Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to my family, who are celebrating without me....I am in Canada and we had Thanksgiving in October. My only consolation is that I always take the Friday off and go Black Friday shopping. It is a tradition with my immediate family and a couple invited friends...I plan my strategy a couple weeks ahead of this momentous day. I did not know if I would be going until the flyers came out and I saw the deals. I am planning to get a 19" flat screen TV for $129; a 10 megapixel camera for $49; and an iPod touch for $199 with a $50 gift card for the store where it was purchased. Then going to Target for DVD's, $24 microwave, and pajamas for family members. Denny's for breakfast then on to phase II; Joanne Fabrics, Meijer for grocery items then to the mall; JCPenney, Macy's, Bath and Body Works, then on home. I love the hussle and bussle of Black Friday shopping; I love it even more when I get everything I wanted.

I hope I do not have to pay duty, but knowing how the Canadian government works, they do not like us spending our Canadian dollars in the US, so they will pull everyone in to fork over a few more dollars to shrink our savings.

This is another busy week, so what else is new.....Shopping, more shopping at the Mall's Midnight Madness, clean the church, a luncheon on Saturday, then a bridal shower, kidney foundation dinner Sunday, Union Meeting Monday, Bible study Tuesday, baking Wednesday, Missionary Tea on Thursday, Choir concert and my annual Christmas party with work friends Friday, Shopping with work friends the next Saturday....then I get to rest on December 6, 2009!!!!!!!!!!!! I know, at some point I will say, "ENOUGH", but for now, moving around and being places keeps me active.

Now, back to Thanksgiving.....I am thankful for:
my family (Husband, son, father, sister, brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in laws, out laws);
salvation;
my friends;
my church and church family, my pastor and his wife;
life, health and strength;
my home;
my job;
my van;
living in a free country;
so many blessings;
God's grace and mercy shown daily;
being able to pay my bills in a somewhat timely fashion;
chocolate, fried chicken (which I rarely eat), mushrooms, potato chips, food in general:
the ability to still learn;
the grace to be forgiven;
a loving, giving spirit;
the ability to help others;
the skill to sew and cook;
a sense of humor.

I realize I am a blessed child of God and for that I am truly grateful....Happy Thanksgiving to all. May we all be blessed.
activity of my limbs and the fact that I still have them...

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Nothing much to say

I have nothing much to say today; just thought I would just do randoms:
1. I love my family very much; I am concerned for my unsaved family members. I wish I lived closer to them so that we could spend more time together.
2. I am thankful for the job I have and the people I work with. I have friends who work in other departments and it has to be stressful to come into that environment every day and try to work.
3. I am tired of being concerned about my weight. I have tried, I've lost a few pounds then I hit a plateau, get disgusted and figure what is the use....I have a healthy body, I am not going to be a size 4, not that I want to be, and I am going to embrace this body that I have. I will continue to eat healthy, but I am not going to diet.
4. I miss my mom more and more each day; I see others with their moms and I am Godly jealous; I know my mom suffered and is in a better place, but I want to hear her voice, touch her skin, smell her smell, and most of all, I just want to hug her and let her know how much I love and miss her.
5. At this point in my life, I would like to get up tomorrow morning, pack a small bag, get some money, and just drive until I feel like stopping; check into a hotel, watch movies, eat, sleep and read until I am bored, then drive home. I guess I am saying I need some alone time, which I NEVER, EVER have. I don't want to be responsible for anything or anyone for a few days. I don't want to worry about who has to be where, what is for dinner, how much laundry there is to be done, or why I am the only one in the house who can see the place needs tidying or that toilet paper needs to be put on the roll.
6. I am grateful for the life I have, the blessings of the Lord, for salvation, my family, husband, son, brothers and my sister; my dad, church family, friends, my van, my home, Coach purses, food to eat, my health, the fact that I can see, smell, taste, feel and that I am loved.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Things that have been happening

I have not blogged in a while and that should be a sign that I have been busy, as always. September went by quickly...the church had to go to Toronto to install a new pastor...I drove in Toronto for the very first time...it was not as bad as I originally thought...we went to the other side of Toronto, which means I did not have to do any town driving. We had a beautiful time and the reception afterward was awesome. The caterers did a great job with the food...the presentation was off the chain...I loved the curried chicken and rice served in a small glass...very nice.

