Everyone Should Have a Village

I am fortunate enough to have a very large village.  My village is so large that it has people in subdivisions that have never met the people in other subdivisions. 

It is because of this village that I was able to get through my recent shoulder surgery with no hardships.  There was always someone there to drive me, make sure I had groceries/cooked food, take out the trash, unhook my bra, do laundry, etc. I cannot imagine trying to get through something like this on my own.

Just as my village was there for me, I try to be there for them.  I take late night phone calls, I give emotional support, and I still have one really good shoulder to cry on.  This week, one of my villagers needed a shoulder, an ear, jokes, and the promise that things would get better.  I am glad I was there for this villager, along with residents of her own village.  

I pray she will get through this time of her life with as little stress as possible, and remembering to take care of herself.  I also hope that through it all she remembers she is a strong, courageous, loving, kind, caring person who I admire immensely.  

I am here for you friend.

I am Almost to the Breaking Point

I have a contract with an entity, and that contract and its stipulations are constantly being taken to the limit, and lately, a little past the limit.  I came really close to canceling that contract yesterday.  Fortunately one of the parties that was coming close to violating the contract hung up on me before I could tell them to take it and shove it. 

I have been thinking long and hard about how to handle this situation, and I have just about decided to write them and email clearly reminding them of the contract and what it says, and that if they don't respect the contract, and me, then I am canceling it.  

I cannot speak to this person face to face because they are never available, and the longer I let this go on, the further they push me about not following the contract. It is causing me great stress every week.

Just thinking about putting it all in writing makes me feel better.  

Accomplishment #116 - #119

I will admit to not accomplishing much this week.  Other than the dishwasher, sorting mail, paying bills, and cleaning out part of the refrigerator, I have nothing extra to report.

Of course, that list is better than no list.

3 in a Row

I have had three losses in a row at TOPS.  I am back into new weight for the year and hope to stay motivated enough to keep going.

I am working really hard at not eating my emotions.  It is tough, especially in the situation I am dealing with on a daily basis. I have been keeping a journal for my emotions and daily events that is helping me tremendously. 

This blog is a good place to release my emotions, but I never know who is reading it, so it cannot be a tell all.  

We actually had a no gain meeting tonight with several people being in new weight for the year, including Loni.  I am proud of how well she is working her program. My friend and co-worker Gina is doing very well too.  

I Like My Drinks Icy

If I am going to drink bottled water, or soda, I like to put it in the freezer to make it icy.  Unfortunately, I put them in there and forget about them. 

Tonight I put a diet root beer I was drinking with dinner in the freezer after I had taken a few sips because it just wasn't the way I wanted it.  That was at 7:00 P.M.  It is now 9:50 P.M. and the root beer is frozen solid.  So, I put a water in the freezer.  I hope I remember it in about thirty minutes.  

I Turned the Bag Over, and Nothing Fell Out...I Guess My 30 Days of Birthday are Over

I have had a grand time with my 30 Days of Birthday from Loni.

Tonight was my last gift.  Yes, I did turn the bag over and check, it is over.  Here is my 30 days of gifts, note if you count there are 31 gifts because one day had 2 gifts in one package. 

30 Days of Birthday from Loni, 2011

Of course, my birthday is not quite over yet as I still have two scheduled birthday lunches. Unfortunately, I have to reschedule one of them, but that doesn't matter as it just prolongs the celebration.  

I Am Free From Those that Must Drive Me...Well, Almost

Today was the first day since March 14 that I have driven myself any where except to work and home, and that doesn't count as driving since it is only .6 of a mile away according to Google Maps. 

Ruben released me to drive on Friday, as long as I didn't over do it.  In other words, I could drive to work therapy and some close places, but no heavy traffic, etc. 

It was so nice to go to therapy today knowing I wasn't inconveniencing anyone.  I will admit, it didn't feel great, especially the left turns.  I also have to reach around with my right arm to flip on the turn signals.  

I won't be driving to Denton, or doing any big time heavy shopping any time soon, but that is okay as my village is always happy to take me, but at least I can get to therapy and back.  

Accomplishment #115

Sorted mail, paid bills, shredded documents, sorted laundry, loaded dishwasher, and picked up in living room.

Thank Goodness, I Really Thought I Was Losing It!

I do most of my banking online. 

If you give me a check, well, it may be weeks, sometimes months before I go into the bank to deposit it.  Also, I haven't used an ATM card since about 2002, when I was in Houston.  

I am also a fanatic about checking my accounts.  I check them every other day, and most of the time, every day. 

That being said, this has not been a good week for me and online banking.

First, I pulled up my account the one night last week to make sure a transfer had taken place to cover some bills, and my account balance was 0.00.  Now I knew that I was cutting it close with the account, but I still figured I had about $150.00.   It was very upsetting, but I decided to go to bed and check on it first thing in the morning.  When I got up in the morning, everything was normal.  Account was fine, bills had been covered, back to normal.  Good deal.

This weekend I pulled up my account to pay a bill and nothing looked right. It seemed since it was a regularly scheduled payment, I could not go in and send in an extra amount I had missed during a cycle.  I thought OK, I'll send in a check.  

