One of the things I want to do this year, is to continue writing. So, to begin my endless summer, I think back to the summers of my youth. Nothing special, as a matter of fact, they were rather lonely. We never went anywhere...my parents could not afford much. I spent my time reading, visiting friends, and lounging around. We never went to camps, or had weekend trips, as money was always a factor. I, in turn, became a reader, and always got lost on an adventure in one of my books.
This summer, I have plans. We are doing some remodeling of our house, and fixing up things. I don't know that we will travel, but that is ok. I want to invest the time and money in our home. After all, it is where we live, and defines us to some degree.
I also plan to read. I want to read as much as I did during my youthful summers. I want to lose myself in adventures that are exciting and rare. Reading can do that.
I hope to do some school work for next year, but not right away. I want to visit friends and family, and see if I can help 2 of my friends going through a rough time right now.
I want to pray more. God has been good to me, and I want to renew my relationship with him.
I want to enjoy my container garden. It is in that garden that new life happens, on a very small scale, and that in itself is peaceful.
Endless summer. It was was Beach Boys song, but it has so many possibilities. This year, I hope my summer is endless.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Baby steps
It has been a while. Life certainly has gotten in my way. It has a habit of doing that. Seems just when you want to do things "your" way, life has a way of forcing you to do it another way.
I've had surgery--a knee injury. I am off crutches finally, and limping around. I have learned just how intolerant I am. Little inconveniences bother me, as do small changes in plans. I like things done my way. I guess we all are like that to an extent, but when you cannot walk without someone's help, or roll over in bed without crying in pain, you learn just how intolerant you are, of your own inconveniences.
I hate to ask for help. I am very stubborn. I have learned that both of my children are the same. My daughter, though, has compassion. Her compassion, and tolerance is a quality unique to her. My son, does not have compassion. He just does what needs to be done. Both of my children have done their share to help me through this ordeal, without sacrificing their own professions and social life..too much!
My husband has been a saint. He knows me, and he knows what I need. Sometimes he forgets, but that is ok. He also tolerates me. I know I can be impossible, especially when I am trying not to depend on him, but he still tolerates me. I know that is love.
So, it has been a while. Life has gotten in my way, but now I want it to get out of my way, and let me be myself again. Baby steps. That is what the Physical therapist says, and he is right. Baby steps.
I've had surgery--a knee injury. I am off crutches finally, and limping around. I have learned just how intolerant I am. Little inconveniences bother me, as do small changes in plans. I like things done my way. I guess we all are like that to an extent, but when you cannot walk without someone's help, or roll over in bed without crying in pain, you learn just how intolerant you are, of your own inconveniences.
I hate to ask for help. I am very stubborn. I have learned that both of my children are the same. My daughter, though, has compassion. Her compassion, and tolerance is a quality unique to her. My son, does not have compassion. He just does what needs to be done. Both of my children have done their share to help me through this ordeal, without sacrificing their own professions and social life..too much!
My husband has been a saint. He knows me, and he knows what I need. Sometimes he forgets, but that is ok. He also tolerates me. I know I can be impossible, especially when I am trying not to depend on him, but he still tolerates me. I know that is love.
So, it has been a while. Life has gotten in my way, but now I want it to get out of my way, and let me be myself again. Baby steps. That is what the Physical therapist says, and he is right. Baby steps.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My new team
Well, Eagles fans, you won't be seeing me sporting the green this year. No. Nope. Nada. I have officially given up my Eagles. As long as Eagles Management sees fit to hire, pay, and advertise Michael Vick as a Philadelphia Eagle, then I will not be among the team's fan base.
Michael Vick tortured, humiliated, and mutilated dogs. He supported and made money off dog fighting. And he enjoyed it. He got caught, accepted his punishment of 18 months in jail. He served his time, and now 6 weeks out of Federal Prison, lands a job with the Philadelphia Eagles. Not just a job, but a spot on the team. The honor of being an Eagle. Jeffrey Lurie what were you thinking? Did you think that roar over this would die down? I am insulted that you think it is ok, that our city will accept this man at his word, that he is a changed individual. Maybe he is. I hope so. But shouldn't he actually prove it before being handed the honor of wearing our team's uniform? He has been out of prison 6 weeks. He has good intentions. He needs to act on them.
I am so disappointed in your decision to hire Michael Vick, Mr. Lurie. I thought you were a good man, with some honor and dignity. And I thought you cared about the good and faithful fans of this city. I don't think you do. I was one of those good and faithful fans. For a very long time. But not any more. As long as Michael Vick is a Philadelphia Eagle, I cannot support my team.