There were church anniversaries, special services, family stuff, the usual. The beginning of October I went with my mom's sisters to their annual Sister's Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio...it was my first time attending since they started that tradition 19 years ago...I really enjoyed myself. I was happy that my sister was able to come from Virginia. We had "Divas for Christ" night - diva pictures and karaoke - that was so much fun; shopping on Saturday, dinner at the Cheesecake Factory - so good; games and prizes at the hotel; church with cousin Eld. Caleb Clinkscales and congregation--beautiful service and an awesome word from the Lord. A quick dinner, then on the road to come home...it was nice to be away from my guys--they had bonding time and I had a great chick weekend. Thanksgiving was nice; I baked 6 sweet potato pies - gave away 4 of them; went to Colasanti's, our annual trip, had broasted chicken and potato wedges; dinner on Sunday, then to the outlets for another Coach purse - I am addicted!!!!! (I had a coupon - 20% off) This weekend we go to the Birch Run outlets in upper Michigan, staying at the Hampton Inn, then on to Frankenmuth for Bronner's Christmas World and Zehnder's for a family style chicken dinner - various breads and spreads, coleslaw, cranberry relish, homemade noodles, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, fried chicken, corn, broccoli and homemade pies. All you can eat for $18.00. You get to take the leftovers home...can't beat that. The weekend after is the Pastor's Anniversary Banquet--had my dress since July. Then the last Sunday in October is the close out service for the anniversary...Halloween Day I go shopping with the ladies from work.

November 7 is the Grand Finale for "How Sweet the Sound" competition, being held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The semi finals were a blast....so professional and spiritual. This time we have seats in the 4th row, center section, so we will be up front and personal with the singers and celebrities, maybe even be on camera. As you can see, life is busy but I would not have it any other way; it keeps me young.

We have been having a "Biggest Loser" competition at work; 16 people from various departments are trying to lose weight. The campus nurse does the weighing and record keeping..I joined because I lose weigh faster when I am accountable to someone other than myself..I have not won the weekly prize yet ($15) but I am aiming for the grand prize ($250). I have been losing 1-2 pounds per week, which is what you are supposed to do...so far after 5 weeks I have lost 9 pounds, which makes me happy; I would probably lose more if I exercised on a regular basis, which I don't because of aforementioned busy schedule. I did work out on the Wii Fit the other night...my legs hurt!!!! But I will continue because I need to lose 16 more pounds to reach my goal by Christmas.

Other than all these things, life is good. I am praying for good weather for Christmas because I want to go back to Pennsylvania for the holidays..we had such a great time last year. I want a GPS for Christmas, but if I don't get anything, I will still be happy; to be alive, in reasonably good health, have my family, good food to eat, a warm place to rest my head, a good job and great coworkers, a nice church and church family, my husband and son, a vehicle to drive, the Lord in my life, salvation, peace in my neighbourhood...these are the things that I am thankful for.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

September 1, 2009

Today is my first day back at work after summer vacation. I am some what happy to return; I am so thankful to God that I have a job to return to; I need routine and structure in my life; I can become undisciplined at times which is why I needed to return to work. I spent a great deal of time eating, watching TV, playing games on the computer (I rock at Scrabble and Rummy Squares), and shopping. But most of all, I took the time to enjoy life at a leisurely pace.

I am always rushing to do this or that and as time went on, I realized my husband is the cause of that. He really needs to get a great big shot of patience. His impatience has rubbed off on me and was making me a nervous wreck. I am so glad I saw the light and I am doing my best to not get my knickers in a knot, but to relax and enjoy the ride called "life". If he wants to be that way, that is is problem. But he needs to learn to relax and take what comes along. He also needs to realize that God is in the plan, and if we are 5 minutes late leaving for something, God is preventing us from harm.

