#78

What they say is true, I guess...the 3rd time was a charm for me!

My husband is amazing - he gives blood every chance he gets. Red Cross calls and says "you're eligible to give blood again" and he runs out and gets hooked up to a bag as soon as he can. The exception is around Thanksgiving. He will skip his regularly scheduled "eligibility" to go on Thanksgiving Day. Free t-shirt, catered snackins', fun stress-free atmosphere, why not wait!?!?

Two years ago, he encouraged me to go with him and give blood. I should probably share some history with you here...

In high school, we had a blood drive. I was ready to open my arms up to the nearest person with needle and bag to give what I had to offer - only I didn't weigh enough. I ran into a friend as he was headed for In-N-Out for lunch that day. I asked him to bring me back two double-doubles, and two fries - thinking I could gain the two pounds needed before last period so I, too, could donate.

It didn't work.

I was turned away without any puncture would. I also lost my courage.

Thirteen years later, I was in NEED of blood. Two pints of ABnegative later, I realized how appreciative I was (am) of folks who willingly open their arms to help others.

Two years ago, I reluctantly accepted Brian's invitation to join him at the Red Cross, to get punctured. Besides being nervous, I was an emotional wreck. I cried the ENTIRE time I was on the chair-bed-thingy. Tears rolling down my face like water on a windshield that had collected on the roof of the car, falling slowly, picking up momentum with the collection of other droplets already on the window. Brian was right across from me - FREAKING OUT because he could see I was crying and he was tethered to a bag with a needle in his own arm and he couldn't come to comfort me.

As I lay there, it was really REAL to me what someone had gone through to help save my life. Someone spent at least an hour, answering questions about their past, getting a finger prick, hooking up to a collection bag via needle in their arm, draining live from themselves, to pass it on to someone else. WOW.

I can't remember being so grateful on a Thanksgiving morning - or any day for that matter. I wasn't sure if I could handle the emotions again...but the next year, I went again.

I have to put a side note here: my veins KNOW when a needle is lurking and they scramble to get out of the way and they hide. I think they go way up into my brain because my head gets warm and me feet FREEZE! Finding a vein that is acceptable is challenging for every one who has tried - even for a blood test at the doctor, they just seemingly disappear!

So, as I lay there with my arm hanging out and tears building up, my poker-lady had a hard time finding a vein. She finally did and it seemed an eternity that I was squeezing the ball - and nothing was happening. I tried for OVER AN HOUR to fill the bag. Not only was I unable to fill the bag, after she painfully thrust a needle into my arm, she announced to her co-worker that I was taking too long and the boold they did collect from me was useless.

NOT the words I wanted to hear. "Useless." Ouch. I was furious! My blood was useless and I had a bruise the size of a cantaloupe on my arm for TWO WEEKS!

When Brian asked this year if I wanted to try again, he inserted "I'll understand if you don't want to." It seemed the pressure was on, although lovingly. =)

It wasn't only Thanksgiving this year, it was also my birthday. I was still an emotional wreck - but my "poker" was Jasmine - one of the women who know Brian well - and remembers that he's a skydiver. She set Brian and I up directly across from each other so we could talk without yelling across the room. Each time I got emotional, jasmine would start in on her hilarious stories of childhood. or she would move on to the topic of Brian's skydiving. She REALLY got excited when we showed her my debit card from our bank - with a photo of Brian's proposal on it.

I managed to drain in 10 minutes...with only a few tears and a hurting gut from the laughing - but it was good. And the best part, my blood was USEFUL!

#4

So, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary on November 11, 2008. It was a Tuesday. We chose to wait until Friday to publicly celebrate. This year's celebration was to see Matthew West in concert. This is big for us not only because Matthew West rocks!; but because "More" and "I Can't Hear You" were the songs Brian chose to use for my proposal and "Every Second" was played at our wedding during our foot washing. (Performed live by Brian's best friend - and he did a beautiful cover of it for us)

The concert was great. Brian scored second row seats for us. We were right there, in front with a great view (the folks in row 1 choose to stay seated.) But what really made it spectacular was Matt's personal touch throughout his opening bands and intermission...and the signing table. Let me explain...

