Posts I wish I had written

The past 5 months, since we made the move to Texas has put be in a bit of a spin out. I get what I need to get done (most of the time anyways), but we've had some pretty major changes take place in our lives, besides the obvious. Since I've been in such a blogging funk, I thought I could at least make a list of the posts I wish I'd done, maybe I'll feel better after it's out of my head....here's to trying!

1. I cannot say how happy I am that my family is back under the same roof again - that is what the goal was with this move and it has happened and I don't think my hubby will ever know how happy that makes me.

2. My mom is an angel, that's all I really need to say.

3. I have found my creative groove again - photography, scrapbooking, creating custom invites are pouring out of me.

4. I now have 3 - yes THREE diabetics in my household. I cannot say enough about the need to find the cure for this horrible, awful damn disease. 14 shots a day in one house is a bit much, wouldn't you say?

5. Because of it's "not ever going away" presence in my house, I am now doing whatever I can as a volunteer and hopefully someday employee at the JDRF. I'm mad as hell and I'm not taking it anymore.

6. I love, love, love this photographer's work - every.single.piece - http://www.irenesuchocki.com/ - go check her out, seriously.

7. Ms. J's new preschool is awesome, it is full of love and affection (NOT inappropriate)and she is so happy to go. They welcomed us with open arms and never once did they hesitate when I asked if they could handle a diabetic child - now they want to know if Little G will be there next year, since they'll be pros at that point. How did we get so lucky! AND did I mention that Ms.J is already learning to sound words out and can identify all upper and lower case letters?

8. My best friend who just gets me... ALWAYS calls me on March 4th, without fail, every year for the past 15 years...just to see how I'm doing. She remembers without any prompt that this is the worst day of the year for me...remembering the day my dad passed is still hard for me.

9. Facebook is like crack in that it is instantly addictive - but there are so many bonuses and "feel goods" that come from this naughty little addiction....I have reconnected with my best friend from high school, caught up with other friends from different points in my life and learned a lot about the area I live in.

So there you have the list....I feel like a weight is off my back...but why couldn't it have been taken off my arse??? Geez....LOL

Good Things

Since I'm still looking for my "dream job" and trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up I thought that it was time to start doing some volunteer work. Two weeks ago I began volunteering at the Dallas JDRF. I talked to the office manager to get the details on when most volunteers come in, etc. and after talking to my hubby, we figured out the day that would work easiest with our schedule. Make that his schedule because my volunteering means that he gives up sleep during the day AND stays up with Little G. Graveyard shift is a killer on normal daytime activities I tell ya.

Fast forward to my first day of volunteering. I arrive and am introduced to the folks in the office, the other volunteers that are already busy little bees and I begin my job for the day. I was asked to write thank you notes that are sent to donors telling a little about our story. After a few of the folks in the office read my note and heard more of the details of the story I was a mini-celebrity of sorts. I was flattered and a little scared that everyone was now so very aware of my family with the diabetic hubby and 2 girls that are all Type 1. I went home feeling like this was a place where I could make a difference, even if temporarily until I find a full-time job and can again be a monetarily contributing member of my household.

So this past Tuesday, I again arrived to volunteer. I was met by on of the office managers and given a pre-audit task (ie, lots of matching and documenting what you're missing type things). The Executive Director found out that I was there and came to talk to me. We moved into an office I told her "our" story and gave her a little bit of an idea as to how we manage our household. She thanked me repeatedly for volunteering and asked how often I thought I might be available to volunteer, when I told her that I was committed to Tuesdays every week until I found a job she got huge tears in her eyes. She asked what my background was and if I would be interested in temp work. She went on to explain that they have a hiring freeze (color me shocked) but that they can bring temps in to help with the walk and the gala. She also said that once the freeze is lifted there may be a place for me there and that she would love to consider me for a full time position. My dream job would be to work at the JDRF and to help make more research possible and more families find the support they need.

I got a call yesterday afternoon from Nancy at JDRF and WE, my entire family has been asked to speak at a donation kick-off next week at a major contributors office next week. They have specifically asked that we bring both girls and that hubby and I talk to the group. I am excited and nervous and SO relieved that hubby will be next to me. Maybe this is why I was moved to volunteer, maybe that higher power needed me to land in this place at this time so that I might be able to make a difference and put a face to diabetes. I just hope I am worthy.

