What was I thinking??
My other half made a request last night, to which I responded with “Okay.” The request: Babysitting.
He and his brother and friend had made plans almost a month ago to have a late-night gaming session tonight. In order for one friend to make it, he needed to bring his five-year-old son. That would be who I’m watching.
It’s a rarity for these guys to have time to get together much any more. I told him if it weren’t for that fact, I would have said no, hands down. I’m wishing I had said no, however.
Don’t get me wrong, the boys are playing quite well together. In fact, it’s been a busy day with many people stopping by for a few hours, tons of play and adventures. We’ve had ice cream and pop corn, gone shopping and built a fort. There’s a movie on now and the boys are pretty well settled into their little “home” – for now.
What kills me, however, is not having my space and peace. This place is just too small for that many people, even if temporary. And I cherish my ability to relax, which is on hold until the boys decide they won’t be attempting to get into trouble – of any kind.
It’s going to be a long night yet to come. I definitely need some serious amounts of sleep. a nap would do me wonders about now…
October
Amazingly 2007 is reaching the final stretch. October is just a few hours away which brings way for holidays and celebrations galore! I hope that the ghouls and ghosts make their way to your door with lively cheer, you find the kindred sense of childhood within and celebrate the festivities along side the sweet treat seekers.
Child Safety
There comes a time when a child no longer rides in the basket of a shopping cart and begins the process of walking while in stores. That can be a very exhilarating time for parents and children alike. There’s nothing more exciting than watching your child experience the world around them from a different perspective for the first time, until the moment arises when they disappear from sight.
It’s in that moment where your heart jumps from your chest, panic begins to set in and you pray that a stranger has not disappeared with your child. What do you do?
The first and most important thing to remember is staying calm, albeit a challenge. Next take a moment and examine your surroundings, recalling every moment that lead to your child disappearing. Were there any people around? Was there someone following you during that time? Did your child become enamored with an object and you requested they come and perhaps did not?
Find a staff member and explain to them that your child has disappeared. They will issue a code in the facility with a description of the child. They will also search through the store with you during this time. It’s important to recall every place that you had been and more so, what your child was wearing. Those are key factors a store associate will ask, as well as the police if necessary.
You need to remember that while children are generally quite adventurous in their young age, they can become just as frightened as you when they are separated; oftentimes leading to their hiding in the most inconspicuous places.
If a child is found by an associate in a store, you want to ensure that they know the basics. Teach your children early on what your first and last names are. Ensure that they can answer a few questions quickly, without hesitation:
- What is your name?
- What is your mom’s name?
- What is your dad’s name?
- What is your phone number?
- What is your address?
That information is important for everyone. If a store associate or another adult find your child, they will want to help him or her reunite with their parent. The ability for a child to express that information can prove extremely beneficial.
In the event that they are kidnapped, there is a possibility that the abductor wants to hold the child for ransom. If they have your phone number, they can call and begin the ransoming process. During that time, the police will have already been involved and will quickly jump in and tend to the situation, keeping the safety of your child a high priority.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your children the fundamentals that will assist them in survival should they disappear or be kidnapped. This short list is well on that way!
My motto
It’s my choice to succeed or fail. In the course of my actions, I have the choice to empower or discourage. When making the choice to succeed and empower, the road may not always come easily, but the path I travel shall be filled with exciting moments and much beauty; even if those events don’t always appear fantastic when venturing through them, there is always something precious to be held.
A Long Time in the Making
There was a time when blogging wasn’t popular and didn’t fall into the cool, hip or rad categories. I, myself, blogged during that time! I’ve managed to run approximately 9 different blogs in that time. Some were around for a very lengthy time and others lasted only a few short months. Some were abandoned due to their personal nature, while others ended up finding their way to a password and user protected blog. So what’s the point you ask? I’ve finally opted to combine some of those blogs into one large blog. There are still a few other’s I must scan through prior to incorporating certain posts, but they have been combined, nonetheless.
You can find my grand blog here. I do hope that you will stop by and take a peek. I’m sure there are a few things you’d be shocked to find!
Rescued and Rescuer
“Female English Cocker Spaniel. AKC Registered.”
That was the ad, with a phone number to call. My mom phoned and arranged a time to meet the animal that was described. With me in tow, we drove to the other side of town and walked to the door of the house. She knocked.
The owner of the Spaniel said he would be back with her, as she was out back. We stood and watched the small black dog tremble as she entered. I kneeled down and she darted for me, placing her head in my hand, offering a look that brought tears to my eyes. We stood there as my mother asked all the pertinent questions. At the end of the conversation, the current owner mentioned that the doghouse was available, too.
