Thursday, March 31, 2011

Spring is really here....Weather Or Not!...It's Opening Day

Spring will officially be here at 1:05 p.m. today, when the first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at Yankee Stadium...but will need Mother Nature's co-operation because it is raining in the Bronx now... Whatever your team, Opening Day is exciting for all baseball fans, the start of the season when we all have Hope.... Soooo...Let's Play Ball!....
And these are some other signs of Spring that we should be seeing, but so far not a glimmer of any of these colors...


201 comments:

1 – 200 of 201   Newer›   Newest»
Coreen said...

No matter the weather & it is cold, rainy...Opening Day is exciting...

And in keeping with the AI theme from last night, here is one of my favorite songs to start baseball season....
Talkin Baseball Yankees, Terry Cashman

Coreen said...

And my other baseball song favorite...makes me
want to pick up a bat and swing away, or at least a golf club...

Centerfield, John Fogerty

jan said...

The video of the twin boys babbling was adorable. Being a twin Carol, you know that twins do develop their own language that they use to communicate with each other. Interestingly I have not read much research on that communication.

jan said...

Carol, I had gone back to the other post to see what I missed, forgot there was a new one, and wrote the comment about the twins on last post - so copied and brought it here.

jan said...

Coreen,
Beautiful pictures.

jan said...

I do miss the spring flowering that we had in Little Rock. Our spring here just does not compare.

Anonymous said...

Best of luck to your Yankee's, Coreen.

Those beautiful pictures give you a lot to look forward to, even if it's going to arrive a little late. The weather has been more than a little weird this year.

Coreen said...

Thanks guys, the colors of spring & that whiff of warm air still missing, but today the
Yankees started well, in spite of the chilly
day...1 down, 161 to go...

Anonymous said...

Carol, those twins babbling and entertaining each other was adorable. Thanks for linking it. That dada sound is usually the first one they use. I looked it up at the time, and it's the hard vowel sounds come first, the the maama. I used to think they were just learning to say who daddy and mommy were, but they say those things first anyway.

Now Emma's taken to calling grampa 'Pah' and it's so cute (she's just abbreviating it). She calls me nana. I called myself that for a while, because it was easier syllable's to grab onto when she was real young, and now she won't let go. I like it though and am pretty sure it's here to stay.

Regarding those identical twins - how cute they are reflecting and responding to one another. I saw two beautiful little two year old twins in the waiting room the other day, and watching them interact was amazing. I've begun to think how great that would be, to go through all those stages with a mirror image of yourself. They're never lonely.

The video, in which the twins are 17 months, I think it said (on another page) reminded me how much Emma has changed since then, now being 26 months. I kept thinking things would get easier as she got older, but actually they become more difficult, before they get better. She always had a mind of her own, but much more so now. It's hard to 'trick' her into doing what I want her to do -- they just keep getting smarter and learning ways to get what they want. Doesn't make them any less cute though.

Jan, I think you put it perfectly, when you said your 2 year old grand daughter that you were baby sitting when you first move to NM would just scream, and keep screaming until she got what she wanted. I laugh, because I know that's often true. I have more ways of dealing with it, since she's lived with me from the beginning. It would be a nightmare to walk into that kind of situation not knowing her well for that long.

Ahhh, the terrible two's. Ha.... we all made it through it, and so did our caregivers, so that's that. I'll survive - and there continues to be more rewards than problems.

Anonymous said...

Yay, Coreen!
Glad to hear things are going well.

Coreen said...

Local nightly news updates...

1. DWTS judge Carrie Ann gets engaged while cohosting on Regis & Kelly this a.m.

2. the bronx zoo escapee deadly s***e has been found curled up in a dark corner of the reptile house...all alarms cancelled...

That is it for the news of the day...

Coreen said...

And our weather people have revised the dire forecast to just a slushy mess of maybe 1-2" for tomorrow...cold, raw, wet, but not a big
accumulation...more like a nuisance storm...

Coreen said...

As for those chatty twins you've all fallen for
as well as millions, they live in Brooklyn...& their mom's a twin too...

Carol said...

Great post Coreen and happy your Yanks won.

I saw the news on the s----. I was going to tell ya you could get off that chair now.

jan said...

Enjoyed reading the comments here.

Coreen, congrats to Yankees and you on their win.

Carol, did your mother ever tell you that you and Mary had your own language with each other. I would have thought you would since you are twins and your older sis is more than 2 years older than you.

jan said...

Glad to hear the snake was found.

jan said...

Chloe, you are so right that it is much easier to deal with a child's behavior when you have been around them for some time. The 2 little girl GD's in Arkansas were born when we lived there and I spent lots of time with them for their first years. They have stayed with us several times since we moved here and John and I do very well with their little behaviors and little misbehaviors.

Since we have lived here 8 years now, the little one (she is now 9) here - we are very comfortable with her.

Carol said...

No guys, I don't remember any special communication that Mary and I had when we were tots. The only story we were told was that I would talk Mary into getting out of her crib to get something and she would get in trouble. Somehow I think they may have been mistaken. For one, I have always been more agile and she more manipulative.

I figured that you guys could interpret that toddlerese.

Carol said...

Well, Scotty and Lauren had a nice duet. Lauren was a tad screechy at times. I still like her.

Carol said...

Jacob and Naima did were solid in Solid as a Rock.

Carol said...

