Donna and I had a discussion the other day about a native woman's right to refuse chemo treatment for her daughter's leukemia and opt for traditional native medication instead. Donna is big on natural supplements and vitamins probably because she's forced to also take drugs prescribed by her doctor. She leans more to agreeing with the native mother but I sort of disagree.
The doctors claim that the little girl would have a huge chance (95%) of being cured with their drugs and chemo but those things make the child violently ill. It would be a monumental choice for the mother to make but I have to think that she firmly believes that natural native medicines will heal her daughter. I don't think I could take that chance if she was mine.
There is much good to be said about using natural medication instead of chemical drugs but maybe not when one's life is at stake. It does make sense to try these options if nothing else will work. I believe the answer to all our health problems and the cures for them lies in the vegetation around us and somehow that will be discovered in the future.
It's such a sad situation for all involved and I hope with all my heart that the little girl is cured and lives a happy, long life. And I hope we all learn from whatever happens.
Thursday, October 09, 2014
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
I Never Learn
I know we shouldn't research health issues on the internet but a couple of years ago I had a skin cancer on my lip and wanted to know what Mohs surgery was. Apparently what I saw is not what it is. Now that I'm possibly facing having that kind of surgery done (not definite yet) I allowed myself to get into a state of terror. But today I saw my family physician...an absolute sweetheart...and he kindly informed me what Mohs surgery actually is and then gave me a prescription for anxiety. I'm not sure I need it now that my fears have sort of been put to rest.
If I have to have Mohs surgery, it will be a long , long wait because there are only 4 surgeons in the city that do it. The surgery is done by a cosmetic surgeon and it involves removing layer after layer of tissue until there are no skin cancer cells left. I had thought the surgeon fileted you like a fish! No wonder I was so terrified. It's not going to be pleasant to have it done but I'm so thankful my sweet doctor explained it all to me and corrected my misinformation.
I also saw the dentist this morning for a cleaning and replacing the filling in one tooth. For me, seeing the dentist is an unpleasant but necessary experience. I'm glad it's over for 6 months!
Life is a little more comfortable today than it was last Friday.
If I have to have Mohs surgery, it will be a long , long wait because there are only 4 surgeons in the city that do it. The surgery is done by a cosmetic surgeon and it involves removing layer after layer of tissue until there are no skin cancer cells left. I had thought the surgeon fileted you like a fish! No wonder I was so terrified. It's not going to be pleasant to have it done but I'm so thankful my sweet doctor explained it all to me and corrected my misinformation.
I also saw the dentist this morning for a cleaning and replacing the filling in one tooth. For me, seeing the dentist is an unpleasant but necessary experience. I'm glad it's over for 6 months!
Life is a little more comfortable today than it was last Friday.
Sunday, October 05, 2014
Friends/Sisters
This is going to be a busy week...gambling tomorrow, Faye and Donna for Swedish weaving on Tuesday, dentist and doctor visits on Wednesday morning, and registration for the senior center craft bazaar in the evening. Kim and I will go out for dinner and then she'll drive me to the senior center and home because I can't see to drive in the dark. Thank heavens for family and friends to make our life full.
Matt took the air conditioner out of the window the other evening and it sits like a big lump on the floor where it has to stay. I'm considering how to handle this when I have to stay home for the winter and decided I'd put a piece of fabric over it and make it look like a side table. Always thinking ahead! LOL!
It's a gorgeous sunny but cool fall morning but some of the clouds are dark with threatening rain. I've got all the windows wide open because the apartment heat is on and I have no control over it. I don't like a too warm apartment. The fresh air coming in the windows is nice, too.
Well, I hope I win at the casino tomorrow or at least come home with the money I take so that I can go to the casino again this month. I always give them every chance to take all my money. I enjoy gambling maybe a little too much but I don't go overboard. That's more than I can say about all the monks cloth I've accumulated.
Saturday, October 04, 2014
Drugs
There's something good to be said about taking drugs. If they really do help cure you of an illness or keep you from feeling like death emotionally, then they are a good thing. I don't know if it was the Imipramine or not but I feel close to normal now, as though I can tolerate whatever I have to deal with. I don't care if this is a placebo effect (I don't think Imipramine works this fast) because the way I felt yesterday was unbearable and now it isn't.
There's usually a guilt feeling when you are depressed. You know there are other people much worse off than you and that whatever is ailing you isn't really too serious but you just can't seem to drag yourself out of the despair. There's no logic to depression. For many it's simply a failure to cope. If a drug can take the sharp edge off that then I'll take it.
I've got about 6 weeks until the minor surgery and then 2 weeks of walking around with a big stupid bandage on my face before the stitches come out and the biopsy report comes in. I'm not happy but I'll survive.
There's usually a guilt feeling when you are depressed. You know there are other people much worse off than you and that whatever is ailing you isn't really too serious but you just can't seem to drag yourself out of the despair. There's no logic to depression. For many it's simply a failure to cope. If a drug can take the sharp edge off that then I'll take it.
I've got about 6 weeks until the minor surgery and then 2 weeks of walking around with a big stupid bandage on my face before the stitches come out and the biopsy report comes in. I'm not happy but I'll survive.
Friday, October 03, 2014
Struggling
Kim called me this morning to say she thinks I should still go to Florida for John's award. I tried to explain to her that I'm in a delicate spot right now, struggling by the day to not let myself fall into depression over this skin cancer trouble. I feel overwhelmed just making it though the day and pushing myself to go to Florida right now is too much for me. I'm not in a good spot and I'm not sure what mental condition I'll be in by Dec. 3rd when I find out the results of the biopsy. It's so easy to say not to worry about it but the worry and dread are already firmly entrenched and I'm not sure I can handle it.
I hate feeling like this.
Update: My mood deteriorated all day and, when I'm upset like this, I can't think straight so I neglected to do what I should have done...call my doctor. Shelley called this afternoon and suggested I do this but, somehow, I couldn't get a call through to him. I think there was a problem with his phones. Then Cindy called me and suggested I renew a prescription I had of Imipramine and just start taking a low dosage until I could reach my doctor. I never thought of this...I had been using the Imipramine to help with bladder urgencies but had discontinued taking it. Imipramine is what I took years ago for depression and I know I tolerate it well. Anyway, still unable to get through to my doctor or his afterhour service, I checked on the internet to find out what a safe dosage would be for me to take and saw that 30-60 mg was suggested. I took 15 mg and will take another 15 mg later tonight. I also called the pharmacy to renew the prescription. I think this will get me through until I see my family doctor for a regular visit this coming Wednesday. All I know right now is that I need help.
Whoops! I actuallly took 75 mg...I thought the pills were each 5 mg but they're 25 mg. No problem, though, but it could explain why I'm feeling relaxed. LOL! I won't take any tonight.
I hate feeling like this.
Update: My mood deteriorated all day and, when I'm upset like this, I can't think straight so I neglected to do what I should have done...call my doctor. Shelley called this afternoon and suggested I do this but, somehow, I couldn't get a call through to him. I think there was a problem with his phones. Then Cindy called me and suggested I renew a prescription I had of Imipramine and just start taking a low dosage until I could reach my doctor. I never thought of this...I had been using the Imipramine to help with bladder urgencies but had discontinued taking it. Imipramine is what I took years ago for depression and I know I tolerate it well. Anyway, still unable to get through to my doctor or his afterhour service, I checked on the internet to find out what a safe dosage would be for me to take and saw that 30-60 mg was suggested. I took 15 mg and will take another 15 mg later tonight. I also called the pharmacy to renew the prescription. I think this will get me through until I see my family doctor for a regular visit this coming Wednesday. All I know right now is that I need help.
Whoops! I actuallly took 75 mg...I thought the pills were each 5 mg but they're 25 mg. No problem, though, but it could explain why I'm feeling relaxed. LOL! I won't take any tonight.
Thursday, October 02, 2014
Another Day
I was awfully low yesterday but feel slightly better today...maybe just accepting that there's nothing on my part that I can do to change circumstances. I know I'll feel much better once the skin cancer is removed and then feel euphoric once again if the biopsy turns out to be clear. It will all take time.
On a brighter note, the fact that I'll be here on Nov. 15th means I can rent a table to sell some of my jewellery at the Senior Center. There's always a tiny silver lining somewhere, somehow. I also have Mary's visit to look forward to on Sunday so I have a few silver linings around me.
I have a very slight fear of slipping into a depression simply because I've been there before. It's something I'll have to watch out for but I think I'm okay. It's not a nice thing to have doctors continually cutting away at you. I know it could be worse but even this is terribly upsetting for me. I'll do my best to deal with it and hope for good news.
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Sad and Discouraged
I had the stitches removed from 2 skin cancer spots today and hoped it was all over for a while but no. There is a spot on my face near my nose that has to be removed on November 20th with the stitches being removed on December 3rd. This means that the earliest I can leave for Florida is on December 4th as long as the biopsy report is okay. I spent hours again cancelling all the darned services I'd already spent hours reconnecting for mid October. I can't even reschedule them in case the biopsy report on Dec. 3rd shows that more surgery is required. I'm sad, disgusted, dismayed...but not depressed. Yet.
The dermatologist said that if the biopsy report shows further surgery is needed, the period of time I'll have to wait is so long that I can forget about going to Florida this winter. Maybe government health insurance really does have it's faults.
The only good news is that none of my skin cancers are melanoma so they're easier to cure. Of course, there's no guarantee that there's ever going to be an end to these piddly little surgeries that disrupt my life, either.
I'm upset and I bought butter tarts to ease my sorrow.
