There is a saying that states, "When one door closes, another will open."
I think I am on my last door.
That is the thing, the saying implies an infinent number of doors but in reality, the doors run out eventually. For one person they may have hundreds of doors, the next may have only a few. So how long can one keep hoping for that "other door"?
I realize now that I was constantly relying on that door only to discover, I was on my last one. I had walked away from the others only to land at this one which is refusing to open. Really, I think you have to envision it as a room. You have the door to open your opportunities and then theres the room where you strive and at the end, there sits the last door leading to success...as long as it's open. If it is shut, it doesn't mean that it can't be pulled open with a tug, but other doors are permanently cemented in place. That is when you turn around and start looking for another door to open. However, you can't look forever because once you walk away from it, it's lost forever.
I am on my last door and pulling with all my strength. I can hear it creaking like it wants to open but is simply too difficult. There is a small keyhole in which I see that the door is locked. I can attempt to pull it open but I know it won't move. So, I have to sit on the other side and wait for another person to open it from the outside. My success or failure rests on that one person opening up for me.
~Sorry if this is confusing for many. I have a lot on my mind and tend to write figuratively so I can try and organize my thoughts.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Home from the Country
Mom and I have finally arrived back home from Tennessee. Friends of ours are watching 8 of our dogs (plus their 3) for the next 2 weeks while we are in Israel. Man I feel for them, 11 dogs all running around, needing fed and to be outside. I thought 9 was a handful... It was nice though to see them and we were able to spend the night. It's an 8 hour drive one way so 16 hours is killer. (yeah we did that last time)
On the way up there for like the last hour, my mom and I played the "Worst-Case Scenario" game. It was hilarious. My mom can be such a hoot when she wants to be. Granted, when she gets mad you better take cover, but the rest of the time shes a lot of fun. On the way down there we were playing and one of the questions was related to a camel. Something about what you should do on a run-away camel. So we got talking about that and how mean they can be. Then she was like, "Oh and they can bellow like you wouldn't believe! Bouwwww!!" It was so funny I laughed for almost 5 minutes. (maybe you had to be there to understand the humour) I kept laughing so my face was tuning blue and I couldn't breathe. So then shes sitting there, "Leah, breathe! What's so funny? For heaven's sake, you're turning blue! Take a breath!!" About the time I would start to calm down I would hear that in my head and start laughing all over again. Then, my mom thought it was so funny that she started laughing. So there we are in the car, pouring down rain, and we're laughing our heads off like a couple of drunk women. Oh it was hilarious. Well then, we managed to get ourselves calmed down and mom told me to be looking for a certain exit which should be coming up. We didn't see it so we kept driving and driving. I told her I thought we missed and should turn around to the last point we both recognized. She was sure that it was ahead somewhere and was going to keep driving. Finally, when we got 10mins into West Virginia she determined that we had in fact missed our exit...almost an hour behind us. It turnded out we had missed it in the rain while we were laughing.
On our way back this morning I slept most of the way. Mom got me up at 5:30 to take care of the dogs. That is usually the time she wakes up so they are all ready to go outside and be fed at that hour. I was lucky just to be able to walk down the hall. We took care of all them, had some breakfast a little after 6, and left to head home at 7:30. Our one little dog, Liesl, is joined to mom's hip and she looked crushed as we pulled out of the driveway. Mom felt so bad to be leaving her. The rest of the dogs didn't care too much and just went racing around the yard.
So on the way back we also played the game, mainly to keep mom awake. They had so many rediculous questions of scenarios when you are "in the wilderness". They say like rub medicated pads on this or drink this kind of sap, or signal for a helicopter. It was so stupid so you would have to carry so much crap in your backpack for all these different things. We got a kick out of that saying all that we needed, some of things including an axe, a generator for the electrical cord, a helicopter, a bunion pad, and all sorts of random things. It was weird but funny. This is what happens when we get around 5 hours of sleep and are stuck in a car for 8 hours...
On the way up there for like the last hour, my mom and I played the "Worst-Case Scenario" game. It was hilarious. My mom can be such a hoot when she wants to be. Granted, when she gets mad you better take cover, but the rest of the time shes a lot of fun. On the way down there we were playing and one of the questions was related to a camel. Something about what you should do on a run-away camel. So we got talking about that and how mean they can be. Then she was like, "Oh and they can bellow like you wouldn't believe! Bouwwww!!" It was so funny I laughed for almost 5 minutes. (maybe you had to be there to understand the humour) I kept laughing so my face was tuning blue and I couldn't breathe. So then shes sitting there, "Leah, breathe! What's so funny? For heaven's sake, you're turning blue! Take a breath!!" About the time I would start to calm down I would hear that in my head and start laughing all over again. Then, my mom thought it was so funny that she started laughing. So there we are in the car, pouring down rain, and we're laughing our heads off like a couple of drunk women. Oh it was hilarious. Well then, we managed to get ourselves calmed down and mom told me to be looking for a certain exit which should be coming up. We didn't see it so we kept driving and driving. I told her I thought we missed and should turn around to the last point we both recognized. She was sure that it was ahead somewhere and was going to keep driving. Finally, when we got 10mins into West Virginia she determined that we had in fact missed our exit...almost an hour behind us. It turnded out we had missed it in the rain while we were laughing.
