KMSing

I do not like dirty dishes piled in the sink. I like a clean kitchen. This morning there were pots from last night and a pan with cream of wheat from this morning. I told my husband that I do not like cleaning the cream of wheat pan. Not a smart thing to do, because he took offense, where none was meant. Guess since I have to keep mouth shut at work and hapkido, makes sense to keep it shut at home too. Will walk around the world with my mouth firmly shut.

V Day on My Mind

Just read a coworker's prayer to get through the next two weeks without killing one or more people. We work at a flower shop and V-Day is the single busiest day of the year. I like to think of our business as a big cruise ship which leaves port several days before V day and docks at the close of the business day on the 14th. The company president is at the helm and all hands (even some extra) are on deck. Yes, it is tempting to vent frustrations on coworkers and customers, and at times my colleagues threaten to jump overboard. After several consecutive long days, nerves are frayed. In spite of the fatigue, I enjoy the "busy ness" of V-day. I enjoy helping people choose a gift for special people in their lives.

Above and beyond

I have been trying to find someone to come into my parents' house to give my mother a manicure and pedicure. Sadly, a friend said she was too busy (not interested). Realized the only option was to take my mother to a salon. Very difficult for someone with little mobility, dementia and other issues. I had heard of a new salon, so this morning I called. Where was the shop located? Is it handicap accessible? Is it possible to work out a toenail cutting for someone in a wheelchair who can't raise their feet. Didn't look too promising--hard to find a specialist who would sit on the floor. I picked up my mother after work and we headed on a nail cutting and polishing adventure. Mother was so happy to peruse the hundreds of nail polish, choosing a very beautiful coral color. How she loved chatting and getting her manicure. And then, bless her, the specialist sat on the floor and carefully clipped the thick rough nails on my mother's feet. So wonderful to know that there are people who go above and beyond

Thumbs Up

I am reading "The Tempest" by Julie Cross. It is original and interesting. One of the characters can travel in time. At the present time in the novel, he is stuck 2 years behind his actual age, hoping to change an event that happened in real time. If I could change personal life events, would I? I surprised myself when I realized that I probably would not change major events in my life. Marry and have children? Thumbs up. Education as a career? Thumbs down. Another bad career choice, selling cosmetics at in-home parties. Taking more responsibilty for a healthier life style, diet and exercise? Thumbs up. Refraining from criticism and gossip. Thumbs up. Becoming more involved with friends and family? Thumbs up. And certainly it is not too late to install major change in my life.

Cancer

I haven't seen this friend in 10 years. He and his family moved to another state. Periodically, we would get a newsletter around the holidays. My son told me today that he heard that my friend had liver cancer. He went to the ER and things looked okay for a minute, but then... the diagnosis. The doctors estimate that he has two months to live.

The New Girl

In a matter of seconds, she rubs me the wrong way.
The name creating images of a self-centered, egotistical personna.
Full of her own self importance.
Weighing on the sympathies of anyone in sight.
Ingratiating herself with the group
Saoking up all the attention.
Relating her sad tales of woe.
Wondering why she is spending so many hours online
When she could be working to better her situation.
She feels in control here
In this make-believe, artificial cyber world.

Saving Money

Property taxes are due in July,
Not enough money, this is why.
Car and health insurance, utilities and hapkido
Groceries, gasoline and cable for every new show.
Thousands of dollars will be due,
No alternative but to cut back, this is true.
Groceries and hapkido will be cut back
To save money in our account to pick up the slack
No reason to worry, swear or frown.
Property taxes are astronomical in this town.