The dermatologist said that if the biopsy report shows further surgery is needed, the period of time I'll have to wait is so long that I can forget about going to Florida this winter. Maybe government health insurance really does have it's faults.
The only good news is that none of my skin cancers are melanoma so they're easier to cure. Of course, there's no guarantee that there's ever going to be an end to these piddly little surgeries that disrupt my life, either.
I'm upset and I bought butter tarts to ease my sorrow.
Bastard Child
Every so often I use the word "bastard" (usually about someone who has committed a horrible crime) and it causes me to think about how that word used to be used. Bastard and illigitimate were common words used to describe a child born out of wedlock...actually blaming the child for it's unconventional, at the time, beginnings! These words have only in recent years disappeared when describing a child born to an unwed mother and I find that reassuring. I still can't believe anyone would ever have branded an innocent child this way, though.
I was born to an unwed mother who never told me who my father was. My grandmother told me but my mother refused to discuss it. I've never had a moment of feeling shame for my beginnings...common sense tells us no shame is necessary. I've had a bit of curiosity about my father but mainly felt he couldn't have been much of a man to abandon his own flesh and blood. I'll also never understand how some men can do this because it does happen all the time.
I'd originally been told that my father died in the war...very convenient explanation of absent fathers in 1940! When I was 12 years old and mouthed off to my grandmother, she called me a little bastard and explained why. I remember going to school that morning and sitting in shock trying to make sense of what I'd just learned. It didn't take me long to realize that how I came to be born had nothing to do with me and that's how I've felt ever since.
There was a time, even in 1940, when children of unwed mothers were taken away from them at birth. My grandmother told me that she had to fight child services tooth and nail in order to keep me but I've often wondered if I would have been better off being adopted into a brand new family. Maybe, but maybe not. I'll never know.
I think the use of "bastard" and "illigitimate" became unnecessary because of the huge numbers of children born these days to unwed mothers. Many live with the fathers of the children but just choose not to marry for their own reasons. It was always a cruel and pious practice to label an innocent baby in this way but I'm glad it's ended now.
My own mother was born to her unwed mother in 1918 and there's no doubt they both must have gone through terrible discrimination in those days. Times have changed for the better in many ways as we've become better educated and more tolerant than our forebears.
Interesting how we often become kinder to each other when we're not blindly following strict church doctrine!
I was born to an unwed mother who never told me who my father was. My grandmother told me but my mother refused to discuss it. I've never had a moment of feeling shame for my beginnings...common sense tells us no shame is necessary. I've had a bit of curiosity about my father but mainly felt he couldn't have been much of a man to abandon his own flesh and blood. I'll also never understand how some men can do this because it does happen all the time.
I'd originally been told that my father died in the war...very convenient explanation of absent fathers in 1940! When I was 12 years old and mouthed off to my grandmother, she called me a little bastard and explained why. I remember going to school that morning and sitting in shock trying to make sense of what I'd just learned. It didn't take me long to realize that how I came to be born had nothing to do with me and that's how I've felt ever since.
There was a time, even in 1940, when children of unwed mothers were taken away from them at birth. My grandmother told me that she had to fight child services tooth and nail in order to keep me but I've often wondered if I would have been better off being adopted into a brand new family. Maybe, but maybe not. I'll never know.
I think the use of "bastard" and "illigitimate" became unnecessary because of the huge numbers of children born these days to unwed mothers. Many live with the fathers of the children but just choose not to marry for their own reasons. It was always a cruel and pious practice to label an innocent baby in this way but I'm glad it's ended now.
My own mother was born to her unwed mother in 1918 and there's no doubt they both must have gone through terrible discrimination in those days. Times have changed for the better in many ways as we've become better educated and more tolerant than our forebears.
Interesting how we often become kinder to each other when we're not blindly following strict church doctrine!
Nervous
I've got a few things to be nervous about today. I see the dermatologist this afternoon to remove the stitches from where the 2 skin cancers were removed and hear the biopsy report. Then there is another spot I'm concerned about. If she decides it needs to come out, I probably can't leave for Florida as planned on the 15th. I hate, hate, hate all this.
I guess I should be thankful I can see a dermatologist regularly to keep an eye on my awful skin and keep these darned spots from becoming lethal. I still feel very put upon, though, and wish it would stop for good.
Anyway, my mind will either be put at ease or I'll be very upset some time around 2:30 P.M.
I guess I should be thankful I can see a dermatologist regularly to keep an eye on my awful skin and keep these darned spots from becoming lethal. I still feel very put upon, though, and wish it would stop for good.
Anyway, my mind will either be put at ease or I'll be very upset some time around 2:30 P.M.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
My Acoma Vase
My Kim loves it, too, and it will go to her when I leave for heaven. In the meantime, it will give me pleasure every time I look at it.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Playing With the Cell Phone Camera
Using the cell phone camera is so darned easy and will make my Ebay pictures easy to take, too. I don't know why I fought this for so long but I don't think my kids explained to me well enough that I wouldn't need a cell phone service to do it. I think they might have told me but not in a way I could understand. Anyway, a whole new easier world has opened up for me now, thanks to Kim. I'm going to be adding more photos to the blog now that I have the new toy.
I had my final bloodwork for the year done today and will find out next week if I'm fairly healthy. I think I am but doctors always seem to find something wrong with you that you never knew was there and that's why I hate seeing them. I'm always tempted to just live my life and stay clear of all doctors but my daughters would probably make my life miserable if I did that.
Our family has had some good news and some bad news this week. One cancer in remission or gone and another one discovered. I'm starting to think that we're all doomed to get some kind of cancer before we're done in this world. The only saving grace is that I'm hearing more and more about people who beat it. We often think there hasn't been much improvement in the cure rate but I really do believe there has been. I guess the best we can do is carry on and hope for the best...for all of us.
Laugh for the day...Kim told me that when they were at the fall fair, Nolan slipped and nearly fell between the steps of the stands (I'm horrified!) and his response was, "Whooo, I nearly fell into the engine!". The adults all looked down to see what he was talking about and, of course, there was no engine there. It makes you wonder what kind of weird misconceptions these little kids have of life and their surroundings.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Cell Phone Photos
It's like having a brand new toy. It takes great pictures that I can use on Ebay...that's what I really wanted it for. I don't normally take pictures, probably because I hate having my own taken, so this old cell phone will work just as well or better than the new camera I bought (and lost).
I remember shopping one time and hearing a lady talking on her cell phone. She told the person she was talking to that she'd just taken a picture of an item she was looking at and was sending it so the person could see it. How convenient if you were shopping for someone else or just wanted their opinion before buying something! I won't have that option, though, because I won't have a service.
Anyway, I'm thrilled to death with my new toy and can't wait to start using it to put pictures on Ebay!
Fall Colors
Autumn may be the end of summer and the near beginning of the cold of winter but it makes up for it by being the most colorful time of the year up north. There's something about those changes in color that brings us closer to nature and understanding how we're all a part of it...birth, lushness of youth, and death. It's the natural order and something we should embrace.
I'm leaving for Florida in mid October but I should still be able to experience the most beautiful colors of autumn. Nice long drives throughout the countryside...we're fortunate here in a major city to still be very close to the country. It really only takes me a few minutes to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the peaceful country scenery. We usually take for granted the ease of hopping in our cars and quickly enjoying country views but many people are still city bound. I appreciate my ability to still be driving and will miss it terribly when it's taken away from me. Hopefully, many years from now!
Autumn in north country is one of the reasons I could never live in the deep south. I think the constant heat and foliage would be boring. We northerners have a lot to be thankful for and our eye candy change of seasons is certainly one of them.
I'm leaving for Florida in mid October but I should still be able to experience the most beautiful colors of autumn. Nice long drives throughout the countryside...we're fortunate here in a major city to still be very close to the country. It really only takes me a few minutes to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the peaceful country scenery. We usually take for granted the ease of hopping in our cars and quickly enjoying country views but many people are still city bound. I appreciate my ability to still be driving and will miss it terribly when it's taken away from me. Hopefully, many years from now!
Autumn in north country is one of the reasons I could never live in the deep south. I think the constant heat and foliage would be boring. We northerners have a lot to be thankful for and our eye candy change of seasons is certainly one of them.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Time With Nolan
When I took care of my grandchildren years ago, I knew it was vitally important to have those hours with them. In part, it made them the people they are today. I'm not glorifying myself when I say this but trying to explain thow important it is for a child's development to have extended family involved in their lives.
Since the arrival of my greatgrandchildren, I've made it a point to have time with them, too, but I'm older and weaker now so I can only manage one at a time. Both boys are very easy for me to handle but they are young and full of energy and that's what seems to tire me. Nolan has a bit more than his fair share of energy but he's still a pleasure to be around. He's in senior kindergarten this year so I'm picking him up today after school to spend the night with me.
I can't say enough about how good it makes me feel that these little boys enjoy coming here and feel at home when they do. They know where their toys are kept (I always had toys available for the grandchildren, too, so that they felt more at home) and accept without complaint the things I don't let them touch.
Grandparents or greatgrandparents who don't make time for the little ones in their family are bigger losers than they know. It already brings a smile to my face when I think of how much fun I'm going to have with Nolan today and tomorrow. Children are blessings to us in many ways, one of which is how they remind us of our own childhood innocence.
Both Nolan and Nash refer to my spare bedroom as "their" bedroom even though Nash hasn't slept over yet. They are identifying their place in my home, knowing they do have a place. Actually, Mary refers to it as her bedroom for the same reason. LOL!
Family and friends. It's what life is all about.
