That's what we called living for seven days without electricity due to Hurricane Ike. From Sunday, September 14th, when the 75mph winds whipped through this entire state for eight incredible hours (at one time our son in SW Ohio, us and my inlaws in NE Ohio were all out at the same time -- go figure!!?!) to Sunday the 21st when crews from Tennessee and Virginia brought our grid back up we were sharing the lifestyle of young Abe (you know....those stories we read about him studying by the burning logs in his cabin fireplace ...similar to walking home 18 miles for lunch...ok, ok maybe that was overkill...).
I was being my usual Pollyanna-self, stressing the blessings of water (yes, plenty of that, even abundantly hot) AND cool temperatures (opened the windows at night for refreshing breezes to float through the bedroom), and I got to burn the candles I had collected over the years and never had used!! I learned to run my errands after 7:45pm when the house got too dark. The stores are open until 9p or 10p, my gym until 11p, and of course, restaurants as well. So I nudged my husband into learning to flip the schedule a bit. (We just followed that famous movie line from Poltergeist, "Go toward the light.....")
About Thursday my other half had had just about enough of my cheery attitude....all he wanted was the darned ability to flick the switches on again!! And once the lines were repaired we found ourselves only turning on those lights we really needed. Hey! We lived a week with zilch and I guess you could say we adapted pretty darned well without that new-fangled invention by Mr. Edison. I do believe Mr. Lincoln would have been very proud.
HINT: I found some great 6-volt battery flashlights ($3.97) so I bought 2 and a Coleman lantern with fluorescent bulb/battery run ($19.97 + cells) at Lowe's and they helped illuminate our dinners and our pathways around the house. Go grab one/some now. You just never know when those little goodies will come in handy.....
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Life as a Sponge
Mine began in earnest my senior year in high school....one of the greatest times in my life (hold on now-- those reflections are for another day's entry). A classmate, who was the class president, gave me an off-the-cuff compliment one day after a class we were sharing that caught me totally off-guard. (Background: It surprised me because first, we weren't at all close friends, and secondly, she wasn't the type to hand these out. During this point in the school years we had been working on a Class Board project together. I found her comfortable to work with and she found me efficient and detail-oriented.) She told me that she knew she could tell me anything knowing I would keep it to myself. She was confident there would be no leaks, no fodder for gossip. She thanked me and told me how much she appreciated that from someone she didn't know very well.
WHOA. Now on the one hand that is very, very nice to hear. Yet, on the other, I now had a big responsibility to really watch what I said. No room for inadvertent comments. No "Oops! I didn't mean to say that!" moments. No excuses for slippage. I had become a designated Person-To-Trust.
You know how hard that is in high school!!?? Man, you get a juicy piece of gossip dropped in your lap and you just want to share it in a big way because of the power that tidbit gave you especially if it was about someone super popular or someone you really didn't like. And what if the news was one of those jaw-dropping you've-got-to-be-kidding-me spectacular bombshells??! Well, shoot. Those prospective bright and shining moments in the "whispered comments" world had just been swept away in a heartbeat.
So as I walked down the hallway lamenting the loss of great and endless possibilities, I was also rejoicing in my new found status. Because you know what?? I found I learned a whole lot more keeping my mouth shut than I ever would have if I was still a regular cog in the rumor mill. Pretty cool. And it is true. Knowledge is a formidable power to wield in the hallowed halls of high school. Life WAS good and still is as my role hasn't changed in all the years since that defining moment.
WHOA. Now on the one hand that is very, very nice to hear. Yet, on the other, I now had a big responsibility to really watch what I said. No room for inadvertent comments. No "Oops! I didn't mean to say that!" moments. No excuses for slippage. I had become a designated Person-To-Trust.
You know how hard that is in high school!!?? Man, you get a juicy piece of gossip dropped in your lap and you just want to share it in a big way because of the power that tidbit gave you especially if it was about someone super popular or someone you really didn't like. And what if the news was one of those jaw-dropping you've-got-to-be-kidding-me spectacular bombshells??! Well, shoot. Those prospective bright and shining moments in the "whispered comments" world had just been swept away in a heartbeat.
So as I walked down the hallway lamenting the loss of great and endless possibilities, I was also rejoicing in my new found status. Because you know what?? I found I learned a whole lot more keeping my mouth shut than I ever would have if I was still a regular cog in the rumor mill. Pretty cool. And it is true. Knowledge is a formidable power to wield in the hallowed halls of high school. Life WAS good and still is as my role hasn't changed in all the years since that defining moment.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
My Favorite Annual Appointment
Every woman who reads this will absolutely identify. Without question it is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself. No matter how you personally feel about this exam, you MUST do this for your own health and piece of mind and that of your family. All that being said.....
