So, I've decided that I must get rid of this weight that seems to be accumulating all over. Some of you will stop reading here because you think I am a nut case. FINE!!! Quit reading. BUT there is a warning for you young, skinny twigs of a person out there. I was one of those twigs. Now, I'm not going to blame this bit of flab on my kids like some people do. I weighed 105 when I graduated from HS. EGADS. That was in 1973. I did fine for a long time...eating those Double Whoppers, fries, malts, banana splits, etc. etc. People told me when I was pregnant to "NOT" gain so much. I had never had a weight problem before, why would I have one now! So, I would eat everything and anything and gain, gain, gain...until I was over 200 pounds. Yeah...that's right. But, I lost it all eventually. After I had my last baby in 1983, GADS Bobby...you are old!, I did get back down to my normal weight. BUT THE YEARS have passed...I have put on a few pounds. At first it was a pound here, a pound there. Somewhere over the last twenty-five years (NOT the rainbow), I have chalked up about forty pounds. I'm not going to say how much really, but close to two pounds a year. That doesn't sound too bad does it. Two pounds a year. But the clothes I want to wear don't fit anymore. I want to be able to not only bend over, but be able to breathe when I do it.
In August of 2005 I decided to join some of my closest friends and do the Weight Watcher thing. NO I didn't have the money to really do it, I just counted points. It was really easy and I felt a lot better. I even exercises! YUCK!!!! AND double YUCK!!! Anyway, I started to lose weight and I was inspired by it! I lost almost twenty pounds and was about five pounds from where I wanted to be. WOOHOO!!! Well, here I am three years later and I have put it all back on...and then some!!!
SO...yesterday morning I started a new regime! I am going to eat my Weight Watcher portions, exercise and think skinnier thoughts. Similar to happy thoughts, but I don't care to fly alone. :) The hardest part is the exercise. I absolutely HATE (yes, I know that is a very strong word, but I do) to exercise. I'm also starting out small. For five minutes, yes, that's FIVE minutes every morning, I put on the Doobie Brothers, (that's what I've put on the last two mornings) and I work it. Yesterday I could hardly do the five minutes, but this morning, despite the pain I was feeling in a few places, it wasn't so bad. I could do the five minutes fairly easy. So, I have my own little program going by my self and if I keep going, I believe I will see some results before too long. Let me clarify something here. I DO NOT want be that 105 lb. twig I was in my youth. 125 would be okay...even 130. BUT that's it!!!!!
I never thought when I was younger that all of those women would be right. BUT they were. Something happens to our cute little youthful bodies. I really haven't a clue as to what, and don't care. I'm just going to fight it.
There are a few things I have learned from doing this...
1. If you want to lose weight, no matter how much, just do it 5 pounds at a time. Don't keep saying, "This isn't working...I still have 600 pounds to go!!!
2. Water is very important. Something I need to do anyway. NO sodas. I don't drink them anyway. My choice, but I just don't.
3. Varied exercises is a good thing. It tricks the body. Another thing I don't understand and don't care. It just works. Five minutes here and five minutes there all can add up to the thirty minutes you should do each day. I think I'll get out my roller skates and air up the bike tire.
4. Smaller portions. Just do it.
5. Think "I am thin." NOT, "GADS, I AM SO FAT!!!" or "IF I EAT THIS I AM GOING TO GAIN SO MUCH WEIGHT!!!" You have to think positive...think thin thoughts. (WOW! Try typing that fast and correct!)
6. Eat healthy and smart.
7. Reward yourself when you lose that first five pounds. AND every five pounds after that. Don't eat a whole cake, or pie or what ever, but treat yourself.
8. If you mess up...get back up and keep going. Stuff happens.
9. Park so you have to walk.
10. Pack your lunch rather than buy one. It's healthier and cheaper. (Budgeting is another note.)
11. Don't get discouraged if the weight doesn't just fall off. It took me twenty-five years to get here, it's not going to disappear overnight. GET REAL!!! I WISH!!!
If I think of any more tips, I'll try to remember to jot them down.
Am I in pain....NO...only when I move. ;)
AND here it is May 12, 2010...I haven't lost a pound. Better get with the program!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Standing for something in my life...7 November 2008
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...yes, the Mormons.
