tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69393611836495449462024-03-12T22:36:50.457-04:00Reinventing a BoomerA Hodgepodge Of Useless Stuff That Probably Isn't Of Much Interest To AnyoneKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.comBlogger259125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-25675005897023016802012-10-25T21:37:00.000-04:002012-12-28T10:49:22.032-05:00WHY I DISTRUST POLITICIANS<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I didn't say I <i>hated</i> politicians. After all, one should not hate anyone one does not know, and the few I do know seem to be nice people. One congressman from Illinois I have known since he was a wee tot, and he is a terrific person. But I am sick to death of them as a general rule, and some of the reasons I am is not because of them, but because of the way the system is set up. In light of the upcoming election, the "most important one we have ever faced" (according to some, but then they say that pretty much every 4 years), this opportunity presents itself to make my position perfectly clear.<br />
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As mud.</div>
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<b>ONE</b>: According to Merriam Webster, one definition of "tribalism" is the exaltation of the tribe above other groups. This is a simple and pointed description of party politics. Tribalism in a nice suit.
If you are a loyal member of Party X, then anything anyone from Party Y
says is bullshit. You couldn't possibly concede that they have any
brains in their heads much less support any of their positions, even if they are perfectly sensible and fair.</div>
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I see
this from both Democrats and Republicans (alpha order). How often do your hear one of them agreeing with someone from the other party? Sure, it happens, but not often enough. People in your own party are, by default,
intelligent and rational, whereas anyone from the other party must be
narrow, irrational, and slightly stupid. Oh, and let's not forget unAmerican.</div>
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How many in the House and Senate have that lovely "I" after their name? Not many, because we live in a 2-party system. If you aren't one or the other, you have about as much chance of getting elected as the cast of <i>Jersey Shore</i>. Where are all our
open-minded, <i>bipartisan </i>elected officials? Oh, that's right. They can only be open-minded with
people who agree with them.</div>
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I like Facebook. After all, <a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2012/01/heres-to-facebook.html" target="_blank">it brought me together with the man I love to bits</a>. But as I scroll through the news feed on Facebook, I see this play out in the highly partisan, inaccurate, and misleading posts people put up there. Elections can bring out the worst in people, especially when there are sides to be taken. Someone, who at any other time is perfectly sane and sensible, will happily buy into whatever their "leaders" tell them to think.</div>
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I tried to find a picture to illustrate this concept of tribalism in politics, but they all would have had me appear to be incredibly racist. </div>
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<b>TWO</b>: Candidate A voted to take away Grandma's pension. Candidate B voted to eliminate school lunches for hungry kiddies. Really? Do you really think these candidates wake up each morning and wonder how they can screw over the people today? Here's the problem. No one's voting record can be trusted. Why? Because the things that they vote on have so many
completely unrelated items tacked on to them, you can never tell which
of the dozens of issues their vote is targeting. Candidate Z has voted
"yes" on a bill that provides funding for something like finding homes
for orphans on page 73, but somewhere else in that bill, buried in hundreds of
pages that no one reads on page 419, is wording that grants the CEOs of large corporations immunity from prosecution. Suddenly, his opposition
screams that Candidate Z is pro big business and pro CEO protections
when all he was thinking about were the poor little orphans. But bills today ARE that
large, and they ARE that complicated, and they DO contain things that
the sponsors would be ashamed to bring forward in the full light of
day on their own. So huge and complicated are most bills now that most legislators
don't read the whole thing and have no idea what's in it. They only
know the small piece that pertains to their vote.</div>
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Remember
how pork projects get pushed through - buried inside the reams of
pages for something else sure to get a lot of votes but that has NOTHING
to do with piggy's funding? If we had single-item bills, and each
issue or request for funding was forced to stand on its own merit,
there would be a lot less legislation trying to get passed, because the
sponsors would think twice before trying to get millions for a bridge
to nowhere to appease their constituents so they can get re-elected.
End result? Maybe a lot less government and a lot less wasteful spending.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GSGxqoaEwg/UInXvk-cHoI/AAAAAAAAEbo/trGxZo5dw3Y/s1600/Bill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GSGxqoaEwg/UInXvk-cHoI/AAAAAAAAEbo/trGxZo5dw3Y/s320/Bill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>http://kellicrowe.typepad.com/kellicrowe/2008/11/i-just-read-a-really-thick-book.html </i></span><b><br /></b></div>
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<b>THREE</b>: Campaign
finances. Face it. Remember what you were told in school as a child?
That America is the land of opportunity where anyone can be anything
they want to be? Balderdash! Only a rich person can become the President. Do we really listen (and let it sink in) when it is reported how much the candidates are spending on their campaigns? The MILLIONS that get spent mean only two things:</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The candidate has to be rich.</li>
<li>The candidate has raised MILLIONS by making promises to rich contributors. If elected, s/he will spend much of their term catering to the whims of their money sources so the funding will be there for the next election.</li>
</ul>
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Sigh, I hate to sound so disillusioned. Like when my sisters ganged up on me and told me that, not only was there no Santa Claus, but the Easter Bunny was bogus too. I was 6. And I still remember.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-CQv2A3SxE/UInaA9uP2YI/AAAAAAAAEbw/Ix6NPko0avU/s1600/Cash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-CQv2A3SxE/UInaA9uP2YI/AAAAAAAAEbw/Ix6NPko0avU/s320/Cash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>http://www.fitsnews.com/2010/08/23/partisan-cash-update/ </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FOUR</b>: Politicians always tell you what they will do once elected. Remember though, the President has little regulatory power on his own. He can introduce a bill, veto a bill, serve as Commander in Chief (whatever that means), name his own cabinet, make his wishes known, make suggestions, strongly urge, make sweeping pronouncements, and curry favor, but he cannot create jobs, declare wa<span style="font-size: small;">r, or reduce taxes. He pretty much has very limited power <span style="font-size: small;">to do much of anything without<span style="font-size: small;"> the approval of The House or Senate or both. </span></span>In fact, m</span>ost of <span style="font-size: small;">what politicians claim they will do or what they claim they have done will be or was accomplished by <span style="font-size: small;">C</span>ongress. So, all those g<span style="font-size: small;">randiose campaign promises<span style="font-size: small;"> are a<span style="font-size: small;"> lot of smelly wind</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FIVE</b>: We hire them<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>to do a <span style="font-size: small;">job</span></span>, but all too often, instead of doing what is in the best interest of, oh say,<i> their constituents</i>, it seems they are focused more on doing whatever they need to do to get reelected.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXQrhVnB608/UInepikthiI/AAAAAAAAEcE/tbalhVKZeTY/s1600/Kissing+babies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QXQrhVnB608/UInepikthiI/AAAAAAAAEcE/tbalhVKZeTY/s640/Kissing+babies.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>http://theyoungeconomist.com/2011/05/why-politicians-kiss-babies/ </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having said all this, I will refrain from hit<span style="font-size: small;">ting</span> the "Like" or "Comment" button for any political posts on Facebook until the election is over and we have a president (old or new) who still doesn't have as much power as <span style="font-size: small;">people seem to think.<span style="font-size: small;"> On second thought, m</span></span>aybe I will refrain forever<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-15678420977829455992012-08-11T20:00:00.001-04:002012-08-11T21:12:29.542-04:00TUNNEL VISION<div style="text-align: justify;">
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First of all, let me apologize in advance for the length of this post. I can get pretty verbose at times, but this is important to the lives and futures of a lot of kids. I am speaking <b>my own</b> opinions. I do <b>not</b> speak for <a href="http://saintmaryshome.org/" target="_blank">my employer</a> on this site, although I am not alone in these views.</div>
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For just a minute, let's pretend. Let's pretend I have a daughter who is intellectually gifted. Mensa material kind of gifted. Sheldon Cooper from <i>The Big Bang Theo..</i>...well, maybe not THAT gifted, but close. My local school system doesn't have any accelerated programs that can address her advanced needs. I hear of a special boarding school that has lots of other kids that are as advanced as she is, lots of opportunities for her that it would be very difficult for me to provide, and staff who specialize in gifted kids. And,<b> I don't have to pay</b>! The price is covered through other sources of funding. Plus, I can go see her whenever I want and she can come home for visits.</div>
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Would I send her? I certainly would consider it a really, REALLY good option.</div>
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Would I want a government entity or education advocate telling me that the boarding school is a bad choice, that instead I have to pick between two other choices that they claim are far better:</div>
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<li>I have to home school her instead. And, oh, don't worry, we'll send you another teacher to help, and she'll show up most of the time, but she might not specialize in advanced kids. And if she can't come, her replacement will be hard to find and, even then, might not know how to teach advanced kids either. But this is much better! Really!</li>
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<li>I have to send her to a tiny school with only 3-4 other classmates instead. She won't get the same level of peer interaction, forget about all the extra opportunities, and the staff might not be such experts in advanced education. But this is much better! Really!</li>
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Now, if my child didn't have all these advanced educational needs, either one of those two options may work out just fine, but please don't tell me the option of the excellent boarding school with excellent teachers, lots of oversight, and lots of opportunities has been taken away from me. Don't I, as a parent, need choices?</div>
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I'm not really talking about education here. But this is the type of scenario playing out in the world of people with severe and profound disabilities.</div>
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To be able to visualize the type of disabilities I am talking about, let me give you a snapshot. The most common diagnosis is spastic, quadriplegic cerebral palsy with all that entails. With some exceptions to each of these that follow, a typical child is dependent
on a wheelchair as she can't walk or even sit without total support.
