GARDEN GROVE IOWA & THE MORMON TRAIL
9 years ago
OnceAgain
I was just thinkin' and then I started typin'
Monday, September 7, 2015
Will My Real Daddy Please Stand Up?
The last few weeks have been amazingly painful. I have experienced them almost as if I have been viewing the events from outside of myself looking down, or perhaps, from standing aside. In either case, it has been discomfiting to see this person going through the throes of pain and near agony of her realization as she comes to terms with her true "Daddy.
My parents divorced and separated; no really - separated; when I turned 12. One month Dad was in the vicinity and then, "POOF!", gone. He'd moved away for a job or some such reason and that was that. We saw him a couple of years later for a few weeks in the summer and then there was another drought.
That became the standard, the pattern. He'd dip a toe in our lives every 3 or 4 years. A weekend or so. Then those times stretched out further and further. A one point, until I reached out and made the effort, the contact, we had nothing but the rare occasional phone call; maybe Christmas card; for 15 years.
And those were because I'd had children; his grandchildren.
When we did meet up after that time, he kept introducing me as his, "Daughter that I haven't seen for over 15 years."
I remember how I appeared to just smile it off and paid no attention. But I was inwardly pissed. Who's fault was it that we'd been so estranged? HIS. I was always the one making the overtures, the gestures, the entreaties. He was just the recipient. And then it was still always on his terms.
ALWAYS.
And so we bumped along. Just coasted and made do because that was all that could be done. Again, is terms.
In the meantime, the child, real childish part of me, invented this persona to fill in the gaps for the missing man known as "Daddy." In my mind the guy that was gone was gone because he was doing all the wonderful things on his job jaunts. He was a bush pilot. He ferried planes to South America. He worked for Bell Helicopter in Vietnam and endured the Tet Offensive.
Any letter that came, I took the stories he shared and made the bits of information into novels of grandeur and adventure. Made the missing link larger than life. Made Clark Kent into Superman even though he never once took off the glasses or ran into a phone booth or changed into the suit and cape.
And I know it didn't cost him a cent when the Summer unfolded as it has. But it cost me. I watch him crash and burn as I spent more and more time around him and he never thought to try and hide his true persona.
Not that he could.
You see, my Father is arrogant, self-righteous, staid, controlling, and manipulative.
And after I finally got my act together and stop letting him push my buttons so much; he's had fits.
He does not like that I've decided to reassert myself in my own home. He's become bitter and resentful that I've returned to my job. He's done any and everything to try and wedge between myself and my husband. And each time he's foiled, he tries harder the next time.
And there's absolutely no reason for it.
I already resent him enough as it is. I've gone from taking care of my Dad to taking care of my Father. He's become just an obligation.
His constant need to make life difficult and do whatever he can to take over and rule my home even while in the midst of purchasing his own? Well, it has not done anything to endear him to either me or my hubby.
He's purchasing his own place, but when any papers or correspondence come to him - he hands to stuff to the Hubby. Doesn't look at it, just hands it over. He doesn't want to deal with it. Doesn't say please or will you look at this for me or I need help or or or , just hands it to Hubs and moves on along. He expects it to be taken care of.
But Lord forbid we tell him there's a hold up or something isn't ready yet. A hew and cry erupts like you wouldn't believe. I finally got that to cease by warning him, one more gripe and he was handling it all on his own. And he would do it from a hotel. Enough was enough. And oh, by the way, I'd better here him tell my husband thank you every time he assisted the Old Man with any part of the new home anything.
When he squinched his face up to protest, I leaned in and flat told him, you mess with me, fine, you mess with my guy, back up an reconsider your options. Hubs has been real good to you and he deserves respect. Hand it over Bub.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Out of Time
How do we get so freakin' busy? I have meant to get back here every day and have failed. Absolutely failed. Time just rushes by and then it's another day. Another missed chance.
Time has become more precious as of late. We're older now so it seems to pass faster. The sun rises and sets quicker. Years are shorter. New Year's was just a few weeks ago; wasn't it?
Of course not. It just seems that way.
And my father has become a "time liability." He moves slowly, he refuses to make decisions, he forgets the decisions he has made, and he angers easily about appointments being made around the schedules of other people.
Dad is Dadcentric. Never mind that he doesn't want to drive, (thank God), or go anywhere by himself, but he expects you to schedule everything when he wants it scheduled.
Now if you ask him when that would be...anytime. Except when you scheduled it.
And so the days zip by and suddenly I'm faced with the fact that I've failed to post yet again. Which is what led to this.
Write something! Let them, yourself, anyone, and
everyone know you're still kickin'.
I'm still kickin'. And still trying to grab time by the tail and make it slow down, just a bit, so I can catch up and enjoy the moment.
OnceAgain
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Living with the Elderly
Good Lord,
I knew it had been awhile, but this long? Really?!
I guess so.
Apologies. I've really been letting things get away from me. Look what happens when you get sick and stop with things and start with others.
My life is so out of control.
I guess I can go back into my email files and use some of those as "catch ups."
Or not.
We'll see.
But right now, I'm on leave from my teaching job with my Dad living with me. I brought him East from California after my Stepmom passed away.
It isn't easy living with an elderly person. Believe me. I knew from what I had seen my Patients and Friends go thru, but to experience first hand is something else. Hell.
Dad is difficult. I know he's just lost his wife of 43 years. I know he's moved across the Country. I know he's living in a strange home and not under conditions he'd like. I know; I know; I know.
But he's also playing games and trying to manipulate us (myself and my husband) to get his way and to play us off against each other. He's like a child with his parents. Tell Dad 1 thing and Mom another and watch them as they get frustrated and angry (hopefully from the "kid's point of view).
I guess it's a fun for him. Not for us. We are standing united.
He hates that. Hates it.
To move him out here was a nightmare. He changed his mind as to where he wanted to settle about 5 times. Meanwhile I just kept packing up the house. 1 box at a time.
He packed and unpacked and repacked his bedroom. 5 boxes for 2.5 weeks. Oh, yea!
Occasionally, he ventured out to his workshop and played out there. It was a tiny thing and he claimed he did a lot of packing. So why was there a panicked tape attack on the contents the day we packed up the Uhaul?
And when it came to paying for all of this as he promised - remember, I'm on sabbatical (no pay)and Skip's between job's(no pay)- he tried to back out. "I never ask you to do all this."
Oh, yes he did. He begged us to do this. He didn't want to stay in that house with all the memories. He cried and ask us not to leave him alone on the West Coast by himself and said he'd pay for everything. He just needed us for the logistics and muscle.
As if I'd leave my elderly, forgetful Dad like that. I mean, come on.
And we still used $3,000 out of our savings to help when we least could afford because he's our blood.
And we've yet to receive a thank you or even a grunt of gratitude.
So he is here, and he did write a check so we can pay our bills another month. But he is pouty about it.
And today he's out and about with my husband. He was acting frail, but Skip gave him the "eye." Suddenly all was better. Amazing. A cure with a look.
This is going to be some adventure.
I may pull my hair out.
OnceAgain
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Letter to my Boys
It has occurred to me that the reason I've not been able to Post has been all the letters I've written. So I'm now going to edit them a bit and do a copy/paste and here we shall go. I'll leave out some "good" stuff to be sure, but still include what would be thrown in one of my normal rants/raves.
Otherwise, it's back to the dry spells. And this one lasted way too long.
My apologies. Once/Again
Good Evening,
I hope all are well and warm this fine crisp evening. I have just finished putting the final touches on a bit of school work. Not that it matters a bit. The Kids won't see it until next Tuesday.
Yup. Due to road conditions, etc., we've not been able to start the Winter Quarter as of yet. 'Tis been due to that old devil the evil global warming trend that has kept the temperature in the lower 20's and upper teens with a brisk, icy breeze that wakes one up like the whack of a fist to the jaw when it touches your skin.
I'm longing for my old Dr. Denton's with their footsies that were so very warm. Besides, I was awfully darn cute in them. Well, as a toddler anyway. Now I'd probably look a bit ridiculous, but one must do what one must do in cold weather.
And Skip is threatening all kinds of mayhem should my feet come near any part of him again until next July. Just because he was snoring the other night and I was sure he'd sleep through a tootsie warm up and I had had on socks and I just touch his ankle with my toes. You'd have thought the dude had been shot. I mean really. It wasn't like I'd put my whole foot on him or anything.
So much for give and take in marriage. You guys are such a selfish bunch with some things.
I will so be avenged. Just as soon as I think of something.
You wait.
Oh, back to the school dealiebobber. I drove over today 'cause it was open to essential Staff. They let me in anyway. And I worked on the Medical Lab and got some stuff set up. Also got my hands on my Student Rosters.
It's gonna be fun. My A&P1 class is 38. Largest classroom in the new building holds 34.
I feel a bit of a condundrum developing. But never fear. I shot a message off to he-who-holds-all-power and ask for 2 more tables and 4 more chairs. Did not ask him to decrease the class size, did you notice? Not I. I know of a few others that do when their classes top 20. But I figure, hey, the more the merrier. I can warp and mess with 'em in a large herd as well as a small one.
I'll just have to brew my evil elixer in 2 cauldrons, not one. Don't want to strain the old wrists, ya know.
And I are not a coward. Nope. I can handle 'em. Matter a fact, it's usually them that's a bit cautious 'round me. Only the ones that get a bit too rowdy. One of the Kids said it was something about the way I'd look over at them that made them just want to get kinda quiet.
I just figure it's the way Grandmama used to look at us when we'd messed up. She had that way of making you sorta freeze in your tracks and stop. Speaking of which.
The worst time I remember it was the day Carole and Maggie put Maxine in the freezer. Ok; 1st, she wasn't in long at all. I ratted us out. 2nd, we all got switched, well except Maxine, for the caper. Carole and Maggie for the deed, me 'cause it was my idea. Maxine didn't get switched, but she got in trouble for agreeing to it.
And I wouldn't have ratted, but we had trouble getting the top back up. I think we kinda paniced in hindsite, but you know how it goes when you're kids. Oh, the look we got. Oh, the switchin' we got.
The 4 of us used to think up things to do to pass the time of day. Like jumping off the chicken coops, or leaping off the top of the slide instead of sliding, or burying each other in the sandbox, or using our batons as swords, or rolling down that hill in back of the old barn. Girl stuff.
Come to think of it, we were mean as snakes. But only to each other. Probably explains alot about our relationships now. But not to worry. None of us have batons anymore so it's cool.
I do have a freezer, though.
So on to better things. The weather will be warmer tomorrow. 30. Yup, heat wave. And this after I finished shoveling the driveway. Yes, I have a snow shovel. Same 1 I brought down from St. Louie. It's really new looking still. After all it doesn't get a lot of use here. Which I like. But we've used it a bit these last couple of days. Skip worked on the drive Monday and Tuesday. I got out there this afternoon when I got back from the school.
The catch was I was in my mink coat. Hey, it's WARM. I like it. I wear it like a lot of people wear car coats. I haven't any blood folks. That coat is my antifreeze. I didn't think anything of wearing it until I realized that cars sounded different as they drove by. So I started looking up and realized, they were slowing down and taking a gander at me.
At that juncture, I decided, what the hell, and I started waving. Wrong move. You will probably find pictures of me on the net somewhere. Ah, yes. The infamous, cell phone camera. Thank goodness I had on makeup and sunglasses. At least I look halfway decent. And better yet, thank goodness I didn't slip and bust my butt. Oh, I slipped a couple of times, but I didn't go down.
