The New Kid

I can't say it has been easy.  The last 6 months have been the craziest, quickest and slowest 6 months of my life. 6 months ago I was packing my stuff, endlessly sorting and packing and throwing away and crying and giving away and cleaning and packing.  A year ago I was searching and praying and crying and worrying and searching and searching and searching. Today I have been living.

What I did today:

• Chatted with a dear friend on FB early in the morning.
• Sang too loud and long in church - twice.
• Hung out with a family at their home, walked through their garden, clucked at their chickens, buttered bread for a little boy, shared heart-truths with a friend.
• Took a long nap with my cat.
• Talked on the phone with my mom.
• Watched several episodes of a good tv show and missed the kind, sweet, generous man who recorded them for me, but I talked to him on the phone today, too.
• Played my uke.

In short, I'm back to living life. Sure, I got a little teary during a few episodes of Growing Up Fisher, and I miss my friends back in Ohio.  I miss my Sunday afternoons of knitting and sharing with Laura, Don, Josh and whoever else showed up.  I miss the ease of never having to look at a map to find my way around town. I miss not having to explain the backstory of my life every time I share anything. I miss knowing other backstories, too.  Heck, I miss  being certain I know the person's name who is talking to me.  I often have to ask!

But I don't miss the worry.  My house is sold, my job is secure, my boss likes me, I'm working hard and I'm passionate about my job again, I'm involved in a good church where I and those around me are valued and loved and I feel like I'm really starting to make a place for myself here.

Oh, and yea, I kinda like all the sunshine.  I mean - it's always sunny!  Except at night.  California is dark at night.  You know, like normal.

I'm still The New Kid, but I seem to have found people who "get" me.  What a blessing.

What Makes You Happy?

A friend just posted an article from Buzzfeed that is a list of things scientifically proven to make you happier.  I believe these things are true as I've found them to be true in my own life!

I am going to take care of 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously tonight as I sit here in my blue office room wearing a blue sweatshirt that evokes wonderful memories of a trip to LA about 14 years ago and blog a quick list of what I'm grateful for.  Then I'm going to take care of 9 and 4 by going to bed and praying (meditating) before sleep.

• I am thankful for a family that loves me and loves one another; my parents who have been examples of grace and generosity my whole life, my big brother who would move mountains for me if I needed, my sister who loves me with a ferocity that is unmatched, their spouses who love and support them, and my many "adopted" siblings.
• I am thankful for my son.  He is a miracle in so many ways, even just for surviving the uncertain beginning in this life that my weak body gave him, but he's so much more than that: creative, smart, thoughtful, kind, sincere and passionate about his dreams and goals.  I am so thankful to be his mother.
• I am thankful for my dear friends, who provide support and encouragement to me during the rough times, adventure and excitement during better times and laughter through both.
• I am thankful for my dear new friend Troy, brilliant, funny, kind and thoughtful, who has been a source of joy these last 6 months despite my crazy, crazy life.  I don't believe that it's a coincidence that during one of the lowest times in my life I have been given the gift of such a great source of joy and love.  (yea, I said the L word)
• I am thankful for the health that I have.  I've had many challenges but still I am here, I am upright, I am mobile and I am able to live a good life thanks to a Gracious God and excellent medical care (and pretty damn good insurance, despite the insanity of our health care system).  I honestly never thought I'd live to see 50, and yet here I am, less than a year away and going strong.
• I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ who died on a cross for my sins, those I've already committed and those I have yet to commit, so that I may live forever in the presence of God.
• I am thankful for the roof over my head, even with the little leak.  It's a lovely house and someday (soon, I hope!) someone else will see how lovely it is and want to buy it from me!  But for now I am thankful I can still make the mortgage payments and so on.
• I am thankful that I have yarn and needles so that I can be creative and practical at the same time.
• I am thankful for my cat, Rosie, who has learned how to snuggle.

Family

I've written posts in tribute to my mom and my dad before, and I know I mention them often. I've talked about my brother and sisters (both Linda and our "adopted" sister Vicky), as well, and their spouses. I just want to say that my family is wonderful. They are generous, loving, helpful, compassionate, intelligent and fun to be with. We have great times when we're together, and I'm blessed to have such a family.

