A Reflection on this Mother's Day

Could I have known from the very start, 

How lost I could be in my child's heart? 

The joy I would feel at the sound of her breathing~

That with her first breath....my life had new meaning. 

How could I have known how much she would change me? 

Becoming the woman I n'er dreamed I could be. 

How deep the commitment to walk side by side, 

And protect at all costs, my love would provide.  

How can it be that my heart would expand? 

To make enough room for such a young man? 

Each child's unique and God's gift--times two...

Family! Such blessings, I had not a clue. 

           Still moment by moment I learned to trust, 

           No matter my history, old pain turned to dust. 

           For God had provided a healing path, 

           Revealing His love; a love that will last. 

I couldn't have known how complete I would feel, 

How full was my heart, to love with such zeal,

No holding back was my new found creed, 

Could it get any better?  Yes! Then there were three! 

How much we have grown since that first Mother's Day, 

God brought us together, there's no other way. 

My heart knows for certain, you were sent from above, 

To bless this mother's heart with an enduring love!

                                        Hi! Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to Disney we go! 

                  

Look out Disney!  

The Sista's have arrived!

Blog Award 

I did it! I did it! I did it!  

For so long, I have wanted to create a blogging award or two so I could reciprocate the honor, having won awards in the past.

I must admit, I am not as geeky as I once thought, because I have just spent 90 minutes creating this first award.....and while I am thrilled to be able to pass it on, I only wish it could have had more bling!  For the bloggers I am nominating for the first ever "You are a Star" award are truly bright lights in the blogosphere!  

For starters, Cindy, at Beneath the Ivy Wreath deserves this award as she truly lightens up any room!  

Then there's Grandma Dawn, my blogging AND IRL friend!  What a treasure she is!  And now that she has those darling little twin granddaughters...she's gonna need a little twinkle in her toes!  

And speaking of pairs, I first met Kristen who introduced me to her mom (Grandma Dawn).  What a year you've had Kristen...and what a star you've truly been.  A big "way-to-go" to you as your heart as grown in bunches!  You have a quiver full, my dear!  

A new blogging friend that brightens my day each and every visit, Karen at Karen's Korner!  I don't think a shadow ever falls on this blogger--she is just the bright!  

Finally, speaking of stars reminds me of California (follow-me?  tee-hee!)  Sharon Lynne at California Breeze has been a shining light from a far this past year as we've gotten to know one another in Bloggity-ville.  One day, someday, we will move beyond NMY friends to friends IRL!

And, until I create a really clever blog award for a really clever blogger, I am passing the "You are a Star" Award onto Yellow Mama at One Step Up From Stupid.  My blogging friends, this lady can write!  In fact, I have added a new side bar to my blog which, no doubt, will soon be filled with my favorite quotes by Yellow Mama!  "Now remember, I had prayed for help, but instead of listening to the Holy Spirit's direction, I got out the hack saw...."  Seriously, how did she know?

So be prepared, now that I have learned a new thing....I may just do it to death!  That would be the OCD in me--for which, I'm sure I can create a special award!  

Monday's Musings

After just a few days on Prednisone, the inflamation and pain in my hands has subsided and my energy level is teasing me! I experience moments of great inspiration whereby I can think through the list of things I want to get done....just before I lay down to rest before I start! Today, I start the new Arthritis medication which is suppose to continue the process of restoration. If all continues well, maybe I'll be able to once again put my wedding rings on!

Still, perspective is so important. And prayer is essential! Heather has posted the results of her brain surgery; and while she is having a miraculous recovery from the surgery itself--we still have some warrioring to do on her behalf. The tumor has been identified. While we rejoice that Heather is "still standing" let's not forget to remain on our knees in prayer for total and complete recovery!

My mother is still recovering from her second eye surgery to repair a retina detachment. Last week was a difficult week for her, it is tough not being able to see and being housebound with little to do. The gas bubble is disapating and within days, her vision should be better. Then, after a few weeks of recovery, she will have the cataracts removed from her eyes, one eye at a time. 2007 will be the year of eye surgeries for her...this is her 2nd of 4 eye surgeries so far this year.

After a beautiful weekend of wind and rain, it is beginning to look a little more like summer. 9th grade son is counting down the days until summer vacation and I can't wait for the best time of the year! It seems that the longer I live--the shorter summers really are! After enduring the hardships of winter, our plans for summer are so jam-packed, the long days of summer seem to fly by with the warm lake breeze of our 10,000 lakes!

How do you suppose the White House chose only 134 guests for the white- tie event tonight for the Queen of England? I have checked my mail, yet again, didn't find my invite? Did you get yours? Hmmmm......

Guess I better take some meat out of the freezer for dinner here!

