In the last year my husband has pointed out that I use these two words often. Too often. His point is that I do alot of mulling over different topics important to our lives that I keep to myself. Then when pressed I will say, "I was thinking...." or "I think about it...." or "I should have done that..." or "we should be thinking about this...".
One personality trait that I so much admire in him is that he is always verbally communicating, constantly seeking change to make a situation or the future better. He is a fantastic problem solver and manages workplace and home challenges with logic and foresight.
I am really trying to become more pro-active and talkative about not only everyday-like stuff decisions but those which will potentially change the course of our life experience together. I have always been quietly independent and more emotional than he. Not crazy emotional with crying and moodiness and demands. Just more choices made from my heart, not necessarily my head. These years of marriage have become a special gift waiting to be opened. And I am finally getting around to removing the ribbon, ripping the paper off , with the tingling- of-butterflies-anticipation which comes from knowing the gift held inside the box. I treasure his partnership, his advice. Learning and absorbing what I can learn from his temperment and life balance.
What advice can I give you? Share. Talk. Use specific examples. Voice your fears. Your joys. Question whatever you think you should. Listen. Learn. Ask for opinions. Offer choice. Seek change. Decide for yourself. For your family. And, above all, let your love be heard in your words, your actions. Be true to yourself. Never sell what you have to say short. You count.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Inventions -- Why Didn't I Think of That??
We've all had those thoughts. Man, why didn't I think of Ziplock bags?? How great are those!! And Liquid Paper or now the new correction tape in the hand-held roller applicator. Think of all the money I'd have?!??
What about panty hose. Sticky notes. Pam cooking spray. Little moist towelettes folded up in a pocket-sized package. Zippers. Hand sanitizer (no soap and water needed anymore). Gift bags. Pre-made gift bows. Anything that makes life easier.
The newest one that totally impressed me was one I noticed on countertop signage at the pharmacy counter in the neighborhood drug store. Flavors you get to choose to add to liquid medications. Grape, cherry, orange. How clever is that?? Personalized. Smart. Logical. Love it!
Every once in a while I'll be doing something and think of a product or item that I think would be an excellent contender for world-wide distribution. But the realization of all the layers I would have to go through to get something on the market...and the money involved to produce it...just stops me cold.
But, hey, that ingenius idea is one more item on my lifelist that makes me extra-special, right? Keeps those wheels moving and the mind sharp. Yeah, right. Some other person will manufacture that and become a millionaire. But I thought of it first!!!! Yes, I did!!!!!
What about panty hose. Sticky notes. Pam cooking spray. Little moist towelettes folded up in a pocket-sized package. Zippers. Hand sanitizer (no soap and water needed anymore). Gift bags. Pre-made gift bows. Anything that makes life easier.
The newest one that totally impressed me was one I noticed on countertop signage at the pharmacy counter in the neighborhood drug store. Flavors you get to choose to add to liquid medications. Grape, cherry, orange. How clever is that?? Personalized. Smart. Logical. Love it!
Every once in a while I'll be doing something and think of a product or item that I think would be an excellent contender for world-wide distribution. But the realization of all the layers I would have to go through to get something on the market...and the money involved to produce it...just stops me cold.
But, hey, that ingenius idea is one more item on my lifelist that makes me extra-special, right? Keeps those wheels moving and the mind sharp. Yeah, right. Some other person will manufacture that and become a millionaire. But I thought of it first!!!! Yes, I did!!!!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Dictionery -- Woo-Hoo!!!
Annually they (the Word Committee??) come out with the list of words being eliminated from Websters and those which will henceforth be included. Were you aware of this annual process? Must admit I did not until three years ago when I was driving around town taking care of some errands and happened to catch a news bite on the car radio. You should have heard me responding -- yes, out loud directing my opinion looking straight at the dials as if those plastic gadgets were representatives of the esteemed selection board-- to the vernacular that had been selected to enter this esteemed tome. Most sounded like slang and street talk straight out of a Will Smith movie.
Who are these people anyway?? All I can tell you is that I have NO idea but I am nominating author John Jakes as a member. Have you read any of his books? The Civil War trilogy which begins with NORTH and SOUTH is fabulous.. When I finished the last book, HEAVEN and HELL, I felt bereft from the void created by the departure of the characters from my life. I missed them and I wanted a fourth book ...and a fifth! (True sign of a great book (s). Right?)And all the while I was ensconced in his rich story line, I have found myself being st-ret-ch-ed with his skilled syntax. How fantastic is that??
Charleston, published in 2002, is my current read. Within the first two chapters I found myself reaching for my dictionery in order to make sure I was either A: understanding a word concluded from its usage or from the surrounding words/action in that sentence or B: acknowledging that I had NO CLUE whatsoever thus I needed to do my due diligence in research and check to see if my stab in the dark was anywhere close to the truth. Words like "scrofulous" and "puncheons" and "embrasure". Aren't those wonderful?? Absolutely fascinating.
