The Crab Chronicles

Encouraging Signs

Well, I tried to just stay busy yesterday and focus on the tasks at hand. Life goes on.

I wish I could be like Heather over at Dooce and just stop listening to the news but I don't think I am capable of that. She's been going through a divorce, bless her heart, so I think her strategy of ignoring the news is excellent, but I live with Mother, who is a news junkie.

Anyway, in the midst of being bummed out, God sent me several signs that everything is going to be OK.

If you don't believe in signs, go read something else, because I am testifying here.

I woke up yesterday morning and my nose was cold. Now, if I were Coco, that would be a good sign. I'm not Coco, of course, but I took it as a sign. FYI, a cold nose means a dog is healthy, or so goes the traditional wisdom.

The bigger sign happened yesterday after I left work. I looked out the window and there was a huge ominous black cloud and I thought well that's appropriate. Then I was driving home on the interstate and I looked up and there was a beautiful big fat rainbow - and it wasn't even raining.

Oftentimes when I am upset about something, God will put a rainbow right in front of me, and it's like he's saying HEY! It's not so bad. Look at this beautiful thing.

Or as my cousin Bill would say, Get Over It and Move On, Dee!

Then last night just before bed my friend Maria sent me a link to a hysterical video, "S*&# Southern Women Say." Bless her heart. Made me laugh out loud.

 

Y'all have a great day! I'm fixing to go make breakfast.

Sad Day

What a sad day for America. I can't believe we re-elected a man who did nothing for 4 years except skyrocket the national debt, play golf, and run for re-election.

Since the Republicans are still in charge of the House and Obama has never been willing to cross the aisle and try to work with the Republicans, nothing much will get done for the next couple of years. Hopefully all his boneheaded legislation will get blocked.

My friend Stephanie, who has special needs kids, will see several of them lose benefits because of Obamacare. My mother is very fearful because Obamacare will not be kind to seniors.

I may not post for a few days. I am in mourning.

By The Hair of My Chinny Chin Chin

Yesterday was one of those incredibly busy days that had me running around like mad. That's OK. It was a Monday, and Mondays usually are awful anyway.

Michael has today off from school due to the election. Unfortunately, he cannot sleep in because he has wrestling practice this morning from 8 until noon.I told him I would come home from work early so we can do something fun, depending on how tired he is. It's pouring rain so I'm not sure what that will be, but so be it.

I went to a meeting last night for wrestling parents. Really interesting. It's clearly a very different sport than tennis.

One of the coaches talked a lot about hygiene, and he said as soon as the kids get home from practice, make them shower with anti-bacterial soap. "Don't let them sit down!" he said. I had to try hard to stifle a giggle.

Michael is the World's Cleanest Teenager. He showers twice a day.

We were also told before each match our boys have to shave. Then I had to stifle another giggle because I got a mental image of boys pulling each other's chin hairs out. Michael said later, "What do they think I'm gonna do, stab them with my chin hairs?!"

Michael asked me if the other parents were giggling. Um..... nope.

We also have to take "healthy" snacks for the matches. They gave out a list of things. They want us to bring peanut butter but no crackers or bread. I find that silly. Mike won't eat celery and I don't blame him.I am going to give it some thought, and when I have the team cooler duty maybe I can talk them into letting me bring something a little more appealing... Maybe they will let me throw in some popcorn or something.

Tennis parents are simply told "bring snacks." Anything goes. Cookies and nachos are quite popular. Last year one of the parents failed to bring snacks so one of the coaches took out a box of high fiber bars and put them on the snack table. The boys ate the bars and immediately had to RUN to the bathroom. Michael had to go for two days, poor kid.

The other sport Mike has played in baseball. When he was sitting in the dugout he would eat Cheetos, drink sodas, whatever. Bursts of sugar energy equaled home runs.

I miss those days... LOL

I had a chat with the coach after the meeting. Super nice man. I am so thankful he is guiding the boys.

Michael had an appointment yesterday with the prosthetist. His prosthetic had gotten too tight. Thank goodness Brian was able to adjust it.

This is Mike in 2007 when he got his first hand. Wasn't he cute? That's Brian, and Colleen, who was his therapist. Both wonderful folks.

Well, better go make the boy a high protein breakfast. He shaved last night, so nobody is going to pin him by the chin hairs!

Suburban Campfire Day

The first time my son ever went camping with his uncle, he came back reeking of campfire, and very, very excited. "I LOVE camping with Uncle Bruce!"

He also went camping with some friends of mine, to the North Georgia Mountains, and he loved that experience as well.

