life...just saying

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

Late last night my 21 year old daughter came downstairs and asked her dad if he had left flowers in her room. He had given them to her for Valentine's Day...a little early.

That was so sweet!

Before I went to bed I found some flowers left in our room too.

Again, how sweet. A dozen red roses.

Today I went out to get the mail and found a box addressed to me. This is what I found in the box. Candy and a musical card. Gotta love Valentine's Day! Thanks to the hubs for his thoughtfulness.

Attention Bloggers!

2012-02-13T21:17:00.000-05:00

Below is an email that I received from Tonya, from www.blogelina.com. She is hosting an interesting blogging event in March. She was only looking for 100 bloggers to participate, however, she surpassed that mark within 30 minutes after the email was sent. She requested that we share this opportunity with our fellow bloggers so...here it is!

Hello!

I have a super fun project in mind for the first week in March and want to give YOU, my loyal Blogelina readers, first dibs on getting involved.

I'm looking for about 100 blogs to participate - want to join us?

During the week-long event, each blogger participating will leave a comment on the other blogs - and in turn will receive 100 comments on their own blog post! Can you imagine getting that many comments - on an actual post that you wrote (not just a giveaway)?!?

To let me know you're in, fill out this quick form here:

100 Comments On My Blog Application

Then, start writing that epic post for that week of comments. I would recommend writing a post about your niche topic - share your passion, give some really useful information in the post, make it your best ever - and you never know: Out of those 100 comments, you just might get a few new followers of your blog, too!

Don't publish your post yet, though - wait for further instructions to come in the next couple of weeks.

I'm super excited about this event and look forward to checking out your amazing post!

Be sure to check out what's new at Blogelina this week, too:

To YOUR blog's success,

Tanya

www.blogelina.com

25 Random Things

2012-02-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

1. It's cold here today.
2. I dislike cold weather.
3. I ate at Texas Roadhouse today for the first time ever.
4. It wasn't as good as I was expecting.
5. My son just told me the first four aren't random.
6. My son is a freshman in college.
7. My other son is at a retreat.
8. I am watching a college basketball game that is pretty intense at the moment.
9. I have a song stuck in my head from my brother's CD.
10. I'm having lunch with a friend Monday.
11. I'm ready to be a grandmother, but my kids aren't cooperating.
12. I signed up for the Linky follow tool and can't log in.
13. It's hard to think up 25 random things.
14. I like chocolate too much.
15. I am linking up to a 25 random thing blog.
16. I have laundry that needs to be folded and put away.
17. I should go to bed earlier than I do.
18. A GPS can be a useful yet frustrating tool.
19. I climbed 3 ladders today.
20. My nails are a mess.
21. I've never been on Pinterest.
22. I want to make these really cool bracelets.
23. Our band is taking a break.
24. We need to get a few boxes our of our friends' garage.
25. Fast food places don't understand the phrase "extra ice".

$2,000 Anyone?

2012-02-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

I'm sure you've heard the talk by now that five or six major banks in our nation are going to be giving $2k to persons who lost their homes due to foreclosure. Interesting topic. Even more interesting is the response to this news.

I'm not aware of all the facts. This is what I do know. There have been several class-action lawsuits filed against the above mentioned banks due to their "neglect" in the foreclosure process, i.e. "robo-signing", etc. And the other thing I know is: I heard the president state that it was the government's job to ensure that the banks "do the right thing" by those who were foreclosed on.

Here are my thoughts and questions on the whole deal (and perhaps an opinion or two thrown in).

Are the banks being forced into this action, or is this the settlement they have decided upon to put an end to the lawsuits? I'm not sure, but if so, the banks are probably getting off cheap.

Did the banks err in the foreclosure process? Dunno.

Is it the government's job to ensure that the banks "do the right thing?" No. Not. Ever. Leave the private sector alone. The lenders knew the risks they were taking when making the loans. They also minimize the risk factor by that little clause that entitles them to take posession of the property if payments are missed, providing they do so by following the proper channels.

Were borrowers tricked, coerced, or forced to take the loans they couldn't afford, or shouldn't have applied for? Nope.

Here's what I really don't get and the main purpose for this post. Why are people who are in good standing with the banks concerning their mortgages so up in arms about it all? I've heard comments like, "Why should those of us who pay our mortgages be punished for doing so, and those who don't be rewarded?" Seriously?

If they are so concerned with that problem then here's a suggestion. Stop paying your mortgage and let the bank take your house. You too can get a check. (Actually, you can't because I think it only focuses on foreclosures between 2008 and 2011. But that's beside the point.)

Bottom line is a lot of people have lost their homes for various reasons, and all the time and money they invested. I would venture to say that probably 95% of those folks would much rather have their homes back than the $2000 check from the bank.

Is it fair? Nah.

It reminds me of the story in th Bible where the owner of the vineyard hired laborers to work in the fields. He paid them all the same amount, those who worked all day and those who came along the last hour. Those who had worked the entire day complained to the owner that it wasn't fair, even though they had agreed to the terms.

On a more personal note, we lost several houses during that time period, including our personal residence. I don't want or need the $2000 check from the bank. It will neither make or break me. Given a choice, I'd like a do-over. I'd take my house over the check any day.

Just saying.

Hey, A New Post

2012-02-06T22:50:00.001-05:00

I have a new computer. I am getting accustomed to it slowly but surely. There are things I like way better about my old one. It's more comfortable. I like comfortable. I'm more comfortable with familiar. I suppose I'm in good company with that one.

I must say, however, that getting out of the zone is actually quite refreshing. I've been stepping outside of the confines of my self-imposed walls lately, and I think I like it. I'm really not sure where all of this is leading, these new doors I am inching my way through, but I'm okay with that too.

I came across a quote recently by Albert Einstein. "Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people." So very true.

My son's basketball season is coming to an end. Tomorrow is the last away game of the regular season, and Friday the last home game. As much as I disliked the whole thing at the beginning of the season (see Doing the Hard Thing) I will miss it a lot. It was a growing experience indeed. Plus, I really enjoyed watching my son play. Turns out, he's a really good ball handler, but he's not sure he wants to play next year because of the time commiment. And I'm trying to talk him into staying with it!

I am ending with another quote I came across recently. Forgive me if I've included these in recent posts, and I'm almost sure I have, or did I Tweet them...whatever the case may be, Jacques Cousteau said: "Every morning I wake up saying I'm still alive, a miracle. And so I keep on pushing."

I'm right there with you, Jacques, and that in itself is a miracle as well.

I

CD Giveaway

2012-02-01T22:26:00.000-05:00

So here's the deal. My brother's new CD is finished. It is available on iTunes, and Amazon. In a few days the hard copy will be out. I am giving one away here on this blog.

My brother is an awesome musician, and his CD is top quality. His very talented eleven year old daughter did a few songs as well. On one song she sounds like a young Michael Jackson...think Jackson 5. My husband and I did some vocal work as well. I LOVED singing harmony with my niece. Cool experience.

So leave a comment to let me know you want to be in the drawing, and on February 15 I will randomly choose a winner. That's it! Good luck!

A Devotional

2012-01-24T15:02:00.000-05:00

I received a devotional book from a friend for my birthday. What a great little book. It is called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

These are a couple of excerpts from January 22: "Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulities."

And "Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment - accepting things exactly as they are - and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances."

These are hard words to live by. SERIOUSLY! I just read about the passing of a home school dad in our community who has been fighting cancer for a while now. The really sad part is his wife suddenly passed away not too long ago. Three kids are left behind...one six years old, one teen, and one in between the two.

How do you "accept things exactly as they are - and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances" when it comes to situations like this? I could give so many more examples like the one I just mentioned. How difficult, yet I know those words are so very true.

We can't live our lives with regrets and what might have beens, or we get stuck there. To constanly think on a situation or circumstance is to relive it and the pain it caused over and over.

There is a balance, a very fine line between grieving and holding on. I speak from experience. I was a hold on-er, and a griever too, I guess, for how can you hold on without grieving? The key, the most difficult task of all, is to grieve and let go, and to do so in the proper timing...which is different for each individual.

I am learning to accept things exactly like they are and go from there. Going from there holds the greatest of all possibilities.

My Two Sons

2012-01-22T21:23:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I wrote a post. It's taken me this long to adjust to being 52! Only kidding. There has been a lot going on. Let me tell you about my sons.

My youngest son who is 15, is on a home school basketball team. Since it is a home school team there aren't that many teams for them to play in our area; the league consists of home school and small private school teams. This means we must travel to various sporting events in our state. This weekend the team played in a tournament about an hour away. They played two games on Friday and two on Saturday. It was a fun, long, boring, exciting couple of days.

Friday morning, just 45 minutes before we were scheduled to leave, I passed my oldest son's bedroom and noticed he wasn't in his bed. (This son will soon be 20 years old.) After checking a few other key spots in the house I peeked out the door to see if his car was in the driveway. It wasn't.

He had gone to a midnight showing of a movie with some friends the night before, and he apparently didn't make it home. I was on the verge of panic after I called his phone 16 times only to get his voice mail!

My husband was finally able to get in touch with one of the guys he had gone to see the movie with, and learned that our son had just left to come home. This was good news.

My son walked in a few minutes later and asked me about the missed calls on his phone. He truly didn't get that we would be upset. He kept checking his phone throughout the night, he told us, just in case we wondered where he was and if we were trying to get in touch with him. How very thoughtful of him.

I told this man-child of mine that my problem wasn't with the fact that he went to see a movie and hung out at his friends' house afterwards...all night. I know the family. They're good kids. So is my son. The problem was my mother's mind ( after praying "Please God, let him be okay") and where it took me.

My son has been stabbed or beaten, these were the thoughts racing through my brain, and the police have no way of notifying me that he is either dead or in the hospital, because he has no ID on him (since his wallet was stolen by the thugs that had jumped him in the parking lot, after the movie, while walking to his car.) And surely if he were okay he WOULD ANSWER HIS PHONE!!! And to top it all off I can't even file a missing person's report for 24 hours (or is it 48?) since he is an adult.

Oh the fun of living with adult children. It is a balancing act, this phase of life. We've raised them well, and they are old enough to experience the freedom and responsibility of choosing how they wish to conduct their lives. Although this type of thing happens very rarely (thank God for that) it serves as a reminder that one day in the not too distant future they will be living on their own, and I will no longer experience this type of parenting moment (thank God again) though I must admit, that leaves me with a bitter-sweet feeling.

As far as a mother's mind goes, I think my son is a little wiser on that subject.

Birthdays

2012-01-13T16:24:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was my birthday. I looked down at those candles and saw a 5 and a 2. 52 seriously? 52 is the age my parents should be. 25...maybe, but no, not 25 either. I don't feel 25. Dang, I don't even remember 25. Such is the nature of birthdays, I guess.

It was a good day. I spent it with my family, except for the oldest boy who had to work. Did a little shopping, or rather returned some Christmas gifts...FINALLY! And it was snowing. Snow is pretty. Snow is cold. I hate snow.

Then we went to an early dinner. We had some very tasty baby back ribs from Smokey Bones. Grabbed a couple of warm tasty beverages from Starbucks, to go with the Kroger cake the hubs had waiting at home. And then the gifts.

I got gift cards from the boys; a book and a big bag of peanut M&M's from my daughter (she knows me well). My husband gave me a jacket. I like the jacket. It is a cute jacket. But the question I asked him when I tried it on was did I look like an old lady trying to look young? He said no. I could ask my peers, but that's not a great idea because they're probably doing and wondering the same thing as me. My daughter said no too, but I think she has ulterior motives. I think she wants me to keep the jacket so she can borrow it. So I decided to ask my 15 year old son. He paused to think about it and said, "Eh, maybe a little." I think I'll wear it anyway. Which means I'm old.

The son who was a no show due to work gave me a gift card tucked inside a card he had purchased. I was touched by the message. No, he didn't write it, but he is thoughtful. He didn't just grab the first card he found. He put some thought into it. This is what it said:

For a Very Special Mother You are a wonderful creation. You were designed in the heart of God, fashioned by His loving hands, and given to our family as His precious gift. Thank you for all you do- your prayers, your words, your example- and every moment you've selflessly given to our family. You are appreciated, celebrated...and loved.

My 19 year old son gave me this!!! Then again, maybe he did just grab the first card he found.

I'm a blessed (old) woman indeed.

Saying Good-bye to Dylan

2012-01-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the memorial service for Dylan. It lasted two hours, and the church was packed to an overflow room. The visitation was a constant line of people waiting to talk with his parents. We stood in line for 30 minutes until we decided that we would be in line for at least that much longer, and there were people there, we knew, who needed to talk to them more, and who they needed to see. We were able to talk with Dylan's older brother, and the pastor and his son who were present when Dylan died, before we left the church.

It was quite a testimony to the life Dylan led in those few short years. The church was filled with people whose lives he had touched, along with awards, trophies...even his bike sitting on dirt and gravel that had been lovingly placed on the church stage by those who loved Dylan and wanted to honor him.

It was a beautiful day yesterday. Unseasonably warm. I was constantly thinking of Dylan's family, kept wondering what do you do after burying your son. I mean no disrespect with that statement. My heart was heavy for them.

Thinking back to my brother's death, and knowing how very different it must be, burying a child, I know in my heart that the answer to those musings is: you do the same thing you always do...without the loved one who was as much a part of your life as air. And that is where the problem lies. How do you do those things?

People deal with loss differently. Families come to terms with their new normal in their own way. However it happens, it's a tough road ahead. One that they won't face alone, but hard nonetheless.

There really aren't words to express the tragic, pain-filled events that life hands us, especially of this magnitude. But still we try...I try. My heart breaks for Dylan's family, even with the knowledge that he has reached the mark, he is in the place that was his promise for a life well-lived, a life well-lived for others and for Christ who is his Lord.

My New Gig

2012-01-04T12:46:00.000-05:00

Today I was running the vacuum in the common area of one of several condos that I clean, when one of the residents that I have met and assisted on a few occasions came out and asked me to be her driver tomorrow. I agreed to do so. Not for the money, because it's not that much but it just kept getting more interesting as we talked.

She needs to be downtown by 7:00 in the morning because she is going to be interviewed by one of the local stations. She is a life coach, and author of Paint Your Walls Green. The morning news show wants to talk with her for three minutes about New Year's resolutions; how to make and keep them. She gave me an autographed copy of her book. An interesting way to start the day, just saying.

Thoughts To Ponder

2012-01-03T15:48:00.000-05:00

Psalm 34:18 states that The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.