My family is equally divided. We loved our "Iggles". We still do. But we cannot love them with Michael Vick. I am so sad for my husband. He loves football, and has loved supported and followed the Eagles through the good and bad years. He would like nothing more than to enjoy an Eagle's Super Bowl. But now, the blanket of dishonor has been cast over our team. My son is and always will be a die hard fan. He has many mixed emotions. He isn't happy at all, but he loves his football team with such passion that it hurts to even think about supporting anyone else. It hurts me to see him so saddened. It offends me that all the kids who love the Eagles players will have to accept Michael Vick as a member of the team. I don't think it is right. How can fans really get excited for the Eagles? I know I can't. I don't think my family can either.
Since the announcement I have been looking for a new team to support. I have to have a reason to support a team. I was born in South Carolina, so Carolina Panthers...meet your newest fan. Your first game will be an interesting one for me. It will be my debut in Blue.
Michael Vick tortured, humiliated, and mutilated dogs. He supported and made money off dog fighting. And he enjoyed it. He got caught, accepted his punishment of 18 months in jail. He served his time, and now 6 weeks out of Federal Prison, lands a job with the Philadelphia Eagles. Not just a job, but a spot on the team. The honor of being an Eagle. Jeffrey Lurie what were you thinking? Did you think that roar over this would die down? I am insulted that you think it is ok, that our city will accept this man at his word, that he is a changed individual. Maybe he is. I hope so. But shouldn't he actually prove it before being handed the honor of wearing our team's uniform? He has been out of prison 6 weeks. He has good intentions. He needs to act on them.
I am so disappointed in your decision to hire Michael Vick, Mr. Lurie. I thought you were a good man, with some honor and dignity. And I thought you cared about the good and faithful fans of this city. I don't think you do. I was one of those good and faithful fans. For a very long time. But not any more. As long as Michael Vick is a Philadelphia Eagle, I cannot support my team.
My family is equally divided. We loved our "Iggles". We still do. But we cannot love them with Michael Vick. I am so sad for my husband. He loves football, and has loved supported and followed the Eagles through the good and bad years. He would like nothing more than to enjoy an Eagle's Super Bowl. But now, the blanket of dishonor has been cast over our team. My son is and always will be a die hard fan. He has many mixed emotions. He isn't happy at all, but he loves his football team with such passion that it hurts to even think about supporting anyone else. It hurts me to see him so saddened. It offends me that all the kids who love the Eagles players will have to accept Michael Vick as a member of the team. I don't think it is right. How can fans really get excited for the Eagles? I know I can't. I don't think my family can either.
Since the announcement I have been looking for a new team to support. I have to have a reason to support a team. I was born in South Carolina, so Carolina Panthers...meet your newest fan. Your first game will be an interesting one for me. It will be my debut in Blue.
My turn to cry
Dear Michael Vick
I heard that you cried in prison. Well, that is a shame. Did you ever stop to think about the dogs you tortured? You laughed as they were humiliated and mutilated and they cried. But you made money, and got a charge out of it. I hope you shed some tears, because you certainly made most of the country shed tears and hurl our dinners after we found out what you did.
I was glad you went to prison, and I hoped you would cry. You brought dishonor to the great game of football, let alone the NFL and the human race. As a civilized society we don't do those things..but you would not have know that because after all you are Michael Vick.
Now Michael Vick, you belong to my city. My football team, you are on my turf. And the mere fact that you are now an Eagle turns my stomach. You do not get to walk out of jail and strum up the honor that goes with being a Philadelphia Eagle. Not in my book. You don't deserve the title. You don't deserve to play in the NFL, yet. You have to earn that back. And you have to prove to me that you are worthy to be an Eagle.
It is a shame you cried in prison. Now I am crying. Crying because you have taken away from me one of my favorite past times...supporting the Philadelphia Eagles. As long as you are on the team, I will not support the team. My turn to cry because you do not have the right to take away something I enjoy. But you did. Because of you, and your selfishness, a little bit of me died when you became an Eagle. And now it is my turn to cry.
I heard that you cried in prison. Well, that is a shame. Did you ever stop to think about the dogs you tortured? You laughed as they were humiliated and mutilated and they cried. But you made money, and got a charge out of it. I hope you shed some tears, because you certainly made most of the country shed tears and hurl our dinners after we found out what you did.
