Salt of the Earth

Last night we went to The Wailers concert at the zoo. (as in BOB MARLEY and The Wailers-minus Bob.) It was incredible. I have loved Bob Marley for more years than I can remember. I never in my lifetime thought I’d see his songs preformed so true to his style in a voice that was identical to his. It was incredible. A couple weeks ago Mick told me The Wailers were going to be playing at the zoo- which is one of our favorite things to do during the summer. It didn’t register at first who The Wailers were until he said it several times. I’ve been counting down the days for this concert and it was so worth it. The boys and I packed up all the picnic stuff, chairs, blankets, usual sumer zoo concert stuff. Even though we had to wait in line we still ended up getting a great spot luckily-because tickets were sold out within the hour. We met Mick at the gate with his ticket about an hour before the concert then I made sandwiches and we settled in to watch the band. An opening band started- they were good (but it was like that fake chocolate you get at Easter. You eat it- but you know full well that there are MUCH better things in the basket-like REAL chocolate but you just can’t wait.) Then The Wailers started- I missed the first few minutes cause I was in the bathroom- but came out just as it truly started. The boys and I ran down to the ‘dance’ area in front of the stage and pushed our way to the center. Music started and I immediately recognized the song- Natural Mystic. My all time favorite Bob Marley song. I could NOT believe it. It is not a very common Marley song and not well known like some of his others. It was so awesome to be in front watching The Wailers on stage and hearing this song live. Everyone was dancing and several people singing a long. When my favorite part of the song came up I was completely over come with emotion. It was one of those moments that is so hard to explain unless you experience it. I looked around and noticed a few other Marley die hards had been brought to tears as well so i didn’t feel quiet so silly. Like I said, I can’t really explain this feeling- but it was amazing. After the song the boys wanted to go back to our seats cause it was pretty cramped. Graham and I danced for pretty much the rest of the concert. It was truly amazing. Something I will never, ever forget.

My senior quote:

Things are not the way they used to be,
I wont tell no lie;
One and all have to face reality now.
though Ive tried to find the answer to all the questions they ask.
though I know its impossible to go livin through the past -

T

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Tonight my dad’s friend from work was in town for a meeting. I met him at his hotel and took him to dinner and gave him a brief tour of beautiful Portland. I have corresponded with him via email for the past year or so-he sends me jokes and prior to my dad getting his computer, messages and pictures from my dad. He’s a nice guy and we had a good time. In many ways he reminded me of my dad. He talked a lot about his friends, riding his Harley, and even came to tears when he talked about losing his friend a year ago. He usually drinks Bud light so i made him try a bunch of Portland beers. he tried them- nuff said.

Graham went to Oakes Park with his friend Nathan tonight. I don’t know if I’ve talked about little Nathan before. He has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He is mostly functional now but it’s a matter of time before he looses muscle function. He’s just the sweetest little boy and he just adores Graham. Graham takes care of him which i find very sweet. Nathan thinks the world of Graham and wants to be just like him. Graham helps him when he falls down and always paired up with him in PE cause he’s very patient with Nathan. It’s one of those things that makes a mom proud. Anyway, Nathan’s mom is extremely talented sewer and makes these ADORABLE bags. She gave me a monkey bag that I am just madly in love with and ended up getting a couple more as gifts. Her company is designed to help educate people about her son’s disorder. The bags I have are not shown on her website- but the monkey pattern is. It SO reminds me of being a kid and having one of those sock monkeys that I think my grandma made me. The inside is lined with textured cloth- which feels like the actual sock monkey. It’s awesome! I’ll try to get a picture- or have her update her website. Until then you can check her out at WWW.ladymdesigns.org.

mick had his yearly physical and he is in great health. I’m so happy.

We went swimming at my friends house today cause the weather was absolutely gorgeous! My boys have completely turned into fish. I am in desperate need of a new bathing suit as the one i own is too big. When I got out of the water the top would sag down and nearly show off my cha chas. Time to finally give in and buy one that fits.

I’m rambling- so I better get in bed
T

We had Thomas’ Court of Honor tonight. At the end everyone joined hands and sang Scout Vespers. This song always makes me cry. It’s just so sweet when the boys sing it to the parents. Good night- the lemon bars that Graham made went first- huge hit. We have cup cakes left over- so if anyone wants one they are on my counter!
T

Softly falls the light of day,
While our campfire fades away.
Silently each Scout should ask
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done and have I dared
Everything to be prepared?

Listen Lord, oh listen Lord,
As I whisper soft and low.
Bless my mom and Bless my dad,
These are things that they should know.
I will keep my honor Bright,
The oath and law will be my guide.
And mom and dad this you should know,
Deep in my heart I love you so.

Mick got home on Friday- yeah!!! I was so happy. Thomas and I stayed up to wait for him-Graham fell asleep in my bed waiting for him. It was so good to see Mick and have him home. Early that day the boys and I went to dinner with Uncle Buddy. As usual we had a blast and I giggled until my tummy hurt. Apparently, my driving scares Uncle Buddy. I don’t know why. When we went to dinner the waiter dropped some bread and a plate on the table across from us. I said “it’s bad luck to have someone serve you bread” and Buddy and I went into hysterics. I think that joke will always be funny. A good dose of Buddy is just what I needed that day.