Aside from that, though, I'm learning that you can tell the true character of people by how they respond in times of crisis. I've had way too many times in my life when I've needed help from my family (IMHO) because of my health, and these last few months, although (thankfully) not health related, have been very hard for me. My family has been supportive, helpful and abundantly kind and generous. They've helped me so much. Just knowing that I can call on them to talk me off the ledge, if you will, helps me tremendously. I know that we have differences of opinion about many things from time to time, but I also know that none of that matters when the chips are done. We are family, we are Fithians, we are here for one another, no matter what.

Thanks, guys.

30 days of Lists: LIST #1: A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME

If you've read my blog before you've noticed I like lists, so it's no surprise to you that I can't resist doing the 30 Days of Lists journaling challenge! Also, if you know me, you won't be surprised that I'm arriving just a little late to the game. Contrary to my MO, however, I do intend to finish the challenge . . . maybe even on time!

List 1: A Few Things About Me

• I have been known to start things and not finish them.
• I overestimate what I can do in an allotted period of time, which often makes me late for the next thing.
• My son is the best thing that has ever happened to be (after being saved by Christ, that is).
• My husband is fabulous, too, and not just because he's my son's father, but because he's smart, kind, funny, really good to talk with, comfortable to be with . . . my best friend . .. and he loves me, even though I am far from perfect.
• I am one of those fortunate people who had a wonderful childhood with loving parents and grandparents, and I am thankful every single day for each of them.
• I'm also lucky to have a great MIL and FIL - so lucky!
  
• I love bright colors - the more the merrier!
• I like sparkly things!
• I am an extrovert . . . according to Meyers-Briggs I'm almost off the chart. LOL
• I love singing.
• I enjoy making music, but I have trouble practicing instruments.
• Day-to-day tasks are much harder for me than big exciting projects.
• I tend to be an optimist.
• I have many friends, but sometimes find it hard to have really CLOSE friends (maybe this is the distraction issue, too?)
• I enjoy making lists.
• Family is more important than just about anything.
• I completely understand why Dad always used to say "don't get me anything for Christmas, I'm just glad we're all together and healthy." And I feel the same way when it's true.
• I lose sleep at night over things I have said/done that have hurt other people, even when it was entirely unintentional. I am a worrier.
• I believe that people are more than the sum of their parts, and that we are all eternal souls.
• I never thought I would live until I was 50, given my health issues, but now it's close and I'm a little . . . umm . . . amazed, and thankful.
  

flashing hearts

I've never been reliable at doing holidays the same each year. Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that's always a crap shoot for me. Coming so soon after Christmas, and in the midst, often, of bad winter weather, it often gets overlooked while I'm busy avoiding the world.

Yesterday, though, was my first day back at work after a brief medical leave, and I found a fun gift that my mom had given me years ago for V-day (she is VERY good at commemorating holidays - all of them!) It's a silly pen (long since lost it's ink) with a big red "crystal-like" heart on top that flashes when you "click" the pen. I keep it because it still flashes! and because it's from my mom (thanks, Mom!) and because it's supremely silly, and because it sorta kinda makes me feel like the Valentine Good Fairy with a flashing wand.

Go ahead, poke fun . . . but this pen is worth it!

Thank You

Today is Veteran's Day. It is a bank holiday, a national holiday to honor all of our country's veterans from all wars and conflicts. This is the anniversary of the day that Armistice began in 1918 to end World War 1. There is an interesting history of the holiday here.

I appreciate but realize that I don't fully understand the sacrifices our veterans have made and the horrors they've seen. I count myself as immeasurably lucky not to have experienced war first hand. Seeing it on TV, hearing the news of things far, far away or visiting battlefields is hard enough. My heart goes out to families who are currently enduring the tenuous waiting and stress of having a loved one involved in the war.

Today, I am thinking about my father, my uncle Bob, my grandfather, Mike's grandfather, friends who've served, both in times of conflict and in times of peace. Thank you all.

