Cemetary Madness at 50 years, 1 day

So last night Sunday my friend, Dana, and I are up at the local cemetary to take pictures for her history class. It was a beautiful night and we were having a great time. We got to the opposite side of the cemetary from where we parked and this car drove by us. The three people in it were laughing hysterically, which seemed odd considering the setting. When we returned to my truck, we had found they broke the passenger window out with part of a headstone from the cemetary. They took my wallet along with my credit cards and all of my b-day cash ($120.00). Dana's phone was also taken. I was really ticked. We went to the caretakers house to borrow the phone, but he was more deaf than my father and told us we shouldn't have parked there anyway. So we went home, reported it to the police and started phoning my credit card companies. I started with my Visa as it had the largest credit limit. The man on the phone said in the last half hour it had been used at a grill ($34) and at Northern Quest Casino ($214). Dana immediately called Northern Quest Casino and told them there was someone there using my stolen credit card. The cage manager pulled the transaction, security pulled the video for the time of the transaction and ta-da. . . they had a picture which they distributed among the 9 tribal police that were scouting the casino. A little over an hour after my wallet was stolen, they had the woman from the car in custody. She ratted out her little, pathetic friends and the driver was also apprehended. The theft was in the county sheriff's jurisdiction, but the use of the credit cards was on federal tribal land. She faces 5 felony counts of possession of stolen property, one count of felony forgery, and auto prowling. There may be other challenges as well. I don't know about the charges for the driver. I'm out the b-day money, but I must admit it feels good to see justice prevail. At least I have a story about turning 50!

Waiting for SPRING!

These pictures of roses from my garden last summer make me anxious for spring weather! We have been cold here since November. I think I am suffering from some seasonal affective disorder as I am a little blue.

Our spring here in Spokane is historically short as we usually move from winter weather right into summer, but this year the robins have arrived early! I hope this is a sign of things to come.

Life

Life has been beyond busy. In the last two weeks mom has been taken by 911 to our local hospital, diagnosed with blod clots in her legs, considered for nursing home placement, rebounded (maybe from fear?) and discharged to home because she walked on her own before leaving the hospital! Thanks to all of my faithful friends who have prayed for her and all of us these past two weeks. I am so thankful for all of you!

We are about to refinance our rental and take a little money out to do a simple update for our kitchen. (If there is such a thing.) We are picking out countertops, sink, faucet, flooring and a few other things. It's fun, but stressful as I know I have to live with my choices for many years to come. We are blessed to be able to do this. I love the house that we are living in and I want to reflect the love we have for one another.

And of course. . . we have that beautiful, baby boy in our life. We are planning to go see him at the end of March.

Who wouldn't want to hold this little marvel??? Is he not just incredibly amazing???

Of course, I'm his grandma, so what else could I think?

Naaaahhh. Anyone can see it's so! ;-)

Daniel James at Six Weeks.

One Month to Live

One Month to Live. Thirty days to a No-Regrets Life.

This is a current series that Joe Witwer, our pastor at Life Center, is using for the basis of his sermons. "Consider how your perspective would change if you found out you had just thirty days to live. After the initial shock, you'd probably resolve to squeeze all you could from the days that remain." This series, based on the book written by Kerry and Chris Shook, promotes living every day as God intended. There are four principles that are shared:

1. LIVE PASSIONATELY: living each day as if it were you last.

2. LOVE COMPLETELY: showing others love that transcends & transforms

3. LEARN HUMBLY: growing through our problems and pain

4. LEAVE BOLDLY: creating a legacy that will impact generations

Chapter one speaks of "Living the Dash." When walking through a cemetary, looking at the headstones, they all have three things in common: two dates and dash. The dates we have no control over, however, the dash is within our control. We are all dealt certain cards in which we have no control, place of birth, time of birth, culture etc, BUT, there is much we can control. I would encourage all of my friends and family to read this book and reflect on what we each might do differently if it were our last thirty days.

CARPE DIEM!!!

DANIEL

All it takes to bring a smile to my face! What is it about a sweet little baby that makes people melt down to a high pitched, kissy faced, blubbering human? Isn't he just the CUTEST?

Matt with Daniel before returning to Iraq.

Sarah

Sarah has settled into her life here in Spokane and is now beginning a new job. She was supposed to start on Thursday (when the big storm hit) but will now begin on Monday. She'll be doing a similar job that she had in Riverside (dispatching and customer service). The type of company is different however, being a printing company. She is very excited to be employed full time once again.

Credit to Barry Moses for this picture of Sarah and I. Sarah was able to join me in the colleges last day of Fall quarter. We had a multicultural potluck that was a great success! It was so great to have her there and an even greater joy to have her back as part of our daily lives.

We love you Sarah!!!

