"A person's a person - no matter how small" (- from Horton Hears a Who)

I read an article about Kids and how hard should we push them on learning a talent, sport, activity, etc.???
Many people responded with their ideas and what parents should do.

It made me immediately go back to my memories of trying to get my kids to play the piano. One child in particular who made my life miserable for that one year that I made him take piano lessons! I realize now that I really shouldn't have even forced him to take that one year.  But many parents will disagree with me. I was surprised to read from these parents that they thought it was the right thing to do - to force the children to do these things and they(our kids) will thank us later.  It didn't sound right to me.

 Here are a couple quotes that I wrote down from the parents' ideas that I liked:

"Respect a child's humanity and individualism, do not force anything that isn't required for their safety or health."
"We can try to help and direct them onto the right path for them.  They need the opportunity to explore activities and find what suits their likes and dislikes."

I know my daughter wishes that I taught her to sew, but she is taking a sewing class now and enjoying it very much.  So it's never too late.
Speaking of my daughter, she is due with our 4th grandchild (a girl) in a week or so.  But she is already having some false labor, so I'm thinking I may be going to Idaho Falls soon.

Rocky and I did the run around the river yesterday - and he did about 4 miles more than me, but I'm not as sore as he is today! yay!

Mobile,Alabama

Well, from what I have seen of Mobile, Alabama area the last few days - it's not that bad. We've been to almost every Apartment complex there is in this area and let me tell you! - there are quite a few.  I've lost track of how many we've seen and I'm definitely getting them all mixed up in my mind as to who said what and how much this and that cost and.....and........
Luckily, my son has a much better and younger mind and can remember more of the details. We've finally settled on one that is new and gives you much more bang for your bucks.  I really thought at first that he should stay closer to the university and medical center that he is working at , but I could quickly see that I was wrong.  Most all of the complexes around -made me think of the projects in bigger cities. I won't say what cities,but I'm sure you get the picture.  There was one really nice one, but of course, it was way too expensive.  So we narrowed it down to 3 places, but kept going back to the one and finally - after much debate - we agreed on the best place that had the best deal (in our minds).
 I really haven't had to go apartment hunting much in my life and I can tell you that I'm so thankful for that. I'm so glad that I haven't had to do that as much as our son has.  He really has lived in almost every type of place that you can imagine and he's had a couple of nice ones, too.
But I'm sure he will be so happy to one day have a home of his own - instead of  renting an apartment.
I hope that he will get that opportunity some day. 
We have one last day (tomorrow) and we hope to drive down to Pensacola, Florida. It's only a 45 minute drive from here.  I tell you - I could live in a place that is warm all year round and has palm trees. I know they have to worry about hurricanes, but I think I could deal.  Rocky is that way, too.  He lived in Boston during his medical school years and was tired of the very,very cold winters.

And I finally did get to go on the treadmill (4 miles) this morning.  Rocky is on it now. 

Thinking...

I've been thinking a lot today, because I've been crossing the country on Airplanes all day. I'm at the Memphis Airport right now waiting for my final flight to Mobile, Alabama.  I've never been there, but that's where our son, Rocky is going to live for the next 4 years.  He will be doing his Pathology residency there. So I'm going down to meet Rocky and help him find a place to live.  I'm sure he could do it on his own, but it's nice to have family support, right?!  And it's a fun trip for me - I think.....we'll see....:)

Well, I started this blog yesterday while I was traveling- but I got interrupted by a couple calls I got from my husband and son.
 All the thoughts that I was at the time thinking about have kind of lost their zip, but I hope I can articulate some of those thoughts here now.  I was at 4 airports yesterday and did a lot of people watching. Most everyone I smiled at - for some reason or another - didn't smile back. It just seemed like a grouchy day for all the people that I bumped into.(not literally bumped)
 Maybe I scare people with my smile, I don't know.
Anyways, I saw the news on a TV at the Memphis airport that showed a video of a man that helped a woman from getting stabbed and then got stabbed himself and nobody would help him.  One guy even took a picture of him and could clearly see that he was bleeding.(this was in NY) It took a long, long time before he got any help. He just lay there on the street bleeding. (Lots of people walking by.)
 Are we really getting so de-sensitized that we won't even stop and help anyone anymore?? Are people just afraid to get involved anymore? It's sad.
 I myself am afraid to pass by a bum in the street that wants money from me.  I have usually tried to give them some money, but then- others have told me that it just goes to the purchase of liquor and does them no good.  So then I have walked right by and tried to avoid eye contact - but I don't feel very good about that either. I think the mob mentality (of not caring about the little guy) is too alive and well out there.
We will never progress and prosper (like we should) if that's how we live our life. 
Well, that's my 2 cents for today.
 I know that realistically - all I can do is just try to be better myself.
I will continue to smile and be optimistic as much as possible - even if I meet a lot of sour pickle suckers out there!
And after thinking about it, I think I should try to keep giving that bum a few dollars whenever I can -  after all, we are all God's children.

Wenatchee 1/2 mara

Well,

here I am after the 1/2 mara in Wenatchee on Saturday. I feel like I did ok. My time was 2 hours 42 minutes.

I know it isn't my best, but I realized (after I started running) that I wasn't in as good a shape this time. I guess I haven't been training as good as I thought. It's one thing to walk/jog around on your own all the time, but when you get with actual competition - that's a whole other ballgame!!  I'm not as sore as I have been before, but on my walk today - I sure couldn't do any jogging/running! 

I ran into an old friend from High School (Toppenish). He and his wife had become avid runners. They were good and very experienced. He thought this was my first 1/2 mara and when I said it was my 8th - he seemed a little surprised. I know I don't look like a runner and there were plenty of serious runners at this marathon ( I noticed.)

He did give me some tips that helped when he passed me on the route. I know I hunch over a little when I run and he said something about that. I consciously tried to straighten up more and I'm sure that helped. Yes, thank - you , Joe, if you ever read this! Also, my breathing is kind of erratic - he showed me a way to breath out slowly and more rhythmatically as I'm running.  Anyways, they were good pointers - I'm always learning.

I noticed at this marathon - they had a couple of massage therapists working on people right after the race.  Boy, I was tempted. I might try that one of these times.  My friend Janene says that she usually schedules a massage after her races. Very interesting.......sounds good.

Well, life goes on and I know I need to find another race - to keep me going and motivated here this summer.

Spring

I think it's really here - Spring. Here's a picture of the little purple flowers on my walk today around the farm.
Even though we live in the desert and it's not that pretty (compared to my walk around the river in Wenatchee) - you still can find some beauty. This picture doesn't really do it justice.
 I just felt that great feeling this morning swell inside me that I haven't felt this year until today.  The feeling was 'YEA!'  it really feels like spring now.  It still was chilly on my walk, but not so bad and I know the weather is suppose to get warmer every day this week.  The 1/2 mara in Wenatchee this Saturday should be on a really nice day.  They say it's suppose to be in the 70's and sunny.  YAHOOOO!
   So I walked around the farm and some other farms in the area (twice). The distance was about 7 miles and on Sunday I did 4.  So I think that I'm feeling ready for Saturday. I don't know why I'm getting nervous about it - I've done this before.  I guess it's because I haven't been in a race since last fall. (and I've gained a few lbs. since then).  Oh, well.............

Humor

Yes, I'm thinking of Humor today. I'm thankful for the humor in my life.  I have a husband that always looks at the light side of things and tends to cheer me up quite a bit. (most the time)
My sons and daughter are always teasing and trying to be funny. (and most of the time they are funny).
   Sometimes they can go overboad - like some of Greg's April Fools Day jokes. (huh, Greg?!)

Anyways, today I'm going to think about all the funny stuff in my life.  We love a lot of silly shows.
The movie 'What about Bob' (with Bill Murray) comes to mind.  I don't know how many times we've watched that show. Then there's 'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (with Steve Martin & John Candy)  and Back to School (Rodney Dangerfield). Oh, I guess I shouldn't start naming them all, but of course I just thought of Mel Brooks' 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Blazing Saddles' from the 70's. 
Also, we get a kick out of 'The Office'  and we are still watching (over and over) 'Seinfeld'  reruns.
 Does this prove that we like humor in our house?  I think so......

