Blood Donating No More!

What a weekend!  I've thought about whether to give you a run down of the weekend in a Not Me format or just lay it all out there for ya. . . .  And I'm opting for the latter.  So hang on tight; here we go!

Our church held Macon Impact this weekend; this is a semi-annual event where our church participates in various outreach opportunities throughout the community.  There was a blood drive and blood marrow donor sign-up drive on Friday at the church, and Tim and I signed up to give blood.  I will admit I was a bit anxious as I arrived to donate; I've only given once before, and that was 13 years ago, and it didn't go very well. 

This time? I gave blood like a champ!  It was awesome!  And I was so proud!  Heck, giving blood went so well, I grabbed a bone marrow donation application on my way out the door.  My plans were to complete that bad boy and begin donating anything I could every time I could.

We left the church and headed to meet some friends for dinner.  I had looked forward to dinner with our friends for a number of reasons.  You know how there's always that couple you want to hang out with more, but you just can't ever get seem to get together?  And you know how you have a Friday that's full of stress - both good and bad, really - and you just anticipate the time you can sip on a salty margarita while relaxing?  Yeah, that was Friday for me.

So, as we walked into the restaurant Tim tells me his Red Cross nurse told him to double up on his fluid intake and to avoid alcohol.  My nurse didn't say that.  And you know, I am a rule follower from the get-go.  But, I reasoned, if my nurse didn't tell me to avoid alcohol, then I wasn't really breaking any rules by having a small margarita.

So I indulged. 

We ate dinner, we chatted, I sipped on my margarita.  Life?  It was good!

And then, before I knew it, I was feeling kinda funny.  Lightheaded and spaced out.  I told Tim I needed to get outside.  We were just inside of the restaurant's patio area, and I thought, "I can make it to that chair out there and sit down and I'll be fine."

I never made it to that chair.  I wake up to two men in my face, strangers checking my pulse, and I can't see my husband or my friends.  Come to find out, I'd passed out.  I was on the floor propped up with my head in Tim's lap. 

911 was called.  Paramedics arrived, and wisked me off to the hospital.  By the time I was in the ambulance and they started an IV, I began to feel much better.  Almost normal again.  And I was so embarrassed!  Tim and I spent the remainder of the night in the EC while I was having tests run and getting fluids.  We were released around 1am.
But not before Tim explicity told me my blood donating days are over.  And that bone marrow application?  Not for me.

Lesson learned.

For today’s Wednesday’s Walk, I wanted to reminisce about my time spent with Lawson on Saturday. Lawson is Jodi’s son, he’s almost four years old, and he’s 110% B-O-Y! Jodi’s husband and my husband are on the same church softball team, and they had practice Saturday. Jodi and Bella, their 10 month old, were out of town or a family shower. So, I volunteered to play with Lawson during the boys’ softball practice. Here are some precious tidbits from my time with Law-bug.

Here's a picture of Lawson and his best friend, Dad (Brad).

Before they got to the field, I received a text from Brad: “don’t laugh at me. I’m in my full softball uniform so Lawson and I can be twins.” Brad the Great Dad put on his baseball uniform just so he and Lawson could be dressed alike. Lawson had a game that morning and was still sporting his Braves uniform. He told me more than once, “I’m on the blue team. Dad’s on the red team.”

I was sitting on the bench waiting for them to arrive, and I turned to see Lawson sprinting full force towards me. He gave me a big ole’ bear hug that very likely would’ve knocked me down had I not been sitting already!

And we were off. . . .

To the playground we went, where we immediately tested the speed of the slide, the poles you can slide down from the top of the monkey bars, the tunnels, and the “ship”. The “ship” was the sandy area under the top of the slide.

The first excitement was when Lawson was up at the top of the slide and I realized he was steady pulling at his pants.
Me: “Whatcha doin, buddy?”
Lawson: “I gotta tee tee.”
Me: “Whoa, now, why don’t you come down the slide and we’ll go to the restroom.”
Lawson: “Nah, Aunt B, I can tee tee outside. See?”
And you know what happened from there. . . . from the top of the slide, Lawson tee teed on the sand.

