I Guess One Should Always Get a Shopping Cart

Well, my daughter and I are back from Meijer, where we got ingredients for the chili fest AND frozen mac and cheese, 2 bags of chips (buy 1, get 1 free), Jeffrey rabbit pellets, sparkling non-a grape juice, pop  and roses for my mother.  Our list was 5 items long so we picked up a little red shopping basket.  As you can see, we should have taken a cart.....just in case.

Later this afternoon, we are planning to see How Do You Know?, the movie with Reese Witherspoon.

I am having a very lazy day.

The winner is UPTOWN!  Chicago's neighborhood of the year!  Congrats!

A New Year Resolution

Along with eating right and exercising, I have resolved to be a peacemaker and a goodwill ambassador.  I will keep you apprised of my endeavors.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is injury, your pardon

....grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand.
And to love with all my soul.

A Quarter Century Old

Today we are heading to a Japanese sushi and steak restaurant to celebrate my son's 25 birthday!  He was born on New Year's Day, a day the Wolverines won the Rose Bowl.  I'd like to think that is why he is such a sports fan. On his birthday, we will watch the Gator Bowl.  I'm thinking that the Wolverines will triumph over Mississippi State.

Many many blessings

How I enjoy hearing the laughter of my children as we gather to celebrate Christmas.  My greatest gift--that we were all together.  God showered us with good health, time together and gifts.  My son and I went to church this morning to "praise God from whom all blessings flow." and "to thank we all our God."

Flute shopping

 A few years ago, I sold my 40 year old closed hole Gemeinhardt flute.  Inexplicably, I am feeling the need to play flute, so I have been online flute shopping.  I've been checking out new and used flutes--Gemeinhardt, Pearl, Artley.  I would play for fun, so I don't need a professional model.  I am considering purchasing a flute after Christmas.  I am eager to play once again.

I work today and tomorrow and then I have three days off.  A treat since I rarely get days off in a row.

I was lying in bed when I heard AJ the cat knock something off the kitchen counter.  After 2 minutes or so, I got up to check it out.  Pudge had immediately gone into the kitchen to investigate.  AJ is on Santa's Lit'l helper's naughty list.  A plate of sugar cookies was on the floor.  Bad kitty!

One week 'til Christmas

The celebration of Christmas is a progression. We start Sunday by picking up our daughter from the airport.  She will be flying in from DC, weather permitting.  We will fill the rest of the week with grocery shopping and baking.  On Christmas eve, our son arrives.  Then off to church to rejoice and sing "Joy to the World."  On Christmas morning,  our family exchanges gifts and shares a big breakfast that everyone helps make.  Pancakes, sausage, eggs, hash browns, breakfast rolls, orange juice.  We travel a few blocks to spend some time with my parents, brother and sister and their families.  We exchange more gifts and share a meal.  The Christmas joy continues...

Hello everyone!

The Midwest blizzard knocked out our modem, and since our cable system is so new, we had no clue how to reset it.  So in the midst of projects, and end of semester requirements, we had no internet or phone service.  But folks, I am now back online and one happy camper!  A very personable, knowledgeable cable guy fixed the problem.

Have to work today.  The store did well the first part of December, but is slowing down.  That is why our customers and callers are precious as gold.  Many families have decorated and celebrated.  I doubt there will be a last minute rush.

Can't imagine putting the responsibility of taking care of a car in the hands of a young 16 yr old.  Yikes.  She vacuumed up a shoelace and it wrapped itself around the vacuum cleaner shaft!  Had to use a knife to remove it.  I sold the Escort for a pittance.

Happy! Happy! Happy!

I am very happy today--deliriously happy.  Two of my colleagues stated that "we have the most hours this week."  Well, they need the money, so I'm happy for them.  My brand new car needed something called a "cam sensor" and since I've only had the car 3 days, the dealer fixed it for free.  However, tomorrow I have to promise not to bring the car in for repairs unless I pay for said repairs.  Talked to a nice young man who might be interested in the Escort.  I was the FIRST in line at the Sec. of State, since no one was there due to the blizzard and ice skating rink roads.  My online friend misinterpreted what I wrote and was hurt, altho no hurt was meant.  That's the trouble with not being able to clarify anything verbally.   Had the most delicious sour cream sugar cookie that a work colleague made.  Need a picture of the desolate lane, snow covered and lonely and covered with widow makers.  Yes!  I am happy.

