Blog post #172 of 365
Flowers are beautiful.
I have two very good friends who have florist shops. They make their living selling flowers, flower arrangements, corsages and all flower related stuff. They are both amazing at what they do. Admittedly I can't afford to purchase an arrangement from either one but I love the photos they post online. Oops I went off on a tangent.
This entry is about not falling back on flowers. I love getting flowers (the ones I'm not allergic to anyway.) What I do not want it flowers in lieu of a thoughtful gift. I like flowers because, just because. I don't want flowers, for my birthday, anniversary, mother's day, Christmas, Easter or any other 'special' day and especially not on my grave. Please do not visit my grave and lay a bunch of cut flowers there. I'm not there. I have moved on to hopefully gather with others who have passed on and are waiting to reunite.
If you love me you will give me the cash or buy me a thoughtful gift on gift giving occasions. I don't want something to look at, that I am probably allergic to and will be dead in a few days. What a waste of money! Sorry Bobby and Jenny but it is how I feel.
Seriously if you insist on flora then give me a plant or a tree. Not some flowering bush but something that will give back. Give me some herbs, fruit or veggie plant or tree. I love grapes... Or how about berries, they have lovely flowers then I get to eat sweet berries! There is no waste and I will love it until it dies or I do.
I am practical. I love practical gifts. But every once in a while just for the heck of it I like flowers.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Politics Is Like The Bible
Blog post #171 of 365
When I lived in Oklahoma in the middle of the Bible belt I attended a very cool non denominational Bible study group. We were going through the Bible one chapter at a time. When I joined we were on the new testament. It was interesting to me to see how everyone was reading the same text yet have very different interpretations of it and would back up their view using other parts of the Bible. I felt my job was often to stir the pot and get people thinking so we had some lively conversations. I loved every moment. The funny part was we all agreed that we were entitled to our own view or interpretation and yet the arguments continued. Each week these women would come armed with back up scripture to prove they were right.
It is like that with politics. Everyone has their own view. The way they interpret the politician or policy and yet nobody can seem to agree. All through the election process we see the worst in people come right up to the surface. It sickens me. At the end of a political term both sides tear each other down as if there an absolute right and wrong way to do everything. There isn't. The system is broken and could be fixed but to fix it the people running the show would have to give up some power, take a few cuts and I don't see that ever happening. It is a job to the politician with a fairly good retirement if you go far enough in the ladder of power so why would anything change?
For the record I don't claim to be an expert on either politics or the Bible.
When I lived in Oklahoma in the middle of the Bible belt I attended a very cool non denominational Bible study group. We were going through the Bible one chapter at a time. When I joined we were on the new testament. It was interesting to me to see how everyone was reading the same text yet have very different interpretations of it and would back up their view using other parts of the Bible. I felt my job was often to stir the pot and get people thinking so we had some lively conversations. I loved every moment. The funny part was we all agreed that we were entitled to our own view or interpretation and yet the arguments continued. Each week these women would come armed with back up scripture to prove they were right.
It is like that with politics. Everyone has their own view. The way they interpret the politician or policy and yet nobody can seem to agree. All through the election process we see the worst in people come right up to the surface. It sickens me. At the end of a political term both sides tear each other down as if there an absolute right and wrong way to do everything. There isn't. The system is broken and could be fixed but to fix it the people running the show would have to give up some power, take a few cuts and I don't see that ever happening. It is a job to the politician with a fairly good retirement if you go far enough in the ladder of power so why would anything change?
For the record I don't claim to be an expert on either politics or the Bible.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Oh My Goodness Enough Already!
Blog post #170 of 365
I was looking at Facebook this morning and I can't tell you how disgusted I am. There were about twelve or thirteen posts of 'shared' photos of abused children and animals. Many claimed that somehow by sharing or liking these awful images money would be donated to stop this kind of abuse. Well I don't see how. Facebook doesn't give money to these causes and who else does. I mean there is no corporate sponsor of any kind.
Passing on these images only stirs emotions and not all of those emotions are good or productive.
The people who do these kinds of things are not affected by sharing the photos. They aren't going to stop. The money wouldn't be going to the care of abused child or animal. So what is the point? Why exploit the already damaged child or animal?
