Peach State says: Labor Day Weekend Chores

What is Labor Day without a few Labor Day Chores?

Up before the roosters this morning…as usual…while visions of basketballs bounce through two of my son’s dreams. Today is game day in more way than one. After getting hubby off to his daily grind I will lovingly motivate the younger two, as I stir them from their restful slumber, so we can leave about 8:30 for a 9am game. During the time at the church gym I may, or may not, have a practice for the special tomorrow. Once the game is over we will race home for a possible meeting with my Straight-Jacket Award inspirer and a flexible Pre-K teacher friend for VBS Planning. “Yes, I said VBS!” Once completed…it is time for focused viewing of some long-awaited college football. My team’s game is at 7PM tonight so it will be a long day.

[“Laundry moved and commuter-coffee put in hubby’s car!”]

Tomorrow I will get to sleep in a whole 20-30 minutes before preparing for my day of sound checks and time with dear friends at church. Bragging rights for the college football fans will start early with colors and high-fives. The only raising of voices will be during the singing and, of course, preaching portion of the services.”The day will be slower than most Sundays with a church-wide picnic tomorrow night. I hope to attend for a little while…seeings how my hubby would rather stay home! “Maybe I could tell him I am going to pick up dinner!”

Labor Day itself…well we will just have to wait and see how that day unfolds.

“Speaking of unfolds…time to fold the recently-removed-and-still-warm clothes.”

Those of you reading this, who have college teams playing today, I wish you luck…unless your team is playing one of my favorites…(insert evil chuckle)

“May your cup runneth over with joy, love and laughter oh, and really fabulous coffee!”

Peach State

Peach State says: A Mother’s Surgical Precision

As the darkening clouds move overhead and the stiff wind rearranges the empty pollen husks on my deck I prepare!

(Empty Pollen Husks)

Time for an update:
My 20 year old had surgery Wednesday and came home with a 7-8 in incision and a smaller incision holding a drainage tube. The larger incision was to repair a hernia and the second to remove and/or drain a hydro cell. He has never had to experience this type of healing pain before…BUT I HAVE! Being my independent son he has tried to refuse my help…yet I have stepped into the role of nurse…using stealth mode naturally!

How? A Mother’s Surgical Precision…that’s how!

The routine prescription dosing
The semi-forceful reminders to drink fluids and eat something
The occasional arm and shoulder for balance
The peeking in to check on him as he lays in bed watching TV and sleeps
The adjustment to schedules dictated by surgeons
The simple presence in his room to watch a movie with him
The running to the store when a special request of food when he finally realizes he is hungry
The providing of straws to assist in fluid intake due to lack of movement

Moms…you know the drill! The things we do for our children often go unseen. He was on the phone yesterday and I heard him say “No!…she has not had to lift a finger. I can get in and out of bed and walk down the stairs already.” ( with someone right there to maintain balance and talk softly to him as he pauses against the wall or doorframe from the pain) This morning we are going to one of the surgeons to have her check the drainage tube. “Goody!” This means I drive up to the front door and help him out…get back in the car and go park…walk through the parking deck and maneuver through the catacombs of hallways and elevators to retrieve him and help him to the surgeons office…then reverse the procedure to get him back in the car and home. “Oh! Did I mention the thunderstorms this morning?”

I counted the trips up and down the stairs yesterday and…well… I stopped counting at 25 sets. After a day of walking the halls of the hospital and the stairs yesterday I figure I have walked quite a distance. “My poor legs throbbed last night!” My son is to stay virtually quiet…in one place…with no activity. This medical demand has been placed on the son who has always been on the go…a social butterfly of sorts…going to the courts to shoot hoops, helping friends move, landscaping and minor construction… “Yep! Being still is real easy for him!”

My favorite remark came from him yesterday when he told me I did not know the type of pain he was feeling… His brother quickly jumped to my rescue and said…”Hey Dude! Mom had three c-sections I think she understands.” ( Someone stands up for Mom…’bout time!). just kidding!

