How Fabulous is this?

I am in total agreement with my friend, Brenda, when it comes to Facebook. She mentioned how wonderful it is to be in equal communication with friends and family! Hard to keep in touch via emails/letters/phone calls....but Facebook makes it much easier...strange, huh?

On the spur of the moment last night, I had been thinking about a couple relatives in AZ, whom I have not seen in ... years. More than 20 years. Perhaps more than 25 years! I would have to sit down and really do the math...but another time.

So I went ahead and searched for one of them. I was very happy to see he was only 1 out of 2 that I successfully found and sent him a friend request.

Then of course, we became FB friends. And his sister found me through him as well. Actually, he had been talking to his sister at that time and well, she jumped online and got ahold of me! YEAH!

Oh you gotta love Facebook!

This relative is ...my 2nd cousin on my mother's side. So, and he is a giant. I mean, really! Nearly 7 feet tall and he played Frankenstein for Halloween as long as I could remember and I was always amazed at his height and I just adored him. Until I got older, of course, you know how teenagers can become! Oh yeah, I used to be one! I think the last time I saw him and his sister was when I was around 13.

Anyhoo, he had been a Sargent for a police force. I like to imagine what kind of cop he was. Being so tall and very....you just had to know him...I can imagine all the bad guys fearing him!

Through Facebook, I found out he has retired very recently, after serving 28 years, and he had adopted a cute boy, and just recently adopted a 12 day old baby girl. How sweet. I know he and his wife are wonderful parents, and it's just amazing they are able to give a wonderful, warm, loving home for these babies.

His sister, from what I can tell, is residing in New Mexico. I have not heard from her in ages as well, and I have thought about her often.

I know my sisters don't remember them very well, but at least they know we still have family left from my mother's side.

I look forward to being in constant touch with them ... through Facebook.

You gotta love Facebook! :o)

Moody teens...

*scoffs*

I am making my usual favorite meatloaf for the family, only to find out the kids have become vegetarians.

So I am in no way going to alter the menu...so if they get hungry they can have some meatloaf. Or go out and find some grass to chew on.

Over the weekend, I had bought some pizza rolls that were on sale...and my daughter just blew up because my son is helping himself to some. They are cheese filled pizza rolls...and according to her, it is hers.

She screamed at me.

I calmly told her to knock it off and can always buy more since it's on sale this week. It's really not a big deal.

After all, the food in the house is to be shared by everyone.

Unless you've bought it, we will hands off. But since I, the mom, with the paycheck, bought the food, it is for the family.

"FINE!" as her door slams.

I calmly tell her, if she kept it up like that, she can forget this weekend.

This weekend is Tecumseh's homecoming weekend.

We'll see how long this lasts.

After all, who can resist Mommy's famous meatloaf and cream cheese mashed potatoes?? Hm???

Stiff on Sunday...

What a sleepy morning. It's overcast and right now, raining.

Yesterday my family and I headed out to a mall in Southfield for Deaf Celebration Day. While my husband and son helped out with the Deaf Cafe's table, my daughter took off with her bffinthewww running around the mall, I wandered along bumping into many friends I have not seen since 2 years ago's Deaf Awareness Day at another mall. Also some I have not seen in years! So, it was awesome to bump into so many of them, and catch up on news.

At one point, I needed to sit down for a bit, and was thrilled to see a longtime family friend of my kids' grandparents and sat down with her. At the same time, I got to chat with her friends as well.

One thing she was trying to figure out why one particular deaf man would want to go to a party in his honor knowing he will die in a few days. The party is really, Celebration of Life. Will have a potluck party after church services this evening. So listening to her complain about it, and when she gave me an opportunity to share my input, I just merely said: "Look at it this way...if you knew you were dying, I'm sure you would want to live your life to the fullest and grab any moment you can with your friends and family. I know my daughter did that until the day she died. She lived her fullest until 3 days before she passed away. And I have no regrets allowing her to party like there's no tomorrow...."

That stopped her ranting and it opened up many doors for us to discuss people and dying, and what we believe in. Finally she did agree with me that our bodies are just a shell of our souls. When I mentioned that my daughter had a closed casket service, she was startled..."WHY?"

