Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thankful
Well today is Thanksgiving and so I thought I would write in a blog some of the things that I am thankful for in my life. I am sure I won't be able to list them all because God has given me so much to be thankful to Him for, but I will try to list the top things.
I am thankful for my salvation first and foremost. I am thankful that God placed me in a loving Christian family, despite my father. My mother is an angel and did a wonderful job raising her children alone and teaching them right from wrong, even if we do mess up from time to time.
Which is why I am thankful for God's forgiveness. Without that, where would I be? So many times I have fallen off the path but God is so forgiving He just picks me back up off my feet and still loves me just the same. I know I can turn to Him and everything will be alright.
I am thankful for my faith. God says if we have only the faith of a mustard seed (very small) than we have the strength to move a mountain. I am glad that I know God and know He is real, He proves it to me every single day of my life by answering prayers.
I am thankful for my husband, hes a great, sweet, loving guy who always supports my ideas and decisions. I am so glad that we found each other and hopefully one day we will be able to add to our little family.
I am thankful for my family as I mentioned above, each and everyone of them have a special place in my heart even if we aren't on speaking terms right now.
I am thankful for my good friends, you guys bring a smile to my face and have a way with words that make me feel better when I am going through a tough time and don't know what to do. You have been there for me through all the hard times. There are some of you who have been with me through harder times than others, you know who you are. I am so thankful for you guys. We have known each other a long time and have hurt each other many times but always seem to get through it with a stronger friendship.
I am thankful for life. How many of you wake up each day glad that you have another day to live? I thank God everynight for giving me another day. I know that when I die I will go to a better place but hey, I am human and I am not in a hurry to get there. I have things I would like to accomplish here on earth first.
I am even thankful for God putting us here in Italy, we are where God wants us. At first I was kind of bitter about the idea of moving so far from all of you, but I have met so many wonderful people here in Italy and the experience is amazing. The sights are wonderful, I walk through castles and it takes me back to what it was like in their day and this country is just so old that it blows my mind, but yet so beautiful. Some of you have no idea how much beauty there is in other parts of the world, I am so thankful to have this oppourtunity to explore other parts of God's beautiful land.
I am thankful for the church I have found here. Its a good fundamental church that isn't willing to change to make people "feel good" like other churches do these days.
The list goes on but I will stop here, these are the important things in my life.
Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts
Friday, November 20, 2009
Changes in Italy
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Changes in Italy
Current mood: tired
Category: Life
Well there have been quite a few changes in Italy.
When we first got here we found a really good church and I have been going a lot more latley and trying to get more involved.
Bobbie finally got here and we spend most of our time together. Latley that time involves playing the Sims games on my Xbox but we have a lot of fun and her company is great and really makes the time pass by.
The weather is changing. Its getting cold and the mountain tops are covered with snow... its so beautiful.
I am really starting to get in the festive mood. I have been trying to decorate for autumn and can't wait to decorate for Christmas.
Last Friday I met an awesome lady! Her name is Nita. She has lived across the street from me for 4 months and I just met her. She contacted the Pastor at the church I got to and they contacted me and thought maybe we could meet since we live so close. It was a pretty scary thing for me going over to someones house that I didn't know and introducing myself, but God gave me the courage and I am so glad I did!!
A friend called me today to tell me that she just found out she is going to have a baby, I was so excited! I keep thinking about it. Babies are awesome and I can't wait to have my own.
My dog and cat will be here soon and my grandparents are brining them, its going to be fun to be able to show them around.
The entire year that Sergio was in Korea my whole family was praying that somehow we would be able to stay stateside, but God had other plans. You know sometimes we think we know but really its not our choice were God plants us, we think we made the decision but after all its Him that gave us our plan.
So I am realizing more and more why God planted us here. Finding this church, finding these friends, I just know that this is His plan and I have to be happy that I am seeing Him work in my life so soon. We have been here almost 5 months now and everything is becoming so clear to me. I know the time will pass fast and in the end I will be very thankful for this expierence and all the people I have met along the way. So if God uses me to reach just one person, I will know this whole experience was worth it.
Keep the faith, stay strong and keep your eyes on the sky. God will provide and God is good. ~ This is for you Nita.