:)

Personally yours, From New York

I have known Maria for merely ten years, still, she is one of those friends that when you meet-- you just know you have known her your whole life! Her husband and my husband were members of the same International Accounting Network, that is until last Fall.....when my husband's firm joined another network. While it was professionally a good move, personally, I was saddened that we would no longer travel twice a year with Maria and Mike. While we traveled to Argentina last October, I was saddened just knowing that Maria and Mike were simultaneously traveling to Washington, DC to be with many of our other friends that we have professionally journeyed with for more than 20 years.

When this trip to New York was scheduled, I jumped at the chance to travel with DH to meet Maria, with the sole purpose....of visiting her at her home in the midst of the towers of Manhattan. So Monday morning, I risked life and limb and walked to Maria home on 58th Street. I was excited to see Maria's home; we had shared so many stories of our children, our homes, and our lives....now I would walk into her front door, into the walls that sheltered her heart and the memories she had shared with me as we traveled around the world together...professionally.

Personally, I knew that Maria's home would be so welcoming. Once inside, the claustrophobia I had been experiencing disappated....as I left the throngs of pedestrians behind (all, disregarding those darn crosswalk signals!), I entered into her very warm and lovely home. Offering me a glass of freshly made iced-tea, Maria and I sat on her living room couch and we spent two hours catching up! She told me of their business trip to DC, I shared ours to Buenos Aires. Out came the wedding photos of both of her daughters weddings....each had taken place last summer. Soon, it was time to take her darling Cavilier King Charles Spaniel, Abby, for a walk. Maria warmly greeted each person we passed as we walked the streets of New York with her very happy puppy! Oh how Abby loves to walk; my apprehension of walking a dog through the maze of marching New Yorkers did not faze Abby in the least. With plastic baggy in hand, Maria and Abby led the way!

After returning Abby to the apartment, Maria and I headed to a neighborhood restaurant where we enjoyed a thoroughly wonderful lunch, eating outside! The hustle and bustle of cars, taxis, and limos did not even register on my radar as we shared a glass of wine while talking about...well... everything!

Mid afternoon, Maria suggested that we go to Rockefeller Center and go to the new viewing center at the top of the building, "Top of the Rock." It was just a short walk to Rockefeller Center....can you even imagine that Rockefeller Center would be in your neighborhood! The views were spectacular, made even more beautiful as Maria shared her neighborhood with me.

That evening, I took DH back to her neighborhood where we joined Mike and Maria at New York's acclaimed restaurant, Felidia Ristorante, located directly next door to their building. Felidia is owned by world reknowned Chef, Lidia Macchichio Bastianich, and while I had no clue how special that really is, by the time I tasted the first bite of my starter....I knew I was in for a culinary delight! The food was delectable....the company divine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm posting in my own home tonight having returned to Minneapolis and actually drove my car once again! I smiled as I drove through each traffic light and saw the white hand signals of the crosswalk--remembering that just a few hours earlier, I had been navigating the streets of NYC. How different our streets really are, how different our homes are. My driveway is the length of a city block and the trees that surround my home are a welcome sight! And, there is not a taxi cab honking, police siren warning, or door-man blowing his whistle........anywhere within ear shot! Aw.....home sweet home!

Still, I can't wait to return to visit Maria again. The fact that our living circumstances are culturally world's apart....the real connection of a lasting friendship is personally entwined! Tonight, as I look out of my bedroom window into my back yard, lit, not by the bright lights of Times Square but, by the stars of a brilliant Minnesota spring evening, my heart is filled with gratitude. Gratitude that I live in a place that understands what to do at a crosswalk to prevent mayhem on the streets. Gratitude for the solitude of a suburban evening.
Gratitude for my own quiet bedroom, in my own home. Although it lacks a doorman, fitness center, or 3rd floor terrace, it is my home. And it is in my own home that I quietly reflect the beauty of friendship shared with one so different, yet, so amazingly the same! In fact, it is possible that our differences have only added to the flavor of our friendship. Tonight, as my two dogs are roaming on grass, looking for just the right place to 'piddle', it is quite possible that Abby is on her late night walk--she will 'piddle' on a sidewalk. Still, a bond continues to be shared between two friends; two friends who love our dogs, love our families, and love that we have spent some personal time together!

Sensory overload

Somewhere in the midst of all of these buildings, sit I! I have joined my DH on a business trip.....having something to do with the AICPA. My job is to navigate my way through the streets of the Big Apple and enjoy! Not too tough--right?

We arrived last evening following an uneventful flight. After unpacking, we walked in the pleasant early evening to a New York favorite: Smith & Wollensky's Steak and Chops, where I had a man-sized portion of their featured Filet Oscar-medium!

With our taste-buds fully satitated, we had a brisk walk back to our hotel room where we opened the windows to let the night air filter in. As we reviewed our great meal together, we soon discovered that our quiet bedtime conversation had some serious competition: the sounds of New York City! Sirens, horns, bells (???), whistles (???) planes overhead, more horns, even the sound of accelerating cars seemed to interrupt! It seems that in New York City, you are NEVER really alone! Hmmm?