Since the arrival of my greatgrandchildren, I've made it a point to have time with them, too, but I'm older and weaker now so I can only manage one at a time. Both boys are very easy for me to handle but they are young and full of energy and that's what seems to tire me. Nolan has a bit more than his fair share of energy but he's still a pleasure to be around. He's in senior kindergarten this year so I'm picking him up today after school to spend the night with me.
I can't say enough about how good it makes me feel that these little boys enjoy coming here and feel at home when they do. They know where their toys are kept (I always had toys available for the grandchildren, too, so that they felt more at home) and accept without complaint the things I don't let them touch.
Grandparents or greatgrandparents who don't make time for the little ones in their family are bigger losers than they know. It already brings a smile to my face when I think of how much fun I'm going to have with Nolan today and tomorrow. Children are blessings to us in many ways, one of which is how they remind us of our own childhood innocence.
Both Nolan and Nash refer to my spare bedroom as "their" bedroom even though Nash hasn't slept over yet. They are identifying their place in my home, knowing they do have a place. Actually, Mary refers to it as her bedroom for the same reason. LOL!
Family and friends. It's what life is all about.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The Loss of a Pet
I've had only a few pets in my life but I loved them all. Yes, loved! Most people who have never had a pet don't understand how important our pets can be in our lives. Often we, ourselves, aren't fully aware how much joy a pet brings us every day of their tiny lives. They give so much and ask so little of us.
My friend, Mavis, lost her son 9 years ago and has had difficulty keeping her depression at bay. Last year a neighbor gave her a kitten, one she really didn't want but took it in, anyways. The change that little creature brought to Mavis' household was an amazing thing to witness. Both she and her husband fell in love with "Misty" and the new joy I witnessed in their home was almost like a light being turned on where only shadows were before.
I went to visit her today and was shocked to see a broken Mavis. Her sweet little cat had been hit by a car and died in her arms. The shadows of sadness had replaced the fleeting joy of the past year. Mavis cried when speaking of the tragedy and then smiled and laughed while speaking of the happiness Misty had brought to her. My heart hurt knowing how tortured Mavis has been since the death of her son and how that had been somewhat alleviated by the presence of her pet. Now she'd lost something precious again.
Life can be unfair at times and this is one of them. A good, kind person who lives a decent life has been dealt a terrible blow by the loss of her son. Then, when a little joy came into her life, it was taken away so darned soon. I hope she can get through it all.
My friend, Mavis, lost her son 9 years ago and has had difficulty keeping her depression at bay. Last year a neighbor gave her a kitten, one she really didn't want but took it in, anyways. The change that little creature brought to Mavis' household was an amazing thing to witness. Both she and her husband fell in love with "Misty" and the new joy I witnessed in their home was almost like a light being turned on where only shadows were before.
I went to visit her today and was shocked to see a broken Mavis. Her sweet little cat had been hit by a car and died in her arms. The shadows of sadness had replaced the fleeting joy of the past year. Mavis cried when speaking of the tragedy and then smiled and laughed while speaking of the happiness Misty had brought to her. My heart hurt knowing how tortured Mavis has been since the death of her son and how that had been somewhat alleviated by the presence of her pet. Now she'd lost something precious again.
Life can be unfair at times and this is one of them. A good, kind person who lives a decent life has been dealt a terrible blow by the loss of her son. Then, when a little joy came into her life, it was taken away so darned soon. I hope she can get through it all.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Technologically Challenged
I don't know how I ever managed to learn as much as I have about using a computer. I think I just stumbled on a lot. Cell phones are a complete mystery to me but that's partly my own fault because I've deliberately not learned how to use one because I don't want to be tied to one. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember Kim telling me (I didn't want to listen) that I could use a cell phone to take photos and transfer them to the computer without having a cell phone service so I called her last night and asked her to teach me...and it has to be before I leave for Florida.
My lack of technical knowledge is starting to embarrass me. It's sort of like being a dinasaur in the age of rocket ships, too far apart to ever catch up. Technology has soared since I was a child and I have to admit it will soar even further in the future. I can't ever be technologically savvy because I missed the boat a long time ago but I can take advantage of a bit of it. Just teach me slowly and let me take notes. I'm a little concerned about how much patience my daughter will have while teaching me, though, and wonder if I'd be better off having a grandchild do it. My grandchildren are gentler with me. LOL!
On a more positive side, I woke up this morning feeling fabulous. The sun was shining, my apartment was neat and clean, and most of my preparations for leaving for Florida are complete. This might not sound like much to be euphoric about but I won't ever forget what my life was like when I had depression. I've been recovered for a lot of years now so don't worry about it coming back but I do have a huge capacity for being grateful it's gone. Simple pleasures...life is so darned good!
My lack of technical knowledge is starting to embarrass me. It's sort of like being a dinasaur in the age of rocket ships, too far apart to ever catch up. Technology has soared since I was a child and I have to admit it will soar even further in the future. I can't ever be technologically savvy because I missed the boat a long time ago but I can take advantage of a bit of it. Just teach me slowly and let me take notes. I'm a little concerned about how much patience my daughter will have while teaching me, though, and wonder if I'd be better off having a grandchild do it. My grandchildren are gentler with me. LOL!
On a more positive side, I woke up this morning feeling fabulous. The sun was shining, my apartment was neat and clean, and most of my preparations for leaving for Florida are complete. This might not sound like much to be euphoric about but I won't ever forget what my life was like when I had depression. I've been recovered for a lot of years now so don't worry about it coming back but I do have a huge capacity for being grateful it's gone. Simple pleasures...life is so darned good!
Monday, September 22, 2014
Showering With Stitches
It's not easy and I hate the inconvenience of it but it's necessary. I have an 8 stitch and a 4 stitch incision and was told not to get the spots wet...no-one said why and I didn't ask. So when I shower I wrap a plastic bag around the one on my arm and tape a plastic bag to my chest. They don't always stay in place so my showers are quick.
When I'm done, I change the bandages and feel so darned fresh that the whole process was worth it. I'm healing well and it's only for another 9 days until the stitches are removed. Life goes on!
When I'm done, I change the bandages and feel so darned fresh that the whole process was worth it. I'm healing well and it's only for another 9 days until the stitches are removed. Life goes on!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Yard Saleing For Small Items
My yard saleing strategy these days is to look for interesting but small items to take to Florida to sell on Ebay. "Interesting" because I might be stuck with them. "Small" because they have to fit in my car and then in the trailer. It's not always easy and I often have to walk away from interesting larger stuff.
A few weeks ago I found an estate sale with tons of fabric and trim...and a whole lot else I wasn't interested in. I bought a bit of lace trim, checked on Ebay, and found out it sells quite well. I was sorry I hadn't bought more because there really was lots and lots of it. So back I went today, thinking it was an estate sale and they had to get rid of everything probably before the end of the month so they'd probably have another yard sale. I was right. I bought a big boxload of trim for $5, brought it home and measured and packaged it all and think I'm going to make a lot of money with it. It will certainly keep me busy on Ebay all winter. This is a fun hobby for me!
I started thinking that my yard sale buying for Ebay is going to come to an end soon. Most items can only be sold on Ebay when I'm in the States (much cheaper cost of shipping) so I won't be able to do that when I can't go to Florida any more. I do think I could sell the lace trim here, though, because it wouldn't cost much to ship. I guess there's still hope for me continuing my little hobby even when I have to stay home.
Matt packed a box of Kim's old Cosmopolitan magazines in the car and I'll sell those on Ebay for her. It's pretty amazing how much the strangest things sell for...like 20 year old magazines! Any I don't sell this winter I'll bring home because I can still sell them on Ebay when I'm here.
Selling on Ebay has been a great thing for me. I enjoy yard saleing for items, finding people who want them, and making a little bit of money at it. I also thoroughly enjoy doing my research on Ebay. I often accidently come across items I never knew had value. It's been a terrific hobby of mine for quite a few years now and I'll miss it when it ends.
A few weeks ago I found an estate sale with tons of fabric and trim...and a whole lot else I wasn't interested in. I bought a bit of lace trim, checked on Ebay, and found out it sells quite well. I was sorry I hadn't bought more because there really was lots and lots of it. So back I went today, thinking it was an estate sale and they had to get rid of everything probably before the end of the month so they'd probably have another yard sale. I was right. I bought a big boxload of trim for $5, brought it home and measured and packaged it all and think I'm going to make a lot of money with it. It will certainly keep me busy on Ebay all winter. This is a fun hobby for me!
I started thinking that my yard sale buying for Ebay is going to come to an end soon. Most items can only be sold on Ebay when I'm in the States (much cheaper cost of shipping) so I won't be able to do that when I can't go to Florida any more. I do think I could sell the lace trim here, though, because it wouldn't cost much to ship. I guess there's still hope for me continuing my little hobby even when I have to stay home.
Matt packed a box of Kim's old Cosmopolitan magazines in the car and I'll sell those on Ebay for her. It's pretty amazing how much the strangest things sell for...like 20 year old magazines! Any I don't sell this winter I'll bring home because I can still sell them on Ebay when I'm here.
Selling on Ebay has been a great thing for me. I enjoy yard saleing for items, finding people who want them, and making a little bit of money at it. I also thoroughly enjoy doing my research on Ebay. I often accidently come across items I never knew had value. It's been a terrific hobby of mine for quite a few years now and I'll miss it when it ends.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse, like all other crimes, will probably always be with us but there are ways to lessen the chances. If we taught our daughters (in the home, school, and by example) that they should never tolerate physical or emotional abuse by anyone, it would lower the instances of abuse and of murders. If we taught our sons in the same ways that abuse of another living being is unacceptable, it would have the same effect.
