Numbers by the Ages

DIY link 

A state of mind matters much.

#SixWordSaturday

Early Morning Ruse

Pete on alert. 

It is 4:12 AM and I am awakened by the rumblings of Pete and his co-conspirator, Buttah. It is too early to get up (for good) and too late to go back to any kind of serious sleep.

Though, blaming the awakening on the cats and by proxy, the pooch who is on instant alert and all too ready to rumble, is a bit unfair. It is really the fullness of a bladder that shakes a body from slumber


Point is, the too early wake-up call is frustrating enough on the weekends where a return to bed until at least an hour past sunrise is in play. The 4:12 AM rousing is beyond frustrating for weekday mornings where rise-and-shine time is no later than 5:30 AM; I am out the door within two hours of rising, and at my desk ready to work within another two hours.

So with all due respect to the forces that are Pete, Buttah, Cinnamon and the offending bladder, the mind and other body parts would appreciate a togetherness of spirit toward saving all antics until, oh, I don't know, 4:45 AM.

That wouldn't be great but it would be very much better.

#microblogging monday

Sing, Sing A Song

click image for link

Sing out loud, Sing out strong 

as recorded by The Carpenters. 

Inauguration * Re-dux.* Welcome to Wednesday

H * A * P * P * Y      (Belated)      B * I * R * T * H * D * A * Y             B * L * O * G 

Well, I just finished a shot of Johnnie Walker Black Label and decided to go for it. I've been pondering this step for weeks now, and well, I've decided with the help and encouragement from some others, to go for it!

I'm supposed to be working on my taxes. I'm not, yet. I will, I will, but not yet. This is the latest that I've ever attacked that particular task. I am just not feeling it this year. My son (24-SR in college, living at home) announced today; "Saturday, you're helping me with my taxes." Never mind that I've done his taxes every year since he was 16. This year, though he had decided that he should take matters into his own grown up hands. I can get with that. I relinquinshed all files and let go. Well, he took the files, stored them in his room for a few weeks, until now, when he announced... I'm more than happy to help. I did have something else to do Saturday, though. Ah well.

Tonight, (this morning actually in CST), I'm choosing to start this blog. 'Tis fitting as the reading and marveling over a number of blogs for the past few months have immeasurably upset a carefully designed organizational flow.

I don't know what tone this blog will take. Obviously, since I'm a mom of two adults living at home, that element will be here. I am also an only daughter (2 brothers) with the whole boy-girl child AND middle child stuff going on. I've got mother-daughter issues as I have a daughter and I am a daughter. Who knows where this thing will go.

I do know that I have been humored, thrilled, fascinated, educated, saddened and just plain interested in the array of what I've encountered in blog land over these past few months.

So, here I blog. Welcome to my rendering of my world. I'm not quite sure where I'm going, but I do hope the ride will be vigorous, entertaining and enlightening.

Wednesday, March 29th 2006  * So, here I still blog. So many changes but some things remain the same. I thought then, that I would enjy blogging--I wish more of the folks I read then were still around, but new bloggers have filled the void.  Thank you to all who visit here. Your presence is a joy.  

A Tine In Time

click image for link.

Most of my forks have vanished. 

Nothing and Not Quite Everything

#MicroblogMondays

First and foremost, happy Spring, officially. The weather has been un-Spring like of late, but hey, on the calendar IT IS SPRING and hope is alive that warmer weather will follow.

In that vein and in no particular order, thoughts, events, and ideas that have sprung in recent days:

1. The actor booked an episode of Chicago Fire and it aired last Tuesday. The episode titled, "Forgiving, Relentless, Unconditional" is available on-line. He comes on-screen at about the 37 minute mark.

2. It is very weird seeing your kid now a man, on television. I thought seeing him on stage was weird (exhilarating, but weird) screen is that multiplied by thousands. More, even.

3. Mom's oldest sibling celebrated her 95th birthday a few weeks ago. I have a couple of cousins who are struggling to make it to sixty, by way of contrast.

4. The Starbucks© #RaceTogether campaign  . Stumble out the gate, looking forward to next steps.

5.. THIS: My life is a struggle of constantly wanting to go out and have fun with people and also simultaneously trying to avoid human contact.

6. It has been mentioned here before and you may read it again, and again, I LOVE potato chips. Well, potatoes in most any form, but chips--on me, oh my.. That said, I haven't had any potato chips in over six weeks. (Yes, I relapsed went on a bender). The loss was re-gained and now, on the way back down, again.

