Monday, May 31, 2010

May 31 - Patriotism & Choices

I have decided it is a family tradition to take my children to the Edwardsburg Memorial Day Parade every year. It's usually sticky and hot. It's not about amazing showmanship or expensive floating balloons (although the marching band busted out some choreography). Instead, we gather as a small town community, greet classmates and neighbors and patients I've treated, and honor those who have fought for our country and liberty.
I'm not sure that means much to people these days. I am sure I can't fully understand the gravity of others' sacrifice. But I do know that after living overseas for a year, I literally wanted to kiss the asphalt of the La Guardia airport in New York when we returned home. I do know that many, many people simply don't have the blessings or choices we do here in the United States.

Recently, Granger Community Church featured a story about Monjue, a young Indian girl who felt she had no choices at all. This story marked me. (Check it out here since I can't figure out how to embed the actual link.) So many things in our lives today are easy to take for granted.
Today, as the Edwardsburg High School Band played the Star Spangled Banner, and I made the kids stand up and salute, I was moved to tears. I hope this family tradition reminds my kids a little of how blessed we are to live here, now, together. I hope that patriotism is a value that sticks.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

May 27 - STRESSED

I've been feeling like I'm just not functioning up to par lately. Getting plenty of rest, still exhausted. Barely sit still for 17 hours a day, still feel like my task list is never-ending. In a great place of joy and love with family and friends, still cry uncontrollably for no reason. Pretty sure I'm going nuts.

Kind people around me have calmly pointed out that I've experienced a lot of life changes in the last few months. Good changes (for a change), but still requiring adjustment and learning. Hunh.

Reminded me of the Holmes & Rahe Stress Scale I learned about in college. You know, the ranking of life events that assigns a stress score and predicts the likelihood of developing a major illness. I was worried about it, so I reviewed the scale today. Good news: I only score 283 with things like marriage & major mortgage. 300 is the threshold for major health risk (30% more likely than my "moderate risk"). Of course that means I'm about 1 event away from impending doom, so NO ONE is allowed to get sick or fired or die, OK?


Side note: did you know the change in number of family reunions and speeding tickets contribute to the score? Seriously. I am employing deep breathing techniques just to get through a regular 24 hours. In a world of constant change, how does anyone survive?!?

May 26 - Happy Birthday Princess!

Today my baby girl turns 6! Banana splits for breakfast - yay!

Wrapping up kindergarten and growing up fast. Here are a few of her favorite things: anything pink, Polly Pockets, Littlest Pet Shop, writing and drawing and reading, fashion and hugs from Mommy. Awww.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

May 20 - Moving House

Ok, so we moved like a month ago. It's just taken me this long to actually find my computer, the power cord, connect to the internet and have a coherent thought all at the same time. (Well, maybe the coherency thing is still sketchy.)
We are completely blessed with a beautiful home, on fabulous property, in the town I picked. The process and timing were impeccable. The children get to stay with their teachers and friends in a Blue Ribbon school district. My family is happy and healthy and together. It feels too good to be true, so I've been kinda quiet hoping not to jinx anything!
However, the actual physical move has been the most difficult of my life so far. I'm not a great packer. Or planner. Or furniture mover. Or decorator. Or painter. I suddenly realize how much I have relied on others' help in the past, and how much I have to learn. This equalled 2 weeks of being overwhelmed and depressed for no good reason. (Hel-lo. Everything I asked for!) Then feeling guilty for not being all of the above with a cheerful smile. Meanwhile continuing to work, manage 3 kids end-of-year schedules & projects, be a newlywed supportive wife, and ramp up my running schedule (NOT happening).

Thank God my mom is coming next week to help with all the stuff I'm not great at, so we can get back to the craziness that is just normal life. Thank God for giving me a supportive husband and tolerant children. Thank God for the capacity to do at least one productive thing each day.

I am soooooooo lucky! ;-)