The Storm

After slippin' and slidin' to church, decided that I should replace the tires on the Sebring.  Those trips to the west side of the state wore them out.  Came home and shoveled the driveway and sidewalks, altho the heavy snow is still coming down.  Read that part of the Minnesota Metrodome roof collapsed in the blizzard.  Many states are involved in this cell-IL, ND, SD, MN, WI and MI to name a few.  Have to work today and then was planning to drive 16 or so miles to get my hair done.  Will decide later in the afternoon.  The storm advisory is 'til 11pm.  Have recommenced writing in my journal.  I have come full circle, and as I wrote last nite, I don't think it is a bad thing.  Hope to work on my children's book too, one of these days.  Guadate Sunday today.  We lit the pink candle on the Advent wreath today.  Christmas is less than 2 weeks away.

A new attitude

Isn't it amazing how I put something away 7 years ago, and now I can't find it?  I am looking for a car title.  Searched high and low and can't find it, so a trip to the Sec. of State is in order on Monday.  Think I can send my Christmas cards out today.  I am still missing a couple addresses, so a few more days before I can put complete closure on the cards.  My friend is AWOL again.  I know the friend is okay but unresponsive, and really has been since July.  Never any response but then perhaps my emails are uninteresting.  I have a few more things to do on my Christmas to-do list.  Clean my house and my parents' house.  Grocery and gift shopping.  Make sugar cookies.  TA DA!  End of list.  I am going to enjoy the company of friends and family, colleagues at work, the customers that come into the store.  I have a new attitude!  :)

Early morning thoughts

Up at the crack of dawn, couldn't sleep.  Thinking of my aunt, and about the '98 Escort that I am trying to sell.  The engine is worth at least $600--I checked on ebay.  So far, no offer close to the $500 that I'm asking for it.  Will be patient.  Many calls, even one from IL.  Hope my plans work out today.  First the funeral and luncheon, then work for a few hours, and after work a Christmas service at church.  I will mail my Christmas cards out on Monday.  I didn't want them arriving the day of my aunt's funeral.  I felt that would be insensitive.  I would like to purchase a few more surprises and bake sugar cookies.  I don't think there is anything more delicious than a fresh sugar cookie.  Have been playing music on my dulcimer.  Need to work on the picking and strumming, and I have dulcimer music on my wish list.  Hope my associate is in a better mood.  I could not do or say anything yesterday, that she wasn't oppositional.  So, I didn't do or say anything so as to keep the peace.

My 6th anniversary

Today my boss asked, "Do you know what day it is?"  Well, I knew the date and that I was going to the visitation at the funeral home.  I told him, "No, I don't."  He took a beautiful big yellow rose from behind his back and told me "Happy 6th anniversary!  Thanks for 6 years."  What a wonderful surprise!

After work, I went to the visitation at the funeral home.  Tears and laughter as you can imagine.  Visits with aunts, uncles and cousins.  A promise to be with them tomorrow for the funeral.  I just hope the weather cooperates with little snow and no freezing rain.

After the luncheon, a special request by my boss to work a few hours.  

Odds and Ends

Went to church today.  I remembered my aunt and her family, those people suffering from depression, and unborn babies.  When I came home, I put an ad in the paper for my car.  It runs like a charm, but was totaled in an accident.  I'll see if I can get a few dollars for her.  I just love it when I fire off a text to someone, only to discover that I've sent it to the wrong person.

In loving memory

My aunt had the most infectious laugh.  Her eyes would light up, her mouth would smile and she would enjoy the humor of the moment.  She and another aunt would host a Christmas party or a Communion celebration at the fire hall.   I remember how she took care of my brother and me when my mother was in the hospital.  She would approach me with her new baby and ask me if I wanted to hold my new little cousin.  She always took the time to chat and was positive and affirming, concerned and interested.  I saw her in June at the family reunion, but my uncle and aunt left when the weather turned threatening and the tornado sirens blared.  Yesterday, on December 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, this very special aunt went home to Heaven. leaving her husband of more than 50 years, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren.   "Lord, grant her eternal rest.  And let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen."