Changes in Italy
Current mood: tired
Category: Life
Well there have been quite a few changes in Italy.
When we first got here we found a really good church and I have been going a lot more latley and trying to get more involved.
Bobbie finally got here and we spend most of our time together. Latley that time involves playing the Sims games on my Xbox but we have a lot of fun and her company is great and really makes the time pass by.
The weather is changing. Its getting cold and the mountain tops are covered with snow... its so beautiful.
I am really starting to get in the festive mood. I have been trying to decorate for autumn and can't wait to decorate for Christmas.
Last Friday I met an awesome lady! Her name is Nita. She has lived across the street from me for 4 months and I just met her. She contacted the Pastor at the church I got to and they contacted me and thought maybe we could meet since we live so close. It was a pretty scary thing for me going over to someones house that I didn't know and introducing myself, but God gave me the courage and I am so glad I did!!
A friend called me today to tell me that she just found out she is going to have a baby, I was so excited! I keep thinking about it. Babies are awesome and I can't wait to have my own.
My dog and cat will be here soon and my grandparents are brining them, its going to be fun to be able to show them around.
The entire year that Sergio was in Korea my whole family was praying that somehow we would be able to stay stateside, but God had other plans. You know sometimes we think we know but really its not our choice were God plants us, we think we made the decision but after all its Him that gave us our plan.
So I am realizing more and more why God planted us here. Finding this church, finding these friends, I just know that this is His plan and I have to be happy that I am seeing Him work in my life so soon. We have been here almost 5 months now and everything is becoming so clear to me. I know the time will pass fast and in the end I will be very thankful for this expierence and all the people I have met along the way. So if God uses me to reach just one person, I will know this whole experience was worth it.
Keep the faith, stay strong and keep your eyes on the sky. God will provide and God is good. ~ This is for you Nita.
Its about time, but...
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Its about time, but...
Well finally we have our internet hooked up at our house but we still have a few issues to work out. We have to make sure they gave us the Unlimited usage plan or we will be getting raped for using the internet, they charge per hour without that plan. Then we have an issue hooking it up in the room the computer is all set up in, so that will be fixed on Monday, the last issue is the vonage isn't working for some reason right now. I think I know the issue but won't be able to fix that until Monday too. So for now, you can keep trying to call our Skype number and the chances are better that you will get a hold of us, 586-xxx-3260 and then after Monday try the vonage phone at 810-xxx-5502. Either number you call if you leave a message we should be able to get it. Thanks and talk to you all soon!!
Its about time, but...
Well finally we have our internet hooked up at our house but we still have a few issues to work out. We have to make sure they gave us the Unlimited usage plan or we will be getting raped for using the internet, they charge per hour without that plan. Then we have an issue hooking it up in the room the computer is all set up in, so that will be fixed on Monday, the last issue is the vonage isn't working for some reason right now. I think I know the issue but won't be able to fix that until Monday too. So for now, you can keep trying to call our Skype number and the chances are better that you will get a hold of us, 586-xxx-3260 and then after Monday try the vonage phone at 810-xxx-5502. Either number you call if you leave a message we should be able to get it. Thanks and talk to you all soon!!
Life in Italy so far...
sday, June 12, 2007
Life in Italy so far...
Current mood: drained
Category: Travel and Places
Well, so far so good. They say that this is the hardest base to PCS into, and well this is my first PCS (permanent change of station) and so far it has been pretty rough. We have been super busy doing all the things we need to get done. Currently we are going to Right Start, it is Mandatory for Sergio and optional for me but I go so I know whats going on. Tomorrow is our European drivers test and on Friday we go on a tour on a bus and stop in the market, shop around, go out to dinner all you can eat and drink, wine tasting and learning how to use the train station and then to the mall. So it should be a lot of fun.
The big thing so far is finding a house. I don't think I explained the process before so I will try now... its complicated so bear with me...
Gov't housing is a two and a half month waiting list but since Sergio was in Korea for a year and away from his family (wife/kids if he had any) they try to get him into a family house asap. So they bumped us up on the list a year except for the top 10% which is like officers and generals and all that. So we got put at number 6 and offered a house right away.
