I talked to my girlfriend in Delaware today to wish her a happy birthday and she was preparing for her "stamp club" buddies to arrive. These ladies get together on a regular basis to rubber stamp and have a blast. While we were talking, I could hear people arriving and I knew a couple of the women there and it made me miss the social life I once had.
There's something really special about being part of an Air Force flying squadron. People develop very close, tight-knit relationships. I especially loved that about our spouses' group. I suppose it was partially because we were all in the same boat. Our husbands (for most of us) were gone and we longed for understanding and a sense of belonging, so we naturally gravitated toward one another.
I had the great fortune of being part of a group of six women who got together once a week for coffee, gossip and therapy. Little did I know it was the best therapy around, especially now that I no longer have that in my life. I've never laughed or cried so much in my life as I did during the times spent with these incredibly wonderful women. These ladies were the sisters I never had and I loved each of them dearly. They each brought something very unique to our circle of friendship and I learned a lot from our times together. These ladies were strong and capable, yet often vulnerable and sometimes fragile. We shared so much of our lives - from our kids to TDYs to PCS moves and everything in between.
If I have any creativity at all, I'd venture to say it's because of these talented ladies. They each had special gifts - scrapbooking, quilting, rubber stamping, poetry, floral design, painting, party planning... You name it and they could do it! I knew where to turn when I needed a creative idea, and most of the time, my girlfriends would pitch in and help me accomplish my task.
These ladies lifted my spirits when my husband was deployed. They showed up for my sons' birthday party, helped out in my husband's absence and comforted me when my oldest was clobbered and given a black eye during the "happy" event (That's deserves a whole blog by itself). They watched my kids when I was sick. They helped me decorate my house for the spouses' Christmas party. They entertained me, listened to me, cared for me, fed me (probably too much) and welcomed me. They were great times I will always hold dear to my heart.
Life is ever-changing though. Our circle of friendship has changed too. I've moved away, as have a couple of other girlfriends. Two of our girlfriends' husbands have retired from the military. We'll likely never be in the same place at the same time again. That makes me a little sad sometimes, but that's reality.
I have friends here, but it's a different atmosphere altogether. Living near our nation's capitol is awesome in many ways, but the "busy-ness" of our lives and the fact that we aren't associated with a tight-knit group of people, has made me realize even more how blessed I was to have had that circle of friends in my life. We have old friends who live nearby, but because we're so busy with our kids' activities and my husband is doing the daily commute to the city and back, we don't often have time for anything else.
I have a couple of girlfriends I occasionally meet individually for coffee or lunch, and perhaps a little shopping if time allows, and I always look forward to and enjoy those times very much. My husband and I have become involved in our Sunday school class at church and there are the occasional socials we attend, which are fun as well. I guess I just miss the camaraderie found in a small, intimate circle of friends. The conversation, the laughter (and sometimes tears), the creative outlet... Will I ever find that again? I sure hope so.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Has anyone tried to comment lately?
Okay, maybe I'm in need of a confidence booster or something. No one has commented on my blog for DAYS and I'm beginning to wonder if I'm boring (could be), have unintentially offended everyone (could be) or if something is jacked up with the functionality of the Blogger comment option (I hope this is the case). Would someone please try to leave a comment so I know the REAL scoop? I'm a big girl... I can take it.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Valentine Mailbox
Just had to share this cute valentine mailbox my 2nd grader made in his class this week. All the kids had these on their desks at the Valentine's Day party and they were so proud of their special mailboxes. Shoeboxes were used for the base, but any size box will do. My son thought this was so cool that he came home and made two more mailboxes. You can see the flag on the side, but after lugging it home, it somehow bent and now it doesn't stand up. Oh well...
So many art projects are made and sent home during the school year, and they don't always stand out as being particularly creative, but I really liked this one. I might just have to make one of my own!
Aaaahhh... now THAT feels good!
