Well its that time of year when some are happy to be breathing (that would be me) some can't believe its only 57 days until Christmas (my goodness it will be here before we know it!) I made it through another birthday. I will admit it I can not always see the sunshine and lollipops in everyday things and unfortunately for me and others around me are affected more by my Debbie Downer Days for that I am truly sorry.
I have loved all the Facebook wishes, gee its the most comments I get all year. Sadly, with all our lives on the constant fast track with family, commitments, jobs, family I have to admit life and its obstacles lately have been a real problem for me. I am at that age where one wrong move, comment or annoying thing can set me off. Lets face it really sucks.
I now appreciate all those days many years ago when I was young and carefree and had very little troubles except for maybe the minor one's that then were the end of the world in my book.
Now for the next 10 days every breath, commercial, casual conversation is about who will win the elections. If you are a small business owner, over 50, and have never felt entitled, taken any form of assistance you are probably voting one way, if you are younger, working or maybe unemployed, have used assistance or feel as though everyone should be on a level playing field, or beyond 50 and facing the twilight years in life you are probably voting another way. Unfortunately, for me I also throw in women's issues since I am a woman and that puts a wrench in most any race for me because neither candidate or candidates in my area really fits the total bill for me. I wonder how many are in the same dingy I am?
When its all said and done after the elections we will be picking up the pieces of our lives in hopes of being able to go on the best we can with what we are given. Kind of like a party after the cake, the presents and decorations you are left to clean up after and then its just another day like all the rest.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
It's Not A Party Thing
At first look at this title you would think either I am planning for a party or going to a party. Well I hate to burst your bubble, neither is true.
Although for the past several months a small group of women had been planning for a party of sorts. Usually you plan for the food, the music and the entertainment. Well the food was picked in advance (not by us) and their was no musical fanfare. But there was serious entertainment of sorts.
Are you still intrigued? Well this past week all our hard work paid off. The invites went out (some didn't RSVP) but those who were in attendance, got to experience the chance of a lifetime. At least it was for me.
This past Thursday evening I was part of a group that got to listen to a truly great speaker. She was down to earth, approachable (I bugged her numerous times-she called it persistence) and she is a politician. Something you don't find often with politicians is approachability, at least I haven't been so lucky in the past. Most you get a form letter from with some other than their own signatures or if you are lucky a handshake.
If you haven't heard of her in MO or even elsewhere in the country I suggest you Google MO Representative Stacey Newman. She is from the St. Louis Area and is making some wonderful strides for women.
She spoke to us about a variety of topics including the ERA (which sadly has not been passed by the State of MO) Equal Pay-- as most know we make about 77 cents on the dollar compared to male counterparts. Ironically, Rep. Newman this past legislative session garnered nationwide attention on her Anti-Vasectomy Bill proposed as a push back on extreme reproduction health mandates that had only applied to women.
As she stated in our presentation, the War on Women is alive and well in Missouri and around the country.
Another note in her presentation was how saddened she was that more young women are choosing not to vote. How sad this is to me. Her comment that the importance of voting for the candidate that has the beliefs that you have and not necessarily voting for the "party" is more important. I have always been vocal I am not a strict party voter. Due to the obvious that each candidate doesn't always believe the same things I do.
I purposely invited my daughter to the meeting in hopes that she might be interested in my ever constant harping on how important it is not only to vote but to be a part of the solution that all women can make if they only get informed and involved. She admitted she was glad that she came and that it peaked her interest. My purpose was met!
A funny after thought to attending our "party" was that my daughter went home and was asked by her soon to be husband, "What was the meeting about?" after her explaining it to him, what was his comment, "Wow you and your Mom are not going to start burning bra's are you?" I got a chuckle out of his age old thinking and told her to tell him, "At my age, I not only can't afford to burn my bra it also wouldn't be fair to those around me to go bra-less in public".
It may not have been your normal party, but it was the best one I have attended in a very long time.
Although for the past several months a small group of women had been planning for a party of sorts. Usually you plan for the food, the music and the entertainment. Well the food was picked in advance (not by us) and their was no musical fanfare. But there was serious entertainment of sorts.
Are you still intrigued? Well this past week all our hard work paid off. The invites went out (some didn't RSVP) but those who were in attendance, got to experience the chance of a lifetime. At least it was for me.
This past Thursday evening I was part of a group that got to listen to a truly great speaker. She was down to earth, approachable (I bugged her numerous times-she called it persistence) and she is a politician. Something you don't find often with politicians is approachability, at least I haven't been so lucky in the past. Most you get a form letter from with some other than their own signatures or if you are lucky a handshake.
