A wave goodbye

When my kids were small and just starting school they would walk to and from each day when the weather was nice. We lived about 4-1/2 blocks from school and our house was in the middle of the block. I would send them out the door and watch them until they were out of sight. Just before we would loose sight of each other they would look back and wave one last time. I treasure these memories and look back fondly to those days of simple things like getting kids to school and lego's and Disney movies.

I honestly don't know if their final look back and wave was for them or more so for me. I will admit, it was probably for me! I always watched when they went and looked for them when they would come home.

Last week as I visited #1 child in another state he left us at the bus station to get to the airport as it was snowing and the best mode of transportation with the weather and saved him some running. We did our hugs and thank you's and the usual things you say when leaving. He took off the opposite direction that we were standing and waiting. Without evening knowing if he was out of sight or not I looked back in his direction and it was just before he was out of sight. And in that same exact moment he looked back too. I waved and he waved back....just like when he was six-years old and heading to school.What memories that moment brought back. This is now 20 years later.

A mother holds her children in her heart to her dying day. I know this from my mom-she passed away while on the phone with me, after I told her I loved her and it was okay to go. I wasn't with her in person but I was with her in every other possible way and I believe she was waiting for me to say goodbye. That's what being a mom is all about.

So I treasure the memories both 20+ years old as well as those just made and hold them close. Making great memories is what life is all about. 

Positive thought of the day: Sunshine!!! It is so refreshing, uplifting and warm and does a body good (unless you get a sun burn)!!! Stand in that sunshine whenever you get the chance!

It's cold out there!

The one thing I love about Iowa is the weather and the changing seasons. It is never dull. During the spring and summer we can go from sunny to severe thunderstorms and tornado's in a very short time. It can be chilly or darn right cold one day and the next it is hot and humid. Winter and fall also bounce back and forth between yo-yo temperatures. It is seldom predictable and often we will go from one season to the next within the course of a day or even hours. It is ever changing and actually kind of fun.

I learned a long time ago, as a farmers daughter, the weather is unpredictable and always changing and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. I love the seasons. I would go nuts and probably struggle if the weather was always warm and sunny. I need my seasons.

And of course everyone has their favorite season. As a kid and teenager growing on on the farm I loved spring. It was a season of fresh and new. Birth and spring planting. Summer to me was a season of work. I suppose this was because I was on summer vacation and I worked on the farm-loads of fun. My favorite season now and probably most of my life is fall. I love fall on the farm. And all the colors and cool crisp days and nights. I love snow in the winter, especially before and at Christmas time. After that I can take it or leave it. But having a layer of snow is better than brown, bare ground. To me that is dreary. I'm not a fan of mud nor of snow in April or worse, May. But it is what it is. I don't like ice because it's hard to walk on and tends to bring down power lines!

Mother Nature tends to dish out some nasty and wacky weather at times. People complain, get their panties in a wad and make anyone who will stop long enough listen to their complaints. It's the weather-there is nothing we can do about it. Enjoy the beauty of the seasons and all that comes with it.

So as try to warm up after being without power for five hours in sub-zero outside temps I'm reminded of how much we take for granted and forget to appreciate. If this had happened during the summer, we'd be outside enjoying the fresh air. Right now I'm thankful for a working furnace and a warm bed for the night. It may be cold outside but spring is right around the corner and then it will be summer, followed by fall and winter again....it makes life interesting!

Positive thought of the day: Enjoy the beauty of the seasons and the weather it brings with each one. We're just along for the ride anyway!

Wrong in so many ways or stop messing with Oreo's!

I know I mentioned last summer the funky flavors of Oreo's and how wrong they are. I think the offending flavor then was a watermelon flavored Oreo. Well the makers of Oreo's have done it again-this time with a cotton candy flavored Oreo's! No! No! No! Stop doing this already!

Why would you mess with something that is already good, not healthy, but good?! There have been a whole host of Oreo flavors over the past few years. The good flavors, or at least in my humble opinion, has been coffee and peanut butter flavor, but that's just my taste-pun intended!!

