Remembering September 11, 2001

It started out as a routine weekday morning. I dropped Taylor off at preschool, and then I went upstairs to track inside the church gym. As I was walking my radio kept losing signal (I think this was before MP3 players were popular), so I stepped outside to my car. When I opened my car door that's when my phone was ringing. It was my mom calling me to tell me to get home and watch the TV with her. I left the church and left Taylor at school because I had no idea at the time as to what was going on.

As soon as I walked in the door I immediately saw the fear, concern, and sadness all over my moms face! It was at that moment the second plane crashed into the second tower. We both stood there in disbelief. Why was this happening? Who is behind this? So many questions we were asking out loud as the tears rolled down our faces. Once the severity of the situation sank in and we realized that this was no accident, I immediately went to the church to pick up Taylor. The shock on everyone's face was like nothing I had seen before. Parents were consoling one another. Some had family in NYC and were desperately trying to get in touch while trying to pick up their child. It was sad.

On the way home, I received a phone call from work. I worked at Eddie Bauer in the Mall of Georgia at the time. They said that the mall was closed and to stay home with our families. When I walked back into the house I saw the buildings collapse and people running for safety as the dust walls raced behind them down the streets. Those poor people running for their lives, not knowing what was in that huge wall of dust and debris. It was very heartbreaking to watch.

The President ordered all planes to be grounded. There was an eerie silence outside, not even a bird was chirping. You never realize how comforting a sound is until you no longer hear it. Not hearing a plane buzzing over your head in the sky and knowing why was one of the scariest and uneasy feelings I have felt in a long time.

So, today as we reflect back on memories of that day, I share my story with my daughters because they were too little to understand what happened. They need to understand what Patriots Day stands for. Every year I remind them about that day and what I was doing. It's comforting to talk about it. Though our family was not directly affect by the 9/11 tragedy, my heart still aches for lives lost on that day. 

Never forget.

The more research I do on Type 1 & 2 diabetes, the more I think to myself, "Wow, this explains a lot of things!"

I've found some very helpful groups on Facebook, and someone in that group shared this link. This slide show on Diabetes & Depression really hits the nail on the head. 

If you know someone with diabetes, please take a few moments to view this slide show and then share it with them. 

I hope everyone had a safe and fun Labor Day weekend! It's back to work/school tomorrow!

This photo was taken by Beach Cottage Life. She takes the best beach photos that I've found so far. 

It has been a fairly quiet Summer. Our yearly beach trip was also used to pay respects to the sweetest man I've ever known. Actually, it was a surprise to us to stay on the beach. Grateful to those that made the beach stay happen! Under the circumstances, though, it was still nice to be on the beach with family. We shared lots of memories, I learned a lot about the Green family, and also spent time with "new" cousins. I would not have traded that moment for anything!
The girls and I have had our share of ups and downs over the past few months. Therapy has helped a lot. I am so thankful for my loving and caring family and friends that have been there for us recently. You guys will never know how much it means to us! The school year started of great for the girls, and so far so good! (fingers crossed!) I'm taking this Fall semester off since we will more then likely be moving. I don't want any kind of stress to affect my GPA. I feel this is the best decision for me at this time. Spring semester can't get here quick enough! I never thought I would hear myself say that I actually miss school. Haha!
Thanks for reading my blog, and I hope you all have a fabulous week!

Thank goodness Spring semester is over and I can slow down for a few weeks before Summer session begins on May 19. I passed medical terminology with 90, and the other two classes I didn't do as well as I wanted but I passed and that's all that matters. 

Promotion

I have some super exciting news to share! I've been promoted to a permanent sales lead position! I wasn't too sure that I wanted to take on extra responsibility on top of my already full plate, but I was promised that my schedule can remain flexible and the extra $1.00 per hour plus a guaranteed number of hours each week, sealed the deal for me. I mean the job isn't hard, it's just the thought of being in charge that stresses me out a little. But, they have faith in me and are pleased with my work, so I guess I will go with it for now. Wish me luck!

Let's Get Caught Up....

Well, it's been a little while since my last entry. So much has happened, both good and bad. For starters, to wrap up 2013, the holidays went OK. The old hag that is in my dads life has once again convinced him that he didn't need his family during the holidays, both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Moving on....

Katie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in January. This girl has been a real trooper through it all! The love and support she has received from the family that matters has been so uplifting to her. Our family in Florida have been so caring and supportive,  as well as my family and friends here in Georgia. Thank you all for the advice and words of encouragement for Katie. Also a HUGE kudos to her school for really stepping up to the plate to make sure that she is well cared for while she's in class. I'm highly impressed!

I started the second semester of my college career, actually it's almost over at the end of April. This has been an amazing journey! I never imagined how challenging it would be to juggle a job, college/studying, and maintaining a household! It's tough, but when times are tough you gotta do whatcha gotta do, right?

Putting all of the childish drama to the side, other areas of life are beginning to look up. I've been blessed with a job, as mentioned before, since November. I absolutely love working there! I'm also looking for a second job. Like I said, when times are tough you have to do what's best for your family. Depending on family to bail you out isn't always the answer anymore. I have a reliable car now thanks to Ian, who busts his ass to help provide for us. Despite our situation, I will always be grateful to him for that.

Well, to end on a good note, Katie and Taylor are doing great! School is almost over and they're looking forward to a few vacations we have planned over the Summer.

I hope all of this nonsense was easy to read. It's just that so much has happened and I just needed to touch on each of them all at the same time. :) Thanks for reading my blog, and I promise I will update at least once a week.

Peace out! :)