Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Dreams Do Come True

I'm only going to say a few things about this, then I'm moving on to the real topic. I am SO happy right now!! My husband loves me more than words can say. We were originally waiting to get my new truck until he got his re-enlistment bonus. However, the Jeep (suv) I was driving, had so many issues, and though it was in good shape, could have broken down any moment, and we'd have been out a vehicle. We went to have the oil changed in his car this past weekend and went to look at the trucks in the meantime. We happened to find the perfect truck, they got our payments where they needed to be, and we came home with it. It's a truck I've wanted most of my adult life, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Now, to the real subject. I HATE California drivers. With a passion. I was taught (and recall from when I got my license), that when merging onto the highway/interstate/freeway, you yield to those already ON said highway. Apparently in California, those on the highway already are suppose to yield to those merging. Why do I say this you ask? Well, our FIRST DAY in California, the entire way down to our post, (we came down during high traffic time) each time there was an on ramp, rather than letting one car in, go, one car in, go, those merging tried to squeeze 3-5 cars in front of ONE person. That's not how it works people. It's just NOT. And, it's been that way several other times, during less traffic times too. Yesterday however, driving to the beach with my angel girl and her uncle, I was on the freeway/highway, driving along, minding the speed limit and what not. Well, at one of the entrance ramps, rather than speed up and get in front of me, or slow down and get behind me, some JERK in a Prius (my new truck would eat that for breakfast and still be hungry), stayed right beside me, expecting me to yield to him. When I didn't, he laid on the horn obnoxiously. SO, I did what any gal would do. I flipped him off through the back glass of the truck. He flipped me off back as well, and blew past me as if I were the one in the wrong. What gives folks? Just because your 40-50 years old, doesn't mean that you get to drive any way you want. You still have to obey the rules of the road. And you're not going to be a jerk and lay on your horn at me, when I wasn't in the wrong, SIR. Things like this are why I hate this state. Absolutely NO common sense or common courtesy exist here.

So, lesson of the day? When driving, be sure to obey the rules of the road. Why? Because I won't move for you when I have the right of way. Nope. Not gonna. And if you hit me, because you were so full of self importance and think everyone should yield to you, I'm gonna sue your freaking pants off. And in my truck, your car is gonna be the one with the most damage. Jerk.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Beating the Odds

Okay, something everyone may not know about me. I'm a sucker for people who beat the odds. I'm a huuuuuuuge softie. I'll tell you why. I've had a few family members who were given some very bad news.

I'll start with my Uncle. While I don't have very many remembrances of him, I can't recall a time I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He was diagnosed with leukemia and mental retardation at a young age. He never really had a mental capacity past that of a three year old. He passed away when I was 5. He was 13. It was the first funeral I can remember going to.

I also had a cousin, who I wasn't close to, and didn't see often, but he too, was always a happy person. Brian had cerebral palsy. He passed when he was 18. This is again, someone I cannot recall ever seeing without a smile on his face.

Now - why am I telling you all this? I'll explain. I've met a wonderful young lady out here in California. Her name is Alecia. I'm simply going to copy and paste her story for you.


Alecia was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Also known as SMA. Her parents were told her diagnosis when she was 13 months. Alecia's mother began noticing signs when she was unable to lift her head or showing signs of normal physical child development. At the time that they were given her diagnosis, they were also given the devastating news that Alecia's life expectancy would most likely not surpass 3 years of age. At that time they also said that she would carry no expression like smile or laugh. Her parents refused to agree with this so they resorted to their faith in God. So needless to say here she at the age of 25 married and living life maintaining the SMILES and LAUGHTER that each day brings.
SMA is a genetic disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord. The disorder causes weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles. This weakness is also more severe in the legs than in the arms. In addition, it causes severe scoliosis of the spine. Which is seen in Alecia's case.
At the age of 19 Alecia was blessed to meet and fall in Love with her husband. In her words "Ive never thought marriage would be a part of my life. Having this disease makes life a little more challenging than the normal, but having a companion / life partner / husband / friend wiling to face those challenges with me opened my eyes to see that there is more to life than my disease has promised I cant have :)".
Alecia's husband being a Marine in the United States Military means they travel A LOT and flying is almost not an option. Currently they use a 2 door hatchback where Alecia's husband manually lifts her chair and puts it in the trunk, mind you the wheelchair is 5x her weight. Alecia lays down in the front seat which makes it impossible to see anywhere they are driving. Also making it at times very uncomfortable.

