Are you gearing up for the big storm? Well, you are if you live around here! My dear friend, Patty called me this morning just to tell me how excited she was that her area may see up to 15" of the white stuff! The girl is crazy, I tell you. However, she spent many years living in Missouri, where an inch or two of snow closed schools for 2 days! She loves living near Lake Michigan where lake effect snow is abundant. I still say she's nuts. I can't enjoy snow storms the same way as when I was a kid. Now I worry about getting stuck, sliding off the road, falling, and losing power. Add to that 2 bored kids with a day off school and it can get ugly in a hurry! Truly, I hope we do get enough to close school for a couple of days.....I could really use a break!
Serena's fever spiked again last night, leaving me quite worried. She first got sick last Monday, and had been up and down with it ever since. So this morning I called the doc to see what we could do to help her. She was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, which explains the strange on again off again fever and sporadic cough. So, she's home until Thursday again this week. I'm hoping a couple of snow days will help to ward off tons of homework! She has a nice strong antibiotic and an inhaler, so I'm hoping she feels better soon.
So, I have missed 2 of Natalie's recent basketball games to be home with Serena. Daddy says she's been playing very well. They sure have a good team again this year! Serena will be missing her games this weekend, but because Daddy's coaching, we'll probably go and support the girls. They are really missing Serena's height! Oh, and Daddy will also be playing on a basketball team this winter. Now this I gotta see! :)
Over the next couple of weeks, I will be (Good Lord willing)finally painting Natalie's bedroom! She is turning 13 soon, and I told her I'd really try to get it done. She picked out a really beautiful color and comforter, all kind of a vintage-y style! She really wants a crystal chandelier, but wow, that's kind of expensive! We're going for a french chic boutique sort of vibe in there. She loves art, fashion, music, foreign language, and antiques. I am in heaven with this project! I promised her a trip to an antique store and she's pumped! She has already painted a canvas for her new room and it looks great.
Well, as we prepare to welcome (tolerate) the winter storm coming, I will be hunkering down with a new book. I have the new book, The 17 Day Diet by Dr. Mike Moreno. It doesn't sound like your typical fad diet book. I hope to learn some new things. Doc Phil has been featuring the book and results on his show, and it sounds interesting. We'll see...every diet has it's challenges! For one, the dieter involved!
So, that's the news for now. Stay warm and safe the next few days if you're a Michigander like me. If you're in Hawaii like my parents' neighbors, well, then I'm sooooo jealous!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thought #86
"Remember the day's blessings; forget the day's troubles."
Early American Proverb
(also known as "thought #86" on my daily thoughts calendar)
Today's blessings:
1. Serena's fever is down! She's home hanging with mom today. I love her company and I've needed that a lot lately.
2. Steve's dad's surgery went well and he is ready for more cookies from me...that's if Jean will let him have them!
3. My friend Pam! I have loved Pam from the first day I met her! She's real, true, a wonderful listener and Christian influence. She's funny, has great stories to share, and is a big prankster like me. Mostly, she has a great big heart for people, and she's always concerned about someone else. You're my blessing, Pammy!! Thank you for not giving up on me....ever!!
4. My hubby. He wants what's best for our family, and does whatever he can to accomplish that. He is our rock! (Well, besides God, but God did send Steve my way, of course)
5. My parents. They put themselves second to everyone else. Sometimes that takes its toll on them. I pray that they will one day have a dream getaway, as they have certainly needed that. I pray that all of their children will be healthy and wanting to give their lives to Christ.
That's not it for today, but I'm headed in to make Serena something special to eat...it will most certainly include a big dose of Mama's love.
Have a wonderful day, and Happy Birthday to my friend, Aimee! She should read my blog....it would make her laugh at me even more.
Be blessed!
Early American Proverb
(also known as "thought #86" on my daily thoughts calendar)
Today's blessings:
1. Serena's fever is down! She's home hanging with mom today. I love her company and I've needed that a lot lately.
2. Steve's dad's surgery went well and he is ready for more cookies from me...that's if Jean will let him have them!
3. My friend Pam! I have loved Pam from the first day I met her! She's real, true, a wonderful listener and Christian influence. She's funny, has great stories to share, and is a big prankster like me. Mostly, she has a great big heart for people, and she's always concerned about someone else. You're my blessing, Pammy!! Thank you for not giving up on me....ever!!
4. My hubby. He wants what's best for our family, and does whatever he can to accomplish that. He is our rock! (Well, besides God, but God did send Steve my way, of course)
5. My parents. They put themselves second to everyone else. Sometimes that takes its toll on them. I pray that they will one day have a dream getaway, as they have certainly needed that. I pray that all of their children will be healthy and wanting to give their lives to Christ.
That's not it for today, but I'm headed in to make Serena something special to eat...it will most certainly include a big dose of Mama's love.
Have a wonderful day, and Happy Birthday to my friend, Aimee! She should read my blog....it would make her laugh at me even more.
Be blessed!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tornado Expression
It's been quite a crazy week, and I'm trying to keep it together! Serena went back to school today, and called me to come back and get her at noon. She's still a bit under the weather. Well, some of you know what it's like to have a sick child home for a long period of time. It can be busy! Add to that my special needs dog, and I find myself quite beside myself at times. I'm behind in everything and running out of the essentials, dog food, laundry soap, toilet paper for Pete's sake! Everything is due this week, including 2 sets of basketball pictures, the Band Solo and Ensemble fee, and next week it's the balance due on the Toledo trip for both girls. Steve has been swamped at work, gets home late, and therefore has no time to pick things up for me or help out at night! When it rains, it pours.
Lots of procedures are going on in our family this week. My brother had an MRA today. His heart is pretty messed up. Apparently he has a mass of blood vessels that have grown together. This is the brother who is in recovery. My parents are running him to all of his appointments and trying to find people to help him move. (We've been gone or we'd be helping) My sister had a biopsy today, and Steve's father had his recently re-attached thumb removed today, as it would not heal. He had an accident a couple of weeks ago. So, that's just in my own family. I know there are a lot more things going on. I can be a bit too empathetic at times, feeling the pain of others way more than I probably should for my own sake. (bleeding heart?)
It gets overwhelming to know all these things are happening, though I know God is in control. I sometimes wonder why life has gotten so much more demanding and difficult. Why I seem to be spinning my wheels more than making progress. Why it seems everyone is struggling around me, and I feel completely helpless. Why it seems that we're never home or one of us is always running around for some reason. I can't help but reminisce over the "good old days" when I didn't go anywhere and everyone was healthy. When Steve took days off just to hang out with us. Those days just seem so far away now. Why didn't I appreciate that more? What am I missing now?
Maybe it's my Michigan state of mind. I do seem to need more sunlight than the average person. I tend to get down very easily this time of year, and maybe it's not as bad as it seems. I want to take things in stride and be joyful, yet truly, I just want the world to go away for awhile!! The other day as I was returning from dropping Natalie off somewhere, I thought to myself, "what would happen if I just kept driving?? I wonder where I would end up?" That's me, in "escape" mode. Fortunately for my family, I didn't have 2 dimes to rub together that day. I'm sure God meant for it to be that way!!
I spend so much time at home, working, working, working, and not having something else to focus on. I clean up after the kids, the dog, make dinner, keep the laundry up, go to the store, and on and on. I have not done anything fun for a very long time. You know what they say about all work and no play??? Makes me a bad, but relatable blogger.
I'm to the point where I don't know nor care who reads this anymore. I use it to express the way I feel so that my family doesn't get my complete breakdown! Writing is the best way I've always dealt with my feelings. So if no one reads it, no one comments, I don't care! It's out of me and into the air where it belongs. I know my honesty will reach someone. Maybe you'll see a bit of yourself in me. Maybe you'll be glad you're you and not me. Maybe you'll judge. Maybe you won't. Maybe I'll get this figured out before I have a hairy canary, as we call it around here.
So, I will leave it there, and leave it with God, who knows me better than I know myself. I've been pretty honest with him today too! You know what really helps me? When He sends someone to me to remind me that I'm not the only one who feels this way. When someone God recommends says exactly what I need to hear. I love to encourage, help, and minister to others, especially those caught in depression. However,sometimes I need to be ministered too as well. I'm so glad that God knows that.
Lots of procedures are going on in our family this week. My brother had an MRA today. His heart is pretty messed up. Apparently he has a mass of blood vessels that have grown together. This is the brother who is in recovery. My parents are running him to all of his appointments and trying to find people to help him move. (We've been gone or we'd be helping) My sister had a biopsy today, and Steve's father had his recently re-attached thumb removed today, as it would not heal. He had an accident a couple of weeks ago. So, that's just in my own family. I know there are a lot more things going on. I can be a bit too empathetic at times, feeling the pain of others way more than I probably should for my own sake. (bleeding heart?)
It gets overwhelming to know all these things are happening, though I know God is in control. I sometimes wonder why life has gotten so much more demanding and difficult. Why I seem to be spinning my wheels more than making progress. Why it seems everyone is struggling around me, and I feel completely helpless. Why it seems that we're never home or one of us is always running around for some reason. I can't help but reminisce over the "good old days" when I didn't go anywhere and everyone was healthy. When Steve took days off just to hang out with us. Those days just seem so far away now. Why didn't I appreciate that more? What am I missing now?
Maybe it's my Michigan state of mind. I do seem to need more sunlight than the average person. I tend to get down very easily this time of year, and maybe it's not as bad as it seems. I want to take things in stride and be joyful, yet truly, I just want the world to go away for awhile!! The other day as I was returning from dropping Natalie off somewhere, I thought to myself, "what would happen if I just kept driving?? I wonder where I would end up?" That's me, in "escape" mode. Fortunately for my family, I didn't have 2 dimes to rub together that day. I'm sure God meant for it to be that way!!
I spend so much time at home, working, working, working, and not having something else to focus on. I clean up after the kids, the dog, make dinner, keep the laundry up, go to the store, and on and on. I have not done anything fun for a very long time. You know what they say about all work and no play??? Makes me a bad, but relatable blogger.
I'm to the point where I don't know nor care who reads this anymore. I use it to express the way I feel so that my family doesn't get my complete breakdown! Writing is the best way I've always dealt with my feelings. So if no one reads it, no one comments, I don't care! It's out of me and into the air where it belongs. I know my honesty will reach someone. Maybe you'll see a bit of yourself in me. Maybe you'll be glad you're you and not me. Maybe you'll judge. Maybe you won't. Maybe I'll get this figured out before I have a hairy canary, as we call it around here.
