With the exception of some very strong winds, today is the perfect fall day. The sky is blue and perfectly accented with puffy, white clouds, and the temperature is cool, but not cold. I'm sitting on my back deck, for maybe the last time this year, just contemplating the wonder of God's creation.
I've spent the last few weeks doing the fall gardening--tearing out the annuals (which literally broke my heart because they were still blooming, but I had to do it when I actually had the time and energy to do it), transplanting hostas and daylillies, and planting bulbs--tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and scillas. Even though it is hard to let go of my gorgeous annuals, I do love tearing them out because I really do love working in the dirt. There is nothing more energizing for me than working in my garden, regardless of the task at hand.
I've also been working on organizing the garage--put up new shelves and a cabinet, and I am soooo thankful for the extra storage space. I finally feel like I can put everything away AND find it when I need it.
This past weekend, Tim and I did our annual pumpkin shopping. The pumpkin crop wasn't very good this year because of the drought, and because we waited so long to actually go buy any pumpkins, the selection was pretty sparce. But, we managed to find two that we could agree on and also got some hay, gourds, and a scarecrow to complete our outdoor fall decorating. We've also been enjoying some apple cider, and I'm looking forward to making a pumpkin bundt cake in the next few days/weeks.
The other fall activity that we plan to do every year, but never quite get to do is to go to an IU football game. There is nothing more gorgeous than Monroe County (Bloomigton, IN) in the fall, and the atmosphere at a college football game is always exciting--even at IU. But, we both got sick the week we planned to go (which seems to happen every year), so we'll try again next year.
All in all, I do think Autumn is my favorite season--the smells, tastes, and colors of fall are comforting and warm, and I'm thankful for their comfort as we head into winter (admittedly, my LEAST favorite season).
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Another year gone
Today, I turn 39. It's almost surreal--physically, I can still pass for 29 (I think??) and some days, I feel like my maturity level isn't much above 19. Thirty-nine in and of itself isn't so bad, though. It's just knowing that next year is the big 4-0 that freaks me out.
All in all, I am thankful for every day that God gives me on this earth because I know life is fleeting. In the past year, I have mourned the loss of my friend Dianna (cancer), my father-in-law (cancer), my cousin's husband (ALS), and my sister-in-law (Muscular Dystrophy). It's been a rough year, and while I may LOOK 29, my body feels more like 49.
Even though I've been surrounded by a lot of illness and death in the last year, God is still good. He gives me strength that I didn't know was even possible. And, the opportunities that He has given us to proclaim His name are countless. Seeing His hand in all of these circumstances has eased the pain. But, mainly, it all makes me long for Heaven more. At times, I am quite jealous of my friends and family members who are in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus, with no pain, no suffering, no sin nature to battle, etc. And I am comforted in knowing that one day, I too, will be in Heaven, and all of the pain and misery on this earth will be forgotten.
Until then, my desire is to serve Him faithfully, regardless of how old I am, look, or feel. Every day is a gift from God, and I pray that I will use all of those days to glorify Him.
All in all, I am thankful for every day that God gives me on this earth because I know life is fleeting. In the past year, I have mourned the loss of my friend Dianna (cancer), my father-in-law (cancer), my cousin's husband (ALS), and my sister-in-law (Muscular Dystrophy). It's been a rough year, and while I may LOOK 29, my body feels more like 49.
Even though I've been surrounded by a lot of illness and death in the last year, God is still good. He gives me strength that I didn't know was even possible. And, the opportunities that He has given us to proclaim His name are countless. Seeing His hand in all of these circumstances has eased the pain. But, mainly, it all makes me long for Heaven more. At times, I am quite jealous of my friends and family members who are in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus, with no pain, no suffering, no sin nature to battle, etc. And I am comforted in knowing that one day, I too, will be in Heaven, and all of the pain and misery on this earth will be forgotten.
