Ah....vacation

I took some days off to relax and enjoy! Simple things like sleeping in, making a nice breakfast and watching a mid morning movie. Having some petit fours for brunch. Spending some time with my daughters. My soul feels refreshed and my mind recharged. I will be smiling and happy when I head back to work and hapkido.

Wishing you peace, hope, joy and love

Pet food and wine

Headed off to the grocery store to buy dog and cat food. Good reason to buy wine, sparkling non alcoholic and the real thing. Met my son and a neighbor shopping the aisles. The weather has held, brilliantly sunny here. Makes flower delivery and travel from other states easy. This Christmas Eve, we will help take my mother to church to celebrate Christmas. After, a simple family dinner. Wishing you peace, joy, love and hope.

Good morning

Rainy and wet outside this morning. Had breakfast and in a few minutes, my daughter and I will drive to my parents' home to help clean the family room and set the table for a big Christmas dinner. My dad is concerned about a seating arrangement where everyone will feel comfortable and have enough room. My daughters made sugar cookies and will pick up some food coloring to use in bright icing to decorate them. Tonight I train in hapkido, the last class for a week.

Early morning peacefulness

I woke up early this morning and couldn't seem to settle back to sleep. I got up and Pudge, the puggle and I are enjoying the early morning quiet. He had some dog food and a biscuit for breakfast, I had fruit, toast and hot cocoa. We got the dishwasher unloaded, the cupboard doors wiped down and the floor swept. The lights on the Christmas tree shine in the living room.

Thoughts

4500 American lives lost
30,000 wounded
Trillions of dollars spent in the 8 1/2 year Iraq war

What is the proper consequence for a 16 year old missing curfew?

Grounding
Writing a sentence 1000 times
Writing an essay

I do concur with the grounding, and putting in some volunteer hours at a food bank for example.

I enjoyed putting up the Christmas tree yesterday. The lights and ornaments reflect Christmas light, joy, peace, hope and love. My brother mentioned that he can tell that the cats have climbed on top of the hutch, where he has set up his Nativity set. The donkey, camel and sheep have been moved!

Almost ready

My husband and I put up the outside lights yesterday. Had to rethink the strings that decorated the yews and the rose of sharon bush since these were removed in the spring. We wrapped the string around the new porch rail and continued the "pink" string on the evergreen bushes. Put all the lights on a timer. On Wednesday, on my day off, I will put the tree up. Have a few small gifts to purchase and would like to make some sugar cookies. I am feeling relaxed and peaceful and enjoying this season of Advent.

Beautiful

Yesterday we spent the day with my husband's cousins celebrating the life of their mother who passed away early on Wednesday. All, but two of the cousins were together. It was a time to remember the life of a beautiful woman. Left widowed at at early age with two young children, this aunt found a job and made a home for herself and the girls. She worked with psychiatric patients at the veterans hospital. She loved to travel--to Hawaii, England and Florida. She couldn't help herself--snuck table food to the dog. One year, she experimented with chutney and gave it to us as a Christmas gift. Her favorite color was yellow--yellow roses on the casket and at her head. And our flowers were appropriate--beautiful but simple as were all the other flowers and plants. And then a time of fellowship at her favorite restaurant.

A Long Night

I couldn't fall asleep last night. Lay in bed trying to settle down. Probably was the chocolate brownie that I ate. Once I did drift off, I tossed and turned, trying to decide which arrangement to send to the funeral home. I had to get up early today because I wanted to celebrate a Holy Day. It made more sense to go to church before work than to work for 9 hours, then go to church and sleep through the service. I asked Ron's mom (deceased) which arrangement she thought I should send for her younger sister. An arrangement of white flowers in a blue vase caught my eye. Now I hope she didn't lead me astray.

Good bye Sweet Aunt

My husband's cousin called today with word that her mother had passed away early this morning. I remember picnics and swims, birthday parties and gifts, and Christmas Eves at Grandma's apartment. She would visit us often and, up until a few years ago swam at the recreation center. She always had a kind or encouraging word.

In Loving Memory
Aunt Dorothy
July 1,1930-Dec 7, 2011

Dealing

I suppose it takes a special kind of fortitude to deal with life's curves. Last night the computer man came to bring back two laptops and in a blink of an eye, our old lame dog ran over to him and bit him on the leg. He went to the ER and got a tetanus booster, and is going to another doctor tomorrow, but does not have insurance. The questions are: will the dog people come and take the dog, euthanize the dog, how much will the doctor bills be, and so on. If we could only go back in time. All this worry in the midst of Christmas preparations. My husband and I shopped and finished purchasing gifts. We now have some stocking stuffers to buy, but I enjoy this, because these gifts are fun, not worth much, and nonsensical. Christmas preparations are coming along. Gifts to wrap, easy sugar cookies to bake, a trip to the church for a special service, and a tree and outside lights. Oh and gifts for the pets, even though one pet doesn't deserve anything. Tomorrow, I am having lunch with a work colleague. We have been trying to get together for weeks, so tomorrow we are going to "carpe diem." I also am staying with my mother while my dad goes for a check up. As far as the friends site, I have decided to limit my time on the computer as the sitting is making me stiff. I haven't made any real friends. Better that I visit with the people in my life that I can see and hear.

Christmas Preparations

Yesterday we celebrated the second Sunday of Advent. I put up the Nativity--the traditional figures and also figures of children bringing eggs, musicians, dogs, cats, geese and a fox. I set up the Christmas village on the mantel. My husband told me that he liked the village. I found a good spot on the hutch for cloth carolers and Santa and his rein-dog with presents galore in a boat. I have two animated Santas--an old one of my mother in law's who rings a bell and looks scary with his red eyes and another one who sips hot chocolate and a cookie. I set up pine cones in a fireside basket, not by the fireplace but up on a shelf. Today I put stamps on the Christmas cards, so they are ready to go out, and picked up some candy for the stockings.

A Decision

I have registered on a site where I can chat with people from around the world--the UK, Canada, Scotland, Wales, the US and other countries. I have been invited to post a story that I wrote on this site. However, I am not sure that I want to do this. Because people from many different countries are on this site, I do not think my novella will be relevant. I write to work through situations and to organize my thoughts so that I can move forward in the proper direction. I do not write to seek attention. I do not want to put my work on the web, only to have it criticized.

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

A Pinkie Promise

Last night, my sister, friends and I attended the Advent by Candlelight Dessert Night at her church. At the beautifully decorated table, we shared a delicious cake with whipped topping and strawberries, and a cup of chocolates and maple walnuts, with tea or coffee. We chatted for awhile and then moved into the church. Several women talked about the meaning of the four Advent candles--peace, hope, joy and love. And we made a pinkie promise to the women next to us to live a life of peace, hope, joy and love--not just at Christmas but throughout the entire year. It is good, I think, to be accepting of each other.

The Thanksgiving Jinx Continues

I wish we could just move the calendar to the Friday after Thanksgiving. We went to my nephew's beautiful house and had a delicious dinner. He was fighting a virus. This evening all six of us who went to his house, are sick. Hard to know if we got it from him or from something we ate. One Thanksgiving, my husband was sick. Another he was in the hospital. One year, we drove to my brother in law's home to find out that his wife's son had died Thanksgiving morning. Another year, my husband drove over the median and damaged two tires. I would like to skip Thanksgiving.

Special events

My daughter and I got up early yesterday, picked up two friends and headed off to zumba at the rec center. In lieu of an entrance fee, we brought some items for the local women's shelter. There was a good turnout, perhaps not as many as last year, the instructor said, but still a number of people showed. It was a nice break for my friend and her husband who are struggling with finding a nursing home for an elderly aunt. My sister and I are attending the Advent dessert by candlelight at her church on Monday. First the dessert and fellowship and then the talks on the four candles of the Advent wreath--peace, hope, joy and love.

Grateful

Praise Him, from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below...

Yes, I Am is a part of me.
Thank you that you are part of me, for my family and friends, new experiences and the countless blessings that you have given me.

Oh Great Spirit, Allah, Heavenly Father,

May you be praised for your goodness.

Thanksgiving Wishes

An angel

On Saturday, I put an order online for a small fall arrangement to be delivered in Chicago. My customer was strapped for money and could only afford the minimum amount. He wanted to send some flowers with a "Hope you had a nice trip. Happy Thanksgiving with love" message. I called Chicago and by tweaking the service fee was able to get a shop to accept the order. I asked my boss to send the order to the Chicago floral shop. I was out front when my colleague told me that I had a call from a floral shop. Scott, the caller said that he had informed us that they could not make the arrangement for the amount of money and had REFUSED the order. My boss and I discussed the order and discovered that she thought I called the order over to the second shop and I thought she had sent it via the internet. The short of it is that NO shop had gotten the order--not the first, nor the second. And surprisingly, when I tried to tell the first shop that all was well, I could not get thru. Clearly, Scott, was an angel letting me know that something had to be done about a Thanksgiving Day order. Thank you Guardian Angel Scott.