On a different note....I did walk 4 miles yesterday (in the howling wind) and 3 miles today (on the treadmill).

humor quote of the day:
    Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.  That way, when you criticize them you're a mile away and you have their shoes...  - Author unknown

11 and 1/2 miles

Yes, I did 11 and 1/2 miles today. I know because I have a new app on my I-phone called Runkeeper. It's pretty cool, but I'm not sure I like that it tells me every 5 minutes how fast I'm going and how far I've gone and what time it is. Oh, well............ This is helping me get ready for the 1/2 mara next week. It was a pretty day outside and I really loved feeling the sunshine on my face.
I think I'll add a recent picture of Jay and I - just for the fun of it.
This was at my nephew (Beau's) farewell.
This isn't one of our better photos - maybe it's because we are just getting older. (Boo...hoo...)
But it's also because I'm standing on a step above Jay and looking down.
Anyways,
I have a good quote by Eckhart Tolle that I'd like to add today:

People believe themselves to be dependent on what happens for their happiness. They don't realize that what happens is the most unstable thing in the universe. It changes constantly.  They look upon the present moment as either marred by something that has happened and shouldn't have or as deficient because of something that has not happened but should have.  And so they miss the deeper perfection that is inherent in life itself,
a perfection that lies beyond what is happening or not happening.  Accept the present moment and find the perfection that is untouched by time.

Happy Easter

What a beautiful Easter Sunday. I walked 4 miles this morning and even though it was cold - it wasn't as windy as it has been all week and the sun was shining.
I've been trying to walk at least 4 miles everyday. I have done it 3 days in a row now and I want to do it for the next 2 weeks. On April 17th I will be in the 1/2 marathon race in Wenatchee - so I want to be ready for that.
(Usually I walk every other day - maybe this change will help. (we'll see)

I want to mention my friend - Sylvia's blog here today. The link is:
http://sylvia-subjecttochangewithoutnotice.blogspot.com/
She speaks about Mary and Martha in the Bible. I've always loved this story-
Probably because I can relate to it so much. So many many times I have felt like Martha, too. But I know I have some Mary in me. I just have to remind myself of this often. I can easily get caught up in all the little things that don't matter as much.
Anyways, I'm sitting here listening to General Conference on TV and trying to make myself sit still. So many times I have had a hard time just sitting and listening - I usually hop up and do something(there is always something to do.) So I'm trying to make myself sit and listen. I guess I'd better get off this computer and put my full attention to what is being said. :)
Have a Happy Easter.

Songs

Well, I did 4 miles today and it was quite gloomy out. Infact, it looks like it's going to snow. But at least I had my tunes and I had a great walk because of that. I've downloaded a few new ones and I think I'll mention them - just because they are songs that make you smile. :
Hey, Soul Sister! (by Train)
Mockingbird (Carly Simon & James Taylor)
In My Life (The Beatles)
The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel)
Your're So Vain (Carly Simon)
Better Days (Goo Goo Dolls)
Trip around the Sun (Jimmy Buffet)
Okay, that's probably enough to mention. But I'm sure glad I have my I-phone to brighten up these gloomy days. Years ago when I use to walk - all I had was a radio-walkman type thing and you couldn't get the channels very good - then I graduated to a Tape-player walkman. Oh! those things are dinosaurs now. The quality and the availability of any song you want is so amazing to me. See it doesn't take much to make me happy. :)

Do it Anyway...

Today I walked about 8 miles around the river. It was a beautiful Spring day.(just fabulous)
I listened to Martina McBride's song about doing it anyway. Quote: "You can spend your whole life building - something from nothing and one storm can come and blow it all away......build it anyway.....build it anyway.
Yep, that's how I feel about a lot of things. Many times I've said to myself "Why did I worry and put so much time and effort in to this and it really didn't matter that much anyway." Well, maybe it does matter - even a little bit.(to somebody)
I guess I won't go in to details about what things I'm thinking about.(that require a lot of time and effort). But I've finally (after all these years) figured out that it all depends on my attitude. When I do something with an attitude of acceptance that whatever happens....happens -then I'm fine and not re-living the experience over and over.(and getting upset over and over) I should not expect to get kuddos and should not expect everything to be how I want it to be. This is just life. And life goes on.
So that's my pep talk to myself today. I'm sure I will give it to myself again. But I think I'm growing up......a little bit. :)

Walking and Music.........my two favorites.

Today I was able to walk for an hour and a half. (My toe is much better.)
I didn't walk very fast in that amount of time - maybe about 4 miles.
But I did get to listen to some great music on my Ipod.
I'm not too good at sitting still and meditating, but I'm pretty good at walking and meditating. Today I just wanted to listen to music, tho, and think of nothing else. Music can be so soothing and inspiring. I get a lot of pleasure from listening to music. Sometimes I forget that. That's why I like to walk, because then I remember to bring my tunes and listen to music. I suppose that's why I like to walk alone a lot.
Anyways, I've been able to enjoy many kinds of music in my life. I'm very thankful for that. I guess I'm even thankful for my old piano teacher (Mrs. Busby) who taught me so much. Although, she use to use a ruler to kind of slap my fingers when I played wrong notes. I don't think anyone would put up with that nowdays!
Mrs. Busby did expose me to some beautiful classical music and even some modern day music.(at the time) Because of her - I'm able to play about anything in the Hymnbook at church and I've been able to accompany many people singing other music. I do know I'm not as good as a lot of people that are diehard musicians. But I'm okay and I've played the Organ for our Church for many years. I'm really glad that I've been able to do that. (now) I use to feel a little put upon in years past, but it's just because I had a lot more on my plate back then.
So now I think of many times that my mood has been changed for the better, because of music that I have listened to. Over the years I've been endeared to many wonderful songs. I have a lot of favorites that bring back good times and memories.

Also, Jay & I have been able to go to a lot of Broadway Plays that have some great music. I guess I'll name a few that come to mind:

Les Miserables
Phantom of the Opera
Westside Story
Evita
Beauty & the Beast
Lion King
Aidia
Cats
Grease
Singing in the Rain
The Sound of Music
Fiddler on the Roof
Jekyll & Hyde
Damn Yankees
Miss Siagon
Ragtime
Chicago
Annie Get your Gun
Me and My Gal
Hello Dolly
Joseph & the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat

Wow, As I started remembering - I just couldn't stop. I really am glad that we've been able to see all these shows and there are more that I can't think of right now. We've also been to some great concerts.
But I'll spare you and not list all those that I'm thinking of right now.
My point is that it's great for us to have all these things available to us. Sometimes we take it for granted. I just can't imagine our world without these finer things and music is pretty much it.(in my book)

Canal Caper

I can't believe I missed the Ephrata Canal Caper(10k race)today.
I feel bad.
I've done that race for at least the last five years. Oh, well.....

I couldn't because of my toe, but I'm still signed up for the Wenatchee 1/2
Marathon next month - so I've gotta get out walking/running soon!
My toe is doing much better - so I will.
My friend Janene called(at least) and said they missed me. That was nice.
Last year Jay did the race with me and he said he would this year. But I noticed that he wasn't sad at all about missing it because of my toe! Ha.Ha.
He really doesn't like to do that kind of thing - so I won't make him. :)

On another note: Rocky Jay (our son) got accepted to a program in Mobile, Alabama for his Pathology Residency! He is so excited about that. It's far away, but it's a much warmer place than Boston was and more laid back.
We really wanted him closer (Sacramento), but that's okay. Whatever works..
This will give us a reason to visit Alabama via Florida and all the beaches,towns, etc. around that area. I think New Orleans isn't that far away either - I've always wanted to go there! Well, Rocky will have to be down there in June -so Jay and I need to plan a trip sometime around then to take all his furniture and stuff down in the trailer. I don't mind. :) We both enjoy road trips.

Redheads...

