How far did this scene seep into my brain cells? Far enough that after all these years I still laugh over their discussion some mornings when I put on my shoes.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
No . . . REALLY
My first memory of hearing about chiropractors was sometime in the mid to late 60's. My Dad had back issues that were aggravated by the repetitive actions of pulling and re-positioning boards on a conveyor belt in the mill where he worked. Since I was still smallish, whenever his back was giving him problems he asked me to "walk" on his back. I don't know if he experienced an especially bad injury or if he made an appointment with a chiropractor on a recommendation from a doctor or friend. I do remember that he found relief and would talk about it to anyone who would listen.
My second memory, came from a branch of the family on my mother's side. They went through, what I like to call, their "chiropractor period". I have no idea how many years it lasted, but I'll never forget how they swore by their doctor for everything--even sore throats. And that's when I placed chiropractors in the column of things I approach with cynicism.
Then daughter Fran began to have severe debilitating migraines during her years at OSU. Friends brought her home out of concern a few times. We'd take her to urgent care, where the doctor would inject her with something that would knock her out for at least 12 hours. It worked, but she hated losing all that time. Then she began seeing a pediatric chiropractor in Philomath. She told Fran that the headaches were coming from muscle tension at the base of her skull. As long as she was seeing a chiropractor a few times a month, the migraines would stay away. Sure beat the heck out of the drugs.
After Fran graduated from college, her life came to a stand still. She went through 4 years of hellish undiagnosed abdominal pain. It took a year, but eventually, I was able to talk her into going to a local chiropractor who I had heard amazing things about from people I trusted. We're still not sure if her recovery is all due to him, or if she was helped by the injection from the 5th pain doctor she visited around the same time. I think it's a combination of the two.
Naturally, when I hurt my back last week, Fran asked, "you're going to go see Dr. Freeman, aren't you?" Ah! An excuse to meet this man I've heard so much about! How could I resist? I have never recovered so quickly. And let's just say, I'm no longer cynical about chiropractors. Particularly this one.
My second memory, came from a branch of the family on my mother's side. They went through, what I like to call, their "chiropractor period". I have no idea how many years it lasted, but I'll never forget how they swore by their doctor for everything--even sore throats. And that's when I placed chiropractors in the column of things I approach with cynicism.Then daughter Fran began to have severe debilitating migraines during her years at OSU. Friends brought her home out of concern a few times. We'd take her to urgent care, where the doctor would inject her with something that would knock her out for at least 12 hours. It worked, but she hated losing all that time. Then she began seeing a pediatric chiropractor in Philomath. She told Fran that the headaches were coming from muscle tension at the base of her skull. As long as she was seeing a chiropractor a few times a month, the migraines would stay away. Sure beat the heck out of the drugs.
After Fran graduated from college, her life came to a stand still. She went through 4 years of hellish undiagnosed abdominal pain. It took a year, but eventually, I was able to talk her into going to a local chiropractor who I had heard amazing things about from people I trusted. We're still not sure if her recovery is all due to him, or if she was helped by the injection from the 5th pain doctor she visited around the same time. I think it's a combination of the two.
Naturally, when I hurt my back last week, Fran asked, "you're going to go see Dr. Freeman, aren't you?" Ah! An excuse to meet this man I've heard so much about! How could I resist? I have never recovered so quickly. And let's just say, I'm no longer cynical about chiropractors. Particularly this one.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Tone-ism
This summer will mark my fourth year with hearing aides. What's my favorite part of this? I'll be eligible for a new set. Yahoo! Very exciting in my book. Maybe I'm overly optimistic, but I'm hoping for even better amplification and sound quality. The technology continues to improve. Plus with a few years of wearing experience, I have a better idea of what to ask for next time around.
It's not all warm fuzzy news. Though my hearing aides have been an incredible help, they're not full-proof. There are still situations I have problems with--crowds being the main one. But even in a crowd there are some people's voices I can hear and understand. It has to do with their tone, speed of speech and enunciation. And of course proximity helps, too.
I''m ashamed to admit this, but I avoid conversations with people whose voices are difficult for me to hear. There are only so many times I can say, "I beg your pardon?", "I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you" or "could you say that again?". And I'm sure the person I have trouble hearing wonders what that expression on my face is. I haven't seen the expression, but I'm guessing it's a blank look as I will the sounds that came from your mouth to go reassemble themselves into sentences in my brain.
So, you see, it's not because I don't like you or that I don't enjoy your company. As a matter of fact, I'm not always aware that I'm doing the avoiding. But it's all about the hearing. Huh, I guess it's true-- I'm guilty of tone-ism.
