I have decided to open the new year rereading Pride and Prejudice. It's been four, or perhaps more, years since I have read it. And, I think the last was an attempt; I may not have finished it, having too often watched the A & E production of it during the time my daughter was in her high school years. And then, when Mr B came to be noticing of it and liking it as well, we probably lived on it's viewing for awhile.
Recently as day before yesterday, I've tried to entice my sister to read along with me, but she has not yet accepted my suggestion, and I will ask one of my sister in laws if she would like to join us, but I realize assignments such as this appear all to tedious to those who work at full time jobs, have homes to keep, and younger children to run to and fro.
I am currently working part time, leaving me mornings and evenings for helping out with, visiting and generally cooing over my granddaughter. My youngest child is just shy of 20 and requires not much looking after, sadly for me. My husband is currently only employed part time, sadly also, as that makes things difficult for paying bills and buying things like food, but he helps around the house a lot, and this leaves me more time for reading novels.
And so I shall.
In Chapter Three, I find the first description of Elizabeth Bennet that I totally enjoy --
"...for she had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in any thing ridiculous."
Delighting in things ridiculous, 'in my good opinion', is healthy sport. It is so much better than the opposite choice which is letting them anger you. One must never allow the careless remarks of someone we do not know to cut into our hearts or bother our countenance, or give allowance to a moment of lost sleep.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." ~~Albert Einstein
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Things in a marriage...
1. I leave dishes needing to be washed on the left hand side of the sink. My husband leaves things that are washed and dried and ready to be put away, on the left hand side of the sink.
As anyone can probably already tell, I am rewashing clean items, and husband is putting away dirty items. I'm not sure where the 'tween shall meet. Maybe the doctor's office...
2. I have been carefully watching our spending budget. I have been completely baffled at the generous amounts of toilet paper we have been using. I thought to solve this by being smarter in my purchasing. So, I explored buying different brands, but still, it seemed like a lot.
I began to stand in the stores, and carefully look over the square footage noted on the packaging; this was so perplexing me! I took my calculator with me to make sure my conjectures were correct because still, I found myself spending an awful lot on a product, that is, indeed, necessary. (A crisis seemed at hand and one was tempted to begin a subscription to the newspaper to get ahead of this problem!)
Then, I happened to a place in the laundry room, glancing over at a space between the air handler and the hot water heater, and my eyes fell upon, dozens of rolls of toilet paper! Of different brands!
It seems this helpful man of mine had a special place he had designated for the storage of toilet paper. (An epic fail to not let anyone else know about it!) But hence, a great stash. So good on him, as we are no longer behind in the need for toilet paper, (and there is nothing really useful in the newspaper anyway.)
3. My husband knows where all the tools are and loves to use them. I use butter knives, nail files, and other various kitchen ware for all my tool needs.
4. My husband tells me to buy cereal only then to find he has no milk. He tells me to buy milk, and, as the odds would be, he then finds he has no cereal. I don't eat cereal nor do I drink milk, so I don't keep track of the lesses and the mores of the whole thing.
(Complicated in these facts, is the fact that our daughter eats dry cereal as a snack, but doesn't drink milk. Thus, milk ~ no cereal.)
I'm not sure how this will end. It may continue to be a complicated long rotation of the never meeting 'tweens.
(Note: Actually, I quit buying milk and cereal. No one has said anything...)
5. My husband does do laundry, and bravo! most married women are cheering, (yes, I can hear you from here). But, then forgets about it (probably off to fix something with his real tools). I usually find it the next day; then I do it again. Good intentions are sometimes met with a higher electric bill, (but there is not one thing in my house that is broken).
6. My husband thinks all my jokes are funny, he thinks I'm the greatest cook in the world, and he gives me all his money. I know he would lend me his real tools if I preferred them, he doesn't mind cleaning the kitchen, and he knows, deep down, that milk is bad for him. And, if I had not gone into the laundry room the other day to see if he had left a load of wash in the machine, I never would have found the toilet paper!
As anyone can probably already tell, I am rewashing clean items, and husband is putting away dirty items. I'm not sure where the 'tween shall meet. Maybe the doctor's office...
2. I have been carefully watching our spending budget. I have been completely baffled at the generous amounts of toilet paper we have been using. I thought to solve this by being smarter in my purchasing. So, I explored buying different brands, but still, it seemed like a lot.
I began to stand in the stores, and carefully look over the square footage noted on the packaging; this was so perplexing me! I took my calculator with me to make sure my conjectures were correct because still, I found myself spending an awful lot on a product, that is, indeed, necessary. (A crisis seemed at hand and one was tempted to begin a subscription to the newspaper to get ahead of this problem!)
Then, I happened to a place in the laundry room, glancing over at a space between the air handler and the hot water heater, and my eyes fell upon, dozens of rolls of toilet paper! Of different brands!
It seems this helpful man of mine had a special place he had designated for the storage of toilet paper. (An epic fail to not let anyone else know about it!) But hence, a great stash. So good on him, as we are no longer behind in the need for toilet paper, (and there is nothing really useful in the newspaper anyway.)
3. My husband knows where all the tools are and loves to use them. I use butter knives, nail files, and other various kitchen ware for all my tool needs.
4. My husband tells me to buy cereal only then to find he has no milk. He tells me to buy milk, and, as the odds would be, he then finds he has no cereal. I don't eat cereal nor do I drink milk, so I don't keep track of the lesses and the mores of the whole thing.
(Complicated in these facts, is the fact that our daughter eats dry cereal as a snack, but doesn't drink milk. Thus, milk ~ no cereal.)