Sometimes it is hard to stand up for something...especially something you believe that others don't. Either because they lack the knowledge or faith. Some don't grasp it because they have become so learned that they have lost their faith. I have a great faith, and while I have learned many things taking many classes, my faith has only been strengthened. Little did the wonderfully enlightening History professors: Laurie Coe, Dr. Greiert, Dr. McLear, Dr. Trifan, Kim Schutte and others, at MWSU know that as I attended in their classes, they were strengthening my testimony, not only of my knowledge of the scriptures, but of my faith and my church. Everything they taught backed up what I had learned at church and by reading the scriptures. I found it all very interesting. Maybe even odd. I had an appreciation of their knowledge and what it did to my knowledge...and understanding of what I knew.
As the world spins in predicted troubled times, a poem from my youth comes to mind:
Dare to be a Mormon.
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm.
Dare to make it known.
Yes, I am a Mormon. I have been all of my life. My parents joined the church in April of 1953. I was born a little more than two years later. We moved to Hawaii in 1956, where my dad's love of golf took him to the course on Sunday instead of Church. My parents divorced when I was six, and we moved almost every year after that (my mother was a gypsy in another life...not really, but this is a long story).
I was born with an intense desire to attend church. I felt loved there. In fact it was the only place I felt loved. I yearned to go, and through most of my childhood and youth, my mother would take me, drop me off, and then come and get me. When I was old enough to drive, I took myself. This was not just a Sunday thing. There was Primary during the week, and then MIA when I turned twelve. AND then there was Seminary. From the time I was fifteen until I graduated, I went to Seminary every morning before school. I don't think I learned as much as I could have, but I had that constant desire to be there. Not just seminary, but any church meeting. The spirit was so strong in me to be there. I really didn't have a knowledge of it all, but I had the "feeling." That feeling kept growing. And when I needed it the most, that feeling helped me through one of the darkest periods of my life.
In the middle of the '80's, my whole life came apart. I had four small children and my husband left us. Everything I believed in, everything I knew, was blown apart. I had been through a lot in my life, (something for another note), but this was the turning point in my life. I continued to go to church, pushed by my oldest son a couple of times, where I received strength to go on. But I got out my scriptures and read them. Well, studied them. Pondered them. Tried to figure out what the heck was going on and trying to make some sense of it all. Trying to figure out why I had this "feeling" and why I was drawn to this church. I had been to many others, but none of them made me feel the way I did when I was there. Having moved more than a dozen times, I found that everywhere I went, the church was the same. I had the same feelings, the same desires. The older I got, the more aware I was of that fact, and the more I felt at home each time I walked into a different building when we moved. The more I read, the more I prayed to understand things. The more blows in life I took, the more strength I received. It was the most awesome thing.
In January of 2000, I started taking classes at MWSU. History finally fascinated me. You see, it had a lot to do with my scripture reading. I wanted to know. I wanted to understand the prophecies I had read about. These classes helped me in more ways than those professors will ever know. I was enlightened. It was AWESOME. And even though the church wasn't in any of their discussions per se, it was to me. I left classes strengthened in what I knew to be true. My testimony grew.
I know now what I have searched my whole life to understand. I know why I have this "feeling" and it's awesome. I am able to stand for something and not only feel it, but know why.
I know that there are troubled times ahead. I know what's coming. I've read about it.
(NOTE: if any of you are checking my spelling or grammar, I apologize. I'm just writing from my heart.)
Sometimes it is hard to stand up for something...especially something you believe that others don't. Either because they lack the knowledge or faith. Some don't grasp it because they have become so learned that they have lost their faith. I have a great faith, and while I have learned many things taking many classes, my faith has only been strengthened. Little did the wonderfully enlightening History professors: Laurie Coe, Dr. Greiert, Dr. McLear, Dr. Trifan, Kim Schutte and others, at MWSU know that as I attended in their classes, they were strengthening my testimony, not only of my knowledge of the scriptures, but of my faith and my church. Everything they taught backed up what I had learned at church and by reading the scriptures. I found it all very interesting. Maybe even odd. I had an appreciation of their knowledge and what it did to my knowledge...and understanding of what I knew.
As the world spins in predicted troubled times, a poem from my youth comes to mind:
Dare to be a Mormon.
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm.
Dare to make it known.
Yes, I am a Mormon. I have been all of my life. My parents joined the church in April of 1953. I was born a little more than two years later. We moved to Hawaii in 1956, where my dad's love of golf took him to the course on Sunday instead of Church. My parents divorced when I was six, and we moved almost every year after that (my mother was a gypsy in another life...not really, but this is a long story).
