This past week I had a wonderful opportunity to do some volunteer work. Since my children are getting older I now have the opportunity to get more involved in doing volunteer work. I am becoming involved with the veteran's committee with my union.
My local worked with SE Michigan Veterans Stand Down. Their efforts helped to feed, provide clothing and support to more than 400 homeless or needy veterans in the Detroit area. It was a two day event, and a wonderful experience for myself and I am quite sure many others. I plan to volunteer for next year's events and the years to come.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Things we take for granted
As I said previously I am reading a book titled "The Curse of the Singles Table: A true story of 1001 nights without sex." I am still reading it, and enjoying it, but since I had to attend a band concert at my children's school I decided that it wasn't an appropriate title to be caught reading in the bleachers while I waited for the performance to begin.
So, to be safe, I brought along another book titled "An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales" by Oliver Sacks. I've only read a majority of the first chapter which details a painter that was involved in an automobile accident and several days later began to realize that he had become totally colorblind. You may or may not be aware, but when a person is considered colorblind they have different colors that they may not be able to see, it is rare for someone to actually be TOTALLY colorblind. What makes this story so much more interesting is the fact that the man is a painter, so his life has revolved around a world of color. Eventually this caused the man to have difficulty with being social and even sexual with his wife. Could you imagine being intimate with a person that has no flesh color at all? It would be like being with a corpse, talk about ruining the mood. To this man life was almost not worth living. Kind of like Socrates that took death over a life without philosophy, this painter would prefer death over a life with no color. Luckily, he found a way to work around his disability, or so I think he did, I haven't quite finished the chapter yet.
I love a book that makes me think. This story made me realize how much we take for granted the things in our life that seem so small but are really huge. They go unnoticed because we always have them. Color is part of our visual world, and we never stop to realize what life would be like without it. Imagine eating an apple that was not red, but instead black. Wouldn't it make you lose your appetite? It would probably do wonders for my diet, but I wouldn't want it to be permanent, only when I felt the desire to pig out. Well, this is how life was for the painter. Look around...take in all the color that you never really notice in your world. Imagine looking into someone's eyes and never really seeing its real beauty. Just imagine for a moment a colorless world. Weird, huh?
Another thing, those that are colorblind tend to be born with it. It isn't so difficult to imagine a world without color when you never had it. Although I guess it could be worse. One could be totally blind. Imagine having been born blind and never knowing what you actually look like. Could you have a mental image of what you look like when you have never seen any face, let alone your own face. I guess in this case you would use your other senses, such as feel, to discover what you look like.
Right now I'm feeling pretty grateful.
So, to be safe, I brought along another book titled "An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales" by Oliver Sacks. I've only read a majority of the first chapter which details a painter that was involved in an automobile accident and several days later began to realize that he had become totally colorblind. You may or may not be aware, but when a person is considered colorblind they have different colors that they may not be able to see, it is rare for someone to actually be TOTALLY colorblind. What makes this story so much more interesting is the fact that the man is a painter, so his life has revolved around a world of color. Eventually this caused the man to have difficulty with being social and even sexual with his wife. Could you imagine being intimate with a person that has no flesh color at all? It would be like being with a corpse, talk about ruining the mood. To this man life was almost not worth living. Kind of like Socrates that took death over a life without philosophy, this painter would prefer death over a life with no color. Luckily, he found a way to work around his disability, or so I think he did, I haven't quite finished the chapter yet.
I love a book that makes me think. This story made me realize how much we take for granted the things in our life that seem so small but are really huge. They go unnoticed because we always have them. Color is part of our visual world, and we never stop to realize what life would be like without it. Imagine eating an apple that was not red, but instead black. Wouldn't it make you lose your appetite? It would probably do wonders for my diet, but I wouldn't want it to be permanent, only when I felt the desire to pig out. Well, this is how life was for the painter. Look around...take in all the color that you never really notice in your world. Imagine looking into someone's eyes and never really seeing its real beauty. Just imagine for a moment a colorless world. Weird, huh?
Another thing, those that are colorblind tend to be born with it. It isn't so difficult to imagine a world without color when you never had it. Although I guess it could be worse. One could be totally blind. Imagine having been born blind and never knowing what you actually look like. Could you have a mental image of what you look like when you have never seen any face, let alone your own face. I guess in this case you would use your other senses, such as feel, to discover what you look like.
Right now I'm feeling pretty grateful.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Strange sleeping habits
An update from one of the items listed on my Life List.
I had listed that I wanted to move my cat (who sleeps on one of the pedals of my elliptical machine) so that I would use my machine regularly. Well guess what? Today I did use my machine, I know it's a miracle. AND, I didn't have to move Chilli from the machine, BUT while riding I did have a perfect view of another one of her favorite sleeping spots which she was occupying at the time. Within the past few months she has claimed the top of my china cabinet as hers. The funny thing is that another one of her quirks is that she regularly sleeps while on her back with belly exposed and legs spread wide (sometimes tail tucked between the legs). This is exactly the position that I found her in this evening as I was gliding not so gracefully on my machine. She amazes me everyday with her silly ways.
She picked up this little sleeping habit after I had her fixed a few months ago. Is this unusual or something that many cats do after their surgery? She seems fine otherwise. When I say she does this regularly, I mean she probably spends at least 50% of her sleep time on her back, and for a cat you know that is a lot of time. Strange huh?
I had listed that I wanted to move my cat (who sleeps on one of the pedals of my elliptical machine) so that I would use my machine regularly. Well guess what? Today I did use my machine, I know it's a miracle. AND, I didn't have to move Chilli from the machine, BUT while riding I did have a perfect view of another one of her favorite sleeping spots which she was occupying at the time. Within the past few months she has claimed the top of my china cabinet as hers. The funny thing is that another one of her quirks is that she regularly sleeps while on her back with belly exposed and legs spread wide (sometimes tail tucked between the legs). This is exactly the position that I found her in this evening as I was gliding not so gracefully on my machine. She amazes me everyday with her silly ways.
She picked up this little sleeping habit after I had her fixed a few months ago. Is this unusual or something that many cats do after their surgery? She seems fine otherwise. When I say she does this regularly, I mean she probably spends at least 50% of her sleep time on her back, and for a cat you know that is a lot of time. Strange huh?
