Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas to All!

Let's just call it an innocent start to my day. I went to work yesterday, grabbed some hot apple cider and cookies to share with the staff and was making a phone call while there to let my coworkers know that I wished to share some holiday cheer with them. As I was on the phone, I gazed downward

only to discover I had put on one black boot and one brown boot.

I screamed. I could not believe I...me...the shoe person...the DNR president...OMG.

I have to say, it brought on some good laughs and before long the clinic was informed of my mistake. Pictures were taken. Offers to make a brown and black bracelet to match were made. And I went the full 12+ hour shift with mismatched boots.

Don't get me wrong. I made every attempt to make changes. I actually have a spare pair of shoes at work, bummer, at the other clinic. I thought about wearing someones snow boots. No. To my surprise, there are not a lot of other people in the world who look down at people's shoes so none of my patients noticed...or they may just not have said anything and just left the clinic being very unsure about their diagnosis from the crazy lady with one brown and one black boot! I did call Todd who had already started his Christmas break. He went into my closet and began to describe the different kinds of black boots I have...didn't know I had that many!...Is it this with the pointed toe? With the midcalf length? with the thick heel? no,no,no...finally he found it but claims he ran out of time. From the laughter that followed, I think not.

So the day went pretty smooth except for that minor problem and I was on my way home. I began to get excited that is was nearing Christmas day. I recalled looking at a photo earlier in the day on my desk of Jordan and I when I was 8 and 1/2 months pregnant. We had gone to Portraits Today to have some professional photos taken. I really cherish them. Jordan is kissing my pregnant belly in a lot of them.
My pregnancies were pretty easy. Except for some back pain and sleepless nights, I rarely felt sick...usually a quick 4:00 pm reminder for about 5 minutes. And I must remember that with my first pregnancy, I was in denial for about half of it. I looked like I was carrying a basketball in my belly and was able to run til the day of delivery. But that day was rough was my first. Doc had stripped my membrane in the morning. Went for a little run to get things going. Then it was off to work. Toward the evening, I started to contract. So in between patients, I would come out of the room, lean over the desk, my nurse Sharon would rub my back and I would do some breathing. I only had one more to see and he was a guy complaining of pain. You can imagine my response, of course, professional. I actually needed to send him off to cat scan and called the doc on call to take over for results. I then drove home. On my way, I pulled over to throw up my tomato soup I had for dinner. When I got home, I told Todd I thought this was it. Called the hospital who asked me how far apart...I don't know, I'll call you back...since it was not a minute later that I got another (though I didn't time it) called back and told them I was on my way. It seemed that we found a very bumpy road on the way in. It was the way we always took but I had never noticed how bumpy it was. Me, wanting to be the hero, decided to do things naturally. Back labor...intense...Todd was left with little arm hair left as the only relief was a blazing hot shower as he massaged my back. The next day at 5 am Jordan arrived with a little help from suction. Beautiful, perfect 8 lbs, 3 oz...it is amazing that anyone can see that beauty in spite of the blood and coning of the head from the journey through the birth canal. I had lost a fair amount of blood, about 2-3 pints though doc decided I could build that back up on my own...something I would not advise others to do who wish to breast feed. I was able to breast feed Jordan for 9 months but that first week I probably had starved him a little.

So all of that on my ride home...seems like yesterday though it was almost 9 years ago. And why was I thinking about that? I honestly wonder how Mary did it. How could she ride on a camel through the desert? Was she is labor? Did she thrown up? Was she exhausted? Was Jesus colicky? And if so, I hope they had chiropractors back then!

Well, Merry Christmas to you all! Jesus is the reason for this season.
Love to you,
Paula

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Please don't tease me!

I have loved being involved in the shoe hunt the last few years. I have been able to express my passion for shoes. As a result, I actually have been given some free shoes! Certainly, I did not intend for this to happen. Last year when the snow storm hit and several could not show for the party, a very kind friend, Michelle Lemler, gave me her boots that she had purchased. She just felt she would never wear them. A very nice pair- kind of an alligator skin, mid calf- browns/black. I also have a mother-in-law, Pat Poch, who enjoys high end comfortable shoes but her feet can be pretty particular about what they deem as comfortable so i have inherited several pairs- some tennis, some loafers. And lastly was this year when I received a beautiful pair of mid calf light brown tastefully worn looking boots from Tanya Rolf. Now this is a woman who has been kind enough to pass along several tops to me that she felt did not look perfect on her (she's gorgeous and looks good in anything so I am not sure what she found wrong with them!) but these boots were luckily bought even though they were too big. She is one of those Ladies! Yes, start bitching now...she is a size 6 and 1/2! You know what I am talking about....those women...the ones who wear a size 6 and 1/2...the ones who get all of the great deals because all that is left on the shelves of clearance racks are size 6 and 1/2....oh, and 11 but those women I just feel sorry for. So, as she was coming into the party she passed these awesome boots over to me.

Well, you all know the events of the party so I won't review but as the party came to an end, we all decided to carry it on at the Luxury Box. I decided to join them. I totally wanted to get out of my shoes...no,no,no- remember my feet did not hurt in 5 inch pumps. So I decided to put on the boots. The Luxury box was fun- lots of dancing! Thanks gals, I love to dance! So finally the night came to an end and I headed home.

