living life

2007-07-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true. 1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for. 2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way. 3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you. 4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you. 5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep. 6. You mean the world to someone. 7. You are special and unique. 8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you. 9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it. 10 When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look. 11 Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

What a great reminder on a good day as well as on a day that did not go that well!

2007-05-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

I am wondering what is it when a person enters a locker room that all sense of modesty is revealed. I know the rich aroma's and oh so very stunning conversation one hears of the male locker room, but I will say that the female locker room well was so different than I had ever expected. Hmmmmmm maybe I am from another planet but showering in the buff and walking around like your in your own private bathroom at home was suprising to me. Now, I realize we all shower in the buff but even at home I close the shower door or pull a shower curtain. I was a bit taken back as I walked through the locker room to see the pool. I really had no expectations but I was a bit suprised. I work in healthcare and I know how one's modesty is taken away and what a big deal that is to the patient. However, I am now curious if this is just standard locker room protocol. I will share that I seen more than I ever wanted or cared to see no matter what size or shape one is. sighhhhhhhhh .............. Any insights?

2007-05-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today I had to go into work early to relieve a staff member, on the way to work I stopped for a much needed caffeine wake up. I went to the oh so in my budget QT for a high dose of cappuccino. I went to check out and the clerk so kindly said to me your lid is not all the way on and fastened the lid tight. What a blessing cause I did not want to spill it. I walked back to my car and saw a sports car with sleek detail that said " Jesus full power." How awesome was that, I said to the guy, nice car and he said thanks. However as I pulled away I thought of how Jesus is a shield around me as well as all of us who make Him Lord over our life. I thought of He showed his love for me this morning by making sure my coffee lid was on tight, such a little detail was so important to Him, and He wanted me to know just how much He loves me and how concerned He is with the daily happenings of my life. I am still in awe and wonder how He takes daily events to show His love and concern for each of us. Thank God I was paying attention or I could have missed this act of love so freely given. How did you see or experience God's never ending love today?

2007-05-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

I want to wish my readers a happy mother's day. I think being a mother is one the biggest priviledges given to us by our Lord. Since many of you know I am a mother of 4 wonderful children/adults now, 2 with fabulous spouses, 1 fabulous future son-n-law and to one of my children who has yet to meet her fabulus mate, I am such a blessed woman. I would like to say that I was that hallmark card mom which made their lives special, wonderful and just great memories, but that would not be totally true. I believe I have touched their lives in ways that have made a difference but I also know that their were many times I would love to just do it over in a much better way. I could have been more patient, understanding, kind and for heaven sake in the midst of all the hustle definately more compassionate. However, being a Mom is all about the juggling act and keeping all the plates moving at a workable pace. Be it a working outside the home or a stay at home mom, the common bond is keeping all the plates juggling. One would think as your children grow, spread their wings and fly there may be less plates to juggle but my experience on this another unfamiliar path is that there are new plates to juggle.
I just want to say don't stop juggling, keep pressing on especially when all the plates to seem to fall at once, pick them up and just start juggling again.

I commend all you Mom's out there, future mom's and to those who are " mom" to their pet children. I hope you can put your feet up, plates down and savour every mother's day moment.
Thank you to my family for all the love, patience, mercy and grace given to me in my many weaknesses as well as my strenghts.

2007-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

MAYA ANGELOU'S BEST POEM EVER

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a youth she's content to leave behind...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....one friend who always makes her laugh...and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..... eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to fall in love without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... HOW TO QUIT A JOB, BREAK UP WITH A LOVER, AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... when to try harder...and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...what she would and wouldn't do for love or money...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to live alone...even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she can and can't accomplish in a day...

a month...and a year...

Things I am still learning!

