Busy Lately!

Well... this has been quite the week!  Where to start.....

Brian had applied on line to a local home improvement store.  They called him back, set up an interview.  He arrived, told them why he was there, and they said "You don't have an interview here."  *blink*blink* after some discussion, it was discovered that it was supposed to be at a different location across town -- but on the same street.  lol  But my son has always had terrific luck, they spoke with him, he said he wanted to work at the store, but they only had one opening -- the same one he'd applied for at the other store.  Lucky him, they interviewed him right there on the spot. When asked why he wanted to work there, he replied "I heard it was a good company, and I like to make stuff."  "You know about tools??"  "Ohhh yeah....."  So who knows what will be in Bri's future!  He filled out papers and took his drug test today. We're just waiting on a start date now......   YAY!  *dances a happy jig*

As for his other saga .....  she called today and said she's been put on bed rest due to a placental abruption -- not usually a good thing if the bleeding doesn't stop.  But even from her bed rest, she continues to harp about how little she imagines Bri to care about what happens.   Always something from the drama queen..... *sigh*

Speaking of drama queens:  After my post the other day about the football game incident, I dropped an email to my daughter, told her I was pretty upset about the whole deal, and how sad I thought the situation was becoming.  I also told her that since I am the one who usually insists that Bri spend holidays down there, PLUS pays the bus fare and back, that I'm done.  If TheEx wants to see his son, he'll have to make the effort.  All of a sudden, he's calling every day, asking about Bri's job prospects, and telling him he'll come up this weekend to take him out.  Maybe a little bug in his ear from his daughter .... well, knowing my daughter it was more like a rant than a bug!  hahahah

My Dad started his second chemo treatment on Weds.  He was in pretty good spirits when I called him to share the news about Bri, but he also sounded tired and weak.  Mom has a new cast, one that's not so tight, her arm kept swelling up.  I keep wishing I was there.  Permanently, not just on vacation. 

And last, my back seems to be back to mostly normal.  Not sure what I did some time last Monday, whether it was stepping wrong, turning a foot wrong, or reaching while bending at the same time -- I pulled a muscle either in my hip or lower back.  (inflamed muscle, irritated nerve is my best guess)  Just taking steps was painful.  I wore a back brace just to hobble the dog around the block last weekend, but spent the rest of it flat on my back, on a heating pad.  Monday was a better day at work, I made sure I was careful and always wore my back brace when lifting or moving things.  After work, I stopped into the gym and did some mild stretches, rolled on the foamy roller, and got some cardio in on the elliptical.  I did that every day this week, and also started back with some light weights on Weds and today -- I'm not in tip-top shape, but its nice to be able to move without gritting my teeth!

Happy Weekend to you!

Dad or Not?

What is a Dad?

It would be easy for me to list the things I know about being a Dad from my own father; he was perfect in my eyes.  If something needed to be done, and it was within his power to do it, he did it.  He isn't the kind who was vocal about saying "I love you", but you knew by his actions.  There was never a doubt that my Dad would be there for me, in good times and bad.

What is NOT a Dad?

I could go on a rant for hours about my ex-husband and how he treats his son.  I don't know the details, but what I do know is that he drove up from Tucson to attend a Cardinals game here in town  Did he call?  visit? offer Bri a ticket to come along?  Nope.  None of the above.  He's vocal when he thinks Bri isn't living up to his potential, but that's all it is:  words.

It isn't the first time, won't be the last.  But it breaks my heart that my son has to live through those "circumstances" when all any of us really need is to know that we're loved. 

Bianca

An unexpected day off work -- my car has been having issues, and I made an appointment with the dealer to check it out.  The "service traction control" light, along with the ABS light has been coming on every now and then, and the AC temp solenoid of some sort in the dash makes a clicking noise when the AC isn't running.  Irritating, but not a problem.  The other is.  So.  I loaded up a bag full of things to do to keep myself busy while I wait for my car -- and lucky me, they have a shuttle service to drive me home!  Which is a good thing, because I'm nursing a strained muscle in my back. 

My service tech just called with the bad news:  there's a wheel hub in the left front that deals with the traction control that's bad, needs to be replaced, along with that AC solenoid.   But he had some good news to share as well:  These repairs will be covered under my warranty!  w00t!  That's pretty darned awesome!!   They recommended a wheel alignment of course, for $99.  I figured as long as it was in there, and is close to 50k miles, to do the trans service as well, and change the oil.  Then I'm all set for a trip to California.....  yay!