This past summer was so good; my sister and aunt came for a visit, my family went back to Pennsylvania with them and spent a week there; I gave my sister her 50th birthday party at my aunt's house and we had so much fun that day; I did some serious shopping while there and just enjoyed being with family. I love my family so much and I regret not having more time to spend with them; it seems I only see them once a year. I missed my bed, and was glad to get home for that reason, but I hated to leave Pennsylvania when I did.

When I got back to Windsor, I went into work for one day to get my orders completed; I visited my friend at her camp site and met a couple friend from the past; my family took a day cruise on the river and had dinner at a new restaurant in Greektown; we went to a fish fry in the country and I went on my first hay ride - it was such a fantastic day; my BFF and I had a "chick" shopping day in Detroit and went out for lunch - the time just flew by; my husband and I packed a lunch and went to sit by the river for a few hours, just watching the scenery go by - nice!; we celebrated the birthdays of a few family members; we went to a friend's for a cookout and had such a great time it was hard to leave; and hubby and I spent my last day of vacation shopping in Detroit - I needed some fall clothing. I had a good summer because the weather was the best - the temps just the way I like them. I got some work done around the house and yard, so that made me happy.

I am back at work with a positive attitude. I am looking forward to having a productive, positive, problem free year; good hard-working students with great attitudes; no strikes; the construction of our new Health Sciences building; being able to stash away enough money for our 2011 Caribbean cruise - that will be a celebration year because if God spares our lives, Errol and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage, and Justin will be graduating college - time to celebrate.

Going on a cruise is the #1 item on my bucket list. Ever since I saw that movie, I made a "Bucket list" and have been working on it. After losing so many family and friends at a young age, it is time to stop putting off things for later and enjoying life to the fullest RIGHT NOW. So, after the cruise, I want to go to Alaska, have a cross country trip with my sister, go someplace that is not in North America, go to New York City, and on and on. I thank God that He has blessed me to reach this age; I am blessed to be working, have a family that loves me, friends around me, a loving church family, good health, a new car, a decent home, a nice neighbourhood, clothes, food to eat, bills paid, salvation, love for my fellow man, a giving spirit, and to be living in a country that is not at war. We overlook the small things but if we did not have them, oh how sad we would be. Thank Lord for one more day to sing your praises...God is so good, He's so good to me. I'll praise His name forever.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

I did it

I did it; I survived the last day of class for the students. It got ugly at times; our boss got involved due to a couple students not understanding the meaning of "NO"; too bad he did not have our back, but June 26, 2009 is over and done. Time to move on. I am a couple days away from being finished work for the summer.

We do not have any concrete vacation plans. I am not feeling it this year; maybe it is the economy and just feeling the desire to hold on to the little bit of cash I have, or maybe not having enough cash to do what I really would LOVE to do - go to Ocean City, Maryland or Orlando, Florida or take a cruise somewhere. So I will just go to Pennsylvania to visit family for a couple days, go to Birch Run and Frankenmuth, Michigan for a few days, and take a 2 hours Detroit River cruise and see the sights. I plan to take a picnic lunch and sit by the river in Windsor; go to the country and buy vegetables, visit my friend at her trailer for the day; work on my quilts; go shopping at a leisurely pace and actually enjoy the journey; take time to go for a walk; eat at a restaurant that I have never tried before, just basically enjoy life. I have not been feeling all that well lately; I know it is because I am tired. I hope I am ready in September to return to all this craziness.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Days are winding down

I don't like what I have become in the last couple days....I am usually a calm person, but situations lately have turned me into a short-tempered, angry, cranky person. Students again and I will not begin on that tirade....same garbage, different day. The clients in the clinic are a piece of work...the latest list of complaints:
1. Why does it take so many visits to clean your teeth? (teaching school)
2. I did not want fillings, therefore I should not have to pay! (you came, you pay)
3. I don't have any money! (could you tell me this BEFORE we did the work)
4. You loosen my filling when my teeth were cleaned, so you should do the work for free. (it is documented you came in with a loose filling - PAY!)
5. Every time I come, you want me to pay $35 for a filling (go to the dentist and pay $200 if that bothers you)
6. I don't want to have a cleaning; I just want my tooth fixed (not our policy)
7. I'm in pain, I need my tooth done NOW (no can do, you are not a client here)
8. Thanks for nothing you b***h, (your welcome, God bless you)
9. I need work done now, can you put my name first on the list? ( if you brushed your teeth, you would not be in such a hurry)
10. I called and did not leave a message because it only beeped once (it says leave a message after the BEEP, not BEEPS!!!!!!!!!!)