Until then, my desire is to serve Him faithfully, regardless of how old I am, look, or feel. Every day is a gift from God, and I pray that I will use all of those days to glorify Him.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Flat tire
Is it possible to be thankful for a flat tire?
I went up to Bremen, IN a couple of weeks ago to visit my parents. While I was there, my niece, Francile, told me that my parents were thinking about getting a cell phone. My parents just got cordless phones and voicemail for the first time within the last month, so it was shocking to hear that they were considering cell phones so soon. My dad then stated that they were considering the cell phones because their OnStar service was cancelled. Considering that my parents are in their 70's and my mom is blind in one eye, they really need to have either OnStar or cell phones. And, considering that they already know how to use OnStar, it's best that they stick with that.
So, my parents said that their OnStar service was cancelled BY OnStar. I don't really know what happened because Mom hadn't gotten ready to call them yet to find out. My mom is one who has to take her time to think through things before she takes action. Usually, once she does have a plan of action, it is VERY good. However, it takes her forever to come up with a plan. So, she needed to really think through things before she called OnStar to see if they could get it reactivated.
I left Bremen about 5:30 PM that day. While we've been experiencing drought in Indy, Northern Indiana has been getting flooded. That day, God blessed the Indy area with rain, so I experienced rain the whole trip. When I was almost out of Kokomo, I suddenly blew a tire. Now, I have had three flat tires in my life. The first happened about 12 years ago on my way TO Bremen, the second was last year while IN Bremen, and this one was on the way home FROM Bremen. I may never go to Bremen again. But, I digress. Thanks to AAA, I was back on the road within an hour, albeit a bit wet.
Once I was back on the road, I called my parents to let them know what happened. Dad was greatly impressed that I was able to get going again BECAUSE I HAD A CELL PHONE. The next day, Dad called OnStar and got their service reactivated. PRAISE THE LORD!!! Thankfully, my flat tire incident proved to dad how important it is that they have OnStar in place. I'm also very thankful that God used JUST a flat tire to make the point to my dad.
I went up to Bremen, IN a couple of weeks ago to visit my parents. While I was there, my niece, Francile, told me that my parents were thinking about getting a cell phone. My parents just got cordless phones and voicemail for the first time within the last month, so it was shocking to hear that they were considering cell phones so soon. My dad then stated that they were considering the cell phones because their OnStar service was cancelled. Considering that my parents are in their 70's and my mom is blind in one eye, they really need to have either OnStar or cell phones. And, considering that they already know how to use OnStar, it's best that they stick with that.
So, my parents said that their OnStar service was cancelled BY OnStar. I don't really know what happened because Mom hadn't gotten ready to call them yet to find out. My mom is one who has to take her time to think through things before she takes action. Usually, once she does have a plan of action, it is VERY good. However, it takes her forever to come up with a plan. So, she needed to really think through things before she called OnStar to see if they could get it reactivated.
I left Bremen about 5:30 PM that day. While we've been experiencing drought in Indy, Northern Indiana has been getting flooded. That day, God blessed the Indy area with rain, so I experienced rain the whole trip. When I was almost out of Kokomo, I suddenly blew a tire. Now, I have had three flat tires in my life. The first happened about 12 years ago on my way TO Bremen, the second was last year while IN Bremen, and this one was on the way home FROM Bremen. I may never go to Bremen again. But, I digress. Thanks to AAA, I was back on the road within an hour, albeit a bit wet.
Once I was back on the road, I called my parents to let them know what happened. Dad was greatly impressed that I was able to get going again BECAUSE I HAD A CELL PHONE. The next day, Dad called OnStar and got their service reactivated. PRAISE THE LORD!!! Thankfully, my flat tire incident proved to dad how important it is that they have OnStar in place. I'm also very thankful that God used JUST a flat tire to make the point to my dad.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sami
Today is the 23rd anniversary of my dog's (Sami) birthday. Sami was everything that I love about dogs--playful, friendly, funny, and unconditionally loving. For a great part of my life, she was my best friend.
