I was a daddy's girl, I will admit it. We were a lot alike. We were both fiercely stubborn but more times than not thought a great deal alike. He and I would hang out on the back steps or watching tv. Because I was a skinny little kid I could fit next to my dad in his big chair. We'd watch tv, eat popcorn and enjoy life.
My dad's birthday was Nov. 1 and many years since his death I'd make his traditional favorite meal, roast, potatoes and sometimes I'd made a German chocolate cake-all his favorites. My dad would have been 98-years old this year.
I went through some good and bad times with my dad. He taught me how to be fiercely independent. He taught me how to do things on my own, for myself. But he also had his old school ways of thinking like I should make my brother's bed-no way, nor how was that going to happen, nor did it ever happen. Yes, dad and I butted heads at times regarding life.
I unfortunately inherited migraine headaches and dad was the one who picked me up from school the first time I got a migraine. He said he knew immediately what was wrong with me when he picked me up and I tried to put my foot in the vomit bucket instead of my shoe because I could not see! He was the one who insisted taking me to the ER on two occasions when those migraines got so bad I could not function or handle the pain and was asking if I was going to die. Heredity is not always a good thing.
I was in junior high when my dad sunk into a deep depression and ended up in the hospital. The ugly world of depression would rear it's ugly head in my life for my dad on several occasions throughout my teen years. I learned to to run a house and farm along with my brother due to dad's depression. After going to school all day I would come home and put on my farmers daughter hat then help with planting or harvesting, whatever the season it was. And the livestock chores would become part of my life, morning and night. I was helping my brother play catch up along with my mom when she didn't go up to the hospital to be with my dad. It was a tough time and made my brother and I grow up very quickly taking on adult roles and responsibilities. But I never thought of not doing the work or not stepping up to help. I never blamed my dad while doing my homework sitting in the cab of a tractor or doing hog chores at 11 p.m. at night, it's just what we did.
My dad was the handiest guy I knew. I could share an idea or vision and he usually could make it a reality. Times got better for dad after I left for college. The depression seemed to ebb and life and my dad returned to a new normal.
My dad battled Parkinson's disease in his later year, and it would lead to his death. It breaks my heart yet whenever I see someone with the shakes from this disease. It is a nasty disease that I hope a cure is someday found.
But every year as November 1 rolls around my heart remembers and is sad and I miss my dad a little bit more along with all the other days of the year that I miss him. He loved his birthday. It was a holy day he always pointed out! And he loved sharing the story of how he would have been a halloween baby if the doctor would have gotten to the house sooner but the doctor way delayed due to halloween shenanigans-outhouses turned over in the road that he had to move to get his horse and buggy through on his way to the house! My how times have changed!
So once again my heart aches a little bit more on dad's special day, and I'll wear red, my dad's favorite color on Nov. 1 and will make his favorite meal sometime soon to celebrate. It makes my heart happy to see my dad in my kids in so many ways. And I know I was loved by my dad and I loved him right back. Happy birthday Dad, I love and miss you.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Lack of sleep and dumb things are funny
I seem to go in cycles with my sleep habits, honestly I think a lot of people do this from time to time. If I get too much sleep a migraine usually hits, punishment for the over abundance. If I get 6-7 hours of sleep at night I'm just right. I've never been a "I need my sleep" kind of girl.
But I lately I seem to have gotten into a not so fun cycle with my sleep and I go from feast to famine. I get my 7 hours of sleep and then a couple of days later I'm struggling because I only get 4-5 hours of sleep. Yes I tend to get a tad bit sleep deprived and then I'm on the struggle bus. My head is foggy and I literally feel like I could curl up on the hard floor and fall asleep somedays-until it's time to go to bed, then I'm wide awake, but that's a whole other story. I'm worse than a kid, I know. I try drinking ice cold water or coffee to get me through the sleep deprived days.