I'm not sure how this will end. It may continue to be a complicated long rotation of the never meeting 'tweens.
(Note: Actually, I quit buying milk and cereal. No one has said anything...)
5. My husband does do laundry, and bravo! most married women are cheering, (yes, I can hear you from here). But, then forgets about it (probably off to fix something with his real tools). I usually find it the next day; then I do it again. Good intentions are sometimes met with a higher electric bill, (but there is not one thing in my house that is broken).
6. My husband thinks all my jokes are funny, he thinks I'm the greatest cook in the world, and he gives me all his money. I know he would lend me his real tools if I preferred them, he doesn't mind cleaning the kitchen, and he knows, deep down, that milk is bad for him. And, if I had not gone into the laundry room the other day to see if he had left a load of wash in the machine, I never would have found the toilet paper!
Friday, January 01, 2010
2010 ~ Here for 365
Last year has dissolved into the c-span of thought energy, notes on paper, and vibrations in the air. Trees grew. Flowers blossomed, this year my roses especially, and I was so surprised! I thought they were done with me.
And, my granddaughter is almost walking. When I thought about it the other day, her walking that is, I got all teary eyed. Time just passes so quickly. It's hard to figure out what I have learned. I know I've learned something, surely, I mean surely I did. But what? When you learn new things, you grow, and you change. I'm wondering how I have changed.
I still believe in God. I still love happy endings in stories and in life, I love seeing butterflies come to life in my garden, and flowers are just the most beautiful to me. I love hummus and avocados with cracked pepper and olive oil crackers.
I still only drink water, coffee, wine and tequila (oh well, might as well be honest ~ deal with it). I like my coffee strong and bold, my wine merlot and not too cheap, and good tequila is a must. As for water, well, I still prefer it filtered at least.
I still get the flutters of happiness when my children walk in the door or when they call me. I melt at the words, 'hey mom' ~
I still need a new pair of shoes, or two every year, but haven't had to buy a jacket in over 5 years, or a sweater. I didn't even buy a new pair of jeans last year. I kind of gave up jeans, they just aren't that comfortable any more. If I ever find a comfortable pair, then maybe again...But I would like to have a cool jean jacket! Maybe I'll see one this year that is worth purchasing.
I still have cut flowers in my house as often as I can, I love looking at my plants and feel guilt when they need water because I know they can't water themselves, after all.
I still don't like bullies. Even though I know they are people who have issues, I don't like them. One of my nephews has had his share of this bullying in his middle school experience. This is his last year of middle school. Another one of my nephews was bullied at the elementary school he attends. Both of my nephews are really great kids. They wouldn't hurt anyone. It seems unfair and mean, and makes me want to go down to the particular schools with a posse of family and ask them, "What is this all about and How can we stop this?"
But in all that, I did support my nephews, ended up going down to one of the schools, in a posse of sorts, and we all had many talks of how to learn to deal with this stuff and then let it all go. But I still don't like bullies this year.
It's late. I'll think about more changes tomorrow. I won't be so tired and perhaps I can study my thoughts a little more objectively.
And, my granddaughter is almost walking. When I thought about it the other day, her walking that is, I got all teary eyed. Time just passes so quickly. It's hard to figure out what I have learned. I know I've learned something, surely, I mean surely I did. But what? When you learn new things, you grow, and you change. I'm wondering how I have changed.
I still believe in God. I still love happy endings in stories and in life, I love seeing butterflies come to life in my garden, and flowers are just the most beautiful to me. I love hummus and avocados with cracked pepper and olive oil crackers.
I still only drink water, coffee, wine and tequila (oh well, might as well be honest ~ deal with it). I like my coffee strong and bold, my wine merlot and not too cheap, and good tequila is a must. As for water, well, I still prefer it filtered at least.
I still get the flutters of happiness when my children walk in the door or when they call me. I melt at the words, 'hey mom' ~
I still need a new pair of shoes, or two every year, but haven't had to buy a jacket in over 5 years, or a sweater. I didn't even buy a new pair of jeans last year. I kind of gave up jeans, they just aren't that comfortable any more. If I ever find a comfortable pair, then maybe again...But I would like to have a cool jean jacket! Maybe I'll see one this year that is worth purchasing.
I still have cut flowers in my house as often as I can, I love looking at my plants and feel guilt when they need water because I know they can't water themselves, after all.
I still don't like bullies. Even though I know they are people who have issues, I don't like them. One of my nephews has had his share of this bullying in his middle school experience. This is his last year of middle school. Another one of my nephews was bullied at the elementary school he attends. Both of my nephews are really great kids. They wouldn't hurt anyone. It seems unfair and mean, and makes me want to go down to the particular schools with a posse of family and ask them, "What is this all about and How can we stop this?"
But in all that, I did support my nephews, ended up going down to one of the schools, in a posse of sorts, and we all had many talks of how to learn to deal with this stuff and then let it all go. But I still don't like bullies this year.
It's late. I'll think about more changes tomorrow. I won't be so tired and perhaps I can study my thoughts a little more objectively.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Kicking up the spirit
Just a quick little snapshot ~ and there it is. I hope your Christmas Season kicks up as much joy in your life as my Granddaughter does in mine.
Just a Simple Well Wishing to Those Non Thinking Souls
To all those people, who during the year, have hit our cars and then decided not to own up to your responsibility by driving away... May you experience the true joy of commitment. May what you have given us, come back to you, two fold and twenty. You know who you are, my chicken hearted little darlings.