He quickly slid down the slide once that was over, and he decided he wanted to go UP the slide. I tried to tell him that’s not the way you’re supposed to do it, but he was determined. And I could help him. I tried to tell him I’m not tall enough, and I couldn’t reach up that high. We tried a few times, but to no avail. So, Lawson stood up at the bottom of the slide, put his hands on his hips, and said, “Aunt B, me, you and God, we can do this. I know we can. You just push me up.” You better believe I tried with all my heart, and we did get him to the top of the slide! I was more excited than he was, I think! He just said, “See, Aunt B, I told you. Me, you and God, we could do it.” Oh to have that childlike faith!

The conversation while swinging was worth gold to me. He could see his Dad on the field playing softball, and Lawson said, “See my Dad, Aunt B?” I told him I could. Now, keep in mind, I’m pushing this little booger while he’s talking, so I couldn’t hear much of what he was saying. He said, “Dad’s my best friend.” And he promptly listed all the things he and Dad do together. “We play together. We watch T.V. together. We go outside together. I go to school and Dad goes to work.” Don’t fret, though, everyone is Lawson’s best friend. “Mom is my best friend. Bella Grace is my best friend. GaGa is my best friend. Pop is my best friend. Aunt Meg is my best friend. You my best friend, too, Aunt B! Hey, where’s Tim?”

I tried to show Lawson Tim on the field. “I can only see my Dad.”

To the woods we went. Now I’m not an outdoorsy type of girl. And sense of direction is not one of my strong points. But I knew we were walking close to the 5 lane road. I tried and tried to keep Lawson out of those woods. But he was determined we were hiking. And we did. No trails, just rough woods. And that precious little boy couldn’t have been happier about it!

Other excitement included 2 little girls showing up and playing with us. Lawson showed all of us how to build a fire. “See, you put the wood here and here. And then, you get a match, and you light it. It’s not hard.”

We had a grand ole’ time together, and when practice was over, it was time to hit the road. I don’t think it had been 15 minutes before I got a text from Brad thanking me and saying Lawson was already falling asleep in the truck!

And Jodi called me Sunday to tell me I’m now a princess. I’ll be Lawson’s princess any day of the week!

If you'd like to participate iin Wednesday's Walk, check out Lynnette's blog for details!

Wednesday's Walk: The Gayest Couple Ever

Today is Wednesday, and that means it’s time for a walk down memory lane. If you'd like to participate, jump on over to Lynnette's blog for more info. Since last week’s walk was pretty emotional and tough, I decided to have a light-hearted, fun walk today.

A couple of summers ago, my family packed Patti to the max with suitcases, groceries, and ourselves. Tim, Brian, Momma, Jenn, Dooley (Jenn’s little Maltese) and I headed up to Lake Lanier to spend a weekend with our dear friends, the Kononens. The weekend was wonderful, and time on the lake was well spent!

Our drive home was not so fun. It was raining. Cats and dogs raining. If you’re a Miller girl, any trip to or through Atlanta means a stop at Ikea and Garden Ridge. Remember that packed car I told you about? It got even more crowded after our stops! I can’t remember all the odds and ends we purchased, but I do remember mom bought an outside rug for her patio. It was big. We had to shimmy that bad boy up in Patti between Mom and I, and considering we were already stuffed with Jenn in the back seat, it was quite an ordeal! I also remember something in my lap. A big box of no-telling-what. And don’t forget the pouring down rain!

Tim was driving, and as we sped – it was probably not really speedy, considering the weather – down I-75, he was having to keep with traffic, windshield wipers going full blast, while we were all uncomfortably crammed in the car. Everyone was very quiet as we all knew driving in this rain was not a picnic. As we got through Atlanta and the rain let up a little, I leaned up to Tim and said something like, “Good driving, baby. You did great.”

