The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour
before someone would to able to see him.
I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.
He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.
As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.
He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,
'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'
True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Oh No! Snow!
We am supposed to leave for California today! But it snowed--and is still snowing! The highway reports are not good, so we'll try again tomorrow....
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Next Week: New Postage Rates
New carrier rates will be in effect January 2, 2011 for USPS and January 3, 2011 for UPS. Once in effect, rates in the Shipping Calculator, eBay labels, and PayPal labels will be updated. Make sure your shipping costs reflect these new rates.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Word History
My friend Vern posted this on Facebook today:
I love language trivia. Here are a few things I have picked up over the years regarding the origin of terms, and how they have become a part of our everyday vernacular.
1- "The Whole Nine Yards" : During World War II the heavy bombers over Europe were armed with .50 cailber heavy machine guns. A bandolier of ammo for these guns was nine yards long. If you shot a whole bandolier at the same enemy fighter that was called giving them "The Whole Nine Yards"
2- "Hooker" : In early colonial New York City most of the prostitutes hung out down on the waterfront on "Hook" street. Therefore the ladies walking that street became know as "Hookers"
3- "Rule of Thumb" : This one is kind of sinister. Apparently back in medieval times it was socially acceptable for a man to beat his wife as long as the device he used was no bigger in diameter than his thumb. Hence the term "Rule of Thumb"
I love language trivia. Here are a few things I have picked up over the years regarding the origin of terms, and how they have become a part of our everyday vernacular.
1- "The Whole Nine Yards" : During World War II the heavy bombers over Europe were armed with .50 cailber heavy machine guns. A bandolier of ammo for these guns was nine yards long. If you shot a whole bandolier at the same enemy fighter that was called giving them "The Whole Nine Yards"
2- "Hooker" : In early colonial New York City most of the prostitutes hung out down on the waterfront on "Hook" street. Therefore the ladies walking that street became know as "Hookers"
3- "Rule of Thumb" : This one is kind of sinister. Apparently back in medieval times it was socially acceptable for a man to beat his wife as long as the device he used was no bigger in diameter than his thumb. Hence the term "Rule of Thumb"
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Bill Gates Graduation Speech
Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! Some of these may seem harsh, but they're true!
Bill Gates once gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality & how this concept sets them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2 : The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6 : If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10 : Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11 : Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Bill Gates once gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality & how this concept sets them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2 : The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6 : If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10 : Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11 : Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
For my friends in Wisconsin
A man in Topeka , Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes.
He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read
"Calls: $10,000 a minute."
Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to
GOD.
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle , Phoenix , Salt Lake City , Denver , Oklahoma City, and around the United States , he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Wisconsin . Upon entering a church in Menomonie and behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: 35 cents."
Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor. "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to
Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"
I love this part...............
The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in Wisconsin now... You're in God's Country. It's a local call......
He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read
"Calls: $10,000 a minute."
Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to
GOD.
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle , Phoenix , Salt Lake City , Denver , Oklahoma City, and around the United States , he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Wisconsin . Upon entering a church in Menomonie and behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: 35 cents."
Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor. "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to
Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"
I love this part...............
The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in Wisconsin now... You're in God's Country. It's a local call......
Friday, October 1, 2010
I am a Survivor!
October 1 is "Blog for your Breasts" day, as we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month. Army of Women gives us an opportunity to directly participate in cancer research.
Women of all ages and ethnicities are needed (whether you have had breast cancer or not), so please check out the Army of Women website now!
Fixing the Economy
There recently was an article in the St. Petersburg, Fl. Times. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on: "How Would You Fix the Economy?"
Here’s one interesting proposal:
Dear Mr. President,
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the "Patriotic Retirement Plan":
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings -- Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new AMERICAN Car. Forty million cars ordered -- Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay-off their mortgage -- Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that!!
P.S. If more money is needed, have all members in Congress pay their taxes.
Here’s one interesting proposal:
Dear Mr. President,
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the "Patriotic Retirement Plan":
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings -- Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new AMERICAN Car. Forty million cars ordered -- Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay-off their mortgage -- Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that!!
P.S. If more money is needed, have all members in Congress pay their taxes.
Monday, September 27, 2010
I have all the symptoms....
Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better even though I have it!!
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the water aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold..
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter
catches my eye--they need water.
I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day: the car isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there's a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers don't have enough water, there's still only 1 check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day, and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.....