Lack of sleep is often coupled with a case of the giggles. The last round of sleep deprivation for me prompted such a case of the giggles with a coworker and it was over something really dumb! And because I was tired it hit me funny, dumb funny and we laughed and giggled. But that was good for my soul! I always manage to fumble my way through a day and usually manage only a couple of really dumb mistakes. I'm glad I don't have a job where I'm not operating heavy equipment or power equipment, because I'd be wreaking things, hurting or running people over on those sleep deprived days.
So here's to a new week, one that I hope is filled with plenty of sleep and plenty of laughter and giggles to make you smile! Have a good one!
But I lately I seem to have gotten into a not so fun cycle with my sleep and I go from feast to famine. I get my 7 hours of sleep and then a couple of days later I'm struggling because I only get 4-5 hours of sleep. Yes I tend to get a tad bit sleep deprived and then I'm on the struggle bus. My head is foggy and I literally feel like I could curl up on the hard floor and fall asleep somedays-until it's time to go to bed, then I'm wide awake, but that's a whole other story. I'm worse than a kid, I know. I try drinking ice cold water or coffee to get me through the sleep deprived days.
Lack of sleep is often coupled with a case of the giggles. The last round of sleep deprivation for me prompted such a case of the giggles with a coworker and it was over something really dumb! And because I was tired it hit me funny, dumb funny and we laughed and giggled. But that was good for my soul! I always manage to fumble my way through a day and usually manage only a couple of really dumb mistakes. I'm glad I don't have a job where I'm not operating heavy equipment or power equipment, because I'd be wreaking things, hurting or running people over on those sleep deprived days.
So here's to a new week, one that I hope is filled with plenty of sleep and plenty of laughter and giggles to make you smile! Have a good one!
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Which team do you cheer for?
I typically like college football. But there are two weeks in Iowa that are two of my least favorite Saturday's of football. It is the two weekends of Iowa teams playing each other for bragging rights or something along those lines.
I was born and raised an Iowa Hawkeye. My dad was an avid Hawk fan and I'm sure he is still cheering for them. I looked at all three state colleges and was accepted to all three but a deciding factor for not choosing two (actually three, Loras College in Dubuque also qualified) was the comment my mom made one day to me regarding she and my dad stopping by if I was in college in Iowa City, Cedar Falls or Dubuque-because they were close! Yes that was one of the deciding factors in choosing a college. I knew I needed to be far enough from home not to run home every weekend (or have my parents stopping by!).
I honestly feel an allegiance to all three state colleges for a variety of reasons, and not just because everyone else is on some kind of band wagon or some other ridiculous reason.
When I was in school I attended events at both Iowa and UNI so I grew up at and am comfortable with both. My dad, as I mentioned, was an avid Iowa fan. He was especially fond of men's basketball purely for the reason it was a winter sport and he had time to watch and attend games. Football was harvest time and he didn't have the time to watch or attend. His passion for the Hawks still warms my heart, he loved to watch them.
Iowa State is another favorite because of family and the Cyclones at times remind me of the Chicago Cubs before last year's World Series. ISU is at times the lovable losers. They are either up or down, it seems there is seldom an in-between!
UNI is a quiet force that always takes a backseat to all the hype Iowa and ISU seem to get and probably has to do with size as well. They are kind of like the forgotten little sister-you forget they are there at times.
Regardless of who is playing who I am pulling for the team from Iowa, except for the Saturday's when UNI plays ISU and Iowa plays ISU. Can't everyone win?! I do not like the crappy banter some fans post or say during these weeks of play-both before and after play. Some fans are really crappy losers. And I'm not going to bash or side with one team's fans or another. All teams have their share of crappy fans. BUT there seems to be more dip-s$@% fans for one team than the other two.teams. Regardless it is all just a game. It has notaffect on world peace nor is the cure for cancer or ends wars. We are all Iowan's, living in the same great state. It is just that, a sport, a college sport and it gives one-third of the state bragging rights for 12 months until next year.
So regardless of the outcome of last week's game or this week's game I'm still rooting for all three teams. And if you say that's not being a fan then you need to open your eyes, broaden your perspective, get a life...it's just a sport. It's just a GAME. Look that up....game-noun-1. a form of play or sport....