This realization was only magnified as I walked out of the revolving doors of our hotel early this morning to grab a cup of java.....and I stepped into the throngs of New Yorkers...walking....to.....well.....somewhere! Where are all of these people going! Seriously, the sidewalks have traffic jams! And....AND.....when I stopped at a red light because it was red and the hand signal said...."Don't Walk"....I nearly was trampled. Hmmm! Minnesota Nice! We follow the rules! How naive!

Having survived my near death experience, I have returned to the safety of my room! However, no need to feel lonely, my windows are still opened! AND, I am going to risk life and limb in about an hour as I will walk just a few blocks over from the hotel to visit a dear friend who actually lives.....very happily in Manhattan! She even has a dog! She, her husband and their beautiful little puppy love living in New York City and don't even own a car! Which means....they must know something about the "Don't Walk" rules...I'm gonna have to talk to her about that!

SNOW in Texas!

Geesh! Can I get away from this snow! Believe it or not, it snowed on April 7th in Texas! While the Dallas relatives were amazed, especially the kids, we were less than thrilled, although it was beautiful! And the best part....it only lasted for a day. THAT's my kind of snowfall! The next morning--there was no trace of it!
I have so many great photos to share with you....and I will, as soon I get a new Compact Flash. Have you seen these? They are great! When they work that is! You take your memory card out of your digital camera, put it in the Card reader and put it in your computer USB port. Voila'! Your photos can be uploaded. Alas, in my enthusiasm to upload the snowy photos....my card reader is no longer recognized and has malfunctioned. So, it's off to Best Buy to get a new one so I can post a few pictures. We had such a nice weekend at the Ranch...in spite of the fact that since I've been there...the MAD COW has now gone out of business...and things aren't looking so good for CURL UP 'N DYE. Bryson, Texas is struggling my friends! Looks like I will have to visit more often and support its economy!

While I am at Best Buy, please stop by Twenty Eight Celsius to read Part Five of Kevin's series. What an amazing testimony! What an amazing God! For his mother's perspective, click here.Kevin and Dawn (and family)....we are rejoicing with you for this incredible and amazing miracle of deliverance.

Mortified Monday!

Mortified? I'm mortified that I even have this word in my vocabulary! Still, although it most definitely hints at my age, it is also an appropriate word, describing perfectly the frenzy of life I find myself in!

Spinning, swirling, reaching to catch up with my own life! What a mess!

I have just now finished the mounds of laundry from our Spring Break trip. Nothing has been put away, however, the stacks are neatly folded in my laundry room, waiting to be repacked for our Easter get-away to Dallas--we leave on Thursday.

I missed a deadline: I have mentioned that I am a non-traditional college student and am currently taking an online course: Family Systems, Structures and Relationships. My syllabus suggested an April 1st deadline for an optional paper. Note: I used the words "suggested" and "optional paper." To this mid-life momma, these words translate....get that extra credit paper done by April 1st...you fool!"
I did not. Today, I will submit this paper rather sheepishly, right after I finish this post. Blogging, after all, is my first priority! Did I hear the word, "Fool!"

A few weeks ago, I discovered a blog that will critique other blogs. Sound fun? I thought so! All I needed to do was send him my blog address, link his blog to my post and he promised to critique my blog. He did, I didn't. I feel ashamed! I believe completely in good blogging etiquette, so, while just a little late (there's that deadline phobia!)....here's the link kind sir! Thank you for your fabulous critique and your outstanding blog service to many!

I have yet to "pay it forward" from the really nice Blogging "Thinkers Award" I have received. I will. But in an effort to redeem my self-respect, I must first, get that optional paper submitted. Who am I kidding, I need to write it first and then I will submit it--a day late from the suggested deadline. Geesh! Anyone out there have any ideas for a paper on Family and Couple Maps?

May your Monday be mortify-free! I've got enough of that energy going on around here for all of us!

Spring Break 2007









And a good time was had by all!

I grew up the oldest of five children. Frequently, it was my role to watch over my little sisters. These are my two little sisters; Lynn is on the left, Dixie is on the right. I am not in the picture, because I am doing what I love best, laying in the cabana, listening to the rhythym of the ocean waves, reading my favorite book. So relaxed, nearly asleep, I was awakened from my half-asleep-bliss, not by the cry of the Seagulls, not by the sound of the crashing waves, but by the sound of my name, "Diane! Diane! Diane!" "She.........(tattle, tattle, tattle!)" (Sorry, blogging friends, I can't share the details....for the details of this crime fall into the category of "What happens on Marco Island, stays on Marco Island!)

Can you guess which one is coming to "tattle" and which one is hiding that something to be "tattled" about?????

Some things, just never change! ;)

Look up!

Ladies (and the ocassional gentleman),

How much fun is it to travel with your little sisters, one on her very first airline ride ever on her way to see the Ocean for the first time in her life!
Her enthusiasm was contagious! Sitting by the window, the joy was overwhelming as the plane turned, descending into Fort Myers, Florida and the Coastline appeared.


