Transplanted Sheryl

Seeking Direction and Discipline

2010-10-07T09:46:00.000-04:00

So - I haven't blogged for quite some time now - and for good reason(s).

First of all, I haven't really had much to say in the way of positive things. Now from the onset, my goal was to talk about my progress with Weight Watchers and how my weight loss was going. And for the most part, I'm still in that process. Just that process does not always equal progress.

Second of all, it's hard for me to admit that I'm not disciplined. Not a big surprise to anyone - but in many areas of my life, I lack discipline.

I'm good at keeping my house clean. You can get both cars into our garage because it is neat and orderly. I wash sheets and towels on a regular basis. I pay bills on time. I remember meetings, I get up on time, I get my work done at the clinic..................and so it goes.

So with all that said, why isn't my Weight Watcher lifestyle disciplined. It is not rocket science and it doesn't take time, short of planning out my meals for the day and writing things down. Hardly worthy of an excuse of "not enough time".

Why? Lack of discipline in that area - and I wonder if it is lack of direction. I know that it is the best thing for my life and my health especially. I will feel better, by far. I will be happier with myself and who knows - I might be an encouragement to others. As it is, it's just a front. I say I am doing Weight Watchers, but in reality, I only have the books and the food journal on my kitchen counter.

I start out well in the mornings. I write down what I'm going to have for breakfast and eat the prescribed items. I sometimes even will write out the entire day. I take my perfect little lunch with me and even take some healthy snacks. But that's where it ends. By the time I leave the clinic to head home, it all comes to a screeching halt. If I stop for groceries, you can bet that there is a special treat for me waiting in the sack. When I get home, I eat said treat or find something else to "snack" on. Even though I don't have dangerous foods in the house ( which, I might add, I usually do anyway) I will go ahead and eat large quantities of good stuff!

So where/when does this cycle end?

Not sure..............looking for direction. Searching for that illusive discipline.

More time to think

2010-09-14T22:40:00.000-04:00

It's interesting - God is really working in me right now. It is a battle. (Isn't it always?) Do I want to continue to try to live my life on my own terms or do I want to give control to God? This all sounds familiar to me.... haven't I gone through this at least once before?

The answer is of course yes. Yes I have. And the results were excellent. When I let go of things and let God have everything, I can be assured that my life is headed in the right direction.

Right now, I'm content to just try to work this diet thing out my own way. That includes not working out and it also apparently includes not tracking what I eat. I am a rebel. I am living proof that obedience isn't necessary.

I plan on weighing in Thursday evening - but I doubt I will want to know what the scale says.

So for now, nothing going on in my head except a conversation with God. Soon I expect I will stop talking and start listening.

OK - so here's my thought process

2010-09-12T22:04:00.000-04:00

I've been giving this a lot of thought - the place where I'm at in my head with regard to my eating pattern. I'm not proud to admit that I'm pretty self centered as well as wanting to be in control of things. Herein lies the problem. I have wanted to control how my week will be played out to the tune of not the Weight Watchers plan but a "Sheryl modified" Weight Watchers plan. Not only is this not smart, but it doesn't work.

I thought that I could make the plan work with my personal modifications. Well, my modifications included eating whatever I wanted certain times of the day during the weekend. Translated - not following the plan 100% of the time. I was told I needed to be flexible, but I took it much further than that. Much further.

I have always balked at authority. Not sure how that happened, but I rebelled against my mom and some teachers. I balked at some bosses sometimes and I always drive about 5 miles above the speed limit. I think I must think that my idea of the rules are somehow better.

So, the bottom line is this. Do I want to lose weight or don't I?

I do. I very much want to lose weight and be healthy and feel better.

Do I believe in Weight Watchers? Yes I do.

Is it currently working by adding in my own "rules"?

Nope.

So I've spent the weekend at friends in Virginia. I did not prepare ahead of time so the snacks in the car were not healthy and not in the program. I ate things I shouldn't have. But I did write everything down as my leader suggested. It doesn't look pretty and it's not going to be fun to share with her - but I did as she suggested.

I am going to stay with the program and more importantly, I am going to think and prepare ahead of time. I am going to be ready when I go to book club tomorrow night. I am going to bring some water to drink instead of wine that is offered. I am not going to eat snacks. One day at a time here. One day at a time.

I am also going to exercise tomorrow morning. Every little positive thing is good. I have no idea what Thursday's weigh in is going to show. I may end up crying again but I know I have to conquer this and literally, this is all data input for success.

p.s. To anonymous - I appreciate your comments so much and am glad that you are having some success with those final #'s.

A gain is not a loss - but it feels like losing.....

2010-09-09T22:58:00.000-04:00

I truly am not sure what happened this week - I'm at a loss, excuse the play on words.

I gained 1.4# - and that is what I had hoped to lose. If I would have lost it, I would have lost over 10# and I would have had a 5% weight loss. But no. And I do feel like this was a loss to me. Unfortunately not in the pounds department.

I tried so hard this week and granted, it was labor day weekend and I didn't excel - but I worked hard the rest of the week and I walked probably a mile and a half on Monday and worked out Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the gym. I rode the bike for 45 minutes and then worked on abs etc. And this is what I get?

This is all I really want to talk about it. I'm sad - and I'm upset about this. I know a few facts and it has something to do with my will verses the truth about what I need to do - but I don't want to talk about it, as I said. I want to work this through in my heart and head - and with prayer - and I will see what happens in a few days.

This just isn't the place I had hoped to be tonite. I must be just fooling myself.............

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T22:28:00.000-04:00

Well, I made it through Labor Day weekend - relatively unscathed! It wasn't too bad for the most part. I did have a piece of peanut butter pie tonite at a friend's BBQ - which was delicious I might add. But we started out the day by going for a good walk. Then I had breakfast followed by working in our front yard taking out some pesky bushes. It was hard work - and I really felt like I got a good workout with both the walk and the yardwork!

My plans are to go to the gym tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday - I WANT to make my 10# mark this week so I have to work at it!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend !

It's not failure - it's feedback

2010-09-03T20:58:00.001-04:00

So the results are as follows: .4# Yes, that's right........there's a "." in front of the 4. Not even 1/2#. But - I didn't stay the same and I didn't gain - so I guess it's a victory. It IS a victory - just not a huge one.

One thing we're told is that there's no such thing as failure - just feedback. And these past 2 weeks have been feedback for me. I see that by not strictly following the plan, and exercising 2 times a week, I can lose a little bit of weight. Same plan with no exercise = no loss or gain at all.

So - I think this feedback leads me to a good conclusion. I need to do one of two things (or both for even greater success). Increase my exercise to at least three times a week and/or follow the plan more than 4 days a week. This seems easy enough to do. I can exercise one more day and I can follow the plan for 5 days of the week strictly and let's see what happens.

When I say that I don't follow the plan every day, I don't mean that I eat absolutely anything I want. What I usually end up doing is following the plan the first 2/3 of the day but manage to eat more than I should in the evenings. Apparently this is a problem area. I can adjust - I can fix this.

So - another week started - week 8 I believe and I'm about .4# away from losing 10#. I really, really, REALLY want to have lost 10# next week. The daunting part to me is this long weekend because I really tend to be less obedient and less apt to follow the plan over the weekends. Discipline - here I come.

Happy Labor Day everyone!

A side-note before weigh-in

2010-09-02T09:19:00.000-04:00

When I was at the gym yesterday morning, the TV was not working so I just listened to my IPOD - which was fine. It almost made me have a better workout I think because I could concentrate more on what I was doing rather than what I was watching. (note for the future).

Anyway, I rode 2 1/2 more miles and 15 minutes longer. It was a good thing!!!

Sunshine..........it's a good thing

2010-09-01T17:02:00.000-04:00

Thank you my friend Amy for your words of encouragement! You are so precious! Just the words I needed to hear!

The rest of the day actually was good - it went uphill from the point I dotted my last "i" in my blog. Honestly - the eating part of my day was good - no swating - no swerving - and I stayed on track.

Tomorrow is weigh-in for week 7 and I have high hopes! :)

Cloudy Day

2010-08-31T09:05:00.000-04:00

Yes - it's a cloudy day today. Not outside - outside is blue skies, pleasant temps and sunshine. But in my head, it's cloudy. Just one of those days. I am blue, in a funk and lonely. I just want to sit and drink coffee and sulk. I don't want to go to work and be nice. I don't want to answer the phone. I don't want to solve any issues or tidy up messes. I don't want to stick to a plan, go with the flow, work it out, deal with problems or soothe the savage beast. I don't care to explain myself, come to any conclusions, fix anything or adjust.

I'm curious how my WW will go today.......................

0

2010-08-26T22:22:00.000-04:00

So - here's the story.
2 days of not keeping track of food + no exercise = 0# lost.

On the positive side, it also meant 0# gained. And seriously - when you consider that I had 2 days without tracking food eaten along with no exercise at all - well I should count myself among the blessed to have not gained weight.

So - the goal for this next week is to keep track every single day and to exercise at least twice if not three times.

Weigh-in Day Week 6

2010-08-26T08:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm not sure how to feel about this evening's weigh-in. I always look forward to it for the most part, and really today is no different. For me, it's a measuring stick. OK, I just re-read that sentence and OF COURSE it's a measuring stick. Duh..... But I mean it's more than just measuring how much I've lost - it's also a measure of how I should construct my eating habits and how to conform my lifestyle to make weightloss work.

This wasn't a "great" week but it wasn't an awful week. I stayed with the plan for the most part but I'm finding that the weekends are hard to keep structured. I don't overeat really - but I do have bites and nibbles of things I shouldn't be putting into my mouth and of course, they all add up.

Generally speaking, I would say that this week was more indulgent than last week so hopefully I can at least stay the same weight as opposed to gaining.

Stay tuned to find out the verdict........

On a side note, it was a beautiful symphony of bird noises out on the screened porch this morning while I drank my coffee, had my devotions and ate my granola. It was also finally a cool, non-humid morning too and that was so nice!

Mid-week

2010-08-24T08:56:00.000-04:00

Here it is - Tuesday and for my WW week, it's technically mid-week. I weight in on Thursday evenings and it is at this point in the week where I start to do some serious evaluations. How did I do? Have I been true to the plan? How far off have I strayed? Have I been flexible or horribly rigid? What are the scales going to show?

I do know this. I cannot keep on evaluating each and every thing so seriously. I need to be accountable and I do need to keep on track - but to OVERanalyze everything is crazy.

I've been accused of overanalyzing things - several times. More times that I'd care to admit. So this is apparently cause for concern in my personality.

This truly is not rocket science - I know the plan and by now, I have a pretty good idea of the points of things. For the most part, I know if something is over the line for the day. That does not and will not keep me from accurately keeping track of each thing that goes into my mouth. But again - do it for what it is and quit trying to be so strict with every motion I make.

There has to be a fine line between being faithful and accountable and being manic about it. I'm sure I'll find that line in due time. Until then, I guess I'll continue to analyze everything. That is, if I am truly indeed overanalyzing........or is it just what others say.........maybe I'm not.........how do they word it.......is it said in love or............................oh shoot. There I go again. :)

End of Week 5

2010-08-20T07:18:00.000-04:00

Well, I made it through week 5 and I'm happy to say I lost 1.4#!!

It's funny to me that this week seems more of a victory to me than last week did when the difference was only .4#. I can't explain it - and I guess I'm not going to over-analyze it. The difference between week 4 and week 5 is that in week 4 I was rigid and stuck to the book! I wrote everything down and stayed with the plan 100%. Week 5 showed a little more flexability on my part. I still wrote everything down, but I allowed myself things here and there, in moderation, that might take me over my points. I am allowed 35 flex points during the week, but I haven't been taking advantage of them. This week, I did. And the results showed it.

Again, I'm aware that it's only .4# - but to me, it was a victory and I'm happy with it. True, I would rather lose 40# in one week but I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen.

So, bring on week 6 - I'm staying the course and going with the flow at the same time.

Thanks for everyone's encouragement!

Friendship and other things

2010-08-16T07:14:00.000-04:00

Here it is Monday already. I'm just never quite ready for them for some reason. I'm dressed and ready to go to the gym and my head seems to be screwed on tight - so it's definitely a "go".

I want to talk about friends right now. And I don't mean friends in general - I do have so many friends and I am so thankful for that. I have some very dear friends back in Kansas. I also have high school friends and college friends, not to mention friends here in South Carolina.

But I'm talking about a close friend - a GOOD friend. I'm coming to realize that they are pretty hard to come by.

There have been so many opportunities down here to develop a close friendship - but nobody really ever takes the time. There are so many other agendas - so many other factors that get in the way.

So what am I really looking for? Here are the qualities I would love to find in a close friend:

Someone who might call me at the drop of a hat to say good morning or "how are you doing?"
Someone who I could call at the drop of a hat and vent to - who would actually listen to me without starting in on their own issues
Someone who wants to do things with me, outside of the already scheduled activities that we're involved in such as water aerobics, mahjongg, work, small group etc.
Someone who wants to invest herself in a closer relationship/friendship - who can both listen carefully and speak freely, both with her heart open
Someone who is honest
Someone who might just randomly call to see if I want to go out for coffee

I wonder if my expectations are too high. I wonder if this kind of person only existed in high school or college and doesn't exist in the reality world. There seriously has to be women out there who desire the same thing.

This is not to take anything at all away from my husband - because all of these things exist with him. But sometimes, I just want a female friend. It's a little different - it's on a different level.

So why is this friendship so elusive? What makes it so difficult to pin down?

I'm not sure. A lot of my friends now are either retired or semi-retired and I would envision that they are looking for the same thing. Moving into a new neighborhood and being the new kid on the block is an issue - friendships already exist so therefore - well, there isn't room for one more. People are busy. Agendas and schedules are full. Time is precious. Yada Yada Yada.

