December 28, 2014
3:09 p.m.
Christmas is over and New Years is coming up quick. I feel like we're in a holding pattern, even like I'm sort of holding my breath. My daughter is due any day now, with plans to induce labor on January 5th if she doesn't go on her own by then. Personally, I'm rooting for a New Year's baby.
It seems like everyone has been sick during this holiday. My other daughter has only been here to visit once, as she and her two toddlers have been sick. Her teenaged daughter is here with the rest of us, since she got sick first and is over it. We were all at her house Christmas day, so I guess we're lucky we aren't all sick here, too. My grandson dealt with it well before Christmas, and thankfully didn't pass it on.
It's been a Holiday full of Legos. It's pretty cool watching my son-in-law and grandson putting these elaborate buildings and machines together. Hours of fun! I love Legos, except when I step on one in my bare feet.
Anyway, today I'm just checking in before getting down to some homework. Studious, that's me! Hahaha!
Have a great day, everyone!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
December 19, 2014
6:16 p.m.
It surely has been a busy week! I've been all over town with these grandchildren. (Not really, just to their schools.) Dance recital, band concert, school musical, Christmas parties. Busy, busy.
I'm having a good time. I just wish I wasn't all slow-pokey with my dumb foot.
Just a few days left to finish Christmas shopping. This year won't be the same as last year. I was so on top of things last year, but this year "Dumb Foot" has interfered with my mobility to the point that I've gotten so little done. It's frustrating.
I wish the rest of my family could be here. I miss those Colorado kids and grandkids. One of these days we may manage to be all in the same place at the same time.
In the meantime, I have been thinking about a lot of things to do with peace and happiness. You must be at peace to be happy--that's a given. I understand that it's difficult to be at peace in a world where unrest is the natural state.
For me, peace is an internal state, that place I go to where life's nit-picky stuff isn't allowed to get in and get me down. I can't always get into that place, unfortunately. I don't know anyone who can constantly live in that state, but I do know a couple who do a pretty good job of living there most of the time. Those people are the ones I most admire, because even though life throws them some pretty nasty curve-balls, they always have a smile for everyone and a friendly word to pass along. While that in itself is admirable, they are also the ones who admit their frailties, admit that they are suffering, but choose to go on and count their blessings as they limp along their way. They choose life, and they choose peace and happiness even as their tears are flowing.
I try to do this myself, and sometimes I even succeed. (No one laughs at me or my foolishness as much as I do.) But I often fall short, and so I must try, try again.
Here is what I strive for, and what I hope to teach through my example:
1. Realized that any person, regardless of race, colour, religion or sexual orientation will bleed red blood if cut, requires the same vital organs to live, must eat, drink, sleep and eliminate waste to stay healthy, and needs to love and be loved to be fulfilled.
2. No one has the right to judge another person simply because their beliefs differ from yours.
3. No one has the right to judge another person because their skin, hair and eye colour differs from yours.
4. Hate is a learned emotion. Parents teach it to their children. Friends teach it to friends. Teachers teach it to students. No one is born hating.
5. Babes and small children are open to loving everyone. They discriminate against no one. No wonder Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me." They are the most worthy among us. Lets be more like them!
'Tis the Season, everyone. I want to look at the world with the wonder and openness of a small child. I want to have my cry when needed and then get over it and move on, the way a toddler does. We can learn a lot from the little ones.
Until we meet again--goodnight!
6:16 p.m.
It surely has been a busy week! I've been all over town with these grandchildren. (Not really, just to their schools.) Dance recital, band concert, school musical, Christmas parties. Busy, busy.
I'm having a good time. I just wish I wasn't all slow-pokey with my dumb foot.
Just a few days left to finish Christmas shopping. This year won't be the same as last year. I was so on top of things last year, but this year "Dumb Foot" has interfered with my mobility to the point that I've gotten so little done. It's frustrating.
I wish the rest of my family could be here. I miss those Colorado kids and grandkids. One of these days we may manage to be all in the same place at the same time.
In the meantime, I have been thinking about a lot of things to do with peace and happiness. You must be at peace to be happy--that's a given. I understand that it's difficult to be at peace in a world where unrest is the natural state.
For me, peace is an internal state, that place I go to where life's nit-picky stuff isn't allowed to get in and get me down. I can't always get into that place, unfortunately. I don't know anyone who can constantly live in that state, but I do know a couple who do a pretty good job of living there most of the time. Those people are the ones I most admire, because even though life throws them some pretty nasty curve-balls, they always have a smile for everyone and a friendly word to pass along. While that in itself is admirable, they are also the ones who admit their frailties, admit that they are suffering, but choose to go on and count their blessings as they limp along their way. They choose life, and they choose peace and happiness even as their tears are flowing.
I try to do this myself, and sometimes I even succeed. (No one laughs at me or my foolishness as much as I do.) But I often fall short, and so I must try, try again.