7. Saturday (over Sunday) was more conducive to riding and so I did. Not crazy fast (that isn't ever going to happen) or crazy far (only about 5 miles round trip) but good to be out, good to not have collapsed upon return.

8. Discipline: per Merriam-Webster.com  5b: orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior.

9. Song lyric: would you mind, if I made love to you 'till I'm satisfied?.  haunting and halting. Stop.

10. Speaking of lyrics: Happy Really:? Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof. Really?

10a. Was the last film I saw in a theater August: Osage County?

And today: <>bSNOW

Ride On Time

My seventh birthday gift from my recently separated, soon-to-be divorced parents was a bicycle. She was blue. She had skinny wheels, zero speeds, but raced like the wind, as fast as my legs could pedal. This gift represented my first taste of freedom, from my brothers, from the block, from my seven year old worries.

I just rode.

The first, Samantha, had to be retired at some point in my early teens. I struggled mightily to earn enough to buy my next set of wheels. She was a second-hand number, black, and heavy. Not a good fit. I kept her for a season and then traded her for the wheels that carried me right through the rest of my time with my mother and brothers. When things got tense at home, I hopped aboard and rode, no matter the time of day. It was not unusual for me to be cruising the streets of Chicago at 3 or 4 in the morning.

I rode to ease my 15-16 year old worries.

Today, four decades later, being on a bike is still my solace. This weekend presented near perfect riding weather and so I rode. Loosened the limbs, freed some cobwebs.

Freedom. Sweet.

#Microblog Monday

F * R * I * D * A * Y

so much to say, so little time (and headspace) to get it together. 

in the meantime, to my friends who are fighting the fight 

rock on. 

March Woman, Women March

#MicroBlog Monday

A FB friend posed a kind of a question or challenge as her status:  It's the first of the month. What are you going to do every single day for the next 31 days? New habit? Ritual? Same ole' thing? Spill . . . 

I didn't offer an answer on the post. But, have been thinking about it ever since I read it early yesterday morning. What am I going to do every day this month? 

For starters, since it is March and Spring (reportedly) is on the way, I shall be getting myself (and Melody)ready for riding. The goal and promise is to ride on every opportune day, 40 degrees or higher and dry. In the meantime, steps, steps, and ever more steps. 10,000 steps over icy, un-even ground is quite the challenge, let me tell ya.  

Additionally, I shall be delving ever so gloriously in the hearts, minds, and works of some extrordinary women with an eye toward igniting: create. I made a promise to finish the mandala project from January 2014 by the end of the first quarter of this new year. With seven plus the bonus left, 31 (now 30) days should just about cover it. 

Beyond the above, pretty much the same ole' same thing; work, try to play, keeping eyes on the prize, putting one foot in front of the other, taking it one day at a time. 

So, what say you? What are you doing with your March? 

Somewhere, Somehow, Spring.

On a brighter note, robin sighting. **

**A** robin or two, I'm fine. But, more than that (any bird) I'm totally wigged out. Thank you.

#SixWordSaturday

Hey Look, It is Saturday

Cat and not quite a mouse. 

#Six Word Saturday 

BrrrSDayS

There isn't much more to say when it is so cold you need a new word for cold. Except, at least it isn't snowing. The pooch does love the fresh powder and that joy aside, I much rather (given-the-givens) commute in cold (even beyond naming cold) than snow, any amount. But an amount on top of what is already on the ground, no thank you.

I read the other day that the mayor of Boston had to ask residents not to jump out of windows. It seems that some folks decided that jumping and landing on the mountains of snow would be big fun.

Today's walking out the door temperature: minus six degrees.That is air. We will not discuss wind chill factors.

Be careful. Stay warm.

February Eighteenth Twenty Thirteen

Updated Wednesday, February 18, 2015
It has been a year two years  and as most who have lost a loved one, particularly a parent experiences, it feels like today. Like no time has elapsed. Pain. Sharp. Deep. And seemingly, never-ending. It will lessen, I've been told. Not today. Likely, not for a while, yet. Still. 

Per her wishes there wasn't a service but I did write something to honor her and sent it along to family and friends so that they may have . . .something.

