Saturday, November 28, 2009

Confession: I am a Mama Bear

I confess. I am a Mama Bear. Actually now I’m a Grandma Bear. When I became a mother/grandmother I took an oath to protect.



My adult children know I’m a Mama Bear when it comes to protecting them.


I remember when David was six years old and was bonked on the noggin in a T-Ball game. There I was dashing out on the field like an olympics runner. Then there was the time in high school during the Varsity Football Game when he injured his ankle and wanted to go back in the game, there I was telling the coach no way. ( I did learn my lesson by the time he played football for the University of San Diego. He injured his ankle again and I stayed put!)


When Lori was in 5th grade, I picked her up at school at noon because it was a teacher’s conference day. As she got into the car she burst into tears. All of the girls were going to McDonalds and didn't invite her. I was seething, but very calmly told her a story from my grammar school days, (Joey T story) and fickle girl rejection. Then we went to McDonalds sat down and ate lunch!


Shari was in 7th grade when her friends chipped in and bought her a "Guess" jean jacket. She loved that jacket! And then someone stole it from her locker. I bought her another jacket, and that was stolen as well. She came home crying. I visited the principal’s office and demanded the jacket be reimbursed.


Both girls were on the same softball team for a couple of years. The coaches were team fathers. Some of those guys were crazy and quite often acted like children themselves. There was a father who was the 3rd base coach. During the game he yelled at all the girls, kicked the dirt and used profane language. (The Head Coach never stopped the father’s tirades.) Most of the parents in the stands were appalled. But no one said anything.


Where I come from (Chicago,) those actions require intervention. So I yelled, “Hey coach! Shut up! Quit yelling at the girls!” The guy stopped, looked at me and started yelling again! At the end of the game, I ran from the stands and proceeded to read him the riot act. I told him in no uncertain terms that I thought his behavior was awful and I wouldn’t tolerate it. He needed to stop berating the girls or I’d have him banned from the games! After I finished my “talk”, I turned around to look at the parents in the stands. (I expected applause for my bravery.) Their mouths were open in shock. No one said anything to me.


Sometimes being a Mama Bear is controversial.


Why this long story?


I've been trying to figure out why I've become so outspoken about President Obama. He took an oath to protect the Constitution and the American people.


He’s the head coach. He’s turned over economic recovery and healthcare to people who are inept, self centered, politically motivated yellers! (With some dirt kicking and profanity, too) And the people in the stands are appalled!




This is my message to the President! Man-Up! Be a Mama Bear!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

My Creative Outlet

I made these! I love trying different things and these have inspired my creative side. By doing something creative, I find that my professional side, Nursing, actually functions better! My brain works better! (That's why all the political commentary! Ha!)
Most of these are gifts for family or friends! But I don't think I can stop! I love doing these!
MANY MANY THANKS to all the sellers from etsy.com for all the gorgeous yarn!









Friday, November 20, 2009

First Cervical Cancer Screening Delayed Until Age 21 Less Frequent Pap Tests Recommended

An Update from ACOG: RE: Pap Test Screening. Any thoughts?
This ACOG recommendation is different than the government convened panel report published earlier this week. These OBGYN'S are currently practicing and have reviewed the current literature. Whereas the government panel are scientists (with MD behind their name) who haven't practiced in this field(OB/GYN)
Plan of care is a  still a discussion women should have with their physicians!


First Cervical Cancer Screening Delayed Until Age 21 Less Frequent Pap Tests Recommended

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

As a Mom......A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots

I came home from work tired. It seems like many nurses/people are VERY STRESSED. True, working in a fetal antepartum testing center, has it's share of stressors but this is different. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner but again, I've worked enough years during this period and find people's reactions are very emotional. So what is different? I'm no expert but I believe it's the "State of the Union."(And don't say "duh!)