In any event, while I continue on this journey of weight loss, I will remain hopeful. I want to find a good friend. Someone to share this with. The door is open!

Thanks for listening!

Being Flexible

2010-08-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

Being Flexible sometimes isn't easy for me. I have a routine - I have a plan. I like things to be orderly.

I say that I'm flexible - that I can be spontaneous - but the reality is that it kind of upsets me when things change. It upsets me when my plans don't turn out the way I'd thought they would.

I have a plan for my daily eating. And for the most part, it stays true. But things happen. Things that are out of my control. But beyond that - there are just times that I want something to eat that isn't on my "plan".

So what do I do? I commiserate. I fret. I lament over what I should have eaten verses what I did eat.

The solution? Be flexible. Go with the flow. Stay true - but stay flexible.

This is a life time eating plan I'm on. I am NOT always going to be eating exactly what I've put on paper. Things come up and also there are "food urges" that simply cannot be ignored.

This is not giving me permission to eat whatever I want. On the contrary. This is giving me permission to incorporate other foods into my daily life that I might otherwise "ban". And when I do, then I continue to go forward and continue to stay on task.

So this week - I'm trying to be flexible. I'm trying hard not to beat myself up for having one thing during the week that doesn't exactly fall in line.

Not easy - but doable.

End of Week 4

2010-08-12T20:49:00.000-04:00

Well, I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I lost 1# this past week. I was hoping for 1.5# and seriously - if the scales had said I had lost 5# I wouldn't have been surprised! I just felt so good about this week and to have lost only 1# in a whole week just made me a little sad.

I'm not giving up and I'm not going to quit trying - but really? Isn't it funny - I had my heart set on 1.5# - so I was only .5 off - and still I feel like I didn't do well. Pretty hard on myself sometimes I guess.

I'm going to keep on moving forward - keep up the tracking and water and exercising - and eventually, when I'm 92 years old, I will reach my goal.

Smiling!

Variety is the spice of life!

2010-08-11T21:04:00.000-04:00

Here I am - one day before weigh-in and I find myself almost giddy with expectation to see what tomorrow's scales say!

It was a good day - started off with water aerobics for an hour before I went to work. It was a well-planned day - I recorded everything I ate - stayed within the point range and just got back from a walk with the husband. I feel good - I feel like I accomplished my goal today - and I am ready for another day!

A new friend suggested putting the one point happy cow cheese on a small toasted bagel and then add tomatoes! I LOVE THAT IDEA - thanks so much for the suggestion!

Several ladies have been bringing herbs from their garden to the WW meetings to share with everyone! What a thoughtful idea - and what a good way to spice up otherwise bland meals without adding any calories or points!

Have a great Thursday everyone - and I'll let you know how tomorrow turns out!

Popcorn

2010-08-10T21:07:00.000-04:00

It was another good day - and that makes me happy! I think one of the things that makes the eating part of my day go so smoothly is the pre-planning. I planned out everything I was going to eat today at the beginning of the day when I was having my coffee. I made sure and included a snack when I got home from work. As I've said before, this is a time that I usually want to graze. I've found that a rice cake with 1 T of peanut butter (3 points) fits the need perfectly.

I've also built in extra points at the end of the day - 2 or 3 - so that I can choose what I want. Sometiems it's a Weight Watchers 1 point ice creme bar. Tonite, it was a 2 point sack of popcorn and without a doubt, this was a good decision. I love the crunch tonite.

Isn't it funny how we crave different things at different times, at least I do! Sometimes I want sweet, sometimes salty, sometimes crunchy, and sometimes smooth. And you really never know until it hits you. That's why I've built in the points to use as I want to at the end of the day.

We had small group tonite and I made treats. I had strawberries, crackers and cheese and cucumbers - some with creme cheese on them and some without. For me, I had things that i could eat that were already built into today's plan. I could have 4-5 large strawberries (which were delicious I might add) and cucumbers. I also had found some Weight Watchers Happy Cow Swiss Cheese at the grocery store so I had one of those tonite instead of the other cheese or the creme cheese. I was as happy as can be with my choice.

I know full well that I won't always be. There will be times that I will juse pig out on the creme cheese and cheese and crackers. But for tonite, I didn't and I'm content here on my blog with a bowl of popcorn.

Blessings to you all!

A good day

2010-08-09T22:38:00.000-04:00

Just a quick little note before I head off to bed. It was a good day! I planned ahead for every possible "snack moment" I might encounter and it worked.

I started off the day with breakfast and then I went to the gym. My brain was ready to quit before I hit the 5 mile mark on the bike, but I made myself finish and I'm glad I did.

I had my mid-morning protein shake, then lunch and then mid-afternoon blueberry break. On my way home, I had saved points for a grande skinny hazelnut latte (yippee) and then a rice cake with 1T peanut butter. We had dinner and then I had a 1 point WW ice creme bar. There were still points left over that I could have a WW crunchy cheese snack as I was typing this. Ideally, I wouldn't really want to be eating at 10:30 at night but I did have points left over just in case, so I think it's ok.

Bottom line, I planned ahead to make today work. I feel good about it and I'm one step closer to losing 2# this week. Thanks for all the encouragement you send my way!

Finding something new inside myself

2010-08-06T22:33:00.001-04:00

This is day 1 of week 4. The book for this week is titled "Habits of Successful Members" and has been very helpful for me. I took a small quiz called the Habit Profile. My highest marks were in "Learn From Experience" and highest of all "Manage Your Feelings".

I need to learn from little lapses and that they stop there instead of taking me off track completely. There is no such thing as failure. Only feedback. That was so freeing to me - every time I get off track, it is feedback to me. I can analyze it and figure out why I did it. Then, I figure out how to avoid it next time. Feedback. Good stuff. Expecting perfection is a quick way to fall of track. I definitely expect that of myself, in so many ways. I need to expect reality instead. I don't think that means that I can give myself enough rope to hang myself - on the contrary. I just need to give myself a little slack.

The pages that really spoke to me were about managing my feelings. Those of you who know me probably think that I do that rather well. Or maybe that's the way I perceive myself - a good handler of my emotions and feelings. I see myself as a stable person - in control - not wavering. How dangerous is that! Seriously - I'm far from that!

Becoming aware that I am an emotional eater was an eye-opening experience for me. Take last Tuesday as an example. If I could view that day's video, I would see exactly that example right in front of me. I am going to start paying attention to my hunger signals and then do something about it. If I'm "feeling" that I'm hungry soon after I've eaten, then there's something else going on. Am I bored? Am I annoyed or angry about something? Am I lonely? Am I feeling sad about something? Those things aren't too hard to figure out - but I need to be aware of it and then act on them. I need to have in place things to do when that happens to me. If I'm sitting at my desk at work and feel hungry, then I can get up and walk around for a bit - go outside for a minute. Offer to get the mail. Breathe in some outside air.

If I'm lonely for my children or for my grandson, I can call them. Step away and talk to them for a couple of minutes.

If I'm angry or annoyed - then deal with the situation. Eating does not take care of a single thing besides filling my stomach. If I'm not hungry, I shouldn't be eating.

To quote one of the leader's mentioned in this book: " It isn't the load that breaks us down, it's the way we carry it."

I also need to prepare myself. Successful people set goals, plan their efforts, and prepare for challenging scenarios. Research shows that setting goals is an important part of the weight-loss process. Goals that are broken down into smaller steps feel more attainable and allow for more frequent celebrations! (and not with food!!)

One of the things they talked about was anchoring. I like this and may try to implement it. This helps me get in touch with my "inner resources". For me, this strength comes from God. With anchoring, you connect to times in your life when you felt particularly patient, confident, determined or successful. Yout attach that memory to a physical object, a mental picture or a gesture. When you need those positive feelings, that confidence, that determination - you touch the object, conjure the image or make the gesture. I'm working on this right now - I have a few ideas and I will share them with you when I come to a good conclusion.

There was also the idea of reframing. This helps me to recognize the real motivation behind emotional eating - trying to accomplish an emotional need with food. Reframing helps you to fill that need with something other than food. Ask yourself: What does this behavior give me? How does it benefit me? Then think what else I could do to get that benefit. Again - I'm in the process of working on this. Very interesting stuff.

Today I stayed on track completely. I keep track of points and didn't eat anything I shouldn't have. I felt good - I felt positive. One more day towards the goal.

Speaking of goals, I'm going to focus on a smaller goal this week. I would like to lose 2# this week. That is the goal.

Thank you anonymous for all of your comments - do I know you? :)

"It isn't the load that breaks us down, it's the way we carry it."

End of week 3

2010-08-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

- .2#

That's it. Nothing more.

I have learned my lesson.

No more stinking brownies.

No more containers of krispy kreme donut holes.

Stick to the plan.

Stay focused.

Say no.

This is a life lesson.

I can do it.

The end.

Goodnight! :)

And a new day it is!

2010-08-04T19:52:00.000-04:00

And a new day it is!!

It is so funny to me that one day can be so different than the day before when it comes to "willpower" or whatever it is that keeps me on a straight path.

Today, I felt like I was in control. (Foolish thought - and not safe at all - but a thought none the less) I wrote down every single thing that went into my mouth and here I am at 8 o'clock at night and I have one point remaining which I choose to fill with a peach. I had a tablespoon of peanut butter when I got home from work that I hadn't planned on. So I wrote it down and counted it. This brings me to something that I need to deal with right away. Almost without fail I am HUNGRY when I get home from work. I need to deal with this before it gets out of hand. I need to plan for it.

When I get home, I plan on drinking a big glass of water first. Then I'll eat something pre-planned, ideally a filling food. Maybe some celery with peanut butter would be good. Or a rice cake with peanut butter. Both are crunchy and that's always a good thing. To me, if it's crunchy, then I am definitely getting my money's worth!

I was busy all morning at the Savannah River Site with a United Way presentation so that helped. The thing was, they always have delicious treats there. Marlane and I both avoided them. The lady who had a display across from us had gingersnaps that she offered us. Again, we declined. I work good in pairs!!

I didn't get to go to the gym this morning because of having to be at the site so very early. I'll go in tomorrow then - which is really not a bad idea at all since tomorrow evening is WW and I'm needing to be as ready as I can be. It wasn't a perfect week.

That's something I need to learn to deal with also. It's not ever going to be a PERFECT week - I'm not made that way. I need to do the very best I can, plan ahead, be prepared, and work the plan. Life lessons - continued. I can do this!

Week 3, day 5 (aka not a good day)

2010-08-03T21:53:00.000-04:00

So remember what I said about not having a treat at Mahjongg last night? Well - I did. Not once - but twice. Two stinking brownies. Seriously. And why? Well - the first bite was because I was thinking how delicious a piece of chocolate brownie would be. But beyond that first bite, there was no real reason. And there certainly wasn't a reason for the second brownie!! So why did I have it? I truly don't know. She picked up the plate to get it out of the way and said "anybody for seconds before I take the plate?" and everybody took one. So did I. Just because. And now I'm commiserating over it. It wasn't a GREAT brownie by any means - just a usual brownie.

So today - well, it had the best of intentions from me. But from the very beginning of the day it started out wrong. First thing out of the gate there was a change in my day - something I had to do that I hadn't planned on that was going to make my afternoon schedule tight. And then the clinic was just out of control today from the get-go. Someone suggested that the astroid that came between the earth and the sun was messing with the atmosphere. This is akin to the full moon theory I presume. However you choose to explain it, if it could go wrong today, it did. And I was cranky. My mom had surgery today and I was concerned about that too. Also guilty that I wasn't there.

I stuck with my food plan all day long..................until I stopped at the grocery store on the way home to pick up things for small group tonite (snacks at the last minute). I knew what I was going to get before I even walked in the door. There is a small little package of krispy kreme donut holes sitting in the middle of the isle by Starbucks..... and I picked it up and ate the entire thing while I was driving home. I did.

OK - so this wasn't a good day in a lot of ways. First - my eating towards the end was way off the scale. Pun intended. Second - I had a horrid attitude about several things and I was feeling unnecessary guilt, stress and anger. Apparently I now know what triggers binge eating.

P.S. I've been asked what 0 point items I like to snack on. I'd have to say veggies. I love tomatoes - but other than that, I haven't found many 0 point items that make me say yum. :)

Better sailing tomorrow............

Week 3, Day 4

2010-08-02T18:25:00.000-04:00

It was a pretty good day today - so far. I am headed to a neighbor's house in a half hour to play Mahjongg and I "fear" what she will have for snacks. I am committed to say "no thank you" and just drink either water or diet pop. If you have iced tea down here, it is most definitely sweet tea - and that's not a good thing!

I'm working on two areas right now: First, making sure that I eat several small meals throughout the day so that I don't get hungry with a capital H! Second, making sure that the majority of foods I eat are high in protein and "filling foods". I love blueberries - but they aren't exactly filling. 1 cup of blueberries is only 1 point - but it doesn't do much to satisfy my hunger. I always include a protein drink throughout the day as well. We are told not to drink our calories and while I know that is true, I do need the extra protein and this is a good way to do it - and it's only 2 points.

I went to the gym this morning and rode the bike for 5 miles - it felt really good! It's a great way to start out my mornings!

So - that's it for today. I'll let you know tomorrow how I did at mahjongg! Thanks for your encouragement!

A new beginning - again

2010-08-01T20:54:00.000-04:00

So - I'm going to start blogging again a little more regularly. This time - with a definite purpose.

This is my "before" picture - 3 years ago.

This is my "after" picture about a year ago.

As you may or may not know, I had gastric bypass surgery, nearly 3 years ago to the day. After that surgery, I lost about 120#, give or take. Well - within the past year, I have gained about 30# back. There is always a "given" that you gain a little back - but certainly not 30#. So here I am again - facing the fact that I need to lose weight again but this time, without the benefit of gastric bypass. This time - I have to really dig deep and accomplish this on my own.