May you come upon that experience that teaches you redemption, may you always wonder when it will happen to you, but here's hoping it's right after you make the first payment on that brand new ride you saved up for with the dollars you used to cheat others by not paying for the damage you have done.
To all those who are driving while talking on their cell phones, oh, you are the special and dear ones.
The universe has not given you enough time to declare just how important you are above others, and it can't be your fault that you find yourself in the position to risk the life of mankind, as you mindlessly chatter on a piece of compressed plastic, while motoring a 2000 pound machine forward or backward or into a small parking space, and heaven forbid, making a left turn on a yellow light.
This universe is not good enough for you. May the aliens find you and lift you off to the regions of space where you can roam free and in harm's way of no man.
If the aliens should not find you, may your connections be lost, your cell phone bill ever rise, and you see the lights of your local police in your rear view mirror, always.
To those of you on the top of the corporate ladders in all companies, like not excluding Wall Street and At The Down and Dirty Mortgage Loan Companies or Insurance Companies or Pill Coporations,
who don't look down and see how they got there, who don't take the time to give back to the little guy who bought your countless amounts of stuff and stock and not so great loans, may the explanation of your rise come to you clearly, and may you reap what you have sown.
May your children learn the song Cat's in the Cradle as their anthem, may each of your friends treat you with the feelings you have for those less fortunate than you, and as you enjoy your massage and spa treatment at the expense of people loosing their homes, may the the massage therapist be one of them.
To those of you who care nothing of sneezing and coughing into the universe, with your grossness of wild abandon all the while, sharing your cold and flu season germs, and to those of you who allow your children to do the same, May you be rained upon with knowing the profits you have coughed and sneezed up for the cold and flu medicine industry, the ER rooms you have helped fill, the doctors time you have helped waste, and the countless number of people who had to take time off work because you couldn't take the time to either stay home or at least sneeze into your sleeve, and May you be blessed in heaps with that which you so freely share with the rest of the world. For you, there is not enough tea in China.
In the end, we all get back what we put in, as many of the wise sages before us have tried to tell us. It all comes back on you, People. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of us, as we are the sum of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
So make it a good one for yourself and others.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
On figuring it out
1. Every dollar you spend is spent on your education. You either learn something or you don't.
2. Silence is not awkward.
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCFCeJTEzNU
I tried to post it properly, but it's just not working for me. But it's called Silent Monks sing Hallelujah ~~ But sometimes it's spelled Halleluia on the link.
4. More stuff later.
2. Silence is not awkward.
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCFCeJTEzNU
I tried to post it properly, but it's just not working for me. But it's called Silent Monks sing Hallelujah ~~ But sometimes it's spelled Halleluia on the link.
4. More stuff later.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Spinach Balls with Stuffing
Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 cups finely crushed herb-seasoned dry bread stuffing mix
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs, beaten
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl combine spinach, stuffing mix, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, melted butter and eggs. Shape into walnut-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through and browned
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have these premade and will be cooking them tomorrow for a family party. I did use a Seasoned Pepper - which means I kicked it up a knotch.
I'll make a note to let myself know what I think of these.
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 cups finely crushed herb-seasoned dry bread stuffing mix
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs, beaten
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl combine spinach, stuffing mix, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, melted butter and eggs. Shape into walnut-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through and browned
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have these premade and will be cooking them tomorrow for a family party. I did use a Seasoned Pepper - which means I kicked it up a knotch.
I'll make a note to let myself know what I think of these.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A List of Noticing Things
A List of Noticing Things:
1. Lots of people think they see things as they are. When they don't really. They see things as they are.
It would take much stillness for all people to see the same thing. And, stillness of soul and spirit and body? ~ very, very hard to do, grasshoppers. It is hard to cross those streams.
2. Sockdolager is a strange and crazy word you don't hear everyday. Or any day, that I can recall. I don't even recall reading it in a book! I found a definition here, but they seem to be of very different meanings.
3. Watching others living life and not taking your good advice is tough. Try to remember whether or not you took everyones good advice. It's a giant paradox we are in.
(My advice is: give the good advice anyway, just make sure you give it with kindness and caring and no swear words.)
4. It's hard to accept that all is as it should be when we don't feel comfortable with what we are seeing. (Part of the paradox, you know.)
5. Many people speak on about how at Christmas time we remember the poor, but at other times of the year, we don't. But, try to remember that the poor are looking forward to Christmas just as much as anyone else, so reach down in those pockets and give a little more to the poor. (And then make sure you remember them the rest of the year, as well.)
6. There is no excuse for driving badly. None. (Nope, not one. Sorry.)
7. Don't ever let something get you down. Maybe let it stand you still for a second, maybe leave you speechless, or even breathless ~ but don't ever let something get you down. And if it does manage to get you down ~ don't stay there.
1. Lots of people think they see things as they are. When they don't really. They see things as they are.
It would take much stillness for all people to see the same thing. And, stillness of soul and spirit and body? ~ very, very hard to do, grasshoppers. It is hard to cross those streams.
2. Sockdolager is a strange and crazy word you don't hear everyday. Or any day, that I can recall. I don't even recall reading it in a book! I found a definition here, but they seem to be of very different meanings.
3. Watching others living life and not taking your good advice is tough. Try to remember whether or not you took everyones good advice. It's a giant paradox we are in.
(My advice is: give the good advice anyway, just make sure you give it with kindness and caring and no swear words.)
4. It's hard to accept that all is as it should be when we don't feel comfortable with what we are seeing. (Part of the paradox, you know.)