So, I will leave it there, and leave it with God, who knows me better than I know myself. I've been pretty honest with him today too! You know what really helps me? When He sends someone to me to remind me that I'm not the only one who feels this way. When someone God recommends says exactly what I need to hear. I love to encourage, help, and minister to others, especially those caught in depression. However,sometimes I need to be ministered too as well. I'm so glad that God knows that.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Slow to Speak, Quick to Listen
Sometimes I don't know where my "place" is, but I certainly know where it is not! I spent some time in an online forum, where someone was inquiring as to why people give her such a hard time over being an atheist. And boy, did I take some punches with my response!
First of all, I was respectful, non-judgmental (though it was extremely difficult to remain that way), and patient. I wanted to answer the question in a way that would intrigue the person, not send her running. Be honest, some Christians can be overwhelming! Some people caress and some people punch you in the nose!
Well, my well-composed answer was still met with hostility, and it was, of course, because I wasn't agreeing with her. Sadly, many people chimed in with her, promoting the lifestyle. One even gave reasons why other people should stop believing in God.
I tried to remain in control, though I wanted to say some pretty pointed things back. Luckily, I have slow speed and it takes forever to get to where I want to go! In fact, the Lord was trying to tell me not to respond because my computer froze up both times I went back there to answer! "Be slow to speak, quick to listen..."
I wasn't the only Christian responding, but for some reason, I was taking most of the heat. It made me realize quickly that for me to be an effective witness, I really have to get my temper under control. Nothing makes me madder than someone dissing my God! Nothing! And it caught me at a time where I felt physically ill when I read the posts. I was crying inside, wanting to cry on the outside too. Wow. I can't even control my justified anger!
People tell you not to take it personally when someone doesn't agree with your beliefs. Oh, but I do. It's because the Lord resides in me that I do take it very much to heart. I know that I have to be strong when facing my allies and be the best witness I can be for Him. I do know that "it's not about me", but I am still being shaped for better use, I guess. Lots of rough edges to rub off!
I had to leave that forum, and permanently delete my membership. I just couldn't take it any more. I was becoming angry, judgmental, irritated, and ready for a smackdown.
I was so annoyed by the lack of intelligence, to be honest with you. A lack of wisdom. Huge lack of grace. Huge lack of knowledge. I guess it's what the world is full of, and God is not of this world. That is what makes it such a stunning contrast. I can only pray that those who have strayed and have in fact rejected God will somehow be brought back into the light. I really don't mean to sound as arrogant as that sort of came across, but I felt I was dealing with people who just wanted to ruffle feathers and not learn anything at all.
Can I remain objective about atheism? I guess not. I wish I was more understanding of others' beliefs, and to a point I am. The irony of it all was that the woman posted this question because her friends were turning their backs on her for her beliefs or giving her a hard time about it. If she really didn't care what they or anyone else thought, then why pose the question at all? Seems to me she had some cracks in her foundation. I can only hope.
For now I will work on my own cracks so that when faced with adversity, I can handle the heat!
First of all, I was respectful, non-judgmental (though it was extremely difficult to remain that way), and patient. I wanted to answer the question in a way that would intrigue the person, not send her running. Be honest, some Christians can be overwhelming! Some people caress and some people punch you in the nose!
Well, my well-composed answer was still met with hostility, and it was, of course, because I wasn't agreeing with her. Sadly, many people chimed in with her, promoting the lifestyle. One even gave reasons why other people should stop believing in God.
I tried to remain in control, though I wanted to say some pretty pointed things back. Luckily, I have slow speed and it takes forever to get to where I want to go! In fact, the Lord was trying to tell me not to respond because my computer froze up both times I went back there to answer! "Be slow to speak, quick to listen..."
I wasn't the only Christian responding, but for some reason, I was taking most of the heat. It made me realize quickly that for me to be an effective witness, I really have to get my temper under control. Nothing makes me madder than someone dissing my God! Nothing! And it caught me at a time where I felt physically ill when I read the posts. I was crying inside, wanting to cry on the outside too. Wow. I can't even control my justified anger!
People tell you not to take it personally when someone doesn't agree with your beliefs. Oh, but I do. It's because the Lord resides in me that I do take it very much to heart. I know that I have to be strong when facing my allies and be the best witness I can be for Him. I do know that "it's not about me", but I am still being shaped for better use, I guess. Lots of rough edges to rub off!
I had to leave that forum, and permanently delete my membership. I just couldn't take it any more. I was becoming angry, judgmental, irritated, and ready for a smackdown.
I was so annoyed by the lack of intelligence, to be honest with you. A lack of wisdom. Huge lack of grace. Huge lack of knowledge. I guess it's what the world is full of, and God is not of this world. That is what makes it such a stunning contrast. I can only pray that those who have strayed and have in fact rejected God will somehow be brought back into the light. I really don't mean to sound as arrogant as that sort of came across, but I felt I was dealing with people who just wanted to ruffle feathers and not learn anything at all.
Can I remain objective about atheism? I guess not. I wish I was more understanding of others' beliefs, and to a point I am. The irony of it all was that the woman posted this question because her friends were turning their backs on her for her beliefs or giving her a hard time about it. If she really didn't care what they or anyone else thought, then why pose the question at all? Seems to me she had some cracks in her foundation. I can only hope.
For now I will work on my own cracks so that when faced with adversity, I can handle the heat!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Mama Nurse
The girls had a planned day off school today, and the big fun was going to be baking strawberry cupcakes. Sounds innocent enough, right? Well, when I went upstairs to see why Serena wasn't coming down for breakfast, I found the poor dear sick in bed. She laid there, fingering her tattered baby blanket, with all three stuffed dogs tucked in beside her. Flashback to age 2, face flushed with fever, eyes puffy with sleep, mouth downturned and full, blankie and Rosie close by for comfort. I sighed. She's 11 now, but still my baby, especially when she's sick. In a weird mom sort of way, I enjoy nursing my sick kids back to health. I loved taking care of them when they were younger. I always did special things for them when they were sick. They began to look forward to getting the "yuk bucket", all decorated with stickers! Yeah, not so cute inside.... I enjoyed rubbing lotion on their legs and feet and bringing them fresh jammies. Even at 2 and 3 years old, it worked charms on their recovery! Moms are the best nursemaids...my mom was too!
So, I spent the day taking care of Reenie, making her a special bed on the couch and watching all her favorite shows. I served her slushy Vernors, medicine, cold cloths for her forehead (which she said felt "beautiful"), and played quiet music as she slept. When I would take her temperature, I would first test with the lips on the forehead (the mom method), and she would close her eyes, asking me to touch her forehead with my cold hands too. That too felt "beautiful".
Let me tell you what is beautiful. Loving someone so much that no matter how tired you are, how much work it is, or how inconvenient it may be, you would rather do nothing else than take care of them. And when that child looks up at you with glossy eyes and says, "thank you, mumma", it's the sweetest thing!
Of course, my well child says, "Stay away...I don't wanna get sick too!" We're working on her!
So, I spent the day taking care of Reenie, making her a special bed on the couch and watching all her favorite shows. I served her slushy Vernors, medicine, cold cloths for her forehead (which she said felt "beautiful"), and played quiet music as she slept. When I would take her temperature, I would first test with the lips on the forehead (the mom method), and she would close her eyes, asking me to touch her forehead with my cold hands too. That too felt "beautiful".
Let me tell you what is beautiful. Loving someone so much that no matter how tired you are, how much work it is, or how inconvenient it may be, you would rather do nothing else than take care of them. And when that child looks up at you with glossy eyes and says, "thank you, mumma", it's the sweetest thing!
Of course, my well child says, "Stay away...I don't wanna get sick too!" We're working on her!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
More blessings!
And the list still goes on...
1. Today was basketball Saturday...oh, wait. Every Saturday is basketball Saturday! And what fun it is! Serena is a blast to watch! Today she scored a beautiful 3 pointer! You go, Green! (Green is her coach-given nickname. Short for Jolly Green Giant, of course!)
2. After the game, one of the moms invited ALL of us to Buccilli's for her daughter's birthday party. The whole team went over and we had a great time. It is so nice to get together as parents too!
3. We came home from Harrison to a big box of yummy oranges from G & G. What a juicy treat.
4. I had a headache, but it went away with 2 excedrins!
5. It was freezing outside, but inside our home is a warm 64 degrees!
6. Natalie made it through exam week and even scored over 100% on two of them. She loves school and has great relationships with her teacher and her principal.
7. Sophie is doing well! She's still old and feeble, but as sweet as ever.
8. We had family night tonight. We didn't go anywhere! We made Michelle R's chicken bundles (or Sheekan "boondalays", as I pronounced it)for dinner and ate in the living room.
And more blessings are sure to come! It's a surefire way out of a funk in case you're looking for one. Count them all, one by one, and see all the wonderful things the Lord has done!
1. Today was basketball Saturday...oh, wait. Every Saturday is basketball Saturday! And what fun it is! Serena is a blast to watch! Today she scored a beautiful 3 pointer! You go, Green! (Green is her coach-given nickname. Short for Jolly Green Giant, of course!)
2. After the game, one of the moms invited ALL of us to Buccilli's for her daughter's birthday party. The whole team went over and we had a great time. It is so nice to get together as parents too!
3. We came home from Harrison to a big box of yummy oranges from G & G. What a juicy treat.
4. I had a headache, but it went away with 2 excedrins!
5. It was freezing outside, but inside our home is a warm 64 degrees!
6. Natalie made it through exam week and even scored over 100% on two of them. She loves school and has great relationships with her teacher and her principal.
7. Sophie is doing well! She's still old and feeble, but as sweet as ever.
8. We had family night tonight. We didn't go anywhere! We made Michelle R's chicken bundles (or Sheekan "boondalays", as I pronounced it)for dinner and ate in the living room.
And more blessings are sure to come! It's a surefire way out of a funk in case you're looking for one. Count them all, one by one, and see all the wonderful things the Lord has done!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Blessed Beyond Belief
And the list goes on...
1. Did you see the sky AGAIN this morning? Wow! Okay, that moon was amazing. It looked like a little circle of crushed tissue paper, surrounded by layers of indescribable sky colors. Orchids, pale blues, something like that only more gorgeous. I couldn't stop staring at it as we drove to school this morning! Hence, my trip in the ditch. Just kidding!
2. I accomplished a lot of cleaning today!
3. I had Big Apple Bagels for breakfast! And lunch! And maybe even dinner! What a treat. Thank you, sweet hubby.
4. My elliptical and I are getting along wonderfully! It's a good thing too. See #3
5. After thinking my daughter's basketball shoes were stolen, I was in despair. After all, it's expensive to buy them the first time! I prayed and asked God to find those shoes, and lo and behold, the coach had picked them up after the game and took them home! WHEW!