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the water aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold..
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter
catches my eye--they need water.
I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day: the car isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there's a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers don't have enough water, there's still only 1 check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day, and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.....
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tonight's Blogging Class
I have new blogging friends! Michele has Sacred Sisters Adventures. Margene has Margene's Musings. Judy writes Child of the Mojave. Another Judy has Faith, Friends & Community.
Monday, September 20, 2010
What are you doing?
A traveler once passed three workers at a construction site.
The traveler asked the first worker, "What are you doing?"
The worker told him, "I'm moving bricks."
The traveler asked the second worker the same question, "What are you doing?"
The second worker replied, "I'm building a wall."
Then the traveler asked the third man the same question.
The answer was just as accurate as the others, but far more meaningful:
"I," the third man replies, "am building a cathedral."
You, too, can choose whether you are just moving around bricks, or building your own cathedral.
It is easier than it may seem.
Just ask yourself once in a while, “What are you doing?”
The traveler asked the first worker, "What are you doing?"
The worker told him, "I'm moving bricks."
The traveler asked the second worker the same question, "What are you doing?"
The second worker replied, "I'm building a wall."
Then the traveler asked the third man the same question.
The answer was just as accurate as the others, but far more meaningful:
"I," the third man replies, "am building a cathedral."
You, too, can choose whether you are just moving around bricks, or building your own cathedral.
It is easier than it may seem.
Just ask yourself once in a while, “What are you doing?”
Friday, September 17, 2010
Goldilocks & the 2 Dogs
I have an older dog that I feed a special soft food diet—I do that in our bedroom so I can lock the other dogs out. But sometimes I forget to shut the door after he’s finished (and has left some for later) and the other two dogs find their way to the “good stuff.”
Later, when I went to the bedroom for something, and discovered the food gone, and two white dogs crashed on the bed! It reminded me a lot of the Goldilocks story (except there was just two of them) and how she was found sound asleep on the bed after eating all the bears’ food! I wonder if they thought they were invisible on the white bedcover?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Concerts!
I haven't been to a concert in ages! Now, in one week we will be going to two of them!
Tonight we are going to see Merle Haggard with friends. I'm really looking forward to that.
And, just this afternoon I won a pair of tickets to see Blood, Sweat, & Tears on Saturday night!
Whoo Hoo! What fun!
Tonight we are going to see Merle Haggard with friends. I'm really looking forward to that.
And, just this afternoon I won a pair of tickets to see Blood, Sweat, & Tears on Saturday night!
Whoo Hoo! What fun!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Heart Failure!
Last week (Monday June 28) I decided I really ought to go see Jeanne (my regular doctor) about my constant shortness of breath. I got winded just bringing the groceries into the house; this had been coming on for months, but always seemed to go away, so I thought little of it.
Well, Jeanne gave me 4 tests on Monday, and got me into a Cardiologist on Tuesday (along with 2 more tests). More tests on Wednesday, and on Thursday I had what’s known as a Heart Catherization….turns out I have Cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscles), or more commonly known as Heart Failure.
Heart Failure is a scary diagnosis—sounds like I have just days to live! Actually, it’s treatable with diet, meds, and exercise (oh no! there’s that dreaded word again!).
This morning I was back for more tests—just blood work this time. And, I had a bone scan—totally unrelated to the heart problems, but still needed to be done to keep up with the Osteoporosis that developed in the past 10 years….more on that later….
Well, Jeanne gave me 4 tests on Monday, and got me into a Cardiologist on Tuesday (along with 2 more tests). More tests on Wednesday, and on Thursday I had what’s known as a Heart Catherization….turns out I have Cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscles), or more commonly known as Heart Failure.
Heart Failure is a scary diagnosis—sounds like I have just days to live! Actually, it’s treatable with diet, meds, and exercise (oh no! there’s that dreaded word again!).
This morning I was back for more tests—just blood work this time. And, I had a bone scan—totally unrelated to the heart problems, but still needed to be done to keep up with the Osteoporosis that developed in the past 10 years….more on that later….
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Cakes & Ale (an English story)
Here is a true story someone found regarding exams at Cambridge University. It seems that during an examination one day a bright young student popped up and asked the proctor to bring him Cakes and Ale. The following dialog ensued:
Proctor: I beg your pardon?
Student: Sir, I request that you bring me Cakes and Ale.
