JULY
2006
Today is July 1st
and getting 2 “pre-teens” going is a little
like swimming up a river the wrong way.
Last summer, we had Hunter by himself for 2
weeks and Rachael by herself for a little
over a week. This year the way the school
schedule worked and the way our summer
schedule worked, there was not time to have
them each separately.
We finally
got everyone ready and Tabitha and Ashley
came over and we all went to the YMCA pool.
We had a good time in the deep end of the
pool and all the kids enjoyed playing
together. We brought snacks and pool toys,
so it was a fun day.
After the pool we came home
and got ready to go to a Lookouts
Baseball game. We got to the game just
in time and were able to get pretty good
seats. It was
REALLY REALLY REALLY hot, so Mel went and
bought us each a hat to wear. The game was
very entertaining the ballpark food was good
and the kids had a great time.
Today is July 2nd
and since we stayed up so late last night it
was hard to round up the troops this morning
too.
We made it to the pool by noon time and we
stayed until early afternoon. I am starting
to see a division in Hunter and Rachael. If
Rachael wants to do something, then Hunter
doesn’t want to. Needless to say we all are
learning about compromise and getting
along. I am trying to teach them that just
because you don’t want to do something, you
don’t make everyone else miserable.
Since Hunter really didn’t want to swim, we
struck up a deal where he could swim for
exercise then he could go to the teen center
and “hang out”. On the way home from the
pool we ordered pizza for the drive in movie.
Tonight we are going to the all night drive
in theatre. Yes I said “all night”. The
kids have never been to a drive in.
Oh my word….let’s
just say the kids got an education at the
drive in and I think we all did for that
matter. Tip number 1 for going to the
drive in, never ever…. ever park next to the
“Ford” truck that has a mattress in the
back. The movies didn’t start until
about 10 pm and we stayed for 2 or 3 movies
and finally at like 3 am it was time to
leave. Tip number 2, never leave early,
you see too much on the way out. Tip
number 3, take a picnic. We took pizza
and snacks and sodas in a cooler. We had
pillows and blankets and wore comfy
clothes. Tip
number 4; maybe bring “blinders” so you
can’t see your neighbors parked next to you.
Today is July 3rd
and I am tired… tired… tired, but excited.
Today we are watching Lily. Lily arrived
around 8 am and we all had a little
breakfast then headed to Chattanooga to
visit the Aquarium. We had the best drive,
both Hunter and Rachael were so good with
Lily and we all talked and laughed. We
arrived at the Aquarium and picked up our
tickets. Hunter was so cute, he wanted
carry Lily or hold her hand and of course
Rachael wanted to help too. Aquarium
tip: arrive early. Since we arrived so
early it was really easy to go thru. Lily
was interested in all the fish and Hunter
was good at explaining them all to each of
us. We finished the River adventure and
then had lunch.
I will take a timeout and
mention how everyone stared at us. Since I
am not usually out in public with children,
it was a bit odd to be such the focus of
everyone around us. I am sure people are
just curious.
At lunch we also got quite a bit of
attention. Lily was so funny she had to go
to the “big girl potty”. Oh my word do you
know how long it takes to take a nearly 3
year old to the restroom and answer the 1
million questions they ask. I just had to
laugh; nothing and I mean nothing is done
quickly.
We were finally seated and we ordered.
Unfortunately our server really messed up
our order and she brought my food before the
children’s. Note: always ask if the food
for the kids can be brought first.
Finally everyone got their food and Lily
shared with everyone. I noticed an Asian
family behind us at lunch who kept watching
Lily. On our way back to the Ocean
adventure part of the aquarium, I asked each
of the kids if they were having a good time
and what the best part of their day had
been. Each of them answered, and then
Lily said the sweetest thing, “what has been
the best part of your day Miss Emily?”
Oh my word, how sweet is that, the almost 3
year old wants to know how your day has
been. What an
angel!
While we were
in ocean adventure a young girl who we had
seen several times asked me if I was Lily’s
Mom. I said no I was babysitting her. Then
she asked if Lily was adopted. She then
told me she was adopted from China. This
was such a cute exchange, she was about 12
years old and she was so curious about
Lily. Her parents had several children they
had adopted, from several different
countries.
