Monday, June 30, 2008

You Fail....

I was handed my "in training" card for the 4 eyed geek club today. The bill was steep and the kick to the ego was hard. Yes, I failed my eye exam and am getting O-L-D. The doctor laughed pretty hard at me when I said I hadn't had my eyes checked since I was 16. Then he asked me to read the bottom line which looked like Chinese writing on crack to me. My eyes glazed over as I struggled to focus and I suddenly felt like I was sitting in Ms. Lavoie's History class praying she didn't call on me because I didn't do my homework. UGH...

The doctor was nice as he watched my ego slide out the door and down the nearest toilet. He even was polite when I asked him if he was pulling my leg and to do the test again. So yeah not only did I fail it once, I failed it twice. I don't rock.... today! :(

As we get up to leave after our discussion on choosing glasses and the fact I cannot wear contacts due to astigmatism I do the insane, I ask well how bad are they? He responds with the bitterly sobering "If you went to take a driver's test today you would fail." OUCH!!!!!!!!!!

SO.. I ordered me some extra eyes to help this old hag try and attempt to drive. I cannot promise I'll post any pictures of myself but maybe... if I have a good hair day. They are suppose to be in by Friday. OH Joy... lol

I declared today that I am now having a mid-life crisis. I got my haircut and not loving it, I got a horrible cold sore on my lip, I failed my eye exam and had to get glasses AND I am PMSing. A friend asked me what I plan to do next run out and get a Harley and I decided no safer to become a Lesbian. :)

Another Day - Another Trick!

I wish I could be 5 again. The summer before you start kindergarten before anything gets complicated. No clue about relationships except to love and to be loved. Where the hardest thing is deciding what to eat for breakfast. Man... what a life my child lives. I LOVE watching Alex grow up. At times it makes me sad cause he is my only and last baby but mostly I relish every breath he takes as if it were his last. Having seen my child sitting on death's door often gives me a different perspective than most. I try hard to enjoy even the hardest days when I want to lock myself in my bathroom for the longest Mommy time out ever. lol But then Alex does something like pray for me on how own in the ar on the way to the doctor because I have a cold and he's afraid I'll get a shot. My sweet, sweet child.....

Let's see.. I guess I have to start this story back on Friday. We were having our normal afternoon at the pool when my son decided to learn how to dive. Now for those who don't know Alex in person he is fearless. He also is extremely determined. Once he decides to do something he just does it with very little effort. At 14 months I thought he would never walk a week later he was running across the room. seriously.... Anyway, he decides he wants to dive.

So I take him over to the edge of the pool sit him down and show him a sitting dive, Boom he does it. Okay, I stand up and dive off the edge, after 5 dives he does the sweetest dive ever. So Sweet that the lifeguard leans over the stand and tells him man that was awesome! His legs were tight and straight and even his toes were pointed. It was insane.... Next I try and get him to do it off the diving board. I insist he's ready BUT because he IS my child he is also EXTREMELY stubborn and if he doesn't want to do it... it is NOT going to happen. NO WAY he says... Several lifeguards and a few older boys all try and convince him. NOPE....

Finally he gives in and I get him to sit on the end of the board and dive down. Does that like a pro so I figure NO PROBLEM.. he'll do it now. NOOOO.. he tells everyone "I'm too young maybe when I am 13". WHAT!?!? 13!?!?!?!? So we leave the pool with no standing dive... bummer...

Rick talks to him later that night but it's still a no go. Saturday evening Rick gets the chance to head to the pool with us for the first time. Rick was blown away at his swimming and jumping. Well now Daddy's here so it's time to impress. Rick shows him how to do a squatting dive. (now mind you myself and 3 other people ALL showed him the same thing the day before) BUT Daddy did it so he walks out and does a PERFECT dive. I am stunned (and honestly a little crest-fallen because he did it for Daddy and not me, and I am the swimming instructor). We cheer of course and go crazy as everyone in the pool looks on like we are the biggest dorks ever. 5 dives later he is standing straight up diving in.... ahhh such a proud Mama!!!




Sunday, June 29, 2008

...... Glasses ......

"20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet.20/20 does not necessarily mean perfect vision. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. There are other important vision skills, including peripheral awareness or side vision, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability and color vision that contribute to your overall visual ability.
Some people can see well at a distance, but are unable to bring nearer objects into focus. This condition can be caused by hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia (loss of focusing ability). Others can see items that are close, but cannot see those far away. This condition may be caused by myopia (nearsightedness).
A comprehensive eye examination by a doctor of optometry can diagnose those causes, if any, that are affecting your ability to see well. In most cases, your optometrist can prescribe glasses, contact lenses or a vision therapy program that will help improve your vision. If the reduced vision is due to an eye disease, the use of ocular medication or other treatment may be used."

