Tagged

Yourself: Trying to be a better person.
Your partner: Quiet
Your hair:Needs to be washed
Your mother: Nurturer
Your father: Not a nurturer
Your favorite item: My ruby ring
Your dream last night: Can't remember now.
Your favorite drink: Caffeine Free Diet Coke (fountain)
Your dream car: Something luxurious.
Your dream home: One with a sewing room & big laundry room
Where you are now: In the office
Your fear: Facing God and coming up short
Where you want to be in 10 years: Retired and loving life!
Who you hung out with last night: Howard
You're not: Christ-like enough
Wish list item: Trip to Nauvoo
Thing you did today: Took someone to an appointment
What are you wearing: Denim shorts & t-shirt
Favorite weather: 75, Sunny and breezy--on the beach!
Favorite book: Don't have a favorite.
Last thing you ate: McDonald's breakfast
Your life: Stressed
Your mood: ponderous
Your best friend: Marsha
What are you thinking about right now: Who will replace Pres. Faust as counselor to Pres. Hinckley
Your car: Chrysler Concorde
What are you doing at the moment: Duh...doing this survey
Relationship status: married
What's on TV: CNN
Last time you laughed: Yesterday, watching Michael & Chris wrestle.

Here I am again

Well, it's my last Friday off work today as today is the end of my four-10 hour day work week. I'm sad to see Friday's off end, but I'm NOT sad to not have to be getting up @ 4:40 every morning. That one extra hour sleep will be GLORIOUS, I'm sure. It makes me feel too old to be tired and ready for bed by 8:30 or 9:00 at night!

Today, I've got a laundry list of things to do, most of which probably won't get done. If I were Sarah, that alone would keep me up at night! I'm taking a guy in our ward to an appointment this AM. I met him a few weeks ago when he was in the hospital. I feel so bad for this guy and am curious to see how things turn out in his life. He's a member of our church, but hasn't been active in it for years. He has a girlfriend who is much younger than he. He was a taxi driver but several weeks ago got sick and hasn't been able to work. No one is able to say for sure, from what I understand, that is the exact problem. When I saw him in the hospital, he had a severe tremor in his right arm. Tremor doesn't seem to adequately descibe it. His left arm and hand were involutarily jerking non stop and had been for days. Which caused his shoulder muscles to spasm and cause severe pain. He had generalized weakness and now can't walk and is relegated to a wheelchair. Speech was difficult as he stammered really bad. I guess it was stammering. At any rate, it was hard for him to speak. Seems like a really nice guy. They kept him in the hospital for about 2 weeks They finally sent him to a "rehab" hospital for a few days, which I've decided is where they send patients they can't cure or can't appropriately diagnose. How can you "rehab" someone without a clear diagnosis? Since then, the best idea is that he's had a stroke, but it sounds rather uncertain to me, from what I understand. Anyway, he was only there for a few days and now he's home. Out of work. Girlfriend doesn't drive. No real job, though she paints and tries to sell religious icons. Sad. No real family support in town. Anyway, I'm picking him up at 8:30 and taking him to some appointment. Then I have a chiropractor appointment at 10:30 and...who knows from there. Maybe lunch with my kids??? Some sewing?

Michael is leaving in 12 days. Yikes. I can't believe it's that soon.

Gotta run. Things to do. Places to go.

Great Day

Today, Aug. 4, 2007, is a good day. Today is Erin's 29th birthday and today Michael went to the Temple.

I love the Temple. I'm such a smoosh for dead ancestors and think about them a lot, even the ones I never knew in life. I've always sensed this connection to them even when I was a kid and didn't know anything about Temples or their purpose. When I go there, I most often have this sense of being with them. Today was no exception. There were some people I really hoped were there with us, though I can't say I "felt" anyone's presence, especially, probably because I was such a basket case myself. My mom & dad. Howard's mom & dad. My grandmothers. I hope Elizabeth Keener from Arkansas had a good day today, too (she's the name I had). Michael leaves in 18 days. Wow. That evokes a lot of emotion, but mostly pride and joy.

