Day 43 Freakin Winter 2-17-2011

FOG I love fog. It makes me feel cozy. I don't know why. It also feels springy. It smells like spring today.

I will go for a walk today as it may be close to 55 degrees. 55 degrees! That is the record high for today so maybe we will break it. Wouldn't that be fun?

I went for a walk yesterday. It felt glorious. I miss walking everyday. I have decided that for the rest of the winter. If it gets to 40 degrees with little wind chill I am going to walk. That is my pact, my promise.

I am going to exert a great amount of energy "not" thinking about tomorrow. Only going to say it once. The weather tomorrow will bring us back to reality. sad face.

Oh But living for today. happy face I am soaking it in.

I am still playing catch up. I was interrupted in my marathon yesterday. So today is back to the grind with many breaks for outdoor pleasure.

I am going to cheat today!! What???? I am going to go backwards and fill in the days on my blog that I missed because of being sick. Hey it's not cheating! It's like when you are sick at school...the teacher gives you a few days to make up missed work. That's what I am doing.

Since this current post is pretty random thoughts I'll continue on with this theme.

I think my son is a neat kid! He has a cold and needs to go back to the doctor to recheck his spleen after his mono episode this past December. So I was going to make the appointment for today. So he says to me, "Don't make the appointment for during the school day. Today is a pep fest!" He is excited about the pep fest. (Back in the day we called it a pep rally.) Then I had to wash his white jeans because this week is "snow week". Supposed to wear all white today. My point?.... Billy participates. He fully participates. Naysayers be damned.

Sad to say. I was a naysayer in high school. Pep rallies were an opportunity and excuse to skip school.

I am proud of him that he is not what I was.

Joytobe

Day 42 Freakin Winter 2-16-2011

All I gotta say is 46 degrees! And 50 tomorrow. Remember what I said awhile ago, don't live in the future. Well don't because a cool down is on the way. Don't ruin the next two days spending any energy on the weather this weekend.

I think I am going for a walk today.....outside!!!!

I am also playing catch up. Catch up on house work. Catch up on blogging. Catch up on laundry. Nothing like a stomach virus to get you so far behind. Nothing a little "Journey" on the stereo, some shameless singing, a candle lit and an open window can't take care of. Gonna Rip it up today!

"Anyway you want it. That's the way you need it. Anyway you want it."
Joytobe

Day 41 Freakin Winter 2-15-2011

Starting to really feel better from the stomach virus. That has maybe the worst I have ever felt with yacking. ewe.

Enjoy these quotes. Getting back to business now!

"God made us sisters; Prozac made us friends." -unknown

"An optimist laughs to forget. A pessimist forgets to laugh." -unknown

Joytobe

Day 40 Freakin Winter 2-14-2011

So!!!!! We are at day 40 of my winter project. Sorry for the two day lack of posts. I've been suffering from a nasty stomach bug. I'll go back and give quotes for those two days.



I am so excited. It looks as if I may survive Winter 2010/2011. Feeling very hopeful.



However, we still have some serious challenges that lay ahead. Some of the most difficult parts of winter, the LONG transition into spring. As the snow melts and you start to see all the dead plants that have been covered by the snow, I have been known to get Spring Fever. It is an overwhelming obsessive desire to see green instead of brown grass and dirty melting snow. The absolute need to feel 70 degrees. This may be the point that I really start to lose my mind. It is the tease of spring still restlessly knowing the leaves are not going to burst open from the trees until May.



Well that was f-ing depressing! Sorry



Enjoy the warmth of today. More importantly enjoy the warmth in your heart for those you love this Valentine's Day. Like I have said before I don't really buy into this holiday but.....I guess any day that causes humanity to act a little kinder to one another....can't be a bad thing!



Happy Valentine's Day!

Joytobe

Day 39 Freakin Winter 2-13-2011

Sicker than a dog that ate five Famous Dave ribs (yes my Cabby did that) today.

Sunday Quotes

"To rejoice in the prosperity of another is to partake in it." -unknown

"I used to be indecisive. But now I am just not sure." -unknown

Joytobe

Day 38 Freakin Winter 2-12-2011

Smells like spring outside. Feels almost balmy. Enjoy the day



Saturday Quotes

"Even I don't look like Cindy Crawford when I wake up in the morning." -Cindy Crawford

"The man who is always finding fault seldom finds anything else." -unknown

Joytobe

Day 37 Freakin Winter 2-11-2011

Getting warmer....... Yay! It always a pleasant feeling when you see puddles. Snow is slowly melting. That is good. A fast melt means disaster, flooding. I'll take it!

Something that I have found helps pull me out of the winter blahs is helping someone else.

Seriously nothing puts a smile in my heart than helping a neighbor, a stranger, a friend or my family.

It can be something so simple like offering to babysit the neighbors kids so they can have a long overdue, well deserved night out. Or shoveling some one's driveway. Or letting the person behind you (who has one item) go ahead of you and your full cart in line at the grocery store.

I love seeing the joy on people's face. Every morning Savanah hurriedly gets ready to leave for the bus. Piling on layer after layer of winter gear. I always grab her knit hat and set it on the heater vent. Then slip it on her head just as she walks out the door. She sighs and smiles at me. What a great way to send your child out the door! I love that!

It really is the little things.

What can you do for others? Think about it?
Joytobe

Day 36 Freakin Winter 2-10-2011 Blog Anniversary

Temp right now at 6:25 am. -20. Dang that is cold!

Warm up on the way for the weekend! Yaaay! So now the forecasters are saying this last week may have been the last of the below 0 temperatures for this winter. big deep breath, gasping, sighing, disbelieving. I am too scared to trust them. If I get my hopes up then a sudden arctic blast rushes down from the arctic, I'll be heartbroken. Do I dare believe in this dream? Skeptically optimistic. Is that an oxymoron?

It was one year ago today I decided to blog regularly. This blog has morphed over time. It continues to change based on my needs.

For instance right now I need something to get me through the remainder of the winter. So this is my therapy.

I have posted 290 times over the last 365. not bad. not bad at all.

Occasionally I get down thinking, "Is anybody out there?" "Anyone at all?" "Am I talking to myself?" Then I get a nice comment from someone I know or someone at the kids school mentions my blog! Then I think.... they are listening. Mostly I remind myself that truly I am doing this, and writing for my own good.

CAN YOU IMAGINE IF ALL THESE WORDS IN THESE LAST 290 POSTS WERE STILL JUST FLOATING AROUND IN MY HEAD?

I might be in a padded room drooling. :D

So I just wanted to say thank you! Thank you for listening!
Joytobe

Day 35 Freakin Winter 2-9-2011 My Pampa

Still brutally cold. Yesterday in my hibernation I decided to paint. Paint walls that is. A boring beige color. It works for the entrance and hallways of my house. I add the color in the rooms. The paint they used when they built this house is awful, Can't clean it, smudges everywhere. Next I will paint Savanah's room. An Incredible turquoise sea foam-ish color. Can't wait!

So today I am giving my arthritic throbbing hands a rest. I am going to finish reading my winter joy book.

Thought you might all enjoy this story!!

I often post things about my Pama (grandmother).



Now it is Pampa's (grandfather) turn. I truly regret not being able to get to know Pampa as an adult. He passed away when I was 15 years old. But I certainly remember him and cherish those memories. I often find myself singing, "Mares eat oats and does eat oats, and little lambs eat ivy. A kid will eat ivy too. Wouldn't you?"



Pampa made a difference in so many people's lives. He was always helpful and charming. I recently found an article in the El Paso, TX newspaper written about him. Here is what it said.



Dogs Accompany Mail Carrier on Route
by Virginia Strom


Lloyd White Jr., Five Points mail carrier, makes a big hit with the dogs on his route.


They like him so well that from two to six dogs accompany him every day.


"I like dogs." Mr White said. "But I haven't figured out why they are so crazy about me. Sometimes it's a little embarrassing when they get after cats and the animal's owner thinks all the dogs belong to me."


Afternoon greeting.
When Mr White ends his morning route, he takes a street car back to Five Points for lunch. The dogs leave him at the car stop, run home during the lunch hour and greet him with barks of joy when he resumes his work in the afternoon.


Mr. White who lives at 2821 Savannah Street with his wife and small daughter, Barbara, owns a dog of his own. The dog is a cocker spaniel and does not accompany her master on his route.


One is injured.

There is Vickie a little bull dog which belongs to Mrs. George Kissel of 3604 Richmond Street; Kelly, a red Irish setter and Pancho, a dalmatian belonging to Clarence M Walkers at 3419 Richmond Street, and doc, a scottie belonging to Mrs. Tom F Davis of 3412Louisville Street.
Doc was injured when an automobile ran over him recently.


The dogs begin their daily jaunt when Mr. White goes to their house with the mail in the morning.


Get to know the route.
He leaves the dogs at Copia and Altura streets at lunch and the dogs run home. In the afternoon they wait for him at Aurora and Copia streets.


Several of the dogs have accompanied Mr. White three or four years. It was during the fall that their numbers increased.


"The dogs get to know the route quite well" Mr. White said. "One of them has a "I'll-get-that-cat-or-die" attitude." All houses where cats live have been spotted by the dog which looks them up every day and gives chase.


The dogs boisterously precede Mr. White and arrive at each house before he does.


"Residents know when I'm coming five minutes ahead of time." Mr. White said.

This article would have been written in the early 1940's. The article states his young daughter, Barbara. (my mother). She was born in 1940. Seems like a much simpler time doesn't it?


I love this so much. Yes people followed him too! And he was a quiet humble leader.



