Monday, March 23, 2015

Mommy Trophy

Mommy Trophy

I don’t think there is a decent parent around who doesn’t question regularly if they are doing the right thing.  I often wonder if I’m being too hard?  Too easy?  Teaching the right lessons?  I wonder what issues will cause them to sit on the therapist’s couch. There are days I want to scream or crack myself over the head with a brick. Diabetes only complicates this already delicate issue.   I guess I have enough self-doubt because I there are no dress rehearsals, and I really want to do thing Mommy thing right!  At times, I get praise from strangers who notice how my children behave in public.  I get feedback from teachers regarding my sons’ good behavior at school.  (I guess they save it all for me).  My hubby reminds me I’m a good Mommy.  Yet, nothing speaks louder to me than the accolades from my kids.

Disclaimer:  I’m know they’re biased and are supposed to love me unconditionally

When my daughter was growing up, she made a poster in Elementary school about her hero.  Me.  So freakin’ cute and touching.

I have two step-children, who I consider mine.  Each of them have written English papers, unsolicited, unexpected about me and my role in their lives.   Parenting is thankless enough; step-parenting is even harder!  Chokes me up. 

At Open House last week, there was a display in the hallway of papers the 4th grade children had written about their heroes.  Some had rock stars.  Some had athletes.  My Asa wrote about me.  Honestly, I couldn’t read it right then and there because I didn’t want to go to work with cry-face.  Asa is my tender-heart.  He’s a lot like I was as a child.  He wants everyone to be happy, all to be fair, and he’s a pleaser.  Asa, like his Mommy, also likes to write.

Since the paper was on display, I don’t think he would mind me sharing:
Paper's cover photo.  "You inspired me to work in a hospital"

10-year-old Asa (I’ll correct some mistakes and clarify as needed)

Do you have a hero? Someone you’d like to follow in their footsteps?  If you don’t, you need one but don’t copy their lifestyle because the world will become plain. To make the world a brighter place you should read this paper.

My mom is always helping others and here are three examples.  First, my mom is a nurse, someone who’s always helping others out. Second, she cares for others and brightens their day. Lastly, she’s always doing what someone else wants to instead of what she wants to do.

She’s always telling the truth and here’s how.  She always tells the truth no matter what. Next, she always stands up for her mistakes no matter how bad they are (not sure what egregious mistakes he means, lol).  Lastly, she’ll always say what she thinks of people.

Lastly, she’s always trying to have a good time.  She’s always trying to have terrific times and memories. Two of her ideas of a good time is relaxing or going out with her friends. Best, she likes to go to the park with my family and me on a nice day.

Now that you know some different ways to be kind, try to help the world be a brighter and happier place like she does.  But, don’t try to copy their lifestyle because everyone has their own way of living.  Now that you know some different ways to be kind, you should spread kindness.

Asa

Just when I am convinced I am doing it all wrong, I get little nuggets like this. It puts fuel in my Mommy tank that is often running on fumes.  I sure hope he’s this in love with me when he’s a teenager!

I don’t know about you, but his paper made my world a better place!  Maybe I’m a little sensitive to the issue because I really want to do well at this and raise honest productive members of society.  Maybe I’m super sensitive to what these twins say and do because I treasure each moment, knowing Diabetes could have already taken or could take them from me too soon.  Humbling.

I’ll continue to do my best and enjoy every minute that I can!



Rhonda

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Fun Fours

Fun Fours



There's a fun little meme making its way around the DOC.  It has that old “slam book” feel about it.  I first saw it on Joanne'sblog. I thought I'd take part just to keep the creative juices flowing.

