My Twilight Zone Doctor Visit

So, last Friday, I had a 9:30 a.m. doctor's appointment for my yearly physical. You know, the kind where they're supposed to check everything! Your blood pressure, heartbeat, ears, nose, throat, blood work, etc. etc. That once a year physical that your insurance allows and pays 100% (mostly). Anyway, I arrived fifteen minutes early to fill out my paperwork since I was a new patient. That's right, folks. I'd never laid eyes on this practice, never met my new doctor before in my life. You'll want to remember this fact. I chose this doctor from the list approved by my PPO.

My criteria? I wanted a female with years of experience and one who'd graduated from an accredited and respected college. From the looks of her, on paper anyway, I was sure I'd found my perfect match.

After filling out my paperwork, I handed it to the receptionist. She handed me back my medical history and said the doctor would go over it with me during my visit. Fifteen minutes later, I was called into the examing room, where a nurse asked me more questions and said, "the doctor will be in momentarily". Yeah, right. I waited the usual 30-45 minutes before the doctor walked in. She was attractive, seemed to be in reasonably good shape, wore a nice suit and had a great haircut. She smiled and introduced herself. And then I entered the "twilight zone".

I can't tell you exactly how it happened and frankly I'm still baffled everytime I think about it. Within five minutes of entering the exam room, this doctor, begins to spill her guts out to me about a special "friend" that she's got the hots for. I was in shock. I sat there stunned, shaking my head as she goes on, "I'm in love with two men, Victoria, and I don't know what to do. I really like this other guy so much! He's the first person I've ever met who's smarter than I am (not saying much) and I just can't help myself." She goes on. Seriously, she doesn't stop. "Now, don't get me wrong. I have a wonderful husband and we have great sex 5 times a week, but I really can't stop thinking about being with this other guy. I just don't know what to do! What do you think?" I said, "Seriously? Ahhhh. Well, let's see, how to you feel about God?" She looks surprised. "Oh, it's so funny you bring Him up, I've been trying to think of a way to convince Him that it's a good idea." Are you friggin' kidding me?!

I said, "Don't waste your breath, God would never give you permission to have an affair!" She looks stunned. "Why not?" Again, are you FRIGGIN kidding me!? I said, "Because it goes against everything He stands for." She continues, smiling proudly as she does, "I just really like this guy so much, Victoria, but you're probably right, I shouldn't, but I think it's a possibility." Then she laughs. Yes, folks, she laughs. I said, "Look, if you don't stop what you're doing, you might as well book a room at the Hilton." She laughs out loud again and says, "That is so funny. You are funny!" Friends, I wasn't trying to be funny.

After 45 minutes of this (and I've given you the very, short abbreviated version), the nurse phones in the room and tells her she has other patient's waiting. She hurries out the door, tells me it was great to meet me and she hopes we become "great friends" (not likely) and gives my paperwork to the nurse with instructions to draw labs on me. That was it. No physical, no, how are you doing, is there anything you want to talk about, are you concerned about anything going on with your body, nothing!

Oh yeah, did I mention that she copied my cell phone number (she took it from my chart) into her cell phone!? Oh and lest I forget to mention the 87 year old patient she tells me about that wants to "do her". Or that she told me he said "affairs are good for marriages." Well, of course, he told her this, duh, he wants to "do her"! I'll be sending her a bill for $100 bucks. I'd say that's about the going rate for a one hour counseling session.

I never got my physical. And, I'm changing doctors. First thing in the morning.

Lil Pooks is Here!

Last Thursday, October 2, I got the surprise of my life! One of the best I've ever had.......ever! I was tricked to leave my office by my Admin Asst Andrea and when I returned, guess who walked out of my office! Teryn and my Lil Pooks!

A week earlier, Teryn purchased a plane ticket from Nashville, called George, gave him a list of what he needed to pick up (car seat, bathtub and diapers) and the plan was set. My Lil Pooks was on her way, with her Mommy to see Mimi!

I have her with me for 12 days........12 days!! This is the easy part. The hard part will be when I have to put them on a plane next Tuesday. My blog won't be so cheerful then.

