Life is so busy right now. I’m not complaining, but I decided today to just stop. It has been sweet to catch up on things on the home front.
I’m taking two classes right now which keep my evenings busy. My one class is a level 2 poetry class with assignments every night. Some are just reading assignments, others are writing. After a full day of accounting, sometimes poems just don’t want to come out. When the weather’s nice I park myself on the back porch. For some reason I write better, easier on the back porch. With the crappy weather lately, though, I’ve been working from my comfy chair and it just isn’t the same. I’m a back porch bum. I may have to buy a chiminea so I can be outside with the cooler temps of this season.
I love cooking, too, and that takes up evening time. But there’s just something wonderful about preparing beautiful, delicious food. It’s a Zen thing for me.
My social calendar has been full lately, too. I love playing with my friends. . .bunko, blues, brews, burgers. Last weekend I had a girls weekend at the coast, a blues jam when I got home, then a dinner party after that.
Do you see what’s missing? Time to get chores done, yep. I manage the best I can, but my home deserves more than just a lick and a promise. Today I stopped, took care of me, took care of my home, and got my homework all caught up. It feels good to make me the priority today. Work will still be there tomorrow and I will be better able to deal with it now that things are settled in my life.
So I want to encourage all of you to find some “me” time. You deserve it and you’ll feel better taking care of yourself. I know I do.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Good-bye 2009
It really has been a wonderful year for me. My friends have so enriched my life this past year. I have made so many new friends thanks to my new church, The Grove. We’ve worked together to make The Grove happen, and it did. I’ve also reconnected with many of my high school and college friends. It has been wonderful to get reacquainted with them all. It’s almost as if we were never apart. I’m so glad they are back in my life.
Some highlights of my past year:
AFRICA – I got to visit my daughter in Namibia for 3 weeks in May. To see how she lives there, and to watch her teach the kids. . . well, I was in awe. I will never forget that experience for as long as God allows me to live.
New York – Thanksgiving in New York was amazing. Daniel and I got to see a Broadway show, then attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade the next day. It was truly a wonderful experience for me to share with my son, who is my friend.
Writing – I’ve been blessed to attend a few conferences this year and connect with some wonderful writers and find a couple of mentors. I love having this dimension in my world now.
Races – I was blessed to race in 3 events this year. I did the Eugene ½ marathon in May with my friend Jamie. This summer I was part of an AWESOME team of women competing in the Portland to Coast relay. That was fun! Exhausting, but fun. This fall I competed in Run Like Hell in Portland. The relay race was exhausting, but Run Like Hell hurt. I guess that’s why they named it Run Like Hell, go figure. I will so do it again, though. What a challenge.
Music – My music world has so opened up this year. Not only do I have a whole new batch of music friends that I adore, but I started playing my flute again. It feels great to be able to do that.
Other things – I got to play softball this summer on a team from work, took dancing lessons at OSU, joined Soroptomist International, got a new dog named Jack, became a great aunt twice, got a Mustang, and discovered Silver jeans and Moroccan oil (if you don’t know what those are, Google them).
Yes, 2009 has been very good to me, but I’m ready for 2010. Why, you may ask? Because I can see the growth and beauty from this past year, and can’t wait to see what wonderful things are in store in 2010. I so look forward to sharing it with you, friend.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Just Thoughts
There are some things I don’t understand. I’m 50 years old. I thought by now I would get it. But even though my chronicle years are five decades old, my inner years are only two or three decades old. I mean I have wisdom now that I didn’t have then, and I have a sense of me that I never thought I would ever have. Those things are great, but I just thought there’d be some click, a change, a revelation. . .something, you know.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m very happy. I have close, dear friends that I love and who love me no matter what. I have money to spend which I didn’t have when I was in my 20s and 30s. I am part of a church that is making a difference in this city. And I have adult children who are now my friends. . .very dear friends. I love that. So I’m not complaining about where I am.