Well, Naima is in the bottom group again. It seems once America has decided, it kinda stays that way except that last week the two guys dropped into that position which was a big surprise. I wonder if America changed it's mind about Casey.

I read on some blog that Casey has Ulcerative Colitis. That's really a sh---- situation.

Carol said...

Worry time.

Carol said...

Always picking on my little Thia. Dang it.

Carol said...

She has such a sweet voice.

Carol said...

Well, it looks like at least Haley survived another week.

Carol said...

No surprise about Pia.

Carol said...

The four guys sounded awful, Stephano, James, James and Casey. They needed more practice.

Carol said...

I had an extra James and forgot Paul.

Carol said...

Well, the guy in the bottom three is a surprise but I agree.

Carol said...

I wonder if losing some of his hair or the fact that the judges love him is what saved Casey tonight.

Carol said...

Outta the three on the bottom, I'd love to see little Thia survive but I'm afraid not many others would agree with me.

Carol said...

Oh rats. I knew it.

Coreen said...

Didn't see most of AI Carol, but again heard Pia & she has a strong voice...

Only heard bits & pieces of the guys after &
don't have enough info to choose anyone...

Did you lose one of your favs....

Coreen said...

How many of these AI finalists actually make a
career after its over...In the past I remember
Reuben (is he still around) Clay (wasn't he on
broadway) & I know there was Kelly Clarkson...other than those 3 have any others
had staying power....

Carol said...

Yeah, I lost one of the girls I liked but what's new. America and I seldom agree on much but I don't care.

Carol said...

Can't say I keep up with the music scene. There are a few who I hear of...Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson..

Carol said...

Never have been into Idol before. I tried but really couldn't get into it. This is my first season to consistantly watch it. I think the talent this season is more attractive to me.

jan said...

I am not surprised at the results. Both Thia and Naima have been in bottom 3. This is the most talented group I have seen and I have been an Idol fan since the beginning.

Actually, a number of contestants have made it big - including Kelly. I have not seen much of Rueben. Carrie Underwood has made it big. Others have too, just can't remember names right now.

jan said...

Clay was one of my favorites.

jan said...

I don't agree about the 4 guys Carol. liked them a lot. I loved tonight's music.

Carol said...

I'll listen to the guys again tomorrow. I thought they didn't sound as good in the group as they do individually. I thought the other groups and duets sounded better.

Carol said...

Just my opinion.

Carol said...

Like I said..I don't agree with many and that's OK.

Carol said...

Just like Taylor Swift..she's very popular and I don't care much for her.

Coreen said...

I guess my observation would be that out of all
the 'finalists', there does not seem to be
a long term gain in their respective careers,
even among the winners, does not seem that most
had a lasting career...

which only suggests that while there are many,
many talented individuals, the chances to become successful are very small...& while this
show does give a few some exposure, the end result for them is of limited benefit...

jan said...

I still watch Gray's Anatomy. They sang all through the show tonight. It was very strange. I think they are trying to copy "Glee" and for me it fell flat.

jan said...

Watching the people who won the mega millions. Funny story, the guy who bought the ticket said another guy jumped in front of him and got the ticket he was supposed to get - so he got the next ticket- the winning one.

off to bed!

jan said...

Had to come back to tell about seeing the "babbling babies" on TV. A child dev expert says they are merely babbling and one is imitating the other.

Carol said...

Did ya'll catch the political interpretation of the baby babble? I think they got it!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/31/twin-baby-boys-conversation-translated_n_843043.html

Carol said...

We were talking about diabetes the other night. One of my nurses just called me.. at 5a.. to tell me one of my inmate's blood sugars was almost 500. This kid is on insulin and I have busted my butt to try to get his BS down but he orders commissary that lists dozens of honey bun like products. Between meals he mows through all that kind of stuff and it keeps his BS on the ceiling.

I was called with almost every BS while I was in Houston. I've tried to cover those BSs but I can't just increase his daily insulin to cover all the junk because if he runs out..he will drop like a rock and go into insulin shock (severe hypoglycemia).

I've tried talking to the kid but he laughs at me. It is not uncommon for some inmates to torment medical. We are their only real friends in the system but instead of appreciating that fact..some use it to torment us..because they can.

I have a plan but it will involve cooperation from security. Sometimes they will cooperate..sometimes not..because they can. It's very difficult being between a rock and a hard place.

Carol said...

Today is April Fool's Day and the anniversary of my 6th year at this job. I had a feeling when I started this job on that day that there was some significance to the day....

Carol said...

Republicans are saying that they are trying to cut the budget. They are. They have already cut the jobs..people's homes..corporations and rich people's taxes. There are a few more services to the little people left for them to cut and they're working on that too.

April Fool and May..June..July..August......

Solar said...

Every time that I try to catch up on the past threads, something comes up to stop me....will try again today, and see what you all have been up to.........besides DWTS, All my children, one life to give, and my favorite soap of all of them.......you are not my Sister, your are my Daughter....or is it you are not my.......never mind.....

Carol said...

Did I just have an hallucination? I thought I saw a Solarman flash thru here. Maybe not.

Carol said...

Solar, we turned up the music real loud and were hoping you come dance with us but nada.

Carol said...

Some of today's news that make you....say what?

Snookie was paid $32,000 to speak at Rutgers University. It's $2000 more than they are paying Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison to deliver Rutgers' commencement address. She did actually graduate from high school and I think she did attend a community college to study to be a veteranary assistant. I'm sure what she learned did come in handy on her show.