6. American Idol has begun! Something we all enjoy watching as a family.
7. Natalie and I are going to do "just dance 2" tonight while Daddy and Serena are at basketball practice. I'm gonna shake it and probably break it!
8. Panda hats and fake nerd glasses. I put on Serena's winter panda hat and her turquoise glasses from Claire's and tucked both girls in. I didn't realize they were glow in the dark glasses until Natalie screamed! Oops. The blessing? My girls still wanting to be tucked in! Oh, and being able to crack up my family. Steve laughed so hard when he saw me. I thought for sure he was going to lose it.
9. Classic TV. That may not sound like a blessing to you, but there is so much garbage on tv today! I look forward to the good old days of TV, including my Mary Tyler Moore DVD's!!
What are your blessings? You don't have to tell me, but make sure you know what they are!
1. Did you see the sky AGAIN this morning? Wow! Okay, that moon was amazing. It looked like a little circle of crushed tissue paper, surrounded by layers of indescribable sky colors. Orchids, pale blues, something like that only more gorgeous. I couldn't stop staring at it as we drove to school this morning! Hence, my trip in the ditch. Just kidding!
2. I accomplished a lot of cleaning today!
3. I had Big Apple Bagels for breakfast! And lunch! And maybe even dinner! What a treat. Thank you, sweet hubby.
4. My elliptical and I are getting along wonderfully! It's a good thing too. See #3
5. After thinking my daughter's basketball shoes were stolen, I was in despair. After all, it's expensive to buy them the first time! I prayed and asked God to find those shoes, and lo and behold, the coach had picked them up after the game and took them home! WHEW!
6. American Idol has begun! Something we all enjoy watching as a family.
7. Natalie and I are going to do "just dance 2" tonight while Daddy and Serena are at basketball practice. I'm gonna shake it and probably break it!
8. Panda hats and fake nerd glasses. I put on Serena's winter panda hat and her turquoise glasses from Claire's and tucked both girls in. I didn't realize they were glow in the dark glasses until Natalie screamed! Oops. The blessing? My girls still wanting to be tucked in! Oh, and being able to crack up my family. Steve laughed so hard when he saw me. I thought for sure he was going to lose it.
9. Classic TV. That may not sound like a blessing to you, but there is so much garbage on tv today! I look forward to the good old days of TV, including my Mary Tyler Moore DVD's!!
What are your blessings? You don't have to tell me, but make sure you know what they are!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Neighborhood Blessings
I'm back at it...posting my blessings on a regular basis! Here are just a few:
1. The Lindor truffles my husband leaves me by the coffee pot each morning. I so look forward to my chocolate every day. What a pick-me-up!
2. Two new tires on my van. On the day we had awful roads in the morning, I slipped, slid, and even got stuck just trying to get the kids to school and back. Now I can zip out and barrel through anything! What a relief!
3. The conversation I had with my mom this morning. When I told her about feeling like baking soda and being attacked with doses of vinegar, she said, "that's a great analogy, but remember, that combination goes flat in a hurry! The bubbling up doesn't last long at all!" So wise and aptly spoken.
4. Sophie may be a handful for me to take care of, but I look forward to cuddling with her on the floor every day. I look into her little cataract-filled eyes, rub her fluffy face and tell her how much I love her. Who knows how much time she has left, but I've had her for 15 years. That's a blessing. Pee and poo cleanup? Not so much. :(
5. My brother is moving into his new apartment this week. He has been sober since May! They have recently discovered some serious medical issues that will send him to Ann Arbor, BUT, he is doing what he needs to do to get healthy. That is a blessing I never thought would be! He needs lots of prayer if anyone feels inclined. (thank you in advance)
6. Natalie only got to play for a few short minutes at her game last night. She was okay with it, after all, she had to miss practice for a dr. appointment on Tuesday. The good news was we beat Sacred Heart!
7. I got to have dinner with my hubby alone last night! We nearly had the small pizza place to ourselves, and it was nice to catch up. He knows I've been hurting, and has done nothing but be supportive. Add that to a warm goey calzone, and who could be upset, right?
8. I have discovered that by clearing out some stuff in the basement, I have quite a nice walking track down there! When I'm stressed, I do some time on the elliptical while watching TV, then I walk/jog around the basement. When I'm done,I feel refreshed and positive.
9. Did anyone see that beautiful sky this morning?? I was so mesmerized that I actually sang out in the car to my girls, "God, you light up the sky cuz you're so cool...no one else can do it, God, you rule!!" I did it in a rap fashion, which I thought was great! Natalie said, yeah, we might play that at youth group sometime! It was pink, gold, and orange with this steamy looking white cloudishness surrounding it. Wow!
10. My family will all be together tonight. Nat gets done with practice at 5, and then we will be able to sit down and have dinner together! It is a rarity while the girls are in sports, but we really appreciate being able to spend that special time together. It blesses me to not be running all over the place too!
I was only going to post 5 blessings, but it's clear that I have way more than 10. Praise the Lord for reminding me that I have great blessings to focus on each day because of HIM!
1. The Lindor truffles my husband leaves me by the coffee pot each morning. I so look forward to my chocolate every day. What a pick-me-up!
2. Two new tires on my van. On the day we had awful roads in the morning, I slipped, slid, and even got stuck just trying to get the kids to school and back. Now I can zip out and barrel through anything! What a relief!
3. The conversation I had with my mom this morning. When I told her about feeling like baking soda and being attacked with doses of vinegar, she said, "that's a great analogy, but remember, that combination goes flat in a hurry! The bubbling up doesn't last long at all!" So wise and aptly spoken.
4. Sophie may be a handful for me to take care of, but I look forward to cuddling with her on the floor every day. I look into her little cataract-filled eyes, rub her fluffy face and tell her how much I love her. Who knows how much time she has left, but I've had her for 15 years. That's a blessing. Pee and poo cleanup? Not so much. :(
5. My brother is moving into his new apartment this week. He has been sober since May! They have recently discovered some serious medical issues that will send him to Ann Arbor, BUT, he is doing what he needs to do to get healthy. That is a blessing I never thought would be! He needs lots of prayer if anyone feels inclined. (thank you in advance)
6. Natalie only got to play for a few short minutes at her game last night. She was okay with it, after all, she had to miss practice for a dr. appointment on Tuesday. The good news was we beat Sacred Heart!
7. I got to have dinner with my hubby alone last night! We nearly had the small pizza place to ourselves, and it was nice to catch up. He knows I've been hurting, and has done nothing but be supportive. Add that to a warm goey calzone, and who could be upset, right?
8. I have discovered that by clearing out some stuff in the basement, I have quite a nice walking track down there! When I'm stressed, I do some time on the elliptical while watching TV, then I walk/jog around the basement. When I'm done,I feel refreshed and positive.
9. Did anyone see that beautiful sky this morning?? I was so mesmerized that I actually sang out in the car to my girls, "God, you light up the sky cuz you're so cool...no one else can do it, God, you rule!!" I did it in a rap fashion, which I thought was great! Natalie said, yeah, we might play that at youth group sometime! It was pink, gold, and orange with this steamy looking white cloudishness surrounding it. Wow!
10. My family will all be together tonight. Nat gets done with practice at 5, and then we will be able to sit down and have dinner together! It is a rarity while the girls are in sports, but we really appreciate being able to spend that special time together. It blesses me to not be running all over the place too!
I was only going to post 5 blessings, but it's clear that I have way more than 10. Praise the Lord for reminding me that I have great blessings to focus on each day because of HIM!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
S.A.D
I always regret saying out loud that I am studying something new. As soon as I talk about weight loss, I gain. As soon as I begin a study on being positive, my acid tests begin.
I have had a week from you know where, and it's not funny. I am finding it hard to be humorous about anything that has happened. Some of it is just life's many annoying situations, and a couple of them are pretty serious and involve the health of 2 close family members. When I'm feeling strong and capable, I can handle these things. I haven't felt either of those things for awhile. Suffice it to say, I don't feel like "me" at all these days.
I have felt like a bucket of baking soda, and vinegar is slowly being added to me. I have felt helpless, angry, defeated. And that was all in one day!
I have struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, yet I haven't spoken about it candidly. I find that once you admit it, people begin to judge. People like to do that. Well, I'm here to tell you that things are not always as easy to judge as you think.
Some of us struggle with these things because chemically we get a little messed up at times. Sometimes it's a chemical thing, but then life gets a little dig in here and there, and it becomes a bigger thing. It really becomes a struggle to stay afloat sometimes. It is nothing to be ashamed of, yet it is a lonely place to be. Some of the hardest people to talk to about this are other Christians!
Does this mean I'm not close enough to God? That I don't know the Word of God well enough? That I don't appreciate my blessings? A resounding NO, and shame on anyone who judges another person who struggles with anxiety and depression. NO ONE knows how this feels until they've been through the fire themselves.
I have to ask God daily for grace. For peace. For lots of help! For tolerance of the things that are driving me bonkers! And He is taking me through the fire in His perfect timing, showing me what I'm made of along the way. Sometimes it doesn't feel like I'm made of much at all! I feel weak, but I know with God, I am strong! It is those promises that keep me looking forward and not giving up.
It is a conscious, minute by minute effort to focus on what I KNOW to be true, rather than how I FEEL. That is how difficult it has been. I want you to know that if you struggle with anxiety or depression, you are not alone. I have many friends and acquaintances who struggle as well. This just tells me that there are lots of "Jobs" (Job from the Bible, that is) out there, and look how that turned out!
I'm trying, friends. I'm trying, but if I can tell you anything for certain, it's that no matter how much or how hard I try, I will not get through anything without God's strength!
I have had a week from you know where, and it's not funny. I am finding it hard to be humorous about anything that has happened. Some of it is just life's many annoying situations, and a couple of them are pretty serious and involve the health of 2 close family members. When I'm feeling strong and capable, I can handle these things. I haven't felt either of those things for awhile. Suffice it to say, I don't feel like "me" at all these days.
I have felt like a bucket of baking soda, and vinegar is slowly being added to me. I have felt helpless, angry, defeated. And that was all in one day!
I have struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, yet I haven't spoken about it candidly. I find that once you admit it, people begin to judge. People like to do that. Well, I'm here to tell you that things are not always as easy to judge as you think.
Some of us struggle with these things because chemically we get a little messed up at times. Sometimes it's a chemical thing, but then life gets a little dig in here and there, and it becomes a bigger thing. It really becomes a struggle to stay afloat sometimes. It is nothing to be ashamed of, yet it is a lonely place to be. Some of the hardest people to talk to about this are other Christians!