I came home from work today to find some bills in my mailbox and decided to schedule their payment immediately, since I didn't want to clutter the table.  Pulled up the account, went into pay the bills, and nothing looked right.  I was totally confused. I tried several different ways to pay, but no matter what there was no place for me to put the amount in I wanted to pay.  It was very frustrating.  

I logged out and went into a different bank account, that one was fine, I could have paid a bill from it, if I had any money in that account.  I decided I must be losing my mind and having signs of early Alzheimer's.  (When both of your parents had ALZ, those thoughts hit you whenever you can't do something you do all the time.)

I decided to go back into my bank account and think about why I couldn't pay my bills.  No, everything looked just right except I couldn't remember where to put in the amount I was supposed to pay.  I tried several times again, but nothing worked, and I could not figure out what was wrong.  By this time, I am tired, hungry, and ready to cry.  NOTHING on the online bill pay site looked right to me.  

I walked away and came back.  No, still nothing is standing out to me as to what could be wrong. I go back to other websites, they are all displaying correctly.  WHAT IS IT?

I decided to go back to the main page, hit ctrl- several times and go back in.  Hallelujah!  There is what is missing, a whole column where I would normally put in the amount.  For some reason only that website was way too enlarged on my television monitor.  Now it looks totally normal to me.  

Bills are now scheduled for payment and I have learned a lesson. As long as I am using the television as a monitor, I must try ctrl- before spending extra time trying to solve an issue.  

Happy Easter Mr. Hawk

I was talking to Mina on the phone today around 11:00 A.M. and as usual as I was looking out my sliding door into the back yard.  As Mina and I were talking, a hawk came swooping down within a foot of the sliding door, looked in at me and then flew up into my catalpa tree. 

Happy Easter to you too Mr. Hawk.  :)

Evidently There is a Change in Plans

I don't talk to my oldest very often, or see him very often. However, we made plans for him to come over this evening and have some birthday pie and spend the night so he could take me to PT in the morning, early. 

Friday, Ruben released me to limited driving over just going to work and back, which includes going to PT by myself.  So I texted the oldest and told him he was off the hook for driving and would he still be by Sunday evening for pie and he said "of course."  

Yesterday, Loni and I planned our menu for Easter Sunday.  Deviled eggs (she wanted that to be the entire menu), salad, cheese and crackers.  We were set and happy with our menu.

Later in the day, I texted the oldest and asked when he would be home today.  The message back was "We'll be leaving her folks place aronud four and we'll be ther for dinner :]"

DINNER???? I said pie, excuse me.

I texted back and said "Dinner tomorrow night? What are we having?"  To which he replied "Joe's sound good?"

Well, no, deviled eggs, salad, cheese and crackers with Loni sounded good, followed by pie with him later.  

I am seriously considering just handing him and girlfriend $20.00 and saying "Have a nice dinner."  

What Will the 52nd Year Be?

I have been thinking about the theme for my 52nd year, having just finished the Year of Daring.  It was actually a pretty easy choice this year. 

My 52nd year is going to be the "Year of Taking Care of Me."  Now this is different than the"Year of Me."  The "Year of Taking Care of Me" is more about taking care of my mental and physical health. 

My last blood work showed a couple of areas I really need to work on again.  My cholesterol was back up after having been down, my vitamin D level is so low they are thinking prescription D if I don't get it up again, and my A1C was higher than last time.  So I need to take care of my health. 

I also decided to stop taking my anti-depressant at my last physical in March, which means, I need to make sure I take care of my mental health.  

The shoulder surgery means at least six months of regular rehab. Three of those months will be structured, but after that I am on my own, so if I want full range of motion, I will need to be motivated.  

The Trek Tri is coming up in October and since I am the walking part of the relay, I need to get back into shape with my walking too. 

The "Year of Taking Care of Me" will involve getting back on track with my meds, walking, staying with my eating plan, reducing my stress levels, trying to get more sleep, and a possible career change. 

So there are lots of areas where I need to "take care of myself" this year.   Better late than never I guess.

52nd Birthday - Actual Day

I started my birthday off with a trip to PT, with my oldest driving (when he wasn't nodding off).

After PT it was off to work where I was serenaded with the birthday song by the preschoolers.  

Once work was over, Loni picked me up and drove me to Los Charros where we met up with Jennifer, her daughter Grace, and Gina for a birthday dinner.  Of course gifts were involved.  Jennifer gave me a gift card to JCP and Grace gave me green pens.  Gina gave me a gift card to JCP and her daughter Sonja, who was home sick, gave me a patio turtle with flowers.  We had a nice dinner and lots of laughs.  

It was a great way to end my birthday day.  

Notice I said birthday day, I still have two lunches scheduled with friends that were not able to be with me the week of my birthday.  

Yes, Loni, my celebration gets longer each year, and next year it just might run into Mother's Day. 

My Oldest Turned 21

My oldest turned 21 the day I turned 52, and we celebrated his birthday the day before the actual day.

We got up and I fixed him a breakfast of homemade buttermilk biscuits and scrambled eggs with ham and cheese. Of course, Loni was invited to join us and did.  

The rest of the day was spent with the oldest and youngest playing games, and just being lazy.  