Also they're looking for people here who would like to volunteer to work at the nuclear power plants in Japan. I guess that would be people desperate for money and have a desire to commit suicide?? I think their current employees are getting ready to move up to a higher assignment.

No wonder those little tots were babbling. They didn't want anyone to understand what they are saying about us grown ups..

Carol said...

Watching Deliverance. One of my favorite Burt Reynolds movies. Didn't exactly like all of it but did like the adventure and scenery. The plot of the movie did haunt me on the 2 day pack canoe trip I took with my older sister and friends down the Buffalo River in northern Arkansas. I took that trip several years after that movie came out.

jan said...

That was a scary movie for me - but you are right Carol, the scenery was magnificent.

jan said...

Hi Solar, so good to see you here. What have you been up to?

jan said...

Strange day today.

My sister's 1st husb died. He has been ill for over a year - had really bad lower leg circulation that resulted in a gangrenous foot and he has had kidney failure for some time. My sis and he divorced years ago, but he was the bio father of her 4 kids. She is ok but feels rather sad too. I talked to her on the phone a couple of times. She needed to talk about him and all the things that happened between them.

I was also a facilitator for a group of students from nursing, medicine and pharmacy - topic was family violence. Another issue that brings up heavy stuff from my past.

So with all of that going on, I am pretty wiped out.

jan said...

"Snookie was paid $32,000 to speak at Rutgers University. It's $2000 more than they are paying Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison to deliver Rutgers' commencement address."
Carol, How funny!

jan said...

I am watching "Glee" A couple of the kids are singing "Don't Cry for me Argentina" I always get so nostalgic when I hear that song. I have seen Evita on Broadway twice and the movie too. I have done a lot of reading about Evita - wife of Juan Peron, President of Argentina many years ago. An amazing story.

jan said...

I love this show. I guess I love any show with good music. My dad loved music too.

jan said...

Glee is on Tuesday nights. I had taped it.

Carol said...

Jan, I loved that song...Don't cry for me Argentina but I first remember it when it was done as a disco version. Don't know who did it. I'll see if I can find out on youtube.

Carol said...

How did your weather turn out today Coreen? Hate you brag but ours was just perfect. You can remind me of this when summer comes and we're cooking down here and you're nice and pleasant.

Carol said...

To let you guys know how the problem with the guy with diabetes..who wouldn't control his eating..went yesterday..if you are interested..

I asked one of the asst Wardens to help me convince this guy that his behavior was very self destructive. Also destructive to my well being and the well being of the institution. He agreed to help and did a great job. We gave the guy the option of self control but if that didn't work..we'll provide that self control. I was proud of that Warden. Now only time will tell if we were successful.

I work in a macho world..on both sides of the bars. It's been a challenge to learn to deal with that. This job has been a challenge is sooo many ways. I certainly could have found a much easier job. Most of my career I could have found much easier jobs and/or jobs that paid better. I've often pondered why I didn't choose them. I think the reason is that I hate boredom and I like a challenge. It seems that anytime life got too easy..I did something to make it more of a challenge. Crazy..I know.

Carol said...

We do..to a certain extent..choose our destiny. And that destiny is not always easy..but there must be a reason. I see that so often with my patients.

Carol said...

So often in my life this poem by Robert Frost popped into my head...

1. The Road Not Taken


TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Coreen said...

We did luck out yesterday, it was just a cold
rainy day...today the sun is finally out...it's
windy but things are looking better...

And yes I saw that you guys had a perfect day
and that may continue for you...

For me, a perfect day is like 72, sunny, blue
sky, no humidity, little breeze....not sure where that might really happend more than once in a blue moon....

Enjoy the weekend....

Coreen said...

Also, saw that Solar slipped in & out quickly...

Sounds like things are looking better for you
as well (your TM comments)...Hope it works out...

Solar said...

Hello to all of you again.....im not able to get the time to post all that much....made one over at tm....really sad about Renee's Mom....

Im not very good talking about those type of things.....

Coreen, im at the realty signing stage for four lots right now...but when we do start, it will be for a very long, long time.....

The Mayor of a Chicago suburb wants us to start building yesterday....I won't start until all of the paper work is in order, contracts signed. funding for my solarcrete homes....and a few other thing......but for the first time in a long, long while.....im getting a little exited about the future of my solar homes, .......wanna dance???? going to catch up on some sleep........later

Anonymous said...

"I am pretty wiped out."

Jan, I'm sorry about your sisters first husband and the father of her four children dying, and also about the other stressful things that have brought you down. Hope you're feeling better today.

Anonymous said...

"I work in a macho world..on both sides of the bars. It's been a challenge to learn to deal with that"

Yeah, but you've helped make it less of a macho world throughout your life, Carol.
Like when you said those guys get out and you run into them somewhere, and they yell: Hey, Doc! When I was a kid I never even heard of any lady doctors, or lawyers, etc. Things have come a long way, and you do what you have to do to get the job done. Misogyny isn't going to completely disappear anytime soon, but at least we're going in the right direction.

The fact that you chose the most challenging job is who you are. That's a good thing (at least for all those people you've helped). At the same time, it's your responsibility to look after yourself first and foremost. Otherwise, you can't do anyone else any good either.

