Happy Mother's Day!

Calling all MOMs! Happy Mother's Day!

I'm on good terms with my mom right now. She really came through for me this past week. My dad did too. Bless all of you. Do me a favor? Could you say a special prayer for Miss Belle and Master Walt? They both have big weeks coming up and could use all the help they could get.

Top 25 Heroes

1. Walt
2. Belle
3. My dad
4. Pete Maravich
5. Chris Evert
6. Jan Karon
7. Every and Any soldier
8. My doctors
9. Big Mama (my maternal grandmother)
10. Mama Brown (my paternal grandmother)
11. Herschel Walker
12. Barney, his bacon and his special sandwiches
13. My former therapist
14. Barney's godfather
15. Mr. Shapiro
16. Mother Theresa
17. Father Marren
18. Billy Graham
19. Heather Whitestone
20. Auntie Jane
21. Sell
22. Jackie Kennedy
23. Jerry Lewis
24. Gerald Ford
25. Jill Connor Browne

Who are YOUR heroes? All of these people touched my life in one way or another in a POSITIVE way.

Birthdays

You are tricky readers! Yes, Monday was my birthday. It was great, and thank you to those you remembered and wrote me. I got some roses, some pictures, assorted scented soaps, etc. I had three favorite presents. First, I got a pair of snowflake candlesticks from Walt. It seems he remembered that I had talked about my grandmother having some. What a kid! And Belle? She gave me a bracelet that looked just like a David Yurman! I had to go to the doctor yesterday and a lady there thought it was the real thing! It means more to me than if it was worth thousands! It's priceless because it came from her. Walt and Belle.....two wonderful kids! I'm lucky they're in my life. P.S. I'll tell you about my third gift tommorrow.

Mammograms and Oatmeal Cookies

I have to have an "emergency diagnostic mammogram" next Thursday. On one hand, my doctor says she doesn't think there's anything to worry about but to call and get this done. I call and the appointment person says, "Oh yes, WFW, we have been instructed to schedule you immediately as an emergency d-mammogram." I refuse to worry about this unless and until there is something to worry about.

On the bright side, Walt is headed to camp to serve as a Counselor-in-Training for three weeks. I asked what I could buy for him, and he said, "Don't buy me anything, but I'd love some homemade oatmeal cookies." Isn't he a great kid? Guess what I'll be doing today????

I'm going to make some extras. I love oatmeal cookies. It's fine to get to appreciating things again. It's been a not so fun two months - my dog dying, my cousin committing suicide, two breast lumps......I'm tired of being depressed. I'm tired of not enjoying things. It's time to have some fun again. I love life too much to live it like this.

Catching up.......Needing a hug

OK, I need to catch y'all up from all that's been going on. Most of this has precipitated all this junk food eating.

1. Belle, the ballerina, had a six hour ballet audition for summer camp on Sunday.
2. She was invited to the top two camps sponsored! Unbelievable feat for a 12 year old.
3. Walt had a date to Homecoming.
4. He had an ok time.
5. He faced the SpanishInquisition from the father and did fine.
6. We laughed about it.
7. Balto, my dog, had another seizure yesterday.
8. The vet is surprised he lived through Christmas.
9. He's going to die soon.
10. I've been selling like a crazed banshee at work.
11. I'm very overworked.
12. I am so tired my eyes look like tiny slits.
13. I have had a headache off and on for two days.
14. Walt has to have a brain scan and MRI because of some symptoms he has.
15. I'm scared to death.
16. One of Belle's friends tried to steal her boyfriend A.
17. She didn't succeed.
18. My cell phone fried.
19. My new one is weird.
20. I can't catch up with my mail.
21. I feel overwhelmed.
22. I got my car washed and detailed.
23. I didn't recognize it clean.
24. I can't find it in parking lots.
25. I bought two Annie Lenox and one Celtic Woman CDs because they were relaxing.
26. I have been having lots of nightmares.
27. I can't decide if it's better to sleep through the night with nightmares or wake up at 4am without them.
28. After all the company left, I miss my daddy.
29. I tried to look for a new comforter/duvet and gave up because it was too hard.
30. My laundry is taking over the house.
31. I washed out my contacts and forgot to rinse the cleaning solution out before I put it in my left eye.
32. My eye hurts like hell an hour later.
33. I watched The Bachelor in Paris last night instead of Medium.
34. I can't believe that one woman told him right away she wanted to "reproduce."
35. I like this Bachelor but I wonder if I should have watched Medium instead.
36. I've been craving a Fuddrucker's cheeseburger.
37. I'm too tired to go get one.
38. It's supposed to rain tommorrow.
39. I don't want it to.
40. I have to go with a family member to the dr tommorrow.
41. I am wrung out having been at seeing so many doctors/hospitals lately.
42. I am seriously freaked out about not getting my blog emails advising me I have comments.
43. I seriously worried that some of you wouldn't come back and visit me.
44. I'm wondering if I need some medication.

And that's my stream of consciousness for the past couple of days..........