Ahhh Google is my friend!! It's crazy the things you can find on-line. Tomorrow I have the joy of seeing the eye doctor after what I believe to be about 17 years. HOW it can be that long I have no idea but I think the last time I had my eyes properly checked by a ophthalmologist was right before I turned 16. My Mom took me before I went to get my driver's license just to be sure I was all set. Just a little food for thought but both my parent's couldn't find their way out of a paper bag without their glasses. Seriously... Blind as a bat is putting it mildly. They also both got glasses very young around 2ish. My oldest brother Jim wears glasses and the older he gets the thicker the lenses get. Know what I mean?? Next is my brother Tim who miraculously has 20/20 vision at 35 years old. He has NEVER worn glasses or even complained about his eyes. Number 3 of course is me... I wore glasses 1 year in 6th grade because the lights in the room gave me horrible headaches. It really put a strain on my eyes and I temporarily failed the eye test. Weird I know. Sarah, child #4, well.. she is a funny little case. She got glasses as a kid but refused to wear them for fear of the "nerd" status being stapled to her back. SO she walked around clueless and seriously blind for years. How she played soccer or softball I honestly cannot imagine. I finally forced my mother to take her when we drove by a HUGE billboard sign and I asked her to read it to me and she couldn't. UHHH Houston we have a problem!!!!! Needless to say she was wearing contacts a week later. She too is umm Blind!! Sarah.. I love you.. but your blind as a bat! :)

When I brought Alex in for his appointment and I sat trying to read the letters as he was... uhh.. decided I better get mine checked too. Tomorrow at 1pm is the time set to see if I too will join the world of the 4 eyes. Pray that just because I have had 33 birthdays does not mean that my eyes have gotten old or that I am turning into my parents.






Saturday, June 28, 2008

Wanted - My Review


Today Rick and I had a "Date Day". Now this in itself is HUGE. We never get an hour alone never mind 7 hours!!! Alex went off to VBS with his friend Coleton at State Line Baptist Church.

Rick and I decided to pick an "adult" film and off we went. We decided on "Wanted" with Angelina Jolie. My Husband was a fan of hers from Gone in 60 seconds.

This movie started off like a scene out of the office. The main character "Wesley" starts off as a miserable cubicle dweller and by the end of the movie less than 120 minutes later he is a master assassin. Do NOT go in to this movie expecting to be "fed" intellectually. In fact don't even expect this movie to be believable. This movie runs along the same lines as The Matrix as Wesley is trained to "bend bullets". Blood, blood, and more blood is key. The violence and depth of gore is never ending. I found myself cringing as I watched bullets rip through skulls and knives shred guts to pieces. Wanted was quick paced with a thin story line.

Angelina was a disappointment. She was far to thin to be sexy or believable. She needed some muscles and curves to go along with her kick ass attitude. sigh....

I suggest waiting till this comes out on DVD and rent it then...

I give this movie a C+

Wall*E - My Review

My review is just that MY REVIEW! It's my personal opinion of the movie as I see it... Take it with a grain of salt or with something more. Totally up to you!!

Last night Wall*E opened in theaters. I went to see it with 2 - 3 yr olds, 1 - 4 year old, 3 - 5 year olds, plus 4 adults! We had a great crew and we very excited about this new Disney / Pixar movie.

The graphics in this movie were exceptional. Hands down Pixar just keeps getting better. However, I found the plot to be thin and over the head of most of the kids in the theater. There are very little words as 2 robots communicate through beeps. The humans are fat, lazy, and brainless. The entire human race lives on a space ship while our lives are run by computers. I felt there was a bit too much political stance in the movie. Where some may think our world is headed. Could i leave to some productive conversations between kids and adults? It's possible. Basically this movie was okay but not the 4 star other reviewers were raving about. I was not blown away. Nemo, Toy Story, and Ratatouille far accede this film! I give it a B-

NOW.. My 5 1/2 yr old would like to give a review:

"Go see this movie! I loved it. I thought the robots were cute and funny."

Go figure a mother and son don't see eye to eye....

Friday, June 27, 2008

Alaska and the great beyond...

