tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27424579093408346692024-03-12T20:41:33.352-07:00A Glimpse Into My LifeHere we go with just a glimpse into everyday life and all of the craziness and unexpectedness that life has to offer.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-6528156619671840642015-11-27T08:57:00.000-08:002015-11-27T09:04:39.330-08:00Being ThankfulI have purposely not done any thankful posts this year because I was feeling like I didn't have much to be thankful for since Mom passed...then I started to think about what being thankful actually means.<br />
<br />
<div class="vk_ans" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large !important; font-weight: lighter !important; margin-bottom: 0px;">
<span data-dobid="hdw">thank·ful</span></div>
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<div class="lr_dct_ent_ph" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span class="lr_dct_ph">ˈ</span><i style="font-size: small;">adjective</i></div>
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<b></b></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif-light, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: lighter !important; line-height: 1.2; margin-left: -20px;">
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pleased and relieved.</div>
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"they were thankful that the war was finally over"</div>
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<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">synonyms:</td><td style="padding: 0px;"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIHjAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1600&bih=731&q=define+grateful&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIHjAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">grateful</a>, <a data-ved="0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIHzAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1600&bih=731&q=define+appreciative&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIHzAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">appreciative</a>, filled with gratitude, <a data-ved="0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIIDAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1600&bih=731&q=define+relieved&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIIDAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">relieved</a><br />
<div style="display: inline;">
<div style="display: inline;">
<div class="vk_gy">
"she was thankful that the evening was over"</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; font-size: xx-small; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="font-size: small;">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
expressing gratitude and relief.</div>
<div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
"an earnest and thankful prayer"</div>
<div>
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">synonyms:</td><td style="padding: 0px;"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIIjAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1600&bih=731&q=define+grateful&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIIjAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">grateful</a>, <a data-ved="0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIIzAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1600&bih=731&q=define+appreciative&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIIzAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">appreciative</a>, filled with gratitude, <a data-ved="0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIJDAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1600&bih=731&q=define+relieved&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjKirm9h7HJAhXFSyYKHVFXBMEQ_SoIJDAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">relieved</a><br />
<div style="display: inline;">
<div style="display: inline;">
<div class="vk_gy">
"she was thankful that the evening was over"<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div>
I realized that I have so much to be thankful for:</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li style="line-height: 15.6px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Life</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 15.6px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Husband</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 15.6px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Children</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 15.6px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Family</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 15.6px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Home</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 15.6px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dogs</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">Well you get the idea. Then I added Mom. I am so very thankful for my Mom and the lessons she taught through example. She demonstrated how to be strong even when we didn't want to be. She showed how to be loving and giving when there wasn't a lot to give. She taught independence through her actions. She taught us how to live life to the fullest, so that is what I need to get back to doing...living life to the fullest.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">Happy Thanksgiving Weekend & Stay Safe!</span></span></div>
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Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-34659408054193553522014-12-27T07:16:00.000-08:002014-12-27T07:16:48.758-08:00Life and Other CrapI guess I could start with Merry Belated Christmas!<br />
<br />
We moved into our house on October 31st. Called 4 different gas companies until we found the correct one. Gas could not get turned on until Tuesday, so we had to adapt and overcome. Everything is gas, water heater, cooking, heat...electric skillet, griddle, microwave, and coffee maker that is all we really need to get started. Well portable heaters were key as well.<br />
<br />
The weekend was spent emptying the storage units and unpacking. It was a little like Christmas.<br />
<br />
Everyone was starting to get a cold including G'ma so I passed out cold medicine to all.<br />
<br />
We finally closed on the house November 14th. By this time, G'ma was still fighting off her cold/flu and getting her days and nights a bit confused. Fortunately, we had a doctor's appointment for her on the 18th.<br />
<br />
G'ma ended up in the ER to get a blood transfusion, she was very anemic. By the end of the week we discovered that Mom had Multiple Myeloma, a form of bone cancer and she was stage 3. Mom was suffering from Hypercalciumia which was making her thought processed really off. She was not herself at all. We started Chemo and she endured 4 days of aggressive chemo to help get her on her feet. Mom spent Thanksgiving in the hospital but was being sent to a rehab hospital to gain some strength back.<br />
<br />
My sister came down on the 4th so I could catch a bit of a break, three weeks of running back and forth to the hospital as many as 3-4 times a day was starting to wear on me. The night that my sister arrived mom was very sick at the rehab hospital. We visited on Friday and mom was struggling but expected to feel better the next day.<br />
<br />
On Saturday she was not better and the rehab hospital ended up sending mom back to the hospital. This is where things went from bad to worse. Saturday Mom asked for her brother to come and see her and the doctors were not even sure what was happening. By Sunday things were much, much worse and the doctors confirmed that we were losing mom. My sister stayed at the hospital with mom Saturday and Sunday.<br />
<br />
We managed to arrange things so that my Uncle and Brother could both get here on Monday but not until the evening...they were too late.<br />
<br />
Monday, December 8th, 2014 at 12:29am, my Mom passed away. My sister was with her and I was walking through the hospital. Mom went very peacefully, but she is still gone.<br />
<br />