Proctor: Sorry, no.
Student: Sir, I really must insist. I request and require that you bring me Cakes and Ale.
At this point, the student produced a copy of the four hundred year old Laws of Cambridge, written in Latin and still nominally in effect, and pointed to the section which read (rough translation from the Latin):
``Gentlemen sitting examinations may request and require Cakes and Ale.''
Pepsi and hamburgers were judged the modern equivalent, and the student sat there, writing his examination and happily slurping away.
Three weeks later the student was fined five pounds for not wearing a sword to the examination.
Proctor: I beg your pardon?
Student: Sir, I request that you bring me Cakes and Ale.
Proctor: Sorry, no.
Student: Sir, I really must insist. I request and require that you bring me Cakes and Ale.
At this point, the student produced a copy of the four hundred year old Laws of Cambridge, written in Latin and still nominally in effect, and pointed to the section which read (rough translation from the Latin):
``Gentlemen sitting examinations may request and require Cakes and Ale.''
Pepsi and hamburgers were judged the modern equivalent, and the student sat there, writing his examination and happily slurping away.
Three weeks later the student was fined five pounds for not wearing a sword to the examination.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Michelle Obama's Vegetable Garden
While in Washington DC we peeked in at the south lawn area and could see Mrs. Obama's vegetble garden.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Road Trip Coming Up!
There’s so much to do! I have lists made—both on paper and in my head, but I really do have to get to packing. We leave for West Virginia in two days!
We bought a GPS yesterday. It looks like that will be a good investment. I’ve been playing with it this morning (instead of organizing for the trip…), entering addresses and finding out how it works. I had AAA make me a trip planner, but I wonder if they will do that much more now that GPS units are becoming more common in people’s cars.
Judy from the college called today, wanting me to write a bio for my blogging class…it’s so ironic that I like to write, but hate to write a personal bio….while writing it my mind wandered to how I first got started writing as little girl in California: I wrote all over my yellow dresser drawers! I also once wrote on the outside of the garage, and tried to get my little brother to take the blame, but it didn’t work. I think after that I just used paper….
We bought a GPS yesterday. It looks like that will be a good investment. I’ve been playing with it this morning (instead of organizing for the trip…), entering addresses and finding out how it works. I had AAA make me a trip planner, but I wonder if they will do that much more now that GPS units are becoming more common in people’s cars.
Judy from the college called today, wanting me to write a bio for my blogging class…it’s so ironic that I like to write, but hate to write a personal bio….while writing it my mind wandered to how I first got started writing as little girl in California: I wrote all over my yellow dresser drawers! I also once wrote on the outside of the garage, and tried to get my little brother to take the blame, but it didn’t work. I think after that I just used paper….
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I've been busy!
Wow! I have four blogs now! I have gone into freelancing—working on Facebook, blogging, etc. for other people—what fun! I still teach—in fact I have a basic blogging class on May 24 (call Judy at 308-398-7445 to sign up). And, just this week I started a blog by my new car—yes, you read that right: my car!
If you are interested, the other three blogs are: Granny’s Old Fashioned Common Sense, My Little Smart Car, and the business blog, Corner Office. Check them out—leave me some comments!
John & I will be taking a short road trip this week-end—down to St. Joe to see daughter Sharona and family. Well, I’m off for now—gotta run errands (translation: get dog food, take a package to UPS, find a birthday present for a granddaughter, etc. etc) and get set for the week-end.
If you are interested, the other three blogs are: Granny’s Old Fashioned Common Sense, My Little Smart Car, and the business blog, Corner Office. Check them out—leave me some comments!
John & I will be taking a short road trip this week-end—down to St. Joe to see daughter Sharona and family. Well, I’m off for now—gotta run errands (translation: get dog food, take a package to UPS, find a birthday present for a granddaughter, etc. etc) and get set for the week-end.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
30 Benefits of Growing Older!
In a hostage situation, you are likely to be released first.
It's harder and harder for sexual harassment charges to stick.
Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
No one expects you to run into a burning building.
People call at 9:00 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?"
People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
There's nothing left to learn the hard way.
Things you buy now won't wear out.
You can buy a compass for the dash of your car.
You can eat dinner at 4:00 PM.
You can live without sex but not without glasses.
You can't remember the last time you lay on the floor to watch TV.
