July Quotes

Blog post #257 of 365

As this month began I thought will I run out of words...

"Life is the soil, our choices & actions the sun and rain, but our dreams are the seeds." Joseph Jacobson's Diary V Lisa H

"A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can't go anywhere until you change it. " Michelle R

"Never regret anything, because at one time it was exactly what you wanted."Joyce & Richard

"No matter what aour challenges are we grow from them." Lorene

"Some people should use a glustickinstead of a chapstick." Elizabeth G

"Unless you know the whole situation keep your mouth shut." Rose

"Instead of counting down the days make the days count!" Me

"Anything that you can suck at should make you nervous." Chris R V Christie S

"Time does not heal all wounds, it gives new memories to replace them." Kayla

America "You aren't a perfect nation but you are the greatest nation!" Craig T

"Infidelity does not kill a marriage, indifference does." Modern Love

"Everything will be okay in the end. If everything isn't okay it isn't the end yet." Unknown

"A reader lives a thousand lives in a lifetime. A non reader lives but one." Chelsea

"Home isn't a place but the people in it." Marian L M

"Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future." Oscar W.

"In football there is a second half. It isn't over yet."

"Some people aren't missing a screw, but the entire tool box." Kat

"Faith is like Wi-Fi, it is invisible but it has the power to connect you to what you need." Kat

"Red stands for strength, white stands for purity and blue stands for wisdom. Stand for what you believe in." Emily D

"Legend says, if you can't sleep you are awake in someone else's dream." Richard C

"You will never have what you truly deserve if you remain attached to what you're supposed to let go." Richard

"Man says, 'Show me and I'll trust you.' While God says, 'trust me and I'll show you" Ashlynn

"You attract what you are, not what you want. If you want great then be great!" Kerry

"If at first you don't succeed try doing the way mom said from the beginning." Bean & Kat

"Don't you love it when you treat someone the way they treat you and then get mad about it." Camylle

"Better things are coming." Camylle

"Bad things require a response." McRainey

"The storm will pass." Teresa

"The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend."  Henry B

"May your search through nature, lead you to yourself." Richard C

"You should always smile because we love it when you do." Blake

"Is that who you want to be?" Me

"You gotta grab the dream before it is gone." Planes

"It's not how fast you fly but how you fly fast." Planes

"It isn't about being the best it is about being better than you were yesterday." Cheri

I guess not!

Measuring My Success

Blog post #256 of 365

Where do you live?

What kind of car do you drive?

What kind of house do you live in?

We all measure success differently.

How large is your bank account?

How well did you plan for retirement?

How many vacations did you take?

Maybe more important than how many is where did you vacation?

Did you complete your most outrageous bucket list?

None of that matters to me. Not really anyway.

I know my way of measuring success is way different than any of those things.

My measure of success is More like this.

How many people do I love?

How many people love me?

How many hugs did I give?

How much did I help?

How little did I hinder?

How many times did I make a difference in someone's life.

Those are the kinds of things I measure as my success.

Turn Offs

Blog post #255 of 365

Admit it there are some things that just turn you off. I have my own ideas on the subject.

No sense of humor is a turn off. Come on there are time if you don't find the humor the only thing left is to cry. I pick laughter.

Opulence is oddly a big turn off for me. I live at the edge of a very affluent area. It is a huge turn off to see these people tear down beautiful old homes and erect mini-mansions. I see these homes and think I don't want to clean that huge thing or have to pay some stranger to come to my personal space to clean it. I don't want to heat or cool that three story entryway either. I think they are inviting a burglar to invade their personal space. Then fill the driveway with high end cars. They make garages but don't park these high end vehicles inside. If you want a fancy car keep it in the garage so you aren't asking for trouble. I believe understated is the way to go.  There are a few home that are huge but you'd never know it at a first glance and I appreciate that but loving those old homes I hate to see them replaced right and left with the little monsters.

Over indulgence, especially substance abuse is a major turn off. It becomes an excuse for bad behavior. Over indulgence is never ever productive and it takes so long to get to normal I just find it difficult to tolerate.

Odor is such a turn off. Both unclean smells and overly perfumed smells are so off putting for me.

Sluts are a turn off. I don't want to know who or how many. I don't want the dirty feeling I get or the STDs you might be passing on, ewww yuck.

Over piercing or tattoos are a turn off. By over piercing I am serious. That one inch hole in your ear. Any hole with a gauge is off putting to me as are any in the nose, or face in general. Yup anyplace other than your ear is not attractive in anyway to me. Add any kind of redness or ooze and I am really turned off. A few well done, well placed tattoos are okay but covering your entire armor body is just off putting. Your skin will age. I have proof. Yuck. And never ever think a tattoo on you face is okay. It just isn't.

