Patriotic play last year at Tyler's school

Right now my son is upstairs coloring a photo for his Dad for Veteran's Day. It's the planting of the flag at Iwo Jima. If we ask Tyler what he wants to be when he grows up, he usually gives us several things ranging from football player to policeman. But 'soldier' is usually a constant. I've told Phil before that, as Tyler gets older, we need to talk with him about it and change his mind.

But lately I've been thining about my position and where it comes from. I see his little face now, as a child, and I can't picture the man he's going to be. I have that Mother Bear need to keep him safe and with no future insight into what the political climate will be by the time he's 18, the idea of him putting on a uniform scares me.

But, I'm proud of my husband for his service. Being in the military was good for Phil. Who says it won't be good for Tyler too? It's not up to me whether he joins. It's a decision I hope Tyler will include his parents in but ultimately it's up to him. I can't applaud others for their desire and willingness to serve their country but not apply that to my own son.

Who knows what the future holds? But, for now, I have decided not to try and dissuade Tyler from any military aspirations. It wouldn't be fair to him.

Happy Veterans Day to the men and women who put on their uniforms out of a love for their country, a desire to serve and a sense of patriotism and honor. Your service to our country is appreciated today and all days!

The Flu Bugs Have Infested Our House

I'm still here! I have not abandoned you, I've just been sick. I started feeling bad last weekend but attributed it to the fact that we were out late Friday and Saturday and Tyler's birthday party was Sunday. I took a 6-mile walk Monday. Tuesday, I spent hours editing the Tastemaker video and got a headache. By Wednesday I figured I was run down from all the activity and I stayed in bed for half the day. I had a slight fever of 100.4.

Thursday I made it through a little of the morning and then fell asleep on the couch. I woke up around 12:30 dripping sweat. I changed clothes and crawled into bed. My cell went off around 2:30 and I had to fight not to fall back asleep since it was close to time to get Tyler. I got out of bed and felt a little dizzy. I had to sit down outside my room. I hadn't eaten or drank anything the entire day, and assuming it was low blood sugar, went upstairs to get some OJ.

The dizzyness got worse as I moved up the stairs and I sat down on the couch and knew there was no way I could get in the car and wanted to start making calls to find someone to get Tyler. I don't remember going from the couch to the kitchen but I woke up on my back on the kitchen floor. This is the view I had.
Which, being just a ceiling, is not remarkable in itself. But to have that specific view my head needed to be right next to my stove.

I don't know if I fell and rolled onto my back as I was coming to but I'm really lucky I didn't hit the granite countertops on the way down. I do have a bruise and small scrape on my right arm. My lower back has been really sore and there's a pain in my shoulder that goes up into the left side of my neck. I'm concerned about the walk since any pain you have throws off your natural walking rhythm. I'm going to get a massage and hope it helps.

We went to the ER Thursday but it didn't shed any light. they wouldn't test me for the flu since I'm not in any high risk group and wasn't being admitted to the hospital. It's a little ironic that my plan on Thursday was to stop into CVS after getting Tyler from school and getting flu shots for both of us. I have to wait until I'm feeling better but we definitely want Tyler to get his shot. We haven't decided if we'll do H1N1 as well. I'm feeling better but still get tired pretty easily. I've got a lot to catch up on but hopefully am back in the groove. Stay healthy!