I'm not saying that losing the weight after gastric bypass was easy. It wasn't. I had to settle in to a new lifestyle and get used to a new way of eating. That holds true for now as well - but I've adjusted what I eat to things that I shouldn't be putting into my mouth. I may not be able to eat as much - but what I've been eating has been wrong.

I joined Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago and so far I've lost 6.6#. It is a very healthy lifestyle and the program is excellent of course. I've also gone back to the gym and have started going to water aerobics on Friday mornings. I am determined to regain what I've lost! Odd way to say that, isn't it!

This isn't easy for my ego. I loved where I was at a year ago. I felt awesome and I believe I was pretty close to where I wanted to be. Slowly, ever so slowly I regained those 30# and it just makes me angry that I let it happen. I had been so disciplined and I guess I ended up being careless. That 120# really came off quickly - and so I had the false assumption that it would stay off, no matter what I did.

It truly is not all about how I look. It is about my health and it is about the things that I can do. When it got hard for me to walk very far because I was out of breath, it really was a knock upside the head. What had I let happen?

Now I'm watching my points, drinking water, and exercising. Its not always easy. Some days are a breeze - but other days I fight with myself about something I want to eat. Something sweet usually. A treat. Well, it sure isn't much of a treat when it starts to pack on the pounds in a relatively short period of time.

So, I'm going to start blogging about my progress. It is a way for me to stay accountable. It's a way for me to put down my thoughts about where I'm at in this process. And I do plan on making progress. Forward progress.

Here I go!!!

Musings about Mother

2010-05-28T21:49:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure the proper word is "musings".

Although by definition, it is contemplation; reflection. So I guess it fits.

I visited my mother about 2 months ago. She lives in a nursing home and will be 89 years old in a month. She has dementia, at the very least. This past visit was the first time she really wasn't sure who I was.

She introduced me as her brother's daughter. Another time she introduced me as her granddaughter. Despite my encouragements as to who I really was, I'm not sure it ever sunk in. Not by the look on her face. She never called me Sheryl.

It was a distinct disassociation for me. It was almost like not really visiting with my mother, though visiting with her hasn't really occurred for many years. We simply go over the same topic many times. "How are the kids?" and "Have you got much rain?" And then again, in about 5 minutes. Same questions. Same answers.

That sort of thing really never bothered me. Mother and I really never had much of a good relationship anyway - so we never had "heart to heart" conversations. We generally stick to surface talk for the most part, even on the days when she knew who I was. But now - it just seemed that it didn't even reach the surface. It was like not having a conversation at all. She asked me how my dad was. I wasn't sure how to answer. After all, my dad was her husband. How do you explain that without getting her confused. More confused.

Its funny to me that I want her back - that I long for times that we could talk together - when really, we never had much of those times to begin with. It's hard to wish for things that never really were. But I still do.

It's almost like I am wishing for a mother that never existed. That seems wrong. It seems unloving.

So - now I think about my mom in a totally different plane almost. I think about her sitting in the nursing home - and I imagine that she doesn't even miss me. She doesn't remember me - how can she miss me.

But I miss her - I miss the mom that I imagine I could have had.

A Wandering Mind

2010-05-21T20:45:00.000-04:00

This is just me tonite - with a wandering mind. This is about body image and the way we feel about ourselves. Its a cruel game sometimes. I honestly feel that I felt better about myself before I lost weight. Explain that, will ya?

I hate it - the morning ritual of figuring out what to wear. Some mornings, nothing fits - or it appears that it doesn't fit. Nothing looks right. There's absolutely nothing in my closet to wear. And no matter what it looked like on me yesterday, it's not good today.

You can have your toes painted, you can have a tan, a good hair day and a new outfit - but still - it just isn't right. And that makes me mad. Very mad.

Where does our self-worth and self-image come from anyway? From television? From a magazine? From media hype about skinny bodies and white teeth and fashion trends? Yes, yes and yes again. And it just doesn't make sense because our real self-worth isn't about our "self" at all. It's about our life in Jesus Christ and how we are viewed by Him. It has nothing to do with my toenails. It has nothing to do with those pounds that I cannot seem to get rid of. It is about my new life - it is about being born again as a child of God. It is about my salvation.

So why am I so caught up in the way I look to everyone else........on how I appear to myself? It doesn't make sense to me - and it is getting old. I'm tired of not being content with myself and of not liking what I see.

Deep sigh.........

My Birthday

2010-03-07T19:53:00.003-05:00

This past week was my birthday. I'm not going to divulge how old I am now, but suffice it to say, I should be well beyond being excited about my birthday. But - I still get very excited about my birthday and I love celebrating it!

But things are different when you're older, and it makes me a little sad. I admit it. I like the hoopla and the fal-d-rall of birthday celebrations. My mom used to do a very good job of celebrating my birthday. We had a neighbor who could make birthday cakes like none other. I had a doll birthday cake, a clown birthday cake and the best one of all, a train birthday cake! It had about 5 cars and I loved it!

The thing is now, most people assume that when you're the age that I am now, you don't really care about your birthday but I bet I'm not alone when I say that it DOES matter! I love to celebrate and I love it when my friends remember.

This year was pretty good - my co-workers remembered and we celebrated with food and flowers and cards. Two other friends took me out for a latte and flowers - and several other friends called. Jay remembered of course - and my kids called too!

There was also the facebook well wishes and I was so overwhelmed with the birthday wishes! There was a definite trend - I got birthday wishes from relatives on facebook, classmates from highschool on facebook AND all of my wonderful friends from Clay Center on facebook. But guess who was missing. My Virginia friends. I got one birthday wish from Virginia. Just interesting - and it kind of cements the theory that Jay said we might not ever fit in there. Nobody has time for friends.

Anyway - I digress.

It was a fun birthday - and I'm glad that my family and friends realize that there is still that little girl inside of me that loves to celebrate my birthday. It's a good thing to remember for others as well.

My Library Card

2010-02-26T22:06:00.004-05:00

Since moving to South Carolina,I have been several places - but I hadn't yet made it to the library. I seriously cannot remember the last time I had a library card, but it had been a number of years and honestly, I was looking forward to it.

In my mind, I remembered the library cards of the past. When I was in elementary school, the library was in the basement of the courthouse. It wasn't a very big library, but I do remember how it smelled. My library card at that time was kept at the library, in a small metal "recipe box" along with everyone elise's. When I checked out a book, the name of the book was written on my card and the date stamped both on my card and on the flap on the back cover of the book itself.

Later on as an adult, I got to have my own library card in my possession. Perhaps because I was more responsible. Perhaps. In any event, the same type of system was used. I handed my card to the librarian and she put my individual number on the card from the book along with the stamped date. I believe she kept that card from the book.

But this week when I went to the library to get a card, it was an entirely different system.

As you can see, my library card is now a plastic card with my personal ID barcode and the little card fits onto my keychain. When I want to check out a book, I find it, take it to a self-check station, scan my barcoded card, lay the book (with it's own little barcode) onto the gray pad and viola, it prints out a little slip of paper with my name on it and the book's return date. And I'm outta there.

This kind of distressed me a little bit. I mean, there is virtually no personal contact at all. I can find the books I want (they still alphabetize them by authors) and I know how to scan etc. I could literally walk in and out of the library without as much as a "how do you do".

The good news? This library is very old. It SMELLS like a library. The floors creak. The stairs to the second floor squeak. The hand rail feels well worn. It is still very quiet, even with the many computer keyboards clicking away.

It is still a comfort place to be. All is not lost. Even though I carry my library card on the end of my keychain, the mystery and ambience of the library remains.

All is well.

Snow in the south

2010-02-20T17:38:00.003-05:00

I really didn't think I would like it - but I was wrong. I loved it. Last week the forecast called for snow and sure enough, despite everyone thinking it wouldn't ever happen, we got snow! About 4" of beautiful, wet snow! It had been years since this area had received any snow so of course there were a lot of warnings out for the area - telling people to stay off of the roads, watch out for ice, and to stock up on food in case you were snowed in.

Smiling here - snowed in. Ha!

When it started snowing, I, along with many others, went for a walk. It was just so nice to walk with those big flakes hitting me in the face. I remembered many snow storms in Kansas and being snowed in - I mean REALLY snowed in! It was nice.... very nice.

Pay It Forward

2010-01-28T20:41:00.001-05:00

Here's something new. My friend Laura had this on her blog and I signed up. It's called Pay It forward.... and here are the guidelines:

The guidelines: "I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise!"

The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

"Want to participate? Be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post and make the same promise on your own blog.

Not So Random Acts of Kindness and 365 days to do it in!

So, here goes! If you're interested in participating, just be one of the first three people to post that you would like to PIF! You don't have to be a knitter, you can hand craft - crochet, weaving, sewing, stamping up cards, anything that is "your thing".

Come on---you know you want to join us in the fun.

Ready? GO!!!!!

My Internal Yardstick

2010-01-23T16:19:00.002-05:00

I have just realized that a lot of the things I "measure" are held up against Kansas.

Kansas is my home - I lived in Kansas for over 50 years. For me - this is what I measure things with.

Now being in South Carolina, I hold it up against Kansas. When people down here say that it is a cold winter, I say to myself "You've got to be kidding!! You have no idea what a cold winter is! Back in Kansas....."

When people say that the streets are icy, I say to myself "Seriously! Have you ever driven on a sheet of ice??? Back in Kansas....."

When we're in a restaurant, when I order iced tea, I am automatically given sweet tea. Well - Back in Kansas, you are given plain iced tea and you add sugar IF you want it.

It seems like nearly everything I do, I compare it to Kansas, with Kansas being the norm. With Kansas being "the right way". Interesting, because I'm sure anybody from any other state thinks the same thing about their area. I truly do know that just because I've done something the same way all my life doesn't necessarly make it correct. And I know that if some people can drive very well on snow packed roads, it doesn't make others wierd because they aren't used to it.

I know that I'll always have Kansas near and dear to me, no matter where I live. I am enjoying South Carolina very much and really am content with the location that I am in. But it will never be Kansas. There truly is - no place like home.

Christmas Notes

2009-12-17T08:49:00.003-05:00

It's "that time of year" as we all say. It's the holiday season - it's December - it's CHRISTMAS! I have to tell you that this Christmas has been wonderful. I know that sometimes we say that it just doesn't seem like Christmas. Perhaps it "sneaks up on us" and we're just not prepared. Sometimes we are so busy with things that we just don't look forward to this time of year because there is so much to do. For me, this Christmas has been wonderful. I felt like I am mentally prepared for Christmas - in many more ways than one.

There are so many obvious things. I have been busy, like everyone else - and finding times to get the cards out and wrap gifts and decorate isn't always easy. But I've found myself really delighting in all of these things and looking forward to just sitting and enjoying the lights and the sounds.

There have been many years that I'm tired of listening to Christmas songs by December 15th. Not so this year. Each time I hear "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" it just makes me smile. I am so content in this season.

By now, the Christmas cards are out and of course everything is decorated. Cookies have been baked, presents bought and wrapped and plans for returning to Kansas are made. I'm giddy with excitement to say the least.

Last night I sat and watched some old Andy Williams Christmas shows. There was a fire in the fireplace (not really necessary in South Carolina, but we had one going none the less) and I had a cup of tea and a Christmas cookie. Was I content? You bet I was - beyond belief. Listening to him sing "I'm Dreaming of a white Christmas" just made me melt.

Do I miss the snow of Kansas? Yes I do. There are lots of things that I miss. I wish I could go with Braylon to visit Santa. I wish I could bake Christmas cookies with my daughters. But I am where I am and I am just as content as I could possibly be.

Now - with all the sights and tastes and sounds of Christmas aside - I have to say that I am the most content I have really ever been in remembering the birth of Jesus. I am content in this entire process being part of my celebration of His birth! I love the decorations and the smells and all of the trimmings that go along with the holiday. But I love most the fact that Jesus Christ came to earth - that God sent his only Son to be born in a humble stable. I am so excited to celebrate His birth - that indeed makes me giddy!

How blessed we are - how wonderful to be able to share this time of year with my friends and family - and to know that on this day......born in a stable.......the baby Jesus. For me.

Christmas blessings to each and every one.

Brothers and Sisters

2009-11-18T21:49:00.006-05:00

Last week, my Uncle Gene passed away. He was one of my Dad's brothers. In the past 1 1/2 years, three of the brothers have passed away.

This is a picture of the brothers and sisters - my dad is front and center with the suspenders on! Too cute!

This is a very close family - and the fact that the next time I go to the reunion in Estes Park there will be three less brothers is very sad for all of us.

This picture was taken in 2008 - and now Uncle Gene, top left, Uncle Bob, in wheelchair, and Uncle Bill (not present as he was very ill) are gone.

Family is so precious - and we are so blessed with this wonderful family. All of the cousins are very close and we will continue the family reunion tradition.

Here are the 1st cousins - the ones that were at the last reunion. I am very anxious for next May to come - so that we can gather again and talk - and remember - and "be closer" to those who have gone before us.

Introducing God - This is so good!

2009-10-07T09:56:00.001-04:00

Things in my yard this September

2009-09-27T15:58:00.004-04:00

By the calendar, it is fall. I do admit that the temperatures are dropping a bit - but I've not even remotely ever needed a jacket yet, little alone real shoes or long sleeves. All that said, the yard and surrounding area is beginning to show signs of fall.

This is my bird feeder - ready for the birds and also "ready" for the squirrels. They are huge culprits of food, as are the dear. This feeder is good because A. it is high enough off of the ground that deer can't reach it and B. it has a squirrel guard on it.