These are the ones that sit at the forefront of my brain but I know there are more.

Little Big Girl and a Big Decision

Blog #254 of 365

In my religion like many Christian religions we believe everyone should be baptized. (Yes I called Mormons Christians because we are believers in Christ and Christlike behavior.) We don't baptize our babies soon after birth to "save" them. We let our children grow until they are of an age where they can be held accountable for their actions. When they are old enough to know the difference between right and wrong.

My niece is finally old enough to be baptized and has made the decision to take the plunge.

I am so proud of her. She has had a rough few years and to be so strong is amazing! She knew exactly what she wanted and why. Then she went for it!

Sometime

Blog post #253 of 365

Sometimes I just have no word. I know it is hard to believe but it is however true.

Victim Or Victor

Blog post #252 of 365

Crap happens. It seems sometimes that the best people I know have more or the worst crap happen to them. However we are not victims if we do not dwell on these things.

You see we all have agency. We can choose liberty & freedom and do as the Lord would have us do or we can choose captivity & darkness under the influence of the devil. There must needs be opposition in all things and knowing that means sometimes things don't run smoothly in the way you thing they should. We are free to choose to act or to continue to be acted upon. (Reference 2 Nephi chapter 2)

When tragedy happens it can devastate and even paralyze but it doesn't have to last. We have the power to decide how, when or even if we recover when life throws us a wrench.

I recently checked out the music of Hook74 or Michael Rose. He is a double hand amputee who also happens to be a darn good guitar player. He was told he'd never play again. He didn't want to stop so he learned to adapt. He didn't choose to lose his hands but he did choose to make the most of his life afterward.

I have a friend who after much soul searching filed for divorce. You can't make people change and wishing won't make it so. Sometimes you have to take the first step to change your life. He didn't choose to have an unfaithful wife but he did choose to not be taken advantage of any longer. How courageous!

These are just two examples of deciding not to be the victim. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out the next step. Sometimes the hurt is so severe the step is long over due when you take it but it is you choice to move forward.

I hate people who thrive on the drama of their trauma. Well hate is a strong word. But I am so annoyed with people who thrive on the attention they willing throw on themselves. Like, "I just had surgery" which translated means I want attention for some people. Recently I had a family member complaining that she was in so much pain she was on bed rest and couldn't shower or bend over. It was a tubal-ligation with little puncture holes not a six inch incision from a c- section. But she thrives on the attention. "I'm in pain" gets her.

Really I'd rather be known for the good and kind parts of my life. Luckily I have those to draw on. I'd rather not be the one with the spotlight on them but if I get attention I'd rather have attention for good wouldn't you?

Forever Family

Blog post #251 of 365

Family is more than the definition found in the dictionary.

A group of individuals of common ancestry. Or a group of people living under the same roof. Or a group of people with common convictions. Or well other definitions that refer more to things than people.

To me family is blood but more than blood. Family is an amazing gift from God. I don't know that we have much say in who our family is before we were born but I'd like to think we have some say in it. Knowing there are challenges in every family I would hope we had some input.

Family is also love. Anyone you love become a bit of family. At least it should be that way. It is for me.

In my religion we believe families are forever. I hope God takes into account more than the blood but the love as well. I think He does.

Maybe you are like me. There are family members who are bad news. Well that is why I foster my relationships with the less toxic family members and all of my friendships. When I get to the place beyond thins life I want to be surrounded by people who I love and those who love me.

Two Choices

Blog post #250 of 365

There are two choices. Be happy or be a slug? Okay maybe not a slug exactly. Are you proactive or do you watch the world pass you by?

Some people are content to be the kind of person who exists only. Takes each day without thought of the next. Wake up, eat, work, eat, veg, sleep and start over again. Not helping others, not self improvement, really not much thought at all. If they are content with that life good for them.

I make the other choice.

I do what I can to help others. Give what I can when I can. I do what I can to be as healthy as I can under the circumstances. I take vitamins, work out a little every day, get check ups, read books, play, create and let the people in my life know they matter, that I care and that they are loved. I try to be humble. I remember to be grateful. It isn't always easy but it is a good life.

I encourage you to be proactive. Do what you can to be content and hopefully help others be content as well.

Comparisons

Blog post #249 of 365

Comparisons have a place in this world. We can tell who won the race, who lost the most weight, who grew and who didn't. These all seem pretty benign and they are. The problem arises when you try to compare things that never should be. Like your kids.

I have five kids and four grandkids and they are all very unique. It is easy for me to compare the grandkids to their fathers but I don't think it is right to compare them with each other. They are not the same. Some are older and some are younger and they have different parents raising them. I don't like comparing my kids. It never leads anywhere good.