It’s just that I moved from a frightened nervous worry-wart person to this confident, happy person, and there wasn’t a fanfare, an ‘aha’ moment, an epiphany, a noticeable paradigm shift. . . it was just this gradual shift. I’m slightly disappointed. THAT is what I don’t understand. I really wanted some fireworks, a roll off, to be able to yell “Ta Da”. . . I would have done a cartwheel.
And I don’t understand people who just don’t get it. I didn’t used to get it so you’d think I’d be patient with them, but it just seems so simple now. Is it the years that give it this simplicity, or is it something in me?
Anyway, for those of you still on the frightened, nervous, worry-wart path, no worries. It will all be okay. Just saying. . . life is what you make it and want it to be. So just go for it!
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m very happy. I have close, dear friends that I love and who love me no matter what. I have money to spend which I didn’t have when I was in my 20s and 30s. I am part of a church that is making a difference in this city. And I have adult children who are now my friends. . .very dear friends. I love that. So I’m not complaining about where I am.
It’s just that I moved from a frightened nervous worry-wart person to this confident, happy person, and there wasn’t a fanfare, an ‘aha’ moment, an epiphany, a noticeable paradigm shift. . . it was just this gradual shift. I’m slightly disappointed. THAT is what I don’t understand. I really wanted some fireworks, a roll off, to be able to yell “Ta Da”. . . I would have done a cartwheel.
And I don’t understand people who just don’t get it. I didn’t used to get it so you’d think I’d be patient with them, but it just seems so simple now. Is it the years that give it this simplicity, or is it something in me?
Anyway, for those of you still on the frightened, nervous, worry-wart path, no worries. It will all be okay. Just saying. . . life is what you make it and want it to be. So just go for it!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Mary's Peak
Majestic Mary’s Peak fills the
view in the morning
on my routine drive to work
a parade of cars stream
down the rural highway
the smell of fresh coffee
oldies on my radio
I come around the bend
there she stands like she
was waiting just for me
A ring of clouds rest
around her shoulders
like a feathery white boa
worn by a queen
morning rays shine on her
peak like a spotlight
highlighting her beauty
a crescent moon low in
the westerly sky hangs just
to her right against a
dark blue canvas
I imagine hiking to the top
to see the highway that
she sees each day
to see the valley floor
as the sunlight kisses
the tree tops
to see the hills beyond
to become one with
Mary’s Peak.
view in the morning
on my routine drive to work
a parade of cars stream
down the rural highway
the smell of fresh coffee
oldies on my radio
I come around the bend
there she stands like she
was waiting just for me
A ring of clouds rest
around her shoulders
like a feathery white boa
worn by a queen
morning rays shine on her
peak like a spotlight
highlighting her beauty
a crescent moon low in
the westerly sky hangs just
to her right against a
dark blue canvas
I imagine hiking to the top
to see the highway that
she sees each day
to see the valley floor
as the sunlight kisses
the tree tops
to see the hills beyond
to become one with
Mary’s Peak.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thanksgiving with my son.
WOW! Let me just start this off with a WOW!
It started Wednesday morning in New Hampshire. Daniel picked me up at the airport and we drove to New York City. Due to traffic, we got to our hotel late and had to change for the sho
w right away so we had a snack on the run. Walking down Broadway to the theater was memorable. All I could say was “can you believe we are here?” It was surreal. Then we saw The Lion King. Beautiful show! Amazing night!
Thanksgiving morning started early because we wanted to get a good viewing spot for the parade and we did. The Macy’s Day parade from the corner of 49th and 7th ave is great, in case you ever want to go. And the coffee shop right there rocks! We had so much fun kibitzing with the people around us and talking to the cops.
But Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without making it to the party at Daniel’s home. We got back to his house just in time. His friends are warm and funny, and the house where Daniel lives is very comfortable. And dinner was delicious. Kate and Alec who own the house are wonderful hosts.
