Life is Good – February 6, 2009

This week brought some good things my way…

I’ve found the fountain of youth!

Not really. But I am in better shape than I thought earlier this week. My Wii Fit age has dropped dramatically from 58 years old when I did my first body test on Sunday to 36 years old on Thursday! (Sunday’s reading may have had a bit to do with being out the night before, a few beers and coming home at 1:30 am.) Quick explanation for those who were confused: The Wii Fit is a video “game” that is so technologically advanced that it weighs you, measures your BMI and provides you a virtual trainer to help you work out as often as you choose. Based on your body test, it provides you with your Wii Fit age, which estimates your level of fitness to be, for example, equivalent to a typical 58 year old. Since I am actually 42, not 58, I was NOT pleased with Sunday’s reading!

My perspective about my job has improved drastically. After all my worrying recently, I was greeted with enough work to light my hair on fire at times this week and I loved every minute of it. The hours passed quickly and I felt more productive than I have in a long time.

Speaking of work, I’ve realized how lucky I am to work with a group of people who get along so well together. My coworkers make the office a place that I actually look forward to going most days. Shannon, in particular, is the one who sits closest to me and we bounce ideas off each other constantly. In the past year I have come to value Shannon not only as a coworker but as a friend I can really talk with. Our work is often interspersed with fun and laughter. She informed me earlier this week that she was visiting with our boss and told her that if there are any future plans for rearranging of the office that she and I are NOT to be separated. She also told me that she didn’t like it when I took the day off last Wednesday and she would appreciate if I would coordinate my days off with hers from now on. What a huge compliment to know that she values me the same way I value her.

The virus that visited our house over the past couple of weeks seems to have gone on its way. Kacey and Mark are both feeling better and I think Jake and I dodged the bullet. (Knock on wood!)

The sunshine made several appearances again this week.  I do love me some sunshine! The air was warmer, the ice on my running path melted, the pavement is dry again and I was able to get a good run in which always recharges my batteries. And the best part? There’s more sun in store for the weekend!

Happy weekend, all!

Life is Good – January 30, 2009

I’ve been really selfish lately. I’ve had the nerve to become frustrated with my job. I thought my frustration was justified because I really love my job. I’ve been frustrated because business is slow. I like to be busy. I love to be challenged and I get a rush from solving problems. And I made the mistake of forgetting how profoundly fortunate I am to have a job at all. My eyes have been opened to this fact several times this week. So many are struggling right now. To be employed is a gift and one I won’t make the mistake of taking for granted again.

I took Wednesday off this week and still had my usual Thursday off too. My daughter ended up coming down with a virus and stayed home from school both days. I felt bad that she was so miserable, but loved having the chance to be home with her and pamper her. I don’t often get to do that anymore, and being teenagers, my kids don’t necessarily need me to dote on them. But I’m pretty sure they don’t mind and I love it.

I realized this week how blessed I am to have such good kids. They don’t get in a lot of trouble and don’t cause me a lot of worry in regards to their social activities. While at a basketball game this week, I noticed sitting on the opposing team’s side of the gym some of my daughter’s former classmates from the Catholic school she used to attend. One of them looked like the poster child for teenage promiscuity. She was holding up a hand made sign intended to cheer on the team’s star player. It read, “Rob, father my children.” Maybe I’m getting old. Maybe I would have found that funny a few years ago. Now, it just makes me sad to see that this is how so many girls think they need to behave in order to be popular. It makes me realize how lucky I am to have kids who are comfortable with themselves just as they are.

Finally, a simple pleasure. Last night the moon was shining bright as headlights on the interstate. It was GORGEOUS! I saw it as I walked to my car in the Target parking lot and I just stood for a moment next to my car, gazing at it and just feeling in awe. I tried to take a picture of it and of course this can’t even do it justice. I guess something that beautiful just can’t be captured. Like so many special things in life, you just have to appreciate it for the moment.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Life is Good – January 9, 2009

We’re knee deep in winter here. It’s getting hard to think positively. There is snow covering the ground for as far as the eye can see.  Underneath the snow there is ice. On top of the snow is a layer of grime. More snow is predicted in the days to come. It’s frigid. Even the sun seems hesitant to show its face these days. It is dark when I leave the house in the morning and it is dark again when I head home from work. There must be something good to say about winter…

Anyone?

