tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319823012024-03-07T11:47:37.876-05:00On Being Erin's MotherMy husband I & adopted our beautiful daughter Erin from China in June 2003. Life hasn't been the same. Then again, was there life before Erin? I can't remember!Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-12583159719233657802012-09-22T18:58:00.003-05:002012-09-22T18:58:54.658-05:005773 - In With a Bang<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past Sunday evening was the beginning of Rosh HaShanah - the Jewish New Year. I had high hopes for the New Year.</div>
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Unfortunately, Sunday afternoon we received a call from David's friend Vinny. His mom had been in the hospital & passed away that morning after surgery the previous day. Mrs. S. had made arrangements a long time ago to be buried down here with Vinny's dad so he was heading down here. Both David & I were saddened to learn that none of his family offered him a place to stay for the duration. Needless to say, we told Vinny our home was open to him.</div>
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Erin & I never made it to services on Monday as our home needed to be cleaned up for our company. David, Erin & I busted tush to get the house in order. (I must say it's looking good now.) We were exhausted after a full day project!</div>
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Tuesday we went to H0ly Cr0ss H0spital so David could have an arthrogram (xray of a joint) on his shoulder. We've been worried that he has another necrotic lesion in his left shoulder. The orthopaedic dr believes it is a bone spur but we need to be sure. Talk about a disaster! If it could go wrong, it did. First the staff decided he was there for an MRI - something he can't have due to his spinal cord stimulator implant. Then after the CT scan, the attending doc disappeared! We left & hope to have results this coming week. By the time we got home, we all needed a nap!</div>
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Vinny arrived late Wednesday evening. He was in pretty good shape all things considered. I guess that even though his mom passed, it hadn't really hit him. Or perhaps he didn't want to grieve in front of Erin - who was thrilled that Mr. Vinny was here for a visit.</div>
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We said goodbye to Mrs. S yesterday. Vinny held up pretty well all things considered. I had to go back to work, & David needed to come home. Vinny went to lunch with his cousins so they could have some time together.</div>
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This afternoon Vinny left to go back home to his wife. Mary wasn't able to come down with him because they have no one who could watch their 2 fur babies. I know that the 2 of them will take their time grieving & getting use to life without Mrs. S in it.</div>
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Mrs. S, wherever you may be, please know that your Vinny will always be a part of our family. And when you look down upon us, as I know you will, you will see that your son is loved - by his wife, his few cousins & us. We'll do our best to keep him smiling.</div>
Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-40052584711511519482012-09-17T08:50:00.001-05:002012-09-17T08:50:36.416-05:00Choices<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back at the end of June I joined WW. Again. I was tired of always feeling tired & being uncomfortable breathing. So far, so good. I've managed to lose 16/17 lbs. It isn't much, but I'm doing this slowly on purpose. Whenever I lose weight quickly, I end up going back to my old habits.</div>
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It's now been 2.5 months & I like the changes in me. I'm looking forward to more changes. Some of what I'm seeing is:</div>
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I eat breakfast now - something I never used to do. My new fave breakfast? Something I call <a href="http://jazzieandtahlia.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/09/pre-pilates-snack.html" target="_blank">Sandra's Yummy Yogurt</a>. I am hoping she shares more recipes!</div>
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I'm limiting my soda intake. Down to 1 per day. Face it - a 12 oz can is 4 points & for now it's okay to use them on a soda. By the end of October, I hope to limit drinking so much Coke & switch to seltzer. (I have to have my fizz.)</div>
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My body talks to me, & I've started to listen. When it tells me that enough is enough, I listen rather than forcing myself to finish something just because it tastes good. </div>
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I don't clean my plate anymore. It's okay. I don't have to. I've told Erin that she doesn't have to clean her plate so why do I have to? I don't. That is SO liberating.</div>
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When I do eat out, I'm more careful with my choices. I also started to ask for a box immediately so I can pack up half my meal. I'm finding that I still manage to leave some on my plate. Again. Very liberating.</div>
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What has happened as a result of just these few things? </div>
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My clothing fits better & in fact some is already too big.</div>
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Erin sees me eating healthier which means better choices for her also. (For example, when I asked her to try some different veggies this past week she did. She didn't like them, but the point is that she actually tried them.</div>
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I'm starting to feel better bit by bit.</div>
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I'm not expecting to, nor do I want to, ever go back to what I weighed in high school. I just want to be healthier. I'd say that's a pretty good goal for me.</div>
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Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-88272926271721056572012-08-05T19:26:00.001-05:002012-08-05T19:26:18.162-05:00Rockin' 10!! Bowling Party
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Super excited to celebrate with her friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the double digits</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goody bags<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy food</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Presents<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin & Mama<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin & Daddy<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Cake Yumminess</td></tr>
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Erin turned 10 on July 30th. It's an awesome thing to remember that sweet little 10 month old that was gifted to us. Recently I am seeing visions of the teen she will become. G-d help us! I pray we make it through the teens because she is one social party animal!</div>
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After much debating, Erin decided she wanted a few of her close friends to help her celebrate by having a bowling party. No girly girl for us. She had to have a Lego cake topped by her fave Star Wars Lego minifigures. Thanks to my dear friend Jolene from Ladybug Cake Creations, Erin had her dream cake. Yummo!!</div>
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Bowling with her friends. Dancing around the bowling alley. Going to the game room. Smiles & laughter. It was all good. But I think that the best part for Erin was having her daddy make sure he was there to celebrate. I loved having David with me to share in the joy. He has eyes only for Erin (& me as well of course) & in her eyes, he is the ultimate super hero.</div>
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Happy 10th Birthday Erin!!!</div>
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We love you always & forever no matter what!!</div>
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</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-39899629704136998762012-07-29T13:03:00.000-05:002012-07-29T13:03:03.456-05:00Hey! That's MY Country Mama!<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the moment Erin was placed in my arms, she wanted nothing to do with anything Chinese - the people, the language, the culture. You can imagine how concerned David & I were. Having been born in a land of beauty with an extremely old culture, we want her to be proud of her heritage. </div>
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When Erin was finally granted American citizenship, she told us that she was no longer Chinese but only American. Seriously? Have you looked in a mirror? We explained that she will always be American, but she will also always be Chinese. </div>
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When she was in 2nd grade, I put my foot down & decided she needed to get with it & realize that she was a daughter of China thereby making China show herself in a good light. I sent in the usual treats for Chinese New Year - lucky money envelopes, chocolate coins & clementines, & let her hand them out. In 3rd grade, she decided she wanted to do the same thing but this time she wanted me to come in & talk about China. She wore her Chinese dress, handed out treats & sat with her classmates while I gave a lesson. This past year in 3rd grade 2nd time around, she asked to wear her Chinese dress all day long at school. We insisted that she not wear the dress since it is silk. During this Chinese New Year school celebration, she answered a few simple questions & even helped me with the presentation. </div>
