On this occasion of Rosalina's 21st birthday, it is the only thing that I can think about writing tonight. I think about meeting her as a small child in 1994. I remember going to her sister's baptism in Midland in 1996. One Christmas, she wore matching outfits with her sisters; gasp! I don't know how her mother convinced her to do that!
In 2003 she moved to Cleveland and that gave us the opportunity to develop a deeper relationship. I saw her through the trials and tribulations of the teen years. I even remember one New Year's Day visiting her in the hospital because her asthma could not be controlled. Through it all, I have always seen a beautiful, fun loving person who is willing to work hard for what she wants. We loved working with her when we did festivals, and we enjoyed travelling with her when we could.
I have always tried to develop relationships with my nieces and nephews in order to bridge the generations, but also, because one day, I will not be here, and it is up to them to look after their cousins, my children. I try to share with them my knowledge, and what I think is best, but it is up to them to follow their own path. You will only learn by experience, and sometimes, you need to have the experience yourself rather than be told not to do it. You remember the lessons better that way!
The lesson that I hope that you will always take with you is that regardless of the choices that you make, I love you with all my heart always and know that I believe in you and will always be here for you. Do not ever be afraid to come to me; I will help you if I can, but if I can't, I will listen nonetheless.
Showing posts with label Memories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memories. Show all posts
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?
I was looking for the correct spelling of a friend's last name so I could post it on Facebook as what I am thankful for today. So, once again, thank you Linda Umstattd for your kindness and friendship. May you rest in peace.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Santa's Gift
Reese made Santa a card for Christmas. We did not have any cookies so we left Rice Krispies Treats, white chocolate pretzels, and a candy cane. Santa snuck in while Mommy was wrapping gifts last night and ate some pretzels and one-half of a Rice Krispies Treat and took the card.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Gift of Saying Goodbye
When my mother in law died, someone told me that it is a gift to have the privilege of saying goodbye to a loved one in person before they die. Most people do not have this chance. Over the years I have reflected on this statement and have found that this wise person is right. Since we do not always know when we are going to die, it is impossible to know if when we say goodbye today, it may be the last time we see that person. As you go through life, remember that we cannot predict the future and the only thing that we can control is the present. If given the chance, go and say goodbye; it will be something you will never regret.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Gift of a Great Teacher
Most of our teachers, the good ones and the bad ones, we remember for life for the way that they make us feel. I hope that, to most of my students, I am the good one worth remembering.
Today, my son's Archery teacher told us at the end of open archery that she would not be back next year. She has taken a job in western Ohio. Although we have only known her for a short time, she has had a great impact on our lives. Riley started Archery in September. He was so excited, but did not want to shoot right handed. I allowed him to shoot left handed in order for him to be comfortable in the class and not have a meltdown on the first day. He made it through the beginning class and onto intermediate we went. The teacher suggested that my son switch and shoot right handed because he is right eye dominant. I insisted that he switch, and although he resisted at first, practice paid off, and he could finally see that he was a better right hand shot.
After the intermediate class, the last three weeks have been open archery. My son has gone to every session and stayed the whole two and a half hours. That is five hours at the archery barn a week. He has spent a great deal of time with his archery teacher, and she has taught/tutored him a great deal. It has worked to his advantage in that he has mostly been the only one there or one of a handful of kids. He really didn't have to take turns and could shoot every round. The practice has paid off, and the last two days, my son has been shooting balloons from 10 yards. With five shots, most of the time he can hit all four balloons on the target!
Thank you Miss Ronda for helping my son to realize that he has a talent, can be athletic, and giving him confidence in himself and his skills. Although we will continue to come to the archery barn and take classes and lessons from others, things will not be the same without you. You will be missed immensely!
Today, my son's Archery teacher told us at the end of open archery that she would not be back next year. She has taken a job in western Ohio. Although we have only known her for a short time, she has had a great impact on our lives. Riley started Archery in September. He was so excited, but did not want to shoot right handed. I allowed him to shoot left handed in order for him to be comfortable in the class and not have a meltdown on the first day. He made it through the beginning class and onto intermediate we went. The teacher suggested that my son switch and shoot right handed because he is right eye dominant. I insisted that he switch, and although he resisted at first, practice paid off, and he could finally see that he was a better right hand shot.