This is so very true. I've experienced it a time or two during my life. There doesn't appear to be any exceptions or stipulations on this tidbit from The Bible. It's just stated as a fact. He is. The question is: are we aware of His presence or even choose to believe this truth?

My friend and I were discussing this topic just this morning. In times of tragedy or crisis we either choose to turn to God for comfort, and our source of healing, or we shut Him out. Oftentimes, I venture to say, we do both. I know I have.

Life can be very difficult and painful indeed. I don't know why. I can't explain it. I don't have the answers as to why people suffer. It's human nature and simply the way it is here in this earthly realm.

"God will provide, but we must have our eyes open to see His gifts". I read that sentence today. I know it's true. I know we have a part to play and perhaps that is what makes it even more difficult. It doesn't fit with today's fast-paced, have it now, it's all about me mentality. And then I read this, "How can you find something you're not really looking for?"

Just a few thoughts to ponder,

Pondering the Events

2012-01-02T23:20:00.000-05:00

Lest you think I'm only about the down and depressing aspects of life I just wanted to share that my dear friend, Debbie, became a grandma again on December 30! Yay! She has her second granddaughter, who looks like a real sweetie from the pictures I've seen.

I received a Christmas present from a customer I clean for that quite overwhelmed me. Their generosity was a bit over the top, but greatly appreciated.

I had dinner tonight with my entire family. Yep, all three kids were present and accounted for.

I am a blessed individual.

I have been thinking about a few friends of mine who are going through a bit of a hard time. I can't help thinking and praying and thinking of them a lot these last few days.

Dylan's family for one, the young man who left this world last week, to enter into his forever home. So cool, but so terribly sad. The visitation and funeral are at the end of the week. The waiting must feel like a limbo-type situation for his family and those who were close to him.

There was a memorial service tonight in his honor at the high school where he was a senior. Although I did not attend, I gather it was quite a moving experience. God bless that dear family.

I have a close friend who spent the weekend with her father. He has cancer and isn't doing so well. She and her brothers made the decision a few weeks ago that he needed to live with someone now, no longer able to be on his own. They packed him up and moved him to his new home, a new state, to live with his son and family. It was difficult for my friend to watch him say good-bye to friends and long- time neighbors, and have them whisper in her ear to keep them posted on his progress. My friend is pretty sure she just spent her last Christmas with her father, here on earth anyway. Tough times indeed.

Another friend goes for a MRI Wednesday to determine if the stage 1 cancer in her breast can be treated with a lumpectmy and radiation or a mastectomy. Another really difficult place to be, yet her attitude is very upbeat. She said she is going to "fight like a girl."

My prayers are with them all. The good stuff and the bad as well. May God grant them all peace which only He can supply.

What I Do

2011-12-31T11:26:00.001-05:00

On December 22, 2010 a woman lost her husband. He was a truck driver, making one more run before Christmas. For reasons unknown his truck left the road and hit a concrete object on the side of the road. He died at the site of the accident.

I was struck by the sadness of it all when we spoke with the family at the visitation. My heart went out to them. Having just experienced loss of my own I wanted to let this woman know that she was not forgotten, even after all the hoopla died down, the cards stopped being delivered, and flower arrangements and meals lovingly prepared by family and fellow church-goers, stopped coming. I wanted her to know I still remembered her pain.

As hard as it is those first few days, the funeral, and saying good-bye, the hard part comes when you have to get out of bed every day and do the things you know to do, over and over again, without the one you love and lost.

We as a society tend to put time limits on grief. We don't like it. It makes us uncomfortable, so we only allow it to go on for so long. Grief is very personal. People deal with it differently. It takes time.

I commmitted to this woman who had lost her husband, at the first of 2011, to weekly send her a note and some cash for one year...the note just so she would know she wasn't forgotten. It was quite a year. There were times I had no idea what I would say to her until I put pen to paper. Occassionally I would miss a week and double up on the money with a note of apology and explanation.

I feel the urge to do this with Dylan's mom, the note part anyway, however, I don't know her well. After much thought and contemplation I'm thinking I might do it here. I will write a weekly note to her on this blog.

As for the New Year...may you be blessed with good health, good relationships and a contented and peaceful life, with lessons learned along the way, of course. Just saying.

Dylan

2011-12-30T15:35:00.000-05:00

I received a text an hour or so ago from a very good friend. She was asking for prayer for friends. They lost their 18 year old son today in a motorcross accident. Everyone is in shock.

I've known Dylan for 8-10 years. I'm not a close friend of the family, however, we attended the same church for several years. I did know Dylan and his older brother Matthew. I got to know them both on a mission trip to New Orleans about five years ago. I was a chaperone as this group of youth went to gut houses one year after Hurricane Katrina. He was a special young man.

There are no words to say really. It just seems unnatural to return to the mundane things of the day after hearing such tragic news that will forever alter the lives of many. And so I write.

This all takes me back to 31 years ago when my 18 year old brother was suddenly taken from this world in a car accident, from those of us who loved him deeply. Life changed for us all that day.

The shock and denial that took place during the first hours, days, weeks, months, and even years is as memorable to me as yesterday's events. I will never forget. I will never stop loving and missing my little brother.

This brings me back to the suffering of Dylan's family. Although they have the assurance that he is in a far better place than we because of Dylan's faith, the many layers of grief and pain they will feel isn't diminished one iota. It stays to stake it's claim.

To end this post I just want to take a few minutes to relate what I remember most about Dylan. His smile was amazing. It lit up a room. He was a talented young man with a promising future. He was caring and giving and thoughtful. He was respectful, and went out of his way to say a few words to me every time we saw each other. Although I didn't know Dylan well, I knew he loved motorcross. It was a hobby he shared with his family and friends. He will be missed by many.

Until we meet again, Dylan...

Chistmas Came

2011-12-28T15:31:00.000-05:00

How does the saying go? Everything that can go wrong, will, or something to that effect. That kind of sums up Christmas week around here. And yet, it doesn't.

My husband and I had our suspicions confirmed a week before Christmas...we had bed bugs in the house we are living. The owner of the house found out the previous occupants had experienced the same problem while living here, however, they neglected to let anyone know. Trust me when I say that that was information I would have greatly appreciated having before we moved in.

This is not a subject I want to discuss necessarily, nor is it a topic that I want to know so much about, especially by first-hand experience, but alas, I do. Bed bugs suck...pun intended.

On the Thursday before Christmas, we had the house sprayed. The prep for spraying was...how to put this delicately...well, it was hell. I had to wash and dry every article of clothing in the master bedroom, and put them into bins (after purchasing them, of course) in a different room. Our room is where the majority of the bugs were sited. The other three bedrooms... I just washed those things in the drawers. The closets were emptied and things put away for spraying purposes. Placing them in a dryer for 20 minutes before being put back into drawers/closets was the post-op process, if you will.

I still had shopping, baking, wrapping and other such Christmas chores to tend to, but that was definitely put on hold for the spraying event.

To make a long, painful process into a short story, the house was sprayed and the exterminator didn't see a single bug the entire time he was here, which is both great news, and very unusual. We'll take it.

Two more treatments are to take place over the next couple of weeks and we're good to go, all to the tune of $900, courtesy of the homeowner. We decided to replace a couple of beds and mattress sets during this time so we did incur some extra expense during this month of spending, but not as much as it could have been.

There are other things I could go into, such as the broken- down dishwasher a few days before Christmas (still broken), and the beds we bought that are missing a few key parts. We are patiently awaiting the arrival as our sons continue to sleep on their mattresses on the floor of their rooms, but what's the point of crying over spilled milk? We all have things we have to deal with, right?

What put this all into perspective for me, in the midst of it all, is the 60-something year old woman who has become a friend during the last year or so. She recently moved to LA where she once lived. She had a friend who was going to let her live with her, and another friend who was going to help her get settled in and acclimated. She had worked in the movie industry while living there before, and connections had been made so that she would be making money shortly after arriving in LA, doing what she loves.

It didn't happen. It all fell through. This woman, our friend, is living on the streets. She is getting in line everyday to see if she will have a bed for the night. Sometimes it is days before she is able to bathe. My husband was telling her of our bed bug ordeal while talking on the phone with her Christmas Eve day. Her response? "Bed bugs ain't no thing. At least you have a roof over your head."

I had a change of attitude after that. I had a change of heart. The best gift this Christmas was wiring that woman money so she could spend Christmas in a motel, which would enable her to take a shower. She was assured a bed for a night or two. She was touched beyond words, though she managed to relay her love and gratitude.

Help me, God, not to take for granted the many blessings I have in my life. Help me to see beyond myself and reach out to help those who are hurting. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of learning many lessons during my earthly stay. Amen.

Meredith Andrews - He Has Come For Us (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen) Come Now Our King

2011-12-24T12:32:00.001-05:00

http://youtu.be/j7GL673EqMg

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy

He has come for us
This Jesus
He's the hope for all
Mankind
He has come for us
The Messiah
Born to give us life
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/meredith_andrews/he_has_come_for_us_god_rest_ye_merry_gentlemen.html ]
From God, our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same
How that Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name
O, tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O, tidings of comfort and joy

He has come for us
This Jesus
He's the hope for all
Mankind
He has come for us
The Messiah
Born to give us life

All the angels sing "Hallelujah!
"Jesus Christ is born!"
All the children sing "Hallelujah!
"He is Christ the Lord!"

He has come for us
This Jesus
He's the hope for all
Mankind
He has come for us
The Messiah
Born to give us life
He is born to giv us life

All the angels sing "Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ is born!"
All the children sing "Hallelujah!
"He is Christ the Lord!"

A Book With a Quote or Two

2011-12-19T15:13:00.002-05:00

The telling of this latest trial that we are going through is better left until we reach the other side. Not the other side in the sense of leaving this world...just after I've gotten through it and learned the necessary lessons. But because of these latest issues we are dealing with the quotes that follow speak to my soul.

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." Jane Howard.

"Every morning I wake up saying I'm still alive; a miracle. And so I keep on pushing."
Jacques Cousteau

"Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people." Albert Einstein

Help us, Father, to see the things we need to see, and lead us to those who need them more.

Trials and Gifts

2011-12-18T16:16:00.001-05:00

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition and not our circumstances." Martha Washington.

I read this quote recently. It sort of fits where I am today. Yet another trying event is taking place in our family. I'm beginning to feel like an Egyptian with the many plaques.

This newest trial is mostly a bit of an expense and a little more than a bit of inconvenience. Either way I am not a happy camper.

In church this morning the phrase was used about following God's plan instead of our own. I am willing to put mine aside and am actively pursuing a different path. We'll see. It would be nice if each phase of life, whether trial or joy came with a set of instructions and step by step illustrations, however, I usually can't seem to follow those either.

That's life, I guess and I can't help to make comparisons. I look at times, on those who repeatedly get handed one blessing after another...or so it appears.

I then look at those who are obviously going through way worse than I have ever been through and I am once again thankful, as I lift those less fortunate in prayer.

No matter where you find yourself today, I hope you heed the words of Martha Washington, and faithfully wait to see how God can bring good out of the adversity you face.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

2011-12-16T12:17:00.002-05:00

It would appear that I took a vacation. I suppose I did, but only due to the fact that I haven't made the time to sit down and blog. I've been busy. Tis the season.

I have had a few people ask me why I haven't blogged lately. I just put my fingers in my ears and hum a Christmas tune...very loudly, so as not to hear them. I know! I know! I haven't written in a while.

So much going on. The shopping is done. The gifts are wrapped. The wreath is finished. Did I mention I made a wreath? I got the idea from another blog The Answer is Chocolate, I think. I can't seem to find it now. I tweaked it a little and came up with this:

It was hours and hours of cutting and paper punching, and tons of hot glue but I finished and am pleasantly pleased with the result.

A few weeks ago a friend invited me to an event at her church for women. It was a gift exchange of sorts and fun in a Black Friday sort of way. Every lady who attended brought six gifts each the same. We were divided into groups. When your group was called, you went into the room where all the gifts were displayed and selected one item within a 30 second period. We did this six different times. Each woman went home with six gifts.

A lot of items were crafts and homemade things. One such thing was this:

A card was attached and this is what it said.

This is the Christmas Nail. It is to be hung on a branch that will hold such a spike without being noticed by well-wishers dropping by to admire one's tinseled tree. The nail is understood only by the heart that knows its signifiance. It is a reminder that...The Christmas tree but foreshadows the Christ-tree which only He could decorate for us, ornamented with nails as this.

Unlike the nail, which is tucked away as a private reminder, may Christ's light in you be evident to all this Christmas season.

And now I am off to the malls. The ensemble my sons are in will be preforming shortly.

Until the next chunk of free time...

A Few of My Favorite Things

2011-12-07T21:22:00.001-05:00

I can't believe how busy the days are, and how fast Christmas is approaching. This year will soon be gone. Time passes so quickly. As I pulled out some decorations this past week, I was amazed by how long I've had some of these, yet in some ways it only seems like a short amount of time.

My sister-in-law painted the nativity set and gave it to my husband and me on our first Christmas as a married couple...31 years ago.

My grandmother made this stocking for me when I was a child. She made one for my brothers too. A few years ago my mother framed it and gave it to me. Every year I place it somewhere among our Christmas decorations.

This was a wedding present from my aunt and uncle. I place it under our tree every year.

This is one of my favorite ornaments. It was lovingly made by my dad, and painted by my mother, I do believe. I cherish this one.

My younger brother was killed in a car accident at the age of 18, two months after I was married. A dove was on a flower arrangement we received. I placed it on our tree near the top, our very first Christmas, to keep him a part of my holiday. I have added a few over the years. One for each of my deceased grandparents. The other two are for my deceased father-in-law and brother-in-law. I hope that didn't creep you out too much. It's just what I do.

Making Ornaments

2011-12-02T21:25:00.001-05:00

I have been making ornaments. A lot of ornaments! I found this simple idea on Too Much Time On My Hands blog ( one of my fav blogs!), and I have become an ornament-making machine!

First I bought some clear glass ball ornaments. Sorry about the blur!

That's when the fun began!

I went to Half Price Books and bought an old music book, Mozart, as a matter of fact. I cut the sheet music into strips and put them into the glass ball. I bought some lace at a fabric store, added some twine, fired up the hot glue gun and this is the result.

Then I spotted another ornament idea on another blog: Under The Table (another fav blog!). First I used about one tablespoon of Pledge Floor Care. I used a funnel to pour it in and gently swished it around to cover all the interior surfaces. No shaking...that causes bubbles. I then used another funnel to pour Martha Stewart glitter into the ornament. I swished that around until the glitter stuck to the entire ornament. I tied some ribbon to hang from the tree and here it is!

