Weekend Musings

A truly mixed bag this weekend. 

Busy Saturday with baptisms (2) at the church. 

Went back home & changed clothes to go back up to church for Pinewood Derby where DH "volunteered" to run the races/heats, set up the track, judge the heats, etc.  Not exactly the evening we had planned for but it seems that the kids had a good time.  What was especially nice is that everyone was invited to make a car & participate in heats after the Cubs were through.  I wanted to create a Bedazzled Mobile but didn't get it done.  But I will next year.

Sunday was a weepy/happy day.  One of our "kids" and his family are moving in a week or so.  We've watched him grow up since he was 8 (well over 30 years & counting).  He's had some real ups and downs in his life but I am proud to report that he's definitely on an upswing at this point in his life.  We adore his wife & kids.  And will miss them terribly.  I feel like the last one is leaving the nest. 

She spoke in Sacrament meeting.  I did pretty well until halfway through.  And then just lost it.  What a waste of perfectly good makeup.  By the end of the meeting it was practically dripping off my chin and my nose was a lovely shade of crimson. 

But they've done good with their kids and their lives and they are all ready for a new adventure.  I just wish it weren't so far away.  But it will give us a reason to travel to them there parts. And DH & I are already mentally mapping out a trip between Arizona (where oldest +1 will be) and then up to Nevada (where they're settling).

Shotgun!!!

Ramblings from a Simple Mind

Wow.  That would make a great title for a blog.  I certainly fit the bill.  I have been known to ramble.  Quite a bit.  And my mind, at times, is terrifyingly simple.  I guess that would be a good explanation of our family motto, "Easily amused."

On the drive home yesterday I noticed a man standing in front of his house waving his arms, blowing kisses, & jumping up and down.  Okay.  Got my attention.  So I slowed down as I was passing his house and saw three little faces all squished in the window by the front door.  They were blowing kisses and waving to their daddy, sending him off to work in style.  I'm sure that when he comes home they'll all be tucked in bed so won't be able to take part in the standard "Daddy's home!!!!" ritual.  But I'm sure his evening will go so much better with a send off like that.  So sweet.

Turned the corner and saw a guy walking his two dogs.  I couldn't tell who was walking who.  He was laughing at them and their antics.  And they were walking. jumping and trying to keep up with their dad.  He finally sat down and just doused them with hugs, pats and good lovin'.  I don't know whowas smiling more - the man or the dogs.  Yes, dogs do, too, smile. 

My DH called after work.  Would I like a salad for supper?  YES!  He told me he'd get the makings on the way. He's thoughtful that way. But since I had to get breakfast stuff for me, I ended up at the same store at just the right time to find him checking out zucchini in the produce aisle.   Nice surprise for me.  So we got to stroll down the aisles together.  Well, actually he strolled, while I danced to Michael Buble.  What?  That's NOT the reason why they play good dance music while I shop?  Could have fooled me. 

Poor man just trundles along behind me as I'm attempting to cha-cha along with Mr. Buble's tune.  And yes, I was indeed on aisle 7.  (OLD family joke.  Thank you, Michael Keaton, AKA Mr. Mom)

And I got to spend some quality time with my younger Gdaughter this past week.  We get to take her to Activity Girls every two weeks.  And spoil her for a little bit all by herself.  And she doesn’t ask for much when we get her.

1.    Gum when she gets in the house

2.    Dixie Chicks on the radio when we get in the car (I consider this a promotion of sorts. She no longer asks for Radio Disney.)

We went to Souper Salads for dinner. Then a quick trip to Half Price Books.  Found 3 DC’s CDs for her collection of tunes from her Mimi.  Her collection so far includes girl groups from the 60s, the Monkees and Dixie Chicks.

Next?  Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and then Queen.  Going to the ridiculous to the sublime?  And maybe I’ll teach her Amazing Grace.  Yup.  That’s a good mix.

See?  I told you simple things. 

A Whole Lotta Nuthin’ Going On

I’ve never had the reputation for being at a loss for words.  But this past week no inspiration nor perspiration for my blog.  Not that there hasn’t been lots going on.  Just nothing to goodly report.

Parents, kids and Gkids are all fine.  DH is better than good.  Dogs are not in the pound.  Check book balance is slightly in my favor.  Repair bill for the AC repairs are within our budget.  Job is still good.  Fridge is full.   Good friends.  Good times. 

The world is spinning in greased grooves.

Sitting in Time Out With 2,000 Other Women

What a treat. My kids would never think that about being in time out when they were kids. But this was time out on the female adult level. Totally different experience! And we didn’t have to be naughty to get there! Speaking only for myself, of course.

Time Out for Women is an event sponsored by Deseret Books. Great speakers and musical groups share talks, thoughts, and talents to a large group of mostly Mormon women that pay for the privilege of sitting in a room for most of the weekend in uncomfortable chairs and no snacks (unless you count the chocolate truffles that are sold by the book store). But SOOOO worth it!