Bueller?

*crickets*

Oooooh! …I know!

Mosquitoes! There is a noticeable absence of mosquitoes this time of year. I hate mosquitoes and the way they sneak up on you and take a bite, leaving you itching for days. I’m really glad the mosquitoes are gone. What else? Hmmm…Hey! There’s also not much chance of getting sunburned, so we’re saving lots of money not having to stock up on sunscreen. Also, if the freezer goes out, I won’t have to replace it right away. I can just open the back door and toss my frozen foods on the deck. And then there’s sweating. No one really likes to sweat all that much, do they? We are definitely not sweating here. Not a whole lot of B.O. this time of year. And hey! Here’s a bonus! It’s too cold for Neighbor Bob to hang out in his driveway all day long, shirtless, which he likes to do a lot when the weather is warm. Neighbor Bob’s driveway is straight across from my front window. Ever seen a sixty-some year old guy shirtless? It’s not pretty. So, yeah. In many ways, winter is making my life so much easier. It’s all a matter of perspective.

Seriously though, in spite of my growing disdain for winter and it’s tendency to make me feel depressed… which I hate,  I still have much for which to be grateful. Like…

….time with my son. It’s been so nice having Brad home from school the past few weeks. He goes back to school this weekend and I’m really going to miss him. I love that he spent the day with me yesterday on my day off and let me take him to lunch. (Like I had to twist his arm to do that!) 

…a really amazing church service last weekend.

…a good chiropractor. My relationship with the back-cracker is truly on the up and up, despite what the other day’s post might have insinuated. My back and neck were really in bad shape this week and I have felt so much better since getting adjusted.

…a husband who took a night off work and then spent the next day – his free day - and did all the laundry and grocery shopped so that I could enjoy my day off and not have to do some of my most hated chores.

…winter clearance sales! Have check-card, will spend! WOO-HOO!

…a burst of inspiration during the quiet morning hours yesterday. I have been wanting to do something with this desire to write but have felt completely lacking in both confidence and inspiration. But yesterday the ideas just started flowing and I started writing like crazy before they could slip away. What an amazing feeling and a great cure for the winter blues.

…online friends who make me laugh, inspire and motivate me.

Happy weekend, all! We’ve earned it!

Life is Good – January 2, 2009

These holiday weeks have me all thrown off! I didn’t even realize it was Friday today and I almost forgot to do my weekly Life is Good post!

It’s been a relaxing week. I enjoyed a three day work-week again and am feeling so at peace. As much as I love my job, lately it has the tendency to make me feel overwhelmed and anxious. Another long weekend to just catch up at home is just what I needed.

I love the fact that I’ve been able to spend some time with my kiddos during the daytime hours. Brad has a new girlfriend (his first serious girlfriend) and brought her home to meet the family and spend a few days with us. She’s a sweetheart of a girl and I’m happy that he’s found someone who makes him happy. (Not to mention, she’s a total cutie! My boy has good taste!)

The weather has been frustrating, but I’m determined not to let it make or break my attitude. Lately, if it’s not snowing here, then the temperatures are below zero.  I’m still getting outside to run whenever possible and it helps keep the winter blues at bay. This morning it was zero degrees. ZERO! I went out anyway just for a short run. I didn’t feel the need to push myself since I went out yesterday too. I ran across one other brave soul and seeing her helped alleviate the feeling that I’m completely crazy.

I am grateful for the start of a new year. Even though January 1st is technically just another day, for me it is a chance to assess myself and figure out what works and what doesn’t. As I looked back on the past year, I noticed that I had almost unintentionally been spreading my wings a bit during the last six months and I liked it! I feel like I’ve spent a lot of years just sitting in limbo, accepting that whatever will be will be. Pushing myself to new limits has made me feel free and alive. It’s definitely something I plan to do more of.

I also just realized that I have now been blogging for two years! I am so grateful for all of the friendships I have formed and all of the avenues that have been opened to me through this hobby. Blogging has introduced me to so many phenomenal, inspirational and generous people. I wouldn’t give it up for the world!

And with that, I think I’ll cut it short and enjoy a rare day with the entire family. Happy weekend all!