We ventured out back to examine the doghouse. What we found was a boarded box, sporting a door. What hurt most was the lock; used to barricade her into that small confinement against her will. My mom declined to take the doghouse, but insisted on bringing her home with us.
Lady became my best friend and companion. I wanted her close at all times. More often than not, Lady found her way to the foot of my bed and slept, curled in a ball. She had become my pet.
Lady had a renewed sense of freedom. We played and wrestled; ran and slept. She showed the spirit of a fighter and the compassion of an angel. When the moments arose where my life was not perfect, Lady was by my side, offering a tender heart and a comforting paw.
It was five years, and two litters of pups, later when I had to say good-bye to Lady. We were moving half way across the country and we couldn’t bring her with us. I was devastated. I would have traded all my belongings to have her at my side in a new town with old challenges.
One night my stepfather raised his had to me. I remembered Lady’s fight she possessed in that instant. She survived the horrific conditions of her early life and flourished well into adulthood. I stood there, with tears in my eyes, staring down the man who had wrought so much havoc in my life. He lowered his hands and walked away.
It was the memory of my dear companion, once saved from abuse that brought my greatest healing. I was no longer a victim.
Compilation Blog
You know, it’s been a long time coming… at least since 2005. I started web logging about that time – you know, before it was a hip and cool thing. After maintaining roughly 9 blogs over the years, I’ve opted to have a compilation blog instead. The majority of the posts from those blogs have been compiled here, with some of the more personal ones left out. There is still one more blog I must venture through and decide what will and won’t be added here by corresponding dates and this – my dear friends, will be the only blog that sees my attention on a regular basis.
So why the change, you ask? For a couple different reasons, but most prominent, to bring all the many faucets of my life together – in one blog. There are posts that cover abuse, death and joyous moments. Together, those posts are a journal of my life; good and bad.
I look forward to seeing you around! It’s going to be a fantastic journey.
busy
My last two days have been filled with TONS of activities! I have deep cleaned the kitchen, living room, my closet and Jaden’s closet. I’ve reorganized all the cabinets and in the process eliminated two bags of garbage from this place. I still have a few rooms and closets to go; but it’s starting to feel much better in here – and more organized!
I have pretty well finished up the painting in the bathroom and have begun to put it back together. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the ability to use a toilet paper holder again!! I’ll finish that up in the morning.
I’ve applied for a few different jobs – in and out of the home. Tomorrow leaves a few other things to care for in that department, but all in all, not too bad.
I’ve managed to prepare supper and have it on the table by 5 pm the last two nights as well. (We’re up at 330 am, so 5pm is supper here!) My kitchen, surprisingly, is still clean! HORRAY!
Tomorrow I’m going to begin tackling the hallway. It’s not going to be a fun one to paint, but it’s become painfully obvious that I’m going to have to get the ball rolling on finishing up the painting in this place. If Momma doesn’t do it; it ain’t gettin’ done!
So that’s about it on my end. I’ve also done tons of job searching for my site and managed to have job leads posted by 9am! huge feat in itself there!
I hope everyone else is having a fantastically productive week as well! Humpday is officially over in my world and it’s time to sleep… if the three year old will tire, that is!
Falling
It’s an amazing time of year when the refreshing cool arctic air begins to push downward, bringing a season of extraordinary color changes, quickly consumed with fluffy white flakes.
fall is one of my two favorite seasons out of the year. I cherish seeing the vivid colors and the reminder of the cycle of life. Festive holidays are abound!
This year, I’m falling into fall with my whole heart! Here are a few things I look forward to:
1. Breaking out sweaters and wearing them with jeans and boots. The most comfortable clothing I can dream of wearing!
2. Building fires in the fireplace and snuggling in with a good book or a great movie!
3. Family! This season brings out a strong commitment to family and spending that quality time with them is amazing!
4. Holiday preparation! For those who know me, I’ve not been so fond of the holidays since Reiley died, but this year, I absolutely cannot wait for them to arrive! I plan on dressing in Halloween best with my son, trick-or-treating; baking until my hearts content for Thanksgiving and Christmas, with shopping galore and excited looks gleaming across the faces of everyone as they see just what surprise has been left for them under the tree.
5. Snowmen! Although our falls are short-lived, I can’t wait to get out and build a fantastic snowman with my son!
It’s going to be an absolutely amazing end of the year! I look forward to every single activity and event we can manage to find!
What are your plans for fall/winter? Are there any little things that you are excitingly anticipating?
