A year ago, I got the surprising news that Denny and Chad (BIL) took second (out of 150 teams) in one of the biggest fishing tournaments in the Midwest. It was so great! They scouted the lake and put in a lot of time to compete ... it paid off!
Fast forward to the 2011 tournament. Denny was discouraged. The tournament was on Clark Lake, which is where Denny always used to fish when we lived on Reed Road, but the reports were consistently saying no one was catching fish ... including Denny.
I tried to convince him that it didn't matter how he did ... to just have fun. Ha! Well, they had one trick up their sleeves. Denny had logged a location where he has caught fish in past years. They decided not to fish it before the tournament because they didn't want anyone else to catch on.
Last night, I asked Denny if they planned to try that spot, and he said that was where they planned to start. It worked! BUT, another team got to the the same location as them. Apparently these guys stumbled onto the spot a week or so ago. Those other guys, they won the tournament. Denny and Chad took sixth. Mostly, I'm proud of his attitude. Well, I'm so happy they finished in the top 10 as well!
He knows that if those guys had not lucked out and found that spot, they would have caught even more fish there, but he is happy with how the day went. I am so honored to be married to someone who is a good sport, who understands that life is more than competition, but who still loves to play the game. I'm not sure if I'm making any sense right now. It's kind of hard to express the type of man he is through this example ... I'm just happy and proud today!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Breaking out the reading glasses and highlighters
I started another class for my master's program. I am happy to be back at it. I am also happy that there is not much busy work in this class ... actually there is none! We discuss and write papers. I think I'm in heaven. There is a lot of reading to go along with it, though. I am hoping to tackle most of the reading this weekend while Emma sleeps ... we'll see how that goes! I might be up late reading.
Last night I stayed up well past my bedtime to work on class stuff. I also wasted way too much time watching IU beat Illinois and just browsing online. Even though it was hard to get up this morning, I loved that alone time.
I am really looking forward to this semester! There are only six people in my class ... all women. Four were in my class last semester, so it's nice to see some familiar names. I am also helping with a research project. I am hoping I can juggle everything and continue to enjoy the late night alone time I spend working on class stuff!
Last night I stayed up well past my bedtime to work on class stuff. I also wasted way too much time watching IU beat Illinois and just browsing online. Even though it was hard to get up this morning, I loved that alone time.
I am really looking forward to this semester! There are only six people in my class ... all women. Four were in my class last semester, so it's nice to see some familiar names. I am also helping with a research project. I am hoping I can juggle everything and continue to enjoy the late night alone time I spend working on class stuff!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Loneliness
A few songs have been running through my head this week ... my thoughts have been drifting between loneliness and just bucking down and dealing with life one moment at a time.
My high school track coach once told me that when I run the 800, I should put my head down heading into the third curve because that is really where I had to dig deep to make sure I finished strong. Ever since then, whenever life has seemed hard, I always envision myself rounding that curve with my head down with the song, "Against the Wind," going through my head.
Lately, I feel like I have been running too many races, and I'm growing so tired of the same disappointments.
I've been thinking a lot about the people I am surrounding myself with ... during the week, it is mostly coworkers ... I go to work, I come home to Emma, and eventually, Denny. But, Denny and I rarely talk these days. He is too obsessed with getting online to look for good areas to try ice fishing or strategizing with his brother on the phone. Luckily, the tournament they are stressing over is this weekend. I might get him back ... we'll see.
Any way, the only other people I get to see are the wonderful women I play volleyball with on Wednesdays. Those ladies have done more good for my heart than I ever could have imagined. They all have families and are busy, but they go out of their way to help others, to check up on friends, to make meals for sick friends, etc. I love them! They make me want to be a better person. They make me question how I could help others. They never dwell on their own hardships.
I love them ... they make me question why I continue to do the same things when I consistently find myself down. Today, I just want to start fresh. And, I don't want to go at it alone. I want positive, supportive people in my life who challenge me out of love.
Tonight I was supposed to have dinner with my brother and sister, but we delayed it because of the snow. I felt absolutely crushed. They are good people who always have supportive advice, I could use more of them in my life. We need to plan a weekly meal together. I am also going to insist that Denny and I go out on a date once this tournament is over. I know he cares even when his head is somewhere else.
I am hoping to the courage to make some changes in my life ... even if they are big and scary and seem daunting. I want to feel alive and excited. I want to be an encouragement to those around me. I will get there.
I will ... I'm "still running ..."