Life is Good – December 26, 2008

Another Christmas has passed us by. I am enjoying the luxury of a four day weekend and reflecting on what a wonderful holiday it was. My gifts were many. Though very few of my gifts were the kind that could actually be unwrapped, these were more than I could have hoped for.

Christmas Eve used to be a day on which we would gather together with my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews for a family celebration. Things have changed over the past few years with the family now scattered among a few different states. The Christmas Eve celebration we once looked forward to is no longer possible. This year, Christmas Eve was a quiet night spent at home with my three kids while my husband worked. Aside from the fact that my hubby wasn’t here, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. The kids and I cooked a steak dinner together and everyone pitched in. Jake helped prepare the steaks for the grill and set the table. Kacey made the baked potatoes and helped set the table as well. Brad grilled the steaks while I sauteed mushrooms in butter and fried some zucchini with more fresh mushrooms and sliced onions in olive oil. The four of us sat together at the table and enjoyed our dinner. Afterwards, without me even having to ask, all of the kids pitched in with the clean-up.

After dinner, we relaxed in the family room, watched The Santa Clause, and then something unheard of happened! Jake and Kacey opened up the game cupboard; the one that holds all kinds of those old-fashioned kind of games of the type that can’t be played in an electronic game system or on the computer. They dusted off a few old favorites and soon my children were playing together without bickering or antagonizing each other! They played a game of Life and then Harry Potter - Mystery at Hogwarts (the Harry Potter version of Clue.) Then out came Kerplunk and I noticed they were talking and laughing together. They were actually enjoying each other’s company. Soon the electronic Catch Phrase game came out and Jake and I faced off against Brad and Kacey. We were in hysterics and passing the game off to the next player as quickly as possible before the buzzer went off. Even yesterday, the kids kept referring back to various moments during that game to laugh again over so many of the fun moments. Their favorite was when we were playing a round of the sports and games category. Jake had to give me a clue and was drawing a blank. He began with, “It’s a baseball team…” and then hesitated. Then a light bulb went off over his head. He scrunched up one eye, curled his lips, looked me in the eye and shouted, “ARG! SCURVY!” I jumped out of my chair shouting “PITTSBURGH PIRATES,” in response and the game was tossed off to Brad just in time for the buzzer to sound and for Jake and I to earn a point. We played many rounds and honestly, I don’t know who won, and don’t think any of us cared. That evening, surrounded by my kids, with everyone enjoying each other was the best gift I could have asked for.

Christmas morning came and the kids were overjoyed with their gifts and very gracious. We don’t go overboard with Christmas gifts but the kids can always count on getting that one thing they really want (within reason) along with several other things we know they’ll enjoy. Throughout the morning, each of the three would come find me wherever I happened to be to give me a hug and say thank you again. I have great kids!

Mark and I had agreed not to exchange gifts this year. Of course, he didn’t follow the rules and I was mildly irritated when Kacey, playing Santa, dropped a rather heavy gift in my lap. I should have known better than to think Mark would abide by the agreement, but I couldn’t hold a grudge when I saw that he had really thought about something I would enjoy that wasn’t a huge expense. Inside the shiny wrapping paper were two brand new books. One is a book I had been wanting. The other was one I’d never heard of but is written by a Minnesota author and I’ve started already and am really enjoying it. (Mark is getting his gift today. The garage door opener bit the dust, so he’ll be buying and installing a new one today. Don’t feel too sorry for him, though. He loves the challenge of a good project.)

The rest of our Christmas day was spent at my in-laws’ home with Mark’s extended family. We managed to take a nice family picture before we became too immersed in the festivities. I might actually have to frame this one:

There were thirty-one of us in all and we had a great time. Mark’s dad has recovered enough from his bout with pneumonia to enjoy the day. We had a delicious meal and sat around the table long after the meal was finished, drinking wine, talking, laughing and generally having a great time. There have been years where there was tension between a few family members, but this year was just easy and peaceful. It was great!

Gift opening takes a couple of hours with so many people, and the way it begins with the youngest child and moves progressively until Mark’s parents finally open their gifts. The evening finally ended with a huge spread of Christmas cookies, candies and pies. We returned home happy and stuffed to the gills.

