Life's Funny Like That--A Celebration!

Hurray for Debby! She's about to conquer the Chemo Dragon!

(I tried to copy a picture of a woman fighting a dragon with sword and shield. I'm not that good, apparently at doing computer things as I'd like--but the thought was good!)

Cue music: Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music!

When some of us began the trip into blogging, we didn't realize that we'd form bonds of friendship that would cross continents and oceans . . .

BUT . . .

Life's Funny Like That!

And here we are, in a virtual party that Bush Babe's wonderful and fun brain cooked up for those of us who've come to know Debby--and each other--through the blog world! So glad we get to party with you, Debby!

Congratulations, Friend Debby!

Have a whopping good time this weekend with Dylan and Dixie laughing your heads off together!

(I wish my cool picture of balloons had worked too!)

Today is Thursday

There is so much going on in the world lately that I've been kind of plugged into news reports. Mind boggling disasters in Australia, record temperatures (high and low) all over the map, ice storms in Kentucky. What to do? What to do? I take a large breath, consider all the confusion and difficulties and think: God is still in His heaven. He is still watching over everything. I trust Him completely--most of the time.

Then comes the hard part: What am I going to do to assist Him in doing His work? Will I be kinder today to everyone I come in contact with? Will I try harder to spend my time more wisely? Will I be less critical of others? Will my conversations with Him be more listening on my part for the directions and guidance I need? Will my heart break with contrition for those things I do that I know I shouldn't? OR should be doing and don't? Will I ponder deeply at the wonder of the incomprehensible atoning sacrifice of the Savior of the world and then feel more deeply how committed He was to providing the way back home for me? Do my words reflect my heart's desires, or my actions reflect what I know is right?

Each day is a clean page on which to write. God is watching. I cannot hide from Him. I want my history to be something He will be happy to accept whenever I happen to meet Him again.

Faith has always seemed a constant in my life. Faith in Jesus Christ is essential. Do I struggle? Oh, yeah! Are there times when I don't or haven't known what/how I would deal with this or that huge challenge? Absolutely! Do I get discouraged sometimes. You bet. However, I know that when I open the Scriptures and look and compare what they contain, His Spirit speaks to me and gives me comfort, guidance and hope. Sometimes reading the Scriptures brings up more questions. Often, after having read a certain passage I know I've read many times before, I find new light and new understanding. That's one of the things I love most about reading the Scriptures. They aren't stagnant. They're as fresh today as they were when they were first penned by God's holy prophets.

One of my most favorite Scriptures ever is Proverbs 3:5-6---

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I can't tell you the comfort those 27 words have been to me over the past 30 years!

How do you deal with the roiling challenges that confront you every day? What keeps you sane and hopeful? Or, do you have challenges like that?

Changes Are Happening

Since we are (still) in the first month of this new 2009 year, I’ve been contemplating changes I need to approach/adopt in my life. Nothing terribly dramatic, mind you, but changes going in a forward rather than reverse motion, or even status quo.

First: My house is disorganized.
Second: My housekeeping is disorganized and sporadic.
Third: Well, those two pretty much cover a lot of ground.

Apparently, it takes me a little longer to work up a head of steam now a days, so it’s nearly the end of the first month and I’m just now getting into doing things about organizing and being more practical with my time/resources.

Last week, I worked up a two week menu plan. (Today I finished another two week menu.) Since it was sort of the middle of the week when I started and my menu sheet begins on a Sunday, I just filled in the meals already made on the appropriate days, then moved on to plan for the remainder of the two week period. Perhaps I should mention that frugality is a portion of the impetus for this leap in planning. I knew I had nearly two weeks of meals to plan before payday and didn’t want to run to buy groceries anyway. That was primarily due to the fact that I’ve developed a huge aversion to shopping for groceries any more with prices having increased by leaps and bounds over the past several months. I’ve always tried to “stock up” on basics and canned goods, just cause, so my pantry wasn’t hurting too badly.

Prior to actually deciding what to put on the menu, I was forced to actually inventory my freezers to learn precisely what kinds of meat and how much of each I had to work with. (My freezers consist of the two units that are part of the two refrigerators we own. Nothing so fine as a proper deep freeze.)

The great thing about actually planning a menu ahead of time—and this was part of my design—was that you can plan ahead when and what of your leftovers you can use. Like the hamburger vegetable soup leftovers were a little on the scant side of things, but the penne rigate with marinara sauce blended together was a nice mix, especially when combined with leftover crusty Italian bread.

So, it’s been a week—and all of you who are menu planning pros my hat’s off to you—it’s been great! I know in the morning, or the night or afternoon before what I’m going to fix for supper on a given night! No last minute panic about what to fix for supper! Hurray! And planning to use leftovers is an added bonus because I don’t forget about them—like I sometimes, too often, used to. Savings all the way around!

That’s one of the most fun changes I’ve made. Another fun change I’ve made . . . I’ve cut back on my sweets intake. There are actually days I don’t even think about eating something sweet after supper. And, also, I’ve gotten back to walking (on a treadmill) for about 30 minutes every other day. And I’m SOOOOO happy to report that I’ve lost 8 pounds since Christmas AND I’m back in my size 12 jeans. Which is great! I no longer look like a sixty year old woman who might be 8 months pregnant.

