A Night at Sea, A Day at Sea and Costa Maya

Well, as promised, more details from the cruise.

The first night we began our sail down the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico. The kids enjoyed playing in a swimming pool complete with a crocodile water fountain and two--not one, but two--water slides. 

Water Slide Fun



I enjoyed a nap. My parents enjoyed watching the kids. All were happy. The only victim of sea sickness that first night was my little girl. Nana's handy-dandy med bag came to the rescue, though, and the following day all were good as new.



Fun in the Sun



The next day at sea had the kids and I playing a few rousing games of BINGO along with more swimming. (I did a little laying out so I'd actually look as if I had been on a cruise.) Another nap was taken (by me), and a large quantity of food was consumed. On this night, the second victim of sea sickness--my son--was taken. Again, Nana to the rescue.

The first land day was Costa Maya, Mexico, where we spent the day touring Mayan ruins and eating with a local family. We even made our own tortillas. Not well, but we made them. And the food made by the family was delicious! My baby girl became a bit grumpy during the day, but since the temperature reached 537 degrees, the grouchiness was a little understandable.

 

Beautiful Beach





Mayan Pyramid





Tortilla Expert

“The rainy days a man saves for usually seem to arrive during his vacation.”

Tired...But in a Great Way

I'm tired. About to crash in fact. But, I'm tired in a great way.

The kids, my parents and I just returned from a 7 day cruise to Mexico, Honduras and Belize. Mayan ruins were climbed, monkeys and dolphins were petted, zip lines were zipped and LOTS of food was eaten.

More of our adventures will come tomorrow. For now, I'm feeling my pillow calling.

“If you come home as happy as you leave, you have had a good vacation.”

It's the End of the World As We Know It ....

I would just like to point out to everyone that I was neither killed by zombies or raptured today.

Now, this may seem like an odd statement. What is odder, though, is that there are people in the world that REALLY thought that the end of the world was taking place today either by zombie attack or by earthquake.

I really want to talk to one of these people right about now. I'm curious to see if any of them are still waiting on the zombies to make a fashionably late appearance. I wonder how many are still bracing for the big shake. I'm also wondering how many of these people went ahead and gave all their possessions away and how many hedged their bets "just in case."

The only thing I know without speaking to one of these individual is that it's the end of their world as they know it.

The Scene of the Crime

A brutal murder took place in my home today. At the crime scene there were obvious signs of struggle. Bedding strewn on the floor. Pieces of furniture broken. But no body. It had been moved from the original point of assault.

My son found the body lying on the living room floor. Cutie Pie the hamster had a large hole in her side. I would say rigamortis had set in, but I honestly did not examine the creature that closely. I was too busy thinking up the happy lie with which to shield my daughter from the truth as to what happened to her new pet. That, and I was attempting to profile which of my felines had turned criminal on me. (My  instincts tell me that it was the one with the Cheshire-like grin on her face sporting the "Whatcha gonna do about it?" attitude.)

May you rest in peace Cutie Pie.

“It's easy to understand why the cat has eclipsed the dog as modern America's favorite pet. People like pets to possess the same qualities they do. Cats are irresponsible and recognize no authority, yet are completely dependent on others for their material needs. Cats cannot be made to do anything useful. Cats are mean for the fun of it.” 

                                             ~P. J. O'Rourke

The Love Boat

I'll be going on a cruise with my parents and kids this summer. I'm pretty excited about the adventure. Some of my more evil-minded friends have suggested this excitement stems from thoughts of romance blooming in "The Love Boat" style.

Now, if asked if this is truly my desire, my short answer is "NO!" My long answer is "HELL NO!" To be perfectly honest, I'm just not interested in "being in love" right now.

Right now, I'm too scared of making more mistakes. Right now, I'm too scared of taking too much attention away from my kids. Right now, I'm too scared that another hurt may cause me to break.

So, for now, a cruise ship will just be a cruise ship. No romance, Prince Charmings, or swelling musical scores desired.

Falling for someone the first time is easy...

it's the second time around,

after you have fallen and trusted someone

to catch you and they didn't...

when it becomes difficult to let yourself fall again.

