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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Yellow Crisom Watermelon

So... When we opened up our Walmart Seedless Watermelon, we were not expecting this! Never have I seen a yellow watermelon. The family all say it taste the same (I think I will pass, it just does not look appetizing to me!). I posted it on Facebook, and relieved to see some have seen, tasted and even sought out to purchase this. My friend, Darla, looked it up, gave me the name and said it is suppose to taste sweeter than the famous pink. Maybe if we had been warned, and not so shocked when opening it I wouldn't have freaked out. I think Walmart got these without knowing. I am sure I am not the only shopper that said, "What the heck?"

Sunday, June 27, 2010

need a prayer...


I have been MIA alot lately.

Alot going on, mostly trying to spend available time with my Aunt Nancy.

She will be leaving Indiana today, and I realize it may very well be the last time I see her. Her Parkinson's & Alzheimer's have been cruel.

She will be leaving this grand loving Nursing Home (yes... some really are!) And travel to Oklahoma to live with one of her daughters. Although it sounds like a better situation, I do not believe it is.

Her daughter hasn't a clue as to what she has taken on, nor has realized exactly what a "two person assist", elderly person that can no longer do anything without assistance, can no longer walk nor use the restroom requires.

It is very complicated, and heartbreaking to everyone including the other daughters, as to what & how things have come about.

I can not go into details. But, I will ask for your prayers, and your positive energy to come into the direction of my dear Aunt.

I pray for her to have happiness, dignity, and I pray she never understands exactly what & why things have come to what they have. I hope that she does not ever pick up on any of the negativity or greed that has come to light.

I pray that hearts will awaken and the right thing will be done.


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!

Lost my background!
Bare with me! Will work on after dinner!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my Birthday. I am 48...
48.
When did that happen? Time is in fast speed. Freaks me out.
I mean sometimes I feel like I am just 38, then I will feel 58. I feel playful and strong, or tired and sore. I still think the same as when I was 18, however I am more logical and practical. Sometimes I am wise beyond my years.
I really don't mind the "age thing". I do mind the "aging thing". The body changes, the aches, the forgetfulness.
I am in a good place... I have a wonderful husband, and darling daughters. A roof over our heads, food on the table, and jobs to pay the bills. I have Christ in my life that gets me through the tough times as well as the good. My health is good, my state of mind is fair.
Sometimes I am troubled by the would have, could have, and should haves. But I feel the paths I have taken are those with God at my side guiding me along the way.
My day was truly Blessed.
I was able to spend it with extended family~ my folks, Aunt & Uncle, Cousins (including a fav that shares my birthday), and Emily for a cook-out. After that, Annie and Emily took me for Mani-Pedi's. Then Sergio meet up with us for a lovely dinner, stroll and some shopping. We ended the night with a good suspense flick {Shutter Island}.
Today we will enjoy Fathers Day, and it will feel wonderful celebrating the great Father my Husband is to the girls.
Life is good.
Even at 48.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

the toothpaste lesson



Many years ago, my daughter, Emily, had a lovely 3rd grade teacher, named Mrs. Snoddy. She was a favorite of ours. You see, she was one of those rare teachers that taught more than textbook education. She taught life lessons and virtues. She left a lasting impression on us all and I am so grateful she touched our lives.

So back to the Toothpaste Lesson.

There seem to be a problem with some of the children getting along. Some hurtful things were said and Mrs. Snoddy had enough. She announced that each child was to bring a tube of toothpaste to class the next day. Didn't have to be new, or a certain type or size. Just bring it to class the following day.

