My grandson who lives in Colo just posted some pictures on Facebook that they took at the San Diego Zoo. They are wonderful pictures that I thought you might enjoy. Chloe, maybe Emma would like them too. Carol, I am trying to remember if you liked the zoo. All my grandkids have enjoyed going to the zoo. I will not narrate. The pictures speak for themselves. They baby in one is my great grandson, Landon.
205 comments:
1 – 200 of 205 Newer› Newest»The young man is my grandson Gary. Carol, he is Terry's son.
I added 3 pics after doing the post - so the baby in 2 of the pics is Landon.
Baby Landon looks like he has something blue coming out his nose. I have no idea what that is.
Jan, both daddy and baby are adorable and I can see Terry in Gary. The blue is not coming out of the baby's nose. It is the lining of the sweat shirt collar on the other side of his face.
Jan, I love Zoos. I used to spend quite a bit of time at the Houston Zoo when we were in grad school. That was probably when you weren't there. I had to spend more time in Houston than you did so that's where I went when I was lonely. Remember I relate better to animals than people. I love the pics.
Do you see the baby over to the left in the Giraffe picture?
Carol, I was thinking that you liked zoos.
Now I see the blue in Landon's shirt. Maybe my eyesight is not so good.
The baby deer? I only see an adult deer and maybe a baby deer hear.
Without my cheaters I'm blind when looking up close.
Gary is the sweetest young man. He and his sister used to come to Little Rock and stay a couple of weeks with us in the summer. He is the young man in the Air Force in an earlier picture. He is so good with Landon. His wife Connie, took all the pictures. They went to San Diego just before Thanksgiving. Landon will be 1 year on 12/24.
OK, I guess that is a baby deer. Thought it was a baby giraffe. I have not been to the zoo much LOL>
Carol, don't you see the giraffes?
I think you were in Houston 2 semesters full time. I was only there one semester
http://www.wimp.com/animalvoiceovers
The above is too funny.
I was just renewing my nurse's licenses. I was going to do it a few days ago but I was afraid that Wikileak stuff might have missed up payment. I do like to wait until the last minute. Actually when I had trouble with the Board back when that Doc I worked for was arrested, and they spent a year investigating me, I now have an anxiety attack every time I go to renew.
I've never dealt with any more moronic person before in my life than the person I had to deal with on that board. I don't think that lady had ever worked a day in her life as a nurse and really didn't understand advanced practice. Boy I wish you would have been around here when I went thru that. It almost killed me. I wrote a book about the experience. One day I'll have to share it. You would probably diagnose me as Bipolor at the time.
Jan, you need a course in Zoology. LOL That deer had a short neck. I figured you might have thought it was a baby giraffe.
Jan, when we were in grad school you had the time to go home more than I did. I had to spend so much time because of all those clinical hours.
why in the world would they put a baby deer in with giraffes?
Carol, I am sorry you had to go through all that alone with the Board and all that stuff. I can't imagine what that must have been like.
You are right Carol, my master's program was a breeze compared with yours. I got my comeuppance when I was in Texas at a school I won't mention here. I was taking courses in the PNP program. I think I had taken about 15 of the required hours for the program and my brother was killed in an accident. Bob remarried about the same time and I went into a tailspin. I could not finish a paper and I failed the course because of the paper. I just walked away and left it all behind. I immediately looked for a job out of Texas and that is when I went to Ark. It was the best thing I could have done. I was teaching graduate courses and had a student whose ex husband had shot himself in front of her. She was seeing a therapist. I got the number of her therapist and started seeing her immediately. I cried through every session for the first 3 months. I had to make all my appointments in the late afternoon as I could not go back to work because my face was a mess for 2 hours after each session. My face gets red when I cry and takes that long for the color to return to normal. There was a lot of stuff inside of me that I didn't know was there but needed to get out - going way back. I went to this therapist for 2 years. I feel she saved my life. That is where I started working on my dreams. She taught me how to use my dreams to help myself. She retired from her practice shortly after I left there. Guess what her first name was? Marguerite.
I have known 3 Marguerites in my life. The first two were faculty at McNeese and then the therapist.
I also thought maybe baby giraffes had short necks.
As I am sitting here thinking, I think about all the stuff we were doing when we were friends. I am glad I am the age I am now. Knowing what I know, I would hate to go through all that. The woman I work with is trying so hard to be the best she can be - as a nurse practitioner - and as faculty, etc. I remember trying that hard. I don't want to have to try so hard any more. I remember when I was going to see Marguerite, the therapist. One time she told me, "you don't have to try so hard, you have everything you need." I will never forget that. Another thing she told me is "your issues are always your issues." Whenever I am dealing with a problem, this comes to mind. These 2 things have stayed with me for 20 years.
I suppose what I said in the previous paragraphs only makes sense to me, probably no one else. Please feel free to ignore it, as my mind is just wandering. I think I will go to bed. Nite all.
I do think I understand Jan.
I'm still working on that problem now Jan. The being on call all the time and not taking vacations because I have no one to relieve me was a dumb move and....I'm over it. I'm poop, worn out, burned out. And if I did drop dead and they found someone else, and believe me no one would do what I have done, everything would be OK there. No one would even remember all my sacrifices. I'm the idiot here.
I always tried too hard but I think one of the biggest reasons is because I had no family and kids to show off as an accomplishment. I recognize how big and great a job having kids to raise and a family to manage is. I thought I needed to work harder at my job to make up for it. No one complained until I would try to back off because occasionally I would recognize it wasn't fairnce but once you set a precedence, it's almost impossible to change it. I give that advice to others but never took it myself.
I'm not sure how those extra letters got attached to the word fair up there???
Ivy, I've seen you on TM. When I see your name I think...awe, there's our little friend and I guess she is OK. Coreen, are you busy decorating for Christmas??
I do miss the ecclectric group we used to have here. We were all different but that is what made this place interesting. I wouldn't have wanted a bunch of clones to visit with. And we needed to be able to express our feelings. Yes, expressing our feelings will often hurt someone but usually not intentionally. At least I don't think so. I never did want to hurt anyone but I did recognize later that I probably did.
Did y'all see Bill on TV yesterday trying to bail Obama out. I'm tired of bail outs and was a little aggravated with is doing it for Obama. But listening to his little speech again, the first three things he said were...I'm rich and will benefit from this bailout. I always felt that the rich should pay more. And this is probably the best that can be done at this time compared to what will be done after January. All three true. Then the rest of his talk was just demonstrating that he connects better with the American people than Obama can and show that nah, nah, nah, you should have elected the Clinton team.
It was pitiful that Obama excused himself to go to a party. I'm sure standing there next to cool Bill was a little uncomfortable.
Jan, I love seeing the pictures of the San Diego Zoo. We used to go there often when we lived in S. Ca. It's in a beautiful area all around it too. Great pictures of your grandson and great grandson too. I thought the small animal i with the giraffes was a deer too, but hubby looked at it and said it was a goat. That would make a little more sense, because they often put goats in with horses and cattle for both company, and to eat things down. At this point, I'm not positive what it is - maybe you could ask your grandson?
Emma's not up yet, but as soon as she is, I'm going to show her the pics. Thanks for posting them - they're great. (Looks like it was nice, warm there too). Why were they in San Diego - or was it just sight seeing.
Yes Chloe, your husband is correct. I couldn't tell either but the little head sticking up is definitely a goat. I guess giraffe's do have a little trouble keeping the grass cut. I mainly noticed that it wasn't a giraffe.
I've seen several stories lately about people using goats to keep their lawns free from weeds/brush.
Hi Carol. It did originally look like a deer to me too.
My post above linked twice for some reason, so I deleted the second copy.
I was a little aggravated to that the Clinton's often seem to be bailing Obama out, when he can't do it himself. Mostly because he was so mean to them during the election. And tried to shine a negative light on Bill's presidency.
I'm not surprised though.
