WHAT'S NEW WEDNESDAY?
Good Morning Friends, Wow! I think I counted at least 20 posts. I'd better get hopping or I won't ever get done. I've been sleeping a bit better so I'm kind of "late" (for me that is). It's so nice to be sitting at my mom's computer desk. I got the room cleaned out and have arranged special pics and things on the desk where I can look at them. I think I'll get a clear desk pad to put on the desk so that I can put some more pictures under it. I like looking at pics of family, friends, and special places. Lots of people checking in. I'm finally getting time to read up and catch up. Thanks so much for posting and letting us all know what is going on in your life. Today's quote from "The Woman's Book of Soul": "As women we're often trained to love others a lot, and ourselves a little. Unfortunately this is a backward concept because we're better able to love others when we first love ourselves. Loving ourselves is the best way to re-green our lives into the luxurious and creative lushness that we deserve. Unfortunately, there is no quick-fix, easy answer as to how to do this. Some of us were lucky enough to be taught to love ourselves when we were kids, but, for the rest of us, commitment to loving ourselves and a hundred daily decisions to "take ourselves to heart" are the only ways I've found that work. That's why I firmly believe that becoming consistently and compassionately self-loving is one of our lifelong spiritual tasks. It seems easiest for most women to begin the self-loving process by loving their younger selves first. Picturing the little girls we were at about three years old and then showering them with the love that they needed and deserved is a great place to start. If you can't bring yourself to love this little one, call in a marvelously maternal and loving being to cherish and cuddle her for you. When I feel especially needy, I hug a large teddy bear and pretend that it is the "little Suzie" inside me who feels unloved or unlovable. Since love is the only energy that brings lasting change, our sacred charge is to love ourselves to life." My challenge to myself and all of you today is to love yourself unconditionally! On to the recap. . . . I'll try to make it short or I'll never get done today. . .
Hi Jan C, Tho I seem outgoing on the surface opening up "deep down" to people is difficult to me too. It requires trust and that's a hard one for me. Best wishes as you start your new job. I'm excited for you!
Annette, Your son in law's health issues are scary. Could he possibly need a pacemaker? I know several people who have had those installed and it made a lot of difference in their health. Annette, I'm curious. . .what kind of work do you do? You've probably shared before and I've forgotten.
Hi Margo, What is with that guy in your neighborhood? Does he have some kind of personal vendetta that he's taking out on the whole neighborhood? I'd be afraid of him too. Hope Michael is feeling better. I'm glad you got the protective order, but stay vigilant. Nutty people aren't reliable to abide by any kind of rules. So don't trust him.
Joan M, I am constantly searching for answers to the meaning of life. I know that it all started somewhere I just don't have an abiding faith like you do. I was raised in a very fundamental church and left with lots of guilt trips and insecurities. Today I choose to be the best person that I can be. Personal beliefs are just that. I enjoy discussing topics and especially the diversity of beliefs. As my cousin Pat says "I just have to believe in an afterlife or I couldn't go on." I tend to believe that this life here on earth may be as good as it gets so I'd better make the most of it. . . . That's one day and then the next I'm digging deeper. And then there's the picture of my dad, Mom's dad and Max Ray waiting at the gate's of Heaven to welcome Mom home. . . . I confuse even myself!
Hi Terry Ann, Moving. . . we are thinking of selling our house and perhaps building our "last" home. We tend to stay somewhere for about 20 years at a time. If we're going to make another move it will probably be within the next year or two. I'd love to plan and build a house right to our specs, but don't know if we can handle the decisions and turmoil! Yes, it does sound like a get together is brewing in Dallas in October doesn't it? However, we plan and sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. I'm sure there will be some of us there. You're close enough that you sure should be able to meet up with us for a day or so!
Joan W, I know bathroom remodels! Ah the dust from the texturing. I'm still trying to get rid of it. I think I need to have my ductwork vacuumed out. We live in a dry, dusty climate too so that just adds to it. I'll have to try to catch "Big Medicine." I just haven'****ched much tv at all lately.
