Not stuck in life, but stuck in a weird mood! I hate when I feel like this. I have lots of projects that could keep me inspired and engaged and then yield a productive result, but I choose instead to be plain lazy. I don't know if this is a mental issue or the direct result of getting on the Jenny Craig diet plan. I have always been a carb freak, seeking immediate energy, getting the job done, crashing, and starting the same cycle over the next morning. My first gear just refuses to move into second. I find myself just getting through the day.
Yes, I am taking vitamins, and getting the exercise although I could add more minutes to this area. I am just in a rut right now. I am tired of handling all of the details of life, and I find myself getting quite rebellious in my old age. It's not limited to my personal life either. I am tired of listening to people gripe over nothing, and I am tired of my neighborhood. That is nothing new. I seem to have a short attention span when it comes to houses. Husband is supportive and told me to start looking.......but since I am stuck in a rut......I have no desire to pursue this on my own.
My only joy in the daily routine of life is my prayer group. I just feel so refreshed after praying for my family and my grandchildren. I need to start a stuck in a rut prayer group. lol I imagine that God would honor this gripe session. He has broad shoulders......
I will be glad when this cloud lifts, and I can be all perky again. I like being in motion, and my general health is actually on the up swing. My thigh muscle has finally relaxed after my knee replacement, and taking on tasks that involve a step stool no longer cause me angst. I will be happier when I can do what I want to do instead of what other people want me to do. I have had to say no again to various groups, community members, and friends. I will have personal freedom again in June, and it can't get here fast enough.
I will be able to lose myself in my projects for posterity as I call them, and I am actually making my own bucket list for now. I really need to make some personal adjustments for me and only me. That is hard to do, or at least it is hard for me to do. In the meantime, I seem to float through the days, and then another week has passed and I can't seem to pinpoint anything I accomplished besides the regular woman stuff. Washing clothes and cooking meals just doesn't cut it for me. It never has. I will get out of this mood, but may need a small adventure to get there. Maybe the husband will want to take his new wheels for a mileage drive this weekend to look at some lakefront or bayfront property. That might perk me up.......
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My Life-Such That It
I talked to my neighbors today. He finally took official retirement at age 70 and she has been retired for a few years now. Both are very pleasant people and easy to approach. During the conversation the mister asked me if my husband had informed me of the latest break in attempt on their home. I said no and he explained that while walking around his property, he discovered cut screens in the guest bedroom. It was comical to me as I had just ordered a new security system, and the technicians will be here tomorrow for the installation.
This house is already wired for it all, and this service has been put off for a while because we have a four legged yapper that seems to hear every outside sound that ever happens. In fact, I'm not sure if her yapping didn't interrupt the screen cutter. Whenever she goes on a rampage, I throw the bright outside lights on. Bright light would deter me from doing anything illegal if I were a burglar.
As continued talking, I explained how I have never lived anywhere and not gotten burglarized in some form or another. Sometimes it was the house and other times the cars or trucks were broken into for laptops or CDs. The times we live in seem to increase this sort of crime. I recently witnessed shoplifters stealing a huge cache of baby products. They just walked the full carts right out the door and started running to a waiting car and get away driver. The trunk was popped and loaded before the cashier could even finish reporting the crime. The car was just far away enough to make reading the plate impossible.It was almost dark outside for this well planned heist. Thieves aren't stupid, no matter what you have heard.
I reminded my husband that he had neglected to tell me the latest problems from next door, and all I heard for a moment or two was a huge groan. He'd just forgotten. I told him that the installer was coming tomorrow and he groaned again. We will probably set the alarm off accidentally until we get used to setting and disarming it. It's not that complicated. We will survive and add it to our one more thing to remember list.
I know I will sleep better knowing that a blaring sound will wake us up if we are here during a crime attempt. I will also leave the house more easily now knowing that a constable will be called if the alarm gets sounded. We have nothing of real value in this house, but a thief wouldn't know that. These are patio homes, and downsize steps for most of us. Our children took extra furniture when we moved, and any valuable items are kept in a safety deposit box or I am wearing it. Our jewelry has sentimental value only. There is nothing designer about our decor, and our technological items are so outdated it is sad. Our running joke concerns the fact that our kids already have better stuff than we do.