I'm going to have to wait and look at your link Jan, when i get back, but I must say I sure agree with the great advice your therapist gave you all those years ago. I've read that before too, about 'not trying so hard, because you already have everything you need'. And the part about 'your issues are your issues' say's a lot. Similar to the things we hear about perception being our reality. We all have so many 'things' that we have to work our way through, and no one else will completely understand.
.... hope they give you a rest at work today Carol. Are you seeing SF today?
I check back in, in a while.
Carol, One of the things I loved about our relationship is that we were different from each other in so many ways. I was married and had a family and you were single. Yet, we connected emotionally. You are the bestest friend I ever had too. Despite the different paths our lives took, you always understood me better than anyone else did.
I have never planned my life, I just sort of went along with what happened. If I had planned it, I might never have had children. They take so much work and money to raise when you think about it. So much of the conflict between me an Bob was over issues related to the kids. We butted heads over Terry and Steve all the time. Some of the best and most successful marriages I have seen are people who did not have children.
The experts say that one of the tasks of this age (my age now) is "life review". I seem to be doing a lot of that lately, much of it here. I do a lot of journaling too. At times in my life I have had regrets about decisions I have made in the past. I no longer have regrets. I believe that we all do what we need to do at the time either to survive or just to "get along." I am just a composite of my experiences in life with a little DNA thrown in. So, no regrets. I urge you to not have regrets in life either. We can only look forward.
This morning I woke up with several things that I needed to do. The more I thought about some of those things, I was getting super stressed. I started feeling some pressure in my chest - on the left side- then I started talking to myself and telling myself that I need to make some decisions to get out of some of the responsibilities I have. I will be 70 in April and don't know how many years or months or weeks I have left. I want to have some peace in my life more than anything left. So maybe I need to get rid of some of these responsibilities so I can have that peace. As soon as I began to think about how I can get rid of some of this, the pressure began to diminish.
Anyway, I am going to copy this to my journal and begin working on this.
Chloe, They took to trip to San Diego just for fun. They are an adventurous couple. They like to camp and see the country. Since he is in the AF, they were able to stay on the Naval Base for a very reasonable price- and shop at the Commissary. They stayed 5 days in San Diego. They drove to San Diego from Phoenix while visiting his mother in Phoenix.
So funny about the deer/goat. I too have read that they are using goats for clean up of land too. Makes sense.
Carol, I hope you can find some peace and contentment in your life. You deserve it. You have accomplished so much. You also have done a lot to take care of your loved ones.
Carol, a lot of young people/couples are choosing not to have children. It was not a choice for me. In 1959 when I married and in rural Okla. you were expected to begin a family when you married. I never gave it a second thought. That is what I was supposed to do. The only birth control around in 1959, in rural OK were condoms and diaphrams and you had to go to the Dr. for the 2nd and we only went to the dr. when we were ill or pregnant. they did not do well-child checkups then. I think we got immunizations at school.
I hear this commercial that says that from the moment we are born we know where we are headed. Hah! I didn't have a clue. Mainly I went with the flow and where mom blew me. Had to, she was a big nag. Nothing was anything I had dreamed of.
I don't look back too often with regrets but do miss not having had a family... at times and only the good parts of having had more of a family. Not sure I could have handled the rest.
A friend yesterday was saying she regreted not having had a satisfying career. She's close to retirement and I told her it was too late for that. She regrets only having a high school education but I told her she had a great job, made more money than me, most of the time, had better benefits and got away with more than I could ever had. Now is the time to just be thankful for what she did have.
I did some leaf blowing this morning. The temp is nice outside right now, 66, but it's heading down later and getting really cold again Sunday night. Then back up by the middle of next week.
Now it's off to get ready and go see SF.
Jan, Emma loved the zoo pictures. She most enjoyed the picture of your little g-grand baby.
... and regarding this: "I want to have some peace in my life more than anything left. So maybe I need to get rid of some of these responsibilities so I can have that peace."
I'm the same way. I just want things to be easy and as stress free as possible - contentment comes to mind -it's all I've ever wanted.
I can see you have been doing a lot of soul searching Jan, and I think we can all learn from the the track you are on. I've been 'trying' to do the same thing.
I also agree with what you said about having children. I was the same way, it was just something you did. It's easy for me to look back and see I may have done things differently knowing what I know now, but what good does that do.
Carol, like I've said before, things always look greener from the other side. I've finally come to the conclusion that things are just what they are - period. I think what you have done with your life is just right, and you have lots of choices in your future.
We should have no regrets (beyond learning from our mistakes) and focus on ways to make our life better and more enjoyable right now. We're in complete control, but we need to take advantage of that fact.
.... really do love Jan's earlier quote: "you don't have to try so hard, you have everything you need." We should start every day thinking that same thought.
Emma's napping, and I'm as free as a bird for a couple of hours. I'm gonna see what kind of trouble I can get into.
Good luck with SF today Carol.
Carol, I don't think we are too old to do anything we want to do, except for women to bear children. You have a family Carol. You have 2 sisters and a nephew and grand nephew and SF, and we are your family too in many ways.
I agree with Chloe that often the grass looks greener on the other side. I am glad I had children. But I also worry about them a lot too. I sometimes wish I had a daughter. But you know what, I have one DIL that is like a daughter to me. She writes me in the middle of the week to see how I am. Today John and I went out to eat lunch with her and my son. We rode in their big Ford pickup. I have shrunk in height and have to stretch to 5ft 1 inch. In getting out of the truck, I slide off the seat down to the ground. My DIL was the one who came back, opened the door and offered her hand to help me out of the car - not my son or my husband. She is a dear person. I told her today, "you are the daughter I never had." She had tears in her eyes. I did too.
I feel we can find people to make up a family. The young woman I work with seems so vulnerable that I give her a hug before I leave every day. It just seems to me that she needs a hug lately.
As the saying goes, "if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."
How was you time with SF today Carol?
Lest you think I had a good day today, I got up on the wrong side of the bed. I don't know what was wrong with me this morning, but I felt like I wanted to cry one minute and throw a mad fit the next. I had a slight headache I think and after I took a tylenol, about an hour later I felt better. I feel fine now, but poor John. I was fine this afternoon. If I still had periods, I would have sworn it was PMS. I do believe I still have some mood swings on a regular cycle.
Chloe, glad you got some time to yourself. Did you enjoy it?
Chloe, I am please that Emma enjoyed the picture of Landon. Funny how babies and small children prefer pictures of babies or other small children. Something very primal there.
Jan, I visited with a friend, relaxed, and enjoyed it very much. I needed it.
I have mood swings too Jan - I think we all do. As a matter of fact, I felt very much the way you described yourself feeling on Friday. Yesterday was fine. Thank goodness they don't come that often.
... glad you're feeling better too.
Jan - I missed your comment regarding your daughter(in-law). I even got a little misty, just reading it.
Jan,
" You have a family Carol. You have 2 sisters and a nephew and grand nephew and SF, and we are your family too in many ways."
Actually Carol has 1 nephew and 2 nieces and 3 great nephews and 2 great nieces plus 2 sisters and a SF.
Her great niece, Lauren, is finally doing better. She didn't come off the vent. until Friday. Then she couldn't cry or make any noises because her throat was so sore. She is still in PICU. Today Jeremy sent me a picture of her in a little wagon. They were going to take her for a little ride. He said she is finally smiling again. I hope they get to go home soon.
Chloe, I will be flying to Chicago on the 21st and flying home on the 28th. I may have to decorate when I get there. They were just in the process of moving when Lauren got so sick.
Solar, Do you know where Morton Grove is? That's where they are moving to. I think it's like a suburb of Chicago. Jeremy said the train station is right next to where they will be living and I'll be able to take the train into Chicago.
Yes I do have some wonderful relatives scattered around the country but that wasn't the point. And as brother Solar says, actually we are all related.
It's been a beautiful day here even though it's cold and windy. Nice to sit inside where it is relatively warm and look at the sun shining on the river. I love the color of the sky on a cold day. It's always much bluer and when the sky is clear, the stars are much brighter at night.
