IT’S NOT THAT SERIOUS?
29 Jan 2011 Leave a Comment
in General, Life, Sports Tags: 76ers, Brewers, Bucks, Christ, Eagles, Ecclesiastes, Ephesians, FIFA, God, Green Bay, NCAA, Olympics, Packers, Phillies, Sports, Yankees
- Image via Wikipedia
One of my non-sports fan friends said that the Packers frenzy was “not all that serious”. Well, neither are: birthday parties, scrapbooking, designer clothes, Facebook, antiquing, electronic games, etc. If we reduced our lives to what was serious, we wouldn’t have much nor need to do much to survive. Our time could (and should) be spent redeeming it for the Lord, (Ephesians 5:16) and we’d all be better off.
But on the realistic side of the coin, there is a time to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4) so some clean fun must be OK with God. As long as our laughter is not hurting anyone or the cause of Christ I say, “Have at it”
I love sports (as long as I don’t have to play them) It is a great release for me, who has sacrificed and committed most of my to life taking care of somebody else and stuck in the house doing stuff that IS serious. So I AM going to dress like a fool, shout down the opposition, and enjoy my Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Bucks, Brewers, Yankees, Olympics, NCAA, FIFA, and PACKERS!!!
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MY DROID IS A SMART (ALEC) PHONE
29 Jan 2011 1 Comment
in General Tags: Android, cellphone, Droid, IPhone, Mobile phone, Smartphone
My cell phone is a Droid. It is called a Smart Phone. It is a bit too smart for me. The thing makes calls to people I don’t want it to, hangs up on folks I am talking to, and takes pictures – all without prompting. I try to keep it away from the van keys, just incase.
I am going to apply for a Social Security number for it, claim it as a dependent for tax purposes, then add it to our insurance to get it mental health screening.
GOD’S RESPITE
11 Sep 2010 2 Comments
in General, Traveling, Uncategorized Tags: Autumn, Fauna, Floral, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, St. Ignace, Straits of Mackinac, Sunrise
Sunrise over the Straits of Mackinaw
On July 22, 2010, our summer came to an abrupt end when 7.5 inches of rain fell in two hours! We got 3 feet of water in eight rooms of our fully furnished and/or stocked basement. After seven weeks of hard work and time-consuming efforts to discard, clean, replace, and restore; the house is still a mess. We’ve been tired, frustrated, and discouraged. We needed a break from mold, mildew, bleach, and rubber gloves. Strangely, it is the effects of water that stressed us, yet the effects of water are giving us respite.
We generally like to try new places when we travel, but in St. Ignace, we stay at the same hotel and ask for the one of 4 rooms that we like. Each is right on the shore with a private deck and full view of the Lakes Huron and Michigan, Mackinaw Island, and its sister islands. The shoreline has mostly foliage and rock, which add to the natural beauty. This, plus the cooler fall temperatures, discourages half naked sunbathers in our view. Everything we see from our room seems like ours alone, well except for the sea gulls. They make it clear this is their home. They always hang out right in front of our patio, perhaps because Derrick and Alicia feed them all the time. Asha is always amused by their frantic ways and often imitates their high pitched squeals.
I have been here 8 times and have always seen at least one shooting star each time. The expanse of the night sky is filled with twinkling stars, only rivaled by the occasional blink of a boat or the lights of the Mighty Mac in the distance. Whether sunny or cloudy, the horizon is beautiful. The sunrise is always a breath taking show of purple, blue, and pink hues surrounding a brilliant and regal orange glow on the water line. The first appearance of the sun would end the early morning drama, except that it seems to disappear behind the island within a few minutes. This is due to the rotation of the Earth and the height of the island. In about 10 minutes, it appears again above the island and daylight becomes official. Oh what a treat!
I connect with the beginning of Genesis here more than anywhere else that I have been. Beyond the patio, I see nothing but God made stuff. The soothing look and sound of the rushing waters, the embracing feel of the coastal winds, the performances of the floral and the fauna, and watchful eyes of the sun, moon, and stars, are not to be matched by anything man has made. God is an awesome creator and caretaker. Praise be to Him!
