The High Road

For as long as I can remember I have been taught to take the "High Road". The high road comes into one's vocabulary in conversations such as this:

"Hey Mom". "Hi, how was your day?" "OK". "Just okay?" "Well, Janey called me a bad word today." "Hmmm....how did you feel about that?" "Not too good." "Did you say anything back?" "No, I would have gotten in trouble." "Well, it's always better to take the high road".

Maybe you've had conversations like this.

I've had this kind of conversation at times when friends wanted to see an R rated movie. We were 16. I refused to go and we went to see a PG movie instead.

OR

When kids my age were experimenting with drinking, smoking, and other unmentionable things--it was the 70's you know....

OR

More recently when someone said something not too nice about me to someone I care about.

My instinct is to say stuff that would show just how bad the other person is, but.....I really should take the high road.

That low road would be easier to take.

The effort to reach up and pull myself to the high road seems formidable--impossible. I weigh an awful lot. To be able to pull myself up there is kind of hard!

BUT-I know what the right thing is. My parents taught me by word and example that the high road is better. I need to take that high road no matter what others say and do. It's hard, but it's right. Sometimes remembering to follow the path of Jesus Christ is the thought that helps pull me up to the high road.

Maybe someday it will be easier...

Counting Blessings

Today I have been feeling sorry for myself. I've come to the conclusion that I will be alone on Christmas. I had wanted to go to Arizona, but the closer it gets to the 25th the more hope I lose that the check I expect is coming in time.

However, I have also been thinking how lucky I am to have a family that I want to spend the holiday with. I am thankful for a son who makes me proud by trying to do the right things. I have a dog that snuggles with me and seems to know when I am upset. I belong to a church that teaches truth and light. I know that Christ lives and eases burdens. I know prayers are heard and answered. Even though the answers are not what I want, they are answered.

So-Here's hoping that everyone has a Merry Christmas and remembers the reason we celebrate the holiday.

Funny Sayings

The other day I watched and listened as a person was looking for something important. About 30 minutes later someone asked if she had found it. The first person said, "Yes. It was in the last place I looked!"

Duh!!!!

Once you find it do you really keep looking?

Something Twisted

I've been thinking about twisty ties. Yes, twisty ties. If you are lucky you get a whole bunch of em when you buy garbage bags. They look so nice when they are new. So straight and untarnished. No bends or twists.

If you work at it you can untwist a twisted one and make it almost straight again. I suppose if you are more committed you could get it to even lay straight once again. Those twists and turns that change the look of the tie happen so easily and quickly.

When twisties come as an attached pack (like with your garbage bags) they are pretty easy to keep straight. They seem to protect each other. Separate them and they are so easy to manipulate and twist.



Twisties are much like life. When we enter life we are new and untwisted. We have a number of supportive people who take care of us and make decisions. As young children we may have kinks and twists, but that support network helps us continue on the straight path.

After a while we break off from the package and begin making our own decisions and act of our own accord. Our path isn't as straight as it was before, but we want to make our own decisions. As we continue we put our own twists and turns into our lives. If we are lucky those twists are in a positive direction. But-what happens when our decisions aren't so good? Those twists are not wanted, or sometime in the future are regretted. What can we do? We can attempt to untwist ourselves. At times this works, but with some twists we need more help. We turn to our supporters and hope they can help us out of those twists.



Sometimes our twists get so numerous and tight we feel there is no way to straighten out. That is when someone must intercede on our behalf. Luckily for us there is One who intercedes for us. He makes it possible to untwist when we think there is no hope left. He gently guides us through the paths that will begin to untangle us. We must do what we can in the process. Perhaps we become more flexible and moldable. Perhaps we come to understand that what we can't do for ourselves can only be done when we trust in and ask Him for help.

I have been helped through many of these twists and turns. My family and friends have been supporters throughout my life. Many times they have helped support and guide me through some twist that happened. Other times I have had to have faith and ask for help from my Savior and yours, Jesus Christ, to intercede on my behalf and guide me through the untwisting. I continue to learn in the process. I have hope that someday the reasons for those twists I have struggled with will be made known. Until then, I continue to have faith that I have someone by my side to intercede when I know I can not do it alone.