But, for today, I'm sitting on the couch watching as my granddaughter watches "Sid the Science Kid". For now, I'm in "Mimi Heaven". :)

My True Love's Name is Jesus

Something dawned on me today. I'm a little slow sometimes. God adores me. He loves me and thinks I'm pretty amazing. As I was sitting here in my kitchen, watching over dinner on the stove, I realized that I write blogs about my family quite a lot. I write about what they're going through or how much they mean to me and how much I love them. Well, I'm a little ashamed to admit, but I've neglected to write about the very One whose blessed me with all that I write about, the good and the bad. He's the One who blessed me with the family and friends that I love so much. He's taught me how to love them, despite our differences. He's so many things to me. These are just a very few of them.

He's my best friend and knew He was all I'd ever need, yet He sent me George.
He's my Redeemer and has forgiven all my sins, yet loves me even though I still sin.
He's my Savior, yet allows me to make mistakes, so that I learn from them.
He's my Everything, yet encourages me to enjoy others.
He's jealous of my time, yet doesn't punish me when I neglect my time with Him.
He's beautiful, yet He thinks I'm breathtaking.
He's perfect, yet loves this woman who's not even close to it.
He's true to His word, yet accepts me even though I haven't always been.
He's sinless, yet He desperately loves this sinner.

It is absolutely mind blowing how much He loves us. Beyond my comprehension.

He's Jesus. He's God. He's the Holy Spirit. And He's mine.

Lil Pooks is 3 Months Old!

Happy 3 Month Old Day, my Lil Pooks! Mimi is so in love with you, she can't even see straight. Thinking about you every day just makes me smile. My life is changing because of you! You're not even 15 lbs yet, but you weigh me down with how much I love you!

I can't wait to see you. And I can't wait to be closer. Slumber parties, shopping days, candy runs, ice cream treats, you name it and I think you'll get it.

What the heck am I going to do when you start talking and asking me for things? Go broke, that's what.

My Trip To Nashville

So, I flew into Nashville on Wednesday to be with Tawni for her graduation ceremony from Nursing School tomorrow night. :)

Well, the journey was a little comical and frustrating. First of all, I decided to surprise the girls and show up 8 hours earlier by trying to make a stand by flight at 7:00 a.m. As I waited in the terminal (and prayed real hard), I heard the announcement! They called my name, I'd been chosen! Excitedly, I approached the ticket counter, the woman (Debbie) asked for my ticket. I said, "What ticket? I bought it online, I don't have a ticket. Just check on your computer, I'm in there." With a little too much excitement in her voice, she said, "No, it says here that you have a paper ticket and they probably mailed it to you. Without it, you can't get on this or any flight." Hmmm.

Then, I remembered. It had come in the mail a month earlier and I placed it in my "special drawer" so I wouldn't forget it.

I called George and he rushed back to the airport (thanks Baby!). He found it just where I told him it'd be, in my "special drawer". But, could I be so lucky to get called to the counter a second time? Please God! With ticket in hand, I went back to the counter. "She" was still there. Smiling, I showed her my ticket. With even more enthusiasm and I could swear I heard a touch of smart ass in her voice, she said, "This flight is pretty full. Doesn't look too good for you." I held back. Hard for me.

Well, Little Miss I'm The Ticket Counter Diva Debbie was wrong. I made the cut and was on the next flight at 8:30, so provided I could make the stand by in Dallas, I would still make it in 6 hours earlier than my original 10:30 pm arrival!

So, I get on the plane and the flight attendant comes over the intercom. "Please make sure all cell phones are off and if you notice that the person next to you is still on their phone, please ask them to turn it off."

Are you friggin kidding me? Was she serious? That's not my job. Then it was time for the demonstrations. You know, how to use a seatbelt (if you don't know how to do this, you shouldn't be flying) and of course, the old dreaded, "in case of a drop in cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will drop. Place it over your nose and breathe slowly. Then, please assist the person next to you."

Oh, I'm so sure. Does she seriously think the person next to me is going to help me if I can't breathe? I just pissed him off by telling him to turn off his cell phone.

Nursing, Divorce and Tawni Bear

My second daughter, Tawni, is 24 years old. And this Friday, August 21, 2009, she will graduate from Nursing School. This moment is about so much more than a nursing diploma. It's about her independence. It's a milestone in her life. Read on to find out why.