You've got SF on automatic (hopefully) and now you just need to finish your commitment to sell your house, and from there on you will have a much wider amount of opportunities to choose from. You'll feel more free, and less frustrated because of that.

Anonymous said...

I have to say that I worked out a lot of those misogyny issues during the last presidential primary. I've accepted it as a fact, and all that talking we did about it at TM has made me feel much less resentful of the media, etc. They just no longer exist to me. I try to focus on the places where I can make a difference, and when I can make a difference. All the rest is just another one of those facts of life. There's no fighting reality, except by working to change it.

Anonymous said...

Solar, nice to see you stopped by and your future is looking rosy. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Coreen, Your beautiful weather is on it's way - be patient.

.. and once again, I must repeat, it truly is the little things that count in the world. That and security (or at least the 'feeling' of security - and hope!).

Love to you all.

jan said...

Good morning all.

I had written this very long comment and it was not posted.

jan said...

Chloe, thanks for the very kind words. I suppose my sister's ex-hubby's death affected me too. They were married 17 years - both were very young at the time. I was close to both of them during those early years. Charley's friends called him "Good time Charley" and the name fit him well. He left my sister a year after she became ill with Crohn's (a small intestine disease). She was very ill. They had 4 children. My sister is a fighter and surviver. She never gave in to the illness and reared her children. She remarried about 2 years after her divorce from Charley. She and Charley made their peace with each other a few years ago after Charley's 2nd wife died.

jan said...

I have seen the talking babies on TV news a couple of times lately. This morning a pediatrician from Philadelphia, Dr. Max Witzner commented about the babies jabbering. He was one of the experts who presented at the conference I attended in Vegas. When I first saw him on TV this morn. I thought "wow, he looks familiar."

jan said...

Coreen, hope you have pretty weather on your way. Our temp is supposed to get up to 85 today. Our problem is lack of water. We have had so little rain and snow this winter that we are in for big problems. We are already having rationing of water for outdoors. We have xeriscaped our yard. No Grass and our plants need very little water.

jan said...

Solar, your plans for building sound great. I am so happy for you.

jan said...

Carol, you sure have taken challenging jobs. I wonder why we choose what we choose to do. I never started out wanting to teach. I was never comfortable in front of a classroom. Yet, I chose to teach. I had to make myself get up there in front of people, yet was shaking in my shoes.

jan said...

Carol, you have talked on here about how you enjoyed teaching a class. I wonder why you didn't go on and teach longer. My favorite work was teaching graduate students. I taught grad students in ARK for about 10 years and often would have about 6-15 in a call. Students were expected to prepare and it was more of a seminar. I loved that. But I cannot say I enjoyed teaching classes of 30 or more.

Carol said...

Solar, congrats from me also. We've been sending you that swamp magic and together with all your talents and skills, you can't fail.

Carol said...

Coreen, I'm glad the weather wasn't as bad as you expected but it doesn't sound good enough quite yet.

Carol said...

Thanks Chloe, when I was pondering how we select challenges in our lives, I was thinking about you also sister girl. You have certainly taken on one of the most challenging choices and one that is for the long term. I can see a light at the end of my challenge tunnel.

I think that some of the choices I have made is and has been to fulfil that need to pass a part of myself down to another generation even if some of those generations are older than I am. Not as many anymore. LOL.

Carol said...

Jan, I'm also sorry to hear about your sister's x. He was still in a part of both you and your sister's hearts.

Carol said...

And Jan, I often ponder how my life would have been different if I hadn't met you. First, you taught me how to study, inbetween our social hours. Then you convinced me that I could teach and talked me into going to work at the University. Well, low and behold, it became my passion. Teaching has been the most satisfying aspect of my nursing career.

I still do a signifacant amount of teaching and really, inmates aren't that different from nursing students. Both are devious and manipulative. I've often told people that working with students is what most prepared me for working with inmates. Think about it.

Carol said...

I've been to 4 grocery stores and I'm flush with food. I also went to two drug stores, to look for Gold Brick eggs. Love them. I usually acquire enough of them this time of year to keep me well past Easter. Walgreens had them on sale for 3 for a buck, both the regular and dark chocolate.

I'm almost thru with my wash and I did my SF duty at the AL facility. He was pleasant and didn't even ask me to take him home today. I sat with him while he ate lunch. He sits at the table with 3 other dudes. They are the only dudes in the place and they all sit together. The rest are women.

Anonymous said...

... losing long comments has gotten to be a regular happening here lately.

I forgot to copy it first (lost in what I was talking about), and now I don't have it in me to start over. You'd think I'd learn. I usually do copy them, but often forget too.

Hopefully, I'll see you all tomorrow.

Carol said...

After pondering on some of this all day yesterday..I thought..that some of my/our toughest choices weren't exactly things we were dying to do with our spare time. Think about it. Some choices actually chose us! Yeah sure..we could have passed them up or refused the offer from the universe but could we comfortably live with the person who did the refusing??

When I start looking back.. I think that I actually didn't come up with a single one of my choices. The universe did.. with the help of mom..Jan..and many other characters along the way. I..actually can't take credit for anything...except being easy to manipulate. And by that I mean that I did keep my ear to the universe and when all the signs pointed in one direction..I went that way.

And so often when I'm whinning about having made a choice that was really a pain in the ass...it really irks me when someone says..well that was your choice. I may have chosen to do it but IT WASN'T MY IDEA! My choice might have been laying on a beach chair in Jamaca..listening to the ocean..sipping on a Pina Colata. And I can't even tolerate alcohol. Dang it..that wasn't my choice either.

