Life as I Know It

I certainly don't write enough for my own good. Its been therapy and a creative outlet for me since I was a teen. But, Lord knows how many times I've gotten myself into trouble by writing what I thought needed to be read--you know, expressing my thoughts; trying to passionately prove some kind of point; wanting to encourage someone or give advice; venting frustration through humor and sarcasm (this one gets me into trouble the most). Today it just feels confusing. I have way to many thoughts and concerns flooding my mind.

My rehearsal season is going full throttle and I'm only feeling loosely connected to the people who know me best. Its been busy busy busy so I'm not getting a full "download" from my friends, nor are they getting mine. I think about all the kids I know who've gone off to college for their first year and are feeling a similar loss of connection. Everything is new and different and they are now in a position where its time to develop some new relationships. And that just doesn't happen overnight so there's a gap. And it doesn't feel completely comfortable and connected yet. Of course, once I get comfortable with my new "circle" the production suddenly comes to an end and the rug is pulled out from under all my newly developed friendships, which leaves me to try reconnecting with my tried and true friends for a brief moment, only to start all over with a new cast and new set of rehearsals. VICIOUS CYCLE!!

Anyway, my youngest of six (Caleigh) is in 9th grade now!!!!! She's not the only one left at home presently, but come winter, my two oldest boyz (Luke and Nate) will be off on their adventures, Not sure what adventure Anika will decide upon, Jennah and Liz are off at college... so it may just be Caleigh and the dogs left at home for Terry and I. WEIRD! I'm sure its good that my schedule is filled for the year.

I'm finally leaving the organist/pianist/vocalist position at the Methodist church. Its been nine years and 5 pastors. The memberships remains a solid 20 people and I'm ready to return to more of the style of worship I enjoy. One of the pastors a few years back, wanted to bring the more modern approach of music and teaching to the Methodist congregation, however, it really didn't go over very well. It was unlike anything they knew and he was rather abrupt about it. Some of the younger crowd actually loved having a modern style of music and a modern day message which challenged their walk of faith, but those other ones who have been around for years and years held on tight to certain traditions and passionately resisted the change, or at least they didn't understand it and made noise about it, so the underlining battle ensued. It wasn't pretty in the end. Ugh! So, pastor #5 has been plugging away these past 2 years, trying to help the church to grow, but I'm done! A few more Sundays to go and I will officially be out. Truth be told, its never easy for me, at any church. I've been around the block. I've seen and experienced a lot--both amazing and awful and everywhere in between. I'm not sure what I want to do next or what God wants me to do at this point. But I know that I am spiritually dry and want to return to a place of richness that I've known in my personal walk of faith. Worship through music has been a big part of my connection to God. Not sure how to get back... or discover the newness of it. But I will say this as a side note: trying to present a style of modern worship music to a group of people who are completely unaccustomed to anything besides hymns may just end up feeling like a "funeral dirge" to them. Yah, that's what someone said yesterday about their experience with it 3 years ago. I kind of felt spanked! I'm sure I'll understand it all better when I'm 80. Hopefully I will also remember how I feel about it now, at (almost) 49.

I have many other things to write about, but this is enough. I have to go practice more on the two musical scores I'm rehearsing for this fall season. First Date runs Oct 13-30 and Catch Me if You Can runs Nov 4-13. I will have six straight weeks without a SINGLE night off. I'm scared.

P.S. This is one of the views we saw back in August when we dropped Liz off to college in San Diego--Point Loma Nazarene University. This is her campus. AMAZING!

My College Girls

What will this summer behold? Last summer I had all six kids at home. We even had a few nights where all of us were sitting at the dinner table together. But since two of my girls have been away all school year, and the two boys are off doing there own grown-up things, its rare for us to have even four of us home for dinner. We've had to adjust the amount of food that is made. And its not the same without everyone.

Things change.

I'm proud of my girls!!

Anika is about to complete her junior year at Flagler college. Its been a journey for her, to figure out what degree she really wants to have when she graduates. It started out as psychology with a minor in art, but thanks to an awful psychology teacher during her second semester, she decided it was not for her. She became "undecided" for another year and a half, and then landed on international studies as her declared major (with a minor in art). Finally, at the end of her first semester of the junior year, it was decided. This was very exciting for her. She would need to complete a study abroad program in order to finish her degree plan, which didn't leave much time, as the school recommend not doing that during your final year of school. So it was going to have to take place this summer and January 30th was the deadline for applying for the study abroad program of choice. We found a program independently, and it was going to be an amazing (if not expensive) educational and spiritual adventure. We were all very excited... until the committee at her school turned it down. Sadness!! With that news, it was too late to find another study abroad option, so she decided to switch her degree plan to political science (with a minor in art). She would be able to finish on time by taking the additional summer term over the next six weeks. Its all very exciting!