I really think it is sad that we have to pay someone to protect our home, but this just seems to be common practice these days. It also bugs me to have to pay a diet program to monitor my weight loss. It seems like nothing in life is free anymore and unless we pay for something, it has no value.
This house is already wired for it all, and this service has been put off for a while because we have a four legged yapper that seems to hear every outside sound that ever happens. In fact, I'm not sure if her yapping didn't interrupt the screen cutter. Whenever she goes on a rampage, I throw the bright outside lights on. Bright light would deter me from doing anything illegal if I were a burglar.
As continued talking, I explained how I have never lived anywhere and not gotten burglarized in some form or another. Sometimes it was the house and other times the cars or trucks were broken into for laptops or CDs. The times we live in seem to increase this sort of crime. I recently witnessed shoplifters stealing a huge cache of baby products. They just walked the full carts right out the door and started running to a waiting car and get away driver. The trunk was popped and loaded before the cashier could even finish reporting the crime. The car was just far away enough to make reading the plate impossible.It was almost dark outside for this well planned heist. Thieves aren't stupid, no matter what you have heard.
I reminded my husband that he had neglected to tell me the latest problems from next door, and all I heard for a moment or two was a huge groan. He'd just forgotten. I told him that the installer was coming tomorrow and he groaned again. We will probably set the alarm off accidentally until we get used to setting and disarming it. It's not that complicated. We will survive and add it to our one more thing to remember list.
I know I will sleep better knowing that a blaring sound will wake us up if we are here during a crime attempt. I will also leave the house more easily now knowing that a constable will be called if the alarm gets sounded. We have nothing of real value in this house, but a thief wouldn't know that. These are patio homes, and downsize steps for most of us. Our children took extra furniture when we moved, and any valuable items are kept in a safety deposit box or I am wearing it. Our jewelry has sentimental value only. There is nothing designer about our decor, and our technological items are so outdated it is sad. Our running joke concerns the fact that our kids already have better stuff than we do.
I really think it is sad that we have to pay someone to protect our home, but this just seems to be common practice these days. It also bugs me to have to pay a diet program to monitor my weight loss. It seems like nothing in life is free anymore and unless we pay for something, it has no value.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
What a Week
First off, I just finished restaining the quarter round on my wood floors. When they were installed, I don't think the detailing was finished correctly. I could have called them, but the floors are over 3 years old now, and I had the materials from another job, so I got it done. My new EZ movers came in today, and moving furniture out of the way was very EZ. The stain has to dry for 8 hours, or I would have completed the job today.
I needed a way to get rid of all this pent up energy. I attended a HOA meeting for my subdivision and was just wired afterwards. I didn't sleep well last night, and today I couldn't get busy fast enough. The meeting was 3 hours of just plain nonsense with people who had nothing but anger towards each other. Old grudges just went on and on, and I noticed that not much business got done. I had to remind them from the gallery to just get on with it. Many of the issues had nothing to do with running a HOA. Just lots of griping about issues that aren't even covered in the deed restrictions.
We voted last month to let the board make edits and additions to our restrictions that will be correct under new laws out there. After last night, I realized why the laws had to be passed. After enduring this meeting, I was just undone. Thus, my projects got started. Hard labor tends to wear me out, and then I can rest. I could have taken a pill to relax, but decided to knock out some chores around the house.
My poor husband called today and got an earfull. He laughed it off, and said that maybe we should get more involved. Elections are in April, and I will probably throw my name in the hat. Somebody just needs to get the job done, and quit wasting everybody's time and energy.
Over coffee this morning, I discussed some issues and how to easily solve them. He'd been the past president and had stepped down due to all of the infighting. We both agreed that it is time to think about moving to another area. Unfortunately, we have 5 years until retirement and building our final home, so I am stuck for a while. Maybe bringing peace to this neighborhood will be a nice goal to have before I move on.