You consider coffee one of the most important things in life.
You constantly talk about the price of gasoline.
You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
You got cable TV for the weather channel.
You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
You sing along with the elevator music.
You talk about "good grass", and you're referring to someone's lawn.
Your arms are almost too short to read the newspaper.
Your back goes out more than you do.
Your ears are hairier than your head.
Your eyes won't get much worse.
Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
Your joints are more accurate than the National Weather Service.
Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
It's harder and harder for sexual harassment charges to stick.
Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
No one expects you to run into a burning building.
People call at 9:00 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?"
People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
There's nothing left to learn the hard way.
Things you buy now won't wear out.
You can buy a compass for the dash of your car.
You can eat dinner at 4:00 PM.
You can live without sex but not without glasses.
You can't remember the last time you lay on the floor to watch TV.
You consider coffee one of the most important things in life.
You constantly talk about the price of gasoline.
You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
You got cable TV for the weather channel.
You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
You sing along with the elevator music.
You talk about "good grass", and you're referring to someone's lawn.
Your arms are almost too short to read the newspaper.
Your back goes out more than you do.
Your ears are hairier than your head.
Your eyes won't get much worse.
Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
Your joints are more accurate than the National Weather Service.
Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
How to Write Good
1. Avoid alliteration. Always.
2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3. Avoid clichรฉs like the plague. (They're old hat.)
4. Employ the vernacular.
5. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
6. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
7. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
8. Contractions aren't necessary.
9. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
10. One should never generalize.
11. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
12. Comparisons are as bad as clichรฉs.
13. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
14. Profanity sucks.
15. Be more or less specific.
16. Understatement is always best.
17. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
18. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
19. Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
20. The passive voice is to be avoided.
21. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
22. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
23. Who needs rhetorical questions?
2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3. Avoid clichรฉs like the plague. (They're old hat.)
4. Employ the vernacular.
5. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
6. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
7. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
8. Contractions aren't necessary.
9. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
10. One should never generalize.
11. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
12. Comparisons are as bad as clichรฉs.
13. Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
14. Profanity sucks.
15. Be more or less specific.
16. Understatement is always best.
17. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
18. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
19. Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
20. The passive voice is to be avoided.
21. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
22. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
23. Who needs rhetorical questions?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Selling on eBay
Are you putting off your spring cleaning? If so, you may want to rethink that decision. Most people think of cleaning as a boring chore but it can actually profit from spring cleaning! As you clean, you probably sort items into keep, give away, and throw away boxes. This year, you may want to add another box for sorting called Money. No, this box isn’t for lose change. It’s for items that can make you money. As you add items to the Money box you can visualize a pile of money bags.
You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Ok, maybe not trash but you get the point. If holding a yard sale just isn’t your thing, selling items on eBay is a great alternative! You don’t have to worry about the weather, bribing uh…I mean finding people to help, or anything like that. To get started, all you’ll need is the “treasures” you gather and this free beginner’s guide to Make Money With eBay, that literally walks you through selling on eBay and even shows you how to make a business of it.
Topics include:
Discovering what sells best
Setting up your first auction
Attracting customers
Setting your prices
Training for sellers
eBay business expenses
eBay business equipment
Forms of payment
Drop Shipping
When it’s time for an eBay Store
Scams to watch for
eBay business resources
…And much, much more
Download your copy here –> Make Money With eBay (6)
You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Ok, maybe not trash but you get the point. If holding a yard sale just isn’t your thing, selling items on eBay is a great alternative! You don’t have to worry about the weather, bribing uh…I mean finding people to help, or anything like that. To get started, all you’ll need is the “treasures” you gather and this free beginner’s guide to Make Money With eBay, that literally walks you through selling on eBay and even shows you how to make a business of it.
Topics include:
Discovering what sells best
Setting up your first auction
Attracting customers
Setting your prices
Training for sellers
eBay business expenses
eBay business equipment
Forms of payment
Drop Shipping
When it’s time for an eBay Store
Scams to watch for
eBay business resources
…And much, much more
Download your copy here –> Make Money With eBay (6)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Diet for Stress
This diet is designed to help you cope with the stress that builds up during the day.