Bonus Blog

Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret and depression. Do not repeat them in the future.



                                            ~Sivananda

Toilet Repairs, Fence Building and Bathing Suit Shopping

May I just say that, for a day off, it didn't feel much like a day off.

First, I headed to a chiropractor appointment followed by the much dreaded bathing suit shopping. Now, normally I would take more time to consider the selections, price compare, etc, etc, etc. Since I have an upcoming trip very soon (and my mom is having panic attacks over my lack of packing to date), I chose to cough up more money than I normally do and purchased a bathing suit today without any bargain shopping. I think I started to hyperventilate a little, but I was able to get out of the department store without attracting too much attention.

Next, I came home to a fence being built. Now, I wish I could say that the fence is completed, but it isn't. We (meaning the guys building the fence) are nearly done, though. Whoohoo! Soon the dogs will be relegated back to the yard where they are supposed to be!

Finally, I repaired my childrens' toilet. It had been out of commission for some time, but I finally got around to following the directions on the toilet replacement parts and actually USED said parts. Again, whoohoo! I have successfully repaired one refrigerator and one toilet. I would prefer not to have any other house problems pop up, but I'm becoming more confident that I can handle them if they do.


The fellow that owns his own home is always just coming out of a hardware store.



                                              ~Kin Hubbard

God's Hands

Tragedy changes people. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. But, if allowed, God will use tragedy to show His amazing power and love through those affected.

The tornadoes that swept through the Southeast United States on April 27 would qualify as a tragedy. So many lives lost or forever changed, it continues to boggle my mind. I waiver between being incredibly grateful that my family and I were spared and feeling helpless to make the lives of those affected better.

I feel helpless, because there is little I can do as Christie. But, as a pair of God's hands, I have power. I'm not a contractor that can build a house; but I am a person that can cook so that those who can build have food and drink as they do their jobs. I'm not a pastor with an in depth knowledge of Biblical theology that can help explain tragedy to others; but I am a Christian that can share all the love and comfort God has given me. I'm not a charismatic political leader that can ask and procure tons of money; but I am a couponer that can use my couponing talent to provide essentials to charities.

Still, if God only used my hands, I would continue to feel helpless. My hands are not the only ones working for God's good, though. I see people far and wide coming into town in order to help total strangers. I hear stories of people who have lost everything but their lives cleaning up neighbors' homes.  I speak with people who praise God for their lives and for those who choose to help instead of criticizing or blaming or raging against God and others.

These are God's hands at work.

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

                                                   
                                              ~Proverbs 3:27

Updates

Well, Blogger was down for a day or so. I didn't realize how much I liked this little blog until I wasn't able to get to it. As we say in the counseling world--insight.

So, let me just update all on a few developments. First, I'm finally having my fence repaired. Whoohoo! My puppies will be able to be off the runners again. This is good. They aren't used to being chained up.

Second, Robin and I decided to move our walk to New York in October. This will give both of us time to volunteer here in Tuscaloosa and, later, fund raise.

Third, I decided to stay in town for the weekend instead of heading to the beach. Not that I didn't want to go and spend time with Hannah. I just figured I needed to deal with dogs, cats, hamster, turtle, fence, and, if I had time, house. Oh! And I need some clothes for the cruise, so I decided I could, maybe, do some shopping.

Wow! My stay-cationis starting to look more like a workaction!

“No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.”



                                          ~Elbert Hubbard

Slither and Hiss

I have officially declared open season on any snake that ventures within 50 feet of my yard.

Harsh you say? I think not! Since my son and two of his friends killed yet another snake today, I'm thinking that my yard has been named the new hot spot of the snake world. I need to make sure I shut down this rave before things get out of hand.

So, just in case any snakes are currently reading this blog, just know you've been warned!

If you see a snake, just kill it - don't appoint a committee on snakes.



                                       ~Ross Perot

Reality Checks

Today was a day in which I fantasized about being Gibbs on NCIS administering back-of-the-head slaps liberally. Being unable to do so in reality without risking an assault charge, I would like to provide the blog equivalent tonight.