I was born with an intense desire to attend church. I felt loved there. In fact it was the only place I felt loved. I yearned to go, and through most of my childhood and youth, my mother would take me, drop me off, and then come and get me. When I was old enough to drive, I took myself. This was not just a Sunday thing. There was Primary during the week, and then MIA when I turned twelve. AND then there was Seminary. From the time I was fifteen until I graduated, I went to Seminary every morning before school. I don't think I learned as much as I could have, but I had that constant desire to be there. Not just seminary, but any church meeting. The spirit was so strong in me to be there. I really didn't have a knowledge of it all, but I had the "feeling." That feeling kept growing. And when I needed it the most, that feeling helped me through one of the darkest periods of my life.
In the middle of the '80's, my whole life came apart. I had four small children and my husband left us. Everything I believed in, everything I knew, was blown apart. I had been through a lot in my life, (something for another note), but this was the turning point in my life. I continued to go to church, pushed by my oldest son a couple of times, where I received strength to go on. But I got out my scriptures and read them. Well, studied them. Pondered them. Tried to figure out what the heck was going on and trying to make some sense of it all. Trying to figure out why I had this "feeling" and why I was drawn to this church. I had been to many others, but none of them made me feel the way I did when I was there. Having moved more than a dozen times, I found that everywhere I went, the church was the same. I had the same feelings, the same desires. The older I got, the more aware I was of that fact, and the more I felt at home each time I walked into a different building when we moved. The more I read, the more I prayed to understand things. The more blows in life I took, the more strength I received. It was the most awesome thing.
In January of 2000, I started taking classes at MWSU. History finally fascinated me. You see, it had a lot to do with my scripture reading. I wanted to know. I wanted to understand the prophecies I had read about. These classes helped me in more ways than those professors will ever know. I was enlightened. It was AWESOME. And even though the church wasn't in any of their discussions per se, it was to me. I left classes strengthened in what I knew to be true. My testimony grew.
I know now what I have searched my whole life to understand. I know why I have this "feeling" and it's awesome. I am able to stand for something and not only feel it, but know why.
I know that there are troubled times ahead. I know what's coming. I've read about it.
(NOTE: if any of you are checking my spelling or grammar, I apologize. I'm just writing from my heart.)
Time 2 November 2008
Other than money, which is important, TIME is the most valuable commodity in our lives. Not the magazine, although at times, it is interesting to read...BUT TIME is valuable. Some people don't think so. I do. I guess the older I get, the more important it is to me. It also becomes important in how I spend my time. Several (probably 10) years ago I went to a lecture on Time management. Just as you would budget your money, we learned how to budget our time. I loved it. I don't know how many times a day I hear someone say, "I don't have time," or "I couldn't do that because I ran out of time." The sad thing is when they say, "I really wanted to do that, but no time." How can you run out of time? We all get 24 hours in a day. I do anyway.
I have/had relatives who, no matter where they were, or what they were doing, they absolutely HAD to be home at 1:30 in the afternoon to watch General Hospital or Edge of Night or One Life to Live...possibly all three. They were old though...retired...no kids, so that's what they did. As a child I couldn't understand it, as a teenager, I thought it was weird that someone would do that, and as an adult, I thought it was just flat crazy that someone would do that. OH by the way...if I am offending you, I'm sorry you are offended. You may be one of those people who have nothing else to do.
I also know people who spend literally six to eight hours in front of a computer playing games when their children want to go out and play.
Yes, we have some great vices that help us to waste time...or not waste it, but use it up so we don't have time for the important things.
I have some really great ones. I love to read. I got hooked on a series of books about 15 years ago. Each book had anywhere from 250 to 400 pages and there were 9 volumes. I absolutely LOVED them. They came out each October and I would get the new one on a Friday and sit down and read it until I was done sometime Sunday. I didn't do anything else but read. My kids probably thought I was out of my mind. Well, they really do think that, but not just because of the reading. I have been known to obcess with many things...quilting and sewing are big ones, crocheting, knitting, painting...you name it, I'm there. I found that nothing was getting done. So...the Time Management Lecture. AWESOME. It wasn't that I hadn't tried it before, I just got caught up in other things and, well, didn't do it anymore.
