I can freely say the word, "quiet,"or, "it sure seems quiet," because I am at home. I am not at work…in the emergency department. After a long, busy day at the Sam, my beloved place of employment, I am at home in a quiet, peaceful house with nothing but the sounds of my dogs cleaning themselves and the mice in the walls scurrying about.
There's something about a quiet night at home. Kids are all (on their computers in their respective rooms) heading to bed, Christmas lights are still lit on this late December night.
Well. Aside from throwing my uniform in the drier, I guess I am done for the evening. Dogs will be put up for the night (two in different rooms, one in a kennel) and a kitty snuggled with the other kid…. Christmas lights dimmed for now… house secured….. and a small goblet of wine to take me to sleepy-time land.
So, good night you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England. Sleep well.
Kies
Friday, December 19, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Fresh Starts
I am told time and time again that I should have been a writer, although there has been no formal training. I love to write---well, just like running, I love/hate writing. As many would-be writers, I get tripped up by syntax and my own imperfections to ever really be an effective writer. But every now and again I have something to say. And then I write.
This morning, at exactly 0537, on 9/25/2014 at 19th and J Street in Tacoma, WA, a little angel introduced herself to the world. She made her entrance in the usual way, except she executed it flawlessly, and seemingly without effort. She descended with a little assistance from her mother (and her excellent Marmie, but mostly with the help of her mum), and at first she looked like a walnut, then a Shar Pei (but a teeny tiny, perfect Shar Pei), and then she emerged a Princess. Not just any old Princess, like The Duchess of York, or whatever is over there in Britain. No. This one is The Princess Of The Universe.
Mind you, I have no bias here. I am unbiased and only sharing this with you as one with uncommon experience. Ok. Ok, well, I only have a lifetime of experience as a mother and this is my first as a GrandMarmie, but still. You need to trust me on this one. This little bean is a true, authentic, full-blooded princess.
She has already made it well known that she loves her Marmie's stories. And her kisses. I mean, come on!! As soon as my story began, ("There once was a man who traversed into the woods….") she immediately responded with her eyebrows raised and a look that said, "MORE, Marmie!! More!!!") And when I kissed her sweet little (and I mean little!!) cheeks or her precious forehead, she turns to me and practically begs for more. (yes, well, it might LOOK like rooting, but that is just her subtle way of asking for more!). She has made it clear. She wants more stories and more kisses. In fact, she wants at least 3 stories a day, and no less than 1,000 kisses. She has made this pretty clear.
Listen. Every now and then you get a gift: One that is so insanely outrageous that you have to step back and say, "what the heck is this?? is this a miracle or what?" Every now and then you get a fresh start, maybe to a new and unparalleled experience. When that happens you just run with it and learn to fly. I do believe this is so with this little Princess. Priceless Princess Emberly Nicole of ….. of….. of The Pacific Northwest, Of the Universe. Little Ember, thank you for arriving!! We look forward to your reign!
Long may she reign!!
This morning, at exactly 0537, on 9/25/2014 at 19th and J Street in Tacoma, WA, a little angel introduced herself to the world. She made her entrance in the usual way, except she executed it flawlessly, and seemingly without effort. She descended with a little assistance from her mother (and her excellent Marmie, but mostly with the help of her mum), and at first she looked like a walnut, then a Shar Pei (but a teeny tiny, perfect Shar Pei), and then she emerged a Princess. Not just any old Princess, like The Duchess of York, or whatever is over there in Britain. No. This one is The Princess Of The Universe.
Mind you, I have no bias here. I am unbiased and only sharing this with you as one with uncommon experience. Ok. Ok, well, I only have a lifetime of experience as a mother and this is my first as a GrandMarmie, but still. You need to trust me on this one. This little bean is a true, authentic, full-blooded princess.