Go ahead. Look those up. I'm not going to provide the answers for you. Be curious. Be challenged like I was. (Ok, ok. I figured out what the second was from its sentance use and the third you can guess at....but the first??? No way.) Language should be beautiful. We all need to hone the craft of molding our personal verbal and written speech with specific descriptive, emotional, and intelligent strokes of purpose and definition. Here's one for you -- expurgate. Try saying that fast ten times then check out that little nine letter word. Use that in a sentance today. Watch people's eyebrows draw together with a look of puzzlement as they ponder that one!!!
And, one more detail....I love my Websters Deluxe College Edition Dictionery. Revised in 1972. Can't get me to accept a newer version. Others have tried to persuade. Even demand. But no sirree bob. I will keep my black duct taped navy faux leather bound volume, thank you very much. Don't even waste your time trying 'cause this is my edition I'm stickin' to it.
Who are these people anyway?? All I can tell you is that I have NO idea but I am nominating author John Jakes as a member. Have you read any of his books? The Civil War trilogy which begins with NORTH and SOUTH is fabulous.. When I finished the last book, HEAVEN and HELL, I felt bereft from the void created by the departure of the characters from my life. I missed them and I wanted a fourth book ...and a fifth! (True sign of a great book (s). Right?)And all the while I was ensconced in his rich story line, I have found myself being st-ret-ch-ed with his skilled syntax. How fantastic is that??
Charleston, published in 2002, is my current read. Within the first two chapters I found myself reaching for my dictionery in order to make sure I was either A: understanding a word concluded from its usage or from the surrounding words/action in that sentence or B: acknowledging that I had NO CLUE whatsoever thus I needed to do my due diligence in research and check to see if my stab in the dark was anywhere close to the truth. Words like "scrofulous" and "puncheons" and "embrasure". Aren't those wonderful?? Absolutely fascinating.
Go ahead. Look those up. I'm not going to provide the answers for you. Be curious. Be challenged like I was. (Ok, ok. I figured out what the second was from its sentance use and the third you can guess at....but the first??? No way.) Language should be beautiful. We all need to hone the craft of molding our personal verbal and written speech with specific descriptive, emotional, and intelligent strokes of purpose and definition. Here's one for you -- expurgate. Try saying that fast ten times then check out that little nine letter word. Use that in a sentance today. Watch people's eyebrows draw together with a look of puzzlement as they ponder that one!!!
And, one more detail....I love my Websters Deluxe College Edition Dictionery. Revised in 1972. Can't get me to accept a newer version. Others have tried to persuade. Even demand. But no sirree bob. I will keep my black duct taped navy faux leather bound volume, thank you very much. Don't even waste your time trying 'cause this is my edition I'm stickin' to it.
Monday, March 2, 2009
A Comparison
I was sitting in church and during his sermon the minister spoke of the Ark of the Covenant. And I started to think of what that gold sheathed wooden box was specifically crafted to hold according to God's word. Sitting here typing words to try and describe the indescribable contents is impossible. The "most awesome", "beyond wondrous", "blinding" ..... none of these captures the priceless, heavenly created gift inside. The Ten Commandments. All descriptive terms are inane. Fall incredibly short.
Over the past two weeks I have really pondered that theme of the housing of irreplacables. I came up with a comparison --albeit a poor one -- that exists in my life. My home is like an ark. It contains my most precious treasures. Most importantly the Spirit of the Lord. Secondly, my family. All the other "stuff" doesn't matter. The Lord blesses us for being true true believers and charges that we spread His word. So all of the material goods that we collect are given by Him. He makes all things possible.
Priorities are remembrances of what we choose to be the important guidelines in our life on this planet. We get bogged down with the school functions and the doctor appointments and the grocery shopping and the house cleaning and the deadlines and the mending and the laundry and the eating right and the meal prep and the ironing and the errands and. And... And...
So remind yourself daily what your home truly contains. Your number one priority. Be forever mindful, and grateful, of that joyous, loving Spirit who dwells with you and surrounds all of your hearts with love and guidance and incredible freedom. Now, you can love and appreciate and dutifully dust the art that hangs on your walls...just realize it is not necessary in your ark.
Over the past two weeks I have really pondered that theme of the housing of irreplacables. I came up with a comparison --albeit a poor one -- that exists in my life. My home is like an ark. It contains my most precious treasures. Most importantly the Spirit of the Lord. Secondly, my family. All the other "stuff" doesn't matter. The Lord blesses us for being true true believers and charges that we spread His word. So all of the material goods that we collect are given by Him. He makes all things possible.
