Believe in yourself right from the start

From The Wiz... so very many years ago...

Dorothy
If you believe
Within your heart
You'll know that no one can change
The path that you must go
Believe what you feel
And know you're right because
The time will come around
When you'll say it's yours

Believe there's a reason to be
Believe you can make time stand still
And know from the moment you try
If you believe
I know you will
Believe in yourself right from the start
You'll have brains
You'll have a heart
You'll have courage
To last your whole life through
If you believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself
As I believe in you

If you believe
Within your heart
You'll know that no one can change
The path that you must go
Believe what you feel
And know you're right because
The time will come around
When you'll say it's yours

Believe that you can go home
Believe you can float on air
Then click your heels three times
If you believe
Then you'll be there
That's why I want you to
Believe in yourself
Right from the start
Believe in the magic
Right there in your heart
Go ahead believe all these things
Not because I told you to
But believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself
Just believe in yourself
As I believe in you

50 New Things- The second 10 plus one...

In keeping with new adventures, I have started the process of registering my foreign birth with the Irish Consulate. This is the first step to becoming an Irish citizen and obtaining my Irish passport. I have a number of documents to compile and get notarized,  and the Chicago consulate warned it could take a year to process, so it is good I got an early start. It is also pretty expensive- $318 dollars to process the paperwork.

I had my very first video interview- it was my third interview and I didn't get the job, but it was an interesting leap into the new century technology.

In the first 10, I tried oysters for the fist time, but they were sauteed and had a lovely sauce on them- so I tried them on the half-shell this time round. They are really nice. 

And in BIG NEWS!!! I will, for the first time ever, have a sister-in law. Granted, I didn't have to do anything, but it is still cool news. Hoping for an Italy wedding- have not been there yet.

The Irish Nursing and Midwifery board processed my application and sent me  my nursing registration paperwork, so I can work in Ireland if the opportunity presents itself, which is exciting.

I interviewed at DebRA Ireland (via Skype)- the position would have me traveling in both the North and South- what an amazing opportunity.

I have also looked at job opportunities in the Middle East. It could help me catch up on savings but it is a whole different way of life.

Just in case- I have started lessons in Arabic- it really is just as hard as I imagined. It is not only a different alphabet, but the reading right to left is totally confusing to me.

In going to the 2015 Mud Summer Classic, I managed to do 3 new things all in one night. I got to see EXCELLENT dirt track racing at Tony Stewart's track just north of Rossburg, Ohio. It was also my first NASCAR truck race, and it was the first racing event I was able to share with my daughter. Chris Bell was a first time winner and we all had a really great time.

Only 29 more new things to fit in before 50. Ready, set, go...

It's a surprise...

I am flying to North Carolina this weekend to attend a surprise party- My friend is turning 60 and her husband and two sons are making it a night to remember.

Her friends are coming from near and far to be a part of the festivities, and between the band, the beach theme, old friends and good food, I am sure it will be a night to remember.

Of course, even though I am writing this on Friday, I am scheduling this post for Saturday after the party starts, just in case she visits here before the big "SURPRISE".

Update: she was surprised and we had a wonderful time!

The Emergency Room

After reading Chanel White's story, To the woman in the er waiting room who told me I was Lucky
I got to thinking about my mom.

Back in 1997, I got a call at work. My mom had been run over by a car... Well that is not exactly accurate. While mom was crossing East Tremont Avenue at Miles, a car making a left turn hit her, knocking her to the ground, and the car rolled onto her chest and came to a stop when the driver, a man in his 80s, panicked.

THANK GOD, a large group of men from the neighborhood raced out of Sebastian's, the pub on the corner, and lifted the car before it crushed her. Carl, who knew Mom, raced to our house to get Dad, and the Fire department and the Throggs Neck Volunteer Ambulance was on the scene in moments. It took a bit to get her out, collared and longboarded. She was then transported to Jacobi, the closest trauma center.

I do not have words enough to thank everyone who was there that day. 

My boss put me in a cab and I arrived at the ER just as mom was arriving. I went back with her to the trauma area and she was assessed for life threatening injuries.

She didn't have any.

My mom was run over by a car and miraculously had only minor injuries. The docs could not believe it and ordered an X-ray series.

I helped clean up her scraped legs after removing her shredded stockings.

She grew irritated that she had to wait so long for x-rays (the doctors were sure she had to have more than a cracked rib and a wrist fracture).

I remember explaining that you never want to be the one getting all the attention in an ER- that meant you were the worst off in the place.

After the wrist fracture and rib fractures were confirmed as the only injuries,  I went out to the waiting area and updated the family- the relief was palpable.