After the intermediate class, the last three weeks have been open archery. My son has gone to every session and stayed the whole two and a half hours. That is five hours at the archery barn a week. He has spent a great deal of time with his archery teacher, and she has taught/tutored him a great deal. It has worked to his advantage in that he has mostly been the only one there or one of a handful of kids. He really didn't have to take turns and could shoot every round. The practice has paid off, and the last two days, my son has been shooting balloons from 10 yards. With five shots, most of the time he can hit all four balloons on the target!
Thank you Miss Ronda for helping my son to realize that he has a talent, can be athletic, and giving him confidence in himself and his skills. Although we will continue to come to the archery barn and take classes and lessons from others, things will not be the same without you. You will be missed immensely!
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Gift of Words
As I continue to embark on my second month of NaBloPoMo, I started to think about my great aunt. For all the year that I knew her, she would write daily in a hardcover daily planner provided by some bank in Thailand. She would write happenings of the day, who borrowed money and how much, and sometimes poems or short stories. In her car she kept a separate notebook to log her gas usage: the kilometers on the odometer at fill up, how many liters were bought and at how much? The one thing I remember most is that she had the best handwriting I have ever seen both in Thai and in English. She liked specific pens, no ballpoint! In English, she wrote in cursive, and it was so neat and perfect. I remember watching her one day practice her signature so that it would look the same all the time and people would not be able to forge it! She was an accounting educator for vocational schools as well as for junior college students.
Which brings me to this thought... do the words lose their personalization by not being handwritten? When my great aunt died, she left 60+ years of diaries in her own handwriting as tangible proof that she was here. When I leave this Earth, I will leave my words/stories, but in typewritten form on a blog. They will not be written for someone to hold unless they want to print them out. But, I know, from past experience, that if I were to handwrite my memories and stories, they would not get written down. I am better at typing my words and love the blog format. So, I have to rely on the words that I have written expressing the feeling and personalization for me. As in, you can hear me talk as you read my words. It is as if I am talking to you.
Which brings me to this thought... do the words lose their personalization by not being handwritten? When my great aunt died, she left 60+ years of diaries in her own handwriting as tangible proof that she was here. When I leave this Earth, I will leave my words/stories, but in typewritten form on a blog. They will not be written for someone to hold unless they want to print them out. But, I know, from past experience, that if I were to handwrite my memories and stories, they would not get written down. I am better at typing my words and love the blog format. So, I have to rely on the words that I have written expressing the feeling and personalization for me. As in, you can hear me talk as you read my words. It is as if I am talking to you.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
What Was My Favorite Gift Before the Age of 10?
I don't remember my exact age, but one of my favorite gifts was a Cabbage Patch Kid. I never thought that I would get one because people were standing in line for hours to get one. My mom and dad both worked all the time and didn't have time to go and stand in line for a toy. On Christmas Day that year I was so surprised to open up a Cabbage Patch Kid. He didn't look anything like me. He had blond hair and a green outfit, but it didn't matter because I got one. His name was Louie Wilton, and I chose not to change his name. Eventually, I ended up with a girl with brown hair named Lea, I believe, but Louie was always special because it showed me how much my parents cared for me.
By the way my mom arranged for her friend to go and stand in line for her to get me one.
By the way my mom arranged for her friend to go and stand in line for her to get me one.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The Gift of Books and Friendship
Over 10 years ago my friends and I went out one night and as we were talking, we decided to start a book club. At that time we decided on six members, myself, my friends and their mothers, and a former coworker of one of my friends. We decided to meet on the first Wednesday of every month. From the original six, five of us still remain. We have had some friends come and go, some come and stay, and one go and come back.