Now here it is almost 3 weeks later and I am still a mess. I am not sure what to do next. I know that my mom would tell me that life doesn't stop just because someone passed away, Hell, she proved that after the passing of my other sister 2 1/2 years ago.<br />
<br />
I have wonderful memories of my mom that I will cherish forever and I know she is living inside of us all...I just miss the crap out of her. These last few years with her living with us was great. We enjoyed shopping together, sharing crazy Facebook stuff, frustrations. She knew about some of the craziness in my life that only others living this type of life would understand. She befriended my friends and loved them all.<br />
<br />
Mom told me during those last weeks that she had no regrets in life and neither should I. She was very proud of all of her children and grandchildren. She lived a good live and did many things. She was the most amazing person and I will miss her daily.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-24096756704002230792014-10-16T13:11:00.000-07:002014-10-16T13:11:47.237-07:00A Northern Girl In a Southern WorldObservations in the South.<br />
<br />
Wow there are so many things so different from the Pacific Northwest...different but not in a bad way.<br />
<br />
I have learned that like the Pacific Northwest people in the South don't really know how to drive in the torrential downpours either.<br />
<br />
I have discovered that racism is still alive in the South as is reverse racism.<br />
<br />
Southern people LOVE their chicken. I think there are more chicken restaurants here than burger joints.<br />
<br />
70 degrees or below and they are in winter wear while I am still in summer wear.<br />
<br />
The price of gas today was seen at $2.84 a gallon.<br />
<br />
The rudest person I have encountered was an older white woman at the commissary and she worked there.<br />
<br />
The gate guards at Fort Benning call me Miss Pamela.<br />
<br />
The bugs are HUGE!!<br />
<br />
My kids are happy here.<br />
<br />
I will, I am sure, be writing more about our Southern Adventures.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-6091382273171430002014-08-17T08:19:00.002-07:002014-08-17T08:19:30.587-07:00Moving for Idiots 101Needless to say, I think I have perfected <i>Moving for Idiots</i>.<br />
Cross country moving is <i>VERY</i> expensive. $1600 more than we could have anticipated.<br />
<br />
I could completely understand if we had been shopping before hand, but we barely bought enough snacks to start the trip. The cost of gas was ridiculous especially with a U-Haul and our own vehicle.<br />
<br />
I could lay blame on a ton of different things or the organization that said they would be helping with $1600 worth of the U-Haul expense, but I won't. Take for full responsibility for piss poor planning on my part. I didn't research gas prices as well as I should have nor did I look into the best route to travel. I didn't plan enough food for the trip with 5 people and 4 dogs.<br />
<br />
I am in debt up to my eyeballs and really screwed up, but I will work through this with many lessons learned. I have had to ask for help from family and friends and I never thought I would have to do that. I have had to skimp on feeding the kids decent meals for the last week, but they do have some food choices.<br />
<br />
With all that said and out there...we will survive this and it could be much worse. There are lessons I have learned this month:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Budget, Budget, Budget some More</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Plan for food</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Plan the best route possible</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Plan extra for food</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Set aside money</li>
</ol>
I would probably be in a mess still but just maybe not that big of a mess.<br />
<br />
<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-9607787405987617392014-08-04T15:43:00.000-07:002014-08-04T15:43:07.991-07:00Adventures Across the CountrySo instead of leaving Washington on the 1st we ended up leaving on the 2nd.<br />
<br />
We finally got the house empty and had to get a trailer for the U-Haul to pull as well...too much STUFF. We spent the last night with my sister. We had a nice visit and dinner...sleep was important.<br />
<br />
We left a little late but had some wonderful weather. We ended up stopping for the night outside of Boise...mom was exhausted.<br />
<br />
We were going right along and passed Twin Falls, Idaho when I looked at the gas gauge and realized we were screwed. Thank heaven for roadside assistance. We were only delayed about 45 minutes total.<br />
<br />
We arrived in Midvale, UT excited and tired. So happy to spend some great time with friends before we finish our journey.<br />
<br />
Today was a day to relax. We had a great breakfast and we took a trip up to Park City, Utah, the home of the 2002 Winter Olympics.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-10252390765106109172014-07-28T09:40:00.000-07:002014-07-28T09:40:12.674-07:00Manic MondayHere it is Manic Monday.<br />
<br />
Time to kick this is the rear. We are packing up the trailer to move it to the campground today. We have at least one bed is taken apart right now. Boxes to be moved downstairs.<br />
<br />
Laundry is going.<br />
<br />
Coffee has been drunk.<br />
<br />
Getting excited to move on to the next part of this journey.<br />
<br />
The kids are excited to be camping. The oldest came to live with us in March and has never been camping before so this could prove to be very interesting.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-11042763709306263542014-07-19T12:54:00.001-07:002014-07-19T12:54:33.358-07:00Packing and PackingI HATE packing! So much stuff to pack. It is the little things that make it the most challenging.<br />
<br />
We leave WA in 13 days. We have a bunch of time to get it finished but man o man. This weekend we are trying to get everything staged up in the garage because there are 2 house showings on Monday. Our DD is no where near ready for anyone to look in her room and that includes me.<br />
<br />
The plan tomorrow is the clean the house thoroughly so it can be shown. So many of the little details to be cleaned up. There is a part of me wishing it was the 29th so we can just get this party started.<br />
<br />
The mortgage company is still giving us fits but I am hoping that by Monday we can have some kind of an answer. I wish I could go back and correct all the past mistakes so this part wasn't the challenge it is but on the other hand 3 years ago we were looking at rentals and getting assistance. We have come so far.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-35379034738930822272014-07-09T08:00:00.001-07:002014-07-09T08:00:59.669-07:00This Journey Called LifeLife is taking us on a journey. I know where it is supposed to send us but I am still not sure <i>HOW</i>.<br />
<br />
We have been on a home buying journey since March. Leave it to us to find the most inept Mortgage Broker on the face of the planet. He has failed numerous times to follow through with what he said he was doing. We have finally gone straight to the Mortgage Company and we are getting results.<br />
<br />
We have spent money to clear up old debts. We are fairly debt free right now except our car payment. This are working in a positive direction for us...except the Mortgage Broker.<br />
<br />
I think one of the things that really got me was how he would talk down to me as if I have no idea what happens outside my own home. Hell, I am a business major and he would have flunked right now. Yes, he is in the South and I know there are cultural differences but <i><b>DAMN</b></i> this is the year 2014 not 1914.<br />
<br />
Our journey is taking us to Columbus, GA. Yes, I said Georgia, the Deep South. I am very excited and a bit on the nervous side but I will overcome those feelings. I think one of the best things for us in Georgia will be friends. I have a ton of friends spread all over the world but one of my best friends is also a Caregiver to her Veteran lives in Columbus. I have learned that this life of Caregiving is very lonely and we need others like us to help us through the challenges and to support one another. While I will probably lean on my Best Bitch for awhile I am also so excited to start this leg of our journey and explore new things and places.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I reserved the U-Haul for the end of the month and I reserved a campsite at a State Park close to home so we can pack the house and still have a comfy place to sleep at night. We are planning to leave our state on the 1st and head to Salt Lake City area to visit friends for a couple of days.<br />