Debi (CA) "Everyone has a great gift to offer this world." I believe that too. I just haven't quite figured out what my gift is. Or it changes daily! We're human aren't we? So I think it is perfectly natural to not be perfect each day!
Hi Betsy, Sounds like you've really been busy with family and decorating. Your Captain's Quarters sounds cute. Why nautical? Do you have a connection with the sea? I love going to the beach! Shelly's place sounds adorable. Having her close by but not right in your home sounds great. I hope she is starting to feel more settled. She's made some difficult decisions, but ones that will be healthier for her and her family.
Maui Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about your dear friend. I have heard of so many staff infections that have lead to disastrous health issues. I tend to pick at scabs and sores. Can't seem to leave them alone to heal. A good reminder to keep my hands off. I know of two or three people who've picked up staff in hospitals and clinics. My thoughts are with you as you try to wrap your heart around this loss.
Hi Carla, Yes, I received your wonderful card. I'm sorry if I neglected to thank you personally. My mind was in a bit of a haze for a few weeks there. I was going through the motions, but looking back I think shock kind of protects one for a while. It's hard for me to remember the details of the first couple of weeks after Mom died. The FL gulf coast is beautiful. I just got to spend a few hours near "Watercolor, FL" but loved it. The beach was white sand and the water warm and clear. Would be great if you could make it to Dallas too!
Big Easy Debbie, Wow, sounds like you've had a great vacation. I'm so glad that you and George finally got to get away and enjoy your family and some much needed time away from work. Would love to see you in Dallas in October. It started out as me planning to go spend a few days with Janet and my college roommate. I don't think there is any concrete plan. After all the planning in San Diego kind of fell through. . . . I think perhaps people should just make their own reservations. Just my humble opinion. Ruth had money on the line for hotel reservations. Luckily she was able to get out of it, but I don't want anyone to have to be in that position. I know people make plans and then sometimes something comes up. We all want to do things; it just doesn't always work out. Would love to see you if you can make it.
Hi Marti, You make me tired just reading about all that you do. Do you ever just sit and stare out a window? I sometimes do that for HOURS! Holy Moly, another grandbaby so soon? Exciting for Grandma. I can't imagine two that close for Mom! I think twins would almost be easier.
Floyd, Your job sounds great. A boss who is just around once in a while and you in charge while she is gone. How great is that? Congrats on the bingo win and the chance to win more. I never win anything! I take that back I won a washing machine once! Congrats to Brenda on her promotion.
Hi Mickey, "I had a hard time wanting to come to work today." I know that feeling. I used to tell my kids at school that sometimes you just have to "Show up". Like Marti and the gym advice: "Just show up" and the rest will take care of itself. Sometimes that's what we have to do with daily life too. Hope that you felt better once you got there and got into your routine.
Good Morning Eileen, Wow, furnace and car maintenance and both major ones. I don't envy you. I'd much rather spend money on a cruise! True friendships will survive ups and downs. Sounds like you and your friend have weathered the years. I like having a few people in my life who know me "inside out". That way I don't have to explain everything to them! They "get" me.
Hi Nancy B, What a busy "day off." I can hardly imagine you and Marti in the same room. I think the roof would blow off the building from all the energy it contained! Are you still up on the computer at all hours? I haven't been lately. Just too much "life stuff" going on. We'll have to do that again one of these "in the wee hours.
Aime, You work from home? Mostly on the computer and through email. Exactly what do you do? It sounds like counseling of some sort? Your walk in the Federal Park reminds of of the days I spent last summer walking through Shiloh and Vicksburg. . . and Bonneventure Cemetery in Savannah. I love the history of those places. I'd love to visit the east coast one of these days starting up north and working my way down!
Well, friends, I've been at this way too long. It's 7am here. . . . I know it's late for some of you. So I'll close hoping you all have a great day. Remember to love yourself!!
Karen C