I was glad you went to prison, and I hoped you would cry. You brought dishonor to the great game of football, let alone the NFL and the human race. As a civilized society we don't do those things..but you would not have know that because after all you are Michael Vick.
Now Michael Vick, you belong to my city. My football team, you are on my turf. And the mere fact that you are now an Eagle turns my stomach. You do not get to walk out of jail and strum up the honor that goes with being a Philadelphia Eagle. Not in my book. You don't deserve the title. You don't deserve to play in the NFL, yet. You have to earn that back. And you have to prove to me that you are worthy to be an Eagle.
It is a shame you cried in prison. Now I am crying. Crying because you have taken away from me one of my favorite past times...supporting the Philadelphia Eagles. As long as you are on the team, I will not support the team. My turn to cry because you do not have the right to take away something I enjoy. But you did. Because of you, and your selfishness, a little bit of me died when you became an Eagle. And now it is my turn to cry.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Perils of Technology
Pizza. That is all they wanted for dinner last night. Pizza. Ok. We decided on how many, what toppings etc. I was charged, as always, with the task of calling and placing the order. Simple. I have done it a zillion times, and no lasting scars.
I dialed the phone. It rang several times. Nothing unusual. "Hello" I hear on the other end. I was not expecting "Hello". I was not expecting the voice to be familiar. Who could this be?? Who did I know that would be working at a Pizza Delivery store? No, this voice was older. Much older.
"Who is this?" I boldly asked. My husband was sitting across the table from me, my 20-something children glaring at me. They wanted to hear their pizza order being placed.
"Who is this?" the voice on the other end demanded. Wow. That kind of force could only come from one person. My mother.
"Mom??? What are you doing....?" I didn't get to finish my question.
"What are YOU doing? YOU called me!" Uh oh. It was that "you-are-now-in-trouble-girl" voice.
"I am trying to order a pizza" I proudly proclaimed.
"Well", she said calmly, "order one for me too".
By the time I hung up, my family was on the floor rolling in laughter. I dialed the number to order a pizza and somehow got my mother. Only me. You see, we have a new (we have had it over a year) telephone system. My husband thinks that somehow I signaled the speed dial directory, and what ever number I pushed to dial the pizza place, referenced my mother's telephone number.
I did finally get it right. I ordered the pizza. Everyone is still laughing. Only me.
I dialed the phone. It rang several times. Nothing unusual. "Hello" I hear on the other end. I was not expecting "Hello". I was not expecting the voice to be familiar. Who could this be?? Who did I know that would be working at a Pizza Delivery store? No, this voice was older. Much older.
"Who is this?" I boldly asked. My husband was sitting across the table from me, my 20-something children glaring at me. They wanted to hear their pizza order being placed.
"Who is this?" the voice on the other end demanded. Wow. That kind of force could only come from one person. My mother.
"Mom??? What are you doing....?" I didn't get to finish my question.
"What are YOU doing? YOU called me!" Uh oh. It was that "you-are-now-in-trouble-girl" voice.
"I am trying to order a pizza" I proudly proclaimed.
"Well", she said calmly, "order one for me too".
By the time I hung up, my family was on the floor rolling in laughter. I dialed the number to order a pizza and somehow got my mother. Only me. You see, we have a new (we have had it over a year) telephone system. My husband thinks that somehow I signaled the speed dial directory, and what ever number I pushed to dial the pizza place, referenced my mother's telephone number.
I did finally get it right. I ordered the pizza. Everyone is still laughing. Only me.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Busted
Well, summer is finally here, and I am finally done with all my stuff so I can relax and have some down time. I do so love summer, for the adventure, fun and crazy experiences I seem to always encounter. It is like have a second childhood as a grownup. Lots of laughter, intrigue and silly circumstances.
Today being the start of the July 4th holiday, we as a family decided what we were going to have to eat over the weekend. At my son's office yesterday they had a holiday luncheon. One of the gentleman brought in brownies that his wife had made. it just so happens I know his wife well, and my son was mystified by the brownies. After getting the recipe from her, I gathered the ingredients so that my husband would bake them tonight. We needed Creme de Menthe.
