Looking out my window...

The Graduate

 
Graduation 2011 - Joey, Grandson in The Tan Pants
Photograph by Sharon.

 
Graduate 2011, Joey
Photograph by Sharon.

 
My first grandchild. I never thought. When kissing his little toes. I never thought about graduating from High School. Or, turning... "I'm an adult now. I can do what I want."... 18.

I can hardly believe all that time has gone by. So many wonderful memories. And, yes, regrets.

When his mother was a child I worked in middle management. Long hours. Much stress. For most of the time I was a single mother supporting her daughter. I never really got to see her school activities. I was never there after school. She will say now, remember when I.... and I nod my head. But, if I remember, it is only vaguely. Perhaps she remembers me being there because she wanted me to be there. Or, maybe I have indeed forgotten those times. Although I can't imagine forgetting. Do I have feelings of guilt? You know you don't have to even ask. I did what I had to do. I hope she knows that. But, what she had instead was wonderful. She had my Dad. He loved her more than he could ever tell her. And he would tell her often.

And then there were grandchildren. Three before I could finish kissing toes on number two.  A wonderful, beautiful baby girl. And then another boy to kiss and smooch. By then I was no longer alone. I found the love of my life. But, I still worked long and hard. My partner did, too. But he worked nearby our home while I worked downtown.

As the grand kids started school he would always leave work and go to each of their grandparent's day. When I was able to retire early one of the things I so looked forward to was Grandparent's Day! Unfortunately, by that time they were too old for such silly days.

And, now, as they came into this world, one after another, they will graduate into adulthood and have their lives ahead of them. I hope they stay near so I can watch.

The Porcelain Syndrome: Revenue Spending Puke.

 
Photo Found On Internet, But Vaguely Familiar.

A few days ago I went to a concert with the Chief, my handsome oldest grandson and my beautiful granddaughter. The kids were playing in the Youth Symphony Orchestra, so I really enjoyed myself.

Then on the way home we went to a drive-thru fast food spot. I was exhausted from the excursion, so after eating I went to bed early (for me). I woke up later, quickly (LOL) limped into the bathroom and proceeded to throw up Lake Michigan.

The morning found me with a low grade fever, but okay.

I think it was an omen because in the days following my stomach eruption I continued to feel queasy at least once a day. I blame it on the Republicans. Because, every time I hear them say "We don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem" I feel like puking and am inclined to go hug that porcelain bowl.

Anyone else need an air sick bag?

How To Ruin My Day: Earthquake, Tsunami, Nuclear Meltdown, Republican Ruses

 
Collage of Stock Photos Created by Sharon

The last few years I have had a growing love for circles which turned into 3D circles more fondly known as bubbles. I love their characteristics of grace, transparency and light reflections. For all their beauty and symbolism they have one huge defect. They burst.

Off hand, below are some of the burst bubbles that have recently ruined my day:

• Housing... I was at last able to purchase a condominium. This was just as the Housing market was beginning to rise. Wow! After about four years the value of our home increased by 40%. What an investment. And, then the bubble burst.
• Health... Neither of us were in A+ form, but well enough to enjoy our retirement by being physically able to do what we wanted. And, then the bubble burst about two or three years into our new life.
• Wealth... We were never "wealthy," but lived a comfortable middle class lifestyle. And, then the bubble burst and we have not received a cost of living increase in neither social security or pensions for the last two years even though costs have risen.
• Car... The last car we purchased was a wonderful Honda Odyssey. We thought this could be the last car we purchased if used and cared for properly and paid for it in cash. We could see the bubble burst as we neared and passed 200,000 miles driven due to unexpected usage.
• Grown children... We erroneously thought that once children were grown we would be on our own, so to speak. And then the bubble burst. How could we have been so naive? We are family forever.
• Humanism... We believe in the strength and goodness of people. The bubble burst, what with terrorists, tea baggers, and such. We still believe in the innate goodness of humans, but some need a little re-education.
• Earthquake Disaster-Free Zone... Except for tornadoes, we thought by living in the Midwest we were in a pretty safe part of the country. Bubble burst when we learned we live near one of the largest fault system in the country.
• Tsunami Disaster-Free... Sure, we're not near an ocean, but what about Lake Michigan? POP!
• Nuclear Energy is Clean and Safe... tell that to the Japanese people. Our bubble burst after listening to American Nuclear experts and learning just how unsafe our reactors have been.
• Republican Ruses... As a progressive Democrat, I've never really cared much for those Republican rascals. But, all and all, thought they were relatively benign since the Democrats would come along and hopefully fixed what ever was broken. That bubble didn't burst, it exploded this year. They ran on the economy and "jobs, jobs, jobs." They brought in the Tea Baggers. Yes, I know I'm being politically incorrect by not calling them the Tea Party. But at this moment the Tea Baggers is what they are: filled with ignorant bitterness and good only for dunking. With a majority in the House they proceeded to work on taking back women's, as well as children's, rights. Republican Governors ran on fixing the economy and then proceeded to take away union bargaining rights. They have taken the position that to get rid of the deficit they will take away entitlement programs for the elderly, the young, and the poor. This is instead of taxing the corporations that have made BILLIONS in profit and currently pay 0% in taxes. The Republican Congress has done everything in its power to make President Obama fail and become a one term president.
• Racial Equality... our first African-American President was such a wonderful happening. To be able to see that in my lifetime, my mother's lifetime, gave me great joy. And that bubble burst when I saw the racial hatred expressed by American Caucasians. Any newspaper or on line commentary regarding President Obama had comments that included the words: n****r, tar baby, Muslim, non-citizen, coon, darky, and jungle bunny.
• Religious Freedom and Tolerance... Even though our country was founded on freedom of religion that bubble was definitely busted when the Twin Towers came down.  Anything to do with Muslims was not tolerated. People actually thought about doing the Japan Internment Camps again, but with Muslims. Do we never learn when we've done something on the WRONG SIDE OF HISTORY? And then we have this guy:

