I have decided that I am taking this blog on a new turn - it is a new year and a new decade has begun so, it is time for change. In this vein, I plan on turning my blog into a strictly consumer blog- I will be reviewing everything- restaurants, cafes, stores, and products. The time has come to "specialize" this blog so, this blog will be a review of everything I can come in touch with and either complain and/or rave about.
Stay tuned for some great new postings and enjoy!
Showing posts with label personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Choices
Despite my previous posts on keeping in touch with an ex, technology made it near impossible for me to avoid finally facing the music especially with one particular ex-boyfriend and we met for coffee. It's fine- my husband knew about it and was okay with it but I wonder whether I did the right thing - after all, it is always more fun to wonder and fantasize about what may have happened to someone rather than facing reality.
With this particular ex-bf, it was a toughie. We met while I was still in high school and we were both young and of course, I was not ready for anything too serious freshman year in college so I was the one who called it off. He was upset back then but it was a choice I made- I wanted to see other people, finish undergrad, and possibly go on to post-graduate school. The last thing on my mind was marriage - after all, I had just gotten my freedom, was attending college, living on my own, and saw an entire world out there for me. Of course, I was also planning to join the military and was going to travel a bit too. It also did not help that his dad was against our union and his family in general, was weird. In any case, it was a decision- a choice I made back then. Like any choice though you wonder if you made the right one. Now, as we both have families of our own, it is easy to look back and say "it was all for the best and was the right choice." But, for many years, I always wondered what happened to him and his family and if he ever got over what happened. I did not even expect a response back from him when I discovered him on linked in. However, after meeting him and catching up, it was great to finally put the missing pieces of the puzzle together and looking at the puzzle from up here, it all looked right, but did it?
As I contemplate my previous blogs on the topic and question whether it is a good idea to keep in touch with an ex, I still think it is not good to be fast friends or keep in touch regularly with an ex, but I think it is a good idea to reconnect even if it is 17 years later (which it was in my case), because it can help put the past to rest and the fantasy behind you- it helps you understand why things happened and perhaps help gain some closure. For me, this was exactly the case because I felt horrible about how things were left between us. In any case, game over! Now, 17 years later, with the life I have had and the life I know I want, the choices we make at the time, while we cannot make sense of them at the time, are clearly the right choices that help shape our futures. More importantly, the choices we make shape who we are and who we become.
With this particular ex-bf, it was a toughie. We met while I was still in high school and we were both young and of course, I was not ready for anything too serious freshman year in college so I was the one who called it off. He was upset back then but it was a choice I made- I wanted to see other people, finish undergrad, and possibly go on to post-graduate school. The last thing on my mind was marriage - after all, I had just gotten my freedom, was attending college, living on my own, and saw an entire world out there for me. Of course, I was also planning to join the military and was going to travel a bit too. It also did not help that his dad was against our union and his family in general, was weird. In any case, it was a decision- a choice I made back then. Like any choice though you wonder if you made the right one. Now, as we both have families of our own, it is easy to look back and say "it was all for the best and was the right choice." But, for many years, I always wondered what happened to him and his family and if he ever got over what happened. I did not even expect a response back from him when I discovered him on linked in. However, after meeting him and catching up, it was great to finally put the missing pieces of the puzzle together and looking at the puzzle from up here, it all looked right, but did it?
As I contemplate my previous blogs on the topic and question whether it is a good idea to keep in touch with an ex, I still think it is not good to be fast friends or keep in touch regularly with an ex, but I think it is a good idea to reconnect even if it is 17 years later (which it was in my case), because it can help put the past to rest and the fantasy behind you- it helps you understand why things happened and perhaps help gain some closure. For me, this was exactly the case because I felt horrible about how things were left between us. In any case, game over! Now, 17 years later, with the life I have had and the life I know I want, the choices we make at the time, while we cannot make sense of them at the time, are clearly the right choices that help shape our futures. More importantly, the choices we make shape who we are and who we become.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
My "Alleged" Family Medical History
For the last few years, since I have had planned and had a family of my own, I have really been interested in my family medical history. I used to fill out those questionnaires and wonder to myself as I wrote down "N/A - no report" what my family history truly was. You see, I am a first generation American born to parents who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1960s, so I know very little about the medical history of my immediate family other than what I am told which has been up to this point- very little to nothing.
Moreover, each time I told something about how someone died or what happened to this uncle or grandma, I am told something different each time. Things that certainly make you go "hmmmm...." In any case, I try to remain vigilant and persistent. When I made a trip to the Motherland last year, I was asking all the questions I could. I also ask my in-laws so I can help figure out what we all up against. As you know, family medical history plays a significant role in genetic disorders, medical conditions and health in general. Sure, a large part of your health is your diet, exercise, and how you take care of yourself BUT, it would be nice to know what risk factors we are all up against.