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Okay, I tried to put a link in here that is to another blog entitled: Redheads are a Pain!!
I'll try again at the end of this blog..
It claims that Redheads feel more pain and make greater attempts to avoid pain then everyone else. I don't know - but this author may be right.
I'm a Redhead and I really, really hate pain. But I thought everybody else did,too!!:)
I do try to avoid pain at all costs.
Today was one of those days that I didn't know what I was in for.
I've had an ingrown toe-nail that has been bothering me for awhile, but I thought that it would just go away if I just dug at it now and then. I even had a pedicure last week and thought that the lady had taken care of it. But it did come back this week with a vengeance - so I decided to have it looked at by a Podiatrist.
Well, He looked at it and said "We need to take care of that today!"
I said, "Today??" He said, " Yep, today, it's just a quick simple little surgery. It's really easy to take care of". I said, "Okay".....

Then he brings out all kinds of instruments and a big long needle filled with anesthetic. (I guessed).
The nurse cleans my toe and the Doc says," This will just pinch a little, maybe even burn some".....
I said," OUUUUUUCCCCCCCH! Yep, it burns"
The Doc says, " just a couple more pokes "
I didn't say much after that, but my hands were dug into the armrests and I was holding back a scream or should I say....some screams!
Well, after what seemed like a long time of pinching and burning - my toe was finally dead. Then the Doc just started clipping and digging and digging somemore. He showed me two big long, ugly, bloody, toenail clippings that he said were what was causing my pain.
So to make a long enough story short - I am sitting here with a toe that is still a little numb, but is starting to tingle and I'm very worried that it's going to start throbbing. Yes, I have a long night ahead of me. Maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but hey!! I'm a Redhead! I have every right!!:)
I still can't believe the Doc didn't give me something strong for any pain tonight. He just said to take Advil........oh, brother, I mean, Oh, Doctor!
http://writersforensicsblog.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/redheads-are-a-pain/

I forget......

Yes, I'm feeling more and more forgetful, lately.
I hope this is a temporary thing, but it could be a sign that I'm getting old. I keep forgeting that I'm half a century old! When my parents turned this age - I really thought they were old. And now they are in their 70's - they are old!! ha..ha..

Anyways, I even forget sometimes that I have a blog and I can write what ever I want on it. And that I can read other people's blogs. I forget, because of all those years that I only had a journal to write whatever I wanted on it - boy! times have changed and I keep forgeting......
If you are young and reading this - you might not relate, but someday you will.(that's inevitable)

I keep forgeting that I come from the 70's generation, but every now and then I'm reminded. The other day I was listening to a radion station, oops I mean XM station (that's a satellite station not radio). My age is showing again.LOL.. Anyways, I was listening to all these old songs that I thought were so wonderful back in the day. And for some reason - I realized how strange sounding they must be to kids of today.
Some of them are downright stoo-pid!!
Case in point: 'Little Willy,Willy' by Sweet.
part of the lyrics: "Little Willy, Willy won't go home, but you can't ask Willy cause Willy won't go. Try telling everybody but, OH, NO! Little Willy, Willy won't go home."
I use to love that song. Don't ask me why. I forget.............

Beau

Well, my nephew Beau (my brother Rick's boy) had his farewell today. He is going on a mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil.
He gave a 20 minute talk in church today and we were sooooo amazed. Is this that same shy, boy that we knew growing up? Wasn't he just a little kid a year or so ago?? No, time keeps marching onward and these little kids grow up way too fast.
Only about a year and a half ago - Beau had a severe injury. He was in a football game and collapsed around the 3rd inning. He had a Brain aneurysm.
Luckily everyone around him acted quick - (there was a good friend of the family that was an ER nurse.) Anyways, to make a long story short. He was flown by Helicopter to the Spokane (Deaconess) Hospital and they did a quick surgery on him that saved his life.
We are so thankful to have Beau still with us.
He really is an amazing young man.

Quote for the day:
'If the only prayer that you ever give is: "Thank you" -
that will be enough.
-Eckhart Tolle

The sun will come out tomorrow.

Yes, today is tomorrow. The Sun did shine today. I walked 4 and 1/2 miles - I just couldn't jog or run it for the life of me. But that's okay - I did get to enjoy the sunshine.
I'm glad this week is over. My mother is doing better and will get out of the hospital soon.
For some reason (big reason) I have a hard time spending time in the hospital with my loved ones. It's something I should be use to by now - but I'm not. Every time - it brings back all those times before. (memories)
I've spent a lot of time with our son, Rocky - because of his health condition. He's had his fair share of surgeries already in his young life, because of his condition. He has Neurofibromotisis #2 - a very rare condition. It's condusive to having slow-growing benign tumors that form on your nerves.( Mostly growing on the Spinal column and the ear canal nerves.) We found out about his condition because of permanent hearing loss that he was having in College. Anyways, he has tumors on both of his main Ear nerves. He should have lost total hearing by now, but we were able to get gamma knife radiation treatments on both tumors which mostly killed and shrunk the tumors. So we are lucky that he can hear out of his left ear some at least. He had a surgery on his Right ear (decompression) - but it didn't work out well and most of his hearing is gone there. He's also had a very delicate surgery on his neck to remove a big tumor. (That was a tough one.) And he will have more in the future, because of other tumors on his spine. But we are so blessed that he has been able to manage all this throughout his Medical school and even now that he will be starting a Residency soon. There will always be those 4 hour MRI's that he has to endure every 6 months or so, but he is pretty positive about it all.
Well, I didn't mean to get into such detail about Rocky - because I was really going to explain about my great love (sarcasm) for hospitals.

My son-in-law, Chad had a motor bike accident in 2004 and that was probably one of the most trying hospital experiences I've ever had.
#1- it was in an Idaho Falls hospital that we've had a bad experience with before.(son Greg & friends)(1998)
#2 -Chad was in there for almost a full month.
#3 -His Dr. and others made some big mistakes - which could have been fatal.
We'll I will just mention those 3 things - but our daughter, Staci had our 1st grandchild through it all. That added some stress (for her especially).
Also, Chad was suppose to graduate that month - and he was so stressed about being able to complete all his classes and still be a certified Seminary Teacher.
So - I do have one thing that I have to say about that experience that bothered me a lot about his Doctor.
I tried to talk to the Dr. and I was trying to sincerely compliment him on doing something right with the first surgery. I said ' how do you get through a 7 hour surgery in the middle of the night, when you've just done a 10 hour surgery before that?? That's so amazing".
And he looked at me and said, "Drugs, that's how I get through it".
(note: he wasn't smiling - he was dead serious)

I've thought about that many times and I think he thought I was being cynical or something. Who knows.
But it was so different then this Dr. was with my Mom this last week. He (Mom's Dr.)really was sincere and kept apologizing to us for the mistake. He even asked to say a prayer for my Mom a couple times. (And they were great prayers.)I know he isn't of our religon, but he is definitely of some Christian faith and it was very, very comforting.
I think it helps a lot (emotionally and spiritually) to have that kind of a physician. And I don't care what any one tells me - I believe that our emotional and spiritual condition effects our physical condition.
Okay, I guess I've said enough for today.

Yesterday was tough, but today is better

Well, I've never tried posting from my I-phone- but I'm trying it today. Hopefully, this will work. Right now I'm in a hospital in Yakima watching my Mom trying to sleep, but getting woke up every few minutes for something or other. Anyone that has spent any time at all in a hospital- knows what I'm talking about. As I'm writing this-a nurse is telling me that mom's potassium is too low and she needs to swallow these big horse pills.
Well, I can't possibly explain the last twenty four hours or so in here.
I just have to tell you that she had to have a second surgery yesterday- because they(the Doc)
put in the wrong screw! So they re-did the surgery and put in different screws!!
My Dad is usually mild mannered, but he has had enough of all the mistakes that have been made. I haven't seen him this upset in years.
Anyways, I can't go into details now. But I do hope the worst is over for Mom now.

I have to also say- this is the first time ( in all of the times I've been in hospitals, which has been a lot) that I've seen a Dr. Apologize over & over for his big mistake. My son (the dr.) says that they are taught to not do that. But I like this new approach- where they are more honest w/you. But we'll see how it all turns out.

Another day....

