Monday's Magnet

In honor of the continuing below zero temperatures and the pending snow/freezing rain/sleet storm, I chose this magnet for today. It was a gift from Tibbs and Tibbsette. I wonder what the weather is like in Hawaii? I'm betting it's a tad bit better then what we're going to be dealing with between now and Wednesday night. Yikes!

Remembering....

Do you remember what you were doing on this date 2 years ago? I do. I was rocking the infant daughter of a school teacher while I watched the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. It was an especially exciting morning because for the first time in the history of space exploration, an *ordinary* citizen, and a school teacher at that, was going into space. How cool was that? As I watched the television screen, I, along with the entire nation watched a terrible tragedy unfold before our very eyes. Something horrible had gone wrong... and in a matter of minutes seven lives were lost and our nation was changed. I remember holding that little baby girl closer and crying.I spent most of the day watching news coverage of the events. I felt such sympathy and heartbreak for the families of the astronauts on board the Challenger. I felt concern for children who had been watching from classrooms all over the nation. They had witnessed the same thing we all had. Some sat in stunned silence... others were crying. How was this going to impact them? As the day wore on, I waited to hear the words of President Reagan. Finally, in the evening he addressed a grieving nation with the following...."Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning and remembering. Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss.

Nineteen years ago, almost to the day, we lost three astronauts in a terrible accident on the ground. But we've never lost an astronaut in flight; we've never had a tragedy like this. And perhaps we've forgotten the courage it took for the crew of the shuttle. But they, the Challenger Seven, were aware of the dangers, overcame them and did their jobs brilliantly. We mourn seven heroes: Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe. We mourn their loss as a nation together.

To the families of the seven: we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we're thinking about you so very much. Your loved ones were daring and brave, and they had that special grace, that special spirit that says, "Give me a challenge, and I'll meet it with joy." They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths. They wished to serve, and they did. They served all of us. We've grown used to wonders in this century. It's hard to dazzle us. But for 25 years the United States space program has been doing just that. We've grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that we've only just begun. We're still pioneers. They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers.

And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle's takeoff. I know it is hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It's all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It's all part of taking a chance and expanding man's horizons. The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them.

I've always had great faith in and respect for our space program, and what happened today does nothing to diminish it. We don't hide our space program. We don't keep secrets and cover things up. We do it all up front and in public. That's the way freedom is, and we wouldn't change it for a minute. We'll continue our quest in space. There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space. Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue. I want to add that I wish I could talk to every man and woman who works for NASA or who worked on this mission and tell them: ' Your dedication and professionalism have moved an impressed us for decades. And we know of your anguish. We share it.

There's a coincidence today. On this day 390 years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard ship off the coast of Panama. In his lifetime the great frontiers were the oceans, and an historian later said, 'He lived by the sea, died on it, and was buried in it.' Well today we can say of the Challenger crew: Their dedication was, like Drake's, complete.

The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and 'slipped the surly bonds of Earth' to 'touch the face of God.'

Thank you."

Three days later President Reagan once again addressed the nation.

President Ronald Reagan's Speech

Challenger Crew Memorial Service
Johnson Space Center
31 January 1986

We come together today to mourn the loss of seven brave Americans, to share the grief we all feel and, perhaps in that sharing, to find the strength to bear our sorrow and the courage to look for the seeds of hope.

Our nation's loss is first a profound personal loss to the family and the friends and loved ones of our shuttle astronauts. To those they have left behind - the mothers, the fathers, the husbands and wives, brothers, sisters, and yes, especially the children - all of America stands beside you in your time of sorrow.

What we say today is only an inadequate expression of what we carry in our hearts. Words pale in the shadow of grief; they seem insufficient even to measure the brave sacrifice of those you loved and we so admired. Their truest testimony will not be in the words we speak, but in the way they led their lives and in the way they lost those lives - with dedication, honor and an unquenchable desire to explore this mysterious and beautiful universe.

The best we can do is remember our seven astronauts - our Challenger Seven - remember them as they lived, bringing life and love and joy to those who knew them and pride to a nation.

They came from all parts of this great country - from South Carolina to Washington State; Ohio to Mohawk, New York; Hawaii to North Carolina to Concord, New Hampshire. They were so different, yet in their mission, their quest, they held so much in common.

We remember Dick Scobee, the commander who spoke the last words we heard from the space shuttle Challenger. He served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, earning many medals for bravery, and later as a test pilot of advanced aircraft before joining the space program. Danger was a familiar companion to Commander Scobee.

We remember Michael Smith, who earned enough medals as a combat pilot to cover his chest, including the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals - and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, in gratitude from a nation that he fought to keep free.