We have 24 hours to decide and heres the catch. Once they offer you a house if you decline it then they will cut off your TLA (the money we get for our hotel) on the day that they would have been able to move us into that first house. Which in our case is June 25th. Well the first house was really nice but surrounded by vineyards and corn fields and although that isn't a bad view... its a bad smell since they use manuer for all their fertilizing everywhere! Just wait until it gets HOT... EWWWW....
So we declined and now have until June 25th to find a house or we pay to stay in the hotel ourself... technically... but we would stay with one of his friends until we found one. Well in the meantime....
I looked on aviano classifieds online and found a house that sounded great. It was too. Huge three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a big kitchen (hard to find in italy) no cupboards though and no dishwasher. a nice size livingroom and dining room and a fully finished basement! Which is super nice and would make an awesome theatre room. The neighbors are Italian and don't speak much English but the yard is fully fenced and has huge privacy bushes and a covered carport.
Then we were offered a second house from the gov't....
To our suprise it was a three bedroom (they usually offer two bedrooms to ppl w/o kids) one downstairs and two upstairs, a nice size kitchen with cupboards and a dishwasher, a carport, two bathrooms, a storage room, an attic, another small storage room upstairs, more like a storage cupboard and a dining room, American neighbors and a nice community, fenced back yard and a patio in front that can be fenced in. We don't have to pay anything at this one. Where with the other one we have to pay the landlord but the government gives us the money we just have to watch our utilities and not use the washer dryer shower and turn on a lightswitch at the same time or we blow a fuse and if something breaks we have a landlord who doesn't understand us...
So we have a tough decison to make.
We are still looking out for a car, a second car. Our household goods will come around July 27th and our car on July 22.
The food is great, the sights are great but of course there is no place like home. I am sure in 20 years or less we will look back and have lots of memories but for right now its rough.
We miss you all and keep checking back for more pictures... hope to see you all soon. We have two spare bedrooms!
Life in Italy so far...
Current mood: drained
Category: Travel and Places
Well, so far so good. They say that this is the hardest base to PCS into, and well this is my first PCS (permanent change of station) and so far it has been pretty rough. We have been super busy doing all the things we need to get done. Currently we are going to Right Start, it is Mandatory for Sergio and optional for me but I go so I know whats going on. Tomorrow is our European drivers test and on Friday we go on a tour on a bus and stop in the market, shop around, go out to dinner all you can eat and drink, wine tasting and learning how to use the train station and then to the mall. So it should be a lot of fun.
The big thing so far is finding a house. I don't think I explained the process before so I will try now... its complicated so bear with me...
Gov't housing is a two and a half month waiting list but since Sergio was in Korea for a year and away from his family (wife/kids if he had any) they try to get him into a family house asap. So they bumped us up on the list a year except for the top 10% which is like officers and generals and all that. So we got put at number 6 and offered a house right away.
We have 24 hours to decide and heres the catch. Once they offer you a house if you decline it then they will cut off your TLA (the money we get for our hotel) on the day that they would have been able to move us into that first house. Which in our case is June 25th. Well the first house was really nice but surrounded by vineyards and corn fields and although that isn't a bad view... its a bad smell since they use manuer for all their fertilizing everywhere! Just wait until it gets HOT... EWWWW....
So we declined and now have until June 25th to find a house or we pay to stay in the hotel ourself... technically... but we would stay with one of his friends until we found one. Well in the meantime....
I looked on aviano classifieds online and found a house that sounded great. It was too. Huge three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a big kitchen (hard to find in italy) no cupboards though and no dishwasher. a nice size livingroom and dining room and a fully finished basement! Which is super nice and would make an awesome theatre room. The neighbors are Italian and don't speak much English but the yard is fully fenced and has huge privacy bushes and a covered carport.
Then we were offered a second house from the gov't....
To our suprise it was a three bedroom (they usually offer two bedrooms to ppl w/o kids) one downstairs and two upstairs, a nice size kitchen with cupboards and a dishwasher, a carport, two bathrooms, a storage room, an attic, another small storage room upstairs, more like a storage cupboard and a dining room, American neighbors and a nice community, fenced back yard and a patio in front that can be fenced in. We don't have to pay anything at this one. Where with the other one we have to pay the landlord but the government gives us the money we just have to watch our utilities and not use the washer dryer shower and turn on a lightswitch at the same time or we blow a fuse and if something breaks we have a landlord who doesn't understand us...