Second Sunday of Advent

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent!  The Gospel reading, John the Baptist, "a voice crying out in the wilderness.  Make straight the path of the Lord."  I am trying, during Advent--not too successfully.  I am trying to smile and be helpful and to be a good listener.

Our newest pet

I just held the newest member of our family--a small fragile baby rabbit named Jeffie.  She is 6 1/2 weeks old, a small fluffy bundle of cream and gray fur.  Such a tiny little girl!  We need to learn about rabbits.  She is living in Lisa's room and is Lisa's pet.  Our 8 lb mini dachsund stands by Lisa's room and whines.  Just wait Maui.  Jeffie will soon be bigger and heavier than you!

A missing online friend--back to journaling

The positive aspect of having an online friend, is that the friend can help sort out thoughts, help me muddle through problems, be a listener and be supportive.  Since my online friend is missing, I have decided to not become involved in making another online friend at this time.  Before I had this friend, I wrote in a journal.  The trouble with a journal is that it doesn't answer back!  I had two worries the entire time I was writing to my online friend.  The first, that the friend would stop writing, which actually if I'm honest happened in July, though I heard sporadically up until Thanksgiving. The second was that I would unintentionally offend my friend, and I would get a harsh reply back.  Perhaps it's a question of fitting.  I don't know that I actually fit into this friend's life.  Our lives are very different.  Take care my missing  friend.

A pleasant visit and honesty

I called my mother and haven't been able, for a variety of reasons, to talk to her.  So today, I decided to take her a bunch of flowers.  I would go to my parents' home, arrange the flowers in a vase and chat with her and my dad while I did it.  We had the most wonderful visit.  My father made tea and gave me his turnover and showed me his die cast car and truck collection.  A successful idea.  A friend of mind is AWOL, and I've even gone so far to check obits to see if his name is there.  Can't imagine what is going on, and I am worried and wondering if he'll ever contact me again.  Makes me sad.  Am observing my mantra at work, KMS, "keep mouth shut."  One of my catfish is not healthy and I wouldn't be surprised if she died.  Am trying to feed her more than usual and am keeping the water in the aquarium warm. I put up the Nativity today, and my winter village.  Picked up a surprise and in doing so, lost my cell in the parking lot. A very honest man called my parents and left the phone at the courtesy desk of an office supply store.

My mantra

By now, I should know to keep my mouth shut.  It's not worth it, not worth it to be thrown to the wolves.  So, in the future, I will listen, and even if I know the person is wrong, will let it go.  As, I say it's not worth,  KMS and NGAMU. "Keep mouth shut and not give a monkey's uncle!  Yes, my mantra as of now.  And what of my missing friend?  I have no clue.

Thanksgiving and Advent

How appropriate to move from Thanksgiving to the first Sunday of Advent.  Thanksgiving--a day to thank God for the gift of my faith, my family and friends, and the countless blessings that He has given me.  Now, I am moving on to Advent, the time to prepare for the celebration of Christmas--"for God so loved the world that He gave it His only begotten Son....that we might not die but have eternal life."  Advent-- a time to rejoice.  On Monday, I have been invited to a candlelit dessert night at my sister's church--one of my favorite Advent events.  Fellowship, music, inspirational talks and dessert.  I will set the Advent wreath on the fireplace, and set up the Nativity set in the French way, including children, musicians, clowns and animals.  When I find myself too busy, the Nativity will remind me that I am celebrating the birth of God's Son.