On our way back this morning I slept most of the way. Mom got me up at 5:30 to take care of the dogs. That is usually the time she wakes up so they are all ready to go outside and be fed at that hour. I was lucky just to be able to walk down the hall. We took care of all them, had some breakfast a little after 6, and left to head home at 7:30. Our one little dog, Liesl, is joined to mom's hip and she looked crushed as we pulled out of the driveway. Mom felt so bad to be leaving her. The rest of the dogs didn't care too much and just went racing around the yard.
So on the way back we also played the game, mainly to keep mom awake. They had so many rediculous questions of scenarios when you are "in the wilderness". They say like rub medicated pads on this or drink this kind of sap, or signal for a helicopter. It was so stupid so you would have to carry so much crap in your backpack for all these different things. We got a kick out of that saying all that we needed, some of things including an axe, a generator for the electrical cord, a helicopter, a bunion pad, and all sorts of random things. It was weird but funny. This is what happens when we get around 5 hours of sleep and are stuck in a car for 8 hours...
Sunday, June 25, 2006
God is in a Good Mood
Yesterday my shopping spree continued. I got a gift for my friend's birthday. Her party is today but I can't go because I'll be out of town. *sniffle* I also bought a gift for my friend, Susi, in Germany. I havent talked to her since like the beginning of the year. I was so busy with school and finals that I never got around to writing. I felt guilty about that so I wanted to go out and get her something and also thought about the fact that her birthday is coming up. I got her this adorable gold shirt that I think she'll look really nice in. I also got it for a great price. :) Also bought myself a new shirt. Mom and I then went to a store that sells sun-protective clothing for Israel. While there, we also got this game called "Worst Case Scenario". For those that don't know it, its a game where you have a bad scenario and you are given 3 choices on what you should do. You guess which one and then it tells you the right one and why. It may sound sort of lame but it's a lot of fun and sometimes you wonder where they got all these scenarios that are so bizarre.
My dog Pia is sitting on my lap as I type. Earlier this morning I was walking around the house looking for something and she kept hitting the back of my leg with her nose. Then she tried to tug on my pants. I got irritated and my mom just said shes trying to get my attention. So I bent down and scooped her up to love on her. She was very happy. Now she has come in the office and was nudging the chair so she could come up. Such a spoiled thing. :) She's my girl though and a total sweetheart.
My medical problems persist still but I have to remember: God is in a good mood. My pastor, Cleddie, at Church this morning was preaching and at the end he asked me how I was doing and if my problems were gone. I said no, he prayed over me and my mom told me I actually have a whole train of people that have been praying for me. I figure God saved me from death once so I'm sure he can handle these inconveniences.
Cleddie then went on to tell us that a man he knew who had severe medical problems with his arm. The bone was decaying in his forearm. It was so bad that he would preach in the morning and then have to stay in the hospital getting blood and all sorts of things at night, but he would always get up so he could go to Church and preach. He wasn't able to move his arm and the doctors thought they would have to amputate at the elbow. Theres not really a procedure that can replace elbows so they said he was pretty much out of luck. Well, Cleddie prayed over him for healing and told him to trust in God. I couple weeks later he met with Cleddie. He asked how his arm was doing and he said,"Well, I was just at the doctors today and they said I shouldn't be able to lift it again." Cleddie was trying to gently tell him that that might be the case. So the guy looked at him and said, "Oh really? Well then I shouldn't be able to do this." The he raised that arm and put it over his shoulder. He was twisting it, lifting it, moving all over the place. He said the doctor practically screamed when he saw it. The guy told Cleddie that when he had prayed over him, he felt this warmth come over his arm and the bones. Sure enough, his bones were growing and becoming repaired. The faces on some of the people in the congregation...priceless.
It is amazing the things God can do. I have seen people who have been confined to a wheel chair for over 30 years suddenly stand up and walk. I have seen a woman who had horrible ankles and had to use a cane suddenly drop it and run around proclaiming that she hadn't been able to run like that in years. I have seen sick children healed. (in fact I was one of them) I have seen those who had horrible hearing suddenly hear impeccably well. I have seen people who were only able to see in black and white suddenly experience color for the first time in their lives. I don't understand how people can say there is no God when miracles happen right before their eyes, every day. God is in a good mood and if anyone trusts in him, miracles will happen.
