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Obstacles

My daughter mentioned obstacles this week and it’s been playing on my mind ever since. When something plays on my mind for too long, I tend to just want to write it out.

Obstacle:

One that opposes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress.

Any obstruction designed or employed to disrupt, fix, turn, or block the movement of an opposing force

Interesting definition, yes?

I believe there are two kinds of obstacles; good or bad. What’s hard is trying to figure out which is which!

Some obstacles are there to make us work harder; like a hurdle in a race. It’s meant to be jumped over and it takes training to be able to do it! The harder we work, the stronger we get…and in the end, we can rejoice in the fact that because we worked hard and didn’t let anything stand in our way, we accomplished something great!

But then, there are the hurdles that are meant to *stand in the way* or *turn*…us away from danger. Those are the ones i think so often we want to ignore. We are a stubborn people.

With this type of obstacle, I think of a road block. Here’s a good example:

Two years ago I was having some health issues. They were pretty serious and I was done dealing with them. I’d finally given up and decided to have the issues taken care of. I had to go through some pretty …er…invasive testing before they’d perform the surgery.  Everything was set up and ready to go.

The week before my surgery, I had a bad result on a completely different health issue, so my surgery was cancelled. To be honest, I am not sure at that point, what I was more upset about; the bad result or the fact that my surgery was canceled. It took another week for me to finish further testing in regards to the second issue; and I was cleared for surgery. BUT, by that time, my insurance had been switched and I was no longer allowed to have my surgeon perform my surgery.

See, now THAT is an obstacle!

Not one to let anything stand in the way of what I knew I needed, I went to battle. I fought and fought the system, got outside approval, and had the surgeon I wanted perform my surgery.

And it nearly killed me.

After the fight of my life, I spent the next SEVERAL months undergoing the most painful, humiliating procedures ever known to man. (or at least, me.) I will never be the same again. There are certain things I’ve just learned to accept. But I praise God that I have my life and I appreciate it more. He took this difficult time in my life and showed me just what HE could do when I let Him be in control instead of me.

But I also learned something else. When God puts an OBVIOUS or not so obvious obstacle in my way, next time I’m going to ask His advice before I just push my way through. (Later the same surgeon had his license taken away for some stuff…only to get it back, but it showed me that I shouldn’t work so hard to hurdle every obstacle that comes my way!)

We currently have some new obstacles going on…I’m sure we will always have them, it’s how we grow; but I’ve also learned to stand back, be patient, and say, “Ok, God, what do you want me to do with this one?” before I run full speed ahead to push my way through them, around them, or over them!

 

 

Just another Saturday

It’s one of those Saturdays where my brain just needs to take a step back and relax from all of the hoopla of the previous weeks. This summer has been pretty crazy; mostly spent working, but well worth the task at hand! I had originally thought this last Saturday before school started would be one of ….oh, I guess I don’t know.

The plan was to pick up Chicken Noodle Butt and the Princess and take them to see the Smurfs. Then, we found out the Good Looking One had to have his wisdom teeth pulled, so it changed to bringing them over to hang quietly while he sleeps his day away.

Instead, first thing this morning we got the call for him to go in early for his surgery. Hubby and the Talented One drove him while I took the Smart One to Karate and picked up the other two. On the way home, we stopped to stock pile with popcycles, jello, pudding, yogurt, juice and school supplies. (Hey, I get what I can when I can!)

The Good Looking One was nicely settled in my bed by the time I got home. I took a look at our pathetic looking dog who desperately needed to be groomed at a not so cheap price, so decided to do it myself. (He’s still pathetic looking, but at least he’s not as hot.) The Princess spent the next two hours helping me while the others watched a movie…until Bboo spoke up with,

“A snake is loose, isn’t it?”

That’s when I noticed the Drama Queen and the Smart One walking around quietly with a flash light.

They both glanced my way; knew I wasn’t going to fall for anything less then the truth and Bboo had already figured it out by the quiet way they were searching.

Indeed, a snake was loose. After a thorough search, the Smart One went to take a nap and the rest of us just carried on; knowing eventually the snake would show up.

Just a bit ago, the Talented One came calmly walking out of his room holding up a snake.

Apparently he was taking a nap when he felt something crawling over his arm.

