From our earliest association, The Husband has at times alternately annoyed and pleased me with his fetish about clean windows. Particularly the windows of all the cars we've driven.
Tonight I had occasion to drive a friend's truck - she had a migraine and needed someone to drive her home, she couldn't see well enough to drive. After driving her truck I wondered if it was only her migraine that caused her to not see.
Actually, all of the windows of her truck were so awful that I could barely distinguish the center line on the street! And when the truck was oriented toward the setting sun, the windows were opaque! Makes it difficult to drive. Made me think fondly of The Husband yet again. Thanks, My Love, I realize yet again how thoroughly you've cared for me all these years.
And a chocolate mini-bundt cake from Corner Bakery was the perfect ending to the day. (I refuse to feel sinful about eating it.)
Rebellious
I've never been rebellious by nature. As I age, though, I'm discovering that obedience to Heavenly Father and obedience (for any number of reasons: laziness, avoidance of confrontation, accommodation, love for others- this list is not all inclusive) to peers or other people are two different things. I really only need to be obedient to Heavenly Father.
I've long been a proponent of panty-hose (or socks, whatever) in the chapel on Sundays. For me, it is an indication of respect, an attitude of reverence for the sacredness of the meeting and room where we worship. Bare toes somehow seem disrespectful. Last Sunday I caught a couple people looking at my hose clad toes peeking through my sandals, their thoughts scrolling across their faces: she doesn't have to do that, her toes are polished (sparkly even), why is she so overdressed?
This Sunday is projected to be 99 degrees. I'll be leading the singing time in Jr. Primary. I'll be moving around. I'll likely be working up to being "hot."
My dilemma: whether to be rebellious - as fits my mood - and go bare-toed or follow my conservative bent and wear hose. And does it really matter? (Heavenly Father intimately knows my heart, doesn't he?)
I've long been a proponent of panty-hose (or socks, whatever) in the chapel on Sundays. For me, it is an indication of respect, an attitude of reverence for the sacredness of the meeting and room where we worship. Bare toes somehow seem disrespectful. Last Sunday I caught a couple people looking at my hose clad toes peeking through my sandals, their thoughts scrolling across their faces: she doesn't have to do that, her toes are polished (sparkly even), why is she so overdressed?
This Sunday is projected to be 99 degrees. I'll be leading the singing time in Jr. Primary. I'll be moving around. I'll likely be working up to being "hot."
My dilemma: whether to be rebellious - as fits my mood - and go bare-toed or follow my conservative bent and wear hose. And does it really matter? (Heavenly Father intimately knows my heart, doesn't he?)
Wednesday and
The most exciting thing that happened was that the garbage men came and emptied the garbage.
Tweezers
Let me first state: I dislike spending money.
So...when I needed some new tweezers I ran to Target and looked at their selection. My jaw literally dropped when I found several in the $22 range. Seriously? Obviously it's been some time since I've bought tweezers.
I bought some $7 tweezers (Revlon - a reputable company - that should be safe, right?) And spent days in frustration. They didn't really work. Bought a pair of cheap $2 Western Family brand tweezers. Somewhat of an improvement. But still not very good.
Finally succumbed and bought the upper-priced brand (Tweezerman), but the lower end: $12 (but they come in a cool little tube for storage). For a pair of tweezers! I about hyperventilated spending that much.
So now, if you add up all I've spent it comes to $21 for two worthless pair and one, well, let's call them decent. That's two more than I need and now I have to figure out what to do with them. (Keeping the landfills full, yep, that's me.)
The take home lesson: just suck it up and spend the $22 already. The extra dollar would have more than made up for the aggravation, frustration and irritation. Or: I could just grow an ugly unibrow and be done with it. Thinkin' 'bout it.
So...when I needed some new tweezers I ran to Target and looked at their selection. My jaw literally dropped when I found several in the $22 range. Seriously? Obviously it's been some time since I've bought tweezers.
I bought some $7 tweezers (Revlon - a reputable company - that should be safe, right?) And spent days in frustration. They didn't really work. Bought a pair of cheap $2 Western Family brand tweezers. Somewhat of an improvement. But still not very good.
Finally succumbed and bought the upper-priced brand (Tweezerman), but the lower end: $12 (but they come in a cool little tube for storage). For a pair of tweezers! I about hyperventilated spending that much.
So now, if you add up all I've spent it comes to $21 for two worthless pair and one, well, let's call them decent. That's two more than I need and now I have to figure out what to do with them. (Keeping the landfills full, yep, that's me.)
The take home lesson: just suck it up and spend the $22 already. The extra dollar would have more than made up for the aggravation, frustration and irritation. Or: I could just grow an ugly unibrow and be done with it. Thinkin' 'bout it.
Favorites
Here are some favorites I've gathered over the last few days:
Favorite movie of the weekend: the only one we saw, Brave. (And no, we didn't take any children, just ourselves, and still felt rewarded when we heard the children's laughter throughout the theater.)
Favorite meal of the weekend: the bacon and egg breakfast we had for dinner. Second place: our Corner Bakery meal and third place goes to Jamba Juice consumed at Astroburger while The Husband ate.