I don't camp.

Not long ago I got to thinking about what aspect of camping most appealed to Michael. I asked him. "I like building a fire!" was his response.

So today I bought him a firepit.

I found it on Craigslist, used. It was a good deal. Colton went with us up to Sugar Hill, which is about 40 minutes north of here, and we picked it up. Then on the way home we stopped and got things to roast over the fire, at Publix.

The result? Two very happy guys, who enthusiastically ran around starting the fire, gathering small sticks from the yard, discussing firestarting techniques, and having fun.

They also ate a lot of food. I sat out there with them and ate some fire-roasted Aidell's Italian Sausages, and we had dill pickles, and S'mores. Here are a few shots of the firepit. Best investment ever.We will be doing much more entertaining around the firepit this winter.

This is a shot looking towards the house, and my very messy patio...

To Read or Not to Read, It's Up To You

Not too many people read blogs on the weekend. My readership goes down a lot. Apparently those of you out there who read blogs like to read them on weekdays. Perhaps, like me, you're really busy on weekends.

Anyway, much to my surprise I only got one negative comment about yesterday's blog, and it started off saying she already skips reading my blog most days because she doesn't agree with my opinions.

Fine.

Don't read.

I DO NOT CARE.

I don't write because I am desperately seeking readers. I write because I need to write every day. It helps me to have perspective on my life. It's therapeutic for me.

If you want to vote for Obama, vote for him.

If you think multiple piercings and tattoos are terrific, get them. Write poems about them. Celebrate them in song and story. It's a free country.

If you don't believe in God, don't pray.Don't go to church. Don't read the bible.

If you want to stop reading The Crab Chronicles, stop. It's up to you.

I don't sell ads on here because I don't want to write a bland, safe blog that appeals to a huge audience. I am going to vent on here and it won't always be pretty.

You will likely not agree with everything I have to say.

Some days I will no doubt sound petty and whiny, even ridiculous, to some.

So here are some of my opinions on things, just so we're all on the same page. If you don't like my opinions, don't read my blog.

1. I am southern and I am proud of it. I value good manners very highly. I would never even consider living anywhere else. My ancestors have lived here for more than 200 years and this is my home. If you don't like southerners or you think we're all racist idiots, so be it. You're wrong. Oh, and BTW, calling me a cracker or a redneck doesn't bother me.

2. I am an independent when it comes to politics. I've voted for Democrats and I've voted for Republicans. I try to judge the person and ignore the party. After looking at Obama's dismal record on the economy, I decided to vote for Romney months ago, and nothing I've seen since has convinced me I am wrong.

I am solidly pro Romney not only based on what I read and see in the news media. I know an attorney whose brother knows Romney personally and feels he's a great candidate, and I respect that opinion. If I knew nothing else about him, I'd vote for him based on that personal recommendation. Oh, and BTW, the brother is gay and still likes and respects Romney.

Do I agree 100% with all of Romney's positions? No. I agree with more of his ideas than Obama's, however. Plus, we have had almost 4 years of Obama and we can look back on his record and have a good idea of the man and how he operates. With Romney, all we can go by is his life and actions thus far. He isn't perfect, but I say, let's give him a chance.

Even if you totally disagree with me, I urge you to GET OUT AND VOTE.

Remember this, too - we are not a dictatorship. Laws have to be passed in Congress.

3. I think people with a lot of piercings and tattoos have issues they need to deal with, with a therapist. One or two little tattoos or piercings? No big deal. Multiple ones? Yep, something is off. That said, I have friends who have multiple tats and holes in their bodies and I still like them and they like me, even knowing my aversion to their "body art."There's nothing wrong with seeing a therapist, either, and I don't meant to imply that's a bad thing. I've seen therapists at various times in my life and gotten a lot of help.

4. I believe in God and I have a very strong faith in God, but I try not to force my beliefs on others and I DO NOT ALIGN MYSELF WITH RIGHT WINGERS. For instance:

• I believe in a woman's legal right to have an abortion, even though I am strongly opposed to them.[I don't think Romney will get Roe v. Wade overturned, but if he did I wouldn't cry about it.]

• I believe in the separation of church and state. If you want your child to have a religious education send them to a religious school. Public schools have always been places of prayer, because individuals can pray anywhere at any time. Being led in prayer is not necessary in a public school.

• I believe gay people should have the right to marry, and lead their lives as they see fit, free from harm of any kind. I think they are born gay. It's not a "lifestyle choice." [and no, I do not think electing Romney will force every gay person in America back into the closet, or that he hates gay people.]