Honestly, Anika probably should have gone with art as her major from the beginning. Her artwork is fantastic and she loves it. She's also great with languages and really has a passion to travel. Who knows what is in store for this girl?! There is so much potential.

Jennah is finishing her first year at Oral Roberts University. Its both Terry's and my alma mater. We loved it there. She loves it there. She's studying musical theatre and seems very content with her course study. Of course, I don't hear much from her ALL YEAR!!! ...a few texts... maybe 2-3 phone calls PER SEMESTER!!!! I miss her, and will be happy to have her home, but she is my super independent child. I have a few other kids like her. Actually, all my kids are all pretty independent. It kind of depends on their various stages in life. Some like to stay in touch more than others. I don't know whether to be happy or sad that they don't need me so much. Of course, that comes in stages, too. But I've definitely done my best together with Terry to teach them how to grow up and become independent.

Its a weird point in life for me. I still have two younger ones in middle and high school.  Those two don't need a huge amount of constant attention. But they are growing up so fast. Liz will be a senior this next year and Caleigh will be in 8th grade. Even though all of my kids are still somewhat financially dependent, its getting very close for a few of them to be completely on their own (being on your own in the Hamptons in nearly impossible! for all of us). I don't want an empty nest (especially if that means I am the one responsible to clean the whole house). AGHHHHHH!!! I don't mind a few of them living with us indefinitely--they can pay rent and even get married  and have some grand babies. Wouldn't it be fun? Hahah

So Jennah comes home this weekend. YAY! And at the end of June I fly down to Anika in FL, to drive back with her. We are going to IN to visit family and then the summer will really be kicking in. We expect some visit from family over the summer. Fun times. Hope the septic tank holds after 15 years. LOL.

Adrenaline

Let's see. This is one BIG TIME week in Jennah's senior year of high school.

First, on Monday was her volleyball team's championship play-off game for Class D title.

Second, on Tuesday was her driver's test.

Third, on Wednesday, this entailed flying the friendly skies for the first time BY HERSELF to attend a college weekend 1500 miles away, which included a very quick layover/gate change in Chicago. Oh the nerves.

Fourth, which wasn't as stressful as the other things, was staying in a dorm room with people she's never met. No sweat.

Fifth, Thursday morning was having a live interview which included writing an essay on a surprise topic in order to compete for a very important scholarship.

Sixth and Seventh, on Friday, is a piano & music theory placement exam and then auditions for the musical theatre department with a song from Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Once all of that is behind her, she may be able to enjoy the rest of her college weekend... what's left of it.

This morning, I began to feel like I should have gone out there with her to help give her the support she probably needed. But nope! She has her big girl pants on this weekend. I don't know how many other girls her age could have done what she's in the middle of!! I'm a proud mama.  So what, the volleyball team lost the championship game. They came from the very bottom last year to obtain second place in Class D against a school who has won the division for the past 13 years straight. So what, she failed her first driver's test. So do about 40% of the people who have taken it on LI for the first time. She was a bundle of nerves before she even started and just not quite ready. Please note, unlike the picture above, she did NOT hit anything or cause any accidents. LOL 

Everything else after the driver's test has gone much better, so far. The interview went well. She can breathe easy the rest of today and get ready for #6 and #7 tomorrow.

I'll keep you posted.

My Girl

Of course, I have several girls, but today Jennah gets featured. I call her my girl because she has her mother's resemblance the most out of all of them. She's definitely taller than me and probably smarter... (I have the experience over her, but she enjoys studying and homework, which was never the case with me).

Here she is with her cousin's baby boy, Jonnie Trace, who looks very much like his dad who is latino.

So this has been a big week.

First point of news: Jennah's high school volleyball team has made it to playoffs which start next week. Today's game will determine who they will play first in the sudden death tournament (or however that works). I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed watching her develop her game over the years. She started in 7th grade and has stuck with it through all the ups and downs. Her hard work has paid off. She's consistent and their team just keeps getting better. Six seniors will be moving on after this season. I hope the remaining and upcoming players for next season find their rhythm quickly.

