Life's Awkward Moments and Counting...

Have you ever had an awkward moment? I have. Here are four of my favorites.

Awkward moment #1.

About 35 years ago (tell me I’m not that old- TELL ME), I went into my bank and saw a friend of mine at the teller window. I had no children yet, but she was about to have her second child. We chit chatted. We laughed. She needed to go back to work. So I said, “R, when is your baby due?” Her smile disappeared, “I had the baby two months ago. I just haven’t lost the baby weight.”

Lesson Learned: Never ever ask someone if they are pregnant not female – not male.

Awkward moment #2

Another 150 years ago (uh that might make me a vampire), when I worked as an athletic secretary (and that doesn't mean what you think), I answered phone and greeted people and did whatever else I did. I was likeable and usually friendly to other people. One of our regular sales people called to ask if he could come by for a visit. We made the appointment then chit chatted (I’m good at that chit chatting). Finally, it was time to say our goodbyes. But, my farewell was special. He said he would let me go and then said his goodbye. I said, “Bye, love ya.” Silence. Holding breath. The only sounds were the echoing of my words in the recesses of our minds. Then I started laughing hysterically. He said, “I’m not sure how I will explain this to my wife.” I assured him that he didn’t need to. It had been a slip of the tongue. Let’s just say, I avoided him after that.

Lesson Learned: You should only love the one your with.

Awkward Moment #3

My former husband had been in a major accident at work which required three surgeries on his back. At one point he needed special shoes. After one of his doctor appointments I drove him to a shoe store in the big city. He was trying on shoes and being helped by a very lovely young man. I sat in a chair next to my husband while the shoe guy helped him try on shoes (remember that- when shoe salesmen actually put your shoes on for you?). The SS was sitting there waiting for my H to decide on the shoes when he turned to me and said, You smell really good. Are you wearing and he named the fragrance. I answered that I was. He said he liked that scent. I glanced over at the Hub. He was staring at the SS. The SS was staring at the shoes on my Hubs feet. Finally the Hub said gruffly, “I’ll think I’ll take these.” We left.

Lesson Learned: Offer no information about your own fragrance, but instead get person interested in the scent of your man.

Awkward Moment #4

Did you know I have a magnetic personality? I was at one of my daughter’s high school volleyball games. I was sitting in a packed gym of people watching her team play- but mostly talking to my sister-in-law who was visiting. I would glance at the plays then back at my SIL. Then it happened. I heard a thump, then someone screamed heads up and then I felt a slap in the face. The volleyball had flown up over several bleachers, over many people just to smack me in my face. The game stopped. People stopped talking. People stared at me. People asked if I was ok. I just shrugged and threw the ball back. OUCH.

Lesson Learned:  Never turn your back on a volleyball. They are not to be trusted.

Those are just a few of my finer moments.

One of the best lessons I have learned in life is to stop taking everything so seriously -including myself. We all goof up. We all look stupid at some point. We have awkward moments.

Just Laugh.

Otherwise, you have believed in vain

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

JW believes that God has never given up on humankind. He sent his son Jesus to get it all right again.  This is a time for thankfulness in that we are destined for eternity with God in his Kingdom... if we believe.

A Day in the Rural

If you need me, I will be in The Ruralhood...playing.

Wednesday Inspired

It's Wednesday again. It happens every week about this time. It does on my planet anyway.

Have you noticed lately the number of bloggers unplugging...taking a break...or going on a blog-cation? For the others- they've mentioned, threatened or promised to do so in the future. I remember the New Year's Resolutions that drifted across Bloggyland and how so many people hoped that 2010 would be better. Is it?

Sometimes, I feel like a 7 times handed down shirt, washed and hung out to dry. A little worn and weary.

I've noticed that Tamika at The Write Worship has set up a Blog schedule. Then every third week she totally unplugs to give her best to her WIP. The girl is wise. She has set her priorities. She knows her limits.

I think we gain nothing when we try to gain everything. Sometimes we push ourselves too hard or let others push. Sometimes we try to be everything to everyone. And sometimes we put everyone else first and that's when we become last. Then we experience fatigue and a disconnect that can bring us to our knees.

We forget.