5. Many people speak on about how at Christmas time we remember the poor, but at other times of the year, we don't. But, try to remember that the poor are looking forward to Christmas just as much as anyone else, so reach down in those pockets and give a little more to the poor. (And then make sure you remember them the rest of the year, as well.)
6. There is no excuse for driving badly. None. (Nope, not one. Sorry.)
7. Don't ever let something get you down. Maybe let it stand you still for a second, maybe leave you speechless, or even breathless ~ but don't ever let something get you down. And if it does manage to get you down ~ don't stay there.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Food.Inc ~ The Movie
Food.Inc.
Wow. This film made an impression on me. I've eaten only refried beans and vegetables since. It's not a new film, 2008, but I just got around to watching it. I would recommend this as a must see for everyone. Actually, I would challenge everyone to watch it.
I had heard a few people say that once you watch this film it will be hard to eat for a week. And, depending on what you eat, it just may very well be so (and perhaps longer than a week)!
Does it matter to you that your food is being genetically altered? If that fact is, indeed, true, don't think it won't affect you because it will. Everything in this universe is connected. The evil and the good all cycle around, well, maybe it's like a spiral, but it is all connected. And when you eat food that been fooled around with, your system is about to be fooled around with, too. You can believe me, or you can just take your chances. Either way, it is what it is.
I don't want to eat meat from animals that have not been able to breathe the fresh air and been treated kindly or forced to eat stuff they don't naturally eat. My gosh, salmon are even being force feed food they don't normally eat!
You may not think that has anything to do with you, and maybe it won't. Maybe you are older, like me, but it sure will have something to do with your children, (or grandchildren, as they are still developing.) I say To You People, give this film a viewing and at least give the kids a chance. Educate yourself. If the people who made this film are all crazy, then walk away mumbling how those of us who are still shaking our heads at what is happening with our food are all crazy, too. I would seriously recommend you take that chance.
My head is spinning here after just viewing this...but maybe you should view it, just to be sure this blogger is not stark raving mad...
Think:
1. If you begin to eat genetically altered food, what do you think your body is going to do with that foreign stuff entering your body? It has to deal with it. And your body will become genetically altered, or mutated, as it were, or something other than the normal we know. It may even evolve into another species. Maybe you think that means nothing to you, as I am not a scientist, so how could I possibly know what I'm taking about.
Then, I ask you, does the word natural mean anything to you? If it does not, then fire up the grill and cook up some burgers and steaks and go to sleep tonight without thinking that the meat you are eating, unless you know specifically where it has come from, has, most likely, not lived a lovely life, and is quiet possibly shot up with some kind of something-weird that doesn't belong in your system, and, also it has been washed in ammonia to kill some bacteria that will kill you, and who knows what else.
If it does mean something to you, then you need to get on the train that will try to stop this madness. It may not be too late.
2. Does anyone out there have a concern about the government having to much control? What would you think, if you knew that maybe three or four Corporations had control over what you eat and what you eat is fed, and doesn't want anyone to know about it? And They and the Government are best friends?
3. Do you know what Veggie Libel means?
"The realistic objective of the frivolous 'veggie-libel' statutes and lawsuits is not money," says consumer advocate Ralph Nader. "It is to send a chilling message to millions of people that they better keep their opinions to themselves."
Not a fan of Ralph Nader? Is he to liberal for you? Better Goggle the topic for your own research and information.
There is no side to be picked here, except for the side of health. But the corporations are not picking that side. They are picking the side of ....well, watch the movie and draw your own conclusion.
Wow. This film made an impression on me. I've eaten only refried beans and vegetables since. It's not a new film, 2008, but I just got around to watching it. I would recommend this as a must see for everyone. Actually, I would challenge everyone to watch it.
I had heard a few people say that once you watch this film it will be hard to eat for a week. And, depending on what you eat, it just may very well be so (and perhaps longer than a week)!
Does it matter to you that your food is being genetically altered? If that fact is, indeed, true, don't think it won't affect you because it will. Everything in this universe is connected. The evil and the good all cycle around, well, maybe it's like a spiral, but it is all connected. And when you eat food that been fooled around with, your system is about to be fooled around with, too. You can believe me, or you can just take your chances. Either way, it is what it is.
I don't want to eat meat from animals that have not been able to breathe the fresh air and been treated kindly or forced to eat stuff they don't naturally eat. My gosh, salmon are even being force feed food they don't normally eat!
You may not think that has anything to do with you, and maybe it won't. Maybe you are older, like me, but it sure will have something to do with your children, (or grandchildren, as they are still developing.) I say To You People, give this film a viewing and at least give the kids a chance. Educate yourself. If the people who made this film are all crazy, then walk away mumbling how those of us who are still shaking our heads at what is happening with our food are all crazy, too. I would seriously recommend you take that chance.
My head is spinning here after just viewing this...but maybe you should view it, just to be sure this blogger is not stark raving mad...
Think:
1. If you begin to eat genetically altered food, what do you think your body is going to do with that foreign stuff entering your body? It has to deal with it. And your body will become genetically altered, or mutated, as it were, or something other than the normal we know. It may even evolve into another species. Maybe you think that means nothing to you, as I am not a scientist, so how could I possibly know what I'm taking about.
Then, I ask you, does the word natural mean anything to you? If it does not, then fire up the grill and cook up some burgers and steaks and go to sleep tonight without thinking that the meat you are eating, unless you know specifically where it has come from, has, most likely, not lived a lovely life, and is quiet possibly shot up with some kind of something-weird that doesn't belong in your system, and, also it has been washed in ammonia to kill some bacteria that will kill you, and who knows what else.