I added a bow to the sheet music ornament instead of lace to create a different look.

Another glitter ornament.

And I added a few snowflake cling thingies to this one. The possibilities are endless!

Anniversaries, Sickness and Being Busy

2011-12-01T10:46:00.001-05:00

I guess I really wasn't kidding when I wrote that last post. It's been a few days since I've posted on the blog. I've been busy...and sick. It seems that someone in our family has been sick for the last three weeks. And now we're on round two. I was sick last week, yes even during Thanksgiving, and it seems that I've been doing a lot of sleeping. Hopefully it's just about over around here.

Yesterday was my parents' 54th wedding anniversary. That is a lot of years. They still genuinely enjoy the company of each other and went out for a little celebration. They are truly an inspiration to all married couples, especially in this day and age when 50% of marriages end in divorce. Congratulations Mom and Dad. May you have many more years together. I love and appreciate you both more than you will ever know.

I kicked into freak-out mode yesterday. Christmas is in 24 days and I need to SHOP! Seriously, I'm not sure how to get it done! My schedule is a little crazy with the cleaning buisness, homeschooling my son, transporting him to basketball practice, basketball games, band practice and lessons, his social engagements, and various classes he takes, not to mention all the other commitments I have. I guess it's a how do you eat an elephant kind of thing...one bite at a time. I never was that fond of eating elephants.

Gotta run...things to do, and places to go. I hope you're finding a bit of enjoyment during this holiday season.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-11-26T14:50:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone for 2011, and the Christmas rush is on. The spending frenzy has commenced, so let the countdown begin.

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas as much as the next guy...maybe more, but every year I can't help thinking, and sometimes even verbalizing, "How did Christmas become such a spend-fest?"

Long gone are the days when Laura and Mary Engels were thrilled to each receive their own drinking cup and a peppermint stick. Times are different, I know, I know! It just seems to be bordering on insanity when you take today's already too-full schedule and add to it, shopping for the multitudes (and only the latest and greatest will do) decorating the house, inside and out, attending the myriad of holiday functions, along with the extra cooking, baking, cooking, baking...I'm just saying.

This is my Christmas rant. I just have to get it out of my system and I'll be fine, I promise. Last year I overheard a woman telling someone that her young daughters were only getting an ipod Touch and an American Girl Doll and THAT WAS IT! I'm thinking, the poor schmucks. Seriously! That's it?!!

Where does this money come from? Do families budget for this kind of expense? When I was growing up I remember my parents having a "Christmas Club" banking account. Not sure the details, but I think you deposited money into the account weekly, or on a regular basis, and if/when you met the pre-determined amount of money in the account, the bank would kick in a little extra. Do they have accounts like that around these days?

To each his own, that is my mantra of the season, but I must admit, I really don't like the whole "What do you want, make me a list" rigmarole. Buy me what YOU want, or don't get me anything at all. Not trying to sound ungrateful, or stingy. I appreciate the gifts

I receive, and the time that went into them.

I especially cherish handmade items or gifts with a bit of family history attached (batteries not included). I love giving as well, I do. Just ask my husband! My grief comes from the huge commercial event Christmas has become.

Having said all that I now need to say how much I enjoy the traditions. I love to pile in the car and drive around looking at lights with my family. We did that when I was a child, and my husband and I have continued to do that with our kids. Heck, we even did that with some friends during the pre-kid season of our lives.

I like gathering at my parents' home to "decorate" the cookies of various shapes and sizes, with all (or most) of their grandchildren, my kids included.

The ornament exchange on Christmas Eve night, after we return from gathering with my parents, brothers and their families, is one of my favorite things. Spending time with extended family members during the holiday season that we only see once or twice a year is a treat as well.

I'm really not a Scrooge. No "Bah, Humbug" for me. I like Christmas. I just wish it was a little more peaceful, and a lot less stressful for all of mankind. Is that too much to ask?

I must admit,I am writing this as I sit in a room surrounded by boxes and boxes of bows and bags, and ornaments, and Christmas figurines galore, freshly taken down from the attic by my two teen-aged sons.

Now if you will excuse me, I have ornaments to make, some cards to mail, a tree to assemble, some cookies to bake, and eggnog to buy while I take a break from shopping, shopping, shopping!

Tis the season!

Thanksgiving Days of the Past

2011-11-23T16:44:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I got a text from my youngest brother today. He said he was thinking about Thanksgiving Days of the past. To tell you the truth, so was I.

We were both remembering the many times we would gather at our grandparents' house. We did so every year, until our grandmother had a stroke that left her unable to speak, and paralysed on her right side. She spent the remaining eleven years of her life in a nursing home. Our grandfather would faithfully make the thirty minute trip to sit by her side every day without fail, except one or two times due to bad weather that left the roads unsafe to travel.

My earliest memories of visiting my grandparents' homes were when my paternal grandmother was still alive. We would gather at her house and rake and burn the leaves from the half dozen or so trees in her yard. Afterwards, we would have a family meal. Sometimes there were other families involved; aunts, uncles, and cousins. Other times, just my family.

The Friday after Thanksgiving we would make the ten minute drive to the home of my maternal grandparents. My grandfather was a farmer, his main crop being tobacco. He worked at tobacco warehouses during my growing-up years. He would spend the day at the warehouse, all the while leaving my grandmother and mother cooking for the Thanksgiving meal we would later partake of after my grandfather returned home from working.

My dad, brothers, and uncle would walk the forty plus acre farm, during this time, carrying their guns in hopes of spotting a rabbit. Some call it hunting, but they did very little shooting, even if they did happen to catch a glimpse of one. If I was really bored I would walk with them. That didn't happen but once or twice.

My grandmother would have the traditional Thanksgiving fare, including a few regional favorites. She always made sure to cook each grandchild's favorite dish. She was indeed a good cook, and a very special lady.

I have very fond memories of those times we gathered around her long dining room table. I remember the conversations, and how they were more interesting the older I became, when in actuality the conversations never changed much.

I miss my grandparents and all family members who have left this world...never more than during the holiday season.

Wishing you fond memories of Thanksgivings past, and joy and laughter shared with family and friends this year.

life...just saying: Roof with a View: Train Up Tuesday: Getting "Stuff" Out of the Way ...

2011-11-22T18:41:00.000-05:00

I am sick today. I couldn't even go see my son's team play basketball. I was visitig some blogs and found this post that I wanted to share.
life...just saying: Roof with a View: Train Up Tuesday: Getting "Stuff" Out of the Way ...

Thanksgiving Week

2011-11-21T15:16:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is almost here. I was perusing a book today entitled: Mrs. Sharp's Traditions; Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations of Comfort & Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. The post today is an excerpt from that book.

A Brief History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of America's oldest and most beloved holidays. It is also our country's most misunderstood holiday.
It might come as a surprise, but most of the traditions of this holiday originated with Victorian mothers rather than Pilgrim fathers.What's more, if it hadn't been for the unrelenting efforts of one Victorian lady, we probably wouldn't be sitting down to dinner together as a nation on Thanksgiving.
In the first place, the very religious early settlers of New England believed days of 'thanks giving' to God were to be set apart for prayers and fasting, not feasting and merriment. Whenever the settlers needed divine deliverance from situations like drought or illness, a day of prayer and fasting would be declared. After their prayers had been answered, a day of "thanks giving" occurred with religious services.
Gradually the religious intensity that characterized both church and state functions lessened. Then, in 1789, America's first national Thanksgiving Day observance as proclaimed by President George Washington in acknowledgement of the favors the Almighty had bestowed on the country, namely, for winning the Revolutionary War. For the next seventy-five years "Thanksgiving" was irregularly celebrated, with each state's governor fixing the date the holiday was to occur.
All of this confusion drove Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of the Victorian Godey's Lady's Book nearly crazy. Fervently patriotic and devoted to promoting the family and home as the bedrock of the nation, Mrs. Hale believed on day a year should be set aside for American families to gather together to acknowledge their blessings and celebrate the bounty of peace and plenty.
In 1827 she began what would become nearly a lifelong crusade for a uniform national observance of Thanksgiving. For more than three decades she wrote impassioned editorials and countless personal letters to every governor and ten presidents.
When her pleas fell on deaf male ears, she realized what her holiday needed was not the support of politicians but of women and their families. As editor of America's most influential nineteenth-century women's periodical, Mrs Hale was in a position to create in her readers' imaginations a nostalgic, emotional longing for a holiday that never really existed.
She wrote: "I have thus endeavored to lay before my readers one of the strongest wishes of my heart, convinced that the general sentimate of feminine character throughout the United States will be far from finding it an objection that this idea of American Union Thanksgiving was suggested by a woman. The enjoyments are social, the feastings are domestic; therefore this annual festival is really the exponent of family happiness and household piety, which women should always seek to cultivate in their hearts and in their homes. God gave to man authority, to woman influence; she inspires and persuades; he convinces and compels. It has always been my aim to use my influence in this womanly way."
Mrs. Hale's womanly way of exerting influence was to publish tantalizing Thanksgiving Day menus featuring elaborate Victorian interpretations of Pilgrim fare (roast turkey with giblet gravy, creamed baby onions, and cranberry sauce), and sentimental.heart-wrenching redemption stories (just as the family prepares to say grace, the prodigal son or disgraced daughter who had run off to the big city would reappear to great rejoicing). "Let Thanksgiving, our American holiday...awaken in American hearts the love of home and of country, of thankfulness to God and peace between brethren," Mrs Hale implored her readers.
Very quickly, nineteenth-century American women embraced the holiday. Before long the celebration of Thanksgiving entered the vernacular of popular culture: Currier and Ives captured the essence of the holiday in sentimental family tableaux, and Mrs. Lydia Maria Child, a friend of Sarah Hale's and frequent contributor to Godey's, wrote her famous ode to the holiday, "Over the River," which is still sung today. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the first national Thanksgiving proclamation in the Unites States, setting the last Thursday in November as a national holiday.

A Prayer

2011-11-17T22:25:00.001-05:00

As I am winding down for the night I was reading Good Housekeeping magazine. I have read this magazine for most of my adult life. I finished reading about Amy Grant and Vince Gill and turned the page to find an article entitled: 10 Prayers To Carry You through the holidays by Katy McColl. I just wanted to share one here. Prayer 2 is entitled:

Give Me Open Eyes

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

"For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter

of the night,

For health and food,

For love and friends,

For everything Thy

goodness sends.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

200 Followers!

2011-11-17T17:14:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited! Today I reached 200 followers on my blog. Yay me! Actually, yay YOU! Thanks for making it happen.

House Hunters

2011-11-13T22:56:00.001-05:00

I am a fan of the show House Hunters on HGTV. I don't watch it every time it's on, however, I do record it and my daughter and I watch it together occasionally. We did just that last night.

Life is a relative thing, I know. I never cease to be amazed at where people are, and what they think. I usually filter it through my personal experiences. There are always lessons to be learned. The show last night fit that bill to a tee.

This family of six lived near Atlanta, in a 7500 square foot home. The man of the house had lost his banking job due to the economy, and they needed to downsize to a smaller house; a smaller life. This is where the relative part comes in. By smaller house I mean with a budget of 400k, and approximately 3500 square feet. I'm not sure what the median house price is in the Atlanta area, but where I come from that jingle buys a right-nice house. Relative indeed.

I watched this couple walk into the three different houses on the show, and grapple with the idea of how they would make it work for their family, the updates it would need, etc.; houses I dare say I would be thrilled to live in, updates or not. They were concerned with how to make it work furniture and stuff-wise. Been there, done that, not too very long ago. I feel their pain, I truly do. It is indeed relative.

They were able to make the move. Frankly they had no choice. They settled in and made the home their own. The kids adjusted well, although I think the girls had to share a bedroom. It worked and they were able to see the positive evolve from this very trying time in their lives. Been there, done that as well.

Bottom line is we're all the same. We live on different scales, levels...whatever economic term you choose to use, and that's the way the free enterprise system works. One thing we all have in common, however, is that we each face tough places in our lives, and we all have to determine what is important and what can be let go of. Not an easy task to accomplish, but necessary nonetheless.

In all my recent reading of frugal living, and refocusing on living within one's means, and even spending less, and (gasp, dare I say?) saving money...well it just puts it all into perspective a little bit more, due to the uncertain times in which we live, with the world economy the way it is.

Just as my life is continuing to evolve, so is this blog. Some time in the near future I will share bits and pieces of what they both are becoming.

Until then, I hope you are finding the balance in your life, and making it meaningful and worthwhile for your own families, and those around you.

Our Afternoon...Words and Pics Included

2011-11-13T18:22:00.001-05:00

It was a nice Sunday afternoon. The weather was great! 72 degrees in November...I'll take it. My family and I, minus son #1 who was at work...(we missed you), was on a quest. Son #2 wanted to get ELF on DVD. Mission accomplished...finally...at Walmart.

While looking for the movie we saw this car in the parking lot. They felt the need to inform the public that it was hand-painted. Really?

Our next brief stop was at the Buechel Train Depot. I seem to have vague memories from long ago, of a tragic event taking place near this site, similiar to that of Lizzie Borden. Could be wrong, however, not really sure.

We took a nostalgic side trip to the Catholic school my husband attended until 8th grade. I am not sure what they use this building for these days, sadly it's no longer a school.

We then ventured downtown, though I'm not sure why at the moment. We saw The Old Spaghetti Factory, and a few other sights along the way.

Louisville Slugger Field

I like the look of the sun behind the clouds near the Louisville International Airport.

This is the billboard I mentioned in a previous post: The Lake, The Studio, and a Billboard, of my nephew...the guy with the cap.

We passed by the KFC Yum! Center. The University of Louisville Cardinals basketball teams call this home. There was a game being played today, in fact.

We watched the last of the second half once we arrived back home.

And enjoyed an Oven Baked Sandwich from Domino's.

All in all, a very nice day. Even though we didn't have our usual Sunday afternoon band practice, we saw the drummer and his family on our juant!

Hope your Sunday was just as nice.

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T11:43:00.001-05:00

Photo taken by JD Cook

Veterans Day is not just another day off, and it's not just about the sales at all the stores. It is a day we set aside to honor all the men and women who have and are serving our country. We thank you all for giving of your time, your resources and your lives. We thank your families as well.

Never Alone

2011-11-09T22:41:00.001-05:00

Putting it all together. Taking the puzzle pieces and interlocking them into the places they were hewn to fit. A glance back, trying to make sense of the things that transpired, seemingly out of control, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that you wouldn't be in the place you are now, if not for where you were then.

