Patti Katter

Dear Diary,

Today was a pretty good day.  My oldest daughter started her second semester of college.  The younger kids are back at their school work and I am running here and there again.  I think I spend more time on the road running after kids than at home some days.

After dropping my daughter off at school, I stopped by McDonalds to pick up a Diet Coke.  I parked in a parking spota few minutes, glancing over to the left side of my vehicle.  I noticed a van pulling in next to me.  A man and a lady sat, unpacking the McDonalds food they had just ordered.  They pulled three large fries out of the bag, and they both had sandwiches.  I couldn’t see what the driver very well.  I could tell it was a man, very heavy set.  Then, on the passenger side of the van sat a woman.  She was very obese.  She was eating a large sandwich.  I couldn’t tell what it was for sure – but it was big.  Her fries were super-sized, so was her pop.

I snapped a quick photo...

Not that it was any of my business, but I couldn’t help but look at the woman as she tried to eat her sandwich.  She was having a hard time putting the sandwich up to her mouth because she was so big.  Her belly was huge.  I couldn’t help but actually feel really sorry for her.  She must not be happy, how could she be? I’m betting she couldn’t even get out of the van to go inside McDonalds.

Why am I telling you this?

I’ve struggled with my weight.  It has been a very difficult journey at times.  When I first started my “diet” (this last time) it was in February of 2011.  I decided I needed to cut carbs and sugar.  Sugar to me was like crack to a crack addict.  If I ate a little, I craved a lot.  So, last year – I quit eating sugar and haven’t had any since.  I’ve not only lost weight, but I have more energy than I did and I feel a lot better about myself.  No one could have talked me into starting my “diet” – I had to do this by myself.  I had to want something better for myself.

When I looked at the lady next to me, a thought crossed my mind.  I thought, what if I hadn’t done something for myself – I could have been like that in the years to come.  I’m so thankful I worked extra hard to change my life.  I had realized if I wanted to be around to see my grandchildren someday –  I should at least TRY to take better care of myself.  For the last year, I have been watching what I eat.  Recently, I decided that I will have to add more fruit and salads into my diet and cut out a little of the butter and popcorn I indulge in on occasion.  I also need to drink more water, and I’m sure a work out program would be beneficial.

Even thought a year ago I began my transformation, I’m not finished yet.

Til next time,

PK

Dear Diary,

Recently – we found out my dad, myself and my youngest daughter all have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.  That explains a lot actually.  My dad has had joint pain for quite a while, but just figured it was… well…. just because.

I knew I had joint pain here and there, I have stretchy skin and I’m flexible.  My joints are not as bad as my daughters.

My daughter, age 11.  Shes had joint and muscle pain for over a year.  She has stretchy skin, she’s very flexible – or, hyper mobile.  She gets tired of walking easily, and needs a wheel chair if going really long distances.  She was the first one in our family to be diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos.  It did explain much for my dad and I… it runs in the family.  My little girl has a bad case of it.

Just to be on the safe side, shes going for a muscle biopsy next week to make sure she doesn’t have something like MD.  It took months for us to get this far in her diagnosis of what was going on with her.

For more information on Ehlers Danlos, visit the Ehlers Danlos National Foundation website.

~PK

Dear Diary,

This year has been a roller coaster.  Ups and downs.  New experiences, new terrain to climb.  Making new friends, connecting with old friends.  Here are a few things in my life that has really made an impact in 2011.

• At the beginning of the year, we spent time in Florida with my parents – my brother and his family.  It was a great time at the ocean.  We thought we were going to buy a house down there.  The house fell through, I know things happen for a reason – but, man I miss my family and the beach! LOL
• I began Voice of Warriors in February of this year.  With much help and coaxing from Beth Pennington from Military Missions, Voice of Warriors is going strong, and in places we never thought it would since conception.
• Dana (my oldest daughters step mom) and I have become good friends, in fact – she plays a vital role in Voice of Warriors.  With her help, we are reaching many veterans.  Dana is a prior Army vet.
• I’ve met so many cool people this year who have turned out to be good friends already! Mollie and her husband, “Prozak the Hitchcock of Hip-Hop and his boys,” Monty, Jim Fitzpatrick, Patty Goodrich and so many others!
• I had Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with my grandma… my grandma means the world to me! Thats the flip side of not getting the house in Florida, I have been able to spend time with grandma!
• I met so many proud supporters of our troops, it has been amazing to see how many people DO care and its amazing to see they are thirsty for information.
• I had fun working on the Hunker in the Bunker website… very cool.
• I’ve enjoyed watching my children grow.  One in college, one in high school and one on the way to high school.
• I’ve continued to bond with friends I’ve had for a long time… especially my ww wives.
• It brings a smile to my face when I think of the great activities I’ve been able to participate in, such as Veterans Appreciation Day – The Red Wings Hockey Game and A Haunting On Hamilton Street 2.

