Well, ironically, I was just reliving yesterday what an insane month this has been for us as a family and for me, personally. We began the new year by celebrating with my dear friend Kari and her daughter Kayla. They only make it down about once per year and for the second year in a row, we have gotten to celebrate with them. It was pretty low-key, especially considering I had a hard time keeping my eyes open until midnight. I got to play "SAHM" for a couple weeks and I found this great indoor play place that has tons of blow-up jumping toys including an obstacle course and velcro wall. I thought what an awesome idea that is. I think if we move, I should open one and have play-groups, reading groups, craft times and simple "free from your kids" times for moms who need an hour or two off.
Valerie and her friend discovered "Guitar Hero" and it is, admittedly, an awesome game. Valerie asked her dad for it and now she has it at his house, needless to say, she likes going there a lot now.
Matt found out that his job may be in jeopardy, he finds out Friday if he gets to keep it. Please keep him and his accuracy at filing patent applications in your prayers. This is a pretty scary deal for us.
Valerie is doing well in school but she has taken an interest in boys already... sigh. She spends a lot of time on Webkinz if it is cold outside and if it is not, she is outside playing with the neighbors. I am really grateful for our neighborhood in that sense. It is really nice.
As for me, classes started in full-force, I even had to teach on MLK, Jr day, but that is ok. Valerie was in school too. Matt and my friend Eve came to class and got to learn about menstrual problems ;-) and that PMS is REAL (as if anyone had a doubt).
My grandfather died Friday, which is really hard to believe, I can not believe he is gone. It is so strange, so many things remind me of him. IT really has inspired me to do family history because as far as I know, none at all has been done for my family.
My little brother graduates from Marine Corps Recruit Training (boot camp) February 29 in San Diego. Right now, I am trying to figure out how to get Valerie and I there for him.
I have decided to possibly attend a school close to here to become a certified nurse midwife. I think I would love doing that every day and honestly, teaching as an adjunct does not pay well at all considering the pay rates of others in the department and whole school who teach less than I do. Starting salary for a CNM is close to $100K here and they are in great demand for low-risk pregnancies. I know I would love it. Of course, I am not so sure I want loan debt, etc., but in many ways I am frustrated by the pay at Mary Baldwin.
I have applied, but the acceptance deadline is already passed... it all depends on my motivation to plea my case (and the time to do it)and the school's motivation to take a very late applicant at this point...
9 comments:
Crystal, I'm so sorry about your grandpa. :(
I need to get better about family history also, as far as we know none of Jason's dad's side of the family has been done, but after his grandparents and their parents they are in Mexico. I need to figure it out though, as it's one of the most important things we can do.
Crystal,
So sorry to hear about your Grandfather. He must have been a good man. I read your journal post about him, and It is apparent that he had a lot to do with who you have become. I can see why you would be interested in doing his temple work for him. I commented on your journal post -- some ideas about family history work. Hope it helps.
David
hi crystal,
want to give my condolences as well. what a painful time for you. we are praying for comfort to come to you. We also keep you name and matt's and valerie's on the prayer roll, as well as our prayers. love, debby
crystal,
i forgot to add that i think you would be an incredible nurse midwife. they would be crazy not to accept you into the program. :)
debby
Thank you so much for your concern. It is really an interesting time. I know you are aware how unfortunate my life has been, but my grandfather's was the same. I do know his birth and death dates, but no idea where he was born. He never talked about his childhood. As far as I know, life began at 18 for him.
He ended up living with his aunt and uncle in high school because his brother actually... well... he received a frontal lobotomy after a horrific crime in the 40's or 50's. I do not know his parents' names, his sibling's names (except one sister Judy (unknown last name), nothing. He retired from the navy but I do not know how accessible those records would be for me. He was very very guarded. I found out about his brother one night when we were talking about one of my brothers (bipolar) but that one mention is all I ever heard. When I asked him if he wanted me to find any names on the Vietnam wall (he was there) he immeadiately put the kabash on any of that talk. Come to think of it, that may be why I never ask anyone personal questions... though when I went to the wall with him (at his suggestion) a couple years ago he told me on the way back home that he saw peoples' names.
My sadness is great- he was a good man, the best kind of survivor spirit, but his life was nothing but struggle- even until the last breath. It is just so overwhelming and sad to me.
I was very close to him, probably closer than anyone else in his life, but I hardly spoke to him at all in the last months because he could not answer the phone. So sad.
Anyway, I could talk forever. I will just be content knowing we got that final conversation. Many people do not.
MOMMY LOLLOLLOLLOLLOL!!!!!!!!!!
MOM!!!!!!!! DO NOT POST THE TOILET PHOTO OR ELSE GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!
side note. matt, have you lost weight? xo mom
He has! 15 pounds so far! He is awesome! I am going to try to catch up... someday...
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