Good and bad, right or wrong aren't labels that can be attached to the events that took place, that led to the circumstances of now. Or maybe they are. The ability to see beyond the present is the greatest lesson learned, and the grace to let go and allow the One who is all-knowing to carefully mold and create the shattered fragments that remained, into works of art which propels to the next place, the next day, the next breath.

To find oneself in a better place, perhaps not to the untrained eye, but there nonetheless, is the greatest gift of all, knowing that you didn't arrive there based solely on your own actions, but by divine guidance as each piece was gently placed in the path of a choice to be made. Some things will never be understood, nor liked, nor desired. But necessary no less, to the well-being of the whole, to enable, to embrace, to go forward, to thrive.

But never alone.

The Blogger in You

2011-11-09T18:31:00.001-05:00

Are you a blogger, or a blogger wanna-be? If so, cool. It's really not that difficult to get it up and going.There are so many different blogs out there, all unique in their own right, with varying reasons for blogging, and unique results to boot. An old Chinese Proverb says this: "The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it." So keep blogging. There is only one you, only you can create your blog, write your content, share the things you want to post.

I'm always on the look-out for how-to-blog info, tips by those who have gone before us to pave the way. There are quite a few good ones out there, they come in many shapes and forms, from ebooks to downloads to blogs themseles. Yes, there are blogs about how to blog, but I just wanted to post a link to the latest one I have read, one that I can identify with. It's an easy read.http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/overnight-success.

Enjoy and happy blogging~

10 Boom

2011-11-09T13:12:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx15895V9QQ

Wordless Wednesday, Except It's Friday!

2011-11-04T17:06:00.002-04:00

NOLA

French Market District

St. Louis Catherdral

Mississippi River

Cafe Du Monde

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I'm Here!

2011-11-03T18:47:00.000-04:00

What a nice drive from Tuscaloosa to New Orleans. I had a great visit with my friend and travel partner. Something about spending 4 hours in a car with a person. It can definitely lead to stimulating conversations. It was a pleasure.

This is my third visit to New Orleans. The first time was when I was a child. My family and I strolled the French Quarter, as a via point while on vacation, that is until we spotted a sight unfit for the eyes of children, while walking along Bourbon Street. The tour quickly ended, and we left this exciting city, to where, I don't remember...something a little less adventurous and more family-oriented, I'm sure, but apparently less memorable.

My second trip to New Orleans occurred 5 years ago, almost 1 year after Katrina. I was a chaperone for a youth mission trip. We spent the week gutting houses. It was in the middle of July. It was an uncomfortable trip for various reasons, yet one I will never forget.

The main difference I noticed while driving through the city today compared to 5 years ago is that the last time I was here it was a ghost town. There was no traffic because there was no town. Today, however, proved to be a different experience. Although I still saw signs of the devastation from the hurricane, there was also a lot of cars on Interstate 10, and plenty of people working and walking the downtown streets.

My friend left for her conference shortly after we checked- in, and I set about doing what I had planned to do this afternoon...reading, and working on my blog. Tomorrow I will revisit some of the sights I saw 5 years ago, and take a photo or two in the process. For now...the view from our room...

On My Way To New Orleans This Morning

2011-11-02T23:18:00.000-04:00

Actually I went to Tuscaloosa, Alabama this morning, but tomorrow I will drive to New Orleans. I am accompanying a friend who is attending a conference there.

Alabama's Welcome Center from Tennessee. How many times have I seen this landmark?

I got a tour of Tuscaloosa this afternoon. I saw some of the devastation that was caused by the tornado this past spring. It never ceases to amaze me the havoc that Mother Nature can reek.

Big news in Tuscaloosa is the major football game this weekend; University of Alabama and LSU. Nuff said.

I Found It!

2011-10-31T15:05:00.000-04:00

I found my grandmother's bowl as I continued to unpack all the boxes that have been in storage for over a year. I wasn't sure what had happened to it, so it was with a sigh of relief that I unwrapped this dish.

As you can see it's a no-big-deal kind of bowl. Just a regular bowl. In fact, I'm not sure I even remember my grandma using this particular item, so I have no memory attached sentiments about it. But after she passed away EVERYTHING became important. During the get rid of/keep-it process that always follows after the death of a loved one, I took as much of my grandparents things as I thought I could successfully house without crossing over into the land of creepiness. I had to let a lot of things go.

My grandma had a chair sitting beside this chifforobe. As a child I would sit in this spinning-rocking chair and watch myself in the mirror. Chifforobe. Now there's an interesting word. I never even knew that was a real word until after she passed away. I thought that was just a word of the region...a colloquialism of sorts.

These are a few things I kept that belonged to my grandparents. Not because they are worth much monetarily, simply because they were theirs.

The interesting thing about this framed cross stitched picture is the black mat around it. My grandmother made this mat out of construction paper...very old, yellow-taped construction paper, with uneven edges. My grandma was ahead of her time, I suppose.

My house is not filled with a lot of shiny new things that all coordinate nicely together, but instead with things that give me a sense of roots, a sense of family. And even though these things aren't in the best condition, I kinda like it that way.

A Really Cool Blog

2011-10-28T15:17:00.001-04:00

I found this really cool blog today. Click here to check it out: Cedar Hill Ranch. The photography was nice, the ideas...nice, the writing...nice.

Dirty Ducts, Done Dirt Cheap

2011-10-28T13:42:00.000-04:00

I am freezing while sitting in my living room. Okay, so maybe not freezing, exactly, but dang, it's cold! We are having the duct work cleaned in the house today. It is 44 degrees outside; 62 degrees inside...and falling. A door has to be open in order to allow the equipment inside.

This is the equipment in the back yard.

And the other two are the hoses coming into the house, going into the crawl space. Fun times!

We moved into this house the end of August. I started having allergy-type symptoms immediately following. I have NEVER had allergies before. Occasionally I would smell a dirt-like odor upon entering the house. The other peeps in the fam told me I was crazy...except for my husband who would agree at times, that he smelled it too.

After talking to a "quality air specialist" about the issue, we decided to have the ducts cleaned, in hopes that this would solve the problem. We shall see.

The man doing the work took some pics on his phone which he is supposed to email to my husband on Monday...the before and after pictures of the duct work. There is a huge difference. I'll post them if he really does send them.

As far as the title of this post...not so cheap after all.

Wordless Wednesdays

2011-10-26T22:53:00.000-04:00

Life Is Interesting

2011-10-24T22:37:00.000-04:00

Life is interesting. Isn't life interesting? Sometimes it is...

Today I had my hair done. Yep, it was time for my every-six-weeks trip to cover the gray. It was interesting today. I saw a lady there that I haven't seen since last December, at the funeral of a mutual friend.

This lady is a survivor of breast cancer. She starts another round of chemo tomorrow. She said it keeps coming back. She was upbeat about it all. She likes to think positive. She prays. She even made a crack or two about how her hair was finally long enough to cut from the last round of chemo, and soon it would be falling out again. She was very particular in how she wanted it cut today. That was intriguing to me. We humans, we women, are basic in nature. I wish this dear lady the best, and will say a prayer or two myself, on her behalf.

Following the trip to the the salon, was a stop by the gym. The basketball home court gym that is. My son had another scrimmage. Oh the joy! Not because I didn't want to see him play. I did. He played well today. But I had to go alone to face "the friends" (you know, the ones from previous posts). No whine and cheese this time. No, not for me. I manned up, even though I had to go it alone. No husband to tag along, no daughter, no mother, not even my young nieces. Life is interesting indeed.

One these two friends who I have posted about apologized to me. She did. That takes a little bit of gumption and a huge hunk of integrity. I was touched by her sincerity. She was touched as well when I told her I had missed her too. She said she would call me. The other "friend". Eh, not so much. Some things never change.

While I was there at the gym, watching this coming-together team my son is a part of play a little ball, the husband of the cancer survivor came to watch the game too. He has had heart issues for years. He says his wife is doing well compared to him, but he is hanging in there. Not sure how they do it.

We had to take one of our cars to the shop this afternoon. It is in need of repair. Nothing that throwing a little cash at won't fix. We borrowed my parent's truck to help get everyone where they need to go tomorrow. An easy fix in the grand scheme of things.

I had to turn down a trip with a friend to New Orleans next weekend. Our band has a concert on Sunday. How fun it would have been to tag along. How thoughtful of her to invite me. I wonder if I can call in sick to the concert...

These things don't really tie together. I have no profound statement to neatly wrap this post up. Life happened today, just like it does every day.

And that is a good thing.

A Pumpkin, a Poem, a Hop and a Shelf

2011-10-23T19:05:00.001-04:00

We got a pumpkin today...actually two pumpkins. We were out for a Sunday afternoon drive, (yes, we actually did that), and passed by this "Serve Yourself" pumpkin stand. So we did. Two medium-sized pumpkins now reside on our front porch, which by-the-way, doesn't happen in an apartment. The balcony, maybe. Totally doesn't have the same feel to me, but I digress.

I also acquired a new bookshelf today...another bookshelf, to house the many books still sitting in boxes. I think that totals 7 bookshelves in this house, of various sizes, all full.

I am still blog hopping this weekend, and came across a blog called Beck Valley Books. I love books, I do. I love reading them, collecting them, decorating with them, and even the feel of a new book in my hands...kind of nerdy I know. So...I found this 'poem'while hopping on the above mentioned blog:

My Book Vow

I will continue to treasure my books every day

To admire them all on display

There gilted titling on colourful covers and spines

There beautiful designs that seem to come to life

To cherish my most precious book

To hold it in my hands and connect to the story and characters

Escaping into another world as

You gently turn each page

Feeling the books own unique history

The smell of the old pages and print

Books are our history, present and our future

Without them the world would be a very sad place indeed

by Sharon Martin

National Stuttering Association

2011-10-22T23:59:00.000-04:00

This morning I attended a NSA youth event. It was a first in our city. The turn out wasn't exactly what was hoped for, but I have to think it turned out quite nicely.

I continue to meet a lot of special people along the way, people who stutter. They are not special because they stutter, and yet they are. I am honored to know them.

We read the following poem corporately, as group reading helps the stutterer to not stutter...much like singing. I'm not sure the author of the poem, nor the title but here it is.

The poem:

Your presence is a present to the world.
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You'll make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal, your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot...goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life's treasures are people...together.

Realize that it's never too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have health and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.

And don't ever forget...for even a day...
how SPECIAL you are.

A Weekend Blog Hop

2011-10-21T21:43:00.002-04:00

It's been a busy week...again! I'm adding a little more busy and a little more fun by doing a little blog hopping this weekend. Join me if you'd like. Check out the green button on the right sidebar. You see it, right? The one that says "Finding New Friends". Yep, that's it! Just give it a click. Happy hopping!

I Have a Problem

2011-10-18T16:19:00.000-04:00

I have a problem and I need HELP! I am a bake-aholic. I like to bake. I do. I just made some cupcakes last night. They're still sitting in the kitchen, or most of them at least. But my mind has been racing all day, deliberating the many things I could bake.

Baking is a hobby for me. I enjoy it, however, I don't need the calories, and the stuff just isn't that healthy. Pies, cookies, cakes and the list goes on. And looking for the best brownie recipe is a favorite of mine. Easier said than done. Brownies may very well be the exception to the made-from-scratch-is-better rule.

So I figured if I wrote about it then I may be able to resist the alluring draw into the kitchen. It's like an episode of Lost in Space when one of the crew members of the Jupiter II falls under the spell of one of the many aliens they encounter in their space travels. Yep, I dated myself on that one.

Alrighty then, so far, so good, but there's still plenty of minutes until this one is laid to rest. It's almost time to start dinner, and there are a couple of offices to be cleaned tonight. I may be just about out of the woods for the day. And since tomorrow is my follow-the-two- year-old routine, I may be good...for a couple of days anyway. After that, we'll just have to wait and see.

Sharing A Blog

2011-10-17T21:44:00.000-04:00

Stumbled across this blog today. I had a chuckle or two, so I thought I would share.

http://www.sarahsblogoffun.com/2011/10/make-me-laugh-monday_17.html

Make Me Laugh Monday

Proof Reading is a Must!!!!

Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter

Called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says

Really? Ya think?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

Now that's taking things a bit far!

-----------------------------------------------------------

Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over

What a guy!
---------------------------------------------------------------

Miners Refuse to Work after Death

No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!
------------------------------------------------------

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant

See if that works any better than a fair trial!
----------------------------------------------------------

War Dims Hope for Peace

I can see where it might have that effect!
----------------------------------------------------------------

If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile

Ya think?!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures

Who would have thought!
----------------------------------------------------------------

Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide

They may be on to something!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?
----------------------------------------------------------

Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge

He probably IS the battery charge!
----------------------------------------------

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

Weren't they fat enough?!
-----------------------------------------------

Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft

That's what he gets for eating those beans!
---------------- ---------------------------------

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

Do they taste like chicken?
****************************************

Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
***************************************************

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors

Boy, are they tall!
*******************************************

And the winner is......

Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

Did I read that right?

The Lake, the Studio and a Billboard

2011-10-16T22:19:00.000-04:00

What a lovely, quick, fun-filled weekend it was! Some friends of ours invited us, along with several other families, to join them at their lake house for the weekend. With a little juggling of all things that needed to be done, we were able to get away for 24 hours...excluding the time we rode around looking for the lake-front property. This is what I woke up to on Saturday morning. Thanks Jenny and Glenn for giving us a room with a view. It was stunning.

We played "Hillbilly Golf". A first for me. It is known by various other names, "Ladder Golf" being the most popular, but where we were located "Hillbilly Golf" seemed most appropriate.

It was fun. I didn't win, but it was fun. So was playing Spot It ,which I did win... twice...finally! And watching a movie, and the delicious food and the conversation, and the boat ride, with the ever-so entertaining double-dog-dare jump in the lake by our host, in the not too cold water, but the ride back in the 67 degree weather while wet...well, you get the picture. Glad it wasn't me!

These are relatively new friends of ours, the couple who own the cabin and another couple that was there as well. I just have to say how very refreshing it is to be around these two ladies that I have gotten to know during the last year. It's a little different from the other two 'friends' that I've posted about lately. It just feels good to have people who care and are actually interested in others. Nuff said...

Sunday we went to a studio to record some background vocals for my brother's new CD. Usually I HATE recording. Not so bad this time, not sure why. It was fun singing with my 11 year old niece. She has a gift. It went smoothly and the amazing technology these days doesn't hurt either. Can't wait to hear the final production!

My nephew is on a billboard in our mid-size town. It's for an organization called Hand in Hand Ministries. It's kind of cool seeing the face of someone you know plastered on a really big sign on the side of an interstate. He's one of the good guys. I have no pic to include but I did finally get to see it, so it was worth a mention.