FACING FEAR
10 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Family, Life, Sports, Uncategorized Tags: Anxiety, Delaware Memorial Bridge, Fear, I75, Mackinac, Mighty Mac Bridge, Scalawag's, St. Ignace, TRAVEL
The first time Derrick and I came to this area was about 13 years ago. When I researched the route, I realized that we would have to cross the “Mighty Mack” bridge to get to Mackinac City. Despite the fact that I grew up in the Northeast and have had to cross bridges thousands of times, I have never been comfortable driving them. So, without Derrick’s knowledge, I arranged for him to be at the wheel when we had to cross it. He never complained about bridges before. As we travelled across this suspension giant, I was ooooo’ing, aaaaah’ing, huffing, puffing, and squealing. Suddenly, Derrick shouted, “Shut up!” Shocked, I looked at his drained, tense face, his hands gripping the wheel. I could see how frightened he was. Of course we made it safely on this and the return trip, but he vowed that he would NEVER go over there again. So for the past 12 years we haven’t, we have stayed on the St. Ignace side of the bridge instead.
Since we started bringing the girls, Alicia has desired to travel the infamous bridge that intimidates her parents. I promised her that we would take a cab over this time, and pick up lunch from Scalawag’s, the well know seafood place. After wavering all morning, Derrick decided to keep the $50.00 cab fare in his pocket and drive over himself. He kindly asked me to keep my mouth shut this time (lol) as we travelled. I kept my word as I sat in the back with Asha. I was so very proud of my husband as he drove across. We applauded and gave him a hero’s kiss after we parked on the other side. Then Alicia looked at me and said, “Your turn Mom”.
Those words caused me to lose my appetite (although it was revived once I smelled the fish at Scalawag’s). Seven years ago, just before I crossed the Delaware Memorial Bridge during a family visit, I had a brief panic attack just at the base of the approach. The traffic was fast and heavy, so there was no way to pull over or exit. I got really hot and things turned black for about two very long seconds. It is a supernatural miracle that I didn’t hit anything. Once I snapped back, I finished the trip without incident. But since then, I have been afraid of another attack like that.
See, I am not afraid of the bridge itself. Yeah, it is creepy but I don’t fear about its safety. I am afraid of my fear. President Roosevelt once said, that “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” It was my fear that caused me to panic seven years ago, and fear that has kept me from many things since then. I am quite bold about many things, yet have allowed other things to limit me. I knew that I could do it because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I had to prove something to my dare-devil daughter, Derrick, and myself. So, I turned onto I75 North, paid the toll and faced the monster. I battled the anxiety and hot flashes. I survived the tallest part and was on the ascent. The rest should have been a piece of cake except, a driver ahead of me slowed to about 10 mph during the last 2 miles. I went from impatience to near panic and rage because I was being slowed down close to the water and still over a mile offshore. I blew the horn and the snail moved into the scary outer lane. I was able to pick up speed and make it to St. Ignace again. Whew! Ok, it was not the classy success that Derrick’s was, but I did it, too! I smiled and laughed all the way back to the hotel. Derrick and I slapped one another “Five” off and on for the rest of the afternoon. Alicia’s encouragement and support was huge. This was a great triumph for the whole family.
Fear can be a healthy warning of danger, and we must examine the gut resistance that we get against something. At the same time, we must honestly assess the object of our fear. Can that person, place, or thing really do us harm or are we the victims of our own minds? What we both found was that the bridge was higher, longer, and spookier in our minds than in reality. We made the monster far more ferocious than it was. I truly want to have victory with other fears that have held me captive. But as I think of what they are and what it will take to conquer them, the fear returns. This experience has not broken down the fort of fear that surrounds me, but it has sure has collapsed some walls and weakened its foundation. That alone makes me more free.
A MUCH NEEDED BREAK
08 Sep 2010 1 Comment
in General, Traveling Tags: Best Western Harbour Pointe, Brett Favre, Christian, Green Bay, Mackinac, Metheny, Michigan, Mighty Mac Bridge, Saints, Smooth Jazz, St. Ignace, Upper Peninsula, Vikings
- Image via Wikipedia
Leaving only five hours behind our planned departure time of 7:00am, we finally hit the road. We always look forward to this getaway every year or two. The anticipation of this trip was more intense as we desperately needed to get away. We have had a difficult summer.