We neglect.

We run on empty.

This reminds me of when Jesus walked the earth and how he was concerned about rest and renewal. He knew when it was time to disconnect from the world (as much as he could), rest and prayed. To find his rest he did three things:

1. He found a time when he could be alone. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up...." (Mark 1:v35a)

2. He unplugged for a period of time. "...left the house and went off to a solitary place...." (Mark 1: 35b)

3. He found his renewal through prayer. "...where he prayed." (Mark 1: 35b)

It’s really important to stay centered in life and focused on the important.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35 (NIV)

I want you to feel inspired to live a good life less the stress of trying to be it all.

Is it easy for you to know and set your own limits? What do you do to renew?  What blogs you down? (sorry I couldn't help it)

Ten Things I learned last week!

1. When traveling to a conference early in the morning, you should allow at least 30 minutes more than you had scheduled IF you are traveling in fog.

2. I learned if the sun can't cut through the fog, what chance do you have?

3. I learned you do not need two beds unless you have a roommate or... an imaginary friend. In that case, you NEED an extra bed and therapy.

4. Or you might need two imaginary friends - one for the couch. Just be sure to keep their names straight.

5. I learned that fat squirrels are never to be trusted. Never-ever throw french fries off the balcony...my sister says. Good thing she stopped me (over the phone), I had french fries ready to throw.

6. I learned that ducks and geese can be selfish birds and noisy when given free food-so noisy that you might need to close your balcony door to hear yourself write.

7. I learned that I need to live on or near the water. Last week, I heard the sea calling me or the lake or something calling me.

8. Or I could live on that little Ozarkian island. Can you see it from my balcony?

9. And I learned that even nighttime on a lake is beautiful and interesting and full of romance, intrique and murder. I made some of that up.

10. I learned you must never trust your GPS to get you to a lake resort. You could be sorely disappointed and even late and on roads that have multiple letters of K in them. I'm just saying.

It was a great conference for techies. I may have even gained a few brain cells from all the brilliant people I met. I didn't take any of photos of the conference because there were people there. I would have had to get a photo release from each and pay them a dollar bill or something to use their photo and frankly I didn't have enough money with me or money that I wanted to give up. So there you have it...

ten things I learned last week!

Monday Ramblings

First day of Spring? Look at this photo.


I am back, but still feeling tired and overwhelmed -a bit. But I have missed you all (and posting) so I thought I would come back and see if I can get my "to do" list whittled down and blog too.

I may be absent some just to keep myself sane and on task.








On Home Projects

1. I finished the trim on the bead board in a bathroom.
2. I primed the bathroom door.
3. I put up a new door between the family room and utility room and it hasn't fallen yet. To test it, I jump out and say boo unexpectedly.

On Birthdays

I've been very good this year-otherwise known as-I have a very loving family.




This was one of my B-day gifts. I get weak in the knees when I see FOR ME a gift card to Lowes. It's almost like...first love...only not. Certain family members know me!











Someone in the fam is encouraging me to write. (Actually they all do.) I won't mention her name. And-and-I know she reads my blog, becuz someone mentioned that I should try Chai tea. Do you see it in the back row? I feel like she also gave me something to eat - as in candy- but I could be wrong. If she did, there is no evidence. There is never evidence, if you give me something to eat.









I won't tell you who gave me these gifts but there are clues in just about every photo. I was also given a pair of gardening gloves which are not in this picture. Why you ask? This is becuz after coming home, I looked through my gifts and put on my gloves and went about the house admiring them. Then I put them in my sock drawer. I DON'T KNOW WHY I KEEP MY GARDENING GLOVES IN MY SOCK DRAWER-so don't ask me.

This, my sweet blogger friends, is handmade by my middle grandchild. My heart is swelling at this moment. He told me he made this from beads. It's my very own Christmas tree with presents. He told me he wanted to make the tree trunk brown, but those beads had been used. Doesn't he know that I want to live in a world where the tree trunks are blue?

Big sigh.

It is on my refrigerator. If you make it to my frig of fame, you can make it anywhere, my friends.

Lastly is a gift that speaks to me or perhaps about me. Someone understands me. I like to eat and watch movies - all in the comfort of my home.

