Saturday, January 31, 2009

Umhhh Umhh

Sorry if my last post sounded terse. What meant to be tongue in cheek actually came out foot in mouth. I'll blame it on this cold I'm getting.

Darrell and I are off this morning to do laundry at the temple. I was told by someone whose credibility is faulty that I have to wear a dress. If I get up there with a skirt on and everyone else is in pants.... Anyway, should be interesting. I've never done laundry at the temple before. Think they'll let me put it in the dryer and come back in a couple of days to get it out and fold it--like I do at home??

Once home, I'm taking a nap!!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Okay, Okay

Apparently, my life is of far greater interest to some than I ever thought possible. So here is my week in review....

Monday
The weather predictors were calling for ice on Tuesday, so I made sure to get all my "rat killing" done. Rat killing is my mother-in-law's term for errands. Since I hadn't done so yet this year, I took the time to go to Melody's school and surprise her at lunch. It was actually pretty good. I had a chicken fajita (which was stuffed full), 1/2 an orange, tater tots, green beans, a cinnamon roll, and an ice cream sandwich. Oh, and chocolate milk! It was delicious--nothing like the stuff I ate when I was in school. And Melody's friends were really cute. I got hugs all around.

Before heading home, I stopped at Walmart. Couldn't be caught without my Diet Mt. Dew! I know that I can't drive on ice, so I was pretty sure I'd be home for a couple of days at least. Forget the milk and bread--I had to have my soda!

Tuesday
The predictors weren't wrong. We got enough ice to cause problems. I was especially disappointed since me and a long lost friend from high school had planned to have lunch together today. She was driving up from near Jackson which is a couple of hours away. Couldn't risk her safety, so our reunion will have to wait. It's already been almost 33 years; I guess a few more days won't hurt.

Wednesday
Snow this morning. Darrell was in a hurry to get to the shop and load his truck. He didn't make sure the garage door was all the way up before backing out. We (I mainly provided moral support and the odd "hold this") spent the next couple of hours messing with the door, taking parts of it apart, lowering it, and repairing it as best we could. Don't know when the guy can come fix it proper. Since the weather was so bad, Darrell stayed home from work. I never get anything done when he's home and this day was no exception.

Thursday
The best day of the week!! Audrey and I were able to have our reunion, since the ice and snow had melted enough for her drive up. We met at O'Charley's about 11:30 and spent the next four (yes, four!!) hours sitting there eating and catching up. It was like the years just melted away. My throat was sore from talking so much. I had a great time and can't wait to see her again. We are considering another reunion and asking more classmates to join us.

I was on such a high that I couldn't even get upset when I met Darrell at Holly's and discovered she had virtually no food in her house. Her van wasn't starting and Darrell was trying to get it running. He was unsuccessful, so we went inside. She had some kind of nasty looking stuff in the crock pot and was planning on serving that for dinner. Now I'm no Paula Deen, but what I make is edible. This stuff was disgusting. And come to find out had been sitting out since the night before. Holly's cupboards would have given Old Mother Hubbard a run for her money. Darrell and I went home and raided some of our pantry to get her through till Monday.

Friday
Most of today I spent at the computer since it's the end of the month.

Now you know why I haven't blogged. Not a lot going on. Except for lunch with Audrey, which should keep me "up" for a long time to come! Now aren't you glad you asked?



Saturday, January 24, 2009

Namaste

I mentioned recently that I had purchased a couple of yoga DVDs. I love yoga. There's something about it that makes me feel so long and sleek and feminine. I wanted to share that feeling with you, so here are reviews of the workouts I've been doing.




First is 10-Minute Solution Yoga for Beginners. I bought this at Sam's Club for about $15. It has 5 workouts that are 10 minutes each. You can do one, two, or all five. I'm gonna give this DVD a 3 on a scale of 1-5. The workouts are okay and the instruction is good, but I just couldn't really get into it. If you take the DVD out of the player, you have to listen to all the beginning mumbo-jumbo every time you start it again. It can't be fast forwarded.







Next is The Firm Power Yoga. This one's about 35 minutes and involves several women at various levels, so you can follow whoever is at your level. This DVD is a little more intense and is a great workout. You will sweat and you will be sore. I give it a 4.







Lastly is Element AM & PM Yoga for Beginners. This is my favorite. I'll give it a 5. There are two workouts (obviously) of about 30 minutes each. The AM workout is energizing and the PM is relaxing. Both do exactly what they're supposed to do. I bought these last two at Walmart for $9 each.