As I try to trace what happened to my family in the Motherland, I discover lots of disturbing "allegations" - my grandmother died young (either pneumonia or brain disorder), my grandparents on my maternal side passed away (was it diabetes or natural causes), my uncle who died young (brain tumor or aneurysm), siblings of my mother and father who died before my mom and dad were even born (no idea what happened). I try to piece together a genetic medical history puzzle of sorts and it has a lot of holes in it! I continue to wonder why people do not know really know what happened to certain people or why they cannot explain anything- was medical care really that poor back in the day or could people not accurately diagnose so all of us left behind just have to live with the explanation of, "she just went nuts." What?
Anyway, as I continue to piece together the answers to that ever popular question, "Do you have a medical history of this in your family?" I hope I can at least provide some answers to my children so they, in turn, can fill out a proper family medical history instead of the perpetual "?? I have no earthly idea" as an answer.
Moreover, each time I told something about how someone died or what happened to this uncle or grandma, I am told something different each time. Things that certainly make you go "hmmmm...." In any case, I try to remain vigilant and persistent. When I made a trip to the Motherland last year, I was asking all the questions I could. I also ask my in-laws so I can help figure out what we all up against. As you know, family medical history plays a significant role in genetic disorders, medical conditions and health in general. Sure, a large part of your health is your diet, exercise, and how you take care of yourself BUT, it would be nice to know what risk factors we are all up against.
As I try to trace what happened to my family in the Motherland, I discover lots of disturbing "allegations" - my grandmother died young (either pneumonia or brain disorder), my grandparents on my maternal side passed away (was it diabetes or natural causes), my uncle who died young (brain tumor or aneurysm), siblings of my mother and father who died before my mom and dad were even born (no idea what happened). I try to piece together a genetic medical history puzzle of sorts and it has a lot of holes in it! I continue to wonder why people do not know really know what happened to certain people or why they cannot explain anything- was medical care really that poor back in the day or could people not accurately diagnose so all of us left behind just have to live with the explanation of, "she just went nuts." What?
Anyway, as I continue to piece together the answers to that ever popular question, "Do you have a medical history of this in your family?" I hope I can at least provide some answers to my children so they, in turn, can fill out a proper family medical history instead of the perpetual "?? I have no earthly idea" as an answer.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Reassessing my wishlist on this Blog
I just looked at my wish list on this Blog - let's see how we're doing shall we? I think it is time to delete and regroup and then add some more to the list.
Sleep - yeah, right - that can stay on the list cause it ain't happening.
Decent Nursing Bra- CHECK! Got it- right before I started work I knew I needed a more supportive one and one that would hide those embarrassing moments. So, yes, done and done!
Bathroom Door Construction - CHECK! Believe it or not, yes, this one is off the list because I got it done. During our basement finishing, this was also taken care of which is quite exciting.
Spa Day - CHECK! My husband treated me to an overnight at the Omni Interlocken and it was marvelous and spectacular. I loved it and cannot wait to do it again sometime.
Snow Blower- Duh-- how did that even make the list. Let my hubbie shovel away right?
So I will be editing my lists soon and adding some more- I think these are a must in light of recently assessing my personal needs and my family life:
Sleep will remain on the list along with spa days at least now and again.
I think I need a date alone with hubbie at least once a month. We have not had that in quite some time. Even if we curl up on the couch with some tea or ice cream after the girls are asleep and watch a movie, this is a must!
I need to add black basic coach purse to use for my military weekends on the list.
And of course, new fall clothes especially business attire. My current wardrobe is fitting snug and falls short of being professional at times.
I think once I edit the list, it will be more in line of recent events. Reassessing the wish list is a must and helps me prioritize what is important and needed as well.
Sleep - yeah, right - that can stay on the list cause it ain't happening.
Decent Nursing Bra- CHECK! Got it- right before I started work I knew I needed a more supportive one and one that would hide those embarrassing moments. So, yes, done and done!
Bathroom Door Construction - CHECK! Believe it or not, yes, this one is off the list because I got it done. During our basement finishing, this was also taken care of which is quite exciting.
Spa Day - CHECK! My husband treated me to an overnight at the Omni Interlocken and it was marvelous and spectacular. I loved it and cannot wait to do it again sometime.
Snow Blower- Duh-- how did that even make the list. Let my hubbie shovel away right?