Does this mean I'm not close enough to God? That I don't know the Word of God well enough? That I don't appreciate my blessings? A resounding NO, and shame on anyone who judges another person who struggles with anxiety and depression. NO ONE knows how this feels until they've been through the fire themselves.
I have to ask God daily for grace. For peace. For lots of help! For tolerance of the things that are driving me bonkers! And He is taking me through the fire in His perfect timing, showing me what I'm made of along the way. Sometimes it doesn't feel like I'm made of much at all! I feel weak, but I know with God, I am strong! It is those promises that keep me looking forward and not giving up.
It is a conscious, minute by minute effort to focus on what I KNOW to be true, rather than how I FEEL. That is how difficult it has been. I want you to know that if you struggle with anxiety or depression, you are not alone. I have many friends and acquaintances who struggle as well. This just tells me that there are lots of "Jobs" (Job from the Bible, that is) out there, and look how that turned out!
I'm trying, friends. I'm trying, but if I can tell you anything for certain, it's that no matter how much or how hard I try, I will not get through anything without God's strength!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Nothing But Net Around Here
It's a whole lotta double dribbling around here, as both girls are playing basketball this year! Serena plays on Saturdays at various schools, and Natalie plays for the 7th grade team on Mondays and Wednesdays. In between the "mom shuttle" runs kids to and from practice. Some aren't even my own! I'm always washing uniforms, practice clothes, and socks, or packing snacks, making quick dinners, and helping with ponytails! Thankfully it's a short season and then we're done with sports for awhile.
Serena stands almost a foot taller than her 5th grade counterparts, and that puts her at quite an advantage. Or so we thought! Some of the girls from the other schools are not only as tall, but they also outweigh her by at least 40-50 pounds! Suddenly being tall is a not always an advantage, but a challenge as well! Serena got pushed around pretty good during the games on Saturday by a girl we nicknamed "Gorgonzola", for no reason at all but that we didn't know her name. We love cheese around here. Anyway, the G really got tough with Serena and I could see Serena not only holding her back, but really making her mad! When I had a chance to talk to Serena, she said, "she's grunting at me, mom!" That was just too funny! We call Serena "bruiser" around here, and it's a good thing she has attitude when she needs it. It will surely help her athletically!
Natalie and her team won their first game last night! It was certainly amazing to watch the coach play all 12 or 13 girls, giving everyone a chance to play! It is really fun to see how far the girls have come. I've been watching them since preschool!
The party I mentioned in a previous post about friendship was also to be on Saturday. Well, I ended up having a blast sitting in the stands with all the other parents, laughing and cheering our kids on together! Maybe it turned out for the best after all. I didn't even think about missing that party until a few days later.
Well, I'm off to find the basketball socks that need to be washed for tomorrow night's away game! My life is so exciting, isn't it??
Serena stands almost a foot taller than her 5th grade counterparts, and that puts her at quite an advantage. Or so we thought! Some of the girls from the other schools are not only as tall, but they also outweigh her by at least 40-50 pounds! Suddenly being tall is a not always an advantage, but a challenge as well! Serena got pushed around pretty good during the games on Saturday by a girl we nicknamed "Gorgonzola", for no reason at all but that we didn't know her name. We love cheese around here. Anyway, the G really got tough with Serena and I could see Serena not only holding her back, but really making her mad! When I had a chance to talk to Serena, she said, "she's grunting at me, mom!" That was just too funny! We call Serena "bruiser" around here, and it's a good thing she has attitude when she needs it. It will surely help her athletically!
Natalie and her team won their first game last night! It was certainly amazing to watch the coach play all 12 or 13 girls, giving everyone a chance to play! It is really fun to see how far the girls have come. I've been watching them since preschool!
The party I mentioned in a previous post about friendship was also to be on Saturday. Well, I ended up having a blast sitting in the stands with all the other parents, laughing and cheering our kids on together! Maybe it turned out for the best after all. I didn't even think about missing that party until a few days later.
Well, I'm off to find the basketball socks that need to be washed for tomorrow night's away game! My life is so exciting, isn't it??
Monday, January 17, 2011
Positive Power
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peaceloving, considerate, submissive,full of mercy and good fruit,impartial and sincere. James 3:17
As my daily devotional, I'm reading "The Power of a Positive Woman" by Karol Ladd. It was a birthday gift from a good friend of mine. The first thing I said when I opened it was, "Oh, I so need this! I have such a hard time staying positive sometimes!" The two women in the room echoed in together with a resounding, "So do we. It's hard!" So it's not just me!
I can be negative, and it's usually when I'm being pushed beyond my reasonable limits. It's when everything seems to be going wrong. It's when I'm just about ready to throw in the towel and one more thing happens! I try to catch myself when I'm starting in on the negative thoughts, but sometimes I can be so stubborn and uncontrollable! I just let 'er rip! Let me tell you, it has never served me well. It has never solved my problem. It has never made me a better person! It just helps me wallow in it and become even more negative!
Do I really think this book is going to help me? Probably not and here's why. I can do nothing without God's help, and if I don't ask Him for help, it will never change no matter how many books I read. One of the things the book talked about was wisdom. It seems to me a wise woman wouldn't be negative, right? A wise woman knows what the Word of God says and does it!
So, one thing that stuck with me was James 3:17, which explains the qualities of wisdom from heaven vs. wisdom from man. When you are asking someone for input or advice, this is a great "checklist" to see if they are really giving you solid advice based on heavenly wisdom. So here it is:
Is it pure?
Peace-loving?
considerate?
submissive?
full of mercy and good fruit?
impartial?
sincere?
It made me realize how often I give advice that doesn't always cover these areas, and how following that Biblical outline can help me stick with more Godly advice. The result? A positive answer from a positive person! Positive results!
And I'll just have to leave it there before I say anything negative!
As my daily devotional, I'm reading "The Power of a Positive Woman" by Karol Ladd. It was a birthday gift from a good friend of mine. The first thing I said when I opened it was, "Oh, I so need this! I have such a hard time staying positive sometimes!" The two women in the room echoed in together with a resounding, "So do we. It's hard!" So it's not just me!
I can be negative, and it's usually when I'm being pushed beyond my reasonable limits. It's when everything seems to be going wrong. It's when I'm just about ready to throw in the towel and one more thing happens! I try to catch myself when I'm starting in on the negative thoughts, but sometimes I can be so stubborn and uncontrollable! I just let 'er rip! Let me tell you, it has never served me well. It has never solved my problem. It has never made me a better person! It just helps me wallow in it and become even more negative!
Do I really think this book is going to help me? Probably not and here's why. I can do nothing without God's help, and if I don't ask Him for help, it will never change no matter how many books I read. One of the things the book talked about was wisdom. It seems to me a wise woman wouldn't be negative, right? A wise woman knows what the Word of God says and does it!
So, one thing that stuck with me was James 3:17, which explains the qualities of wisdom from heaven vs. wisdom from man. When you are asking someone for input or advice, this is a great "checklist" to see if they are really giving you solid advice based on heavenly wisdom. So here it is:
Is it pure?
Peace-loving?
considerate?
submissive?
full of mercy and good fruit?
impartial?
sincere?
It made me realize how often I give advice that doesn't always cover these areas, and how following that Biblical outline can help me stick with more Godly advice. The result? A positive answer from a positive person! Positive results!
And I'll just have to leave it there before I say anything negative!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Cold Wars
Since the cold weather hit, I have a new battle on my hands. Miss Serena has decided that wearing winter accessories, such as boots, hats, mittens, and zipped up coats is not cool. So uncool, in fact, that she often "forgets" these items each school day.
Mornings around here can be pretty hectic, with Sophie requiring extra help to get outside, then back in, and sometimes leaving me messes to deal with first thing. Breakfast needs to happen, lunches need made, athletic bags are packed, and the hair...oh, the hair.
It can be very easy to get frazzled, jump in the van, and wait until we're 5 minutes down the road to notice what everyone has on. "Hey, Serena, where is your hat, your mittens, and your boots?" I get the same answer each time, which has finally driven me insane. "I don't know. Maybe in my locker. Maybe in my bag." I then reply, "No! They belong on your body!! How many times do I have to go over this before you get it? It is cold. (then I announce the actual temperature for good measure)You need to wear these things! What kind of mother lets her kid go to school the way you do? A bad one, that's who, and that bad mom is me when you forget!!!" Sigh. Eyeroll. And that's just MY response.
Yesterday was my breaking point. I had been up nearly all night, as my dear pooch, Sophie was having tummy troubles, and was very restless. After lifting her 50 pound body in and out of the house 4 times in 15 minutes just for her to eat snow, I was wide awake. And not happy about it. Come morning, I was exhausted and rough around the edges, shall we say. I took the kids to school in a bit of a fog, thinking I would lie down as soon as I got home. Instead, I arrived back at home, walked into the kitchen and there sat Serena's lunch on the bar. There by the door were her boots,mittens, and hat. I was too tired to really react, so I told Sophie, who was waiting to go out again, "I just can't do this today, buddy."
I did it anyway. I drove back into town 7 miles, had Miss Corky call Miss Reenie down to the office, then stood and chatted while I waited. Along came my dear friend Sara, and I joked as I held up the forgotten items. Apparently her son is very uncool, as he still wears snow pants. Lucky her! She agreed to be my "spy" and make sure Serena put her warm things on for recess. We moms have to stick together. Serena made her way to the office, and I explained to her that I didn't appreciate having to drive all the way back into town, and if I found out that she wasn't wearing her warm things, her fashion boots were going to disappear. That got her attention. She's very into those boots. Those boots are my currency! Sure enough, when I picked her up from school later, she was all bundled up.
That was yesterday. Today was another story. Today she got out of the car in her unbuttoned pea coat and untied clunky birthday shoes. It's gym day, I thought, as she trudged through the snowy playground. Her gym shoes are in the garage, a granola bar wrapper still tucked inside. Her hat, boots, and mittens are in a secret location, as I couldn't even find them. Maybe they're in her backpack. Maybe they're in her locker. Maybe I'm tired of this!! I saw her cute little classmate hop out of her mom's truck this morning, sporting a fuzzy pink hat, mittens, and snow boots. She looked back at her mom and with a big smile, threw her a wave that would warm any mom's heart. For one second, I thought, "Now, why can't that be MY kid today?" But no, my owly kid jumped out of the car to walk with her pink-hatted friend with her pea coat flapping and shoe laces dragging in the snow. The same shoes she would have to wear for gym. Sigh. She's my kid. Cold but cool. I waved a mittened hand to her back and drove away.