Favorite book-I-wish-I-hadn't-read: Joni Hilton's Funeral Potatoes.
Favorite prayers: the ones in norwegian given by our friends - they leave this week for a mission in Norway.
Favorite welcome: Being greeted with a smile and a hug (I don't feel like I'll ever fill that hug deficit that's leftover from my childhood) from a book group friend when I saw her out in the foyer at church.
Favorite quote: "I always feel good when I make the Bishop cry."
Favorite laziness: sleeping in until 8 - yes 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Favorite passage from a book: learning to rejoice to the end not just endure to the end.
Favorite memory: The tender mercy from the Husband when he just got up from his stool at the counter, approached me and wrapped his arms so completely tight around me it squeezed most of the hurt feelings away.
Favorite movie of the weekend: the only one we saw, Brave. (And no, we didn't take any children, just ourselves, and still felt rewarded when we heard the children's laughter throughout the theater.)
Favorite meal of the weekend: the bacon and egg breakfast we had for dinner. Second place: our Corner Bakery meal and third place goes to Jamba Juice consumed at Astroburger while The Husband ate.
Favorite book-I-wish-I-hadn't-read: Joni Hilton's Funeral Potatoes.
Favorite prayers: the ones in norwegian given by our friends - they leave this week for a mission in Norway.
Favorite welcome: Being greeted with a smile and a hug (I don't feel like I'll ever fill that hug deficit that's leftover from my childhood) from a book group friend when I saw her out in the foyer at church.
Favorite quote: "I always feel good when I make the Bishop cry."
Favorite laziness: sleeping in until 8 - yes 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Favorite passage from a book: learning to rejoice to the end not just endure to the end.
Favorite memory: The tender mercy from the Husband when he just got up from his stool at the counter, approached me and wrapped his arms so completely tight around me it squeezed most of the hurt feelings away.
Warning: Rant Ahead!
But first: I noticed some robins, standing under the gentle rain of a sprinkler, yanking their worm-breakfast from the ground. And...it's baby quail season! Watching a dozen or more of those cute little puffballs with legs trundle along after Mom and Dad can't help but bring a smile to your face. "And I think to myself - what a wonderful world."
Now on to the rant: I was raised in a house where 'damn' and 'hell' were heard as often as 'the' and 'and'. My Mom really let her rebellious part show when it came to her language. So, I don't consider myself a prude when it comes to language.
I am, however, becoming increasingly sensitive to the ubiquitous use of the 'F' word. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing redeeming about using this word. It doesn't uplift. It is crass, crude, unpleasant, demeaning and disgusting. And that's just the word. Think then, by extension, what it reflects on the user. (Besides the fact that they are too lazy to find a better, more appropriate word, and enlarge their vocabulary.)
I watched a 10 minute video recorded by cellphone of some kids on a bus, taunting and verbally abusing a sweet older-lady bus monitor. The 'F' word was spoken almost more than any other, and with a great deal of viciousness. And, yes, this was on a school bus. I'm guessing those kids are jr. high age, although I don't actually know. Still, how awful. And how ugly. (And just to be clear: I'm equally appalled and outraged at the general behavior of these children.)
The arts are wonderful things that enrich our lives; visual arts, music and language. Language is a huge gift from our Heavenly Father. Who among us hasn't had their heart warmed by these words: I love you? When we lower our standards, those things that help to keep our culture civilized are eroded. And erosion seems to be rampant when it comes to language. (I won't even get started on the awful language that has become so prevalent on tv - cable channels!)
Those younger people who use this kind of language with such casual ease are the future. Will anyone even be able to communicate effectively if that's the main word they use? I, personally, am standing with both feet firmly planted as one who will defend my right to not have to hear this language, and one who will fight against the degradation of our society by those who use it. Care to join me?
Now on to the rant: I was raised in a house where 'damn' and 'hell' were heard as often as 'the' and 'and'. My Mom really let her rebellious part show when it came to her language. So, I don't consider myself a prude when it comes to language.
I am, however, becoming increasingly sensitive to the ubiquitous use of the 'F' word. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing redeeming about using this word. It doesn't uplift. It is crass, crude, unpleasant, demeaning and disgusting. And that's just the word. Think then, by extension, what it reflects on the user. (Besides the fact that they are too lazy to find a better, more appropriate word, and enlarge their vocabulary.)
I watched a 10 minute video recorded by cellphone of some kids on a bus, taunting and verbally abusing a sweet older-lady bus monitor. The 'F' word was spoken almost more than any other, and with a great deal of viciousness. And, yes, this was on a school bus. I'm guessing those kids are jr. high age, although I don't actually know. Still, how awful. And how ugly. (And just to be clear: I'm equally appalled and outraged at the general behavior of these children.)
The arts are wonderful things that enrich our lives; visual arts, music and language. Language is a huge gift from our Heavenly Father. Who among us hasn't had their heart warmed by these words: I love you? When we lower our standards, those things that help to keep our culture civilized are eroded. And erosion seems to be rampant when it comes to language. (I won't even get started on the awful language that has become so prevalent on tv - cable channels!)