Domestic abuse and domestic murder go hand in hand. If a woman (usually, but sometimes a man) refuses to allow her mate to abuse her from day 1, then it most certainly will not escalate to full battery or murder,
Domestic abuse is not easily talked about by those involved in it. Battered wives (sometimes husbands) are embarrassed or don't want to get their mate into trouble. This is one big reason why an abused person has to stop it before it even gets started. I've done a lot of research on the subject and understand it often takes great lengths of time before an abuser shows his/her true side. They often woo their victim with love and kindness but become aggressive and demanding once they feel confident they can get away with it. An abuser is really a weak and frightened human being.
Emotional abuse is usually more subtle and you might not recognize it as such until you're deeply involved in a relationship but it is never too late to stop accepting it as normal.
Stand straight, respect yourself, and let your abuser know it can't happen again or you're walking away. If the abuse continues, know that it will never stop and your life will be hell if you stay.
I wish it was as easily done as said but we have to keep trying to instill pride of self in our children.
Domestic abuse and domestic murder go hand in hand. If a woman (usually, but sometimes a man) refuses to allow her mate to abuse her from day 1, then it most certainly will not escalate to full battery or murder,
Domestic abuse is not easily talked about by those involved in it. Battered wives (sometimes husbands) are embarrassed or don't want to get their mate into trouble. This is one big reason why an abused person has to stop it before it even gets started. I've done a lot of research on the subject and understand it often takes great lengths of time before an abuser shows his/her true side. They often woo their victim with love and kindness but become aggressive and demanding once they feel confident they can get away with it. An abuser is really a weak and frightened human being.
Emotional abuse is usually more subtle and you might not recognize it as such until you're deeply involved in a relationship but it is never too late to stop accepting it as normal.
Stand straight, respect yourself, and let your abuser know it can't happen again or you're walking away. If the abuse continues, know that it will never stop and your life will be hell if you stay.
I wish it was as easily done as said but we have to keep trying to instill pride of self in our children.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Stitched
Yesterday I had 2 suspicious spots cut off which left me with 8 stitches on my arm and an, as yet, undetermined number on my chest. I try not to look at procedures like this because they make queezy. I'll find out if they really were skin cancer in 2 weeks when I go back to the dermatologist to have the stitches removed.
Two large bandages cover the spots which I'd thought quite tiny and I'll remove them tomorrow to cleanse them. Stitches don't bother me as long as what they're closing is neat and clean. I'm going to assume I'll find another 8 stitches on my chest, too. I heal fast so I'll also assume there will be no problem with the healing.
Anyway, this too shall pass and, I hope, never return.
Two large bandages cover the spots which I'd thought quite tiny and I'll remove them tomorrow to cleanse them. Stitches don't bother me as long as what they're closing is neat and clean. I'm going to assume I'll find another 8 stitches on my chest, too. I heal fast so I'll also assume there will be no problem with the healing.
Anyway, this too shall pass and, I hope, never return.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Two More Little Skin Cancers
My darned Irish skin has been plagued with little skin cancers (1 on my lip that required radiation) for the last few years and I keep hoping they'll stop popping up. I was never a true sunbather because my skin burned instead of tanned but maybe that's the reason for the skin cancers now.
I'm not crazy about my dermatologist but she is very knowledgable and doesn't charge for the spraying while others here do so I guess I'll stick with her. OHIP pays for the surgery so there's no cost to me, thank heavens. Another good reason to have government health care!
Anyway, the spots affected today are on my lower arm and on my chest. I can understand the sensative skin on my chest but arm skin is usually pretty tough. They're not open sores but just little scabby spots that won't completely heal and go away. They're the kind of things we'd tend to ignore if we didn't see a dermatologist regularly.
The good news is that the bad skin problems I've had for years on my nose were seemingly eradicated by the chemical peel I had done in Florida so I'm very happy with that. Maybe I could get a chemical peel on my whole body! LOL!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Shower Me
I haven't been sick in a while but it always makes me get better faster if I can drag myself to the shower and then get dressed. There's something about the healing and awakening power of water being poured over you that amazes me even just taking my regular shower. You think you're awake and ready to face the day but the minute the shower water drops onto your head you REALLY come awake. The same thing happens when you're not feeling well...you feel so much better after a shower.
I wonder if it's partly because you're body has become dehydrated over the night and it's the hydration of the shower that your body needs to be fully awake? I think it's also knowing that your hair will look it's best once you're done. I shower every second day so I have one day of "good" hair and one day of "passable" hair. Heaven forbid if there is no water on the third day because I wouldn't be able to leave the house.
I forget exactly how much water our bodies consist of but I think it's something like 98% so it's no wonder we're so affected by it or the lack of it. When I'm truly thirsty only actual water will quench the thirst. Water splashed onto my face revives me instantly. We tend to take for granted that our water supply will always be there because we know we can't live without it. When I think of places like Africa where water is in short supply, it makes me nervous.
Here in Ontario, we're surrounded by the great lakes but, in Florida, there actually is a shortage of fresh water and it carries a premium price. Some households pay hundreds of dollars a month for their water. In our park, we're lucky to have artesian wells that supply our trailers with somewhat fresh water but most of us use it only for bathing and buy our drinking water. This causes us to appreciate what we have back home in Ontario.
We Canadians live in a beautiful, free country, one which draws immigrants who want what we have and often we don't appreciate. One of those things is the luxury of turning on our taps and having one of the necessities of life at our fingertips.
I guess I'm feeling a little euphoric because I just had my shower and my hair looks pretty darned good. LOL!
I wonder if it's partly because you're body has become dehydrated over the night and it's the hydration of the shower that your body needs to be fully awake? I think it's also knowing that your hair will look it's best once you're done. I shower every second day so I have one day of "good" hair and one day of "passable" hair. Heaven forbid if there is no water on the third day because I wouldn't be able to leave the house.
I forget exactly how much water our bodies consist of but I think it's something like 98% so it's no wonder we're so affected by it or the lack of it. When I'm truly thirsty only actual water will quench the thirst. Water splashed onto my face revives me instantly. We tend to take for granted that our water supply will always be there because we know we can't live without it. When I think of places like Africa where water is in short supply, it makes me nervous.
Here in Ontario, we're surrounded by the great lakes but, in Florida, there actually is a shortage of fresh water and it carries a premium price. Some households pay hundreds of dollars a month for their water. In our park, we're lucky to have artesian wells that supply our trailers with somewhat fresh water but most of us use it only for bathing and buy our drinking water. This causes us to appreciate what we have back home in Ontario.
We Canadians live in a beautiful, free country, one which draws immigrants who want what we have and often we don't appreciate. One of those things is the luxury of turning on our taps and having one of the necessities of life at our fingertips.
I guess I'm feeling a little euphoric because I just had my shower and my hair looks pretty darned good. LOL!
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Negative Drama
Some people thrive on drama, the more negative the more they seem to enjoy it. They're the kind of people who will jump down your throat if you dare to say something they don't agree with. They tire me out.
I'm hooked on shows like Cops and Maury where I get to see people totally immersed in lives of negative drama and, while it's interesting from a psychological point of view to witness at a distance, it would waste your whole day if you were actually living it. I wonder sometimes if these people have screaming matches because they're bored and it sort of gives a little excitement to their dreary days. There is definitely a deep psychological reason why some people deliberately fill their lives with drama, especially negative drama.
I'm not sure what positive drama is...maybe unbridled happiness?? That would probably wear me out, too, if it wasn't portioned out reasonably. I once knew a lady who was hyper happy all the time but she complained that every man she dated was impotent. I wonder if she wore them out before they even got started.
My family and friends run the gamut from high to low but never all the time, thank heavens. Nolan might be a little too often on the high side but he's only 5 years old so that's to be accepted. I really don't have anyone close to me who is a persistent downer...how draining that would be! I did have a cousin like that but I've had to keep my distance because I could feel myself being dragged down right along with her.
Life is so much easier to handle if we dwell on as little negativity as possible. Count your blessings and don't burden yourself with the petty stuff.
I'm hooked on shows like Cops and Maury where I get to see people totally immersed in lives of negative drama and, while it's interesting from a psychological point of view to witness at a distance, it would waste your whole day if you were actually living it. I wonder sometimes if these people have screaming matches because they're bored and it sort of gives a little excitement to their dreary days. There is definitely a deep psychological reason why some people deliberately fill their lives with drama, especially negative drama.
I'm not sure what positive drama is...maybe unbridled happiness?? That would probably wear me out, too, if it wasn't portioned out reasonably. I once knew a lady who was hyper happy all the time but she complained that every man she dated was impotent. I wonder if she wore them out before they even got started.
My family and friends run the gamut from high to low but never all the time, thank heavens. Nolan might be a little too often on the high side but he's only 5 years old so that's to be accepted. I really don't have anyone close to me who is a persistent downer...how draining that would be! I did have a cousin like that but I've had to keep my distance because I could feel myself being dragged down right along with her.
Life is so much easier to handle if we dwell on as little negativity as possible. Count your blessings and don't burden yourself with the petty stuff.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
What the F...!!!
I know we live in a progressively crazy world but every once in a while I can't help but think we're doomed. Shelley posted a story on Facebook showing that a United States soldier was denied access to his children's school by security because he was wearing a military uniform.
Picture this...a hired security guard turns away a soldier father because some of the kids might be offended by his uniform. I wonder what the security guard was wearing and if he/she was carrying a gun.
