Happy Friday Everyone. Welcome to Friday Fragments where I can unload all the little pieces in my mind that cannot fill an entire post. The host of Friday Fragments is the super talented Mrs.4444 and you can find her and join in the fun here:www.halfpastkissintime.com
Because I am over 40; I also participate in the beautiful Java's Follow Friday. You can join in here:http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
Okay so this past week my computer crashed 3 times. I knock on something hope it is okay for a couple of weeks until I can get a new one. I still am working on locating all of my photo's.
I was a foster Mom to a little girl 11 years ago. We had her from the time she was 7 weeks until she was 7 1/2. At that time she went back to her Mother briefly then to her father in Minnesota (far from here). We were all devastated and missed her terribly. I found her or she found me on Facebook this week. (Enter 11 years of tears here). I am happy and cannot wait to see her.
Also this past week I found out I have to give up my gall bladder. The doc tells me they will just make a little hole and suck it out. Yeah right; I'm always the 1 in a 1000, but I am going to think positive here and hope for the best.
We will be Trick or Treating with all 11 grand kids on Sunday. I cannot wait to share all the photo's with you. I hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween.
Then comes November!
My contest is still running: for every 10 new followers I will randomly pick a winner from all followers. Good Luck to all and if you are the 2 winners from last week I will get your prizes out to you this week. Congrats.
My little dog Louie has a lump or a something on his neck; vet appointment next Wednesday, I hope it is nothing serious.
I must go now and take Sophie (our homeless woman who is no longer homeless) to the doctors and hopefully have some paper work filled out so we will be able to place her in a nice new home.
Have a great weekend and God Bless!
Favorite quote this day: Forgiving someone takes their power over you back. It is also entertaining to watch them continue to attempt to control you with what is no longer theirs.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bully Free Zone
*This post comes with a warning: It may or may not be P.C. It is meant to be an honest conversation; if you fear honesty, please do not read!
The Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) came into my life shortly after my brother was murdered. They counseled us and held our hands through every step of the justice system. I do not know what I would have done without them.
When NOVA invited me to sit on their board of directors; I was deeply humbled. More than anything I wanted to help others who had been faced with the horror my family faced. I also wanted to be an example to my kids; to show them bad things happen to good people and kindness begets kindness.
NOVA not only supports and empowers victims of all crimes they also educate. The education department holds seminars for police officers and hospital staff on empathy for victims of crime. They also visit every school in Bucks County, Pa. equipped with programs to counsel students in need, teach anger resolution skills, of course the famous good touch bad touch and my personal favorite The Bully Free School Zone.
Bullying is not new. It has been around since the beginning of time. Cyber bullying is however new and the jury is still out on whether bullying of any kind is just a right of passage while growing up.
Personally I think it is cruel and unjust and should never be tolerated. I am a Pisces after all which makes me a dreamer. I just want everyone to play nice.
Children MUST be taught to be kind. The best way to teach kids to be kind is by example. My kids will be the the first to tell you that I would give my last dollar to a stranger in need.
This brings me to my confession. I have been the victim of bullies my entire life. It started in kindergarten. The bullies I encountered only taught me who I did not want to be. That was pretty heavy for a 6yr. old but it is the truth. Was I afraid to go to school at times? Absolutely, I was terrified.
As I got older I was steadfast in my convictions. I would never be mean to anyone; ever.
When I turned 13 the worst kind of bully entered my life. I was sexually assaulted by a trusted adult complete with threats of terror if I told anyone. I told.
I grew up and was bullied in my career by supervisors. This was prior to sexual harassment in the work place being invented, Yes I am that old,so to me they were just big bullies.
I also chose bullies for romantic partners. The scary thing was I actually believed I could help them; change them. What an idiot I was.
When 7 bullies chose to beat my brother to death with bats and hammers my kindness soul was cracked. For the first time in my life I felt gut wrenching, heart burning anger and hatred. My own thoughts scared me to death.
Through the grace of God, with the help of NOVA and 7 years of intense therapy, I slowly began emptying the bag I had stuffed with every hurt feeling, bad touch or evil word I ever heard. It was one heavy bag.
My conversation now turns to adult bullies. Little bullies unchecked grow up to be adult bullies. They come in all shapes, sizes, sexes, colors and nationalities. Can you recognize an adult bully? If one was harassing you would you be too ashamed, embarrassed or scared to tell someone?
I have had an adult bully for a very long time! I told everyone right away. I of course got the feeling no one believed me and was actually told that this person was practically a saint. I was deeply hurt. I let it go. Every now and again it would happen again. I started to stuff again but not for long. The difference now is I am a big girl and I have been armed with Mad Skills to out bullies. Actually all it took was putting my phone on speaker and having the non-believers hear the vile venom spewed my way. I will not tolerate that behavior from anyone ever again! (and just in case you were wondering I have no clue what I did or supposedly did to this person to cause the behavior).
So can you recognize an adult bully? They can be very crafty. They have a Jekyll & Hyde nature-they are vile and vindictive in private, but innocent and charming in front of witnesses. No one can (or wants to) believe this individual has a vindictive nature-only the current target of the serial bully sees both sides.
Adult bullies use excessive charm and are always plausible and convincing with family, peers, superiors and others. The charm is used to cover up a deep lack of empathy.
These bullies will always outsmart most people in verbal interaction, especially in times of conflict.
They can be so kind, helpful and loving....verbally...but there can be a lack of physical love (hugging, snuggling, cuddling of children or spouse) due to severe emotional damage suffered early in life.
I feel deeply sorry for my personal bully. She is deeply unhappy and has never felt quite "good enough". I include her and her family in my prayers everyday. She however; must never take my forgiveness and kindness for granted. I will not be her victim again; ever!