Breakfast:1/2 grapefruit1 slice whole wheat toast8 oz. skim milk
Lunch:4 oz. lean broiled chicken breastl cup steamed spinach1 cup herb tea1 Oreo cookie
Mid-Afternoon snack:The rest of Oreos in the package2 pints Rocky Road ice cream, nuts, cherries and whipped cream1 jar hot fudge sauce
Dinner:2 loaves garlic bread4 cans or 1 large pitcher Coke1 large sausage, mushroom and cheese pizza3 Snickers bars
Late Evening News:Entire frozen Sara Lee cheesecake (eaten directly from freezer)
Rules for this Diet:
1. If you eat something and no one sees you eat it, it has no calories.
2. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are canceled out by the diet soda.
3. When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you do not eat more than they do.
4. Food used for medicinal purposes NEVER count, such as hot chocolate, brandy, toast and Sara Lee Cheesecake.
5. If you fatten up everyone else around you, then you look thinner.
6. Movie related foods do not have additional calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel. (Examples: Milk Duds, buttered popcorn, Junior Mints, Red Hots and Tootsie Rolls.)
7. Cookie pieces contain no calories. The process of breaking causes calorie leakage.
8. Things licked off knives and spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something.9. Foods that have the same color have the same number of calories (Examples are: spinach and pistachio ice cream; mushrooms and mashed potatoes).
10. Chocolate is a universal color and may be substituted for any other food color.
11. Anything consumed while standing has no calories. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.
12. Anything consumed from someone else's plate has no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to his/her plate. (We ALL know how calories like to cling!)
13. If you eat ice cream with a fork, it has no calories.
REMEMBER: STRESSED SPELLED BACKWARDS IS DESSERTS
Breakfast:1/2 grapefruit1 slice whole wheat toast8 oz. skim milk
Lunch:4 oz. lean broiled chicken breastl cup steamed spinach1 cup herb tea1 Oreo cookie
Mid-Afternoon snack:The rest of Oreos in the package2 pints Rocky Road ice cream, nuts, cherries and whipped cream1 jar hot fudge sauce
Dinner:2 loaves garlic bread4 cans or 1 large pitcher Coke1 large sausage, mushroom and cheese pizza3 Snickers bars
Late Evening News:Entire frozen Sara Lee cheesecake (eaten directly from freezer)
Rules for this Diet:
1. If you eat something and no one sees you eat it, it has no calories.
2. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are canceled out by the diet soda.
3. When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you do not eat more than they do.
4. Food used for medicinal purposes NEVER count, such as hot chocolate, brandy, toast and Sara Lee Cheesecake.
5. If you fatten up everyone else around you, then you look thinner.
6. Movie related foods do not have additional calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel. (Examples: Milk Duds, buttered popcorn, Junior Mints, Red Hots and Tootsie Rolls.)
7. Cookie pieces contain no calories. The process of breaking causes calorie leakage.
8. Things licked off knives and spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something.9. Foods that have the same color have the same number of calories (Examples are: spinach and pistachio ice cream; mushrooms and mashed potatoes).
10. Chocolate is a universal color and may be substituted for any other food color.
11. Anything consumed while standing has no calories. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.
12. Anything consumed from someone else's plate has no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to his/her plate. (We ALL know how calories like to cling!)
13. If you eat ice cream with a fork, it has no calories.
REMEMBER: STRESSED SPELLED BACKWARDS IS DESSERTS
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Make Your Own Rainbow!
Look at this neat rainbow creating book! It’s a flip-book, but rather than seeing animation, it creates a 3D rainbow in your hand.
"Rainbow in Your Hand" started as a personal project in summer 2007, and was soon published from a Japanese bookstore “Utrecht”. Since being published it has been featured on Japanese TV, Newspapers, major news outlets and blogsites.
I found this on BoredPanda.com.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Little Story from a Friend
One day I had a date with friends for lunch. Mae, a little old "blue hair" about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch.
When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate."I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed.
We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down. The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.
The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait.I smiled. She asked if she amused me.I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?
She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that is Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before."
"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many books I haven't read. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes.
I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again.
So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."
With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said.. "I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"
When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate."I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed.
We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down. The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.
The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait.I smiled. She asked if she amused me.I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?
She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that is Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before."
"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many books I haven't read. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes.
I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again.
So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."
With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said.. "I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Adam Ant and the Public Facilities
I find some really interesting/strange information while surfing around the web. Do you remember the 80’s (I think…) rocker called Adam Ant? Do you know where he got his name?