Second piece: Jennah was accepted to Oral Roberts University two daze ago. That's where she wants to attend. That's the only school she planned on applying to, in spite of all the dissenting voices around her. Its not that peers and guidance counselors think she shouldn't go there, they just thought she needed to broaden her options. But when you know, you know. Anyway, she's already been accepted and its only October. Think about what a stress reliever that is, not to have to go through all that rigamarole of applications and worry and having too many options and not knowing where or what or how. Now all we need to figure out is the HOW! Its not cheap, but we know that everything will be provided when its all said and done.

In November, when she heads to Oklahoma for a college weekend, she has an interview for the Whole Person Scholarship and will also audition for the musical theatre department. She'll be doing this all by herself. I remember auditioning for the music department when I was visiting for a college weekend, but my parents were there, too. We aren't going out there with her. So GO JENNAH!!! She's a brave soul. There isn't much that causes her to shrink away from doing something she wants to do.
(She does, however, shrink away from answering her phone and doing the household chores assigned. It may be the her only weakness). HAHAH

Thirdly: This is her senior year. Holy Moley. Some things in her line up, to make this year count for all its worth, she will audition for the neighboring school's musical, which is Chorus Line. Auditions are in November. Her own school also has a musical which will be auditioning in March. Its not determined which one they are doing yet, but she will definitely have some kind of featured part. I think she got the theater bug!!! She's pretty much a shoe in for Valedictorian of her class. Oh boy oh boy. My heart swells with pride over our children. Aren't we the lucky ones?

We are taking the girls on a cruise over Thanksgiving--a much desired adventure for Jennah. We will also visit my parents, my brother and Anika while we are there. It should be quite a whirlwind. What else can we squeeze into the picture.

I can't wait to see all that the future holds for Jennah this final year of high school... our middle child. So far its going pretty well!!! (Is there a middle when you have six)?

The Ever-Changing Stages of Life

HIGH SCHOOL
I was 16 years old when I turned my life completely over to Christ. It was a radical transformation, not because I was an atheist or grew up in some abusive home or on the streets, but because I was a lukewarm pseudo christian who was trying to ride the fence of two worlds for some time. And I found myself on the wrong side of the fence a lot more than the right side. I loved to party with friends but then come across like the good girl with parents and adults. But the day came when I encountered the glory of God in a personally profound way, and basically threw myself at the feet of Jesus. I was smitten! He loved me!! I knew it right then and there, and it went beyond any kind of attention, admiration or affection I was looking for from those around me. He filled me up completely with His being and his presence. Love beyond reason! Forgiveness. Complete cleansing. Who can understand that but someone who has experienced the washing and infilling for themselves?

From that experience on, I became a follower of Jesus. I was full of passion and devotion. I was excited. I wanted to know Him more. I read my Bible everyday and was totally blown away by the things He was speaking right to the core of my soul. I journaled. I worshipped with music and song. I prayed all the time... which was more like an ongoing conversation with the Lord throughout the day. I talked about what was happening in my heart with those who would listen. I started a bible study at school. I wrote letters upon letters (because I had moved 2000 miles away from my closest friends) telling my old cronies the amazing changes that were taking place in my life. I was Radical! I've looked back at the things friends and teachers had written in my yearbooks from those two last years of high school, and apparently people were impacted by the things that God was doing in me. My joy and zest for life, my love and compassion for people, my fearless devotion to Jesus... people weren't offended, they were moved.

COLLEGE
I went to an awesome Christian University. Oral Roberts University. I LOVED IT!!! It was right where I needed to be and my faith continued to grow. I had soooo much fun at college and made amazing friends. I went on the mission field a few times and was changed dramatically by those experiences. I met the man who was to become my husband. That was a miraculously arranged marriage by the hand of God. Bringing a husband into my life, did in fact, bring a distraction into my life. My devotion was divided--not that it was wrong or that I should have remained single. God gave me the gift of an incredible husband, but there was definitely an adjustment for me and my time spent with the Lord. I can remember feeling the dilemma. I had sooo much love for my husband and sooo much love for Jesus, but the husband was a new thing for me and my attention was divided. Marriage was amazing!! It didn't take too long to work through the dilemma. God gave me Terry and I accepted. ;-)

PARENTHOOD--BABY STAGE
After a year of marriage, we were ready for babies. Our first born was well taken care of by everyone in the church and the youth in which we surrounded ourselves because of youth ministry. (Luke spit up on so many people!! haha). It was so much fun. Our second son came along and it was a little more challenging having two babies--a very strong-willed firstborn son and then a newborn. I began to feel the gaps in my time spent with the Lord. I was exhausted. I didn't have early morning devotions anymore, because I needed to sleep when I had a chance. I still had a lot of opportunities for ministry and bible study and worship, but it wasn't the same without my alone time, which was a big adjustment.

