LOSER - Capital L

So, I could not do the 3 day fruit flush. I was miserable by the 2nd day. I had a terrible headache, low energy, and was the a total B@#ch. I had to end it! I did lose 3 pounds but I know it is all water weight. I am calling myself a Loser - what a wus I am.

I am just trying to eat good and I am going to start dragging my big fat behind out of bed earlier to walk the dogs. Walking Great Danes can be quite a work out. Kara also promised to go to yoga with me! Yea!!! I love yoga!!

3 Day Fruit Flush

Mmmmm....doesn't that sound yummy? - not!

Today, I am starting a 3 day fruit flush. It is said that you can lose 9 lbs in 3 days. So I want to try it. It also is a good detox. Gianni and I went in together and bought Alli to try and aid or weight loss. The only problem is the so called "treatment effects". These are things like oily, uncontrollable stool - sounds scary doesn't it! So, we decided we would cleanse the fat out 1st to try and decrease the "treatment effects". I plan to keep things posted on my blog so that it, 1 - makes me a little accountable and, 2 - it keeps my faithful readers up to date on what is going on in my life. Here is the link to the 3 day fruit flush if anyone is interested. http://www.wbaltv.com/health/10281092/detail.html

Thanksgiving was really good. Bash and I went to my mother's in Palm Springs. They put on a really good show and after the show we had a big Thanksgiving dinner. It was really good. It was also really good to see my Mom and Buddy. I want to go back soon!

Update on Bash's adoption: I was interviewed on the 20th for the "Permanent Caregiver Conference" This is something that should have been done about 8 months ago but was somehow overlooked. The purpose of the conference is to determine if I am the appropriate person to permanently care for Bash. They loved me and the pics I sent of Bash and how well he is doing here. So, I passed with flying colors. Then a few days later I attended (via phone) Bash's hearing. The judge is very cool and everybody praised how much Bash has changed and what a great thing it was that I was opening my home up to him. His attorney even stated that they wish they had more relatives willing to step up and and care for more children. I just don't see how it could have worked out any other way. I do not understand families that will loose their children to the "system" when they have the means to help. Having Bash come in as a part of my immediate family was the only way it could have worked out. I have the means to take care of him and there is no way I could have lived with myself knowing that he was out there somewhere and still not connected to this family. It has been so great to have him here - I feel so honored to be able to watch him grow into the awesome man I know he will become. I told the judge all of this and asked the court to speed up the process. She would like to have the adoption completed by the end of the year. So, we will see how that goes - I will not hold my breath though.

My niece is still in the foster care system - that just kills me. I still have not heard a thing from child welfare. I did find the lawyers name and have made contact so that they know I am here and available. I wish I could arrange a visit, but that is hard to do when you can not even get a call back. I have heard from my Mom that my sister is doing good! Way To GO!!! I am hoping that the worst has been put behind us and that she will take some positive steps forward. Hopefully, she will be able to get my niece back soon! I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Update on my new job: It has been very good. I like all of the other Clinical Supervisors and my manager is super cool. We do think a lot alike. The hospital isn't set to open until late January. So, for now I am working M-F 8 hrs a day. We are developing Policies and Procedures, Educational material, and interviewing employees.

Update on Haitian Adoption: I think I am going back to VN for my 1st adoption. I would still love to do Haiti as well, but the amount of financial information you have to provide is a little scary and there have been issues with identity fraud as well. I am not making a move till after Xmas. By then I will know for sure.

Other Things: I got accepted to GRAD School!!!!! YEA!!!! I will start in March in class 60 at the Frontier School Of Midwifery. I am really excited! It will be good to get back in school!

The dogs are enjoying the new dog door. It has been so nice to be able to close that back door. There is less dirt in the house and my gas bill is much lower than last year.