This is our first time seeing him live so perhaps this is his usual standard...he counted to three and had everyone shout what song they "came to hear" - we all have that one song that just makes a concert complete - after the crowd shouted at once, my fabulous husband, knowing what dong I was dying to hear, shout in solo "Every Second"...they didn't deliver. =(

The concert was great, we had a wonderful time dancing and singing to all the other songs. As always, Brian snagged the set list for me. And we waited in the autograph line. I don't care much about autographs, we all know how to sign our names...but we waited in line anyway, with the set list.

We were at the end of the line and as it was our turn, I landed on my knees in front of the signing table and rested my elbows on it to be more "eye to eye" with Mr. West. I had the opportunity to share what an important role his music has played in the 'events' in our lives as a couple and Brian shared he proposed to my while skydiving. We were asked to forward a copy of our proposal video to his address so he and his wife could watch it. That was pretty cool...and he autographed the set list - which is where he also listed his address. The very best part was his desire to deliver and when we told him about "Every Second" and the foot washing he said he heard that being yelled and laughed that it was us...he sang it right then for us. Live, a Capella, just for the two of us for our anniversary. It was AWESOME! What a precious gift God has given him in the form of voice, and what a delightful memory was gifted to us through that!

Next time he's in L.A., we'll be there!

#15

I did it! I went a full week without making fun of Brian's Vegetarian food! I chose to call his soy meat just that, "soy meat" instead of "fake food" or "food wannabe". I've known Brian since high school and he's been a vegetarian for over 15 years. It's not new to him nor is it a fad -- it's his lifestyle. I accept it completely. I stay as far away from vegetables as possible I like any bully, I make fun of his diet to make me feel better about mine. I'm so grateful he loves me anyway!

I liked the way I felt this week. It was wonderful to show respect toward to food my husband eats. It sounds silly to say but I'm not finding the right words to articulate how I'm feeling about this so I'll leave it at that.

...oh, and I plan to continue this new food vocabulary. Because I love him that much!

#40

We headed to the Los Angeles Farmer's Market on Sunday. We all had a good time. The food was good, the shopping abundant and the memories and laughs terrific! Brian and the kids enjoyed a walk through the petting zoo (they had a Fall Festival celebrating the season with different activities) I chose to stay out, flip-flops and animal droppings...no thanks. Chicka-Doodle waited patiently and it paid off - after Brian and Goose gave up, the Wallaby ate from her hand. S/he took a (very small, cute) fistful of grass from Chicka-Doodle and ate it gracefully.

We were there for a full 6 hours and it was wonderful to see the kids exploring together and absorbing so many new flavors! One of the greatest moments: being serenaded by a fiddle / banjo duet!

It was unanimous - we will return!

#17

I am blessed beyond measure! Last night was crazy and hectic. The schedule went something like this:

Tif: Work until 2:30, pick up Goose at school, pick up Chicka-Doodle at bus stop, be home by 3:30 to get everyone ready for City Hall at 4:30. Enjoy opening of City Hall meeting, watching Troop receive recognition for being around for 60 years (yay!), grab family and one other scout, drop Teague family at home, drop scout at his home be at Middle School for Back to School Night by 6. **Visit EIGHT classrooms for TEN MINUTES each, with running across campus in between to leave at 8:30 and come home to...

My wonderful husband. Who knows me so well anyway, but also is interested in what I have to say so he reads my blogs...and knows that I enjoy those quiet evenings with just the two of us sitting down for dinner together...and he had dinner waiting for me (still hot even!) as I walked in the door - and he waited until I got home to eat so we could eat together.

I am counting this as one of my own because we DID eat after the kids went to bed - just the two of us. I'm commenting on this particular evenings dinner because it was appreciated and wonderful to know how much he loves me and "listens" to what's important to me. He's been feeling under the weather all week, spent Sunday in bed all day with his poor belly fighting to get out (and sometimes winning) and knowing he hasn't really had much to eat all week - him waiting for me to get home to eat, instead of eating with the kids...my heart is still exploding with love 10 hours later!

Yeah, I'm loved. And I'm so blessed to have that love.