We laughed and smiled as we waved goodbye to our beautiful home and quiet community. The lightheartedness came to an abrupt end a few miles away as I maneuvered through the temporary construction and entered the interstate ramp – in the wrong direction! The family, the oncoming driver, and I all seemed to notice at the same time. Thank the Lord that I hadn’t travelled too far in, and that the other driver wasn’t driving too fast. I was able to back out slowly, but safely. I was almost paralyzed with shock, yet warmed by the blessing that allowed it to end well. I reluctantly looked into the rear view mirror at Derrick. He is a very critical “back-seat driver” and I am not very tolerant of his intolerance. That can often lead to a mile of bickering. However, he was silent. I am sure that the Lord put a supernatural lock on both our tongues. Another collision was averted.
Other than that incident, it was smooth sailing. After we listened to a few radio preachers, we dusted off the CD case and put in some smooth jazz. Oh, the spiritual police in church would have much negative stuff to say about it, but the Lord hasn’t. Well, He has convicted us about many songs that we have listened to, and we have eliminated them. But the smooth sounds just seem to mesh well with the passing scenery and motion of the van. It puts me in a mood that I can’t describe, but I like. It’s like a gentle scrub brush to my brain, clearing channels for me to think clearly. It was odd that we didn’t play any Metheny, but instead chose a hodge-podge of no brainer tunes. We sang, hummed, drummed, and mimicked various instruments for awhile, and then each one of us drifted into private thought – or lack thereof. Asha was happy. She played with 2 broken toys for the entire six hours. She was content to be snuggled with her dad. We were chillin and it felt good!
We exited the interstate after Green Bay and took local highways for the duration of the trip. We get charged when we cross into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The scenery is so beautiful during those long stretches between towns. We get a panoramic scene of pine forests, lake shore views, and sand dunes. We came a month earlier than usual, so we missed the autumn colors. Yet the varying green foliage gave a beautiful backdrop none-the-less. This route is void of copy cat housing developments that provide no imagination. Each residential property has a unique look: some fabulous new construction, some shacks that obviously defy gravitational pull, manicured lawns, rocky weed gardens, farms with cattle, driveways with antiques, and more.
As we spotted the view of the “Mighty Mac” bridge (that we are too scared to drive over) the excitement built again. The approach to the small, familiar streets of St. Ignace added comfort to that excitement. In a strange way, it feels like home. It is my 8th time here and our fourth visit to the Best Western Habour Pointe. We always get a room at beach level with a full view of the lake. We were in a different room this time and were pleasantly surprised by the added space and brand new renovation. (Alicia and I always enjoy hiding tracts in hotel rooms so that when pictures and furniture are removed they will be found. It was exciting to know that someone recently found what we planted years ago.)
After dinner, I was hoping to have a nice time talking and just enjoying one another without the distraction of the TV news or even Christian radio. I hoped to just be entertained by one another. Then, Asha turned on the TV and what did I see but Brett Favre in uniform. The Saints vs. Vikings game was about to begin. No way was I going to miss the opportunity to see that cry baby get a beat down. We cheered on the Saints who won 14-9. YES! What an unexpected bonus. I’ll try the family thing tomorrow.
The game ended late and we were all yawning and ready for sleep, when Derrick started telling his tales of how his fans use to mob him when he was an NBA star! Then he started modeling his new reading glasses. After that he started to sing. Asha joined in, singing her happy song and loudly crinkling a plastic cup. We yawned and settled down again until Asha got up and pulled back the patio curtains. She had no interest in the view until then. “Why now?” I thought. We had to put her in our bed for awhile to keep her still. Alicia and I just giggled as we were texting friends about the live entertainment in this hotel room. Finally, Alicia, Derrick, Asha all went to sleep. I was not too pleased to hear them snore – that’s what I had hoped to be doing. But I simply smiled as I reflected on the events of the day. Thanks be to God for a safe, enjoyable, and beautiful beginning!
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FIFA-tized!