My dog Pia is sitting on my lap as I type. Earlier this morning I was walking around the house looking for something and she kept hitting the back of my leg with her nose. Then she tried to tug on my pants. I got irritated and my mom just said shes trying to get my attention. So I bent down and scooped her up to love on her. She was very happy. Now she has come in the office and was nudging the chair so she could come up. Such a spoiled thing. :) She's my girl though and a total sweetheart.
My medical problems persist still but I have to remember: God is in a good mood. My pastor, Cleddie, at Church this morning was preaching and at the end he asked me how I was doing and if my problems were gone. I said no, he prayed over me and my mom told me I actually have a whole train of people that have been praying for me. I figure God saved me from death once so I'm sure he can handle these inconveniences.
Cleddie then went on to tell us that a man he knew who had severe medical problems with his arm. The bone was decaying in his forearm. It was so bad that he would preach in the morning and then have to stay in the hospital getting blood and all sorts of things at night, but he would always get up so he could go to Church and preach. He wasn't able to move his arm and the doctors thought they would have to amputate at the elbow. Theres not really a procedure that can replace elbows so they said he was pretty much out of luck. Well, Cleddie prayed over him for healing and told him to trust in God. I couple weeks later he met with Cleddie. He asked how his arm was doing and he said,"Well, I was just at the doctors today and they said I shouldn't be able to lift it again." Cleddie was trying to gently tell him that that might be the case. So the guy looked at him and said, "Oh really? Well then I shouldn't be able to do this." The he raised that arm and put it over his shoulder. He was twisting it, lifting it, moving all over the place. He said the doctor practically screamed when he saw it. The guy told Cleddie that when he had prayed over him, he felt this warmth come over his arm and the bones. Sure enough, his bones were growing and becoming repaired. The faces on some of the people in the congregation...priceless.
It is amazing the things God can do. I have seen people who have been confined to a wheel chair for over 30 years suddenly stand up and walk. I have seen a woman who had horrible ankles and had to use a cane suddenly drop it and run around proclaiming that she hadn't been able to run like that in years. I have seen sick children healed. (in fact I was one of them) I have seen those who had horrible hearing suddenly hear impeccably well. I have seen people who were only able to see in black and white suddenly experience color for the first time in their lives. I don't understand how people can say there is no God when miracles happen right before their eyes, every day. God is in a good mood and if anyone trusts in him, miracles will happen.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Shopping!
So I was stuck at home for the morning cleaning up the ungodly mess that is my room. You know, I actually have a floor somewhere in here! Slowly but surely my room is coming back together. My mom actually woke me up this morning at like 7:30 screaming, "LEAH!!! LEAH COME QUICK THE DOGS ARE OUT!!!!" At first I was out of it like, what? shouldn't they be out? Then when she screamed my name one more time I realized that some of the dogs were on the loose, outside of the fence. I jumped out of bed and ran outside, pjs still on.
I got out there and mom told me that two of the dogs, Ziggy and Rosie (theyre pretty good buddies) had escaped. Mom had put them out then went back a couple of minutes later to see the two of the running out of the yard. We're still not sure exactly how they got out but Mom's best guess was that the gate wasn't fully latched by the guy who cuts our grass and thus, the dogs just put enough force on it and managed to push it open. Mom and I started going all around the house calling for them. Mom called for Ziggy while walking around the one side of the house while I called for Rosie as I headed around back. Sure enough, I saw this brown streak of lightening that was Ziggy go racing towards mom. He practically ran into her. She loved all over him b/c you never want to scold a dog when they come back to you, otherwise they won't come back for fear of punishment. I continued down the yard into the yard of the people whos backyard joins ours. I kept calling Rosie and finally I saw her come barelling out of the grasses towards me. She stopped at one point and I thought she was going to run off again like it was a game. I said a quick prayer, bent down and real excitedly called her name. She then came racing towards me and I picked her up and loved on her. I told mom it was waaay too early to be having all this drama. She just laughed.
So this afternoon we went to the plaza to do some shopping. There was a huge sale at a place called Lane Bryant. Typically its more of a big girl store but they had a whole section of just bras and sleepwear and the like. I decided that since I needed new bras (and its nearly impossible to find any that fit) I decided to check it out. I actually saw one of my friends from Church there that I haven't seen since the beginning of the year. We all roamed around and I probable picked up over a dozen bras to try on. I was amazed at the selection. Trying to find bras big enough for me is awful. I literally spent over 2 hours trying on bras at the department store last time and walked away with one. This time I spent about a half hour, found plenty I liked, and decided on 2, it was pure bliss. :) While I was there I also bought and adorable long, beige skirt that has small sequins in columns on it. Cost me 10 dollars. It's a little big but has a draw string so I wasn't too concerned. That is definitly my fav place for bra shopping and finding good deals.