Those younger people who use this kind of language with such casual ease are the future. Will anyone even be able to communicate effectively if that's the main word they use? I, personally, am standing with both feet firmly planted as one who will defend my right to not have to hear this language, and one who will fight against the degradation of our society by those who use it. Care to join me?
Excellence
Read this quote this morning from Ralph Marston (The Daily Motivator): "Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude."
I guess that means, if I work at it, I can have an excellent attitude. (And be attitudinally fantabulously excellent!)
I guess that means, if I work at it, I can have an excellent attitude. (And be attitudinally fantabulously excellent!)
Wednesday That Felt Like A Nice Thursday
Had lunch with a couple dear friends. We try to do this once a month. It's such fun. Today's outing: Cheesecake Factory where I stuffed my face with an absolutely scrumptious salad. Then I took them on a "field trip" (as I affectionately call my extra excursions when I drag them off to somewhere they might not have expected to go - they're such good sports!) to Culver's for some frozen custard. Who'd have thought we'd still have room for more food?
Spent the evening celebrating The Granddaughter's birthday - she's now in the double digits. Heavenly Father must have known we'd need her in our family. (As we've needed each and every one of those GrandChildren we've been privileged to be related to.) I'm so glad He's in charge.
Spent the evening celebrating The Granddaughter's birthday - she's now in the double digits. Heavenly Father must have known we'd need her in our family. (As we've needed each and every one of those GrandChildren we've been privileged to be related to.) I'm so glad He's in charge.
Policitians
Came home from church on Sunday and checked the phone. We'd missed a call, but whoever it was had left a message. Putting the phone on speaker mode, we played the message and burst into astonished laughter.
Mike Winder, our county mayoral candidate, announced himself and then proceeded to sing "Happy Birthday" to The Husband. The song was followed by a short self-endorsement and then the call disconnected.
The Husband was a bit pseudo-indignant about there being too much of his personal information out there. (I'm guessing that secretly he was sort of pleased about the whole thing.)
I'm mostly intrigued. I wonder which of his staff had the bright idea for him to do this "public interest" kind of thing. And I wonder how much money and time is expended in acquiring the information and then making the phone calls. Is the time spent on the phone calls doubled or tripled if someone actually answers? How many of these phone calls does he make? And how does he find the time? (I postpone calling any single person for any single thing until it can't wait any longer!)
And most importantly: what does his wife think about all of it? Inquiring minds (mine) want to know.
Mike Winder, our county mayoral candidate, announced himself and then proceeded to sing "Happy Birthday" to The Husband. The song was followed by a short self-endorsement and then the call disconnected.
The Husband was a bit pseudo-indignant about there being too much of his personal information out there. (I'm guessing that secretly he was sort of pleased about the whole thing.)
I'm mostly intrigued. I wonder which of his staff had the bright idea for him to do this "public interest" kind of thing. And I wonder how much money and time is expended in acquiring the information and then making the phone calls. Is the time spent on the phone calls doubled or tripled if someone actually answers? How many of these phone calls does he make? And how does he find the time? (I postpone calling any single person for any single thing until it can't wait any longer!)
And most importantly: what does his wife think about all of it? Inquiring minds (mine) want to know.
Waxing philosophic
So....I've just spent half an hour on a post I then deleted. Decided what I had to say sounded more like an "axe to grind" than a therapeutic expression of my mental meanderings.
Since philosophy is the "rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge or conduct" I should come up with something profound to relate.
Therefore: I submit that I must work harder to be more Christian in my allowances for others' differences. Including, but not restricted to, their driving habits, their gum chewing, their personal taste in literature, their food preference and their general air of disregard for those around them.
(And now that it's fully dusk - I'm already in my jammies - it seems safe to roll the garbage cans to the curb without risk of too much embarrassment. Getting right on that.)
Since philosophy is the "rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge or conduct" I should come up with something profound to relate.
Therefore: I submit that I must work harder to be more Christian in my allowances for others' differences. Including, but not restricted to, their driving habits, their gum chewing, their personal taste in literature, their food preference and their general air of disregard for those around them.
(And now that it's fully dusk - I'm already in my jammies - it seems safe to roll the garbage cans to the curb without risk of too much embarrassment. Getting right on that.)
Achievement
Several accomplishments today:
• Acquired gifts for the soon-to-be-10-year-old's birthday. ($1 Store to the rescue.)
• Managed to get new brake pads on The Husband's bike. And the perennial flat on my cruiser finally fixed. At least we hope so.
•Finally made a decision (and reservations) on a much-needed-get-away. I hope it will be fun and won't break the bank. It'll definitely be something we haven't done before.
•Went on an early bike ride. I actually pedaled my bike, chewed some gum and sang a song at the same time. (This was after nearly passing out from the exertion of propelling myself on that bike up a hill and forgetting to breathe during the process.) Yay for me!
• Acquired gifts for the soon-to-be-10-year-old's birthday. ($1 Store to the rescue.)
• Managed to get new brake pads on The Husband's bike. And the perennial flat on my cruiser finally fixed. At least we hope so.
•Finally made a decision (and reservations) on a much-needed-get-away. I hope it will be fun and won't break the bank. It'll definitely be something we haven't done before.