The plants in the yard are looking nice right now. Since it hasn't been quite as hot, they are having a chance to flourish. Also - we've had quite a bit of rain.

This is the humming bird feeder and the beautiful plant around it. I don't get many humming birds at this point. I do see one now and then, but we're new on the block and they apparently haven't found us yet. Maybe next year....

This is a random cactus in the front yard. I don't know why it's there - or why it's staying. Very random.

And speaking of rain, we have had quite a bit. Because of that, we have lots of mushrooms showing up in the grass.

This one isn't real - it's made out of concrete I believe. Kinda cute though, huh?

Patiently Waiting

2009-09-21T20:08:00.003-04:00

This is just an update of sorts - to let you know that both Jay and I are waiting. Patiently. Sort of.

What are we waiting for? Job notification.

Jay is waiting on the Department of Energy to let them know about a contract. If the contract is approved, he will be working much closer to home. As it is now, he works in Augusta - which is nearly an hour's drive each way. We've been waiting for news of this contract since March.

I am waiting to see if I will be hired at the Community Medical Clinic. I have been volunteering there for a couple of months now - and really enjoy it. They have some hours available to hire me and my resume etc. has been presented to the board - and supposedly everyone is "on board" with hiring me - but the final decision hasn't been made yet. So I continue to volunteer.

So - here we are. Kind of in limbo - but both of us putting in our time. We're both content with what we're doing (though volunteering doesn't really bring in a paycheck, if you know what I mean). It will just be nice when both decisions are made and revealed to us.

So the foot tapping you hear...........its me. Being patient.

Fall

2009-09-09T08:39:00.002-04:00

So, we've been in South Carolina now for 2 months but for the most part, it seems a lot longer. And now, it is fall - so I'm curious what fall is like in this area. Certainly already the mornings are much cooler. At the beginning of my walk, I almost need a jacket. I don't take one of course because my hands are already full of things: a tissue, my MP3 player and a little sack of dog biscuits. You absolutely HAVE to take dog biscuits with you if you intend to make friends. Almost everyone has a dog that they walk in the mornings - and you get to know their names (the dogs, that is) and if you offer them a biscuit, they are your friend for life. So now, as I meet them on the street, their tails start to wag and they approach you with those eyes that say "HEY LADY - WHERE'S THE DOG BISCUIT?" As a way of introduction then, you eventually meet their owners and develop new friendships. Some people, I actually only see on my morning walk - but a few I've met in other places around town as well.

OK - back to fall.

I haven't seen any leaves changing colors yet -but it is a little early. We still have the Farmers Market - but the summer concerts in the park are over. The Halloween decorations are out at various places (as are the Christmast decorations. Don't get me started.)

So all in all, fall seems to be "in the air" and I'm very excited to see the changes around here. I'll post some pictures when as visual aids when that time arrives.

For now though, I'm just enjoying the southern hospitality and new friendships.

Journal notation

2009-08-20T10:37:00.003-04:00

I'm copying a journal notation from a freebie newspaper called Skirt. I loved it so much - and it could be adapted to just about anyone really. So I'm copying it for a reason. I think that in me, and maybe in a lot of people, there is a dichotomy of "lifestyles" that we'd like. See if you agree.

I want to wake up and walk out my door to a coffee shop on the corner. I want to drop off my dry cleaning on my way to the subway or tube stop. I want to have a book store and a movie theater in my neighborhood. I want to sit in a local bar and have a glass of wine and write in my journal. I want to know the bartender's name and have a bowl of mussels with butter and herbs in broth. i want to wear black and high heels and fake pearls.

On the other hand, I want to own a farm in Kentucky, grow limestone lettuce, adopt a dog and let him run and hunt, listen to rain on a tin roof, raise chickens, drive a pickup truck, sit on the porch at the end of the day and sleep like a baby in a four poster bed that belonged to my grandmother.
Except those two sides of my self will never be fully reconciled, so I live in the between-spaces.

I truly feel about the say way - there are so many cool things about the city that I like (mobs of cars and people aside) but the contrary lifestyle of country living makes me so content and happy.

More Battlefields

2009-08-16T21:45:00.004-04:00

Over the weekend we went on a little drive to look at some Civil War battlefields. We had been to several battlefields when we were in Virginia, but the two we saw on Saturday showed us some very different terrain than Gettysburg or Bull Run.

Imagine having to carry your gun and other equipment high up over your head as you go through rivers and swamps. Imagine what you'd feel like when you got to the other side - did they take the time to remove their boots before they went in?

There were lots of trees. The raised areas where they hid behind were still there. It was really interesting - not to mention quieting to remember that men died where we stood. Men fought for what they believed was the right thing to do. Men died for their homes.

There weren't any other people out at the battlefields the day we visited. It was very quiet and almost somber. Once again, it's a part of history that I really never had thought much about, being from Kansas. That's not much of an excuse, but it's the truth.

Saturday evening we watched The Patriot with Mel Gibson. It was just an interesting comparison as the battlegrounds really looked quite similar.

In a few weeks, we're going to see a new local movie called "The Battle of Aiken" - it should be very interesting as well. I am very much enjoying getting to know more about the local history.

LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay) - Piano Cello - by Jon Schmidt

2009-08-05T08:56:00.000-04:00

This just makes me happy! Enjoy!

4 weeks in South Carolina

2009-07-31T11:10:00.004-04:00

Well, we've been in South Carolina now for 4 weeks and it has been such a good move! This place is just lovely and the "Southern Hospitality" is genuine! I have made more friends already in this month than I did in 3 years in Virginia. Nothing against Virginia or the wonderful friends that I made there - this lifestyle is just more conducive to a slower pace of life and time to cultivate friendships.

The area itself is just beautiful. Lots of trees and flowers and shrubs - not to mention the fountains that are located downtown. Everyone cares what their yards and the parks look like - great care is taken for landscaping.

The history here is also very rich. I've read three books so far dealing with the history of Aiken and have enjoyed becoming better acquainted with the area. What a pleasure to see places that I've read about!

I've joined a Bunko group as well as a knitting group. I've been invited to come to the next Newccomers meeting. Interesting - many of the ladies in this club have been members for 20+ years. That says something doesn't it? It must be a club that is fun! Their speeakers are often authors or historians. I'm looking forward to joining!

All in all, this place already feels like home. I'm still looking for a job but the time on my own has been well spent. I feel like I've got a better idea of the town atmosphere. Still - there's noplace like home - if you know what I mean.

Redcliffe Plantation

2009-07-19T19:30:00.002-04:00

Today after church, we went for a drive. We had seen a sign for Redcliffe Plantation before, and so we decided we wanted to actually see it.

It was a beautiful day for a drive. This plantation was kind of out in the middle of nowhere - but I guess that makes sense. There was nobody else around so we just wandered around the place. There were supposed to be tours - but I'm guessing they don't have much business out there. We waited around a bit, but there was nobody else there ever.

The porch was so nice - it would be a great place to sit out on and enjoy your mint jullip.

Beautiful scenery - I'm sure it looks more pleasant than some would actually recall. We didn't get to see the inside - maybe we'll go back someday and try again for a tour.

Dear Diary

2009-07-15T22:06:00.004-04:00

Did you ever keep a diary? I used to - back when I was a little girl. I had a little pink diary with a lock on it. I kept the key in my jewelry box - so I'm pretty sure my mother must have read it. Not a "sneaky" place to keep a key!

Many years ago, I started keeping a journal. This was a really good activity for me - and as I review over the past journals, I'm surprised to see some of the things I said and the events that I captured. Things I had already forgotten about. I still keep a journal today - though its more of a timeline and a spiritual journey recorder.

So now, this evening, I'm writing a "dear diary" entry - to make note of what i did today.

Dear Diary,

Yesterday, I made a decision that I was going to have to get out of the house and do something. I was lonely and bored and it was time to change that! I had seen an announcement in the church bulletin that the Medical Clinic was needing administrative volunteers. When I talked to them, they were very happy to have a new face and told me to come in on Wednesday.

I was really looking forward to today - it was nice to have a place to go! And I was not disappointed! This is a clinic offered to people who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare and who cannot afford any other health insurance. They treat only chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, COPD, asthma etc. The doctor sees them and then they help the patients get medications from the drug companies without charge. You can imagine that there is a lot of paperwork involved.

It was wonderful to meet three interesting Christian women and even better to be volunteering for something that is so good for the community.

I'm going back tomorrow and will continue to do so until I find a paying job. :)

Goodnight Dear Diary - until tomorrow.

Adjusting - again

2009-07-14T11:07:00.002-04:00

Well, we've been in South Carolina now for a little over a week. This is a very nice place and there are so many pluses! We had dinner last weekend at a BBQ place. Us and about 200 others! It is a very popular place - and now I know why. We had to stand in a long, snaking line for maybe 10 minutes or so. It moved along nicely. This is buffet style, which I generally don't like. You know - little kids sneezes etc. But I didn't mind it at this place.

The charge was $9 apiece. Seriously. And if you wanted ribs, it was an extra 50 cents. I was amazed! We sprang for the ribs and yowza. Delicious! There was absolutely everything you can think of in the buffet. Potato salad, mashed spuds and gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, corn on the cob, green beans, coleslaw, collard greens, hush puppies, BBQ beef (shreaded), ribs, BBQ chicken, bananna pudding (aka bananna puddin') and on and on. There were two HUGE coolers of sweet tea and one little thing of unsweetened tea. It's apparent which is the favorite!

There were tables where people would sit two sided that sat probably 20. Like at a church social. We ate off of styrofoam plates with plastic silverware and drank out of styrofoam cups.

Truth? No complaints about that from me! Except for the fact that it's not very eco-friendly, the meal was so good it didn't matter!

You paid before you went through the line - it was kind of on the honor system whether you took ribs or not. And honestly - everyone was so friendly!

So here it is Tuesday - and I need to figure out what to do. I admit that yesterday was kind of a "blue" day for me. I really don't have anyone yet that I can call and chat with. It's a little lonely. But I'm going to step out of the house today and go to the bookstore. I'm joining a book club and I need to pick up the next book they are reading. I might also stop at the knitting shop - for apparent reasons! :)

It's a good move - the place we live is nice and quiet. The traffic is minimal. People are friendly to say the very least. Jay is busy and happy with his job. Almost all the boxes are unpacked.

Now - come and visit!!!

My son

2009-07-11T18:07:00.002-04:00

I've been given a chance again this week to reflect on my son's life. And the fact that he still has one. Yet again.

Josh was involved in another vehicle accident. This time it wasn't his truck, but rather a cement truck (full of cement I might add) that was traveling about 60 mph down the road. His left front tire blew out - not just a flat - but a blowout.

From the observation of the man who was traveling behind him, the entire truck flipped end over end at least the first time - as well as rolling two more times before it landed in the opposite ditch. Quite a feat for a cement truck I'd say.

Josh really only remembers hearing the BOOM and then ending up in the ditch. It's amazing to me how fast a cement truck can roll. I wouldn't have guessed that.

For all that action, Josh ended up with some stitches on his back and his arm as well as a torn ear lobe that was bandaged, a gash in his mouth that is healing on its own, a bandage on his nose and other various bumps and bruises. He lost his glasses and his hat (thrown from his head I guess).

And just like the wreck several years ago, the hat and the glasses were recovered. I remember that we had to search and search to find out where they ended up.

That really was the only similarity of this accident and the first one. Other than one important one. Josh is still alive. This wreck didn't leave him as seriously injured as the first one, but yet not as minor as the second one. The common thread is that he is still alive. His life has been spared - and I cannot help but think that God has something yet for Josh to accomplish.

My prayer is that Josh will seek what God has in mind for him. I wonder if God is trying to get Josh's attention (He sure has mine!!) and if that's the case, I want Josh to know how much God loves him and that He has things in store for him that are wonderful.

I am so thankful - and we are so blessed as a family that Josh is still alive. Thank you to everyone for your prayers.

Isaiah 40:29-31

2009-07-09T22:24:00.002-04:00

There is one who takes you with all of your flaws and delights in all that you are. He sings over you when you sleep and hems you in while awake. He destroys the worth-measures of man and pronounces you worthy. He is Jesus. He is the only way we have made it thus far and our only hope for tomorrow.

Amen brothers and sisters!

Leaving Virginia

2009-06-30T10:29:00.002-04:00

This is probably just going to be a rambling - but I think I just need to put my thoughts down.

Leaving Virginia really is hardly even bitter-sweet. In a few cases it is - and those cases would involve friends. One other case would be all the historical things there are around here to see. But beyond that, not so much.

Jay and I have talked about the fact that we have really already mentally checked out. He is finishing a class tonight and then he can really focus elsewhere. For me, I'm not working now, I'm finished going to knitting and we just attended our last worship service this past Sunday. I've had breakfasts, lunches and dinners with friends as has Jay - and really, we're now just waiting for the movers to arrive on Thursday.

We've seen pretty much everything we've wanted to see here as far as monuments and museums go. We would have liked to go to Gettysburg again - but that can happen sometime in the future I guess. We've enjoyed the cherry blossoms and Dorothy's red slippers. We've seen battlefields and statues. We've had fun at the Spy Museum and been teary eyed at the Holocaust Museum. We've viewed art and scenery.

Beyond that, we've made some wonderful friends and been a part of some terrific worship.

All that said, I've had the side of my car scratched up more times that I can even say because people are so careless in my parking lot. It seems like it's every man for himself here. I know that doesn't seem fair - but nobody seems to care if they knick your door.

I've been honked at over and over because I'm not a trigger moment quicker out of the starting gate when the light turns green.

I've been a part of traffic that is so annoying and had my bumper ridden every single day because people are in such a hurry to get where they are going - the stress level in this city is incredible.