I remember a few times when my three of my kids were in the hospital. One had asthma, and two birth defects that resulted in short hospital stays. I would look around and feel so grateful my kid only had what they did and not the scary thing the other kids had. I found out the other parents felt exactly the same as I did.

Recently a friend was trying to console another friend who was sad about the loss of her job. She was comparing her to a different unemployed friend. She said, "Don't be sad you have marketable skills and you know there are people who are worse off than you." I thought it was kind of mean. I told her to be as sad as she wanted to be. Comparing her situation to some other unfortunate person solves nothing and doesn't let her own her feelings. She was close to retirement and has to start from square one because a corporation purchased her place of employment and laid off most of the people who worked there. She has as much right to be sad as anyone else in her situation. Heck I'm sad for her too! Telling someone not to be sad is as bad as telling someone not to be happy because someone might have more to be happy about. It just doesn't make sense.

Just try not to make comparisons about people. You never know how deep you may be cutting.

Marriage

Blog post #248 of 365

I am LDS, Mormon, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Our leaders encourage us to have strong morals. We are encouraged to get married and have families.

Unfortunately we live in a world of uncertainties.

I know few people who make enough money to live on their own and raise a family in their 20's. Corporations are into profits and hire part time people to avoid having to pay out for insurance benefits. You can't just take the leap and hope everything will turn our perfectly. Okay we are asked to live by faith but it takes a lot of faith in this economy to take that leap.

People are postponing marriage until they are better able to care for themselves. They are finishing school and establishing careers. This in some ways is a smart idea but our next generations aren't going to know their grandchildren beyond their early years. Parents are getting older and older. there was a time when you saw an mature (40's) person with a small child you could comment on how cute their grandchild is but now you might be offending the parent.

People are looking for the perfect fit. Their soul-mate. LDS Prophet S.W. Kimball called the idea of a 'soul mate' a 'fiction and an illusion.' I know of only one perfect being and Jesus died many years ago. I believe you should look for commonalities. Ideals and morals that mesh. I'm not perfect, not even close. I wouldn't want to have to live up to perfection. I would instead want someone who accepts my flaws and loves me in spite of them. Someone who will lift me up when I need a lift and will let me lift them when they are in need as well. A partnership of love. I've seen this elusive kind of relationship and I appreciate the example they hold out to the world.

People are over analyzing everything. Nothing will happen if you do.

Young people need to quit pussy footing around. Get serious about your life and make a plan. Keep moving forward but date while you do. Dating can be costly but a long walk or a Red Box rental and microwave popcorn is pretty cheap. You gotta eat make a little extra and invite a date to join you. Easy see. Get creative. Become friends and then take the plunge. Go for it.

Bandwagon

Blog post # 247 of 365

I saw this and thought I get it...

I traced this photo to here  https://www.facebook.com/RangerUpFanPage but I am unsure of its origin. I think the concept is genius so kudos to whoever did it.

It seems these days everyone is complaining about something. They have a point to make but what point I am unsure. Someone states their case and people climb on the bandwagon.

In my opinion jumping on a bandwagon isn't too much different than mob mentality. They are doing it, do you think we should too kind of thinking.

I prefer doing my own thinking. I'll research your ideas and form my own opinions.

(Not to self there have been a bunch of posts lately with the word opinion(s). Maybe I should change things up? Nope my blog, my thoughts.)

Racism

Blog post #246 of 365

It is hard not to be a little racist and be a white American. Oh did I offend you? Better move on then because I have opinions about racism.

There is an adorable commercial for Cherios breakfast cereal. It features a little girl of mixed race trying to help her dad be more heart healthy by giving him Cherios. Okay she pour it on him while he slept and is was in my eyes very clever. I know little kids might pour it on not knowing eating is where the protection happens. Apparently there was a huge backlash on YouTube with so much hate they disabled the comments. It breaks my heart to see that kind of hate.

In the news there is a huge backlash about a young black kid shot by a white man. I don't know anything about the case. Everything I have read has been slanted one way or the other so I refuse to jump on a hate wagon. I do know this race is at the forefront of the controversy. In my opinion race just shouldn't be a factor but it always is brought in to some degree or another.

I am white, female and I have a disability. Not a missing limb or blindness that is blatant disability but one you only see if you know me well or find me on a really bad day. People treat me differently but so what we are all different.We can't all be treated exactly the same. It isn't possible.

Apparently I am racist because I am white and I don't understand what it is like to be any other color. I was born this way, white I mean. I consider myself to be fairly well educated, decently informed but the truth of the matter is every other race has opinions about me because I'm white. It is a truth I live with just as they have opinions because I am female and disabled.

