Saturday, October 15, 2011

EMPLOYED!!!

I graduated in June of 2010, and I have been looking for work since then. I am in the medical field, and it has been a long road, but I am now finally employed.  It was frustrating, and at times, heart wrenching, going to interviews, applying to jobs daily and never hearing anything back.  Until a couple of weeks ago, when I got an email from a Recruiter for the company that I am now working for.  She said, I think you should apply for this, and I didnt think I was qualified for the job, but I applied, and within two days, got hired, did my drug screen, and then health screen, and poof.  Started work two weeks ago.  It was a long process, approximately 700 job applications filled out, and yes, I kept count, countless interviews, and always hearing that same phrase, " we decided to with someone with more experience, or we hired from within."

But, in the end, I kept pushing, Im a hard worker, extremely smart and a wonderful employee, I knew that there would be something for me, but alas, it was taking forever...

I hope that if someone reads this, and they are looking for work, keep pushing, keep trying, there is work out there, and some employers, just want to see you push through the brick wall, and be triumphant. 

Breaks my heart that some people got in over their head, and are taking their lives, death is not the answer, yes, its tough out there, yes, the bill mongers are knocking on the door, calling everyday, but just keep pushing, there is something for everyone, you just have to be willing to put in the effort.

In my chosen field, half of my class is not working for the career that they went to school for, some went back to previous jobs, or found other work, and you know, that is just fine, work is work, and providing is just providing, it doesnt mean that you can't switch jobs later...


Saturday, September 17, 2011

Sweetest Rewards: Summer Journey to Washingtons Coasts

Sweetest Rewards: Summer Journey to Washingtons Coasts: My Mom, My Son and I went to the beach, just to take a break from chaos, and reminisce. When I was a young girl, my Mom would take me to Lo...

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Ups and Downs

ever get to the point in your day, where you just want to put your earplugs in and block out all the sounds, to just meditate, relax, and try and get to some sort of calmness.

That is where I have been trying to get for the past few days, and today is the clincher, but all will be well again someday.

Packing, Moving, getting a toddler ready for the move, trying to accept that i cant control his universe, but merely guide him as best as i can.

I think the move is going to go smooth, if I keep saying it, and just plan the best I can.... We will be fine, he will be fine, and life will slowly move forward.

How is your world?

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

For All The Moms I Know

We are sitting at lunch when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"

"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations." But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her.

I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but that becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a souffle or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation. I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by Motherhood.

She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother. Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years -- not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.

I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor. My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving. I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues, but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reach across the table, squeeze my daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings. This blessed gift from God . . . that of being a Mother.

The Yellow Paperclip

Georgia, a friend of my wife, was recently divorced and trying to raise her two sons when the Gulf War broke out. She heard about soldiers in the service who had no family and needed pen pals. Letters addressed to "Any Soldier" were distributed by commanding officers who noticed any soldiers getting little or no mail. Georgia wrote to 25 such soldiers almost daily, most of them men.

Keeping up with 25 pen pals on a daily basis almost consumed Georgia's time and talents. She sent poems, little stories, and words of hope and encouragement. When there were time constraints, she would write one letter and copy it for everyone. Greetings were sent whenever she knew about a special event, like a birthday.

One day, Georgia received a letter from a soldier that was depressed and discouraged. She pondered as to how she could help lift his spirits. It was then that she noticed that at work there were paper clips of various colors. Georgia took one of the yellow paper clips and photo copied it in the palm of her hand. She sent this picture with the paper clip with the following message: "This yellow paper clip that you see in my hand represents a hug that I am sending to you. You can carry this paper clip in a pocket or anywhere, and whenever you feel down, you can just touch and hold it and know that somebody cares about you, and would give you a hug if she were there." Georgia sent a copy of this picture along with a paper clip and the message to each of her other correspondents.

After the war ended, Georgia received one of the pictures of her hand holding the yellow paper clip, and on the back were over 150 signatures of people that had been given her "hug".