The Hammering Out of Murphy's Law

So-here's my synopsis of the previous post.

1. The car cost $596.49 to fix. OUCH!!!

2. My interview yesterday was changed to a SKYPE interview so I could interview from home. I don't think I got it though.

3. I whined to my mom about not being in Arizona.

4. My interview today was okay-but didn't get the job.

5. Had a meeting with my new Bishop yesterday. I like him.

6. Teachers at the school I was supposed to be at yesterday are not happy because I wasn't there.

7. Noticed that on the cluster map for my blog I have looked at my blog more than anyone.

8. My sister loves me--she would have given me a ride to work yesterday.

Murphy's Law

I am a firm believer in Murphy's Law. When all can go wrong-it will. AND-it's always at the worst time ever :)

So, here I am happily going about my business when my air conditioner starts acting strange in my car. It's a 2006 vehicle, so it seems like it shouldn't have problems yet (Silly me!) So I think to myself (Its a Wonderful Life....No, the song just popped into my head now--not then), "Well, Self, it is just the air conditioner. It's going to get cooler in about a month so just don't use it when it starts blowing the hot air."

I am pretty good at listening to "Self" talk, so when I turn the air on if it works I keep it on, when it starts blowing hot air I turn it off. Sounds like a great plan. Don't use it when it's not working and everything will be just fine.

I continue to go about my merry little business. I have an interview scheduled for today, I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow. I am feeling positive about the interviews.

Yesterday I stop at Target to use my $5 gift card I received from buying my 5 gallons of ice cream and I notice the temperature gauge going up, up, up. Right when I get ready to panic, it goes back down. Whew. I start driving home when the temperature gauge does the same thing! I start to panic. Can't remember where I was going, how to call the car place to get the car in, nor can I forget that the last vehicle that did this cost over $1000 to fix. I use my handy cell phone to call 411. They tell me there is no such place listed! Stupid 411! I call that place all the time to get oil changes, etc....

Finally, I make it home with my meat that I had bought at Target. I get everything put away and I start asking my friends if they can pick me up at the car place and bring me home. Of course, all three of my friends cannot. I call the car place. They say to drop the car off in the morning (That's today in case you are having trouble following the rambling). I said okay and spent last night trying to find someone to take me to work, to the high school for an assembly, and of course to my interview that is 43 minutes from right now.

No go. Can't find a soul. (If I lived in Arizona I wouldn't have this problem because everyone of my family members there would have a solution for me--and it would have been solved before I left the Target parking lot!)

I ate dinner last night which made me sick--I think due to the situation because my son did not get sick! Decided to look at my family bloggers and see that not only did my family have a MICHIGAN Party, but they all have MICHIGAN T Shirts for their party. Wow-kick a girl while she's down. I show my son. He tells me I'm trying to guilt trip him into moving down there (well, there might be some slight truth to that one).

I guess I will have to tell you the outcome of all of this when it is all resolved. I'm just wasting time because I'm not at work (Yay!), I'm not at the interview (Boo), and I have no wheels.

Murphy's law will getcha every time!

Coupon Deal!!!

I received this email today and thought some of my three family member readers would like the bargain.

"You want to do this because ice cream is good. And so is Target. You know you were going there this week anyway. Don't lie. :)

Dreyer's Ice Cream is on sale for $2.50 this week. Not a great bargain.

But then, print off 5 Target $1 Dreyer's coupons----

http://www.organicgrocerydeals.com/forums/view.php?pg=coupon_generator

You have to scroll down a little, find where it says "Edy's or Dreyer's Ice Cream" and type in the number 5 in the little box next to it. Scroll down to the bottom and click on "Get Coupons" The coupons will appear in a new window and print them out!

Now the ice cream is $1.50. Not too shabby.

But here's the best part. When you buy 5 at Target this week-you get a $5 Target gift card!!! Essentially making each 1.5 qt (normal size) only 50 cents!! Take that diet!!

I got mine today!

Cheryl"

My Educational Law Class

I have just finished week three of my law class. Last night I learned about the Ugly Law.