Exercise, Breakfast, Shopping and Broken X Box

My parents (my dad and stepmom) got worried about me running in the street. They gave me my Christmas present early. A membership to a health club. Goodness, I hadn't been in a health club in awhile. I felt.....intimidated. I shouldn't have. Nobody really cared what I wore or what I looked like. I didn't even know so many machines exist! It was fun. I got on the treadmill, the bike, the stairmaster, goodness! It was exhiliarating. Watch me not be able to get up tommorrow!

After we all exercised, we went out to breakfast/brunch. I feasted on one of my favorites -- Eggs Benedict. Yummm. I went home to finish some paperwork and mail it out. I headed to the mall. The parking lots were jammed but I slid right into a "windfall" space -- front space right by the door. I finished my shopping thank heavens!

We went out to dinner for California burritos. The workers were authentic Mexicans and couldn't understand our party at all. I hoped for the best when I got my food. I just got home after being gone all day except for the stop in for the paperwork and shower. 'Tis the season for shopping and eating and exhaustion I guess. Last night I actually slept through the entire night last night. That never happens to me. I'm a really light sleeper.

Poor Walt. Remember him waiting all night for the XBox? It's BROKEN. It worked three days and it is NOW BROKEN. That was his entire Christmas. He is trying hard to keep his spirits up. I feel so very sorry for him. I don't know what to do. His parents are devastated. His Christmas was mainly centered around stuff for the XBox and now there is NO XBOX. He was jokingly saying, "Microsoft has RUINED my Christmas." He is a brave boy. Something could still happen to fix it. Best Buy promised that they would exchange his other one for a new one when a shipment comes in. I do hope a new shipment comes in tommorrow, and he gets one. He so deserves it. I think all of you deserve a little holiday windfall. Here's hoping you get one.

Thank You Friends and Readers.......Hugs to You All

Hi there all you wonderful people! I have always loved Snoopy and his friends! Somehow a dog picture seems appropriate with everything going on right now. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. I know they worked. There's the blessings I have gained:

1. My mother is much better. I'm taking her to the doctor today.
2. My Balto is hanging in there and not suffering. He goes back to the doctor today.
3. My laptop was replaced yesterday, and while I am behind at work, I WILL catch up.
4. For the first time since I cannot remember, I actually slept through the night.
5. I am experiencing some tremendous success at work even though I worked through my vacation (which I ended up not taking).
6. Last but not least, I had all of you here bolstering me up. I thank you for all of your wonderful offers; I did read all of your emails. And I thank you for all of your offered support. I am sorry not to have visited your blogs. I can't wait to catch up! Hope things have been going well for you.

More blessings too. Remember Walt the runner? He is going to run in the Junior Olympics for Cross Country! And he interviewed to be a camp counselor along with multitudes of other kids and earned as coveted spot in his first choice of date and location. He is some kid.

Remember Miss Belle - the ballet dancer? She is dancing in a televised parade for a Children's Hospital and begins her performances in the Nutcracker!

Thank you all again. AND TGIF!!!!!!!!!

From Walt

Dear Ms. [WFW],

I want to thank you for the Ephiphone Thunderbird IV bass guitar and the Rogue amplifier you got me for my birthday. At least I think it was you that did it. I didn't fall off the turnip truck. My dad told me that I wouldn't be getting a guitar because it was too expensive. I figure you heard me talking about my birthday in class and what I wanted. That is so cool Ms. XXX. I think you must do pretty well at your corporate job so I kinda put two and two together and think you are responsible. I sure do apreciate it. You shouldnt have done it. I've been playing it even though I don't know how. It's like the greatest present I've even gotten. Thanks again. I appreciate it.

Sincerely
Walt xxxx

Happy Birthday Walt!

Today is Walt's birthday. I can barely sleep thinking of his reaction to his bass guitar, new case (on backorder), his amp and other stuff. Even though I won't be giving it to him - I am still excited. I won't see him until later. Poor guy doesn't get back from his camp interview until the afternoon. His parents are picking him up from the camp bus and immediately transporting him to practice with a running club he has joined. Remember his running? Well, he is running "State" next weekend. He is one heckuva guy and really deserves the special day headed his way.

I've been "blogged"

A few days ago, I was contacted by "The Diva Marketing Blog." We exchanged emails back and forth, and as a consequence, I had an email today entitled "you've been blogged!" I went to visit here. There was MY BLOG! Someone talking about MY BLOG. I was so excited. I felt famous!

By the way, thank you to my friend, David, for teaching me how to add links!