Just looked at the Chicago game and it's in the 20s and the snow is blowing. Hope you are tucked in and warm Solar. Some of those guys are playing bare armed. Are they human?
Before the Saint's started their game, I was listening to a PBS fund drive where they were playing folk music from the 50s and 60s. That was some of my most favorite music. With my donation I get a 6 CD set of old folk music.
It really was beautiful today Carol. It was crisp and clear, and with the sun shining so brightly, it didn't seem all that cold, as long as you weren't outside a long time. I took a drive up a ways north of us, away from town where I often go, and it really was breath taking, mostly just open land and a few farms. This can be a really lovely time of the year, as long as it's not overcast and overly cold. Lots of sun always makes such a difference. Going to be awfully cold tonight though, but more sun tomorrow. I can live with it.
Mary, I hope you have a wonderful trip to the Chicago area - and I so glad to hear that little Lauren is better and starting to smile again. Hope everything is good by the time you get there, and that you stay in touch, and let us know how it's going.
Take lots of pics of Laurens first Christmas.
Carol, I just checked and it's supposed to be 75 by Wednesday. Very temporary, but definitely warm for a couple of day. Like I said, so far I can live with it. Of course, it's not even winter yet. I'll be griping soon.
Hi everyone, sorry to be so long in writing. Been trying to finish the quilt. Got most done except a little bit of handwork. I was able to pack away my machine and clear stuff from dining room table. Went to a play this afternoon with son and DIL. We have a great theatre at the University. It was a troupe from NY doing "The Color Purple" I read the book and saw the movie years ago. This was a musical. I did not remember that the movie was a musical. It was good. We came back to the house and had pizza (ordered out - I didn't make it). Grandson came over. His name is Cory - he is majoring in accounting and in his senior year. He won't graduate until next Dec. He is going to be an accountant. I can hardly wait. I have not been real happy with our accountant this year. We got notices from both state of NM and IRS that we had additional money to pay this year. Cory is just the picture of an accountant. He is cute as a bug. He is serious and likes school.
Mary, so happy that Lauren is better. Did she have RSV? I know you can hardly wait to see her.
Carol, so glad you had a pretty day. I too love the music from that time period.
Chloe, I am happy for you that you too are having good weather. I know you like it warm.
I was listening to a show on C2C last night, a program from last week, where some Dr. wrote a book about these "trapped emotions" some of us carry around. It was weird but some of it made sense. I think a lot of us carry around some of those trapped emotions related to this time of year. They may have a lot of different origins. When I think back to even times that should have been happier, I still felt this deep sense of sorrow at this time of year. Not exactly sure what may have started it.
Jan, my theory based on not enough info, is that Lauren may have aspirated. I think she suffers from reflux and may have had a cold but I think she aspirated. I don't know how they got thru that ordeal.
Caught a little of the Palin show last night. I don't watch it anymore but saw a little last night. Kate Gosslen was camping with the Palins, with all her kids. It was cold and wet and Kate was not having fun. Even as much as I like to camp I'd have also been a winnie.
Glad you all had a good weekend.
Jan, every family needs an accountant, and a medical person and a lawyer and a plumber and....
Carol, sorry to have been so inattentive to the
goings on here...
Don't really have much to add to the discussion/conversations...
It is the season that melancholy at times
takes over...have no insight or advice to offer, sounds like your C2C show may have provided some....
Take care...
Carol, Bill and his wife and son and grandson's roommate were visiting a couple of weeks ago, and I was asking everyone to recall their favorite memories of Christmas. John broke in and said since I was not teaching any longer, I was needing to start a discussion LOL> Anyway, everyone talked about memories of Christmas when they were children. I began to think about Christmases when I was a child and I remembered they were terrible. My dad was mean and my mother was depressed all through the holiday season. We usually got one gift but my mother would complain about how daddy didn't give her any money and she had to scrimp and save to get us one gift. They told us when I was about 5 that there was no santa and it ruined it for me for several years.
Anyway, - my only happy memories of Christmas where when my children were young and at home. I always enjoyed decorating and doing christmas for them. Now, for me - the holidays just represent a lot of hustle and bustle. I seldom put up a tree any more.
John and I usually try to leave town on Christmas.
I am thinking of putting up a tree this year and trying to start some new traditions.
Thanks for the info on little Lauren. just so glad she is doing better.
Good to see you here Coreen - even if you don't have anything to say right now.
Carol, LOL what every family needs. I am glad to have a minister who prays for me when I am sick and that definitely helps.
Oh yes Jan, a minister would be one of those and.... As long as it is a minister who tolerates us, spiritual but not so "religious" people. John must qualify there, yes? That's the impression I got of him.
I've tried to look back at my Christmas pasts and can't really remember when this really sad holiday experience started but it does go way back.
Daddy was the parent who made Christmas for us all. He was like a big kid and loved Christmas. Can't say I was terribly close to him since he always scared me so much but maybe the saddness started when he he left us. After watching him die so miseribly, I was glad when that was over.
Mama was kinda bah humbug about Christmas like me. She was OK as long as someone was doing all the prep work for her. Mary would do some of the inside work preparing her home and I would do some of the outside work. Bob could give a damn.
Big sister used to take a big long trip somewhere over the holidays also Jan.
Coreen, I noticed that this morning it was warmer up your way than it was down here. I think that will be changing. Seems like the extreme northwest and northeast were both warmer. I guess you have had no snow yet. Maybe you'll have a white Christmas.
A friend called and said there is a Geminid meteor shower tonight. I just can't remember ever watching a Dec meteor shower. I've watched the Persied shower in mid August and the Lenonid in mid November but don't recall ever watching one in December but it's suppose to be a good one this year peaking with about 100 meteors an hour at 5a CST in the morning. If you're up check it out.
I hate to put a bee in anyone's bonnet but I love the Christmas season. I love the decorations and the music and everything about the season. We always had very nice Christmas days when we were growing up. I will have to say that having children around makes them even more special. Lauren is really too young to know much of what's going on this year but just sitting and holding her will make my Christmas. It's been a killer being so far away when she was so sick.
Jan, Lauren's RSV test was negative. They did a bronchoscope on her and at first Jeremy told me they saw something that looked like stomach contents in her lungs but he said they tested it and it wasn't. I do still believe, like Carol said, she has reflux and probably aspirated. They were supposed to go home today but Jeremy said her O2 sats. dropped to the low 90's when she went to sleep last night.
Who knows if they haven't been doing this since she was born. Her PDA is still not closed. I talked to a resident at the hospital and evidently they don't do surgery on those anymore to close them unless they are symptomatic.
Carol, Did you see your meteor shower this morning?
The thing that's has most bothered me about Christmas is that it's so commercialized. I got tired of hearing the Christmas songs over and over a long time ago. Except for the Chipmunks song, of course. Which reminds me, I must download that and play it for Emma.
We will put up a big tree this year (in a couple of days) and make it a very traditional, happy and exciting time for her. This year she is old enough to know what's really going on. She's so fun loving, and it's very easy to make her happy = everyday is Christmas, as far as she is concerned. The only toys she really loves are (age apropriate and non age appropiate) electronics, balls, ballons, bubbles, and most all noise toys. She's always had lots of music in her life, and now she even has a favorite movie: 'Monsters, Inc.' I've now pretty much memorized that movie, line for line. We've got to discover a couple of new ones by Christmas, that she'll like just as much (I hope!).
Meantime, I'm too busy planning Christmas, to not look forward to it, but I'm 'always' glad when it's over. By the time New Years hits - at least afterwards - I normally just feel a big let down 'til Spring. I will have to say that Jan. and Feb. are my least favorite months, and I normally struggle through them. However, with Em's birthday being in the middle of Jan. (and her mothers 4 days later), I'll have plenty to keep me focused for a while. (BTW, hubby's birthday is 3 days after Christmas, and my sons is the beginning of November - and our anniversary 3 days after hubby's birthday (by then, we're too tired to celebrate much) - not much time to slow down before all that is over).