Disappointment

I was supposed to wake up this morning in Riverside, California. Of course the perfect storm hit and my flight was canceled. I know I can still go see the baby, but I'll miss seeing Matt on his mid-deployment leave. He leaves for Iraq early Monday morning. My sadness is unspeakable as I think about not seeing him for another 10 months.

I thank God for digital pictures as I look at this picture of Matt loving Daniel. I can't wait for the day I can see them together. The best gift I have been given this Christmas is that Matthew was here for Daniel's birth. God's perfect timing. There is plenty to be thankful for as I gaze out the window to see what came between me and my trip to Southern California.

COLD outside, but WARM inside

It seems Spokane is suffering from a snowstorm today. Shoveling my neighbor's drive and our own passage ways made me very COLD. Once inside I was thinking of what to write about. I went to my computer and view the very thing to warm my heart!

It's amazing how quickly I forget about the cold while veiwing my new grandson's pictures!

Then, just when I think I'm as "warm" as I can be, I see the picture of my son with his son.

I must say that there is nothing more gratifying and lovely than seeing your child with their newborn baby. I know Matthew and Amanda will be amazing parents.

Matthew returns to Iraq on Monday. I know it will be very difficult for him to leave Amanda and Daniel, but I pray that the next ten months will pass quickly and uneventfully for everyone.

Mima Mounds

MIMA MOUNDS

I love to learn about new things. Although I love to get out of the house, the frigid temperature keeps me in. And so I surf the web in search of places to visit when spring arrives. That's how I found this unusual geographic feature.

Mima mounds are found on the praries of southwest Washington state. Apparently there is much debate about the geological formation of these unusual grassy hills. They can also be found in Alaska, Texas, Australia and China. Scientistists believe the ones in Washington to be 7,000 to 9,000 years old and probably created by retreating glaciers. Other explanations include being caused by Native Americans or possibly burrowing animals of some sort. I will definately visit this place!

A New Grandson!

Until you have a son of your own . . . you will never know the joy, the love beyond feeling that resonates in the heart of a father as he looks upon his son. You will never know the sense of honor that makes a man want to be more than he is and to pass something good and hopeful into the hands of his son.

Children are the best life has to offer. And now. . . we have the most beautiful, new little boy in our family. Amanda and Matthew had their first child, Daniel James, on December 5th at 12:38. He was 8 pounds, 2.5 oz and 19.5 inches long.

I am so proud to wear the name of grandma. I want to be the kind of grandma who plays in the mud, makes faces through the window and loves wholly and unconditionally. I never knew my grandparents and so . . . I want to be invoved in a way that makes my grandson feel valued and treasured.

Happy Birthday Daniel James!

Awaiting

It seems I have been extremely negligent about keeping my blog current. So here's my update since the last entry.

My parents have moved from Southern California to live with Kevin and I. We are very happy that they are here. Unfortunately mom is facing surgery tomorrow for her deteriorating neck. She will have surgery that strenthens her neck and reduces her pain. I am hoping that she will be the vivacious, energetic lady we have always known.

Kevin has been working for a local men's homeless shelter for the last six months. He is the evening program coordinator there. It has been interesting because many of my students live in poverty and we have served some of the same people in our programs. It is so gratifying for us to both be serving the needy in our city. Even though my primary responsibility is to teach, I have had the priviledge of mentoring as well. This gives me great joy.

Sarah has just moved here permanently from Southern California. She has only been here a week but loves the area already. She is happily anticipating winter as she has never experienced living in a place that has a "real" winter. She is currently looking for work here and is expecting to be hired by someone soon. She will be such a great asset to anyone who chooses her as an employee.

Some of our biggest news is that Matthew and Amanda are expecting their first child. His name is Daniel James and is expected around December 10th. We are exited as we can be. Kevin has been rocking pretend babies in his arms and thinking up stories to tell and games to play when Daniel gets a little older. I cannot wait to wear the awesome title of grandma! This is the 10th great grandchild to my parents.

Matthew is currently serving us all in Iraq. He left in mid July and it was really tough for all of us. We pray for him every day and miss him terribly. He should be back at his homebase in November of next year. In the meantime, he is very busy working seven days a week with very long missions.

As summer has turned deep into fall we are enjoying our walks immensely. It is so much fun to go to the forest at this time of year as it is less crowded with visitors and so magnificent in color. The cooler temperature lends itself to my preferences. We are not able to get out as much because our schedule often conflicts, but when we do, it's glorious!

This is a picture that Sarah took (last fall) near the dog park.

My coworker, Barry, has inspired me to be more diligent in keeping up my blog by having such a great blog himself. ( http://sulustu.blogspot.com/) He also includes beautiful pictures from his everyday life that urge me to document in photos more of my own life.

Wedding Day - November 30, 2007

Matthew and Amanda got Married on November 30th. They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada in a small ceremony. I wanted to share these pictures with you. They are planning a family wedding in the Spring. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Big News!

