Author Archives: Carrie

Carrie The Caregiver: Dog Days Of December

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Posted by Carrie on December 22, 2009 – 4:09 pm
Filed under Online Games

When it rains it pours… or should I say snows!

On top of everything else going on right now, Will is digging us out from a huge blizzard. Back in Northwood, we’d pray for a few flurries before Christmas, but this is ridiculous… we could hardly open our front door this morning.

You’d think the wild weather would discourage people from venturing out for jam and fruit and other holiday goodies, but apparently not! Everyone around here has four-wheel drive, so they just plow through the snow and get on with their lives. Good thing we took the time over the weekend to stockpile some jars in anticipation of the rush. The line-ups have been out the door, and we’re short one very important worker: Will.

Did I mention he decided to get the family an early Christmas present this year? A puppy! Not sure how I feel about it just yet… the last thing I need is another responsibility right now, but the kids promised to walk him and Will promised to train him… which is what he’s been up to the past few days. Of course, the kids named him Berry (how cute is that?!?) and Will is such a softie that he refuses to leave the little guy in a crate, and that means he can’t be left alone for a single second, for the sake of our floors, carpets and shoes ;)

Being up all night with a whining puppy has really done a number on my energy level… I swear, Berry is worse than Pearl ever was! And with the recording contract in the back of my mind, I’m feeling pretty distracted overall. I won’t know for sure until next week if the demo album is a go, because everybody’s on holiday ‘til after Christmas, but I’m almost more worried they will want me to do it than if they don’t. Will, Grettle and the kids have pledged their overwhelming support – which makes me adore them more than I could ever articulate – but what would that mean for everything we’ve worked so hard to build here together?

Grettle keeps telling me not to worry, to just relax and let life show me where it wants to take me, but I’m not convinced. It’s all good stuff, sure, but once again our future is up in the air…

Now that our Team Family is finally back on track, do I really want to rock the boat?

—-
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Carrie The Caregiver: A Star Is Born

1
Posted by Carrie on December 15, 2009 – 5:11 pm
Filed under Online Games

Are you sitting down? I’m not… I’m actually jumping up and down as I type this!

Yup – I’ve got some pretty exciting news to share… and it has nothing to do with jam or fruit or kids or husbands or babies or tornadoes or caregiving. For a change, it’s all about me. How weird is that? Okay, so here goes…

Remember that record exec who came by the store a few weeks ago? Well, turns out he’s Peter’s girlfriend’s uncle. He was in town for Thanksgiving and Lisa apparently suggested he come by and listen to me sing and…. well… he loved my voice! I just got off the phone with him a few minutes ago and he wants me to come down to Nashville and record a demo album with some big producer he knows. He really thinks I have a shot at a recording contract.

Wow. I can hardly believe this is happening.

I know it’s a long shot, but my spirits have not only lifted, they’re soaring up through the stratosphere! These last few months, I just assumed I was still feeling down because of the move, and getting adjusted to our new life out here, or maybe that I was worried about the kids growing up and leaving me with an empty nest one day.

But in an instant, it all became clear… I need to do something for me. It may not be this – becoming a country-music star still seems like a bit of a long-shot, recording contract or not – but I do need to find a way to… to find myself, I guess.

Truth is, I’ve been taking care of others for so many years that I think I lost myself a little bit along the way. Not that I don’t love my life and my career, or realize how blessed I am to have the family I have, the husband I have, but I think there comes a time in a woman’s life when she needs to not only stop and smell the roses but plant a few for herself.

Does that sound nuts?

I think I’m just giddy with excitement. Anyway, I better get going… you guys were the first to know… Will and the kids have no idea! They’re waiting for me down at the store….guess I better go and tell them the dream I’ve barely admitted having to myself may be on the verge of coming true…

Oh no… what if they think it’s a terrible idea?

—-
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Carrie The Caregiver: Just Me and Peter

2
Posted by Carrie on December 9, 2009 – 1:15 pm
Filed under Online Games

Well, I finally managed to schedule some mother-son time with Peter.

You know, I sometimes forget that he and Safi and I all have something in common – being orphans. For those of you who may not be aware, Peter’s birth parents were killed in an accident when he was just a baby, and Will (his mom’s cousin) took him in. Every once in a while, I do like to check in with the kids and make sure they’re okay. Safi seems to need it more than Peter does, since he’s naturally quite resilient, but that’s why we have to be extra sure his needs don’t slip between the cracks, and that he knows we’re always here in case he needs support.

