Are. You. Happy.

Are you happy?  Such an interesting question that brings so many things to mind.  And truth be told, not an easy question to answer.

I was watching Frasier (1993) and Niles asked the question.  And it made me think .... what makes a person truly happy?

When I was young,  it was so easy to believe that I would be happy being married, being a mom.  Those things happened and yes. I was happy, in the larger scheme of things.  

Being happy isn't a goal you can think of and reach for.  Being happy is the little extra on the side of reaching goals.  I always told myself I wanted to own my own home by the time I was 50.  I reached that goal, bought my first home the year I turned 50.  And that was very happy!  

But now its 15 years later, and time to rethink the question, "are you happy?"

I have to admit, being retired is a good happy!  It's not what I imagined in my mind when I was younger, but its still pretty good!  Now, I just have to remember that happy is the little things that come along, to notice those things and appreciate the happiness inside those little moments.  Helping my nephew with his kids, helping Mom now that she lives here, and learning to find happiness in the little things.  (Like naps!!) 

So ask yourself, Are You Happy??

Because Somebody Prayed

Because Somebody Prayed is a song that's been playing on KLove lately,  and it reminded me of something.   When I worked retail, on a busy, stressful day, my manager and I were working on some boxes, and chatting, the way you do.  He stopped and looked at me, and reached a hand toward my bangs.  I thought maybe he was going to brush away some lint, or a bug.  

Instead, he made the sign of a cross on my forehead.  I didn't say anything, just looked at him. He had a look of concentration on his face.  I know he was praying for me. 

How often have you prayed for someone? Or had someone pray for you?  There are times when we don't know if or when someone prays for us.  My grandmother often told me she was praying for me.  As a teen, I didn't claim much comfort from that thought.  

But now as an adult, I know there is power in prayer.  I know I've prayed for people over the years.  I don't know if those were a part of the end result, but I like to think so. 

If you're having a bad day, ask someone for prayers. If you see someone who's hurting, say a little prayer.  It helps! 

Mary Poppins

Anything's possible.  This what comes to mind when you watch the movie Mary Poppins.  I first saw this movie at the drive in with my family.  How exciting it was to snuggle in the car with a bowl of popcorn and watch the magical scenes happening.  It made you think that anything is possible ..... if only we had our own magical nanny!!!!

Each of us has our own favorite songs from the film.  I can remember playing the soundtrack on my record player.  I would step onto the toy box, open my umbrella and leap off, praying I would float back down, just like in the movie!  

I could sing every word of every song, and still can.  Its a precious memory, and I still enjoy the movie every now and then.

Thank you, Walt Disney, for creating this magical movie for all of us to enjoy!

Happy 60th anniversary. Mary Poppins!

Humor

 

This was on my FB memories this morning from a few years ago.  I still find it humorous today!

Holiday Differences

This year is the first time in 23 years that I am not scrambling during the holiday season, not looking at holiday products starting in September. That I can actually enjoy the holidays!  

Retail is a difficult job. We begin unloading holiday product from trucks in August and September. We are constantly getting more and more product, and spend much of our work days from Sept thru the New Year handling these holiday items. The last thing you want to look at when you get home is .... yep ... more holiday items!!!

Since most of our family gatherings will be held at mom's, it won't be necessary that I decorate.  But I started today anyway!  

This is the Bay window in the living room.  I'm hanging a few ornaments from a piece of garland that I splurged on:  all of $4.98 !  Yay me!!!

As it gets closer to Christmas, I'll move out the plant and put my tree right there! 

Dreams Again

I dream a lot.  And remember many.  But have you ever woke yourself up shouting from a dream?? 

Last night, just before midnight, I was having a dream.  We were in a house, the front door was closed and locked. The keys were hanging inside from the doorknob. It was dark out; my sister and I were watching kids (ours? Unknown)  

Suddenly, I saw the keys being pushed out of the doorknob, presumably because someone was pushing their key in from the outside.  I remember smashing my shoulder against the door, trying to holler "dial 911!!!" But my voice wasn't working.  I woke myself hollering "Lorrrrrr-iii"

Sometimes dreams are just so strange.  But its rare for me to wake myself hollering!