She can't speak, has minimal or poorly controlled voluntary movement, visual and/or hearing
deficits, respiratory problems, orthopedic problems (such as
scoliosis, dislocating hips, and contractures), significant spasticity, a feeding tube, seizure problems, and incontinence. She
will require total care for the rest of her life, which will most
likely be shortened due to all her medical issues. She is considered
medically fragile. </div>
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First, let me say that the best place for anyone with disabilities is in a loving home that has access to all the resources necessary to provide for their loved one. But, even the strongest families can easily become overwhelmed. These resources include......</div>
<ul>
<li><i>Financial </i>- taking care of these kids can be very expensive. Medicaid waivers (which provide funding and resources for people with disabilities at home) are awfully hard to come by. The equipment is expensive. Usually, there is a family member who isn't working (or working part-time) to be able to stay home and be the caregiver. </li>
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<li><i>Medical </i>- you need doctors and a hospital that have experience with complex care kids. You need access to specialized procedures. You need reliable and knowledgeable nursing help in the home. And you need these things nearby. Also, providing total care 24/7 is physically exhausting and easily leads to health problems or injuries for the caregiver.</li>
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<li><i>Community </i>- you need a good transportation system if you don't have an accessible van of your own. You need fun things to do that are accessible to wheelchairs. You need help to navigate and decipher the maze of paperwork associated with Medicaid funding.</li>
</ul>
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<li><i>Educational </i>- you need teachers that know how to <i>teach </i>children with disabilities, not merely act as a glorified babysitter. </li>
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<li><i>Spiritual </i>- you need support systems that can help alleviate the stress that easily overwhelms families providing that level of care. Friends, family, support groups, pastoral care - all become vital. There is tremendous strain on marriages. Siblings often feel overlooked as much of the focus is on the child with disabilities. The caregiver's own personal needs are often ignored.</li>
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Second, let me say that I have some friends who have their children with severe disabilities at home, and they are making it work. They show incredible love and dedication and their children are happy and well cared for. They are also fortunate enough to live in an area where most of those resources are available. Even so, I see and hear of the constant struggles they have and it leaves me in awe of how they manage to cope. I wish all our kids had families like that. That does not, in any way, imply that our kids have families that don't measure up. We have very loving and dedicated families as well. But, some are from rural areas where those needed resources are sadly in short supply. Some parents have health problems of their own that make it near impossible to care for their loved one. Some parents are single and can't do it all on their own. But, they still love their children to bits and want the best for them. I am in awe of the lengths they go to to remain an active part of their children's lives.</div>
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I readily acknowledge that facilities for people with disabilities have had a long and checkered history. There are truly horrific stories of institutions that warehoused people and shuttered them away with heartless neglect. But, it really hasn't been that way for decades. To paint them all with the same broad brush of disdain and disapproval is just plain wrong, and to say that every larger facility should close and force all their residents home or into foster care or group homes is short-sighted and narrow-minded.</div>
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For every horror story of a large facility, there are an equal number of horror stories of foster and group homes. I have examples, lots of them, that I would be happy to provide. Does that mean that all foster homes are bad? No. Does it mean that all group homes are bad? No. Does that mean that advocacy groups should make that decision for all families? <b>No</b>!</div>
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There currently is a lawsuit between Virginia and the Department of Justice regarding the five state-run facilities for people that are generally much higher functioning than our kids. The lawsuit is peppered with negative language. Words like "unnecessary institutionalization", "isolated", and "segregated". All words that conjure up images of people huddled in corners, rocking back and forth, rarely seeing the light of day. I take <b>great </b>issue with this terminology.</div>
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The size of the building is not the issue. It's what goes on inside and outside its walls that is important. Our kids get outstanding medical care and have so many opportunities to be active members of the community, not only through community-based activities that are part of
the life of any growing child, but through numerous events at the Home
where the community comes to them. We have resources. We have space. Go
ahead - find a foster or group home that has the Virginia Opera coming to perform
one of their children's operas for the residents. Find one that
hosts motorcycle groups, petting zoos, big celebrations, the Fire
Department, professional sports teams, scout troops, or contestants from the Miss Teenage Virginia pageant. Oh my
gosh, the list is huge, both in and out of the Home. How exactly does
all this "isolate" and "segregate" the kids?</div>
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There are some very loud and strident voices in Virginia that want to shut down larger facilities and move everyone back home, into group homes, support living, foster care, etc. Most people with disabilities are at a much higher level of functioning than our kids, and for them, these may very well be good options. Sadly, in far too many foster care or group homes, the residents are little more than a source of income. But even considering the best of them, in the world of complex care, medically fragile people, those are not usually viable options, and here's why:</div>
<ul>
<li>There are group homes springing up like weeds these days. Most are run by small (usually owned by a few people), private, for-profit companies, and most won't take our kids. Our kids cost a lot of money to take care of. They have to have nurses and expensive equipment. This would cut into their profits. "So sorry, we don't provide skilled nursing services." </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Most foster situations aren't equipped to care for medically fragile kids. "So sorry, we're not trained in skilled nursing services."</li>
</ul>
See the problem? And that's just when they graduate from pediatrics to the world of adults. What about the kids who had to be removed from their families due to abuse or neglect? What about those families that don't have the ability to care for the kids at home because their area has no (or precious few) resources? What about those parents who, for <i>whatever </i>reason, just can't do it? What about those who have no alternative? Where do they go for help?<br />
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We're not looking to take anyone's child away from them. We're there to provide a safe and loving environment for those who have no alternative, for as long as they need us. We're there to give parents a choice if, for <i>whatever </i>reason, they feel unable to provide for their child needs. And, next to home, I feel we're the <b>best </b>choice. <br />
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I have another perspective on this. I have recently become the legal guardian of one of our graduates. He was brought to us when he was 3, and we never heard from his parents again. Phones were disconnected, mail was returned. You can't force someone to be a parent, especially when the disabilities are so overwhelming. I have known him since he was 4, and he was in the custody of social services most of his life, but when he turned 21, he had no one. He is now 24 and in a group home. It's a very nice group home. He gets out 3-4 times per month, but he doesn't have nearly the services and opportunities he had while he was with us. He has no therapist overseeing his wheelchair, splinting, and positioning needs. He doesn't have all his brothers and sisters around him for lots of peer interaction. He doesn't have nearly the opportunities for community interaction (both in and out of the Home), and his group home doesn't have near the level of oversight that we do. Is his life somehow better now that he is out of the big, bad "facility" and into the (somehow) idealized setting of a small group home? NO! Being in that group home has somehow integrated him into the community.....how???<br />
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I welcome, ask for, and encourage comments about this. If you have another perspective, please give me a rational argument. I especially would welcome opinions from those inspirational friends who are raising their special needs kids at home, those awesome moms who have kids with us, and any co-workers that love our amazing kids.<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-29692905291367035622012-07-19T18:58:00.001-04:002012-07-19T19:03:23.375-04:00ODE TO THE BATHROOM<div style="text-align: justify;">
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M&M recently posted to <a href="http://blueridgeviews.blogspot.com/2012/07/trippin.html" target="_blank">his blog</a> after, oh, maybe about a YEAR! So, after a whole year of life experiences, what does he choose to write about? He was BESMIRCHING my good name, MOCKING (in his opinion) my unnatural fixation on bathrooms. I beg to differ. Bathrooms are important. Who's with me here?</div>
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I KNOW Sista G is mentally high-5'ing me on this, right?<br />
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*crickets* </div>
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(I am also into selected capitalizations today.)</div>
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When we went to New Hampshire last year, we stayed in a very nice little one-room cabin. Had most everything we needed. I had only 1 complaint. Well, possibly 2. Ummm, maybe 3. Make that 4.</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Complaint #1 - the shower stall was tiny, so you could NEVER escape from the water. It was impossible to soap up, because as soon as you got some lather on your washrag or in your hands, it got rinsed off by the showerhead of doom. You either had to plaster yourself against the cold sides of the shower, or you had to turn the water off when you wanted to spread lovely smelling suds all over. And speaking of, there was another reason you had to turn the water off between rinsings, which leads me to.... </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Complaint #2 - the hot water heater was about the size of a wine glass. If you didn't follow the above steps, you'd be rinsing off those delicious suds with FRIGID water. Northern New Hampshire frigid. THAT lesson was learned pretty daggum quick. </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Complaint #3 - there was no sink in the bathroom, so we had to do our hocking & spitting in the KITCHEN sink. That's just wrong. </li>
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<li>Complaint #4 - it was very difficult to wash clothes. And since we did a lot of hiking, we got kinda dirty. I didn't bring 5 pairs of jeans with me, and, silly spoiled me, I wanted some clean clothes. I like clean underwear. Won't have that problem this time though, because one of two things will happen. Either we will get a place with a washing machine, or I will be bringing along one of my latest purchases (bought on account of the power is known to go out for long periods of time at my house during a hurricane). THAT report will wait until I actually use it.</li>
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So, see? Bathrooms are important to quality of life. I am but a simple woman and my needs are few, but I want a toilet that flushes.<br />
This would NOT qualify.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyPJfAoIueM/UASqcmiDf0I/AAAAAAAAEbA/VoncHo657Sw/s1600/outhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyPJfAoIueM/UASqcmiDf0I/AAAAAAAAEbA/VoncHo657Sw/s320/outhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://themightyninth.org/War%20Stories/Outhouse/Outhouse.htm </span></i></div>
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I want a bathroom sink to spit in, a shower with sufficient hot water and space, and I want it to be clean. This WOULD qualify.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAIZ94TNfbg/UASqpUGTM-I/AAAAAAAAEbI/T508rksJJWk/s1600/11_400x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAIZ94TNfbg/UASqpUGTM-I/AAAAAAAAEbI/T508rksJJWk/s320/11_400x300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p7080988h </span></i></div>
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It's supposed to be a vacation after all, not hardship duty. Really, is that too much to ask for? It's not like I'm asking for a whirlpool tub & a bidet & a personal masseuse, after all.</div>
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Next, I guess I need to explain the map-love to him.</div>
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</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-68627820205052273832012-07-12T19:34:00.000-04:002012-07-13T07:10:15.532-04:00TOGETHER TIME<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
HAVING A BOYFRIEND IS AWESOME!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After my last post of whining about not having enough "me time",</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
being the imminently fair-minded person I am,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I figured that "together time" warranted some equal billing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even though it sounds nauseatingly corny.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a hopeless case of wanderlust.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I live to travel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I work to travel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I travel for work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I travel for fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And even though my job affords lots of travel within Virginia & DC,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't have a lot of free daylight hours to go see everything I want to see.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's better than nuthin' though.<br />
Problem is, I want someone else there with me.<br />
Someone I can elbow in the ribs and say "Ooo, looky looky!" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And NOW?!<br />
Now I have M&M, who loves to travel as much as I do,<br />