We left to go to Denton to take the youngest back around 5:30 because we were going to meet the oldest's girlfriend at Olive Garden to celebrate his birthday.  We all had a nice dinner, and then he left with the girlfriend to spend some alone time with her while Loni and I took the youngest to campus and then Loni and I went to Beth Marie's for our dessert. 

When we finished our ice cream we picked the oldest up and headed home.  It was on the way home I realized that I had forgotten to make his birthday pie.  I was so very sorry for that.  I had the ingredients out and just forgot.  He agreed that we had enough food for him to take back to campus and that he was okay with waiting a week for his pie. He is such a good boy.  

52nd Birthday - Celebration Day

Once again I have had a wonderful birthday thanks to all my friends, and of course, it is not over yet.

This year's birthday started out with the 30 days of gifts from Loni.  It has been so much fun to open a gift each day. I get to pick the time I open the gift, so sometimes it is early morning, other times it is the saddest part of my day, and other times it is just because I have waited to savor the moment.  The majority of the gifts have been fat quarters for my quilting stash.  I have such fun arranging them each day into different groups.  I have two gifts left!

Since my birthday (and my oldest's) was on Monday this year, we broke the weekend up between us. We celebrated mine on Saturday, and his on Sunday.

Saturday, April 16, the boys, Jill, Loni and I met Stan and Mina at La Hacienda in Frisco for lunch.  Mina gave me a beautiful LIz Claiborne green purse.  Lots of pockets, a matching wallet and mini purse.  Great gift!  Stan gave me money to go mad with :).  We had a great lunch with lots of laughter, and then Mina and Stan left to have some time together before she flew out again, and the rest of us went to Aaron Brothers where my oldest took in a piece of his art work to have it custom framed for me as part of my gift.

Once home, it was time for us to open gifts.  I received the following, although I may be leaving out some things, but not on purpose:

• The youngest gave me a quilt kit called "Moonlight Turtles" with Bali fabrics.  Gorgeous quilt and I can't wait to work on that one, but not until my shoulder is better.
• The oldest gave me a fabulous wind chime made with a banana leaf in addition to the framed art.
• Jill gave me this great green floral tote filled with gifts, a turtle rain gauge, paisley turtles for the patio, a green nightshirt with a quilt saying, and lip balms. There may have been something else I am forgetting, but I had a great time opening everything and got a little overwhelmed by all the great turtles.
• I received money from my in-laws.
• Loni paid my registration to the Trek Tri in October 

We all spent the rest of the day together.  I played the card game version of Cataan with my oldest while Jill made pillowcases, and Loni helped her cut fabric. It was a perfect celebration day.

A Day with Friends

I am still on driving restrictions, only work and back, since work is so close to my home. 

On April 15, the youngest had a closed weekend and had to come home, and I had to find a way to get him here.   I decided to call my friend Kathy to see if she would like to make a day of going to get him since we have been talking about doing that for two years now so she could see Recycled Books in Denton.  She was available and said she would love to go, so I called our friend Laura to see if she would like to go with us.  Laura took a little more convincing, but she finally agreed.  Laura is not into used bookstores.

The girls arrived at 9:00 A.M. on the 15th, a very, very windy day.  We left with Kathy driving my van and started our adventure.  

Our first stop was The Spotted Leopard in Cross Roads.  A jewelry and gift shop owned and operated by two women.  I have wanted to stop there for a couple of months and had not had the time.  It was a delightful store and we had fun looking at everything and talking to Heidi.  I bought a blingy large green flower ring, a turtle ring, and a green bracelet.  Kathy picked up several small things for daughter.

The next stop was Minding My P&Q's Quilt Shop.  We roamed around in the shop and I made a purchase of some fabric, and Kathy bought some notions for her daughter.  Laura picked up some ideas for a purse she wants to make.

Recycled books was the next stop on our journey. Kathy was thrilled, and I do mean thrilled with the store.  She immediately found a calligraphy book she had been looking for, and many others.  Laura and I stayed in the quilt books. She found one book she wanted, and I found three.  It was a lot of fun and we were all enjoying ourselves. Although I must admit when Laura and I were sitting on the old lemon and gold shag carpet so we could seen underneath the albums to look at craft books, I could have done without her comment of how she hoped we didn't get bed bugs or anything like that from the carpet.  I itched for hours after that comment.  Thanks Laura.

After the bookstore we moved on to the Antique Mini Mall since we were on the square.  I should say the wind blew us to the Antique Mini Mall.  By the time we left the bookstore the wind was truly so strong that we had no choice but to run or be blown down.  It takes a strong wind to move a heavy girl like me but in the tunnels of those downtown streets, that wind had no problem lifting me off my feet.  Kathy found some things in the mini mall, and Laura tried on some rings.  I was just happy to look for things for them.  

Once we finished up at the mini mall, it was time to pick up the youngest.  Once he was loaded into the van it was off to Wendy's for lunch and then home.  On the way back, Laura wanted to stop at the quilt store again to look at a book she had been eying.  Kathy and the youngest stayed in the van, but I ended up going in with Laura and of course making purchases, but when I got to the counter, Laura paid for my purchases as a birthday gift.  

Once back in the van it was a very windy ride home and upon arrival, the girls headed on to their homes.  

I had a great time with my friends, and I think they enjoyed themselves too.  I hope we can do a road trip again soon.  Maybe this summer when Gretchen is not working. 