Trying to smile even when things are not optimal

Yesterday, I received the heart-stopping telephone call that my daughter had been in an car accident.  I was told that she was all right.  THAT was the most important thing, the only thing that mattered.  Yes the car has a couple thousand dollars worth of damage, but cars can be repaired.  Haven't heard from a friend in several days and am wondering--have I become a pest, an albatross, a pain?  Or is my friend locked in a closet somewhere?  Or perhaps the email service is giving him trouble?  Wondering, for all the good it does.  And then off to go shopping for work, and while I was gone, my fellow colleagues sang happy b'day and the b'day boy served cake.  Came back to most of the cake gone, and the feeling that I had been excluded from the party.  Trying to tie up lose ends to go away overnight. More stress.  In the midst of it all, I am trying to smile, and to make others smile.  I did that today when a young man stopped to buy flowers on the way to pick up his special friend at the airport.  When he saw the bouquet that I put together, his eyes sparkled and he smiled.

In Celebration

One evening, I was in the living room and I heard a noise that I couldn't place. Getting up, I noticed our cat, Ali, rapidly and repeatedly moving her paws on the sidelight.  Opening, the door, I let our escape cat AJ into the house.  If we're ready for our walk, and one of the young dogs is out sniffing, Max, our older pound hound will sound, arrrrrrroooooooooo.  This means in dog language, "come here now."  The young dogs listen and come.  Or if I say, "Come, Max or Maui," Pudge will grab part of the leash and help me walk the dogs.  On another note, we attended a very special dinner yesterday at a local restaurant.  It was in honor of those students who had earned black belt certificates.  A joyful time of celebration of all their hard work.  Congratulations to our daughter and the other students.

Based on a true story

I finished a novel 31Bond Street.  It is fiction based on the true story of the murder of dentist Dr. Harvey Burdell of New York in the mid 1800's.  In the novel, his housekeeper/mistress is arrested and subsequently acquitted of the murder.  Bittersweet as she loses touch with reality and goes crazy.  I was interested enough in the case to do some research on line.  The housekeeper had two affairs going on--one with Dr. Burdell and the other with one of the boarders living in the house.  She tried to get control of Dr Burdell's estate by stating that she was married to him and pregnant.  Later, the marriage was questioned and it was thought that someone had posed as Dr. Burdell.  She was caught picking up a child to pass as her own.  I can't help but think of the old adage, "truth is stranger than fiction."

Ambiance

A few years ago, we bought a small electric fireplace.  It is not complicated--it consists of a light bulb, rotating spindle with thin metal strips that create the flame and a heater.  We noticed that the flame effect was not working.  How I enjoyed the illusion of a fire on a cold, windy, snowy winter's day! I snuggle up with an interesting book and a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fireplace.  Yesterday, being my day off, I thought I'd take a look at the fireplace to try to fix the flame effect.  I took off the bulb cover and tightened the bulb.  It was working fine.  I unscrewed 13 screws that hold the back plate on and took a look at the shaft.  I suspected something was wrong with the small motor that turns the spindle--not sure whatever as the motor hummed and clicked. Had a bit of an issue with trying to get the screws out that hold the motor in place.  One of them wouldn't budge.  I put the entire assembly back together and in the evening I called my father.  He is the most knowledgeable builder, fix-it and mechanic in the world.  "Did you oil the shaft?" he asked.  Well, no, I hadn't even thought about oiling the spindle.  When I complained to my daughter about the devilish screw, she suggest I use a smaller screwdriver.  I followed her advice and that stubborn screw came out.  The spindle only allowed the motor cover to move an iota.  I carefully oiled the shaft with q-tip.  Plugged it in and it wouldn't work. I took the casing off the other side of the shaft and saw the vaseline-consistency oil along the side.  Dad's right!  I cleaned the oil up with a paper towel and carefully squirted 3 in 1 onto the spindle.  Set a few screws back into position,  plugged in the fireplace, and flipped the switch.  The shaft immediately went around creating the flame affect.

A special gift

Today for about six hours, I have the house to myself.  What a gift!  How I enjoy the peace and quiet!  I can think, read or work on the computer.  I can play my dulcimer or listen to music.  I could snuggle under a comforter on the couch and take an afternoon nap.  I will take it easy as I believe that from dancing on a hard floor I got stress fractures in my right leg.   It's been bothering me for several weeks now, but with patience, this episode will pass.  So for now, except for necessary walking, I am taking a hiatus from dance, aerobics and hapkido.