But flavors such as Neapolitan (like the ice cream), banana split (only because I'm not a banana fan), rainbow shure-bert (another play on words-this time by Nabisco), candy corn, gingerbread, berry burst ice cream and the litany of flavors gone-wrong goes on. Okay one of the best things, in my opinion, Nabisco ever did was make double stuff Oreo's. What's not to love about more filling in what now seems like a plain, old Oreo?! More to love!!! Chocolate and cream filling to hand-in-hand like warm milk and cookies or steak and potatoes or chips and salsa-yes, now I'm hungry! Look the good things alone!

My other thoughts today:

-We can not control the weather-stop complaining about it. Take it for what it is and keep moving forward. Spring gets closer everyday! I'm so tired of people complaining about the weather.

-I have no control over Verizon nor do I work for them! (I'm sure the pay is better than where I'm at) Within a 24 hour time period I had two different people question me about issues Verizon was having. I. DO. NOT. KNOW. It just wasn't working right-that's all I know because my phone wasn't working correctly just like your phone wasn't. My advice for you-put your phone down, and go do something other than look at a screen. I'm just saying. That's what I did. And honestly I didn't miss my phone not working right for a few hours. It was nice to not be bothered. But whatever....

-We all have our circle of friends that we know and support and vise versa. And if they are good friends we take them with both their good and bad points. Treasure and value these people who love us a both our worst and best-they are hard to come by.

-I can take or leave snow. I like it in December, but not so much in February and March and especially not in May! But if it's going to snow, snow enough to get us out of school early or give us a late start. It seems lately that our snow has been having great timing...meaning it comes after we get to school but not enough to get us out and not enough to earn a late start...I'll stop now!!

Positive thought of the day: Just think about how good a nice cold glass of milk with a couple of double stuff Oreo's taste!! Hungry yet??!! :)

Things I learned while traveling!

A flight to and from Colorado last week along with a couple of road trips taught and/or reminded me of some life lessons!

1. When traveling with sinus infection and your ears are plugged it makes for frustrating experiences. My ears were already muffled then the air pressure closed things up even more. It took longer for my ears to finally open and I had an ear ache after both flights for a few hours. I really dislike ear aches...they are no fun. And my hearing was compromised even more. Ugh. Hearing is a good thing!!

2. Every time I blew my nose on the airplane I wondered if every person around me was freaking out thinking they were going to get what I had-sorry no. It just sounded bad. Sorry everyone.

3. I get car sick sitting in the backseat for long rides. Especially if I get warm. Ugh. Naps help, but then I miss part of the sight seeing...can you tell I dislike sinus infection?

4. The Denver International Airport got the best of me after landing. Trying to figure out how to get out when my head was muddled from sinus infection and inability to hear gave me the disadvantage. I one upped DIA though on Saturday and had no problems! Ha!!

5. Riding with no leg room gives me leg cramps and makes my knee lock! I survived!

6. Having someone drive who know how to deal with traffic and knows where they are going is such a blessing. I wasn't sure I was going to make it home Saturday night.

7. Always carry snacks. You never know if it will be 10 hours until your next meal!

8. Share those snacks if you remember them!

9. Google maps doesn't always know where they heck they are going either. I learned this after it navigated me six blocks out of my route, when all I had to do was walk straight ahead two blocks!

10. Good old fashioned maps are still the best thing!

11. Comfortable shoes when traveling are wonderful.

12. Keeping warm is another plus. Wear layers when you travel! Or at all times!

13. Less is more when packing. There was only one item in my suitcase that I didn't use the entire trip....lesson learned! And I even took two items out before leaving the house!

14.  With carry on items remember to a) take a back pack so your purse can go in it along with other items. or b) carry a bigger purse so several items can fit in it. Having my purse and carry on both about the same size was a pain in the butt. Next time I'm finding a backpack for that carry on junk.