Carol said...

Don't forget Great Scots today. It's cute.

Anonymous said...

"I did keep my ear to the universe and when all the signs pointed in one direction..I went that way."

Carol, we look at it differently. I would call what you described above as 'intuition'. You went with your intuition (and 'your' conscience' too, as you mentioned).

But to say (from a completely outside objective point of view) that you had no choices, is to do that thing you often say we should never do: bury our heads in the sand.

You did the things you did, because 'you believed' it was the right thing to do. Your beliefs may have made you 'think' you didn't have a choice, but in reality you did.

I almost always follow my intuition too. But at the same time I can look back and take responsibility for the choices I made (and there have been a lot of mistakes).

I wouldn't want to live in a world where I was a robot or a pawn. Our ability to make choices is the greatest gift we were ever given. We might resent the roadblocks that presented themselves, or the hand we were dealt, but still ...we did it our way.

Anonymous said...

... in my world, I see that 'guidance' we are always looking for, as coming from within.

I don't know if Solar still believes what he used to say, that God is within us all (who we are) - but if he does - I think that's what he was talking about (just different words).

Carol said...

Yes Chloe..the question was..."to be or not to be.." I guess Shakepeare had the same dilemna.

As far as intuition..I do check in there often but I'll still have to say for a couple of those big decisions..the choices were presented by my mom and Jan. It may have been their intuition and my intuition told me to give it a whirl.

Carol said...

I already told ya'll that twice I tried to drop out of my NP program. Once was subconscious. I was getting ready to leave for vacation..I almost made a clean getaway. One of my fellow faculty members had to come by and tell me that it was the last day to register for classes. Rats.

Then another semester they said that we would have to pay for the class..usually they were free. I thought..I don't have the money right now..Well..that semester we got a little bonus..weird..we never got any bonuses..and it was the very amount I needed for that class. Then I decided that I could use that bonus for something else I wanted..then they changed their mind and let us register for free. I tell you that I do look for signs and those signs were dragging me forward kicking and screaming.

My intuitions aren't just little thoughts and feelings..they often are a sledge hammer to the side of my head! The Universe knows that I am ADD so the Universe has to make my intuition pretty obvious.

jan said...

I followed your advice Coreen and copied what I just wrote.

jan said...

lets see if this works.
I have often thought about the choices I have made in life, personal and work-related. Like you Carol, I took the roads that presented themselves. I wanted to be a nurse since I was about 16. I was in the hospital after an appendectomy and I thought what nurses did was so cool. Then I married and had children so young that I thought that door was closed. I only knew about nursing programs connected with hospitals and in those programs you had to be single and childless. While living in Argentina, 2 of my good friends were nurses and I admired them so much. They were both take-charge people and I wanted to be like them. When we returned to the states and moved to a city that had a university with a nursing program, I immediately went out and filled out papers for admission. Although I was scared to death I started the program.

Carol, I met you that first semester. You were much younger (10 years) and saw you as sort of like a little sister. But for some reason I remember you in that nutrition class. I am not sure we became friends then. It was Gloria C's class that we got to know each other and Katy too.

jan said...

It worked. When I write a long comment and try to post it when I first come into the blog, it won't take it.

THANKS Coreen.

jan said...

"I wouldn't want to live in a world where I was a robot or a pawn. "

I agree Chloe, Even with bad choices I have made, and most of these related to men, at least I feel I have learned something about myself as a result of those choices. At least I have had the freedom to make those choices. I think of women in countries where women are considered possessions of their husbands, families and communities. I lived one year (as an adult) where I felt I did not have freedom of choice and that was year was living in Hell. I cannot imagine what it would be like to live one's entire life in a situation like that.

jan said...

Chloe, to ditto what Carol said earlier, you have chosen a path in life that I suspect you have had to put aside many of your own needs. Not many people would have the courage to do that. You did it for love. As you have said on here, you get much in return for that choice.

jan said...

Carol, so happy to hear that SF appears to be making an adjustment to his surroundings.

jan said...

In a way Carol, I agree that it is the Universe that probably pushes or pulls us in a direction - and then we have to choose whether or not to make the effort to follow through. I do believe there are people we come into contact with who give us a push or inspiration.

Carol, Thank you for saying the kind things you have said here about my part in your life. You inspired me to be a better teacher and to take more risks in my personal life - skiing and canoeing. I would never have done those without your pushing me. I tend to take the "safe" route in much of what I do. You helped me get out of my comfort zone.

Anonymous said...

"I do believe there are people we come into contact with who give us a push or inspiration. "

I completely agree, Jan.
Carol linked a clip the other day by David Icke. I liked it because he put it so much better than I can. One thing he said: "We resonate energy fields according to our thoughts and feelings." I think that also includes drawing things to us that we're ready for, as long as we're aware enough to recognize them. I've always believed that 'likes (really do) attract likes'.

I'm (almost) right where I want to be at this point in my life (although there's still plenty to accomplish). I have a lot to work on, but at least I feel I'm where I need to be to accomplishes most of those things.

It's important, in my opinion, to never feel like a victim -- because once we 'feel' and believe that we are, then we become one. By not feeling like a victim, if something (or someone) comes along that tries to manipulate us, we find a way to get ourselves out of that situation.

Anonymous said...