My husband and I went out last night in celebration of Valentine's Day. We had given one another our individual gifts on Thursday night, but since we were hosting a Cub Scout meeting for our oldest son's den that same night, we decided to wait until Friday to go out. It was so worth the wait!
We did something we'd never done before... We had a couple's massage at a local day spa and salon. Now, before you get the idea that we did something kinky, let me set your mind at ease and assure you we did not. We're conservative people around here! We just had regular massages in the same room. Sorry to scare anyone with the visual you might have just experienced. All the private areas were fully covered at all times, if that helps you.
My husband's massage therapist was a woman and mine was a man. The man nearly massaged the very hide right off my body! He awakened muscles and tissue and veins and even the tiniest of cells in my out-of-shape body. Yowza! I slept like a log last night too! I'm a little sore this morning, feeling as if I might have actually worked out yesterday.
My favorite part of the massage, besides the relaxed feeling I had afterwards, was the foot massage (I LOVE a foot massage!) and the warm, wet towels that were used, particularly the ones under my neck and on my feet. Ooh-la-la! I need to do that here at home! It felt SSSSOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOD!
You know some people really don't like massages, which I don't get at all. I wonder if it's just the idea of a stranger touching their bodies that makes them uncomfortable or embarrassed. I figure massage therapists have seen so many people's bodies that nothing phases them. They might have a good laugh at my expense after I've left the premises ("Good Lord, did you SEE the cellulite on that woman's legs?"), but who cares? I don't know about it and I feel too good to give a hoot anyway!
Never had a massage? Life is short and time's a-wastin'! Go and let me know how you feel afterward...
We did something we'd never done before... We had a couple's massage at a local day spa and salon. Now, before you get the idea that we did something kinky, let me set your mind at ease and assure you we did not. We're conservative people around here! We just had regular massages in the same room. Sorry to scare anyone with the visual you might have just experienced. All the private areas were fully covered at all times, if that helps you.
My husband's massage therapist was a woman and mine was a man. The man nearly massaged the very hide right off my body! He awakened muscles and tissue and veins and even the tiniest of cells in my out-of-shape body. Yowza! I slept like a log last night too! I'm a little sore this morning, feeling as if I might have actually worked out yesterday.
My favorite part of the massage, besides the relaxed feeling I had afterwards, was the foot massage (I LOVE a foot massage!) and the warm, wet towels that were used, particularly the ones under my neck and on my feet. Ooh-la-la! I need to do that here at home! It felt SSSSOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOD!
You know some people really don't like massages, which I don't get at all. I wonder if it's just the idea of a stranger touching their bodies that makes them uncomfortable or embarrassed. I figure massage therapists have seen so many people's bodies that nothing phases them. They might have a good laugh at my expense after I've left the premises ("Good Lord, did you SEE the cellulite on that woman's legs?"), but who cares? I don't know about it and I feel too good to give a hoot anyway!
Never had a massage? Life is short and time's a-wastin'! Go and let me know how you feel afterward...
Friday, February 15, 2008
Kids' Classroom Parties
Our boys' school allows two classroom parties per year, one being a Valentine's Day party. Yesterday was all about valentines, sugar, games and the like, and the boys had a great time. I was able to attend both parties, but I almost missed out on my younger son's party.
The "room parent" plans these things and I totally appreciate the fact that there is a mom in both of our kids' classrooms willing to take on this responsibility. These volunteers are often underappreciated and taken for granted, it can be difficult to get other parents to respond and take an active role in classroom events and, goodness knows, it's impossible to please everyone.
Both boys' parties were great! They were well-planned and executed and the kids had fun, which is the ultimate goal. Something bothered me though and I need to vent about it just a little. My younger son's classroom parent didn't send out any kind of communication regarding the Valentine's Day party until two days prior, and then she emailed all the parents to say that everything had been taken care of, no help was needed, but anyone who wanted to stop by the classroom for the party was welcome to come. It's like this room mom just made every decision regarding the party, from the games to the craft to the refreshments. She did everything!