<br />
So excited to get started.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-14072508698958986772014-06-22T18:43:00.000-07:002014-06-22T18:43:21.453-07:00Life and Other Sucky ThingsToday is just NOT my day. Kind of hating the whole world and really want to starting kicking ass and taking names. Will I? Probably not.<br />
<br />
My husband got a boat for his birthday and this month the boat broke the budget. Trust me I know what BOAT stands for.<br />
<br />
I have a minor surgical procedure on Wednesday and I am fussing about everything. Money of course is the primary target.<br />
<br />
We are trying to buy a house...we have been trying to buy this house since MARCH. We have done everything we needed to do in a very timely manner but apparently the only one that cares about things being completed timely is ME. The mortgage dude will not even answer his &*^%$ phone have the time, voice mail is usually full so we have to resort to TEXT MESSAGES - very professional to say the least.<br />
<br />
I finally sent another email to the Realtor, mortgage dude, and the underwriter whose name was on all the paperwork we signed on the 4th. I WILL be getting an answer this week.<br />
<br />
We can't stay here too much longer. There are 6 of us in this house and I am ready to start throat punching people for not listening to me OR asking if they can help AFTER all the work is done.<br />
<br />
I feel like I could write a book "How NOT to Buy a House"<br />
<br />
I really think Erma Bombeck was right with her book, <i>If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What am I doing in the Pits?</i>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-72030652348522403332014-06-17T09:52:00.000-07:002014-06-17T09:52:12.106-07:00AngelversaryHappy Angelversary to my Sweet Sister Debbie!<br />
<br />
So are to believe you have been gone for 2 years. There are days when it feels like yesterday and other days I actually 'forget'.<br />
<br />
I know you are always with us but we still miss you horribly. I really could use your input at times.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfnvrFp8xG8MUcNfqIj6xZ0_s2jGSuMiuJ3UxDE44S3aGmJ4Td7AtC9rm1NNIHP7cXAiGB4oXj_Yagvo7pSRFryBMLUXczu52OBiVtdWvXOCzZj0oBmOm2Ru67m3-3RDOrY_Gwrk4rTG8/s1600/004+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfnvrFp8xG8MUcNfqIj6xZ0_s2jGSuMiuJ3UxDE44S3aGmJ4Td7AtC9rm1NNIHP7cXAiGB4oXj_Yagvo7pSRFryBMLUXczu52OBiVtdWvXOCzZj0oBmOm2Ru67m3-3RDOrY_Gwrk4rTG8/s1600/004+(2).jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Debbie 1996 I believe</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxxqcUdj-7pvmeozbbR7ka0Alh5bg_xwEgssQLufeYGMo6upQETLPquOhzbVnCvT95QTHtURqyb_CUtVkphxM8f7f07SPFztPbG5o9_YMHCMAHxniafj3anZnqak7rThuPpUutMNCHiI-/s1600/006+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxxqcUdj-7pvmeozbbR7ka0Alh5bg_xwEgssQLufeYGMo6upQETLPquOhzbVnCvT95QTHtURqyb_CUtVkphxM8f7f07SPFztPbG5o9_YMHCMAHxniafj3anZnqak7rThuPpUutMNCHiI-/s1600/006+(3).jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debbie June 1994</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-21737624516714268322014-06-08T08:32:00.000-07:002014-06-08T08:32:13.208-07:00Life Changes & Other 'Stuff'There are times life has a way of just jumping up and biting us in the a$$. We all know it and have experienced it.<br />
<br />
In March we actually got approved for a home loan, huge step considering where we were 3 years ago. As of today we have jumped through so many hoops we might actually get to put in an offer on a home. We have paid off $1500 worth of misc outstanding debt, found another had been released, and are disputing one final one.<br />
<br />
We have finally gained stability. The budget is actually working...we have come so far in a very short amount of time.<br />
<br />
As of Wednesay I will offically be the mother of 2 teenagers. Hard to believe DD will be 13. Unfortunately I will be having a minor surgery procedure so Dad is on Birthday Duty.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Dad, my Dear Husband finally got to buy a boat. Nothing fancy but perfect for the lake, fishing or tubing. There have been a few hiccups with the boat so far but nothing that can't get fixed. DH is also redoing the interior of the boat. Honestly I thought we bought a boat to go boating with not for DH to just tinker with. Silly me!<br />
<br />
I will be adding some new pages to my blog to touch on some other exciting things going on.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-88583876849882670822014-04-04T10:32:00.000-07:002014-04-04T10:32:32.864-07:00This Crazy Thing We Call LifeLife has been so crazy lately and I really need to improve my skills.<br />
<br />
We have all survived the Winter, if you want to call what we in the Pacific NorthWest called Winter. We watched The Olympic Games from Sochi.<br />
DH and I every night went up to our room to veg out watching the games. We were slightly disappointed in the fact that we never saw any of the medal ceremonies.<br />
<br />
Then we rolled right into Girl Scout Cookie Sales. Really don't like these 2 weeks every year, fortunately it is only 2 weeks and not longer. On the plus side DD sold more than 400 boxes of cookies. Very proud of her for reaching the goal she set.<br />
<br />
I completed 21 CU's for School this term and the next term starts 5/1/2014. I was going to try to squeeze in one more class but time is my enemy right now.<br />
<br />
On March 12th I had a second interview with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to become the Washington State Caregiver Fellow. At the end of the interview I was invited to become a Fellow and I needed to confirm I would be able to travel to Washington DC in April, hence time is the enemy for school.<br />
<br />
My youngest nephew turned 5 on March 17th. Hard to believe he is growing up so fast.<br />
<br />
The VA finally determined that my Dear Husband could not live successfully with out the Aid and Attendance of another, this might be our last battle with the VA. I hope!<br />
<br />
On the 24th of March the Oldest Child (my step son technically) arrived at home. More chaos with happy children and happy dogs.<br />
<br />
So many blessings with all 3 of the kids together now. The Oldest can go to the store, can drive dad around, and loves spending time with the kids. So glad he is here.<br />
<br />
A bunch of other things are going on and I will be adding pages to my blog them as well.<br />
<br />
Next week, April 7th - 11th I will be traveling to and in Washington DC. I have been officially invited to the White House by Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden. Scared and excited all at the same time.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-30499347956292795122014-01-12T09:50:00.000-08:002014-01-12T09:50:24.818-08:00Surviving the New YearHere it is the 12th of January and needless to say we have been plugging right along.<br />
<br />
The kids have made it through the first week back to school from the Holidays.<br />
<br />
Documenting our lives has started with my new Project Life Album for 2014.<br />
<br />
I got a new planner from Erin Condren, and I am in love with it. I will be sharing pictures and ideas.<br />
<br />
After 10 long years we have finally found a doctor at the VA willing to listen to what we are saying in regards to DH knee injury. On December 30th we went to Seattle VAMC for an MRI and that night the Dr. called us to confirm what we knew. WOW!! it is like winning something HUGE.<br />
<br />
She put in a consult for the orthopedic specialist to take at look, and we will be going back to Seattle VAMC in February.<br />
<br />