I have been accused of being racist. And maybe to some degree I am based on other people's opinions or judgements. I have no control over other people, so I guess it doesn't matter much.

I wonder if there will ever even be equality. I mean true equality where race, disabilities, religion, gender etc. won't matter. Where people are hired for their skills, character, and drive. Where people can live together in peace. I have my doubts.

The truth is we live in a world that evolves slowly. There have been lines drawn in the sand as long as there has been sand. I'd like the world to change. For people to live together in peace but so far that just hasn't happened.

I Must Not Be Like Most Women

Blog post #245 of 365

Caution this blog post not rated for children. Please don't let your kids read over your shoulder unless you are one of those parents then go on and ignore your kid.

I know I am different than most women. I don't fit into any real social norms.

Lets face it at six feet I am taller than most women. I hate shoes, shopping, and most girly trappings like makeup and stuff. But it goes beyond that. I love tools, building stuff, figuring out the answers to dilemmas and I believe about every toy built for a boy is way more fun than the female equivalent.

I recently read an article entitled '15 Things Most Women Don't Know About Men' (http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/15-things-most-women-dont-know-about-men/) but I knew all of those things. Most are common sense if you pay more than fifteen seconds of attention to men.

Men however are as diverse as women. Some men are sensitive and want to cuddle after sex. They are likely thinking about the one in their arms, the one they wish was in their arms or when they are going to have sex again but they aren't thinking about their missing Game Cube. (Most men I know would never misplace any game.) Some men like a well done hand job because with said hand job there is kissing, companionship and maybe so boobs. I could go on but I'm not going to.

Just pay attention, be kind and everything should fall into place.

Talking Uninformed

Blog post #244 of 365

The internet is the perfect place for people to show their complete ignorance, racism or stupidity.

A young friend of mine recently posted a link (http://publicshaming.tumblr.com/post/55715208108/baseball-fans-super-angry-hispanic-american-superstar) to a bashing session of Marc Anthony singing 'God Bless America' at the MLB All-Star baseball game. She is a Latin American and a huge music fan. The article apparently upset her a lot. I'm not Latin American and I was offended by the remarks probably more so for a different reason than my friend. My outrage is at the ignorance people posted publicly.

It is okay to post in opposition of something if you know what you are talking about. It is okay to be passionate about something if you are informed about it. You also have the right to be intolerant, racist and stupid but you should probably keep those things to yourself.

I usually don't post my opinion(s) on social media sites. That is why I have a blog. I can honestly say here on my blog in the only place I am happy to freely post my opinion(s). If you don't like it you can move on but thank you for your time thus far.

I also try not to be insulted by stupidity. It isn't usually directed at me and usually when it is I just consider the source. So feel free to express yourself but first check your facts and maybe your spelling while you're at it so you don't sound completely stupid.

Flu Today

Blog post #243 of 365

Is if feed a fever starve the flu or feed the flu and starve a fever? All I know is get plenty of rest and staying hydrated is the best advice.

With all of the advances of modern medicine you'd think we would have cured influenza and viruses.

There are people like me who have allergies. My allergies will sometimes make my throat itch or burn. My allergies will sometimes stuff up my nose or make it runny. My allergies will sometimes make me cough.

I believe I may have a flu bug of some kind. Sunday my throat was on fire. Monday I was a little stuffed up. Tuesday I just felt blah. Today I am pretty sure I have the flu.

It shouldn't take three days to figure out it sin;t my allergies.

I'm going to drink a glass of juice and take a nap. Hope it helps!

Physical Therapy

Blog post #242 of 365

I had an accident. Then I had surgery. Now I have physical therapy. (PT for short.)

This isn't my first time in PT. The first visit you are in pain and they have to do measurements, range of motion and whatnot to lay out a plan of action. Then they do.

Some things they ask you to do may seem silly and unrelated to your injury but the old song 'Dem Bones' - "the head bones connected to the neck bone" is very accurate. Then they send you home in more pain than when you arrived and homework to do more stuff that will probably hurt too. That saying no pain no gain kind of applies too. You have to do it every day if you want to get better. Seems simple huh?

This time around I told them up front I had been to therapy before and wanted to get better. Every visit I asked for more to do. I have about a good hour of therapy I do at home every morning and every evening. Well almost every morning and evening. I admit I skipped a workout here and there. Mostly because I was not home to do them or in too much pain to do them. But I still did what I could pain and all.

Lets just say they are pleased with the progress and frankly so am I.

So here is my advice. Do your homework and ask for extra credit.

Online Etiquette

Blog post #241 of 365

Sometimes we forget the internet is not private. We sometimes offend people but we can't please everyone all of the time. It isn't our job to please. But it is our job to be respectful I recently read six rules of computer etiquette. I think they were pretty good things to keep in mind.