2007-02-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the cartoon " The Jetsons", at the end when George is on the dog walk and it starts spinning out of control and he yells " Jane stop this crazy thing!" I had a day at work like on the Jetson's spinning out of control, I was so busy I didn't know whether to scratch or itch, and didn't have time to decide, nor did I want to, that would be just making another decision to which I didn't have the time nor the energy. However, I went into a quiet charting area to get caught up on my paper work. There were some papers laying around, and as I picked them up, I read this saying. I started busting up laughing til I was in tears, talk about defusing your stressful day. Some of the other staff members heard me laughing and they read it and starting laughing so hard. I know your excited to read what we read, so here it goes:

For all those men who say, Why buy a cow when you can get milk for free. Here's an update for you: Now says, 80% of women are against marriage, WHY? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage.

I am sharing this just cause it made me laugh and I hope it will add a bit of laughter in your day.

2007-01-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

What is it about Super Bowl Sunday that gets people excited? I am one step ahead this year cause I know which teams are playing. In years past I have been a bit lax in knowing what was going on. I like the getting together festivities, wearing the colors of the team your rooting for, neat and interesting super foods and of course watching the fans. I love seeing the ever so quiet one who rarely gets excited be at the edge of thier seat, arm chair quaterbacking and running the plays from the stationary spot. It really is some added bonus entertainment as well as watching the game. I am curious what you do on Super Bowl Sunday and what is your favorite Super Food game snack? I am a football wing fan, seems like football and wings go together like baseball and hot dogs. Are you going for " the bears" or " the colts"?

2006-12-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

The day of New Year's eve for me is a time for me to set new goals. I always reflect back on the year to see where I have been both professionally and personally. This was a year of opportunity and personal pitfalls. However, if I never would have taken the opportunity, I may not have realized the areas of growth I have achieved. I will share that it seems easier for me to take opportunity in my professional area then in the personal. I have learned this past year that many things I thought I had overcome still seems to stick out there like a neon sign. I am excited to enter this New Year with not a lot of goals but with a few goals that hit the bulls eye. I have good intentions to do things yet do not always follow them to the finish. The year of 2007 I believe will be filled with open doors yet I need to bravely walk over the treshhold, not just seeing a door open and him-haw around to should I or could I. This will be an huge challenge for me, cause many times things around me get me off focus. I have decided to limit my list to 5 goals and trusting that these are my plans but Jesus will use the eraser to make the list even more accurate. Isn't is fabulous to start a New Year knowing that our Lord and Saviour loves and cares enough for each one of us to make sure the goal list is an accurate one. Happy New Year to all and may you walk through the "open doors" this year and not just notice an open door.

2006-12-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

I have viewed the christmas list of one of daughters who wanted a " Roomba", being a mom who is techincally challenged, inquizative and always able to bring humor to my children with my hi-tech abilites, I bravely asked what is a " roomba" . Of course, Melissa chuckles and says Mom it is a robot that sweeps your floor. We laughed and I thought what a fabulous idea and an awesome gift. Today was the first time I saw a roomba in action on a TV commerical. I am telling you the little robot sweeper looked wonderful, but the thing that caught my eye was the robot " SCUBA". This little wonder doesn't sweep your floors but scrubs your floors. I was so excited I wanted to throw my mop to the wind. Now, what a cool idea! Living in the Arizona dust bowl the SCUBA is like a necessity not a luxury. I commend the inventors of this cool gadget and I think I am putting that on my christmas list. I am really starting to like this hi- tech stuff and could appreciate it if I had one. :o)

2006-12-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

Life has a way of giving us wonderful suprises if we just take the time to look. Sunday was a work day, low census allowed me to go home early. That was fabulous but the best was being able to go to the mall with Jessica for a bit and get into some needed holiday spirit. Thanks Jessica and Ryan too for watching Noah, but then I had to awesome priviledge to see the movie Happy Feet with the Larson clan. It was so much fun to see the movie with kids, and to hear their little chatter. I don't think Angelina even shifted in her seat, Tyler and Noah were just so cute and fun listening and watching there eyes focused on the screen seeing the penguins dance. The movies was cute with a message about environmental hazzards of littering and garbage floating in our waters and streams. The sound track to the movie will be good, maybe cause i recognized the songs. Thanks I had a wonderful time.