We have big news! Matthew has a fiance' and plans to marry in a civil service soon. Her name is Amanda and she will be a wonderful addition to our family! She and Matthew are very well suited to one another.

We are very happy for them both and wish them all the best that life can bring. Amanda will be moving to Alaska to join Matthew. In April or May (whenever he can get leave), they will return for a family wedding. Then when Matt is deployed to Iraq, Amanda will return to Riverside to stay with her family. She will be attending Riverside Community College via the internet during the Alaska stay. They both have aspirations to be teachers: he a math teacher and her a science teacher, although Matthew is also considering a career in law enforcement.

I will keep everyone updated as we get information. At this point they will be married whenever he can get down to Las Vegas for a weekend civil ceremony.

So Many Changes

First let me apologize for not updating my blog sooner. There has frankly so much going on in our lives that the time just escaped me. My parents spent the summer in Spokane after I picked them up and drove them up here, reversing that at the end of summer. I worked at a local community center for the colleges teaching GED to high risk teens. It was a great summer with these kids and it is a priviledge to serve them.

The biggest news I have is that Matthew did indeed complete his (Basic) training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Kevin and I were able to travel there for family day and graduation.

He then went to Fort Lenordwood, Missouri for his AIT (advanced training). He went back to Riverside on leave for almost a month and spent about 6 days with us. We were grateful for the time with him.

He is now in Alaska preparing for deployment in January to the middle east. We covet any prayers said on his behalf. We are so proud of him and this experience has been very good for him. He has been challenged and met the challenge. Way to go Matt!

Sarah is in the process of looking into film schools and considering moving to her friend Diego to New York late next year. This is a very exciting time as she considers her options.

During the few days Matt was with us, Sarah also came up. This is the first time we were together as a family in a year and a half. While we were together we enjoyed going out to eat, walking downtown and late night bowling. We really enjoyed each other's company. We also had the opportunity to take some pictures together. . . so here are some from that day!

As for me, I have exciting news about my pursuit to teach students about wildlife conservation! It turns out there is a wildlife refuge 25 miles from our house and I will begin volunteering there soon. The refuge has a variety of large mammals including moose, elk, cougar, cyote, porqupine, and river otter. They have a wonderful, large classroom with many of these animals on display. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life! I will definately keep you updated.

May 14th, 2007: Eventful Week

This past week has been pretty eventful. Our wonderful son, Matt, signed up to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army. He will be off to Fort Benning, Georgia by next Friday. He is excited to start this part of his life and we are happy for him, but have our concerns, as you might imagine. He will be learning to work for transportation, driving anything the Army owns. His specialty school will immediately follow his infantry training and will be in Missouri. He will get his orders after that.

This past week was also Joey the dog's first birthday. He has been a terrific companion and has helped us in our transition away from our family. (Not that anything can take the place of family.) He also keeps me very active as his favorite activity is hiking. There are forest trails just five miles from our house that are lovely. The trails snake closely to the river. It is heavenly. The temperature here has been in the 70s.

The last great thing is that I participated in the biggest footrace in the contry. It was 7.5 miles. I walked it with no problem at all and I wasn't even sore. (See photo. . . I'm on the far left side, hands in the air, all in black.) It was a wonderful day and a great way to begin spring here in the northwest!!!

April 18, 2007

I thought I would post an update since it's been awhile.

My job has been interesting. There is a lot to learn when you start working in a prison. All of the "normal" rules do not apply there. For instance, the first few weeks I had to walk around holding my arms down as you are not allowed to touch offenders there. It makes teaching them interesting. You have students who do not want to be there and make that very clear to you. It's part of my job to convince (conjole, bring along, etc.) that they not only need a GED, but they really want one. (They just don't know it yet.) Some are won over, some not. We had a graduation in April and it was really wonderful to see people who did not believe in themselves, earn their GED.

I have not given up on my ongoing passion for endangered species and wildlife. I will not be returning to the zoo, but that is not the only way to be involved. I have become a member of Northwest Conservation (a local conservation group). I also continue to investigate educational, volunteer and working positions in wildlife conservation. I am certain I will pursue this area in one form or another. I'm just not sure how yet.

My life here is settling in. It's still a little wierd to be a permanent resident here. It's quite beautiful. The air is so clean and cool. It's getting to those temperatures where you can sit on the front porch and relax. Bliss.

February 9, 2007

It turns out that the ultrasound instructor position was for abdominal and not cardiac, so it's not even a job I have any training in. So I am happy to stay where I am.

I'm now considering what to do with my days since I work evenings. There are so many things I am interested in. I love art and photography. I'm thinking of taking a class or two during the day. There is a class at a local art store that starts with drawing. I would love to be able to sketch the cats up at the zoo. It would also be fun to sketch when the camping season starts, which won't be too much longer.

What am I up to now?