If it does mean something to you, then you need to get on the train that will try to stop this madness. It may not be too late.
2. Does anyone out there have a concern about the government having to much control? What would you think, if you knew that maybe three or four Corporations had control over what you eat and what you eat is fed, and doesn't want anyone to know about it? And They and the Government are best friends?
3. Do you know what Veggie Libel means?
"The realistic objective of the frivolous 'veggie-libel' statutes and lawsuits is not money," says consumer advocate Ralph Nader. "It is to send a chilling message to millions of people that they better keep their opinions to themselves."
Not a fan of Ralph Nader? Is he to liberal for you? Better Goggle the topic for your own research and information.
There is no side to be picked here, except for the side of health. But the corporations are not picking that side. They are picking the side of ....well, watch the movie and draw your own conclusion.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
I am Spatially Impaired ~ Respect That
If I kept this blog the way I would like to, it would take a lot more work. I think I am lazy. I get so messed up on the simple things ~ like Archiving and Labels. I forget all about labels. I'm not sure anyone cares enough that I should even bother with it.
Truth be told, I have enough trouble just locating my shoes on a daily basis (okay, well, hourly, or any time I need them. And I live in a small house, so - I have no excuse).
All the above was injected and has nothing to do with what I was actually thinking about.
Directions is what I was thinking about.
I am Spatially impaired so, i.e.
Map reading, transformation of visual arrays, navigation around an unfamiliar space are just some of the many tasks which are beyond the spatially impaired brain. Suffers display the phenomena of neglecting the left half of their surrounding space and the inability to recognise even familiar objects viewed from unusual perspectives.
I was thinking about directions today. I was thinking about people who give me directions. I try not to find these people irritating, you know just to be fair, because what I am realizing is, everyone is in their own little world, with their own little view finder, and have their own little way of seeing things.
And, if someone tells you, "it's on the west side" -- they really have no idea that you have to stop and figure out where the ocean is, so that you can find WEST. And, while you are trying to remember where the ocean is, your brain has no input to any of the words they may be saying. But, as long as we on on the topic of directions, let's discuss some general rules that really should work for anyone. Even those of us with special needs.
There is no such thing as "a little ways" in driving. Unless, for some stupid reason, I have to make a complete perpendicular turn that keeps me from going into a ditch, do not say 'it's just a little ways' because you know that it is not. It never is that. That's a myth.
"A Little Ways Down the Road" might be the name of a band, or a song, or a movie, but it is definitely not a driving direction.
(I have a friend, a darlin' from the South, and once, she told me to drive a little ways down the road -- how about 15 miles?)
You could say, "a short distance" or "a car's length" or "make the turn as soon as you can or you are going into the ditch". Those things would work.
2. Never tell anyone, "You'll go through a couple of lights" if those lights are miles apart. Firstly, a couple of lights is only TWO lights. And when you say, 'you'll go through a couple of lights', I will tell you honestly -- People think those lights are together.
And, if they go through the first one, and the next one is not for 4 miles, they will forget about the first one they went through when they go through the second one. So. Write that down.
3. Never say, "You will see a long line" ~~ What? What does that mean anyway!? A long white line painted on the road? A line painted on the side of a building? A line of people waiting to get in a building? A line of cars? I could be sitting in a line of parked cars for hours! (which I did do, so seriously, it could happen). But, just never say that.
4. Never give to many details. Especially all at once.
Never say things like, "You'll go through the round-about near the hospital that isn't really a hospital it's an old folks home well not really it's a rehabilitation center and my friend's father's uncle was there a couple of years ago maybe three and he and his family used to go through that round about and forget to turn in it was the funniest thing going over there with them and they would just go round and round...but you'll see a tree and a rock and a shell and there's a flag pole with a pair of shoes on it if there are still there and..."
(I am scrunching my eyes shut real hard right now in the conversation, and my jaw is held firm in an effort to not let my mind just totally drift away to the planet Narcan where directions are no longer feared... and this is what I hear you saying "wot wah, wot wah, wot wah, and blah blah blah blah blah blah blahhhhh.")
Stay on task, say, "Go to the round about, and keep to that first right which will bring you right into the road you need to be on". That's all you say. Learn when to shut up. It's a polite thing to do.
I'll continue this list later. This is all I can handle for now.
Truth be told, I have enough trouble just locating my shoes on a daily basis (okay, well, hourly, or any time I need them. And I live in a small house, so - I have no excuse).
All the above was injected and has nothing to do with what I was actually thinking about.
Directions is what I was thinking about.
I am Spatially impaired so, i.e.
Map reading, transformation of visual arrays, navigation around an unfamiliar space are just some of the many tasks which are beyond the spatially impaired brain. Suffers display the phenomena of neglecting the left half of their surrounding space and the inability to recognise even familiar objects viewed from unusual perspectives.
I was thinking about directions today. I was thinking about people who give me directions. I try not to find these people irritating, you know just to be fair, because what I am realizing is, everyone is in their own little world, with their own little view finder, and have their own little way of seeing things.
And, if someone tells you, "it's on the west side" -- they really have no idea that you have to stop and figure out where the ocean is, so that you can find WEST. And, while you are trying to remember where the ocean is, your brain has no input to any of the words they may be saying. But, as long as we on on the topic of directions, let's discuss some general rules that really should work for anyone. Even those of us with special needs.