My Sister Sarah is in the Coast Guard. Since 2000 she has been stationed in Cape Cod, MA at 2 separate bases. During the last 8 years she has bought a house, had a son, and has gotten pretty "settled". Sarah is 5 years younger than me and honestly still a "kid" in eyes. Mind you she is 28 but that is just a minor detail. Well... she got orders to Alaska. Yeah... As you can imagine she was pretty shocked. Juneau, Alaska was the VERY BOTTOM of her "wish list".

Well it gets crazier... Her husband and she decided to NOT sell their house. In Fact my brother in law and my nephew are staying in Cape Cod. wow.. that's what I said. Her tour is suppose to be for 3 years UNLESS she makes Chief. Now be prepared because there are a lot of "maybes" in here..

The Chief list came out today.. she is #10. That's GREAT.. they usually take about 25-30 for rank advancement. BUT she doesn't find out until after Christmas. IF she makes Chief she will get a new Wish List for her NEW rank... Which means by this time next year she "could" be right back in Cape Cod. As there will be a Chief position open there. Are you following?? Totally confusing right?

I agree!!! So last Saturday, my sister, nephew, and brother in law drove off the Cape and started the trek West. They made it to Seattle, WA by Wednesday evening. Amazing time if you ask me! This morning my sister had the gut wrenching task of hugging her husband and son goodbye as they boarded the plane "home". She will not see them again until the end of October, 5 months from now. As a Mom that is forever! She does have a laptop w/ a web cam. BUT physically not being able to hug your child is something I cannot even wrap my brain around. God Bless her cause I could not do it. (and here I am stressing over leaving my family for 3 weeks in Africa, shame on me)!!!

My sister is not a Christian. I say this because I "personally" think it's important and gives some understanding on things. There is no "church" family to support her or her son / husband.

Please keep my sister in your prayers. This could be an awesome adventure for her. I pray she takes the time to truly find her heart. To do things she might never do again, to explore, to dream, and find excitement.

I also hope that this time away might actually be good for us. Maybe we can reconnect.. via e-mail. Maybe she will start a blog about her adventure, her struggles, and her joys.

I'll keep you posted on her adventure....

Ecclesiastes 4:10

**** THANK YOU, to all my my close friends who watch my back. You hold me accountable for my faith. I NEED you in my life to laugh with, to cry with, and to walk through this journey together with. You know who you are... and you know I love you! ****


We Need Each Other: To Watch Out For Us
by Rick Warren

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

Each one of us needs other people to watch out for us – to defend us, protect us, and help us stay on track. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul tells us that we should look out for each other’s interests, not just our own. What a counterculture verse! In America today, it’s all about me – my needs, my interests, my wants, and my ambitions. But Paul teaches us to look out for others too.

Since September 11, 2001, Americans have been much more vigilant for each other as we are on the lookout for more terrorist attacks. But did you know you have an enemy far more destructive than terrorists? You have a personal enemy who wants to defeat you. His name is Satan. He wants to bring problems into your life, to ruin your relationships, and to hurt you as badly as he can.

Why does he want to hurt you? Because he wants to hurt God, but he can’t – so he goes after God’s children. On your own, you will never win against Satan. But when you have other people to watch out for you and help you, you can be victorious.

Here’s good advice from Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves” (NIV).

Does anyone have your back? Is anyone defending you – watching out for your spiritual welfare? You need a community of people who are saying to you: “We’ll be with you when you’re going through the tough times. We’re not going to let you get discouraged or depressed.”

Community is God’s answer to defeat. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him” (NIV).

Remember: You can try, but you can’t live life well on your own. We all need other people – to walk with us, to work with us, and to watch out for us.

© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and best-known churches. In addition, Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, which was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th Century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for ministers.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Luke 10: 41

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." ~ Luke 10:41

A friend (let's call him Andrew) who has been praying for me regarding numerous things but especially Africa told me a story today. He was in the book store looking for a special bible for my husband. (That's another story), but during the process he was thumbing through one and opened directly up to Luke 10:41. Interesting since he was thinking of both Rick and I. Even more with everything he knows that is going on in my head regarding Africa.

Andrew is not one who runs around pointing out random things and says it's from God, BUT, when something really hits him and truly feels like it's God speaking he listens and shares if necessary.

When Andrew told me I laughed... but he said He truly believed that with all my stress over if I should go to Africa I may actually be missing something. Did he happen to know what that something IS? No.. of course not. :) But man I loved him for sharing....

