Monday Morning and 11 Years Old

What is it about a Monday morning that sends tremors through me?  Could it be the things on the docket this week that make everything seem out of control even before the week gets started?  (I mentioned to The Husband the other day that I thought this time of life was supposed to be slower, less hectic, less scheduled...apparently I was mistaken.)  Of course, the annual (once every decade or so) physical on Wednesday might have something to do with my elevated blood pressure.  Or the something going on for three nights in a row this week.  I think I'll check out airfares - to anywhere.

We've been in our house for 11 years now.  And I'm so excited for what that means.  It means:

The gas stove-top is on tap to be repaired this morning (if the repairman arrives, we'll see on that one.)

The microwave door is misbehaving.  (We'll deal with it.)

The shower grout needs replacing.

The concrete patio is scheduled to be replaced (it was on the schedule for 3 weeks out 2 weeks ago, so most likely within the month.)

The evergreens along the perimeter of the yard have aphids.  Need attention.  Costly attention. (Along with the tri-color beeches, and the maples that have a virus we're monitoring, and the lilac tree that's succumbed to the wind and must be removed.)

So thrilled to have so much to keep us from being bored.  Was concerned about that prospect.

Favorite memory of the weekend:  When The Husband pretended his jaw was hurting to get my sympathy, was aware he'd been caught dissembling and had that rare-nearly-uncontrollable-totally-engulfing-laughter-fit.  So contagious.  So fun. So memorable.




Superman

I know The Husband thinks he's superman - and frankly, he mostly is - but he's in napping.  Yesterday, the day after the surgical removal of a wisdom tooth, we:  went to the movie (not too strenuous, but boring without popcorn), ate at Paradise (soup for him) and went to Ikea (he sat in a chair while I dashed back upstairs, but he did help load a box of shelves into my car) and yes....I drove.

This morning he's feeling great he says.  So he hung the clock over the doorway, and (according to him) slowly brought in the shelves, piece at a time into my sewing room.  No heavy lifting, just lots of back and forth walking.  Then he assembled the shelves.  And now he's knackered.  You overdid it today, says me, to which he replied, maybe a little.  So:  Superman?  Today I think it's just AlmostSuperman.

And a big thank-you shout-out to our friend who brought over some gelato for Superman.  It has been thoroughly enjoyed.

Surgery and Trees

Took The Husband in for surgical removal of one of his wisdom teeth.  He's doing fantabulous!  Been married for 41 years and I don't remember him ever having anesthesia, was concerned about how he'd do.  As usual, he does everything well.  (Although in the car on the way home, he told me the same thing over a couple of times, not remembering that I was there in the office for the original discussion.)

22 months ago my Mom died.  Coincidentally we planted a tree that weekend in our yard.  A Hawthorne tree.  I so love them.  I've sweet-talked the tree, cooed over it, petted it and in general urged it to be a survivor.  Discovered this morning the tree is in full bloom!  It is so beautiful.  (If The Husband were feeling better, I'd take a picture of the blooms and post them - nothing in the world like them.  But technically challenged as I am, it must wait.)

So, while I'm not fond of surgery (and my own recent oral surgery is still mighty fresh in my mind) I'm very fond of blooming things.  We are predicted to wake up tomorrow morning to snow - in the meantime, I'm reveling in the blooms on the trees and enjoying the view from our windows of deciduous trees covered in leaves after months of barren branches.  Heavenly Father surely knew we would love the springtime.

Windows and Delightful

The Husband loves this time of year when we can sleep with the windows open.  At least until the wee hours of the morning and we're up closing the windows because of the skunks who seem to have taken up residence just outside.  (That's truly a nauseating smell when it is really strong!)

Walked the south end of the trail this morning - so glad I only wear one iPod earbud.  Lets me hear the sweet morning greetings from the meadowlarks.

Had such a delightful afternoon:  had lunch and a nice long visit with a couple of my cousins (they are sisters).  Women need women friends.  And what a ginormous bonus when they're also relatives.  They were so kind and generous, I absolutely loved being with them.  Thanks, Cousins, for your gracious and welcoming acceptance of me.  It means more than I can express.

Orchids

I so love blooming flowers in the house.  I am especially pleased and aflutter when my orchids re-bloom.  One of the nice attributes of orchids is that their blooms usually last 2 - 3 months.  What a thrill for me to have this many blooming at once.  (I do have another orchid plant with a stem that hasn't yet bloomed. )  Flowers really do feed the soul.


