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CVS... we had one right down the street from our town-home back East and really lived there. It was so convenient and everything was laid out so nicely. The carpet is a nice touch. The one drawback was that if you were on one of the two-sided signs you needed to know Spanish. Si...
Well, we thought Walgreens would be similar, right? New store, in our nice desert neighborhood, right next to the hospital, easily accessible from a couple roads, convenient, has a pharmacy and other items one needs... So what is the difference!
CVS ROCKS and Walgreens -- at least this one -- is just not cool. The shelves are stacked up to the ceiling, the linoleum is just gross, and there just does not seem to be any signage.
Now, every CVS I have been to, on the other hand, the shelves do not go up over your head, nor are there items places above. There are signs everywhere - in multiple languages - and clearly written. The carpets are usually clean and things are just very organized.
Next time, I will drive the few extra miles (I think it's only 2) to hit the CVS!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Faith
Is such a tough concept. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
If you think about it, it's the biggest thing in our lives. Do we have faith in Jesus as God's son? Do we have faith that God is Creator and Justice and Mercy and Grace?
How does one get it? How does some one who seemed to have it, lose it or "misplace" it?
I ask these questions because my friend, whose mom is dying in Hospice care, sent an email to our little Bible study group today. She said "I am struggling with my faith. It's almost gone, but not yet"
What does one say to this? I mean I have called and emailed and tried to encourage... but what does a heart need to hear, really? I am not convinced it is that verse in Psalm or Revelation. I mean, maybe it is... I feel like it's something deeper. It's like a soul hug or a touch from the Father himself.
So, Father, touch her heart. Call her to your side. Comfort her and let her know you are REAL. You know she is hurting. You know she is angry. And you are the answer for all of it.
It's still the biggest question... how does faith begin? It's a question I pray about often also in regards to my own son.
It's a spiritual gift... to be able to communicate it (1 Cor. 13:2) but love comes with it. So can you love faith into some one? Oh, I just don't know.
If you think about it, it's the biggest thing in our lives. Do we have faith in Jesus as God's son? Do we have faith that God is Creator and Justice and Mercy and Grace?
How does one get it? How does some one who seemed to have it, lose it or "misplace" it?
I ask these questions because my friend, whose mom is dying in Hospice care, sent an email to our little Bible study group today. She said "I am struggling with my faith. It's almost gone, but not yet"
What does one say to this? I mean I have called and emailed and tried to encourage... but what does a heart need to hear, really? I am not convinced it is that verse in Psalm or Revelation. I mean, maybe it is... I feel like it's something deeper. It's like a soul hug or a touch from the Father himself.
So, Father, touch her heart. Call her to your side. Comfort her and let her know you are REAL. You know she is hurting. You know she is angry. And you are the answer for all of it.
It's still the biggest question... how does faith begin? It's a question I pray about often also in regards to my own son.
It's a spiritual gift... to be able to communicate it (1 Cor. 13:2) but love comes with it. So can you love faith into some one? Oh, I just don't know.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Pink is one of my favorite colors
but not in the eye! LG went to bed last night really congested and just seeming out of sorts. I think he is suffering from allergies like his mommy. The dust, the dryness, the heat - it all adds to crud in the nose and eyes... Or is it pink eye?
I read on WebMD that pink eye is not so much the eye lids being red but the actual whites of the eyes being red. But what about the gunk? Gunk is listed as both an allergic reaction and with pink eye. What's a mom to do?
Thank the LORD I have a great and flexible job. I was able to get him into his new pediatrician -- who he just saw last week. And she said she thought it really was just allergies or a cold/virus. She also gave me the RX for the pink eye antibiotic but said to hold off on giving it to him unless it got worse. Better safe with the RX in hand than sorry and have to go back or have them call it in.
Now, the question is, what to do about Tuesday? Do I keep him home to make SURE its not pink eye (although that is what today was for)? And staying home he just naps better so do I keep him home one more day for the rest? Unfortunately, hubs has a crazy week of exams and studying so he cannot really stay home.
AURGH! These are the challenges of being this working mom. Getting to bed at a decent hour will help make the decision-making process in the morning easier. Right?