Now I just wait for the repairs to be complete, and they send the shuttle out to pick me up.  This day has gone much better than I expected!   

Bianca.... you'll be good to go really soon!
(hehehe, that's what I call my car)

4am Worries

I can't sleep.  Its 4am, I've been awake for an hour, and nothing is working to help me fall back asleep.  I haven't been blogging lately because sometimes writing it all down means facing the reality of how things really are.  And I'm not sure I want to do that.  My dad has stage iv metastatic cancer.  It's easy to say its the circle of life, but its harder to imagine dad not being around any longer.   While I'm trying to cope with this, I also want to make sure that Mom's gonna be ok, and help her figure out how to deal with "life after dad".  *sigh*  no easy answers.   I want to go home to help, to be there, but airline tickets are costly, and driving takes too long.

At the same time, my son sure is in a pickle.  The whole saga of getting someone pregnant irresponsibly is a mess that will become messier once the babe is here.  I know he thought this was love, the real thing, and wanted to do what's right, but he got taken for a ride.  He's paying for her cell phone and her internet, and dammit, I sure have been pissed about that, because he has little to no income and he blew it on that.

On top of that, my car's been acting up off and on with dash lights saying "service traction control" coming on.  I called my mechanic and he said sorry, you need to take it to a dealer.  So I'm having to take Friday off work and sit in the dealership while they check it out.  Of course, just like when you have a toothache and you call your dentist and the tooth stops hurting, my car hasn't acted up all week.   I'm praying very hard that its just a minor sensor problem.

Speaking of the dentist, my son told me he thinks he has a cavity that's bothering him.  He doesn't have dental insurance, so this could be a costly bill as well.  And frankly, I don't know where the money's gonna come from.  

Sometimes, life sure is hard.
I'll let you know how it all goes.
In the meantime, send prayers, good thoughts, or just cross your fingers for me, ok ?

Good News!

Y'all know I like Antiques Roadshow.  Every time I watch, I can't help wonder: 
Has some little trinket I bought along the way got any value to it?


Well.  Here's the good news!  Back in the mid 90s, I picked up a signed lithograph by Sandra Kuck entitled "Jessica" for $20 at a Salvation Army store.  I have always loved this print, and its moved with me cross country and back again.  Every once in a while I get to checking for the artist, or the print, but have never found anything.  (Mine is numbered 346/500) Yesterday while cruising the internet, however, I FOUND a "Jessica" for sale!!! 



Here's what the link says:

Jessica: Lithograph by Sandra Kuck - Framed Art

Signed, numbered (484/500) lithograph entitled, "Jessica"; framed pastel lithograph measures approximately 29.5" in height, and 25" in width. Art professionally framed and ready to hang. Antiqued gold wooden frame; lithograph features a child in a garden and is accented by gold matting. Non-glare glass. Mint condition.

Price: $350.00

 

See there???  

Maybe some day, my granddaughter will take this to Antiques Roadshow, 

tell them her grandmother left it to her.... and it could be worth more :) 

 

Good news in my book !!

 

 

Just Do It

 

Yep, its time. Just do it,

That's going to be my mantra for the week.

It's been tough to get back on track, to stay on track, ever since my vacation.  I'm not sure why, maybe just the stress of it all, then coming back to work to even more stress.  I guess I can lay the blame there.  Altho, its not fair to blame anything but my own choices.  I haven't been able to stay away from sugars and salt ... and living on snacks isn't the way to make progress!  

I read about a simple way to moderate things -- its called the NO S Diet --  no snacks, no sweets, no sugars, no seconds  except (sometimes) on days that start with S.  Hmm, I suppose that makes a little bit of sense, eliminating things that are bad for us most of the time is better than not moderating our eating at all!   So if you have been struggling with getting things back on track, under control, maybe that's a simple thing to get started.  I'm gonna stick a post it note on the fridge, and on my computer at home and at work to remind me:    NO S !!!!   Just do it! 

PS:  

      I am also going to see Personal Trainer Russell on Monday.  

      Even if its just one session, it works wonders. 

Memories

memories come and go
sometimes in a rush of
feelings, emotions.
sometimes they seem
so close, yet slip through
the web of our thoughts.
Places. Sights. Smells.
they all bring back
different memories.
Logic tells us we should
remember things.
But scraps, bits and pieces,
tease us with what
used to be.
memories.

@LDPoetry

Right Place and Time

Ever wondered if you're in the right place at the right time?

Today, my store was evacuated for a bomb threat --- that's some scary, serious stuff!
and lucky for me, it was a day off! 

