Just Say Yes to Broccoli!

Christian's school is having an anti-drug rally on Wednesday. He's in kindergarten. He will have to wear his tye-die T-shirt on Wednesday, and apparently the entire school is going to march around the school yard for fifteen minutes after some sort of presentation is given to the children.

I was wondering how this topic has been handled by his teacher. When I explained to Christian why he will be wearing his colorful shirt, he told me that Mrs. B has been telling them that sometimes kids take too much medicine. That's good, I thought. What a great way to get kindergarteners familiarized with the purpose of this rally. How can a parent possibly discuss an abstract concept of drugs with a child other than by making a comparison to medicine?

So on Saturday I took Christian to a birthday party that one of his classmates was having and I visited with the father of one of his friends who, by the way, has a very good dry sense of humor. The subject of the upcoming rally was brought up and he said, "They're kindergarteners, for gosh sakes! Why are we having them participate in an 'Say No to Drugs' rally when we haven't even gotten to that point yet? They're not going to understand. Why not have a 'Say Yes to Vegetables' rally or a 'Say Yes to Milk' rally?" He made a good point.

And than I began to think about it further and wondered if Christian will refuse medicine next time he's sick after having participated in this anti-drug rally. Nah; he's too much of a drama king to avoid it. Besides, we've had plenty of teachable moments around here about the dangers of drinking medicine without Mommy or Daddy first administering it. We'll move on to bigger topics when the kids are at the right age.

Just Say Yes to Longer Sleep Hours

Peace and (Almost) Too Much Quiet

Ready to roll

One last dig in the yard

Mike, Gaby and Jojo left for Tennessee yesterday and will be gone for about two weeks. It will give Mike much needed time, while he has it, with his family & friends. He deserves it. It felt strange sleeping in our house without them last night, but Christian and I will get used to it.

He and I are going to have fun. Christian went with me on a walk while he rode his bike yesterday. It was a good way to get rid of the sadness of the boys leaving. Christian's really encouraging me to get in shape in his oh-so-subtle ways ("That's junk, Mom." "You really need to lose some weight around your arms and your chin under here."). So exercise we shall. And then we'll see some movies, go to the museum with Yaya and Grampa, and attend some birthday parties, too.

And while I'm home all alone during the day when Christian is at school, I shall relish the time to get some studying, housecleaning, and clothes sorting done. And maybe a little more blogging time, too.

A Smashing Good Time

I had my first mammogram today and I'm glad I finally did it before I turn 40. A bit of maneuvering and awkwardness for a mere five minutes was worth it.

My Kind of Marathon

One day I shall cross the 50,000-word line. I know many of you have or in the process of doing so. Write on!

Source (The Anchoress)

Boo!

Three little weasel boys waited all month LONG for Halloween to arrive.

But FIRST there was Christian's parade of costumes at his school.

Two little Bat Men-Boys take a ride down the school slide.

All dressed up and ready to start Halloween - FINALLY. Three matching costumes sent by Nana and Papa.

The house was decorated and ready all month LONG. Sheesh...when is Halloween going to arrive?

Two scary parents ready for a fun night riding in Tanya and Darren's hay-filled trailer through the neighborhoods to find our treats.

Brrrrreeezing!

A couple weeks ago we stayed at the cabins in Cascade, which are rented by Aunt Tonie's Sisters of Charity order, located in the mountains near Colorado Springs. It was such a good getaway, even though I spent much time alone while my parents, Mike and the boys went on a couple day trips; I had a particularly tedious assignment to work on and relished the time alone. It was freezing and did not go above 30 degrees...brrrr!!



Meanwhile, as the clouds hung over Cascade and the mist turned to ice on the branches, the temperature on the other side of the mountains was in the 60's! They visited Aspen, Maroon Bells, and Breckenridge, places I'd like to visit when we return. Mike has a passion for photography and took these photos. He was disappointed that there was some wind at Maroon Bells and was therefore unable to get a good photo with the lake's reflection of the mountains.