Whew! Then I'll just settle in and wait for Spring, my favorite time of the year.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Sounds like you've been seeing a lot of family Jan. It's nice when you can do that, and not have a lot of work to do for it at the same time.
You sure do have a lot of family to keep up with. (... hope you're sister is doing better).
Chloe, I did step outside for just a moment, maybe a minute, but didn't see anything and jumped back in. It was too cold here. I really didn't have a great view right outside my door and wasn't going to walk any distance under those conditions. Yes, I'm a wuss.
Sounds like you are going to be very busy. I'm trying to decided whether I want to unpack and unfold my mini tree with fiber optic lights this year. I'm still thinking on it. It's a lot of work to get those little branches unfolded just right. Maybe I'll get a nice Poinsetta instead.
I usually have the office Christmas party here and have had to do a lot of decorating and preparing in the last 4-5 years. Not this year. I'll still do some of the food that everyone likes.
Can you keep up Solar?
Hi All, I am here. It has been a busy, busy day.
I have not decided whether to put up a tree. Not today anyway.
Chloe, I too have a hard time with all the commercial stuff at Christmas. How does one get out of it. I don't shop much any more. My grand kids want money. I used to show with my DIL's and buy what they recommended. I think we are all doing gift cards. Someone on TV just said that gift cards say "you do it. " I think it was on the Mike and Molly show. That is kind of a funny sit com.
Chloe, I do have a lot of family. When growing up, we had very little family around - that we spent time with. My dad's mother lived close by. He was an only child and had cousins but we didn't visit them. My mother's mom and her sisters all lived in Calif and we visited them about once/year. My dad's 1st cousin used to visit every july for the whole month and they had a daughter between my sis and I - we are 2 yrs apart. That was the highlight of the year. Our parents let us spend the entire month (day and night) together. Those are the best times I remember.
Chloe,
Jan and Feb are my least favorite months too. I like sept, oct, april & may best. Nov and dec are good b/c of the holidays. When my family was over the other night, I asked them what did they most look forward to at Christmas - everyone (kids, adults and ll) said the break and not having to work or go to school
How wonderfull that emma loves music. I do too. I watched the Nathan Bocknick special on TV sun night. He had The Canadian Tenors who sang Hallelujah and ? Gaynor who sang "I will Survive" Two of my fav songs. Little Nathan is 9 years old and a concert pianist, composer and vocalist and according to wikopedia, the youngest philanthropist alive. He is the most amazing little boy. His parents say he started playing piano at 3 and composing music at 5.
Boy did I get that wrong. The 9 year old pianist prodigy is Ethan Bortnick. Now I am going to have to look it up again - not sure of his last name. He is the cutest little boy. In an interview, he said, "the music takes over my body."
His name is Ethan Bortnick.
Chloe, I bet Emma might like his little videos on the computer. he is the cutest little boy.
I've always been a fan of giving money or gift cards. People say it's lazy and there's no thought involved. I say that it is the only thing that you know will be needed and used. It's really disturbs me worrying about spending money on something that isn't needed or wanted. It's such a waste of money and I don't tolerate the though of wasting money.
Carol, me too. I don't think people like getting gifts that are useless to them too. My kids know (sons & DIL's) know I hate to shop.
Didn't sleep much last night. So much going on in my life right now. I feel very out of control. Don't like that feeling. It will all "come out in the wash" as old timers in OK used to say. I know that, but can' help worrying about it.
Hope you all are doing well out there.
I just posted a picture of my husband with his 6 stitches over his right eyebrow. He woke up sick to his stomach yesterday morn about 1 am and either tripped or fainted in the hallway and wound up with wound on his forehead. I woke up at 6 am and found him sleeping on the couch with this gaping wound in his forehead. I took him to Urgent care. They fixed him up. All's well that end's well. After a number of procedures yesterday and today, he has been given a bill of health. I bought some bandaids to put over his stitches. I am tired of everyone looking at me like I did it. LOL
I don't think that anyone, looking at you Jan, would think that you would deck anyone. You must have a guilty conscience. Did you think about decking him for not waking you up???
Glad John is all better. Is he now scarfing up everything in sight?
Once I was out on my back porch putting some clothes in the washer or dryer. While I was out there, someone visiting, turned off my kitchen light not realizing I was out there. I came back in and the room was dark as pitch. I had moved a chair that I had been sitting in while I painted into the middle of the floor and forgot I did that. It was too dark to see it.
I was walking carefully thru the dark room and a little kitty I had started circling my legs. I was afraid I would step on or fall over her so I bent down to pick her up. In the dark I didn't see the chair and I slammed one of my eyebrows into the wooden back on the chair. It sent shockwave thru my face and I ended up with this huge shinner under one of my eyes.
I was working in the ER at the time and when I told my coworkers the story of how it happened I felt like they thought I was hiding the truth.
Oh, and put soap in a sock when you want to whip up on John next time. Leaves no marks. It's an old prison trick. LOL
Last night I went to bed with Anderson Cooper on CNN. Hey, he's cute and nice to look at before closing my eyes. He was beating up on the ladies of the View, put them on his ridiculist, for making fun of Boehner for his crying on TV. I totally agreed with the ladies. Boehner does seem to do that alot of that crying lately. I have no problem with men crying but that guy.....he cries mainly when he thinks of his humble beginning and is a greedy jerk when dealing with the rest of the humble public.
There's just something about Boehner's crying that seem inappropriate. I don't think Nancy P would get a pass if she was up there blubbering. And if he is so sensitive that he can't make a point without losing it, they need to find another speaker of the house.
Micheal Vick wants to be able to have a dog again. Part of the conditions of his probation was to never again have a dog. Do you think he should ever be able to have a dog again??
Carol, I am LOL at the soap in a sock thing. That is hilarious. I will remember that.
Your hitting your eye in the dark sounds so painful. I always want to ask women who have black eyes if "anyone is hurting them." Sometimes I do sometimes not.
I have to admit when I saw the reruns on the news of Boehner crying, I had to chuckle to myself. I would never make fun of someone crying, male or female. We don't do enough laughing or crying in this country. Some real tears are good for the soul - I always say.
I suppose I was not aware that I don't look like I would beat up on someone. I never have even as a little kid. I got beat up on however. I could not bear to spank my kids. I wouldn't let their dad spank them either. Don't believe in hitting. I will say though that I would not hesitate if anyone was hurting one of my kids.
I too love to watch Anderson Cooper. He is cute and seems like a nice guy.
Anderson Cooper looks so clean - like he just got out of the shower - and so well groomed.
Hey Chloe, whatcha doin? Are you having fun taking Emma to the malls now.
Hey Solar, you have had some bad weather in Chicago area. Are you OK?
Coreen? Have u decorated your house for christmas. I remember your beautiful pictures last year.
Yes, it's about time for some Christmas at Coreen's pics. Maybe she waiting for her first snow. Seems like I saw that there were a few snowflakes on her weather report for a couple of days this week. You can also put a bow on the cats Coreen and get their pics.
Did any of you watch the doggie dancing video I posted? I saw no comments. I watched it on Iphony several times today at work. Every time I wanted to laugh. That doggy has some salsa rhythm.
Jan, Glad to know that John was ok after his
mishap...And I would have to second Carol...to
me it would seem extremely unlikely that you
would/could hit anyone...don't think it is in
your nature at all...
Not ignoring you guys, just a bit behind, have
been busy working...was in New Haven again
today...
And so far I have put up the real Christmas
tree on the porch, did the driveway poles &
front door wreath, put lights on the 2 small
alberta spruces next to the front steps...
Have been waffling on putting up the big tree,
I love it when I finish, but it is really very
heavy to get down from the upstairs room...so we will see if I get it down this weekend...
Carol,
I don't usually watch Anderson Cooper, but rather listen to him than the Msnbc group...