Here is a beginning list:
1. Never tell anyone, or even use the phrase "It's just a little ways down the road."There is no such thing as "a little ways" in driving. Unless, for some stupid reason, I have to make a complete perpendicular turn that keeps me from going into a ditch, do not say 'it's just a little ways' because you know that it is not. It never is that. That's a myth.
"A Little Ways Down the Road" might be the name of a band, or a song, or a movie, but it is definitely not a driving direction.
(I have a friend, a darlin' from the South, and once, she told me to drive a little ways down the road -- how about 15 miles?)
You could say, "a short distance" or "a car's length" or "make the turn as soon as you can or you are going into the ditch". Those things would work.
2. Never tell anyone, "You'll go through a couple of lights" if those lights are miles apart. Firstly, a couple of lights is only TWO lights. And when you say, 'you'll go through a couple of lights', I will tell you honestly -- People think those lights are together.
And, if they go through the first one, and the next one is not for 4 miles, they will forget about the first one they went through when they go through the second one. So. Write that down.
3. Never say, "You will see a long line" ~~ What? What does that mean anyway!? A long white line painted on the road? A line painted on the side of a building? A line of people waiting to get in a building? A line of cars? I could be sitting in a line of parked cars for hours! (which I did do, so seriously, it could happen). But, just never say that.
4. Never give to many details. Especially all at once.
Never say things like, "You'll go through the round-about near the hospital that isn't really a hospital it's an old folks home well not really it's a rehabilitation center and my friend's father's uncle was there a couple of years ago maybe three and he and his family used to go through that round about and forget to turn in it was the funniest thing going over there with them and they would just go round and round...but you'll see a tree and a rock and a shell and there's a flag pole with a pair of shoes on it if there are still there and..."
(I am scrunching my eyes shut real hard right now in the conversation, and my jaw is held firm in an effort to not let my mind just totally drift away to the planet Narcan where directions are no longer feared... and this is what I hear you saying "wot wah, wot wah, wot wah, and blah blah blah blah blah blah blahhhhh.")
Stay on task, say, "Go to the round about, and keep to that first right which will bring you right into the road you need to be on". That's all you say. Learn when to shut up. It's a polite thing to do.
I'll continue this list later. This is all I can handle for now.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Lists again. Spelling Optional.
1. I was listening to Christmas songs on the radio today. The station played all different ones from all kinds of standards to rock groups who had made a contribution for a Christmas song. Some people get really annoyed by Christmas songs.
I mostly just get annoyed with people getting annoyed with things. So here is a message for you all:
~~You know. People are going to do stuff you don't really like. So what? You're most likely not going to die from most of the things that annoy you. So time to just Get over it.~~
2. Last week at school, police officers blocked the pick up car line while they approached one of the parents, had her get out of her car, then handcuffed her - all this in front of her wide eyed little girl -- then after what seemed like forever, they uncuffed her, and told her they had the wrong person. And they left.
No apology. No Have a Nice Day.
3. Tiger Woods. Whatever reputation you had before -- ummm, I'm not sure it will be all about your ability to handle a 2 iron that will be remembered most in the days to come.
4. Christmas Day is tomorrow! Not really, but it might as well be. Time will be flying fast now, you watch. Get your stuff done!
5. Pray for your children. They need it. You need it. It will be the tie that binds.
I mostly just get annoyed with people getting annoyed with things. So here is a message for you all:
~~You know. People are going to do stuff you don't really like. So what? You're most likely not going to die from most of the things that annoy you. So time to just Get over it.~~
2. Last week at school, police officers blocked the pick up car line while they approached one of the parents, had her get out of her car, then handcuffed her - all this in front of her wide eyed little girl -- then after what seemed like forever, they uncuffed her, and told her they had the wrong person. And they left.
No apology. No Have a Nice Day.
3. Tiger Woods. Whatever reputation you had before -- ummm, I'm not sure it will be all about your ability to handle a 2 iron that will be remembered most in the days to come.
4. Christmas Day is tomorrow! Not really, but it might as well be. Time will be flying fast now, you watch. Get your stuff done!
5. Pray for your children. They need it. You need it. It will be the tie that binds.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Does your 'fridge tell a story?
A lot of families I know, put things on their refrigerator for lots of reasons --
1. Special photos
2. Reminders
3. Inspirational Stuff
4. Magnets from stores and doctors they frequent
5. Calendars
6. Etc, you get what I mean ....
Which made me think of something, which is that some people's refrigerators are so full of stuff, you don't see any story; you see nothing but a cluttered mess,
So, this gave me the idea, to have your refrigerator tell the story of a year! Then, if you wish, you can take all that stuff down, and scapebook it, or put it in a zip lock bag and mark it that year, or frame it up ...any way you want to remember that year ~~
And then, January One of every year, you can start again~!! That's my idea. And that's what I'm going to do.
1. Special photos
2. Reminders
3. Inspirational Stuff
4. Magnets from stores and doctors they frequent
5. Calendars
6. Etc, you get what I mean ....
Which made me think of something, which is that some people's refrigerators are so full of stuff, you don't see any story; you see nothing but a cluttered mess,
So, this gave me the idea, to have your refrigerator tell the story of a year! Then, if you wish, you can take all that stuff down, and scapebook it, or put it in a zip lock bag and mark it that year, or frame it up ...any way you want to remember that year ~~
And then, January One of every year, you can start again~!! That's my idea. And that's what I'm going to do.
Don't Worry, Be Happy
I am not sure what to write today. I need to update my granddaughter's blog, truly I do. She is 11 months old now and doing amazing things! Such a bright little star in every ones' life. She does her job ~ she makes people happy when they come into a room! A true gift from God.