This morning I woke up to a wonderful 24 degrees. It’s the first time in a week that the temperature wasn’t well below zero or there weren’t several inches of new fallen snow on the ground. I was out by 6:30 this morning enjoying the darkness and quiet and a much needed run.

The coming week brings short work days again and another four day weekend. I could get used to this!

I hope that all of you were able to enjoy and recognize the gifts of this beautiful season as well!

Life is Good – December 19, 2008

As the holidays quickly approach, it’s easy to reflect on how blessed my life is. Sure, I can think of a thousand things to complain about (so much more easily than counting my blessings sometimes) but during this season of sharing, giving and often over-indulgence, it’s hard not to recognize that my gifts are many.

I didn’t have to worry about how I was going to get through Christmas this year like so many others during this tough economy. I was able to finish my Christmas shopping today and I was blessed to be able to do it without having to think too hard about whether I had enough money to cover the expense. Not a day goes by that I don’t wonder how long I will be able to keep my job. I’m thankful that I will at least get through the holidays. And if my company can hold on through this spring, there’s a good chance I may be able to stop worrying about losing my job.

And speaking of finishing my Christmas shopping, I am thankful for flex hours! I love working ten hours a day, four days a week, and enjoying a full weekday off to finish all the shopping, all the wrapping or do anything anything else I please.

I am thankful for the joyful spirit the holiday season brings. Both at home and at work, those around me have been positively affected by this season. I love seeing smiling faces, hearing laughter, and seeing kindness in the hearts of others. I was just wishing that everyone could behave the same way all year round, but then realized I wouldn’t appreciate it as much if such generosity and warmth was a common, everyday occurrence.

I am blessed with some fantastic kids. My oldest will be home tomorrow and doesn’t have to go back to school for almost a month. I can’t wait to have him close by me again and be able to bear hug him whenever I like. The younger two, though they love to push my buttons, are good kids too. They do what I ask (sometimes even before I have to ask a second time!) They don’t cause trouble and are generally nice to everyone else. They help me keep my sanity by handling many of the chores that I can’t attend to because I’m gone at work all day. AND…they cooked a spectacular taco dinner for the family two nights ago. They did it together without bickering or fighting. Now THAT is a fantastic gift!

I am grateful to have my parents and in-laws in my life. We had a scare early this week when my father-in-law was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. This is a man who rarely gets sick so it was a shock to find out he was in the hospital. Thankfully, he’s on the mend and was discharged yesterday and can be home to enjoy Christmas with his family. My dad, too is doing fairly well since recovering from his recent bout with pneumonia. These illnesses reminded me that I often take for granted the amount of time we have together on this earth. It makes me think of friends who had to say goodbye to their parents much too soon and I remember what a gift they are to me.

It seems like the days are moving past at the speed of light and soon Christmas will be upon us. I am going to try my best not to get too caught up in all the chaos and to take a step back now and then to remember what these days are all about…love.

Life is Good – December 12, 2008

It doesn’t always seem that life is good. Sometimes it’s hard to find the good when on a daily basis we are assaulted with bad news. It feels like we’ll never see the end of this staggering economy. There have been so many job cuts and so many people left to worry about how to continue providing for a family on a day to day basis.

Crime is never-ending. Our society can seem so callous and cold at times. People are insensitive, thinking only of their own needs and considering no one else. We live in a world that seems rampant with destruction, greed and selfishness.

Our loved ones suffer with illness and disease. They are often taken from us much too soon. There is too much pain and hurt. And it can be easy to want to admit defeat.

Too often, it can be difficult for me to see anything but the pain and frustration of the world. It becomes overwhelming. Sometimes I just want to crawl inside of myself and quit trying to deal with this awful and unfair place. Why bother caring? Where does it get you?

Other times, this time of year especially, I see evidence of hope. It’s hard not to notice people reaching out to those in need. We are given so much opportunity to share our abundance with those who don’t have enough. Even online, people are reaching out to one another. So often, those that we call friends here on the internet are people we have never actually met in person. Yet I see people reaching out, taking charge, inviting others to extend a helping hand and doing what is in their power to make life a little easier for one of  their blog friends who is down on their luck.

It astounds me and it gives me hope. My perspective shifts for the better and once again, I remember, life is what you make of it. And life IS good.