When I got home, I took the fashion boots, put them on and walked them right into my closet where they will stay for a week. I may even take the i-pod as my exclamation point.
Recently, my older brother Jeff asked me, "Who is Serena more like--you or her dad?" I smiled and answered, "Oh, definitely her dad. His mom tells me he was a handful and a bundle of energy. He's forgetful and a bit of a stinker too." Jeff gave me a funny, sarcastic look and smiled, not saying a word. Well, at least I wore my hat to school.
Mornings around here can be pretty hectic, with Sophie requiring extra help to get outside, then back in, and sometimes leaving me messes to deal with first thing. Breakfast needs to happen, lunches need made, athletic bags are packed, and the hair...oh, the hair.
It can be very easy to get frazzled, jump in the van, and wait until we're 5 minutes down the road to notice what everyone has on. "Hey, Serena, where is your hat, your mittens, and your boots?" I get the same answer each time, which has finally driven me insane. "I don't know. Maybe in my locker. Maybe in my bag." I then reply, "No! They belong on your body!! How many times do I have to go over this before you get it? It is cold. (then I announce the actual temperature for good measure)You need to wear these things! What kind of mother lets her kid go to school the way you do? A bad one, that's who, and that bad mom is me when you forget!!!" Sigh. Eyeroll. And that's just MY response.
Yesterday was my breaking point. I had been up nearly all night, as my dear pooch, Sophie was having tummy troubles, and was very restless. After lifting her 50 pound body in and out of the house 4 times in 15 minutes just for her to eat snow, I was wide awake. And not happy about it. Come morning, I was exhausted and rough around the edges, shall we say. I took the kids to school in a bit of a fog, thinking I would lie down as soon as I got home. Instead, I arrived back at home, walked into the kitchen and there sat Serena's lunch on the bar. There by the door were her boots,mittens, and hat. I was too tired to really react, so I told Sophie, who was waiting to go out again, "I just can't do this today, buddy."
I did it anyway. I drove back into town 7 miles, had Miss Corky call Miss Reenie down to the office, then stood and chatted while I waited. Along came my dear friend Sara, and I joked as I held up the forgotten items. Apparently her son is very uncool, as he still wears snow pants. Lucky her! She agreed to be my "spy" and make sure Serena put her warm things on for recess. We moms have to stick together. Serena made her way to the office, and I explained to her that I didn't appreciate having to drive all the way back into town, and if I found out that she wasn't wearing her warm things, her fashion boots were going to disappear. That got her attention. She's very into those boots. Those boots are my currency! Sure enough, when I picked her up from school later, she was all bundled up.
That was yesterday. Today was another story. Today she got out of the car in her unbuttoned pea coat and untied clunky birthday shoes. It's gym day, I thought, as she trudged through the snowy playground. Her gym shoes are in the garage, a granola bar wrapper still tucked inside. Her hat, boots, and mittens are in a secret location, as I couldn't even find them. Maybe they're in her backpack. Maybe they're in her locker. Maybe I'm tired of this!! I saw her cute little classmate hop out of her mom's truck this morning, sporting a fuzzy pink hat, mittens, and snow boots. She looked back at her mom and with a big smile, threw her a wave that would warm any mom's heart. For one second, I thought, "Now, why can't that be MY kid today?" But no, my owly kid jumped out of the car to walk with her pink-hatted friend with her pea coat flapping and shoe laces dragging in the snow. The same shoes she would have to wear for gym. Sigh. She's my kid. Cold but cool. I waved a mittened hand to her back and drove away.
When I got home, I took the fashion boots, put them on and walked them right into my closet where they will stay for a week. I may even take the i-pod as my exclamation point.
Recently, my older brother Jeff asked me, "Who is Serena more like--you or her dad?" I smiled and answered, "Oh, definitely her dad. His mom tells me he was a handful and a bundle of energy. He's forgetful and a bit of a stinker too." Jeff gave me a funny, sarcastic look and smiled, not saying a word. Well, at least I wore my hat to school.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Mama Steamroller
My girls and I had been doing a little "head butting" right before Christmas. It seemed all they wanted to do was be lazy! They were even being a little sassy, which just does not fly with me well at all. Sassy! Oh, really? I don't think so, girls. That's a call to action, for sure.
It was December 23rd, around 9:30am, and I decided the girls had slept in long enough. I had been picking up their little messy piles here and there and had myself worked up into a lather. I didn't feel like going all the way upstairs, wading through the sea of junk to rattle them at their bedsides, so I thought of something better!
I love my stereo in the living room...it's got really great speakers. "Bose" speakers, capable of waking the neighbors a half mile away if necessary. See where I'm going with this yet? (Maniacal laughter) I pulled out my stash of Christmas CDs, hearing the angel choir as I found my Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas. Perfect! I popped it in, cranked it up and smiled mischievously to my sleeping dog. JOY TO THE WORLD!!! cranked out in a crazy pop techno instrumental that honestly hurt my ears, but it was great! Nice and loud. I laughed out loud to myself and decided to sing along...I waited...any minute now....hmmmm...nothin'.
I progressed to my other favorite Christmas CDs, keeping my eyes glancing upwards toward the stairs, waiting for my victims, I mean, children, to come down. It wasn't until the glorious "Christmas with the Chipmunks" bellowed out that I got my desired result.
The girls came shuffling downstairs, hair messy, eyes puffy, looking at me like I had just hit them with a bright spotlight. "Good morning, girls!" I announced way too cheerfully. "What brings you down here so early?" Serena, that funny chick, said the golden line. "Um, I heard some really bad drums and out of tune music playing. I thought I was having a nightmare."
"Oh, no, that was just my Christmas music, silly. I was trying to get us in the spirit!" Natalie, a little wiser to my ways, said, "Really? I thought you were just trying to get us up."
"Who, me? Goodness, no, silly. I was just celebrating a bit. Glad you're up, though!" I laughed possibly a bit more maniacally than I had planned, but they didn't seem to notice.
The girls wanted to go shopping for Christmas that day, and I knew it was going to take a lot to get them out the door. So, I devised yet another plan. "Hey, girls, you want to go shopping, right? How about this....you sing me a Christmas song, do the motions to it, and we'll go. You don't have to do chores before we go. It'll be easy. I"ll pick the song." Of course they didn't agree to it, so I said, "let me show you what I mean!"
I popped in a very old Brenda Lee song called, "I'm gonna lasso Santa Claus", and proceeded to pretend to ride my horse, swing my lasso, squirt Santa, tug his beard, tickle his tummy....all the while singing at the top of my lungs!! Though I'm sure I was laughable enough, what really cracked me up was the look on my darling daughter's faces. Still sleepy-eyed, slack-jawed, messy-haired, and now shell-shocked too. It was too funny and I couldn't stop laughing. They thought I was laughing at myself, which was even funnier!
The phone rang at that moment, and the girls most certainly thought they were off the hook, but I said to them, "Keep practicing, girls. I'll finish up with this call and then I'll watch your performance." I think I heard one of them say, "Is she nuts or what?", as I went to catch the ringing phone.
"Hello? Oh, hi honey (hubby)...what am I doing? Well, I'm torturing the kids again. Yup...they don't want to do their chores, so I'm making them perform a Brenda Lee song for me...yeah, I know it's a little crazy..yup, well, I really have to go, but I'll call and let you know how it turns out. I have to stick to my guns today or I'll lose 'em." Stickin' to my guns, mama cowboy style!
Ultimately, the girls refused to do the song, citing "ridiculousness" as their reason. I was sorely disappointed, but I sent them to do chores instead, cranking up a little Johnny Mathis as they left the room. When the girls announced that my music was "weird", I threatened to put on the Disney Christmas CD, and would put Tigger's song on "repeat" for the rest of the day.
Who would have thought raising pre-teen girls would be so much like a variety show, right? Some days the show is a hit, some days it just has to go on, no matter what! Some days are harmonious, and some days are clinkers. Most days I am Carol Burnett, some days I am Carrot Top, minus the red hair on both counts. No matter what kind of day we have, whether everyone is doing their part, or no one seems to be helping out, the show does go on! And at the end, I get to sing!
** This post is lovingly dedicated to my Grandma, Mamie Brown, who passed in her sleep as we attended a children's Christmas program on the morning of December 23, 2007. Enjoy the angel choirs, Grandma! We miss you! **
It was December 23rd, around 9:30am, and I decided the girls had slept in long enough. I had been picking up their little messy piles here and there and had myself worked up into a lather. I didn't feel like going all the way upstairs, wading through the sea of junk to rattle them at their bedsides, so I thought of something better!
I love my stereo in the living room...it's got really great speakers. "Bose" speakers, capable of waking the neighbors a half mile away if necessary. See where I'm going with this yet? (Maniacal laughter) I pulled out my stash of Christmas CDs, hearing the angel choir as I found my Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas. Perfect! I popped it in, cranked it up and smiled mischievously to my sleeping dog. JOY TO THE WORLD!!! cranked out in a crazy pop techno instrumental that honestly hurt my ears, but it was great! Nice and loud. I laughed out loud to myself and decided to sing along...I waited...any minute now....hmmmm...nothin'.
I progressed to my other favorite Christmas CDs, keeping my eyes glancing upwards toward the stairs, waiting for my victims, I mean, children, to come down. It wasn't until the glorious "Christmas with the Chipmunks" bellowed out that I got my desired result.
The girls came shuffling downstairs, hair messy, eyes puffy, looking at me like I had just hit them with a bright spotlight. "Good morning, girls!" I announced way too cheerfully. "What brings you down here so early?" Serena, that funny chick, said the golden line. "Um, I heard some really bad drums and out of tune music playing. I thought I was having a nightmare."
"Oh, no, that was just my Christmas music, silly. I was trying to get us in the spirit!" Natalie, a little wiser to my ways, said, "Really? I thought you were just trying to get us up."
"Who, me? Goodness, no, silly. I was just celebrating a bit. Glad you're up, though!" I laughed possibly a bit more maniacally than I had planned, but they didn't seem to notice.
The girls wanted to go shopping for Christmas that day, and I knew it was going to take a lot to get them out the door. So, I devised yet another plan. "Hey, girls, you want to go shopping, right? How about this....you sing me a Christmas song, do the motions to it, and we'll go. You don't have to do chores before we go. It'll be easy. I"ll pick the song." Of course they didn't agree to it, so I said, "let me show you what I mean!"
