Safari Camp

Safari Camp aka day camp is over for my little man.

It was a busy two weeks for the campers filled with numerous activities and adventures. Each day they entered the jungle not knowing what was in store for them. However all the tour guides greeted each camper with smiles and hugs each day.

Days were spent creating crafts to story time to even going on a bear hunt. The campers used binoculars as they all found bears! My little guy even brought home the little blue one he found. Daily he learned to communicate in sign language. They even scrapbooked!!! My little guy came home with a beautiful Creative Memories album filled with pictures and journaling of great times.

Stages

As I am trying to get past some issues that have re-vamped I have realized how much stronger I have become. Actually, I realize how much more I am becoming like the person I once was. The old me...the real me. The strong, confident, happy me.

The person I was before being manipulated. The person I was before being emotionally beaten down. The person my parents raised me to be.

My relationship with my ex has never had any closure, and it probably never will. A non-communicator, in addition to manipulator, and someone who presents themselves to others which he is not. Yes, I actually married this man. However the man I married is no longer that person. So I will have to endure times like these I have gone through these past two weeks in apparently stages. Yet, each stage will make me stronger.

I thank all of you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

~flygirl~

Cholesterol Update

Today my mother and I headed up to The University of Chicago for our check-up visits. Last time we both saw the Cardiologist was back in March.

I have great news!!!!

When I saw the doctor in March my total cholesterol was 202. After four months of Vytorin, (at the lowest dosage) total cholesterol today was 146. Ninety-five mg down from my November results whic was 241. Today my LDL (bad cholesterol) was 73. In March 139.

Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!!! Thank you God!!!

I asked the doctor where the champagne was to celebrate. Then I told him I was going to eat a Big Mac for lunch. All jokes aside, amazingly enough, we were impressed. Due to that genetic factor-lipoprotein(a)- diet & exercise simply is not enough. However, my family assumed the gene was inherited from my mother...but we found out today that she does not carry it! Could it be my father? More than likely. Could it have skipped a generation? Possibly, however the doctor thinks my father is carrying it. So, guess who is next to see the best Cardiologist of lipid profiles at U of C? Yep, my dad.

~flygirl~

Balance

As we enter into the last week of July I am trying to figure out where the summer has gone. Actually, I know where it has gone, but why has it gone by so fast? Part of me is starting to get ready to go back to work so I can get back to some type of schedule/routine, while the other part of me is enjoying going with the flow of each day.

I am not good when it comes to trying to make some kind of balance. My time management skills need improvement as well as my organizational skills. I guess I just try to live each day to the fullest. The burdens that I have gone through have made me realize that there are more important things in life then trying to keep up with the small, tedious tasks of every day.

~flygirl~

Family

I am having some difficulty writing a post today. There are quite a few things going on in my life that I would like to share with all of you, however most of you lack the prior knowledge and then it just becomes too damn difficult to even try to explain. So all I ask, is if you will keep me in your prayers as I try to let Him take care of things.

On a brighter note...

I was so excited today when I saw my long lost cousin. I see his daughter more than I see him. Let's hope that changes, okay? You see, he reads my blog!!! Yes, HE READS MY BLOG!!! Alright, so I am getting a little too excited here, but I didn't know!!! So, now when I go to sitemeter and I see that location of Wisconsin come up, babe I know it is you. I want you to know I miss you and love you so much. BTW-I'm still thinking of an alias for ya.

That brings me to family. I have always been closer to my mother's side of the family. I feel that is in part due to the ignorance my father's side had to him marrying a Puerto Rican. Amazingly enough I had a very strong relationship with my maternal grandmother and with my two of my cousins (both males) that were my age. As we were younger we grew up together. Whether it was playing in the field, trying to burn down an igloo, putting firecrackers in the swing set, or even having to eat food that was on the table (liver for example-yuck) we were like the three musketeers. Don't get me wrong, those two picked on me, but they also protected me.

We saw our families change a lot over time, some for good, some for bad, and some for just plain old craziness. By the time the three of us graduated from high school, our lives were going in all sorts of different directions. As our lives were changing, our grandmother was dying of cancer. After we lost our grandmother our closeness began too drift. The three of us experienced marriage, children, death, divorce, job changes, moves, and much more. But you know what the best part is? No matter what we have been through, where we live, or who we are with, it always feels just like yesterday when I am with them.

~flygirl~

Running on Empty

My little man went to camp today-hooray! He is definitely 100% himself. Now I am the one who feels run-down. I truly appreciate everyone's caring thoughts while he was ill.

A part of me probably feels run down due to the fact that I took care of this little guy non-stop. Taking care of a sick child is so much more demanding. No one else to share the glory of holding him, rubbing his back, giving him the love he needed in order to feel better. Making sure I was giving him the Motrin at the right times. Keeping fluids in him. Watching cartoons in bed. (I couldn't pass up The Flinstones or The Jetson's. I even managed some Tom and Jerry.) Playing games in bed. Dealing with whining, blowing of the nose, and coughing up phlegm. Taking him to the doctor. It was non-stop...no time for me to just sit and relax. No complaints because this is all part of being a parent. As I take care of him now, there is going to be a time when he will need to take care of me.