Last night the Gators lost the SEC Championship. My kids were really disappointed. They had planned a trip together to California to go see the Gators play in whatever That Bowl would be. I was thinking it was very cool that they were going to California together. But, oh well ...another day for another reason.
It's finally been raining here. The lawn looks great, rich and green. The plants on my porch looked green and so happy. I've been into potting plants now since I am unable to unearth any soil in the yard and buy any new bushes or shrubs. By potting, I can take cuttings and I only have to buy the dirt. I have several more pots around. And it's fun to arrange them on the porch, too. And, also, I like the fact that my granddaughter is growing up with plants in her vision. Looking at flowers makes people happy.
I'll write more later. My granddaughter is coming over for her morning visit. She spreads the love. I wanna get my dose.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
More things for no reason
1. I do not support President Obama sending more troops into Afghanistan.
2. Leave Tiger Woods alone. He crashed his car. Maybe had a fight with his wife. It's not our business.
3. Holiday stress is real.
4. I don't have anything for number 4.
5. If you are a person who holds on to stuff - think long and hard about that. It's a habit. I am such a one, and right now, I wish I was not.
6. The public option looks about shot out of orbit. Meaning, we won't get one most likely, and this country goes back to being controlled by the big cooporations.
7. God is good. People are a whole 'nother ball of wax.
2. Leave Tiger Woods alone. He crashed his car. Maybe had a fight with his wife. It's not our business.
3. Holiday stress is real.
4. I don't have anything for number 4.
5. If you are a person who holds on to stuff - think long and hard about that. It's a habit. I am such a one, and right now, I wish I was not.
6. The public option looks about shot out of orbit. Meaning, we won't get one most likely, and this country goes back to being controlled by the big cooporations.
7. God is good. People are a whole 'nother ball of wax.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
These Days
"Well, I've been out walking, don't do that much talking, these days..."
Lines from a Jackson Browne song. And that's kind of like me lately.
I feel like I am running out of things to say. I'm not sure why. Sometimes, I think it's because I'm really realizing how little people listen to what you say, or hear what you say, or maybe think they hear what you say but don't know what you mean, or don't hear what you mean while they are not listening to what you say. (what??) or they really don't care what you say ... or I need to expand on the information I currently have - update as it were, reboot ...get a new battery as it were or is.
It's not words these days that I need to come through. It's some other form of art. Something that involves silence.
And I really need to get to it before I turn into a pillar of salt.
At random, I have decided to just list some things for no reason:
1. I ate a piece of apple pie. I thought I wanted it. I thought I wanted something sweet. I put Cool Whip on top. I hate Cool Whip. IMO, it is nothing but a plastic bowl of chemicals. I hate plastic. I distain chemicals. But, there you go, I did something I didn't want to do, and now I am not happy about it. And my stomach is not happy either. Conclusion: I didn't really want the pie. I wanted chocolate. And - the worst part is, I did something I didn't want to do in the first place.
2. I already forgot the second thing.
3. It dawned on me last night, that now is the time to encourage my granddaughter to express herself with words , even though at 11 months she has some, but not many words, and many that she has may not express how she is feeling at the time she loudly broadcasting, but since she is beginning to use -very loud sounds - to express herself, I should participate in helping her communicate instead of picking her up while she is in the middle of the loud self expression. (Oh, Grandma...)
4. I like to color and don't do it often enough. Some crayons that you buy now are too waxy or something, not nice and soft like crayons of olden year before the invention of Made in China.
Lines from a Jackson Browne song. And that's kind of like me lately.
I feel like I am running out of things to say. I'm not sure why. Sometimes, I think it's because I'm really realizing how little people listen to what you say, or hear what you say, or maybe think they hear what you say but don't know what you mean, or don't hear what you mean while they are not listening to what you say. (what??) or they really don't care what you say ... or I need to expand on the information I currently have - update as it were, reboot ...get a new battery as it were or is.
It's not words these days that I need to come through. It's some other form of art. Something that involves silence.
And I really need to get to it before I turn into a pillar of salt.
At random, I have decided to just list some things for no reason:
1. I ate a piece of apple pie. I thought I wanted it. I thought I wanted something sweet. I put Cool Whip on top. I hate Cool Whip. IMO, it is nothing but a plastic bowl of chemicals. I hate plastic. I distain chemicals. But, there you go, I did something I didn't want to do, and now I am not happy about it. And my stomach is not happy either. Conclusion: I didn't really want the pie. I wanted chocolate. And - the worst part is, I did something I didn't want to do in the first place.
2. I already forgot the second thing.
3. It dawned on me last night, that now is the time to encourage my granddaughter to express herself with words , even though at 11 months she has some, but not many words, and many that she has may not express how she is feeling at the time she loudly broadcasting, but since she is beginning to use -very loud sounds - to express herself, I should participate in helping her communicate instead of picking her up while she is in the middle of the loud self expression. (Oh, Grandma...)
4. I like to color and don't do it often enough. Some crayons that you buy now are too waxy or something, not nice and soft like crayons of olden year before the invention of Made in China.
5. I want to paint.
A Poem by Me ~~Miss Roxie
A Poem by Me ~~Miss Roxie
Nonsense and ramblings
the trash is piled high
of crumpled ideas, stories and lies,
tales and truths,
and of thought on others,
Obama included
if only Afghanistan, he could have eluded
of choices of colors
and marks on a page
of random notes that me, myself, made
of things needed to be remembered
like a list of groceries
that probably did not include
all that I needed
nor all I could use
I have writer's block
tales and truths,
and of thought on others,
Obama included
if only Afghanistan, he could have eluded
of choices of colors
and marks on a page
of random notes that me, myself, made
of things needed to be remembered
like a list of groceries
that probably did not include
all that I needed
nor all I could use
I have writer's block
boulders, rocks, flowers and trees,
my passage is on pause
my journeys been slowed
by things in my head
that don't need to be there
but that's totally not true
because we all know,
it's all suppose to be there ...