3 blogs removed and an exciting contest - for a great cause!

This morning as I was catching up on my favorite blogs, I saw a link in Kory's blog about one of the blogs that she reads MckMama's that had a link to yet another blog A Sister for Bean with a contest you can participate in, possibly win a great prize package and help bring a much wanted child home to the family that so heartfully wants her. Since February is the month to celebrate love, and what is sweeter than the love you have for your children - helping another couple bring home an already much loved child is a slam dunk, yes? Got check it out, so that this 3rd blog removed might get some love from this great blogging community we belong to.

Mr. President

As much as anyone else in the free world, I was moved to tears more than once as President Obama was sworn in. The warmth I felt from the exiting President and his family put a "feel good" touch on the day for me. I feel full of hope and ready for change in this great country of ours.
Since we live in Texas now, in a suburb of the Big D no less you can imagine the fanfare of Former President Bush and the Mrs. returning home that same day. My hubby is from Midland, home of both G.W & Laura so that was cool to watch them touch down in Midland before heading to their ranch. The folks in the neighborhood where the Bushes are moving to are rolling out the red carpets for them, signs, flags, banners, you name it. For the most part people here seem to be happy to welcome them home. I for one couldn't believe the look of relief and pure joy on GW's face as he was wrapping up the festivities at the inauguration. While he may not have wanted Mr. Obama to follow him into office, he seemed genuinely happy to be giving the job to someone else. Can't say I blame him.

Nightly Tale of Despereaux

Ms.J has loved books since the beginning. She will usually pick a book over a toy if given a choice and we typically have at least 3 books in the car with us at any given time. I thought we'd give a chapter book a try and see if she could sit still and focus on it if we did just one chapter each night. So New Years weekend we went to the bookstore and I helped Ms.J pick out "The Tale of Despereaux". She had been seeing the previews for the movie,so it was a pretty easy choice for her. We settled in that first night to read our chapter but she didn't understand why I stopped when the story clearly was not over with. I let her know that the good thing about books like this were that you got to read a little bit each night. We are now about half way through the book and each night, without fail she makes sure to ask me to read her chapter to her. We look at the pictures from the movie that are included in the book (8 or so total)and she's doing really well keeping all of the characters straight - which is impressive because there are A LOT. I'm already looking for our next chapter book, I'm so excited that she is enjoying the addition to our nightly routine.

It's Baaaaaack

I used this stuff by the gallon back in high school, after every shower, after swim practice - the almond-cherry smell takes me back. My best friend and I used to take turns buying it and sharing it in the locker room. LOVE this stuff. I saw it the other day while Ms.J and I were at WallyWorld. I turned into a 17-year old on the spot - I immediately unscrewed the lid, took a big whiff and was transported back to those days of swim caps, speedos and great tans. I was so happy that I bought one big bottle and may have to go back to stock up before they take it away from me again. Old School Baby!

2009 - Create

For this new year, I have decided to change things up a bit. I'm starting off small and going to see where this year takes me and add to it from here. I have never been one to make resolutions and I don't know that my new ideas necessarily count as such - more like an action plan of sorts. After reading for a few years about others choosing a word that represents what they want for themselves in the coming year, I have been inspired to do the same. I am hoping this word will keep me focused and not let so much extraneous "stuff" derail me. My word for 2009 is "CREATE". I love this word and always have and toyed between this and 2 others that are also on my list of favorite words (I'm holding on to those for possible use down the road if this works for me). I hope to "CREATE" more organization, more great memories, more fun, my dream career, a better way of life for my family and a plan to start a foundation to help those with children affected with Type 1 Diabetes.

I am also trying to take stock in the good things that take place. So for this reason alone, I have begun a gratitude journal. It's nothing fancy at this point, but I do find that focusing on the good things can take the edge off. I spend 5 minutes every night writing down all the things I'm grateful for. It really makes me take stock in those sweet moments or that wave from a neighbor we haven't met yet, even that smile from a stranger at the grocery store.

I'll update periodically, but I did want this in print so that the accountability is there. Out with the old, in with the new. Challenging yourself is good and this will be a challenge for me.