We've not had close friends. Everyone is busy. Everyone gets home from work at o'dark thirty and leaves at o'dark thirty and don't have time. We've only been invited over to one family's house for dinner. A knitting friend of mine invitited us over but we were unable to go - but that certainly was appreciated! :) I have one friend who I could call and say "Do you have time for a cup of coffee?" and she would say yes. Otherwise, it would take practically an act of congress to find a time with anyone else.

One little comfort zone has definitely been my knitting group. I've felt "at home" there from day one. Those women are for real and know how to share their hearts. That - I will miss.

Ok - so. Now that I've moaned on and on, I am saying this. I'm ready to move on and I'm ready to make more friends and find a place in the south. I'm anxious to settle in our new home and anxious to find the church where God wants us to be. I'm eager to find out how we can serve Him.

We certainly have been blessed here - and for that, I am thankful. Our move has also been a gift from God. Another chapter is unfolding. Stay tuned.

A Bear

2009-06-26T22:04:00.003-04:00

Thursday morning, we took a drive through Shenandoah National Park - as a reward for working so hard on our packing! It was a beautiful morning and we got out early enough that the park was not crowded and the animals were still out looking for breakfast.

This was our second time there. The first time was a year ago over the 4th of July and I remember being so disappointed that I didn't ever see a bear.

Well this time I was rewarded with a bear sighting! We were just driving along and this little black bear wandered across the road. These pictures really aren't very good because I took them in such a hurry - I didn't want to miss the photo opportunity!

He wasn't afraid of us at all - in fact, he was rather curious. I didn't see his mama - but then, I didn't go out looking for her either. She might not have been quite so receptive to a human.

It was just fun to see this bear. In fact, it amazes me that they are out there. A bear.

I'm pretty sure there are no bears in Kansas. Are there?

In Three's

2009-06-25T20:33:00.003-04:00

Well, it happened again didn't it. Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson. I'm not trying to say it is fate or coincidence or anything at all. I'm just saying - it "always" seems to happen in threes as far as Hollywood stars deaths go. Just strange.........quite a week for Hollywood.

The New House

2009-06-11T22:24:00.003-04:00

We found our house in South Carolina and so today, I've been "exploring" it and mentally making notes so that when I go back to Virginia, I'll be able to remember what I want to do when I return.

The lady who owns the house let us go ahead and make a key before we return in July so that we could go in and clean etc. Today I spent time putting new shelf liners in the kitchen drawers and cabinets. It was so quiet and nice and I really enjoyed it!

We've already met some of the new neighbors and I'm anxious to have a coffee pot to put on for guests!

It was hard being patient until the right house became available for us - but this one is just what I was hoping for.

I'm anxious for lots of guests - we have a spare bedroom so start making your plans!

City noise vs Rural noise

2009-05-25T11:24:00.002-04:00

As I was sitting on my daughter's front porch this morning, drinking a wonderful cup of coffee, I came to the realization that I have "categorized noise" issues. For some time, I have figured out that noise bothers me. I thought it was ALL noise - but after my morning on the porch, I realize that it is city noise that bothers me. Not noise in general.

This morning I was enjoying the quietness of the morning when I realized that it really wasn't quiet at all. Someone was working on their house. You could hear sounds of hammers and the sound of a saw now and then. There were sounds of cars driving past and the sound of children playing in the neighborhood. I could also hear birds chirping. I was as content as can be. The noises really were just a part of the morning and if you live in a rural area, you know what I mean. It was all intertwined. Nothing stood out - and nothing was annoying me. (wow, that's an entirely different issue)

If I were in the city, sitting on my deck listening to the same noises - it would be annoying me. Listening to children play on the sidewalk right outside, making noise and bothering me - well, since I used the word "bother", I think you can see my point. The cars in the city are louder and more offensive. When someone pulls into the parking lot with their radio on loud, it annoys me. They seem to have no respect for those people who live in the same area. This morning there was someone working outside and they had their radio on. It didn't bother me one bit.

What am I to deduce from this? I'm not sure - but I know that I am not content in the city and apparently things annoy me a lot quicker in the city. Is it because there is noise overload? Perhaps. Is it because it is never quiet? Perhaps again. I just know that sitting on the porch this morning, all was rigt with the world. The rural noises were comforting to me. The city seemed so far away.

Speeding Ticket

2009-05-13T14:52:00.003-04:00

I am just chapped. Annoyed. Ticked. I could go on.....

I was driving along Tuesday morning and there at the corner stood a policeman and he pointed at me. Me! I looked at him and pointed at myself saying "Me?" He pointed POINTEDLY at me. I knew he meant me.

I pulled over.

He clocked me going 44 in a 30. I didn't know it was a 30 but it probably wouldn't have made any difference because nobody and I mean NOBODY drives the speed limit in Fairfax or DC or anywhere in this fast-paced area. I was going with the flow of traffic - which happened to be 44 mph. I admit I was speeding. And he had proof. But seriously. SERIOUSLY! I had just pulled on to this street - and I truly didn't know it was a 30 mph zone. I pulled around a car to pass in another lane and gunned it a little bit and he clocked me. I wasn't even speeding up until that point! I was probably going 44 for about 2 seconds. Does that count??? It must.

I have not had a speeding ticket since 1972! Where's the grace????

I'm just annoyed. This little ticket is going to cost me around $300. Terrific. There's always an extra $300 laying around waiting to be spent. Why not spend it on a stinking traffic ticket. That I shouldn't have got anyway. Or if I should have, then everybody else in this huge fast-paced out-of-control on-your-bumper-if-you're-going-slow city.

I'm having trouble letting go of this. Can you tell?

Sunday Afternoon in the Park

2009-05-10T19:37:00.003-04:00

I told Jay this morning on our way home from church that after my nap, I'd like to stop and get an iced coffee and then go to a park or go to a nursery to look at flowers. I'm not going to get any flowers for the deck because we're going to be moving in about a month and a half. I might as well wait until we get settled in instead of moving outside plants.

So - Jay "googled" Fairfax parks and came up with Meadowlark Park. We thought it was just a nice park, but as it turned out, it was Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. It was an absolutely beautiful day with a little breeze and I had a wonderful time taking in all the beauty.

The place was not crowded at all - just a pleasant amount of people. It was quiet as well. There were a good number of flowers out but an even larger number that were not even blooming yet. The peonies had huge buds on them - I'm guessing that in a week, they would be in full bloom.

The grounds were very well cared for. They had little signs stuck in the ground all over the place for identification purposes. They also had several benches along the way so that you could just sit and enjoy the view.

There were a couple of ponds with geese and a very nice fountain. They also had a children's area with a Maypole!

It was just such a pretty afternoon and a surprise treat - we had no idea that it was a botanical garden.

And in case you were wondering, the iced coffee was delicious as well!

Friends

2009-05-03T19:11:00.003-04:00

Throughout the years, I've found that friends are one of the most important things you can have. Without them, there is a void that really is hard to fill. I'm not saying that friends are THE most important thing in life - but they are definitely in the top 5.

I have friends from when I grew up. I have a friend that I literally went all through school with and roomed with 2 years in college. When Marsha and I get together, we pick up where we left off. Like we had never been apart. We can still finish each other's sentences.

I have many friends still from college. We may not talk on the phone often, and may only actually write to each other at Christmas, but we are still friends and when we get together, which may only be every 5 years, it is a wonderful thing!

I have friends from Kansas that have stayed beside me through thick and thin. They have supported me even though they may not have understood me at all times. They loved me in spite of things. They stood beside me, cried with me, laughed with me and are still there for me today with a solid hug and a warm smile.

I've made new friends here to some degree. I have people who I am friendly with and people who I can smile with. For some reason though, it's not the same. There has not been a connection here and with only maybe 1-2 people aside, these friends are fleeting. They don't stand beside you. They don't support you - or at least they don't appear to. You shouldn't have to "search" for support. You shouldn't have to wonder what you did wrong to make them have disappeared off the radar screen.

I am so thankful for my forever friends. For those women who are there for me at any turn. And it is to those women I say this: I will be there beside you as well. I support you and love you and cherish the bond that we have. You are such a blessing in my life. After all these years, I can count myself blessed to have been given a sisterhood of friends.

The Banquet

2009-04-30T18:57:00.003-04:00

The ministry I work for had their annual fundraising banquet a week ago. It is a huge project that I am involved in and it totally takes up months of time. We have it at the Sheraton Premiere in Tysons and ended up with nearly 400 people which is a record.

Our speaker was Fred Barnes, who is on Fox News and a member of "The Beltway Boys". He had a wonderful talk - it was fun to hear him.

The music was provided by Rob and Linda, who are supporters of CSM, I thought this picture was just good of them - not that you can see much of Rob - but it is a great picture. They sing together so well.........beautiful music!

Here is Jay and I, after the banquet, handing out sponsor gifts. By this time, I was exhausted, a little cranky and hungry. I didn't end up getting my dinner until the speaker started and by then, I didn't care! Thank goodness Jay was with me at the table - he was definitely in his element talking to people.

I'm just very glad it's over. This week has been all about follow-up letters and analyzing what went right and what went wrong and e-mailing pictures..... I'm really ready for the weekend. All that said, God truly blessed us and it was a wonderful event.

Knowing When to Keep Quiet

2009-04-20T18:44:00.002-04:00

OK - so I have a few "shortcomings". And I admit that one of them is knowing when to keep quiet but I've been working on that little detail very hard. It makes it much easier here in the city. If you say things to strangers, they don't like it. Not one bit. They think you might be an ax-murderer. Or a weirdo. Or worse yet, trying to invade their space. Truly - things could easily be the reverse. I could say something random to someone who in turn could be an ax murderer and there you go. Wham.

So - that being said, I'm a lot more careful.

Saturday was a true test of my ability to keep quiet. Twice.

Sitting a couple of rows in front of us at the ball game was a young woman in her 20's. She was dressed very nicely and very stylish (not necessarily appropriate for a baseball game but I digress). Anyway, she had her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Cute little ponytail - except for one thing. There was a huge lump of hair on top of her head that she hadn't smoothed down. At one point she took the holder out and smoothed through her hair with her fingers and put it back into the ponytail - with the same results. I really thought that she should know - but decided against it. Someone SHOULD have told her - like the guy she was sitting with - but probably not me. So I kept quiet.

Same day, same ball game.....and the father with the two kids sitting behind us were not for the Nationals. They were for the Marlins and as the game went on, they became more and more annoying. I truly don't care if they root for the other team. It's a big stadium and there are likely going to be people for the other side. But seriously. The language these kids used was horrible. They cursed! And then they started yelling BOOOOOOO instead of Ta da da dadada.... CHARGE. Every time they did that little routine, Jay would holler CHARGE louder and louder - but not enough to drown out those two kids. They kept yelling THE NATS SUCK! And their father really did nothing. They argued between themselves and were really obnoxious. So - was this a time to keep quiet? I'm not sure. I really wanted to say something like "Do you mind?" or "Your children are really annoying" or.... well, you get my point.

Once again, safety was on my mind. You just never know. So I kept quiet and didn't embarrass anybody. But it was close.

Skipping Rope - Seriously

2009-04-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

Sleep Study

2009-04-13T12:49:00.003-04:00

Well, the sleep study is over. It started Sunday evening at 9 pm and ended this morning at 5. Yes - that's correct. I'm tired all the time - feel like I never get enough sleep - I doze off during the day - and they woke me up at 5 am.

They hooked me up to lost of different wires and sensors and gadgets. They measured all sorts of things including my breathing, oxygen, measured when and how long I was in REM, leg twitches, so on and so on. I thought it would be hard to sleep with all that on, but it really wasn't at all.

I've been struggling for several months now - wanting to fall asleep all during the day. Whatever I'm doing.

And I just don't feel "myself". :)

Blood tests have turned out ok so far - and this might just be something else checked off the list - but it's a step towards finding out what's going on.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap.

We're Moving!

2009-04-11T21:49:00.002-04:00

So we finally got the word last Thursday that we're moving south! Should I say SOUTH! We're not entirely sure if it will be South Carolina or Georgia - that is yet to be determined - but by the first part of July, we should be down there - somewhere.

This is rather bitter/sweet in the fact that I will definitely miss our church and miss my friends in the church. But otherwise - not so much. I will not miss the traffic and the congestion and the people honking their horns at the slightest irritation. I will not miss this apartment complex and the lady who vacuums at all hours in the apartment above us. I will not miss the people who come home at midnight with their car stereo blaring and their need to hear the entire song before they turn their car off - or shut off the lights that shine into our bedroom window.

I've got into my head just exactly where I want to live and what kind of house I want and all sorts of details and how everything should fall into place. But I also know that God is in control of this entire process and any strategic planning and orchestrating on my part will only get in the way. So - I will continue to pray for His direction and for His leading and prompting. I'm excited to see what is in store for us.

Easter Blessings to everyone!

I wonder what all we're missing?

2009-04-05T14:06:00.003-04:00

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy.

His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a
commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things
are we missing?

Looking into Jesus' face

2009-04-02T18:31:00.003-04:00

My devotion this morning started a wonderful train of thought for me today.

"Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said 'Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeard to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:17

When Paul received his sight, he also received insight.

From this devotion, God put the desire into my heart to look into Jesus' face, into His eyes and keep my focus there. So many times, when friends have described how they made it through a trial or a really hard time in their lives, I've heard them say that they kept their focus on Jesus and not on themselves. Our Sunday School class is studying the book Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado where we've been discussing the fact that when David met Goliath, he kept his focus on God and not on Goliath. We are encouraged to keep our focus on God as well, during the hard times as well as the easy times.

Why is it so difficult to focus on God when we have so much to worry about? Is it because we think we can handle things ourselves? We wake up thinking about the problems or the burdens and we go to sleep thinking about them as well.

