Animal Vermin

I stayed up late last night, wanting to prolong my weekend and put off the inevitable . . . the dreaded Monday.   When you work full-time, weekends are the best thing ever.  And Mondays are the enemy.   

"I hate Monday, will it ever end!"   
"Yahoo!  It's Tuesday!"  
"Hump Day!  Thank goodness!!"  
"Wow!  Is tomorrow Friday already???"  
"I thought Friday would never get here!" 

Every. single. week.  

So, I stay up late, almost every single Sunday, trying to get the most out of my weekend.   And late last night I watched The Next Iron Chef.   I went to bed just after midnight.   I dream every night, all night long (I think - - dreams are weird like that).   Most of my dreams are pretty entertaining, and I enjoy them.   However, I never talk in my sleep.   Until last night.   And it was just two words.  I remember saying these words, although I can't remember why I said them.   Just two words.  And I said them loudly, waking both myself and the dog up.    Animal Vermin.   That's what I said.   Animal Vermin.    Hmmmmm.

Animal Vermin

   

My Day of Rest

Enjoy Your Sabbath Day!

Have You Checked The Children?

I love scary movies.   Movies that make me jump.   Movies that make me want to cover my face with my hands.   Movies that keep me on the edge of my seat.   It doesn't happen very often that I want do any one of those things, let alone all of them during the same movie.   But I do have a few favorites.   

In honor of Halloween, I have to mention the movie, "Halloween."   The first one, of course, because I think the others that followed were just a little lame.   The first one, though, was scary enough that I bought a ringtone of the creepy Halloween theme song!   Kind of want to use it all year long . . .    "I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply evil."   Love it!

I love "The Haunting."   The original, with Julie Harris and Claire Bloom.   I have good childhood memories of that movie!   I remember watching it when I was a little girl, laying on the floor with my sisters and my mom.  And at one point I screamed and accidently slapped my mother in the face!  The good childhood memory is not slapping my mother in the face, but her watching the movie with us on the floor.   I just love my mom!   And I love that movie.

If you haven't seen "When A Stranger Calls" you need to go rent it . . . now!   Go!   Both versions are good, and both make me jump and keep me on the edge, heart beating fast.   I kind of have a special fondness for the original, however, because of Carol Kane.   I love Carol Kane (remember her in "Scrooged" - - "It's a toaster" - Bam! on the side of Bill Murray's head!! -- I laugh just thinking about that!).  

The Shining - - Jack Nicholson - - "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."   Need I say more?  The only issue I have with that movie is the choice of the wife.   Shelley Duvall?   Seriously?   Redrum.  Redrum.  Redrum.  Redrum.  Redrum.  Redrum.  Redrum.  Redrum. 

I think a scary movie marathon might be in the stars this weekend.  

Be careful, though, because you can't kill the boogeyman.

Marion Crane: Do you have any vacancies?
Norman Bates: Oh, we have 12 vacancies. 12 cabins, 12 vacancies

 

Was Casper Really a Friendly Ghost?

Confession.   I believe in things unseen.    Meaning, I believe there are spirits on the earth with us.   Good and bad.  I do.  I believe it.  I believe in paranormal happenings.  I love Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, Paranormal State, and every other paranormal, ghostly show on TV (except for the one with celebrity ghost stories - - no, thanks - - oh, and Medium - - I saw the real medium woman on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and didn't like her at all, so I won't watch that one, either).  But, fortunately for me, there is an abundance of TV reality paranormal ghost-hunting type shows that I can and do watch.

Halloween is getting close and a lot of fun, creepy, scary movies are on TV.  But that's not what I'm talking about.   I'm talking about real spirits and real paranormal activity.  Don't laugh.  It's real.   And don't get me wrong, either.  I'm not some creepy obsessed woman who lives her life hoping to see spirits and have paranormal experiences.  (Although I do have an EMF detector on my iphone, just in case - okay, a little weird, but I do).   And I will confess that I did go on a haunted bus tour of Las Vegas a couple of years ago.   Nothing creepy happened and I didn't see any spirits.   But I knew they were out there.  

The movie "Ghost" - - totally believe it. 