Lame experiences in 2011…

• Something I really can’t post publicly has really been bothering me for a few years… but, I know when someone does something wrong – the truth will always come out…. just waiting for that truth to come out so people can finally move on.
• My mom was told she has cancer again – though this is lame, she’s a tough cookie!

We normally don’t go out on New Years Eve, for various reasons.  One thing about the whole military experience is, its so good to be home – in our little house, together… especially to bring in the New Year together.

Love,

PK

Dear Diary,

The past two days have been busy.  I’ve been running here and there, trying to keep up with household chores – work and I just made a terrific survival forum.  Survival? Yeah, I’m not one of those people who thinks the world is going to end in 2012, but I do think its smart to be prepared in case of emergencies.  Natural or man made.

My parents went through a few hurricanes.  Tornadoes, snow and wind storms as well as severe thunderstorms can knock out power and can make road ways difficult to pass.  Instead of being one of those people who has only 24 hrs worth of food, I think its important that every house hold have enough stock to hold them over for a few days.

When we lived in North Carolina, I remember before a hurricane – food and water would fly off the shelves days before the hurricane was scheduled to hit.  Isn’t it a feel good feeling to know you don’t have to rush into the crowds of people to gather supplies ICE?

When I say ICE – I don’t mean what Mr. Frost brings us… but, it stands for “in case of emergency.”  :)

How do you prepare for emergencies?

Just curious.

Love,

PK

Dear Diary,

I had a very lazy day today.  I don’t think I’ve had a day like this in… well, years! I tinkered around on my websites, was a little snippy on a Facebook Fanpage to someone trying to tell me how to diet and then ordered pizza for the kids tonight.  See, I didn’t even cook dinner.

It was nice, but here I am sitting in darkness in my living room feeling a bit too lazy.  I kept my pjs on all day, no make up and my hair is crazy I’m sure.  Before I go to sleep, I’ll grab a quick shower – but that’s it.  Done.

So, here’s to my lazy day… cheers!

Love,

PK

Dear Diary,

I just realized… my parents may read this someday.  My mom likes reading my diary, she used to “sneak peak” read it… now, I share my dairy with the world – go figure.  I’ve been keeping an online diary since 2007… and, it occurred - I don’t think I ever told my mom.  That was dumb. LOL

Anyway, today is Christmas…. and, here’s how it’s been so far:

0700 – my son tries to sneak in my room to turn the internet on (yes, I turn it off during certain hours so the kids don’t veg out on it all the time)…

0705 – I tell him no way, then – it hit him… “It’s Christmas, wake up!”

0706 – Everyone gets up, and heads to the living room where the Christmas tree is.

After that, it was on.  Wrapping paper flying everywhere.  Gifts open, kids disappeared for quite a while as they were consumed with their new toys.

I made a video of the ciaos this morning, it was lovely ciaos. LOL

Now, to check on the Christmas turkey…

Love,

PK

Dear Diary,

The past couple of days have been a little hectic.  I finished shopping this morning.  I decided to go to Meijer to purchase cookies and snacks to take to my grandmas tonight.  I had intended to make homemade cookies, but since time was short – I stopped at the bakery.  I picked up M&M cookies, Snickerdoodle cookes, powdered donuts (they reminded me of snowballs) and white yogurt covered pretzels.  As soon as I made it home from the store, I took the cookies and snacks out of their containers and placed them in one of my favorite “to-go” dishes.

