I saw a man teaching a woman how to ride a bike the other day.
They were 30 years old or so ish.
It was such an uplifting sight.
A definite 'oh yes you can' moment that is now stuck in my head.
I saw them in the park.
The patient instructor and his nervous student were on the grass.
Seems the 'what if I fall / safe landing factor' was well thought out and debated before they began.
So adorable.
I walked pass, unnoticed.
The determined couple was completely absorbed in their lesson.
She was squealing with glee
& he was holding on tight.
Words of encouragement were being whispered in her ear.
"How fun !" I thought as I walked by
& So Darn CUTE.
It was my first go around the park.
I figured the happy pair would do their thing and be long gone by the time I made it back to the learning spot.
& so, I tucked this scene away in my thoughts and continued along.
After a two mile, approximately thirty minute gap I came upon the couple again.
They were still very much involved in the teaching / learning process.
He was handing her encouragement.
She was giggling with excitement.
But, he wasn't holding on quite as tight or as long anymore & she was riding.
Riding in short, interrupted intervals but, riding it was.
YaY for them !
As I walked by, I couldn't help but think ...
Determination.
+
Encouragement.
What a wonderful combination of 'oh yes they did " ! !
:)
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Land of the Duds
I was at my dad's the other day.
Little sister was in town so I scurried over there for some much needed visiting.
I knew Dad was planning on Christmas decorating.
& sure enough, when I arrived, the tree and lights were up and boxes of ornaments were scattered about the living room.
Dad, sister and older brother were hunkered down watching football.
Nobody looked too concerned about the ornaments.
Ok...!
Cool...!
I found a spot and hunkered down too.
Every once in awhile Dad would comment about finishing the tree trimming.
& as the day went on, his hints were becoming more obvious.
Apparently not obvious enough for his children though.
Neither of my siblings or I jumped up to volunteer our ornament hanging services.
My excuse was that I had just finished decorating my own Christmas tree.
Every person has their own, preferred way of hanging ornaments I halfheartedly insisted.
I didn't want to mess with Dad's ornament hanging style.
Yeah.
That's it.
Ornament hanging style.
Dad didn't buy my well thought out excuse.
The hints kept coming.
Finally, after he fed his non-volunteering son and daughters a delicious Sunday meal, Dad said
"I'll do the dishes. You three do the ornaments".
Gee Dad, who knew you were so against ornament hanging ...?
My brother ran for the hills.
He's pretty fast when he sets his mind on something.
It seemed my sister and I were stuck with the festive task.
& so the opening of the ornament boxes began.
Sis and I soon fell into a surprisingly happy little pattern of ornamenting.
It wasn't long until we realized we had put all the not as pretty as the other ornaments toward the back part of the tree.
The part of the Christmas tree nobody notices unless you happen to have your face plastered against the front window.
My sister and I were thrilled that we unintentionally made a little village of not so pretties.
We named our village the Land of the Duds.
YaY Duds !
We soon discovered we had actually formed a few different ornament villages.
The heavier ones, aka The Heavies, live at the bottom of the tree.
The prettier ones, aka The Pretties, are scattered amongst the villages, happily showing off their prettiness.
& the just darn cute ornaments, aka The Just Darn Cutes, are front and center because they are just so darn cute.
We even found a couple of twin ornaments.
We called them The Twins but, separated them.
Figured they could use some time apart.
Eventually, Dad wandered in to check on our ornament hanging skills.
Yes.
He was pleased.
Very pleased.
I think he realized his daughters had created a community of ornament perfection.
YaY for us.
YaY for Christmas tree decorating.
YaY for Christmas....!....
&
Dibs on hanging ornaments for Dad next year.
YaY
:)
Little sister was in town so I scurried over there for some much needed visiting.
I knew Dad was planning on Christmas decorating.
& sure enough, when I arrived, the tree and lights were up and boxes of ornaments were scattered about the living room.
Dad, sister and older brother were hunkered down watching football.
Nobody looked too concerned about the ornaments.
Ok...!
Cool...!
I found a spot and hunkered down too.
Every once in awhile Dad would comment about finishing the tree trimming.
& as the day went on, his hints were becoming more obvious.
Apparently not obvious enough for his children though.
Neither of my siblings or I jumped up to volunteer our ornament hanging services.
My excuse was that I had just finished decorating my own Christmas tree.
Every person has their own, preferred way of hanging ornaments I halfheartedly insisted.
I didn't want to mess with Dad's ornament hanging style.
Yeah.
That's it.
Ornament hanging style.
Dad didn't buy my well thought out excuse.
The hints kept coming.
Finally, after he fed his non-volunteering son and daughters a delicious Sunday meal, Dad said
"I'll do the dishes. You three do the ornaments".
Gee Dad, who knew you were so against ornament hanging ...?
My brother ran for the hills.
He's pretty fast when he sets his mind on something.
It seemed my sister and I were stuck with the festive task.
& so the opening of the ornament boxes began.
Sis and I soon fell into a surprisingly happy little pattern of ornamenting.
It wasn't long until we realized we had put all the not as pretty as the other ornaments toward the back part of the tree.
The part of the Christmas tree nobody notices unless you happen to have your face plastered against the front window.
My sister and I were thrilled that we unintentionally made a little village of not so pretties.
We named our village the Land of the Duds.
YaY Duds !
We soon discovered we had actually formed a few different ornament villages.
The heavier ones, aka The Heavies, live at the bottom of the tree.
The prettier ones, aka The Pretties, are scattered amongst the villages, happily showing off their prettiness.
& the just darn cute ornaments, aka The Just Darn Cutes, are front and center because they are just so darn cute.
We even found a couple of twin ornaments.
We called them The Twins but, separated them.
Figured they could use some time apart.
Eventually, Dad wandered in to check on our ornament hanging skills.
Yes.
He was pleased.
Very pleased.
I think he realized his daughters had created a community of ornament perfection.
YaY for us.
YaY for Christmas tree decorating.
YaY for Christmas....!....
&
Dibs on hanging ornaments for Dad next year.
YaY
:)
Friday, November 28, 2014
Fess Up Full
I ate way, way, waaaaaay too much yesterday.
Portion control ? What's that ?!?
Yes.
It was a holiday but, c'mon ... really ?
Really ??
Really.
I'm sitting here thinking of all the food that entered by body.
Entering once would be enough.
But, it was Thanksgiving and I was very thankful.
I chose to have multiple pieces of everything.
Many multiples pieces.
Coffee cake
Crackers, cheese, pepperoni
Olives, green peppers, carrots
Sauerkraut and sausage
Mashed potatoes
Corn
Fruit Salad
Stuffing
Pie # 1 - pumpkin
Pie # 2 - chocolate
Apple Crisp
Doritos
In hindsight, I'm wondering why I had to throw Doritos into the mix.
It seemed so right last night.
My total calorie count is off the charts I'm sure.
I don't even want to go there.
So, I won't.
Yay.
I usually step on my scale every Friday just to see how the numbers are looking.
Uh.
Not today.
No way.
What's the point of my food consumption confession ?
My Friday Fess Up of course !
I ate everything and then some but, somehow I missed the turkey.
How I missed the main event ...?... I do not know.
But, I did.
Incredibly, my brain is insisting I must find that turkey today.
My belly is saying "Think about fitting into your jeans woman. Think !!"
At the day's end I KNOW I will have found that turkey.
And then some.
Fess. Fess.
:)
Portion control ? What's that ?!?
Yes.
It was a holiday but, c'mon ... really ?
Really ??
Really.
I'm sitting here thinking of all the food that entered by body.
Entering once would be enough.
But, it was Thanksgiving and I was very thankful.
I chose to have multiple pieces of everything.
Many multiples pieces.
Coffee cake
Crackers, cheese, pepperoni
Olives, green peppers, carrots
Sauerkraut and sausage
Mashed potatoes
Corn
Fruit Salad
Stuffing
Pie # 1 - pumpkin
Pie # 2 - chocolate
Apple Crisp
Doritos
In hindsight, I'm wondering why I had to throw Doritos into the mix.
It seemed so right last night.
My total calorie count is off the charts I'm sure.
I don't even want to go there.
So, I won't.
Yay.
I usually step on my scale every Friday just to see how the numbers are looking.
Uh.
Not today.
No way.
What's the point of my food consumption confession ?
My Friday Fess Up of course !
I ate everything and then some but, somehow I missed the turkey.
How I missed the main event ...?... I do not know.
But, I did.
Incredibly, my brain is insisting I must find that turkey today.
My belly is saying "Think about fitting into your jeans woman. Think !!"
At the day's end I KNOW I will have found that turkey.
And then some.
Fess. Fess.
:)
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Push ! 2
I'm so happy !
I donated plasma yesterday and I did not beep.
Not once.
What a relief.
For those who are asking what the heck is she yappin about now ?
Here's a recap....
I donate plasma once a month.
Been donating for about a year now.
I love it.
btw ... I highly recommended a visit to your local blood center....
Give them a pint.
You will be glad you did.
Anyways, the last few times I donated I've caused the plasma ladies all kinds of grief.
Seems my veins are weaklings.
The ladies have a hard time finding a juicy vein and once found, my tiny guy makes the plasma machine beep.
The plasma crew has told me I need more fluids in my system.
I need to push, push, push the fluids.
I've been on a hydrating mission since my last donation.
I have been drinking water like there's no tomorrow.
It wasn't fun but, yesterday it paid off.
I didn't beep.
The plasma ladies were so thrilled !
I let them carry on with their "I told you so's" because they did tell me so.
They told me to push more fluids.
They were right.
All I needed was to push.
Problem solved.
I have become a new, true believer in hydrating.
It's really not all that horrible.
Not like it was those first few 'I can't drink another drop' days...!
My trusty cup of ice water is always by my side & the extra fluids in this body of mine do make me feel better.
The plasma ladies love me now.
Happiness filled that donation center when word got out that the beeper, aka me, didn't beep.
Who'd have figured a non beeping plasma device could cause such joy ...?!?
YaY for Everybody !
The last words I heard as I walked out the door were "Remember to push those fluids for the next time !"
Don't worry plasma ladies.
I'm a believer of the push now
& I feel good !
:)
I donated plasma yesterday and I did not beep.
Not once.
What a relief.
For those who are asking what the heck is she yappin about now ?
Here's a recap....
I donate plasma once a month.
Been donating for about a year now.
I love it.
btw ... I highly recommended a visit to your local blood center....
Give them a pint.
You will be glad you did.
Anyways, the last few times I donated I've caused the plasma ladies all kinds of grief.
Seems my veins are weaklings.
The ladies have a hard time finding a juicy vein and once found, my tiny guy makes the plasma machine beep.
The plasma crew has told me I need more fluids in my system.
I need to push, push, push the fluids.
I've been on a hydrating mission since my last donation.
I have been drinking water like there's no tomorrow.
It wasn't fun but, yesterday it paid off.
I didn't beep.
The plasma ladies were so thrilled !
I let them carry on with their "I told you so's" because they did tell me so.
They told me to push more fluids.
They were right.
All I needed was to push.
Problem solved.
I have become a new, true believer in hydrating.
It's really not all that horrible.
Not like it was those first few 'I can't drink another drop' days...!
My trusty cup of ice water is always by my side & the extra fluids in this body of mine do make me feel better.
The plasma ladies love me now.
Happiness filled that donation center when word got out that the beeper, aka me, didn't beep.
Who'd have figured a non beeping plasma device could cause such joy ...?!?
YaY for Everybody !
The last words I heard as I walked out the door were "Remember to push those fluids for the next time !"
Don't worry plasma ladies.
I'm a believer of the push now
& I feel good !
:)
Monday, November 24, 2014
Blue Dots
There is an insect known as the Emerald Ash Borer.
Google tells me it is a green beetle native to Asia and Eastern Russia.
The Emerald Ash Borer made it's way to America in 2002.
An infestation of these green beetles is highly destructive to ash trees.
I am knowing this info because Emerald Ash Borers have entered my walking world.
Big, blue, spray painted dots color the trees that must be cut down because of that gang of bugs.
Blue dots are everywhere on my walk these days and I don't like it !
My favorite stretch of trees have those ugly dots on them.
They are the best bunch of trees in the park.
Wonderful, proud, reaching to the sky old timers.
It will break my heart to see them go.
Yesterday, my blog words described my respect for the awesome power of nature.
Today ?
I am wondering what the heck point is there to an Emerald Ash Borer....?
I'm very angry at that part of nature.
Why did those thugs have to show up in my happy land and mess with my trees ?!?
why why whyyyyyyyyy ???????
I'll be stewing in this for a few days I'm sure.
That little insect is on my mad list.
& mad I am.
Mad I shall remain.
humph
I'll go to the park today, tomorrow, the next day, next, next and next ...because that's what I do.
& I'm sure I will witness the chopping down of my beloved trees.
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
But, come Spring, I will also witness the planting of the newbies.
I can't be mad at the new guys.
It's not their fault.
And they will be so cute scattered amongst the remaining, giant trees.
So, eventually, I will get over my mad.
Eventually.
Ahhhh.
The slow, steady, wonderful healing process of nature.
You gotta love it.
I sure do.
But, you Mr Emerald Ash Borer ?
It's going to take me a very, very, very long time to love you.
humph.
:)
Google tells me it is a green beetle native to Asia and Eastern Russia.
The Emerald Ash Borer made it's way to America in 2002.
An infestation of these green beetles is highly destructive to ash trees.
I am knowing this info because Emerald Ash Borers have entered my walking world.
Big, blue, spray painted dots color the trees that must be cut down because of that gang of bugs.
Blue dots are everywhere on my walk these days and I don't like it !
My favorite stretch of trees have those ugly dots on them.
They are the best bunch of trees in the park.
Wonderful, proud, reaching to the sky old timers.
It will break my heart to see them go.
Yesterday, my blog words described my respect for the awesome power of nature.
Today ?
I am wondering what the heck point is there to an Emerald Ash Borer....?