Mom's Corner

Every Time I Feel The Spirit*

At 7:14 p.m. on February 18th, my mother breathed her final breath and with that achieved her desire to go home. The last few years presented a multitude of challenges. She prayed for the strength to go on and as the challenges continued to mount, she turned her prayers to those of resolve to move on . . . 

Where He Leads Me* 

Mom spent her time in our world in caring compassion to those around her. She tended her relationships with cards, letters, and other tokens of stewardship. She did what she could to improve the human condition and to beautify her corner of the world, giving as much of herself as possible. 

Pass It On*

Mom's commitment and ministry to community was very strong. Even in the face of her own challenges she gave her time and energies to a variety of outreach programs that aided the homeless, hungry, and disenfranchised, particularly ex-offenders, women, and children. 

Here I Am Lord* 

Even her final act was about giving, having donated her body to science and research. A lifetime of caring, compassion, loving, and giving cannot be summed up in a few hundred words. Nor can such a life and life experience go by totally without notice or report. 

Mom loved to laugh. In going through her possession I located a card sent by a friend that contained the following quote: "laugh as often as possible. you must, because the world will offer you every reason to weep. So as often as possible you laugh! That, I think is part of the GREAT LOVE!" ~Maya Angelou 

Mom's faith was important to her. Each of the starred stanza headings are some of her favorite hymns. John 3:16 was her favorite scripture. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

My mother lives on in all our hearts and minds.

You who know me, know I am not a believer but my mother and ALL other relatives and friends are / were of the faithful community. As noted in the beginning this was for them. I drew comfort putting it together as finding her wishes offered a bit more insight into the woman my mother was, strived to be. 

"I will always love my mama, she's my favorite girl, she brought me in this world .  " 

Welcome to Wednesday:* MONDAY MeMe (2) Edition

This was the meme that started it all so perhaps,  meme (1) would be more appropriate, but since I'm answering and posting it second, well, number 2 it is. 

1. When was the last time you cut your hair? Because I keep my hair short I cut it pretty often.              This example is longer than I usually keep it. 
      Did you like the haircut? I liked the idea of it right from the start (when I first started                        cutting it very short, several years ago). I've had to grow into the style and learning HOW       to cut it myself in a way that is agreeable. 

2. Grapes with seeds or seedless? So long as they aren't green, I'm good. Green grapes suck. 

3. When was the last time you went to a fancy party? Probably 5 or so years ago. A golden                               anniversary part for an uncle and is wife. 
     What did you wear? My finest slacks and a shimmery shirt. 

4. What colour is your bedroom wall? In my mind, lavender. In reality, white. 

5. The worst smell in the world is… Chitterlings. Or rather, Chit'lins. 

6. Last thing you spat out.  Some chicken trying to slide down the wrong pipe. ::cough:: 

7. Do you sing when no one is around?  YES What do you usually sing? Often, something from the               "Wizard of Oz"  Lately, "Shake it Off". 

8. Your least favourite name (and it’s okay if it’s Melissa; I can take it).  Olga. And, Clementine. 

9. Did you like the food served at the last dinner party you went to? I did. The dinner was in honor of an aunt's birthday and held at a Brazilian steak house. Mouth-watering good. 

10. What is your most prized possession? Photos of and notes and cards from my mother. 

Would you kill a unicorn in order to save your most prized possession? I'd be so stunned to be face-to-face with a unicorn I don't know that I'd have the presence of mind to do anything but stare. Likely, I'd think I'd died and well, the possessions . . . rather insignificant, at that point. 

#Microblog Monday

*2/18 will be a difficult day. I'm trying to busy myself but it isn't working. 

Dosey-does

Love is a two way street. 

#SixWordSaturday 

Welcome to Wednesday: MeMe Edition

And so, my friend developed these questions and so, I'm answering: 

1. What topic is so interesting to you that you could talk about it for days? 

I'm sure I could talk about my  son and daughter for days. But, those two aside . . . pipe cleaners; home crafting golden product.  Okay, I'm kidding.  Popsicle sticks! I kid you not. 

2. Dream home: cottage at the beach, river house in the woods, lake house, penthouse in a city, farm house, castle in Europe, family home in a burb? Something else?

This one is tough and after much thought, lake house.  

3. What talent would you like to have that you don’t have already?

Piano. Hands down. playing, not building, just to be clear. 

4. If you could make one food that’s not good for you, good for you, what would you choose?

TIRAMISU 

5. The one piece of advice you would give to everyone and wish they’d follow.

Sock and a sock, shoe and a shoe. Not, sock / shoe, sock / shoe.  Oh, and kindness wins. 