ENTER...Multi-tasking. I have had so many people ask me, "How do you possibly get all this done?" "When did you find the time?" Well, the time was already there. Remember we have those 24 hours...I found that if I really wanted to get things done, I had to change my mindset, and my habits. If something was important to me, or my family, then I would take the time to do it. Not find the time, TAKE the time. You have to take hold of yourself and do it. There are certain "modern" conveniences which we have that our grandmothers and mothers didn't have. When they did the wash, they actually had to wash the clothes...they had to do it...not put it in and let it do it by itself. Then they had to hang it on the line. All we have to do is throw it in the dryer. So, I have found that I can put a load of laundry in, then go and make up a batch of banana bread or some other culinary favorite and put it in the oven. While the wash is going and the other stuff baking, I can get the dishes done, clean or some other thing. If I have calls to make, I can do that...while I knit, crochet, sew, or whatever. I have found that I can do at least five things at one time...if I plan it right. It is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!!! So, that's how I get things done. I still have time to read and quilt, scrapbook, sew, garden, etc. Byt the way, I learned how to do this out of necessity. I was working one full-time job at CHS, four part-time jobs, taking classes at MWSU and trying to take care of a house. Among other things.
I guess the saddest thing is watching people waste their time, and then say they didn't have time to do something they wanted to do. Too bad...so sad. If you don't take it...it's gone.
I have/had relatives who, no matter where they were, or what they were doing, they absolutely HAD to be home at 1:30 in the afternoon to watch General Hospital or Edge of Night or One Life to Live...possibly all three. They were old though...retired...no kids, so that's what they did. As a child I couldn't understand it, as a teenager, I thought it was weird that someone would do that, and as an adult, I thought it was just flat crazy that someone would do that. OH by the way...if I am offending you, I'm sorry you are offended. You may be one of those people who have nothing else to do.
I also know people who spend literally six to eight hours in front of a computer playing games when their children want to go out and play.
Yes, we have some great vices that help us to waste time...or not waste it, but use it up so we don't have time for the important things.
I have some really great ones. I love to read. I got hooked on a series of books about 15 years ago. Each book had anywhere from 250 to 400 pages and there were 9 volumes. I absolutely LOVED them. They came out each October and I would get the new one on a Friday and sit down and read it until I was done sometime Sunday. I didn't do anything else but read. My kids probably thought I was out of my mind. Well, they really do think that, but not just because of the reading. I have been known to obcess with many things...quilting and sewing are big ones, crocheting, knitting, painting...you name it, I'm there. I found that nothing was getting done. So...the Time Management Lecture. AWESOME. It wasn't that I hadn't tried it before, I just got caught up in other things and, well, didn't do it anymore.
ENTER...Multi-tasking. I have had so many people ask me, "How do you possibly get all this done?" "When did you find the time?" Well, the time was already there. Remember we have those 24 hours...I found that if I really wanted to get things done, I had to change my mindset, and my habits. If something was important to me, or my family, then I would take the time to do it. Not find the time, TAKE the time. You have to take hold of yourself and do it. There are certain "modern" conveniences which we have that our grandmothers and mothers didn't have. When they did the wash, they actually had to wash the clothes...they had to do it...not put it in and let it do it by itself. Then they had to hang it on the line. All we have to do is throw it in the dryer. So, I have found that I can put a load of laundry in, then go and make up a batch of banana bread or some other culinary favorite and put it in the oven. While the wash is going and the other stuff baking, I can get the dishes done, clean or some other thing. If I have calls to make, I can do that...while I knit, crochet, sew, or whatever. I have found that I can do at least five things at one time...if I plan it right. It is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!!! So, that's how I get things done. I still have time to read and quilt, scrapbook, sew, garden, etc. Byt the way, I learned how to do this out of necessity. I was working one full-time job at CHS, four part-time jobs, taking classes at MWSU and trying to take care of a house. Among other things.
I guess the saddest thing is watching people waste their time, and then say they didn't have time to do something they wanted to do. Too bad...so sad. If you don't take it...it's gone.
Fairytale life 1 November 2008
Well, I just watched Fool's Rush In for the umteenth time! It ends with my absolute most favorite Elvis song. I cry everytime I hear it. I could just be driving down the street, and it could come on...I cry. Yes, I am a totally emotional sap. It's just me. I think I have a daughter like that...maybe two. But anyway, I have wondered lately if the fairy tale ending will be in my life. I thought it was, but he lied. Maybe lied is a harsh word...How about...he wasn't completely truthful.
I watch movies like the one tonight, and I wonder how it would be to have someone hunt you down because they love you that much. To stare at you with admiration. To care so deeply that you are the only one on his mind. To sacrifice.
I sacrificed for the last one. Well, the first one too. But in different ways. With the first one, I sacrificed my life and who I was. I tried so hard to be who he wanted me to be and I ended up being someone I didn't recognize and someone he "never really loved." He just "thought I would make a great mother" for the "two children he wanted. " Maybe that's what happens when you marry a friend. I don't know. But I tried. I tried for 16 years. I even prayed after that...but there was no fairy tale ending. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried, nothing I did changed the fact that I was not the one.
Then there was the next one. The last one. He's not been present in my life for a couple of years. He phones now and then, wondering how I am, expresses his feelings for me, etc. but no fairy tale here either. OH there was at one time. I was so happy. It was incredible. Where I had to drag compliments out of the first one, or beg him to buy me things; the second one was so loving and generous. He would give me the world, but there was one thing he wouldn't or said he couldn't give me...at least not then. "Maybe later." It was always, "maybe later." How many times did I hear "maybe" or "might" I don't know...I lost count. He would tell me I was gorgeous, beautiful and the most wonderful lady in the world. We sat one night in the candle light of my oversized living room, both of us sitting in the rocking chair, and listened to the Bread Anthology. It didn't cost a thing, and I felt at peace and so secure. This should have been the fairy tale. But again, where I sacrificed everything, literally everything, he wouldn't or couldn't make that sacrifice.
So, I think...I'm really not that bad to look at. I am a pretty good cook. I can do almost anything. Mostly because I have had to. AND I do mean everything. I'm fairly smart. I like to have fun. I enjoy life. But, there are times when I think it would be so nice to have someone hold me, comfort me, protect me, help me make decisions, hug me, hold my hand when we are together. Somone who cares. Someone who is willing to make the sacrifice. I'm not asking for perfect. I know that isn't something that will happen. I guess it could, but I don't expect it. I never have. I'm not saying that because I don't have this fairy tale life, that I'm not happy. I am. I try to be totally happy everyday. BUT, there are times, like tonight, when I am alone, that I really wish I had someone to spend some time with. Maybe play a game, watch a movie, go for a walk, dance in the living room. I'm not high maintenance. I'm actually a pretty simple person. I love life.
So...fairy tale life...whereever you are, I'm right here...waiting...as always...
I watch movies like the one tonight, and I wonder how it would be to have someone hunt you down because they love you that much. To stare at you with admiration. To care so deeply that you are the only one on his mind. To sacrifice.
I sacrificed for the last one. Well, the first one too. But in different ways. With the first one, I sacrificed my life and who I was. I tried so hard to be who he wanted me to be and I ended up being someone I didn't recognize and someone he "never really loved." He just "thought I would make a great mother" for the "two children he wanted. " Maybe that's what happens when you marry a friend. I don't know. But I tried. I tried for 16 years. I even prayed after that...but there was no fairy tale ending. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried, nothing I did changed the fact that I was not the one.
Then there was the next one. The last one. He's not been present in my life for a couple of years. He phones now and then, wondering how I am, expresses his feelings for me, etc. but no fairy tale here either. OH there was at one time. I was so happy. It was incredible. Where I had to drag compliments out of the first one, or beg him to buy me things; the second one was so loving and generous. He would give me the world, but there was one thing he wouldn't or said he couldn't give me...at least not then. "Maybe later." It was always, "maybe later." How many times did I hear "maybe" or "might" I don't know...I lost count. He would tell me I was gorgeous, beautiful and the most wonderful lady in the world. We sat one night in the candle light of my oversized living room, both of us sitting in the rocking chair, and listened to the Bread Anthology. It didn't cost a thing, and I felt at peace and so secure. This should have been the fairy tale. But again, where I sacrificed everything, literally everything, he wouldn't or couldn't make that sacrifice.
So, I think...I'm really not that bad to look at. I am a pretty good cook. I can do almost anything. Mostly because I have had to. AND I do mean everything. I'm fairly smart. I like to have fun. I enjoy life. But, there are times when I think it would be so nice to have someone hold me, comfort me, protect me, help me make decisions, hug me, hold my hand when we are together. Somone who cares. Someone who is willing to make the sacrifice. I'm not asking for perfect. I know that isn't something that will happen. I guess it could, but I don't expect it. I never have. I'm not saying that because I don't have this fairy tale life, that I'm not happy. I am. I try to be totally happy everyday. BUT, there are times, like tonight, when I am alone, that I really wish I had someone to spend some time with. Maybe play a game, watch a movie, go for a walk, dance in the living room. I'm not high maintenance. I'm actually a pretty simple person. I love life.