My high school track coach once told me that when I run the 800, I should put my head down heading into the third curve because that is really where I had to dig deep to make sure I finished strong. Ever since then, whenever life has seemed hard, I always envision myself rounding that curve with my head down with the song, "Against the Wind," going through my head.
Lately, I feel like I have been running too many races, and I'm growing so tired of the same disappointments.
I've been thinking a lot about the people I am surrounding myself with ... during the week, it is mostly coworkers ... I go to work, I come home to Emma, and eventually, Denny. But, Denny and I rarely talk these days. He is too obsessed with getting online to look for good areas to try ice fishing or strategizing with his brother on the phone. Luckily, the tournament they are stressing over is this weekend. I might get him back ... we'll see.
Any way, the only other people I get to see are the wonderful women I play volleyball with on Wednesdays. Those ladies have done more good for my heart than I ever could have imagined. They all have families and are busy, but they go out of their way to help others, to check up on friends, to make meals for sick friends, etc. I love them! They make me want to be a better person. They make me question how I could help others. They never dwell on their own hardships.
I love them ... they make me question why I continue to do the same things when I consistently find myself down. Today, I just want to start fresh. And, I don't want to go at it alone. I want positive, supportive people in my life who challenge me out of love.
Tonight I was supposed to have dinner with my brother and sister, but we delayed it because of the snow. I felt absolutely crushed. They are good people who always have supportive advice, I could use more of them in my life. We need to plan a weekly meal together. I am also going to insist that Denny and I go out on a date once this tournament is over. I know he cares even when his head is somewhere else.
I am hoping to the courage to make some changes in my life ... even if they are big and scary and seem daunting. I want to feel alive and excited. I want to be an encouragement to those around me. I will get there.
I will ... I'm "still running ..."
Friday, January 21, 2011
Mommy worry
I was talking with a friend this morning who has sons that are quite a bit older than Emma. Her youngest just turned 10. I asked her, already knowing, you never stop worrying about your kids, do you?
She confirmed.
Last night Emma just wasn't herself. She kept waking up screaming and contorting her little body. There could be a million reasons for this ... lack of sleep, hunger, thirst, sore throat, new teeth coming in, etc. But what have I been thinking all morning? Did she somehow swallow one of the balloons that was on the butterfly balloon animal they gave her at daycare?
Like an idiot, I let Emma hold the butterfly as I drove home from daycare yesterday ... all two miles. I never heard a pop, but when I got Emma out of her car seat, I noticed she had pulled the antenna balloon out and I questioned if there had been two. These balloons are at least 12 inches long, so even if she had gotten it in her mouth and tried to swallow it, I would have heard her struggle or I would have heard the balloon pop (I think any way).
The Internet is not helpful. It just makes me feel like the worst mom in the world. I actually called daycare to check on Emma and share my concerns. It's not very likely that anything of the sort happened or even could have, so why do I always go to the worst-case scenario? I asked her daycare provider if she remembered how many balloons made up the animal, but she really couldn't. She kind of calmed my worst fears by talking me through the above rationale. And she assured me they would keep a close eye on Emma.
In all honesty, I am still considering taking her in for an X-ray. Am I crazy? Will I always be the crazy, worrisome mom? I know God is in control and will protect her, but I also know that some children have died from balloon swallowing. It's a hard thing to juggle ... worry, that is.
She confirmed.
Last night Emma just wasn't herself. She kept waking up screaming and contorting her little body. There could be a million reasons for this ... lack of sleep, hunger, thirst, sore throat, new teeth coming in, etc. But what have I been thinking all morning? Did she somehow swallow one of the balloons that was on the butterfly balloon animal they gave her at daycare?
Like an idiot, I let Emma hold the butterfly as I drove home from daycare yesterday ... all two miles. I never heard a pop, but when I got Emma out of her car seat, I noticed she had pulled the antenna balloon out and I questioned if there had been two. These balloons are at least 12 inches long, so even if she had gotten it in her mouth and tried to swallow it, I would have heard her struggle or I would have heard the balloon pop (I think any way).
The Internet is not helpful. It just makes me feel like the worst mom in the world. I actually called daycare to check on Emma and share my concerns. It's not very likely that anything of the sort happened or even could have, so why do I always go to the worst-case scenario? I asked her daycare provider if she remembered how many balloons made up the animal, but she really couldn't. She kind of calmed my worst fears by talking me through the above rationale. And she assured me they would keep a close eye on Emma.