All said and done, nothing was found, but the store was emptied for hours while they searched.

In the meantime, I took Sadie to the vet, she needed her shots updated, and it was time to be checked out by the vet.  Yes, she's a little on the chubby side -- in part, I believe, because of the weather here, its too hot for her to be outside more than 10 minutes if its over 80 degrees (because of her smooshed up nose/face).  So exercise and outings are limited to once around the block at 5am.  Yes, even on my days off!  ugh.

Driving over there, my car started going bonkers, the "service traction control" light came on, the ABS light came on, and yep, while I have AAA know what to do, I still live in the desert, and it can be a harsh environment if your car breaks down!  So I puttered down main streets where if something were to happen, I would be going slow and in a place I could make a pit stop.  And of course, its a "dealer only" repair.... so I called and made an appt for next Friday.  I just cannot have a car that I'm afraid every time I get in.

Yeah, I think that's enough for a Friday!
Happy Weekend!!!

A Good Tired

Ever notice how there's a difference between
a good tired, and any other kind of tired?
That's me today -- a good kind of tired!

It was a stressful week trying to get all caught back up again after being off.   Lots of work accomplished always makes me feel good, but not when there's an over-abundance of it!

When my day ended, I made sure I left on time, and headed for the gym.  I have been away for eight days!
After 30 minutes and 2.25 miles on the elliptical, I felt
empowered again!

Progress Update:  2013 total miles =  294 miles.... only 90 miles to go to reach my goal!!

Hope you're planning yourself
a really good weekend! Hugs!

Father Goose anyone?

Here I am at Oakland Airport. As always, they ask a person to get all checked in so early.  And with traffic always an unknown thing in the Bay Area, we left in plenty of time....  so now I have an hour's wait. 

It's always so good to come home.  Imagine, the house is still home, has been since 1966.  That's a very long time!  I'm so lucky to have a place to go to that I can still call home.  In fact, I've been home so often that I leave a set of tennies, some clothes, a jacket, toiletries and jammies there so that I don't have to pack very much!  That's really nice, so handy! 

I had a good visit with my Mom and Dad.  We took them to  concert - a first for them - and had a blast.  We had lots of time for sharing, talking, having fun, along with some serious talks as well.  That's how it is when parents get older.  Good visits with my sister, and with my brother.

I sure didn't want to leave.
I wanted to stay, help take care of them.

I did what I could -- shooed them into the other room while I vacuumed the house, cleaned up in the kitchen, that sort of thing.  Anything to give them a hand with whatever chores need to be done. 

That's my job.
 I'm the oldest. 

Guess I'll watch an old movie while I wait.... Father Goose anyone?

Friday Night Concert

 Friday night, our family went to see

Florida Georgia Line, 

Thompson Square, and

Luke Bryan. 

It was the first country concert
my parents have been to ---
and in their 70s!  Way to go, folks!

We traveled in style,
in a stretch Hummer, even. 

Whatta weekend!

Today was a really busy day -- and very odd, as well!

It started with a trip to the hospital.  My Dad had to have his chemo port checked, make sure it was healing properly.  My Mom had to have an x-ray on her broken wrist, then see the doctor to check how it was healing.  Thankfully, Dad's port is all good, he starts chemo on Weds.  Mom's wrist is healing nicely, so they changed her cast from a full arm to just the forearm.  She's very happy about that, even though for today it was sore.  

When we tried to leave the hospital, the car wouldn't start.  Dad has an Impala, and they are notorious for having issues with the traction control mechanisms that force the car into a shut down for 30 minutes.  We had called AAA. but as the driver called us, we attempted one last start, and Voila!  It started for us. 

From there, it was home for a bite of lunch, as it took a large chunk of our morning to do the hospital business.  As we were there, Brandon and Tristan were there for T's sports physical.  So I go to see them for a few minutes as well.

After lunch, we decided that we needed to head to the credit union and close out one of the accounts there, now everything is at one bank.  That will make things easier down the road.  then we stopped off at Costco and got a TV for the bedroom -- Dad may need that if chemo makes him as ill as I suspect it might ..... getting ducks all lined up.  *sigh*

I realized today that my parents aren't ever going to be the kind who talk things out with the rest of the family.  Thats just not how they are, no matter how much I want them to be different, they need to be themselves.  As long as there are decisions made and wishes known, I guess it isn't such a big deal.  Its just harder on me being the one who's farthest away. 