We packed up the van with snacks and gifts, then drove an hour to grandmas.   Once there, it was very relaxing.  My Uncles and Aunts were there, some of my cousins and my grandma.  It’s different now that Grandpas not with us. He passed away a few years ago… sometimes seems like just yesterday.  You would have liked my grandpa.  He loved Swiss Cake Rolls and Tootsie Rolls… he would tell stories about when he worked on the railroad and about their experience during the Great Depression.

For several years, grandma has ordered pizza to make it easier on everyone.  So, everyone ate and then the kids ripped into their presents.  Everyone had an amazing time.

Guess what I did?

I was sitting on the stool next to grandmas chair.  She said I didn’t look too comfortable so she moved over in her rocker and patted it… she asked me to come sit by her.  I didn’t think I could fit in the chair next to her, the last time I did that – I was a young kid.  To my surprise, we both fit…. of course, I had to sit a little funny… on one cheek

We rocked for a few minutes, I could have sat there much longer – but my hubby and kids wanted to get going.  At that point it was around 8pm.  I reluctantly got up out of the chair, not knowing how many more times I’d actually be able to sit by grandma in her chair and made my rounds telling everyone good bye.

The drive home wasn’t bad.  Here it is, already almost 11 o’clock… the night before Christmas…

Love,

PK

Dear Diary,

Last night – my old youth pastor made a post on his Facebook page.

From the World Dictionary…………. “Bikini–A women’s very brief two-piece swimming costume.( So-named after Bikini Atoll, from a comparison between the devastating effect of the atomic-bomb test and the effect caused by wearing bikinis.)” Ladies, what “effect” do you suppose parading around in a bikini in public has? I submit it is not a Godly presentation and illicits no Godly response–so, I ask you why?

This post created a whirlwind of conversation.  It was an interesting conversation, listening to everyone talk about what they interpreted the Bible to say.  I for one don’t believe wearing a two piece swim suit is appropriate to wear in a restaurant, however if you are at the beach – it’s okay.  You are not going to catch me in a two piece these days though. LOL

This video sums up what God says in the Bible – and how, we as Christians should be there for everyone - regardless of the way someone dresses/looks or their family background.

Click here to watch video: Does Anybody Hear Her, by Casting Crowns

Dear Diary,

I went to Sams Club with my daughter last night.  I had to pick up snacks for the kids.  While I was there, I was in awe of the Christmas goodies that lined the isles.  First, you had the Christmas cookies and cakes.  Then – gift calendars, clocks, Christmas decorations.  Finally, book deals.  I try to read books, but its not often I have time to read an entire book (unless its about military history/war and readjustment within the military).  A book caught my eye.  Snow Angel, by Glenn Beck.

The cover caught my eye because recently, my son went outside in the snow.  T-shirt and shorts, making a snow angel – the first snow of the year.  So, I did a double take – the photo brought back the memory of my son who was so excited to run out into the show to make a snow angel.

I picked up the book and read the back cover which has a quote from Richard Paul Evans (whoever that is?).

“Snow Angel is a moving, emotional tale that left me wanting to reach out and hug those who I love most.  It makes you realize that, just as a blank canvas of snow can be turned into something beautiful like an angel, so can my life.  I can’t recommend this highly enough.” – Richard Paul Evans.

The book is small, something I should be able to read by Christmas.  I’ll let you know what I think.

Love,

PK

Dear Diary,

Sometimes I have coffee – sometimes tea.  This morning, I am having a cup of tea.  Right now, the morning news (The Early Show) is talking about Iron Mountain.  A cold storage vault where millions of photos and negatives are stored in 150 acres underground.  Ken Johnston works as a historian at Iron Mountain.  He said that he thought about 99% of the photos were actually taken by annonomys photographers.  Photos of celebrities, Presidents, media coverage are all storied at Iron Mountain.  I think this is interesting and important to preserve history.

I started writing in my online journal in 2006… and have continued on to this day, although I admit I went through and deleted some of my entries as I thought I gave a little too much information on my private life to the world.  I regret deleting some of the entries, but can’t do anything about that except for move on.

I wonder how long my online journal will last.  How long will the internet as we know it exist? I hope my diary lasts a long time, so my kids can go through it someday.

Love,

PK