It's not all warm fuzzy news. Though my hearing aides have been an incredible help, they're not full-proof. There are still situations I have problems with--crowds being the main one. But even in a crowd there are some people's voices I can hear and understand. It has to do with their tone, speed of speech and enunciation. And of course proximity helps, too.I''m ashamed to admit this, but I avoid conversations with people whose voices are difficult for me to hear. There are only so many times I can say, "I beg your pardon?", "I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you" or "could you say that again?". And I'm sure the person I have trouble hearing wonders what that expression on my face is. I haven't seen the expression, but I'm guessing it's a blank look as I will the sounds that came from your mouth to go reassemble themselves into sentences in my brain.
So, you see, it's not because I don't like you or that I don't enjoy your company. As a matter of fact, I'm not always aware that I'm doing the avoiding. But it's all about the hearing. Huh, I guess it's true-- I'm guilty of tone-ism.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
My Science Roots
I'd have to do more digging, but I believe it was in 1995 when I began to do weekly, science mini-lessons with the kindergartners. It was a challenge presented to me by my principal (Cathy Mink) and teacher (Tracey Martin).
"What's something you could do to enrich the kindergartners' experience and provide personal growth for yourself?" Or something similar to that.
What happened first--the purchase of the pictured children's science books or the idea? Who knows. What I do know for sure, is that I've accumulated and refined my library of science books and supplies in the last 17 years.
A few of the other kindergarten aides (who have come and gone over the years) were interested in hopping on the "science wagon" with their students and others weren't, but those I've collaborated with have helped me with the fine tuning. Particularly the aide, Kim, I partner with now.
Our focus is on activities that can be prepped ahead of time, completed in 30 minutes, and are appropriate for 5-6 year olds. We try to coordinate with what's being taught in the classroom or the seasons. Our teachers appreciate us taking this on, so they don't dictate what we do each week. Though, including science journals at the end of all activities (unless we watch a video) began at the request of a KG teacher 15 or so years back.
My current teacher has been talking about retiring, which has caused me to reflect and remember that the teacher who takes over next may not even be interested. And that's okay. It's been fun and educational. How else would I ever have learned about cow magnets? :>)
"What's something you could do to enrich the kindergartners' experience and provide personal growth for yourself?" Or something similar to that.
What happened first--the purchase of the pictured children's science books or the idea? Who knows. What I do know for sure, is that I've accumulated and refined my library of science books and supplies in the last 17 years.A few of the other kindergarten aides (who have come and gone over the years) were interested in hopping on the "science wagon" with their students and others weren't, but those I've collaborated with have helped me with the fine tuning. Particularly the aide, Kim, I partner with now.
Our focus is on activities that can be prepped ahead of time, completed in 30 minutes, and are appropriate for 5-6 year olds. We try to coordinate with what's being taught in the classroom or the seasons. Our teachers appreciate us taking this on, so they don't dictate what we do each week. Though, including science journals at the end of all activities (unless we watch a video) began at the request of a KG teacher 15 or so years back.
My current teacher has been talking about retiring, which has caused me to reflect and remember that the teacher who takes over next may not even be interested. And that's okay. It's been fun and educational. How else would I ever have learned about cow magnets? :>)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Carolyn Hax--Crap Tsunami
"Crap tsunami, well said. It offers an answer, too: What can you do except scramble to the safest possible
place and wait it out?
Since sewage isn’t actually lapping at your foundation (at least, not yet!), you can get a little more creative in the way you define “safest possible place.” I can’t say this enough: Strip your life of everything that either doesn’t matter or can wait for later. Spare from the ax one or two activities that have a renewing effect on you, and make them your refuge. Spend your remaining energy on giving and receiving love from those whose time is running out.
Also, take faultless care of yourself, based on the holistic trinity of sleep, exercise and healthy diet.
For your emotional state during this time, I offer two of the most enduringly useful pieces of advice I’ve gotten from people during my worst times:
1. Find a steeple to chase — i.e., use a fixed point in the distance as the thing that keeps you from losing yourself and keeps you moving toward a goal. It can just be, “Take great care of my mom,” or, “Stay close to my spouse/partner/best friend,” or, “Make it to my annual beach week.”
2. Know that everything external eventually passes. That includes bad times, good times, bulls, bears and every one of us.
In other words, steady yourself, then trust and live by the laws of change."~Carolyn Hax
Since sewage isn’t actually lapping at your foundation (at least, not yet!), you can get a little more creative in the way you define “safest possible place.” I can’t say this enough: Strip your life of everything that either doesn’t matter or can wait for later. Spare from the ax one or two activities that have a renewing effect on you, and make them your refuge. Spend your remaining energy on giving and receiving love from those whose time is running out.
Also, take faultless care of yourself, based on the holistic trinity of sleep, exercise and healthy diet.