These three girls may have grown up on the "wrong side of the tracks" but this day, we were on the right side of the plane, getting a glimpse of good things to come!


The beauty of this dream-come-true was only surpassed by the reality of the colors, the sound, and the feel of the warm Gulf water washing over our feet. It is amazing to discover that the hardships of life are necessary to really appreciate the glorious beauty we see when we lift our eyes from our pain and look up!

We ate, we swam, we laughed, we played! We talked of old times and of coming good times. We spoke of the bondage that alcohol addiction creates and rejoiced for the joy of freedom, if only you choose it! Choices! Never, as children, did we ever imagine that the world was filled with such beauty! Never, would we have invited a friend to our turbulent rented homes, the unpredictability of an alcoholic rage was....well...predictable. Yes, the unspoken realities of a childhood lost travel the distance of life with you, always. Still, miracles happen; where friends were once univited, my grown daughter traveled this journey with us! No need for shame, no dread or fear. For certainly, generational curses have been broken!

Never could I have imagined that sisters, once held captive, would travel so far; so distanced from the memories of what was not, yet, sitting so happily in the lap of what came to be! While the "elephant in the living room" may have prevented any childhood bonding, Marco Island reminded us that "Having never bonded as children, I'm even more fortunate to have this special memory of bonding with you in Marco as adults who choose to have each other in our lives." (written by my sister, Dixie)

So as you look up today and thank God for the blessings in your life, continue to remember, and never forget, it is when you look up that you discover the firm foundation you are standing on!

Transitions

On this last day of our fabulous, most amazing blogging party, I am reminded of all of the transitions we experience in our life time. Hello's and good-bye's are rich with lasting memories. Today, as I took our youngest child to take his driving permit test, I was reminded of the impending goodbye we are facing: a good-bye, if you will, to his youth.

Now I don't mean to be overally dramatic (although what good is a Party without a Drama Queen!), but watching my youngest child drive down our driveway with his Dad in the passenger's seat was just a little overwhelming! Having already experienced this twice before with our older children, I know all to well, this transition officially and permanently propells us into his longed awaited, hoped-for, and talked-about-non-stop-independence! This transition makes me miss "my drivers seat!" The drivers seat of my car and the drivers seat of his life! While he may be ready for this...I'm not sure I am.

As is the case with all transitions, they happen whether I'm ready or not; so it's best I get on board! So I will celebrate this day of transition with my youngest son, the baby I waited for for nearly ten years...is growing up! Standing 5 inches taller than his mom was the first clue.....driving out of the driveway confirmed it: he is becoming an independent young man. Similar to all transitions, I have choices; I can hold tightly to the past and impede all that the future holds, or I can look forward to his future knowing that tightly woven into the fabric of his life.....is my heart. He will be just fine!

So as we say our goodbyes, may you know, that I have enjoyed our time together. Should you never happen upon Partners in Prayer for Our Prodigals again, may you take with you a fond memory of a pleasant hello, a week filled with new acquaintances and a fond farewell. Take with you the memories of this most amazing Ultimate Blogging party and know that "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” (Ancient Greek)

And should you see this face on a road near you, please be patient, it is my baby practicing being a man!

Tuesday's Toss-up

• Never, NEVER, N!E!V!E!R! go shopping with your husband on President's Day! If the filled-to-over-flowing-parking-lot doesn't put your husband in a bad mood, the throngs of meandering shoppers will! I forgot how busy of a shopping-day President's Day is.
• Turning the Entertainment news off for one day--will count on Kristen for any need-to-know Celebrity news. If I hear one more chaotic account of the life and death of Anna Nicole Smith--I may need prescription drugs!
• 9th grade son is back at school today--returning from a very nice long four day weekend. It will be a long day for him as he has a basketball game tonight at 6:00 p.m.
• Feeling a little anxious this a.m.; first online class tonight. I will meet with the other online students for Family Systems, Structures and Relationships from 8:00 - 8:45 p.m. Not bad--45 minutes of instruction; 20 hours of research for the paper due next week: "Describe ways that families have changed over the past 100 years." Certainly, one of the first things that comes to mind--indoor plumbing! And then there's transportation: no matter how frustrating yesterday's shopping experience was--at least we didn't have to hook the team of horses and ride into town on a rickety buggy! Then there's Cyberspace! Communication, calendars, and socialization have never been so easy! I think my Professor wants a little something more: Divorce rate: up, Marriage rates: down, cohabitation: up. The definition of marriage--changing; family--changing; roles--changed.
• What are some of your first thoughts on how the family has changed over the last 100 years?

Monday's meanderings

• It's President's Day: no school!


• Everyone is home....still, no one knows who messed up the house over the weekend. It was clean on Friday, folks, I swear!


• Hubby and I are avoiding the cleaning projects, left by those nighttime, elusive gremlins, and doing a little shopping! I love shopping with hubby--it's guilt free! When he's in the mood to shop--I drop everything and go!