So from now on, I guess, I'll just FREEZE, and shovel in a crummy old coat of Skip's. That way I can escape notoriety.
There world, I hope you're happy. I can't warm my feet and I gotta be sniffley and snuffley cold when I'm shoveling the white stuff.
There is no justice in this. That I must suffer so, poor innocent child that I am.
Aaaaannnnndddd not one of you are buying this. I can tell it already. Well, a gal's got to give it a shot.
But anywho, I shall bid you all a goodnight and get back to working on a paper to bring my Kids to the edge of their seats with educational joy. Or maybe keep them awake the 1st 15 minutes of class. If I'm lucky.
Hugs,
OnceAgain
Otherwise, it's back to the dry spells. And this one lasted way too long.
My apologies. Once/Again
Good Evening,
I hope all are well and warm this fine crisp evening. I have just finished putting the final touches on a bit of school work. Not that it matters a bit. The Kids won't see it until next Tuesday.
Yup. Due to road conditions, etc., we've not been able to start the Winter Quarter as of yet. 'Tis been due to that old devil the evil global warming trend that has kept the temperature in the lower 20's and upper teens with a brisk, icy breeze that wakes one up like the whack of a fist to the jaw when it touches your skin.
I'm longing for my old Dr. Denton's with their footsies that were so very warm. Besides, I was awfully darn cute in them. Well, as a toddler anyway. Now I'd probably look a bit ridiculous, but one must do what one must do in cold weather.
And Skip is threatening all kinds of mayhem should my feet come near any part of him again until next July. Just because he was snoring the other night and I was sure he'd sleep through a tootsie warm up and I had had on socks and I just touch his ankle with my toes. You'd have thought the dude had been shot. I mean really. It wasn't like I'd put my whole foot on him or anything.
So much for give and take in marriage. You guys are such a selfish bunch with some things.
I will so be avenged. Just as soon as I think of something.
You wait.
Oh, back to the school dealiebobber. I drove over today 'cause it was open to essential Staff. They let me in anyway. And I worked on the Medical Lab and got some stuff set up. Also got my hands on my Student Rosters.
It's gonna be fun. My A&P1 class is 38. Largest classroom in the new building holds 34.
I feel a bit of a condundrum developing. But never fear. I shot a message off to he-who-holds-all-power and ask for 2 more tables and 4 more chairs. Did not ask him to decrease the class size, did you notice? Not I. I know of a few others that do when their classes top 20. But I figure, hey, the more the merrier. I can warp and mess with 'em in a large herd as well as a small one.
I'll just have to brew my evil elixer in 2 cauldrons, not one. Don't want to strain the old wrists, ya know.
And I are not a coward. Nope. I can handle 'em. Matter a fact, it's usually them that's a bit cautious 'round me. Only the ones that get a bit too rowdy. One of the Kids said it was something about the way I'd look over at them that made them just want to get kinda quiet.
I just figure it's the way Grandmama used to look at us when we'd messed up. She had that way of making you sorta freeze in your tracks and stop. Speaking of which.
The worst time I remember it was the day Carole and Maggie put Maxine in the freezer. Ok; 1st, she wasn't in long at all. I ratted us out. 2nd, we all got switched, well except Maxine, for the caper. Carole and Maggie for the deed, me 'cause it was my idea. Maxine didn't get switched, but she got in trouble for agreeing to it.
And I wouldn't have ratted, but we had trouble getting the top back up. I think we kinda paniced in hindsite, but you know how it goes when you're kids. Oh, the look we got. Oh, the switchin' we got.
The 4 of us used to think up things to do to pass the time of day. Like jumping off the chicken coops, or leaping off the top of the slide instead of sliding, or burying each other in the sandbox, or using our batons as swords, or rolling down that hill in back of the old barn. Girl stuff.
Come to think of it, we were mean as snakes. But only to each other. Probably explains alot about our relationships now. But not to worry. None of us have batons anymore so it's cool.
I do have a freezer, though.
So on to better things. The weather will be warmer tomorrow. 30. Yup, heat wave. And this after I finished shoveling the driveway. Yes, I have a snow shovel. Same 1 I brought down from St. Louie. It's really new looking still. After all it doesn't get a lot of use here. Which I like. But we've used it a bit these last couple of days. Skip worked on the drive Monday and Tuesday. I got out there this afternoon when I got back from the school.
The catch was I was in my mink coat. Hey, it's WARM. I like it. I wear it like a lot of people wear car coats. I haven't any blood folks. That coat is my antifreeze. I didn't think anything of wearing it until I realized that cars sounded different as they drove by. So I started looking up and realized, they were slowing down and taking a gander at me.
At that juncture, I decided, what the hell, and I started waving. Wrong move. You will probably find pictures of me on the net somewhere. Ah, yes. The infamous, cell phone camera. Thank goodness I had on makeup and sunglasses. At least I look halfway decent. And better yet, thank goodness I didn't slip and bust my butt. Oh, I slipped a couple of times, but I didn't go down.
So from now on, I guess, I'll just FREEZE, and shovel in a crummy old coat of Skip's. That way I can escape notoriety.
There world, I hope you're happy. I can't warm my feet and I gotta be sniffley and snuffley cold when I'm shoveling the white stuff.
There is no justice in this. That I must suffer so, poor innocent child that I am.
Aaaaannnnndddd not one of you are buying this. I can tell it already. Well, a gal's got to give it a shot.
But anywho, I shall bid you all a goodnight and get back to working on a paper to bring my Kids to the edge of their seats with educational joy. Or maybe keep them awake the 1st 15 minutes of class. If I'm lucky.
Hugs,
OnceAgain
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
We Were Just Filling Up.....
Hello all.
Haven't posted in 5 forevers. I've been staying horribly busy as usual. But we did get out this weekend.
I hope all are well and relatively happy. And busy being out and about as the weather has warmed.
We went out over the Memorial Day Holiday and spent a 4 day weekend relatively close to home at a little place called Swancreek on HWY 31 between Decatur and Athens, AL. Camping and relaxing.
We just wanted to get out and away from the old homestead.
It was nice and quiet and peaceful and calm and easy going. And we spent it
with a few friends that camped with us. We had our rigs beside each other and meandered around just doin' mostly nothing.
Awesome.
It was the 1st time we'd taken Terry out proper since the unfortunate incident with the Fifth Wheel.
It's funny now. But I was upset then.
You just shouldn't figure if the truck will fit thru an area that the fiver
will. Aaaannnndddd you really should slow down as you pass gas pumps.
The only reason I caught them was the turn she had to make.
Yes, dudes, the wife was at the wheel.
We will pause for a moment as proper due is given for older than dirt jokes
about female drivers.
Time's up.
We were coming back home from visiting the grandest kids in South Alabama.
Just below Birmingham and stopped to get gas. Terry likes gas. OK. Terry luvs gas. And it takes a bit to fill that tank. It was a really nice April Sunday.
1 minute I'm stretched out on the dash looking at the sky (no clouds/beautiful) and the next I'm on my butt against that moundie thingie
between the Captain's chairs - which leaves a bruise - goin' what the hell?
Then I'm bounding; literally; out the door over the steps which got zinged and across the pavement after this truck and rig.
If she hadn't hit the brakes for a sec 'cause she nailed that curb; I'm not
sure I'd have caught them.
But granny got 'em. I was on that running board hanging in the window letting them know they hit us.
Mr. Michigan (names have been changed) goes; "no we didn't." and I go;
"dude, you knocked me off the dash!"
Then we turn and look at Terry and the mirror is dangling by these wires and stuff.
And he says something I'm thinking. I mean besides what my butt looks like
hanging outa a truck window.
And then it got kinda ugly, 'cause Skip (husband - name not changed) said,
"What do you mean you didn't hit us %$#(*&^. You callin' my wife a liar?"
And Michigan goes, "Look you %$#@*&. You don't have to get ugly!"
And they're facing off like 2 bulls snorting and scraping hoofs.
That's when I got really fried. So I put my hands up and yelled, "Everybody
shut up and back off! Not another word from you 2. Not 1 more word! I don't
want any trouble outa anyone! Got it?!"
It turned out to be pretty cool. The wife ran back to the truck and all the
folks from the gas station that had gathered just dispersed. Poof.
It makes you feel really powerful and stuff. Doesn't last long, but it's cool for a minute.
AND then you remember that your rig is hurt and you get warm all over again.
So I made them get their camera and Skip get our camera and all the proof of insurance and stuff. The cops were called and the wife (I nicknamed her Minnie Mouse) ratted me out. She told the Officer that I yelled at everyone. And I told him it was true and why. And he laughed and they got mad.
Then he ask them why they didn't go on the other side which was clear 'cause I made him look at everyone's photo's 'cause I wanted to make sure we'd documented everything correctly and they got mad again.
And they kept offering us "some cash." And I was nope the insurance companies will handle it. I haven't the foggiest what that mirror will run. And Michigan wants me to put a couple of screws in it and let it go.
That was about the time I pushed Skip to the back to finish gassing up Terry.
It's always best to err on the side of safety and I knew I'd have to be the
voice of reason.
Which if you knew me would send you into spasms.
To end this tawdry tale. Those stinkin' mirrors cost more than the $200.00 he offered. LOTS more. 2nd they sheared the darn thing off the support post so it took more to replace it than thought. I have to say it was a really smooth snap, though. Professional, even.
The steps got straightened and work much better. The seams only had a few
issues. Apparently it's not good for Class A's to be tipped up on their sides.
Bankston did some nice work on the finish where there were - smudges?
The rigs exchanged "blood."
Oh, the duct tape held thru Birmingham and the bunga, bunga, bunga we call
I-65, so the mirror didn't flop against the side of Terry and inflict further harm.
Michigan and MM never informed their insurance company. They found out from
our insurance company. But they got everything settled. And I'm known in
Calera as a truck chaser. Which is better than an ambulance chaser I 'spose.
So be careful in gas stations. You never know what's gonna happen when you're looking out the windshield at the sky.
It could get 'citin'.
OnceAgain
Haven't posted in 5 forevers. I've been staying horribly busy as usual. But we did get out this weekend.
I hope all are well and relatively happy. And busy being out and about as the weather has warmed.
We went out over the Memorial Day Holiday and spent a 4 day weekend relatively close to home at a little place called Swancreek on HWY 31 between Decatur and Athens, AL. Camping and relaxing.
We just wanted to get out and away from the old homestead.
It was nice and quiet and peaceful and calm and easy going. And we spent it
with a few friends that camped with us. We had our rigs beside each other and meandered around just doin' mostly nothing.
Awesome.
It was the 1st time we'd taken Terry out proper since the unfortunate incident with the Fifth Wheel.
It's funny now. But I was upset then.
You just shouldn't figure if the truck will fit thru an area that the fiver
will. Aaaannnndddd you really should slow down as you pass gas pumps.
The only reason I caught them was the turn she had to make.
Yes, dudes, the wife was at the wheel.
We will pause for a moment as proper due is given for older than dirt jokes
about female drivers.
Time's up.
We were coming back home from visiting the grandest kids in South Alabama.
Just below Birmingham and stopped to get gas. Terry likes gas. OK. Terry luvs gas. And it takes a bit to fill that tank. It was a really nice April Sunday.
