Final Roadtrip

I'm glad to be home from the trip!  My mother didn't seem to derive much enjoyment from it, other than the warm weather.  She complained about most everything...which is her nature anyway...but I understand that she is depressed and doesn't feel well.  When you're around someone like that for an extended period of time, it seems to suck the life right out of you. 

My younger brother came for a few days and the three of us went to Ft. Myers beach one day, Sanibel Island beach another day, out to eat a couple of times, saw the movie Red Riding Hood, and my brother took her to TJ Maxx to look around.  The nerve neuropathy in her feet was particularly painful and her stomach was starting to hurt periodically, so I was going to take her to an Urgent Care, but they were closed, so we went to the emergency room.  I asked my brother to research where the closest pharmacies were, in case her doctor at home could call something in, but he couldn't across state lines.  My brother stayed at the condo watching basketball.  We were there almost four hours and the doctor prescribed an opiate for her. 

We were driving home about 12 midnight and I called my brother, who was still up to see if he would mind driving to the pharmacy once we returned, to fill the prescription.  He said, "You're driving right by one, why can't you?"  I explained that the hospital told me that there were two 24 hr. pharmacies open, but they were on a different road than where I would be.  He finally agreed to, but we ended up taking a wrong turn and passed by one, so I stopped to fill it.  When we arrived at the condo, I asked my brother if he had started the dishwasher, so we'd have clean dishes for breakfast and he said, "No, but we can start it now, can't we?"  I said, "Yes, you could start it now" and he then went off on me saying that I have an attitude problem, that he didn't appreciate it and couldn't understand what was wrong.  I told him why I seemed to have an attitude problem...that after spending four hours at the emergency room, I didn't think it was too much to ask for him to go to the pharmacy, that was 5 minutes away, so that Mom didn't have to wait in the car for another 10-15 minutes at midnight.  He didn't understand my thinking and said that "I can act like such a bitch" and began opening/closing all of the cupboards in the kitchen looking for the dishwashing detergent, while ranting/raving...saying over and over, "where is the dishwashing detergent" in between telling me how obnoxious I am!  He recently went back to school to get a Masters in counseling and is a licensed therapist....a little scary!  He apologized the next day.

I also have a greater understanding of codependency and the cycle of domestic violence from my week with mom.  She agreed to keep her phone turned off, so that my alcoholic brother couldn't harass her, but she did speak with him twice on the trip.  She has options so that she doesn't need to return to that situation, but she insists on doing so.  Her father abused her mother, her husband abused her and now her son abuses her.  I believe that she needs IT in her life.  By the end, she was quite hateful to me at times and I brought it to her attention.  I asked if I'm the only one she treats like that (other than my alcoholic brother) and she said yes.  I made the point that if she can control it with others, then she can choose to control it with me.  It seems she was going through withdrawals from being treated nicely instead of poorly.  She also apologized to me.

While driving home, she made the comment that she is bitter and resentful that she never had a home and I made the point that many people don't own their homes, the banks do.  And compared to some of the world, she lives like a queen.  She disagrees.  Whenever I talk about being grateful for what we do have, she doesn't like to hear it!

I am so grateful that I have the ability to be grateful!

A New Project

Hi Everyone...life is good here!  I've been busy with a multitude of activities...jogging (until I hurt my back...I can still do everything else though), hiking, trying lots of new recipes (my husband and J are loving that), finished training our puppy Jake on the invisible fence and he's thriving, get togethers with family and friends, and online Christmas shopping (I know...it's a bit early for that).

I bought a new Mac computer and love it.  I downloaded the footage I shot while on my trip to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam back in December, and used the iMovie feature on the Mac to make some movies.  I've attached one...hope you enjoy.  (You'll need to go to my playlists for songs on the bottom right and shut that off...so you can hear the music I attached to the video)

 My OCD tendencies have kicked into high gear and I've been making lots of movies.  I'd love to share one that I made of J when he was a baby...but my ex-husband is in it...I'd be afraid he would sue me or something if he ever found it somehow.  Not that it depicts him in a bad light...other than being the father of someone who grew up to have an addiction problem...like most people in the world, in some form or fashion.  Does anyone have any advice in this department?