Some of them aren't asking for money but state if you are against child/animal abuse share or like this image. Really who is for animal or child abuse. Those who perpetrate these crimes usually don't consider themselves criminals anyway. How does this help anyone?
I guess for me I have seen enough of this crap in my world. I do not need more shoved in my face. I get these people think they are advocates by pushing the share/like buttons. For crying out loud if you want to make a difference get off the couch and volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, animal shelter, child abuse hotline or some other worthwhile productive place.
Whining isn't helping anybody. Exploiting the exploited isn't helpful. Enough already.
I was looking at Facebook this morning and I can't tell you how disgusted I am. There were about twelve or thirteen posts of 'shared' photos of abused children and animals. Many claimed that somehow by sharing or liking these awful images money would be donated to stop this kind of abuse. Well I don't see how. Facebook doesn't give money to these causes and who else does. I mean there is no corporate sponsor of any kind.
Passing on these images only stirs emotions and not all of those emotions are good or productive.
The people who do these kinds of things are not affected by sharing the photos. They aren't going to stop. The money wouldn't be going to the care of abused child or animal. So what is the point? Why exploit the already damaged child or animal?
Some of them aren't asking for money but state if you are against child/animal abuse share or like this image. Really who is for animal or child abuse. Those who perpetrate these crimes usually don't consider themselves criminals anyway. How does this help anyone?
I guess for me I have seen enough of this crap in my world. I do not need more shoved in my face. I get these people think they are advocates by pushing the share/like buttons. For crying out loud if you want to make a difference get off the couch and volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, animal shelter, child abuse hotline or some other worthwhile productive place.
Whining isn't helping anybody. Exploiting the exploited isn't helpful. Enough already.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Apple Crisp
Blog post #169 of 365
Very easy to make. Apple Crisp
You'll need
8 inch casserole dish sprayed with non stick cooking spray
4 cups of apples peeled and sliced thin
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup self rising flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/3 stick softened butter
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Layer apple slices on the bottom of the prepared pan.
Mix the rest of the ingredients together and crumble over the top of the apples
Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are soft and crumble is lightly browned.
Serve plain or top with ice cream or whipped topping.
Very easy to make. Apple Crisp
You'll need
8 inch casserole dish sprayed with non stick cooking spray
4 cups of apples peeled and sliced thin
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup self rising flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/3 stick softened butter
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Layer apple slices on the bottom of the prepared pan.
Mix the rest of the ingredients together and crumble over the top of the apples
Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are soft and crumble is lightly browned.
Serve plain or top with ice cream or whipped topping.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Easy Quick Snack
Blog post #168 of 365
Yup, one more easy snack. Only about 60 calories too!
Baked Apples in a Bag:
You'll need
a zipper bag
1 sliced/peeled/cored apple
1 teaspoon sugar (white or brown, I did half and half because the recipe didn't state which one)
1 teaspoon water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
Put all dry ingredients in the bag and shake it up a little. Add water and apple slices. Zip closed but leave a small vent for steam. Microwave for 2 minutes. Leave in microwave for a minute to rest. So easy but be careful because it will still be hot.
Yup, one more easy snack. Only about 60 calories too!
Baked Apples in a Bag:
You'll need
a zipper bag
1 sliced/peeled/cored apple
1 teaspoon sugar (white or brown, I did half and half because the recipe didn't state which one)
1 teaspoon water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
Put all dry ingredients in the bag and shake it up a little. Add water and apple slices. Zip closed but leave a small vent for steam. Microwave for 2 minutes. Leave in microwave for a minute to rest. So easy but be careful because it will still be hot.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Route 66
Blog post #167 of 365
I never realized the fame of route 66. I've always lived near it.I know the United States has celebrated it. There are car shows centered around it. I mean it is a cool part of American transportation history.
My new Aussie brother in law made his first trip to the states and one of the things he wanted to do was see and ride down a part of route 66. The first day here just hours after arriving we were on our way to another brother in laws funeral and we for about a mile drove down route 66. Who knew how easy it would be to fulfill an American goal. We later hit other areas of route 66. I'm not sure he realized the next few brief drives on the historic route.
Anyhow after he left my sister and I went to Outback Steakhouse and while out front noticed this...
Then while waiting in line for a ride at California Adventure I took this photo of my sister.