My third pregnancy came along and I felt as though my whole world was evolving into something I never expected. I was always a go-getter and a leader in my own right. I had a lot of passion and vision for God's kingdom. I was going to be a world changer for the Lord, but suddenly it all felt like a pipe dream. I was left at home with babies. I didn't have much time or energy for all these other things. My husband was moving more into full-time ministry and I was feeling resentful and resistant to the changes that were happening for my own life.

There was a specific moment I recall sitting on my deck, with a baby in my belly, watching the boys play, and resigning myself to whatever the Lord had for me, even though it was different than what I had thought. I had to let go of my own desires. I stopped resisting. And of course, I had three more babies (six total) and many many many more adjustments.

PARENTHOOD--TEEN STAGE
By the time the oldest ones were entering teenage hood, I no longer worried so much about how much time I was able to spend in quiet moments with the Lord. He loved me know matter what. I was still involved with worship in song and prayer and Bible reading. It was a natural outflow and I found outlets for ministry, but the time came when both Terry and I needed to take a sabbatical and remove our children from the "fishbowl" of the church, so to speak. Pastor's kids are expected to never make mistakes or get off track. There is a lot of judgment and we didn't want that for our kids or for us. It was a major change to step completely out of ministry after 15 years, but after a lot of very difficult situations personally and in the church, we were happy to take a break. And it's true, our kids began to sneak to the "other side of the fence" and get into teenage trouble. It was a very challenging time as parents, to say the least. The Lord got us through. Where would we even be without the Lord? The older kids grew out of their rebellious stage and onto adulthood.

PARENTHOOD--YOUNG ADULT STAGE
Now that we are here, I've hit that crisis point. I now have to watch my young adult children making decisions for themselves. Some times its very exciting and brings joy to my heart. But not always. And when I don't like some of the decisions, I tend to blame myself. Age-old-personal-shame-self-talk. I even had a post last week that showed how I was the one to blame because I haven't been as passionate about my love for Jesus in front of them. I could even say I have fallen out of love with Him for a season. But I am renewing my devotion. I'm rekindling my efforts of pursuit, and asking Him to rekindle the fire and passion in me. It's so easy to fall into complacency and so difficult to return to the disciplines. Anything can happen.

TRANSITIONS
I've always hated the adjustment times in life. TRANSITION! I know all about transition. That is a word you don't forget when you've had six babies and four of them being home births. In preparing for home births its only to your benefit to know everything you can about the stages of labor and what to expect. Transition is always the hardest and most confusing, panicky part. At least it was for me. It was the stage that became the most intense, and after all the work and pain I'd endured up to that point, I would think it would never ever end... and yet, transition was the shortest part of labor that always brought me to the pushing part rather quickly and to the rewards, 1) labor being finally over and 2) a baby being placed in my arms. (IN THAT ORDER--HAHAHA)

I may have transitioned into a new stage of life this past week. I don't know what to call it yet, but it'll be something to talk about in the future.

The Summer Flew By

Our summer starts late. The kids don't really get out of school until the 3rd week of June and the weather isn't always hot enough for the beach until July anyway. Even the lifeguards don't start at the beach until July 1st. and then, all too quickly, its over. Waaaahhhh!


I certainly didn't get enough beach time. I wanted to go several times and my 10 year old never really wanted to go. I could have easily said, "Too bad, that's what we are doing today". But if and when we did go, I knew all she was going to do is bother me the entire time we were there. "Mom, come with me crabbing." "Mom, come in the water with me." Mom, can I go to the ice cream truck?" "Mom, can we go now?" When I go to the beach I look forward to relaxing with a book, maybe catching a few winks, and jumping in the water only if I'm hot. I don't prefer to be the entertainment for my youngest child. L A Z Y !!!

Such an innocent face. She knows exactly what she's doing!!!

Anyway, I'm glad they got on the bus this morning. I can't believe its down to 3 Hochstedlers at the school. WOW! It was only 2009 where I had all six in the same building for their education. How does that happen? And no, I didn't take a picture of them this morning before they left for the bus, but I wished I had. They were so cute.