Thanksgiving Day is in less than a week.  An early am trip to pick up our daughter from the train station and then on to be together with extended family, probably for the first time in several years.  On Friday, I am looking forward to breakfast with my son and his friends.  A highlight of the trip. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you

To my dear uncle, cousins, their spouses and children,

It is always possible for God to work a miracle, that health may be restored.  My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very difficult time.  May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His light shine upon you.

Sunday

I met my son this morning for church and coffee, and then came home and walked the doggits around the field.  Had to bundle up as it is probably 30 degrees and windy.  The doggits were so happy to be outside--frolicking and sniffing and having a wonderful time getting tangled up.  We saw one other doggit and human.  Otherwise had the field to ourselves.  How I love getting outside, but am contemplating buying some battery operated gloves and boots.  Wonder if I can still stoop and scoop in battery operated mitts.  We will see.  When we got home, the doggits had to bound to the fence and bark wildly at my neighbor who was raking his leaves.  So work and then a visit to the stylist with my daughter.  We have to look our best.  And back to the store with my new outfit.  I wouldn't be comfortable wearing it at work (aside from the fact that it doesn't meet dress code) and there is no sense in buying something to wear at home.

Home from work

A busy day!  I train and spar for two hours before I go to work.  Today was the holiday open house at the floral shop.  An exciting day!  Folks bring in their cameras to take pictures of the beautiful trees.  We serve refreshments and offer discounts.  Today we gave away cinnamon candles with purchase.  People could enter their names for special  plants and centerpieces.  Charlie and Prince, two cute little dogs came in to visit.  At home, I slipped some scalloped potatoes into the oven, and cooked ham and peas.  Have a hungry daughter who wants to order Jimmy Johns.   

A new day for a new look

I was reading a magazine at the ortho office.  I spend a lot of time at dentist and ortho offices as my daughter has TMJ.  She had a predisposition for the problem, and the rubber bands on her braces caused it to flare to life.  She awoke one morning several months ago with a locked jaw, and cannot open her mouth fully.  She is very brave and a real trooper.  Today perhaps I will email another dentist.  His daughter and my older daughter played high school softball together.  In the magazine, I spotted a new look that I would like to try.   I tried a variation of the "new look" the other day.  I wore a dress over a pair of deep deep burgundy pants to work.  In the magazine, the model wore a sweater over a pair of leggings.  The sweater has to be long enough to go to top of thigh. This is good as I bend and stretch a lot at work.  The heat blasts at work, so as much as I enjoy snuggling in warm sweaters, I need something lighter and cooler.

Up Early

I woke up in the early am and couldn't go back to sleep.  Thoughts swirled in my mind.  Of course in the light of day, I wonder why I even gave credence to these thoughts, why I bothered with them at all.  I'm up and about, read daily scripture and meditation.  Many times the meditations do not strike a chord.  I suppose that is because now we see as through a veil, and it is very hard sometimes to interpret and explain.   I haven't had an omelette in a while and am considering making one for breakfast.  I have to make lunches and get ready for work.  I am looking forward to tomorrow.  I have the day off, I dance, and my sister and I are going out to celebrate her birthday.

What could be so horribly amiss that a young 13 year old would take his own life?  How very sad, that he would chose to end his life rather than confront the difficulties.  According to the paper, he was not harassed.  He was the classmate of one of my fellow hapkido students.  While researching this young man's life and a possible cause, I came across a heart-wrenching story of animal abuse.  Two very sad situations.

Circadian Rhythms

This is a fancy way to say that I do not spring ahead or fall back with any kind of aplomb.  No indeed.  It is early, but my body is on DST.  I will wait 'til the short cycle of the washer is finished, throw the load in the dryer, head upstairs and go to sleep.  Perhaps in a week or two, I will be adjusted.  I can only hope.

Had a bad dream

A blast from the past can cause a nightmare, even if the intention of the blast is good.  In my dream last night, I lost my bosses' checkbook.  This then caused their cell phone to be turned off, and they conduct their entire business via cell.  In addition to their checkbook, my cell phone, credit cards and library card were taken.  Now in real life this happened to me a few years ago.  I had to call Esperion etc, cancel the cards, put passwords on all our accounts, replace my driver's license, credit card.  I was up like a shot, glad to be awake and to put the nightmare behind me.