We all love our book club for different reasons. Although I don't always read the book, I always try to go to book club. This is the one thing that I have kept consistent and fought for the most over the last 10 years. It is my time to explore my interest in books and to read a few that I may not have read otherwise. It is also a time to get together with friends and learn from their lives and share mine with them as our book club ranges in age from close to 70 to myself, the youngest at 37.
The one thing that we have done over the years is discuss the book. There may be side conversations or other dinner time conversation, but, at some point, the discussion questions come out and we actually talk about the book. We still rotate houses and everyone hosts once a year. We use to meet year round and gave that up a few years back as it got harder and harder to schedule around vacations. We were up to 10 members at one point, and right now, the nine that we have seems just right. We don't meet in July and August, go out to eat in December and have a potluck in June.
We have changed the way that we pick books. When we started, we chose books month to month, then quarterly. Presently, the host for this month picks the book for the next month. The new system seems to be working out and is fun!
We don't know the big secret as to why we have remained a book club for so long. But, we do know that we hope to continue meeting long into the future!
We all love our book club for different reasons. Although I don't always read the book, I always try to go to book club. This is the one thing that I have kept consistent and fought for the most over the last 10 years. It is my time to explore my interest in books and to read a few that I may not have read otherwise. It is also a time to get together with friends and learn from their lives and share mine with them as our book club ranges in age from close to 70 to myself, the youngest at 37.
The one thing that we have done over the years is discuss the book. There may be side conversations or other dinner time conversation, but, at some point, the discussion questions come out and we actually talk about the book. We still rotate houses and everyone hosts once a year. We use to meet year round and gave that up a few years back as it got harder and harder to schedule around vacations. We were up to 10 members at one point, and right now, the nine that we have seems just right. We don't meet in July and August, go out to eat in December and have a potluck in June.
We have changed the way that we pick books. When we started, we chose books month to month, then quarterly. Presently, the host for this month picks the book for the next month. The new system seems to be working out and is fun!
We don't know the big secret as to why we have remained a book club for so long. But, we do know that we hope to continue meeting long into the future!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Do you like to try to guess your gifts ahead of time?
No, I do not like to try and guess my gifts ahead of time. One year, when I was about 12, I found all my Christmas gifts in my parents' closet. On Christmas Day I was so disappointed because all the things that I found were the only things that I got. There were no other gifts and no surprises, teaching me that sometimes, it is better to wait. Ever since then I never go snooping and try to give lots of ideas so that I will not know exactly what someone is getting me.
Monday, December 5, 2011
What Is A Gift that You Have Made for Another?
The most memorable things that I have made for other are when I take the time to make scrapbooks, not by computer, but by cropping and using real pictures. A good friend of mine turned 40 and I arranged for some of her friends and her mother to help me with a scrapbook for her. My best friend turned 30 about the time that the grade school that we met at closed down. I found our old uniform skirt and used it for the border on one of the pages. My most recent project celebrated the 20th wedding anniversary of my brother and sister in law. I stayed up all night finishing the album and was really pleased with how it turned out. The way their faces lit up when they saw the album made it all worthwhile.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
A Van Full of Memories
Today, at just shy of 8 1/2 years, I got to 200,000 miles on my van. We bought it in mid-June 2003 when Riley was 5 months old, and we were travelling to Cleveland a great deal. To be honest I cannot remember where I was when the van got to 100,000 miles. But, I do know that the van was the second vehicle in which I was the original owner and I saw the 100,000 mile mark. The other was my Ford Escort, who only had five digits on the odometer and so went back to zero. We traded the Escort in for a Honda Civic that we had for almost four years before we got the Honda Odyssey.
The van has been on numerous trips to Cleveland and around Ohio as well as just the average everyday driving. It has been the kid mobile as well as a delivery van for the flower shop and Sticks. The distance trips that the van has seen not in any order are: Orlando = two times, Atlanta, Arkansas, Boston/Maine = 3-4 times, Chicago, Atlantic City, Ann Arbor, Port Canaveral, and maybe a few more that I missed.