I'm very angry at that part of nature.
Why did those thugs have to show up in my happy land and mess with my trees ?!?
why why whyyyyyyyyy ???????
I'll be stewing in this for a few days I'm sure.
That little insect is on my mad list.
& mad I am.
Mad I shall remain.
humph
I'll go to the park today, tomorrow, the next day, next, next and next ...because that's what I do.
& I'm sure I will witness the chopping down of my beloved trees.
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
But, come Spring, I will also witness the planting of the newbies.
I can't be mad at the new guys.
It's not their fault.
And they will be so cute scattered amongst the remaining, giant trees.
So, eventually, I will get over my mad.
Eventually.
Ahhhh.
The slow, steady, wonderful healing process of nature.
You gotta love it.
I sure do.
But, you Mr Emerald Ash Borer ?
It's going to take me a very, very, very long time to love you.
humph.
:)
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Up on the Roof
I was on the roof last week.
The gutters were full of leaves and it's easier to clean them from up there.
It's such a pretty view !
But, I have to admit, I have a few issues when it comes to being on the roof.
Issue # 1
Climbing the ladder.
Climbing a ladder that high scares the you know what out of me.
Climbing up.
Climbing down.
Yikes and Yikes.
Once I get my feet on the flat part of the roof I am fine.
In fact, back when my kids were kids, I let them climb up on the flat roof.
They loved it !
How I let my precious children climb up that long, tall ladder still puzzles me though.
So.
I cleaned the flat roof gutters and all was fine and fun.
....except for the scary ladder part.....
Then it was time for the slanted part of the roof.
I usually clean the slanted roof gutters from down below.
But, for some reason, this year I decided to clean the gutters from above.
That meant venturing onto the slanted roof.
Piece of cake ! I thought to myself before I began venturing.
Issue # 2
The slanted roof.
I was halfway to where I needed to be on the slanted roof when I discovered I was terrified.
It was quite an eye opener.
Yep.
I'd go so far as to call it an epiphany.
Why did I think this was a good idea ??
& NOW what do I do ?!?
I guess you could say I conquered my fear....?
I guess.
I maneuvered my way very, very slowly off the slanted roof.
& I vowed to never, ever do that again.
I made it back to the flat roof and considered doing a dance of joy, until I realized I still had to go down that dreaded ladder.
You'll be happy to know, I survived.
I touched the ground with overwhelming relief.
I was so very proud.
I faced a fear.
Hip Hip Hooray for me !
Come Spring, I will boldly climb back on that roof to clean those gutters yet again.
& I will be big, bad and brave until then.
Bring it, ladder.
I got this.
And you, slanted roof...?
Uh.
ummmmmmm.
I don't think so.
One fear at a time is enough for me.
One deep-seated fear at a time !!
eek.
:)
The gutters were full of leaves and it's easier to clean them from up there.
It's such a pretty view !
But, I have to admit, I have a few issues when it comes to being on the roof.
Issue # 1
Climbing the ladder.
Climbing a ladder that high scares the you know what out of me.
Climbing up.
Climbing down.
Yikes and Yikes.
Once I get my feet on the flat part of the roof I am fine.
In fact, back when my kids were kids, I let them climb up on the flat roof.
They loved it !
How I let my precious children climb up that long, tall ladder still puzzles me though.
So.
I cleaned the flat roof gutters and all was fine and fun.
....except for the scary ladder part.....
Then it was time for the slanted part of the roof.
I usually clean the slanted roof gutters from down below.
But, for some reason, this year I decided to clean the gutters from above.
That meant venturing onto the slanted roof.
Piece of cake ! I thought to myself before I began venturing.
Issue # 2
The slanted roof.
I was halfway to where I needed to be on the slanted roof when I discovered I was terrified.
It was quite an eye opener.
Yep.
I'd go so far as to call it an epiphany.
Why did I think this was a good idea ??
& NOW what do I do ?!?
I guess you could say I conquered my fear....?
I guess.
I maneuvered my way very, very slowly off the slanted roof.
& I vowed to never, ever do that again.
I made it back to the flat roof and considered doing a dance of joy, until I realized I still had to go down that dreaded ladder.
You'll be happy to know, I survived.
I touched the ground with overwhelming relief.
I was so very proud.
I faced a fear.
Hip Hip Hooray for me !
Come Spring, I will boldly climb back on that roof to clean those gutters yet again.
& I will be big, bad and brave until then.
Bring it, ladder.
I got this.
And you, slanted roof...?
Uh.
ummmmmmm.
I don't think so.
One fear at a time is enough for me.
One deep-seated fear at a time !!
eek.
:)
Monday, November 17, 2014
Tailgating
There's nothing better than a tailgate ..!... according to me.
It's Happy Land for sure.
I'm talking a before the game tailgate.
The after game tailgate, win or lose, is a whole nother story.
woo woo
I spent yesterday morning at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL tailgating.
I didn't venture into the game this time.
This was a tailgate only and it was a blast.
It's just so wonderful seeing so many incredibly jolly people united for one cause.
Weeeeee....!
Yes, there is booze as far as the eye can see ...but, there is a togetherness level like no other.
Strangers become instant pals just because they happened to park next to each other.
Hello New Friend.
It's a landscape of joy and laughter.
& every time I experience a tailgate I think ... 'if only' ....
If only life could be this united.
People helping people.
People liking people.
People loving life.
You are my friend and you ARE special !
Now hand me another beer please ...
:)
Bears Baby ! ! ! ! !
It's Happy Land for sure.
I'm talking a before the game tailgate.
The after game tailgate, win or lose, is a whole nother story.
woo woo
I spent yesterday morning at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL tailgating.
I didn't venture into the game this time.
This was a tailgate only and it was a blast.
It's just so wonderful seeing so many incredibly jolly people united for one cause.
Weeeeee....!
Yes, there is booze as far as the eye can see ...but, there is a togetherness level like no other.
Strangers become instant pals just because they happened to park next to each other.
Hello New Friend.
It's a landscape of joy and laughter.
& every time I experience a tailgate I think ... 'if only' ....
If only life could be this united.
People helping people.
People liking people.
People loving life.
You are my friend and you ARE special !
Now hand me another beer please ...
:)
Bears Baby ! ! ! ! !
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Push !
I've been donating plasma for a few months now.
What started out as a vow to regularly donate blood has ventured into regularly donating plasma.
I am loving this once a month gig.
I go.
They hook me up to a fancy device.
The device takes out my yellow stuff (plasma) and returns my red stuff.
I eat cookies and orange juice.
I go home.
It's very easy & it only takes an hour or so.
The donating place is happy.
I'm happy.
All is right with the world.
YaY.
Until recently ...
They will never admit it but, I think I'm making the plasma ladies squirm.
The plasma ladies tell me that I have very, very tiny veins.
In fact, one gal said I had no veins at all.
Yep.
I am a veinless plasma donator.
The ladies are having a difficult time with me these days.
Apparently, a juicy vein is hard to find.
But, they do find one.
They always find one.
The plasma crew are very friendly, patient professionals.
After a good vein is found, the ladies rev up the plasma machine.
It's very cool.
Whoever created this device has a lot of brain power.
So there I am.
All hooked up and everything is looking good.
I'm oh ! so ready to hand over my plasma and they are oh ! so ready to receive my plasma
...... and .......
.......and .......
The device says stop.
For whatever reason lately, that device ALWAYS tells the ladies to stop.
STOP ! RIGHT ! NOW !!
BEEP BEEP BEEP.
STOP.
EVERYTHING.
I have become the veinless beeper.
The plasma lady in charge will walk over and ever so calmly and nicely de-beep the machine.
Last time she had to de-beep multiple times.
oops.
She usually asks if I am hydrated.
Or, as she puts it, have I 'pushed fluids' ?
Seems it is very important to be very hydrated especially when donating plasma.
I tell her I am !
I do !
I hydrate.
I push fluids.
Honest.
I do.
I don't think the plasma ladies believe me.
I'm a beeper, ya know.
So.
I am now on a mission.
A Hydrating Mission.
I am hydrating like no one has ever hydrated before.
I am a hydrating machine.
I'm not only pushing fluids, I'm pulling them too.
Fluids fluids and more fluids .... ! ...
ugh.
& just between you and me ...?
I'm beginning to despise fluids.
I want to stop so bad....!
I want my 'not hydrating as much as I should' days back.
I can't take another drop.
I can't.
But, I won't stop.
I will continue my mission.
I must carry on.
My goal is to walk into the donating center with the biggest, juiciest veins those ladies have ever seen.
They will be so pleasantly pleased ...!
No longer will I be known as the beeping no vein girl.
I will be the Ultimate Hydrator.
The Fab Fluid Pusher.
Big Juicy Vein Jacki.
oy
I hope.
Unless I bobble away in the process....
:)
What started out as a vow to regularly donate blood has ventured into regularly donating plasma.
I am loving this once a month gig.
I go.
They hook me up to a fancy device.
The device takes out my yellow stuff (plasma) and returns my red stuff.
I eat cookies and orange juice.
I go home.
It's very easy & it only takes an hour or so.
The donating place is happy.
I'm happy.
All is right with the world.
YaY.
Until recently ...
They will never admit it but, I think I'm making the plasma ladies squirm.
The plasma ladies tell me that I have very, very tiny veins.
In fact, one gal said I had no veins at all.
Yep.
I am a veinless plasma donator.
The ladies are having a difficult time with me these days.
Apparently, a juicy vein is hard to find.
But, they do find one.
They always find one.
The plasma crew are very friendly, patient professionals.
After a good vein is found, the ladies rev up the plasma machine.
It's very cool.
Whoever created this device has a lot of brain power.
So there I am.
All hooked up and everything is looking good.
I'm oh ! so ready to hand over my plasma and they are oh ! so ready to receive my plasma
...... and .......
.......and .......
The device says stop.
For whatever reason lately, that device ALWAYS tells the ladies to stop.
STOP ! RIGHT ! NOW !!
BEEP BEEP BEEP.
STOP.
EVERYTHING.
I have become the veinless beeper.
The plasma lady in charge will walk over and ever so calmly and nicely de-beep the machine.
Last time she had to de-beep multiple times.
oops.
She usually asks if I am hydrated.
Or, as she puts it, have I 'pushed fluids' ?
Seems it is very important to be very hydrated especially when donating plasma.
I tell her I am !
I do !
I hydrate.
I push fluids.
Honest.
I do.
I don't think the plasma ladies believe me.
I'm a beeper, ya know.
So.
I am now on a mission.
A Hydrating Mission.
I am hydrating like no one has ever hydrated before.
I am a hydrating machine.
I'm not only pushing fluids, I'm pulling them too.
Fluids fluids and more fluids .... ! ...
ugh.
& just between you and me ...?
I'm beginning to despise fluids.
I want to stop so bad....!
I want my 'not hydrating as much as I should' days back.
I can't take another drop.
I can't.
But, I won't stop.
I will continue my mission.
I must carry on.
My goal is to walk into the donating center with the biggest, juiciest veins those ladies have ever seen.
They will be so pleasantly pleased ...!
No longer will I be known as the beeping no vein girl.
I will be the Ultimate Hydrator.
The Fab Fluid Pusher.
Big Juicy Vein Jacki.
oy
I hope.
Unless I bobble away in the process....
:)
Monday, November 3, 2014
Improving
As I was driving the other day, headed for a weekend with family, my mind wandered upon many things.
The songs on the radio.
Did I remember to do this or that before I left ?
People.
Places.
But, I kept coming back to one thing in particular - Me.
& the things I need to do to improve me.
Things like self promotion.
I stink at self promotion.
I'm not good at the 'Look at me !' thing at all.
I write my words, throw them out into the world, then run for cover.
Shine that spotlight on me and I'll be hiding in the corner.
I have to get more of a 'my stuff is good !' attitude and start selling myself.
hey ....no naughty thoughts, please ....
Another thing I need to improve upon is boldness.
I have none.
I will step up if I have to step up but, I won't be the first.
I won't say 'Pick Me !'
Nope.
I'll be the extra person you MIGHT need.
I must have been in the shy line when they passed out bold.
oops.
I have to get better at speaking my mind too.
Lots of times I don't.
I just tuck the thoughts away and I don't say what I'm really, REALLY thinking.
But ...I'm also a Taurus.
They say it's not wise to get a Taurus mad.
& it's true.
It might take me a very long while to get pushed to a brink but, once I'm there..
Yep.
Yikes.
Stuart Smalley of Saturday Night Live, used to say "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and doggone it, people like me."
Well, by golly Stuart Smalley, you are right !
Starting today, I am going to self promote, be BOLD, and SPEAK UP !!
Ooooooooo ...watch out world !
Here comes the brand new, big talking, no holding back ME !
Here I come ....!....
Ummmm.
Maybe not.
Slow, quiet and steady has always worked for me.
& things always work out.
The new improved me will happen.
Is happening.
I may be moving at a snail's pace but, it's happening.
Oh, yes it is.
:)
The songs on the radio.
Did I remember to do this or that before I left ?
People.
Places.
But, I kept coming back to one thing in particular - Me.
& the things I need to do to improve me.
Things like self promotion.
I stink at self promotion.
I'm not good at the 'Look at me !' thing at all.
I write my words, throw them out into the world, then run for cover.
Shine that spotlight on me and I'll be hiding in the corner.
I have to get more of a 'my stuff is good !' attitude and start selling myself.
hey ....no naughty thoughts, please ....
Another thing I need to improve upon is boldness.
I have none.
I will step up if I have to step up but, I won't be the first.
I won't say 'Pick Me !'
Nope.
I'll be the extra person you MIGHT need.
I must have been in the shy line when they passed out bold.
oops.
I have to get better at speaking my mind too.
Lots of times I don't.
I just tuck the thoughts away and I don't say what I'm really, REALLY thinking.
But ...I'm also a Taurus.
They say it's not wise to get a Taurus mad.