There is a site called 10 best urinals in the world (honest!). One of the featured facilities is in England: the public restrooms at Rothesay. This public Victorian bathroom is in full working order & retains the very stylish marble, glass and porcelain fixtures of a bygone era. Urban myth in the UK/Pop music world has it that an erstwhile Brit popstar, now turned to acting in the US, found the inspiration for his stage name while using a similarly branded 'easement' facility, hence: "Adam Ant"
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentines Day!
For the first time in 145 years, the company that makes Sweethearts has revamped the original recipe. The new candies have brighter colors, bolder flavors and more current expressions.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Falling on My Face--Literally
I tripped and fell flat on my face at noon. My left little finger ended up perpendicular to my hand. But it went back into place, and I could bend it (so it’s not broken) so I thought it was ok. After a bit I decided to find a local prompt care…it was starting to swell and was pretty tender. The Dr. put a splint on it that I have to wear for almost a week…I’m glad it wasn’t my right hand!
I was going from the post office to home and spotted a book sale--so, of course I had to stop. That's where I tripped on the sidewalk...
The doctor who took care of my finger is from Holdrege--just south of Grand Island. Small world!
I'd planned on washing my hair tonight...wonder how that will go? The nurse gave me some rubber gloves to put over it in the shower.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Rocks are Everywhere
Thursday evening--I think I’ll start back to Nebraska on Sunday. I hate to leave the warm climate here on the California coast, but I am needed back home….The California house will just have to wait until John & I return sometime in the summer.
Today I met the president of the local Rock Hound club. I had invited him to stop and see what assorted stones we have here. He will be bringing some more local club members by on Saturday. They will help me identify some of the items and perhaps they will take some away with them. I have so many rocks! I keep finding them. Dad had some tucked away in really odd places. Just last week I was cleaning out the top shelves of the pantry where many odd things were stored: extra cleaning products, extra light bulbs, etc. One box was an old automobile headlight--or so I thought. I opened it to see if it was used or not and found carefully wrapped rocks from one of Dad’s trips to Mexico back in the mid-1970’s!
While poking around in the garage (looking for more rocks…) I found a box full of old pocket knives. Most were not in the best shape, but I did bring in one that looked collectible. I’ve already listed it on eBay. It has a wood handle (strange, because most of Dad’s knives were bone or horn, or something similar) engraved with the name of an old ship supply company: CJ Hendry Co. I had to look it up on the internet to even determine what the company was. Turns out it’s been in existence since the late 1800’s in San Francisco. The other side of the knife says Columbian Manila Rope….something I’m sure would be important to have on ships.
I had stopped listing any auctions on eBay since I’ll be leaving, but a 7-day auction won’t end until February 4--I should be back in Nebraska by then. I try to schedule auctions so they won’t end when I’m traveling, but sometimes the buy-it-now items sell anyway. I have my little mini computer with me, so I can check eBay each night when I stop at a motel. It’s so fun to be able to tell people that I’m selling items even when I am on the road!
Well, I’m going to look for more rocks--the Rock Club will be coming Saturday at noon. I hope the weather will still be nice so they can poke around in the front yard, which is full of many different rocks and fossils we collected on family trips in the 60’s.
Today I met the president of the local Rock Hound club. I had invited him to stop and see what assorted stones we have here. He will be bringing some more local club members by on Saturday. They will help me identify some of the items and perhaps they will take some away with them. I have so many rocks! I keep finding them. Dad had some tucked away in really odd places. Just last week I was cleaning out the top shelves of the pantry where many odd things were stored: extra cleaning products, extra light bulbs, etc. One box was an old automobile headlight--or so I thought. I opened it to see if it was used or not and found carefully wrapped rocks from one of Dad’s trips to Mexico back in the mid-1970’s!
While poking around in the garage (looking for more rocks…) I found a box full of old pocket knives. Most were not in the best shape, but I did bring in one that looked collectible. I’ve already listed it on eBay. It has a wood handle (strange, because most of Dad’s knives were bone or horn, or something similar) engraved with the name of an old ship supply company: CJ Hendry Co. I had to look it up on the internet to even determine what the company was. Turns out it’s been in existence since the late 1800’s in San Francisco. The other side of the knife says Columbian Manila Rope….something I’m sure would be important to have on ships.