I just have several things that are on my mind right now, not the least of which is wishing some lab results would hurry up and come back to me. There are other things of course - we all have lots on our prayer list. I'm not depressed and I'm not down. But I do find myself focused on every single issue if I'm not careful.

Today, God asked me to focus on Him. To look into Jesus' eyes and give Him my full attention.

I was immediately reminded of that song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus". I admit that I prefer praise and worship songs - but this hymn really had some truth that was perfect for me today.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face -
And the things on earth will grow strangely dim,
in the Light of His glory and grace!

Today, this has been my focus. When I look into Jesus' eyes, when I am solidly looking at Him, the other things are very dim. I can see how much He loves me and cares for me - and how nothing else is more important than being with Him.

The White House of the Confederacy

2009-03-28T21:23:00.002-04:00

Today our small group visited Richmona, VA and went to the Confederate White House. It was a lovely house where Jefferson Davis lived. We took a long tour but we were not allowed to take pictures inside.

Some of the things inside of the house were the authentic, but unfortunately most was destroyed by the Yankees during the reconstruction.

We also visited the Confederate Museum. They had a lot of very interesting displays.

I have to say that the time I've spent visiting battlefields and museums here in "the south", I've come to understand an entirely different side of the Civil War. I'm not going to start flying a Confederate flag or anything, but it's nice to find out more about the history and fill in the blanks that have been there in my knowledge bank.

A Great Contest

2009-03-24T20:54:00.003-04:00

Here's a great contest that I came across. Check it out! You get this great Nantucket Bagg as a prize. Here's the website: Seriously - all you have to do is post a comment about a pile of snow - guess when it will melt - and you are entered in the drawing. These bags are pretty cool! Knitnzu is also a great site - Hope you enjoy!

Jon and Kate Plus 8

2009-03-24T06:49:00.004-04:00

Last night I was duped. Big time. I kept seeing the trailer for the season finale of Jon and Kate Plus 8 and it looked like FINALLY Jon was going to speak his mind and tell Kate that "enough was enough" - "get off my back" - "stop nagging me" - and so forth. That wasn't the case.

I realize that this is a reality show - and I realize that the producers show us what they want us to see. Their life must be absolutely crazy and I am one of the millions who tune in each week to see how their life is progressing. But really. Kate treats her dogs better than she treats Jon and I can't believe that she doesn't see that. We all do.

So - back to the trailer. They showed clips of Kate yelling at Jon about him spending $50 for something and then him yelling at her that he wasn't going to move any more furniture......and guess what. Those clips were never seen in the season finale episode. Seriously.

As it turns out, Jon is very frustrated with the fact that he has kind of lost his identity. He isn't Jon any more - he's Jon and Kate plus 8. I'm sure that's true. He says he can't go anywhere without cameras following him all the time and people always wanting their pictures taken with them. I'm sure that is very frustrating and he might not have had any idea at the time they signed up for this that their show would be this popular. But - he did sign up for it. And I'm sorry that people can't leave them alone in public. I'm also sure that when you cart around 8 children, you kinda lose your identity. But guess what. It happens. To a lot of people. We just don't happen to have a weekly television show on TLC.

I'm glad they didn't have a big blow-up but maybe they need to. Maybe Jon needs to sit Kate down and tell her that she is terribly OCD and she needs to cut him some slack. That man works PLUS does a lot for those kids. He certainly is a hands-on dad and he does more than his share (by what we're shown on tv). I'm just really tired of Kate treating him like a little boy.

So - in the end - once again - the American Public was duped. And even though I'm tired of it, it was my choice to watch the season finale. To sit all the way through it in the hopes of Kate finally getting her dues. To be one of the ranks of people who can't get enough of reality tv.

Wednesday night is Survivor.......

Kansas in February

2009-03-23T22:04:00.004-04:00

Rachael reminded me that I hadn't blogged about my visit to Kansas yet! I got to spend an entire week with my children and Braylon this past February! It was the absolute best to be able to spend day after day with them! Rachael went to a dance clinic in Kansas City over the weekend so I got to have Braylon John all to myself!

That little boy is so cute! :)

It was also the first time I got to meet Trevor - and I enjoyed that as well!

I also got to meet the pup for her little visit - so there are pictures from that as well.

Funny thing - even though it wasn't that long ago, I'm already trying to plan another visit to Kansas to see everyone again!

Looking at Houses

2009-03-16T19:34:00.003-04:00

While in South Carolina, I spent several afternoons looking at house possibilities. This was one of them - and one we probably won't consider, only because it has just two bedrooms and needs several things done like wallpaper stripped off and painted, some window coverings taken off etc. Other than that, this was a cute little house. The one I wanted to have interior pictures taken of - well, you'll just have to use your imagination I'm afraid. I was not able to coordinate with the realtor to get them taken.

This is the front of the house.

This is the kitchen - lots of cabinets and lots of room. You need to overlook the fact that an 85 year old lady used to live here. Her son hasn't got it cleaned out yet.

The view out the back sunrooom is beautiful. It looks out over a golf course.

A nice deck....

If only this had one more bedroom.....

Anyway, it was fun looking at houses and dreaming. We'll see what happens in the next several months. We're patiently waiting on the outcome of the proposal.

Saturday Morning

2009-03-14T09:18:00.003-04:00

I'm just as content as can be this morning. Jay had to head out the door early for a long, grueling day.

I on the other hand, got to sleep in. I leisurely got up and got ready - and now I'm sitting in the breakfast lounge of the guest house we're staying in. I'm sipping some wonderful coffee and cruising the internet.

Jay took the car, so I have nowhere to go today. It's just as well - it is chilly and rainy outside. I had planned on going to the horse races today but the people I was going to go with decided it was not a good day to be out and so they cancelled. OK with me.

When I'm finished reading blogs, I have a new book of Short Stories from the South and my knitting beside me. And since I CAN'T WATCH KU PLAY IN THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TODAY (sorry, I had to vent) I am just going to do all my favorite things today.

Later this afternoon, Vallie is going to pick me up and we are going to take pictures of the house I've fallen in love with so I will post them later on. When Jay gets home late afternoon, we are going to get a pizza and some beer and then we've been invited to some new friends home for drinks at 7:30.

Honestly - this is the most friendly place! In one week, I have made so many new friends. Listen to this. We had dinner Monday evening with some of Jay's co-workers that live in Augusta. They said that they thought I would enjoy meeting Pixie who works in their office. Well Pixie called the next day and said that she'd love to meet me but that she was very busy with the Trials this weekend and could she introduce me to her friend Vicki? I said sure - and Vicki called the next day. This woman met me at the bookstore yesterday afternoon and we had coffee and we drove around and chatted and shopped - like old friends! This woman met me - sight unseen- and took time to spend the entire afternoon with me! She was a delight and I was truly blessed beyond limits! They are the ones who have invited us over for drinks this evening. They also live in the area where our possible new house will be. (No Jay, I have not signed on the dotted line yet!) He worries so........

So - I'm imagining Chelsie in the St. Patrick's Day race this morning - and I'm thinking about Rachael eating Japanese this evening with her Trevor - and I'm thinking about Josh doing Saturday "stuff" and thinking about Jason watching his wife cross the finish line and feeling his back mend every single second - and I'm thinking about Braylon John being the most wonderful little boy in the world - and thinking about Jennifer settling in Japan - and I am just happy. Thank you God for this day!

The South

2009-03-12T11:27:00.004-04:00

I've been in South Carolina for 8 days now and honestly, it is just a wonderful place. Aiken is beautiful - and seems to be a wonderful mix of communities. This is definitely both golf and horse country. We are within a stone's throw of Augusta and this entire area is gearing up for the Master's. Apparently people in Aiken actually leave the area for that week because it gets so crowded - much like the people of DC left during inaguaration.

They have a lot of horse people around here. They have the Aiken Trials this coming weekend, followed by the Steeplechase and then polo. This is referred to as the Triple Crown and the community is all abuzz about the activities! I will be going to the trials on Saturday, but not before I was assured that I didn't have to wear a hat. I look goofy in a hat - but that's another story.

Many of the streets in Aiken are not paved - actually there is one area that is not paved and that is for the horses. People can ride their horses or the carriages and the horses won't have to be on pavement. Some of the street poles that have buttons to push for the crosswalk, have buttons that are up higher. They are for people who are on horses so that they can reach them.

The downtown area is so sweet and has lots of wonderful shops. I have found a fun knitting shop that has a get-together on Wednesday evenings and have found a cute little book store as well with a coffee shop in back. Score!

I also have made a few friends already. I am having coffee with a new friend tomorrow morning as well as Sunday lunch with another new friend. I like the direction this is heading.

Truth be known - the South is as friendly as I have been told. I am anxious to see if the contract goes through. I have spotted a house that I absolutely love - and Jay is going out with me this afternoon to look at it with me. Of course we can't even begin to think about making a purchase until we get a solid "yes" - but I can sure dream!

Finished Knitting Projects

2009-03-02T15:51:00.005-05:00

I have had four knitting projects going at the same time for a couple of weeks now and I don't like it. I don't mind having two going at once: one easy and mindless and one more difficult and more challenging. But four? Too many - and it was making me frustrated because I wasn't getting any one of them done.

So my goal was to get two of the projects done before we leave for a visit to South Carolina on Thursday. Today was the perfect time to get started - we got about 5-6" of snow last night and this morning and I wasn't going anywhere! I got out the two projects that were nearly completed and got to work!

I finished this neck wrap first. I got the idea from a picture I saw online and adapted it to the way I wanted it. This was knit out of my very first spinning. As you can see by the fiber, it was definitely "chunky" - which is a polite way of saying that I hadn't mastered the art of spinning. And while I have yet to do so, my spinning is much finer now. That being said, I actually love the way it turned out. I love the chunkiness of the yarn and thought it was very appropriate for this piece. I added two bone buttons to secure it around the neck and viola!

Project # 2 were fingerless gloves. The pattern was from Liz and the yarn is Asti Alpaca with a twist (50% alpaca and 50% cotton). I love how they feel and they are going to be perfect to use when I'm on the computer during the winter. Seriously - my hands get so cold!

All in all, it was a wonderful winter day! I got to watch it snow while I was knitting. Talk about a comfort day!

Cardboard Testimonies

2009-02-24T22:07:00.000-05:00

Cardboard Testimonies from College Park Church on Vimeo.

A Visit From Jennifer

2009-02-17T19:40:00.003-05:00

This weekend was very special for us - Jay's daughter Jennifer came to visit us in D.C. Special because not only had I not met her yet, but there was some heart mending to be done between her and her father - and well, it was just a great weekend!

We went to as many sights in DC as we could get to - and one of the highlights was Arlington National Cemetery where we saw the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknowns. That place gets me every single time. Did you know that one of the requirements of being a soldier at the tomb is that you can wear a size 29 belt?

The view from the top of the hill was absolutely wonderful - it was a beautifully clear day and you could see so many things!

We went to several museums, one of them being the Freer where we saw many Asian exhibits. This is a place I might not have chosen to go on my own, but I am very glad that we went.

This is a picture of Jay and Jennifer - cute!

This weekend was an answer to prayer - thank you God!

My Rainbow Colors

2009-02-07T21:41:00.002-05:00

This is interesting.

Your rainbow is strongly shaded indigo.

What is says about you: You are a proud person. You appreciate cities, technology, and other great things people have created. Friends count on you for being honest and insightful.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

These are definitely my colors that I like - but the comment about me appreciating cities really isn't 100% correct. I like cities and find them facinating - especially downtown areas - but living in one is another thing all together. So I guess it's all in the definition of "appreciate". Try it - see what you come up with.

The Alamo

2009-02-05T22:29:00.005-05:00

We just got home from San Antonio yesterday. Jay had a Health Physics conference there and so I went along. I've got several friends that I've got to know (wives of other men who belong to the Health Physics Society) and I knew it would be warm there as well. I wasn't born yesterday!

Anyhow - I want to share our visit to the Alamo. I always had the misguided image in my head that the Alamo was out in the middle of nowhere. Not true. Of course at the time it was built and the battle occurred, it definitely WAS out in the middle of nowhere - but today, it is in the middle of downtown San Antonio and was within walking distance of our hotel.

I was afraid that knowing that information might put a little bit of a damper on the visit but that wasn't the case at all.

The Alamo was almost sheltered within the city - it was very well preserved and the city had taken great care to be respectful of the fact that many had died on that spot and than even a few of them were buried there.

One gentleman gave us about a 15 minute history of the Alamo - and it really gave me a much greater appreciation of that lovely building. We took a tour and read about the battle.

One of the things I didn't remember is that David Crockett (Yes, Davey Crockett) was involved in all of this. All throughout the Alamo in various displays, he is referred to as David. He was a lawyer. I'm pretty sure that when Fess Parker portrayed him on television, this was not brought out. But I was young when it was on so who knows what they said. I was just focusing on his raccoon skin cap.

All that said, it was a wonderful tour and the grounds around the Alamo were lovingly cared for. They asked for a quiet respect when you entered inside the building.

I have a desire now to learn more about the battle, the people who were involved and a little bit clearer knowledge about David Crockett. King of the Wild Frontier! (Do you suppose he really killed himself a bar (bear) when he was only 3?)

Funny Superbowl Ad

2009-01-26T17:51:00.001-05:00

Office behavior is very important. Or else....

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

It's Official

2009-01-24T21:31:00.002-05:00

When I was cleaning out my closet several weeks ago, I straightened out my sewing box. In doing so, I found this box of straight pins belonging to my mother. Apparently one time after she had voted, she placed her sticker on this box. I remember always kind of making fun of her for putting it there and wondering why in the world she kept it.

When I dusted the top of my chest of drawers last weekend, I took a good look at this little basket that keeps just little random things in it and guess what I found.