So we have a tough decison to make.
We are still looking out for a car, a second car. Our household goods will come around July 27th and our car on July 22.
The food is great, the sights are great but of course there is no place like home. I am sure in 20 years or less we will look back and have lots of memories but for right now its rough.
We miss you all and keep checking back for more pictures... hope to see you all soon. We have two spare bedrooms!
Second plane landed.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Second plane landed.
Well we arrived about 8:00am our time which was about 2:00am your time on Wednesday. We had a lot of running around to do when we first got in. Some Sgts. picked us up and drove us around, they all seem really cool. Today we had the flight cheif driving us around, took us to his house and then out to dinner with his wife and some of his friends. Anyway, we still haven't been able to hook up the vonage phone because of the voltage over here. We bought a transformer and no not the toy! LOL... everytime that word is mentioned Sergio makes the noise that the cartoon ones make. Anyway, we have one that holds two plugs so we found out that the computer and phone both convert themselves we just needed the converters to hold the style of plug we have. So we went and bought the converters but well... they wont hold our style plug that has the two prongs and circle metal thing at the bottom. It only will hold the two prongs... so we have to buy another converter just to hold all the stuff... I know that is probably really confusing but I don't know how else to say it, other than when we get the phone working we will give everyone a call. In the meantime we have to buy a calling card, which we haven't had time to do yet. We are house hunting all day tomorrow too! I will let everyone know how that goes. Talk to you all soon!!
Second plane landed.
Well we arrived about 8:00am our time which was about 2:00am your time on Wednesday. We had a lot of running around to do when we first got in. Some Sgts. picked us up and drove us around, they all seem really cool. Today we had the flight cheif driving us around, took us to his house and then out to dinner with his wife and some of his friends. Anyway, we still haven't been able to hook up the vonage phone because of the voltage over here. We bought a transformer and no not the toy! LOL... everytime that word is mentioned Sergio makes the noise that the cartoon ones make. Anyway, we have one that holds two plugs so we found out that the computer and phone both convert themselves we just needed the converters to hold the style of plug we have. So we went and bought the converters but well... they wont hold our style plug that has the two prongs and circle metal thing at the bottom. It only will hold the two prongs... so we have to buy another converter just to hold all the stuff... I know that is probably really confusing but I don't know how else to say it, other than when we get the phone working we will give everyone a call. In the meantime we have to buy a calling card, which we haven't had time to do yet. We are house hunting all day tomorrow too! I will let everyone know how that goes. Talk to you all soon!!
And... We're off
Monday, June 04, 2007
And.... we're off
Well we are in Baltimore safe and sound... kinda... there is a really big, loud thunderstorm right now. It kicked out the satellite for a little bit and I really wanted to go swimming. Maybe there is still hope for that... the sun is trying to come back out. We got our car all shipped away and should be in Italy July 23rd. We will be there tomorrow at 2:30am your time but we be 8:30am Italy time. Our cell phone will be on the rest of today (Monday) and Tuesday until we get on the plane at 2:30pm (your time). After that we will be getting settled in Billeting until we find a place but we will be trying to hook up the vonage phone there so give us a call, just remember we are 6 hours ahead of you. 810-637-5502 that will be the number you can reach us at. It is a local St. Clair phone number and won't charge you anything extra to call us. Our cell phone will technically still be on until the 30th of this month so if you call it you can get our voicemail but we won't be answering it. We also can't check the voicemails on our cell phone over there. I will keep everyone posted on whats going on and all that and then put up pictures as we take them.
This hotel we are at right now is like a 5 star. Called Four Points Sheraton. Down pillows, flat screen plasma TV, and a very comfortable king size bed. I have officially been spoiled. Oh yeah and then we got room service and they brought it all on these nice platters with miniture ketchup and mustard bottles just for me! Oh boy... very nice.
Well talk to you all soon I hope.