During the years, Georgia named other paper clips. Pink came to mean a kiss, green was for good luck, and so on.

Years later, Georgia was giving a class as part of a seminar for positive thinking. She shared with the members of the class her paper clip symbolism, and made a bracelet of multi-colored paper clips for each of them. One of the women exclaimed "So you're the one!" The class member told Georgia that she was visiting her brother and needed something to hold papers together. She had noticed a yellow paper clip on the refrigerator held there with a magnet. She borrowed the paper clip for her papers. When the brother saw it, he grabbed it and scolded her, and told her never to touch the yellow paper clip again. Now she knew why.

No one will never know how far her message has spread, nor how many lives have been touched by a simple yellow paper clip.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Rivervilla Park

River Villa Park 


Patrick and I got up early to go to the Seaport Celebration at Terminal 2, which was opened to the public for one day.  It was a free event, sponsored by various companies that work on the waterfront.  It was a bust for us, Patrick threw a HUGE tantrum, he wanted to play with some toy trains, but just wasnt in the mood to play alone.  He totally gets to up and beyond a tantrum that its almost like a rebellious fit.  I don't tolerate that, so we left.  He wasn't happy with me when he saw us approaching the car.  I had to take matters into my own hands, and pretty much Mommy-handle him.  I put him in his carseat where he proceeded to bite my wrist... luckily, I am immune to such acts. Meaning, it doesnt hurt

I got into the car, he was still raging, and I thought.. Why today, why did he have to bite me, but it was over as quickly as it came on.  He hasn't bitten me in so long, that I forget when, he started talking and the biting just went away.  Which I am very happy about.

So on our way home, I thought about taking him to a park, but not just any park.  Some place fun, quiet, so we trekked in the opposite direction of home, and first tried to go to Elk Rock park, but I didn't know exactly where it was, so we headed down a street that Daddy said had a park, but it was years ago that he told me this, but we found it, and also found a really nice place to spend some time.


We got to the park, after eating a bit of lunch and I was still leery of his attitude.  So I tested the waters, to see if he would mind and follow directions.  I left my camera in the car once we got down to the River, so I said we had to go back, and here was the true test.  He actually followed me back to the car... PHEW so, once we got down to the River, son immediately hit the dirt looking for rocks to throw into the water...

 The Rocks, he loves to throw rocks, as do most people, someday we will bring down Grammy and she can start teaching Patrick how to skip rocks, I think her personal best is like 11 or 12 skips... across some lake in Canada, I remember that from when I was a little girl.
 The views are amazing.. In almost every direction we look, with the exception of the parking lot was beautiful.  I could turn this into a frequent stop, and it wasn't very crowded which I love.

 Across from us is the start of West Linn, Oregon... I think, there is a part there and a boat launch.  No boat launch on this side, which is why Im thinking its not so crowded. 
 I could have stayed here all day, but the sun was getting hot, and it was approaching nap time, and I knew he was already starting to get to the point of no return.  So We tossed a few more rocks, and then I began my talk of trying to get him back to the car. 
 No, Mommy, I throw rocks... thats what he kept telling me as I asked if he was ready to go. 
 Just a few more rocks Mommy... that lasted about ten more minutes, and then I offered up his nap... see Patrick is one of those rare kids that actually likes naps.... so far LOL, but it worked, I asked if he wanted to go home and take a nap.  Yes Mommy...
Just as we left, we saw more boats coming, and waved to the people from the shore, and we turned, he took my hand, and we got back to the car.

He fell asleep on the way home.  After a short visit at Grammy's, who was having a garage sale, we said goodbye, headed home, and now he's asleep... which means.. I can A. take a nap myself  B. work on packing (were are moving) C. organize D. Nap..... I think I shall choose nap

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Babysitting Grandma?? I dont think so LOL

My Grandma lives with my Aunt and Uncle its a great set up for the three of them. But they needed a break and I volunteered. I thought that it would be harder, since I have a son who is allergic to all the animals that they have here.  One dog, who thankfully got sent to Doggy daycamp, and three cats, who I wish could have joined them, but we are at the tail end of the journey here, and so far its been, ok..... here is what has happened to make it just ok.