Oda Mae Brown: He's stuck, that's what it is. He's in between worlds. You know it happens sometimes that the spirit gets yanked out so fast that the essence still feels it has work to do here.
Sam Wheat: Would you stop rambling?
Oda Mae Brown: I don't think I'm rambling, I'm just answering the question. He's got a attitude now.
Sam Wheat: I don't have an attitude.
Oda Mae Brown: Yes, you do have an attitude. If you didn't have an attitude, you would not have raised your voice at me now, would you?
Sam Wheat: Would you relax?
Oda Mae Brown: No, you relax, you're the dead guy!

and then who can forget this line - -

Sam Wheat: It's amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you. See ya.

Spirits are walking the earth, people.  Believe me. 

(And Sam Wheat was right - - the love inside, we take it with us - - so, love, people, love.)

Nothing's Perfect

I stepped outside last night and I could see my breath.   And I smiled.  I knew fall was near.   It's been warmer than usual, and I worried that fall would get lost and maybe not stop and see us at all this year.   That would make me sad.  The colors of fall make me happy.   The crunch of leaves is the sweetest sound.   The cold, crisp air filling my lungs as I breathe it all in . . .  I love the fall.    Warm jackets, fireplaces, hot chocolate, pumpkins, Thanksgiving, Halloween (candy), apples, football, leaves - - What's not to love?  

CRAP!!   I just thought of Daylight Savings Time - - it ENDS in the fall!    Thanks alot, daylight savings time, for ruining my perfect little love affair with fall!!

Social Schmocial

I'm still not going to talk about the wedding.  We have one more reception to go this weekend . . . THEN I'll talk about it. 

I DID hear, however, that at the luncheon after the wedding, someone told some of my out-of-town family members that I needed "to get out more" and "be more social."   Haha!   That just cracked us up!   (Yet, at the same time it seemed a little like junior high.)  I don't like to be told that I need to be social.   I don't think it works like that, anyway.   I am social when and with whom I want.   You see, I love, love, love being home.  That's my favorite place to be.   And my family is my favorite group of people to hang out with.  They are hilarious!   My grown niece (who shall remain nameless) wanted to dance at the reception . . . on the table . . . with no music!  (Well, the table could have been my idea - - or maybe there was something about a pole - - and balloons - - I don't remember.)   She didn't dance, of course, but we all laughed until we cried.   And THAT is so much more fun than playing cards with a bunch of people who don't make me want to laugh until I cry.  

Don't get me wrong.  I DO like to go out occasionally, and I DO have fun.   

But, home is where it's at for me.  And family is and always will be my favorite social club!

(pə-thĕt'ĭk) also pa·thet·i·cal (-ĭ-kəl)

It's kind of pathetically embarrassing having to ask people to follow your blog.  "KIND OF" pathetically embarrassing, you say??  More like EXTREMELY HUMILIATING.   But that's what I did.  Yesterday.   On Facebook.   I pleaded with my Facebook friends to become followers of my blog . . . not to actually READ it if they didn't want to . . . just to sign up as a follower . . so I would look more popular than I actually am.   Not that I really want to BE popular.   I'm fine with being part of the scenery.   I don't really like to be the center of attention.   But I finally got up the courage to write not just in my head but so that people could see and read it . . . and I just kind of want my blog to look like it might be interesting and that people actually enjoy reading it so much that they come back day after day.  "Gotta get my cup of [whatever] and read my Minute By Minute blog.  Can't start the day without it."    An addiction.   I know.   It's pitiful.   And heartbreaking.   And paltry.  And distressing.  And wretched.   (I looked up synonyms for "pathetic" - - I love the word "pathetic.")  

But, my point is this . . . thanks to those of my Facebook friends who signed up to follow in response to my pathetic (love that word) pleas.   Although . . . just because you signed up doesn't mean you're reading this right now :)  

Calling All Cars

It was a wonderful weekend of family and wedding . . . but that's for another day.   I want to talk about cars.  We have (had) three cars.   A 1995 Dodge Caravan, which we bought brand new after a hail storm, so we got a good deal on it.  We didn't care that it had little teeny dents all over it.   It was ours, and it smelled good!   That van took us to a lot of places, and we have lots of good family memories in that car.    We also have a 1997 Kia Sephia, which we bought used from a newlywed couple who couldn't afford the payments anymore.   It's little, and it's got some issues.   It  wants to stall all the time, almost like it knows where we are going and it doesn't want to go there.  Very annoying.   Lastly, we have a 2005 Chevy Malibu Classic, white.  The only car that runs smoothly, even though it's bland and really has no personality.   At least we know we can count on it to start every morning and take us where we need to be.  Kind of like some people we know.  Kind of boring, but dependable.