1 minute I'm stretched out on the dash looking at the sky (no clouds/beautiful) and the next I'm on my butt against that moundie thingie
between the Captain's chairs - which leaves a bruise - goin' what the hell?
Then I'm bounding; literally; out the door over the steps which got zinged and across the pavement after this truck and rig.
If she hadn't hit the brakes for a sec 'cause she nailed that curb; I'm not
sure I'd have caught them.
But granny got 'em. I was on that running board hanging in the window letting them know they hit us.
Mr. Michigan (names have been changed) goes; "no we didn't." and I go;
"dude, you knocked me off the dash!"
Then we turn and look at Terry and the mirror is dangling by these wires and stuff.
And he says something I'm thinking. I mean besides what my butt looks like
hanging outa a truck window.
And then it got kinda ugly, 'cause Skip (husband - name not changed) said,
"What do you mean you didn't hit us %$#(*&^. You callin' my wife a liar?"
And Michigan goes, "Look you %$#@*&. You don't have to get ugly!"
And they're facing off like 2 bulls snorting and scraping hoofs.
That's when I got really fried. So I put my hands up and yelled, "Everybody
shut up and back off! Not another word from you 2. Not 1 more word! I don't
want any trouble outa anyone! Got it?!"
It turned out to be pretty cool. The wife ran back to the truck and all the
folks from the gas station that had gathered just dispersed. Poof.
It makes you feel really powerful and stuff. Doesn't last long, but it's cool for a minute.
AND then you remember that your rig is hurt and you get warm all over again.
So I made them get their camera and Skip get our camera and all the proof of insurance and stuff. The cops were called and the wife (I nicknamed her Minnie Mouse) ratted me out. She told the Officer that I yelled at everyone. And I told him it was true and why. And he laughed and they got mad.
Then he ask them why they didn't go on the other side which was clear 'cause I made him look at everyone's photo's 'cause I wanted to make sure we'd documented everything correctly and they got mad again.
And they kept offering us "some cash." And I was nope the insurance companies will handle it. I haven't the foggiest what that mirror will run. And Michigan wants me to put a couple of screws in it and let it go.
That was about the time I pushed Skip to the back to finish gassing up Terry.
It's always best to err on the side of safety and I knew I'd have to be the
voice of reason.
Which if you knew me would send you into spasms.
To end this tawdry tale. Those stinkin' mirrors cost more than the $200.00 he offered. LOTS more. 2nd they sheared the darn thing off the support post so it took more to replace it than thought. I have to say it was a really smooth snap, though. Professional, even.
The steps got straightened and work much better. The seams only had a few
issues. Apparently it's not good for Class A's to be tipped up on their sides.
Bankston did some nice work on the finish where there were - smudges?
The rigs exchanged "blood."
Oh, the duct tape held thru Birmingham and the bunga, bunga, bunga we call
I-65, so the mirror didn't flop against the side of Terry and inflict further harm.
Michigan and MM never informed their insurance company. They found out from
our insurance company. But they got everything settled. And I'm known in
Calera as a truck chaser. Which is better than an ambulance chaser I 'spose.
So be careful in gas stations. You never know what's gonna happen when you're looking out the windshield at the sky.
It could get 'citin'.
OnceAgain
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Abby?
I love reading Dear Abby. And her ilk. All those folks asking for advice on what to do with Aunt "won't- listen - to - me" or "bum - son - living - off - of - us."
The answer is always ssssoooo obvious. And they ask anyway.
What do I do? Alas, woe is me!
Get over it people! Really! Ignore the old bat back and kick "Bum" out on his ass.
But they ask anyway. I 'spect because they want to either hear what they already know; want validation for what they are about to do; or think maybe, just maybe, someone will tell them it's OK to continue to be doormats.
So sad.
Of course when it involves children it's rougher. But true love doesn't allow for assisting in a child's spiraling self destruction.
You have to be the adult. You have to be THE PARENT.
When it involves your parent; sometimes it gets iffy.
Personally; I'm keeping 1 & dumping the other.
Got that, Mumsie?
And yes, I got therapy for my "issues."
Just a few sessions. Because I was given a question to carry with me. If you are in pain; or someone is causing you pain; does it make sense to stay in pain?
And since that time; my life has been much better. Not perfect. No. But much better.
And when a painful situation arose; my ability to turn it around worked pretty good. For me.
And the made - me - hurt - person isn't likely to cross me again. I REALLY know how to stand up for myself now.
To be fair; 'tis always much easier to sweep someone else's back porch clean. But I can't believe some of the situations these people write in about. It's like they're into S&M. Beat me; abuse me; use me.
Good grief. Just go to the back alleys of the worst place of any big city & wave around a wad of cash. Then double dare someone; anyone to take it from you. And resist.
I mean if you really want to get the crap beat outa you....Do it right.
So for the lady complaining that her mother-in-law would ask her advice on arranging things & then ignore her? If it had been me? After the obvious 2nd time; I'd have flashed her my sweetest smile & assured her she no longer had to be polite. It wasn't going to hurt my feelings for her to do things her way. Just enjoy her new space.
And by the way; her reaction would let me know if she'd been game playing or not.
Bum son. 2 months to get a job & contribute to the household. Or OUT. Girlfriend? 1 month. Drugs? Uh, NO! If you've got money for them, you've got money for rent. Buh bye.
If they're over 25; get real folks. They're grown ups. Keep enabling them. What are they gonna do when you're 90?
In the meantime, I'll keep reading & shaking my head. I'll keep pursing my lips in amusement. AND I'll thank God for our kids & the fact we toughed them out.
Yeah, I practice what I gripe about.
They came out pretty good - so far.
Maybe that's why lots of my students come to me & so do my friends.
And maybe that's why you'll occasionally hear me grouse; I'm gonna change my name to Dear Abby.
And just for the record; for the 2 that ask & then argued &/or didn't listen? When they ask again; I declined to assist. When they expressed bewilderment; I gently reminded them of the aforementioned.
There's no reason for either of us to waste valuable time or effort on anything that will come to naught. So let's just move along,'K? It stung them I'm sure, but word got around & now I only get the serious contenders.
Thank you. There are plenty of them.
I'm flattered. And so it goes. My career is secure and so is my "hobby" ... apparently.
Abby or not; here they keep coming.
OnceAgain
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
The answer is always ssssoooo obvious. And they ask anyway.
What do I do? Alas, woe is me!
Get over it people! Really! Ignore the old bat back and kick "Bum" out on his ass.
But they ask anyway. I 'spect because they want to either hear what they already know; want validation for what they are about to do; or think maybe, just maybe, someone will tell them it's OK to continue to be doormats.
So sad.
Of course when it involves children it's rougher. But true love doesn't allow for assisting in a child's spiraling self destruction.
You have to be the adult. You have to be THE PARENT.
When it involves your parent; sometimes it gets iffy.
Personally; I'm keeping 1 & dumping the other.
Got that, Mumsie?
And yes, I got therapy for my "issues."
Just a few sessions. Because I was given a question to carry with me. If you are in pain; or someone is causing you pain; does it make sense to stay in pain?
And since that time; my life has been much better. Not perfect. No. But much better.
And when a painful situation arose; my ability to turn it around worked pretty good. For me.
And the made - me - hurt - person isn't likely to cross me again. I REALLY know how to stand up for myself now.
To be fair; 'tis always much easier to sweep someone else's back porch clean. But I can't believe some of the situations these people write in about. It's like they're into S&M. Beat me; abuse me; use me.
Good grief. Just go to the back alleys of the worst place of any big city & wave around a wad of cash. Then double dare someone; anyone to take it from you. And resist.
I mean if you really want to get the crap beat outa you....Do it right.
So for the lady complaining that her mother-in-law would ask her advice on arranging things & then ignore her? If it had been me? After the obvious 2nd time; I'd have flashed her my sweetest smile & assured her she no longer had to be polite. It wasn't going to hurt my feelings for her to do things her way. Just enjoy her new space.
And by the way; her reaction would let me know if she'd been game playing or not.
Bum son. 2 months to get a job & contribute to the household. Or OUT. Girlfriend? 1 month. Drugs? Uh, NO! If you've got money for them, you've got money for rent. Buh bye.
If they're over 25; get real folks. They're grown ups. Keep enabling them. What are they gonna do when you're 90?
In the meantime, I'll keep reading & shaking my head. I'll keep pursing my lips in amusement. AND I'll thank God for our kids & the fact we toughed them out.
Yeah, I practice what I gripe about.
They came out pretty good - so far.
Maybe that's why lots of my students come to me & so do my friends.
And maybe that's why you'll occasionally hear me grouse; I'm gonna change my name to Dear Abby.
And just for the record; for the 2 that ask & then argued &/or didn't listen? When they ask again; I declined to assist. When they expressed bewilderment; I gently reminded them of the aforementioned.
There's no reason for either of us to waste valuable time or effort on anything that will come to naught. So let's just move along,'K? It stung them I'm sure, but word got around & now I only get the serious contenders.
Thank you. There are plenty of them.
I'm flattered. And so it goes. My career is secure and so is my "hobby" ... apparently.
Abby or not; here they keep coming.
OnceAgain
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Lucky
Yes, that's the title I'm going with as I write this post.
You see; this time last Sunday; Kelly, my eldest, was sitting at the bedside of her son in the ICU as he was suffering from a serious head wound.
The metal arm of his pitching machine had come down on him and effectively "scalped" the right side of his head above and to the back of his right ear. The area was approximately the size of a large man's hand.
Did I mention it got a small artery also?
Yup; got a spurter, too.
When all was said and done. Kel got a chance to tell me how it went down and I have to tell you; I'm proud how she and Matt held it together and got Zack to the ER. How they got him to hold it together and all got through it.
It was an ugly ride. And he landed himself in the ICU for 3 days and a couple of nights. Then on to the floor to be watched for a little bit longer. More IV fluids, too. Kid lost a little over a pint of blood.
Head wounds will do that.
They bleed like a son-of-a-gun.
He's still on antibiotics and having nagging little headaches from being smacked a good one.
Doc said he was one lucky kid. If the blasted arm on the machine had come down on the base of his head. Not gonna write it.
Now do you see why I chose the title?
I went down this past weekend to visit and just see and just...
Sometimes you just have to be around them after something goes down to reassure yourself that all are OK.
It's a thing.
The kids know to deal with it.
Checked in with Karen, too.
I was good.
Yeah, new thing I'm trying. Being good.
You see, I know how lucky I am.
OnceAgain
You see; this time last Sunday; Kelly, my eldest, was sitting at the bedside of her son in the ICU as he was suffering from a serious head wound.
The metal arm of his pitching machine had come down on him and effectively "scalped" the right side of his head above and to the back of his right ear. The area was approximately the size of a large man's hand.
Did I mention it got a small artery also?
Yup; got a spurter, too.
When all was said and done. Kel got a chance to tell me how it went down and I have to tell you; I'm proud how she and Matt held it together and got Zack to the ER. How they got him to hold it together and all got through it.
It was an ugly ride. And he landed himself in the ICU for 3 days and a couple of nights. Then on to the floor to be watched for a little bit longer. More IV fluids, too. Kid lost a little over a pint of blood.
Head wounds will do that.
They bleed like a son-of-a-gun.