Ironically, I ran into an old high school friend this summer who drives the same color, year, make, and model of my van. Her van is only eight; she has 54,000 miles on it. I asked her how she was able to keep it so low. She said that she lives/works on the east side, all of her and her husband's families live in town, and with four kids, they could only go on one vacation a year which would be the only long distance they travel. More power to them...
Go baby, keep on going!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
What was the first tangible gift you remember receiving?
I don't know what the first tangible gift that I remember receiving was. I do know that one Christmas when I was about nine or ten years old, I went with some family friends to their relatives' house. They were not my relatives, and they were not expecting me to join them for Christmas. As they sat and opened their gifts, I looked on longingly until the mother of the house came down the stairs and handed me a gift to open. It was just a Mickey Mouse paint and marker book with a set of markers to go with it, but it was so special to me because it was so unexpected, that someone would think of me, an unexpected guest and have something just for me. To this day, I remember the warmth I felt receiving that gift and remember the mother fondly. May she rest in peace.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Joe Pa
Last year I took this picture thinking that Joe Pa may retire and this would be the last time I would see him as a coach. At the beginning of this year I thought I was wrong. How could I know that by the time Penn State came to town Joe Pa would not be coach anymore?
WOW! What a way to go out!
WOW! What a way to go out!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Boston Day Two
We ended up staying home on our second day in Boston. My sister in law, my niece, and her boyfriend came down to visit from Maine. They learned how to play Mahjongg while the guys went to play golf, and my children relaxed at home.
The evening was once again a huge meal of chicken and ribs!
In the middle of the night our room was so dark that Reese woke up and yelled out to me, "I can't see!" I had to go and get her from her mattress on the floor!
The evening was once again a huge meal of chicken and ribs!
In the middle of the night our room was so dark that Reese woke up and yelled out to me, "I can't see!" I had to go and get her from her mattress on the floor!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
My Former Teacher, My Present Boss
I am a tutor at a school where the principal is my grade school French teacher. I had told a few of the teachers at the school that I am a former student of the principal, but was wary of mentioning it to the principal herself. One day I was in the office with a parent consultant and the topic of the principal's former students came up, and I mentioned that I am actually one of her former students. She said that I should tell the principal. I still was wary about letting her know.
Well, the parent consultant took care of it for me. One day when I got to school, the principal asked if she could see me in her office. I was wondering what I had done. When I got into her office, she asked me if I recognized this green satin box with lace overlay. It did look kind of like the box I had my ring bearer carry for our wedding so I said yes. She said that the box was one that I had given her after I went on a trip as a student of hers. She still kept the box on her dresser and uses it for her earrings. I was amazed! The principal said that once the parent consultant jogged her memory, she knew exactly who I was and could even spell my maiden name to this day.
I have to say that it was nice to be remembered so fondly over 25 years later. The principal did not remember some of my former classmates, but she did remember me and in a positive light!
Well, the parent consultant took care of it for me. One day when I got to school, the principal asked if she could see me in her office. I was wondering what I had done. When I got into her office, she asked me if I recognized this green satin box with lace overlay. It did look kind of like the box I had my ring bearer carry for our wedding so I said yes. She said that the box was one that I had given her after I went on a trip as a student of hers. She still kept the box on her dresser and uses it for her earrings. I was amazed! The principal said that once the parent consultant jogged her memory, she knew exactly who I was and could even spell my maiden name to this day.
I have to say that it was nice to be remembered so fondly over 25 years later. The principal did not remember some of my former classmates, but she did remember me and in a positive light!
Monday, February 16, 2009
LEGO Pirates
Riley got a new LEGO set with the money that he saved from his piggy bank. He really enjoys playing with LEGO sets and loves to look at his LEGO catalog. I had fun putting together Riley's Soldier's Fort. He was okay with me putting it together over two days; the first two buildings on one day and the other two buildings today. He played with it both days and loved the LEGO people and the cannon and crane.