I did walk 6 - 7 miles at least today.  I really felt the need to.(since I haven't walked that far for a couple weeks).
It was a beautiful day out side, but turned a little cold when I decided to go out in the afternoon.(of course).
Anyways, I'm glad I did, but I realize how quickly you can feel out of shape. It's hard for me to believe right now that I did a Marathon last fall.  I have a long ways to go to feel ready to do another one. I hope I have the time this year to train like I did last year. We'll see........

On another note......my mother had a hip replacement surgery today. She told me not to come over until tomorrow to see her.  So that is what I will do, but my Dad called and sounded a little shook up.  I guess Mom was in a lot of pain right after the surgery - for some reason they didn't give her the right meds (or any meds for that matter) to help w/the pain.  I guess they (the Dr's or nurses) apologized (after hearing some crying) and got her on something to ease the pain.  
Yes, it's hard to see your parents' lives change and see them age.  I really wish we could freeze ourselves at a certain age (when we look & feel our best, of course).  But that's not the way it goes.
Life goes on - that's the only thing that is a constant.

My quote for today:

Life is not easy for any of us, but what of that?? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves.  We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.

- Marie Curie'

Tahoe

We've had a great week this week with the boys & Heidi - in South Lake Tahoe. We took the opportunity to drive down and meet up with Greg & Heidi and then Rocky came up from LA.  I will have to post pics later when I get home.  We are staying at a hotel in Klamath Falls, Oregon tonight, but should be home tomorrow. 
Anyways, I did something that I haven't done in a few years.  I went skiing. It was a big deal for me to get back in that saddle again, because I was a little afraid.  I had a bad experience the last time I went - I was out of control at one point and ran into a fellow skier.  Neither one of us got hurt, but I hated the fact that I was weaker and couldn't control my skiing.
 When I was a young, college student - I went very often. Infact, I took a ski class and we skiied up at Sundance ski Resort ( Utah ) - every Tuesday and Thursday.  It was heaven - until it all ended.(after 3 months)  And I had to give my rented skis back and pay full price whenever I went skiing.  So of course, I didn't ski much for the next......ah......30 years.  Yes, Jay & I would go every once in awhile, but we were raising a family and it was too indulgent to go very much.  Well, now that our kids can pay for themselves and they have learned to ski on their own  -things are different.  Yes, Jay and I are older and not so limber!!
But I have to say that all this walking/jogging has helped my legs get stronger and I felt better than I have in years on that ski slope.  It was amazing to feel good about skiing again and Jay was amazed that I did as well as I did.  We were both very tired and sore after 4 hours of it, but it was such a gorgeous place and such a great feeling that we did as well as all as the other baby boomers around us.  It was worth it all.

Now of course, Rocky & Greg skiied circles around us and they stayed up there a few more hours - but they were even impressed that we handled as well as we did.  Okay....okay....I guess I'm bragging here -I'd better stop. I have to take and hold on to these good experiences, right?!   And I hope all that high-altitude skiing will make up for not working out/walking much this week.  We have the Canal Caper in two weeks. I gotta get walking........:)

Okay, here's the pics. Can you see how beautiful Lake Tahoe looks down below?! Awww..I love it. And Yes, that person in the background that looks like they have a ghost mask on is me. :)

Great walk today.

Yes, I had a nice 4-5 mile walk in the sun this morning. It was wonderful. I didn't run or jog - I just walked and listened to my tunes.  We don't have Church until 1 pm on Sundays this year, so that gives me plenty of time in the morning. Yes,  I'm ready to start walking outside more.
On my walk today - I thought a lot about how much I love this beautiful Earth that God created for us. I think I love almost every kind of terrain it offers.  I love the ocean.  I love the mountains (especially the ones with trees on them). I even see beauty in this desert area that we live in.  I love looking up at that beautiful blue sky and seeing the sun, the clouds, and sometimes even the moon in the daytime. I feel blessed to be able to get out and walk on this land.  Thank you. Thank you for this wonderful abundant feeling that I feel today, Lord.
I've been blessed to be able to see a lot of the earth out there. We've been to Europe a few times, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada, Mexico, The Carribbean, and many places in the USA.  I think I remember every trip and how in awe I was at the land and the people and the history and the food and.....and...... 

I've learned a lot from each trip. I do love to travel.  
The above pic is of Jay and I on some amazing round rocks in New Zealand. (January 2007)

I'm back....

Yes, it's been a week or so since I last blogged...
And it's because I haven't been doing my walking/running.  I finally did 3 1/2 miles on the treadmill this morning and a few miles on a stationery bike here in a  hotel in So Cal.  I'm down here for a few days with my son, Rocky. He is doing his last part of the "Boards'. It's a 2 day test - so I thought I'd come and be a support for him. (Pay for hotels, meals, etc.)  Isn't that what parents do??  He really needs the help.
 Me on the other hand - I like a vacation.  I don't mind having time to myself and doing what I want.  Yesterday I spent 8-9 hours in a fantastic mall down here.  I just took my time shopping,(but I only bought a couple blouses).  And I watched a movie, walked around looking at everyboday and everything. Then I just sat outside on a patio and enjoyed the beautiful LA sunshine.  I enjoyed all the green plants, the palm trees, the beautiful little flowers everywhere.  Oh, I love to get out of the winter weather.  Okay, okay, I'll stop bragging.......if anyone at home happens to read this......I don't want them to feel bad. :)
I am so thankful to get this break. I have a good book to read. No,I never really get bored anymore.  You can always find something to do or someone to talk to.......if you try.

sick..

Your life comes to a screeching halt when you are sick. (No brilliant insight there)      :-)
Yes, after that 10 mile walk in the cold on Monday - I got sicker than a dog.  My coughing cold came back with a vengeance.  (Although, it's been more than a coughing cold.)
I feel like I've had about every sympton that comes with flus and colds: Sore throat, ear ache, sinus headaches, fever, coughing all night, sweats, chills, runny nose, stuffed nose ,etc.
Let's see did I name them all??? 
I've always had sinus and ear problems, but I thought I was on a wellness streak for long while. (and I was)  Especially, because I have been very careful to take better care of myself. 
I exercise more - eat better (I think)- sleep better  and I don't have that much stress. I've learned over the years how to take care of myself. I know that I'm more suseptable (sp?) to sinus and ear problems - but come on do I have to be like the bubble boy!!  I can't live like that.
Well, I know that complaining isn't going to get me anywhere.  I've just got to get over it and go on!
Yesterday I went to the Dr. and got some strong stuff. (Antibiotics, inhaler, cough syrup, etc)
So I really am feeling better today.  But I had been hacking and felt like I was dying for 3 nights before that.     I could kick myself for not going to the Dr. clear back when I got the first cold a few weeks ago.  But then I remembered why I don't go to the Dr. as soon as I should -   I remembered this as I was sitting and waiting in his office for 2 hours and then spent another hour waiting for the perscriptions!
Oh, well.............life goes on, but life feels like crap today!

Being Happier

"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy."
-Robert Louis Stevenson

I'm still thinking of the 'Happiness Project' Book that I read.
 It is really harder for me to feel happy when it looks so gloomy outside. 
Yesterday I walked the 10 miles around the river, but it was one of the hardest times for me to walk the whole 10 miles.  It was so foggy and cold out and everything looked dead and dreary.  So I tried to think of good things and how I could feel happier.
I re-read a couple things that Gretchen Rubin wrote in her book and here is her 12 personal commandments for  being happy:

1. BE Gretchen (yourself)
2. Let it go.
3. Act the way you want to feel.
4. Do it now.
5. Be polite and fair.
6. Enjoy the process.
7. Spend out.
8. Identify the problem.
9. Lighten up.
10. Do what ought to be done.
11. No calculation.
12. There is only love

That's pretty good. And I would add - think of your blessings.( Have an attitude of gratitude.)

Being a Grandparent.

I've been thinking a lot about 'being a grandparent'. It's so hard for me to really explain all the feelings I have when I think about these beautiful grandchildren.

I can't even begin to explain the feelings of unconditional love that I feel for them.