So my oldest daughter is doing her college thing. She was not happy at all, after the first week. :-( She said she the food was awful and making her sick, even the salad and she couldn't eat. Also, it was boring. And the boys were disgusting and incredibly rude (she has a boyfriend so she's only looking for friendliness) and she was very unhappy with her "inconsiderate" roommate. Ruh roh. Someone definitely needed more sleep and better food for the first off. I know she misses her Beau terribly and that wasn't helping at all. But she did say she really liked her classes and one teacher especially and she had biked to the beach a couple of times. She's going on her second week and I am hoping things will get better for her... I really have stayed away from it, because my tendency is to say "Get over it! And change your perspective!" I don't like to listen to complaints, especially if the person is leading to a quick solution that says, "This isn't going to work." I say SO MAKE IT WORK! Its all part of life and growing up. But in spite of trying not to come to the rescue, I sent a large package with all kids of food she can make in her room. And I have been praying and reading scriptures and praying scriptures for her, and losing some sleep, and trying not to feel down about it. I do believe this is a very important step for her and she needs to find the deeper meaning in it all. Breaking free from the comfort zone is really hard sometimes. I didn't realize how hard it would be for her.

In other news nonpolitical... Today, Noah goes back to the vet because his eye should be better and its still not completely better. I'm not all that concerned but dang, I hate doing these appointments.

Tomorrow, I'm going to the city to support my dear friend, Nicki, who has a big surgery coming up next week. Tomorrow its the battery of pre-op tests (at my old stomping grounds--Memorial Sloan Kettering). We want more of those results we received with Lizzy--the "tumor is BENIGN" results. And of course, the recovery from a total hysterectomy can be a great challenge, so please help me pray for my friend. I'll be asking for prayers again, later in the fall, as she will need another surgery. God's grace. God's peace. And His healing power.

Thankful... or I'm Trying Anyway

My girl is off to college. Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. Its been a whirlwind. She didn't even know she was going until the second week of August. Take about fast action.

 This place is gorgeous. What a beautiful campus and city and this is Anika's dorm.

 The beach is only about 3-5 miles away. Anika bought a bike so she can get around... but will she use it, I wonder. She made me ride it back to campus from Walmart because she was out of practice and nervous to ride it on the highway (there was a bike path).

I received a few rainbows, one while I was there in Florida and one on my way home from the airport in NY. I'm taking them as a sign from the Lord that she is in the right place and its going to be a very good experience.

I am very thankful that she is there. (We have had a few run-ins since I've been home, but I am going to call them the adjustment period and try not to let it annoy me too much! ...ungrateful).

Meanwhile, that little episode with my car and the deer... well I finally arranged to bring the car in for an estimate and the insurance will cover all but $500 of it. So I'm grateful... FIVE FREAKIN HUNDRED MORE DOLLARS????? But I was given a pretty darn good rental to drive around for the next week and a half. Woot woot. I've been digging the rental cars lately. In Florida it was a dodge Avenger--sweet ride. And now its a Lincoln something or another. Very nice AND WITH SATELLITE RADIO!!!!! Very thankful!!

Also, we were given a refrigerator about a year ago that we choose to make our primary frig in the kitchen because it has an ice and water dispenser on the front. So our wonderful Maytag went into the garage and is still very very much in use. But now, this kenmoor or whatever it is, is not keeping cold in the frig side and everything is slowly going bad. I am so thankful that we have the other frig in the garage to rescue our perishables. A repairman is coming tomorrow to see what the problem is. Its not my favorite frig I must admit and I would LOVE to get the dream frig (such materialistic problems) but really... I'm thankful. Appliances just don't last forever.

Anyway, I barely have a chance to blog anymore. Caleigh is constantly at my side trying to get me to do something to entertain her. I am certainly looking forward to next Wednesday when they start school again. I'm not sure I can last another week.

Our Cruise to Bermuda

 Checking out our staterooms. Especially the bathroom!

 We can all fit, no problem

Sohailah is breaking the rules early on.

This is Steve and Sohailah's stateroom window. Gotta love Cowboy's expression.

Thanks babe for getting us here.

Just like the scene from the Titanic.

Peekaboo

This was our very serious lifeboat drill!!

We passed right by Lady Liberty

The best couple

The craziest!! (Raul is assisting Steve in keeping his eyes from blinking for the picture).

Thank you BJ for bringing us on this trip (something we heard every single day from Raul).