That's it...that's my weekend. It was nice. Hope yours was too! Yeah.

Do You Feel Like I Do

2011-10-13T14:21:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I feel like a squirrel. I was watching one just the other day in my front yard. The landscape at this house has lava rocks instead of mulch. This squirrel looked like he was trying to bury a rock. "Stupid squirrel", I was thinking until I realized it was a nut. Stupid me. This cute little rodent with a long, bushy tail was scurrying from spot to spot trying to decide where to stow this prized possession until it was needed at a later date.

We continue to bring boxes from the storage unit to the house and I continue to open them, and at times, unpack them and put them away. Other times I tend to be like the squirrel and unload the box, look through the stuff and place it in a pile or put it back into the box, or better still, a storage tote. I run from place to place with the prize in my hand trying to determine what to do with it!

Here are a few of the "nuts" that I lug around.

This is an autograph book from 6th-7th grade. The idea was to get your classmates to sign it. It was all the rage back in the day.

And a picture of my favorite entry totally cracks me up. We thought we were so clever. Gonna need this some day, in the dead of winter, I know for a fact.

And then there is my Etienne Aigner cigarette case. Keep in mind that I haven't smoked since I was 18 years old, but I loved the case. Etienne Aigner was a status symbol among teens in the 70s. I'm not into that sort of thing now but back then it was quite a different story. I had a purse, a key chain and a leather coat. The only thing I kept was the cigarette case...

Another thing I came across was

this cardboard sign.

This is the original sign that was made for our car on our wedding day. Why do I still have this? Really? It's like the countless cards that both my husband and I have kept over the years. My husband even has cards from his first communion and first birthday! He says, "If you've kept them this long, why throw them away now." There is some logic in that, I suppose, however, I keep thinking about all the stuff our kids will have to one day sort through and probably pitch.

So these are a few of my findings that I am trying hard to part with. Not sure that'll happen. I did manage to toss the tissue paper snowflakes (with glitter) that my kids made when they were but wee little one. And speaking of my kids, these are two pictures that my sister-in-law entered in the State Fair. My kids are now 21 and 19. I've kept these pics all these years with the mat and fair entry tag. I finally took a couple of shots of them and simply kept the pictures. Taking pictures of pictures...well...you lose a little quality.

Well, that's it for now. I will continue my search and rescue and hopefully toss some more things I've been holding on to for so many years. I'm running out of room!

On a Lighter Note...I Won!

2011-10-11T12:54:00.000-04:00

THANK YOU to http://www.dorothymcfadden.blogspot.com/ for givng me the Versatile Blogger Award! The "rules" of this award are simple:

1. Thank and link back to the person that awarded you the...award :)
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Send this award to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

#3 is probably the hardest part because there are so many wonderful blogs! So, here we go, starting with 7 things about me.

1. I have a love/hate relationship with blogging. I love writing but there is SO much to learn about it all.
2. I am in a band.
3. I LOVE being a mom.
4. I cherish my friends.
5. I'm not a pet person. Too much trouble, though we did let our youngest have 2 pet rats.
6. I enjoy traveling though I have never flown, except in a helicopter.
7. I don't like sharing things about me unless I'm writing them in a post.

15 Blogs Worth a Visit

1.  A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
2.  Pioneer Woman
3. Mom Seriously
4.  A Cherished Keeper
5. Katherine's Corner
6.  The Country Chic Cottage
7.  Just Dorothy
8.  A Mommys Lifestyle
9.  My Nuggets of Truth
10. Blogelina
11. Above the Clouds
12. Dave's Travel Corner
13. Mel Dreams Often
14. Some Kind of Wonderful
15. I've Become My Mother

A Little Cheese With My Whine

2011-10-10T20:54:00.000-04:00

It was a tough day, not gonna lie. This is a continuation of the basketball blues that I've been singing lately. Pass the cheese, please.

Today brought back so many emotions, memories and the past. The game was over at 2:00 and it has seriously taken me the rest of the day to recover emotionally and mentally and even physically. I needed a nap and a little chocolate to get me through. How can that be? How can I care so much about how people view me and our situation? How can I be so bothered by the way folks choose to act and conduct their lives?

And where do I go from here? I didn't like the vibe of the whole deal and the season has just begun! I seriously have to go through this for a few more months? Only if I want to support my son. And I do. But hey, he's an awesome musician. Couldn't we just add some music to the many musical things he is already involved in? Do we really need this whole basketball gig?

I know I have to step up and take one for the team (my family that is) but I don't have to like it. I will even give you that I'm going to grow as a person because of the dynamics of it all. I'd rather not.

You can put the cheese away now. I think I'm finished.

Doing the Hard Thing Update

2011-10-09T23:06:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to follow up from my post Doing the Hard Thing. I did it and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, it sort of went how I expected, from the one 'friend' anyway.

I went to the meeting. She went out of her way to come over to where I was sitting and ask me a question related to basketball. Nothing was mentioned of the last remark she made about contacting me. Nothing was mentioned at all about what my family has experienced in the past 15 months. Business as usual, I guess. That's okay with me. At least I know what I've got...very little, relationship-wise, or so it seems and again, I'm okay with that.

The other 'friend' wasn't at the "Mandatory Parent's Meeting". Guess it wasn't quite so mandatory after all. Not to fret, however. Tomorrow is the first scrimmage and I will be there. I suspect she will too. Let's get it all out in the open, I say. Knowledge is a good thing. I want to know where I stand.

I spend my Wednesdays chasing after a two year old, a very active, cute and funny two year old, for about 7 hours, unless of course, she takes a nap, which then makes it about 5 1/2 chasing hours. Last week she didn't take a nap! My son is taking classes at a cottage school and I am the on site nanny in exchange for his tuition. It's a win/win situation, albeit a very tiring win on my side.

She is talking some, as two year olds so sweetly do. There are a few words and phrases that rank among the most used. "Whoa" being one of them. This is a go-to word for a variety of situations. It is quite cute. "It's stuck" is another such word. It actually sounds more like "is tuck" when she says it, and she says it a lot.

More often than not, the object that she is trying to get to is truly not stuck. There is generally something standing in the way that simply needs to be removed.

I feel that way in this situation with my once upon a time friends. I felt stuck. I don't want to feel that way any longer so I'm ready to take the bull by the horns and see what I come up with. I may come up empty handed. It appears that way from Thursday's experience. Again, I'm good with that.

Again, at least I know what I've got.

I will end this post with a quote by Thomas Jefferson: Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life.

It's good to have friends and better still to know who they are...

Doing the Hard Thing

2011-10-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I am being called upon to do something I really don't want to do. I've known that sooner or later this was bound to happen. I was hoping for later. Much later.

My youngest son is on a basketball team this year. It's a newly formed competitive homeschool basketball team. They have been practicing twice a week for a month and a half. There are two mothers who not only have sons on this team, one is the coaches mother and the other is the "administrator" of the team.

These two women were long-time family friends. One of the mothers and I were quite close. I haven't spoken to either of these ladies for over a year. I kinda wanted to keep it that way...just saying. It was inevitable, once my son joined the team, that we would be in one anothers company on a twice-a-week basis after the season began. The season has apparently begun. Tomorrow after practice there is a "mandatory parent's meeting". My husband has attended the others without me, however, tomorrow's meeting occurs while he is at work.

I considered ditching the mandatory meeting. I've been known to avoid an unpleasant situation or two in my life, and I tend to have a rebellious spirit that I work hard to keep in check. "Mandatory meeting, you say?" "Watch me NOT come" kind of attitude. Not going to happen tomorrow.

The problem began when my family went through our moving ordeal last August. When I told the one woman what was going on, she responded by email (finally) that I had shaken her up so badly. She needed time to process so she would contact me when she and her family returned from their Florida vacation in September...2010.

The other woman tried, she really did. She was there on moving day, packing and helping us settle into the apartment. She asked me a question about it all during one particular conversation. I guess she didn't like my answer. I haven't heard from her since.

The problem with all of this isn't about who said what, or who did or didn't commit an offense. It IS about taking time to show you care. When I was going through one of the most difficult times of my life I needed my people, friends and family alike, to hold me up and help me through because there were honestly days I didn't want to continue my earthly trek.

I've learned a valuable lesson from this all...one of many. I need to care enough to show I do, no matter how unpleasant and trying the circumstances. I need to " trouble myself on behalf of others".

So ready or not, mandatory parent's meeting, here I come...to face my giants. I'm just glad it's not until tomorrow...

Amish Life

2011-10-04T14:35:00.000-04:00

I am intriqued by the Amish and their lifestyle. In fact, I want to be Amish, except for the fact that I couldn't wear make-up, or "modern" clothes, or have central air conditioning, or drive a car, or have electricity...Okay, so maybe it's their beliefs and ideas that I am so taken with. Their sense of family and community is captivating. The way they spend their time, so very different from "Englishers".

One year while on vacation, we visited Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was beautiful country. The shops were quaint and the craftsmanship, superb. One of my favorite trips, it was.

I enjoy reading and do so often. I find myself reading books about the Plain Folk on a somewhat regular basis. One of my favorite authors on the subject is Beverly Lewis. I am reading a trilogy at present. The Judgement is the second book and the current one I am reading. I found a prayer in this book. It is a bedtime prayer. I like it.

Holy Father, we ask that we may spend this coming night - which you have ordained for our rest - and all the remainder of our lives under Your divine protection and shield. O holy Father, defend us and cover us with the wings of your compassion. Amen.

A Funeral, A Wedding, A Family Reunion

2011-10-02T14:25:00.001-04:00

Last week my good friend lost her father. He passed away Monday morning. She spent the weekend with her family as her dad lived his last days on Earth.

Her oldest son was married on Friday night. It was quite a week. I watched her handle this busy, difficult and emotionally hard week with grace and a quiet peace.

It is a testament to their family to see the many people who stepped up and helped in so many ways, especially with last minute wedding preparations as she was occupied with her father's funeral. I hope they know how blessed and fortunate they are to have so many people show their love for them in a very practical way. Not all families experience this, I dare say.

My family attended the wedding on Friday evening. We have known this young man and his family for many years. I taught the boy in Sunday School when he was but a small lad. Time indeed passes all too quickly.

It was a lovely wedding. The bride looked stunning and the handsome groom was a bundle of excitement and nervousness all rolled into one. A few tears were shed as well. It was touching to watch.

That is the essence of weddings. It's a happy-sad time. A family being formed as you say good-bye to the comfortable and familiar. It's a balancing act, finding a new normal while blending families into one. This act is set in motion as soon as the child enters the world, slowly and steadily and oh, so surely making his way into adulthood.

For those guests who are or have been married, attending a wedding serves as a thought-provoking reminder of vows exchanges. Of happy times and some that are not. The nature of marriage and life itself.

Our annual family reunion was a time to reflect as well, and to get in touch with my roots. It was a time to cherish because you never know who may no longer be with you when the next reunion rolls around. There were many who were missed. Some who had previous engagements and some who have left this world.

My cousin, the family photographer at their own small gatherings, lovingly placed and posed us all for several family photos. We laughed and complained about so many pictures being taken but deep inside we know it's a good thing. It is a part of our heritage. It is a memory that has been captured to pass down to the generations that will follow.

The weekend was busy but it was good.

10 Things I Miss About the Apartment

2011-09-27T13:56:00.001-04:00

1. Everything was brand spanking new, baby!
2. The close proximity (1.8 miles) to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house!
3. Uh...I got nothing.

How about: 10 Things I Like About Living in a House

1. It's not an apartment.
2. It's a house.
3. I can see outside from everyroom.
4 I can watch my son mow the grass.
5. I can park right by my door.
6. I can plant flowers in the yard.
7. I can take the trash out in less than a minute instead of the 5 minute walk to the dumpster. Although I must admit, it was entertaining watching people ride by with bags of trash hanging off their cars on the way to the dumpster.
8. It just feels normal.
9. I can get my stuff out of storage.
I0. It's a house...worth repeating.

Conversation With a Friend

2011-09-26T16:06:00.001-04:00

I had a short but interesting conversation with a friend yesterday. I asked him if God was in control. This friend is an ordained minister, though that's not why I asked him. This friend, whose opinion I greatly respect, answered the question like this. He said, "I don't know". I love that answer!

You see, I ponder this question a lot. I hear people say things such as, "God is in control" and "Things always happen for a reason". This sounds so cliche to me. Like we always have to know what's going on and why.

I get that this is a controversial topic.This leads to the whole predestination theology. Not going there, however, I do want to state that so far, no one has convinced me that this is a Biblical fact.There are great points made for predestination. But there is also much that we simply can't explain.

I'm good with that. We're not suppose to have all the answers. We can't explain God in our limited human state of being, however much we may try. That is why I so liked my friend's answer. We don't know! Admitting so is wise indeed.

There were actually a few conversations over the weekend that led me once again, down this road of reasoning. Not going there either.

I realize that many will disagree with this post. I'm okay with that too. It's what keeps things interesting.

My Walmart Experience Update Part 2

2011-09-24T16:13:00.000-04:00

We have lift-off. Just wanted to share, all the parts are in the box and ready to be assembled into the basketball goal it was designed to be. So be it.

My Walmart Experience Update

2011-09-23T14:42:00.001-04:00

My husband was merrily putting together the newly purchased basketball goal yesterday evening, while our youngest son was mowing the lawn, eagerly anticipating the dribbling of the ball before sinking a shot into the hoop... or not. Whether he was or wasn't, it didn't happen quite that way.

After my husband assembled the pole he discovered, much to his dismay and chagrin, that there was no rim, nor was there a net to hang from the rim. Hmm...a basketball goal with no rim or net...

Admittedly this was not the fault of Walmart. No, this was Lifetime's mistake. Lifetime, an American company. Not good.

My husband called Walmart, the one where we have been spending so much time of late, and was told that no, they couldn't just take the rim and net out of the box that contained the exact same goal we had purchased, but instead he would need to disassemble the pole, and bring it all back to the store to exchange it for the other one.

That is what my husband did, God bless his soul. He threw it all in the trunk because he was, of course, unable to get it back in the box, due to the exact manner in which it was packed. Come to think of it, however, there should have been a little extra room in the box since it was MISSING THE RIM!!!

My husband went to the service desk to get an employee and a handy little cart to haul it all back in. He, of course, waited and waited for someone from the sporting goods department to come and assist. That never happened. Instead, the CSM left his station, with permission from the powers that be, and helped my husband get the goal pieces and box back into the store.

My husband did ask for the opportunity to speak with the store manager. The only thing the store manager offered were excuses and a little passing of the buck.