Mike and I both have the day off, but Simon has school, which means . . .
DAYTIME DATE! I think we might even picnic in the park if it's warm enough. We'll be doing some work to get Mike's things ready for the Boy Scout Campout this weekend, too. Then I'll be having dinner with my sister! Yay!

Cereal in the Morning

I love cereal. I've always loved it. I could eat cereal every meal of the day sometimes. In fact, I'm sure there have been days when I have!

There are times when I like the sugary opulence of Captain Crunch or Cocoa Puffs, but usually I prefer the plain cereals; Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Corn Chex, Oatmeal. I also like Raisin Bran, granola and Grapenuts. My dad is the same way - he eats the same breakfast with the same cereals every day. He used to mix Raisin Bran and Grapenuts (as I recall), but now he eats his 100% Natural granola.

I remember when we were kids, we used to beg to be allowed to have cereal for dinner when Mom and Dad were going out (our other favorite choices for those nights were pot pies or TV Dinners, but I personally never liked those as much because they had vegetables and things in them that I didn't like). I was delighted in college when the cafeteria installed huge cereal dispensers that stayed available to us at every meal, not just breakfast! Yay!

What cereals do you like? What is your favorite breakfast? What breakfast foods remind you of your childhood?

As I finish up my bran flakes with dried blueberries on top, I salute all of us cereal-lovers everywhere!

Friendships

I've been thinking about philosophizing about friendships and stuff, but frankly, I'm pooped out. Working full time again, going to PT a few times a week, and still dealing with sinus issues (could I be allergic to my new branch?) has taken its toll. So, instead of some deep treatise, you get a few pics and captions.
I was able to take some pics of my staff at Linden before leaving there.
(Here's Jon)
They were . . . tolerant. LOL

William making his "sweet" face.





DJ and Keith - DJ doesn't actually work there, but she might as well!




Carol!








Erica!






Mike!







Tanya!








Vera!






Carmen, one of my best buddies from the Linden Community. She gave me so much good advice over the years I was there!





These next pics are from the wedding shower my mom, sister and I had for our new sister, Suzie. Don't we all look like we're having fun?
That's because we were! Suzie is a wonderful woman, and I'm very happy for both her and my brother. The wedding is coming up on July 25, so check back for more pics next week!



Lovely flowers in an old hand-painted china watering can. Is my mother amazing, or what?







Also last weekend, I got to see some old friends! I met Josie and Mackenzie about . . . hmm . . . 25 years ago? Kenz was about 5, and Josie and Kenz's dad were 2 of the youth counselors at the church where I was working. We hit it off instantly, and , although we've gone quite a while without really keeping in touch, I feel that she is still a dear friend. An added treat - Mackenzie has turned into a fabulous woman, and I honestly feel like we are instant friends again, just like I was with her mom at that age! Weird fact - she is now older than I was when I met her. LOL



I just want to say that I feel wonderfully blessed to have so many friends. Thank you all for the birthday wishes, and thanks for hanging in there with me through all the recovery crap!

Happy Father's Day

Well, it's Father's Day, and I want to pay tribute to some fabulous men I know.

My husband is a wonderful father. He has spent a lot of time and effort building a strong relationship with our son, and I think it has paid off in a great, self-secure young man. I love how they talk with one another (even when it's about stuff that is so boring to me that my eyes roll back into my head), and I really love how they can both tease each other, and take the teasing.

I have to admit that there have been times when I've been a little jealous about their "boy club" (I will probably never think fart jokes are funny), but I've always known that the friendship they have would be important in helping Simon become a strong man. I am very thankful for my husband's fathering gifts. I love you, Mike.


My grandfather, whom I called Pop-pop, was a light in my life. He's been gone for many years now (20?), but I still think of him all the time. I remember singing with him, listening to him play the organ, and knowing that he loved to hear us sing for him. I remember his courage in facing the pain he had every day. He and Grandma gave us all a great model for how to love your family. I will always love you, Pop-pop, and I look forward to being with you in Heaven someday.

