I know that having a Bucket List has been quite the trend the last couple years. I haven't ever been a big fan of them - for myriads of reasons.
So I decided that I'd rather have a Wish List. Here are a few things my list might contain (in no particular order):
1. A kind and sensitive heart.
2. An adventurous spirit.
3. For all my loved ones to know true happiness and joy, and to find that in each other.
4. To be full of grace and truth.
5. To be a true friend, and to have a true friend. (Yes, My Love, that would be You!)
6. To be ever grateful.
7. Compassion.
8. Generosity.
9. A really fun sense of humor.
10. A slim body, good eyes, thick hair, strong nails and naturally beautiful teeth.
And those are just the things off the top of my head. If I put my mind to it, I'm sure I could come up with a whole bunch of others.
Witnessed a very tender, sweet scene today; a young engaged couple and the warm connection between all of their parents. Don't know any of them, but I wish them the best. I was privileged to watch their interaction. Hope is still alive and well.
Observations
Having been out and about, amongst the road construction and therefore the hampered traffic, and all the outdoor goings-on that occur in the summer, and interacting with people in stores, etc., I'll share a few of my thoughts.
1. Manners matter.
2. Kindness counts.
3. Forgiveness (and the follow-up forgetting) is fruitful.
4. Paying attention is particularly productive.
5. People are just trying to do their
a. job
b. best
c. part
d. all of the above
6. No matter what kind of a good "face" I try to put on things, I still don't like:
a. shopping
b. spending money
c. hot weather
7. Should have stopped for gelato - it can make everything seem better, at least for a little while.
1. Manners matter.
2. Kindness counts.
3. Forgiveness (and the follow-up forgetting) is fruitful.
4. Paying attention is particularly productive.
5. People are just trying to do their
a. job
b. best
c. part
d. all of the above
6. No matter what kind of a good "face" I try to put on things, I still don't like:
a. shopping
b. spending money
c. hot weather
7. Should have stopped for gelato - it can make everything seem better, at least for a little while.
Computer
I remember being dragged, kicking, screaming, unwillingly, temper-tantrum throwing into the computer arena. Wasn't gonna - you can't make me - no way - not gonna happen.
Now I own not one but 3 computers. (Only two of which are actually in use, though.) And that doesn't include the smart-phone I'm using.
And I find myself musing about what I'd do without them. I'm not into word-processing, or spreadsheets but I love the e-mail, the picture sharing, the blogging, the games.
Thanks, Husband, for your encouragement, prompting and technical support. It's been fun. (And astonishingly fulfilling.) You're The Best.
Now I own not one but 3 computers. (Only two of which are actually in use, though.) And that doesn't include the smart-phone I'm using.
And I find myself musing about what I'd do without them. I'm not into word-processing, or spreadsheets but I love the e-mail, the picture sharing, the blogging, the games.
Thanks, Husband, for your encouragement, prompting and technical support. It's been fun. (And astonishingly fulfilling.) You're The Best.
Bike
Rode 14.5 miles this morning. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Decided to take a page from The Husband's book and try to do some of it in 3rd gear. Actually liked it, made the bike go faster! Spent most of the ride in 3.4 or 3.5.
Must be a little stronger than I thought. All my fat does a good job supporting those muscles.
Must be a little stronger than I thought. All my fat does a good job supporting those muscles.
Wilferd Peterson's Quote on Hope
"The well-known maxim, "While there is life, there is hope" has deeper meaning in reverse: "While there is hope, there is life." Hope comes first, life follows....Hope sees a light where there isn't any. Hope lights candles in millions of despairing hearts."
Here's hoping Hope for others - particularly those who shine their lights in the deepest recesses of my heart.
Here's hoping Hope for others - particularly those who shine their lights in the deepest recesses of my heart.
Horse
I've been thinking all day long about this woman riding her horse that I saw this morning on the trail. She was trying to get the horse to go through an opening in a fence, and all around was tall cheatgrass.
The horse absolutely refused to move. So she tried to back him up into the fence. She would try and the horse wouldn't budge. Then she'd try another direction and the horse wouldn't budge. Over and over.