I hear movement upstairs and I checked my clock. I need to get myself ready so that I can quietly, behind the scenes, manipulate my son into the car. This is going to be fun! No really! “I can’t seem to convince myself of this fact.” I do know it hurts and how your body in stiff and painful all over because of trying to move without pulling the incision areas. “It ain’t easy!” I have had to hide my tears for my son as he holds his breath in painful gasps. I truly know that feeling. I am hopeful to hear some good news this morning.

So as I close my number two son has just checked in and is upstairs to help his little brother. I mentioned helping him change into a pair of shorts for the trip to the doctors. I am off to initiate stealth mode and begin my day as a practicing nurse and help my son heal using “A Mother’s Surgical Precision”!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Just Because it is Thursday

Instead of talking…why don’t you find something constructive to do!
Wise words from mom this bright-yellow-hazed-morning. I had the cleaning bug attack this morning. I think the nasty little bugs did this Just Because It Is Thursday! Zac Brown Band is playing in the background as I move to the rhythm around the kitchen. The good thing is that I have to leave in a few… Timing is everything!
So, for the short time this morning I have been the pure definition of “Mother”.

I am soooo good!

Just wanted to drop in and say hello…and good morning!

Back to my coffee refill and the next cleaning activity.

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Coaching the Game of Life

Whistle around my neck…Extra coffee ready…Players all ready for the game…
“What play will I call first?”

Today is one of those days that life throws in just to keep you guessing. No use planning your schedule because it could change at the drop of the hat. Seriously!
Okay so my mind is moving way to fast for me today…Coffee Break!…I sat down to relax after my hubby and youngest left this morning and could only run scenarios ,of my day, in my mind. I felt like I was Coaching the Game of Life!

You go to work…run the ball
You go to school…flank right
Okay, your working too…flank left
That one is gone till sometime in the fourth quarter…in the locker room
Oldest son…defend that ball

I watch the play unfold and the quarterback runs the ball…
As long as we don’t fumble we will be fine. I have two cakes to bake…a three-layer and a two-layer
and realized this morning I am 2 eggs short. A store run is added to the day’s errands thanks to the magic of dry erase markers and dry erase board. “Tragedy averted!”
I am drawing from my previous experiences to plan my day. I may have to skip taking my youngest to TKD in order to pick up my 19 year old in the fourth quarter. He is across the state in the final stages of recruitment. Last time he was there for a test he arrived back about 5:45-6:15….that will not do tonight.

Mom has to be at a quartet practice about 6 pm with an extra Easter Practice at 6:30!

Come on guys…don’t fumble! We need to move the ball…we are almost there! I sure hope I don’t go down in history as the worst coach to ever play the game.

Flag on the play! PERSONAL FOUL!
“Mom…there are three packages upstairs that need to be sealed up and then taken to UPS!”

“Time out!” Back to the dry erase board….leave earlier and combine the UPS store and grocery store together before heading to the doctor’s office. Wiping the sweat from my brow I remind myself to smile…oh and breathe! No time to give up now guys…push through everything thrown at us.

My head is swimming and I need to focus. Next on the list is getting ready to leave. Timing is crucial so I can get back and bake the cakes and still have time for the to cool and decorate before fixing dinner. Oh crud!. Dinner! Sorry to cut this short…I am headed back to the dry erase board. Wish me luck!…I know I am strongest on days like this… Say it with me! I can do this!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: “PT”- Physical Therapy or Pure Torture?

There I was…sitting in a chair across from my new PT (Physical Therapist). He began listing his goals for me as he discussed, in length, my Epic Fails!

“Wait a minute! I am not here to find out what you think is wrong with me!”

No…I did not say that out loud…but boy was the thought bouncing around my head like a high-scoring Pinball game. He said “Here is what I see:”

You limp and tend to put you weight on the right side of your body. (genius!)
You slump over a bit when sitting…possibly due to upper back pain. (wow…really)
You don’t exercise! (I had finally had it!)