J is doing great...except he lost his job...but he decided to go back to school in January!  He's looking for another job to hold him over until then.  His father said he would pay his living expenses if J could get loans for school.  We're not sure yet how much he qualifies for...so I'll help him if he doesn't get aid.

I'm still interviewing for a few positions.  At times I feel that I should be looking more diligently, but then these projects come up...and well I'm enjoying life.  I'm very blessed that I have money in the bank to draw from to get me through...but then I feel a bit guilty for continuing to use it...oh well...I believe I'm where I'm supposed to be right now.

Sending peace, love & joy to all of you!

Missed You

I returned from the three week whirlwind European trip on June 21st and had two days to unpack, do laundry, go through mail, pay bills, etc. etc. and pack for a four day boating/camping trip in Kentucky.  I returned Sunday from that and realized I forgot my password for getting into my blog.  I tried resetting the password, but "they" would send the info to the account I couldn't remember the password for...but I finally remembered!

I'm up to date on what's going on with most every one...just haven't had time to comment yet.  I can't remember if I mentioned I decided to sell my house.  I bought the house when my husband and I were divorced.  I put it on the market two days before I left on the trip and there has been much activity.  I received a good offer yesterday and signed a contract...so now we'll be looking to possibly rent a place or buy.  Ultimately, we'd like to move to the Carolinas or somewhere?

J is doing great!  He was in his two week assessment through the courts while I was gone and they assessed that he just needs an out-patient program.  He goes to a class Monday through Thursday, 9-12noon and then works from 2pm-10pm.  His boss agreed to let him only work until 10pm, instead of 1am for the two months that he is attending.  Then he will only go twice a week 9-12noon for a few months and then once a week.  In between showings of the house, I've been driving about 2 1/2 hours total per day to get him to everything.  It's a small price to pay for having my son back!

He had his last court appearance last week and his attorney was very excited that he was able to be granted "Treatment in Lieu of Conviction" in two different counties.  In his 34 years of handling these cases, he's never seen it happen.  I've been praying for all of us almost every day...even on the trip.

Here are a few pictures of the 888 that I took...

In Lisbon, Portugal

Cinque Terre, Italy (We hiked 1 1/2 hours from one town to the next, along the Italian riviera)

Venice (this was on my birthday...took a Gondola ride)

The trip was amazing and I am blessed in many ways.  I'll post more later!

Update

Wanted to let you know that today I leave for my three weeks in Europe...so I won't be commenting...but I will continue to pray for everyone!

There have been some changes here lately...my husband and I (mostly me) decided to sell our house.  I bought it when we were divorced almost two years ago...and feel that it's too much space just for us.  My roommate is moving out...that's another story!

J has been home since Saturday from the 20 days at the DUI rehab and is leaving tomorrow for the two week assessment.  He went to a wedding Sat. evening...where he drank some...and last night went to a party...where he drank even more...not a good sign!  I know he is worried about going back in for the assessment!

I've been getting the house ready for the market.  Part of me wishes I was here to "orchestrate" everything, but most of me...99% can't wait to get the hell out of dodge!

See you in the summer!

Bisons, Elk and Bears...Oh My!

Glacier National Park, Montana is absolutely stunning!  My husband and I had the

pleasure of visiting there and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming in 2006.

We flew into an airport between the two, rented a car and drove to

Glacier first.  Driving along the 50 mile "Going to the Sun Road" was gorgeous

and a bit nerve wrecking because of the sheer drop-offs!

We went on a few hikes in the three days we were there.

The most memorable was the 10 mile round trip hike to "Iceberg Lake",

which is pictured below the eagle photo.  We saw a brown bear

on the hike, but the photo isn't that great, so I didn't attach it!