Mom was admitted overnight (again the docs could not believe the minimal impact of the accident) after several hours and was discharged after a couple of days. She had to have significant therapy for her wrist but was otherwise okay.

You never want to be the patient seen first in an ER. You want to be the patient they can wait to see. Ms. White, I wish you well.

16 Years

Sixteen years ago this evening, you entered the world and my heart. We said goodbye two days later and the adventure of your new life with your amazing family began.

My heart was heavy even though the choice was right for all of us.

To see all you have become, all you will do to better the world fills my heart with pride. Your parents have raised a wonderful man.

Happy Birthday, my first son. You are in my thoughts today.

With love always...

50 New Things- The first 10 down...

Go big or go home- I did 45 new things for 45, so now I need to do 50 new things in time for my 50th birthday, Which means I needed to get a move on if I am going to finish by March 2017. These are the first 10.

I started in January of 2015 with a Polar Plunge to raise EB awareness. It was cold, like you cannot imagine.

For the first time ever, I attended the DebRA International Research Meeting, held from May 2-6th at the Château Élan in  Braselton Georgia. There, I got to meet many of the eminent scientists working in EB treatments and cures, some of whom I have been corresponding with for over eight years. I am hoping some of the unique approaches they are investigating turn out to be good therapies for my patients.

After talking to Jimmy from DebRA Ireland, I promised I would apply for the nurse job in Dublin. I have never applied for a job in another country- even when working in Guatemala, I was a US government employee. I am not sure I am qualified as I am not an Irish citizen and have no visa to work there, but wouldn't it be fun if I am called to interview. Imagine a job interview in Ireland?

On May 7th, I was able for the first time to take part in "Butterfly Kisses for Ellie", an EB fundraiser in Atlanta. I said a few words about the wonderful people both supporting EB research and those working towards treatments and a cure. It is great reconnecting with old friends, but the best part is meeting new families. I love meeting the people I have worked with via phone and e-mail.

On the 8th, I traveled through South Carolina for the first time- stopping for lunch at Chick-fil-A- LOVE Chick-fil-A...

I continued to North Carolina, another new state for me, where I would be spending the next couple of days with my friend, the Ryans.

My first stop was the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where I paired up with Jim, a Vietnam Vet, and we spent the day exploring. I even took the checkered flag in my simulated NASCAR race (SO MUCH FUN!) Jim won in our second round (Jeff Gordon wrecked me and I finished next to last in race 2). They even have a pit crew simulation. Loved it, but 52 seconds is just not going to cut it in the big leagues. It was a wonderful day!

Saturday morning, I was able to attend "Jogging for Jonah", an EB fundraiser in Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC, featuring a 5K, a Fun Run and a car show. There were raffles, a bounce house, and inflatable slide and great food. Everyone had a great time. I met new EB families, spent time deciding on my dream car- the Purple People Eater is an early favorite, and enjoyed a wonderful day.

Dinner that night gave me the chance to try oysters for the first time. They were really wonderful. All the food was wonderful, the night was full of laughter and joy and fun. A great evening.

My next adventure was driving through West Virginia. Of course I have driven through WV in the past going from Ohio to New York, but it was like 10 minutes and didn't really count. Going through on Mother's day I was up and down mountains, round sharp curves and have to say- we live in a beautiful country. I stopped for lunch and admired the view- spectacular. (That leaves me at 17 states to go.

Life is just full of adventure. Only 40 new things to go!

There is no place like home..

After a long stay away, caring for a sick loved one, I miss my kids. That goes without saying. But besides missing my children- who have worked really hard to make things work while I am away, I have been surprised each day by the things I miss about being home. 

I love my house, the place I call home. Eight years on, it is not perfect, but it is perfectly me… And I miss it.

I miss my cozy bed and soft sheets and dark walls that help me sleep. I miss my quiet street with low traffic volume.

I miss my cats. Especially the cuddles in my lap.

I miss my giant recycle bin on wheels.

I miss my pull-out nozzle that I use to rinse the dishes. I miss my super deep granite double sink. And my dishwasher. I really miss the "sanitize" function on my dishwasher.

I miss my glass top stove, and how easy it is to clean. I miss my professional grade pots. And my ice maker- I really miss my ice maker. I actually bought Ice today.

I miss my beautiful bathroom that is perfect and beautiful.

I miss my DVR full of all the shows I love and my library full of books.

I miss my teapot and stock of Irish tea.

I miss a first floor with no steps up or down.

I miss having the thermostat at a temp that is just right for me.

I  miss my recliner where I can read as I sip a hot cup.

I miss home.