And.... we're off
Well we are in Baltimore safe and sound... kinda... there is a really big, loud thunderstorm right now. It kicked out the satellite for a little bit and I really wanted to go swimming. Maybe there is still hope for that... the sun is trying to come back out. We got our car all shipped away and should be in Italy July 23rd. We will be there tomorrow at 2:30am your time but we be 8:30am Italy time. Our cell phone will be on the rest of today (Monday) and Tuesday until we get on the plane at 2:30pm (your time). After that we will be getting settled in Billeting until we find a place but we will be trying to hook up the vonage phone there so give us a call, just remember we are 6 hours ahead of you. 810-637-5502 that will be the number you can reach us at. It is a local St. Clair phone number and won't charge you anything extra to call us. Our cell phone will technically still be on until the 30th of this month so if you call it you can get our voicemail but we won't be answering it. We also can't check the voicemails on our cell phone over there. I will keep everyone posted on whats going on and all that and then put up pictures as we take them.
This hotel we are at right now is like a 5 star. Called Four Points Sheraton. Down pillows, flat screen plasma TV, and a very comfortable king size bed. I have officially been spoiled. Oh yeah and then we got room service and they brought it all on these nice platters with miniture ketchup and mustard bottles just for me! Oh boy... very nice.
Well talk to you all soon I hope.
Recent News
Friday, May 04, 2007
Recent News
Well, the time is coming closer and closer to when we pack up and leave for Italy. Its exciting and nerve racking and stressful. Leaving everyone and especially my boys is going to be the hardest. I wish I could just pack them up in my suitcase and take them too. Josh really wants to go bad. I know its going to break his heart.
I am graduating with my associate's in Corrections tomorrow, May 4th!! That is exciting for me. When I am in Italy I will continue for my Bachelor's. I hear there are a lot of great schools there.
May 9th Sergio is coming home.
June 4th we leave for Italy for our long three day trip! I will be taking my cat but have to wait to take my dog since it will most likely be too hot for her to fly.
Update on the boys: They are all attending therapy regularly now. Josh is going every week and Seth and Caiden will alternate and go every other week. When they leave therapy they tend to be more hostile towards each other and act out the next day. Josh's big problem is acting out at school. He has just learned about making choices. We will give him two choices and if he choses the wrong choice then we let him know he is chosing to give up a privilage. For example, last night he didn't want to leave my mom's and listen when I told him to put his shoes and coat on. So he also wants to see Spiderman 3 this weekend. So I told him he has two choices: He can put his shoes and coat on now without throwing a fit and come with me, or he is chosing to not go see Spiderman 3. I told him "The choice is yours" of course he wanted both his way, so I had to tell him that he had exacltey one minute to choose and if he didn't then I would have to choose for him and he wouldn't like it. So he made the choice to obey and come with me. Its new to him so we will see how it goes. Another thing the therapist recommended was to use big words to get them to stop and pay attention. For those of you with kids, try it, it really does work! So following the directions the video gave (my mom watched a video by herself at therapy meeting). They were in the grocery store and Josh was acting up. So my mom said "Joshua today we are going to institute new policies and procedures while in the grocery store. He stopped immediately, his eyes got wide and he said "really? what is it?" He wanted to know all about what she was saying. So she went on with his two choices. In the video I guess the man who thought of all this said he did it while in the resturaunt and people looked at him funny and were laughing and he said "oh well at least I got my 7 year old son to sit down and listen to me"
Alright well enough of that.
Oh yeah and by the way, stupid (stephanie) got 6 months probation for the threats she made to me, has to take random drug and alcohol screens and has to go to therapy that is mandated by the probation officer. She also had to pay $500 in fines and $237 in attorney fees and then another $140 for something else. That in itself was worth it!! She finally had to pay for her mouth!
Recent News
Well, the time is coming closer and closer to when we pack up and leave for Italy. Its exciting and nerve racking and stressful. Leaving everyone and especially my boys is going to be the hardest. I wish I could just pack them up in my suitcase and take them too. Josh really wants to go bad. I know its going to break his heart.
I am graduating with my associate's in Corrections tomorrow, May 4th!! That is exciting for me. When I am in Italy I will continue for my Bachelor's. I hear there are a lot of great schools there.