6. What period of history would you want to visit as a tourist?   Edwardian.  

7. Do you have a hobby?    Slow dancing, swaying to the music.  (Arts.) 

8. If an animal could talk, which animal would you want to talk to? Buttah. I'm aching to know what kind of home he lived in before he was ours. How it was he wound up on the street, not the safest even for a cat with all four paws clawed. 

9. If you could be friends with a fictional character, who would you choose? Kay Scarpetta's niece, Lucy Farinelli. 

10. Introvert or extrovert?  All together now, i-n-t-r-o-v-e-r-t. 

Another blogger created another list of questions and I've decided to answer those as well. Next Wednesday.  Have a wonderful rest of the week. 

Him

The Look of Love 

Dapper Man and Machine 

The Look of Love II

The actor opened 2015 with his foot solidly in the door of stage acting. He has booked three shows (two of the three are Shakespeare plays) with the rehearsals for the first beginning soon. He's auditioned for a number of on-screen performances hoping to add more of that type of work to his résumé.  He's decided that directing is not for him, at least not now. He is passionate about performing , being a teaching artist and of late, music. More on the music later, but for now, happy birthday to my funny, serious, passionate young man. May your realities and dreams collide in several grand explosions of good, better, best.

Which? Why?

Which life button, pause or rewind?




#Six Word Saturday 

Super. Bowl. Snow.

#Microblog Monday 

All this and the Patriots won. Better days coming round.                                       Yes? Yes.

Sing, Sing A Song

"If I only had a brain."

*click for link*

#Six Word Saturday 

Looking Back

#Microblog Monday

If you'll recall, his time tlast year I was struggling to get through the Mandala prompts. And as recent posts relay, I'm still working to complete the 31 prompts. Number 24 (Desire here I come.) I was also frustrated over the sounds of silence from a particular person. Later in the year I lamented over the loss of a friend.. The friend and a particular person, same.

Silence, still.

Going back to January two years ago, my dad had died the previous September, it was cold and well, There is much going around these parts, most of which I have yet to truly wrap around my head and wear it brightly. I'm worried about a some friends. I'm distressed over job, work issues. I'm fearful for my mom. I am harried, heckled, haunted, and hounded much.

I ended post on a positive tip, trying to walk toward the very faint flow at the end of the tunnel.

Well, that light was doused when my mother died within a month of that post.

And now, looking back over 2013 and 2014 combined there were certainly more low points than high Despite my determination to find that silver lining around every single dark cloud; I tried to keep my spirits high, the creativity flowing, and life moving forward.

More than anything I tried mighty hard not to wallow.

Some days I wallowed. Some days I wallow, still. .

Yet, I look back to look forward; to finish what I start, to create opportunities to c-r-e-a-t-e to embrace my memories, to be present and to rev the engine as needed.

Girls Love Mail

#MicoBlog Mondays

Much of my time (especially) in recent weeks has been spent on letters, reading letters, writing letters, thinking about writing even more letters. I love writing letters, I love getting letters--but will write them with or without prospect of a reply.

Thus, my involvement with letter writing campaigns. Combine letter writing with a cause close to my heart, opportunities to up-lift and / or enlighten and I am all in

Like writing letters? Think about joining Girls Love Mail.  It is great fun and a fantastic cause.

Happy Monday!! 

I've Got Letters on My Mind

Think, then and now. Just think. 

Six Word Saturday

Micro Monday*

Last January I was given a gift. And here I am this January submitting the twenty-third of 31 (well, 32--there was a bonus)prompts. I was well beyond January 2014 when I thought I was ready to tackle prompt number twenty-three. I was wrong many times over. 

And while it was (IS) acceptable to skip over, to move on, I couldn't. And even as I have not completed the assignment I still feel stuck or maybe conflicted. 

Trust, that which has been placed in others, has proven quite the jagged journey leaving me ragged rather than rugged--some days. 

*MicroBlog Monday 

Saturday, Here In the Park

l

Six Word Saturday 

Let's not talk about the weather. 

And So It Has Begun

MicroBlog Monday 

Nothing says "Happy New Year" like cuddling up with your long haired orange tabby and having said tabby sneeze in your face. Wiping cat snot off one's glasses at 4 in the morning is the pinnacle of woo-hoo, let me tell ya.  