I never realized the fame of route 66. I've always lived near it.I know the United States has celebrated it. There are car shows centered around it. I mean it is a cool part of American transportation history.
My new Aussie brother in law made his first trip to the states and one of the things he wanted to do was see and ride down a part of route 66. The first day here just hours after arriving we were on our way to another brother in laws funeral and we for about a mile drove down route 66. Who knew how easy it would be to fulfill an American goal. We later hit other areas of route 66. I'm not sure he realized the next few brief drives on the historic route.
Anyhow after he left my sister and I went to Outback Steakhouse and while out front noticed this...
Then while waiting in line for a ride at California Adventure I took this photo of my sister.
I'll be sure to take her husband to these hot spots when he returns one day!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Mama K and Mr. Condom
Blog post #166 of 365
Totally stolen from my friend but she understands and frankly so should you. Worth passing along.
http://karendelafuente.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html
Hello again!
Interestingly, I've been getting "letters..." Well, emails and Facebook messages with questions, a la "Dear Abby." Kind of fun, really, but totally unexpected.
And... we're off to the races!
Dear Mama K~
I have a hard time bringing up the topic of using protection when faced with the option of sleeping with someone new. I mean, once we are in the heat of the moment, it's kind of hard to say "Wait a minute - did you bring 'anything'?" And if I bring it up beforehand, I feel like it's putting the cart before the horse. And if I bring them, am I bringing the right size, brand, etc.? It's so confusing!
How do I handle this?
~Awkward
Okay, Ms. Awkward. First off - if you're having physical relations before you're even comfortable TALKING, I can't help but think "WTH?"
I'm not being judgmental, just practical. It's hard for me to imagine getting naked with someone I can't even have a good conversation with. BUT... that's me. I'm old. My hormones don't shout at me all day, like yours do at you.
So, in a general sense, my response to EVERYONE who asks about this is pretty much the same:
Mr. Condom is Your Friend
Now, ladies and gentlemen, we've had this conversation before.
If I'm not mistaken, you had it somewhere between Sixth and Ninth grades. So, let's not pretend
that this is the first time the idea has ever occurred to you. So, WHY, my dears, is it such a difficult
concept to grasp? No glove, no love. Period. I've heard the lame excuses...
I don't like it. (Oooo! That's so "fresh" and "new!")
It's expensive. (Do you have ANY idea how expensive a crib and diapers are?)
I'm not comfortable. (Pregnancy and STDs are REALLY not comfortable. And they're the Gift that keeps on giving!)
I'm awkward. I don't like to bring it up. (Seriously, if you're not ready to talk about condoms, you're not ready to take off your clothes with someone.)
On and on the excuses go.
I say, and quite emphatically, "RIDICULOUS!"
When you wind up becoming a parent, or going to a clinic for diagnosis of your weeping, irritated genitals, it's not only going to be a LOT more "uncomfortable" and "awkward," it's going to be "humiliating." And, if you've had multiple partners, I can't imagine that somehow making that call to let them know that you've exposed them to heaven knows what, THAT is going to be a breezy conversation. "Yeah, um, John. About that time we... Well, I wanted to tell you--well, I didn't really WANT to tell you, but I have to..."
Or that conversation with the girl you met three weeks ago, when she calls to say "Um... Jason? I don't know how to tell you this, but, you're... we're... I'm... yeah. Pregnant. I don't know your middle name yet, or where you're from, or if you're actually a closet serial killer, but, you're the father of a child neither one of us wanted."
Uncomfortable? Awkward? Don't like it?
When my clients confront these issues--even when it turns out that there is a final "negative" result, I see them going through so many phases of guilt, fear, anxiety, and just plain being overwhelmed, that I can't figure out why they left that particular door open in the first place! Seriously, birth control does NOT protect against STDs. It isn't even infallible in preventing pregnancy; but it's a lot more dependable than, say, crossing your fingers and wishing.
Man up, all of you. Whether you're male or female, respect yourself. INSIST on using protection.
That's why it's called protection.
"But I'm on The Pill, and Mark is such a nice guy. He told me that there's no chance that he's been exposed to anything.
If he is not a virgin, there's a chance, even if he doesn't know about it, himself, yet.
"But, Kathy is a lovely person, and she assured me that she's on the The Pill, and there is NO WAY she's been promiscuous."