We have been praying for years that our Dodge van would live long enough to see our children through their teenage years.   Our middle son kind of adopted it.   He drove it to work, to friends' houses, etc.    It leaked oil (our nextdoor neighbor asked us not to park it in front of his house).  It needed transmission fluid and water almost every single day.   It had a few bumps and bruises, and the paint was almost nonexistent.  And it accumulated a lot of fast food wrappers.   We named it the "purple ghetto van."   BUT, our prayers were answered.   It DID live long enough!

Our son doesn't know how to drive stick shift.   He moved to a very hilly place.   A place that snows . . . a lot.  He lives at the bottom of a hill - - and he can only get in and out from the TOP of the hill.  My husband and I decided that the little Kia Sephia was not a good fit for this scenario.   So, we sent off our only good, dependable car with our son.   So he could be safe.   We are such good parents.  

We sold our purple ghetto van - - please, no tears - - for a couple hundred dollars.   

We are now left with the Kia, the stubborn, stalling, gas guzzling little car.  

Our oldest son got married this weekend.  We had family come from all parts.   Our son came in from his new hilly, soon-to-be snowy home, driving that good, dependable car.   It was so good to see that car . . . I mean, our son . . . I felt like hugging it (him).  We drove the good, dependable car all weekend.   And then it was time for it (him) to go home.   Such a sad good-bye.    Until we meet again.

I think it may be time to think about a new(er) car.  One that doesn't stall.   One that doesn't resist going where we want it to go.  One that will let us be the boss.   Stay tuned.

Gone Fishing

Be back Monday :)

Sacrifice

Today I feel so grateful for loved ones who put their busy lives on hold and sacrifice their time - and their money - to travel hundreds of miles and many hours to help celebrate life's momentous occasions. And in just 3 short hours they strengthen the bonds of love between family. Then they turn around to travel many miles and many hours returning home. Until the next momentous occasion. And then they do it all over again. Why? Because they understand that family is the most important thing in this world.

That is what I'm grateful for today . . . And always.

Five Things

Five things to be grateful for -

1. My husband
2. Trevor
3. Drew
4. Shelby
5. Whitney
6. Janelle

Yes, I know. That is really six things . . . Or rather, six people. But it can all be summed up in one word - - FAMILY

Here Comes the Bride

Here comes the bride . . . well, we are the parents of the groom, but same difference.    Our son is getting married tomorrow, so I will be a little busy this weekend :)  Lots of family, lots of celebration, lots of stress . . . but more family and celebration than stress.  And the stress will leave . . . right?     And then Monday will come, and it will be quiet in our house.   And I will miss my son torturing the dog and distracting me while I'm trying to watch Real Housewives of . . . wherever.    But I'll get used to the calm . . . right?   RIGHT???  But, more importantly, my son will be married and happy . . .

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!!     

Say What?

Typical text conversation between my daughter and me - -

In less than 2 hours my time i can say see you tomorrow!
        Yea!   But it has to be MY time
My time is sooner
        Your time is lamer
My time is so much cooler than your time.  My time can kick your time's butt.
        Whatever
K IS FOR POTASSIUM
        Bananas are potassium
Therefore banana is K
        Whatever
BANANA
         K
Potassium
         Possum
         Dead Possum
Road kill.   Just got off the phone with Elizabeth.
         That's not nice to call her road kill.

Our own special language to say "I love you and thank you for being my daughter/mother."

Huh?  What'd you say?



Hibernation Vacation

hi·ber·nate

   /ˈhɪbərˌneɪt/ Show Spelled[hi-ber-neyt] Show IPA

verb (used without object), -nat·ed, -nat·ing.

1. Zoology . to spend the winter in close quarters in a dormant condition, as bears and certain other animals. Compare estivate.

2. to withdraw or be in seclusion; retire.

3. to winter in a place with a milder climate: Each winter finds us hibernating in Florida.