The tiling is going good. I had to put a hold on the project to await more funds. Now that I have gotten my 1st paycheck I will be able to start again soon. What has been done looks really great. I have painted the three rooms downstairs:
Office - Spiced Pumpkin
TV Room - Red Stone
Living Area and 2nd floor hall - Flower Wood
All paint is BEHR - I love that paint.
I'll post pics when I get it all done

My New Job ANd Other Things

Hi All!
I know everyone has been waiting on pins and needles waiting to hear how the new job is going. It is going great! We just found out that the opening of the hospital has been delayed another month. So, right now Iam working on getting the unit together. Going through policies and procedures, developing work schedules, and getting education files together - those types of things. My manager is great - we really click. The other Clinical Supervisors are good too. The other day Clinical Supervisor and myself are going to write a proposal for a S.A.N.E. program for our new hospital. Currently, there is only one place in town, UMC, where adult sexual assult victims go for thier exams. We would like to start a program at Centennial Hills Hospital - as well.

Last night I went to the March Of Dimes Nurse Of The Year Awards. I was a nominee but did not win. There were a few scattered people from my old job there. In fact, the person who took my badge, phone, and keys was there. No one spoke to me - thank god. I sat at Centennial Hills's table right next to the CEO. It was good to go and smooze the administrators from my new place of employment. It was a good night but I would have liked to been cozied down in my jammies with my big dogs.

I spoke with my mother the other day and learned that my sister is getting worse. It almost seems inevitable that I will get my niece. Although, I have not heard from anyone from Oregon DHS. I did find out who Vivian's attorney was and I am going to email him every couple of weeks for updates. I just wanted them to know that I was here and available for placement of Vivian if they are looking for something on a more permanent basis. The problem is is that I need to hold off on doing anything regarding international adoption. My house is small and I do not want to adopt another child and then my niece is available but I woulld be unable to take her because my house is not big enough. So, again on hold!

We had a very large dog door installed into the wall in the kitchen. It is 38" tall. WOW -big door but hopefully it will help the dust issue in the house. Before the door I had just been leaving the back sliding door open. The dogs are getting use to it. When I decide to sell the house I can have the door removes and the holes patched.

EXHAUSTED

This weekend has been one of endless work. Yesterday, I worked on the floors. I didn't finish grouting until 9pm. Tiling is hard work. I hate lugging around the heavy tile. I did, however, get to spend the morning in the park with Bash. It has been a great weekend in Vegas - The weather is awesome!! It was 70 and sunny - great park weather. I brought Bash's bike - he can ride it so fast. Soon it will be time to trash the training wheels. I called him Super Fly as he zipped back and forth across the play yard.

Today, I did get to enjoy some time at the park. It was not as nice of a day but close. We did not stay as long. Why? Well, because I had to go do time at the Laundromat! I know I mentioned that my washer was dead. Apparently, it will not drain. It fills with water and then that is it - none of the other cycles work. I was unaware that there were clothes floating in the water for who knows how long. So, not only did I have to be tortured with the Laundromat I also had to fish out a small load of clothes that had been floating for days. YUK!!!! I did 7 loads of laundry in a very crowded Laundromat and spent 20.00. WOW, it is expensive! After the laundry nightmare I then went to Target and shopped. I am now sitting here dreading having to go out to the car to get the clean clothes and put them away - I hate doing laundry.

Halloween And Other Stuff

I know it's been awhile but I have been busy busy busy! Since I have not had to work in 8 weeks I have become Mom Taxi and Master errand runner. I have also torn up the bamboo flooring in the family room, office, and weird living area and am replacing it with ceramic tile. It looks great but what a mess. I am so tired of tiling (yes, I do my own tile - even own my own wet saw!). I was hoping to have it all done before my new job started - not happening. On top of the tile I am also painting and adding tall baseboards. It's like a total re-do and a huge job! When it is done I will post pics. I have to have it all done before the last week of November. I have my quarterly home visit from the the social worker. I am sure if she just popped in now she would not be to happy with the way the house looks.