Finally, she got off the horse and led him through the opening.
Made me wonder if I behave a lot like that horse when faced with unknown, uncomfortable, or difficult situations. And how many times does Heavenly Father lead me through? Always. And I wonder if He ever gets weary of my stubbornness, willfulness or fear.
Decided that I should try to be less like the horse.
The horse absolutely refused to move. So she tried to back him up into the fence. She would try and the horse wouldn't budge. Then she'd try another direction and the horse wouldn't budge. Over and over.
Finally, she got off the horse and led him through the opening.
Made me wonder if I behave a lot like that horse when faced with unknown, uncomfortable, or difficult situations. And how many times does Heavenly Father lead me through? Always. And I wonder if He ever gets weary of my stubbornness, willfulness or fear.
Decided that I should try to be less like the horse.
Lunner
Yes, it is possible to go to Chuckarama and come home not feeling like an overstuffed animal.
The scones were heavenly, but I stopped at one.
Got to eat turkey, which I love, but The Husband doesn't.
And marinated cucumbers.
Best of all was getting to eat with our Family that's spending their vacation here.
The scones were heavenly, but I stopped at one.
Got to eat turkey, which I love, but The Husband doesn't.
And marinated cucumbers.
Best of all was getting to eat with our Family that's spending their vacation here.
Often Music
Read the other day where a person described her family as non-musical. That's actually hard for me to fathom.
How fortunate I feel to have had so much music in my life. All the piano accompanying I did for my Mom my whole life, beginning when I was about 8 or so. Often it felt like a chore. And often it was. And how often, now, I feel gratitude for those experiences.
I haven't often felt like I had much to contribute to this world, and won't really leave it a better place. But I have "played" a teensy part in spreading God's love / message / beauty in my little corner through that wonderful medium.
I love this:
"Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing." --John Erskine
And this one:
"Music is love in search of a word." --Sidonie Gabrielle
It is a language I love, and one in which I aim to become more fluent. (And perhaps shed some of my meanness and sarcasm along the way.)
How fortunate I feel to have had so much music in my life. All the piano accompanying I did for my Mom my whole life, beginning when I was about 8 or so. Often it felt like a chore. And often it was. And how often, now, I feel gratitude for those experiences.
I haven't often felt like I had much to contribute to this world, and won't really leave it a better place. But I have "played" a teensy part in spreading God's love / message / beauty in my little corner through that wonderful medium.
I love this:
"Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing." --John Erskine
And this one:
"Music is love in search of a word." --Sidonie Gabrielle
It is a language I love, and one in which I aim to become more fluent. (And perhaps shed some of my meanness and sarcasm along the way.)
Truly Random
I'm kinda liking this "being unexpected" thing. It can include things like spontaneity, and impulsivity. And those can both be very fun things.
Swimming and birthday cake (one of The Granddaughters turned 9 today) at 10:00 p.m. is certainly not my norm. I like to be in my jammies by oh-dark-thirty. But what fun!
Helium filled balloons travel nicely in The Charger trunk. (But watch that head when the trunk lid is closing.)
A round trip to Park City from our home is just about the right length road-trip. :^)
Having a visit from The Granddaughter in a few weeks. YAY!
Coming home to a delightful new picture book is, well, delightful.
Having plenty of books to read (both original paper and e-ink on the Nook) is my kind of security.
Frivol money is vastly under-rated. I need some. (ya, that's a real word.)
As I look back over this list, I think that this Monday was an unexpectedly fun Monday.
Swimming and birthday cake (one of The Granddaughters turned 9 today) at 10:00 p.m. is certainly not my norm. I like to be in my jammies by oh-dark-thirty. But what fun!
Helium filled balloons travel nicely in The Charger trunk. (But watch that head when the trunk lid is closing.)
A round trip to Park City from our home is just about the right length road-trip. :^)
Having a visit from The Granddaughter in a few weeks. YAY!
Coming home to a delightful new picture book is, well, delightful.
Having plenty of books to read (both original paper and e-ink on the Nook) is my kind of security.
Frivol money is vastly under-rated. I need some. (ya, that's a real word.)
As I look back over this list, I think that this Monday was an unexpectedly fun Monday.