Daniel and I spent the next few days shopping, going to movies, working out at the gym (yes, my son’s a gym rat, too), listening to music, eating way too much, touring the beautiful White Mountains, and just playing.
Last night I got to go to his Jiu Jitsu class. I was allowed to participate in part of the class. It was fun and I learned some basic self defense moves. It was nice watching Daniel spar and grapple with the other people in the class. It reminded me of when he was a wrestler in high school. He was an awesome wrestler.
Daniel is an incredible person. It didn’t really matter what we did, it was amazing. He is such a gentleman, too. He opened my car door, smiled at me across the gym, made sure I had enough blankets, didn’t scold me about drinking too much coffee. . . he is a sweet man, a wonderful son and one of my best friends.
See, I told you WOW!
It started Wednesday morning in New Hampshire. Daniel picked me up at the airport and we drove to New York City. Due to traffic, we got to our hotel late and had to change for the sho
w right away so we had a snack on the run. Walking down Broadway to the theater was memorable. All I could say was “can you believe we are here?” It was surreal. Then we saw The Lion King. Beautiful show! Amazing night!Thanksgiving morning started early because we wanted to get a good viewing spot for the parade and we did. The Macy’s Day parade from the corner of 49th and 7th ave is great, in case you ever want to go. And the coffee shop right there rocks! We had so much fun kibitzing with the people around us and talking to the cops.
But Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without making it to the party at Daniel’s home. We got back to his house just in time. His friends are warm and funny, and the house where Daniel lives is very comfortable. And dinner was delicious. Kate and Alec who own the house are wonderful hosts.
Daniel and I spent the next few days shopping, going to movies, working out at the gym (yes, my son’s a gym rat, too), listening to music, eating way too much, touring the beautiful White Mountains, and just playing.
Last night I got to go to his Jiu Jitsu class. I was allowed to participate in part of the class. It was fun and I learned some basic self defense moves. It was nice watching Daniel spar and grapple with the other people in the class. It reminded me of when he was a wrestler in high school. He was an awesome wrestler.
Daniel is an incredible person. It didn’t really matter what we did, it was amazing. He is such a gentleman, too. He opened my car door, smiled at me across the gym, made sure I had enough blankets, didn’t scold me about drinking too much coffee. . . he is a sweet man, a wonderful son and one of my best friends.
See, I told you WOW!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Confessions of a Gym Rat
I am a gym rat. Always have been, always will be. I get asked all of the time how I can do it, how I can get up at 5 a.m. for boot camp, how I can train and complete a marathon, how I can find the time to do it, and what motivates me. To be quite honest, I really don’t know what motivates me exactly. I like being fit. I like being able to wear cute clothes. I like setting the bar a little higher just to see if I can do it. I like having a lot of energy. But mostly I think I’m addicted to endorphins and cute clothes, though. Hey, I’m being honest. Oh, and there’s the food thing. You can't like eating like I do and be a size 4. Gotta burn off that roasted duck and Crème Brulee somehow.
Also, I have an analytical job that requires me to be still. Sometimes I can’t shut my brain off after work. Hitting the gym allows me to find that off switch a little easier. And then I can find a place in my brain to do my passion which is writing. See, it all blends together perfectly.
When I was in secondary school I participated in every sport I could: volleyball, track, cross country, and basketball. During the summers I was on the softball team, played tennis, and swam. In college I didn’t get to participate on any teams mainly because I was already a mom and a military wife with a lot of volunteer duties. That in and of itself was a workout, but I still was able to go to the gym and swim. Plus our family hiked and canoed. My kids could tell a few horror stories about THAT, canoe trips where we got lost in bayous in Louisiana, hiking trips through rivers and boulders. Those are stories for another blog post, however. . . .or maybe for them to tell there therapists.
