Fingers crossed they weren't just blowing smoke you know where.) I'll keep all of you posted on the progress as much as I can without spilling the beans. I promise, once I make my millions, I'll blog about it. :)
Happy New Year Ya'll! 2011 is going to be great!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Something Shook Me
On Sunday, something happened that absolutely rattled my "Mommy Foundation." An acquaintance at our old church in SC lost their 21 month old son. More shocking than just losing a child at less than 2 years old, was the way in which he lost his life. He was not ill, it wasn't a car accident, or at the hand of another person...he fell down a flight of stairs.
This event has absolutely shaken me to the core. Before he passed, I prayed for a miracle. I prayed that if it took God taking one of my many blessings away for this little boy to live, that I would sacrifice that blessing. I've cried for days over this. I've cried for the parents, friends, and family members. I've cried for the little boy, himself. I've cried for the sitters who were watching him at the time. I've cried tears of thanks to the Lord for my child.
And, the crazy thing is, I barely even knew this family. So, why has it shaken me so much?
It's shaken me because I cannot imagine having to come home to a house full of toys, a camera full of pictures and videos yet to be shared, a closet full of clothes not yet worn, and Christmas presents not yet wrapped or opened.
It's shaken me because what person out there has not fallen down some stairs? I feel like I do it on a monthly basis. Children fall and bump their heads all the time. They pull things down on them. For heavens sake, they stick things in power outlets...but you rarely hear of something like that actually taking a baby's life. It seems that they are always "close calls." Why couldn't this tumble have been just a close call?
It's shaken me because of the numerous times I'm guilty of not immediately running to Jackson when I hear that he's getting into something he shouldn't or is in another room without supervision.
It's shaken me because I've been pondering whether I want to continue to stay at home full time or go back to teaching. I can honestly say this one event has flipped my thoughts on going back to teaching upside down. I don't want to miss a moment. I don't want my child's safety and well being to be any one else's responsibility on a daily basis. Not that I don't trust others, but because I wouldn't want anyone to have to go through what this little boy's sitters are having to go through. So for now, at least, I'm resolved and completely thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom.
I'll never understand why this little boy was taken from his parents, friends, family, and the world so early. I'll never understand why God only allowed his parents to enjoy him for less than two years. But what I do understand is this...
My God is good. He doesn't promise us a perfect life without hard times. But what He does promise is that He will hold us close during those hard times. God is love. And love, overcomes death.
XOXO
This event has absolutely shaken me to the core. Before he passed, I prayed for a miracle. I prayed that if it took God taking one of my many blessings away for this little boy to live, that I would sacrifice that blessing. I've cried for days over this. I've cried for the parents, friends, and family members. I've cried for the little boy, himself. I've cried for the sitters who were watching him at the time. I've cried tears of thanks to the Lord for my child.
And, the crazy thing is, I barely even knew this family. So, why has it shaken me so much?
It's shaken me because I cannot imagine having to come home to a house full of toys, a camera full of pictures and videos yet to be shared, a closet full of clothes not yet worn, and Christmas presents not yet wrapped or opened.
It's shaken me because what person out there has not fallen down some stairs? I feel like I do it on a monthly basis. Children fall and bump their heads all the time. They pull things down on them. For heavens sake, they stick things in power outlets...but you rarely hear of something like that actually taking a baby's life. It seems that they are always "close calls." Why couldn't this tumble have been just a close call?
It's shaken me because of the numerous times I'm guilty of not immediately running to Jackson when I hear that he's getting into something he shouldn't or is in another room without supervision.
It's shaken me because I've been pondering whether I want to continue to stay at home full time or go back to teaching. I can honestly say this one event has flipped my thoughts on going back to teaching upside down. I don't want to miss a moment. I don't want my child's safety and well being to be any one else's responsibility on a daily basis. Not that I don't trust others, but because I wouldn't want anyone to have to go through what this little boy's sitters are having to go through. So for now, at least, I'm resolved and completely thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom.
I'll never understand why this little boy was taken from his parents, friends, family, and the world so early. I'll never understand why God only allowed his parents to enjoy him for less than two years. But what I do understand is this...
My God is good. He doesn't promise us a perfect life without hard times. But what He does promise is that He will hold us close during those hard times. God is love. And love, overcomes death.
You Do Not Realize Now What I Am Doing, But Later You Will Understand. ~ John 13:7
Below is the link to the obituary. The family is taking donations through the funeral home to help with funeral costs. Please donate...
XOXO
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Oh the difference a year makes...
Yesterday, I cleaned all the bottles out of the cabinet and was overcome with emotion. I can't believe that it's been over a year since Jackson was born. Lately, I've found myself being more and more nostalgic. I think it's because I've felt like I have a newborn again. Between Jackson waking up in the middle of the night and the neediness during the day, I've found myself sleep deprived and on edge like I was the first few weeks of his life. Things are calming down now (Phew! It was just a stage.) and I've been able to break through the sleep fog to actually reminisce about all of the events of the past year.
Halloween 2009 - Almost 1 month old
I think about how much Jackson's grown and all the milestones he's already crossed - sitting up, crawling, walking, eating solid foods, and no longer taking a bottle. I look forward to watching Jackson cross many more milestones and doing typical little boy things - running around in the backyard, soccer games, playing fetch with the dogs, going to Disney World, etc. But, I find myself wanting things to slow down. I miss his nap times on my chest and cuddle time while he took his bottle. I miss the sound of those first coos and giggles. I miss my little baby boy.
Halloween 2010 - 1 year old - Very Hungry Caterpillar Theme
Uh oh...is that the itch to have another one?
I hope it's just eczema.
I think about how much Jackson's grown and all the milestones he's already crossed - sitting up, crawling, walking, eating solid foods, and no longer taking a bottle. I look forward to watching Jackson cross many more milestones and doing typical little boy things - running around in the backyard, soccer games, playing fetch with the dogs, going to Disney World, etc. But, I find myself wanting things to slow down. I miss his nap times on my chest and cuddle time while he took his bottle. I miss the sound of those first coos and giggles. I miss my little baby boy.
Uh oh...is that the itch to have another one?
I hope it's just eczema.
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