Mom and I then went a few doors down to Banana Republic (which was having a sale) and she bought herself a dress, I got a cute tshirt for 17 bucks. Afterwards her back was really bothering her so we decided to head home. So now that I have done 2 loads of laundry, fought against the mess to reclaim my floor, and taken care of all the poochies, I am going to go to bed!
I got out there and mom told me that two of the dogs, Ziggy and Rosie (theyre pretty good buddies) had escaped. Mom had put them out then went back a couple of minutes later to see the two of the running out of the yard. We're still not sure exactly how they got out but Mom's best guess was that the gate wasn't fully latched by the guy who cuts our grass and thus, the dogs just put enough force on it and managed to push it open. Mom and I started going all around the house calling for them. Mom called for Ziggy while walking around the one side of the house while I called for Rosie as I headed around back. Sure enough, I saw this brown streak of lightening that was Ziggy go racing towards mom. He practically ran into her. She loved all over him b/c you never want to scold a dog when they come back to you, otherwise they won't come back for fear of punishment. I continued down the yard into the yard of the people whos backyard joins ours. I kept calling Rosie and finally I saw her come barelling out of the grasses towards me. She stopped at one point and I thought she was going to run off again like it was a game. I said a quick prayer, bent down and real excitedly called her name. She then came racing towards me and I picked her up and loved on her. I told mom it was waaay too early to be having all this drama. She just laughed.
So this afternoon we went to the plaza to do some shopping. There was a huge sale at a place called Lane Bryant. Typically its more of a big girl store but they had a whole section of just bras and sleepwear and the like. I decided that since I needed new bras (and its nearly impossible to find any that fit) I decided to check it out. I actually saw one of my friends from Church there that I haven't seen since the beginning of the year. We all roamed around and I probable picked up over a dozen bras to try on. I was amazed at the selection. Trying to find bras big enough for me is awful. I literally spent over 2 hours trying on bras at the department store last time and walked away with one. This time I spent about a half hour, found plenty I liked, and decided on 2, it was pure bliss. :) While I was there I also bought and adorable long, beige skirt that has small sequins in columns on it. Cost me 10 dollars. It's a little big but has a draw string so I wasn't too concerned. That is definitly my fav place for bra shopping and finding good deals.
Mom and I then went a few doors down to Banana Republic (which was having a sale) and she bought herself a dress, I got a cute tshirt for 17 bucks. Afterwards her back was really bothering her so we decided to head home. So now that I have done 2 loads of laundry, fought against the mess to reclaim my floor, and taken care of all the poochies, I am going to go to bed!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Disinterest
There are some things I will never understand.
I don't understand how people can say that they are fine being "just friends" but then write you off when you tell them thats all you want to be.
I don't understand how people can say they care about you but then ignore you.
I don't understand how people can say they love you but then put you down.
I don't understand how people can say they are honest but then lie to your face.
I don't understand how people can be so intelligent but not have a clue on how to handle you.
I don't understand how people can go from being your best friends to total strangers.
I don't understand why I sit here and contemplate these things that only make me irritated.
Some things I just can't understand.
However, I can understand my own feelings.
If you don't like them, get over it.
I am tired of trying to please people and striving for what is unatainable.
I don't understand how people can say that they are fine being "just friends" but then write you off when you tell them thats all you want to be.
I don't understand how people can say they care about you but then ignore you.
I don't understand how people can say they love you but then put you down.
I don't understand how people can say they are honest but then lie to your face.
I don't understand how people can be so intelligent but not have a clue on how to handle you.
I don't understand how people can go from being your best friends to total strangers.
I don't understand why I sit here and contemplate these things that only make me irritated.
Some things I just can't understand.
However, I can understand my own feelings.
If you don't like them, get over it.
I am tired of trying to please people and striving for what is unatainable.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
One Moment (Sharon's Poem)
I sit wishing you were here.
Here to hold me
Here to love me.
I find myself looking at your empty chair
Remember so well the things we shared
I wish I had just one more moment with you
One more moment to say I love you
One more moment to hold you
One more moment to look into your eyes
I wish I had just one more moment so I could wake up next to you
One more moment to help you
One more moment to say “you will always be mine”
One more moment to wish you goodbye.
My love is gone but I still wake up at night
Roll over to wrap my arms around you only to feel a lifeless pillow
I feel the tears start to come as I realize you are forever gone from my life
I wish I had one more moment to tease you
One more moment to kiss you
One more moment to wrap my arms around you
One more moment to say I love you.
All I ask…is just one more moment.