The other part that is making me feel run down is probably due to PMS. Is that TMI? Sorry, just keeping it real.

Enjoy your weekend!

~flygirl~

Feeling Better

Just when I think the fever is gone, wham, 4:30 am 103.3. Two hours after the Motrin had set in, it was still high at 101.1. Luckily, he slept through the heavy storm which consisted of fierce lightening and rolling thunder.

Damn, I need to call the doctor. Or should have I done that yesterday? Come on now, we all know as mothers, or even fathers, that we think it is going to pass. But now all I am thinking, is it strep throat?

My poor lethargic little man. Nose running. Coughing. Spiting up phlegm. So when the doctor's office opens, I call and make an appointment. My little man couldn't even get out of bed-here I am carrying his hot little, but not too light, body in the pouring rain. Thankfully, the strep test came back negative-Amen!!! The doctor gave me a RX for Zithromax but told me to wait until tomorrow if the fever is still high. More than likely this is just viral and he needs to fight it off.

After a five hour nap, someone woke up refreshed as could be. He put on his pirate earring, ate some plain noodles, and hasn't stopped since.

Tonight was suppose to be his night to visit with his dad. He said that he didn't want to go because he didn't want to get his dad sick. When I asked about me getting sick, my little man replied, "God will take care of you".

~flygirl~

Mid-Week & Sick

So the cough, which slightly began Sunday evening, has now been added with a fever. At 5 am this morning, my little guy was burning up. 102.7 to be exact. About an hour, once the Motrin kicked in, the fever went down and my little guy was just about himself. He took a four nap, was up for three hours, and then back to sleep. Granny, who came to see her sick grandson, must have worn him out. Of course, when you come bearing gifts and McDonald's, well, all I can say is that he is VERY loved. She actually brought him his pirate Lego ship that Gramps had to fix, but to him that was just the right thing. As for McDonald's, well that is in the fridge, however he is only three toys shy from having the whole Pirates of the Caribbean set.

The director from his day camp called to check on him since he hasn't been there in two days. Let's keep our fingers crossed that he can go tomorrow--they miss him!

~flygirl~

PS-Thanks to all of you who visited Number Twelve and wished her a Happy Birthday!

Just Another Day

Go give a shout out to Number Twelve, it's her birthday!!!

In all this madness, my little man has developed some type of cough. I kept him home from day camp today, however he did go to soccer camp which was later in the evening. These high school girls are doing a fabulous job with the guidance from their coach. I'm in charge of making the thank you card for the team. Tomorrow I plan on taking pictures and then who knows what. I have until Friday-yikes!!!

~flygirl~

Manic Monday

Summer camp started today at our local Y for the pre-school age children. This year they received a grant and are mixing 10 students without disabilities with 10 students who have cerebral palsy for a two week "safari". Of course my little man began asking questions about why someone was there in a wheelchair or what certain equipment was in the room. When I picked him up three hours later he was with two girls who are in wheelchairs and smiling away at them. (Yes, he can be a flirt.) He even played basketball today in a wheelchair. He had so much fun.

Bearing the heat we also had t-ball practice followed by soccer camp. His last t-ball game will be on Saturday when they receive their trophies. So if anyone wants to come cheer him on...hint, hint, hint, you know who you people are, contact me for details. We won't be participating in any sports for the month of August-thank goodness! I need a break, plus that gives me some Saturday sleep-ins. Then we'll begin September with soccer and flag football. I hope he realizes there is no tackling. Soccer camp went really well. The coach from the local high school girls team is running it along with the girls who play.

All in all life is good.

~flygirl~

Heat Wave

It sure is hot!!!

What is the temperature where you are at today? Make sure you list a location!!

In Northwest Indiana it is about 91F with the heat index add about 5-10 more degress.



~flygirl~

My Cyber Addictions

So Number Twelve got me hooked on Blogger.

Then she got me hooked on sitemeter, although she uses statcounter.

Eduardo got me hooked on blogrolling. Thank goodness. I just love it!!!

Mid-Life got me hooked on clocklink.

Kate got me hooked to postsecret.

Mid-life then got me hooked on slideroll.

Then Number Twelve got me hooked on flickr.

Mid-Life is also on flickr. So is Hliza.

Now Hliza got me hooked on photobucket.

Where does it end?

Playing the Field

Wake-Up Call

The phone rings at 7:15 am. (Yes, I am still sleeping.) I have trouble reading the caller id. I hear someone leaving a message. I get up, grab the phone, look to see who has interrupted my beauty sleep, and then listen to the message.