So...fairy tale life...whereever you are, I'm right here...waiting...as always...
Thoughts on motherhood 19 May 2008
I love being a mom. It has been the most incredible thing in my life. My children, who are 25, 27, soon to be 29 and 31, are the most precious things in my life. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for them or try, short of being illegal, but I doubt they would ask me to do anything like that.
There were many challenges, trials (literally), joys, and blessings, but always LOVE. I never thought that siblings could love each other. I never experienced that in my life (yet) and I am always thrilled to see and hear how much my kids love each other. They are concerned about each other. They care for each other. They love each other.
I would love to know one thing I taught them that has been the most important to each of them. It would be interesting. I would love to know what they really think of me.
I am blessed to have been a part of literally thousands of other children's lives. Working in schools for 18 years has given me the opportunity to touch the lives of so many children. Some of them had abusive home lives, and would cling to me. Others couldn't find ways to talk to their moms (or dads), but could talk to me. The things I've heard have been sad at times, and hard to listen too. Some of them have actually said they hate their mothers. I found that truly sad. I told a kindergarten class that I loved children, and a little boy asked if I loved him. I told him yes...he said, "no one has ever said that to me." Why are some of these parents now days having children, and then not loving them, teaching them, spending time with them, or expressing that they are the most important things to them. More important than i-pods, video games, sports, or other things that take their place. I see mothers in the stores with their children and I am appalled at the ways in which they not only treat their children, but the words they use. I have been hurt to the core by some of the things I have heard. I am an adult, and my heart aches for what these tender hearts have heard and gone through.
Love your children. I am soooo very blessed. My children are my life. I probably should have put this on a blog, but I didn't think anyone would take the time to go to a blog. Let me know if you read blogs, and I will put more there.
For all of you my friends, who have touched the life of a child, Have a GREAT day!!!
There were many challenges, trials (literally), joys, and blessings, but always LOVE. I never thought that siblings could love each other. I never experienced that in my life (yet) and I am always thrilled to see and hear how much my kids love each other. They are concerned about each other. They care for each other. They love each other.
I would love to know one thing I taught them that has been the most important to each of them. It would be interesting. I would love to know what they really think of me.
I am blessed to have been a part of literally thousands of other children's lives. Working in schools for 18 years has given me the opportunity to touch the lives of so many children. Some of them had abusive home lives, and would cling to me. Others couldn't find ways to talk to their moms (or dads), but could talk to me. The things I've heard have been sad at times, and hard to listen too. Some of them have actually said they hate their mothers. I found that truly sad. I told a kindergarten class that I loved children, and a little boy asked if I loved him. I told him yes...he said, "no one has ever said that to me." Why are some of these parents now days having children, and then not loving them, teaching them, spending time with them, or expressing that they are the most important things to them. More important than i-pods, video games, sports, or other things that take their place. I see mothers in the stores with their children and I am appalled at the ways in which they not only treat their children, but the words they use. I have been hurt to the core by some of the things I have heard. I am an adult, and my heart aches for what these tender hearts have heard and gone through.
Love your children. I am soooo very blessed. My children are my life. I probably should have put this on a blog, but I didn't think anyone would take the time to go to a blog. Let me know if you read blogs, and I will put more there.
For all of you my friends, who have touched the life of a child, Have a GREAT day!!!
My children...with a new one. Soon I will have a Katie also.
Roller Skating on 15 January 2010
I have not skated in a few years. Not sure how many, but let's say a few anyway. We will start there.
No, I have not lost my ability to be spontaneous (My mind has been lost for a while though.)! Where do you think my children got it?!?!?! So, thinking I would like to add skating to my exercise repertoire, which by the way, isn't one of those you see advertised on the internet. OR one that you will find at the local gym. OH NO!!! This is one that I have concocted from my own ridiculous ideas. And while they may be strange or a little "out there" to you, they are perfectly NORMAL for me! I jump rope, ride my bike, hula hoop, do a variety of exercises that I enjoy (NOT), DANCE (YEAH BABY!!!) and now I have added roller skating! When I told Bobby that I was going to do that, his comment was, "I'm not so sure how I feel about this." I pressed for more information on that comment, and he said, "I just don't know what I think about my 55 year old mother skating!" AND I am NOT 55 yet. He suggested I keep my phone close for when I fell and broke my hip...or worse! I'm not sure if he lacks faith or confidence in me OR if he is just concerned for my welfare, BUT I went anyway. I was STOKED!!!!