*If you are being bullied by an adult-tell someone. Tell everyone, until someone listens. Of course today's technology can be quite useful in catching these bullies in the act!
My favorite quote this week: Four things that can never be recovered: the stone after it has been thrown, the word after it has been spoken, the occasion after it has been missed and the time after it has gone.
If you have time; you can scroll way down until you see the pretty gazebo. It is a link to NOVA and all kinds of useful information for victims and/or their friends or family. Peace!
The Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) came into my life shortly after my brother was murdered. They counseled us and held our hands through every step of the justice system. I do not know what I would have done without them.
When NOVA invited me to sit on their board of directors; I was deeply humbled. More than anything I wanted to help others who had been faced with the horror my family faced. I also wanted to be an example to my kids; to show them bad things happen to good people and kindness begets kindness.
NOVA not only supports and empowers victims of all crimes they also educate. The education department holds seminars for police officers and hospital staff on empathy for victims of crime. They also visit every school in Bucks County, Pa. equipped with programs to counsel students in need, teach anger resolution skills, of course the famous good touch bad touch and my personal favorite The Bully Free School Zone.
Bullying is not new. It has been around since the beginning of time. Cyber bullying is however new and the jury is still out on whether bullying of any kind is just a right of passage while growing up.
Personally I think it is cruel and unjust and should never be tolerated. I am a Pisces after all which makes me a dreamer. I just want everyone to play nice.
Children MUST be taught to be kind. The best way to teach kids to be kind is by example. My kids will be the the first to tell you that I would give my last dollar to a stranger in need.
This brings me to my confession. I have been the victim of bullies my entire life. It started in kindergarten. The bullies I encountered only taught me who I did not want to be. That was pretty heavy for a 6yr. old but it is the truth. Was I afraid to go to school at times? Absolutely, I was terrified.
As I got older I was steadfast in my convictions. I would never be mean to anyone; ever.
When I turned 13 the worst kind of bully entered my life. I was sexually assaulted by a trusted adult complete with threats of terror if I told anyone. I told.
I grew up and was bullied in my career by supervisors. This was prior to sexual harassment in the work place being invented, Yes I am that old,so to me they were just big bullies.
I also chose bullies for romantic partners. The scary thing was I actually believed I could help them; change them. What an idiot I was.
When 7 bullies chose to beat my brother to death with bats and hammers my kindness soul was cracked. For the first time in my life I felt gut wrenching, heart burning anger and hatred. My own thoughts scared me to death.
Through the grace of God, with the help of NOVA and 7 years of intense therapy, I slowly began emptying the bag I had stuffed with every hurt feeling, bad touch or evil word I ever heard. It was one heavy bag.
My conversation now turns to adult bullies. Little bullies unchecked grow up to be adult bullies. They come in all shapes, sizes, sexes, colors and nationalities. Can you recognize an adult bully? If one was harassing you would you be too ashamed, embarrassed or scared to tell someone?
I have had an adult bully for a very long time! I told everyone right away. I of course got the feeling no one believed me and was actually told that this person was practically a saint. I was deeply hurt. I let it go. Every now and again it would happen again. I started to stuff again but not for long. The difference now is I am a big girl and I have been armed with Mad Skills to out bullies. Actually all it took was putting my phone on speaker and having the non-believers hear the vile venom spewed my way. I will not tolerate that behavior from anyone ever again! (and just in case you were wondering I have no clue what I did or supposedly did to this person to cause the behavior).
So can you recognize an adult bully? They can be very crafty. They have a Jekyll & Hyde nature-they are vile and vindictive in private, but innocent and charming in front of witnesses. No one can (or wants to) believe this individual has a vindictive nature-only the current target of the serial bully sees both sides.
Adult bullies use excessive charm and are always plausible and convincing with family, peers, superiors and others. The charm is used to cover up a deep lack of empathy.
These bullies will always outsmart most people in verbal interaction, especially in times of conflict.
They can be so kind, helpful and loving....verbally...but there can be a lack of physical love (hugging, snuggling, cuddling of children or spouse) due to severe emotional damage suffered early in life.
I feel deeply sorry for my personal bully. She is deeply unhappy and has never felt quite "good enough". I include her and her family in my prayers everyday. She however; must never take my forgiveness and kindness for granted. I will not be her victim again; ever!
*If you are being bullied by an adult-tell someone. Tell everyone, until someone listens. Of course today's technology can be quite useful in catching these bullies in the act!
My favorite quote this week: Four things that can never be recovered: the stone after it has been thrown, the word after it has been spoken, the occasion after it has been missed and the time after it has gone.
If you have time; you can scroll way down until you see the pretty gazebo. It is a link to NOVA and all kinds of useful information for victims and/or their friends or family. Peace!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday Fragments....Finally!!
I have not had a good week! My newest computer fried and I thought once again I had lost everything. (My book revisions and my blog and of course all those photo's that need to be sent to snapfish). My husband unhooked everything and left the house with the computer. I pouted for awhile and than started to feel lazy so I took some laundry to the basement. The floor was wet; uggh the water was up to my ankles. I was upset. I moved just about everything down there because we are redoing a few rooms in the house. Some very sentimental items have been ruined. We never have water in our basement and cannot figure out why it keeps happening. We are calling a plumber on Monday. Any way have I ever told you all how much I love my husband. That man is a miracle to me. He has been dealt with the worst blows a parent should ever have to deal with and he finds happiness in the tiniest little things. I cannot help but smile when he looks at me. He makes everything okay. And on those days when he cannot find an itty bit of happiness I share mine with him. We are very sappy; but seriously love one another :)
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LETS GO PHILLIE'S On the menu for tomorrow nights game: junk food and lots of it. Wings, beans, salads, nacho's and so much more!!