We had people from our ward that showed up and that was so nice for the support for our family. Other family friends were there too and that was so great. I appreciate everyone who came. Those who wanted to and couldn't, I understand. Life happens sometimes.

I missed great-neice Bryenna's baptism, but made it to her house to visit a bit. After the Temple and the forever-long wait @ Cheesecake Factory, by the time we got home it was nap time. I laid down for a "short" nap and slept right through her baptism. Felt really bad about that, but had a good visit with family at Taylors later. I look forward to seeing more family @ Darrington's tomorrow as Tyler blesses Kiersten. Sorry Dustin & Leah that I had to miss Karly's baptism. Can't be in too many places at once!

I am going to officially complain. I'm tired of the heat & HUMIDITY. I realize that it's nothing compared to what I used to live in, but I never lived in it when I was menopausal and I'm tired of heat, both internal & external! There. I feel better. Probably because I have a fan blowing right on me, not beause I vented.

Not much else to say tonight. I'll go for now.

People

I'm sitting here on my Friday off work thinking of the bajilion things I need to do today. Go to the chiropractor because it's been a month and my neck/shoulder are killing me. Bust out the carpet shampooer, but hate to, because the humidity in the air makes it take forever to dry, but really need to before next weekend. Do some sewing! I could spend 3 days straight at the sewing maching with all the things I have planned in the sewing department. Grocery shop because I need eggs. Birthday shopping for Erin. Maybe do lunch with my kids today, if they're available. Write some thank-you's for birthday gifts received. Do laundry. Clean out my pantry. Call my dr for a Rx refil. Work in a day sometime to make it to the Family History Center to clear some more names for Temple Work to be done. Is that enough? I'll think of about 15 more things as the day goes along.

But, I was looking for a new post from daughter Sarah, who hasn't posted since 7/25, (ah hmm) and was re-reading Erin's post. Which then led me to the comments. Which then got me thinking about her birthday and what I can give her. Which got me thinking about how much I love her. Which got me thinking about how much I love all my kids & Howard. Which got me thinking about other people I love. Which got me thinking about how blessed I am in life to have so many people to love. Some people don' t have anyone. How do they do life without loving someone? Its family and friends that get me through day to day. OK, here's the GINORMOUS lump in my throat! How can you think about how blessed you are without crying?! I don't know how to do that. And, why does your throat close up and cramp up and you get a lump in your throat when you start to cry??? What's the biology of that, anyone know?

So, I love my kids. For so many reasons. Sarah is so smart, creative, diligent and caring. Erin is loving, smart, creative and nurturing. Nathan isn't a big talker, but a thinker. He's a great dad & husband. He steps up and does what is needed when necessary. Takes care of business. David is loving, FUNNY, kind, personable and smart. Michael is dedicated to the Gospel, feel things deeply, and brightens my days. They sustain me. Howard can lift me up and brighten me when I'm down (his mood affects my mood, which sometime is good and sometimes not!). He's brought so much good into my life, I can't even begin to list them all, but appreciation for Broadway musicals is one. I had never seen but on, Fiddler on the Roof, when I met him. Then, he introduced me to Camelot and Man of Lamancha and I was hooked. I'm listening to CNN and the sad coverage of the bridge collapse in Minnesota and am so sad for the families of those who died. Some people lose more than one person in their family at a time. I can't imagine how I would EVER be able to handle that. They mean everything to me. I'm so grateful for my knowledge and faith that families really can be together forever.

There are so many people who have touched my life for good. I started naming them, but had to erase them because I can't list them all and tell you why I love them. But there are a lot. A LOT!!! And I'm 52. Which sucks. Not because I'm 52, which I'm totally fine with (it is what it is!) but because I have this huge sense of TIME-IS-PASSING-TOO-QUICKLY to do everything I think I'm supposed to and want to. Seriously, I think I need to live to about 120 to get it all done. Guess I need to prioritize, huh?

OK, I've got to run. Lots to do today. Need to get going on that.