Now, for my dear dad. I made a list for my mom, and I'm going to make a list for Dad, too. Here are some of the many things I have learned from my dad:

• always welcome new people with a smile, a handshake, and if they're entering your house, ask them what they'd like to drink
  
• it is good to be able to laugh at yourself, and also to be able to make others laugh
• telling jokes is an art, learn it and use it
• the joy of playing games is in the play, not the outcome
• sing out, Louise!
• early mornings and sunrises are worth it
• take time to watch sunsets, too
• if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all . . . except for those few times when you're "simply acknowledging someone's differences" LOL
• if you look like Santa, milk it (he carries candy canes in his pockets all season, I think)
• family time is really important
  
• never miss the opportunity to tell people you love that you love them
• hugs rock
• it's ok to cry, even when you're happy (maybe I learned this from Pop-pop?)
  
• a good back scratch is always appreciated
• cold hands on a warm back can be really nice . . . I actually used to love it when I was a kid and Dad's car heater wasn't working, and he'd come home from work and put his FREEZING cold hands on my warm back

I love you, Dad.

I want to say a few words of appreciation in honor of my father-in-law, too. Jim has always made me feel welcome, a part of the family since the first time I visited. He's like a second father to me, and I love him dearly. I love his sense of humor, and I love the way he gets us all sharing around the kitchen table (tell us about the very best breakfast you've ever had . . .).
I love you, Jim.

Things my mother has taught me

After reading this blog, I decided that trying to list stuff Mom has taught me is a pretty good idea for Mother's Day. Happy Mom's Day, MOM!!!!

• Always be friendly and kind to people (even the icky boys at school).
• Always wear clean underwear.
• Don't chew with your mouth open. (some of these are, of course, from Mom and Dad)
• It is possible to go to school, work full time and have 3 kids (but who the heck would want to do that?)
• Volunteer when you can (but hide sometimes so you don't have to risk not saying "no" when you're asked)
• Don't be afraid to say what you think.
• Send thank-you notes (I didn't learn this one so well, sorry)
• Sometimes staying up late to talk around the kitchen table really will solve all your problems.
• Appreciate nature all around you, and take pictures!
• It's always a good time to try a new craft!
• If you wrap your own presents early enough in December, you'll be surprised on Christmas morning, even if you bought them for yourself. :)
• Maintain a good sense of humor - you'll stay married longer. (Love you, Dad!)
  
• Be generous with your stuff (including money).
  
• Never stop playing, even if you lose all the time.
• Dinner doesn't have to be fancy food to serve it on the fancy china.
• Use the good silver/china/tablecloths - it's worth it now.
• Being smart is cool, and sexy.

So much of who I am is because of my parents. I love them both dearly, and I'm very blessed to have them both around. I wish we weren't 3 hours away from one another! I'll have to start a list to have ready for Father's Day now, huh?

I'm also very blessed to have 2 great in-laws! Again, sorry that they're 3 hours away (in the opposite direction from my parents), but it's still great to have them around.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom and Jennie!

Baby Heffalump!

I finally have some pics of the baby elephant at the Columbus Zoo that we saw a week ago! Mom and Dad were with us, but then they went South to visit the Smokey Mountains for a week, and weren't able to send me the pics before today.

He doesn't have a name yet. They've run a contest, and over 9000 entries were submitted! One fact I remember is that he is gaining around 4 pounds a day, and when we saw him he weight 360+ pounds. Amazing!

These lovely pics were taken by my mom, of course. (Happy now, Suzie? I imagine you already saw the pictures at Mom's house, though)


Here is his official video, from the first time he was brought into public view. Isn't he adorable?

Good News!

My Dr. appointment went very well this morning. The bone is healed sufficiently to allow me to put weight on the leg again, but the knee is still rather wobbly, so I have to have an immobilizer or a brace to stand and walk. I have an immobilizer already, but they also fitted me today for a custom brace that will be delivered in a week or two. I even got to pick my color! Guess what I chose!

My folks stopped in town yesterday and today to visit, so we all went out to lunch after my appointment, and then went to the zoo! We got there just in time to see the Baby Elephant (still unnamed). He is so cute! I was hoping we'd also see baby cheetahs, but I don't think they're in a public display, although we didnt' ask about them, so we might have just missed them. Truth be told, we lost energy quickly. Apparently it's much more challenging to navigate the zoo while pushing someone (me) in a wheel chair. We did get a good parking spot, though! It was great fun, but we're all totally wiped out now.