My sister had a big planned surprise for the folks.  We were all going to the local country concert tonight.   In a limo - a white stretch Hummer.  I think two dozen people could have fit inside that thing!   Our driver, Gina, was awesome :)  We arrived, and had VIP treatment.  Drinks beforehand in the VIP lounge.  Then box seats for the concert.  They had a wheelchair escort for Dad because there were so many steps.  The concert was loud, heart thumping, but totally awesome.  Florida Georgia Line (who performs Cruise and Shine On ) ; Thompson Square (my fav by them is called "Glass")  and then Luke Bryan.   Was an awesome night!!!

It was made even more special; my brother was there as well, and we got  picture of the folks, with us three kids all together.   the last time we had  picture like that was 5 years ago for their 50th wedding anniversary.  It may be one of the last times we're all together for something so fun.  I'm sure we'll all treasure the memory for the rest of our lives!   

Time marches on and the circle of life comes full circle.
For those of us left behind, it isn't always easy. 
But we survive. 
Especially if we have memories of a really good day :)

Don't look Down

Jesse Jackson said:  "Never look down on anybody unless you are helping him up."

Today's quote talked about how we look at others and think that you could do much better than them, if put in the same situation.  It's so effortless to stand back and shake your head.  Resist this temptation.  You'll never be able to fully understand another person's situation.  So rather than judging, ask yourself what you can do to make that person's life easier.  Don't preach, don't give advice, unless it is asked for.  Listen to them... by being a friend, you'll not only help somebody in a time of need, but you'll be earning this in return when you someday need it. 

And I'm guilty of this.  I have  a friend who I think is in a bad situation.  I let my emotions get riled up, I get angry at times, when I think my friend should be standing up for what's right, to quit being pushed around, to stand up to being abused.   It's hard for me to remember that what's right for me isn't what's right for my friend.  I have strong opinions about making sure that people aren't allowing someone else to run their life.

But who am I to judge?

That's what I need to remember. 
Sometimes, I need a reminder.
My daily quotes file is good for that.

A Milestone!

On August 5, 

I reached a major milestone 

in my physical fitness goals 

for this year -- 300 miles!


I try to do something every day - elliptical, treadmill, walking my pup Sadie around the block -- all those little things add up, and this is proof!   300 miles in seven months!  I'm gonna give myself a big ol' pat on the back!!  

And just like the mileage I've wracked up, this can happen with so many other things in our lives as well.  Just a little bit every day adds up!!

If you think something is "too big" so you don't even get started, this is your wake up call.  You CAN do something, one little step at a time. 
 

just sayin' ...

Eva sings the blues

Eva Marie Cassidy (February 2, 1963 – November 2, 1996) was an American vocalist and guitarist known for her interpretations of jazz, blues, folk, gospel, country and pop classics.  In 1992, she released her first album, The Other Side, a set of duets with go-go musician Chuck Brown, followed by the 1996 live solo album entitled Live at Blues Alley.  Although she had been honored by the Washington Area Music Association, she was virtually unknown outside her native Washington DC, when she died of melanoma in 1996.

If you've never heard any of her music, you should!
what a moving version she does....
thank you for the music, Eva!  

Ugh, Already!?!?

At lunch a couple of days ago, several of us "old timers" were sitting around the table, and as usual, we talk about things in our BigBox store. 

A young new hire sat down and listened for a moment and chimed in his two cents worth:

  "Management in this store in asinine."

Us old timers gaped at each other, because for someone so new to our store, to retail, and to be able to grasp that told us exactly what we wanted and needed to hear:  We feel the same way and its NOT because we're jaded or wishing for past practices --- it truly IS asinine!

*whew*

Sometimes it takes someone else with a different perspective to tell us what we thought we already knew:  we're not crazy!

Before everyone gets in a tizzy over all that, unless you work with us, you shouldn't judge.  Its difficult to work in an environment where management creates problems all on its own.  Our "team leaders" are all new to our store, mostly new to retail.  And while those of us who have been doing it a while like to do things in what they consider "the old ways" -- sometimes those are the best ways!  (I laugh because its taken this management team three years to understand what I've been saying all along:  everything revolves around your on-hands.  Get them right and the rest of the program works great.)  We had no choice but to go along with the other choices management made thus far.  They finally announced on Friday the new program they put into place to get on-hands corrected.   It's about time, I say.  But they'd better hurry --  guess what's coming?   It's only 142 days until Christmas!  Which really means its only about 60 days until product starts rolling in our back door.  UGH, already!??!??!