When my children were young  I feared that they would remain toddlers eternally and that I would never sleep through the night, would always feel slightly stupid, and would permanently smell like sour milk and be forever changing poopy diapers.  But now I know that life with children defies logic; the days are unbearably long, but the years fly by. One moment your little guy is teething and then suddenly, he's graduating from college. That kind of perspective would have helped me so much as a parent.

Now that I finally see the light - I can sit with my grandchildren very patiently and watch cartoons. I can walk with them or stroll them around the block repetitively, because I know how precious and fleeting childhood is.  If only I was that patient as a parent!  Oh, well..........I get a second chance with my grandchildren. I feel so wise!

BTW, I did start up my walking again. I went 3 miles yesterday. Now back to the every other day routine.

Cold is gone!

Finally, the coughing cold is behind me. Last night I slept without coughing. But my poor husband did not. Now he is coughing a lot and he has me to Thank for it. Oh, well.............
So I don't have any walking/jogging to report. I hope to get started on it early tomorrow morning. :)

I've been working on a Relief Society lesson that I have to give in Church on Sunday. It's on Spiritual Preparedness. I feel like we hear a lot about being materially (temporally) prepared for disasters, but not as much about being Spiritually prepared.  This has caused me to think about it a lot.
If you had a year's supply of food and whatever else you needed on hand - and there was a big disaster and you needed all this stuff - would you share it with your neighbor or friend that needed it, too???
If we were really Christ-like, we should.  Is that part of being Spiritually prepared?? 

Here's a quote from one of our leaders, Elder Robert D. Hale:

As we live providently and increase our gifts and talents, we become more self-reliant.  Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care.  Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others.

Julie Beck explains self-reliance:

"How do we become self-reliant?  We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being."


Something to always be working on...................:)

Not much to say

'There's nothing wrong with having nothing to say, unless you say it.'
(That's another Dorothy Bair quote.)

I'm not feeling much like blogging these days - I'm wondering if it's because the sky is so gray and I can't get out and walk!  Oh, well....... I did do 3 miles on the treadmill yesterday.  But the coughing cold is still hanging on and now I've given it to the two males that live in this house. (Jay and Rocky J.)  They aren't real happy with me.
What can I say?? (mais ce la vie')

These are a few pictures of the grandkids that I took with my Iphone.  Not too bad for a phone. I'm really amazed at all that gadget can do.  I keep forgeting that I have it and am able to really do a lot with it.

 My son, Rocky put a running app on it - so that I could find out for sure how far I am walking/running and how fast.  Well, the other day I turned on the app at the beginning of my walk - but then forgot all about it until later that night.  So I've gotta remember that I even have that and can look at it when I'm done. Oh brother! I can't believe I forgot all about it. So that makes me think - do we really need all these extra gadgets and gizmos???   I'm lucky that I even remember to bring the phone with me. :)

Well, Rocky is home from all his interviews and wants to walk/run the river tomorrow. We'll see if we get time for that!  I'm feeling pretty good today after yesterday's long walk.

Here's another pic of Staci and the kids:

This is on her Birthday of course. (last week)

Now this next picture is of Kallista and how she looks after eating.  Yep, she's a very messy eater!

An everyday quote....

'Don't put up your umbrella before it rains'

This is a quote that I heard a few times from a friend of mine. (Dorothy Bair).  She's known for her quotes.  She has put together 3 booklets filled with quotes that she has heard and found over the years.  Dorothy is in her 80's - so she has seen a good share of life. 
 I like to get out her little books every now and then  - and read those quotes.
The   'Don't put up your umbrella before it rains'   quote is a favorite of mine, because it always makes me think of Dorothy.  It's one that I use quite often (for some unknown reason).  I'm sure my kids will attest to that.
  Well, I still have the cold, but I decided to walk/jog the river today and that may not have been a good decision on my part.  It was freezing cold!!  I'm sure that's the coldest it has ever been for me - in all my walking days.   And Jay had told me that it was suppose to be in the 40's, but I kept looking at the temp on my Iphone and it was always 32 degrees with a wind chill factor!

Yep, I'm feeling not so good right now - but you never know how I'll feel tonight. :)  Our bodies are amazing works of art.  They really can bounce back from almost anything - if we are good to them.
So I'm going to take a loooooong hot tub and I'll let you know if I feel better later.

Grandkids again

This is a post that I put on last fall, but I thought I'd put it up again - since I was talking about the Grandkids. :)

Grandkids

Here's a couple pics of the Grandkids. The first one is of Analee and Weston making a fort with the couch pillows.  And the next one is of little Kallista. (Isn't she beautiful?!)  She was not feeling very well while I was there last week - so I held her a lot. I enjoy holding and rocking the little ones. 
That time frame - where they will let you hold them - is so short. 
Anyways, I hope I don't have her cold, but I'm feeling a sore throat coming on.
 Yep, I've gotta try and scare it off.  :)
This morning I walked on the treadmill (5 miles).  I thought I could sweat out any kind of sickness that might be coming on, but I don't know if that is going to work.  We'll see.

Tonight we went  to the show "Extraordinary Measures".  It was good, but made me feel sad for all the parents that have to deal with sick children.  It is really scary to have your children so sick and terminally sick at that.   You would do anything to make them better and when you can't - you feel so helpless. It's so heartwrenching.

Gratitude

Quote from the book, 'The Happiness Project' :

One of the best ways to make myself  happy is to make other people happy.
One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy myself.

Yes, I've been reading this book, (The Happiness Project).  Pretty good book. No earth shaking advice in it. But it's good to be reminded of things that I pretty much already know. 
I want to be a Happy Person and I want to be able to control myself when I'm unhappy.  I don't like myself when I'm honery and moody around my family and friends. (who does?)

One thing that has helped me in the past - was to keep a gratitude journal. I always stop and start this again and again.  But when I sit down and read it - it gives me such a boost that I'm ready to start it up again. So I guess that's just how it is with me.  :)
 It always reminds me of how much I take for granted.  It makes me push myself to appreciate better the fundamental elements of my life, as well as the problems that I don't have.

Well, I did 40 minutes on the Eliptical yesterday, but that's about it for excercise, lately.  I've been enjoying the grandkids too much.  Little Kallista has been sick and I'm afraid that I may have a touch of her cold(flu) coming on.  I didn't make it home today from Idaho Falls.  I was feeling sick around Mountain Home, Idaho.  So I'm in Boise right now in a hotel room - trying to feel better.  Life is good........yeah, keep telling myself that.

Eliptical

Today is the first time I've tried the eliptical.(sp?) I'm at my daughter, Staci's house and they have one. I decided to give it a try. I've heard good stuff about it.  It's suppose to be great for people that have had plantar fasciatis problems on the bottom of their feet.  That's me!
 
Well, I did a 30 minute work out on it.  And I think I like it!  It's been a few hours and my feet feel great!
You work your arms quite a bit at the same time - so we'll see if they feel sore. (not yet)

It's sure freezing here(Idaho Falls) - colder than at home. There's a lot of snow on the ground and it's snowing as we speak.  I do enjoy being here with my grandkids and daughter and son-in-law. What a darling little family. It's quite a drive down here to get to see them - but well worth it.
I just like to sit and watch the kids play. I love to babysit and let Staci & Chad go do what they want.
Everytime I come - I'm amazed at the change in the kids and how much they've grown and learned in their young lives.  I'm not normally around small children anymore and I forget how much they can teach you.
I feel like you just can't love them enough. I certainly adore mine and I'm not biased or anything.  :)

Sunday Blahs

Boy, I felt very "Blah" today.  Maybe it's the weather. The rain does that to ya.

Usually on Sundays - I feel very upbeat.  I think it's cause I like going to church and socializing with friends.
Not today     ...It was one of those days where I just couldn't wait to get out of church!!

I guess we just go through these days.   It's like my dad always says, " You've gotta take the bad with the good or you don't deserve the good!"

I did walk 4 miles outside yesterday morning in the messy, muddy cold.  At least - it wasn't as cold as it usually is.
Jay and I watched two movies in one day! (yesterday)  We don't usually do that.  We went to Spokane to pick up Rocky at the airport and we had plenty of time and didn't need to shop for anything.  They were kind of boring and long movies - so I don't think I'll even mention them here today.....:)
Boy, I really do feel 'Blah' right now.   :)

10 miles.