3 beautiful things

1. Mom and Dad sent an edible arrangement for us - yum! Samwise loved this piece of cantaloupe - the only bit he got to before he was unceremoniously pushed away. We did let him continue with that piece, though, on the floor. We're suckers that way.

2. Being able to sleep on a bed again, even if I need a little more pain med to handle it. The cats join me, too, sleeping with me. It's the warmest my feet have been in a month.


3. This lovely, artful video in my email from Mom:

Xmas Memories, vol 2

"Second Christmas" was at my parents' house. Again, there were great presents. I was especially excited to see my mom open the shawl I knit for her (she loves it, of course!)





To block it, I had to stretch it out on our kingsize bed (to give you some perspective), but it's so soft and light it feels like a cloud (without the damp cold).






We spent several days there since it's been months since we've been up there. We did puzzles, played games (together, and individually on their computers), and did some traditional Xmas things.





We spent time with my brother and his GF.







We made some traditional Swedish dishes (from my paternal grandfather's mother's tradition) of Sylta and Barley(made using the broth from Sylta and adding enough barley to choke a horse, then mixing in ground liver - not my kind of dish, but DH lurves it big time) DH has some good bonding time with my 'rental units by making this with them every few years.


and I made Swedish Limpa Rye Bread to go with it. I didn't use the linked recipe, but instead used one from an old cookbook Mom has from the Swedish church in town. This is about the only rye bread I enjoy. It's got a lovely sweetness from the molasses, and a bit of light tang and bouquet from the orange zest.







I also was able to get together with some old HS chums (thanks for having us all over, ma cher femme!)






And I got DH to pose with his new convertable glove/mittens. Isn't he cute? He lurves these, too, and gave them a test-run today for the annual Christmas Bird Count in the Hocking Hills.

Great Long Weekend!

I drove up to Youngstown (Boardman, really) on Wednesday, to my parents' house. Early Thursday morning, Mom and I got on a bus, were joined by my second Cousin, whom I call Aunt Nancy and her daughter, Kim, and went to NYC.
(picture shows Nancy, Mom and Kim)


It was a long trip, and there seemed to be several delays, the most dramatic of which was when the other bus blew a head gasket (whatever that is) and started billowing nasty smoke, just before we reached the Lincoln Tunnel. We were late to dinner at Pellegrino's in Little Italy.


The folks on the other bus missed dinner (they packed it up and loaded it onto our bus for them for later), and we were late to the show (Chicago, which was great, but missing my favorite song sucked). But, I haven't laughed so much in a long time. Aunt Nancy and Kim and Mom are EXCELLENT travel companions!





The main reason we went to NYC was for Friday morning . . . to see and ride the restored carousel that was the carousel of our youth. Idora Park was a smallish amusement park, originally constructed to entice people of 1899 to the end of the streetcar line in Youngstown. When I was a kid, we used to hold backyard fund-raising fairs to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy and get free tickets to get in to the park.


The carousel has now been restored (took her 22 years), and is in a warehouse in the DUMBO district of NYC. It is now being called Jane's Carousel, for Jane Walentas, who is the artist who did the restoration.
(This is Mom with Jane)




We got to see it, ride it numerous times, and I took over 100 pictures.

Each horse has a medallion like this one that tells what row it is in and what model it is. Very cool!

Jane's resoration work is nothing short of miraculous. The precious-metal leaf used, the beautiful color, it is all amazing. It was cool, too, to see these people (mostly elderly) so thrilled to see this bit of their childhood.

I loaded more pictures to my Facebook Account, if you want to see them. Let me know if that works, or if not, I'll load them into Flickr.

My Dad is GREAT!

My Dad got his test results from the Oncologist today - he's been in treatment for Prostate Cancer for the last 7 months or so. His tumor is shrinking a LOT, and he's doing great! In fact, he's doing so well they don't even need to SEE him for another 6 months! Yay!

Knitting Christmas

My mom with her vest. Lovely alpaca from my good friend, Nancy, at Peru Hollow Farms near St. Louis, MO.