This Bison was ambling along the road as we drove by in Yellowstone!

The Elk walked by while we were having a picnic lunch...the

wild life was spectacular!

This waterfall was along one of the hikes we did.

Being a hunter, my husband felt naked without a gun hiking in the wildnerness.

We had some bear mace, but he didn't have much confidence in it.  We

had heard that you should make noise when coming around corners,

so we would sing or clap our hands quite frequently,

and felt quite silly at times!

Hope you have a beary nice day today!!

Gratitude

Almost two weeks have passed since J was in Court.  He is doing very well...working 50 hours a week...having some fun...went bowling Saturday night with friends and to a Black and White party with friends last night.  A friend of his picked him up...a girl in a "black & white" dress.  I told J that if there is any hint of trouble, to call us and we'll come pick him up.  Because he's on probation, he has to be very careful.  My husband voiced his concerns to me after J left, that what if someone in the car has alcohol or pot and they get stopped, or, what if the party gets out of hand and the police are called and what if...!!  I said it is out of our control...all we can do is offer to drive/p/u.

J and I have had a couple of conversations about the past...he assured me that I absolutely did the right thing when I called the police, resulting in him spending 6 months altogether with jail...then "lockdown" rehab.  When I asked if there was anything else I could/should have done, he said no, that having "real" consequences of going to prison is what is a huge motivator for him and having had clean time of at least 6 months is also important he said.  I believe the reconnection that has occurred between his father and he has also helped in his healing process.

His father asked him how he could help and J said money would be the only way, since he lives 1000 miles away.  He has lots of fines, an attorney to finish paying off, will need to have money to buy a car, insurance, BMV fines, etc., etc.  He sent him $500 for now.

I mentioned a family friend, whose son is also going through addiction problems to J and the fact that he hasn't been to jail yet.  He said that he most likely needs to go.  He said that it doesn't usually work for someone who has already been to jail.  I believe he is speaking from the experiences that a few of his friends have been through, although most of his friends are just finishing with college and one in particular is heading to Europe in June with another friend.

I just booked another trip leaving in June...this one with a girlfriend.  We're heading first to Madrid, Spain for a couple of days, taking the train to Lisbon, Portugal for a couple of days, onto Barcelona, where we'll board a 12 night cruise that stops at: Cannes, France, Florence, Italy, Rome, Naples, Venice (my birthday will fall while we're there), Croatia, Greece and back to Spain, where we'll have to take another train back to Madrid, because that was the most economical air accomodations.

I'm really excited and have been very busy booking all of the details...cruise, rail travel, hotels, etc. etc., buying new sandals and beach hat!  My job will end right before the trip leaves and when I approached my husband with the plan, he was surprisingly positive about it.  When I called my friend to say it was a go...she kept shrieking and yelling...yeah, yeah!

When opportunity is staring you in the face...in this case...a friend that isn't working right now...has the $...likes to travel the way I do...a day or two in each spot...I say GO for it!  J will be in the court ordered rehab for two of the three weeks that we'll be gone, so the timing is good.

Anyway, I'll have new photos to post in a couple of months!

Gratitude:

J is sober...the safety part is up to he and God!!
For trains, planes, buses, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, feet!!
For  my understanding husband!!
For my friends (including blog friends) and family!!
For a loving God!!

Cruisin with Mom

Mom and I went on a 7 night cruise to the Southern Caribbean in 2004. 

We flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico a day early so that we could explore.  We

walked around "old" San Juan.  I rented a car and we drove to

the El Yunque Rain Forest. 

The second photo is of "Trunk Bay" in St. John, which is one

of the most beautiful of all!

This is the bay of Greneda and I just loved the women with their fruit baskets!

We were amazed with the guys jumping from a very high spot

on the cliff to the water below at the Annadale Falls in Grenada.

The above photo is of the "Natural Bridge" on the island of Aruba.