First the people reading are people. Real people not some imaginary friend or imaginary stranger. Words can wound so try not to intentionally be hurtful.

Second never say something online you wouldn't be willing to say to someone face to face. I have that rule anyway. If I say something about you and you hear it third hand ask me because I wouldn't say anything about you that I wouldn't say to you.

Third own it. If you aren't proud of your words don't throw them out there. You are never really anonymous anyway so own your words.

Fourth sit on your angry words. When in the moment it isn't the right time to vent. Keep scathing responses to yourself. If you still want to vent do it after you have had a chance to think it through and choose your words wisely. Time often changes perspective.

Fifth keep your opinion to yourself. Right fighting is just a waste of time. Sometimes it is way better to not say anything. Let it go. Save yourself for the battles that count. If you can't ignore this battle then don't attack the person state your case as clearly and concisely as you can. That way it gives the offender a chance to see the other side without feeling attacked and wanting to attack back. It usually solves nothing.

Sixth be positive. Studies show people are more likely to complain than to compliment. I am one to call a corporate office and compliment a person or place that has done something I appreciate. Positive feedback is more likely to motivate.

If you want to read the original feel free. http://www.artofmanliness.com/2011/07/13/being-a-gentleman-in-the-age-of-the-internet-6-ways-to-bring-civility-online/

I think I did justice to the list. What do you think?

Rabies Shots

Blog post #240 of 365

Our dogs needed rabies shots this year. It should have been no big deal but it turned out to not be that easy...

When we first got our dogs we took them to a shot clinic not far from home. It was through a local pet supply store. Unfortunately the pet supply store closed down. The clinic people don't come to our area anymore.

So I searched for a place to go. Vet offices make you pay office visits for all three dogs and the cheapest place would be one hundred and fifty dollars. There are shot clinics but I live in the county strip and they don't "service" dogs from my "area." So I called the county animal control.

The county gives shots two days a week for the first twenty two people to arrive. They didn't tell me exactly where to go or that the number only covers two dogs, we have three. Anyhow the animal shelter has had a rough time with getting a regular vet. It is 'vacation' season and apparently they take a hit every summer.

I called every week and most weeks they said, "we have no clinic this week" but not every week. Then I hear they are and that Wednesday morning at crack of dawn I loaded up the pups and drove over only to find out there was no clinic that day. The place was a ghost town. I called and there was no clinic. Talk about bummed. From that day forward I called at the beginning of the week and again the day before.

Five weeks later they finally they had a vet. We packed up the dogs and got there at six am. They pass out numbers at about seven and start the clinic at 7:30. Well there were already ten people in line before me. They didn't give out numbers until 7:15 and began taking dogs at 7:40. We were standing outside with no place to sit. Next time I am bringing chairs and I'll sit while I wait.

It is a good thing my son was with me. Between the two of us we got all three dogs vaccinated but we didn't even enter the building until 8:25. Once inside it went real fast. All three dogs were champs. No wetting the table, shivers, barks, growls, bites or whimpers. We were done at 8:44!!!

Then the fun began. Once home I remembered how bad it went when Lady got her last rabies shot. But it was a combination shot so I didn't know how she would do. In no time she was lethargic and panting so I gave her a Benadryl. It was recommended by the vet of one of her siblings. So I looked it up online and apparently it is a common cure for dog allergies. Especially shots and bee stings. Who knew?

Anyway day one she laid around and I could tell she wasn't feeling herself. So I wrapped a little cheese around a half tablet and gave it to her. She looked better in 30 minutes but still had some breathing issues and so I gave her the other half. She did well the remainder of the day until evening when she ate a piece of broccoli that fell when I was cooking. They all love broccoli. Weird but true. Anyhow she seemed to be breathing fine and she was a little perky after having thrown up. So I let her be.

Day two she woke up still a little off. I gave her half a Benadryl and she seemed to be fine until later. Her breathing became more labored and she was lethargic again. So I wrapped an entire tablet in cheese but she wouldn't eat it. I got my son to try getting her to eat it. He did but she didn't and she walked away from it. In a millisecond her sister, Bear, gulped it down. Really? So we tried again. Putting the pill in a soft dog treat. Within the hour both Lady and Bear were laying around sleepy. Benadryl will do that to ya. Anyway Lady was breathing better and life was grand.

Day three the dogs look and act as if they never got a shot except Lady is being a little picky about eating. Not normal. She loved getting some lettuce at lunch time and didn't go running for a treat but overall I am glad the ordeal is over.

Next time I'll know and give her a dose just before she gets her shot... Heading it off some.