I popped in a very old Brenda Lee song called, "I'm gonna lasso Santa Claus", and proceeded to pretend to ride my horse, swing my lasso, squirt Santa, tug his beard, tickle his tummy....all the while singing at the top of my lungs!! Though I'm sure I was laughable enough, what really cracked me up was the look on my darling daughter's faces. Still sleepy-eyed, slack-jawed, messy-haired, and now shell-shocked too. It was too funny and I couldn't stop laughing. They thought I was laughing at myself, which was even funnier!
The phone rang at that moment, and the girls most certainly thought they were off the hook, but I said to them, "Keep practicing, girls. I'll finish up with this call and then I'll watch your performance." I think I heard one of them say, "Is she nuts or what?", as I went to catch the ringing phone.
"Hello? Oh, hi honey (hubby)...what am I doing? Well, I'm torturing the kids again. Yup...they don't want to do their chores, so I'm making them perform a Brenda Lee song for me...yeah, I know it's a little crazy..yup, well, I really have to go, but I'll call and let you know how it turns out. I have to stick to my guns today or I'll lose 'em." Stickin' to my guns, mama cowboy style!
Ultimately, the girls refused to do the song, citing "ridiculousness" as their reason. I was sorely disappointed, but I sent them to do chores instead, cranking up a little Johnny Mathis as they left the room. When the girls announced that my music was "weird", I threatened to put on the Disney Christmas CD, and would put Tigger's song on "repeat" for the rest of the day.
Who would have thought raising pre-teen girls would be so much like a variety show, right? Some days the show is a hit, some days it just has to go on, no matter what! Some days are harmonious, and some days are clinkers. Most days I am Carol Burnett, some days I am Carrot Top, minus the red hair on both counts. No matter what kind of day we have, whether everyone is doing their part, or no one seems to be helping out, the show does go on! And at the end, I get to sing!
** This post is lovingly dedicated to my Grandma, Mamie Brown, who passed in her sleep as we attended a children's Christmas program on the morning of December 23, 2007. Enjoy the angel choirs, Grandma! We miss you! **
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Little Friendship, A Lot of Work
"Be Slow to fall into friendship, but when thou art in, continue firm and constant." Socrates
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
I have to admit, I have few friends and lots of acquaintances. I'm not always happy about that. I'm a little down about a situation that happened with a friend recently, and I've been keeping it to myself out of a bit of embarassment, and possibly some anger/hurt. I'm sharing it in hopes that it will help me to overcome some of these friendship issues I have. And I know already that I really should talk to her about it, but we've gone down that road before, and it wasn't helpful at all.
We get together with a group of friends for an impromptu holiday party each year and it's something we all look forward to, especially the kids. Well, this year the date was chosen and it happened to be on a day we could not make it. I was disheartened, but I thought, well, these things happen. It's just that I hadn't been able to spend ANY time with this friend since she started a new job. I had been feeling so disconnected from her to begin with, and I was hoping to get caught up at our party. I know that I have told her countless times how much that party has meant to us, as being with that group makes it so easy for us to be ourselves. Deep down I was hoping she would want us there as much as I wanted to be there. Deeper still, I just wanted to make it on her radar!
She emailed me to tell me she was sorry we were going to miss it, and at that moment, I felt I'd lost her. I can't explain it any better than that. I just felt hurt. The "old" her probably would have tried to pick a better date. I began to run things through my mind, like, what if her "best friends" would have had a problem with the date? Would she have tried to change it then? Why did my head go there? Because it has always been this way. As much as I love and respect her best friend, I get very tired of being put back in my place. Does that make sense to anyone or is it just me? Because of this, I have never felt secure in our friendship. I know that my resulting defensiveness doesn't help her feel secure either. Then again, I'm not sure how much that really matters to her.
I wish I could be the kind of friend that I want to have, but to be honest, I don't know if I'm capable of that kind of trust anymore. Think what you want of me, I am just being honest.
I know two things. That no one can be a better friend to me than God. And that I should never be too dependent on people for my needs. I know this, and yet I see others having wonderful friendships on which they can depend. I know a third thing. That until I can trust someone and let them in, I am bound to be unhappy in my friendships. Thus, my friendship issues.
I also know that the more I focus on what I don't have, the unhappier I become. Ironically, my friend Patty seems to be more connected to her friends from Missouri than she is to me now. I don't think it's a coincidence. I think I've been pulling away for a long time now. I've tried to quit expecting so much from people, but at this point, I don't know how to be any other person than who I am. Too sensitive. Too whatever. Trapped in myself. Wanting to be what I need to be and taking forever to get there.
It really is no surprise to me that my true best friend IS my husband. Some women think that's a crock, but he was my friend way before he was my husband. No one knows me better, accepts me more honestly, and no one wants to hang out with me more! It just is what it is. Thank God. It's no coincidence that I trust him completely, then is it? I give him what I need in return. Now if I could just trust others....I don't know. It may be a long time. I haven't got it all figured out yet.
It may come as a shock to you that I would reveal something so personal and private, but maybe it will answer questions of your own too. I may be a nice friendly person who would do anything for anyone, but inside I am struggling to stay strong enough to do that. It's hard to explain. I'm sure I could pick out childhood reasons why, but I don't find it helpful to go back in time. I think I need to work on being more open, honest, and transparent in my relationships. What I should have said to my friend was, "hey, can't you change the date? I really want to come!" But what I was afraid to hear was her answer, which had the power to crush me at that moment.
I really am a bit fragile in the friendship department, so if you've tried to be my friend and I've pushed you away, I'm working on it! That is certainly the opposite of what I really need and want inside. Mostly I want to be a better reflection of Christ, and wasn't he the best fried of all? Yeah, I want to be that for you, and for whoever comes my way.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
I have to admit, I have few friends and lots of acquaintances. I'm not always happy about that. I'm a little down about a situation that happened with a friend recently, and I've been keeping it to myself out of a bit of embarassment, and possibly some anger/hurt. I'm sharing it in hopes that it will help me to overcome some of these friendship issues I have. And I know already that I really should talk to her about it, but we've gone down that road before, and it wasn't helpful at all.
We get together with a group of friends for an impromptu holiday party each year and it's something we all look forward to, especially the kids. Well, this year the date was chosen and it happened to be on a day we could not make it. I was disheartened, but I thought, well, these things happen. It's just that I hadn't been able to spend ANY time with this friend since she started a new job. I had been feeling so disconnected from her to begin with, and I was hoping to get caught up at our party. I know that I have told her countless times how much that party has meant to us, as being with that group makes it so easy for us to be ourselves. Deep down I was hoping she would want us there as much as I wanted to be there. Deeper still, I just wanted to make it on her radar!
She emailed me to tell me she was sorry we were going to miss it, and at that moment, I felt I'd lost her. I can't explain it any better than that. I just felt hurt. The "old" her probably would have tried to pick a better date. I began to run things through my mind, like, what if her "best friends" would have had a problem with the date? Would she have tried to change it then? Why did my head go there? Because it has always been this way. As much as I love and respect her best friend, I get very tired of being put back in my place. Does that make sense to anyone or is it just me? Because of this, I have never felt secure in our friendship. I know that my resulting defensiveness doesn't help her feel secure either. Then again, I'm not sure how much that really matters to her.
I wish I could be the kind of friend that I want to have, but to be honest, I don't know if I'm capable of that kind of trust anymore. Think what you want of me, I am just being honest.
I know two things. That no one can be a better friend to me than God. And that I should never be too dependent on people for my needs. I know this, and yet I see others having wonderful friendships on which they can depend. I know a third thing. That until I can trust someone and let them in, I am bound to be unhappy in my friendships. Thus, my friendship issues.
I also know that the more I focus on what I don't have, the unhappier I become. Ironically, my friend Patty seems to be more connected to her friends from Missouri than she is to me now. I don't think it's a coincidence. I think I've been pulling away for a long time now. I've tried to quit expecting so much from people, but at this point, I don't know how to be any other person than who I am. Too sensitive. Too whatever. Trapped in myself. Wanting to be what I need to be and taking forever to get there.
It really is no surprise to me that my true best friend IS my husband. Some women think that's a crock, but he was my friend way before he was my husband. No one knows me better, accepts me more honestly, and no one wants to hang out with me more! It just is what it is. Thank God. It's no coincidence that I trust him completely, then is it? I give him what I need in return. Now if I could just trust others....I don't know. It may be a long time. I haven't got it all figured out yet.
It may come as a shock to you that I would reveal something so personal and private, but maybe it will answer questions of your own too. I may be a nice friendly person who would do anything for anyone, but inside I am struggling to stay strong enough to do that. It's hard to explain. I'm sure I could pick out childhood reasons why, but I don't find it helpful to go back in time. I think I need to work on being more open, honest, and transparent in my relationships. What I should have said to my friend was, "hey, can't you change the date? I really want to come!" But what I was afraid to hear was her answer, which had the power to crush me at that moment.
I really am a bit fragile in the friendship department, so if you've tried to be my friend and I've pushed you away, I'm working on it! That is certainly the opposite of what I really need and want inside. Mostly I want to be a better reflection of Christ, and wasn't he the best fried of all? Yeah, I want to be that for you, and for whoever comes my way.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The "Great" Laundry Experiment
One of our favorite TV shows is "The Middle". The working class parents of three needy kids never seem to get their own way. They never get the pizza they want, see the tv shows they like, or go do fun things with their friends. In this episode, they did all that and more, much to the surprise and disgust of their kids. In short, they "took back the house". Oh, I dream of doing that one day, but for now, I do it in spurts.
Take "The Great Laundry Experiment", for example. You've never heard of it because I just made it up! But it was a sort of successful point in our family history which will one day hopefully be repeated. Let me explain...
I had been upstairs doing the much dreaded girls rooms and bathroom inspections and came away completely disgusted by their lack of attention. There were clean clothes mixed with dirty, clothes stuffed in opened, crooked dresser drawers, clothes under the beds, messes everywhere! We had been warning them about this for a long time, and it just never seemed to gel.
I was already feeling the stress and pressures of the holiday season and it just made my blood boil to think that they were being so ungrateful with the nice things they had. After all, I wear the same two pairs of jeans all the time! I don't have cute boots and scarves, not to mention matching undies!! And here they lay in heaps, uncared for and unappreciated. I was livid. Again, I picked up the phone and was forced to apologize to my mom for being such a bratty ungrateful kid.
So, I picked them up from school, let them go on about their wonderful school day, then I dropped my bomb. "You obviously don't appreciate having clean clothes and someone who does your laundry for you. Today you will do your own laundry. You will not watch TV or do anything else remotely fun. You will turn your own clothes right side out, unroll your smelly socks, wash, dry, fold, and put away your own laundry. Starting today." I'm sure I said more, and it probably went something like this if the girls were to tell it...blah blah blah blabbity blah blah...eye roll. Remember, they know more than I do now at this special preteen point in their lives.