Priorities are remembrances of what we choose to be the important guidelines in our life on this planet. We get bogged down with the school functions and the doctor appointments and the grocery shopping and the house cleaning and the deadlines and the mending and the laundry and the eating right and the meal prep and the ironing and the errands and. And... And...
So remind yourself daily what your home truly contains. Your number one priority. Be forever mindful, and grateful, of that joyous, loving Spirit who dwells with you and surrounds all of your hearts with love and guidance and incredible freedom. Now, you can love and appreciate and dutifully dust the art that hangs on your walls...just realize it is not necessary in your ark.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Grocery Store Mania
Ok, just go with me on this one and you'll get the drift I'm sure.
You walk into the grocery store that is your normal shopping destination. The one (actually two) that I most frequent places me in the produce section when I walk through the main entrance. I wiggle my way around the free-standing tables displaying all the beautiful fruits and vegetables, proceed through the bakery area, peruse the meat section then begin the familiar trail of walking up and down the many rows. When I am finished with the entire process I find myself in the Beauty/Health section at the opposite end of the building. Believing I am done collecting the items on my list and in my little stack of coupons, I purposely review that list to make sure I haven't forgotten something and not realize that until I'm in line or have arrived back home.
So here's my dilemma and aggrevation: Now that I have walked the entire two miles through this establishment the size of a football field, being diligent and efficient as possible, I spy the letters "spag sauce" wedged between "lasag" (my shorthand for lasagne noodles) and "pep pkg" (again my language for a package of pepperoni slices). You see my child has asked me to make my recipe for this favorite dish during the weekend when he will be in town I now have this huge obligatory responisibility, as a mother, to fulfull that request.
Thus my frustration...... I know you can share in this feeling of pure agitation because I am sure this has happened to you as well.....Right?? @#!!? AAGGH !!*?# I have to trudge ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE FRONT OF THE STORE where the tomato sauces, etc, are shelved in order to grab the stupid can of Hunts Spaghetti Sauce (no slam on the product in any way--I heartily recommend you try this if you haven't--tastes like homemade) that I just have to have.
I whip my cart around and dare any unwary customer or employeeto get in my way as I powerwalk my way back down the football field to Aisle #2!!! And when the check-out cashier asks me how I am?? I smile beautifully and with effortless aplomb, respond, "Just fine, thank you. And how about you?". The Stepford Wives would be so proud.
You walk into the grocery store that is your normal shopping destination. The one (actually two) that I most frequent places me in the produce section when I walk through the main entrance. I wiggle my way around the free-standing tables displaying all the beautiful fruits and vegetables, proceed through the bakery area, peruse the meat section then begin the familiar trail of walking up and down the many rows. When I am finished with the entire process I find myself in the Beauty/Health section at the opposite end of the building. Believing I am done collecting the items on my list and in my little stack of coupons, I purposely review that list to make sure I haven't forgotten something and not realize that until I'm in line or have arrived back home.
So here's my dilemma and aggrevation: Now that I have walked the entire two miles through this establishment the size of a football field, being diligent and efficient as possible, I spy the letters "spag sauce" wedged between "lasag" (my shorthand for lasagne noodles) and "pep pkg" (again my language for a package of pepperoni slices). You see my child has asked me to make my recipe for this favorite dish during the weekend when he will be in town I now have this huge obligatory responisibility, as a mother, to fulfull that request.
Thus my frustration...... I know you can share in this feeling of pure agitation because I am sure this has happened to you as well.....Right?? @#!!? AAGGH !!*?# I have to trudge ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE FRONT OF THE STORE where the tomato sauces, etc, are shelved in order to grab the stupid can of Hunts Spaghetti Sauce (no slam on the product in any way--I heartily recommend you try this if you haven't--tastes like homemade) that I just have to have.
I whip my cart around and dare any unwary customer or employeeto get in my way as I powerwalk my way back down the football field to Aisle #2!!! And when the check-out cashier asks me how I am?? I smile beautifully and with effortless aplomb, respond, "Just fine, thank you. And how about you?". The Stepford Wives would be so proud.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A True Gemini -- Whatever That Means
I was in our hall bathroom last week and for whatever reason took notice that the outside doorknob was a copper color and the inside was silver. Obvious reason was that all the knobs on the "hall" side are the former, and the later is because all of the bathroom features are chrome. Makes total sense.
But what struck me was how it was a metaphor of the dicotomy of my sense of self. Because my astrological sign is the twins (*I must insert some contractual "small print' here that I am NO student nor have ANY knowledge about this subject. Really NOT my thing), I have always used it as an excuse. If I said something that was quote "out of character" then I would shrug my shoulders, get an oops expression on my face and blame my evil twin for what just came out of my mouth or for my unanticipated or unappreciated action. It got me off the hook more than once, let me tell you, because the person would laugh and let their initial reaction go.