He's still on antibiotics and having nagging little headaches from being smacked a good one.
Doc said he was one lucky kid. If the blasted arm on the machine had come down on the base of his head. Not gonna write it.
Now do you see why I chose the title?
I went down this past weekend to visit and just see and just...
Sometimes you just have to be around them after something goes down to reassure yourself that all are OK.
It's a thing.
The kids know to deal with it.
Checked in with Karen, too.
I was good.
Yeah, new thing I'm trying. Being good.
You see, I know how lucky I am.
OnceAgain
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Shootings/Entitlement
Three people died yesterday. Three more were injured; 2 critically. Scores have been damaged mentally and emotionally. And why?
Because some individual did not get what they wanted; didn't get what they wanted!
And that excused; in their mind; at least for those few horrible minutes; the reason to unload a gun on innocents in their OWN departmental meeting.
That was a premeditated; vengeful; selfish; and an egocentric act.
And I believe traceable to our Societies "entitlement" mentality.
We've been raised and are raising individuals that believe they can not be anything but winners.
Then when something doesn't go as they believe it should or they are confronted with "failure"....
Well surely, it must be the fault of others and they must pay.
So there are rants on Facebook and/or My Space; public tantrums by adults turned 2 year olds; nervous breakdowns leading to family dissolution; or the IDIOTS decide to injure innocent individuals sometimes before committing suicide.
I am going to be cruel and mean and coldly heartless here. If you are so dead set - no pun intended - on being terminally dramatic. Do society at large a generous favor; MAKE THE FIRST BULLET YOUR OWN!
News flash people! No one; no one owes you a thing! Get off that idea!
There are gonna be good times and bad. Up times and down. Sometimes you will get what you think you deserve; sometimes more. And here's a little news for ya; sometimes you aren't gonna get squat.
Yep. That's the way life slaps you in the chops. You'll work your proverbial butt off and not one thing will come of it. Except; if you've got a smidgen of character; the satisfaction of knowing you've done your best.
This bit about always being a winner and always getting some kinda reward is a load of crap. It isn't reality. You can't walk away from every game you play in life a winner.
Sometimes you come in second or third. Sometimes you flat out lose.
If you are a person of character and have true pride of self; you grow and learn. You take the information gained; pro and con; from the experience and move forward. And with any luck, you come out better for the time.
Perhaps, and this is just a suggestion; it's time to teach individuals how to fail or accept criticism. How to deal with disappointment without lashing out in harmful let alone fatal ways.
We need to teach people to accept individual responsibility. It's time to stop assigning blame to others. As the saying goes, put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
And that includes the punishment for the perpetrator. She needs to be locked away forever. She needs to listen to a tape of the screams and havoc replayed once a day. And she needs to listen to tapes of the victims' Families speaking to her as they express whatever they need to express at least once a week for the duration of her life span.
Cruel? No. We're not giving her the death penalty. We're just giving her lectures and education. And if we do it for all murderers; it's not unusual. And the Families can change out the recordings periodically to give her variety. It will be therapeutic for them and it will keep the prisoner from becoming "bored to death."
And those are my thoughts on this day after the slaughter of good people by an essentially spoiled brat. Shot by an adult who did more than grab her basket ball and stomp off home because the game didn't go her way.
If prison can be used as an ultimate time out; then so be it. Maybe while she's there she can learn the error of her ways. Too late for her; but learn none the less. Time out is where she should go. After all, she chose to place three there eternally.
OnceAgain
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Because some individual did not get what they wanted; didn't get what they wanted!
And that excused; in their mind; at least for those few horrible minutes; the reason to unload a gun on innocents in their OWN departmental meeting.
That was a premeditated; vengeful; selfish; and an egocentric act.
And I believe traceable to our Societies "entitlement" mentality.
We've been raised and are raising individuals that believe they can not be anything but winners.
Then when something doesn't go as they believe it should or they are confronted with "failure"....
Well surely, it must be the fault of others and they must pay.
So there are rants on Facebook and/or My Space; public tantrums by adults turned 2 year olds; nervous breakdowns leading to family dissolution; or the IDIOTS decide to injure innocent individuals sometimes before committing suicide.
I am going to be cruel and mean and coldly heartless here. If you are so dead set - no pun intended - on being terminally dramatic. Do society at large a generous favor; MAKE THE FIRST BULLET YOUR OWN!
News flash people! No one; no one owes you a thing! Get off that idea!
There are gonna be good times and bad. Up times and down. Sometimes you will get what you think you deserve; sometimes more. And here's a little news for ya; sometimes you aren't gonna get squat.
Yep. That's the way life slaps you in the chops. You'll work your proverbial butt off and not one thing will come of it. Except; if you've got a smidgen of character; the satisfaction of knowing you've done your best.
This bit about always being a winner and always getting some kinda reward is a load of crap. It isn't reality. You can't walk away from every game you play in life a winner.
Sometimes you come in second or third. Sometimes you flat out lose.
If you are a person of character and have true pride of self; you grow and learn. You take the information gained; pro and con; from the experience and move forward. And with any luck, you come out better for the time.
Perhaps, and this is just a suggestion; it's time to teach individuals how to fail or accept criticism. How to deal with disappointment without lashing out in harmful let alone fatal ways.
We need to teach people to accept individual responsibility. It's time to stop assigning blame to others. As the saying goes, put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
And that includes the punishment for the perpetrator. She needs to be locked away forever. She needs to listen to a tape of the screams and havoc replayed once a day. And she needs to listen to tapes of the victims' Families speaking to her as they express whatever they need to express at least once a week for the duration of her life span.
Cruel? No. We're not giving her the death penalty. We're just giving her lectures and education. And if we do it for all murderers; it's not unusual. And the Families can change out the recordings periodically to give her variety. It will be therapeutic for them and it will keep the prisoner from becoming "bored to death."
And those are my thoughts on this day after the slaughter of good people by an essentially spoiled brat. Shot by an adult who did more than grab her basket ball and stomp off home because the game didn't go her way.
If prison can be used as an ultimate time out; then so be it. Maybe while she's there she can learn the error of her ways. Too late for her; but learn none the less. Time out is where she should go. After all, she chose to place three there eternally.
OnceAgain
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Monday, February 8, 2010
Warm?
It snowed again this morning. Yes here in good old Alabama. Now granted this is the northern aspect of Bama land, but still. It doesn't snow here. It...just...doesn't.
But it has. This winter anyway. A lot. And it will again. This weekend actually.
Thank God for global warming. If it weren't for that, we'd be really cold or something.
Oh, wait...we ARE.
It's been freezing here. And elsewhere from what I gather.
This has been an awfully cold, miserable Winter.
I've given up showers. I'm into hot, hot baths. The only time this cold natured old broad is warm lately.
And I don't want to go out. I'd rather stay in once I get home from work and just gel.
Where it's reasonably warm. Snuggie, here I come.
That's one of the drawbacks of really cold weather. The hell with the sexy nightgowns and such. I go for sweats and flannel. If the Skipster wants me; it's a challenge.
Although; that's not all bad. At our age, every little bit helps. So a challenge ain't too bad.
I know......TMI.
Deal with it.
Even ancient, dusty old folks are still active.
As a matter of fact; from where I stand this Winter; the Old Man and I are the only global warming around. If we didn't have each other; we'd be freezing here in the sunny south.
Once Again
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
But it has. This winter anyway. A lot. And it will again. This weekend actually.
Thank God for global warming. If it weren't for that, we'd be really cold or something.
Oh, wait...we ARE.
It's been freezing here. And elsewhere from what I gather.
This has been an awfully cold, miserable Winter.
I've given up showers. I'm into hot, hot baths. The only time this cold natured old broad is warm lately.
And I don't want to go out. I'd rather stay in once I get home from work and just gel.
Where it's reasonably warm. Snuggie, here I come.
That's one of the drawbacks of really cold weather. The hell with the sexy nightgowns and such. I go for sweats and flannel. If the Skipster wants me; it's a challenge.
Although; that's not all bad. At our age, every little bit helps. So a challenge ain't too bad.
I know......TMI.
Deal with it.
Even ancient, dusty old folks are still active.
As a matter of fact; from where I stand this Winter; the Old Man and I are the only global warming around. If we didn't have each other; we'd be freezing here in the sunny south.
Once Again
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Teacher vs Instructor
I had a chat with one of my fellow "Instructors" the other the day.
OK, she was scolding me. Again.
Apparently I let myself get bogged down with the incidentals. Those being; I add too much extra to my teaching. I embellish. I give the kids the extra info that she deems unnecessary to classroom instruction.
Okey dokey.
I respect her opinion. She is after all, a bit more of the expert in the classroom. She has taught longer than I.
But with all due respect, when she looked me in the eye and dropped this on me - "all we need to teach them is to give a proper shot" - I kinda drew back and did a little rethinking.
Excuse me?
Aren't educators supposed to ED-U-CATE? As in teach? I mean not just skim the surface and make it look all glossy and shiny, but like a true wood worker, give the piece a deep burnish and many coats that protect the surface bring out the patina of the wood; the beauty.
And just for the record? I do teach my chicks to "give a proper shot." That's even one of my extras. I've made them a booklet that has illustrations of how to locate and map the proper injection sites on the body.
I've also set up charts on "patients" that have allergies, illnesses, and problems such as they will encounter in real-life situations. These charts are what they will use in their clinical trials for grading. And those are the "patients" that will get the shots. The kids will have to now make sure there are no allergies involved or if permits have been signed or if dosages are correct.
Oh; my. They will have to study the meds and the rules.
They were using charts with their own histories, healthy young people with nothing wrong with them.
Yeah, that made sense. Treat the healthy medically. And I decided they get a practice run thru and then they will have to work it in an exam room setting. They won't know which patient or what Dr.'s order they're gonna have to deal with until they grab a chart.
Just like real life.
And this has bent my coworker outa shape. She thinks once again; I'm putting too much into my work.
Not me.
These kids are gonna be taking care of me, my friends, possibly my family members. I WANT them to KNOW what they are doing and why.
My husband; St. Skip; thinks she's bent because the boss likes it. And because the kids are having fun.
Hell; I'm having fun.
We injected tangerines for practice on Thursday and had a blast. I incorporated their math into the lesson.
When the janitor stuck his head into the room for the trash and saw the tangerines, he raised his eyebrows. He wanted to know what the ....? I loftily informed him those were former patients.
The kids loved it.
You know you're onto something when they help you clean up.
I sat there reveling in a good, good session.
So what? In came Debbie Downer. And then followed the conversation. Or lecture.
Technically I need her lead. She was the one that set up the formula for the Clinical aspect of our Program. She has been guiding me thru the process. Little by little. It's as if she enjoys sharing her knowledge and glories in it. OK. OK. She irks me a little. And I know she probably means well. At least I hope she does. But damn it; I see nothing wrong with giving the kids a heads up for real life. And I see nothing wrong with bringing new ideas into a program. Especially if they enhance learning.
If I volunteer my time; do the work on my own; pay for the materials; and donate the goods which can be used over and over again; what's the big deal?
I've upset the apple cart and a fellow Instructor.
I've been bad. Apparently.
So I'm afraid she and I are going to have to agree to disagree. Respectfully of course.
She will continue to instruct.
I will continue to teach.
OnceAgain
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
OK, she was scolding me. Again.