I loved going to the gym on military bases. I’d work out in the weight room with all of the young recruits. A lot of times I’d be the only woman in there and my son would call me a buff chick. His respect for me was major motivation. There’s a respect in the weight room, too. Everybody watches everyone and there is a healthy competition for form and reps, but a silent respect for each other that we are up and making something happen. No excuses! Of course, I never had to wait for the weights I wanted. They were pumping 50 pounders while I was doing the 15s, but hey, I’m a girl. It’s what I can do.
Then there was the time my husband and I decided to hike the Oregon section of the Pacific Coast Trail. Now remember, I was the girl in the weight room with the 15 pound weights, okay. Well, my pack was 50 pounds. I was throwing up by the end of the first day, had bruised toes by the end of the second day, and ended up leaving the trail on day 5 missing 7 toenails and my dignity. Guess I should have trained with a 50 pound pack, or smacked my husband for thinking we should have equally balanced packs. God, he is 180 pounds, I’m 130 pounds. At least he could have rationed them out accordingly. My toenails grew back and they are painted pink right now mainly because they are still bruised from my last race. Toenails are for sissies.
Once I became an empty nester, though, my gym rat persona came back big time. I have a lot more free time to fill however I want. I have friends who are marathoners and tri-athletes. We spend time talking about the best running shoes, where the next races are, how many miles we put in this week, and where the cutest workout clothes are (try Lucy’s in Bridgeport!). It’s awesome to have that connection with these amazing women! Who knew that being a gym rat was a girly thing to do?
We call it pounding pavement. The rhythm of my pace, the sounds of my breaths and the music in my iPod are exhilarating. Plus I live in a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL place. I come up over hills and can see Mt Jefferson in his entire splendor, come around the bend upon deer feeding in McDonald forest, or meet another person with some cute puppy dogs. It’s all fodder for writing later, and it is all motivation to keep going. Who knows what’s around the next bend or over the next hill. I so gotta know.
You know, I may actually do it for the race t-shirts, the carb loading, and the cheesy medals.
NAH . . . it’s for the cute clothes. I’m such a girl.
Also, I have an analytical job that requires me to be still. Sometimes I can’t shut my brain off after work. Hitting the gym allows me to find that off switch a little easier. And then I can find a place in my brain to do my passion which is writing. See, it all blends together perfectly.
When I was in secondary school I participated in every sport I could: volleyball, track, cross country, and basketball. During the summers I was on the softball team, played tennis, and swam. In college I didn’t get to participate on any teams mainly because I was already a mom and a military wife with a lot of volunteer duties. That in and of itself was a workout, but I still was able to go to the gym and swim. Plus our family hiked and canoed. My kids could tell a few horror stories about THAT, canoe trips where we got lost in bayous in Louisiana, hiking trips through rivers and boulders. Those are stories for another blog post, however. . . .or maybe for them to tell there therapists.
I loved going to the gym on military bases. I’d work out in the weight room with all of the young recruits. A lot of times I’d be the only woman in there and my son would call me a buff chick. His respect for me was major motivation. There’s a respect in the weight room, too. Everybody watches everyone and there is a healthy competition for form and reps, but a silent respect for each other that we are up and making something happen. No excuses! Of course, I never had to wait for the weights I wanted. They were pumping 50 pounders while I was doing the 15s, but hey, I’m a girl. It’s what I can do.
Then there was the time my husband and I decided to hike the Oregon section of the Pacific Coast Trail. Now remember, I was the girl in the weight room with the 15 pound weights, okay. Well, my pack was 50 pounds. I was throwing up by the end of the first day, had bruised toes by the end of the second day, and ended up leaving the trail on day 5 missing 7 toenails and my dignity. Guess I should have trained with a 50 pound pack, or smacked my husband for thinking we should have equally balanced packs. God, he is 180 pounds, I’m 130 pounds. At least he could have rationed them out accordingly. My toenails grew back and they are painted pink right now mainly because they are still bruised from my last race. Toenails are for sissies.