May 9th Sergio is coming home.
June 4th we leave for Italy for our long three day trip! I will be taking my cat but have to wait to take my dog since it will most likely be too hot for her to fly.
Update on the boys: They are all attending therapy regularly now. Josh is going every week and Seth and Caiden will alternate and go every other week. When they leave therapy they tend to be more hostile towards each other and act out the next day. Josh's big problem is acting out at school. He has just learned about making choices. We will give him two choices and if he choses the wrong choice then we let him know he is chosing to give up a privilage. For example, last night he didn't want to leave my mom's and listen when I told him to put his shoes and coat on. So he also wants to see Spiderman 3 this weekend. So I told him he has two choices: He can put his shoes and coat on now without throwing a fit and come with me, or he is chosing to not go see Spiderman 3. I told him "The choice is yours" of course he wanted both his way, so I had to tell him that he had exacltey one minute to choose and if he didn't then I would have to choose for him and he wouldn't like it. So he made the choice to obey and come with me. Its new to him so we will see how it goes. Another thing the therapist recommended was to use big words to get them to stop and pay attention. For those of you with kids, try it, it really does work! So following the directions the video gave (my mom watched a video by herself at therapy meeting). They were in the grocery store and Josh was acting up. So my mom said "Joshua today we are going to institute new policies and procedures while in the grocery store. He stopped immediately, his eyes got wide and he said "really? what is it?" He wanted to know all about what she was saying. So she went on with his two choices. In the video I guess the man who thought of all this said he did it while in the resturaunt and people looked at him funny and were laughing and he said "oh well at least I got my 7 year old son to sit down and listen to me"
Alright well enough of that.
Oh yeah and by the way, stupid (stephanie) got 6 months probation for the threats she made to me, has to take random drug and alcohol screens and has to go to therapy that is mandated by the probation officer. She also had to pay $500 in fines and $237 in attorney fees and then another $140 for something else. That in itself was worth it!! She finally had to pay for her mouth!
Wish me luck!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Wish me luck!
So, tomorrow I am headed off to Ohio, Wright Patterson AFB. I have to get my medical clearance. I have been getting such the run around from everybody lately its crazy. Being told I need this and that and then somebody else telling me no I dont need this or that but rather need this and that.... confused yet? Because that is not even close to the confusion I have been getting!! These people are crazy I don't know why it has to be so hard. But I am headed off tomorrow and have to have my interview on Tuesday to make sure (as Sergio's dad puts it) I am not coocoo for cocoa puffs, lol. So, then we should be ready to get the ball rolling on the rest of Italy. Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
So, tomorrow I am headed off to Ohio, Wright Patterson AFB. I have to get my medical clearance. I have been getting such the run around from everybody lately its crazy. Being told I need this and that and then somebody else telling me no I dont need this or that but rather need this and that.... confused yet? Because that is not even close to the confusion I have been getting!! These people are crazy I don't know why it has to be so hard. But I am headed off tomorrow and have to have my interview on Tuesday to make sure (as Sergio's dad puts it) I am not coocoo for cocoa puffs, lol. So, then we should be ready to get the ball rolling on the rest of Italy. Wish me luck!
I had the surgery...
Saturday, February 10, 2007
I had the surgery...
Well just a little update to let you all know that the surgery went well, it was better than my other knee was, so that is good. I have a full leg brace on though and have to keep it on for two weeks. I am on crutches for at least two weeks maybe longer. Basically he went in and put bio-absorbable tacks into the cartilage that was breaking away, just like their name they will absorb and take the form of cartilage but not actual cartilage. Then he errated it, he said, just like you do withh a lawn, basically drilled little holes into the thigh bone and surrounding area near the cartilage to stimulate scar tissue which will wear down as I walk and kind of break away until it smooths out and it acts as a cartilage replacement. Yeah sounds painful and is once I start walking again and moving my knee, pretty much grinds away at the scar tissue until it fits in place. Sooo... I am handicapped again for the next month or two but the only good thing is I get handicap parking and don't have to walk half a mile to the buildings that my classes are in. I park between them and walk right in the door, its nice!
I had the surgery...