In all honesty, I am still considering taking her in for an X-ray. Am I crazy? Will I always be the crazy, worrisome mom? I know God is in control and will protect her, but I also know that some children have died from balloon swallowing. It's a hard thing to juggle ... worry, that is.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Coming to a close …
My break from class, that is. I am little bummed. I have really grown accustomed to some free time … to keeping the house a little cleaner and reading books and watching TV. But, I am excited to learn again and get closer to my master’s.
In preparation for this class, my new instructor sent us the syllabus this week. I have already skimmed it, and I will read it a little more thoroughly this weekend. I also read my first week’s assignments, and I don’t think it should take anywhere near 15-20 hours. That makes me happy. I am hoping to get a little ahead on my reading so I can stay on top of things.
I am also going to do a little extra research to help with a book my former professor is co-writing. I know that will add a lot (or maybe only a little each week) of extra work, but I think it will be a great learning experience. Especially as I consider pursuing a Ph.D. some day. Who knows, right?
During my last free weekend for a while, I am planning on cleaning, playing with Emma, cooking and just enjoying be a mom. Next week, I get to enjoy being a student, as well.
In preparation for this class, my new instructor sent us the syllabus this week. I have already skimmed it, and I will read it a little more thoroughly this weekend. I also read my first week’s assignments, and I don’t think it should take anywhere near 15-20 hours. That makes me happy. I am hoping to get a little ahead on my reading so I can stay on top of things.
I am also going to do a little extra research to help with a book my former professor is co-writing. I know that will add a lot (or maybe only a little each week) of extra work, but I think it will be a great learning experience. Especially as I consider pursuing a Ph.D. some day. Who knows, right?
During my last free weekend for a while, I am planning on cleaning, playing with Emma, cooking and just enjoying be a mom. Next week, I get to enjoy being a student, as well.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
False alarm
Emma will not be a big sister in September. This baby would have been due on our anniversary. For the first time in many, many months, I was a little disappointed. Usually I feel relief during this time of the month.
I didn't realize how much I wanted another baby. Maybe it's time to actually start thinking about another baby. Who knows. Then again, I have felt very overwhelmed on more than one occassion this weekend. I even considered calling my sister to see if she could watch Emma for a few hours just to give me some relief. Instead, I made Emma lay down for a much-needed nap. I am sure that once she wakes up, we will both be happier.
Now, I am trying to find some motivation to either work out or do some work-work. Both need to be done. I think I'll go for the workout first. Maybe it will motivate me to get more done and maybe it will make me a little happier. We'll see.
For now, I will continue to enjoy my sweetie.
I didn't realize how much I wanted another baby. Maybe it's time to actually start thinking about another baby. Who knows. Then again, I have felt very overwhelmed on more than one occassion this weekend. I even considered calling my sister to see if she could watch Emma for a few hours just to give me some relief. Instead, I made Emma lay down for a much-needed nap. I am sure that once she wakes up, we will both be happier.
Now, I am trying to find some motivation to either work out or do some work-work. Both need to be done. I think I'll go for the workout first. Maybe it will motivate me to get more done and maybe it will make me a little happier. We'll see.
For now, I will continue to enjoy my sweetie.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Relinquishing control
Sometimes it takes a big whack in the face to be reminded who is really in control.
About six years ago, I was driving home on a January afternoon. Denny and I were freshly engaged, and I was living in the Reed Road house with a couple of friends. I had to run to Meijer after work, so I was driving home on 127 when I got the scare of my life.
I hadn't realized there was black ice, and my car started to fishtail. My car then turned into the next lane and I closed my eyes because I really didn't want to see myself crash.
As corny as this is going to sound, Jesus definitely took the wheel.
My car passed both lanes, the medium and the other two lanes, but I safely stopped on the curb completing a perfect 180. I was even able to drive right back on the road, take an exit and get back on way home.
It was the first time I actually felt God communicating with me ... letting me know everything would work out. There was so much hurt going on within me at that time due to what my family was going through, and I really needed that wake-up call.
Fast forward ...
Lately I have worrying a lot about our finances. We are doing fine. I just want to have more of a cushion ... just in case.
I just don't think God works in "just in case" situations. He just takes care of us no matter what, right?
So, anyway, right after Christmas, I picked up some much needed medication late. Who knew Target's Pharmacy closed at 7 p.m. during the week?
Lately, I have been feeling off ... super tired, crampy, irritable, etc.
I am wondering if this is God's way of saying, you think you can't afford your life as it is? Ha! Let's throw in another baby! Who knows ... I'm actually very much at peace and would be absolutely thrilled to have another baby.
