Tomorrow, Tomorrow
There may not be enough time in the future, so take ACTION now! We always admired G. for being focused on planning and completing small but special day to day family activities. We always admired E. for her around the world travels. Do we have to copy what others like to do?
On the other hand, do people get recognized for their household organization on a regular day/week/sports season/special but regular ordinary things? Cooking, cleaning, etc. Does one area have more importance than another?
We have been given the gift of time. What are we going to do with it?
We are starting with small steps, assignments from M. and The Group.
Have Fun.
Express Yourself. Use Words.
Have Fun.
Don't just nod your head.
Don't say NO
But, we have already been doing that, the low key couple. No Complaints. No Whining.
Ever since we learned our last few lessons. Instead: Time is of the essence. Don't waste your energy on the small stuff. Its real, folks! Celebrate God's Gifts. Try to count your blessings (though they are infinite) Be Grateful!!
What was our life like one year ago? Were do you want to be?
Sunday, March 16, 2014
3.16.14b
Gratitude and Holiday Cards
What I mean to say is, why does it take me so long to say these things?
I am learning that it is all about verbal communication. Great Aunt L. has tried to teach us to express our gratitude in writing. It has not always worked, starting with her instructions about professional communication to one of the bosses for inviting us to his home for a group luncheon. It has not worked with teaching the boys to write out thank you cards for their Confirmation and other gifts, large and small. I do not have confidence that they even know how to address an envelope or purchase a stamp from the post office. Old technology, letter writing. Expected by the elders.
We had learned several previous lessons about NOT putting things in writing. Got into a bit of trouble over the years. Then a friend's husband expressed gladness that we actually sent out Christmas Cards with notes attached. Which way do you people want it? I have guilt guilt guilt that either people will throw our photos in the garbage, and that card with an envelope and a stamp takes up too much space in their immaculately clean world. Who am I to say "here I am and this is my story"? But then I get responses like "I love your card! May I put it up on my bulletin board?" and this makes everything okay. Additionally, I received replies from two of my college friends who took the time to REPLY and recognize my health issues. Of course, this is a two way street and my own reply to the reply is sometimes too slow. I admit it...
Regarding new technology, I am almost caught up on emails and facebook use, with a little bit of care. I am still learning how to post photos. Soon, I will forge into texting with my plain old ordinary hand me down cell phone. But, not quite yet. The more you communicate in today's day and age, the faster a response is expected. (A minute has passed and I have not received a reply....)(Is she angry at me, she has not replied to my poke...) That is my concern, since those of you who know me well know that my own very measured response can take much longer than expected, including hours, days, months or years!!
What I mean to say is, why does it take me so long to say these things?
I am learning that it is all about verbal communication. Great Aunt L. has tried to teach us to express our gratitude in writing. It has not always worked, starting with her instructions about professional communication to one of the bosses for inviting us to his home for a group luncheon. It has not worked with teaching the boys to write out thank you cards for their Confirmation and other gifts, large and small. I do not have confidence that they even know how to address an envelope or purchase a stamp from the post office. Old technology, letter writing. Expected by the elders.
We had learned several previous lessons about NOT putting things in writing. Got into a bit of trouble over the years. Then a friend's husband expressed gladness that we actually sent out Christmas Cards with notes attached. Which way do you people want it? I have guilt guilt guilt that either people will throw our photos in the garbage, and that card with an envelope and a stamp takes up too much space in their immaculately clean world. Who am I to say "here I am and this is my story"? But then I get responses like "I love your card! May I put it up on my bulletin board?" and this makes everything okay. Additionally, I received replies from two of my college friends who took the time to REPLY and recognize my health issues. Of course, this is a two way street and my own reply to the reply is sometimes too slow. I admit it...
Regarding new technology, I am almost caught up on emails and facebook use, with a little bit of care. I am still learning how to post photos. Soon, I will forge into texting with my plain old ordinary hand me down cell phone. But, not quite yet. The more you communicate in today's day and age, the faster a response is expected. (A minute has passed and I have not received a reply....)(Is she angry at me, she has not replied to my poke...) That is my concern, since those of you who know me well know that my own very measured response can take much longer than expected, including hours, days, months or years!!
2.29.14b
Marching On
The snow and ice this season is beginning to get annoying!
My Good Friend E. and I watched a PBS show recently, a rerun of March of the Penguins.
This has kept me safe. I relearned about taking care for the sake of family, the starvation and sacrifices that some make because it is i"in their nature".
It reminds me that 18 years ago when I was pregnant with Pete, during winter 1995-1996 we lived in Coram and I was commuting to Mineola...drove in every single snowstorm (18 times) because I was young, had an Explorer (thank you A) and was saving my work vacation days for the family.
Look at me now!
The snow and ice this season is beginning to get annoying!
My Good Friend E. and I watched a PBS show recently, a rerun of March of the Penguins.
This has kept me safe. I relearned about taking care for the sake of family, the starvation and sacrifices that some make because it is i"in their nature".
It reminds me that 18 years ago when I was pregnant with Pete, during winter 1995-1996 we lived in Coram and I was commuting to Mineola...drove in every single snowstorm (18 times) because I was young, had an Explorer (thank you A) and was saving my work vacation days for the family.
Look at me now!
2.29.14
My baby is 18 years old today...
March 1st. I was in the bank today, and this is what the sign on the podium said: Saturday February 29th. "Is it leap year, or not?" the couple ahead of me asked. We could have used the extra day to catch up. But then, it would not be my son's leap into adulthood. If there were a pause, he would not be able to : what?? buy cigarettes, register with Selective Service, or drive across the Throgs Neck Bridge legally. Is our life much different? Not at all, because we have come to cherish each day instead of waiting for "the special ones" Does that rob us of a certain joy? Seems like it keeps us on more of an even keel. What do you think?
March 1st. I was in the bank today, and this is what the sign on the podium said: Saturday February 29th. "Is it leap year, or not?" the couple ahead of me asked. We could have used the extra day to catch up. But then, it would not be my son's leap into adulthood. If there were a pause, he would not be able to : what?? buy cigarettes, register with Selective Service, or drive across the Throgs Neck Bridge legally. Is our life much different? Not at all, because we have come to cherish each day instead of waiting for "the special ones" Does that rob us of a certain joy? Seems like it keeps us on more of an even keel. What do you think?
3.16.14
In The Bulb There is A Flower (Natalie Sleeth)
This hymn has become one of my favorites. But today's sermon at church had to do with those people who are still living in darkness. And, in conversation this past week, those of us with breast cancer AND our loved ones have been thrown in to a deep abyss. The Vacation Bible School theme this past summer was "Trust in God". It is hard for me to describe but these themes pull it all together for me, at least. They are all related, don't you see? It is difficult, like a slap in the face when some people put in the other sarcastic remarks. But we don't have to.
This hymn has become one of my favorites. But today's sermon at church had to do with those people who are still living in darkness. And, in conversation this past week, those of us with breast cancer AND our loved ones have been thrown in to a deep abyss. The Vacation Bible School theme this past summer was "Trust in God". It is hard for me to describe but these themes pull it all together for me, at least. They are all related, don't you see? It is difficult, like a slap in the face when some people put in the other sarcastic remarks. But we don't have to.
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