Our first snow touched down during the late evening December 6th so the puppy, who happens to be 90%+ white, experienced it first-paw this a.m. It was fun to watch and certainly the cold, white fluffy stuff didn't slow her down. She barreled through it and dove into it while the others tip-toed gingerly. Ah, the joy of pure innocence. When was the last time you (or I) did something we'd never done before, experienced something that was brand new to us? Don't think too long - go do it!
Jumat, 07 Desember 2007
Selasa, 04 Desember 2007
what is going on
It's not a question. It is a fact. Nearby, very nearby, we have what is left of a young couple and their nearly two year old child. Oh, they are alive physically. But Iraq has torn them apart. He's been there; she hasn't. He's back. She's moved out.
This is devastating. When you spend 15 months watching over people while their main person is watching over our freedoms you become family. Now seeing them ripped apart hurts. She's angry and upset because people care. He's become even numb. All that kept him going is now pulling him apart.
There's little to do but pray.
Well, we have him to thank, along with so many others, that we may still choose to pray.
I hope his child and the woman he loves remain forever thankful for his sacrifices.
We cannot repay veterans. We cannot thank them enough. It is so sad to watch the dreams imprisoned in his heart.
This is devastating. When you spend 15 months watching over people while their main person is watching over our freedoms you become family. Now seeing them ripped apart hurts. She's angry and upset because people care. He's become even numb. All that kept him going is now pulling him apart.
There's little to do but pray.
Well, we have him to thank, along with so many others, that we may still choose to pray.
I hope his child and the woman he loves remain forever thankful for his sacrifices.
We cannot repay veterans. We cannot thank them enough. It is so sad to watch the dreams imprisoned in his heart.
Senin, 03 Desember 2007
Tis the Season
Monday morning crunch time this week means figuring out what all didn't get done last week and starting in on the tasks. First on the list was getting out the Christmas decorations. With great foresight and luck I delivered the large, plastic containers from the garage attic to the garage floor three weeks ago when searching for something else. We opened them already today. Since we no longer put up a tree two of the four went right back to the attic as they contained decorations. I re-labeled them first. Someday we may have a tree again.
Next we found that I had successfully re-directed many decorations to other homes last year. That was a long time coming. Don't we all hang onto things hoping that we really will use them again and again and again when in fact they will be much more appreciated by others if we only let go? Christmas decorations are no exception. Jokingly, at our dinner theater post-program party I said that today my husband and I would decide which Christmas decoration we would put out. It wasn't much of an exaggeration.
Oddly enough - or not - I have been deliberately clearing the house of what I call clutter. Once I have identified what is leaving I change the label to "treasures", of course. It doesn't apply only to Christmas treasures and recently we had the good fortune of bestowing some lifetime treasures on our daughter, son-in-law and grandson! Yeah! In so doing Ed asked me if I was "OK" - meaning am I dying and don't want to tell him. For all who wonder - count me as "alive and well".
Especially at this time of the year it is greatly rewarding to share. Sentimental items or new items are appreciated by close friends and family and often open the door for passing along a good story about the origin of the gift. And, being alive and well also offers the opportunity for each of us to do something for others so they also feel alive and well. Pick your charities and start now to reap the rewards!
Next we found that I had successfully re-directed many decorations to other homes last year. That was a long time coming. Don't we all hang onto things hoping that we really will use them again and again and again when in fact they will be much more appreciated by others if we only let go? Christmas decorations are no exception. Jokingly, at our dinner theater post-program party I said that today my husband and I would decide which Christmas decoration we would put out. It wasn't much of an exaggeration.
Oddly enough - or not - I have been deliberately clearing the house of what I call clutter. Once I have identified what is leaving I change the label to "treasures", of course. It doesn't apply only to Christmas treasures and recently we had the good fortune of bestowing some lifetime treasures on our daughter, son-in-law and grandson! Yeah! In so doing Ed asked me if I was "OK" - meaning am I dying and don't want to tell him. For all who wonder - count me as "alive and well".
Especially at this time of the year it is greatly rewarding to share. Sentimental items or new items are appreciated by close friends and family and often open the door for passing along a good story about the origin of the gift. And, being alive and well also offers the opportunity for each of us to do something for others so they also feel alive and well. Pick your charities and start now to reap the rewards!
Minggu, 02 Desember 2007
Addicted at an early age
My first cats were family pets, chosen by parents. Clearly in the photos I have I did love them but my real dream was a dog. Thus, in 5th grade the deal was struck - straight A's got me a dog, Trixie. I was never without a pet after that. I got the dog (and her pups) when I was divorced.