Well just a little update to let you all know that the surgery went well, it was better than my other knee was, so that is good. I have a full leg brace on though and have to keep it on for two weeks. I am on crutches for at least two weeks maybe longer. Basically he went in and put bio-absorbable tacks into the cartilage that was breaking away, just like their name they will absorb and take the form of cartilage but not actual cartilage. Then he errated it, he said, just like you do withh a lawn, basically drilled little holes into the thigh bone and surrounding area near the cartilage to stimulate scar tissue which will wear down as I walk and kind of break away until it smooths out and it acts as a cartilage replacement. Yeah sounds painful and is once I start walking again and moving my knee, pretty much grinds away at the scar tissue until it fits in place. Sooo... I am handicapped again for the next month or two but the only good thing is I get handicap parking and don't have to walk half a mile to the buildings that my classes are in. I park between them and walk right in the door, its nice!
Italy
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Italy
So people are always asking me what I think of going to Italy. We are leaving in June for those of you who didn't know.
Its an idea I have struggled with for a while now, well since I first found out. When Sergio told me the places he put down of all of them Italy was the only choice I thought I wouldn't mind. But when he said that we were actually going there.... I was not so ok with it.
Yeah I know I have lived here in this cold, hot, more cold unpredicatably beautiful state of Michigan my whole life, with the exception of a few months here and there in South Carolina. I know I need something new, but all the way overseas in another country!
Well of course I have known now for over a year and have had a lot of time to think about it. More and more people I know or have been friends with are going overseas. I start to think, I can do it too.
I know it won't be easy, but I think it could be enjoyable and I think that it is exactley what the two of us need. To go somewhere where its just the two of us. Our first year of marriage we were together for 4 months out of the 12. Not too much. The money will be good, so we can tour Europe and that would be something not too many people will get to do in this lifetime that say they want to.
Then there is always the bonus for all of you... you can come visit and stay with us!!
Well I am done rambling for now...
thanks for listening.
Italy
So people are always asking me what I think of going to Italy. We are leaving in June for those of you who didn't know.
Its an idea I have struggled with for a while now, well since I first found out. When Sergio told me the places he put down of all of them Italy was the only choice I thought I wouldn't mind. But when he said that we were actually going there.... I was not so ok with it.
Yeah I know I have lived here in this cold, hot, more cold unpredicatably beautiful state of Michigan my whole life, with the exception of a few months here and there in South Carolina. I know I need something new, but all the way overseas in another country!
Well of course I have known now for over a year and have had a lot of time to think about it. More and more people I know or have been friends with are going overseas. I start to think, I can do it too.
I know it won't be easy, but I think it could be enjoyable and I think that it is exactley what the two of us need. To go somewhere where its just the two of us. Our first year of marriage we were together for 4 months out of the 12. Not too much. The money will be good, so we can tour Europe and that would be something not too many people will get to do in this lifetime that say they want to.
Then there is always the bonus for all of you... you can come visit and stay with us!!
Well I am done rambling for now...
thanks for listening.
What would you do?
Sunday, January 07, 2007
What would you do?
Category: Life
What would you do? You make the choice! Don't look for a punch line; There isn't one! Read it anyway. My question to all of you is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children,the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. "I believe,that when a child like Shay, physically andmentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize truehuman nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people treatthat child."
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked,"Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a broad smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win thegame?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was allbut impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly,much less connect with the ball.However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing theother team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ballright back to the pitcher.The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay, run home! Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world.
Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
AND, NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people think twice about sharing. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.
We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the "natural order of things." So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up that opportunity to brighten the day of those with us the least able, and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.
What would you do?
Category: Life
What would you do? You make the choice! Don't look for a punch line; There isn't one! Read it anyway. My question to all of you is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children,the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
"When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. "I believe,that when a child like Shay, physically andmentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize truehuman nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people treatthat child."
Then he told the following story:
Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked,"Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."
Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a broad smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win thegame?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was allbut impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly,much less connect with the ball.However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing theother team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ballright back to the pitcher.The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!"Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay"Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay, run home! Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world.
Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
AND, NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people think twice about sharing. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.
We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the "natural order of things." So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice: Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up that opportunity to brighten the day of those with us the least able, and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.
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