My brother's hat.

My assistant manager's cap.

My brother-in-law with his hat on (with my sister).

My son and quasi-cousins, Andrew and Jay.

Yea, yea, {Insert here the usual apologies for neglecting my blogosphere public}, but I'm here now! Check back soon for some rants and more pictures. LOL

Class Reunion

I am old, but I don't have to act it! I decided to add some of that purple dye to my hair for our 25th HS class reunion last weekend. Sorry it's taken me so long to post the pics!

I also had it all put up, and it was fun.

Between the fancy do, the purple, and the cool Batik blouse from Marketplace India (my favorite catalog!) , I looked pretty good!

The night after the reunion, Laura had our old gang over for a bit. It was nice to get together. These women have been my friends for a long, long time!

I did finally make a button out of Sculpey , sew it on the belt pouch and mail it up to Santa. I think he'll like it - I just hope the postal service gets it there quickly! SOME of us don't have elves to do our every bidding!

Thanksgiing

I finished and gifted the Santa Vest to my Dad. He loves it! It fits perfectly, and it looks great on him. He has requested a matching belt pouch for carrying mini candy canes for when he's visiting with children at the hospital, etc.

Here is the requested pouch, knit and felted and ready for a button. I should have it in the mail to him by Wednesday, if all goes well. I think I'll make a button with polymer clay - something that will look like a mint or something, don't you think?

I've also gotten lots of good "notes" and tips on what makes a good knit hat from "the boys". Dad, my brother, and my brother-in-law all coached me one morning while my brother made breakkies (wearing the hat I made for him last year). I even have a "perfect" hat, according to my brother, to use as a guide. I've now purchased appropriate yarn for his hat (he is the pickiest one because he needs things that are historically accurate for the 1840's), and will start his hat soon. I've gotten him some great reddish stuff that I'll knit to spec.s in a very tight gauge. Also, I've been overestimating his head size, so with this sample hat I'm more likely to get that correct.

In the meantime, I'm doing some mindless knitting. I've started a "more perfect" hat for my b-i-l. He's a rabid Buckeye Fan, hence the red and gray. I had already purchases this gray - baby alpaca grande - and have the red leftover from Santa clothes. My change is that I'm using smaller needles (9 instead of 10.5) so it'll be a denser gauge, and I'll knit it longer so he can roll it up more and be able to cover his ears with several layers if needed.

I've also decided to knit up some washcloths for quickie gifts for folks like my boss and hostesses of holiday parties, etc. They're easy, quick, and turn out lovely. I have a friend who makes soap that I might hit up for some bars to add to the gifts.

The long weekend at Mom and Dad's was really wonderful (despite having horrible intestinal problems as a result of my long-term dosing of heavy antibiotics), and despite hubby having a terrible toothache that has turned out to be a terrible infection requiring a root canal. Poor thing! Since we've got home, I've made 8 batches of jello and 2 kinds of soup, just to get him some nourishment until he can be worked on.

I'll be reporting on my fancy hair and my 25th HS reunion and meet-up with old friends in a subsequent post. I can only upload 5 pics a day, and I've already reached my quota.

I spent a great hour this evening at Starbucks. I used a gift card I happened to have, so it seemed like free, and it was enjoyable. I get a sick satisfaction out of ordering my coffee in the wrong order. Tonight I said "I want one of those peppermint mochas, but can you make it decaff? Oh, and I'd like it to be lowfat. I'll take a super large." LOL The Barristas had to repeat it in the correct order several times hoping, I'm sure, to teach the uninitiated what it should rightly be called. Blah to that! I will continue to call it Extra Large! I will continue to say it in whatever damn order I please! So there! Mike says I'm evil. (mwuahahaha).

Santa Vest

No fair showing this to Dad before he opens his gift, Mom!

If you can see, there is a cable running up the front. The yarn is Harrisville Heathered Bulky. I don't really see any heathering . . . but there were a lot of little bits of twig and grass in the yarn - some of it really pokey! It knits up quickly, though, on size 13 needles (thanks for letting me borrow, Gerald!)

I just hope it fits my dad!