& it's true.
It might take me a very long while to get pushed to a brink but, once I'm there..
Yep.
Yikes.
Stuart Smalley of Saturday Night Live, used to say "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and doggone it, people like me."
Well, by golly Stuart Smalley, you are right !
Starting today, I am going to self promote, be BOLD, and SPEAK UP !!
Ooooooooo ...watch out world !
Here comes the brand new, big talking, no holding back ME !
Here I come ....!....
Ummmm.
Maybe not.
Slow, quiet and steady has always worked for me.
& things always work out.
The new improved me will happen.
Is happening.
I may be moving at a snail's pace but, it's happening.
Oh, yes it is.
:)
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Miscellaneous
I've noticed some random, curious things on my walks lately.
I must write them down and share.
Welcome to Miscellaneous ...
I've lost count on how many adults I've seen learning / trying to roller blade.
All wobbly and scared looking.
Some are by themselves but, most have a confident friend by their side.
It is awesome.
I want to High Five ! each and every single one of them and say "YOU GOOOOO !!".
I just smile instead.
They are nervous but, they are trying something new.
YaY for them !
I had an older man wish me a "Good Afternoon" the other day.
I can't tell you the last time I was wished a Good Afternoon.
Good Morning.
Good Night.
Yep & Yep.
But, Good Afternoon ?
It's been forever.
fyi ...
I had a very good afternoon after I heard those words.
Thanks nice man !
I walked passed a mom and her baby recently.
Baby was in a stroller. Mom was on a power walking mission.
Baby was happily kicking and looking around.
As we passed each other that baby stopped.
Just stopped.
She looked straight at me and gave me the biggest smile.
It was like I was in slow motion.
Baby playing. Baby stops everything. Baby looks at me. Baby smiles.
That's a sign.
All is right.
All is good.
I get it baby....!
I saw Wicker Walk Man.
I haven't seen him in a very long time.
For those who may be wondering ...
Yes.
He looked, I smiled, he looked away.
Nice to know some things never change !
And last but, definitely not least ...
There are two black squirrels.
Apparently, when black squirrel #1 broke out the other night he was just leaving to get the Mrs.
I hope to see little baby black squirrels soon.
I anticipate their adorableness.
Don't ya love it ?!?
I know I do.
Here's to more miscellaneous this and that's.
&
Here's to a Happy Day !!
:)
I must write them down and share.
Welcome to Miscellaneous ...
I've lost count on how many adults I've seen learning / trying to roller blade.
All wobbly and scared looking.
Some are by themselves but, most have a confident friend by their side.
It is awesome.
I want to High Five ! each and every single one of them and say "YOU GOOOOO !!".
I just smile instead.
They are nervous but, they are trying something new.
YaY for them !
I had an older man wish me a "Good Afternoon" the other day.
I can't tell you the last time I was wished a Good Afternoon.
Good Morning.
Good Night.
Yep & Yep.
But, Good Afternoon ?
It's been forever.
fyi ...
I had a very good afternoon after I heard those words.
Thanks nice man !
I walked passed a mom and her baby recently.
Baby was in a stroller. Mom was on a power walking mission.
Baby was happily kicking and looking around.
As we passed each other that baby stopped.
Just stopped.
She looked straight at me and gave me the biggest smile.
It was like I was in slow motion.
Baby playing. Baby stops everything. Baby looks at me. Baby smiles.
That's a sign.
All is right.
All is good.
I get it baby....!
I saw Wicker Walk Man.
I haven't seen him in a very long time.
For those who may be wondering ...
Yes.
He looked, I smiled, he looked away.
Nice to know some things never change !
And last but, definitely not least ...
There are two black squirrels.
Apparently, when black squirrel #1 broke out the other night he was just leaving to get the Mrs.
I hope to see little baby black squirrels soon.
I anticipate their adorableness.
Don't ya love it ?!?
I know I do.
Here's to more miscellaneous this and that's.
&
Here's to a Happy Day !!
:)
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
After This
I've been reading about the afterlife these days.
It fascinates me.
What happens after this ?
I remember taking classes in college about death, dying and such.
These were classes I wanted to take not required or easy credit.
I found the topic so very interesting even back in the day.
But, life suddenly happened.
I got busy.
My afterlife questions got put on the shelf.
Until recently.
Now I can't seem to get enough.
The questions keep coming.
I'd say I've awakened.
So in my quest for knowledge I've stumbled across a few past life / reincarnation books.
& it makes me wonder.
My first reaction to any confrontation is to hide.
Cover up and hide and it will go away.
I've always been this way.
Don't know why.
The thought of being under an overpass especially if a train is sitting on that overpass = absolutely terrifying.
Ooooh, it really makes me wonder.
Cutting the grass, raking leaves, stacking wood and shoveling snow.
I ADORE that kind of stuff....!
Even little things like colors (orange !), vegetables (broccoli), days of the week (I love Tuesdays).
or
The feeling I get when I pick up my guitar to practice my strumming.
or
My never ending obsession with trees, clouds and nature.
I'm finding things in me that I didn't even know were there.
& it's awesome.
So yes.
I do wonder.
I do wonder a lot.
Past lives ?
Reincarnation ?
Maybe / maybe not.
But ...it makes sense to me.
Because it's helping me make sense of me.
I am finding my answers.
I'm finding me.
I think I'll keep wondering.
:)
It fascinates me.
What happens after this ?
I remember taking classes in college about death, dying and such.
These were classes I wanted to take not required or easy credit.
I found the topic so very interesting even back in the day.
But, life suddenly happened.
I got busy.
My afterlife questions got put on the shelf.
Until recently.
Now I can't seem to get enough.
The questions keep coming.
I'd say I've awakened.
So in my quest for knowledge I've stumbled across a few past life / reincarnation books.
& it makes me wonder.
My first reaction to any confrontation is to hide.
Cover up and hide and it will go away.
I've always been this way.
Don't know why.
The thought of being under an overpass especially if a train is sitting on that overpass = absolutely terrifying.
Ooooh, it really makes me wonder.
Cutting the grass, raking leaves, stacking wood and shoveling snow.
I ADORE that kind of stuff....!
Even little things like colors (orange !), vegetables (broccoli), days of the week (I love Tuesdays).
or
The feeling I get when I pick up my guitar to practice my strumming.
or
My never ending obsession with trees, clouds and nature.
I'm finding things in me that I didn't even know were there.
& it's awesome.
So yes.
I do wonder.
I do wonder a lot.
Past lives ?
Reincarnation ?
Maybe / maybe not.
But ...it makes sense to me.
Because it's helping me make sense of me.
I am finding my answers.
I'm finding me.
I think I'll keep wondering.
:)
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Forrest & Friends
I've seen a black squirrel on my walks lately.
That's unusual for these parts.
We have grey ones.
And yes, they are cute in their grey little way but, have you ever seen a black squirrel ?!?
Adorable.
People walking the trail will stop dead in their tracks and say "Hey ! There's a black squirrel !"
It's that cool.
Pictures have been taken.
Crowds are gathering.
He's reached celebrity status.
My dad walks the trail in the mornings so I asked if he had seen the black squirrel yet.
I think he thought I needed new glasses.
"A black squirrel...?! ....there's no black squirrels in these parts..."
Then he saw the little guy.
He believes.
So as I'm walking by the black squirrel the other day I see him sneakingly crawl under the fence and head for the main road.
Breaking out of the joint is what he was doing.
I wanted to stop him and tell him the woes of life in the big city.
& as I thought "Come back" in my Rose / Titanic voice, he scurried away.
Maybe fame was just too much for him to handle.
There will always be a home for you at our park little black squirrel.
I continued walking.
There is a man who runs the path.
I see him quite often.
He looks like Forrest Gump so that's what I've named him in my head.
Forrest and I usually travel in the opposite direction but, lately he has shaken things up.
He's a counterclockwise guy now.
So Forrest runs by me.
He nods his head my way like he does.
Immediately after Forrest passes me a fawn darts out of the woods and follows him.
Forrest had no idea that a fawn was gleefully running behind him.
But, I did.
It was awesome !
I grabbed my phone to take a picture but, my fumbling fingers weren't fast enough.
The moment was gone.
darn.
I continued walking.
Happy critter thoughts were now in my head.
As I finished my walk it hit me ....
A man named Forrest
A lovestruck fawn
&
A runaway celebrity squirrel.
There HAS to be a sign, story or song in there somewhere !
:)
That's unusual for these parts.
We have grey ones.
And yes, they are cute in their grey little way but, have you ever seen a black squirrel ?!?
Adorable.
People walking the trail will stop dead in their tracks and say "Hey ! There's a black squirrel !"
It's that cool.
Pictures have been taken.
Crowds are gathering.
He's reached celebrity status.
My dad walks the trail in the mornings so I asked if he had seen the black squirrel yet.
I think he thought I needed new glasses.
"A black squirrel...?! ....there's no black squirrels in these parts..."
Then he saw the little guy.
He believes.
So as I'm walking by the black squirrel the other day I see him sneakingly crawl under the fence and head for the main road.
Breaking out of the joint is what he was doing.
I wanted to stop him and tell him the woes of life in the big city.
& as I thought "Come back" in my Rose / Titanic voice, he scurried away.
Maybe fame was just too much for him to handle.
There will always be a home for you at our park little black squirrel.
I continued walking.
There is a man who runs the path.
I see him quite often.
He looks like Forrest Gump so that's what I've named him in my head.
Forrest and I usually travel in the opposite direction but, lately he has shaken things up.
He's a counterclockwise guy now.
So Forrest runs by me.
He nods his head my way like he does.
Immediately after Forrest passes me a fawn darts out of the woods and follows him.
Forrest had no idea that a fawn was gleefully running behind him.
But, I did.
It was awesome !
I grabbed my phone to take a picture but, my fumbling fingers weren't fast enough.
The moment was gone.
darn.
I continued walking.
Happy critter thoughts were now in my head.
As I finished my walk it hit me ....
A man named Forrest
A lovestruck fawn
&
A runaway celebrity squirrel.
There HAS to be a sign, story or song in there somewhere !
:)
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Must Do
Here is a list of things I should do today :
Clean the bathroom.
icky
Organize the pool stuff in the garage.
aka organize the whole garage
ouch
Prepare the wood stove for the cold days that are already here.
but I don't wanna ...!
Rake the leaves and other outside stuff.
tomorrow tomorrow I love you tomorrow
My daily, miscellaneous this and thats
I'm told I'm the Queen of Dilly-Dally but, I'm also quite good at lollygagging.
Ok.
Now, here is a list of things I want to do today :
Hide upstairs and write.
the words keep floating around in this head of mine
Get back to business with Mandy and Nate.
Mandy = my guitar
Nate = my online guitar lesson guy
Finish the book I'm reading.
it's so good !
Wicker Walk.
ahhhhhhhh.
What to do....? ...What to do .....?
Hmmmmmm.
Here is a list of what will probably be my today :
Get sidetracked by something or someone and get a grand total of nothing done.
it's true
Except my walk.
My walk is my must.
My walk is my happy heart !
Yep.
I may have a big ol pile of To Dos to do but, I just gotta do what I gotta do.
Happy ! Happy !
:)
Clean the bathroom.
icky
Organize the pool stuff in the garage.
aka organize the whole garage
ouch
Prepare the wood stove for the cold days that are already here.
but I don't wanna ...!
Rake the leaves and other outside stuff.
tomorrow tomorrow I love you tomorrow
My daily, miscellaneous this and thats
I'm told I'm the Queen of Dilly-Dally but, I'm also quite good at lollygagging.
Ok.
Now, here is a list of things I want to do today :
Hide upstairs and write.
the words keep floating around in this head of mine
Get back to business with Mandy and Nate.
Mandy = my guitar
Nate = my online guitar lesson guy
Finish the book I'm reading.
it's so good !
Wicker Walk.
ahhhhhhhh.
What to do....? ...What to do .....?
Hmmmmmm.
Here is a list of what will probably be my today :
Get sidetracked by something or someone and get a grand total of nothing done.
it's true
Except my walk.
My walk is my must.
My walk is my happy heart !
Yep.
I may have a big ol pile of To Dos to do but, I just gotta do what I gotta do.
Happy ! Happy !
:)
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
My Dream
I usually know what I'm going to write by the time I start writing every morning.
Today ?
I got nothing.
Just nothing.
I had a keeper of a dream though.
So ...
I will write about my dream.
Before I tell my dream I need to say that I've been looking for signs lately.
I'm big on signs.
Signs that let me know I'm on the right path.
Signs that keep me on track.
Either I'm not noticing or I'm not getting cause there have been no signs noticed for quite awhile.
Rats.
So.
My dream.
I got a phone call.
The person on the other side of the phone was very, very excited.
She said the jingle
(yes, jingle)
I had written was chosen by some so and so to be THE jingle of their radio station.
My jingle was perfect.
It was awesome.
I need to come to the radio station located in Chicago to sing the jingle.
(yes, sing)
Be there on Friday.
This is the best jingle ever and I will sound terrific when I sing it.
She was VERY enthusiastic.
"OK !"
"YES ! I'LL BE THERE !"
"YAY ! for me and my jingle !" I said all happy and content.
"Goodbye ! See you on Friday !"
Suddenly, there were unfamiliar people standing all around me.
Most were nice but, some were very grumpy.
I kept looking for a familiar face when I spotted a friend of mine.
I went up to my friend and started freaking out.
I kept saying things like "I can't do this " and "I can't even sing !".
And the thought of going to that radio station to sing my jingle on Friday turned to terror in my head.
It was like I was in a horror movie.
I gotta get outta here !!!!
EEK
My friend quietly stood in all my panic and chaos and kept calmly repeating "Whatever you do, don't give up."
Over and over.
Whatever you do, don't give up.
Then I woke up.
Now that I've had a cup of coffee and time to think, I believe I got the sign I've been wanting.
Thanks, friend.
Whatever I do, I won't give up.