~This was written for my Gramma Sharon who lost my Grandpa. They were married for 36 years. She stuck by him through thick and thin and he couldn't have found a better woman in the world. This is dedicated to her and all that she did for him.
Here to hold me
Here to love me.
I find myself looking at your empty chair
Remember so well the things we shared
I wish I had just one more moment with you
One more moment to say I love you
One more moment to hold you
One more moment to look into your eyes
I wish I had just one more moment so I could wake up next to you
One more moment to help you
One more moment to say “you will always be mine”
One more moment to wish you goodbye.
My love is gone but I still wake up at night
Roll over to wrap my arms around you only to feel a lifeless pillow
I feel the tears start to come as I realize you are forever gone from my life
I wish I had one more moment to tease you
One more moment to kiss you
One more moment to wrap my arms around you
One more moment to say I love you.
All I ask…is just one more moment.
~This was written for my Gramma Sharon who lost my Grandpa. They were married for 36 years. She stuck by him through thick and thin and he couldn't have found a better woman in the world. This is dedicated to her and all that she did for him.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
California
I just got home the other day from California. I was there for my Grandpa's memorial service. We were there on Monday and ther service was on Saturday. My mom and I spent the days cleaning the house along with my Gramma, one of her sisters and the occasional friend. I swear, that has to be the cleanest that house has ever been since they first moved in...it was spotless. My Gramma's sister, Ellen, was there, driving me crazy. She is a very sweet person but is Ms. Busy Body. She kept trying to move things and get rid of things and put things away even though she had no idea where they went. My mom or I would try to tell her that she should leave certain things b/c my Gramma is very particular on where her things go...especially in her kitchen. My Gramma would get sooo irritated when she kept rearranging her kitchen b/c she just "thought it looked better". I thought my Gram was going to slap her on more than one occassion. However, another sister came so between the 5 of us, we got that house sparkly clean.
The memorial was fantastic. My mom had made posters out of pictures she had of my Grandpa and we put them on the walls of the house outside. The service took place on my Gramm's back patio and we had chairs set up, this really pretty veranda, plants (both real and fake), pictures, and poster boards my mom made with pics from different parts of his life. She had ones focusing on his hobbies, one on his family, one on his Marine time, a few others from the time he worked with NASA, all of them were amazing. Plenty of people showed up which was nice. Pastor Cody read a nice eulogy which my Gramma had prepared. My mom and I were responsible for leading the songs. We sang Amazing Grace last, which Cody nearly forgot, and that nearly made my Mom cry again. I did a descant on the last verse, I kept it together until the third line and I lost the middle, I came back in the end but oh well, it was still decent. I held it together until it was my turn to talk (after my Mom and sister). I shared a few of my memories of him and some of the things he taught me. I told them that there was something unforgetable about him, whether you knew him for 5 minutes or 50 years, he would have an impact on your life you couldn't easily forget. Plenty of people that had known him for a short time said that comment was very true and only wished they had known him longer...
We had so much food at the house it was rediculous. We had 2 large tables packed with food and then 2 smaller tables with dessert items. There was plenty to drink (no booze thank god) and plenty of places inside and out to sit. My Gramma was so upset, she got herelf together at last but I could still look in her eyes and see the tears she was fighting to hold back. During the seremony, 5 Marines had come to honor him and give him the final salute. They played the song on the trumpet and folded the flag. Then the head Marine kneeled down in front of Gramma and said how sorry he was, and that he was an amazing Marine who served his country well, and to please accept the flag as a token of their condolences and in his honor. That made me cry...along with my Gramma, Mom, sister, and plenty others behind me.
After nearly everyone left we started to clean up and a few graciously stayed behind to help. We had a lot of food left over so Gram won't need to cook for like the next 3 weeks. :) Her 3 sisters were supposed to hang around and just be with her b/c she was so upset. Well they went back to their hotel room and said the following day we would all get together to go to lunch and then maybe go to Yosemite. Yeah, we didn't here from them. Patty said she tried both Gramm's cell and the home phone but since no one picked up she didn't worry about it. So, rather than try back a while later they just left without us. They went and had lunch and went touring, didn't even bother to call to see how Gram was doing. Gram was hurt, my Mom and I were simply pissed off. We thought it was so incredibly rude to just ditch their sister the day after her husband's memorial. The finally called after 8pm and said they were coming over. I said I had nothing nice to say to them so I wasn't going to bother. Mom at least said hi to them when they arrived, I didn't look up from my book. Mom then left to go get a shower, I put my legs up on the couch, stuck my nose in my book, and pretended they weren't there. I said only one thing to them and that was something of a "uh huh"/grunt. I did say bye to them when they left buth tht was only b/c they were standing right next to me. I was polite and said to have a nice trip home, thanks for helping, and that was it. I heard later from my Gramma that they were all pissed off at us b/c mom and I had been so rude. Gram sort of told them why, Sue was really upset and even cried so I think she understood. Patty and Elen though didn't seem to care. Even as they left the house they never asked her how she was feeling or if they could do anything for her, nothin. The only thing Ellen said was "oh I wish we had more time together". I was so tempted to remind her (not so nicely) that she had all day long and couldn't even bother to call. I didn't though and my Gram told me later she was impressed/proud that I didn't blow at them. My temper is well known...it doesn't take much to set me off and when that happens, it's not a pretty sight. So I did well in that regard. Mom and I had to leave Monday afternoon and arrived in Cinci late that evening. I am proud of my Gramma for holding out as well as she did and my heart continues to go out to her.