We have been told that we can go back and file a formal complaint with the ARMY naming the SGT that would not follow the doctors instructions when DH got injured, but I am not sure it is actually worth the effort. On the other hand I would love to see him in a dark alley, zip up my big a$$ purse and beat him with it...again, not sure it is worth the effort.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-26435119394049696502014-01-05T09:27:00.001-08:002014-01-05T09:27:13.653-08:00New Year...Fresh StartWelcome to 2014<br />
<br />
A New Year and a Fresh Start and boy do I need one. I didn't feel like I had anything worth blogging about, but I was wrong.<br />
<br />
I looked back through 2013 and realized there was A LOT going on that I could have shared and not all good or bad.<br />
<br />
I have a high schooler and a middle schooler this year. Making life interesting to say the least.<br />
<br />
Our Dear Friends moved to Salt Lake City making visits more challenging.<br />
<br />
We launched <a href="http://haven.familyofavet.com/" target="_blank">David's House</a> on FB on November 11th. Working on fund raising right now.<br />
<br />
Survived the first whole year without Debbie.<br />
<br />
DH's oldest son came out to visit for 2 very short weeks in September. He wants to move out here to be with us. Kids are loving the idea and DH is waiting not so patiently.<br />
<br />
We had a nice Holiday Season and are eager to move on to goals and adventures of the new year.<br />
<br />
On December 30th, after 10 years of battling with the Army et al regarding DH's knee injury we actually got confirmation that there is a problem, and it is NOT arthritis. I feel like we won a major battle.<br />
<br />
<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-82979722887834615552013-08-22T18:16:00.000-07:002013-08-22T18:16:06.977-07:00Way Past Due UpdateLife has been so crazy that I haven't been able to update during the summer. So here we go:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>DH turned 44 in May</li>
<li>DD turned 12 in June</li>
<li>Survived the first anniversary of my sweet sister's passing</li>
<li>DS turned 14 in July</li>
<li>We bought a Hi-Lo Travel Trailer to go camping</li>
<li>We actually got to go camping this year</li>
<li>DH oldest son contacted us and will be visiting in September</li>
</ul>
So much going on every where.<br />
<br />
I also found out a sweet friend of mine has had to decide to discontinue treatments for cancer and cancer induced illness. This makes me horribly sad and feeling helpless.<br />
<br />
I am a natural fixer so I want to make everything right. There are times being a fixer is hard, not everyone wants to be fixed or needs to be fixed or even can be fixed, but this is part of who we are.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-49871809673976939532013-05-05T18:55:00.001-07:002013-05-05T18:59:08.565-07:00Update on LifeThings have been really crazy here.<br />
<br />
DH had an appointment with a neuro-psychologist and were were told that any TBI he MAY have had in 2004 has healed so these lasting affects are due to PTSD.<br />
<br />
I drove like crazy for the last 10 days or so...drove my brother to the Sea-Tac Airport so he could fly to NM for the sentencing hearing. Then two days later I drove from Lacey to Longview to take DD to meet up with her friends for the weekend...then pick on on Sunday at the same place. Monday had to run to the bank late in the day. Tuesday back to Sea-Tac to pick up my brother. Wednesday was grocery shopping. Then Friday to the VA for DH to get his Vpap machine so he can breathe at night.<br />
<br />
We have had a wonderful weekend with 80° weather and sunshine...don't ever let people tell you it only rains in the Pacific Northwest, they have no clue what they are talking about.<br />
<br />
The kids have state testing Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this next week.<br />
<br />
Thankfully the kids are feeling better since getting sicky last week.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-63049759356999970082013-04-21T18:10:00.000-07:002013-04-21T18:10:19.749-07:00Bad DaysBad days happen to us all but I have noticed the last week has been tough. I think so much has to do with everything leading up to this sentencing on Thursday.<br />
<br />
There is one part of me that could careless what they give him for killing my sister because it will not change a thing in any of our lives. The other part of me is so not very Christian and wants someone to do the same thing to him but he has to know it is coming....anticipation can be the worst form of torture.<br />
<br />
I chose to not go to NM for this hearing, hard to get away from the family without careful planning and everything. Of course there is the one part that feels guilty when I talk to my mother and she wishes I was coming down. I would feel even worse leaving the family right now.<br />
<br />
I have been reading a great book but it was talking about an autopsy and how they will arrange everything for the family to see their loved one again. That choice was taken from us by a drunk driver. Here is was 11:30 last night, reading a crying as silently as possible so that my husband doesn't hear me and get even more upset with life.<br />
<br />
Makes me realize how lonely this life can be and I am so frustrated with being alone sometimes. On the flip side though I decided I am going to go join Curves again. I enjoyed the workouts before especially since exercise is just so boring and the switching every 30 seconds is nice for me...no opportunity to get bored and I will get out of the house ALONE at least 3 days a week.<br />
<br />
It is only 6 pm and I am ready to go to bed and cry my eyes out...but I don't want to upset anyone.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-85621135956082914012013-04-19T17:39:00.000-07:002013-04-19T17:43:08.311-07:00Blogging for Stress ReliefWe have had a crazy week and I really have no one I can vent to but the Whole Wide World.<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Monday - </b></i></li>
<ul>
<li>Finished my letter to the judge and emailed those over to the Crime Victim Advocate</li>
<li>Helped my mom get her letter straightened back out</li>
<li>Got yelled at by my sister (turns out it was a misunderstanding but you know how that can work out)</li>
<li>Helped my brother with his letter </li>
</ul>
<li><i><b>Tuesday - </b></i></li>
<ul>
<li>VA Day From Hell</li>
<ul>
<li>90 minutes appointment with a neuro-psychologist telling me that every one of my husband TBI symptoms is caused by something else BECAUSE TBI's heal in a short amount of time and there are no lasting, long term effects (The new VA party line)</li>
<li>DH has suffered from headaches since 2004 when injured overseas BUT they believe the headaches for 9 years are due to SLEEP APNEA which is only something we have dealt with for about 18 months</li>
<li>Balance issues are caused by the medications he is on regardless of the fact that the balance has been an issue for these same 9 years and the medications have only been for 2 years now</li>
<li>Cognitive/Memory issues are due to medications as well regardless of how long he has been having these problems</li>
<li>Every symptom he has is caused by something else and not the event in question</li>
<li>Everyone of these symptoms could be resolved with Cognitive Processing Therapy or some kind of PTSD Treatment or Group Therapy </li>
<li>I would love to get these 90 minutes back but I know that is not possible</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><b>Wednesday - </b></i></li>
<ul>
<li>Went to Lowes</li>
<ul>
<li>We figured out that since we will probably need to stay in this house another year we need some type of temporary fencing for the backyard for privacy</li>
<li>We picked out some nice bamboo privacy screens we are going to put up over the next month so we can be out back more without the neighbors driving us bonkers </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li><i><b>Thursday - </b></i></li>
<ul>
<li>Lazy Day</li>
<ul>
<li>Never left the house but I managed to go to the High School Orientation for DS online.</li>
<li>Made a plan to move the office/classroom into the dining room and the dining room into the office area. More room. </li>