If you don't want to feel like you're exercising or you're just not keen on a lot of jumping around, try yoga. If you don't want to commit yourself, you could check out some DVDs or tapes at the library and see how you like it. Have fun!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Reveal Your Inner Poet

If you read my last post, you saw one of my favorite poems at the end. Searching for it had me looking through an old folder from high school. I would copy poems that struck a chord with me and keep them in this folder. I also wrote poetry. Doesn't every teenaged girl?

Did you ever write? Stories or poems? Who were your favorite poets? I love Sara Teasdale, Rod McKuen, and ee cummings. Share!

Here's one for you young moms. I found this when I was a young mother and it helped.

The Test
Susan F. Shaw

What is a home without handprints and mess?
No toys, no clothes, might make me guess
Are these children being permitted to grow
In mind, in body, and even show
Emotion, understanding, patience, and love,
Or are they confined and held like a glove?

Our children are robust, eager and willing.
No different from others and it would be silly
To expect perfection; complete understanding
Of adult situations; in fact even maddening

To see them grow up without first fumbling
Over the scattering of toys, their messes with food,
Clothes under their beds, and always good moods.

To think our children wouldn't need us to guide them,
Arms outstretched to stand behind them.
So for the price of handprints and mess
A home for the children,
For parents a test.

Crap!

Sorry if that title offended you. That's the only word I could think of to express the way I'm feeling right now!

Apparently, there's a list out there titled "Beverly is old and here's the proof". Let's just take a peek at it. Last year I hit the big 5-0. I recently had a physical and received the ultimate package in the prodding and poking department. I now qualify for those two annual tests which shall remain nameless. To add insult to injury, I found out today that I have high cholesterol. After doing some internet research, I've found the best way to combat this latest news is--drum roll--more exercise and healthier eating habits. Duh!

More exercise isn't that hard. I actually like to work out and sweat. I recently bought a couple of yoga DVDs that I really enjoy. I put on exercise clothes and tennis shoes as soon as I get up to help motivate me. Sometimes that works, sometimes not.

Eating healthier. That's a problem. I'm pretty picky. What I should be eating is lots of veggies and fruits, whole grains, and beans. I hate beans--except green beans and sugar snap peas. I especially hate legumes--navy beans, pintos, etc. Yuck! I can stomach them sometimes if I put enough ketchup on them. Most fruits are okay, but vegetables are another story. The ones I prefer aren't the ones I should eat (read starchy).

Worst of all--cut down on refined sugar! That makes up most of my diet!

Okay, I'm done. That'll be my rant for the week. I have a poem I found in high school that applies to just about every aspect of life (both large and small) and this is no exception.

I can't go on.
I mean I can't go on.
I really can't go on.
I swear I can't go on.

So I guess I'll get up
and go on.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Cold Feet and Hot Flashes


For almost 40 years now, I've had a friend who comes to visit every month. I call him Fred. That's not his real name, but it's an easier name to say than his real one. Fred has never been very punctual (sort of has his own schedule) and I never know how long he'll stay. His appearance is not always convenient or welcome, but there has been more than one occasion when I was overwhelmed with relief that he showed up! Too often his arrival is painful; however, if I have chocolate handy, it's more bearable.

I have not really needed Fred for many years, but he still shows up. Usually at a time when I least want him around. I think he's starting to realize my antipathy for him, as he is beginning to allow more time between visits. Sometimes he shows up just when I think he's never coming back. Instead of coming himself, though, he's sending his friends. I don't really know their names, but I have to call them something, so I'm appealing to you for help to think of what that should be. Maybe if I describe them, that'll help you decide.

One of them steals in mainly at night to wake me up. I'm sleeping soundly when all of a sudden this slight burning sensation begins in my mid-section. Before I know it, that feeling has spread quickly throughout my entire body. Right now, it only lasts a minute or two, but before it's over, I feel like I'm going to spontaneously combust. Darrell has laughed at me on one more than one occasion when I've leaped out of bed to start throwing off clothes! All my life, I've slept under at least a sheet. I have to have some type of cover. Not any more! It might not be so bad if it only happened once. But this friend is wicked and comes back again and again. The other night he woke me up no less than six times!