Life is Good – December 5, 2008

It has been an ups-and-downs kind of week. This time of year tends to make me feel pressured and overwhelmed, especially when things don’t go exactly as I had planned. But I am learning to take responsibility for my actions and reactions in the face of challenges. Feeling in control can make a world of difference and often makes my entire outlook feel more positive. Even when I’ve had a bad week, life is still good.

Monday arrived way too soon after a nice four day weekend. I could feel attitude seeping out of my pores that morning. It seemed like all I did at the office was try to put out one fire after another and I arrived back home exhausted. BUT… lucky me, at least I still have a job and fires to put out. It took me until Wednesday but I managed to get all of Monday’s issues resolved. The radio station I listen to has had a segment every evening where people call in and talk about what’s going on in their lives and allows them to ask listeners to pray for them. So often, the caller has suffered a job loss. People are applying and interviewing for jobs and there’s just not much out there. Many have mentioned that they have reached the point of qualifying for food stamps. It just makes it hit home how lucky I am to have a job, week after week, no matter how frustrating it can often be.

Tuesday night my car decided it had had enough of this starting and driving around business. We took it in to have it looked at because there was still an issue with squeaky brakes anyway. Turns out the problem was merely the battery which is a very manageable expense. The brakes are still squeaking but since the brake job was paid for weeks ago, it won’t cost me anything more to take it back and have them looked at AGAIN. And thankfully I have a very good friend, who is also my coworker, who just happens to live a mere mile or so away from me. She was more than happy to swing by and give me a ride into work on Wednesday and my hubby graciously came downtown after work to pick me up right outside the front door of the building.

My parents arrived safely in Arizona last Sunday and almost got settled into their winter home before the cold that’s been bothering my dad for a couple of weeks quickly worsened. Tuesday afternoon found my parents at the hospital and my dad was admitted with pneumonia. This feels so reminiscent of last year, before the kidney transplant when he seemed to be constantly in and out of the hospital. However, I’m grateful that my dad is now under constant medical care and that his body is that much stronger and hopefully able to fend off this illness quickly. I know he’s looking forward to being in the winter home they worked so hard to make their own.

Thursday, on my day off, I heard the doorbell ring. I couldn’t imagine who might be at my door in the middle of the day. When I took a peek into the foyer, I could see the mail truck sitting out by my mailbox and the mailman walking away from my door. There on my front step was a package. I figured Mark had ordered something from Cabela’s again and opened the door to bring the box in out of the snow. Much to my suprise, it was MY name printed on the box and the return address was that of my sweet friend, Kate. A while ago I won a contest on Kate’s blog and I had forgotten all about the fact that she was going to send me a prize.

Don’t you LOVE that card? Can you see what it is? On the inside it says, “Muchas grassy ass.” Kate, you know me and my sense of humor so well! I knew that I was getting the cookbook and I’m so excited to try some of the recipes out! The mug was a surprise. There was a note attached that said, “I immediately thought of you when I saw this! Enjoy!” I wonder what Kate is trying to say? Naughty? Moi???? I LOVE it! I actually laughed out loud when I opened the box and saw the mug. Scared my cats and everything. What a sweet treat to get a surprise package! Thank you, Kate!

I wonder if you guys are getting sick of my running updates? I went for a run yesterday morning around 6:30. It was really cold outside. Probably below twenty degrees and it was windy. I had such a hard time for the first quarter of my run, but somehow I pushed past the desire to turn around and crawl back underneath my down comforter. It was so worth it. I finally found my pace and a rhythm and it ended up being one of those runs that’s completely exhausting and satisfying all at the same time. I am almost up to three miles per run and that is huge for me. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever keep up with it, but I did it. I’m ready to call myself a runner.

Oh, and one last little thing. I have to thank my new friend, Oscar for telling me how to wrap text around my pictures in a post. I’ve often wanted to do that and could never figure it out until Oscar shared the secret with me. So exciting isn’t it? Maybe next time I’ll put the pictures to the right of the text. Or in the MIDDLE! Whoa! I hope it’s not too much excitement for you guys!

Yeah, I know… I’m easily amused…. But as it was decided over at Rock Chef’s place yesterday, life is happier when you’re just a little off your rocker!

