It's been an interesting year... changing jobs, changing cities we live in, seeing kids transition to the next step in their lives. Things began with a move to Tucson, AZ in February when I became the new Scout Executive for the Catalina Council, BSA. I had to find Tucson on the map to really know where we might be moving. I joke with friends that Tucson is the furthest east we've ever lived.... it's not very east and is considered the "wild west." We've seen some interesting things since we've been here including Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns, lots of cactus and some very beautiful sunsets. Transitions are always difficult but filled with good surprises too. Lots of neat people in Scouting have been very supportive and encouraging.
We've had lots of friends and family come and visit which we've really enjoyed. Good experiences including watching the OR-AZ game, visiting interesting places around the area and a trip to Vegas recently.
In the summer Jodi and I traveled up to Washington without the kids. A long road trip together brings good opportunities to talk about lots of things. It probably would have been easier to fly but it was fun traveling across the country together.
If you're itching to see cactus, creepy crawling things, the "wild west" and some fun folks (that's mostly Jodi but every now and then I surprise her) - then come visit us. We're always happy to have company!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Jodi's Christmas
I'm dreaming of a white...no green...no brown...Christmas! Life in the desert is a far cry from living in the Evergreen State, but I think we'll all adjust. We moved to Tucson in February. I was never really at home in California, so I am hopeful that that the adjustment to Tucson will be smooth. I have informed Ken that we are nearing the end of my moving days. I am hopeful we will finally find a place to stay. I did some reflecting on my life and the number of moves. Fifteen houses (not including two dorms and an apartment in college), 10 cities (not including college town), 6 states. That is a lifetime of change. It explains a little about my desire to place roots somewhere.
After we left CA, I continued to work for the same company until May. I enjoyed the work, but they decided they really needed someone on site to do the job. I decided to take the summer to be with the kids, since the adjustment wasn't easy for them. Then started my job search in September. I will say, I've never had this much difficulty finding work. I guess my standards are a little different. I want a job that challenges me and pays more than 1/2 what I was making in CA. At some point I will settle, but I'm not there yet. I've been #2 choice on 3 ideal jobs. I'm not giving up.
I am making a few friends, but it is hard. We haven't found the "right" church yet and I don't have a job, so it's hard to meet new people. I'm confident that the connections will come with time. I have enjoyed visits from friends and family. We've had more visitors to AZ then we did living 20 miles from Disneyland (with free passes). A lot of our friends from Ken's office in CA have been to visit. Even with all of my complaining, we did make some good friends while in CA. We had a great time with them in Vegas just a few weeks ago. Having family within driving distance is also nice. Janet has been a gift, helping me unpack and sharing holidays. I'm so glad they are close. Looking forward to New Year's with Dad and Pam.
I guess besides the move, the hardest part of the year has been dealing with my eyes. This is the year that I finally have to accept that I do indeed have RP, and will be dealing with the consequences of that the rest of my life. First off, it is really, really dark in Tucson! My night driving days are coming to an end. If I do drive, I need someone in the car with me to make sure I don't miss something crucial. It has made me really miss my mom. I wish I had someone to talk to who actually understands the frustrations. I had to have cataract surgery this summer. (I guess early cataracts are common with RP patients). Once that was done a film or stain almost immediately formed, leaving me with cloudy vision. Laser surgery to correct that was done in November. Still blurry vision, macular edema (common in RP patients after cataract surgery, uncommon to everyone else). Drops, retina specialists, time and hope that I will eventually have clear vision again, though it's not guaranteed. Not good when center vision is blurry and peripheral is gone. Thinking I should have just lived with the cataracts, my vision was better before the surgery. Hindsight, it's much better than my regular sight.
Well, that is Jodi's year. But fear not, I have the least exciting life of all the Tuckers, so keep checking for their 2009 stories.
After we left CA, I continued to work for the same company until May. I enjoyed the work, but they decided they really needed someone on site to do the job. I decided to take the summer to be with the kids, since the adjustment wasn't easy for them. Then started my job search in September. I will say, I've never had this much difficulty finding work. I guess my standards are a little different. I want a job that challenges me and pays more than 1/2 what I was making in CA. At some point I will settle, but I'm not there yet. I've been #2 choice on 3 ideal jobs. I'm not giving up.