I read on WebMD that pink eye is not so much the eye lids being red but the actual whites of the eyes being red. But what about the gunk? Gunk is listed as both an allergic reaction and with pink eye. What's a mom to do?
Thank the LORD I have a great and flexible job. I was able to get him into his new pediatrician -- who he just saw last week. And she said she thought it really was just allergies or a cold/virus. She also gave me the RX for the pink eye antibiotic but said to hold off on giving it to him unless it got worse. Better safe with the RX in hand than sorry and have to go back or have them call it in.
Now, the question is, what to do about Tuesday? Do I keep him home to make SURE its not pink eye (although that is what today was for)? And staying home he just naps better so do I keep him home one more day for the rest? Unfortunately, hubs has a crazy week of exams and studying so he cannot really stay home.
AURGH! These are the challenges of being this working mom. Getting to bed at a decent hour will help make the decision-making process in the morning easier. Right?
Friday, September 12, 2008
A new thing about living in the Valley
Last night I went to an American Business Women Association meeting. It was interesting... but that is not what this blog will be about. Nope, it's going to be about what I observed as I chatted with my mom on the phone in the parking lot of the country club where the meeting was held.
I had noticed on my 7 minute drive to the club that it got strangely cool and I was able to drive with the windows down and be comfortable, actually pleasant. It did not really look like rain, but the sky off in the West looked a little ominous. Rain? Monsoon? What could it be that is making the sky look so pink?
For fear of getting rained on, I got out of the car and went into the Club and continued to chat with my mom. Within seconds the trees outside looked like they would snap and everything looked...
DUSTY! Pinkish, orangish, brownish, DUST!!! Flying around everywhere!
It was a "dust storm"... I have never really seen anything like it. It looked like a terrible down pour of rain. Yep, nope, it's dust, people. It was wild and my friend just laughed and said you will see more of them while you are out here. Cool! Now that I know what they are it seemed like it would be cool to be in the car while one is happening. Next time, I will stay IN the car and watch it from all sides. Alas, I missed it last night because I did not want to get wet. Silly me...
Another cool thing about dust storms: this morning Hubby was helping get LG in the car and he was like, "why are there finger prints all over the door...
Turns out that in the Valley when there is a dust storm the oils from your fingers leave a normally invisible film on the car. But, when the pinkish/orange dust gets blown all over the place it sticks to the car and your finger prints. It was wild! It looked like the FBI had come and finerprinted my car.
Of course, now I have to get the car washed. Bye bye finger prints, until the next dust storm. I wonder if car wash places have "dust checks" like they have rain checks back east?
I had noticed on my 7 minute drive to the club that it got strangely cool and I was able to drive with the windows down and be comfortable, actually pleasant. It did not really look like rain, but the sky off in the West looked a little ominous. Rain? Monsoon? What could it be that is making the sky look so pink?
For fear of getting rained on, I got out of the car and went into the Club and continued to chat with my mom. Within seconds the trees outside looked like they would snap and everything looked...
DUSTY! Pinkish, orangish, brownish, DUST!!! Flying around everywhere!
It was a "dust storm"... I have never really seen anything like it. It looked like a terrible down pour of rain. Yep, nope, it's dust, people. It was wild and my friend just laughed and said you will see more of them while you are out here. Cool! Now that I know what they are it seemed like it would be cool to be in the car while one is happening. Next time, I will stay IN the car and watch it from all sides. Alas, I missed it last night because I did not want to get wet. Silly me...
Another cool thing about dust storms: this morning Hubby was helping get LG in the car and he was like, "why are there finger prints all over the door...
Turns out that in the Valley when there is a dust storm the oils from your fingers leave a normally invisible film on the car. But, when the pinkish/orange dust gets blown all over the place it sticks to the car and your finger prints. It was wild! It looked like the FBI had come and finerprinted my car.
Of course, now I have to get the car washed. Bye bye finger prints, until the next dust storm. I wonder if car wash places have "dust checks" like they have rain checks back east?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
This world...
is a place of things that are not right. I mean, this world does not work the way God intended...
