Sunday Visits

                I have been listening to/watching next week’s “Don’t Miss This” and have been awed with the segment which compares Sabbath to Christmas and wrote down my notes to love Sabbath as much as the Christmas holiday (holi taken from holy) and replicate the reasons we gather.

          I remember going to visit my grandma every Sunday afternoon – or just about every Sunday afternoon.  Sometimes we would meet up as a family (her three children plus their children) and she would treat us all to some expensive eating place.  I have fond memories of those Sundays.  I really did look forward to visiting with family.   

getting ready to drive downtown to Grandma's house

with my cousins and Grandma and Aunt

one of the dinners 

          We haven’t established any Sunday traditions in Oregon – though Jai and I had started with watching a “Come Follow Me” You Tube video the minute we returned home.  Richard had always stayed behind doing clerical stuff though did join us on occasion.  I don’t know why we got out of the habit, but I found myself watching videos and prolonging the studies on my own. 

Jaime and I have always enjoyed taking walks – but not just Sundays.  Richard will walk around the block and call it good.  I need more.  Especially when there is so much nature to look at.  Sunday drives have also become a thing of the past – though I had tried when I was driving.  Sunday drives should be relaxing which became a thing of the past – at least in the Salt Lake area.  Don’t know if Richard will go for that one either – though Sunday driving would offer more relaxation in Douglas county than Salt Lake.

My Sunday rituals are very different from my family’s.  But so have the last few Christmases.  I suppose some traditions have to be altered in order to keep the reasons to look forward.  I would like to look forward to the Sabbath in a positive way each week.

5 Important Lessons

 A thought received in my email over 20 years ago.  Exists on many other websites but unknown is the original source. 

A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX :
 
 
1.) EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK.
 
2.) YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.
 
3.) WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.
 
4.) IN LIFE, YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS,
    WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE YOU BETTER.
 
5.) TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF 
    TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.

 

We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities.  Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are, is what's inside of you.

Three Things

 Wholeheartedly agree:

Three things in life that,
once gone, never come back -
         
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity
         
         
 Three things in life that can destroy a person -
         
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

       
Three things in life that are never certain -
         
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams
     
         
Three things that are truly constant -
         
Father - Son - Holy Ghost

 

Trivia Passed Around

Collected early 2000's.

 I don't know how many of these are true.  Would like to try #4.

1 . Money isn't made out of paper, it's made out of cotton.

2.  The  Declaration of Independence was written on hemp (marijuana) paper. 

3.  The dot over the letter 'i' is called a 'tittle'. 

4.  A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will  bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top. 

6.  40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy  Meals.

7.  315 entries in Webster's 1996 Dictionary were  misspelled.

8.  The 'spot' on 7UP comes from its inventor, who had red eyes.  He was albino.

9.  On average, 12  newborns will be given to the wrong parents, daily.

10.    Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister. 

11.  Chocolate affects a dog's heart and nervous system; a  few ounces will kill a small sized dog.

12.  Orcas (killer  whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the shark's stomach from underneath, causing the shark to explode.

13.  Most  lipstick contains fish scales (eeww).

14.  Donald Duck  comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants. 

15.  Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine.

16.  Upper and lower case letters are named 'upper' and  'lower' because in the time when all original print had to be set in  individual letters, the upper case' letters were stored in the case on  top of the case that stored the smaller, 'lower case' letters. 

17.  Leonardo DaVinci could write with one hand and draw  with the other at the same time hence, multi-tasking was invented.) 

18.  Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during  World War II were made of wood.

19.  There are no clocks in  Las Vegas gambling casinos.

20.  The name Wendy was made up  for the book Peter Pan; there was never a recorded Wendy before! 

21.  There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with:  orange, purple, and silver!

22.  Leonardo DaVinci invented  scissors.  Also, it took him 10 years to paint Mona Lisa's lips.. 

23.  A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will  make it  instantly go mad and sting itself to death.

24.  The mask  used by Michael Myers in the original 'Halloween' was a Captain Kirk's  mask  painted white.

25.  If you have three quarters, four  dimes,  and four pennies , you have $1.19 You also have the largest amount  of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar (good  to know.)

26.  By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back you can't sink in quicksand (and you thought this list was completely useless.)

27.  The phrase 'rule of thumb' is  derived from an old English law, which stated that you couldn't beat your wife with anything wider than your thumb.

28.  The  first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for  automobiles.  At that time, the most known player on the market was  the Victrola, so they called themselves
 Motorola.

29.   Celery has negative calories!  It takes more calories to eat  a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with.  It's  the same with apples!

30.  Chewing gum while peeling onions  will keep you from crying!

3 1.  The glue on Israeli postage  stamps is certified kosher..

32.  Guinness Book of Records  holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries.

33.  Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a space suit damages it.

