Ahhhh the last day of February. That is a sigh of relief you hear.
On to March. In like a lion out like a lamb? Or will it be In like a lamb out like a lion?
I have been worrying a lot lately! I hate it! Worry is the root of all evil for me. So I am making a worry journal today.
Instead of making mental notes. I am making written notes. Each piece of paper gets two worries. One at the top of the page and one about half way down.
I then look at each worry separately asking questions and writing down the answers.
Is there anything I can do about this?
What needs to be done? the steps?
Dates to complete steps.
Then I use this piece of paper to make notes. Say one of the steps is to "call Mary to confirm cancellation." I call and leave a message for Mary. I will put that note there, "Called Mary Left message on 2-25-2011. Follow up on 2-27-2011 if haven't heard back."
So often I go through life thinking about what needs to be done. But this really frees up my mind, so I can enjoy moments with my family or just enjoy quiet time with a quiet brain. No nagging question or looming doom! Because I know I am doing what I can and controlling the situation as best I know how. I am not procrastinating. Everything has been captured and is "in process".
Okay I gotta get to work. Give this a try if you find yourself obsessing over what you should or need to do.
Joytobe
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Day 53 Freakin Winter 2-27-2011
Sunday Quotes
"As parents, my wife and I have one thing in common. We're both afraid of children."
-Bill Cosby
"Nothing is easier than fault finding: it takes no talent, no self respect, no brains, no character."
-unknown
"As parents, my wife and I have one thing in common. We're both afraid of children."
-Bill Cosby
"Nothing is easier than fault finding: it takes no talent, no self respect, no brains, no character."
-unknown
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 52 Freaking Winter 2-26-2011
Saturday Quotes
Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference." -Robert Frost
"If it's not one thing, it's your mother." -unknown
Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference." -Robert Frost
"If it's not one thing, it's your mother." -unknown
Friday, February 25, 2011
Day 51 Freakin Winter 2-25-2011 My Boy
As we head off into the weekend I wanted to share something that touched my heart.
For Valentine's Day my son gave me a card. Not a Hallmark card. A handwritten card. The best kind. He gave me permission to post it on the blog. Here is what it said.
Hey Mom.
It's Valentine's Day!!! Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you. I've been through a lot in the past couple of months, and you've been there for me every step of the way. Always willing to talk or offer your experience or opinion, even though I usually didn't take it. I usually don't show enough appreciation for everything you do. I know you're doing your best to look after me. Out of this, I want you to understand these three things: I thank you from the bottom of my heart, I am deeply and truly sorry, and I love you no matter what.
Your Loving Son,
Billy
I cried. Then just about fell over when he said, "You were right about everything." I smiled and thought, can I have that in writing with your signature. Just kidding, sort of.
For Valentine's Day my son gave me a card. Not a Hallmark card. A handwritten card. The best kind. He gave me permission to post it on the blog. Here is what it said.
Hey Mom.
It's Valentine's Day!!! Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you. I've been through a lot in the past couple of months, and you've been there for me every step of the way. Always willing to talk or offer your experience or opinion, even though I usually didn't take it. I usually don't show enough appreciation for everything you do. I know you're doing your best to look after me. Out of this, I want you to understand these three things: I thank you from the bottom of my heart, I am deeply and truly sorry, and I love you no matter what.
Your Loving Son,
Billy
I cried. Then just about fell over when he said, "You were right about everything." I smiled and thought, can I have that in writing with your signature. Just kidding, sort of.
I love you Billy,
Your Mama
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 50 Freakin Winter 2-24-2011 Bouncing
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!
50 days!! And holy crap we've got about 50 more. oh no, nuh huh! We are not going there!
No way! One day at a time. Chugging along to spring.
An odd thing that I look forward to that gives me hope for warmer weather is American Idol. What the heck does American Idol have to do with spring?
One reason I love American Idol: Although it starts in mid January, I know that the last episode will be in May. I know I can and I have watched the last couple of episodes from my deck! Oh yeah Baby it's coming. Spring is coming!
So I have a challenge: every time you write in your journal or a letter or unofficial non professional e-mail, put exclamation points wherever your first instinct tells you to. It's fun!!!!
I love exclamation points!
As I was drowning in my snow white sorrow the other day I was desperate to swim to shore before I reached the point where I didn't care. You know there are a few pivotal moments where rapid change can occur. You can be swallowed up into the blank void or you can push yourself up to rise above the drifts of despair. I have found to do this you have to physically move. Get up off the couch. Get out of bed. Leave the computer behind. (Well wait til you're done reading this post.)
One good method: BOUNCING
Yes I would like to revisit bouncing.
I have an emergency bouncing CD. It was made by a friend of my husband's that he works with. I have never met her but have heard stories about her. Apparently, my husband talks about me a lot at work. (good thing too or I might be jealous!) Enough so that she made me a CD titled by her "Girl Power". Funny that almost every song I love! Most of the songs are very appropriate for bouncing. I pull out this little gem when I am sinking.
Later today I will compile a list of songs on the CD and other bouncing songs in my repertoire.