I needed a way to get rid of all this pent up energy. I attended a HOA meeting for my subdivision and was just wired afterwards. I didn't sleep well last night, and today I couldn't get busy fast enough. The meeting was 3 hours of just plain nonsense with people who had nothing but anger towards each other. Old grudges just went on and on, and I noticed that not much business got done. I had to remind them from the gallery to just get on with it. Many of the issues had nothing to do with running a HOA. Just lots of griping about issues that aren't even covered in the deed restrictions.
We voted last month to let the board make edits and additions to our restrictions that will be correct under new laws out there. After last night, I realized why the laws had to be passed. After enduring this meeting, I was just undone. Thus, my projects got started. Hard labor tends to wear me out, and then I can rest. I could have taken a pill to relax, but decided to knock out some chores around the house.
My poor husband called today and got an earfull. He laughed it off, and said that maybe we should get more involved. Elections are in April, and I will probably throw my name in the hat. Somebody just needs to get the job done, and quit wasting everybody's time and energy.
Over coffee this morning, I discussed some issues and how to easily solve them. He'd been the past president and had stepped down due to all of the infighting. We both agreed that it is time to think about moving to another area. Unfortunately, we have 5 years until retirement and building our final home, so I am stuck for a while. Maybe bringing peace to this neighborhood will be a nice goal to have before I move on.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentine's Day 2012
In my world, yesterday was Valentine's Day. It is mental anguish to actually go out for a nice dinner on the actual date if it happens to fall on a week day. We already celebrated and said the I love yous. Then, to put the frosting on the cake, we exchanged cards at the coffee pot this morning. I chose a book An Older Love by Warren Hanson for my "card" this year. This author spoke to our ladies group in October, and I actually thought ahead for a change. As I read through the book last night, I identified my life with my husband in so many ways. I even understood when the author admitted to making the same mistakes over and over only to be forgiven over and over. That is what real love does.
I also understood being totally comfortable with each other. It takes years of love to not get prickly when the husband actually asks what day Valentine's is on. It helps to realize that he can't always remember to do the things he used to do as a matter of course, like minor plumbing or door knob replacement. After this last round of home repairs, it will take a handy man 2 or 3 days just to fix our fixes. I am glad I can chuckle over this as I write about it. I think the years of good stuff just sort of diminish the goof ups as we go along. Reality kicks in and we are both thankful that we can afford to fix our mistakes.
I, too, am having my last project redone by a professional. I really thought I could refinish my dining room table. I refuse to give up the black walnut wood from so long ago. After 2 weeks of stripping, sanding, finishing, resanding, refinishing, and stripping again, I gave up. My husband literally flagged a refinisher down as he left a neighbor's house. He got the bid and the guy's card. The furniture is now in the shop along with 7 other pieces. Yep, we both know how to let each other try and then call in the calvary as plan B. Older love just knows.
I also understood being totally comfortable with each other. It takes years of love to not get prickly when the husband actually asks what day Valentine's is on. It helps to realize that he can't always remember to do the things he used to do as a matter of course, like minor plumbing or door knob replacement. After this last round of home repairs, it will take a handy man 2 or 3 days just to fix our fixes. I am glad I can chuckle over this as I write about it. I think the years of good stuff just sort of diminish the goof ups as we go along. Reality kicks in and we are both thankful that we can afford to fix our mistakes.
I, too, am having my last project redone by a professional. I really thought I could refinish my dining room table. I refuse to give up the black walnut wood from so long ago. After 2 weeks of stripping, sanding, finishing, resanding, refinishing, and stripping again, I gave up. My husband literally flagged a refinisher down as he left a neighbor's house. He got the bid and the guy's card. The furniture is now in the shop along with 7 other pieces. Yep, we both know how to let each other try and then call in the calvary as plan B. Older love just knows.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Early Morning Thoughts
Sometimes I get up early with my better half just to enjoy the coffee. Silly, I know, but very therapeutic for me.