I had stopped listing any auctions on eBay since I’ll be leaving, but a 7-day auction won’t end until February 4--I should be back in Nebraska by then. I try to schedule auctions so they won’t end when I’m traveling, but sometimes the buy-it-now items sell anyway. I have my little mini computer with me, so I can check eBay each night when I stop at a motel. It’s so fun to be able to tell people that I’m selling items even when I am on the road!
Well, I’m going to look for more rocks--the Rock Club will be coming Saturday at noon. I hope the weather will still be nice so they can poke around in the front yard, which is full of many different rocks and fossils we collected on family trips in the 60’s.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I have a cold
This is Day 3 of my cold. I haven't been this down since I don't know when....probably since the last time I had a cold--which was at least 4 years ago. I've been getting a yearly flu shot at work (Cabela's gives free flu shots t0 their employees that want them) I have not had a cold...But, this year the shots were delayed and I took my Leave of Absence before they became available.
I'm actually starting to feel better today--I feel like I've wasted two whole days by laying around doing nothing, but there just wasn't any way around it....
I'm going back to Nebraska the first week in February, so there's lots to be done here before going. I still haven't even been to the beach! I promised friends to bring back some sand dollars, so I'll try to go in the morning to get some. Morning is the best time to get whole ones before they get broken or picked up by other beachcombers.
Tomorrow is also the last day of "good" weather (in my mind, anything is good compared to the blizzards in Nebraska right now!). The rains will start this weekend and maybe last for a week. This is supposed to be the rainy season here, but it's been a balmy 70ยบ most of the week.
Until tomorrow!
I'm actually starting to feel better today--I feel like I've wasted two whole days by laying around doing nothing, but there just wasn't any way around it....
I'm going back to Nebraska the first week in February, so there's lots to be done here before going. I still haven't even been to the beach! I promised friends to bring back some sand dollars, so I'll try to go in the morning to get some. Morning is the best time to get whole ones before they get broken or picked up by other beachcombers.
Tomorrow is also the last day of "good" weather (in my mind, anything is good compared to the blizzards in Nebraska right now!). The rains will start this weekend and maybe last for a week. This is supposed to be the rainy season here, but it's been a balmy 70ยบ most of the week.
Until tomorrow!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Back to Nebraska!
Well, it looks like I'm going back to Nebraska much sooner than I thought. I'm needed there more than I'm needed here....
Not sure when I'm leaving, but it will be this week. I'm getting the van serviced right now so it will be ready to go. I'm also deciding what to take back with me. I'll take some of the antique stuff to put up on eBay and leave a bunch of the books here (I brought 5 or 6 boxes of books with me in December.) but will probably take a few books from here to Nebraska to sell, too.
I haven't even been to the beach this trip! I'll have to go in the morning I think. I promised some friends that I'd bring back some sand dollars. I better pick some lemons to take, too!
Not sure when I'm leaving, but it will be this week. I'm getting the van serviced right now so it will be ready to go. I'm also deciding what to take back with me. I'll take some of the antique stuff to put up on eBay and leave a bunch of the books here (I brought 5 or 6 boxes of books with me in December.) but will probably take a few books from here to Nebraska to sell, too.
I haven't even been to the beach this trip! I'll have to go in the morning I think. I promised some friends that I'd bring back some sand dollars. I better pick some lemons to take, too!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Motivation Time!
Ok, time to get motivated! I've been in California for 2 weeks now and haven't written anything!
I went out to some yard sales this morning...sure couldn't do that in Nebraska on January 9th! They are so snowed in. John says it's still below zero this morning. But the weather report says it's supposed to warm up today and tomorrow for them.
My lemon tree out back is covered with lemons! Just look at them! And, most are too high for me to reach. My neighbor to the north (Irene) offered her husband to help pick them....my daughter Sharona in St. Joe wants me to send some.
I found an old tied quilt the other day. I used to sleep under it as a little girl. My grandmother made it in the Depression years. It is pieced out of old men's suits, corduroy squares, and my favorite: some black velvet squares.
Other than cleaning and re-arranging my house, I've been busy posting on eBay. I really don't need more stuff, but I can't help bringing home more (especially when I find a few bargains here and there) to sell.
So, I think we are all up to date....I'm sure I'll think of more as the day goes on. Heading out back to work on painting the metal bed frame--it was tan, but I'm spray-painting it black. That ought to go with everything....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)