That’s actually one of the things I love most about Peter. He isn’t like your typical teenage boy… he’s easy to talk to and relatively forthcoming about his feelings. (I’ll leave that adolescent cliché to Safi…sorry, dear!). What is challenging with Peter is pinning him down, getting him to take his time and think about things.

So with Will busy renovating our bathroom and Safi under a tight deadline at the school paper this week, I recruited Peter to help me out at the store. Basketball’s finished until next year, so frankly he didn’t have much choice in the matter!
I know it’s going to take a lot out of me – running the shop with just two people always does – but it’ll be worth it. I’m just praying the Christmas rush doesn’t start till next week, plus I better remember to take a break every once in a while or I won’t be any good to anyone. Hopefully, Peter’s youthful exuberance will make up for whatever energy I’m short on. (I swear, I never saw a kid eat so much… his appetite is enormous!).

Work aside, I’d also like to get a chance to talk to him about his girlfriend, Lisa. She’s cute as can be – a real cheerleader type – but she’s also got a quirky sense of humor that meshes well with Peter’s easy, happy-go-lucky nature. Safi seems to like her, so that’s a good sign.

Maybe hanging out with my big boy will help me shake these darn blues, too. Don’t you find that to be the best medicine? Spending one-on-one time with each of my kids really lifts my spirits, and lets me feel like I’m taking the time to really get to know them as individuals. For me, that’s one of the true joys of parenthood.

Gotta go… Grettle’s here to mind Pearl while I work. I’ll update you all again soon!

—-
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Carrie The Caregiver: Playing The Blues

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Posted by Carrie on December 1, 2009 – 2:12 pm
Filed under Community, Online Games

There’s something about the holiday season that fills me with nostalgia and longing.

Back when I was bottling and burping babies all over the world as a neo-natal nurse with Caregivers International, I never could have imagined a tougher job than being a mother. When I finally became one, my suspicions were confirmed – but neither could I have imagined the joy and fulfillment parenthood would bring me :)

And yet now, as the mom of two terrific but oh-so-busy teenagers, I see that the toughest part of parenthood isn’t the sleepless nights, the constant crying or the skinned knees… it’s simply the letting go. Peter and Safi are so wrapped up in their own lives, I sometimes wonder what I would do if it wasn’t for little Pearl. It’s like I need her to need me!

Yes, this week, I am just so grateful to have a teething toddler keeping me wrapped in cuddles and hugs… because I’m sure not getting any from my big kids! Will thinks I’m nuts, of course, but Grettle understands. Though she never had any kids of her own, she’s been the best mother an orphan like me could ever have, and I know she sees the bittersweet side of Safi and Peter getting older.

Thankfully, it’s been a quiet week at work, so I’ve been playing lots of guitar and just sorting through my feelings. Which reminds me… did I mention we had a very interesting visitor here last week? Some big-shot music executive from Nashville stopped by for pots and preserves!

I have no idea what he was doing way out here, but that’s pretty big news for our little town. He actually sat for a while and listened to me play, though I doubt I ever would have had the guts to finish the song if I’d known who he was :)

He left me his card – so that I could send him some jam, in case we ever start taking online orders – and I must admit that I Googled him afterwards… turns out he’s pretty big in the entertainment industry. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I was a country music star.

Isn’t that silly?

—-
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Carrie The Caregiver: New Roof, Old Problems?

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Posted by Carrie on November 18, 2009 – 10:57 am
Filed under Online Games

Sunny skies are here again :)

As devastating as the tornado was, the experience once again proved that even Nature’s fury is no match for families and friends tackling things together as a team! Yup, our dear little store is pretty much back to normal, thanks to everyone pitching in and to the relief of loyal customers near and far.

Of course, Will and Peter are beyond exhausted at this point… they worked day and night, side by side, nail by nail. Repairing the roof was a race against time, but I’m pleased to report that at least the weather was on our side this time: It didn’t rain until they’d hammered in the very last shingle…

Another pleasant surprise? Safi’s boyfriend David stepped in to help. Not only is the kid a natural with a hammer, but he’s got pretty good instincts about how to win over a teenage girl’s suspicious father, too :) David really is a great match for our Safi – he’s steady, he’s funny and he’s got a good head on his shoulders. By the end of the first day, Will had already invited him to Christmas dinner!