 

Accomplishment #100 through #114

I will admit there has not been a lot of accomplishments to report about since the introduction of ERMI into my life.  The pain level has been high and between therapy, ERMI and work, it is hard to get motivated at home.  I have made sure that everyday I:

• Sort the mail, even though the real mail is just piled on the table (going to take care of that today).
• Pick up one area of some room. 

I have also managed to accomplish these other items in the last 14 days:

• Clean the bathtub several times
• Declutter my bedroom closet (first pass)
• Run a couple of loads of laundry, youngest was home and did most of it
• Keep up with kitchen counter
• Pay bills and take care of some paperwork

Let's Finish Year 51 Before We Get to 52 - Volume Four - Finishing Out the Day

Once we returned to the Parker station from our grand trip on the DART rail, Loni and I went to Outback Steakhouse for a late lunch.  Unfortunately, I knew my BFF was working today, and Loni's BFF said she had already had Subway and was going to continue studying, so they were not able to join us today, or for lunch.  They were missed.

Loni and I both enjoyed the Outback Special from the lunch menu and opted for no dessert because we were satisfied and not full, so why push it.  

After lunch Loni took me to Fabric Fanatics in Plano, a store that only sells batiks.  Oh my, I was in heaven.  I found the fabric for a new pattern of place mats I want for a brighter fresher look in spring and summer and a couple of fabrics I just had to have.  Quite frankly, I wanted almost every batik in the store.  There was only one woman working but she was very nice.  Loni decided a gift card to this store would be a perfect gift for the youngest to give me for Mother's Day, so he owes her money.  

This store was truly the perfect finish to this day.  I will be back there often I am sure, but only when I know what I need the fabric for, otherwise I will go broke, and John will be adding on to the house.  Once BFF sees this store she might have to start storing fabric at her house, because she is definitely running out of room on her bookcase.

Thanks for going with me today Loni!

It was a great Year of Daring!

Let's Finish Year 51 Before We Get to 52 - Volume Three - We Come Back

We walked back to the downtown Carrollton DART rail station from The Old Craft Store and discovered that we could have gotten to downtown without having crossed Beltline Road like we did when we arrived, however to do so we would have to go up.  Now I was heading for the stairs when Loni pushed the button for the elevator, and I was like "Really... You want me to get in there?'  I am sure she didn't want to stress her foot out on the stairs since she is being treated for plantar fasciitis.  I got in the elevator with her, yes, I could have taken the stairs, but I joined her, but I knew it would smell like urine and disinfectant and I wasn't wrong.  I hate that smell!  I prayed all the way up (and it wasn't a long ride) that we would not get stuck in there, and we didn't.  I also did not get sick, which was a possibility.

It was windy up there waiting for the train, but at least it was boiling hot, or raining.  Once the Green Line came back it was a very peaceful trip back to the West End station without a lot of people watching to do, so I looked at the art work at each station.  Some of the stations have stunning art work, others ..well, not so much.  

Once at the West End station it was people watching time again, and another though of "What is it about me?"  Loni and I were sitting there and I saw this woman coming down the sidewalk, and I just knew she was heading right for me.  She plopped down in the seat next to me and asked if either of us could give her a dollar for the train. I told her I did not have any cash, and she asked if I had any change, and I said "no."  So she got up and walked off.  

Now during this exchange I have noticed that a very odd looking young man is eying me and he has a handful of those plastic cross-stitch crosses, but since I am in conversation with the woman he walks on.  I know I will need to keep a watch out for him. Sure enough, as soon as the woman is gone he is coming back towards me.  I told Lonit to start acting like we were in a deep conversation.  We both start lowly chanting the same thing to each other, can;t remember what right now, but it made us laugh.  I was glad when he crossed to the other side of the station. More volleyball people were getting on and off the trains, and I was having fun watching the people on the other side of the tracks, when our train finally came.  

The Red Line back was crowded, but Loni and I were able to get a seat together and it thinned out pretty fast.  It was an uneventful trip back to the Parker station, during which I asked Loni if we should just give our passes to someone there since they were good until 3:00 A.M.  She said she didn't know why not.  

Back at Parker station, there really wasn't anyone waiting to get a ticket so I kind of forgot about it, until there was a man that stopped us in the parking lot to ask if either of us had a ticket we could give him.  I gave him mine, only to watch him run in the opposite direction of the train station, which confused me.  However, as Loni and I were driving off  I saw him going back to the station with a backpack so I guess he just needed to go get it before he left.  

Loni gave me her ticket as a keepsake.  Here is the proof that I finished this part of the "Year of Daring."

I had a grand time.

Let's Finish Year 51 Before We Get to 52 - Volume Two - We Are There

Once at The Old Craft Store in downtown Carrollton, TX, I started scouting out the fabric I needed for my next gift project immediately, while Loni mailed a package from the post office located in the quilt shop. 

I was able to find several bolts that matched perfectly right off, but there were a couple of others that I was having trouble settling in on, but one of the women working there set out to help me and we found the last two bolts without too much trouble.  I am quite excited about this project for a friend's birthday.

Loni was looking for a lining to her Fair Isle project that she is making into a purse for her "Little Princess."  She found a set of fat quarters on sale, that will also help fill in on my stash as I continue to open Celebration packages as I have good losses at TOPS. 