Friday

Yesterday, at approximately 4:30, I began my fine day off which includes today.  What do you ask is on, the agenda for today?  I've already taken a look at the daily scripture verses and meditations.  I've let the doggits in and out several times.  I've eaten 2 pieces of peanut butter toast and drank hot chocolate and made a small grocery list.  I've read some other blogs, one from a person in the UK.  I will fulfill my resolution to walk every day and take the doggits.  I plan to do some writing today, visit the hairdresser, and zumba dance, read, play music and clean a bit.

The Fish Doctor

I always enjoy a visit to the PTO Thrift Shop, the library and The Fish Doctor.  You can be sure to come home with treasures from any of these places.  Today I went to zumba and then drove to the fish store.  I parked and went to the door.  Hours 11-9.  Okay then, I would go home and clean the aquarium, and drive back later.  At home, I threw out the live plant that seemed to shed needles everywhere, rinsed the artificial plants, siphoned out the water and replaced it.  Now I was ready!  Off to the fish store to talk to the associate about different types of non-shedding plants and harlequin raspboras.  Since two of the raspboras had died, my one fish was lonely.  She hung out with the white clouds.  I bought four friends for her, and a water sprite plant and some kind of sword plant.  At home, I set the plants in the gravel, and then began to acclimate the raspboras to the water temperature.  Probably, ten seconds after I floated the bag with the new fish, the little raspbora found her friends.  Oh was she happy!  She never left the area, sticking to the bagged fish like glue.  Finally, the fish were acclimated and could be netted and placed in the aquarium.  Now the cat fish, white clouds and rasporas are having a meet and greet.

Viewing other blogs

Sometimes I peruse the "next blog."  I surf through them as if I were channel surfing.  I'm not too interested in the family blogs, pictures upon pictures of little ones doing cute stuff.  I found a site today, written by a bicyclist who rides great distances and gives lessons. Her writing style is warm and friendly, and she does not take herself too seriously.  I was drawn into her world.

A new month

It's always exciting when a new month starts.  Kindof like out with the old, in with the new.  My sister's and nephew's birthdays are this month. I celebrate turkey day with extended family.  MI plays that school from Columbus.  I scrape the frost from the car windows and I bundle up to go for my walk in the sun and take the doggits for their romp in the field.  I read in front of the electric fireplace and find warm sweaters to wear to work.  I wonder how the previous months sped by, and how the start of a new year could be just around the corner.

Music

Yesterday I wast happily writing in my book 'Meg'.  Meg is a skinny 12 year old dealing with personal issues as she tries to survive middle school.  I wanted to include the lyrics to 'You'll Never Walk Alone'  from  the musical Carousel.  It was the musical performed at the high school my senior year, and 'Never Walk Alone' was the theme song for our trip to Spain that same year.  I found the lyrics and included them in my book.  Of course, then I wondered if I could pick out the melody on the dulcimer.  Sure enough, I could.  I then went from that song to all the songs in my personal repetoire, and then to the songs in the dulcimer handbook.  Three hours later, I came back to the computer in hibernation mode, still open to Open Office and the lyrics to "You'll Never Walk Alone."  Going online, I spent another hour or so researching dulcimer workshops.

Wind in the City

I read that the cause of the winds in the midwest is a jet stream that screamed over OR with 220 mph winds.  Since my city is in a valley, we've been protected from the gale force winds and torrential downpours.  A few sprinkles, but not enough to deter a walk with the doggits around the perimeter of the field.  And, yes, because there were ten or so raindrops, we had the entire field to ourselves, except for one other doggit and her owner.  Very nice weather we're having.  A good day for turkey chili over a baked "tato with sour cream and cheddar cheese on top.  And a side of garlic bread.  Perfect!

Murder Mystery Fundraiser-- Who dunnit?