A Wave and a Smile

Blog post #239 of 365

Recently I read that people who tried and failed at suicide said if even a stranger had seen them. Truly seen them and acknowledged them in any way they would have reconsidered suicide.

By "seen and acknowledged" them some said a nod, smile, wave, a thank you at a held door, etc. could have made a world of difference. Most of them interviewed said they almost instantly felt regret at the attempt.

So from now on I am going to pretend I still live in Oklahoma where in most small towns everyone waves at everyone because in those small towns you are either visiting someone they know or could become a neighbor. I will wave, smile, nod my head, greet, say hello, etc to every stranger I meet. I always say thank you so I have that one down but I will endeavor to do better in hopes of brightening someone's day. Help them feel acknowledged, seen.

I hope you do too.

Water

Blog post #238 of 365

I drink water. Mostly ice water but I like water. No sodium and quenches thirst. Also it is a habit.

I just read several new reasons to drink water.

2 glasses after waking up help jump start activate internal organs.

1 glass 30 minutes before a meal helps with digestion and helps you eat less.

1 glass before a bath can lower your blood pressure (if that is a problem for you. Mine is naturally low and I take showers so this one might not be that important for me.)

1 glass of water before going to bed helps lower your risk heart attacks, stroke, and leg cramps in the night. A muscle seeking hydration will cramp up which will wake you up with a charlie horse.

Just a few things to consider.

Going to go get a drink of water.

Have a nice day.

Mr. Right

Blog post # 237 of 365

I'm so sad for all of the young (late 20's early 30's) women I know who are lamenting publicly about being single. They talk of Mr. Right, the 'perfect' guy, and soul mates and I wonder if they are passing up the truly right guy because they think there is this phantom perfect guy. Well I have never met a perfect anyone male or female.

Seriously there must be more than one someone for everyone. Otherwise nobody would get together. The world is huge and if there is only one what are the chances he or she lives in your city or scope of influence?

Most truly happy couples I know are happy because they want to be happy. They date still, explore still, hang out still, love still and don't just go through the motions.

People evolve through time so why would a relationship?

I wish everyone would just pay attention to what is not what could be.

I wish the singles I know would open their eyes to the possibilities and then keep them open. When you get older the choices are fewer and farther between. Take advantage.

I wish the married people I know will keep their eyes open and evolve with their spouse and quit complaining. Enough already. Be grateful for what you have. My gosh I would love what you have.

So quit whining already!!

Quiet I'm Trying to Watch This

Blog post #236 of 365

I see a lot of movies. This week Lone Ranger and Despicable Me 2, both worth watching.

They have a Despicable Me pre-movie noise warning. Minions and a purple monster minion who disturbs everyone.

Dave is a true movie going friend.

Let's all be more like Dave.

Now is not the time for

Not arm punching.

Not banana chasing.

Not sundae making.

Not freeze-ray-ing.

Not slap-fighting.

Not moon-stealing.

Not Karaoke-singing.

Not dance-partying.

Not toilet-paper-rolling.

Not roller-coaster riding.

Not annoying sounds.

When I read the list... (it took many movies to catch this.) I loved it.

I wish more people were like Dave.

Challenges Today

Blog post #235 of  365

Today has been full of little challenges.

Mental and physical.

I've had enough.

I think I'll take a nap.

Thinking About Stuff - Conclusions I Made

Blog post #234

Keep looking for God. He is here but you need to keep your eyes open to the possibility in order to see Him.
God speaks in a multitude of ways.
Never be afraid to ask but do not neglect to listen and watch for your answer.
Life is what you make it. It isn't about money or prestige. I thought I could only do things if I had money but there is so much you can do without money it is worth the search.
My family loves me. I'm not perfect but they accept me flaws and all.
Friends worth keeping stick around. Treasure them.
Listening is always important.
Trust is earned.
Learning from my mistakes is important but learning from the mistakes of others means I can go through it from afar but that I should learn from the experience as well.
Crap happens to everyone. Lose the idea that "It won't happen to me" or "I am the exception" You almost never are and nobody is exempt from life's challenges or heartaches.
Uplift others. They will be more likely to uplift you too.
Romance is different for everyone. Mine might not match yours so what.

These are my thoughts. You don't have to agree.

Cold Pack Tip

Blog post #233 of 365

Recently I have been using a bunch of ice packs. (Knee surgery and the car accident woes.) I need ones that are not just ice cubes or rigid like the ones to keep your beverages or lunch cool and the soft ones aren't cheap!

My solution is 1 part alcohol to 3 parts water in a zipper bag. I sometimes (usually) double bag because I have zipper trust issues but they work and they are cheap.