For your emotional state during this time, I offer two of the most enduringly useful pieces of advice I’ve gotten from people during my worst times:
1. Find a steeple to chase — i.e., use a fixed point in the distance as the thing that keeps you from losing yourself and keeps you moving toward a goal. It can just be, “Take great care of my mom,” or, “Stay close to my spouse/partner/best friend,” or, “Make it to my annual beach week.”
2. Know that everything external eventually passes. That includes bad times, good times, bulls, bears and every one of us.
In other words, steady yourself, then trust and live by the laws of change."~Carolyn Hax
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
They Say the Oregon Rain . . .
I won't go into the historic details of the story of this favorite song from my teen years. Other folks have already covered it (very well) here and here and here.
Often (on a rainy day) in the Spring and Autumn I'm transported back to the time spent cruising around with my buds in crime, with 62 KGW AM blaring on the car radio. We all thought we harmonized beautifully and nailed those high notes in the lonely and emotional refrain. (Like one of the chroniclers in the links above, I do wonder why a movie was never made. Great material for an indie!)
Often (on a rainy day) in the Spring and Autumn I'm transported back to the time spent cruising around with my buds in crime, with 62 KGW AM blaring on the car radio. We all thought we harmonized beautifully and nailed those high notes in the lonely and emotional refrain. (Like one of the chroniclers in the links above, I do wonder why a movie was never made. Great material for an indie!)
They say the Oregon rain will get you down,
But I hunger for the freshness of its sound
The wind, the sun, the things that I have known before,
Now seem like faded ghosts, like shadows on the floor
I live in Oregon, Oregon's my home ...
I love the trees, the hills, the places I have roamed ...
I long to be there, I long to be there with my own kind!
Let me roam endless hours on my own ...
Take me home, back to where green trees grow ...
I feel so lonely and forgotten in this place ...
I'm losing hope, my mind is troubled by disgrace ...
I live in Oregon, Oregon's my home ...
I love the trees, the hills, the places I have roamed ...
I long to be there, I long to be there with my own kind!
I've painted pictures on the blank walls of my cell ...
I've walked through countless dreams no mortal words can tell
I feel how lonely and forgotten I could be ...
My heart is crying out to those who hold the key ...
I live in Oregon, Oregon's my home ...
I love the trees, the hills, the places I have roamed ...
I long to be there, I long to be there with my own kind!
I long to be there, I long to be there with my own kind!
{refrain} I can't go home ...
~"Blackhawk County" 1974 Monmouth
Friday, February 3, 2012
Why do you ask?
Someone at work today, who rarely shows any interest in my private life, began asking question after question. My spidey senses were activated and I felt like I was their assignment.Why did this send an alert to my brain? I had a high school acquaintance who would regularly "interview" me (I thought she was chatting me up and yes, I spilled my guts). Later I'd discover that she had traded my information like currency all over the school. As a result, I'm a fairly private person depending on the share level of our relationship.
Maybe it makes me an odd duck, but I learned long ago that we go to work to do our best and earn a living--not to make life long friends. If I spent my time being social, I'd never keep my focus or get anything done. I'm either in drive or neutral.
So now, unfortunately, I'm on alert and waiting for a shoe to drop. Oh how I hate that feeling . . .
Friday, January 20, 2012
Salemites and Twitter
"How high's the water, papa?"
The last time the creeks and rivers spilled over their banks in Salem (1996), folks in our neighborhood were out and about walking and talking--especially to the police officer keeping watch near the group of houses threatening to slide down beside Heath St. I remember run-off from the hillside above our house rushing through our front and back yards. I happened to walk outside in time to rescue a neighbor's small Koi, who had been displaced by the moving water.
Once again, the waters are rising and once again we watch as they rise into and up to the edge of area homes, while N's and my only problem is trying to figure out where the detours are to get to our destinations.
In 1996, Twitter and my electronic connection to local Salemites didn't exist. Except for observing what was happening to our neighbors, I didn't have that knowledge of what local individuals were going through and how others were helping.
Twitter has changed that. This time around I'm watching and reading how people are reaching out to those who are knee deep in the water--and (more importantly) who is knee deep. This new method of receiving information is both anxiety producing and heart warming.
Now that I'm sitting here typing this, I can see the clean, efficient beauty of social media in a situation like this. Connecting people, illuminating needs with the ability to instantly respond.
Genius.
The last time the creeks and rivers spilled over their banks in Salem (1996), folks in our neighborhood were out and about walking and talking--especially to the police officer keeping watch near the group of houses threatening to slide down beside Heath St. I remember run-off from the hillside above our house rushing through our front and back yards. I happened to walk outside in time to rescue a neighbor's small Koi, who had been displaced by the moving water.
| Click photo for link to Statesman Journal |
In 1996, Twitter and my electronic connection to local Salemites didn't exist. Except for observing what was happening to our neighbors, I didn't have that knowledge of what local individuals were going through and how others were helping.
