Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

I have always heard that children who asks a lot of questions tend to be gifted. Well, if that's true, Cohen is gonna be a flipin genius! Sunday, he must have ask a million questions on various subjects! Here are just a few in the order he ask them followed by my answer.
  1. If God made everything, who made him? He has just always been, and will always be, no one created him.
  2. Will God ever die? No
  3. How did God make light without making the sun first? I am not really sure, ask Luke next time you see him.
  4. When mamaw and papaw went to heaven how did their bodies leave the ground? Their old bodies stay in the ground. Their soul goes to heaven and they get a new body there.
  5. What is a soul? The part of us that God gives us to think, feel, and decide things with.
  6. When mamaw got a new body was she taller? I said yes, because Cohen thinks people who are short don't eat enough fruits and vegetables
  7. When I go to heaven, can me and Tyler D. still play football? Yes.
  8. Will my sister still whine in heaven? No, everything is perfect in heaven. She won't have anything to whine about.
  9. How many pine cones does a pine tree have? Every tree probably has a different amount. When we get home why don't you see how many you can pick up.
  10. Do dogs eat pinecones? Ours probably do, they eat everything else.
  11. Why does Oscar (cohen's beagle) eat his throw-up? Because he's nasty
  12. Can oscar have puppies? No, he's a boy dog. Only girl dogs can have puppies.
  13. Why can't boy dogs have puppies? Because that's the way God made them. Animals are just like people, only the girls have babies.
  14. But boys have the things that help make babies in their peepees right? Yes.
  15. Well how do the boys get the things that make the babies inside the mommy's belly? Ummmmmmmmmm. Well, those things are called sperm. They look like tadpoles and they help decide what color a babies eyes and hair are gonna be and how tall they are gonna be and if the baby will be a boy or a girl. God made a man and woman to fit together like a puzzle. So when a man and woman get married they lay very close together and the man's privates fit inside the woman's privates like a puzzle. Then the man sends his sperm to the woman and the baby starts to grow in the womans belly.
  16. Where does the sun go at night? On the other side of the earth. When we can't see the sun here, people in other parts of the world can.
  17. Are stars fire? Kinda of.
  18. Are they hot? Yes, the sun is a star and it helps heat the entire world.
  19. Whey are the other stars white? I'm not sure, let's ask daddy, he might know.
  20. Can people in heaven see the stars? I don't think so.
  21. Can God beat up Superman? Yes.
  22. Does God know where the fortress of solitude is? Yes, God knows where everything is.
  23. Can people fight in heaven? No, God doesn't like it when people fight.
  24. Well, what if someone else starts it? Nope, he still doesn't like it. You are supposed to just walk away if someone is being mean to you.
  25. Is it ok if you just throw something at em but don't touch with your hands? No, that's still fighting.
  26. But it's ok if I just hit Taegan sometimes? No, you're not supposed to fight with anyone!
  27. Does God know Santa Claus? I'm sure he does, God knows everyone.
  28. Santa doesn't like fights either, does he? No
  29. Does God tell Santa the people that are bad or can Santa see everyone too? Santa just knows.
  30. How many pinecones do you think I can pick up? A thousand

OK so yall get the idea. I could keep going, but this post would never end. Do ya'll see why I am so tired all of the time? I definitely did not want to discuss the birds and the bees with a 4 year old! He can come up with some doosies! We spend a lot of time looking up things in my house! Taegan hasn't gotten to the question stage yet! Thank goodness. I don't think my brain can take anymore! Are this many questions normal? I mean we go through this everyday! I hate to answer I don't know so much, but my goodness what his little brain can think up. I'll just keep answering the best I can I guess and hope I don't mess him up too much!

P.S. Cohen told Taegan after we got home that he wasn't playing puzzles with her anymore! So I may have to revisit that issue again!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Sudafed Head!