I will be traveling to Nashville on Wednesday for this momentous event and I'm so excited. I remember when Tawni and I first started discussing the possibility of her attending nursing school. I immediately encouraged her to move forward. Tawni has such a special gift with people, she is filled with compassion for others and is one of the most generous people I've ever met. She's really special. Noone who ever meets her regrets it. And they never forget her either.

My daughter has become a woman over the past few years. She graduated high school, went on the mission field, lived on her own and then met Thad. They eloped and have been married a little over 3 years now. I'll never forget the night she called to tell me. I knew she'd gotten married before she said anything. After she told me, I told her I had to hang up the phone. I was at my friend, Stephanie's house. I cried. I would have liked to have shared the moment with her. After awhile, I called her back and told her that no matter what, I loved her and I would do my best to support their marriage. And I did.

But, I admit now, the feeling that Tawni had missed out on something else God had for her never completely left me. As a mother, it is very difficult to keep your mouth shut (especially when you're a mother like me).

Yes, Tawni has worked extremely hard this past year to complete nursing school. She's had test after test after test. She's called me several times so stressed that she wanted to give up and quit. I pleaded with her to hang in there. I told her I knew it would be worth it and she was going to make a great nurse. She owed it to her future patients to hang on. She did. She continued to push herself. She did that on her own, it had nothing to do with me. I want to make that clear.

I don't rejoice in what I'm about to tell you. Not completely anyway. Early this year, a week before finals that would make or break her nursing career, Tawni was confronted with some devastating news about her husband. I was there the day she found out. Even I will admit, I was shocked, then sad, and then pissed. I wanted to kill him for hurting my Tawni Bear.

Without saying more than I feel I should, I will tell you that my daughter, Tawni, has filed for divorce from her husband of three years. She has biblical grounds. My heart breaks for what my Tawni Bear has endured this past year. I've watched her struggle the past few months, but she's my hero. She continues to hold her head high and is now preparing to walk across a stage to accept her Nursing Diploma. I think my Bear has realized that she's stronger than she ever thought and that God will never leave her.

I, along with many other friends and family members, will be there on Friday night. We will shed some tears, cheer her on, celebrate with her and hold her tight. I look forward to the new chapter in my daughter's life. And I feel privileged to be a part of it.

As for Thad. He has to not only live with what he's done, but he has to live knowing the best thing he ever had is gone. In my opinion, he never deserved her.

Oh and those finals? I don't know how she did it, but she passed every single one of them. That's my Bear.

Lil Pooks First Visit to the PoPo Station

So last Saturday night, my daughters, Teryn and Tawni, took my granddaughter Salem with them to go shopping at Target. They found her a $300 car seat on sale for $100. Teryn called me from Target and was so excited about this car seat.

Anyway, she was pretty thrilled about the great deal she'd just gotten. That was Saturday night. On Sunday morning, she went to her car to retrieve her great find. She wanted to show it off to Chad. The problem was that it wasn't there. She came in the house and looked around for it, but still, it was nowhere to be found. Tawni and Chad decided to go out and help her look when Tawni noticed her own car seemed suspicious. They came to realize that not only had Teryn's car been broken into, but Tawni and Chad's had been too!

Tawni had new clothes in her car and they, too, were gone! Time to call 911. Teryn called me shaken up and told me what had happened and that the cops were in her driveway taking fingerprints of all three cars.

I calmed her down the best I could and told her to call me back when the cops left. A few minutes later, once again my phone was ringing. Teryn said, "Mommy, are you ready for this? This guy just came up to me in my driveway, with the cops standing nearby, and asked me if everything was ok. He said, and I quote"we look out for our neighbors around here."

Teryn thought that was a nice, neighborly thing to do, until, she noticed something very shiny around his neck. It was a heart. It was a necklace. It was HER necklace! Not only that, this dude was actually wearing her RayBan Sunglasses too! She screamed to the cops that this guy had her things on. They arrested him, put him in the police cruiser and drove him "downtown".

Teryn, Chad, Tawni and even my Lil Pooks had to go down to the PoPo Station and press charges. The guy swears they were gifts from his girlfriend. Either way, he's in the slammer. The girls know that the chances are slim of ever seeing their stuff again. But, what a story we have to tell my granddaughter one day about her first (and I hope last!) visit to the PoPo Station!

Ah, I remember those good old days, when our neighbors just borrowed milk and sugar!