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Posted on November 28, 2008
This has been an emotional week for me. Many times I’ve been on the point of crying, many times I have cried, and many times I have just found myself saying WTF??? (Rough translation… “What the Firetruck?” I know you know what I mean.
I’ve seen some great examples of generosity and kindness, and heard of some horrifying examples of how low people can stoop.
Earlier this week, the wife of a close co-worker died unexpectedly. This took me rather hard. I’ve met her a few times, and I enjoy working with him. I’m still shocked by how sudden and senseless it is for a 36 year old woman to just stop breathing. She left behind two small children as well as her husband. At work, there was a potluck benefit to help him out with his expenses. Even during these difficult financial times, we raised over $200 to help his family. Those who brought in food donated even more than just the money. They donated their time.
Today, Black Friday, I have heard that people have become so involved in the materialism of the season, that innocent people have died. At a Walmart in New York, a crowd of over 2,000 people literally broke down the doors trying to get into the store before the 5am sale, and an employee was trampled in the resulting stampede. When the officials tried to perform CPR on the victim, people kept stepping on or stepping over them in their rush for marked down tvs, movies, and jeans. Officials tried to clear the store, and people just ignored them and said “We’re here for the sale, you can’t make us leave.” In a Toy’s R Us in California, two people were killed in a shooting inside the store. In a toy store, for goodness sakes.
In the store I work in, while no one died or was injured, there were many instances of customers yelling, swearing, and just down right rude. Is it really necessary to call a member of management a bitch because she won’t give you a non-sale tv for the sale price? Especially when the sale is clearly marked “While supplies last.” And it’s nearly five hours after the sale had started? I mean, really? Is this the best example you have of your life?
Earlier this week, I was in Idaho spending time with my family. It could possibly be the last time I see my grandma alive. It’s not a comfortable thought, but it is one that I can deal with and accept. I was able to spend some time with her and if it is the last time I see her, then I will mourn her, but I had a chance to say goodbye. These families never had that chance. For this, I cry.
Life doesn’t make sense sometimes. You take the good with the bad. You wish some people would behave better and you are thankful that some people are as generous as they are. I really have no purpose in writing all this except for the fact it is a way of dealing with my own emotions. Hug your kids. Kiss your spouse. Smile at a stranger. Plan for the future. And live for the moment. Sometimes, it’s all we have.
Posted on November 21, 2008
It feels really good to see the mountains again! Not to mention my family. Grandma is doing okay. She has moments/days where she is very shakey and isn’t able to much beyond lie in bed or sit in the recliner and sleep. Then other times she’s more awake and more “with it” and able to participate in conversations, as well as move around a little bit. Not a lot, she doesn’t have much strength at all, so when she’s shakey, it’s all we can do to get her from the bed to the wheelchair.
My Mom is having foot surgery this morning. She has an inflammed Achilles Tendon, and has been wearing an airboot thing nearly all summer to keep it from rupturing and hopefully let it heal on its own. But it’s still inflammed, so the doc said “It’s time to do something about this.” Mom has to stay off her feet through Monday, but will be in the airboot thing for about 6 more weeks. I hope this fixes the problem.
Bill is playing bachelor with the boys. It would be more fun if they felt better. Bill has a cold and Brandon is still fighting the last bit of the flu bug he had earlier in the week. I feel bad for leaving them there like that, but I know they’ll be fine.
That’s the news, and why there hasn’t been much from me lately. Too busy dealing with sick kids, working, and getting ready for this trip.
Posted on November 8, 2008
Just a short note on some important dates coming up. I’m going to be unavailable from Wednesday, November 19th through Saturday, November 29th. My family decided it would be a good idea for me to go visit my Grandma soon, so I am flying out to Idaho during those dates. She’s doing okay, but her health seems to be very up and down, and they want me to be able to spend some time with her while I can.
So, I will push back some of my deadlines. Not a lot, but some.
November 18th will be the last day for Portrait Parties.
December 1st will be the last day for Portrait Sessions.
December 10th will be the last day for regular orders.
December 15th will remain the last day for Rush Orders. Rush orders will have a 50% fee added to the total.
On other note, Isaac lost another tooth today. This one wasn’t as much of a surprise as it was wiggly for a little while. Makes me feel old to have my oldest’s baby teeth coming out. 
Enjoy the season, and stay warm everyone!