The most embarrassing thing happened to me today. I am going to blame it all on Sudafed. I have had a cold all week, so I've been maxed out on the Sudafed (the good stuff)! Anyway, it's Thursday morning and I have a huge class to teach at work today. We do what's called our bi-annual inservice fair. This an opportunity for me to give all of our staff and management updates on new policies, any changes in practice, and educate them on new procedures. We also do all of our emergency drills (i.e. fire, cardiac arrest, stolen baby, out-of-control patient, etc...). It's an all day event! So, you know, I want to look cute (if scrubs can be cute) since all the staff is going to be there. I go to my closet, pick out some black scrub pants, a scrub top that is white with black, lime green, and pink polka dots, and put a pink/green striped long sleeve shirt on underneath. I got my matching accessories and out the door I flew (@ 6:00 EST). I set my laptop and projector up, talk to some staff and get the day started. Everything goes off without a hitch. People payed attention, we all learned some new stuff, I think the day has ended well, and I am feeling pretty proud of myself. Apparently, I should've done a how to dress yourself drill, because when I get home @ 5:30 and go to change clothes I notice my pants are on backwards! Yep, been that way ALL DAY! How did I not notice this? Why did someone not tell me? I mean the butt pockets were obviously in the front and the cargo pockets in the back. I must have looked like a total idiot up there ranting about being responsible for yourself and your patients. ARGGGGH! I am sure the people I was teaching were thinking that I couldn't even dress myself, how in the world am I gonna give CPR to someone? Oh well, maybe I should go in with my shirt backwards tomorrow and say I am starting a new trend. Or, maybe I should lay off the Sudafed! You guys are my friends, you would've told me, right? Seriously, if I ever have my dress stuck in my pantyhose, a booger, or anything of that nature, PLEASE tell me, and I will do the same for you! Peace, love, and clear heads to all!

Karri

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Politics and Christianity

OK guys this is gonna be a long one! I am on my soapbox today. I’m probably opening up a whole can of worms and I am sure I am gonna get all kinds of comments to this one. But, this subject is on my heart and mind so I’m gonna let it flow. One of the docs I work for today actually told me I was “unchristian” if I voted democratic in the upcoming presidential elections. This got me to thinking about my own moral views, my obligation to do the right thing, and all the emails and comments I have heard in the past few weeks regarding the elections and the candidates.
First of all, I hear so many things from both party views. My husband is a die hard democrat and probably 98% of my friends and co-workers are republican. I am neither, yes, I am a fence rider. I vote based the person and their particular stance on issues that are important to me. My husband, the government and economics teacher, tells me that parties do not matter so much at the local level, but make a huge difference at the state and national levels. So that leaves me to do A LOT of research to find out the REAL facts. This election is actually keeping me up at night. I know I am just one person, but I want to make the right choice. I have looked over multiple biblical scriptures that address the issue of christianity and government/politics and I am STILL undecided about who to vote for. But to all my republican friends who send me negative stuff about Obama all the time, you all should realize there is just as much negativity surrounding the McCain camp.
Here are some of the scriptures I have looked at recently: ( Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25-render unto caesar) (John 18:36;Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-37-socialism) (Romans 13:1-7-obey earthly laws) (Genesis 19:4-29 and Leviticus 18:22 in the Old Testament, and Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10-homosexuality) . Too many to list on the topic of abortion.
Click here to view the democratic platform The Democratic Party; here for the republican platform http://www.gop.com/2008Platform/
Here is my stance on the issues (not than anyone cares). I’ll just cover the biggies:
· Abortion and stem cell research: I am totally against using abortion as a method of birth control. However, I do think some allowances for mother’s health, rape, or incest should be taken into account. The bible states that God knows us even before we are conceived.
Therefore, should we not also take the same stance as Catholics since any act of intercourse is a possibility for conception? But I am really not sure if the bible clearly defines when life begins. So, I have to rely on my background in science to guide my views on this issue and the issue of stem cell research. I have to think that God gave some scientist the brilliance to figure out that these tiny cells can cure some forms of cancer, debilitating disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's, grow entire organs (if your are not a donor, you should be!) and so many more that we don’t know about yet. These cells can be harvested at the time of full term births (from the umbilical cord). They don’t have to be harvested from aborted fetuses. If this research, along with God’s will of course, could help your mother, father, your child, why wouldn’t you vote for that?
· Homosexuality- I think that marriage should be between a man and a woman. And, I do think it is a sin to live a homosexual lifestyle. It is also a sin to have premarital sex, eat too much, etc... yet we do not deny any of those offenders basic civil rights. So let's be fair, if our government is going to allow people shacking up common law benefits, then everyone should get them. When I worked in San Francisco, we had a patient on life support that was gay. He and his partner had been together for 15 years. He had not spoken to his parents or siblings in 20 years, but his parents were the ones who got to make his end of life decisions. I don’t think that’s right. Sin is sin whether you are gay or straight, but everyone should have earthly human rights extended to them.
· Environment- we have to acknowledge that this problem actually exists and we have to do something about it now. If not for us, then for our children and grandchildren. I keep hearing about the debate to drill off shore for oil or not. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how much oil we drill for if we don’t have the refineries to refine it in. Instead of spending all that money drilling and refining and giving more and more money to the oil companies, why can’t we develop the solar, wind, and hydrogen technologies that are already there? These alternative energy sources are available NOW, they just need to be marketed and produced on a national scale.
· Economics- boy this one really gets my goat. I hate that we have trillions in dollars deficit yet we keep spending and spending. Guess who’s gonna pay for it, our kids! This is the policy that most makes me turn against the republican party. When this administration took office, we had a billion dollar surplus, gas was 1.46 a gal., I could buy milk, bread, and eggs for less than $5, and we had a balanced budget.
· Socialism- I am with the republicans on this one. I am all for helping those who REALLY need helping and those who just cannot work, but I cannot justify helping people who are just too lazy to work. I don’t like the idea of redistributing wealth. As for socialized healthcare-no way! The government can’t handle the programs it already has in place. Why add more government programs for corruption and bad management?