Cooking Dinner

When I was raised, mom did all the cooking.  Unless it was dad grilling up some chicken or burgers.   (I miss your chicken, Dad!)

Today I picked up Mr Z from school, and arrived a few minutes early.  A couple of dads sat at the picnic table, we were all waiting for kids, and I overheard them discussing cooking Thanksgiving dinner. And since I don't have a poker face, I'm sure what I was thinking was written all over my face.

Whoa. Dinner recipes being exchanged?

Now I realize that the world is a different place, and maybe those were single dads.  I was thinking that if they were, they probably did the cooking.  I just never imagined them talking and swapping recipes! 

Ahh, the changes.

Mom had to grocery shop, and I noticed that she always, always, needs audio stimulation. If its not the TV, then she talks. Non stop.  Haha Lucky me!

Homework Time

When you are at your parents' house, you end up reverting to them being in charge. And at 86, my mom isn't quite up to being in charge any longer.  But she tries. She likes thing her way, always has. 

At her age, she's more easily chilled. Yesterday, she has the electric fireplace warming the living room.  But her fav  grandson came over, he's always warm, so opened up her patio door, and let the heat out or the cold in.  Either way, he's the one who gets his way with her.  (My sister's son). 

And I was reminded all over again the reason I moved away.   (This will be an ongoing topic ... sorry!)  

Today I picked up Mr Z, expecting his dad to pick him up around 4.  He showed up at 530.  Puts me off my fasting schedule unless I bring along my dinner.  Guess I need to anticipate that he's like his mother ... always late! Haha

Homework and a snack for Mr Z. Brings back memories of my own kids!!!! ❤ 

The Gym

When you know you should go to the gym but are able to make excuses because there are other things to be done, why is it so hard to get back to the gym????

I watched Mr Z quite a bit last week as my nephew is working and also interviewing with local PDs - which is quite a process.  I know because my ex went through it. 

I finally just smacked the excuses this morning, jumped out of bed, and headed over.  38 minutes and 10 miles on the bike.

So I'm doing my happy dance!  Here was today's motivation: 

When's lunch?????

Delish Dreams

I find it wonderfully fascinating when I dream about a hunky guy.  Its usually not someone I've ever met ..... but wouldn't it be nice????

A bunch of us was roughing it on some kind of campout, and we needed some supplies.  We headed to the local tractor supplier kind of place where we could get the stuff needed. (And now I can't recall what kind of tools they were!)  

I was wandering one of the aisles behind my ex husband, having a discussion about what was needed and which was best.  The one I thought was best, he shot down with a derogatory comment.  And up behind me walked Mr Dreamy.  

He told my ex that my opinion was valid. My ex took a couple of steps toward me and Mr Dreamy slid an arm around me and pulled me back against him. There is nothing like the feel of a very tall, solid body to lean against ......

I turned around and looked up into his face, his blue eyes, he had a full beard and mustache.  I felt like I knew who he was, if only I could look at him for a while longer ...   but then I woke up and his image was only on the fringes of my mind and I didn't recognize him.

I remember a plaid flannel shirt and rugged work boots.  

If this is a mystery man meant for me ...... woo hoo!

Parenting

Isn't it funny how we all have different ideas on the specifics of parenting.  What we do with our kids is most often shaped by how our parents did things.  Or we do things different because of what they didn't do.

I can remember being 17/18 and thinking I do NOT want to be like my mother.  But its 45 years later and I'm not sure what the specific reason was at the time.  As I look back, and then add in experience, in some ways I AM like my mother.  

But different parenting creates different people.  I have some definite ways of my own.  And as I watch my nephew navigate parenting alone, I can see how my sister did things differently than I did.  

In my thinking, we should choose our priority and do our best to stick with it.  For me, that was making sure my kids were well cared for, spent time with them, and showed them how to become better humans.  They had baths every day, meals every day, and I said "I love you" every day.  And when it came to my career choices, i didn't always choose the path with the most money. I chose the path that gave me solid work hours and a set schedule.  IMO, kids need routine. 