I was born and raised an Iowa Hawkeye. My dad was an avid Hawk fan and I'm sure he is still cheering for them. I looked at all three state colleges and was accepted to all three but a deciding factor for not choosing two (actually three, Loras College in Dubuque also qualified) was the comment my mom made one day to me regarding she and my dad stopping by if I was in college in Iowa City, Cedar Falls or Dubuque-because they were close! Yes that was one of the deciding factors in choosing a college. I knew I needed to be far enough from home not to run home every weekend (or have my parents stopping by!).
I honestly feel an allegiance to all three state colleges for a variety of reasons, and not just because everyone else is on some kind of band wagon or some other ridiculous reason.
When I was in school I attended events at both Iowa and UNI so I grew up at and am comfortable with both. My dad, as I mentioned, was an avid Iowa fan. He was especially fond of men's basketball purely for the reason it was a winter sport and he had time to watch and attend games. Football was harvest time and he didn't have the time to watch or attend. His passion for the Hawks still warms my heart, he loved to watch them.
Iowa State is another favorite because of family and the Cyclones at times remind me of the Chicago Cubs before last year's World Series. ISU is at times the lovable losers. They are either up or down, it seems there is seldom an in-between!
UNI is a quiet force that always takes a backseat to all the hype Iowa and ISU seem to get and probably has to do with size as well. They are kind of like the forgotten little sister-you forget they are there at times.
Regardless of who is playing who I am pulling for the team from Iowa, except for the Saturday's when UNI plays ISU and Iowa plays ISU. Can't everyone win?! I do not like the crappy banter some fans post or say during these weeks of play-both before and after play. Some fans are really crappy losers. And I'm not going to bash or side with one team's fans or another. All teams have their share of crappy fans. BUT there seems to be more dip-s$@% fans for one team than the other two.teams. Regardless it is all just a game. It has notaffect on world peace nor is the cure for cancer or ends wars. We are all Iowan's, living in the same great state. It is just that, a sport, a college sport and it gives one-third of the state bragging rights for 12 months until next year.
So regardless of the outcome of last week's game or this week's game I'm still rooting for all three teams. And if you say that's not being a fan then you need to open your eyes, broaden your perspective, get a life...it's just a sport. It's just a GAME. Look that up....game-noun-1. a form of play or sport....
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Lists
Some people are list makers. My mom always wrote a grocery list. I put my grocery list on my phone and IF I do write a list I try to remember to take a picture of that list with my phone or else I forget that crazy list when I go to the grocery store. My grocery lists are a far cry from the ones my mom made. I grew up in a house that most of the food on the table was homemade. We seldom had store bought, from the cookies in the jar to the meat and side dishes at each meal, there was very little box mixes or frozen meals served.
Some people have bucket lists, and I have started a sort of bucket list. It only has a couple of things on it, nothing major or too impressive. But it's a start.
I also have a list on my phone of books I want to read-I'm nerdy like that. And another list of things to do...go to a friend who now coaches college basketball game, and go out to eat with another friend and his wife. That list is pretty short and not too exciting.
I have a third list on my phone, restaurants I want to try. That list mostly includes eateries in the city. And the list is compiled from articles I've read or suggestions from what other people have enjoyed and told me. That list is a bit longer and includes a variety. I hope to try most, if not all on that list.
I some times do "to-do" lists Usually it is things that I need to do or I'm asking other people to help me with. (It is very hard for me to ask others for help). I keep a very small list of things I'd like to get done or to do-usually things around my house or to my house. I don't share this list very often usually because the items on that list require extra help and/or man power...it's more of a "wish list" to me. Oh well.
My written lists are reminders, so are short term....lunch in the fridge or take a check for lunch money or take back pop cans and bottles to the redemption center, or meeting after school- are just a few of the things I write down to remind myself so I have a note on my counter by my keys in the morning...things that I often forget because I'm hurrying out the door in the mornings or have too many other things on my mind when I get home from school in the afternoons. They help keep me on task or at least remind me that they need to be done....that doesn't mean they get done or I don't forget!