Little Things That Make My Life A Little Better

Blog post #232 of 365

Me time. I know I've said this before but to keep me happy and sane I need a little guilt free time. Just time doing what I want. It doesn't take much. A movie, reading, hair cut, day out, or whatever as long as it is time for me. Not making someone else happy all of the time but trying to find the balance of happy me happy you. So a little "me time" goes a long way.

Memory gallery. Mom has a wall of family. Every family has a space and photos are updated fairly often. All the kids, grandkids and great grandkids smiling at us every day. She also has these wonderful books for each kid. They are filled with memories and moments. Birth & death certificates, photos, baptism certificates, notices, graduations, announcements, playbills, and more. I have favorite photos I've taken. I love printing them up and putting them on the wall. Good old tape since my room hasn't been painted in decades... One day I'm going to make up some books of my own...

Family time. When my kids were little we played games, watched movies and just hung out together. Things changed as they grew older. I hardly see them except for special occasions but I do make those occasions special. We have stuff for all ages here from bubbles and sidewalk chalk. Games from pick up sticks to Stratego. Puzzles from the kids floor puzzles to 1000 piece impossible type. We have paint and crafts, books and each other. When little people come I'm with them right in the middle of play. Building a block tower or sharing in a tea party or racing Matchbox/Hotwheels cars.

Piggy banks. Yup something so simple. I have many and they all carry money. Some stuffed full of pennies, others just a handful of change but most fairly full of who knows what or how much. What I know is they were given to me by people I love or purchased for a specific reason or place and they mean something. They remind me to save, watch my pennies grow, and have a few times have saved my butt by allowing me to pay a bill or purchase milk when we ran out. I hope one day to have them all full and to then use the money to do something I have always wanted to do.

Every Day

Blog post #231 of 365

When things are going well they go well when they aren't it might be because we aren't doing our part.

Making home a place to be starts with me.

Every morning even when I don't want to I have a routine. It starts with prayer, asking the Lord to be with me and inviting Him into my life makes a difference. Then I make my bed. I feel like I have accomplished something every morning even if I am the only person who knows it is made. I put in a little workout. I feel better when I work out or maybe I should say I hurt more when I don't work out. Then I make breakfast and prepare a bit for dinner even if it is just verifying I have everything I need. Then I take a shower which is essential to me. Maybe in part because I want to mirror what I like. Clean is good. Finally I set a goal. One tiny thing to accomplish or maybe even a list of things that need to get done. It gives me purpose and helps give that accomplished feeling I love so much.

Every day I tidy every room a little. If I don't it all backs up and my mood plummets into an abyss I never want to return to. I am not obsessive about keeping a clean house. I like "lived in" but not "slob stays here."

Every day I talk to at least one person I love and I contact through technology at least one person I love. Technology contact is easy but essential to keep friends and family close. It is easy to lose touch but technology makes it easier. However a voice is important. It means a lot to say "I hear you" or "I love you" and mean it.

Every day I try to do something unexpected for someone I love. Harder than you'd think sometimes because people begin to expect extra kindnesses. But still essential to make life better because when you do good you feel good.

Every day I make a meal for breakfast lunch and dinner. (Unless we are gone all day, which happens but not often.)

Every day I end the night with another prayer. This one primarily of gratitude and ask for those in need be care for and comforted. It makes me feel good and it never hurts to ask.

These are just a few of the things I do every day. My routine of happiness if you will.

Patriotism

Blog Post #230 of 365

Independence day! I love the day any nation can come together and unite in celebration. And fireworks are grand.

The other day I was reading a post on Facebook about patriotism and what it means. Then there was a long string of arguments about what is and is not patriotism. It got heated and kind of made me sad.

I looked it up. Defined patriotism is 'love or devotion to one's country.'

We don't all love the same way. We don't all show our love the same way. How can one say they are more patriotic than anyone else. It isn't about serving your country, plastering red white and blue all over or hanging the flag on every patriotic holiday. It is about a true happiness is where we live. Not the government but the place.

I love America. I am proud to be an American. Do I think less of any other country? Not really. I have never lived anywhere else so I cannot judge and I don't expect you to judge unless you live here too.

I haven't served in the military but I am supportive of those who do even if I don't agree with what or where this nations leaders sends them.

I love the flag but I don't hang one because I don't have a proper place and I am happy with my windsock that doesn't require all of the rules the actual flag does.

As stated before I don not always agree with our leaders.

I vote but I don't approve of our system. EC is way out dated and serves no purpose but to tick people off and give others a sense of self importance that isn't real.

Do I consider myself patriotic? Yup. Got a problem with that too bad.

On another note this one stanza just gives me goose flesh...