PS That's my favorite scent. I just wanted you all to know that about me. It's called Pure Seduction by Victoria's Secret and in no way speaks to my character. They did ask me to model their lingerie, but I said a firm NO.


I also got a wonderful card and phone call from my brother. It is always a treat to talk to him. He and I were such buddies growing up.


Another B-day under the belt - a very good one celebrated with my fabulous family. With gifts like these-I wanna stay on their good side(s).

On Writing
I am working on two shorts: The Hotel and Honey, I'm home. And still working on the Christmas story.

I hope to get my conference photos (mostly resort) up tomorrow if Tuesday doesn't mind. See you then.

Oaks of Righteousness

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:1-4(NIV)

JW believes: God rebuilds. Whatever life and people have taken from you-from me, one day God will restore. We will be called "oaks of righteousness" because of his restoration. For his glory, we will be solid and uncompromised in eternity.

Still on Break

I'm still breaking it- but today is my birthday.

Happy Birthday to me!

With my family in charge, I always feel special.

But, what I really want you all to know is that I can't remember one birthday when my mom did not make me a birthday cake and dinner of my choice.


My mother is kind.

My mother is giving.

My mother is helpful.

No strings attached.

Except love.

This is the woman who gave birth to me, but more than that-she is a true mom and friend.

Awesome!

I have some things to tell you...

I am taking a break from posting. Life seems to be getting in the way of my blogging.

I must transfer files to my new laptop. You don't have to work in an IT dept. to know this will be intense.

I must get wireless going.

I must not lose my mind.

I must finish a home project or 10.

I must clean my house. It looks like I live with an army of people which in my mind seems romantic as long as they weren't demanding of me and were clean oh and were men.

I am off to a meeting next week on Tuesday.

Then I am off to a conference later that week. I will be with other technology geeks in a land far far away-maybe in another galaxy. It should be fun and interesting. Hopefully, I will see Spock.

Wish me Happy Birthday now, because I will be there (Geekland) on my birthday - March 18. I would tell you I'm 29 again, but then my son would challenge me reminding me of his age 32 and my age 29 and how that doesn't jive. Anyone want to adopt a son?

I will come visiting your blog in the meantime. Please have coffee and cheesecake ready for me.

I have one more thing to tell you, maybe two. A couple of weeks maybe a month ago I started another blog- a blog I have wanted to start for a long time-even before Journaling Woman. I felt like I was cheating on you by not telling you. And I am not telling you this to burden you with another blog to read. The new blog is something I needed to do. Read it if it interests you. Don't if it doesn't. But, I wanted you to know since you all are now my new BFF's. I want you to know all my secrets. Not really. There isn't much to it yet, but check it out-in your free time: http://theruralhood.blogspot.com/

One last thing, I really really really want a Boxer puppy.

Talk to you soon. Maybe even here if you comment.

Yours,

Teresa

If only we would listen

You know how it is when you're a child. You want what others have. I had ridden the bikes of my friends. I wanted a bike. And finally, my day came (around 10 years of age) when I was given a bicycle. My bicycle was blue (imagine that). My brother's bicycle was red (I think). I loved my bike. I appreciated my bike. I rode my bike nonstop. I didn't need instruction because I was an expert at riding it.

At that time, we weren't living in the rural. We were living in Washington, Illinois. My "big" city experience. At some point, after buying our bikes, my parents also bought bikes for themselves so we could ride together-as a family.

One lovely summer day, my folks (after securing my baby sister in her baby bike seat) took us biking on streets that seemed to be far away from our house. Streets that we had only traveled to in our cars.

I was excited.

I was ready.

Of course, we were told the rules. We were (1) to be careful and most of all (2)stay together. We were to listen to and obey the wisdom of our father and mother, because they knew best. That was their job. Our job: listen and obey.

We had a great ride.

But, on our return, I got into my know-it-all mindset. I was so pleased to be riding my bike with the freedom of the road beneath my biker wheels. I am a freedom lover; you should know that about me.

We were at a crossroad where street met street (they might call that an intersection). But the street we were on was the stopping street, you know the street where you stop, look and then cross. It was also a street over a railroad track. We would turn left. If we traveled straight ahead we would fall off into the railroad track.