In February, I had to watch as my best friend said farewell to her mom. She was a wonderful, beautiful servant of our Lord. There is no doubt she is seated at his feet this very moment, just in perfect peace, no pain, no cancer, no treatments.
And, sadly, this is not the first of my dearest, closest friends who has lost a parent, especially a mommy, to some form of this disease. And, sadly she was not the last as I find myself preparing for it again.
This time, its my wonderful kindred soul buddy from a Bible Study that started on Sept. 12, 2001. It's a little interesting that this Friday will mark our 7 year anniversary when 7 strangers came together on Capitol Hill to pray, weep, and become the BEST, dearest, deepest friends I could ever have in my life!
And now, one of these tender souls is going through something that I fear... preparing to say good bye to her mommy. Words cannot express. There are no words to say. Mommy is the one who held, cheered, directed, guided, laughed... I mean, I cannot even begin to think of all of things my mommy means to me. And, so, I just pray that the Lord of all would be gracious on her failing body. Give the S family peace and HOPE and the time and space to mourn well the life of some one who means more than life.
Mommies should not have to leave their kiddos. In God's home, mommies and daddies get to be with their babies, forever. I praise you, Lord for that place... where there are no tears and no illnesses. Jesus, bring that world.
In February, I had to watch as my best friend said farewell to her mom. She was a wonderful, beautiful servant of our Lord. There is no doubt she is seated at his feet this very moment, just in perfect peace, no pain, no cancer, no treatments.
And, sadly, this is not the first of my dearest, closest friends who has lost a parent, especially a mommy, to some form of this disease. And, sadly she was not the last as I find myself preparing for it again.
This time, its my wonderful kindred soul buddy from a Bible Study that started on Sept. 12, 2001. It's a little interesting that this Friday will mark our 7 year anniversary when 7 strangers came together on Capitol Hill to pray, weep, and become the BEST, dearest, deepest friends I could ever have in my life!
And now, one of these tender souls is going through something that I fear... preparing to say good bye to her mommy. Words cannot express. There are no words to say. Mommy is the one who held, cheered, directed, guided, laughed... I mean, I cannot even begin to think of all of things my mommy means to me. And, so, I just pray that the Lord of all would be gracious on her failing body. Give the S family peace and HOPE and the time and space to mourn well the life of some one who means more than life.
Mommies should not have to leave their kiddos. In God's home, mommies and daddies get to be with their babies, forever. I praise you, Lord for that place... where there are no tears and no illnesses. Jesus, bring that world.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Aurgh...exercising
I used to be one of those people who went running every other day. We would run along the GW Parkway training for the Army 10 miler and it was great. The fall season was always our favorite time to run. I just love cooler weather running gear, too. And, when it got too cold or really frosty and icy there was always the Y.
Well, clearly moving to the desert and being land-locked prevents the whole scenic running along the river with lush trees and fall leaves changing... I should, rather, say that it changes the idea of scenic from green to shades of brown, which is really growing on me.
Since LG was born there has been NO RUNNING. I mean, it's sad but I actually stopped running when I was 4 mos pregnant. I continued to walk and get exercise but not running.
Even worse, I left my running shoes at my parent's house back in May because I took them with hopes of running along water BUT with the cut backs on how many bags you can check and having a baby... somethings had to stay. Somehow the running shoes were voted out of the suitcase.
Fast forward about 3 months from May and I find myself in DIRE need of exercise for several reasons. 1) the obvious, we all feel better when we move it! 2) although I run all over with the LG and hubby it's usually not for longer than 15-20 minutes so it doesn't really count (that whole 20 minutes of THR up thing); 3) I went to the Dr. and found out that although I am wearing my pre-baby clothes I do not WEIGH the pre-baby weight... by like 12 LBS! I mean, c'mon. I was thinking I was maybe 5 or so off but more like 12 is a lot more and requires movement AND the whole eating thing -- another blog posting for sure! With these things in mind, I have been trying to swim for at least 20 minutes every night.
Sadly, tonight it's actually raining. I mean... really! Of course normally I would be ecstatic about some rain (what with the whole desert thing) but when it interupts my exercise regime it means I need to find other modes of moving it.
