WINNING

 

This might be my best WINNING story yet!  My most recent radio contest win was a few weeks ago for Lady Gaga tickets on MIX 107.3!  Now I have to wait 30 days before I can win again.  I had thought about switching radio stations to see what other exciting contests might be happening on the air...hmmm, but I'm super loyal and I have met most of the DJ's and they are really awesome people!

This morning when I hopped into the car, there was a new radio station blaring music.  My kids or the hubby must have changed my permanent radio station to something new.  Instead of moving the dial back to 107.3, I decided to check it out.  This foreign radio station was Fresh FM.

I was in and out of the car all day and at some point had heard about the radio station giving away tickets for an exclusive concert at the radio station.  I thought that would be a really cool contest to win but quickly let go of the idea when I realized I'd be at my chiropractor appointment at the same time they were giving away the tickets.

On my way to the chiropractor's appointment, I heard the DJ announce again that at 5:25pm the contest would take place.  I had a fleeting thought that I might be able to be back in the car by that time but didn't get my hopes up.

I arrived at my appointment a few minutes late and was brought back to a room to wait for the doctor. While I was waiting, I decided to call the radio station.  I explained that I was at the doctor's and I couldn't hear the radio announcement to call for the contest and asked how I could try to win the tickets. 

                                        The DJ said to call back ON THE DOT at 5:25pm. 

Of course, the doctor walks in the door and says "hello" at 5:23pm!!  I said "hello" back and quickly announced that I was going to try and win concert tickets in two minutes.  I was not going to be this close to WINNING and give up.  He just laughed and shook his head and began my treatment. 

Then it was 5:25pm ON THE DOT and I called the radio station and it was busy...called again, busy...called again, busy...called again, RINGING!  I announced to the doctor the phone to the radio station was ringing and he gave me this look like "really?" and then...

      the DJ picks up the phone and announces I'm CALLER 9 and the.... 
                                                                                                
I really don't know who was more surprised - me or the doctor??!!  After I hung up, he said he didn't know anyone who ever calls in to the radio stations for contests, much less WINS THEM!  I think he just might remember me as the only patient who has ever called a radio station for a contest and WON, while he was providing treatment!! 

On October 18th, me and a friend will be heading to Lanham, MD, to see an exclusive concert at the radio station by these guys...

                              The hubby will be out of town so I will need a concert buddy. 

            WHO's IN for a FABULOUSLY FUN DAY???????

Punch Card in Life

I am looking at the clock and thinking why am I awake?  I have felt the need to write all week and have denied myself this creative pleasure.  I often think that that when I write, the words must flow endlessly, like a perfect lullaby, when instead, I realize, I just need to let go and type.  I have so much too say and wonder everyday, how much time do I have left to send these messages into cyber space?

For the last year or so, really incredible things have happened to me and continue to do so.  I'm talking about experiences that are once in a lifetime, unique.  But I don't live in a fancy city or have a fancy job or interact daily with fancy people.  I am just a Twingles Mom.  Living the daily grind, in the suburbs.  My life is supposed to be comprised of suburbia activities, like canvassing grocery isles, cooking creative crock pot meals, making dents in the laundry pile, playing taxi driver for the kids play dates, soccer practices, gymnastics and their other endless activities.  However, this doesn't mean I have to turn away an opportunity of play, when it comes my way. 

                          This blog isn't about bragging rights, it is about your punch card in life. 

For so long, I believed that once I became a mom, my life would be complete.  The journey to have a family was filled with Heartbreak, Hope, and finally, Hallelujah x3!  I have not known greater joy than experiencing life with my children. The first embrace with each one was filled with overwhelming emotions and I recognize that each day is a gift.  But something was missing when my youngest daughter began preschool and my twins boarded the bus for kindergarten. 

Once I embraced the idea that I had more to offer to the world than motherhood, I realized there was a whole world to discover.  I literally ran out the door that day and have not stopped running.  I wake up every day with excitement and wonder how I can turn my day into an amazing one?  I opened the door of opportunity and I keep running forward.  However, sometimes, deep inside, I wonder, if my punch card in life is almost complete?  With each new experience, I keep saying, "this is it" - the one moment I'll remember forever, and then, without any expectation, the universe sends me along to another unique life experience! 

I have seen things people are never supposed to see, a lot of death and dying.  Thanks to the endless hours I spent in the ER, as a trauma social worker.  I am uber protective of my kids.  I have said goodbye to too many precious friends who were just beginning to live life.  Each day, I am keenly aware that we can only rely on the very moment you are living and nothing else. 

I know I drive my husband crazy with my endless activities and travel requests.  He doesn't understand why I am not a homebody.  And I know my babysitters wonder why I'm going to endless concerts and to meet and greets with the band.  And my kids ask "mommy, where are you going now?" as I pack for a trip to New York City to go run a marathon.  I know there are people who don't agree with my high energy lifestyle...but I'm not at the age where I really wonder what others think about me. 

                                     I am LIVING life and relishing every opportunity.
                                                             
It is now waaay past the midnight hour.  So, I will leave you with one more thought to ponder, the most important one of all.  For it is how I strive to live this journey of life and I truly believe "my amazing luck" is instead, only kindness floating back my way. 
                                                                             

My punch card in life has truly been extraordinary.