A you had to be there moment
I often have to laugh at my children and their sense of humor. I guess they have one sort of like mine. Possibly why I find them so funny.
This evening I was in the kitchen cooking dinner. We had roast over noodles, green beans and a salad. I decided to open up a can of crescent rolls that I had in the fridge and toss them into the oven. As I was rolling up the little triangular pieces of dough I felt something in a few of them that concerned me. Upon further inspection I found something that resembled small beads of glass. Not sure exactly what it was, but I decided it was best to just toss them into the trash. We could live without the bread. I broke the news to the kids, and of course they had to come over and inspect the dough for themselves. Afterwards my son, Joey, decided to read the label for the rolls. He read off a few of the ingredients, which were not the problem. Then with a totally serious tone to his voice he said, "Oh it says it right on here, may contain small pieces of glass." I think my daughter almost fell for it for a moment. He sounded so serious that you could almost believe him. It's probably one of those you had to be there moments, but it made me laugh.
This evening I was in the kitchen cooking dinner. We had roast over noodles, green beans and a salad. I decided to open up a can of crescent rolls that I had in the fridge and toss them into the oven. As I was rolling up the little triangular pieces of dough I felt something in a few of them that concerned me. Upon further inspection I found something that resembled small beads of glass. Not sure exactly what it was, but I decided it was best to just toss them into the trash. We could live without the bread. I broke the news to the kids, and of course they had to come over and inspect the dough for themselves. Afterwards my son, Joey, decided to read the label for the rolls. He read off a few of the ingredients, which were not the problem. Then with a totally serious tone to his voice he said, "Oh it says it right on here, may contain small pieces of glass." I think my daughter almost fell for it for a moment. He sounded so serious that you could almost believe him. It's probably one of those you had to be there moments, but it made me laugh.
Wouldn't It Be Awesome If...
Talk about lists! What a wonderful post by Jen Lemen and her "Wouldn't It Be Awesome If..." list. I can't help but be inspired. Check it out!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Life List
Thanks to Ali Edwards, I have found an interesting new blog. The owner of this blog has created a site with a collection of Life Lists on it. I have added to it my own personal Life List, feel free to read mine or to add your own. Nothing makes reaching your goals more attainable than actually creating a list that you can read often to help keep you focused.
My son, Joey, just reviewed my Life List with me.
My son, Joey, just reviewed my Life List with me.
"NO FAMILY"
Two days ago I walked up to the woman behind the desk at the hospital. I needed to sign in for the surgery that I was having that morning. Don't worry, nothing too major, just getting girly parts in working order. I told her my name, and she looked around for anyone that appeared to be with me. When she realized that I was alone, she opened her mouth and those dreaded words spilled out, "NO FAMILY?" As I looked down at the sheet of paper, I noticed that she was writing down those exact word in large letters "NO FAMILY" after my name. I also noticed that I was the only person with such a label next to their name.
I then proceeded into a surgical waiting room, where I was the only person not with a friend or family member. Instead I sat there and pretended to watch the television while I waited for my name to be called. I felt a wave of relief pass through me as I heard my name being called.
Of course this relief was short lived when I was taken back to a prep room where it was noted again that I had "NO FAMILY." To add to it, when the nurse left my little cubical she kept the curtain open, which of course made it all too easy for me to notice all the other patients with their relatives by their side offering their comforting words.
I won't lie, I started to cry. Not a heavy cry, with tears pouring down my face, but instead a gentle pool of tears in the corner of my eyes. Enough to make me uncomfortable, but not enough to make it obvious to those that walked by. Although I just knew that my secret would be exposed the moment someone walked up to me and forced me to open my eyes, which I am sure were red and tear filled. I remember lying there on the litter thinking to myself how much I wished my kids were old enough to have come with me, of course they are not, but I would have liked it. This is my third surgery, but the only one that I have been alone for. I am surprised at how much being alone bothered me. I do so many things alone. I am sure that someone would have stayed with me, but I hate to ask anyone for anything, so I didn't. Part of my personality flaw I guess, the inability to ask anyone for help when I need them.
I've only shared this with one person so far. Those that know me don't read this blog, with the exception of my daughter, but she hasn't read this in a long time. I am sharing this because I want it known that no matter how much someone claims that they are fine and don't need anyone, never, never, never let anyone have surgery alone. They are lying, they do need someone to comfort them also, just like I needed someone to comfort me. Don't let anyone read the words "NO FAMILY" next to their name on a sign in sheet.
BTW, my surgery went fine. Hopefully my girly parts are in their proper working order.
I then proceeded into a surgical waiting room, where I was the only person not with a friend or family member. Instead I sat there and pretended to watch the television while I waited for my name to be called. I felt a wave of relief pass through me as I heard my name being called.
Of course this relief was short lived when I was taken back to a prep room where it was noted again that I had "NO FAMILY." To add to it, when the nurse left my little cubical she kept the curtain open, which of course made it all too easy for me to notice all the other patients with their relatives by their side offering their comforting words.
I won't lie, I started to cry. Not a heavy cry, with tears pouring down my face, but instead a gentle pool of tears in the corner of my eyes. Enough to make me uncomfortable, but not enough to make it obvious to those that walked by. Although I just knew that my secret would be exposed the moment someone walked up to me and forced me to open my eyes, which I am sure were red and tear filled. I remember lying there on the litter thinking to myself how much I wished my kids were old enough to have come with me, of course they are not, but I would have liked it. This is my third surgery, but the only one that I have been alone for. I am surprised at how much being alone bothered me. I do so many things alone. I am sure that someone would have stayed with me, but I hate to ask anyone for anything, so I didn't. Part of my personality flaw I guess, the inability to ask anyone for help when I need them.
I've only shared this with one person so far. Those that know me don't read this blog, with the exception of my daughter, but she hasn't read this in a long time. I am sharing this because I want it known that no matter how much someone claims that they are fine and don't need anyone, never, never, never let anyone have surgery alone. They are lying, they do need someone to comfort them also, just like I needed someone to comfort me. Don't let anyone read the words "NO FAMILY" next to their name on a sign in sheet.