You've given us much to ponder about this morning, Carol.

Hope you all have a great day!

Carol said...

Yes, so we all seem to agree that we make choices based on what the Universe presents to us and what we send out as a strong desire.

I didn't find my current job, it found me and I'm glad it did. I didn't want to work in the "free world" anymore. I loved corrections and was between jobs when this job found me. I was getting ready to take a job that I wouldn't have been happy with when something pushed me down my little stairs at the house and put 4 fractures in my pelvis. Had to pass up that job.

Just as I recovered, this job came up. Someone, who knew me and my credentials, recommended me to the man who was creating the position. Now, there are a few things that I would change about the job but I'm working on that.

Jan, even your relationships that you may see as a mistake...weren't. With each relationship you grew and growth does require some stress and strain. A plant needs some stress on it's system to develop a strong stem. I think we here have all acquired some strong stems.

Anonymous said...

By George, you're right!!

We may all say it a little differently, but we end up in the same place.

With all my talk about choices, you wouldn't believe how many times hubby and I have said that things always just seem to work out best for us(at least looking back on them). Even the times we thought something was a negative, it eventually ended up benefiting us in some way, taking us in a new direction. We learned from it all.

And like you, Carol, I'm always looking for signs.

Anonymous said...

"I lived one year (as an adult) where I felt I did not have freedom of choice and that was year was living in Hell."

Yep, Jan. It's the worst feeling in the world.

Solar said...

Chloe,

"Chloe said...

... in my world, I see that 'guidance' we are always looking for, as coming from within.

I don't know if Solar still believes what he used to say, that God is within us all (who we are) - but if he does - I think that's what he was talking about (just different words)."

Sorta, but what I say is that we "ARE GOD" we are all part of the total sum that makes up the whole...............

You are it, I am it (it being god) that is it and that is that..:))))))

In this day and age we have a lot of modern technology that makes us think that we have, and changed from what we were hundreds of thousands of yrs ago:

But we have the same minds, the same organism...basically we have not changed and still evolving.!

You would be surprised how little choice we have....Remember those little captains inside of our heads that I talked about....everyone hears those little voices...and intuition is part of em.....this is the brain telling us....using us to make the right choices...in order to protect our organisms.....but when we do use the limited free will that we have....and make the wrong choices.....we go against our brains policing our habits.....and do harm to others, and to ourselves....but we are still animals......never forget that we are no different than any animal that has, or is living....with a much better brain.....but still and animal...........

Hey who U calling a Big Ape?>>>> Me Tarzan .....who U BE?? see u all a little later....

Solar said...

You and the 65-75 lb dog that you have raised as a pup....are both in the same house, stranded from other for a few days.......and no food around....pretty soon you will not worry about tv, the internet, the back and forth of the two parties ( that are the real animals) back and forth that we have witnessed for the past 30 plus yrs....

You won't care.....all that you will do is think of that dog as FOOD, and he will see you as a big ol Bone, wrapped with a little meat, a two thumbs up meal, no manners required.....GRRRRRRR

Carol said...

No Solar..I'm not eating Maggie..never. If we run outta food..we'll eat the couch. I saw where some lady was craving the foam in couch cushions. Don't knock it until you've tried it. If I put some lemon..butter and Tony's seasoning..I can eat anything..but Maggie.

Carol said...

Fellow southerners..we got a little cold front coming. We better savor it because it is probably our last. Did ya'll see the temps in southwest Texas or was I dreaming that?

101 degrees..if you didn't see that..in early April.

Carol said...

It was such a nice day yesterday. I got to play in the dirt. I'm not overdoing it this year..just two grape tomatoes..one bell pepper..a few cucs.. some strawberries..and had to replant some of my herbs.

jan said...

Carol, sounds like you had a great day yesterday, playing in the dirt.

jan said...

Carol, I don't regret any of the choices I have made or anything that has happened in my life. I believe all the experiences we have make us who we are. I have learned much about me in those experiences and choices.

Like Chloe and her hubby, we learn from the negative experiences.

jan said...

We had a fierce wind here yesterday afternoon. I had the windows open and got all kinds of dirt and grit in the house all over everything. It is quiet this morning with no wind. We get these every so often, but especially in the spring. The dust in the air was so bad, we could not see the mountains from our house.

Anonymous said...

"... what I say is that we "ARE GOD" we are all part of the total sum that makes up the whole........"

Right on Solar - and I completely agree.

.... ha, except for the part about choices of courses. You say "we go against our brains policing our habits", and that's what I would refer to as 'intuition'. But intuition and conscience and all the rest, are things we've made decions about long ago, as we were forming our belief system.

Everything that happens, constantly changes 'or' reinforces our belief system (if we let it). But we're the one's that decide if that happens or not. We're in control, and we often see what it is we want to see.

I am so glad to hear from you. I think I can speak for everyone in saying that we always enjoy hearing what you have to say. I, for one, have missed your opinions (and I know you've got plenty of them :)

Anonymous said...

Carol, I never even heard about that 101 degrees in SW Texas yesterday, but it is desert there, and extremely high heat in the desert never surprises me.

Here, we've been having about the same as you (as usual) and I saw that coldish forcast for tonight and tomorrow night (although the days are still warm). I agree with you, this will be our last.

Anonymous said...

"I believe all the experiences we have make us who we are."

Jan, I love the way you put that. It says it all.

Anonymous said...