Apparently I let myself get bogged down with the incidentals. Those being; I add too much extra to my teaching. I embellish. I give the kids the extra info that she deems unnecessary to classroom instruction.
Okey dokey.
I respect her opinion. She is after all, a bit more of the expert in the classroom. She has taught longer than I.
But with all due respect, when she looked me in the eye and dropped this on me - "all we need to teach them is to give a proper shot" - I kinda drew back and did a little rethinking.
Excuse me?
Aren't educators supposed to ED-U-CATE? As in teach? I mean not just skim the surface and make it look all glossy and shiny, but like a true wood worker, give the piece a deep burnish and many coats that protect the surface bring out the patina of the wood; the beauty.
And just for the record? I do teach my chicks to "give a proper shot." That's even one of my extras. I've made them a booklet that has illustrations of how to locate and map the proper injection sites on the body.
I've also set up charts on "patients" that have allergies, illnesses, and problems such as they will encounter in real-life situations. These charts are what they will use in their clinical trials for grading. And those are the "patients" that will get the shots. The kids will have to now make sure there are no allergies involved or if permits have been signed or if dosages are correct.
Oh; my. They will have to study the meds and the rules.
They were using charts with their own histories, healthy young people with nothing wrong with them.
Yeah, that made sense. Treat the healthy medically. And I decided they get a practice run thru and then they will have to work it in an exam room setting. They won't know which patient or what Dr.'s order they're gonna have to deal with until they grab a chart.
Just like real life.
And this has bent my coworker outa shape. She thinks once again; I'm putting too much into my work.
Not me.
These kids are gonna be taking care of me, my friends, possibly my family members. I WANT them to KNOW what they are doing and why.
My husband; St. Skip; thinks she's bent because the boss likes it. And because the kids are having fun.
Hell; I'm having fun.
We injected tangerines for practice on Thursday and had a blast. I incorporated their math into the lesson.
When the janitor stuck his head into the room for the trash and saw the tangerines, he raised his eyebrows. He wanted to know what the ....? I loftily informed him those were former patients.
The kids loved it.
You know you're onto something when they help you clean up.
I sat there reveling in a good, good session.
So what? In came Debbie Downer. And then followed the conversation. Or lecture.
Technically I need her lead. She was the one that set up the formula for the Clinical aspect of our Program. She has been guiding me thru the process. Little by little. It's as if she enjoys sharing her knowledge and glories in it. OK. OK. She irks me a little. And I know she probably means well. At least I hope she does. But damn it; I see nothing wrong with giving the kids a heads up for real life. And I see nothing wrong with bringing new ideas into a program. Especially if they enhance learning.
If I volunteer my time; do the work on my own; pay for the materials; and donate the goods which can be used over and over again; what's the big deal?
I've upset the apple cart and a fellow Instructor.
I've been bad. Apparently.
So I'm afraid she and I are going to have to agree to disagree. Respectfully of course.
She will continue to instruct.
I will continue to teach.
OnceAgain
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Monday, January 18, 2010
Ouch
Well this has just sucked. And I mean that quite sincerely. I'm not a happy camper here, folks.
I was cleaning my house; minding my own business and the next thing ya know; OUCH.
I either pulled something, decided to play with a kidney stone; or pinched a nerve. Whatever I did I regret it, apologize for it and I'll mea culpa all day long. If it'll make it go away.
This all went down about one or so, Friday by the way. It's Monday now and still twinging. Better; but twinging. And I'm flipping tired of it.
Not that that's gonna make it better.
But ranting and raving gets a lot off my chest. Which is not helping the twinge. Or whatever it may be.
So here's the deal; when you decide to move walls and rearrange furniture; get on your hands and knees to brush off the rugs; and scrub baseboards, etc.; watch out; it could hurt.
It started off with a pain in the left side that got steadily worse. Finally walking on the tiptoes of the left foot. Had to tilt myself up on one side. Didn't go out Friday night.
Yup, stayed in and sat; leaning over to the right. Wasn't the happiest of campers. Even took some meds. And all the freakin' pills did were make me lightheaded.
So there I sat; unhappy and too zopped to do anything about it and still hurtin' like a sumbitch.
Saturday, no change. And now I'm a whimpering puppy. But quietly. And just working on paperwork for the kids at school. Gotta keep on keepin' on.
Then out to dinner to celebrate friend's birthday, Saturday night. I refused to missed THAT. Finally got SOME respite; Rum. Had a few drinks and everything eased off. Didn't last but for a few hours, but hey, take what you can get; right?
So there you are. I now have the cure for hip pain. Liquor.
Of course, you can't live off that and work. Or I can't. Or I won't.
Sunday, better. Yippee. But then I made the mistake of getting out of bed. But by now, I had a secret weapon. On the way to the birthday party, we bought me a little heating pad. And I spent the day on it. hahahahaha.
Now I've got ammo to fight back. Watch me now. Heat; gentle as a carass; all day long.
And so we have today.
I feel a bit more human. Not a twisted piece of ouchy stuff.
And now I know what it's like to be one of my patient's that lives with a chronic pain.
Mine isn't chronic, but I've gotten a dose of 3 days of good; can't escape; always there and doesn't respond to anything pain/ache/hurt.
It hasn't gone away, but it's better. And by golly, I'll take it. At least I'm walking like normal. Still not smiling about the situation, but haven't quit with life.
Skip's all about just laying around and doing nothing. I'm all about getting things done so I don't get further behind.
I have 4 classes this quarter. Smallest population is 19 students. So...
But I ouch a bit if I get too rambunctious.
Oh, well, life goes on and here I sit. Straight up at least.
So until the next post; I'll just sulk about this left hip/flank twinge deal. It'll get better or I'll give in and see Doc Amy and get her to wave her magic wand or something.
No needles.
In the meantime.
Ouch. And your move. I'm staying put.
OnceAgain
I was cleaning my house; minding my own business and the next thing ya know; OUCH.
I either pulled something, decided to play with a kidney stone; or pinched a nerve. Whatever I did I regret it, apologize for it and I'll mea culpa all day long. If it'll make it go away.
This all went down about one or so, Friday by the way. It's Monday now and still twinging. Better; but twinging. And I'm flipping tired of it.
Not that that's gonna make it better.
But ranting and raving gets a lot off my chest. Which is not helping the twinge. Or whatever it may be.
So here's the deal; when you decide to move walls and rearrange furniture; get on your hands and knees to brush off the rugs; and scrub baseboards, etc.; watch out; it could hurt.
It started off with a pain in the left side that got steadily worse. Finally walking on the tiptoes of the left foot. Had to tilt myself up on one side. Didn't go out Friday night.
Yup, stayed in and sat; leaning over to the right. Wasn't the happiest of campers. Even took some meds. And all the freakin' pills did were make me lightheaded.
So there I sat; unhappy and too zopped to do anything about it and still hurtin' like a sumbitch.
Saturday, no change. And now I'm a whimpering puppy. But quietly. And just working on paperwork for the kids at school. Gotta keep on keepin' on.
Then out to dinner to celebrate friend's birthday, Saturday night. I refused to missed THAT. Finally got SOME respite; Rum. Had a few drinks and everything eased off. Didn't last but for a few hours, but hey, take what you can get; right?
So there you are. I now have the cure for hip pain. Liquor.
Of course, you can't live off that and work. Or I can't. Or I won't.
Sunday, better. Yippee. But then I made the mistake of getting out of bed. But by now, I had a secret weapon. On the way to the birthday party, we bought me a little heating pad. And I spent the day on it. hahahahaha.
Now I've got ammo to fight back. Watch me now. Heat; gentle as a carass; all day long.
And so we have today.
I feel a bit more human. Not a twisted piece of ouchy stuff.
And now I know what it's like to be one of my patient's that lives with a chronic pain.
Mine isn't chronic, but I've gotten a dose of 3 days of good; can't escape; always there and doesn't respond to anything pain/ache/hurt.
It hasn't gone away, but it's better. And by golly, I'll take it. At least I'm walking like normal. Still not smiling about the situation, but haven't quit with life.
Skip's all about just laying around and doing nothing. I'm all about getting things done so I don't get further behind.
I have 4 classes this quarter. Smallest population is 19 students. So...
But I ouch a bit if I get too rambunctious.
Oh, well, life goes on and here I sit. Straight up at least.
So until the next post; I'll just sulk about this left hip/flank twinge deal. It'll get better or I'll give in and see Doc Amy and get her to wave her magic wand or something.
No needles.
In the meantime.
Ouch. And your move. I'm staying put.
OnceAgain
Friday, January 8, 2010
Jim's Obituary
A good man passed from this world last month. He went to join his parents and forbearers of whom he was so proud. Those of whose legacy, he strove to be worthy.
The date of his death doesn't matter, nor of his birth at this juncture. What does matter was his life. The life he lived and those he left behind in this world he loved so dearly.
Jim left 2 sons. They were his sun, moon, and stars. He was a man not afraid to tell these 2 young men he loved them. And it was readily evident that he did. He shone with pride when ever they were mentioned or he spoke their names. They were the 2 people most dear in his heart.
He left Family; the ones he spoke of often were his Sisters. Though like many modern families, they were scattered across the world. When they all came together during his last weeks; I have it from a most reliable source he stated, "This is NICE."
For old grumpy pants to say that; well; it meant tons. Tons.
He had a career in the Military. The Army to be specific. He serve honorably and well. He accomplished every task given and every mission assigned. He was a pilot and soldier. He was a Veteran and Patriot. If you cut the man, he bled red, white and blue. Literally, I believe. He retired and went on to continue to serve in yet another capacity.
Jim worked as a Contractor continuing to serve the "Kids" as he called those still in Uniform. And he was a quiet warrior for them. He knew the nuances of Government workings. His was not the manner of bluster or force. It was finesse and tactic and campaign. Whether he wore them down or out, I do not know; but he protected the Kids and worked for them to the best of his abilities. "We have to look out for them," he once said to me.
He was a giver. Quietly without fanfare or publicity, he gave to Charities and to those in need. He especially supported Foundations set up to assist the homeless Veterans. He gave without expecting anything in return; not even a thank you. This was the measure of the man.
There were those who took advantage of his generosity. But, it mattered not to him. He wanted to help; to assist; to aid. Did he make mistakes? Oh, yeah. Did he give when he shouldn't in those cases. Definitely. Was he taken advantage of? Yep. But he shook it off and went on. Lesson learned and muster forward. Don't dwell on it. Another day, another Heineken.
That was our Jim.
Stubborn old coot.
Speaking of which.
He was obstinate, hard headed, set in his ways, fastidious to a fault, and could be downright prissy. Yeah, you heard me right, people. Prissy. I told him once he probably starched his boxers. He got a twinkle in his eyes and leaned forward and said, "Nah, I just iron them." And I started laughing. It was he who gave Janis and I the names, "Thelma and Louise." He could tease and pick like a second grader. But, he could take it, too. So, I suppose that part was okay. That part.
He didn't play fair sometimes. If I got in a snit with him, he made me laugh and I got "unsnitted." That's cheating. He cheated a lot that way with his friends. He made you laugh, really laugh. He liked to regale his friends with jokes and stories.
He had a lot of friends. You liked him. He could drive you crazy with his story renditions and the way he wandered from the subject, but you just liked the guy. And it was there he was most, most blessed.