19 Jun 2010 1 Comment
in General, Humor, Sports Tags: Father's Day, FIFA, foreign policy, soccer, World Cup
- Image via Wikipedia
May brought the end to our couch potato season (January-May). Since Spring sprung early here, my seasonal chores were completed early. The garden is in full bloom now and it is beautiful. I smile as I anticipate what Summer has to hold: pulling weeds, swatting bees, grilling, going to rummage sales, selling at my rummage sales, Lakefront visits, etc. Today is a beautiful, sunny, and warm day; a great day to enjoy the environment. So why have I been inside all day? I’ve got FIFA fever!
FIFA stands for Federation Internationale de Football Association. I just learned this last Saturday. Prior to that, I didn’t know and didn’t care. I never got into soccer, because my plate is full trying to keep up with the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, and the Olympics. This year, my oldest daughter, Theresa and her friend, suggested I give it a try. Well, after watching the first day of World Cup soccer, I was hooked.
This tournament is time consuming. It lasts for four weeks. For two weeks, there will be three games daily. For the remaining 2 weeks, there will be fewer games, but enough to keep me watching. The good thing is that the games start about 7am and end about 4pm. The bad thing is that when the games stop, my brain stops, too. I don’t function well after 3pm.
Usually, I plan well before intense tournament time blocks; I gather chores that I can do as I watch, have fun and easy menu plans, develop an educational curriculum that incorporates the sport, and other adjustments to be efficient while we have fun. But I was caught off guard with this unexpected indulgence. It has made for some interesting observations, behaviors, and adjustments for the family:
FIFA: Fashion
It appears that I have been dressing in clothing with ethnic patterns to honor the host continent of Africa. The reality is that I am hiding my humidified hair under African head wraps. Today, however, I will wear red, white, and blue to cheer on the USA. I have bandanas of each color to choose from and hide under.
FIFA: Food
Saturday: pre-planned Indian meal of Tandoori chicken, couscous, and peas (delicious)
Sunday: leftover modification of yesterday’s meal (good)
Monday: OOPS! I forgot to make dinner. Did we eat? (unrated)
Tuesday: The menu plan was for stuffed flank steak rolls with broiled sweet potato slices, green beans and salad. The menu reality was “Rubbery Rolled Stuff” and “Ebony Chips”. I was so frustrated that I forgot what we ate instead. (FIFA food failure!)
It’s a good thing that my husband knows that I am a good cook. Otherwise, we’d be headed for Family Court. Is “Carelessly Cooked Cuisine” grounds for divorce? The rest of the week I didn’t attempt to cook until all the games were off. Meals are good again, Derrick is smiling, and I’m back to gaining weight.
FIFA: Faking Education
Since we vacationed in February and indulged in the Winter Olympics, full-time school will be in session until July. Alicia has been working on independent assignments, and she wasn’t too interested in the games – until Wednesday. Since then, homeschool conversations have gone like this:
“Hurry up and get your work done before the game”
“Hurry up and get your work done before the next game”
“Hurry up and get your work done before the third game”
“Email me any questions that you have.”
When I teach Asha, the TV is usually off. This week it was on, but her back was to it. She didn’t seem to notice and had a very productive Monday and Tuesday. Perhaps Alicia’s entrance into “FIFA fandom” ticked Asha off because Wednesday with her was like this:
“Asha turn the TV back on”
“Asha, stop turning off the TV”
“Asha, stop changing the channel and turn the TV back on”
“Asha, stop changing the channel, turn the TV back on, and move from in front of the TV, PLEASE!”
“OK Asha, leave the TV alone and stop kicking the door or you will go in your room until you are ready to come back and behave! “
We didn’t see her for over an hour! When she did return, she picked up the Real Estate section of the paper and hung on to it for a while. What a hint from my teen toddler! Thursday and Friday, I worked with her in the afternoon – after the last game. Now how’s that for blending schooling, sensitivity, and soccer!