It's official. My fears have been confirmed. I am turning into my mother.

The Vienna Inn

2009-01-17T21:01:00.003-05:00

This morning, we had breakfast at the Vienna Inn. It's not very far from our house and it's a place we had heard about several times - a place people said "we had to go to". We left our house at 8:00 with the knowledge that this little cafe fills up quickly with locals.

We walked in and we were immediately greeted by some of the customers. They said "Just sit anywhere and help yourself to the coffee". They pointed up against the wall where the coffee pots were. They asked if it was our first time there and I said it was. They told us "Welcome". So we went over and grabbed two mugs and proceeded to fill them with coffee.

We sat down in a cozy little booth and a waitress came around with a menu. Apparently you can just order what you want. We had eggs/bacon/toast/hashbrown breakfast and went over to refill our coffee mid-way. The waitresses were very nice and checked on us periodically to see if everything was ok. Near the end of our meal, the waitress told us that when we were done, just to go on up to the counter to pay for our meal - that there wasn't on a ticket. They do it on the honor system. Seriously.

It was a very good breakfast and the cost was under $12 for both of us. That is unheard of in this area!

There were lots of "locals" there - several groups of men that obviously met there on Saturday mornings for breakfast on an ongoing basis. It was just a little slice of hometown life in the middle of a big city. We both enjoyed it!

Spinning

2009-01-14T19:18:00.003-05:00

The group I knit with on Wednesday evenings is so much fun - it's a new community of friends for me and in this city, that is a very important thing. As it turns out, the third Wednesday of the month is also spinning night. A good percentage of the knitters are also spinners and after watching them a few times, I realized that I wanted to try it out. Several of the ladies let me try their wheels and before long, the "spinning bug" had found its way into my soul.

To start out with, my friend Laura let me take home one of her spinning wheels to use. Note that I said "one of her wheels" because apparently - once you have one, you have several. (Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain Jay)

So after using hers for awhile, I knew that I needed one of my own. Yesterday my friend Liz met me at a shop in Centreville and the lady there let me try out several wheels before I settled on a Kromski Sonata. I was smitten. It was just perfect for me. Next............the sell job to the husband.

As you can see from the picture, I am now the proud owner of a Kromski Sonata - and it is just absolutely the best! It is portable - it folds down and has its own carrying bag.

Along with the wheel, you get $50 of free merchandise and here is a picture of part of the things I purchased. This is a picture of four 2oz packages of raw spinning material - namely alpaca, silk, merino (a type of sheep) and yak. Yes - yak.

Apparently you can spin most anything with hair or wool. So for all you barking dogs in the neighborhood, take heed.

This is a picture of a scarf I knitted about a month ago with a Maggie yarn. Kinda fun!

So now I want it to snow - snow so hard that I'm snowed in and can't go anywhere. For days on end. I have things to do!!

Christmas and Hawaii

2009-01-08T20:12:00.002-05:00

No, no - it's not what you think. We did not spend Christmas in Hawaii.

This morning, I saw that I only had a few coffee beans left of Christmas Blend. So I thought "what the heck" and put them in with the Kona beans we got in Hawaii. And guess what? It makes a very nice blend - I'm calling it Christmas in Hawaii! I know - not very original - just humor me. :)

On a side note - I got a coupon in the mail last week for a free tea from Starbucks so I thought I'd give it a try this afternoon. The name of the blend I got was London Fog - and I have this to say about it. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it. It was a tea blended with vanilla and steamed milk. I just didn't like it and I don't believe I'll try it again. No offense Starbucks - you're still my kind of place!

Museum of American History

2009-01-04T14:36:00.004-05:00

With the possibility of leaving the area looming in the future, we decided to take advantage of a relatively nice Saturday morning and head downtown to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. It had been closed for a couple of years for renovations and has recently opened up again. We've been wanting to see it for quite some time.

This place is huge - and you really need several days to do it justice - but we did what we could.

On display are these Stradivarius stringed instruments and they were just exquisite. They were just beautiful, to say the very least.

Here is a picture of Seinfeld's puffy shirt (I'm sure we all remember that scene) and of course, Oscar the Grouch.

Here is Kermit THE Frog. The original Kermit. I'm sure you're wondering to yourself "Why is Oscar and Kermit here in the museum when we clearly still see them on Sesame Street?" These two are the originals - the first ones.

The day wouldn't have been complete without seeing the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. :)

We were going along our merry way and all was good. Then we stepped into the area about wars. I was doing well through World War II - learning some facts that I hadn't known before. But then something started to happen. We went on to the Korean War - the war my Father had fought in. Then on to the Vietnam war - the war that was going on when I was in high school and early college. It was actually a little hard to go through these displays. They were very well done and I had tears in my eyes. In most other areas of the museum, there were kids everywhere but not so much here. Everyone was pretty quiet and reflective. And it made me sad.

But then we came to this display.

These are pieces of scrap metal from the twin towers. I can't even begin to tell you how seeing this impacted me. It all came down to this. Everyone just stood there. There was nothing to say.

By the time we left that wing, I was pretty much done. It took a little bit of time to re-group. My kudos to the Smithsonian - what a powerful display! Well done!

The New Year

2009-01-02T21:56:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year again when many of us think about New Year's Resolutions. I wonder what the percentage of people are who make resolutions. I wonder what the percentage of those people are who keep them?

The one resolution I made last year was because of Kendall. I said I wanted to read through the Bible chronologically in the version of The Message. Well, I didn't break that resolution, I just haven't finished it yet. I'm still working on it - so that is going to be a continuation for this year. I'd like to FINISH it this year. I really like reading the Bible this way and even though I know how it ends, I want to finish it.

So - am I making any other resolutions? Yes, I believe I will. I've thought about this a lot the past couple of days. I think we all want to make resolutions that we think are possible to keep - so I've tried to be careful in making them.

1. I need to drink more water. This year, starting now, I am going to take my Nalgene bottle with me to work and drink it through the day. That isn't that much water but it's more than I'm drinking now. After my surgery I really drank a lot of water, but I've really tapered off. Time to increase again.

2. I need more physical activity. Seriously. I need to get out and walk. So, with the thought in mind that I need to make this resolution something I'll keep, I guess I'd like to say that I will walk at least twice a week. I want to walk MORE - but twice a week would be ok for now.

3. Cut back on trips to Starbucks..........No. Not gonna do it. Scratch Resolution #3

That's really it for me - I think if I can drink more water and increase my activity, I'll be doing pretty good.

Honestly - I'll do my best - I really will. Stay tuned next year to see how I did.

Happy New Year!

A Gradual Leaving

2008-12-30T20:24:00.002-05:00

I just had a wonderful time with my family at Christmas. We never have to do anything special at all - just be together. We talk and laugh and sing - and I listen to the exchange of inside jokes and quotes from movies and I just never get tired of hearing my children's voices.

But then comes the hard part - the leaving.

It comes in stages - and it is gradual - but it is never, ever easy.

First comes the hugs and the goodbyes. I almost always cry, even if they don't see it.

Then comes driving out of town. That is the most awful part to me. Actually leaving the city limits. I cry and Jay just drives along and lets me.

Then we get on the interstate and eventually leave the state of Kansas and cross into Missouri. I don't like that part.

When the plane leaves the ground, the spot that gets empty in my heart is pretty evident. We are up in the air and the memories of the time spent is heavy.

By the time we land in DC, I sigh and realize that I'm once again many, many miles away.

Even with all that said, and as hard as it is, I wouldn't forego the trip just so that I wouldn't have to feel that difficulty of leaving. I am so thankful for Jay, for my children and for that sweet little boy who knows just who to ask for a book at IGA. I am so blessed for the relationships we all share and for Papa and Marmie who indeed are an extra blessing to me. We all share four wonderful children and a grandson - and God is good. He is so very good. All the time.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

2008-12-24T07:15:00.002-05:00

I think that it goes without saying that the Christmas season brings with it so many memories and for me, it doesn't necessarily bring childhood memories as much as it does memories of when my children were little.

One of the things I think that I'll always remember is those two girls having to sleep in the same bed on Christmas Eve. Never mind that their twin beds were about a foot apart to begin with. That wasn't enough. No. They had to sleep in the same bed.

And when I say sleep, I use that word loosely. There really wasn't much sleep. They whispered and giggled and I'm sure tried with all their might to fall asleep - but it was in vain - because truly "visions of sugarplums" danced in their heads.

It would always be late when we finally got to bed on Christmas Eve. For a good part of the time, we attended midnight Christmas Eve services in Idana. We would be at a family gathering that evening, attend the Christmas Eve service and then head home. There was always the routine of putting out milk and cookies for Santa - and then off to bed.

I remember sitting on the sofa listening for them to fall asleep so that "Santa" could come. As paper rustled and stockings were stuffed, I'm sure they heard every single thing. But as they were little, they never seemed to associate those noises with the arrival of Santa.

Soon, and I do mean soon, those little girls and eventually little brother in tow, were upstairs standing beside the bed - staring at me.......waiting for our eyes to be open. And being just loud enough so that we'd wake up. To say that our Christmas mornings started early would be an understatement!

To this day, those girls would sleep in the same bed on Christmas Eve given the chance. I know that both of them still have trouble falling asleep - and if I were truthful, so do I. The "magic" of Christmas morning is very special. The sight of the tree all lit up - the hope of snow on the ground - the smells and the anticipation.

Today, on Christmas Eve, I remember that manger and the baby Jesus laying there - and the anticipation that was all around that Christmas morning. Nothing can compare to that event - and today, as I remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I wish everyone a very Blessed and Merry Christmas!

A Weekend of Friendship

2008-12-21T22:05:00.003-05:00

This was just a warm-fuzzy weekend. We had a lot of things planned to do - and almost every single thing involved friends and doing friendship things.

I was invited to brunch with my friends Erica and Pria. They are relatively new friends, really within the last 6 months. We just have laughed so hard together and this brunch was no different. It was fun to connect with them again and share a lovely afternoon.

Then in the evening, our small group at church gathered for pie and prayer. Everyone brought a pie and I'm here to tell you - oh my goodness - these women can bake a pie. I made a blueberry pie. We cut them all in small pieces so that we could have a nice "tasting" of a variety of pies. I was STUFFED!

Here is a picture of one of my dearest friends Miss Edna (beside me) and my friend Helen.

Here is a picture of Carol and myself - another good friend who I shared the evening with!

What a fun weekend before Christmas we had. This afternoon I went to my friend Laura's house and she started teaching me how to spin. It was so pleasant and very comforting. She loaned me one of her wheels so now it's sitting in my dining room where I intend to spend several hours over the holiday learning a new skill.

The weekend went so fast - but we had a wonderful time making memories!

A Candlelight Tour of Mt Vernon

2008-12-17T21:13:00.002-05:00

I decided to have a surprise for Jay this time. Sunday late afternoon we headed out but Jay didn't know where we were going..... that is until we found out that there was some bridge construction and I didn't know another way to get to our destination - so I had to tell him. That was ok though - he had patiently waited all week to find out we were going on a candlelight tour of Mt Vernon, George and Martha Washington's home. It was so pretty and not nearly as cold as the night we toured the zoo. They had a lot of lanterns to light the paths plus there was a nearly full moon. The mansion was beautiful but we couldn't take inside pictures there - so you'll have to use your imagination!

This is a picture of one of the slaves quarters - there were many beds in this one little room. And....hay for a mattress.

This was a small room outside of the mansion that belonged to their land manager. Doesn't look very cozy - and nothing at all compared to the mansion.

There was a lot of nice music to listen to outside around the gardens and walkways.

Inside the museum, there were many beautiful Christmas trees. It was a nice evening and we enjoyed seeing the historical place!

A Chilly Surprise

2008-12-10T21:36:00.005-05:00

Last Sunday was my Christmas surprise. Last year, Jay surprised me by taking me to the Bull Run parade of lights. This year, he told me that I needed to dress warm and as we were getting ready to walk out the door, he told me I had to bring my Metro card. As I opened up the door to the outside, I realized I hadn't dressed warm enough. The wind was blowing and it was really, really cold outside. So - I added layers. Good thing.

We got on the Metro until we reached Metro Center where we changed to the red line and rode until the Woodland Park stop. All this really meant nothing to me because when we get that far away, I have no idea where anything is. We walked out into the cold and he told me that we needed to walk about three blocks. Translated - three VERY LONG BLOCKS INTO THE WIND. I'm telling you - it was freezing. Really, I wasn't bad except for my face. My face was frozen. So we walked. And walked. And then finally around the corner.........

The zoo was decorated everywhere with beautiful lights! The buildings were decorated along with the trees - but also there were wire lights in shapes everywhere!

Even though it was very cold, it was so pretty. They had music playing, plus at one stop there was a brass ensemble playing (bless their blue lips stuck to their mouthpieces)

Somewhere in the middle of the zoo was a giant snow globe with a panda in it. Not a real one you understand - but some poor soul dressed up in one - inside the snow globe. You'd certainly not want to be claustrophobic would you!

It was a fun surprise - we even got to have hot chocolate at the zoo! By the time we arrived safely back home, we had finally warmed up. Another Christmas surprise! Thanks Jay!

A Wintery Day

2008-12-06T21:44:00.003-05:00

Today was a nice wintry day. We started the day out by going to an "All Church Breakfast". The men cooked breakfast and it was delicious! We had scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage links, biscuits, cereal, bagels and blueberry pancakes. mmmmm After we all ate and chatted, we sang Christmas Carols. It was just a nice way to spend a Saturday morning.

After breakfast, I had choir practice. Our presentations will be three times next weekend - so we were of course using every opportunity to practice.