Sami was a Miniature Schnauzer--and the only reason my mom broke down and let Dad get me a dog for my 16th birthday is that Schnauzer's don't shed. While my mom really didn't want to deal with the headache of a dog, I know that she loved Sami just as much as I did.
Sami was a brilliant dog who had moments of shear stupidity. Her favorite toy was an old sock, and she knew HER sock by it's smell--she never picked up one of my dad's good socks to play with. She played with her sock so much, that we had to replace it every couple of months. But, it was a great way to make use of dad's socks that otherwise would have been thrown out. We used to play fetch with the sock, and Sami would sit, stay, and go on command.
Sami was, like most dogs, a creature of habit. She knew that everyday at 4:30 pm (or whenever I got home from work) was "snack time", and she would do her Snoopy-like dance in anticipation. She also could only eat her dinner on carpet. Mom and Dad's kitchen is carpeted, and she would always grab a mouthful of food, place it on the floor, and then eat one piece at a time. Whenever she if her food bowls were ever placed on linoleum floors, she would always look for a carpeted area or throw rug on which to place her food.
Sami ALWAYS was excited to see me--and anybody, for that matter. But she did show more excitement whenever I would come home from college to visit. I remember one time, she was outside on her chain when I pulled up in the driveway. As soon as I got out of the car, Sami ran full speed towards me. Problem was, she was till on the chain. The chain stopped her and she flew up and backwards and landed on her back--much like that poor dog in the Foghorn Leghorn cartoons. I really thought she broke her neck, but she bounced right back up and welcomed me home.
I had to put Sami to sleep 8 years ago this past March. She was old and frail, and getting weaker every day. When she was a puppy, we used to put her in the basement when we'd leave for long periods of time so that if she had to do her "duties", she wouldn't ruin our carpets. Years later, as it became near impossible for her to last through the workday without a trip outside, she would go down to the basement. Only once, did she mess on the carpet, and I could tell that she felt awful about it. I just hugged her and loved on her.
I miss Sami the most when I'm sad. She could always make me smile with her playful antics. And, if she didn't feel like playing, she'd just cuddle up next to me and keep me company. She was truly a great friend.
Sami was a Miniature Schnauzer--and the only reason my mom broke down and let Dad get me a dog for my 16th birthday is that Schnauzer's don't shed. While my mom really didn't want to deal with the headache of a dog, I know that she loved Sami just as much as I did.
Sami was a brilliant dog who had moments of shear stupidity. Her favorite toy was an old sock, and she knew HER sock by it's smell--she never picked up one of my dad's good socks to play with. She played with her sock so much, that we had to replace it every couple of months. But, it was a great way to make use of dad's socks that otherwise would have been thrown out. We used to play fetch with the sock, and Sami would sit, stay, and go on command.
Sami was, like most dogs, a creature of habit. She knew that everyday at 4:30 pm (or whenever I got home from work) was "snack time", and she would do her Snoopy-like dance in anticipation. She also could only eat her dinner on carpet. Mom and Dad's kitchen is carpeted, and she would always grab a mouthful of food, place it on the floor, and then eat one piece at a time. Whenever she if her food bowls were ever placed on linoleum floors, she would always look for a carpeted area or throw rug on which to place her food.
Sami ALWAYS was excited to see me--and anybody, for that matter. But she did show more excitement whenever I would come home from college to visit. I remember one time, she was outside on her chain when I pulled up in the driveway. As soon as I got out of the car, Sami ran full speed towards me. Problem was, she was till on the chain. The chain stopped her and she flew up and backwards and landed on her back--much like that poor dog in the Foghorn Leghorn cartoons. I really thought she broke her neck, but she bounced right back up and welcomed me home.
I had to put Sami to sleep 8 years ago this past March. She was old and frail, and getting weaker every day. When she was a puppy, we used to put her in the basement when we'd leave for long periods of time so that if she had to do her "duties", she wouldn't ruin our carpets. Years later, as it became near impossible for her to last through the workday without a trip outside, she would go down to the basement. Only once, did she mess on the carpet, and I could tell that she felt awful about it. I just hugged her and loved on her.