If you haven't heard of her in MO or even elsewhere in the country I suggest you Google MO Representative Stacey Newman. She is from the St. Louis Area and is making some wonderful strides for women.
She spoke to us about a variety of topics including the ERA (which sadly has not been passed by the State of MO) Equal Pay-- as most know we make about 77 cents on the dollar compared to male counterparts. Ironically, Rep. Newman this past legislative session garnered nationwide attention on her Anti-Vasectomy Bill proposed as a push back on extreme reproduction health mandates that had only applied to women.
As she stated in our presentation, the War on Women is alive and well in Missouri and around the country.
Another note in her presentation was how saddened she was that more young women are choosing not to vote. How sad this is to me. Her comment that the importance of voting for the candidate that has the beliefs that you have and not necessarily voting for the "party" is more important. I have always been vocal I am not a strict party voter. Due to the obvious that each candidate doesn't always believe the same things I do.
I purposely invited my daughter to the meeting in hopes that she might be interested in my ever constant harping on how important it is not only to vote but to be a part of the solution that all women can make if they only get informed and involved. She admitted she was glad that she came and that it peaked her interest. My purpose was met!
A funny after thought to attending our "party" was that my daughter went home and was asked by her soon to be husband, "What was the meeting about?" after her explaining it to him, what was his comment, "Wow you and your Mom are not going to start burning bra's are you?" I got a chuckle out of his age old thinking and told her to tell him, "At my age, I not only can't afford to burn my bra it also wouldn't be fair to those around me to go bra-less in public".
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Living Vicariously Through the Summer 2012 Olympics
I am on the edge of my seat as I watch the Women's Beach Volleyball semifinals match tonight. Last night I was running the hurdles with Women's Track and Field and vaulting with the Ladies Gymnastics teams. Yes I was out of my league but a woman can dream.
When I was growing up my main focus was figure skating. I never thought about the Olympics because I knew it took both money, hard work and support from a team of individuals. Every four years when the Winter Olympics would roll around I would do school figures (yes they had them back then) on the living room rug and then would do my short program and long program right along with the likes of Dorothy Hamill and all the other participants. The summer games usually wasn't on my radar.
During the time of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, David and I took that time to get married and take our honeymoon to Hawaii. We figured it would be a traffic nightmare for work and we were probably right. Now looking back I wish I would have maybe attended some events since it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Guess my mind wasn't thinking about it.
For the past 12 days I have been glued to the television watching many of the events. I truly enjoy all the exciting competition between everyone involved. I also am touched by all the back stories they include. From the many athletes that have been in multiple games either due to win after win or missing the medals and coming back to avenge the lose with a hope for a win. It has all been inspiring.
Names like Phelps, Franklin, May/Walsh, it doesn't matter if you are 15 or 40 age doesn't seem to matter this time around. For the South African double-amputee in track who made the finals in the 400 meters being a first in your field to even participate in the Olympics must be exciting.
More women than men participating this time is also inspiring. Especially in countries that normally don't allow women to compete shows that society is willing to make changes for the better.
With only 5 more days of events I will continue to watch, cheer, cry and live vicariously through all the wonderful athletes that will inspire young and old for years to come.
When I was growing up my main focus was figure skating. I never thought about the Olympics because I knew it took both money, hard work and support from a team of individuals. Every four years when the Winter Olympics would roll around I would do school figures (yes they had them back then) on the living room rug and then would do my short program and long program right along with the likes of Dorothy Hamill and all the other participants. The summer games usually wasn't on my radar.
During the time of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, David and I took that time to get married and take our honeymoon to Hawaii. We figured it would be a traffic nightmare for work and we were probably right. Now looking back I wish I would have maybe attended some events since it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Guess my mind wasn't thinking about it.
For the past 12 days I have been glued to the television watching many of the events. I truly enjoy all the exciting competition between everyone involved. I also am touched by all the back stories they include. From the many athletes that have been in multiple games either due to win after win or missing the medals and coming back to avenge the lose with a hope for a win. It has all been inspiring.
Names like Phelps, Franklin, May/Walsh, it doesn't matter if you are 15 or 40 age doesn't seem to matter this time around. For the South African double-amputee in track who made the finals in the 400 meters being a first in your field to even participate in the Olympics must be exciting.
More women than men participating this time is also inspiring. Especially in countries that normally don't allow women to compete shows that society is willing to make changes for the better.