It's time to grow ....
but that's totally not true
because we all know,
it's all suppose to be there ...
It's time to grow ....
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Surely you know days like this
Daddy Fell into the Pond.
~~Alfred Noyes
Everyone grumbled.
The sky was grey.
We had nothing to do and nothing to say.
We were nearing the end of a dismal day,
And there seemed to be nothing beyond,
THEN Daddy fell into the pond!
And everyone's face grew merry and bright,
And Timothy danced for sheer delight.
"Give me the camera, quick, oh quick! He's crawling out of the duckweed."
Click!
Then the gardener suddenly slapped his knee,
And doubled up, shaking silently,
And the ducks all quacked as if they were daft
And is sounded as if the old drake laughed.
O, there wasn't a thing that didn't respond
WHEN Daddy fell into the pond!
~~Alfred Noyes
Everyone grumbled.
The sky was grey.
We had nothing to do and nothing to say.
We were nearing the end of a dismal day,
And there seemed to be nothing beyond,
THEN Daddy fell into the pond!
And everyone's face grew merry and bright,
And Timothy danced for sheer delight.
"Give me the camera, quick, oh quick! He's crawling out of the duckweed."
Click!
Then the gardener suddenly slapped his knee,
And doubled up, shaking silently,
And the ducks all quacked as if they were daft
And is sounded as if the old drake laughed.
O, there wasn't a thing that didn't respond
WHEN Daddy fell into the pond!
Monday, October 12, 2009
What comes next?
A 4 month old chubby baby boy named Alex Lange has been denied health care because he has been declared "too fat". The child was born at 8 1/4 pounds and is on a diet of only breast milk, according to the article.
They are calling it a pre-existing condition --
"Alex's pre-existing condition — "obesity" — makes him a financial risk. Health insurance reform measures are trying to do away with such denials that come from a process called "underwriting."
I am baffled. He's a baby. It's not like he needs to stop going to McDonald's or something.
I never thought I would live to see the day that Baby Fat was actually a preexisting condition.
They are calling it a pre-existing condition --
"Alex's pre-existing condition — "obesity" — makes him a financial risk. Health insurance reform measures are trying to do away with such denials that come from a process called "underwriting."
I am baffled. He's a baby. It's not like he needs to stop going to McDonald's or something.
I never thought I would live to see the day that Baby Fat was actually a preexisting condition.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Never get to full of yourself
I am returning this otherwise good typing paper to you because someone has printed gibberish all over it and put your name at the top.
~English Professor (Name Unknown), Ohio University
Be obscure clearly. ~E.B. White
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. ~Baltasar Gracián
When you are describing,
A shape, or sound, or tint;
Don't state the matter plainly,
But put it in a hint;
And learn to look at all things,
With a sort of mental squint.
~Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll)
Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will.
~Goethe
~English Professor (Name Unknown), Ohio University
Be obscure clearly. ~E.B. White
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. ~Baltasar Gracián
When you are describing,
A shape, or sound, or tint;
Don't state the matter plainly,
But put it in a hint;
And learn to look at all things,
With a sort of mental squint.
~Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll)
Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will.
~Goethe
On this day...What are you saying?
This is a sign posted in a store in Key West. I have no idea how old it is or what it really means other than if you are not Spanish, English or Bahamian, you can talk while reading is in progress.
People talk a lot. People say things when they don't even realize that others may be influenced by what they say. Words are reactionary, arbitrary, but never stationary. They are twisted and folded and hung out to dry, used wrongly, sometimes to sparingly in truth and taken out of context just so a person can admire the way they strung them together.
They are written on subway walls, tenement halls - oh wait that's Simon and Garfunkel - but it's true. Words are written in a lot of places you wouldn't think they would be found.
Some people use words of encouragement as often as they can, looking for ways to uplift someone's spirits. Others might lean toward a black hole of cynicism, for reasons none other than that they can. Some try to express love in words that people just won't take from them, and there are those who spew hateful words into the universe because someone hurt them as a child.
The world is filled up with words in songs of all sorts, books of all kinds, notes on refrigerators and in lunch boxes, blogs, letters, and threats in a past due notice. legal papers, and precious misspelled words from a child to a parent on a crumpled, stained piece of paper that is worth it's weight in gold,
and the world will still hold a trillion zillion more words in places unknown and unnamed before we have exhausted our stay here, and what am I going on about?
I just want to ask:
What are you saying? What are you saying to people when you speak, when you write, when you sing? If anyone listens to you or reads your words, you are taking up space in their brain. That is a responsibility of a sort.
Be smart. Be kind. Don't scare people. Don't be mean to people. Be prayful. Be encouraging. Be good. Be diligent to make this world a better place. And, why not? After all, it's the only place we have for this moment in time. There may be no words in the next world. But what if there are only your words in the next world? Will you enjoy hearing them?
Other than that, it's a Friday on the planet and today
Jackson Browne, classic rock's eternally young poet of choosing badly in relationships and then going forward in your life, is 61.
President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize.
And, good grief, we bombed the moon. Google it.
Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.
~Nathaniel Hawthorne
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