and it's a whole lotta fun to look at the maps to see where we want to go next...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i>"Oh look, hotel prices are dirt cheap at the Jalalabad Marriott. We can use your Rewards card!"</i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #351c75;">"Well, I kinda had my heart set on the world's largest ball of string next.</i><span style="color: #351c75;">"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See? So many choices! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next is Boone/Blowing Rock/Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We each have independent good memories of the place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time to make some of our own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i>"You want me to climb all the way up where??? Are you nuts?"</i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i>"C'mon, the sun will be coming up soon. The day is half gone already!"</i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i> "<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: small;">It's WHAT:30 in the morning???? </span>"</i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MLNwmq_dUM/T_8u2Rbcu0I/AAAAAAAAEaE/9lQTE7C2c3E/s1600/angry_baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MLNwmq_dUM/T_8u2Rbcu0I/AAAAAAAAEaE/9lQTE7C2c3E/s320/angry_baby.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">cutebabyfix.com</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">That's a pretty much my typical expression in the morning.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">But I kid.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I have nothing against getting up early...</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">usually...</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">when I can see something like this.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhZ9JpH68yM/UAAAEWeHTpI/AAAAAAAAEak/hJ8F_dkRex0/s1600/Sunrise_from_Newfound_Gap_Great_Smoky_Mountains_Tennessee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhZ9JpH68yM/UAAAEWeHTpI/AAAAAAAAEak/hJ8F_dkRex0/s320/Sunrise_from_Newfound_Gap_Great_Smoky_Mountains_Tennessee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.citypictures.net/r-sunrises-260-sunrise-from-newfound-gap-great-smoky-mountains-tennessee-4461.htm </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">But, later that day... </span><i><br /></i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i>"Oh my gosh, I have to pee!! Where is the nearest bathroom?"</i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i>"What do you mean you have to go? You just went an hour ago."</i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i>"I'M OLD!"</i></div>
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;">
<i>"Dumplin', we're 3 miles from the ranger station."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #351c75;">"AARRGGHH!!!"</i><span style="color: #351c75;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I had different gonads, this would not be a problem.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-QgzWqiLD4/T_8wjUEbD1I/AAAAAAAAEaM/BddZ71_Pm34/s1600/5693_757435620843_8280173_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-QgzWqiLD4/T_8wjUEbD1I/AAAAAAAAEaM/BddZ71_Pm34/s320/5693_757435620843_8280173_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>BS having his "ahhh" moment at the Grand Canyon. He put it up on Facebook, so he can't complain if I put it here, right?</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need to remember to pack <span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">my</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_42640506"> </a></span><a href="http://www.go-girl.com/" style="color: #351c75;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">GoGirl</span></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: xx-small;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">TM</span></sup></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;">.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">I will, of course, bring a flower with me for that whiff of freshness.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8jUd4Vqc1g/T_80SNv9VpI/AAAAAAAAEaY/bAynq6sZx0M/s1600/goGirl_3Danim_FPO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8jUd4Vqc1g/T_80SNv9VpI/AAAAAAAAEaY/bAynq6sZx0M/s320/goGirl_3Danim_FPO.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-75375943653513248082012-06-19T19:50:00.000-04:002012-07-20T20:12:10.623-04:00ME TIME<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one is a bit tricky to write, since I DO NOT,<br />
in any way, want it to sound like I don't want M&M around.<br />
I do.<br />
<i>For the rest of my life</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I spent loads of years griping and complaining that I was lonely, especially after BS went off to college.<br />
Hated it.<br />
I had more "me time" than I knew what to do with, so much that I got sick of myself.<br />
A lot.<br />
There weren't many surprises anymore - I was too much like me.<br />
I usually knew what I was going to do & say, and when I talked to myself,<br />
I would always politely answer back, so the conversation was missing that...oh, I don't know..<br />
that crucial element of...<i>another person</i>!<br />
And I <i>always</i> laughed at my own jokes, even if the sound of my own voice was getting a little boring.<br />
Know what I mean?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1LVUVFODpGw/T90cdUXy6jI/AAAAAAAAEZs/vDSzp4y0ywc/s1600/talking+to+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1LVUVFODpGw/T90cdUXy6jI/AAAAAAAAEZs/vDSzp4y0ywc/s400/talking+to+yourself.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.cartoonstock.com </span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not that I was looking for romance.<br />
I just wanted a friend to do things with.<br />
A buddy, a pal, maybe with occasional benefits (I didn't just say that. Nope, I didn't),<br />
but no one that was around ALL the time.<br />
Romance meant accountability.<br />
Without it, I could still do what I wanted, eat when I wanted, sleep when I wanted,<br />
and have a bowl of cereal for dinner because I didn't want to cook.<br />
Didn't have to explain myself to anyone.<br />
That kind of freedom was something I didn't want to totally give up.<br />
Sounds like I am contradicting myself, doesn't it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been eating some those words lately, a lot, but dipped in chocolate to make them more delicious.<br />
M&M & I didn't really spend much time "dating" before we became inseparable,<br />
before we decided to cohabit, before we agreed we were in this for the long haul.<br />
And even though I'm not giving him up, he <i>is</i> around all the time.<br />
So much for the whole accountability thing.<br />
So much for the whole "...no one that was around ALL the time" thing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But as much as I love him, and love him being here, I still need some "me time".<br />
It went from all "me" to "us" pretty quickly.<br />
And he needs "me time" too, but he's not quite as annoying about it as I am.<br />
Luckily, the travel in my job gives me some time to myself,<br />
even though I am not by myself often when I travel.<br />
I usually stay with family, so I am still surrounded.<br />
The "me time" comes during the long drives when I can again have witty reparté with myself.<br />
And on my day off (most weeks I have Fridays off), I can vegetate with myself to my heart's content.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, did I sound like a whiny baby?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It <i>is </i>getting better.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am learning how to have a co-pilot instead of flying solo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am learning to trust.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzwGHw_5-Mc/T-EOfdQ0iyI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/M3SN1D62IN0/s1600/sweet-couple-cartoons-468-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzwGHw_5-Mc/T-EOfdQ0iyI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/M3SN1D62IN0/s400/sweet-couple-cartoons-468-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.deshow.net/d/file/cartoon/2009-03/sweet-couple-cartoons-468-2.jpg </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(That picture is so sweet I think I need a wad of insulin)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-83564680790059542082012-06-01T21:37:00.003-04:002012-07-20T20:14:15.879-04:00NEEDING A PUSH<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Back last year when M&M & I were tiptoeing into the waters of getting to know each other again after 40-odd years, we would go walking on the beach a lot...in the morning...the EARLY morning, before the crowds & heat. Sounds romantic, eh? Au contraire. Let me paint a picture... The sun was barely up when he would pick me up for the morning walk. I have on attire that is not the most flattering, to say the least, as I had spent the last few years getting squishy around the edges. Oh okay, in the middle too, so I welcomed
the exercise, asked for the exercise. Trouble is, his legs are stronger
than mine, and he likes to go fast. So not only am I huffing & puffing to keep up, I am sweating like something unpleasant in the meantime. I can't help it that I have an overly enthusiastic thermoregulatory system. Always have. It's a wonder he didn't keep going & leave me behind, red-faced & dripping. But, no, he is a gentleman and, sooner or later, would realize I wasn't beside him anymore and either wait patiently for me to catch up or circle back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2IMs5B1vNE/T8lpMTQ0pjI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/cjonk9kUm70/s1600/Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2IMs5B1vNE/T8lpMTQ0pjI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/cjonk9kUm70/s320/Beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That was on the weekends. During the week, after he got off of work, we would go to Oak Grove Lake Park and walk. Beautiful place. I highly recommend it. Even so, as we finished our walks, I was again hot & huffing & sweaty and he is dry & breathing easy. REALLY??? Exactly how is this fair? Should be the other way round, I'm thinkin'. Later, when he got his bicycle, we would go bike riding. And guess what? He likes to ride fast too. But, again, he restrains himself from channeling Lance Armstrong & shooting ahead, leaving me to eat his dust. I hold him back, I know I do, yet he doesn't complain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7NjetMhOMg/T8lqvJpkSlI/AAAAAAAAEZY/_M37XEIuyko/s1600/Oak+Grove+Lake+Park+6-5-11+%283%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7NjetMhOMg/T8lqvJpkSlI/AAAAAAAAEZY/_M37XEIuyko/s320/Oak+Grove+Lake+Park+6-5-11+%283%29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't get me wrong. This was not all his idea. I asked him to push me a little, to get me out of my comfort zone, to make it just a bit uncomfortable. I NEEDED to get back in shape. Oh oh, and when we went to New Hampshire for a week in October, he somehow convinced me that what I really wanted to do was climb Mt. Washington. What was I thinkin'? Gave it my best try, really I did, but I didn't make it. He was only grumpy for a couple hours afterward. He <i>really </i>wanted to make it all the way to the top. There was only the tiniest grumble as he said he still loved me anyway.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't take this picture of the trail up the mountain. I was too busy trying to breathe & stay on my feet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, and this is the easy part of the trail. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCXhpadJIoo/T8lr5B92ZSI/AAAAAAAAEZg/zQi5SLSjac4/s1600/tuckerman-trail-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCXhpadJIoo/T8lr5B92ZSI/AAAAAAAAEZg/zQi5SLSjac4/s320/tuckerman-trail-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.peakbagger-paul.com/washington3/tuckerman-trail-1.jpg </span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then after we got back home, my hip started giving me fits. It felt like a hot knife stabbing me, so I did what any good therapist would do. Nothing. The doctor was only going to tell my I had torn some cartilage, and the only successful treatment so far is surgery. No thanks. So all winter, we didn't do much, with 2 results:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1) The hip is <i>much </i>better now, with only occasional shenanigans and a rare hot-poker-stab.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2) We both got squidgy.<br />
<br />
The time is upon us to fix that. Walking & riding. Me getting red-faced & sweaty, him staying dry & unsmelly. Last weekend we rode in Seashore State Park (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Landing_State_Park" target="_blank">that's the name I grew up with and that's the name I'll always call it</a>). The rest of the city is flat as a pancake, but there? Damn hills. My knees were barking at me the next day something fierce. Tomorrow we go to the <a href="http://apva.org/rediscovery/page.php?page_id=380" target="_blank">Jamestown Island Loop Drive</a> via the sumptious <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_Parkway" target="_blank">Colonial Parkway</a> with our bikes. Gorgeous ride. Supposed to be gorgeous weather. And so it begins again....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PRPowVeUIUA/T8loTztdI5I/AAAAAAAAEZI/dLxx6KiQhwg/s1600/islemap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PRPowVeUIUA/T8loTztdI5I/AAAAAAAAEZI/dLxx6KiQhwg/s320/islemap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>http://www.bikenewengland.com/images/islemap.jpg</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-41715370952394054432012-05-10T20:15:00.001-04:002012-05-10T20:17:16.709-04:00LABELS<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't think it's any secret anymore that M&M & I are cohabiting with no plans on making it official. Rebel geezers, YEAH! As it turns out, it seems we're not that unusual anymore, as <a href="http://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/25/11372147-more-older-couples-shacking-up-skipping-marriage?lite" target="_blank">this article he sent me</a> seems to sum up pretty well. But that leaves me with a problem. Granted, it's a problem only in my mind, but still, it bugs me. I'm thinking about this because this weekend is Mother's Day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My problem is labels. I find the term 'boyfriend' just a tad juvenile and inaccurate. Juvenile because, for people of our steadily advancing years, he is no more a 'boy' than I am a 'girl'. Inaccurate in that it completely understates the commitment we have made to each other. So, what then?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Significant Other? Hate it!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Partner? That has connotations. The kind that would make some people assume M&M is missing a critical appendage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pair-Bond? Puh-leez.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mate? My offspring would think of the verb form of the word & throw up a little in his mouth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shack-up Sweetie? Don't think my mother would like that one.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes when I am out traveling doing my work thing, I will just refer to him as my husband because it's easy & I can avoid questions. A lot of people assume we're married anyway, so is it really a big deal? Heck, I even got a message on my answering machine yesterday asking for Mr. or Mrs. XXXX (MY last name!). Oops, I forgot to tell him about that. Guess he'll find out now.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And what to call the family? Technically, they aren't in-laws, but his younger brother has taken to referring to me as his sister-in-law (even on Facebook, for all the world to see!), a fact which touches my heart more than I can say. I gave his sweetheart of a dad a birthday card with his name on the envelope. He looked at it and said "Who is this? It doesn't say "Dad." Awwwww. Do I get his mom a Mother's Day card? Of course. His parents have embraced me as part of the family even though I'm not....really. But does it say "Mom" or something more generic, like "To a special person that is part of my life now but I don't want to presume" type thing? Aaaaack!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
M&M tells me I way over-think things and work myself up into a dither.