As I was putting my makeup on this morning (in the dark, hoping I wouldn't look like "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" when I was finished), I was thinking about hibernation.   About this time of year, every year, I feel like hibernating when I get home from work . . . and in a few weeks, it will be dark when I get home . . . which doesn't thrill me.   But I get home from work now and want to put on my sweat pants.   And do nothing.   Even though I love fall, I hate the fact that I can't motivate myself much in the evenings to do . . . ANYTHING!   Anything productive, that is.   I'm really good at lounging.   I mean, really good!     I think definition number 2 above applies to me.   But in definition number 3, if I could change the word "winter" to "vacation," I would certainly go for that definition!   I would vacation in a milder, sunnier, climate!   Probably not Florida, but maybe Hawaii.    My hibernation vacation.   

But, alas, I think my reality is that I just need to change those sweat pants to . . . oh, I don't know . . . jeans or something, and get up and do something!!!

Old and Cranky

Am I just old and cranky? I don't think I am, but I really feel like it sometimes.  Let me explain.   Every week there are a few TV shows that I really like to watch, and I look forward to them. (That right there makes me sound old - I picture myself sitting in an old recliner with my hand firmly gripping the remote.)  And I like to watch my shows alone, with complete quiet - no distractions.  One of these shows is the Real Housewives of New Jersey. I am embarrassed to admit that, but full disclosure and all that.  Every week I tell myself I'm not going to watch it anymore, but every week I seem to be drawn to the TV at a certain time and to a certain channel. What can I say - I'm weak.  But about the old and cranky thing - I have a child who loves to make noise. I don't know why. He's a happy child. And a noisy child (he's really a 22 year old adult - - but he's my child.)   And he seems to take great pleasure in making the dog bark . . . and bark . . . and bark . . . at the exact time I want complete quiet and no distractions. He does it on purpose. I give him dirty looks, but to no avail. He seriously enjoys making me mad. I know he does.  And I get cranky. And I want to yell at him and ban him from the house. And then I remember it's just a TV show . . . And he is my child whom I love beyond words.  And what a horrible mother I must be for wanting him to swallow a whole bottle of benadryl right now.

So, old and cranky??  You be the judge.

I Love Sundays

I love Sundays.  We are a church-going family, and believe in keeping the Sabbath day holy.  While a lot of people use both days of their weekends to play or work or whatever else they do the rest of the days of the week, we try to use our Sabbath days to uplift ourselves and others.  To recharge, so to speak, and get ready for the rest of the week.   It works for us.  Here are a few of the things that we try do to on the Sabbath day - -

• Play uplifting music
• Read scriptures and other uplifting material
• Take a walk

• Make phone calls to extended family
• Nap - I love that one!
• Visit others
• Look at family pictures or videos - this was one of our childrens' favorites!
• Play board games
• Write in our Journals

Yup.  I love Sundays!

Saturday is a Special Day

Yea!   It's Saturday.  A couple of days ago I committed to thinking of five things every day to be grateful for.   These are five things that I am grateful for today - this beautiful Saturday!

1.  NO WORK TODAY!!

2.  I get to go to "Real Deals" and find something for my living room wall!  Yea!

3.  My new towels are supposed to come today - - I love love love towels!   I probably have way too many towels for just two people, but . . . did I mention that I love towels?

4.  College football . . . ALL DAY LONG!

5.  I get to share this day with my husband :)

What a great day it's going to be!!

To Sleep or Not to Sleep

My son is getting married next week.   I'm not even the mother of the bride, yet my brain is so tired.   And I am getting over the flu, so my body is exhausted as well.   I would like nothing more than to go home and take a couple of Excedrin PMs and be out until tomorrow!  But this is the conversation going on in my head:

"That's really not a good idea.   You shouldn't waste time like that."

"It's a great idea . . . you should do it!  Besides, it's good to give your brain a rest." 

  

"No, I have too many things to do.   Too many things to think about doing."

"Come on!!!   You know you want to!!  Besides, you deserve it!"

"I CAN'T!!! (hands over my ears) SHUT UP!!!!!"

I don't know if I'll do it . . . I really do have stuff to do.   I have out-of-town family coming next Thursday, and I need to plan my menu and clean the house.  I don't really mind that because I haven't seen some of my family for a couple of years, and we are going to have a blast!