When I put these OLD skates on, in the car, and then swung my legs out, and put my feet on the ground, I was SOOOO glad I didn't spray the wheels with WD-40 like I was going to do, but received a HUGE inspiration that I should NOT do that. WOW am I glad I listened!!!
By the way...these skates are old, but they aren't so old that they have a skate key. Although as a child, that's the kind I had. I wish I still had them...
Anyway, I had FUN, FUN, FUN!!! Some things I need to remember the next time are...MUSIC!!! No fun with out tunes! Other people might be fun. Refreshments could be good. At least some water. A hot dog would have been GREAT. BUT for now I will work on the water and the music.
SO...I didn't fall...and there may be an addendum tomorrow when I ACHE! HAHAHAHA!!! GO ME! AND don't be spying on me with a video camera! If you want to skate with me, let me know.
No, I have not lost my ability to be spontaneous (My mind has been lost for a while though.)! Where do you think my children got it?!?!?! So, thinking I would like to add skating to my exercise repertoire, which by the way, isn't one of those you see advertised on the internet. OR one that you will find at the local gym. OH NO!!! This is one that I have concocted from my own ridiculous ideas. And while they may be strange or a little "out there" to you, they are perfectly NORMAL for me! I jump rope, ride my bike, hula hoop, do a variety of exercises that I enjoy (NOT), DANCE (YEAH BABY!!!) and now I have added roller skating! When I told Bobby that I was going to do that, his comment was, "I'm not so sure how I feel about this." I pressed for more information on that comment, and he said, "I just don't know what I think about my 55 year old mother skating!" AND I am NOT 55 yet. He suggested I keep my phone close for when I fell and broke my hip...or worse! I'm not sure if he lacks faith or confidence in me OR if he is just concerned for my welfare, BUT I went anyway. I was STOKED!!!!
When I put these OLD skates on, in the car, and then swung my legs out, and put my feet on the ground, I was SOOOO glad I didn't spray the wheels with WD-40 like I was going to do, but received a HUGE inspiration that I should NOT do that. WOW am I glad I listened!!!
By the way...these skates are old, but they aren't so old that they have a skate key. Although as a child, that's the kind I had. I wish I still had them...
Anyway, I had FUN, FUN, FUN!!! Some things I need to remember the next time are...MUSIC!!! No fun with out tunes! Other people might be fun. Refreshments could be good. At least some water. A hot dog would have been GREAT. BUT for now I will work on the water and the music.
SO...I didn't fall...and there may be an addendum tomorrow when I ACHE! HAHAHAHA!!! GO ME! AND don't be spying on me with a video camera! If you want to skate with me, let me know.
Gardens, life...food for thought on 25 April 2010
B.V. gave a talk in church today, mentioning a few things about his garden and life. Things I think I'm going to expand on.
I love to garden. I love digging in the dirt, planting seeds or plants, and watching them grow...hopefully. Gardening is something that involves FAITH. I have planted many gardens in my life. I had a garden when my children were growing. There are MANY things to be learned from gardening...and not just about sowing and reaping--vegetables, fruits and herbs...or what ever.
The first thing you need is the soil. Several gardeners I know have their own "special" dirt mixes. I have a recipe for soil. I got it from D. M. My son Mike also has his own recipe. WHICH seems to be working...Seeds need good soil. Without the proper soil, the seeds will not grow as intended. This is true in life also, as we read in the parable of the sower. Matthew 13:3-8 "...Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." While this parable is in reference to hearing the word of GOD, the concept is the same.
You need good seeds too. Old seeds may not always germinate. Sometimes you can help the seeds along so they will germinate sooner. By placing them in water overnight, it softens the shell, husk, or pod, making it sprout sooner. Just as teaching a child from infancy will enable them to learn things easier when they start school
Planing depth is very important also. If you plant the seed too deep, the seed will take longer to appear...if indeed it does. Planting the seeds requires just the right depth. Not too deep or shallow. Same thing with life. If you give someone more information than they are ready for, getting too "deep," they may not understand what you are saying all.
Then comes the hard part. The waiting. While you wait, many things take place. Keeping the birds or cats from eating or digging up the seeds. I love birds AND cats, but they can undermine the best of plans. Just as Satan can undermine the good intentions of parents. There are also the dreaded WEEDS that will get into your garden...more of Satan's minions! If you don't keep up on them, they will overtake the precious plants you want to grow and choke them out. Satan will do the same thing with our children...and us. We must take care what we let grow in our lives. Some things look harmful, until they get overgrown and we ave become so used to them we no longer see the harm they are doing. GET the weeds while they are small. DON'T let them become overgrown!