#42

For the past two weeks, I have been spending 1 1/2 hours in 7th period. While it's not actually a class Goose is taking right now - he will be in it next semester. I have been spending this time volunteering in an ASL (American Sign Language) class taught by Goose's Language Arts teacher. I have to admit it's been fun!

#79

So, I'm not sure if this is going to generate any money for my cause, but I did sign up for a fund raiser. I will be walking for the Long Beach Children's Clinic's beach Walk. I will be walking with folks from Goose's Boy Scout Troop. Looking forward to it!

#19

Friday, 10/10/08, Brian and I went on a double-date with someone not listed...but I'm counting it anyway! Mr. & Mrs. Pena joined us for a movie and dinner. (In that order =) We went to see Fireproof and then to Red Robin for dinner - and ended up closing the place. We kinda got the idea the employees wanted to go home when they started turning off the lights!! It's been a long time since we've closed anywhere - we're usually asleep by 10!

Fireproof is a great movie for couples to watch. Thankfully, Brian and I are blessed with an incredibly happy, fulfilling marriage so we have not had to deal with some of the issues brought to light in this movie. We did, however, leave the theater with a sense of gratitude deeper than before of how wonderful our marriage is! What a terrific CHRISTIAN film, holding it's own in public theaters, with such a fantastic message about how every marriage takes work and the blessings that come with that work. We were so moved we are hoping to get in another date night to double date with another couple to see it again!

Dinner was fabulous! Brian and I split a cob salad, all meat on the side, of course! And the four of us enjoyed sharing the Tower of Onion Rings and nachos with salsa and fantastic guacamole. Three hours and endless conversation later, we left Red Robin...or at least the building. We stood in the parking lot for another 20 minutes chatting about this and that.

What a wonderful night I spent with my best friend, my life love, my husband - and what fun we had with J & W!

#3 Continued

So, I'd been doing the online Bible study - until they had technical issues with the site. I will resume the online study as soon as possible, but in the meantime, I was invited to a Precept study. Wow! This is going to be good! It's a 10 week inductive study on the book of Ephesians. Apparently, this is a "homework" class, I was warned to expect at least 5 hours per week! I'm looking forward to diving in deep! I have a few supplies to purchase for the study though...

1. 1" 3 ring binder
2. 12 ct colored pencil set
3. dividers, equaling 12

Optional:

1. How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur

These will be purchased this weekend and I will be set! I have already started with the lessons though, not to fall behind in homework the first week! I'll try to post about the experience through this process!

#3

I found an online Bible Study that I started on my own. It starts at the very beginning - which is a little farther "back" than I wanted, but I've enjoyed the two lessons I've done so far and look forward to receiving the next one!

101 Things to do in 1001 days

I finished my list and now I will share with you what it's all about!

I stumbled onto this site and decided to "do it". Here's the meat of it:

Creating your own 1001 Day Project

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.



Here's My List...

In Process
Completed

1. Finish reading the Bible cover to cover.
2. Boost Tithe when completely out of debt.
3. Complete 52 weeks of various Bible Studies - in groups, with one other person, with self, online, etc... (6/52)
   
4. Attend 5 concerts performed by Christian Artists. (1/5)
5. Pray for my dad.
   
6. Sponsor a child through a non-profit organization, such as World Vision - individually or as a family or both!
7. Spend a weekend away - alone with God.
8. Connect with someone to journey with me through "A Wife After God's Own Heart". (by Elizabeth George)
9. Buy a Bible I feel comfortable writing in.
10. Keep a gratitude journal for one month.
    
11. Go on a date with Brian at least once a month.
12. Take a stained glass class with Brain.
13. Without complaining about anything, go to Perris - or Lake Elsinore - to watch Brian sky dive 6 times. (0/6)
14. Complete a master bedroom makeover.
    