But, in the meantime, I wonder if just one night of really good sleep wouldn't hurt.   "Of course, it won't hurt.   It's GOOD for you!!"

Count Your Blessings

How often do we take for granted the things that should be so dear to us . . . our families, our friends or the beauty that really is all around us?   How often do we get wrapped up in the mundane things in our lives  . . . the house needs to be cleaned . . . why is there always so much laundry to be folded??? . . . why do they never take out the trash???  . . . how come the line at the grocery store is always so long, especially when I'm in a hurry???  . . .  the piles on my desk are growing .. and growing .. and growing.   Those are legitimate thoughts which can lead to legitimate feelings of frustration, etc.   I have them every single day.  

I think, though, that if we take precious time to think about the mundane things, we absolutely need to take time every single day to remember the things that should really matter most.    To remember the blessings in our lives that keep us going when we feel like quitting.

So, for the rest of the month, I am going to wake up every morning and remember and think about five . . . just five . . . things I am grateful for.     Here are my five for today . . . 

1.  I am very grateful for an awesome husband.   

2.  I have the three most amazing children. 

3.  I have a job.  A job that I don't hate.

4.  I live in the beautiful northwest, where nature really shows off.

5.  I am breathing.

It's actually not hard at all to think of things to be grateful for.    Give it a try.

  

  

  

Hey! That's MY Fantastical Fantasy!

The many faces of . . . me!

I have many faces, many opinions, and many moods.  But, I've said this before - -  political is not one of them.  Seriously, it's true.  So, believe me when I tell you that when I watched the Republican debate last night it wasn't because I am political.  I'm really just trying to be a good citizen and become informed.  Honest.  Plus, I really am just plain fascinated with the debates and the way the candidates interact with one another.

I was excited to hear Governor Romney talk about the middle class.  It seems he and I have the same Fantastical Fantasy!   He's not worried about the rich - they will be okay (he's been reading my blog). And the poor - - they have safety nets (hmmm - sounds familiar). But the middle class (me) - - they are suffering (true).  And they are forgotten (totally feels like it). 

Maybe . . . Just maybe . . . There's help around the corner.

Bad Mood

I think I'm in a mood . . . maybe it's because I'm getting the flu, and I'm achy and feverish (and maybe a bit delirious) . . . or maybe it's just because things are so out of whack.   (As I sit here sprawled across my desk, wondering if my shoes match and if I remembered to brush my hair before I left the house this morning, I'm thinking it's probably the flu.)  Whatever the reason, this is some of what's annoying me today . . .

Why do some stores think it's okay to hide the "plus" size clothes (size 14 and over) upstairs in a corner?   Why do you have to walk past the employees' lounge, out one door and in another, only to find them next to the bathroom and the luggage?  Why can't these clothes be on the main floor with all the other clothes?   And why do the displays and even the clothes themselves look so messy and unkempt?   So insulting!

Why can't some parents let their adult children who are away at college be just that . . . adults?   Some parents need to let go a little and stay out of their children's . . . and their children's roommates' . . . business.   Hopefully you taught them well.  (If not, shame on you.)  Trust them and let them grow up.   Seriously - -    Get a life! 

Why do some people feel it's okay to bash other people's religion and beliefs?   Maybe I'm naive, but I've never heard of a religion that teaches its members to be mean.  Oh wait, never mind.  I forgot about that church that protests military funerals.   So, so very wrong!

And why, oh why, does ice cream have to make you fat?  Ben and Jerry - - I love you guys, but why do you have to be so bad for me?

I think I need some Ny-Quil.   And a blanket. 







 

Are You Listening?

I have been on this earth a while . . . not as long as some people . . . but still a while.   So, I think I have a little life experience, and maybe a little wisdom as well.   As I was getting dressed this morning I thought of a "conversation" I had with a friend yesterday.   And I realized, yet once again, that most people have not mastered the art of listening.   I don't talk about myself very often, or about events in my life.   But when I DO, I would really appreciate the person I'm speaking to to listen to me.   Because IF I talk to someone about my life, that means it's really important to me.   And the thing is, I don't talk to just anyone.   I pick out friends, people who I think would be interested in what I have to say.   I wouldn't expect that just anyone would care about my life.   I would hope, however, that a friend would.   There are those rare people who DO know how to listen, and they are really interested in the things others have to say.  Count yourself blessed if you have a friend like that.   But it has been my sad experience that most people are too busy to really listen or are thinking about their own experiences and how they can top yours.   It kind of makes me not want to talk to anybody, or at least not about important things.   