With only 5 more days of events I will continue to watch, cheer, cry and live vicariously through all the wonderful athletes that will inspire young and old for years to come.
Friday, July 13, 2012
A Female's Work is Never Done
Time flies when you are not always having fun. As women we spread ourselves so thin it boggles the mind. I know I am not alone in trying to multi-task to the nines. For one it has been over two months since I have even thought of blogging. Why you may ask? Well between being on a chain of multi attendance of funerals, everyday household chores, keeping up with our business and my chocolate business and then looking for some quiet time, and yes trying to say "NO" to adding things to my long list of To-Do's.. But hey I am not alone.
One of my things added to my list was to find a speaker for my business women's group that was new and exciting and a topic that needs to be addressed by all women. I have attempted for some time to bring more focus on certain women's issues and have wanted to get the word out on how important it is for the state in which I have lived for the past 16 years (Missouri) passes our own Equal Rights Amendment. It is surprising that there are still several states (mostly southern) that have not passed there own state amendment. Some women think it isn't important, other's think it would hinder our over-all importance in the workforce and a variety of other reasons not to get involved. Statistically we still only make 78% for every dollar a male gets in pay, we have less than 3% women as CEO's, many of the statistics out there are staggering when it comes to women's rights even in 2012!
Although we have come a long way, we have a long way to go.
I have been trying to compile some other information to have available at the meeting and one thing is The 100 Most Famous and Influential Women in History. Thank goodness for Google searching because some I never knew about. My committee and I will work diligiently to provide useful information as will our speaker (I don't want to jinx it by saying who it is yet) but I have heard from reliable sources that she will inspire us with her presence. Lets wake up the sleeping tiger and work hard and strong to make our foremothers, our daughters, granddaughters, nieces and male influences that we can be equal in whatever we do.
Recently in a period of thought it actually dawned on be why in 2012 we are still thinking and attempting to get equal rights. Women have so much on their plates with marriage, having and raising children, working, volunteering and the never-ending list of things we do we have literally let the issues pass us by, others become more important and priorities change but really hasn't it been long enough?
When I look at the history in pictures of women's suffrage, equality etc. the fashion has changed sometimes more than the issues.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Momisms-We Have All Heard Them and We Have Given Them
I am half way through another Mother's Day. After celebrating twenty-six of them I certainly can not say I am a pro at being a Mom. I learn something everyday, either what I have done well or what I could have done better. All Mom's probably feel this way at some point in time. Over the years I have received the macaroni school art gifts, cards, flowers, plaques etc. Each one coming from the heart of each of my kids.
Several years ago my son gave me a book for Mother's Day called "Momisms" What She Says and What She Really Means by Cathy Hamilton. The book is filled with 105 isms certainly from my past and updated one's to fit the ever-changing meaning of words of today.
To be honest I had glanced at the book over the years but had not truly read each of the isms from cover to cover. Today I chose to do so. Of the 105 isms in the book I had heard and/or used 84 of them. The odds of hearing or saying them all was probably pretty slim since when you grow up an only child those pertaining to sibling rivalry would not come into play.
The first one in the book I admit I used both myself and as a mother. "Don't use that tone of voice with me, young lady (man)!" This ism stems from every mom's firm belief that she is the one in the household entitled to use an authoritative tone of voice. The privilege of "tone" is not afforded even to husbands, let alone childen. It is "tone that gives Mom her power: It is exclusively hers. To lose tone would be to lose everything.
Ism #17 every parent probably can hardly wait to utter these words at some point in time. I admit I heard this alot and use it now with a smile. "Just wit till you have kids of your own." Every mother or parent know the only way to gain complete parental restitution is for her kids to have kids of their own. Then, and only then, will they realize the sacrifice, pain, and suffering moms go through every day of their lives.
Ism #24 I hear my daughter use on my granddaughter already. "I'm going to give you until the count of three." When Mom resorts to the dreaded three-count chances are she's at the end of her rope and you'd be well advised to do what she says immediately. Unfortunately today, alot of kids count right along with you which I am sure will happen one day with her.
Ism #43 "No means no!" The purpose of this momism is to distinguish between the words no and maybe. Most kids know that when Mom says "maybe" then the answer is probably yes. But when Mom says "no" nine times out of ten he, in fact means "no". Today I see more and more Mom's waivering when they should stand there ground, possibly making the world a little more real to their kids. Fact is it's not easy out their and to paint a magical picture of how it is hurts kids more than helps.