• I don't believe people are either "saved" or "not saved." I cannot fathom a loving God sending someone to hell if they happen to be raised by non-religious parents, or they just never encountered the messages of Jesus in their culture. I also don't like any religion that is intolerant of others.

• I believe in the message of Jesus, but I have my doubts about the PR aspects of the bible. Was he the "messiah"? Born of a virgin? Able to raise the dead and perform other miracles? I don't know. I don't think that's the point, though. The point is his message to mankind.

4. I change my mind about things all the time. You may think that's flighty and/or annoying, or it indicates mental instability. I think of it this way: I may be 50 years old but I still try to LEARN. I know a lot of folks who don't try to learn. They are usually boring and/or obnoxious. I don't want to be like that.

Having said that, if you think leaving comments on here telling me I'm wrong and/or stupid or any other negative thing is going to change my mind about anything, you're wrong.

5. I try to be a good mother but I make mistakes all.the.time. I have a lot of regrets about a lot of things I've done as a parent. BUT, going back to 4 - I try to learn. Michael said last night I was fussing at him because of something that wasn't his fault, namely the behavior of one of my friends, and he was right. I felt awful after he said that. I remembered countless times my parents were stressed out over something not my fault and took it out on me. I told him I was sorry. I have to forgive myself because I am human. I am going to mess up. The only thing to do is try to apologize, make amends if possible, and MOVE ON.

6. I am proud to be an American and no matter who is president, that won't change. I live in the greatest country on earth. My ancestors have fought and risked their lives for this country countless times because it was the right thing to do, and because we love America. No matter who is President, I will always be proud to be American.

7. I am pro-adoption and I encourage anyone who wants a child to consider adoption. It's not a poor second choice to having a biological child. It's a loving, amazing, terrific choice. Nobody in this country should give up being a parent if they are told by a doctor they can't reproduce biologically. There are so many options to parenthood. AND YES, YOU CAN LOVE AN ADOPTED CHILD JUST AS MUCH AS A CHILD THAT CAME FROM YOUR BODY!

 

There's a lot more I could say, but I will close on that note. If you're wondering about yesterday, I did a lot of errands and I saw the movie Argo, which was excellent.

Saturday Morning

There's no rest for us today. My weekend To Do List has about 10 things on it, none of them quick tasks. And there's the time change tonight. Boy do I need that extra hour!

Michael said last night when I picked him up from wrestling that one of the boys had sustained a broken ankle in practice. Poor kid. Wow.

All I could think was "this is good preparation for boot camp!"

One of my favorite movies is now available to rent or buy, and it's a gem, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Very delightful movie. I urge you to see it.

Finally...

If you are still undecided on who to vote for, I urge you to read this timeline on Obama's activities. It will scare the beejesus out of you, unless you're a Muslim or a communist. Here's an excerpt:

"Obama just happened to know 60s far-left radical revolutionary William Ayers, whose father just happened to be Thomas Ayers, who just happened to be a close friend of Obama’s communist mentor Frank Marshall Davis, who just happened to work at the communist-sympathizing Chicago Defender with Vernon Jarrett, who just happened to later become the father-in-law of Iranian-born leftist Valerie Jarrett, who Obama just happened to choose as his closest White House advisor, and who just happened to have been CEO of Habitat Company, which just happened to manage public housing in Chicago, which just happened to get millions of dollars from the Illinois state legislature, and which just happened not to properly maintain the housing—which eventually just happened to require demolition.

Valerie Jarrett also just happened to work for the city of Chicago, and just happened to hire Michelle LaVaughan Robinson (later Obama), who just happened to have worked at the Sidley Austin law firm, where former fugitive from the FBI Bernardine Dohrn also just happened to work, and where Barack Obama just happened to get a summer job.

Bernardine Dohrn just happened to be married to William Ayers, with whom she just happened to have hidden from the FBI at a San Francisco marina, along with Donald Warden, who just happened to change his name to Khalid al-Mansour, and Warden/al-Mansour just happened to be a mentor of Black Panther Party founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale and a close associate of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan..."

So Many Books, So Little Time

I had a funny thought yesterday. At the moment, I am reading 5 different books. This is unprecedented. I have always been a One Book Woman - reading one book only, until finished.

The irony is that I am so busy these days it's hard to find time to read, but I snatch moments here and there, as I can. I like reading aloud, which is fun to me.