It's just not the economy and job loss(stupid). It's our safety and security that's been shaken (Ft. Hood)and is being shaken again by some pretty incredible decisions by the White House.
I believe NOBODY wants the 9/11 terrorists to be tried in NYC! And quite frankly "what are the President and Attorney General Holder thinking?" Why do terrorists who perpetrated an ACT of WAR against the United States have the right to a civil trial? They are not citizens. It should be a military tribunal.
As if that's not enough to drive people crazy, we're getting a 2+ trillion dollar healthcare plan jammed down our throat or rammed  up somewhere else!  And for a "peek" into how that government healthcare plan will work all people need to do is look at the Government Covened Panel to review mammograms! This was a SIX (6) person panel made up of  CHOSEN MD's & scientists that rendered the ludacris recommendations: No mammos between 40-50 years of age and after 50 years old, every 2 years until age 75. Oh yes and breast self exams don't have to be done because it's NOT PROVEN it helps.
What Koolaid were these folks drinking?
Think about it! If there is a government plan and private plans, how long do you think it will take for the private plans to change their care guidelines.
Truth is that with the technology we have available now for mammograms, there are less "false positives" and therefore less biopsies. 
My level of trust in this Administration is diminishing.(OK so it wasn't high to begin with, but I did have hope.)

In closing, As a Mom... had us vote on T shirts. I voted for the one near the bottom with the flag and eagle. Take a look at the website.

http://asamom.ning.com/




Network of principled mothers, grandmothers, daughters, & guardians of our nation's children dedicated to the 9 Principles & 12 Values.



..9 12 Project.The Nine Principles


1. America is good.


2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.


3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.


4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.


5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.


6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.


7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.


8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.


9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.


To these we add this one:


Children are a gift from God and a sacred responsibility




T-Shirt Logo Contest

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

APPLE OAT MUFFINS

http://befitnpretty.com/2009/10/29/fall-into-the-kitchen-with-apples/

Mmmmm These sound great!

Oaths of Enlistment

Nice reminder of the Military Oaths.
Mmmmm....same oath(s) Mr. Hasan took?

Federal law requires everyone who enlists or re-enlists in the Armed Forces of the United States to take the enlistment oath. The oath of enlistment into the United States Armed Forces is administered by any commissioned officer to any person enlisting or re-enlisting for a term of service into any branch of the military. The officer asks the person, or persons, to raise their right hand and repeat the oath after him. The oath is traditionally performed in front of the United States Flag and other flags, such as the state flag, military branch flag, and unit guidon may be present.


The Oath of Enlistment (for enlistees):  
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."


In the National Guard (Army or Air)
 I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of (STATE NAME) against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of (STATE NAME) and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God.

The Oath of Office (for officers):

"I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance tot he same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."


Guide Note: There has been some controversy about whether the phrase "So help me God" is mandatory. I have seen officers allow enlistees to omit these words, if they choose, according to their religious preference and beliefs. While federal law does not appear to make any part of the oath optional (see Title 10, Section 502 of the United States Code), military regulations often do. For example, the Army enlistment regulation (see Army Regulation 601-210, paragraph 6-18) makes the portion "So help me God" optional.

HONORING OUR MILITARY VETERANS VIDEO

VETERAN'S DAY: NOVEMBER 11, 2009
VIDEO by FOX NEWS


I LOVE THIS VIDEO!
RIGHT ON FOX!
KUDDOS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR MILITARY & OUR VETERANS!
BEAUTIFULLY DONE!

#/video/video.php?v=1284916320086

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

TERRORISM, TREASON, TRAITOR..."OH WE GOT TROUBLE & IT STARTS WITH T..."

Watching Fox News this morning,waiting for the President to arrrive for the MEMORIAL for the  SOLDIERS LIVES lost and INJURED  @ Ft. Hood,  I am struck by the depth of my feelings. I am angry! Angry because I believe that the pendulum of "political correctness" has swung way too far.(to the left.)
As more information becomes available about Mr. Hasan(I refuse to acknowledge his degrees or rank in our military), he was born and raised in the United States and was a Muslim. Clearly for him, this created an internal battle. I believe many eyes were closed as this man made choices to voice his thoughts and feelings regarding his struggle.
Having said that,what he did was WRONG! He PREMEDITATEDLY MURDERED
13 PEOPLE & INJURED 38 PEOPLE  on a Military Base, AN ACT of TERRORISM right here in the United States! He (Hassan) needs to be tried in the court as a murderer and a TRAITOR! Oh yeah we got trouble.....