I am working hard to not allow Africa to become a focus but rather allow God to show me the way. However, what I am finding is it's like trying to get pregnant. Once you actually decide and start trying you suddenly notice every maternity store, every pregnant women on the street, and every infant in a 500 mile radius.

No, I am not finding every missionary in Columbus and grilling them but I do find myself turning my head to every magazine, book, tv show, movie, or newspaper article about Africa. The more I read the more my heart breaks, the more I feel led.

Today in the car Alex asked me "Mama, how many more days till you go to Africa? (pause and before I could answer) The babies are waiting for you"

*** Side notes from Andrew who I spoke about above***
"I have some additional commentary on Africa. I think what I was trying to to say about your focus is that maybe YOU were still trying to figure out the particulars of going or not going rather than BEING STILL and waiting for God to make it clear in His time. Somehow that came out that you were missing something. I didn't mean that in a tangible sense, more that perhaps you should focus on His will and let Him work out the particulars."


Wednesday, June 25, 2008

What color blue is your pool?






Today we once again headed to the base pool. It was brutally hot and humid out so we were ready. The pool there is a saline pool which is the coolest thing ever. No chlorine smell and no stinging of eyes. Kind of like swimming in the ocean minus the NASTY seaweed and jellyfish.

The base pool has 2 slides and a 5 foot diving board. Alex is a FISH with no fear. He passed the swimming test with no problem. This consisted of swimming 50 yards without stopping. Alex was doing crazy jumps off the diving board, swimming in the deep end, and going down the "big boy slide".

Enjoy the pictures! Not sure if you can tell but in one he is grinning at me as he comes off the slide. Cracked me up when I went back and looked at it. There were actually several like it. He is such a ham and just silly!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A friend sent this to me and of course it made me think. Maybe this is a sign I shouldn't go to Africa? Maybe my job is to stay here and continue to put everything I have into Alex. Will he some day be angry at me being gone for 3 weeks the summer he was 6? Will he forever hold it against me and need therapy for weeks. Ugh...... Will I continue on like this back and forth and so on for the next year??

Who Gets Your Time?


...but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
—1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

(Written by Jim Burns) One year I was speaking at the family conference of one of the most well-known youth organizations in the world. Many of the attendees and their families do work similar to what I do. On Friday night of this weekend event, I spoke to the adults and their children. Afterward, on the way back to my room, I passed two teenage girls smoking cigarettes. They looked a bit hardened and not much involved in the conference. For some reason I got to talking with them, and it surprised me to hear that their parents held high positions in the organization. I love the challenge of communicating with these kinds of kids, so we had a great time of open discussion.

The next day, I was returning to my room again and there they were–the same two girls, smoking. I stopped and we started having another good conversation. Finally, feeling I was gaining some trust, I said, "I'm in a very similar job situation as your dads, and I have three daughters. What advice would you give me for being a good dad and helping my daughters live meaningful lives?" Julie, the older of the two girls, took a long drag from her cigarette, then slowly put it on the ground and stamped it out as smoke was coming from her nose.

She looked up at me and replied, "I hope you spend more time with your kids than my dad did with me. He saved lots of kids, but he didn't save me." My eyes immediately filled up with tears. I went back to my room, got on my knees, and asked God to help me be the kind of father to my girls that would not put my vocation ahead of my relationship with them. I'm sure there is another side to Julie's story, but the fact remains that building a strong and healthy family cannot be done long-distance.1

There's no doubt in my mind whatsoever that kids regard your very presence as a sign of caring and connectedness. This "power of being there" makes a difference in a child's life. It sounds so simple, but never underestimate the positive message you are giving your kids by watching those games, driving them all around the county or being with them in one of the hundreds of other ways you are present in their lives. You don't have to be present with your kids 24/7, but your presence gives them a greater sense of security than almost anything else you can offer them.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Spend some time evaluating whether you give your children adequate amounts of your time or just the scraps and leftovers of your schedule.

2. Identify a time in the next week when you will intentionally "be there" for your kids.

FURTHER READING:
1 Timothy 5:8:
"If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Glasses are not for Nerds!





Tell me that's not the cutest thing you have ever seen!! Alex got his glasses today. He struggled to pass his 20/20 vision. He did but just barely. He really squinted and his left eye watered like crazy. He also had astigmatism. So we decided to go with glasses to give his eyes a little help and allow them a chance to mature and get stronger. We will see in a year how is doing. I think this is a good thing with him starting Kindergarten in August.
I am going to get my eyes checked next Monday. I have not had them checked since I turned 16. Basically 15 years. OUCH!! Plus with my headaches and the amount of time I spend on here who knows what I will do. Everyone in my family wears glasses except my brother Tim. I wore them for 1 year in 6th grade due to poor lighting in the classroom I was in.