My son, has a slight cold, he's 3, and that means coughing, hacking, sneezing, and lots of snot.. what happens when  a child gets built up with snot... they start coughing and then vomiting because they are coughing so much.  Luckily, I am a pro at cleaning up vomit, as I have my own troubles, so I threw my son over the sink, and he did his business down the garbage disposal.

We arrived on Friday, and I set up his portable crib and he asked if this was where we were going to sleep and I said yes, so he went to bed, but I had to give him his inhaler and he hates being held down, because he wont willingly let you put the mask over his face.  He doesnt need it often, and I think that is part of the problem, but thats ok, I'd rather have this be a once in a while thing, other than a daily ritual like so many other kids have to do.

The night went off without a hitch, Grannie went to bed around 8, and Patrick went to bed around 9, and fell asleep around 10.  I stayed up til Midnight listening for him, fell asleep on my Aunt and Uncles bed, and woke up to Patrick coughing and full of snot, so I gave him his inhaler, and boy that sure helped, cleaned him up, and put him in bed with me.  I wish he wasnt allergic to animals, but that is what way it is.

We got up this morning, had breakfast, and made sure Grannie was ok for the day, so I could take home to give him a nap and a break from the cats.. He slept for almost 4 hours... in his own bed, and happy.

After a small bite of lunch, we headed back to Grannies, which is about an hour away from our house, and picked her up to go to a small birthday party for our cousin Rick, who turned 60.  It was nice to see the family but I was on Patrick patrol, I try an encourage him to wander away from me in controlled situations, but he just wasnt buying most of it today.

But after getting use to seeing everyone, he let me eat, and then he wanted to play.  After about an hour, we needed to go, because they also had animals there, so it was time to go, and Grannie was getting tired.

She has been plagued with Arthritis since almost birth, so she is in pretty much constant pain, which has to be frustrating, because the mind is sharp as a tack, but the body says, Im tired, so she read my cues and we got ready to leave.  I so have to send a big thank you to my cousins for helping us out to the car with her and her wheelchair. Its amazing how those memories bring thoughts of my Great Grandma, her Mother.. same thing, but you know, its great to have family who are so willing to help.  And just be there.  Will totally need to get a card to Cousin Dave for his birthday.

Tonight, as I mentioned above, Patrick got sick, and when he gets sick, its all or nothing.  I thought we were good, thats why I gave him his dinner, but nope.. about a half hour later he started coughing.  I didnt think that I had given him a lot, because I know from past experience not to give him a typical meal size.  So his dinner consisted of three peach slices, a half cup water, and about 10 green beans all cut up.

And then, it started.. luckily I saw his eyes well up and I grabbed him, and put him over the sink.. thank goodness for bleach and garbage disposals.

I got the little guy into bed around 8ish, and he's now asleep.. I am so grateful for this time with my Grannie, I got to show her all the genealogy that I have found and have been working on.  And just catch up on people.  Grannie is a great source to hear all the family what nots that are going on.

As tonight draws to a close, I only have about 12 more hours here, and then I do believe we are going to the beach tomorrow, its suppose to be about 90 degrees.  I am very excited for that.



Friday, July 22, 2011

We're Moving and other news

If you have followed my blog then you know of the trying times we have had.  But we are moving into a house, and out of my in law's basement.  We are hoping to save enough money so that we can buy our own home next year.


We considered moving back to an apartment, but that wouldn't be really fair to our son, who has had his own yard and patio to play in for over a year.  So we are taking this house, and going to be cheap for a year and save so we can own our own home.  Renting a house doesn't thrill me, but it will, its the anxiety of packing, moving, paying someone else's mortgage.  I want my own mortgage, we will get there, just need to be patient, and move out first.