1) If your partner is having to drink his/ herself into a stupor on a near daily basis, you may want to ask yourself (and them) why this is and stop coming up with nice sounding excuses.

2) If your child has been removed from your custody, picking up toothpaste and notebook paper at a local charity to give to said child will not erase the pain you have caused.

3) If you treat someone like s#@&, eventually it will come back to haunt you no matter how wonderful you think you are.

4) If you don't want the world to know your business, please refrain from posting it on Facebook. (P.S. Even if you remove said posts an hour later, SOMEONE will have seen it.)

5) If you are going to try and lie to me, at least make it entertaining. It REALLY makes me angry when you tell me a stupid AND boring lie.

There! Consider yourselves Gibbs-slapped. (You know who you are.)

Reality bites... and doesn't let go.

                           ~Author Unknown

How to... Give Christie the Willies

Well, I had myself a little excitement today. I can only blame myself as I decided to be industrious and start cleaning up the backyard.

I nearly grabbed this guy while cleaning up some old planters.

I managed to channel my Mimi's spirit to kill this "monster."

And people wonder why I don't like working outside the majority of the time!

“Never wound a snake; kill it.”

                        ~Harriet Tubman

Control

We all wish to have some degree of control in our lives. Some want more, some want less, but we all want control.

The problem with the need for control is that it is often an illusion. Oh! now, don't get me wrong! I believe we can control some things--how we act towards others; how we react to situations; the amount of coffee we drink; how many slices of chocolate cake we eat, etc. But the big stuff--our loved one being diagnosed with cancer; our job being eliminated due to downsizing; the price of everything going up while our paychecks aren't; an act of God destroying our town--these are things we can't control.

We try to delude ourselves into thinking we can control the situations. We research every known treatment for cancer and search out the best doctors; we send our resume to every company on the planet; we coupon like there is no tomorrow; we......

We WHAT? What do you do when the terrible images in front of you aren't from a movie or t.v. show? What do you do when the number of dead or missing makes your head spin? What do you do when you feel completely helpless?

I don't know. Because what you do depends on you. Some people volunteer. Some people try to rob banks. Some people donate blood. Some people loot from destroyed homes. Some people give what money, clothes, or food that they can. Some people horde everything "just in case." Each person's reaction is their way to "control."

My reaction was to go into search and find mode. Frantic calls and texts to the people I care about when these would go out. A trip down into town in a vain attempt to find a friend. Cleaning like a mad woman in case any found friends needed a place to stay. But there was no crying.

Not until today. Not until I saw my friend who I didn't know was alive or dead after the tornado. I saw him, we talked, I went on my merry way. And then, when I reached my home, I cried. I'm not sure what kind of tears they were. Tears of joy, tears of sorrow, tears of loss, or maybe all of the above. But there were a lot of them.

Guess I couldn't control them either.

The greatest potential for control tends to exist at the point where action takes place.



                                               ~Loius A. Allen

The Bizarre

No one can ever accuse my life of being boring. Not when there are just enough bizarre events to keep things interesting.

Take this morning, for instance. I was extremely proud of myself as I was able to sheppard my two offspring onto the school bus and was out the door EARLY (Yes, it was a red letter day.) I walked out into my garage, hit the garage opener, and began walking to my car. I happened to glance down only to see a black lab peering up at me. This was somewhat surprising, since I do not own a black lab.

I had noticed this dog around the previous day, but I had decided he must be a local neighborhood dog. A sweet young boy, Buddy (my name for him) followed me out of the garage. I gave him a quick pat and instructed Buddy to go home. I opened my car door and in jumped Buddy.

I patiently explained to Buddy how I had to go to work and Buddy needed to come out of my car. I followed up my explanation with a gentle tug on Buddy's collar. Buddy promptly left my car like a good boy and promptly re-entered my garage. I then explained to the apparently somewhat dim dog that he could not stay in my garage either.

Taking this correction with a positive attitude, Buddy wagged his tail and appeared perfectly happy. He also appeared very determined not to leave my side as he, yet again, jumped into my car. I finally was able to remove my surprise guest from both my car and garage and pulled out of my driveway. Looking in my rear view mirror, I note that Buddy has begun trotting behind the car.