You see, as the life of this man wound down, 2 of those friends "angeled" to him. They had that special bond with him that sometimes the luckiest of us get. The luckiest.
His angels were Janis and Matt. One a saucy lady of dubious redhair and one a man in battle fatigues. It was they who spent those last hours together with this gentle man. It was they who gently led him from this world to the next. It was they who performed that most selfless act of love in letting go; in telling the one who struggles to disconnect from life, "you've done well; it's okay now."
And so he let go.
And now here I am with this group of words that try in vain to give you a gist of the worth and feeling of this man. And I am not sure how to sum up his life.
Perhaps this will tell you best.
Shortly after Jim passed, my daughter call with good news. As I congratulated her and rejoiced with her, she caught the hint of sorrow in me. And she ask what was wrong. And so I told her, "Jim died."
She had a bit of trouble remembering exactly who he was as she had only met him a few times. So I jogged her memory. Then she exclaimed, "Oh no, Mama. Not the nice man."
And that is it that says it best.
He was a NICE man.
OnceAgain
The date of his death doesn't matter, nor of his birth at this juncture. What does matter was his life. The life he lived and those he left behind in this world he loved so dearly.
Jim left 2 sons. They were his sun, moon, and stars. He was a man not afraid to tell these 2 young men he loved them. And it was readily evident that he did. He shone with pride when ever they were mentioned or he spoke their names. They were the 2 people most dear in his heart.
He left Family; the ones he spoke of often were his Sisters. Though like many modern families, they were scattered across the world. When they all came together during his last weeks; I have it from a most reliable source he stated, "This is NICE."
For old grumpy pants to say that; well; it meant tons. Tons.
He had a career in the Military. The Army to be specific. He serve honorably and well. He accomplished every task given and every mission assigned. He was a pilot and soldier. He was a Veteran and Patriot. If you cut the man, he bled red, white and blue. Literally, I believe. He retired and went on to continue to serve in yet another capacity.
Jim worked as a Contractor continuing to serve the "Kids" as he called those still in Uniform. And he was a quiet warrior for them. He knew the nuances of Government workings. His was not the manner of bluster or force. It was finesse and tactic and campaign. Whether he wore them down or out, I do not know; but he protected the Kids and worked for them to the best of his abilities. "We have to look out for them," he once said to me.
He was a giver. Quietly without fanfare or publicity, he gave to Charities and to those in need. He especially supported Foundations set up to assist the homeless Veterans. He gave without expecting anything in return; not even a thank you. This was the measure of the man.
There were those who took advantage of his generosity. But, it mattered not to him. He wanted to help; to assist; to aid. Did he make mistakes? Oh, yeah. Did he give when he shouldn't in those cases. Definitely. Was he taken advantage of? Yep. But he shook it off and went on. Lesson learned and muster forward. Don't dwell on it. Another day, another Heineken.
That was our Jim.
Stubborn old coot.
Speaking of which.
He was obstinate, hard headed, set in his ways, fastidious to a fault, and could be downright prissy. Yeah, you heard me right, people. Prissy. I told him once he probably starched his boxers. He got a twinkle in his eyes and leaned forward and said, "Nah, I just iron them." And I started laughing. It was he who gave Janis and I the names, "Thelma and Louise." He could tease and pick like a second grader. But, he could take it, too. So, I suppose that part was okay. That part.
He didn't play fair sometimes. If I got in a snit with him, he made me laugh and I got "unsnitted." That's cheating. He cheated a lot that way with his friends. He made you laugh, really laugh. He liked to regale his friends with jokes and stories.
He had a lot of friends. You liked him. He could drive you crazy with his story renditions and the way he wandered from the subject, but you just liked the guy. And it was there he was most, most blessed.
You see, as the life of this man wound down, 2 of those friends "angeled" to him. They had that special bond with him that sometimes the luckiest of us get. The luckiest.
His angels were Janis and Matt. One a saucy lady of dubious redhair and one a man in battle fatigues. It was they who spent those last hours together with this gentle man. It was they who gently led him from this world to the next. It was they who performed that most selfless act of love in letting go; in telling the one who struggles to disconnect from life, "you've done well; it's okay now."
And so he let go.
And now here I am with this group of words that try in vain to give you a gist of the worth and feeling of this man. And I am not sure how to sum up his life.
Perhaps this will tell you best.
Shortly after Jim passed, my daughter call with good news. As I congratulated her and rejoiced with her, she caught the hint of sorrow in me. And she ask what was wrong. And so I told her, "Jim died."
She had a bit of trouble remembering exactly who he was as she had only met him a few times. So I jogged her memory. Then she exclaimed, "Oh no, Mama. Not the nice man."
And that is it that says it best.
He was a NICE man.
OnceAgain
Jim
We will attend a viewing; this afternoon. A long time in coming.
Remember I told you of my friend,Jim, who passed back in December? On the 22nd?
It will be for him.
The memorial mass will be tomorrow.
Yesterday his obituary finally appeared in the local paper. Finally.
It was the driest, barest, coldest, least representative narrative of an individual I've read in a long time.
Oh, all the proper people were mentioned. The sons; the sisters - who he loved but rarely saw; the nieces; nephews - who were rarely part of his life; the wife - from whom he'd been separated for 18 YEARS.
His military career was brushed over. No real mention of his many, many accomplishments.
His work as a Contractor after his retirement was a gloss. Nada. Nothing.
The man was awarded the Order of St. Michael's, for gosh sake. He supported the homeless veterans; quietly, but consistently. He always made sure that we had a place to celebrate the 4th of July.
Nothing was made of the fact this man was a Patriot; a Soldier who revered and loved his Country.
Last, but never, never least; no mention was made of his friends. Jim had tons of friends. But especially Janis and Matt. They had grown so very close these last few years. Those two were tirelessly devoted to him in his last weeks; last days.
It was they who were at his bedside as he drew his last breath. It was they who gave him the "okay" to stop the painful battle with life and ease into Heaven. It was they who best demonstrated that selfless, selfless last act of purest love.
For all that he could be; aggravating, exasperating, stubborn, mischievous, and prissy (yes, I said prissy); Jim was loyal, true, fun, mischievous (it works both ways people), and just a darn good guy.
And THAT was what should have been written.
All of it.
Janis and Matt deserved more; Jim would have wanted it.
Jim deserved more; he earned it.
So I've written this. It doesn't matter the year of birth or death; it matters what a person WAS.
JIM TORNEY was a damn fine man.
And we loved him.
God speed, old friend.
OnceAgain
Remember I told you of my friend,Jim, who passed back in December? On the 22nd?
It will be for him.
The memorial mass will be tomorrow.
Yesterday his obituary finally appeared in the local paper. Finally.
It was the driest, barest, coldest, least representative narrative of an individual I've read in a long time.
Oh, all the proper people were mentioned. The sons; the sisters - who he loved but rarely saw; the nieces; nephews - who were rarely part of his life; the wife - from whom he'd been separated for 18 YEARS.
His military career was brushed over. No real mention of his many, many accomplishments.
His work as a Contractor after his retirement was a gloss. Nada. Nothing.
The man was awarded the Order of St. Michael's, for gosh sake. He supported the homeless veterans; quietly, but consistently. He always made sure that we had a place to celebrate the 4th of July.
Nothing was made of the fact this man was a Patriot; a Soldier who revered and loved his Country.
Last, but never, never least; no mention was made of his friends. Jim had tons of friends. But especially Janis and Matt. They had grown so very close these last few years. Those two were tirelessly devoted to him in his last weeks; last days.
It was they who were at his bedside as he drew his last breath. It was they who gave him the "okay" to stop the painful battle with life and ease into Heaven. It was they who best demonstrated that selfless, selfless last act of purest love.
For all that he could be; aggravating, exasperating, stubborn, mischievous, and prissy (yes, I said prissy); Jim was loyal, true, fun, mischievous (it works both ways people), and just a darn good guy.
And THAT was what should have been written.
All of it.
Janis and Matt deserved more; Jim would have wanted it.
Jim deserved more; he earned it.
So I've written this. It doesn't matter the year of birth or death; it matters what a person WAS.
JIM TORNEY was a damn fine man.
And we loved him.
God speed, old friend.
OnceAgain
Friday, December 25, 2009
'Tis the Night of Christmas
It's Christmas evening. Like Moore's "EVE" poem; all is quiet through the house. Skip is abed along with the pup and cat. I have the TV on as I'm on call for the Hospital.
It's my last shift. I don't miss it. I guess I should, but that's the reality of it.
Maybe it really was time for a change. Or maybe that wasn't the Unit for me. I enjoyed the Unit at my prior hospital more, but the Staff at this one better.
You can't have it both ways I suppose.
Reality can just suck sometimes.
And my mood has been a bit sour.
My friend who had lung cancer passed this past Wednesday in the wee hours of the morning. He made it almost 30 minutes after the midnight hour.
Now the significance of that? The day prior had been his 56th birthday.
The old coot said he wouldn't die before his birthday and leave me older than him. A gentleman to the end and a man of honor. He just had that one major fault. He could not leave cigarettes alone.
On a happier note; eldest daughter got her CPA! She's worked so hard. I can't describe all she's done. The kid's got heart and moxie.
I wish I had half the "stuff" my girls have in and about them. They are two terrific young women.
And now Christmas is winding to a close.
So is the year, actually.
Where did the time go? Weren't we just ringing in'09 a few days ago?
I thought so. I remember being in Tallahassee with the Family.
Then the year just tumbled forward. Roughly, too.
I thought it started off well. The new job at the College, the Unit was challenging, and I was bumpimg along okay.
Then Uncle William passed and the LAG's - as I refer to them - got nasty about Estate stuff; well it got busy. Switching hospitals made it busier. Doing that while teaching and managing an Estate was probably not the smoothest move. I like to learn things the hard way. Then we piled the remodel of the house in on the list. Did I mention the contractor trouble? Thought not. Well, there was that too. Cost us. A lot. Time and about $2,000.00. OUCH!
Skip's paying for that one by the way. He insisted on THAT dude.
And just as we thought we had a handle on things and were catching our breath; the cancer hit. Worse for him, yes. But watching him; it tore you into pieces and ripped your soul.
And he did to himself. That is the hell of it.
Not easy to watch a loved one turn into a cachetic shadow. Morphine and its haze is indeed a blessing. And for him and his family and those of us who loved him too; Christmas Angels came early in the form of the Hospice personnel who c
ame and gave the tender care
all needed in those final days.
Ah, Christmas is coming to a close. The final minutes ticking a way. Time marching onward as it is want to do.
Time to count my blessings and close these musings in the quiet of this house.
OnceAgain
It's my last shift. I don't miss it. I guess I should, but that's the reality of it.
Maybe it really was time for a change. Or maybe that wasn't the Unit for me. I enjoyed the Unit at my prior hospital more, but the Staff at this one better.
You can't have it both ways I suppose.
Reality can just suck sometimes.
And my mood has been a bit sour.
My friend who had lung cancer passed this past Wednesday in the wee hours of the morning. He made it almost 30 minutes after the midnight hour.
Now the significance of that? The day prior had been his 56th birthday.
The old coot said he wouldn't die before his birthday and leave me older than him. A gentleman to the end and a man of honor. He just had that one major fault. He could not leave cigarettes alone.
On a happier note; eldest daughter got her CPA! She's worked so hard. I can't describe all she's done. The kid's got heart and moxie.