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Lately, she has decided that maybe being from China isn't such a bad thing. It's taken quite a few talks, but we believe she is finally seeing that being Chinese is as awesome as being Jewish and as awesome as being American.</div>
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This morning our family watched our DVRd program of the 2012 London Olympics Opening ceremonies. Can you say "WOW!!"? London truly rose to the occasion. I laughed. I cried. We talked about the things she was seeing. David explained some parts while I explained others. I told her that it has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit the United Kingdom. In fact, her name Erin is Irish while her middle name Chelsie is English. (Boy, I hope I got that right!)</div>
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Then the different countries entered. I pointed out Argentina, where Miss Vivian is from having lived there a good portion of her life. That brought a comment of surprise. I pointed out Brazil, where Miss Minouche & Mr. Delfim are from. She saw the flag of Canada & yelled out "Kerri is there!" And we watched. Then the Chinese delegates marched out on the field. And it happened. "Mama! That's MY country!" And her smile? Huge! She asked if the Olympians were from where she is from. She was so proud to see the people of China marching in with pride & joy on their faces. She even shushed us!</div>
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Thanks to the 2012 Olympics, Erin may finally decide that China is a place of beauty. I sure hope so.</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-37725267941987817392012-07-13T18:52:00.001-05:002012-07-13T18:52:31.519-05:00So You Call Yourself a Friend<div style="text-align: justify;">
Really? Do you understand what being a friend means? No?</div>
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Well, in my opinion a friend:</div>
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Is there to listen without judging</div>
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Cries right alongside you when things go wrong</div>
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Cries right alongside you when things go right</div>
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Laughs with you as opposed to at you</div>
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Understands when you can't afford to go out & do things so sometimes just hanging is okay</div>
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Sometimes a friend takes you out just so you can have some time away from the family because it's really needed</div>
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Comes running when you call & sometimes before you call</div>
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I know my true friends. They have made their stance clear to me. Crystal clear. Now I also know that some people think that an acquaintance is as good as a friend, but that just isn't the case. I would do anything for my friends. And they know it. My friends would do anything for me. And I know it. My friends are as loyal to me as I am to them. </div>
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I have been spreading myself a little thin lately trying to be that loyal friend that everyone can count on. I'm going to stop running myself around doing everything for everyone. I'm going to take my life back & be with the people I want to be with. </div>
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My mother used to tell me that not everyone is a friend. I thought she was nuts. Darn! Moms are always right. Now I have to teach Erin this most basic of lessons. Hopefully she won't get hurt the way I have.</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-36377404353193245932012-07-11T21:01:00.000-05:002012-07-11T21:01:17.647-05:00Celebrating With a Crash<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday my father, Erin's zaydie, turned 72. I told my cousins that I'd need to call him to wish him a happy birthday. What with work & all, the day got away from us. Before I knew it, it was 4:00 & time to leave for the day. Normally I hang a few minutes, clean up & chit chat, but I had plans to go out with some friends to see a movie.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
So there I am sitting in the left turn lane waiting to make a turn so I could get on the S expressway. In front of me was this <em><strong>huge</strong></em> truck. As I'm sitting there, I am watching this putz start to back up so I laid on my horn. Anyone who has heard a T0y0ta horn knows it is the most annoying horn. Ever. Nope. It didn't stop him. I got pushed back, & then he stopped. I had the hood of my car all crunched up. Then he started to back up again. With my laying on my horn so hard I don't know why it wasn't heard round the 50 states!</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
When he stopped & got out of the truck from he!!, I got out & quite vocally asked him what he thought he was doing backing up & didn't he hear my horn. BUT NO!!! He starts talking to me in Spanish claiming he doesn't speak English. I got back in my car because I was ticked off & needed to stay away. First thing I called 9!! to report the accident. Then I called Cheryle at the office, & she sent Stacy to me.</div>
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Not too much after Stacy showed up, the service aide pulled up. He came over to take the report from my point of view & then explained that I should call my insurance company & Triple A. When he came to me, he told me that the other driver claimed I rammed him from behind. Mind you, my car was the one with <strong><em>ALL</em></strong> the damage & on the diagonal. (Had I hit him, my car would have not been pointed the direction it was in. Just MHO of course.)</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the midst of this the driver from Triple A shows up & is the sweetest guy ever!! I hope they call me with a survey because Thurman will get top marks. Rather than have to speak with my insurance company, Stacy handled the call & then Thurman spoke with the rep to find a repair place that would be convenient for me.</div>
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I went over to the service aide assisting me & asked if he knew if the aide behind him was Fa!th. He wasn't sure so I walked over. When she looked up & saw me, she got out of her truck with a white face. Gotta love friends like her. She didn't need to stay with me but did until I was almost done.</div>
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Thurman drove me & my poor T0y0ta to the repair shop which is around the corner from my house. The people there seem to be great. In fact, they are so nice the owner drove me home.</div>
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My neighbor L had picked Erin up from camp & kept her at her house for dinner so I could settle in. When Erin came home, she brought her friends Matthew & Sophie with her. They all wanted to make sure I was alright. </div>
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When I finally got in touch with my dad, I told him that I'd found a great way to celebrate his birthday. With a crash, bang, boom! He asked me to celebrate his day in a calmer way. I'll try that next year. Promise.</div>
<br />Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-10330165769257324842012-07-07T14:05:00.002-05:002012-07-07T14:05:54.013-05:00What I've Discovered<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am sick & tired of feeling the way I do. I have had a weight problem for most of my life. </div>
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When we were paperchasing for Erin, I started WW. I was very successful & lost about 30 lbs. While that isn't near what I needed to lose, I felt healthy & was also learning how to become a mommy to a 10 month old. I looked at life & decided what my priorities were. Mommyhood needed to come first. It took me a long time to put the weight back on - almost as long as Erin has been with us. Not bad considering that most people put back lost weight within a year or so.</div>
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I've finally decided that I need to take the bull by the horns. What changed? Well, let's see: </div>
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<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
My health is starting to suffer. I'm having a hard time walking without my asthma kicking in &/or my back going out. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Erin is in need of a better nutrition role model.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
I hate the way my arms feel with all the extra flab. Gosh! I despise that word but that is exactly what I have. :-)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been years since I have been able to wear a button down shirt. I stopped even trying to find them. How pathetic is that!?</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Bras. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a bra in my size!? Nope. Didn't think so. (I know. TMI.)</div>
</li>
</ul>
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I now have some major inspiration on my side.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
I want Erin to see a healthier way to eat.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
I want Erin to see a healthier me.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
