CAUTION!! You Have Entered The Kitchen

As most of my blog readers know, I am in the process of packing up the family's worldly possessions and with the help of my dear husband, hauling them up to Ohio. Now, I don't think packing is anyone's all time favorite thing to do---but I am really having a struggle. I am currently sitting at the kitchen table to blog. I have cookbooks and groceries piled up on either side of me. Yesterday afternoon I started cleaning what I could out of the kitchen....There is so much stuff that I think I could get lost in here and no one would know. They wouldn't be able to find me! While cleaning out cabinets I found some canned vegetables in the back that I'd say have probably been there since the turn of the century. The back of cabinets are scary places......normally I'm a fairly organized person, but I must have bought more cans of stuff thinking I didn't have any and they umm.......accumulated. I had to toss a lot of stuff because the cans were well past their expiration date. I also just want to say that I love Tupperware, but I truly believe that it multiplies! One thinks that she only has a few pieces of Tupperware, but then she gets to digging around in the storage cupboard and lo and behold there are at least 30 trillion pieces wedged in there. I'm not giving any of it away either. After all I might need that doo-hickey, thing a muh-bobber one day.

Change What?

Last night I was listening to Sean Hannity on the radio. He was doing a "man on the street" type of call with people. These young people called in (between the ages of 18-24). He asked them if they were planning on voting this year? They all said yes. So he asked who they were voting for? He wasn't mean or offensive---nothing like that at all. He just asked who was their man? Each of the young people said Obama. So he asked what about Obama is the deciding factor for them? Not one of these people could give a solid, intelligent answer. There was a lot of hemming and hawing around. One listener (a 22 yr.old college grad) just didn't know how to answer, she talked in circles, so she handed the phone off to a friend......another 18 yr. old girl is a political science major in college. She is excited that she can vote this year. All she was able to say was that Obama was for change. So he says, "okay. What change are you interested in? What change will happen?" She just kept saying, "we need change. He tells me that he can bring change. Change is important." Okay. So what does that mean? I don't think she herself knew. He asked things like, "What do you know about Obama's economic policy? What is his plan on energy conservation? What is his foreign policy? Do you agree with it? Can you name some things that Obama has accomplished to qualify him for the office of president? You know what one of the young men said? Obama is over 35 years old and he is a citizen of the United States. That's all he could come up with! When the rubber meets the road, does Obama really have the strength and integrity needed to be the leader of this country? I don't believe so. My husband made an excellent observation last night.....he said that if Obama had applied for any other high level government job he would have had to have background clearance. The mere fact that he had a relationship with William Ayers would have thrown up a red flag. He probably wouldn't have gotten high level clearance because of that fact. Yet, he is running for president??!!! How does that make sense?
I have serious concerns about Obama's character. Here is a man who has had a questionable relationship with a known terrorist, was a member of a church whose pastor spews hate, and seemed bent on being a "rock star" on his tour of Europe. His wife appears to be a separatist. Some of the papers she has written are truly scary. I think Obama is a slick politician. I think he is a charismatic orator. I think that people are caught up in this "we will change the world" phenomena. The thing is change isn't easy. Change is hard work. Change is painful sometimes. Change might make us unpopular. I don't think Obama has what it takes to make REAL change.....not just a catch word in one of his eloquent speeches.