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And I have chosen Mrs. 4444 as one of the winners in my goal to 300 followers contest. I felt like she read my posts and I appreciate her time.
I have also chosen VH Sehy Photography. (and to answer her question..Dave was Joan's uncle. They were only 2 years apart and were extremely close. Joan has a keen psychic ability as do I and it scares both of us. You can find her and her beautiful photo's here: vmsehyphotography.blogspot.com
I have also chosen Coby because she makes me smile; you can find a reason to smile and some joy here:
sugarbaby-coby.blogspot.com
And yes I have one more winner... and don't forget I will choose a winner for every 10 new followers. The winners will be randomly chosen from all followers and all comments. All you have to do is nothing; unless you want to leave me a comment :)
The one more winner is: Robin and she will make you laugh; check her out here: yourdailydose-robin.blogspot.com
So all of you please send me your address to doreenb8@verizon.net and I will send you something and thank you all for following and leaving meaningful comments; you have no idea how much you mean to me!!
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I am also hooking up with the very lovely Java at never growing old. This blog is very over 40 friendly. You can find many friends here at the Friday Follow: nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
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Our travel plans to a secret location have been made; I am bursting with excitement; The launch party is close to being finalized and I cannot wait to share all the details with you :) :) :)
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My favorite quote's this week :
Forgiving someone takes their power over you back. It's also entertaining to watch them continue to attempt to control you with what is no longer theirs.
And: Violence is never the answer unless the question is "what is never the answer" Cleveland
This weekend I will be having a movie date with my husband and watching some Phillie's (please let them win) and some Eagles and some Flyers's and I really hope I find some time to take out some winter clothes...it is freezing here in Philly!
Have a positive weekend!!
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LETS GO PHILLIE'S On the menu for tomorrow nights game: junk food and lots of it. Wings, beans, salads, nacho's and so much more!!
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Did I mention my computer has been brought back from the dark screen? Only $65.00. But I need to re-load my word program and the stupid disc drawer will not open. We called the person who fixed it and she said she noticed it. DUH! Why did you not tell us? Now we have to unhook and take it back and WTH!!
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Okay enough suspense...but a little business first...FRIDAY FRAGMENTS is the brainchild of a very kind person; Mrs. 4444. You can find her and the link for FRIDAY FRAGMENTS here:www.halfpastkissintime.com And I have chosen Mrs. 4444 as one of the winners in my goal to 300 followers contest. I felt like she read my posts and I appreciate her time.
I have also chosen VH Sehy Photography. (and to answer her question..Dave was Joan's uncle. They were only 2 years apart and were extremely close. Joan has a keen psychic ability as do I and it scares both of us. You can find her and her beautiful photo's here: vmsehyphotography.blogspot.com
I have also chosen Coby because she makes me smile; you can find a reason to smile and some joy here:
sugarbaby-coby.blogspot.com
And yes I have one more winner... and don't forget I will choose a winner for every 10 new followers. The winners will be randomly chosen from all followers and all comments. All you have to do is nothing; unless you want to leave me a comment :)
The one more winner is: Robin and she will make you laugh; check her out here: yourdailydose-robin.blogspot.com
So all of you please send me your address to doreenb8@verizon.net and I will send you something and thank you all for following and leaving meaningful comments; you have no idea how much you mean to me!!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I am also hooking up with the very lovely Java at never growing old. This blog is very over 40 friendly. You can find many friends here at the Friday Follow: nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
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Our travel plans to a secret location have been made; I am bursting with excitement; The launch party is close to being finalized and I cannot wait to share all the details with you :) :) :)
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
My favorite quote's this week :
Forgiving someone takes their power over you back. It's also entertaining to watch them continue to attempt to control you with what is no longer theirs.
And: Violence is never the answer unless the question is "what is never the answer" Cleveland
This weekend I will be having a movie date with my husband and watching some Phillie's (please let them win) and some Eagles and some Flyers's and I really hope I find some time to take out some winter clothes...it is freezing here in Philly!
Have a positive weekend!!
Monday, October 11, 2010
More from Bristol Stomp...
To celebrate my blog approaching 300 followers I am giving a prize for every 10 new followers; The winners this week will be chosen from the comments on this post and from my last 2 posts. I am looking for the most meaningful comments...Good Luck and Thank You!!
I will announce the winner's on Friday!!
I will announce the winner's on Friday!!
From Bristol Stomp:
I had plenty of time alone at night to think. I thought about that night often. I had always thought Dave had been coming west on Wilson Avenue. Or was he was driving east? Jerry Reeves car must have been following him down Route 13, Greene Lane and then onto Wilson Avenue. I just don't know. I believe Dave pulled over because Jerry was flashing his lights or beeping. David most likely assumed it was someone he knew. Perhaps he thought it was one of my kids or my sister or any one of his many friends. As Jerry walked up to the car and Dave rolled the window down, I believe Jerry punched David as the others in his car surrounded David's car. Joey and Anthony got out of the car. There was a fight that did not last long. Dave, Joey and Anthony were stunned. As they tried to pull away they were surrounded. I believe Dave was struck in the back of the head with something as soon as he got out of the car. He stumbled to the driveway being hit with something the whole way. When he was down I do believe Steve was hitting David with something, Mike Good was stomping on his head and Jerry was beating him with the level. When Galione finished beating on Anthony he came over and knelt over Dave and pounded that hammer into Dave’s head. This is what I think. Will I ever know the entire truth? I hope so. Will the others be arrested ever? I’m not going to give up, ever! There is no statute of limitation on murder.