 

Enough said. Enough bubbles burst. 

Time Marches On...@ The Speed of The Internet

This is for everyone who 1) is not a computer nerd or, 2) is one of my grandchildren (the oldest is currently 17):

 I found the above video on Roger Ebert's Twitter. Thank you Roger.

 

"Remember when" has a whole new meaning these days. "Back in the day" use to mean, oh, maybe a generation ago. Okay, the above video is only 17 years old. And, these are not "hill people" but savvy New York journalists.

Guess what? Time is moving even faster now. It's kinda like living in a time machine...only you can't go backward...yet. 

How To Activate A Cell Phone - NOT!

 
Old and New Cell Phones.
Photo by Sharon.

Time to activate a new cell phone. We have a Family Plan. So, in addition to myself and the Chief having cell phones, we also have under the Family Plan phones for my daughter and two of my grandchildren.

Now, with five phones, you'd think I'd have this "activation" thing down pat. Not so. We have a two year contract so once a phone is activated it is basically "done" for two years. Then, of course, the service can make many changes in procedure during those two years. And does.

This time my daughter was up for a new phone. I read the "activate new phone" instructions and was set to go. The written instructions said to start off by turning the charged phone on and then dial *228. And then, follow prompts. Easy. Turned it on. The screen said to press **** something other than the *228. Okay. The prompts came on: enter 1 if you are an american citizen or 2 if you are an illegal alien  (boy, that was new!)

Anyway, after entering several different bits of information the robot lady started to ask me if I wanted to also sign on to blah, blah, blah. I hate this. Credit cards do the same thing. After you call the 1-800 number they transfer you to someone who wants to sell you insurance, an extended warranty, or something else. I pressed 2 'cause I definitely did not want to purchase anything else. And, then it happened. I was transferred to a real human.

Hi, I'm Jane Doe, what can I do for you today?

Nothing, really, I'm just activating my new cell phone.

Please tell me what happened.

Well, I.................blah, blah.

Okay, are you on the new phone now?

Yes.

Okay, please give me another phone number to call you and keep the new phone on.

Okay. Ring, Ring. Hi.

Hi, okay I'm going to lead you through the steps.

Okay.

Press, enter, press, enter....blah, blah.

Uh oh, it's starting to transfer me again.

Okay, end the call. And, let's start over.

Ok.

She repeated the steps. And, then she got to the one about the warranty.

I said: I don't want that.

You have to have that to get a new phone. It's the extension of your two year plan.

Uh, oh. Of course I have to renew the contract. I thought they were trying to sell me something extra. I guess it would be good of me to pay attention and not be so cynical... You know you're dealing with a Senior Citizen who has a cell phone up to each ear. Funny to see.

She laughed. It's okay, I'm almost there myself. So, you're all set. Is there anything else I can help you with?

No, not with the phone, but there are sure a lot of others things you could help with.

Both of us laughing. (Well, it seemed funny to me at the time.)

Thank you and good-bye.

Oompa Loompa Wins Over Fibromyalgia

 
Marisa as Lead Oompa Loompa In High School Musical. 
Photo by Sharon.

Last Tuesday was the 1st event of the week: Voting in the mid term elections.

I suffered appropriately the next day. I had gotten in and out of the car twice. Parked in handicapped spot. Walked in to vote and staggered out afterward. Well, not really staggered. But, very, very slowly. Like step and rest, step and rest. Next day, good for nothing.

Point is...I voted.

On Saturday I went to see my granddaughter in her High School Musical "Willy Wonka." She played the lead Oompa Loompa and she played it very well.