I rented a 4-wheel drive vehicle and took it off-road, with the

aid of a map and went careening through sand and

bumping along the coast line, while Mom screamed,

"You're crazy!  What are you doing?" as her head

barely missed hitting the top of the vehicle. 

 I replied, "We're having fun Mom!"

Wonderful memories, except for me not being able to sleep on the ship because of her snoring!

Hope you can find some fun today!!

Lip Gloss in Costa Rica

This trip to Costa Rica was in February 2007, right before my

husband and I separated and divorced.  I planned the trip and the

first stop of our eight day adventure was about 45 minutes from San Juan. 

We stayed at Vista del Valle, which was located

on a coffee plantation.  This is a photo of our little bungalow!

Carlos, the Cowboy took us for a ride.  It was great fun...

because we got to gallop when we wanted and he

did tricks for us.  He even stood up on his saddle while riding!

There was a pool there and although my husband never gets drunk,

he drank too much that first day at the pool. He asked me for

some chap stick, so I took advantage of the situation

and handed him some of my "tinted" lip gloss.

His lips were shiny red and later he wondered why

a gay couple (two guys) were staring at him so intently!

He's a notorious prankster...so I felt no remorse! In the past, he's

turned the hot water off at the source while I was in the shower...brrrr...

and carried out lots of other funny and some...not so funny jokes

at my expense. Last week he had a guy at work photoshop

a picture of one of our friends, "Barry" into the movie ad

for "Brokeback Mountain", called it Brokeback Barry"

 and put it on facebook!

We drove to Arenal Volcano and spent an afternoon at the

"Tabacon Hot Springs", which was amazing.  It was a

natural hot springs that wound around through the

jungle.  You could climb in anywhere and there

was a view of the active volcano!

The photo above that looks like Switzerland is actually of Arenal Lake.

After visiting the Cloud Forest, we drove to our last spot, the

lovely "Manual Antonio" National Park.  These are

photos from our balcony.

Hope you enjoyed and don't use your wife's lip gloss!!

Packin Heat

In 2006, I went on a 2200 mile road trip through New England by myself.  My husband was worried about my safely because I had decided to camp at two of the five locations I was visiting.  He tucked a pistol in the trunk...between the camping gear.  I was more nervous about driving with a concealed weapon than anything else!

First, I drove to a campsite 30 minutes by train from Boston.  Boston was everything I had hoped for and more.  It was so clean...that's what I remember vividly.  The second picture is of the most photographed street in America...except I don't remember the name of it.

I also saw the Holocaust Memorial, went to the top of the Prudential Tower and took a boat ride in the harbor.

This was my campsite in Maine, near

Portland and the second picture

 is of the famous "Headlight" lighthouse in Portland. 

I then drove to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.  I stayed at a place

called "Country Bumpkins" and the owner gave me a tour of his cabin that

was full of antiques that he had collected through the years.  I went on a 3 mile

round trip hike through the mountains at 7:30am on a trail called "Lonesome Lake".

It's pictured below.  I didn't encounter a soul on the trail, so it was a bit lonesome!

While there I also took the Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington.

This is a photo from my "table for one" at Simon Pearce's Restaurant / Glass Shop

in Quechee, Vermont.  It was fascinating to watch the glass blowers in action before my meal.

The bottom picture is of a darling chapel at the "Sugarbush farm" in Vermont.

I took many photos of covered bridges and toured the Marsh-Billings

Rockefeller Mansion in Woodstock, Vermont.

My 8 day adventure ended in Niagara Falls...

Hope you enjoyed the photos and have a wonderful day!

Vacation and Therapy

We returned late Saturday evening from our trip to Dominican Republic.  I felt a little guilty going since it is only 250 miles from the terrible suffering of the Haitian people.  I did do the texting thing to contribute monetarily though.  Anyway, the trip was very relaxing.  The resort was an all-inclusive (including airfare, hotel, food, alcohol, airport transfers) and there were 8 restaurants, two pools and it was on the beach.  That is a picture from our room.