• Still have some reading to finish before my Tuesday evening online class. Isn't this internet thing amazing?!?!? You can take college courses without ever leaving your home. For the next 8 Tuesday nights, I will be in a WebCT classroom; should prove to be interesting for this non-traditional, middle-aged, college student!


• After going to three funerals last week, I'm a bit hesitant to read the paper or answer the phone. Mid-life is a bit unsettling.


• Perspective: So important! While middle child, adult, wayward son is still struggling to make progress, at least he is not deconstructing for all the world to see! Things could be worse! (Stay tuned for Celebrity News on Tuesday @ Kristen's for further details)
• While I'm tempted to fix the mess of spacing on this post AND the messes discovered when I awoke this morning in my home, I'm going shopping!
• Have a great day!

Highway Robbery!

Having a little more distance between our moving company's successful attempt at robbing us on Sunday night, I think I am ready to share how this crime went down.

After blogging for nearly a year now, I have become quite the internet geek. Consequently, when it came time to find a cross-country mover, I did a google search, located a Moving Company search engine and was immediately contacted by 15 moving companies, all guaranteed to be licensed, insured, and reputable moving companies. After filling out enough forms to load a truck (!), I received 15 moving estimates and narrowed our selection down to two companies. I identified all of the inventory to be moved, size and shape of each item and methodically reviewed this process with both contacts more than a dozen times! Seriously! Dozens of emails were exchanged and a multitude of phone conversations ensued. I thought I had this covered; moving company was selected, estimate signed, deposit paid and a time secured (and guaranteed) for us to meet the moving truck on January 29th--9:00 a.m.

We arrived at the apartment at 8:45 a.m. Wouldn't it have been just too easy had the truck actually met us there at 9:00 a.m? That wouldn't have been interesting!

9:15 a.m. I phoned my contact at the Moving Company; she explained that she is just the sales contact, now that the move was in the system, she had no access to our account and tranferred me to the Dispatcher. He casually, and without concern, informed me that the truck would not be there until between Noon-2:00 p.m. Noon! (Deep Breath!) Hubby and I will just go have breakfast.

11:45 a.m. We're back at the apartment

1:30 p.m. Moving Company Dispatcher phones--drivers are delayed--they won't be at the apartment until between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. (Another deep breath). Hubby and I go see a movie, Freedom Writers. (This is a great movie! Worthy of more attention in another post)

3:45 p.m. We're back at the apartment

4:30 p.m. Moving Company Driver calls to say that they are still in the middle of a very large project and will not be at the apartment until between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. (Deep breathes are no longer helping!)

After a quick trip to our hotel room to freshen up and watch some TV to ease our deep frustration, we grab a lite dinner and return to the apartment after Eli, the Driver, calls to announce--Good news...they would be there by 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. Back at the apartment; we meet Eli and an unnamed cohort. Eli is equipped with pencil and another truckload of papers to review and sign before they will begin to load the furniture. While the unnamed cohort begins to move the ten boxes we had so dutifully packed, Eli began to match the inventory list with the actual furniture and items in the apartment. There were only 19 items blogging friends; including one queen size bed and one sectional. I had forgotten to mention 3 TV trays and 2 laundry baskets. Eli said, no problem, he would add them to the inventory list and began to recalculate.

7:45 p.m. Recalculate? It's three small TV trays and 2 plastic laundry baskets--I'll throw them out or go down the hallway and knock on a door and ask someone if they'd like them! To which Eli replied that we would need to recalculate anyway because while we had told them we had a queen size bed, it was thicker than they estimated and that both the bed and the sectional would have to be wrapped in plastic and taped for the move. Furthermore, Eli explained, the original estimate only indicated one piece to the sectional--we had two. Correct me please blogging friends, but isn't it generally understood that a sectional is more than one part????

8:00 p.m. Well, YAH! Of course there is more than one part to a sectional! And, YES, movers (with integrity) generally wrap mattresses and sofas when traveling across country! Shoot, when we last moved to our new home--these things were wrapped and a blanket hung over them for a six mile ride.

8:15 p.m. Adding two plastic laundry baskets and three TV trays, wrapping the mattress and 2 part-sectional, the estimate had been recalculated to nearly DOUBLE the original estimate. No dramatic-blogging-fodder here friends...you read that right--DOUBLE!

8:16 p.m. The words, Highway Robbery are first uttered.

After waiting all day, we were told, nearly 12 hours after their guaranteed arrival time, that the move would now cost double the original estimate. After some restrained dialogue (I was so proud of hubby!), it was decided we would try to call the management. But alas, it was 8:30 p.m., management was long gone. Options? What options did we have? Eli said we could simply not have them take our things and pay them for their time. (I'm not joking blogging friends--these words came out of his mouth.)