Patrick started his early intervention school last week for his language delay.  He's no longer delayed by any means, just working with a speech therapist in a group setting for pronunciation and phonics.  He took about a half hour to adjust being there, and then I asked him for a kiss goodbye and I left him by himself.  I was quite surprised at how this turned out. I didnt cry, and neither did PJ.  He's becoming such a little man, and I love it.  But when I returned to pick him up, he was very happy to see me and said good-bye to his teacher.  It was very wonderful to see new experiences happening for him.  I like to introduce him to knew ideas and places, because when I was little I wanted to do so much, but was very much filled with anxiety.  So by he and I doing new things together it is pleasureable for both of us.

And when Kevin is home, the three of us do things together, and it is my great hope that the weather is nice when we go to the Beach with Uncle Dave and Aunt Michelle.  Patrick loves the ocean, and after that little trip, then PJ, my Mom, and I will be going to the beach for a few days, like we did when I was a little girl.

Patrick and I will be taking a huge adventure together soon, I'm taking him to the Portland Air Show, I'm hoping that this will be something he will really enjoy.  Especially when the fireworks go off.. LOL




Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Haven't Been here in a while..

Its almost PJ's birthday, can't believe he's almost 3 years old. After working with a Speech Therapist for 6 months, he has made some really serious improvement. I love that he wants to talk to me, and engage with me about certain topics thought his day... Cars, Trains, Colors, Shapes, the Alphabet. He's even learning some nursery rhymes... Rock a by baby is his newest. Sometimes he even sings it fast like a rock ballad..

Fourth of July was here, went to my Mom's and we walked down to the bridge and watched the fireworks, but PJ got bored so we left, and headed home. Upon heading home, I went into the city, and boy what a show, that he got to see from his carseat. We turned around and headed back the other way, and he saw the show continue, squealing with delight about FIREWORKS!!

Got him home, a 11pm, wayyy past his bedtime, he asked for his light on, so he could "read", and before I know it, he was asleep in his bed... so I turned off his light, and at 6am, he woke up, Uggh.. I was not ready for that.. LOL

But we managed, Kevin was gone, and wouldnt be home until today, but we are getting into a nice routine, Daddy is home a few days a week, and gone a few days a week, and it is just a nice little process that we work through.

I had another phone interview today, I am hopeful that I will get a call back for an in person interview, but I need to really punch through the 2nd interview and get hired.. I would love to work part time at this clinic, and also be home for my son, that is the American dream for me. Save our money and buy our first home...

I hope to be learning to can this summer, its been many years since my family has canned anything. But i ordered a few books, that will help with this process, i believe its more economical, and healthy for us to do this. Plus, with glass jars, you just wash and re-use. And i like that.. really tired of the processed foods out there... so many more people are going this route, and I think my generation is bringing back the homesteader ideals...

Friday, May 13, 2011

Cemetery Watchman... short story..

I got this story through a chain email, but its one of those great ones that I had to share.

Thanks just isn't enough.....Cemetery Watchman ..

My friend Kevin and I are volunteers at a National cemetery in Oklahoma and put in a few days a month in a 'slightly larger' uniform.
Today had been a long, long day and I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's and have a cold one. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 16:55. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high.

I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace.. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell.

I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time.

I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.

'Ma'am, may I assist you in any way?'

She took long enough to answer.

'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.'

'My pleasure, ma'am.' (Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.)

She looked again. 'Marine, where were you stationed?'

' Vietnam, ma'am.. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71.'

She looked at me closer. 'Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can.'

I lied a little bigger: 'No hurry, ma'am.'

She smiled and winked at me. 'Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off.. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time..'

'Yes, ma 'am. At your service.'

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flower bunches out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out.. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918.

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X.Davidson, USMC, 1943.

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944..

She paused for a second and more tears flowed. 'Two more, son, and we'll be done'

I almost didn't say anything, but, 'Yes, ma'am. Take your time.'

She looked confused.. 'Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.'

I pointed with my chin. 'That way, ma'am.'

'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. 'Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.'

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970. She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out and more tears flowed.

'OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.'

Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?'

She paused. 'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my husband,Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all Marines.'