BTW, my surgery went fine. Hopefully my girly parts are in their proper working order.
Mother & Daughter
This was taken on my daughter's 15th birthday, which also happened to be her very first homecoming dance, and my 20 year class reunion. I can't believe how much she is growing up on me. Isn't she beautiful? Her escort for the evening was her boyfriend, Andrew. They looked so cute, both dressed in black and white. He also gave her a necklace for her birthday, which was sweet. Not the one in this pic, this was taken before he gave her the gift.
Before the dance my daughter, her boyfriend, her two girlfriends and all the parents had dinner together at the Olive Garden. My ex-husband and his wife came from Ohio to spend the weekend with my daughter for her birthday and all the events that took place. I thought this was really nice of them to be there for her. Come to think of it, I was the only single adult there. Wow, like that never happens.
As I said it was the same night as my 20 year class reunion. Since I decided to spend time with my daughter before the dance I was three hours late to my reunion. Of course this wasn't a big deal since I barely knew anyone there anyway. Most of my friends were older when I was in high school. Those that I did know didn't come for one reason or another. There were about 4 people there that I actually knew. I can't say that high school was the most memorable time in my life. Obvious huh?
Friday, August 17, 2007
Hustle Time
Do the hustle....
Yeah, last night was fun. I am hoping that I will be able to make these dance classes a regular thing. I swear they teach about fifteen different ones or more per night, so you can imagine how lost I am by the time I leave. The answer is no, I do not remember a single one. Although today several of my girlfriends at work taught me how to do the Turbo Hustle (now that is a workout). At first I had a bit of trouble getting the "roll" together, but I think I am getting it finally. I told myself that I would learn at least one dance so that I can get on the floor with everyone and do at least that one without messing up. Don't get me wrong, they have been awesome about working with me. One instructor in particular must realize that I am extra special because she seems to be giving me extra attention. I had to laugh when we were doing the "Bad Girl" and she tried to get me to put a little extra groove into it. I had to let her know that first off I would need to get the steps down before I try to put a little hip or shoulder action into it.
It has been really fun though. Great for me and my girlfriends to get together outside of work, and also for me to get my daughter to learn with me.
A friend of mine came over while we were talking about it and thought we were talking about the 1970's hustle. Little did he know that there are so many new hustles out there, along with Chicago steps. I had to share a story from my early teens when I had bought a book that had punch out feet that you placed on the floor so that you could learn the steps to the hustle. I remember trying it, but I never did learn back then. I wasn't much of a dancer. I also turned a guy down for Prom only because I was afraid that I would have to dance. When I look back now I realize how silly that was. Now I want to learn how to do all the dances. I do know how to two-step, a few line dances, the electric slide (who doesn't know that?), polka and the waltz. I wouldn't mind adding to my list, salsa, ballroom and a heck of lot more hustles.
If you haven't tried it or are afraid to dance, don't pull a Rhonda and miss out, get your butt off the couch and give it a try.
Yeah, last night was fun. I am hoping that I will be able to make these dance classes a regular thing. I swear they teach about fifteen different ones or more per night, so you can imagine how lost I am by the time I leave. The answer is no, I do not remember a single one. Although today several of my girlfriends at work taught me how to do the Turbo Hustle (now that is a workout). At first I had a bit of trouble getting the "roll" together, but I think I am getting it finally. I told myself that I would learn at least one dance so that I can get on the floor with everyone and do at least that one without messing up. Don't get me wrong, they have been awesome about working with me. One instructor in particular must realize that I am extra special because she seems to be giving me extra attention. I had to laugh when we were doing the "Bad Girl" and she tried to get me to put a little extra groove into it. I had to let her know that first off I would need to get the steps down before I try to put a little hip or shoulder action into it.
It has been really fun though. Great for me and my girlfriends to get together outside of work, and also for me to get my daughter to learn with me.
A friend of mine came over while we were talking about it and thought we were talking about the 1970's hustle. Little did he know that there are so many new hustles out there, along with Chicago steps. I had to share a story from my early teens when I had bought a book that had punch out feet that you placed on the floor so that you could learn the steps to the hustle. I remember trying it, but I never did learn back then. I wasn't much of a dancer. I also turned a guy down for Prom only because I was afraid that I would have to dance. When I look back now I realize how silly that was. Now I want to learn how to do all the dances. I do know how to two-step, a few line dances, the electric slide (who doesn't know that?), polka and the waltz. I wouldn't mind adding to my list, salsa, ballroom and a heck of lot more hustles.
If you haven't tried it or are afraid to dance, don't pull a Rhonda and miss out, get your butt off the couch and give it a try.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
A bit busier than I thought this week
I have a little bit of a busy spell coming up over the next few days, starting with today. Last week I started Hustle classes with my girlfriends from work. I ended up having so much fun last week, I hope that today goes just as well. Although let me tell you that I have absolutely no clue what I am doing, but oh well who really cares? We decided that after we get some steps down that we were going to go out and actually try out our skills, that should be a hoot!
It is almost time to head out the door, so I am trying to type this and rustle up some penne pasta for the kids for dinner.
My daughter has been going to band camp all this week. They have been working long hours out in the sun all week long. Not only that but she has realized the attitudes of the upper classmen towards the freshmen. I had to laugh last night when she told one of my sons to "cherish middle school while you can."
Not much to talk about, but I have a head full of hair to comb and pasta to finish.
It is almost time to head out the door, so I am trying to type this and rustle up some penne pasta for the kids for dinner.
My daughter has been going to band camp all this week. They have been working long hours out in the sun all week long. Not only that but she has realized the attitudes of the upper classmen towards the freshmen. I had to laugh last night when she told one of my sons to "cherish middle school while you can."
Not much to talk about, but I have a head full of hair to comb and pasta to finish.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Does absence make the heart grow fonder?