Something else I think is instead of blaming my family, the Galione’s, Reeves and the other murderer’s family and friends should have started a fund for Michael and Birna. Birna lost her husband, her car and was unable to work in the United States until her green card situation was settled. We did not even have a car seat for Michael because someone smashed it to pieces. There was no reason to treat any of us the way we were treated. Where was your compassion, your Christianity? I do not know how you live with yourselves or sleep at night. Jimmy and Jerry went to jail because they murdered David. That was their choice. We did not put them there. That choice hurt a lot of people and still does, like it happened yesterday.
You should have the moral conviction to leave any time you see us at a party, in a store or at a bar. That would just be the right thing to do. How dare you make any comment to Birna or any of us! I pray every day for the ability to forgive you for your behavior. I pray that you will be struck by some flash of light that says, what where we thinking. Why did we hurt that family more than they where already hurting so badly?
What I mostly think is like so many other faces in a crowd I’m just a sister that lost a brother tragically. It is not a new story unfortunately violence does strike someone minute of everyday.
I thought a lot about Anthony and Joey and Dominic. Anthony and Joey were the last people on earth to hear David. They were the last two to see him as he was when he was alive, a big strong gentle giant. I wondered what they were thinking. Did they torture themselves like I did going over and over that night in their minds? Did David ever come to them in their dreams?
I also thought about my friends. I was so busy with the babies and my blossoming social life I never saw or heard from any of them. I really missed Tina. I wondered if I had done something wrong. Was she sick of my sadness and depression? Maybe she had stuff going on in her life and she needed me but felt I couldn’t be there. That made me sad. Or does life take people in different directions. Of course there were the friends that turned out to be not worth my time. The ones that said get over it already and move on. I was making some new friends at NOVA but I really did miss some of the old ones.
I thought about the psychic that night at Michael’s. He clearly saw something violent was going to happen. He told Joan to crawl under the car to be safe. Why didn’t Dave crawl under the car? Why did the psychic see Joan and not Dave in the violence?
Statistics show Road Rage is becoming an increasing problem in our nation. If you find yourself in a harassing situation by another driver, do not react! Avoid making any eye contact, this could be a trigger for confrontation. Do not be temped to accelerate, break or swerve suddenly. This may also be seen as confrontational and increases your chance of losing control of your vehicle. If a driver continues to hassle you or you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or busy place and get help.
I thought about people like Natalie Holloway’s family. They have no idea what happened to their daughter. They have no idea where she is. We may not have all the pieces, but we do know David is dead. We know where his ashes are. These poor parents had no clue. I cried and prayed for them. I saw their fight for justice was going to be agonizing. I wanted to hug them. I wanted to go to Aruba and help them find their baby.
I tried to stop thinking about all of this stuff. I needed to move on and put some kind of life together for myself. I knew without a doubt I wanted to help victims. That would always be a part of my life. I devoted a lot of time to NOVA. I hoped God had put me on the right path.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday Fragments...
I seriously cannot believe it is Friday again..but then again I am quite fragmented so it must be time for Friday Fragments. The lovely host for FF can be found here:www.halfpastkissintime.com
It is a way to dump out all the little pieces in your mind that actually are not enough for a complete post..check it out!
When you are finished there I'm sure if you are 40 or over you would just love Java and her Friday Follow. You can find her here:nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
So How about those Phillie's!! I am so excited and cannot wait to get home from work tonight to watch the game!!
I have to work on "branding" myself as an author this week. Doesn't that sound awful; like it is going to burn...anyway that is what I will be doing all week...
We had grand kids; Dominic (8) and his sister Adriana (1) last weekend while their older sister participated in a softball showcase. She is 15 and is already playing for college scouts? Whatever; I guess..
We talk the little ones to Linvilla Orchard's. They have a petting zoo and a farmer's market, an awesome playground and lots of pumpkins!
Dominic and Pop-Pop did guy things like clean the motorcycle and the car; cut the grass, build fires (in the pit). Adriana and I just played and snuggled. She is now 17 month's and I cannot believe how well she is talking, actually 3 & 4 words together..I was amazed!
I cannot believe how well Dominic is doing. If you did not know; back in July at summer camp Dom had a metal pole go clear through his leg, down by his ankle. We thought he would lose his foot. Miraculously the pole went in between his major artery and his bone. All they had to repair was some muscle and ligaments. He will need plastic surgery at some point but can you believe he climbed a tree. It truly is a miracle!
I am still celebrating my quest to 300 followers. For every 10 new follower's I am picking a winner. I changed things up a bit last week and instead of picking randomly I am going to pick my favorite commenter from last Friday, this Friday and a serious post I will do on Monday. Hopefully I will need to pick several.
I am really missing my brother this week (the subject of my book). I don't know why, maybe the season change. I also miss my 2 brother's that are still here. Life really does get in the way sometimes. I am going to try to see both of them next week.
My favorite quote of the week:
This too shall pass. Change is the only constant. In order to take a breath, you must release a breath.
Have a positive and powerful week!
It is a way to dump out all the little pieces in your mind that actually are not enough for a complete post..check it out!
When you are finished there I'm sure if you are 40 or over you would just love Java and her Friday Follow. You can find her here:nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
So How about those Phillie's!! I am so excited and cannot wait to get home from work tonight to watch the game!!
I have to work on "branding" myself as an author this week. Doesn't that sound awful; like it is going to burn...anyway that is what I will be doing all week...
We had grand kids; Dominic (8) and his sister Adriana (1) last weekend while their older sister participated in a softball showcase. She is 15 and is already playing for college scouts? Whatever; I guess..