I'm just getting over the shock of seeing a list of banned foods from our local schools because a few of the children have allergies. It's a ridiculous list banning everything that is good for the children. I understand there are children with serious food allergies but doesn't it make more sense to let them eat their own lunches in a separate room than to limit the lunches of 99% of the students?? The school board also printed a list of acceptable lunch foods and they included potato chips and a whole lot of crap our children should not be eating at all.
Should milk be banned in our schools?? Should nutritious peanut butter sandwiches be forbidden and meat sandwiches (more expensive and more easily spoiled) be demanded instead?? Sometimes the people who make up these ridiculous rules haven't got a brain in their heads...so are we going to let them get away with it?
What I think will happen here is...Americans have a great respect and regard for their soldiers so idiots at the school who wouldn't allow the soldier father in will change their policy. The poor kids in my city will just have to eat crap because I can't see our local school board being forced to face facts instead of jumping on band wagons.
Some common sense in the States but some asinine rules in Canada.
Picture this...a hired security guard turns away a soldier father because some of the kids might be offended by his uniform. I wonder what the security guard was wearing and if he/she was carrying a gun.
I'm just getting over the shock of seeing a list of banned foods from our local schools because a few of the children have allergies. It's a ridiculous list banning everything that is good for the children. I understand there are children with serious food allergies but doesn't it make more sense to let them eat their own lunches in a separate room than to limit the lunches of 99% of the students?? The school board also printed a list of acceptable lunch foods and they included potato chips and a whole lot of crap our children should not be eating at all.
Should milk be banned in our schools?? Should nutritious peanut butter sandwiches be forbidden and meat sandwiches (more expensive and more easily spoiled) be demanded instead?? Sometimes the people who make up these ridiculous rules haven't got a brain in their heads...so are we going to let them get away with it?
What I think will happen here is...Americans have a great respect and regard for their soldiers so idiots at the school who wouldn't allow the soldier father in will change their policy. The poor kids in my city will just have to eat crap because I can't see our local school board being forced to face facts instead of jumping on band wagons.
Some common sense in the States but some asinine rules in Canada.
Monday, September 08, 2014
Severe Disappointment
My sister phoned me yesterday and, when I saw who it was on call display, I didn't answer the phone. The sound of her voice brought back all the hurt from 2 years ago when she disappointed me so severely that it cut me deeper than I would have thought possible. That was the day I'd broken my wrist (twisted bones) and she wouldn't go to the hospital with me. I could drive with great difficulty but I was in agony and couldn't open the car door to get out. There's much more to the story but suffice it to say that I've never really gotten over her betrayal when I was in desperate need.
I know my children are disappointed with me for shutting her out of my life but I've thought a lot about it today and know I don't hate her but I think it would break my heart to be around her. I can only describe it as a feeling almost of fear. I knew she had her faults but I never would have believed she'd turn her back on me when I needed her help so badly. It's very difficult to wrap my mind around what happened that day.
My girls have said that life is too short to carry grudges, especially with family, but this isn't a grudge. I don't know what to call it...I only know it would cut me to the quick to look into her eyes and try to see the sister I thought I had and to know she isn't who I thought she was. It's almost a feeling of repulsion and I'd prefer to not see her than to feel that way about her.
And so I'll drift along through life without her and wonder how this will all end.
I know my children are disappointed with me for shutting her out of my life but I've thought a lot about it today and know I don't hate her but I think it would break my heart to be around her. I can only describe it as a feeling almost of fear. I knew she had her faults but I never would have believed she'd turn her back on me when I needed her help so badly. It's very difficult to wrap my mind around what happened that day.
My girls have said that life is too short to carry grudges, especially with family, but this isn't a grudge. I don't know what to call it...I only know it would cut me to the quick to look into her eyes and try to see the sister I thought I had and to know she isn't who I thought she was. It's almost a feeling of repulsion and I'd prefer to not see her than to feel that way about her.
And so I'll drift along through life without her and wonder how this will all end.
Sunday, September 07, 2014
Rummicubes by Candle Light
Mary and I are good friends and we can talk for hours about just about anything so that's what we did. We don't necessarily have the same views of the world but the trick is to respect another's point of view unless it's a complete deal breaker. There are none of those for me with Mary and I hope none of my beliefs are too much for her.
Before we went to the casino, we went to the little historic site of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and I was just blown away by what I saw and learned. Josiah Henson was an American slave who made his way via the underground railway to Dresden, Ontario in 1830. In 1841, he and a group of others purchased 200 acres of land and created a vocational school for runaway American slaves so they could learn trades to support themselves.
There are still 4 of the original buildings which have been moved to the information center property in Dresden and I think Mary was a little surprised at my need to touch them in order to receive sensory input from them. I don't know how to explain this need but I do it because it thrills and impresses me. The strongest feedback came when I put my hand on the little church podium (Henson was a preacher) and it was almost like sparks flying to my hand. I don't understand it but I believe it's energy of some kind.
The term "Uncle Tom's Cabin" came from the book written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and she based her book, factual and nonfactual, on Josiah Henson. I can't believe it took me so long to visit and learn about such an important part of Canadian history. I feel blessed that Mary was kind enough to take me there...she had already visited it before. It will always astound me that any human being could believe it right to own another human being and to treat them so viciously...buying, selling, tearing apart families, beating, raping, killing. It frightens me to know that can be a part of the human psyche.
Anyway, my little get-away to Mary and Don's place was also filled with happy times. They'd had an afternoon party the first day for Don's family and that was great because they all mean a lot to me, too. I've known this family for so long that I consider myself almost one of them. They're good people!
All in all, I had a terrific time but I did like coming back home to my sweet little apartment, too. I seem to have the best of many worlds and I am very thankful.
Thursday, September 04, 2014
Taking Care of Business
In latter years I've surrounded myself with people I like and who I can trust. Before Dennis passed away he told me to sell the Florida trailer because I wouldn't be able to look after it myself. Well, he was right in a way but you can always hire people to do the things you can't do yourself. There are so many people at the park in Florida who will come to your aid or suggest good hired help and that's what I depend on when I'm there. So far I've got the trailer cleaning, inside and outside, taken care of and know of a couple of people who will fix whatever goes wrong if I can't fix it myself.
I don't think Dennis thought I'd survive on my own but I think I've done pretty good. Selling the house last year was amazingly easy so I really lucked out with that but I feel I can handle whatever comes up...as long as I have my family, friends, or a check book to take care of it.
Dennis would be surprised at what I've accomplished since he's been gone but I believe we all have it in us to take up the reins of life if we have to do so. Sheer determination can be the strength that carries us to do what has to be done. I had so many doubts about my own abilities before Dennis passed away but what I've been able to do in the 9 years since has given me a lot of confidence. You never know what you can do until you do it.
I don't think Dennis thought I'd survive on my own but I think I've done pretty good. Selling the house last year was amazingly easy so I really lucked out with that but I feel I can handle whatever comes up...as long as I have my family, friends, or a check book to take care of it.
Dennis would be surprised at what I've accomplished since he's been gone but I believe we all have it in us to take up the reins of life if we have to do so. Sheer determination can be the strength that carries us to do what has to be done. I had so many doubts about my own abilities before Dennis passed away but what I've been able to do in the 9 years since has given me a lot of confidence. You never know what you can do until you do it.
Wednesday, September 03, 2014
Lots To Be Thankful For
I'm an analyzer by nature. I analyze the people I come in contact with and I analyze myself. After finishing the 7 Days of Thankfulness, I realized how much more I have to be thankful for and it truly humbles me. Then I started analyzing just why I've become so at peace and one of the big reasons is that a few years back I started backing away from people who pulled me down. I know this will narrow your horde of personal contacts but, boy, it sure makes for a peaceful life.
When you're younger, you are sort of forced to participate with people you don't like but we seniors can usually pick and choose our companions. Every single one of mine these days is fun to be with and honest as the day is long. This is what matters to me. And it's a huge reason why I'm a contented old lady.
When you're younger, you are sort of forced to participate with people you don't like but we seniors can usually pick and choose our companions. Every single one of mine these days is fun to be with and honest as the day is long. This is what matters to me. And it's a huge reason why I'm a contented old lady.
Monday, September 01, 2014
Trailer Cleaner
Every year before I leave for Florida I hire someone to clean the trailer. One person will powerwash the outside and one will clean the inside from top to bottom. I like to arrive at a nice clean trailer because I know what the summers do to an untended tin can. A few times I've hired people who did such a crappy job that I had to pretty well redo it all and that's not how I like to start my Florida holiday. One of my fondest memories is when I got to the trailer and found the cleaner had done a poor job. As I was recleaning it, a friend of mine (Barb Martz) came strolling up the road with a bucket in hand to help me. You just never forget good samaritans like that!!
The park's new owners have a policy which forbids any of their employees from doing work for the residents, even in their own free time, so I'm having trouble keeping a good house cleaner. This year I'll be trying someone new, a lady who just moved into the park and who was recommended by a friend of mine. We have a good network at the park where we look out for each other and help each other. I'm so thankful for the good people who live or winter at 3W.
When Dennis was alive, he'd do all the outside work while I cleaned the trailer and put stuff away. He'd also dispose of dead roaches that found their nast way inside the trailer over the summer. I know he wouldn't approve of me hiring people to do this work but I do it because it makes me feel good to settle into a nice clean trailer after driving 1200 miles to get there.
I'm going down earlier than usual this year because John is being honored by being inducted into the "Air Command Hall of Fame" on Oct. 19th. I'm so proud of him and don't want to miss the occasion. I couldn't ask for a finer son-in-law than John and I love his family, too. My Florida winter is going to start off so well but my only worry is when my wonderful friend, Sylvia, will get there (because of her car accident).