I miss Sami the most when I'm sad. She could always make me smile with her playful antics. And, if she didn't feel like playing, she'd just cuddle up next to me and keep me company. She was truly a great friend.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
PTL
This past week as been one of the most difficult weeks of my life. There haven't been in huge tragedies (other than the passing of IU Football coach, Terry Hoeppner), but everything I've touched has turned into a major project that needs to be revisted at least 5 times before it's done.
It all started with my computer crashing about 2 weeks ago. It is really unbelievable how dependent we are on our computers. Anyway, I had two people look at it, and none of the data from my harddrive was retrievable. My husband told me to buy a new computer, so I am now the proud owner of a MacBook. It's fabulous, easy to learn, etc. But, I'm still trying to get my Quicken files transferred to a Mac format, so until that happens, I still don't feel like I know what's going on with our finances! BUT, Thank God that I do have this new computer.
I met with two Elder Law Attorneys this week to discuss my sister-in-law's (Debby) situation. She is currently in an acute-care facility and will need to be moved to a nursing home. Our goal is to legally move her money so that she can qualify for Medicaid. This is a brand new experience for me, so my brain was completely fried after those two meetings.
THEN, we found out that Debby's medicare DIDN'T go into effect in April like we were originally told. Her Medicare benefits will go into effect in October, so that kink has made it necessary for me to revise the Medicaid plan. I really don't have any mental energy left for that, so I'm hoping to start that process tomorrow.
On top of all of this, I feel like I have been completely alienated by all of my friends. I don't believe it's intentional--more like a comedy of errors. Some are out of town, while others are overwhelmed with their own situations. Put it all together, and I don't have my friends around to encourage or advise me during one of the most difficult weeks of my life. And, let me add, I have been making phone calls to my friends--they are just too busy or unable to call me back.
The end result is that I'm in one of the biggest spiritual funks of my life. I'm grumpy and despondent--as is evidenced by my rant against WalMart in my previous blog.
So, I've been crying out to God. Problem is, my mind is so fried, I don't even know what to pray for. A good friend of mine just reminded me today that the Holy Spirit "groans" on our behalf and Christ intercedes for us. God answered their prayers, because the clouds in my mind and soul have started to clear just enough for me to be able to process things a bit better. While I feel abandoned by my friends, I know that they haven't really abandoned me. I also know that God is ALWAYS there. HE WILL NEVER abandon me. In this crazy world, friends do get busy and unable to help, but God doesn't. That fact is extremely comforting. And, even though things are spinning out of control, God is stil in control, and all of this is somehow part of His perfect plan.
It all started with my computer crashing about 2 weeks ago. It is really unbelievable how dependent we are on our computers. Anyway, I had two people look at it, and none of the data from my harddrive was retrievable. My husband told me to buy a new computer, so I am now the proud owner of a MacBook. It's fabulous, easy to learn, etc. But, I'm still trying to get my Quicken files transferred to a Mac format, so until that happens, I still don't feel like I know what's going on with our finances! BUT, Thank God that I do have this new computer.
I met with two Elder Law Attorneys this week to discuss my sister-in-law's (Debby) situation. She is currently in an acute-care facility and will need to be moved to a nursing home. Our goal is to legally move her money so that she can qualify for Medicaid. This is a brand new experience for me, so my brain was completely fried after those two meetings.
THEN, we found out that Debby's medicare DIDN'T go into effect in April like we were originally told. Her Medicare benefits will go into effect in October, so that kink has made it necessary for me to revise the Medicaid plan. I really don't have any mental energy left for that, so I'm hoping to start that process tomorrow.