I always make a list for holiday meals. And every time I sit down to make these meal lists I promise myself not to cook myself into a frenzy. But guess what, I start out very focused and end up with four vegetables at Thanksgiving dinner or six different desserts and three kinds of soup for Christmas eve. I want to make everyone's favorite and it becomes food overload! There are worse things-at least that's what I tell myself!
The lists I need to remember to do more often are the list of people and things I am blessed with and what I am thankful for. These are lists that help keep me grounded and more focused and certainly don't need to be written down.
I am blessed with...my family, my health, my freedom, clean water, food on the table, a roof over my head and many, many more things.
So many blessings and a list that I need to remember daily and appreciate more often.
I'm not a professional at the list making, I'm more of an on-again off-again lister, and I will admit if I write something down (rather than make a list on my phone) I am more likely to remember it! (So it is true that if you write something you remember it better!).
So with a holiday tomorrow and a short week ahead I have a list of things I would like to accomplish this week and what meetings I have to go to. And I'm betting most of the items on that list and schedule will get done and be remembered because I wrote it! Yay me!!
So to those who are constant list makers, I am in awe and bow down to your organization skills. I wish I was more like you. But for now I'll be the occasional "lister" and do the best I can when I don't make a list and forget more than I remember!
Some people have bucket lists, and I have started a sort of bucket list. It only has a couple of things on it, nothing major or too impressive. But it's a start.
I also have a list on my phone of books I want to read-I'm nerdy like that. And another list of things to do...go to a friend who now coaches college basketball game, and go out to eat with another friend and his wife. That list is pretty short and not too exciting.
I have a third list on my phone, restaurants I want to try. That list mostly includes eateries in the city. And the list is compiled from articles I've read or suggestions from what other people have enjoyed and told me. That list is a bit longer and includes a variety. I hope to try most, if not all on that list.
I some times do "to-do" lists Usually it is things that I need to do or I'm asking other people to help me with. (It is very hard for me to ask others for help). I keep a very small list of things I'd like to get done or to do-usually things around my house or to my house. I don't share this list very often usually because the items on that list require extra help and/or man power...it's more of a "wish list" to me. Oh well.
My written lists are reminders, so are short term....lunch in the fridge or take a check for lunch money or take back pop cans and bottles to the redemption center, or meeting after school- are just a few of the things I write down to remind myself so I have a note on my counter by my keys in the morning...things that I often forget because I'm hurrying out the door in the mornings or have too many other things on my mind when I get home from school in the afternoons. They help keep me on task or at least remind me that they need to be done....that doesn't mean they get done or I don't forget!
I always make a list for holiday meals. And every time I sit down to make these meal lists I promise myself not to cook myself into a frenzy. But guess what, I start out very focused and end up with four vegetables at Thanksgiving dinner or six different desserts and three kinds of soup for Christmas eve. I want to make everyone's favorite and it becomes food overload! There are worse things-at least that's what I tell myself!
The lists I need to remember to do more often are the list of people and things I am blessed with and what I am thankful for. These are lists that help keep me grounded and more focused and certainly don't need to be written down.
I am blessed with...my family, my health, my freedom, clean water, food on the table, a roof over my head and many, many more things.
So many blessings and a list that I need to remember daily and appreciate more often.
I'm not a professional at the list making, I'm more of an on-again off-again lister, and I will admit if I write something down (rather than make a list on my phone) I am more likely to remember it! (So it is true that if you write something you remember it better!).
So with a holiday tomorrow and a short week ahead I have a list of things I would like to accomplish this week and what meetings I have to go to. And I'm betting most of the items on that list and schedule will get done and be remembered because I wrote it! Yay me!!
So to those who are constant list makers, I am in awe and bow down to your organization skills. I wish I was more like you. But for now I'll be the occasional "lister" and do the best I can when I don't make a list and forget more than I remember!