We finally saw all the exhibits in Ocean
adventure and went outside where each of the
kids took their shoes off and played in the
water/stream. It was nearly 3 pm so we then
headed home. Both Hunter and Rachael fell
asleep pretty quickly and then I noticed
Lily had nodded off too, so I just drove
around for about an hour to let everyone get
a good nap in. We got home and Hunter and
Rachael both went straight to bed to
continue their nap. Lily was so cute, she
wanted to nap in the “big bed” (mine and
Mel’s bed). I got her all settled in and
then she was hungry so I made her a cheese
and chicken quesadia. When Jill arrived to
pick her up she was like “princess Lily” all
snug in the bed with her snack and the
kitties gathered around watching cartoons. |
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Chattanooga Aquarium
Playing in the water at the aquarium
Gifts from December DTC Secret Pal
The kitties took this picture
A little JACKIE-O outfit for Ladybug
December DTC Secret Pal Gifts
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What a full
day we had, looking forward to those “full”
days!
HAPPY 4TH OF
JULY!
We had a bit of a lazy
morning after our full day yesterday. We
got our things together and went over to the
Bradney’s just after lunch time. The kids
played in the pool and toward the end of the
day, Robert cooked hamburgers and hotdogs.
Robert also made homemade ice cream. We
took brownies and sweet tea. Mel had to
work today, but he came for the cookout.
Finally with full tummies and tanned skin we
called it a day and returned home.
Thank you Bradneys for
letting us celebrate our country’s birthday
with you.
Today July 5th it
was back to work for me.
I think Rachael and Hunter slept until noon
when I took my lunch break. After work we
met Mel for dinner and the kids got to
experience what eating at a buffet is like,
this particular buffet left a lot to be
desired. If I haven’t mentioned it I am not
a fan of buffets.
After dinner
I took them to the library and they both
really enjoyed it. We checked out several
books and videos. Hunter loves books and
really enjoys being able to “borrow” the
books and videos.
Another day of work for me! Today is
July 6th Thursday and again both
the kids slept until noon. They must be
going thru a growth spurt, because they went
to bed at a decent hour but still slept so
late.
After work we loaded up for the pool. Again
Hunter did not want to go to the pool; he
wanted to go to the teen center. We worked
out a compromise and we all went to the pool
for awhile, then after some swimming both
Hunter and Rachael went to the teen center
while I worked out.
After the YMCA we went out to
eat with Benita at Applebee’s.
Note: the Applebee’s kids
menu leaves a lot to be desired. Rachael’s
macaroni was awful and the portion size is
more for a small child, not a 9 or 12 year
old.
It is July 7th and
TGIF!
Well I am sad to see the week
end, but am glad it is the last work day. I
did not feel well all day so when I got off
work I called Mel and he came and got the
kids. They were going to catch a movie, but
then decided to rent movies.
I was asleep, but I think
they had an ALL NIGHT MOVE EXTRAVAGANZA in
the basement on the BIG TV!
Today is Saturday July 8th
and we had a slow morning.
We went to the YMCA and swam and packed a
picnic. Then later in the day we all went
to Lily’s third birthday party. I was able
to get the potato salad made last night
before going to bed. The kids had such a
good time with all the other kids there. We
got to meet lots of friends and family and
enjoyed food and fellowship in honor of a
dear little girl. After the party we came
home and just vegged.
Today is Sunday July 9th
and we didn’t go to church.
I was still just a tad under the weather or
maybe just tired. Tina came and picked up
the kids. We went to the discount shoe
store “Becky’s” then met Mel for dinner at
The Gondolier. After the kids left I just
rested and got ready for the week. Mel has
been so busy with his preparation for his
audit I haven’t seen much of him lately.
Today is July 10th
and it is a bit quiet around the house
without Hunter and Rachael here.
I forgot to mention my December DTC Secret
Pal sent the sweetest gifts. She sent a box
with Ladybug note pads and a journal. Then
a week or so later she sent the sweetest
cross stitch she had made with cherry
blossoms and Chinese characters, such
thoughtful gifts.
Today is July 11th
and I am one sick cookie.