Life is Good – November 28, 2008

First, an update on the turkey wars. My turkey, at 21 pounds came out TENDER, JUICY and FULLY cooked. Mom and Dad’s turkey was somewhere around 17 pounds. What happened to the “no bigger than 15 pounds” rule, I wonder? When Mark began slicing into that bird, there appeared some evidence of undercookedness near the bones. We shoved it back in my oven for a while and all was good, but I believe this makes me the clear and decisive WINNER! (Not that I’m gloating or anything…. nooooo.)

We did have a wonderful Thanksgiving. The food was good and plentiful. The desserts were delicious and everyone was made to take some leftovers home. Not only did we eat well, we had a great time. It’s not often that the entire family can get together all at the same time anymore. It made for a very special day. We were very well behaved and proper too.

My youngest brother did this to himself. It was as simple as me daring him to do it. Just like old times!

Things got a little out of hand from there and the Cool Whip attacks began…

Why we were taking pictures in the kitchen, I have no idea.

Lots of goofiness ensued. The “bend and snap” pictures have been deleted!

This week I’m feeling so grateful for my family. My dad is doing well and we got to enjoy Thanksgiving together before my parents leave to spend the winter in Arizona. They are leaving today and I am glad that they have someplace warm and a place they love in which to ride out the winter months. I’m thankful for my youngest brother who is going to make sure my parents get to their winter home safely. My sister, brother-in-law and their kids are here from Illinois for the weekend. My sister and I are the best of friends and I love having her here. I miss her so much sometimes. Tonight we’re going out to see a fun local band and whoop it up! My son is home from school for the weekend too and he has filled my days with love and lots to smile about. He’s having a great time living at school and being independent. He’s had a few adventures during the weekends since he moved back to school and he’s enjoying life, but it’s obvious he’s missed being home. He hugs me several times a day and tells me he’s missed me. I’m so glad that he considers home to be a place he wants to come back to.

This weekend always seems to be the last relaxing weekend before the Christmas craze begins. I plan to take full advantage of it and I hope you can too.

Life is Good – November 21, 2008

As I look back over the past seven days, I’m almost hesitant to admit that it’s been another incredibly calm and peaceful week. I mean, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, but it didn’t make me crazy. I’m confused! Who’s life is this? It can’t be mine! I don’t make it seven days in a row (much less, fourteen) without having some kind of emotional melt-down. In fact, exactly two weeks ago, I was facing the end of a horribly tense and worrisome week. I remember going to bed that night, early, simply wanting to escape. I curled up in a ball and drifted off to sleep. The next morning, something had changed. It wasn’t the economy, or my work situation, or my son’s grades or my husband’s crazy work hours. None of those things that normally weigh on me had gone away overnight. But something had definitely changed. By the end of last week I was very pleasantly surprised to realize how good I had felt all week. I never expected to get a repeat of it.

Oh my gosh! Do you know what this means? I just realized! I have learned to manage stress! Can it really be true? Have I figured out how to stop obsessing about the things over which I have no control? I like this! This is good. This is very good. I am sure this positive shift in attitude can be largely attributed to two things: prayer and running. The running has been good for the body, the prayer, good for the soul. And I don’t want to be overly enthusiastic because I know me. I know that not every day or every week can be this peaceful. But I do hope that the past two weeks have taught me enough that the next time I’m stressing, I won’t try to convince myself, as I usually do, that whatever I am facing means the end of the world as we know it.

That being said, these are just a few of the simple pleasures in my week:

• Several phone calls from my oldest. He can’t wait to come home for Thanksgiving and I can’t wait to have him here.
• Looking through family pictures while loading all new photos to my parents’ digital photo frame. (They somehow managed to damage the internal memory. Thankfully the frame accomodates a jump drive. HEY! Remember the pictures of my kidneys? I put one on the jump drive just for fun. I wonder how long it will take them to notice?)
• The way my daughter confides in me.
• My husband coming downtown and plugging money in a parking meter, just to spend a short half-hour having lunch with me.
• My down comforter.
• A white chocolate mocha.
• My coworker, Shannon. She and I are SO much alike, it’s not even funny. And she keeps me laughing all day long.
• Oreo Cakesters
• This little find that I stumbled across at Target: (and yes, I did listen to it already!) Rick! Sigh!

Have a wonderful weekend, all!