How to describe this? Hmmm. Think the Women’s Session of General Conference with applause and raucous laughter. Yup. That pretty much sums it up.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t incredible spiritual moments (there are LOTS of those). The sister that wrote President Monson’s biography had some of the most tender stories. Of course they would be. He’s the Prophet for Heaven and our sakes!

Or that there wasn’t music that uplifted and brought me to tears (there was plenty of that). Tears of laughter (let’s just say that I’ll never hear “Bye Bye Baby Bye” without a huge grin on my face). And heartache. (“Bring Him Home” from Les Miz. I think I raised the humidity factor in the room by at least 10%. But I wasn't the only one.)

But I’ll never get to SLC for Conference. So this is probably the next best thing.

The theme was “Seek the Good” and the scriptural reference is Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it HEARTILY”. Amen, sisters! I can do that!

Got to spend time with my daughters. They reconnected with friends from their childhood. Watching all of them mix and mingle was a marvel. Looks like they hadn’t skipped a beat in all those years apart. I visited with friends that have moved away. Met one of “my” Young Women (served in the YW presidency when she was a teenager) – and now she’s pregnant with baby #4! Made new friends. Kept the old. Some are silver. Some are gold. And all are priceless!

A great time was had by all. And even thinking of going down to a session in Houston in September. Yes, I like it THAT much! There will be different presenters and musicians there. That’s fine. The more talent the merrier.

Off to seek good for the day.

There is goodness all around!

Go find yourself some!

A Reason to Celebrate

I love those “On This Day in History” bits in the paper. Especially the funny, odd and off-beat ones. And there’s one coming up on Sunday that no one should miss!

Everybody has my permission to celebrate one of the longest dating sprees in history. I’m happy to announce that effective April 15, 2012 I will have officially been dating the love of my life for 42 years. A very special day in history indeed!

He was funny (and still is) and I was (and still am) odd and off-beat. A match made in Heaven.

Poor man. Lucky me. I’m sure that if he knew then what he knows now he might have put up a bit more of a fight. Or at least have me put on a longer leash.

I want what I want when I want it. He didn’t stand a chance.

Boy meets girl.

Girl lets boy catch her.

And they’re living happily forever after.

Lucky boy. Happy girl.

And the heartbeats goes on.

You should be so blessed!

Hairy Houdini

Yup. You read that right.

We’ve been blessed with lots of rain. Which my lawn (mostly weeds) loves. And which my dogs hate. Both are low riders and wading through through chest deep water is not their idea of a good time. So the “smarter” of the two has taken matters into his own paws – and has started climbing the fence to get out.

In his defense it’s not just his trying to get out of the water. The real reason is because he’s bored and wants to go find someone to play with. He’s visited with the ladies next door. They love him. They open their backdoor- and there he is. They welcome him w/ open arms, spoil him rotten and when they’re done with him they send him home. He really doesn't look all that happy when I retrieve his furry little backside. I wish we could come to some sort of agreement about their providing puppy day care while I’m at work. But DH has discouraged that.

He’s plugged up holes in the fence. Used chicken wire as a deterrent. Not such a good idea. Newton figured out it was just a more secure paw-hold. I’m all for barbed wire or a “hot wire” to run across the top of the fence. But with our luck – flooded backyard, determined pooch and a hot wire will not a happy puppy make. He’d turn into “hot dog”, for sure.

So today after work I get to bail him out of stir. He’s on a “wanted” poster at the city pound. Since he’s chipped they were able to ID him, put his picture on their website, and then call us. They even got his name right.

At this point I’m almost willing to let him stay where he is and let a family with kids take him home. That’s what he really wants. He LOVES kids. He just goes crazy when the Gkids come over. I love on him a lot but it’s nothing compared to what smaller hands and higher voices can do for him. He’s such a little attention seeker, couch sitter, loves cookies, stuffed animals (especially the ones that sing and/or dance), and walkies. Hates riding in the car. Is polite during family prayer (has been known to “bow his head”). Not so crazy about balls and forget the whole fetch thing. He’s SO over that.

What a brat. I do love him but there’s probably someone out there who could love him more.

How much is that doggie in the window?

Free to good home.

Name That Tune

Music has played such an important part in my life. Gifts from my mother, who was a talented musician playing the piano, organ and violin. And she could carry a tune quite nicely.

I took piano lessons. Taught myself to play the recorder, organ, and ukelele. Learned to play the glockenspiel in Jr. high. Was in choir from 8th grade on. Sang in duets w/ Older. Sang in choirs at church. Sang to babies and Gbabies lullabies, silly songs, and folk songs.

Nowadays I only sing w/ the radio or the hymns in church. I no longer have the pipes that I once had. A sorry side effect of too many years suffering from GERD and other maladies.