My friend<a href="http://jazzieandtahlia.typepad.com/" target="_blank"> Sandra</a>. She has lost a lot of weight, changed her attitude about life. In fact, Sandra now runs marathons! I am so proud of her.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, I also need to be able to take care of David. Although he is trying to keep a positive attitude, we both know his health is not great. I need to be able to help him & can't do that if I feel this way.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a week & a half since I started WW. My first weigh in I found that I'd lost 4 pounds. Not bad! Then I admitted to myself that I know the first few weeks are about losing water. I've made some changes - no more than 1 can of coke a day & drinking plenty of water. I noticed this past week that most days I'm not even indulging in my coc@ co!a addiction. Not bad! I'm still drinking coffee with regular creamer but limiting how much I use. </div>
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I weigh myself every morning. David says I'm going to let myself down. I believe quite the opposite. Weighing myself each morning lets me know if the previous day's food was good for me or not. For example, we eat a lot of Chinese food. I have to watch which foods or I can gain up to 2 pounds. Sushi on the other is something I can enjoy with no problem. I had wings for lunch on Friday. Not worth it! Grilled turkey sausage links? Very yummy. Great treat. </div>
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This morning I ate apple slices. Most fruit & most veggies are freebies. I ate the equivalent of 5 apples. Mindless eating. Lesson learned? When I buy prepackaged fruit &/or veggies, I need to portion them out so I eat only 1 portion at a time.</div>
<br />Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-8511552101391127522012-07-04T09:30:00.002-05:002012-07-04T09:30:57.124-05:00Happy Independence Day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuICAvtSEZDWN9v0IGpqyB42uupBYvYA-eb0Bn0Pm-k4JJuVmFyqlAW_IvC8l3-Kci2XcTNTzXuIFI81i2-HeK7upFrkxiOc4m6ygGc1QHPlqYa0vLXoxjseD4V5kqM0Eqtd8P/s1600/happy+birthday+usa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuICAvtSEZDWN9v0IGpqyB42uupBYvYA-eb0Bn0Pm-k4JJuVmFyqlAW_IvC8l3-Kci2XcTNTzXuIFI81i2-HeK7upFrkxiOc4m6ygGc1QHPlqYa0vLXoxjseD4V5kqM0Eqtd8P/s320/happy+birthday+usa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Tonight we'll be celebrating Independence Day which has come to be known as July 4th. I sometimes think that we Americans have forgotten what this day really means. I remember all of the lessons that my teachers taught. Nothing really stood out at that time. Now as an adult (Ha!) & a parent I get it. My friend Lisa's son Joe joined the US Air Force. My friend Angel's son Blake joined the Marine Corps. These 2 young men are just 2 of many. But they have decided to dedicate their life to serving & protecting. It's because of people like these young men that we can continue to celebrate our independence as Americans. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;">When I was growing up I remember my family having or attending backyard BBQs with friends &/or family. The dads BBQd because "back in the day" women didn't do things like handle the grilling. The moms prepared all of the foods that were going to be served throughout the day. Night fell & the fireworks came out. The young children had sparklers & thought they were awesome. The teens were the ones who lit the fireworks - cherry bombs, rockets, you name it. There was fun in the pool, tons of food & desserts to eat & just a general good ole time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">These days fireworks displays are set off in every city. Because of the danger that we now know can be involved with fireworks, parents are more careful with what they allow their children to handle but the dads remember setting them off as teens & feel compelled to continue doing so. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">We live in a community that used to keep to itself except for a few isolated friendships here & there. Ever since Hurricane Wilma it seems that more & more of our neighbors are friendly. Or maybe it's just that now we have children &/or grandchildren. Tonight David will set off some fireworks like he does every year. I can't imagine our neighbors Joni & Dom G won't have their grandchildren here for the festivities. Erin's friends Matthew, Sophie, Emma, Josh & Ethan will probably all be outside having fun. I'll sit back with the parents & enjoy a wine cooler or 2.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Last year I baked some cupcakes for the kids. This year I have a new treat in mind. I may be an older teen (insert another "Ha!" here.) but I'm really looking forward to it. Now I have to go charge my camera batteries. It wouldn't be The 4th without me taking tons of pics!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-51446872821751503382012-07-01T10:01:00.002-05:002012-07-01T10:01:09.701-05:00Catching Up With Erin<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I haven't blogged too much this year, I want to talk about some things that have gone on with Erin. It was a big year for her & well, since this blog is for her - down the line, I really should let her know what happened this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Right before school started, Erin quit karate. She got her red belt & decided she was done. David & I are very upset about this because she really is a natural. Sifu H tried so hard to get Erin to come back. Her hero Brittany tried to get her to come back. One of the other teens that she admires, Bobby, also tried. Nope. Not happening. I get it. The required uniform is very hot - especially when you need to wear a shirt under it because it's too big. She was also going 4-5 days a week which I offered to make no more than 3 days. Still not happening.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Her pediatrician is still very concerned about Erin's size. Yes, Erin is healthy. In fact, Erin hasn't really gotten sick for the last 2 years. (Yay!) At just about 10 years old, she isn't even 55 lbs. Good things come in small packages. And she is the bestest. :-)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Last summer we had Erin's vision tested. All is good there. No signs of dyslexia.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Last summer I took the bull by the horns & brought Erin to her audiologist to get a confirmation on my suspected diagnosis of Auditory Processing Disorder (a/k/a APD). <a href="http://www.audiologysouthflorida.com/meet-the-staff.php" target="_blank">Dr. Randall</a> had been our go-to audiologist since Erin was 2 years old because her ears have some scarring inside. I love it when I find out I'm right. This is one of those times that I wish I weren't right. Erin does have APD on the output organization level.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
This year in school I pushed to have an IEP put in place so Erin could get the necessary help. I had to wait & have conferences & get pushy. I went so far as to go to the principal Mrs. A & inform her that Erin would not be taking the FCAT without an IEP in place. The IEP was put into place 1 month before the FCAT.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
This year Erin decided that being Chinese is a good thing. She can be an American girl but still be proud of her Chinese heritage. In fact, she had a few projects to do in school, & she found ways to bring her heritage into them. (A story on animals? She chose horses because she was born in the year of the horse. A report on endangered animals? She wrote about the FL blue butterfly because she loves butterflies & they are from where she now lives. Her other endangered animal was the Chinese Great Panda because they are from her birth country.)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
FCATs in FL were much harder this year than previously. Erin passed both the math & reading FCATs. She did great! We are so darn proud of her.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
For the first time ever, Erin made the A/B honor roll for the 3rd quarter. She worked so hard, & we had no clue about it until she called me from school to tell me.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Last year there was no money for camp so Erin stayed home with David & me. That really didn't work for any of us. For the most part, the only happy ones in the house were the animals. This year David & I pushed ourselves to get Erin back into camp. It is <em>very</em> expensive but she is having a blast. Very worth it to do this for her. The smile on her face tells me that we did the right thing.</div>
</li>
</ul>
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There are more things that have gone on this past year but these seem to be the highlights for now.</div>
<br />Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-54381611543045584932012-06-30T08:28:00.001-05:002012-06-30T08:36:54.971-05:00Graduation - Mine!<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every once in a while I decide to try blogging again. It's time to give it a shot.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June 4th I graduated from Atlantic Technical Center with an Applied Diploma in Medical Coding & Billing. Talk about a long 10 months!! I was actually selected to be student speaker for graduation. My teacher waited until the last hour before the event to tell me there would be "a few hundred" people in attendance. Yow!! I am terrified of speaking publicly. Betcha didn't know that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my speech:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Everyone
has a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My story actually began
when I was a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents, like
many others, wanted a better life for their children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother taught elementary school children
who had fallen through the cracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
a career in computers, my father also decided to become a teacher but he wanted