“Have you read my chart?”
He gave me this look and it was at that point I began to wonder what this physical therapist really knew. “PT”- Physical Therapy or Pure Torture! Pure Torture…obviously! With a syrup-dripping sweetness I offered the information he had missed when reading my chart. “I love to walk and was walking 3-4 miles a day 4-5 days a week…then I fell!” He began flipping through the chart and finds the information. Excited he then moved to the diet portion of the discussion. “Diet…portion…hehe!”
You will need to watch you calorie intake because you are OBESE! “EXCUSE ME!”
He began telling me the ways to cut calories and how to choose my carbs and avoid sugars…or and portion control.

“Have you read my chart?”
His blank stare and quick shuffling of the pages told me, once again, that he had somehow missed that information. So I filled him in on that…I told him about being diagnosed with Diabetes and overcoming it with diet and exercise. I also told him I had been “OBESE” when I weighed over 300 pounds but lost almost 145 pounds when I cut my carbs and sugars. The color began to drain from his face. He re-grouped and said…”I assume you have cut out Alcohol and Caffeine?” With a raised eyebrow I smiled and sweetly responded…”Nope!” “I don’t drink alcohol that often and as for caffeine…well…I probably drink more coffee in a year than the population of a small country.” I knew what was coming next as his “Cheshire Cat grin” slowly crept onto his face. I beat him to the punch. “I was told by several of my doctors year ago to continue with my caffeine due to migraines and asthma. Caffeine is readily the best method due to moving the blood at a faster rate and opening the blood vessels. The main problem with both migraines and asthma is the contraction of the blood vessels.” He nodded in agreement and said he wanted to perform a strength test. After that he seem surprised and said I was stronger than most 30 year old women. I then laid down on a table and he asked me to breathe in and out. I did! He asked for me to take a deep breath…go ahead…”I did!” The problem was he was waiting for my shoulders to move…”How do you breath?”

“Have You Read My Chart?”
“I am a singer…trained…long-time singer and learned a long time ago to breathe using my diaphragm.” As I laid there I could hear the flipping of pages. I sat up and smiled…”I am here to try and find relief from this pain so I can return to walking and loose this weight I have gained back. I am not your average person and have overcome many obstacles. Can you help me?”

“How about we try and find out why you started falling and work on balance and re-strengthening of your weaker muscle groups?” We shook hands and set up a plan.

I start next week…we will see how well this goes! As for today…more pain management injections and a visit with the chiropractor. Goody…Goody! I am off to start my day and what a day it is. Wish me luck!

As for you…Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Crossing My Fingers As I Clock Watch

Okay…I have had some coffee but I will be in withdrawals at the rate I am going!
I have just a few minutes…And I am Crossing My Fingers As I Clock Watch! I will be heading out early this morning (about 8:15- 8:30) with many complicated and separated missions to be accomplished. I hope to reach my Doctor appointment with a few minutes to spare.

Take a look:

Leave and head to Kroger…
Get cash and put gas in the car,
Race off to the Army Recruiter for final weigh in of 19 year old son,
Back on Hwy to local Wholesale Warehouse to return the leaking Kuerig coffee pot,
Turn into the main drag and off to an hour long PT Session and then a visit with the Chiropractor,
Back home…check the mail for monthly $$$ and to eat lunch,
If the check comes…back out for needed supplies and then to the nail salon,
Back home for well deserved NAP!

Well I am off…wish me luck! And hope the replacement Kuerig works…
Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: I’m Not Cold!

What a thought! What if while dusting-vacuuming-sweeping-moving laundry and shaking you could simply vibrate the weight off! The visible shivers and cold nose tell me it is chilly in the house…so being “Normal” I will make myself another lovely oversized-cup of coffee…well espresso! Well now that I think about it…this makes three this morning!

3 cups x 6 shots of espresso= ?

I guess “I’m Not Cold!” Caffeine induced shivers…not the shakes because that would mean I might be drinking to much in a short period. Back to work! Sip…sip!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Yep! It’s Monday!

The day has finally arrived…I was so stoked that I watched the clock for the last 30-40 minutes. “Great!” The gentle reminders of all that needed to be accomplished today began to flood in about 5:45am…like a continuous childhood poke!
Fix coffee
Give medicine
Put juice in the freezer
Wake up hubby and youngest son
Let Precious Princess out
Unload dishwasher
Etc…etc…etc…

Yep! It’s Monday!