Additionally, I’ve made a chart to track my household chores and other necessary activities—indicating the days I should plan to do certain things and also check them off when done.

It occurred to me that since I have no children living at home now I’ve gotten a bit soft about taking care of things. When any or all of my kids were here 24/7 I had my work cut out. So many demands with their own time schedules. Even when down to my youngest being the only one at home and in his sophomore year of high school, I began teaching a Seminary class Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 am for students in 9th to 12th grades. Every day school was in session, Seminary class was held. I truly enjoyed having that opportunity, which lasted for 5 ½ years. So I had a schedule because of my responsibilities. I got up at 5 am each day and went about my business. Those of you who raise cattle and the like, don’t snicker too much, please! I know you’re so much busier than I! Getting up at 5 am is probably sleeping in for you.

I was having some health issues and felt the early morning challenge was part of the problem, so just a year ago this week I was called to teach college age students instead. We meet one night each week, each semester. I’m loving this opportunity. I was pretty much blown away by that challenge when it came, but I truly love studying the Scriptures and teaching them, so now, I’m in my third semester of doing so. Though I’ve had two years (collectively give or take) of college, I don’t have a degree, so I really have had to work. There’s much I still have to learn, and I expect that when I’m 90, I’ll say something similar to what my Grandmother said to me at that age, “You know, the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know—particularly about the Scriptures.” I was in my 30’s when she told me that. My jaw dropped, but I could really quote her now and it would be an accurate first-hand statement of fact.

With all that said, my schedule now is far more relaxed than it has been for the last 33 years, so I have to work at doing what I should be doing without having lots of little, or not so little, people demanding my time and energy. So, yes. I’ve become a bit of a lump and I’m trying to get over that! Now that I have some new tools in place, I’m feeling a tiny less lump-ish. And I’m smilin’!

Converting Celsius to Fahrenheit

Here's a link to help us all convert Celsius temperature readings to Fahrenheit temperatures or vice versa. Let me know if you like it or not. Thanks!

http://www.wbuf.noaa.gov/tempfc.htm

All Over the Map

Weather. Hmmmm. I suspect that most folks in most locations (USA and much of the rest of the world) are experiencing temperatures and precipitation that is "all over the map." Am I right? Places that are normally cold are experiencing warmer than usual temperatures (at least occasionally). Places that are normally warm are experiencing cooler than usual temperatures (at least occasionally).

For instance: Wednesday this week our high was 57 F/low 26 F
Thursday our high was 74/low 34
Today (Friday) our high is 73/low (predicted) 51
Tomorrow (Saturday) predicted temps are high 51/low 35

Now I don't know how anyone else feels but I'm getting a bit of whiplash. I'm NOT going to ask "what next?" because I firmly believe that our Good Maker will be kind enough to show us (me) just what next might be. (I'm sincerely hoping we have no tsunamis come this far inland. The Gulf of Mexico is more than 100 miles from here. And I hope it stays that way!) I pray we have no freezing rain storms. We experienced that--including no power which corresponded with NO HEAT--for 3 days and nights of 14 degree high temperatures--a little over 20 years ago. I tolerate cold less well now than then. I'm praying for no more hurricanes for a while, too. We've had enough for me (and a host of others who suffered far more than I) for several years. Haven't had a recognizable earthquake around here--at least that I know of--and that's good, too! Fortunately, the ones I experienced in Utah, California and Japan were minor by comparison to what we've recently heard about in other countries.

I'm trying not to complain--only to point out the strange weather behavior--which, for some, wreaks havoc on the health of a large number of people.

Now, not entirely changing subjects, but has anyone ever noticed how the thermostat reading in your home seems incongruous with the outside temperature readings?

What I mean is: IF we set our thermostat to 70 degrees F and the outside temperature is, say, 25 degrees, it simply doesn't feel like 70 degrees in the house! It doesn't feel at all like being outside in 70 degree weather--which I happen to really enjoy! NO! When it's 20's or 30's cold outside and 70 degrees inside, I have to bundle up in several layers and cover up with blankets, quilts, afghans, etc. Then equally disconcerting, is when the very same thermostat is set to the same 70 degree F setting and it's 95 (or more) degrees outside. Again it doesn't feel like the same 70 degrees when it was 25 degrees outside! The ceiling fans will be on, I'll be dressed in far fewer layers of clothing; blankets, etc. will be no where close to me and I'll be wiping perspiration from my brow! (And just to let you know, most of the time in the summer months we do keep the thermostat closer to 78-80 degrees.)

Just as an aside, my husband has continually contested the accuracy of any and all thermostats wherever we happen to be. Just to check the accuracy of our own, I've invested in several other little room thermometers. Unfortunately for his perspective, they all agree. He's convinced they're all wrong. Yes, each and every one of them. I'm convinced it has something to do with perceived temperature and actual temperature. Then, top that with what level of physical activity we're experiencing at any given moment.