Here is what I strive for, and what I hope to teach through my example:
1. Realized that any person, regardless of race, colour, religion or sexual orientation will bleed red blood if cut, requires the same vital organs to live, must eat, drink, sleep and eliminate waste to stay healthy, and needs to love and be loved to be fulfilled.
2. No one has the right to judge another person simply because their beliefs differ from yours.
3. No one has the right to judge another person because their skin, hair and eye colour differs from yours.
4. Hate is a learned emotion. Parents teach it to their children. Friends teach it to friends. Teachers teach it to students. No one is born hating.
5. Babes and small children are open to loving everyone. They discriminate against no one. No wonder Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me." They are the most worthy among us. Lets be more like them!
'Tis the Season, everyone. I want to look at the world with the wonder and openness of a small child. I want to have my cry when needed and then get over it and move on, the way a toddler does. We can learn a lot from the little ones.
Until we meet again--goodnight!
December 17, 2014
9:04 p.m.
A "Happy Birthday" shout out to my brother, Rick. Dang, we are getting old--only one sibling under fifty left.
I have been in Oklahoma for six days now, and we have been going non-stop. This is really a great time if year for a visit. These grandchildren don't get to see me much, and certainly not for Christmas. I have attended a Christmas lunch with my grandson, my granddaughter's dance recital and my grandson's Christmas play. Still to come: granddaughter's band concert and grandsons' school Christmas parties.
A sad fact: I have been to Walmart three times in the past five days. That's as many times as I usually go in three months. Probably more than three months, because I certainly don't go every month. I am pretty much an on-line shopper. I am a champion store-avoider. But not this week!
Even sadder is the fact that my "Turbo-Mom status has been revoked for the foreseeable future. I am usually a pretty fast walker, but now I can't keep up with anyone and I have even resorted to using the ride-on carts. My blankety-blank foot hurts. Bleeping thing.
Regardless, this is a good time. Today my daughter had an ultrasound, and we got a pretty good look at the new baby girl's little face. 3-D technology is amazing.
Well, duty calls. Good-night, all!
9:04 p.m.
A "Happy Birthday" shout out to my brother, Rick. Dang, we are getting old--only one sibling under fifty left.
I have been in Oklahoma for six days now, and we have been going non-stop. This is really a great time if year for a visit. These grandchildren don't get to see me much, and certainly not for Christmas. I have attended a Christmas lunch with my grandson, my granddaughter's dance recital and my grandson's Christmas play. Still to come: granddaughter's band concert and grandsons' school Christmas parties.
A sad fact: I have been to Walmart three times in the past five days. That's as many times as I usually go in three months. Probably more than three months, because I certainly don't go every month. I am pretty much an on-line shopper. I am a champion store-avoider. But not this week!
Even sadder is the fact that my "Turbo-Mom status has been revoked for the foreseeable future. I am usually a pretty fast walker, but now I can't keep up with anyone and I have even resorted to using the ride-on carts. My blankety-blank foot hurts. Bleeping thing.
Regardless, this is a good time. Today my daughter had an ultrasound, and we got a pretty good look at the new baby girl's little face. 3-D technology is amazing.
Well, duty calls. Good-night, all!
Thursday, December 11, 2014
December 11, 2014
6:09 p.m.
The airplane has landed safely and I am here at my daughter's. Yay!
Wow, what a great flight experience! I arranged for wheelchair service because of my silly foot. I just knew that there was no way I could get through the airport on my foot, and couldn't drag my carry-on while on crutches, so I swallowed my pride and arranged for help. So glad I did! Southwest Airlines was so nice to me, got me through the incredibly huge Denver International Airport in record time. Kudos, Southwest, you made me feel like queen for the day.
I am so happy to be here. I will write more soon.
Grinning!
6:09 p.m.
The airplane has landed safely and I am here at my daughter's. Yay!
Wow, what a great flight experience! I arranged for wheelchair service because of my silly foot. I just knew that there was no way I could get through the airport on my foot, and couldn't drag my carry-on while on crutches, so I swallowed my pride and arranged for help. So glad I did! Southwest Airlines was so nice to me, got me through the incredibly huge Denver International Airport in record time. Kudos, Southwest, you made me feel like queen for the day.
I am so happy to be here. I will write more soon.
Grinning!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
December 10, 2014
9:54 p.m.
Wow, I pretty much skipped blogging in November. In my defense, I was busy. My house has been full, I've somehow made it through Thanksgiving, and I've been in physical therapy.
Excuses, excuses.
Okay, here's how things have gone down:
1. I had pre-ordered some books. I got them. I read them. Here are three of the six new books I read this month: (We won't go into the several re-reads I did this month!)
a. As You Wish by Cary Elwes. So much fun to read about the making of the movie "The Princess Bride. It has always been a family favorite. If you're a fan, I highly recommend the book.
b. Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris. I could not put this down until I was sure I had read every possible scenario. You get the story of his life, plus some funny extras. I'm a fan. I'm sure I'll read it again.
c. Revival by Stephen King. Wow. This is the first time in years that Stephen King has actually kept me up at night after finishing one of his books. (Clearly, I do not scare easily.) I can't explain why this book left me with such creepy-crawlies, not without spoiling it. Suffice it to say that when the Preacher loses faith, it's a lose-lose situation. I'm going to let this sit for a few months before reading it again. I enjoy a good spook, and I need time to let it fade...
