Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Vietnam 2000 Rocks

There is a good chance that Sarah will be discharged tomorrow, hopefully going home for good. At this point I will need a month for my digestive system to recover from hospital food, though tonight I got a great dinner. My good friend Sylvie stopped by Vietnam 2000. Shameless commercial plug coming... So on the corner of San Mateo and Zuni, one of Albuquerque's less glamorous corners, is this unassuming restaurant/emissions testing center. Yes, while you are dining you can have your vehicle certified. The food is amazing. Everything is so fresh. All the vegetables are crisp and delicious. Plenty of really tasty cilantro. Hot stuff if you want hot stuff. My favorite dish is rice noodles with sliced pork. #21. They mix the rice noodles with bean sprouts, so it is light and crunchy, the pork is lean, and they chop up two of their incredibly delicious egg rolls (BEST EVER) on top. Cilantro, scallions. Fresh and wonderful. This place consistently gets community votes for "Best of Albuquerque" in all the guides. They boast the best avocado shake (though I can't imagine this concept I am told it is wonderful.) I have just been subjected to a run of Wizards of Waverly Place, and now there is some odd cartoon on, some sort of yeti creature with man boobs.

Some Thoughts

I think I realized the biggest thing undermining my blogging efforts is one of my greatest loves...Facebook.

I love Facebook because it is easy to just post some quick, random thoughts. I am not a Twitterer, though I have an account. It just doesn't captivate me. I love the interaction of my friends and family, the sharing of photos, the political rants, and the banter. I think, though, that it has reduced my attention span to that of a gnat. I need to do more writing. Use it or lose it.

Sitting here in the hospital next to my Sarahbelle, I am reminded of some past observations. Television is terrible. Sarah is watching this show on Style called "How Do I Look?" This is a crueler version of "What Not to Wear." This chick that is being humiliated and made over is a 41 year old grandmother who dresses like a glam rocker. She is about eight feet tall and looks like a drag queen. Her son is one of the people who brought her in for this makeover. The clothes she is being led to are, not surprisingly, quite a bit more modest and attractive than the cut off tee shirts, dog collars and hideous mini skirts. She is being transformed into an Amazon Goddess. But before this they put her in a store front window and asked bypassers to tear her down. I told Sarah, "Please do NOT put me on this show." Worse than even finding your own picture on People of Walmart.com.

Another observation, Sarah is hilarious. Her random comments at the television make this hospital stay worthwhile. I must admit that spending some one on one time with this kid is amazing. Brilliant. We have had long talks, including one early in the stay where she was really mad at me. We had a big fight. I was trying so hard to be helpful and patient, but it was getting harder. She got up for the bathroom, and I went in to help her, because she was hooked up to everything, her gown would fall into the toilet, and she just needed a little assistance. She got so mad at me that she banished me from the bathroom and sat in there a while. When she came out she gave me an hour long lecture about the things that I do to annoy her. I took my lumps, and since then everything has been great for us. We talk, we laugh, it is just a really neat thing spending time with her.

I do miss the other kids, being at home, and relaxing. This is one hell of a way to spend winter break. It is worse for Sarah because she goes back to school next week, so she will have no time off. But she will have great stories to tell.

So now we are on to "A Bug's Life." Nap time for Mommy!

Monday, December 26, 2011

I Am Back, and I Hope for Good

I have come to the realization that blogging is good for me. It allows me to vent, and be creative, and to put some energy into reflecting on life and my family, and that is all good. So I am back, with the intention of staying.

A few things have gotten in the way of my continued blogging. Most notably is my entrance into law school this August. The first semester was awesome. I felt completely in my element. I have no idea if I even passed yet, grades will not be posted for a while, but I do know that I learned so much, and I am incredibly happy.

Still it has been years since I regularly blogged. At that time writing was all I had to keep me sane. I lived way out in the snowy mountains, starved for adult contact. My children were still young. When I was blogging several times per day Willy was just 2 or 3, Amanda 9, Sarah 7 and Maddie 6. Amanda will be 14 in a few weeks. I can't believe it. Sarah is 11, Maddie is 10 and Willy is 7. They are so grown up, so beautiful, and still the most loving and wonderful kids in the world. I am grateful for every moment I have with them.

Last Sunday Sarah's appendix spectacularly ruptured. Her white cell count was 32,000 when we brought her in to the pediatric urgent care (which is attached to the hospital). Our little Sarah is the toughest kid in the world. She barely acknowledged pain, just toughed it out. We were so amazed. So the nasty old organ had to come out, and her belly was full of pus, so she is in the hospital. They discharged her Friday, but she was really sick so we brought her back yesterday, Christmas Day.

My hair is going white. I just looked in the mirror and salt is kicking pepper's ass. I am not sure if I am going to go with it or not. We will see.

I am quite tired, but I intend to keep this journal, even if only for me.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

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Picture posting day!