Well, some family members cannot handle it, and well, I have no need to see her in the open casket again...I was with her when she died, and what is in the coffin is nothing. It's not even her. Just her shell...then went on to share that Rachel had touched a lot of people. Also I did it because I know of a couple people who would really break down if it was an open casket. And that it was a decision the family as whole agreed on. And it was the right decision I've made.

"What color was her coffin?"

My mind went blank. I could not remember. 14 years ago and I cannot remember. I looked over at the family friend, and she was surprised too...she said she thinks it was white. I looked at another friend, who I knew since 1988, and she remembered it being white. Finally I looked back and I said, "I think it was white. But I know ONE person who can answer that, and I'll have to ask her tomorrow".

So later today at church I will have to ask this person, what color was it? It isn't really important to know exactly what it was, but it's interesting that I can remember someone else's funeral and the flowers and coffin and perhaps the service itself. But for Rachel's own funeral, I barely remember anything.

Anyhoo, so I finally asked her, "so, when you die, where you gonna go?" she pointed upwards, Heaven....and yes she is a believer of Christ.

So, I was happy with that. Got up and made more rounds at the tables. Running into people. Actually, you guys, don't YOU love it when a person comes up to YOU and say HEY! HI! or just grab you into a hug, "Long time no see???"

I love those moments. Oh yeah, and trying to remember my name is fun too. I love to watch them think so hard trying to remember my name but end up calling me (ex's name) ex-girlfriend. My husband was a good sport about that.

Later, a young dad (and fellow DC team member) and I were standing off to the side outside the Deaf Cafe table, we were both watching my daughter and her bff snap self pictures of themselves. It was so interesting to watch two 13 year old girls pose and make faces, snapping away. I looked at the young father and said, in 10 years your daughter will be doing that too. Be ready.

He just chuckled.

Coming home was a hassle as the construction was going on, and the signs for freeways were very confusing...and I need a GPS!!! But we did get home safely.

And I find myself very stiff this morning. I didn't realize spending a whole afternoon walking the mall can be hard on your body.

I'll live.

So when I get home later after church, I am looking forward to a long nap.

Yeah.

Having a bad Brain Day?

Think of it in same way as having bad hair day.

When your brain seems to be falling apart inside your head...and you're trying to hold it all together. Especially when you're trying to multi-task at work...and you have a lot of things going on, on a very busy day!

Just like having a bad hair day in a very humid weather...and you use a whole can of hair spray to keep it... perfect.

So, we need Brain Spray!

Question is...how do we spray it onto our brain to hold it all together?

Up the nose?

Tuna time...

Well, I'm grilling tuna fish sandwiches for dinner.

Because the ground beef I had asked my husband to put out to thaw out didn't thaw out...enough...

meant that I had to come up with something else...

fast.

So this is pretty simple and quick to do.

At least 3 out of 4 loves this stuff.

The 4th one, will have to come up with something else...if she ever gets home.

Not a whole lot to report today. Feeling pretty much better than I did on Monday.

Monday blues?

Today is one of those days....

....that I'm not feeling particularly chatty....or my normal self....

...in fact, I'm still hungover from all the meds I took yesterday to fight off allergies/migraines....

...it had been one of my really bad days for those ailments combined with the weather.

Yeah...so...we'll see if I start to feel better later on....when this hangover fades....

...and I can be...

.... almost normal....

....again?

A day to sleep in...

I went to sleep probably around 1 a.m. and when I woke up this morning, it was around 11:30. WOW!

I have not slept in late like that in ages. I was so surprised, but woke up feeling little good. Of course I still have my TMJ (you know, locked jaw/painful jaw joints) to deal with, and a light headache that comes with my allergies.

But it's nice to know there's nowhere I need to go to...of course my family and I were invited elsewhere but today is just a day to be home and do whatever we can at home.

I do plan to bake some cookies later today, and attack Ashley's room...if I can clear out one corner, I might be able to accomplish something.

The sun is out, and the air is...crisp but just right.

Hm....it should be a very lovely Saturday, after all.

I'm so strong!