I am making a few friends, but it is hard. We haven't found the "right" church yet and I don't have a job, so it's hard to meet new people. I'm confident that the connections will come with time. I have enjoyed visits from friends and family. We've had more visitors to AZ then we did living 20 miles from Disneyland (with free passes). A lot of our friends from Ken's office in CA have been to visit. Even with all of my complaining, we did make some good friends while in CA. We had a great time with them in Vegas just a few weeks ago. Having family within driving distance is also nice. Janet has been a gift, helping me unpack and sharing holidays. I'm so glad they are close. Looking forward to New Year's with Dad and Pam.
I guess besides the move, the hardest part of the year has been dealing with my eyes. This is the year that I finally have to accept that I do indeed have RP, and will be dealing with the consequences of that the rest of my life. First off, it is really, really dark in Tucson! My night driving days are coming to an end. If I do drive, I need someone in the car with me to make sure I don't miss something crucial. It has made me really miss my mom. I wish I had someone to talk to who actually understands the frustrations. I had to have cataract surgery this summer. (I guess early cataracts are common with RP patients). Once that was done a film or stain almost immediately formed, leaving me with cloudy vision. Laser surgery to correct that was done in November. Still blurry vision, macular edema (common in RP patients after cataract surgery, uncommon to everyone else). Drops, retina specialists, time and hope that I will eventually have clear vision again, though it's not guaranteed. Not good when center vision is blurry and peripheral is gone. Thinking I should have just lived with the cataracts, my vision was better before the surgery. Hindsight, it's much better than my regular sight.
Well, that is Jodi's year. But fear not, I have the least exciting life of all the Tuckers, so keep checking for their 2009 stories.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Visiting Bloggers
I (Jodi) have been writing the annual Christmas letter for...well, let's just say a long time. I tell you all about what everyone in my family is doing, has done, will be doing. But this year is a little different. In the next few days, this blog will be visited by 5 different spirits, the spirits of Christmas Jodi, Christmas Ken, Christmas Jake, Christmas Megan and Christmas Michael. They will take you back through 2009 to the highlights of their lives, or as Dickens would say the "course" of their lives. We'll have to wait and see if these courses need adjusting.
"Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends... But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change."
"Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends... But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change."
Monday, December 7, 2009
What happens in Vegas....is AWESOME!
Ken and I took a much needed break from responsibility and spent a long weekend in Vegas with friends. We "vegased" with the same group of friends last year and had a blast so we decided to go for the second annual Vegas weekend. Definitely an annual event, won't matter where we live.
We left early Friday morning, arriving in Vegas around 8 AM. We love staying down on Fremont Street and the "old Vegas" experience. We walked around, gambled a little and met friends for a late lunch around 2:30. We spent most of Friday night at the Four Queens. There were about four of us at the blackjack table. We had a blast. Ended up getting 4 buy one get one dinners, so headed to dinner around 9. After dinner, some gambled some more, the rest of us headed to our favorite Irish Pub at the end of Fremont. Early to bed for us old folks (left the bar around 1:30 AM).
Up and to breakfast with a couple of people around 9 on Saturday. We decided to spend the day just bumming around Fremont. Spent some time playing blackjack and some at the craps table. Ken is Mr. Conservative and spends his $10 at the nickel poker machines watching football or listening to his IPod. Made the group decision to have a big fancy dinner on the strip. We went to Pampas Brazilian BBQ in Planet Hollywood. We got 1/2 price tickets for dinner, jumped in an empty shuttle around 5:30. This is an all you can eat place, buffet for sides and then they walk around with all different kinds of meat on a skewer. (Ken and Kris would love this place, he he). We ate sirloin, garlic covered filet, ham, turkey, chicken, lamb, sausage, and I probably forgot something. We left fully satisfied. Off to karaoke! Had a great time. Met some friends of friends, made new friends, embarrassed old friends, had a shot of something that tasted like kerosene, sang some songs, danced a little. Left for hotel around 2 AM.
Most of our group needed to leave pretty early Sunday so we met for breakfast around 9. While we were waiting at the restaurant on Saturday, my friend Bekah was being her usual friendly self and started talking with one of the ladies at the bar. (this lady totally reminded me of favorite Aunt Margie!) Turns out, she works organizing tours and promoting shows. She arranged free tickets for Sunday night to the Carrot Top comedy show for whoever wanted to stay. So, Ken and I, our "adoptive son" Derrick and another friend from the OC stayed Sunday for the show. Derrick and I had a blast playing blackjack and craps, and actually ended the day ahead. Had to decide whether to eat lunch or keep gambling, and the gambling won. When Ken stopped by the craps table to see how we were doing, I made him go get us something with some sugar so I wouldn't just pass out. Then to dinner and the Carrot Top show. We had great seats, he was hysterical. It was a great day!