I waited for the fallout that was sure to come. I may have even winced just a little, trying to cover any obvious sign of fear. "Okay, fine", said youngest Serena. "No problem." Said obviously sarcastic older one, Natalie. Are they messin' with me? That was way too easy, I thought. I didn't turn my back on them on the way into the house, just in case.
They got home and began the task of dragging all the dirty clothes downstairs. It took them awhile to sort them all out, and they were arguing in my tiny laundry room, banging around in there, fighting over who was dumping in the soap. Who would do the fabric softener. Who got to push the button. I swear they turn into 2 year olds sometimes.
It wasn't long and the laundry experiment was under way. Serena really got into her role and soon was looking all over the house for things to wash. She singlehandedly washed every dirty piece of clothing in the house. Now, our undies were folded rather oddly, but she didn't do such a bad job for an 11 year old. She had to keep reminding her sister to help out. Now she really knew how I felt, didn't she?? I complained as she gave me a pile of my shirts and told her maybe I'd just dump them on the floor of my closet. Then I smiled for good measure. She didn't think it was funny at all apparently.
They embraced the task so well that I was almost disappointed. I really wanted them to struggle. I wanted them to feel how frustrating doing this job could be for one person. The truth is, they don't really care if their clothes are clean. They'll wear them dirty if it's the favorite pair of skinny jeans anyway. They don't care if they're wrinkled. They don't care if they're in the right drawers or even folded in there! I try to make them care, but that is a losing battle in itself. It's actually cool to wear mismatched socks, so we can't even argue about the socks being paired properly anymore.
We parents really are trapped in our homes by our children, aren't we? When's the last time you ordered the pizza the way YOU wanted it? When's the last time you stayed out late having fun, not worrying about the kids? Do YOU ever get to pick the movie or the snack? NO! Moms and Dads, we really need to "take back the house"! They need to do our stinkin' laundry too!
I couldn't "break" my kids with one day of laundry, and I may lose many daily battles. Steve and I are keeping our eyes on the "big" picture, which is the only thing that keeps us remotely sane. And what IS that BIG picture anyway? Maybe sitting in a quiet house, watching Castle freely, eating pizza with our favorite toppings, hanging out with friends, and maybe, just maybe, we'll wear mismatched socks.
Take "The Great Laundry Experiment", for example. You've never heard of it because I just made it up! But it was a sort of successful point in our family history which will one day hopefully be repeated. Let me explain...
I had been upstairs doing the much dreaded girls rooms and bathroom inspections and came away completely disgusted by their lack of attention. There were clean clothes mixed with dirty, clothes stuffed in opened, crooked dresser drawers, clothes under the beds, messes everywhere! We had been warning them about this for a long time, and it just never seemed to gel.
I was already feeling the stress and pressures of the holiday season and it just made my blood boil to think that they were being so ungrateful with the nice things they had. After all, I wear the same two pairs of jeans all the time! I don't have cute boots and scarves, not to mention matching undies!! And here they lay in heaps, uncared for and unappreciated. I was livid. Again, I picked up the phone and was forced to apologize to my mom for being such a bratty ungrateful kid.
So, I picked them up from school, let them go on about their wonderful school day, then I dropped my bomb. "You obviously don't appreciate having clean clothes and someone who does your laundry for you. Today you will do your own laundry. You will not watch TV or do anything else remotely fun. You will turn your own clothes right side out, unroll your smelly socks, wash, dry, fold, and put away your own laundry. Starting today." I'm sure I said more, and it probably went something like this if the girls were to tell it...blah blah blah blabbity blah blah...eye roll. Remember, they know more than I do now at this special preteen point in their lives.
I waited for the fallout that was sure to come. I may have even winced just a little, trying to cover any obvious sign of fear. "Okay, fine", said youngest Serena. "No problem." Said obviously sarcastic older one, Natalie. Are they messin' with me? That was way too easy, I thought. I didn't turn my back on them on the way into the house, just in case.
They got home and began the task of dragging all the dirty clothes downstairs. It took them awhile to sort them all out, and they were arguing in my tiny laundry room, banging around in there, fighting over who was dumping in the soap. Who would do the fabric softener. Who got to push the button. I swear they turn into 2 year olds sometimes.
It wasn't long and the laundry experiment was under way. Serena really got into her role and soon was looking all over the house for things to wash. She singlehandedly washed every dirty piece of clothing in the house. Now, our undies were folded rather oddly, but she didn't do such a bad job for an 11 year old. She had to keep reminding her sister to help out. Now she really knew how I felt, didn't she?? I complained as she gave me a pile of my shirts and told her maybe I'd just dump them on the floor of my closet. Then I smiled for good measure. She didn't think it was funny at all apparently.
They embraced the task so well that I was almost disappointed. I really wanted them to struggle. I wanted them to feel how frustrating doing this job could be for one person. The truth is, they don't really care if their clothes are clean. They'll wear them dirty if it's the favorite pair of skinny jeans anyway. They don't care if they're wrinkled. They don't care if they're in the right drawers or even folded in there! I try to make them care, but that is a losing battle in itself. It's actually cool to wear mismatched socks, so we can't even argue about the socks being paired properly anymore.
We parents really are trapped in our homes by our children, aren't we? When's the last time you ordered the pizza the way YOU wanted it? When's the last time you stayed out late having fun, not worrying about the kids? Do YOU ever get to pick the movie or the snack? NO! Moms and Dads, we really need to "take back the house"! They need to do our stinkin' laundry too!
I couldn't "break" my kids with one day of laundry, and I may lose many daily battles. Steve and I are keeping our eyes on the "big" picture, which is the only thing that keeps us remotely sane. And what IS that BIG picture anyway? Maybe sitting in a quiet house, watching Castle freely, eating pizza with our favorite toppings, hanging out with friends, and maybe, just maybe, we'll wear mismatched socks.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Fun Weekend Happenings
Miss Reenie had her first travel basketball games on Saturday. She didn't play last year, and in fact, it was pretty dicey this year trying to make a decision to play or not. She kept going back and forth with her decision, and we knew it was a matter of confidence, not ability. I am so glad she decided to play! She had a good time, and so did we! It was the weekend my brother and his boys were coming up to celebrate Christmas, so they surprised Serena by showing up at the game. She was pretty happy to see them, and Justin (8) loved the concession stand, but basketball, not so much! Serena is the tallest on her team, standing at 5'5" tall, just 2 inches shorter than me!! For a fifth grader, that's pretty tall. Her coach calls her "Green", short for Jolly Green Giant. She's pretty smiley on the court, so it suits her. All we asked of her was to have a good attitude and to have fun, nothing more! She did just that and we are very proud of her. She looked pretty stinkin' cute out there too! :)
We met up with the family again on Sunday for brunch, and opened up a few more gifts from my brother and sister, who had the flu on Christmas Eve. It was a rare photo opportunity...all 4 of us kids there at the same time! I set up the camera on the tripod, set the timer and got a nice family photo. Then we got some cute candid shots of us doing some crazy stuff too! It's the first family photo since our wedding in '94!!
The weekend was very busy and crazy, but it was all good stuff. Now I'm off to another busy week filled with some back to back practices, lots of shuffling around, and more basketball games!!
We met up with the family again on Sunday for brunch, and opened up a few more gifts from my brother and sister, who had the flu on Christmas Eve. It was a rare photo opportunity...all 4 of us kids there at the same time! I set up the camera on the tripod, set the timer and got a nice family photo. Then we got some cute candid shots of us doing some crazy stuff too! It's the first family photo since our wedding in '94!!
The weekend was very busy and crazy, but it was all good stuff. Now I'm off to another busy week filled with some back to back practices, lots of shuffling around, and more basketball games!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
PicNapped
Hubby is home! I truly tried to stay awake and wait for his midnight arrival, but even Mary Tyler Moore:the Seventh Season couldn't keep these peepers open. The whole time the mister was gone, I went to bed at 9:30! I live in the fast lane, friends. So, as usual, his gentle hello sent me flying and calling out in confusion. I spook easily, which is funny sometimes. Just not at midnight when I think I'm alone! Either way I was so happy to have him home, safe with us!
Anyway, while hubby was away, I took some time to print some 8x10's of some of my favorite nature shots around here. I have a beautiful early morning shot of bare trees against a pink sky. It just says "GOD" all over it! So, as I printed fall trees in orange splendor, crabtrees in full springtime bloom, and a winter tree covered in fresh snow, I got all inspired. I had all these plans to frame them and arrange them in a typical Michigan seasonal order. I would take down some of my more impersonal art and replace it with my own! I was picturing it in every room and suddenly I was ready to wallpaper with my favorite pics!
Well, this morning I pulled out the photos and showed them to Steve. I pulled out the winter tree..."Cool...can I have it?" "Uh, sure", I said, knowing his office is his personal gallery of happy pictures of us and our property. I pulled out the fall tree..."Wow...can I have it?" "Uh, yeah" I said, seeing the pattern developing before me. I showed him the fall canopy with the sun shining through it...yup, "Wow, can I have that too?" Needless to say, he took every picture except for one to his office for framing.
It really is okay with me. His workspace has always been an inspiring place for him to work. He is surrounded by pictures of all of us, every silly singing toy the kids got him when they were little, and a frame with interchangeable Bible verses that I made him one Christmas. I think he may even have one plant, which I think gets a daily drink of Diet Pepsi.
Are you wondering about that photo he didn't want? It was of the four of us, our hands each holding a home grown honeycrisp apple with one bite taken out of each. We had just picked them off our tree, the first of the crop, which yielded only 4 beautiful shiny perfect red apples. Symbolic? We thought so too, so I snapped away! I will frame it and place it in the kitchen to remind us of many fruitful crops to come!!
Anyway, while hubby was away, I took some time to print some 8x10's of some of my favorite nature shots around here. I have a beautiful early morning shot of bare trees against a pink sky. It just says "GOD" all over it! So, as I printed fall trees in orange splendor, crabtrees in full springtime bloom, and a winter tree covered in fresh snow, I got all inspired. I had all these plans to frame them and arrange them in a typical Michigan seasonal order. I would take down some of my more impersonal art and replace it with my own! I was picturing it in every room and suddenly I was ready to wallpaper with my favorite pics!
Well, this morning I pulled out the photos and showed them to Steve. I pulled out the winter tree..."Cool...can I have it?" "Uh, sure", I said, knowing his office is his personal gallery of happy pictures of us and our property. I pulled out the fall tree..."Wow...can I have it?" "Uh, yeah" I said, seeing the pattern developing before me. I showed him the fall canopy with the sun shining through it...yup, "Wow, can I have that too?" Needless to say, he took every picture except for one to his office for framing.