Or, in other words, business (and beginnings of days) as usual. Buttah, the catdog, is ramping up his campaign to be top pet. That, and the colder weather drives him (and his elusive brother, Pete) in my room more often these days, causing the pooch's anxiety level to rise. 

The day proceeded apace with the usual things happening at pretty much the usual time for Friday was a workday; the shift filled with explaining to various patients why they owe what they owe, what their insurance didn't cover and in some cases, why. And, talking with insurance companies to follow-up on non-payments, providing the necessary information so they claims may be reconsidered. And reconciling accounts, applying credits to debits and sending out statements. 

And then, it was time to come home where the pooch, long-haired orange tabby and is ever elusive brother wait to be tended. 

Playing behind the scenes of the business as usual days are the other things; books to read, things to do, stuff to get, music (ear worms, like the themes to TV shows, I'll spare you which) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter goals and / or projects and words, and images. Words and images. Words and images, popping in and out of my mind. 

And speaking of words, inspired by my friend, I present to you my word of the year: c-r-e-a-t-e, manifested artistically and otherwise. The otherwise will likely revolve around the pooch, the long haired orange tabby, catdog and his ever elusive brother, Pete. 

Bienvenida a Miércoles

click on image for link 

Just a couple of thoughts on this, the last day of twenty-fourteen: 

 Did you know that the Morton Salt Company's tag line for a long while was, "when it rains it pours"?  No one was injured by the wall of salt or the collapsing wall.

Daughter was telling me a story a while back and during the telling of the story she used the term, "funeral park" which was used in place of cemetery, which she couldn't remember the name of the place where the dead are buried at the time. And since then, well, funeral park is now our term for cemetery.

Son said just this morning that he wants to act, sing, dance, and play music like Nina Simone-with a reckless, yet purposeful abandon. He is learning to play the harmonica and acoustic guitar. Just this past Sunday he got on stage at his favorite club during the weekly jam session. He is turning into a Mississippi Delta blues man before our very eyes. So fun.  

I don't really want to look back on twenty-fourteen except as to recall the ideas for work, learning, and . . . growth and how best to expand upon those ideas. Moreover, finding a way to stay the course, so to speak, in terms of not only getting projects off the ground but executing to fruition. 

On that note, the Mandala Discovery journey begins again tomorrow. I didn't sign up for another go 'round as I didn't finish the first. But, finish the first (as well as possibly repeating some of the prompts) will happen within the first quarter of twenty-fifteen. 

The second anniversary of my mother's death is looming and even as I type that, the emotion wells. The tears flow, not quite as often, but  . . still. At the end of "Cooley High" one of our (me and mom's) favorite movies there is a funeral scene and the song, "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" is featured. I was finally able to load the dvd into the player, but cannot watch it to the very end. 

While not particularly driven by gadgetry, I wish I had a device that would record my thoughts without benefit of me having to speak (or write). For, many ideas come on the fly (so to speak)  and more often than not, an inconvenient time and place. Try recalling any of those thoughts, ideas, epiphanies later. 

I have to cut this off here as I must get out the door within the next 8 minutes to have any hope of getting to work on time. But, lastly and not at all least, this: The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing is on the January 2015 calendar page. And on that note,  feliz año nuevo 

A Simple Thing

"We are living art, created to hang on, stand up, forbear,

continue, and encourage others." 

~Maya Angelou

Two and a Half

MicroBlogMonday

As I remain challenged to stitch together much in the way of coherence please indulge a thimble full of random thoughts:  

1. The work (of more import, commute) week is shortened by two and a half days.To that I scream a resounding YaY!!  Well, the commutes will still be three full days as I must return even after the half day of work. But, still . . yay.

2. You shall be pleased to read that after much hand wringing and hair pulling, I have finally decided my contribution to the eve breakfast potluck: deviled eggs.

3. A joyous noise moment: the company holiday party won't happen until the ninth of January. It shall be a casual, family affair. In a bowling alley. To that I scream a resounding YaY!!!

4. The pooch (don't worry, she has since had her face done, eyes no longer hiding behind all that fur) and the catdog, Buttah continue to  navigate a, "I'm the favorite" course.  Neither need not worry. Plenty of love for them both (as well as for the more aloof, Pete.)

5. A condolence card arrived the other day which confounded
and astounded in equal measure. Quite moved by the outpouring of kindness expressed therein.