Twitter has changed that. This time around I'm watching and reading how people are reaching out to those who are knee deep in the water--and (more importantly) who is knee deep. This new method of receiving information is both anxiety producing and heart warming.
Now that I'm sitting here typing this, I can see the clean, efficient beauty of social media in a situation like this. Connecting people, illuminating needs with the ability to instantly respond.
Genius.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Spinning my wheels over Personal Responsibility
I spend a fair amount of time thinking about how to instill personal responsibility into children. Particularly children who have daily challenges (whether it be due to poverty or an unstable home life). Partly after watching my own children grow and partly due to watching kindergartners over the past twenty-some years. I have neither the education nor the research to make a sweeping statement about whether children have changed drastically over the past 50 years. Though there is no denying that our world has changed. Let me be clear, I don't believe in the "good old days". Change is change, some good and some bad.
But this issue of personal responsibility keeps my brain going. Are children born with this knowledge/instinct? Is it environmental? Or perhaps a mixture of both (like so many things)? Most importantly (and what drives my thoughts) can it be taught?
There is so much crap going on in the lives of some children, it seems to me perhaps if there was some way to put their future in their own hands it might give them some hope, drive, ambition. Or maybe I'm a crazy idealist.
Let's see if I can put my "shower epiphany" into words that make sense to others.
Before it all began, a well thought out plan would be imperative. It wouldn't work with a seat of the pants attitude. (I believe you must invest in an idea or don't bother) A video presentation for students would be created--a creative, visual map to show them the plan, the pitfalls and the rewards. (Shown yearly?)
*wish I had a clue how to keep their funds from being misused by others.
There is so much crap going on in the lives of some children, it seems to me perhaps if there was some way to put their future in their own hands it might give them some hope, drive, ambition. Or maybe I'm a crazy idealist.
Let's see if I can put my "shower epiphany" into words that make sense to others.
Before it all began, a well thought out plan would be imperative. It wouldn't work with a seat of the pants attitude. (I believe you must invest in an idea or don't bother) A video presentation for students would be created--a creative, visual map to show them the plan, the pitfalls and the rewards. (Shown yearly?)
- Each child would be given a yearly account accessible via a debit card. (Starting at 4th or 5th grade?)
- They would meet up with a personal "budget counselor" 4 times a year. (what do you need vs. want)
- Bonuses would be given for a variety of things: exceptional work, gpa, volunteering, tutoring, frugality
*wish I had a clue how to keep their funds from being misused by others.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Resolute in my resolutions
I'm sorry I googled that subject line.
Horrible feeling to know so few thoughts are original. ;>)
Resolutions have had zero appeal or inspiration for me over the past 10+ years. No particular reason. Maybe my brain has been stuck in one gear? Or I've been treading water waiting for a change in the current?
Who knows.
What I do know, is that I'm ready to put my plan out there.
#1 Stick to my current exercise schedule
#2 Don't turn my back or make excuses when an opportunity for a walk arises
#3 Eat more fruits and vegetables
#4 Slow down when eating
#5 and Push that plate away instead of refilling it
Huh, I sense a theme . . .
Horrible feeling to know so few thoughts are original. ;>)
Resolutions have had zero appeal or inspiration for me over the past 10+ years. No particular reason. Maybe my brain has been stuck in one gear? Or I've been treading water waiting for a change in the current?
Who knows.
What I do know, is that I'm ready to put my plan out there.
#1 Stick to my current exercise schedule
#2 Don't turn my back or make excuses when an opportunity for a walk arises
#3 Eat more fruits and vegetables
#4 Slow down when eating
#5 and Push that plate away instead of refilling it
Huh, I sense a theme . . .
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Can this be true?
I just finished a well written, appealing story by a first time novel writer--The Cradle. I enjoyed the characters. The tale never felt contrived--as a matter of fact one part seemed to have been written by someone who had to have experience in the subject matter.
But I have a beef. The same beef I had with a recent (but short lived) TV series called, Life Interrupted. A main character gives up an infant for adoption and the infant goes from one unstable situation to another with their life beginning in an orphanage/home and ending in a string of unfortunate foster homes.
Is it really possible for an infant to end up unadopted in the U.S.? I remember so many newspaper stories, over the years, of the sad circumstances of an abandoned infant and the ensuing throng requesting to adopt the child.
Were these anomalies? I can't believe that's true.
But I have a beef. The same beef I had with a recent (but short lived) TV series called, Life Interrupted. A main character gives up an infant for adoption and the infant goes from one unstable situation to another with their life beginning in an orphanage/home and ending in a string of unfortunate foster homes.
Is it really possible for an infant to end up unadopted in the U.S.? I remember so many newspaper stories, over the years, of the sad circumstances of an abandoned infant and the ensuing throng requesting to adopt the child.
Were these anomalies? I can't believe that's true.
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