The weather was beautiful - 85 degs.  Every day was pretty much the same.  My husband would go down to the beach and put our towels on a couple of loungers under a thatched roof.  If you got down after 9am, there weren't any left.

We would then go jogging on the beach - head back to the room for a quick shower - on to breakfast  - down to the beach to lay out and I would usually read and/or people watch and take a daily walk on the beach.  There are a mixture of European, Russian, Canadian, and American people that go there.  Women are allowed to go topless, although not too many do.  My husband and I would hold hands while walking and if one of us spotted someone, we'd squeeze the other's hand.  It was a fun game for him!

As far as the therapist goes, I saw him right before we left for the trip and most of the hour was spent with me giving him background on the trouble that J's gotten into through the last few years.  My initial impression of him was that he thinks very highly of himself and his knowledge.  In so many words, at one point, he said that since he's been doing this for 30 years that he knows everything.  At that point, I told him that how I have been handling and intend to continue handling this situation is to research via internet, read books, continue with my blog and reading as many other's as I can, to find either an al-anon or naranon group and also to talk to a therapist and to take from each what resonates with me, because I don't think any one person or source has all of the answers.  I think he got my point.

I have had experience with 2 therapists during my first marriage for marital counseling and 1 therapist during the early stages of marriage to my current husband and I took my son when he was 6 years old to a psychologist for 1 year when he was 6 years old because my ex-husband was trying to obtain custody during that period.  Generally, I feel that talking with close friends has been the best therapy for me.

Last night my husband and I went to see this therapist again and I'm still not sure about whether we click.  At one point I started to tear up and he asked me what I was feeling.  I told him sadness and asked "Wouldn't you be sad if your child had just gotten out of jail, was in rehab, and a drug addict."  He didn't answer me, but continued to stare at me, so I just stared back.  Finally, he said "I get the impression that you don't have a problem being assertive with people in general, except for 1" (meaning my son) and I said that I didn't.  I tried to explain that I am assertive with J, but I am compassionate also.  It is only $20 per session to see him through insurance, but I'm thinking about seeing a lady psychologist who is not covered through our insurance, but she said she would only charge $70 per session (which is still a lot), but she is a psychologist who specializes in addiction and the other therapist is a social worker/counselor.

Gratitude:

J is safe and sober
We finally get to see J Wednesday evening for an hour
I have another job interview next week

P.S.  I've read everyone's blogs, but just haven't had time to comment yet!

I'm back...

 
Hi everybody!  I've caught up with your blogs and wanted to post a few pics from my trip.  I returned Christmas Eve and went to my brother's house Christmas afternoon.  My husband and I picked my mother up.  It was a small gathering - 4 of my sister-in-law's friends, my nephew (my niece was in Florida with her mom) and us.  


My husband said grace at dinner and got a little choked up.  His father passed away this year and also with J not with us we felt very emotional at times.  J got transferred to rehab while I was on my trip.  He called me Christmas Eve and said that it is much better than jail.  The nurse is allowing him to have seconds of food (he weighed 213 lbs when he arrived and has gained 10 lbs. in 2 weeks).  He wants to get up to 240 or 250 - he's 6'9" tall so that wouldn't be too heavy.  He's been working out also.


He sounded a little sad - he also called me Christmas Day.  He feels very grateful to be at the rehab and has been going to the church 2-3 times a week.  The pastor is from an area church and is a former crack addict.  J says he is very inspirational.  J said he prayed for my safety while I was on the trip and of course I prayed for him every day.


I haven't been as open on this blog as I could about how this has been affecting me.  I think for a variety of reasons - because I like to set a good example and let people see that you can have a life even if your heart feels like it is being ripped out - also because I believe that we have a choice to sit around and dwell on the bad things in our lives or get out and live!  I don't like to feel sorry for myself and do believe that most of our children will be able to live drug free lives.  I have always been perceived as the strong one but I cry most every day!  