Ism #67 "What would you do if I wasn't here?" Intendedto make a child stop and think about how much Mom does for him/or her each day, tis rhetorical question sometimes invokes a kids fantasy. In my reality I have lived more now without a Mom around than having one but think I have managed to have enough figurative Mom's around that have helped me through the rough patchs.
Ism #78 I think is probably hard for all mom's. "I love you equally." This is Mom's pat answer to the deaded question: Who do you love the most?" Some inexperienced moms will add the caveat":..but for different reasons". A word of warning don't every go there.. I will though (did you have any doubt) I depended on and have with both my children in different ways. My son was the man of the house many times because his dad was on the road alot and probably had to be more grown up more than he wanted, but I think it has shaped him into the great husband and dad he is now. With my daughter as do most mother/daughters we had our headbutting years and now appreciate each other alot more now that we are women.
So in looking back in my years as a mom. I have made mistakes, I have gone the extra mile. We don't get a guidebook and if we did we would put our own spin and often do in being a mom. We wouldn't trade an arguement, a life lesson for the non-monitary pay job we have until we die.. So with that I will relax for the rest of the day, proud to wear the banner of MOM...
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Forever Young-Not Such a Bad Thing?
There has been a song by Rod Stewart called "Forever Young". I think there was even an old movie by the same name. When you think of it if you are truthful maybe we all would like to be forever young. Some people say, "your as young as you feel". Which somedays we all probably feel really darn old. When multiple deaths hit you in the face full force, you want to grab a little of your youth and hold on for dear life.
My youngest brother who died way to young loved the carefree times he spent on the sea and his deep-sea fishing. He once told me although it was hard work he enjoyed his time out because he only had to focus on one thing--fishing.
I always felt my brother-in-law who recently passed was in the "forever young" catagory. His chronological age never fit his age of actions. Good or bad he lived his life by no one's rulebook.
Another recent one who was tagged "forever young" was Dick Clark. When I heard of his passing this week it brought back a flood of memories of my childhood. Each Saturday morning at 11:30a.m. my grandpa and I would flip to American Bandstand and dance in the living room together. He was an avid lover of rock-n-roll music, Little Richard, Elvis, Tina Turner. Race knew no boundaries in music for him. I guess that was one of the things I so loved about him and often wonder what he would think about music today. I listen to a wide range of music myself and have started the same with my grandchildren.
Its also said if you are around younger people that rubs off. As I get older myself I find that I prefer being around young people more. So much of my time growing up was learning from my elders that I think now is time to learn from youth. Trading aches and pains gets dull and deaths constant knocking makes me want to put my hands to my ears.
To end the week my son had to put down his dear young friend Parker. Parker was a five year old pound pup of 140 lbs. His size wore on his poor hips and a tough decision had to be made to put him down. This senario made me think back to when our family dog passed away at home while we were gone on a trip when he was in high school. My young son made the decision at the time to bury "Lady" in our backyard.
When your young decisions are hard and when you are older realities are tough. I'll just try and keep a youthful attitude and forge on....
My youngest brother who died way to young loved the carefree times he spent on the sea and his deep-sea fishing. He once told me although it was hard work he enjoyed his time out because he only had to focus on one thing--fishing.
I always felt my brother-in-law who recently passed was in the "forever young" catagory. His chronological age never fit his age of actions. Good or bad he lived his life by no one's rulebook.
Another recent one who was tagged "forever young" was Dick Clark. When I heard of his passing this week it brought back a flood of memories of my childhood. Each Saturday morning at 11:30a.m. my grandpa and I would flip to American Bandstand and dance in the living room together. He was an avid lover of rock-n-roll music, Little Richard, Elvis, Tina Turner. Race knew no boundaries in music for him. I guess that was one of the things I so loved about him and often wonder what he would think about music today. I listen to a wide range of music myself and have started the same with my grandchildren.
Its also said if you are around younger people that rubs off. As I get older myself I find that I prefer being around young people more. So much of my time growing up was learning from my elders that I think now is time to learn from youth. Trading aches and pains gets dull and deaths constant knocking makes me want to put my hands to my ears.
To end the week my son had to put down his dear young friend Parker. Parker was a five year old pound pup of 140 lbs. His size wore on his poor hips and a tough decision had to be made to put him down. This senario made me think back to when our family dog passed away at home while we were gone on a trip when he was in high school. My young son made the decision at the time to bury "Lady" in our backyard.
When your young decisions are hard and when you are older realities are tough. I'll just try and keep a youthful attitude and forge on....