Jenn groaned and looked at me and said, “Y’all are the gayest couple ever.” Everyone laughed!

While I admit I was a little hurt at first, I quickly came to appreciate the way I can encourage my hubby with words – no matter how gay they might be.

And many times since that summer day, we’ve found ourselves laughing and admitting that yes, we are the gayest couple ever!

Answers, Please

Okay, here are the truths to Friday's Fun:


1. I definitely quit playing church softball in the middle of our first practice a couple of years back!

See, I thought it would be fun to play; I mean, I was always at the games because Tim played. After catching ZERO balls in the outfield during practice, they tell me it's batting practice time. I had to hit the ball in front of everyone!?!?! After approximately 15 swings and (again) ZERO hits, I quit. Forever.

2. I'm most certainly not a neat freak.

Tim on the other hand is a very neat and tidy person. I know it's time to clean up when I go into our bedroom and there's a nice little pile of random things of mine on our dresser. That means he went through the house and gathered all the things I've left here there and everywhere. It also means, "Clean Up, B!" Yes sir! Point taken!

3. I am absolutely crazy about my precious niece!

Helloooo. If you know me or read this blog and don't know this, well, then, you are slap silly. I love Eleanor Grace more than I can begin to put into words.

4. I do, in fact, have a strange way of creating short, gay poems at the drop of a hat.

Even my mom, a 3rd grade teacher, has called upon me to create poems for her. At work, anytime an announcement is to be made about an engagement or pregnancy, I tend to get called upon to create a "jingle". It's strange how I can create them. Even stranger: they're always really gay.

5. I definitely do not prefer butter cream icing over cream cheese icing on cakes.

Cream cheese icing all the way! No explanation needed!

Fun times! It's no surprise my momma was correct! Thanks for playing!!

The Fall

I knew it would happen. In the three years I’ve been going to the gym, I have watched poor souls fall, trip, lose their rhythm on the treadmills. It’s always so embarrassing for the victim of the fall. Many times I’ve concentrated on my run or walk, just making sure I, Grace herself, do not fall.

Tuesday morning, while walking hills on the treadmill, I decided I wanted to move the fan more towards me. So, I hopped off of the treadmill, adjusted the fan, and hopped back on the treadmill. . . . only I momentarily forgot the treadmill was MOVING!!!

. . . And down she went. . . .

In a split second, I fell, grabbing the handle bar of the treadmill, only to be further stretched from the handle bar to the very edge of the treadmill. Because it’s still moving!!!

It was a never-ending cycle! What seemed like an eternity probably only lasted 2 seconds, and I was soon back up and walking my hills like I’ve never tripped. Luckily, the only witness to this escapade was the old man I call Moses. Moses, who’s older than dirt and walks a brisk 2.0 mph on his treadmill each morning looked as startled as I was. But he never said a word. Just kept right on walking.

Three days later, I have slight strawberries on my leg as proof of this fall.

Due to feeling like poo because of sinus issues, Tuesday is my most recent visit to the gym. Tim told me this morning that Moses asked if I was okay. Poor man. He told Tim I was back up and walking before he could even stop his treadmill to check on me. Expected for someone who walks as slowly as Moses, I suppose. And Moses thought I’d hurt myself good, seeing as I’ve not been back since the fall. Sweet hubby assured him the only thing hurt from the fall is my pride.

My how true.

Dear Patti

Dear Patti,

Our time together is coming to an end. You've been a good car, Patti, no doubt about that! I must reminisce about our experiences together.

You were my new car for my new job. My first real job, the start of my career! Over 7 years later, I'm lucky to still have that great job! Really lucky, in fact.

We've carried the dogs to the dog park and the vet's office umpteen times. I'm sure you love how Buddy and Belle jump all around in your back seat. You know they love riding in you!

You carried my wedding gown to the church just last year, and you carried Jodi's wedding gown to the same church 5 years earlier!