FIFA: Faux Fan
I wish Derrick were in to this, too; it’d be more fun. It’s probably because he is gone during the day, and he was too into to the NBA playoffs. However, he has learned just enough to fake interest in conversation. I think that is a lawyer thing. He says his favorite player is Messi. I asked him to name any other players. He couldn’t. See what I mean? LOL Anyway, I think I’m gonna make like a drug dealer and try to get him hooked. Now, no I was never a drug dealer for real, so don’t start any rumors. But I did watch “Shaft” and “SuperFly”. I think I can make the hook up:
“Psst, psst, how about some goalie, my brotha”.
Or, I could play Foxy Brown. I could round out my Afro, suck in my abs, get shelf brackets to hold up my “world cups”, and strut around in soccer cleats singing:
You give me FIFA,
When you kiss me,
FIFA when you hold me tight.
FIFA! In the morning,
FIFA all through the night.
Ha ha ha, that should draw him in, or at least jump start the next section.
FIFA: Finding Love
“Ain’t found a thang!” This is not because of the soccer games, but because I have been N(BA)eglected this week. Well, the Lakers won Thursday night (shucks) and he’ll be home for the weekend. So “Man Up, honey. I’ll be available – between games!”
FIFA: Father’s Day
If the aforementioned plans fail, this will be a sticky one. I’m going to miss the first two games, while in church. I just can’t miss Brazil vs Ivory Coast! I could be vengeful and give him the Mother’s Day treatment: go to church, give a gift, rush through dinner, give 16.5 minutes of personal time, then turn on the game. Naw, tit-for-tat isn’t nice. Oh well, I’ll think of something. He is a hard working dad and deserves something nice – after the game.
FIFA: Foreign Policy
If you are PC (Politically Correct) sensitive, my house is not the place to be; especially during international competition. It’s not about the individuals, but it’s the socio-political stuff that fuels my scorn. The French get the worst of my brazen tongue. With the exception of my great-great grandfather and a few recipes, France has not produced anything worthwhile. It is a waste of Earth’s space. “Slimey French” was uttered a lot on Thursday. Other disrespectful cracks from my lips:
- To North Korea: “ Grrrrr, the nerve to show your faces on the world stage”
- To Mexico: “Been to Arizona lately?”
- To Germany: “Go Serbia!”
- To The Netherlands: “You produced Van der Sloot. Hope Japan makes sushi out of you”
- To England: “Up your BP!”
I am pulling for the African teams, as long as they don’t interfere with the US position. Now, I don’t pick friends, politicians, or make spiritual decisions based on race. However, if there is no reason to root against a Black team, I’m pulling for them. I identify more with that side of my ancestry than the slimey French side.
Oh My Star-Spangled-Banner! As I was writing this, I found out that England has to beat Algeria to keep the US hope alive. Oh well, guess I have to cheer for the (Y)UK.
FIFA: Fast Forward
Of course, I can’t continue at this intensity for the next three weeks-or can I? I think I can, I think I can, YES I CAN! This weekend, with careful and skillful planning (between games), I can find a way to fit six hours (daily) of soccer into a schedule already so tight I can’t breathe. Yes I can, somehow I will……….I’ll keep you posted.
AGING: “It is what it is”
06 Jun 2010 1 Comment
in Aging, Life Tags: Add new tag, Breasts, DNA, Hair, Health, Memory, menopause, Varicose veins, Wrinkles
- Image via Wikipedia
I am not crazy about aging, but I don’t get all freaked about it, either. I think people who won’t look or act their age are pathetic. I would like to slap every guy I see with 80% bald head and a ponytail. I laugh at middle age and senior women who dress like they are in high school. I think of the money wasted on lifts, tucks, and dyes, and I cringe. I believe that it is wise and Godly to keep oneself healthy, clean, and presentable; but I also believe that accepting age with joy and grace is also Godly. After all, God made age, and gives honor to it in His Word.
Why are some people ashamed to reveal their age? “It is what it is”, and easy for others find out. When I was a private investigator, the date of birth was generally the first piece of information that I was able to confirm. Most people date themselves after talking more than 5 minutes, anyway. One should be proud and thankful that God has allowed them to escape all the disasters and diseases that could have snuffed them out. I am not ashamed that I will be 55 next month, Lord willing. I never thought that I would survive to be 18, but that had a lot to do with the fear that the Soviets would nuke us first. I think 50 something is OK and I think that I am a better and wiser person, too. When I look back, I realize I was stupid before 20, stupid in my 20’s, stupid in my 30’s, and stupid in my 40’s. I am no doubt stupid now, but I won’t know just how stupid for another decade. So for now, I will bask in the joy of my mid century wisdom and laugh at my children and their peers, who think they are smarter in their 10’s, 20’s, and 30’s. Ha, are they in for a rude awakening!