Most gardeners do NOT want chemicals in their gardens. Preferring their vegetables, fruits and herbs to be "free" from contaminants. Yet in life, there are some who would contaminate their own bodies with drugs...whether it is alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc. OR it could be other things. Idol worship...I'm not just talking about plastic or metal figurines. I'm talking about far more than that. These are things we put BEFORE our families, children, spouses...things like sports or sports figures, television shows, movies, work, movie stars, computer or video games, etc. I think you can see where this is going. I don't want anything unnatural taking over my garden any more than I want the unnatural taking over my life. I want to be in control. I don't want to be controlled. I want only what I plant in my garden. So, anything that comes up that isn't what should be there...is removed. I pull it out and get rid of it.
I do my best to protect my seedlings. I water, nurture, protect and care for that which I have planted. Much in the same way that I raised my children. You do everything you can to see that they grow and develop they way you intend them to. Just like in Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
In the end, you will be able to enjoy that which you have sowed. I have enjoyed many a garden, and I REALLY enjoy my children!
Since Mike and I have planted a garden, I will periodically add photos...he's already been eating some of the things we planted. Life is good!
I love to garden. I love digging in the dirt, planting seeds or plants, and watching them grow...hopefully. Gardening is something that involves FAITH. I have planted many gardens in my life. I had a garden when my children were growing. There are MANY things to be learned from gardening...and not just about sowing and reaping--vegetables, fruits and herbs...or what ever.
The first thing you need is the soil. Several gardeners I know have their own "special" dirt mixes. I have a recipe for soil. I got it from D. M. My son Mike also has his own recipe. WHICH seems to be working...Seeds need good soil. Without the proper soil, the seeds will not grow as intended. This is true in life also, as we read in the parable of the sower. Matthew 13:3-8 "...Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." While this parable is in reference to hearing the word of GOD, the concept is the same.
You need good seeds too. Old seeds may not always germinate. Sometimes you can help the seeds along so they will germinate sooner. By placing them in water overnight, it softens the shell, husk, or pod, making it sprout sooner. Just as teaching a child from infancy will enable them to learn things easier when they start school
Planing depth is very important also. If you plant the seed too deep, the seed will take longer to appear...if indeed it does. Planting the seeds requires just the right depth. Not too deep or shallow. Same thing with life. If you give someone more information than they are ready for, getting too "deep," they may not understand what you are saying all.
Then comes the hard part. The waiting. While you wait, many things take place. Keeping the birds or cats from eating or digging up the seeds. I love birds AND cats, but they can undermine the best of plans. Just as Satan can undermine the good intentions of parents. There are also the dreaded WEEDS that will get into your garden...more of Satan's minions! If you don't keep up on them, they will overtake the precious plants you want to grow and choke them out. Satan will do the same thing with our children...and us. We must take care what we let grow in our lives. Some things look harmful, until they get overgrown and we ave become so used to them we no longer see the harm they are doing. GET the weeds while they are small. DON'T let them become overgrown!
Most gardeners do NOT want chemicals in their gardens. Preferring their vegetables, fruits and herbs to be "free" from contaminants. Yet in life, there are some who would contaminate their own bodies with drugs...whether it is alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc. OR it could be other things. Idol worship...I'm not just talking about plastic or metal figurines. I'm talking about far more than that. These are things we put BEFORE our families, children, spouses...things like sports or sports figures, television shows, movies, work, movie stars, computer or video games, etc. I think you can see where this is going. I don't want anything unnatural taking over my garden any more than I want the unnatural taking over my life. I want to be in control. I don't want to be controlled. I want only what I plant in my garden. So, anything that comes up that isn't what should be there...is removed. I pull it out and get rid of it.
I do my best to protect my seedlings. I water, nurture, protect and care for that which I have planted. Much in the same way that I raised my children. You do everything you can to see that they grow and develop they way you intend them to. Just like in Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
In the end, you will be able to enjoy that which you have sowed. I have enjoyed many a garden, and I REALLY enjoy my children!
Since Mike and I have planted a garden, I will periodically add photos...he's already been eating some of the things we planted. Life is good!
Since I already have an album titled Mike's Herb Garden...you can check it out when I add more photos...shortly.
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