Yes, it is true. (You can Google it--that's where I found the following info)

In the early 1900's the Ugly Law was quite common. Communities wanted to only show their "pretty" faces. So-it was ILLEGAL to be found ugly on the streets in some major towns in America.

Someone could be imprisoned or fined $50 for each offense.

Chicago's law stated "No person who is diseased, maimed, mutilated or in any way deformed so as to be an unsightly or disgusting object or improper person to be allowed in or on the public ways or other public places in this city, or shall therein or thereon expose himself to public view, under a penalty of not less than one dollar nor more than fifty dollars for each offense."

Chicago was the last city to quit prosecuting this "crime" in 1974.

In 1974 I was 11 years old. I've got to tell you that I am glad the law was repealed because I was not "pretty". And for quite a few years before and after 1974 I was still not pretty. Take a look.


9 years old:



















11 years old:


It's bad enough that I have dark brown spots on my neck and nose--did I really have to have my tongue stuck between my teeth too?







15 years old:


Amazingly I looked strikingly similar to the boy I liked this school year!

I think I'll leave you now with these wonderful pictures. Maybe next time I will show some cute ones!

Ode To My Son

Oh son, you were so small and cute




It seems like yesterday,

You tried to fill your Daddy's shoes




Of this we can't refute.

As you have grown



I've watched to see

What kind of man you'd be



I've watched you learn and lead and work
And of you I am proud.

That's So Random Episode 1

Check out this podcast made while I was on vacation. I think you all will like it.

Click to Play

Bummed Out

I'm feeling blue. I didn't get the 6th grade job. I was 98% sure I was getting this one. I could have been in Arizona this week but I stayed to interview today. Now, I have asked for an interview for two second grade positions. The problem--they close next week which means the interviews will be next week. What's that mean? If I get an interview I cannot go to Arizona next week either.

What I've learned? Never say you are sure about anything. Even if it is 98% sure.

Good People

I went to Walmart last weekend. I wanted to buy a bike so I could ride. I decided that I would buy a cheap one and just have a great time riding by myself and with Austin. So-I found one that was less than $100--it's pink of course. Then, I realized I had a CAR--and there was no way to get the bike home in the car. So-I found a carrier for the car and bought that. I took both out to the car, unboxed the carrier, found the very poor instructions and started to figure it out. 20 minutes later I was still trying to figure it out. (It must be like rocket science--and we all know I ain't no rocket scientist!)

About the time I was kicking myself and calling names to no one in particular (okay they were really in my head) a man approached and asked if I needed help. Scary! But of course I didn't think scary then, I just said, "YES!" I was pleased that I didn't shout out that I needed my daddy and start crying. Anyway-this guy, perhaps my age, looked at the instructions and couldn't figure it out either! That's when we both decided to get smart and look at the picture on the box. Although I like to think we shared equally in figuring it out, I do have to admit that he did figure it out before I did.

I offered to pay him and you know what he said? "I'm a truck driver and when I get up in the morning I just ask God to direct me where he needs me to be. This must be what he had in mind today."

I didn't ask his name, but I've got to say that there really is something to letting God direct your life. I hope that sometimes I can listen and be where He wants me to be at the right time.

Mr. Truck Driver: Thank-you for the lesson.

So Much For the Good Mom Theory!

I have been working very hard to be a good mom. After all there is just one kid and he is only with me two weeks out of every month. Let me just list my virtues: I quit a second job so I could spend more time with him. I signed him up to play a very costly sport (I know what teenage boys can do if they are not kept busy.) I help with homework, give lunch money, buy new underwear, socks, shorts, and t-shirts, sit in the living room while he watches TV because he wants his mom nearby, and I even attempt to cook and keep cold water in the refrigerator.

So-after all this hard work I find out my wonderful teenager is getting a very low grade in Spanish. In fact, I won't tell you the grade so he isn't embarrassed, but suffice it to say you really can't get much worse than this grade. Now, those of you in Arizona let me just say that although I was jealous that you got out of school so early-as usual-I am glad I had an extra couple weeks to help him get caught up in Spanish class.