Loni also made another purchase, but I was good because I knew there might be more to come later in the afternoon.  

I enjoyed myself in the shop and was thrilled to be able to find just what I needed.  

Let's Finish Year 51 Before We Get to 52 - Volume One - Getting There

Today Loni helped me finish up the last dare on my list from my 51st year that I am physically capable of completing.  I rode the DART rail.

Yes, this dare was finished after my 52nd birthday, but scheduling issues, and a recovery from surgery kept me from getting to it sooner.

It was a great day, and I had a grand time.

I packed for the trip last night.  I decided to use my new tote bag BFF gave me for my 52nd birthday and I loaded up the fabrics I needed to match, several patterns, part of the new purse Mina gave me for my birthday, and then this morning I made sure I had water, my Kindle, and a good sized bottle of Purell.  

Loni arrived around 9:00 a.m. and drove us to the Parker Road Train Station in Plano. Once there she helped me read the screen and purchase our day pass tickets for the DART Rail.  A day pass is $4.00.  A good deal considering how much parking can be in some downtown garages. Our destination, The Old Craft Store in downtown Carrollton, a quilt store and post office.  To reach our destination, we needed to take the Red Line to West End, then get on the Green Line and ride it to the downtown Carrollton stop.

Throughout the trip, I kept asking myself "What is it about me?"  

As were were boarding the Red Line at the Parker station, our first leg of the trip, a woman with a small child turned to me and said "This is the train to downtown, right?"  I answer something like "It  should be." but the whole time I am thinking why are you asking me this?  I am clearly not someone who looks comfortable in getting on the train. Loni just laughed.

The seats were not uncomfortable, and the train was not dirty, so that was good.  The ride had some side to side movement in places that made it hard for me to read, so I put my Kindle out and enjoyed the sights, well most of them.  I was quite concerned about the little toddler girl in the seat next to me.  She was riding with her grandparents, older brother, and parents.  She spent a great deal of time standing in her dad's lap with him holder her ankles, or turned around staring at her mother.  I so badly wanted to tell them that one wrong bump, or hard brake and that girl would hit her mouth on the seat bar and knock out her teeth.  I restrained myself, but it was hard, and I did sort of cry out several times.  

At one point this 20 something guy got on with those big ear circle stretcher things in royal blue.  I didn't pay much attention to him then, other than taking note of the ear things and thinking how much I despise them. However, he was a pleasant enough looking fellow.  

Our first stop was at the West End station to change to the Green Line.  I noticed ear thing boy got off, took out his phone with a purple sleeve on it, and starting talking as he walked east on the other side of station from us.  

As we were sitting waiting for the Green Line I was able to participate in one of my favorite activities, people watching.  I took note of all the young girls in short athletic shorts, with different college t-shirts on.  My thought on the t-shirts was that since they were in a group that seemed to be on one team, they must be wearing shirts of the colleges they hoped to attend.  I saw Texas A&M, Auburn, LSU and other t-shirts all be worn in the same group of girls.  Many of the girls carried large bottles of water, and some had pillows.  My guess is they were participating in the Lone Star Classic Volleyball Tournament at the Dallas Convention Center.  As I continued to watch, a young man approached us with a business card to hand to us.  Loni declined, but I figured what it was and thought I would be polite since evangelism is part of most churches, and I am always looking for ideas in my job.  It was not a bad message or anything and he didn't stop to talk once I took the card, but I was prepared to get rid of him if he did.  

Behind me there was a young man that was really working at spreading the message.  I kept turning around to see if the man he was speaking to was really taking it in, or just did not feel like dealing with trying to rid himself o the young prophesier.  I really couldn't tell how the man felt. He had his head turned towards the young man, but his eyes were looking beyond.  I will say that young man was doing his best to bring home another disciple.  

There was also the man that was just walking down the sidewalk shouting Scripture.  I noticed that when he started down the sidewalk most of the people moved closer to the train track.  Really?  If I hadn't been seated, I would have moved away from the tracks.  Haven't these people watched any of the Law and Orders?  People are always being shoved in the train tracks by people shouting Scripture.  

The best of all the people watching for the West End station on the way to our destination however was the Angry Pigeon Lady.  She and her male companion  were sitting on the bench next us, but there was a large concrete container between us, so she was not sitting very close to us. She was sitting on her bench talking to her companion and smoking as Loni and I were on our bench reading messages or whatever on our phones.  As were were sitting there, four pigeons landed on the concrete right at the edge of the train tracks.  They were not bothering anyone, and not really that close to us.  I was enjoying their company other than the fact that I find their red eyes creepy.  Well, Angry Pigeon Lady evidently does not like pigeons as she stood and walked towards them, I actually thought she was going to stomp on one of them, but she just went close to them and stomped her foot without really stomping her foot.  The pigeons moved, but not much.  This went on several times as the pigeons would get closer to really me and Loni and not Angry Pigeon Lady.  I would have laughed out loud, but I was afraid she would stomp me.  She was very thin, but extremely wiry looking, and obviously not found of pigeons.  It was quite entertaining, even it if was a little scary.

See, the Pigeons she was stomping at were not bothering anyone.