The trip was very educational and busy.  We only stayed in each spot for typically 1 to 2 days.  There were seven of us - five women traveling solo and a newlywed couple.  The nationalities were German, UK, Canada and US.  Everyone was very nice!  We rotated on who we shared a room with each night - which worked out well.

 This was in Vang Vieng, Laos

 

I'm standing in the courtyard of our hotel in Vientiane, Laos

 

Halong Bay, Vietnam

 

While on a 2 day slow boat down the Mekong River, we stopped at two separate villages and took supplies that we had purchased for one of the villages.

 

Two village girls - it was their New Year's celebration

 Elephant Riding in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Hope you have a great weekend!

Goodby for Now

I leave tomorrow for my trip.  I can't remember if I mentioned how long the travel time is.  It will take me about 32 hours from the time I leave my house until I get to the hotel.  Since I have restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, air travel is very difficult for me.  I'm not complaining though, I feel very blessed to be able to see some of SE Asia.  My flight is 3 legs, first LA, then Taiwan, then Bangkok.  On the way back, it leaves from Hanoi, to Japan, Detroit, then home.

I wanted to tell everyone "Merry Christmas" and I hope and pray all of you and your children have a blessed month!


My husband and I went to see J yesterday in jail and he seemed to be doing fine.  His attitude is good and he looks well.  After the visit, my husband said he still looks so young, like a boy.  After I first called the police to take J, I went through a few weeks of torture.  I didn't feel that I deserved to be happy.  This family of hurting parents helped me to realize that for J to get well, I needed to heal also.  I wanted to thank all of you for helping me!


An update on everything else:  my roommate is working out well - she stays to herself downstairs when she is here.  Here are a few pics of the downstairs of our home, which she has pretty much to herself:

 

I don't see my mother much since my brother is over there all of the time.  He gets upset if she calls me especially, so she'll call me from the laundry room (pretty dysfunctional).  I've learned to accept that situation a long time ago.


I packed J a box of clothes/toiletry items for my husband to mail to him once he is transferred, which he's hoping is Thursday.  The rehab doesn't allow you to bring items, you have to mail them.


Gratitude:


J is safe and sober
My husband loves me

Traveling with a Tarot Card Reader

In late 2007, after my husband and I divorced, I started making new friends, single friends and one of them was an organic farmer named Wyatt.  He was what you would call "eccentric"!  His intellect was off the charts and some of his interests were:  tarot card reading, astrology, palm reading, spirituality, home made bread making and beer making, and the organic farming.  We had done a few things together and talked on the phone a lot.


We decided to go on a trip together for 8 days out west to three national parks, Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon.  I made all of the travel plans, booked the lodge reservations, rental car, etc.  The trip went well in the beginning.  I am quite tolerant of people's differences and try to embrace each person's uniqueness!


This was during my "vegetarian" phase and he was also vegetarian.  He was on a stricter budget than me therefore wanted to eat PB&J sandwiches frequently, so I did also.  As we drove through the west together, hiking, talking and listening to native american music, he shared more of his life with me.  He had been through an abusive childhood and by the time we were ready to move to the last destination, "The Grand Canyon", he started going through what I would call an emotional breakdown.  He wanted to go home and insisted on me driving him to the nearest Greyhound bus station, instead of returning to the airport to fly home early.


After dropping him off, I had the choice of driving back to Las Vegas and change my flight or wait it out there, or go on to "The Grand Canyon", which I had never seen.  Although I was frightened by the prospect of hiking down the Canyon by myself, I decided to go for it.


I hiked down, spent the night at "Phantom Ranch" and hiked back up the following morning.  I had a great sense of accomplishment after that!  I guess the lessons learned were: get to know your traveling mates better beforehand and you can do anything if you want it bad enough!

Bryce National Park

 

Zion National Park

The Grand Canyon at sunset

This is at Phanton Ranch at the bottom of the Canyon

Gratitude: 

Son is safe and sober

I am over 2 weeks smoke free

Had a beautiful 10 mile hike yesterday and saw amazing scenery (in Ohio - can you believe it?)

