LETTING GO

I hooked the leash onto Pepsi’s collar and the two of us proceeded to head out the door to go for a walk around the pond. At only ten weeks old, this little beagle mix bundle of joy that picked me out when I was at a local shelter is still in the house breaking mode. It had never occurred to me what a workout I would be getting as we would be making this trip of walking up and down three flights of stairs many times throughout the day.

This particular day started much as every other day. I was awakened by little puppy kisses and the thumping of Pepsi’s tail on the pillow. Familiar with the urgency of the morning walk, I now was as prepared as any fireman with clothes at the ready so I could quickly head out the door. I could see the sunshine pouring in through the windows so it wasn’t necessary to dress as Paddington Bear today.

So, out the door we go, not really sure who is walking whom. Pepsi is hooked to her retractable leash and bounding down the hallway as I try to lock the front door. If she could speak words, I have no doubt I would be hearing “come on mommy, come on” as she tugged anxiously at her leash. Pepsi was bouncy this morning, like a child who has had too much sugar. As I reach the stairs, I find that she has already descended to the landing between the second and third floors. As I step onto the landing, turning left to continue down the steps I see Pepsi sitting on the second floor. She begins to run towards me then in a flash she disappears into the gap between the open steps.

The retractable leash was locked allowing Pepsi a specific distance from me. Immediately following her fall the leash went limp, then suddenly I could feel her weight as the cord went taut. I ran to the gap she fell into. Laying on the stairs, I pulled the cord so that I could release the lock on the leash. I felt the weight lessen from my grasp as the cord zipped from the handle. Then again, the line was taut. I couldn’t see Pepsi from where I lay and there was no one around. Many times I cried for help but there was no response. My arm was stretched as far as it would go through the gap and I could only imagine that my holding on was making things worse for her. Not being able to see her and loving her as I do, at that moment all I could do was let go. It was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my life.

If you have ever replayed a moment in life over in your mind like a video, you will understand where I was at that moment. I wasn’t certain that I was making the right decision, so opening my hand to let go seemed to happen in slow motion. Then the silence was broken as I heard the leash crash to the ground. For a moment I couldn’t move or take a breath. I sprang to my feet as I heard the leash being dragged down the sidewalk. Evidently I had lowered Pepsi safely to the ground only to startle her by dropping the hard plastic leash.

Now, we are in an entirely different situation as I stand two and a half stories up and Pepsi is running towards the street trying to get away from the leash that was chasing her. I moved like I never thought I could and caught up the the leash stopping her about ten feet from the road. I fell to my knees where I stood. Pepsi bounced her way over to me as if asking are we going for our walk now. The previous moments seemed like an eternity, but Pepsi was perfectly fine. I was still feeling my heart beating out of my chest but her excitement quickly spread to me and we went for our walk around the pond.

This dramatic day happened in 1999. This past January, Pepsi turned thirteen years old and I continue to learn from her to this day. I have learned that love can be unconditional and that sometimes you have to let go. Pepsi has her struggles physically as age often does to a body, and I know there will come a time when I will have to let go again. Until then, I am grateful for her coming into my life and I will cherish every moment I have with her.

Special thanks to Carol Pahl Schumann for her time and talent in capturing a special moment shared between Pepsi and I.

Wishing you many puppy kisses and the joy of knowing unconditional love in your lifetime.

cj

1, 2, 3, JUMP!!

There is only thing more fun than wearing out children by making them jump in the air, time and time again, so you can capture the moment in a photograph… and that is when you have adults in formal wear jumping… just for fun! The shot above was taken at Vista Point in Norfolk, Virginia, at the wedding reception for Sharron and Reggie. I was kneeling down focusing on getting the shot as Carol assisted me by shouting “1, 2, 3 Jump!”! Moments later, Carol would shout “Again. 1, 2, 3, Jump”! The laughter grew as more of the bridal party would run into frame to join in on the fun. Shoes were being ripped off and thrown to the sides. It didn’t matter that every hair was in place or anyone looked perfect.  All that really mattered at that moment was who was catching more air. The smiles, the laughter and the uninhibited joy is really indescribable. What an amazing time we all had!!

This is what I truly love about what I do. Being a part of the moments that are real and honest… and full of heart! Being able to look back on one moment and hear the sounds from that moment all over again. Seeing the expressions and hearing the laughter that took place between the shots that were taken. The spontaneity of it all was simply awesome.

Earlier in the afternoon was no different. Sharron and Reggie basked in the joy of their wedding day and it was quite evident by their ever present smiles and laughter they so generously shared with their family and friends. From the ringing of the bell and the announcement of “the bride is coming, the bride is coming” to the last energized dance of the night… the love and the laughter of this couple and their wedding day will be with me forever.