Father's Day
The celebration is mostly over, this kids have gone, the house is quiet and I'm left wondering how I could have helped to make this day better for The Husband. He gets such little recognition and has always worked so very hard to provide for our family - not only the physical necessities, but the spiritual and emotional ones as well.
Guess I'll have to try harder to make him happy every single day - not that I don't already do that...Onward, I will persevere. (What fun that will be - persevering in the pursuit of promoting happiness!)
As to our YSA callings - we're still released, but not the formality of "over the pulpit" releasing. They haven't yet figured out what to do, the release was premature, teaching the 8 year olds wasn't the right thing and now we're in a holding pattern. The YSA's enjoyed the cake today. But I'm teaching next week. It will be interesting to see what happens this next week....
Guess I'll have to try harder to make him happy every single day - not that I don't already do that...Onward, I will persevere. (What fun that will be - persevering in the pursuit of promoting happiness!)
As to our YSA callings - we're still released, but not the formality of "over the pulpit" releasing. They haven't yet figured out what to do, the release was premature, teaching the 8 year olds wasn't the right thing and now we're in a holding pattern. The YSA's enjoyed the cake today. But I'm teaching next week. It will be interesting to see what happens this next week....
Memory
So: had a couple fun days with The Husband. We've seen a couple movies (little ready for a break from sci-fi) had some great food (love the chicken soup at Noodle and Co., the lasagne at Toscano's and the movie popcorn) showed up at the wedding reception (great idea: a photo booth, it was very fun!) and had a thoroughly delightful time being together.
The Husband kept saying things that I thought would be great ideas for blog topics.
And wouldn't you know it - even though I kept making mental notes - I can't remember a single one of them. But if I can't remember the specific things, at least I remember the joy of being together.
The Husband kept saying things that I thought would be great ideas for blog topics.
And wouldn't you know it - even though I kept making mental notes - I can't remember a single one of them. But if I can't remember the specific things, at least I remember the joy of being together.
Birthday
Birthdays are for:
Sleeping in
Eating lunch where you choose
Seeing the movie you want to see
Doing what you want to
Having dinner when and where suits you
Being celebrated for who you are
Happy Birthday, My Love, I'm so glad you found me. Don't ever leave without me.
You grace the world with your special light.
Sleeping in
Eating lunch where you choose
Seeing the movie you want to see
Doing what you want to
Having dinner when and where suits you
Being celebrated for who you are
Happy Birthday, My Love, I'm so glad you found me. Don't ever leave without me.
You grace the world with your special light.
Thursday's Child Has Far To Go
I've always had a fondness for Thursdays, it's been one of my favorite days of the week. Was I born on a Thursday? Must've been.
Today's exercise: 6 miles on the trail - the sky was stunning the whole time I was walking.
Today's lunch (tamale special at Cafe Rio) with a couple friends: great fun. We sat there for 3 hours.
Today's smile: The Husband and his Friend coming to lunch at the same place and same time (Cafe Rio), texting to him sitting at the next table.
Today's errand: successful acquisition of a birthday gift. Took me only 5 minutes - YAY!
Today's dinner: the rest of the chicken salad (on croissants) that I made yesterday. Preparation, basically nil. Another YAY!
Today's morale boost: feeling good about my hair, been a long time since I did.
Today's goal: provide a wonderful birthday for The Husband. I'll have a whole day to do it. I think I can, I think I can...
Today's exercise: 6 miles on the trail - the sky was stunning the whole time I was walking.
Today's lunch (tamale special at Cafe Rio) with a couple friends: great fun. We sat there for 3 hours.
Today's smile: The Husband and his Friend coming to lunch at the same place and same time (Cafe Rio), texting to him sitting at the next table.
Today's errand: successful acquisition of a birthday gift. Took me only 5 minutes - YAY!
Today's dinner: the rest of the chicken salad (on croissants) that I made yesterday. Preparation, basically nil. Another YAY!
Today's morale boost: feeling good about my hair, been a long time since I did.
Today's goal: provide a wonderful birthday for The Husband. I'll have a whole day to do it. I think I can, I think I can...