Good times with friends

So expressive

Always flirting and laughing and making us laugh

We aren't short! Where'd you get that idea?

Checking out the historical St. George while waiting for our scooters to be ready for us.

St. George

Turtle Bay Beach

Gorgeous in every way.

The scooters. I picked the video by mistake. Not sure if you can view it either.

Towel art hanging in our room.

Someone must have left their bike behind at the bar the night before so the guy on the scooter was going to bring it home.

It was Cup Match week which meant everyone was on holiday and at Horseshoe bay for a festival. That's where we went too.

Here is the end of the trip, getting a lift back to pier 90.

Once we got to the bus stop, Raul received a call that he left behind his garment bag and had to go retrieve it. Waaaaah!

He forgot his razor so this is his 8am shadow.

When we got home we headed to the beach after dinner for some pictures.

It was my parents final evening of their visit. They were troopers to stay an extra week and watch the kids.

Our little beauty

Terry's little girl

And two more of his little girls.

Goofball girls everywhere.

So that's the recap of the cruise. We had a great time. Now we are home. Anika received an invitation to attend Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL last minute. She was wait-listed early on and thought maybe she would wait for a better or different opportunity as this was the college she really wanted to attend initially. So God opened the door for her and she's going to attend. We have 2 weeks to get things together. Its quite the mental gymnastics, but we are all excited. Hope everyone's is having a great summer, or winter depending on what hemisphere you reside in.

Trying to Release the Stress

I'm a bit heavy laden with money matters and parenting matters and car issues and just... stuff.

Kids these daze are spoiled, are they not? I'm talking about "the generation", not YOUR kids or mine. Ok. maybe I AM talking about my kids!!! To be fair, I know that I was a bit spoiled, too, in my college years. My parents paid for my education and supported me, got me a car, and truly gave me everything I needed to get me through college comfortably, and then a wedding only 2 weeks after graduation. My parents are the BEST!!! But, keep in mind, I was the fifth child of six and they were probably in more of a financial position in their lives to do that for me, than when their first few kids were beginning to leave the nest. Plus, a few of those older siblings of mine definitely gave them a run for their money!!! NO PUN! FOR REAL! LOL.

Its very difficult for kids these daze to work those many hours to save a chunk of money, only to give every cent of it to college tuition, which covers only a fraction of the costs, so they have loans on top of it once they graduate, after being completely broke during all their college years. They have no car... have no money to get a car or insurance... and then have no job once they've completed their studies.

A common scenario lately in many family's across the country, is that the post-grad comes back home with all his debt, no money, no car, no job and becomes part of the nest again. So the parents do what they can to help him get a car, so he can actually get to his job once he has one. The kid doesn't want the $2000 car, he wants the $20,000 car. They press for him to make a budget and be smarter about his money (once he gets some), and furthermore, to get into the habit of picking up after himself! He seldom does because he got used to the college life... and its too hard to make a budget. Once he has the job, the parents ask something for rent and for the phone bill and car payments, as well as making some contribution to the family chores. He feels like he's being treated unfairly. He feels like the payments are taking all the money he's making so he can't do anything fun. He says he can't wait to leave and live on his own. He says he hates the town. Its so boring. But next thing you know he loses his job because he's the youngest one there, last one hired and has no family at home to support, so the boss doesn't feel guilty about firing him. The slow winter months have come. The jobs are few. The work is slow. There isn't any chance he can go find his own place now. He can't even pay for the upcoming loans without a job... and yet he wants to upgrade his BRAND NEW PHONE for the better brand new phone because its only $50 more?!?!?!?! WTH?

Humor break...

Hahaha. Just needed a laugh.

Wanna hear another scenario? About learning the hard way? No. No you don't. Its too UNBELIEVABLE and the kids "around the country" who fall into this category (hopefully) feel very humbled and are kicking themselves for messing things up with their foolishness, and are hoping and praying that they can regain the lost ground quickly, or catch a break somehow. The ones in the first scenario are just arrogant and prideful (insecure) and will HAVE to learn the hard way that they can't just "have it all," all the time. They will need to learn that they aren't entitled to everything without first having to work really hard for it. But how will they learn these disciplines and management skills in our present political environment? Entitlement is the BIG DEAL right now. It infuriates me.

Truth us, it doesn't have to be "learning the hard way" for this generation. They could take the incredibly wise advice of their very smart parents and learn how to budget themselves, and how to live without all the material stuff for a while. But that is unheard of, isn't it?