6. Birds are a common theme in greeting cards. Birds are a common holiday theme. My comfort threshold with birds is low. Not so low that I'm overly quacked out by images alone. But should I come face to face with a gaggle of geese, a covey of partridges,  a murder of crows, and so on . . way quacked out. Still, I shall be looking for every and all opportunities to shrink the bird themed greeting card collection currently in my possession.    

Mon., Tues., We . .

given the givens not a bad week, but certainly 

room for improvement. 

Like Pulling Teeth

 The title, until about five minutes ago (it is 11:52 pm) was going to be . . "I've got idioms on my mind"  (you know, like sung to, "You Are Always On My Mind") which is in reference to the fact that I was going to write and post this entry last night might one thing and then another thing and then . . well, I went to bed thinking and feeling like the entire week (and it was only Wednesday) was like . . yeah, the title.

But when I got up this morning the title was gone. Vanished. Out of my mind. All day I was trying to remember and all day nothing. Na da. Zilch. Finally, I just said the hell with it, forget the plan, do something about idioms (in general) and move the frack on. Hence, :the new title idea.

After an evening of quality time with Cinnamon and Buttah (Pete requires no such interaction save the sneers exchanged when kibble is dropped in his bowl) heating and eating dinner, cleaning the kitchen, beginning and finishing two holiday greetings (with "love lists" enclosed to be posted Friday I sat down to dash off the, "I've got idioms on my mind" post still hoping to get to bed by eleven. Until someone woke from their mid-evening slumber eager to share a rousing, amusing, and winding tale of a dry cleaner's passion, fake Valentino suits, sweat stains and more . .  

It was in the midst of that story where the original idiom (like pulling teeth) that prompted the idea or the post I was going to write last night, that was lost during the course of the day, reappeared. Waving hello, howyadoin? like nothing ever happened.

And now, still, not saying what was on my mind to say last night (or rather, Wednesday night, for it is now very early Friday morning) it shall have to keep for another time. For time, is no longer on my side. Five AM will roll around much too soon and . . . damn, now Cinnamon is pacing. Must get dressed so she can poop. She only paces when she needs to poop. Or after vomiting. Since she hasn't vomited, out we go.

Happy Friday getting here was like pulling teeth.

Something Old, Something New

The idea of getting up at the ass crack of dawn the day after Thanksgiving to brave crowds, mania, and in most cases, horrible weather to score a killer deal on __________ whatever is as attractive as sticking hot pokers in my eyes.

Now, I like sales and bargains as much as the next penny watching consumer. But, there are limits. And that which embodies the so called Black Friday is at the top of the limit list.

My Fridays after Thanksgiving have historically found me eating leftovers, watching holiday movies, getting a jump on weekend chores, playing board games, reading, writing, in short, chilling the frack out. The plan was for this one to be more of the same. Even more so since I'm fighting off the emotional tides of grief.

Then came an event called The "New" Black Friday. I discovered the event through my good friend Maxine and it sounded tailor made; something I could do from home, creating lists, sharing with a community of folks IF you wanted.

Hello. Yes.

So, in addition to some usual household tasks, watching movies, and laughing with my son and daughter I spent some of Friday (and beyond, to be honest) creating love lists, gathering materials, and beginning the constructing of same.

Great fun. A project that will occupy some of my down time over the next couple of weeks. Not, that I needed a new project, mind you--but this is well worth sliding others to the back burner temporarily.

Welcome to December 1st*

*micro blogging Monday            

T = together. time. . . .

Daughter has Mexicana radio flowing, soup simmering, grill fired up, sous chef Cinnamon at the ready. Son has stories. It is fun to be on the sidelines, watching, listening, learning, laughing. May your day be spicy or sweet, whatever your heart and soul desires. Happy Thanksgiving.

Monday. Monday.

MicroBlogMonday !! 

That. Is. All.  Five AMcomes much too quickly. 

for now. 

Well, it is Wednesday

And welcome to it. Before turning in last night the news was all about how we (the region) have suffered record (for this point in November) low temperatures and now the S word and how it would affect the morning commute.

Well, the pooch and I were outside about forty minutes ago and low and behold, no snow. On one hand I feel great because who wants to trudge to work in the snow, get all wet and have to pack extra socks and some indoor shoes for sitting for subsequent eight hours?