My mother often pointed out the beauty in the signs of aging that others fear. Many times she had to remind her own mother how pretty her silver gray hair was, each time she threatened to dye it. Well eventually Grandmom did covered her beautiful hair with black dye that turned her hair purple! She hid under a wig –a gray one- until her natural color returned. Mom used that incident to tell me that an aging woman is more beautiful when she accepts it, than when she tries to cover it up. Mom has lived up to that. She never lied about her age, dyed her hair, caked herself with make-up or creams, or fussed about her body changes; and has dealt with her health issues with great courage. She is a gorgeous 85 year old. I am trying to age gracefully like she is.
I do complain about some middle age issues, however. “The Change” was a nightmare, and I let everyone know it! I was a perspiring, emotional mess: hot to cold; happy to sad; love to hate; smart to dumb, all within 15 minute intervals for ten years! I went to a neurologist once, because I thought I was losing it. She gently stroked my arm and assured me that I was fine, it was all normal, and there was light at the end of the tunnel. Well, I came out of the tunnel over 2 years ago and I do see light again; just not as brightly as before. I keep my eye glasses and magnifying glass close by, and still squint to see what I use to easily see in the dark!
My lower back is stiff and the knees are a bit stubborn, but I am otherwise strong and healthy. Puffy eyes and varicose veins are DNA related. Thanks for nothing, ancestors! Wrinkles and gray hair have not attacked me, yet. I have “laugh lines” that I didn’t think were so funny at first, but I have learned to laugh back at them. My front hairline is thinning (ugh!), so I try to cover it under a headband. I have 5 strands of gray hair, that I can see. I attribute them to each of my five daughters. Like my mom, I think silver gray is beautiful and I will never dye or try to hide it. I can give credit to DNA for this, too. My family on both sides age well. Thanks sincerely, ancestors.
I’m not thrilled that gravity has pulled my boobs down. My petite great-grandmother’s boobs use to hang just above the band of her apron. When I was little, I use to wonder what they were. As a teen I thought that, unlike my great-grandmom, my big twins would stay at attention all my life. Oh the self lies of youth! Last year, when my grandson was visiting, he kept looking at me with that “deep thought” expression. Eventually he said, “Grandmom, what is that on you?” After asking about the fabric print on my dress, my jewelry, etc., it occurred to me what he was looking at. I said, “Are you talking about Grandmom’s girl parts?” He replied with gusto, “Yes, why are my mom’s way up here and yours are way down there?” While I was sputtering for a dignified 6 year old explanation, he rescued me by saying, “I know. It’s because God made you with special needs”, and he skipped off. There’s nothing like a kid to put your ego in check.
My weight is…, well, not an age problem, so I won’t go there.
What I hate most about aging is the loss of memory. God is using this to humble me. I have been an intellectual snob, I think. I have always had patience with those who have organic mental delays, even before I gave birth to one of my own. However, I get really irritated with people who chose to be stupid; who have had the opportunity to learn but would rather waste their brain on shallow things. Although I don’t chose to go blank in the middle of a sentence; or put food on the stove and forget it until the billowing smoke finds me in another room; or spend 30% of the day looking for something that I “just had”, I hate the stupid behavior none-the-less. I once considered myself to be the queen of multi-tasking; able to juggle seven things at once and do them all well. Now, I generally juggle only four things at once: “where is it?”, “where am I?”, “what am I doing?”, and …..uh….I forgot the other! If there is a silver lining to this challenge, it is that my friends are going through it, too. We laugh about it all the time.
I pray daily for the Lord to protect my life. Each day that He grants my request, I’ll have to face the blessings of the aging process. I am determined to walk through this by: accepting the things I can’t change, taking care of what I have left, and forgetting the rest!
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