I have gone to the same OB/GYN for 21 years. I respect him as a doctor and like him as a person. We get along just great and just talk about anything. Now. Those first few years were a tad bit rough.
I call this the "Scoot down...a little more...Ok, stop. That's good" appointment. My analogy: Me lying on the table being given both audible and visual signals on how and where to place myself is like being an airplane slowly rolling across the tarmac with one of those orange-cone waving airport employees guiding me into a good position for the lock with the loading gate tunnel. Once you are in position the cones are crossed, employee stops walking backward and you're good. Except in my personal scenario I am now lying there feeling like I'm totally uncovered for the entire nation, hearing those seven familiar little words, "It's going to be a little cold."
I don't know about you but the first time I was with my doctor I felt a whole lot embarrassed. Heck, it is like you're screaming, "Hey!! Here I am!! I'm feeling a little vulnerable and very exposed so hurry up about it, will ya?" How did I handle it? The first year I said (total truth here) trying to break the ice a bit , "So, is it dark down there?" He slowly raised his eyes and very quietly, very professionally replied with something like, "This won't take long. Let me complete this test."(when he was actually thinking, "Oh, great. I got a comedienne on the table and I just want to get through this as easily as possible.") The second year I asked, "Does everyone look pretty much the same?" thinking that if I were he I would MUCH rather be delivering babies than conducting Pap tests. This time he obviously felt more at ease with me since I was making another one of my quirky inquiries to lighten the atmosphere. His reply, again very professional and softly spoken, was "Shut up, Julie" and I started to giggle. By the third year we were totally comfortable with each other, conversing like old friends through all of the exam asking about vacations, dogs, kid, spouses. And this year we celebrated my 21st exam together and over the years our dogs have passed on and new ones found to love, careers have changed in my family, child has gone to college, lots of vacations enjoyed. We have laughed together. Cried together.
I still ask occasional questions during the exam just to relive the good old times. He still gives me the look. And, come to think about it, he never did answer my questions.
I have gone to the same OB/GYN for 21 years. I respect him as a doctor and like him as a person. We get along just great and just talk about anything. Now. Those first few years were a tad bit rough.
I call this the "Scoot down...a little more...Ok, stop. That's good" appointment. My analogy: Me lying on the table being given both audible and visual signals on how and where to place myself is like being an airplane slowly rolling across the tarmac with one of those orange-cone waving airport employees guiding me into a good position for the lock with the loading gate tunnel. Once you are in position the cones are crossed, employee stops walking backward and you're good. Except in my personal scenario I am now lying there feeling like I'm totally uncovered for the entire nation, hearing those seven familiar little words, "It's going to be a little cold."
I don't know about you but the first time I was with my doctor I felt a whole lot embarrassed. Heck, it is like you're screaming, "Hey!! Here I am!! I'm feeling a little vulnerable and very exposed so hurry up about it, will ya?" How did I handle it? The first year I said (total truth here) trying to break the ice a bit , "So, is it dark down there?" He slowly raised his eyes and very quietly, very professionally replied with something like, "This won't take long. Let me complete this test."(when he was actually thinking, "Oh, great. I got a comedienne on the table and I just want to get through this as easily as possible.") The second year I asked, "Does everyone look pretty much the same?" thinking that if I were he I would MUCH rather be delivering babies than conducting Pap tests. This time he obviously felt more at ease with me since I was making another one of my quirky inquiries to lighten the atmosphere. His reply, again very professional and softly spoken, was "Shut up, Julie" and I started to giggle. By the third year we were totally comfortable with each other, conversing like old friends through all of the exam asking about vacations, dogs, kid, spouses. And this year we celebrated my 21st exam together and over the years our dogs have passed on and new ones found to love, careers have changed in my family, child has gone to college, lots of vacations enjoyed. We have laughed together. Cried together.
I still ask occasional questions during the exam just to relive the good old times. He still gives me the look. And, come to think about it, he never did answer my questions.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Acting Like an Adult (RATS!)
Let me tell you about what happened to me last week. You can identify, I'm sure.