Not his girl. Not this morning anyway. So, thank you weather forecasters for being wrong and weather pattern for changing course or whatever happened. However, on the other hand, I was kind of looking forward to the snow because, well, trudging. Extra effort to walk meant using extra energy which meant calorie burning.

It is coming. Just not today. (Or not this morning).

Welcoming this Wednesday morning is a scale date. I decided on November 5th when I got on the scale at it read a few ticks beyond 260 and I would 1. weigh myself every other Wednesday 2. Work to have the needle move in the  away from the 260 mark (in the lower register, just to be clear) and 3. To try to sustain the efforts for longer than a month, longer than 2, longer even than 3.

Oddly enough, the image I found this morning for this post is exactly depicts what my scale read this morning.

One day at a time, in two week blocks. Welcome to Wednesday. Welcome snow, whenever you arrive.    

       

Cold As Ice

#microblogmonday

One day last week, once I am not-too-comfortably seated on the first of two buses for the commute home, I open messages left throughout the day. (Work rules dictate that I cannot have my mobile device on my person while at my workstation). There, out of the dark, lay a voicemail from my father's second wife.

Chilled.

My father died Septenber 6, 2012. Five days after his 74th birthday. I didn't know it then, but my mother would die just barely 5 months later.

My insides have been as chilled as our outsides (temperatures plummeting from 60s to 30s in a twenty four hour cycle and staying there). My father's second wife (okay,  okay . . my step-mother's) message did not warrant a call back, in fact, she didn't leave a call back number--so I didn't call her back. She called my brothers as well and they in turn (of course) eventually called me. A family issue and decisions. I know if she had had a choice, we (my brothers and me) would have been out of the loop.

To the bones.

Tears have been a large part of the last several days. Tears steeped in annoyance and more. The annoyance for the folks this call put in my world, put in play.Their ignorance of me (us) their incompetence and their intrusion. The more; grief, memories, lonliness for my mom's presence.

 The upcoming week will mean more of the same for nothing is settled (yet). The issue at hand stands to haunt for many days beyond as one brother is out of sync with the other (and me). I trust this will hamper our becoming closer--for there has been little movement in that regard since our post mom's death discussion.

So, so cold.

The outside as well as on the inside for which no amount of layering will remedy.

waist not. want not. again.

microblogging monday

I'm heavy. Again. Not as heavy as I've ever been but heavier than I want to be. Heavier than I should be. Heavier than is prudent to be.

Again.

As much as I don't want to bethis heavy try as I might, I am having a devil of a time pulling together a string of successes; caloric intake, consistent and meaningful movement.

Hence, heavy remains. And in recent weeks, inching ever so toward -ier.

As I've been where I am before I know what to do. I am just, as I said, struggling with sticking to a routine and making the routine stick.

'Tis critical, this heavier thing. My blood pressure is higher  My knees are achier. My clothes are tighter.

Massive

Critical.

Five years ago I had the Shrinking Piggies to help me work through my weightiness. This time around, to be brutally honest, I hold little confidence that participation in that group, fantastic as those folks were, would yield much in the way of positive results.

But, something must be done.

Now. Consistently. For heavier, this much heavier is not the place to be. Ever. Again.



 

Five for Five*

Tomorrow is election day. We have a couple of pretty hotly contested races. The ads have been furious and the rhetoric fierce. Thankfully, early voting opened up a bit over a week ago and I was able to get my voiting in several days ago.

If a mailing I received a few days ago is to be believed, this election will make the the fifth straight in which I've voted. Again, if the mailing is to be believed, the habit of voting is typical behavior for my neighborhood.

micro blogging monday

The purpose of this mailing, beyond touting my voting habits and comparing same with that of my neighbors, extolling our excellent active participation in the process, was to remind me (and the other recipients of this particular mailing) that November 4th is Election Day!   Go. Vote

I don't know (yet) out of whose pocket the dimes for this mass mailing came. I do consider the spending of these dimes an egregious waste--reminding folks who have voted in four of the last four elections--that election day is near. I am willing to bet that most (like me) had already cast their ballot prior to receipt of the postcard.

Then again, perhaps the mailing was so massive that it included folks with less than four stars on their election activity record, though I can't imagine the wording of such a missive. Still, do these folks care that Tuesday is Election Day?
I'm
Perhaps some do. I'm holding out hope that most do care and that most (who haven't already) will indeeded
vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

Polls open at 6 AM.

*of course I've voted consistently since becoming of age.

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