This experience added another 30 minutes to the accumulative hour of purchasing the basketball goal.

Again I ask, what is up with Walmart?

By the time my husband returned from Walmart it was too dark outside to begin assembling the new goal, so it remains to be seen whether all the needed pieces are in this box. Can't wait to find out.

My Walmart Experience

2011-09-22T18:01:00.000-04:00

We have been looking at portable basketball goals. We had one at the other house but we left it there when we moved. We did so for two reasons: a) it was awkward to transport, and b) it would end up in the storage unit that was already full! It's one of those things we chose to get rid of but knew we would probably replace once we were settled into a house. Am I whining? Nah...well, maybe a little. Did I digress? Yep, looks like it!

We were looking for a good used goal or a not too expensive new model. We ended up looking at Walmart. We were actually there ten days ago. We found two that fit the bill, however, they were out of both.

My husband decided to play the game of trying to get the display model for a cheaper price than what they were asking. It worked when we bought our last television so what the heck? After waiting for someone to assist us in the sporting goods department, we went to the Customer Service desk. My husband spoke with the manager and was told he couldn't sell the display goal but he would place an order and to check back in about three days.

Last night we discovered the goals were finally in. Yipee! We were ready to make a purchase. We told the clerk we needed someone to bring one of those special carts that comes with a Walmart employee attached so he could lift the thing into the trunk after he (the Walmart employee) put it on the cart and pushed it to the check-out. We're not as young as we used to be. But no one came!

After waiting 10 minutes or so we asked for help again. The clerk was surprised that no one had come the first time... but we weren't! They then announced over the system (again) that a customer needed help but still no one came.

After another 10 minutes my husband pulls his cell phone out and calls the front desk to explain the situation! We heard the announcement and waited for 5 minutes or so before someone finally showed up!

We are now the proud owners of a portable basketball goal much like the one in the picture above.

Again I ask, what is up with Walmart? That purchase took approximately one hour! Not trying to dis Walmart...I'm a frequent customer. I just don't have time for those types of experiences.

Now I feel better.

A Thought For Today

2011-09-21T22:13:00.000-04:00

Never give up because you don't know what's around the next corner.

Another Day Trip

2011-09-20T18:00:00.001-04:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again...I love to travel. It doesn't matter where really, preferably to a place I've never been but not a problem to revisit the familiar. We did just that over the weekend.

We drove to Nashville, Indiana. It was familiar but still a quaint little town. It was raining off and on for most of the day so we did a little drive through. I had fun snapping some shots from the car window.

We then moseyed on down the road to Story, Indiana, which I never even knew about until I found it in the book by Reader's Digest The Most Scenic Drives in America. I wanted to dine in the restaurant which was once a general store, however, they were in between serving lunch and dinner. Story Inn is definitely on my list of return visits.

Stuff

2011-09-19T22:27:00.000-04:00

We moved two weeks ago but we are still moving in. We had a storage unit full of stuff that wouldn't fit in the apartment. We are slowly moving it box by box, piece by piece into the house where we are living.

Funny thing, stuff. How can we still have so much after giving what seemed like most of it away last year? We do. I am going through all this stuff I had packed away and am getting rid of a lot of it...again.

I decided it was time to get rid of my kids' school papers...you know, the ones that prove they really did learn to read, write, do math. As a homeschool mom those papers marked an important passage into the next phase. Or maybe it just served as a relief factor, an assurance of sorts that they really did learn to do those things I just mentioned. I have proof! All but one has graduated from high school so I figure it's time to toss them...or most of them anyway. Of course I saved a few!

Why is it so hard to part with stuff from our past? Why are we compelled to save the things that have been handed down from generation to generation? Most of what I have it isn't worth much monetarily speaking, however, the historic value is priceless. Maybe it's proof once again, that the people who have passed on, regardless of whether we knew them personally or not, really did exist. And maybe it brings us comfort to know that one day, when we are gone from this life, there will be proof that we were here as well.

I don't really know the answer to this 'stuff' subject. Some folks never save a thing and that's okay. What I do know for sure, though, is I still have stuff to go through and decide if I should keep or toss, and if I decide to toss then do I give it away or throw it away? If I decide to keep do I store it (again) or find it a home amid our other stuff?

It's just stuff and you can't take it with you. In fact, if I save it all then my kids will have to go through it and make the decision. Doesn't seem fair but maybe that's just the way it is. Time keeps ticking. People keep gathering things and those that are left behind get the choice on what to do with it all. Lucky them.

For now, though, I have stuff to deal with. And I have a feeling, I'll be holding on to way more than I need.

Time Marches On

2011-09-17T18:35:00.000-04:00

I spent some time driving around the countryside where my parents grew up. I had two of my kids with me as well as my parents. I enjoy these jaunts to the past.

We stopped by many family landmarks, the farm where my grandparents lived for many years, the place they moved when my mother was a teenager was one such place. The house itself has been empty for about six years. It is slowly deteriorating. I have such wonderful memories of all the time I spent there but it's hard to imagine that it's the same place. There's not much left in the house and my grandparents are gone...it's simply not the same.

We drove by several farms where my dad lived as a child/young man. Although the houses were either no longer standing or replaced altogether it was cool to listen to him tell about them as we drove by.

We stopped and saw the church where my parents were married. I've seen it before, countless times over the years but not with my kids, so that was a good thing... time has a rhythm all its own.

We always include a stop at one of the many cemeteries where relatives have been laid to rest. It's just what we do. Not sure why this is, however, while we stopped for lunch in a small-town eatery, I heard someone at the table next to us telling the waitress they were in town looking for a cemetery. Good to know we're not alone in this oddity. The cemetery of choice for the day was the place where my dad's parents are buried.

As we were ending our stops and turning the car toward home we drove by the farm where my dad's parents lived when I was a child. I couldn't believe it was the same house! In my mind's eye it sat back off the road more. The trees were gone.The barn was gone and the pond dried up long ago but how can that possibly be the same place I visited so often as a child? How does that happen?

It was all good even with the memory blurs. What holds true in every case is that time stands still for no one. I will continue to visit those places in my mind and every now and then take a journey back in time just to see how it's changed.

A Reflection

2011-09-13T11:40:00.000-04:00

We are still getting settled into the house in which we moved almost two weeks ago. It already seems like home after this short amount of time, way more so than the apartment ever did. It's all a matter of attitude.

The apartment was remodeled with new everything. New carpet, new paint, new ceramic tiled floors in the bathrooms, new flooring throughout, new granite counter tops, new appliances...I think you get the picture. The apartment also had more closet space and cabinets in the kitchen than this house because it is an older apartment complex.

This house, however, has new nothing. The paint in a couple of rooms isn't too old but not colors I would have chosen. The hardwood floors are old and in decent shape but could stand to be redone. The kitchen counters are older than I am and that's pretty old. I could go on but you get the picture. Old is the theme of the house. Bottom line though is it is a house. It is what we are accustomed to. It is in a nice neighborhood. It has a yard and windows in every room. Oh and here's one I love...I can park right by the door, under the carport!

Some days I still think about how far we have come in thirteen months. Not just physically, from our home of thirteen years, sitting on five acres where we only saw the neighbors as we were driving past their houses; to an apartment with neighbors in which we shared the walls, the halls, the smells of cooking food; and now a house in a subdivision where we can see about a dozen houses from various points, inside and out.

How far we've come mentally and emotionally is more of what I dwell upon. I could write or talk for days about what all took place inside of me. Not that I'm a 'bad' person, mind you, but following a path and discovering who I am meant to be.

Could that have happened any other way than how it played out? I'm wise enough to know that I don't have the answer to that question, and more importantly, it doesn't even matter. This is where I am. How I got here isn't as significant as what I'm going to do while I am here. Although this is a journey that will continue until I take my last breath, I have a clearer picture of what my life is suppose to be about, and a more willing heart to follow that path.

And maybe the most important lesson of all is knowing what life is not suppose to be about. What I do with all of this information and lessons learned remains to be seen but I have a pretty good idea that the road I'm now following is the one I was suppose to be on all along.

We'll just have to wait and see.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Time is a funny thing. It has a way of making an event feel like it just happened yesterday and so very long ago all at the same time. Remembering the events that took place 10 years ago instills both within me.

On September 11, 2001, my family and I were at Disney World. We were on vacation. We had been at EPCOT for a very short time when we heard over the public address system to quickly and calmly make our way to the exit because the park was now closed. It was 10:00 in the morning.

At first we thought we had misunderstood and continued to make our way to the next attraction. My kids were excited. It had something to do with a car and high speed. I opted out of that one and was finding a shady place to sit and wait when I saw my husband bringing our kids back to where I was. The park employees had told him the attraction was closed, as was the park and we needed to make our way to the exit. When my husband asked them what was going on they told him they weren't at liberty to say. Some of the employees didn't know themselves.

My husband and I assumed there was a bomb threat or something of that nature, having to do with Disney World alone. Our kids kept asking us why we had to leave and we honestly didn't know.

We weren't staying inside the park on this particular trip. We were staying at a hotel in Kissimmee. We had taken the shuttle bus that morning so we headed back to the shuttle station.

We heard bits and pieces along the way but didn't find out the whole story until we made it back to the hotel. Being the last group of people left waiting in a huge, empty parking lot only added to our feelings of apprehension.

I think the driver of the bus explained the situation to us but it was hard to wrap our minds around the enormity of what had taken place until around 1:00 in the afternoon, when we finally arrived back at the hotel and joined the group of people in the lobby glued to the television, in shock, along with the rest of the nation.

We had heard one of the reasons the park had shut down was because President Bush was in Florida at the time and some thought perhaps Disney World would also be targeted.

It was eerie to see a bustling city the size of Orlando closed down. We couldn't decide what we should do. We were on vacation while our nation suffered from shock. Should we stay? Should we go home? It didn't feel right that we should continue on with our vacation while so many were in anguish over what had happened to loved ones. Would we even be able to enjoy this time away from home?

I remember calling my parents just to touch base. I think they would have preferred we return home although they didn't say so. It was all so surreal.

We watched the president as he addressed the nation with details. He urged and encouraged people to return to 'regular' life because the terrorists wanted this attack to devastate us as a nation, to stop us and it did. We chose to stay.

The next day we spent our time in Magic Kingdom. We did find enjoyment watching our kids have fun, all the while so very aware of what was going on. We went on to Panama City Beach where we had reservations for a few days. I can honestly say it was the most difficult vacation I had ever been on.

What I loved, however, was the comradery that was exhibited among so many fellow travelers. And everywhere we went there were American flags flying and 'God Bless America' and 'Our Prayers Are With You' on all the marques.

I just wanted to pause today and remember the events that changed so many lives forever. So many lives lost that day, so many left to deal with those losses. Our nation rallied and united during the weeks and months that followed. We have not forgotten.

Today I remember...and I pray.

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-09-05T12:50:00.000-04:00

I'm back in the saddle again. Not technically but I've been able to 'borrow' the neighbor's Internet waves.

We are moved in. Not settled exactly but moved nonetheless. There are still boxes and boxes in storage. They will slowly but surely be brought to the house, to be thoughtfully sifted through before parting ways or placing them into storage containers to be saved for another day until we decide to pull it all out and sift through them all again, all the while savoring the times gone past and wondering how it passed so quickly.

So many lessons to be learned by the experience of moving. Since many don't do it often, not twice in one year anyway, I think I will recap a few.

First lesson. There IS NO easy way to move. Just saying. It always seems like there should be an easier way but there isn't. Moving is tough. You pack up all your stuff, place them into boxes and leave the abode you have been calling home totally and utterly bare, leaving only the echoes of memories made.

It matters not if you hire professional movers (covered with tatoos and donning gages in ears but I digress as I so often do). It may help the backs and muscles of those friends and family members who so generously offered to help, but alas, you're uprooting and moving on. Not an easy thing to do under any circumstances.

Second lesson. Since moving is incredibily time consuming and a physically and emotionally exhausting deed, it is best, in my humble opinion, to forget saving the muscles of the above-mentioned friends and family members and NOT hire professional movers. Nothing personal guys. I swear it has nothing to do with the tats and gages. You were kind, considerate and good at what you do, the one's we used anyway, but that's not the point here.

The point is this...you need to surround yourself with friends and family, especially on the day you move. You need the shared experience of laughter, complaining, sweating and eating of junk food to help ease you into your new home. Even when they leave you surrounded with piles and piles of unpacked boxes...it just works better that way. The way we did it this time was a lot of work and a little lonely.

Bottom line is we are in the new house, new for us, that is, more on the house itself later. We are adjusting. I am missing the things I knew I would but enjoying the things I have missed in the past year by living in an apartment way more.

It takes time making a new place feel like home. And that's exactly what we are doing.

No Internet

2011-09-01T06:44:00.001-04:00

Moving day is here! There are boxes awaiting at the house already. Just add furniture, more boxes and people and we're all set. Sounds like a good time to me.

The not-so-good thing is NO INTERNET until next Friday! How will we survive? Not sure. There will be tons of things to keep me occupied, trying to find a new home for all our stuff. But to be cut-off from all of cyberspace, it's almost inhuman.

We have become dependent upon everything info and social being at the tips of our impatient little fingers so this will be a test. It gives me chills just thinking about it.

I kid of course. But there are some in this family, and she will remain nameless, who think it's the end of the world.

Let the moving begin, the Internet cease and let's see what happens.

Moving

2011-08-30T08:01:00.000-04:00

We are moving. Finally. Yay. I've been waiting for this day for one year and five days...that's how long it's been since we moved into the apartment. But wouldn't you know it? I have mixed emotions.

I guess that is to be expected even though I didn't like living here. Didn't like the shared living space with people I never did get to know. Never even learned the names of most. I didn't like the trek up the stairs to the second floor which followed the trek across the parking lot,that wasn't directly in front of the building in the first place. Didn't like the hauling of the groceries from the parking lot, or the cleaning equipment, or the whatever-I-happened-to-be-carrying at the time, for all of apartment-kind to see. Yep, there are a lot of things I'm definitely not going to miss.

As much as I didn't want this apartment to be our home, it was. It's were we came at the end of the day, where we all gathered to sleep, and perhaps share bits and pieces of our lives before retiring for the night, if we were lucky enough to all still be awake when the last person straggled through the door. As much as I didn't want it to...it became home, in spite of the fact that I never hung a single picture on the wall, never intended it to be more than just a place we were staying. It became our home.

I heard the cliche over and over during the past year that home isn't about where you live, it's about the people you live with. I would shake my head and tell myself that the folks that were spouting off that platitude never gave away half their stuff, put the rest in storage and attempted to survive. I was wrong. It is about the people and so much more.