•Went on an early bike ride. I actually pedaled my bike, chewed some gum and sang a song at the same time. (This was after nearly passing out from the exertion of propelling myself on that bike up a hill and forgetting to breathe during the process.) Yay for me!
Pack Rat / Presentation
That man I live with - The Husband? He's a saver of stuff. ("You never know, I might need this some day.") Not to the extent of hoarding, he just likes stuff around him. I'm forever trying to toss stuff. (His stuff, not mine.) Even resorted to the old: whenever we get something new, the thing it replaces gets tossed.
So, The Husband's birthday rolled around. I got him a new pair of jeans (the brand I've finally found that fit his cute little behind better.) He opened them, took one look and said,"does this mean I have to go through all my jeans and throw out a pair?"
As I type this I'm thinking that doesn't sound particularly funny. But, trust me, it was. (Happy Birthday, My Love! The new jeans look great!)
Yesterday, The Husband gave a presentation to a couple hundred people over at the Riverton Family History Center. He's such a natural. And so personable and social. I guess it's true what they say about marrying someone that complements your own personality (in this case: my shortcomings and quirks that could use some balance.) One of the attendees came with a youngster in tow. (Probably in the 5-7 year old range.) The youngster spent some time doodling to occupy his mind during the hour presentation. At the end, he gifted The Husband one of his drawings. Pretty cool.
So, The Husband's birthday rolled around. I got him a new pair of jeans (the brand I've finally found that fit his cute little behind better.) He opened them, took one look and said,"does this mean I have to go through all my jeans and throw out a pair?"
As I type this I'm thinking that doesn't sound particularly funny. But, trust me, it was. (Happy Birthday, My Love! The new jeans look great!)
Yesterday, The Husband gave a presentation to a couple hundred people over at the Riverton Family History Center. He's such a natural. And so personable and social. I guess it's true what they say about marrying someone that complements your own personality (in this case: my shortcomings and quirks that could use some balance.) One of the attendees came with a youngster in tow. (Probably in the 5-7 year old range.) The youngster spent some time doodling to occupy his mind during the hour presentation. At the end, he gifted The Husband one of his drawings. Pretty cool.
Wedding
Had the rare (for us) privilege this morning of attending a wedding/sealing ceremony. Those opportunities seem to not come along very often. And how very glad we were to be there this morning.
We tried to remember what was said when we were sealed those 40 years ago and couldn't actually come up with anything. We can kind of remember the building and the room, but not much else, it's all lost in the haze of time. (Although we do remember them bringing in our starving, screaming 3 month old to be sealed to us - couldn't forget that!)
We do recollect, both of us, more about our civil wedding. I wonder why that is when the second ceremony was in some ways more fulfilling for us.
Anyway, I asked The Husband (as we were waiting for the bride and groom to come into the room) if he was nervous when we were married. An unequivocal and emphatic "no" was the answer. And neither was I - not in the least bit nervous. Excited? Absolutely. Anxious for the two of us to be together as a family? Completely. Thrilled? To pieces!
And knowing what I know now about what the last 40 (and 42 from our civil ceremony) years had in store for us, would I do it again? Without hesitation!
We wish our young friends the kind of marriage that has brought to our lives such depth and joy.
Thanks, My Love, for finding me. Don't ever leave without me....
We tried to remember what was said when we were sealed those 40 years ago and couldn't actually come up with anything. We can kind of remember the building and the room, but not much else, it's all lost in the haze of time. (Although we do remember them bringing in our starving, screaming 3 month old to be sealed to us - couldn't forget that!)
We do recollect, both of us, more about our civil wedding. I wonder why that is when the second ceremony was in some ways more fulfilling for us.
Anyway, I asked The Husband (as we were waiting for the bride and groom to come into the room) if he was nervous when we were married. An unequivocal and emphatic "no" was the answer. And neither was I - not in the least bit nervous. Excited? Absolutely. Anxious for the two of us to be together as a family? Completely. Thrilled? To pieces!
And knowing what I know now about what the last 40 (and 42 from our civil ceremony) years had in store for us, would I do it again? Without hesitation!
We wish our young friends the kind of marriage that has brought to our lives such depth and joy.
Thanks, My Love, for finding me. Don't ever leave without me....
Thoroughly Thursday
I've always liked Thursdays. Perhaps because I'm one of those Thursday's children that have "far to go" - being born on a Thursday.
Anyhow...On my walk on the trail this morning I noticed a couple doves sitting on an electrical wire - strung along a fairly long driveway tucked back in behind a street. They looked for all the world like they were having a ball - wiggling their tails just like a little girl in a swing pumping her legs - making the wire move back and forth. I swear it was deliberate. (And quite cute.)
I mostly feel like I just slide through my days wearing a sort of semi-invisible cloak. (Does that mean I'm translucent?) Got up this morning with a hankering to go shopping. (I am so not a shopper!) I'm standing looking at something and a nearby lady says: you look really cool in your outfit. What? Me? In my Chacos flip flops, denim capris and an oxford shirt? (Although it is a cute 3/4 sleeve pale green, blue and yellow on white stripe!) Just goes to show you never know who is watching you.