God is listening to me and I'm listening back

Paris in the Spring

I hope I bring some light to people's lives by posting about positive things!  That is why I post about my travels because it's something that brings light to my life and provides entertainment for others.

In 2007 I took my Niece who was 15 years old at the time with me to Paris.  She was taking French lessons in school and was excited about being able to practice in Paris!  Once there, she was too shy most of the time to practice her French, but she enjoyed making fun of my lack of knowledge in that area!


Her favorite place was the Eiffel Tower - we went there three times; once at dusk to watch the lights come on.  She thought they looked like sparkling diamonds!  One of her favorite activities was riding the Metro....it was fun figuring out which one connected to the next one to get us to our destination.  We ate pastries every day and of course went to the Louvre and Notre Dame.

This is a picture of her with a stranger that we stopped to ask if we could take his picture.  My favorite thing to do is people watch, so one day I said lets take a picture of everyone that is with a dog.  We took quite a few pictures that day!

 

I was pretending to get in the little car here!

During the trip, she seemed quite sulky and I remember thinking why am I in Paris with a sulky teenager!  I would ask her what was wrong and she would say she didn't like the rain, or her feet hurt, etc. etc.

Within 6 months of our returning from the trip, she seemed like a changed person.  She was outgoing and friendlier.  I believe that trip gave her more confidence in herself and that's one of the reasons I love travel -- it's empowering.  My dream career would be to take people on adventures around the world! 

I'm two weeks smoke-free!!

Gratitude:

My son is safe and sober

My brother (the alcoholic) is at my mother's all of the time (even sleeping there) so that means he isn't drinking except for about once a week when he goes back to his apartment for a night

The support of my family/friends/and blogger friends!!

Trip to California

Back in 2006 I took a sabbatical and traveled quite a bit. One of my trips was to California. I had booked an Amtrak train/bus pass that took me all through California. My father had passed away a few months earlier and J had just graduated from High School. At the time I knew he smoked marijuana but it wasn't until March of 2008 that I found out he had a drug problem.

This was a much needed break for me after working full time my entire life, going to school at night for 8 years and being a mother of a child who was very involved in sports!

I flew out by myself to San Francisco and had a few hours to walk around before it was time to go to bed. The next day I was on a tour bus that was going to John Muir Woods and I had a cup of coffee that I had finished and needed to throw the cup away. I asked the driver if he had a garbage and he replied "No". We were stopped at a light about 10 vehicles back in the middle lane. The lane to our right was also backed up, but I noticed the lane on our left had no cars in it. These were one-way streets.

I noticed a garbage on the left (where no cars were) and asked the driver if I could run over and throw it away - he said "Yes". I walked in front of the bus and noticed the light beginning to turn green, so I started running to the garbage. All I remember was flying through the air onto the hood of a car, bouncing off and onto the ground. I popped right up and people started flocking around me, trying to get me to sit down. Someone called an ambulance and when they arrived, they asked which one of us was the accident victim.
I spent 4 hours in San Fran General and the only mark on me was a little scratch on my forearm. I believe in miracles and angels!

When I got to a restaurant (I was starving), called my husband and told him what had happened, his response was "You need to come home now" and I said, "I'm fine - my trip has just begun"!




This picture is in San Francisco. I loved the sculptures!





I then traveled onto Napa Valley and had a tour of the wineries with 10 other people. I ended up having a bruise on my leg from drinking too much wine that day (no bruises from getting hit by a car though)!!





My next stop was Yosemite! I met a girl from London on the bus who worked for e-bay and we ended up hiking 13 miles together the next day and biking 15 miles the following day.


My last stop was San Diego. I spent two days in each City and loved California!