Thoughts and prayers

I saw my friend at church. Her husband died from cancer a few weeks ago. When I asked her what her Thanksgiving plans were, she told me that she was going to her mother's house, that her mother has been diagnosed with cancer. I came home and was catching up on facebook. My friend wrote that her friend's baby granddaughter had died. The baby's uncle was killed in a car accident two weeks ago. My thoughts and prayers are with these families and all the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones.

A Quest

Max, the lab-beagle, is feeling better this morning. He requested some dog treats and wanted to check out the backyard. His right shoulder is still bothering him. I have decided to make some friends. I am getting together at a restaurant with two women from zumba next month. I have joined a senior site, folks looking for friends. Seven of us were in the chat room and though the conversation was superficial, it was interesting to talk to folks from Oregon, Idaho, Florida, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Georgia. I am looking at work colleagues, zumba dancers and the people who train at hapkido as potential future friends. It's nice, actually, because I am more inclined to let idiosyncracies pass by without bothering me.

Max the labrador beagle

We rescued Max from the pound back in '04. He had a lot of issues, fear of dogs and people and chronic ear and skin conditions. In September, his shoulder began bothering him, so we added a supplement to his food. Today, when I came home from work, he refused a treat and went off to lay down. He is resting in the kitchen. I made an appointment with his favorite vet for next week, but I can't shake the feeling that this appointment will be like the one for our previous dog. Keep him comfortable until his quality of life determines that the humane action is to put him to sleep. Max did have a reasonably good life with us and enjoyed the puggle and mini dachsund that we adopted 3 years ago. Max, before the bad shoulder and short of breath days, loved to trek around the field. He enjoyed laying on his back and wriggling his body in "the worm." My husband and Max would wrestle. He howls with the distinctive hound arrrrrrrroooooo. It is so hard when loved ones reach their geriatric days and then the end of their life. Saying good bye and trying to fill the hole of their absence is painful.

Lunch with my friend

I drove into the country and picked up my friend from the cafe. Four or five years ago, she lived in a nursing home and during that time, she lost a lot of weight. Because she gained all the weight back, she has mobility issues. She had trouble getting into the car, a mid size car. She can't put on the seatbelt by herself. She waddles from side to side when she walks. I am sad. Sad that she is shortening her life span. This is my friend I have known for 32 years! She would like to work and is getting together with a job coach. How can she hold a job if she can't get around? I hadn't seen her in many months, so her additional weight was a shock. I am concerned. What can I do for her? It was an eye opening experience.

Can you believe it?

A young man with cerebral palsy traveling around the world, having new adventures. Just read about Zach Anner and watched his trailer. One of my classmates had a brother with palsy. Zach and John both have a "can do" attitude and are an inspiration.

Deja Vu

"The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs (2007) and "A Single Thread" by Marie Bostwick (2008) have several common themes. Two women become owners of stores--a yarn shop in the first book and quilting materials in the second. Both women draw on the support of community women when faced with tough times. As I read, it was with a feeling of deja vu.

No good deed goes unpunished

My friend lives in a group home. I haven't seen her in a long time, so invited her to lunch next Wednesday, since it is my only day off. Usually she would be at club near my home, but club is closed that day (wouldn't you know!) She will be at the group home, some 12 miles away. There goes my time and gas, not to mention the cost of the meal.... Now I did ask her if she would be at the clubhouse. If only I had known, I would have opted for a different Wednesday!

Oh say can you see...the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Thank you Veterans

my brothers in law
my uncles
my husband
my great uncle
my nephews

To all those who served and their families, your sacrifices will always be remembered. Many blessings.

Reenergized!

I am back from my vacation with a smile on my face and abundant energy. I took the Megabus to the big city. The bus was delayed an hour. I would have taken the city bus to my son's, but wasn't exactly sure where I was going, so decided it was safer to take a taxi. I spent all the next day as part of a studio audience for two taped shows. Such fun! I must have bad bus karma, because I hopped aboard the city bus only to have it stop to pick up passengers and then grind away and die. I found out that I was near the Nature Center and the zoo. I enjoyed watching the butterflies fluttering gently around the haven. Stayed there until my peacefulness was crushed by several school girls. And I like the exhibits about living green. I attempted to take the bus back to my son's condo, only to have it pull off at a terminal. Sat there for a few minutes and then decided to give up buses and walk. I get aggravated with myself when I do the back and forth thing several times. Am I going north or south? Which way? Which way? I would have been really lost without the laminated map that I found at the Nature Center. The previous night we had sushi,so decided that what this rainy night needed was a specialty pizza, buffalo wings and a salad. With wine,of course. My son and I started the last day of my trip with eggs, hash browns, juice and toast at a restaurant. I then walked up to the Swedish American Museum. When I asked one of the workers if the museum was open, she answered, "Not yet!" I had forgotten that my watch was an hour fast! The exhibits drew me close to my Great Grandmother, Klara from Sweden and my grandfather. I attempted to tour the theater district, but no tour guide arrived. Could have been the weather or that the tours are summer adventures. I then walked up toward the bus stop. Once there, I ate a delicious wrap "The Sultan" and then read until it was time to catch the bus home. Here I am at work, reenergized and patience and helpfulness in place!

Grinchy

I have reached my limit with the upheaval at work. Since September, one of the designers has been putting up glittery Christmas. There are boxes and clutter everywhere--in the self-design area, on her design table and on the fruit basket table. I am leaving tomorrow for a small vacation and by the time I get back, the store should be in some kind of order. There is a Holiday Open House on Saturday.
People will be thinking about the sunshiny day, college football and fall. Why does our store skip over fall and directly into snow and ice, sparkles and ting?

A fantastic day off

It is such a pleasure to lay around in the morning, to not have to hightail it off to work! I packed away Henry, our rapping skeleton, and Count Dracula. Put a couple loads of laundry in the machine and then headed out to do errands. It was good that the dogs and cats needed food because it was back in the pet section that I found the leftover Halloween candy--Kit Kats, Butterfingers and Hershey bars (no Twizzlers. Had to buy a big pack). I found some LA Gear Walk n Tone shoes on sale for $19.95. The soles on my old shoes are worn out. I drove to the bank and the library. The sun is shining and the air feels warm, a perfect day to have off.

Busy

Sunny here today--a beautiful fall day. Couldn't help but think of the people on the east coast who do not have power and probably will not have it restored until Sat. I enjoyed the drive to my stylist's house, 16 or so miles from my home. After my appointment, I headed to church to celebrate All Saints Day. Relaxed for a few hours and then finally made it to the restaurant to have crab, lobster and shrimp. The dinner had been rescheduled from last Friday. I do not work tomorrow, so will shop for dog and cat food and a few other necessities. I am planning my trip to the big city. Some suggested activites--the zoo, photography and art exhibits, a musical, a walking theater tour. Such fun!

Accomplished!

I have added to the Halloween goodie supply--Twizzlers, Reeses Pieces, Heath and Oreo cookies. Met 3 friends at the store. My daughter is munching on a grilled cheese sandwich, soup, strawberries and carrots while she and I watch "The Crazies."

Decided to enjoy

After work, I need to head to the store to buy more candy for our trick or treaters. We had to make sure that the candy was tasty (several times). My husband bowls this evening, so I will greet the guests at the front door. Our motion-sensored spider sings a welcome. Ewwwwwwwwww, ewwwwwwwwwww, ewwwwwwww. Henry, the pumpkin man sits on the front porch. Two pumpkins, which may or may not be carved by this evening, decorate the front porch.

Boning up on pop culture

I have been taking trivia quizzes on several TV programs. Just in case. I have a slim chance of being chosen to play a game when I go to a taping in November. I really don't know anything about pop culture or celebrities, but perhaps the question will be one that I know. The question could be on recent or vintage TV programs or celebrities. Along with the casting questionaire, I sent a picture of Henry, the pumpkin man and me.

A Plan

I have been tweaking my exercise schedule.

150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week--jogging, zumba and sparring
15-20 minutes weight lifting (bought a new Jackie Warner DVD, I watched it but haven't tried it)
daily stretching for flexibility
30 minutes of HKD practice. I found out yesterday that I have so focused on the 16 low block form, that I've forgotten the 13 self defense and beggie hoi jeon sool form. Yikes!
push ups, crunches, jumping jacks to get ready for my black belt test in a year or so

I looked at Jackie Warner's menu that came with the DVD. It is too heavy on protein for me and does not include enough dairy. I will continue to work with the healthy eating menu that I got from the health clinic. Easy to follow, healthy and effective (if I didn't like sweets and salty snacks so much :)

Might bloom

With equal hours daylight and darkness, my poinsettia might bloom. The leaves were light blue last year, but we will see...

Getting ready

With snow flurries possible for Saturday, I brought in my poinsettia and placed it in the small bath where I hope it will get 12 hours of sunlight, and 12 hours of darkness and will bloom. I grabbed a small orange begonia and set it on the windowsill. A small spot of color during the winter months and a reminder of spring.