Last night the younger son called to say he got his latest promotion. He is now Staff Sargent Smith. He is at the beginning of his fifth year in the Air Force, helped his wife survive cancer, and is a loving father of his stepson and his three year old. He's had a very busy five years.
It got me to thinking about my boys. I am so proud of both of them. Both boys work their hardest to provide for their families, and it makes me proud to not only be their mom but to know them as men of character. What a contrast their family atmospheres are compared to my family life when I was young.
My father was a character but not a man of character. His efforts were always selfish and self centered. He was the father of five children, and he really didn't care too much if we even had food to eat. He was a gambling man and a heavy drinker. Between the fights over money to pay bills, and wondering if there was going to be any lunch money for school, our young lives were filled with stressful situations that just created chaos in our lives.
The only normal life was provided by a really strong willed woman who somehow always made do with very little. She finally went to work when I was fourteen just to keep food on the table. Sad commentary on a life, but I know that she wasn't alone in that world. That world still exists today for thousands.
Twenty five years of teaching let me see parents in all their glory and some in their worst moments. Most of the troubled kids had one thing in common. Parents who just didn't care about anything except themselves. I will give my sons credit for always considering their family first.
That links me to my daughter-in-laws. They are both outstanding moms. Both always engage themselves in activities that lift the kids spirits and make them happy. Both are thoughtful of their kids' feelings, and that is a real self esteem builder. Both girls are blessed to have husbands who always provide for their families. This kind of security is priceless.
I know that my sons are not perfect and their wives are not perfect, but from my point of view I see them making all efforts to create a loving environment for their children without forgetting that they are a unit of two. Many discussions happen before deciding issues that will dictate a lifesyle. I see them learning together what works and what doesn't.
My husband and I used to do that when our marriage was young and every penny had to be allocated properly. I remember feeling secure just knowing that we were working together for the greater good of family. As a result of our focus, we are resting together in our young old age and five years away from retirement, kids grown, grandchildren to brag about, and the security to pursue our interests. Life has been good.
I pray for my kids, their wives, and my grandchildren every week with a prayer group and every day as needs arise. I pray for the preservation of their marriages and for them to continue to love each other as the day they met. I pray for the grandchildren to understand how much their parents love them. I pray that their parents will be the vehicle to lead them to accept Christ as their Saviour. I really want the blessing of eternal life for all of my family members.
Just finished my third cup of coffee, so time to move on......
Last night the younger son called to say he got his latest promotion. He is now Staff Sargent Smith. He is at the beginning of his fifth year in the Air Force, helped his wife survive cancer, and is a loving father of his stepson and his three year old. He's had a very busy five years.
It got me to thinking about my boys. I am so proud of both of them. Both boys work their hardest to provide for their families, and it makes me proud to not only be their mom but to know them as men of character. What a contrast their family atmospheres are compared to my family life when I was young.
My father was a character but not a man of character. His efforts were always selfish and self centered. He was the father of five children, and he really didn't care too much if we even had food to eat. He was a gambling man and a heavy drinker. Between the fights over money to pay bills, and wondering if there was going to be any lunch money for school, our young lives were filled with stressful situations that just created chaos in our lives.
The only normal life was provided by a really strong willed woman who somehow always made do with very little. She finally went to work when I was fourteen just to keep food on the table. Sad commentary on a life, but I know that she wasn't alone in that world. That world still exists today for thousands.
Twenty five years of teaching let me see parents in all their glory and some in their worst moments. Most of the troubled kids had one thing in common. Parents who just didn't care about anything except themselves. I will give my sons credit for always considering their family first.
That links me to my daughter-in-laws. They are both outstanding moms. Both always engage themselves in activities that lift the kids spirits and make them happy. Both are thoughtful of their kids' feelings, and that is a real self esteem builder. Both girls are blessed to have husbands who always provide for their families. This kind of security is priceless.
I know that my sons are not perfect and their wives are not perfect, but from my point of view I see them making all efforts to create a loving environment for their children without forgetting that they are a unit of two. Many discussions happen before deciding issues that will dictate a lifesyle. I see them learning together what works and what doesn't.
