Saving Three Lives....

Today I donated blood.  This isn't the first time.....the very first time I gave blood was on the 2nd anniversary of my mother's passing.  That day, I was on my way into the store to buy some flowers to put at my mom's grave site.  Right in front of me there was a big sign that said, "Donate blood today."

It really felt like that sign was up there just for me...it was my turn.  My mother had to have multiple blood transfusions when she was in the hospital.  Each and every drop gave her additional time to be with us.  So, that day in honor of my mother, I donated blood.  

Today, I was able to give blood again.  As I was going through the paperwork, one of the staff from Bonfils told me that giving blood one time could save the lives of three people.  Really, what I does can make that much difference??  In addition, he told me that I was young to be giving blood.....young??  (I'm never too old to enjoy a compliment.)  So, in addition to helping save some lives, I felt like my younger self.

May the blood I donate give someone else additional time. 

Give blood, it's easy, completely free, and, absolutely, ONE person can make a difference!

Fifty-Seven Teachers in the Classroom

This blog is meant to be observational, but I'm already assuming it will get its share of criticism.

On average, there are 26 kids in an elementary classroom.  In each classroom, let's assume that 5 of the kids are from divorced families.  (Obviously these statistics are for Parker - not all neighborhoods.)  Of those families, 3 of the parents have remarried.  What that means is that there are - 2 moms/dads (and let's assume that one of the parents is absent from the family) 3 remarried, and 21 families that are married.  If you add all of that up, there are 2 parents + 6 parents (original)/6 (half - or step) + 42 parents =56.  AND, of course, there is the original one teacher = 57.  Hope this mathematical equation makes sense...

What I am trying to get at is this...a lot of the time I hear criticism about our public school system.  But...if you look at the facts above, I come to observe and show something....

There are 180 days in the school year.  If what I have specified above is even close to true, that would mean that if each parent took 3 1/2 days and spent it in their child's classroom, there is a possibility of some major changes, right??  That would actually mean that there would be two live adult bodies in the elementary classroom each day.

Would this change the test scores, stats, and overall concern that we as Americans have about what is going on with our educational system?

So, for me, I am off to make sure that I am volunteering my time.  I've heard that it takes a village to raise a community...and I certainly hope that is what we all want.

There isn't anybody that is any busier than anyone else.  Isn't it time that we all take the time??

Underwear!

When I first woke up, I felt really old. With lines on my face, and everything saggin', I felt a bit like a beat up pair of granny undies.

At the store this morning, after taking a shower, and taking my time, casually perusing the aisles, using the coupons, and smiling and talking to all eyes that I met, the casual pair of boxer briefs would be what would fit.

Later in the day as I walked past my husband and he silently gave me a slap on the backside I felt a like a lacey thong....sexy and secure in all that I am.

Bikini, boxers, thongs, briefs, they all have their place BUT....please, oh, please just don't call them panties!

His Perspective

Prior to getting home fom work tonight, I called my husband to find out how our youngest son did at his baseball game.  Their little team got creamed...what I understand is that they really had a tough time and lost by at least ten points.  My son had his first chance to pitch tonight as this is his first season to play kid pitch.  When I got home from work, I asked my youngest how his baseball game went.  He said, "It was so great.  I had lots of fun....and guess what?  I got to pitch and walked most of the team.  I really liked it.  I did really good."

"Hummmmph...."

What age is it exactly that we lose that childlike innocence and love for ourselves...no matter how we do?  I hope that I can find a way to bottle how he feels about himself so that he will grow up thinking that he is the best, always, no matter the outcome...just like he does right now.

Workout Conundrum, Feeling and Looking Good?

Really, I know it.  Everyone knows it.  To be a completely healthy person, exercise is a must.  Commercials, magazine articles, gurus, and newspapers have millions and millions of articles, tests, and facts to back up this thought.  

I've not always been bigger, but I am now.  This isn't something that I talk about, it's not something that I'm proud of, and for me it's daily mental torture.  I grew up feeling like being my size was not the right size - I could always be smaller - and this was when I weighed less than a black Labrador.  It's not that I don't know how to eat right or belong to a gym, it is just that the amount to loose now is so large, that I don't even know how to begin...Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, a personal trainer, and my family and friends wonder if I'll ever be able to pass the three week mark without messing up....again.

I belong to a gym and actually really like going, but I do not like how I look at the gym.  This is the thing, I know that I am supposed to work out, but show my "bigger" girl self where to buy some decent looking workout clothes.  Trust me when I say that I 've looked....at the mall, at sports shops, online, BUT...most of the time, I end up wearing a big man's t-shirt and some sloppy shorts.  I already feel like I don't fit in, so does what I have to wear need to be so obvious too?

As I finish this blog, so many things run through my mind...is tomorrow the day that I will begin a healthy eating regimen?  How long will it take me to lose the weight that I need to lose?  Will I ever really be able to find good-looking workout clothes?  The answer is in the search - and I am now on the prowl.

Misuse of I'm Sorry

Last night I went to the grocery store and was pushing the cart down the aisle.  As I got to the end, I took a sharp left after looking left, right, left.  Out of nowhere, there was another buggy that almost bumped mine.  I immediately said, "I'm sorry."

The night before last, my husband and I met one of my best friends from college for dinner.  After I got my meal, I said, "Could I please get some more green chili for my burrito.  I'm sorry."

Yesterday at work there were some women complaining because they didn't think that the rules that were set for the other 100,000 people should pertain to them.  As I talked to them, I said, "I'm sorry."

This is the thing....I really wasn't sorry, but the words just spilled out.

But...I really am sorry when I have trouble communicating to my children and husband exactly how much I love and care about them, I'm sorry that I don't always know the right words to say when someone I care about is hurting, and I'm especially sorry if I should say I'm sorry but I don't.

Twenty Years and Still in High School

So....this weekend is my 20th high school reunion.  How is it that I feel like I never left?  I'm nervous, anxious, and excited to see friends from the past, but I can't help but wonder what they'll wonder.

How will I be judged?  Will anyone care?  Will they talk about who I have become behind my back?

I'm hoping that I've grown up, and my mind will shut off...it really doesn't matter what they think, does it?

Tonight as I begin to ready myself, I make this vow -

I am me...like me or not...nobody can make me worry but myself...

Self - no worries, no doubts, be who I am.

Have fun.

Laugh lots.

Be exuberant about the person I have become...

Still - could you wish me a little luck?