Gratitude:
My son is safe and soberAngels
Language/wordsLove

Court Results & Exotic Destination

In court last week, J decided to plead "no contest" to the physical control and the Judge gave him the minimum sentence, $50 fine and court costs. This week's two court cases also went well - the attorney was able to persuade them to not issue warrants and push the cases back on the docket so that J can be admitted to the rehab. He probably has about another month to go before a bed opens up - so he'll wait in jail.


I booked a trip to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam leaving December 8th and returning December 24th. My husband knows I've been stressed (mostly J's situation, my mother, searching for new career/job etc.) and supported my decision. When J called me today, I told him about it and he was also excited for me - he told me to be careful (he's a sweetie)! This is my passion and I'm going for it!

The new roommate decided to move in!! She'll be moving in a few days before I leave.

Gratitude:

J is safe and sober
Different cultures & opportunity to travel
Life

Trip to Egypt and Jordan

I thought I'd share a few cool pictures from my trip back in March to Egypt and Jordan. I went by myself with an adventure group comprised of 14 people (from Canada, Australia, Ireland and the U.S.).




This is the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan. The landscape was beautifully stark.







I think the camel is smiling! This was at Mt. Sinai where we hiked to the top to see the sunset.







This is a picture of me at the Karnak Temple which is a vast temple complex in Luxor, Egypt. The whole complex which spans 1 mile x 2 miles, was built over a period of 1300 years, beginning in the 16th century BC, and is the largest ancient religious site in the world.








This picture was taken in Cairo at a market that is not frequented by tourists.



Today I'm doing yardwork and continuing my job search! Have a great day!

Love Thyself!

There are many ways that I take care of myself and love myself. I exercise regularly because it really helps with anxiety and has many other benefits. I've always thought that many people who are on anti-depressants, anxiety meds etc. could exercise instead. I recently read an article about how it is very helpful for addicts (but they have to want to do it - just like anything else).

I keep my house organized and decluttered because it helps me to feel calm and its just part of my personality.

I try to eat well (i.e. salads, vegies, whole grain breads and cereal with soy milk).

I read!!



I love to travel and have gone on quite a few trips by myself. I believe that it is very empowering to travel and especially by yourself. I drove through the New England states and camped part of the time. I flew out to San Francisco and took Amtrak trains and buses to Napa Valley, Yosemite and San Diego. I meet people all of the time when by myself. One of my most empowering trips was to hike down to the Grand Canyon by myself a couple of years ago. I spent the night at "Phantom Ranch" and hiked back up the following morning.

I volunteer occasionally for a church and for an organization that houses homeless women and their children.

I give backrubs (I have very strong hands) to people (family, friends and sometimes strangers).

I found a site online called "www.meetup.com" a couple of years ago and it has helped me to form new friendships and participate in activities that interest me. They are nationwide and I belong to a hiking club, dining out club, and about 4 others. Another club is for public speaking and I signed up because I have always been challenged by this (in school etc.) and want to overcome my fear.



I asked my son to go sky-diving with me about 1 1/2 years ago because I wanted to face that fear. It was an exhilirating experience. J was more apprehensive than I, but he loved it!


My husband and I are invited to 4 halloween parties and today is his company picnic that we're going to (and taking my mother also) so long as J doesn't have to go in for a drug test. Then as I was typing this my mother came out of her bedroom upon wakening and is extremely off-balance - so if she doesn't get better, we won't be going.

J went out with two friends last night and I was a little anxious. He said "stop worrying about me". I woke up at 4am and he was downstairs watching T.V. and was fine.



Today I'm thankful for:

1. The sun, moon & stars.
2. Music and musicians.
3. Cosmetics & perfume.
4. My blogger friends (thanks for the advice about my mom/driving)!

Have a GREAT day!!

Inspirational Quotes for the Day

This is a picture I took when I was at Lake Titicaca, Peru back in March. The world is full of beauty!


"A positive future cannot emerge from the mind of anger or despair"
~ Dalai Lama


“A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.”
Hugh Downs


“We judge of man's wisdom by his hope.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson


"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi