To: Rosie O'Donnell
Fr: Majah
Re: Good Riddance
Farewell and you won't be missed. You pick a fight on national television with Elisabeth, dare to make your sexual orientation a lame excuse for people's perception of your incredibly asinine comments and then call Elisabeth a coward for what? For not 'speaking up' for you? She has to 'defend' you for you to feel 'OK' about the outrageous statements you regularly make? Lady, you have issues. I'm a card carrying liberal who doesn't think we have any business in Iraq but I honestly can't make heads or tails of anything you say. You call it depression. I call it lunacy. You are in need of serious psychological counseling to deal with your anger issues.
And I visited your 'blog' and was amused (though not at all surprised) to find that you post whatever you want and don't allow comments. And Elisabeth's the 'coward'? I think not.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wall
I marvel lately at how little sleep I 'need' - in comparison to my younger years. Lately, I'm aware that I am 'fine' with a fewer number of hours of sleep that in the not too distant past would have thrown me for a loop. I've always been an 8 hour+ person. Going to bed at 9 and getting up at 5 would seem risky to me - and consequently, I would lose sleep fretting about the sleep I wouldn't be getting.
Now, I look at 6 hours as great. 5 is OK and I've even managed on 4 pretty often. Going to bed at 10 or 11 and knowing the alarm is set for 5ish - and I will most likely be awake around 4 and just get up - isn't all that 'rare' for me. The thought of that 'few' hours of sleep no longer causes anxiety - it causes relief. At least I'll get that many hours. It's a total psyche switch that seems to have happened as a result of aging - and acknowledging that not sleeping well is part of life now. So whatever I can get, I'm grateful and have learned to take it and be glad for it instead of freaking out about not having enough.
And all things considered, I feel pretty OK for the most part. But about every 12-15 days I hit a 'wall' and the exhaustion catches up with me. And the past couple nights have been that kind of night. I ask J. the same questions over and over - sometimes within a minute of asking him the first time. My head is just not processing things - and that's the signal that it's time to get some 'extra' sleep. To sleep in weekends as much as I can. Or to head up to bed and be asleep by 8:30. I've hit that wall a couple times this week and am grateful for a 3 day weekend - and for B. helping in the sound booth at church on Sunday at the 11AM service so sleeping in until 8ish is completely fine.
J. and I started Medifast yesterday. So far, so good. Of course, we already 'blew it' this evening with Chinese food for H.'s birthday feast - but we stuck with lots of lean meat and broccoli. Still, I feel stuffed. I wasn't hungry at all during the day - but I did feel the 'urge' to eat. It didn't really seem to be hunger driving that urge - just the 'need' to chew and feel crunch or sweet. So I resisted and made it. The shakes are very filling and the soup I had for lunch was really good. And during my class, I had a caramel chocolate bar that tasted like a Milky Way - it was yummy. And while we 'cheated' at dinner [because dinner is supposed to be lean meat and green veggies and we had a bit of fried rice and some crispy coated prawns and won tons as well], we are still better off for sticking to the Medifast items for two of the 3 meals we ate today. So that's encouraging - not that we intend to cheat daily 'cuz we don't. But it felt good to stick to it as much as we could and then the 'big dinner' didn't seem that bad.
We are going to the Farmer's Market tomorrow. This is the first year the market is on Saturday mornings - it used to be every Wednesday evening and in the days of both of us commuting, we never made it home in time to go. So we will head downtown tomorrow morning and enjoy the market and a cup of coffee outside while B. plays with the jazz group. Stock up on fresh green veggies for salads and to steam. Then home for some 'housework' and yard work. The pool is up to 80 degrees and if it stays warm, we will be swimming this weekend for sure!
Enjoy the 3 day weekend and stay safe, everyone.
Now, I look at 6 hours as great. 5 is OK and I've even managed on 4 pretty often. Going to bed at 10 or 11 and knowing the alarm is set for 5ish - and I will most likely be awake around 4 and just get up - isn't all that 'rare' for me. The thought of that 'few' hours of sleep no longer causes anxiety - it causes relief. At least I'll get that many hours. It's a total psyche switch that seems to have happened as a result of aging - and acknowledging that not sleeping well is part of life now. So whatever I can get, I'm grateful and have learned to take it and be glad for it instead of freaking out about not having enough.
And all things considered, I feel pretty OK for the most part. But about every 12-15 days I hit a 'wall' and the exhaustion catches up with me. And the past couple nights have been that kind of night. I ask J. the same questions over and over - sometimes within a minute of asking him the first time. My head is just not processing things - and that's the signal that it's time to get some 'extra' sleep. To sleep in weekends as much as I can. Or to head up to bed and be asleep by 8:30. I've hit that wall a couple times this week and am grateful for a 3 day weekend - and for B. helping in the sound booth at church on Sunday at the 11AM service so sleeping in until 8ish is completely fine.
J. and I started Medifast yesterday. So far, so good. Of course, we already 'blew it' this evening with Chinese food for H.'s birthday feast - but we stuck with lots of lean meat and broccoli. Still, I feel stuffed. I wasn't hungry at all during the day - but I did feel the 'urge' to eat. It didn't really seem to be hunger driving that urge - just the 'need' to chew and feel crunch or sweet. So I resisted and made it. The shakes are very filling and the soup I had for lunch was really good. And during my class, I had a caramel chocolate bar that tasted like a Milky Way - it was yummy. And while we 'cheated' at dinner [because dinner is supposed to be lean meat and green veggies and we had a bit of fried rice and some crispy coated prawns and won tons as well], we are still better off for sticking to the Medifast items for two of the 3 meals we ate today. So that's encouraging - not that we intend to cheat daily 'cuz we don't. But it felt good to stick to it as much as we could and then the 'big dinner' didn't seem that bad.
We are going to the Farmer's Market tomorrow. This is the first year the market is on Saturday mornings - it used to be every Wednesday evening and in the days of both of us commuting, we never made it home in time to go. So we will head downtown tomorrow morning and enjoy the market and a cup of coffee outside while B. plays with the jazz group. Stock up on fresh green veggies for salads and to steam. Then home for some 'housework' and yard work. The pool is up to 80 degrees and if it stays warm, we will be swimming this weekend for sure!
Enjoy the 3 day weekend and stay safe, everyone.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Laces
H. has a thing for shoes. He wants another pair and has spent many minutes of the past few weeks trying to convince us he needs a new pair. Because apparently shoes are for very 'different' activities - and a pair of perfectly good basketball shoes that set us back $80 during basketball season (which lasted all of 8 weeks) are to be ONLY worn during the activity of basketball. Walking, needing something to protect your feet from heat, cold, moisture and save socks aren't enough reasons to wear those shoes. THEY are to be worn only for basketball. Which he does play with friends after school most days so he does wear them. But he comes in and changes into them and out of them most days. So he is wearing them. Just not as everyday shoes.
So his birthday is day after tomorrow. And I've been at work early (6:30 this morning) and staying late (after 8 the past two nights, though yesterday was dinner with a friend so it was fun but still a long, LONG day) and therefore, have done very little shopping. He has researched various components of a skateboard he wants - and a ready made skateboard is no longer OK - it has to be a specific board, specific bearings, trucks, wheels, etc. I made it home today just after 4 (a full day of back to back meetings which resulted in me not eating anything since 8 AM this morning nor having any liquids all day either left me exhausted and with a raging headache so I gave myself a 'break' and left after only a 10 hour day today) and took H. to our local board shop - aptly named The Board Authority. The clerk there confirmed that all the components H. had selected will work together so we will order the components tonight and the shop will put the board together for us when everything gets here.
While we were there, H. saw a pair of board shoes he wanted - and a new Famous shirt - so for his surprise (which now isn't), I treated him to the pair of shoes and the shirt. The board won't be here for a few days and then the shop will have to put it together - so he won't have much to 'open' on his big day. So a few treats for his special day - and I still have to get to Target tomorrow to get him a PS3 game he also asked for.
The shoes came out of the box not laced - and it took me two tries to get them 'right'. Seems there is a technique to lacing board shoes - the laces have to go 'over' the top of opening and then through - not coming 'up' through and then back and forth - they have to be 'over' the edge of the 'eye' section. AND THEN, he tucks the 'tie' underneath the tongue of the shoe - so the 'tie' part doesn't show on the top of the shoe - it's tucked inside. It looks like it would hurt the top of his foot but he insists it's fine. It was a time consuming process and I was pretty patient. I didn't want him to end up buying shoes he won't wear - and he was so excited that they also came with a pair of bright red laces. I can't believe he's going to use them - but he says he will. His tastes are so mercurial.
His graduation from 8th grade is a week from his birthday. He wants a stereo for his room and that will be his grad gift. I will hope to make it to Target over the long weekend - if not, I'll resort to giving him graduation cash and he can get the stereo next weekend.
He's growing up. He's a sweet, loving, good-hearted kid who's popular with the ladies and also with most adults. He's well mannered, helpful and a kind soul. And funny and too cute for his own good. He has me wrapped around his little finger - he always has and probably always will. He has a 'look' he gives me and it still melts me, even though it's now coming from a youth who towers over me. I love him with all my heart - a heart that bursts with pride when I see him. He is an amazing young man and I'm so, so proud of him. And I can't believe my baby is going to be 14.
Tempest fuget.
So his birthday is day after tomorrow. And I've been at work early (6:30 this morning) and staying late (after 8 the past two nights, though yesterday was dinner with a friend so it was fun but still a long, LONG day) and therefore, have done very little shopping. He has researched various components of a skateboard he wants - and a ready made skateboard is no longer OK - it has to be a specific board, specific bearings, trucks, wheels, etc. I made it home today just after 4 (a full day of back to back meetings which resulted in me not eating anything since 8 AM this morning nor having any liquids all day either left me exhausted and with a raging headache so I gave myself a 'break' and left after only a 10 hour day today) and took H. to our local board shop - aptly named The Board Authority. The clerk there confirmed that all the components H. had selected will work together so we will order the components tonight and the shop will put the board together for us when everything gets here.
While we were there, H. saw a pair of board shoes he wanted - and a new Famous shirt - so for his surprise (which now isn't), I treated him to the pair of shoes and the shirt. The board won't be here for a few days and then the shop will have to put it together - so he won't have much to 'open' on his big day. So a few treats for his special day - and I still have to get to Target tomorrow to get him a PS3 game he also asked for.
The shoes came out of the box not laced - and it took me two tries to get them 'right'. Seems there is a technique to lacing board shoes - the laces have to go 'over' the top of opening and then through - not coming 'up' through and then back and forth - they have to be 'over' the edge of the 'eye' section. AND THEN, he tucks the 'tie' underneath the tongue of the shoe - so the 'tie' part doesn't show on the top of the shoe - it's tucked inside. It looks like it would hurt the top of his foot but he insists it's fine. It was a time consuming process and I was pretty patient. I didn't want him to end up buying shoes he won't wear - and he was so excited that they also came with a pair of bright red laces. I can't believe he's going to use them - but he says he will. His tastes are so mercurial.
His graduation from 8th grade is a week from his birthday. He wants a stereo for his room and that will be his grad gift. I will hope to make it to Target over the long weekend - if not, I'll resort to giving him graduation cash and he can get the stereo next weekend.
He's growing up. He's a sweet, loving, good-hearted kid who's popular with the ladies and also with most adults. He's well mannered, helpful and a kind soul. And funny and too cute for his own good. He has me wrapped around his little finger - he always has and probably always will. He has a 'look' he gives me and it still melts me, even though it's now coming from a youth who towers over me. I love him with all my heart - a heart that bursts with pride when I see him. He is an amazing young man and I'm so, so proud of him. And I can't believe my baby is going to be 14.
Tempest fuget.
Won't
He will not go quietly. He knows who he is. So does Bug.
It's flattering, and heartfelt, and sweet. But I can't keep pending my life trying to decide. I have decided. I'M THE DECIDER. You'd think a Republican would get that.
And I love him for it. Which only makes it harder.
I will treat him to lunch and let him have his say. But I have decided. Just so we're all clear. Sort of. Pretty much. Well, yes, I have - really.
It's flattering, and heartfelt, and sweet. But I can't keep pending my life trying to decide. I have decided. I'M THE DECIDER. You'd think a Republican would get that.
And I love him for it. Which only makes it harder.
I will treat him to lunch and let him have his say. But I have decided. Just so we're all clear. Sort of. Pretty much. Well, yes, I have - really.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Confirmed
So H. is now also a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He made an appropriate slightly 'ucky' face when he tasted the wine at his First Communion. It was a blessed day. J. played bass and had a 'solo' - I was so proud. We had a very nice breakfast at the church for the conifirmands and their families. Then into the church. After the services, we partied at the D. family's house with lots of friends - most of whom we know since we spent New Years Eve with them and have interactions frequently 'cuz of the kids. H. and their son K. will graduate 8th grade in a couple weeks and we'll be partying there again, no doubt. It's lots of fun and I always marvel at how gracious and talented our hostess is. She always makes it all look so easy - and she never seems stressed or nervous. I never feel that 'comfortable' when I have a house full of people. But she makes it look so easy.
J. and I also took a big step toward our health - we signed on for Medifast. It's one of the diets J.'s doctor recommended and so we've submitted our first order. We know it will be hard but we're determined and doing it together will help. I need a jump start to losing some weight - something that Weight Watchers doesn't give. Too much figuring out what to eat, how many points, etc. I just need to have the food in front of me and know how many to eat and when. Medifast fits that to a tee. One of the friends we see at church and saw today at the party has lost 30 pounds and she looks fantastic. So we're signed up.
The kids each received confirmation 'cash' from us - B.'s is a bit 'late' since he went through the 'confirmation' process in the adult weekend retreats. They thanked us profusely for the money and then promptly told us what they are spending it on - which we're not happy about, but it is their money. B. wants (yet another) pair of sunglasses. H. wants to buy a pair of black sneakers. Which he already has. A pair that he 'had to have' for basketball that just sits. He doesn't wear them since basketball is over. So he will spend his gift on shoes. I don't get it. It disturbs me greatly to hear them planning to spend money on things that have no 'need' in their requirement. They're going to just 'blow it'. Irritates me. But the money was a gift and it is theirs, so I will express my displeasure and let them do what they want with it.
I am going to hit my 'work' stack shortly. I am so far behind. Scares me. Must get caught up - only since I'm not completely clear what all it is that needs to be done, it's a bit challenging. But I'll figure it out. Or die trying.
Happy Sunday. My son's are 'connected' to their faith in a way I never was as a teen and I'm strangely proud of that. And happy for them. And feeling more blessed than ever.
J. and I also took a big step toward our health - we signed on for Medifast. It's one of the diets J.'s doctor recommended and so we've submitted our first order. We know it will be hard but we're determined and doing it together will help. I need a jump start to losing some weight - something that Weight Watchers doesn't give. Too much figuring out what to eat, how many points, etc. I just need to have the food in front of me and know how many to eat and when. Medifast fits that to a tee. One of the friends we see at church and saw today at the party has lost 30 pounds and she looks fantastic. So we're signed up.
The kids each received confirmation 'cash' from us - B.'s is a bit 'late' since he went through the 'confirmation' process in the adult weekend retreats. They thanked us profusely for the money and then promptly told us what they are spending it on - which we're not happy about, but it is their money. B. wants (yet another) pair of sunglasses. H. wants to buy a pair of black sneakers. Which he already has. A pair that he 'had to have' for basketball that just sits. He doesn't wear them since basketball is over. So he will spend his gift on shoes. I don't get it. It disturbs me greatly to hear them planning to spend money on things that have no 'need' in their requirement. They're going to just 'blow it'. Irritates me. But the money was a gift and it is theirs, so I will express my displeasure and let them do what they want with it.
I am going to hit my 'work' stack shortly. I am so far behind. Scares me. Must get caught up - only since I'm not completely clear what all it is that needs to be done, it's a bit challenging. But I'll figure it out. Or die trying.
Happy Sunday. My son's are 'connected' to their faith in a way I never was as a teen and I'm strangely proud of that. And happy for them. And feeling more blessed than ever.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Removed
I just removed a post on the advice of my 'monitor'. AKA J. Lest I end up saying too much and getting dooced.
Bug already read it and it was her for whom it was written anyway. So mission accomplished. She knows the details. And the status.
More later.
Bug already read it and it was her for whom it was written anyway. So mission accomplished. She knows the details. And the status.
More later.
Bug
"Bug" is the nickname for my friend N. Her soon to be mother-in-law started calling her that when she (N.) worked for her and used to 'bug' her all the time with questions, etc. I can relate to that since Bug used to work for me. With me, but technically for me, since I was her boss. Not that she needed one. And she didn't really 'bug' me that much - she did ask a lot of questions, but she's a thinker and she likes to learn and so it didn't bother me. But the name stuck and since I make it a point to never use actual names in this blog, Bug she will be henceforth.
N. is quite possibly one of the most motivated young person I've ever met. She was a stand out college student and was quickly tapped by the President's Office to help with a big data analysis project we had undertaken. I loved her from the start - how focused she is. How dedicated. She works so hard and does so much - she is just a driven young lady.
She is working still at the college and 'filling in' both my old job and doing hers. AND she's in her last semester at St. Mary's college, which she's paying for herself - not just the semester - the whole enchilada. AND she's getting married to the wonderful M., who I don't technically know but I love him anyway 'cuz he loves her and she loves him and they're getting married and having babies someday - and that's all that matters to me. He makes her very happy - he who just graduated from the Citadel - so no slouch is he, either.
Bug reminds me what it's like to be young and enthusiastic. When everything and anything is possible. And what it's like to be in love - and so excited about marriage, family, etc.
I miss her very much. And when we get together, we just pick up where we left off and usually end up laughing our heads off. She makes me laugh so hard, my stomach muscles hurt. I love her and miss her and wish I could see her more.
Because she enjoys my blog so much (thank you!), she has started one of her own. Check it out at www.bugsbuzzings.blogspot.com.
Hugs to you, my sweet friend. I feel the exact same way about reading your blog, now. So keep writing, 'kay?
N. is quite possibly one of the most motivated young person I've ever met. She was a stand out college student and was quickly tapped by the President's Office to help with a big data analysis project we had undertaken. I loved her from the start - how focused she is. How dedicated. She works so hard and does so much - she is just a driven young lady.
She is working still at the college and 'filling in' both my old job and doing hers. AND she's in her last semester at St. Mary's college, which she's paying for herself - not just the semester - the whole enchilada. AND she's getting married to the wonderful M., who I don't technically know but I love him anyway 'cuz he loves her and she loves him and they're getting married and having babies someday - and that's all that matters to me. He makes her very happy - he who just graduated from the Citadel - so no slouch is he, either.
Bug reminds me what it's like to be young and enthusiastic. When everything and anything is possible. And what it's like to be in love - and so excited about marriage, family, etc.
I miss her very much. And when we get together, we just pick up where we left off and usually end up laughing our heads off. She makes me laugh so hard, my stomach muscles hurt. I love her and miss her and wish I could see her more.
Because she enjoys my blog so much (thank you!), she has started one of her own. Check it out at www.bugsbuzzings.blogspot.com.
Hugs to you, my sweet friend. I feel the exact same way about reading your blog, now. So keep writing, 'kay?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Tales of Helpers
Our cleaning lady D. is here today - she wears earbuds and chats on the phone while she works. She is the third cleaning 'person(s)...