After 3 hours of trudging the mall (and doing a bit of financial damage- can you say sale?), I headed to Kohl's. And it's time, of course, for a ladies room stop. Heading in I'm seeing this gal that walks just like a friend of mine. Catching a glimpse of her profile, I call her name. The results: she turns toward me, gives me a great big hi and a nice hug. One of those tender mercies that warm your heart.
Arriving home, I'm met with a big smile from The Husband who always welcomes me as though I'm the mostest VIP in the world. And he tells me that I missed seeing his name mentioned in the newspaper for a presentation he's giving this weeked. How on earth did I miss something that momentous?
And Thursday continues it's favored status.
Anyhow...On my walk on the trail this morning I noticed a couple doves sitting on an electrical wire - strung along a fairly long driveway tucked back in behind a street. They looked for all the world like they were having a ball - wiggling their tails just like a little girl in a swing pumping her legs - making the wire move back and forth. I swear it was deliberate. (And quite cute.)
I mostly feel like I just slide through my days wearing a sort of semi-invisible cloak. (Does that mean I'm translucent?) Got up this morning with a hankering to go shopping. (I am so not a shopper!) I'm standing looking at something and a nearby lady says: you look really cool in your outfit. What? Me? In my Chacos flip flops, denim capris and an oxford shirt? (Although it is a cute 3/4 sleeve pale green, blue and yellow on white stripe!) Just goes to show you never know who is watching you.
After 3 hours of trudging the mall (and doing a bit of financial damage- can you say sale?), I headed to Kohl's. And it's time, of course, for a ladies room stop. Heading in I'm seeing this gal that walks just like a friend of mine. Catching a glimpse of her profile, I call her name. The results: she turns toward me, gives me a great big hi and a nice hug. One of those tender mercies that warm your heart.
Arriving home, I'm met with a big smile from The Husband who always welcomes me as though I'm the mostest VIP in the world. And he tells me that I missed seeing his name mentioned in the newspaper for a presentation he's giving this weeked. How on earth did I miss something that momentous?
And Thursday continues it's favored status.
Books
Started a book last night by an author I only recently discovered. So I'm going back and reading her earlier works.
Interestingly enough, I don't find her to be a particularly artistic wordsmith, or beautiful writer, I just find that I have an affinity for her main character. She seems like someone I would like to know. The mysteries aren't particularly mysterious. I simply like to spend some time with the central figure, someone that feels like a friend to me.
Early on in this latest book I came across this line and found it thought provoking. It is a lesson I wish we could all learn and have it stick after only the one learning:
"...I'd been in grammar school when I'd learned that there was no upside to gossip."
(And that's just a small indicator of why I'd like to know her.)
Interestingly enough, I don't find her to be a particularly artistic wordsmith, or beautiful writer, I just find that I have an affinity for her main character. She seems like someone I would like to know. The mysteries aren't particularly mysterious. I simply like to spend some time with the central figure, someone that feels like a friend to me.
Early on in this latest book I came across this line and found it thought provoking. It is a lesson I wish we could all learn and have it stick after only the one learning:
"...I'd been in grammar school when I'd learned that there was no upside to gossip."
(And that's just a small indicator of why I'd like to know her.)
Neighbors
We have some neighbors that we so enjoy knowing. (They are also a Home Teaching family, so we see them often.) They're roughly our age, a couple years older, but he's retired and has been for quite a few years.
So, I've noticed over the last few weeks that there seems to always be someone there at the house. Yesterday it was the Comcast truck. Today it was Whipple plumbing. Last week it was a couple days of some other businesses over there.
Got me thinking.....is that what people do when they get older and retired? They get lonely - and call someone to come keep them company for an hour or so?
And just thinking: clean windows = a whole new perspective on this beautiful world!
So, I've noticed over the last few weeks that there seems to always be someone there at the house. Yesterday it was the Comcast truck. Today it was Whipple plumbing. Last week it was a couple days of some other businesses over there.
Got me thinking.....is that what people do when they get older and retired? They get lonely - and call someone to come keep them company for an hour or so?
And just thinking: clean windows = a whole new perspective on this beautiful world!
Monday And It's Back To The Usual
Had a fun bike ride with The Granddaughter this morning. (Love the Grandchilluns, all of them!)
She treated 5 of us to a Slurpee at 7-11. (Cherry+Banana=Yum!)
They headed off for home, I'm still waiting to hear if they made it all right, should be any time now.
Spent the rest of the afternoon: bathroom (all 3) cleaning, floor cleaning, laundrying, ironing, bill-paying...
And now I'm weary. But it's the good kind. The kind that says: we had a great 5 days with The Family, shared some laughs, made a few memories - even got a picture of The Mom and Dad (Us) and all four of our adult children. We haven't all been together for quite some time.
(And looking at said picture as a remote observer - tried to be objective - I have to say: Just who are those old people!?! And where did my neck go (gobble, gobble...)? And my waist and my hair......sigh.)
She treated 5 of us to a Slurpee at 7-11. (Cherry+Banana=Yum!)
They headed off for home, I'm still waiting to hear if they made it all right, should be any time now.
Spent the rest of the afternoon: bathroom (all 3) cleaning, floor cleaning, laundrying, ironing, bill-paying...