There are things I will miss when we move in just a few short days from now. Some are the very things I disliked the most. It's human nature, I suppose, to become accustomed to the familiar. There's something comforting about that. It's why we humans can survive the things we are often forced to survive.

So there we have it. I am moving. I'm glad, I'm sad, I'm excited, I'm nervous all at the same time. I'll take it one box at a time, and before you know it, this place too will become our home.

And that's just the way it is.

United States Post Offce

2011-08-27T14:10:00.001-04:00

How stupid is this?

We've all heard the rumors for several years now that the Post Office is considering a five day delivery week. The rumors have been stepped up a notch or two in the last 12 months. Not sure your feelings on this subject but...WARNING - rant to follow.

I have an idea oh mighty Post Master.. Why not save money by putting a stop to supervisors watching, following and spying on carriers? Seriously, you pay people to follow carriers for a few hours to make sure they're doing their jobs?

In fact, if you have so many managers and supervisors with nothing better to do than babysit carriers, maybe you should eliminate a hundred or few! That alone could put you in the black.

Do you realize how ridiculous it looks to postal patrons to see management watching carriers? What a way to run a business! Instead of raising the price of stamps and cutting the delivery week, why not get rid of some babysitters, uh, management positions? Just saying.

And while I'm on this rant of mine, I went in the Post Office just the other day, something I try to avoid at all costs. It's a scary place once you walk through those double-glass doors. I felt like I was back in elementary school. Window clerks barking orders about how to form lines instead of waiting on customers! That's a little over the top. Not really blaming the clerks. They're just doing what they're told, with the ever-present threat of job elimination hanging over their heads, maybe it's only natural. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned customer service?

The Post Office is a bit of a dinosaur but it doesn't have to be. They just need to join the 21st century, and maybe listen to the clerks and carriers who actually get face-to-face with customers on a daily basis and stop all the micro-management business. It just might make a difference.

Now I feel better...

Another Car Tale

2011-08-25T22:42:00.000-04:00

What is it with me and car memories lately? What is it with me and cars period? I just caught a glimpse of my post Mother of Invention and was reminded of another car story.

When my brother sold the '65 Impala I drove during my high school years, I had to get another car. The car I bought, a '64 or '65 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88 was an even bigger prize, let me tell you. I bought it under duress. I hated that car but that story is for another time.

If you click on this link: Oldsmobile Jetstar, you can take a peek at what I'm talking about. Problem is, mine looked NOTHING like the one in the picture. Nope, mine was white, and pretty much looked like something an old lady would drive. Hey wait, an old lady did drive it, which is why my dad thought it was a good idea to buy the car in the first place.

On with the story...one day while driving to work, for no apparent reason the windshield wipers on the car suddenly and quite simply came on and stayed on. After having a few mechanically-minded people take a look at the wiper problem, they determined that there was no good reason why that happened and no cheap way to fix it.

The solution, they determined, was to pop the hood and unplug the wipers. Quick, easy, cheap. Which meant, of course, if it happened to start raining while I was driving that gem of a car then I would simply pull over, get out of the car, pop the hood and connect the wipers, all in the pouring rain. Easy-peasy. Yeah, right. So I did...on numerous occasions, which is one of the reasons why I so didn't like that car. It was just sort of embarrassing. What else can I say?

Something else that is embarrassing... before I stop writing this post, I must confess, I just remembered that the wiper issue actually occurred on the '65 Impala. The Jetstar 88 that I drove, by-the-way, in case you didn't know, shares its name with a tomato called Jetstar which made the whole hate-the-car thing even worse, had other problems all its own that I won't go into at this time. Believe me when I say there are many more bad car memories tucked away in this brain of mine.

Until the next memory hits...

Pics From Our Trip

2011-08-24T15:11:00.000-04:00

Antietam Battlefield

Harper's Ferry, WV

Skyline Drive, VA

State Fair

2011-08-23T22:16:00.001-04:00

I went to our state fair today. Some things never change. Freddy the Farmer, for instance. I remember the over sized talking man sitting outside in pretty much the same place for the past 40 plus years. He seems not quite so large these days or maybe that's just my memory.

The smells are always the same. Caramel Corn for one and the smell of fried food. Then there's the always lingering, unidentifiable smell that teeters between...well lets just leave that one alone.

Last year the rage was the Donut Burger, or so I am told. I didn't attend the fair for the past couple of years. Donuts and a hamburger, together? Who thinks up these things anyway? This year was the deep fried Derby Pie and the Fried Kool Aid. Yup...Deep Fried Kool-Aid.

Fried Derby Pie I somewhat get but fried Kool-Aid? So my friend and I just had to try that one. It was basically a funnel cake with Cherry Kool-Aid mixed in the batter. They looked like pink hush puppies with powdered sugar sprinkled on top and they tasted like a chewier, cakier version of the funnel cake.

One thing never changes is the amount of walking we did. We walked and walked and walked some more. We saw the lastest, greatest, miracle-working products. I got my right tennis shoe cleaned while holding the kit with all the products that could make my left shoe look just as clean and oh, so many other items as well. I was asked to "help a brother out" and fork over $35 so I could have a matching set of shoes.

As much as I wanted to help him, I walked away with one shoe cleaner than the other.

The most interesting thing I saw, and no it wasn't the people this year...we were there on senior day...was the duck race thingy. There were a dozen or so ducks in a tiny body of water floating around until they came to a conveyor belt that lifted them up to the top where some duck food (I presume) was waiting. As the duck stretched it's neck to grab a mouth full, or beak full to be more precise, it would fall on the other side of the belt into the water, only to float around and do it all again. Every now and then a duck would jump in the food dish and graze a bit before taking the plunge and starting the cycle all over. It was quite amusing to watch in a sick, torturous sort of way. Poor little duckies.

Oh the fun you have at the state fair. Can't wait till next year!

My Baby

2011-08-16T21:00:00.002-04:00

My baby turned 15 yesterday. Again, the usual blah, blah, blah about time flying. Yep, fifteen years ago yesterday I was having my last child.

I really like the kid. And I appreciate the man he is becoming. He is smart, funny, talented, thoughtful and kinda cute. I was quite miserable the last few weeks of the pregnancy but all- in-all (up to this point, anyway) well worth the pain.

It does seem as if I spend more one-on-one time with him than I did with the other two. But maybe that's just how it goes with the youngest. He is still dependent on me to drive him places. And I'm good with that. And then there's all the "this is the last time I will ever..." so I tend to savor the moments.

It also seems like he was never young, this man-child son of mine. He was sort of thrown into the mix and maybe that's the way it goes with the youngest as well. In spite of my inadequacies as a parent, I think he'll be alright.

We are on a mini vacay this week and yesterday was filled with cleaning condos and offices. We did squeeze in time to go to dinner, have some cake and give a gift or two. I didn't have time to write a blog in honor of him. So here it is.

I love my kids. They are the greatest joys and gifts of my life. I am honored to be their mother and happy to celebrate my youngest child.

This one's for you, kid.

The Mother of Invention

2011-08-10T07:42:00.000-04:00

I was reminded of something from my past a few days ago. Coincidentally, I had just told this story to my son and his friends and then someone posted the very thing on my wall on Facebook a week or so later. What are the odds?

When I was in high school, many moons ago, I drove a '65 Chevy Impala. It was a tank really. A hand-me-down from my older brother. It had issues.

The heater didn't work. It didn't have an air conditioner either, which was a problem in and of itself because a window or two were missing the handle to roll them down, but I digress.

It was obviously cold in the winter, but not a huge problem since I transported quite a few warm bodies to and from the place that expanded our minds, although I think that sometimes, perhaps, the greater lessons were learned in the car, on the way to class. But again, I digress.

The passengers...or moochers, whichever term applies, as no one ever volunteered to cough-up any money for gas, so occasionally I would be forced to extort their lunch money to put in the tank. It is surprising how far a couple of bucks would take you back then...but again, I digress. The body heat of my friends and fellow car-riders, all crammed into both front and back seats, would warm things up pretty quickly, except on extremely cold days.

The problem was the windshield and how to get rid of the frost.

I would scrape the window, as any responsible driver would, before I left my house. But that rarely did the trick. Necessity is the mother of invention, or so they say. I would pull the ashtray out of its slot, (and every car had one back in the day). I would then proceed to rip up a piece of paper, making sure beforehand it wasn't a homework assignment, and place the pieces strategically into the ashtray. I would retrieve my lighter from my purse and proceed to set the papers on fire. Oh, so gently would I place the ashtray on the dashboard, close to the windshield. Low and behold, in a matter of minutes, I would have an expanding circle in which to see out so I could safely drive me and my passengers to school...providing, of course, you consider seeing out of one half of one window a safe way to drive.

We always made it there in one piece. Only once, if I recall correctly, did the ashtray slide off the dash while making a sharp and hasty left-hand turn. No harm, no foul. No one was hurt, though I truly don't remember how the fire was extinguished that day. After all, I had to keep my eyes on the road!

Those were the days. The memory still lives on. Just thankful my kids have working heaters!

More Than I Can Chew

2011-08-08T19:10:00.000-04:00

Have you ever bitten off more than you could chew? I certainly had a mouth-full last week.

In a previous post, http://lifejustsaying.blogspot.com/2011/07/what-just-happened.html, I told of an opportunity I had to get eight college credits with no cost to me. Tuition- check, books-check, parking permit-check...all I had to do was show up. Show up and do the work. I was so caught up in the excitement and honor I felt by being offered this chance that I neglected to count the cost. Way too much to chew.

My family was very supportive and helpful last week, doing things I normally did, filling in for me while I studied, and they would have continued to do so for the next 4 1/2 weeks. For that I am gratful and pleased, but it just wasn't working. The timing just wasn't right. So I made the decision to sit this one out.

I'm glad that I went last week because if I hadn't of I would've always wondered if I should have. But more importantly, if I hadn't of sat in classes for 16 hours last week, and spent another however many hours I put in at home, I would never have discovered how much I want to continue pursuing this goal...when the time is right.

As hard as it was to reach this decision last night, and as hard as it is to accept it today, I still know it was the right decision for me...for now.

I emailed my instructors to let them know of my decision. They each sent me a message in return. One included a favorite proverb: "Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still." Yeah.

I will continue the dialog with the admissions people and work toward taking the classes I need to reach my goal. I'm good with growing slowly.

When Life Gets Broken

2011-08-08T07:06:00.001-04:00

I heard this song in church yesterday. It spoke to me. This is dedicated to you, RG, my faithful blog reader, friend and critic. Just call me "Crybaby... just saying".

http://youtu.be/Y_fm-D5bLd4

Grocery Stores, College, Movies and Pie

2011-08-06T09:15:00.000-04:00

Life is an adventure. This week was a trip.

This is the first week in my entire married life, 31 years to be exact, that I haven't stepped foot in a grocery store...or ANY store, for that matter. I simply didn't have time! Thank God for a daughter who was willing and able to help. Or the cupboards would have been bare.

My first week in school after 25 plus years was interesting, stretching, enjoyable to a degree, and busy, busy, busy! The 2 to 1 Ratio is what "they" deem is necessary to have a successful college career. For every one hour spent in class, you are to spend two at home, studying. I'm pretty sure I met that quota this week. Not so sure how realistic it is, unless you are a full-time student who lives at home with your parents and you don't have to work.

We talked about The Pie of Life in one of our classes. The concept is simply that we all have a 24 hour pie. We divide it into three or four segments in order to reduce our stress and get the most out of our days. I want a bigger pie, please!

I rewarded myself with a movie last night from Redbox. I didn't have classes yesterday, but I did three cleaning jobs and a few hours of studying. I rented Soul Surfer. I've wanted to see that movie for a while. It wasn't a fun movie to watch, that's for sure, but it was inspiring.

I could identify with Bethany Hamilton in several aspects of the movie. I haven't lost an arm or any such limb, but I often feel as if I am flailing around in life with but one arm to keep me afloat. I've felt that way often this last year. I felt that way this week, but in a different way. The movie put some things into perspective for me and made things a bit clearer.

We all experience loss. We all have difficult things to deal with. That's called life. It's not so much about what happens to us as it is about how we deal with things that come our way. Some people have way more adverse things to deal with than others and in that respect, life isn't fair. But of this I am sure, we are never given more than we are able to handle, though it often feels that way.

My aim, my vision, my goal, my purpose or whatever term you want to place on it, is to take those things I have gone through and turn them around for good. Or better yet, allow God to do that in my life because that's what He does best.

And a bigger pie wouldn't hurt either!

Do I Have Time For This?

2011-08-03T14:54:00.001-04:00

Do I have time for this? (I'm talking about writing this post). Probably not. I should be taking notes for the open notes quiz tomorrow, or preparing my 2 minute presentation for class in the morning, or beginning my 300 word essay that's due Wednesday or reading, always reading. That pretty much sums up my first week in school.

Not complaining, mind you. I like what I'm learning. I like being in the classroom, stretching my mind, meeting new people, even if they are all young enough to be my kids. In fact, I had a girl tell me yesterday that I was old enough to be her grandmother! Really? Not a huge math fan but that doesn't quite add up.

It's been a challenging week for us all, trying to figure out the work schedule, keeping up with the laundry and all things involved with meal preparation, and let's not forget my studying...nope, can't forget that!

I'm counting the days left of this mid-quarter-8-credit-hour- cram-session and then we'll see. I consider this opportunity, among other things, practice for things to come, or not... at least not right now, and not in this fashion, but in my future for sure.

I'm thankful for a supportive family who has pulled together to maintain the many obligations. And also for friends who have been very encouraging. It's been an interesting week.

Good-bye CR-V, Hello Camry

2011-07-31T20:13:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day to drive my Honda CR-V. I will now be driving a Toyota Camry. I loved the CR-V...as much as one can love an inanimate object. I know I shouldn't be so attached but I am. What can I say?

I also know that the decision to trade my CR-V for the Camry was a good decision. It was a mature decision based on facts and the good of the common people...at least in our family. The decision was founded upon a solid plan for the future. But I so wish I didn't have to do it.

I liked how the CR-V sat, how it looked, how it handled, all the bells and whistles and the many safety features. It was a good, dependable ride that took me and my family (mostly me) on many adventures and to the necessary, not-so-fun places. Today has been a day of mourning, grieving and great gnashing of teeth...with a few tears thrown in as well.

This is my tribute. Not sure if this is normal behavior or not, writing a tribute to a vehicle. Not sure I care. It is what it is (I say that a lot, I know). I'll miss my car but I'll get over it. And that's just the way it is.