The memorial was fantastic. My mom had made posters out of pictures she had of my Grandpa and we put them on the walls of the house outside. The service took place on my Gramm's back patio and we had chairs set up, this really pretty veranda, plants (both real and fake), pictures, and poster boards my mom made with pics from different parts of his life. She had ones focusing on his hobbies, one on his family, one on his Marine time, a few others from the time he worked with NASA, all of them were amazing. Plenty of people showed up which was nice. Pastor Cody read a nice eulogy which my Gramma had prepared. My mom and I were responsible for leading the songs. We sang Amazing Grace last, which Cody nearly forgot, and that nearly made my Mom cry again. I did a descant on the last verse, I kept it together until the third line and I lost the middle, I came back in the end but oh well, it was still decent. I held it together until it was my turn to talk (after my Mom and sister). I shared a few of my memories of him and some of the things he taught me. I told them that there was something unforgetable about him, whether you knew him for 5 minutes or 50 years, he would have an impact on your life you couldn't easily forget. Plenty of people that had known him for a short time said that comment was very true and only wished they had known him longer...
We had so much food at the house it was rediculous. We had 2 large tables packed with food and then 2 smaller tables with dessert items. There was plenty to drink (no booze thank god) and plenty of places inside and out to sit. My Gramma was so upset, she got herelf together at last but I could still look in her eyes and see the tears she was fighting to hold back. During the seremony, 5 Marines had come to honor him and give him the final salute. They played the song on the trumpet and folded the flag. Then the head Marine kneeled down in front of Gramma and said how sorry he was, and that he was an amazing Marine who served his country well, and to please accept the flag as a token of their condolences and in his honor. That made me cry...along with my Gramma, Mom, sister, and plenty others behind me.
After nearly everyone left we started to clean up and a few graciously stayed behind to help. We had a lot of food left over so Gram won't need to cook for like the next 3 weeks. :) Her 3 sisters were supposed to hang around and just be with her b/c she was so upset. Well they went back to their hotel room and said the following day we would all get together to go to lunch and then maybe go to Yosemite. Yeah, we didn't here from them. Patty said she tried both Gramm's cell and the home phone but since no one picked up she didn't worry about it. So, rather than try back a while later they just left without us. They went and had lunch and went touring, didn't even bother to call to see how Gram was doing. Gram was hurt, my Mom and I were simply pissed off. We thought it was so incredibly rude to just ditch their sister the day after her husband's memorial. The finally called after 8pm and said they were coming over. I said I had nothing nice to say to them so I wasn't going to bother. Mom at least said hi to them when they arrived, I didn't look up from my book. Mom then left to go get a shower, I put my legs up on the couch, stuck my nose in my book, and pretended they weren't there. I said only one thing to them and that was something of a "uh huh"/grunt. I did say bye to them when they left buth tht was only b/c they were standing right next to me. I was polite and said to have a nice trip home, thanks for helping, and that was it. I heard later from my Gramma that they were all pissed off at us b/c mom and I had been so rude. Gram sort of told them why, Sue was really upset and even cried so I think she understood. Patty and Elen though didn't seem to care. Even as they left the house they never asked her how she was feeling or if they could do anything for her, nothin. The only thing Ellen said was "oh I wish we had more time together". I was so tempted to remind her (not so nicely) that she had all day long and couldn't even bother to call. I didn't though and my Gram told me later she was impressed/proud that I didn't blow at them. My temper is well known...it doesn't take much to set me off and when that happens, it's not a pretty sight. So I did well in that regard. Mom and I had to leave Monday afternoon and arrived in Cinci late that evening. I am proud of my Gramma for holding out as well as she did and my heart continues to go out to her.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Champions vs. The Wicked Witch of the Universe
I'm back from the VA dog show and man, what an adventure that was. We had 5 Lowchen (thats a major) and and 6 Affenpinschers (also a major) at the show. The Lowchen did beautifully, the Affens definitly did not.