I'm looking forward to seeing all my good buddies again but I'll also worry a bit about Gail W. getting there. She and her husband rent and I'm hoping they find a good rental for this year. Too many of my good buddies, like Gail, live too far away from me at home so I love having the winter with them. Without my special buddies, Florida wouldn't be much fun at all.
Well, I'll hope for the best and accept what I cannot change.
The park's new owners have a policy which forbids any of their employees from doing work for the residents, even in their own free time, so I'm having trouble keeping a good house cleaner. This year I'll be trying someone new, a lady who just moved into the park and who was recommended by a friend of mine. We have a good network at the park where we look out for each other and help each other. I'm so thankful for the good people who live or winter at 3W.
When Dennis was alive, he'd do all the outside work while I cleaned the trailer and put stuff away. He'd also dispose of dead roaches that found their nast way inside the trailer over the summer. I know he wouldn't approve of me hiring people to do this work but I do it because it makes me feel good to settle into a nice clean trailer after driving 1200 miles to get there.
I'm going down earlier than usual this year because John is being honored by being inducted into the "Air Command Hall of Fame" on Oct. 19th. I'm so proud of him and don't want to miss the occasion. I couldn't ask for a finer son-in-law than John and I love his family, too. My Florida winter is going to start off so well but my only worry is when my wonderful friend, Sylvia, will get there (because of her car accident).
I'm looking forward to seeing all my good buddies again but I'll also worry a bit about Gail W. getting there. She and her husband rent and I'm hoping they find a good rental for this year. Too many of my good buddies, like Gail, live too far away from me at home so I love having the winter with them. Without my special buddies, Florida wouldn't be much fun at all.
Well, I'll hope for the best and accept what I cannot change.
Friday, August 29, 2014
The Small Stuff
Kim and I were talking yesterday and I mentioned how I've learned to not let the small, insignificant in the long run stuff get me down. I save my fury for anyone who hurts my family. Of course, there are incidents of child abuse that can rouse the same fury but that's partly because I can do nothing about it. Given my choice, I'd rip the bastard to shreds so they'd never again harm a child.
I know my life is more peaceful now because I've learned the tactics of calming myself. The choice of peace or stress lies within us and we can most often be the masters of our emotions. I choose peace because stress turns me into someone I don't like to live with.
I long ago learned to stay away from people who are harmful to be around. Unnecessarily dramatic, dishonest, and bad tempered people are really awful for our own peace of mind. They drain you. After I've spent time with the people I like, I feel happy and refreshed.
There are always going to be moments of frustration and unhappiness but we need to keep these moments in perspective. Are they truly tragic moments that require dealing with or just blips in our lives we can easily put behind us? Funny, but most of them really are blips and not worthy of our concentrated attention.
One of my tricks is to freeze the moment. Stop and take the time to assess calmly before getting all upset. I haven't mastered the technique but I'm getting there. Letting small frustrations rule our lives is a total waste of time and energy that we could be using to have fun. Don't sweat the small stuff, keep your energies for tackling the bigger problems and life will be sweeter.
I know my life is more peaceful now because I've learned the tactics of calming myself. The choice of peace or stress lies within us and we can most often be the masters of our emotions. I choose peace because stress turns me into someone I don't like to live with.
I long ago learned to stay away from people who are harmful to be around. Unnecessarily dramatic, dishonest, and bad tempered people are really awful for our own peace of mind. They drain you. After I've spent time with the people I like, I feel happy and refreshed.
There are always going to be moments of frustration and unhappiness but we need to keep these moments in perspective. Are they truly tragic moments that require dealing with or just blips in our lives we can easily put behind us? Funny, but most of them really are blips and not worthy of our concentrated attention.
One of my tricks is to freeze the moment. Stop and take the time to assess calmly before getting all upset. I haven't mastered the technique but I'm getting there. Letting small frustrations rule our lives is a total waste of time and energy that we could be using to have fun. Don't sweat the small stuff, keep your energies for tackling the bigger problems and life will be sweeter.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Metformin and Irritable Bladder
I learned this yesterday. Now, I've known forever that one of the signs of Diabetes is an overactive bladder and I've had problems with this for years. Until this spring, my blood sugar was high average so I held off on using Metformin but when I found out that the blood sugar was now way above normal, I decided to accept using a drug to combat it. My first prescription was for 500 mg twice a day and the only side effect was 3-4 days of diarrhea which is perfectly normal. When I saw the doctor again this month, the blood sugar count was down to 7.1, just shades higher than someone on Metformin should be. My doctor increased the dosage to 1000 mg twice a day, I had about 7 days of diarrhea, but then everything settled down and I felt as normal as before.
This past week I realized that I was visiting the bathroom less often and that I didn't seem to be peeing as much when I did. I described it as about a 75% improvement and that got my interest enough to do some research on the internet. I wanted to find out if Metformin had an effect on the bladder. Well, what I saw scared the beejeezus out of me. One bad side effect of Metformin can cause a urinary failure which can result in death. Holy crap!!
I immediately called my family doctor (3:04 P.M. and the office closes at 3 P.M.) but had to contact his emergency service. I explained my concerns and told the answering service person that I had to be out of the house before 5 P.M. and would like a doctor to contact me before then if possible. Within 10 minutes, the doctor on call phoned me and explained that the Metformin was simply rectifying the over-active bladder symptoms that I'd been experiencing for years. It had been so long since I'd enjoyed normalcy that I didn't recognize that was what this was now.
Firstly, be careful what you research on the internet in regards to your health. Secondly, thank you Canada for our government health care system!!!!!
This past week I realized that I was visiting the bathroom less often and that I didn't seem to be peeing as much when I did. I described it as about a 75% improvement and that got my interest enough to do some research on the internet. I wanted to find out if Metformin had an effect on the bladder. Well, what I saw scared the beejeezus out of me. One bad side effect of Metformin can cause a urinary failure which can result in death. Holy crap!!
I immediately called my family doctor (3:04 P.M. and the office closes at 3 P.M.) but had to contact his emergency service. I explained my concerns and told the answering service person that I had to be out of the house before 5 P.M. and would like a doctor to contact me before then if possible. Within 10 minutes, the doctor on call phoned me and explained that the Metformin was simply rectifying the over-active bladder symptoms that I'd been experiencing for years. It had been so long since I'd enjoyed normalcy that I didn't recognize that was what this was now.
Firstly, be careful what you research on the internet in regards to your health. Secondly, thank you Canada for our government health care system!!!!!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Watercolor Print
I can't say enough good about yard sales. They truly are treasure hunts because one man's trash can often be another man's treasure and this is a treasure for me. It's very good for us yard sale enthusiasts that we're a throw away society with more money than brains. It even saddens me a bit to see how much excess we accumulate and then dispose of in yard sales. Think of the impoverished in the world!
I also picked up some beautiful mini perfume bottles for $1 each and will sell them on Ebay for $10 each if I can get it. Donna had a fit when she saw them because she said they sell for $40 each at Bombay. Like I said...one woman's trash has become my treasure once again.
On a side note, I have been granted my out-of country health insurance so that I can spend Oct. 15th-April 15th in Florida but it came at a darned high cost because of my newly diagnosed Diabetes...$1570. That's almost double what I paid last year and it will be the deciding factor in when I decide to leave for Florida next year. I'm already thinking I wouldn't mind waiting until Dec. 1st. It would be interesting to know how the insurance company justifies such a huge increase when I don't feel any different health wise than I did last year. Newly diagnosed Diabetes is really not a big health threat. I take Metformin twice a day but feel absolutely no different at all. We can't fight the insurance companies, though, so I'll just spend less time in the warmth of Florida next year.
Life is good but it's getting a little more expensive.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
New Worry
Wouldn't it be nice to have days on end without a care in the world? I haven't enjoyed that luxury since I was a child. I'd been worried since mid August that my trip to Florida would be severely delayed due to my diabetes prescription being increased but found out the other day that I can get out-ot-country health insurance that doesn't take my diabetes into consideration. Whoopee! Dead on the heels of that good news came bad news that the person who powerwashed my trailer stepped on the Florida room roof and a loud crack was heard. I've contacted the person I hired and asked them to check it out tomorrow so I'll worry about that until tomorrow and probably until I can get down there and see for myself. It seems that the older you get the more things there are to worry about just because you've lived this long!
I went yard saleing with Cindy and Don yesterday and had a super time. We got bargains all over the place...most of mine went to Nick's house for the little boys. We are certainly a society where we have so much surplus in our homes that we put tons of it out to sell for peanuts at yard sales. I often wonder how much of the stuff I see was a gift that wasn't wanted or appreciated. One of the items I purchased yesterday was a child's beautiful set of bookends and bank that was still sealed in the box. I bet it cost someone at least $40-50 new and I bought it for the boys for $5.00.
Yes, I'm still worried about the damned Florida room roof but life goes on and so do I.
I went yard saleing with Cindy and Don yesterday and had a super time. We got bargains all over the place...most of mine went to Nick's house for the little boys. We are certainly a society where we have so much surplus in our homes that we put tons of it out to sell for peanuts at yard sales. I often wonder how much of the stuff I see was a gift that wasn't wanted or appreciated. One of the items I purchased yesterday was a child's beautiful set of bookends and bank that was still sealed in the box. I bet it cost someone at least $40-50 new and I bought it for the boys for $5.00.