<li>Picked out the new desks at Ikea </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li><i><b>Friday -</b></i> </li>
<ul>
<li>Social Security</li>
<ul>
<li>Dropped off paperwork for reconsideration </li>
</ul>
<li>Wal-mart</li>
<ul>
<li>Dog Treats and a wander through the store </li>
</ul>
<li>State Surplus Store </li>
<ul>
<li>A box of books for $1 got some great books for DD</li>
</ul>
<li>District Office</li>
<ul>
<li>Paperwork for next year for the kiddos is finished</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
Not much else to tell but I am already working on my list of <i><b>To Do </b></i>for next week which includes A LOT of driving and hopefully a visit with my Dearest Friend, not to mention the sentencing of a killer.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-68501861369940409632013-04-15T20:23:00.003-07:002013-04-15T20:25:46.265-07:00Letter to the Judge<span style="background-color: #444444;"></span>Life has been a little more crazy than normal but I thought I would share what I have been working on. I have blacked out the necessary names at this time.<br />
<br />
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<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
April 15, 2013</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
The Honorable Judge
<span style="background-color: #444444;">Loveless</span>,<span style="background-color: #444444;"></span></div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
I honestly do not
know where to start to explain the feelings my entire family are struggling
with but I will try to put those feelings into words. </div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Saturday, June 16<sup>th</sup>,
2012, started out like any other day for my immediate family. We decided to go
for a drive and get out of the house and I couldn’t find my cell phone, which
turned into a blessing. My husband, I, our son, and daughter we laughed so hard
the whole day. There was an air show out at our regional airport and we were
finishing up along that route as we were headed home. About 30 minutes later I
pulled into the driveway. The kids ran into the house to let the dogs out and
the phone was ringing. I know it was my middle sister Stephanie but what she
said didn’t make any sense, Debbie dead, how can that happen, I screamed and
threw the phone at my husband like it was a snake that bit me. I was still
sitting in my car beating the steering wheel. How can something like this
happen to someone that was so careful in everything they did? There were a
million questions running through my mind one of which was, now what happens?
What do I do next?</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I went to the computer and wrote
what happened to my Wounded Warrior Sisters, my husband is a disabled combat
veteran. My Sisters not only grieved for me they helped me to travel to New
Mexico so I could be with my mom and the rest of the family. Next I had to
figure out who could stay with my husband and the kids, thank goodness for best
friends, she knew already and was prepared to come over for the whole week with
her 3 daughters, her dog, and half her freezer. I was so very blessed during
one of the most challenging times in my life so far. I still grieve, 10 months
later. I wonder how people can be so ignorant to drive drunk and kill people.
This HAS to change.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When tragedy strikes a family we
often feel guilty, mad, frustrated, and angry. We wonder what happened to cause
this tragedy.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is only one cause of this
tragedy - one person actively choosing to get behind the wheel of a vehicle in
an impaired condition. It would not make any difference if it was a BAC of .08
or .2975, impaired is impaired. The offender will continue to live and see his
family, talk to his children and mother, and feel the sunshine on his face –
those same things which are now denied to Debbie because of the conscious
decision to get behind the wheel and drive. For every action there is an equal
and opposite reaction and in this case Mr. <span style="background-color: #444444;">Clark</span> needs to be in jail. My
personal opinion is that getting behind the wheel while impaired is a
premeditated action regardless of the outcome.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I know there are ‘behind the scenes’
actions to completing this case which results in Mr. <span style="background-color: #444444;">Clark</span>’s jail time sentence
being a specified length of time with credit for time already served. I do not
have to like it but I understand that is how the courts work. I would
appreciate it if Mr. <span style="background-color: #444444;">Clark</span> is required to complete 100% of his sentence before
being released on parole. I would also like to see his parole be 2 years and to
include random drug and alcohol screenings. I would like to request that Mr.
<span style="background-color: #444444;">Clark</span> make monthly donations to MADD as well as talk to others about the
feelings that come with knowing he killed someone while in an impaired
condition. Hopefully through education other families can be saved from the
pain that our family will endure for the rest of our lives.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Debbie
Valencia is/was my youngest sister, I was 7 when she was born so it was like
having my very own ‘Baby Alive’, and she did everything the doll would have
done and more. I learned so many life skills with Debbie that would serve me
well in my life. She was so much more than a ‘Baby Sister’ to me. I helped to
teach her how to read when she was in Kindergarten.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Debbie
always made time to listen or help others regardless of what she was going
through at the time. Even knowing her popularity as a child and teenager you
cannot imagine my surprise when we had her funeral and there were more than 400
people there whose life she had touched and they all considered her a friend.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When my oldest child was born she
arrived within minutes of him being born – she held him when he was only 10
minutes old, she was surprised that she was ‘late’ to his birth. Joey was not
her first nephew but he was just as spoiled by Aunt Debbie as the oldest nephew
had been. When my daughter was born Debbie decided that there was no way she
was going to miss this so she showed up early and would not leave until she was
born. Debbie was so much fun, she would watch the monitor for contractions and
start telling jokes to keep my mind off the pain. She definitely made labor
fun.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Debbie made up her own nicknames for
the kids and would sing them silly songs, my daughter Veronica would always get
Adam Sandler’s Hanukah Song, cleaned up for the baby.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When my husband and I got married
she surprised us by coming from Albuquerque to Washington for the Wedding. The
weather was horrible but she didn’t care, she was ready to have some fun and
sing some karaoke with us afterwards. So glad mom got great pictures that
night.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Debbie loved to laugh or to make
others laugh. She would stand up and tell you like it was and that she loved
you in the same breath. She made time for others. She was loving and caring.
While she loved her nieces and nephews there was nothing in this world she
loved more than her own two children, Ethan and Sophia.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Debbie loved her husband Matt but
the kids were everything. Ethan was her shining moment, there was nothing she
wouldn’t do for him including put him in his place when necessary. Finally, 8
years later, she had Sophia. There was a little girl that would have the
girliest of everything if her mom had anything to say about it. Debbie was so
happy to have that sweet little girl of own.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Debbie was the favorite Aunt of all
the kids; she was the one they could talk to about anything and everything.
Every child should have someone in their life like that, such a special bond.
