Big Books

Scrounging through some of my books yesterday, came across a few on my reading list.  Of course, the one that I picked up was a fat one--Ken Follet's "World Without End."  Shortly after starting it, I was reminded of two things:  (1) this is probably not the best time to begin a long, heavy-duty, historical novel, and (2) it's really not a good time to be reading a heavy book.  Literally.  It's pretty silly when picking up a book makes your shoulder talk to you!

But--perhaps I was meant to read a ways into the book for I came across a line that resonated with me:  "It was said that pilgrims should not spend too much time planning their journey, for they might learn of so many hazards that they would decide not to go."

Mmmm.  My biggest one?  Worrying too much about how to pay for college expenses and giving up a full-tuition scholarship after my freshman year.  Perhaps a little less "thinking" and a bit more faith in myself would have changed the course of my history.  Or not.  You can "what if" yourself until the cows come home, but there is no way to know how life may have progressed.

In cleaning some boxes out today I was enjoying the variety of hair styles I've had over the years.  Hardly recognized myself in some of those old photos.  It's good to have things to laugh at as
life goes on.

Sleepless--but not in Seattle!

But perhaps being sleepless in Seattle would be a little easier.  There's such much more going on there.  And living on a houseboat sounds rather romantic and peaceful.....

At any rate, there is way too much going on so turning off the brain at night is challenging.  In a fit of "gotta get stuff organized before class begins" I wandered through a local office supply store to see what there was to see.  Even in college, office supply stores were one of my favorite places (along with bookstores!)  The plethora and variety of products is amazing.  And now even more so--file folders in colors, an impossible selection of pens and pencils, and nifty stuff to look at.  So what did I get?  A wonderful children's dictionary that was half price (!) and will be a great resource as the grand kids get older.  :)

So pondering the organizational challenges of my office/study/craft room I got to pondering that it would be really nice if there were a way to organize my brain as well.  Separate space for each topic of interest and a way to keep thoughts from floating from one area to another.  And a switch for on and off as well.  Then maybe I wouldn't lie in bed at night with various topics flitting in and out of focus!

So, the best part of weeding?  Being able to see the results!  And I'm enjoying that as
life goes on.

Banagrams

A favorite game for lots of folks,  including some of my friends and relatives.  I also like to play it "solitaire"--it's a challenge to come up with new words and patterns on my own.

Today, a friend texted me and said "MDs (McDonalds) at 2:00?"  Yes!  We meet for beverages, conversation, and Banagrams.  A very good time.

We keep talking of a game time for some of the ladies at church.  Banagrams, cribbage, and who knows what else.  I do know one thing--I will not be attending 9 p.m. bingo tomorrow night.  Invited by our current house guest, all I could think of was the time.  I'm usually in bed by then!

A visit with my brother is coming up.  We'll be playing lots of Banagrams, survive!, and who knows what else.  Games are a great way to interact and have fun as
life goes on!

Small steps

So, it takes awhile to get motivated.  Today I finally called my health insurance provider to talk about a referral that I was finally going to take advantage of and the possibility of changing my primary care provider.  This was with some trepidation.  However,  Jessica at my provider's office, was amazingly helpful (even though she couldn't really recommend a physician..).  It helps, of course to have all your magic numbers available.  Even so, I finished the call feeling good about my options.

Then, the receptionist at the specialist's office was unbelievably pleasant, cheerful, accommodating, and helpful.  WOW.  She had a really fun giggle as well!

So--would it have been a good idea to make these calls shortly after being advised to do so (by another professional) on the 19th of April?  Duh.

Why is it that some of us (like me) put off doing things that we "know" might be a good idea?  I didn't do myself any favors by waiting.  And I might have gotten into the specialist a little sooner if I had called a week ago.

So--when that niggling in the brain says, "You could just go ahead and do it" maybe I should pay attention and just DO IT.  It would probably make things a bit easier in the long run as
life goes on.

Spaghetti

My husband makes spaghetti and meatballs in huge batches.  It ends up in the freezer and gets used whenever we're looking for a quick meal.  We will be taking in on a camping trip this summer.  It was a huge hit previously and he promised to make it again for this years' adventure.

So our home is very fragrant this evening.  Can't complain about that!

Started in--seriously--on the weeds today.  Got a fair amount accomplished with the help of a stepdaughter.  Weeding and conversation go well together.  It's going to be rough for awhile.  I am thankful to have the relationship I do with my spouse.  Would hate to be 50 and coming out of a relationship.

It's been a long day.  But we've got lots of yummy spaghetti and meatballs to look forward to as
life goes on!

Rescuing Hawk

A friend is very involved in dog rescue--mostly border collie.  Today, we drove to a farm outside of Mattawa so her current foster could be evaluated for herding.  And was it a farm!  Sheep, horses, cattle, dogs, cats and ducks all over the place.  Hawk wasn't immediately enamored of the sheep, but they caught his attention and he was soon demonstrating some herding behavior.  Funny, it was almost as if he "knew" that he was supposed to do something, but he wasn't quite sure what it was.  And, in spite of many "issues" in his city home, he seemed quite happy to be at the farm and had no problems whatever interacting with a new person and her menagerie.
 
How often do we expect the unreasonable from dogs (and people)?  Should a young couple with full time jobs, two young children, and a 12-year-old border collie really expect to bring a puppy into the household and have it work?  There first border collie was "no problem!"  Could it be that the situation was slightly different?  Like the first puppy had all of their attention, all of the time?  DUH.

BC puppies are known to be high energy and require lots of training.  They are smart as all get out and need guidance, rules, a firm hand, and affection.  Poor Hawk never had a chance in suburbia.

I hope he finds a good farm soon.  He'll be a wonderful farm dog for someone.  And much happier
as life goes on.

Time Flies

Getting to my blog has got to become more of a DAILY habit!  It's not that there aren't things to write about.  I let my 'tiredness' take over way too much--when writing is actually energizing most of the time!

It was a long week, not just for the nation but for me as well.  A lot of time and emotional energy went into preparing two worship services and writing a sermon.  It challenging and fun (?!) but time consuming.  That said, I had a good time.  It was gratifying to know that my message was appreciated by many members of the congregation.  It makes it all worthwhile.

This morning, on my way to Costco, there were several birds "bathing" in a small puddle at an intersection.  Talk about a grin!  As soon as I turned the corner, the two that had flown away were right back in the water fluffing their wings.  Isn't that just cool?

Wish I could say that life will slow down a bit now, but my husband's adult step-daughter arrived yesterday from Alaska as well.  She's experiencing the end of a long-term relationship and needs a place to regroup.  I feel for her--but this is going to make life really interesting for awhile.  On the plus side?  She's a smoker (bummer) but goes outside to smoke and plays with Pepper while she's in the backyard.  Pepper LOVES having Mary here!  So a new set of challenges
as life goes on!