I am so fed up with both parties spreading lies about the other party’s nominees. I am going to side with the democrats on this issue because I get sooo many emails and remarks about Obama and his campaign that are just not true. I think everyone should have all the information about both candidates to make an informed decision. Obama is not a Muslim nor is he the antichrist! Those of you who say otherwise, please do your research. And to those of you who say it is “unchristian” to vote democratic because of their stance on abortion, gay rights, and stem cell research, let’s look at the GOP’s record on those issues. I hear a lot of lip service about those hot button issues, but no action. Even when the republicans had complete control over EVERY branch of government (legislative-congress and house of representatives, executive-president and vice president, and judicial-supreme court) they did nothing to change or implement any laws or regulation regarding these issues. I am Christian because I believe Jesus came, died for my sins, rose from the grave, and will return for his kingdom no matter what my views on these issue are. I like Brian McLaren’s comment; he says “too many members of our faith communities continue to be manipulated by cynical politicians who know what tune to play to get people of faith marching obediently in their parade." McLaren adds that Christians may not be in agreement with every detail of a campaign, but says "we're electing a president, not a Messiah."
Here is a link about Obama’s religious background Cover Story: Barack Obama's Christian Journey Newsweek Politics: Campaign 2008 Newsweek.com. You can find info on John McCain’s religious views at http://www.johnmccain.com/
I would like to add that Obama does have some questionable acquaintances, but McCain spouts some nasty things out of his conservative mouth. If you would like to read some examples, please go to politicalhumor.about.com/od/johnmccain/a/mccainisms.htm

I, so far, am not endorsing either party, but I know that even political decisions are still decisions that need to be Biblically informed as much as possible. When there are no clear cut answers evident in the bible, we must pray that we each make the moral decision. But when there are biblical principles, we have a Christian duty to take that into consideration in forming our political viewpoints.
Whew! All that thinkin’ makes my brain hurt and I’m drugged up on cold medicine. So I’m goin to bed now!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

I am the ultimate pooper scooper!