Nana Is Saved
I have it in a specific spot just in case I need it. I'll be sure to tell The Husband where it is, so if it's saving I need, he'll have the proper equipment.
Went to the local annual summer Quilt Shop Hop today with a friend. We hopped from shop to shop (actually only four of the 14) and I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Makes me want to sew. Now I just need to figure out how to sew, embroider, read, and play my iPad all at the same time. Can I manage that much multitasking?
Weird
Did some things out of their usual order today. Felt weird. I'm much more comfortable with the familiar. Even though I'm making conscious efforts to be a little bit unexpected.
I guess that makes me schizo, huh?
Ran into a friend at the hair salon - she's my age, and is growing her hair out to have what she terms a grandma bun. (I'd like to see a picture of what she thinks that is.) And here I am, going for a little bit of a different "do". Is it just that time of the year? Or our age? Or maybe something in the air - making us want a change?
Whatever it is, I'm thinking that sometimes different is good - even if it's weird feeling, or unfamiliar. Keeps those brain cells from dying off too fast, and at this point I need all the brain cells I can get.
I guess that makes me schizo, huh?
Ran into a friend at the hair salon - she's my age, and is growing her hair out to have what she terms a grandma bun. (I'd like to see a picture of what she thinks that is.) And here I am, going for a little bit of a different "do". Is it just that time of the year? Or our age? Or maybe something in the air - making us want a change?
Whatever it is, I'm thinking that sometimes different is good - even if it's weird feeling, or unfamiliar. Keeps those brain cells from dying off too fast, and at this point I need all the brain cells I can get.
Change Is Certain....
It hasn't been announced officially yet, but The Husband and I are no longer the YSA Advisors. I've been ready for a change for awhile - and I think the Husband has been, too; it's been nearly 6 years, with time served in the Branch and then our ward.
But somehow when it happens it's still unexpected.
A couple in our YSA group is getting married on Saturday. So today was their last day in our class. My heart still warms when I remember how the young man left class today. He thanked me for all the lessons, etc. and then gave me the best hug. (And then I got another hug from the fiancee.) Made me cry.
We learn to love those we serve - sometimes in spite of ourselves.
Now, am I going to learn to love those 8 years olds as well?
But somehow when it happens it's still unexpected.
A couple in our YSA group is getting married on Saturday. So today was their last day in our class. My heart still warms when I remember how the young man left class today. He thanked me for all the lessons, etc. and then gave me the best hug. (And then I got another hug from the fiancee.) Made me cry.
We learn to love those we serve - sometimes in spite of ourselves.
Now, am I going to learn to love those 8 years olds as well?
Movies
Saw two (count them, yes, two) movies today: Super 8 and Midnight in Paris.
The Husband liked Super 8 better than I did (part of it was that I wasn't sure I wanted to see it; one of those instances where you go just because the better part of the partnership wants to) but I think we both really, really liked Midnight in Paris.
One of the things I liked about Midnight in Paris was that it didn't feel "dumbed down". The characters seemed to be educated and somewhat knowledgeable (with the exception of the pedantic-expert-on-every-subject character and he doesn't count) and the expectation was that the audience was that way also. At least that was what I got from it.
Was told this morning that my "green plant, loving growing things aura" was good for the flowers. But it also made the weeds grow. Didn't know I had that aura. Wondering how to make it work for only the things that we want to grow, i.e. not weeds. And can I fix it so that it repels snails?
The Husband liked Super 8 better than I did (part of it was that I wasn't sure I wanted to see it; one of those instances where you go just because the better part of the partnership wants to) but I think we both really, really liked Midnight in Paris.
One of the things I liked about Midnight in Paris was that it didn't feel "dumbed down". The characters seemed to be educated and somewhat knowledgeable (with the exception of the pedantic-expert-on-every-subject character and he doesn't count) and the expectation was that the audience was that way also. At least that was what I got from it.
Was told this morning that my "green plant, loving growing things aura" was good for the flowers. But it also made the weeds grow. Didn't know I had that aura. Wondering how to make it work for only the things that we want to grow, i.e. not weeds. And can I fix it so that it repels snails?