I appreciate this woman's willingness to do everything for our kids. It's a very generous gesture and I want to believe that she had the best of intentions in that she probably just wanted to be sure the kids had an enjoyable time. I just felt that the rest of the parents were shut out of the party altogether. It would have been nice if all parents were made aware of the exact date and time of the party in advance. Many parents work full-time or have other obligations that prevent them from being able to come in to the classroom without advance notice. There may have been more parents present had they KNOWN about the party beforehand. These moments with our kids are fleeting! Kids want their parents to come share these special times with them. Give families this opportunity!
Even if parents aren't able to come into the classroom for various events, they might want to do something to help out, like sending in a treat. My mom was a working mom when I was growing up, but she often sent in cookies whenever we had parties. It made her feel as if she were contributing and doing her part, not to mention the fact that it made me feel as if she really cared. I felt special because she made the effort for me. Every kid wants to feel as if his/her parent has done something special for the class. It makes them feel proud!
I just want to be a part of my sons' school experiences as long as they're still excited about me being there. I know there will likely come a time when having me show up in their classrooms is no longer cool. When there are opportunities to celebrate and party with my boys, I want to be there. That's hard to do if parents aren't informed and given a chance to participate in the special times.
The "room parent" plans these things and I totally appreciate the fact that there is a mom in both of our kids' classrooms willing to take on this responsibility. These volunteers are often underappreciated and taken for granted, it can be difficult to get other parents to respond and take an active role in classroom events and, goodness knows, it's impossible to please everyone.
Both boys' parties were great! They were well-planned and executed and the kids had fun, which is the ultimate goal. Something bothered me though and I need to vent about it just a little. My younger son's classroom parent didn't send out any kind of communication regarding the Valentine's Day party until two days prior, and then she emailed all the parents to say that everything had been taken care of, no help was needed, but anyone who wanted to stop by the classroom for the party was welcome to come. It's like this room mom just made every decision regarding the party, from the games to the craft to the refreshments. She did everything!
I appreciate this woman's willingness to do everything for our kids. It's a very generous gesture and I want to believe that she had the best of intentions in that she probably just wanted to be sure the kids had an enjoyable time. I just felt that the rest of the parents were shut out of the party altogether. It would have been nice if all parents were made aware of the exact date and time of the party in advance. Many parents work full-time or have other obligations that prevent them from being able to come in to the classroom without advance notice. There may have been more parents present had they KNOWN about the party beforehand. These moments with our kids are fleeting! Kids want their parents to come share these special times with them. Give families this opportunity!
Even if parents aren't able to come into the classroom for various events, they might want to do something to help out, like sending in a treat. My mom was a working mom when I was growing up, but she often sent in cookies whenever we had parties. It made her feel as if she were contributing and doing her part, not to mention the fact that it made me feel as if she really cared. I felt special because she made the effort for me. Every kid wants to feel as if his/her parent has done something special for the class. It makes them feel proud!
I just want to be a part of my sons' school experiences as long as they're still excited about me being there. I know there will likely come a time when having me show up in their classrooms is no longer cool. When there are opportunities to celebrate and party with my boys, I want to be there. That's hard to do if parents aren't informed and given a chance to participate in the special times.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
I love being in love!
Today is Valentine's Day, the day set aside to show our love to that someone special in our lives. I've been reminiscing about how my husband and I came to be a couple... how we met and what drew us to one another. Our love story might never become a made-for-TV special, but in my heart, it's the sweetest, most romantic story ever told. And I think that's way everyone should feel about their marriage.
Both my husband and I have had previous marriages. Sometimes we refer to those marriages as "previous lives." I like to look upon that first time around as a "trial run" of sorts. That's a joke of course because it wasn't meant to be a trial run at all. I think that's part of why I feel so blessed today. I've been unhappy and felt despair in a relationship, and I never want to feel that again. My husband has felt the same. We found one another and were given a second change at happiness, and we don't take that for granted.