And may even watch Larry King's last show, I
think tomorrow...I don't watch him regularly either, but when he did a radio show, I did
like him...he is a good interviewer...doesn't
talk over his guests...
It's been very cold this week, just a smattering of snow, BUT seems like there may
be a big one coming Sunday...so far all the local weather people say it will stay south & go out to sea, just skimming us...but if it should change course, we could get a big one
which would be typical since lately we have been getting a good size snow the week before
Christmas...
I for one will be very happy if we are only dreaming of a White Christmas, not having one..don't like snow....
I am so tired and have been running so much today, that I thought I left a comment here this morning. I was here very early, caught up - but then I had to take off early and when I got back there was so much to do. I feel like I missed a day this week (already).
I'm still not caught up, but want to comment on this right away, because when I read it, it struck a nerve, because I've had that same feeling so may times.
"I feel very out of control. Don't like that feeling."
Jan, I can't stand that feeling either. I think the only way to get through it, is to try to gain control over the little things that you do on a daily basis, then work your way up one thing at a time. When things become really over-whelming like, it's usually best to make a deal with yourself to not think about the things you can't control (for a while) and concentrate on the things you can.
" It will all "come out in the wash"
I agree Jan, and all the worrying in the world will make it worse, 'not' better. Push it to the back of your mind, and let your sub-conscious work on it. That works a lot better than over thinking it. The answer will come when the time is right. I've said before here, that I find great comfort in saying (and knowing it's true): 'This too shall pass".
Stress is worse for your health than anything else. Don't let it take you down.
Remember what you learned in your mindfulness class. Not about the eating, but about the general idea of what mindfulness is.
I read a particularly meaningful quote the other day, and made a not of it to save.
"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." -- E.M. Forster
I actually want to create a post centered around it, but have not been very inspired or creative, even though I try.
- Also, I have to say I like October through New Years day too - October is usually such nice weather, then the holidays keep me buys one way or another. Then down, and I wait for March (which is when everything starts to bloom again), and by April and May - well, those two months are the best.
... loving how you keep adding more pictures. It is so generous of you to share the good parts of you ad your families life with us.
... even a wound.:)
What does little Em want for Christmas this year? Her toys might be more interesting when she gets a little older. I like the age where I can also play with the kid toys. When video games first came out I had them. The Atari then the Intellivision. Then I got the Nintindo and Super Nintindo. Then I got old and my reflexes went. The other day I found my old little Nintendo Game Boy but the little window is really small. I like the Mario games but it takes me forever to get thru one screen now. Age takes it's toll on your hand eye coordination.
.... and relieved that John is now doing fine.
"Age takes it's toll on your hand eye coordination."
Tell me about it! I never have liked games much, since I was a kid.
Emma love electronics, you should see her go on my touch ipod. I think that computers are going to be her strong point. Either that, or dancing.. Ha! I plan on nurturing them both, along with music and anything else that she show's an interest in.
We got her a very realistic looking rocking horse (the horse is furry and very pretty), but mostly electronic types of toys, dvds, puzzles, and activity toys that look like they will interest her, at least for a while.
I like the horse, because it's an old fashioned idea. She's a little too young for a tricycle, and will probably mostly have to ride hers in the house too, because we've got basically the same situation as you (without your river though) and no concrete close by. We'll eventually have lay some, and build her a playhouse and swing set outside.
Is someone at your work going to host the annual Christmas party? If so, I guess you'll be doing some cooking for it, huh?
"His parents say he started playing piano at 3 and composing music at 5. "
That's hard to for me to even fathom Jan. Most definitely a child genius. I'll look up Ethan Bortnick with Emma tomorrow morning. Thanks for the tip.
Carol and Jan, I'm the same way about gifts now--a-days. I give my adult children (does that make sense) cash (ahead of time) and ask them not to worry about buying gifts. Except for Emma, of course. We've all had lot of fun finding things for her.
Yes Chloe, our mental health coordinator is doing the party. I'm just bringing the brisket, BBQ sauce, some fiesta pinwheels and my spinach artichoke dip. That's a lot less than I usually do. And a lot less work than having the party here.
Well I've commented enough to make up for lost time. Don't even know where that all came from - I was so tired when I got here.
Did enjoy reading all your posts so much, and will check back in the morning.
Just have to say Jan, to answer your question, I know better than to go to the mall this time of the year. I don't like the crowds. Last time I took Emma, it was before the mall was officially opened early in the morning. Only a few people are there around 9am - mostly the walkers and once in a couple of other children. But once schools out, that will all change. It'll be crowded first thing in the morning through Christmas. We did hit a park today though, taking advantage of the warm weather, even though it was a little windy (a very warm wind - 76 degrees today). One more warm day, and then colder again.
Please let us know how you're feeling - as well as John. You two take care of your selves - and each other!
Like I've told Carol, stop carrying the weight of the world around on your shoulders. Just worry about the things within your reach, then you'll get that sense of control back. After all, there's only one person any of us has any control over at all, and often we can't even control that person - ourselves.
Sooooo, just go with the flow.
That sounds yummy Carol. I bet you'll have a lot more fun being a guest, instead of the hostess. You were smart to set some limits. Keep it up.
... still sounds like a lot of work for you though. But since you love to cook, I guess it'll work out.
Who will Larry King have on for his very last show? Guess I'll tune in also to see.
I'm wondering how CNN decided to chose Piers to take Larry's place. I don't care for that guy.
And Chloe, cooking is no longer a passion for me. I'm not sure why.
Sorry to hear that Carol. Maybe it'll come back again in the future.
I used to like cooking too. But gradually stopped slowly (but surely) over the years. Cooking is always a lot more rewarding if you're hungry for a particular dish that only you can make (just the way you like it). Now I take short cuts every chance I get.
Hope you're coming out of your funk.
Carol, I saw the doggie dancing video. So funny. I think I was deep in something around here and forgot to respond that I watched. John enjoyed it too. What a cute little dog. Do you suppose he danced that long or they played the same little sequence over and over? Thanks for posting that. I love anything to do with dogs and other animals.
BTW, I think M Vick should be able to get a dog but it should be monitored. He did his time. They talked about it on the View this am and said his daughter wanted one - reason enough.
Thanks all of you for your kind words about John. He is doing great now.
Carol, I don't know how to thank you for being there a couple of nights ago when I called you about John and his stomach. I was really scared that he might have a tumor in his GI track when the doc told us he needed a CT scan. He will tell his doc in Feb about this and probably will see about a CT scan then. The 2nd xray they took at the urgent care the next day did not look so positive for a blockage.
Chloe, Coreen and Solar, I did not share this on line at the time. I was so frightened I was not able to write about it, I just called Carol. Like I have said before, she is better at telling me what might be going on medically than any doc I know. So THANK YOU my dear friend, Carol.
Chloe, I so appreciate all you have shared with me here. My anxiety level has been so high the past few days and I don't find meditation works for me. I did go swimming this morning and I could just feel my anxiety slowly melt away the longer I swam. The walk over to the pool helped too. I do find that swimming is meditation for me. I am going to take your advice and try to put all this worry somewhere else. I will just go out for a walk around the block or 2 blocks when I feel stressed by something. Thank God for our climate here. I can always walk.
I am so happy to share the pics. As they say, "a picture is worth a 1000 words."
John is ok with me sharing pics too. I put the pic on facebook too and all john's family have responded to him. He likes that.
BTW, in the pic of John, he is sitting at his desk at his computer. He strokes his beard when he is concentrating. It was a candid pic. He did not know I was going to take it. That is a surprised look on his face.
"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." -- E.M. Forster
Chloe, this is a great quote. I will write this and put it somewhere I can see it often. My refrig will not hold magnets. I miss that.
Interesting thing about electronic games. I have never played them. John loves games on his computer and plays them often. Not me. I don't like any games except board games or any games you play with other people. I would rather clean a toilet than play a video game LOL. I never play computer games either. Just not interested.