I see that lacking in Mr Zs world.  He goes from dad's to mom's to Grandma's. On days I pick him up from school, he always asks where he's going.  It breaks my heart that he doesn't know.  I raised six kids for 10 years. We posted a schedule on the wall and at the end of dinner every day, we reviewed whats up for tomorrow.  Kids need to know.

I know this post is all over in topic. But I have a soft spot for kids.  They need more than being shuffled. They need to be your priority.

Ahh Kids

I am official now.  When picking up kids at the local elementary school, you have to tell a teacher standing there with a computer, which student you are picking up.   I've been there, done that with the drill.  But today??  She recognized me!!  Guess I've picked up Mr Z plenty of times now!!  

Yesterday, we painted these wooden welcome signs ..... 

Fam & Crabby Old Lady

Sunday dinner at mom's.  Spaghetti with strawberries and whipped cream for dessert.  My nephew in his wisdom squirted whipped cream on the back of Mr Zs hand and had him hit his arm, to see if he could catch the glob.  

While it was amusing, my mother would never have approved.  Except he is her fav grandson.   I'm sure tomorrow I will hear all about how bad this was.

And now its Tuesday morning.  I didn't post yesterday for fear I'm beginning to sound like a crabby old lady.  Things get bogged down, and its easier to point out all the wrongs instead of focusing on positives.

We watched Mr Z yesterday as there was no school.  We took a walk around the block and spied this old Plymouth (1942?). Then we headed to his baseball game.  We get there and he doesn't have his glove.  While his mom and dad aren't together, they should be helping him be organized!  I felt horrible for him, and pissed at his parents.  Its their job to teach him the things he needs to know in life!  Grrrrr.

So much for not being a crabby old lady, but sometimes, its justified!!  (haha)

Take a Walk

Saturday night and I decided at the last minute for a neighborhood walk.  It wasn't something I wanted to do, but I knew it would be good for me.  Not only is it exercise, an after dinner walk is good for digestion, and helps for sleeping.

Its always surprising when I get back how much better I feel after a walk.  So if you're looking for something to lift your mood, take a walk!

Back When

Back when I was working, I seemed to be so organized. Work all day, make a meal, do chores, take a walk, repeat again tomorrow.  Back then, I couldn't wait for the day when I could retire and do my own thing all day.

Back when I was working, I found time? or created time? to do extra things, like sit in the sun and read for a while. 

Back when I was raising kids, there seemed to be so much more time in my days.  Logically I know there are the same 24 hours.  But why does my time seem so much less than that??

Maybe I should go back to writing lists. Having a to do list, whether its written or just in your mind, seems to help get things done.  I do better when I'm on a schedule, but retirement has put me into a non  schedule mode, and that's not working for me.  Add in helping mom and my nephew and when there's a day where no help is needed, I do nothing. Or very little. 

Google says: "Predictable, repetitive routines are calming and help reduce anxiety. They'll also help you take control of your day and subsequently, your life. Start your day off right."

That's what I need.  It would do me a world of good.  I just need to start.

Maybe tomorrow. 

Happy Friday!

Day 2 not feeling good, tired and cold.  And yesterday, I had to dash over to Mom's to help her transfer some funds from savings to checking.  She bought her furniture and then mailed her property taxes check.  And then was awake most of the night because she was worried about the money.  

Even though she had a couple of days before there might be a problem, I know it would worry her until it got done. 

So I zoomed over.

And I was supposed to watch Mr Z after school, but his mom is picking him up. So I have a free evening! 

 In the meantime, at one of the ballgames, Ms J and I dropped some kindness rocks, and one was found. She posted to the group and thanked me for the rock!  Always makes me happy when my painted rock makes someone smile! Happy Friday!

Frustrations

Mom got her furniture yesterday, it looks nice!  But she's funny, hates letting go of her old things.  One chair is over 30 years old and it leans to one side when she sits in it, but we dragged it into the spare bedroom so she could keep it.