I am happy to report that I am actually ahead of the game. I cleaned out the leftovers from both refrigerators and managed to have them taken to the garbage can already out on the curb. “I am soooo good!” (No! I did not lift the heavy garbage bag…you can put that ever-shaking-finger away…for now!) The dirty dishes have been loaded into the dishwasher allowing another check mark on my list of To-Do’s.

“I must confess that I have been anxiously awaiting this Monday…!

I need some normal routines, as I told you last week, to wrap my head around. My poor ADHD is on overdrive and I am lovin’ it! The downside to schedule is the two sickies in the house. I did not ask for this…hack, sneeze, hack, talk back, and repeat! “Just hush and drink your hot tea!”
(No awards for being a nurturing mother this week…nope!)

I am working on my second espresso of the morning and the shifting-multitasking-mind of mine is moving me around like a chicken with it’s head cut off.

multiple espressos+routine chores+multitasking=exercise…RIGHT!

Okay, well at least I know I am burning some calories…hehe! I just put some groceries away and straightened the pantry…my oldest son picked up a heavy box for me and set it in the chair so I could easily reach the items I needed to put away. I just adore checking off those lovely To-Do’s!

I started doing a re-organizing clean after New Year’s in preparation for my new business. (Yes, I have decided to try something new!) My “Launch” is a week from Saturday and the house must be beyond clean. “I have a reputation to live up to!” Sadly many of my friends have been to my house and have always commented on how clean it stays…hehe…secrets of the trade. I know what your thinking…”slave labor”… Nope! The boys may help but there are a good many things they just don’t know how to do. Think about it…boys and organization equals stacks and stacks of uniquely mixed items. I do not need that right now…do you? If I could just get my number two son to remove all of his gadgets and their boxes the kitchen area would be a much cleaner open space. “He has been buying unique kitchen accessories, for when he moves out, and they are…well…not your average accessories.

Cotton candy machine
Soda-stream
Fro-yo
Oversized exercise ball
Etc…

The house is slowly emptying…my 19 year old just left leaving my two oldest sons here. One is leaving in about an hour and the other one is sick…sick…sick! “I am staying away from him…no tempting fate!” I will put on some music and swiftly putter around the house before heading out to the store and then TKD this afternoon. It will be a wonderful day…for a Monday!

I hope you can accomplish everything set before you today…as for me I am off to check off the rest of my list.

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: It’s A New Facebook Funnies Year!

I have made a list of New Year’s Resolutions! Humorous Facebook Funnies with twice as many Blog Worthy Award Winners is on the list…Let’s see if I can stick to my Resolutions. It’s A New Facebook Funnies Year!

The holidays are gone and we are left with just a memory. Here are a few memories posted be my friends on Facebook.

Shoot-from-the-hip Caroling… I know a few people who could carol with Yoda! Hehe! (You know who you are!)

When asked if he would be joining in on the carol sing… our pastor quoted this line from “Elf“. We quickly removed the microphone from his hands…LOL.

Another finicky-gift that cannot be returned.

Blog Worthy Award Winner #1:

“backing away slowly…”

Feline Mythbusters!

Purr-fection!

Enough of the holidays…I need some coffee before I can start exercising!:

Long night?

Yep! Long night!

Blog Worthy Award Winner #2:

I will move later…when I get up to refill my Coffee cup!

Enough exercise an hydrating…time for a little normal! (but not too normal…)

Nothing like a bit of quiet reading!

Okay…reading time is over.

How about a game? (Whoa! Movie quote came rushing in!)

The solution for the parents of “TTT&T’s” (troubling tots, Tweens and teens)

I wonder how long it will take them to realize it is 2013!

If I belong in one…can I get a room with a view at a beach side resort?

Speaking of…

Fashion is still important…

Everyone needs a kind, loving reminder of mom!
I can rest assured that my son will feel right at home while in Basic!

I hope you had a wonderful New Years and are ready to return to the “Real World”… I am!
Have a wonderful, humor-filled day!