I will miss Larry King. I don't always watch his show, but also agree he is a good interviewer. I too like that he does not try to talk over his guests but actually listens to what they are saying.
Coreen, careful with that big tree and moving it. You might think about having some friend come in and move it for you. Would love to see your house when you get it decorated. I will be looking for your pictures here. I have never visited your part of the country. It sounds beautiful, although cold. I would love to be close to the sea. That would be heaven. I think John and I have to get in a place where we can visit the Atlantic side of the country next summer. I just loved it when we used to spend a week on the coast of N. Carolina. Want to see more of that coastline.
Jan, I'm so sorry to hear that John is having medical problem. How wonderful that Carol was able to talk you through it, and give you good advice. Now that I know what you are so worried about, I can understand your anxiety and feeling of a loss of control. I hope you keep us informed on how he's doing - and is he feeling any better now.
(If you don't mind my asking, why is he waiting until Feb. for his scan?)
I'm glad to hear the exercise has helped to control your anxiety, Jan.
And I have to say, I don't know what I'd do without my refrigerator magnets. :)
Anytime Jan. Between the history and symptoms you gave me, your physical assessment and knowing his lab was good I feel it was most likely that he had a GI bug. Not sure a CT is needed unless he has more problems but he should let his Doc know what happened.
More concerned with his fainting and that could also have a simple cause.
One of the reasons I like to play video games is that it's impossible to worry when I play. What kind of computer games does John like?
I'm taking the day off today to get a few things done, also get started on that cooking. Hey, I just wanted an extra day off.
Hope Larry King enjoyed his send off. It was kinda like going to a big party, too many people to get any interesting interaction from anyone.
Hi all, had a really busy day at work yesterday so didn't do much on computer.
Carol, John plays solitaire, black Jack and a "memory" thing he can't remember the name of.
John's eye started turning purple yesterday and will probably be dark for a couple of weeks. He is recovering well though. I am wondering if he has diverticulitis. His brother has that. He looked it up online and the symptoms fit. He had eaten a bunch of almonds and a big apple just before this all happened.
I am going over to granddaughter's today and hang out with her and baby Abigail. GD is baking today, so I will get to have Abigail to myself to play with, feed, etc. Yeayyy!
"One of the reasons I like to play video games is that it's impossible to worry when I play"
Carol, it is good to find something that distracts us from worry. Sewing does that for me or just making something with my hands. I guess that is what hobbies are for. Walking and swimming does that for me too.
Work takes my mind off worries too. Yesterday, I was really busy with a family for 2 1/2 hours and then had a lot of paperwork to finish. During that time, I did not worry at all about other issues.
I didn't see the Larry King show. sorry I missed it.
My son, DIL and 2 GD's from Ark. are coming to visit the last week of Dec. I have lots to do to get ready for them. I will get a hotel room for son and DIL and girls will stay here. DIL needs a special bathroom. She is in a wheelchair. Oldest GD's boyfriend is coming with them. I am happy about that as he will be another driver. I have met him - a real nice kid. He will stay here at our house too.
Yes Jan, diverticulis is a good possibility.
"and a "memory" thing he can't remember the name of." Well I'll jump on that one. I could use a little memory help. LOL.
Don't be sorry you missed Larry King. I couldn't even finish watching it. Very boring.
It was nice talking to do on the phone today. Hey we used to talk every day, when I wasn't over at your house, back in the good old days so I thought we can still yack on the phone now.
Things went OK with SF today when I gave him the news but I still can't figure how much goes thru that hard head of his. I think more than he lets on. He is very crafty and a little evil at times. He's definitely a manipulator.
Oh they voted to repeal DADT. A few Repubs actually voted to do it. Wasn't it generous of them to allow gay people to serve and die for their country, and do it openly?? They're running out of people who would want to do that and those cowards in the government need someone to protect their asses.
You ought to tune into CSpan occasionally and listen to some of those Republicans when they are speaking. It's an eye opener. I did this morning, with the discussion of DADT and Dream, and it amazed me what came out of their mouths.
If more people did listen to those turkeys then the only people who would ever vote for them again would be the extremely rich, not all, and some rednecks that like to drink beer in their underwear with a Rebel flag on the back of their pickup, not even all of them either.
Carol, so good to talk to you on phone this morning. I missed you so much when we moved. Glad SF did not react negatively. wonder how much he understood or was just not able to process it
We are watching rerun of Little Miss Sunshine. I love that movie. Some may look at the movie as a bunch of losers. I look at it as people who really love each other.
Glad to hear they repealed the DADT law.
Sorry I couldn't check in yesterday - we were running morning to night (I didn't even turn on my computer, which is completely unusual).
Jan, I like 'Little Miss Sunshine' too. I remember when it first came out, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Carol, What news did you give stepfather (if you don't mind me asking).
Jan, I'll have to look up diverticulitis - I'm not sure what it is. I do hope John and you are doing well though.
Also was very happy for you to have one on one time with little Abigail. How old is she now, and how did it go?
Well, I'll check back in later today. We're going to try to get our tree up today (finally!). I'm sure Emma will spend the next week removing decorations from it (ha!) - but I"ll just have to keep putting them back on. Life with a 2 year old.... Oy Vey!
... sounds like you both are as busy (or busier) than me.
just checking in.
Chloe, I too have been busy. I sorted through holiday stuff yesterdy, mostly wrappings. After Christmas i just toss everything in bags and put it in a corner. I have lots of gift bags I am going to recycle - those that are in good condition and don't have names on them. I am also going to send out some cards to friends I don't see or hear from too often.
I didn't see little Miss Abigail yesterday. Her parents had to go see other grandparents but I will be seeing her tody.
John is doing ok. He says his tummy is "touchy" I am feeding him low fiber foods like baked chicken and well- cooked veggies. he is boiling eggs for himself in the am. I am concerned about him. His head is fine - going to have a little bit of a black eye.
Carol, how are you doing today? When do you do your cooking for your party?
We just saw a show called "Caught on Camera" on MSNBC. There was a balloon accident here in Albuq in 2004 where the Smokey the Bear balloon caught on a 700ft radio tower - on top- There were 3 people in the balloon - the pilot (an older guy- like us) and 2 young boys 11 & 14 years old. They all climbed down the tower - took them 2 hours. In the meantime the managers cut off all power on the tower.
I saw and played with Abigail this afternoon. She is just about to take some steps on her own. She will walk holding onto a finger. She will be 1 year old 1/11/11. I just realized the numbers - had to text her mother.
its been a good day.
Maybe that is what we can expect at this age - once in a while - to have a very good day!
Morning. I didn't check in yesterday.
I did all my cooking on Friday and the party was Saturday. Most of the people at work had other parties to go to that day so the turn out was pretty pityful. I had this intuition that that was going to be the case and tried to talk the lady having the party to just move it to work instead of going to that trouble at her house but someone, who didn't even show up, talked her out of it. I very thankful that I didn't go to all the work I usually do for that turnout.
Chloe it's a very long story about what I had to talk to SF about. It involves his use of the property owned by my sisters and myself. I'm not sure what he understands and what he just pretends he doesn't understand. He seems to be pretty crafty with the things he does so I think he is more aware than he lets on.
Jan, in numerology Abigale's birthdate of all ones is probably very significant.
Numbers have always been very meaningful in my life - not sure why.
Jan, Glad you had a good day, and that you still had plans to see Abigail and her mom. Hope it went well.
Sounds like you're taking good are of John. Emma had a little stomach thing for a few days too, but had not other symptoms, except not eating much. I had to really work on getting her to eat the little bit she did, but she's fine now. I don't think she'll ever be a big eater, but maybe that will change and she'll surprise me when she's a little older. She never looks underweight, and she's healthy and extremely active, fun loving and happy, so I don't worry about it.
I've got the feeling that that stomach thing is going around (whenever I have something like that, it affects my equilibrium, and I'm think that could be one of John's problems). Hope you don't get it.