Then it was time for me to do the annual sign up for Medicare advantage programs.  I started the application and they wanted a Medicare number.  But eek!  I can't find the card. Then remembered I had picked up something and tossed it in the garbage. So while dinner cooked, I was scrapping through the trash and yay!  I found it.  Whew. One less worry.

My nephew wanted me to watch Mr Z, take him to his ballgame.  I stuck around at mom's and at 3pm he sent a text about all the plans changing.  So I packed up and went home.  I remember when I was divorced and the kids were little,  outings were planned on days when the kids were with Dad.  While I don't mind watching kids, helping out, I don't want to wait all day and then have plans canceled. 

Frustrations.

Maybe I can work them off at the gym.

Go-To Movies

Repetition soothes my OCD tendencies.  Especially when it comes to watching TV. I've been watching the same movie over and over for a while now. And can't seem to get enough of it.  Can you guess what it is?

• "When are we gonna get the records?" 
•  "Luke 21:19" 
•  "In your patience possess ye your souls."  
• "Luke, who's Luke? When are we getting the records?"  
• "Wednesday."

I let it run over and over while I get ready for my day.  I sometimes watch while I eat lunch.   That Thing You Do.

Sometimes a movie that's light hearted and uncomplicated fits the bill.   And happy tunes make it that much better.

Do you have a "go to" movie??

Life With Ma

When she moved here, mom had four chairs for the living room, until one broke.  Little did I know, the chair was 30+ years old.  She likes things that last. Forever.

So now she either needs to buy 2 chairs, or a couch.  And she really wants a couch now, because her fav grandson has a girlfriend.  Don't ask me to try and explain how one relates to the other.  

So I offered to take her to a furniture store on Weds then go grocery shopping.  But "that's too much for one day" she said.  So we're going Tuesday and grocery shopping Wednesday.  Yay me!

This should be interesting .... she's five foot nothing, and furniture these days are built for larger people.  She sits on the couch to try it out, and her feet don't touch the floor.  Same with finding her some kind of chair. They're all too big for her. Add to that, she is picky as to build, comfort and materials used.   

I'm guessing I'm going to need to wear my healing stones necklace to help me stay ... relaxed.  I'll let you know!

PS: it finally got cold here. I set my heater thermostat to come on at 64 degrees. It came on this morning!!! Brrrr

Love the Rain

Usually, rain in the Valley of the Sun happens during monsoon season - June 15 to September 15.  Yesterday, there was a small chance of rain,  but I was lucky and it rained here! Even though it was after sunset - and I was in my jammies! 

I was tired after my all day trip on Saturday, so most of the day was spent just resting up.  Other than our rain, it was an uneventful day.  

And sometimes those are just as necessary as the normal days, or even the busier days!! 

 

Its a Drive!

Spent time yesterday with my daughter, granddaughter, and met my great granddaughter!!  I luv me some baby snuggles!!

But it was a drive!  Two hours in the car with mom.  Each way.  And I dreaded listening to the radio, because of the political ads!! So I made a Playlist on my MP3 player, old country from the 60s and 70s that I grew up on.  We spent a lot of time singing along,  which meant not so much talk time.  That was ok with me!  

Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, Tammy Wynette ... and the list goes on.   Good memories!

Tickle tickle, Miss Izzy!

Sick Day

Sometimes, the need for a sick day is a necessity for our mental health.  And sometimes, its really about being sick. No fever, but chills and a stomach ache.  Spent the day just chilling out. And feeling better today.  Mostly.

Its family day.  Happy weekend!

Relax and Walk

I was doing some reading, and just before sunset, I jumped up and decided on a spur of the moment walk. 

Its easy for me to grab a good book, and get into the story.  I tend to immerse myself fully into stories.  My current book is about a woman who trains dog. And the descriptions of the dogs, the interactions, were so descriptive, it had me googling for a local pug breeder!  And I don't really want a dog at this point.  Or do I??  

And so the thought came to me that I need to do more than read books.  So a walk was the answer.  It was a lovely 78 degrees, and the pains in my hip/leg were less than normal, so I enjoyed it!!  

Happy Friday!