I went to the doctor and got some meds, so
hopefully I will be well prior to my trip
this Saturday.
Today is July 13th
and Margie and Teri surprised me on their
way thru to Atlanta. Just a quick hello.
Today is Saturday July 15th
and Mel took me to the airport bright and
early this morning.
I caught a flight to Houston and then flew
on to Oakland. I arrived into Oakland just
about noon time and my former co-worker and
friend Annamarie picked me up at the
airport. We went and had lunch at a little
Mexican cantina with fresh tex mex style
food. I checked into my hotel then we
headed for Tracy so I could see her new
house.
Her new house
is awesome. We visited for awhile and ran
out to the store and then I took a quick nap
while Annemarie cooked dinner. We had a
nice dinner and she invited some friends who
had a young baby boy who is the same age
Martin would have been. The little boy was
a bit of a challenge and it took about
everyone to keep him entertained.
After dinner the little boy’s father began
to “grille” me about adoption and it was a
bit upsetting. I guess it is frustrating
when people are not informed and insist on
grilling you with questions like “how
much will she costs, you must be rich?
I was pretty proud of myself; basically he
insinuated that we were basically buying a
baby. I flipped the scenario and pointed
out when you have a biological child, if you
are lucky enough to have insurance, your out
of pocket costs are minimal. However if you
didn’t have insurance, your hospital expense
would be similar to an adoption. Other then
be grilled about adoption the evening was
nice. It is always good to see Annemarie
and she cooked a fantastic dinner. We
walked off our dinner then Annemarie drove
me back to Livermore.
Today is Sunday July 16th
and I woke up at like 3 am since there is
such a time difference.
I went back to sleep and then finally got
some breakfast and then went over to a
“sister” hotel to the pool and layed out. I
read my book and listened to my ipod and
just relaxed. Since I didn’t have a car I
could not leave the area. Finally about 5
or 6 pm I located Lana and we went to dinner
at an Italian restaurant. Afterwards we
went to Target.
I was
touching up my nails when my bright pink
nail polish spilled and went all over the
bedskirt and the carpet. In all my 41 years
I have only spilled nail polish one other
time. I think I was like 5 years old and I
spilled polish and or remover on my Mom’s
dresser; I frantically tried to wipe up the
polish but it only made it worse. I may own
this hotel room before it is over.
Today is July 17th
and we all drove into the office together.
It was a comedy of errors Lana overslept.
Sue and I were waiting for her and when it
was like 7:15 am I called her room and she
was like “oh no I overslept.” We made it
into the office with a few minutes to spare.
Our class had
like 25 to 30 people in it. It was an
absolute disaster. It was nice to see so
many former co-workers from the training
group, but the training was nearly
pointless. We had so many interruptions,
technical difficulties and the subject
matter was not so easy either. At the end
of the class we took a test, we shall see
how I do.
After class we all met Lori our boss for
dinner and had a nice meal and good
fellowship. Lana had made other plans so
she left early and Sylvia dropped me and Sue
at our hotel. We leave tomorrow so I packed
up my stuff then called it a night.
Today is Tuesday July 18th,
we all met for breakfast and then headed to
the office for just an hour or 2.
It was a bit crazy trying to leave and then
we kept making the wrong turn to the
airport, we finally got there. I was never
so glad to get on a plane headed for home.
I didn’t get in til nearly 10 pm, but it was
oh so good to be home.
“Though we travel the world
over to find the beautiful, we must carry it
with us or we find it not.” ~
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today is Friday July 21st.
We have now been waiting 6 months.
This time last year I thought
we would get our referral in July and travel
by September, which isn’t going to happen.
Hopefully it will have by next July and
September. While I was in California a
package came from my December DTC secret
pal. It had all kids of things for giving a
baby a bath…a little ducky that measures the
water temperature and several other things.
Today is Saturday July 22nd
and we slept in.
It has been a busy few weeks. We finalized
all or preparations for our vacation to
Destin in September.
Today is July 24th
and after work today I joined the Bradney’s
at Portofino’s in Chattanooga to celebrate
Jill’s birthday.
Mel was out of town on business so he missed
out on a very yummy Italian meal. When it
is your birthday you eat for free.