2006-11-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

Deck the halls and all that fa la la la............... I put up my christmas tree and start to deck the house with all the trim.... well actually a lot less trim then in the past. My tree is a " Charlie Brown" tree, narrow and of course you can see through it. Once you get all the ornaments on and add that touch it just looks great, as I put on the ornaments I thought of each ornament, I laughed and so many fun memories came to mind. That is one of great things about ornaments, each one has some meaning of someone in your life or who has past through your life and you think of them. It is like christmas all over again for me cause I seem to forget until I pull the stuff out for another year. Of course, one of my favorite christmas movies is White Christmas, which seems funny watching it in the desert. There isn't a present under the tree, but all the love that hangs on that tree is one great present. I collected snowmen and when I moved to Arizona I gave up my precious collection and only brought a chosen few. It was like the TV organizing show, keep, sell and throw away. It was funny to me to see all the snowmen I have collected here. I didn't realize how many I had, and yet I could tell you where each one came from. Funny thing is most of my collection now is from the ones who has touched my life here in Az. I hope you all have as much fun as I have just pulling out the christmas trim and putting your special touch on your christmas tree.

2006-11-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving to me is a time to slow down and reflect on all the things I have been blessed with over the past year or years. Time for family and to appreciate each and everyone, share laughs, and just be extremely thankful. This year was so different, I was away from the ones I love, not able to laugh and play games, and of course hit the stores with cellphones buying gifts and just seeing the excitement on their faces of the bargins each received. I will confess I was not as thankful as I should of been. I was missing everyone so much. This time has also made me reflect on how important relationships are, taking the time to just call and say I love you and I am thinking of you, You are important to me. I thought about family, as Webster put it: 2 a : a group of persons of common ancestry :3 a : a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : I realized in this time of solitude how thankful I am to have such a wonderful family who is spread over the earth in different areas on the globe, from New Zealand, to Tennessee to Ohio and Arizona, most of which are from common ascestry but many too are the ones who welcome you into there family, share their lives and definately touch your hearts. Although I miss my children and their spouses and future spouses very much, it is wonderful to be part of such an awesome family here too. This thanksgiving was truly a time to appreciate the importance of relationships and how the phone call, an e card and the offer to bring dinner over when you get home from work (thanks Alena) warmed this sad heart. Family and relationships are just fantastic!!

2006-11-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

2006-11-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

2006-11-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

Last night was a time of fabulous fun and fellowship. There was pizza night at my house with games. Everyone brought there favorite toppings and we all created some very interesting pizzas. We had the standard pepperoni, cheese, moved to Canadian bacon, pineapple and mushrooms and black olives. Of course, not all these great ingredients were on one pizza but we all fun in the kitchen, Betsy and I even experimented with making a stuff crust pizza. Jessica made here famous dessert which I don't know how to spell with ice cream and half cooked cookie dough ( chocolate chip) which was absolutely delicious. We played Taboo and Boggle, the adults and kids chilled and watched the movie Cars. It was just a laid back fun relaxing night. Betsy, Alena, Cynthia, Rya, Jessica, Ryan , Noah, Roger, Brian and Randi and the 3 girls, and I also had the privilege to hang out with Josh and Lois and there 2 girls. Lois made this fabulous homemade granola. It was great. The wonderful thing is this was just a lets have a game night. Thanks to all who came and hopefully next time everyone else will be available to join in the fun. Well, just want to remind everyone big game today and go Scarlet and Grey. Go Buckeyes!!

2006-11-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday was a day filled with fun and fabulous fellowship. I went to a huge craft fair in Fountain Hills with all the girls. We had so much fun meeting in the morning for coffee, sharing funnel cakes and lots of laughs. The crafts were so different from what I was used to growing up in the midwest with woody crafts and shaker style decors. The crafts were beautiful paintings, southwest designs, metal sculptures of unique designs, jazz performers, and the largest fountain I have ever seen. I am not sure how high the fountain went but it reminded me of pictures I have seen of the gysers. I had time to come home relax for about an hour and head off to the rescue mission to serve. I totally enjoy going to the rescue mission for each time is a unique experience. I cut so many potatoes I got a blister and it was great. We fed over 200 people and actually was able to worship with them that evening after dinner. The kitchen staff is absolutely the best and extremely talented. The menus they create for the people with what is donated is unbelievable. If you ever get the opportunity to volunteer at a rescue mission, I encourage you to go, it will be one of the best experiences ever.