As sisters go she was wonderful, sure there were the times when we didn’t agree
but there was still mutual respect in a disagreement. In the hierarchy of
Debbie’s life was her kids, her husband, and our mom. Debbie set the standards
really high for how to treat a mom. Mom and Debbie had a bond that was so different
from my own bond with our mom and my hearts aches for my mom at everything she
has lost with Debbie’s death.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mr. <span style="background-color: #444444;">Clark</span> – I hope you live with
guilt for the rest of your life for what you have done to our whole family.<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I hope that when you look at
your own children, you remember that because of your actions, my niece and
nephew no longer have a mother. Every time you look at your Mother you can feel
the hurt of my own mother who can never tell her daughter how much she loves
her or how precious she is to her. If you have a sibling, I hope every time you
look at them you remember how much I hurt because I do not have my sister
anymore. And EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT TAKING A DRINK YOU REMEMBER
THAT ACCIDENT AS IF IT WERE HAPPENING AT THAT VERY MOMENT AND REMEMBER
EVERYTHING THAT YOU STOLE FROM MY FAMILY.</span></div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Pam </div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
This is the letter my children are submitting to the judge.</div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="APAFormat" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">April
15, 2013</span></div>
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Judge <span style="background-color: #444444;">Loveless</span>,</span></div>
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are writing to you today to tell you how upset and heartbroken we are that a
drunk driver killed our favorite Aunt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Aunt
Debbie was the greatest Aunt ever, she loved us unconditionally. When we were
little she would make up silly songs and sing them to us. She was always so
much fun and so loving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
didn’t get to see her often since she lived in New Mexico and we live in
Washington but some of our greatest memories are with Aunt Debbie. She always
made time for us. Now we will never see her again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
think it is very unfair that she had to die because someone made a very bad
choice, bad choices are stupid choices. We (our cousins) will never see our
Aunt Debbie ever again but his kids will get to see him again, not fair. Why
should he be able to have the freedom he took from our Aunt?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
really wish the laws were fairer for everyone. Please keep him in jail, without
freedom, for a very long time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sincerely,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Joey
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Veronica
<span style="background-color: #444444;">Busenius</span> (11)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPQ4J06IVstdL3c9J0sP4_lJazD0fX88WggTwqEP53mdRRWcqJyVBTmIUmTC6wWpHmL9q2vOIIzuuefjFGPMKd-tLmeewgJETUKOdg0mrr7utm7JnZdH61iMMmeR0K9ivqGOKn51mZP_6/s1600/Deb+with+kids+2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPQ4J06IVstdL3c9J0sP4_lJazD0fX88WggTwqEP53mdRRWcqJyVBTmIUmTC6wWpHmL9q2vOIIzuuefjFGPMKd-tLmeewgJETUKOdg0mrr7utm7JnZdH61iMMmeR0K9ivqGOKn51mZP_6/s320/Deb+with+kids+2002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Joey (in blue), nephew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Ethan (in black), son</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Veronica on Aunt Debbie’s lap</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Spring 2002</span></div>
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Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-16447362015822679552013-04-09T13:06:00.000-07:002013-04-09T13:06:05.026-07:00New CarYep, we broke down and traded in the Van for a newer vehicle. We got an Expedition with a service contract. We were so upside down in the van and with the issues it was starting to have we needed something far more reliable that would last a few years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0XtuBdClM1I3b8EoYNiFAmVY0ZMvUFyUbUbMiBv6rv0cggQfuhizAgYFpfwKBlarvstaMrcCcXLHwo8BMbzVulAlKgaS4afBHvb0zlaIQ77ZpuBM_iY_gKl7W1wK8Ol1A22rgpzUbX0_/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0XtuBdClM1I3b8EoYNiFAmVY0ZMvUFyUbUbMiBv6rv0cggQfuhizAgYFpfwKBlarvstaMrcCcXLHwo8BMbzVulAlKgaS4afBHvb0zlaIQ77ZpuBM_iY_gKl7W1wK8Ol1A22rgpzUbX0_/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The kids and dogs are both pretty happy with the new car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhta0AHKI9bAne4WtOgHlxy1QQzCtx11W2cOxRchehCGgg2aVKZMKIDsnduSaFPApygIn7SEcq-iJxwxUeJjMUd26nTecw5ydq0VwgH0YghMVYOvLsziec0fCZSdHa1n8q2ekS8bnJkP3/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhta0AHKI9bAne4WtOgHlxy1QQzCtx11W2cOxRchehCGgg2aVKZMKIDsnduSaFPApygIn7SEcq-iJxwxUeJjMUd26nTecw5ydq0VwgH0YghMVYOvLsziec0fCZSdHa1n8q2ekS8bnJkP3/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNRoSHHFTzuf6F7ETbF8TagtFKrzfVVMsYILfj8VsFA21qG68GOuN1SnTvytn7A2S6NHR07lt-udqCksB1k2_adO398P08VM1DASPpzHm3k8PQx2qgZzEHbJG0Z2NJ4jEbrDLhyphenhyphenA6UZvQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNRoSHHFTzuf6F7ETbF8TagtFKrzfVVMsYILfj8VsFA21qG68GOuN1SnTvytn7A2S6NHR07lt-udqCksB1k2_adO398P08VM1DASPpzHm3k8PQx2qgZzEHbJG0Z2NJ4jEbrDLhyphenhyphenA6UZvQ/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-64870435844191452032013-04-07T10:26:00.000-07:002013-04-07T10:26:44.159-07:00Home School AdventuresAs we begin to zero in on the final months of school, I am constantly amazed at what I have learned in this Home School Adventure.<br />
<br />
Just this morning I thought of a better way to keep the kids organized in their week, yep it took almost 2 years but I did it. This is one of the things I have taken away from having worked within an Elementary School for 2+ years.<i><b> File Folders!!</b></i> Yep back to some basics.<br />
<br />