15. Say only positive things about Brian's vegetarian menu for one consecutive week. (7/7)
    
16. Take a dance class with Brian.
17. Have dinner once a month after the kids have gone to bed - just the two of us! Complete with candle light.
18. Start a date idea jar - add to it when I think of something fun to do on a date!
19. Double-date with the Johnson's, Alsky's, Witt's and/or Matheny's
20. Take a long weekend trip to Las Vegas.
21. Take motorcycle driving class.
22. Get motorcycle license.
23. Plan an adventure.
24. Try snowboarding. (definitely not skiing again!)
25. Have boudoir photos taken.
26. Create an occasion to wear our formal attire.
    
27. Go to Sea World.
28. Go on a picnic - complete with picnic basket.
29. Go camping in Yosemite.
30. Climb Fresno Dome.
31. Keep an indoor voice - even when I'm angry - for one consecutive week.
32. Get Chicka-Doodle an emergency contact bracelet.
    
33. Spend one evening a week with each kid - just one on one.
34. Play games one evening a week - all together.
    
35. Find a guitar teacher for Goose who will listen and understand his personality.
36. Get swimming lessons for Chicka-Doodle.
37. Spend two consecutive hours watching Chicka-Doodle ski.
38. And another two watching Goose snowboard.
39. Attend 6 Parent's Meetings at Scouts. (2/6)
40. Visit Farmer's Market in Los Angeles.
41. Take family photo at least once a year.
42. Volunteer in one of Goose's class once a week for a whole school year.
43. Attend 6 PTA meetings for Chicka-Doodle's school this year. (0/6)
44. Build a snowman - complete with scarf and jacket.
45. Find a haircut I can deal with - and that my Husband likes.
46. Join the YMCA.
47. Attend water aerobics 2 times per week for 6 months. (0/48)
48. Get a message.
49. Get a pedicure.
50. Take a class.
51. Read all unread Karen Kingsbury books.
52. Attend Women of Faith conference.
53. Get a bike helmet.
54. Forgive TF completely.
55. Eat breakfast every day for a month.
56. Put flowers on Grandpa's grave.
    
57. Purge the clutter in the living-room.
58. Purge the clutter in the master bedroom closet.
59. Purge the clutter in the kids' rooms.
60. Purge the clutter in the laundry room.
    
61. Purge the clutter in the (10'x18') storage.
62. Replace carpet with hardwood floors.
63. Buy a good quality (used?) computer desk.
64. Set up a cleaning routine.
65. Stick to it for a month.
66. Invest in a safe.
    
67. Plant a tree.
68. Have Saturn carpets/upholstery cleaned.
69. Get a window shade for the Saturn.
70. Create a home management binder.
71. Put an emergency kit in the Saturn.
    
72. Call Mrs. Rueda just to say hi when our husbands are snowboarding together.
73. Make pillows to match the blankets I made for the girls (nieces) and mail them all at the same time.
74. Make bookmark for my aunt using the pearl.
    
75. Complete Christmas gift for Mom-in-Love I've been working on for two years.
76. Volunteer in a soup kitchen for Thanksgiving.
77. Donate my hair.
78. Give blood. (They say 3rd time is a charm...)
    
79. Participate in a fund raiser for a good cause.
    
80. Bake Christmas cookies - and actually give them to folks!
81. Buy a Christmas gift for our elderly neighbor - from his dog.
82. Offer collection of Al-Anon books (for long term borrow) to M.T.
    
83. Continue weekly budget meeting.
84. Pay off the Saturn. (We will be 100% debt free!)
85. Continue "Envelope Savings".
    
86. Get a passport.
87. Go to Solvang.
88. Go to Catalina Island.
89. Go whale watching.
90. Go roller skating.
91. Have a "formal" dinner in a fast food restaurant.
92. Swim with dolphins.
93. Go on a Tandem bike ride.
94. Go snorkeling.
95. Soak in natural hot springs.
96. Go to the OC Fair.
97. Take a Christmas light dinner cruise.
98. Find a way to make patio swing out of Mammoth lift chair.
99. Buy a hydrangea plant.
100. Fly a kite in Moro Bay.
     
101. Blog about each accomplishment on this list.

As I complete each item, I will post about it and link it to this page.

List in Progress

So, I stumbled onto this site...and invited a Blogger Friend to join me on this journey. I will continue to build my list and when it's completed, I will post what it's all about. Then, as appropriate, I will post about each list entry.