My daughter, along with her classmates were anxious to see what new experiment Mrs. Snoddy had up her sleeves. They always had impromptu experiments, and lessons. She always had that touch of excitement and enchantment in the classroom.
So the following day, she put wax paper down on the desktops and told the children, they were to squirt out some toothpaste.
Some of the children immediately started squirting out the paste into mountains. While others cautiously would let out just a tiny bit. A few, actually asked her, "How much are we to squirt?". Mrs. Snoddy, answered with, "That is your decision."
The teacher walked about the class examining the children's "work".
Finally she said, "Okay Class, now put it back into the tubes."
Well, you can imagine the looks on their faces. Many tried, desperately attempting to figure out a way to reverse what had been expelled.
None we successful at retrieving ALL the paste back into the tube.
Mrs. Snoddy had their attention.
She explained that much like this tube of toothpaste, are our mouths with words. Once you let it out, it's very difficult to take it back.
She said, "The next time, you are angry, or grumpy, gossipy, or even playfully teasing, think about this tube of toothpaste on your desk. Think about how once you save something harsh or negative, you can't take it back." Remeber, it is your decission. Choose your words wisely."
I am pretty sure, my daughter wasn't the only one that remembers this lesson.
Bravo, Mrs. Snoddy.!
Hopefully, Emily will remember these lessons to pass on to her classrooms to come. Your lessons were the best!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Miles Brentson Reed


A couple of weeks ago, I was honored to attend my nephew's college graduation from Depauw University. I am EXTREMELY proud of my nephew, Miles. I don't doubt that he will be a wonderful asset to society and his skills & knowledge will be beneficial to our great earth. Miles, graduated with a degree in Environmental Geo science. He is working on an Organic Farm this summer, then will travel to Washington state where he will attend Alderleaf Wilderness College. http://www.wildernesscollege.com/ How very cool is that?
Miles has the sweetiest girlfriend, Katie. I wonder how she will do with him so far. I am growing to love her as much as him, I see her bring out the best in him. She is strong and loving. She is beautiful and smart. Will she follow him out there? Will she become my niece :)? {hint-hint-Miles}
Both my nephew & niece have broaden their horizons, stepped outside the comfort zones of home & familiarity which I admire tremendously. (Kuddos to Julie & Brent for teaching them to think outside the box).
His sister, Michelle, {whom I absolutely adore}, is the niece that traveled abroad and went to Germany for a year of study and adventure. Her handsome German boyfriend will be coming to America to visit her and see this great country of ours,{as well, as visiting my sweet Michelle} at the end of the month. Which~ I am going to come meet him Chelle! I need to make sure he is good enough for you :)
The years are flying. Seems only yesterday, my girls and Miles & Michelle played joyfully and giggled through the days. You blink and wonder where the days have gone. All four have become young adults whom happen to have turned out pretty well. You hear about how proud I am of Emily & Annie all the time. But let me tell you, I am so very proud of Miles & Michelle too. I couldn't have asked for a better niece & nephew.
Way to go! I love you so much!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

How To Stay Young

I got a wonderful forward from my cousin Janet that I must share with you. (minus all the fluff). This is titled:
Philosophy For Old Age~ by George Carlin
  • Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the Doctors worry about them. That's why we pay them.
  • Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
  • Keep Learning. Learn more about the compute crafts, gardening, whatever... Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the Devil's Workshop," and the Devils name is Alzheimer's.
  • Enjoy the simple things.
  • Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
  • The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
  • Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
  • Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
  • Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where guilt is.
  • Tell the people that you love, you love them at every opportunity.

And always remember:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

.

Friday, June 4, 2010

But What About MY DREAMS?



My husband is home from his well deserved vacation. Hiking, camping and just breathing the Arizona air rejuvenated him. He came home home full of dreams and plans for our future. As we reach retirement, my husband is alive with goals and plans.
{The above photo is of the Pinaleno Mountains in Arizona where he visited}

His job is demanding and taxing. He has been beat up a bit with all the GM negotiations as well as the many plants that are folding and dealing with helping all these union members. He also shoulders the weight of "our world", with our own dilemmas, demands and issues. We have Oldies to worry about and college daughters to worry about. If it isn't work, its something on the home front.
I realize many are thinking... who doesn't? We all have stuff to deal with. He doesn't complain much {he is a man so hello? so complaining can't be helped}, he is always taking care of everyone and he has come back to us with certain pride... ideals... dreams...and finally some hope.

He has big dreams and ideals of how to achieve them. He is excited and enthusiastic about these new thoughts and plans. I have listened whole heartedly for the past several days. So pleased to see him happy about our future and wanting the best for us in retirement.