Wow, it seems like ages since I have posted. I can't say that I have been really busy lately. I would say that it has more to do with me not having much to say lately, probably within the past year or so. Coming back today, I still don't have much to say, but someone has kind of brought me back to blogging in a way. One of my girlfriends got me back to myspace, which is an account that I had but never really used. I'll use it as a way to keep in touch with her. We worked together for 8 years, and she decided to take the buyout at work. I'll miss her, but we will keep in touch. She is a crazy girl, but ya gotta love her. I have a few things to do right now, but I'll try to get back in a bit and update the only two remaining blogger buddies that I have left. It seems that I am not the only one that has taken an absence.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Only in my own head
Only in my own head....
can I sing (haha). Please never ever ever let me hear myself singing on tape again. If anyone besides myself would have heard that tape, I would have been able to put that on my "Life's Most Embarrassing Moments" list.
Enough about that time to watch "Cast Away." Yes, I know it is old, but I have never seen it. I have a night to myself and the popcorn in the microwave. I thought about going out to catch a movie, but since this Michigan weather is so wacky and decided to return to freezing weather again this week after such beautiful weather last week, I refuse to leave the house. So in the warmth of my livingroom with my diet Pepsi and popcorn, I am enjoying the evening with Tom Hanks.
can I sing (haha). Please never ever ever let me hear myself singing on tape again. If anyone besides myself would have heard that tape, I would have been able to put that on my "Life's Most Embarrassing Moments" list.
Enough about that time to watch "Cast Away." Yes, I know it is old, but I have never seen it. I have a night to myself and the popcorn in the microwave. I thought about going out to catch a movie, but since this Michigan weather is so wacky and decided to return to freezing weather again this week after such beautiful weather last week, I refuse to leave the house. So in the warmth of my livingroom with my diet Pepsi and popcorn, I am enjoying the evening with Tom Hanks.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Boys.....YUCK!
This morning I went browsing through some different blogs. One that I came across was "Ramblings: a snapshot of my brain." I enjoyed the story of her first crush and her attempt to send this boy the "NOTE." I left a comment on her blog, and also added it to my blog below. I have always been one that loves to reflect back on my life. Who was it that said "never look back?" Why not? I love to look back, there have been some things in my life that maybe I shouldn't reflect back on, but with those I have usually walked away with a lesson learned. All the other stuff is just worth remembering. I don't remember my childhood being bad for me.
Anyway here is my comment:
My "note" went the opposite way. I was on the receiving end of it. I remember it well. I was in kindergarten, and it was given to me by a boy named Johnny. Yuck! It was one of the most humiliating moments in my life. You see, writing is not one of a child's best skills when they are in kindergarten, so this little boy felt the need to have his mother write the note for him. He brought it to school, and since reading is another skill that is not mastered by those in kindergarten he gave the note to the teacher to read for me. Talk about embarrassing! I'm quite sure that I turned the deepest shade of red.
Okay that was bad enough but it got worse. Several days later just happened to be the day for parent/teachers conferences. My mother conveniently ran into another mother while there. Yep, you guessed it, Johnny's mother. Of course she couldn't help but tell the story to my mother, who in turn came home to share it with me AGAIN!
OH needless to say, he was NEVER my "boyfriend."
I can't say if this has affected me in any way throughout my lifetime, but I know that it was enough of an impact for me those many years ago that I haven't forgotten about it, and I don't look back on it fondly. Although at least now I can laugh and shake my head when I think about it.
Anyway here is my comment:
My "note" went the opposite way. I was on the receiving end of it. I remember it well. I was in kindergarten, and it was given to me by a boy named Johnny. Yuck! It was one of the most humiliating moments in my life. You see, writing is not one of a child's best skills when they are in kindergarten, so this little boy felt the need to have his mother write the note for him. He brought it to school, and since reading is another skill that is not mastered by those in kindergarten he gave the note to the teacher to read for me. Talk about embarrassing! I'm quite sure that I turned the deepest shade of red.
Okay that was bad enough but it got worse. Several days later just happened to be the day for parent/teachers conferences. My mother conveniently ran into another mother while there. Yep, you guessed it, Johnny's mother. Of course she couldn't help but tell the story to my mother, who in turn came home to share it with me AGAIN!
OH needless to say, he was NEVER my "boyfriend."
I can't say if this has affected me in any way throughout my lifetime, but I know that it was enough of an impact for me those many years ago that I haven't forgotten about it, and I don't look back on it fondly. Although at least now I can laugh and shake my head when I think about it.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Just life
Finally I have some time to actually sit back and relax. Even though I have not had to work the past two weeks, those two weeks still managed to be extremely hectic for me. Mostly I think it was all of the homework that I had to catch up on. I have one more week off of work and I am going to try to work ahead in some of my assignments, that way when I do get back to work hopefully I'll be ahead of the game.
I must say though that I am looking forward to getting back to work. I think having so much time off of work these past two years that I just seem to get lazy during the weeks off. I would much rather just keep working with the few weeks off here and there throughout the year. Let me also say that it has done nothing for my waistline either. Thank goodness the weather is getting nice and I'll be able to spend more time outside. Even with living in Michigan I still have never gotten use to, nor enjoyed the weather months. The only enjoyment I get out of it is watching it snow from the comforts of my window.
I did recently get an Ipod (okay, yes I am probably behind most folks that have already had theirs). I took some time out last week to install some music and pictures onto it. It is 30GB, and supposedly I can download some movies onto it, but I haven't bothered with that yet. To be honest I doubt that I ever will (who would want to sit there and watch a movie on a screen that small?).
I'm reading a book titled "When Culture and Biology Collide." The beginning of the book covers road rage. My daughter and I had a discussion about it, and she shared with me how her father expresses road rage, not the get out your car and kick some butt type, but instead the curse everyone on the road out because they aren't doing exactly what you want them to do type. She said I am different, I rarely say or do anything when I am bothered by someone on the road. The last time I did anything was probably a year or so ago. Well that was last night, so what do you think happened today? Nothing major, but I was the victim of some mild road rage. I was leaving the school (the boys had their first school dance today) and as I was trying to pull out onto the main road some young impatient boy in the car behind me decided that I wasn't moving fast enough so he started blowing his horn. After I did pull out I decided I'LL SHOW HIM and made sure I drove below the speed limit. Of course I was being an idiot for letting that kid annoy me over something so stupid, and my droving slow did absolutely nothing because he never even managed to catch up with me. All it did was take me longer to get to my destination, and all his honking did nothing for him because he poked along after that.