Miss you Pampa,

Joytobe

Day 34 Freakin Winter 2-8-2011 The Sad Heart

First I just gotta say, brrrrr. Right now the temp is -15. Wind chill -31. It is a hibernation day.

Now back to the regularly scheduled post.

It's okay to be sad for a good reason. ( weather can be a reason to be sad, but only to a point) It is even okay to sometimes be sad for no reason at all. However, you really need to do some soul searching when you are sad and you should be happy.




I write this because sometimes I feel this way. I also write this because I see so many teens struggling with this. It seems like almost an epidemic to me. This overall depression effecting our teens. Not all teens. And to tell the truth a lot of them have good reason to be sad.



Now I am talking really sad not just like crabby. I can be happy as can be then suddenly get crabby. Usually I figure out that I am hungry. ;)


Anyways, I just wish there was a way to help them. Now I am no psychologist. But I have dealt with depression myself. Actually you probably always deal with it in one way or another. Mostly I guess I control it so it doesn't control me.


There are still times when I feel sad when I should feel happy. If I really soul search when this happens I find one of a few things are happening. One of these is not living in the moment. Allow me to explain.


1. I am living in the future. WORRY

Oh Worrying can easily over take my life if I let it. Often when I find myself worrying I do a little quick 1 minute meditation. Taking five really deep breaths. On the intake I breath in through my nose and I think the words "clear the mechanism" ( I saw this in the movie For the Love of the Game). I exhale the breath through my mouth making a sighing noise as I let the air out. As you exhale try to relax your entire body especially your shoulders. Just let them droop. Then I stretch my whole body. Doesn't stretching feel magnificent. If my mind starts to wonder back to what I was worrying (obsessing) about. I repeat over and over, "Here and now". When I am done I get up and do something physical or busy work. Fold laundry, clean a room, empty the dishwasher. Just something that makes me move and makes me feel accomplishment. These steps really do help me.

I often find I am worrying about things because I have procrastinated and now something is eating away at my soul. Something that I should have done. You know what I am talking about. All those things circling your head as you try to go to sleep. For this I have found a somewhat cure. Write each of these things on a separate piece of paper at the very top. Staple the pieces together. Making somewhat of a worry journal.

Now go back to each individual sheet of paper. Each individual worry. Ponder the worry. What can you do about it? What steps need to be taken to get rid of this worry? Write a timeline/ deadline to complete each step. After you have completed the steps put a big bright smiley face on the page. Feel good about it. Let that worry go. It is done.




2. I am living in the past. DWELLING

I used to do this a lot. In fact I used to spend a lot of energy blaming others for my problems. The fact is they were partially responsible. But I spent all this energy that instead I wish I had just dealt with it. That lesson took a long time to learn. It began with the realization that this is my life and I wasn't willing to let the past continue to take away my happiness. This also took professional therapy. It's okay to ask for help!

My other dwelling would be over mistakes I have made in life. But I have learned to forgive my imperfect self, as I would a child that I loved dearly.

I still deal with these two issues. It is an ongoing battle. It doesn't just go away. You have to make it go away.

Dealing with these two issues (the future and the past) gives you an intense feeling of freedom. Living in the NOW. Being in the moment.

There a few other causes for my sad heart which I will explore in another post. But some of them are.

Not pursuing my passion.
Not being healthy.


For now I relish in the fact that I am present and accounted for.
Joytobe

Day 33 Freakin Winter 2-7-2011

Temps are dropping today. :( throwing us into a deep freeze lasting until the weekend. But looks like on the weekend we will have a thaw. But until that we have wind chill warning to contend with.



So what to do? Well I read through that book I spoke of before; the one about not folding fitted sheets. Here is my book report.


Life's Too Short To Fold Fitted Sheets by Lisa Quinn

This was a good book until about half way through. Lisa Quinn's purpose in the book is to make you believe perfection is not needed when caring for your home. She gives great examples and inspiration and thought provoking questions. Such as "What if we realized that our value doesn't depend on what other people think?"

"The whole idea of perfectionism is fundamentally flawed. Perfection doesn't even exist. It's purely mental, alienating and unnatural state."

I love these little gems.

Unfortunately half way through the book she slides right back into her former perfectionist self. Telling me I have to have white plates for my perfectly made table and serve sushi rolls at my party. Okay now!! I don't think so! She really did stress me out in the last half of the book. I suddenly felt like I needed to go buy a bunch of stuff to live up to her expectations. The whole point of the book was for the reader to find out what really mattered to them. And stop expecting perfectionism, little tricks to cut corners on housework and really live well.

I felt like I was reading two different books. She really missed the mark on the second half.

So No this book was not my answer. But it gave some good questions. And maybe with the right questions, I will find my own answers.


Today I decided to combat the cold dreary outside, I am painting walls!! I love painting walls! At first I love painting walls. Remember my bathroom that took 3 months to finish!?

Gotta go watch the paint dry.
Joytobe

Day 32 Freakin Winter 2-6-2011

Another mild day. I hear another deep freeze is coming this week but I'm just gonna enjoy today.


Sunday Quotes:



"He, too, serves a certain purpose who only stands and cheers." -unknown



"Anyone who thinks by the inch and talks by the yard ought to be moved by the foot."

-unknown



Joytobe

Day 31 Freakin Winter 2-5-2011

Woke up to freezing fog. So pretty

Glad I don't have to go anywhere for awhile. It can make things awfully slippery.



Looking forward to enjoying my family this weekend.



Saturday Quotes:



"Above all to thine own self be true." -William Shakespeare



"English is a funny language. A fat chance and a slim chance mean the same thing." -unknown



Joytobe

Just so Sad

I went to visit my Pama. It was not a good day. In my earlier post I mentioned how she has forgotten so many things. But today was a little different.

Occasionally I catch her on a day that her mind is stuck on Darlene (my mother). She does not remember that her daughter has died. It breaks me as I try to change the subject. Sometimes I succeed and she doesn't mention it again. Some days I have to break down and tell her that she died.

Today though she kept asking to go see Darlene. Over and over. Or she asked if I had seen Darlene. I tried hopelessly to change the subject but it always returned. On her 93rd birthday I couldn't bare to tell her that her daughter was dead.

I left sooner than I would have liked but I could no longer take it.

On my way home I succumbed to such grief. It was as if she died yesterday instead of almost two years ago. I just sobbed. A couple of times when Pama said, "After lunch let's go see Darlene" I felt as if I was in a time machine. Or that time had stayed still and maybe she was still alive. I would like to see her.

I think I have some unresolved emotions around the death of my mother. Some things I still need to reconcile. It will happen or it won't.

But days like today are just so difficult and so sad.
Joyce

Day 30 Freakin Winter 2-4-2011 My Pama

Today the weather is drippy melting and I'll take it!





But most importantly today is my sweet Pama's birthday. I am heading out to see her. 93 today and still full of spirit and vibrancy.





I aspire to be like my Pama. I hope when I am her age I am just like her. Forgetful enough to put the past well behind me. Painful memories forgotten. Remembering enough to enjoy my family. Witty enough to always find humor. Living every moment in the moment.





She always finds the best in people and circumstance. Amazing considering where she came from or maybe it is attributed to where she came from.





Mostly I admire her character.
Joytobe

Day 29 Freakin Winter 2-3-2011 Find Your Happy

Yesterday I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I did my normal morning chores and such. Then I jumped in the car determined to find some spring.



My first stop a store called "The Woods." They had some spring decorations. But while I was there I joked with the sales lady. I said, "I'm looking for spring." She answered annoyingly cheerfully, "We are just putting our spring stuff out." I said with a smile but "I'm actually looking for spring. I need it to come." She lowered her voice to a condescending tone, "oh honey it's too early for that. It's a long ways off." I promptly turned around and walked out of the store.



Who the hell do you think you are trying to burst my Groundhog Day bubble? Ruining my good vibe. Messing with my delusions. I don't think so Lady!!!!!



Next I enjoyed Pier One. Now they had quite the impressive display of spring stuff. Too bad it is all way over priced.



Next I ran to Bed Bath & Beyond. I was successful in doing a little birthday shopping for my honey.



Then at last I found my happy. It was at Starbucks hiding in a Grande Mocha Frappuccino. I searched through my favorite kind of books sipping my yummy treat. Ah organization books. I have a bookshelf of them. I always find helpful tidbits in them but haven't quite found the answer. Suppose I have to find the question first.?



As I perused the home reference section suddenly a book caught my attention.



"Life's Too Short To Fold Fitted Sheets" by Lisa Quinn



What?! I repeat what?!?!?!?!? Oh No. I gauge my success and happiness on my fitted sheet folding. If it looks good I am happy that day. What does this mean?? I don't understand. My fitted sheet folds define me. A good homemaker, a good wife, a good mother, a good neighbor, a good hostess. A Good Person for goodness sake!! I am nothing without this measure!



But I am intrigued and terrified as I slowly lifted the book from the shelf. I took a deep breath as I read the rest of the front cover. "Your ultimate guide to domestic liberation." hmmm I think, well now you're talking. I want to know more.



After I skimmed through a couple of sections in the book I decided I really did want to know more. So with a beloved Gift Certificate I have purchased this book.



I'll let you know what I find out. Maybe the question, maybe the answer. Maybe both?



Regardless today I found my spring happy.

Joytobe

Day 28 Freakin Winter 2-2-2011 Groundhog Day!!

Happy Groundhog Day!!!

I just love this day. I love the idea that a big rodent can predict the weather and give me hope. That is a lot of pressure to put on Phil's shoulders. He can take it.