...and so on and so on. All of this took place and it was not even a full moon. People seek out our clinic, we do not go after them, so stop with the complaints. Comply with our policies or go to a dentist and pay their fees. Everyone is having a rough time financially, so your case is not special....I have heard it all. Do not neglect your teeth for 20 years and expect us to drop what we are doing, ignore our policies and take care of you just because you are in pain. Regular dental care will prevent most emergencies. "A lack of planning on your part does not constitute and emergency on my part". God give me strength to endure these next 2 days without hurting someone....these people are NOT worth jail time, lol.....!!!!!!!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

One of those Days

I will begin by apologizing to anyone reading this; I use my blog as a place to rant and vent; if this is not what you want to hear, STOP READING NOW.
Yesterday was one of those days when you feel that you have had enough and you need someone to stop the merry-go-round and LET YOU OFF. The end of the school year is always full of drama; it is hectic, mind blowing crazy, and you just want it to be over. That is the point I have reached. I am sick of it all; I love my job, I just dislike this time of year. Students do not have great time management skills and of course wait until the last minute to do work that could have been done weeks ago. Then it becomes our problem if they do not finish their requirements, they lose instruments, they have to resort to lying and cheating to accomplish their tasks; enough is enough. The whole situation could be fixed by LETTING ME GO ON VACATION RIGHT NOW. I constantly leave work late because I have to fix a problem at 4:30pm everyday; I am rushing home to take Justin to work, get supper finished, clean the church, go to Bible study or get to quilting class, take your pick. I long for leisure time. Relaxing on the porch in the morning, eating breakfast and watching the birds, taking time to actually browse when shopping, not having a schedule, not having to be anywhere at any particular time, lying in bed until I am ready to get up. This is what I do when I am off for the summer..............HURRY JULY 10TH.....I NEED YOU NOW.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Just stuff

I am just going to talk about stuff. I am looking forward to finishing up at work, and starting vacation, even though we do not have any concrete plans for our vacation. I know what I would like to do, but I have to consider my husband and his limitations.

It has been a difficult semester; a lot of student issues that has cause a great deal of stress at work. Students consistently have ignored our instructions and I feel they are not ready to graduate, but it is not my call to make. I cannot believe how this generation feel they must lie, cheat, steal and whine in order to get by. I view this on a daily basis. People call our clinic and feel they are the only people in need of care and we are to drop what we are doing and immediate come to their aid, even though they have neglected their dental care all these years; now they are in extreme pain and it is our duty to help them, NOW !!!!!!!

I am happy we got a lot of junk out of our basement; I could not believe what we had stored down there. It felt so good to purge and rearrange things. The family room is shaping up nicely. I got a reclining love seat down there and once I am finished work, I can get the laundry room together and I will be satisfied with the basement. I want to clean and arrange my kitchen cupboards and finally paint my neglected bathroom. We have been in our house for 7 years this July and have not made any major changes since we have been here.

I miss my family and being able to take part in family functions. I wish my family would visit more, but with the new restrictions and needing a passport, I doubt they will put me on their visitation list. I love having company and making them feel welcome. I have some new recipes I want to try; I love to cook.

I am making dinner for my husband and dad for Father's Day. Our tradition is to have barbecue steak. Therefore we are having striploin steak with grilled peppers and swiss cheese, twice baked potatoes with bacon, green onion and cheddar, romaine salad with red onion, cukes and strawberries;grilled asparagus and corn on the cob, garlic toast and brownie sundaes for dessert. I hope they enjoy it.

that is all for now, I am tired and I need to go watch the hockey game to see the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley cup. Peace out.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

My upcoming birthday

Tomorrow is my birthday; birthdays always make me reflect on my life and I am always surprised that I have made it this far in life. I used to think that I would die in my 40's; don't ask why, I just used to think that. There are days that I don't feel my age, although I don't know what I am supposed to feel except good.