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Is that Elizabeth Barrett Browning? I'm not well-read, so I'm not sure, but I know I've heard that quoted so many times over the years. Makes me think about the MANY ways I love my husband. I love him because...
... he loves me.
... he makes me laugh.
... he's a patient, loving father.
... he's generous.
... he's a godly man.
... he's a big ol' softy.
... he gives the greatest hugs.
... he has kind eyes.
... he has integrity.
... he's honest without being insensitive.
... he's encouraging and positive.
... he always looks nice.
... he smells good.
... he brings me popcorn and O.J. for a late-night snack.
... he lets me vent and cry if I need to.
... he's playful.
... he cheers for my beloved UK Wildcats.
... he treats my family like they're his family.
... he tries to be here when we need him.
... he never tells my secrets.
... I can trust him.
There are lots more reasons to love this wonderful man in my life. He's my best friend and my soul mate. I love loving him and think we go together just like "peas and carrots" (Forrest Gump). I'm thankful God saw fit to bring us together and pray we have LOTS more years to be sweethearts.
XOXO
Both my husband and I have had previous marriages. Sometimes we refer to those marriages as "previous lives." I like to look upon that first time around as a "trial run" of sorts. That's a joke of course because it wasn't meant to be a trial run at all. I think that's part of why I feel so blessed today. I've been unhappy and felt despair in a relationship, and I never want to feel that again. My husband has felt the same. We found one another and were given a second change at happiness, and we don't take that for granted.
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Is that Elizabeth Barrett Browning? I'm not well-read, so I'm not sure, but I know I've heard that quoted so many times over the years. Makes me think about the MANY ways I love my husband. I love him because...
... he loves me.
... he makes me laugh.
... he's a patient, loving father.
... he's generous.
... he's a godly man.
... he's a big ol' softy.
... he gives the greatest hugs.
... he has kind eyes.
... he has integrity.
... he's honest without being insensitive.
... he's encouraging and positive.
... he always looks nice.
... he smells good.
... he brings me popcorn and O.J. for a late-night snack.
... he lets me vent and cry if I need to.
... he's playful.
... he cheers for my beloved UK Wildcats.
... he treats my family like they're his family.
... he tries to be here when we need him.
... he never tells my secrets.
... I can trust him.
There are lots more reasons to love this wonderful man in my life. He's my best friend and my soul mate. I love loving him and think we go together just like "peas and carrots" (Forrest Gump). I'm thankful God saw fit to bring us together and pray we have LOTS more years to be sweethearts.
XOXO
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
You want me to do WHAT?
A few days ago I shared with the whole world the fact that I'd recently had a mammogram. If you read the post, you'll remember I wasn't exactly thrilled with the sensation of having my breasts flattened like pancakes over and over again. Well... looks like I'll have the distinct pleasure of going back next week and repeating the fun I had less than two weeks ago.
Someone called to say the radiologist had read the report and now I'm being requested to return for "additional views to complete my study." Excuse me? You want me to do WHAT?
I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm thinking that means one of two things... either the x-ray tech messed up the first time or they've found something questionable. Since I've never had any previous problems and breast cancer doesn't run in my family, I'm thinking the x-ray tech fouled up and they just don't want to admit that. Of course it's not like the person on the phone will actually TELL you one way or the other. They're not allowed to give out that kind of information to patients. Sigh...
It's bad enough to have to endure ONE mammogram a year, but TWO? Give me a break!
Someone called to say the radiologist had read the report and now I'm being requested to return for "additional views to complete my study." Excuse me? You want me to do WHAT?
I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm thinking that means one of two things... either the x-ray tech messed up the first time or they've found something questionable. Since I've never had any previous problems and breast cancer doesn't run in my family, I'm thinking the x-ray tech fouled up and they just don't want to admit that. Of course it's not like the person on the phone will actually TELL you one way or the other. They're not allowed to give out that kind of information to patients. Sigh...
It's bad enough to have to endure ONE mammogram a year, but TWO? Give me a break!
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