Life's Chiasmus

SUCCESS:

At age 4 success is . . Not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is having friends.
At age 16 success is . . . Having a drivers license.
At age 35 success is . Having money.
At age 50 success is . . . Having money.
At age 70 success is . . . Having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . Having friends
At age 80 success is . Not peeing in your pants

Slowly But Surely Interaction

                I heard Richard saying, “Get out. Get out! GET OUT” 

          I figured he was talking to the dogs.  He and Clair were in the kitchen and Ally was working on moving the coffee table to block the dogs out.  I stuck my head out to call Bonnie.

          “It’s not Bonnie,” Ally said.  “It’s Char.”

          Char is more aggressive as far as height and actually jumping around.  Bonnie will wait quietly – most of the time still in the way, but not jumping.  Once the food is served she is like Godzilla upon Tokyo and it is Char who has to find another source.

          Truth be known, I wasn’t calling Bonnie to distract her from the others.  I had an ulterior motive.  I wanted her to lick my dish clean so that I wouldn’t be in anyone else’s way or have to settle on gunking up my bathroom sink.  Bonnie did not come.

          I retrieved the dish and held it out the door. 

“Come on, Bonnie!” I called.  The dish had gotten her attention.  Char had already been banned to the bedroom and Bonnie ran towards mine.

          “Thank you, Grandma,” Ally said sincerely. She was truly grateful and I was impressed with her actions.

          Before Bonnie had finished eating there was a soft knock at the door.  Ally had come to retrieve Bonnie.  I was surprised she was still licking the bowl as there hadn’t been enough worth calling her for really.  I think overall Ally prefers Bonnie to Char.  I sent her out only moments later.  I don’t know if Ally even noticed.

A True Experience which took place just over 25 years ago

 Many of the thoughts I had accumulated were while I was working in Salt Lake City.  Shares passed through email as facebook was not a thing.  I do remember writing the following.  I had even created a picture in "paint" to go with the story.  Created on my mom's computer.  If I saved it, I no longer seem to have access to it.  But here is what I wrote:

Date: 2/11/98 3:04pm

Subject:          Just in case you need a laugh . . .

 

have you ever read the story of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, no good, Very Bad Day?  As I was relating my experiences to my co‑workers, I decided that my experiences could be counted as similar ‑

sometimes I even wish I was in Australia (although I forgot to include it with my true life experiences that I am sending) ‑

and so I wrote up this cute little essay.  (I am also including a self portrait so that you will know that I am not exaggerating)

 

(If you read the WP before the e‑mail attachment, it will make more sense)

 

My Story:

subtiled: I was too tired.

 

 You will not believe the day I’ve had (this is a true story by the way) I really should have just stayed in bed. 

I wrote an e-mail to Pat - I should not have tried to send an attachment - or I least I should have printed up what I wrote - instead of trying to write it again.

 I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

 My back’s really been bothering me, and it’s been hard to sleep.  I’m always tired.  And I really didn’t feel all that well this morning.  And I tried to sleep in.  My back’s been making it hard for me to sleep at all.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

 Okay, let me back up here, and see if I can get my thoughts together -

When I finally did force myself to get up (still not awake, mind you) I called my work # and left a message for Arabella - to tell her I’d be late.  And then I proceeded on taking my sweet time (not sweet enough) getting ready.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

 After I ate breakfast, I decided to do a load of clothes.  I was cold and put on my robe and matching booties.  I remember turning the washer on - so I do have that much going for me.

I did get dressed and ready for work - or so I thought . . .

 I placed a dollar bill with my backpack and coat, etc.  I purposely left it out so that I would have it when I got on the bus.  Somehow it disappeared.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

I locked the door and stepped out of the house only to discover it was snowing.  I set down my backpack and removed a bunch of items in search for my keys.  I retrieved my umbrella and wondered if I should get my boots.  I decided it wasn’t snowing that hard and decided not to make the big trek downstairs.  I wish I would have gone with my first impulse.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

 I walked toward the bus stop and stopped in at the Food Mart - because I figured I’d have time.  The orange juice I got was 22 cents more than if I had made a purchase at the 7-ll where I transfer (or usually transfer anyway)

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

I took the first available bus (an express) and decided I would transfer at the mall.  A fellow passenger pointed out that my shoelace was untied.  It’s a wonder I hadn’t tripped over it.

Okay, there was one good thing that came from my morning.  I didn’t have to wait for my transfer.  The #10 left as soon as I boarded.  Meanwhile, I retied my shoelace so that I wouldn’t trip.

After I got to work, I went to change my shoes and noticed for the first time that I wasn’t wearing any socks (boy, am I observant - or what) and my booties don’t at all match what I’m wearing.   I’m actually surprised that I was able to get my shoes on over my booties and that they didn’t slip down inside my shoes while I was walking.  And why in the heck didn’t I notice while I was tying my shoe for the second time?  What an idiot.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

 And so I put my sandals on over my bare feet, only my feet got cold (surprise) and so I put my booties back on.  And it looks really stupid.  Not only that, but the jeans I am wearing have turned out to be major floods on me.  If they were any shorter, they’d be knickers.