We remember Judith Resnik, known as J.R. to her friends, always smiling, always eager to make a contribution, finding beauty in the music she played on her piano in her off-hours.

We remember Ellison Onizuka, who, as a child running barefoot through the coffee fields and macadamia groves of Hawaii, dreamed of someday traveling to the Moon. Being an Eagle Scout, he said, had helped him soar to the impressive achievement of his career.

We remember Ronald McNair, who said that he learned perseverance in the cotton fields of South Carolina. His dream was to live aboard the space station, performing experiments and playing his saxophone in the weightlessness of space; Ron, we will miss your saxophone and we will build your space station.

We remember Gregory Jarvis. On that ill-fated flight he was carrying with him a flag of his university in Buffalo, New York - a small token he said, to the people who unlocked his future.

We remember Christa McAuliffe, who captured the imagination of the entire nation, inspiring us with her pluck, her restless spirit of discovery; a teacher, not just to her students, but to an entire people, instilling us all with the excitement of this journey we ride into the future.

We will always remember them, these skilled professionals, scientists and adventurers, these artists and teachers and family men and women, and we will cherish each of their stories - stories of triumph and bravery, stories of true American heroes.

On the day of the disaster, our nation held a vigil by our television sets. In one cruel moment, our exhilaration turned to horror; we waited and watched and tried to make sense of what we had seen. That night, I listened to a call-in program on the radio: people of every age spoke of their sadness and the pride they felt in `our astronauts.' Across America, we are reaching out, holding hands, finding comfort in one another.

The sacrifice of your loved ones has stirred the soul of our nation and, through the pain, our hearts have been opened to a profound truth - the future is not free, the story of all human progress is one of a struggle against all odds. We learned again that this America, which Abraham Lincoln called the last best hope of man on Earth, was built on heroism and noble sacrifice. It was built by men and women like our seven star voyagers, who answered a call beyond duty, who gave more than was expected or required, and who gave it with little thought to worldly reward.

We think back to the pioneers of an earlier century, and the sturdy souls who took their families and the belongings and set out into the frontier of the American West. Often, they met with terrible hardship. Along the Oregon Trail you can still see the grave markers of those who fell on the way. But grief only steeled them to the journey ahead.

Today, the frontier is space and the boundaries of human knowledge. Sometimes, when we reach for the stars, we fall short. But we must pick ourselves up again and press on despite the pain. Our nation is indeed fortunate that we can still draw on immense reservoirs of courage, character and fortitude - that we are still blessed with heroes like those of the space shuttle Challenger.

Dick Scobee knew that every launching of a space shuttle is a technological miracle. And he said, if something ever does go wrong, I hope that doesn't mean the end to the space shuttle program. Every family member I talked to asked specifically that we continue the program, that that is what their departed loved one would want above all else. We will not disappoint them.

Today, we promise Dick Scobee and his crew that their dream lives on; that the future they worked so hard to build will become reality. The dedicated men and women of NASA have lost seven members of their family. Still, they too, must forge ahead, with a space program that is effective, safe and efficient, but bold and committed.

Man will continue his conquest of space. To reach out for new goals and ever greater achievements - that is the way we shall commemorate our seven Challenger heroes.

Dick, Mike, Judy, El, Ron, Greg and Christa - your families and your country mourn your passing. We bid you goodbye. We will never forget you. For those who knew you well and loved you, the pain will be deep and enduring. A nation, too, will long feel the loss of her seven sons and daughters, her seven good friends. We can find consolation only in faith, for we know in our hearts that you who flew so high and so proud now make your home beyond the stars, safe in God's promise of eternal life.

May God bless you all and give you comfort in this difficult time.

Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial

The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on Jan. 28, 1986, just seconds after take off, killing all seven crew members. It was nearly two months before the remains were recovered from the ocean floor, about 18 miles off the shore of Cape Canaveral.

Capt. Michael Smith, the pilot of the Challenger was buried in Section 7A, Grave 208, May 3, 1986. On May 19, 1986, Francis "Dick" Scobee's cremated remains were interred in Section 46, Grave 1129.

Early on the morning of May 20, 1986, the unidentified remains of all seven astronauts were buried near Scobee's grave in Section 46.

On June 12, 1986, the 99th Congress passed a concurrent resolution stating "the Secretary of the Army should construct and place in Arlington National Cemetery, a memorial marker honoring the seven members of the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger."

It was decided by family members and NASA to construct the monument over the cremated remains in Section 46.

Family members of the seven Challenger astronauts and approximately 400 people attended the dedication ceremony on the morning of March 21, 1987, including then Vice President and Mrs. George Bush.

