Friday, December 27, 2013

The Agony and Excess of Having Things in Storage!!!

Since walking away from my home in Missouri in June of 2008, most ALL of my things have been in storage in Utah; most of it in a storage unit almost 400 miles from me. Difficult to just "run right over" and get what I want out. Nevertheless...that's the situation with that. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I had one thing or another, OR several things with me here. There are also those things which I know are in there, which I have decided will go into a MASSIVE garage/yard sale once I have my things with me. AND there are those things which belong to my children. Those things will be put for them to decide what they want to do with them. We'll see. One "man cub" insists, with complete asurety that there is "nothing I want in there"...we'll see. More on that later I'm sure. I believe he doesn't remember certain things which I KNOW he does want and would probably fight for it. Like I said, more on that at a later date.
When I did get back to Vegas in August of 2008, I had very little. Some clothes, plants, canned goods, baking and cooking items, dog...cat...and that's about it. I "thought"...and yes, I know what thought thought...that the time between moving and selling my home would be brief. Meaning a few months. However, my home in Missouri did not sell until the end of January 2012. In that time I moved from my youngest daughter's home to a rental home, back to her home, then to my oldest daughter's home...which is where I have been since March of 2012. I thought my stay here would be brief as well as all of the other places...firmly believing that I would be in my own home soon with my things living happily ever after. I was so sure that I would be in a home by this Christmas (2013) as the offer I'd made on a home had been accepted. Then the dreaded call came...and I was devastated.
So, I swore I would not, absolutely NOT, buy anything I had in storage...well, that lasted about two years. I bought new paints, brushes, crochet hooks and knitting needles. I bought clothes and shoes. I bought baking pans and various things. ONLY to have to put them in another storage unit here, because there wasn't much room where I am. SOOOOOOOOOOOO...here we go again.
Well, with the new year coming, I decided to take inventory of things in my kitchen...which consists of six boxes. They are herbs, spices, baking things, etc. WOW!!! The vast collection was indeed overwhelming.
Now, while this may not look like much, and no big deal, I hate buying things I already have. SO, in checking out everything and taking inventory, I found this...
 ...two celery salt, three chili powders...
 ...two ground cinnamon, two bottles of whole cloves...two cream of tarter, two bottles of crushed red peppers...
 ...two bottles of curry powder...one is HOT...two bottles of garlic salt and two of ground ginger...
 ...four bottles of Italian seasoning, and two bottles of mustard seed...
 ...two bottles of paprika AND FIVE bottles of parsley flakes....four of ground pepper and one coarse black pepper...
...three poultry season, two bottles of sesame seeds and five turmeric containers!!!!!!!!!! This inventory doesn't include the behind the scenes bottles of season salt, garlic pepper, lemon pepper, bottles of vanilla, boxes of soda and tins of baking powder. There were also five or six containers of beef bouillon as well. It is safe to say I have at LEAST a years supply of some of these things, and others a five year supply!!! I also found a couple of bottles of Balsamic Vinegar, apple cider vinegar and olive oil. I wonder if I can make some sort of salad dressing concoction?!?!?!
I spent about half an hour combining half full bottles and boxes; getting rid of some things and just sloughing off the excess.
I am praying THIS will be the year to move in to my own home, have my own things, be able to use ALL of what I have; to use my talents, abilities, inventory, etc. to benefit myself and others. It may not be through food all the time. It might be something else. Only time will tell. News at eleven!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

My first letter to Santa



                                                                                                        Four days before Christmas 2013
Dear Santa:
I’m sure you know who I am; rumor has it you know all of us…good and bad. I’m sure you know I’m 58 and a half years old, and this is the first time I’ve written to you; at least it’s the first time I remember writing to you. I’m sure you also know that when I was growing up, we “talked” of you, but no one ever said you did or didn’t exist. I don’t remember crying because I found out you didn’t; I guess because deep down inside, the idea of Santa was something magical. Whether or not you existed was a moot point to me as I believed in the idea of giving, of the magic and spirit of Christmas, so I don’t know that I ever needed one specific person. I believed that ALL of us had “Santa” in us.
I’ve “played” Santa many times; my children have “played” Santa. I’ve read stories about you and I’ve sung songs about you. I have incorporated you in to our Christmas by giving anonymously to others. Several times over the years, my children and I have picked families who we wanted to do something for. There were many different reasons for choosing each family. One family was chosen, NOT because we knew them well…NOT because we were really friends, but because we knew it would be the mother’s last Christmas and the nightly surprises for 12 days would be something memorable. I don’t know that they ever knew it was us, and it doesn’t matter. The only thing we desired to do was bring some kind of joy to them. Each of the other families was picked for a myriad of other reasons.
But here I sit tonight contemplating life, Christmas, humanity and the world. My heart has been touched by the pains in the world. I’ve wept over things that have happened in the news; and these things have only gotten worse in the last 15 years. I’ve pondered family, traditions, heartbreaks, joys, and memories past. I think about the future and what is ahead for my family, my life, this great country and the world. I think of those who do without on a daily basis; those who are struggling with life threatening illnesses or the complications of old age. I’ve thought a lot about my mother and her life. She will be 95 in one month. She can remember where she spent every penny she has ever had, but I’ve had to tell her 50 times how to answer her new cell phone we got her three weeks ago; also that it needs to be plugged in every night, keeping it in the box is defeating the purpose of said cell phone, which is also called a “mobile” phone because you can take it where ever you go, and keeping it next to the house phone also defeats the same purpose. So, as I ponder many, many things, I decided to write to you. Virginia did, she wrote to you…and little Susan Walker came to believe in you.
I’ll add a disclaimer here Santa…since this is my first letter and I’ve grown and aged far more than the children you receive letters from, this won’t be your typical letter. While I still have a LOT of childish tomfoolery in me, and I love to play games, do silly things with my grandchildren, laugh and have fun, I see some needs which I believe should be addressed. And so, with that, I am submitting this list of Christmas gifts.
1)      Compassion. I see folks who have lost their compassion. It’s a wonderful gift. When it’s given, it changes the heart of those who give.
2)      Healing. There are so many out there who are going through diverse illnesses and diseases. I know not all of them can be healed, but I hope most of them can.
3)      Tolerance. All of us have different beliefs, desires, passions, political affiliations, differences, religions, educations, colors, cultures, backgrounds, etc. IF each of us could be more tolerant, things might change.
4)      Respect. Each of us is a human being. We all came in to this world in the exact same way, for the most part, and we will all leave this world at an appointed time. We may be different, see the previous “gift”, but it is our differences which enrich all of our lives. All of our cultures are fascinating; they bring uniqueness to the world.
5)      Understanding. It seems that most people are so caught up in their own lives; they forget that everyone around them also has problems, challenges, health issues, struggles, and pain too. IF we could see their lives, as we see our own, it would help to be more understanding.
6)      Service. When we choose to get outside of our own lives and outside of the proverbial “box” and serve others, we will lose ourselves and our problems. When we look to see where we are needed, then, and only then, will see the needs of others and be able to serve them. When you serve others, you learn to love others.
7)      Joy. There is much sadness in the world. People need to laugh more; enjoy life more. They are so caught up in the act of survival; they have forgotten how to feel good.
8)      Peace. We live in a world where there is fighting. It may be the family next door, kids at school, OR certain factions of people…or countries. BUT there is fighting and killing. Most people want peace, but they aren’t willing to do what it takes to achieve peace.
9)      Forgiveness. Some people have a difficult time with this. They want to be forgiven, but aren’t willing to forgive others. They don’t understand that when they forgive, a weight is lifted from their heart. They can move on. When they hold those hard feelings in, they become bitter and hateful.
10)   Integrity. Somewhere, many have lost this trait and it would be a good thing to have back. People are quick to sue each other, steal, cheat or expect things they shouldn’t. They have an attitude that they are owed something, even though they haven’t worked for it. When people have to work for something they appreciate it a lot more. I know this may sound like a weird gift, but it will bring a righteous pride; a self-worth if you will.
11)   Love. Many of the above gifts will or can bring love in the end. BUT love has eluded some of us. Some are afraid of being hurt. Others are afraid of reaching out. Others can’t see past color, lifestyles or beliefs; sizes or cultures. Some can’t see past lifestyles, tattoos, piercings, fashions, or hairstyles.  IF we could love everyone, no matter what, we could change the world.
12)   Food/shelter. There are many who go without a decent meal once a day and have nowhere to live. They are out in the elements; some don’t have the clothes they need to keep warm, whether it’s their choice, or through no fault of their own.
13)   Jobs. There are many people who have lost their jobs; they have the desire to work, they just need a chance to find a job.
14)   Happiness. I see a lot of people every day who are negative and live a bitter life. I don’t know if they don’t know what happiness is, or if there is something keeping them from having happiness in their lives, but once you have it, it’s like a disease…it just spreads.
15)   Positive attitude. IF we could look beyond our troubles and grief, and look for the lessons life is giving us. What a gift!
16)   Hope. The number of people who have lost hope is astronomical. Their dreams have been shattered by so many things going on in the world and they don’t want to go on; they don’t know what to do or where to turn. They struggle with things in their lives which most people never know about; only see in the movie and can’t imagine anyone going through them. This is one of the big ones.

These are a few of the things I believe we could use at this time. I was taught the difference between needs and wants; while I know I want these things, I also know we sure need most of them. I also know these are some pretty BIG gifts and you may need help with them. I know that there is a God who hears all of our wishes, dreams, hopes, thoughts, and prayers. He is the one who can help you fill this order. Talk it over with Him and see what He thinks about it.And Santa…I have a little something personal to add. I’ve been struggling to find a home for the last few years; all of my things have been in storage for over five years. I’ve had a place to live, but I’d like a home of my own again. I don’t really need anything else, I’d just like my things which are in storage and that would be SO GREAT! I’ve been really discouraged and frustrated at times. IF you could point me in the right direction, I’d really appreciate it.

I love your red outfit. Red is my favorite color. I love that you and the elves make things by hand; I LOVE to make my gifts too. When I get my things from storage, I can do that again too…hint, hint.

Thanks Santa…and IF you need any help with this, I KNOW that “the BIG guy” is always available.