 Once the Green Line train arrived we were on our way to our final destination.  It was a pleasant ride, and I was quite happy that Angry Pigeon Lady was sitting several seats in front of us.  As we continued to make stops on our way to downtown Carrollton, we somehow picked up Ear Stretcher Guy again.  He got up to get off again before our final stop and I was able to see he had a strange pink design on his t-shirt along with some pink boxers with a black design.  I really did not need to see the pink boxers.  However, always the quilter, I did take note that he was well color coordinated with the royal blue ear stretchers, purple phone sleeve, pink and navy t-shirt and pink and black boxers.  He belt was black with silver studs, but I don't know why he needed it since he was already showing his boxers.

We finally arrived at our destination stop and exited to begin our walk to downtown Carrollton and The Old Craft Store.  

I was having fun!

Loni Doesn't Live Here

Loni was asked tonight by a TOPS Pal if she lived with me now.  

No, Loni does not live with me.  She has a beautiful house of her own that she shares with her husband, and cat, Mocha.

Loni has been very helpful to me since even before my surgery to help me out since I have very limited use of my left arm.  

She does not spend the night here, except when we have a girl's sleepover and Mina is here.

I am very blessed to have Loni in my life and for all she does for me.  Just as I am blessed to have my entire village, which includes, but is not limited to: Jill, Mina, Jenn, Gina, Kathy, Laura, Laurie, Patsy, Eleanor, Marcia, Lynda, Gretchen, Vicki, Brenda, and many, many more.  

 

Does Loni spend more time here than others, sometimes.  We enjoy watching the same television shows two nights a week, so we watch them together when we can.  Also, since I cannot drive right now, she is here to take me places when I need to go.  It just so happens that her husband's work schedule allows her to help me out, and Mocha is not as demanding as some of the children of others in my village.

However, without doubt, if Loni ever needed to move in here for any reason, there would be a room for her, her husband, and even Mocha, although Mocha's movements would be limited due to allergies my oldest and I have when it comes to cats.  

Now I Know I am Losing It!

First, let me say that I am fully awake, and not hallucinating, even though I took a pain pill.

I think Loni's love of knitting and her latest yarn purchases have done something to my mind.  

I swear that as I was sitting here writing my previous post I heard a sheep bleating.  Not just once, but many, many times.  

Now my neighbor one property down used to have a lot of sheep, but I haven't seen them lately.  So maybe that is what I am hearing right now.

All I know is that it is a strange thing to hear at nearly midnight when you have not seen a sheep all year.

I was Shocked

Today I was shocked to read on Facebook that my youngest nephew was turning 24.  How could that be?  I was sure he was just going to be 22 or so.  I actually had to sit down and think about it.  Then I realized that my oldest will be 21 on Monday.  Where in the world did the years go.  

Happy Birthday Devin!

Did I mention he is the West Coast Heavyweight Champion Devin Sparks.

The sad thing is he is 24 and I have never met him.  The one time he came to my house I was in Houston with Raymond, so whereas my sons have met him, I haven't.   Maybe one day.

This is Me, Whining

I am a little freaked right now. 

My shoulder pain has gotten ahead of me today.  I thought maybe 1/2 a pain pill would help, but it didn't so I took the other half, and now there is still no relief.

The pain is radiating up my neck and into my ear with such intensity that I just want to cry, but that could be the pain pill.

Icing it did not help.  

I am afraid to take a deep breath because that moves the shoulder and sends out more pain.

I am feeling very nauseous, which could into something really bad.  

I tried playing a game, I tried reading, I tried just to be still, but nothing takes my mind off the pain.  I try to not let myself get worked up over it because I know that Raymond suffered so much more than this, and maybe if I didn't have to get up and go to work in the morning I would not freak out so much.  

I am so busy at work trying to get out all the information for Holy Week, and several other big projects that I am probably overworking the shoulder during the day, but it doesn't feel like it when I am at work.  

I hope I will be able to sleep tonight. 

I really am not trying to be a big cry baby about this, but then again, I am only doing it here on my blog.  At work I don't complain, and I try not to complain to much in a group.  Loni, now she has to listen to me complain because she is the one driving me every where now.  

Storm at Sea Quilt

This is my current quilting project. "Storm at Sea" quilt kit from Benartex with triple dyed bali batiks by John Flynn.  This fabric is hand dyed.  The project is for intermediate to advanced, which I am not, plus I did the piecing pretty much one handed.  It did not turn out too bad, I am pretty pleased with some of the points, others I don't think will be noticed once I finish with the quilting.  I plan on using this quilt on my porch swing.

Year of Daring Coming to an End

Last April I declared my 51st year to be my year of daring and wanted to accomplish at least the following items:

1. Drive to DFW Airport. Completed, more than once thanks to Loni and Mina and their travels.
2. Change a tire. Gave that one up when I hurt my shoulder. No way I could do that any time soon.
3. Drive to Fort Worth Zoo. Completed.  Had a lovely day at the zoo with Loni and then went to campus and picked up the youngest for dinner out.
4. Ride Dart train to Downtown Dallas. Will not be completed by my 52nd birthday, but will be soon after as I have plans to do this on April 23.
5. Try new food at regular favorite restaurants. I have done this at several restaurants such as Olive Garden, Joe's Bistro, Chili's, BJ's, Red Lobster, and several other places. Have gone back to my favorites in most of the restaurants because nothing beats my favs, except Olive Garden because I have not found a fav there yet, only a few things I wouldn't eat again.