to teach high school students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ended
up teaching data entry & programming at what was, at that time, called a
vocational school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a common thing
to see me at the school on my days out of school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These students were the ones who probably
were never going to make it to a college for one reason or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved seeing students learn how to do
things that would help them in real life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was so very proud of what my father did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this day he is in touch with some of his
previous students.</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I
graduated from high school & went off to college, got my degree & then
stepped in to the real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After trying to find a job in my chosen
career of secondary education, I was able to find a job teaching adult
education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that it wasn’t what I
wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did eventually find, not a job,
but rather a career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in the
banking industry for 23 years until I lost my job in 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was devastated – felt as if the rug had
been taken right out from under my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My family & friends were amazingly supportive throughout this time.</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>By
the time I was prepared to go back in to the job market, my husband of 22 years
got sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In December 2010 he had
surgery that was supposed to help him get back on his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when he went back, he was told he no
longer had a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is a whole
other story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout this time, our
daughter was learning that the world we lived in could be a very hard place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she came into our lives, my husband
& I promised ourselves that she would want for nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that what every parent wants - to give
their child the world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now instead of
the world being laid at her feet she no longer was able to do the things she
used to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that she got every
single thing that was out there but the simple things were getting hard to give
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></div>
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<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I
decided that it was time to make a change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I wanted to be able to find a job then it was time to find a new
career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had long been interested in
medical billing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, back in 1998
one of my friends & I thought about leaving banking to start a business
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked at medical billing
because we knew someone who was doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a nice dream but never happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were comfortable where we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>That
was the end of medical billing until Spring 2011 when I was sitting at a
friend’s house enjoying a cup of coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were talking & I mentioned that I was considering going back to
school for medical billing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided
then & there that it was time to take that step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told everyone but did nothing about it
because I was scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be yet
another change for my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were we up
to it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t sure so I left it alone.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>As
we got closer to the end of the 2011 school year, that same friend asked me if
I’d finally done something about signing up for school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was also making a change in her life
& wanted me along for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had looked up medical billing & found that the career was actually medical
coding & billing! There were so many options for where to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could take classes online at home or go to
one of the post-secondary colleges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
then I remembered Broward County had a technical school system much like the
system that my father had taught in when I was growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, I’d taken various classes at
the different campuses so I knew this was a good option for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to register for the medical
coding/billing program that started in August 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid so my friend Lisa started the
process for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wouldn’t let me sit
back & be afraid. And so my ride began!<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Going
back to school at 48 years old was hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Definitely not the easy way out of my problems! I wasn’t used to having
to lug around textbooks, study for hours on end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raise my hand to speak?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that was over long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wear a uniform?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were they kidding?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently not because I’ve been wearing navy
blue slack & white shirts since September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My husband & daughter have put up with having a messy house, laundry
piles everywhere, household chores that kept getting put off & meals that
were so far from nutritionally balanced it was scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The take out places think they’re on speed
dial & even know what we usually order!<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I
vividly remember my first morning in the medical coding/billing class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our teacher spoke with us about all of the
requirements and the expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wasn’t sure about this and even took a few days off to think over what I was
getting myself into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so happy that
I decided to stick it out!<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>At
Atlantic Technical Center I found so much! The teachers here have actually
worked in the fields they were teaching us about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know what we can expect once we leave
the cocoon of school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are preparing
students each and every day for life in the real world.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Atlantic
Technical Center is also a magnet high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On any given day you can see high school students out in the common area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re laughing & studying & doing
what they’re supposed to be doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can also see people who are in the post-secondary programs out there – laughing
& studying & doing what they too are supposed to be doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, in many of the post-secondary
programs, there are high school students learning right alongside the adults
who have come to Atlantic Technical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s great to see people from all different walks of life learning
together.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>There
are a variety of programs offered at Atlantic Technical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the culinary arts program, the students
prepare each of the meals that are served in the cafeteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen teachers right alongside students
teaching everything from how to ensure the cafeteria is clean and neat to food
preparation to proper serving techniques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Business administration offers students the opportunity to learn court
reporting, how to become an accounting assistant, an administrative assistant
or even a medical administrative specialist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Information Technology is here to stay, & Atlantic Technical is up
to the challenge of preparing their students in this program to become
programmers, multimedia designers or even network support specialists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toyota Motor Sales has selected Atlantic
Technical Center to be part of their technician training & education
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>And,
of course, I can’t forget the wonderful programs we have in the health sciences
department!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dental assisting,
hemodialysis, pharmacy technician, and practical nursing are just a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of these programs is taught by dedicated