My Review...


Yesterday, Alex, Lynn, Connor and I drove to Starkville to see Narnia Prince Caspian. I was a little disappointed as a Mom. The first Narnia (The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe) was truly focused on the children who would be watching it. They took the time to explain and give the characters depth and personality.

Also what happened to the depth of spiritual theology in this film? Did the producers forget who wrote the book and the Christian rock he stood on? There was a thin "have faith" line repeated several times. But, it was so thin it's almost not noticeable. On a moral compass there were acts of betrayal, deceit, attempted murder and plenty of politics and back-stabbing. But the kings and queens of old, as well as Caspian, fight for what is good and true. Caspian is tempted by revenge, and Peter's pride leads to disaster, but everyone sees the error of their ways in the end. For the most part, the girls are portrayed as courageously as the boys.

There was constant violence or "awesome sword fights" if you ask Alex. BUT barely a story line... There was no true "gore" but rather understood gore. Characters are pierced by arrows and swords and fall to the ground (many are injured, and some do die), little gore is shown besides the odd cut on the lip or cheek.

I give it a C. This movie just barely hung on to Alex's attention and dragged on grasping at straws to truly be called a Narnia movie. sigh....

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Africa? Africa? AFRICA???

Every now and again (okay more now than then but whatever it's my blog), God has these crazy conversations with me. I mean seriously crazy and I start checking not only my sanity but His too. It started several months ago maybe around December. My Best Friend Lori was turning 40 and her husband Trent was paying her way to go on a Mission Trip to Africa with our church. I tossed around the idea of going but God quickly put me in my place that I was only thinking about it because she was going. Well.. DUH.. 3 weeks kid free with my best friend on a crazy adventure... OF COURSE that's what I was thinking. Well, God as you can imagine was NOT pleased with my thought process and rightly told me so. Sigh.. no Africa trip for me in 2008.

Well, then my son (being the future Baptist Preacher that he is) begins the nightly ritual of praying for the people in Africa but especially the children. I mean he REALLY prays for them. He wants them all to have shoes, more than just rice to eat, a warm bed and most importantly someone to hug every day. Alex began to save part of his "commission" (aka: allowance) for the children in Africa. Every time he outgrows something he tells me to bag it up for the kids in Africa.

I started wondering if God was trying to tell me something through Alex. So I really started listening and praying hard with Alex. I asked God if he had a message for me to make it clear.

Now stay with me here.... this all makes sense in my head but typed out.. well who knows!

For the past 6 months not a day has gone by that something hasn't prompted my attention and prayers for Africa. A website link, a newspaper ad, a TV show, my son in his 100 questions. The interesting part is that it is always kid related.. always.

About a month ago I was in my room folding laundry and Alex comes in, climbs up on my bed for a "chat". I can always tell when it's gonna be serious because he gets comfy and looks very serious. Here is how the conversation went:

Alex: Mama, God told me that I was going to get a "chocolate brother"

Me: umm really? a chocolate one huh?

Alex: yes from Africa

Me: Ok

Alex: no I am serious and you have to go get him!

Me: Alex, Africa is very far away and very expensive to get there. You can't just go and pick a baby put him in a suitcase and fly home with a baby.

At this point I have gone from aww he's so cute to ohh man he's going to get his heart broken.

Alex: Mama, I'm not worried God will take care of it all. You just listen okay?

Me: Umm Okay Alex but be patient okay? And know it's God's will no matter what. I Love you and you are my forever boy.

Alex: climbs down and leaves the room saying YEAH I'm getting a chocolate brother!!

(Slapping forehead)... OHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Needless to say I have told others this story with the "awe Alex said the cutest thing"... But now I wonder if it isn't something more?

I have been feeling more and more drawn to go to Africa on our teams next trip in July 09'. Every time I begin to argue with why I CANNOT GO.. God responds.... ugh.... WHY does HE always respond?? lol

Let me just lay it out here as t why I cannot go to Africa......

1. $$$$$$$ JUST to go it's $5,000 not to mention spending money etc and all the things I don't know about, hidden fees etc.