My husband and I used to do that when our marriage was young and every penny had to be allocated properly. I remember feeling secure just knowing that we were working together for the greater good of family. As a result of our focus, we are resting together in our young old age and five years away from retirement, kids grown, grandchildren to brag about, and the security to pursue our interests. Life has been good.
I pray for my kids, their wives, and my grandchildren every week with a prayer group and every day as needs arise. I pray for the preservation of their marriages and for them to continue to love each other as the day they met. I pray for the grandchildren to understand how much their parents love them. I pray that their parents will be the vehicle to lead them to accept Christ as their Saviour. I really want the blessing of eternal life for all of my family members.
Just finished my third cup of coffee, so time to move on......
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
God Does Handle Details
I ;am so thankful my got to Seattle on her own steam without a family member having to make the trip to be by her side. In fact the whole trip sounded easier than when we accompanied her in these recent years. My sister made her reservation and asked for assistance.
When I went to the airport, the bags were handled curbside which is normal. The handler said to wait and a wheelchair would be brought. Presto chango, yep that fast. The baggage handler brought the receipt to my mom as she was being assisted into the chair and she was whisked into the building before I even got to hug her good-bye. I yelled bye, and then got back in my car and came home. I was just amazed. My mom is 80 years old, and the trip was going to be hard on her. The efficiency of the airlines lowered her stress levels and that of her family members.
My aunt lives in Seattle, actually, a suburb just outside of the city. Her cancer has become active again, and she is taking chemo once a week for 3 weeks, then a break, PET, and decisions based on the information. All I can do is pray for my aunt.
My mom wanted to be there for her. She had this overwhelming need to just go, and now I am glad she did. My biggest worry concerned "in the airport". I remember losing her several years ago when she went to the ladies room. She got turned around and wouldn't carry a cell phone. She still doesn't. We eventually found her, but all were totally stressed. The same thing happened at Caesar's Palace in about the same timeframe.
I actually think I have learned something from this. If my mom insists on going on another trip by air, I will request the same services for her; even if I am there. Travel is hard enough and anything that will make it easier is something to consider. I guess we can all learn something new every day.
My sister called to ask how it went and we were both pleased by the results. She never got a confirmation on the assistance request, so we were both holding our breaths. "She's in the system" were music to my ears for one more adventure in my mom's life. I always wondered how older people traveled so much. Now, I know. When I am 80, I'm going to ask for all the help I can get........
When I went to the airport, the bags were handled curbside which is normal. The handler said to wait and a wheelchair would be brought. Presto chango, yep that fast. The baggage handler brought the receipt to my mom as she was being assisted into the chair and she was whisked into the building before I even got to hug her good-bye. I yelled bye, and then got back in my car and came home. I was just amazed. My mom is 80 years old, and the trip was going to be hard on her. The efficiency of the airlines lowered her stress levels and that of her family members.
My aunt lives in Seattle, actually, a suburb just outside of the city. Her cancer has become active again, and she is taking chemo once a week for 3 weeks, then a break, PET, and decisions based on the information. All I can do is pray for my aunt.
My mom wanted to be there for her. She had this overwhelming need to just go, and now I am glad she did. My biggest worry concerned "in the airport". I remember losing her several years ago when she went to the ladies room. She got turned around and wouldn't carry a cell phone. She still doesn't. We eventually found her, but all were totally stressed. The same thing happened at Caesar's Palace in about the same timeframe.
I actually think I have learned something from this. If my mom insists on going on another trip by air, I will request the same services for her; even if I am there. Travel is hard enough and anything that will make it easier is something to consider. I guess we can all learn something new every day.
My sister called to ask how it went and we were both pleased by the results. She never got a confirmation on the assistance request, so we were both holding our breaths. "She's in the system" were music to my ears for one more adventure in my mom's life. I always wondered how older people traveled so much. Now, I know. When I am 80, I'm going to ask for all the help I can get........
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