15. Eating before a free brewery tour is wise!

16. Colorado air and water are very clear and cleaner!

17. Take lots of pictures, especially of the people you are with!

18. Make lots of memories-from the road trips and food to the funny moments and lessons!

19. Spending time with people you love is a blessing. Missing those back home is also a blessing.

20. Cherish every moment....life goes by too fast!

Positive thought of the day: I love to travel. And it is great to be back home! : )

Being sick is no fun

I've been sick and literally spent most of my weekend in bed with sinus infection. Not fun. I had not stepped outside the house in over 48 hours when I did finally leave this a.m., so you know I must of been really sick if this was the case.

But from this weekend of "fun and games" I've learned a few things! See points below!

1. One can never have enough kleenex AND the tissues with lotion are worth every penny they cost. I unfortunately bought the regular brand. Thank goodness I did not buy the cheap ones that resemble fine grit sandpaper more than they do tissue. Going through a box of 160 tissues in 24 hours means you need the soft ones, big time.
2. I never thought I could blow my nose as much as I did in 48 hours....I know TMI. The sky is the limit, or as long as you don't run out of kleenex or TP!
3. When you spend a great deal of time alone and you feel lousy, you loose track of time!
4. We take for granted the ability to be able to breath in and out of your nose! Thank goodness for breath right strips.
5. When I don't feel good I am better off left alone. And I get grump and irritable-yes I admit this.
6. I. HATE. SINUS. INFECTION. But then again is there anyone who likes it?
7. You really do find out how much people really care when you are sick, or are off the radar, or it's a holiday, or all of the above. See, I told you I was grumpy and irritable.
8. Things taste funky or have no taste when your head is filled with crude.
9. I watched the "Titanic" movie three times in a row....I've never been a big fan of the flick, nor have I ever watched any movie three times in a row. It was just brainless television viewing for me. I'm still not a fan of the movie. I should have found something educational to watch instead, like the New Yankee Workshop or Sewing with Nancy or something on Public Television....or Sex in the City or something else!
10. Being back in civilization is nice except for those people who are a pain in the butt when you feel good are 100 times more of a pain in the butt when you don't feel up to par. The though of kicking someone(s) has crossed my mind more than once today and in strategic places as well!
11. Have I mentioned I'm grumpy and irritable, like a lot today!
12. You can't hear well when your ears are plugged. This is a blessing and a curse, but more a blessing than anything....especially when you work with people who are LOUD!
13. You find out who your friends are when you are sick....they check on you, text or shoot you funny emails. It makes being sick better, even just a tiny bit.
14. I just want to kick the people who ask "how you are feeling" as I stand there mouth breathing, with a chapped nose area and looking like poo....really, you have to ask? I highly doubt I'm that good of an actor to pull off the "I look and feel fantastic" routine. Oh maybe I am??? Nah.
15. This makes me appreciate all the other days of the year when I can breath through my nose, like normal. When I can hear, like normal. I don't have to blow my nose every 45 seconds. Things taste like they should. And I don't sound like a guy or like I'm talking through my nose....amen for those normal days!!
16. I'm not much for drinking but I got desperate enough on Saturday evening that I crawled out of bed, ventured to the freezer and found my stash of cinnamon whiskey. It burns like no other. And there was maybe 1/8 of a bottle left that I sipped on for an hour or two-yes I'm that much of a light weight. It did absolutely nothing. Other than the burn it didn't touch the garbage that's taken up residence in my head. I did have fresh cinnamon breath, not that there was anyone around to enjoy this, except for my cats. And well, they didn't notice or care.
17. My mom would always joke when she'd get a head cold that a cold settles in the emptiest places meaning her head. Well I guess the same holds true for me too!
18. I've been waging germ warfare when I've had the chance, energy or time to do so. I've cleaned door knobs, clothing, drawer pulls, tv remotes, my own bedding and anything that I think this nasty little germ could be living on or that I've touched. Get out!!! If I pass this along to the male gender in my household I know it will mean near death!
19. Thank goodness I only get this garbage every so often....my doctor told me it had been three years since I'd been in with sinus infection. I hope it's a lot longer next time.
20. Other than brainless/mindless/routine things at work this is about all I'm safe and clear enough to do or deal with today. There will be no rocket science coming from my brain today, not that there is any day. But the fact that routine things are a struggle tells me my brain is not fully operational, even at it's best today!