And the results are in. Phil did not see his shadow!!!!! Spring is near! How near? I don't need to know that. I just need to know that it is coming. And it is.

I have decided going to Punxsutawney PA and seeing Phil predict the future in Gobbler's Knob on February 2nd is on my list (25 things I want to do before I die list).

I looked up some of the history of Groundhog's day and it was very interesting!

Originally hundreds or thousands of years ago it started as the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc. It was held on Feb 1st which is halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. This celebration included a primitive attempt to predict or even control how quickly spring would arrive.

Imbolc was eventually replaced by "Candlemas" a religious holiday and feast celebrating St Brigid. It continued to be a day for forecasting the weather. It was said if it was sunny enough to cast shadows on Candlemas winter was not over. But a cloudy shadow free day meant spring had sprung.

The groundhog prediction started around 1887 with a man named Clymer H Freas an editor at Punxsutawney Spirit a newspaper. He was so enthralled with groundhog folklore that he began writing stories in the paper about the weather predicting ground hog.


I love you Phil!!! Have a very Happy Groundhog Day!
Joytobe

A Moment to Remember

Every parent has moments of torture when you are faced with a dilemma when you don't have the answers. You just don't know what to do. You are at wits end.

Then you summon all of your knowledge and courage to make a decision. You hold your breath and pray fervently that you have done the right thing. You always leave room for revision because sometimes you will err.

I have found these unbelievable difficult moments become more numerous the older a child gets. I am hoping we hit a plateau soon with the age of 16. I may not survive to 17!

We had a slow steady build of pressure around here over the last few months. Culminating over the last few days with a very dramatic ending to a very dramatic turbulent relationship. During this time I have wracked my brain trying to save my child from pain or at least help him navigate through it. And it isn't over yet. close but not completely.

I found I cannot really protect him. I can help guide him with my advice regardless of if he wants it or not. I can remind him of his morals. I can be there to listen and be a shoulder to lean on. I can PRAY and Pray and pray.

But ultimately he is responsible for his action and reaction.

This never became more prevalent to me then last night when my son and I were talking about all of this upheaval. How hard it is. I was listening. Then he thanked me! I was flabbergasted. He said, "Thank you for letting me go through this. I needed to learn this myself."

Picture me with my jaw on the floor, eyes bulging completely speechless.

Now that I have had time to process this statement I realize this is one of those stunning moments in life where you realized you did the right thing. And I felt so proud of him because he made the right decision and he weathered a pretty rough storm.

We'll make it through all of this and more because we are family. We will always be there for each other.

Joytobe

Day 27 Freakin Winter 2-1-2011

A little change in the blog post format. The forecast portion will no longer be here. I realised retelling the forecast and temperature everyday was well depressing. It was causing me to dwell on winter. It made me sad! And doesn't that completely defeat the entire purpose of this project. So unless something wicked cool or interesting or unusual with the weather is happening I am not going to retell the mundane-ness of winter. You don't need to hear it from me. You already know it!

Now on to our regularly scheduled blog post!

Oh February 1st how I love thee. Why do I love thee? What do you mean to me? Celebration for January is over!! Statistically speaking the coldest month of the year has passed.



I dug my nails in the side of the frozen pit in the depths of hell and climbed out of January.



Now I find myself in the 2nd coldest month of the year. But alas ......by the end of this month the average high is.......drumroll please........ 32 degrees. Oh that sounds lovely. That sounds like water dripping off of my roof! That sounds like the melting of my frozen heart.



February also holds Valentines Day. I don't buy into that holiday completely. I mean it does seem kind of hallmark-ish. My valentine and I exchange cards but not gifts. We eat dinner together as a family. The part I enjoy is the elementary party!

Savanah really enjoys the preparing of Valentine's. In fact hers are already done. She spreads the stuff all over the room. Sets up different stations. One is for writing the names. Then you move on to the folding station. Then the attaching a piece of candy station. Then the closing with a heart sticker station. She loves it. It satisfies her need for organization and accomplishment. So cute! Reminds me of someone? who could it be? hmmm?

Oh Yeah!!! Me


But honestly I Love and am looking forward to Groundhog day!!!! It's the best. It fills me with hope. Although spring is not six weeks away (at least not here in MN) Spring is coming and with every day it is closer! Every wretched snowy below freezing day brings me closer to spring.

So Tomorrow, tomorrow I love you tomorrow. You're only a day away. Tomorrow Tomorrow I love you tomorrow for tomorrow is Groundhog Day!!!!!

Joytobe

Day 26 Freakin Winter 1-31-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-31-2011
SNOW!

High 20

Low 15

Last day of January. Oh what can one say about January? By far the longest month of the year. The coldest month of the year. The blah-est month of the year.

January I bid you farewell.

See ya!
Joytobe

Day 25 Freakin Winter 1-30-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-30-2011
cloudy, snow, colder



High 15



Low 8




Cabin Fever!!! I officially have cabin fever. I feel the need to go go go! Move! See something different.



It happens every winter. But I am going somewhere today. It doesn't even matter where. But I am getting out of the house today.



So enjoy the Sunday quotes



"Horses- He is pure air and fire and the dull elements of earth and water. That never appear in him." -written by unknown given to me by Savanah


"Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best." -Bob Talbert


Joytobe

Day 24 Freakin Winter 1-29-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-29-2011
cloudy




High 32


Low 14


Saturday Quotes

"This guy could be riding around in a rusted red windowless van with "Free Candy" written on the side." -Billy Gleason

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." -unknown

Joytobe

The Low down

I can't really talk about what is going on around here that has caused my lack of posts or my lack of meaningful (like any of my posts are meaningful?) posts. But I do want to say I am so incredibly proud of my son. He has handled a difficult potentially life altering situation with care, compassion and strength. He really does know right from wrong!!

I am so relieved that he shares with me the problems of life so I can gently guide and help him navigate through stressful situations.

I see in him a quiet strength tempered with glorious humor.

I love you Billy.
Joytobe

Day 23 Freakin Winter 1-28-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-28-2011
cloudy


High 27

Low 15



Today was going to be the day.... the day I was going to the Como Conservatory.

Well we have had a couple of dramatic situations and well I didn't go. It has been an overwhelmingly stressful day.

There's always tomorrow for dreams to come true. Tomorrow is not far away.

Joytobe

Day 22 Freakin Winter 1-27-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-27-2011
Cloudy but thawing!! Drip Drip Drip



High 31 maybe 32!!


Low 20



This is the last day of the longest semester there has ever been. Alas so many ups and downs this semester for Billy. Actually more downs than ups. Love Hurts type problems. Wicked illness. Missing two performances for the play for which he struggled through 3 months of rigorous rehearsals. Watching grades drop dangerously low because of all of the above including many ill days missing school and being at school feeling sick and distracted.



All I gotta say is "Mazel Tov". This Hebrew word is literally translated to "Good Luck". Generally it is used to say congratulation or to acknowledge someones good fortune. It can also be used with a bit of sarcasm/slang as if to say "Thank God, It's about time."



I am using this word as all of the above. Our good fortune is that this semester is OVER!!!!! As of Monday January 31st a new one will begin. Personally I am thanking God and simultaneously pleading for a great healthy new semester.



Hopeful

Joytobe

Day 21 Freakin Winter 1-26-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-26-2011
Partly cloudy


High 23



Low 18


Oh what to say today. Weather is stable. Stable I mean boring. nothing great...nothing horrible. Could definitely be worse. I even see a little melting happening out there! yay!

Today is the first day of finals for my teenager. Two days of finals. I find myself on bended knee not praying for A's or even B's. With this rough sickness filled semester I am just hoping for a pass!!

Still planning on going to the conservatory on Friday. Can't wait.
Joytobe

Change in Plans

Whoa!!! Plans have changed. I changed my mind about today. As a woman it is my prerogative to change my mind at a moments notice.

I am not going to the Como Conservatory. Reasons, I had some sort of stomach virus last night. Didn't sleep well. #2 I kicked the corner of the coffee table with the top of my foot about 20 minutes ago. My whole leg is throbbing, toes are tingling. broken? Don't think so but dang it hurts. #3 I decided I want to take Savanah with me to the park. She loves stuff like that. #4 I didn't really want to go alone anyways.

So I am going to go on Friday after the kids dentist appointments. So you will not see the post from me with pictures until Monday.

I do want to alert everyone to the fact that the sun is shinning. Go sit in it and soak it in.

Joytobe

Day 20 Freakin Winter 1-25-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-25-2011
Cloudy but the sun may break out.

High 23

Low 8


Wow!! 20 days. For 20 days now I have been blogging about the weather. Bored yet? I am bored with winter but that just means I have to dig in and dig deeper.

This next month is when we find out who is man (woman) or mouse. Who has the skills to survive and thrive through winter!

So to celebrate 20 days of winter blahs gone by. 20 days less of winter that I have to suffer through I will be visiting the Como Park Conservatory today to take pictures of living plants.

Look for my post and pictures tomorrow.

Joytobe

Day 19 Freakin Winter 1-24-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-24-2011
mostly cloudy some flurries


High 28



Low 8



Want to know the difference between 10 below zero and 10 above zero? When it is 10 above zero waiting for the bus at your child's bus stop, your nose moisture will actually run down you face then freeze. 10 below zero you nose moisture just freezes directly in your nose then melts and runs down your face when you come inside.

Honest to God truth. Gross but very true!

We may have a little bit of a thaw starting out there. With the warmer temperatures unfortunately comes the clouds, moisture and wind. Give a little, take a little. Glass half full, glass half empty?

Well I'm gonna call it...glass half full.