Peach State

Peach State says: A Little Bit of Everything

There is nothing quite like the company of good friends to take you from the routine-run-of-the-mill-day-to-day activities and transport you to a place of uncontrolled silliness. “Well not uncontrolled… We were practicing our special music and polishing the harmonic blends…” This mixture of a fast-paced-giggle-fest and singing thrills me to the core. “I am at home!” The only thing that could have made it any better would have been the presence of coffee in my hand…but alas…time constraints prohibited the preparation of my Heavenly Brew! There were many different topics which had ties to family, children, life, music, church….well the list goes on. Last night was a renewal of sorts and a loving warmth spread to A Little Bit of Everything important to me.

Please do not think I want to be the center of attention. I was merely the social butterfly fluttering about the different personalities. My friends at church seem to fit neatly in the different areas of my life. Many overlap and we use these connections to build each other up when life interrupts.

Topics covered last night:
Diet
Children
TKD
Family
Sickness
Outreach to the Seniors
Music
Movies
Coffee
Lunch
Death of a pet yesterday
Stupid things our kids do
Funny things our kids do
Moving
House repairs and painting
Did I say music…
Weather

Well there was more…but maybe you get the idea. The special thing about my friends is that we wear so many hats and have the ability to relate and help each other in every facet of our intricate existence. “Okay, those of you that may see yourself, in any way, just relax…and remember the laughter shared and the pats on the back…and let it ease the struggles you may come across today.” Oh…except for the one who went to whack me in the head with a microphone! You know who you are…LOL!

My weight loss accountability friend came in last night and grilled me over my caloric intake. Mmm…grilled! “Sorry I grabbed an apple…my stomach is beginning to growl.” I was able to say I have lost weight…over a pound a day. “As of this morning I have lost four pounds since starting this diet on Monday.”

One of my BFFs (the one married to my BFF minister of music) was home with sickies. I so missed her but what can I say…”BTDT”

I have told you before about the Peas in a Pod group of friends …well most were present and accounted for last night. There are many topics of conversation weaving in and out, when this group is together, and just about every topic on the above list was discussed. This is the group that has given me the nickname “Trouble” which is not a very fitting name…if I do say so myself. I have never done anything to merit this personality stamp…except for that one time and they don’t know about that. Hehe! The shoulders of comfort and strength, we share in this group, are held up and supported by the love and joy as our friendship grows. Even when we do not share our deepest pain…we know and understand and are there for each other.

I need coffee…especially when talking about this group!

A friendly spunky spirit came back to choir last night. She works with the Children’s Ministry and we worked together during Vacation Bible School. We have many common life factors starting with my home town. Her mom worked with my husband…her family went to church where my brother was Minister of Music…all in my hometown and now we have connected. She always shares her warmth in her smile and even her frown. “Her frown is not on her face long…she is just tooo….spunky and it is contagious. We talk about her love of photography and her traveling hubby, who is back in town, and her recent bout with sick children. She wants to get together and do lunch…as long as salads are served I will be fine. Mmmm!…salads.

Don’t laugh…I am really trying to be good and watch what I eat. Everything is listed and counted on that My Fitness Pal app and I need to maintain the levels. Those unseen calories add up so quickly.

The creaking floors are sounding above my head as the rest of the family begin to start their day. Work lies ahead of them along with a tune-up for the 22 year old’s truck and on-the-job-training for the 19 year old. TKD for the youngest later this afternoon and …

Crap!

Tonight for dinner we will have something….good! At least my hubby works until 8 and will get home about 9 tonight. I have a few hours to plan dinner. I do need to do a little cleaning so maybe I will do that before leaving for lunch. You know the dusting and vacuuming and laundry…giggle, giggle…my last load is in the washer already. I have been busy this morning while writing this.

Well the entire family is up and the day is in full swing. I have multi-tasked too much this morning and I need to close. I cannot write with my youngest in the room. I will move on to another activity…maybe the dusting…and try to fit everything in today. I hope you can find time to do A Little Bit of Everything in you day. Take a moment to think about those special people in your life and the areas they touch…then smile and continue knowing they probably thought about you too! Have a great day!

Peach State