At the risk of sounding as though I am an emotional seesaw, I had a fantastic day in addition to the above recognition. Walt called me this afternoon rather panicked. He is off to an interview this weekend to be a Camp Counselor. Long story short, he needed another personal reference other than mine regarding his leadership skills. The teacher who promised him one left for the day without giving it to him. I calmed him a bit, gave him some advice, and he emailed me that he was able to gather his wits and asked another teacher. He's off to camp hopefully to be chosen! (I'll keep you posted.) By the way, Sunday is Walt's birthday. I had my attorney privately arrange for his parents to receive an electric bass guitar, amp, etc. to give to him for his birthday. The instructions were that these presents had to come from them along with lessons funded. I happened to overhear his birthday "wish" before class along with the comment that his parents would not be able to afford it. The windfall is handy for this kind of situation. Just like the gold coins the other night. By the way, I happened to be in the grocery store in the produce section and overheard some mothers talking about the gold coins. I stiffened....the mother said her kids were too young to remember which house gave out the bags! That's exactly what I was hoping would happen! I wish I could see Walt's eyes when he gets that guitar. I hope he'll be happy.

The Measure of a Man

Two days I have posted about my special guy, Walt. (I haven't figured out to put links in here yet or I would provide them.) Anyhow, he is a very dedicated Cross Country runner; and yesterday, he was running in the Regional Meet. He invited me to come watch him, and so I decided to go. He had called me and told me he had been sick with a weird virus that gave him awful headaches and nausea. It crossed my mind more than once that he would not run. The meet was more than an hour away, but I decided make the trip anyway as it was a beautiful afternoon. When I arrived, I saw him almost immediately. I asked him how he was feeling and he said, "Not so good, but I'm running anyway." I felt pretty apprehensive.

Have you ever tried to follow a cross country meet? Where on earth do you stand? I wanted to see the start, so I got a little ways down the course. He got a really good start, and then I just followed the crowd zipping across to another trail. By the time, the crowd had moved about 400 yards, the first runners were heading that way. I saw Walt in the top 20 or so. People clapped and screamed for their guys so I figured that was how it was done. I yelled really loud for Walt. (I hoped I hadn't scared him.)

The spectators took off again with me running behind them, and we arrived at the next spot as the leaders came running. I saw Walt running around 30th but still in the race. I repeated my encouraging yells. At this point, other spectators did not move and I realized that the course was such that they would run once more around then get on the track and run to the "shoot" aka finish line. I was standing near his team when I overheard some of the parents and runners talking about Walt being sick and running. I started biting my nails.

Finally, I saw him on the track heading round the bend. I was yelling as was his team. I heard his breath in sobs as he caught another runner coming in 32nd place. Turns out he was three seconds off his personal record. Turns out number 33 stole his 32 card so he will end up 33rd. Turns out his friends all gathered around him hugging him as he finally broke down. Someone was handing him something for the headache and water. I was overcome with his stamina, his courage and his will to triumph over adversity. I thanked God I was there to see it. Walt. The measure of a man. Even at 14.

Story Behind The Ring and Junior Achievement

I received many inquiries about my former post, "The Ring." You should all know that I am not given to writing poetry even though I do love reading it! I seem to have been inspired lately. Not sure if this trend will continue. I digress. One of values instilled in me at any early age was community service. I've tried to think back on just how I got this value, and I have to say, I don't really know. I just knew and know now how important it is to give back. An opportunity presented itself for me to "teach Junior Achievement" and amazingly enough - at my old high school. It was interesting and thrilling to go back and wander the halls as a "corporate professional." I felt such incredible deja vu standing in front of a class where I had been an economics student. I was not really sure how I or the lessons would be received. I needn't have worried; the kids were incredibly responsive.

Inevitably, you develop attachments to children/teens that are special. In one instance, a special boy has attached himself to me. He is a mature, thoughtful, intelligent, sweet kid. It turns out that he, Walt, had desperately "loved" a girl, Martie. Apparently, this unrequited love had been the object of his affection for several years. Finally, she appeared to be reciprocating his feelings. She does not have a very happy homelife - suffers from depression, feelings of self-loathing, etc. At any rate, the two of them had been to the movies and mall in groups. Somehow they ended up in a jewelry store with the two of them looking at rings. Walt, in his typically generous way, bought a ring for Martie that she absolutely loved. She wore it every day, and his pride in seeing it on her hand was huge. Without warning, she split from Walt and began "going out with" a friend in Walt's group. It was a crushing blow. Martie could not seem to understand why her actions would hurt Walt so. (Unbelievable) The final blow for Walt was when she actually gave the ring to Walt's best friend (also her friend). Walt's best friend, Jay, gave the ring to HIS girlfriend, Melanie. (I won't even go there on how a best friend could do this.) Melanie was overjoyed with the ring - wearing it every day. You can just imagine how poor Walt felt. In a strange turn of events, Melanie, new to the school, became very attached to Walt. She would teasingly say to Jay that if she had met Walt first, she would have tried to be with him. Jay, sensing Melanie's attraction to Walt, broke up with her. Interestingly, Melanie continued to wear the ring. She told Walt that she liked him, and he (the honorable friend and gentleman that he is) said that he could not hurt his best friend by going out with her. They let some time go by, and Walt and Melanie were finally free to be together. Walt is very in love now as is Melanie. And Martie, she has tried in vain to get Walt's attention. But he's over her. He found the girl who truly appreciates him. Kenju was right - it is truly karma in action. So that's the story behind the ring.