All week long we have been doing homework amidst lacrosse games and practices. We have completed an autobiography complete with pictures for English. And finally today we finished all the Spanish we could possible finish and did all the extra credit we could possibly do. Why am I saying "we"? Oh man, am I tired. After all this work I deserve to pass the class--er I mean after all the work he did he deserves to pass the class. All right-I did help, but he had to do the work. So-really he has earned at least one grade higher than it is now, thus a passing grade and a mother who will not be mad at him all summer. I guess I'm not supermom, but next year--no pass no play policy goes into effect at this house!

Life in the Fast Lane

I drive down the freeway in the "slow" lane, catch myself going about 45 miles an hour behind some idiot who is talking on the phone and realize I'm making that choice to drive behind him. Please--No one else is on the road, so why do I get mad at him? Eventually I make my way to the fast lane and am much happier going speeds better for freeway driving. If it is a cool enough day I can even do this speedy driving with my sunroof open, radio blasting, hat on (so my head doesn't get sunburned), and freshly spread sunscreen on my arms. Now that's the life!

The fast lane has always been enjoyable for me, but lately I've noticed that I drive slower than usual and tend to stay in the slow lane. When a new freeway was built with the max speed of 55 mph I chose to take the slower freeway. What is wrong with me? I must be getting old. Come to think of it those Sunday drives are sounding better and better. In fact, when I think about driving I now get excited to drive 55 instead of 65.

I've noticed this about life too. Where I used to be all about going fast and accomplishing a lot, I now am much happier to putz around doing just about nothing. Well--okay--that's probably an accurate winter description of how I handle life. Really-snow, cold, and no sun make putzing one of my favorite past times. Of course you can't really putz unless you go to bed early or sleep in late. So-in the winter it is early to bed and putzing during the day.

Spring, summer, and fall are much more like being in the fast lane. In fact I've been walking close to five miles per day, then I find some project to work on. Today I walked, got a blister, put a bandaid on my blister while I felt sorry for myself, did laundry, went to Home Depot, made a shelf to put a planter on, went back to Home Depot to find something to hook it on to my fence with so the cat's don't do their business in my strawberries, picked up Austin from his friends house, made dinner, picked up medicine from Walgreens, helped Austin with homework, signed him up for lacrosse camp this summer, made an excel sheet of what I have spent on Austin this school year, surfed the web, and blogged. This kind of sounds like putzing, but it is more quick paced than winter putzing.

Anyway-I guess I need to remember that sometimes putzing is okay. Sometimes slowing down and taking time to enjoy life is a good thing. In fact, this summer I plan to do more putzing than normal. Sounds like fun--oh man, I am getting old.

Plea for United Order

Have you ever wondered why it is when things have just gotten under control financially that everything goes kaput? Here's just a little example: I'll give some background first. My 13 year old really wants to go to Disneyland. More than six months ago I decided we would go. I planned to buy tickets one each month so he, a friend, and I could go. Then, put money away for gas, hotel, and food. So-the first month I bought one ticket. Haven't been able to afford it since.

Recently I received some extra money. I thought, "oh, this is great. I can purchase the tickets and put some away." But no--I had some bills I couldn't pay before-so I paid those. I gave the church money and bought some food, thus not having money for more tickets. Even more recently I was wondering how I was going to pay for this vacation. I thought I had it figured out so I could at least purchase the last two tickets. I had to take the car in to get a tire rotation, alignment, oil change, and headlight so we could drive safely on vacation. Great, right?

No, of course not. I received a call that they couldn't rotate tires because the tires are so bad they must be replaced. Of course, can't afford it so I said no. I can buy two more tickets if I don't buy tires--doesn't quite cost as much, but you get the idea. However, if I don't buy tires I can't drive on vacation.

If all that isn't bad enough I take classes online and my laptop which I use daily crashed. It is no longer alive. Why oh why oh why?

So-here's where the plea for the United Order comes in. If I want to take my son and a friend on vacation to Disneyland, they should just let me. I could spend my days teaching classes or being a guide in trade. I'd even clean the bathrooms. That would be totally cool with me. I need tires--so give me four new tires and an alignment and let me help with oil changes for a few days. I'd be cool with that too. But where I am now I get no vacation and no tires. Can't a single working mom get some type of break? I am totally ready to live the United Order.

Can't We Just Get Along?