2006-11-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

There was a song a while back called Walking in Rhythm, it was a catchy tune that 2 lines of the song stand out to me. Walking in rhythm ......moving in sound....., finding that rhythm in life and keeping it has been such a struggle for me lately. Have you ever felt off beat? There is so many things to be thankful of yet you still seem to walk off beat. You heart beats in a regular rhythm yet your still off beat. You get the rhythm and then you notice your off beat. I am not a musician by any means but we all walk to some kind of rhythm. Yes, the beat goes on with many things moving forward yet you can't see or appreciate the sound or the things around you cause your off beat.Walking in the rhythm of our Lord helps us to move in sound, all things beating harmoniously like a well tuned symphony. There are many times I don't take time to watch the conductor seeking his rhythm, playing the note he has for my life today. So hears to another day of asking our Lord to just sing over me again and move me to the rhythm of His heart.

2006-11-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to see the movie " One Night with the King" playing at the Harkins Movie Theater. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. The movie is based on the book of Ester, one of my favorite books and characters in the Bible. It was great being able to see this book acted out on the big screen and truly sent a stirring within me. Ester is such a woman of strength, courage and yet humble. She is full of life yet knows with great confidence who she is and with dignity respects the protocols of the land. I think there is a part of me that is an Ester just yearning to come to life. If you have not seen this movie yet, Gooooooooo, it may be the best 9 dollars you have spent on a movie in a long time.

2006-11-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

It is the little things in life that really make the big difference. Today at work I felt George Jetson on the dog walk moving at warp speed, as he yells Jane stop this crazy thing. The demands were great, and the resources few, which is not an uncommon in my work. However, towards the end of the day as the huge storm was starting to subside at the close of another shift, this very quiet doctor who seldom if ever calls to give me the latest radiology report and say " are you doing OK?" In all my years of nursing, I can't remember a time that a doctor did that. I can tell you I was shocked and suprised, yet it was in that moment that allowed me to realize we were a team, and I was not only the patient's nurse but a person who was stretched to the limit and they knew it. It is these little moments that many times we pass them by and not pay attention to the words or acts of kindness shown to us. I am just so thankful I paid attention. Many times all of us have so much coming at us that we miss these little treasures. Living life is all about savoring these small treasures and making a true difference in our day.

2006-10-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

Bumper stickers......... Where do they get some of these quaint sayings. I was sitting in traffic today and the car in front of me had a bumper sticker that I just had to laugh. " Those who laugh last think slow" hmmmmmmm.................. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I have been blessed with a small amount of wit and some humor. The more I thought about this, it is most likely true, they laugh last because they are really contemplating and figuring it out. Sometimes things are just funny without thinking about it, however once I think about it more I just start laughing harder and usually at the most inopportune time. Just curious how many of you read bumper stickers and think about what some of them say? Would this be considered traffic graffiti?

2006-10-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

It is really starting to feel like fall here. I wake up to a morning of the cool dew like smell in the air. It is really just not as crisp or colorful here as I am familiar. Doesn't it just want to make you have a big bond fire, roast hot dogs on a stick, and make smoores. There is truly something about fall, high school football games, school supplies and homemade soup. I grew in the midwest and cool, windy, rainy and colorful. We would even buy big orange pumpkin garbage bags, fill with leaves and decorate the front lawn. I will say that I am enjoying these wonderful thoughts down memory lane without all the cold weather and being blessed by the beautiful sun that shines faithfully here in Arizona. How fortunate I am to be able to live in such a wonderful place. Of course, I still miss going to the apple orchard for cider and apples to make pies. Sniff Sniff........... it that a fresh baked apple pie? yes these are some wonderful things about fall.