I’m currently enthralled with a show on BYU TV called “The Song That Changed My Life.” They recently showcased Alex Boyé (from the MoTab Choir) and Lea Salonga (from Les Miz fame & other productions). They’ve featured artists that are not so well known but no less talented. But last night was a group that really grabbed me – The Lower Lights.

Three years ago a mishmash of guitarists, fiddle players, drummers, horns, tubas, and several different vocal styles got together to share talents & ideas. They’ve cut an album that features hymns in the style that might have been sung by the Pioneers. Soul felt. Full of praise. Often filled with sorrow and a hunger for home. The songs include both LDS hymns + some standards. All sing-alongable since they seem to be in my current limited vocal range.

But what song in my life has impacted me the most? Changed my life? Too many to name. And depending where/when I was. Before marriage – anything by Judy Collins. DH introduced me to CSN&Y (if I have to ‘splain that one to you – so sad). He could gauge what kind of mood I was in at the end of a long day by what was blaring through the house. Judy? Depressed. CSN&Y? Much better mood. Of course, there’s the Beatles, Beach Boys, and girl groups. Les Miz. Phantom. Wicked. And my tastes have changed. And grown.

But which song?

Well, for now it’s a gorgeous song based on a poem by Robert Frost called “The Pasture”, sung by the men of MoTab. This song is beautiful and takes my breath away. There’s one particular phrase that sums up my life at this point w/ DH. “I shan’t be gone long – you come too.” An invitation to participate in the most mundane of chores and/or trips around town.

Too many times I’ve turned DH down. I have to change that. He’s my best friend. My eternal companion. My rock. My target for barbed humor (but that’s okay because he gives every bit as good as he gets).

Same with invites from kids, Gkids and friends. I need to go with them when invited. And invite them all for more opportunities to “go, too”.

Music was created to ease hearts, heal wounds, make you laugh, better appreciate your blessings, and move your feet.

So for today, sing a song. Sing it loud. Sing it long.

All together now!!!

The Joys & Blunders of Growing Old(er)

I’ve decided that this growing old(er) crap isn’t for sissies – which I definitely am (older but only sometimes a sissie).

Because of foot problems (bunion + messed up tendons + fractured toe) I’m now at that stage where I get to wear those lovely old lady shoes from SAS. They are comfy but at $150 a pair (I’ll take a pause here while you catch your breath) – I’m almost ready to say that I’ll be happy to do without. Unfortunately that isn’t the case. The pair I got look okay w/ jeans but they’re not the least bit girly. Or anywhere near pretty. But the damage to my foot requires a bit of TLC – which these shoes offer in spades. So for now, it’ll do, Pig, it’ll do.

Surgery wasn’t discussed. Which I’m glad for. At this point it’s just a bunion that’s screaming its head off and tendons that are messed up due to over compensating for the way I’m walking to not hurt my bunion. And now there’s the issue of arthritis settling in on the top of my foot. PLUS zigging when I should have been zagging resulting in my driving my foot into a step which hurt my toe. This all makes my feet all that much more attractive. Lovely.

I missed church yesterday. But I had to choose between our meetings (with a leg hiked up in a chair – not a really a problem but I knew that I would NOT stay off my feet cuz I’d want to visit, stroll the halls, etc.) OR going to GP for Eric’s ordination as a Teacher and a celebratory family dinner afterwards. You know who won.

Eric’s ordination was awesome. There were at least 10 good Priesthood holders in the circle. All of his “dads” (real & adopted), the Bishopric, the YM presidency, and his Poppy. The room was really crowded but no one seemed to mind. Eric takes his priesthood responsibilities very seriously and doesn’t mess around like some of the others do. He’s a joy to watch. He has good leaders and great parents that are teaching this young Jedi in the true ways of The Force. Strong this one is. And he's going to be the droid that everyone will want. Trust me on this one.

Got to spend some time on Saturday with Younger. Typical girlie lunch - soup, salad and breadsticks with a side of shopping at Walmart tossed in. We don't often get the chance to spend time alone with each other. So it was a great treat to greet, eat & meet.

She's a lovely woman who has a lot on her plate. She's trying so hard to do what's right and she has met plenty of obstacles. And she has so many more to face. But she keeps plugging on. And holding on. Her path ahead is very rocky but I have no doubts that she'll continue doing what's right. Her choices haven't always been the best but she is trying. Let's just say that she's a better woman than I. Strong in ways that I couldn't even imagine. She has great resources available. A good ward and bishop. Loving siblings. And parents that are rooting for her and her kids. Oh - and prayers. Let there always be prayers.

It's Monday. A good start to the week.

Be gentle & kind. You never know who's watching!

April 5, 2012

Where has all my music gone? Long time passing?

No. I just forgot my cell phone. For the second day in a row. Oh, woe is me.