Maybe we should all go back to college.   Listening 101.

Consider the Lillies

       
Sunday.

A day of rest.

A day of worship.

A day of peace.

A day of reflection.

A day of naps.

I think I will take one now.

The Land of Freedom

I am not political.   I don't want to run for office.  I don't want to hold up signs of protest or march on Washington, D.C.   I won't go on a hunger strike (maybe I should).  I won't handcuff myself to the State Capitol fence (or ANY fence).  I won't even throw fake blood at people who wear fur.  And I definitely will not blow up abortion clinics.  Which all really has nothing to do with whether I'm for or against an issue.  I have my opinions.  If you want to know them, ask me.  I'm just not inclined to do any of the above.  The most political thing I do is listen to talk radio . . . yes, even Rush Limbaugh.   And I vote.   And although I am not political, I will most definitely stand up for what I believe in.

But putting all of that aside, I AM very patriotic.  I love my country.  I lived in a foreign country for a year and a half.  I. Love. America!   I am so grateful to live in a land where people are free to protest peacefully if they choose and to let their voices be heard.  I am grateful for people who are tolerant of other people's opinions.   I am grateful to be able to walk out of my front door every single day, unafraid, and go about my business.  I am grateful for our forefathers who loved God and organized this country with His help.

And I am so, so grateful to the men and women who dedicate their lives to making sure that you and I are safe, and that this country remains a land of freedom.  Free to choose.  Free to speak.  Free to worship.  Free to be.  Free to live.  Free to love.

God Bless America!  Land of the free and home of the brave!

Falling for Fall

The road to my dream house



I love the fall.  It is my favorite time of the year.  Maybe it's because I grew up in Southern California where we didn't really have distinct seasons.  They all kind of blended into each other.  Back then I didn't really care.  I didn't know what I was missing.  But, here, in the beautiful Northwest, we have seasons.  And I love it!  And I would be very sad not to have each season to look foward to - - especially fall!  I love feeling the cool air on my face when I walk out the door.   I love having to wear sweaters and jackets.   I love coming home from work and feeling like I want to put on my pjs.  I know.  Kind of weird.  It's 5 p.m. and she's in her pjs.   But I love it!   I love sitting in the living room staring at the fireplace and listening to the crackling of the wood.  It's mesmerizing.   And comforting and oh so cozy.  I love drinking hot chocolate and feeling the warmth of the cup on my hands.  And I love college football!   There are so many things to be grateful for this time of the year.   And I am going to enjoy every single moment of it!

You Want A What??

I have never been a pet person.  Nope, not me.  I won a goldfish once at a school carnival.   It died.  Flush funeral.  When I was very young, we had a dog . . . for about a minute.  Actually, it was a puppy, but at the time it seemed like a man-eating, drooling, teeth-snarling monster.   I was afraid of it.  My sisters teased me mercilessly as I ran screaming around the house, Cujo at my heels.  I don't think we had that dog for very long.

When I was a little older, my dad brought another dog home.  Her name was Collette.  She looked like a sheep dog.  She was big and had long, thick hair.  I loved her.   One night she got out and found an open gate to our neighbor's backyard.  In-ground swimming pool.   No fence.  Dark.  I'll stop there.  That was the saddest day of my childhood.  I cried all the way to school.  No more pets for me.   No, thank you.

That is, until a year and a half ago.  With our children nearly all grown and ready to leave the house, my husband comes home from school with a big smile on his face.  He looks around to make sure the kids are within earshot and then he says that a family he knows from school needs to get rid of one of their dogs.   We could pick the one we want.  If we don't take one, they'll have to take it to the pound.  Do we want to go look at them?   Oh, please . . . a dog?   Now?   After all these years?   And the kids leaving for college soon?   And a small dog at that . . . who probably wants to live IN my house!   My house will stink all the time, it'll chew up everything, and bark all the time.   No way!   My children (and husband) all know that I don't like dogs.  I don't want a dog.  No!  "Oh, come on, Mom.  Pleeeeeeezzzeee.   We'll take care of her.  You won't have to do anything," my 18 year old daughter says.  Those eyes . . . My resolve was slipping.  I am outnumbered.  Oh fine, whatever.   "Yea"!