Uh huh. And you, being the charismatic guy that you are, are the ONLY man ever to persuade her to be intimate within 48 hours of meeting you.
"But we've been seeing each other for weeks, now. I'm sure we're safe."
Didja get tested?
Now that there are myriad STDs that are difficult, or impossible, to cure, EVERYONE needs to be careful. Even those of us who are "over the hill." Do you have any idea how many STDs are running rampant in group homes for the elderly?
According to the Orlando Sentinel, "Reportings of syphilis and chlamydia among those 55 and older jumped 43% between 2005 and 2009, the Orlando Sentinel finds in a study of CDC data. Syphilis climbed faster than the national average among those 55 to 64: Older adults saw a 70% rise in reported cases, 10 percentage points higher than the average for all age groups.
Meanwhile, chlamydia rose some 54% among seniors, twice the all-ages average."
And you were worried about Grandma or Grandpa making new friends when they went to that retirement community. Right.
People, people, people...
I care about you. I urge you to really care about yourselves. This isn't rocket science (no pun intended, guys). This is basic health.
Wash fruit before you eat it. Wash your hands. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Shower and brush your teeth. Wear protective gear when hiking, rock climbing, paintballing, biking, and playing football. Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
Don't eat off of strangers' plates in a restaurant. Don't share needles. (I hope I don't have clients that need that one!) Wear sunscreen. Wear mosquito repellant in the woods. Don't eat 3-day-old unrefrigerated pizza leftovers. DO wear your seal belts.
And, for the sake of your reproductive organs (not to mention the rest of your body's organs), which I assume you want to have and use for the rest of your life, USE PROTECTION.
My best advice is to not have "casual sex" at all. There's nothing "casual" about it. It's a lot riskier than riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
Since I understand biology, and I understand "that connected feeling," and I understand that biology insists that we hurry up and reproduce; and once we have a drink or two under our belts our defenses drop dramatically, I know that Abstinence is merely good advice.
But it's not likely to be the first thought in your mind when your body is crying out to do its basic job. Reproduce.
So, when your pituitary gland is on fire, and hence, your genitalia, try to engage your brain long enough to consider the possible repercussions of obeying their urging. USE SOME FREAKING PROTECTION.
If you actually have a latent dream to end up on the Maury Povich Show, then I don't suppose you really care about these things.
But I do.
I care deeply. About you. About the men and women you might get to know in a Biblical fashion. About your unborn children.
Please, my friends.
Be wise.
You know I love ya.
Mama K
Totally stolen from my friend but she understands and frankly so should you. Worth passing along.
http://karendelafuente.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html
Mr. Condom is Our Friend...
Interestingly, I've been getting "letters..." Well, emails and Facebook messages with questions, a la "Dear Abby." Kind of fun, really, but totally unexpected.
And... we're off to the races!
Dear Mama K~
I have a hard time bringing up the topic of using protection when faced with the option of sleeping with someone new. I mean, once we are in the heat of the moment, it's kind of hard to say "Wait a minute - did you bring 'anything'?" And if I bring it up beforehand, I feel like it's putting the cart before the horse. And if I bring them, am I bringing the right size, brand, etc.? It's so confusing!
How do I handle this?
~Awkward
Okay, Ms. Awkward. First off - if you're having physical relations before you're even comfortable TALKING, I can't help but think "WTH?"
I'm not being judgmental, just practical. It's hard for me to imagine getting naked with someone I can't even have a good conversation with. BUT... that's me. I'm old. My hormones don't shout at me all day, like yours do at you.
So, in a general sense, my response to EVERYONE who asks about this is pretty much the same:
Mr. Condom is Your Friend
Now, ladies and gentlemen, we've had this conversation before.
If I'm not mistaken, you had it somewhere between Sixth and Ninth grades. So, let's not pretend
that this is the first time the idea has ever occurred to you. So, WHY, my dears, is it such a difficult
concept to grasp? No glove, no love. Period. I've heard the lame excuses...
I don't like it. (Oooo! That's so "fresh" and "new!")
It's expensive. (Do you have ANY idea how expensive a crib and diapers are?)
I'm not comfortable. (Pregnancy and STDs are REALLY not comfortable. And they're the Gift that keeps on giving!)