I haven't posted for a while, so I thought I would do the first born, oldest child, bossy lecture. What better way to keep family love?

I have noticed this month that it is really not fun to be around a couple (husband/wife)who spend their time fighting with each other. Come on! You married the other person-and all you can do is fight? Puleez!

Okay, maybe I'm not the best example since I am divorced, but maybe that's because I finally learned this lesson. If you love someone and you have a disagreement, just be the bigger person and let it go. What does escalating the fight do for anyone including the couple, the kids, friends, and neighbors?

I know being the bigger person is difficult. In fact, it is fun sometimes to run one's mouth and think of those crafty, demeaning remarks to shoot back. But are they worth it? I think it just creates a deeper canyon in the relationship. I really think learning this lesson comes as you get older, but just think - if this one big sister lecture hits home with anyone who reads this--someone I know might put this into practice much sooner than I ever did.

I love you all.

Pipes

I've learned that when a water pipe breaks in the vacant apartment above while one is on vacation, it does bad things to the carpet. A big reason to have a clean house-which I didn't. Another thing one may want to have is a plastic tablecloth on the dining room table at all times (This saved my table from being destroyed). I have also learned that I was wise to hate cardboard boxes and store most of my things in plastic, covered tubs. I should have the extra bedroom clean next time though. The carpet guy didn't check the room--only the dining room where the water poured down the walls.

Point of interest-carpet that gets wet and is unknown to the carpet guy thus staying wet for at least three days before the renter returns from vacation stinks. Then, when the manager of the renter's apartment does nothing about it for two days after renter asks what happened the smell gets worse. (Think of a dead animal in the house for two weeks). It is hard to get rid of that smell. In fact, deoderizer and heavy duty fans help the stink go away unless you sit on the said, previously wet, now dry carpet.

So-points learned: 1. Renter's insurance 2. Vinyl tablecloths 3. Plastic tubs with lids 4. Clean house 5. Fans 6. Dejunk 7. Sit on furniture

My Younger Brother

My sister inspired me to dedicate a blog post to my younger brother (her older brother). She wrote about her big bro helping her across the highway and saving her. I remember something else. We had a large buggy--perhaps you remember them-huge wheels and a place to lay the baby down. In England they are called pram's or something like that. Anyway-when Bro was two years old he was in the baby buggy. I thought it would be fun to give him a push. So-I pushed the buggy down the driveway. Safety wasn't my main concern at seven or eight or nine-however old I was so I stayed put and watched him coast down the driveway. I knew he would be laughing because don't we all like to be pushed down a driveway in a buggy with no driver near the handle?

There was only one thing I neglected to think about. Cracks. The buggy hit a crack and tipped over back to front and my little bro was on the ground crying. Of course I ran to get him and then had to confess to mom about what I had done--er I assume I confessed. If I didn't then, Mom-I'm sorry for doing that. I won't do it again I promise.

Now you are probably expecting some great lesson from this story. OK. Life is full of those cracks. It may be a lost baseball game or a pet that died. In the case of my little bro the most recent crack is one many of us never want to have-the loss of a loved one. The cracks are there to help us grow.

I admire my brother for his strength, grace, and courage. He proves to me that a crack may make us stumble-maybe even for a long time, but picking oneself up and plodding along after that crack strengthens and hones us so we can be with our loved ones again. I know he has private moments of pain which I cannot imagine, but he is strong and has faith. He will make it past the crack I know it. I love you Bro.

Things I've Learned

I'm beginning a new label to include in my blog. It is "Things I've Learned". I don't profess to know everything-or even a lot of things. However, I have learned many things in my 45 years on this earth. For example: As a person gets older they lose track of how old they are. Really!!! I always thought it was a joke the person played to not admit how old they are. If you ask how old I am I could say 29. That would be a non truth to cover up the truth. Usually I will tell you I am 46 years old. This would also be a non truth because when I do the subtraction I am really 45. This is actually better than in July when I turned 45. I told everyone I was turning 47. Why can't I figure this out? Most people would remember an age younger. I think I'm a year (or two) older. Weird. Anyway-if someone tells you they don't remember how old they are chances are they are being truthful. Just thought you would like to know this small piece of what I have learned.