He is totally right. I will chew & gnaw on something until I am so
frustrated I start to foam at the mouth...in a figurative sense. And
this is another issue that will cause me to stew & furrow my brow
until he wants to whack me...in a figurative sense. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There needs to be a label for old rebel geezers like us, because somehow I don't think "Person-With-Whom-I-Am-Living-in-a-Committed-Yet-Non-Legally-Binding-Relationship" is going to cut it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, and just to
clarify, I have NO idea how he refers to me to other people when I'm not
around. Maybe I don't want to know?</div>
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-90688986096931081692012-04-26T21:24:00.000-04:002012-04-26T21:24:51.759-04:00YOU'RE ON MY LIST - INCONSIDERATE DRIVERS<div style="text-align: justify;">
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This might be the first of many posts about things that annoy me. But, to be fair, I have to say something nice at the end. Hmmph. </div>
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Thank you elderly lady in the Honda. Thank you average-looking guy in the Ford. You both managed to make my drive on an otherwise beautiful, bucolic, 2-lane, undivided byway MISERABLE. Neither one of you could manage to squeeze out those last few miles per hour to even GET TO THE SPEED LIMIT?</div>
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Really? </div>
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I confess, I am impatient when driving somewhere with a time deadline. But even with buckets of time, AT LEAST I GO THE <b>SPEED LIMIT</b>!! </div>
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The NICE thing to do? If you can't go the speed limit & it's obvious someone behind you wants to go faster (and there were
precious few passing zones on all those hills), PULL OVER! And while we're on the
subject, even if there are multiple lanes, if you're going to go slow,
GET OUT OF THE LEFT LANE!</div>
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Sorry for the yelling. I've been wanting to do that all afternoon.</div>
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*breathe.......</div>
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Inconsiderate drivers come in many guises. The tailgater, the weaver, the leadfoot who NEVER gets pulled, the road rager, the timid & overly cautious, the brake-rider, the brake-for-no-reasoner, the I'm-not-paying-any-attentioner, the litterer, the cut-you-offer, the crooked parker. Did I miss any?</div>
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I, of course, never do any of those things. Ever. That's my story & I'm sticking to it. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-naLpGS4bycA/T5ntqrQb8HI/AAAAAAAAEY8/AAiWQSItaE0/s1600/stupid+drivers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-naLpGS4bycA/T5ntqrQb8HI/AAAAAAAAEY8/AAiWQSItaE0/s320/stupid+drivers.jpg" width="283" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/d/driving_badly.asp</i></span></div>
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That car in the left lane in the picture above? That is, of course, me.<br />
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Something nice: when you have the opportunity & time, get off the interstate ("Get off the interstate Ben Stone" - obscure movie reference). Explore the byways & drink in nature. Virginia has some truly beautiful back roads.<br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-33944544942816397182012-04-24T08:02:00.003-04:002012-04-24T08:17:59.498-04:00ON THE ROAD AGAIN<br />
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A little over a year ago, I took a new job at the <a href="http://saintmaryshome.org/">Home</a>, part of my reinvention.</div>
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This position came with a lot of opportunities for travel throughout Virginia.</div>
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Oh my gosh, this was great - ROAD TRIP!!</div>
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Adding to that happiness, I can find sprinklings of family and friends to see all over the state. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQuh-jlRMtQ/T5aPfBQLeMI/AAAAAAAAEY0/WWigb7npu5E/s1600/Southwest+-+Endless+Highway+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQuh-jlRMtQ/T5aPfBQLeMI/AAAAAAAAEY0/WWigb7npu5E/s320/Southwest+-+Endless+Highway+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> This isn't Virginia, but it's a road.</i></span></div>
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I was happier than a puppy with two peters.</div>
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(obscure movie reference - who knows it?.............hint? Billy Crystal)</div>
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Got to see more of BS, BNs (beloved nieces), BBS (beloved big sister) & BC (beloved cousin).</div>
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I was content. Life was good again. Then the added bonus...</div>
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A mere weeks into the new job, M&M entered my life again after a hiatus of 38ish years.</div>
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After a few months, he was becoming indispensable.</div>
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And now, even though I still love the travel, I get lonely for him when I'm gone.</div>
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The upside is that, not only do I usually get to see beloved people when I'm away</div>
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(since I can often stay with them),</div>
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but I have a beloved person waiting for me when I come home.</div>
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Don't <i>that </i>make the homecoming sweet! Much better than coming home to an empty house.</div>
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The traveling will continue.</div>
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It's a good thing, though.</div>
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If he didn't get a break from me every once in awhile,</div>
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he would soon realize that I don't really have anything all that interesting to say.</div>
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<br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-26377192396794868702012-04-07T08:36:00.017-04:002012-04-09T16:33:47.351-04:00RELATIVE ROULETTE<div style="text-align: center;"><br />I had forgotten.<br />Forgotten the fine art & tact of parent juggling.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwAWdRoaxX8/T4MklbYK5aI/AAAAAAAAEYg/cShWUGbAElI/s1600/juggling-houses.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 348px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwAWdRoaxX8/T4MklbYK5aI/AAAAAAAAEYg/cShWUGbAElI/s400/juggling-houses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729463376368297378" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://mikestokamer.com/what-do-we-do-with-the-house</span></span><br /><br />One thing I remember about being married was the dance we had to do with the families,<br />all of whom lived nearby. There was my mom in Virginia Beach, my dad in Kitty Hawk,<br />and his mom in Chesapeake, not to mention some assorted siblings.<br />Holidays were a confusion of 3 households. Figuring out whose turn,<br />where do we go in the morning, who do we see in the afternoon, what about dinner...<br />I can't remember when we woke up on Christmas morning in our own house.<br />But, for the past 25 years, I only had to shuffle my parents. 2 are much easier than 3.<br /><br />Now, I am part of a twosome again. M&M's parents live here too. And so the dance begins anew.<br />Sometimes we'll luck out & one or more of them will be out of town. It happens.<br />My dad & stepmother are prone to go bike riding in Europe on occasion, as they did this Easter.<br />(Oh, and my father is 82. I want to be biking in Belgium when I'm 82.)<br />His parents may go out of town to see the other kids & grandkids, as they did at Christmas.<br /><br />We did insist on Christmas morning at home this year. It will be perfect when BS is here too.<br /><br />I may grumble, but I'm very glad they are all still here, and relatively healthy.<br />I'd rather contend with the juggling than the alternative.<br /><br />I love them all.<br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-86224357584168887082012-03-29T20:50:00.007-04:002012-03-29T21:17:33.805-04:00REINVENTION REBELLION<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Today, I am rebelling against Vogue, Jimmy Choos, and Cover Girl, and all other purveyors of making women feel like they aren't good enough without thin bodies, high heels & painted faces. But first, a little back story.<br /><br />I have always been rebellious, though not always in a good way. If someone told me I <span style="font-weight: bold;">had </span>to do something, or I really <span style="font-weight: bold;">should </span>do something, and they didn't give me a good reason, or the reason was "That's how it has always been done", I was bound & determined <span style="font-weight: bold;">not </span>to do it. These usually had to with two things: gender roles and worrying about how something "looks" (the "What will people think?" type of comments). Trouble is, some of those things I <span style="font-weight: bold;">really </span>should have done, and sometimes there were consequences.<br /><br />So, in the process of reinventing myself, it's not that I am suddenly rebelling, I've just reached the point in my life where, if someone doesn't like what I do or how I look, that's <span style="font-weight: bold;">their </span>problem, not mine. Mostly, anyway. The "reinvention" part is that, in doing this, I am fighting myself and a lifetime of cultural & familial brainwashing.<br /><br />I'm talking about these:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FUgiHgi_auY/T3RTwKFLDUI/AAAAAAAAEYU/ilWTioSW2uA/s1600/cosmetics.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FUgiHgi_auY/T3RTwKFLDUI/AAAAAAAAEYU/ilWTioSW2uA/s400/cosmetics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725293113099619650" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.beautyandmakeup.net/cosmetics</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The unique combination of the four essential nucleotides that came together to form my DNA was somewhat unfortunate in one teeny weeny area. At least, in the grand scheme of things, it is teeny weeny, but it has caused me a lifetime of insecurities. I refer to certain aspects of my appearance, namely:<br /><ul><li>Pale, freckly skin</li></ul><ul><li>Spaces in my teeth.</li></ul><ul><li>Bad eyesight.</li></ul><ul><li>Frizzy/curly red hair.</li></ul><ul><li>Eyebrows & eyelashes that are blonde, hence, invisible.</li></ul>Ah, thank you. I can feel your "awwww" of sympathy way over here.<br /><br />Some of these I have dealt with, but during those awkward years, especially when I wore horn-rimmed glasses & braces, I bore the brunt of a lot of not-so-goodnatured teasing. Seriously. <a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-awkward-phase.html">Remember these pictures?</a><br /><br />BUT...<br /><br />Freckles aren't considered so bad anymore.<br />Braces & laser surgery took care of the teeth & eyesight.<br />Now my curly red hair seems to be the envy of a lot of female types, ALTHOUGH, as I get older & a lot more white creeps in, I have been called a blonde by more than one idiot. Damn.<br /><br />The only thing that stumps me is the blonde eyebrows & eyelashes. If not for regular cosmetic shenanigans, it looks like I don't have any. Really, people look kind of odd without eyebrows, doncha think? So, I have been taught to think that I have to wear eye makeup to look normal. If I don't, I get comments like "Are you sick?" or "Gee, you look tired." Thanks a lot. To avoid making small children recoil in fear, I dye my eyebrows every other week or so. I lip gloss. I mascara & eye line. I do all those things culture told me I had to do to look acceptable. All to keep me from looking pale, sickly & wan.<br /><br />Enter M&M. Bless his heart, since day 1, he has told me that I don't need makeup. That I am beautiful without it. That he prefers me without the "false advertising"*. Have I ever said I love this man? And the best part is, I'm starting to believe him.<br /><br />So, the rebellion is that I no longer wear makeup every day. I even go to work sometimes without it, and, oddly enough, no one has run away screaming or passed out from the shock. I get really brave on occasion and leave it off when I go see my mother. I kind of look forward to hearing the sigh of sad resignation (part of the rebellion). And the deliciousness of being able to rub my eyes whenever I want is indescribable. I kind of like this rebellion, although I will continue to dye my eyebrows. I have my limits. Next, maybe I'll make my hair red again. What do you think?<br /><br />Oh, and what caused me to think about all this. My good friend Russ, to raise money for cancer, participated in a drag pageant and was enlightened by the beauty regimens women put themselves through. He wrote a terrific article about it <a href="http://outerbanksvoice.com/2012/03/27/a-few-feet-in-these-shows-is-plenty/">here</a>. Go read it.<br /></div><br />*false advertising - wearing cosmetics and looking lovely, but then taking them off and making people go "Aaack!"