Thank you for a day that I will never forget!

cj

Carol, Sharron, Reggie, Cathy

THE WEDDING AND THE HURRICANE

On August 27, 2011, Hampton Roads, Virginia was preparing for Hurricane Irene. The Naval ships left the docks and went out to sea. The local bridges and bridge tunnels were closed due to the high winds. The Weather Channel and local news were all tracking the storm. And so were we.

And on that same day, Latesha and Darius were preparing to exchange their vows in front of their family and friends. One of the groomsmen was now out to sea aboard one of the naval ships. Another groomsman was in Norfolk and unable to cross the Chesapeake Bay or James River to get to Newport News. The venue that was booked for the reception cancelled. The minister changed the four o’clock ceremony to eleven o’clock so everyone could get home safely.

As roads were closing due to flooding and fallen trees, Latesha was putting on her wedding gown with the help of her bridesmaids. The cake was placed on a table in the entrance hall of the chapel. Umbrellas were resting near the door from those who had already arrived. Sirens from passing police cars could be heard as they passed on their way to emergency calls. But everyone who walked inside had a smile on their face. Everyone was excited this day was here.

The wedding took place with a smaller number of guests than anticipated, but there was no lack of love or encouragement for this young couple by all who were there. Darius lit up when he saw Latesha enter the sanctuary and make her way down the aisle to him. For now, the thoughts of the hurricane had been forgotten. For now, we were spectators to a love that was stronger than the storm.

After the hurricane had moved up the coast, a reception, with all the family and friends, was being planned. The pages in the calendar were flipping from one month to the next. Until finally, a date was booked. A date that falls in the month of Valentines. A date that falls in February, the month of love. So, Latesha and Darius will finally have their reception surrounded by their family and friends. So, to this young couple who push forward, no matter what the obstacles, I thank you. I thank you for proving that a young couple in love can truly weather the storm.

Latesha and Darius, I wish you both the best in your life together. May your persistence, patience and love see you through any storms that lie ahead. I look forward to seeing your first dance, and meeting even more of your family and friends. I look forward to seeing your FourSquare status show that you are at your reception!!

Have a great weekend, and remember to laugh!
cj

RANDOMNESS: COLORFUL + SHINY

If you don’t know, I tend to live with some randomness. I can be talking, or even typing than suddenly ‘oh look, a bunny’! Today is one of those days. The littlest things distract me. Colorful and shiny things especially. Sorry, the tv was on… I forgot what I was leading to.

I took Big Bird, a Green Winged Macaw, and Wally, a parrotlet to the vet today. Wally only stands about two inches tall. Big Bird on the other hand is about sixteen inches tall. I was telling the vet how before Big Bird came to live with us that I had researched the breed. In doing so, I found their bite to be 150psi. Pets or not, these parrots are still wild animals and can cause a bit of harm to a person.

Little by little, I was working to create a trusting relationship with Big Bird. In the beginning it was done with bars between us. I had to get my mindset right before extending my arm and having him step up. I had to make sure I would not react to his testing me, whether by his lunging or pinching. Knowing the damage his beak can cause makes the day you willingly offer your arm a big one. It was less than thirty days when Big Bird and I connected. I offered my arm. He stepped up.

The next step is what I shared with the vet today. Birds feel safe in their cages. They can be territorial. Big Bird has a big cage, six feet from floor to ceiling. For me to hang his toys or change his paper, I need to have my upper body in the cage. I knew I had to do something to keep him from being territorial if had to reach into his cage. But what?

How would I be able to prove to Big Bird that he could trust me when I leaned in his cage. How do I stop him from trying to protect his home. I could only think of one way, and that was to get in the cage myself. So I did. There was no big plan or mental preparation. It falls in the line of my randomness. I had his door open. Big Bird was walking around the top. The cage was empty. From the moment the thought entered my mind, it just seemed like the thing to do. I stepped into the cage.

Big Bird looked at me like I had lost my ever-loving mind. Then he proceeded to join me in the cage. We both laughed while we played. He wasn’t threatened by my being in his house. I think he probably never experienced this before and was more curious than anything. That was over two years ago and I still go play at his house every now and again.

I told this story to the vet. I really have never thought much about having done what I did. She looked at me with a very funny expression as I told the story of how our relationship began. When I finished she said that in her 25 years she had never heard such a story. Concerned, I asked if what I had done was wrong, and she said obviously not, just look at the relationship the two of you have. Not that anything was wrong with me when I walked into the vets office today, but when I left I felt really good.