After I got home from choir, we had a small snack and then headed downtown on the metro. My friend Erica was celebrating her 32nd birthday at a Mediterranean restaurant that we had never even heard of. The food was delicious and it was fun to meet new people.

When we left the restaurant, it was snowing! Just a beautiful, soft snow. After the ride home, we decorated the apartment for Christmas. Jay had already put the lights out on the deck last Friday - so we decorated the tree and put the nativity scene up along with all the other decorations.

It was just a wonderful Saturday - and now the house feels a little bit more like Christmas!

And the word is....

2008-12-01T18:10:00.003-05:00

Well - the problem is that there must be TWO words that start with sc and have 9 letters - because scratched certainly fits that category. The word they told us was screeched. Interesting - and good job to Amy! She is the grand winner! Sorry - no prize - except that you did come up with a 9 letter word and without any help!

So - I looked it up... and there are a few other words.

scratched, scrounged, scrunched, stretched, and the plural nouns straights and strengths (all with nine letters).

So there you go. Apparently First Watch didn't have all their information together when they asked the question. The place I googled said that screeched was the most common answer. :)

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you! Thanks for playing!

Last Clue

2008-11-25T20:14:00.002-05:00

Thanks Amy and Bridgette for your guesses. Amy - you had a good guess with it starting with Sc - and Bridgette you had an 8 letter word which is also close.

I'll give you three clues actually.

#1 It has 9 letters
#2 It starts with Sc
#3 It is NOT plural

Ask your class again Bridgette - good job! :)

I'll tell you tomorrow if you haven't already guessed it!

A Clue

2008-11-24T22:30:00.001-05:00

Good guess Amy! But not correct - but honestly, a VERY good guess!

Here's a clue: It starts with the letter S.

Keep guessing my friends - it's pretty cool when you find out what it is. :)

A Trivia Quiz

2008-11-23T22:07:00.004-05:00

Saturday morning we had breakfast at "Morning Watch" and as you walk in the door, there is a large chalk board that has the day's specials etc. They also had the morning quiz listed and here was the question:
WHAT IS THE LONGEST SINGLE SYLLABLE WORD?

So, I asked the waiter if he knew the answer and he said that he did. Through the entire breakfast I tried to think of the answer. Toward the end of my last cup of coffee, I asked for a clue. Finally, as we were leaving, I had to ask for the answer. I came very close to coming up with the answer, but fell short.

See if you can come up with it - and if I don't have any answers by tomorrow, I will start giving you clues.

There is one rule - you have to think of this on your own. No googling - no dictionaries - no spell checks - nothing like that. Just use your brain. :)

I'll be waiting for your answers! Have a good week!

Mr. Peabody and the Way Back Machine

2008-11-22T17:12:00.003-05:00

Jay reminded me today that I was going to post a "Way Back Machine" every Friday. Well, I'm 2 weeks late and today is Saturday, but I'm going to post one now. Thanks for the reminder!

I was remembering cleaning out my mother's house several years ago after I had moved her into a nursing home. You will notice that I didn't say "when she moved into a nursing home." I had to move her - it was an ugly scene and I wouldn't wish that kind of episode on anybody. That being said, she is comfortable there now. She will occasionally bring up to me the fact that I made lots of money from the sale of her house. Another reminder that she is unaware of things going on around her.

You have to appreciate the fact that people who grew up during the depression learned the "value" of things. It's widely known that they rarely throw things away as an adult and my mother was no exception. If I threw away one bottle of glue, I threw away 9 bottles of glue while cleaning out her house. She had rolls and rolls of paper towels. And fabric? Don't get me started. She could have easily opened her own shop.

But I would say one of the areas that I enjoyed cleaning out the most was her den. There was my dad's area (about 1/8 of the room) where he did his drawing and "figuring" as he called it. My father was a carpenter and this was where he drew up plans and figured estimates for people. It was fun to touch the papers and tools he used for his business. Everything was in a neat place and it really reflected his personality.

The rest of the room belonged to mom - and honestly, it reflected her personality as well. Her sewing machine was in there and inside of it housed any color of thread you could want - and not just one spool of each color either. You never know when you'll run out of a color and need one waiting in the wings. She also had a round metal box full of buttons. She bought buttons on cards - and it wouldn't have mattered what she was making, she was ready. That thing was FULL! She had several half-completed projects laying around and lots of patterns in a file drawer. She really was a good seamstress and used to sew quite a bit.

Her desk contained all the equipment she needed for bookkeeping for my father's business. She had a box of yellow sharpened pencils - and I exagerate not when I say there were probably 80 pencils in that box. She also had a huge assortment of pens - and little tablets. I never really had looked through those drawers before, so finding all of these was like opening a treasure box.

One of the things I found was an autograph of Jimmy Durante. If you haven't ever heard of him, google him. He's gone now of course - and I truly cannot remember where she saw him to get his autograph, but I remember she was always very proud that she had it. She also had Jim Nabor's autograph. You know him - Gomer Pyle. Again - google it. :) It's funny to me that this woman from small town USA had two pretty significant autographs.

The prize I found in that room was a photo album with metal covers that belonged to my dad. It had many, many photographs from when he was in the Phillipines in the Air Force. I had never known this album existed before and it made me so sad that it had been there all this time. My father rarely talked about his time in the Phillipines and this would have been a perfect "vehicle" for me to use to get him to talk. As I look through the pictures now, I have no idea who the other men really are. He has some of them labeled with first names, but to hear the stories behind them would have been the best. I wonder why this was stuffed away and forgotten? I'm guessing they didn't think I would be interested in it.

All in all - that room was horendous to go through - but at the same time, probably reflected both of their personalities very well. When it was all cleaned out, it of course made me sad. Not only had a put everything in boxes or in the dumpster, but I had erased a portion of two lives. I did keep the autographs though - who could resist showing off Jimmy Durante?

An orchid in winter

2008-11-20T07:16:00.003-05:00

I have a beautiful orchid that was blooming when I got it. I have babied this plant along for quite some time now and finally it has bloomed again. It has to have just the right amount of sunlight and it wants orchid food in it's just-so right amount of water (room temp please).

I just wanted to share how pretty it is - the flowers are just lovely! It sits in the den which really is the chilliest room in the house, especially during the day when we're gone and the heat is down. So far, I guess it doesn't mind.

Anyway - no big news - just wanted to share my orchid with everyone! Have a great Thursday!

A shower with a mind of its own

2008-11-18T17:34:00.002-05:00

I want to discuss my shower. More accurately, I want to discuss water pressure.

The water pressure in our apartment has never been tremendous. Sometimes, it is a trickle. Other times it's not so bad, but it has never been great.

The thing that's odd and the thing that annoys me is that it is not a continuous water pressure. I know what you're thinking - "You dork - when somebody else turns on the fawcet in the sink, of course your water pressure is going to change." Well, I know that and this isn't the case at all. I can be the only one in the apartment and be in the shower, and all of a sudden there is barely any water at all. Not a great thing when you have soap in your hair. Then, after a minute or so, the water pressure returns.

Other nearby apartments water usage doesn't affect us - we're separately controlled - so that isn't it. I just truly am stumped. And - it really only seems to happen in the shower. We have great pressure in the sinks and in the tub - and it stays constant there too.

I could always say something to the apartment office - but I just hate to walk in and say......well, my water pressure comes and goes. They would just shake their heads at me and tell me to either 1) live with it or 2)that somebody else was using water at the same time I was showering.

I really have no explanation. I just know that it isn't all that great to take a shower under a trickle of water.

Does this blog post go anywhere.... not really. Just venting. Thanks for reading! :)

An evening as a pirate

2008-11-15T21:03:00.003-05:00

Tonite, the women's group at our church hosted a "Friendship Dinner". Each hostess had a table of 8 guests and could choose a theme for their table. Carol's table was so cute - the theme was Candy Land - and she had big game pieces and everything. The whole table was the game board.

As it turned out, nearly ever other table went for a more elegant theme. Here is the table that won the prize for the evening. It was Miss Edna's table and it was a Thanksgiving table - absolutely beautiful!

The table I hosted had a Pirate theme.

Here is Jay and I - in our pirate "outfits". We had so much fun and had lots of comments about our costumes.

It was just a nice evening and we met a lot of new people to the church.

Star Wars - An a capalla tribute to John Williams

2008-11-09T16:30:00.002-05:00

I just had to share this - I think it is terrific!

Mr. Peabody and the Way Back Machine

2008-11-07T07:21:00.004-05:00

There used to be a little cartoon on the Rocky and Bullwinkle show called Mr. Peabody and the Way Back machine. Mr. Peabody and his little friend Sherman would step into the Way Back Machine and travel back in time. I doubt it was all that educational and I would hate to count on it for accuracy, but I do remember it being cute.

So, with that said, I'm going to post a Way Back Machine every Friday and talk about something I remember from the past. There is the chance that it might not be interesting to anybody else but me. That's the chance you take in blogging. Live with it!

Today I want to remember two little girls and the year was somewhere around 1988 I think. Whenever we went to McDonalds or Hardees, we would get the kids meal of course and at that time, usually the prize was a small character made of hard plastic. The girls began to collect them. They stored them in a little tan plastic container with a hinged lid on it. This collection soon became known as "hard animals". Each girl had their own collection, though there were many duplicates. Hard animals were collected in various places, not just fast food chains. That bread-box sized case was soon full to the brim.

In trying to remember what some of them were, I could only think of Strawberry Shortcake and Carebears.

If they wanted to occupy themselves on a Sunday afternoon, they would get out their hard animals and go to the kitchen floor. One girl would sit on one end and the other girl would sit on the other. They would then proceed to meticulously line up each and every figure. I'm sure there was a specific place for everybody - each "person" had a place to be. I'm not sure if they actually ever played with them - though I'm sure they did. The bulk of the time was taken in setting everything up.

I rarely heard a peep out of them during this time. They really concentrated on what they were doing - it was important business.

So whenever I see little hard plastic figures, my first instinct is to take one to add to the girls' collection. But then I return from the Way Back Machine and remember that they don't collect them any more.

MegaSoundaphobia

2008-11-03T18:10:00.002-05:00

Here's the deal. I have noticed that I have developed a "sensitivity" to noises. I don't mean noises like creaks or taps or whispers. I mean that whenever I hear things like sirens - a honking car - loud people in the next office - that little boy who visits in the next office on Wednesdays with a whistle that his mother seems not to desire to control (sorry, I got off on a tangent) - the neighbor upstairs who showers at 12:30 at night and when she stands in her bathtub it squeaks - and so on.

I'm not sure how this all started, but I notice that noises like that bother me now. They bother me to the point that I am distracted.

There is a parking garage next to my office. I had the window open today because my office was stuffy. Somebody's car started honking like when it's being broken into or you accidently hit the panic button. This went on for about 5 minutes literally and I was about ready to take a baseball bat to that car. I was - and I'm not proud of it.

The people in the office next to me are very loud at times - in fact they yell. I've discussed this issue before and I know that I need to just adapt. But it is very hard to adapt to a little boy and his whistle on Wednesdays. It makes me cranky.

It annoys me when people are outside of our apartment at 11 o'clock at night and they are loud enough that they wake me up.

Where did all of this come from?

I'm guessing that it's the fact that I spent many years living out in the country where you could hear a pin drop at night. You might hear a car drive by - maybe. You probably would hear a coyote once in awhile and you might hear Molly bark once or twice. But that's it. I've also almost always worked in an office where there wasn't a lot of noise. That and I've almost always worked in an office where the radio was on softly in the background.

At least these are the things I can point to right now that make me believe that I'm not just being crabby. I'm "adjusting".

I don't like "adjusting". I pretty much like things to go my way. And once again, I'm not proud of that fact.

So - what are my options?

I need to breathe. I need to let things slide by. I need to be happy that the mother in the office next to mine has a healthy little boy who has breath to blow on a whistle. I need to be thankful that people are happy enough to laugh outside my window. I need to be glad the lady upstairs takes a shower. Seriously. I guess I just need to get over it. Life is too short and yada yada yada.

OK - I will breathe.

A little boy's birthday

2008-10-29T21:20:00.003-04:00

This past weekend we were in Kansas for Braylon John's 3rd birthday. It was a very big weekend for that little boy. His theme was motorcycles and oh my goodness - it was quite a celebration!

Phil brought over his dirt bikes and Braylon got to sit on them. He wore the helmet and boots - but when it came to actually riding with Phil on his bike, he just couldn't quite do it. Maybe next year...

Here he is with his new boots, cowboy hat and rope. He is ready to rodeo!

He really loved it when the candles on his motorcycle cake were lit and everyone sang Happy Birthday to him. He just beamed!

Here I am with the birthday boy!

And here he is with his mama. It was a wonderful party and so much fun to be there with my children for the entire long weekend! Happy Birthday Braylon John! Nana loves you!

Pearl Harbor

2008-10-22T22:40:00.004-04:00

One of the places I visited while on Oahu was Pearl Harbor. I've been there before, over 30 years ago I believe. But, I don't remember being so "struck" with the gravity of that place before. Just pulling up to the place where the Arizona rests was unbelievable. I immediately felt the reverence and the peacefulness of that place.

Just knowing that the Arizona was "resting" beneath me was something I'll never forget. It wasn't creepy. It was instead a quietness that everyone there felt. Well, almost everyone. One of the rangers kept having to tell this one couple to please be silent. The older gentleman was videotaping and he kept on speaking into the microphone, narrating everything he was seeing. The wife was "helping" him. If you know what I mean.

Standing there, looking at the names of the men who died that day in Pearl Harbor made me realize that men have died since the beginning of time, defending something that they believe in. There were names of brothers who died together. There were names of father and son who died together. I didn't know any of them - but someone did. And while I stood there, I said a little prayer for those left behind who grieved. It was a very inspirational place to stand.

Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941.