So I will be editing my lists soon and adding some more- I think these are a must in light of recently assessing my personal needs and my family life:
Sleep will remain on the list along with spa days at least now and again.
I think I need a date alone with hubbie at least once a month. We have not had that in quite some time. Even if we curl up on the couch with some tea or ice cream after the girls are asleep and watch a movie, this is a must!
I need to add black basic coach purse to use for my military weekends on the list.
And of course, new fall clothes especially business attire. My current wardrobe is fitting snug and falls short of being professional at times.
I think once I edit the list, it will be more in line of recent events. Reassessing the wish list is a must and helps me prioritize what is important and needed as well.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
My Top Ten List - here's 5 more
As promised, I would finish my top ten list with 5 more things I am greatful for. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot more but I think these round out the list. If you look at the September listings, I listed five there. Here are some more:
Six, I am very thankful that I am married to such a wonderful man. I know, I know, no one is perfect. I am not and neither is he and our relationship is certainly not perfect but he is such a good husband and a great father. It is through my daughter's eyes that I get to see the side of him I never knew. He loves our daughter more than anything and I know he does the right thing when it comes to our family. So, I am thankful for him – no comparisons, I am truly lucky to be with a partner like him in this life.
Seven, as my husband reminded me yesterday when we talked, if you don’t have your health, you really do not have anything and it made me realize how fortunate I was despite a root canal recently, and minor things going on, we all have our health including my daughter who is growing cuter daily.
Eight, in these tough economic times, and what is going on in the world, it is truly a blessing to have shelter, food, and nothing to really worry about. Sure, everything can change in an instant, but I am greatful that we have enough to carry us through if we need to go without for a little while. Fortunately both of us have upbringings to get through tough times as well if we need to. There are those who have nothing so I am very happy with where I am in life and what we have. I really could not ask for more right now in the way of wealth- I feel like the top 7 I have listed already have me covered.
Nine, there is nothing like feeling the first kicks and rolls in your belly from your unborn child. I wish a man could experience these feelings and these motions. As a woman, I am thankful that I get to experience pregnancy - with all that it brings. I am truly blessed to be pregnant with our second child who is kicking, elbowing, and squirming around inside me. There is no greater joy than to spend time with your child no matter how old but it is truly something else to feel that child developing inside of you and responding to what you drink, what you say, what you feel, and react to the world outside the womb.
Ten, I recently took over my own office as head of a legal office on an Air Force base- as part of a Wing. What a great feeling! Not the power, not the title, but the fact that someone entrusted me and saw my leadership potential to permit to progress in this manner. It is quite the feeling of responsibility, trust, and respect and I feel blessed to have this new position. It is a lot of work, and it means sacrificing for your people, and working hard to ensure your office stays the best – that it communicates well, that it functions well, and that we stay within our budgetary means. It is a lot but I feel so blessed to have this opportunity.
Six, I am very thankful that I am married to such a wonderful man. I know, I know, no one is perfect. I am not and neither is he and our relationship is certainly not perfect but he is such a good husband and a great father. It is through my daughter's eyes that I get to see the side of him I never knew. He loves our daughter more than anything and I know he does the right thing when it comes to our family. So, I am thankful for him – no comparisons, I am truly lucky to be with a partner like him in this life.
Seven, as my husband reminded me yesterday when we talked, if you don’t have your health, you really do not have anything and it made me realize how fortunate I was despite a root canal recently, and minor things going on, we all have our health including my daughter who is growing cuter daily.
Eight, in these tough economic times, and what is going on in the world, it is truly a blessing to have shelter, food, and nothing to really worry about. Sure, everything can change in an instant, but I am greatful that we have enough to carry us through if we need to go without for a little while. Fortunately both of us have upbringings to get through tough times as well if we need to. There are those who have nothing so I am very happy with where I am in life and what we have. I really could not ask for more right now in the way of wealth- I feel like the top 7 I have listed already have me covered.
Nine, there is nothing like feeling the first kicks and rolls in your belly from your unborn child. I wish a man could experience these feelings and these motions. As a woman, I am thankful that I get to experience pregnancy - with all that it brings. I am truly blessed to be pregnant with our second child who is kicking, elbowing, and squirming around inside me. There is no greater joy than to spend time with your child no matter how old but it is truly something else to feel that child developing inside of you and responding to what you drink, what you say, what you feel, and react to the world outside the womb.