people who are here to guide us in our journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These teachers are here every day before students get to campus &
leave after students are long gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are dedicated to ensuring that students learn all that can be learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are dedicated to ensuring that when
students go out into their externships and then the real world, the students
are prepared.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><o:p> </o:p>Ms.
Sandra Ervin along with Ms. JoAnn Smith are the medical coder/biller teachers
at Atlantic Technical Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Ervin
terrified me in the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
grateful that she knew to tell us what life is like in the real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made sure that we were prepared for the
time when Ms. Smith would come in to teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ms. Smith has quite the reputation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is strict but caring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is
honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She kept us in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She demanded professionalism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when we went on field trips, I
understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t just there to
teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cares about the profession
and wants to teach us how to be the best medical coder/billers we can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She expected, but she gave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>
My
story is just starting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now my story is about teaching my
daughter and her friends how to be the best that they can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want the children of tomorrow to know that
there are options out there for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Atlantic Technical Center is a great option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open your eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read the story of your life. Allow others to
know your story.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I walked down from the podium one of the teachers told me it was the best speech she had heard in many years. Some of my fellow graduates congratulated me & told me that my speech was inspiring. As I crossed the stage to get my diploma, each & every person standing in the line congratulated me & told me they were impressed with my speech. Considering that I was shaking while I was speaking, it felt really good to hear all the compliments.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Erin, I want you to know that life is filled with challenges. G-d willing your dad & I are raising you in a way that lets you know you will always be able to exceed them.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-33728408150200178222012-02-12T14:46:00.000-05:002012-02-12T14:46:40.890-05:00Celebrating Chinese New Year FCC-SFL Style!!<div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday our local FCC chapter held their Chinese New Year party. Instead of going down to a restaurant in Miami like we've done in years past, we changed it up a bit. Well, quite a bit to be honest. We had a picnic for our members complete with a bounce house, catered food, balloon artistry, &, of course, the infamous lion dancers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This past week the weather was awful. It rained so badly at one point, that I could have sworn ole Noah waved as he passed me by!! (The parking lots at school flooded.) All day Friday, I kept hoping that the rain would disappear in time for our party. Apparently, Lori was praying for it also because it worked! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So instead of having rain & worrying about keeping everyone happy but dry, we had a day straight from the northern states. It was so cold that people were shaking! Living in S FL, we don't really know how to handle the cold weather. Sun? Rain? No problem. Temps below 70? We want to hibernate. When I left my house in the morning, it was a breezy 65. Not bad. Unless, like me, you were wearing shorts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But we are a persistent bunch of folks. We weren't letting a little thing like a cold snap get in our way. Oh no! Jackets were brought out. By those of us smart enough to have them in our cars. (Normally, I keep a spare hoodie in my car for both Erin & myself. She "helped" clean out my car in the early morning & put my hoodie in the house. Interesting how she left hers in the car though.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_806135843"></span><span id="goog_806135844"></span><em>Normally, I'd have my pics up, but Blogger seems to be arguing with me again. ARGH!!!</em></div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-55931868635661580562012-01-23T20:21:00.000-05:002012-01-23T20:21:38.495-05:00The Year of the Dragon<div align="center">Gung Hay Fat Choy!!</div><div align="center">& </div><div align="center">Xin Nian Kai Le!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lHNLNBKJVleS9hP9YqVG_DQhN2BFPMyxHMPZUv_ROETMnMiC0ttgUQJpgQ-yIj07sXKFo6w51xoA1lqgJEzUSMMJlqWMnsLr7xM8MT8KbO5HXap3KfBBb8akcIwcO0Oo5yrW/s1600/CNY+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lHNLNBKJVleS9hP9YqVG_DQhN2BFPMyxHMPZUv_ROETMnMiC0ttgUQJpgQ-yIj07sXKFo6w51xoA1lqgJEzUSMMJlqWMnsLr7xM8MT8KbO5HXap3KfBBb8akcIwcO0Oo5yrW/s320/CNY+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-43943691632013289542012-01-15T12:46:00.000-05:002012-01-15T12:46:48.889-05:00Coming to Terms With It<div style="text-align: justify;">Diagnosed in 2004 with diabetes, David has fought this disease every step of the way. Being honest about it, he is not great with his diet, but I'm on his case all the time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Something I never blogged about was December of 2010. I don't know why. It was awful, but it should definitely be marked down as a landmark time in our lives. So much changed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">December 2, 2010 David had his first surgery - a trial for a spinal cord stimulator in his back. We needed to do something about the escalating pain from the diabetic neuropathy. After some tweaking, he decided it was a go. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">December 22, 2010 David went in for a simple outpatient surgery to have a permanent spinal cord stimulator implanted. He ended up in ICU, & they couldn't get him extubated until the afternoon of the 24th. What I had found out was that they were keeping him hyped up on meds & trying to extubate him without me there. When I finally got there, I made them let me handle David. It took quite a while, but by the mid-afternoon, when they tried again, they were finally successful. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The pain levels were astounding. Why? Well, no one paid attention to me when I said his dosages weren't being administered properly. It took a lot of threats to get them to contact the doctor managing his pain throughout this event. Let me tell you, the doctor was not happy at all. He had left orders that he was to be contacted if there was a problem. Needless to say, his pain meds dosages were finally adjusted. When the surgeon came in, I asked about bringing David home. I was up front about our experience in the hospital & that David would recover faster at home. Thankfully, the surgeon agreed & David finally came home. Oh! And, the surgeon will never go to that hospital again. He has privileges there, but hasn't gone there in years. He did it as a favor to us since it was convenient for us. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Erin had been staying with Jolene & her family throughout this week. A few hours after I got David settled, Jolene brought Erin back home & left us with a care package since she knew we weren't going to be thinking of food. She did this for us on her holiday - Christmas Day. Let's just say that in David's eyes, Jolene is a hero.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He went back to work on February 1, 2011. Within the hour, he was let go from his job. His boss decided that rather than accomodate David & his needs, they no longer had a job for him. And the fight was on. We won! July 2011 David was reinstated as a disabled retired employee. We also won disability from S*cial Secur!ty.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the end, it was for the best.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">David can't work anymore. His pain meds keep him up till all hours of the night, & then he crashes from the exhaustion. He has no ability to concentrate. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the last year, I have encouraged David to continue with his hobbies - astronomy, model building, saltwater fish tanks. We've made changes to how he deals with his hobbies & the limitations his neuropathy has put in his path. I insist he keep up with all of it to the best of his ability. He's really doing well with it. It takes longer to build a model. I bought him a motorized cart for his telescope so he can move it easier. Things like that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today we came to terms with the fact that he can't keep up with our fish tank. It's a saltwater tank & beautiful. He just can't do the water changes & other maintenance. I've been waiting for him to make the decision & voice it. He was waiting for me to voice my decision. Now we have to find out how to sell everything. And if there is anyone who even wants to buy it all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And we're coming to terms with it all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unhappily but realistically.