2. It's a 3 week trip.. I CANNOT leave my son and husband for that long!

3. Who in the world would take care of Alex while I am gone and Rick's at work?

4. Who would do my job (at work) for 3 weeks?

5. I would need a mess of shots $$$$$

6. I need a Visa $$$$

7. I would need Luggage?? $$$

8. I would need different clothes $$$$$

9. What if I am not spiritually ready?

10. How am I a "baby" Christian suppose to minister to others when I can barely minister to myself??

11. What if it crushes my spirit?

12. What if I actually get touched instead of me touching them?

13. What if I cannot function because of the food?

14. What if I get sick?

Okay.. I think you get the picture of my own personal battle. So, what I need from all of you is prayer. Please pray for guidance and for me to just be still and rely on God and not myself.

Is God serious??? He wants ME to go to Africa to love on the baby's???????????

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Alex Rocks!


Well it's far too early since I was awake for 3 hours in the middle of the night. But That being said I thought I would re-introduce my pride and joy.. ALEX!!

So here is a recent picture of The Man, The Myth, The Legend! LOL.. This is from our 2008 T-ball season. He played for the Giants and Rick and I were assistant coaches. He had a good season with a lot less crying which was really nice. We really worked on his swing and about half way through I got him leaning back and stepping and then BAM... he started parking it. He has been hitting some gorgeous line drives into center field since then. He is still pretty weak in the catching area but I think it's because he literally can't see the ball till it smacks him in the head. lol That being said he was the youngest member of the team yet one of the better players. He was consistent. He has a great throw but gets anxious and misses his target (normal for this age) and awesome hitting. We really just needs to work on his fielding and catching but I truly believe we are on the brink with that too.

For some reason this year he has taken to wanting to pitch. He has a mean pitching wind-up too. I am not sure where that comes from since he is still in t-ball. However, I started pitching in softball at 7 and pitched for the next 10 years. Red Sox fans delight though because he is LEFT HANDED!!!! Could he be a dream come true and be a left handed pitcher??? OH BABY..... Be sure to keep his name tucked into your memory because one day you just might see him pitching for my beloved Red Sox in the world series.

Hey a Mama can dream!!!!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Heartburn.........

Heartburn is like the devil...

I fight it everyday yet continue to eat foods that I know I shouldn't. Honestly though just about everything irritates it. This "morning" 1:31am to be exact I sit in my recliner regurgitating the black raspberry ice cream that I ate at 8pm. UGH....

Unlike most people my heartburn takes on the lovely special effect of causing my lungs to burn thus setting off my asthma. This morning I awoke to not only 2 dogs on my head one of which was licking my face off but also an asthma attack. grrreeeeaaatttttt.......... (said with much sarcasm).

I have suffered with asthma for 33 yrs now.. and only in the last 3 did they finally figure out that my asthma was partially being caused by heartburn. WHOA... Taking an pill every day for my stomach has basically put a stop to the wheezing. BUT when the stomach flairs up you can guarantee so does the asthma. sigh.....

So here I sit in my recliner at now 1:36am waiting for the drugs to kick in so I can quit burping up black raspberry ice cream with chocolate jimmies. (OR for you southern people sprinkles).

Well lookie there... you look up the definition of heartburn and look what you get the mention of asthma!!!

"Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone usually associated with regurgitation of gastric acid.[1] The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is also identified as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma. Despite its name, heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. It is so called because of a burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located although some heart problems do have a similar sensation to heartburn. Compounding the confusion is the fact that hydrochloric acid from the stomach comes back up the esophagus because of a problem with the cardiac sphincter, a valve which misleadingly contains the word "cardiac" (an adjective referring to the heart) in its name."

Notice no mention of the devil though... hmph! Go Figure.. I am sure it is a spawn of satan though. WELL THAT JUST isn't COOL!! Spell checker wants me to capitalize satan. WHAT!?!?! does satan deserve to be capitalized like we capitalize our names or Jesus?? I think not. I am just going to have to ignore those ugly red lines all over my page screaming spelling error. I would like to send mister spell checker a nasty little e-mail about his spelling of satan. ugh.. satan may be a "proper name" but excuse me it does NOT deserve to be capitalized. Not at least in my little corner of the blogging world.

In my quest of uncapitalizing (which apparently is not a word) satan I found this blog that agrees with me. Down with capitalizing satan!! Now, after just surfing this guys blog for a few minutes I am totally tickled and bookmarked him. BUT my highlight is that he totally agrees satan should not be capitalized. Maybe I can start a new trend and get others to not capitalize satan too??

Okay it's 2am and I am on a rant about capitalization... seriously! I haven't posted in almost a year and THIS is the best I can come up with???