Home today (Monday) but totally ready to go back. Can hardly wait until next year's annual trip. You should think about joining us. The more the merrier!
We left early Friday morning, arriving in Vegas around 8 AM. We love staying down on Fremont Street and the "old Vegas" experience. We walked around, gambled a little and met friends for a late lunch around 2:30. We spent most of Friday night at the Four Queens. There were about four of us at the blackjack table. We had a blast. Ended up getting 4 buy one get one dinners, so headed to dinner around 9. After dinner, some gambled some more, the rest of us headed to our favorite Irish Pub at the end of Fremont. Early to bed for us old folks (left the bar around 1:30 AM).
Up and to breakfast with a couple of people around 9 on Saturday. We decided to spend the day just bumming around Fremont. Spent some time playing blackjack and some at the craps table. Ken is Mr. Conservative and spends his $10 at the nickel poker machines watching football or listening to his IPod. Made the group decision to have a big fancy dinner on the strip. We went to Pampas Brazilian BBQ in Planet Hollywood. We got 1/2 price tickets for dinner, jumped in an empty shuttle around 5:30. This is an all you can eat place, buffet for sides and then they walk around with all different kinds of meat on a skewer. (Ken and Kris would love this place, he he). We ate sirloin, garlic covered filet, ham, turkey, chicken, lamb, sausage, and I probably forgot something. We left fully satisfied. Off to karaoke! Had a great time. Met some friends of friends, made new friends, embarrassed old friends, had a shot of something that tasted like kerosene, sang some songs, danced a little. Left for hotel around 2 AM.
Most of our group needed to leave pretty early Sunday so we met for breakfast around 9. While we were waiting at the restaurant on Saturday, my friend Bekah was being her usual friendly self and started talking with one of the ladies at the bar. (this lady totally reminded me of favorite Aunt Margie!) Turns out, she works organizing tours and promoting shows. She arranged free tickets for Sunday night to the Carrot Top comedy show for whoever wanted to stay. So, Ken and I, our "adoptive son" Derrick and another friend from the OC stayed Sunday for the show. Derrick and I had a blast playing blackjack and craps, and actually ended the day ahead. Had to decide whether to eat lunch or keep gambling, and the gambling won. When Ken stopped by the craps table to see how we were doing, I made him go get us something with some sugar so I wouldn't just pass out. Then to dinner and the Carrot Top show. We had great seats, he was hysterical. It was a great day!
Home today (Monday) but totally ready to go back. Can hardly wait until next year's annual trip. You should think about joining us. The more the merrier!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
LET IT GO!!!
This is copied from an e-mail sent to me. It really hit home. There are some things I need to Let Go.
Good advice for us all...
By T. D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you:
let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into
staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to
see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never
tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made
manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt
they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not
joined to you, you can't make them stay.
Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their
part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in
your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead..
You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something.. I've got
the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in
good-bye.. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know
whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes
too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.
Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was
never intended for your life, then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .........
LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your
worth......
LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you.
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge.....
LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction... ..
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or
talents
LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude.... ...
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level
in Him...........
LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship. ....
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help
themselves.. ....
LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed ............
LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling
yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need
to......
LET IT GO!!!
'The Battle is the Lord's!'
Good advice for us all...
By T. D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you:
let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into
staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to
see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never
tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made
manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt
they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not
joined to you, you can't make them stay.
Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their
part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in
your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead..
You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something.. I've got
the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in
good-bye.. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know
whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes
too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.
Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was
never intended for your life, then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .........
LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your
worth......
LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you.
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge.....
LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction... ..
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or
talents
LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude.... ...
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level
in Him...........
LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship. ....
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help
themselves.. ....
LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed ............
LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling
yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need
to......
LET IT GO!!!
'The Battle is the Lord's!'
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The theory of relativity
I was recently at an eye appointment complaining about my vision. I just had cataract surgery and had corrective lenses implanted. Now, I see worse than before the surgery. I was upset. The doctor says to me, "Vision is relative. I've had people in here with way worse vision and they think they see fine." WHAT?