</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-71847599058021079032012-01-09T20:19:00.000-05:002012-01-09T20:19:23.245-05:00Bribery? You Bet Your sweet Bippy!<div style="text-align: justify;">It is official. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have joined you. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The many. The desperate. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yup. We gave in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Why?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ah! Now <em>that</em> is a good question.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We did it because we felt we had no choice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh! You want to know what we did!? That's easy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have decided to bribe Erin. She HATES to read. (And if you know me, you know that we don't encourage the use of the word "hate.") At her age, she should be reading with good comprehension & fluidity (Is that even a word?). Erin will do anything to avoid reading. She has really improved since last year, but it is still a major struggle to get her to read. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After emailing with her teacher today, I found out that Erin didn't do as well as we had hoped on some of her standardized testing. Mrs. W wants Erin to read everyday. For fun. Ha! That is just so darn funny! Mrs. W knows Erin really well so I'm sure she felt she had to put that in writing even knowing that Erin <em>hates</em> reading.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Consequences? They mean nothing to her because she refuses to read. David, my oh so wise, guy came up with a plan. Instead of taking away privileges, we are now going to bribe Erin. With her allowance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We started giving Erin an allowance each week. It wasn't tied to anything - no chores, nothing. Now we're bribing her. She gets $1 a day. As long as she reads for at least a half hour. Smart kid asked what she would get if she read for a longer period of time. I told her she would get the satisfaction of knowing she'd found a book that she enjoyed. (Yes. She rolled her eyes. And, no, I didn't get upset.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And what happens when she doesn't read? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No allowance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That simple. </div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-17731080832995944942012-01-08T20:50:00.000-05:002012-01-08T20:50:45.657-05:00Made In China<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Tonight Erin was building the model she received for Chanukah from David & me. Out of the blue she made the comment "Why is <em>everything</em> made in China?" in a very negative tone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I explained that many things are made in China because the cost of labor is cheaper. I told her that people want to buy things made in America because that way we can keep people employed here. Not everything made in China is poor quality. Not everything made in the U.S. is good quality.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This topic came up before but she wasn't ready for the conversation - even at the most basic level. This time I felt that she deserved an answer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Why did "made in China" come up? Because all around us, people don't think about what they're saying.. They don't realize the effect their words will have on those around them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This is the perception Erin has of things that are made in China.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5csW0ZtPkwedMSXwA7e4nTQg5pztNOEUaTuK4dK5IzGaebvm5yqYD9U_a58Wmc7Kj2qir_ahFCruf0-9w4SlyaPcIbmzKRfxLWXHV-YzYsHiQvyGrHxVb_5WhXTelMDc1OB-/s1600/made_in_china.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5csW0ZtPkwedMSXwA7e4nTQg5pztNOEUaTuK4dK5IzGaebvm5yqYD9U_a58Wmc7Kj2qir_ahFCruf0-9w4SlyaPcIbmzKRfxLWXHV-YzYsHiQvyGrHxVb_5WhXTelMDc1OB-/s320/made_in_china.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">By the way, Erin was made in China. So was her godsister. So were many of her friends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The next time you are thinking of making a negative comment about things made in China? Don't.</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-9799931911024789212011-12-26T17:46:00.000-05:002011-12-26T17:46:11.443-05:00Nights 5 & 6<div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOx-FTg0XtzSdn9IsO5-Nkn8Mm7exkVu26T4duCqTbSPGqMIdXP06-s6k-rJIt3xG1xk8hoxvM6fxqfehh6mr613Ken7bhW-sivW5a0jir1vwaqOtjOjGTkH5MrCe7PocA5xS/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOx-FTg0XtzSdn9IsO5-Nkn8Mm7exkVu26T4duCqTbSPGqMIdXP06-s6k-rJIt3xG1xk8hoxvM6fxqfehh6mr613Ken7bhW-sivW5a0jir1vwaqOtjOjGTkH5MrCe7PocA5xS/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Chanukah 2011 seems to have been the year of games. Erin has always been interested in having games but not in playing them. Or should I say, playing them correctly? This year we decided that rather than have a ton of crafty gifts, it was time to load her up on games. And, of course, to play them correctly.<br />
<br />
<br />
In fact, it started out with her receiving a board game at her friends' Ethan &Katie Starr's annual Chanukah party! There is a new game out called HeadBandz which she got in the grab bag gift exchange. She really wanted it, but just how many games can one girl have!? (Apparently a lot, if you look at my friend Sandra's daughters' games!)<br />
<br />
Erin had lost parts to her Monopoly game. That needed to be replaced. Whenever we play Scrabble, the cats walk all over the board moving tiles everywhere. Sandra took a picture of her daughter playing Scrabble where the tiles were locked into place. Oh yea! I replaced our set & got the tile locking set.<br />
<br />
<br />
Spinagogue isn't going to work out quite the way I thought it would. She's more interested in the stop watch & timing everything than she is in spinning the dreidels tournament style. Her godsister sent her an old game that has been changed up. I loved Clue as a kid! Of course I had what is now known as Clue Classic. Erin was thrilled to receive Clue Harry Potter! And, the other gift from Kerri? Went over BIG also. Wii Harry Potter! Both Erin & Kerri are HUGE Potter fans. (Can't imagine where they got that from!)<br />
<br />
One of the things I've really wanted is a Pandora bracelet. I found one that I liked that is pink leather. I can't wait to put my beads on it. David LOVES his new model & the movies that he received. That man can watch sci-fi from the beginning of the day till the end of time. In fact, he's already watched both movies & is trying to figure out how to get me to watch them too. Thank you so much Vivian, Corey & Kerri!!! <br />
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Last night, the 6th night, Erin got another game she's been wanting. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mancala isn't played exactly the way she has been playing it, but even with the correct rules it's fun!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIfk1R5FBIDZiqdilIcOqrsONIs46xaaqCIqWswdzvZpUo65DJ_dVe4tEoIgtQdb4dPeNBkSXtk4Fm7O980zOVOYSfiHdMv1nP7KHFyd02TeGD2mMxDMPGql5dg33qVj3lws6/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIfk1R5FBIDZiqdilIcOqrsONIs46xaaqCIqWswdzvZpUo65DJ_dVe4tEoIgtQdb4dPeNBkSXtk4Fm7O980zOVOYSfiHdMv1nP7KHFyd02TeGD2mMxDMPGql5dg33qVj3lws6/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-35780207978978197482011-12-24T08:48:00.000-05:002011-12-24T08:48:36.883-05:00The 4th Night? A Big Hit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazds1nzCl7wTBwhBxpwDWm_7Ug1bwMW3Kk0tm1NRAnnq8gByyrVNb3p9h1W-gWKcf2qgvxUKNv0B9g_lVWzW27CSXoZ3Uct3JPcSc6e-fxO4FxZFFOF_4Pho78txWbmgcqSs7/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazds1nzCl7wTBwhBxpwDWm_7Ug1bwMW3Kk0tm1NRAnnq8gByyrVNb3p9h1W-gWKcf2qgvxUKNv0B9g_lVWzW27CSXoZ3Uct3JPcSc6e-fxO4FxZFFOF_4Pho78txWbmgcqSs7/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">For months before Chanukah we kept asking Erin what she wanted for her presents. It just makes sense to ask for a list of things. Erin knows that she is giving us a list & she may or may not get some or all of what's on the list. In fact we make a point of reminding her that she can ask for anything but that Chanukah is only 8 nights. She gets her present(s) from both sets of grandparents on one night. There is also a night that is dedicated to presents from her <a href="http://vivianm.blogspot.com/">godsister Kerri & Kerri's parents</a>. David & I take care of the other nights.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This year Erin has been asking for a Wii. We weren't really sure we could swing it so we told her that she shouldn't count on getting one. Since we usually splurge on one big gift, I convinced David that this would work. He is concerned about Erin (or perhaps me?) accidentally throwing the Wii controller into our tv. I told him we could put a Wii in our front bedroom which doubles as an office, but that means buying a new tv, or that we could enforce a rule that the wristlet attached to the controller always be worn if we put it into our family room.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I put the huge box out right before lighting candles. Erin just wanted to open her big present even though she had no clue what was inside. I think the Wii went over really well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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This is one happy girl which makes me one happy mama.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj4pxEbCP6eP-xG0Na7QtFFyahbiXoPOuqrjsDO4CE65IPXl_7rm_rUVp7wdnHOQlIf-9xhE7ltTpnpa2gUYB_JSiiJdBgTTUCrsJUQhLiKFZhBVggmBA5wOAGor4xs2Wtqdi/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj4pxEbCP6eP-xG0Na7QtFFyahbiXoPOuqrjsDO4CE65IPXl_7rm_rUVp7wdnHOQlIf-9xhE7ltTpnpa2gUYB_JSiiJdBgTTUCrsJUQhLiKFZhBVggmBA5wOAGor4xs2Wtqdi/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-17018148760115845632011-12-23T20:19:00.000-05:002011-12-23T20:19:29.502-05:00Night 3<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1FnQPe_pePc9LirmOzgG4NyLsMY5I9W63HNgcKBWGFipDIhG45_TSGtr4lgPmfz-cqVMgFos5B9oQHjjB_1qgw5ocdFc9S3XWmknT5fOBRrZp4h3MmvqG4AN_K-voh1KeY3g/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1FnQPe_pePc9LirmOzgG4NyLsMY5I9W63HNgcKBWGFipDIhG45_TSGtr4lgPmfz-cqVMgFos5B9oQHjjB_1qgw5ocdFc9S3XWmknT5fOBRrZp4h3MmvqG4AN_K-voh1KeY3g/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Last night we celebrated the 3rd night of Chanukah. Erin got a gift that is new to the market. Spinagogue is tournament dreidel playing. At first she was confused, but my smart girl figured it out. In the end, I think she's more charmed by the stopwatch that came with the game!<br />