As I approached the door, I heard Myra say, "We'll start as soon as Bailey gets here!"  I hurried through the door, saying, "I'm here!  Finally, I'm here!  After a three hour delay in Chicago."  All of my classmates were there--and I hurried to greet them.  Plenty of atmosphere and good food.  I caught up on the latest news!  Nick was running for President.  Molly had won an Emmy and had signed a contract to star in a Disney film!  Joe and Natalie had married right out of high school.  Steve had produced many films and was wealthy as were Myra and Byron.  Many other friends were there, B.A., Judd, Mika, Pamela, and Cindy.  We ate and danced and talked.  And then, we were horrified to find Steve, dead in the hall.  He had been murdered.  Rumors circulated--Natalie and Cindy were having an affair with Steve. Steve would not pay either his accountants or the music company.  Steve had withdrawn his monetary support for Nick.  Molly had gotten her start in pornographic films.  Thoughts swirled around as I tried to discover the identity of the murderer.

"Trick or Treat"

It is almost that time!  Time when the little hulks, dragons, princesses, and frogs ring the doorbell and ask for goodies!  I  bought the pumpkins and twix, candy bracelets and watches, butterfingers, snickers, and reeses peanut butter cups.  I have to hang the singing spider (ewwwwww, ewwwwwwww, ewwwwwwww) and put Henry, the pumpkin head man in his chair on the front porch.  The rapping ghost and count dracula are waiting to make their appearance.  "Velcome! I've been vaiting for you!"   to the music of Phantom of the Opera.


                                                                       BOO!

                                    

A fine day off

Today is my day off.  I do not have another one for six days.  I started the day by driving to the rec center and dancing--zumba dancing!  There is absolutely "no right or wrong in zumba."  That takes the pressure off for sure.  When I came home, the three dogs and I walked around the field.  We saw no signs of other humans or wildlife, so it was a most pleasant walk.  Home to do some computer work and throw in a load of clothes.  Since it is my only day off for a while, I will read and perhaps work more on my book about a skinny little 12 year old girl named Meg and her friend, SQ, a talking squirrel.  I will head off to spar and train this evening.

Murder at the high school reunion

This Saturday evening, I am attending a Murder Mystery fundraiser at the dojang.  The setting is 1985 and my character is Ms. Bailey Babble.  I felt it my obligation to tell-all during my high school career, and probably embellished the tale quite a bit.   I must tell you that I will be fashionably late, as I have to work.  I can't wait to meet up with you and touch base.  Did you know that I work for the tabloid, Tellitasitis.com?  I am looking forward to seeing all of you on Saturday!   Save a dance for me.   Au revoir!

Continuation

The car problem turned out to be a cracked hose connector to the radiator (50 cents).  Have the car back, but now it seems to smell of exhaust inside, and I can't tell if it is coming from the engine or other vehicles.  I worked 11 hours today, because one of the closers wasn't feeling well.  The best part of my day was hapkido.  I worked with one of the new students.  He's eager to please and learn, and it was a delight.  I am so grateful for exercise, otherwise I'd be eating my arm.  It's a day that if I drank, I'd be putting schnapps in my cider.  Or if I was a bear, I'd find a cave and hibernate.  I am going to distract myself be reading the mystery "Living the Vida Loca."  Perhaps it will bring a smile or two.

Extra care

Just now, I heard the long blare of a car horn.  Someone honking at a cat or at a high school student heading for the bus?  Both drivers and pedestrians need extra eyes to watch out for each other, especially in the darkness of early morning and evening.

The Only Constant in Life is Change

Just one of those days today.  No heat in the Sebring , but lots of steam coming out from under the engine, and a temp gauge running hot.  Off to the shop to keep our mechanic in beer and chips for another month and a half.  News that beginning October 31st, church service time has been changed, so it will not work for me to go there before work on Sunday.  I've been attending this service for 10 years.  Busy at work, regrouping from Sweetest Day yesterday--putting fresh flowers in the cooler, waiting on customers, trying to get a b'day delivery out, and restocking water tubes.  Home to discover that one of the kitties knocked an oil lantern off the dresser and broke the lamp.  I picked up the big pieces and vacuumed.  One step forward, two backwards.