I just needed to verbalize some of my thoughts. I've stayed away from this kind of blogging for a long time, but lately I need to put it into words and see if anyone else out there feels any common concerns about the future of our children and our nation. The comics have nothing to do with anything really.

Columbus Day Weekend--extended

Anika and I took Thursday and Friday to head north and visit "a few" New England colleges. We saw University of RI, Roger Williams University, Suffolk University, Gordon College, Salem State University, and Providence University. We also had a short but delightful time in Boston. I've never been there and everyone has told me how much they love it. I understand why. Its just a great place. I need more time for a visit there... and someone to take me around.

We had a few personal tours because of knowing a student at the campus. I like the personal tours because you can skip all the stupid information given by the campus tours that you could care less about. Just get to the important stuff. Let me see the dorm room, and what kind of food is served. LOL.

Roger Williams is a B.E.A.U.-tiful campus. Some of the dorms have this view. Loved the campus.

Mary loves it there. She was out tour guide and Anika's bestie.

The buildings were just lovely.

I didn't really get much of a convincing feel from Suffolk, although being in the heart of downtown Boston is something to get a thrill from. Its just such a different experience from having a sprawling campus. I really can't imagine what it would be like. Anika loved the idea of Boston.

Gordon College was another beautiful campus. Lots of woods and ponds and a high ropes course back along the wooded trails. Had a Great feel. Its a Christian college! The tour guide was annoying.

At the end of the long tour, we headed to chapel but didn't stay because we really didn't have more than 2 hours for each campus... and we missed breakfast and were starving!! A dunkin donuts breakfast sandwich never tasted so good.

Oh wait... we actually went to Gloucester next to see "Ole Charlie". My mom grew up there so we just had to stop in for lunch and see it. What a great town, but we didn't really know where to go or what to do, so...

...we had lunch at this little diner near Ole Charlie and had the pleasure of being served by a plumber.

Hahaha!

I'm not going to post pics of Salem State. Anika felt like it was a glorified high school. And they really differentiate between classes. The freshman all reside on one side of the campus with their own classes there and sophomores somewhere else and juniors and seniors. Weird. Plus Anika felt like the atmosphere was charged with the energy of the Salem Witch Trials. It was the season that Salem celebrates because of the witch trials and tourist all come for a visit... This college would have been the tour to skip, but we didn't know.

Next was Providence, RI.

Traffic was super bad by the time we headed out of Salem. Traffic was terrible in Salem also, but going anywhere near Boston on a Friday of a holiday weekend from 1 pm on, and then trying to get into Providence by 3-4 pm was not the best plan. We got there just in time (5pm) to grab information from admissions which helped us tour the campus on our own. It was a ghost town because the students were heading home for the holiday weekend. But it was a GORGEOUS PLACE. I loved it.

We knew we had accomplished a lot by the end of the sixth campus. We barely made the 7 pm ferry reservation, but got there with about 2 minutes to spare.

 Next stop! Ronnie and Milena's wedding back home. We were so excited!!!

We actually got there about 3:10 for a 3:30 wedding just because its a small church and we wanted good seats! But there was a glitch with the bridal party. The NYC hairdresser got lost out in the rural Hamptons and was super late!!! So... we had plenty of time to go outside and take photos.

Pheobe took this one.

 And Caleigh took this one.

As it was nearing 4:45 the crowds came back into the church. (Here's our gang, The Clique. No one should ever leave us together for long without expecting some shenanigans). We got a little tired, waiting.

And still no limo showed. People were falling asleep all over the church.

It was about 5:00 when we thought someone pulled in. Well, 5:03 pm to be exact, because we took bets on when the ceremony would begin. BTW, we finally have something on Milena for party fodder and razing. She won't live this down for a long time, me thinks. An hour and a half late for your own wedding? Ronnie was a good man to stick around. LOL. Its a beloved day when we get something good to use for teasing.

Things were tense for the bridal party (I felt badly for them because its not something you want to happen on your wedding day) but once the ceremony got moving it was so very lovely.

Daddy is proud.

Aren't they beautiful?! Loved the ceremony.

One of the best parts was when the minister sang Our Father. I thought we were all going to sing it together, but he wanted to sing it by himself. He and the organist chose the slowest possible tempo to ever use for that song. It was quite interesting. =D

The kiss.

The exit.

 The father of the bride.

 Reflections.

The getaway!