Jan, I'm back because I was thinking about (and agreeing) with what you said about not regretting any past choices.

I felt that I'd need to put a disclaimer on it though. I don't regret them, but I have to say that if I knew what I know now, I would have made some different choices. Of course even thinking about that would take me into the land of 'fantasy' (because we can't change the past). I always try to stay out of fantasy land (as tempting as it is)!

Regret is self-defeating -- probably even self-destructive.

jan said...

Chloe - I completely agree about regret.

Solar, ditto what Chloe said. It is so good to see you here again.

jan said...

I sure hate to go back to work tomorrow. It has been fun to stay home the last few days and just play house frau. It is good to be able to "choose" to do that but not have it expected of me. John will do pretty much what I want as far as meals. I could never live with someone who expected me to cook meals. I do it when I want. He does not cook.

jan said...

What strange weather. When we got back from our trip, the hi temps were in 80's. Last night the low was 34 and today the hi is 65. I never know what to wear any more.

Carol said...

Evening folkes. Dancing.....I'm sorry to say but poor Wendy is just not light on her feet and I don't think that will ever change.

Carol said...

We had a little storm move thru and bring our temps down. Will be in the low 40s tonight but right back to the 80s Thursday.

Carol said...

Chelsie did so much better tonight and she couldn't hide anything with that outfit.

Coreen said...

We still have cold & rainy days here...all week
apparently..

Switching between Yankees & DWTS...

Wendy looks heavy, flat footed, though I like
her personality...caught her tv show the other
a.m., she had a huge mirror ball ring on her finger...

Have to say that Chelsea whoever she is, did
dance really well in that cha-cha...it was sexy, yet fun...but how much shorter,skimpier
can the costuming get...she did get to show
off her great abs & long legs though...

Carol said...

What's a house frau Jan. It doesn't sound attractive.

Carol said...

Hello Coreen. Who are the Yanks playing tonight? Your U Conn team is also playing tonight but you're not a big basketball fan, are you?

Carol said...

Didn't really care for Chris's dance either. He seemed a little heavy also.

Carol said...

Kinda hard to critcize when someone is doing a tribute to their mom.

Coreen said...

Hi Carol...Yankees are playing the Minn Twins...in NYC..4 game series...then they go to Boston on Friday....

Yes, UCONN is going to try to win another championship(& this year, the hard way, since they had to win 5 games in 5 days to take the Big East...& I'm not a basketball fan, but
a few friends are really in to it...including my buddy in Myrtle Beach...so for all of them
hope they win it...but the karma for the underdog Butler team may just be too much...

Carol said...

Kendra had a little trouble coming down the stairs but she got over that. She seems to be a very insecure girl.

Coreen said...

As for Chris the wrestler, it was ok...

Now for Kendra's dance...what was it?...& Bruno
is right it was erotic, but was it a dance?...

What was her story, I missed it something about
people not liking her with her husband because
she was a Heffner bunny...

Carol said...

She just doesn't seem to have the personality to be a stripper.

Carol said...

I guess people judge her for being a stripper and bunny. I'm not familiar with her husband. Do you know anything about him?

Carol said...

I'll have to admit I probably also prejudged her...negatively.

Coreen said...

I like Romeo...

Carol said...

I really like Romeo. He's struggling with connecting with his feminine side. He wasn't quite as sharp as before.

Carol said...

I don't think he will be eliminated early. He's too easy to like.

Coreen said...

And I really like Hines Ward!!..& EW&F's Fantasy one of my fav songs...He is just super..

Coreen said...

He's a really good dancer...& he has such a great smile...

Carol said...

I liked his dance also. I also liked his mom story.

Carol said...

That was soooo much better. I think she's got it.

Carol said...

It is not easy to be graceful and tall. Some would think it would.

jan said...

Not trying to be attractive any more Carol. I am into comfort. I am not sure what "house frau" is. It was just a word I came up with to describe how I feel today.

jan said...

I thought chelsea did a good job too. She sure did have on a skimpy outfit. If I looked like that and go a chance to dance (and was young) I would wear it too.

Carol said...

Jan, just found this in the Urban Dictionary.."A house wife of the 1950s variety. Cooks, cleans, takes care of the kids and never complains. She has no social life other than her kids and ..."

Doesn't sound fun to me. I think I would have to complain.

jan said...

I love the song "Let it Be" I like what the wrestler said about his mother.

Carol said...

I still don't like the way Sugar Ray dances.

Coreen said...

Petra certainly improved & her dance was
lovely to watch...

Sugar Ray again ok...

I think that none of the dancers is really
awful this season...they are all improving
each dance routine...so there is no obvious
'bad' dances...

jan said...

Chris, the wrestler is really cute. He would have been someone I would have been attracted to when I was younger. I like the stocky build and cute little-boy kind of face.

jan said...

Here I am, talking to myself. It is sad to be in a different time zone and no one to share my thoughts of DWTS with :(

Coreen said...

Looks like Jan got here...Hello...

So far I like the guy celeb dancers more than
any of the women...

Carol said...

Jan, don't tell John that I said anything bad about Sugar Ray.

jan said...

Oh, I guess you all are still watching DWTS. I forgot it is 2 hours long.

Carol said...

We're here Jan and we're listening..I mean reading.

jan said...

Hi Coreen, Good to talk with you in real time.

Carol, Sugar Ray has not danced here yet. I will wait and see how John evaluates him.

jan said...