:)
Not sure what I'll do about singing that jingle on Friday though ...
Today ?
I got nothing.
Just nothing.
I had a keeper of a dream though.
So ...
I will write about my dream.
Before I tell my dream I need to say that I've been looking for signs lately.
I'm big on signs.
Signs that let me know I'm on the right path.
Signs that keep me on track.
Either I'm not noticing or I'm not getting cause there have been no signs noticed for quite awhile.
Rats.
So.
My dream.
I got a phone call.
The person on the other side of the phone was very, very excited.
She said the jingle
(yes, jingle)
I had written was chosen by some so and so to be THE jingle of their radio station.
My jingle was perfect.
It was awesome.
I need to come to the radio station located in Chicago to sing the jingle.
(yes, sing)
Be there on Friday.
This is the best jingle ever and I will sound terrific when I sing it.
She was VERY enthusiastic.
"OK !"
"YES ! I'LL BE THERE !"
"YAY ! for me and my jingle !" I said all happy and content.
"Goodbye ! See you on Friday !"
Suddenly, there were unfamiliar people standing all around me.
Most were nice but, some were very grumpy.
I kept looking for a familiar face when I spotted a friend of mine.
I went up to my friend and started freaking out.
I kept saying things like "I can't do this " and "I can't even sing !".
And the thought of going to that radio station to sing my jingle on Friday turned to terror in my head.
It was like I was in a horror movie.
I gotta get outta here !!!!
EEK
My friend quietly stood in all my panic and chaos and kept calmly repeating "Whatever you do, don't give up."
Over and over.
Whatever you do, don't give up.
Then I woke up.
Now that I've had a cup of coffee and time to think, I believe I got the sign I've been wanting.
Thanks, friend.
Whatever I do, I won't give up.
:)
Not sure what I'll do about singing that jingle on Friday though ...
Friday, October 10, 2014
Fess Up Speaking
It's Friday.
I've got some fessin to do
Today's Fess Up ?
I'm a chicken when it comes to speaking in public.
Yep.
I'm actually pretty terrified of it.
TER. RIF. IED.
Put me in a room of more than one person waiting for my words ...
..... BREAKING NEWS .....
There will be no words because my brain has frozen.
Yikes.
& I mean YIKES.
Put me in that same room, one on one, with any human being on this planet and I'm good.
I'm real good.
In fact, I can pretty much guarantee me and Mr./Ms. One on One will walk out of that room as friends.
It's funny.
I can write and write and keep on writing about anything that pops in my head.
When it comes to vocalizing those very words...?
I got nothing.
Nothing.
It's funny too, that one of my Bucket List wishes is to be the talk of the town in a Karaoke Bar.
I'm talking me, a mic and everyone anticipating my arrival.
I'm talking I sang so well and the crowd loved me so much ...oh my gosh ..they are singing my praises for days ...!
DAYS !
And no belly full of beer allowed.
It's just me and awesomeness.
ooooooo yeah !
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Right.
I'm pretty sure I was a singer or a public speaker in another lifetime.
I guess it ain't happening in this one.
Rats.
Hey, maybe since I've fessed up and acknowledged my failure I will conquer my fear !?!?
Uhhh no.
No can do.
I am a speaker in public chicken.
I am.
I so am.
Cluck ! Cluck !
Fess ! Fess !
:)
I've got some fessin to do
Today's Fess Up ?
I'm a chicken when it comes to speaking in public.
Yep.
I'm actually pretty terrified of it.
TER. RIF. IED.
Put me in a room of more than one person waiting for my words ...
..... BREAKING NEWS .....
There will be no words because my brain has frozen.
Yikes.
& I mean YIKES.
Put me in that same room, one on one, with any human being on this planet and I'm good.
I'm real good.
In fact, I can pretty much guarantee me and Mr./Ms. One on One will walk out of that room as friends.
It's funny.
I can write and write and keep on writing about anything that pops in my head.
When it comes to vocalizing those very words...?
I got nothing.
Nothing.
It's funny too, that one of my Bucket List wishes is to be the talk of the town in a Karaoke Bar.
I'm talking me, a mic and everyone anticipating my arrival.
I'm talking I sang so well and the crowd loved me so much ...oh my gosh ..they are singing my praises for days ...!
DAYS !
And no belly full of beer allowed.
It's just me and awesomeness.
ooooooo yeah !
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Right.
I'm pretty sure I was a singer or a public speaker in another lifetime.
I guess it ain't happening in this one.
Rats.
Hey, maybe since I've fessed up and acknowledged my failure I will conquer my fear !?!?
Uhhh no.
No can do.
I am a speaker in public chicken.
I am.
I so am.
Cluck ! Cluck !
Fess ! Fess !
:)
Monday, October 6, 2014
Ups and Downs
Everyone has their ups and their downs.
I know I sure do.
One day is absolutely positively the best day ever ! ! !
The next day ...... ugh.
Sometimes the down days can hit hard.
I remember two specific times where I hit an emotional rock bottom.
Two times where, in my mind, it could not/would not get better.
So there I was.
Emotionally drained.
My tank dead dry out of gas.
Don't really know why but, I picked up a bible and started flipping pages.
I found the psalms.
My answer was handed to me right then and there.
The words written for me.
Two simple sentences on two very different occasions.
Handed to me when I needed them most.
Those words helped me.
Those words changed me.
Those words are in my brain forever.
I am not a shouter from the rooftop person.
I am not a crazy religious person.
I'm just me.
I was hurting.
I found those psalms.
It helped.
&
It still helps.
Just thought I'd share.
:)
I know I sure do.
One day is absolutely positively the best day ever ! ! !
The next day ...... ugh.
Sometimes the down days can hit hard.
I remember two specific times where I hit an emotional rock bottom.
Two times where, in my mind, it could not/would not get better.
So there I was.
Emotionally drained.
My tank dead dry out of gas.
Don't really know why but, I picked up a bible and started flipping pages.
I found the psalms.
My answer was handed to me right then and there.
The words written for me.
Two simple sentences on two very different occasions.
Handed to me when I needed them most.
Those words helped me.
Those words changed me.
Those words are in my brain forever.
I am not a shouter from the rooftop person.
I am not a crazy religious person.
I'm just me.
I was hurting.
I found those psalms.
It helped.
&
It still helps.
Just thought I'd share.
:)
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
eh ...
You know when you're not in a great mood but, you're not in a bad mood ?
Just kinda
....eh ....
That's been me since the Chicago Bears lost on Sunday.
They usually have control of my mood during football season.
They win = WEEEEEEEEEE !
They lose = waaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
This year I promised myself I wouldn't let the games get to me.
I'll control my own moods, thank you very much.
fyi ...it ain't been easy.
I've been riding an 'eh' mood since Sunday.
So I woke up this morning thinking 'hooooo hummmmmmm'.
I'm not happy but, I'm not sad.
Then I remembered my dream.
It was the weirdest.
I was shoveling snow with some kid I saw once on some random tv show.
And it wasn't just snow.
It was literally a mountain of snow.
So this kid and I are happily shoveling.
All of a sudden my mom is there telling me I should stop shoveling and go to McDonalds cause she has this awesome coupon she wants to use.
My Dad, son, sister and brother were there too.
They were playing cards in the corner of the basement.
The song Manic Monday by the Bangles was playing in the background.
Over and over I heard '...when you wish your bed was already made ...'
I kept pleading with Mom.."Don't make me go to McDonalds..I want to shovel snow.'
But, there she was all happy with her coupon.
Next thing I know my brother takes my shovel and starts shoveling.
I started griping and fussing with him to give me my shovel back.
And there's Mom again.
Smiling with her coupon.
I woke up with her beautiful smile in my brain.
Thanks Mom.
Your smile brought me out of my 'eh' mood.
I'm happy happy again !
Maybe I'll even go to McDonalds.
:)
Just kinda
....eh ....
That's been me since the Chicago Bears lost on Sunday.
They usually have control of my mood during football season.
They win = WEEEEEEEEEE !
They lose = waaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
This year I promised myself I wouldn't let the games get to me.
I'll control my own moods, thank you very much.
fyi ...it ain't been easy.
I've been riding an 'eh' mood since Sunday.
So I woke up this morning thinking 'hooooo hummmmmmm'.
I'm not happy but, I'm not sad.
Then I remembered my dream.
It was the weirdest.
I was shoveling snow with some kid I saw once on some random tv show.
And it wasn't just snow.
It was literally a mountain of snow.
So this kid and I are happily shoveling.
All of a sudden my mom is there telling me I should stop shoveling and go to McDonalds cause she has this awesome coupon she wants to use.
My Dad, son, sister and brother were there too.
They were playing cards in the corner of the basement.
The song Manic Monday by the Bangles was playing in the background.
Over and over I heard '...when you wish your bed was already made ...'
I kept pleading with Mom.."Don't make me go to McDonalds..I want to shovel snow.'
But, there she was all happy with her coupon.
Next thing I know my brother takes my shovel and starts shoveling.
I started griping and fussing with him to give me my shovel back.
And there's Mom again.
Smiling with her coupon.
I woke up with her beautiful smile in my brain.
Thanks Mom.
Your smile brought me out of my 'eh' mood.
I'm happy happy again !
Maybe I'll even go to McDonalds.
:)
Friday, September 26, 2014
Fess Up Food
I've had stomach issues these last few days.
What I thought was a Chicago Bears /You Guys Are Killing Me nervous stomach turned into more and has stuck around all week.
As I was in the midst of my stomach turmoil I would occasionally think about food.
But the thought of food during stomach issues = ick.
So yeah, I decided no food thoughts.
Food thoughts only makes things worse.
Now that I'm back to 'normal' I'm thinking food again.
I'm hungry.
I gotta make up for lost time.
So as I was happily thinking about food I suddenly came to the realization that there are quite a few foods I just don't like.
Food that I guarantee will never ever enter my body.
No. I've never tried them but, I am certain I don't like them.
My Friday Fess Up ...?
I'm pretty positive I'm a food snob
In fact ... here's a short list of things I have never eaten & never plan to eat.
Seafood - except for tuna fish sandwiches.
Eggs - I'll eat them if they are mixed in food. Just an egg ...? Yech.
Restaurant Chicken Wings - I prefer my homemade ones, thank you very much.
White Castle Hamburgers - I just can't get past the scent.
Spam - I just can't get past the texture.
I will admit ... I have eaten an egg or two in my youth.
I've also had a catfish dinner once because it sounded like a good idea at the time.
It wasn't.
But the other stuff on my list ...?
Nope. Nope. and Nope.
I just can't do it.
I just won't do it.
I've been told many, many times 'You don't know what you're missing...!"
Yep. I know.
I'll still pass.
So there it is.
Another Friday Fess Up is in the books.
& yes ... it is true.
I am a food snob.
:)
What I thought was a Chicago Bears /You Guys Are Killing Me nervous stomach turned into more and has stuck around all week.
As I was in the midst of my stomach turmoil I would occasionally think about food.
But the thought of food during stomach issues = ick.
So yeah, I decided no food thoughts.
Food thoughts only makes things worse.
Now that I'm back to 'normal' I'm thinking food again.
I'm hungry.
I gotta make up for lost time.
So as I was happily thinking about food I suddenly came to the realization that there are quite a few foods I just don't like.
Food that I guarantee will never ever enter my body.
No. I've never tried them but, I am certain I don't like them.
My Friday Fess Up ...?
I'm pretty positive I'm a food snob
In fact ... here's a short list of things I have never eaten & never plan to eat.
Seafood - except for tuna fish sandwiches.
Eggs - I'll eat them if they are mixed in food. Just an egg ...? Yech.
Restaurant Chicken Wings - I prefer my homemade ones, thank you very much.
White Castle Hamburgers - I just can't get past the scent.
Spam - I just can't get past the texture.
I will admit ... I have eaten an egg or two in my youth.
I've also had a catfish dinner once because it sounded like a good idea at the time.
It wasn't.
But the other stuff on my list ...?
Nope. Nope. and Nope.
I just can't do it.
I just won't do it.
I've been told many, many times 'You don't know what you're missing...!"
Yep. I know.
I'll still pass.
So there it is.
Another Friday Fess Up is in the books.
& yes ... it is true.
I am a food snob.
:)
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Never
Ask my children or any of the children I've babysat to give you a Mom/Jacki quote and they will probably say ...
"You never hurt another person's body. Ever !"
I said those words quite often through the years.
Physical hurt or hurting by words.
Nope.
No meanies in Jacki's house.
Niceys only.
That was and still is my basic rule.
Be Nice.
Simple words that make life so very pleasant.
Just. Be. Nice.
It really is that easy.
:)
"You never hurt another person's body. Ever !"
I said those words quite often through the years.
Physical hurt or hurting by words.
Nope.
No meanies in Jacki's house.
Niceys only.
That was and still is my basic rule.
Be Nice.
Simple words that make life so very pleasant.
Just. Be. Nice.
It really is that easy.
:)
Friday, September 19, 2014
Fess Up Car Wash
It's Friday.
I'm fessin....
Today's fess up -
I've never driven a car through a car wash.
I've been the passenger on many occasions.
I've never been the driver in charge.
I never plan to be.
Nope.
Yep.
I can say with confidence that I will never be the driver of a car going through a car wash.
The driver has to line the car up on the car wash track thingie.
That's a lot of pressure.
Especially if there are other cars waiting.
and watching.
and judging.
That's just too much for my head to handle.
Give me a bucket and hose any ol day ...!
Or someone else stepping up to be the driver.
Same deal for oil change or new tire places.
Anything involving a car being put on some sort of track ...
No thanks.
I just don't want the responsibility.
Whew.
I feel released.
These fess up Fridays are cleansing my soul !
:)
I'm fessin....
Today's fess up -
I've never driven a car through a car wash.
I've been the passenger on many occasions.
I've never been the driver in charge.
I never plan to be.
Nope.
Yep.