Books have always been a comfort and distraction to me. I really cannot fathom being without books. When I was in Kazakhstan adopting Michael there wasn't much to do, when I wasn't at the orphanage, and I ran out of books to read. I was able to borrow some books from my translator/driver, so I didn't lose my mind.

Since there isn't much to report about life [work, housework, homework] I thought I'd report on what I am reading.

Mom and I have read a lot of books by Adriana Trigiani, starting with her terrific novel Big Stone Gap - a novel set in southwest Virginia that we both liked a lot because it reminded us of the years we lived in Knoxville. I am reading Trigiani's newest book The Shoemaker's Wife, and enjoying it. It's set in Italy and the USA during the early part of the 20th century and is essentially a love story about two immigrants from Italy and their challenges. It's based on the story of Trigiani's grandparents. Of course, I studied Italian for two years and I love all things Italian. It's a slow paced story, an epic novel, so if you want a quick read this isn't it. (Mother prefers a fast-paced book.) It's really good though, so far.

Michael and I started reading a series of books called The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, by Michael Scott, over a year ago, and we've read them all now. The first one, The Alchemyst, is wonderful. The last one in the series, The Enchantress, is not a scintillating read, but we are plowing through it when we have time to read, which is rare these days. I love the way Scott mixes mythology and history, and the vivid characters, but the plots sort of inch along, and it gets tiresome after a while. I will be glad to finish this one.

I am still working on Ken Follett's book Fall of Giants, although I am almost through. This is the one I keep in my purse and read at lunch, or while I'm waiting for Michael. It's really fascinating. I am going to shamelessly borrow the Amazon synopsis here, because this is a book everyone should read:

"Welcome to the 20th century as you've never seen it. At over 1,000 pages, Fall of Giants delivers all the elements that fans of Ken Follett have come to treasure: historical accuracy, richly developed characters, and a sweeping yet intimate portrait of a past world that you'll fully inhabit before the first chapter is through. The story follows five families across the globe as their fates intertwine with the extraordinary events of World War I, the political struggles within their own countries, and the rise of the feminist movement. Intriguing stories of love and loyalty abound, from a forbidden romance between a German spy and a British aristocrat to a Russian soldier and his scandal-ridden brother in love with the same woman. Action-packed with blood on the battlefield and conspiracies behind closed doors, Fall of Giants brings the nuances of each character to life and shifts easily from dirty coal mines to sparkling palaces. There is so much to love here, and the good news is the end is just the beginning: Fall of Giants is the first in a planned trilogy."

Yes, it's a long book. It's worth reading, however. You will come to understand 20th century history so much better. Follett entertains wonderfully while he educates.

I really like reading to other people, and so I am reading to Mother My Happy Days in Hollywood: A Memoir, by Garry Marshall.  He's a director and producer of shows like The Odd Couple and Happy Days, and he writes a very funny, entertaining book. he has a lot of good stories to tell about Hollywood, but it's not a gossipy tell-all book. We usually sit and read it after dinner, while Michael is showering or doing homework.

And finally, I am still reading The Divinity of Dogs: True Stories of Miracles Inspired by Man's Best Friend. It's really an amazing collection of stories. Hats off to Jennifer Skiff for gathering and presenting these amazing stories.

Halloween 2012

Well, since Michael had wrestling practice yesterday until after 6:30, it was a different Halloween than any in recent years. When he got home he was SOOOO tired.

I had made crockpot chili, and he ate a big bowl of chili and then took a shower.

I answered the doorbell. Lots of cute trick or treaters.

One time I answered there was a youngish daddy holding a sweet little 3 year old girl in a cow costume. I put some candy in her sack and she wanted to get down. Dad put her down. I said "Are you a cow?"

The dad said "What sound does a cow make?"

The little one looked at him like he was a total idiot, listened to Coco - barking furiously from behind her baby gate at the back of the house - and said "DOGGIE!"

A little later, Michael answered the door, and I was looking behind him at some cute kids in the 7-8 year old age range. There was a little boy dressed like a nerd. I said "Are you a nerd?" and he looked pleased; 

"Yes I am!" then without missing a beat he added "But you can call me Captain Sexy!"

Oh my....

I'm thinking that child is the offspring of a nerd and a comedian.

We also opened the door one time and Colton came in, followed by all Mike's friends. I had to explain that he had door duty so I could eat my dinner, and no he couldn't go walking around. He was way too tired from practice, but I felt bad anyway.I told Colton Mike can do something on the weekend.

Here are some crappy phone pics of his buddies, looking adorable, except for Colton who said he was in costume as himself: