I have never been one to make a big deal of resolutions, be they for clubs, organizations or New Year's.
I think a better idea is to make goals and see if you meet them, how they are met and if you want to continue trying for them.
This requires you to note them down and look occasionally to see how you are doing. I haven't done that well in my life, but mostly because I have found that I am happier flying by the seat of my pants and planning one day at a time.
I got into this habit when, years ago, we lost my husband's sister and kids in an accident. One of the things one of the other siblings said was, " But I all ready have their Christmas presents." The accident happened in September, and the person was heartbroken and baffled as to what to do now that the recipient of her gifts would no longer be there to enjoy it.
Things happen and you need to be able to go with the punches and see that there are other outcomes to have.
It isn't that I don't plan, I do. I buy presents months in advance, and if I use them for that occasion, fine. If not, no big deal.
I must say that the use of the gifts, as gifts depends entirely on if I can find them on the appointed day.
I have been writing for several years, now, and know that there should be planning in this. I tend to be one who writes spur of the moment.
At least that is how I started. Who needs outlines, plans, endings. Let the typewriter fly and the words fall where they may.
Okay, that is a little immature. However, I do not us outlines, they drive me crazy. I don't do a,b,c very well. Now, if a story pops up in my mind, I try to get it down as quickly as possible. It may not be a whole story, but a scene or a sentence, but down it goes and I look it over and see if it is usable as is, or if it just get to set and ferment a bit.
Those of you who write stories for enjoyment, or knowledge, know what I mean. You do plan on how to put it together and what to do with it once it is written, but there are several ways to do that. I won't go into that here, but just know that planning is not a bad thing.
So, here's to planning and enjoying the New Year. Don't be upset when your plans go awry, enjoy planning what to do next.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sewing Update
A few weeks ago I posted about my sewing problems, which of course, were due mostly, to my inexperience at sewing,
I hadn't done some a few years, other than mending, so had to get back into the routine.
I checked my thread tension and got it worked out, but not really, so, I did what everyone else does when what you have doesn't work the way you think it should: I got a different one.
I now have a different machine, newer, but not new. It will zig-zag and forward and back stitch and that really is all I need. I know it will do more, but basics are fine.
The Christmas story book is now finished and will be delivered on Christmas day. The recipient is different, since my opportunity to present it to the other person never presented itself. It will stay in the family and my granddaughter will enjoy it.
It always amazes me when I do crafty stuff and it comes out well. Not sure why I that is, except, that I believe that when I see someone else's work, I think they just sat down and whipped it up in a matter of minutes. Then, I am invited to watch them work and realize that they do sit down and whip it up effortlessly. After hours of planning, which is the best way to lay out the pattern, what needs to be sewn first, and then pinning. Really not my favorite thing, but it is part of the process. Then, and only then, do they put the material on the machine to finish. Sewing is the last part of the job. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
It is always the last part, the finishing and the finished product that attracts us. The pretty still life, the flouncy squaredance dress, the lovely cookies. We want it all to start and finish with accuracy, beauty and good taste. And, we want it NOW.
We are also like this in our spiritual journey. I hesitate to use that "spiritual" word, because it has come to mean something other than religous, but it fits here. We want to have the joy and beauty of Heaven, NOW. We want to see Jesus NOW. We want to see those we love and have lost, NOW.
We can have some of that NOW, but not all. We can have the peace Jesus said we could have and then the eternal life after. We need to relax and enjoy the life we have. Warts and all. Sickness and all. Loneliness and all. Christ is there beside us, with us through it all and joy will come in the morning.
In this Christmas season when we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us all pause and enjoy all the hard work we have done to make it a wonderful, joy-filled season. And remember, through Christ all things are possible.
Blessed Christmas.
I hadn't done some a few years, other than mending, so had to get back into the routine.
I checked my thread tension and got it worked out, but not really, so, I did what everyone else does when what you have doesn't work the way you think it should: I got a different one.
I now have a different machine, newer, but not new. It will zig-zag and forward and back stitch and that really is all I need. I know it will do more, but basics are fine.
The Christmas story book is now finished and will be delivered on Christmas day. The recipient is different, since my opportunity to present it to the other person never presented itself. It will stay in the family and my granddaughter will enjoy it.
It always amazes me when I do crafty stuff and it comes out well. Not sure why I that is, except, that I believe that when I see someone else's work, I think they just sat down and whipped it up in a matter of minutes. Then, I am invited to watch them work and realize that they do sit down and whip it up effortlessly. After hours of planning, which is the best way to lay out the pattern, what needs to be sewn first, and then pinning. Really not my favorite thing, but it is part of the process. Then, and only then, do they put the material on the machine to finish. Sewing is the last part of the job. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
It is always the last part, the finishing and the finished product that attracts us. The pretty still life, the flouncy squaredance dress, the lovely cookies. We want it all to start and finish with accuracy, beauty and good taste. And, we want it NOW.
We are also like this in our spiritual journey. I hesitate to use that "spiritual" word, because it has come to mean something other than religous, but it fits here. We want to have the joy and beauty of Heaven, NOW. We want to see Jesus NOW. We want to see those we love and have lost, NOW.
We can have some of that NOW, but not all. We can have the peace Jesus said we could have and then the eternal life after. We need to relax and enjoy the life we have. Warts and all. Sickness and all. Loneliness and all. Christ is there beside us, with us through it all and joy will come in the morning.
In this Christmas season when we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us all pause and enjoy all the hard work we have done to make it a wonderful, joy-filled season. And remember, through Christ all things are possible.
Blessed Christmas.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Reading
Reading is one of my favorite things to do.
I am reading an old book right now. Well, it was published in the 80s, but that makes it close to thirty years old. It is a book by Marjorie Holmes. She has written Christian fiction, and specifically Christian fiction based on the life of Christ.
This book is "The Messiah". It starts with Jesus coming home to Mary after his 40 days in the wilderness and then going to the wedding in Cana.
It just amazes me that she can make the people so real.
Now, I ask you, how many of you have thought that the wedding in Cana was one of Mary's nieces? It doesn't say specifically so in the Bible, but what a great premise. It really makes Jesus human to me. It puts him with a human family, who watched him grow up and tag along behind Joseph, learning to be a carpentar, and flinging stones at the water with his cousins.
My husband and I were talking last night about the fact that Christians have not always given over to the idea of Jesus being human. Now, as a Lutheran, I confess every Sunday in one of the creeds that he was true God and true man. I know in my mind that that means he got hungry, sleepy, tired and annoyed. I know that as God he could take care of all that stuff, but didn't. He handled it as we would: he ate; he slept; he rested; and he took care of the annoyance. Probably not the same way I would, but with dignity, grace and love, but it would taken care of.
He was tempted as we are. He resisted temptation. Which we don't always do, and we ask for forgiveness.
A small digression: have you ever wondered why it is pronounced "forgive-ness" rather than "forgiven-ess" ? It strikes me every time I hear it. I know it means to be forgiven, but we don't say it that way. Ah, well, the English language is wonderful.
I have not finished my book, but I know how it ends, but the journey is really worth it to me.
If you have the opportunity, get a copy of the book and read it. Let me know what you think of it.
Have a blessed day and don't wear yourself out getting ready for Christmas.
I am reading an old book right now. Well, it was published in the 80s, but that makes it close to thirty years old. It is a book by Marjorie Holmes. She has written Christian fiction, and specifically Christian fiction based on the life of Christ.
This book is "The Messiah". It starts with Jesus coming home to Mary after his 40 days in the wilderness and then going to the wedding in Cana.
It just amazes me that she can make the people so real.
Now, I ask you, how many of you have thought that the wedding in Cana was one of Mary's nieces? It doesn't say specifically so in the Bible, but what a great premise. It really makes Jesus human to me. It puts him with a human family, who watched him grow up and tag along behind Joseph, learning to be a carpentar, and flinging stones at the water with his cousins.
My husband and I were talking last night about the fact that Christians have not always given over to the idea of Jesus being human. Now, as a Lutheran, I confess every Sunday in one of the creeds that he was true God and true man. I know in my mind that that means he got hungry, sleepy, tired and annoyed. I know that as God he could take care of all that stuff, but didn't. He handled it as we would: he ate; he slept; he rested; and he took care of the annoyance. Probably not the same way I would, but with dignity, grace and love, but it would taken care of.
He was tempted as we are. He resisted temptation. Which we don't always do, and we ask for forgiveness.
A small digression: have you ever wondered why it is pronounced "forgive-ness" rather than "forgiven-ess" ? It strikes me every time I hear it. I know it means to be forgiven, but we don't say it that way. Ah, well, the English language is wonderful.
I have not finished my book, but I know how it ends, but the journey is really worth it to me.
If you have the opportunity, get a copy of the book and read it. Let me know what you think of it.
Have a blessed day and don't wear yourself out getting ready for Christmas.
Monday, December 13, 2010
I Don't Know How To Do This
I know that we have all heard this phrase many times. Probably we have even muttered it ourselves.
Maybe when we first tried roller skating, writing, singing, you name it.
I heard it applied to something the other day that I never thought of applying it to.
Carrying on our life after a loved one has died. It was said by a young woman who had just lost her husband and was left with small children to raise by herself. She looked at the woman giving her condolences, and said, " I don't know how to do this."
In this situation, none of knows how to do it, until we have to do it.
I have been using this phrase in my head a lot this year. I don't know how to be a cancer victim. As a matter fact, I am not sure I am a victim. To me that is someone who has been damaged and broken. I am neither of those things. Neither do I consider myself a cancer survivor, and apparently, my doctor agrees with me. He wants to see me for check-ups a lot, at least for five years, which is the usual bench
mark for being declared cured.
When this all started my main focus was on the surgery. I am a surgery survivor. No one really seems too interested in that, but it means a great deal to me. I had never survived surgery before, so it was kind of cool to be one. I also never considered the cancer part of the diagnosis, because the doctors and nurses we saw kept saying that if you must have cancer, this is the one to have, because it is contained and remove the container and you are done. NO ONE said, radiation, follow-up checks, or good ol' pelvic exams necessary, until after the surgery, I have done well, thanks to God and good doctors. If you do not believe good doctors are a gift of God, you have never been sick.
That is also one my "not done this befores". I have not been sick. I don't consider myself sick, now, but I do have a lot of doctors to see. I am learning to do this. Because I have not been sick, I find myself really reluctant to share my concerns with doctors and nurses. Do I tell them every time my elimination is different? Why? Most of my life it varied with what I ate, did and how rested I was. Why should I tell them? I don't unless it is really different for me. And there is the answer. Know your self.
While I am still on the " don't know how to do this", may I just say I don't know how to be old either.
I know that to a lot of people being in your sixties is not old. Let me tell you, it is compared to 40. I do not want to be old. I can be older, which are two very different items.
I probably won't be considered mature by a lot of standards, either. I have so much fun being immature that maturing isn't on my list.
I have had a good time learning to do things in my life: being a wife, a mom a grandmother. I think that when we think we cannot do something that is hard, God is there saying," I can." We need to let him and enjoy the ride.
Here's to enjoying the ride and the learning.
Maybe when we first tried roller skating, writing, singing, you name it.
I heard it applied to something the other day that I never thought of applying it to.
Carrying on our life after a loved one has died. It was said by a young woman who had just lost her husband and was left with small children to raise by herself. She looked at the woman giving her condolences, and said, " I don't know how to do this."
In this situation, none of knows how to do it, until we have to do it.
I have been using this phrase in my head a lot this year. I don't know how to be a cancer victim. As a matter fact, I am not sure I am a victim. To me that is someone who has been damaged and broken. I am neither of those things. Neither do I consider myself a cancer survivor, and apparently, my doctor agrees with me. He wants to see me for check-ups a lot, at least for five years, which is the usual bench
mark for being declared cured.
When this all started my main focus was on the surgery. I am a surgery survivor. No one really seems too interested in that, but it means a great deal to me. I had never survived surgery before, so it was kind of cool to be one. I also never considered the cancer part of the diagnosis, because the doctors and nurses we saw kept saying that if you must have cancer, this is the one to have, because it is contained and remove the container and you are done. NO ONE said, radiation, follow-up checks, or good ol' pelvic exams necessary, until after the surgery, I have done well, thanks to God and good doctors. If you do not believe good doctors are a gift of God, you have never been sick.
That is also one my "not done this befores". I have not been sick. I don't consider myself sick, now, but I do have a lot of doctors to see. I am learning to do this. Because I have not been sick, I find myself really reluctant to share my concerns with doctors and nurses. Do I tell them every time my elimination is different? Why? Most of my life it varied with what I ate, did and how rested I was. Why should I tell them? I don't unless it is really different for me. And there is the answer. Know your self.
While I am still on the " don't know how to do this", may I just say I don't know how to be old either.
I know that to a lot of people being in your sixties is not old. Let me tell you, it is compared to 40. I do not want to be old. I can be older, which are two very different items.
I probably won't be considered mature by a lot of standards, either. I have so much fun being immature that maturing isn't on my list.
I have had a good time learning to do things in my life: being a wife, a mom a grandmother. I think that when we think we cannot do something that is hard, God is there saying," I can." We need to let him and enjoy the ride.
Here's to enjoying the ride and the learning.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Social Networks
Since the advent of the personal computer in all its forms, we have become a people of social networks on the world wide web, not face to face people.
I find this a little disconcerting, since, being older than dirt, we always networked in person. That is a little misleading. I mean that you talked to a person, be it face to face, telephone or written word. It was personal, civilized and easy to read the other person.
Now, it is cold, non-personal and on the web for the entire world to see.
There really is nothing wrong in that as long as you can still make it personal and only to those you want it to go to. Okay, just showed how naive I can be, since a lot of people can see what you post on these social networks.
I also appreciate the opportunity I have to keep up with people who are not a part of my everyday society.
It does annoy me to have people use this network to announce things that should be told to family and close friends privately and seperately before the world knows.
I know people who have learned of marriages, pregnancies, deaths and divorces through these networks, before being told by the person, either in person on phone, email or face to face. To me this usually means that the announcement is going to cause upheaval and they are wanting to avoid that. Well, upheaval makes us stronger.
I have no problem with these announcements if they are just reiteration for family and friends and now the rest of the world gets to know.
Please be kind to each other and don't pop these kinds of things on the world wide web, before telling your mother.
Have a great day and love each other to the best of your ability.
I find this a little disconcerting, since, being older than dirt, we always networked in person. That is a little misleading. I mean that you talked to a person, be it face to face, telephone or written word. It was personal, civilized and easy to read the other person.
Now, it is cold, non-personal and on the web for the entire world to see.
There really is nothing wrong in that as long as you can still make it personal and only to those you want it to go to. Okay, just showed how naive I can be, since a lot of people can see what you post on these social networks.
I also appreciate the opportunity I have to keep up with people who are not a part of my everyday society.
It does annoy me to have people use this network to announce things that should be told to family and close friends privately and seperately before the world knows.
I know people who have learned of marriages, pregnancies, deaths and divorces through these networks, before being told by the person, either in person on phone, email or face to face. To me this usually means that the announcement is going to cause upheaval and they are wanting to avoid that. Well, upheaval makes us stronger.
I have no problem with these announcements if they are just reiteration for family and friends and now the rest of the world gets to know.
Please be kind to each other and don't pop these kinds of things on the world wide web, before telling your mother.
Have a great day and love each other to the best of your ability.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Sewing
I have discovered over time, that I have many talents.
Sewing is not one of them. Please, those of you to whom it comes easy, don't tell me anyone can sew. You are right. Anyone can sew, however, not all of us can sew and keep our sanity.
I have in the past, sewn squaredance clothes for me and my daughter, never tried shirts, they have to fit too well, and snaps are difficult to put on, anyway, I did that and did rather well. Wore them in public and no one snickered. Not so I knew, anyway.
I even made a cheerleader outfit for my daughter one year for Christmas and it was good.
However, our kids are all grown and never had any desire to sew for the grandkids. So, other than patching and shortening some curtains in the past few years, no real sewing.
Now, the Grinch shows up. We went to an auction a while back and found a box of material that Virg's aunt could use for quilts. A lot of it was, however, little animals and books to put together. She didn't want those. So, I kept them. Thinking I would find someone who would want them or sell them at my next garage sale.
Then, a friend stopped in with her little boy, nine months old, and I thought how cute it would be to make one of the books for him. The books are the Christmas story, so thought I had plenty of time to put it together, since this was August.
About the same time, I found out I as going to be a great-grandma by our eldest granddaughter, so, decided to make one for baby Sophie.
Ummmmmm, yeah, good idea.
Today, I got out the sewing machine, meaning I opened it up and found I had to thread a bobbin with white thread. I have 12 bobbins, none of which were white, which is what it takes. I set everything up and put the bobbin on the spindle, white thread on the thread spindle and went to work.
Almost.
The bobbin didn't fit. I couldn't get the clutch bar to push into it so that the brake would work when the bobbin was full.
Changed bobbins.
Didn't fit.
Discovered that you have to put the little tip in the little hole on the bobbin. Got that done. Started to thread bobbin. Started smelling hot oil.
Goodie.
Called hubby in to see what he could do. He finally found the places to oil, we got the machine in the right position and oiled. Put the machine back where I could use it and...........I started sewing.
Fortunately, it was waste material, as the bobbin thread wadded up on the bottom of the material.
Changed bobbins.
Everything went well. So, I put the book, with fill, on the machine.
Everything went well. Until, the material puckered.
I was halfway around the bookpage.
Flipped over the material. Yep, there all the way around, puckered thread from the bobbin.
I am now going to take my soda, sit in my big chair and watch mindless tv for a while.
Tune in later for the next installment of " How the Bobbin Turns".
Who knows when.
Enjoy your day.
Sewing is not one of them. Please, those of you to whom it comes easy, don't tell me anyone can sew. You are right. Anyone can sew, however, not all of us can sew and keep our sanity.
I have in the past, sewn squaredance clothes for me and my daughter, never tried shirts, they have to fit too well, and snaps are difficult to put on, anyway, I did that and did rather well. Wore them in public and no one snickered. Not so I knew, anyway.
I even made a cheerleader outfit for my daughter one year for Christmas and it was good.
However, our kids are all grown and never had any desire to sew for the grandkids. So, other than patching and shortening some curtains in the past few years, no real sewing.
Now, the Grinch shows up. We went to an auction a while back and found a box of material that Virg's aunt could use for quilts. A lot of it was, however, little animals and books to put together. She didn't want those. So, I kept them. Thinking I would find someone who would want them or sell them at my next garage sale.
Then, a friend stopped in with her little boy, nine months old, and I thought how cute it would be to make one of the books for him. The books are the Christmas story, so thought I had plenty of time to put it together, since this was August.
About the same time, I found out I as going to be a great-grandma by our eldest granddaughter, so, decided to make one for baby Sophie.
Ummmmmm, yeah, good idea.
Today, I got out the sewing machine, meaning I opened it up and found I had to thread a bobbin with white thread. I have 12 bobbins, none of which were white, which is what it takes. I set everything up and put the bobbin on the spindle, white thread on the thread spindle and went to work.
Almost.
The bobbin didn't fit. I couldn't get the clutch bar to push into it so that the brake would work when the bobbin was full.
Changed bobbins.
Didn't fit.
Discovered that you have to put the little tip in the little hole on the bobbin. Got that done. Started to thread bobbin. Started smelling hot oil.
Goodie.
Called hubby in to see what he could do. He finally found the places to oil, we got the machine in the right position and oiled. Put the machine back where I could use it and...........I started sewing.
Fortunately, it was waste material, as the bobbin thread wadded up on the bottom of the material.
Changed bobbins.
Everything went well. So, I put the book, with fill, on the machine.
Everything went well. Until, the material puckered.
I was halfway around the bookpage.
Flipped over the material. Yep, there all the way around, puckered thread from the bobbin.
I am now going to take my soda, sit in my big chair and watch mindless tv for a while.
Tune in later for the next installment of " How the Bobbin Turns".
Who knows when.
Enjoy your day.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Okay, so last time I blogged about Facebook. So, today I went in to my one e-mail account and was forwarding stuff, when I noticed that I had to hand type all my addresses. I was used to having my addresses pop up in blue and just clicking enter and they would magically appear in the address box. Guess my magic is weak on Mondays.
So, I tried with another e-mail and got the same results. This time I went to my contacts page. Guess what? I got " Connection refused". What the heck is that? I don't know whether to kick my computer, call my computer guy or just kick back have a soda and let the world trip on by.
Yeah, thought about it, and came to my blog to vent.
I did have a good time on Facebook this morning, though. Posted some and read a lot, so guess I shouldn't be too upset.
Just not sure I am ready for the 21st century electronic goodies. I think I could still handle a handwritten letter, envelope(pre-sticky) and a stamp. However, at 44 cents and going up, maybe not. And no one answers them anymore. They will comment on my e-mails, facebook, and blog, so guess I will just suck it up and go on. Surely, my bad karma will not continue on my computer.
Have a great day and enjoy your eletronic goodies.
So, I tried with another e-mail and got the same results. This time I went to my contacts page. Guess what? I got " Connection refused". What the heck is that? I don't know whether to kick my computer, call my computer guy or just kick back have a soda and let the world trip on by.
Yeah, thought about it, and came to my blog to vent.
I did have a good time on Facebook this morning, though. Posted some and read a lot, so guess I shouldn't be too upset.
Just not sure I am ready for the 21st century electronic goodies. I think I could still handle a handwritten letter, envelope(pre-sticky) and a stamp. However, at 44 cents and going up, maybe not. And no one answers them anymore. They will comment on my e-mails, facebook, and blog, so guess I will just suck it up and go on. Surely, my bad karma will not continue on my computer.
Have a great day and enjoy your eletronic goodies.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
I have as yet, to figure out Facebook.
I have an account. I use it. I post. I read. I leave.
I come back, what is posted is sometimes there, sometimes, not. How does this happen? I look at other Facebook pages, and they have their friends listed to the left of the page. I do not. I used to. What have I done?
It is a bit like life. People come and people go out of my life and sometime I know why, and sometimes not. They just disappear.
Is there a Facebook gremlin that moves my stuff around on my page?
I was there just a bit ago and posted something on my wall. I left. I returned and it was not there. Where did it go cyber heaven? Sometimes I see postings from people and enjoy them. I post something to them. It never shows up again. I can post on the like/dislike post and it shows up when posted, but if I leave and come back it probably won't be there. Is it on their wall?
I don't know if I am computer illiterate or Facebook illiterate, but somehow, I know it is my fault. I wish it weren't, but you know it is.
I will probably never figure out Facebook. I will just keep enjoying and asking questions.
I wonder if anyone else has the issues. Please tell me if you do.
Thanks for the viewing, and have a great day, until next time.
I have an account. I use it. I post. I read. I leave.
I come back, what is posted is sometimes there, sometimes, not. How does this happen? I look at other Facebook pages, and they have their friends listed to the left of the page. I do not. I used to. What have I done?
It is a bit like life. People come and people go out of my life and sometime I know why, and sometimes not. They just disappear.
Is there a Facebook gremlin that moves my stuff around on my page?
I was there just a bit ago and posted something on my wall. I left. I returned and it was not there. Where did it go cyber heaven? Sometimes I see postings from people and enjoy them. I post something to them. It never shows up again. I can post on the like/dislike post and it shows up when posted, but if I leave and come back it probably won't be there. Is it on their wall?
I don't know if I am computer illiterate or Facebook illiterate, but somehow, I know it is my fault. I wish it weren't, but you know it is.
I will probably never figure out Facebook. I will just keep enjoying and asking questions.
I wonder if anyone else has the issues. Please tell me if you do.
Thanks for the viewing, and have a great day, until next time.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Being Married
We have been married for over 45 years and I, at least, am still learning how to do this.
I try very hard not to provoke arguments and hurt feelings. But seriously, sometimes, it simply cannot be helped.
I argue.
I get hurt.
We were watching one of my favorite tv shows the other night, Dancing With theStars, and we both critized one of the celebreties for the way he was dancing. He had his knees bent through the entire routine and even the judges said so.
The next night was elimination night, so we checked in to see who would be the one to end their dancing. We were down to two couples and the one that was eliminated, was just fine with us. My hubby said, " Why didn't they eliminate the one who bent his knees?" and I said in my most authortative, I know it all voice, " Well, they did."
He said, " No, they didn't."
"Yes, they did,"
He let it drop. Being the smart person he is.
So, the next day, I went online to see the elimination news and while reading the report, realized that they had indeed, NOT eliminated the one who bent his knees, even though, I had spit on the sign post and said I was right........I wasn't.
It took me two days, but while in the car going somewhere I said," Um, the other day, when you said that they should have eliminated the guy with the bent knees?"
" Yeeeeeeeeees?" He knew what was coming.
" Um, yeah, they didn't. Sorry I insisted they had, but they didn't."
Silence.
" Am I forgiven?", I asked, for me, timidly.
" Yeah, just don't let happen again.
" At least for today." He grinned really wickedly. He knows it will happen again, but he will still love me
He said so.
Enjoy your day and remember, laughter is the best medicine.
I try very hard not to provoke arguments and hurt feelings. But seriously, sometimes, it simply cannot be helped.
I argue.
I get hurt.
We were watching one of my favorite tv shows the other night, Dancing With theStars, and we both critized one of the celebreties for the way he was dancing. He had his knees bent through the entire routine and even the judges said so.
The next night was elimination night, so we checked in to see who would be the one to end their dancing. We were down to two couples and the one that was eliminated, was just fine with us. My hubby said, " Why didn't they eliminate the one who bent his knees?" and I said in my most authortative, I know it all voice, " Well, they did."
He said, " No, they didn't."
"Yes, they did,"
He let it drop. Being the smart person he is.
So, the next day, I went online to see the elimination news and while reading the report, realized that they had indeed, NOT eliminated the one who bent his knees, even though, I had spit on the sign post and said I was right........I wasn't.
It took me two days, but while in the car going somewhere I said," Um, the other day, when you said that they should have eliminated the guy with the bent knees?"
" Yeeeeeeeeees?" He knew what was coming.
" Um, yeah, they didn't. Sorry I insisted they had, but they didn't."
Silence.
" Am I forgiven?", I asked, for me, timidly.
" Yeah, just don't let happen again.
" At least for today." He grinned really wickedly. He knows it will happen again, but he will still love me
He said so.
Enjoy your day and remember, laughter is the best medicine.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Whatever
That is such a great word.
In my world it always meant anything. Whatever. It could be the answer to a choice:beans or corn? Whatever.
It could be the beginning of a discussion: Whatever were you thinking, or in my southern mind, thinkin'? I wanted to see if the tree limb would hold my weight. Really? It's an inch around. I know, but just had to try. Whatever.
As you can see, it also was an ending to a discussion.
Today a lot of young people, read that anyone under the age of 40, use it for everything.
"Take out the trash." " Whatever."
"Time to get up for school." "Whatever."
" You need an operation." "Whatever."
See? You can use it as an expression of disinterest, acceptance or denial. It works.
So until next time enjoy your life. Whatever.
In my world it always meant anything. Whatever. It could be the answer to a choice:beans or corn? Whatever.
It could be the beginning of a discussion: Whatever were you thinking, or in my southern mind, thinkin'? I wanted to see if the tree limb would hold my weight. Really? It's an inch around. I know, but just had to try. Whatever.
As you can see, it also was an ending to a discussion.
Today a lot of young people, read that anyone under the age of 40, use it for everything.
"Take out the trash." " Whatever."
"Time to get up for school." "Whatever."
" You need an operation." "Whatever."
See? You can use it as an expression of disinterest, acceptance or denial. It works.
So until next time enjoy your life. Whatever.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Writing
Writing always SOUNDS fun, then I sit down and try to decide what to write about and how to write about it.
I receive several writing newsletters and go to several writing sites trying to improve my writing. The problem is, that nothing helps if you don't write. I really don't like to say I am "trying" to do anything, because, if you are trying odds are you are not accomplishing. Therefore, I write. You may however, see it as me trying to write.
The problem that I have with writing advice is that they say to revise and revise and then one more revise. I find that once I write on a subject I am done with it. Until next time.
Anyone out there know what I mean? My writing always looks good to me, until I hit publish or send, and then it looks awful. Nasty, even.
I have enjoyed getting comments here on the things I have written and I enjoy getting personal comments from people, face to face, who have liked what I have written. I thank you all for that.
I will continue to blog and write about stuff and hope you continue to enjoy it. Right now, I think I hear some chocolate calling my name.
Until next time, have some chocolate and enjoy the sunshine.
I receive several writing newsletters and go to several writing sites trying to improve my writing. The problem is, that nothing helps if you don't write. I really don't like to say I am "trying" to do anything, because, if you are trying odds are you are not accomplishing. Therefore, I write. You may however, see it as me trying to write.
The problem that I have with writing advice is that they say to revise and revise and then one more revise. I find that once I write on a subject I am done with it. Until next time.
Anyone out there know what I mean? My writing always looks good to me, until I hit publish or send, and then it looks awful. Nasty, even.
I have enjoyed getting comments here on the things I have written and I enjoy getting personal comments from people, face to face, who have liked what I have written. I thank you all for that.
I will continue to blog and write about stuff and hope you continue to enjoy it. Right now, I think I hear some chocolate calling my name.
Until next time, have some chocolate and enjoy the sunshine.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Week-end
Well, we had a great week-end.
On Saturday we went to Springfield to entertain our granddaughter while parents had something else to do. We went to the Nature center there and had a great time. It is always fun with grandchildren. She is our youngest and closest, geographically, so we see her often. She is the closest now, since they moved from Hawaii, so we are making up for lost time together.
While we were in Springfield, we visited with my sweet niece who was in the hospital for a total knee replacement, which went well and she seems to continue to do so. That was nice.
When we came back to Branson we went to Circle B for the kick-off of their Chuckwagons of the West jamboree. We got to see our Circle B friends and Diamond W Wranglers from Witchita. They were great.
It felt like a night with the neighbors jamming out with cowboy music.
On Sunday we went to St. Louis with our daughter and family to see Bill Cosby at the Fox theatre. If you have never seen that theatre, I highly recommend it. It is gorgeous. My husband was nearly as taken with it as with Cosby, who is always funny and facinating. He just comes out on the stage and talks for two hours, then he's gone. venour seven year old granddaughter enjoyed it and said he would be even funnier next time.
Yesterday when we got home I got on the computer and discovered that Lloyd Presley had passed away on Saturday afternoon. He was the
founder of the live music shows on the hiway 76 strip here in Branson. They were the first to have a theater there. He will be missed.
It was a wonderful week-end.
Til next time, have a great day.
On Saturday we went to Springfield to entertain our granddaughter while parents had something else to do. We went to the Nature center there and had a great time. It is always fun with grandchildren. She is our youngest and closest, geographically, so we see her often. She is the closest now, since they moved from Hawaii, so we are making up for lost time together.
While we were in Springfield, we visited with my sweet niece who was in the hospital for a total knee replacement, which went well and she seems to continue to do so. That was nice.
When we came back to Branson we went to Circle B for the kick-off of their Chuckwagons of the West jamboree. We got to see our Circle B friends and Diamond W Wranglers from Witchita. They were great.
It felt like a night with the neighbors jamming out with cowboy music.
On Sunday we went to St. Louis with our daughter and family to see Bill Cosby at the Fox theatre. If you have never seen that theatre, I highly recommend it. It is gorgeous. My husband was nearly as taken with it as with Cosby, who is always funny and facinating. He just comes out on the stage and talks for two hours, then he's gone. venour seven year old granddaughter enjoyed it and said he would be even funnier next time.
Yesterday when we got home I got on the computer and discovered that Lloyd Presley had passed away on Saturday afternoon. He was the
founder of the live music shows on the hiway 76 strip here in Branson. They were the first to have a theater there. He will be missed.
It was a wonderful week-end.
Til next time, have a great day.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Doctors Part II
I re-read my doctors post and decided that I needed to take a different tac to it.
The doctor really made me angry because he asked why I had taken the way of radiation, since I had an excellent (his words) prognosis without it. He said the radiation is cumulative. I think I know what that means, but I was too stunned to respond to that. I did it that way, because a doctor I trusted said that was the best way to stave off a revisit of cancer in that region.
I have done some research and found that there is evidence that it is not a bad thing to do. I think my age and the involvement of the tumor, made it a good option.
My question is why did he question me and why do I have to do the three month check-up for the year and then five years of six month check-up. I know, I am asking the wrong people, perhaps, but how do you get back to a doctor to ask him without making an appointment and taking time that someone else could use? I hate that I feel as though I am surrounded by fences and doors and no way through.
I told my friend of this and she said "Fire him." I may. Except what have I really accomplished if I do? I will probably go back for one more check-up and ask more questions. I know I have been told to make a list of questions to ask. Now, how do you get yourself to ask questions when the whole thing comes a surprise?
What a question, since I am trying to make a living with words. You would think I would be faster on my feet, but perhaps that will come as I get more used to seeing doctors and having my body pushed, pulled and moved into their positions.
Thank you for reading and listening.
Have a blessed day.
The doctor really made me angry because he asked why I had taken the way of radiation, since I had an excellent (his words) prognosis without it. He said the radiation is cumulative. I think I know what that means, but I was too stunned to respond to that. I did it that way, because a doctor I trusted said that was the best way to stave off a revisit of cancer in that region.
I have done some research and found that there is evidence that it is not a bad thing to do. I think my age and the involvement of the tumor, made it a good option.
My question is why did he question me and why do I have to do the three month check-up for the year and then five years of six month check-up. I know, I am asking the wrong people, perhaps, but how do you get back to a doctor to ask him without making an appointment and taking time that someone else could use? I hate that I feel as though I am surrounded by fences and doors and no way through.
I told my friend of this and she said "Fire him." I may. Except what have I really accomplished if I do? I will probably go back for one more check-up and ask more questions. I know I have been told to make a list of questions to ask. Now, how do you get yourself to ask questions when the whole thing comes a surprise?
What a question, since I am trying to make a living with words. You would think I would be faster on my feet, but perhaps that will come as I get more used to seeing doctors and having my body pushed, pulled and moved into their positions.
Thank you for reading and listening.
Have a blessed day.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Doctors
This year I have seen more doctors than all my previous years put together. I have had two primary care physicians, two gynecologists, two radiologists and one surgeon.
My one primary moved to another job, which is good for him and bad for me.
My surgeon has moved on to Pennsylvania, so my six month check up had to be done by someone else. I chose to have a gynecologist here in town. The surgeon's office was going to have me go to one in the town where the surgery was done, so I asked to pick my own, and they didn't care as long as I did it soon.
The original gynecologist that diagnosed my cancer had turned me over to the surgeon and she was not in my hometown, so she was not going to be chosen by me. I should have stayed with her. The one I chose may be replaced as I was not really thrilled with his attitude, but perhaps I am too soon the judge.
Just let me say that for the most part all my doctors are wonderful. I just thought the gynecologist was a bit rough and I may be a bit tender.
I miss the days of having one doctor from cradle to grave and I am not sure it was like that even when I was growing up. I do know that my kids had the same doctor for several years and we all loved him, except the one who was getting the shot.
I also know that it used to be when you went to the doctor and had to go to the hospital, your doctor would take care of you in the hospital, doing the visits and the meds.
I miss that.
Have a great day in the sunshine.
My one primary moved to another job, which is good for him and bad for me.
My surgeon has moved on to Pennsylvania, so my six month check up had to be done by someone else. I chose to have a gynecologist here in town. The surgeon's office was going to have me go to one in the town where the surgery was done, so I asked to pick my own, and they didn't care as long as I did it soon.
The original gynecologist that diagnosed my cancer had turned me over to the surgeon and she was not in my hometown, so she was not going to be chosen by me. I should have stayed with her. The one I chose may be replaced as I was not really thrilled with his attitude, but perhaps I am too soon the judge.
Just let me say that for the most part all my doctors are wonderful. I just thought the gynecologist was a bit rough and I may be a bit tender.
I miss the days of having one doctor from cradle to grave and I am not sure it was like that even when I was growing up. I do know that my kids had the same doctor for several years and we all loved him, except the one who was getting the shot.
I also know that it used to be when you went to the doctor and had to go to the hospital, your doctor would take care of you in the hospital, doing the visits and the meds.
I miss that.
Have a great day in the sunshine.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Haircuts
Everyone gets one, one way or another, either we go to a shop, our mother or ourselves.
Cutting something is always an adventure that we want to have. To see the seperation of the material, whether it be cloth, soil, or hair, is a fascination. We seem to think that perhaps we can put it back together, and if we can't, we wonder why. If you do put it back together, it will always show where that was done.
Our granddaughter discovered the other day what a joy, and a heartbreak cutting can be.
She cut her own hair. At school. During class.
Mom was not pleased. She asked her when she cut it and the conversation follows.
Mom: "What is wrong with your hair?'
Granddaughter:"I cut it."
M:"What? WHAT? You did what?"
GD: " I cut it. In school."
M: " No one said anything"
GD: "No, Mom, they were paying attention to the teacher."
M: "Where was the teacher?"
GD:"At the blackboard. I was paying attention, Mom, that's what I am supposed to do. Pay attention to the teacher."
M:"And no one said anything."
GD:"No,Mom. They were paying attention to the teacher. I was too, that's what we are supposed to. Mom, please watch your voice. Don't embarrass me."
Later that day, Daddy came home. Mom told him about the conversation. He asked if Mom laughed. Not really.
Next morning getting ready for school.
M:" Where did you put the hair?"
GD:"In my desk."
M:" Please clean it out of your desk and bring it home."
GD:"But, mom, I can't clean out my desk. It's Thursday."
M:"I know. Please clean out your desk and bring home your hair."
GD:"But, it's Thursday."
M:"I know, but why can't you do it on Thursday?"
GD:"They will think I'm stupid. We clean out our desks on FRIDAY and it's THURSDAY."
M:"Fine. Bring it home Friday."
And this would be the reason Mom is going back to work full time.
Enjoy your next hair cut and pay attention to the teacher.
Cutting something is always an adventure that we want to have. To see the seperation of the material, whether it be cloth, soil, or hair, is a fascination. We seem to think that perhaps we can put it back together, and if we can't, we wonder why. If you do put it back together, it will always show where that was done.
Our granddaughter discovered the other day what a joy, and a heartbreak cutting can be.
She cut her own hair. At school. During class.
Mom was not pleased. She asked her when she cut it and the conversation follows.
Mom: "What is wrong with your hair?'
Granddaughter:"I cut it."
M:"What? WHAT? You did what?"
GD: " I cut it. In school."
M: " No one said anything"
GD: "No, Mom, they were paying attention to the teacher."
M: "Where was the teacher?"
GD:"At the blackboard. I was paying attention, Mom, that's what I am supposed to do. Pay attention to the teacher."
M:"And no one said anything."
GD:"No,Mom. They were paying attention to the teacher. I was too, that's what we are supposed to. Mom, please watch your voice. Don't embarrass me."
Later that day, Daddy came home. Mom told him about the conversation. He asked if Mom laughed. Not really.
Next morning getting ready for school.
M:" Where did you put the hair?"
GD:"In my desk."
M:" Please clean it out of your desk and bring it home."
GD:"But, mom, I can't clean out my desk. It's Thursday."
M:"I know. Please clean out your desk and bring home your hair."
GD:"But, it's Thursday."
M:"I know, but why can't you do it on Thursday?"
GD:"They will think I'm stupid. We clean out our desks on FRIDAY and it's THURSDAY."
M:"Fine. Bring it home Friday."
And this would be the reason Mom is going back to work full time.
Enjoy your next hair cut and pay attention to the teacher.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Accepting God's Help
That seems like such a silly title, but we all know that accepting help from anyone is not an easy thing to do.
As kids, we have all done the "me do it" phase. Some of us never come out of that stage. We want to do it all. We want all the credit. No one else helped us cook the dinner, do the job or clean the entire house.
When we are older or sick and need help to do the mundane things in life: walk, cook, or clean, we take it with a grain of salt, until we realize that without help we can do none of these things, then we say thank you. Sometimes begrudingly, but thank you.
I have a sweet niece who is struggling with a health problem. She has had complete strangers pray for her and then ask, " Do you have faith? Are you feeling better?" I have a problem with that, because faith really has nothing to do with getting better.
We sometimes think that if we do not naturally get better, read that without doctors, we do not have enough faith that God will do it, therefore, we need to work on our faith.
I have news for you.
Do you all remember the old story of the man in the flood? No, not Noah.
The one where the waters are getting deeper and the neighbors say, " Come on with us and be safe."
He replies, " No, God's gonna take care of me."
Well, he has to move to the second floor of his house and a boat comes by and asks him to come with them.
He says," No, thanks. God's gonna take care of me."
He is now on the roof top and a helicopter comes by and says,
" Hop on board."
He says, "No, thanks, God's gonna take care of me."
Well, the next scene is Heaven.
The old man says, " I thought You were going to take care of me. I drowned."
God says," I sent you nieghbors, a boat and a helicopter, what else did you need.?"
To me, the moral of the story is: God uses everyone to help us. Including doctors and hospitals. They are not perfect, but we live in a fallen world and they are as close as we get.
So if you need an operation, do it. God will bring you through it. And you will live either here or in heaven.
As kids, we have all done the "me do it" phase. Some of us never come out of that stage. We want to do it all. We want all the credit. No one else helped us cook the dinner, do the job or clean the entire house.
When we are older or sick and need help to do the mundane things in life: walk, cook, or clean, we take it with a grain of salt, until we realize that without help we can do none of these things, then we say thank you. Sometimes begrudingly, but thank you.
I have a sweet niece who is struggling with a health problem. She has had complete strangers pray for her and then ask, " Do you have faith? Are you feeling better?" I have a problem with that, because faith really has nothing to do with getting better.
We sometimes think that if we do not naturally get better, read that without doctors, we do not have enough faith that God will do it, therefore, we need to work on our faith.
I have news for you.
Do you all remember the old story of the man in the flood? No, not Noah.
The one where the waters are getting deeper and the neighbors say, " Come on with us and be safe."
He replies, " No, God's gonna take care of me."
Well, he has to move to the second floor of his house and a boat comes by and asks him to come with them.
He says," No, thanks. God's gonna take care of me."
He is now on the roof top and a helicopter comes by and says,
" Hop on board."
He says, "No, thanks, God's gonna take care of me."
Well, the next scene is Heaven.
The old man says, " I thought You were going to take care of me. I drowned."
God says," I sent you nieghbors, a boat and a helicopter, what else did you need.?"
To me, the moral of the story is: God uses everyone to help us. Including doctors and hospitals. They are not perfect, but we live in a fallen world and they are as close as we get.
So if you need an operation, do it. God will bring you through it. And you will live either here or in heaven.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hard Work
Yesterday, for the first time since surgery, I went out to my brother's farm, and worked in the house. My husband had had to replace some of the floor, due to termites. In the process, he had to do some plastering on the walls and sanding, so there was clean-up to be done.
It felt great to be able to work and feel tired afterward.
I stretched, climbed and reached and nothing fell out and no bumps appeared. Guess I am well on my way to normal. Wonderful.
We are getting ready for a visit from said brother. He lives in California and hasn't been back for a while, so wanted to show off all that we have done to the house on the farm.
Today we are working on our house getting it company ready. Why do we not keep it company ready all the time? Well, we could have company anytime and it would look okay, but somehow, I like leaving my newspaper on the floor by my chair and my nail clippers on my table beside my chair. However, I think that no one else likes to see it.
We have added a small addition to our bedroom to accommadate a shower and larger bedroom. It is only six feet, but really nice. My hubby is finishing the outside siding and painting the wood that we are not siding.
We had decided to not put siding on the front of the house and just get paint to match the siding and paint it. The wood is in good condition and we like it, so, are painting.a
We went to everyone's favorite place, Wal-Mart, and had the paint matched to the siding.
Now, if you have never had paint made to match something, you really have not had the ultimate in fun.
They put the siding under the scanner that puts it in the computer and the computer then tells them what colors and how much to use to make it match.
They will then color the base, shake and put a dab on the outside to show you the color. They will also put some on your siding to show how it matches.
We weren't sure it matched. The man who made it was. A person walking by was sure.
We brought it home and today hubby started to paint. The wall he is painting is right against a wall with the siding on it.
We still don't think it matches. Spent a half hour deciding what to do.
We paint.
He calls me out to look.
I'm tellin' ya, the more he paints the more it matches.
Ah, well, we will enjoy the new look.
Have a great day.
It felt great to be able to work and feel tired afterward.
I stretched, climbed and reached and nothing fell out and no bumps appeared. Guess I am well on my way to normal. Wonderful.
We are getting ready for a visit from said brother. He lives in California and hasn't been back for a while, so wanted to show off all that we have done to the house on the farm.
Today we are working on our house getting it company ready. Why do we not keep it company ready all the time? Well, we could have company anytime and it would look okay, but somehow, I like leaving my newspaper on the floor by my chair and my nail clippers on my table beside my chair. However, I think that no one else likes to see it.
We have added a small addition to our bedroom to accommadate a shower and larger bedroom. It is only six feet, but really nice. My hubby is finishing the outside siding and painting the wood that we are not siding.
We had decided to not put siding on the front of the house and just get paint to match the siding and paint it. The wood is in good condition and we like it, so, are painting.a
We went to everyone's favorite place, Wal-Mart, and had the paint matched to the siding.
Now, if you have never had paint made to match something, you really have not had the ultimate in fun.
They put the siding under the scanner that puts it in the computer and the computer then tells them what colors and how much to use to make it match.
They will then color the base, shake and put a dab on the outside to show you the color. They will also put some on your siding to show how it matches.
We weren't sure it matched. The man who made it was. A person walking by was sure.
We brought it home and today hubby started to paint. The wall he is painting is right against a wall with the siding on it.
We still don't think it matches. Spent a half hour deciding what to do.
We paint.
He calls me out to look.
I'm tellin' ya, the more he paints the more it matches.
Ah, well, we will enjoy the new look.
Have a great day.
Monday, September 20, 2010
What Fun
My first week of fast travel on the web has been fun.
Unless you came to the 'net from a slow speed, you just don't quite know how it feels to, now, be going 100mph as opposed to 55 mph. I have to tell you that my ol' sinful self still goes, "Come on, can't you go faster?" and not appreciate the blessing of going fast.
I know that some of you are saying it could be my computer, but still, I am going FAST.
It is so cool to just flash from page to page rather than have enough time to go get a cup of whatever in the kitchen and still have to wait for the finish of the page to load.
I do have to watch myself though. I could get addicted to playing games and blog reading. It is just the cats pajamas.
I went to the Wheel of Fortune site the other day and I think it was two hours later that I emerged. I love Wheel of Fortune and love playing it, but other things do have to get done. You know, laundry, dinner, vaccuumming, and other mundane things. Like letting your husband know that he is still important to you.
I now have a home page that I can change when I want to. My other server wouldn't let me have anything but them for the homepage. This is a nice choice to be able to make.
I know those of you who have grown up with a computer in the fast lane and have had these choices think I am being a bit silly, but I feel so blessed to have these things.
When you see that cloud of dust in front of you on the 'net, it will be mine.
Have fun.
Unless you came to the 'net from a slow speed, you just don't quite know how it feels to, now, be going 100mph as opposed to 55 mph. I have to tell you that my ol' sinful self still goes, "Come on, can't you go faster?" and not appreciate the blessing of going fast.
I know that some of you are saying it could be my computer, but still, I am going FAST.
It is so cool to just flash from page to page rather than have enough time to go get a cup of whatever in the kitchen and still have to wait for the finish of the page to load.
I do have to watch myself though. I could get addicted to playing games and blog reading. It is just the cats pajamas.
I went to the Wheel of Fortune site the other day and I think it was two hours later that I emerged. I love Wheel of Fortune and love playing it, but other things do have to get done. You know, laundry, dinner, vaccuumming, and other mundane things. Like letting your husband know that he is still important to you.
I now have a home page that I can change when I want to. My other server wouldn't let me have anything but them for the homepage. This is a nice choice to be able to make.
I know those of you who have grown up with a computer in the fast lane and have had these choices think I am being a bit silly, but I feel so blessed to have these things.
When you see that cloud of dust in front of you on the 'net, it will be mine.
Have fun.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Connected
I am connected to the fast lane. Yeah. Hope I can hang on.
I cannot tell you how it feels to go zipping from one website to the other in the time it used to take me get from typing the address to the word "connecting" and had to watch the little circle spin until connected.
When I got the router on Friday, I was really excited and wanted to get connected right away, but had to wait until the day they had assigned me. Today.
I probably wore my welcome out with the techies. I had to call and check on the time. Call and check on how to install the router.
Call and find out how to connect to the internet, as I don't have a shortcut to explorer. I will soon.
Anyway, I can now run the big kids.
It is fun and I have visited several sites and just watched as it went really fast and smoothly.
Thank you for reading and have a great day.
I cannot tell you how it feels to go zipping from one website to the other in the time it used to take me get from typing the address to the word "connecting" and had to watch the little circle spin until connected.
When I got the router on Friday, I was really excited and wanted to get connected right away, but had to wait until the day they had assigned me. Today.
I probably wore my welcome out with the techies. I had to call and check on the time. Call and check on how to install the router.
Call and find out how to connect to the internet, as I don't have a shortcut to explorer. I will soon.
Anyway, I can now run the big kids.
It is fun and I have visited several sites and just watched as it went really fast and smoothly.
Thank you for reading and have a great day.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Research
I have spent the day researching, well, actually two days, internet servers. I have been on the internet for over six years now by dial-up.
I figured to be the last of the dinosaurs in this respect. Simply could not free up the money to switch to dsl.
Things have happened to make this possible and may I just say that research is not my strong suit.
In fact, I hate it. I get all the numbers gathered together and then have to explain it to my husband and compare what we are spending to what we think we can spend and then make a decision.
The people were nice that I talked to. Really wanted to help. Really wanted my money. I had one ask me if she could sign me up right now and start the service. I said, no, thank you. Just looking around.
These people are worse than retail clothing associates. They want the money. They want their money to increase. I understand that, but when you are on a fixed income that hasn't increased in two years, you get really picky about how you spend your money.
Finally made the decision. The lady told me what all the package included and what equipment would be needed. It would be sent and would include router,cables for this and that and instructions. Thank goodness. Instructions.
Next question: can I follow instructions and find all the approiate spots to plug in all the cables and then hit the right button.
Can you tell that I am stressing a bit over this? I will try not to go into a spin over the next few days waiting for the package. I promise I will let God take care of it. If I leave Him alone and listen to the still, small voice, I will have peace over this.
Really.
Really I will.
Stay tuned for the next installment of " As the Network Links."
Til next time, have a blessed day.
I figured to be the last of the dinosaurs in this respect. Simply could not free up the money to switch to dsl.
Things have happened to make this possible and may I just say that research is not my strong suit.
In fact, I hate it. I get all the numbers gathered together and then have to explain it to my husband and compare what we are spending to what we think we can spend and then make a decision.
The people were nice that I talked to. Really wanted to help. Really wanted my money. I had one ask me if she could sign me up right now and start the service. I said, no, thank you. Just looking around.
These people are worse than retail clothing associates. They want the money. They want their money to increase. I understand that, but when you are on a fixed income that hasn't increased in two years, you get really picky about how you spend your money.
Finally made the decision. The lady told me what all the package included and what equipment would be needed. It would be sent and would include router,cables for this and that and instructions. Thank goodness. Instructions.
Next question: can I follow instructions and find all the approiate spots to plug in all the cables and then hit the right button.
Can you tell that I am stressing a bit over this? I will try not to go into a spin over the next few days waiting for the package. I promise I will let God take care of it. If I leave Him alone and listen to the still, small voice, I will have peace over this.
Really.
Really I will.
Stay tuned for the next installment of " As the Network Links."
Til next time, have a blessed day.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day
It is Labor Day the end of the holiday week-end. Somehow it seems a little sad the reason for the week-end is at the end of it and not really celebrated.
Here in tourist country, everyone is packing up and going home, back to the ordinary and, sometimes, mundane of their lives.
School is starting from some, has been in session for others for a while, and still others won't be in session for a week or so.
The fall always feels like new beginnings or renewal of old friendships at school and work.
here in the land of the tourist, we see people in the fall that have not been here since last fall. I know, I know, it really isn't fall until September 23 on my calendar, but Labor Day is the end of vacation talk, the beginning of football and leaf raking. I also know that some of them were here for Christmas in the Ozarks, which is really in the fall, so not here since last fall.
We have a lot of realy cool stuff that goes on here in the area. I am not going to go into that and sound like a Branson booster, but if you have time on your hands come see.
Some of us were talking the other day about how we, who live here, don't get or take an opportunity to enjoy what a lot of you travel a long way to enjoy. It is that old thing of having to do your life here.
There are doctor appoinments, work schedules, school schedules, and family times to work in there. We do get out some and enjoy and when we do, we go WOW that is why people come here. It is truly beautiful.
I am going to enjoy the coolness of the early day and watch the thermometer rise and summer make a last visit over the next few days.
Y'all have a great day. Come visit.
Here in tourist country, everyone is packing up and going home, back to the ordinary and, sometimes, mundane of their lives.
School is starting from some, has been in session for others for a while, and still others won't be in session for a week or so.
The fall always feels like new beginnings or renewal of old friendships at school and work.
here in the land of the tourist, we see people in the fall that have not been here since last fall. I know, I know, it really isn't fall until September 23 on my calendar, but Labor Day is the end of vacation talk, the beginning of football and leaf raking. I also know that some of them were here for Christmas in the Ozarks, which is really in the fall, so not here since last fall.
We have a lot of realy cool stuff that goes on here in the area. I am not going to go into that and sound like a Branson booster, but if you have time on your hands come see.
Some of us were talking the other day about how we, who live here, don't get or take an opportunity to enjoy what a lot of you travel a long way to enjoy. It is that old thing of having to do your life here.
There are doctor appoinments, work schedules, school schedules, and family times to work in there. We do get out some and enjoy and when we do, we go WOW that is why people come here. It is truly beautiful.
I am going to enjoy the coolness of the early day and watch the thermometer rise and summer make a last visit over the next few days.
Y'all have a great day. Come visit.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Young Skin
I find that inside my head, I am still twenty something.
It is a long way from the age my outside is, but still it keeps me thinking and acting young. Now, not childish, child like. Therefore, I find myself doing things that, when I was twenty-somthing, wasn't a problem. Like a facial mask.
A few months ago, my charming daughter was visiting and gave me some skin products, which I appreciated.
Among the products was a facial mask for cleansing and restoring skin to youthfulness.
The next time I was alone, trust me you do not want to do this in front of family, perhaps girlfriends, but not family. They will never let you forget it.
Anyway, husband was gone, and by this time so was daughter, back to her home hubby and daughter.
I decided that it was the perfect time to do a manicure, prehaps even try the new product.
I did the manicure. I had so much success at that, I decided to try the facial.
It had been years since I had tried this kind of thing, I thought that it would be like riding a bicycle, you know, once you do it you never forget how.I have never ridden a bike. That, however, didn't stop me.
Anyway, read the instructions. Yep, thought it would be a good idea, so did it and followed said instructions. Washed my face and prepared to put on the mask.
Daughter had said it was like egg whites. It was. A little gooier, but egg whites.
I put them on, a little thicker in places and thinner in others, thereby, having some dry before others. I had to wait until all were dry. Just peel off it says, after drying.
Right.
I had started on the thicker spots, but they were not dry. I then started on the thin ones. They were dry, and I had some success with them coming right off, as i was peeling, I looked in the mirror......my hand was six inches from my face and the mask was still in place.
Never knew that your face went rubbery when you got older. I will NOT say "Old".
Well, I got the fingers of the one hand under the mask and held my skin while I pulled with the other.
Ten minutes later the mask was in the sink and my face was pink and healthy.
And laying against my chest.
Fortunately, it returned to its original positition before anyone came home.
Let me just say, that next time, I will just scrub and rinse.
It is a long way from the age my outside is, but still it keeps me thinking and acting young. Now, not childish, child like. Therefore, I find myself doing things that, when I was twenty-somthing, wasn't a problem. Like a facial mask.
A few months ago, my charming daughter was visiting and gave me some skin products, which I appreciated.
Among the products was a facial mask for cleansing and restoring skin to youthfulness.
The next time I was alone, trust me you do not want to do this in front of family, perhaps girlfriends, but not family. They will never let you forget it.
Anyway, husband was gone, and by this time so was daughter, back to her home hubby and daughter.
I decided that it was the perfect time to do a manicure, prehaps even try the new product.
I did the manicure. I had so much success at that, I decided to try the facial.
It had been years since I had tried this kind of thing, I thought that it would be like riding a bicycle, you know, once you do it you never forget how.I have never ridden a bike. That, however, didn't stop me.
Anyway, read the instructions. Yep, thought it would be a good idea, so did it and followed said instructions. Washed my face and prepared to put on the mask.
Daughter had said it was like egg whites. It was. A little gooier, but egg whites.
I put them on, a little thicker in places and thinner in others, thereby, having some dry before others. I had to wait until all were dry. Just peel off it says, after drying.
Right.
I had started on the thicker spots, but they were not dry. I then started on the thin ones. They were dry, and I had some success with them coming right off, as i was peeling, I looked in the mirror......my hand was six inches from my face and the mask was still in place.
Never knew that your face went rubbery when you got older. I will NOT say "Old".
Well, I got the fingers of the one hand under the mask and held my skin while I pulled with the other.
Ten minutes later the mask was in the sink and my face was pink and healthy.
And laying against my chest.
Fortunately, it returned to its original positition before anyone came home.
Let me just say, that next time, I will just scrub and rinse.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Grown-ups and Kids
When I was growing up there were only two types of people in my world: grown-ups and kids.
My parents were grown-ups. My grandmother was a grown-up. My brother who is 14 years my senior was a grown-up.
My brother who was five yers my senior and my cousins were kids. I went to school with kids.
There were no senior citizens, no middle agers just grown-ups.
Now, that I qualify as a senior citizen, and have for quite sometime, I am experiencing things that the grown-ups in my world never told me about or intimated that they were dealing with: inability to understand the muttering that others, mostly kids, were doing; taking five minutes to rise from a chair to standing position; or not sleeping through the night.
It isn't that they didn't have these problems. You just didn't discuss them in public. In other words, out loud.
When I now complain about not being able to understand people or not sleeping through the night, I know that I am now a grown-up.
My parents were grown-ups. My grandmother was a grown-up. My brother who is 14 years my senior was a grown-up.
My brother who was five yers my senior and my cousins were kids. I went to school with kids.
There were no senior citizens, no middle agers just grown-ups.
Now, that I qualify as a senior citizen, and have for quite sometime, I am experiencing things that the grown-ups in my world never told me about or intimated that they were dealing with: inability to understand the muttering that others, mostly kids, were doing; taking five minutes to rise from a chair to standing position; or not sleeping through the night.
It isn't that they didn't have these problems. You just didn't discuss them in public. In other words, out loud.
When I now complain about not being able to understand people or not sleeping through the night, I know that I am now a grown-up.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Being Quiet
When we were growing up being quiet usually meant not talking and we were asked that daily, multiple times.
My voice seemed to carry over every hill and holler and my mom was always saying, "Stella Marie, Could you be quieter?" I tried. I really did.
Now, that I am older, and so are my relatives and friends, I hear, "Stella, What did you just say? Could you speak up?"
There is quiet and quiet. Quiet as in no noise and then quiet as in keeping your mind trained on not thinking. Not that easy. I believe that is what God means when he says, "Be still and know that I am God."
In a Bible study not too long ago, we were asked to be quiet for one minute and say nothing. It was to prove how we are doing something all the time.
When the minute was over, most said it was not that easy. One woman said she had repeated the Lord's Prayer during her minute. I really hated to say anything, and didn't, sometimes silence is the better part of valor. I think that the repeating of anything, was not the point.
Sometimes you really have to be still and listen to God. He speaks in a still small voice.
It isn't that easy, but try it sometime. Don't pray. Don't repeat verses. Don't plan dinner. Just listen. For a minute.
Til next time. Have a quiet time.
My voice seemed to carry over every hill and holler and my mom was always saying, "Stella Marie, Could you be quieter?" I tried. I really did.
Now, that I am older, and so are my relatives and friends, I hear, "Stella, What did you just say? Could you speak up?"
There is quiet and quiet. Quiet as in no noise and then quiet as in keeping your mind trained on not thinking. Not that easy. I believe that is what God means when he says, "Be still and know that I am God."
In a Bible study not too long ago, we were asked to be quiet for one minute and say nothing. It was to prove how we are doing something all the time.
When the minute was over, most said it was not that easy. One woman said she had repeated the Lord's Prayer during her minute. I really hated to say anything, and didn't, sometimes silence is the better part of valor. I think that the repeating of anything, was not the point.
Sometimes you really have to be still and listen to God. He speaks in a still small voice.
It isn't that easy, but try it sometime. Don't pray. Don't repeat verses. Don't plan dinner. Just listen. For a minute.
Til next time. Have a quiet time.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Driving Pet Peeves
I have been trying to think what to blog about today and finally came up with pet peeves of driving.
going to a show tonight, we had to cross a bridge to get to the road we wanted. There is a stop light at the end of the bridge that you can go either straight across or right turn. Invariably, we get behind one person that wants to go straight across and two others that want to go right, as we do. Of course, the light is red when we get there, so we have to sit through the entire light and be bounced on the bridge by others driving on the bridge. I hate bridges, anyway, so this is not comfortable for me. Why couldn't we have a right turn lane here. Hum. Could be because the highway is about a hundred feet off the ground here. Anyway, I think we should be abel to sort the drivers into right turners and straight a headers by having the right turners go first. Please don't ask how we accomplish this, I just think it a good idea.
Another pet peeve while driving, is people who speed up when you try to pass and slow down when you can't pass. Why is that?
I think that is it for this evening. Have a great night.
going to a show tonight, we had to cross a bridge to get to the road we wanted. There is a stop light at the end of the bridge that you can go either straight across or right turn. Invariably, we get behind one person that wants to go straight across and two others that want to go right, as we do. Of course, the light is red when we get there, so we have to sit through the entire light and be bounced on the bridge by others driving on the bridge. I hate bridges, anyway, so this is not comfortable for me. Why couldn't we have a right turn lane here. Hum. Could be because the highway is about a hundred feet off the ground here. Anyway, I think we should be abel to sort the drivers into right turners and straight a headers by having the right turners go first. Please don't ask how we accomplish this, I just think it a good idea.
Another pet peeve while driving, is people who speed up when you try to pass and slow down when you can't pass. Why is that?
I think that is it for this evening. Have a great night.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Cancer and Me
A few months ago I was diagnosed with uterine cancer.
