Phone calls

Have you ever noticed how a phone call or two can completely change your mood? After writing about being a fire extinguisher last week, I realized that I rely on two very important fire extinguishers in my own life - - my Mom and Dad. Even to this day, when I'm over-stressed, over-worked, over-emotional, I know that I can talk to my parents and they become my personal fire extinguishers. Sure, there are times that I need to have a mini (or a major) melt down via e-mail, but the point is, my parents on a regular basis are there for me and I hope and pray that I never forget thank them for all they do (and I truly hope that I never make them feel unappreciated for all that they do). Even though I complained some last week (okay, complained quite a bit) about being a fire extinguisher and feeling overwhelmed, I am glad that I have someone willing to be a fire extinguisher for me when I need them to be.

I also got an unexpected phone call from one of my brothers today. In the day and age of text messaging, there are times that it's just nice to get a phone call from someone and talk. There are times when I'm at home alone, I find myself talking to my dogs just so there is someone else (and I use that term "someone" loosely) to talk to. He didn't call for any particular reason and we had a nice talk. =) Like I mentioned, in a society when texting, e-mailing, social networking and technology in general has become so prevalent, it is nice at times to still receive a letter in the mail or get a phone call.

I guess, for me, it's just nice to feel connected to family even in this small way when I don't get to see them on a regular basis. A couple of weeks ago, I called to talk to Mom and I had the opportunity to talk to my nephew. I haven't got to see him in person for just over a year and a half and it was nice to be able to talk to him over the phone. =) Granted I was trying to convince him to eat his dinner (which he never did end up eating), but talking to him made me smile. Maybe I'll have to try and talk to him again some time (even if it is just to try and get him to eat his dinner). Like I said, a phone call is a way to stay connected when there are so many miles between us...

Some of you may be wondering why getting a phone call is such a big deal... Well, my phone doesn't ring very often. Most of the time it rings because I have made a phone call and someone is calling me back (or I get a phone call like I did last week reminding me of a dentist appointment). If people need to get in touch with me, I will usually get a text message or an e-mail from them. Is this my way of saying that I want my phone to ring more often? Not necessarily. I guess part of it comes from thinking back to the hours upon hours I have spent on the phone with significant others in the past. When the wasband and I were dating, we had a long distance relationship and would spend hours on the phone with each other. When I was in middle school and high school, Mom actually had to put a time limit on my phone calls so I didn't spend all night on the phone. There are times that those are the types of phone calls I miss - - the conversations that go on and on (in a good way) when you're getting to know someone. I know that eventually I may find myself in that situation again but until then, I guess I will just have to communicate with those of you out there who read this. =)

Well, since I spent the weekend working on a jacket for myself (Mom drew me a belly dancer with a sword that I put on the back of a jacket), I should probably bring this to a close and do some dishes or something before going to bed. I know I didn't say very much tonight but I just wanted to let my family know how much our phone conversations mean to me. Thanks for putting up with me!! =)