Wise words

Yesterday was a fine day at work until one of the designers went on a rampage. She couldn't do "three things at once"-- called in the manager on her day off. One of the drivers couldn't come in (bereavement) and our normally laid back delivery manager was stressed. The short of it is that a day that started out happy ended on a very sour note. I didn't notice much improvement today either. When I told a coworker that this particular designer was driving me crazy, she said, "Me too, but I won't let her." Wise words. I feel stupid that I let her ruin both my afternoon yesterday and today. No more. While I can't control HER response to events at work, I can control my response to her. I thrive when the store is busy, while apparently she becomes unglued. It helps that I have this afternoon and tomorrow off, and then work the branch store, so perhaps by the time I see her again, I won't resent her as much. The woman needs a long vacation or to be relieved of some responsibility since she can't handle it efficiently.

A repeat

The sun is shining, the leaves are blowing in the wind...a perfect day to jog around the field. I find I can jog the distance if I set small goals. I'll run to the cone, softball field, bleachers, end of the shrubs, to the stop sign. The small easily reached goals help me run 1/2 mile. Who knows, perhaps an iron goddess triathlon awaits. (LOL) 1/2 mile swim, 10.7 mile bike. 3 mile run My coworker's mom did it this year!

Fall sunshine on our new porch rail

Sigh...

It takes forever to run 1/2 mile.
My HKD fists bend at the wrist.
In sparring, my kicks are too linear.
I need to put a bow's wrist in the hoi jeon.
I am going only 1/3 of the way down on that push up.

As I complained to my husband about HKD today, he retorted, "That's the trouble with you! You..." I suppose I should add to the above list, "You are too sensitive and take criticism the wrong way." I wish, just once, someone would say something positive. "You're here. With a smile. You like nice in your uniform. You are patient with the other students. Hey! That kick was high!"

Is instruction only a list of everything I can't remember and can't do correctly?

At work, I filled the daisies and gerbs and cleaned the pollen off the lilies. A coworker and I filled the red and color roses.

I found some $$$ at work, and am hoping the person that lost it will inquire about it tomorrow. I want to give it back to the owner. As you know, that didn't happen to me, when $55 slipped out of my jeans pocket.

The wife of a fellow HKD student heard me talking about the young man who died from injuries in the car accident. She went to school with his brother.

A first since forever

After work, I stopped at the sports store to check out interval timers. The store didn't have any and my stress fracture is twinging, so I decided to refrain from buying one for now. Once at home, I got ready and headed out the door to jog. I warmed up by walking up the long school drive, about 5 minutes worth and then began to jog. "I'll jog to the orange cone... Okay, I'm at the cone, now I'll jog to the baseball field." Got to the baseball field and thought I'd jog to my friend's backyard. I reached my goal and thought, "why not, jog home." So for the first time since 8th grade, I jogged 1/2 mile or 10 minutes or so. Happy with a sense of accomplishment.

My boss understood the need to see my son, and cleared the way for me to take a small vacation. I bought the bus tickets, so early next month, I head to Chicago.

Zumba at the rec center tonight! So much fun! On Thanksgiving Day, my teacher is leading a zumba class. Cost of entry is a personal care item for a local shelter.

16 low blocks

I had my first introduction to the low block form last night. There are 16 low blocks and we went through them so fast that my head is whirling. We worked with a partner and tried to implement them. Besides the 16 low blocks, I have 10 techniques to learn. One master told me that I need to speed up my kicks and the other told me to vary the kicks, remember to keep my guard up. Yes, it takes me a long time to understand a technique and do it well. No, I am not very speedy. I remember my daughter riding home with me from taekwondo, tears streaming down her face, lamenting, "I am not very good." Now I understand, and question "why am I doing this?" I enjoy the forms, I like that the HKD improves my bone density. I like that the techniques challenge my mind and except for the masters and one tough die-hard old-school classmate, the others work well with me. They don't make me feel stupid and uncoordinated. In the four years that I have been taking HKD, I have received few positive comments.

"Living life...." Update

I jogged (4 minutes--don't laugh), walked 2 for 15 minutes around the school. Only had to take 2 walking time outs. Tried to stand tall, not scrunched down, and breathe--in thru nose and mouth, and out. Was amazed! I came home, bundled the three dogs into their safety harnesses and walked them the same route, around the school. Laundry was piling up, so threw in a load. While the load was washing, I made soup (my friend and I are trying to curb our appetites by eating soup). Recipe: one rather old zucchini, fresh diced tomato, rice, black beans and minced onion. It was delicious! I had a fresh cooked apple w/ cinnamon for dessert. As a snack I melted a Ghiardelli delight into some milk and had 1 butterfinger. I have started reading, Hellenga's "Philosophy Made Simple." I was amused when I figured out by myself that the book took place in the late 60's, confirmed it on line. The plan to take my son and his friends out to dinner to celebrate his promotion is in the works.

Today

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

"Live Life to the Fullest"

I like to think that "living life to the fullest" is one of my mother's adages. I know "in order to have friends, one must be a friend" is one of her sayings. In the light of my friend's death from cancer, and the young man's car accident which caused the stroke and left him brain dead, that life is fleeting and unpredictable and that I must live it to the fullest. This idea was reinforced by a forward that I received today. I am taking action. I have emailed my son and suggested some dates that I can visit him and take him and his friends out to dinner to celebrate his promotion and raise. I have vowed to face each day with an upbeat disposition in spite of those small annoyances and aggravations that get in my way.

No words

Trying to find words for the family and friends of the young man who was in the car accident. He has been declared brain dead. One more test on Thursday morning and he will be taken off life support. No words of comfort, no explanation, no reason for this situation which doesn't make sense. A young man who was driving and clipped by another car, the accident causing a catastrophic stroke. What do I say? There are no words.

Searching...

I would like to find a exercise that I enjoy and that does not take up a lot of my time. Yesterday, I ran/walked for about 3/4 mile. I would run for 2 minutes, walk for 2 minutes. I do not have runner's lungs! Today I tried to run for longer periods. I tried to run for 3 minutes and walk for 2. Baby steps.

Nearly in an accident, big angels watching

I sat and watched the young woman cross the street in front of me, as I waited for the green left turn arrow to come on. It did, so I started forward, only to stop suddenly as an oncoming vehicle blared the horn at me and rushed through the light. I missed the car by inches. Of course, I was upset and worried. I had seen the arrow... It was my turn. Still I sat, shaken and unsure, until I could make the turn. Thank you, thank you big big angels. Stressed, I am now munching on double dipped chocolate peanuts. This came at a time when my dear friend is praying for a man, who is like a son to her, who was in a car accident and needs a miracle.

Difficult

It was hard for me to come to my blog site, since it was on this site (blog following) that I read of my friend's death. Since his death last Saturday, I wrote a note to his family and sent a check to Alano in his memory. My friend touched so many lives--the lives of patients in the hospital, the young men he coached on the high school golf team, the couples he met while leading marriage encounters. He was a good husband, father and grandfather. I will keep his smile and the sparkle in his eyes alive in my memory.

Rather a tough weekend with the high of baseball playoffs coming to a close and undefeated teams losing for the first time. But what a thrill while the high lasted!

Henry, the pumpkin man's head blew off in the winds of October. Not a surprise, since it happens every year, so I put a rod down the sweatshirt and set his head on the rod. We'll see... Bought some more Halloween candy because a big raccoon (me) ate the juicy fruits and some of the twizzlers.

Eyecatching fall color

Beautiful plants around my neighbor's deck

Fall plants and colors

My neighbor's mums

Too Late

My friend passed away, and I didn't read the news until after his viewing and funeral. So hard. I plan to donate in his memory and send a card to his wife. He fought the brave fight for 8 months, such a short period, but the cancer won. I can't stay focused. The master berated and criticized last night, I was a real dummy, with lots on my mind.

2nd gup

My new color belt. I'm on my way to being a 1st gup and then a black belt.

Hapkido testing

There was so much on TV last evening-the playoffs, football, the premiere of Rosie O'Donnell. I watched some baseball and half of Rosie, and then I drove to the martial arts school to train. I noticed that there were two instructors in hapkido uniforms. Hmmmm. I thought one was going to work one-on-one with the new white belt. Imagine my shock when another student and myself were directed to come and test for our next level. "Ohhhhhhhh..." I moaned. Actually, I'm glad I didn't know I was testing, no time to get all het up about it. The other student and I work together often, so I was able to help him when he had a swiss cheese brain a couple times, and he was supportive of me. Figured as long as we were working as partners, I would take advantage and try to learn and hone the techniques. The testing went fairly well...I can always do better. I am doing the techniques stiff-legged, without bending my knees, so I need to get out of that bad habit. And I am not twisting my torso. Some techniques I am just learning. When I was asked why I I hadn't learned them in the past year, I couldn't answer. For several reasons probably. I thought I was exaggerating that move, but apparently not. I promoted to 2nd gup which means I have to learn the techniques to promote to 1st gup and then promote to first dan or black belt.