This morning I gave my husband a honey-do list ...to take out a big ole tv out of my son's room, then move the bed to the other end of the room, and put the metal shelving where the bed used to be, put the 13" tv up there, and hook up the game consoles.

It's too heavy.

Okay, no problem. Told him I'd help him when I got home.

Well, he was busy---had a meeting with the Deaf Cafe team over the web-cam so I went ahead and moved it.

Sure the big ole tv was heavy. And of course, I just simply removed the mattress and board and just scooted the bed frame (you know those captain's bedframe type with drawers?) by sitting on the floor, bracing myself against the wall and pushing the frame with my feet. I felt like I was in a gym doing those leg weight push-ups. Oy!

Then moved the metal shelving in there and put up the small tv up there. Need to finish it up tomorrow.

I know I'll be feeling it tomorrow---but hey, my son came out smiling as he really does like it!

I have a totally different subject I'd love to discuss/ask:

How many of you have ever had to deal with someone who has suicidal thoughts? I mean, I've had to deal with 4 people in my lifetime who were feeling very depressed and having suicidal thoughts...and one of the three was almost successful with it...and I had to call 911 on this person.

Each scenario was different but all the same in some ways.

I am curious, if you had to help someone out who is feeling very depressed, and having some thoughts of just giving up...what would you do?

The first 2, I sat down with them....(different times, not 2 at the same time...just to be clear)...listened to them, offered words of encouragement. And a prayer.

The third one, I had come home and the person was practically dying after drinking some poisonous stuff that is meant for an aquarium. I immediately called 911...and then the brother. Went to the ER and of course, we had to commit the person to a mental health center. I know some damage has been done, as the personality has changed tremendously. Also the effects of the toxic stuff that was drunk (and thankfully forced to throw up) did some damage. Then it can affect your health later on.

Now, person #4 is very severely depressed. This person felt compelled to write me, even though we never see each other much, maybe 2 or 3 times a year...and, just happened to write...not knowing why. I told this person, I'm sure God had a reason for that because I myself am feeling down in the dumps for the past few weeks, and struggling to stay above it. I'm sure God wanted us to talk about this....and it allowed me to encourage this person to go back to the doctor to get help again...and not to worry...God put the doctors on earth for a reason. So, I'm still praying for this person to read my response and see what happens.

For me personally, I've had depression growing up. It would come and go. I have a bout of it right now but I've been relying completely on God to help me deal with this. I have learned that if I started thinking negative thoughts...maybe about myself, or about a certain person or people or a situation ...I fight so hard to stop those thoughts. My husband have been reminding me that Satan is feeding these into me and I should not allow that to happen. So...it's an ongoing battle, but I know I'm winning. I still have a long ways to go...but I know God is right with me.

Hm...just remembering I need to always rely on God. He can get me through my struggles. I just need to give complete control over to Him.

Tidbits for a Tuesday...

I noticed a lot of people have been dragging their feet around today at work. Even one co-worker didn't seem fully awake.

I'm with ya, you guys!

Today was an interesting day.

This afternoon we had a retirement party for one of our long-time co-worker in the building. He was one of the 2 electricians who would repair...anything. For the campus, really.

The other guy retired like a couple years ago.

Left this guy behind.

He's retiring and I think his last day is at the end of this month. We'll miss him.

Anyhoo, a few months ago, I was working in the mailroom, prepping shipments for UPS and the mailroom is by the loading dock where deliveries are made all the time. It's constantly busy.

This one particular morning, it was so noisy! Shouting, banging, clanging and noisy lift (an elevated lift), the truck door slamming and stuff like that. I finally came out of the room I was in, and saw this deaf man and signed to him...."SHHH! It's a library, you know!" in a teasing mood.

He just laughed...and we introduced ourselves but did not have an opportunity to talk. We both had work to do. He was delivering or picking up furniture from the building, and I had to get things shipped out via UPS.

Every now and then, I might see him in the halls, we'd wave hello...

Until today....

I went upstairs with my department co-workers for the retirement party. As I was piling up some yummy food (you know, hummus, spinach/artichoke dip, crab dip, etc), the deaf man came up to me! COOL!