Physical

New insurance = new doctors = a complete physical with the new doctor.  Which is where I'll be 8 days from today.  I've decided that at the advanced age of 60 I don't have to meekly comply with every indignity the new doctor decides he wants to inflict on me.

Therefore, I'm perfecting my hand slapping skills.



One of the sweetest memories of the last few days:  standing at the sink washing dishes, feeling a small arm snake it's way around my thigh with a hug from the 3 year old grandson.  Loved it.

It's Monday Again

And I've learned a few things:

A bathroom hand towel is just the right size to mop up the contents of a 12 oz glass of water.

Mascara works best before being dropped in a wet sink.

A reuben sandwich should not contain red onion - and who was the brainiac who thought it was a good idea to add them?  (I have a hate/hate relationship with onions, the same onions that seem to be The Great American Food Extender.)

It's better to see paramedics wheeling an empty gurney out than one filled with an ailing soul.

60 year old arms (you know, those wings above the elbow) look best in elbow length sleeves.  Just saying....

Chocolate tastes best when consumed:  anytime!


"Just a short bike ride" doesn't always mean what it sounds like.  (Sort of like "nothing's wrong.")


A 6th grade play is best heard without the person next to you practicing their open-mouth-chomping-gum-chewing-skills.

The gas stove-top is not supposed to be "clicking" all the time (the electronic ignitor is going crazy!  Thanks My Love for the (so far) apparent fix).

Shelves to go behind the doors at the bottom of the new built-in shelves should be measured 3 times and then cut:  the shelf in the center is too narrow to fit on the pins.  The carpenter is on schedule for a do-over.

Gerbera daisies bought to give should be checked every day until given so as to remain properly hydrated.   Should have given them before they became limp, face-down unhappy un-daisies.

Missionary letters are not always short missives.  Some missionaries have learned to type as quickly as they chatter.  Makes for long-time-sitting at the computer reading for the recipients.  So happy to be one of the designated recipients.

Only 7 1/2 hours and it will be Tuesday and I'll get to learn a whole set of new things.  Looking forward to it. (I think.)



Books....

One of the few happy memories I have from my childhood was walking, or riding my bike to the library.  I wasn't allowed to go alone, so I had to beg, plead and cajole a sibling or two to go with me (it was a mile or two from our house and across some busy roads).  I remember walking in the door and having a sense of "welcome home."


When I left the library I'd have a stack of 10 or 12 books, if I rode my bike, my basket would be so full and heavy it would be hard to ride, or the bag hanging from my handlebars would bang my knee when I pedaled.  I loved the anticipation of discovering if my book choices were good ones - and often they were.  A couple days later I would have finished all my books and be ready to return to the libary to re-stock my supply.  (And the very best thing about the library was that it was free!)

I tried out science fiction (not my favorite) biographies (still remember the one about Abigail Adams that I read over and over), general fiction (don't remember fantasy being around back then) and eventually settled on mysteries as my favorite genre.  Still love them.

And after all these years I'm still reading.  I've been teased about how much I read.  I don't generally go anywhere without a book in hand (or bag), and feel bereft if I've forgotten a book.  My Grandmother told my mother quite emphatically that I was allowed to read too much, that it wasn't good for me to spend so much time reading when  I should be doing other things.  (Looking back, I think my Mom liked me to be reading a lot, that way she didn't have to bother with me.)

I so loved finding this comic strip - Ruthie is one of my new heroines because we share the same affinity for books and libraries.  It is one place I've never felt rejected.

And now, (after I fix lunch for The Husband) I'll sit at the table with my own lunch and enjoy the next book in my stack - a biography of The Holocaust survivor that has me riveted.

So happy to know I'll not ever run out of things to read....

People

Went to lunch today with a couple friends - we sat and visited for about 3 1/2 hours.  It's been a long time since the three of us were able to spend some time together.  The Husband also did an Insta-Lunch with his guyfriends.  I think he enjoyed himself too.

Made me think about what I read in a book this morning:

"She genuinely likes people.  All people, not just a select few she's spent years making up her mind about."

I need to be more like this - make up my mind about liking most everyone pretty much instantly.  Working on it.

Asking For Help

This has never been easy for me.  Even when I really needed the help.  I've been having to ask for some help in my church calling.  Really dislike it.  I'd just rather do it myself.  Sound like a 2 year old, don't I?