And now I'm weary. But it's the good kind. The kind that says: we had a great 5 days with The Family, shared some laughs, made a few memories - even got a picture of The Mom and Dad (Us) and all four of our adult children. We haven't all been together for quite some time.
(And looking at said picture as a remote observer - tried to be objective - I have to say: Just who are those old people!?! And where did my neck go (gobble, gobble...)? And my waist and my hair......sigh.)
Saturday's Highlights
• Sleeping well and sleeping in.
• Seeing a movie that makes you think about the black and white of good and evil.
• Showing off the new City Creek Center to The Relatives.
• Walking through the mall and not seeing a single thing you really need. (And not really even wanting anything - except maybe the fudge at Rocky Mountain Chocolate.)
• Getting a special tour of the rooftop gardens of the Conference Center (more affectionately known as the Meganacle.) Haven't been up top in years.
• Hearing The Granddaughter say,"I didn't know Nana was so funny!"
• Sharing yet another (w-a-y too much food) meal - this time at Sweet Tomatoes with The Relatives. Enjoying that abundance while simultaneously wishing for more self control. Buffets are officially off our list of eating establishments.
• Clean sheets on the bed and someone to help make the application of the clean fresh sheets almost instantaneous. Loved the help.
• Discovering cool new things about the computer (notice the bullet point?) all by myself- without any help from The Wizard. (Wow - I'm so impressed; but then I'm sometimes easily impressed!)
• Seeing a movie that makes you think about the black and white of good and evil.
• Showing off the new City Creek Center to The Relatives.
• Walking through the mall and not seeing a single thing you really need. (And not really even wanting anything - except maybe the fudge at Rocky Mountain Chocolate.)
• Getting a special tour of the rooftop gardens of the Conference Center (more affectionately known as the Meganacle.) Haven't been up top in years.
• Hearing The Granddaughter say,"I didn't know Nana was so funny!"
• Sharing yet another (w-a-y too much food) meal - this time at Sweet Tomatoes with The Relatives. Enjoying that abundance while simultaneously wishing for more self control. Buffets are officially off our list of eating establishments.
• Clean sheets on the bed and someone to help make the application of the clean fresh sheets almost instantaneous. Loved the help.
• Discovering cool new things about the computer (notice the bullet point?) all by myself- without any help from The Wizard. (Wow - I'm so impressed; but then I'm sometimes easily impressed!)
Friday - Revisited
Remembered a couple things I wanted to remember about yesterday.
- Received an additional lesson in generosity. Our across-the-street neighbor stopped by when she was riding her bike with her grandson. During our conversation it came up that The Daughters (both of them) couldn't go on our morning bike ride because we didn't have enough bikes. (And how many bicycles are in our garage could be a whole different topic of discussion!)
Her instant, immediate, sincere reaction was to offer her bike for either one of them to ride. Heartfelt, genuine kindness. Rare.
She has a nice bike, only got it last year. Probably has less than 75 miles on it. And yet, there she was, offering it to two people she had barely been introduced to. Another way for me to improve.
- I'll long remember the sight of The Daughters (both of them) in my rearview mirror, sitting in the back seat as we drove home from dinner. Texting (yes, to each other) and talking (yes, to each other) while simultaneously talking to me and the Granddaughter, giggling all the while.
- And just saying....strawberries are better at room temperature. (They keep better in the fridge, especially when we've acquired one of those ginormous Costco boxes that are impossible to eat in the ten minutes the berries stay fresh once they've arrived home. But taste better at room temperature.)
- Received an additional lesson in generosity. Our across-the-street neighbor stopped by when she was riding her bike with her grandson. During our conversation it came up that The Daughters (both of them) couldn't go on our morning bike ride because we didn't have enough bikes. (And how many bicycles are in our garage could be a whole different topic of discussion!)
Her instant, immediate, sincere reaction was to offer her bike for either one of them to ride. Heartfelt, genuine kindness. Rare.
She has a nice bike, only got it last year. Probably has less than 75 miles on it. And yet, there she was, offering it to two people she had barely been introduced to. Another way for me to improve.
- I'll long remember the sight of The Daughters (both of them) in my rearview mirror, sitting in the back seat as we drove home from dinner. Texting (yes, to each other) and talking (yes, to each other) while simultaneously talking to me and the Granddaughter, giggling all the while.
- And just saying....strawberries are better at room temperature. (They keep better in the fridge, especially when we've acquired one of those ginormous Costco boxes that are impossible to eat in the ten minutes the berries stay fresh once they've arrived home. But taste better at room temperature.)
Friday That Felt Like Saturday...
Because The Husband took the day off. What fun for us. And it's good for him to have an extra day off on occasion.
- We took a fairly early morning bike ride with 3 of our grandchildren. Did a bit over 9 miles. Too dusty to finish off the southern portion of the trail by the cement plant with all the wind blowing sand and dirt from trucks traversing the hillside. Still fun. Had to chase a couple escaping water bottles, but all in all a successful ride: no spills, falls or injuries. Yay!
- Breakfast at Kneaders. All you can eat cinnamon french toast for $4.99. And when they brought our order from the kitchen calling out the name we'd given (Marco) we responded with a resounding "Polo" and got a laugh.