Okay before heading to bed let me share one more thing with you. I just walked into my bedroom and what do you think I found? My bed has been taken over by my daughter and Chili. My daughter is spread out with her feet near the pillows and her head at the foot of the bed, and when I say spread out I mean spread out, taking over the entire queen size bed. Of course she did manage to leave some room for Chili to curl up in a ball next to her. Chili seems to have two favorite spots lately, the foot of my bed or my desk chair when I am not in it. It seems that every time that I get up out of it, upon my return I almost always find her.
Well not the most exciting post (not that any of mine are), but at least I added something to this blog. It seems I keep disappearing for months at a time.
I must say though that I am looking forward to getting back to work. I think having so much time off of work these past two years that I just seem to get lazy during the weeks off. I would much rather just keep working with the few weeks off here and there throughout the year. Let me also say that it has done nothing for my waistline either. Thank goodness the weather is getting nice and I'll be able to spend more time outside. Even with living in Michigan I still have never gotten use to, nor enjoyed the weather months. The only enjoyment I get out of it is watching it snow from the comforts of my window.
I did recently get an Ipod (okay, yes I am probably behind most folks that have already had theirs). I took some time out last week to install some music and pictures onto it. It is 30GB, and supposedly I can download some movies onto it, but I haven't bothered with that yet. To be honest I doubt that I ever will (who would want to sit there and watch a movie on a screen that small?).
I'm reading a book titled "When Culture and Biology Collide." The beginning of the book covers road rage. My daughter and I had a discussion about it, and she shared with me how her father expresses road rage, not the get out your car and kick some butt type, but instead the curse everyone on the road out because they aren't doing exactly what you want them to do type. She said I am different, I rarely say or do anything when I am bothered by someone on the road. The last time I did anything was probably a year or so ago. Well that was last night, so what do you think happened today? Nothing major, but I was the victim of some mild road rage. I was leaving the school (the boys had their first school dance today) and as I was trying to pull out onto the main road some young impatient boy in the car behind me decided that I wasn't moving fast enough so he started blowing his horn. After I did pull out I decided I'LL SHOW HIM and made sure I drove below the speed limit. Of course I was being an idiot for letting that kid annoy me over something so stupid, and my droving slow did absolutely nothing because he never even managed to catch up with me. All it did was take me longer to get to my destination, and all his honking did nothing for him because he poked along after that.
Okay before heading to bed let me share one more thing with you. I just walked into my bedroom and what do you think I found? My bed has been taken over by my daughter and Chili. My daughter is spread out with her feet near the pillows and her head at the foot of the bed, and when I say spread out I mean spread out, taking over the entire queen size bed. Of course she did manage to leave some room for Chili to curl up in a ball next to her. Chili seems to have two favorite spots lately, the foot of my bed or my desk chair when I am not in it. It seems that every time that I get up out of it, upon my return I almost always find her.
Well not the most exciting post (not that any of mine are), but at least I added something to this blog. It seems I keep disappearing for months at a time.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
A bit of Chili
We have a new addition to the family. Well we have had her for about a month now. She is a bit frisky but also somewhat adorable. I have succeeded over the years in not caving in to my children's whines for furry friends (Okay I did allow the hamsters, but found out that they are smelly so I won't let that happen again). Recently I have caved in and given into their pleas.
We are now the parents of a new cat named Chili (don't ask, my daughter's idea). She is black and white, doesn't even resemble chili at all. Salt & pepper maybe, but not chili.
At the moment she is sitting on the floor next to me while I am at my desk. Everytime I look down at her she takes a quick peak at me before she allows her eyes to finally close for one of her daily naps. It is funny though, it seems as if she is struggling to stay awake, but just can't manage to do so.
She is still somewhat young so she is pretty playful, yet not too annoying. Although I am getting somewhat tired of picking the shreds of toilet paper up off the floor. She is obsessed with it. Don't dare forget to close the bathroom door behind you because she will stroll right in there and sit on the toilet, then by using her paw she will unravel the toilet paper from the roll. After that she goes about bouncing around the house with the pieces ripping them into shreds all over the place. Tossing them into the air as if it is confetti paper and she is at a party.
Chili...you can't help but love her.
We are now the parents of a new cat named Chili (don't ask, my daughter's idea). She is black and white, doesn't even resemble chili at all. Salt & pepper maybe, but not chili.
At the moment she is sitting on the floor next to me while I am at my desk. Everytime I look down at her she takes a quick peak at me before she allows her eyes to finally close for one of her daily naps. It is funny though, it seems as if she is struggling to stay awake, but just can't manage to do so.
She is still somewhat young so she is pretty playful, yet not too annoying. Although I am getting somewhat tired of picking the shreds of toilet paper up off the floor. She is obsessed with it. Don't dare forget to close the bathroom door behind you because she will stroll right in there and sit on the toilet, then by using her paw she will unravel the toilet paper from the roll. After that she goes about bouncing around the house with the pieces ripping them into shreds all over the place. Tossing them into the air as if it is confetti paper and she is at a party.
Chili...you can't help but love her.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Home alone, well I might as well be
Another relaxing night at home. My niece convinced my boys to stay the night over her house. Usually I let her stay here on most weekends, but this weekend I told her no, so she decided to have the boys go to her house instead. My daughter decided to come home and crash out on her bed. I tried to wake her up, I told her that it was a girls night alone. She made an attempt to wake up, but hasn't budged yet. So I guess that leaves me all alone, with Law & Order and the computer.
I had plans to have dinner with a friend of mine, but he ended up having to work later than expected so we changed our plans for tomorrow. Instead, after a dose of Law & Order, I'll think I'll crawl into bed a little early and start reading my book "Under The Banner of Heaven." It is this month's choice for my book club that I just joined. Not that it is my usual type of reading, but sometimes there is nothing wrong with straying from the usual.
Did I mention that I just started my new term of school. Which is good, because with working, and no school to keep me busy, I've been feeling like I had too much time on my hands. This term I am taking Physical Anthropology, Geography & Biology. I think the Physical Anthropology will be interesting to me, but the professor talks soooooo slow that I am somewhat annoyed. I want to say "spit it out" but of course I wouldn't be that rude. Hopefully she gets a bit more exciting as the class goes on.