The boys at Maroon Bells


Aspen


Life is going well, all things considered. Mike and I are working on some projects around the house and I'm taking advantage of having him here. I also get some extra study time at the library during the day when I need it.

Being close to nature is refreshing and helps clear the head. While Mike works hard to find another job, he's also taking some much needed time for himself. Mike took Gaby and Jojo to Ouray, CO this week and they spent one night visiting the beautiful area. He's also getting ready for his trip to TN next month and will be taking Gaby and Jojo with him. Luckily, all three kids are great travelers...they had no choice! Mike hasn't been back home in two years and he's looking forward to seeing his friends and family. And I'll have time to study for the exasperating GRE test and some alone time with Christian.

Through all this craziness of his losing his job, we are doing well. Mike takes care of us all and is taking care of himself. He's running and exercising, has lost some weight, has a lot more energy and is optimistic about his future. And are marriage is stronger for that.

I hope the health kick bug finds me soon, well maybe after the GRE or after this semester ends ... or maybe by next summer. Oh, nevermind.

No Shame

Life can really throw you some curveballs. Mike was let go from his job a couple days ago. Boom -- let go without the benefit of a severance and at the end of the month when our coverage was to end. He is now 0-2 with the past two horrendous job experiences, and he's hoping the third time's a charm. Luckily, he gets unemployment benefits, we are awaiting to hear if we qualify for health coverage (the children will certainly have Medicaid), and we may even be able to get food stamps. Wow, never thought we'd be in such a position, but we are.

We actually feel upbeat right now. I don't know why with all that has happened recently. I used to say if you have a job -- any job -- that you're lucky. Now I say if you have faith and good health, you're pretty blessed. Friends and family rank right up there, too. Maybe it's because I live near my parents and my old friends that I feel better. My spiritual life still needs some work, but I'm trying.

I have a medical issue that I want to check before too long, and today Mike discussed it with his doctor when he had his physical. He also told her about our health coverage concerns and explained that he wants to continue having her as his doctor if possible. This wonderful doctor spent her usual hour and a half with him. Yes, that entire time was spent with the doctor and not in a waiting room or in an actual room alone. She is Indian, believes in meditatation, and was knocked off her stool when Mike's labwork came back. Mike has been removed from his cholesterol and high blood pressure medication, and she is the first doctor who has ever been proactive with regards to his health. You would think that his blood pressure would be through the roof with the stress of losing a job, worrying about the family, etc. She was keenly interested in what he has done lately. For the past month, Mike has made some important changes: better diet, exercise, and eating smaller portions. Within that timeframe, he also is communicating so well that for the first time in our marriage I don't recognize who he is. We've had some major overhauls in our marriage recently. His doctor went over some breathing exercises and they did it together for 15 minutes this afternoon. She does not believe in eating meat, says to eat fish no more than three times a week, and eat lots of beans, rice, fruits and vegetables. This carnivore does not eat fish, but maybe this will encourage him (Mike doesn't know what he's missing). And now this caring doctor is having someone in her office contact Mike tomorrow to let him know how to continue the same health coverage so that I can go in as soon as possible. God bless her.

Mike has had a lot of support from his former employees, some of whom have called him since this happened last Tuesday. Mike had refused to write up three of his employees for an incident that was not their fault and that was perhaps viewed as insubordination in his employer's eyes and was the final straw for them. Sometimes doing the right thing is difficult. And that seems to be what life is all about. It's not meant to be an easy or a straight path. We're all here for a reason.

Tonight my brother Sergio asked me if I am going to continue with school. Honestly, I was ready to drop out a few nights ago, but then I realized that I need to keep working at it because if I don't do it now it may never get done. Our conversation and his insights cheered me considerably.

So if you are reading this, know that you are important and dear to me my brothers, family, near and far friends, and friends from the past.