Friday, March 30, 2012
A Girl Can Dream
Most of the daily news seems to be comprised of war, the economy and more doom and gloom than one person can sometimes really handle. But this week the big talk of the town, state and country seems to be the countries largest Mega Million Lottery pot. At $560+ million I personally can't think of one person that hasn't bought at least one ticket and sat back and thought "what if I won the big prize?"
Truthfully I have made the list of what I would do with any large amount of money. A lot of money can't truly make you happy but in today's day and age a little could help make life a little more easy and comfortable. I would gladly share the wealth with those around me, charities and probably do something crazy but I have a 175 billion to 1 chance. The news said the chances of getting struck by lightening was more probable.
I hope the person or people who do win realizes it is a once in a lifetime occurrence if you have the luck and take the chance but also think of the win as an opportunity to live your life wisely.
If anything this week this girl has been in dreamland with a list of what if's. But after tonight I like most other people will step back into the real world and try and continue on with what I have and be just as thankful.
Truthfully I have made the list of what I would do with any large amount of money. A lot of money can't truly make you happy but in today's day and age a little could help make life a little more easy and comfortable. I would gladly share the wealth with those around me, charities and probably do something crazy but I have a 175 billion to 1 chance. The news said the chances of getting struck by lightening was more probable.
I hope the person or people who do win realizes it is a once in a lifetime occurrence if you have the luck and take the chance but also think of the win as an opportunity to live your life wisely.
If anything this week this girl has been in dreamland with a list of what if's. But after tonight I like most other people will step back into the real world and try and continue on with what I have and be just as thankful.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Disabled American Veteran or American Veteran Who Is Disabled?
Sometimes a chance encounter or unexpected conversation can make someone take a little extra time to think something out. This has happened several times lately. I am not exactly sure why maybe just to make me personally take pause.
Recently, I had stopped to purchase Powerball numbers in hopes of winning the big jackpot. Of course chances are one in millions but you can not win if you don't play, or so my husband comments often. Also I had a chance to visit my daughter at her second job. After purchasing the numbers a voice from behind me commented about the recent big jackpot that was won. The young man appeared to maybe be in his 30's, a very tall bear of a guy but lets face it anyone taller than my 5'2 is a bear of a man. He was smartly dressed in a dark blue suit, with matching shirt and tie not something I often see anymore where I live. He also wore a green Disabled American Veteran cap. After the quick mention of the numbers he quickly moved to how he had won a $500 prize recently in a lottery ticket scratcher. He explained how the money came in handy just at the right time because it was later used to do some plumbing repairs and help a dog that had some health issues. He also mentioned that he was unable to work because he had early stages MS, fibromalgia and several other health issues. He went on to say that he spent much of his time at the VA as he was learning how to handle a wheelchair as he would eventually be in one someday. He briefly mentioned that he had been in the Navy in the early 90's and that his ship had been hit in some way.
The conversations rapidly moved from one topic to another making it somewhat difficult for me to keep up as he wouldn't finish sentences before starting on another. I stood there and let him talk as I felt like it was the thing to do. It seemed as though he focused on his Navy buddies and his time he spent in service. Although it was obvious that his health had been severely compromised due to his service it still seemed to bring light to his eyes when he discussed the places he traveled too and he proceeded to show me some pictures on his cellphone of these friends.
His demeanor changed when he spoke of how he had gotten someone fired for questioning his disability. He explained how the person had commented that he got so much more than what this person's relative got as far as benefits. His comment was he had been disabled while serving in active duty not years later.
This brought up a question after I eventually excused myself and left. I am not exactly sure of the answer and am not really sure if there is a true answer that would help either party. I know it is unfortunate and sad to see people of all ages who have served there country and go away with the feeling that because they served there country a part of them didn't return back home. Although I felt like maybe this conversation was a lesson learned I still came away with sadness but a little sense of pride that the young man chose me to pour his heart too. Maybe it was another moment of unless you have walked in someone's shoes you never know what there situation is. I appreciate the service they gave but am always angry at what the outcome is for these young men who unfortunately return broken in some way either right away or years later. No matter when it is it will affect families forever.
I guess its a little like playing the lottery your numbers come up and sometimes you have all the numbers and other times you have none. Thank you too those who have served. I will think of you a little bit differently from now on.