Every day in January above zero is a good day!
Joytobe

Day 18 Freakin Winter 1-23-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-23-2011
20% chance of snow

high 9

low -9

Sunday quotes:

"Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can only come to peaceful people." --Jawaharal Nehru

"No acts of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -unknown


Peace be with you.
Joytobe

Day 17 Freakin Winter 1-22-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-22-2011
partly cloudy

High 12

Low -8



Saturday Quotes:

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." --Janis Joplin

"If you are going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you may as well laugh about it now." --Marie Osmond

Enjoy your day!
Joytobe

Winter Blues Tip # ????

Did you enjoy my earlier rant?! Well you gotta do that sometimes. It does actually help you stay sane here in the Minnesota Arctic. Now after you get done throwing yourself to the ground, kicking your legs, flailing your arms about, hitting your head on the floor and screaming. Pull yourself together. ahhhh deep breaths.

Now Doll yourself up! Whoa? what?

We all get so dang busy and absorbed by life and responsibilities. Taking care of everyone around us. I forget to ever focus and center myself. So pick a day of the week. Any day but once a week.

Almost Every Friday I take a little extra time for myself. I take a long shower...I actually shave my legs!!! Then I lotion up. Face cream.

It doesn't matter what you do but it has to be something you don't usually do for yourself. It has to make you feel Vibrant. Confident. Pretty. Special. Sexy. Polished. ALIVE

It could be one or all of these things listed or something you think of on your own
Make up
Perfume
Jewelry( I clean my wedding ring)
Paint your nails an outlandish fuchsia!
Style your hair

Take the time. Take it slowly. Enjoy it. Play music, something relaxing or bouncing music. Whatever will rejuvenated you and make you feel lighter.

Remember what it was like as a teenager getting ready to go out with friends or on a date. It was fun. Have that fun with yourself again. You don't have to go anywhere. and remember you are not doing this for anyone else but simply YOU!

Polish yourself then enjoy the shine!
Joytobe

Day 16 Freakin Winter 1-21-2011

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-21-2011
Damn cold




High 5



Low -29



I have run out of adjectives to describe the cold! My winter blues tip for today. Instead of getting depressed about the cold.....get pissed. You can't be truly irate and depressed at the same time. It would require too much energy in different directions. At least it's working for me so far!

Warning I am venting!

I gotta say I am seriously irritated at our school district. They should have at least delayed school by 2 hours. The temperature when I drove Billy to the bus stop at 6:45 am was -29. That is 29 degrees below zero. Frostbite within 10 minutes of exposed skin.

My problem is this. Teenagers don't dress for the weather. They dress to look cool. I could hardly get my kid to zip up his jacket this morning. In addition to this problem many parents of teenagers just don't give a crap about their kids. I see this first hand with some of Billy's friends. They are starved for attention and care. They cut themselves so someone will notice them. So although I drove my kid there are many parents that won't even see their child leave the house this morning walking to the bus stop in a hoodie sweatshirt.

My son has a seven minute walk to the bus stop. Two days ago the bus was 15 minutes late. Yup that equates to 22 minutes out in the dangerous cold. Certainly enough time for a kid with no gloves on to get frostbite.

It's dark outside and if a kid standing at a deserted bus stop runs in to trouble cause say the bus is late or breaks down before getting to their bus stop, no one is going to see them.

These buses go out on rural country roads. No street lights, no protection from the elements.

If they delayed school it would be light out and the temperature would increase diverting a dangerous situation.

Today my son's bus came early. So early that several kids missed the bus. So you have kids walking 7 minutes to the bus stop, waiting 5-10 minutes before they realized they missed the bus then walking 7 minutes home to try to get a ride. Again the frostbite scenario.

Seriously Irritated,
Joytobe

Day 15 Freakin Winter 1-20-2011 Part 2

So I sat and contemplated the universe. What was I going to do with my winter blues today? Very cold out. But will be dramatically colder tomorrow. hmmmm

I had to go bring Billy his high tech calculator that he accidentally left home because he has a big pre-calculus test today. Well I didn't have to but the end of the semester is only a week away. And to be honest with all of the school he missed being so sick in December he could really use all the points. And well I'm a nice person! ;)

So since I had to be out anyways I decided to make the best of it. I went to a new (not new just new to me) thrift store that I have never been to before. I love clean thrift stores! I love the idea that someone may have thrown something away that I could really use. I like the thought of re-purposing something. I found two things to buy. Both were 97 cents. A candle holder that I have been looking for that matches one I already had! Perfect! And a bag full of embroidering thread. Awesome.

Lately I am very into fixing things. I mend socks!!! I patch holes in pants for Savanah. I have gotten so good at this. I feel very green. It feels great to save a little money too! As a society we have become so accustomed to throwing everything out when it's broken. But let's try to fix it first!! Now I am not saying start hoarding stuff either. Just really think about what you need and the possibilities.

See even now I am regretting something I threw out two years ago. I kinda wish I had kept Billy's unused braces rubber bands. Now I was thinking I could wrap them around wrapping paper to keep them neat and tidy. You have to be careful about that because it can lead to serious hoarding problems. I know this because my mother was a bit of a hoarder. (not like awful but she had a alot of crap!!!!) You can find a happy balance!

Then for a special treat I went through Subway drive thru. And you know what????? I am ready for tomorrow. Bring on the wind chill. Cause I got nowhere to go. And I feel rejuvenated!

I am going to stay home and fix something that is broken.
Joytobe

Tax Tip

Okay I have a income tax tip.

Every year I have a file for income tax stuff (it is labeled "Income Tax", isn't that creative?). Whenever I have a tax receipt it goes in this file. Then come January when you start getting "important tax statements" from the financial institutions that you do business with, put them in that file the moment you get them.

Then about the 3rd week of February (you should have received everything you need already but make sure to double check) do your taxes or take your tax stuff to your accountant. You have everything you need right there. After your taxes are done and filed with the government, move everything you used to do your taxes to a new file (titled Income Taxes 2010). Move it to a different file drawer or location.

Now your original "income tax" folder is empty and ready to start collecting receipts for the next tax year.

And Viola easy income tax prep, no hunting for statements or receipts and no procrastination! Yay!!!

Joytobe

Day 15 Freakin Winter 1-20-11

Minneapolis Minnesota forecast for 1-20-2011
Bitter cold. windchill -17

High 8

Low -6


Holy Moly! That's what I'm talking about. This feeling. This wretched feeling I am having right now. It is awful cold. And the blues have struck me hard this morning. Not sure why I crawled out of bed. (except to drive Billy to the bus stop) Not so sure I won't just go back there..... forever. or at least until Savanah has to leave for the bus stop.

So WHAT THE HELL am I going to do about this? this dreadful feeling?

I have no idea. I'm first gonna think on it for a while. But I will let you know what I come up with.

Minnesota Winter Ain't for No Sissy's!
Joytobe

Day 14 Freakin Winter 1-19-11

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-19-11
Partly cloudy, cold, full moon


High 6


Low -6


Getting nasty cold around here. Time to start pulling out the big guns!!! Gift Certificates!!!!

Allow me to explain. Most people think that giving gift certificates as a present is lame or a cop out. I LOVE GETTING GIFT CERTIFICATES!!!!

Here is my deal, for Hanukkah and Christmas I actually ask for gift certificates. It's not that I don't trust someone to pick out a gift for me. And when I get gifts I always appreciate the care with which someone thought of me.

But see in the dead of winter, (now through March) I need a pick me up. This also happens to be a time of year that I am freaking out about all the money we spent during the holidays. Buyers remorse, credit card debt recovery. I become the budgeting dictator my family has nightmares about. Nothing is purchased unless it is a necessity. And absolutely nothing is purchased for myself, needed or not. I'm a martyr that way. ;)

But the gift certificate gives me reprieve. And just when I think all is lost to winter and I am going to explode with cabin fever from my self imposed hibernation......I am saved by the gift certificate.

Mostly I hate shopping. I hate malls. I hate clothes shopping. I hate grocery shopping. I hate spending money. I'm some what of an oddity of the female gender this way. Not fond of chocolate either. BUT.........

I plan a special treat day for myself. I warm up the car for a good 10 minutes. Turn on the butt warmer too!! Then I go spend one of my beloved gift certificates on no one except myself! I only will use one gift certificate at a time that I received. I have to spread this out over the entire winter, you know.

I come home with my treasure and there is no guilt of spending. This was a gift. I bask in it! And there you have another use of a blah winter day.

Some of my favorite gift certificates are: (Just in case you ever want to buy me a gift!) ;)
Joanne Fabrics and crafts
The Woods
Yankee Candle
Subway
Cariboo
Starbucks
Barnes and Noble
101 Market
Michaels

I am not terribly fond of gift certs from places like Target cause inevitably I'll purchase things that are needed (like toilet paper) instead of something frivolous and fun. blah. Defeats the purpose!

So there you have it. Gotta to go shopping!
Joytobe

Day 13 Freakin Winter 1-18-11

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-18-11
Partly cloudy, colder, windy


High 8



Low 3

It's awfully quiet around here after a relaxing 3 day weekend. I can honestly say I am enjoying the quiet with my favorite book and lots of laundry.

So another tip for winter. Start journaling. This is my journal. Well not exactly. I do keep this blog for general consumption. My most mean nasty (not in that way. get your mind out of the gutter) thoughts are usually scribbled barely legible on a piece of paper that gets crumpled up or shredded within an hour of me writing.

Either way it is therapeutic. Write in a fancy notebook or a regular old spiral notebook.

But your journal must include two things at the end. You have to include five blessing in your life. Your health, your family, your job. Whatever.