Halloween was tons of fun! I watched scary ghost stories all day, worked on the house, carved pumpkins, and decorated the front. Bash was a very cute Scooby Doo!!!! Skylar and her boyfriend, Eric, took Bash out trick-o-treating. Bash got tons of candy! We had quite a few trick-o-treater's - I love to watch scary movies and pass out candy on Halloween. Much more fun then costume parties. Dante also came by - he had to come for the Witch's Brew. Witch's Brew is a drink I have made every Halloween since the kids were babies. It is a tradition and it is a secret recipe. My daughter bugs me every year to give her the recipe - nope! No can do! Not until she is ready to carry on the tradition in her own home. I also serve donuts with the Witch's Brew. The donuts are to give the kids something to eat while I check candy. I always buy the same Hostess donuts - the ones with the plain, powdered, and chocolate donuts.

Bash-a-dooby-doo

Dante And Bash

Me and Dante - I was a witch. Like my hat?

Skylar And Eric

My Front Yard - ready to scare little children!

Other things going on:

- My washer is broken. So, I have put in a request for a new washer and dryer. I would like the red (yes, red!) front load kind. But for now - I am off to the Laundromat - I hate going to the Laundromat!

- I had to take my TB test for my new job 3 times. Mainly because I had a blond moment and left for Disneyland before I got the first one read. I then had to get the 2 step and ended up having an allergic reaction to the 3rd test.

- I had a complete melt down on the phone with the Oregon SW on Bash's adoption case. Apparently, somethings needed to be done last year that never got done and once they are done it might be another 6 months before things are final. Although, after my meltdown the SW pulled some strings and we think we might be able to get the whole process completed in 3 months. We shall see - I won't hold my breath!

- I did find out the name of the attorney representing my niece. Just so happens that he had no idea that I had my foster license and had told my niece's SW that I would be available if a permanent living situation was needed for my niece.

- I start my new job on Monday - a week of orientation - yuk!!!! But I am excited to get in there and start. I will be assisting in opening a new hospital. That means that I will have some input on how the unit will be set up and our standards. I like that a lot!!! I actually have enjoyed just being Mom at home. I have never had a chance to be a stay at home Mom - it has been very nice.

- Once I get my office put back together I will be starting the paperwork for my Haitian adoption - I am very excited about it! I also want to go and volunteer in a clinic in Haiti for a week. My friends, Gianni and Kara, are also interested. It would be fun if we could all go together.

That is about it - I guess. More later!!!!!

The Adoption Of SuperFish

Today, Bash became the adoptive father of SuperFish. He had to go before the "Judge" to take an oath, sign and have all of the "official" papers stamped. There was then an adoption party that happened. It was all really quite exciting!

Some of you may be wondering why the big deal about getting a fish? Well, this was something that we (meaning myself, the play therapist, the day treatment coordinator, and the SW) came up with to help aid Bash and the other kids in his class understand the concept of adoption. SuperFish had come to his class needing a new home. SuperFish was a resident of his class for a few weeks, where the kids learned how to care for him and all about him searching for a new family. Bash had volunteered to be his dad and then after a week the adoption happened. It was really an awesome exercise. For all of you in the process of adoption or have recently adopted preschool to school age children - this might be something you want to try. It has really helped Bash understand the process.

Bash Taking Adoption Oath

Bash Reviewing The Official Adoption Paperwork

Bash Signing The Adoption Paperwork While SuperFish Looks On.

Disney Pics - Hope You Enjoy!

Bash - Ready To Take On Disneyland

Disneyland - Halloween Style

Timmie, Bash, and Gianni at Cinderella's Castle

Bash's 1st Disneyland Ride

Loving The Merry-Go-Round

Taking Mr Toad's Car For A Wild Ride

Waiting For Minnie Mouse In Her House

Not Another Dumbo Ride !!

Our Mission: To Find Nemo On The Submarine Ride

Mission Accomplished - Nemo Found!

Bash and Goofy

Having Breakfast With Minnie And Friends

Bash Talking Politics With Cinderella's Fairy Godmother

Bash with Chip - Or Is It Dale?