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Summer thoughts and ramblings
Well, where did the summer go? I will admit that it honestly seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. But looking back it was fun.
-June included birthdays, short road trips and summer baseball. It was all part of what summer should be. A new routine and schedule took some adjustment to get used to but that's just life.
-July and the 4th kind of signifies that turning point where summer is on the down side. And yes it was. My sister was here to visit-what a journey she has had over the past year. She is a brave and independent woman. I admire her perspective on life. I wish I was more laid back and calm like she is.
My dream of road tripping and having my whole family all together without it being a wedding or a holiday came true. It was a lot of fun and we got through it with air mattresses and rain! And we made great memories. It seems like we planned that trip for a long time and it was here and then we were on our way back home. BUT...the only regret, we never got a family picture. I wanted something outside, not in front of a Christmas tree or dressed for a wedding. Next time we take the family picture on the first day...okay maybe the second day!
-August, and here we are on the verge of going back to school/work. Days of getting things done at home are all but over. The freedom of jumping in the car for a short or long road trip are done. And it makes me sad.
Our last visitor of the summer left on Saturday morning, child #3. Having any of my kids home is always great, no matter how long or short the visit is. I look forward to those visits for days or weeks and they always fly by.
My daily schedule changes tomorrow. My morning walking partner goes back to school and I will miss our a.m. walks and talks. Our walks do as much good for the heart as the mind and soul. We don't solve the worlds problems on our walks but we discuss life. And we get healthy too. Now we will have to change our walks to evenings.
So as another school year rolls around a new routine will become the norm and life will get busy with schedules and events and other things that life brings.
I'm always appreciative of summer and the freedom and quiet and the opportunities that it brings. Thank you to everyone who played a part in my summer. Slowing down, making memories and relaxing happens all too seldom it seems. Life goes by way too fast.
-June included birthdays, short road trips and summer baseball. It was all part of what summer should be. A new routine and schedule took some adjustment to get used to but that's just life.
-July and the 4th kind of signifies that turning point where summer is on the down side. And yes it was. My sister was here to visit-what a journey she has had over the past year. She is a brave and independent woman. I admire her perspective on life. I wish I was more laid back and calm like she is.
My dream of road tripping and having my whole family all together without it being a wedding or a holiday came true. It was a lot of fun and we got through it with air mattresses and rain! And we made great memories. It seems like we planned that trip for a long time and it was here and then we were on our way back home. BUT...the only regret, we never got a family picture. I wanted something outside, not in front of a Christmas tree or dressed for a wedding. Next time we take the family picture on the first day...okay maybe the second day!
-August, and here we are on the verge of going back to school/work. Days of getting things done at home are all but over. The freedom of jumping in the car for a short or long road trip are done. And it makes me sad.
Our last visitor of the summer left on Saturday morning, child #3. Having any of my kids home is always great, no matter how long or short the visit is. I look forward to those visits for days or weeks and they always fly by.
My daily schedule changes tomorrow. My morning walking partner goes back to school and I will miss our a.m. walks and talks. Our walks do as much good for the heart as the mind and soul. We don't solve the worlds problems on our walks but we discuss life. And we get healthy too. Now we will have to change our walks to evenings.
So as another school year rolls around a new routine will become the norm and life will get busy with schedules and events and other things that life brings.
I'm always appreciative of summer and the freedom and quiet and the opportunities that it brings. Thank you to everyone who played a part in my summer. Slowing down, making memories and relaxing happens all too seldom it seems. Life goes by way too fast.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Looking back while moving forward
Where does the time go? This past week I have been reflecting back to this week one year ago. You see one year ago today we had our first family wedding of three in five months. And honestly those five months were some of the happiest of my life and three days in particular were some of the best days of my life. To see your kids find someone they love and those people are genuinely good people and love your kids back....well it makes this mom's heart happy, very happy.
A year ago today we celebrated the love between my daughter and her now husband. We saw friends and family we had not seen in a long time. We witnessed, we toasted, we celebrated and we made memories.