Recently, I had stopped to purchase Powerball numbers in hopes of winning the big jackpot. Of course chances are one in millions but you can not win if you don't play, or so my husband comments often. Also I had a chance to visit my daughter at her second job. After purchasing the numbers a voice from behind me commented about the recent big jackpot that was won. The young man appeared to maybe be in his 30's, a very tall bear of a guy but lets face it anyone taller than my 5'2 is a bear of a man. He was smartly dressed in a dark blue suit, with matching shirt and tie not something I often see anymore where I live. He also wore a green Disabled American Veteran cap. After the quick mention of the numbers he quickly moved to how he had won a $500 prize recently in a lottery ticket scratcher. He explained how the money came in handy just at the right time because it was later used to do some plumbing repairs and help a dog that had some health issues. He also mentioned that he was unable to work because he had early stages MS, fibromalgia and several other health issues. He went on to say that he spent much of his time at the VA as he was learning how to handle a wheelchair as he would eventually be in one someday. He briefly mentioned that he had been in the Navy in the early 90's and that his ship had been hit in some way.
The conversations rapidly moved from one topic to another making it somewhat difficult for me to keep up as he wouldn't finish sentences before starting on another. I stood there and let him talk as I felt like it was the thing to do. It seemed as though he focused on his Navy buddies and his time he spent in service. Although it was obvious that his health had been severely compromised due to his service it still seemed to bring light to his eyes when he discussed the places he traveled too and he proceeded to show me some pictures on his cellphone of these friends.
His demeanor changed when he spoke of how he had gotten someone fired for questioning his disability. He explained how the person had commented that he got so much more than what this person's relative got as far as benefits. His comment was he had been disabled while serving in active duty not years later.
This brought up a question after I eventually excused myself and left. I am not exactly sure of the answer and am not really sure if there is a true answer that would help either party. I know it is unfortunate and sad to see people of all ages who have served there country and go away with the feeling that because they served there country a part of them didn't return back home. Although I felt like maybe this conversation was a lesson learned I still came away with sadness but a little sense of pride that the young man chose me to pour his heart too. Maybe it was another moment of unless you have walked in someone's shoes you never know what there situation is. I appreciate the service they gave but am always angry at what the outcome is for these young men who unfortunately return broken in some way either right away or years later. No matter when it is it will affect families forever.
I guess its a little like playing the lottery your numbers come up and sometimes you have all the numbers and other times you have none. Thank you too those who have served. I will think of you a little bit differently from now on.
Monday, January 16, 2012
No Way to Start a Week
When I was thinking last night what my planned blog title would be for the week I thought I would post about the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships starting soon and my experience attending my first Nationals as a spectator. But, alas that will have to be moved to next week.
One always hates to receive a dreaded phone call late at night. A 1:00a.m. call can only mean bad news and of course my first thought was my husband is on the road and something had happened. Awakened from a sound sleep and eyes not focused, my groggy hello was not prepared for what I was to hear.
"Your brother is gone". Gone? My first thought was a car accident. My youngest brother who would be 44 this June and we were really the only one's who communicated with each other over the past 19 years. Although the last couple years were filled with missed calls and other issues that kept us apart, he was not the one out of my five half siblings who I would have thought would not live a long life. Our life disfunctions have been many, he was the youngest and once told me he thought he had learned from everyone's mistakes. He never married, never had kids (jokingly he said that he knew about) but he lived with demons like everyone else. He loved commercial fishing and said life on the boats made him happy. Although he was born in Missouri, he had moved to North Carolina many years ago and had acquired that Carolina drawl.
David and I spent some time with him several years ago and one thing about him I remember was his dark brown eyes and his wonderful smile. He had his flaws like we all have but his compassion and warmth no matter what wrongs he had in his life always seemed to overcome everything else in his life.
I have my regrets and probably always will that our lives together were not filled with more happier moments but I at this time I must believe that all things happen for a reason, good or bad and what little time we did spend together was all that God would allow for us.
One always hates to receive a dreaded phone call late at night. A 1:00a.m. call can only mean bad news and of course my first thought was my husband is on the road and something had happened. Awakened from a sound sleep and eyes not focused, my groggy hello was not prepared for what I was to hear.
"Your brother is gone". Gone? My first thought was a car accident. My youngest brother who would be 44 this June and we were really the only one's who communicated with each other over the past 19 years. Although the last couple years were filled with missed calls and other issues that kept us apart, he was not the one out of my five half siblings who I would have thought would not live a long life. Our life disfunctions have been many, he was the youngest and once told me he thought he had learned from everyone's mistakes. He never married, never had kids (jokingly he said that he knew about) but he lived with demons like everyone else. He loved commercial fishing and said life on the boats made him happy. Although he was born in Missouri, he had moved to North Carolina many years ago and had acquired that Carolina drawl.