<br /><a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-awkward-phase.html"><br /></a>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-64096997532207734562012-03-20T20:21:00.014-04:002012-03-22T09:50:18.594-04:00RIDE THE TIDE<div style="text-align: center;"><br />The Tide is AWESOME!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1ZN9OsbkPc/T2khQrurPwI/AAAAAAAAEYI/AeNmospFHZo/s1600/image.1049.feature.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 147px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1ZN9OsbkPc/T2khQrurPwI/AAAAAAAAEYI/AeNmospFHZo/s400/image.1049.feature.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722141372051046146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.metrojacksonville.com/assets/thumbs/image.1049.feature.jpg</span></span><br /><br />Oh my gosh, did I just say that? Me, who was pretty skeptical of the whole light rail thing?<br />Let me look... yes I did.<br /><br />I succumbed because I wanted to pay a visit to my favorite almost-17-year-old boy,<br />who just happens to have gotten himself sick & landed in the hospital.<br /><br />(I've written about him numerous times. Just search "Brandon" and the screen will fill up.)<br /><br />He is in <a href="http://chkd.org/">Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters</a>,<br />part of the medical complex that is the end of the line for the Tide.<br />The stop near <a href="http://saintmaryshome.org/">St. Mary's</a> is at the other end, and parking is plentiful and FREE.<br />"Self," I said, "let's just give this thing a try and see if it was worth all the delays,<br />budget overruns & controversy"<br />So, I drove all of three blocks to the FREE parking lot (did I say that parking is free?)<br />and bought myself a ticket.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkOz9HPsfH8/T2kTmbuQooI/AAAAAAAAEXw/aS8R2aBsiu4/s1600/DSCF2486.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkOz9HPsfH8/T2kTmbuQooI/AAAAAAAAEXw/aS8R2aBsiu4/s400/DSCF2486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722126352548668034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I figure that for the $3 I spent on the ticket, which would have let me ride the Tide all day,<br />saving on gas, wear & tear on my engine/oil/tires, parking at the hospital<br />(which is NOT free, except for parents of the kiddies that are there),<br />and the aggravation of rush hour traffic getting out of the city, I was ahead of the game.<br />It might not be as fast as driving, but the difference was not worth worrying about.<br />Yes, it has stops along the way, but it doesn't stay at any of them any longer than<br />I would have sat at any of the numerous stop lights there & back.<br /><br />Here's the deal. It is pretty much convenient to everything downtown.<br />It either puts you off by the door of, or within a little bitty walk of,<br />Norfolk State,<br />Harbor Park,<br />the Norfolk city offices,<br />MacArthur Mall,<br />Scope/Chrysler Hall,<br />the Norva & the Roper,<br />all the funky restaurants on Granby,<br />TCC,<br />the YMCA & surrounding buildings,<br />and the medical complex at the end of the line.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebVHBfrd9c4/T2kTHiWufmI/AAAAAAAAEXY/koBt4Sk03Hs/s1600/DSCF2485.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ebVHBfrd9c4/T2kTHiWufmI/AAAAAAAAEXY/koBt4Sk03Hs/s400/DSCF2485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722125821753065058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And it was FUN! And relaxing, not having to drive.<br />The trains are clean, quiet, and go at a pretty good clip along the highway.<br />They run often, so there isn't much of a wait.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CN1Nq9LqSA8/T2kTHPv__8I/AAAAAAAAEXI/RoRe9U1_KTs/s1600/DSCF2484.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CN1Nq9LqSA8/T2kTHPv__8I/AAAAAAAAEXI/RoRe9U1_KTs/s400/DSCF2484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722125816758796226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the second time I have posted something good about Hampton Roads Transit.<br />Long ago, I wrote about <a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/01/day-with-my-boys.html">how good the Handi-Ride service has been for us</a> (and our parents)<br />to take our kids out into the community.<br />Now the Tide. They should pay me.<br />Seriously.<br /><br />Now, if they would only extend it to, say, to ODU, the Navy base, the Zoo,<br />that would be even more awesome.<br /><br />And, Virginia Beach?<br />Get with the program.<br />Run it to Town Center, Princess Anne Plaza, Lynnhaven Mall, Hilltop, the oceanfront.<br />Can you imagine the ridership it would have, especially in the summer, if it went to the beach?<br />Really, that's what keeps a lot of locals away in the summer -<br />trying to park may actually make your brains explode.<br /><br />But, here's what I don't understand.<br />I bought a ticket. I boarded the train.<br />No one asked for my ticket. Nowhere was there a machine to insert my ticket.<br />The young lady sitting by me said that they will do random ticket checks.<br />If you don't have one, it is a $250 fine.<br />Still, it seems risky. There are a lot of dishonest people who would take that chance.<br /><br />Friday is my brother's birthday, and he will celebrate, as he always does,<br />with a gathering of his friends at <a href="http://www.443granby.com/index.html">the Monastery</a> downtown.<br />Parking will be a nightmare on Friday night, so, I'm thinkin', maybe.....<br />RIDE THE TIDE!<br />It will only be a walk of a block or 2 from the Monticello stop to the restaurant.<br />Of course, I am taking the liberty of speaking for M&M, but he'll go along.<br />Maybe.<br />Huh, sweetie?<br /><br />Oh, I almost forgot the best part. When you insert money to buy a ticket,<br />it gives you change in dollar coins!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhmJPLov7Wc/T2kd9AIJrCI/AAAAAAAAEX8/DuEXeXEecys/s1600/DSCF2488.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhmJPLov7Wc/T2kd9AIJrCI/AAAAAAAAEX8/DuEXeXEecys/s400/DSCF2488.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722137735394339874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I LOVE dollar coins!<br />There are a few missing though. Some of them got Brandon a happy get well balloon and<br />tipped the nice people at the local non-chain pizzeria.<br />The rest went to our coin jar. Makes us feel rich :-)<br /><br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-48821025434647666672012-03-13T21:15:00.014-04:002012-03-14T11:15:27.213-04:00UN-WIRED<div style="text-align: center;">A friend's computer was recently infected with the computer version of Ebola.<br />Caused it to crash & burn.<br />I think there were actually flames shooting out of it's dual high-speed USB ports.<br />It's the stuff of nightmares, I tell ya.<br /><br />But it got me to thinking how dependent I am on this blasted machine.<br />Email, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span>, word games, my daily jigsaw, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wikipedia</span>,<br />Google, You Tube, online banking, online shopping.<br /><br />Need I go on?<br /><br />But, pretty soon, M&M & I will be venturing out to the high country.<br /><br />There will be mountains involved.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhQN2w8fIGA/T1_2dIQzFMI/AAAAAAAAEWA/FHDIAvZPvlI/s1600/Calif%2BColorado%2B044.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhQN2w8fIGA/T1_2dIQzFMI/AAAAAAAAEWA/FHDIAvZPvlI/s400/Calif%2BColorado%2B044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719561032078398658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But not these.<br /><br />Woods.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FXrXxRG9-Kc/T1_2dhlw2hI/AAAAAAAAEWM/_quj2jJrNR8/s1600/DSCF7413.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FXrXxRG9-Kc/T1_2dhlw2hI/AAAAAAAAEWM/_quj2jJrNR8/s400/DSCF7413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719561038877219346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But not these.<br /><br />Mountain lakes.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--UvRKaVVOuI/T1_30WV3ZiI/AAAAAAAAEWs/jhSHtqD_hQU/s1600/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--UvRKaVVOuI/T1_30WV3ZiI/AAAAAAAAEWs/jhSHtqD_hQU/s400/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719562530506368546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But not this one.<br /><br />Remote trails. Crisp, clean air.<br />I can feel the cares of daily life lifting already.<br /><br />There will be lodging with no phones, no TV, no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">internet</span>, no cell reception.<br />I can feel the potential for the shakes starting already.<br /><br />So, this reinvention isn't really about going forward.<br />These boomers are going back in time.<br />Back to childhood pursuits.<br />Before all this technology that has us hooked.<br /><br />Remember when we:<br /><br />Played outside?<br />Looked for bugs, bunnies & butterflies?<br />Read books....made of paper & cardboard?<br />Weren't convinced we had to post every random thought that crossed our minds on Facebook?<br />Or that our friends & <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">acquaintances</span> really cared?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A weekend without technology. It will take awhile to prepare.<br />A weekend of bathing in mountain air and woods. I can't wait.<br /><br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-7958517324691374482012-03-01T19:45:00.002-05:002012-03-01T21:20:14.452-05:00GIVING UP SOME INDEPENDENCE<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />By "independence", I'm not talking about being able to go out with friends anytime I want to or staying out all night if I want to or eating cheesecake for dinner. Not that I ever did those things all that often anyway. I'm talking about letting someone else share the load.<br /><br />How long is it going to take to sink in? A man lives in my house. A man that knows how to do man things, like fixing stuff, lifting heavy objects, building things, and taking things apart then putting them back together. For 25 years, I was the one doing the man chores, and I'm not used to the fact that I don't need to be so independent anymore.<br /><br />I don't always have to be the one with the screwdrivers & wrenches when the box says "Some Assembly Required".<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmleUr8QL5o/T07F5UGWQKI/AAAAAAAAEVo/oXCxRw65GfM/s1600/independent20woman.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 232px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmleUr8QL5o/T07F5UGWQKI/AAAAAAAAEVo/oXCxRw65GfM/s400/independent20woman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714722565618286754" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5x3ZSCahCc/T07F5rGNm6I/AAAAAAAAEVw/TJTCKPvL4a8/s1600/tvstand.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 233px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5x3ZSCahCc/T07F5rGNm6I/AAAAAAAAEVw/TJTCKPvL4a8/s400/tvstand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714722571791735714" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't have to haul 40 lb. bags of salt home from the hardware store by myself because I'm too stubborn to connect to city water.<br /><br />Someone here knows how to do wiring & plumbing & construction & assembly & <span style="font-weight: bold;">guy stuff</span>!<br /><br />And he does these things for me because he WANTS to. He LIKES that kind of stuff. He roams around the tool section of Lowe's with the blissful look of Fat Albert at the Golden Corral.<br /><br />(There's a Tim Taylor in there somewhere.)<br /><br />Having a hard time getting used to that. I've never really had someone to help with that kind of stuff because they <span style="font-style: italic;">wanted</span> to, so I learned to do it all myself. Well, not all. A lot of things just didn't get done, because I have a hard time asking for help. Anyway, back last summer, he crawled under the house to check out the bathroom pipes. 'Bout did me in. I figured that, because it was such an unpleasant task, he would wipe the dirt off his shirt and say, "Yeah, you know, I don't think this is going to work out. Have a nice life."<br /><br />But, no. His manly soul was being fed. He stayed.<br />Oh, and he opens doors for me. Be still my heart.<br /><br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-83558193307836515462012-02-19T08:49:00.008-05:002012-02-19T09:08:18.469-05:00FLATUS<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIC2ZZDKIz0/T0D5yObGNXI/AAAAAAAAEUs/QsWJv32l57k/s1600/Fart%2B4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 308px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIC2ZZDKIz0/T0D5yObGNXI/AAAAAAAAEUs/QsWJv32l57k/s400/Fart%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710838968766313842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://qilma.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/kitty_fart_by_murphysk8.jpg?w=510</span></span><br /><br />A friend recently posted on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span> about farting, or rather,<br />the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">odoriferous</span> vapors <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">emanating</span> from the general direction of her husband<br />after a meal of bean soup.<br />Shortly after that, we had a get-together at her house,<br />whereupon she was presented with a gas mask & a bottle of Beano.