It was my little man's father. Apparently work is slow right now (he paints cars/works on commission) and he took the day off and wanted to know if he could spend it with his son. Of all days, my little guy sleeps to his heart content (he slept until 10:00). Yesterday's adventures at the water park, baseball practice, and playing with the girls must have worn him out. When he awoke and I told him the great news, he said he wanted to stay with me. I replied with a, "Yeah, I know, but daddy took the day off to be with you today." He finally woke up and decided he wanted to go to his dads.

All I could think about was all the things I could get done. So let me break it down. I spent:

• an hour at Hobby Lobby,
• about 20 minutes at Michael's,
• a quick run into Starbucks,
• another quick run, this time into Costco to get a salad for lunch (Number Twelve's request),
• approximately an hour and a half at Number Twelves,
• an hour tidying up the house,
• 30 minutes reading blogs,
• roughly 20 minutes creating/writing a new post,
• 90 minutes laying down in peace and quiet,
• about 45 minutes applying second coat of paint to foyer, and finally
• the rest of the evening I sat down catching up on three episodes of The View as I scrapbooked.

When I dropped off my little man this morning, his dad asked me what time I wanted him back. I replied it didn't matter. So I didn't get a call until 9:50 pm telling me that he was bringing him home.

It was definitely a break I needed.

~flygirl~

What's Next

1. Bag ready for water park.
Check. I wonder what the weather is going to be.

2. Baseball shoes in car for practice Monday night.
Check.

3. Workout clothes packed.
Oops, forgot.

4. Paint.
First coat done.

5 Catch up on e-mails.
Well, most of them.

5. Read my blogroll.
There were so many posts this weekend!

6. Write a new post.
What will be my topic? I only have 3 drafts going.

7. Look for some products on e-bay.
Should I write my post first?

8. Research making own pinata?
Tomorrow. Any suggestions?

9. Get returns ready.
Tomorrow.

10. Set alarm.
Don't need to-that's what a kid is for.

Okay, so I have been scrambling like crazy after my little man went to bed. Now it is 1:10 Monday morning and I still want to read some of my book.

BTW-Hannelie included me in one of her post, so go visit her down under. Send her some love.

On Saturday, the t-ball game went well and hopefully my little man gave a great smile for pictures. Later in the day we went and saw Pirates of the Carribbean with granny. I enjoyed it. I just love Johnny Depp. We did some shopping for my little guys party. I had already been looking for information on the Internet getting pirate ideas. I have decided on the games as well as what is needed. I will share things with you as they are created.

I need to get some water, a load of clothes in the washer, check out e-bay and oh, I forgot, Hobby Lobby. Then I can relax and read.

~flygirl~

Before Summer Ends

Usually once the 4th of July passes, summer seems to come to a end real fast. That means going back to school is just around the corner. Yikes!

Before going back to work, I need to plan and hold my little man's 5th birthday party. I've got some ideas going around in my head. The theme will be Pirates of the Caribbean. Thanks to all the movie hype, McDonald's happy meals, and toys out in the stores, we can skip doing another Star Wars party. Captain Jack Sparrow beat out Darth Vader.

My little man has a day camp for two weeks. He will be integrated with children who have cerebral palsy. The Y received a special grant for this project. They are doing this camp in lieu of the twice a week camp they normally conduct for pre-schoolers.

We both have doctor's visits we need to tend to. My little guy to the ENT as well as the Optomolgist. Me to the Cardiologist.

A court date is coming up for arrearage of child support. That should be fun. So I need to meet with my attorney soon.

This on top of all the normal things we do...the library, feeding the ducks, t-ball, play-dates, water park, swimming lessons, etc.

Enjoy your weekend...

~flygirl~

Life as a Journey

Life as a journey, what does it hold?
Is it love, happiness, or learning to be bold?

Life as a journey, why does it begin?

In any situation or circumstance when you let God in.

Life as a journey, who accompanies us in our ways?

A person for a reason, a season, or a lifetime they say.

Life as a journey, when does it end?

Through trials and tribulations in which we mend.

Life as a journey, where does it lead?

The past, the present, and the future indeed.

Life as a journey, how is it real?

Lessons we are given so that we become aware of the deal.

I look at the journeys I have gone through in my life. Why they happened, when they happened, and what I got out of them. It really is amazing.

How about you?

~flygirl~

Been Busy

So it has been a busy, long weekend. I'm not even sure where to begin. So here is a list:

• hanging out at the water park
• renting movies
• catching up with friends
• going to my little man's t-ball game
• riding my bike
• painting the foyer
• taking naps
• volunteering at church (my Sunday to teach)
• celebrating Independence Day at church entertained by Phil Driscoll
• scrapbooking
• exercising
• watching the parade
• spending time with parents
• enjoying fireworks
• reading
• walking around the neighborhood
• visiting the library
• feeding the ducks

I think I am all caught up on my blog roll. Thank goodness for blogrolling.

Voting Results

I voted, you voted, and finally, here are the results.

So Number Twelve, what do you have to say to the voters?

BTW: A Special thanks to Number Twelve for making my chart a jpg file.

Editor's Update:
Number Twelve has answered: please visit her site. Send her some love.

Thank you all again!!!