David and I spent some time with him several years ago and one thing about him I remember was his dark brown eyes and his wonderful smile. He had his flaws like we all have but his compassion and warmth no matter what wrongs he had in his life always seemed to overcome everything else in his life.
I have my regrets and probably always will that our lives together were not filled with more happier moments but I at this time I must believe that all things happen for a reason, good or bad and what little time we did spend together was all that God would allow for us.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Coffee Cake for People Who Didn't Drink Coffee
Well it's a little over a week into 2012 and like everyone I am really trying to eat healthy--Again!! I have to admit I did pretty well this year. I didn't do an over amount of baking even though my husband was home for two weeks. I wasn't able to stay out of the kitchen since I felt guilty that while he is on the road, when he is home he deserves home cooking--healthy or comfort food.
One of my friends from back in school days managed to hunt down an old receipe for a delicious coffee cake that the school cooks made from scratch in junior high school. We were spoiled that some of the items were actually cooked and not processed foods like today's school cafeteria's serve.
Early last year the British Chef Jaime Oliver went to a Los Angeles Unified School District kitchen and attempted to teach them how to cook healthy foods instead of frozen, processed, fattening lunches. Of course there was much disapproval from the school board because it would cost more money and with federally subsidized food programs in schools the approach is not healthy but cheap. Jaime Oliver had did this same program in Virginia the year before where the schools also at first were not happy with how he wanted to change things. "If the kids will eat it we will fix it" but if it isn't healthy and is helping in part cause societies battle with obesity why not make the change.
Eventually they did try it his way and who knows maybe someday the schools will serve all healthy foods. When I went to school my mother made my lunch almost every day. She attempted to give me the healthy foods but sometimes I admit I would take money to buy school lunch and toss the home-made lunch in the trash. I no I wasn't the only when then and probably many kids today do the same thing and sadly some can't afford to bring or buy there lunch. I think there is definitely a need for a change in everyone's eating habits. I have always tried to give both my kids and now my granddaughter options. If you don't give them a variety they will stick to the junk food so I am happy even now when my almost two year old granddaughter asks for salad.
After printing the receipe I gathered all the ingredients (including powdered dry milk something I had never had or worked with before). It was a fairly quick process and as soon as it was popped into the oven the smell took me back to the school days of standing in line with my friends and being handed this tasty coffee cake. Funny at the time none of the kids drank coffee but the cake sure tasted terrific. Here is the link for the receipe. www.insidesocal.com/schoolnotebook/2008/02/blogger-raves-about-lausd-coff.html Try it and let me know what you think?
One of my friends from back in school days managed to hunt down an old receipe for a delicious coffee cake that the school cooks made from scratch in junior high school. We were spoiled that some of the items were actually cooked and not processed foods like today's school cafeteria's serve.
Early last year the British Chef Jaime Oliver went to a Los Angeles Unified School District kitchen and attempted to teach them how to cook healthy foods instead of frozen, processed, fattening lunches. Of course there was much disapproval from the school board because it would cost more money and with federally subsidized food programs in schools the approach is not healthy but cheap. Jaime Oliver had did this same program in Virginia the year before where the schools also at first were not happy with how he wanted to change things. "If the kids will eat it we will fix it" but if it isn't healthy and is helping in part cause societies battle with obesity why not make the change.
Eventually they did try it his way and who knows maybe someday the schools will serve all healthy foods. When I went to school my mother made my lunch almost every day. She attempted to give me the healthy foods but sometimes I admit I would take money to buy school lunch and toss the home-made lunch in the trash. I no I wasn't the only when then and probably many kids today do the same thing and sadly some can't afford to bring or buy there lunch. I think there is definitely a need for a change in everyone's eating habits. I have always tried to give both my kids and now my granddaughter options. If you don't give them a variety they will stick to the junk food so I am happy even now when my almost two year old granddaughter asks for salad.
After printing the receipe I gathered all the ingredients (including powdered dry milk something I had never had or worked with before). It was a fairly quick process and as soon as it was popped into the oven the smell took me back to the school days of standing in line with my friends and being handed this tasty coffee cake. Funny at the time none of the kids drank coffee but the cake sure tasted terrific. Here is the link for the receipe. www.insidesocal.com/schoolnotebook/2008/02/blogger-raves-about-lausd-coff.html Try it and let me know what you think?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Do You Have a Forever Box?