Once I became an empty nester, though, my gym rat persona came back big time. I have a lot more free time to fill however I want. I have friends who are marathoners and tri-athletes. We spend time talking about the best running shoes, where the next races are, how many miles we put in this week, and where the cutest workout clothes are (try Lucy’s in Bridgeport!). It’s awesome to have that connection with these amazing women! Who knew that being a gym rat was a girly thing to do?
We call it pounding pavement. The rhythm of my pace, the sounds of my breaths and the music in my iPod are exhilarating. Plus I live in a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL place. I come up over hills and can see Mt Jefferson in his entire splendor, come around the bend upon deer feeding in McDonald forest, or meet another person with some cute puppy dogs. It’s all fodder for writing later, and it is all motivation to keep going. Who knows what’s around the next bend or over the next hill. I so gotta know.
You know, I may actually do it for the race t-shirts, the carb loading, and the cheesy medals.
NAH . . . it’s for the cute clothes. I’m such a girl.
Friday, November 6, 2009
My Life on Facebook
Okay, I guess I need to write about Facebook. It’s a part of my life. I’m not addicted, but I’m really enjoying connecting with so many people. I’m closing in on 400 FB friends and I so enjoy chatting with them all. I’ve reconnected with people I’ve lost touch with after high school and college, I work through FB with my writing friends and my church friends, find out about blues events which I love, as well as things going on at Oregon State University. . . And the best part is that I’ve made new friends through FB. One of my FB friends called it “the new front porch” and I think that describes FB well. I can sit on my back porch and visit with anyone one around the world while they sit on their porch. We may not be able to share lemonade, but we can share ideas, pictures, jabs and encourgement just the same. And I love it!
I’ve read that if FB were a country, it would the 4th largest country in the world. I believe it. People need people. (crap, I’m channeling Barbara Streisand.) We need to invest in each other and have that investment back. People I would have never met are now good friends. I’m having conversations with people I’ve lost contact with for 30 years as if we just saw each other yesterday.. . .except now they are grandparents. Funny, they sound the same as the day we graduated.
Wonder if I do?
Anyway, there are many people in my life that think FB is a waste of time. I so disagree. I have FB friends from every generation, political and religious viewpoint, from so many walks of life and backgrounds, plus the groups!!! I’m part of a FB writing group not to mention that my church is on FB 100%. I would have to say that FB has been a blessing to me. I mean, really, how can one say no to new groups, new friends, and new connections with old friends? We may only chat and message through FB, but we have a connection and encourage each other. How can that be bad?
And, I know I’m preaching to the choir. If you are reading this then it is most likely through FB notes and not my blog. But I’m thinking we all need to spread the word. Connect, dammit! Connect with those lost friends, with those friends you don’t know exist yet. Just connect and invest, dammit.
Um, sorry for the swear words Pastor James. I’ll put extra in the collection plate this Sunday.
I’ve read that if FB were a country, it would the 4th largest country in the world. I believe it. People need people. (crap, I’m channeling Barbara Streisand.) We need to invest in each other and have that investment back. People I would have never met are now good friends. I’m having conversations with people I’ve lost contact with for 30 years as if we just saw each other yesterday.. . .except now they are grandparents. Funny, they sound the same as the day we graduated.
Wonder if I do?
Anyway, there are many people in my life that think FB is a waste of time. I so disagree. I have FB friends from every generation, political and religious viewpoint, from so many walks of life and backgrounds, plus the groups!!! I’m part of a FB writing group not to mention that my church is on FB 100%. I would have to say that FB has been a blessing to me. I mean, really, how can one say no to new groups, new friends, and new connections with old friends? We may only chat and message through FB, but we have a connection and encourage each other. How can that be bad?
And, I know I’m preaching to the choir. If you are reading this then it is most likely through FB notes and not my blog. But I’m thinking we all need to spread the word. Connect, dammit! Connect with those lost friends, with those friends you don’t know exist yet. Just connect and invest, dammit.
Um, sorry for the swear words Pastor James. I’ll put extra in the collection plate this Sunday.
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