Had a customer who placed an order. TWO WEEKS LATER (about 10 days ago now) I was told by our office staff that the item was on back order and the vendor "hoped" to ship within 5 days. Whoa -- not good. So I didn't get mad or frustrated (Yes, I know it's hard to believe calm-cool-me EVER reacting that way. HA!). I just kicked into "alternative mode" and called another vendor whose product I like and talked to them. They were to drop ship the item to an artisan who needed to put a special touch on it and he would send the package onto to us in plenty of time. Done. Everyone was on board and all knew their specific piece of the puzzle.
Well.....(you know what's coming).....the second vendor never sent his product to the artist and I found out Friday morning (when the customer was coming at 5pm that evening) after I had repeatedly asked if we had received a box from Massachusetts. Here was another chance for a good 'ole, really ripe, kicking and screaming temper tantrum where I could blame others and seem like I had every right to do so, you with me? Oh, man, what an opportunity. But I didn't. I acted like an adult (RATS!!). What saved this scenario? I knew the original item had arrived and was on display. So I nabbed one of them and called the customer. Explained the situation and told her how I was going to solve it. She TOTALLY understood, wholeheartedly accepted my solution, and thanked me for all the help I had given her. Whew!! She had every right to tee off on me, rant and rave on how this had inconvenienced her....but she didn't. And I thanked her in kind for her pleasant understanding and acceptance and silently said a prayer thankful for her reaction along with the coincidence of the in-store arrival of the perfect substitute.
I know all of you have had similar situations. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. The former feels really good....and the later stinks big time. Let's be happy that the odds are more in our favor than not.
Had a customer who placed an order. TWO WEEKS LATER (about 10 days ago now) I was told by our office staff that the item was on back order and the vendor "hoped" to ship within 5 days. Whoa -- not good. So I didn't get mad or frustrated (Yes, I know it's hard to believe calm-cool-me EVER reacting that way. HA!). I just kicked into "alternative mode" and called another vendor whose product I like and talked to them. They were to drop ship the item to an artisan who needed to put a special touch on it and he would send the package onto to us in plenty of time. Done. Everyone was on board and all knew their specific piece of the puzzle.
Well.....(you know what's coming).....the second vendor never sent his product to the artist and I found out Friday morning (when the customer was coming at 5pm that evening) after I had repeatedly asked if we had received a box from Massachusetts. Here was another chance for a good 'ole, really ripe, kicking and screaming temper tantrum where I could blame others and seem like I had every right to do so, you with me? Oh, man, what an opportunity. But I didn't. I acted like an adult (RATS!!). What saved this scenario? I knew the original item had arrived and was on display. So I nabbed one of them and called the customer. Explained the situation and told her how I was going to solve it. She TOTALLY understood, wholeheartedly accepted my solution, and thanked me for all the help I had given her. Whew!! She had every right to tee off on me, rant and rave on how this had inconvenienced her....but she didn't. And I thanked her in kind for her pleasant understanding and acceptance and silently said a prayer thankful for her reaction along with the coincidence of the in-store arrival of the perfect substitute.
I know all of you have had similar situations. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. The former feels really good....and the later stinks big time. Let's be happy that the odds are more in our favor than not.
Friday, September 5, 2008
My Obsession with Reading
Once upon a time there was a little second grade girl who LOVED school..... Yep, that's how it all started for me. My teacher, Mrs. Weaver (who looked just like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle of the stories I giggled all the way through), had a summer reading contest and I was bound and determined to win. Why? Three reasons: I loved to read, I wasn't allowed to go to summer school, and I was competitive (imagine that!!). That second reason was the benchmark as I just couldn't understand why I couldn't go. Even with all the DRAMA AND TEARS I could produce there was no persuading my teacher nor my parents. (I didn't comprehend that the concept of summer school was to give additional scholastic help to those in need. Hey, I just wanted to go and have more time in the classroom!)
She devised a program where the students would read a book then fill out a Book Report form and the student who diligently read AND completed the forms well the most would win. Well, I was NOT about to lose and spent all summer engrossed in a myriad of books that I had at home and borrowed from the public library. I filled out those forms judiciously with minute details. And guess what?? I WON -- woo woo!!!! And Mrs. Weaver gave me my prize.......Are you ready for this?? Get ready: it was a forest green metal recipe box with index cards inside. Yep, that's right. A recipe box. Did I think it was the most wonderful gift? Absolutely. Was I proud? I beamed from ear to ear when she handed it to me. Do I still have it? You bet your life I do.