A friend of ours, Laura, was able to finish her Lowchen boy in just this weekend by getting a bunch of majors. Another couple, Herb and John, finished their one girl and got a major for the other. Our little girl, Pia, got her first major as well. This was her first show ever and she did beautifully. I have never seen a puppy show so well on their first try. She pranced around the ring like she was the goddess of the universe. She loved all the judges and would walk right up to them and give them kisses. Everyone loved her and commented on how well she showed. (I also got many compliments since I was the one to show her) She won best puppy then went to the puppy show where all the non-sporting breeds best puppie competes again all the other non-sporting puppies. She won second place, granted there were only 4 that turned out for it, but she still got 2nd. I was very proud of her and I could tell it was a tough call between Pia and a Bishon Frise bitch, which won. Poor little Liesl though still didn't get anything. She got reserve on 2 days but no points. She still looked good though.
As for the Affens, we had no such luck. Awful and embarassing are the best words I can think of to describe it. A friend of ours, Melessa, has one of our puppies named Pi. She has never worked with her, groomed her properly, or socialized her. So we took her to the show for a major and she was awful. I was the one to show her because she responded to me better than anyone else. She walked around the ring with minimal difficulties but once I tried to stack her on the table, all hell broke loose. She did not enjoy being up there and did not want to stand. She would try to lay down on the table and would cower when she could tell I was getting irritated at her. She doesn't like men and Melessa has not worked with her on that. So, of course, we had a male judge one day. I got her stacked decently on the table and I was holding her under her chin and keeping her butt straight and tail up. The judge walked up and Pi started to tremble. I tried to sweet talk her but as soon as the judge reached out his hand to examine her, she flipped out and did this half back flip back into my arms. I was so embarrassed. I laughed and apologized, and we tried again only to get the same results. The judge was very very nice and understood her predicement so he didn't throw us out and left us for the major. She was highly embarassing the other days but not nearly as much as on this particular day.
This one judge, Maxine, is the worst judge I have ever seen. Talk about the wicked witch of the world, forget that south/east/west crap, she beat them all. We showed our Affen puppies under her and of course they didn't do very well. Now, the babies are only 6 months old, this is their first show, and they are nervous. Most judges realize that and are not so harsh on them. Maxine however, was not going to have any of it. We showed the girls and when we were finished, we had them stacked on the floor and she came up to us and told us what a horrible litter we had. She said they were ugly and should never be bred and that they did horribly in the ring. I reminded her that they were only 6 months old and brand new to this. She screamed at me, "SO?!?! I DON'T CARE! YOU HAVE A CRAP LITTER AND THEY SHOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE!!!!" Oh my goodness she was screaming at us, and everyone else was looking at her like what the hell is her problem? Then when I happened to have my back turned while she was handing out ribbons she screams at me, do you want this ribbon or not?! She was down right evil. I think word got around real fast about that b/c when we had the show the next day we told the judge this was their first show and she just said, oh I know. You have a nice looking bunch they just need more practice. So I think Maxine was put in her place by more than just a few other judges. :) We had to show the Lowchen under her the next day but she loved them and didn't even remember us. I wanted to deck her but controlled myself.
Overall, the show was good, we got 2 majors for our Affen bitch, Daisy, a major for Pia, a major for Rosie, and plenty other points to go around. There were other things that went down but its too much to put here. I had a great time and most importantly...Maxine made it out alive.
A friend of ours, Laura, was able to finish her Lowchen boy in just this weekend by getting a bunch of majors. Another couple, Herb and John, finished their one girl and got a major for the other. Our little girl, Pia, got her first major as well. This was her first show ever and she did beautifully. I have never seen a puppy show so well on their first try. She pranced around the ring like she was the goddess of the universe. She loved all the judges and would walk right up to them and give them kisses. Everyone loved her and commented on how well she showed. (I also got many compliments since I was the one to show her) She won best puppy then went to the puppy show where all the non-sporting breeds best puppie competes again all the other non-sporting puppies. She won second place, granted there were only 4 that turned out for it, but she still got 2nd. I was very proud of her and I could tell it was a tough call between Pia and a Bishon Frise bitch, which won. Poor little Liesl though still didn't get anything. She got reserve on 2 days but no points. She still looked good though.