Yes, I'm still worried about the damned Florida room roof but life goes on and so do I.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
7 Days of Thankfulness
I've been participating in the "7 Days of Thankfulness" on Facebook and, just as I knew, we all have tons of stuff to be thankful for. We know it, too, but a lot of people still prefer to dwell on the nasty crap in the world instead of appreciating the beautiful. I don't mean to ignore the bad but, darn it, we'll drive ourselves crazy if we don't spend more time thinking of the good.
First and foremost for me is to be thankful for my precious family but there is so very much more, thank heavens. I don't mean to trivialize things to be thankful for but I'm pretty darned thankful the microwave was invented. It plays a huge part in my everyday life! Of course, I'm thankful for the beauty of nature...flowers, trees, etc....but it just makes sense to be thankful for the electronic conveniences that make our lives easier.
I have a positive attitude so even small things please me. Now that I think of it, I'm thankful for my positive attitude because I haven't always had it. I believe whoever started the "7 Days of Thankfulness" wanted us to realize how much we take for granted instead of being thankful it exists. We have so much good in our lives, even in the face of the evils we can't seem to eradicate.
I'm thankful to have this day on earth.
First and foremost for me is to be thankful for my precious family but there is so very much more, thank heavens. I don't mean to trivialize things to be thankful for but I'm pretty darned thankful the microwave was invented. It plays a huge part in my everyday life! Of course, I'm thankful for the beauty of nature...flowers, trees, etc....but it just makes sense to be thankful for the electronic conveniences that make our lives easier.
I have a positive attitude so even small things please me. Now that I think of it, I'm thankful for my positive attitude because I haven't always had it. I believe whoever started the "7 Days of Thankfulness" wanted us to realize how much we take for granted instead of being thankful it exists. We have so much good in our lives, even in the face of the evils we can't seem to eradicate.
I'm thankful to have this day on earth.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Rogue Cop?
A young man in the States is gunned down and killed by a police officer during an altercation that is reported to have ended before the shooting. In essence, it seems the young man made some stupid choices but gave up with hands raised in the air before the cop shot him 6 times. Sounds like murder to me.
The black citizens have been protesting in the streets ever since...some violently, some looting stores, some destroying the city they call home. The anger is understood but not the violence and theft but those people are only using the young man's death as an excuse to commit crimes. The true indignant protesters are the ones that the police department and all government should be paying attention to. They know this killing was probably prompted by a rogue cop with a hatred for blacks and they know this has to stop.
We need to look beyond the violence and see the real picture here. Don't focus on the low life black people who are using this as a reason to cause destruction, focus on the fact that an armed cop whose occupation is to protect the public opened fire on an unarmed young man who was, at the moment, no threat to anyone. We can't allow this to be acceptable.
This might be a crime of descrimination against blacks but the real fear is that any cop could feel descrimination against any race, creed, or color. He/she should never act on their own prejudices when upholding the law. What if it was a black cop full of hatred for whites? It isn't the descrimination we need to address, it's simply insistance that all police officers do their jobs legally and ethically.
I listened to a statement by the lawyer for the family of the victim and it was like a breath of fresh air to hear the grievance laid out in rational speech. If all is as it has been reported, a terrible injustice has been done here and it should be dealt with legally. An arrest and trial has to occur. Not everyone will feel that justice has been done when this is all over but maybe those in power will have had their eyes opened to what will and will not be accepted by the citizens.
Maybe public outrage is necessary.
The black citizens have been protesting in the streets ever since...some violently, some looting stores, some destroying the city they call home. The anger is understood but not the violence and theft but those people are only using the young man's death as an excuse to commit crimes. The true indignant protesters are the ones that the police department and all government should be paying attention to. They know this killing was probably prompted by a rogue cop with a hatred for blacks and they know this has to stop.
We need to look beyond the violence and see the real picture here. Don't focus on the low life black people who are using this as a reason to cause destruction, focus on the fact that an armed cop whose occupation is to protect the public opened fire on an unarmed young man who was, at the moment, no threat to anyone. We can't allow this to be acceptable.
This might be a crime of descrimination against blacks but the real fear is that any cop could feel descrimination against any race, creed, or color. He/she should never act on their own prejudices when upholding the law. What if it was a black cop full of hatred for whites? It isn't the descrimination we need to address, it's simply insistance that all police officers do their jobs legally and ethically.
I listened to a statement by the lawyer for the family of the victim and it was like a breath of fresh air to hear the grievance laid out in rational speech. If all is as it has been reported, a terrible injustice has been done here and it should be dealt with legally. An arrest and trial has to occur. Not everyone will feel that justice has been done when this is all over but maybe those in power will have had their eyes opened to what will and will not be accepted by the citizens.
Maybe public outrage is necessary.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
My Treasures
You know, no matter what I decide to do, it never is easy. Like deciding to buy my own television receivers instead of renting them from the cable company! I didn't even try to remove the old ones and hook up the new ones myself...I asked my precious grandson, Matt, to do it for me because he's a technical genius. He had a heck of a time doing it but he's still a genius in my eyes!
Matt came over yesterday afternoon and spent HOURS trying to get one of the receivers to work. He spoke some strange technical language to the Cogeco tech guy on the phone and that went on for hours, too. He finally went up to his own house and got a different cable (I have no idea why it was needed) and my T.V. now works. All of this took about 5-6 hours of his day and I'm so incredibly grateful to him for helping me out like this.
I often think of the seniors who have no-one willing to give of their time and energy to help them when they're in need and I just don't know how anyone gets by without this kind of help. Matt even came back this morning to put air in my car tires! I didn't even ask him to do this! I love this young man to death but people don't necessarily help you out just because you love them. They are usually sweet and kind souls like my Matthew who would help anyone in need.
Matt brought his girlfriend, Kelly, back with him last evening and I got to have a nice, long talk with her for the first time. She's an impressive young lady and I'm very happy she and Matt have found each other. Good people deserve the best!
Matt came over yesterday afternoon and spent HOURS trying to get one of the receivers to work. He spoke some strange technical language to the Cogeco tech guy on the phone and that went on for hours, too. He finally went up to his own house and got a different cable (I have no idea why it was needed) and my T.V. now works. All of this took about 5-6 hours of his day and I'm so incredibly grateful to him for helping me out like this.
I often think of the seniors who have no-one willing to give of their time and energy to help them when they're in need and I just don't know how anyone gets by without this kind of help. Matt even came back this morning to put air in my car tires! I didn't even ask him to do this! I love this young man to death but people don't necessarily help you out just because you love them. They are usually sweet and kind souls like my Matthew who would help anyone in need.
Matt brought his girlfriend, Kelly, back with him last evening and I got to have a nice, long talk with her for the first time. She's an impressive young lady and I'm very happy she and Matt have found each other. Good people deserve the best!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Out of Nowhere
My friends, Sylvia and Mickey, were in a car accident the other day and were thankfully not killed. Mickey is hurting but Sylvia is in the hospital with 11 broken ribs. She said it all happened so fast...a 93 year old man drove right through a stop sign and hit them. I don't care what some seniors say, a 93 year old should not be driving and that's that. Our reflexes deteriorate as we age and a car is a deadly missile when not in complete control of the driver.
Every day that I'm out and about in the car I see careless drivers who are a lot younger than 93, though. They swerve madly in and out of traffic as though they are impervious to injury or accident. They are stupid. Just one swerve in the wrong direction or as another driver is legitimately moving in the same direction can cause an accident or death. It's not worth it, is it?
I'm 74 and consider myself a careful driver but I know my driving days are numbered because I couldn't live with myself if I drove through a stop sign and put an innocent person in the hospital. There was a story a while ago of an elderly lady whose dangerous driving caused a death but she still plans to keep on driving. I sincerely hope we have laws in effect to stop her dead in her tracks!
Sylvia is 71 (?) and will be in the hospital till next week to make sure her broken ribs don't cause any other problems. She'll then have months of healing and her normal activities will be curtailed. She's an avid golfer but won't be able to golf for quite a while. How unfair that she has to suffer like this because some old fart felt his right to drive far overroad another's right to their life and liberty.
I am so very thankful that my friends are still here with us, no thanks to the 93 year old!
Every day that I'm out and about in the car I see careless drivers who are a lot younger than 93, though. They swerve madly in and out of traffic as though they are impervious to injury or accident. They are stupid. Just one swerve in the wrong direction or as another driver is legitimately moving in the same direction can cause an accident or death. It's not worth it, is it?
I'm 74 and consider myself a careful driver but I know my driving days are numbered because I couldn't live with myself if I drove through a stop sign and put an innocent person in the hospital. There was a story a while ago of an elderly lady whose dangerous driving caused a death but she still plans to keep on driving. I sincerely hope we have laws in effect to stop her dead in her tracks!
Sylvia is 71 (?) and will be in the hospital till next week to make sure her broken ribs don't cause any other problems. She'll then have months of healing and her normal activities will be curtailed. She's an avid golfer but won't be able to golf for quite a while. How unfair that she has to suffer like this because some old fart felt his right to drive far overroad another's right to their life and liberty.
I am so very thankful that my friends are still here with us, no thanks to the 93 year old!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
R.I.P. Robin Williams
I never knew him but I wish I had. I think he was a genius with a tortured mind...so very sad.
Every time I hear of a suicide I feel a deep sadness, knowing the despair that consumed them and which drove them to end their lives. I've been there. True depression can't really be understood by someone who hasn't experienced it but I can tell you the physical pain is almost as debilitating as the mental pain. I can also say with certainty that a depressed person often has no idea why they're depressed but are always overwhelmed by it. It's almost like being cornered by a terror you can't see or fight off, no matter how hard you try. And sometimes you become so worn down by the constant struggle that you give up and just want out even if that means ending the life that has become unbearable for you.