Serio comedic

My online friend told me that I write in a serio comedic style. I have decided to transfer that style to my life. That is not to say that I don't know that my nephew is a parapalegic or that my friend's husband is in hospice, or that some folks at work are struggling to make ends meet, or that my adult children are lonely. I am trying to refrain from complaining, to laugh more, to perform RAofKs (random acts of kindness). Yesterday, I was able to donate to my son's playoff fund, sweep and clean up after one of the designers, teach a coworker how to make gift baskets. I felt so GOOD! I think this attitude will hold me in good stead (sorry! cliche!) as I will feel happy most of the time.

Two interesting orders

Late this afternoon, I received a call requesting delivery for today. Since it was so late, I suggested that we deliver tomorrow, Sunday. The customer requested a unique arrangement for tomorrow and another one for Monday! We called in our creative, imaginative designer who made a colorful floral display--hanging amaranthus, snaps, bright roses, orange lilies in a keepsake vase. I could only look at it in amazement! For the gift that we are delivering on Monday, our designer will arrange tropical flowers. I can only imagine how much the sender loves the recipient to send her two beautiful floral arrangements.

Realistically

My brother-in-law,who is also my martial arts instructor, worked out for 90 minutes at the gym. I am lucky if I can do the Jillian Michaels "Ripped in 30" (30 minutes including warm up and cool down) for 30 days. I also know that I only have time to practice my techniques for 30 minutes. Yesterday (now granted it was a plastic practice board) I broke boards with front and side kicks for the first time. Power!

Rosita Vendela

Today my coworker gave me a bouquet of beautiful roses.

Garage Sale

We are having a garage sale at the dojang. I am taking 6 bowling balls, a Thermos grill-to-go, 5 drapes (no clue where the 6th one went), several dolls, a new ironing board pad, some doggie pads, several books, 2 pair ice skates, some protective shin guards, a pair of roller blades, a wooden Nativity set from Mexico and four ceramic ones, statues of St Francis of Assisi and St Anthony of Padua. I got my exercise going up and down stairs and loading the car. Last year, the bowling balls were sold first. A lady wanted them for her garden.

Birthday time

Between work and sports, it is very difficult to find a time to have a family dinner for my husband's birthday. Tonight seemed the best option. I baked the cake, roasted the ribs, potatoes and butternut squash and put the rolls in the oven. After dinner, we gave the surprises--the heated mattress pad and sweater.

It seems that my cup of hot chocolate gave me an energy boost! I was able to decorate both the inside and outside of the house for Halloween. Henry, our pumpkin man is on the porch, our dancing rapping skeleton is in the living room along with a cloth witch doll, raffia pumpkin and ceramic figures. Such fun! I had vacuumed and swept yesterday, finished by cleaning the bathrooms.

Henry has come to visit

Every year around this time, Henry comes to visit. Henry is our pumpkin man who takes up residence on the front porch and greets the trick or treaters on Halloween.

Enough Already

Enough is enough. I am finished whining and complaining about the number of work hours because it is greedy on my part, and truthfully, I have gotten a small raise. The company cannot afford to give anyone raises right now, but the president of the company wanted to show his appreciation for my HONESTY, reliability, conscientiousness, friendliness to the customers and work ethic.

The Package

Yesterday as I was going up the front porch steps, I noticed a package by the front door. It was partially opened and addressed to my husband. Since I was expecting the starsky sweater, I thought I better open it. It was the sweater! I measured it against his old sweater. I need to wrap both gifts (the sweater and the mattress pad). The box had been opened by customs and not sealed properly. I'm hoping my family can celebrate his b'day on the 9th. It's hard to control myself and not give him his gifts early, as I hear him complaining about the cold. And it IS cold. I had bought a balloon as a gift for my sister's husband, and when I took it outside, it deflated immediately. Good thing, it reinflated once I took it inside.

A reprieve

The missing money has been found! My daughter had put on black pants for the interview and then realized that something was on them, so she changed outfits. So today her sister wore the black pants and discovered the money in the pocket. Jump for joy! And she went to a 2nd interview and was offered the job.

Tough Times

On her way to a job interview yesterday, my daughter stuffed close to $100 in her pants pocket. When she decided to put the money in her wallet, it was gone! Her sister called to see if it had fallen out during the interview, if anyone had turned in the money. I feel for my daughter. When I was about her age, I set my purse down at a store, forgot to pick it up, and it was stolen--with $40. A couple years ago, I was camping and had tucked $55 in the pocket of my jeans. It fell out.

In the night, my daughter woke up in excruciating pain! I felt so helpless. I gave her acetominophen and rubbed her back and kept her company until the pain lessened. I finally fell asleep only to have my husband wake me up for work.

A diagnostic code! My eye doctor and I cannot figure out which code the claim people want! I plan to call the claims office tomorrow and ask for help. I am about to give up on my reimbursement.

As our parents age

We got news yesterday that my husband's aunt is in assisted living. She is dealing with kidney issues, diabetes, dementia and is going blind. On Monday, my brother in law took his mother to rehab, and then there is the continuing issues of my mother--immobility, incontinence and dementia. As my husband's cousin wrote, there are good days and bad days. I spoke with both my mother and father, and at this moment, things are well. However this can change in the next hour. My coworker had her baby! A baby girl, 9 lbs, 8 ounces. I saw a picture of mom and baby--very sweet. In for a few hours of work this morning, and then to the TMJ specialist in the afternoon. He has relocated so now we have to drive to the hospital. I discovered that I had requested two copies of the same book at the library and checked them out without noticing. Am about due for another library trip--am reading my last book by Gil McNeil.

Been so lazy

With the exception of zumba on Friday, I have not exercised. No Jillian Michaels on Wed, Thurs, Sat or Sun. I hope to get back on track today! Two new sales associates are starting on Wednesday. From first impressions, they seem like they will be a good match. Yesterday, on the way to church, I catapulted a gas permeable contact lens while in the car. After looking with a toothbrush, I found it, only to discover that it had a miniscule rip in it. I had to order a new one. Good thing I work. It's not as bad as it could be because I have a set of "emergency" lenses. They are out of round, and I can only wear them 'til the new one arrives. I could not balance either the drawer or safe at the branch store on Thurs. I talked to the branch store manager and she thinks she might have made an error. I'm not sure about that--I think I accidentlyentered thru an old order causing the problem. The co. president could not have been kinder. He told me that he knows I'm honest, recognized my frazzled state of mind, and reminded me to lock both doors.

Relaxed this morning

I was busy at work on Thursday and Friday! Taking orders, waiting on customers, putting flowers in the display case. Feeling the effects of nonstop running, I decided, since the master was attending a tournament, to skip hapkido and relax at home this morning. Something I can never do. It's usually stumble out of bed and get ready to go to work, church, an appt. I went to the library yesterday on another search for "happy" books. I've been successful, especially with the Gil McNeil books. I read that studies have shown that sucralose is showing up in drinking water. It does not break down in the body and waste management plants do not remove it from the water. I refuse to drink or eat artificial sweeteners. I hope it doesn't come to buying bottle water. Such a waste! My husband, who does not like tea, bought some Rush Limbaugh sweet tea. I can't drink it, as it contains caffeine and sugar.

At the branch store

The branch store manager has dropped a day, so today I am at the branch store. I have taken 4 orders, vacuumed and removed the pollen from the lilies. Though customer volume and retail sales are down from the main store, I enjoy self initiative here. I am happy and can always find something to do. Later, I will display our "Happy Hour" sign--single stems, half off! I just finished reading a book about a woman with a closed head injury. Very timely, since one of the customers has a brain injury. It gave me pause, made me realize that I need to be patient with people, especially my husband.

A Fun Read

"The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club--a novel" by Gil McNeil made me laugh aloud. It was uniquely free of the twisted mind of the criminal, mental illness, deviousness and unfaithfulness that fill so many of the books I've been reading lately. I can't read this in the fall of the year, with rain pouring down my window and winter cold around the corner. In McNeil's book, I was transported to England and followed the adventures of a young widowed mom with two young children and I laughed aloud at their adventures. Exactly what I needed. Thank you Ms. McNeil.

Today's mission

I have been off to church, cleaned the kitchen so that I could eat breakfast, and washed a couple loads of laundry. I'm off to work in a few minutes for a few hours, and then I'm heading to the library in search of happy books, no more sad, depressing novels for me. I want to go to Kohl's for the heated mattress pad birthday present. I will start week 2 of Jillian Michael's "Ripped in 30," and somewhere in each day, I need to review my hapkido techniques so that I can promote to the next gup.

The old "Starsky" sweater

This sweater has seen better days. A new one is on order and should be here for his b'day.

Ordered my husband's b'day present!