Carol, glad to hear you're keeping the lines of communication open between you and SF. Hope you enjoyed the party, even though there was a poor turn out. It seems like an unusual holiday season to me.
By the end of yesterday I was too worn out to even check in. I'll be glad when things slow down again.
Mary, If I remember correctly, you're flying to Chicago tomorrow. Hope you have an easy time at the airport. Is little Lauren home now and doing well? Hope you or Carol will let us know.
You'd better take some warm cloths with you - it looks like it's extremely cold there. Down in our area we've been having a sorta 'non-winter' winter like they predicted. We ate out on the patio yesterday at the one of the Mexican Restaurants we frequent (mainly because it was empty and it's enclosed from the street and parking, ad we could let Emma run around a little).
Today is going to b 7 5, tomorrow 78 and in the 70s for a few more days. Unbelievable. Cold this morning, but the heater is handling that.
Carol, Did you find any place to eat that is open on Christmas?
Jan, you're not cooking on Christmas, are you. I am, but will have help and I'm keeping it simple. We're going out with friends to a pre-Christmas meal on either Wednesday or Thursday. We still trying to freeze up the day.
Glad you had a good day yesterday Jan.
.. and glad your conversation with your SF went well Carol.
.... had to come back to link this, even though you've all probably already seen it.
Early Christmas treat: 2010's total lunar eclipse
"`Twill be nights before Christmas and high overhead, the moon will turn brown or maybe deep red. The Earth and the sun with celestial scripts will conspire to make a lunar eclipse.
Weather permitting, sky gazers in North and Central America and a tiny sliver of South America will boast the best seats to this year's only total eclipse of the moon.
The eclipse will happen Monday night on the West Coast and during the wee hours Tuesday on the East Coast. Western Europe will only see the start of the spectacle while western Asia will catch the tail end."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101220/ap_on_sc/us_sci_total_lunar_eclipse
Carol, sorry for the poor turnout for the party. When you have had parties at your house, it seems your turnout is good. Am I remembering that right?
Chloe, You do things up right - keeping the cooking simple. That is about the only way I can handle it these days. Who helps you with the cooking - your hubby?
Wow! what lovely weather. I am a little jealous.
The moon was amazing tonight. It was not dark yet when I was driving east toward our mountains. The full moon was coming up over the top of the mountains. It looked unreal- I had to stop the car and just stare it. It was so large. I took a pic with my phone, but just didn't capture the scene at all. It is so funny that when I see something beautiful like that, I want to share it with everyone I know.
I've been hearing about that lunar eclipse in the morning for a few days now. The weather guy said it would be too cloudy to see but it looks fine right now. I guess we might be expecting some clouds later. Don't think I will be getting up at 2:17 in the morning to check it out unless I happen to be awake.
Chloe, I'm not complaining about the warmer weather since when it's cold, my kitchen hangs around 57 degrees. I don't care for that. Living room and bedroom are OK.
Tomorrow is also the winter solstice, shortest day of the year. I guess our SADD will max out tomorrow then the days will get longer from then on and it's all up hill.
Chloe, sorry to hear that little Emma was ill too. I think there has been something going on around here too. I am hoping that is all John had.
Chloe, I found nothing but a Chinese place open on Christmas. I guess I'll cook up a meal and carry it over there to warm up. We can have an intimate dinner at his place. Can't wait.
He's really trying my patience. He's been trying to get his checkbook back and he's very dangerous with money. His bookkeeper, who was a Godsend, is threatening to quit since he calls her all day and torments her. If she quits, so do I. Some of his BS is just pretending to not understand things.
Tonight when I was talking about some business he needed to make some decisions about he acts like he didn't understand but he remembered that on Saturday I wanted to know what time church was so I could go with him. He remembers just what he wants to remember.
He acts like a bad teenager and I already have my hands full of people who act like bad teenager at the joint. What do you think I could have done in my last life to warrant this kind of punishment??? It certainly wasn't anything in this life. I'm sure I must be close to paying off any karmic debt I have and should have a credit coming.
When I wrote my comments you weren't there Jan. After I finished, you have popped in between my comments. It's weird.
We have also had some GI bugs going around the joint. They don't last long.
Is anyone watching the lunar eclipse tonight? We are setting our clocks to get up at 12:30 am which would be 2:30 am Eastern time.
"Some of his BS is just pretending to not understand things. "
It's difficult to grasp exactly what his motivation is Carol, aside from maybe wanting to be in control. Has he always been someone that doesn't want others telling him what to do? (I guess we're all like that, to a certain point). Sounds like he's gotten to a point where he can't make reasonable decisions though. I bet you feel like you're beating your head against a wall. Sounds like you're just going to have to tell him how things are going to be and forget trying to convince him. That's pretty much how it is with children. They don't have the experience to make important decisions, and I think 'some' people get like that also when they reach old age. You have the judge by his track record.
Do what you have to do, and 'do not' let him try to put a guilt trip on you. Sounds like 'you' are the adult in this relationship - but you're used to that on your job and other places, so I know you're up to it. It's important not to feel guilty or punished though (that's allowing him to project pain onto you). You deserve better than that.
Jan, I just happen to wake up for a while, and probably will fall back to sleep before you two wake up to see what you can see of the eclipse tonight.
"It is so funny that when I see something beautiful like that, I want to share it with everyone I know."
I feel the same way, but can seldom capture the moment (either in photograph or words) in order to do that. It's nice when someone else is there to share those moments with you, but so many of them happen when we're alone. Those are the things that make life so meaningful - those fleeting moments.
.. it's nice to have this place to at least try though. Our own personal journal, that we can document and share and learn from one another. I not only enjoy the things we have in common, but even more so our differences.
It's all good....
I think I purposely subconsciously arrange these short little bouts of insomnia, in order to have some moments to just 'be', without all the constant inevitable distractions that I have have every day.
Quiet time is so precious to me. I've always love the saying that 'Silence is golden' - and believe it to be the most important part of my day.
... these times are what that keep me centered.
Going back to bed.
BTW, I still think you're carrying way too much weight on your shoulders. Do what's best for 'yourself', and everyone around you will benefit from that. Taking care of yourself is your most important job - it's your moral responsibility. Just as important as it for those around you to take care of themselves.
Giving is important and rewarding, but should not prevent you from getting what you need yourself. Set boundaries!
Nite.
Carol - I wrote the above comment to you, but now that I think about it, I think it applies to you too Jan. You are such a giving person, like Carol - and you admit to worrying a lot. So I say to you too... be good to yourself. You deserve it.
.. it's such an honor to know you both. I feel so lucky.
Thanks Chloe. I feel the same way about you and everyone here.
I think all the problems that SF manifests now are problems he had when he was younger but they are just a lot shorter coming now.
It's very overcast outside so I think I wouldn't have been able to see the eclipse if I would have been up at 2a.
I called AT&T yesterday to bitch about their service. This woman said I needed to download the lasted upgrade. I didn't think that would really make a difference since everyone I know, who doesn't have a Iphone, is having the same problem.
I had to wait until late because it took so long and doing what I had to do couldn't be interrruped by calls. I backed up my phone and then downloaded the update. When I restored my phone, I lost all the apps I had. Can't get them back without going to the app store and downloading each again. I don't even remember what some were but I wanted to keep them. I assumed by backing up the phone it would backup the apps I had also. Guess not.
I doubt what I did will do anything to improve the problem but they ended up screwing me up. That's always the case when I deal with AT&T.
Carol, so sorry you are having problems with your phone. Hope you get it fixed soon. I love technology when it works and hate it when it doesn't.
John took our remote back to Comcast the other day b/c it was not working well - and exchanged it for another. I got home from work and he was so upset b/c he couldnt get the new one to work. I was able to get it to work but couldn't adjust volume. After reading through some materials he got the volume to work.
Technology is a two-edged sword.
We set the alarm, got up at 12:30 am to watch the eclipse and the sky was completley overcast here. Couldn't see a thing. So back to bed. At least I slept well.
Sorry Chloe that you did not sleep well. Hope it was temporary.