My Lonesome Week Is Almost Over
Charging off to the airport to pick up The Husband (yes, flight delayed by an hour) in the Charger.
Ate my last solitary meal of the week at Gandolfo's. Yummy sandwich. But somehow food doesn't taste as good when I'm eating it alone. (Although I managed to pack enough of it away this week, anyway.)
Enjoyed the latest Pirates movie today at the new Cinemark here in our little town. Don't think I'll be heading there too often - still like the Jordan Commons.
Thinking I haven't driven by myself at night in awhile. And I'm afraid of the dark. Glad the car doors lock automatically. Where's my pepper spray? (Sound like an old lady, don't I?)
Ate my last solitary meal of the week at Gandolfo's. Yummy sandwich. But somehow food doesn't taste as good when I'm eating it alone. (Although I managed to pack enough of it away this week, anyway.)
Enjoyed the latest Pirates movie today at the new Cinemark here in our little town. Don't think I'll be heading there too often - still like the Jordan Commons.
Thinking I haven't driven by myself at night in awhile. And I'm afraid of the dark. Glad the car doors lock automatically. Where's my pepper spray? (Sound like an old lady, don't I?)
Relief
So, yesterday I received and forwarded on to my closest family and friends ( all 3 of them) one of those encouraging-uplifting-full-of-pretty-pictures-don't-give-up-e-mails. ;^)
Loved the pictures, enjoyed most of the text.
One thing stuck with me: "Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe."
Whew - am I ever relieved! (Didn't really want that job anyway.)
So glad to get that reminder.
Today's smile: "FREE MEAL" at Cafe Rio for tamale special day. YAY!! (and YUM!)
Loved the pictures, enjoyed most of the text.
One thing stuck with me: "Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe."
Whew - am I ever relieved! (Didn't really want that job anyway.)
So glad to get that reminder.
Today's smile: "FREE MEAL" at Cafe Rio for tamale special day. YAY!! (and YUM!)
Rules
I read this this morning: "Rules of Chocolate." Seriously? Is there such a thing? I want to read them - it's important to know if I'm following them or not.
Maybe I should come up with my own.
1. Ingest at least one serving each day.
2. Hot Chocolate does not count as a serving. It is a separate category.
3. There is no maximum number of servings suggested. Eat until satisfied.
4. It is permissible to acquire chocolate from those who have it but don't care for it. (Yeah, I know, it's weird, but some people actually don't like chocolate.)
5. Gelato also does not count against your serving allotment.
6. Neither do chocolate chip cookies.
7. If possible, share your chocolate with a friend. It really does improve the flavor. (That old saying about a joy shared is doubled...)
8. High quality chocolate is recommended. Although cheap stuff will suffice in a crisis.
9. Always have chocolate on hand. You never know when a chocolate emergency will arise.
10. Enjoy!
Now, I think I'd better go rummage for some chocolate - even though it is only 9:30 a.m.
And since these are my rules, I'll add another one just for good measure:
11. Chocolate contains no calories, is good for your skin, eyesight, hair, nails and helps you lose weight.
Maybe I should come up with my own.
1. Ingest at least one serving each day.
2. Hot Chocolate does not count as a serving. It is a separate category.
3. There is no maximum number of servings suggested. Eat until satisfied.
4. It is permissible to acquire chocolate from those who have it but don't care for it. (Yeah, I know, it's weird, but some people actually don't like chocolate.)
5. Gelato also does not count against your serving allotment.
6. Neither do chocolate chip cookies.
7. If possible, share your chocolate with a friend. It really does improve the flavor. (That old saying about a joy shared is doubled...)
8. High quality chocolate is recommended. Although cheap stuff will suffice in a crisis.
9. Always have chocolate on hand. You never know when a chocolate emergency will arise.
10. Enjoy!
Now, I think I'd better go rummage for some chocolate - even though it is only 9:30 a.m.
And since these are my rules, I'll add another one just for good measure:
11. Chocolate contains no calories, is good for your skin, eyesight, hair, nails and helps you lose weight.
Food
Meals: yesterday was Harmon's deli (rotisserie chicken) today was Rumbi Grill (Voodoo Chicken Salad - gave me dragon breath) and I'm wondering where tomorrow will take me.