We talk the little ones to Linvilla Orchard's. They have a petting zoo and a farmer's market, an awesome playground and lots of pumpkins!
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| Feeding Rooster's |
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| All Boy! |
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| Talking to Momma |
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| She called it a kitty (she has a doberman) |
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| I had to save her from the ostrich..so scary! |
I am still celebrating my quest to 300 followers. For every 10 new follower's I am picking a winner. I changed things up a bit last week and instead of picking randomly I am going to pick my favorite commenter from last Friday, this Friday and a serious post I will do on Monday. Hopefully I will need to pick several.
I am really missing my brother this week (the subject of my book). I don't know why, maybe the season change. I also miss my 2 brother's that are still here. Life really does get in the way sometimes. I am going to try to see both of them next week.
My favorite quote of the week:
This too shall pass. Change is the only constant. In order to take a breath, you must release a breath.
Have a positive and powerful week!
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| The beautiful sunset I witnessed on 95 south after dropping Adriana and Dominic off at home |
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday Fragments:
It has been raining so hard today..all day..it does not usually rain for hours straight like this in Philadelphia..
I am so proud of our Philadelphia Phillie's; they have won the National League East Championship for the 4th year in a row..WOW..sorry but before the last 4 it was like 28 years..so we are painting our town Red once again and will probably be biting our fingernails and having cardiac problems..but we are excited!!
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I must thank Mrs. 4444 for hosting Friday Fragments and also suggesting we purchase our domain names. I went with Go Daddy; it was easy and $12.00. You can get some fantastic advice and meet some of the nicest blogger's if you visit our fantabulous host here:www.halfpastkissintime.com
After you are finished making some new friends there; please visit the beautiful Java who is the host for blogger's over 40 (if you fit that category) here:nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
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I have had a very busy week as usual and have really slacked on my writing and blogging. I have a lot of catching up to do. I am still having my celebration to reach 300 followers and I am going to change it up a bit this week. Instead of randomly choosing a winner from all followers; I am going to choose from the most meaningful comment between now and follower #260. Congrats to winner #4 Karen Mortensen from Mortensen Moment's, you can find this lovely woman and her beautiful photograph's here: tkdmoments.blogspot.com Thank you for following!
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These little sweeties are grand daughter's Avery Paige 4; Peyton Elizabeth 4 month's (today) and Morgan Layla; 7. For the heck of it I asked if anyone can tell me why these little ones go by both names I would send a prize to the first commenter with the right answer. Or I may pick 2 or 3 with the right answers. What can I say I love going to the post office with prizes! Good Luck, I cannot wait to see what you all come up with!
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This week we will be hosting our grand son Dominic who is 8 (the one the had the terrible freak accident a few post back...and his baby sister Adriana (17 months) Big sister Allyson (15) is playing a softball showcase out of town and Mom and Dad wanted to travel a little lighter this weekend. Hopefully this darn rain will stop and we can go pick pumpkins or something fun..
My sister -in-law Nancy is visiting this week from Florida; My husband has 6 older sisters..Nancy is the youngest of the girls..she is a lot of fun and I am excited to visit with her!
That is about all I have for now, Thank you for stopping by!
And remember;"be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle"
I am so proud of our Philadelphia Phillie's; they have won the National League East Championship for the 4th year in a row..WOW..sorry but before the last 4 it was like 28 years..so we are painting our town Red once again and will probably be biting our fingernails and having cardiac problems..but we are excited!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I must thank Mrs. 4444 for hosting Friday Fragments and also suggesting we purchase our domain names. I went with Go Daddy; it was easy and $12.00. You can get some fantastic advice and meet some of the nicest blogger's if you visit our fantabulous host here:www.halfpastkissintime.com
After you are finished making some new friends there; please visit the beautiful Java who is the host for blogger's over 40 (if you fit that category) here:nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
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I have had a very busy week as usual and have really slacked on my writing and blogging. I have a lot of catching up to do. I am still having my celebration to reach 300 followers and I am going to change it up a bit this week. Instead of randomly choosing a winner from all followers; I am going to choose from the most meaningful comment between now and follower #260. Congrats to winner #4 Karen Mortensen from Mortensen Moment's, you can find this lovely woman and her beautiful photograph's here: tkdmoments.blogspot.com Thank you for following!
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This week we will be hosting our grand son Dominic who is 8 (the one the had the terrible freak accident a few post back...and his baby sister Adriana (17 months) Big sister Allyson (15) is playing a softball showcase out of town and Mom and Dad wanted to travel a little lighter this weekend. Hopefully this darn rain will stop and we can go pick pumpkins or something fun..
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| Dominic |
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| Adriana and Mommy |
That is about all I have for now, Thank you for stopping by!
And remember;"be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle"
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
More from "Bristol Stomp"
I went into David’s room. We had to take turns. A machine breathed for him. Wires hanging and that awful beep, beep sound of monitors. I told him I loved him and that I would never leave him. He was covered in dry crusty blood. I wanted to wash him. The nurse said that was not a good idea right then. It was important for his brain to rest. He had pieces of glass stuck in his face and on his hands. I found that strange. Why had they not removed that glass from him? It must hurt. How did he get glass all over him? Was he in a car accident? A car accident most certainly made more sense. There had to be some confusion here.
I wanted my son. He was away, in Army boot camp. David was his best friend. My heart sank. I did not want to give him this news but I needed him. I called the Red Cross. The woman told me she would have to speak to David’s doctor. I thought, damn does she really think I would make something like this up?