The next day my husband, our daughter, and our "adopted" daughter went to look at the dogs.  There was one among the three that they all loved at first sight.   They brought her home.    Home.   In an instant this was her home.   And in an instant, she made our home happier.  And there was love.   It was . . . weird.    And now she is MY dog.   And I get  accused by my husband and children of loving her more than I do them!  That's not true, but I do adore her!

So, I guess the moral of the story is this:   If I can love a dog, ANYONE can love a dog!   If you need to feel needed, if you want a companion who will love you and not judge you and if you just want to be happy . . . go to the animal shelter and rescue a dog!   You may find that you were actually the one who was rescued!

I Am A Mighty Mountain Woman

It is 1 am and I can't sleep. I sit in bed, my husband sleeping soundly next to me and the dog lying across the bed, blocking my entrance into the security of the covers. I am listening for the sound of promised rain. All I hear are the snores of the man I love and the occasional idiot speeding down the street with his cd player thumping and threatening to give me an aneurysm. (Sometimes I wish I lived in the mountains where there were no idiots).



My dreamy log cabin mansion in the woods
 where berries abound and bears are my friends :)

I don't know why sleep eludes me.  It couldn't be that Coke icee I had earlier tonight, could it?  Because I told myself that there is no caffeine in Coke icees.   Whatever the reason, my mind is very weary and I am entertaining random thoughts as they dance around in my head. Why is my stomach growling?  Did I forget to eat?  Or is it actually a lullably my stomach is singing to me?  And if I really did live in the mountains with no idiots, how would the mailman be able to get up the road to deliver the very important mail I get every day?  I'd be lost if I didn't know about all the money I could save by shopping at JC Penney's and eating Papa Murphys pizza.  If I really did live in the mountains and I really did forget to eat, I could just step out of my log cabin mansion and pick some berries. That would stop my stomach from growling AND they are good for you!  After dining on berries, I could get in my daily exercise and go for a nice long hike in the woods. With my bear. George. George Washington bear. And we would hike among the cherry trees. And I wouldn't get lost because I am a mountain woman. But much cuter than your average mountain woman. Much, much cuter.

Yes, my mind is weary and my thoughts are random.

The March of Time

I had a conversation with someone this weekend, and they mentioned the high school football game the night before.   There was a football game, I said?   And right then in that moment I realized how fast time goes.  And it startled me.  I thought of the four years that my son played on the high school varsity football team, and how much we looked foward to Friday nights!   We loved going to those games, and watched a few of them in the rain, and didn't care!   That led me to other thoughts about my children and family.   The two years that my oldest son spent in Bulgaria serving a mission for our church.   We loved Tuesdays because that was when we would hear from him!  He was 19 years old and in a strange country 7,000 miles away.  But I never worried about him . . . not once . . . I knew he was where he was supposed to be.    I thought about my daughter, and her volleyball and basketball games and her bum knee!   And how much fun we would have just laying on my bed talking.   I remembered how worried I was when my children started middle school!   That's when it seems I had to let go . . . just a little . . . and let them be who they were.  

And then I thought back a little further . . . to the precious times we spent together as a family when the children were in elementary school and younger.   All the places we went, and the things we got to see together.   Having fun as a family.   I thought about all the movies we had watched together, all the times they wrestled with their dad, all the times we laughed hysterically together.   Their first days of school, and all the holidays we have celebrated together.  The baby blessings, the baptisms . . . and I thought about when each one of them was born.   It was just yesterday, wasn't it?   The amazingly awesome feeling holding them for the first time.  I never knew I had so much love  to give.   Smelling them, feeling their perfectly soft skin . . . there is nothing so wonderful as babies.   

And now my children are in college and getting married and working.   And it makes me kind of sad not to have them in the house.   But it also makes me so happy and very proud of the people they have grown into - - kind, compassionate, funny, hard working, trying to do the right thing in the face of adversity . . . and on and on.   Time does go by so quickly, but thank goodness I can look back in time and feel joy and happiness . . . and I can look forward to the joy and happiness to come as we all march forward in this thing we call life!

And I won't waste one more second hating myself for not being thin!  It's just not worth the time.