The other friend makes his appearance off and on during the day. Like right now. My hands and feet get so cold I can hardly feel them. My hands are cold up to the elbow. And I can't get them warm no matter what I do. It's like I've been playing out in the snow for hours without gloves or shoes. It's bone deep cold. Sitting on them makes no difference. I've even resorted to washing dishes to warm up my hands! That's true desperation.

Since they aren't as prevalent as the two above, I'll just briefly mention the friends who randomly make their appearance. There's Achy (who brings joint pain), Gassy (no explanation necessary), Puffy (helps me retain water), Sleepy (siphons off all my energy), Grumpy (again no explanation necessary), and Dopey (brings with it brain fog and steals my memory).

So, help me, girls, what do I call these new friends? Looks like they're going to stick around a while. I've found some OTC medication that's helping, but hasn't succeeding in keeping these guys away for good. Yet, anyway!!


Thursday, January 15, 2009

Hey, I'm Famous--sort of

Over on the sidebar is a list of blogs I stalk. I commented on one and she blogged about a question I asked. Go on over to: http://mysupersweetdiary.blogspot.com/2009/01/whats-your-opinion.html and give your opinion. I know you have one!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Full to Bursting

That's how my heart feels right now. Something I have been praying about for a very long time has come to pass. I don't mean to be vague, but the details aren't mine to tell. I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord hears our prayers and answers them. It may not always be the way we want or in the time frame we desire, but He is there for us always. All we have to do is trust in Him and ask. My love for my Heavenly Father and my gratitude to Him is boundless right now. My heart is full. My spirit is humble. My soul rejoices.

Speedy Chicken Enchiladas

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup thick and chunky salsa or picante sauce
8 flour tortillas (6 inch)
1 can cheddar cheese soup

In medium nonstick skillet over med-high heat, cook chicken till browned and juices evaporate, stirring often. Add chicken soup and 1/2 cup salsa. Heat to boil, stirring occasionally.

Along one side of each tortilla, spread about 1/3 cup chicken mixture. Roll up each tortilla around filling and place seam-side down in 2-qt microwave safe baking dish.

Mix cheese soup and remaining salsa and pour over enchiladas. Cover and microwave on high 5 minutes or till hot. Serves 4.

I made this recently and thought I'd share one change I'll make from now on. Instead of using the whole can of cheddar cheese soup, I'm only gonna use half. Or maybe just shredded cheese. That whole can was too much--even for Darrell, who loves cheese.

So What'd You Do Today?

I went for my annual physical. I use the term loosely because I sometimes skip a year. Okay, okay, two years. Since I'm not getting any younger, I made an appointment and actually kept it today. Fun stuff. Nothing like getting completely naked for a total stranger. Then having every orifice poked and prodded by that same stranger. Guess he wouldn't be such a stranger if I visited him more often, right? Plus they have that scale right there in front of everyone. At least they don't say the number out loud. They also didn't tell me my blood pressure numbers. I thought that was kind of funny, since there was a large poster right on the wall about "knowing your numbers" in regards to blood pressure.

And the fun's not over. I get to have a mammogram and (again because of my age) a--gulp--colonoscopy. Maybe I can do both in the same day. Have my boobs squished, then be (as Cassidy calls it) a "naked bum" for even more strangers!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Saturday, January 10, 2009

The Impetus

Many of you have asked what my ultimate goal would be for going back to school, so I'll tell you. Darrell has a lot of responsibility on him right now and I thought if I went back to work, I could ease some of that burden. I decided if I got a job with the school system, I'd have good hours, good pay, and good benefits. So I went to their website and completed an application. They also wanted an intro letter and resume, along with transcripts and a typing test. I thought I had jumped through all the hoops, but after a couple of months with no call back, I contacted them and discovered they didn't have everything they needed. After making sure everything was completed and in their hands, I waited. And waited. A couple more months passed. Still no call. I went back to the website thinking I would resubmit my application to get it back in front of the powers that be.

Imagine my surprise when I found that a degree was now needed for this job. Oh, and what kind of job is it, you might ask. Working in the office of an elementary school. With no offense meant toward anyone, this is a glorified receptionist position. Answering phones, greeting visitors, etc. Why would you need a degree to do these things? I've always worked in office settings and felt secure that with my experience, I would be able to get a job anywhere. That bubble has been burst. Now I'm starting to worry that I won't be able to take care of myself should something happen to Darrell. Well, I guess I could always be a greeter at Walmart.

Thanks for all your suggestions. You succeeded in giving me the swift kick I couldn't give myself.