Celebrating My Daughter

2011-07-29T23:09:00.001-04:00

Today my oldest child and only daughter turned 21. How can that be? Cliche time..."it seems like only yesterday", "time flies" and those things are so very true.

I remember the night she was born, and the 26 hour labor. Who forgets those things? I waited so long to become a mother, and I'm not just talking about the 26 hours. My husband and I were married ten years before she came along. Ten long years; most of which were spent really wanting to be a mother. Can it really be that long ago? Can I really be 21 years older?

So enough of that. It is what it is and we took some time to celebrate. We had dinner out and talked of different things we remembered most about her growing up years. We laughed as her brother who is 22 months younger, shared his memories. We had some cake, gave her some gifts and went our separate ways. But my thoughts are still way back when...

It was like playing dolls, sort of... except for changing diapers and the spit-up and the midnight feedings. Those things passed but so did the playing dolls feeling. Her brothers came along and things got busy. And all of the sudden, or so it seems, she is an adult. Which means I am an adult...really...and that leads to the real question...how did that happen?

What Was I Thinking?

2011-07-28T14:01:00.001-04:00

The clock is ticking and time is running out. The life that I know will change drastically in just a few days...for 5 1/2 weeks anyway. What was I thinking?

I attended orientation today at the school I will be attending. I was surprised to see that I'm not the oldest, however, I'm definitely in the top three. The classes seem like they will be interesting and very social/group oriented. I can do that. But can I do the rest?

It's not so much the classes I'm intimidated by, nor is it the people or instructors. Kind of hard to feel that way about folks who are young enough to be my kids. It's the balancing of it all. Can we really pull this off? Getting non-drivers in the family where they need to be. Maintaining the cleaning business, and all the other every day kinds of things that need to be done. We shall see.

I'm a stay-at-home mom at heart. I love that job! I wouldn't trade the time I had at home with my kids for ANY THING! I still have a soon-to-be 15 year old, so the job's not over quite yet. But I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm not sure I like it.

I even considered adopting a sweet little girl from China and starting all over again. My husband didn't have much to say about that idea. And if the truth be told, not sure I have it in me to do it again at this stage in my life. But as I conjured up the memories of those days gone by when my kids where small, I got those warm, fuzzy feelings I always get when I remember...and for a minute or two I was tempted.

Nope. Come Monday morning, as the clock silently makes it's way to 9 AM, I will be found in room 154 ready to begin a new venture, a change in my life, for better or worse. And that's just the way it is.

Crazy Horse

2011-07-24T23:36:00.001-04:00

It's been a few days since my last post, What Just Happened? Four to be exact. Still trying to digest all that my last post will entail...all the changes to come. And I also finished a book (of course). The book is called Miles to Go by Richard Paul Evans. It is the second in the series.

I visited Crazy Horse Monument several years ago with my family. We went to see it while visiting Mt. Rushmore. The story behind it was an interesting one...one that I had forgotten. I will finish my post with some words from the book that I found to be inspiring to me as I begin a new venture; one that I feel good about, although nervous, and am looking forward to with excitement, anticipation and a little bit of dread. I'm not sure where this new journey will lead me, if I will finish, or if it's just another stepping stone along the way to where my life is continually leading. I just know I'm going to do the next thing, do the hard thing and see what happens.

Richard Paul Evans writes:

"We climb the mountains because the valleys are full of cemeteries. The secret of survival is to climb, even in the dark, even when the climb is pointless. The climb, not the summit, is the thing. And the great don't just climb mountains, they carve them as they go".

Korczak knew he'd never live to see his work (Crazy Horse) finished, but this was no reason to stop"...."But Korczak's greatest legacy is not a public one, the massive stone mountain that he conquered, but the mountain he first conquered in himself--a mountain that he climbed alone--and in this we can all empathize. For there are moments in all lives, great and small, that we must trudge alone our forlorn roads into infinite wilderness to endure our midnight hours of pain and sorrow-- the Gethsemane moments, when we are on our knees or backs, crying out to a universe that seems to have abandoned us".

"These are the greatest of moments, where we show our souls. These are our ' finest hours'. That these moments are given to us is neither accidental nor cruel. Without great mountains we cannot reach great heights. And we were born to reach great heights".

"Every one of us is faced with a task equal to Korczak's, one as gorgeously absurd--to chip away at the stone or our own spirits, creating a monument to light the universe. And, like Korczak's monument, our task will not be completed in our lifetime. And in the end we will find that we were never sculpting alone".

What Just Happened?

2011-07-20T23:37:00.001-04:00

So here's the deal. I've been toying with the idea of going back to school. Today I went to the university for my placement assessment test. I did well in grammar, not bad in reading comprehension and "eh" in math. It was a bit stressful, not gonna lie. Plus I'm like way older than, oh, 99% of the students there. Way older.

When I was finished, I had a meeting with my AO (Admissions Officer) and someone from Financial Planning. She was excited about meeting me, or so she said. They were impressed with my interview from the first meeting and the second too, I suppose. They were also impressed with my test scores. Not necessarily because they were outstanding, but good for being out of the school loop for so long. I was surprised, to say the least.

Then I was hit with the shocker. I was offered a full scholarship into the "Presidential Priority Mid-Quarter Program" including books! Wow! I will be attending classes Monday through Thursday, from 9 to 2, for five weeks, for 8 credit hours. What an unexpected gift that was! The kicker is...I start August 1...in twelve days. Wow again. In twelve short days I will again, after so many years, be a college student.

Decisions to make about my business, phones calls to be made, dinner out with my husband to discuss some upcoming, important appointments that I won't be able to make now...so maybe he can take off and attend... That was pretty much my day. A good day. In fact, I can't remember when I had a day so full of hope, a bit of excitment, nervousness and something else I can't quite put my finger on...

Catch me again in a few weeks and we'll see where I am at that point.

A Psalm and a Prayer

2011-07-20T10:18:00.000-04:00

I was reading Psalm 13 today. It is actually what I have been consciously and unconsciously thinking for the past eleven months. It states:
How long, O Lord? Will You Forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God:
Enlighten my eyes, Lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say,
"I have prevailed against him";
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He had dealt bountifully with me.

I have cried (literally) unto the Lord during this time that felt like exile to me. I have prayed similar words. But I always came back to where else would I go, Lord? Where else is my help?

*My prayer today: My Father, how I thank You that it is unthinkable that You would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. Who appointed You over the earth? Who put You in charge of the whole world? If it were Your intention and you withdrew Your Spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust. (Job 34: 12-15) Instead, my Lord, You have promised that Your plans for Your people are plans to prosper and no to harm, plans to give us hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11)

*Prayer taken from Praying God's Word by Beth Moore

The Journey of Grief

2011-07-19T14:50:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling different lately. Physically different. I learned thirty-one years ago that grief can be a very physical thing. It hurts...physically as well as emotionally, and can last for weeks, months, and even years.

I have been in the grieving process, for not just the loss incurred last year but for many things. It seems that for the first time in my life I am shedding the oh so familiar cloak of mourning and replacing it instead with the garment of Life, and it feels really...nice.

What would I have done without my good friends? They shared their lives with me, their love and understanding and even their own worries and concerns, and in that I found comfort, knowing that I wasn't alone even when I felt so very forgotten. Thank God for friends, true treasures on earth.

Then there are those "friends" who have encouraged me, fed me and built me up with their words through books, people I have never met and probably won't "this side of the veil". Without these words of wisdom, I may never have began the journey or allowed God to start chiseling and sculpting me into this new creation He is crafting.

The beauty of this is I"m not doing it. I'm not orchestrating it, controlling it or leading it. My part is simply to follow and allow God to fill me with a love and a forgiveness I have never before felt.

It all started just a few weeks ago while reading Mary Beth Chapman's book, Choosing To SEE. I had a brief pit stop book called What Happened to my Life by Danna DeMetre. I also checked out Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore and most recently her book Praying God's Word. I guess it's a good thing I read so many books at once! Oh and I forgot to mention the couple of fiction books that I grabbed a tidbit or two from. Who knew God could speak to a person, continue to bring healing in the form of fiction? I guess if He can use a donkey to speak His direction to someone, he can use anything!

I'm not quite sure where this path will lead. And I'm good with that. I am sure if I continue to follow it, I will land in an infinitely better place than where I was and that makes all the difference in the world.

Faithful

2011-07-18T21:02:00.000-04:00

Today I bought curtains for our bedroom. My husband is hanging the brackets for the rod even as I type. This is huge for me.

Our bedroom faces the parking lot. Even though there are blinds on the window, light still shines through. We moved from five acres, which made for very dark nights; to this never-quite-dark-enough place to sleep. Curtains on the window will help tremendously. It needed to be done for oh, about eleven months now. I am just now emotionally and mentally at a place to do this small step. I am healing. God is faithful.

My prayer for today is this: My Father, You are the Lord my God. I desire to love You, listen to Your voice, and hold fast to You, for You Lord, are my life. (Deuteronomy 30:20)

The link is Chris Tomlin's song Faithful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJFlY0mwFks

Road Trip!

2011-07-14T20:53:00.000-04:00

We took an impromptu trip last weekend. We left Friday at 6 PM after my husband got off work. We drove for six hours before we decided to stop and get some sleep.

It was late, we were tired and simply wanted to fall into bed. Didn't happen quite like that. Did you know it is next to impossible to procure a room for the night if you don't have a credit card? Thank God for prepaid Visas and 24-Hour Wal-Marts! About an hour after we stopped in the lovely town of Forrest City, Arkansas, we finally realized the goal of the much sought after sleep.

We actually left early to finish the trek to Dallas/Ft. Worth. It was a nice drive, albeit a bit boring. There's a lot of nothing along the way to Dallas via I 30. The goal for that day, since we were arriving mid afternoon was a nice juicy steak. We stopped in the area of Six Flags, Arlington Stadium/Cowboys Stadium and a few other tourists attractions to dine at Dusty Trails Steak House.

We were due to pick up our daughter early Sunday morning (the whole purpose for the trip) in Ft. Worth so we decided we had better find the hotel where she was staying. Not as easy as it sounds. We did, after several tries, find the route we would take in order to pick her up at 7:00 AM Central time and then needed to find a place to lay our weary heads for the night.

We settled on a place in Dallas but soon became bored just being in the room so we decided to go explore a bit...in the car...again...after being in that vehicle all day! As we weren't prepared for sightseeing, and it was after hours, we assembled a few pamphlets with some rather poor maps and headed out.

We finally ended up in downtown Dallas in search of the Grassy Knoll where President Kennedy was "allegedly" shot. It was not that late but dark nonetheless, however, there were people out and about, so we found a parking lot, grabbed the camera and hit the street.

We found Dealey Plaza and a plaque, right next to the building where Oswald "allegedly" shot the president. And then we met the homeless woman, digging in the trash cans, looking for something to eat. She of course asked us for money and told us she was hungry.

We didn't have a lot of cash on us, and what we did have was in a wad, making it look like a lot more than it actually was. My husband didn't want to pull it out there so we apologized for not being able to give her any. I saw her cross the road, looking along the curb for change, and dig through yet another trash can.

In the meantime we met another interesting character who wanted to give us a history lesson. He told us a couple of things about the sights we were seeing and then asked us to cross the street "for a minute" so he could "show us something". Didn't happen. We decided it was a wise time to get the heck out of Dodge and made our way back to the lot, to the safety of our car.

We saw the woman digging in the trash can in the lot where we had parked. We pulled out a couple of bucks and an opened pack of crackers, the only food we had in the car, and gave them to her. It wasn't much but food is food, and hey, I had read Breakfast at Sally's, I had a new perspective on the homeless.

We picked our daughter up on Sunday morning a little before schedule; and after stopping off at Starbucks for some much needed caffeine, and McDonald's for a breakfast sandwich to eat while driving, yeah, we missed the free continental breakfast because we had to leave so early, we were on our way. Our destination for the day...Memphis, Tennessee, via Hot Springs, Arkansas.

I had visited Hot Springs as a child but didn't really remember too much about it. It was hot, the temperature 102 degrees, but we walked around the quaint little tourist town for a bit and felt the 132 degree water in the spring. Here are a few pictures of the sites that made this town famous.

We arrived in Memphis in the late afternoon, tired and hungry. We found a room with a view of the Mississippi River and headed out to eat. We walked around Beale Street until we found a place to eat. We stopped in a restaurant called Bar None. My husband and daughter split a one pound burger. It had the usual dressings along with bacon and a fried egg. Yep, you read that right, a fried egg. Interesting food. A few sights in Memphis.

We rose early to make the six hour drive home. And that was our weekend. Not bad for three days! It was tiring but I'm ready to do it again!

Think

2011-07-13T06:54:00.001-04:00

I took an unexpected trip over the weekend. We drove 2,000 miles in less than 72 hours. I'll post about that soon and I have pictures! But anyway...I'm reading a book. I know I say that a lot in my posts, but I read a lot...

I was reading about Joseph, you know, the one in the Bible, with the coat of many colors. His brothers were ticked...they were tired of the favorite son lording everything over their heads. So they did the only thing any jealous sibling would do...they threw him in a pit and left him to die.

The author of this book that I am reading, Beth Moore wrote this: "Had the incident not possessed glorious purpose, God would have disarmed it." Seriously?

As I read that, I must admit, I questioned it. Is that statement just about Joseph and his situation, or does it apply to us all? Does it apply to me and the events of my life?

Joseph had something to say about that incident years later, when his brothers, the very ones who left him to die, showed up because they needed help that only he could give: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This can be found in Genesis 50:20.

Beth Moore shares that the word intended in this verse is the same Hebrew word translated think, as in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Beth states that God thinks of His children continually. His intentions can only be pure. Right. Full of hope. Promoting peace. This gives me much to think on.

All yesterday I was going over all the events and choices of my life. I've sort of been here for about a week now, thinking about my many mistakes, taking responsibility for where I am, owning it all...mistakes I made as a teen/young adult, as a wife, as a mother, as a steward of things placed into my keeping. Pretty much feeling like a screw-up, yet knowing that God can take my screw-ups and redeem them...if I let them go.

So I pick up the book I have been reading but because of my 2,000 mile trek haven't read it in a few days, and here is what I read, "You keep thinking about how things might have been had that not happened...You have the capacity to be a ten times neater person healed than you would have been just plain well. Your wealth of experience makes you rich. Spend it on hurt people".

It struck me as interesting, that's all, that I would read those words on the day of pondering again. Of wondering what I would do differently if given the chance. Not going to happen, I know. Perhaps today I will dwell on these things with a different purpose in mind, to ultimately let God take my screw-ups and use them for a purpose.