When redecorating even I have beautiful taste, and I really do, I find myself in a quandry over fabrics and styles because there exists inside this body two opposing opinions to deal with constantly. Do I want something shamelessly classic and elegant.....or something fun and funky and free? Does the gorgeous Queen Anne desk appeal? But won't the assymetrial glass table with chunky stone supports do just as well for that same purpose? I am picky about colors but both sides of me totally agreed on the tones and hues that I adore. Whew!! Thank heavens.
And clothes. I LOVE the classic pieces, simple clean lines. Add some fabulous garnishes like a scarf, jewelry and cute shoes...and off you go!! Then every once in a while I will bring home something vampy or really trendy or artsy (thinking how TERRIFIC I look) and my husband raises an eyebrow and questions not only my selection but my sanity.
I have said many times to those who know me that if we were all named the same (think of a name--pick a name--Mary, Susie, Lisa, whatever) then it would be a very boring world. Right?? We all need to be inidividuals who add our own spices to the humanity stew to make it colorful. Orginial. Flavorful. Unexpected. So.....what's your special ingredient, all you readers out there?
But what struck me was how it was a metaphor of the dicotomy of my sense of self. Because my astrological sign is the twins (*I must insert some contractual "small print' here that I am NO student nor have ANY knowledge about this subject. Really NOT my thing), I have always used it as an excuse. If I said something that was quote "out of character" then I would shrug my shoulders, get an oops expression on my face and blame my evil twin for what just came out of my mouth or for my unanticipated or unappreciated action. It got me off the hook more than once, let me tell you, because the person would laugh and let their initial reaction go.
When redecorating even I have beautiful taste, and I really do, I find myself in a quandry over fabrics and styles because there exists inside this body two opposing opinions to deal with constantly. Do I want something shamelessly classic and elegant.....or something fun and funky and free? Does the gorgeous Queen Anne desk appeal? But won't the assymetrial glass table with chunky stone supports do just as well for that same purpose? I am picky about colors but both sides of me totally agreed on the tones and hues that I adore. Whew!! Thank heavens.
And clothes. I LOVE the classic pieces, simple clean lines. Add some fabulous garnishes like a scarf, jewelry and cute shoes...and off you go!! Then every once in a while I will bring home something vampy or really trendy or artsy (thinking how TERRIFIC I look) and my husband raises an eyebrow and questions not only my selection but my sanity.
I have said many times to those who know me that if we were all named the same (think of a name--pick a name--Mary, Susie, Lisa, whatever) then it would be a very boring world. Right?? We all need to be inidividuals who add our own spices to the humanity stew to make it colorful. Orginial. Flavorful. Unexpected. So.....what's your special ingredient, all you readers out there?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tombstones
My husband and I were giggling the other night over what we would carve on our tombstones. I have been to many a cemetery. Civil War battlefields, National Cemeteries, family plots. I have read lots and lots of stones and lots and lots of memorials. So I have a collection of mental references for styles and shapes and messages left for eternity.
I always wanted to build a mausolium. How cool would that be? Like the above ground New Orleans grave sites. Personal statements. My other half wasn't interested in that concept. Rats! So now I have switched my focus to the wording I want to leave behind.
"I told you I wasn't feeling well" was what the husband of a coworker jokingly determined he wanted. "Waiting...." was the only word on a stone for a lady (and I am in awe of her message -- every wish, every emotion, total faith all in those seven letters).
Now me?? With my sense of humor? "What happened??!?" would appeal. Or "What are you looking at?". "Everything is a choice" would fit with my philosophy of life. How about "Now I get to eat all the chocolate I want...and you can't!!"
Think about your legacy in stone. I'm still contemplating the possibilities. My poor husband. If my path is to follow his....then he's got no chance, does he?
I always wanted to build a mausolium. How cool would that be? Like the above ground New Orleans grave sites. Personal statements. My other half wasn't interested in that concept. Rats! So now I have switched my focus to the wording I want to leave behind.
"I told you I wasn't feeling well" was what the husband of a coworker jokingly determined he wanted. "Waiting...." was the only word on a stone for a lady (and I am in awe of her message -- every wish, every emotion, total faith all in those seven letters).
Now me?? With my sense of humor? "What happened??!?" would appeal. Or "What are you looking at?". "Everything is a choice" would fit with my philosophy of life. How about "Now I get to eat all the chocolate I want...and you can't!!"
Think about your legacy in stone. I'm still contemplating the possibilities. My poor husband. If my path is to follow his....then he's got no chance, does he?
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