This time I took my electric scooter and rode it from the car into the school and then into the theatre auditorium. I sat in the scooter throughout the play. I was in the handicapped spot. You know, where they take the seat out to leave space for a wheelchair, or in my case, a scooter. Everyone was very nice to me.

It was my first time using the scooter for a social event like that. But, my fibromyalgia was in a flare up and I wouldn't have made it any other way.

I must say, I felt a little awkward about it. I wanted to yell out "Hey you guys, I know I'm in a scooter but that isn't the real me. I'm not really handicapped! I just play one on tv."

But, it was me. And, more and more I find myself limited physically. Especially during "flares."

I don't get on the "pitty pot" very often. It doesn't do anyone any good.

What was excellent was being able to watch the play and my beautiful, wonderful, talented granddaughter.

I'd like to know from my readers who use a scooter or wheelchair if they find people helpful. Not only were they helpful, but everyone seemed to smile at me.

Maybe that's because I was smiling at them.

Keeping Up With The Phones'es

 
New Phone Good For Texting... Photo By Sharon

Our cell phone plan lasts for two years and at the end of the two years we can get a new discounted phone when we renew the contract.  Our phones were ready for upgrades and I've been looking at what's available for several months. Anticipation, ain't it grand.

Every few weeks, after browsing, I'd change my mind. Our old flip phones had served us well, but in two years a lot can happen in the world of technology. Just the act of texting has taken over the country.  Never did I think it would take me over too.

After all, I hated the idea of texting. Only because of all the stupid abbreviations people use that make reading a text, even in english, difficult to translate. Keep in mind that the Chief and I are grandparents. Our minds are supposed to be set. Happily they're not.

The change in thinking began during the softball season. Our granddaughter is really good at softball, soccer and any other sport she takes an interest in. When I could go to a game, I would. But sometimes, due to pain or extreme heat I stayed home. That's when her mother started texting me with scores and commentary.

One day she showed me how to do it. Not difficult, but very slow for me. And it gave me a greater insight to all the abbreviations. The keyboard on my phone was like a telephone keyboard. The letters are in groups requiring multiple pushes to get the desired letter. Aggravated at the slowness I started abbreviating words like pls, ty, luv, 4, 2, and others.

My phone browsing started to favor slide out keyboards. While the new android phone is worth drooling over, I already have an ipod touch that doesn't cost me $29.99 extra a month. And I really didn't want to pay an additional $9.99 for some "smart" phone either.

So, now I have my new phone. Of course I keep trying to flip it open when it rings. I expect that habit to disappear shortly.

Activating new phones is always fun. I did mine without too much trouble. But, when trying to activate the Chief's it was another matter. You're supposed to be able to do everything via the phone programming.

"How can I help you?"

"Hi, I'm trying to activate a new phone. I activated one already with no problem. But this phone won't go through."

"I'm going to have to look something up. Can you call me back in a little while?"

"What number should I use?"

"The same number you just used."

"I didn't call you. I was transferred to you."

"You didn't call?"

"No, I was transferred. You can call me on my land line......"

"Okay, I'll call  back soon."

Over one hour later.

"How can I help you?"

"Hi, I'm trying to activate a new phone. I activated one already with no problem. But this phone won't go through."

"I see you called earlier."

"Yes, she said she would call me back, but she didn't"

"We're having problems with our phones."

"Me, too."

Pacifism And Supporting Our Troops

 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

I was pretty much raised as a pacifist. I knew that should I ever have a baby boy I would, as soon as possible, register him as a conscientious objector.

It was the age of non-violence. Go to jail rather than fight in a war. Especially if the war was wrong. And, what war wasn't. All wars have been based on greed and/or creed, as much as I can figure anyway. Many of the recent ones were sold to the people with lies.

And yet...the big "thing" today is to remember our veterans, support our troops, recognize and acknowledge what our veterans have fought and died for, even when they have fought and died for the wrong reason.

As a pacifist can I support our troops and veterans...our warriors?

Yes, I believe I can. And, I do. They went as they were told: fighting for our freedom, our country, our honor, our safety, and our children's children. They fought for all that, despite the wrong calling they answered.

The good they thought they were doing is not forgotten.

Thank you for your service. 

Birds of A Feather Flock Together

  Finches at Feeder Photo by Sharon

You'd think by looking at this picture the finches were starving to death. Let me assure you they are not, as they feed like this several times a day. I haven't as yet been able to photograph the "waiting line" on our fence. I shall keep on trying.

I think it's due to these little rascals the mighty cardinals have yet to return to us. Too crowded, especially when there are so many other feeders close by. We still enjoy listening to their songs.

 

Dream A Little Dream with Me

Last night I had a very long dream, or so it seemed. I don't remember it all, nor the details. What I do remember is the Chief and I kept running to different places trying to hide from someone whose goal seemed to be to harm or kill us. No matter how clever we were... we were found.