I can say with confidence that I will never be the driver of a car going through a car wash.
The driver has to line the car up on the car wash track thingie.
That's a lot of pressure.
Especially if there are other cars waiting.
and watching.
and judging.
That's just too much for my head to handle.
Give me a bucket and hose any ol day ...!
Or someone else stepping up to be the driver.
Same deal for oil change or new tire places.
Anything involving a car being put on some sort of track ...
No thanks.
I just don't want the responsibility.
Whew.
I feel released.
These fess up Fridays are cleansing my soul !
:)
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Pretzels
My sister is getting married today and all I can think about are pretzels.
She is the baby of our family and no matter how old we grow, she will always be the baby of our family.
I tease my other siblings that, growing up, I was the ONLY one who helped Mom with Baby Sis but,
they know this is false.
We all helped in our own little ways
& one way I especially treasure is church.
Mom would always bring a bag of pretzels to church.
If Sister got wiggly or cranky, Mom would pull out the pretzels and pass them to Brothers, Sisters or me and we'd become The Official Pretzel Passer-Outer.
YaY
The pretzel passer-outer would sit next to our adorable, wiggly toddler and, one by one, hand her pretzels.
(yes. we occasionally nibbled when Mom / Dad wasn't looking)
It worked.
My sister would concentrate on each yummy pretzel and her wiggly crabbies would disappear.
Even better than being the pretzel passer-outer was getting picked as the helper in the Tiny Tot Chapel.
It was awesome.
Especially cranky days meant Mom or Dad would take her cuteness into the 'crying' room.
They would choose one of us olders to come along and help.
JOY.
The noise of those whiny little babies in the Tiny Tot Chapel was like a vacation from church.
It was a very good Sunday indeed.
To this day that little sister of mine still loves her pretzels.
I can recall many a time when a surprise bag has shooed those whines away.
So on this, their Wedding Day, I'd like to send out a special wish to Sis and Bro-in-Law.
Here's to an infinite supply of Love, Luck, Happiness and ... just in case ...
Pretzels.
I love you both.
:)
She is the baby of our family and no matter how old we grow, she will always be the baby of our family.
I tease my other siblings that, growing up, I was the ONLY one who helped Mom with Baby Sis but,
they know this is false.
We all helped in our own little ways
& one way I especially treasure is church.
Mom would always bring a bag of pretzels to church.
If Sister got wiggly or cranky, Mom would pull out the pretzels and pass them to Brothers, Sisters or me and we'd become The Official Pretzel Passer-Outer.
YaY
The pretzel passer-outer would sit next to our adorable, wiggly toddler and, one by one, hand her pretzels.
(yes. we occasionally nibbled when Mom / Dad wasn't looking)
It worked.
My sister would concentrate on each yummy pretzel and her wiggly crabbies would disappear.
Even better than being the pretzel passer-outer was getting picked as the helper in the Tiny Tot Chapel.
It was awesome.
Especially cranky days meant Mom or Dad would take her cuteness into the 'crying' room.
They would choose one of us olders to come along and help.
JOY.
The noise of those whiny little babies in the Tiny Tot Chapel was like a vacation from church.
It was a very good Sunday indeed.
To this day that little sister of mine still loves her pretzels.
I can recall many a time when a surprise bag has shooed those whines away.
So on this, their Wedding Day, I'd like to send out a special wish to Sis and Bro-in-Law.
Here's to an infinite supply of Love, Luck, Happiness and ... just in case ...
Pretzels.
I love you both.
:)
Friday, September 12, 2014
Fess Up Cigarettes
It's Friday.
Time to fess up.
Hmmmm.
Here's one.
I've smoked only two cigarettes in my life.
Yep. Two.
The first was with a friend of mine.
We were in middle school or early high school.
Her brother smoked so she stole a few cigarettes from him.
We thought we were so cool.
We weren't.
I believe it's called a coughing fit.
Uh huh.
After that, I never really thought about smoking until I was 21 or so.
I was in my aunt's bathroom.
She was quite a smoker so she'd never notice one missing.
She wasn't home.
Why not ...?
Same result.
I'm sure I looked like a goof standing in her bathroom trying to cough ! cough ! look cool.
My fess up today is not so much that I've only smoked two cigarettes in my life.
It's the reason.
I've only smoked two cigarettes because I didn't know how to inhale or exhale or however the heck you smoke a cigarette.
I could never figure it out.
I still don't know how.
Cough. Cough. Cough.
Fess. Fess. Fess.
:)
Time to fess up.
Hmmmm.
Here's one.
I've smoked only two cigarettes in my life.
Yep. Two.
The first was with a friend of mine.
We were in middle school or early high school.
Her brother smoked so she stole a few cigarettes from him.
We thought we were so cool.
We weren't.
I believe it's called a coughing fit.
Uh huh.
After that, I never really thought about smoking until I was 21 or so.
I was in my aunt's bathroom.
She was quite a smoker so she'd never notice one missing.
She wasn't home.
Why not ...?
Same result.
I'm sure I looked like a goof standing in her bathroom trying to cough ! cough ! look cool.
My fess up today is not so much that I've only smoked two cigarettes in my life.
It's the reason.
I've only smoked two cigarettes because I didn't know how to inhale or exhale or however the heck you smoke a cigarette.
I could never figure it out.
I still don't know how.
Cough. Cough. Cough.
Fess. Fess. Fess.
:)
Monday, September 1, 2014
Tree Heaven
I guess it's no secret ... I love trees.
Some would call it an obsession.
I call it wonderful !
I was in Tree Heaven this weekend.
& I just have to share my joy.
A park, a nature hike and a gully full of old trees.
WoW.
Just WoW....!
Trees, trees and more trees.
It was great.
Beautiful, massive trees.
Incredibly, unbelievably arched trees.
Long ago fallen, fallen trees.
Trees that have stood side by side for years.
Season after season.
Through sunny days and storms.
Connected.
Friends for life.
Obsessed ?
Oh. Yeah.
:)
Some would call it an obsession.
I call it wonderful !
I was in Tree Heaven this weekend.
& I just have to share my joy.
A park, a nature hike and a gully full of old trees.
WoW.
Just WoW....!
Trees, trees and more trees.
It was great.
Beautiful, massive trees.
Incredibly, unbelievably arched trees.
Long ago fallen, fallen trees.
Trees that have stood side by side for years.
Season after season.
Through sunny days and storms.
Connected.
Friends for life.
Obsessed ?
Oh. Yeah.
:)
Friday, August 29, 2014
Fess Up Milk Duds
When it comes to Cheetos and Milk Duds I have no self control.
None.
It's embarrassing to admit but ...there...I said it.
An unopened bag Cheetos is safe.
An opened bag ...?.... not so much.
Something about those cheesy puffs makes me lose all willpower.
I must have them.
I must.
Milk Duds are worse.
Yep.
It's bad.
I could choke on a Milk Dud and die happy.
If that's terrible I don't care.
If loving them is wrong I don't want to be right.
So there you have it.
I've fessed up.
& I feel wonderfully released.
! ! ! ! ! !
Fess Up Friday.
I should do this more often.
:)
None.
It's embarrassing to admit but ...there...I said it.
An unopened bag Cheetos is safe.
An opened bag ...?.... not so much.
Something about those cheesy puffs makes me lose all willpower.
I must have them.
I must.
Milk Duds are worse.
Yep.
It's bad.
I could choke on a Milk Dud and die happy.
If that's terrible I don't care.
If loving them is wrong I don't want to be right.
So there you have it.
I've fessed up.
& I feel wonderfully released.
! ! ! ! ! !
Fess Up Friday.
I should do this more often.
:)
Monday, August 25, 2014
He Smiles
Remember Wicker Walk Man ?
He's the guy I see every single day as I walk my lovely walk.
Doesn't matter what time of the day I am there.
He is always there.
Which is fine.
I love my Wicker Walk and he obviously does too.
I walk counterclockwise.
Wicker Walk Man walks clockwise.
Which is fine too.
I'm all for seeing a familiar face each day.
Wicker Walk Man and I have been taking our walks for many, many days now.
You would think we would have formed some sort of friendly banter as we pass each other multiple times.
We have not.
What we have is what we have always had.
He looks. I smile. He looks away. He looks. I smile. He looks away.
It's a monotonous, little pattern we have formed.
I'm not crazy about it but, it is what it is.
My 'problem' with Wicker Walk Man is if he looks why doesn't he smile....?
He looks and grumpily looks away.
Every single day.
Why do you look my way Wicker Walk Man ?
You looking at me makes me offer a smile.
I am lured in by your trap and I'm tired of it mister.
You look. I smile. You look away.
ugh.
For the record there are days I don't look.
My peripheral vision can see him looking over but, I hold firm.
Humph.
You may be wondering if there is a point to today's rambles.
Yes.
Yes there is.
I saw Wicker Walk Man yesterday.
surprise !
But...get this.. he was talking, laughing and having quite the conversation with some man as I walked by.
Yeah.
Wicker Walk Man is a friendly human being.
I hardly recognized him.
Why am I writing about this and why is this even bothering my brain today...?
I think it boils down to a simple, little rule of smiling.
At least my rule of smiling.
And here it is...
If you are going to take the time to look at someone every single day ... please, offer them a smile.
Especially if they smile at you....!
Otherwise that other person ...aka me...will constantly wonder....why why why....
Why don't you smile back Wicker Walk Man ?
:)
He's the guy I see every single day as I walk my lovely walk.
Doesn't matter what time of the day I am there.
He is always there.
Which is fine.
I love my Wicker Walk and he obviously does too.
I walk counterclockwise.
Wicker Walk Man walks clockwise.
Which is fine too.
I'm all for seeing a familiar face each day.
Wicker Walk Man and I have been taking our walks for many, many days now.
You would think we would have formed some sort of friendly banter as we pass each other multiple times.
We have not.
What we have is what we have always had.
He looks. I smile. He looks away. He looks. I smile. He looks away.
It's a monotonous, little pattern we have formed.
I'm not crazy about it but, it is what it is.
My 'problem' with Wicker Walk Man is if he looks why doesn't he smile....?
He looks and grumpily looks away.
Every single day.
Why do you look my way Wicker Walk Man ?
You looking at me makes me offer a smile.
I am lured in by your trap and I'm tired of it mister.
You look. I smile. You look away.
ugh.
For the record there are days I don't look.
My peripheral vision can see him looking over but, I hold firm.
Humph.
You may be wondering if there is a point to today's rambles.
Yes.
Yes there is.
I saw Wicker Walk Man yesterday.
surprise !
But...get this.. he was talking, laughing and having quite the conversation with some man as I walked by.
Yeah.
Wicker Walk Man is a friendly human being.
I hardly recognized him.
Why am I writing about this and why is this even bothering my brain today...?
I think it boils down to a simple, little rule of smiling.
At least my rule of smiling.
And here it is...
If you are going to take the time to look at someone every single day ... please, offer them a smile.
Especially if they smile at you....!
Otherwise that other person ...aka me...will constantly wonder....why why why....
Why don't you smile back Wicker Walk Man ?
:)
Monday, August 11, 2014
90 - 90
It's rainy.
And it's Monday.
I'll be singing The Carpenters song today.
Not because I'm not down.
I just like the song.
I'm looking at the rain soaked pool outside.
It hasn't had much action this year.
But, there it sits...patiently waiting for someone to jump in and enjoy.
It won't be me.
I'm not a pool jumper in-er.
I'm more of a pool foot dangler.
A sit on the deck and watch-er.
Nothing wrong with that.
Some people like to pool frolic.
Some people don't.
I'm a don't.
For me to even consider pool frolicking the air temperature must be 90 degrees.
The water temperature must be 90 degrees.
Simple as that.
I don't know where the 90 - 90 calculation came from.
Somewhere down the road something in my brain told me so.
Sounded good to me.
90 - 90 it is !
We haven't had many 90 - 90 degrees this Summer.
Or even 80 - 80 degrees.
That's a bummer.
The frolickers are missing their fun.
But, Summer is not over yet.
And Autumn usually hands over a few hot days.
So, no worries.
There's still time to enjoy a good frolic.
Or a good dangle.
I'll be dangling.
:)
And it's Monday.
I'll be singing The Carpenters song today.
Not because I'm not down.
I just like the song.
I'm looking at the rain soaked pool outside.
It hasn't had much action this year.
But, there it sits...patiently waiting for someone to jump in and enjoy.
It won't be me.
I'm not a pool jumper in-er.
I'm more of a pool foot dangler.
A sit on the deck and watch-er.
Nothing wrong with that.
Some people like to pool frolic.
Some people don't.
I'm a don't.
For me to even consider pool frolicking the air temperature must be 90 degrees.
The water temperature must be 90 degrees.
Simple as that.
I don't know where the 90 - 90 calculation came from.
Somewhere down the road something in my brain told me so.
Sounded good to me.
90 - 90 it is !
We haven't had many 90 - 90 degrees this Summer.
Or even 80 - 80 degrees.
That's a bummer.
The frolickers are missing their fun.
But, Summer is not over yet.
And Autumn usually hands over a few hot days.
So, no worries.
There's still time to enjoy a good frolic.
Or a good dangle.
I'll be dangling.
:)
Saturday, August 9, 2014
The Cellar
I loved my Gramma's house.
Walking into her place gave me a feeling like no other.
It was pure unconditional love.
Truly priceless.
Everything about my Gramma's house was wonderful.
Everything.
Except the cellar.
I had a weird, unexplainable feeling every time I ventured into that cellar.
We had to go down there if we wanted to take a shower.
Bath upstairs or shower downstairs.
You choose.
Let's just say I took a lot of baths at Gramma's house.
I've never before or since felt like I felt in that cellar.
Something unseen was there.
I could feel it.
I sometimes experience 6th sense kind of feelings.
It's never been a big deal.
It really doesn't bother me.
It bothered me in that cellar.
My Gramma died years ago.
So Gramma's house is not Gramma's house anymore.