Tagged by Erin

Jobs I've Had
1. Gasoline tank air-check-for-leaks @ a chain saw factory
2. School Bus Driver
3. Dr. Office receptionist
4. Bad checks return person at a bank.

Movies I Can Always Watch
1. Gone With The Wind
2. Pride & Prejudice
3. Pretty Woman (edited)
4. Dances With Wolves

TV Shows I Enjoy
1. Greys Anatomy
2. The Closer
3. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
4. Big Brother
5. TOO MANY other ones!

Favorite Places or Things to Eat
1. Red Pepper Stew
2. Red Robin (is there a theme going here?)
3. Chicken Wings
4. Taco Bandito

Websites I Visit
1. Family & Friends' Blogs
2. Woot
3. Bank
4. Addictinggames.com

Has it really been 20 days since I posted???

I know I haven't posted in a really long time, but I'm here. Most everyone that reads this knows that, too.

I just got back from a quick trip to Idaho/Utah. Howard, Mike, Dave & I went up for the Catlin reunion, which is Howard's mom's family. There were 11 kids, 10 of whom lived to adulthood. LOTS of descendents. They've had this reunions since before I was in the family (31 years). There are so many younger generations now that I don't know, it's weird. We got there on Friday and learned that the youngest sibling of the 11 kids had died that morning! Midge. She had said something along the lines of "I'd give anything to get out of going to this reunion this year". Like someone said, she didn't give "any"thing, she gave "every" thing. Sad, really. We got to see some of her kids that we hardly ever get to see, and that was nice. Losing a parent just is a sad thing and I'm sorry for their loss.

It was nice to have Dave & Mike with us for one last together-time trip. And, next to seeing Randy and Dan, the main perk of the trip???? TACO BANDITO. I had a feeling that it would be the only stop there, so I had a Banditio Burrito AND a (small) Macho Nacho AND a cherry empanada. The only 3 things I have EVER eaten there in 30 years. The rest of the menu is wasted on me. 2nd best perk? Mill End Fabrics where I hit the mother-lode for cute, adorable flannel to make baby receiving blankets out of. Makes me realize how sad the selection is in Las Vegas.

After the reunion, I hooked up with Marsha and we drove to SLC. We drove as far as Brigham City and stayed at the Crystal Inn on Sun. night. VERY nice room. We talked and talked. Finally fell asleep around midnight. I'm always interested in what time I will wake up when I'm on vacation. I'm up at 4:30 this summer, on work days. Even on Sunday's I'm usually awake by 6:00 or 6:30. It's hard, because no one else is ever up as early as I am and I have to tiptoe around and not make noise and do the things I'm up and raring to do, so I piddle around doing quiet things so as not to wake people up. Anyway, on vacation, I find that a quiet, dark room is helpful in the sleep department. IF the bed is comfortable, which it wasn't, to me, on Sunday night. Way too soft for my back. Marsha loved hers. I was awake by 6:00. So, I read until 8:30 or so when Marsha woke up. She doesn't sleep well usually, and I didn't want to wake her for sure. We got up and drove to SLC, meeting Calleen in the middle. Centerville, or somewhere and had lunch at Chipotle. Calleen made the room reservations an we got a room at the HowardJohnson's EXPRESS. Had a lovely view of the HUGE, OLD apartment building to the west of us. But, you know, who cares? We were there to spend time with each other!

We talked and talked and talked and just caught up. It was great that Calleen got to come, because while Marsha and I never miss a summer, Calleen often can't make it. She's a good person. Seriously. Not an evil bone in her. She only wants to do what is right. Assumes the best in everyone. Kind and loving. Has been through colon cancer and came out ok. THAT was scary. Eats very healthy-ly now. Good example in all ways.

We were in SLC on July 24, Pioneer Day. GREAT day to visit the Temple Square sites, because NO one was around, hardly. The streets were deserted, nearly. Saw the Joseph Smith movie a the JSM buildng. Very touching. Then, we talked some more. All we did other than that was talk and go get something to eat when we got hungry. It amazed me that we can be together for 3 days and never run out of new things to discuss. AND, we all are interested in what the other says. Long stories. You know, girlfriend speak. It sustains me. I NEED this time together once a year.