2. Doctors, boot fittings and physical therapy.
a. Hurray! I do not have Lupus. Test results show that my pain is being caused by osteoarthritis and muscle shortening in my hips, hamstrings, calves, ankles and heels. I have lots of therapy ahead of me, but if I keep at it I may be able to reverse some on the muscle shortening. (It hurts; I'll live.)
b. Due to insurance issues, the boot I'm in is not the ideal boot for healing this injury. So I could be in it for a long time--at least six months. Boo. But at least I am walking without crutches as long as I'm in the boot.
3. Thanksgiving. Anyone who knows me knows that I love Thanksgiving. This year everyone in the house but me decided they had to get sick right before the holiday. Bad form, sons and daughter-in-law! Bad form.
Due to these illnesses, one family cancelled their plans to join us. They have eight children, so I could hardly blame them for not wanting to risk it. They were very much missed!
Then, to my surprise and delight, my brother-in-law (yes, I divorced his brother, but not the rest of the family!) called and said that he would like to come. It was quite a trip for them, but I was so very happy to have them join us! I got to meet his wife and two sons. His daughter was unable to join us, but hopefully we will get to meet her soon. His other daughter is married, so Heaven only knows when we might get to meet her.
Anyway, my daughter and her family came as well, and I had lots of help in the kitchen, which I very much needed and appreciated. (Who knew an injured heel could put me so far back in terms of cooking a meal?)
We had such a wonderful time, and I cannot express how thankful I am that the Uncle of my children is back in their lives. We have missed him so much.
Tomorrow I will take my leave of this house and make my way to Oklahoma for Christmas and to await the arrival of grandchild number eight. I'm so excited! My son will have to take care of this place for me, lucky guy.
And now, I must resume packing. Like putting clothes away, this is not my favorite chore.
Good-night!
9:54 p.m.
Wow, I pretty much skipped blogging in November. In my defense, I was busy. My house has been full, I've somehow made it through Thanksgiving, and I've been in physical therapy.
Excuses, excuses.
Okay, here's how things have gone down:
1. I had pre-ordered some books. I got them. I read them. Here are three of the six new books I read this month: (We won't go into the several re-reads I did this month!)
a. As You Wish by Cary Elwes. So much fun to read about the making of the movie "The Princess Bride. It has always been a family favorite. If you're a fan, I highly recommend the book.
b. Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris. I could not put this down until I was sure I had read every possible scenario. You get the story of his life, plus some funny extras. I'm a fan. I'm sure I'll read it again.
c. Revival by Stephen King. Wow. This is the first time in years that Stephen King has actually kept me up at night after finishing one of his books. (Clearly, I do not scare easily.) I can't explain why this book left me with such creepy-crawlies, not without spoiling it. Suffice it to say that when the Preacher loses faith, it's a lose-lose situation. I'm going to let this sit for a few months before reading it again. I enjoy a good spook, and I need time to let it fade...
2. Doctors, boot fittings and physical therapy.
a. Hurray! I do not have Lupus. Test results show that my pain is being caused by osteoarthritis and muscle shortening in my hips, hamstrings, calves, ankles and heels. I have lots of therapy ahead of me, but if I keep at it I may be able to reverse some on the muscle shortening. (It hurts; I'll live.)
b. Due to insurance issues, the boot I'm in is not the ideal boot for healing this injury. So I could be in it for a long time--at least six months. Boo. But at least I am walking without crutches as long as I'm in the boot.
3. Thanksgiving. Anyone who knows me knows that I love Thanksgiving. This year everyone in the house but me decided they had to get sick right before the holiday. Bad form, sons and daughter-in-law! Bad form.
Due to these illnesses, one family cancelled their plans to join us. They have eight children, so I could hardly blame them for not wanting to risk it. They were very much missed!
Then, to my surprise and delight, my brother-in-law (yes, I divorced his brother, but not the rest of the family!) called and said that he would like to come. It was quite a trip for them, but I was so very happy to have them join us! I got to meet his wife and two sons. His daughter was unable to join us, but hopefully we will get to meet her soon. His other daughter is married, so Heaven only knows when we might get to meet her.
Anyway, my daughter and her family came as well, and I had lots of help in the kitchen, which I very much needed and appreciated. (Who knew an injured heel could put me so far back in terms of cooking a meal?)
We had such a wonderful time, and I cannot express how thankful I am that the Uncle of my children is back in their lives. We have missed him so much.
Tomorrow I will take my leave of this house and make my way to Oklahoma for Christmas and to await the arrival of grandchild number eight. I'm so excited! My son will have to take care of this place for me, lucky guy.
And now, I must resume packing. Like putting clothes away, this is not my favorite chore.
Good-night!
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