Ten, I recently took over my own office as head of a legal office on an Air Force base- as part of a Wing. What a great feeling! Not the power, not the title, but the fact that someone entrusted me and saw my leadership potential to permit to progress in this manner. It is quite the feeling of responsibility, trust, and respect and I feel blessed to have this new position. It is a lot of work, and it means sacrificing for your people, and working hard to ensure your office stays the best – that it communicates well, that it functions well, and that we stay within our budgetary means. It is a lot but I feel so blessed to have this opportunity.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
My top ten list
I recently decided to make a top-ten list of the things that I am not just grateful for, but the things I truly love in my life whether I express how much I appreciate them or not. In truth, I have a lot to be thankful for and so I have decided to keep lists when I can. Here, I have listed five of them.... in another blog, I will reveal the other five.
One, I love love love cuddling and snuggling with my 15-month old daughter who occasionally may pull my hair and it hurts and while that is annoying, I LOVE the time I have with her and I know I will look back on this time and miss it and remember it fondly.
Two, I love the laughs I can share with my husband- over just about anything - a joke, a funny, something mundane like daily life routine, or a funny noise made. I love that we can look at each other and just laugh and three years later, can get each other ... finally!
Three, I love it when my daughter says another word... from "more" to "mama" to "no", every day is an adventure and I eagerly await the next one.
Four, I am thankful to have a job where I am appreciated, needed, and liked - I truly enjoy working with the colleagues who are also my friends. I feel like I were to leave this job, people would truly miss me and that makes me feel - well, special.
Jobs come and go, but the people truly define the environment.
Five, I am thankful that I am able to wake up and fall asleep in the most beautiful state I have lived in thus far - I do not think people take time to truly see the surroundings and appreciate what beauty there is in the mountains, in the sunshine for over 300 days a year, and the glorious clean air they breathe in even on hot and muggy days. Lately, I have decided to stare at the mountains more, to take in the air and really breathe it, and to watch as the fall colors blend in with the Colorado landscape.
Gratitude is a wonderful thing... stay tuned for more....
One, I love love love cuddling and snuggling with my 15-month old daughter who occasionally may pull my hair and it hurts and while that is annoying, I LOVE the time I have with her and I know I will look back on this time and miss it and remember it fondly.
Two, I love the laughs I can share with my husband- over just about anything - a joke, a funny, something mundane like daily life routine, or a funny noise made. I love that we can look at each other and just laugh and three years later, can get each other ... finally!
Three, I love it when my daughter says another word... from "more" to "mama" to "no", every day is an adventure and I eagerly await the next one.
Four, I am thankful to have a job where I am appreciated, needed, and liked - I truly enjoy working with the colleagues who are also my friends. I feel like I were to leave this job, people would truly miss me and that makes me feel - well, special.
Jobs come and go, but the people truly define the environment.
Five, I am thankful that I am able to wake up and fall asleep in the most beautiful state I have lived in thus far - I do not think people take time to truly see the surroundings and appreciate what beauty there is in the mountains, in the sunshine for over 300 days a year, and the glorious clean air they breathe in even on hot and muggy days. Lately, I have decided to stare at the mountains more, to take in the air and really breathe it, and to watch as the fall colors blend in with the Colorado landscape.
Gratitude is a wonderful thing... stay tuned for more....
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Clueless? Why?
I started writing a "column" when I first moved to Colorado as a pseudo-journal to record my thoughts on being a single woman in her 30s moving from country to country, state to state with the U.S. military. Of course, being an attorney did not help either because this all intimidated a man and after 27, I realized how much more difficult it was to meet a man. As I began to record my thoughts, feelings, and dating experiences, I realized that I was completely clueless. Despite my level of education, and all of my experiences, it seemed there was always something new waiting around the corner for me. And just when I thought I knew it all, I began a new phase of my life - being engaged and committed to one man. That was not a destination but rather continues to be a journey and a whole new set of challenges emerged. Just when I thought I had enough excitement, my work life got even more exciting and challenging at the same time - through all of the challenges that this assignment would bring, I realized that I became a stronger person. I tell the students I teach that we learn more from negative experiences and bad bosses than from the good ones. I had no idea how true this was.
So, the goal of this blog is to let the reader decide - does life really begin at 30? It did for me. Several new chapters that is. I still claim to be clueless because I learn so much daily. But it never seems to prepare me for what is around the corner. How you look at it is up to you: Glass half empty or half full... it is all up to you! For me, I just know that life since I moved to Colorado has been a daily challenge, and yet more exciting than ever! Read on....
So, the goal of this blog is to let the reader decide - does life really begin at 30? It did for me. Several new chapters that is. I still claim to be clueless because I learn so much daily. But it never seems to prepare me for what is around the corner. How you look at it is up to you: Glass half empty or half full... it is all up to you! For me, I just know that life since I moved to Colorado has been a daily challenge, and yet more exciting than ever! Read on....
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