So, Jason and kids get to Myrtle Beach finally at 3 am Thursday morning (Jason got lost). The mapquest directions were wrong so I was trying to give him directions over the phone. I am the most directionally challenged person on the planet, so I was not a huge help by any means. Anyway, we all finally crashed around 4 am. The kids were up and raring to go at 9. So I go in the kitchen and start making some breakfast. The kids go out on the balcony to watch the ocean. A few minutes go by and I hear Cohen say “ooohh Taegan”! That’s never a good sign. Jason goes running out the balcony door and starts yelling for me. I go out there and to my surprise Taegan has left me a nice little package. Apparently she had to go reeeaaally bad, she pooped on the balcony, on the balcony ya’ll! What is wrong with my child? She looked up with those big blue eyes and that sweet little voice and said I sorry mommy, but I didn’t poop in my underwears. I’m such a softy, how could I be mad after that. So, I went and scooped the poop, spayed the balcony with Lysol and went on with our day!



Here are my sweeties at the beach!


Here are Cohen’s multiple personalities:

Taegan the model



We decide to go to Captain George’s all-you-can eat buffet that night, mostly cause kids eat free there. Can I just say I was totally impressed with my children’s crab leg crackin’ abilities. Cohen must have eaten at least 4 pounds of crab legs. He even cracked those big thorny pincher legs by himself. Taegan was no slouch herself. She was gettin’ into the little ones by herself. They definitely lost money on us that night! Check ‘em out




I love my family and I love making fun family memories . I thank God for them everyday!


















Workin in Paradise



I complain all the time about work, but not this week. My company, HCA, and my center, Chattanooga Surgery Center sent me to Myrtle Beach, SC for the ambulatory division Risk and Nurse Manger Conference. This was my first time to Myrtle Beach. The beaches were clean and so many seashells! However the sand was not quite as powdery as the gulf coast beaches. They put me up in the Embassy Suites right on the oceanfront. Here is a pic of my divisions VP of operations and the other managers in the central division.

I am so proud of the center and myself! The center was recognized for the best improved out of the entire asd division (115 surgery centers)! Cases were up 146% and cost per case down 95%. Not that it was all me, the staff and management at CSC are great! However, I think I need a huge pay raise! Anyway, the conference was wonderful, but I missed my family terribly until they came up on Wed. Sometimes when I am at home, I wish I could just get away. Yet when I finally get the chance to get away I can't stop thinking about my family. I am never satisfied even when I get what I thought I wanted! This is something I pray about often and apparently still have much more prayin to do!
OK now that I am finished bragging, I just want to give credit for all of my success to the Lord. Without him, his love, honor, and mercy I would be nothing and could give nothing. I am so thankful that I have a job when so many people in this country are out of work or unhappy with their work. It makes me so ashamed that I ever complain about my job. This year has been so challenging for me in so many ways, personal and professional. I still often feel conflicted by my life roles. When I am at work I worry about home and when I am at home I worry about work. I feel like the jack of all trades and the master of none! Anybody else out there struggle with this?

Love the Ladies!!!

This was my first year to participate in my church’s annual Ladies’ Banquet. It was so much fun!!! We got to decorate tables, fellowship with one another, and worship the Lord!! What could be better? Tammy Pike helped me do this table. Here is a pic of our table.





Here are all the other beautiful tables.






Everyone did such a great job.



Here’s a pic of me and my favorite gangsta girls!! I know you’re scared of us! We could totally jack you up! HAHA


Jenny Mann- a devilish grin, but an angel’s voice. Your music always speaks to my heart.



I was honored to have the speaker, Lisa and her guest, Kathy sit at my table. And her message, what a blessing! She spoke about being jars of clay and being broken. But halleluah God can pick up all those broken pieces and put them back together to make something beautiful again.


I just love the ladies from my church. They have shown me what it is to let God work through them. I can’t wait until next years banquet! I am already thinking of table decorating ideas!