I wish I had half the "stuff" my girls have in and about them. They are two terrific young women.
And now Christmas is winding to a close.
So is the year, actually.
Where did the time go? Weren't we just ringing in'09 a few days ago?
I thought so. I remember being in Tallahassee with the Family.
Then the year just tumbled forward. Roughly, too.
I thought it started off well. The new job at the College, the Unit was challenging, and I was bumpimg along okay.
Then Uncle William passed and the LAG's - as I refer to them - got nasty about Estate stuff; well it got busy. Switching hospitals made it busier. Doing that while teaching and managing an Estate was probably not the smoothest move. I like to learn things the hard way. Then we piled the remodel of the house in on the list. Did I mention the contractor trouble? Thought not. Well, there was that too. Cost us. A lot. Time and about $2,000.00. OUCH!
Skip's paying for that one by the way. He insisted on THAT dude.
And just as we thought we had a handle on things and were catching our breath; the cancer hit. Worse for him, yes. But watching him; it tore you into pieces and ripped your soul.
And he did to himself. That is the hell of it.
Not easy to watch a loved one turn into a cachetic shadow. Morphine and its haze is indeed a blessing. And for him and his family and those of us who loved him too; Christmas Angels came early in the form of the Hospice personnel who c
ame and gave the tender care
all needed in those final days.
Ah, Christmas is coming to a close. The final minutes ticking a way. Time marching onward as it is want to do.
Time to count my blessings and close these musings in the quiet of this house.
OnceAgain
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Highs and Lows
It's a day. A day.
Emotions are sometimes laid out like a child's hair that has been tangled from a bubble bath gone gloriously afroth. Snarled and whipped and furled.
Don't you sometimes wish you could pour conditioner on some events and watch them smooth out into a river of shiny taffy?
Not gonna happen.
I was supposed to share my good news with a friend, JT, as soon as I found out; or as soon as possible. JT has lung cancer that has spread. He's terminal. Another friend, J, as been his point of contact, go-to, don't-leave-me-I'm-afraid.
So I had planned to ask her if today would be a good day to see him. He's weak and has good days and bad. Plus his sisters have converged. And I was taught to never just "drop in" on folks.
Southern thing I suppose.
But when I saw J last night, they had just admitted JT to the hospital. He's to have rest today while they rehydrate him and bolster him up with antibiotics.
So the plan is to see him tomorrow and share my news after I hand in my formal letter of resignation to the same hospital where he has been admitted.
Oh, my news. I will be a full time Instructor at the College as of next quarter.
And I'm trilled, beyond elated actually, I love working with my kids and at the College.
But, besides JT's being so ill, I am going to miss my Unit at the Hospital.
What I won't miss is the pain I've had after 12 hours of being on my feet and pulling and tugging obese patients.
I'm old and worn out I suppose.
My carcess is showing it's age.
Rats.
And my Supervisor. Well, let's see. I actually got him the position. It was a thing where a good man needed a job and they had an opening and I campaigned. So now I feel like I'm deserting him. But I shouldn't because he is still employed and doing well.
But, I'm a mother hen over my chicks. I have a hard time letting my children grow up.
I am going to stay through the Holidays. I had said I'd work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day night shifts. And I will.
It's something I've always done.
There are younger Staff out there with small children. If I work those shifts, that's one more parent that can spend those shifts with their kids.
Skip is in agreement with me on this. So my "official" day of resignation will be the 28th. I have to resign on the 28th as that is a work day.
Ain't no body gonna come in on the weekend just for me. I ain't that special.
It would be real neat if I were.
Ah, life. It raises you to such heights and then drops you on your ass just to let you know; you ain't all that, but I'm giving you a break enjoy what you have.
Live the moment I 'spose. And I shall.
J just sent me a MMS. JT is not doing well. No visitors. Family only. She will give him my news for me so my promise will be kepted. Let me know of changes.
Didn't I just mention landing on an ass.
Mine's a bit flatter today.
And so I will close.
OnceAgain
Emotions are sometimes laid out like a child's hair that has been tangled from a bubble bath gone gloriously afroth. Snarled and whipped and furled.
Don't you sometimes wish you could pour conditioner on some events and watch them smooth out into a river of shiny taffy?
Not gonna happen.
I was supposed to share my good news with a friend, JT, as soon as I found out; or as soon as possible. JT has lung cancer that has spread. He's terminal. Another friend, J, as been his point of contact, go-to, don't-leave-me-I'm-afraid.
So I had planned to ask her if today would be a good day to see him. He's weak and has good days and bad. Plus his sisters have converged. And I was taught to never just "drop in" on folks.
Southern thing I suppose.
But when I saw J last night, they had just admitted JT to the hospital. He's to have rest today while they rehydrate him and bolster him up with antibiotics.
So the plan is to see him tomorrow and share my news after I hand in my formal letter of resignation to the same hospital where he has been admitted.
Oh, my news. I will be a full time Instructor at the College as of next quarter.
And I'm trilled, beyond elated actually, I love working with my kids and at the College.
But, besides JT's being so ill, I am going to miss my Unit at the Hospital.
What I won't miss is the pain I've had after 12 hours of being on my feet and pulling and tugging obese patients.
I'm old and worn out I suppose.
My carcess is showing it's age.
Rats.
And my Supervisor. Well, let's see. I actually got him the position. It was a thing where a good man needed a job and they had an opening and I campaigned. So now I feel like I'm deserting him. But I shouldn't because he is still employed and doing well.
But, I'm a mother hen over my chicks. I have a hard time letting my children grow up.
I am going to stay through the Holidays. I had said I'd work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day night shifts. And I will.
It's something I've always done.
There are younger Staff out there with small children. If I work those shifts, that's one more parent that can spend those shifts with their kids.
Skip is in agreement with me on this. So my "official" day of resignation will be the 28th. I have to resign on the 28th as that is a work day.
Ain't no body gonna come in on the weekend just for me. I ain't that special.
It would be real neat if I were.
Ah, life. It raises you to such heights and then drops you on your ass just to let you know; you ain't all that, but I'm giving you a break enjoy what you have.
Live the moment I 'spose. And I shall.
J just sent me a MMS. JT is not doing well. No visitors. Family only. She will give him my news for me so my promise will be kepted. Let me know of changes.
Didn't I just mention landing on an ass.
Mine's a bit flatter today.
And so I will close.
OnceAgain
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Details, Letters and Reports
---------- Forwarded message ----------
--
Regards,
Audrey Johnston
Audrey H. Johnston
Madison, AL 35756
256-653-3397
Date: Wed, Sep 30, 2009
Hello All,
Hello All,
Just a quick note before I dash to the Campus to settle a book matter.
I have received the check for the sale of the Warren property. I will deposit that as well while I am out and about.
We did well. And I owe it all to Ricky; our Realtor. He really went above and beyond for us.
I did allow the buyer to take 1 month early occupancy so there is a rental check also. I needed to stop the "bleed" as it were from the Estate monies as much as I could. His moving into the property allowed me to stop having to keep the water and electric in the Estate name. It wasn't that much, but every little bit helps.
At this juncture, it is all outgo and no income. So I've been keeping a tight, tight rein on everything. And I've kept the check book balanced to the penny.
Yes, I'm that type A. I've been known to hunt down a dime in my own account and challenge it. I'll leave it to your imagination how I've been with your account.
I've also gotten all your replies on the Buick with the exception of Edmond and Betty.
I need those by October 3, 2009.
I'm sorry to place a mandate on this, but I've had to pay for insurance and upkeep. That's a bleed on the Estate.
If I've no reply by midnight then I will take this as a negative response as to your wishing to purchase her. At that point, I'm placing her - as is - on Craig's List and that little flier that is local to Enterprise area and selling her. I've got to get rid of her. ASAP.
Betty knows the price. The Buick is going.
I plan to gather all the paperwork as per Mr. Marsh's instructions and place the data in the order he requested and do a run down to Enterprise in mid October and begin the dispersal of monies to all of you.
This will meet the 6 month mandate by Alabama law and all other requirements. I will be holding some monies back for taxes as I have to file 2009 for the Estate come January 2010. Mr. Marsh will assist in that also.
And the Estate did show income.
Again, I will follow all to the strictest letter of the law.
I realize most of you know I do this. I just want to emphasize it in case anyone's forgotten.
And please, don't call Mr. Marsh about when you are going to get your money. I'm going to get all that is due; to you. I swear, by all I hold dear. That was terribly unnecessary. And embarrassing.
I was mortified when he brought that up. Grandmama would have been so upset.
Closing of the Warren property went well, except for that mention, which I apologized for, but was long. We had to wait for some of the paperwork.
The gentleman buying the property is completely rehabbing the house and absolutely loves the place. He has already gutted the kitchen and begun updates. He plans to put a deck off the back door of what was Grandmama's bedroom. That will be the master bedroom. And the east wall that had the 1 window will be an entry to a master bathroom/closet. He's also revamping the single bathroom.
His favorite spot at the moment is the sun porch in the front. He says he just loves to sit out there and read and relax.
I gave him the file with the original survey and papers that I had found that could be salvaged. I thought perhaps he would like to have the history of his new home. He was very toughed. He said he'd like to frame the original survey and hang it in the living room.
He is a Major in the Army. Flies Blackhawks. Will probably have to do one more stint in Iraq. But he plans on retiring in Enterprise. He bought the house as a flip at 1st, but now that he's been in her; he says she's home. He's going to spend the rest of his years there.
His words were, "she's just the neatest little place. I love her."
He's made a workshop in the garage. Does his own wood working. Getting a divorce and has a young son that likes to run down the hall; through the kitchen, up the dining room; across the living room and start the circuit again.
Sound familiar?
We did alot of chatting while waiting for papers. I like him. And it made the signing over of a place I hold very dear somewhat easier.
I didn't cry. I was very professional and wore a nice pantsuit. Heels, too. I did you all proud. Even used my good handwriting.
So we've crossed another job off the list. Dawn's light is showing. And I shall wrap this up a swiftly as possible.
Take care all,
Aud
(Recap of one of the missives to the Relatives about the Estate)
(Told you I'd been writing)
(Recap of one of the missives to the Relatives about the Estate)
(Told you I'd been writing)
--
Regards,
Audrey Johnston
Audrey H. Johnston
Madison, AL 35756
256-653-3397
Back From the "Dead"
Two Months. It's been two frickin' months since I've posted. Is that not the pits?
I should be shot. But then I feel like I have been. It's been a long haul folks. And I'm pooped. Flat out TIRED. Exhausted. Sleepy. Uh....need I go on?
And the pity is; I've been writing my little fingers off. Truly. They've just been letters to other folks. Some good; some sharp; and some really to the point and kinda bad.
I think what I'm going to have to do is save a copy/paste of these little deals and then publish them so you folks will know - SHE's ALIVE!!!!
So on to the news.
The Estate is about tidied up for the year. I go tomorrow and roll the CD's over into the checking account and that's it until after January. Then we do taxes and I hope I'm done.
DONE.
Of course getting there was not without it's drama.
We sold the old homestead and that was traumatic for me. But the gentleman that bought it; is in love with the place and it'll not be torn down. Instead it will be refurbish and rebuilt and added onto for another generation to grow and love.
I can handle that. My heart is sore, but not broken.