Since he’s the one who first talked me into allowing a snake in this house, there wasn’t much he could do but catch it, let us know it’d woken him up, and then put it back into its cage.

Yup, we’re having just another typical Saturday in the Vivas household!

My Boy is a Black Belt!

Five years ago, the Smart One decided he wanted to do karate. We checked out several studios, and finally noticed a new karate studio going in just around the corner from our home. We went in, spoke to Master Sarac, the owner, and never left. The family that has been there for our son over the years has been one I am sure he will cherish for years to come.

I’ll never forget him testing when he was so young. Mr. Murphy was there to hand him his new belt at each test.

As he progressed over the years, there were times when he wanted to quit. One day, he told me,

“No matter how mad I get, Mom, or how much I tell you I want to quit; don’t let me. I want my black belt.”

Ever the leader of his team, Master Sarac encouraged him when he wanted to give up.

And so, he continued on, year after year. The only hold up was a broken wrist, and then a fractured elbow a year later! I wasn’t there for his last test, but Mr. Murphy was. Recently, Mr. Murphy passed away from complications due to diabetes. As we mourned with our son over the loss of a true teacher and friend, he decided the black belt test was for Mr. Murphy. It was what they had talked of together.

Today, I sat through test he’d work so hard to get to. He’s come so far!

Although I am sure it was bittersweet without Mr. Murphy, he did it! I am so proud of what he has accomplished!

Thank you so much, Master Sarac, for the years of dedication you’ve given to our son and so many others! He couldn’t have done it without you!

Camel Spiders

I’ve seen Bboo freak a little lately. I’m getting to know the *look.* Some of you may recall my very first ever blog. I was trying to figure out what to write about and then it happened; the scream…and My First Post!

Fourth of July, the Twin and the Talented One found a camel spider. They were deeply saddened when it was hit by a car. Bboo was thrilled, I’m sure, as they made sure to bring it over and show it off.

Last week, the Smart One, Bboo and the Twin came to help with some labor at my work. She walked in, gave the *look* and started yelling, “Kill it!”

Yup, another camel spider.

Last night, it showed up again. She was walking out the front door and quickly backed her way back into the house. Once again, the *look* and refusal to step outside the door.

I’ve heard she is pretty. I think the camel spiders, all spiders, must know it. That’s why they keep coming after her.

University Orientation!

I just spent the longest eight hours of my life attending a mandatory orientation in order to register the Talented One for his classes at the university. I think perhaps, the university needs some tips on what orientation should entail.

Not to mention the parents who are obviously having a hard time letting go.

To the university,

Perhaps a different orientation should be held for parents who aren’t sure if they want their children to go to college or not. You could spend hours counseling them about *helicopter* parenting, how to raise their children so that they don’t become wild when they go off to college, how they are not allowed to go to class with their college students and how they aren’t allowed to live in the dorms with them.

This would be greatly appreciated by those of us who just want to register our students for their classes and go home. We understand that we’ve raised our children up to become fine, young adults and know they will be able to find their way around the campus on their own. We understand that our children don’t want us going to class with them or telling them what clubs/organizations they need to be a part of. We are confident that if they want us to know, they will share it with us themselves. We are also confident that they will continue to make good choices and no longer need a babysitter; and that if they do make a wrong choice, they will learn from their mistakes without us having to hold their hands or talking to their teachers for them.

To future parents of college freshman,

When you attend orientation, please be mindful of the fact that not every parent in the room is having a hard time letting go of their young adult. Also, please note the following:

No, the university does not offer support classes for parents who are having a hard time letting go. You need to get a grip and realize that it is time to cut those strings. Your student will greatly appreciate it.

No, the university does not offer free babysitting services for your student.

No, the university does not offer services to escort your student home after they’ve made a bad decision to drink at a party. It is a *dry* university. This means that they do not allow alcohol on campus. If you’re student happens to go to a party off campus and drink, the university is not responsible for bringing them safely home. If you have doubts as to what your student will be doing while attending, please discuss this with them before they leave your nest.

No, you may not live with your student in the dorm.

No, you may not attend class with them.

No, you will not be allowed to speak to their teachers.

Yes, you can send them care packages. (especially ones with cookies.)

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This information was provided free of charge. Thank you, and have a nice orientation…er…day.