I gave her the phone number for the hospital. It felt good to be thinking of something else, to be working on something. After speaking with the doctor the woman from the Red Cross told me they would indeed arrange to have Jimmy sent home. This is really bad, I thought. If they were sending Jimmy home from the Army, it is bad. I did not know what else to do. I was so tired. I thought of my job. It was still early but I thought I better call my boss. I worked in Advertising at the Bucks County Courier Times. The news paper, I thought, one of the reporters may know what happened. I would have my boss check with the news room to see if they knew what had happened. Then I remembered it was Saturday. I went back into the waiting room, sat down and closed my eyes. I wanted to go to sleep and wake up from this horrendous nightmare.
*************************************
The night before, I thought, seemed like ages ago. I had been out been out with my daughters, Joan and Heather. Joan had been going through a separation and Heather was just so busy with her son Kyle. I had just broken up with my boyfriend and was feeling really bummed. My girls and I never seemed to spend any time together unless it was with babies. So, we decided to go out, just the three of us.
As soon as we walked into Michael’s Café, the local singles, dancing, drinking establishment, off to the left sitting at a table was a psychic. Let’s do it, we decided. So before we even ordered our first drink we were sitting at a square table with a large bald man. I cannot remember his name. Heather went first. For her it was all good news. She would stay with her husband Matt, forever. Kyle, her baby who was born with special needs would do well. Joan went next. Here is where it got strange. It got very strange. He held her hand, tightly it appeared. He looked her in the eye and said to her, if something happens I want you to promise
The music was loud. The people were loud. I wondered why I decided to bring these young girls to this middle age meat market. We did not stay long. That crazy psychic just made us uncomfortable. We decided to call it a night. Heather and Joan did not even want to stop at the diner. That made me a little sad. Heather went home to Matt and Kyle and Joan went home with me. After what that psychic said I was glad she would be home with me. We were quiet during the ride from Bensalem to Fairless Hills. It was then it dawned on me. I knew that guy, that psychic. He had come to my house in Bristol, like fourteen years ago to do a party. I wished I could remember his name. Back then he told my friend Pat that she was going to have twins, when she was older. At that time Pat had two little boys who were in school. She laughed and said she was not going to have anymore. Well guess what? She did. They thought she was going to have twins but she had one baby boy and a tumor. I thought of what he had told me back then. He told me my son was going to leave me and I should let him go and he would come back. My son did leave me to go live with his father in Erie. It broke my heart but I let him go. He did come back. It took years but he did come back. He told me my Jill would only fall in love once and would be in love forever. He told me my kids would be fine. They would grow up and be happy. He told me I would not find my true love until later in life. I thought about my friend Terry and what he told her. Her boyfriend was cheating on her, and he was. I was thinking about how I had not seen Terry in a long time or Pat for that matter. It is so strange how you spend so much time with someone, you know everything about their lives and then a page turns and they are not there. I should try to reconnect with them. Catch up with Pat, Terry and Tina, I thought, as I turned onto Valmore Road. I will make a cup of tea and watch some television. I did not feel tired. Then I saw Birna backing out of the driveway.
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Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday Fragments from a very fragmented mind...
First and foremost I must thank the amazing Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin Time for hosting this weekly dumping ground for the fragmented thoughts clogging up our heads. You can find all of her wonderfulness and hopefully some amazing new friends here:www.halfpastkissintime.com
I would also like to thank the beautiful Java at Never Growing Old for hosting a Friday Follow for us older folks (40 and over). If you fit that category you should most certainly check her out here:nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
So; I planted a garden this year. It was my first time. So far I have had enough string beans for a meal and today I got this:
Okay..so I am not a good farmer now but just wait til next year!
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My newest little angel Peyton Elizabeth had her first sleepover at Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's last Saturday night. Her little bigger sister Avery Paige and her big sister Morgan Layla joined us also. The little angel slept from 12:15 till 8:15 am. Of course I was up until 4am just making sure she was breathing. I took these photo's at 3am:
**Just because; if anyone can tell
me in a comment why these 3 grand
daughter's go by 2 names I will send
you a prize! First correct answer wins;
or maybe I will choose more..never know..
Okay; so speaking of contests you all know I am having one right? It is actually not a contest It is just my goal to reach 300 followers so I guess it is just a giveaway because you do not have to do anything but be a follower and have left a comment. We have had 4 winners so far (only 2 have responded so hurry or I will pick 2 more)...I was so excited when I went to the post office today to mail the prizes to:
#1-Neasha- She is a warm, friendly and a beautiful woman inside and out. You can find her here:thecomforttable.webs.com #2- Beth-The first word that comes to mind when I think of Beth is amazing. I love her blog. She is always learning something new and is always sharing what she learns. Her blog is always up to date and I have no idea how she does all that she does. You can visit Beth here:www.bethszimmerman.com So congrats to both of you and I am truly blessed to have you as followers!
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That was it for warm and fuzzy the rest of my week was full of pee and some no pee..Sophie; our 83 year old homeless woman (I really should stop calling her that she has been here nearly 2 years) anyway she pees her pants. I finally got her to wear depends..it was a battle. So I still smell pee. I was walking and crawling around looking for the source. I came to a piece of driftwood my in-laws found on the beach on their honeymoon. That was like 65 years ago. Anyway; Lance and Louie (my, I love them so much adorable little spoiled doggies) have been using this driftwood as their own personal tree. Any suggestions on cleaning it?
