This week we are preparing for fall and school. As you know, we are getting all the paperwork in and placing the boys where we feel will be the best for them this school year. We are also trying to empower Kari by her not having the whole load on her shoulders. She needs to have less to worry about so she can do what she needs to do too. Life is difficult but having ADHD is difficult on top of life.
This morning we are taking paperwork into schools; we are getting all in place there. Riley will be having his tonsils out on Tuesday. It is a little late in August for this to be happening being it is close to the start of school. We are a bit nervous (both Kari and I). Our ability to deal with stress is getting low. It is showing and we would like it not to so that the boys don't "catch on". So I have been reading on the procedure and what is expected after the surgery this morning. I have also been reading scriptures on faith vs fear to help relief my anxiousness. I hate to see Riley have to deal with pain but I would hate to see him deal with not being to breathe etc by the problems that the tonsils have been giving him.
Kari has good news. She had a good interview with a counseling group near by that we hope will have her as an intern for assisting as a peer counselor. She is talented in that area and she knows she has found a place amongst them. I believe it is one of the callings on her life. Also, at work, she has been favored as being the one chosen to lead during the day shifts. That is one reason I am playing a large part in caring for Riley next week (I have the week off).
Dave's birthday is tomorrow. He will be 55. One good thing is that he can choose meals off some of the "senior menu" (LOL) which actually is a plus. We are beginning to eat less and we like spending less too. There is always something to be thankful for... besides, of course, being alive.
I went out to shop for his birthday gift last night and I ran into very rude people at the mall. I don't like going to the mall really but I thought I might be able to find something special there. What the rude people did was... I was waiting for a truck to back up from their parking spot. They were able to back out of their end spot and then leave down the lane in front of me. I had my "blinkers" on indicating that I was going to move into the spot to park which is how "it" is suppose to work... but the truck in front of them, that had past them, backed up almost hitting me, and took the parking space. In a true Californian fashion, I raised my hands showing "What are you doing?" The guy saw me in the rear view mirrow but ignored me. In California they address someone in some fashion (and guns are sometimes brought into it) but Washingtonians will complain to themselves in the car but move on as if nothing happened. I think that makes it easy for the "rude people" to do something and not be addressed on their behavior. I didn't ignore them and I didn't move on right away. There was some kid was rolling down the window to shout something at me as if that would make it OK or worse. It probably was good that I didn't hear what he said because part of me wanted to get out of the car, tap on the window, and say "What are you doing? Didn't your mom raise you better? What are you teaching your child?" Unfortunately, I knew the answers that I would hear from these kinds of people that would public act in such a rude way. So, after honking and making it clear that I wasn't happy, I went on. I had kids in the car, so addressing them and argueing may be the best thing to do. I have no idea what has changed to where some people think it is "all about them" and there are many people that are very selfish and rude. They don't think of being helpful or polite to someone else, even if that person is a middle aged woman. It is about them and getting what they need or want. I don't have control over the masses but I can make it known that it isn't acceptable but pointing out that I know they are doing wrong rather than ignoring it.
Yesterday I spent five hours at a Veterans awareness event at the college. I must admit that there are few times that I walk away from a meeting, event, etc that I learn something that is very important to my job and working with the community. But yesterday I was made aware of what is happening among our returning vets when they are trying to transition back into society from their military experience. I was made aware of the constant stress they were under. Most of the now suffer here at home and avoid crowds, loud noises, and only feel safe when carrying a knife or a gun. They carry images of war such as seeing children killed... and sometimes by their own gun. Most of the time, what they did in the military... the skills they have or learned... doesn't translate into jobs here in civilian life. How do you put those skills on a resume? I will leave you with those thoughts since I have to get ready now.
It is raining heavily today. We have been having summer storms the past few days. The rain brings comfortable temperatures but seems to close to what fall is like. We would like to see more of summer before the season is out.
Brit (left) ready for the Prom last May!