Here was the problem with Eli's option: we needed to have the apartment emptied by the end of the month and hubby and I each had early morning flights--hubby to Miami and me to Minneapolis. In the darkness of the evening, no Women's Shelters, Teen Challenge facilities, or Charitable Organizations were even open to call to see if they would like a donation of a small studio's worth of furniture! Geesh--for the cost of this move, we could have donated the furniture to a worthy cause, received a tax deduction, and felt really good about our donation. Options? No--we were being robbed, we were held hostage in the late evening hours with no workable options.

Keeping in mind that these two men would be handling our furniture from Orlando to Minneapolis, hubby and I eventually agreed to "bite the bullet" and get this move on the road. Eli agreed to reduce the unreasonable recalculation by $200 and gave us the number of Carla in Customer Service, so we could call her the next day. (We have tried to reach Carla numerous times the last two days--to no avail). Hubby and I sat outside in our rental car and waited the 1 1/2 hours it took for the crew to load our inventory. Not to worry though--our two plastic laundry baskets and three TV trays made it safely to the truck.

I have tried to break this outrageous fraudulent event into manageable (and interesting colors!) Sadly, there really is no way to make an unethical practice look pretty. It is--what it is: Highway Robbery! We were guaranteed that our furniture would be in Minnesota within 5 - 7 business days--same guarantee we had that based on our inventory the price would be $$ and the time of pick up would be 9:00 a.m. I'm not holding my breath.

While I am not holding my breath, we will be composing letters to the State of Florida's Attorney General, Orlando's Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau with a copy to GlobusVanLine Management. This newly tranformed computer geek will also be looking for a way to relate this hold-up online; so the next person who does a google search on GlobusVanLine will have the opportunity of options. Options that include that when a Company says it will do something, it does. When a Company agrees to move 19 pieces of inventory for an estimated price, the actual price will not increase by 100%. We are not stupid people, we know that there will be some increase cost with an estimate--10%, maybe 20% on the high end, necessary for those unexpected expenses (like a couple of plastic laundry baskets for crying out loud).

Before you feel like I am holding you hostage--with this lengthy post--I will get this post....on the road and hit the publish button! I'll keep you posted as to any resolve we may get....but in the meantime....don't hold your breath! I think we're in for a long ride!

I'm b-a-a-a-a-a-ck!


Can I just say "whirlwind?" Will that adequately difine our quick moving weekend away? I'm whipped! I'm exhausted! I'm o.k~ better than o.k!

As is the case when you leave home for a few days--there is much to do upon your return. First things first, however!


1) It is C.O.L.D. outside! Yes, the temperatures in Orlando were colder than normal, but 7 degrees above zero is COLD when getting off an airplane with sandles on! Shoot, it's cold even wearing sox!

2) The weekend was fruitful; our son left his apartment in good shape. We arrived on Saturday and began the packing. 10 boxes later we decided to go out for a quick dinner and a good night's rest for the day of cleaning before the mover's arrived on Monday.

3) We spent Sunday reminiscing about our family's love for Orlando. Each year for 20 years we have spent two weeks after tax-season as a family in Florida. One week traditionally spent at Disney World, the second week on Marco Island. It was no surprise when our son chose Orlando to put his hoped-for success and well-being in a town that held so many cherished memories. As we navigated through his small studio apartment we felt a sense of loss as we cleaned one last time, making his apartment ready for the next tenant whose heart may, no doubt, be filled with similar desires and dreams. Our feelings of loss, however, were balanced by the remembrance of the healthy dose of progress made by our prodigal (by our "miracle in progress"--thanks Morning Glory!) throughout this re-re-location. Our souls were refreshed as we cleaned that apartment that day and we realized that each step he has taken....is a step closer home.

4) The movers--well, the movers! I will post another day as today is a day of renewal, not despair! I'll just tell you--the actual cost of the move was twice the estimate they provided! More to come.

5) Renewal!?! Isn't that a great word! Head on over to Twenty Eight Celsius (just a bit warmer than 7 degrees above zero!) to read an amazing story of renewal. Remember our first ever Welcome Home Banquet? Yup! THAT Welcome Home Banquet! Dawn's returning son is now posting his story; please go over and support his story of transformation!

6) Tonight is the last class of a four week long class: Counseling In Christian Ministry. I have just now finished my last paper--a study of the Biblical Perspective on Anger. Plenty of fodder for some good posts--let me tell 'ya! Interesting that I began this class feeling a boat-load of anger and I end it with the sinking feeling that I have sinned! Interesting how a ten-page study of anger can leave you feeling all wet!

7) Finally, there's nothing that blesses this blogger more than discovering that I have been nominated for the Share the Love (most inspiring award AND Blogger you'd most like to meet) award! Ah shucks! I sent my nominations in today--just in time for the January 31st (midnight) deadline. Isn't this blogging thing fun!!!!!

8) (O.K.; I lied!) Now, finally--Don't forget to consider the Bloggy Girls Mountain Getaway! A blessing far larger than an award (although it is pretty cool to be nominated!) is the face-to-face meeting at this great gathering of bloggers. It would be so great to see you there!