And I have never stopped reading. Been through different "periods" in my life. Started with the with wonderful childrens' books like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Paddington and The Bobbsey Twins and then onto the Trixie Belden series. Mysteries were followed by tons of biographies then all the Emilie Loring books (I actually owned the entire series at one point) and, of course, the great novels like Gone With The Wind (if you have never read this incredible story you absolutely must do so!). I devoted a year to reading the Bible as well.
Now? I get totally absorbed in my Smithsonian magazine whenever it arrives(it has everything: science, animals, art, history, discoveries, travel, photography.... ). The articles totally fascinate me. And I'm into well written historical novels with a splash of romance.
Reading is an ability that opens the universe. Share this gift with those around you.
She devised a program where the students would read a book then fill out a Book Report form and the student who diligently read AND completed the forms well the most would win. Well, I was NOT about to lose and spent all summer engrossed in a myriad of books that I had at home and borrowed from the public library. I filled out those forms judiciously with minute details. And guess what?? I WON -- woo woo!!!! And Mrs. Weaver gave me my prize.......Are you ready for this?? Get ready: it was a forest green metal recipe box with index cards inside. Yep, that's right. A recipe box. Did I think it was the most wonderful gift? Absolutely. Was I proud? I beamed from ear to ear when she handed it to me. Do I still have it? You bet your life I do.
And I have never stopped reading. Been through different "periods" in my life. Started with the with wonderful childrens' books like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Paddington and The Bobbsey Twins and then onto the Trixie Belden series. Mysteries were followed by tons of biographies then all the Emilie Loring books (I actually owned the entire series at one point) and, of course, the great novels like Gone With The Wind (if you have never read this incredible story you absolutely must do so!). I devoted a year to reading the Bible as well.
Now? I get totally absorbed in my Smithsonian magazine whenever it arrives(it has everything: science, animals, art, history, discoveries, travel, photography.... ). The articles totally fascinate me. And I'm into well written historical novels with a splash of romance.
Reading is an ability that opens the universe. Share this gift with those around you.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Hurricanes
They are to be taken seriously. The damage that has been seen, documented, lived through can be absolutely enormous. Lives are torn apart, taken, forever changed. The aftermath to clean up the destruction and to rebuild or start anew elsewhere is daunting. We all agree.
The choice to live in the part of the planet where these weather conditions exist on a YEARLY basis is just that....choice. Poverty constricts some from leaving . Family situations effects others. Yet the chance is 99.999 percent that there will be tropical storms and hurricanes for those that reside in the Caribbean, Florida, the Gulf Coast, the southern Atlantic coastal states every July through October every single year. We can all agree with that statement as well.
So when one of these horrific storms hits a populated area every single year one person who gets interviewed will undoubtedly say on camera, "I can't believe God would let this happen." I will share with you that that statement sends me personally right over the edge. Does that person REALLY and TRULY believe that God just decides one day on a whim that He is bored and needs a good 'ole hurricane to add a little excitement to His day and some necessary mayhem to Earth???!? Come on. Do not insult the Lord. You live in Hurricane Alley, it's August, our climate has changed due to Ozone depletion from our pollution, the planet's temperature is rising in places, blah blah blah blah blah ....and you are blaming the Lord.
Just deal with the life you have chosen. Your fellow humans are here to count on for help and support. That's how we share His great love. Agreed? Agreed.
The choice to live in the part of the planet where these weather conditions exist on a YEARLY basis is just that....choice. Poverty constricts some from leaving . Family situations effects others. Yet the chance is 99.999 percent that there will be tropical storms and hurricanes for those that reside in the Caribbean, Florida, the Gulf Coast, the southern Atlantic coastal states every July through October every single year. We can all agree with that statement as well.
So when one of these horrific storms hits a populated area every single year one person who gets interviewed will undoubtedly say on camera, "I can't believe God would let this happen." I will share with you that that statement sends me personally right over the edge. Does that person REALLY and TRULY believe that God just decides one day on a whim that He is bored and needs a good 'ole hurricane to add a little excitement to His day and some necessary mayhem to Earth???!? Come on. Do not insult the Lord. You live in Hurricane Alley, it's August, our climate has changed due to Ozone depletion from our pollution, the planet's temperature is rising in places, blah blah blah blah blah ....and you are blaming the Lord.
Just deal with the life you have chosen. Your fellow humans are here to count on for help and support. That's how we share His great love. Agreed? Agreed.
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