She has already made it well known that she loves her Marmie's stories. And her kisses. I mean, come on!! As soon as my story began, ("There once was a man who traversed into the woods….") she immediately responded with her eyebrows raised and a look that said, "MORE, Marmie!! More!!!") And when I kissed her sweet little (and I mean little!!) cheeks or her precious forehead, she turns to me and practically begs for more. (yes, well, it might LOOK like rooting, but that is just her subtle way of asking for more!). She has made it clear. She wants more stories and more kisses. In fact, she wants at least 3 stories a day, and no less than 1,000 kisses. She has made this pretty clear.
Listen. Every now and then you get a gift: One that is so insanely outrageous that you have to step back and say, "what the heck is this?? is this a miracle or what?" Every now and then you get a fresh start, maybe to a new and unparalleled experience. When that happens you just run with it and learn to fly. I do believe this is so with this little Princess. Priceless Princess Emberly Nicole of ….. of….. of The Pacific Northwest, Of the Universe. Little Ember, thank you for arriving!! We look forward to your reign!
Long may she reign!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Time Passages
So, my 'baby,' turned 15 today. She is the youngest of six children, the third of three girls and to be honest, she was probably 15 years ago. You know that saying, "13 going on 30,"? Well, I have referenced her as my 42 year old child for years now. She is an old soul, housed in a young body (and emotions, and perspective at times).
I recall my sweet mother telling me how fast the child rearing years would go. I distinctly remember her advising me to let the dishes or other household chores go if there was an opportunity to read a book with my child in my arms. Or a bug to inspect. Or a flower to smell. She told me, "Those things can wait: they will always be there. But the opportunity to be there… to make a memory, or cherish the moment wouldn't."
So, to date, the oldest of my 'short people' is 31 and celebrated her 7th wedding anniversary. The next delightful child, my first born son is 27 and continues his intense training as a Marine Infantry Officer. My third child, second son, is equally successful in his Marine career and protecting/defending our country as an Embassy Guard (and officer candidate). My fourth child, second daughter is growing my first grand baby; a sweet girl named Emberly, due in less than two months (I can hardly contain myself!). The fifth 'short' person, third son and stands at almost 6ft tall, is 16, beginning college this fall, working almost full time and is so smart and inquisitive (I can never answer all his questions correctly)….. And then there is this sixth child----the fifteen year old who could pass for MY ancestor instead of my descendant (because of her old soul-ness). How did I get so blessed? How is it that I get to be the mother of such greatness, despite my inadequacies and failings??
I am so grateful I heeded my mother and her sage advice. Cuddling a child under my arm, on my bed or on the couch…. or even in the yard on the grass---to read a book together, or poke at potato bugs, or watch a seedling sprout that we had planted two weeks before---SO worth the waiting dishes or laundry. Because one moment missed turns into two. Then before you know it, weeks then months, then years have gone by and all the unimportant crap is still unimportant, but the treasures….the sweet, intimate moments and memories are seared in our hearts to recall later.
As I write this, 21 years, 2 months and a fews days ago, my sweet mother went home to be with Jesus. But she left a legacy of love behind that has guided my parenting beyond any other . And I am so glad of that. Even though I have had missed opportunities with these incredible people I get to call my children, I also know that I decidedly let other junk go so I could sit (or lie) at eye level to watch an ant carry a piece of bread. Or listen to the wind. Or just sit and drink hot cocoa on a cold winter night (when the power went out-----at least once a year in Gig Harbor---remember, kids!!!???)
Happy Birthday, sweet Selah. Happy turning 15 years old. Thank you for being my child, my sixth child. Thank you for continuing to be open to me, love me, talk to me, laugh with me…. I get a couple more years with you as you reside with me in this dwelling and I am going to love and appreciate every single day. Happy Birthday sweet, surprising, inventive, crazy (Snow White---you'll know what that means), smart, funny, beautiful girl! Thank you for blessing me as my daughter! Thank you for everything you have been or done the last 15 years as well as the next 80 years!! Happy Birthday!
Marmie
I recall my sweet mother telling me how fast the child rearing years would go. I distinctly remember her advising me to let the dishes or other household chores go if there was an opportunity to read a book with my child in my arms. Or a bug to inspect. Or a flower to smell. She told me, "Those things can wait: they will always be there. But the opportunity to be there… to make a memory, or cherish the moment wouldn't."