And then it needs to include any joyous coincidences that you experienced that day. For instance, you are thinking of a certain song, then you hear it on the radio. You drive down a street with five stoplights. All the stoplights are green for you. Silly things that you take for granted everyday!

My little joyous coincidence is this: Over the last two weeks I have heard our wedding song (our song, Jeff and me) on the radio five times. "True Companion" by Marc Cohen. I can play this song anytime I want but somehow it always touches my heart and takes my breath away when suddenly I hear the beginning of the song when I am not expecting it. No matter where I am or what I am doing I stop and call my honey. If he doesn't answer I just play the song on his voicemail.

Give it a shot.
Joytobe

Day 12 Freakin Winter 1-17-11

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-17-11
Light snow showers 1-3 inches




High 24



Low 8

More important than weather rhetoric and silly anecdotes.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I guess when I think of Martin Luther King Jr. I am reminded of how remarkable this man was. But it also makes me think of how ordinary people can be remarkable, Rosa Parks. Everyone with passion, commitment and determination can change the world.

I think Martin Luther King Jr. would be pleased with the fact that we now have an African American President. I would imagine he would feel we still have some work to do to truly attain equality and tolerance of all races, religions and sexual orientation.

I imagine he would be an advocate for world peace. That which seems unachievable is my dream.

But for this day I would like to relish in how far we have come and commit to where we need to go.

Joytobe

Day 11 Freakin Winter 1-16-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-16-2011
Mostly cloudy, flurries


High 10

Low -2


Sunday Quotes

"Until you made peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have." --Doris Mortman

"We must love others for what they are and forgive them for what they are not." --unknown

Joytobe

Day 10 Freakin Winter 1-15-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-15-2011
sunny


High I don't know what the high was today!!! just flipping cold!



Low -2



It's officially cold. And I am officially burrowing within my home today. Right now I sit on my couch, a blanket (one I knitted a few winters ago) on my lap. Candles lit, fireplace on, drinking decaf coffee. Intermittently, knitting a scarf, reading my winter happy book, Northern Lights by Nora Roberts, using the computer and watching tv.

I feel quite content right now. After a few days of this I will get jumpy cabin fever but for now this is heaven.

Joytobe



Saturday Quotes
"Normal is in the eye of the beholder." -Whoopi Goldberg

"I'm not funny. What I am is brave." --Lucille Ball





What I am doing today.

Day 9 Freakin Winter 1-14-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-14-2011
More snow 1-3 inches


High 18



Low 10



One way to get through the winter blahs is to "project plan". I like to think of things in the house that I would like to get done. Things that in the spring and sunshine I am not going to want to be stuck inside doing. Cleaning, organizing, redecorating, decluttering, painting, going through old files, shredding. That sort of stuff. Some of it is fun and some just a necessary pain!

But it sure does feel good to get things done!

So for instance today I started organizing my basement. It is a slow process but...well hell....I got all winter to finish it!

I just know once the ground starts to blossom I am going to be outside for the next 6 months!!
Joytobe

Day 8 Freakin Winter 1-13-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-13-2011
Cloudy, light snow

High 16

Low -6


An unpleasant wicked way to start the day. I'm done. Going back to bed!

Okay so in winter some days you just have to give in to winter. That is what I am doing today. It all started a few days ago. I started to get the itchy, scratchy feeling in my throat. Headache. Stuffy nose. I thought well here it comes. My first cold of winter.

Then miraculously I could feel my body fighting back. I ate mucho oranges! My little white blood cells were in a fierce battle with this nasty little virus. We won a few battles and things were looking good! Tragedy averted...so I thought.

Then last night the germs surged ahead and overtook my retreating antibodies. The chills started and all symptoms increased ten fold. So to bed I went at 9:15 pm.

This morning I got Billy up and out of bed at 5:30 am. My honey got up at the same time and headed off to work. I went back to bed for another 45 minutes of sleep. The problem was this, the alarm never got reset. So I awoke at 7:00 am. Ran down the stairs in a panic. Billy should have left for the bus at 6:45. Alas I found my sweet tall boy curled up on the couch sleeping peacefully until he heard my blood curdling scream. "AHHHHHHHH you missed the bus!!!!"

Dragged a whining crabby Savanah out of bed. Hopped in the frigid car. Drove Billy to school without even a sip of coffee. My head was throbbing.

Fast forward to now. Savanah got on the bus, Billy made it school on time. And I am calling it for the day. KO I'm done.

So today my lesson for winter survival? There are days "Winter wins." Give in to it a little. Pamper yourself, take care of yourself. There is always tomorrow.

Night night,
Joytobe


p.s. Just heard the song "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes" by Paul Simon. Dang I love that song. Not sure how you could hear that song and not tap your foot and feel happy! Give it a listen!

Day 7 Freakin Winter 1-12-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-12-2011
Calm and sunny




High 20


Low 2




To hold back the winter blues I re-read my favorite book. I read this particular book every winter. Sometimes twice if it is an unusually brutal winter. The book I read is Northern Lights by Nora Roberts. This ain't no "War and Peace". This is light reading. I find it easy to set down and easy to pick back up. I absolutely love the characters she creates in my mind.



This becomes my treat and I save it for a particularly nasty cold stretch. The book takes place in a small town in Alaska. The main character has just moved there from the lower 48. He curses the cold in a very funny manner. I can totally relate to the character.



So for instance, this Sunday the high in my town will be below zero. I plan to park myself under a blanket, near the fireplace with candles lit reading my book. I almost (I said almost!) am looking forward to the arctic blast.



Find something that gives you great pleasure. Look at your list from the Day 2 post.

Joytobe

Day 6 Freakin Winter 1-11-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-11-2011
cloudy and light snow


High 24

Low 13

Arctic blast coming this weekend. Oh Yay!


Okay so today the problem is not the cold. The problem today is this nuisance snow. This is just an ongoing light snow that lasts for days. The problem with this is that the roads never really get cleared. Traffic is a nightmare. You shovel, then you shovel some more.


In winter I have to find things, some silly, to look forward to. For instance I REALLY look forward to Groundhog Day, February 2nd. This is very amusing because in Minnesota the groundhog's anxiety (or lack of) about his shadow doesn't mean SHIT! There is going to be 6 more weeks of winter. In fact there is going to be about 11 more weeks of winter. But something about this day makes me smile. Perhaps the mere mention of winter being over makes me happy.

The idea that a small furry creature can determine or predict the weather. Who came up with this invigorating insane idea? No doubt someone who had enough of winter!

I have decided I am going to celebrate this day with panache. I am going to completely buy into this day and make it BIG. Not just any other ordinary day. Let's give each other presents! Maybe we should call it "You-survived-the-first-half-of-winter Day".

So you see, now I have something to look forward to and more importantly I have something to plan for. "A Groundhog Day Party" yipee

uhhh can you rent out groundhogs like a petting zoo type of thing?
Joytobe

That's Just Cruel

Okay Walmart.

I can't believe how cruel you are. I was just there shopping and there it was. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. Nah this can't be. I couldn't believe my eyes!

Shock and awe. I just stood there paralyzed.

The shelves were being stocked with gardening supplies. Shovels, hoes, bags of dirt, hoses and sprinklers.

Good God people don't you know. I won't be breaking through the frozen ground until late May!!!!!!

I'm sorry but that is just pure evil!

Joytobe

Day 5 Freakin Winter 1-10-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-10-2011



Cloudy light snow showers accumulation 1-2 inches. Tonight another 1-2 inches.



High 24



low 15





Day 5 awesome. The low today is what the high was a couple of days ago. Oh yeah. That's what I'm talking about! Good stuff.

Now I understand that the next two days will be balmy compared to the rest of the week. Balmy, I guess, is in the eye of the beholder.

A lot of people who live here in the Minnesota Arctic say the only way to survive winter is to relish in winter type activities, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow mobiling. Well honestly I don't do any of that. The only type of activity like that I participate in is ice skating. But I do this at an indoor rink. I haven't skated outside since 2003. But today to celebrate 24 degrees I am considering going to the outdoor rink at the park. Maybe? Undecided still at 7:30 in the morning.

For sure I am going to go outside to shovel. Generally I shovel if we have snow under 2 inches. After that it's my honey and the snow blower!

So we will see. I'll let you know.
Joytobe

Day 4 Freakin Winter 1-9-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-9-2011
Lots of sunshine.

High 13

Low -3


I have a confession. I always wanted to be a meteorologist. Weather really intrigues me. Now I get to live out my dream! kind of.

Find the sun today. Try to lay in the sunshine. I have a window in my bedroom. The sun shines in that window on the floor and I lay on the floor in the sunshine! Close my eyes and envision palm trees and sandy beaches. I feel warm ocean breezes. I take myself to a mini vacation. 15 minutes of splendor.

"Luck comes to those who are willing to try; Never to those who wait and wish." -unknown

"Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances we learn how to be brave." -unknown


Joytobe

Day 3 Freakin Winter 1-8-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-8-2011
Clear Skies today. Nice sunshine


High 15

Low -10



Yikes! brrrrr Okay the weekends are easy for me in winter. My family is home and they provide quite the distraction from winter. Tomorrow's post will include quotes.

Then more winter aggravation tips coming on Monday.

Billy's friends will be here tonight for movie night. Looking forward to teenage energy!

Burrowing in tonight.

Joytobe

Day 2 Freakin Winter 1-7-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota forecast for 1-7-2011


mix of clouds and sun, snow flurries and windy. Wind chills tonight -15 to -20

High 14

Low -3





Day 2! Getting colder. Today is the day to make a list of all of your favorite things. All of the things that make you feel light and cozy. Things that give you comfort when you are down. This list should be long! Dig deep, think of all your senses.