I am happy with my life; it has been a good one. There have been plenty of valley and a few peaks, but all in all, I have been satisfied. We cannot change the past, but we can change the future by changing the present. If I had to make any changes, these are the things I would change:
1. I would appreciate the instructions from my parents
2. I would have hugged my mom more.
3. I would have saved my money instead of paying for charge cards.
4. I would have worked at satisfying myself instead of others
5. I would have enjoyed the journey instead of getting to the destination
6. I would have asked more questions instead of assuming I knew the answers.
7. I would have worked harder in college; I would have been a nurse instead of a secretary, although I don't know if that would be better or not. I enjoy what I do; but nursing would have had advantages.
8. I would have worked harder at maintaining a healthy weight and taken better care of my body.
9. I would have spoken up more instead of being the silent majority.
10. I would not have been so complacent about things; I would have done more.

In all that I have listed, I have learned valuable lessons and have learned from my mistakes.

1. I do not depend on others to make me happy.
2. I speak up and I don't care who does not like it
3. I defend myself and owe no one an explanation
4. I take care of myself and I am financially independent.
5. I have a job I love and friends who love and support me.
6. I am raising my son to be responsible, loving, compassionate and kind. Pray for me and him.
7. I am not judgmental and feel that people have the right to make the decisions they do; they are the ones who must deal with the consequences, not me. I can accept you for you.
8. I actually love myself, wrinkles, rolls and crooked teeth and all. I am unique and there is no one else on the earth JUST LIKE ME.
9. I am a valuable person and I have a lot to give; I can contribute to this world and leave my mark.
10. Love me or leave me alone---I will endure.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

An epithany

Something came to me today that I have not thought about for quite a number of years....I was reading an excerpt from "Chicken Soup for the Soul", and one line made me remember something from my childhood.

I used to be a very quiet, shy child...yes I was, even though it seems hard to believe. I had a very low pain tolerance and was afraid of my own shadow. I did not like to meet people that I did not know and could not carry on a conversation to save my life. Of course adults had nothing encouraging to say about me because they thought me strange. Most kids were out having fun and I was content to sit, read and observe. (the reason I have a good memory) I was always put down and lambasted for "acting" strange. I was always told I would never amount to much because I was stupid,(not) "weird". (this from relatives who did not amount to much either) Now, just imagine hearing this all the time, no matter what you did; if I got all "A's" and one "C" (geometry), they focused on the C and said nothing about the A's. I felt like nothing I did was ever good enough.

That one line I read in that story made me realize why I strive so hard and just have to do everything and I am never satisfied with what I do. I am trying to prove that I am worth something to these people, some of whom are no longer alive. I feel that I have to constantly prove myself and the only one I have to please is God and myself. I am such a perfectionist; everything has to be just so, even down to the way I cook and the foods I serve. This is probably the reason I have been overweight all my life. Food was the only thing that makes me feel good; I did not get the affection I craved; my brothers got "C's and D's" in school and it was great. I got a "C" and was chastised. A few years ago I came to grips with myself and did my best to not be a people pleaser. I don't give a care now....I am too old to care. At this age, I pretty much say and do exactly what I want but I wasted a good life being a people pleaser and getting no where.

I have never been happier, even though I still keep a lot on my plate, but at least I am happy in what I am doing. I support myself, gave birth to a great son, have a kind, loving husband, a decent home, I am a great cook, I love to quilt, I still love to read and read anything I get my hands on; I love to travel, shop, eat, be with my friends; friends that I chose, not ones picked out for me. Never mind that my friends don't meet someone else's standards, they are good enough for me.