Do you remember when I said that Buddy appeared a bit dim? As my brother would say, he proved he isn't the brightest bulb in the marquis. As we reached the four-way stop at the entrance of my neighborhood, Buddy began running into the middle of the intersection....in front of cars. I couldn't let the dog commit suicide by stupidity, so I hit my flashers and opened a car door. In jumped Buddy, perfectly content to be in a car with the nice stranger. At this point, I'm no longer as early as I was, but I was still on-time. And, if I had to start a "Bring A Stray to Work Day" to maintain this feat, that was exactly what I would do.

So, Buddy was able to see my office, tour the grounds and help transport a work kiddo to therapy. We then took a quick trip to the local humane society where displaced animals from the tornado (which I finally concluded Buddy was) were being dropped off. After filling out paperwork and giving Buddy one last head rub, I was able to leave the sweet boy in good hands. Hopefully, Buddy will soon be reunited with his family; and since it was discovered he has a microchip with his owner's information on it, that may just happen!


     “Of course life is bizarre, the more bizarre it gets, the more interesting it is. The only way to approach it is to make yourself some popcorn and enjoy the show.”

Postponing a Goal

After discussing the recent tragedy in our area, and how our hearts are currently leading us to help with the rebuilding efforts of our community, Robin and I have decided to postpone our walk until later in the year.

We will now be walking in Santa Barbra, Charlotte or New York in October 2011. I will update this information as soon as we make up our minds.

“The effects of our actions may be postponed but they are never lost. There is an inevitable reward for good deeds and an inescapable punishment for bad. Meditate upon this truth, and seek always to earn good wages from Destiny.”



                                             ~Ming Fu Wu

What's Really Important

This past week has been a roller coaster of emotions for me, and it has certainly brought life into sharp focus.

First, we had the tornado. THE tornado. I haven't heard the latest information, but it looks like the monster that hit Tuscaloosa will be rated an EF4 or EF5. Alabama has already had another tornado rated as an EF5, and these two were only one of many that hit our state this past Wednesday. Too many people died. Hundreds more remain missing. Rumor has it that the death toll in Tuscaloosa will reach 1,000 before everything is said and done.

BUT...my family was spared. My friends are alive, although many suffered property loss. My work kiddos and foster parents are all accounted for and unharmed. And, some very happy news, I was told last night my missing friend is unharmed. (May I just state that I LOVE Facebook! If you send enough emails to random friends of a friend, someone will eventually answer you.) This tragedy has helped me to appreciate even more the life my Lord has given me, and all of the wonderful people that make my life so wonderful.

So, with the tornado's tragedy as a backdrop,  I traveled across state to participate in my baby brother's wedding. As happy of an event as this was, it also came with the normal wedding stressors. But all stress was worth it when I watched my new sister walk down the aisle and seeing my brother's face light up. Spending time with my new family members (Yep! I've adopted my sister-in-laws entire family. They are too wonderful not too!) and watching my babies perform their wedding duties with grace and ease, it made me practically burst with happiness. Being able to see my wonderful baby brother marry his love made me appreciate all the love I have in my own life.

Then, today, my children proved to me, yet again, how truly amazing they are. My son asked me several times if he could volunteer with the tornado clean up. So, after striking out at the first place where we attempted to volunteer (I love it when I'm turned away because a place has too many volunteers.), we ended up at a local charity where we helped sort through the toys which were being donated. Other volunteers were sorting clothes, home items, baby items, food, etc. To see the amount of items in this large warehouse, and the number of cars lining up to drop off items, made me very proud of my community. I felt even more pride when, after asking my children if they were ready to go after two hours, my daughter looked at me and said, "Please mom, can we stay longer?" At that moment, I appreciated the fact my children were able to witness and experience compassion.

Life, love and compassion. That's what's really important.

“I have been asked on hundreds of times in my life why God allows tragedy and suffering. I have to confess that I really do not know the answer totally, even to my own satisfaction. I have to accept, by faith, that God is sovereign, and He is a God of love and mercy and compassion in the midst of suffering.”



                                          ~Billy Graham