Have a wonderful day and remember to laugh!
cj

THE WAITING GAME

At 11:00am, I pull up to the entrance at the hospital. Angie gets out of the car and uses her cane to make her way to the elevator inside the hospital. I get the valet ticket, grab my laptop from the back seat and I approach the elevator just as the doors open. We exit the elevator at the 3rd floor, Admitting. In short order, they take Angie back to prep her for surgery.

So, here I sit in the waiting room. I’ve been told this is the first waiting room of the day. There are a lot of empty seats. I suppose that’s a good thing. Nothing to read, but that’s okay. I brought a magazine from home because they say that there are so many germs on the reading materials in hospitals and doctors offices. I am not a germaphobe. I just prefer not getting sick.

Back to the waiting room. This room would be great for folks with ADD. There are three flat panel tv’s going, each on a different channel. Each one mounted to the same square column, just facing different directions. Each one also set to a high volume. I happen to be sitting in front of the news channel. I tried for a moment to hear what they were saying, but the voices were drowned out by the wheel spinning around on The Price Is Right from another tv. This room could easily be compared to a sports bar, just without the beer and nuts. Well, there may be some nuts here. Heck, I’m here!!

Sitting far to my left is a gentleman who is coughing every few minutes or so. A father just brought his two young children into the waiting room and the three of them sat down across from me. The kids are alternating between sniffles and sneezing. It is said that people touch their faces about 3000 times a day, and that that’s how germs are spread. My goal for today is not to touch my face. Then suddenly, I have an itch. It might just be in my mind. I wrinkled my nose. That doesn’t help. I do the Bewitched twitch. Nothing seems to help. I need something else to focus on.

I decided to go check the snack and drink machines. Last night while shopping, I made it a point to get cash, thinking I might need it today. The drink machine takes $1 bills. The snack machine takes $1 and $5 bills. My little Girl Scout, be prepared, self stands there with a $10 and a $20, and not a change machine to be found. I go back to my seat.

Within minutes, I get called back into the patient prep area so I can hang out with Angie until they take her back to surgery. The nurse comes in to go over some paperwork. Again, I find I have to resist the urge to bring my hands to my face. This time I had a little tickle on my eye lid. Just as I am thinking I need a distraction, the nurse tells Angie to remove her contacts. I mention to the nurse what I had heard about germs and touching your face. She stepped away and returned only moments later with a canister of alcohol foam hand sanitizer. Angie and I both used it. Then Angie gives me one of those thanks a lot looks. Now she has to use her alcohol covered fingers to remove her contacts. Oops!

After a brief wait, Angie is wheeled back to surgery. I now wish I had brought a luggage cart. I am carrying my laptop bag, Angies purse and a paper hospital bag filed with her shoes, clothes and cane. I head to the elevators to find the cafeteria. All but one of the manned cooking stations are closed. The entrée’s have been dished into plastic to-go containers. I am, however, able to get a cheese burger, fries and a drink. I found a seat and texted folks an update while I ate. My next challenge was to find my way back to the waiting room. Surprisingly enough, it only took a couple of elevators, a U-turn or two and there it was.

I found an area where I could drop all that I carried that was near an electrical outlet. I pulled the laptop from the bag and plugged it into the wall. Just as I open the laptop my phone signals a text message received. Suddenly, and very loudly, I am hearing a male voice speaking in Arabic. The silence in the waiting room is broken and everyone is looking in my direction. I can’t tell where the voice is coming from.

I try muting the laptop and the voice continues. It’s getting louder now, as he speaks with either a tone of determination or frustration. I can’t say for certain since I don’t know Arabic. I look back to the iPhone. Suddenly, I recall that over this past weekend I was sharing an app, TuneIn Radio, with some friends. I went on to share that it doesn’t just pick up local stations. You can also pick up stations in other states. And even cooler, you can even pick up stations in other countries. Now you know, just as all the folks in the waiting room do!

Now for the important stuff… the surgery. The nurse called and said they started the surgery at 3:16pm. At 4:22pm, the nurse called to say they were closing her up. The doctor just came in at 5:07pm, saying everything went great and Angie can go home tonight. And if you didn’t get my text… “Done. Went great. Going home tonight. Cell battery dying.”

By the way, I snapped a really cool picture of Angie, the surgeon and Andy from Medtronics (the implant folks). I asked Angie if I could post it online. Without pause, Angie said go ahead. She went on to say that I remember this moment the next time I have a colonoscopy. Sometimes, she just doesn’t play fair!!