-The afternoon was filled with washing a couple cars (even waxed one), relaxation (i.e. naps for a select few), dominoes, Wii, computer games, iPads and iPods.
- Dinner at a new restaurant. (Even carefully perusing and choosing from the menu doesn't guarantee the dreaded onions won't be lurking in your entree. Thankfully there was a stop on the way home for some parsley that really does wonders at mitigating the misery from munching those onions.)
- Have noticed twice in the last 24 hours people driving with no hands: using the cellphone with one hand and eating with the other. However do they stay in their lane? Or do we have a bunch of 3 handed people living in Utah?
- We were able to spend just a few quick (dinner-interrupting) minutes wishing a Granddaughter happy 12th birthday. She's growing so fast. Hope she likes the sleeping bag we got her (we tried to get a good'un), she'll need it for girls camp.
- And now it's o-dark-o'clock and everyone has headed to bed. In spite of the fact we didn't run everyone ragged, I think they're all tired. Sweet dreams.
- We took a fairly early morning bike ride with 3 of our grandchildren. Did a bit over 9 miles. Too dusty to finish off the southern portion of the trail by the cement plant with all the wind blowing sand and dirt from trucks traversing the hillside. Still fun. Had to chase a couple escaping water bottles, but all in all a successful ride: no spills, falls or injuries. Yay!
- Breakfast at Kneaders. All you can eat cinnamon french toast for $4.99. And when they brought our order from the kitchen calling out the name we'd given (Marco) we responded with a resounding "Polo" and got a laugh.
-The afternoon was filled with washing a couple cars (even waxed one), relaxation (i.e. naps for a select few), dominoes, Wii, computer games, iPads and iPods.
- Dinner at a new restaurant. (Even carefully perusing and choosing from the menu doesn't guarantee the dreaded onions won't be lurking in your entree. Thankfully there was a stop on the way home for some parsley that really does wonders at mitigating the misery from munching those onions.)
- Have noticed twice in the last 24 hours people driving with no hands: using the cellphone with one hand and eating with the other. However do they stay in their lane? Or do we have a bunch of 3 handed people living in Utah?
- We were able to spend just a few quick (dinner-interrupting) minutes wishing a Granddaughter happy 12th birthday. She's growing so fast. Hope she likes the sleeping bag we got her (we tried to get a good'un), she'll need it for girls camp.
- And now it's o-dark-o'clock and everyone has headed to bed. In spite of the fact we didn't run everyone ragged, I think they're all tired. Sweet dreams.
Family
So...it's fun to have some of the family in from out of town. We've spent most of our time eating - why do we seem to do so much of that when we get together?
Decided I didn't want to cook tonight - took the whole clan to Astroburger. (Oldest Granddaughter: what's in fry sauce? Us: mayo and ketchup usually. Her: mayo? Eeww...) Visited awhile letting our stomachs do their thing. Then headed over to Culver's for some frozen custard for dessert. Wished the family could all be together and enjoying each other.
There's just something about sharing a meal with others. It's kind of not just sharing the food that feeds your body and keeps it alive, but also sharing the food (friendship, companionship, camaraderie) that simultaneously feeds your soul. (But I've got to remember to eat less and use my manners.)
Decided I didn't want to cook tonight - took the whole clan to Astroburger. (Oldest Granddaughter: what's in fry sauce? Us: mayo and ketchup usually. Her: mayo? Eeww...) Visited awhile letting our stomachs do their thing. Then headed over to Culver's for some frozen custard for dessert. Wished the family could all be together and enjoying each other.
There's just something about sharing a meal with others. It's kind of not just sharing the food that feeds your body and keeps it alive, but also sharing the food (friendship, companionship, camaraderie) that simultaneously feeds your soul. (But I've got to remember to eat less and use my manners.)
Anticipation
Life is fun when there's something to look forward to! Our oldest grandchild (19) has a new-to-her car. She's needing a road trip, after all what good is a car without somewhere to go? So she enlisted the company of her 16 year old brother to share a road trip with her....to Nana and Papa's house! (That would be me and The Husband.) I think our Daughter will come along as well.
Checking the time I'm thinking they're only about 2 1/2 hours from arrival. It will be such fun to have them here. We've planned some meals out (tonight's is Papa Murphy's and I got to pick the flavors - yay!) a bike ride or two, a movie, a trip to Costco (I surely understand the reason behind the name: it costs a lot to go!), church on Sunday and lots of visiting.
I have a mental picture (or is it a hope/expectation?) of our two Daughters (our oldest and youngest children) visiting and enjoying each other. One of the sweetest things for a parent: siblings who like each other. An extra special sweetness: grandchildren who seem to really like the Nana and Papa!
On a side note: I was perusing the library website this morning and found a few new e-books that looked interesting. Put my limit on hold. Received an e-mail a couple hours later informing me of the availability of one of the titles. I'm anticipating enjoying it.
I'm also anticipating finding something additionally fun to anticipate once the Family has departed. Glad to not have to be doing that anticipating for several more days.