Now that Riley has moved onto littler LEGO sets, I know that I will have to spend more time putting them together. In some ways I don't mind and enjoy doing something for Riley. He actually does really well not destroying what I have just built. But, on the other hand, I look forward to the time when Riley can put together his own LEGO sets. He actually needs the fine motor practice, but, with a two year old, it is easier to put the set together before all the pieces walk off. I know that one day, I will look back and wish that he would still need me to put together his LEGO sets for him, but I will also be happy that he has found the independence and maturity to treat his LEGO sets well.
Until then, Mommy is the LEGO builder, and Riley is the LEGO player.
Now that Riley has moved onto littler LEGO sets, I know that I will have to spend more time putting them together. In some ways I don't mind and enjoy doing something for Riley. He actually does really well not destroying what I have just built. But, on the other hand, I look forward to the time when Riley can put together his own LEGO sets. He actually needs the fine motor practice, but, with a two year old, it is easier to put the set together before all the pieces walk off. I know that one day, I will look back and wish that he would still need me to put together his LEGO sets for him, but I will also be happy that he has found the independence and maturity to treat his LEGO sets well.
Until then, Mommy is the LEGO builder, and Riley is the LEGO player.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
With Love and Fond Memories Always
For older members of my mother's family it is a tradition to publish a memory book for the cremation of the family member. Family members can write whatever they like: memories, stories, lessons learned, etc. This is the first time I have felt that I really needed to write for a family member, but, at the same time, I was at a loss as to how to go about my writing. Originally, I wanted to write about a bunch of individual memories, but then I couldn't think of a memory for every time that we met. Some memories were also too private to be share. Below is what I created for the book.
When you are young and you leave, you take it for granted that you will see each other again. I don’t take it for granted anymore. I always thought that Yai Pat would come to my wedding and meet my children. I thought that I would continue to have opportunities to go and visit my relatives in Thailand, but time and distance sometimes get in the way.
I first met Yai Pat in 1982 when I was seven years old. My parents and I were visiting Thailand for my first time, and Yai Pat was there to pick us up from the airport. I remember Yai Pat had a Volkswagen Bug that I wanted to ride in because my mom was riding in that car. Yai Pat insisted that I ride in the pickup truck with my dad because it was air conditioned. During this trip, I celebrated my eighth birthday in Phrae. Yai Pat sent me a telegram that was typed in English that said, “Happy Birthday Love, Pipat”. I wish I still had it today.
Throughout my young life I spent a great deal of time with Yai Pat considering that I live in the United States. When I would visit Thailand, I would always sleep in Yai Pat’s room where we would share stories as we lay in bed at night. Yai Pat made sure that my time in Thailand was fun. She arranged trips for me to places around Bangkok as well as to visit relatives and friends in Phrae, Yala, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Surin, Singapore, Koh Samui, etc. Because of her I got to spend time with family and see sights that I may not have known I wanted to see. I appreciate all the lessons she taught me, and all the memories I have with Yai Pat. I only wish that she could have lived until we met again on Earth.
When you are young and you leave, you take it for granted that you will see each other again. I don’t take it for granted anymore. I always thought that Yai Pat would come to my wedding and meet my children. I thought that I would continue to have opportunities to go and visit my relatives in Thailand, but time and distance sometimes get in the way.
I first met Yai Pat in 1982 when I was seven years old. My parents and I were visiting Thailand for my first time, and Yai Pat was there to pick us up from the airport. I remember Yai Pat had a Volkswagen Bug that I wanted to ride in because my mom was riding in that car. Yai Pat insisted that I ride in the pickup truck with my dad because it was air conditioned. During this trip, I celebrated my eighth birthday in Phrae. Yai Pat sent me a telegram that was typed in English that said, “Happy Birthday Love, Pipat”. I wish I still had it today.