Somethings are relative, for example, pain. Some people have a higher pain threshold than others. I'm a little bit of a wimp, but Megan can take just about anything and say she's fine. Weight is relative, thus the measurements are in ranges rather than absolutes. Maybe I look fat to you, but to some I'm flat out obese. That means it's relative.
But, vision is not. There are specific standards that have been set since the inception of optometry. They measure it specifically. If you are seeing 20/20 it's good, if you are seeing 20/90, it's not. There are set standards for what is acceptable for certain activities. I'm pretty sure everyone has to meet a certain visual standard before they can drive, join the military, even play school sports.
Sometimes doctors irritate me just a little. I understand there are no guarantees, medicine is not an exact science, but don't patronize me when I come to you with a complaint, even if you think it is minor.
Somethings are relative, for example, pain. Some people have a higher pain threshold than others. I'm a little bit of a wimp, but Megan can take just about anything and say she's fine. Weight is relative, thus the measurements are in ranges rather than absolutes. Maybe I look fat to you, but to some I'm flat out obese. That means it's relative.
But, vision is not. There are specific standards that have been set since the inception of optometry. They measure it specifically. If you are seeing 20/20 it's good, if you are seeing 20/90, it's not. There are set standards for what is acceptable for certain activities. I'm pretty sure everyone has to meet a certain visual standard before they can drive, join the military, even play school sports.
Sometimes doctors irritate me just a little. I understand there are no guarantees, medicine is not an exact science, but don't patronize me when I come to you with a complaint, even if you think it is minor.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
A Commentary on Road Trips
I am sitting here at my computer, listening to the dogs snore on the sofa behind me, contemplating the meaning of life, and the value of a road trip.
As much as I was dreading nearly 3000 miles in the car, I do have to admit it was peaceful and was definitely needed to prepare me for the emotion of a homecoming without my mother there to greet me. And it was a peaceful respite as I "decompressed" after the difficult and somewhat awkward time with my dad (with his new companion, never present, but ever present at the same time.)
I am reflecting on the patience of my husband who put up with some attacks that weren't really meant for him, but were a needed release. I'm not sure I would stand as a scapegoat for others. But he took it all in, knowing all the time, it was frustration that I didn't really feel secure venting any other way. How lucky am I?
I am reflecting on the maturity of my children. I can't tell you how many times we were asked if we were comfortable leaving them alone for 10 days. I guess there are families with children who don't get along, even to the point of physical violence. But I knew that Jake could and would take control of situations, but wouldn't lash out physically. As I ponder my own immediate family, and the strained relationships, I am hopeful that I am able to create a bond between my children that will withstand the turmoils that face every family.
I am reflecting on the oddity of an extended family that gathers annually to celebrate unity. 96 people with different personalities, different beliefs, but as lame as it sounds, a love that throws a blanket of comfort over me. This is a group of people who accept me just as I am. Oh, don't get me wrong, there is bickering and differences, but we appear to be able to put that aside, at least for a weekend, to celebrate each other and "us" as a family. I love you all!
Well, my mind is tired of reflecting, so I must move on to something a little more productive...but what?
As much as I was dreading nearly 3000 miles in the car, I do have to admit it was peaceful and was definitely needed to prepare me for the emotion of a homecoming without my mother there to greet me. And it was a peaceful respite as I "decompressed" after the difficult and somewhat awkward time with my dad (with his new companion, never present, but ever present at the same time.)
I am reflecting on the patience of my husband who put up with some attacks that weren't really meant for him, but were a needed release. I'm not sure I would stand as a scapegoat for others. But he took it all in, knowing all the time, it was frustration that I didn't really feel secure venting any other way. How lucky am I?
I am reflecting on the maturity of my children. I can't tell you how many times we were asked if we were comfortable leaving them alone for 10 days. I guess there are families with children who don't get along, even to the point of physical violence. But I knew that Jake could and would take control of situations, but wouldn't lash out physically. As I ponder my own immediate family, and the strained relationships, I am hopeful that I am able to create a bond between my children that will withstand the turmoils that face every family.
I am reflecting on the oddity of an extended family that gathers annually to celebrate unity. 96 people with different personalities, different beliefs, but as lame as it sounds, a love that throws a blanket of comfort over me. This is a group of people who accept me just as I am. Oh, don't get me wrong, there is bickering and differences, but we appear to be able to put that aside, at least for a weekend, to celebrate each other and "us" as a family. I love you all!
Well, my mind is tired of reflecting, so I must move on to something a little more productive...but what?
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