I mean anybody can see by the way that I’m dressed that I must not feel [well] and that I’m still not awake.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

After I got trough eating my lunch, I found the dollar I had misplaced.  It was in my lunch bag.  What a brilliant person I am.  And what a brilliant bill to have hitched a ride in something warmer than the cold air I had intended to flap it in.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

 I wrote an e-mail to send to Pat Peterson.  And while working on a self-portrait to send as an attachment, the power went out (just blinked off) and I lost everything.  So now I have to rethink it all.  Somehow this story sounded funnier in e-mail.  But maybe not.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

 Katie keeps saying she’ll be coming in this week.  But we haven’t seen her.  She also told Arabella that Friday will be my last day.  Yes.  Sure it will.  Friday the 13th.  Come now.  I have strong doubts about it ever being my last day.

I don’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week.  I am too tired.

 Just now I think I either wrote on my pants, or Shelly’s shirt (which I have given myself custody over) What a klutz.

Oh, and about the pair of pants I picked out - I really thought I had ripped in the knee.  I even looked for it.  I found it five hours after I put them on.  It was in the other knee.

I didn’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I was too tired.

 Judy says she has loads for me - but she is too busy to find it right now.

And so I am now working on this oh, just so important document to send to anyone who might need a laugh.

I don’t think about it being a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I am still too tired.

The Great Salt Lake Shrinkage and Health Hazzard

One of the spotlights on this morning's "Sunday Morning" featured a brief history on the Great Salt Lake - or what was once the Great Salt Lake Rather.  It has shrunk quite a bit and the remainder has toxins that may have contributed more to my poor breathing than did just the smog from other pollutants.  I thought it might be too early to see the feature on YouTube as of now.  Although there is not today's episode of Sunday Morning, there are SEVERAL videos to choose from.  Just type in the Great Salt Lake Drying Up.  I was stunned by how many came up on the deadly poisons of my home state.  Shocked by not totally surprised.  Now I have proof that my home state was indeed killing me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6oSNLkIBEg

Just one point

 The only one I could not give myself a point for is a "My Space" account

Two Poems by Elaine Laron

 So I have decided to post some of the treasures I have saved starting with this one

From the Book Free to Be You and Me by Marlo Thomas and Friends

No One Else                       by Elaine Laron

 

Now, someone else can tell you how to multiply by three and

someone else can tell you how to spell Schenectady

And someone else can tell you how to ride a two-wheeled bike

But no one else, no, no one else can tell you what to like.

 

An engineer can tell you how to run a railroad train

A map can tell you where to find the capital of Spain

A book can tell you all the names of every star above

But no one else, no, no one else can tell can tell you who to love

 

Your aunt Lisa can tell you how to plant a pumpkin seed

Your cousin Frank can tell you how to catch a centipede

Your Mom and Dad can tell you to Brush between each meal

But no one else, no, no one else can tell you how to feel

 

For how you feel is how you feel and all the whole world through

No, no one else, no, no one else knows that as well as you

 

 

The Sun and the Moon                   by Elaine Laron

 

The sun if filled with shining light

It blazes far and wide

The moon reflects the sunlight back         

But has no light inside

 

I think I’d rather be the sun

That shines so bold and bright

Than be the moon that only glows            

with someone else’s light

A Trove of Treasures

           I have been going through my flash drives in hopes that I had saved some scanned pages.  Jai had also requested a pic from nearly 15 years ago.  I have finally come across the picture she requested but none of my scanned pages from Jaime’s scrapbook.

But then again the flash drive I am currently viewing is one that was created before the move to Oregon and so the pages would not be there.  But I have had fun reminiscing things I had forgotten I had even saved.  I’ve enjoyed reading thoughts and viewing pictures.  It has definitely kept me busy.

Wonder if the Garbage Trucks Will Come

         Monday was Presidents day.  Jaime had school but the district was off in this area. No school this week – well – perhaps some followed the curriculum but there was panic at some of the high schools yesterday. I left the house at nine to drive downtown to meet Carolyn.  As I was getting ready to turn right I saw three police cars barreling down the road – glad I was turning right and not left.  Something was going down.  Turned out there had been a number of 911 calls to report the threat of a shooter at one of the high schools (South Umpqua, Roseburg, and Sutherlin were the only three mentioned in the news this morning) which turned out to be a hoax (thank goodness). 

I understand that several high schoolers left when lock down was over.  I don’t know if they had permission or if the schools sent students home.  I don’t know how or if the secondary or elementary schools had been effected either way.  Ally had stayed home with a cold and is sick today – not that it would matter.  The schools had been shut down on Valentine’s Day due to the weather and I suspect the same for today. 

Richard said he heard the garbage trucks have come around already.  I don’t think I heard them.  I thought I had heard them before I got up to throw up and noticed the time on the clock was way too early for the garbage trucks to be out.  

I don’t appreciate the flip flops that are taking place in my body at this time.  What brought this on?  I’m guessing something I ate, but what.  And why am I the only one effected?

I am not the only one sick.  Richard and Clair have each started in with the colds that had lingered well past Thanksgiving and Christmas.  But this illness for me is one I have not experienced for many moons.  I will probably be sleeping it off for most of the day if I can actually get myself situated without discomfort from the illness.  I’d rather not live my life in the bathroom today.  You know?