I should know more by Friday ... when I will go to the store for a test if needed.
About six years ago, I was driving home on a January afternoon. Denny and I were freshly engaged, and I was living in the Reed Road house with a couple of friends. I had to run to Meijer after work, so I was driving home on 127 when I got the scare of my life.
I hadn't realized there was black ice, and my car started to fishtail. My car then turned into the next lane and I closed my eyes because I really didn't want to see myself crash.
As corny as this is going to sound, Jesus definitely took the wheel.
My car passed both lanes, the medium and the other two lanes, but I safely stopped on the curb completing a perfect 180. I was even able to drive right back on the road, take an exit and get back on way home.
It was the first time I actually felt God communicating with me ... letting me know everything would work out. There was so much hurt going on within me at that time due to what my family was going through, and I really needed that wake-up call.
Fast forward ...
Lately I have worrying a lot about our finances. We are doing fine. I just want to have more of a cushion ... just in case.
I just don't think God works in "just in case" situations. He just takes care of us no matter what, right?
So, anyway, right after Christmas, I picked up some much needed medication late. Who knew Target's Pharmacy closed at 7 p.m. during the week?
Lately, I have been feeling off ... super tired, crampy, irritable, etc.
I am wondering if this is God's way of saying, you think you can't afford your life as it is? Ha! Let's throw in another baby! Who knows ... I'm actually very much at peace and would be absolutely thrilled to have another baby.
I should know more by Friday ... when I will go to the store for a test if needed.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
2011 resolutions
I am hesitant to place definite terms on my resolutions this year. I think this is the time in my life when I really need to take control. Stop saying things and thinking, at least my intentions are good. Intentions are not enough. Action is what speaks volumes ... so my resolutions will now be a list of more and less ...
This year I hope to ...
+ Read more
- Eat less (junk)
+ Exercise more
+ Write more
+ Kiss more
- Mope less
- Spend less
- Consume less
+ Drink more (water)
- Watch less (tv)
+ Play more (with Emma)
+ Laugh more
+ Visit more (with family and friends)
+ Plan more
+ Cook more
+ Clean more
+ Show appreciation more
Wow ... that is quite the list! It looks a little daunting, but I am hoping to just take one day at time, and if I have an off day, I will just start over the next morning.
So far, this year has been pretty great. I think every year from now on will feel the same to me. 2011 has filled me with a special kind of hope for the future!
This year I hope to ...
+ Read more
- Eat less (junk)
+ Exercise more
+ Write more
+ Kiss more
- Mope less
- Spend less
- Consume less
+ Drink more (water)
- Watch less (tv)
+ Play more (with Emma)
+ Laugh more
+ Visit more (with family and friends)
+ Plan more
+ Cook more
+ Clean more
+ Show appreciation more
Wow ... that is quite the list! It looks a little daunting, but I am hoping to just take one day at time, and if I have an off day, I will just start over the next morning.
So far, this year has been pretty great. I think every year from now on will feel the same to me. 2011 has filled me with a special kind of hope for the future!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
No plumber needed here
After I gave Emma a bath on Thursday night, I could not get the drain plug to pop up to release the water. I kept pushing on it as hard as I could, but nothing would get it to pop, so I just left it. Denny tried to push on it later (after all, he's about 100x stronger than me) ... not even he could get it.
On Friday morning, I was a little desperate, so I took a shower standing in Emma's bath water from the night before ... it was freezing!
By Saturday morning, I decided I needed to take action. Denny was gone, so I got a screwdriver and took off the cap thingy and tried to wiggle it, still nothing. I then took a wire hanger and jammed it down as far as I could until the plug popped up enough for me to pry it open. I pulled it all the way out and got more than I bargained for in the form of a huge hair clump. I must shed more than any animal none to man.
I felt pretty accomplished. Emma got to take a bath and I got to shower without standing in a tub of water. It was a good day!
On Friday morning, I was a little desperate, so I took a shower standing in Emma's bath water from the night before ... it was freezing!
By Saturday morning, I decided I needed to take action. Denny was gone, so I got a screwdriver and took off the cap thingy and tried to wiggle it, still nothing. I then took a wire hanger and jammed it down as far as I could until the plug popped up enough for me to pry it open. I pulled it all the way out and got more than I bargained for in the form of a huge hair clump. I must shed more than any animal none to man.