She stopped! Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully.
I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car.

'Get to the 'Out' gate quick.. I have something I've got to do.'


Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road fast. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

'Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost. Follow my lead.' I humped it across the drive to the other post

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: 'TehenHut! Present Haaaarms!'

I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.
She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice far beyond the realm of most.

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

Instead of 'The End,' just think of 'Taps.'

As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer: 'Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.'

Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.

'In God We Trust.'
Sorry about your monitor; it made mine blurry too!
If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Making of a Mother

By the time the Lord made mothers, He was into the sixth day working
Overtime. An Angel appeared and said "Why are you spending so much
Time on this one?"

And the Lord answered and said, "Have you read the spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not elastic; have 200 movable
Parts, all replaceable; run on black coffee and leftovers; have a lap
That can hold three children at one time and that disappears when she
Stands up; have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a
Broken heart; and have six pairs of hands."

The Angel was astounded at the requirements for this one. "Six pairs
Of hands! No way!" said the Angel.

The Lord replied, "Oh, it's not the hands that are the problem. It's
The three pairs of eyes that mothers must have!"

"And that's on the standard model?" the Angel asked.

The Lord nodded in agreement, "Yep, one pair of eyes are to see
Through the closed door as she asks her children what they are doing
Even though she already knows. Another pair in the back of her head
Are to see what she needs to know even though no one thinks she can.
And the third pair are here in the front of her head. They are for
Looking at an errant child and saying that she understands and loves
Him or her without even saying a single word."

The Angel tried to stop the Lord "This is too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."

"But I can't!" The Lord protested, "I am so close to finishing this
Creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself
When she is sick AND can feed a family of six on a pound of hamburger
And can get a nine year old to stand in the shower."

The Angel moved closer and touched the woman, "But you have made her
So soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You
Have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?" asked the Angel.

The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be
Able to reason, and negotiate."

The Angel then noticed something and reached out and touched the
woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like You have a leak with this model. I
Told You that You were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak." the Lord objected. "That's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the Angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow,
Her disappointment, her pain, her loneliness, her grief, and her
Pride."

The Angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of
Everything for this one. You even created the tear!"

The Lord looked at the Angel and smiled and said, "I'm afraid you are
Wrong again. I created the woman, but she created the tear!"

Saturday, March 5, 2011

The Little Things

having someone with steady employment is the greatest thing.. there isnt that constant worry, or dread... now there is continued HOPE and better things to come. We are talking about buying our first home next year... can't believe that we will be able to continue with our dream. I knew it would happen, just seemed like forever to get here.

Once we find our home, and get it fixed up, the year after that, we will plant a big garden, in hopes of learning to can, and preserve all of what we grow. Depending on where we will be living, we hope to get Urban Chickens.. I was born on a farm, and loved that life, but when you live in a huge city, its very hard to have that "urban farm life". But we will get there. Just takes a bit of planning, time and money.

Another item on our agenda will be the purchasing of Mason Bees. They are a native Bee to Oregon, and I find them truly fascinating. They don't sting unless you try and really do them harm, and they are the best pollinators.. I found a website that has directions on how to build your own Mason Bee Houses.
http://www.citygirlfarming.com/Bees/BeeKeeping.html

Seems funny, that the generation that I am, we as parents and even non-parents are finding ways to be urban farmers, not only for the fun, but the fresh food. I made a promise to myself, if we ever got a lot of money, I would buy urban land, turn it into a public garden, and all people had to pay for was the water, as long as they up keep it, they can take up to 20 lbs of food a week.

I grew up on the fresh stuff, and was super lean then, and then as I got older, I lost my way, but with the help of Modern medicine, I learned that I am Insulin Resistant, so basically if I over do it on carbs, it turns to sugar, that doesnt get processed, thus turning to fat. ICK, so, while planning my life, and my garden, just thinking of all the sweat i'll use up... amazing

My son, who is 2.5 will be raised with a garden, compost pile, his own bees, urban chickens, and other little critters. This seems normal for me and my family. If you have any questions, please feel free to message me here, and I'll see if I can help. I have a wonderful green thumb, and if I don't know the answer, I know lots of other Urban/Rural Farmers that will...