Chloe, the things you said to Carol earlier about her SF are right on (in my humble opinion). You are so very wise. And thanks for the kind words to me also. I have turned everything over to the attorneys and I am letting it go- At least, for now. Despite the mess my sis has got us into, I still love her and called her this morning to tell her I loved her. I truly don't blame her for these things, there are things going on with her that alter her ability to be responsible. I would rather have the mess we are in than not have her in my life.
I too love our relationships we have here. Every day you all give me so much to be thankful for. Your friendship means so much to me. I can say what I want or need to say here and don't feel judged or criticized.
Carol, I am taking John out to the NP I work with. She will take his stitches out. I actually could do that as I have before, but I am concerned that she is not getting the experiences she needs to keep up her NP skills in our little agency. She is very knowledgable but she needs to keep up her physical assessment and prescriptive skills.
".. it's such an honor to know you both. I feel so lucky."
Me Too chloe.
Today's Daily Word from Unity.
"Protection
Knowing I am divinely protected, I am at peace.
God guides, supports and protects me as I move through my day. When I face a challenge or uncertainty, I take a moment to look beyond what lies before me. I refrain from pondering all the "what ifs" and turn my thoughts to God. Through the very act of remembering the presence of God, I realize peace.
As I turn my attention away from the problem, I flip the switch that connects me to the One--a constant, bright, warm protective presence. Love wells up in me. I feel calm and serene. Circumstances come and go, but God's love dwells in me at all times, and in that love, I am safe and secure."
Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you. --Psalm 91:9-10
I needed that Unity prayer today and everyday. I have to really work on the "I refrain from pondering all the "what ifs..." part.
Mary did make it to the big C yesterday but not without a few minor incidents. She lost her coat somewhere and her cell phone broke. I was thankful that that was it. Now I can relax for a week.
You know, many of you have your men folk. I know they can offer a few challenges but they have a lot of pluses also. They are more confident and physically stronger, those would be two big pluses for me.
Having to drive to the big H to catch a plane can be quite a challenge for anyone and especially for us older women, the failing eyesight and reduced muscle strength are two of the things that first come to mind. Going alone is the biggest challenge.
Mary's son would have flown her out of our town. We have a small airport here but the planes are also small and Mary doesn't like small planes. Leaving from there would have been so much easier for her and the rest of us but nooooooo.
Some of us insist on making our lives more challenging. I'm made aware of that with every interview of my patients at work. Many of them go to extremes to make their lives horrible and they can't explain why they do it either. Yesterday afternoon I had a little lighter load so I spend more time just asking questions, listening and pondering their answers.
Well we got thru that darkest day of the year so now it's all up hill.
If any of your have any Christmas decoration pics this might be a good time to put them up.
I can't believe that some of our lawmakers are hesitating in providing medical financial assistance to the 911 responders. And they can do it at Christmas time.
A lot of important issues have come up for vote at the end of this year. It's a good time for people to evaluate their political representatives:
How did they vote on the issue of civil rights for all?
How did they vote to help those who sacrificed their lives to save others on 911?
How did they vote in regards to protecting the world from nuclear disaster?
How did they vote on issues of providing some assistance for the less fortunate or were they only interested in making rich people richer.
And Coreen, congrats to your: "Connecticut breaks UCLA record with 89th straight victory" Something I don't think the male teams have accomplished. You go girls!
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/21/sports/la-sp-uconn-ucla-20101222
Coreen, it doesn't look like you will be getting any snow for Christmas. Only Solar and Mary, maybe.
Listening to the news tonight I was thinking that the media doesn't really facilitate cooperation between the political parties when they categorize good or bad ideas/policies as either Democratic or Republican. I think it would be better to focus on the idea without labeling it.
Those silly politicians don't want to support a good idea because it is labeled either Republican or Democrat. Seems to me that the Republicans have been a little more guilty of that lately.
I heard tonight how much Obama got accomplished at the end of the year. Really it was not Obama, I don't give him the credit. It is that our politicians finally managed to accomplish something. Too much focus on Obama just turns off the Republicans. They don't want him to get any credit for anything and will vote against something they may really believe in just to show opposition.
It shouldn't matter who the President is, they should be proud of their votes because they really believe in what they supported no matter which politician originally came up with the idea.
Silly McCain wouldn't even support things he once supported because he didn't want to look cooperative or maybe he has a touch of dementia and can't remember what he used to believe. I think it is a combination of both.
Maybe it would be better to have no President or political parties and just elect those respresentatives who best represent what we, the voters, believe. It certainly would stop a lot of this silliness.
I realize that I sound pretty silly. Lately when I ponder the state of the world today, I think that silliness dominates this era. Sorry, if this offends but I think the popularity of things like Facebook and Twitter, and the kinds of programs that are popular on TV just proves it.
Carol, I have read what you write here, but don't follow politics enough to state an opinion.
Okay, we need a new post with some Christmas pictures.
Jan, I think we'll have to leave that up to Coreen or Chloe since we are a little short in the Christmas decoration department.
I don't think anyone wants to see the little Cardinal and poinsetta leaves that are still stuck on a couple of my windows. They have been there since last Christmas. Left them there to keep the birds from flying into the window. Doesn't always work.
Will try to get some new pics up overnight...
Carol, while I don't follow basketball, the
women's team from UCONN is a big draw for a lot
of people...
I agree with you about the political parties, Carol. I talked a lot about that over at TM during the last election. I think the parties are the cause of so much of the corruption. It really bothers me that they're all required to vote along party lines on everything, instead of each person voting as an individual. Too many agreements behind closed doors.
Same goes for the president. The way things are set up now, it pits one half of the population against the other half of the population - and requires you to accept a whole set of of ideals, instead of look at issues one by one.
Grouping parties together as enemies, is the cause of the so many of our problems, and takes the focus of governing off of the people and in the hands of the power brokers.
I think your post covered a lot of important points.
On the show The Middle, a rerun from a couple of weeks ago, they were discussing having fruit in the Christmas stocking. They said it was something to do with the depression and that fruit was a special treat back then. I read something else about it representing gold balls, and that was from some sort of legend.
We always had a large apple and orange in the very bottom of our Christmas stockings. Did you guys get fruit in your stocking? Do you have any idea of the significance?
Dad used one of his long heavy hunting socks for our stockings. I never understook the significance of the fruit and I'm not sure we ever ate either. I did think it was a nice way to weigh the sock down so more interesting things could be stuffed on top of that fruit.
Jan, That said, you're smart not to focus on politics. I haven't been following them at all either. Just have a lot of left over feelings from the last election.
... looking forward to the pictures Coreen. Having a lot of trouble drumming up enough seasonal motivation. Em's got enough for all of us though, and that is the bright spot.
Am looking forward to 2011 though. I high high hopes for the future.
Didn't hear you girls drop in.
Chloe, we could solve so many of our political problems by getting rid of political parties. It's a simple a solution. I am totally sure they would probably solve more of our problems because they would actually have to take personal responsibility for their decisions.
Coreen, I don't follow basketball either but I did hear of the accomplishment of your team. It is very impressive and I wanted to give them Kudos.
I may not be following much of any sports for a while. My Saints looked awful Sunday. You just never know what team will show up.
I am trying to work up a little enthusiasm regarding something I strongly believe, but need to focus on for the new year: 'WHATEVER WE ARE THINKING, FEELING, SAYING, OR DOING, WE ARE CO-CREATING, EMPOWERING, AND MAGNETIZING INTO OUR LIVES!!!'.
Have always agreed with that statement, but tend to drift away (on a regular basis) from how meaningful it is. When I think of 'mindfulness', that is what I think it's getting at. I'd like to work up a post on that in the near future, and hopefully get you guys to give me your take on the power of that type of belief ad thinking.
... it's a lot more than just words to me. It represents the key to everything important, imo.
Chloe, every year, for many, will be even more fun with little Emma, especially when she old enough to have toys you can also play with.
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