So I quickly finished piling food on my itty bitty plate and went to sit with him. We just chatted away like old friends. Our hands were flying away...and I know many of my co-workers were quite surprised to see that. The deaf man and I talked about everything in general and then I mentioned helping someone move recently only to find out he and his wife knows them! He and a friend were supposed to help with the move but had a family emergency and couldn't make it.

Talk about small world! So it was nice to get to know him better, and I have a feeling his wife did interpret for me (or for my husband???) when I had my kidney stone surgery after my wedding in 2005. She looks very familiar. I would have to meet her in person soon and if I recognize her, then we'll say...very small world!

It was funny though, because he has put in 25 years there at the University and I've put in 20 years. I've heard or knew about him, but never had the opportunity to meet him or be formally introduced. I *think* we are the only 2 deaf people that works there. I do know of a deaf woman but I have not heard anything more about her or if she is still on campus or not. I would have to ask my new friend about her. But if it turns out we are the only 2, then that's really something!

So it was a nice feeling to know that we could get to know each other properly and we just hit it right off. And knowing the same people made it even better ... because I do know we would be seeing more of each other---and my husband would be over the moon meeting him as well. The guys could do football games on TV's while the wives could sit around and just chat away like women always do...

Been invited to see his magic show next month...his wife is an assistant so I've heard many great things about him and his wife and their magic show. Been in this business for 30 years. How awesome. Can't wait to check it out!

That is one of the few good things that has happened today--and giving me something to praise God for.

In spite of that, I am happily....tired. I mean, I know I'll get a good night's rest. With students back at school, the work load has picked up and I'm currently brainstorming with someone in the IT dept to help me create a new way of making a particular program work faster for me and my teammates. I am excited at the possibility of helping my teammates and myself have a quicker, faster, easier way of doing our job.

So, today has been good. Yes sirree...

Survived the 13th

Seems like if any day that is dated the 13th, I have a very crabby family.

It had been a really rough day for me emotionally, spiritually and ... physically.

I was more than happy when the kids fell asleep long before their bedtime. That is a praise I can say: "Thank You Jesus".

And, with the cool breeze through the open windows last night, it really helped me with falling asleep faster....

Waking up this morning a wee bit refreshed but wishing I had more sleep....

And still a few more minutes to kill before I must head out the door and on my way to work.

Perhaps today being the 14th will make it a better day?

We'll see what kind of day God is gonna give me today. After all, I know He is in control.

Another Sunny Day...

The house is bustling with activities...getting my guys ready for a wonderful Deaf Cafe program tonight...then later on, my daughter & I will go up to Flint and join with the audience, cheering the team on. We do look forward to their program. I know it'll be a blast.

Okay, I have a story to share with you....(and did get permission from husband to share...).

First, please put down your drinks and/or whatever you're eating.

A couple days ago, I was talking with Husband about various things. I did have a problem with him having to run to the nearest coffee shop to get some iced tea when he could very well make iced tea at home.

Right? I mean, c'mon, save on money when you can do it at home!

Husband: But I don't know how to make tea.

Me: HUH? Of course you do! I told/showed you how a few weeks ago!

So, I had to remind him HOW to brew tea on the stove top. I did get this idea from a friend in Flint and thought, wow, time-saver and so easy to do!

1. fill up a pitcher of water, pour into a big pot. Because we will use that pitcher for our iced-tea.

2. put on stove top and put a couple tea bags in the water. Turn on stove-top on medium setting. I signed, brewed, not boil.

3. when the tea has seeped enough in the water, just turn off the stove, and move pot to another burner, let it cool for a while.

4. THENNNNNN....pour it into the pitcher and put in fridge.

Easy, right? Yeah, I thought so.

Husband: what temperature I need set it on?

Me: what you mean?

Husband: I mean degree...350? 275? How hot turn it on?

I just stared at him, very puzzled.

Me: Um, do you realize what you just asked me? Please think carefully what you said. Take your time. Please.

He looks at me like his question was not silly. Then he thought about it, and did the Homer Simpson imitation of "D-OH!" and head smack.

I have never, ever, heard of baking tea inside the oven.