I felt pretty accomplished. Emma got to take a bath and I got to shower without standing in a tub of water. It was a good day!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Parenting
I've been up since 2 a.m. Emma has a fever ... the thermometer (under the arm) got to 102 before Emma made me stop taking it. She is uncomfortable and it stinks!
Right now I am awake thinking about all of the things I need to do at work today. I am supposed to make a big announcement today, and with that comes several elements - an email, posting a news release with images, sending out a news release to media, etc. There are also a couple other projects I really wanted to finish. I am going to wait another hour and a half and hopefully drive in, schedule all of these things and get back home before Denny has to leave for work.
Sickness never comes when it's convenient. Mostly, I'm just disappointed because Emma finally started to feel better last week when she was home with me. On her second day back at daycare she got a fever.
I am hoping she starts feeling better and can get plenty of rest. In the meantime, I think I'll take advantage of this extra cuddling!
Right now I am awake thinking about all of the things I need to do at work today. I am supposed to make a big announcement today, and with that comes several elements - an email, posting a news release with images, sending out a news release to media, etc. There are also a couple other projects I really wanted to finish. I am going to wait another hour and a half and hopefully drive in, schedule all of these things and get back home before Denny has to leave for work.
Sickness never comes when it's convenient. Mostly, I'm just disappointed because Emma finally started to feel better last week when she was home with me. On her second day back at daycare she got a fever.
I am hoping she starts feeling better and can get plenty of rest. In the meantime, I think I'll take advantage of this extra cuddling!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Christmas 2010
Better late than never? No, but it will have to do in this case!
Our Christmas was great! Hectic, of course, but well worth the exhaustion.
My parents, brother, sister and her boyfriend came over on the 23rd. We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve by lounging, cooking food, going to the children's mass (Emma lasted about 25 minutes ... not bad) and opening presents.
On Christmas morning, I got up at 5:30 to get showered and all ready for when Emm
a awoke. I waited. Denny got up and started breakfast. We waited some more. We were anticipating Emma crying to let us know she was awake (she was asleep on our bed). Instead, the little stinker ran into the kitchen! It was great! Denny then carried her into the living room where she spotted her new slide instantly! It was so much fun! She then opened her sled, doll, coloring books, books and pajamas.We then headed to Debbie's where we ate more food, opened more presents, took more pictures and just relaxed for a few hours ... before heading to Dennis'.
We again ate, opened g
ifts and visited before heading home to enjoy dinner with my parents and Jeremy before they left.It was exhausting ... the kind of exhausting that doesn't feel exhausting until you sit down and realize just how tired you are! We were all tired. It was
a great time!
Monday, January 3, 2011
2010 in review
January
- Denny began another year with the Nature Conservancy (fourth?)
- Had my gallbladder removed
- Denny and Chad came in second place in a big fishing tournament
February
- Visited Grandma one last time
- My first-owned car died
- Emma was baptized
March
- After 19 years, Grandma joined Grandpa in heaven
April
- Denny turned 28
- Spent Easter in Indiana where Emma met her cousins for the first time
- Purchased the Equinox (or secured the loan, rather)
- Started playing in a volleyball league (met some amazing women and enjoy this evening each week)
May
- Got sick, spent two weeks in bed
- Realized how amazing my families are as they took care of Emma and me since Denny was out of town working during most of these days
June
- Celebrated our first year as homeowners (we didn’t really celebrate, but it’s exciting)
- Started my seventh year as an employee of SAU
July
- Hosted a Fourth of July party
- Emma started walking
- Went camping for the first since Emma’s birth – challenging? You better believe it!
August
- My best friend moved back to Michigan
- Emma turned one (where did the year go?)
- Threw a bridal shower for Alicia
September
- Started my master’s degree
- Celebrated five years of marriage
- Alicia and Luke got married
October
- I turned 29
- Emma was a gnome for Halloween … she trick-or-treated at Grandpa Tison’s
November
- Went to Indiana for Thanksgiving for the first time since our marriage … finally!
December
- Finished my first master’s class … excited to continue!
- Celebrated Christmas with my family on Christmas Eve and Denny’s families on Christmas
- Rang out 2010 at home surrounded by lots of family and friends … Emma woke up for the ball drop
I am still happy to see 2010 come to a close, but as I look at this month-by-month list of events, I can’t help but smile. I am truly blessed and surrounded by caring, loving people. I have a beautiful, healthy daughter and a loving husband who I get to go home to every night. We have a beautiful home to keep us warm and reliable vehicles … more than enough food. We truly are blessed and excited to see what 2011 holds.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)