Have a great day and remember to laugh!
cj

GETTING JIGGY

Okay, everyone has done this to some degree. It just happened to me last night. I was in the kitchen taking the chicken from the bone to make the chicken and rice soup. You hear the little splashes as the chicken is dropped into the pot. I have the trash can to my left so I can easily dispose of the bones. My hands, well they are an absolute mess. Then suddenly, and without warning, it hits. I needed to go to the bathroom. First things first, I need to wash my hands. I reach over to turn the water on, then reach over to get some soap. Oh great, the running water is so not helping.

So, there I am standing at the sink. The water is running, and I am doing that little jig as my grandmother would call it. In keeping up with the times, I would say more like I’ve got the moves like Jagger. The wide-mouthed green frog soap dish sits to the left of the faucet. A sponge protruding from his mouth. He now appears to be smiling knowing of the predicament I am in.  I’m greasy from the chicken so it’s taking me a minute to get my hands clean. Done, I grab a paper towel and dry my hands.

I take a few steps towards the bathroom and I have to go back. Jasper and Harley, the cats, are trying to knock over the trash can. They have been at my feet demanding I drop the chicken the entire time I’ve stood at the counter. Jasper is on prescription diet only, but neither of them needs to get into the bones I’ve just discarded. So, for the second time I proceed down the hall to the bathroom.

Now, remember we had moved furniture. I’m telling you this, but at that particular moment I had yet to remember that important point. So, I am heading down the hall to the bathroom located near the stairs and front door. As I turn to walk into the bathroom I realize I can’t go in there. While moving the dresser downstairs and through the hall we had to put the little cabinet that sits in the hall out of our way, so we tucked it in the bathroom. A few other items had been placed in there as well. Now this is a small hall bathroom, so there was no more room at the Inn.

I have three choices. I can move everything back into the hall, I can run up the stairs or to the back of the house. So, to the back of the house I ventured. I pass the dresser in its new-found location. I pass the bed, also recently moved. I round the corner to the bathroom. Plants. Where did all these plants come from? Large plants mind you. Or at least large, heavy pots with plants. Large, fragile, water starved leaves are protruding in every direction.

By this time I am about as far as I can be from the third bathroom. It’s time to make a decision. Through the jungle I go. And alas I am in the bathroom. All is right with the world!

Have a great day and remember to laugh when you can!
cj

LAUGH WHEN YOU CAN

I learned a new word today. Well, not really. I heard a new word today and [clicking a new tab for Google search] it’s triskaidekaphobia, and it means fear of Friday the 13th. Who knew? Well, I guess someone did, and now I do too. So, that was my educational, a mind is a terrible thing to waste, moment for the day.

I have a bit to add to the moving the bed downstairs blog from yesterday. I stood right there by it, but I can honestly say moving a dresser downstairs never really occurred to me. At least not while I had someone to help me. A quick call followed by an apology mixed with a help request and help would be back over today. Melissa… you totally rock girl!

Now moving a dresser sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? We began with my method of moving large, heavy furniture. Flip it on its side. Now flip it again and push it across the carpet. Okay, now when we are tired from moving it we know the top has been dusted. It’s true. I’ve been doing it for years and it really does work.

Now we are at the top of the stairs with the dresser…
Me: Tip it and slide it down the stairs. I’ll guide it from the bottom.
Melissa: You’re going to get hurt.
Me: Nah, just try it.

Now we’re at the bottom of the stairs and I’m holding the dresser up to keep it from pressing me into the wall.  Melissa wiggles her way between the dresser and the stair rail to get to the bottom so we can spin it around the corner. Melissa grabs a little rug at the door and we flip the dresser over and slide it across the floor. Flipped upright and pushed into place. Done… this time for real! And, no dusting required.

The laughter of our feminine know-how of getting the dresser downstairs wasn’t it for the day. I have to share my trip to the grocery store this evening. I was making chicken and rice soup. From scratch. Don’t laugh. It’s pretty simple, so I rarely screw it up. Only twice I think. Anyway, I needed some vegetables so I ran around the corner to the grocery store. I ran in, got carrots, celery and green onions and went to check out.

I found the register with the shortest line. I learned tonight that it may not always be a good thing. The young man behind the counter picked up the celery. He looked at it for a moment, then looked back up at me.

Clerk: Is this lettuce?
Me: No. It’s celery.
He looks at his keyboard for a moment, then back up at me.
Me: With a “c”.
Clerk: Oh. Okay. Found it.

Then came the green onions. Again, he looks at me.
Me: Green onions.
He looks to his keyboard then back up at me.
Clerk: Would that be under green or onions?
I could only manage to say, I don’t know. Fortunately, the carrots were in a bag and he was able to scan them.

As I toss the bag into the passenger seat and headed home I actually laughed out load as I recalled the day I was buying sparking non-alcoholic juice and the clerk insisted on carding me!

Have a great night… and remember to laugh when you can!
cj