Errands took up a good portion of the day, and my daughter was kind enough to go with me on my travels. Our last stop was the PA State Store, for Creme de Menthe. I didn't know it came in green and clear, so I called my friend to find out which to buy. In the mean time, while I was still on the phone, my daughter was telling me about other drinks to make with Creme de Menthe, a man came by and asked her if I was a teacher. Of course she quickly said yes....turns out his children attend the school where I teach, in a younger grade. He was very funny, and was very proud to proclaim me "busted" in the state store!! My friend on the phone was totally confused, and as I hung up--I turned and saw another parent from my school, this one I knew. Really and truly I was busted.
It was funny, and ever so innocent, but nonetheless I was discovered in the State Store, probably the last place I would be expected to be. I am sure the stories will fly about how I was actually seen there...and with my daughter. Lots of laughter, and giggles, and I hope when this story is told everyone who hears it laughs.
(For those readers who do not know....we in Pennsylvania must buy wine and spirits in a state run store...a State Store)
Today being the start of the July 4th holiday, we as a family decided what we were going to have to eat over the weekend. At my son's office yesterday they had a holiday luncheon. One of the gentleman brought in brownies that his wife had made. it just so happens I know his wife well, and my son was mystified by the brownies. After getting the recipe from her, I gathered the ingredients so that my husband would bake them tonight. We needed Creme de Menthe.
Errands took up a good portion of the day, and my daughter was kind enough to go with me on my travels. Our last stop was the PA State Store, for Creme de Menthe. I didn't know it came in green and clear, so I called my friend to find out which to buy. In the mean time, while I was still on the phone, my daughter was telling me about other drinks to make with Creme de Menthe, a man came by and asked her if I was a teacher. Of course she quickly said yes....turns out his children attend the school where I teach, in a younger grade. He was very funny, and was very proud to proclaim me "busted" in the state store!! My friend on the phone was totally confused, and as I hung up--I turned and saw another parent from my school, this one I knew. Really and truly I was busted.
It was funny, and ever so innocent, but nonetheless I was discovered in the State Store, probably the last place I would be expected to be. I am sure the stories will fly about how I was actually seen there...and with my daughter. Lots of laughter, and giggles, and I hope when this story is told everyone who hears it laughs.
(For those readers who do not know....we in Pennsylvania must buy wine and spirits in a state run store...a State Store)
Friday, May 15, 2009
24 hours
A lot can happen in 24 hours, especially when you are waiting. Waiting for a phone call, a letter or an email. This time yesterday--we were still waiting to hear whether my son's last job opportunity would materialize into anything significant. Waiting. This time yesterday I knew that graduation was imminent, and that when today came, it would be 24 hours until he received his degree. Waiting.
At work yesterday, I knew that I was taking time to devote to our family celebrations. I had only a few hours to prepare to be absent--a lot of work was invested in the preparations...and then, knowing that I had a busy 24 hours before graduation. Nails and hair dominated my thoughts as I left work.
A phone call, from home. I decided to wait until I got into the door to see what was the problem now. 24 hours ago, my son was sleeping, a soon to be college graduate. Suddenly, he is now an adult. He was offered his first job. A real job, in his field. Someone was willing to give him a chance. Amazing how 24 hours can change a person.
In 24 hours, my husband and I will look back over 23 years, and confirm what we have done. In our soon to be 25 years of marriage, we raised 2 wonderful children, made our way through diapers,preschool, braces, high school, drivers education, the prom, SAT's and college. Both of our children are employed in their field of choice. Both are happy, and living life to its fullest, and we have been given the honor of watching them mature into adult life. 24 hours. I know I will cry. I always do. But that is ok, these are tears of joy, pride and happiness.
At work yesterday, I knew that I was taking time to devote to our family celebrations. I had only a few hours to prepare to be absent--a lot of work was invested in the preparations...and then, knowing that I had a busy 24 hours before graduation. Nails and hair dominated my thoughts as I left work.
A phone call, from home. I decided to wait until I got into the door to see what was the problem now. 24 hours ago, my son was sleeping, a soon to be college graduate. Suddenly, he is now an adult. He was offered his first job. A real job, in his field. Someone was willing to give him a chance. Amazing how 24 hours can change a person.
In 24 hours, my husband and I will look back over 23 years, and confirm what we have done. In our soon to be 25 years of marriage, we raised 2 wonderful children, made our way through diapers,preschool, braces, high school, drivers education, the prom, SAT's and college. Both of our children are employed in their field of choice. Both are happy, and living life to its fullest, and we have been given the honor of watching them mature into adult life. 24 hours. I know I will cry. I always do. But that is ok, these are tears of joy, pride and happiness.
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