Some lucky somebody else lives there now.
I wonder, if given the chance to go back into the cellar ...would I ?
& what would I feel if I did ?
I guess I'll never know.
And that's ok.
eek.
:)
Walking into her place gave me a feeling like no other.
It was pure unconditional love.
Truly priceless.
Everything about my Gramma's house was wonderful.
Everything.
Except the cellar.
I had a weird, unexplainable feeling every time I ventured into that cellar.
We had to go down there if we wanted to take a shower.
Bath upstairs or shower downstairs.
You choose.
Let's just say I took a lot of baths at Gramma's house.
I've never before or since felt like I felt in that cellar.
Something unseen was there.
I could feel it.
I sometimes experience 6th sense kind of feelings.
It's never been a big deal.
It really doesn't bother me.
It bothered me in that cellar.
My Gramma died years ago.
So Gramma's house is not Gramma's house anymore.
Some lucky somebody else lives there now.
I wonder, if given the chance to go back into the cellar ...would I ?
& what would I feel if I did ?
I guess I'll never know.
And that's ok.
eek.
:)
Sunday, August 3, 2014
My Broken Lawnmower
I love cutting the grass.
I hate grocery shopping.
I'm talking really really love and really really hate.
My husband and I have a unwritten, never really talked about, just happened rule.
I cut the grass.
He grocery shops.
It works.
I'm happy.
He's happy.
We have a lot of grass.
That's one of the reasons I've stay in this house for so many years.
Lots of grass and my big, bald tree.
It's no secret that I love my lawnmower.
I got it one birthday after dropping a million hints.
My music and my lawnmower.
Happy.
Pure, simple happy.
We've been on vacation for a few weeks so the grass needed cutting yesterday.
YaY !
I was really looking forward to spending a good portion of the day with my music and my lawnmower.
Long story short...
She (my lawnmower) broke.
She was acting weird and then ...kaput.
Broken.
You have no idea how this spoiled my yesterday.
It kinda ruined it.
I went from very happy to ..... very not.
The grass got cut.
We have a riding mower so .... no problem there.
And my lawnmower will be fixed so ... no problem there either.
So why the bad mood and mad reaction to my broken lawnmower ?
Don't ask me Bob.
I'm thinking it had something to do with the thought of grocery shopping ....
:)
I hate grocery shopping.
I'm talking really really love and really really hate.
My husband and I have a unwritten, never really talked about, just happened rule.
I cut the grass.
He grocery shops.
It works.
I'm happy.
He's happy.
We have a lot of grass.
That's one of the reasons I've stay in this house for so many years.
Lots of grass and my big, bald tree.
It's no secret that I love my lawnmower.
I got it one birthday after dropping a million hints.
My music and my lawnmower.
Happy.
Pure, simple happy.
We've been on vacation for a few weeks so the grass needed cutting yesterday.
YaY !
I was really looking forward to spending a good portion of the day with my music and my lawnmower.
Long story short...
She (my lawnmower) broke.
She was acting weird and then ...kaput.
Broken.
You have no idea how this spoiled my yesterday.
It kinda ruined it.
I went from very happy to ..... very not.
The grass got cut.
We have a riding mower so .... no problem there.
And my lawnmower will be fixed so ... no problem there either.
So why the bad mood and mad reaction to my broken lawnmower ?
Don't ask me Bob.
I'm thinking it had something to do with the thought of grocery shopping ....
:)
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Priorities
I've been away from home for 3 weeks.
Just got back yesterday evening.
We traveled by car so the ride was long but, I love a good road trip.
After sitting in that car you think I would do something once I walked into the house.
Something.
Anything ...?
Nope.
I found the recliner and parked myself there.
So this morning I'm looking around.
Yikes.
It seems there are a few things I need to do to get back to 'normal'
Suitcases to unpack, a dog to pick up, mail to sort.
Ugh.
I also have a few words floating around in my head.
About time spent with my grandson, traveling, misc this and that....
So yeah.
I guess I have stuff to do.
But all I really want is to put my music in my ears, my tennies on my feet and walk.
Walk.
Walk.
And walk.
So that's what I will do.
YaY.
I love my priority list.
:)
Just got back yesterday evening.
We traveled by car so the ride was long but, I love a good road trip.
After sitting in that car you think I would do something once I walked into the house.
Something.
Anything ...?
Nope.
I found the recliner and parked myself there.
So this morning I'm looking around.
Yikes.
It seems there are a few things I need to do to get back to 'normal'
Suitcases to unpack, a dog to pick up, mail to sort.
Ugh.
I also have a few words floating around in my head.
About time spent with my grandson, traveling, misc this and that....
So yeah.
I guess I have stuff to do.
But all I really want is to put my music in my ears, my tennies on my feet and walk.
Walk.
Walk.
And walk.
So that's what I will do.
YaY.
I love my priority list.
:)
Sunday, July 27, 2014
5 Years
My brother celebrates 5 years tomorrow.
5 years since he had Triple Bypass Surgery.
It happens to be my youngest daughter's birthday too.
I warned my brother before surgery he better not leave me on that day because her birthday would be ruined forever.
I'm glad he listened.
I'm also glad a friend had reentered his life at that time.
I truly believe her being there saved him.
She cared enough to insist he have the procedure.
She was very persistent.
So to that friend I'd like to say ... Thank you for your persistence ! !
To my brother ... Happy 5 !
Thank you for not leaving me....especially on that day !
And to my daughter ... Happy Birthday Eve ! ! !
:)
Friday, July 25, 2014
Training Camp
I Love Football.
Love Love Love It.
Chicago Bears Training Camp begins today and I'm so happy !
Football is back.
Yay ! ! ! ! !
I'm embarrassed to admit this but, there was a time when football really didn't matter to me.
Ouch.
That hurts.
The games were on the tv every week.
I would ask the score and pretend I cared.
I really didn't care.
Shame on me.
I'd go to an occasional Chicago Bears preseason game.
I'd drink my beer, eat my hot dog, cheer when everybody else cheered.
Yeah...it was fun... but ...eh ...not really...
That's so wrong.
But then one glorious day I went to a 'real' Bears game.
Regular season.
My life was forever changed.
There are no words to describe the joy of a tailgate and the excitement of a game when the score really matters.
It is awesome ! ! !
&
I love it ! ! !
Love. It.
And it all begins with Training Camp.
And that's today.
Yippee ! ! !
BEARS BABY !!!!!!!!
I Love It !!!
:)
Love Love Love It.
Chicago Bears Training Camp begins today and I'm so happy !
Football is back.
Yay ! ! ! ! !
I'm embarrassed to admit this but, there was a time when football really didn't matter to me.
Ouch.
That hurts.
The games were on the tv every week.
I would ask the score and pretend I cared.
I really didn't care.
Shame on me.
I'd go to an occasional Chicago Bears preseason game.
I'd drink my beer, eat my hot dog, cheer when everybody else cheered.
Yeah...it was fun... but ...eh ...not really...
That's so wrong.
But then one glorious day I went to a 'real' Bears game.
Regular season.
My life was forever changed.
There are no words to describe the joy of a tailgate and the excitement of a game when the score really matters.
It is awesome ! ! !
&
I love it ! ! !
Love. It.
And it all begins with Training Camp.
And that's today.
Yippee ! ! !
BEARS BABY !!!!!!!!
I Love It !!!
:)
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
No Better Sound
I've been visiting family and watching my 4 month old grandson these days.
We live in different states so we see each other every other month instead of every other day.
It's a bummer.
But I treasure every minute with him when I am with him.
The first day of watching little boy was an adjustment for him and me.
Gramma Jacki did not do things quite like Mommy and Daddy and he told me so.
But, we have found our own little groove now and it's wonderful.
The joy of a fed, diapered and napped baby never gets old !
It is pure happy.
And when his mom and dad get home ... it's even happier !
Seeing my son play with his son melts my heart.
The giggles out of that little body when Mommy and Daddy get him giggling = Priceless.
He bubbles over with love and glee.
There is absolutely no better sound in the whole wide world.
If you are lucky enough to hear a baby / child's laughter today consider yourself blessed.
You've just been handed a little piece of Heaven.
:)
We live in different states so we see each other every other month instead of every other day.
It's a bummer.
But I treasure every minute with him when I am with him.
The first day of watching little boy was an adjustment for him and me.
Gramma Jacki did not do things quite like Mommy and Daddy and he told me so.
But, we have found our own little groove now and it's wonderful.
The joy of a fed, diapered and napped baby never gets old !
It is pure happy.
And when his mom and dad get home ... it's even happier !
Seeing my son play with his son melts my heart.
The giggles out of that little body when Mommy and Daddy get him giggling = Priceless.
He bubbles over with love and glee.
There is absolutely no better sound in the whole wide world.
If you are lucky enough to hear a baby / child's laughter today consider yourself blessed.
You've just been handed a little piece of Heaven.
:)
Monday, July 14, 2014
The Toy Room
Walk in the back door of my childhood home and head straight downstairs.
Take a left.
A curtain separates 2014 and time stopped.
It's the Toy Room.
Shelves layered with games, gadgets, dolls and such.
Items that have been played with and loved by a few generations of happy children.
Barbie is there.
She might be a bit tired and worn.
She could use a new hairdo.
But, her salon is there too. Problem solved.
The Weebles ?
Yep. They still wobble.
Fisher Price people, school and houses call the toy room home.
Imagination lives there too.
There are more than toys in the toy room these days.
A stereo, an old tv.
Hunk posters, ice skates, train tracks, a Benji lunch box.
It's an antique lover's dream and a wonderful trip down memory lane.
My family and I had so much fun in that room.
Before it was the toy room it was the part of the basement used for birthday parties.
Before we had an air conditioner, if a summer day made it too hot upstairs, we'd have dinner in that part of the basement.
We once got a trampoline for Christmas and it was set up and jumped on in the toy room.
Eventually, Dad added a bedroom downstairs when our upstairs became too occupied
Yes. The intercoms are still there.
Yes. They still work.
Oh, the conversations that were had on those ' for emergencies only' intercoms.
Friends who know of the toy room occasionally ask, wonder, reminiscence.
Newcomers who have never experienced look around in awe.
I know one day we will have no choice but to clean, organize and part with the toy room.
I don't want to think about that day right now.
Right now I'm thinking memories.
Happy.
Pure happy.
:)
Take a left.
A curtain separates 2014 and time stopped.
It's the Toy Room.
Shelves layered with games, gadgets, dolls and such.
Items that have been played with and loved by a few generations of happy children.
Barbie is there.
She might be a bit tired and worn.
She could use a new hairdo.
But, her salon is there too. Problem solved.
The Weebles ?
Yep. They still wobble.
Fisher Price people, school and houses call the toy room home.
Imagination lives there too.
There are more than toys in the toy room these days.
A stereo, an old tv.
Hunk posters, ice skates, train tracks, a Benji lunch box.
It's an antique lover's dream and a wonderful trip down memory lane.
My family and I had so much fun in that room.
Before it was the toy room it was the part of the basement used for birthday parties.
Before we had an air conditioner, if a summer day made it too hot upstairs, we'd have dinner in that part of the basement.
We once got a trampoline for Christmas and it was set up and jumped on in the toy room.
Eventually, Dad added a bedroom downstairs when our upstairs became too occupied
Yes. The intercoms are still there.
Yes. They still work.
Oh, the conversations that were had on those ' for emergencies only' intercoms.
Friends who know of the toy room occasionally ask, wonder, reminiscence.
Newcomers who have never experienced look around in awe.
I know one day we will have no choice but to clean, organize and part with the toy room.
I don't want to think about that day right now.
Right now I'm thinking memories.
Happy.
Pure happy.
:)
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Hearts
I've been seeing hearts everywhere lately.
A heart shaped paint chip in the corner of my bathroom.
A heart shaped moth on my window screen.
A heart shaped leaf in my car.
While sitting in the shade yesterday, I looked up to see tree branches shaped like a big heart.
It's wonderful !!
This happened one other time with smiley faces.
That was wonderful too.
Lovely little signs.
They are everywhere.
I hope you see yours today...!
:)
A heart shaped paint chip in the corner of my bathroom.
A heart shaped moth on my window screen.
A heart shaped leaf in my car.
While sitting in the shade yesterday, I looked up to see tree branches shaped like a big heart.
It's wonderful !!
This happened one other time with smiley faces.
That was wonderful too.
Lovely little signs.
They are everywhere.
I hope you see yours today...!
:)
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Barter Town
My sister and I came up with a master plan one day.
A 'where to meet/ what to do/ it's the end of the world' plan.
Yep.
We have it all figured out.
Yes. Yes we do.
It's all about Barter Town.
Somewhere down the road there will be a barter for our life moment and we WILL be prepared.
She will have sporks.
I will have peanut butter.
And we will own Barter Town.
I don't remember the whys and hows of where we came up with sporks and peanut butter.
Doesn't matter.
It's a great plan.
So...we decide to tell Dad our master plan.
Oh! He is going to be so proud of his clever daughters and their survival skills....!
'Your spork will melt'
He didn't even mention my peanut butter.
Ok.
We didn't think of a nuclear meltdown.
rats.
We will come up with another plan on another day for the nuclear meltdown.
This plan is all about Barter Town baby.
And we will own Barter Town with our sporks and peanut butter.
The doubters will believe.
One day while traveling, my sister and I were finalizing and detailing our end of the world master plan.
'A knife' says this voice from the back seat 'that's what I'm bringing to Barter Town.'
It was my daughter.
A. Knife.
My sister and I looked at each other and the light bulb appeared....
That's brilliant....a KNIFE !!!
Why didn't we ever think of a knife ?!?
Sporks, peanut butter and a pocket knife.
Watch out Barter Town ...here we come !
:)
A 'where to meet/ what to do/ it's the end of the world' plan.
Yep.
We have it all figured out.
Yes. Yes we do.
It's all about Barter Town.