Then I finally had everything ready to start cutting the checks. And of course the Boys were cooperative.
But the two who had howled and cried foul and kicked and screamed about the money and unfairness over waiting and sharing of and for funds; did they cooperate?
HELL NO! They were the last to send in numbers; info, etc.
Finally; I sent out emails that ask and stated if you want your money; you must do this by this or you will by George wait until after Christmas because I am taking a break from the two of you. Period.
They called in their info the next morning. And cost the Estate a bit more cash than was necessary so I could get everything out before Thanksgiving.
Creeps.
And during all this; I had a daughter and Grandest kids visit, worked my 2 jobs, got coins and Estate items appraised. I handled Buick issues and conferred with my Dad - my Stepmom is getting forgetful. I also made a RV jamboree with Skip for a long weekend. Went to classes to keep up my certificates and licenses for my jobs. Worked on the house and actually got a few projects finished. Last but not in the least; we had a friend be diagnosed with lung cancer and I spent a long evening with him while he told me things that I'm not sure I wanted to hear, but I listened. All the while thinking as I typed the long email letters to friends and family that I needed to get to my blog and blow off some steam.
The thing is, as I've said, some of my mailings were as long if not longer than my blogs. And as the Boys have noted - funny.
As a matter of fact; I've promised to keep writing and in touch because they enjoy them so much. So I could have done a cut and paste and posted to here. Or vice versa, I suppose.
Why didn't I?
I don't know. I meant too. I just never got around to it. I was always getting sidetracked. Or worn out or, or, or......
And I'm teaching 2 new subjects this quarter.
JUST when you get all your exams where ya want them... well, there ya are, they go and switch things on ya.
Oh, oh, oh. I may be down to one job in the coming year if everything works out. So all must have very good thoughts for me. But I may take on an additional class and a clinic. And if I do that; I'm going to the College full time.
It will certainly help with the neck issue. Since I got that little number started up; it's been making up for lost time with a vengeance. After every 12 hours on the floor; I spend 10 hours wanting to lay on my side and just huddle. Not a lot of fun. To be honest, it saps me. I may be to the point where I'm more effective in the classroom.
Good thing I love it there.
My Kids this quarter have again been a blast. I don't know how I get so darn lucky. But I look forward to going into work each Monday and Wednesday. I just hope it keeps on being that way. The only problem I had turn out to be because I was following the rules set out for us as Instructors. So when the President ask me to write down what happened and I did, he got 1st hand knowledge that I was doing what he told me to do.
Whew.
Especially since there were a few that weren't. Oh so glad that I wasn't one of them.
That little problem ate up a full week. Sweated it out, too. I can be, oh, so paranoid.
So that about raps this up. I'm back and I figure I can start doing the cut and paste bit to keep up.
Actually, I probably should go back into my sent files and look up and post a few things to prove I wasn't in a coma or something for the past 2 months.
I may. I may. We'll see.
In the meantime, I'm back alive and kicking.
OnceAgain
I should be shot. But then I feel like I have been. It's been a long haul folks. And I'm pooped. Flat out TIRED. Exhausted. Sleepy. Uh....need I go on?
And the pity is; I've been writing my little fingers off. Truly. They've just been letters to other folks. Some good; some sharp; and some really to the point and kinda bad.
I think what I'm going to have to do is save a copy/paste of these little deals and then publish them so you folks will know - SHE's ALIVE!!!!
So on to the news.
The Estate is about tidied up for the year. I go tomorrow and roll the CD's over into the checking account and that's it until after January. Then we do taxes and I hope I'm done.
DONE.
Of course getting there was not without it's drama.
We sold the old homestead and that was traumatic for me. But the gentleman that bought it; is in love with the place and it'll not be torn down. Instead it will be refurbish and rebuilt and added onto for another generation to grow and love.
I can handle that. My heart is sore, but not broken.
Then I finally had everything ready to start cutting the checks. And of course the Boys were cooperative.
But the two who had howled and cried foul and kicked and screamed about the money and unfairness over waiting and sharing of and for funds; did they cooperate?
HELL NO! They were the last to send in numbers; info, etc.
Finally; I sent out emails that ask and stated if you want your money; you must do this by this or you will by George wait until after Christmas because I am taking a break from the two of you. Period.
They called in their info the next morning. And cost the Estate a bit more cash than was necessary so I could get everything out before Thanksgiving.
Creeps.
And during all this; I had a daughter and Grandest kids visit, worked my 2 jobs, got coins and Estate items appraised. I handled Buick issues and conferred with my Dad - my Stepmom is getting forgetful. I also made a RV jamboree with Skip for a long weekend. Went to classes to keep up my certificates and licenses for my jobs. Worked on the house and actually got a few projects finished. Last but not in the least; we had a friend be diagnosed with lung cancer and I spent a long evening with him while he told me things that I'm not sure I wanted to hear, but I listened. All the while thinking as I typed the long email letters to friends and family that I needed to get to my blog and blow off some steam.
The thing is, as I've said, some of my mailings were as long if not longer than my blogs. And as the Boys have noted - funny.
As a matter of fact; I've promised to keep writing and in touch because they enjoy them so much. So I could have done a cut and paste and posted to here. Or vice versa, I suppose.
Why didn't I?
I don't know. I meant too. I just never got around to it. I was always getting sidetracked. Or worn out or, or, or......
And I'm teaching 2 new subjects this quarter.
JUST when you get all your exams where ya want them... well, there ya are, they go and switch things on ya.
Oh, oh, oh. I may be down to one job in the coming year if everything works out. So all must have very good thoughts for me. But I may take on an additional class and a clinic. And if I do that; I'm going to the College full time.
It will certainly help with the neck issue. Since I got that little number started up; it's been making up for lost time with a vengeance. After every 12 hours on the floor; I spend 10 hours wanting to lay on my side and just huddle. Not a lot of fun. To be honest, it saps me. I may be to the point where I'm more effective in the classroom.
Good thing I love it there.
My Kids this quarter have again been a blast. I don't know how I get so darn lucky. But I look forward to going into work each Monday and Wednesday. I just hope it keeps on being that way. The only problem I had turn out to be because I was following the rules set out for us as Instructors. So when the President ask me to write down what happened and I did, he got 1st hand knowledge that I was doing what he told me to do.
Whew.
Especially since there were a few that weren't. Oh so glad that I wasn't one of them.
That little problem ate up a full week. Sweated it out, too. I can be, oh, so paranoid.
So that about raps this up. I'm back and I figure I can start doing the cut and paste bit to keep up.
Actually, I probably should go back into my sent files and look up and post a few things to prove I wasn't in a coma or something for the past 2 months.
I may. I may. We'll see.
In the meantime, I'm back alive and kicking.
OnceAgain
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Learning the Hard Way
While I have the time; I might as well expound on the visit to the ER I had over Labor Day Weekend. Well, actually, it was the Tuesday after. I always like to wait until my Docs are out of town to do my thing.
It wasn't my fault truly. It started while we were RVing in Atlanta at the races.
I got a little achy on Friday, down right sick Saturday, Sunday was just miserable and Monday was... I told my husband; I gotta have something for this pain. I need a strong INSAID. Which is a prescription type Advil.
I called my MD's office Tuesday and they said, "they're out of town. We'll get the nurse to call you back."
She did.
And I told her what was going on and she said get to a doctor.
I think it was the neck pain and stiffness.
Well, I admitted I'd been sleeping - as it were - and resting on bags of ice due to the neck pain.
Hey, I'm a tough old bird, but this pain was something else. I couldn't turn my neck and flat out didn't want too.
Yes, I could touch my chin to my chest. I just walked like I had a 2x4 for a spine when I got up. And most of the time; I stayed in my reclining chair on my bags of ice. It soothed and kept me going.
And scared the hell out of my friends and husband.
So into my Hospital's ER I went.
I checked in, did the paperwork, got triaged, etc.
Then they took me back and I saw the Doc.
Questions.
Exam.
Found out I was an RN.
We decided to start out conservative. In other words, blood work and something for the pain. I ask for Toradol. I don't use narcotics. He raised his eyebrows. I don't like losing control, I explained.
I'm a little type A. Eyebrows stayed up, but he agreed.
That was when I realized I stepped in it. He thought I wasn't really taking all this seriously.
Well, yeah I was. I came in because I was HURTING. I don't go to ERs just to visit.
But no; I really didn't think it was what he was leaning towards. And no one was gonna look at my spine with a needle in their hand until I had more proof that there was a reason for it.
Those things are serious business.
And this was my spine. And their needle.
Of course, maybe I was a little sicker than I thought because apparently I was a little "behind" on my fluids.
10 sticks to get the IV and give the med, 4 more to get the labs. No fluids hung. If they hang fluids; they might try to keep you.
I had to give Finals to 43 kids the next day.
No way was I gonna stay.
Patch me up and send me home. I just know you guys are good.
Of course, every one's sticking their head in and asking, "Audrey, what are you doing here?"
And I felt like being sarcastic. But I kept it light. Even gritted my teeth through all the needles and just got on with it.
And the med helped. It got me through the XRays. They were bad. Bend, twist, pose.
I was aching again. Not quite as bad, but it started up again.
Eventually all settled down and I closed my eyes and caught my breath.
The results? Coming down off a virus as I suspected. And my neck had acted up as a result. Maybe the coughing had started something. The Doc's not sure.
What he was sure about was I have severe arthritis in my neck. And I need to have it followed up on. I'm in for years of thrills.
I can add that to my lower back. Ought to make for an adventure.
And it may shorten my career at bedside.
Ohhhh. So that's why I had all those uncomfortable after shift hours. All the lifting and pulling WAS getting to something. ME!
Guess I should have listened to the creaks and groans of dem bones and not dismissed it.
I can be such a dumb ass.
The good news?
Every now and then; getting poke and prodded; especially when it turns out to be difficult; can remind you what the patients you care for go through.
And that can make a person a better nurse.
But it's a hard way to learn.
OnceAgain
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Estate Business
It was a good thing I sent a missive to the Lawyer and Realtor last Friday. Guess what? We're closing the house; the old homestead this coming Monday. "They" thought I knew.
I know what that means. Each thought the other had mentioned it.
Uh; noooo.
Surprise. Good thing I decided I needed to do some poking around and see what was going on.
And do ya think I'd have set my Hospital schedule up the way I did if I thought I'd be South at this time of the month?
Nope. Nada. No way.
But; as usual. I'm coping and scheduling and making do.
And here we go, my friends. Off and running. Two more items off the list of things to do after a loved one dies.
We'll close up the storage unit also.
I got off my ass and e-mailed the LAGs and told them; time to pick up the stuff and let's get it over with.
LAG=lower Alabama group. Or as I like to refer to them when I'm in a mood; the jerks.
And I do so want to get as much of this as I can over with. I just want it DONE.
Give them their monies; give them what ever it is they need and go and not have to deal with ever again.
I'll be back in Enterprise; I have children there. History, too. But not the LAGs. I'm so done.
I wish them well. A long and happy life; if it's possible for such folks to find that. But I'm running as soon as I'm free and not looking back.
Well, except to make sure there isn't anything sharp in my back. That would surely have to be plucked out.
And I hope this is the start of the end of the business. And you can bet your sweet bippy; I'll flat be sending regular missives to the Lawyer from now on and until the final day.
After all; I want to close this chapter; not just the house.
OnceAgain
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