I'm awkward. I don't like to bring it up. (Seriously, if you're not ready to talk about condoms, you're not ready to take off your clothes with someone.)
On and on the excuses go.
I say, and quite emphatically, "RIDICULOUS!"
When you wind up becoming a parent, or going to a clinic for diagnosis of your weeping, irritated genitals, it's not only going to be a LOT more "uncomfortable" and "awkward," it's going to be "humiliating." And, if you've had multiple partners, I can't imagine that somehow making that call to let them know that you've exposed them to heaven knows what, THAT is going to be a breezy conversation. "Yeah, um, John. About that time we... Well, I wanted to tell you--well, I didn't really WANT to tell you, but I have to..."
Or that conversation with the girl you met three weeks ago, when she calls to say "Um... Jason? I don't know how to tell you this, but, you're... we're... I'm... yeah. Pregnant. I don't know your middle name yet, or where you're from, or if you're actually a closet serial killer, but, you're the father of a child neither one of us wanted."
Uncomfortable? Awkward? Don't like it?
When my clients confront these issues--even when it turns out that there is a final "negative" result, I see them going through so many phases of guilt, fear, anxiety, and just plain being overwhelmed, that I can't figure out why they left that particular door open in the first place! Seriously, birth control does NOT protect against STDs. It isn't even infallible in preventing pregnancy; but it's a lot more dependable than, say, crossing your fingers and wishing.
Man up, all of you. Whether you're male or female, respect yourself. INSIST on using protection.
That's why it's called protection.
"But I'm on The Pill, and Mark is such a nice guy. He told me that there's no chance that he's been exposed to anything.
If he is not a virgin, there's a chance, even if he doesn't know about it, himself, yet.
"But, Kathy is a lovely person, and she assured me that she's on the The Pill, and there is NO WAY she's been promiscuous."
Uh huh. And you, being the charismatic guy that you are, are the ONLY man ever to persuade her to be intimate within 48 hours of meeting you.
"But we've been seeing each other for weeks, now. I'm sure we're safe."
Didja get tested?
Now that there are myriad STDs that are difficult, or impossible, to cure, EVERYONE needs to be careful. Even those of us who are "over the hill." Do you have any idea how many STDs are running rampant in group homes for the elderly?
According to the Orlando Sentinel, "Reportings of syphilis and chlamydia among those 55 and older jumped 43% between 2005 and 2009, the Orlando Sentinel finds in a study of CDC data. Syphilis climbed faster than the national average among those 55 to 64: Older adults saw a 70% rise in reported cases, 10 percentage points higher than the average for all age groups.
Meanwhile, chlamydia rose some 54% among seniors, twice the all-ages average."
And you were worried about Grandma or Grandpa making new friends when they went to that retirement community. Right.
People, people, people...
I care about you. I urge you to really care about yourselves. This isn't rocket science (no pun intended, guys). This is basic health.
Wash fruit before you eat it. Wash your hands. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Shower and brush your teeth. Wear protective gear when hiking, rock climbing, paintballing, biking, and playing football. Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
Don't eat off of strangers' plates in a restaurant. Don't share needles. (I hope I don't have clients that need that one!) Wear sunscreen. Wear mosquito repellant in the woods. Don't eat 3-day-old unrefrigerated pizza leftovers. DO wear your seal belts.
And, for the sake of your reproductive organs (not to mention the rest of your body's organs), which I assume you want to have and use for the rest of your life, USE PROTECTION.
My best advice is to not have "casual sex" at all. There's nothing "casual" about it. It's a lot riskier than riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
Since I understand biology, and I understand "that connected feeling," and I understand that biology insists that we hurry up and reproduce; and once we have a drink or two under our belts our defenses drop dramatically, I know that Abstinence is merely good advice.
But it's not likely to be the first thought in your mind when your body is crying out to do its basic job. Reproduce.
So, when your pituitary gland is on fire, and hence, your genitalia, try to engage your brain long enough to consider the possible repercussions of obeying their urging. USE SOME FREAKING PROTECTION.
If you actually have a latent dream to end up on the Maury Povich Show, then I don't suppose you really care about these things.
But I do.
I care deeply. About you. About the men and women you might get to know in a Biblical fashion. About your unborn children.
Please, my friends.
Be wise.
You know I love ya.
Mama K
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