Avery Paige fell asleep on the floor in my office; she had an accident..now my office smells like pee and smoke (3 weeks today and no cigarettes). I had an MRI done and they used some kind of nuclear dye; I guess so my insides would glow and the day after I ended up in the ER (yes again). I could not pee and it was weird and painful. Turns out one of the possible side effects of the nuclear cocktail is mal- functioning kidneys. Why am I always the 1 in 1000? After a lot of IV and several nasty drinks I am peeing every 5 minutes. (I may need 1 of Sophie's depends). I had a new patient at work this week. He has a foley catheter and while changing from the night bag to the day bag (very early in the morning) I forgot to pinch the tube. WTH!! 10 minutes into a 6 hour shift I had pee all over me. Did I seriously just write about all that pee?
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I may have a cold. (I really do but I am pretending I don't because I still have more weekend warrior stuff to do before summer is truly over). We are going to visit my son and his 2 little sweeties Julia (10) and lil Jimmy (7). Then on Sunday we are going to a Phillie's game. I love the Phillie's :)
Don't look back on yesterday with despair. Look at tomorrow with hope.
Have
a
positively
Blessed
Weekend
Everybody!
I would also like to thank the beautiful Java at Never Growing Old for hosting a Friday Follow for us older folks (40 and over). If you fit that category you should most certainly check her out here:nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
So; I planted a garden this year. It was my first time. So far I have had enough string beans for a meal and today I got this:
 |
| It made a little healthy snack.. |
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I have a marketing manager. Yes that's right! We are narrowing down details on my trip to meet my book production team. What I do not have yet is a publication date. This all has to be good though; right? Could I please (In a very sweet and kind way) have a date...please? I know these people check this stuff out so I have to be polite.**********************************************************************************
 | |
| Peyton Elizabeth; 3month's old |
 | |
| Mogan Layla; 7 years old |
me in a comment why these 3 grand
daughter's go by 2 names I will send
 |
| Avery Paige; 4 years old |
or maybe I will choose more..never know..
 |
| Sunday Morning..butt drag day! |
#1-Neasha- She is a warm, friendly and a beautiful woman inside and out. You can find her here:thecomforttable.webs.com #2- Beth-The first word that comes to mind when I think of Beth is amazing. I love her blog. She is always learning something new and is always sharing what she learns. Her blog is always up to date and I have no idea how she does all that she does. You can visit Beth here:www.bethszimmerman.com So congrats to both of you and I am truly blessed to have you as followers!
***********************************************************************************
That was it for warm and fuzzy the rest of my week was full of pee and some no pee..Sophie; our 83 year old homeless woman (I really should stop calling her that she has been here nearly 2 years) anyway she pees her pants. I finally got her to wear depends..it was a battle. So I still smell pee. I was walking and crawling around looking for the source. I came to a piece of driftwood my in-laws found on the beach on their honeymoon. That was like 65 years ago. Anyway; Lance and Louie (my, I love them so much adorable little spoiled doggies) have been using this driftwood as their own personal tree. Any suggestions on cleaning it?
 |
| The pee post... |
***********************************************************************************
I may have a cold. (I really do but I am pretending I don't because I still have more weekend warrior stuff to do before summer is truly over). We are going to visit my son and his 2 little sweeties Julia (10) and lil Jimmy (7). Then on Sunday we are going to a Phillie's game. I love the Phillie's :)
Don't look back on yesterday with despair. Look at tomorrow with hope.
Have
a
 |
| Julia |
Blessed
Weekend
Everybody!
 |
| Jimmy |
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Getting ready to look in the rear view mirror...
It has been one heck of a crazy summer for me and my family and I am trying to put it behind me and move on...
We had a brand new grand daughter born on June 1, 2010. It was a long and anxiety ridden pregnancy for all of us because my daughter has serious health issues of her own that put her pregnancy at extremely high risk. A bit early but 100% feisty and healthy we all welcomed Peyton Elizabeth into our family.
On June 16th we had a family week at the beach. When I say family I mean serious family; 100's of us. We had the most chaotic and glorious vacation.
The evening after we arrived home; we got the middle of the night phone call no parent or grand parent ever wants to receive. My stepson Michael, 29 years old had been in a motorcycle accident. He was in extremely critical condition with internal injuries to nearly every major organ. He was in a coma for 23 days.
On the 20th day I was at the hospital and they were preparing Michael for his 8th surgery. I had maintained my composure and tried to be strong for my husband because you see he lost his oldest son at the age of 17 to suicide. Michael was the only one for John now. But on that day I had a meltdown. There were 2 step parents;2 parents and a huge extended family and we were all there for John and Michael. A few were not there for me; and I still sting from the cruelness of a few others actions. I am working very hard at trying to forgive them and actually that is the easy part it is the forgetting that is hard.
So in my meltdown I went down to the lobby of the hospital and sat in a chair. The sun was shining so bright. The tears came and I could not stop them. My phone rang. It was my mother. My 8 year old grand son, Dominic was being air lifted to Children's Hospital after a freak accident where a metal pole went in one side of his lower leg and out the other. I stood up and began pacing like a crazy woman. They were taking him first to a Children's trauma center close to home to be stabilized and then sent to the city. I did not know which way to go.
The Public Relation's manager from Chester-Crozier Medical Center was hugging me and other personal surrounded me. They thought the worst had happened with Michael.
Miraculously the pole that went through Dominic's leg went between a main artery and a main bone. A miracle the surgeon said. They only had to repair some muscle and some tendon's.
Today both boys are recuperating and will by the grace of God be 100% as good as they were before their accidents.
My husband and I did a couple of 'we missed the whole summer marathons' and are now getting ready for the next season or the next chapter of our lives.
I can never thank all of you enough for your prayers and kind words. I really feel so connected to my blog friends and feel that if we ever meet it will be like we have been friends for years.
I am not quite ready to say goodbye to summer; maybe next week!