An Encounter with Wildlife

The other morning, I thought, "Hmmmm.  Smells like a skunk in this house."  As I walked into the living room, the smell got stronger.  It smelled amazingly like a burning vacuum cleaner belt.  I smelled the fur of Max, an eight year old pound hound.  No skunk smell.  I then checked out Pudge, a 2 year old puggle.  He was okay too.  On to Maui, a 2 year old mini dachsund.  Lord have mercy!  She had to have a bath with tomato juice and shampoo, and even then, she still smelled like a skunk.  After I got home from work, I let the three dogs out, and Maui promptly went under the deck where she commenced to bark,  "Arf!  Arf!  Arf!  Arf!  Arf!"  I went to the side opening and imagine my surprise when I saw the hind end of something black and white striped and furry.  My daughter tried to use the hose to squirt through the top of the deck onto the barking dog.  Maui would come out and go back under.  Finally, she came out from under the deck, mouth full of skunk oil.  Paper towel to clean out her mouth and another bath.  That night, a big wish that Miss Skunk would waddle out from under the deck and find another location.  And though it's impossible to know for sure, Miss Maui, has gone under the deck, but has not barked like a wild thing.  So, we can hope.  It still smells of skunk outside and the basement level has a residual odor.  This morning, when I looked outside and saw the garbage strewn all over the backyard, I wondered about the culprit--dog or skunk?

A Realization

I have decided that a college student with a full life--social life, classes, sports and work needs more than one room to keep her possessions in.  Where exactly in a room 13 x 13 can she possibly keep sports equipment, heavy tomes and lighter paperbacks, dressy clothes and shoes--flip flops, Uggs, sandals and dress shoes?  No, indeed, she needs a bedroom, dressing room, living area and small kitchenette.  A whole house would do nicely.  A place for everything and everything in its place.

A Fun Way to Exercise and Work up a Sweat

Last December, my daughter was visiting for a week or so.  She had planned to meet a friend and her friend's mother at the rec center and take a zumba class.  She invited me along.   I had never heard of zumba and had no idea what a zumba class was.  However, I like doing things with my daughter so said, "Sure, I'll go!  It sounds like fun!"  Wow!  The woman leading the class was graceful and energetic.  We danced the tango, cumbia, salsa, mambo and the moves from Zorba the Greek.  I tried to follow and make my two left feet cooperate.  Sweat dripped off my forehead.  I gave thanks for three years of hapkido so that I could keep up, so that my mature (can't tell you how old) body wasn't lying flat out on the studio floor!  How I enjoyed zumba! When registration came up, I signed up for the class on Friday evening.  I found out that a young 70 year old woman leads zumba on Wednesday morning.  So I registered for the Wednesday morning class!  The music--mostly Latin, but certainly also from Arabia and Greece, takes me and my zumba friends from the studio in America to places far away, and lifts our spirits and lets them soar.

Martial arts and competition

Back in the days of junior high and high school, I did not participate in sports.  For some reason, I thought that my classmates participated and competed in sports, because he or she not only loved the sport, but excelled in that particular sport.  He or she was a talented, gifted, incredible athlete.  I realize now, that though this is true in many cases, that there are other factors--determination, hard work and motivation.  Another consideration was that  my parents both worked, and I didn't want to impose on them to drive me around the city.  As I grew older (how old, you ask--not tellin'), I began to train in hapkido.  Hapkido is a martial art form using circular self-defense techniques.  I dreamed of entering a competition and winning either a medal or trophy.  My first competition was at my home dojang almost three years ago.  Though as Kenny Chesney would say in his song The Boys of Fall, I had to "batten down those butterflies, I also had fun, and brought three trophies home.  In June, August and September of this year, I participated in tournaments--one of them the World Hapkido Games, and added gold and bronze medals to my collection.

A day for rejoicing!

Chi.  Chi.  Chi.  Le. Le. Le.  Chile!  Chile!

I can't imagine living for 17 days not knowing if my loved one was alive deep in the earth.  And finally, getting the word, that 33 miners were alive!  Today, after a concerted effort by hundreds of people, the 33 miners are safely above ground.  Yes!  Certainly a day of happiness and tears and hugs! A day for rejoicing in a miracle.