On top of all of this, I feel like I have been completely alienated by all of my friends. I don't believe it's intentional--more like a comedy of errors. Some are out of town, while others are overwhelmed with their own situations. Put it all together, and I don't have my friends around to encourage or advise me during one of the most difficult weeks of my life. And, let me add, I have been making phone calls to my friends--they are just too busy or unable to call me back.
The end result is that I'm in one of the biggest spiritual funks of my life. I'm grumpy and despondent--as is evidenced by my rant against WalMart in my previous blog.
So, I've been crying out to God. Problem is, my mind is so fried, I don't even know what to pray for. A good friend of mine just reminded me today that the Holy Spirit "groans" on our behalf and Christ intercedes for us. God answered their prayers, because the clouds in my mind and soul have started to clear just enough for me to be able to process things a bit better. While I feel abandoned by my friends, I know that they haven't really abandoned me. I also know that God is ALWAYS there. HE WILL NEVER abandon me. In this crazy world, friends do get busy and unable to help, but God doesn't. That fact is extremely comforting. And, even though things are spinning out of control, God is stil in control, and all of this is somehow part of His perfect plan.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Walmart
About 18 months ago, I was shopping at Walmart, and picked up a can of Folger's Vanilla Cappuccino mix. I noticed immediately that the can was WAY too light. I removed the lid, and noticed that the protective seal was gone, as was 3/4 of the product. I did nothing except put the can back on the shelf--an action (or rather, inaction), which I regretted just hours later (that nagging guilty conscience I have). Today's events have cause me to revisit my regret.
Today, while shopping at Walmart, I was looking for some lotion. There were two female employees who were stocking shelves in the makeup aisles, which are right next to the lotion. To my horror, one of the employees walked over to the lotion, and pumped out some lotion from one of the bottles to use on her hands and arms. She did not hesitate to do this in front of me and another customer. She also did not need to twist the pump first in order to open the bottle. Therefore, the bottle had been used before.
The fact that the employee did not hesitate to get lotion from the bottle combined with my previous experience with the cappuccino makes me wonder just how often this type of pilfering goes on at Walmart--and by their employees no less!!
So, today, I decided that I would act. I got home and immediately got on Walmart's website to send the store manager an email. I utitilized their feedback system, and typed in a brief explanation of what I had witnessed (along with my declaration that I would no longer shop there). When I hit submit, the feedback did not go through. It told me that there was an error--supposedly a field was left blank--but all fields were filled in. So, their website is just as useless as their employees.
A few months ago, Walmart was fighting like mad to get zoning approved to build a store in Zionsville. The residents of Zionsville fought it with every fiber of their being because they thought that the unique stores in downtown Zionsville would not be able to compete with Walmart. I never bought that argument because those stores don't sell anywhere close to the same merchandise as Walmart. We're not talking about a mom and pop tv store that would lose to the retail giant--we're talking antique stores, specialty gift shops, and high-end clothiers. I actually wanted Walmart to win the battle because I hate shopping at the 86th street location. But, now that I know what kind of people they employ, I'm glad Zionsville won!!
I don't usually like to rant about things like this (at least on my blog), but this has been an extremely long week, and I feel like I'm hitting brick walls at every turn. I would probably be more justified in ranting about Medicare/SSA (LONG story), but for some reason, it is so much more enjoyable to rant about the things that don't really matter.
Today, while shopping at Walmart, I was looking for some lotion. There were two female employees who were stocking shelves in the makeup aisles, which are right next to the lotion. To my horror, one of the employees walked over to the lotion, and pumped out some lotion from one of the bottles to use on her hands and arms. She did not hesitate to do this in front of me and another customer. She also did not need to twist the pump first in order to open the bottle. Therefore, the bottle had been used before.
The fact that the employee did not hesitate to get lotion from the bottle combined with my previous experience with the cappuccino makes me wonder just how often this type of pilfering goes on at Walmart--and by their employees no less!!