Now bouncing is all about silly unabashed movement. Jumping, spinning, flinging your hair, shake your hips, raise your hands like you just don't care. Oh Yeah! The key here is there are no rules. Dance like a 7 year old. Then clap with the music. Loud, listen to the sound of your clap.....there is power there. It's odd sounding and I know I sound crazy but do it. Do it alone when no one is home.
Joytobe
50 days!! And holy crap we've got about 50 more. oh no, nuh huh! We are not going there!
No way! One day at a time. Chugging along to spring.
An odd thing that I look forward to that gives me hope for warmer weather is American Idol. What the heck does American Idol have to do with spring?
One reason I love American Idol: Although it starts in mid January, I know that the last episode will be in May. I know I can and I have watched the last couple of episodes from my deck! Oh yeah Baby it's coming. Spring is coming!
So I have a challenge: every time you write in your journal or a letter or unofficial non professional e-mail, put exclamation points wherever your first instinct tells you to. It's fun!!!!
I love exclamation points!
As I was drowning in my snow white sorrow the other day I was desperate to swim to shore before I reached the point where I didn't care. You know there are a few pivotal moments where rapid change can occur. You can be swallowed up into the blank void or you can push yourself up to rise above the drifts of despair. I have found to do this you have to physically move. Get up off the couch. Get out of bed. Leave the computer behind. (Well wait til you're done reading this post.)
One good method: BOUNCING
Yes I would like to revisit bouncing.
I have an emergency bouncing CD. It was made by a friend of my husband's that he works with. I have never met her but have heard stories about her. Apparently, my husband talks about me a lot at work. (good thing too or I might be jealous!) Enough so that she made me a CD titled by her "Girl Power". Funny that almost every song I love! Most of the songs are very appropriate for bouncing. I pull out this little gem when I am sinking.
Later today I will compile a list of songs on the CD and other bouncing songs in my repertoire.
Now bouncing is all about silly unabashed movement. Jumping, spinning, flinging your hair, shake your hips, raise your hands like you just don't care. Oh Yeah! The key here is there are no rules. Dance like a 7 year old. Then clap with the music. Loud, listen to the sound of your clap.....there is power there. It's odd sounding and I know I sound crazy but do it. Do it alone when no one is home.
Joytobe
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 49 Freakin Winter 2-23-2011
Yesterday afternoon I began feeling much despair over the whiteness of my world. And no that is not a socially motivated statement. It is not Caucasian-ness I speak of. It is SNOW!!! Suddenly I felt incredibly down. Just exhausted and uninterested.
So I hung an expression I have been holding on to from Uppercase Living. Here is a picture.
I love it. It is so appropriate for me. And I think it is in a perfect place. Directly above my laundry room door. (always doing laundry for my blessings!) Near the garage door. (where I go in and out to chauffeur my blessings.) Basically in my kitchen (where I clean up after my blessings the most.)
It was a difficult place to put this because the door here is not centered. So I either had to center the saying with the wall or the door. I chose the wall. It looks a little off balance and cattywompus (one of my favorite words). But then again my blessings are slightly off balance too so...it's the perfect placement! I wouldn't have it or them any other way.
I think what I need is more change. Dramatic colorful change!
Today I am off to change things up some more. I am heading to home depot. Getting more paint cards. Trying to decide on a color for Savanah's room. I have also rearranged Savanah's room three different ways over the last two weeks. I think we may be on to something with this last configuration.
Then we will be looking for a desk for her room. What an adventure?!
Brightening up my world one wall at a time.
Joytobe
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 48 Freakin Winter 2-22-2011
Alas, I have shoveled the driveway for the umpteenth time this winter!!! arg My honey snow blowed yesterday afternoon. But "oyvey" it just kept snowing. So I did shovel again this morning. The good news is this. It is actually quite beautiful outside. It is not snowing! A bright blue sky, invigorating sunshine, no wind, pretty new white sparkling snow, and I didn't feel cold.
hhhhmmmm
Funny how we become so accustomed to cold. Because I was outside shoveling with no gloves on, no hat, no scarf. I wasn't cold and the temperature outside right now??????? 12 degrees. I got blood thicker than peanut butter!!!
I am starting to think about the spring equinox. I am going to have a craft party for some of Savanah's friends. Gotta think up something fabulous-ly spring!
I always say "live in the moment." But that doesn't mean you can't look forward also. Look forward to awesome things that keep you going in winters despair!
Start making a list of things to look forward to. Things that confirm spring will arrive (not soon enough) but it will arrive. The days are getting longer!
February 27th! My Honey's birthday
The end of February (the 2nd coldest month of the year)
March begins. The average high by the end of March is 47! The record high for March, 83!
Daylight savings time begins March 13th!! Yay!!!
St Patrick's Day! I love this holiday, the sneaky little Leprechaun visits our house!
Spring equinox is March 20th!!!
Not spring yet. But if you listen closely you will hear the whispers of spring.
Joytobe
hhhhmmmm
Funny how we become so accustomed to cold. Because I was outside shoveling with no gloves on, no hat, no scarf. I wasn't cold and the temperature outside right now??????? 12 degrees. I got blood thicker than peanut butter!!!