For now I am working on the very last revisions to the book; have made travel plans to meet my production team and I should be thrilled but I am still sad. It is the story of my brother's murder. I was so overwhelmingly compelled to tell the story; the insanity and senselessness of it all and I believe in my heart David would be thrilled for me. So I am going to smile and get ready for the next chapter of this process; which actually requires a lot more work than sitting in jammies and typing all day.
I collect quotes and have them everywhere but this one has been my favorite for about a month now and I am not going to miss my knock on the door.
"Before the angel of success arrives in your life, you should devote yourself to preparing your welcome for her. Polish your craft and strengthen your body to be fit so you can do your job and enjoy your success when it comes. Sharpen your mind and spirit so they are ready to face the challenges that accompany a visitation from the angel of success. If you are not ready when the angel knocks she will flee. And who knows if she will make it back around to your door again".
We had a brand new grand daughter born on June 1, 2010. It was a long and anxiety ridden pregnancy for all of us because my daughter has serious health issues of her own that put her pregnancy at extremely high risk. A bit early but 100% feisty and healthy we all welcomed Peyton Elizabeth into our family.
On June 16th we had a family week at the beach. When I say family I mean serious family; 100's of us. We had the most chaotic and glorious vacation.
The evening after we arrived home; we got the middle of the night phone call no parent or grand parent ever wants to receive. My stepson Michael, 29 years old had been in a motorcycle accident. He was in extremely critical condition with internal injuries to nearly every major organ. He was in a coma for 23 days.
On the 20th day I was at the hospital and they were preparing Michael for his 8th surgery. I had maintained my composure and tried to be strong for my husband because you see he lost his oldest son at the age of 17 to suicide. Michael was the only one for John now. But on that day I had a meltdown. There were 2 step parents;2 parents and a huge extended family and we were all there for John and Michael. A few were not there for me; and I still sting from the cruelness of a few others actions. I am working very hard at trying to forgive them and actually that is the easy part it is the forgetting that is hard.
So in my meltdown I went down to the lobby of the hospital and sat in a chair. The sun was shining so bright. The tears came and I could not stop them. My phone rang. It was my mother. My 8 year old grand son, Dominic was being air lifted to Children's Hospital after a freak accident where a metal pole went in one side of his lower leg and out the other. I stood up and began pacing like a crazy woman. They were taking him first to a Children's trauma center close to home to be stabilized and then sent to the city. I did not know which way to go.
The Public Relation's manager from Chester-Crozier Medical Center was hugging me and other personal surrounded me. They thought the worst had happened with Michael.
Miraculously the pole that went through Dominic's leg went between a main artery and a main bone. A miracle the surgeon said. They only had to repair some muscle and some tendon's.
Today both boys are recuperating and will by the grace of God be 100% as good as they were before their accidents.
My husband and I did a couple of 'we missed the whole summer marathons' and are now getting ready for the next season or the next chapter of our lives.
I can never thank all of you enough for your prayers and kind words. I really feel so connected to my blog friends and feel that if we ever meet it will be like we have been friends for years.
I am not quite ready to say goodbye to summer; maybe next week!
For now I am working on the very last revisions to the book; have made travel plans to meet my production team and I should be thrilled but I am still sad. It is the story of my brother's murder. I was so overwhelmingly compelled to tell the story; the insanity and senselessness of it all and I believe in my heart David would be thrilled for me. So I am going to smile and get ready for the next chapter of this process; which actually requires a lot more work than sitting in jammies and typing all day.
I collect quotes and have them everywhere but this one has been my favorite for about a month now and I am not going to miss my knock on the door.
"Before the angel of success arrives in your life, you should devote yourself to preparing your welcome for her. Polish your craft and strengthen your body to be fit so you can do your job and enjoy your success when it comes. Sharpen your mind and spirit so they are ready to face the challenges that accompany a visitation from the angel of success. If you are not ready when the angel knocks she will flee. And who knows if she will make it back around to your door again".
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| Peyton Elizabeth/3month's old |
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| How could you not believe in angels? |
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday Fragments...
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| beautiful sky! |
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| I took this on the back of the motorcycle.. |
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| I am so sad to say goodbye to summer! |
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| Our new favorite boardwalk store.. |
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| The best Pizza in the world!! |
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| Then she had to take an important call from her sister.. |
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| Adriana proudly showed me how she makes her Teddy bear sing |
You all know there has to be some drama in here somewhere right?
So we got home Monday night; I went to work Tuesday morning and half way through my shift I could hardly move. Stomach pain. I swore my gall bladder had just blown up or something. I finished my shift (yes I am crazy like that)
Then I went to my doctors office. She sent me for an ultrasound the next day at 7am (ugghh) and then I waited. At 3:00 she called and said to go to the ER. That was just a great experience. We arrived at 3:10pm and there was no one in the waiting room. We could not be that lucky! We left at 3am with a diagnosis of diverticulitis. It is not infected so I should be feeling better in a few days. I did not eat well while we were at the beach and I know better..oh well..So here we are at Friday again and I hope you will join our lovely host; Mrs.4444 here:www.halfpastkissintime.com You will not be disappointed!
When you are finished there be sure to stop by at Java's (if you are over 40) she is the host of Bloggers over 40 and you can find her and a lot of friends here:http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com
We now have 4 winners of my quest to reach 300 followers..for every 10 new followers I will randomly choose a winner from my followers and comments..good luck everyone. If you are waiting for your prizes they are on the way..I was sidelined this week!
I have a lot of behind the scenes exciting book stuff happening and cannot wait to share it with all of you!
Have a positive and powerfull weekend..
P.S. I am just wondering if you still remember where you were when you heard the 9/11 news. Do you remember how you felt?
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