That would be very interesting...wouldn't it?

So I put that in my status on Facebook, and got lot of fun replies to that. Then last night I declared I would experiment that idea.

More funny responses to that..."wouldn't that roast the tea bags?"

I did not have a chance to experiment last night but hopefully before the weekend's over, I will:

Bake some tea in the oven, and also brew tea on the stove-top and we'll do a taste-test. Let everyone judge for themselves. So my family will be the taste testers. My guinea pigs. My testing subjects. And will keep the 911 on speed dial should it fail...

Maybe I'll start a new trend. Hm?

On Hold...

Feels like every time I call this particular business to pay a bill, I'm always put on hold.

I use IP Relay ... I usually use Sorenson's relay service OR...Sprint's IP Relay. It depends on which one of them answers me fast....this time, Sprint wins.

Unfortunately, the business I'm calling is probably very busy and swamped.

And I'm on hold.

Aha! Got a live person....let me put you on hold....

Okay...paid the bill but now making some changes in my services....

He's back...please hold....

Ta-daaaa! All done!

With school back in full swing, and not being home as much, I had to make some changes with our current cable/phone/internet services. I just shaved off lots of moolah from the monthly bill. Wow, what a huge difference it'll make....but I know the family won't notice too much...

*crossing fingers*

Anyway, now...I shall do laundry.

Have a good evening...

back to school!

Well, the kiddos went back to school ... today!

I can actually sense many, MANY...parents all over jumping for joy, cheering as they sent their darlings off .... ahhh, isn't it so precious??? Fall can be my 2nd favorite season of the year!

After all, it's been quite a summer.

You know it's time for them to go back when....

They start to pick on each other more and more, becoming bored with the way summer's going to end, and looking forward to seeing....other people.

Armed with school supplies, and well, my son was the only one with new backpack. I had gone through the house the other day and remarked to him, "did you know you have 5 backpacks???"....that's Spiderman (kindergarten), Spongebob (1st grade), some blue backpack (2nd grade), last year is red one-strapped backpack (3rd grade) and this year with his birthday gift card from his grandparents, a new one-strapped backpack that is bigger and better than last year's red one-strapped backpack.

My daughter is reusing hers from last year. Or was that 2 years ago? Eh....no matter. If it's not ripped or torn and still sturdy...I'm happy with it (and so is she).

Well, one kid is out for the night. Oh, just before son conked out, my husband was sent to bed early---he is not feeling very good. I think with the weather changes, he got hit with a cold. So I'm trying to make him all better in time for Deaf Cafe this Saturday. I'd hate for them to be without their Jesus character....(usually many times they have a drama with Jesus character in it, and husband plays Him every time)...so if he's still under the weather tomorrow, I'll attempt to make soup...homemade soup. Some kind of soup. Anything... brothy.

Now I gotta get the other kid...the teenager....to get off the phone, off the computer and into PJ's and in her room!!!!

Then I can crawl into bed myself....

Quote for Sunday

I saw this from Pastor Clark Cothern today:

Here's a post-sermon follow-up quote from one of my favorite authors, Oswald Chambers:

"Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God ...in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God."

I know sometimes some of us forget that, and try to do things our way. But this quote really made an impact on me.

Today was also the day God reached into me and touched my soul. Thank you, Father.

Day 1 at the Haunted House

Okay, it's slowly getting dark outside, and I'm on the laptop in the living room...watching NCIS rerun and wondering how I can convince Ralphie (dog) to come on downstairs and outside?

Ehhh...I got here around 7 am, Ralphie didn't really bark/growl much at me, and seem content to have Josh with me.

After my sister and her family left for the big day of having Jedi's tonsils removed, I went upstairs and crawled in bed....slept for a bit.

Got back up, and Josh jumped in the pool, but it was too icy cold for him. The sun was not overhead like it should have been. Ahhh, a sign of summer running its course and heading into fall.

Right now, my son is at someone's house joining my husband at bible study one block away, and afterwards Josh will join me tonight for a good night's sleep.

And my sister cautioned this house is haunted. I do not believe in ghosts, and I have nothing to worry about.

After all, Ralphie can protect me, right?