Somewhere down the road there will be a barter for our life moment and we WILL be prepared.
She will have sporks.
I will have peanut butter.
And we will own Barter Town.
I don't remember the whys and hows of where we came up with sporks and peanut butter.
Doesn't matter.
It's a great plan.
So...we decide to tell Dad our master plan.
Oh! He is going to be so proud of his clever daughters and their survival skills....!
'Your spork will melt'
He didn't even mention my peanut butter.
Ok.
We didn't think of a nuclear meltdown.
rats.
We will come up with another plan on another day for the nuclear meltdown.
This plan is all about Barter Town baby.
And we will own Barter Town with our sporks and peanut butter.
The doubters will believe.
One day while traveling, my sister and I were finalizing and detailing our end of the world master plan.
'A knife' says this voice from the back seat 'that's what I'm bringing to Barter Town.'
It was my daughter.
A. Knife.
My sister and I looked at each other and the light bulb appeared....
That's brilliant....a KNIFE !!!
Why didn't we ever think of a knife ?!?
Sporks, peanut butter and a pocket knife.
Watch out Barter Town ...here we come !
:)
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Dreams
I had a night of many dreams.
Had a visit with my Mom in one dream.
She looked terrific...!... and we had a very nice talk.
I wish I could remember the details of our conversation.
I can't.
But it was all good.
I had another where I woke up and thought 'darn. it's just a dream...'
I can't remember any of those details either.
rats.
I do remember one dream.
My 5th and 6th grade teachers were there.
Mrs G and Mr M.
They were arguing over me.
Not the 5th/6th grade me.
The Double Nickels me.
Mrs G was very vocal in her dislike of me.
Mr M was singing my praises.
And there I sat.
Wondering if they knew I could hear everything they were saying.
Weird.
And funny.
When I was in 5th grade I always felt Mrs G disliked me.
I knew she hated my handwriting.
She told me so.
My right handed handwriting always tilted to the left.
I tried to fix it.
It was never good enough for Mrs G.
Hello 6th grade.
Mr M loved my handwriting.
He would use my paper every week as a sample of how handwriting should be done.
My tilt to the left was the best thing ever according to Mr M.
The 6th grade me always followed Mr M's advice.
I think the Double Nickels me will too.
:)
Had a visit with my Mom in one dream.
She looked terrific...!... and we had a very nice talk.
I wish I could remember the details of our conversation.
I can't.
But it was all good.
I had another where I woke up and thought 'darn. it's just a dream...'
I can't remember any of those details either.
rats.
I do remember one dream.
My 5th and 6th grade teachers were there.
Mrs G and Mr M.
They were arguing over me.
Not the 5th/6th grade me.
The Double Nickels me.
Mrs G was very vocal in her dislike of me.
Mr M was singing my praises.
And there I sat.
Wondering if they knew I could hear everything they were saying.
Weird.
And funny.
When I was in 5th grade I always felt Mrs G disliked me.
I knew she hated my handwriting.
She told me so.
My right handed handwriting always tilted to the left.
I tried to fix it.
It was never good enough for Mrs G.
Hello 6th grade.
Mr M loved my handwriting.
He would use my paper every week as a sample of how handwriting should be done.
My tilt to the left was the best thing ever according to Mr M.
The 6th grade me always followed Mr M's advice.
I think the Double Nickels me will too.
:)
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Handwritten Recipes
I used to have a very unorganized way of keeping recipes.
I just kept them.
If I needed one...I'd search.
I knew it was there...somewhere....and eventually I'd find it.
It drove my daughter crazy.
So, she organized.
She took all my recipes and put them in a book.
Birthday present joy.
Most of my recipes are handwritten.
They are worn and smudged.
I love them.
I really love them.
My daughter knows I love them so she placed my worn recipe in the page along with a fresh, typed version.
YaY.
Some of those recipes were written by my Mom and Gramma.
Some are torn pieces of hurriedly written scribbles.
Memories of calling Mom to ask how to make spaghetti sauce or chili or sloppy joes...
I hope we never lose handwriting.
Handwritten recipes.
Handwritten notes.
Getting a card or letter in the mail...
Priceless.
It's old school.
It's personality.
As Jim Croce sang...it's time in a bottle...
It's wonderful.
And having an organized recipe book is wonderful too.
:)
I just kept them.
If I needed one...I'd search.
I knew it was there...somewhere....and eventually I'd find it.
It drove my daughter crazy.
So, she organized.
She took all my recipes and put them in a book.
Birthday present joy.
Most of my recipes are handwritten.
They are worn and smudged.
I love them.
I really love them.
My daughter knows I love them so she placed my worn recipe in the page along with a fresh, typed version.
YaY.
Some of those recipes were written by my Mom and Gramma.
Some are torn pieces of hurriedly written scribbles.
Memories of calling Mom to ask how to make spaghetti sauce or chili or sloppy joes...
I hope we never lose handwriting.
Handwritten recipes.
Handwritten notes.
Getting a card or letter in the mail...
Priceless.
It's old school.
It's personality.
As Jim Croce sang...it's time in a bottle...
It's wonderful.
And having an organized recipe book is wonderful too.
:)
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Nashville
I have been in Nashville, TN for a few days...spending time with one daughter, two sisters, and one bro-in-law.
Fun!
If you've never been to Nashville put it on your list of to dos...
I'm pretty sure all the dreamers of the world live here.
It is a very happy place.
Don't know if I have mentioned this before but, I got an acoustic guitar back in April.
I have always wanted one.
Got it for my Double Nickels Birthday and even though I have every intention to teach myself how to play...
it's been sitting there ever since the Double Nickels day.
Life just keeps getting in my way.
After this weekend, I am on a guitar learning mission.
I am going to play Mandy by Barry Manilow
If that is the only song I ever learn I will still feel accomplished
It's a simple dream of mine.
It will make my heart happy!
Thank you Nashville!
:)
Fun!
If you've never been to Nashville put it on your list of to dos...
I'm pretty sure all the dreamers of the world live here.
It is a very happy place.
Don't know if I have mentioned this before but, I got an acoustic guitar back in April.
I have always wanted one.
Got it for my Double Nickels Birthday and even though I have every intention to teach myself how to play...
it's been sitting there ever since the Double Nickels day.
Life just keeps getting in my way.
After this weekend, I am on a guitar learning mission.
I am going to play Mandy by Barry Manilow
If that is the only song I ever learn I will still feel accomplished
It's a simple dream of mine.
It will make my heart happy!
Thank you Nashville!
:)
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Next Time
I was walking at my favorite place last week.
Chugging along enjoying the park like I enjoy the park.
All was lovely.
When I came home the back of my ankle started hurting.
Hmm. That's weird.
But, I went about my business.
The next day came along and as I started walking I felt this awful pain.
Where?
The back of my ankle.
I told myself ...'no problem...keep walking...it will work it's way out'.
It did and I was happy.
Next day. Same thing.
And the next.
I happily walked along ignoring the pain.
And then it hit like a ton of bricks.
Not my ankle. That's fine.
Seems I overcompensated for my ankle and did a number on my back.
Ask me if I'm bummed.
I'm on Day 5 of taking it easy / no walks.
I'm bummed.
Boo.
The bright side is while I've been sitting and sitting and sitting I wrote 'You Matter'
And I am reading a wonderful book.
Yes. There is always a bright side.
Today's lesson to me ... ?
The next time a body part is speaking.....Pay Attention !!
My ankle said to stop.
I refused.
So my back said STOP.
Ok. I hear ya.
I PROMISE next time I will pay attention.
Promise.
(Fingers crossed)
:)
Chugging along enjoying the park like I enjoy the park.
All was lovely.
When I came home the back of my ankle started hurting.
Hmm. That's weird.
But, I went about my business.
The next day came along and as I started walking I felt this awful pain.
Where?
The back of my ankle.
I told myself ...'no problem...keep walking...it will work it's way out'.
It did and I was happy.
Next day. Same thing.
And the next.
I happily walked along ignoring the pain.
And then it hit like a ton of bricks.
Not my ankle. That's fine.
Seems I overcompensated for my ankle and did a number on my back.
Ask me if I'm bummed.
I'm on Day 5 of taking it easy / no walks.
I'm bummed.
Boo.
The bright side is while I've been sitting and sitting and sitting I wrote 'You Matter'
And I am reading a wonderful book.
Yes. There is always a bright side.
Today's lesson to me ... ?
The next time a body part is speaking.....Pay Attention !!
My ankle said to stop.
I refused.
So my back said STOP.
Ok. I hear ya.
I PROMISE next time I will pay attention.
Promise.
(Fingers crossed)
:)
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Spider on my Shoulder
Those who read this blog probably know I am a big believer of signs.
Thought I'd share another one ....
I was in the shower one morning minding my own business.
I looked up to grab the shampoo and there he sat.
A spider.
fyi...they don't bother me now but, there was a time when I would run for cover at the very mention of a spider sighting.
So there he was and there I was....
I decided I'd leave him alone as long as he stayed still and didn't bother me.
The only prayer I prayed was that he didn't dangle down on his little spider string and get me.
And so ..I showered and watched.
Somewhere in the process of shampooing I lost track of him.
I was happy he left my space.
I finished my shower.
I stepped out.
He made his move.
That darn spider dangled down and plopped himself right on my shoulder.
I know !!
YIKES ! ! !
I didn't give the poor guy a chance.
I swatted him away.
He landed on the ground and scurried off.....muttering the same words I was muttering I'm sure.
After my heartbeat returned to normal I thought about it.
The chances of that spider dangling down to sit on my shoulder at that moment in time = improbable.
It was pretty scary stuff.
Improbable chances.
Scary stuff.
I survived.
Yep.
That was a sign.
:)
Thought I'd share another one ....
I was in the shower one morning minding my own business.
I looked up to grab the shampoo and there he sat.
A spider.
fyi...they don't bother me now but, there was a time when I would run for cover at the very mention of a spider sighting.
So there he was and there I was....
I decided I'd leave him alone as long as he stayed still and didn't bother me.
The only prayer I prayed was that he didn't dangle down on his little spider string and get me.
And so ..I showered and watched.
Somewhere in the process of shampooing I lost track of him.
I was happy he left my space.
I finished my shower.
I stepped out.
He made his move.
That darn spider dangled down and plopped himself right on my shoulder.
I know !!
YIKES ! ! !
I didn't give the poor guy a chance.
I swatted him away.
He landed on the ground and scurried off.....muttering the same words I was muttering I'm sure.
After my heartbeat returned to normal I thought about it.
The chances of that spider dangling down to sit on my shoulder at that moment in time = improbable.
It was pretty scary stuff.
Improbable chances.
Scary stuff.
I survived.
Yep.
That was a sign.
:)
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Eat the Frog
My daughter gave me this lovely advice one morning.
I was stalling on whatever it was I didn't want to do that day and she said "Mom. Eat the frog"
So ...I did.
And it worked.
Eat the frog.
Do the one thing you really, really don't want to do first.
A phone call you don't want to make.
A person you don't want to meet.
An email you don't want to write.
Exercise you don't want to do....
Do it first.
Get it out of the way.
Go about your day.
I've taken this advice and have used it many times.
Eat the frog.
It works !
:)
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
A Walk in the Park
Thought I'd share a few observations from my walk in the park....
People are so incredibly happy.
The picnickers, the runners, the walkers, the bench sitters...
A park is where you want to be if you're looking for smiles.
There is a bug going around that is taking down some local trees.
The powers that be have chopped down many trees because of that darn bug.
It breaks my heart to see the old timers go but, the young trees are coming in strong and claiming their space.
Such is life.
I guess....!...
A field of dandelions is beautiful.
The sun was shining on those fuzzy flowers and it was gorgeous.
I stopped my walk to take a picture.
It was wonderful.
If it looks like rain ...pay attention to the golfers.
The golfers will stay until they can't.
If the golfers are golfing, I'm still walking.
The colors.
Right before it rains ...wow.
The colors are vibrant.
The rain came...
The picnickers scurried.
The runners ran for cover.
The walkers ran.
The bench sitters moved.
And there was laughter all around.
I love the park.
:)
People are so incredibly happy.
The picnickers, the runners, the walkers, the bench sitters...
A park is where you want to be if you're looking for smiles.
There is a bug going around that is taking down some local trees.
The powers that be have chopped down many trees because of that darn bug.
It breaks my heart to see the old timers go but, the young trees are coming in strong and claiming their space.
Such is life.
I guess....!...
A field of dandelions is beautiful.
The sun was shining on those fuzzy flowers and it was gorgeous.
I stopped my walk to take a picture.
It was wonderful.
If it looks like rain ...pay attention to the golfers.
The golfers will stay until they can't.
If the golfers are golfing, I'm still walking.
The colors.
Right before it rains ...wow.
The colors are vibrant.
The rain came...
The picnickers scurried.
The runners ran for cover.
The walkers ran.
The bench sitters moved.
And there was laughter all around.
I love the park.
:)
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Love and Happy
Seems every time I watch or read the news all I see is negative.
Shootings and riots and wars and hate....it goes on and on and on....
Negative rules.
After spending a week with my 10 week old grandson I'm shunning negative.
Babies.
I love them so.
They have the answer to everything if you ask me.
They can't tell us but, it's there.
Love and Happy.
It's that simple.
A smiling, cooing baby seems to want to burst with love and bust out the happy.
They are completely content with a full belly and a clean diaper.
Babies are happy just being here.
Love and Happy.
Imagine the wonderful if we all kept it so simple.
:)
Shootings and riots and wars and hate....it goes on and on and on....
Negative rules.
After spending a week with my 10 week old grandson I'm shunning negative.
Babies.
I love them so.
They have the answer to everything if you ask me.
They can't tell us but, it's there.
Love and Happy.
It's that simple.
A smiling, cooing baby seems to want to burst with love and bust out the happy.
They are completely content with a full belly and a clean diaper.
Babies are happy just being here.
Love and Happy.