Bigfoot On Ice

I was watching the news this morning when I saw a story about some men (aka "Bigfoot Hunters") that shot Bigfoot and now have him on ice in a freezer. They showed pictures of this big furry man-like thing in a freezer. Hmm.... Hoax? Or for real? Wouldn't that be a hoot if after all these years of people discussing the Bigfoot legend that there really is a furry man-like creature that roams around the mountainous parts of our great country? They are supposedly going to have him scientifically checked out later this week. Interesting.....yet, I am skeptical. It's one of those things that I'd have to be there...and touch it to believe it. Hmmm.....again. Isn't it kind of fun to think about though? Who wouldn't want a big, scary furry creature running around in the woods?
I was watching something the other day on cable about snakes. Now, I must admit I've NEVER been a fan of the reptilian family. Sorry to the snake lovers out there----but hey, I think they are scary and why anyone would want one for a pet is beyond me.....it's not like you can pet and cuddle a snake....but to each his own. So anyway, they showed footage of this HUGE python snake. It was so thick it hardly even looked snake like. Since I'm speaking of "legends" today, I wonder if the Loch Ness Monster isn't some monstrous snake? I know Scotland has mostly cooler climates, but maybe this snake is like some sort of freaky mutant or something. Hey, I'm just saying......I'm no scientist, I'm just free thinking here.
Yesterday on FOX they had a story about the Chupokabra (I don't think I spelled that correctly). The monster dog-like thing that roams around and sucks the blood of goats. (or maybe anyone else that happens upon him) Someone killed it. (or at least one of them) It looked weird if you ask me. I know you didn't really ask, but since when has that ever stopped me from "offering" my opinion? Some mutant dog? Yet another legend.......
Anyone going to Romania anytime soon? I'd really like to know if Dracula exists. I'll pay you a pretty penny if you can get some good video footage. None of that grainy stuff either. That doesn't count. No second hand accounts either. That won't work. You'd actually have to sit down and do a for real interview with Dracula. Tell him we could make him a celebrity, maybe do a little reality TV.

A Dizzy Blonde

No, I'm not slamming blondes. (As I am one you know.) I really mean dizzy. I woke up this morning and literally stumbled out of bed. I was so dizzy and I don't know why. I thought a little breakfast might help if it was a blood sugar issue. Breakfast didn't really help all that much. I don't know what my deal is this morning. All I know is that I look really pathetic this morning. (the look of someone who did not sleep very well) Not my usual perky self. :) Of course, my kids don't understand that there can be days when mom doesn't feel at her best. I don't think that they know that mom is indeed human....and she can have bad days too. I'm supposed to be indestruct-o mom...able to leap laundry baskets in a single bound, able to scale obstacle courses of kids junk without losing a step, and be able to whip together a nutritious dinner out of whatever happens to be in the refrigerator. Sometimes even Super Mom has days where she is hit by the Kryponite. (come on...you know the thing that deters Superman.....don't you all read comics?)

Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things

Now, my husband and I home school our three children so the whole "first day back to school" thing doesn't really effect us like it does other families...but it is a marker. School starts. Fall sports games begin. Friday night football. Saturday afternoon soccer. I usually take a moment at this time each year for personal evaluation. It's at this time, more then at New Years, when I do my reflection.
--This is the beginning of my second year "out". School is starting for the second time without me. As a former elementary special education teacher, I spent a good portion of my adult life as a formal teacher. I was literally in school from the time I started my own personal journey at age 5 until I resigned from my teaching gig at age 39. Whew! That's a lot of years in school. I enjoy being at home and love the freedom and flexibility that comes with schooling at home.....but yes, I do admit, I get a little nostalgic when I see the school buses driving around town and see the schools have come out of their summer slumber and now resemble buzzing bee hives. New backpacks, fresh boxes of Crayolas, and the latest school fashions.
Soccer Clinic is tonight. Hundreds of children between the ages of 5-14 will descend on the soccer field for their try outs. For me this is the beginning of Fall. I don't care that the temperature is still in the low 90's, the air is thick enough to cut, and I'm sweating enough to lose a good 10 lbs. in water weight. Doesn't matter. Soccer is starting! Before long I'll be chilled sitting on the bleachers. I'll need a jacket, and I will get myself a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy while watching the game.
It makes me think.....do you realize that Labor Day is just a few short weeks away? That Halloween is right around the corner....then we are in a fast slide towards Thanksgiving, and whoa(!) it's Christmas before we know it! This time of the year is, hands down, my most favorite. There is a lot going on and yes I do stay busy, but I enjoy all that Fall brings with it.
My Arbonne business will be taking off this Fall with the new Holiday Line coming out on September 1st. Having presentations will keep me busy too.....as I show people all the wonderful products that will make their Christmas extra special.
This year we have the added excitement of a presidential election. This might drive us all a little nutty before it's over with, but it is one more thing to think about this Fall. For me and my family there is also the whole packing to move into our new house--hopefully late November,maybe early December. Honestly, as I was mulling over the upcoming events in my life I had a human tendency to desire to just blink my eyes and wish that all the work was done and we were already in our new house. But you know what? I really don't want that. I want to savor my time. I don't want to wish my life away. Even though I know that the next several months will be a struggle with all that is going on---it will be a time of memories. Moments that I don't want to miss. So for now, I'm the soccer mom, chauffeur, home school teacher, packer, mover, wife, mom,and business woman. That's enough for now....and you know what? That's just perfect for me.