2006-10-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today is such an exciting day for me, the project is moving forward. I am sooooo excited. The next piece of the project puzzle is about complete........ the dry wall. It is so fun to see what you have envisioned start to take shape and actually you can see the how it will all come together. I am so blessed that I have the opportunity to know so many wonderful people with such loving hearts and exceptional talent. Hopefully by next week end I will be painting Sag Harbor green to my walls Yahooo

2006-10-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

What is it about sexual immorality and family destruction that causes the media publish info more devastating then a burning wild fire. The story of Sara Evans is sadly another example. I too have found myself reading what the media published today and viewed the comments. There was a comment that was so disheartening to me, that this is like every other normal marriage. Why is it that when this stuff happens that one sums it up to be the norm. However, it is very sad that many marriages have these common issues but many do NOT. I know plenty of marriages that I can count that are successful blazing ones. These are not marriages that are less than 2 years but have a life span of at least 10 years or greater, some more than 40 years. We just don't see these people on Oprah, Jerry Springer or printed by the media, except in a little blurb in the society page. The couples married for many years have overcome obstacles without sexual immorality. I believe the norm for marriage is one of commitment, appreciating each others differences, honesty and self control. No, this is not a Cinderella thought, or looking into rose colored glasses. Society just seems like they don't want to see the many many success stories and when they come across one, they take pleasure in finding things that are wrong with it and never take the time to appreciate the love, commitment, self control and patience that has kept this relationship thriving.

2006-10-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever started a project that just didn't go as you had envisioned it in your head? I will not say that it is going bad, but that moves you to a place out of the "comfort zone". What is it about comfort zones? Yes they are controlled and cozy, but they also keep us from experiencing the new. It reminds of the story of the little girl with pearl necklace. Each night the little girl goes to bed with the fake pearl necklace and each night her Dad asks her to give him the necklace. This precious one cannot part with the pearls ( comfort zone) for fear she will not have any, but each night he still asks. One night, she becomes brave, courageous and gives up the fake pearl necklace to her Dad. She had the necklace rolled up tightly in her hand as to hold on to the imitation, but to her suprise, when she gives it over to her Dad, he reaches in his pocket and pulls out an authentic beautiful pearl necklace. I wonder as I find my self holding on to things or habits that make me think it is authentic when actually they are only imitation. Why not let go? Are you holding on to imitation "comfort zones "? I need to brave it up, be courageous and go for the authentic knowing that my heavenly Father will replace this imitation stuff. We all like our comfort zone but maybe we need to make sure it is not a fake comfort zone.

2006-10-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

You know one will never know how a person can touch another's life. I had the opportunity to expand my nursing skills with a very special family earlier this week. I was so excited for my patient and family as we sat and went over the plan and how we would start and what the guidelines were. My patient was very receptive as well as the family. Tonight as I was leaving work, I stopped to see how their day was today, I found out they did a fabulous job, they spoke to our medical director about how they appreciated the care I had given, and his family bought me a beautiful wooden angel. I was teary eyed and very embarassed to receive such thoughtfulness. What my patient didn't understand is how blessed I was to be able to meet his need and how much he touched my heart. I feel so honored for the opportunity. You just don't realize what you do can touch someone so deeply. Many times we don't take the time to say " I appreciate your thoughtfulness". This is surely a lesson I have been reminded of today, to value these times even when it is not convenient for us or disrupt our planned day. I will always remember my patient everytime I look at my angel and their thoughtfulness. Although this quick stop caused me to miss my very favorite show "Grey's Anatomy" but dear sweet Betsy has taped it. Yowza!!!! How great is that.

2006-10-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

Just because ....... can mean so many things. For me, it means I am expanding my horizons by blogging. Many will be suprised at my moving into the tech world here. Anyone who knows me will definately be aware of this big step. Have you ever done something from the heart and seen the face of the person receiving the gift? The expression is one of why yet excited, that soothing smile rushes to their face as if to say someone thought of me, or I am important to that person. Gifts given are not always money, brightly wrapped packages, but gifts come to us each day in very many ways, a hug, an e-mail, a song that produces a fond memory, a smile, a kind word. Just because you may be too distracted to see the gift does not mean the gift isn't there, just because ........... sigh just because living life is valuing everyday as a true gift.