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife.
Who more than self, their country love and mercy more than life.
America! America! May God thy gold refine.
Till all success be nobleness and every gain divine.

Summer Heat

Blog post # 229 of 365

Edison called today. Apparently we have exceeded the $100 projected usage and out bill hit $130. Really it hit triple digits twice this weekend and has stayed mostly in the 90's all week. The thermostat has been set between 78 to 85 degrees all week but the air has been running like crazy anyway. I think we need insulation.

How am I trying to beat the heat? Movies! The Heat with Sandra Bullock Monday, White House Down with Jamie Foxx Tuesday and you will have to excuse me because I have a date to see Johnny Depp as Tonto in The Lone Ranger. (Filmed in part just down the street.) Have a nice day.

Our Dryer

Blog post #228 of 365

In 1980 my mom met and married my step-dad. Part of the yes was him acquiring a new dryer. She had no desire to hang clothes on the line forever. That was 32 years ago. They purchased a service agreement and have kept the same dryer all these years!

Last year the lint tray began to break down. It tore down one side and this year the handle snapped off. I called for service. They gave me a lint tray and checked out the old beast. They discovered I was dealing with a wonky door. It opened and shut fine. However it had a fold down door and it would at times drop if enough weight were set on it. Enough weight being wet jeans or a wet towel so not much weight. They sent away for parts and that was that. A week later they call and say we are giving you a replacement dryer.

During this service call my sister was visiting from Australia and I was recently in the accident. I have also since had my second surgery of the year.

Friday I went to pick out the new dryer. We found one we liked and bought it. I explained we had tight quarters, an 1930's house, and that delivery might be tricky, They said, "no problem." They to expect a call between six and nine with a delivery time for Saturday but if there was a problem we could change the time. They were wrong. Apparently if you aren't going to be there when they want to come you have to schedule a different day with the same process. The call center is farmed to a foreign country with poor communication skills and a sour script. Basically repeating everything I said. I called the sales department directly and they called the dispatchers or warehouse or whatever and we got switched to Sunday delivery after two. They are supposed to call an hour before arrival so I know when to expect them and then again when they arrive so I can cage my dogs.

So Sunday arrives. They just knock on the door no warning an hour before. No heads up to cage the dogs, nothing! They see the tight quarters and say they can't take the washer out to make room to remove the old dryer because the pipes are old. Well duh, the house was built in the 30's! "You'll need a plumber to come put in new pipes" so he can come back a different day to remove the washer & old dryer to put in the new dryer.  He also said he couldn't hook up the gas line because it is too old too and could be dangerous. He quickly walks away to call his supervisor who then asks to speak to me on the phone. Once on the phone proceeds to tell me exactly what the installer said. By then I had my son disconnecting the washer. I told the supervisor who then tells me he needs to 'verify' what I said from his installer. Really? Did he think I was a liar?

So the washer and dryer are out and the new dryer is put in. He again tells me I need a new gas line and he "can't risk the liability" of the old line. Then he proceeds to give it a good yank but the line held tight. So he installs it and brings the washer in so my son can again hook it up. You know those old pipes are probably ready to bust any second, not!

Once I discovered I was having a new dryer put in I put feelers out to see if anyone wanted the old dryer. It works perfectly and even has a new lint screen. My sort of relative says her mom needs one. But backs out when 'Mom' finds it is free and older she backed out. The day the dryer is being delivered about 4 hours before. So, if she needs it and it works why back out like that, really? Makes me want to cry that they waited so long. Inconsiderate really. Again I put out feelers but with no takers meant that the old dryer goes to the recycling center. What a waste...

My new dryer is pretty but way to low to the ground. I need a pedestal. Until then I will make due.

I finally go to do a load and discover my son forgot to turn the water back on...

The 'Things' That Make Me Happy

Blog post #227 of 365

What makes me happy?

Taking care of myself and of people I love, makes me happy.

Making sure my job is not to please you but to please myself. However if you benefit from the fallout cool!

Saying yes when I want to and allowing myself to say no without guilt or anger also makes me very happy.

Understanding the stuff that is out of my hands, is out of my hands and I letting it go, makes me happy.

Positive self talk. No really, I do, it helps me feel good!

Telling it like it is. Saying what I mean. Sorry if it hurts but you asked... Also makes me happy.

Not falling or jumping into your drama and negativity. I'll walk away, hang up bow out, or whatever I need to do to avoid it. So quit whining because you have been warned. Yup that makes me happy too.

I have dreams. They are mine. Leave them alone because I always dream big. Dreaming makes me happy.

I have learned to trust myself. I have good instincts. If it feels bad it probably is and if it is good it probably is. I know the difference between right and wrong and yes that makes me happy too.