When I got home, I immediately got ready for bed and took off the boots. OK, I tried to take off the boots. I really struggled...I didn't drink anything at the bar besides water so it wasn't the wine talking. I was confused as to why it was so hard but finally they came off. I looked at the size...7 and 1/2. Now I am size 8 and 1/2 mostly 9. Wow! How did I do that? Though I think from the looks on my feet they were asking me why did I do that?!?!

Not only that but a week later when I tried them on again just to make sure cause these boots are just so cute and the size could be wrong, right? Well, I found a business card of Mike Rolf's in them so not only were they at least a full size small but they had cardboard in them!

I keep looking at them in my closet thinking they are mine but I am ready now to give them to someone who can fit in them. I was teased into thinking these could be mine- I know totally unintentionally- and I really find the whole thing completely hilarious... My desperation for the perfect pair of shoes. And, I will continue to take whatever hand me downs Tanya gives me for she has impeccable taste.

Free boots to size 7 and 1/2. And in case anyone else wishes to donate to the cause...for me that is...size 8 and 1/2, sometimes 9!!!!!

Peace
Paula

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Vacation

I am in Hilton Head, South Carolina right now. I am at a conference. It is hosted by the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine. It's titled the Psychology of Health, Immunity, and Disease. I am surrounded by experts in the field of mind, body, and spirit medicine. If you know me, my mind right now is both at peace as well as swirling with ideas. I have been lucky enough to both enjoy the talks as well as the outside environment. With my attraction to all elements- air, fire, water- I am lucky to be by the ocean and hear the splashing of the waves against the shoreline. I was especially thrilled to walk tonight as the sun was setting with the moon dancing over the water on the opposite side.
One of the sessions I attended today was by a man Norm Shealy, MD, PhD. His workshop was on Synchronicity and Simultaneity of Thought. He started out talking about how he has "someone" (he calls a guider) that he talks to and talks back to him. Now call me a Midwesterner or a skeptic but i said "a quack". I love, however, when I am proven wrong. So then he talks about when things just disappear before his eyes...I remembered by cell phone being gone last week...he said that was God's reminder that things are not our reality. He took us through some acupressure points and followed this with a mediation following those same points. I struggled...my mind was racing...suddenly, peace...and I so badly wanted the pain in my back right around my scapula to go away...it did...but now it was in my arm...so after another series of meditations, that was gone too. And it still is not back- it's been there for 6 months.
Lastly, he talked about intuition. I've known this fact for a long time...we all have it. I know mine comes through...or should I say, I acknowledge it so much more when I am relaxed.
It reminded me of this one time, and I know some of you have heard this before but here goes...I woke up one morning just like any other, maybe about a year ago. There was a slight chill in the air so I headed to the closet to get my slippers. As I entered the closet, I thought to myself "I hope that if Jeff and/or Jacci (neighbor's of ours) ever have a medical emergency, that they know to call on me..and, of course, call 911. I thought it was weird that i had that thought and dismissed it as "morbid". A short time later, I was walking through our living room. I remember the front door being open though the screen door was closed. It was getting warmer outside. I heard sirens...that's pretty weird out by us in the secluded country side we live in. They got closer and as they did, my husband went outside to investigate. He said, " The ambulance is right there and it is turning into Jeff and Jacci's driveway."

I freaked.

Now I have had several episodes of "hmmmm, that's ironic. I just thought that." But never did it seem so obvious to me.

I ran to my closet to get my shoes when my husband said " oh, they are parked there but they went across the road to the neighbors. it looks like they have a silo fire."
And sure enough, that is what it was.
Now, that being said, I was still freaked. And what do most girls do when they are freaked like this? Call their sister. So I did. Shelly confirmed it was intuition and said I should go to church that day.
Luckily, it was Sunday and i left for church. I desperately listened to Pastor Matt expecting that through his words God would tell me why this happened...why it was so obvious. But, though his words were wonderful as always, nothing I heard explained this.
So I askedin prayer... And I heard a response. I am telling you. ..I have went to Catholic school for at least 5 years. I have been at church more times than I can count. I have prayed. I have heard other people say God has spoken to them. Not me...until then. And so clearly I heard this after I asked why...

"Because I want you to believe in what you are doing and who you are."

I can't tell you what the voice sounded like. I know it wasn't like a Sidney Poitier voice over, though that would have been nice. It was just there. As simple as that.

And why did that happen? I don't know. I've tried to talk to Him again. I'm sure He responds but I haven't heard it again. I'm just happy I had it happen once.

And I know maybe what some of you are thinking right now...she's a quack cause I have thought it myself but I am telling you, I'm not. Just like Norm Shealy is not (though I have to say, I don't have a "guide" that I talk to on a regualr basis besides God).

I guess maybe that is what a vacation can do. It can help with reflection, relaxation, and releasing energy. Or maybe it was the glass of wine Jeremy from Jamaica poured me while I devoured a crab cake at the local hotel bar.

If any of you have intuitions about next year's Shoe party...thoughts, suggestions, premonitions about the weather, please let me know. I would love to tap into your insight!