We live in a great little community that has 4 brand new treadmills with personal screens, iPod holders, etc... They are really cool, apparently. I would not know first hand because, well, when you don't have the shoes to wear why go and check them out.
But, I have to get some running shoes. I need to get movin'...
In closing, it's just one more thing to add to this working mom's list of things she has to do in a day. And, I have had to add posting to my blog to that list. Although, I think exercise will take a couple points up the list from posting. Right?
Well, clearly moving to the desert and being land-locked prevents the whole scenic running along the river with lush trees and fall leaves changing... I should, rather, say that it changes the idea of scenic from green to shades of brown, which is really growing on me.
Since LG was born there has been NO RUNNING. I mean, it's sad but I actually stopped running when I was 4 mos pregnant. I continued to walk and get exercise but not running.
Even worse, I left my running shoes at my parent's house back in May because I took them with hopes of running along water BUT with the cut backs on how many bags you can check and having a baby... somethings had to stay. Somehow the running shoes were voted out of the suitcase.
Fast forward about 3 months from May and I find myself in DIRE need of exercise for several reasons. 1) the obvious, we all feel better when we move it! 2) although I run all over with the LG and hubby it's usually not for longer than 15-20 minutes so it doesn't really count (that whole 20 minutes of THR up thing); 3) I went to the Dr. and found out that although I am wearing my pre-baby clothes I do not WEIGH the pre-baby weight... by like 12 LBS! I mean, c'mon. I was thinking I was maybe 5 or so off but more like 12 is a lot more and requires movement AND the whole eating thing -- another blog posting for sure! With these things in mind, I have been trying to swim for at least 20 minutes every night.
Sadly, tonight it's actually raining. I mean... really! Of course normally I would be ecstatic about some rain (what with the whole desert thing) but when it interupts my exercise regime it means I need to find other modes of moving it.
We live in a great little community that has 4 brand new treadmills with personal screens, iPod holders, etc... They are really cool, apparently. I would not know first hand because, well, when you don't have the shoes to wear why go and check them out.
But, I have to get some running shoes. I need to get movin'...
In closing, it's just one more thing to add to this working mom's list of things she has to do in a day. And, I have had to add posting to my blog to that list. Although, I think exercise will take a couple points up the list from posting. Right?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Are you kidding me, acne at 32?
It must be some sick joke! I cannot get over how my face has just exploded overnight! I mean, really... how old am I again?
It's really all I can say this evening. I am in shock and disgust. And, to make matters worse, I have no creams or masks or anything. Why would I? I have not really had a break out in years!?!
Must resort to last possible option... toothpaste. While all of you ECers are slumbering soundly already I will go, wash my poor bumpilicious face and then schmear toothpaste all over the affected areas. Oh, who am I kidding... all over my face!
Good night. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
It's really all I can say this evening. I am in shock and disgust. And, to make matters worse, I have no creams or masks or anything. Why would I? I have not really had a break out in years!?!
Must resort to last possible option... toothpaste. While all of you ECers are slumbering soundly already I will go, wash my poor bumpilicious face and then schmear toothpaste all over the affected areas. Oh, who am I kidding... all over my face!
Good night. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
Friday, September 5, 2008
First Friday night as a 32 year old
My first Friday as a 32 year old consisted of the following:
- Early 7AM meeting with team in DC
- Meeting with Corporate Papa Johns Marketing reps
- Annual visit to the OB (that will probably be a posting in and of itself - shouldn't it be?)
- Playtime with LG
- Wings and beers for dinner
- A 30 minute swim
Yes, folks that's right... my Friday night has consisted of eating beers and wings with my boys, coming home, changing into my swim suit and swimming laps for 30 minutes while LG sleeps and Hubs tries to put a dent in some of his reading for next week.
And, I loved every stroke! I mean, it was 108 today but this evening was great. The stars are out. No one is at the pool except me and the laps!
I could swim and pray and relax and just enjoy moving in the water. Isn't water just amazing?
- Early 7AM meeting with team in DC
- Meeting with Corporate Papa Johns Marketing reps
- Annual visit to the OB (that will probably be a posting in and of itself - shouldn't it be?)