Some of the things on my lists.

Flowers

Drinking coffee with a good friend

Sound/smell of rain

Taking a bath

Reading a book

Going for a ride (not driving)

Sandy beaches

Smell of a campfire

Fresh cut grass

Going to the Como Park conservatory to smell growing things in winter.

Listening to music.

Watching Apollo 13

Sitting in the quiet and drinking a glass of port



Now go back and pull out of the list those things that are attainable quickly. For instance unless you got lots of money a sudden trip to a sandy beach probably is not going to happen. But if you have a trip planned in the future make sure you keep that on the attainable list.



What are we doing with this list? The items on this list are to be used once a week for a break from winter blues. Pick a day each week to relish in one of these things. This is going to break up winter and give you a day to look forward to.



This list is also a back-up escape plan for the "worst of the worst days of winter." The days that feel REALLY hopeless. Grab one of these out of the list and hold onto it with all your might until the hopelessness fades. Once this happens move quickly and get on with your day. Work very hard to not let those blah feelings seep back in to your day or week by remembering the feeling when you were doing the activity on your list. Then start looking forward to the day you get to pull from the list again.



If need be pull from the list daily!



Gotta go finish my list.

Joytobe

To Resolute or Not Resolute

To resolute or not resolute.



Making New Years Resolutions. hmmmmm I really waiver on this. Some years I have made a resolution to not make resolutions.


Other years I make resolutions but they are so vague there is no way to track them.. i.e. "Be a better person." It is very subjective. If you can't track it there is no guilt. That is both bad and good. Guilt can be quite the motivator.


I also tend to make resolution that are unattainable. Asking too much of myself then failing miserably.


I have read articles about making goals. Several have mentioned S.M.A.R.T. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely


Last March I made a promise to myself to make healthier choices. Instead of making a temporary change in my behavior I went for a change in lifestyle. Including exercise and healthy eating habits.


So once I had this general promise (goal or resolution) I had to break down how to achieve this.


I decided to exercise 3 days a week.

I also decided to eat a normal portion breakfast, either oatmeal, or cereal.

Then eat a small portion lunch.

With small healthy snacks in between.

At about 3:00 pm I gave myself a break in my day to meditate and drink green tea.

Drank a glass of port before dinner.

Eat a normal size dinner but NEVER go back for seconds.


Sorry for those who love desserts. I am very lucky that way. Sweets just don't sound good to me.


I was very pleased with the results. It was manageable most days. In fact I started exercising 4 days a week. I had more energy, less depression, less pain, more strength. I was proud of myself. I am still proud of myself. A sense of pride is also a great motivator.


Although my exercise has decreased dramatically with the winter weather, not conducive to walking (my favorite exercise), my diet habits have not wavered much. Even with the holidays I was able to keep off 13 of the 15 pounds I lost.


So back to my original question. Should I make a resolution or not? I think I will but not in the traditional way. First, my resolution obviously isn't starting on January 1. That is too much pressure. In fact I think I will start my resolution on some random Wednesday in January.


I will consider my resolution to be a promise to myself and a change in my life. I'll be flexible, if it isn't working it needs to be tweaked. It shouldn't be miserable.


Now I just have to think of what it should be?

Joytobe

Sunshine Alert!!! Beep Beep Beep

This is a message from the Emergency Broadcast System. This not a test. Repeat This is not a test.

The Sun is Shinning!! Find a window quickly and soak in the sunshine. This helps keep the winter blues away too.

Day 1 Freakin Winter 1-6-2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota for today January 6th, 2011





Forecast

flurries, mostly cloudy

Low Temperature 6


High Temperature 15





Well here we are..... Day 1. And the temperature is going downhill from here! Yikes. Time to Cozy in! Hibernation is one way to deal with winter. I do some of that too.



I am starting out today with a TO DO. Okay now it is January 6th. CHRISTMAS is OVER. The jolly 25th and the jumping New Year's celebrations are complete. Let's face it. Christmas decorations after these events are just sad and depressing. Move your butt and pack it!!! Today.





Well not all in one day. I have lots of Christmas decorations. It would completely overwhelm me to do it in one day. Deadline for all Christmas pack up is Sunday night!





Then ahhhhh feel the space! It is liberating. While you're at it dust. Then have some fun. Rearrange your stuff. Think......re-purpose, redecorate. Pretend you are a designer and move stuff around.





Then mark off your checklist - exercise (Yeah it's on my New Year's resolution list) I have been up and down the basement stairs enough today to consider it exercise!





Look for my post on New Years Resolutions later today!


Joytobe

Winter Project

Winter is all fun and games until January. Until about January 5th (yup that is today) winter is kind of fun and magical. With the Christmas and New Year activities the white on the ground is .....comforting, special. Today.....On this very day, it now becomes a burden. A heavy burden weighing you down.

Even more dreadful is the unbearable cold! And the worst part, the Minnesota winter is never ending, (at least it certainly feels that way). There is no light at the end of the tunnel until March. In March you get a couple of teaser spring like days before the clouds and snow move back in. The teaser days are painful because you know....It Aint Spring Yet!

People who live in other states often tell me, "Well move south."

Two problems with this. First and foremost, my husband's career is here. It's a good job, a job he loves and does well. Jobs are hard to come by.

Second, this is home to us. For all the winter hardship, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

Third (I know I said two, but I lied), The cold gives me something legitimate to bitch about! That is the cold hard truth too. All Minnesotans love to complain and brag about the weather. Who of us has not told friends from out of state that "This morning the temperature is -25." They ask in wonder, "You mean the windchill?" We answer proudly with a hint of insanity to our voice, "No the temperature is -25 the windchill is -35."

I've been asked, "What does -25 feel like?" My answer is always the same. "-10 and -25 has no difference, you just run everywhere you go. The moisture in your nose freezes instantly acting as an incredible antihistamine. You can breath although the cold air hurts as it fills your lungs.

So how do you survive a Minnesota winter? I am thinking about writing a book about this very subject. It will be toilet reading with little anecdotes, tips and when all else fails, mind numbing ideas. Sometimes in winter you have to numb your mind. I'll have to think of a clever name for this book. More clever than "How To Survive a Minnesota Winter."

I know people who are seriously afflicted with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). I am not proposing that I can cure the extreme "winter blues". But maybe I can just lighten up a few moments of a winter day.

We will travel through how to make a Winter Plan. With a daily entry including current weather for the day. We will see how this goes. Should be an interesting project.

Join me tomorrow (Day 1) in my ride to the edge of winter insanity.
Joytobe

As always, if you are looking for good grammar, the appropriate use of punctuation or something that makes sense.....move along cause you aren't gonna find it here!

An Exceptional Young Man

My son is exceptional in so many ways. He doesn't complain when he is sick. So when he does you know he really feels bad. He made it through three performances of the school play on Friday feeling awful. Then ends up in hospital on Saturday morning.

He is determined but this is what makes him exceptional. While at the hospital feeling incredibly awful he wakes and looks at me and says, "Thank you for being here with me and taking care of me."

Last night he finally got the energy to take a shower, still had gray hairspray in his hair and makeup on from the play night before. He asked me to sit by the bathroom door in case he felt dizzy. As I sat there I heard him softly singing in the shower.

Just now as he lay on the couch dozing off and on, he says, "Thank you for getting up so early this morning with me and taking care of me."

So how did I get so lucky to have such a caring, appreciative and joyous young man for a son? I don't know the answer.

But I am so thankful for him.
Joytobe

The Crazy Train Stops Here and Now

I sit here in the dark on the couch with only the Christmas tree illuminating the room this morning watching my Billy sleep on the couch. He woke me at about 6 saying he couldn't sleep.

And all I have to say is THE CRAZY TRAIN STOPS HERE AND NOW!

Well of course I have more to say but this is my major point. Things have been insane here. Days filled with pain, irritation, anger, distrust, misunderstanding and struggle.

Nothing like a life threatening situation to change your attitude.

Billy has been battling an illness for over a month. He has been riding a treacherous roller coaster through an unhealthy relationship for several months. He has been trudging through a rigorous rehearsal schedule for the fall play. Billy has been climbing and clawing his way through an uphill struggle with schoolwork. His fatigue has plagued him at every turn. Billy has been an odds with us, his parents for weeks now about all of this.

It all culminated yesterday with a visit to the hospital with a swollen throat which was threatening his airway.

The last 7 weeks have been filled with several doctors appointment, medications, blood tests and calls to the doctor. We got one question very thankfully answered yesterday. After 4 negative Mono tests we finally had a positive Mono test. Everyone felt he had mono but it wasn't showing up in his blood. Now it is. Ironically I am thrilled. The alternatives of what it could have been would have been worse than the mono diagnosis.

So although I breath a sigh of relief I also know we have quite the journey to recovery. Only if his luck changes we will get through this recovery with no more complications. I am hopefully and determined to do anything and everything to ensure this happens.

So "NO MORE!" I say. The next week is about nothing other than doctors orders and rest.

Rest for Billy and all of us.

Let's all just take a break.
Joyce

You Have Arrived

We have arrived at Week 0 for the play. 4 days til show time!

Elk River High School
presents
Irving Berlin's
White Christmas
December 2, 3 and 4 at 7:00 pm
December 5th at 2:00 pm
in the Zabee Theater

My Billy's name was in the local paper. This is a huge week. I am nervous and excited.

Here we go.
Joytobe

Wishing

Ever wish a day was over just as it began. Well I usually don't do that in fact I love the morning on most days. I love the thought of having "the whole day" ahead of me.