After getting through yet another holiday season and starting another new year with hopes of better things to come, of course one of the things that usually is a staple of kicking off the new year is putting back all the holiday decorations. Each year I always take a little extra time to look at all the special ornaments that have hung on our tree for that brief time during the holidays. I have many special one's that I hold dear. I have three that a very dear friend I worked with gave me. She has now passed on so they hold an even special place. The bell is tarnished and the snowflake was damaged one year when the Christmas tree mysteriously feel over but even those flaws are special. Also special are the ornaments I have collected on travel trips throughout the years. From Plymouth, MA to New Orleans, Hawaii, Alaska and most recently Washington D.C. and this past year a Corvette ornament from our yearly car trip. When I pull them out of the boxes each year I always remember the instance from whence they came.
All of this nostalgia also made me think about all the treasure boxes I have had over the course of my life. My first was a jewelry-like box that my grandpa gave me one year for Christmas. I kept a few trinkets and my small diary inside. Many years later after my grandpa's death my grandma gave me his black-lacquer/pearl boxes. A small square sized box still sits on a cabinet with a pair of dice inside that reminds me of his love for Las Vegas. A round larger box I gave to David many years ago and he keeps some little mementos of his own, and the larger of the boxes was almost lost to me many years ago when our house was broken into and those involved tried to pry open this box, not being smart enough to know that it was not locked. This box contains letters from people important to me that either have passed,or lost touch with. I also have some other special things inside but each time I open it my mind goes back in several directions. Be it the time in the Orient that my grandpa had in WWII, or the first pen pal letter I received from Lisette in Sweden. All of them bring me to different times in my life.
I started reading a book recently called The Forever Box. I haven't gotten into it very far but the first few pages hit hard. I won't give it all away (because I don't know what's to come) but everyone should have a Forever Box. I think so far the prolific items are on the front of the book under the title is "The things we love are the things that last"...and if that doesn't hit home hard "long after our ashes have been scattered to the wind and our bones have turned to dust, it is entirely possible for whole pieces of ourselves--our histories, and the depth of our own unique existence--to remain behind for our surviving loved ones to pore over and to ponder. It is the last remnants--the ones that we purposefuly decide to preserve--that offer the generations who comeafter us tangible evidence that we even existed at all, and that our years on this earth counted for something positive and pleasing.. Kristin Clark Taylor how touching these words are!!
In just reading the first chapter of this book it has made me use this idea of a Forever Box for a theme I plan on using this year in my blog. Pick one item per day either from my long ago past or maybe just recently and try to share that experience. I guess technically it will be my blog in-box and it will be forever on the internet for all to read, but I still have my physical treasure/forever boxes that have memories of other's and my own to always keep close to my heart.
Keeping my fingers crossed that I will keep this going all year.
All of this nostalgia also made me think about all the treasure boxes I have had over the course of my life. My first was a jewelry-like box that my grandpa gave me one year for Christmas. I kept a few trinkets and my small diary inside. Many years later after my grandpa's death my grandma gave me his black-lacquer/pearl boxes. A small square sized box still sits on a cabinet with a pair of dice inside that reminds me of his love for Las Vegas. A round larger box I gave to David many years ago and he keeps some little mementos of his own, and the larger of the boxes was almost lost to me many years ago when our house was broken into and those involved tried to pry open this box, not being smart enough to know that it was not locked. This box contains letters from people important to me that either have passed,or lost touch with. I also have some other special things inside but each time I open it my mind goes back in several directions. Be it the time in the Orient that my grandpa had in WWII, or the first pen pal letter I received from Lisette in Sweden. All of them bring me to different times in my life.
I started reading a book recently called The Forever Box. I haven't gotten into it very far but the first few pages hit hard. I won't give it all away (because I don't know what's to come) but everyone should have a Forever Box. I think so far the prolific items are on the front of the book under the title is "The things we love are the things that last"...and if that doesn't hit home hard "long after our ashes have been scattered to the wind and our bones have turned to dust, it is entirely possible for whole pieces of ourselves--our histories, and the depth of our own unique existence--to remain behind for our surviving loved ones to pore over and to ponder. It is the last remnants--the ones that we purposefuly decide to preserve--that offer the generations who comeafter us tangible evidence that we even existed at all, and that our years on this earth counted for something positive and pleasing.. Kristin Clark Taylor how touching these words are!!
In just reading the first chapter of this book it has made me use this idea of a Forever Box for a theme I plan on using this year in my blog. Pick one item per day either from my long ago past or maybe just recently and try to share that experience. I guess technically it will be my blog in-box and it will be forever on the internet for all to read, but I still have my physical treasure/forever boxes that have memories of other's and my own to always keep close to my heart.
Keeping my fingers crossed that I will keep this going all year.
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