So, to date, the oldest of my 'short people' is 31 and celebrated her 7th wedding anniversary. The next delightful child, my first born son is 27 and continues his intense training as a Marine Infantry Officer. My third child, second son, is equally successful in his Marine career and protecting/defending our country as an Embassy Guard (and officer candidate). My fourth child, second daughter is growing my first grand baby; a sweet girl named Emberly, due in less than two months (I can hardly contain myself!). The fifth 'short' person, third son and stands at almost 6ft tall, is 16, beginning college this fall, working almost full time and is so smart and inquisitive (I can never answer all his questions correctly)….. And then there is this sixth child----the fifteen year old who could pass for MY ancestor instead of my descendant (because of her old soul-ness). How did I get so blessed? How is it that I get to be the mother of such greatness, despite my inadequacies and failings??
I am so grateful I heeded my mother and her sage advice. Cuddling a child under my arm, on my bed or on the couch…. or even in the yard on the grass---to read a book together, or poke at potato bugs, or watch a seedling sprout that we had planted two weeks before---SO worth the waiting dishes or laundry. Because one moment missed turns into two. Then before you know it, weeks then months, then years have gone by and all the unimportant crap is still unimportant, but the treasures….the sweet, intimate moments and memories are seared in our hearts to recall later.
As I write this, 21 years, 2 months and a fews days ago, my sweet mother went home to be with Jesus. But she left a legacy of love behind that has guided my parenting beyond any other . And I am so glad of that. Even though I have had missed opportunities with these incredible people I get to call my children, I also know that I decidedly let other junk go so I could sit (or lie) at eye level to watch an ant carry a piece of bread. Or listen to the wind. Or just sit and drink hot cocoa on a cold winter night (when the power went out-----at least once a year in Gig Harbor---remember, kids!!!???)
Happy Birthday, sweet Selah. Happy turning 15 years old. Thank you for being my child, my sixth child. Thank you for continuing to be open to me, love me, talk to me, laugh with me…. I get a couple more years with you as you reside with me in this dwelling and I am going to love and appreciate every single day. Happy Birthday sweet, surprising, inventive, crazy (Snow White---you'll know what that means), smart, funny, beautiful girl! Thank you for blessing me as my daughter! Thank you for everything you have been or done the last 15 years as well as the next 80 years!! Happy Birthday!
Marmie
Sunday, August 3, 2014
You Actually CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks!
Whoa. I noticed that I have a lot of 'drafts' in my library of blog posts. S'pose I should finish those…
SO. I guess I will add that to, "The things I learned about myself today."
Firstly, I learned that I need to work out (aka run, at least that was the workout today) earlier than I think on a work day. I have always known that my face turns and stays red for a couple of hours after a good workout, but, what I had not confirmed was the fact that I sweat (and sweat and sweat) for quite a while after the workout. I then continue to sweat after my shower (even a cool shower). I keep on sweating after I stand in front of a fan attempting to cool down. And I sweat throughout the attempted make up application as I try and get ready for work. So. First note to self: work out earlier so you can cool down longer and not show up to work red faced and sweaty.
Secondly, I can be successful when I set my mind to it. I have known this on many levels for many different things (parenting, marriage issues, education, work) and yes, even for fitness. But today, I set my mind to walk/run for 30 minutes and then to eat clean, even if it was just for day one. And I did it. I did it very well.
Third. I signed up for a free, uncredited learning course to begin to improve myself. I completed week one and I feel so great about it. The course is through, "Coursera" and it is entitled, "Learning How to Learn." I love it. I LOVE IT. I absolutely adore it. It is through UC, San Diego, instructed by some incredible people (Barbara Oakley) and I feel improved already. BTW, over 110,000 people world-wide signed up for this course. I love it (i know. i already said that) and I can't wait for more.
