Molly got spoiled!

Thailand was incredible!

It was such a feast for the senses.

I'm still at a loss for words of how to describe it all.

I can't wait to post all about it - but I need to wait for all the pictures from the other ladies.

'Cause we all know - pictures speak a thousand words.

In the meantime, I wanted to put on a Molly Moment for Tiffany.

While Madi and I could talk ourselves out of buying "another bag" or "another adorable shirt" we were suckers when it came to the pet section of the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok.

Molly got the most "souvenirs" (to borrow my niece's favorite word!) of anyone in the family.

Amy has already posted the first few days of our travels on her blog.

I love her elephant stories. You should go check it out here http://lotyry.blogspot.com/

Garrett has been "Published"

Garrett's Journalism teacher recently asked him to "write a blurb" about an Education Expo recently held at school. His "blurb" was in today's edition of Guam's military newspaper - Joint Region Edge.

follow the link...

http://www.guampdn.com/guampublishing/pacificedge/data/EkFuukAuFknTePpgqX.htm

Who knew . . . .

. . . . . such cute eyes were under all that hair!

A-DDICT-ION

We ALL love Tara's caramel corn!!!!!

Fake it til you make it

It's something we all do.

At different times in our lives.

Just differing circumstances.

But some days I don't want to fake it any longer. It's exhausting for all of us.
Here's a sampling:

Many Aspies with their above average IQs can sail through grammar school, and yet hit academic problems in middle and high school. They now have to deal with four to six teachers, instead of just one. The likelihood that at least one teacher will be indifferent or even hostile toward making special accommodations is certain. The Aspie student now has to face a series of classroom environments with different classmates, odors, distractions and noise levels, and sets of expectations.

Social Isolation.
In the teenage world where everyone feels insecure, teens that appear different are voted off the island. Aspies often have odd mannerisms. One teen talks in a loud voice, avoids eye contact, interrupts others, violates their physical space, and steers the conversation to her favorite odd topic. Another appears willful, selfish and aloof, mostly because he is unable to share his thoughts and feelings with others.

Many Aspie teens are stiff and rule-oriented and act like little adults, which is a deadly trait in any teenage popularity contest. Friendship and all its nuances of reciprocity can be exhausting for an Aspie, even though he wants it more than anything else.

Inability to "Be a Teen." An Aspie typically does not care about teen fads and clothing styles -- concerns that obsess everyone else in their peer group. Aspies may neglect their hygiene and wear the same haircut for years.
Some Aspies remain stuck in a grammar school clothes and hobbies such as unicorns and Legos, instead of moving into adolescent concerns like MySpace and dating. Aspie boys often have no motor coordination. This leaves them out of high school sports, typically an essential area of male bonding and friendship.

The teenage years are more emotional for everyone. Yet the hormonal changes of adolescence coupled with the problems outlined above might mean that an Aspie teen becomes emotionally overwhelmed. Childish tantrums reappear. They may experience "melt down" at home after another day filled with harassment, bullying, pressure to conform, and rejection. Suicide and drug addiction become real concerns.

REFERENCES:
Bashe, Patricia and Barbara Kirby. The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome.
Kennedy, Diane. ADHD Autism Connection.
Myles, Brenda and Jack Southwick. Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments.
Autism Asperger Publishing,Powers, Michael. Children with Autism.
Sohn, Alan and Cathy Grayson. Parenting Your Asperger Child.

So . . . .

What'd YOU do today?

red rice, or half and half?

On most Fridays Dave's cell phone will ring about 3:30. The conversation goes something like this

Dad: Hello

Madison: Dad, when are you coming home?

Dad: Hopefully soon

Madison: Will you bring Jamaican Grill?

Dad: Sure

This week we are officially pathetic....they know Dave's voice, and our order!

All he had to do was say "Hi, I'd like to place an order for take out".


The chicken/rib combo with half red rice half jam.

We go here way to much.
Guam Food Guy review

A Molly Moment

Molly is a rock star around here.

Everyone she sees (human or otherwise) is absolutely her very best friend.

It doesn't matter if she saw you just two minutes prior or if she's never laid eyes on you.

She just wiggles and squiggles with delight at everybody and everything.

The other canines in the neighborhood aren't as eager to share Molly's enthusiasm.

Here she is with Roxy - who lives next door.

I really need to get a shot of Clarence - a dog who lives a street away.

He just does not get what Molly's all about and starts whining when he spots the fluffball!

A brand new year

A new year always feels a bit like "starting over."
It's a fresh start, a new beginning, a clean slate. It's full of hope and possibilities.
Oh goodness - that's a bit overwhelming!

2009 is filling up.

There's this thing that happens when you are involved in activities, whether they are church, volunteering, or kid related. Events get scheduled, sometimes many months in advance. You are bombarded with pieces of paper and emails that contain important information and DATES YOU CANNOT FORGET! You realize that you can't live without a calendar.

Lucky me, I have a spouse that knows me all too well. I get my new calendar every year under the Christmas tree. And every year I'm amazed at how many blank little boxes the calendar contains. It's so new! So pretty! So unused!

Then you start filling in all those little boxes. First, you neatly use color-coordinated pens, but eventually you end up sloppily filling them in using the wand from an old mascara. The pieces of paper, the emails, and the IMPORTANT DATES are coming at you fast and furious. You make no promises without first consulting your calendar.

Once in a while you imagine losing your calendaring system and the thought sends you into a panic. You know that if you were smart, you would make a back-up calendar - but you don't have time to be smart. Instead you take a large Sharpie and write on the outside "Property of Chantelle Lang. Reward if found!" At least that's what I wrote. You should probably write your own name.