Bash and Eeyore

Bash And Captain Hook

Bash + Disneyland = 1 excited boy

Defending The Planet And Helping Out Buzz Lightyear

Buzz Saying Thank You To Bash For All Of His Hard Work Defending The Planet From The Evil Aliens

Lightening McQueen, Bash, And Mater

"McQueen, I Got Your Windows Clean! Now Go Win The Race!!"

"Awww Minnie, Don't Cry I will Be Back Really Soon."

" Wow, 2 Days At Disneyland And I am Beat!"

A Trip Through The Wild Fires To Get Back Home

Can you believe the wild fires in So.Cali? I pretty much grew up in So. Cali and have seen plenty of California fires, but nothing like this. I am sending as much positive energy I can muster to all of the people displaced from their homes. The smoke and flames did not stop our trek to the "Happiest Place On Earth". That is right - Bash had his 1st (of many, I am sure) trip to Disneyland. I haven't been there in probably about 10 years - it was fun. The air was hateful though - smoke everywhere and ash in the air. Even the risk of Black Lung could not keep us from the Wonderful World of Disney! Bash had an awesome time! He was not afraid of anything. We rode every ride he was tall enough for - more than once. I have 5 rolls of film being developed as we speak - so I will post all kinds of really cute pics soon. He was so excited - it was really great to be able to share it with him.

The 1st part of our trip was spent in the Bay Area. We drove up in our new truck (oh yeah - did I tell you I bought a new truck? 2004 Navigator. It is sweet!!!) We drove up to get Gianni and visit her daughter Sophia. It was fun! Bash is such a good traveler. On our way from S.F. to Disneyland we drove right through Santa Clarita - it was kind of scary with all the smoke and the flames on the hillside. We were suppose to end our trip with a quick visit to my Mom in Palm Springs, but with the fires and Willow possibly sick - we just high tailed it home.

On the adoption front: No news on my niece. I have not heard from anyone from family services regarding her status. My sister seems to cycle in and out of being able to function. My wish is that she gets well soon and she and my niece will be able to be together again. I wish I would get some news one way or another. Bash's adoption stuff should be done sometime in early December - If all goes well. I am not sure if I should keep my foster care license active. A little info would be great! So, I am continuing with my plans to adopt a sibling for Bash. I have just kind of put everything on hold. But I can not keep my life on hold forever with no news. I have also decided that I may change my country from Vietnam to Haiti. The need in Haiti is so great. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. There are hundreds of thousands of orphans. I have been doing research into Haiti and it is rich in history and culture. It is also completely devastated. There is no food or uncontaminated water. Children are dying by the thousands. There is actually a recipe for Dirt Cakes - because of the lack of flour or grain parents are mixing the little bit of oil and salt they may have with dirt in order to feed their children. I just have a hard time believing that this is occurring 600 miles from our Florida coast. So, I am back at square one with researching adoption agencies. Los Ninos does not have a Haitian program (this is too bad because I have really liked all of my dealings with them so far).

I have found a few places that have short 1 week volunteer opportunities. They are in desperate need for medical help. I may try and get myself, Gianni, and Kara to go and help out. A week will be easy to schedule. Most volunteer sponsors want you to commit to months or even a year. There is no way I can swing that with kids, dogs, and bills. I have started reading about Haitian history - it is amazing. It is tied in so tightly to our own US history.

Pics from Goldfield, NV. Haunted Pic Of The Goldfield Hotel

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A Very Happy Puppy - pics

How Could You Not Love This Face?

My Big Baby, Radar, With A Great Big Smile

Radar Laughing Up A Storm

AWWWW Such A Sweet Baby

Pictures - Shiloh Horse Rescue - Sandy Valley, NV

Cute Piggies greeting us upon our arrival

Gianni and her friend

Sklyar, Bash, Myself, And Natalie trying to figure out why "Taco" the mule is sticking his tongue out at us

Bash and Myself petting "Tannis" Jill Curtis's Horse

Bash and Mr Goat checking each other out

Skylar, Natalie, And I feeding carrots to a horse at Shiloh Horse Rescue

Bash and I at Shiloh Horse Rescue in Sandy Valley, NV. Notice Bash and the Mule have their tongue's sticking out.