There! Now that I've handled all of the really important things, I don't know if I should take a quick nap before class or if I should grab a bite to eat?????



Maybe I'll just multi-task!

Diane

Guess what I'm doing this weekend?

My husband and I are flying to Orlando to meet the moving truck; we are closing the Orlando-bound-chapter-of my sons life. We arrive on Saturday, will hastily pack up his apartment and meet the moving truck which will load-it-all-up and move-it-on-north!

Since it was first decided that he was moving south, we covered him with prayer and began to feel a peace that this was part of God's plan for our son's life. It was a reluctant goodbye, with so many uncertainties and so much at stake, still there were some things I knew for sure. Every step I took after he left for such a long distance from home was supported by my faith, not in well-laid plans or hoped-for outcome, but in the promise of God; the One who loves my prodigal more than me. Just listen:

"My children's hearts devise their ways, but You, LORD, direct their steps." Proverbs 16:9

"You heal my children, the broken in heart, and bind up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

"You keep track of my children's wanderings. You put their tears into Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?" Psalm 56:8

"I am confident of this very thing, that You who have begun a good work [in my son] and will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

These are the same verses I rest on as my son has now returned to Minneapolis. His life circumstances are no more certain than when he left for Orlando months ago; still my heart is filled with peace.

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Me. And My peace, which passes all understanding, will keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7

While he continues to struggle with a truckload of difficulty, our son is making progress. Our God, the very One to whom I have surrendered my prodigal, is more than able to do the good work He has begun.

So while I pack my small duffle bag and close up this chapter of my prodigal's journey, my feelings are--honestly--bittersweet. On the one hand, I am saying a good-bye of sorts to a deeply hoped-for-answer to a decades worth of prayer! And with the other hand, fully extended towards heaven, I welcome with great anticipation the revelation of God's redemptive work in the life of my prodigal.

"Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14) No! Nothing!

"You heal my children, the broken in heart, and bind up their wounds" Psalm 147: 3

Guess what I'm doing this weekend??? I think the more interesting question is Guess what God is doing in my life, in your life, in the life of our children! In fact, there's really no guessing about it--His Word is clear! Even when circumstances feel like we are stalling, we are, in fact, moving safely forward, guided by His divine will for our lives.

Happy New Year!

In the words of a very wise blogger-friend, "O.kay, Diane, the Holidays are over......Come Ba-a-a-a-a-ck!" Yes, 2007 is well on its way...and it continues to forge ahead with or without me!

How has your New Year been so far? On Monday of last week, I typed a brilliant post...maybe the best I've ever written....and when I hit the save button....BLOGGER asked me to sign in. Sign in? Wasn't I already signed in to compose my post? When I typed in my username and password, the next screen popped up without my most brilliant post! It was lost....lost forever....in cyberspace or some recyling bin that I could not find. So, today, I find myself "saving" after each paragraph as I really don't mean to be antisocial....I am just computer illiterate!

In keeping with New Year's resolutions and start-ups, I have registered for another class. After graduating in May, 2005 with a degree in Psychology, I am taking another college course. "Counseling in Christian Ministry." Last night was my first week of class. I am taking this course at the Christian University I graduated from so was a bit unsettled with some of the discussion that took place in this Ministry course. It really is an introduction to Biblical Counseling, which, as I have learned after doing the five papers required for the first weeks assignments, is quite different from traditional psychological perspectives.

Without reviewing each psychological theorists, I think I knew that the basic difference in the Biblical perspective from secular theorists would include the relationship between God and man. The association between body and mind (or in Christian speak: body and the "heart" of man) differs for Christians and the world. Does the heart propel sin or, as we learn more about neuroscience, is it possible that the brain can cause the body to sin? Example? A patient with delibatating Ahlzeimer's Disease, formerly a godly man his entire life, is now speaking in degrading terms about women and displays sinful selfish demands. Is this a problem of the "heart" or is it a problem of the brain? Easy question you suppose? I did! Until I entered the discussion with 15 other students and 1 very well educated Professor. To my surprise, the majority of the class believed that the deterioration of the mind revealed the condition of this man's "heart." The conversation led into a tense discussion of the ability children have to sin.

Taking a moment to save! (and a deep breath!)

I'm back.

I was completely unaware that this group of Christian adult/students and Professor believed the age of accountability is not a theological theory. In fact, my Professor stated, "The age of accountability is not a moral philosophy, not a theological theory, cannot be proven in Scripture. It is an emotional reply to the mystery of sin." That is not an exact quote--my breathing had accelerated and my mind began to rebel--I may not have heard his EXACT quote.

This critical thinking thing......is gonna kill me!

I will continue to think about and study these concepts; however, my future papers may rile a few Professorial feathers! After thoroughly enjoying my education at a Christian University, covering secular theorists and traditional psychology, it is upsetting enough to me that there is a Biblical perspective that diminishes the benefit of the DSM-IV or questions the agenda of Scienticfic research. Well...maybe not just the questioning part....but the presumption that all scientific study is jaded. I have lived long enough to know that generalizations are dangerous.