Well not today. The day started poorly with angry faces, irritated people and unpleasant words. I would like to rewind about 2 hours and start over. Truth be told I would like to rewind about 2 months and somehow change the past, remove a chance meeting. start all over.

I need a break from the issues plaguing me and my family. Again I need to take the moments necessary to regroup and breath. Then I need to count my blessings.

No one said raising kids would be easy but I am just not ready for teenage drama and angst. The pain and uncertainty of young love. Add a dose of dishonesty and manipulation to that recipe and you have disaster. You have a quickly spreading plague in my family.

It reminds me of one close call.

A cold dark winter night I put Billy on the snow bank while I took groceries out of the trunk. "Stay there", I said. Suddenly and for no apparent reason two year old Billy ran out into the street as I dropped the groceries and reached for him wildly. I lunged forward as I heard the oncoming car's wheels screeching as the driver tried to stop the car.

I was moving fast but felt as if I were underwater.

I grabbed him sliding on my knees as the headlights came closer stopping just a mere foot away from us as I attempted to shield his body with my own.

The hysterical tears that came after when the tragedy was averted. The woman driving the car screaming at me for not watching my child better. You see I just turned away for a moment.

I carried Billy to the snowbank where I just laid in the snow holding him, dress clothes and all. For several moments we were both just quietly reflecting. No questions, no scolding. Just tears and a thankful Mom repeating over and over. Thank you God. Thank you God.

This is how I feel now. This time the symbolic car is moving faster and it is not stopping. And I will do anything to avert the tragedy.

Now a mom repeating over and over. Help me God. Help me God.
Joyce

It's Been A Long Week

It really has been a long week.

A week of teenage heartache and uncertainty. A week of pressures, discipline and modification.

My sweet doggy had some sort of episode the day after her birthday. I think it may have had to do with her inner ear. Something called vestibular Syndrome. But suddenly Cabby could not stand up. Her head and body were moving like a drunkard. It was scary but only lasted about 2 minutes. Then she acted as playful as ever, as if nothing had happened.

Culminating today in my first endoscopy ever. Wasn't so bad. But holy moly am I tired. Those meds really knock you out for the whole day.

I am really looking forward to this weekend and next week. A week for reflection, rejuvenation, family and rediscovering your blessings.

Thankful,
Joytobe

Heartbroken

By far the hardest part of parenting that I have experienced is seeing your children heartbroken.

It is as if my heart is split in two.

Not sure what to do, God. I'd like to give this to you to heal.
Joyce

Painfully Shy and Incredibly Awkward

Something that a lot of people don't realize about me. I can be painfully shy and incredibly awkward.

Often this may come across as snooty or stuck up because I will be very quiet. Mostly it is I am afraid of saying something... well....something SO "Joyce".

This really is only with strangers or people that I don't know well. Once you really know me it is unlikely you can get me to shut up.

Now when I have a purpose, a reason to be somewhere, an agenda so to speak, I am not shy. Oddly enough if I am talking about something I know about or something pertaining to the maintenance of my family or my home, I am not shy at all. When I was working I was not shy. In fact I was a leader. I always rocked the job interviews. And furthermore in these situations I don't say anything stupid. Well maybe once in a while.

The real problem arises when I am put in a situation that I need to make small talk. It's not a problem if it is a stranger I may never meet again. The problem is when.... well you guessed it, when I feel I need to impress the stranger, like a parent at the school, or a friend of a friend, or a new neighbor, etc. Then finally when I get the courage to let something slip out I sound stupid! OR worse yet I let my not-so-understood sense of humor out of the closet before said stranger is anywhere near understanding the real me. ( I really liked that last sentence. kinda funky)

Unfortunately this is who I am.
Take me or leave me.
Joytobe

Happy Birthday My Sweet Cabby

It's my sweet doggy's birthday. She is all excited cause she knows she's getting ice cream tonight! I swear the dog knows.

She is double digits today. 10 years old. This is for you Cabby!

Quote : "Who knew that dog saliva could mend a broken heart." -Jennifer Neal

Thank you Cabby for making my world a better place with your gentle ways and sweet smile.

Joytobe

Nag Nag Nag

Do you remember that old cat food commercial?
Meow, meow, meow, meow.
Meow, meow, meow, meow.

Seriously do you remember that little tune?

Well this is me, THE MOM.
Nag, nag, nag, nag
nag, nag, nag, nag


Okay big word of warning this is a me ranting and raving with humor! Enter at your own risk.

There are days when I feel like the ONLY thing out of my mouth is telling people what to do. Reminding them, nagging them, pushing them.

It starts from the moment I wake up until I fall asleep and it is
FREAKIN EXHAUSTING!

I keep telling them. THIS IS NOT FUN. You think you got it bad with me nagging you. Try being me. I have a lot more important things to say than keeping track of your stuff. Man if I didn't have to use all my energy nagging I could solve world peace!

Hold on I gotta go push one out the door or the bus will be missed!

I'm back. We'll see if he makes it.

So ya. Like five minutes ago. I said "Alright you got five minutes. Better pack up your backpack." As he is feverishly trying to finish last nights homework before 2nd period, because he accidentally fell asleep after I told him last night "Now don't fall asleep. Why don't you stay down here with me while you read so I can keep you awake." Because he is reading a book that he really doesn't like. His answer, "I won't fall asleep." Trying to give the kid some freedom I say okay. Go to check on him an hour later. Oh yeah he is asleep!

Oh so back to five minutes ago. Actually now with two minutes to go I see him heading into the bathroom. I look over, his back pack is not ready. He is in the bathroom straightening his hair!!!!! "Where is your jacket? Hey, you gotta go."

He doesn't know where his jacket is. So I run around the house looking for it. He packs up his backpack. Then as he is heading out the door he exclaims with a gasp, "Can you go get my ipod downstairs?" I say, "Nope, there is not time." "I have to go today without my music?" he says with a look of terror on his face. With a hug I say "Yep, goodbye, I love you and have a good day!"

AND NOW I am feeling GUILTY about him not having his ipod!!! Now that would be stupid except, (yeah there is always an exception) music is everything to this kid, it helps him relieve stress. To be honest, he has been having a very rough time. He has had to deal with some serious adult type issues the last few weeks. And I hope she (oops I meant it) goes ways.

So now I am thinking is there a way I could get up to the school to give him his I-pod? Can you believe that?

And now I have exactly 20 minutes before I have to go wrangle kid number two out of bed. Which is not an easy feat! This #2 child is sooooo belligerent when she first wakes up!

Here is my new mantra:
"What about me? It isn't fair. I've had enough now I want my share. Can't you see? I wanna live but you just take more than you give." Thank you Garry Frost and Frances Swan from the band Moving Pictures for writing the lyrics to this song.

I gotta go rest.
Joytobe
BTW ; He made it to the bus.

Two and a Half Weeks Out

In two and a half weeks!!!

Elk River High School Drama

Presents

Irving Berlin's

White Christmas

in the High School Zabee Theater

December 2nd, 3rd, 4th at 7:00 pm

December 5th matinee at 2:00 pm

Tickets $6.00 for adults

$4.00 for students and senior citizens

Tickets may be purchased at the school office, from me or at Coborn's on Tuesday November 23rd from 6:00 - 8:00 pm where the four leading characters will be performing a few songs from the show.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door at show times.

Yay! I am excited and nervous for the show and Billy - I mean General Waverly!

Joytobe

You Play, You Pay

The winter storm came and went. We got several inches of the white stuff. It was okay. I did reschedule one of the plans I had on account of the snow.

But we kept date night. We had very much fun. too much fun. Since we stayed in a hotel down town we partook in mucho alcoholic beverages. We occasionally need to just let loose, be irresponsible in a responsible way. no driving, kids are safe with grandparents.

So we get stupid!!

I completely enjoy being with my hubby. We laugh, we talk, we eat, we drink, we dance, we laugh some more. We especially enjoy watching those who have way overindulged in the fun libations. I know it's mean but we laugh as we watch them fall over, stumble and sway.

Towards the end of the night we ourselves stumble and sway our way back to the hotel. Then we laugh at each other. It's all in good fun.

But oh my do I feel like crap today!!! In fact I gotta go lie down.

See ya,

Joytobe

Here we go!

Winter Storm Warning.

Oooo. aahh

I love the first snowfall! It's purty. But I am not thrilled with the timing. I got places to go tomorrow, people to see, things to do.

Had a fantastic date night planned with my honey. I know, I know......this is Minnesota, snow doesn't stop us. Doesn't deter our plans. We trudge right on through with living. Right?

Well yes and no. After the 3rd snowfall of winter, everyone gets into their winter groove. They first remember how to drive in the white stuff. The plows get the hang of clearing the roads and pretty much life goes on as normal. But the first measurable snowfall is HUGE in the HASSLE factor.

If possible most people hibernate for the first winter storm! Me, I hibernate all winter! Pack on some extra pounds and sleep lots! Just kidding but that is what I would like to do. Well okay not kidding about the pounds but you know here in Siberia we need the extra fat to survive the brutal cold winter.

Well here it comes..... maybe..... if the forecasters are right. Which we all know is a 50/50 chance. Let's just say I'm not cancelling my plans just yet. But I will probably forego my stiletto suede boots tomorrow night. Bummer, I suffer through one incredible painful foot night once a year just so I can look HOT! Not temperature HOT but COOL hot. Smokin Hot!

I think the changing barometric pressure from the approaching Low weather system is blowing some fuses in my brain. Or maybe it's the loaded beverage I am drinking. But heck my mind is wandering and jumping all over the place. It's like a wobbly roller coaster.