At some point I threw back my head and yelled for my family to follow me. I wanted to be first. In my defense, I am the first born. I put those little feet to the peddles and started out into the intersection. Fast and hard I peddled.

I didn't see the car.

I heard my parents yelling though. I heard the screeching noise from the brakes. And then-it all went to slow motion. That day I rode my bike into the path of an oncoming car. Burned into my memory is the face of a desperate man who tried so hard not to hit me and all the while steering his car and his family toward the drop off.

I kept steering my bike into the car. Inexperience. Then suddenly it was over. He hadn't hit me. He hadn't gone over the edge. He had stopped his car-literally inches away from me.

I caused grief and a near death experience because I hadn't listened to wisdom and direction. I didn't do what I was suppose to do.

My parents didn't punish me for the disobedience of that day. I think we all knew how close I came to....
l did learn some things.

That was my first experience with angels and how they guard me. "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11 (NIV)

I also learned that breaking the rules can result in disaster if it is played out. "The wise in heart will accept and obey commandments, but the foolish of lips will fall headlong." Proverbs 10:8 (Amplified)


If only we would listen-sometimes, life might just be a bit less chaotic.




Amplified Bible version source: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2010&version=AMP

I've learned...

People often wonder what they have learned from life. I wonder-what have I missed?


This week I will share with you what I have learned from the most fantastic season in life-being the grandparent.


Get your popcorn. Sit down. Relax.

1. I have learned you really can get down on the floor and play. Your knees still bend and drop. And the grandbabies? Well...they will do their best to help you up again - should you struggle. Not that I do...much.


2. I have learned that today's grandparent looks nothing like the grandparent of my childhood. We modern GP's are quite fashionable and fetching. I am NOT delusional. Stop it!


3. I have learned you CAN buy love-from your grandchildren and their parents really can't stop you. Example of Purchase: "Five dollars? Look- five dollars. I love you, Grandma."


4. I have learned that if you think you are kissing and hugging too much, just ask. One child or two will tell you that you can kiss them and hug them all you want. I am sure this will change as said children get older.


5. I have learned that being a grandparent is like going to a theme park-more fun than you handle in one day.


6. I have learned that sometimes you get lost in the blue eyes of your grandchild because you see your son there.


7. I have learned how much my own grandparents must have loved me, because of my (own) love for the next generation.


8. I have learned you become selfish. You want more and more and more-grandbabies. What you can't afford them? Not my problem. What you don't have time? Hey, who cares? Gimme!


9. I have learned that your own children had to listen to you when they are little-because of the threats and coercion. I mean where would they be without you? Your grandchildren, however, listen to you because they really WANT to; because they are interested in what you have to say; because YOU are you.


10. I have learned that being loved by your children is the fire lit, but being loved by your grandchildren are the flames.






Do you have a light bulb moment you would like to share?

Monday has never. . .

 

made me so happy. This will be a three-day week due to a scheduled spring break. So of course, I am looking forward to this week and I welcome Monday. I have a four day weekend coming up in which to play. Can life be any better?

Plus the sun has been shining for days. Saturday the temps were in the upper 60's. Yesterday was the same. I feel better.

What would you do?

If you are presented with a Saturday that is 60 degrees, what would you do?

Well...my daughter and I hit the road.

There is a clue in this photo (if only you could see it) to where we were headed. It's right in front of you...the car pulling the boat. Can't see? Squint. We followed the boat to the... lake.

That's right we went shopping near a lake. Where all the boats zoom around on water!!!!








Dr. Lovely Daughter had suggested we stop at the cutest little shopping center....











One of the shops was an antique store where I found this wonderful book (for my collection) by John Steinbeck. 1947.

Did you know that I love to read Steinbeck novels? I would probably be in a sorted love affair with him...if he were alive.





Then I found this wonderful piece of music. This is a song that I remember from my childhood...performed by various singers and on movies that were musicals. After I got it home, I sang it several times. (Aren't you glad you weren't present?)
I plan on framing it. (daughter idea)




On Writing
I am writing a short story set in the 1920's -30's. I want to try to include the historical part so that no one notices. I want it to be natural, but not the focus. Any suggestions will be swallowed whole.