Friday, February 25, 2011



This song in my dreams was written for just me LOL growing up, I lived at my Grandparents farm house... it was a great house, lots of places to hide, and well, an upstairs back bedroom... Even being the age that I am, a Mother of one, and the love of a lifetime to Kevin, my childhood was filled with so much love, and this song just hits me... makes me cry almost every time I hear it. Mainly because I miss the people who have passed on, my Grandpa, his brothers, lots of cousins, and my Great Grandmothers.. life was so good, they might have had struggles, but growing up, I never felt them.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Paybacks A Bitch...

My Mom told me that my son has no fear... just like me. I said how do you mean, she simply said, "you werent afraid to do things, try things, especially unexpectedly." My perfect example is Myself, My Mom, Grandfather and Great Uncle (grandpa's brother). We were in Uncle Ralph's barn, My Mom, Uncle Ralph and I were sitting on one side of the barn door, about 10 feet across, was my Grandpa sitting on the other side, about 30 feet up.. we had just brought that seasons hay in.... and me being 3 or 4 years old, I really had nothing to do with bringing in the hay, but I was there.

I wanted to sit with my Grandpa, so, I went to the far side of the loft, ran, and jumped... lets just say, that Grandpa's guardian Angel was paying attention and watching over him, with cat like reflexes, caught me just before I fell... and he pulled me up on top of the other side of the loft. (I did make it to the other side, but landed about three feet down the haystack)

I remember that moment, not the near heart attacks that I had nearly given my family, but that I wanted to sit with my Grandpa, I jumped, and he caught me... things like that, are stories I am sure, my son will remind me of... needless to say, he is almost 3...

I got a glint of a reminder today... we were at the park playing, and he was sliding down the slide then running around, climbing back up, and with Daddy's help, getting into place... well, one of his last trips down, he decided to climb up the slide. He slipped on the last step and smashed his teeth into his lip... he fussed and then proceeded to wipe his mouth on his sweatshirt...



Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Gratitude...

Life has been hard for the three of us this past year and a half. I envisioned my life with a UPS Driver , a small child at home until he was 2 or so, then he would go off to day care/ preschool and I would get back to school part time until he got to kindergarten. But life usually has other plans, in 2009 Kevin lost his job, and we had to figure out what our next move was, of course we started applying to everywhere, but seeing as neither of us had enough to amount to a degree, we both went back to school. Me first, and I worked very hard to become a National Certified Medical Assistant, and guess what, I still don't have a job, and I am trying very hard, I am even expanding my career searches that could lead me to MA work... and then Kevin went to school, got his CDL, tried over the road, but not being able to shower, sleep or eat when his body felt like it, he came home. We were both at our wits ends and just recently started looking for work around Olympia, as that is where my Grandma has a home, until just recently....

I applied Kevin to a truck company about a month ago, and they liked what they saw on paper, and called him in for an interview..... two weeks after that, we finally heard back, and.... he wasnt chosen, even though he had the right stuff, they just went with someone who had more experience... I wrote the HR rep a letter, for Kevin, as I'm a better typist, and she called the next day....

we are happy to announce that he will be working for said company, and he goes tomorrow to get his DOT physical, and Drug test, but even better

We will be able to support ourselves again, and that is the biggest thing, no more having help financially, or seeing help other ways by working odd jobs, this is stable, and a great company...

The benefits are wonderful, and our little guy will be able to go back to his regular Doctor, and we can say good bye and thank you to Oregon Health Plan..

So many things have changed that there is now hope, hope for something better.. and not worrying about every little penny... when you get to that point, its hard to ask for a little more, because you need something or want something... We are so thankful that we have family we can rely on in hard times.. so that when someone else needs help, we will be there to help them...

So the word for the day in our house, is Gratitude...