How is it I came to populate the household with so many critters and can I say it's not my fault?
It was an easy decision each time we added another animal and no it is not all my fault.
It is true that pet #13 is my mom's cat (was more my dad's for most of its life) and now she has moved to a retirement home which is pet-friendly only for visits. Come on. So we got the cat. But then, we did give them the cat. So, maybe it is my fault Bootz is here now.
The others, well, three cats just showed up and we took responsibility for them in terms of neutering, feeding, shots. They stayed. One cat we sought out when it was a kitten. One cat was bought at an auction. One cat was adopted. That's every one of them. They have it great, living in the garage. In the winter they have a heater and the rest of the year they have an indoor/outdoor arrangement so they can sun themselves without leaving the premises and ending up as coyote treats.
Dogs surround us and I am pleased to say are all adopted. They range from 5 months to 14 years and from 20 pounds to 85 pounds. Most of them are the result of us fostering them first and then not being able to live without them. But we have let some of the dogs we foster go to other good homes where they are flourishing and running the show. We have figured out we can't keep them all and that it is great to see them select their new families. Plus then we can foster more and go through that routine again.
I am addicted to animals. There is nothing quite like the affection they have for owners. I see it at home and I see it at the shelter where I volunteer as a temporary influence on them. Ha! I almost said "temporary human" but that wouldn't be accurate. I cannot say "temporary owner" as that too would be wrong - I don't own any of them.
Thankfully the addiction is a positive one with good rewards. All the same it does take some discipline to avoid any further over-indulgence. I am brought back to reality when the furniture is chewed, when there is hair all over the floor, or when the litter needed changing two days before it was. When all that is resolved though, I'm back to making them healthy treats.
How is it I came to populate the household with so many critters and can I say it's not my fault?
It was an easy decision each time we added another animal and no it is not all my fault.
It is true that pet #13 is my mom's cat (was more my dad's for most of its life) and now she has moved to a retirement home which is pet-friendly only for visits. Come on. So we got the cat. But then, we did give them the cat. So, maybe it is my fault Bootz is here now.
The others, well, three cats just showed up and we took responsibility for them in terms of neutering, feeding, shots. They stayed. One cat we sought out when it was a kitten. One cat was bought at an auction. One cat was adopted. That's every one of them. They have it great, living in the garage. In the winter they have a heater and the rest of the year they have an indoor/outdoor arrangement so they can sun themselves without leaving the premises and ending up as coyote treats.
Dogs surround us and I am pleased to say are all adopted. They range from 5 months to 14 years and from 20 pounds to 85 pounds. Most of them are the result of us fostering them first and then not being able to live without them. But we have let some of the dogs we foster go to other good homes where they are flourishing and running the show. We have figured out we can't keep them all and that it is great to see them select their new families. Plus then we can foster more and go through that routine again.
I am addicted to animals. There is nothing quite like the affection they have for owners. I see it at home and I see it at the shelter where I volunteer as a temporary influence on them. Ha! I almost said "temporary human" but that wouldn't be accurate. I cannot say "temporary owner" as that too would be wrong - I don't own any of them.
Thankfully the addiction is a positive one with good rewards. All the same it does take some discipline to avoid any further over-indulgence. I am brought back to reality when the furniture is chewed, when there is hair all over the floor, or when the litter needed changing two days before it was. When all that is resolved though, I'm back to making them healthy treats.
first go at it
Thanks to a MN friend I am now blogging solo! Being on dial up, in the country, in a "network hole", there may be some photos posted but not today. Check back.
As we come to year's end most of us tend to become more reflective, not of just the current year but of times past. For me it has been a particularly challenging year in that regard. Soon we will re-visit the anniversary of my dad's death and then that of my mother-in-law. We continue to sort, file, store, send, and toss items one last time. We are doing this while my mother is alive in hopes she can identify some people and decide who is to have what. It is trying, to say the least, as she doesn't always remember (who does?), things like photos are not labeled - you know that lecture by heart don't you so I will skip it - and she often doesn't care what happens to stuff. Of course that makes me want to ask WHY HAVE YOU KEPT IT FOR 70 YEARS? But we are doing our best.
Being an only child sucks when parents age. If you are young enough to avoid this for your own child do so - make it children. One takes all the "heat". And, if ever you thought an only child was spoiled, let me assure you that is not always the case and even in the cases where it may be true going through the final years alone is payback!