As for the Affens, we had no such luck. Awful and embarassing are the best words I can think of to describe it. A friend of ours, Melessa, has one of our puppies named Pi. She has never worked with her, groomed her properly, or socialized her. So we took her to the show for a major and she was awful. I was the one to show her because she responded to me better than anyone else. She walked around the ring with minimal difficulties but once I tried to stack her on the table, all hell broke loose. She did not enjoy being up there and did not want to stand. She would try to lay down on the table and would cower when she could tell I was getting irritated at her. She doesn't like men and Melessa has not worked with her on that. So, of course, we had a male judge one day. I got her stacked decently on the table and I was holding her under her chin and keeping her butt straight and tail up. The judge walked up and Pi started to tremble. I tried to sweet talk her but as soon as the judge reached out his hand to examine her, she flipped out and did this half back flip back into my arms. I was so embarrassed. I laughed and apologized, and we tried again only to get the same results. The judge was very very nice and understood her predicement so he didn't throw us out and left us for the major. She was highly embarassing the other days but not nearly as much as on this particular day.
This one judge, Maxine, is the worst judge I have ever seen. Talk about the wicked witch of the world, forget that south/east/west crap, she beat them all. We showed our Affen puppies under her and of course they didn't do very well. Now, the babies are only 6 months old, this is their first show, and they are nervous. Most judges realize that and are not so harsh on them. Maxine however, was not going to have any of it. We showed the girls and when we were finished, we had them stacked on the floor and she came up to us and told us what a horrible litter we had. She said they were ugly and should never be bred and that they did horribly in the ring. I reminded her that they were only 6 months old and brand new to this. She screamed at me, "SO?!?! I DON'T CARE! YOU HAVE A CRAP LITTER AND THEY SHOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE!!!!" Oh my goodness she was screaming at us, and everyone else was looking at her like what the hell is her problem? Then when I happened to have my back turned while she was handing out ribbons she screams at me, do you want this ribbon or not?! She was down right evil. I think word got around real fast about that b/c when we had the show the next day we told the judge this was their first show and she just said, oh I know. You have a nice looking bunch they just need more practice. So I think Maxine was put in her place by more than just a few other judges. :) We had to show the Lowchen under her the next day but she loved them and didn't even remember us. I wanted to deck her but controlled myself.
Overall, the show was good, we got 2 majors for our Affen bitch, Daisy, a major for Pia, a major for Rosie, and plenty other points to go around. There were other things that went down but its too much to put here. I had a great time and most importantly...Maxine made it out alive.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Welcome Home
School is finally over. I have survived one year and finally get to relax for the summer. The year seemed to be going so slowly but then, I blinked, and finals were suddenly up. My mom was on the phone asking me what time to pick me up. I sat down and was amazed, it was over. I have made it through 3 classes of arabic, 3 poli sci courses, and other random classes. I looked at the credit hours today and you are required to have completed 45 credit hours to be considered a sophomore. I have 55. I am officially a sophmore and damnit, I'm going to make it out in 4 years. I don't have the money or patience for 5 years. :)
I have learned so much and met so many amazing people. I remember going to work the first day and meeting some people that would become very close to me. I remember even going to my Christian group, Oasis, for the first time and joking with everyone, just to later become amazing friends with all of them. So now, I sit here and am already thinking about what I'm going to do when I go back. I figure I've made it though year one, I'm ready to get year two movin. But for now, I just try to remind myself to sit back and relax. Whats done is done, it can't be changed. Now is time to recoup then go back in the fall and start all over again.
The summer plans are packed and the officially begin tomorrow morning at 4 in the morning. Mom and I pack up the dogs and show materials then head south. We are dropping a few of the dogs in TN then going to VA for the show. Hopefully our little Liesl or Pia will win a major. They are both gorgeous girls but Liesl can't seem to win anything so that's always a toss up. I spent the night unpacking some of my dorm crap, redecorating the fish tank (it looks amazing now), cleaning up dogs, and packing for the next trip. Say a small prayer for our girls that they will do well and we'll see what happens! Time for bed now and maybe I'll get 4 hours of sleep...if I'm lucky. ;)
I have learned so much and met so many amazing people. I remember going to work the first day and meeting some people that would become very close to me. I remember even going to my Christian group, Oasis, for the first time and joking with everyone, just to later become amazing friends with all of them. So now, I sit here and am already thinking about what I'm going to do when I go back. I figure I've made it though year one, I'm ready to get year two movin. But for now, I just try to remind myself to sit back and relax. Whats done is done, it can't be changed. Now is time to recoup then go back in the fall and start all over again.
The summer plans are packed and the officially begin tomorrow morning at 4 in the morning. Mom and I pack up the dogs and show materials then head south. We are dropping a few of the dogs in TN then going to VA for the show. Hopefully our little Liesl or Pia will win a major. They are both gorgeous girls but Liesl can't seem to win anything so that's always a toss up. I spent the night unpacking some of my dorm crap, redecorating the fish tank (it looks amazing now), cleaning up dogs, and packing for the next trip. Say a small prayer for our girls that they will do well and we'll see what happens! Time for bed now and maybe I'll get 4 hours of sleep...if I'm lucky. ;)
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