I got to this diagnosis by way of ultrasound, biopsy and examination. By the time we got to the
biopsy I was sure there would be surgery involved. Why there would be surgery was not my fear. Surgery was my fear.
I think the reason that the cancer diagnosis wasn't a problem, was because that at every turn I was told that if you had to have cancer, this was the one to have, because the cure was elimination of the container of the cancer: removal of the uterus and accoutrements.
In other words, surgery. I had had none until now. Still have my tonsils, appendix and had all my children vaginally.
I was terrified. Would I feel good until the surgery and then rotten after? Yep. That was my interpretation. I was wrong.
Boy was I wrong. The surgery I had was done by the daVinci method, or robotic. Only three or four incisions and not much pain. Well, i vote for not much pain.
there was pre-op preparation. Meaning, bowel cleanse. If you have never had this, bless you. In my case it made me sick as in throwing up the last bit of wonderful go lightly. You don't go lightly, by the way. Anyway, I spent that day sitting, well, let us just say, that my bathroom and I got on really good terms.
I had to be up at 4 am to get showered, dressed and driven to the hospital, a 45 minute drive and be checked in by 5:30. Surgery was at 7:30am.
My husband and I managed to do this and then we waited while they got everything ready. I was given an iv port, or whatever, so that the iv was just plugged into that and then waited.
They sent him out and I waited.
Doctor came in and checked my computer and said hello and left.
The next visitor was a nurse who attached my iv and pushed my gurney out into the hall and down to surgery. I remember thinking,"How will she get those doors opened and push at the same time? Oh, yeah, the big button.
The next thing I remember is saying,"My legs feel shaky." and the answer was, "Yes, honey, they had them in stirrups." Which meant the procedure was over. and then they ran me down the hall and into the elevator and up to my room.
I stayed overnight and went home the next afternoon. I had maybe three pain medications and went home with a prescription for some pain meds, but shredded them after a week.
I had a pet scan, c/t scan and everything was clean.
I had three radiation treatments for prevention of return, which can happen, but hopefully won't. They were not hard either.
I have to tell you that I have felt way better after surgery than before. Especially just before.
God has been very good to me and I try very hard to be very good to Him. I give praise and credit where credit is due. I know that the surgeon and all those who attended me did the physical work to get me here, but God put me in the right place at the right time and He deserves to be given credit.
Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way.
Surgery is not a problem anymore. Just the bowel cleanse. Oh, yes, I had my annual physical after all this, with a new doctor and he was looking at my history and with a wicked grin, said,"Haven't had a colonoscopy, huh?"
I asked if a c/t, pet scan that showed only some diverticulosis would suffice.
He was disappointed. I was not.
I got to this diagnosis by way of ultrasound, biopsy and examination. By the time we got to the
biopsy I was sure there would be surgery involved. Why there would be surgery was not my fear. Surgery was my fear.
I think the reason that the cancer diagnosis wasn't a problem, was because that at every turn I was told that if you had to have cancer, this was the one to have, because the cure was elimination of the container of the cancer: removal of the uterus and accoutrements.
In other words, surgery. I had had none until now. Still have my tonsils, appendix and had all my children vaginally.
I was terrified. Would I feel good until the surgery and then rotten after? Yep. That was my interpretation. I was wrong.
Boy was I wrong. The surgery I had was done by the daVinci method, or robotic. Only three or four incisions and not much pain. Well, i vote for not much pain.
there was pre-op preparation. Meaning, bowel cleanse. If you have never had this, bless you. In my case it made me sick as in throwing up the last bit of wonderful go lightly. You don't go lightly, by the way. Anyway, I spent that day sitting, well, let us just say, that my bathroom and I got on really good terms.
I had to be up at 4 am to get showered, dressed and driven to the hospital, a 45 minute drive and be checked in by 5:30. Surgery was at 7:30am.
My husband and I managed to do this and then we waited while they got everything ready. I was given an iv port, or whatever, so that the iv was just plugged into that and then waited.
They sent him out and I waited.
Doctor came in and checked my computer and said hello and left.
The next visitor was a nurse who attached my iv and pushed my gurney out into the hall and down to surgery. I remember thinking,"How will she get those doors opened and push at the same time? Oh, yeah, the big button.
The next thing I remember is saying,"My legs feel shaky." and the answer was, "Yes, honey, they had them in stirrups." Which meant the procedure was over. and then they ran me down the hall and into the elevator and up to my room.
I stayed overnight and went home the next afternoon. I had maybe three pain medications and went home with a prescription for some pain meds, but shredded them after a week.
I had a pet scan, c/t scan and everything was clean.
I had three radiation treatments for prevention of return, which can happen, but hopefully won't. They were not hard either.
I have to tell you that I have felt way better after surgery than before. Especially just before.
God has been very good to me and I try very hard to be very good to Him. I give praise and credit where credit is due. I know that the surgeon and all those who attended me did the physical work to get me here, but God put me in the right place at the right time and He deserves to be given credit.
Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way.
Surgery is not a problem anymore. Just the bowel cleanse. Oh, yes, I had my annual physical after all this, with a new doctor and he was looking at my history and with a wicked grin, said,"Haven't had a colonoscopy, huh?"
I asked if a c/t, pet scan that showed only some diverticulosis would suffice.
He was disappointed. I was not.
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Week-end is Over
Well, the week-end is over and the Nelly concert went on without a hitch.
There were no incindents and Branson is still here. It seemed to be a help to the end of August economy here. When the kids go back to school, the visitors have somewhere else to be and so, from what I heard on the radio this morning, this helped fill the hole.
I think in my last post I said I don't care for Nelly, and I really don't. Will he be the reason that some will do harm to others? I hope not.
Now, perhaps we can go on to other matters in the press around here Like:
will the tomatoes last til the end of August or will I have to go buying them?
It really would be nice to have visiting stars back in Branson, and I know that there have been some, but to get into the habit of having a list of stars, be they whatever genre, would be nice. That said, remember we are a family friendly venue.
And it would be nicer still, if we welcomed them and treated them with the hillbilly hospitality for which we are famous.
Til next time, take care and God bless.
There were no incindents and Branson is still here. It seemed to be a help to the end of August economy here. When the kids go back to school, the visitors have somewhere else to be and so, from what I heard on the radio this morning, this helped fill the hole.
I think in my last post I said I don't care for Nelly, and I really don't. Will he be the reason that some will do harm to others? I hope not.
Now, perhaps we can go on to other matters in the press around here Like:
will the tomatoes last til the end of August or will I have to go buying them?
It really would be nice to have visiting stars back in Branson, and I know that there have been some, but to get into the habit of having a list of stars, be they whatever genre, would be nice. That said, remember we are a family friendly venue.
And it would be nicer still, if we welcomed them and treated them with the hillbilly hospitality for which we are famous.
Til next time, take care and God bless.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Nelly
Here in Branson there is to be a concert by the hip hop artist, Nelly, this week-end. It was not allowed to be outside at one of the theatres, so another one stepped up. It will now be held at an indoor venue.
There is a lot of talk going on about how we should be behaving toward this concert in the land of family entertainment known as Branson.
As a Christian, I cannot say I am in support of it, however, we live in the United States of America and we are free to attend this if we desire. Which I don't.
I think that anyone who opposes it should just state the facts: I don't support it because of his content and what I think his outlook on life is which is to be holding women and the law in contempt. I may be wrong. I will not tell someone else they should not attend. I will say that my underage children, if I had any would not attend.
I resent people trying to disrupt this concert in the name of Christ. I know he defended sinners while he was here on earth. He still does. I just think that if I believe it to be wrong, I should say so and leave it there.
I will pray for Nelly and his followers. Perhaps my information on the content of his songs is wrong, perhaps he has changed and is not the put
downer of women he was. I pray so.
There is a lot of talk going on about how we should be behaving toward this concert in the land of family entertainment known as Branson.
As a Christian, I cannot say I am in support of it, however, we live in the United States of America and we are free to attend this if we desire. Which I don't.
I think that anyone who opposes it should just state the facts: I don't support it because of his content and what I think his outlook on life is which is to be holding women and the law in contempt. I may be wrong. I will not tell someone else they should not attend. I will say that my underage children, if I had any would not attend.
I resent people trying to disrupt this concert in the name of Christ. I know he defended sinners while he was here on earth. He still does. I just think that if I believe it to be wrong, I should say so and leave it there.
I will pray for Nelly and his followers. Perhaps my information on the content of his songs is wrong, perhaps he has changed and is not the put
downer of women he was. I pray so.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Blogging
This is my first attempt at blogging and letting the world into my world.
I am retired from work, for now. i am married and we have three grown children and seven grandchildren and two great grandsons.
We live in the greatest entertainment area of Missouri: Branson. we love it here and enjoy all the things there are to do.
We go to shows, attend church and do the things you need to keep the house running well.
I am in the handbell choir as a sub and in the choir.
I think that is about it for today. see ya later.
I am retired from work, for now. i am married and we have three grown children and seven grandchildren and two great grandsons.
We live in the greatest entertainment area of Missouri: Branson. we love it here and enjoy all the things there are to do.
We go to shows, attend church and do the things you need to keep the house running well.
I am in the handbell choir as a sub and in the choir.
I think that is about it for today. see ya later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)