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Last night also brough a huge surprise for me also. Last year David surprised me with the entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series. This year, he gave me the entire Angel series! I have really been wanting that but didn't say anything.<br />
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He also gave me some beads for a new bracelet that I'll be getting tomorrow night. Shhh!! Don't tell anyone I know about that!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-28960541979353363262011-12-22T09:48:00.000-05:002011-12-22T09:48:01.705-05:00Grandparents' Night<div style="text-align: justify;">The 2nd night of Chanukah was thanks to Erin's grandparents. Bubbie & Zaydie (my father & stepmother) and Grandma & Grandpa (David's parents) sent her the Razor Spark scooter she's been begging to get. Her last scooter got ruined, & she had really been asking for this one for a long time. Erin had been hinting at this particular scooter almost daily for the last few months.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">David surprised me with another gift also. I really enjoy scrapbooking even though I haven't done more than 3 or 4 pages since school started. A few months ago, one of the magazines I get made mention of a new book that has a gazillion suggestions for journaling & card making. Not only did I get the book, but it's autographed by the author!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All of this aside, my favorite part of the evening was allowing Erin to light the candles on her own. She has been asking to help me for days, & I thought it would be fine. When it came time to actually light them, Erin reminded me that I had said she could help me. At the very last minute, I decided to let her light them on her own. I've been lighting the candles since I was her age. Now it's her turn.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1673156836"></span><span id="goog_1673156837"></span><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">ARGH!!! Blogger isn't letting me upload pictures!!!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sorry!!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-34858674454882772962011-12-21T10:51:00.000-05:002011-12-21T10:51:30.840-05:00The True Gift of Chanukah<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first night of Chanukah was a true gift to me!</div>
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The aroma of brisket was all around us. I was practically drooling it smelled so good in the house! Erin was trying to figure out how to get some before her daddy woke up. Normally, I'll take a bit to taste - just to see how it is, but this is one recipe that has never failed me. I held off.</div>
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David woke up & wasn't feeling well. At all. But, man was he determined. His job on Chanukah has always been to make the latkes. I mean. let's face it, his latkes are yummy! I told him the latkes could wait, but there was no way he was letting that happen after last year when we had to go without any due to his surgery.</div>
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Brisket was served. Latkes were served. Erin decided that she doesn't like the brisket. Of course, she still isn't a big red meat eater so I wasn't upset. David & I enjoyed it all while she picked at a few latkes.</div>
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Erin chose this year's chanukiah (menorah) - the one we got from his aunt when she passed away. The candles were lit, & the presents came out. I gave David the complete "The Godfather" series on blu ray along with a book on Photoshop for Astronomy. He gave me the mp3 player I'd been wanting. Then we gave Erin her gifts. She absolutely loved them! David picked out a model for her while I picked out a new necklace - a leather "chain" with a blue guitar pick that has a Jewish star on it. The iTunes gift card went over well also.</div>
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And then the real gift happened.</div>
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Erin always wants to buy things for us. She loves to give gifts. This year David & I sat her down & told her that the best gift she could ever give to us was something that she made. She had a holiday bazaar at school at the time so we wanted her to understand that those things would really hold no value. I told her that when my own mother passed away & I had to go through her belongings, I found many of the cards I had given to her over the years, but only the ones I had made. In fact, I still have the necklace my brother Seth made for her when he was in, I think, 2nd grade.</div>
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Well, Erin came out of her room with a bunch of little gift wrapped items. Oy! I had to wonder what was in all of those things held together with way too much wrapping paper & about 4 rolls of tape. (She needs lessons on being frugal with wrapping paper & tape for sure!) David & I opened each little package. It seems that Erin really heard us. She painted some ceramic trains that were in her craft area & wrote cards & letters to us.</div>
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Of all the things that were given last night, I know I will forever treasure the little note she typed on the computer. . . </div>
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<br /></div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-74079021124295856202011-12-17T18:00:00.000-05:002011-12-17T18:00:48.076-05:00What Life Is All About These Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">School started at the end of August, & my life has been filled with learning all kinds of things. I'm in school for medical coding & billing. Who knew I'd need to know all about these awful diseases? Not me. But thanks to a wonderful teacher who knows how to push all of my buttons (& not necessarily in the right way), I'm learning & enjoying it all. I've had to do reports on sorts of diseases. Some I know about personally. Some I've wanted to learn about because of the children & adults in my life who inspire me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZfmwSxUYN-sLSskgr7pf58t9SDd9azjTdAskp2ktaVZey2RRrYQSN33Wu0oaaBtgpM7o37NopL1DrrOwim4xMPwfnChGfEX5U5L98BDwgtN7cjTaXXQUceBW_UfcZ85fKeDg/s1600/images%255B5%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZfmwSxUYN-sLSskgr7pf58t9SDd9azjTdAskp2ktaVZey2RRrYQSN33Wu0oaaBtgpM7o37NopL1DrrOwim4xMPwfnChGfEX5U5L98BDwgtN7cjTaXXQUceBW_UfcZ85fKeDg/s1600/images%255B5%255D.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lupus</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDzyIGoANe5bwSXj3gHAaoj6zwpgUtb-IzXiVOprjbcJUkIciGJ2z0aTLBskjeDii-ElFSfL0p23oORArtLzMZuLo-n2DHfjZwJ5IJ6m1jXGvVuWj62eKPZLI08XJhd-b22Iy/s1600/Hashimotos+Thyroiditis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDzyIGoANe5bwSXj3gHAaoj6zwpgUtb-IzXiVOprjbcJUkIciGJ2z0aTLBskjeDii-ElFSfL0p23oORArtLzMZuLo-n2DHfjZwJ5IJ6m1jXGvVuWj62eKPZLI08XJhd-b22Iy/s320/Hashimotos+Thyroiditis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hashimoto's Thyroiditis</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBSIojCRbf8JcwbgUhExFiGj2jVOdeOAVRCLhj9CnopYWsQYBk6q-RLvi0PWGgJNoKepUwJxF6ir5BacA1Q7VGuVwSVYCbeev_IuYELgQTZxnLo4fWU5W_Ofk3z92GSjBJZmU/s1600/Rosacea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBSIojCRbf8JcwbgUhExFiGj2jVOdeOAVRCLhj9CnopYWsQYBk6q-RLvi0PWGgJNoKepUwJxF6ir5BacA1Q7VGuVwSVYCbeev_IuYELgQTZxnLo4fWU5W_Ofk3z92GSjBJZmU/s320/Rosacea.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Rosacea</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o8mH5-9PFwt90hWNiQTAs3CC4PEYnaldi4AiNG9KFXHWPcQitPZvPaa1IIY7x1ONdbea4BPyT9LmykQrwBNV-4KnQEGqrH_C1_bDZXyeLFAj4xg8oa1lZE44vNKCKjt39A8a/s1600/COPDguy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o8mH5-9PFwt90hWNiQTAs3CC4PEYnaldi4AiNG9KFXHWPcQitPZvPaa1IIY7x1ONdbea4BPyT9LmykQrwBNV-4KnQEGqrH_C1_bDZXyeLFAj4xg8oa1lZE44vNKCKjt39A8a/s1600/COPDguy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> COPD</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOtqboQoaNqpkOsPVJ6hzfM8YhpTFNkUGhddZi6zy1vMzLSWbVfNwKihv1wF-zlgNm_g-O9FZYJ9tYhfVWknd-tIVDcs0mPGwFzzCbsKCUgP1iED9RiEB0rTP5JvYkAh6vF0X/s1600/trigger+points+fibromyalgia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOtqboQoaNqpkOsPVJ6hzfM8YhpTFNkUGhddZi6zy1vMzLSWbVfNwKihv1wF-zlgNm_g-O9FZYJ9tYhfVWknd-tIVDcs0mPGwFzzCbsKCUgP1iED9RiEB0rTP5JvYkAh6vF0X/s320/trigger+points+fibromyalgia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Fibromyalgia</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">SO. Now you know what I've been up to these last few months. I graduate this coming June. I don't know who is looking forward to my graduation more. David has had to put up with my stubbornness & tantrums when I'm scared. Erin has really hated not having me spend enough time with her. Me? I can't wait. For a new career that will bring a paycheck. For time with my husband so we can go back to being us. For my daughter who really misses time with me as much as I miss time with her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-54947531609951958102011-11-06T07:42:00.000-05:002011-11-06T07:42:22.022-05:00Do I Continue?