Yes, I finally got to walk the 10 miles around the Columbia River in Wenatchee. (yesterday)
As I've said in this blog (quite often), that I love to walk around the River there. I've never actually gone and done it with someone else.  I always go by myself at my own speed.  Well, I still did my own speed, but this time Rocky Jay went with me.  He ran the whole 10 miles and then waited for me to get back to the car.  But he did say that he can see why I like to do that walk (around the river) and not walk around the farm here so much.
I've been so sick of the treadmill - that this was a great change - even though it was raining part of the way.  Today would have been a better day to do it, but Rocky had to leave to Philadelphia today for an interview.
Now I'm really ready for Spring to get here.
I still think I will try to walk the 10 miles once every 2 weeks now.

A lot has been happening with the aftermath of the big earthquake in Haiti.  It's so disturbing to see all the chaos and hear of all the deaths there. They are saying that over 100,000 are dead (at this point)  and that 3 million people are affected in that region.  I also heard on the news today- that people can hear the screams of all those that are still buried under all the ruble and can't get out.  Hopefully, they are doing all they can to get them out. 
All someone like me can do at this point - is to donate money.(and to pray for them)
  There are a lot of capable organizations going in there and helping out. (Mostly from the USA)
 I'm thankful to be a part of the LDS church that is supplying a lot of aid to this catastrophe.

More on Energy....

I found another quote on Energy that I like:

'Everything we do is infused with the energy with which we do it.  If we're frantic, life will be frantic.
If we're peaceful, life will be peaceful.  And so our goal in any situation becomes inner peace.  Our internal state determines our experience of our lives; our experiences do not determine our internal state."
-Marianne Williamson

I really like that.   Now if I can just keep telling myself this. 
To me - our attitude and how we perceive things - makes all the difference.

I'm sure we've all experienced or heard about situations - where you ask the people that were involved or were there what happened in this particular situation
-  and you get a totally different view or answer about  whatever it was that happened.   Now maybe this is hard to follow.  I have an example.:

A courtroom judge once told me (& the other jurors) about a murder.  The murderer walked into the bar with a gun and shot the victim dead - in front of a room full of people.  The case went to trial and each witness had a different story.  They all saw something different.  It was so confusing with all the different stories - that the jury didn't  feel good about convicting the guy that was on trial.  They were pretty sure he did it,  but every person's view was so different - they couldn't say beyond a shadow of a doubt.    
  It just brings to mind - how we all look at things so differently.

I do want to always be optimistic, but have some reality in there, too.
hmmmmmmmmmmm.......inner peace isn't as easy as it sounds...

Energy

' The first thing to realize is that you are in control of your own energy.  I know it doesn't feel that way sometimes.  Depression can take hold like an invading germ; anxiety can cause fear to leap out of nowhere; anger can simmer like a pot on the stove.  Yet these conditions do not define you, and in fact you can begin to use basic energy -- the kind that comes from food, air, loving relationships, nature's beauty and the flow of creativity--for your own good. 
All these sources of energy are available to you all the time.  They are part of your birthright; they connect you to the flow of life, which is constantly renewing itself."
-Deepak Chopra

Yes, I believe this to be true.
But I have trouble controlling my energy. Take last night for example:
we ate a delicious dinner at a friend's house. Oh, man, I can't remember overeating this bad (since maybe the holidays :)   I guess that's not a very long time is it?  Anyways, my energy had stopped - I felt drugged, because I was so full.  Now why can't we feel some good energy when we overeat?!  That's just not fair. 
Well, I know that's not what you are thinking when you read the above quote.
But I thought of it and I'm always having to remind myself that I am the one controlling my thoughts and actions.  It's a constant struggle - to try to keep the energy that I'm in control of on the up and up. :)  I hope that makes some sense.
So now I'm going to go take a shower and try to start the day with a wonderful, loving flow of energy.  They say that our energy is infinite. Sometimes that is very hard to believe.
Well, I did do 4 miles on the treadmill last night. It's the first time I've done that so late.  Usually I walk in the mornings.  But of course, I was trying to control my energy after feeling so bloated for hours.  (smiling)

Good Weekend

I've really had a good weekend so far.  We'll have to see if it keeps up.
We've got church meetings starting at 1:00 pm this year. ( It takes some getting use to. )
After the 3 hours worth of meetings, we have Choir practice.  And my stomach is really growling by then.
I like the 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM starts better.  Oh, well.................

   On Friday I was able to walk on the treadmill for 3.5 miles and I haven't had the pain in my feet - like before.  So that's good, maybe I can start doing it every other day now again. :)
Friday afternoon I drove over to the lower Yakima Valley - where I was raised. (Toppenish).  I met with a good friend (Peggy Shaul) at El Porton's and we had a wonderful visit.  Then I went over to Mom & Dad's and visited for awhile.
Then we went to my Sister Mindi's Girls Basketball game.  Mindi coaches for Zillah High School. It was an exciting game, but they lost by one point. (darn)
I stayed overnight at Mom & Dad's and had a great visit with them the next morning (yesterday) and then went over to my brother's house (Rock).  I had a great visit with him & Jackie (my sis-in-law)  and then Jackie and I went shopping in Yakima.  We really didn't do much shopping - we ended up talking & talking some more- but we did go to Applebee's for lunch.
Then I drove home (2 hour drive) to a waiting Jay and Rocky Jay. 
Jay and I had tickets to see 'Jon Schmidt'  (a fabulous piano player).  So we went to Yum Yum's in Ephrata for dinner and then went over to the show.  Man, that was such a fun show.  I was quite impressed. I really didn't think it would be that entertaining - with just a piano player - but this guy delivers.
I've gotta get some of his CD's - he's the one that put 'Love Story' by Taylor Swift  and Viva La Vida' by Cold Play together with his Celloist (sp?).  It was quite a hit on UTube a few months back.
Anyways,  that was my perfect day.

Here's the link to Jon Schmidt's website. You won't be disappointed in his music. (Fabulous)
http://www.jonschmidt.com/catalog/product_imeem.php?plname=Songs%20Most%20Often%20Performed&osCsid=bb44ddf59a502af9abd8ccda61e2f17b

True cop story

Yes, I've been fuming for a couple days, because I was stopped by a cop - going 65 in a 60.  Maybe I deserved the ticket, but I didn't deserve the comment,
"Mam, experienced drivers would never be going that fast."
He says this as people whiz by us going 70 miles an hour. (I'm sure)

Reasons why I'm fuming:
#1. This kid (cop) looks the age of my youngest child.
  I know I've been driving long before he was even in diapers!!
#2.  How dare he say that I'm an inexperienced driver!  If he knew how many miles I put on a car in one year,(my husband can witness to this)- he would probably give me a medal instead of a ticket.
#3.  The last time I got pulled over - the cop was wondering why I was going so slow.  He checked in the back of my car for beer bottles.  And it was just because I had a friend with me and was having a nice conversation  - so I was trying not to be a careless, fast driver.

Now aren't those good reasons to be fuming???

The Ultimate Goal

Quote by Mike Robbins:
'The Ultimate goal of being ourselves in an authentic way is actually about loving ourselves in a generous way.  If we truly love ourselves, most of what we worry about and even much of what we strive for in life becomes meaningless.  We may still have some worries, and we'll definitely continue to have goals, dreams and desires.  However, from a place of true self-appreciation and self-love, the fear behind our worries and the motivation for our goals dramatically changes from something we have to avoid or produce in order to be accepted and valued, to something we we're genuinely concerned about or really want to accomplish."

This is definitely food for thought.  I'm glad I have some time to think about these things.

 I've spent most of today going through old pictures and cleaning out some of my files. I do tend to collect things.  I'm trying to clean out and I'm getting much better at that - especially with my clothes.  I've hung on to some things that I keep thinking I will wear if I lose that 10 extra pounds, (but I've hung on to these things for years.)  I'm starting to be a little bit better about getting rid of things.  I really don't like having too much stuff around me - it makes me feel like I'm a hoarder.  Like those that you see on TV.  So maybe that's why I'm an OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) person.

