Reading....

High on my list of favorite things to do is reading.  It's right up there with spending time with my family, eating Mexican food and trying to figure out which house the couple is going to choose on House Hunters.  I love to read mysteries, parenting magazines, celebrity gossip websites, romance novels and will even resort to perusing the back of a shampoo bottle while rinsing my hair in the shower just to have something to read.  Unfortunately my love of reading extends also to the reading of people.  Reading into their body language and the story behind the words they present.  The story I am sure must be there because people don't just say what they mean, do they?

My interest in psychology and desire to pursue that as my course of study was driven by my want and need to understand people.  What motivates us, why we behave in the ways we do and how we relate to one another.  The inclination to read people and "get in their head" has served me well in some cases.  Most of my college work came easily to me, not because of a high level of intelligence, but rather due to a high level of interest in the subject.  Success at work was due, not only to my sparkling personality but also in part to my ability to determine what the people I was serving, clients and fellow employees alike, were looking for as an end result.

However, more than once in the very recent past, my overwhelming and uncontrollable tendency to read people and their intentions has caused some issues.  Seemingly easy conversations to have and decisions to be made have been fraught with anxiety.  Because of the highly sensitive reputation I have deservedly cultivated, it has come to my attention that those I care deeply about often censor their true thoughts from me and at times are less than forthcoming because they fear what I may read into their words.  While I firmly believe reading books, magazines or people is one of the most important skills a person can have, there comes a time to reign it in.  I strive for honest communication.  Lying and dishonesty are traits that I just cannot tolerate.  But, causing people to tiptoe around what boils down to matter of fact thoughts and opinions just to avoid hurting my feelings is simply ridiculous.

From this moment on, I am making a commitment to thicken my skin.  I resolve to understand there isn't a hidden meaning behind every conversation.  Most of the time, words are just words.  Obviously this will not be an overnight change.  My feelings will be hurt from time to time but that's just the way it goes.  It is unreasonable to expect that I will like everything I hear.  My feathers can be unruffled as quickly as they are ruffled.  I do not want to be the person that you have to be "careful" around.  Speaking my mind is a freedom I exercise frequently and that same freedom applies to all those who communicate with me.  Give me a chance.  With some practice, I know I can do it.  Now, while I am waiting to put this new me into practice, I think I will finish the book I am reading.  I've heard reading is good for you...

The Great American Swim-A-Thon...

Sunday was the day that all of the Kolb grandchildren have had circled in red on their calendars for weeks and weeks now.  It was time for the annual swimfest hosted by the incomparable Nanny and Grandpa.  For many years now, John and Connie have dedicated one Sunday afternoon/evening/night to a big swimming and pizza party at a local hotel. The kids, both big and small, eagerly anticipate this day all year and once again, they were not disappointed.  There were treats and pizza galore....

And while the adults of the party ate, drank and were merry, all of the kids swam to their hearts content...

After what only seemed like, well, about 6 1/2 hours of swimming, the lights were dimmed and we were gently nudged out of the pool area.  By that time, I think we (and by we, I mean the adults in attendance because I think most of the kids could have gone all night) all felt like this...

Tired but already looking forward to the 2012 edition to do it all over again.

Many thanks to John and Connie for once again proving that the best gift of all is time spent together.

Goodbye tonsils...

After 3 bouts of strep throat since November 1, the decision was made by our wise pediatrician to send Ella to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to explore the possibility of the removal of her tonsils.  In a move that simultaneously gave me exactly what I was hoping for and also a near heart attack, an appointment for a tonsillectomy was made for the very next day.

After an evening of roast beef and mashed potatoes as her last supper (for awhile) and a trip to Hy-Vee to stock up on all of the best, most tantalizing ice cold goodies necessary for proper healing, Ella was prepared for her big day.

Admitting that she was very nervous in one breath and then smiling widely in her hospital garb the next moment was classic Ella...

It wasn't long before the excitement wore off and the butterflies settled in.  The nurse entered and readied us for surgery.  It was at this moment that Ella really felt the stress and uncertainty and in an effort to take her mind off things, I handed over my trusty Canon and allowed her to photograph me which made her (and probably you too) laugh...

Walking her back and holding her hand while she was being put to sleep was surreal and walking away to await news was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do.  Knowing that having tonsils removed is one of the most common childhood surgeries and the likelihood of anything major going wrong was very slim did little to calm my highly sensitized nerves.  As I sat on the edge of my seat in the waiting room, I considered those parents who have children with cancer or various other severe medical issues and marveled at the strength they must possess.  Thankfully my wait was only 20 minutes and I was being ushered back to speak to the doctor who assured me the surgery was a textbook case and I would be reunited with my brave little girl shortly.

Ella was sleepy and in pain but curious as to what was going on around her and had many questions about the room she was in, the procedure itself and mostly when she would get to go home.  Her beautiful spirit was evident in her politeness to the nurse even though she was struggling with not feeling well and her bright smile through the pain reminded me of what a remarkable little person Ella is... 

After getting her pain and tummy ache under control, we were sprung and the past several days have been spent recuperating.  Ella, in typical fashion, has rebounded astonishingly well.  There have been ups and downs as expected.  She tires very easily but has been managing her pain well with minimal complaining and whining.  The doctor suggested allowing her this entire week off of school but I suspect, she will be able to return to her old stomping grounds, at least for half days, before Friday.

As packages, ice cream treats, flowers, balloons, cards and well wishes rolled in, I was half expecting Grace and Lily to request surgery also.  The thoughtfulness of everyone has been exceptional and so very appreciated....

Ella's throat may be a little more empty after her surgery, but her heart is a lot more full.