On Wednesday, 18 July 2007, Leroy Chiao, Matt Reyes, Keith Cowing and a group of Inuit students constructed a memorial inukshuk on Devon Island to honor the crew of Space Shuttle Challenger The traditional meaning of the inukshuk is "Someone was here" or "You are on the right path." Rather fitting of those members of the Challenger.

Monday's Magnet

 

Since it's still so burrrrrrry cold outside, I decided to pick this magnet today. A few years back, Lesa and John took a trip to Seattle. It was one of the things on Lesa's *Bucket List*... I stayed with their kids while they traveled... with the understanding that they'd find me a cool magnet. I think they did a great job.

It's hard to not think of Lesa as I look at this magnet. I'm so glad she was able to make the trip and her health was stable enough for her to enjoy it as well. Thanks Lesa and John for this magnet. Whether it's thinking of a *cup of joe* or just remembering Lesa, I feel a little warmer inside.

Interesting Finding

I had my second appointment with Dr. Monk today. It was enlightening to say the least. I went to the lab the day before yesterday and had nine vials of blood taken... five were the purple top tubes and the remaining four were the orange tiger stripe tubes. I had a fantastic tech; she listened to me when I told her where I have a good (but deep) vein and she got it on the first stick! Yay.

When I talked with Dr. M. he went over the results and everything looks good when it comes to most of the tests. I am vitamin D deficient (which most people are) and will have to start taking 1000mg of D daily. No problem there. My calcium is fine, iron is good, liver and kidney function are both fine. All in all things looked great with the exception of one *little* area. My clotting factor. One of the tests revealed a significant problem. It was discovered that I have Thrombophilia. This is a condition where my body is more at risk of forming blood clots. In my individual case, I am at such a high risk that Dr. M. won't do the surgery unless I agree to have a filter put in before the surgery. That would prevent any potential clots from going into my heart/lungs and killing me. Sounds like a great plan to me.From what I understand, as soon as I'm under general anesthesia, a vascular surgeon will go in through my femoral artery and place the filter somewhere in the inferior vena cava. As soon as the filter is in place, Dr. M. will step in and do the gastric bypass.Following surgery I will be up within the first hour and a half to two hours to start walking. As a normal part of the surgery, bariatric patients are on Coumadin for a month post-surgery, as well as receive Lovenox injections while inpatient. If needed that can continue at home as well. I will also use the pnuematic compression leg devices. Basically everything that can be done to prevent the formation of a blood clot will be done.

Without a doubt I'm thankful this problem was discovered before surgery rather than having a clot form and potentially kill me. I'm not sure what the implications are in the long run with this condition. Dr. M. said that will be addressed further down the road. Obviously it is something that is very serious and will have to be watched, particularly as I get older. At least I know and with the help of my doctors, we can take care of the condition. You never know what you may discover, do you?

Monday's Magnet

 

Today's choice is Minnie. She's just about as cute as can be.... much like me. ☺ She just makes me smile and today is a great day to smile.

Three Down, Three to Go

Yesterday I attended my third class in preparation for my gastric bypass. I think it was probably the most clear and understandable class I've had so far. The focus of the class was exactly what we will be consuming for the last 10 days before surgery and how we will be re-introducing foods post-surgery.

Here are some visuals to help put things in perspective.It the present time, my stomach is the size of a football. Lovely. When I really think of that, it makes me sick. How on earth have I done this to myself? I can't dwell on the past... I must focus on where I'm heading and my chance at a new and healthy life.Following my surgery, my stomach (pouch) will be the size of a golf ball. VERY tiny. Initially the pouch will only hold 2 ounces. Not much.Eventually (about 18 months post surgery) the pouch will be the size of a tennis ball and capable of holding 4 ounces. That's where the surgeon wants it to stay for the rest of your life. Obviously if that's going to happen one must be doing the right things. Thus the reason for the classes and everything else which has to be done before surgery. Again, this is only a tool to permanent weight loss. It is NOT the cure. We've been reminded many times that the surgery will not fail us, we fail it (with the exception of serious post-surgical complications). This is a 90% mental, 10% physical proposition. It's up to me whether I succeed or fail.