Alas, we live in piles at our home. Granted the piles are diminishing and soon we will have the energy flowing through each room again. It is gratifying to be able to appreciate some items one last time, bid them farewell and see to it that they go to the next generation to carry and pass along. Sending photos and mementos to cousins has allowed or caused a re-connect, even if it may be short-lived. But there is peace and excitement in knowing things are reaching their rightful owners. I have tracked down the (now famous) son of the pastor who married my folks over 60 years ago and wait to hear from him as to whether he wants the letter and photo I have from even longer ago than that. Yup, this has been fun.
All the while, for any who know me, you know I am in dinner theater this time of the year. In fact, I await my chariot to take me to the final performance. All right, I drive myself. We're having a great time and are serving as a great example that a lousy dress rehearsal means a great performance. But, this is the 8th day straight without a break. God, for whom we do this as it is our church group, took a day off to rest. Don't we get it?
As we come to year's end most of us tend to become more reflective, not of just the current year but of times past. For me it has been a particularly challenging year in that regard. Soon we will re-visit the anniversary of my dad's death and then that of my mother-in-law. We continue to sort, file, store, send, and toss items one last time. We are doing this while my mother is alive in hopes she can identify some people and decide who is to have what. It is trying, to say the least, as she doesn't always remember (who does?), things like photos are not labeled - you know that lecture by heart don't you so I will skip it - and she often doesn't care what happens to stuff. Of course that makes me want to ask WHY HAVE YOU KEPT IT FOR 70 YEARS? But we are doing our best.
Being an only child sucks when parents age. If you are young enough to avoid this for your own child do so - make it children. One takes all the "heat". And, if ever you thought an only child was spoiled, let me assure you that is not always the case and even in the cases where it may be true going through the final years alone is payback!
Alas, we live in piles at our home. Granted the piles are diminishing and soon we will have the energy flowing through each room again. It is gratifying to be able to appreciate some items one last time, bid them farewell and see to it that they go to the next generation to carry and pass along. Sending photos and mementos to cousins has allowed or caused a re-connect, even if it may be short-lived. But there is peace and excitement in knowing things are reaching their rightful owners. I have tracked down the (now famous) son of the pastor who married my folks over 60 years ago and wait to hear from him as to whether he wants the letter and photo I have from even longer ago than that. Yup, this has been fun.
All the while, for any who know me, you know I am in dinner theater this time of the year. In fact, I await my chariot to take me to the final performance. All right, I drive myself. We're having a great time and are serving as a great example that a lousy dress rehearsal means a great performance. But, this is the 8th day straight without a break. God, for whom we do this as it is our church group, took a day off to rest. Don't we get it?
Sabtu, 10 November 2007
CephaloPelvic Disproportion: AKA Will my baby fit through my pelvis?
I wanted to write about this because I am a bit shocked as to how many women I've met whose physicians have told them they have cephalopelvic disproportion, OR they think they can't push a baby through their pelvic bones and out of their vagina because they themselves are of a small size. Let's start by clarifying- Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): A baby having a head too large to fit through the mothers pelvis- therefore causing her to need a cesarian. CPD does exist, but it is far more rare than people think.
Let's start with some common misconceptions.
Miconception:
If one of my babies was delivered via cesarian birth due to CPD, all of my babies will be CPD.
Truth:
While it may be possible that CPD is due to an abnormally shaped pelvis which can make it difficult to ever be able to push a baby out (rare indeed-and still wont necessarily mean you have CPD), most reasons a woman is diagnosed with CPD is 1. A very large baby that is having a hard time coming through the pelvic bones, and 2. stalled labor (which can be normal for SO many reasons and still turn into a CPD c/s).
Now, the truth of the matter is simply this: Every baby will have his/her own birth. Every baby is going to be a different size and have a different sized head. Every baby will mold differently while coming through the birth canal. I think it's a little known fact (I could be wrong- but I didn't know in the beginning with my first son!), that a babies head is made up of five plates rather than one bony structure. The plates overlap one another while the baby is being pushed through the birth canal, and UNTIL labor is happening, there is not really a true way to tell if your baby will fit or not (which it most likely will- even sometimes if you've been told otherwise).
Misconception:
If you are a small woman, you will have a harder time pushing a baby out and are more likely going to have CPD.
Truth:
Au contraire, my good friends. I have a fantastic example of this (and actually the inspiration for writing this article).
I had a doula client that was a very small woman. She is probably a good 4'10". She seemed sure that she could push out her baby, and yet others were questioning her ability. People were saying things such as- "you're so small, don't you need a c section?" Shame shame- not only are these people undermining this womans ability to give birth, but they are planting seeds of doubt within her that could cause her to question herself. Women generally (and when I say generally I mean really MOST of the time)grow a baby that will be capable of being born to their mothers. It's really a great design...