Wheelbarrow Full Of Guilt

I have a psychologist friend who says guilt is for sin.  And I don't think I sin that much.  But I sure feel guilty a lot:  guilty for thinking unkind thoughts of that guy dumping his garbage yesterday, guilty for having a chocolate muffin from Corner Bakery this morning, guilty for sending a certain e-mail (months ago!) guilty for feeling snarky about a couple people....the list goes on.

And I'm not sure how much of it is really sin.  (Sin - defined as the willful disobedience to God.) But I've just felt like I'm trundling this huge wheelbarrow full of my guilt in front of me wherever I go.  What a waste of energy. It makes me tired.

So, I'm trying to let go of the guilt - or at least get it down to something more manageable in size - maybe a small handbasket.  (Sort of something along the lines of going to hell in a handbasket? I think that would be me unless I mend my ways.)

Anyone need a wheelbarrow?

Garbage

My Monday got off to a great start - I was back on the trail, after the go-ahead from the oral surgeon.  It felt so good to get back to moving this old body, I missed my morning walks / rides.

Alongside the trail not too far from our home is a house under construction with the accompanying large dumpsters for all the building detritus.  On my walk this morning I watched a guy drive up in his pick-up, park, unload his garbage into the dumpster (including tree limbs) then drive off again.

It made me sad.  It's like stealing to me - he isn't paying for the dumpster, he's making sure to avoid paying for the dumping of his garbage and it isn't honest.  (And no, I don't know his circumstances or why he thinks it's ok to dump his garbage on someone elses property.) And then I thought about the bumper sticker President Uchtdorf quoted:  Don't judge me because I sin differently than you.  And felt properly chastised.  And re-committed to reducing my own sinfulness.  Heaven knows my own list of sins is long....

Laugh

I got a much needed laugh today.  I'm sure it was really one of those "you had to be there" moments, it just struck my funny sense and made me laugh.  This car was driving down the freeway with a mattress on top, strapped down across the middle.  So when the car sped up the front part of the mattress lifted up with the wind and the car looked ready to take off and fly.  I don't think The Husband thought it was particularly funny, just laughed because I was laughing so hard.  Thank heavens for those laugh triggers, we need them.

Was so pleased for The Husband today as he made his presentation about using Google for genealogy research.  He was articulate, witty, and informative.  He's such a natural at everything he attempts.   He deserved the applause he received.  Way To Go, Husband!

Culver's custard was so much better when enjoyed with a couple friends.  Loved the FOD (flavor of the day) mint explosion (mint with oreos and just a dollop of hot fudge on top).  Too bad it's so far away.  On second thought, good thing it's too far for a quick jaunt, otherwise I'd be there all the time, and my jeans can't afford it!

Restless

Feeling a bit antsy with all the commotion - can't settle down and read or anything.  The shelves are being installed - they are going to look just great.  (Until The Husband fills them up with all his tchotchkes, i.e. his flashlight collection and other gewgaws...) It's been an interesting thing watching these 4 male egos jostle and elbow their way around each other.  They just say it like (they think) it is.  

And, while they're at it, they're fixing the broken parts from when the wind tore the storm door (in the back of the house) off the hinge.  What a deal!

I'm heading off in a bit for my follow-up with the oral surgeon.  Counting on him letting me go back to exercising.  I'm amazed at how much I've missed my trail/treadmill/bike.  So anxious to get back at it.  I never would have believed how much that silly tooth extraction took out of me.  And I still haven't had my Jamba Juice! (Although the Astroburger extra chocolate shakes were worth every penny - still wondering if they're worth every extra pound I'm now carrying!)

And tonight we're going to an open house - one of those pre-wedding receptions for the almost-not-quite-yet-married couples.  The wedding season is starting early this year it seems.  But, I'm happy for them.  Wishing others the kind of marriage that is the most fulfilling relationship of our lives - one like we've had.  Thanks, my Love, for finding me.  Don't leave without me....

  

Shelves

Holding my breath for the shelves to actually be delivered/installed tomorrow.  When we wrote the check  to get the job going, we were told three weeks to completion.  That was 9 (yes, NINE) weeks ago.  (I'm being given lots of opportunities to work on that patience thing!)

The Husband so graciously needed a break from work just about the time for dinner so we satisfied my craving for a 5 Guys burger.  Wasn't going to get fries.  Got fries anyway.  So happy we got fries.  They were the absolute best fries we've had in awhile.  (And love their fry sauce!  But if you're going to a 5 Guys in South Carolina, don't ask for fry sauce:  they don't know what it is.)  Even though I had to chew on only one side of my mouth, it was truly comfort food.