Well time for me to get back to my Law & Order.
I had plans to have dinner with a friend of mine, but he ended up having to work later than expected so we changed our plans for tomorrow. Instead, after a dose of Law & Order, I'll think I'll crawl into bed a little early and start reading my book "Under The Banner of Heaven." It is this month's choice for my book club that I just joined. Not that it is my usual type of reading, but sometimes there is nothing wrong with straying from the usual.
Did I mention that I just started my new term of school. Which is good, because with working, and no school to keep me busy, I've been feeling like I had too much time on my hands. This term I am taking Physical Anthropology, Geography & Biology. I think the Physical Anthropology will be interesting to me, but the professor talks soooooo slow that I am somewhat annoyed. I want to say "spit it out" but of course I wouldn't be that rude. Hopefully she gets a bit more exciting as the class goes on.
Well time for me to get back to my Law & Order.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Shall We Dance?
Today was a good, productive day.
Right now I am sitting here watching Shall We Dance? Starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Susan Sarandon. They just played the scene where John's (Richard Gere) wife (Susan Sarandon) asked the private investigator why people get married. She said, maybe not in these exact words, that people marry because they want a witness to their life. They want someone to tell them that they will be remembered. That rings so true with me. Why I want someone to share my life with. Let me remind you that I am very single at the moment, but that doesn't mean that I don't fantasize about finding that special someone. When I think about my own death, the first thing I think about is that I'll grow old without sharing my life with anyone. To me this is so sad.
Okay enough about that. I'm feeling good right now, no sense it bringing myself down.
Right now I am sitting here watching Shall We Dance? Starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Susan Sarandon. They just played the scene where John's (Richard Gere) wife (Susan Sarandon) asked the private investigator why people get married. She said, maybe not in these exact words, that people marry because they want a witness to their life. They want someone to tell them that they will be remembered. That rings so true with me. Why I want someone to share my life with. Let me remind you that I am very single at the moment, but that doesn't mean that I don't fantasize about finding that special someone. When I think about my own death, the first thing I think about is that I'll grow old without sharing my life with anyone. To me this is so sad.
Okay enough about that. I'm feeling good right now, no sense it bringing myself down.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Simply Happy
I think I may have said this before, but I absolutely love crawling into bed with fresh linen. I also love turning off the overhead light and reading with just the bedside lamp on. These simple things can really make me happy.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Joining in
I joined two new groups. The first was a book club. I've never joined a book club, but I thought that this would be interesting for me since I enjoy reading so much. Sometimes when I read a book I want to have someone to share it with. Most of my friends are not nearly as interested as I am. The second club was a weight loss group. Since I have been gaining weight lately I need a way to motivate me to do something about it.
I guess I'll see how things go.
I guess I'll see how things go.
A New You
One of my flaws is my inability to throw things away. A perfect example of this is my growing collection of magazines that I have collected over the years. My logic is that there are things in each one that appeals to me that I might look over again some time in the future. Of course what would make more sense would be to clip the article and organize it in some way and toss the actual magazine. Of course that makes way too much sense for me to actually do it. I have to do some things the hard way. Well today I actually took one of these magazines and browsed through it. It was a February 2005 issue of Fit Body. In it they had a list of 25 "New You" Resolutions. Some of these I follow, others I should probably pick up as new habits.
1. Eat breakfast: I can't say I follow this one very well. I have never really been one to have a healthy breakfast in the morning, but I know that it is a habit that I need to learn.
2. Take a multi-vitamin: Huh, do I get credit for having multi-vitamins, but just not actually taking them? I didn't think so.
3. Stop waiting until the last minute: I am guilty of procrastination.
4. Indulge yourself: Diets should never deny. WELL I am guilty of overindulging.
5. Take a real vacation: This is a funny thing, while I was in Florida my nephew asked me if I had ever been on a "real vacation." I thought about it and realized that I never have. Visiting family isn't really taking a vacation. I've thought about doing this in my past but I have never actually done it. Part of me is hoping that one day I'll find someone to actually travel with.
6. Count those sheep: On average I get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep a night.
7. Make some time for you alone every day: I usually head to my bedroom to read a bit before actually hitting the sack. This is a nice relaxing time for me.
8. Become an early bird: I have trouble with this one. I am the type to get up thirty minutes before I leave for work and jump in the shower and pretty much head out the door. That doesn't leave much time for one to actually relax before starting out the day. I often wish that this was a habit I would pick up.
9. Do a crossword puzzle, play Trivial Pursuit, or get an evening dose of TV's Jeopardy: Preventing Dementia....this isn't too much of a problem for me.
10. Leave work at work: For this one they say to get out of work clothes and get into something comfortable and leave work at home. I'm pretty good with this one. I can't wait to take my jeans off and get comfortable when I get home.
11. Take some time to really breathe: I think I do this one sometimes without even really realizing it. Sometimes I'll give out a deep sigh, and when I do this I can just feel a heaviness being lifted off of me.
12. Do something you use to do: As Maria asked me in my last post, maybe I should get back to doing some scrapbooking.
13. Start a journal: Does keeping this blog count?
14. Pamper yourself: Something else I need to work on.
15. Volunteer: I have a strong desire to volunteer, but it seems at times impossible for me to commit to something when my life can get so overwhelming at times.
16. Dance to the music: It says to do this at least 5 minutes a day.
17. Make your annual check ups: Ahhh finally one that I have already accomplished.
18. Find your mantra: I'll have to search for something special for me.
19. Feed on fat: Well I have no problem feeding on fat, but unfortunately it is the wrong type. I don't get enough mono or poly-unsaturated fat in my diet. Although I do love me some black olives.
20. Make your own food pyramid: This is what is said to do-using the U.S. food pyramid, fill in the blocks iwth a list of the foods you love and like. Post this on your refrigerator and pantry doors. Next time you go for a snack or a meal, choose from the foods at the base of your pyramid and you'll be on your way to a healthier, slimmer you.