Kendra is getting ready to dance here.

Coreen said...

Carrie Ann handled that really well...that
was a great interpretation of over the rainbow,
both the singing & the dancing...

Kirstie's hanging in big time...aside from the
start, it was a lovely dance...

Carol said...

He was better this week but still looks stiff.

Carol said...

Kirsty had a fall. Rats.

Coreen said...

Oh Kendra did a really hot dance routine Jan...

& I too liked Chelsea's cha-cha, tiny costume
& all...

Don't you remember the days when you could fit
in one of those little items...I do, but it was
awhile ago...

Coreen said...

Kirsti handled it well, their recovery was
excellent...

Coreen said...

Ballgame over...Yankees win...Oh I am so glad
baseball season is here...

jan said...

I liked Kendra's dance. It was very sensual.

jan said...

Congrats Coreen.

Carol said...

I did a rewind to look back at that fall. I think Max hurt himself. I hope he didn't pull something.

Coreen said...

The Kid has it...enjoyed it lots...& he has a lot of class the way he ended it....

Carol said...

I'm behind you Coreen and ahead of Jan. I paused and rewinded to rewatch some of the dances.

Carol said...

Max ran for ice. He did injure himself. There was an awful grimace on his face when they went down.

jan said...

Coreen, I don't think I have worn anything very revealing. I never wore a bikini.

Coreen said...

Carol, I think Max did get hurt as well, even
if only short term...I hate to say it, but do
you think it was Kirstie's weight that caused
his foot/ankle to give way...(I don't have
rewind so you'll have to analyze it for us)...

Carol said...

Yes, Coreen. I think you're right about that. She's a pretty solid girl.

jan said...

So far, Romeo's dance is my favorite

Carol said...

He's very professional to be able to get up and keep dancing, in pain.

Coreen said...

Jan, I did spend a lot of time in the sun way back when...& yes I did wear those itsy, bitsy, teeny weeny (but not a yellow polkadot)bikinis...Also had a few big sunhats & always
big sunglasses...(still wear those)...

Carol said...

KK is so romantic. KK is good but he could be so much better. I think the judges were right on with their remarks.

Coreen said...

Really like Romeo, I think he has lots of potential...

Coreen said...

You liked the Kid's routine too Carol...

Coreen said...

Counting on the Kid to go all the way to the finals...

Carol said...

I went back to look at the fall again and Max had his right knee in a hyperextended position when he was supporting Kirstie's weight. Couldn't tell for sure but I wonder if he didn't strain his right knee and that quad muscle. He mentioned that his thigh went out.

Carol said...

A serious quad stain can take him out.

Carol said...

I hope not because he and Kirstie make a good couple.

jan said...

changed my mind. Now Hine's was my favorite dance. Kim Johnson is my favorite female pro too.

Carol said...

Just went out to put Maggie out and there was something out in the water but I couldn't identify it. I heard this clicking clucking sound kinda like what you can make with your tongue. I've heard the sound before but don't know what makes it. I saw something swimming off but couldn't see what it was. I ran in for a flashlight and could see something swimming off but still couldn't identify it. It could be a gator or a beaver, not sure which. No tail slapping sound that beavers make.

Coreen said...

And Jan, Hines not only dances great, but I love his smile...

Carol, haven't you heard those noises before, I still think its an alligator...please keep
vigilent at all times (I know you do, but you
can't let your guard down ever)....

Coreen said...

Carol, how about a quick pic of Maggie to start a new post...it's about that time...

jan said...

John thinks Sugar Ray's dance is a little too "gimmicky"

jan said...

Carol, I agree with Coreen, Please be careful.

jan said...

Coreen, I too wear the big sunglasses. Never gave them up. For a while when the sunglasses were those little funny looking ones, I found my sunglasses at yard sales.

jan said...

Sunhats are good.

Carol, speaking of sunhats, I have a brownish spot on the bridge of my nose. it is not raised but has appeared in last couple of years. I have a medical appt in June. I am going to ask for a dermatology referral.

Carol said...

I have a lot of brown spots..white spots..mostly on my arms from the sun. Sun and age don't do well together.

Carol said...

Guys..a gator can't get to me where I walk Maggie at night unless they jumped up and over the wharf. Now that I have more wharf..I don't worry. Now a beaver could but I don't think it would want to. I have heard that sound before but never saw what made it.

Coreen said...

I just had to laugh, I looked back to see
which dancers were left for Jan to see & saw
that Jan you would have liked the wrestler
Chris in your younger years...

Carol didn't you think I might like his looks...actually he would not have been my
kinda guy...

Carol said...

I used to hear the big splash.. the mystery splash..remember? A noise like someone dropping or throwing a body into the water from a little distance. Never knew what made that either.

Carol said...

The swamp has a lot of mysteries. I think they said that on Swamp People. One of those guys mentioned that he wouldn't want to know what makes some of the noises in the swamp at night.

Coreen said...

Carol, I thought that alligators move fast
even on land...is your wharf built such that it could not get up on land anywhere onto your property...you hear stories of alligators coming out of water & injuring/killing dogs
& occassionally a person...

If it's a beaver, don't think you have to worry,don't remember hearing that they are vicious...

Coreen said...

Mysteries of the swamp...then it most be
swamp thing...unless Nessie sent over a family member to inhabit your river...

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 201   Newer› Newest»