And what about me?

Well, to be honest, dear friends, I’ve been running on adrenaline all week and I have that nervous feeling I get when I’m about to crash. It’s not just the physical exhaustion… emotionally, I feel a bit fragile, too. Like something’s been bugging me, like something’s still missing from my life, but I can’t quite put my finger on what that may be. I think I’ll try talking to Grettle about it. She always knows how to get to the truth.

As much as I’d love to fill you in on all the rest right now, I think I’m gonna go get my guitar and just play for a while instead. The evening is unseasonably warm and the porch swing is beckoning…

G’nite!

———-
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Carrie The Cregiver: Tornado Alley

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Posted by Carrie on November 11, 2009 – 1:04 pm
Filed under Online Games

Thank you so much for all your kind emails, everyone – we’re all okay here, thank heavens, though the store is a mess.

With all my talk of glorious fall weather these last few weeks, the last thing we were expecting was this – a freak tornado tearing through town! Even though the storm season is supposedly over, we had a real doozie here a few days ago, in case you didn’t hear. It was beyond terrifying… I seriously thought our whole house was going to blow away. Luckily, nobody in the area was hurt, but property damage is pretty extensive. Our beloved store is a natural disaster in its own right. The inventory of jars was destroyed, and the roof is half gone, but the show must go on.

Yes, we’re staying open… mostly because the thought of letting all that fresh fruit go to waste is so dreadful. Amazingly, we have more customers than ever. I guess people need a place to congregate and support each other, and that’s what our dear little store has become over the last few days. So we’re cleaning up as best we can now, and plan to do major repairs on the go.

Although the phone lines are still down, I’m also quite relieved to report that our internet access is still okay. I can’t imagine how disconnected I’d feel without you guys out there supporting me every step of the way :) I guess sometimes, when the worst happens, it’s a reminder to be thankful for the blessings we do have: Family, friends – both online and offline – as well as an orchard full of fruit to sustain us, and of course our health. Yes, this tornado could have been so much worse.

Today, even with only half a roof over my head, I am somehow feeling more grateful than ever.

Gotta run… we’re giving out free juice all day and I have a feeling Will and the kids could use some help!

———-
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Carrie The Caregiver: Dads and Daughters

1
Posted by Carrie on November 3, 2009 – 4:12 pm
Filed under Online Games

Is it just me or do grown-up men have a tendency to act like little boys when they’re sick… or when they don’t get their way… or when they’re hungry… or tired… or when it’s Tuesday ;)

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining. I truly wouldn’t know what to do without my dear sweet Will, but lately I feel like he needs my guidance more than the kids do. (Darling, if you’re reading this, I wouldn’t have it any other way!)

In a nutshell, the problem is David, Safi’s new boyfriend. Well, not so much David himself – he’s a great kid, no doubt about it – but rather the idea of him.

Ever since we heard about David, I’ve spent countless hours convincing Will to accept the fact that yes, his little girl is growing up, that it was bound to happen sooner or later, that it’s nothing to worry about, that we raised her right and we have to trust her, and so on and so forth. But he just doesn’t seem to be getting it.

My normally upbeat and cheery husband has been moping around day and night, dragging his feet, and sighing loudly for no reason. It’s putting all of us on edge… especially Safi. And the last thing I want is for her to clam up and stop talking to us about this. I keep trying to impress upon Will the importance of open communication, and finding the right balance as her parents between firmness and understanding, between offering guidance and fostering independence.

Honestly, I’ve never seen him like this before. David has seriously thrown him into a depression! He’s exhausted, he barely eats and he’s become totally forgetful about the chores. This morning, there was hardly any firewood ready for what we knew was going to be a really busy day. And when we get off on the wrong foot at the store, it can take hours to catch up.

If anyone out there has any ideas on how to handle this, please do share. Maybe I’ll get Grettle to talk to him, too… it’s not just me she has a knack for calming down!