Do you read the classics or are you a more modern reader? Tell me what you love to read.

From inside the fish

...Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.

He said: "In my distress I called to the Lord,and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.

I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.'

The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.

To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God.

"When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord."

And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Jonah 2:1-10 (NIV)

JW wonders: Is God trying to get your attention?

Tuesday's Ten

10 things I absolutely love and will not get over.

1. I have a strange love and admiration for…Buzzards. I love them in spite of their road kill breath. I think they are cool. (My dad carved these bookends for me. They are my favorites too.)

2. White blouses. I have eight. I think… that’s all I have. And every time I go shopping I look for one more. I can't help it.

3. I use and love Carmex. I started using it in 1977. It gives me that ever loving tingle.

4. I love Folgers Breakfast Blend coffee.

5. I am in love with Victoria’s Secret – Pure Seduction flavor of... spray, lotions, and body wash.

6. I love all creatures that cannot speak peoplese.

7. My favorite beverage – after my morning Joe- is water. I drink lots every day.

8. Gordon Lightfoot can still mellow my soul. (I realize that some of you may be too young to know his music.) Sundown you better take care, if I find you’ve been sneaking round my back door…

9. I wear hoop earrings. I've worn hoops since the 70's and have worn all sizes and shapes.

10. I feel creepy if I write with anything but black ink. It began when I worked at the bank and we were required to use black ink. From that point on, it just seemed the thing to do...write with black ink. However, I can do revisions in other colors.

That's my favorite can't live without ten. Do you have something you have used forever and don't want to give up?

Monday's Story

On Winter
Please don't be worried if I tell you I am considering committing murder and hiding the body. IF Winter shows his ugly face here again...if he makes March come in like a lion...or or even go out like a lion...well I will lose control. Winter needs to heed my warning and stop showing up. He is like the relative or friend that overstays the welcome.

I have asked Winter to leave. I have asked nicely. I have turned up the heat on him (and wasted my money). I have stood outside with arms raised to the heavens and screamed for him to go away (ok that only happened in my mind). And yet, Winter lingers, then leaves, then returns. And to top it off, I can't tell you how many times Winter has spit in my face and dumped on my lawn. I can't take it anymore.

This is a warning to Winter, if you are reading my blog. Leave us alone for -a while and let Spring come a visiting. Don't make me come after you.

On Depression
Off and on, since 1995, I have suffered with depression. I am mostly ok now, but I still have triggers. So it really disturbs me to hear that Marie Osmond's son apparently committed suicide. He suffered from depression.

Depression is scary whether you are in the moment or watching someone in the moment. The thing not to do is to do nothing and hope it goes away by itself. There is so much involved in being depressed- brain chemicals and circumstance. People don't choose to be depressed. If they could they would choose not to be depressed. It's a dark place to be. If I had 1995-1997 to do over- I wouldn't have suffered so much. I would have gotten help.

Prayers for Marie and her family. This is certainly something she will never get over.

On PI
It started with a bump at my hairline. Now there is a break out and I am pretty sure it is poison ivy (PI). So I searched my mind to think how in the world did I get PI here at the end of winter?

Did I touch something that I used last summer pulling weeds or mowing the yard? I don't think so...unless it was my "mowing" shoes. It's a possibility.

But, this is what I think has happened. Kiki Dee is getting tamer. I let her in my screened in porch (breezeway) to eat- these days since her friend Ginger died. She is learning to trust me more and more and demands to be petted. But as I told you earlier SHE isn't to be trusted.

She swipes (scratches) me:

• If I don't move fast enough.


• If I take photos of her.


• If I look at her too long.


• If I attempt to let her out if she isn't ready to go.


• If I pet her "wrong".

But what I think has happened is maybe she had been sunning in PI, then came in, then I petted her and then maybe scratched my temple.

On Writing
I haven't done much this week. In fact, I have been using my Ten Reasons Not to Write. And that my blogging friends isn't good. I wonder if my new laptop will inspire me?
Give me a good raking over or not, but talk to me.