1. Four names people call me other than my real name. 

a)  Momma – I’m not Mom.  My mom is “mom”.  I’m Mommy or Momma.  It’s one of my favorite titles.

b)  Honda – If you ever say it to me, I may be forced to cut you (and probably unfriend you).  Something that came about when I was a baby because I rode on a Honda motorcycle around the trailer park (keeping it classy)..and it’s one letter off of my name.

c) Mrs. Fuselier – I know it’s technically true, but it usually weirds me out a little.  It sounds so formal and uptight, and formal I am not.  However, I’m required to have my nursing students address me as such.

d) Babuh – Easily one of my favorite things to hear.  It’s our name for each other, and it’s unique.  Copyright pending.


2. Four Jobs I’ve Had 


a) Cashier at Eckerd Drug.  For those of you who don’t know what Eckerd’s was, think CVS.  Pretty much same thing.  I made a whopping $3.18/hr.

b)  Phlebotomist.  I moved up in the world to a substantial $6.25/hr.  For five years, I jabbed needles into people to extract their blood.  I heard every vampire joke in the book.

c)  Nurse.  Since age 22.  I’ve done a few different roles in Nursing.  Babies.  Mommies.  Risk Management. Charge. It’s a rewarding career.  I’ve got stories that can keep you entertained all night.

d)  Nursing Instructor.  Most recent job.  I didn’t know if I’d like it, but I actually LOVED it!  It was so much fun to teach nursing students.  They challenged me to think.

3. Four Movies I’ve Watched More Than Once 


a) Top Gun.  Oh my, Tom Cruise.  The Beach volleyball scene.  The tighty-whitey scene.  Enough said.  Made my teenage hormones stir.

b)  Dirty Dancing.  Nobody puts Baby in a corner.  Teenage hormones again.

c) Footloose.  Probably would be so cheesy if I watched it today, but I sure did like that one!  Did I mention I had teenage hormones?

d)  Riding in Cars with Boys.  Such a good movie.  I could relate.

4. Four Books I’d Recommend 


a) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
b)  Decision Points by George W Bush
c)  Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx
d) Mommy Can’t Fix It (By Me) J

5. Four Places I’ve Lived 


a) Texas City, Texas
b) Arizona
c) Missouri
d) Fort Worth, TX (and other cities in TX)

6. Four Places I’ve Visited


a) New York City
b) Cancun, Mexico
c) Los Angeles, California
d)  St. Joseph, MO.  Trust me.  It’s as boring as it sounds and not nearly as exciting as the first three cities I mentioned.


7. Four Things I Prefer Not To Eat 


*This one was very hard because I love food and am NOT picky.*

a)  Licorice. Gag a maggot.
b)  Italian Sausage.  Just tastes like licorice burps to me.
c) Croutons.  Stale bread is a waste of calories.
d)  Dogs.  Maybe I shouldn’t judge, but it sounds appalling to me.

8. Four of my Favorite Foods

 a) Steak.  (Prime Rib, T-Bone, Ribeye, Filet Mignon).  Cow’s ok; dog, not so much.
b)  Mexican food.  I could eat my birth weight in chips and salsa.
c)  Italian.  Gotta love some good pasta, especially if artichokes are involved.
d)  Indian.  Much to my husband’s chagrin, I love me some curry (and garlic)!

9. Four TV Shows I Watch


a) Modern Family.  One of the wittiest and most real sitcoms on TV today.
b) Breaking Bad.  Easily one of the best, if not THE best, TV drama ever written.
c)  Sons of Anarchy.  Didn’t think I would like it, but we are marathoning this one like a Kenyan!
d)  Cougar Town.  Funny stuff.

10. Four Things I’m Looking Forward To This Year 


a)  Bon Jovi trip.  Need my fix.
b)  Girls’ Vacation (s).  We’re doing a lot of celebrating turning 40!
c)  My annual anniversary vacation with The Man!  It’s always a highlight of my year!
d)  JDRF One Walk.  The AA Team is back in action and hoping to keep their standing in the Top Five Family Teams.

11. Four Things I am Always Saying 

a)  Dag gum!
b)  Do your chores and homework?  Did you do your chores and homework?
c)  When’s your due date?

d)  I love you