Friday, January 9, 2009

In Which It Is Discovered How Lame I Truly Am...

I've put this off as long as I can. I committed myself yesterday by telling you I'd post my reason today. The reason seems pathetic even to me, so I'm almost ashamed to put it in writing. But here goes...

I am feeling old. Years ago, I promised myself that while I might grow older, I would try to never be old. (There is a difference.) We've all met 20-somethings who act 65. And we all know 60-somethings who seem much younger. It's all in the way we think. When I was young, I thought I was invincible (like most young people). I was pretty adventurous. As I got older and had children, I realized my mortality and that made me more cautious. Now I've gotten too cautious. And I don't know how to get away from that.

I think I have good reason for some of my fear. I am afraid of getting hurt. I was always the kid getting hit in the face with a ball. The first time I swam in the ocean, I almost drowned. If there was a way to get hurt, I was the person to find it. But back then I'd still try.

Not only am I feeling old, I'm feeling boring and uninteresting. I even bore myself. I don't do anything. I have lots of interests, but am not currently pursuing any of them. Darrell and Lauren have been after me for years to go back to school. You know, I've never set foot on a college campus as a student, so I guess for me it would be going to school--not returning. But it seems like such a waste of money. Plus I'd be like 54 when (and if) I graduated. Too late to do much with a degree. Who wants to hire someone almost ready for retirement when there are plenty of younger people out there?

So there you have it. Sorry if you're disappointed. I am afraid to go to college. I am afraid to walk into a classroom full of people young enough to be my children (like most of you reading this). I'm afraid of wasting Darrell's money and my time. I'm afraid of not being able to do the work. And while my original question was not about failure, I am afraid of failing and looking stupid.

Before you leave a comment, please know that I am not looking for affirmations or pats on the back. If this is to be a journal, then I'm going to be honest. And right now these are my honest feelings.


Thursday, January 8, 2009

Please, Sir, Can I Have Some More?

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question about your fears and how to overcome them. I share those about losing a loved one, especially a husband. I think that just comes with the territory when you love someone. I also understand about not being alone at night. The first night I ever spent completely alone was after I was married. Darrell went on a scout campout with the YM from church. I kept all the lights on, as well as the TV till I fell asleep from exhaustion. Then we went to Italy and Darrell was sent to the field for 2 weeks. There I was in a foreign country all alone where no one would understand me if I yelled for help. Same scenario: all the lights on, the radio on (since we didn't have TV), finally sleeping from exhaustion. For 2 weeks! I never got used to it.

A couple of you touched on what I was getting at with my question. Clayton mentioned failure. That prompted me to ask what constitutes failure and how do you overcome what can become a paralyzing obstacle? The consensus was that it is better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all. That's great in theory, but when push comes to shove, do you really go for the gusto? How do you push yourself past the fear of failure? How do you overcome the little voice in the back of your mind that tells you you can't do it? These are not rhetorical questions. I really want to hear what you think.

Tomorrow, the reason.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Too Much Twilight!

I've only read the first Twilight book, but apparently it was enough. Last night, I had a dream complete with all the characters and attributes. One of them kept following me around, smelling me. At one point, I was the only human in the group. That was freaky, even though they kept assuring me I was safe. Thankfully, Darrell finally came and took me home.

Lauren, I'm blaming all this on YOU!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Oven Omelet

1 cup diced ham, bacon, or sausage, cooked
1 (4-oz) can sliced mushrooms (you know my feelings on these)
1 tomato, chopped
2-3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
6 eggs
1 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup salsa

Heat oven to 350.

Spray a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray. Spread ham (or other meat), mushrooms, tomato, onions, olives, and cheeses in pan. Beat eggs well. Add sour cream and mix well. Add salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over ham and other ingredients. Bake 30-40 minutes or till center is set. To test, insert knife in center. If it comes out clean, omelet is done. Cut into squares and garnish with olives and parsley, if desired. Serve with salsa. Serves 9-12.

Monday, January 5, 2009

A Question for You

What are you afraid of? I'm not talking spiders, snakes, scary movies, etc. I mean life stuff. I don't want to give examples because I don't want to influence the comments. So let's get a discussion going about the really scary things. And how to overcome those fears.

I have a reason for asking, so don't let me down.

Okay, folks, there's a question posed to Clayton in the comments that is open to everyone. Let's hear YOUR opinion.
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