And finally...today I'm starting to feel better.  Most of the pain is gone.  And I can almost yawn without trying to do it gently.  Have you ever tried to yawn gently?  It's not so easy!  Hoping that tomorrow I'll feel like....ME!


Recovery

Am so grateful I'm a couple days into the recovery process.  (Hoping against hope that I'll be escaping the dreaded dry socket!)  Trying to put a grateful spin on the "soft diet", but actually feeling a tad-bit weary of liquids when what I'd really like is some crunch!  And what is Easter without some Easter goodies?  Had to forgo those.  Sigh...  (But, I did manage to curl my hair, and add some earrings and mascara for this fine sunny Monday morning!)

So, I decided I'm not a patient patient.  Hope to not be any kind of a patient (impatient or otherwise) ever again.

Tonight's Post

Is presented by:

Gratitude for a super-attentive-loving-Husband who always makes me feel like royalty!

Gratitude for a ginormous extra chocolate milkshake (the first food / drink in 19 hours!)

Gratitude for loved ones who check up on me to make sure I survived the anesthetic.

Gratitude for antibiotics that aren't penicillin (if I had to pick an allergy it probably wouldn't be to penicillin).

And gratitude for other inventions like percocet and ibuprofen and ice packs and warm sweaters and ramen noodles (for only $.20 each I shoulda bought more) and recliners.

And mostly gratitude that the whole process is over and I'm counting on a superspeedyrecovery!


Trail

Walked the trail this morning.  Noticed something dark on the surface as I scanned the trail ahead of me (always on the lookout for deer or fox or some such fun creature).  I wish now, that I had taken a picture to post here.  It was a pair of running shorts.

I'm still puzzling over the fact that someone had to take them off.  I'm so glad I wasn't there to see the undressing.  Was this person wearing two pair?  Or did I miss someone running the trail in his/her undies?  Understanding at the same time that not everyone wears undies under their running shorts (some shorts have undies "built in"; not that I touched the running shorts on the trail to see what sort they were.  Just w-a-y too much involvement for me.)  Just strange!

And while I'm thinking of it, I hope to always be kind when using my cellphone.  Someone stopped over the other night to visit.  Sat down, pulled out the cellphone, stuck their face in it and I was lucky to get even a teensy nod to personal communication.  I already struggle mightily with feeling less than important.  This was just reinforcement.  Don't want to be that way.  Wonder if I should have a basket at the door for depositing of cellphones when people arrive?

MidWeek

Decided to take a bit of a break from this forum.  Thought no one would notice (or care).  Felt like I was getting quite stale.  What do I know?  Someone asked me when I was going to update my blog.  Since I haven't posted anything for a few days, I do have a few thoughts running through my head.

1.  Squirmed a bit when I heard the talks by Pres. Uchtdorf and also Jeffrey Holland during conference this last weekend.  Two of my favorites to listen to.  Two fabulous talks.  How did they know that I need just a bit of chiding.  Spent some time (some additional time) repenting.  Keep thinking about that bumper sticker:  "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you."

2.  Am nervous about friday morning's oral surgery to remove a toothgonebad. Who knew a tooth root could be re-absorbed?  Seriously thought about just doing it under a local anesthetic.  Opted for IV sedative - don't want to hear the doctor's words when he has difficulties.  Rather not know.

3.  Actually enjoyed making lasagne for dinner last night.  It will last through dinner tonight, and lunch tomorrow.  Love those 3 day meals.  And it didn't taste half bad, either.

4.  Everytime I walk past the entry way and see the cross-stitch I just had framed it makes me smile.  Love the picture.  Love the colors.  Love the reminder:  Love Spoken Here.  Need to be reminded to always speak love.

5.  Hoping the estimates to replace the patio come in reasonable enough that we can afford to have them done, that the annual work bonus will cover it.  It dreadfully needs replacing.  Can't enjoy it much in the present condition. Wasn't the cement supposed to last longer than 11 years?

6.  Love this from Dave Barry:  "Never be afraid to try something new.  Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.  A large group of professionals buit the Titanic."  (Of course, we know that Noah had divine help, still...)

7.  Decided to finish reading The Hunger Games trilogy.  Am halfway through the second book.  Am coming to like it better, although I'm still a bit conflicted about it.  And now there are two books in my stack, two more waiting to be picked up from the library and another in transit for me to pick up in a couple days.  Perhaps it will be a good thing to be recovering from the oral surgery for a couple days.  Hope I'll be lucid enough to read.