So, today, I decided that I would act. I got home and immediately got on Walmart's website to send the store manager an email. I utitilized their feedback system, and typed in a brief explanation of what I had witnessed (along with my declaration that I would no longer shop there). When I hit submit, the feedback did not go through. It told me that there was an error--supposedly a field was left blank--but all fields were filled in. So, their website is just as useless as their employees.
A few months ago, Walmart was fighting like mad to get zoning approved to build a store in Zionsville. The residents of Zionsville fought it with every fiber of their being because they thought that the unique stores in downtown Zionsville would not be able to compete with Walmart. I never bought that argument because those stores don't sell anywhere close to the same merchandise as Walmart. We're not talking about a mom and pop tv store that would lose to the retail giant--we're talking antique stores, specialty gift shops, and high-end clothiers. I actually wanted Walmart to win the battle because I hate shopping at the 86th street location. But, now that I know what kind of people they employ, I'm glad Zionsville won!!
I don't usually like to rant about things like this (at least on my blog), but this has been an extremely long week, and I feel like I'm hitting brick walls at every turn. I would probably be more justified in ranting about Medicare/SSA (LONG story), but for some reason, it is so much more enjoyable to rant about the things that don't really matter.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Brick walls
Do you ever have one of those days in which everything you try to do, you run into a brick wall? How about a whole week like that? That's how this whole week has been for me.
It all started Sunday when my computer crashed. Completely dead. I will need to replace the hard drive, and no data could be saved from the old one. So, in a week in which I desperately need a computer, I not only don't have one, when I do get it back, I'll need to spend days getting everything back in order. (I'm using my husband's laptop to write this blog!)
It's amazing how much we depend on technology. 10 years ago, I didn't have a computer at home and I managed just fine. Now, I can't function without it. Even making a phone call messes me up because I usually just look the number up online or in my phone book on the computer. I actually had to use the yellow pages this week!
I've been trying to get Tim's meds refilled through the online pharmacy with our insurance company. That's a hard enough task to do when you HAVE a computer, and trying to do it without a computer has been a nightmare.
One would think that since my computer is dead, that I would actually have more time to spend cleaning the house, but no, I'm still working on getting the flowerbeds done. I think I'm finally done with the planting and mulching, so now I just need to water and weed (and water and weed and water and weed . . . ).
Tim and I once saw the Cirque Du Soliel show called La Nouba. There are three comic-relief characters in the show, and at one point they are being chased by someone or something. One of these guys ran straight into a brick wall while he was being chased. He got up, and ran right back into the wall. I laughed hysterically, and my husband was completely surprised to learn that I enjoy physical humor that much. However, when we're running into the proverbial brick walls in everyday life, it really isn't that funny.
It all started Sunday when my computer crashed. Completely dead. I will need to replace the hard drive, and no data could be saved from the old one. So, in a week in which I desperately need a computer, I not only don't have one, when I do get it back, I'll need to spend days getting everything back in order. (I'm using my husband's laptop to write this blog!)
It's amazing how much we depend on technology. 10 years ago, I didn't have a computer at home and I managed just fine. Now, I can't function without it. Even making a phone call messes me up because I usually just look the number up online or in my phone book on the computer. I actually had to use the yellow pages this week!
I've been trying to get Tim's meds refilled through the online pharmacy with our insurance company. That's a hard enough task to do when you HAVE a computer, and trying to do it without a computer has been a nightmare.
One would think that since my computer is dead, that I would actually have more time to spend cleaning the house, but no, I'm still working on getting the flowerbeds done. I think I'm finally done with the planting and mulching, so now I just need to water and weed (and water and weed and water and weed . . . ).
Tim and I once saw the Cirque Du Soliel show called La Nouba. There are three comic-relief characters in the show, and at one point they are being chased by someone or something. One of these guys ran straight into a brick wall while he was being chased. He got up, and ran right back into the wall. I laughed hysterically, and my husband was completely surprised to learn that I enjoy physical humor that much. However, when we're running into the proverbial brick walls in everyday life, it really isn't that funny.
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