- Playtime with LG
- Wings and beers for dinner
- A 30 minute swim
Yes, folks that's right... my Friday night has consisted of eating beers and wings with my boys, coming home, changing into my swim suit and swimming laps for 30 minutes while LG sleeps and Hubs tries to put a dent in some of his reading for next week.
And, I loved every stroke! I mean, it was 108 today but this evening was great. The stars are out. No one is at the pool except me and the laps!
I could swim and pray and relax and just enjoy moving in the water. Isn't water just amazing?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
A salad from Sunday should not have been big enough to feed me 3 lunches, right?
Sunday night we were running errands out here in TOTAL suburbia (yes, we are now those people we used to make fun of who would go to Target, then Walmart, then BBB, and back to Target because you found it somewhere cheaper at the other place). We are those types! Seriously, within a 4 mile radius there is every possible food, shopping, service, medical, or other consumerism possible. It's like capitalism puked all over our neighborhood.
Now, I have to confess that before we moved here, we only knew 1 thing. Where hubs was going to be in school. You move where you know... and we thought it would be convenient to have all of these places close by. And it is... but it's like too convenient!
On Sunday, we were running those errands that we probably did not need to be running and we realized it was about dinner time. So, what to do? Certainly not head home and MAKE something?! I am 32 and it's my birthday weekend and I had been thinking about cheesecake.
Well, where does one get cheesecake but the factory itself, right? But who can go there, eat dinner and then still eat cheesecake. NOT US!
Thinking about portions and those 8 sizes I've mentioned a couple times, we decide to get salads. Of course, once they came we knew we should have only ordered ONE and shared it. I had left overs and though, yay salad on Tuesday at work. Just throw in a couple more pieces of chicken (since LG ate most of it from mine) and we are good to go!
So, today is Thursday. I have had the same salad the past 3 DAYS!!! This one salad - the "lean" Asian chicken one - has provided me with 4 meals! Who are we kidding? Is it really a lean salad when it comes in something like a serving platter?
Well, I will close with the lovely thought of the chocolate fudge, raspberry truffle slice of cheesecake I have also been nibbling at all week. It too has come to an end today. Sadness. I feel as though my birthday is over.
Oh, but not really, because now I am in search of the replacement yellow shoe that did not fit. Alas, there was no next size up or even two sizes up. And, the new pair I found were SOLD out of my online Nord's "shopping bag"!!! So, back to the internet in search of the fun 32 year old yellow shoes... of course they have to be at least 3.5 inch heals.
Now, I have to confess that before we moved here, we only knew 1 thing. Where hubs was going to be in school. You move where you know... and we thought it would be convenient to have all of these places close by. And it is... but it's like too convenient!
On Sunday, we were running those errands that we probably did not need to be running and we realized it was about dinner time. So, what to do? Certainly not head home and MAKE something?! I am 32 and it's my birthday weekend and I had been thinking about cheesecake.
Well, where does one get cheesecake but the factory itself, right? But who can go there, eat dinner and then still eat cheesecake. NOT US!
Thinking about portions and those 8 sizes I've mentioned a couple times, we decide to get salads. Of course, once they came we knew we should have only ordered ONE and shared it. I had left overs and though, yay salad on Tuesday at work. Just throw in a couple more pieces of chicken (since LG ate most of it from mine) and we are good to go!
So, today is Thursday. I have had the same salad the past 3 DAYS!!! This one salad - the "lean" Asian chicken one - has provided me with 4 meals! Who are we kidding? Is it really a lean salad when it comes in something like a serving platter?
Well, I will close with the lovely thought of the chocolate fudge, raspberry truffle slice of cheesecake I have also been nibbling at all week. It too has come to an end today. Sadness. I feel as though my birthday is over.
Oh, but not really, because now I am in search of the replacement yellow shoe that did not fit. Alas, there was no next size up or even two sizes up. And, the new pair I found were SOLD out of my online Nord's "shopping bag"!!! So, back to the internet in search of the fun 32 year old yellow shoes... of course they have to be at least 3.5 inch heals.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Working mom...