I have done other daring things throughout this year, such as get up on stage at "Menopause, the Musical" and kick up my legs in a solidarity line with menopausal sisters I have never met.

I made a very daring financial move.

I had the house remodeled... a lot!  Very daring.

I went to art festivals with the attitude that no art I wanted would be left behind.

I chose to not live with the shoulder pain and had shoulder surgery, a surgery with a long recovery time.  

I let some people and some things go.

I challenged myself with some of the quilts I made.

Yes, I think I did a good job with my year of daring.  Now I have to decide what my 52nd year will be.

 

Accomplishment #99 and Accomplishment #100

Yesterday was day number 99 of my Accomplishments.  I was able to get a little dusting done, and some small things put away, but it was also a day of pain so I did not push it with my shoulder.

Today is Day #100 and I have been really trying to take care of my new bathroom.  I am almost done, just have the toilet and floor left, but I have spent the last 2 hours cleaning in the bathroom, mainly because I have to rest my shoulder between items.  The tub/shower is scrubbed, as is the sink.  The mirrors have been polished and the wood dusted.  The inside of the vanity has been wiped down with the mirror cleaned.  The artwork and window sill have been dusted and cleaned.  The rest should not take very long, and then I am going to be done for the day and sit with my shoulder iced.  

I am going to try to finish the kitchen later, but that will depend on how I feel.  

All in all I am pretty happy with Accomplishment #100.

April 9, a Saturday

Started today off with a trip to Blue Ribbon Quilt Shoppe in Wylie, TX to get a backing for the "Storm at Sea" quilt I am making from a pre-cut kit I bought on clearance over a year ago, in fact, maybe closer to two years ago.

Jill purchased fabrics to finish several pillowcases she has in queue.

We stopped for a nice lunch at  a Taste of Home before heading back to the house.  Mina arrived almost immediately after we settled into the house and then it was Mina on baby quilts for triplets, Jill cutting out fabrics for pillowcases, and me encasing my shoulder in constantly flowing ice water and STIM treatments.

Once Mina had all three quilts backed and stitched closed, Mina took me on a little shopping trip to JCP so I could take advantage of their sale.  I was able to get 4 tops, and a new green purse from Cabin Creek.  Did I need a new green purse? No, but I don't have one this color and it said Cabin Creek, it was a must.  

Jill was not feeling her best so she went home when we left for JCP.  

Once Mina dropped me off, I started pinning and sewing the rows of the "Storms at Sea" quilt.  Takes me a long time with this shoulder like it is, but I managed to get four rows done.  This is a quilt kit for intermediate or advanced quilters, I am neither of those, but I think I am doing an okay job under the circumstances.  Here it is with the first four rows together, but not pressed.

Why "You Suck" Became a Popular Saying at My House

"You Suck" has been a favorite phrase around my house ever since one of the guys that comes around here told us that he went home one night to find that phrase written on his bathroom mirror in lipstick.  Evidently his wife was not pleased with him that day. 

After his hilarious telling of the tale, 'You Suck" has been a popular shout out around the house.  

99% of the time it is said around here it is in a joking manner.  

My Shoulder is Saying "You Suck!"

I was planning on sleeping until at least 9:00 A.M. today, but I have been up since 5:30 A.M. because my should has been yelling "You Suck!" at me since then. I tried to ignore it, but it was not going to be ignored.

So here I sit on a Saturday morning, it is pitch black outside, and I feel like tearing my hair out. Going to go try some STIM and ice.

Accomplishments #94, #95, #96, #97 and #98

Accomplishments #94-#97 were all the same.  I sorted mail and picked up the kitchen a little each day.

Accomplishment #98 was today, and a non-work day so I had plenty of time to rest between chores and managed to get some things done:

• Vacuumed the living room, kitchen, and Man Cave in the parts that really needed it.  
• Mopped the kitchen in the areas that were bothering me.
• Managed to wash, dry and fold four loads of laundry.
• Dusted a few areas in the living room

These chores took me most of the day since I would have to rest during them, and the folding of the clothes is not the greatest because I found out real quick that my left shoulder was not up to folding sheets, or towels. However, I feel better about the house, and I am glad I was able to get a start on some of the problem areas.  

Sunday I will tackle the bathroom.  

30 Days of Birthday from Loni

I am not sure what day I am on right now.  I will have to work it out when I am near a calendar and not so tired, but I am having a blast opening my gifts, and there is a definite green theme going on which of course I adore.  The fabrics are beautiful, but I have to say I got great delight from the green polka dot clip board.  Very practical gift because I was looking for something to put my work in progress quilting patterns on since I am always setting them down and then wasting time looking for them.  I won't lose them on this beautiful clip board.  I think I squealed when I opened it, at least I did in my mind.