Afterward we shopped at the dollar store.
A few weeks
ago I created a gift registry at Pottery
Barn. Today I ordered the baskets that go
with Ladybug’s changing table. I also got
the liners and a changing table pad and
cover.
Today is July 27th
and just as I was getting myself together
and feeling like I was caught up when my
sister Teri called.
Where do I start…a few weeks ago my brother
Colin had gallbladder surgery and had some
complications. The last I heard which was
right before I went to California he was
home from the hospital. Well apparently he
was only home for maybe a day and he has
been back in the hospital ever since.
Teri was very
upset and cried when describing his
condition. I am not sure why anyone had not
called me before, but I guess that isn’t
important right now. After Teri described
his condition and how bad things were she
asked if I could come down to Atlanta. Well
anyone who knows me knows I can’t stand to
drive in Atlanta and asking me to come to
Atlanta is huge and me agreeing to go is
even huger. I know it is my brother, but it
is still huge. We agreed I would come down
early the next day.
I really needed aerobics after Teri’s call
so I went and worked out. I then got packed
up to leave early in the morning.
Today is Friday July 28th
and I got up and headed out to Marietta
bright and early and arrived at the hospital
around 10:30 am.
Nothing Teri said prepared me for how bad
Colin looked. I just kept thinking
something needed to be done right now, yet I
felt so helpless. I won’t go into all the
details but basically we were able to
organize a meeting with the doctors to find
out what the plan is for Colin.
“Always trust what your heart
knows.”
~Hafiz
In the early
afternoon Teri left to attend a meeting to
buy a boat. Later in the day I checked
into a hotel and slept until early evening
and got some dinner and then I came back and
relieved Christy. I spent the night with
Colin and it was pretty rough. I may have
slept an hour….maybe.
Today is July 29th
and I stayed at the hospital for awhile and
finally Tom came and I left to get a few
hours of sleep.
While I was away Colin had
some kind of reaction with his heart.
Nobody really seems to know what is going
on, but now along with his other symptoms he
has something going on with his chest.
I came back
in the evening and stayed with Colin again
tonight and it was a bit better, but man
hospitals are just crazy. They are loud,
dirty and if you aren’t sick when you get
there, you will be feeling pretty bad from
just the environment.
Today is Sunday July 30th
and I had to rush and check out of my hotel.
I met up with Teri at the hospital and we
went over to Alpharetta and had lunch and
picked up a few things for Colin and then
dropped by her house and then headed back to
the hospital. She stayed the night and I
went back to her house and spent the night.
We have a meeting in the morning with all
the doctors. I am just exhausted so I am
hitting the sack early.
Today is Monday July 31st
and I got up really early to head over to
the hospital. By the time I got there it
was crazy, since they had not replaced
Colin’s IV with a PIC line over the weekend,
it had become clogged. They were doing all
kinds of test and he has several procedures
scheduled for today. Also he can’t have any
pain medicine because of one of the test.
Finally all the doctors showed and we were
able to meet. The meeting seemed productive
and Colin was able to even take part. The
bottom line is it appears they will be
transferring Colin to Emory to get the
situation resolved.
I stayed with
Colin and Christy after the meeting. We
found out from one test that in fact when
they had removed his gallbladder they had
cut the bile duct. Finally when things
stabilized a bit, I headed back to
Tennessee. I got in pretty late about 8:30
pm. I was mentally and physically drained.
It was so good to be home, good to see Mel;
the kitties missed me and I missed home.
The last 4 days reminded me
of the exhaustion I may feel when I travel
to China.
On Friday, July 28th I was up
from say 7 pm until the following day at say
2 pm. This might be similar to the time it
takes to fly from Los Angeles to Beijing,
China about 19 hours or so. Had I not taken
the 3 hour nap it would have been like 35 to
40 hours awake. I really didn’t feel as bad
as I thought I would after being up with
Colin all night. Then I slept like 6 hours
and was up most of the next night as well,
with a little bit of “cat napping”. I have
been worried I will handle the travel to
China and although I really would prefer
Colin not to be in the hospital, being here
with him and being up long hours has given
me the confidence that I can make it on the
trip to China. |
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