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Na3mIIJUdU/T0D7v6-O0bI/AAAAAAAAEVE/8INeqaPhlPQ/s1600/fart5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 245px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Na3mIIJUdU/T0D7v6-O0bI/AAAAAAAAEVE/8INeqaPhlPQ/s400/fart5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710841128208486834" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://rlv.zcache.com/who_farted_sticker-p217160848871532325z8j38_400.jpg</span></span><br /><br />Got me to thinking. BS has no problem whatsoever about... uh... releasing the pressure, so to speak.<br />And the silence of the valve opening (sometimes) is remarkable.<br />Suddenly, I am surrounded by a cloud of his digestive processes that seemed to come out of nowhere.<br />He is particularly fond of doing this when we are in the car and the windows are closed.<br />This is followed either by looks of complete innocence or a maniacal laugh,<br />depending on his whim.<br />I have actually had to pull over to the side of the road until the miasma cleared.<br />Really.<br /><br />What is it about men and their misplaced pride in their bodily emanations?<br />Just don't get it.<br />"Dude, I let one rip that was so bad it killed the hamster."<br />"Man, that's nuthin'. I took a dump that looked just like a dachshund. Shoulda sold it on eBay."<br /><br />My beloved sister (not sayin' which one) is particularly fond of letting one go when we are out together,<br />then looking at me with horror & shame,<br />letting anyone around us know, in no uncertain terms,<br />that I was the one with no social graces whatsoever.<br /><br />Me? I have never been able to be so free with the after-effects of my digestion.<br />Never.<br />No one will like me anymore.<br />Seriously, this is what the demons whisper in my ear.<br />So, I suffer until I can get to a place where such things are permissible,<br />like my own bathroom,<br />or the great outdoors,<br />where there is sufficient space between me and any other humanity.<br />Until then, the pressure builds, sometimes with visible & painful swelling....<br /><br />During all those years when I was living alone and had the whole house to myself,<br />this was not a problem.<br />I could toot away to my heart's content and no one would think I was gross. Or human.<br /><br />Now, however, M&M is in close proximity,<br />and we have developed an ease & comfort level between us<br />that allows me to let him see me with dirty hair and no makeup.<br />Oh, believe me, that's a big deal, let me tell you.<br />But smelly gasses?<br />Umm, well, no.<br />It's a small house & he is usually within smelling distance.<br />I just. can't. do. it.<br />Don't know if I will ever be comfortable enough around him to make him aware that<br />my intestines work just like everyone else's.<br /><br />Here's a handy guide to let you know when to reveal your bodily functions in front of your man:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mY-V5tKO38Q/T0D4yrhOBWI/AAAAAAAAEUg/ypQ3p0VODBs/s1600/Fart%2B2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mY-V5tKO38Q/T0D4yrhOBWI/AAAAAAAAEUg/ypQ3p0VODBs/s400/Fart%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710837877064992098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://hellobeautiful.com/sex-love/the-venus-files/von-anise-mccoy/how-soon-can-a-woman-fart-in-front-of-her-man/</span></span><br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-42813655501652294442012-02-13T13:01:00.001-05:002012-02-13T13:49:55.220-05:00HEARTS & FLOWERS & SMOOCHES & CHOCOLATE<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;">Last year, because I was lazy, I just reposted my Valentine's Day post from the year before.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-damn-valentines-day.html">Here it is</a>.<br /><br />I was not very complimentary to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupid">Cupid</a>, the annoying little fart.<br /><br />So, regarding my disdain for the chubby, arrow-wielding, diaper-clad brat,<br />look at the picture below.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AmaDcgnTmk/TyrjqmYvFCI/AAAAAAAAEUA/vzwK3gQd2ok/s1600/chocolate-liquid.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AmaDcgnTmk/TyrjqmYvFCI/AAAAAAAAEUA/vzwK3gQd2ok/s400/chocolate-liquid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704622199016461346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://groovyfoody.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/liquid_chocolate.jpg</span></span><br /><br />I have to again eat my words.<br />Not all of them, mind you.<br />Just a couple, but this time they will be dipped in chocolate to make them taste a little better,<br />although I still have to hold on to my previously uttered opinion that when you are alone,<br />Valentine's Day brings nothing but a little sadness, a little envy, a little wishful thinking.<br />And, for me, now it brings sympathy, because I remember those days.<br /><br />I still maintain my opinion that Valentine's Day is for sweethearts.<br />Not for parents,<br />Not for children.<br />Not for teachers,<br />Not for classmates.<br />Not for bosses, siblings, cousins, or BFFs.<br /><br />Besides, we don't really even know who we are honoring today.<br />There are a bunch of early Christian martyrs named "Valentine",<br />none of whom had anything to do with lovey-dovey,<br />and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Valentine%27s_Day">no one knows which one got the day named after him</a>.<br /><br />M&M is under orders NOT to get me any chocolate.<br />(I'm fat enough.)<br />No roses.<br />(They just wither & die.)<br /><br />Hmmm, I wonder if he knows women don't really mean it when they say<br />"You don't have to get me anything."<br />??<br /><br />(Just kidding, dear.)<br /><br />We will go to Carrabba's for lasagna.<br />I will drink sangria like it's punch.<br />I will look in wonder at his lovely face<br />and wonder anew how I got so lucky.<br />I will make him brownies with drizzle.<br />And a good time will be had by all.<br /><br />So, to those for whom Valentine's Day is still a day to be endured with false cheer,<br />please feel free to use this, with my best wishes...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fJGYk_MbjI/TzcxzghACHI/AAAAAAAAEUM/g31Z4Qhw1_A/s1600/cupid.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fJGYk_MbjI/TzcxzghACHI/AAAAAAAAEUM/g31Z4Qhw1_A/s400/cupid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708085813686831218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://images.zwani.com/graphics/antivalentines_day/images/90slapcupid.jpg</span></span><br /><br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-83674602008438139822012-02-05T20:09:00.003-05:002012-02-05T20:19:59.971-05:00CHANNELING JUNE CLEAVER<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />On second thought, it's not really channeling. That implies a willing participation on my part. An invitation for her to live in my brain.<br /><br />Au contraire, mes amis.<br /><br />She invaded me. She is possessing me. She is digging up the memories that my lack of, and indifference to, domestic skills caused me great problems in my past life. The bee-yoch whispers in my ear that I better not let that happen again. So, here I am, after years of living alone, being accountable to only myself, and, after vowing never to do it again, worrying about things like planning meals, keeping the laundry done, cleaning (but not very well). After all, M&M works a whole lot more hours each week than I do, so I <span style="font-style: italic;">should </span>those things, right?<br /><br />See what I do to myself? These expectations are all self-imposed, self-inflicted. He has assured me many times that he doesn't expect those things. In fact, I get a puzzled look and the question "Why would I expect you to take care of me. I know how to take care of myself." He really is blessedly low maintenance, good-natured, and accommodating. So why don't I pay attention? Why do I sit at my desk wondering what I should fix for dinner? Why do I continue to worry about being the "good little woman"?<br /><br />HA! Not that I'm any better at it now anyway. I'm thinking that, once I clear out some more STUFF, I might be making a periodic investment in Merry Maids. It's for my health. Really. Decreased stress levels mean a longer life. Right?<br /><br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-2281335539566696142012-01-20T20:00:00.000-05:002012-01-20T20:03:50.924-05:00TIME CHANGES ALL THINGS<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I was awfully young & stupid when I got married just 1 month shy of my 21st birthday. Did I say stupid? Let's add 'naive', 'wimpy', 'spineless', 'timid'. Get the picture? I am noticing a world of difference between now & then. Then, I couldn't have brought myself to use body part terms as part of a normal conversation with the spouse. I wouldn't have wanted to disagree for fear that, I don't know, his affections might diminish? I want to be the kind of person he wanted. I didn't assert my own personality too much, not that I had much of one anyway.<br /><br />Okay, maybe I exaggerate, but not much.<br /><br />But with HS, time and a boatload of life experiences have made all the difference in the world. I'm not the same person I was all those years ago, and neither is he. I was still in the whole 'image', 'fitting in', acceptance', 'wanting to be liked' phase of my life. Of course, I still want those things. Who doesn't, but they are not the focus of my life anymore. It's odd to remember that, back in high school, neither of us looked at the other with much interest. And if we could go back in time & tell our high school selves that we'd be together in 35 years, we'd probably have said "No way, nuh uh!" And now, I don't want to think about life without him.<br /><br />One of the best things is the easiness of the time we spend together. Silences can be comfortable. I don't have to worry about him seeing me without makeup. I don't have to be self-conscious about the wrinkles or rolls. I can belch. Still can't fart, but that's another post. I can disagree with him. Haven't really come across a subject that is too embarrassing. Heck, I even used the word (male appendage)** in a pretty entertaining conversation the other day.<br /><br />Isn't getting old GREAT?<br />Oh stop, I can hear you snorting from here.<br /><br />**Can't use the real word here or I get hits from perverts coming to my blog after googling some nasty stuff.<br /><br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-83985290389085093372012-01-14T10:47:00.011-05:002012-01-18T19:49:40.044-05:00MAKE YOUR WORDS SWEET.....<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">... for you may have to eat them.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KrfYaAq7TuI/Tw4UyoBFxCI/AAAAAAAAETk/rPK4ku3_N0g/s1600/Eat-Your-Words.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 243px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KrfYaAq7TuI/Tw4UyoBFxCI/AAAAAAAAETk/rPK4ku3_N0g/s400/Eat-Your-Words.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696513438638261282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.softwarenewsdaily.com/2009/12/eat-your-words-americans-consume-over-100000-words-a-day</span><br style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />I have been munching away with great relish, amazement & just a bit of<br />trepidation for the last few months.<br /><br />The time is 7 or so years ago.<br />The place is my old office at the college.<br />The conversation partner is my dear friend and colleague.<br />The topic is men.<br />We are both divorced and dateless.<br /><br />"I don't care if I ever get married again. I'm getting old & crotchety & set in my ways."<br /><br />"I know. I'm fine the way I am. I can eat when I want, sleep when I want,<br />go where I want, whenever I want. I don't have to answer to anyone."<br /><br />"And my house is too full of crap as it is. I don't want anyone else's stuff in here."<br /><br />"But, you know, it would be nice to have someone to do things with."<br /><br />"Yeah, someone to go to dinner & the movies with."<br /><br />"But not someone here all the time."<br /><br />"I kind of like being on my own. Don't have to answer to anyone but myself."<br /><br />And on and on... sour grapes... ad nauseum.<br />But it was true.<br />After many years of being on my own, especially now that BS is grown & out of the nest,<br />I had fallen into a rut of complacency.<br />Wouldn't use the word 'contentment', because I was lonely a lot.<br />I'm not a social butterfly. I don't go to bars,<br />so most evenings I was at home, by myself.<br />Me & my laptop.<br />Me & my television.<br />Me & my books.<br />Hadn't had a date in more years than I want to admit.<br /><br />(Please take a moment to wipe away the tears of sympathy rolling down your face. I'll wait...)<br /><br />Don't get me wrong. I have family in the area. I have friends.<br />But no friends that I could call on the spur of the moment and say<br /><br />"Let's go get something to eat",<br />or<br />"You wanna go to a movie?"<br /><br />They are either married or non-local or not very good about returning calls.<br /><br />But, in April, all that changed. Because of <a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2012/01/heres-to-facebook.html">Facebook</a>.<br />I'm part of an 'us' instead of just 'me'.<br />And now, my house is full of more stuff.<br />I cook dinner... occasionally.<br />Some mornings I even pack his lunch.<br />I check with him before I make plans.<br />I greet him at the door... usually... when he comes home.<br />(fully clothed - don't want to scare him away - and no, I don't wear pearls.)