It really is okay with me. His workspace has always been an inspiring place for him to work. He is surrounded by pictures of all of us, every silly singing toy the kids got him when they were little, and a frame with interchangeable Bible verses that I made him one Christmas. I think he may even have one plant, which I think gets a daily drink of Diet Pepsi.
Are you wondering about that photo he didn't want? It was of the four of us, our hands each holding a home grown honeycrisp apple with one bite taken out of each. We had just picked them off our tree, the first of the crop, which yielded only 4 beautiful shiny perfect red apples. Symbolic? We thought so too, so I snapped away! I will frame it and place it in the kitchen to remind us of many fruitful crops to come!!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Fantastical Elliptical III
If you've followed me for any length of time, you probably know (from prior posts) about my on again/off again relationship with my elliptical. We broke up for awhile after its disdain over my lack of dusting skills. Like I need to see the control panel anyway. We then resumed our relationship, then it turned on me. Next thing I knew, I was dating the physical therapist 3 times a week. It seems my elliptical bucked me off for good. An MRI and a specialist later, I found out why.
I really thought I was doing myself a favor by working out so vigorously. After all, when you turn 40, all of the sudden you have to get it all together and fast! Well, not when you haven't moved that way in awhile. It seems I have developed a couple of buddies, Arthritis and Bursitis. Well, that's a relatiionship I was hoping to avoid for a very long time. It was embarassing, in fact, to hear those two words in the same sentence with my name. "No way!" I exclaimed to the doc. "Really? I have an "itis" already? Am I old already? Dude, help me out here!" I just threw the dude in for your benefit, just to prove just how young and cool I am. Saying that to the doctor would have certainly won me a date with a CT scan as well. I asked for a sticker as I left, just to prove that those "itises" had no place in my youthful existence.
So, there I sat from May to November, in chronic pain, wondering if I'd ever feel normal again. I couldn't walk up stairs, couldn't get up from chairs, walking wasn't difficult, but the pain later was terrific. Medicine wasn't working, and Physical therapy was helpful, but not foolproof, and was as painful as the pain itself!
The pain is much more manageable at this point, so I'm taking advice from my former PT, and taking a few minutes on the elliptical a day. I just thought I'd better get myself all spiffied up to make that little trip to the basement. I'll saunter on up to that cantankerous but wonderful elliptical, dust off the panel, and see where it leads. If we hit it off, great. If not, I'm going back to Ibuprofen and ice packs and Fantastical and I are breaking up for good!
Five minute daily speed dates, here I come. Oh, and please do not disturb. :)
I really thought I was doing myself a favor by working out so vigorously. After all, when you turn 40, all of the sudden you have to get it all together and fast! Well, not when you haven't moved that way in awhile. It seems I have developed a couple of buddies, Arthritis and Bursitis. Well, that's a relatiionship I was hoping to avoid for a very long time. It was embarassing, in fact, to hear those two words in the same sentence with my name. "No way!" I exclaimed to the doc. "Really? I have an "itis" already? Am I old already? Dude, help me out here!" I just threw the dude in for your benefit, just to prove just how young and cool I am. Saying that to the doctor would have certainly won me a date with a CT scan as well. I asked for a sticker as I left, just to prove that those "itises" had no place in my youthful existence.
So, there I sat from May to November, in chronic pain, wondering if I'd ever feel normal again. I couldn't walk up stairs, couldn't get up from chairs, walking wasn't difficult, but the pain later was terrific. Medicine wasn't working, and Physical therapy was helpful, but not foolproof, and was as painful as the pain itself!
The pain is much more manageable at this point, so I'm taking advice from my former PT, and taking a few minutes on the elliptical a day. I just thought I'd better get myself all spiffied up to make that little trip to the basement. I'll saunter on up to that cantankerous but wonderful elliptical, dust off the panel, and see where it leads. If we hit it off, great. If not, I'm going back to Ibuprofen and ice packs and Fantastical and I are breaking up for good!
Five minute daily speed dates, here I come. Oh, and please do not disturb. :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Weirdo Welcome Wagon
Steve has been in Texas this past week and will be home soon! I couldn't be happier, let me tell you. What a week! Normally I wouldn't post that my husband is away because of possible weirdo attacks. But this time is different. If I happened to catch a weirdo out here prowling, I would put him or her to work! I could use the help!
Hey, weirdo, while you're out window peeping, fill up my birdfeeders and hook up the birdbath heater. Take the dog out and then clean up after her. Shovel the end of my driveway because those sissy tires on my grocery getter keep getting stuck there. Nearly twice I've been mowed down by big trucks who think it's fun to speed on a curvy road. I've decided that weirdos must drive big trucks too. And , weirdo, while you're out shoveling, take out my trash. We missed last week, so it's a very large, very smelly load. It might even be recycling week, and if it is, get busy crushing plastic, buddy. If you're not too terribly weird, I just may let you run my kids to basketball practice, church, school, and run my personal errands. While you're out, pick up my coffee creamer. I ran out this morning and I'm short on cash. Pick up some fabric softener, then come back and do some laundry too. Take the Christmas tree to the basement, fix the broken bulb in Nat's room, rotate my sissy tires, fill up my gas tank, and make me dinner!!
I couldn't be happier that my hubby is on his way home after a long busy week. When I open the door for him, I will simply say, "Welcome Home, Weirdo".
Hey, weirdo, while you're out window peeping, fill up my birdfeeders and hook up the birdbath heater. Take the dog out and then clean up after her. Shovel the end of my driveway because those sissy tires on my grocery getter keep getting stuck there. Nearly twice I've been mowed down by big trucks who think it's fun to speed on a curvy road. I've decided that weirdos must drive big trucks too. And , weirdo, while you're out shoveling, take out my trash. We missed last week, so it's a very large, very smelly load. It might even be recycling week, and if it is, get busy crushing plastic, buddy. If you're not too terribly weird, I just may let you run my kids to basketball practice, church, school, and run my personal errands. While you're out, pick up my coffee creamer. I ran out this morning and I'm short on cash. Pick up some fabric softener, then come back and do some laundry too. Take the Christmas tree to the basement, fix the broken bulb in Nat's room, rotate my sissy tires, fill up my gas tank, and make me dinner!!
I couldn't be happier that my hubby is on his way home after a long busy week. When I open the door for him, I will simply say, "Welcome Home, Weirdo".
Monday, January 3, 2011
2011 Revolutions
I don't make "resolutions" for the new year. That's just crazy! So, I decided each year needs to have a "revolution" of some kind. Whether it's a big big change for the good, or maybe I'll just spin around til I get dizzy and fall over! How fun, right? And there you are again, wishing to be a fly on my wall...
I'm starting with some technology goals here. I still can't get my laptop to stop acting like a dimwitted old Apple from the 80's. I think it just tries to find ways to tick me off! Like deleting everything I just wrote and then flashing me. No, I don't want to see your cookies, buddy!
Along the same lines of technology, I can't stand not being able to post my pictures here anymore. For some unknown reason, I go through the whole process like I did before I got the laptop, and nothing happens. Well, except for the fact that my laptop gets an earful of not very nice descriptions of what I want to do to it. That was such a bad line of english grammar, but when one is annoyed, one doesn't really care!
So, I have probably thousands of unprinted pictures since getting my Nikon 2, count 'em 2 years ago! One reason is that trying to send them anywhere by dial up not only makes my laptop laugh, but it makes me cry!! Too much emotion. The other thousand reasons is that by now, I could buy enough prints to wallpaper every building in a large city. I'm just way too intimidated now. So, I print a few pictures on my printer when I need them, and keep my hard copies safe for now. Can you say p-r-o-c-r-a-s-t-i-n-a-t-i-o-n?? Can you say cha-ching??
And for some weird reason, I keep seeing us packing and moving! Now, that would be a huge revolution for us. It's not unheard of, but we just never thought it would happen. I feel a restlessness around here, almost as if it's time to make a change. Guess I'd better tell the mister, maybe it's just that he needs to build us an addition. Tee Hee.
And perhaps (don't you just feel all "julie andrews" when you say that word?) another revolution around here will be the turning of the 12 year old into a teen in February! When did I become some teenager's mother anyway? Aren't I still in high school? Well, I sure look like it. Stop laughing. Is that you or my laptop?
My life sure does revolve around my family, so maybe my new year's "revolutions" will be the same as they always are....raising these girls, taking care of this hubby, hopefully taking care of my fluffy bottomed pooch, and maybe, just maybe turning a page of my own.
Happy spinning, my friends. Hope you land in a great spot!
I'm starting with some technology goals here. I still can't get my laptop to stop acting like a dimwitted old Apple from the 80's. I think it just tries to find ways to tick me off! Like deleting everything I just wrote and then flashing me. No, I don't want to see your cookies, buddy!
Along the same lines of technology, I can't stand not being able to post my pictures here anymore. For some unknown reason, I go through the whole process like I did before I got the laptop, and nothing happens. Well, except for the fact that my laptop gets an earful of not very nice descriptions of what I want to do to it. That was such a bad line of english grammar, but when one is annoyed, one doesn't really care!
So, I have probably thousands of unprinted pictures since getting my Nikon 2, count 'em 2 years ago! One reason is that trying to send them anywhere by dial up not only makes my laptop laugh, but it makes me cry!! Too much emotion. The other thousand reasons is that by now, I could buy enough prints to wallpaper every building in a large city. I'm just way too intimidated now. So, I print a few pictures on my printer when I need them, and keep my hard copies safe for now. Can you say p-r-o-c-r-a-s-t-i-n-a-t-i-o-n?? Can you say cha-ching??
And for some weird reason, I keep seeing us packing and moving! Now, that would be a huge revolution for us. It's not unheard of, but we just never thought it would happen. I feel a restlessness around here, almost as if it's time to make a change. Guess I'd better tell the mister, maybe it's just that he needs to build us an addition. Tee Hee.
And perhaps (don't you just feel all "julie andrews" when you say that word?) another revolution around here will be the turning of the 12 year old into a teen in February! When did I become some teenager's mother anyway? Aren't I still in high school? Well, I sure look like it. Stop laughing. Is that you or my laptop?
My life sure does revolve around my family, so maybe my new year's "revolutions" will be the same as they always are....raising these girls, taking care of this hubby, hopefully taking care of my fluffy bottomed pooch, and maybe, just maybe turning a page of my own.
Happy spinning, my friends. Hope you land in a great spot!