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Carrie The Caregiver: Girl Time

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Posted by Carrie on October 27, 2009 – 3:06 pm
Filed under Online Games

Hey everyone…hope you’ve all been enjoying the gorgeous fall weather as much as we have!

Everything’s fine with us… working, playing and generally just loving the season. One thing on my mind lately, though, is that the kids actually seem to be getting a bit jealous of all the time Will and I have spent together alone these last few weeks.

All I can say is that this NEVER would have happened back in Northwood, when we were all running off in different directions doing our own thing. Back then, getting the gang together for dinner was next to impossible… and now that’s something we do almost every night!

Anyway, I’ve been missing them too, so Will and I decided to divide and conquer. He’s got a ton of father-son stuff lined up this week with Peter – fishing, basketball, even some driving lessons. (Hopefully, that’ll include chopping some wood for the stoves, too!) That leaves Safi, Grettle, Pearl and I together for some serious girl time.

I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to it… especially since I want the chance to hear a bit about Safi’s new boyfriend. Yes – it’s true! My little girl has her first serious boyfriend :) Of course, Safi being Safi, we had to hear about it from Peter. They met when Safi started working on the school paper last month – David’s the editor, in fact – and Peter thinks he’s a really great guy. He’s a tough brother to please, so that makes me feel a lot better.

I know Will won’t be thrilled that David’s a year older than Safi, but I doubt he’d be totally happy with any boy she would bring home. Nobody’s good enough for his girl, I guess!

Will let you know what I can find out… Gosh – I can’t believe what a meddling mum I’ve become :)

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Carrie The Caregiver: Just Us

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Posted by Carrie on October 20, 2009 – 4:58 pm
Filed under Online Games

I’m afraid my poor, dear hubby is going to fall asleep over the jam pot this morning.

Even though we just got back from our romantic anniversary getaway, we’ve both been pretty busy playing catch-up this week. Don’t get me wrong… the kids and Grettle handled things like champs while we were gone, but you know how it is – getting things back the way I like them takes a bit of time.

Anyway, because of all the hard work they did covering for us, Will and I decided to give everyone a few days off. Peter’s got an away game with his basketball team this week, and Safi’s up to her eyeballs in some big story for the school paper, so they definitely could use the time. Even Grettle’s got a lot going on these days, between the new photography class she’s taking and the fact that she’s insisting on bringing Pearl to a new “Grandma-and-Me”class at the local rec center.

So that just leaves Will and me at the store this week….which means I’m kinda hoping things don’t get too busy. And between you and me, I’m pretty pooped myself today. (Safi and Peter, you might want to avert your eyes for a moment…) Will and I were up really late last night, um, talking ;)

Ugh. Can’t stop yawning! Gotta make sure I visit the R&R shed this morning…. I’d hate to be snoring when I should be pouring!

* * *

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Carrie The Caregiver: Pandemonium

2
Posted by Carrie on October 13, 2009 – 11:17 am
Filed under Online Games

Phew… I’m back.

As you may have noticed, the kids and Grettle did a great job handling things around here while Will and I were out of town. I must admit I had my doubts at first, but they really pulled together as a team and made things happen. Safi and Peter, if you’re reading this, I’m extra proud of you two – Grettle told me you looked after each other and the customers with style and grace!

Looking back now over the last couple of months, I’m more certain than ever that moving here from Northwood was the right thing to do. The kids are reconnecting with each other and rising beautifully to the challenges we’ve given them. I swear… they hardly even watch TV anymore :) None of us do… we seem to just enjoy spending time together and being outdoors.

Anyway, it’s a good thing Will and I had the chance to get away last week, because we were thrown back into the lion’s den as soon as we got home. Yes, my friends, pandemonium has a color… and it’s purple! We’ve got a total of five fruits going now, and the fall foliage season is peaking, which means more customers than ever thanks to a steady stream of tour buses stopping in front of the store.

I have a feeling it’s all going to be okay, though. One thing I’ve learned for sure since we decided to embark on this wild family adventure is that the easiest way out of a tough situation is to unite and conquer.

Yup… it’s exactly what I hoped would happen, so I say bring it on!

Wait a sec… did I really just say that? I must be nuts! I guess our little weekend getaway really did recharge my batteries. But from the looks of that line I see starting to form at the store, I better get down there and inform Will he’ll be putting on his travel-agent hat again sometime soon…

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