The boys and I made breakfast for Mick yesterday for Father’s Day. We sent him a gift certificate and he spent several hours redeeming it online. Sweet! We met Uncle Buddy at a sushi restaurant for an early dinner. We had a good time.

My mom is doing better- the pain in her back has been stopped by the pain blocker she got the other day. She knows it won’t last but a few days of relief is welcomed. As for the other part- i just don’t know. She said she doesn’t want to become a burden on anyone-I told her that’s not a decision for her to make. I feel guilty for feeling angry about this-. I feel I should be more compassionate and understanding. And I am. I do wish I could change things- i wish I could take her pain away and make her happy. If I could I would. I swear.

Graham and I made 3 dozen cupcakes and 2 dozen lemon bars last night. Thomas has Court of Honor tonight for Boy Scouts. They have this once every 3 months and everyone brings dessert and badges are awarded and new leaders appointed. This is our first one so it should be exciting. Thomas is excited.

I am completely enjoying summer break. I got the first season of Prison Break from the library. I’ve watched several episodes and so far I’m on the fence. Prison movies bother me- OZ did me in big time.

Off to finish painting my bathroom
T

Last day of school was yesterday- for the boys. The last week has been a total blur of end of the year activities all of them very fun and very celebratory. The highlights:te bag for all my time spent at the boys’ school. My friends and I even got up and sang BBBBBBad to the bone with the principal. (no alcohol involved)
-Thomas’ 5th grade party which was a whole day of absolute fun. The kids had a blast.
-Camping at Beacon Rock with the Boy Scouts (rained the whole time but still fun)
-Field day at the school which consisted of me painting faces all day long (very enjoyable)
-Last day of school which was a huge pizza party and day of pranks by the parents and teachers. (good fun)

I got bad news tonight. I wasn’t going to blog about it but it’s weighing heavy on my mind. My mom has had back problems for most of her adult life which have resulted in several major surgeries and constant pain. Throughout the last few years it’s gotten worse especially the last year. Lately she’s lost almost all ability to use her right leg do to the disc deterioration in her lower back. With all her pain has come a lot of depression. Consequently thoughts of ending her life have accompanied this depression. I spoke with her this morning prior to her doctors appointment and she sounded very depressed and kept mentioning that pain can make you do things you’d never dream of. I knew what she was alluding to and just tried to tell her about all the things she’d leave behind. My step dad called me tonight to tell me that the doc appointment didn’t go so well and that they told her that she’d probably be in a wheel chair within a year. This news is completely devastating to my mom as she is a very active person. I don’t think my mom has the energy to fight this fight anymore and thats basically what Tom (step dad) told me tonight. He said he’s never seen her this way before and he just wanted to give me the heads up and get my opinion on what we should do. I can’t imagine my life without my mom. It would be very sad. I’ve lived away from her since I was 15 but living without her would be so much harder. I wish i could fix this. I wish I could do something to change this. Mick is out of town until tomorrow. I’m going to get into my bed now.
Tina

i keep forgetting to blog about my floral surprise that was waiting for me when I got home last Friday after going out with the ladies. Right before I left Graham came into my room and gave me a HUGE rose from my garden. It was absolutely beautiful. The size was incredible. Gorgeous. Anyway- while I was gone the boys cut roses and arranged them for me in different piles. When I pulled into the drive way i could see all these beautiful roses. Just so sweet.

I started a new weight lifting/strengthening program at the gym this week. I am loving it. It’s pretty concentrated on my lower back. It’s a huge challenge but I am greatly enjoying it. it’s al to strengthen my lower back- tail bone area. Everyday that I am at the gym I am baffled by these girls that come in with full make-up on and their hair all sprayed up. IT’S A GYM!!!! They barely lift weights or exercise let a lone even sweat so I’m not sure why they are there. I know some gyms are meat markets but not this one and certainly NOT at 8 in the morning. Let’s see there are old people and mom’s who have dropped their kids off at school. Now that is just irresistible

Speaking of old people my cousins and I have always called our parents/grandparents the ‘gomers’ much to their dismay. (gomer: slang word for old person) So Wednesday i was in the parking lot at the store to pick up Graham’s cupcakes and I see a spot near the front, put my blinker on and wait for the woman with the stroller to cross in front of me. From out of NO WHERE this gomer pops out and takes my spot. I was like ‘dude- that’s my spot!” He hobbled out of his car and just waved me away. Go figure, i guess it’s karma for me calling my parents the gomers.

We are off to the nickel arcade now- taking G and a couple friends there to celebrate G turning 8. We are going to Changs Mongolian Grill for dinner ( G’s choice) then home for Sundaes. He’s excited.

I’m excited to go to bed tonight. I didn’t sleep well last night and I’ve been dragging all day today. Good Lord- I sound like a gomer!

T