21. Try something new: I like this idea. It doesn't have to be anything complex, it can be as simple as a new recipe.
22. Have more sex: Well I'll leave this one alone.
23. Laugh yourself silly: One thing I can say for sure about me, I never have to remind myself to laugh, this is something that I do often.
24. Love yourself: Sometimes I beat myself up, but on most days I appreciate who I am.
25. Exercise: Whoa, this one is a major problem for me. Especially since I haven't been working so much lately, and since I have a job that keeps me moving constantly I have felt the damage being done with so much time off of work. Also I have never really had good knees and lately my right knee has been giving me some trouble, so I have been putting off doing anything that might make it worse.
This year I didn't really make a resolution. Okay I made one to loss weight, but that is a given. Who doesn't say that every year? My year started out kind of bad, but I feel that this year is actually going to turn out to be pretty darn good. At least I hope that it will.
1. Eat breakfast: I can't say I follow this one very well. I have never really been one to have a healthy breakfast in the morning, but I know that it is a habit that I need to learn.
2. Take a multi-vitamin: Huh, do I get credit for having multi-vitamins, but just not actually taking them? I didn't think so.
3. Stop waiting until the last minute: I am guilty of procrastination.
4. Indulge yourself: Diets should never deny. WELL I am guilty of overindulging.
5. Take a real vacation: This is a funny thing, while I was in Florida my nephew asked me if I had ever been on a "real vacation." I thought about it and realized that I never have. Visiting family isn't really taking a vacation. I've thought about doing this in my past but I have never actually done it. Part of me is hoping that one day I'll find someone to actually travel with.
6. Count those sheep: On average I get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep a night.
7. Make some time for you alone every day: I usually head to my bedroom to read a bit before actually hitting the sack. This is a nice relaxing time for me.
8. Become an early bird: I have trouble with this one. I am the type to get up thirty minutes before I leave for work and jump in the shower and pretty much head out the door. That doesn't leave much time for one to actually relax before starting out the day. I often wish that this was a habit I would pick up.
9. Do a crossword puzzle, play Trivial Pursuit, or get an evening dose of TV's Jeopardy: Preventing Dementia....this isn't too much of a problem for me.
10. Leave work at work: For this one they say to get out of work clothes and get into something comfortable and leave work at home. I'm pretty good with this one. I can't wait to take my jeans off and get comfortable when I get home.
11. Take some time to really breathe: I think I do this one sometimes without even really realizing it. Sometimes I'll give out a deep sigh, and when I do this I can just feel a heaviness being lifted off of me.
12. Do something you use to do: As Maria asked me in my last post, maybe I should get back to doing some scrapbooking.
13. Start a journal: Does keeping this blog count?
14. Pamper yourself: Something else I need to work on.
15. Volunteer: I have a strong desire to volunteer, but it seems at times impossible for me to commit to something when my life can get so overwhelming at times.
16. Dance to the music: It says to do this at least 5 minutes a day.
17. Make your annual check ups: Ahhh finally one that I have already accomplished.
18. Find your mantra: I'll have to search for something special for me.
19. Feed on fat: Well I have no problem feeding on fat, but unfortunately it is the wrong type. I don't get enough mono or poly-unsaturated fat in my diet. Although I do love me some black olives.
20. Make your own food pyramid: This is what is said to do-using the U.S. food pyramid, fill in the blocks iwth a list of the foods you love and like. Post this on your refrigerator and pantry doors. Next time you go for a snack or a meal, choose from the foods at the base of your pyramid and you'll be on your way to a healthier, slimmer you.
21. Try something new: I like this idea. It doesn't have to be anything complex, it can be as simple as a new recipe.
22. Have more sex: Well I'll leave this one alone.
23. Laugh yourself silly: One thing I can say for sure about me, I never have to remind myself to laugh, this is something that I do often.
24. Love yourself: Sometimes I beat myself up, but on most days I appreciate who I am.
25. Exercise: Whoa, this one is a major problem for me. Especially since I haven't been working so much lately, and since I have a job that keeps me moving constantly I have felt the damage being done with so much time off of work. Also I have never really had good knees and lately my right knee has been giving me some trouble, so I have been putting off doing anything that might make it worse.
This year I didn't really make a resolution. Okay I made one to loss weight, but that is a given. Who doesn't say that every year? My year started out kind of bad, but I feel that this year is actually going to turn out to be pretty darn good. At least I hope that it will.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Just another day in Rhonda's world
It seems that things are back to normal for me. The kids are back from their holiday with their father. I am back from my trip to Florida and everything seems to be falling right into place. The only thing is that I can't seem to get rid of the hives that I managed to get while I was in Florida. I called my doctor and if it doesn't go away I will give him a visit sometime this week.
Right now I am sitting here watching Boy Meets Grill with Bobby Flay. Not that I have an interest in Bobby Flay, but I'm sitting here thinking to myself how cool it would be to find a guy that enjoys cooking. I don't try new recipes nearly as much as I would like to. It would be nice to have someone to share some new experiences with. Although I bet I could get my boys to cook with me. The boys probably enjoy cooking more than my daughter does. I guess teaching them how to cook would help some lucky girl in their future.
Lets see...today I am suppose to meet my girlfriends for dinner. We decided to celebrate my birthday today even though it is still several days away.
Since I am back on layoff again from work for three more weeks I am going to try to improve my organizational skills, and to get rid of some of my excess that I have hanging around the house.
Speaking of improving organizational skills, I better get moving and start getting some stuff done around here. I actually have tons to do around here.
Happy Weekend!
Right now I am sitting here watching Boy Meets Grill with Bobby Flay. Not that I have an interest in Bobby Flay, but I'm sitting here thinking to myself how cool it would be to find a guy that enjoys cooking. I don't try new recipes nearly as much as I would like to. It would be nice to have someone to share some new experiences with. Although I bet I could get my boys to cook with me. The boys probably enjoy cooking more than my daughter does. I guess teaching them how to cook would help some lucky girl in their future.
Lets see...today I am suppose to meet my girlfriends for dinner. We decided to celebrate my birthday today even though it is still several days away.
Since I am back on layoff again from work for three more weeks I am going to try to improve my organizational skills, and to get rid of some of my excess that I have hanging around the house.
Speaking of improving organizational skills, I better get moving and start getting some stuff done around here. I actually have tons to do around here.