My husband had a significant b'day last year. He turned 65 on 10-10-10. Many moons ago, his mother brought back a sweater from Mexico, but sadly it has seen better days. So I have been looking for a shawl neck, knitted, belted cardigan for years! Well, after sending my manager a picture of my husband's torn, filthy cardigan, she called it a "Starsky" sweater. And I found a brand new one on ebay. Someone is going to have a very happy b'day. My focus is keeping the chill away, you know from his heart meds. So I am heading off to Kohl's to buy a dual control mattress pad to warm his feet.

Grandmaster from Alabama

Yesterday, we had guests at the dojang. It was the grandmaster and his wife from Alabama. They had started home after the tournament in August, but had a collision with a deer. I was astounded when the grandmaster came on the floor to help me with a technique. After class he (much to his wife's embarrassment) asked me how old I was and told me that I was "strong." I have the dubious distinction of being the oldest in the hapkido class and most of the time, the only woman. But I could tell he liked me, and that was a most pleasant feeling.

No one to open the stores

I arrived at work about ten minutes before my shift. My coworker and a customer were waiting to enter the store. The coworker and I were chatting and she mentioned that the company president, who normally opens the store on Wednesday, was flying to a conference. So, who then was scheduled to open? As it approached opening time, I unlocked the door, set my things on the counter and turned on the lights in the display case. I then took two orders for delivery from the customer. Fortunately, he was paying with a credit card, so it didn't matter that the drawers were still locked in the safe. Later I took a call from the branch store manager. She was stuck in traffic on the expressway. She told me that she would call when she made it to the store.

I should be able to use my laptop wireless service when I want to. Why is it, that the service is finicky--here one minute, gone the next. It is aggravating since I never had this problem with the previous service.

I was chasing down the phone (the phone and charger were under an end table) when it stopped ringing. I noticed that the call was from my daughter, so I redialed her number. At that moment, my cell phone started ringing. Thinking it was my daughter, I said hello to her, only to discover that the caller was my sister. While talking to my sister, the landline began ringing. It was my daughter.

Uncanny sense

Max knows absolutely when there is medicine in a treat. After about the third try, he says, "Well, since you're so persistent, I will indulge you and eat the pill, but I KNOW it's in there, just so you know."

Plans for today

I have a fine day off! I need to go to the grocery store for bananas, strawberries and dog food. We bought some liquid joint enhancer for our dog, and I am going to try to give it to him in a small amount of canned dog food. I also want to buy some berries for smoothies which I intend to freeze. The frozen strawberries I found have sugar in them. I have some insurance paperwork to try to get together. It seems I get the claim back because I'm missing some information. I need to connect with my optometrist. I'm pampering myself with a hair appointment, a new me! My hair stylist told me yesterday that I was whipped after my vacation. Little surprise then, that I was depressed, since it was rainy, vacation was over, and I was exhausted. Also, day 3 of my 30 day "ripped" program.

42 latex balloons for the wrong day

Well, I guess it's better to be a day early than a day late! My coworker took a balloon order for today. She verified the date with the customer. This afternoon, one of our delivery men came back and stormed, "Who took that balloon order? It's for tomorrow!" All that work and it has to be repeated tomorrow. And... we have no more red latex balloons. In spite of this, the day went well. I did have to place a customer on hold (seemed forever) while I unsuccessfully tried to call our delivery manager. I dialed the number incorrectly, so soon I heard, "Who dialed the delivery manager's number wrong?" I had to put the same customer BACK on hold and admit to the president that I was the one. The recipient of the misdialed call had phoned the store and I had to say, "It was me. I'm so sorry to have bothered you." This poor customer. The computer changed her address from the correct one to an old address. Seemed like I had to repeat everything in her order 3 times. I worked a bit late, dropped a grill, tarp and hatchet off at my father's house, and went to the library. It was a timely visit as I had a book due in a few days. It is always comforting to have some books to peruse. I am reading happy books. Enough with the depressing ones!

3 touchdowns in a minute twelve

Our team scored! The opposing team scored and we were behind. With just seconds to go...in the end zone! Touchdown and a win!

Yesterday afternoon I stopped by for a few minutes to say hello to my work friend and her family and friends at her baby shower. Fun fellowship and good food. Today after work, we are having a baby shower for the same friend. I am bringing hummus and pita chips as one of the guests has a milk allergy.

Blue Skies are coming

The rain is leaving, and blue skies are coming. My blue mood is going the way of the rain. When the skies smile, so do I. At work today, I cleaned the fruit basket area and did dishes (cleaned vases). I felt a sense of accomplishment to see the sparkling clean vases stacked neatly on the shelves. Our processor/receiver had more room to work as the dirty vases did not take up most of the table.

One of my husband's bowlers has opted to not bowl due to money issues. Several team members have offered to throw in a few extra dollars each week so that he can bowl. A demonstration of fellowship and loyalty.

Back to the basics

One afternoon, my husband and I drove to buy firewood and to the produce stand. Our mission was to bring back some corn on the cob for dinner. We followed the signs to the market eventually finding tables laden with tomatoes, cantelope, onions, corn, and pears. I was impressed with the friendliness of the young woman watching the stand. She told us that her grandmother was in hospital in a nearby city. She gave us a free muskmelon as it had a soft spot and couldn't be sold. In this small town, people take the time to enjoy the company of other folks.

In the short lunch break I have at the flower shop, I scarf down my lunch, more to keep my brain cells working than to enjoy the food. Imagine my pleasure when I could sit down and slowly savor every bite while we were on vacation. Little things like going to the spigot for water, and then heating it and doing dishes were most pleasant. Hanging towels to dry, removing them from the line because of the rain, hanging them back on once the storm had moved on. My vacation was a return to a simpler, less frantic life style.

Spectacular sunset

Back from vacation

Incredible sunsets over the lake, brilliant stars in the night sky, sitting by a fire and toasting marshmallows to make a s'more, reading and relaxing under the whispering pines. I feel rejuvenated, altho I have a slight headache, probably from the trip home. The only casualty from our vacation was the electric griddle. My husband knelt on the handle. And I know better. I know NOT to put food in the cabana! Woke up one morning and found that a squirrely little rodent had nibbled through the cabana straight into the two packages of hamburger buns! Now I have some tent repair to do!

Off on vacation

We are heading to meet our Missouri friends at the State Park, so more blather after Labor Day! Ciao!

Work ethic

In early afternoon, I decided to take a break. I had worked all day cleaning roses, waiting on customers. While on break, I heard the phone ring several times. One of the sales associate was showing her mother around the store at the time. When I came back from break, a designer was telling us that we needed to get the phone. Already aggravated BEFORE I came up because no one was getting the phone, I told her that I answered the phone all morning and that I was heading out to the store to buy fruit and gourmet for a gift basket. I felt her criticism unfair.

Back online

My daughter was helping her dad by trimming the hedge. ZZZZZT! The cable got between the trimmer blades. No TV, internet or phone for a day and a half. I loved it--so peaceful! Guess who I heard from? Online friend. Isn't that bizarre? Sent a quick email back so said friend wouldn't think I was in a snit. We're wondering if the hurricane will affect our daughter's flight on Sunday. All systems go for our trip north. Management has hired a new sales associate and is inviting my HKD friend to apply.

End of discussion

As my husband and I were "discussing" when the new cabana would arrive (him saying 1-3 weeks and me saying 5-7 business days), we heard a knock on the door, and the cabana was delivered. Still haven't seen it because my husband is afraid that once we take it out of the pouch, it will not be vacuum packed anymore and will not go back in. I am now working on the set up in the cabana--a cot to hold the suitcases/backpacks etc and a table/work area for cooking. I have made a long list of things to do before the trip.

I kept myself busy at work moving flowers into the display case. It took most of the day. I took the bus home and as I was crossing the light on green, a big utility truck made a turn and nearly ran me over.

In Process

Last night we ordered a cabana that attaches to the pop up. It is a "dometic cabana awning." It looks cool and will provide extra storage space and a guest room. The guest room will have electricity and heat if we bring along a room heater. It will provide relief from the winged vampires which are extremely bothersome this year.
I am very excited about the cabana!

I am "in process." The key word is "process." I am dealing with many losses. I heard that after the loss of his mother, my cousin has become a recluse. I understand how this happened. He became introspective. I am attempting to realize and internalize the best options to feel better. On the positive side, I enjoy my job at the floral shop and my coworkers (even if they do drive me to distraction). I zumba dance every Friday. Though I like HKD, I managed to take a nap during my class time last night. Not a good thing, and not something I want to continue. I do want to begin eating healthy foods and exercise, (sounds boring I know). I am keeping my eyes open for new experiences and opportunities.

This morning, my husband told me that our house has a ghost. Apparently the grandfather clock had stopped and then began to chime several minutes later. Perhaps it does. Things disappear and are never found.

"No good deed goes unpunished"

Our delivery man had gone home for the day. I got a call for a plant delivery to the funeral home and thought that I could take it over after work. I did some research, finding out where to drop it off. However when my friend and I arrived, we couldn't find the proper door. The director made it very clear that she was busy and didn't have time for me even though she offered to take the plant. My friend had driven me to the funeral home so the plant would have ample room. I closed her door too hard since I'm used to slamming our van doors.