Imagine the wonderful if we all kept it so simple.
:)
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Traveling
I love people watching.
Especially people watching at airports.
I traveled to Florida yesterday so I had airport people watching time.
The happy reunions are the best.
The goodbyes make me sad
I don't travel much and I haven't traveled by myself in a very long time.
I was a bit nervous.
My children kept reminding me to just follow the signs and all will be fine.
Along the way I saw a blind man being guided by the airport staff .
A blind man traveling by himself.
I thought that was the coolest thing.
Seeing that man calmed me.
He seemed happy and carefree.
He's got this.
I got this.
I followed the signs.
All was fine ...!
:)
Especially people watching at airports.
I traveled to Florida yesterday so I had airport people watching time.
The happy reunions are the best.
The goodbyes make me sad
I don't travel much and I haven't traveled by myself in a very long time.
I was a bit nervous.
My children kept reminding me to just follow the signs and all will be fine.
Along the way I saw a blind man being guided by the airport staff .
A blind man traveling by himself.
I thought that was the coolest thing.
Seeing that man calmed me.
He seemed happy and carefree.
He's got this.
I got this.
I followed the signs.
All was fine ...!
:)
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Positives
I've been thinking about the people in my life.
The happy ones.
The grumps
The positive ones.
The doubters...
I often allow the doubters to intimidate me and I don't know why ...
Their blank stares. Their roaring silence.
ugh
Oh doubters ...why do I let you mess with my head ?
Please take your non believing, no exclamation point attitude somewhere else.
Your negativeness is bringing me down ...!
Then there are my positive people.
The positive ones are always there with their happy, encouraging words.
They lift me up with their constant help and support.
They seem to know the right thing to say to my heart each and every time.
They keep me on my happy path.
I hope my positives know how grateful I am having them in my life.
They are my doubt blockers....my force field.
They will knock you doubters down every single time.
Thank you positives !!
:)
The happy ones.
The grumps
The positive ones.
The doubters...
I often allow the doubters to intimidate me and I don't know why ...
Their blank stares. Their roaring silence.
ugh
Oh doubters ...why do I let you mess with my head ?
Please take your non believing, no exclamation point attitude somewhere else.
Your negativeness is bringing me down ...!
Then there are my positive people.
The positive ones are always there with their happy, encouraging words.
They lift me up with their constant help and support.
They seem to know the right thing to say to my heart each and every time.
They keep me on my happy path.
I hope my positives know how grateful I am having them in my life.
They are my doubt blockers....my force field.
They will knock you doubters down every single time.
Thank you positives !!
:)
Monday, May 5, 2014
Sidetracked
If there is one thing I am really really good at it's procrastination.
Getting sidetracked is my specialty.
Especially when it comes to my writing.
I have the words in my head...I may jot them down...but other 'priorities' always get in the way.
Tomorrow tomorrow I love you tomorrow ...
Yep.
And then tomorrow shows up.
So today my advice to me is stop waiting on tomorrow....!
Do. It. Today.
Because one day tomorrow won't show up.
On that day I WILL be kicking myself from here to tomorrow for not getting it done...!
Today.
I'm doing it today.
:)
Friday, May 2, 2014
Walking in the Rain
I went on my walk yesterday and got caught in the rain ...
Again.
This time I was ready.
I found this thing called a raincoat .... it's amazing !
This walk in the rain was lovely.
I had the park pretty much to myself.
The few people out there were prepared as well so I saw smiles.
The birds and squirrels were happily doing their thing.
The grass looked greener.
The trees looked clean and strong.
Having experienced both...I highly recommend a prepared walk in the rain.
It was refreshing !!
:)
Again.
This time I was ready.
I found this thing called a raincoat .... it's amazing !
This walk in the rain was lovely.
I had the park pretty much to myself.
The few people out there were prepared as well so I saw smiles.
The birds and squirrels were happily doing their thing.
The grass looked greener.
The trees looked clean and strong.
Having experienced both...I highly recommend a prepared walk in the rain.
It was refreshing !!
:)
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Bright Side
I have a friend or two who always see negative before positive.
The why bother attitude....it's a gloomy day outlook.
They make me laugh and drive me crazy.
I'm sure I drive them crazy too.
I believe there is a positive side to every story.
Always.
Every situation I have ever been in somewhere, somehow there was a bright side.
And believe me it hasn't been easy.
Sometimes it took awhile to figure out what the heck the bright side was ...but it was always there.
If you don't look you will never ever find it.
It sounds preachy and simple and silly...but it's true !
:)
The why bother attitude....it's a gloomy day outlook.
They make me laugh and drive me crazy.
I'm sure I drive them crazy too.
I believe there is a positive side to every story.
Always.
Every situation I have ever been in somewhere, somehow there was a bright side.
And believe me it hasn't been easy.
Sometimes it took awhile to figure out what the heck the bright side was ...but it was always there.
If you don't look you will never ever find it.
It sounds preachy and simple and silly...but it's true !
:)
Monday, April 28, 2014
Double Nickels
Today is my birthday.
I love birthdays....!!!
Yours, his, hers theirs ....just not mine.
I try to ignore mine ...
But this year is different.
I'm 55.
Double Nickels.
And for some reason the thought of turning Double Nickels thrills me.
Why in the world would that thrill me ?!?!?
I think it's because I have finally figured out ME.
It took 55 years but I finally make sense to me.
I don't question anymore ...I follow the path ...
And if the doubters and the negative people doubt and throw negatives my way ...?
I just don't let it bother me anymore.
I wasted so much time and energy through the years on what other people think.
Ugh.
Now I listen to me.
Now I can honestly say I am happy with who I am.
Double Nickels Baby !!
I Love It.
:)
I love birthdays....!!!
Yours, his, hers theirs ....just not mine.
I try to ignore mine ...
But this year is different.
I'm 55.
Double Nickels.
And for some reason the thought of turning Double Nickels thrills me.
Why in the world would that thrill me ?!?!?
I think it's because I have finally figured out ME.
It took 55 years but I finally make sense to me.
I don't question anymore ...I follow the path ...
And if the doubters and the negative people doubt and throw negatives my way ...?
I just don't let it bother me anymore.
I wasted so much time and energy through the years on what other people think.
Ugh.
Now I listen to me.
Now I can honestly say I am happy with who I am.
Double Nickels Baby !!
I Love It.
:)
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Good Morning
I laid on the couch yesterday evening for what I planned on being a 15 minute nap ..
Yep.
I took a nosedive into sleep.
I woke up about an hour ago and thought Wow !!
I needed that.
So now I am enjoying the sounds and sights of morning.
The quiet.
The birds chirping.
The squirrels and rabbits getting their day going.
The birds are really singing it up.
Imagine being so happy that the first thing you do each morning is sing ...!
Love it.
All this and the sunrise too.
Happy Sunday !!
:)
Yep.
I took a nosedive into sleep.
I woke up about an hour ago and thought Wow !!
I needed that.
So now I am enjoying the sounds and sights of morning.
The quiet.
The birds chirping.
The squirrels and rabbits getting their day going.
The birds are really singing it up.
Imagine being so happy that the first thing you do each morning is sing ...!
Love it.
All this and the sunrise too.
Happy Sunday !!
:)
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Raindrops Keep Falling ...
I got caught in the rain the other day.
I had fair warning....the sky looked like rain...there were a few sprinkles in the air...
But ...I was really enjoying my walk.
I thought I could get one more lap in before it started pouring.
Wrong.
It started pouring.
So there I was walking in the rain trying to act like I was prepared for a soaking ....
Yes. Yes. I PLANNED on walking in the rain today !!
But....I kept walking....
I grumbled all the way back to my car ...but... I kept walking.
Got home.
Dried off.
Life went on.
Then I got to thinking ...
That's not the first time I've been "rained' on and it certainly won't be the last.
My advice to me is Just. Keep.Walking.
Stay on that path.
It always stops raining...the sun will eventually shine.
It does get better.
It always gets better !
So next time I calculate the weather wrong and I end up getting soaked ...?
I just might be singing in the rain !!
:)
I had fair warning....the sky looked like rain...there were a few sprinkles in the air...
But ...I was really enjoying my walk.
I thought I could get one more lap in before it started pouring.
Wrong.
It started pouring.
So there I was walking in the rain trying to act like I was prepared for a soaking ....
Yes. Yes. I PLANNED on walking in the rain today !!
But....I kept walking....
I grumbled all the way back to my car ...but... I kept walking.
Got home.
Dried off.
Life went on.
Then I got to thinking ...
That's not the first time I've been "rained' on and it certainly won't be the last.
My advice to me is Just. Keep.Walking.
Stay on that path.
It always stops raining...the sun will eventually shine.
It does get better.
It always gets better !
So next time I calculate the weather wrong and I end up getting soaked ...?
I just might be singing in the rain !!
:)
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Wicker Walk Man
My sister and I are signed up to walk a half marathon in May.
So ...I am walking a little more than usual ..... getting the ol feet and legs ready for the big day.
I walk my lovely Wicker Park.
I go at different times but, it's the same path, same route each day.
Sometimes I see a familiar face.....but most times I see new, smiling faces ....
And then there's Wicker Walk Man.
I've named him that because Wicker Walk Man is there no matter what time, what day.
He is there.
He is always there.
Wicker Walk Man is a clockwise walker.
I like walking counterclockwise.
He walks his way. I walk mine.
Our paths cross two, three, sometimes four times.
Now, I'm usually lost in my music when I walk...but as people are walking towards me I look up and smile.
Most people smile or say Hi....
Wicker Walk Man never smiles or says Hi.
He looks at me and looks away.
Every. Single. Time.
He looks...I smile...He looks away.... He looks ..I smile..He looks away...
It's this nice little pattern we've formed.
I throw in a HI every so often just to shake things up ...but he always looks away.
I often wonder what's up with Wicker Walk Man.
What's his story ?
What's going through his mind when he sees me and my goofy smile headed his way ?
And why does he always look away with no response..no reaction ?
I have made it my mission to get a smile from Wicker Walk Man.
If he ever says Hi I will probably jump with joy ...!.
Cmon Wicker Walk Man...it's not so bad.
Smile !!
:)
So ...I am walking a little more than usual ..... getting the ol feet and legs ready for the big day.
I walk my lovely Wicker Park.
I go at different times but, it's the same path, same route each day.
Sometimes I see a familiar face.....but most times I see new, smiling faces ....
And then there's Wicker Walk Man.
I've named him that because Wicker Walk Man is there no matter what time, what day.
He is there.
He is always there.
Wicker Walk Man is a clockwise walker.
I like walking counterclockwise.
He walks his way. I walk mine.
Our paths cross two, three, sometimes four times.
Now, I'm usually lost in my music when I walk...but as people are walking towards me I look up and smile.
Most people smile or say Hi....
Wicker Walk Man never smiles or says Hi.
He looks at me and looks away.
Every. Single. Time.
He looks...I smile...He looks away.... He looks ..I smile..He looks away...
It's this nice little pattern we've formed.
I throw in a HI every so often just to shake things up ...but he always looks away.
I often wonder what's up with Wicker Walk Man.
What's his story ?
What's going through his mind when he sees me and my goofy smile headed his way ?
And why does he always look away with no response..no reaction ?
I have made it my mission to get a smile from Wicker Walk Man.
If he ever says Hi I will probably jump with joy ...!.
Cmon Wicker Walk Man...it's not so bad.
Smile !!
:)
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Find your Happy Place
I love to walk.
My favorite place to walk is a local park.
Wicker Park.
It's a beautiful place with lots of trees.
2.2 miles around with my music in my ears.
It is truly my Happy Place.
Many times I have started my Wicker walks with a load of problems sitting on my head....carrying whatever I'm carrying along with me.
I start walking and... like magic... the load is lifted...the problems gone.
Find your Happy Place.
Whatever it is. Wherever it is.
It doesn't have to be somewhere far away that you visit once/twice a year.
It's near and around you and if you look ...you will find it.
Wicker Park has been in my town for as long as I can remember but it took me years to 'find' it.
I sure don't know what took me so long but Wicker is a part of me now.
I'm hoping you find your Happy Place.
:)
My favorite place to walk is a local park.
Wicker Park.
It's a beautiful place with lots of trees.
2.2 miles around with my music in my ears.
It is truly my Happy Place.
Many times I have started my Wicker walks with a load of problems sitting on my head....carrying whatever I'm carrying along with me.
I start walking and... like magic... the load is lifted...the problems gone.
Find your Happy Place.
Whatever it is. Wherever it is.
It doesn't have to be somewhere far away that you visit once/twice a year.
It's near and around you and if you look ...you will find it.
Wicker Park has been in my town for as long as I can remember but it took me years to 'find' it.
I sure don't know what took me so long but Wicker is a part of me now.
I'm hoping you find your Happy Place.
:)
Saturday, March 22, 2014
A little About Me
Hi!
My name is Jacki. I write children stories and misc poems and I would like to share them with you.
I am a mother of three grown children and a first time grandma.
My background is in daycare, preschools, and babysitting. Let's just say I've been around children pretty much my whole life!
I enjoy everything about them.
In my opinion, all the answers you will ever need are within a child.
That's where my stories come from.. their little points of views.
My poems?
They're words that float around in my head.
Don't know where they come from... I just grab a pen/paper and start writing.
Please feel free to provide feedback. I would love to hear what you have to say.
Enjoy!
&
Have A Happy Day!
My name is Jacki. I write children stories and misc poems and I would like to share them with you.
I am a mother of three grown children and a first time grandma.
My background is in daycare, preschools, and babysitting. Let's just say I've been around children pretty much my whole life!
I enjoy everything about them.
In my opinion, all the answers you will ever need are within a child.
That's where my stories come from.. their little points of views.
My poems?
They're words that float around in my head.
Don't know where they come from... I just grab a pen/paper and start writing.
Please feel free to provide feedback. I would love to hear what you have to say.
Enjoy!
&
Have A Happy Day!
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