Not just because I can't check FB. Not because I can't take a mindless break and line up a couple of jewels in my quest to get the highest score ever (I'm currently at 6M+ points). And not because I can't post, text or check my VM.

No music, people!!!

Remember when I said I love technology when it works? Well, I need this particular technology TO work.

Yes, I have a laptop at work, which has turned out to be a big mistake. Now I'm expected to actually take it into meetings and take notes on the thing. Never happened when I had a regular ol' PC. This is what happens when I make a stink and whine, "But I want a laptop, too!" Yet more proof of be careful what you wish for.

I have all these bells, whistles and geegaws at work & home. Can barely use most of them. Not that I don't like them. I just can't figure how to get them all to work the way I want them to. I'm still holding out for the perfect machine - it will read my mind, phrase things perfectly, automatically correct my misspellings and dangling participles, etc. Paying bills on time, taking out the trash & emptying the catbox would also be nice features, too.

Now - back to the music portion of our program.

My main use for my phone, at least at work, is being able to listen to Pandora, KERA or my Christian radio station. It's my "white noise" at work. Plus I get to hum a bit whenever the mood strikes me. Folks at work think I'm strange anyway so this doesn't surprise or scare them.

Right now I have a song stuck in my head. Not a bad song - something by MoTab (could be worse but I won't go there because something else not nearly as nice will probably pop into its place. Oh, darn. Too late. There it is - Don't cry for me . . . ). But I just like what I like while I'm at work.

Our server won't allow us to listen to anything on line. Which is fine because I know how to use my phone for that particular function. WHEN I have it with me.

I just want to the record to show that at times I don't really care of the sounds of silence.

And now is one of those times.

April 3, 2012

Spring is STILL busting out all over.

Time for our annual everyone run for cover party AKA tornado season. I know - it's not funny if someone gets hurt or property is destroyed. I just happened to be at work when sirens started going off outside. Received a call from DH because he'd been told to get himself hence out of the weather. His response, "Yes, dear." Trained well.

As soon as the announcement was made by building managerment I started rounding up my team members and scurried everyone to the hall. And waited. And waited. Until the all clear was broadcasted and everyone back to work. So to speak. Talk about a great water cooler moment! Oh - the stories they will have to tell to their Gkids.

Coworkers started hitting the internet, pulling up videos of damage done throughout the Metroplex. Arlington has especially been hard hit. The mayor even called for a state of emergency for that not-so-fair-at-the-moment city. For those of you that spend time there doing fun stuff- the Ballpark, Cowboy Stadium & Six Flags were all spared. Yay. But even more important I'm hoping that no one was hurt and the damage is as minimal as possible (does that even make sense considering it was a huge tornado that flew through?)

We get to live under this rite of spring until at least the 2nd week in May (I give it an extra week because Ft. Worth's big party May Fest on the 1st weekend seems to almost always have bad weather attached to it. So I'm covering my timeline base.).

Since it's spring - we can win the trifecta. Tornadoes + hail + frog stranglin' rain = floods and lots of visits from insurance adjusters.

Everyone in my family fared just fine. At least as far as I can tell. Hope the same goes for you and yours.

Welcome to Texas, y'all!

Yeehaw!!!

April 2, 2012

Spring is busting out all over.

As seen on the plains, hills, canyons, and meadows throughout the Great State of Texas.

Millions of folks are headed outdoors to make the annual trek for family pictures. And this last weekend was no exception. We were lucky enough to be part of that crowd.

It’s amazing the things that draw people together – having conversations with folks that you’ll never meet again. Our being in a tornado last year was one instance. Folks that hadn’t spoken to each other in years suddenly going door to door to make sure everyone was okay. Football game (go Cowboys?). The occasional “family style” restaurant where everyone just plops down next to someone, instantly share small talk and hints on the best dishes to order.

And picture taking is another great opportunity to meet and greet.

Lots of “howdy’s”, “great day for a picture”, and admiring all the kids’ outfits. Tips are shared on the best places to sit , usually marked by the unmistakable imprint of someone else’s backside or the trails leading through the taller flowers. Or how to get a better shot. Or the offer of taking a picture for you so that no one’s left out of the group shot. And suggesting an even better spot down the road and just around the bend.

Of course there will be the occasional fire ant mound (which I was the “lucky” to stumble over – literally) that might deter the more adventurous. Just watch out for them because they’re out in droves this year due to the mild winter and wet spring.

Better get those pictures and collect those memories before it gets hot and the wildflowers are shadows of their former selves.

Some folks that aren’t around from these parts just don’t get why we Texans go crazy over the collection of wildflowers that we’re blessed with each spring. Part of our charm, I guess.

I’m not telling anyone that they need to stop and smell the roses.

Just grab a camera, someone you love and start clicking while the clocks still ticking.

You’ll thank me later.