 

 

Tears and Tragedy: A Call to Action

I have been riding on the waves of emotion recently.  For the last week, I've tried to hold it together without anyone knowing what was going on.  A typical Taurus, I am.  Earlier this week, when the baby panda at the National Zoo was pronounced dead, my tears finally began to flow effortlessly.  I was heartbroken when I read how the baby panda's mother called out in distress.  I felt a sense of overflowing grief for this panda's mother.  I know the unbearable loss of losing a child.  On Sept 17, 2000, I experienced grief that I never knew existed.  My baby boy died in utero at 27 weeks.  My heart is still healing. 

This past week, I have been struggling.  I have been mopey, frazzled, unproductive, grumpy, no desire to workout or run, lounging in my PJ's, trying my best to engage in conversation, to be social, to interact with my family, friends and co-workers but I believe that I have miserably failed.

 
And then this morning I read the horrific headline "Family of Four Found Dead in Herndon Home."

http://hinterlandgazette.com/2012/09/family-dead-herndon-va-home-owned-albert-kathleen-peterson.html

The pit of my stomach ached and I felt like I wanted to throw up.  This happened in my very own community.  This family attended the same church as I attend.  I felt like I already knew the story before I read it.  The details are being investigated but a homicide detective is on the case. 

All day I kept thinking about how I have read hundreds of stories like these in recent years.  And every time I ask myself, how can we IGNORE this public health epidemic of families being wiped out by their very own??  When are WE, as a society, going to say "Enough is Enough" and start the difficult conversation that so desperately needs to begin?

Tonight, while sitting in a booth at the Silver Diner with my family, a song started to play on the jukebox that I haven't heard in awhile.  It was John Lennon's "Imagine."  Suddenly, without warning, my tears began to gently flow.  I think it was this verse that got the waterworks going:

I don't have the answers. But I do know a family of four in our community is no longer with us.  Those that are left behind and knew this family are all wondering what went wrong?  How did this happen to our church family?  It is natural to think about what we could have done differently?  We wonder if this family would still be alive, if only we had asked the right questions?  The questions that could have, should have, or the best case scenario, would have, lead this family to the help that they so desperately needed, if this is truly the case of family murder/suicide.

There are so many unknowns and it is difficult to comprehend the horror of the situation.  I cannot stop thinking about the innocent lives lost and their dreams that will never unfold.  Two children who brought love and hope into this world, and now, are forever gone. I wonder about their Mom and her story?  Is there someone in the community that she spoke with that might be able to give some insight on what happened?  No final details are emerging yet but in my mind, I have to wonder if her life and her children's lives are now a statistic of U.S. family homicides? 

Did you know that almost one-third of female homicide victims that are reported in police records are killed by an intimate partner?  Source: NCADV Public Policy Office
 
I can't help but wonder how their extended family and our Floris church community will cope in the days ahead and how the children's friends will comprehend this news?  This tragedy will introduce a whole new meaning of grief and trauma into their world.  I will keep my Floris friends in my prayers as we grieve together.



Tonight, on 9/25/2012, Pastor Tom posted this message on the Floris UMC website:

"It is our desire at Floris to minister to the needs of our community. We will be holding a Candlelight Vigil at Floris tomorrow, Wednesday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. Please invite the community and post this information where others can see it. Our desire is to provide a place where our members, friends, and community can gather to express their grief, pray, and stand in the light of God's love and hope together. I will share more information regarding this service tomorrow."

During this Candlelight Vigil at Floris, I will be praying for the difficult conversations to begin amongst us.  We must not be afraid to ask for help.  We must be extra observant and not be afraid of being too intrusive to our friends and family who appear to be struggling.  If something is not right, follow with your heart and offer a sympathetic ear and a helping hand while putting a plan in motion, whether that is counseling or helping someone to find a temporary safe place.  Your kind word or offer of help may save a life.

For more information or to get help, please call:
THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE at 1-800-799-7233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK

There are published reports that the husband/father of this family had previously attempted suicide.  This is one of the warning signs that calls for an immediate intervention.

"Recognize the serious signs." Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Spouse-With-Depression

Depressed people do sometimes commit suicide when they experience feelings of hopelessness.  It is important to listen carefully if your spouse talks about suicide and to take it seriously, especially where there is evidence that they have a plan and/or they have attempted suicide before. Be aware of the following warning signs:

• Threats/talk of suicide
• Statements implying they don't care anymore or won't be around for future events
• Give away their stuff; Discuss making a will or funeral arrangements
• Purchase of a gun or other weapons without a known reason
• After a period of depression, your spouse experiences a sudden, unexplained cheerfulness mood or is calm
• It is important to get help right away, if you observe any of this behavior!  To get advice on what action to take, call a health care professional, mental health clinic or the suicide hotline. Call the police in case of an emergency!  Try your best to intervene by talking, and even asking direct questions about their suicidal thoughts. Direct questions are vital, as they can give you an indication of the time you have to intervene and the intensity of their emotions.   Also discuss negotiating a deal with them to stay alive for a set period of time, buying time for the really negative period to dissipate.

We will pray for Peace for all mankind, rely on our Faith to keep us strong, believe in Love to make the world go around, and have continued Hope for effective communication and intervention in our communities so that there are no more innocent victims.  For it is Peace, Faith, Love, and Hope, that will carry us through our darkest hours. God's light will shine through.