Throughout my young life I spent a great deal of time with Yai Pat considering that I live in the United States. When I would visit Thailand, I would always sleep in Yai Pat’s room where we would share stories as we lay in bed at night. Yai Pat made sure that my time in Thailand was fun. She arranged trips for me to places around Bangkok as well as to visit relatives and friends in Phrae, Yala, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Surin, Singapore, Koh Samui, etc. Because of her I got to spend time with family and see sights that I may not have known I wanted to see. I appreciate all the lessons she taught me, and all the memories I have with Yai Pat. I only wish that she could have lived until we met again on Earth.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hawaii Day Fifteen: Our Last Day
We did some last minute snorkeling in Makena where we saw some really pretty coral and some fish, but had trouble with foggy goggles. We stopped by Riley's favorite beach for him to say goodbye and went home for lunch. We had lunch, finished packing, and left to do some last minute shopping. I decided that I wanted something to commemorate our trip to Hana and I found a t-shirt at Crazy Shirts. I went back to get the t-shirt and ended up with the hat instead. The logo is Road to Hana Survivor: 617 curves, 56 bridges, 52 miles, 3 hours, winding road. Ron bought some souvenirs at Hilo Hattie's and we went to the mall. At the mall we went to see if I could get Ron's another cell phone before we went home because he dropped his, and it did not show a screen anymore. We decided to wait until we got home. Ron found what he was looking for and we were off the the airport. Reese and I had an evening flight. She stayed awake for the first three hours and then fell asleep. Because of the time change we landed in Dallas at 1am Hawaii time, and Reese was a real bear. When it got light outside, I took her to ride the Skylink, a train that links all the terminals. We rode it three times: Reese stood the first time, climbed in the my lap the second round, and fell asleep. I put her in her stroller, and she stayed asleep pretty much until we got home. She woke up briefly to get on the plane and then we got two seats on the plane to stretch out since the flight was not full.
Riley got to go and see the movie Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler with his dad and aunt before his flight back home. He slept on all three legs of his flights home.
The minute we were all together again we went to get Ron a new cell phone. He picked out a Blackberry; Happy 40th Birthday!
Riley got to go and see the movie Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler with his dad and aunt before his flight back home. He slept on all three legs of his flights home.
The minute we were all together again we went to get Ron a new cell phone. He picked out a Blackberry; Happy 40th Birthday!
Hawaii Day Fourteen: Makena State Park
We went back to the beach by the Maui Prince Hotel to do some snorkeling. I actually got back into the water, but did not see much of anything and had to head back because I did something to my right ankle. We hung out on the beach for awhile and ate lunch from the Maui Prince Hotel. Ron wanted to go out to the end of Makena State Park, a place that we had gone earlier in our trip, to snorkel this time. We packed up our stuff and headed out there. The snorkeling near the parking area was not that great, so we decided to hike along the trail that is suppose to lead to a great snorkeling area. We did not intend on going snorkeling, but wanted to see where the path led. Mind you, we did not have appropriate shoes, but we went anyway. We went about an hour out and did not even get to the beach where we could snorkel. We ended up going uphill and got to the end of the point, but was still 20-25 minutes from the beach for snorkeling. Then, we had another hour walk back to the parking lot. It was beautiful and I am glad that I went, but for us to go snorkeling out there, I would have to have more time on Maui. Maybe next time...
Where we started...
What we walked over and through...
Where we ended up...
Where we wanted to go, by the water...
After our tiring day on the beach and our hike we were treated to dinner at Roy's Kihei. I guess that Roy's is an institution in Hawaii and has made it way onto the mainland. I ran into my friend from home who I saw on our picnic day again. She is a server's assistant at Roy's and we sat at her table. We had a great last night in Maui with a great meal, fish, shrimp, and duck with an awesome banana dessert! The kids were treated very well and got ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Where we started...What we walked over and through...Where we ended up...Where we wanted to go, by the water...After our tiring day on the beach and our hike we were treated to dinner at Roy's Kihei. I guess that Roy's is an institution in Hawaii and has made it way onto the mainland. I ran into my friend from home who I saw on our picnic day again. She is a server's assistant at Roy's and we sat at her table. We had a great last night in Maui with a great meal, fish, shrimp, and duck with an awesome banana dessert! The kids were treated very well and got ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
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