Now, I can tell you a few things I know about Alecia. She has one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen, she's so loving, and kind. And, she's beaten the odds already. I'm telling you this, because I have a favor to ask. Alecia and her husband are trying desperately to get a handicap van. They've started fundraising and entered contests. I want to get the word out and help this BEAUTIFUL person get everything she deserves. If you can help in anyway, you can always contact me directly (miasmommy1209@gmail.com), you can vote for her in the contest I'll post in a moment, and you can always pray. 

Help this lady get what she deserves, and vote for her!! Please?


Thursday, April 5, 2012

Beware of Dog

So, to update, I finally got to talk to my doctor about my surgery. He came and spoke to me while I was still waking up, and had no idea what he said. What he'd said was this: there were NO signs of endometriosis, my tubes are clear, and all is well. There were a few cysts on my ovaries, which like he said, can be normal. He lanced them anyway, though. He did find scar tissue near my appendix and small intestine, which he took care of. Now, just to finish recovering from the surgery itself, and when we are ready to have more children, there will be no problems!

On to other things. On a discussion board for pets out here, a lady was complaining because another lady with an aggressive dog was monopolizing the dog park. That's a no no anyway. However, something got brought up on the subject of if x dog bites enough times, most counties will put that animal down. Now, here's where I have an issue with that. Even if your dog isn't in the wrong (say, kids come into your back yard - that's his territory, and he has every right to defend it), it is still a mark against him. If a kid runs up to a dog to pet it, and he bites, still your dog's fault. If the kids come rushing into the dog park, and get bitten, still the dog's fault.

Here's my issue with that. I was taught my whole life how to greet dogs I don't know. I was taught you ask to pet the dog, while standing a respectful distance from said dog. You let the dog smell you first, then you move slowly, and can pet the dog. You don't go into other people's yards without permission period. You don't go in the dog park, because dogs aren't allowed on your playground. That's their playground, not yours. WTF? When did this lack of respect start happening?? Or am I just Southern and old fashioned?

I will not hesitate to go off on a kid for doing wrong. I don't care if they are my child or not. Open my back gate to get your ball instead of knocking on my front door and asking to get it? I will yell at you! Then I'll tell you why I yelled. Come up to my dog and try to pet him without asking? I will reprimand you. Then I'll make you greet him properly. Come running into the dog park? I will stop you, explain why you can't, and tell you if your parent comes and tells me it's okay, you can come play with the doggies. I will not have my beloved family pet put down because your parents are too dumb or socially impaired to teach you basic manners and respect.

Now, since I know most of my audience isn't the age group in the wrong, it's the parents that don't teach the correct behavior to begin with, nor do they correct it when they see it happen, I have some words for you. Your kid gets bit by my dog, I dare you to 'sue' me or press charges. Because then, we'll have real issues, friend. You want to get mad at me for 'parenting' your child? Do it yourself! I shouldn't have to! You as their parent should care enough about their safety to teach them the proper way to greet and interact with strange animals. If they get hurt because you didn't teach them that, that is not my fault, not my dog's fault, but yours!! Do not try and punish me and mine for your mistakes!!

Now, I know there are cases where dogs attack without any reason. I've been in that situation myself. A dog that lived down the street, always barked at us when we were on our bikes. He never left 'his' area though. Til the day he bit me. He left his yard, chased me, and got my leg. We also had neighbors with aggressive rotts that weren't kept on leashes. One of them attacked my dog who was on a lead outside, in the middle of the night. Came down the street to attack my dog... Of course, there are instances like those, where the dog should be punished. Don't confuse my words. But if the dog is not at fault, it's wrong to put 'marks' on his record that can cause him to be put down...

Bottom line? Teach your kids (and yourself) how to act around dogs you don't know. Be aware and be safe.