Learn - Again
Went to breakfast yesterday with a friend who is moving away for a time. During our chat she pulled out her phone. I asked her if that was a new phone, and yes, it is. What kind is it? It's just the newer version of her previous phone.
She said,"I bought the same thing because I don't like to have to learn things all over again." If she got a different kind of phone she would have to learn anew how things worked on a different format.
That really stuck in my head. Made me think of the lessons I've learned traveling through this life. And how many times it seems I've had to learn the same lesson multiple times - over and over.
How much smarter (and efficient) to learn things once. And the lesson sticks. How brilliant of her to have figured that out.
There's probably another lesson in there for me to learn....again.
She said,"I bought the same thing because I don't like to have to learn things all over again." If she got a different kind of phone she would have to learn anew how things worked on a different format.
That really stuck in my head. Made me think of the lessons I've learned traveling through this life. And how many times it seems I've had to learn the same lesson multiple times - over and over.
How much smarter (and efficient) to learn things once. And the lesson sticks. How brilliant of her to have figured that out.
There's probably another lesson in there for me to learn....again.
Generosity
I've been thinking about this concept lately - that of generosity or being generous. There are all kinds of ways people are generous.
Some are generous with their smiles, or their hugs.
Some are generous with their talents.
Some are generous with their money.
Some are generous with their time.
Some are generous with their knowledge.
Some are generous with their - how shall I put this - bossiness.
Some are just generous souls clear through.
When we've visited in their homes, our adult children have been generous to us with pretty much everything.
We haven't always been in a position to be generous with our material goods, so much of our marriage was just a struggle to keep on top of the costs of living and having a family. We've tried always to be generous with our time and energy - to serve, and help - wherever we could, sometimes being more successful at our efforts than at other times.
The last few years whenever I've said to The Husband that I wanted to do something for someone, which often means spend a little money to give someone something, his response is always "we can afford to be generous" or "it's always good to be generous" or some similar sentiment.
My growing up years were even more fraught with financial difficulties. I don't know if it was because my parents truly didn't have enough money or if they just weren't very good at handling money. I suspect it was a combination of both.
I've grown increasingly aware of the different expressions of people's generosity. I also am so grateful for The Husband's perspective. I imagine it comes down to the Christ-like attribute of concern for others and (the opposite of selfishness) benevolence and altruism. What a lofty aspiration. That shall be my goal (yet another one) - to be more generous in whatever positive way I can be. I have a long way to go.
Some are generous with their smiles, or their hugs.
Some are generous with their talents.
Some are generous with their money.
Some are generous with their time.
Some are generous with their knowledge.
Some are generous with their - how shall I put this - bossiness.
Some are just generous souls clear through.
When we've visited in their homes, our adult children have been generous to us with pretty much everything.
We haven't always been in a position to be generous with our material goods, so much of our marriage was just a struggle to keep on top of the costs of living and having a family. We've tried always to be generous with our time and energy - to serve, and help - wherever we could, sometimes being more successful at our efforts than at other times.
The last few years whenever I've said to The Husband that I wanted to do something for someone, which often means spend a little money to give someone something, his response is always "we can afford to be generous" or "it's always good to be generous" or some similar sentiment.
My growing up years were even more fraught with financial difficulties. I don't know if it was because my parents truly didn't have enough money or if they just weren't very good at handling money. I suspect it was a combination of both.
I've grown increasingly aware of the different expressions of people's generosity. I also am so grateful for The Husband's perspective. I imagine it comes down to the Christ-like attribute of concern for others and (the opposite of selfishness) benevolence and altruism. What a lofty aspiration. That shall be my goal (yet another one) - to be more generous in whatever positive way I can be. I have a long way to go.
Will I Never Learn?
National Doughnut Day required a trip to our favorite grocery for ....doughnuts, of course! Obtained one. Re-thought things and acquired a second one. Went to the park where we each ate one. Felt fine.
Later....after lunch, I ate the second one. It put me over the edge. Been miserable all afternoon.
Went for Chinese food for dinner. Ordered what I thought was something light (still wasn't hungry): egg foo young. Since it was no longer lunchtime (and was actually after 7 p.m. - really late for us because neither one of us felt awfully hungry but if it is evening it must be time for a meal) it came as a dinner with ham flied lice and salad. And the egg foo young was a huge portion, would have fed two of us. (And yes, we brought the remainder home in a box.)
After all this time, you'd think I'd learn to eat in moderation. Still haven't learned. And I'm paying the price, I'll either not be sleeping tonight or I'll be having nightmares. Either way, I'm a dummy.
Later....after lunch, I ate the second one. It put me over the edge. Been miserable all afternoon.
Went for Chinese food for dinner. Ordered what I thought was something light (still wasn't hungry): egg foo young. Since it was no longer lunchtime (and was actually after 7 p.m. - really late for us because neither one of us felt awfully hungry but if it is evening it must be time for a meal) it came as a dinner with ham flied lice and salad. And the egg foo young was a huge portion, would have fed two of us. (And yes, we brought the remainder home in a box.)
After all this time, you'd think I'd learn to eat in moderation. Still haven't learned. And I'm paying the price, I'll either not be sleeping tonight or I'll be having nightmares. Either way, I'm a dummy.
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