As part of the preparation for surgery, the last 10 days is a high protein diet. The purpose of this is to shrink the liver as much as possible. That helps reduce the chance of an injury to the liver during the surgery itself. I don't have all the pre-surgery instructions yet... that will happen in April, however, I do know I will be drinking several high protein drinks daily. Additionally I will be able to eat certain fruits, vegetables, and sugar free clear liquid items (jello, fruit pops, chicken broth, etc.). We were given a packet of recipes for this period of time as well as the *pureed* eating period.At the end of the class, we sampled some of the foods we will be eating immediately before and for the first two months after surgery (including some food from the recipes we received). All in all the food was just fine. I think it's going to be a lot of mind over matter. Again, it's about physiological versus physical needs and wants. I'm just glad that I've taken this step and am learning how to become a healthier person.

Monday's Magnet

 

Today's selection pretty much speaks for itself. Without further explanation one can figure out what's *up*... pun intended. ☺ Just so that folks know these are real town names, please observe the following.It's legit. There's no mistaking the names on the map. Only in Pennsylvania Dutch Country can you find names such as these.

Work, Work, & More WORK....

Yikes! I have no life anymore. I work, sleep, and work. Gotta say though, it's a nice feeling being able to work as much as I have been lately. Before surgery I was having trouble working 25 hours a week. Since I got my new job, I've been working 65+ hour work weeks. Amazing. Obviously I'm getting behind on blogging. You should see the house. I'll have to figure out how to handle some of the "logistics" involved in working this many hours. Bear with me. I'll get caught up sooner or later. By the way, I'm not complaining. I truly love both of my jobs.

In addition to my jobs, I'm also volunteering in the concession stand during our home football games. The band booster club runs it during the regular season. It's a major part of the money earned to support the band program. Plus it keeps me closer to where Brie is.

Is there any time left over? Sure there is. Things will slow down eventually. Until then....

My Crazy Girl

Take a look at a note I found this morning. It was placed on the table beside my bed. Before I even opened it, I knew I'd end up laughing. I wasn't disappointed.Now let me explain a little bit about my background. I was adopted when I was a little girl. My mother was very much into fashion and looking just so all the time. She was always put together tastefully. While I like to present myself well, I'm not into fashion like Mom was. Now jump forward a generation and here is Brie. Even though there's no genetic link, Brie is SO much like my mother it's frightening. Brie has always liked shoes (I mean like as soon as she became aware of what shoes really were).... she LOVES handbags and all types of accessories. And don't even get me started on clothing. Brie will never have enough clothes.So when Brie says shopping makes her happy, she's not kidding. Just mention going to a shoe store and her eyes glaze over. You will see the look of pure ecstasy on her face. Unfortunately she won't be experiencing that joy in the near future. The budget won't permit shopping any time soon.... unless she earns the money herself. I will say, I'm pretty sure she'll figure out a way to earn some money though. You can't keep a bargain shopper down!

Monday's Magnet

In honor of fun times spent at Boyds Bears, here is today's selection for Monday's Magnet.

One of my favorite places to take the girls when they were younger was to Boyds Bear Country. It was a happy place with plenty to see and do. Unfortunately, as of early 2011 the store will closing. I was saddened to hear the news. I have many happy memories of special events we attended and I was looking forward to someday taking my future grandchildren there. Oh well, change is inevitable, right? It was great while it lasted.

Happy New Year

What does a white rose, red rose, M & M, lion hold a cigar, pickle, 10ft sled, cow and a silo, 6ft shoe, 12ft roll of Lebanon Bologna, pretzel, anchor, wrench, fire department ladder truck, lollipop, Hershey Kiss, strawberry, hemlock tree, PEEP, 10ft Crayola Crayon, giant lump of coal and a beaver have in common?

All of them are either dropped or raised on New Year's Eve.
Yes, I know the wrench says 2010... it was the only one I could find.

I tried unsuccessfully to find pictures of some more of the unusual items Pennsylvanians use to usher in the New Year. When I arrived here from Utah some 12+ years ago, other than the ball drop in Times Square, I'd never heard of things being dropped in celebration of New Year. I was stunned to learn that some communities raise items instead of dropping them. Bizarre! I've gotten used to it all by now.

Our little family is much more low key. This year we hosted a party and invited several of Em and Brie's classmates, as well as Tibbs and Tibbsette to come and celebrate with us. It was a nice evening spent watching a movie, playing Apples to Apples, Wii, and watching the ball drop in Times Square. There was plenty to eat and drink... with sparking cider offered up at midnight. New Year's Day we hosted our annual pork, kraut, potatoes and baked corn casserole lunch for anyone who showed up. My sister, Cindy, and her entire family showed up.... 17 guests in all. We were missing Jason (who was sick) and Ben (who was busy piloting a jet) this year. Maybe they'll join us next year. What a fun afternoon! I just love New Year's Day with my loved ones.

So regardless of how you celebrated the day, I hope you have the best year ever. Cheers....