We're down to 25 days before Michael enters the MTC. I told Howard last night that I really can't think to much about him leaving, because I'm going to miss him so much. Really, when I think about it, I consciously put it out of my mind. Denial, you say? Maybe, but not really, I don't think. We got his suit/shirt shopping done while we were enroute to Idaho, thanks to a conveniently located Mr. Macs in Ogden. His last day of work was yesterday, so he's got 24 days to get together whatever he needs to before he goes. I'm hoping he starts on his room and cleans some stuff out and makes room for my SEWING ROOM I'm converting it to. Oh, I have plans. I hope they happen!

It rained while I was gone. Figures. I hope it rains again. Never thought I'd say this, but I love it when it rains now. When I left Louisiana 32 years ago, I swore if it never rained again, I wouldn't care. Changed my mind about that.

I guess this is enough REALLY IMPORTANT, VITAL-FOR-YOU-TO-READ stuff for now. It's great to be home and have ALL my kids back in town. At least for the next few weeks.

So, it's been a while!

I know, I know, it's been a while since I blogged. I just can't think of anything much to tell that I think anyone would even be remotely interested in. I could talk about how much I miss my kids when they are out of town, or the COUNTRY, as is sometimes the case. I could talk about how I go to call some of them 5 times a day, only to realize that they are gone. Not that I call that often when they are here, that's the weird part about it.

I could talk about how I'm finishing up a project we did in R.S. in MAY that still isn't done. I passed out 3 quilts today that just need to be tied. If I get the ones I kept for myself to do, then I'll have 10 blankets to give to Morris & Elaine to take to Mexico and give to some bambino's madre who needs it for her bambino. (Is it bambina if it's a girl?) I could also talk about how I'm obsessed with making receiving blankets and can hardly pass up flannel any more.

I could talk about how Michael leaves in 47 days, but we haven't bought the first thing. I was thinking we could get him his luggage, but then I thought we should wait until we buy all the clothes to see what size luggage he'll need. Or maybe it should be the other way around. I could talk about how most days I'm pretty proud of myself about how I'm not all emotional about him going, because I've been down this road before with Nathan (which is pretty comforting, actually), but then some days, like today, I just think I'm in a bit of denial. The thought of him being gone for 2 years and not getting to see his cute face and see his darling smile and hear his laugh is hard for me. All I can say is "Isn't it almost Christmas yet?" I could talk about how missionary-minded I get when I have a missionary and I want to share the Gospel message I know to be true with everyone know, especially those family members who just aren't interested right now and how I have a huge hurt-your-throat-lump right now, just thinking about that.

I could talk about how I've been thinking a lot about life and why I'm here and what I'm supposed to learn and how I'm supposed to learn those things. About how PERSONAL God makes the tutoring and that I don't live in the abstract, but in the very real specific-ness of it all and that most days I'm just wondering if I'm doing enough and am pretty sure I'm not. And don't even get me started on the quality of what I do. That's a whole other blog.

I could just talk about how much a hug and a kind word means sometimes. Sometimes not even a word; just a loving look can mean so much. Someone at church gave me one of those loving looks today, and all they said was "hello". It meant a lot and I hope God blesses them for it. So, I want to be that person that brightens someone else's day. About how I really do hope we're judged by the "intent of our heart" as well as our actions because, if that's the case, I have a better chance!

I could talk about how I can hardly wait until July 22 when I get to see Marsha and go see Calleen. Really, I might not want to come back this year. I could also talk about how my friend's son just got married and I feel like such a creep because I just kept putting off sending a gift and now it's a sorry-you-didn't-get-this-BEFORE-you-got-married gift. Or Mike's good friend CJ who is now IN the MTC and I never got around to giving him the $$ I was going to for his mission. Got to put that in the mail to his mom.

But, I'll just say life is good. Hard some days, but good. I love reading other people's blogs so thank you all for writing. It's usually a bright spot and is a real disappointment when they aren't there. And, since it's Sunday, I'll try to make it a day of real REST.