Anywho, I wanted to note that this woman called me in labor one morning. She didn't realize she was in labor and sounded like she was calling to let me know that something weird was happening (but she wasn't convinced). I told her to contact her midwife to go in and have her fluids tested (I was under the impression her water broke). She had an appointment with her m/w within a couple of hours. (Just fyi- she said her contractions were 20 seconds long and 10 minutes apart- she's a first time mother and I assumed we'd have a baby late in the evening or early in the morning. You know what they say about assuming...).
I figured I would call her around five in the evening if she hadn't called me back needing me. I realized I had a voicemail at around three. The baby was born after 1 (she had arrived to see if the fluid was really fluid at noon!) This very tiny first time mother's baby practically fell out! And people doubted her ;)
The point is your size does not matter one bit for the most part. A small woman CAN give birth vaginally.
On an end note, I'd like to post a clip written by ICAN (international cesarian awareness network), and published by Midwifery Today:
Keep those babies coming ladies!
Blessings.
Let's start with some common misconceptions.
Miconception:
If one of my babies was delivered via cesarian birth due to CPD, all of my babies will be CPD.
Truth:
While it may be possible that CPD is due to an abnormally shaped pelvis which can make it difficult to ever be able to push a baby out (rare indeed-and still wont necessarily mean you have CPD), most reasons a woman is diagnosed with CPD is 1. A very large baby that is having a hard time coming through the pelvic bones, and 2. stalled labor (which can be normal for SO many reasons and still turn into a CPD c/s).
Now, the truth of the matter is simply this: Every baby will have his/her own birth. Every baby is going to be a different size and have a different sized head. Every baby will mold differently while coming through the birth canal. I think it's a little known fact (I could be wrong- but I didn't know in the beginning with my first son!), that a babies head is made up of five plates rather than one bony structure. The plates overlap one another while the baby is being pushed through the birth canal, and UNTIL labor is happening, there is not really a true way to tell if your baby will fit or not (which it most likely will- even sometimes if you've been told otherwise).
Misconception:
If you are a small woman, you will have a harder time pushing a baby out and are more likely going to have CPD.
Truth:
Au contraire, my good friends. I have a fantastic example of this (and actually the inspiration for writing this article).
I had a doula client that was a very small woman. She is probably a good 4'10". She seemed sure that she could push out her baby, and yet others were questioning her ability. People were saying things such as- "you're so small, don't you need a c section?" Shame shame- not only are these people undermining this womans ability to give birth, but they are planting seeds of doubt within her that could cause her to question herself. Women generally (and when I say generally I mean really MOST of the time)grow a baby that will be capable of being born to their mothers. It's really a great design...
Anywho, I wanted to note that this woman called me in labor one morning. She didn't realize she was in labor and sounded like she was calling to let me know that something weird was happening (but she wasn't convinced). I told her to contact her midwife to go in and have her fluids tested (I was under the impression her water broke). She had an appointment with her m/w within a couple of hours. (Just fyi- she said her contractions were 20 seconds long and 10 minutes apart- she's a first time mother and I assumed we'd have a baby late in the evening or early in the morning. You know what they say about assuming...).
I figured I would call her around five in the evening if she hadn't called me back needing me. I realized I had a voicemail at around three. The baby was born after 1 (she had arrived to see if the fluid was really fluid at noon!) This very tiny first time mother's baby practically fell out! And people doubted her ;)
The point is your size does not matter one bit for the most part. A small woman CAN give birth vaginally.
On an end note, I'd like to post a clip written by ICAN (international cesarian awareness network), and published by Midwifery Today:
Women have commonly been denied trials of labor if their first cesarean section was performed for failure to progress or cephalopelvic disproportion, the most common indications for primary cesarean. In a 1987 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, the largest percentage of women attempting VBAC had cephalopelvic disproportion or failure to progress cited as the primary indication for their initial cesarean. Of these women, 65 percent--almost two thirds--went on to have normal births; many of the babies were much larger than the baby for which the original cesarean section had been performed.
-ICAN Clarion, Sept. 1997
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 50, Dec 10, 1999)
To subscribe to the E-News write: enews@midwiferytoday.com
For all other matters contact Midwifery Today:
PO Box 2672-940, Eugene OR 97402
541-344-7438, midwifery@aol.com, Midwifery Today
Keep those babies coming ladies!
Blessings.
Rabu, 07 November 2007
For your reading pleasure...
Hello everyone!
Please be aware that my amazing (and psychic) auntie has started a new blog called the Metaphysical Life.
She is one of the smartest people I know, and her blog is definitely worth the read. Not to mention, if you email her she'll answer your metaphysical questions! Love it!
http://themetaphysicallife.blogspot.com/
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