I have to write this thought out. Last night, after I wrote my post, I was laying in bed and I realized that my profile says something like "this working mom." I want to clarify... I have always been a "working mom." When I say working mom, I mean all moms work. They do more in a day whether they work outside of the home or are at home and with kids. Being a mom is a full time job, no matter how you slice and dice it.
I do, though, have to add that the moms who work full time outside the house AND help keep their homes going have some really special challenges. It's a unique world that I am just now uncovering. I am trying to figure out what they are because I feel like I encounter them on a daily basis.
So, let me know what some of those challenges are out there -- from moms that work in and out of the home...
I do, though, have to add that the moms who work full time outside the house AND help keep their homes going have some really special challenges. It's a unique world that I am just now uncovering. I am trying to figure out what they are because I feel like I encounter them on a daily basis.
So, let me know what some of those challenges are out there -- from moms that work in and out of the home...
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Shoe sizes were not originally included in the 8 sizes mentioned...
When I thought of creating this blog over a year ago, it was definitely not shoes sizes I was thinking of. I will admit that my feet could barely fit into my big Crocs on the car ride home from the hospital postpartum; however after about a week they seemed to go back to "normal". And, well, since then I have continued to be a 7.5 or 8. I have to admit that I had SERIOUS fears that my feet would not go back to pre-pregnancy sizes. Thankfully this was not the case and the past year I have been happily back in my 4 inch heels.
My wonderful hubby remembered a pair of shoes that I had seen online several weeks ago and sweetly bought them for me for this week's birthday celebrations. He is so good! He checked all my shoes and knows that I am typically an 8!
Well, on Saturday when I opened them I could barely get my feet in them! SAD!
It's just strange to think that my feet could be changing sizes. Well, I have to admit I have some fear that I will wake up one morning and none of my fabbo shoes will fit!
Well, I am sure there will be many posts about the many things that change sizes when you go through the process of being a mom!
I just didn't think my feet would be on the list without there being some other little reason why...
Now the big question is, do I order the 8.5 or the 9. I mean the 8 is pretty small... What's a gal to do???
My wonderful hubby remembered a pair of shoes that I had seen online several weeks ago and sweetly bought them for me for this week's birthday celebrations. He is so good! He checked all my shoes and knows that I am typically an 8!
Well, on Saturday when I opened them I could barely get my feet in them! SAD!
It's just strange to think that my feet could be changing sizes. Well, I have to admit I have some fear that I will wake up one morning and none of my fabbo shoes will fit!
Well, I am sure there will be many posts about the many things that change sizes when you go through the process of being a mom!
I just didn't think my feet would be on the list without there being some other little reason why...
Now the big question is, do I order the 8.5 or the 9. I mean the 8 is pretty small... What's a gal to do???
Monday, September 1, 2008
More on turning 32
I think a great birthday is not so much about the gifts (although the shoes and watch and dinner out were all great ways of celebrating) - it's more about making memories. And, I feel like this weekend we did that! We took LG to the zoo for the first time and we went exploring in the "historic district" of our little town.
The best part of being 32 is that you can get really excited about feeding the giraffes, hearing the little meerkat bark at us while we ate our sandwiches, and watching the ringtail lemurs jump around and not feel like you are being childish OR that you have to be an adult watching the slime drip from the giraffes tongue. I also just love watching God's creation in motion - the birds, reptiles, mammals, marsupials, etc... Each one is so unique. Wow!!!
So bark back at that little meerkat, sing "You've got to move it, move it" to the ringtail lemurs, and feed those incredible slimy-tongued giraffes! You are 32... And drink in life to its fullest!
The best part of being 32 is that you can get really excited about feeding the giraffes, hearing the little meerkat bark at us while we ate our sandwiches, and watching the ringtail lemurs jump around and not feel like you are being childish OR that you have to be an adult watching the slime drip from the giraffes tongue. I also just love watching God's creation in motion - the birds, reptiles, mammals, marsupials, etc... Each one is so unique. Wow!!!
So bark back at that little meerkat, sing "You've got to move it, move it" to the ringtail lemurs, and feed those incredible slimy-tongued giraffes! You are 32... And drink in life to its fullest!
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