Beautiful Amanda, love of my life. Sweet baboo...in a week you will be 12, and you want a bob cut with a stripe of color. How can I refuse? Just so long as you stay away from the tatoos and piercings.
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Wednesday, July 01, 2009

The Trip of a Lifetime

I have a son, Danny, who is almost 19. I gave him up for adoption at birth, and looked forward to the day that he called. That day was right after Christmas. He is the most wonderful, brilliant, kindhearted kid in the world. We talk frequently, and his family is amazing. I love his sister like my own daughter, and the kids adore their new siblings.

A few weeks ago our families got together for a wonderful vacation. It was my kids' first beach trip, and it was magical. I can't wait for the next visit, and for a lifetime of adventures with our new family.

Images to come!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

40 Year Old Junior

I know I haven't submitted any posts of late, but I decided to enroll at the University of New Mexico as a junior in Political Science. Most of my classmates could be my own kids, but that is ok, I am having fun.

I am taking some great classes. I have Comparative Politics, where we are exploring other forms of government around the world, The American Presidency, where we are learning about the evolution of our executive branch and discussing Shrubbo's place in history (methinks not so good), Biology for Nonmajors, which is so fun with our quirky and absurdly witty brit Professor Farnsworth, and Spanish Film, where I have enjoyed slobbering over Javier Bardem.

It is a little daunting being back in school, and getting back into the groove of studying, but I think it is a little easier in some ways. After all, being 40, married, done having kids and such, I am not there to find a date. It is easier to concentrate on classwork when you aren't focused on the "urge to merge." Well, maybe not in Spanish Film.

Nummy...

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Back again!

I admit to being a worthless slacker, but I have been busy. I now have no excuses. Look for more tomorrow, including an update on the activities of the last several months. Sorry for being such a dork.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

I'm Back!

Alot has happened in the Compton family since I went on hiatus in October. Most notably, Charles and I both lost Grandfathers in December, just one day apart. His grandfather, Gerald, died December 1 after a massive Thanksgiving stroke, and my grandpa Bob slipped away as I was visiting him the next day. I did get the kids to see him though, just a few days before he passed.


The kids are getting so big, and learning so much, every day is a new day. Recently we have been dealing with the flu, and Charles and Maddie were really hard hit, but everyone seems to be getting better. I have a sinus infection that is keeping me from writing much today.
But I am back, and will be posting here more often.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Blog Hiatus

My dear friends and readers…

As you know I have been a strong supporter and blogger for Governor Bill Richardson for a very long time. I believe with everything that I am that Bill Richardson is by far the best candidate for president that our country has seen in years.

I have been offered the opportunity to take my support to the next level and help Governor Richardson in a more substantial way, coordinating volunteers for the campaign. This is a really exciting opportunity, and I am proud to answer the call. So, for now, I feel an ethical obligation to refrain from blogging altogether. I will be back when the campaign is over. Until then, you can email me at cvalentecompton@gmail.com to volunteer!

Cara

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Kids are so funny

I am constantly amazed at the things that come out of the mouths of my children.

Yesterday, I was getting in the van to take Sarah and Maddie to the hellementary. Maddie gets in our van and says, "Man, something is really stinky in here." and she and Sarah begin the debate about what could be the cause. Did someone leave a cup with milk? Is there some random thing in the van that is causing the disgusting aroma? Then Sarah brings out a gem, "No, it's just because it's fall, and fall gives you the stink."

Then this morning Amanda was getting in the van to go to school. I opened the sliding door for her and William, William got in, and she was hovering in the doorway with a smile on her face and her eyes closed in bliss. I got in the van, put the keys in the ignition, turned back to her and she said, "Ahhhh I love the feeling of the wind between my ears." I chuckled and said, "Ok Beans, just get in and buckle your brother in."

We then began the short mile and a half drive to her school, and she said, "Mom, sometimes I don't remember my dreams." I told her, "That's normal, a lot of times people don't remember them. Some people never remember them, some people remember them a lot." So Amanda says, "Well sometimes when I don't have a dream I see a screen that says 'THIS CHANNEL IS NOT AVAILABLE." I told her, "Amanda, you watch too much television."

Kids.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Hellementary School

I have kids in two different elementary schools. Amanda goes to a liberal arts magnet school. It is a fabulous environment for learning, supported by the community, and with a great staff. She is really thriving there, and making lots of great friends.

Meanwhile, my other two, languishing on the waiting list for said school, are at a neighborhood school. Maddie's teacher is fabulous, one of those adorable blonde people who loves little kids and has the patience of a saint. She knows how to get the kids motivated and on task. When I brought cupcakes for Maddie's birthday, the whole class cheered in unison "Wow!" It was pretty cute.

Sarah, however, brought home a note from school today saying her teacher is leaving. A transition is always tough, but this will be her fourth teacher for this school year. YES FOURTH. We are in our fifth week of the school year.

I am so unimpressed with this neighborhood school.

I Just Met the Meanest Man

Yes, the meanest man.

This morning I had a terrible headache. I got up, took Sarah and Maddie to school, came home, showered and jumped back in the van to get Amanda to her school. I had to go back to Sarah and Maddie's school for a PTA board meeting. I knew I needed a cup of coffee so I stopped at my very favorite little coffee place. As I got out of my van I noticed someone had written on the sidewalk in big pink chalky letters...