I took several months to shift my thinking from zoo educator to being open to whatever opportunity was to come my way. I know that I love to teach, so that was a sure thing. I really reflected on what I wanted. The most important single quality of the work I seek is that it has to contribute to the world in a special way, to have a real influence in empowering people to do the things the things they have always dreamed of, and to realize a sense of both within me. I did a lot of soul searching and decided I would keep my mind open about the possibilities.

In November, an unusual opportunity presented itself. I applied for the job of teaching GED to inmates at a correctional facility. Again, I tried to make no assumptions, as I had never been in this environment, let alone work and teach there. I had an interview that included teaching a lesson. I was impressed with the facility as the state requires all inmates without a GED or high school diploma to pursue one while incarcerated. I didn't know what chances I had, but I stayed open to the possibility of this job. After two weeks, I was offered a position part time there.

I have since started and have found this venue very rewarding. These are people who are in the unique position to have their lives stopped and forced into a situation where they have the opportunity to have a single focus of reflection. I have found many of them very receptive to learning new things and dialoguing about their lives and where they went wrong. It's a bizarre place to work for sure, but it's a wonderful opportunity for me to make a huge difference in people's lives.

It turns out that simultaneously, I became eligible for a full time position teaching cardiac ultrasound (my first career) at the community college. (In my present position, I am actually a community college instructor within the same system.) I will not interview for this position until the sixth of February, so I am preparing for this interview. My current boss even hired me knowing that I was up for this position. Talk about miracles!

There will certainly be updates on this matter.

As far as my home life, we made a little addition in August when I stopped attending zoo school. Our little dog is named Joey. He is one half yorkie and the other half is sitzu/chi. This is a picture of him after his first snow. He loves the snow and its so much fun to watch him. He is a good boy and goes to dog school off and on. So far he knows how to sit, down (lay), stand, speak, say please (up on hind legs with front legs pumping up and down), and "leave it." This is where he will leave a treat alone until invited to get it. He will also stop at each corner and sit before we tell him "okay" to cross the street. Adorable.

June until now (Jan. 2007)

It has been a long journey since June 16th when I left the classroom. I actually did a blog updating my zoo experiences, and then blogger switched formats and all of my journaling was lost, so I will try to update you with the short version now.

We left Riverside, California on June 18th for our new home in the northwest. (My students, parents and friends know where this is, but I prefer to not give the exact location.) We had a long two day trip driving twelve hours each day, but finally arrived to our new home on Monday, June 19th. I was to start zoo school in about 10 days, so I was very busy getting the house functional during that time.




I began zoo school at the end of June. It was quite an experience. I quickly found out that the advertised 32 hour week was just about double that number. We most often worked 14 hour days and not allowed even a lunch break. It was very tough on me, being the age I am, but I was holding my own next to my twenty something coworkers. My day consisted of everything from weeding, to manning the entrance booth, to preparing meat for the big cats. But my favorite part of the day was at the beginning when we cleaned and cared for the big cats.

Even though I was only at the zoo for six weeks, I learned a lot about the operations of a zoo. The people who work in zoos keep long hours and there are many hours spent in other activities apart from animal care.

As far as the animal care goes, we did not clean the enclosures with the animals present (called an occupied enclosure.) As i learned, the majority of injuries and deaths occur when a keeper enters an enclosure that is presumed empty, when it is in fact, occupied. Because of this, keepers have a system of calling gates when they open and close them. Animals are shifted from one enclosure to another for the purpose of cleaning and observation. We observe any scat (commonly called poop) left, anything else unusual in the enclosure. We used a combination of bleach, dish soap and water to sanitize the living quarters. This actually helped me take better care of my own cats at home. We would also be required to observe the animal for general health, noting their coat, eyes and other concerns. This would be logged, along with the details of their scat, at the end of the day in their chart.

It was truly amazing to be so close to these amazing creatures. My time was short, but intense. In the end, my migraine syndrome got the best of me. I battled having a lot of numbness in my legs with the very real possibility that this could worsen into paralysis. I couldn't take the chance. It was just too risky. After a painful reflection, I felt I could not continue.

The thing I want my students most to know is that I do not consider this a failure. I suppose some people could look at it this way, but I choose not to. Had I tried this earlier in my life, I am confident that I would have been able to complete the program. I do not regret for a minute that I tried. I am grateful to have had the opportunity. Do not let the fear of failure ever stop you from trying something that you have dreamt about. Life is all about seeking your purpose, and it is not an end, but a process.

Be Your Best

This blog is for all of those students, parents and friends who have been wondering how my persuit of my dreams have unfolded since leaving sixth grade teaching in June 2006. Let me say ahead of time how much I appreciate all of the kindness and support I have received over the last months. I have heard from many of you as I continue on my journey. The purpose of this blog is to (hopefully) inspire and encourage all of you as you live to be the best that you can be.