So today I got out the new calendar and filled in various monthly obligations - (bunko, birthdays, meetings, whatnot) While I was at it, I checked out airline prices for the annual Camp Grandma - YIKES, I think my blood sugar just plummeted! (Even prices from Honolulu are jaw dropping)

Anyway, when I came to December 2009 I felt as though I had just lived the entire year. My head hurt and I was pooped from celebrating one-too-many birthdays and anniversaries and from soothing my teen about his fears of flying yet again over the ocean.

So what clarity did my time spent planning out my entire year bring?
I need to bring life down just a tiny notch, maybe do a little less planning.
Learn to love the doing, learn to use the accumulation of time.
"When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we will find we can accomplish magnificent things"
Here's to a memorable and adventurous 2009!

Bring Him Home Santa

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Presenting . . . .

Madison and the McCool Beginning Band . . . .

(now read that whole intro again using Grandpa Lang's "presenting" voice)

These 6th graders had their first concert just 3 1/2 months after first picking up their instuments. I'd say they sound dang good! Click below to have a listen.

Tonight's forecast . . . .

0% probability for snow

In fact our walk tonight was so sticky, Molly barely made it up the street.

(right now the computer reads 80 degrees at 11pm)

Sending warm thoughts your way.

It's Christmas Eve on Guam . . .

. . . .and all over this isle.

But us Langs - we're a bit homesick from across all these miles.

Together is where we'd most like to be -with family and friends across the vast sea.

So what can we do that's almost as good? Let you visit from your home to our neighborhood!

We've prepped for your visit stocking up at Cup and Saucer
The best cinnamon rolls the island has to offer.

We've prepped the house with Christmas decor.

It sort of adds spunk where it's normally bore!
Madi and Mickayla have baked tons of cookies
Meanwhile, David worries about paying his bookie. (watching the Cowboys stinkin it up)

*Sidebar: Molly totally looks like a Muppet! Look at those arms!

We've made you some cider - it's our family tradition.

Just steer clear of the crazy elf as you head towards the kitchen.

We'll ooh and aah at the tree and enjoy the warm glow

As we chat about how the Mainland's covered with snow.

What visit would be complete without a trip to the beach.

Never mind that it's dark - feel the sand on your feet.

It's time to wrap up our gathering. We wish you could stay.

Merry Christmas one last time from Guam, USA.

(o.k. - now I'm a bit teary. sniff.)

I can't believe it!

My baby is 12. My baby!

She's grown from "my shadow" into a lovely young lady.

Santa's working

Last night was the branch Christmas party.
Santa wasn't able to make an appearance due to unforeseen circumstances. An announcement was made that the jolly old soul was very busy working up at the North Pole.

This morning at church - our buddy Maddax told Dave "Santa's busy working at the pool".

Only on Guam!

My late night theory:

Don't you love how your mind works wonders when you're lying in bed trying to fall asleep? Putting that brain to work going over and over and over every single little thing.
Allow me to share my latest "late-night AHA". . . . .

I think the tao tao mona have internet access.

It seems that when I put something out there into cyberspace I get jinxed.

I chatted on FB about how I love the weather in December; 27W blows in a few days later.
I mention Molly chasing shrews outdoors; now I have my own indoor version

I haven't quite figured it all out though. I keep mentioning orders but NOTHING is happening!

Indulge me.

While Dad's Away - Take TWO!

It's not all fun and games when Dave's gone:

Quoting this morning's Marianas Variety:
"THE so-called “banana storm” that could have potentially brought another devastation to the island missed Guam last night, according to weather officials. Tropical depression 27W made its way past just south of Guam last night."

The prep for a coming storm wreaks havoc on my emotions.

Every time I stopped somewhere yesterday I was asked, "Are you ready?"

Honestly - I don't know.

In our 4 years here, we've been lucky enough to avoid anything that I would consider "big".

I have seen pictures of devastating storms in the past - and I know I don't want to experience the aftermath of one of those. (knock on wood)

It's more of the hassle of securing the yard that I don't care for too much.

I honestly don't think Dave has ever been around for this fun exercise.

And wouldn't you know - in the midst of all this weather hoopla Molly had unexpected surgery.

While Dad's away . . .

Molly still plays (at 11pm).

We bake all day.
And we're keeping the frogs at bay.
Even the grandpa ones almost as big as Molly!

And lo . . .

The LouHoo!

Still in tact even after a good round of shrew chasing.

example of a stinky musk shrew (or more commonly known as the house shrew):

These guys are stinky, sqeaky loud little buggers that roam our neighborhood and houses like they own the place!

And they leave the most nasty presents EVERYWHERE!

'Tis the season . . . .

The season is right.

The air around here is suffused with achievement, satisfaction, relief, gratitude, and justified pride. December couldn't have been a more appropriate time for David to pin on LCDR (that's Lieutenant Commander for you non military folk)

David has come a long way in his accomplishments. His style is a mixture of experience and ambitious, youthful energy (of course that energy comes from his scavenging treats from everyone.)
(O.k. - and his KISS mug).

I thought one of the nicest compliments of the day came from Capt. Holdridge,

"You got here because of who you are. Don't change."

With the help of Steve Clifford (a fellow promotee) - David realized his promotion date was December 1st. It was a heluva day around here after that realization. We had been planning this pomp and circumstance for Jan 2nd - not December!

It's a pleasant oops - just a lot of prep.

I'm humbled by David's ladies - they pulled all their contacts and resources to put out a wonderful spread for 0730 (that's 7:30 AM). We had lumpia, empanadas, pancit, mini sands, breads and bagels! I am going to miss them more than I miss Costco (and that's A LOT!)

If we can throw together a promotion fiesta with 19 hours notice - I have faith you'll survive your week too!