I had been at Wal-Mart a few months ago and they were clearancing out some file folders, cute ones too with school themes, not missing much when it comes to a clearance, I snagged a few. This morning it dawned on me while I was typing up their schedule for the week that if they had a folder to keep it in maybe it would not get lost throughout the week. Brillant, I know!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbL34qCI3BmPYXhGTmCccK1h8eD1d8x9I3Vja4yVII77K4OETUW1Kly8TB1h1ZXL_yukCIpFpw3b-lCasFkvjt4VeE1i2Ksj-bYxvCtT9EbLXSPS7XtFlnL6v_7LJ6yAJafIOl5IRUUhA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbL34qCI3BmPYXhGTmCccK1h8eD1d8x9I3Vja4yVII77K4OETUW1Kly8TB1h1ZXL_yukCIpFpw3b-lCasFkvjt4VeE1i2Ksj-bYxvCtT9EbLXSPS7XtFlnL6v_7LJ6yAJafIOl5IRUUhA/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Pretty cute, aren't they!?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSzHgpEZct8PT8HJkksRHILgrlSgMavlVQ6bNjgeM9nJtCZmSoIyH7_vSo6hqSeo7_e9v_HnzmlyVfQDTkMzhlik-XVUbmJESzchyphenhypheniNaTP8nI0ZhuLlg9GdFCdIYjDlX6lVqJZshuTsEr/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSzHgpEZct8PT8HJkksRHILgrlSgMavlVQ6bNjgeM9nJtCZmSoIyH7_vSo6hqSeo7_e9v_HnzmlyVfQDTkMzhlik-XVUbmJESzchyphenhypheniNaTP8nI0ZhuLlg9GdFCdIYjDlX6lVqJZshuTsEr/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I stapled the monthly goal sheet I made them, on to one side of the folder and then put monthly writing prompts on the other side.<br />
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Here is the inside of my son's folder. I finally broke the monthly goals into weekly goals for both of the kids to help with keeping them on track for the whole month. We will see how that works for us all.<br />
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The writing prompts I found online and I might have even paid for them, who can remember, but he has finished his composition for the year and I want him to keep writing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkulRbR0PXKBiTOwDM9e2poLEpIWQf7Uh9Z7P4P4bELuAJlorRTi6fTfBHoWxvaiDBDykeFYDz3iEAmVpADULr0CYhfwwixRctEUfq9EyuHOdO23y0EZO39KRAn88sdiwJwbnWq2YFeQRL/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkulRbR0PXKBiTOwDM9e2poLEpIWQf7Uh9Z7P4P4bELuAJlorRTi6fTfBHoWxvaiDBDykeFYDz3iEAmVpADULr0CYhfwwixRctEUfq9EyuHOdO23y0EZO39KRAn88sdiwJwbnWq2YFeQRL/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is the schedule I created for them both. This actually came about because I could not get the online program to print it correctly. I also do not like the kids having to review on a Thursday or Friday and not assess until Monday. I did my sons in blue and my daughters is in purple.<br />
<br />
I slipped this into the folder and they can cross off what they have finished and then in the afternoon when I take my 'office time' with them we can go over what was accomplished and what still needs more work.<br />
<br />
I am available to help throughout their school day but during 'office time' I take a one-on-one 'conference' to check for assessments, grading (if necessary), attendance. This gives them the chance to ask scheduling questions as well or make adjustments. When they tell me they think they are finished, I remind them to double check before I look. We have been doing this for awhile but I am hoping with the file folder it will help even better.<br />
<br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-23871488187067140022013-04-04T12:34:00.002-07:002013-04-04T12:34:37.474-07:00Knitting Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I have mentioned before that I knit to relax and I thought I would share a couple of things I have completed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkrNmJ-IJ0rRKrfJXgYo5pnPiV-TE2j8yW3Mh4r3RJNeLumnT57iAVDlyQ9kZmtpq2ag54rWaoeFj5HNVXde8e52XO9wNqxmeRVapmT1FMBdbR8HaG_SFu2zDX56cu9DaW4-fskUjS7nZ/s1600/481796_4113167912385_1104529247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkrNmJ-IJ0rRKrfJXgYo5pnPiV-TE2j8yW3Mh4r3RJNeLumnT57iAVDlyQ9kZmtpq2ag54rWaoeFj5HNVXde8e52XO9wNqxmeRVapmT1FMBdbR8HaG_SFu2zDX56cu9DaW4-fskUjS7nZ/s320/481796_4113167912385_1104529247_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lace type pattern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2CYqgiQr9Oos_tAcWD4ldTWtkxN1_KKtUWgEmIaEh8EI7MzRf_ZDGBxL21jWknliImtjjSFo4llAQCuWeZ3lmQe2xZpoDgIkERYAWqyCiUIMHp8W3nnIy7tCFz3YT0wPK6bvrDXr0yCz/s1600/IMG_20130127_172828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2CYqgiQr9Oos_tAcWD4ldTWtkxN1_KKtUWgEmIaEh8EI7MzRf_ZDGBxL21jWknliImtjjSFo4llAQCuWeZ3lmQe2xZpoDgIkERYAWqyCiUIMHp8W3nnIy7tCFz3YT0wPK6bvrDXr0yCz/s320/IMG_20130127_172828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 1st Pair for Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXIso1_XOrHiKzc6iH-lal-0_96VKj7hV-VCuZuQLFAgn_IuxU69BqP93X2PNwRfVimgy47hA2ZZjfcSNSK8r2KIbSx2FNntof-I-ipBRsGbX-n4_w01Ys0UkQXwJXnepfmx-FF2fXFeS/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXIso1_XOrHiKzc6iH-lal-0_96VKj7hV-VCuZuQLFAgn_IuxU69BqP93X2PNwRfVimgy47hA2ZZjfcSNSK8r2KIbSx2FNntof-I-ipBRsGbX-n4_w01Ys0UkQXwJXnepfmx-FF2fXFeS/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time with cables</td></tr>
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Sometimes I think the knitting keeps me sane...other times not so much.<br />
I have some I will be doing for my Dear Husband and Dear Son soon and I also have a few requests from people. Not sure how I will do that as of yet.<br />
<span id="goog_276176697"></span><span id="goog_276176698"></span><br />Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-30441575017696712072013-03-29T15:54:00.000-07:002013-03-29T15:54:19.089-07:00Friday CrazinessThere has been so much craziness going on I haven't been able to stay on top of things that I should be...like blogging. I have some updates I will try to share over the next week both for myself and to share.<br />
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Saw this Best of Craigslist Post and just have to share it.<br />
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<h2 class="postingtitle">
$1360 / 1br - 400ft² - One bedroom Sublet (Upper East Side)</h2>
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East 95th Street at Third Ave</div>
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One bedroom available in a two bedroom apartment on the upper east
side! Available now until August, with option to then take over lease.