<br />And I'm very happy about all this.<br /><br />But, you know, after 20+ years of being on my own and stubbornly independent,<br />this will take some getting used to, and I'm thinking it may be a comedy of errors on my part...<br /><br />...navigating the waters of couplehood again.<br /><br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-5973195672467915522012-01-10T07:47:00.020-05:002012-01-30T11:38:42.643-05:00MAKING ROOM<div style="text-align: justify;">BS was home recently & his momma rejoiced with song & dance.<br /><br />One of the tasks he set for himself was to shovel out his room & sort & toss & pack. Well, that's what he SAID he was going to do, and he KINDA succeeded.<br /><br />A little more than 3 years ago, <a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2008/11/more-of-bucket-list.html">I posted about cleaning out the house</a>. Didn't work very well.<br /><br />You see, over the years, more stuff has crept into my house during the night & when I'm at work, because I swear it all wasn't there when I went to bed. When my beloved aunt died, some of her stuff snuck in. Then when my mother downsized her big ol' house for an apartment, it happened again. When BS came home from college, he brought several years worth of independent living with him. When he moved to the big city, he found (what to him were) plausible reasons that he couldn't take it all with him, so here it stayed. Add to that, I have found concrete and tangible examples that inanimate objects are capable of spontaneous generation, occurring in various hidden corners of the house.<br /><br />I swear.<br /><br />This could make the science journals. Add to that my almost-complete lack of domestic skills. As a result, my little house was stuffed to the gills with STUFF.<br /><br />Enter HS & more STUFF. And not even all of his stuff, because most of his stuff is still in a storage unit. I have a storage unit full of stuff too, but I don't want to talk about it.<br /><br />Right now, HS's stuff resides in the dining room. At least, I think it's a dining room. Can't really tell anymore, not that we ever did much dining in there. We're more the 'eat-on-the-sofa-and-watch-tv' kind of people, but nevertheless, the room is there. And it even has a table. And chairs. And what's a table for but to use as a receptacle for STUFF?<br /><br />So, I take bags into <a href="http://www.saintmaryshome.org/">St. Mary's</a> for our semi-annual yard sale. I wade through piles of paper. I even tossed out a whole lot of my old college materials - handouts, lecture notes, old class notes. That was hard, as I have also posted about how much I wanted to teach again (<a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/04/quotes-revisited.html">here</a>, <a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/05/two-roads-divered-in-wood.html">here</a> & <a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2010/02/reinvention-partial-success.html">here</a>). But, no. Have I even looked at it in the last 2 years? No? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Out it goes!</span> Anything valuable is on the computer anyway. HS is demonstrating great patience as I try to turn from a pack rat into a minimalist. <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Good luck with THAT!</span><br /><br />Baby steps, folks. Baby steps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ANNOUNCEMENT</span>:<br />The gentleman who was originally known as BB (Beloved Boyfriend), who then changed to HS (House Stud) at the suggestion of one of our twisted classmates, decided that he liked BB better after all, but then I proposed another that he likes best of all. Since he loves the mountains, used to live in them, and wants to again, he is going to be the Mountain Man, or M&M (since he loves chocolate too). So.... ANOTHER NAME CHANGE! Hopefully, this will be the last one.<br /><br style="font-style: italic;"></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-13570170727525113952012-01-08T20:58:00.015-05:002014-07-27T21:43:22.806-04:00HERE'S TO FACEBOOK<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
This is my old high school:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBNB1T89Dbc/TwpKBxeLvkI/AAAAAAAAETY/gRxB5CoXKqY/s1600/Kellam.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBNB1T89Dbc/TwpKBxeLvkI/AAAAAAAAETY/gRxB5CoXKqY/s400/Kellam.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695446073083674178" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 273px; width: 364px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.kellamhs.vbschools.com/</span></span><br />
<br />
Spent 3 years there.<br />
At the time, it was the only high school serving the entire southern half of the city.<br />
We had so many students, we had to go to school in shifts, 8-2 and 10-4.<br />
There were all the usual cliques - jocks, cheerleaders, nerds, ROTC, brains...<br />
you know, because you had them too.<br />
We were all overly concerned with image, with being liked, with being cool, with fitting in.<br />
What idiots.<br />
<br />
What does this have to do with Facebook?<br />
Up until a few years ago, I saw all my old classmates only at the reunions,<br />
secretly glad I didn't look THAT old.<br />
Up until a few years ago, I had kept in touch with only a couple of them,<br />
and those were cherished friendships.<br />
Up until a few years ago, I remembered them as they were in school.<br />
But then, something happened.<br />
Technology crept into my world.<br />
It really started with BS (beloved son) begging me to join Facebook so I could do the farm game with him.<br />
<br />
"Oh puh-leez! No way."<br />
"Come on Momma. You'll like it."<br />
"I don't wanna. Facebook is stupid."<br />
"It'll be something we can do together.<br />
<br />
(Good grief, did he have to go and put it THAT way?)<br />
<br />
And back & forth it went.<br />
I resisted for a few months, but apparently I have the spine of a jellyfish.<br />
So, there we would sit, at least when he came home for visits, mother & son,<br />
side by side on the sofa, each with our laptop, tending our farms.<br />
Quality time, doncha know.<br />
If any of you are considering playing the Facebook games, DON'T!<br />
STEP AWAY FROM THE ZYNGA!!!<br />
<br />
But while I was glued to my cows and chickens, harvesting my crops, a funny thing happened.<br />
I started hearing from some of my old classmates from school.<br />
Some of them were farming buddies, others intermittent chat buddies.<br />
We even planned some casual get-togethers.<br />
<br />
And you know what?<br />
<br />
Well, other than discovering some will-power to 12-step my way away from the farms,<br />
I discovered something about all those classmates.<br />
Time becomes the great equalizer.<br />
35 years later, the cliques are gone.<br />
Our image is pretty much the same - wrinkles, bags, sags, gray hair, no hair, bulges and rolls.<br />
No one really gives a flying hoot what the others think any more.<br />
<br />
Granted, some of these classmates were virtual strangers to me.<br />
I hadn't known them well in school, but since the masquerades of youth had melted off,<br />
so did the foolish blinders fall away.<br />
I discovered a treasure trove of wonderful people.<br />
People I might not have wanted to be friends with in school,<br />
being the spineless twit that I was,<br />
ended up being people of humor, intelligence, wit, kindness, generosity...<br />
What is it about youth that prevents us from seeing those qualities before?<br />
<br />
Maybe because those qualities take time and life experiences to refine?<br />
Maybe because it's hard to recognize qualities in others when they are<br />
sadly underdeveloped in ourselves?<br />
<br />
Life does that, I guess.<br />
Reinforces the truth that youth is wasted on the young.<br />
<br />
For whatever reason, we can be friends now.<br />
There is little awkwardness.<br />
There is an instant connection of shared history,<br />
shared people,<br />
shared teachers,<br />
shared experiences.<br />
It creates a bond; a fellowship; a camaraderie.<br />
<br />
I can cherish these people now.<br />
One in particular, especially.<br />
Facebook brought me together with the love of my life.<br />
(I mentioned him in my last post.)<br />
I knew him in school, but didn't really know him all that well.<br />
Our separate lives have brought us each to a place and time that,<br />
where we probably would have scoffed at the thought back in school days,<br />
now I see the utter beauty of the man I couldn't have seen in the boy.<br />
And I look forward to being able to appreciate that for years to come.</div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-77916893162064724832011-12-10T08:40:00.003-05:002011-12-10T08:41:49.730-05:00A Girl Thing<div style="text-align: justify;">I have had a couple of facts reinforced recently:<br /></div><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li>Beloved Boyfriend (BB) is an incredibly good sport.<br /></li><li>There are huge differences between men & women. And no, I'm not referring to THAT! Get your minds out of the gutter.</li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a Saturday afternoon, and I remembered that I was invited to a christening the next day. Oops, forgot about that, and I hadn't gotten a gift yet. This means I need to make a trip to that fortress of female delight, that bastion of baby-rufflyness - Babies-R-Us.<br /><br />You girly types know what I'm talking about. Most people that have sufficient estrogen love this place. Baby clothes, baby furniture, baby accessories, baby toys, baby blankies. OMG! Especially yours truly, since I have a hankering for a grandchild (but no pressure, BS, hear?). So BB nicely says he will go with me. Huh? What's that? Did I hear him right? He'll go with me into the black hole of powdery, Pamper-y, pastel-y plentitude? Now, in my book, that's akin to volunteering to go to a Tupperware party or get a root canal. Did I mention he was a good sport?<br /><br />The drive over showed his deceptively calm exterior, but as we approached the front door, a heavily pregnant woman and her whiny toddler-appendaged friend were exiting. Out the corner of my eye, I noted the start of an ever-so-slight slight twitch.<br /><br />Inside the vast cavern, a look of pained resignation settled on his whiskery face as he followed me on my quest. Every now and then, he couldn't resist belting out a falsetto "oooh, it's so cuuuute!", but otherwise he soldiered on, forcing himself to smile, or maybe I should say 'show his teeth', whenever I held up an ever-so-cute frou frou to consider. I could see the thought bubble over his head that read "When will this END?"<br /><br />Coming out into the sunshine of a world that had men & testosterone in it, I saw my atonement. Next door to the Babies-R-Us was........a Best Buy.......................</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-20256142789380422702011-11-24T12:51:00.002-05:002011-11-24T19:18:18.308-05:00Why Do I Worry About This Stuff?Thanksgiving is here, and as time goes by, I am having a bit of a problem with it. I know that sounds strange, but it is something I stew over more & more as the years go by. Let me see if I can make this sound coherent.<br /><br />Thanksgiving - giving thanks. That's pretty obvious. Being thankful means that you are happy for something someone has given you. We are supposed to be thanking God for the things we have: our food, our health, our home, our friends, our family, blah blah blah.<br /><br />So when we thank God, we are thanking Him for giving us all those things. Now, don't get me wrong. I am very glad I have a job, a family that I love, a home, the best son in the world, enough to eat, and now a wonderful person to share my life with. But, what does that say for the people who have no family, no roof over their heads, not enough to eat, poor health, profound disabilities? What are we really saying when we say "Thank you"? Thanks for giving the goodies to me & not to them? Did He choose <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> to give those things to those other equally deserving people? How do I give thanks without sounding selfish?<br /><br />And did God really give me my job, my house, and the food on my table? Or did I provide/work for/earn those things for myself (with help from my family & friends)?<br /><br />I want to give thanks for those things that have been given to all of us equally - a world that can take my breath away with its beauty; humanity's capacity to love deeply. So, my prayer would have to be something like this:<br /><br /><blockquote>Lord -<br /><br />We give you thanks for the bounty and the beauty of the earth. Grant us the wisdom to use it to provide for all.<br /><br />We give you thanks for the bounty and beauty of love, which binds together family and friends. May it shine through each of us to bind together all of mankind.<br /><br />As this food nourishes out bodies, so does your spirit nourish our souls.<br /><br />Amen </blockquote><br />My good friend at work came up with an idea too - we can be thankful that we are in a position to be able to help others, so we can show it by helping to feed the hungry, heal the sick, provide comfort to the weary & friendship to those who are alone. Anyone interested in joining me?Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-69185702983857963992011-08-14T20:30:00.002-04:002011-08-14T20:51:17.966-04:00What If.......<div style="text-align: center;">One of the perks of a job that allows me to travel is that sometimes I'll leave
<br />the highway and take the leisurely way home.