Well, now to talk about my walking/jogging goals.  As of lately, I haven't been doing any walking on the treadmill - because of some plantar fasciatis problems in my feet.  So I'm giving them a little rest, but I do intend to be right back at it very soon. 
Today the Sun was shining and I really wanted to go out for a walk, but then I opened the door!  Yes, it's 34 degrees and the wind is blowing.  A little too cold for me.  I'm waiting for that warmer day to get out there.
   But I will go back to the walking/jogging every other day at least 4 miles.  Then on the weekends or Fridays I hope to do the long 8-10 miles walks.  Janene Cobb (my friend) and I  are planning to do a 1/2 marathon in April. (The Wenatchee Mara, probably)
And I'm going to find one to do in February. (Maybe the Rochester, WA one)  Other than that - I will do the Canal Caper in March and the Seattle 1/2 marathon in June.
I still haven't decided on where to do the full Marathon this year, but I probably won't do it until this fall anyway.  
Well, that's the goals I have for walking this year.  Yes, just to do these races. I really don't care if I get better times  on these races - I just hope to get around the same time that I usually get.
My goal is just to keep doing what I did last year.
It would be nice to lose that extra 10 lbs., tho, too!!

Goals

Well, I just re-read what I wrote yesterday. Man, I just feel so blessed after reading that . I'm so grateful that I was able to do all that stuff last year.  (Sometimes I forget how good I have it.)
Now I'm thinking a lot about 'goals'  because it is the begining of a New Year.  I always have goals in my mind, but most of them aren't long term or they are very general  like:  'Be a better wife to my husband'.
So I'm going to put up a quote that I just read and then ponder about this subject some more.....

"Write down your goals.  Don't worry if they are reasonable or not.  The first step is to acknowledge them.  Keep a journal or a little pad of paper, and write down your goals as well as the changes you create and the intutive information you receive.  Review this every day, and you will see how powerful you are at creating your own life and having an effect on the lives of those around you."
- Laura Day.

Well, I've sort of done that throughout my life, but the one thing I forget is to review my goals every day.
I'm going to try to be better this year.  Isn't that what it's all about??  Trying to do better every year??
I know that I've slipped and stumbled a lot and I probably always will.  But if I have some kind of goal or goals in mind - I know I will be better than I could ever imagine.  This is my belief- now I'm going to try to implement it.  I will be thinking of this a lot this month, as it looks like I may have the time to do it.  :)
I haven't yet written down the goals for this year, but I will.
(So more on this in the blogs to come.)

Re-cap of 2009

I thought I'd do a quick re-cap of the main events for me in 2009.

But before I do, I will quickly say that- although it was very eventful,
2008 had more major events for our family.  Rocky had graduated from Medical School, Greg & Heidi got married, and Staci had little Kallista Marie in March of that year.

Still this year was amazing to me - as I look back.
1. As a start to the New Year  -we had just got back from a vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Greg & Heidi and Rocky Jay came with us (Jay & I).  It was wonderful !!(even tho, Jay & I had a few transportation (airplane) problems getting down there.  Our lucky kids were there for a few days before us - living it up on our dime!
(And thus,it made us decide that we shouldn't count on the airlines to get us anywhere during the holidays in the years to come.)

2. In January - Jay & I flew down to Carlsbad, CA to meet Rocky Jay - so that Rocky and I could do the Carlsbad Marathon. (of course, I did the 1/2)  But it was a fun trip for us before the marathon - because Jay & I spent a couple days in San Deigo having fun.  We went to the big Zoo there and took a tour of the whole city.  What a beautiful city - I wouldn't mind living there!

3.  Jay & I took a few nice trips to Montana during February and March  - we saw a lot of country and had a good time - but I'd rather go when it's much warmer - say summertime!

4.  I went down to see the boys at the end of February - I love going on those long trips in the car alone to think (soul search) and listen to my CD's and my XM radio.  I'm a traveler at heart and will always be.....

5.  Jay ran the Canal Caper with me in March. (10 K)  He did a great job, but at the end was complaining - so I left him in the dust.      : -)    We laugh about it now.

6. I went to Idaho Falls during the year (by myself) - at least 3 times.  I love to babysit - while Staci & Chad go to the movies or whatever else they want to do.  We always have a good time.  I love being with those kids.  (and their parents)  :)
Jay doesn't usually get to go - because he is staying home making the mula so I can go to all these places!  :-)

7.    WALKS around the Columbia River in WENATCHEE.  Yes, that's a very big thing for me this year.  I was able to do many, many walks/jogs around the river.  More than any year prior.  I loved it - I can only hope and pray that I will be able to do as many this year.  I'm sure going to try.

8. Can't believe it,
but we accomplished a 16 day trip to Russia this year and we survived to tell about it. 
 Plus we did it with our son(Greg) and daughter-in-law (Heidi).  Of course, we wouldn't have been able to do it without Greg - he was our interpreter.  He had served a 2 year mission there 7 years earlier - so we went to almost all the places that he had been.  I think we enjoyed Moscow the most, tho.  I feel that I'm forever changed - because of  that trip.

(Boy, I could say so much more, but I'm trying to keep this short) :)

9. When we got home from Russia, Jay's mom (Vera) was ready to stay with us.
She stayed for a month, but towards the end - she had some health problems.
WE had to take her to the hospital , because she was dizzy and passed out.
Luckily, she's been much better since.

10. After Vera, we went to Newport, Oregon for a few days to stay at the Shilo Inn
with my side of the family (The Winters')  It was great for us, because it was the only time
this year that we had all three of our kids and our grandkids together.  So that's the only pic we have of our family this year.

11. In  August, Staci and I  were able to do a  10K  in Snoqualmie, WA. 
WE had a great time together.  Staci was able to fly up for a few days while Chad babysat the kids.   While we were doing that, Jay flew down to SO. CAL. to play golf  w/his boys.
Life is good.

12.     This was the big thing of the year for me !!
THE MARATHON in Salmon, Idaho.   Staci and I met there to do it.
I know I've written about it in this blog, but I'm sure I'll keep saying more about it - because it was a very big thing to me to be able to do this.  I still can't believe my body actually did it. :)

13.  Jay and I went to Colorado at the end of September for a week.  It was absolutely wonderful for us.  Since we both love to drive places and explore.  That's what we did all week.  We flew to Denver, rented a car, and then drove it over 1,000 miles. 
YA-HOO. Loved it.   It was a beautiful time of the year to go.  We've both never been to Colorado. So we saw a lot of things that we've never seen.  (wonderful ! is all I can say!)

14. I went to Utah to be at General Conference in Salt Lake City  w/ my parents . Then we went up the road  to Park City and stayed in our(Jay & I's) timeshare for a few days. 
 That was great, but I left early to go to Idaho Falls to spend sometime w/Chad & Staci and the grandkids.  So mom and Dad stayed and had some of my Aunts and cousins over to visit. 

15.   In November,
Jay went down to LA to help pack up Rocky's stuff and he brought it all back in a U-haul.
(Roger his brother also, went down with him)
Rocky then went to Sacramento to interview and then he drove up to Salt Lake City to meet the rest of us.  Greg & Heidi were suppose to be there, but couldn't at the last minute.(They were closing on their condo).  But we still had a great time staying at the Residence Inn in Salt Lake and spending Thanksgiving Time there.  The kids(Staci & Chad's) loved to play in the pool - we really enjoyed our time together there, because we knew we weren't going to have them for Christmas.

16.  That brings us to the end of the year, where Rocky and I went on the trip back east -that I wrote about a few blogs ago!  So I won't bore u with anymore details.

17.  I know I've forgotten things.  In fact, I just remembered the Seattle  Rock-n-Roll 1/2 mara that I forgot to mention.  Yes, that was at the end of June - while we had Vera staying with us.  Jay and I went over night to Seattle  and then came back home after the mara.
I really enjoyed that one.  I'm planning to be apart of it this year, too.