Since I left Pennsylvania, I have stopped being judgmental; I learned that behaviour there and I hate it. I have learned to accept people for the people they are; they have that right to think, act or behave how they want. I am capable of accepting them for who they are, good or bad. I am not responsible for their behavior, I am only responsible for treating them as human beings, and loving them no matter what. It was good that I left Beaver Falls, to see how the rest of the world lives and to know that Beaver Falls is NOT the whole world. There are fantastic places to explore and discover. There are fantastic people to befriend, even if they are of a different nationality. I have eaten Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Arab, Phillipino, African, Jamaican,Mexican, Polish, Ukranian and German food. It was very good; my friends love my food also. We share ideas,food, friends, recipes, clothes, coupons, and fun. And I am not judged by these loving people....I am accepted as the person I am.....a loving, caring, free hearted, giving, Godly, prayerful, accepting woman who may not be perfect - I have curves, wrinkles, flat feet, crooked teeth, and I don't wear a size 4....I don't have to. I am an individual, I am unique, because there is no one else in this entire world JUST LIKE ME. I am blessed, more so because I had this awakening today, March 25, 2009. i AM A PHENOMENAL WOMAN.........!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Catching Up Again

I realize I have not blogged in a while and this will probably be the last one for a bit; life is getting really busy and even though I like blogging, I don't always have time. Today I am feeling a bit apprehensive and I don't know why; but I am going with the flow. My cousin wrote something on Facebook and I like it; she listed 25 things about herself; it was very honest and eye-opening, so I decided to give it a try; maybe it will give me some insight into what I am feeling, so here goes:

1. I love my family very much; I miss them more than words can say.
2. I enjoy being married, and I love my husband.
3. I like living in Windsor.
4. I could never live in Beaver Falls again, no way, no how.
5. I feel that I am misunderstood.
6. I am blessed more than I deserve to be.
7. I am happy that I had Christian parents and Christian upbringing.
8. I never thought that I would live to be the age I am.
9. I have always wanted to be skinny, but it is not important anymore.
10. I love the job I do and don't mind coming to work everyday.
11. I wished my sister and I lived in the same city.
12. I am proud of my son and love him very much, I only want the best for him.
13. I wish I got more hugs and kisses; sometimes I don't feel loved, even though I am
14. I love food; chicken, turkey, hamburgers, shrimp, salad and pasta; it makes me feel good to cook for people and to eat what I made.
15. Hershey bars are the best candy, aside from Rosalind Candy Castle's candy.
16. One day I would like to have my own apartment and a Jeep Liberty in red.
17. Sometimes I don't want to do the right thing.
18. Sometimes I get tired of being the responsible person; I want to be taken care of
19. I love to smile, laugh and have a good time; it is vital to my life.
20. I enjoy being with my friends at lunch; I feel appreciated by them.
21. I love to spend money on other people.
22. I need to be accepted.
23. I wanted more children, at least two more.
24. I am looking forward to being a grandmother one day.
25. I am thankful for salvation;I love praise service and being in the Lord's presence.

That is my list for today; I actually feel better for writing it. I realize I have a lot to be thankful for and I AM Thankful.
I can continue;
26. I love to go for a long drive in the summer, windows down, wind blowing, music blaring, iced tea in the cup holder, peanut M&M's at my side and a fun destination in place; at that moment I feel blessed.
27. Red is my favorite color.
28. I hope to be as beautiful a person as my mom and grandmother.
29. I wish my teeth were straight and very white.
30. I want to retire to Ocean City, Maryland and go to the beach every day.

I had a wonderful Christmas with my family; it did my heart a world of good to be with my family this Christmas; the food was good and the company was even better. I got more gifts than I needed; I did not want anything, but I was blessed. We had great travel weather, thank you God for hearing and answering that prayer; I got a new van, thank you again God, because you heard that prayer also. You gave me what I wanted at the price I wanted and right on time.

I was blessed to see the inauguration of the first African-American president, Barack Obama, and I cried big ole tears thinking of what my ancestors would think of that moment. I am praying for his safety, his leadership and that he would accept Christ in his life so that he will be the best leader for this country.

I am anxiously awaiting summer; we have had a lot of snow this year and it is still coming. I would love to go to New York City this year, even if just for the day. I want to see the sights. With the help of the Lord, I will get there. This is all I have to say for today.....until the next time, I remain a child of God.