Making progress on the library books.
Missing The Husband. Counting down the days (almost want to count the hours) until he comes home.
Made happy sounds when I heard my nephew and wife have a sweet new baby girl.
Maybe I should find another sentence that starts with M?
Making progress on the library books.
Missing The Husband. Counting down the days (almost want to count the hours) until he comes home.
Made happy sounds when I heard my nephew and wife have a sweet new baby girl.
Maybe I should find another sentence that starts with M?
Library
Went to the library to pick up a single book that I had requested. Came home with 6 books. Good thing there's not much on tv these days. Better get to reading.
One would think with all this reading I'm doing I could pick a book to read when it's my turn to host book group. Can't. Better find someone to take my month.
And a "Happy Birthday" shout-out to our youngest grandchild. He turned 3 today. Wanted me to sing Happy Birthday to him over the phone. I did. He seemed to like it. (3 year olds aren't very discerning musicians - it's a good thing.)
One would think with all this reading I'm doing I could pick a book to read when it's my turn to host book group. Can't. Better find someone to take my month.
And a "Happy Birthday" shout-out to our youngest grandchild. He turned 3 today. Wanted me to sing Happy Birthday to him over the phone. I did. He seemed to like it. (3 year olds aren't very discerning musicians - it's a good thing.)
Graduation!
We can hardly believe we're old enough for our granddaughter to graduate from high school. But she did! And with honors! She's such a delight - and how great it was for us to be able to see her "walk."
Some other fun memories of this weekend:
Food! It seemed like all we did was eat. Our daughter / son-in-law were very generous to us! I think, though, that it might be awhile before I have anymore chocolate covered raisins / peanuts.
Seeing how much all of those grandchilluns have grown! It's only been 5 months, but they all look so much older, more mature - and taller!
Exchanging texts with the 10 year old grandson - while he was sitting right next to me.
Playing Tap-Tap with the grandchilluns on the iPad.
Doing Just Dance 2 (Wii - what did we ever do before all these fun electronics) with my daughter, and two granddaughters - all four of us at once! (The klutzy one was me, but I was the klutz having fun!)
Seeing them all wave farewell to us until we were out of sight.
The sad part was going to the airport - and The Husband going one way, and me the other. Won't see him again for a week. Sigh....
However, I did thoroughly enjoy driving the Charger home from the airport. And will enjoy driving it back to pick him up on Friday.
And I'm so glad to be home.
Some other fun memories of this weekend:
Food! It seemed like all we did was eat. Our daughter / son-in-law were very generous to us! I think, though, that it might be awhile before I have anymore chocolate covered raisins / peanuts.
Seeing how much all of those grandchilluns have grown! It's only been 5 months, but they all look so much older, more mature - and taller!
Exchanging texts with the 10 year old grandson - while he was sitting right next to me.
Playing Tap-Tap with the grandchilluns on the iPad.
Doing Just Dance 2 (Wii - what did we ever do before all these fun electronics) with my daughter, and two granddaughters - all four of us at once! (The klutzy one was me, but I was the klutz having fun!)
Seeing them all wave farewell to us until we were out of sight.
The sad part was going to the airport - and The Husband going one way, and me the other. Won't see him again for a week. Sigh....
However, I did thoroughly enjoy driving the Charger home from the airport. And will enjoy driving it back to pick him up on Friday.
And I'm so glad to be home.
Happy / Not So Happy
As we head to the airport for a fun trip to see our oldest granddaughter's high school graduation, I'll be thinking of some friends of ours heading to the airport at roughly the same time, only they're heading off to her sister's funeral.
Happy, sad. Happens all the time. Doesn't make it any easier. Just makes me want to grab onto the happy and not let go.
Seems like there is lots of hard things going on, for lots of people in lots of places. Hope for those people there's some happy to balance things out a bit.
Happy, sad. Happens all the time. Doesn't make it any easier. Just makes me want to grab onto the happy and not let go.
Seems like there is lots of hard things going on, for lots of people in lots of places. Hope for those people there's some happy to balance things out a bit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)