Summer reading

I enjoy sitting in my lounge chair on the deck and reading a good book. I finished "She's Come Undone," by Wally Lamb and Pursuit by Karen Robards. Robard's book is a page turner, but I was disappointed with the premise of the book. I read the why and thought, "Really? That's it! How disappointing!" "She's Come Undone" is not a happy book, but it takes place from 1952-1985, so the music, toys, events etc. were familiar. I lived through that time period. Now summer is winding down and I have decided to read less and experience more. I am going to try new things and reach out.

Yesterday was a very sad day. My son's 11 year old chinchilla passed away. I remember him hopping on my son's shoulder, nibbling on papers, eating raisins as a special treat. We laid him to rest in the poppy garden with stones and small logs to mark the spot.

A bad virus is going around at the store. My coworker was alone 'til I came in and then I worked by myself 'til close, because two people were home sick. I am trying to avoid getting sick by washing my hands.

Sharing

The plastic on my daughter's laptop screen has split, so it is in the shop for repairs. There is really no telling when it will be back. So for the time being, she is using my laptop, which means that I have to use the desktop. Because the desktop just came back from the repair shop, I do not have my own login. I do not have a car either. There are 4 drivers and 3 cars. I hitch a ride with my husband to work and then take the big bus home. Today I had to drop off a fed ex package and mail a package and then hike to the bus stop. I suppose the upside of this is that I am getting exercise walking around the city.

So appreciative

I have a new little great nephew! Congratulations to my brother and his family.

I am so happy that some companies stand behind their products and go above and beyond to provide good customer service. It means a lot when defective components are replaced or the entire product is replaced.

After many days of consecutive working, though not acruing many hours, I have the day off today. Except for a sushi date with my son, I am reading, relaxing, taking it easy. I will take the day as it comes.

My friend is dealing with a mid-life crisis. She is still attempting to establish herself in a career. She has opted out of hapkido though she and her husband were to test for a first degree black belt in two months.

Twelve competitors head to Sault Sainte Marie Canada this week. They will compete in demo, precision kicking, breaking, self-defense, forms, weapon forms and sparring. I opted to take a year off to work on belt requirements. I also considered the expense and lack of vacation time. I regret that I am not going. Ziplining and a day at the lake are planned. My master described my hapkido class as "old fuddy duddies. as none of the class is attending the competition.

Flying By

The month of August is zipping by. As colorful and beautiful as the fall months are, I can't enjoy them because I know what follows. Yesterday my daughter got her hair cut and highlighted as she has school registration in a couple weeks. Drat! The first back to school activity.

Work was so hectic that my coworker and I glanced at the clock and said, "We've only been here two hours!" The majority of orders that I took were for sympathy arrangements. After work, I finally made it to the dentist (after two cancellations--my husband's oblation and work). I then took the big bus home.

I have not been sleeping well. I wake up, my mind begins whirring, and I'm up for the duration.

My cousins wrote a wonderful obituary for their father. It helped to put closure on his passing. I wish they had organized an informal get together.

Good Point

Yesterday at work I got a strange call. I thought the caller was asking if he could pick up a donation at the branch store. I knew I was in trouble when the company president at no recollection of that particular donation. I star-six-nined the call to try to get more information, since I hadn't asked the caller's name or phone number. I then asked the president if he could take the call and help me out. After a few minutes I went and asked him if there was anything I needed to do. He said, "YOU NEED TO LISTEN BETTER! ALL HE WANTED WAS TO KNOW IF HE COULD DROP OFF A DONATION REQUEST TO THE WEST STORE!" Well, I was relieved that he had figured out the question, and hurt that the president said this to me, but I told myself that "it would serve no worthwhile purpose" to dissolve into a bowl of mush. Truth be told, it does pay to listen at home and work. When a customer comes in and inquires about "wilted roses" she might be asking about rose petals. Today a customer called with a laundry list of complaints, 1) she was not happy with the presentation of birds of paradise in an arrangement, 2) sales associates at the store argue with her, 3) a delivery driver dropped off a bouquet and left it on the porch when the recipient was home and would have answered the door if he had called and 4)is there a solution for late afternoon deliveries when the recipient is working. I tried to listen, rephrase her concerns and communicate. I am putting a new foot forward. I will listen carefully and try to understand.

Sad news

My father told me last night that my uncle, my mother's brother had passed away. There is no memorial service so my brother, sister and I are sending a card and a money gift to be used as my cousins wish.

I stopped by my parent's house to give my mother some carnations and to introduce myself to my mother's aide. I stayed a few minutes and then my dad drove me home.

A coworker and I worked hard to make sure the branch store was copacetic. However when the branch manager came back today she complained that the flowers in the cooler were dead. The cooler looked fine in the afternoon, so it appears that the temperature in the cooler went awry. The manager is going to monitor the cooler.

Miss Overtime is talking about going home early to take care of some personal business. I worked hard today setting the flowers in the cooler in the main store. Ironic, isn't it? It looked beautiful and the glads and lilies on the floor brightened the area.

Peaceful

I worked alone at the branch store yesterday and am working a morning shift today. My soul is peaceful. I helped a woman from Massachusetts and took several orders. I kept myself busy for nine hours. Time passed swiftly. You know, I think I needed a break from the idiosyncracies of my coworkers, a time when I didn't have to go along with snack and smoke breaks. "I need a smoke break, I need the extra hours, I need to go upstairs, I need to eat, Ay! Ay! Ay!" I have some autonomy here, orders aren't dropped in my lap at a whim.

I circuit trained with my sister and then took class. On the way home I noticed a traffic light out. As I neared home, I noticed all the lights were out. We had no power for several hours. I thought my husband, a former Scout, would have prepared the flashlights. No, he spent the lit hours watching a DVD on computer, so when it was time to go to bed, we were trying to put batteries in the flashlights in total darkness. I banged into the night stand as I was moving around the bedroom, knocked the lampshade silly askew and cracked my foot. I actually thought I was heading into the bathroom. I knew the electricity was restored when the filter,air pump and lights went on to the aquarium.

My mother and father are pleased with their aide. She changed the linens, cleaned the bathroom, visited with my mother, helped with hygiene. She likes my father's dog and drives a BMW. She decided to become an aide after taking care of her husband. I will stop by to meet her tomorrow.

My rocket

My daughter gave me a Rocket as a gift. So now I can have a smoothie every day.

My favorite recipe:

1. shave 6 ice cubes in my son's slushie maker
2. put it in the rocket cup
3. add plain yogurt and 1/2 banana and 6 strawberries
4. Rocket it!

Bottoms up! Delicious!

Overdue for a PO session

I am trying to schedule a time with my friend and coworker to have lunch and vent. One day we were venting and someone said, "Do you work at ?" She was the niece of the president of the company. Sheesh! Now we have scope the site and make sure no one is around. Many thoughts are swirling around in my head. Swirl! Swirl! I stopped by to see how my parents were getting along. You can imagine the dust from the tub remodel and the disorganization after a week's vacation. It's difficult to watch my mother struggle with memory issues, immobility and other health issues. At home, my husband is worried about his tiredness after exertion. No wonder, he put up shutters, took the dogs for a nail trim, went to the grocery store and mowed the back lawn!

Only symptomatic

What exactly is the problem? I've been trying to figure this out since Friday when I got so angry. The anger is symptomatic of a bigger issue. I am jealous, which is ridiculous because I have every thing I need. My husband complains that he has no energy. My dad says he thinks my mother is losing her mind. He also said she hadn't eaten all day. I know from personal experience that acuity of mind and food are correlated. I am not looking forward to the camping trip up north. In previous years, it was a reunion, a sharing of fellowship. This year I will intensely miss the presence of other family members.

A Visitor

Last night, lightning flashed and thunder boomed. A gentle rain poured down watering the parched lawn and flowers. Our hound pound Max panted and paced. He is afraid of the thunder. Of a sudden, the bed dipped and we heard a big "whomp" as Max plopped betweeen us on the bed. The storm continued with floor rattling thunder. Eventually as the last thunder rolled off into the distance, Max stopped panting and settled down.

Like a hedgehog

I am workingfor a few hours this morning at the branch store. In between customers, I have ample time to mull. I am sad, because for the first time in over a quarter century, my parents will not be making the trip north to Burt Lake. My mother has care issues and it would be too hard. She got angry with me when I helped her shower and later when I tried to help her use the toilet. It will be much better when non-family aides help her with these chores. Do I mind that she got angry with me? Not really. My husband tactlessly answered when I told him, "I figured they wouldn't go." or some such. I regret that I don't have anyone to share my thoughts. I'm not looking for answers but someone to listen. The past two weeks have been hard--changes upon changes piling one on top of the other and I am trying to process them. I just finished the novel by a British author, "No, I Don't Want to Join a Book Club." She writes a book in the guise of fiction about turning 60. Of course, we have the new grandbaby, first one! and the death of a friend from lung cancer which unfortunately struck too close to home.