Remember the time I had to take a breathalyzer after driving you from Loco's one evening? Thankfully, I was, in fact, sober as a judge. But scared! And I think you were, too!

I did abuse you a little bit, but never on purpose. I am sorry for the time I backed you into Jennifer's Xterra in our driveway. And I'm sorry for backing you into that girl's truck at the tanning bed. . .

You've driven the family to the beach, the lake, Atlanta, and inbetween. We've packed you so full of luggage, people, dogs, and Ikea buys that we all thought you might pop! Then expected you to get us home safely through torrential downpouring rain! And you did. That's also the day Tim and I became "the gayest couple ever" (a blog for another day)!

Hmm. I better stop telling those stories. Tim's going to be rethinking this new car purchase!!! So long, Patti. You've been a good car. All 115,000 miles I put on you, you were good to me.

Patti, meet Addie, your replacement. She's young, full of spunk (V6 engines will do that, you know?), and she's ready for a good life with the Slocum family. We love you, Patti.

Your faithful drivers,

B & Tim

Ten Things. . . .

Yay! I’ve finally been tagged!!! Ally tagged me, and I am suppose to share ten things about myself that are "pretty interesting" and then tag seven bloggers to share their ten things.

Sadly, I am not sure I have seven bloggers who read my blog, so if you get tagged and you’re not a blogger, well, then, post it on your facebook or something!!!

1. I am a closet competitive person. I say I’m in the closet b/c I don’t like to admit how competitive I am because I think that might mean I lose some of the edge I might already have. I’m competitive with everything! If you know me at all, you know I’m not athletic, but for instance, if I’m running on a treadmill at the gym, and the person beside me is running faster than me, I tend to get all bent out of shape, angry, and decide I hate running and I’m fat and can’t do it. But, let someone jump on the treadmill beside me who’s slower than I am, and I am off to the races! I’m bound to have a great run, full of energy and pep!

2. If I wasn’t a banker, I honestly think I’d be a mortician. Okay, a funeral director sounds better, but it’s all the same really. Strange, I know. When my daddy died, the funeral home was so good to us and the guys really made an impact on me. It would be such an honor to be used by God to help those at their deepest time of need.

3. Speaking of my career, I’m kind of over being a banker. Tim, if you’re reading this, do not – I repeat, do not – flip out! I’m just saying I think it’s kind of mundane to help someone with financing and their money when I could be working in a greater ministry, like with Sav a Life or something that’s more likely to make an impact on someone’s life and on someone’s eternity.

4. I never had a Grandma or Granny or Grandpa growing up. I had grandparents, but I never called them that. My Mom’s parents were Gma and Gpa. My Dad’s parents were Memommie and Pepoppie. I remember being about 3 and running home from my neighbor’s house crying because I didn’t have a Granny like he did! My Memommie was much too hip to be happy with a name like Grandma, but she obliged while I tried it out. I think that last two hours. . . . and I quickly realized I was just fine with a Memommie and Pepoppie, Gma and Gpa. I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Not then and not now!

5. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God created me to be a wife and a mother. Being a wife has been so fulfilling, and I look forward to being a mother to my husband’s children with much anticipation and excitement!

6. No, that is not my way of telling the blogosphere I’m pregnant. I’m not preggers!

7. I used to pride myself on being a girl who knew football. I mean knew it. not just, “oh, those are my dawgs in their silver britches” but the kind of girl who on more than one occasion lost her voice during a football game from screaming and hollering at the boys, because I was certain my coaching was being heard and obeyed! But now, I’m not so sure. I still don’t understand plays well and certainly can’t tell you what I think might happen next based on how the line looks.

8. Like Ally, I struggle with abstaining from sweets. I love them! And, also like Ally, I have little to no self control with them. Thank Heavens my hubby is health-conscious, too, so we rarely have anything sweet in the house.