I am starting to think about the spring equinox. I am going to have a craft party for some of Savanah's friends. Gotta think up something fabulous-ly spring!
I always say "live in the moment." But that doesn't mean you can't look forward also. Look forward to awesome things that keep you going in winters despair!
Start making a list of things to look forward to. Things that confirm spring will arrive (not soon enough) but it will arrive. The days are getting longer!
February 27th! My Honey's birthday
The end of February (the 2nd coldest month of the year)
March begins. The average high by the end of March is 47! The record high for March, 83!
Daylight savings time begins March 13th!! Yay!!!
St Patrick's Day! I love this holiday, the sneaky little Leprechaun visits our house!
Spring equinox is March 20th!!!
Not spring yet. But if you listen closely you will hear the whispers of spring.
Joytobe
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day 47 Freakin Winter 2-21-2011
A day off! Yay! So much snow...booooooo!
I wish for my daughter to find herself and follow her dreams. Along the way I hope she finds a love that is true and lasting with a man much like her daddy. Truth be told it doesn't matter to me if it is a man or a woman, just a person. A person with kindness, intelligence and humor.
A quote I like.
"Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep.....Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who thinks you are just as pretty without makeup on. One who reminds you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU......the one who turns to his friends and says, "That's her." --unknown
Joytobe
I wish for my daughter to find herself and follow her dreams. Along the way I hope she finds a love that is true and lasting with a man much like her daddy. Truth be told it doesn't matter to me if it is a man or a woman, just a person. A person with kindness, intelligence and humor.
A quote I like.
"Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep.....Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who thinks you are just as pretty without makeup on. One who reminds you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU......the one who turns to his friends and says, "That's her." --unknown
Joytobe
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 46 Freakin Winter 2-20-2011
Happy Sunday. happy snow storm day! What the....?
"Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable." -African proverb. Given to me by Savanah
I have a quote book. Every time I see a quote that I like I write it down. Some of the quotes are silly, some inspirational and some make you say, "hhhhmmmmm."
Savanah loves my quote book. Often on Saturdays and Sundays she decides which quotes to post on the blog. I absolutely love the fact that she contributes to this book. She will come home all excited to show me a quote she found for the book! I think someday when I am gone my kids will treasure this collection.
Joytobe
"Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable." -African proverb. Given to me by Savanah
I have a quote book. Every time I see a quote that I like I write it down. Some of the quotes are silly, some inspirational and some make you say, "hhhhmmmmm."
Savanah loves my quote book. Often on Saturdays and Sundays she decides which quotes to post on the blog. I absolutely love the fact that she contributes to this book. She will come home all excited to show me a quote she found for the book! I think someday when I am gone my kids will treasure this collection.
Joytobe
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day 45 Freakin Winter 2-19-2011
Well Winter has descended upon us again. Winter Storm Warning (WSW). It is like a WMD (weapon of mass destruction) not sure it will materialize. Let's see if the meteorologist can get this right. If what I am hearing is true I'm hunkering down starting tonight until Monday afternoon.
Enjoy these quotes from my insanity.
"A friend is someone who thinks you're a good egg even though you're slightly cracked." -unknown
"I define joy as a sustained sense of well being and internal peace - a connection to what matters." --Oprah Winfrey
Joytobe
Enjoy these quotes from my insanity.
"A friend is someone who thinks you're a good egg even though you're slightly cracked." -unknown
"I define joy as a sustained sense of well being and internal peace - a connection to what matters." --Oprah Winfrey
Joytobe
Friday, February 18, 2011
Day 44 Freakin Winter 2-18-2011
Okay NOW you can be sad about the weather. Winds brought in the cold front. Or did the cold front bring in the winds? Well regardless our fake spring is over...for now.
Just in time too because today is Beach Day at Savanah's school. Kind of cute. The kids dress in summer attire. No swimsuits! Bring beach towels and sit on them on the floor for lunch. Play beach music and have hula hoop contests. It's fun.
On the flip side, At Billy's school, it is Snow Week. The kids had snow men contests in the front lawn of the school....but Monday and Tuesdays high temps melted the snowmen! Today at his school it was "Winter Bundle day". First time I have seen Billy wear gloves all year! And a scarf!
Quite the contrast...Beach day and Winter Bundle day.
I am excited for the long weekend! No school on Monday and No work for Jeff on Monday. I love that!!
Joytobe
Just in time too because today is Beach Day at Savanah's school. Kind of cute. The kids dress in summer attire. No swimsuits! Bring beach towels and sit on them on the floor for lunch. Play beach music and have hula hoop contests. It's fun.
On the flip side, At Billy's school, it is Snow Week. The kids had snow men contests in the front lawn of the school....but Monday and Tuesdays high temps melted the snowmen! Today at his school it was "Winter Bundle day". First time I have seen Billy wear gloves all year! And a scarf!
Quite the contrast...Beach day and Winter Bundle day.
I am excited for the long weekend! No school on Monday and No work for Jeff on Monday. I love that!!
Joytobe
Thursday, February 17, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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
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
Monday, February 14, 2011
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
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
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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
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
Saturday, February 12, 2011
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
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
Friday, February 11, 2011
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
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
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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
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
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