"Ya Got Trouble" (Meredith Wilson music and lyrics) Music Man

Well, either you're closing your eyes


To a situation you do now wish to acknowledge


Or you are not aware of the caliber of disaster indicated


By the presence of a pool table in your community.Trouble, oh we got trouble,
(substitute TRAITOR for pool table)



Right here in River City! (America)


With a capital "T"


That rhymes with "P" (Traitor)


And that stands for Pool, (Treason)


That stands for pool. (Terrorism)


We've surely got trouble!


Right here in River City, (America)


Right here!


Trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble...

Monday, November 2, 2009

Gratitude...My Pathway to Happiness and Finding Me ...again

http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/window/media/page/0,,2756924-5609757,00.html

Please note the slide show on the left: Halloween 2009 Isabella & Noah, My Grandchildren
Oh how they make me laugh!!!


While riding today trying to assess my hips, legs and my butt after a painful weekend, I was listening to Wayman Tisdale's "21 Days" on my I Phone. I love this CD and have found different songs at different times have provided not only inspiration but also focus. Today I was listening to "Jesus is the Answer." It is sung by children and it's truly inspiring.  My disc burner appears to be broken, but I found a way to link a sample of the song.
Here's the lyrics for this version:

Mary had a little lamb and Jesus was His name......

Jesus is the answer for the world today

Above him there's no other, Jesus is the way
Jesus is the answer for the world today
Above him there's no other, Jesus is the way

Then individual children say: I Thank You Jesus:

For putting clothes on my back!
For my family!
For my life!
For my food!
For waking us up this morning!
For our schools!
For my sister!
For my brother!
For my Mom!
Jesus Bless this generation!

Each time I listen to this song I'm inspired! Life really is that simple.
Happiness is living a life filled with gratitude.... for what is real in my life. I'll add my list to the above:
I Thank You Jesus:

For my children
For my grandchildren
For my husband
For my friends
For my profession/my calling
For my parents
For my aches and pains
For Freedom
For my Faith
For the United States of America
For the Military and their Families

There's soooo much more...another post to follow!

Happiness vs Back Pain




Last week in a conversation with my friend Phyllis,I said the following: "I feel great! I'm happy! Sure there are challenges but I love my life! 58 is GREAT!" 
My happiness is my own to control. Living a life of introspection has helped me acknowledge my blessings, as well acknowledge my stumbling blocks,my "baggage." I always try to strike a balance between my blessings and my needed improvements. I can become too hard myself, so I really try to limit my own brow beating!

After I shared my happiness, the Italian side of my brain said; "get ready for the other shoe to drop!" I promptly decided to ignore my crazy Italian-Catholic Girl voice. One week later I found myself  with more back pain than I've had in 18 months. I actually had to leave work on Friday. As luck or better put the orthopedic group I go to had no same day appointments. Couldn't get an order for physical therapy either, until "they can evauluate my pain!" So home I went in pain,took Vicodin, rested and tried to evaluate what had changed those past 2 weeks. Did the other shoe (s)drop?
In a word, YES! LITERALLY! I had purchased Reebock Easy Tone Shoes. Those are the ones that are supposed help your butt,calves,etc. Oh yeah, they helped...give me a pain in my ASS! And my back,too! I'll be returning them to Nordstrom this week! On Saturday I purchased ASICS 3000 running shoes. I don't run anymore, but these shoes give me support when I walk. Being a nurse, I've worn all kinds of shoes,from Dansko to the Stretch Walker to regular athletic shoes. There is no perfect answer. I'll try these and see they feel after 8-10 hours on my feet.

After having spent two days on Vicodin, I found myself depressed(duh), reevaluating & contemplating my happiness.

Why is MY or anyone's Happiness important?
As a former Nursing Psyche Instructor used to say..."If the Mama's happy, then everyone in the family is happy!" I'm going to rephrase it in terms I understand today.

If I'm happy, that happiness radiates inside me and out to others I encounter. I know I've felt the touch from others,so much so that I strive to find my radiance, my light! I believe this is God within me. I mean I truly believe this! I truly believe this is my calling...my journey.

I have more to share so I'll be writing another entry shortly.