When I told the Chief about it I paused and said "maybe it was the grandchildren?" And we laughed.  We love them so much.

 

OTC* Laughter

I've written about laughter and humor before. I think it is the one thing that keeps me going. It gets my adrenalin and endorphins jumping.

Recently, on Face Book, a woman contacted me saying she had read my blog when she was feeling sad and it made her happy. Wow. It turns out we have so much in common it's freaky. I mean how we think, how we choose to be happy when that is not life's intention. We both like Lady Gaga (laugh if you want), the Coffee Party (as opposed to Tea Party) and Dexter (okay, so he's a serial killer), to name a few. She is an artist and her work makes me smile. She called me, yes meeee... a word smith!  Holy cow!

Now my mom might say those things (she however doesn't like Lady Gaga) but a complete stranger with no ties or reason to tell me this. What a wonderful gift to give someone. It's sorta like the "random act of kindness" thingy. Any way, I'm so grateful to her for letting me know that my writing touched someone in a meaningful way.

And this reminds me of Roger Ebert, one of my idols. I've loved him since the 60's. This last year has not been the best for me. Fibromyalgia is a nasty thing. Not, however, as bad a trial as Roger has been through. The thing is, I think we both approached our change in life style in a somewhat similar manner: Look at what has happen. Find how limitations can be turned around. Refuse to be miserable. Mandate life be enjoyed. And laugh your heart out.

No, I don't go outside much. No, I haven't gone to things I use to. My life changed. But, one day I thought about blogging. And if you look at my first few blogs, you'll see I didn't have a clue what I was doing. As it is now, it seems to have turned into a conversation with myself and anyone who wants to listen.

And, what brought me to this blog was a retweet from Roger Ebert:

TheSocialBrain Compelling evidence that smiling leads to physiological changes in the brain that cool blood+trigger happy feelings. http://alturl.com/25bdn Retweeted by ebertchicago and 100+ others:

Smiling Makes You Happy
Bob Sutton's Blog "Work Matters" 

Gretchen over at The Happiness Project had a lovely and thoughtful post yesterday called smile, smile, smile.  She ended the post by saying: "And apart from its effect on my dealings with other people, smiling makes me feelhappier. Actions trigger feelings, so by going through the motions of feeling happier, I change my mood. Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”'

And here is a Video with Laughing John Cleese

And another from the Yogi himself

 

And, finally...Never take yourself too seriously...

 

 

*OTC means medicines that are Over The Counter  - no prescription needed

Marisa and Flowers in Bloom

 Clematis in bloom with wild flowers appearing...through my window

The Clematis is one of my favorites. This particular one does very well where it is situated. Wild flowers were added a few years ago from a mix we bought while motoring to the West and back. The mix was quite varied, but as the years pass, the hardier ones start to take over. Okay with me. The yellow flowers were preceded by a smattering of white, shorter ones. The view changes daily, sometimes minutely, but changes. A few of the flowers that come up might be called "weeds" by some. Not by us. The types of flowers we buy to plant are designed to attract humming birds, finches and butterflies. Even so, I'm always pleasantly surprised when they actually show up.

Granddaughter Marisa 8th Grade Graduation

Marisa, my beautiful granddaughter, graduated from 8th grade this week. That means she will be a high school freshman in the Fall OMG! She is a fantastic young woman. A good student, loves and excels at softball, and is all heart when playing her trumpet. She has many friends, some of whom I am guessing are helped by her strength of self.

Photo from MS 

The day began with me having blood work done and getting my annual mammogram. I have to note how the medical field and its technology is changing. The blood work I had done, now only requires 1 medium size vial. I've been getting this test for 10 years or more and until the last few years it required about 7 large vials. So, yep, lab technology has become more sophisticated.

Because I have a history of Breast Cancer my mammogram is done at the women's cancer treatment center at my hospital. This means that as soon as the x-rays are taken, a radiologist is there to read them and give me the results immediately. What a difference that makes! Boy, let me tell you, once you've had a diagnosis of Breast CA any waiting time or repeated x-rays cause extreme anxiety. I might be smiling while waiting, but inside I'm saying "Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Oh shit!" Everything was good. Loud cheering of joy is acceptable.

By the way, these tests were done at two different sites. What that means is I had to get in and out of the van twice. My fibromyalgia was acting up, so that made the process more difficult. But, because I'm tallish and we have a van, I figured out that I could pivot myself around on the seat and both feet could just touch the ground. Then I could stand on both legs at the same time while getting out. And the reverse for getting in without too much pain.

So much for a getting a small car.

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I thought the following video was hilarious. But my sense of humor can be a bit weird at times. I'll tell you this: I know someone who would love to do it. Enough said. (I took this off Roger Ebert's twitter. He's weird, too.)