Note not all gifts pictured.  I am using my journal every night, and my Sudoku puzzle book is in use too. Actually so is my clipboard, but I had to take a picture of it to show how pretty it is.  :)

The Band's Last Waltz

When I was between my first and second year of college, I started dating a member of my brother's band.  He was a few years older than me and from New York.  His name was Jan.  We had a lot of fun together.  We would go to clubs, out to eat, the movies, or just a nice park to hang out.  I don't remember a lot about some of our dates, but one has always stood out in my mind. Jan took me to Lexington, KY to see The Band's Last Waltz. 



I was not familiar with The Band, but I fell in love with the music that night and the cd's from that movie have been a staple in my collection for many, many years.  Obviously, a lot longer than Jan.

As a side note, Raymond was not fond of Jan.  We ran into each other one night when Raymond was on a date at the movies, and I was with Jan.  Raymond looked like he wanted to punch Jan out and would later laugh at the fact that I dated a balding, short man with such a goofy mustache.  What can I say, he was a nice guy and treated me like a queen.

Tax Season

No secret that I hate preparing for tax season, but this year I enlisted help.  I had my oldest do most of the work.  I had him do the tax organizers, the copying, and the delivery to the CPA's office.  We have four returns from this house every year, so it is not a slam dunk process. 

I thought he did a great job and was very responsible in his duties. I was very proud of him.

Two of the returns have been completed, and I have been waiting on the other two.  Today I got a call from a wonderful woman at the CPA's office regarding some questions on my return and the oldest's return.  She asked if she could go over mine first, I told her I didn't care how she handled the order of the questions.  The question for me was simple.  I knew the answer immediately, no big deal.  Then I asked her about the oldest's return.  She hemmed hawed around and then said that after some discussion in the office it had been decided that they would call me about his return so that I could explain it to him.  I started laughing and said "He owes a chunk of money doesn't he?"  She was so relieved that I knew.

I explained to her that I had, along with several of my friends, explained to him that he is basically self-employed at the company he works at and that he would owe a big chunk at the end of the year.  I have had him put money back all year getting ready for tax season.  In fact, I told him he could owe as much as $5,000.00 and that I would not help him out just to make sure he would save money.  The CPA was so happy that he would not be shocked.  In fact, he really doesn't owe nearly as much as I thought he would.  I told her he would be happy with the amount, and that I would make sure the money was available on payment day.  

Once I hung up, I called and told the oldest.  He said "No problem."  

So tax season is almost over here.  I still don't know how my return will turn out, but the youngest, is good, the oldest has the money he owes, and one return will get some money back just in time for the Cottonwood Arts Festival and I think I will have enough to save for the Plano Quilt Show in August.  

Not a bad tax season.

I Love This Fabric!

Check Up Number Two Since Surgery

Loni drove me to see the orthopedic surgeon this afternoon.  Had a 4:45 p.m. appointment and we did not get out until 6:30.  Usually I would mind that but he doesn't run behind because he has 30 people waiting to see him, he runs behind because he gives each patient the time they need.

He put me through some range of motion exercises, gave me some new stick exercises (the man loves the pvc walking stick), and wrote some new prescriptions.  He was not happy I was denied PT, but I think he is pleased with my progress. 

I feel good about my progress, I I think he is right the pvc walking stick does make a difference.  

I was disappointed that he said it would be a while before I could drive.  I had having to ask people to take me places.  

Loni and I had already planned to eat somewhere between home and the doctor's office to try to get out of some of the traffic.  We ended up at an Olive Garden in Addison. We were in the training section and I have to say our waiter tried very hard, but he needs some more training.  Nothing was wrong, he got everything right, but he lacked the finesse of a trained waiter.  I am sure he will get there some day.  

After dinner it was home for Survivor and Criminal Minds.  

Now I am waiting for some medication to start to work so I can go to sleep.  My shoulder and arm are not happy with all the stretching and movement the Dr. had me working on today. 

Down on the Floor Guffawing

Raymond sent me the funniest message tonight.  It took me a while to get it, but when I did I laughed so hard I was on the floor guffawing.  I had tears running down my face.  Thanks honey, you still  have my back.

He Forgot Where We Were Going

Mina was kind enough to bring the youngest home with her today by taking a little detour from the airport to his campus.  

Once he was home and after Mina left I realized he needed a haircut. I called P and she said she could see him this afternoon if we came immediately.  P's shop is about 5 minutes from the house if we hit the 2 red lights.  So off we went.  

The only issue..I can't drive, so the youngest drove.  

He did a great job getting us there.  We had a lovely visit with P and he got a short enough haircut to last him through graduation the second week of May.  His goatee was trimmed up nicely too.  

After some more conversation, it was time to come home.  He did a great job of getting out of her challenging driveway, and on to the road back.  He kept the speed steady, didn't go too far right, and everything was great until we turned on to the main road up to our road.  He wasn't slowing down.  He was within the speed limit (50) but the turn was coming up and he showed not sign of slowing.  I couldn't help it, I told him to slow down for the turn.  He did start slowing down, and then he did the turn, at about 40 MPH.  

I heald my breath, we made it without hitting the ditch or the brick wall, but it was scary.  I think after he made the turn he thought so too.  He said he forgot where we were going and wasn't ready to turn.  

I really wish that child would eat protein.  It might help his memory.

Later when we went out to dinner the oldest drove.  He still has issues with turning on the lights in m car, but it was not a bad trip.  

I am learning to chill a little now that I know it will be a while before I can drive.