We have been married for 23 years. I took my vows very seriously. I like to believe I am about the most supportive wife there possible can be. I have agreed and abide by his thoughts of what is best for us. He has always made me & the girls most happy and provided very well for us.

The problem I am having will seem selfish. Please know, sometimes to write about these things puts a new prospective on my thoughts and helps me to see and think more clearly. I will continue to do as he sees fit and best. I always have and always will be the "Dutiful Wife". The "Proverbs Wife".
But sometimes I wonder, what about my dreams? What about the things I had hoped to achieve? My dreams? My thoughts and ideals? Are they to be cast aside and sit in this blog for me alone? Does the Hubby forget that maybe, I don't want some of those same plans and that those might not be my dreams? Does he forget when we were young, some of the plans that we dreamed about together? Am I just to be content that he knows best, therefore follow his dreams? Is it too much to wish that he tell me his dreams and ask me what I think? Ask me would I like to consider these things before just assuming?

I gave up on many a dreams long ago. It happens. We grow old and see that some things are just not possible or practical.

  • I will never have 4 kids.
  • I will not live in Texas.
  • I will probably not own horses (I can't give that one up yet).
  • I am not going to win/earn/inherit a ton of money so that I can open "Jan's Ark" my Haven for abused, neglected, and orphaned animals. {horse photo is a rescue horse looking for a home}
  • I am never going to have that ability to make people happy and light up a room.
  • I may never have the confidence I lack.
  • I will never learn to stop trying to fix and save people.

I won't give up on hopes, dreams, and wishes. I just think it would be nice to have my opinion, my input, be considered. I also just want to feel like my feelings are more worthy.

Our Soft Drinks Vs Their Coffee Drinks


When I was a young girl, one of the biggest deals about having a "sleepover" was what you would be serving to eat & drink. Pizza or burgers, lots of chips, and popcorn were the staples.

The drinks were important. I'm talking grade school and Junior High here... so were you a Coke or Pepsi? Along with 7-up. If your parents let you get the cute little bottles, that made you cool.

Another really cool fun choice was getting to choose from Towne Club Soda. Do you remember? In Indianapolis we had a Towne Club on Pendleton Pike. It was a huge deal for Julie & I to get to "pick" our case of sodas. I remember Pineapple Cream, Red Pop, Grape, and Tangerine, to name a few.

Today's kids don't seem to drink Soda Pop. The young men all love their Monster energy drinks, while the girls all seem to drink coffee drinks. I see young girls of 9 or 10 gulping down their Frappucinnos and Cappuccinos. I didn't start drinking coffee till I was 21. I started because I had to make it all the time in the Restaurant I worked in. While in college, I drank Hot Chocolate & sometimes Hot Tea, IF Pepsi or Coke were not available. We certainly didn't have fancy drinks with whipped cream and a thousand calories. I can't imagine paying the Big Bucks kids today spend on these. Grant it I grew up a long time ago, but a spurge back then was a Shake or Freeze from Steak & Shake or a Fountain Cherry Coke at the Drugstore where my College was. Most people (especially kids)seem to not mind popping $4-6 dollars out for a fancy coffee drink. I walk every day with co-workers to a Starbucks. My friend gets an Ice Coffee refill daily for just a buck when she has her Starbucks cup with her. I go along for the walk & her company but have never bought one. I just can't see it. They are not that good, in my opinion. (Although she gets a deal, I won't pay for the over-priced cup.) ME? At my age (and weight) I will stick to my "free" coffee at the office. Spurge? I'll take a Margarita on the Rocks with extra salt please!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Lightening Bugs!

The Lightening Bug,
The Lightening Bug,
I'll betcha didn't know,
How much the fairies love him,
Coz he's their radio,
The Lightening Bug,
The Lightening Bug,
The fairies radio."
song by Julia W Bingham

Tonight I saw my first lightening bugs!
I always feel like summer is here when the lightening bugs are out.
Ahhh...summertime!