Never Lose Hope

Its been a few days since I've posted any real life stuff ....  sometimes its difficult just to get through the days, let alone taking the time to write about it.

As far as drama goes, all has been quiet for the past few days in Brian's saga.  Perhaps she finds another place to vent her frustrations toward. or at.  Happily there were no unscheduled visits this week!  But with this looney lady, things could turn at any time! 

Mom had her x-ray on Friday to see how her broken wrist was doing -- it seems to be healing nicely, and no surgery is needed, which is really good news!   When I spoke with her, I told her she should be taking even more Vitamin D as it aids in inflammation and healing ...  not sure she'll take my advice, but we'll see.

Dad had his port put in his shoulder for chemo treatments.  They'll let that heal before they start the actual process.  He seemed in good spirits and was feeling well on Friday, said the procedure was short and quick, so that was good news as well.

I leave for  visit up there on Wednesday - just a short visit, but seems necessary with all that's going on.  I'll touch base with my siblings, and see about getting them to talk about things, and my sis and I can make sure that finances and such are in order.  Having that burden taken care of will allow everyone to concentrate on other things. 

A quiet Sunday morning here, time for reflection, relaxation, and of course the usual get ready for the week chores.  People sometimes ask how I'm handling it all.  Most times, I handle things with a pretty even keel, staying steady and strong.  I can relate it better this way:  for many years, I raised four other kids along with my own, and was a stay at home mom.  When one of the kids got sick, invariably the others came down with it as well.  I was always the last one to catch anything after everyone else had a turn.  I think its because I stay strong to handle things, until there's nothing else needed, that's when I get hit with being sick.  I assume it will be the same way --- I'll keep handling what needs to be handled until there's nothing left that has to be done.   And never lose hope!

Precious and Few!

Precious and few

are the moments

we two can share!

My daughter, Tanya, was the first grandchild, and is the only granddaughter.  I know she holds a special place in the heart of her Grandpa! 
Just look at how they smile at each other.....
(1982)

 What children need most are the essentials 

that grandparents provide in abundance.  

They give unconditional love, kindness, 

patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life.  

And, most importantly, cookies.  

~Rudolph Giuliani

Celebrations

This was my birthday week, and with things kind of crazy around here, well, the celebrations were kind of spread out....

When I arrived home on Weds, the house smelled Oh So Delicious!  And I thought "whaaaat???"  because the candles I have around are kind of beach smelling, but this - this was something baking!  Turns out my son had hoofed it over to the grocery store and bought the ingredients needed to make a cake from scratch!  Yes, that's right, scratch!  I was really impressed that he could do that.... and I gotta tell ya, that cake was smooth and delicious - way better than the kind you get from a box mix!   (And yes, of COURSE it was chocolate.... hehehe)

Thursday is our night to go to the library, to run any miscellaneous errands, and then treat ourselves to a no-cook night, usually at Taco Bell.  But because its "birthday week", I opted for Chipotle's.  And if you've never eaten at one of their restaurants -- you need to!  I always get a bowl, not a burrito.  This tasty dish is filled with Lime Rice, their specially flavored roasted chicken, sour cream, guacamole and two kinds of salsa.  I think it's fast becoming one of my all time fav things to eat!  (And if I'm going to be a regular customer supporting them, I checked, and yes, they are on the stock market for investors.  They have gone from $60/share to $400/share in the past 5 years.  Hmmmm. Wish I knew then.... )

And now, here it's Friday - the day to put your feet up, sip a cool beverage and chill out for a while -- I wonder if Sadie will be cooperative and allow me to do that!?!?!  hahaha  crazzzzy dog   Happy Weekend!

First Day of School

First Day of School - Bree, August 1, 2013

Education is what remains after one has forgotten 
what one has learned in school.  ~Albert Einstein
 

I think everyone should go to college and get a degree 
and then spend six months as a bartender 
and six months as a cabdriver.  Then they would 
really be educated.  ~Al McGuire





Learning is a treasure that will 
follow its owner everywhere.  
~Chinese Proverb

Don't you love New York in the fall? 

It makes me want to buy school supplies. 

I would send you a bouquet of 

 newly-sharpened pencils

if I knew your name and address.

-From the movie "You've Got Mail"

The first day of school, every year, was pretty awesome for me.  Even though I had perpetual butterflies that started the night before the first day, it was a time to renew old friendships, make new friends, have a new teacher, and be learning new things.  It was always a time that held great promise, you just knew that this year would be better than the last!  Hopefully, this brings back your own memories of those long ago first days of school -- with or without the butterflies!