Finally I'll end today's blog with a small prayer, not for me but for those I may be around: I pray for the safety of those around me and for their well being that I don't smack someone in a moment of irritable you annoy the heck out of me behavior. That my tissue supply lasts. That my breath right strip does not pop during the night and my stomach can continue to tolerate the antibiotic which feels like it is burning holes in said stomach! Oh and for the New York Yankees pitchers and catchers who report for spring training starting this Friday-good luck. But it won't be the same this year without the "The Captain". That's all. Amen.

And a piece of advice for all-run, take whatever it takes to avoid this garbage which has taken up residence in my body. This is no fun. Oh and buy tissues with lotion, save your nose the wear and tear if you do.

Positive thought of the day: Drink water. It is not only the best thing for you to drink but it is free!! Take care!

Valentines thoughts and loving yourself

Yes, this is a problem for me. As a mother and parent and a female I've been programed to love and give to others more than myself.  While there are those in our lives who always make themselves or their possessions or their bank account or their money a first priority. I need to learn to be a lot less giving and care a lot less about these people. It's a hard concept but except for my immediate family I need to care less about those who will never care about anything or anybody but themselves first and foremost, it would mean a lot less disappointment and pain. I am constantly reminded of this lesson but I think it is finally sinking in. Expect nothing and there is no disappointment. Give less and there is more peace.

I personally dislike valentines day. It is probably because I had a dad who put my mom first and again set the bar high. He always bought mom flowers and candy. And yes she did not like chocolate and the heart shaped box of chocolates were mostly eaten by dad and us kids! But it was the thought. It was always a tradition for dad to bring home a big box of chocolates with a map on the inside lid of what kind of candy each piece was in the box. Except for one year!!! Often times Valentines day would come right before the start of lent. And everyone gave up chocolate and candy for lent-house rules. So we were often challenged to get the box of chocolates eaten before Ash Wednesday in a short time. The boxes dad always brought home came from the dime store, Tegan's Variety Store, is what it was called in Independence, Iowa. At the start of the Valentine season, some time in January, NOT December as is custom now, the store window would be decorated with beautifully decorated boxes of chocolates and stuffed animals and other Valentine fare. Dad knew, as did anyone who know her, that mom's favorite color was yellow. So usually each year he would present mom with a heart shaped box of chocolate with artificial yellow flowers and ribbon adoring the lid. He was predictable but he knew what mom loved. (He usually brought yellow flowers-roses or sometimes red roses, which were his favorite for my mom as well.) But one year in our excitement of mom opening her box of chocolates so we all could dig in, things were not what we expected. When the box was opened it was void of chocolate-EMPTY!!! It was the display box that could withstand the warmth of a store display window without the chocolates melting. Well it was a surprise to all. My dad was a little miffed but then he saw the humor of the situation and the following day my dad returned to the store to exchange the empty box for one filled with delicious chocolates! It was a running joke through the years and I remember the moment with fond memories. I'm betting all those boxes of valentine candy and the bags of candy my dad would always bring home from town my mom probably sometimes wished that it would be something more for her or something she enjoyed. But she never let on. She was thrilled that dad was always thinking of her and giving. That's what not just today, but every day should be. Giving because you care and love people, not just because they got you something or did something or you feel like you have to. It's not the material things here but kindness, a listening ear, sharing and doing things for those you care for and love. And it should be because you want to. You can say "I love you" all you want but showing it means more than words can say. Actions speak louder than words, even if it is an empty box of candy.