People's reactions during the past two and half years with three kids getting engaged within three months, then planning three wedding all within five months was funny and I developed a standard answer..."It is a very happy and fun time for our family," it usually did the trick of stopping further conversation! Because most people wanted to point out and talk about how overwhelming it all was. Yes it could be if I stopped to think about it, but that was not how I was going to remember or go through this fun time.
Each wedding was unique and fun. Each made my heart happy and overflow with love.
So today I once again say a prayer for the couple and in my heart ask God to bless them with many, many healthy, happy and loved filled years...the future it your's, together.
A year ago today we celebrated the love between my daughter and her now husband. We saw friends and family we had not seen in a long time. We witnessed, we toasted, we celebrated and we made memories.
People's reactions during the past two and half years with three kids getting engaged within three months, then planning three wedding all within five months was funny and I developed a standard answer..."It is a very happy and fun time for our family," it usually did the trick of stopping further conversation! Because most people wanted to point out and talk about how overwhelming it all was. Yes it could be if I stopped to think about it, but that was not how I was going to remember or go through this fun time.
Each wedding was unique and fun. Each made my heart happy and overflow with love.
So today I once again say a prayer for the couple and in my heart ask God to bless them with many, many healthy, happy and loved filled years...the future it your's, together.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
4th of July memories
I will be the first to admit that the 4th of July (followed closely by April Fools day) used to be my favorite holiday.
I grew up in a house that did a variety of things for the yearly holiday. There was not a set menu but it always included grilling and lots of delicious food. We ate outside and used paper plates-so clean up was easy. We didn't have to get dressed up-it was usually hot and we dressed accordingly and wore red, white and blue, if you had it! Friends, family, anyone was invited to the holiday meal. And of course there was red, white and blue type of food and watermelon, of course. It was just a good time, lots of great memories and no expectations like other holidays.
My hometown is known for the great festivities they put on every year for the 4th, after all it is named Independence! A top notched parade. An airshow, cookouts, ball tournaments, concerts and entertainment and the list goes on.
I was in the parade a few times as a kid. It was fun and of course always hot. But it is July in the midwest. The holiday was just fun and left me with a lot of found memories.
I've tried to carry on the same traditions as an adult. But living too far from my hometown and the closest thing to 4th of July celebration lacks...big time, and that's putting it mildly. Pathetic the best way to describe it.
The only thing I can control is the food and the together time. I try to put together a big meal for the 4th of July. Some years it has included lots of people, other days are smaller-like this year. And it does not matter how many or who, it's making the most of the day. Celebrating our independence. Good food. Relaxing and fun times spent with people.
Appreciate this day and what it means...we take our freedom for granted.
I grew up in a house that did a variety of things for the yearly holiday. There was not a set menu but it always included grilling and lots of delicious food. We ate outside and used paper plates-so clean up was easy. We didn't have to get dressed up-it was usually hot and we dressed accordingly and wore red, white and blue, if you had it! Friends, family, anyone was invited to the holiday meal. And of course there was red, white and blue type of food and watermelon, of course. It was just a good time, lots of great memories and no expectations like other holidays.
My hometown is known for the great festivities they put on every year for the 4th, after all it is named Independence! A top notched parade. An airshow, cookouts, ball tournaments, concerts and entertainment and the list goes on.
I was in the parade a few times as a kid. It was fun and of course always hot. But it is July in the midwest. The holiday was just fun and left me with a lot of found memories.
I've tried to carry on the same traditions as an adult. But living too far from my hometown and the closest thing to 4th of July celebration lacks...big time, and that's putting it mildly. Pathetic the best way to describe it.
The only thing I can control is the food and the together time. I try to put together a big meal for the 4th of July. Some years it has included lots of people, other days are smaller-like this year. And it does not matter how many or who, it's making the most of the day. Celebrating our independence. Good food. Relaxing and fun times spent with people.
Appreciate this day and what it means...we take our freedom for granted.
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