Fourth on the list: I am truly an introvert. I know that I have tested as an Introvert several times over the last 30 years but, as shocked as others were, I kind of denied it to some degree. You see, if you have ever worked with me or lived with me, or hung out with me for any amount of time, you would think me gregarious, straight forward, brash….and all the other synonyms for an outgoing personality. But that's not what introversion is, is it? I absolutely value, love, NEED my alone time---my quiet time, my solitude, to recharge. I am now going to really embrace this introversion and value it. It is ok to be an (extroverted) introvert.
Fifth (ly): I quit Facebook yesterday. I deactivated the account. I tried to delete the pictures, but "it" (the omnipotent FB god) wouldn't let me. I have felt compelled for quite some time now to deactivate it, but had found several excuses not to. Don't get me wrong, there was some value in having a FB account: hooking up with people/family/friends you haven't seen for a long time; learning about Coursera and other cool things; ideas…news….etc. But the downside outweighs the benefits. The loss of self. The loss of privacy. The loss of individuality. I lost just enough to quit. I hope it wasn't too late.
And now the last thing I have learned about myself recently; I need and love good sleep. And it is time for slumber. Especially when I need to get up and do my walk/run and then work for 12 hours in the ED tomorrow.
Good night, Universe! Good night all the great people (my children, my husband, and my family) that I love!
Here's to another great day of discovery and learning!!
Kiesa Moose
SO. I guess I will add that to, "The things I learned about myself today."
Firstly, I learned that I need to work out (aka run, at least that was the workout today) earlier than I think on a work day. I have always known that my face turns and stays red for a couple of hours after a good workout, but, what I had not confirmed was the fact that I sweat (and sweat and sweat) for quite a while after the workout. I then continue to sweat after my shower (even a cool shower). I keep on sweating after I stand in front of a fan attempting to cool down. And I sweat throughout the attempted make up application as I try and get ready for work. So. First note to self: work out earlier so you can cool down longer and not show up to work red faced and sweaty.
Secondly, I can be successful when I set my mind to it. I have known this on many levels for many different things (parenting, marriage issues, education, work) and yes, even for fitness. But today, I set my mind to walk/run for 30 minutes and then to eat clean, even if it was just for day one. And I did it. I did it very well.
Third. I signed up for a free, uncredited learning course to begin to improve myself. I completed week one and I feel so great about it. The course is through, "Coursera" and it is entitled, "Learning How to Learn." I love it. I LOVE IT. I absolutely adore it. It is through UC, San Diego, instructed by some incredible people (Barbara Oakley) and I feel improved already. BTW, over 110,000 people world-wide signed up for this course. I love it (i know. i already said that) and I can't wait for more.
Fourth on the list: I am truly an introvert. I know that I have tested as an Introvert several times over the last 30 years but, as shocked as others were, I kind of denied it to some degree. You see, if you have ever worked with me or lived with me, or hung out with me for any amount of time, you would think me gregarious, straight forward, brash….and all the other synonyms for an outgoing personality. But that's not what introversion is, is it? I absolutely value, love, NEED my alone time---my quiet time, my solitude, to recharge. I am now going to really embrace this introversion and value it. It is ok to be an (extroverted) introvert.
Fifth (ly): I quit Facebook yesterday. I deactivated the account. I tried to delete the pictures, but "it" (the omnipotent FB god) wouldn't let me. I have felt compelled for quite some time now to deactivate it, but had found several excuses not to. Don't get me wrong, there was some value in having a FB account: hooking up with people/family/friends you haven't seen for a long time; learning about Coursera and other cool things; ideas…news….etc. But the downside outweighs the benefits. The loss of self. The loss of privacy. The loss of individuality. I lost just enough to quit. I hope it wasn't too late.
And now the last thing I have learned about myself recently; I need and love good sleep. And it is time for slumber. Especially when I need to get up and do my walk/run and then work for 12 hours in the ED tomorrow.
Good night, Universe! Good night all the great people (my children, my husband, and my family) that I love!
Here's to another great day of discovery and learning!!
Kiesa Moose
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