Namaste,
Paula

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

What a success!

Wow! What a great time! Saturday's gathering was so fun much. Though the weather looked frightful in the morning, it cleared up nicely leaving us with some freezing temps. I thank you for coming out despite the cold.
First and foremost, Kathy Buechel and Shelly Waala were hugely instrumently in planning the perfect night. Thanks to these 2 very special people.
Imagine Coffee shop provided the comfort and coziness...and great food, did I not tell you that!?! Lisa and Rick were generous in allowing us to take over for the night. Jeff and Mike from Spirits on Main helped greatly with wine and beer set up and take down...and super selections! The baskets were a huge hit. We had 17 which I would say varied in value from $50 to Priceless. The purse idea was a hit. We had so many to choose from. And those beautiful bracelet donations!
Jillian Clark was kind enough to tell us about Chix For A Cause. She is the founder. In the last 6 months alone, they have given out over $10,000 in Gifts of Love! Not only is she the founder, she is a gifted singer/song writer. She sang "Whatever It Takes" and several other orginal hits.
By the sound of the crowd, you would have thought the party was attended by 100 women. No, the women that were there were just ready to chat with one another. And, you know Ladies, that is what this night was all about! I was overjoyed to hear the interactions!
We gave out some awards. Best Shoes- Julie Bernarde- red, gold, and fur all in one! Best Accessory- Kathy Buechel- a lavishing multistring of silver. Best Deal- Micky Surprenant- despite the fact her husband is not fond, we were impressed with her vintage jacket find. Best Story- Paula Carlton- a re-enactment of those interesting deer hunting shows.
I can't tell you enough...I loved it! I had such a fabulous time! I hope you all did too. Check back soon for some pictures to be added to the site.
And as some of you may have noticed, I like telling stories. I will continue to write throughout the year until the next season rolls around.
Peace,
Paula

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

God Answers Prayer!

I found my cell phone. Well, my husband did! It was in my purse- that damn thing is so big. I swear it wasn't there yesterday. I really think God put it there! So call away....though i may not answer if it is the bottomless pit!
:-) Paula

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

It's the Final Countdown!

First off, I have to get something off my chest. I cannot find my cell phone. Now, to many of you, this does not surprise you. I have lost it on several occasions. I usually let it run low on the battery. Or I just don't acknowledge I own one. But I really need it this week. We are making final preparations for the event on Saturday so for those of you trying to call me on it, try my home number! I really wish there was a way I could get addicted to using my cell. I have caught on to other technology quite nicely. I love surfing the web. I am so addicted to my reunion web site right now. I love email. There is just something about talking on the phone. I even got commended the other day by a friend who called our home. i was on the other line talking with someone and heard the infamous "beep" indicating another caller. I just cannot do that..."hey, wait a minute, I got another call." So I didn't. When this person called back later, he was impressed.
So addicted to my phone. I don't see it happening but if God knows where it is right now, I would love for Him to conveniently place it in a spot where I can find it!
I know one thing my family thinks I may be addicted to right now. Turning off the lights. Why does this happen? All of a sudden you hit a certain age and you like your house spotless and any light turned off in a room that is not being used? And, what all of a sudden happens to boys/men who need to enter every room, turn all the lights in the room on, then leave the room? I stayed home with my boys much of the weekend as my husband was hunting and I think I spent the majority of the day straightening and darkening. What I waste in heat as I am chronically chilled, I make up for in conserving light. I think I feel that if a room is dark, it is "finished". It is usually tidy, not being used. If you have a boy in a room with lights on, it is being used and used=not tidy.
The absolute exception to this is shopping. It brings me peace and joy to see a room fully lite with perfection displaying beautiful things with such organization...and this is why I usually don't take my boys along. Though I love spending as much time with them as I can, I respect my times of peace.
The other day our boys had a friend over. We decided to go to a movie. Before the movie, I decided to take them to the Kewaskum Craft Show. I wanted to stop by the event hosted by the Kewaskum Jr. Women's Club. They are such a great organization and Kelly, the President, is a wonderful friend. While I quickly went through the craft items, I would let the boys eat as they also had a lunch. As we walked in, I sensed a bit of "excitement" from the boys. As I talked to Kelly to simply check in, the boys were seeing just how fast they could spin the door raffle bin. As it went faster, it jumped off the device it was attached to and went screaming down the hallway. Shopping just isn't in their blood. I'm way too laid back to get upset. The boys were pretty quite thereafter and didn't touch a thing while we were in there.
So boys are best away from the malls. Which brings us full circle back to the Shoe Hunt idea! The hunting season has officially closed. I hope you all were successful. I know the group that my husband hunts with (though not all of the 10 days) managed to kill about 25 deer. You know what? I think some of us would be able to top that, certainly as our group comes together we will find out!
Shoes, shoes. What is it about shoes? Shoes really symbolizes so much to me. They are a part of my comfort. They help me stand tall. They individualize who I am. They ground me. They each need a partner, who seem the exact same but are really very opposite. And the next step...they will now be collected together as we wear them on Saturday to "stand up to cancer".

Peace,
Paula