<div style="text-align: justify;">I haven't blogged in months. Blogger doesn't seem to like me anymore. I can't upload any pictures. I can leave comments on only a few of my friends' blogs. I'm very frustrated because I miss blogging.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I started to blog because I wanted Erin to have a record of what was going on in our life when she's older. Blogging quickly became therapeutic for me. And then Blogger quit on me. So sad.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm considering moving over to another platform for blogging. I just have to find one that is moron-proof. So. Do I love over to another platform & continue, or do I give it up?</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-37457555088577686542011-07-14T19:49:00.000-05:002011-07-14T19:49:37.762-05:00Annual Checkup & Answers<div style="text-align: justify;">In 2010 at her 8 year old checkup, Erin weighed 43.5 pounds and was 45.25 inches tall. I've been saying that she had a growth spurt this past year. I was right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At today's checkup, Erin weighed 48.5 pounds & is 46.5 inches tall. That's a pretty nice growth spurt! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As always, Dr. L was wonderful. She spoke with Erin asking her all the usual questions. I laughed when she asked if Erin ate well - fruit, veggies, etc. Let's face it. Erin thinks chicken nuggets are a way of life, & if she absolutely has to eat vegetables, she'll eat some corn. I kept quiet (or as quiet as I can be) & listened to what Erin had to say. Then it was my turn.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I explained to Dr. L about all the changes in our life since 2010 - my job loss, David's surgeries & his subsequent job loss. Of course no matter how hard a parent tries to make things easier for their children, the children know something is up. Erin is no dummy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Right before the nurse left us in the exam room, she gave Erin one of those paper gowns to wear for her exam. Erin didn't want to wear it & kept reminding me that she didn't have to wear it last year. I got so upset that I took her shirt off & put the gown on. What a mean mommy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wow! What an eye opener! Immediately, Erin threw a tantrum - screaming, crying & twisting her hands as if she just couldn't handle it. Being who I am, I couldn't let her be like that. I took the gown off & put her regular shirt on. Holding her in my lap, calming her down, I was able to get her to tell me that the gown hurt her. Hmmm . . . </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I spoke with Dr. L about things bluntly. I told her what happened with the paper gown, Erin's academic issues, sleep issues, texture issues & everything. I mentioned that I had done some research on my own (which I know all doctors love to hear) & believe that Erin has markers for both Sensory Processing & Auditory Processing Disorders. I love that Dr. L really listened to me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In her opinion, Erin may have short term memory problems along with the possibility of <a href="http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/">SPD</a> (Sensory Processing Disorder) & <a href="http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/auditory.html">APD</a> (Auditory Processing Disorder). She was, as always, very helpful. I now have the names of 2 doctors that work with the school district & can assess her for short term memory problems. I also have the name of an audiologist for an evaluation for SPD & APD.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll be on the phone tomorrow setting up appointments. G-d willing we're on our way to getting Erin the help she needs.</div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-26225148968492927682011-06-26T23:43:00.000-05:002011-06-26T23:43:18.907-05:00Swim Lessons End<div style="text-align: justify;">Today was the last day of swim lessons for Erin. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last night all she could do was scream & cry that she didn't want to go. Why? Because her swim instructor was going to make them jump off the diving board! Oh wow! I used to love that as a kid. Then it dawned on me. Water! Jumping into a pool that was deeper than what she's used to. All of her fears trying to resurface. I told her that jumping off the lowest diving board was going to be tons of fun that she would want to keep doing it over & over. Boy did I hope that was the case!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When we got to the pool this morning, it was all I could do to keep Erin in the car until I found a parking spot. Of course, I didn't. She got out & went right to the waiting area. By the time I got there, she was raring to go. I kept my mouth shut & reminded her that this was going to be "the funnest lesson ever."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">She was really nervous about jumping but went along with a positive attitude. I was truly proud of her for attempting this even though she was visibly nervous. And she loved it. Absolutely, positively loved it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the lessons ended, I asked her swim instructor what he thought our next step should be. Apparently, Erin's technique is very good, but he recommended that we repeat the same class so she can work on her endurance. She needs to be able to swim the length of the entire pool back & forth. He said that she can move on to stroke development afterwards to learn some new things. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Considering Erin's fear of water from the time we got her until just a few years ago, I am totally amazed. She now loves going to the pool &/or taking showers/baths. In fact, I'm hard pressed to keep her out of the water. Yay for you Erin!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXJ8XVb3l3p-2m5HW-LeX1KzwhR37cjCVCPq1JYpiN4EtdM08P54wFxIQea68AQSDuT0I7u-pl4GER7gGZcEeugFGGAM6NWz1HzOSjHU0ziFPfAnVl50w-oygEYQLwvGzD0R9/s1600/tnj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXJ8XVb3l3p-2m5HW-LeX1KzwhR37cjCVCPq1JYpiN4EtdM08P54wFxIQea68AQSDuT0I7u-pl4GER7gGZcEeugFGGAM6NWz1HzOSjHU0ziFPfAnVl50w-oygEYQLwvGzD0R9/s1600/tnj.jpg" /></a></div></div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15445009162437948172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982301.post-3045180068391053942011-06-15T21:20:00.000-05:002011-06-15T21:20:40.170-05:00Fathers Day 2011 Came Early<div style="text-align: justify;">This past Tuesday, I took Erin over to Michael's to make a craft for David's Fathers Day gift. We were meeting up with <a href="http://findingchianna.blogspot.com/">Shari & Chianna</a> for a fun evening. Needless to say, Erin couldn't have been more excited. After all, what could be better than time with a friend & getting to do a craft!?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This evening, before dinner, Erin & I met <a href="http://stressisthenewblack.blogspot.com/">Lori & Mark</a> along with the DD over at Cecilie's Gourmet Ices for a treat. While Erin chatted it up & played with her buddies, I got a chance to sit & talk with Lori & Mark. I really don't get enough "grown up time" outside of the house.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Erin really enjoys time with all of her friends but I love the connection she feels deep down in her bones for her FCC buddies. Planning little treats like yesterday & this evening are what this summer is all about! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When we got home this evening, unfortunately the weather took its toll on my asthma. I ended up asking David to cook the dinner I had planned. Ya just gotta love a good grilled steak accompanied by portabello mushrooms. I didn't expect it, but Erin was even willing to try some steak! To top it off, she even liked it. Of course, she only ate about 2 bites of steak, but I'll say "Yay!" just for the progress of her saying she'd try it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All day long Erin has been super excited about the gifts she made for her daddy. As we were finishing dinner, she asked if she could give David his gifts. Anyone who <em>really</em> knows us, is well aware of the fact that we never <em>(& I do mean never!)</em> wait for the actual day to exchange our gifts. The excitement & thrill of giving the gift is as wonderful to us as the receiving of the gift. This bug has taken a chunk out of our girl. Erin hates to wait for any special day to give a gift! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">She brought 2 gift bags just absolutely stuffed to the gills with tissue paper to David! I think David was almost digging for gold trying to find his goodies! Oh! The look on their faces was pure joy. Erin loved seeing her daddy open his gifts. David was so touched by her excitement & the gifts themselves showed that Erin really gets her daddy. Me? I loved watching both the giving & the receiving of these gifts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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