Serving No Worthwhile Purpose

I am focusing on a couple thoughts. What does one need to validate their existence? New email? Facebook? A phone call? Conversation? Interaction at home, work or martial arts? My friends, family and coworkers are busy living life. They should not have to worry about validating my existence.

Whenever my mind tries to go to online friend, I cut it off by repeating, "this is serving no worthwhile purpose." His persona was an illusion, a misrepresentation, my mind's creation.

My mother, dad and brother are driving to the State Park today. I am so locked in with work (coworkers are on vacation) and circuit training and HKD that I have decided to not camp overnight, but rather spend a day at the lake.

Is real life story the inspiration for novel?

I just finished the book Maybe a Miracle by Brian Strause. As I read I was struck by a feeling of deja vu. I remembered reading the story of a young Miracle Coma Girl though I couldn't remember her name. I wonder if the real-life story of Audrey Marie Santo of Massachusetts is the inspiration for the novel.

"The Only Constant in Life is Change"

Last night after work, my son and I enjoyed a delicious meal of miso, salad with ginger dressing, ademame and several different kinds of sushi. We topped it off with sweet fried ice cream. My son is thinking about a new career--one where he does not have to work 70 hours a week, where he earns money and can meet other people. I have enjoyed working with him at the store, but I understand that he feels it's time to move on.

Today my daughter came home from work and asked me about forensic science. She does not want to pursue marketing any longer. She is at a crossroads also.

I do not want a job change, but leaving has flitted through my head because of the woman that makes me uncomfortable. I did not say much to her today and I feel badly about it, but tomorrow I will tell her that I've been preoccupied and ask her to refrain from touching or poking me. I am not the only one receiving these weird vibes.

Okay, I am Committed

For several reasons, I am committed to a healthy lifestyle as of yesterday. The first reason and the most important is that my black belt with my name is now hanging in the dojang. All I have to do to earn it is push myself and stay focused. This means eating healthy (fruits, veggies, grains, a bit of lean meat and chicken) and circuit training every day. I need to increase the INTENSITY of my workouts. I would hope to go into the black belt test with optimum physical and mental preparedness. I want my trainer to say as he did with the key member of our HKD class, "Everyone should test the way he did!" The offshoot of this training will be that my bone density will improve and my BP will be normal. The endorphins will squash and overcome the feelings of sadness that I have had this last week. I heard that one is as young as one feels. I want to feel young, vibrant, beautiful...

A Surprise

It has been a week since my online friend pulled the plug on our email chats. My husband was in the hospital for four days. A coworker is returning from a vacation and to be honest she gives me the heebie jeebies. She STARES at me and then tells me that I have toothpaste by my mouth or a piece or orange pulp in my eyebrow. She "pokes" me. For some reason she thinks this is fun. I do not want to be stared at or poked, and probably will have to say something, at least about the poking. I try to keep my distance, out on the floor and away from her. Honestly I'm dreading her return and having to work with her. Today I got back into circuit training mode at the dojang and took class. As I was standing at attention, I noticed my black belt with my name hanging on the front wall. I am probably 2 years away from testing for it.

Bothersome headaches

My husband had an excruciating headache yesterday. This is the 4th bad headache in a week. I had attributed the first three to high BP and stress due to the oblation. Now I am wondering. Is the cause of the headaches due to something other than the procedure, that it was strictly coincidence that he was in the hospital at the time?

Today is our family reunion at the lake, the only time I can visit with these relatives. My cousins grill brats and burgers and everyone brings a dish to pass. Since last year, an aunt and the spouse of a cousin have passed.

I made it to HKD and sparring yesterday. My trainer jokingly called me a "slacker" but what could I do when I was sitting up at the hospital. I have to be careful with tasks anyway (cooking, driving) because I am distracted.

I still feel as if I was run over by a Mack truck--the 4 days that my husband was in hospital, my online friend so thoroughly burning the bridge, (1 week today) and the changes we are implementing for my mother's care. I have been doing well at work, although I don't believe that I ever learned the correct way to balance the register.

Decisions

My coworker fell the end of April and fractured her arm and dislocated her elbow, necessitating surgery and a work hiatus of six weeks. She is now trying to get back on track. She had looked forward to doing some grocery shopping yesterday on her day off, but the money wasn't put on her card, so her much-anticipated trip was postponed. Her cell phone bill was due the end of the month and she hasn't been able to pay it, so it is likely it will be turned off. In spite of loans from managers, she is struggling.

My problems seem picayune compared to hers. Little things at home bother me. The closed drapes in the living room that would be open if my husband were at work. The glade air freshener by my laptop. My husband's things on the dining room table.

I am trying to decide:
Should I register for another rec center class?
My parents and brother are going to the state park for a week. Do I want to go?
Perhaps I should join a local writing support group.

The question is what do I want to do?

Worked alone

One of my coworkers left for a seminar last week and another leaves on vacation tomorrow. I worked the front alone until 1:00 p.m. and I must say it was very pleasant. Another coworker leaves the last week of July and I'm trying to figure out if I can cover all my shifts and go on vacation that week. We will see. Our daughter did the discharge run from the hospital. My cell phone rang as I was with a customer and as the president of the company stood by. Wouldn't you know! I told him it was discharge information. But husband and daughter managed to find each other. I missed 2 HKD classes, 1 sparring class and 2 softball games during the hospital fiasco, but managed to circuit train Tues and today. I am drenched when I'm finished and have to hit the shower. I watered the rhododendron. The new plants struggle in the heat and drought. I do not have the energy to invest in another online friend. Our online relationship became a struggle when he became single. His status changed; mine did not. I think that about sums it up in a nutshell. Even though I invested countless hours writing encouraging, empathetic, supportive email, I did not turn my back on my family or friends. My mother, father, husband, children and friends are still around when my online friend moved on to greener pastures.

Oblation Today

My husband had his oblation today. He was shivering when he came back up to his room, so we covered him with warm blankets. Gradually he warmed up, and started to feel better. His doctor told me that he should be able to come home tomorrow. I am tired after waiting and wondering and visiting up at the hospital. I lost him for a minute. The patient transporter had taken him up to his room and left me behind.

I stopped at the library and checked out 4 new books. I'm not quite sure of the genre. The books have a slight mystery but aren't as dark as the mysteries I've been reading.

I called my daughter and wished her a happy Peruvian adventure. She leaves on Friday.

I am doing okay

Slowly, slowly I am healing from the loss of my friend. As my boss requested I am not "moping around." My son moped around for months when his love left the store and got another job. But because of that he could truly tell me "I'm sorry." Told me that the cure was sushi! I smiled because that was how I tried to help him, by inviting him to have a plate of sushi. And work colleagues talked to me about folks misrepresenting themselves on text and online. The friendship never developed the way I thought it would anyway. I was expecting helpful suggestions for writing and a book collaboration. I thought he would be forthcoming which he never was. You ask then, why in the world is she so upset? The writing was totally one-sided.

The three dogs and I are holed up in my bedroom. The painters will be working on the front doors and the doors have to remain open to dry and not stick. They are thinking the painting will be finished by noon. I am listening to one unhappy whining puggle.

My husband is not sure what is going on. It looks like he will be released. If so, he says he will not reschedule the procedure. I understand, and since it his condition is asymptomatic, think he's making a good choice.

I am going to my dad's to meet with the home care owner today. Many options and decisions to be made.

Complications

My husband and I were up at 5:30 to be at the cardiovascular center by 6:30. The nurses explained the procedure and I kissed him goodbye as he was wheeled away. Got a call a couple hours later from the doctor explaining that his BP had skyrocketed and his lungs had filled with fluid, and that all was well, but the procedure had to be postponed. So I spent the last several hours chilling with him in his hospital room. I also had to do damage control. My sweet father called and told me that my mother was upset with the idea of home care, and that he thought she would be angry at my sister and me. So I took her some beautiful white and lavender glads, arranged them in a vase, and told her about the "thinking" meeting tomorrow with the head of the home care aides. I told her that we needed her ideas for her comfort. On a positive note, the painters finished the front and back of the house and the back storm door. Looks beautiful!

There are no new messages in your inbox

Sad, isn't it? You would think that I would be numb to that message. I'm not, however and every time I look at it, it reminds me of my loss. My friend and daughter say that he will miss me and write. I don't think so. Perhaps he wanted something that I couldn't give him. Maybe he is in a new relationship and needs to invest all his time in nurturing that relationship. Good thing I have strong shoulders. My friends and I have gone our separate ways, but I've never had a terminated online friendship before. If only I had opted out first! There is my husband's heart procedure tomorrow, not serious, only an overnight, and interviewing home care workers for my mother, who insists she doesn't want them, and the women at work who insist on coming in and padding the schedule. The boss says, "At least LOOK like you're busy!" At least I talked to my father and lifted the cloud that was hanging over his head about my mother's displeasure with the workers.