And that's not to mention hot flashes. They're an entirely different entity. If you experience them, you know what I'm talking about. If not, well . . . Maybe one day you'll be so blessed to have first hand experience. For you, I hope it is a brief encounter. My stint with this blessing has been on-going for more than 20 years, if I remember accurately. Let's see: My young son is almost 22. The hot flashes started not long after his birth . . . My OB said, "Naw. Not hot flashes--you're just about 40 and having to run after a toddler. That's all." I'm afraid that explanation doesn't hold water now. Actually, it didn't then either, as far as I was concerned!

So, just to be sure you understand: I'm not complaining about the weather. It will ALWAYS change. Sooner or later, it will change. Residents in several locals will say, "Hey, if you don't like the weather here, just wait five minutes." It's all good! I'm still smilin'--and because it's so warm today, my smile isn't frozen on my face. Either.

Blessings to all you who are freezing as well as to all you who are melting with the weather you're currently experiencing. I promise, it will change. Sometime! Don't know when, but it will change!

New Dental Tools

Look what I found! I was browsing the "Toothbrush/Toothpaste" aisle a few days ago and found this nifty little box of "dental tools." I think this container of 8 "brush/picks" cost around $3.00. I have several crowns (on my molars) and a bridge, so I'm constantly having issues with food getting uncomfortably stuck between my teeth. I've carried dental floss with me for years to dislodge the offending bits of food and use it quickly after eating. But, I'm always searching for something more easily managed.

Before going to bed last night, I thought: you've got this new tool, why not try it out? So, I did. I like it! I've not yet worked on the "brush" part yet, but I shall. I think the "brush" end will work more easily on the backs of teeth spaces than the "pick" end did for me.

According to label instructions, these nifty little tools can be rinsed after use and replaced (I believe they mean discarded) when the bristles are worn. AND, as you can see, they come in a convenient little plastic case (with a small mirror on the back of the case--which I didn't make available for you to see. Sorry.) to tuck in a pocket or purse for when you're on the go.

So, check it out. I'm really excited that someone (over at DenTek I'm guessing) came up with this ingenious package of dental tools!

My Mom

This is my Mom.

She's almost 82. Her hair color is natural, which she's very proud of--particularly since her four younger siblings all "went white" long ago. In fact, her only sister--12 years her junior--began going white at 17 and was completely white by 35. I love my Mom. She was really good to me and taught me many things of value as I grew up. She had her problems, as everyone does, but now, since she's been a widow for just over ten years, she's really struggling with the changes that have come into her life. (In this picture--taken back in July 2008--she's listening intently to my oldest brother telling her something at family gathering.) I mean no disrespect to my Mother in any way, as I mention some of the issues she's dealing with currently. Age and changes in one's life often are met with resistance. We're all human, of course, and meet these challenges differently.

There are several negative things I’ve seen that seem to be fairly consistent in elderly people I’ve encountered over the years. Some are family members, some are not.

As their bodies and minds age creating a multitude of physical limitations, they regress somewhat in taking responsibility for themselves—while demanding others do things they should be doing for themselves.

• They become very ego-centric
• They fight those family members who try the most to help them
• They often refuse to do those things that would most help them live a fuller, healthier life
• They become petulant
• They complain about their family members, yet . . .
• They smile more and are far more compliant for “therapists” and doctors—while those individuals are with them face-to-face
• They can only hear what they want—amazing selective hearing properties (similar to our children)
• They feel neglected and useless
• They become easily discouraged and despondent with their physical limitations
  

However, we’ve all seen elderly people who are full of life and “vim and vigor”. My Mother’s father was one of those. Suffering with macular degeneration didn’t hold him back from going bowling 3 to 5 times a week. He’d been involved in bowling most of his adult life, I suppose, and was league secretary for three different leagues simultaneously—while his vision held out. When I spoke with him one day, he said, “You know, I bowled a 300 today!” “Wow, Grandpa, that’s amazing!” I said. He had a good belly laugh and then continued, “Yeah. It took me three games of 100 each, but I bowled a 300!”

Grandpa was 93 when he died, and was only bed ridden the last 2 or 3 months of his life after suffering a heart-attack. My Grandma lived to be 96, and died not long before Grandpa.

So, some elderly folks embrace life to its fullest, even though hampered by some physical limitations—like my Grandpa, who was legally blind for years, but still went bowling 3 days a week! He always enjoyed life and interacting with people.

After my step-father died ten years ago, Mom’s become more and more reclusive and far less independent. She’s had a lot of struggles in her life—two unhappy marriages before her third, very happy marriage are just part of the whole picture, I suppose.

So, if you have parents that are aging (look out, my dear off-spring), try to encourage them early on to stay physically/emotionally/intellectually active and inter-connected with you and your families. And the old golden rule applies: “Do for them what you’d like them to do for you.” Okay, whether you’re the child or parent or anyone else for that matter, that rule of thumb works very well. And pray a lot for guidance and good health and wisdom--for them and yourselves!

And y’all have a great day. I’m feelin’ good and smilin’!!! (Children, your Dad and I just discussed this last night and we’re going to try very hard to not be difficult for you in 20 years or so from now.) Yeah. Right now you have to take us as we are. Heh, heh.