( I know I've written about all these things in my past blogs, so please forgive if you have to read the same thing over again.)

Okay, I think I'll stop for now!!

But this does make me realize how much you can do in one year.  I've forgotten all the wonderful things we've been able to do this year.  Wow. 
I hope this next year is as great or greater!!    One thing that I haven't mentioned is that our daughter is expecting our 4th grandchild in May!!  That will be something to look forward to!  We are so blessed.

Tiger Woods

This was a post that I started today on Facebook. I really got a lot of feedback on it - so I thought I'd put it on my blog.
Marie Winters Adams -
Disappointment of the year for me - Tiger Woods. My boys adored him and even got to see him play once. Not a very good role model anymore.

Marianne Folsom Anderson couldn't agrre more.

 · Claire Hansen -OK, I am not TW fan, but you know what? He is seeking help and he didn't lie about anything and he has to deal with his family. This is a man with whom the law of marriage was difficult. I don't see him saying, "Look at me, mold your idea of a hero after this!".

Nope, he just played golf, made commercials, and gained endorsements. That's the part that had anything to do with us, the general public.

So, it can be said of Tiger Woods that he was a hard worker, consistent in his craft, and a reallly great golfer. That's what your kids will remember, they weren't married to him.

It is a sad tragedy to see a man and his family fall apart on national TV. He hasn't retaliated against the media, spoken cruelly of his spouse or the women he was infidelitious with. He tried to keep it quiet. There is still a semblance of dignity there. No one wants Tiger to succeed at home, not the media (bcuz that is more cash flow). not his fellow golfers(because he is a Titan and this might be TW's breaking point), and most of all Tiger(he has to confront what he thinks success means and deal, and it willmean becoming someone he never knew himself to be).

How sad...
So, don't be so hard on the Wood. He has enough to deal with.

 · Sylvia Hammond
@Claire, you are very generous and kind to see the human side of this tragedy. However, the mothers of young golfers will no longer be saying, "Work very hard and someday you may grow up to be just like Tiger Woods!"

 · Betsy Ide Dunbar
 I feel the same as Marie. When you are in the public eye, you have the responsibility to be a role model.

· Diane Folsom Packham
Marie, I agree with you wholeheartedly. There are too many athletes and celebrities who get caught up in themselves that they forget all that's right. It is only when they are "caught" that they act "sorry"??

 · Jackie Bell
I'm so disappointed too. I truly admired him. However, I think the women who got involved with him, (for what reason I wonder )then told all of the details are disgusting. Why would you want the public to know that you had involved yourself, and took money/gifts from a married man? I agree that Tiger really messed up. That said, I am so glad ...
that my life is not played out in the media....how horrible to have your mistakes publicized and speculated upon. I think the public has placed him on a pedestal...and the only place to go from there is down.

 · Roger Pugh
 Technically, he was never a good roll model - now he is simply a caught role model!
There is a difference in an honest man who lies about nothing and an honest man who lies about nothing when he is caught!!

· Sue Farias
People need the Lord. And in this case, the Lord, and a good sexual addiction therapist. Sad situation - his poor wife and children. She thought her husband was faithful and committed, and although she will be secure financially in the settlement, it can't compensate for the broken trust and heartbreak this has brought to her life. I pray for them. Never really did follow golf, though, but when something like this happens, everyone hears about it in the media.

 Marie Winters Adams -
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Good comments - something to think about...

Claire Hansen :
We are all still trying to make Tiger fail proof.
Sylvis has a good point, and I'd like to add that
there is nothing wrong with telling your kid if he works hard he can succeede at what he does, even like Tiger. That guy earned everything he got, everything. We all do.
No one used Tiger as a model husband, except his wife.
I don't know that they, " act sorry", conscidering they are dealing with a complete train wreak in a public light. What we see is the residual coping face that seems dishonest, it is in a moment of hard fought realization that things will be different. If we forget to show compassion there will be no charity....
I am glad that people are human. It's a good thing we aren't born perfect. All of us would fail miserably and we'd be saying all this stuff aboout ourselves. However, we have perfection to be within us.
Jackie is right, pedastals are meant for heroes who fall before we see them as human.
Not only that, but a kid should be able to look to his parents and know that they work hard for everything they got and one day, that kid can do the same for him/her self.
It is a cultural fallacy to see talent as superiority within perfection, it is talent, a God given right to them that use it. A tool to perfection.

 Maurine Winters -
Good comments everyone! It is always so sad to see someone you look up to cause so much destruction with their family and friends.....those who trust them. They have no idea how much their actions hurt those who love them.

 Mindy Catlett Doty
Tigers entire life was a lie and there is absolutely NO dignity in betraying your wife over and over again with fame seeking women who care nothing about family or themselves. He carefully plotted and paid off people to have his secret life kept secret from the public. There is NOTHING honest or dignified about that
I hope now that his world has...
crashed he will find help that he needs but he has already destroyed lives and crushed the hearts of golfing fans around the globe. Perhaps the pressure was too great and I don't understand (not being a celebrity) but there are many other ways to deal with the stress than to self destruct. I feel no remorse for Tiger. He got caught. All that he deals with was brought on by himself. I hope he can rebuild himself into a dignified honest man but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
A big shock and let down for 2009.

Jackie Bell
Let's don't forget that what we know comes from the media - who's ultimate purpose it to sell papers/magazines. They are hardly scrupulous, the more scandalous the better. We don't know what actually went on, only those actually involved know. It's not for us to judge, especially when we don't have the facts...


Yesterday at 5:06pm · Terri Hartman Urie
I saw a sign today that said"Tiger Woods is changing his name. It will now be "cheetah Woods". thought It was kinda funny because it took me a minute to figure it out!

Yesterday at 6:47pm · Marie Winters Adams
That's funny, Terri.
I just want to say 'Thank you' to all of the great comments on this subject. I appreciate the response. I feel much more validated on my feelings of Tiger's debacle or should I say demise?! :)

 Marie Winters Adams
As an afterthought to my last post there:

I have to say that Jay thinks this will all blow over and he(Tiger) will be ready to start the next Golf Season and be just as great as he usually is. That will be interesting to see. Any thoughts??

 Claire Hansen
Just a final thought, every word we say here might one day judge us. We all betray family in ways that might not be as obvious as Tiger's, but it is a betrayl nonetheless. As Americans we really do tend to see what we want to see in others.
Mind our words carefully.
Tiger and his family should be in our prayers.

Mindy Catlett Doty
Yes he needs our prayers because it's going to take the Miracle of forgiveness for him to try to "fix" all that he has broken. But come on already Claire, we are talking about a celebrity who betrayed his family in the worst way MANY times on PURPOSE. I for one, DO NOT betray my family in any sort of degree close to Cheetah Woods! And for you to ... See Moresay that we all betray our families is crap. I may disappoint my familiy at times but NEVER betray them. I do feel sorry for his wife and children, the real victims in this whole scenerio. I pray for them that they might rebuild their lives. They are the ones who have been publicly humiliated and they are the ones who deserve their privacy during this trial in their lives. NOT Tiger.

Marie, I whole heartily agree with Jay. Tiger will be back on top in no time. He's still the greatest golfer ever. As much as the media/people like to bring others down they also build them back up pretty fast. Can you think of a celebrity scandal that someone hasn't bounced back from??

New Year's Day

Well,  we didn't get to go to Rock & Jackie's last night.  The snow was coming down very thick and the roads were quite slick. So we stayed home and sat by the fire and watched TV.  We went to bed at 11:00 - I hope that's not an omen, because we are getting too tired to even bring in the New Year.  I hate to say I'm getting old, but I'm starting to wonder.
   I did get up early enough this morning, tho, to run 4 miles on the treadmill.  And I've decided that sometime this next week (even if there is snow on the ground) I'm going for a 8- 10 mile walk outside.  I think I may even try the walk by the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities.  It is usually always warmer down there then it is here.   I pray I can survive this cold month.  I'm really ready to get outside and walk a lot, but I know I can't.
I'm getting sick of the treadmill, already.  Oh, well............ life goes on.  :-)