If only we could see beyond the hopelessly burdened moment to the future where good things can and will happen for us. I remember the moment I realized I couldn't handle my life any more and it chills me to think how much joy I would have missed out on if I'd been able to follow through with my own suicidal thoughts. I wouldn't have seen my grandbabies grow up to adulthood. I wouldn't have seen my greatgrandbabies. I wouldn't have experienced the many, many moments of happiness and laughter that have permeated my life "after depression".
It takes good counseling for a person suffering from depression to see past the totally miserable moment to a time when life will be rosier or just plain normal. A good counselor can teach us how to cope and how to find our way out of the depression. I can only imagine that someone like Robin Williams would have been able to provide himself with the best counseling available but maybe his demons were too strong. Maybe I escaped because my own demons didn't go as deep as Mr. Williams' did.
It's so sad to think how much joy he's going to miss out on. I wish someone would have had the ability to rescue him.
Every time I hear of a suicide I feel a deep sadness, knowing the despair that consumed them and which drove them to end their lives. I've been there. True depression can't really be understood by someone who hasn't experienced it but I can tell you the physical pain is almost as debilitating as the mental pain. I can also say with certainty that a depressed person often has no idea why they're depressed but are always overwhelmed by it. It's almost like being cornered by a terror you can't see or fight off, no matter how hard you try. And sometimes you become so worn down by the constant struggle that you give up and just want out even if that means ending the life that has become unbearable for you.
If only we could see beyond the hopelessly burdened moment to the future where good things can and will happen for us. I remember the moment I realized I couldn't handle my life any more and it chills me to think how much joy I would have missed out on if I'd been able to follow through with my own suicidal thoughts. I wouldn't have seen my grandbabies grow up to adulthood. I wouldn't have seen my greatgrandbabies. I wouldn't have experienced the many, many moments of happiness and laughter that have permeated my life "after depression".
It takes good counseling for a person suffering from depression to see past the totally miserable moment to a time when life will be rosier or just plain normal. A good counselor can teach us how to cope and how to find our way out of the depression. I can only imagine that someone like Robin Williams would have been able to provide himself with the best counseling available but maybe his demons were too strong. Maybe I escaped because my own demons didn't go as deep as Mr. Williams' did.
It's so sad to think how much joy he's going to miss out on. I wish someone would have had the ability to rescue him.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Gary
My brother-in-law, Gary, is Faye's husband and he's had more than his fair share of health problems in the past few years. But he's persevered and carried on enjoying his life as though he hadn't a care in the world...been an excellent husband, father, and grandfather. Leukemia was treated, remissioned and returned, and then bladder cancer reared it's ugly head. I was so fearful when he had bladder surgery last month and thought it just didn't look promising for him. I was wrong.
Gary has been playing baseball for a senior team for a few years now and, darn it, he went back to play last week. I can't express how amazed I am and how much I admire that man for what he has overcome and is continuing to overcome.
People like Gary don't just lie down and give up when they're facing a life threatening disease. They carry on. There are many of us who could learn a thing or two from this kind of person!
Not many people are heroes in our eyes because we're way too critical at times but maybe there's a trace of hero in every one of us if we would only draw up the gumption Gary has throughout his illnesses.
Gary has been playing baseball for a senior team for a few years now and, darn it, he went back to play last week. I can't express how amazed I am and how much I admire that man for what he has overcome and is continuing to overcome.
People like Gary don't just lie down and give up when they're facing a life threatening disease. They carry on. There are many of us who could learn a thing or two from this kind of person!
Not many people are heroes in our eyes because we're way too critical at times but maybe there's a trace of hero in every one of us if we would only draw up the gumption Gary has throughout his illnesses.
Thursday, August 07, 2014
"Opening Heaven's Door"
Patricia Pearson wrote the book because of family experiences when her father died. It caught her interest enough for her to follow up with research into what the patient sees, feels, relates to us when they are near death. We simply need to listen.
I've written before about what I saw the moment after Dennis passed away...the near invisible mist that shot from his body and enveloped the room...but now, after reading part of this book, I remember other events just days before his death that had meaning I didn't understand at the time.
Pearson has discovered that many of the dying seem to know they're going within 72 hours of their death. Many even mention seeing dead family or talk about preparing to leave for somewhere unspecific. Dennis was within that 72 hour period (I believe it was two days before he died) when he told me, "I'm ready to go", but I took that to mean he was tired of his illness and ready to die. Many of the patients or patients' families that Pearson interviewed said that the patient talked of buying tickets or packing suitcases to prepare for leaving and I'm sure everyone thought they were halucinating. Nurses and doctors are very familiar with this process and understand that, when their patient talks like this, it is just before they pass away.
In any case, my beliefs are being confirmed with every page I read. Thank you, Faye.
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Being 74
I guess that part of my reasoning for writing this blog is to pave the way for my children and grandchildren to understand seniors. My 74th birthday was yesterday and it was the first time I'd really felt old. I've joked about it before but still felt comfortable with my age. I'm not quite as comfortable about 74 for some reason. It seems way older than 73 and I can't figure out why I feel that way.
My grandaughter asked how old I felt and I thought very seriously about it before answering, "50", and that's the truth. I still feel imbued with vitality and strength of mind if not body. I've never had body strength so it doesn't surprise me that my muscles are weaker now.
Maybe youth is more important in the mind than in the body and I've gained knowledge and intelligence as I've aged. This is something I'm very aware of and thankful for. Especially the knowledge. I care more about the important things than the unimportant ones and I've learned to be humble. Being humble is not a weakness but a great strength for us. Not one of us is the center of the earth but we're all part of a magnificent whole.
Back to being 74...I'm going to have to work on my attitude about this number and not let it spoil my fun.
My grandaughter asked how old I felt and I thought very seriously about it before answering, "50", and that's the truth. I still feel imbued with vitality and strength of mind if not body. I've never had body strength so it doesn't surprise me that my muscles are weaker now.
Maybe youth is more important in the mind than in the body and I've gained knowledge and intelligence as I've aged. This is something I'm very aware of and thankful for. Especially the knowledge. I care more about the important things than the unimportant ones and I've learned to be humble. Being humble is not a weakness but a great strength for us. Not one of us is the center of the earth but we're all part of a magnificent whole.
Back to being 74...I'm going to have to work on my attitude about this number and not let it spoil my fun.
Monday, August 04, 2014
My Drug of Choice...Fries.
I've had a weight problem for a lot of years, tried many different diets and now currently use Sensa (when I remember). The Sensa diet has probably helped the most, giving me time to change most of my bad eating habits but I can't seem to kick fries. If they became illegal I'd have to go out at night and find them being sold on the black market. If I was on death row my final meal would be a lovely plate of Five Guy fries.
There were months that I did give up fries but when I gave in and started eating them again I went in whole hog, so to speak. I've tried limiting my fry intake to once a week but lose will power after just a few days.
I know fries are not good for me but they just taste so darned good that I can't resist. Fries just might be the death of me...but what a way to go!
There were months that I did give up fries but when I gave in and started eating them again I went in whole hog, so to speak. I've tried limiting my fry intake to once a week but lose will power after just a few days.
I know fries are not good for me but they just taste so darned good that I can't resist. Fries just might be the death of me...but what a way to go!
Friday, August 01, 2014
The Value of Laughter
Genuine laughter is better for us than any medication. I honestly believe that laughter can heal us, too. It definitely can heal a troubled mind and bring it back into sinc with what it should be. Good memories that bring a smile to our faces are the next best thing.
I don't know when I turned my back on the unnecessary dramas of life but it was a smart move. It's always amazed me how some people can carry grudges which drag their inner peace down. It's much wiser to let those old grudges slip off and become a distant past instead of carrying them heavily through the whole of our lives.
Mary was here for a couple of days and Faye joined us for an overnight. We did a lot of laughing...even at ourselves. It felt good and that nice feeling will last me for a while yet.
It drains your mental resources to dwell on unhappy events in your life so why do it? We all have past and present of episodes we could have done without but that's life. How we deal with it is our choice, though. You can choose to let it fester in your system or you can choose to let it go and then get on with your life.
I love to laugh and, darn it, there's more to laugh about in this silly world than to be depressed about. Just listen to a little child giggle and you'll know how much we have to be thankful for. And I don't mean to ignore the sadness in the world but we shouldn't let it take the joy out of life. When you're truly happy, you can do no wrong to anyone. It's the angry, hateful people who cause all the trouble. Poor them.
I don't know when I turned my back on the unnecessary dramas of life but it was a smart move. It's always amazed me how some people can carry grudges which drag their inner peace down. It's much wiser to let those old grudges slip off and become a distant past instead of carrying them heavily through the whole of our lives.
Mary was here for a couple of days and Faye joined us for an overnight. We did a lot of laughing...even at ourselves. It felt good and that nice feeling will last me for a while yet.
It drains your mental resources to dwell on unhappy events in your life so why do it? We all have past and present of episodes we could have done without but that's life. How we deal with it is our choice, though. You can choose to let it fester in your system or you can choose to let it go and then get on with your life.
I love to laugh and, darn it, there's more to laugh about in this silly world than to be depressed about. Just listen to a little child giggle and you'll know how much we have to be thankful for. And I don't mean to ignore the sadness in the world but we shouldn't let it take the joy out of life. When you're truly happy, you can do no wrong to anyone. It's the angry, hateful people who cause all the trouble. Poor them.
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