Shopping For Soccer Shoes And Other Traumatic Experiences

I took the two younger kids to get some soccer cleats for the upcoming season. They really did need them, as their feet continue to grow each year.:) Go figure. So, being the loving and dedicated mother that I am, I told them I'd take them this afternoon. ( I must confess that I had put it off as long as I could considering their soccer clinic is this Monday.) I drove through traffic as thick as fleas on an ol' hound dog. (Don't you love those quaint southern expressions?) Stop. Start. Stop. Start. That is west Knoxville traffic for you on a Saturday afternoon. As I approach the destination I begin to resemble a Kamikaze pilot circling around, and around the parking lot until I spy an open spot. I'm going in!!! A Suburban is moving in on me,fast! He looks at the spot. Oh no you don't! My little Camry is not scared of your big Suburban.....besides, I can squeeze into that space better than you can! At this point it is a showdown and (the crowd's cheer!) Dawn wins the coveted spot. Chalk one up for the crazy soccer mom on a mission!
The kids and I got out of the car and made our way into the sporting goods store. It was jammed packed with frenzied parents shopping for equipment for the upcoming Fall sports season. The parents were a case study in how to lose one's sanity in 1 hour or less. The moment I stepped over the threshold I too was one of those parents with the glazed over eyes asking for different sizes of shoes for my kids to try on. One of the young men working in the shoe section went to the back room to retrieve the shoes in the sizes we needed.....he was gone for so long I thought maybe he had passed out back there or something.....that maybe I needed to send someone in for a search and rescue. Just as I was seriously starting to worry, he emerged with shoes in hand. He said, "it's a mess back there, sorry it took so long." I felt for the guy. He had the glazed look. I patted him on the shoulder....then I pointed at another parent waiting for shoes. He heaved a sigh. I said, "ya gotta go back in. Sorry."
After a good hour or so of trying on shoes, walking around in them, squeezing to see where their toes were at, lacing and re-lacing, we escaped the store with goods in hand. A little poorer mind you for the struggle, but victorious none the less. Wait.......is that theme music from the ROCKY movie that I hear??? Or is that just the music I hear in my head occasionally?

What To Say

I've mentioned in previous blogs that I like to read self help books. Last night my sister in law reminded me about this book by Shad Helmstetter. It's called WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU TALK TO YOURSELF. No, it's not a book on mental illness or hearing voices. It's a book about our INTERNAL voice. You know what I mean....that voice that everyone has...the voice that tells you whether you are good enough, whether you have what it takes, whether you are smart or not, whether you are capable and on and on. Even those of us that grew up in positive family environments and have pretty good self esteem, still have the voice. Whenever it is time to attempt something new we wonder if we can be successful at it....or whether we'll fall flat on our face. It's scary....but you know what? That's life. We all have choices to make about the kind of life we will lead. In order to grow it takes courage. Courage to push out of your comfort zone, courage to try something new and unknown, courage to want more then you're currently getting in life. The truth is that this is the only life you've got...and it truly is up to you to make it what you'd like for it to be. Sure, we all have obstacles. We all have people that might be standing in the way of our dreams. (maybe on purpose, maybe not) But ultimately it's up to YOU. I for one am not going to look back on my life and wonder "what if?" I'm taking the responsibility to make my changes now, while I still have the chance.
Sure, I might fail in some things, but so what? At least I made the effort and am better for it.