Just thinking out loud

I've been watching the devastation of Haiti on the news and I can barely believe what I am seeing is true. Dump trucks dumping dead bodies. Bull dozers shoveling cement and bodies. Why???? Then I see other stories of Haitians burying their loved ones. It hardly seems real. Watching it makes me want to help. It makes me wish I was a nurse or doctor. The reality is that I am not either of those and I don't see in the future of becoming one. Some of you reading this will ask WHY NOT?? Why can't you go to school to become a Nurse or Doctor? I'll remind some of you that I did go to Nursing School and FAILED. I gave up to quickly. It was only a matter of repeating clinicals. It's in my personality to give up to quickly. It's a regret I carry. I don't regret what God had in store for me after failing to return to Nursing School. Two beautiful little girls to raise. A family to hold together. I've been the glue. Most days I am happy to be just the glue. Making sure the girls have everything they need. Reminding them to brush their teeth, asking them their spelling words. As for now, I see in the future the same routine. Possibly helping my daughter off to college, going with her to buy the perfect prom dress. Or hopefully being there in the middle of the night when she calls to come get her. It's a simple routine. Most days I am content with this routine. Other days I want more out of life. I suspect I am not alone wanting more. I am not only the glue but I am human.

Books of 2009

It's always a goal of mine to read as many books as possible. I love going into a book store and mentally taking note of all the books I've read that are on one particular shelf. Unfortunately, the list for 2009 is very short. As a matter of fact I thought it was longer. I'll reach for a higher goal in 2010. New this year is reading from my Kindle. I read THE HELP on it and loved using it. I still like reading from a book but I used the Kindle on an airplane and loved not having to carry several books and not having to reposition to turn the page.

1. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

2. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

3. The Help by Kathyrn Stockett (ALL TIME FAVORITE)

4. If I'm missing or dead by Janine Latus

5. Knock Out by Suzanne Sommers

6. Small Steps: The year I got polio by Peg Kehret

7. Pink Slip Party by Cara Lockwood

8. Just Beyond the Clouds by Karen Kingsbury

Moving Time

We are moving and it's time to start getting rid of junk. I've been giving stuff away for the last year but it still seems like we have tons more to throw out before we can move. I gave our Christmas trees away. I removed 7 dresses from my closet yesterday as I was getting ready for the New Years Eve party. My mother says if you haven't worn it in 2 years, it's time to throw it out. Tonight I decided to Google "Cleaning out my closet", and Eminem popped up. He really shouldn't talk so bad about his mommy in that song. LOL Then I came across someone's blog about Organization. It suggested I throw 50 things out. My argument is "I HAVE!!"...so maybe I should throw 200 things out. A couple months ago, Dan and I tackled the garage. He brought a truck home from work and filled it up. Saw horses, bicycles, dog crates, fishing poles, bags of sang....the list goes on. I realize I am a Little Janelle as my family likes to call me. I like hanging on to the coupon for soap I've never used. I keep bows from wrapping paper, big plastic cups from restaurants. I just hate to see things go into a landfill somewhere. I also know there are people out there who can benefit from our junk. Maria (the housekeeper) has plenty of our things already. She took home the two Christmas trees even though her ceilings are 7' and the tree is 9'. She'll find a home for it. She has nieces, nephews, sisters, and friends who will help her find a home for it. So it's all very easy to give stuff away but I think my problem is Organizing what I must keep. This week, I plan to clean out the attic. The Christmas Drummer Boy, sleigh, horse, candy canes, talking Santa-all GONE!!! Yes, Last year our yard looked like the Griswold's. Wicker chairs, 10 easter baskets, swim noodles, army clothes-gone... WHOA!!! Dan's old marine clothing...I bet I'll have to double check with the MR of the house.

Top 10 Highlights for 2009

Here are some personal highlights that I enjoyed this year. They are in no particular order.

1. Managed to stay away from McDonalds for a 3rd year in a row.. One small confession, Dan wanted a big mac after a long run one day and I went threw the drive-thru and got him one. None for me though.

2. Saw the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa.
Loved loved Loved going to Paris. I was only there for two nights before going to Italy for an Acura Incentive Trip. It was very romantic just like in all the movies.


3. Went to Graceland for the very first time.
After 34 years the spell is broken. I really enjoyed saying to out of town guest that I had never been. before.

4. Went to Whistler with my family. Canada is a beautiful country. Had a great week with the family. Highlight of this trip was taking a sea plane into Whistler from Vancouver.


5. went to City playoffs with my tennis team.
It was a great feeling to WIN as a team. Fun week with some Fun girls!!


6. Went skiing in CO Tons of fun with family and friends. First year we have skiied as a family and the girls did not go to ski school. Megan and Rachel are finally old enough to keep up.

7. building our new home We bought our property in Nov 2007. We worked with an architect for almost 8 months before breaking ground. Then when the economy hit rock bottom we put construction on hold for a few months. Everything is in full swing now and I'm looking forward to moving in sometime in May or June.

8. Rachel had her first Communion
A very sweet occasion and a special time in Rachel's life. This is one of many steps in the right direction.


9. Participated in the Race for the Cure
I'm not sure why I chose this as a personal highlight but it is the first time in several years to have participated. It was a great day. Both girls also walked/ran in it.

10. Snorkeled with my dad in FL.
This time spent with my father was very very special. He had purchased the snorkeling gear at Wal-mart before going to Destin. One morning we watched from our condo commercial boats drop anchor and let almost 30 people jump in the water and search for the unknown. We thought it was funny they were probably paying almost $30 a head to snorkel when we were doing it for free. (minus the cost of the snorkel gear). We snorkeled for two days and brought back all sorts of goodies including 3 hermit crabs. He and I were a team those two days of snorkeling and I know I will always have that memory.