Listing is in Normandie Court on the Upper East Side. All building
information is available here: <a href="http://www.ogdencapproperties.com/residential-property?hi=normandie" rel="" target="_blank">http://www.ogdencapproperties.com/residential-property?hi=normandie</a><a href="http://www.ogdencapproperties.com/residential-property?hi=normandie" target="_blank"> </a><br />
Serious Inquiries MUST answer all 50 questions below, please. Thank you!<br />
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1. how often do you eat ice cream, <br />
2. please rate the movie space jam on a scale of 1 (worst movie ever) 10 (best movie ever)<br />
3. how many pairs of shoes do you own<br />
4. what are your thoughts on late night dance parties<br />
5. please describe your day to day hair style in one sentence<br />
6. rhianna or beyonce, who is better<br />
7. do you have respect for justin timberlake<br />
8. if you were a genie in a bottle, what kind of bottle would you be inside<br />
9. would you rather i always be there when you call or always be on time<br />
10. name all the original members of nsync<br />
11. if you had to buy shots for an entire bar, what would you get<br />
12. how often do you play spider solitaire<br />
13. is britney or christina more famous<br />
14. do you judge people who spend a day hungover in pajamas<br />
15. true or false, candy is a food group<br />
16. do you drink carbonated water<br />
17. is ginger ale the best soda<br />
18. where do you buy your bagels<br />
19. how high up do socks have to go before they are no longer considered 'ankle socks'<br />
20. velcro shoes - yay or nay<br />
21. how many pairs of skinny jeans do you own<br />
22. whats your opinion on gingers<br />
23. please rate yourcooking skills on a scale of homeless-top chef<br />
24. coke or pepsi<br />
25. please name 3 trashy tv shows and 10 guilty pleasure songs you enjoy<br />
26. do you or do you not love tim gunn<br />
27. do you craft<br />
28. what is the most expensive personal care product you own<br />
29. are you a fan of christmas trees<br />
30. what was your last halloween costume<br />
31. if you had to be a character in step brothers ,who would you be<br />
32. if you had a russian alter ego, what would their name be and would they have one eyebrow or two<br />
33.what color are your nails right now<br />
34. are you or are you not excited for the mad men premiere<br />
35. please screen shot your most used emojis<br />
36. send me the last 10 tweets you starred or retweeted<br />
37. please provide your last 3 grocery receipts so i can see how closely our tastes match<br />
38. how often do you use post its<br />
39. are you a supporter of baking cookies for dinner, or just eating the dough<br />
40. is there ever a reason to be up before 8 am on a saturday<br />
41. what is your definition of a "housewarming gift"<br />
42. thoughts on windbreakers? <br />
43. what color are your sheets and how good are you at replacing a fitted sheet?<br />
44. What was the theme song of Dawson's Creek<br />
45. Red or Blue bag doritos?<br />
46. what is your perspective on matching socks?<br />
47. are you a fan of pickles?<br />
48. what is your main source of news<br />
49. Are you team LC or KristinCav?<br />
50. What Disney princess would you be and why </section><section id="postingbody"> </section><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLzFoVwLK2Qa9_r85qgGYBnDhwg0n7h_F0Zk2b3jSxQ4u6eVVwU_gUtpjUnfPFBdu0A8SmLea73lr6_-Q1hyphenhyphenK5osEG9jVkuuWngxxraygP6ZmxXqgx5HzD_rQ6Qg3_lwLT7dWYvdvC8H7/s1600/nymap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLzFoVwLK2Qa9_r85qgGYBnDhwg0n7h_F0Zk2b3jSxQ4u6eVVwU_gUtpjUnfPFBdu0A8SmLea73lr6_-Q1hyphenhyphenK5osEG9jVkuuWngxxraygP6ZmxXqgx5HzD_rQ6Qg3_lwLT7dWYvdvC8H7/s1600/nymap.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apt is located near Central Park</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<section id="postingbody"> Just love this ad.</section>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-37080352526368270002013-03-25T08:59:00.000-07:002013-03-25T08:59:29.914-07:00Books and The Love of Reading<div class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Amazon Question Today </span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">What is your all-time favorite opening line to a book?</span></span></span></i></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Not sure I really have a Favorite but there are those which stick with us through life:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of
wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it
was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the
season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of
despair."<br />
- Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"Call me Ishmael."<br />
- Herman Melville, Moby Dick (1851)</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."<br />
- C. S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow."<br />
- Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">When Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be
celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special
magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton."<br />
- J.R.R. Tolkien (John Ronald Reuel Tolkien), The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955)</span></span></span></div>
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Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
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<u>First Line:</u> Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were.<br />
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<u>Last Line:</u> "After all, tomorrow is another day."<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum</span>
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<u>First Line:</u> Dorothy lived in the midst of the great
Kansas prairies, with Uncle Henry, who was a farmer, and Aunt Em, who
was the farmer's wife. <br />
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<u>Last Line:</u> "From the Land of Oz," said Dorothy gravely. "And here is Toto, too. And oh, Aunt Em! I'm so glad to be at home again!"<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen</span>
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<u>First Line:</u> IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.<br />
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<u>Last Line:</u> With the Gardiners, they were always
on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved
them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards
the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of
uniting them.
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<span class="post-author vcard"> </span><span class="post-comment-link"><a class="comment-link" href="http://firstlinelastline.blogspot.com/2011/05/pride-and-prejudice-by-jane-austen.html#comment-form"></a>
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Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742457909340834669.post-86455214926921964092013-03-24T15:09:00.000-07:002013-03-24T15:09:08.213-07:00A Glimpse of Our Life with PTSDIt is not often I willingly will talk about War or the after effects but here we are finishing out the month of March and marking the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraqi War.<br />
<br />
I remember when my husband was training up to deploy in 2003. Separation was not too much of an issue for us since he had been a commercial fisherman in Alaska, we were used to being apart (not that we LIKED it, but it worked). The thought at the time was 'why in the world am I getting ready to send my 34 year old husband to war?' "What did we get ourselves into?" "How can I do this full-time by myself?"<br />
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I never wanted to be a single parent, not that many people want that for their own life. I knew I could handle everything by myself but I didn't want to at all. We lived in a remote area with no military support structure at all. We had only lived there a few years so we really didn't have many friends.<br />
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Needless to say I survived deployment so did the kids and so did my husband, to a degree. Flash forward to Spring of 2005 and a homecoming. He looked like my husband but I wasn't convinced. This man was hard in mind and spirit. He expected things to be a certain way and if they were not and he had to do it there would be trouble.<br />
<br />
There were fights, OCD moments we had never had before, there were outbursts, freak outs in the grocery store...I had no idea what was going on but I knew he wasn't on drugs but he was drinking quiet a bit. What was going on? We were not prepared for the fighting to continue once they got home, no body prepared me for the after effects of war.<br />
<br />
Physically, my husband is 85%, he has a knee injury but mentally is a whole other ball game. For the last 8 years sleep is hard to come by, the slightest noise is cause for alarm and vigilance. What can be worse is if I hear the noise and I end up anticipating what he will do if it wakes him up. Sleep is a distant memory.<br />
<br />
To look at my husband you see nothing wrong...live with him and you will see the difference. Like many things there seems to be a cycle when it is worse than other times thankfully I have support and resources available to me 24/7. The VA Caregiver Program has allowed me to keep my husband safe and stay home with him permanently.<br />
<br />
For a further look inside <a href="http://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/Wounds-transform-veterans-and-their-caregivers-4374888.php#src=fb" target="_blank">click here.</a>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17313034581322553687noreply@blogger.com0