<br />Such was the decision last weekend.
<br />After a meeting in Richmond and lunch with BN (Beloved Niece),
<br />the run home down I64 was making me twitchity.
<br />Up pops a sign for Rt 5 & the James River Plantations (read about them <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_River_plantations">here</a>),
<br />so I careen across the lanes of the interstate to make the exit.
<br />Lovely, peaceful road, winding along the river with trees arching overhead.
<br />Ahhh. Much better.
<br />
<br />How many times have we spared only a glance at the historical markers along the road without really noticing them?
<br />Sadly, they often become white noise in the scenery as we speed along.
<br />If it was really important, it would be lit up or something, right?
<br />Just as I was getting to the pretty part of the road, one of those ubiquitous gray signs whizzed past.
<br />I glanced at it with half an eye, then my brain cleared and I realized what I just read.
<br />One of the most significant, in retrospect, "events" in our story.
<br />Something that has shaped 400 years of history and still reverberates today.
<br />
<br />This...
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbWuF2ubjOk/TkfaI75YXQI/AAAAAAAAERE/YKrxu_hdiZA/s1600/James%2BRiver%2BPlantations%2B181.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbWuF2ubjOk/TkfaI75YXQI/AAAAAAAAERE/YKrxu_hdiZA/s400/James%2BRiver%2BPlantations%2B181.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640716905357008130" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />...allowed for these to flourish in the South,
<br />
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fclIWz15rg/Tkhm1NGfCBI/AAAAAAAAESM/W1s-u9FaZHI/s1600/James%2BRiver%2BPlantations%2B206.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fclIWz15rg/Tkhm1NGfCBI/AAAAAAAAESM/W1s-u9FaZHI/s400/James%2BRiver%2BPlantations%2B206.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640871597517506578" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuNI1cYjVJk/Tkhm1YeuqdI/AAAAAAAAESU/u1B9e7i6tl8/s1600/James%2BRiver%2BPlantations%2B217.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuNI1cYjVJk/Tkhm1YeuqdI/AAAAAAAAESU/u1B9e7i6tl8/s400/James%2BRiver%2BPlantations%2B217.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640871600571984338" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAGtHfPR2q0/Tkhm1kQICmI/AAAAAAAAESc/EzbrrpNAmqE/s1600/James%2BRiver%2BPlantations%2B245.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAGtHfPR2q0/Tkhm1kQICmI/AAAAAAAAESc/EzbrrpNAmqE/s400/James%2BRiver%2BPlantations%2B245.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640871603731958370" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />made possible by this,
<br />
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pbgx6vAtbc8/TkfbaS5YVXI/AAAAAAAAERM/0y8zM1nxgxY/s1600/Slavery3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pbgx6vAtbc8/TkfbaS5YVXI/AAAAAAAAERM/0y8zM1nxgxY/s320/Slavery3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640718303100425586" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohhhnoDBJus/TkfbakEL01I/AAAAAAAAERU/HrUONHbbIfc/s1600/slavery%2B2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohhhnoDBJus/TkfbakEL01I/AAAAAAAAERU/HrUONHbbIfc/s320/slavery%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640718307709145938" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.veteranstoday.com/2010/04/13/robinson-on-haley-barbours-diddly-sense-of-slaverys-history/ ; http://www.nps.gov/liho/historyculture/slavery.htm</span></span>
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJpxcodiNUk/TkfbgAKIPKI/AAAAAAAAERc/8FbCZvyYYsY/s1600/slavery.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJpxcodiNUk/TkfbgAKIPKI/AAAAAAAAERc/8FbCZvyYYsY/s400/slavery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640718401149615266" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.crgate.com/shist.htm</span></span>
<br />
<br />(one of the darkest & most shameful scars on our collective history)
<br />
<br />and ultimately leading to this.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFeHDaPXtjw/TkfcFw0UTxI/AAAAAAAAESE/VnIn2sHRtAk/s1600/Civil-War.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFeHDaPXtjw/TkfcFw0UTxI/AAAAAAAAESE/VnIn2sHRtAk/s320/Civil-War.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640719049866628882" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sz5QUxmZpa8/TkfcFy7C2PI/AAAAAAAAER8/HfA8K3MsJ60/s1600/civil%2Bwar%2Bsoldiers.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sz5QUxmZpa8/TkfcFy7C2PI/AAAAAAAAER8/HfA8K3MsJ60/s320/civil%2Bwar%2Bsoldiers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640719050431715570" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://fromusatoday.com/commemorating-the-civil-war.htm ; http://www.soldierstudies.org/index.php?action=webquest_1</span></span>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vz3X24fjZVQ/Tkfb2TjFC4I/AAAAAAAAERk/KpCnz3O4mUs/s1600/battles.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vz3X24fjZVQ/Tkfb2TjFC4I/AAAAAAAAERk/KpCnz3O4mUs/s400/battles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640718784311659394" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.pixelparadox.com/battles_of_the_civil_war.htm</span></span>
<br />
<br />(one of the bloodiest and saddest scars on our collective history)
<br />
<br />Makes me ponder "what if?"
<br />What if those early crops had failed?
<br />How would our history have been rewritten?
<br />
<br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939361183649544946.post-27810909377159149162011-06-06T21:43:00.010-04:002011-06-07T00:09:50.283-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I know I haven't posted anything in a looooong time, and I offer no explanations or promises of regular posting, but somewhere back in the annals of time, I mentioned finding the <a href="http://reinventingaboomer.blogspot.com/2008/09/bucket-list-1-off-season-surprises.html">hidden gems of your town</a>. Found another one this past weekend.<br /><br />Every time I go to the Outer Banks, on the last leg home, I always notice a pretty little lake along the ramp from the 168 Bypass onto I64 W. Always wondered about it. And a couple weekends ago, when I went down to the OBX with a good friend, we noticed it again. What was it? Enter my high tech iPhone, my little pocket computer, my information-at-your-fingertips toy. We found out it was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHEoJ0IjbA4&feature=fvwrel">Oak Grove Lake Park</a> in Chesapeake, so you know what that means? Time to EXPLORE! What a jewel of a place. A not-so-little lake surrounded by woods and a path that curves its way along the lakeshore. Only one short part is out in the open along the interstate. The rest of it is lovely, peaceful, serene, and relatively empty, at least on that Sunday. Benches and fishin' spots are laced within the trees.<br /><br />On second thought, forget this whole post. Don't want the word to spread so crowds will start flocking there and cluttering up the paths. Oh wait, I think I'm giving myself a little too much credit. Since my faithful readers, after long neglect, are now down to 2.5, I doubt it will be much of a problem. My influence on tourism is about that of a gnat.<br /><br />Oh, and Friend S is good at skipping stones. I got an action shot.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnU5pjsCpOk/Te2V7AoSUBI/AAAAAAAAEPA/jXMEUQf_Bo8/s1600/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25288%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnU5pjsCpOk/Te2V7AoSUBI/AAAAAAAAEPA/jXMEUQf_Bo8/s400/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25288%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615309151414669330" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyeKNzUOXvA/Te2WFKl-d7I/AAAAAAAAEPQ/0Aocnw1cbNE/s1600/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%252814%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyeKNzUOXvA/Te2WFKl-d7I/AAAAAAAAEPQ/0Aocnw1cbNE/s400/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%252814%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615309325888026546" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIIEL4kA9yY/Te2WE7eNuXI/AAAAAAAAEPI/5s2bkv5W33Q/s1600/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%252811%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIIEL4kA9yY/Te2WE7eNuXI/AAAAAAAAEPI/5s2bkv5W33Q/s400/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%252811%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615309321828940146" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpK8udYgy1o/Te2VwkWWRXI/AAAAAAAAEOw/YyUCFBGGpRw/s1600/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpK8udYgy1o/Te2VwkWWRXI/AAAAAAAAEOw/YyUCFBGGpRw/s400/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25283%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615308972024546674" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0r0sZjAElXQ/Te2V6yhAcQI/AAAAAAAAEO4/jOSBLgM1RUI/s1600/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25285%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0r0sZjAElXQ/Te2V6yhAcQI/AAAAAAAAEO4/jOSBLgM1RUI/s400/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25285%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615309147626041602" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXziRQd8R6Q/Te2VwUUwqcI/AAAAAAAAEOo/ohbRm_epGL8/s1600/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXziRQd8R6Q/Te2VwUUwqcI/AAAAAAAAEOo/ohbRm_epGL8/s400/Oak%2BGrove%2BLake%2BPark%2B6-5-11%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615308967722920386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As usual, all my pictures are straight from my wee little point & shoot, unedited. Sorry RAD. I haven't learned my lessons yet.</span><br /></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121410794715290579noreply@blogger.com5