WHY HAVE WE DESTROYED A NATION?

I am a big fan of random political speak. It made me smile, but I was still oblivious because of the headache, I walked in the door, and was pulling it shut behind me, and the lady at the table next to the door said, "Oh there is someone behind you," and there was a man trying to get in. I pulled the door open, and I said, "I am sorry, I didn't see you! I guess you can come on in!" and he looked at me with the most contempt filled face and said, "Well that's really funny." We approached the counter at the same time and the girl asked me if she could help me, and I said, "I just closed the door in this gentleman's face, please take his order first." He turned and glared at me, and then asked for coffee. By this time I was pretty uncomfortable around him, so I decided to give him a wide berth. I stood close to this nice young guy who was sitting and having a cup of coffee with his mom, and just patted him on the shoulder, because I was invading his space, and he was being very cool about that. Mister Sunshine got his coffee, added his flavorings and left. I got up to the counter and ordered my latte, and chatted with the owner and his daughter for a few minutes, and left.

I got outside and into my van before I noticed that Mr. Sunshine was sitting at a table in front of the coffeehouse. I started the van and waved and smiled like he was a lifelong friend, and pulled away. But as I did he sneered, actually curled his lips in disgust at me. What a jerk!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Charles



I know this is a few days late, but happy anniversary honey. Thanks for eleven great years, four beautiful kids, two cats in the yard...life used to be so hard, but everything is easy cause of you.

I love you.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Late Entry: The Passing of Grandma


My grandmother, Lee, passed away in May and we were in the middle of moving, so getting this entry and the photos in was really challenging. I don't have all the photos from that day, and am really sad that I didn't take more photos of the family together. The service was beautiful, though I swear the music came from The Best of John Ashcroft.

I really miss Grandma.

Photos from Grandma's Funeral

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Hot Fun in the Summertime

As I write this I am suffering from a tremendously sprained ankle. I don't know why I thought I was capable of walking and carrying a mug of coffee at the same time, in retrospect I should never have attempted such a complicated move. Way outside of my skillset. So, it happened Saturday morning. Charles had gone into work, and the kids were still asleep, and it was a truly lovely morning. I ran outside to turn on the sprinkler and water my crunchy tomato plants, and then went out front and got the newspaper. The kids were just emerging from their nests, and were eager to go out and play, so I thought it would be a nice idea to sit out on the patio with a cup of coffee and the paper while they blew bubbles and drew with sidewalk chalk.

So I ran inside, grabbed a cup of coffee, and the rest is history.

The fall itself was quite artful really. I stepped out onto the back step, still holding the storm door with my right hand (the handle cut the base of my George Bush finger as I went down). My left ankle gave as my sandal slipped a bit and I went airborne, suspended in a twirl like something out of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, coffee arcing around me. As I hit, I skinned two toes on my right foot and the inside (huh?) of my right knee as I splayed out on leftover feathers from a bird Juniper brought to me earlier in the week.

The kids were wonderful. They helped me back up, didn't quibble about going back inside, and helped me over to the sofa. Maddie brought pillows. Sarah got the phone and remote. Amanda made me an ice pack and prepared oatmeal for her sibs. She even got me a piece of cold pizza to chew on.

Later in the afternoon Charles came back and my mom watched the chillins while we went to the ER. I felt pretty guilty because I got in, was seen immediately, and was out very quickly, while people who had been sitting there for hours continued to wait. They confirmed no break, and sent me home on crutches with instructions to not do that again.

I have learned a few things. The most important is to not sit in the leather recliner wearing shorts for long periods of time or your skin becomes one with the chair. Also, don't go back to the kitchen after a couple of days on your back. The men and kidfolk don't get it that we do not want to deal with every single dish in the house piled along the counters and in the sink, and the garbage stacked precariously on top of the cans. Also, be sure to tell your mate if you have clothes in the washer, or you will be rewashing them.

Today I will venture out to the patio again, gingerly. I have a beautiful terra cotta pot that I want to get my herb plants into.

Wish me luck.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Updates

Well, yesterday Donna was removed from life support. An EEG determined that she had stroked out and her brain was no longer functioning. Carla, accompanied by her partner Greg and friends from the parish, surrounded Donna and sent her off to a very gentle death. My friend Bridget tells me it was a very beautiful, but sad, event.

Slick Willie, he of the Aquaphor addiction, coated our long haired cat, Gabby in Aquaphor the very next day. The cat had to have a bath, only adding to her humiliation and anger. Of course, she had to receive the "Dawn Wildlife Treatment" to get this thick viscous goo out of her fur, and she promptly hid for a couple of days.

Sarah has lost another tooth, I can't imagine she has any more baby teeth at the rate they have been popping out of her.

Maddie continues to wrestle with the forces of the angel on one shoulder and the devil on her other one. Usually the devil wins.

Amanda and her friend Katie talk several times a day about our upcoming move to the city (oh yes, we are moving!) and how they will cope with their separation.

I sit here on the computer ignoring the urgent need to pack and clean. I keep telling myself that once my cold passes I will get moving, but Scrabble calls.