It happened

I got an email today from a friend telling me that his email address was going to self-destruct in 24 hours, that's it's time to move on. So after 2 years, it has happened, the end of thousands, millions of words back and forth, admittedly most of them from me. I can't say I really understand except that friends have to be committed to each other, and both sides have to do their part to keep the friendship alive. And if he chooses to let the friendship lapse, then I really have no choice but to let it go. For days now, he has been giving away nothing, not allowing me even the tiniest insight into what is going on. I wish him well, and thank him for two beautiful gifts that he gave me which remind me of him.

Moving On

One of my associates will be finishing her degree in social work. She has been working with teenagers at one of the houses in the city. She mentioned that she does not want to come into the floral shop anymore, because the job is not related to her social work field. She will be cutting her days back next month and leaving in Aug. My online friend has a new friend with whom he can share a meal and a good time. We have been writing parallel for quite some time anyway. So I suppose, even if it's painful, that I will not be writing to him much longer. We were going to co author a book, but that never happened. A disappointment to be sure. So while my coworker and online friend are trying new adventures, I am stuck in the same old rut with nothing to look forward to.

Upping the ante

My sister and I have been doing circuit training--level 1 of Jillian Michael's program. My sister printed out level 2! So now instead of 10 minutes of aerobics, I have 15 minutes. So today I have 30 minutes of circuit training, 30 minutes of sparring class and and hour of HKD. And tonight we warm up in HKD with running.

Weaving

My beautiful cardboard loom and my maize and blue scarf. I weave 12 rows of blue and 10 rows of yellow and repeat.

So Relaxing

I read the book "The Tooth of Time" by Sue Henry. Some of the characters in the book are weavers. I researched table top looms and weaving for children. If I ever want to know something in a hurry, I check out "how tos" for children. The information is quick, insightful, easy to understand. Knowing how I am with new projects, ie rocket building, guitar playing, candle making, I decided to make a simple loom out of cardboard. Now the floral shop has lots of cardboard. I made a loom 5 feet long, and notched the narrow ends every 1/4 inch. I then headed off to the Thrift Shop. You know what they say, "One person's junk is another's treasure." I chuckled when I brought home skeins of yarn for $10.61. I am making a scarf, and in season could buy 3 scarves for $5. I had no preconceived idea of the color of the scarf--but since I found 4 skeins of yellow, I thought, maize and blue. I say to myself "another 5 rows" and when those are finished, "5 more rows"...

Thinking outside the box

I have been struggling with cooling problems in the Sebring for several months. A new radiator helped it along until the end of May. The shop installed a fan, but unfortunately a short test drive told me there was more to the story. The mechanics figured it was gasket problems, that the extreme heat had warped the gaskets, so it was in for a couple weeks while those were replaced. Got the car back and a short test drive told me there was more to the story. (sorry for the repetition). Took it back to the shop. The mechanics discovered that one of the jerry-rigged o rings was allowing the coolant to leak, and consequently the car was overheating. They ordered 2 factory o rings that will be in tomorrow. There may be more, the rest of the story. Stay tuned.

My mouth has been watering

For the past couple weeks, I have been yearning for cajun shrimp. I found a very simple recipe online--shrimp, garlic, oregano, thyme, cayenne, paprika. I mixed the spices together in a baggie and coated the shrimp. Then cooked in butter. I served the shrimp with wild rice pilaf, strawberries, and crisp tender zucchini and carrots. A colorful and tasty meal. I am wondering if I can intensify the spicy flavor by drying the shrimp. A fun and different meal.

Coming up roses

Things are coming along well for a work colleague. Her pregnancy is progressing normally even though she has gestational diabetes. She and her husband are closing on a house tomorrow. More space is needed with a new baby soon to join the family. Her daughter got into a charter school She told me today that she is nervous... nervous about losing her pay check, worried that with the new house payment her financial situation will be more precarious then it was with her daughter. She will look back at these days as the happiest in her life--a time of new adventures. For me, it is the same old daily routine.

Jillian Michaels "The Toughest Trainer"

My goal is to lose 24 pounds. I am eating fruit, veggies, lean meat and some grains, and following Jillian Michael's circuit training. On Monday and Wednesday, my sister and I plow through the circuit training before my martial arts class. The M/W routine includes 15 different exercises, repeated 3 times, lasting for either a dozen repetitions or a minute. The DVD varies a bit. Today I did 6 circuits with a bunch of exercises, repeating each circuit twice. It's hard for me to jump rope or do jumping jacks. It will be well worth it if I don't have to lug so much weight around.

Happy Father's Day

Wishing my father a very happy Dad's day. I thank my father for his wise advice, sense of humor,fairness, work ethic, generosity, helping hands and his appreciation of nature. I'm thankful that he has been part of my life for 58 years. Sending him much love on this father's day.

New deck

Making progress on the new deck

About Karma

On Thursday, I entered the store and tried to turn off the alarm. Couldn't seem to turn it off, so eventually it began to beat rapidly and I got a call from security. Later I realized that I couldn't turn it off because of user error. I was pressing the on button. A bit rattled from that occurrence, I was waiting on a customer. She told me that she had an arrangement to pick up. I looked and couldn't find it. We sent her off and told her we would deliver it in a few minutes. Another worker went into the cooler and found it immediately. I asked for help setting up a new account and my helper accidently deleted all the customer information. I tried to help the course of true love by finding someone in a huge mile long complex. Our delivery manager told me the incorrect lobby (lobby G, there is no G, it was F). I was happy to leave, assuming that I would take all my bad karma with me. Not to be however. The mercury system went down, customers arrived early for a balloon pick up and the balloons weren't ready, the new person on the block took a fruit basket order late in the day, one of the sales associates gave cash back which is a no-no. The bad karma was not all about me.

The leg stretcher

I tried to figure out how the leg stretcher worked but was stumped. My 16 year old daughter took a look and knew how it worked in 2 minutes. I can now stretch to 110 or 120 degrees. Can't lean forward much, but perhaps that will come with practice. I still am working on flexibility on the butterfly stretch. If I'm conscientious, that will improve also. I circuit train tonight with my sister and a friend. I like the weight training and some of the aerobic, do not care for jumping jacks and jump roping. Seems hard on my knees. After circuit training, I have sparring drills and HKD.

A Matter of Disposition?

I read a little saying that one's happiness is related more to their disposition than his or her life circumstances. And I guess that is true. One can be like Pollyanna and look at life through a "cup half full" philosophy. That's not to say, however, that life's disappointments and failures to secure dreams can't throw a person for a real loop. I would have liked to be a career woman, and now at my age, it's essentially too late. I hoped that I might be offered a partnership in the store when one of the owners decided to move on. More recently, I desired to take a mini vacation a scant 12 miles away, when the car overheated and I had to cancel the trip. I find myself in the same circumstances and the usual routine. I suppose one can make some excitement by changing themselves or pursuing a new interest. In my case that might be circuit training or eating healthfully. Sounds as exciting as yesterday's mashed potatoes.

How to fix a head gasket in 32 easy steps

No, don't worry, I am not attempting this at home. Besides in V-8s there are 2 head gaskets and both must be replaced at the same time. The car shop will handle this although I find it irresponsible that the shop didn't check this out the first time it was in. I'll just sit back and read.

Portable Leg Stretcher

At my age, I need to work on flexibility every day. Flexibility reduces the threat of injury and makes my kicks higher. I have specifically been working on butterfly stretches and leg straddles. I purchased a portable leg stretcher. Should be here in a few days.

Finally, a day off!

Today is my day to relax, regroup and gather energy. No specific plans. I did drive the car to the shop to make sure it does not need coolant or a new thermostat, that everything is copacetic. I am doing computer work, will read, perhaps stretch and work on hapkido. Later we will go to Home Depot and order the wood for the deck.

Rose buds!

Tomato Plant After Pruning

The tomato plant on the left suffered from leaf browning, curling and dying. I removed the browning from the leaves, and it appears to be growing. Both plants have 5 blossoms.

Appears to be Successful

I thoroughly checked over the 2 tomato plants that I bought from the nursery. I planted them and then noticed that one of the plants was struggling. The leaves were browning, curling and dying. Could the plant have picked up a disease from the soil? Or was it diseased to begin with? I decided that I would cut the browning parts off the leaves. It might kill the plant, but then the tomato plant was going to die anyway if I did nothing. For now the surgery is successful. The leaves are healthy and both plants have blossoms. This is not to say however that the plants are not targets for insects, hail, high winds and other disasters.

1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

My son tells me that 1996 was the first year that Chrysler made the Sebring Convertible.

A Fine Day

The skies are blue, the temperature moderate, although it will get hot and humid. It is a perfect day to eat strawberries and carrots. A wonderful day to drive with the top down in the car. A fine day to wash the cars or work outside. A good day to work at the flower shop and help the customers make someone happy. A day for my parents to hitch the trailer to the truck and drive to a park about an hour away. A special day to email an online friend altho said friend never writes back. It is a finest kind day!