Positive thought of the day: Show the people you love that you do-you can say it all you want but if the actions and thoughtfulness is not there it means nothing. Some people need to learn to love themselves first-others already have this down to a fine art...

I was a witness

My mom and dad had a wonderful love story. It was one not only about love but of friendship, caring, respect and teamwork. It wasn't perfect but comes about as close as I've seen to perfect.

My parents came from two different worlds-my dad's home life was unstable-which is a nice way to put it. They moved a lot, and I'm not sure why. My grandmother was volatile and very unstable from what I've been told-I'm sure in this day and age she would have some sort of diagnosis. I've been told my grandmother would go from nice to nasty mean in the blink of an eye. My grandfather I've gathered was a very patient and quiet man. My dad was the youngest of six living children and there was a big age gap between he and his oldest sister, my aunt Kate. Dad had a rough childhood, of which I don't know a lot about and the few stories that I've been told make me sad for him.

Mom was the youngest as well. Her home life was of stability and comfort. My grandparents were near 30 when they met and wed. Mom and her two siblings were close and all lived within 3 miles of each other as adults. They celebrated birthday's and anniversaries every year as long as they were all alive-cousins grew up with cousins, aunts and uncles....my mom was the last one to survive. And I remember her telling me "there's no one left, it's not fun being left behind". She was very close with her family.

I was an eyewitness to my parents and their companionship for 36 years of their 50+ marriage. It set the bar and standard high for me. Dad would never go to town without returning with something for my mom. It was usually a bag of candy, even though she was not a big chocolate fan, it was the thought that counted for them. And there were times he would bring home flowers. His ability to give gifts always made my mom smile, dad always knew what to give. He was always thinking of her.

From this couple I was taught what you do for those you love. You work together, you share the responsibility and work load, you share the good and bad times. They talked and discussed things and were open with one another. They made decisions together and would talk about decisions before making them. My dad would start the car for mom during the winter, my mom would polish dad's shoes before church. Dad took pride in things, taking good care of them-my mom made sure to continue this practice. They worked hard and played hard but the key is they did this together.

But it was the little things from working together on the farm, the crops and livestock, to the family garden and taking care of the home-life was together for them.

These two people taught me that it was the daily things, from dad holding the door open for my mom, to walking together-not one ahead of the other but side-by-side, showing affection (which is something I grew up seeing) to just talking to one another. They shared responsibilities on the farm, in the house, raising us kids and their life in general. It was not one person taking care of everything - it was 110% given by both. I only saw my parents argue a couple of times and they both were pretty heated but it was over silly things...once when planting potatoes and another time when wallpapering-YES you read that right, those are the two biggest things I ever heard them argue about! They talked, they shared and they were each others best friend.

I'm not saying my parents were not without their problems. Dad suffered from a deep depression from a "chemical imbalance". I think his childhood and some inheritance from his mother were big factors in that depression. But this was the tough times. Health issues always bring trying times. And end of life is not like it shows in the movies, it is tough, not pretty and heart breaking. But I know my dad loved my mom to his last breath and I know my mom loved my dad to her dying day. They were best friends and the respect and love was there to the end.

But what these two people taught me is the good old fashion ways of being a team, loving someone unconditionally and working together for a the good of all and showing you care and respect at all times.

Today's marriages are seldom, if ever like this. Times have changed I know. But the simple things and ways like listening to one another, being there through good and bad, showing you care in everyday ways and to being there, no matter what for one another are what it takes to make a relationship work, any relationship. Could my parents have written a book about marriage-they could give advice but I truly believe everyone is unique and each relationship is different and I'm not just talking about marriage here. But showing you care is the biggest key and this can be done is so many ways. We all need to step back and take a look at the relationships that are important to us and see if we are treating those who mean the most to us how we'd like to be treated. It seems to be the norm that we treat strangers better than those we love.

Positive thought of the day: Live each day as if it were your last day on earth. Make the most out of it and tell the people you love that you do love them.