Happy Weekend!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Back to work for me...at least for four days
Today was my first day back to work after my three weeks off. I guess I'm a weird one because I actually enjoy going to work. Sitting around the house starts to get old. It was great to see my friends again. I have some awesome buddies at work, but they live so far away from me that I don't get to see them much when we are off. Lucky for me, one of my girlfriends just moved fairly close to me, so we'll be able to hang out with each other more often during our down time.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Resolutions
As I am sitting here eating a Snickers I am thinking about this year's resolution; to lose weight. I'm off to a pretty good start huh?
What a wonderful New Year's Day!
Well there is a lot to say, but I'm not sure that I am in the mood for anything too detailed at the moment. First off I am still adjusting to being back here in Michigan after my trip to Florida. My hands are cold, and they don't seem to be moving at their usual speed. Everything feels like it is in S-L-O-W M-O-T-I-O-N right now. Of course the only thing that is probably slow motion right now is just me.
Let me first start off to say that this weekend didn't go so well. I spent the weekend red, itchy and covered in welts. I somehow managed to get a travelling rash from so sort of reaction to something. What I have no idea. Anyway, I wasn't sure what this was from since neither myself nor my children have ever experienced anything like this (thank goodness my children a pretty healthy). Since I had this mysterious rash travelling all over my body I didn't want to go visit my grandmother at the rehab center until I was sure that it was something that I wouldn't pass on to her or any of the other patients. To make sure six hours of my New Year's Eve were spent at the hospital. Nothing major, I got a steriod shot in the bootie, a prescription for something to help with the itching and picked up some Benadryl. Let me tell you I am soooo happy that I went because I couldn't imagine taking that plane ride this morning and itching all over.
Well enough of that, as you can see I was miserable so I didn't get much sleep last night, but I did wake up this morning and I was good as new. I had to wake up at 4 am to make the trip home. So you can imagine how upset I was when I got to the luggage area to find out that my sister didn't come and get me and noone can seem to get ahold of her. GRRRR! So as I am sitting in the airport wondering who the hell is going to pick me up (I couldn't get ahold of anyone) I considered taking a cab ride home; luckily I don't live too far away.
The next thing I know my cell phone is ringing, so I answer it. I is a friend of our family (actually one of my sister's ex-boyfriends) and he said, "hey were are you at?"
I responded, "I'm at the airport where are you?"
"I'm at the airport too."
"Wow, what are you doing at the airport?" As the words came out of my mouth I was thinking to myself what a coincidence, what are the chances that he would be at the airport and call me at the exact time that I am sitting here trying to find a ride.
"I got a text message that said you needed a ride home from the airport." Ahhh, the moment of clarity, and I thought it was an amazing coincidence.
Either way I was happy to get a ride home, and glad that it he was less than ten minutes away from me when he got the text, a text that my nephew sent him. So I managed to get a ride home, but then I had another challenge. My other nephew was house sitting for me but when I called home nobody answered the phone. So I'm thinking to myself, great I finally get a ride home and now I probably won't even be able to get in because I left the housekeys with him. GEEZ! Lucky for me though he was home, the phone was just dead from being off the charger.
Shortly after this I got into my car and it wouldn't start. The battery was dead. Luckily my sister had her car at my house and my nephew had the keys so I used her car to charge my battery.
Okay, right now I am just waiting for something good to happen. I mean with everything going wrong today, my luck has to turn around some time. I'm hoping it is soon.
I am hoping that this isn't a taste of what the New Year has in store for me. If so I'll think I'll rewind back to 2006 and try it again.
Let me first start off to say that this weekend didn't go so well. I spent the weekend red, itchy and covered in welts. I somehow managed to get a travelling rash from so sort of reaction to something. What I have no idea. Anyway, I wasn't sure what this was from since neither myself nor my children have ever experienced anything like this (thank goodness my children a pretty healthy). Since I had this mysterious rash travelling all over my body I didn't want to go visit my grandmother at the rehab center until I was sure that it was something that I wouldn't pass on to her or any of the other patients. To make sure six hours of my New Year's Eve were spent at the hospital. Nothing major, I got a steriod shot in the bootie, a prescription for something to help with the itching and picked up some Benadryl. Let me tell you I am soooo happy that I went because I couldn't imagine taking that plane ride this morning and itching all over.
Well enough of that, as you can see I was miserable so I didn't get much sleep last night, but I did wake up this morning and I was good as new. I had to wake up at 4 am to make the trip home. So you can imagine how upset I was when I got to the luggage area to find out that my sister didn't come and get me and noone can seem to get ahold of her. GRRRR! So as I am sitting in the airport wondering who the hell is going to pick me up (I couldn't get ahold of anyone) I considered taking a cab ride home; luckily I don't live too far away.
The next thing I know my cell phone is ringing, so I answer it. I is a friend of our family (actually one of my sister's ex-boyfriends) and he said, "hey were are you at?"
I responded, "I'm at the airport where are you?"
"I'm at the airport too."
"Wow, what are you doing at the airport?" As the words came out of my mouth I was thinking to myself what a coincidence, what are the chances that he would be at the airport and call me at the exact time that I am sitting here trying to find a ride.
"I got a text message that said you needed a ride home from the airport." Ahhh, the moment of clarity, and I thought it was an amazing coincidence.
Either way I was happy to get a ride home, and glad that it he was less than ten minutes away from me when he got the text, a text that my nephew sent him. So I managed to get a ride home, but then I had another challenge. My other nephew was house sitting for me but when I called home nobody answered the phone. So I'm thinking to myself, great I finally get a ride home and now I probably won't even be able to get in because I left the housekeys with him. GEEZ! Lucky for me though he was home, the phone was just dead from being off the charger.
Shortly after this I got into my car and it wouldn't start. The battery was dead. Luckily my sister had her car at my house and my nephew had the keys so I used her car to charge my battery.
Okay, right now I am just waiting for something good to happen. I mean with everything going wrong today, my luck has to turn around some time. I'm hoping it is soon.
I am hoping that this isn't a taste of what the New Year has in store for me. If so I'll think I'll rewind back to 2006 and try it again.
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