Well here is my toast to winter.

Here's to hoping we survive it! See you next spring....in late May. The groundhog don't mean shit here! (sorry for the curse word!)
Joytobe

Veterans

To all the veterans I know and those I will never know.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To my father. Today I took out the flag that was draped over your coffin 10 years ago on November 30th, 2000. You served your country in Japan during the occupation after World War II. You served your country in both the Army and the Air force.

I held the shells that were fired at the cemetery.

I read the card placed with the shells.

"This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation, as a token of our appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one."

Thank you Daddy and I miss you.
Joyce

Yummy Buffet

I LOVE YUMMY BUFFET.

Not for the food although it is okay. But I love it for the family time.

There is something quite magical about this place for my family. It's like the moment you walk in the door you relax and ALL manners fly out the window! Maybe it's the mauve vinyl chairs, the fake wood linoleum tables, the MSG in the food damages our brain, the dirty bathroom that I refuse to go in or the dirty fish tank with huge goldfish for ambiance. But we have laughed s0o hard in this restaurant that I worried they would ask us to leave.

It's not just a one time fluke either. Every time we go to there we lose propriety and just truly enjoy each other. I am sure when they see us walking up they just want to lock the door.

One time while there my entire family including myself had a contest to see who could suck up a chow mien noodle through a straw first! Disgusting but irresistibly funny!

Saturday on our adventure at Yummy Buffet two very funny things happened.

I got to see my son's face turn a shade of bright red violet that I have only seen on probably a handful of occasions. Billy is taking Chinese at school for his world language. He really likes it and he seems to be doing well. Yummy Buffet is completely staffed by authentic Chinese people. In fact they know very limited English.

My family starts pushing Billy to say something to the waitress in Chinese. So finally Billy decides to try out a word. When the waitress brings him his third refill of root beer he says, "Sie sie" pronounced "Shay Shay". It means thank you.

The waitress had already turned around to walk away. She turns back around with a huge grin. Excited and startled that someone knows Chinese and starts talking to him in Chinese. Billy smiles as the crimson first appears on his neck and quickly spreads all over his entire face like wild fire. Now beads of sweat are forming on his upper lip. He has no idea what she is saying. He just smiles at her. She nods and walks away. When she is out of ear shot we all start crying with tears of laughter!

The great thing about Billy is he rarely gets embarrassed. So it is fun to see him that way. You really can't embarrass him. The even greater thing about Billy is that he is socially fearless. I have often said this about him and he proved it ; when she came back he said it again!!!

Later during our meal we explored the possibility of slurping up jello squares with a straw.

I would like to go back there today and the next day and the next day!

Joytobe

I HATE LICE!

Okay about more than anything.....I HATE LICE.

So another note comes home from the school. There is lice in the classroom. Immediately after I hear the word lice I start itching all over. My head and my body.

I become neurotic. My hair will be pulled back in a pony tail for about a month now. I will think of lice intermittently through the day. We got a notice from the school about a month ago and it has taken me this long...... up until just yesterday to be able to touch my child's hair without thinking about lice.

And now we start all over again, with the crazy thoughts, like shaving my head bald!!!

I gotta go. I gotta stop typing and thinking....LICE

Drinking lots of wine tonight!
Joytobe

Dog Buzz

Just for reference for this post you need to know...... In our family we call passing gas, a fart, a toot...well we call it a buzz. For instance as a verb you would say "I buzzed". Or to another family member you might say "Stop Buzzing!"

Okay so the funniest thing here. My dog rarely buzzes. I mean I have witnessed the dog buzz maybe 10 times in her ten years. Almost Happy Birthday Cabby, November 16th, you'll be double digits. 10 years old. Anyways. so she rarely buzzes except for this week. Cabby is on an antibiotic for a tick bite. Well apparently, as the vet warned me, this medicine can upset her tummy a little. My dog has buzzed 4 times already this morning. And three times last night. Almost the total of her lifetime buzzes.

The thing about Cabby. When she buzzes, it scares the daylights out of her, especially if it makes a noise, which it has been.

So just now I am sitting at my computer, and I hear ppfppfppspphuh, from her bootie in the kitchen. Then I hear her nails skidding and running across the wood kitchen floor. I see her booking around the corner trying to get away from her own butt!

Then she runs toward me so I can protect her from again HER OWN BUTT. Then she lays down next to my chair by my feet. Suddenly the noise comes again, she jumps up as if she has a rocket attached to her butt (maybe she does). She runs back toward the kitchen then back around the corner to me again. Lays back down but is whimpering a little.

Now I feel bad for the dog. I mean I really love my dog. But you gotta admit, it is damn funny too. A dog that is afraid of its own buzz. What is the name of that phobia?

Hold on, I gotta look that up.

Okay I'm back. Not as easy as I thought to find the answer to that question. So some just call it the Fear of Flatulence. or Flatuphobia. However, I cannot find a scientific use of Flatuphobia but hey it works for me.

So my poor flatuphobia dog is next to me, looking at me as if begging me to stop this unnatural phenomenon.

I feel bad for her in between my bouts of laughter.
Joytobe

PS update, took dog outside. she had a mega poop. maybe she'll feel better now.

Scotch Tape Joy

Stick your nose into a tape dispenser. Draw a deep breath of air in through your nose.


ahhhh Do you smell that? I love that smell. That smell conjures up many emotions and memories.


It reminds me of the childhood excitement of Christmas morning before any gifts were opened. When you stared wide eyed at a pile of unopened gifts that held all the promise in the world.

Now it reminds me of Christmas Eve, the excitement of wrapping the last few gifts for my family.

I think of how both of my children have been so excited on Christmas morning to see Jeff and I open their gifts to us before they touched any of the presents for them. The gifts they made and wrapped with an entire role of scotch tape. The pure joy on their face to give to someone else.

It makes me think of my children's craft projects. It makes me think of Savanah's imagination, watching her tape together all of her little cars and my plastic butter dish to make a train. I think of broken things that my children tried to repair with scotch tape so I would not find out. ;)


It makes me think of wrapping gifts for people I love. It is the best feeling when you find a great gift (thoughtful not necessarily expensive) for someone you care about. That gift that you can't wait to see them open.


I think of when we told my in-laws we were expecting a baby (Savanah). We wrapped up baby booties. The slight confusion about the gift followed by overwhelming tears at the understanding of becoming grandparents. A moment I will always remember.



Then the Grateful Dead Tape for Jeff. I scoured the internet for a dead head. Found the right person who had a bootlegged tape of a Grateful Dead concert performed the very day Jeff was born!

I always aim for that Home Run gift. Sometimes I reach my goal, sometimes I don't. But I always try.

It's the same way with writing a post. Some that I finish really give me a sense of pride. They have a strong meaning or I feel like I truly expressed myself. Or it was just well written. Some of my posts could really use a healthy wrapping of scotch tape to fix them. But again I try.

mm-mm scotch tape. Yankee candle should make a candle that smells like scotch tape!

Joytobe

No Post Sunday Quotes

Find your spirit within today.

"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself." -Wayne Dyer

"If I had a star for every time you made me smile, I would be holding the midnight sky in my hand." -unknown

Joytobe

No Post Saturday Quotes

Seize the day.



"Do unto others as though you were the others." -unknown



"Imagination is more important that knowledge." -Albert Einstein

Joytobe

Not My Fault

I have been feeling a little bit discouraged with writing. Add to that some serious hectic-ness and you have no blog posts!

I forget that when I blog my random thoughts I generally feel better and more encouraged to keep on keeping on!

So what is making me so busy? Here is my sob story. I am quite certain this compares quite nicely to everyone's sob story. Mine is certainly no better or more important other than it is mine. Now I do feel that I should put in a caveat here, that I should just shut up and count my blessings!! No one in my family is dangerously ill. No one has lost their job. I am not living in a war torn country. We have plenty to eat. We have roof over our heads. No natural disasters have impacted us. We have no tragedy. Well unless you count teenage dating! After all that I feel stupid for complaining but these are my measly little woes.

1. Medical stuff. Scheduling Dr appointments, check ups, endoscopy, dentist appointment, GYN appointments, flu shots, vet appointments. And so on!

2. Drama stuff. Just picking Billy up every day from rehearsal can put a little kink in my day. Add to that the volunteering and promotional work for the drama club. Well it all equates to a lot of time!

3. Getting the house ready for Thanksgiving company. Slow and steady wins the race. If I could just keep my family from entering a room once I clean it! For three weeks. Is that not reasonable?

4. Starting Christmas and Hanukkah (it's early this year!) shopping. Again slow and steady wins the race and ensures a thoughtful gift!

5. Setting up piano lessons, gymnastic lessons, etc.

6. Keeping Billy out of trouble has become a full time job! Not really but kind of. This requires eyes like a hawk and a memory like an elephant.

Recently I was told that I appear to not be paying attention when people tell me things. Mostly because I ask a lot of clarifying questions and I don't remember stuff.

Well I figured out the reason why. I am so busy keeping track of responsibilities (mine and others) that I have no room left in my brain for new information. I am full to capacity. In fact one more bit of important information and I may blow.

So it is not my fault. For instance the other day I was talking on my phone in the car ....I got out of my car and looked for my phone for a good five minutes. I muttered out loud, "I can't find my dang phone." The kind person I was talking to on my phone started laughing! Hmmm What's so funny? I thought seriously irritated. It did eventually dawn on me, I was still talking on my phone!! Yes the same very phone I was looking for. Nice huh?

So I apologize in advance for my lack of attention and ditziness!

But....It's not my fault.
Joytobe