But to discover that the Biblical Counseling perspective, or this Professors interpretation of it, purports that an Ahlzeimer patient or an immature child sins in the same way adults and able bodied people electively sin--is disturbing.

Any thoughts?

How do you resolve the age of accountability issue?

Does nueroscience ever exempt sin? The person with Tourette's who blurts out profanity: is he/she sinning? Is this a problem with the heart or misfired nuerotransmitters?

O.k....can you feel my distress? It has been said that "misery loves company!" Well, this is not my intent...to make you miserable. Please comment with any thoughts relating to any of this rambling first post of 2007. I fear Cindy may regret inspiring me to move on from the Holidays! Santa Babies are so much more fun--aren't they!

For Lucky

After loving a black lab for more than 11 years, how does a family say good-bye to their cherished family pet? Although we knew he was aging, the signs of arthritis were a struggle and the bladder difficulties were frustrating, the phone call from the Vet yesterday was still heartbreaking. Lucky went in yesterday morning for exploratory surgery; he had developed a hematoma above his hip two weeks ago which, with a simple aspiration, indicated it was a pocket of blood, suggesting he was bleeding internally from an unknown cause. During the surgery, the Doctor discovered that where muscle once was, a blood tumor had developed, which was no doubt, cancerous. It was a "mushy" tumor, hence the Dr. was unable to remove it and more compelling, the Dr. was unable to stop the bleeding that was occuring due to the tumor. Over the phone, the Dr. guided me to the decision that was looming and reasonable.

Reasonable. There is nothing reasonable about the way I am feeling just now. Over the past two years, our Lucky has suffered several medical challenges. With each challenge, I could be heard asking, "Why can't he just pass on quietly in his sleep?" The balance required in prolonging a pets life with the necessary finances to do so is a heavy weight. It seems today, Lucky was able to die in his sleep.

So reasonable or not, our family mourns the loss of a black lab that we were lucky to love the last 11 years. Coming from the Humane Society, this puppy loved us, loved a multitude of barn kittens, and loved each of the other puppies we call our own. He blessed our home with a love that only a black lab can lavish!

Did you know?

It takes 10 hours from Atlanta to fly to Buenos Aires?


Buenos Aires is home to a population of more than 12 million people? This is more than 1/3 of Argentina's total population (37,032,000)

Dinner is late! Most restaurants are empty until 10:00 p.m. when the crowds arrive. We've been eating at 8:00 p.m. which feels a lot like the early bird special hour of Florida!

The tango is the national dance; you can see it performed on many street corners by local talent. Of course, the nightlife of Buenos Aires is filled with Tango Clubs--should you be able to stay awake after your late dinner!

Did you know that Buenos Aires is home to the largest avenue in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, which runs through downtown Buenos Aires--sixteen lanes wide, requiring three stop lights to cross?

Did you know Buenos Aires is NOT on the ocean? Looked like it to me! However, after two days here looking for it, I've finally been told the ocean is 360 kilometers away....too long for a morning walk. So--I have discovered another kind of walking....dog walkers.

Paseadores de perros are all over the City! They captured my attention the first morning walk: with many of the Buenos Aires residents living in high-rises, this must be a job in demand. What talent, what skill, what a great job!

Did you know that you can enjoy an evening of TV reading the English sub-titles? After four years of Spanish, it seems my Spanish speaking language ability was stored in my short-term memory banks. Since I am over 50....nada! Sin! Vamoos! Gone!

Did you know that many of the Argentine people speak dual languages? They put me to shame! Thankfully, they are eager to put their English to practice...and I am more than willing to help! After all, I can only ask for "Agua" and "la toilette"....so many times each day! "Hola" is a good start....but how many times can you say, "no espeaka Espaniol?????" without feeling a bit "stupido!"

Did you know that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks? While getting lost looking for the La Recoleta Cementery, I walked up to a group of Police Men. My husband didn't think we should bother them, I told him with grand assurance....that certainly the Policia would know how to speak English. As I approached them, I smiled as I said, "Buenos Dias." I casually announced I did not speak "Espaniol." They smiled back at me and said something in Chinese, maybe Japanese...no it couldn't have been Spanish! Now, I was sweating! My husband was tucked safely a block away from my humiliation and I still needed to prove my point. So I pulled out the old "cut and paste" type of translation: "Eva Peron....Cementerio?"

"Ah.....si!" All four Polocia Officers started speaking to me, this time in Thai!!!! and pointed me in the direction I was to go.

Who would have ever thought, this old dog would be thanking God for Madonna! Her portrayal of Evita left a lasting impression in my mind. Thankfully, I was able to cut...Eva Peron.......paste it with Cementerio.....and Viola! We found our way. Of course, we will never speak of this again, especially if my husband asks if the Policia spoke English!!!!

Just wanted you to know!