9. Which leads me to my argument that after our 9 mile run yesterday, some extreme moose tracks would’ve been perfectly legit for dinner. Hubby nixed that one. Which I’m thankful for!

10. I’ve never been skiing out west. I’ve really only skied twice in my life. The first time, I was in high school and went to Boone with my friend, Jennifer. We didn’t think we needed school, so we just went straight for the slopes, but I pretty much slid on my bottom the entire way down b/c I was clueless! I peed my pants more that trip than I ever imagined possible from laughing so much! Most recently, 4 or 5 years ago, Jodi, Brad and I went to Ashley’s in NC and went with her youth group to West Virginia. We had the forethought to attend ski school; only, Jodi dropped out. So Brad and I spent the night skiing. Or, he spent the night skiing, waiting for B, skiing, waiting for B. Because I would get to going too fast for my liking and just plop down on my big bottom and slide to a stop. Scardy Cat I am.

Hey, that’s the 11th thing. A Bonus! I’m a big ole’ Scardy Cat!

And with that fun, I’ll tag Jennifer, Jodi, Melissa, and Ashley in the blogosphere. Mom, Jennifer McMen, and Karen, you’ve been tagged in the world of Facebook! C’mon, y’all, play along!!!

Birthday Poem(s)

This is more of a selfish post, really. I just want to make sure I document this for my own personal sake.

The most random talent I have is that I can make up silly, gay little poems at the drop of the hat. Any given day, you're likely to hear me singing to the dogs or Tim, making up the song as I go. So, with Brad's (Brad is Jodi's husband) birthday yesterday, I had the perfect opportunity to put this talent to good use! Here's what I sent him:

Happy Birthday, Brad! It’s the Big 3-0, but don’t be blue!
Long ago, we thought 30 was old, now we know that’s not true!
With Jodi beside you, Lawson and Bella in tow,
You’re sure to have a blast in your 30s, may your life glow
With happiness and love Tim & B wish you
A happy birthday and a great year, too!

Much love ~ B & Tim

Only Brad Sappe would have a snazzier, snappier response:

YO, YO,……… YO, YO, YO!
B,
Thanks for the rhyme,
It was sure on Time.
Friends like you help get me through,
It hasn’t been easy but you’ve sure been kind.
I’m glad you and Tim have been friends of mine.
As I start this journey on my next 30 years,
With Christ by my side I should have no fears.
I’m gonna truly enjoy my family.
Spend time with Bella, Lawson and my wife Jodi.

WORD TO YA MUTHA!!!!

Peace, I’m out

I love it! We have all laughed over this and will do so for many more times, I am sure. Happy Birthday, Brad. We're proud to call you a friend!

Is that real blonde hair? Because it should be. . .

Friday night was GNO! Also known as Girls Night Out, me and 5 of my closest, dearest friends, get together as often as possible for dinner, drinks, and fun times! This being December, we did an ornament swap, too! That was fun, if I must say so myself! We took ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, added some “rights” and “lefts” to the story, and I read it aloud. Each time I said “right”, you gave your ornament to the person to your right. Each time I said “left”, we gave our ornaments to the person to our left! It was fun fun fun, and I ended up with one precious ornament from Jamie!

We had a great dinner at the Brick in the ‘ville ~ Fun Times! ~ and enjoyed catching up with each other and everyone bragged on babies!

The conversation turned to the man / woman who had a baby last summer and is pregnant again, which apparently silenced Barbara Walters, according to Robyn. Robyn and Carol talked about how this person lives as a man but still has woman organs, so it’s really not that big of a deal that he’s having a baby. . . or is it? Anyway, before I knew it, everyone at the table is totally engrossed in this story, and they are referring to this notorious pregnant person as “Shim”. I finally say, “I heard the story but I didn’t follow it as closely as y’all. I’m impressed you know his name is Shim!”

Umm. . . everyone promptly started laughing and told me his name isn’t Shim! They’re calling him She-him ~ Sheim! Ahhhh, I get it now!