The News You've Waited to Hear

Interesting how life works. You attempt to do everything the right way, you stumble over someone else's missed step and you end up holding the empty bag.
Due to the fact my doctor was having heart issues and dangerous procedures on the day of my November appointment, my Surgery Coordinator will submit the papers we have but expects Aetna to say...No go...only five months of visits here...do another six months.
There ya have it. Now I better comprehend how insurance companies keep their hands on their money! lolol
Tune in tomorrow forrrrr 'the resttttt of the story!' Not that there is any...I'll let ya know when Aetna says nope.
Merry Christmas to All and to All .... alot of good, fattening, delicious foods!!! Yum and yum again!!

The Season to Remember

I have lots of first cousins, more second cousins and yes, thirds as well! Our family has always been 'close' over the years. It was just a Davis 'kinda thang' I guess. Forget the handshakes, we're a huggin' family. Doesn't matter how short or how long you've known us, get ready...you're going to be hugged!
Each summer (when I was a little girl) on the old Freedman dairy, we had cousins who'd come from the coast to visit! Bobby (Roubion) was one of the best. He'd come and he and Jim would hang out and work the 'wash barn' down the slight hill from the big 'ol white Parlor Barn.
They'd bring the cows in, stantion 7 or 8 at a time and run the wash rag over those big, full 'o milk bags, prepping the cows to walk the upward inclined ramp to fill a stantion and feed while the machine played a ryhtmical tune with them. The wash barn had exposed beams, old wood, tin, etc. and all the cousins and Jimmy carved their secrets and their names in those pieces.
One of the treasures that Bobby had rescued from that old dairy was one of the very old, rusty milk cans, with it's lid. And, one of the big milk filters that sat atop the can so the milk would funnel into the can.
I had known he had it in his garage for years. I'd beg, threaten and plead almost everytime I saw him. He and Ann lived in Clear Lake near Nancy and Donald...I was around them lots. (Probably more than they cared for!!! lolol) One day when mother and I stopped by Ann and Bob's house on our way home, he smiled and said, "I have something I want to give you." As I wondered what on earth would Bobby have for me, he opened the door to the double wide garage and smiled as he pointed at the antique milk can.
I was in shock! Yes, I took it. He didn't have to tell me twice. It now sits quietly in the front corner of my garage. And, everytime I look at it, I think of Bobby. He was diagnosed one January or February with lung cancer. It was a serious diagnosis with two or three tumors. They treated him for those and everyone held him in vigilent prayer.
It wasn't long until the cancer spread. On one of my stops by their house late that Spring, Bob looked at me, as he sat in his tv chair in the living room there, oxygen line on his face, the concentrator pumping it's rythmic pop and air sound...and he smiled a weak, sweet smile as he asked, "Pat, could you come spend some afternoons with Ann and me? Maybe watch tv with me and make me laugh some. When you're around you always make me smile and you always say funny things."
Touched by his words, I replied, "sure, I can do that, Bob." And, I did. I don't recall how many times I visited, but several. And, with each visit, I could see he had slipped a bit further the 'wrong way.' Towards September, his legs had become diminished and I would help Ann with him. We did watch tv...we sat and said nothing many afternoons, I went to his cancer doctor with them for treatment and I was there just to offer a chance of a smile.
You see, it's the holiday season and we remember so many things. We miss our loved ones and recant the things we did or the things we should have done. But, our lives move forward with a steadfast tempo and we stay the course for the next round.
Bob Roubion has a tremendous family he left behind. He and Ann have four children and many grandchildren these days.
He's just one more example of the Davis Legacy in our strong family. His mother, Aunt Lois, was so close to everyone...and, still is at age 98. No, she can't go freely or send cards or make phone calls. And, no, not all of us see her as frequently as we should, but, one more reason and example of the goodness of family.
There are many examples within the Davis Clan...Bobby was on my mind tonight as I thought of his smile and request for something so very simple. Would you come spend some time with me and make me smile.
It doesn't ever have to be complicated. And, sometimes in the hustle and bustle of every day rituals, I think many of us lose site of the real issue at hand. Slow down, share a smile and make someone (anyone) feel like a million dollars! I'm trying to do more of that these days.
I hope you will also. We've all walked a 'mile'...we've all nurtured our loved ones...and, we've all lost important people from our lives. They're never forgotten, but the lessons we learned from them are rich. As you ponder the season, the love and the things you've experienced, let go of the hassle and fretting the small stuff.
Enrich you life and that of another with a simple Random Act of Kindness. AFter you've done it, give yourself a smile and go to Starbucks!! Celebrate every day in some way...let the small aggravations fly!

How Time Flies

It's been a while since I wrote here. Life got busy, doctor's appointments were flying past me, interns needed to be observed and me...I just needed to hesitate. I've done the 'six month' thing with my PCP and weight management. I managed to lose about 12 pounds.
That was a difficult time and highly challenging to me metally and emotionally. Diet six more months and then go through surgery to reduce your tummy to the size of an egg. In other words, there's change on the horizon, but we want ya to walk a fine line before you arrive.
Oh, well. I did it...and, Christmas is upon us. And, I'm enjoying some of the old time favorites! I'm awaiting word now from the Surgery Coordinator regarding a date and pre-op appointments. I have no clue how rapid the eagles will fly now.
I do know that the past few weeks have been engaging. Dealing with schedules and tripping on a 'bug' that kicked my feet out from under me complicated the past week. But, it has passed and now I move on.
And, so, no epiphany this evening, no past memories or thoughts...just the joy of the season and preparing to travel to Tampa, Florida to spend Christmas week with Michael's kiddos. They are excited and can't wait for us to arrive. I do know the car will be tilted with all the packages and such. But, it'll get on down the highway!
The one thought that rocks in my mind tonight is of Grandma Davis. She ususally ended up at our country home prior to Christmas. We did it up in grand style from top to bottom and I think it was contagious. She enjoyed the excitement of the season. One sure thing was the fact that she would open all of her gifts several days before Christmas arrived.
You ask why?
She was sure she would not make it to Christmas Eve (again, every year). She lived with a weak heart, congestive heart failure and was always frail. But, we would bring her packages and surround her at the table to celebrate her 'take' at Christmas time.
There she'd sit...plaid, cotton dress, Daniel Greene slippers, her long silvery gray hair wound up in a knot on the back of her head and her wire rimmed glasses perched on her nose. Her hands were thin with maps of blood vessels running all over the top and her stockings were pulled just below the knee and wrapped in a knot that was then tucked up into the stretched top. Oh, and her pale blue sweater would grace her shoulders to keep the 'chill off'.
She always sat crocheting pretty little doilies. And, sometimes, she made larger things. But, those two weathered, worn hands could make those knitting needles sing ... although at a constant pace. She knew all of the patterns and everything always had a different twist to it.
By the time she passed...I was told she had read the Bible through every year for the past several. I would venture to say Grandma Davis had read the Bible at least 40 times in her life and maybe more. Her goal in life was to read through the Bible every year...and, there it lay beside her bed the night she passed.
Life was never easy or gentle for her...but her faith and her Christian foundation sure imprinted on her 10 children. Due to her strong character, love of family and hard work...the Davis family turned out kinda good!
So, thanks to a tremendous role model, mother, grandmother and more. I guess I'd have to say her song today could be the old 'Wind Beneath My Wings.' Because of her excellent/constant love of family, my mother passed all that on to us.
Be careful what you do and what you say...you shape someone's character every day!!

A Temendous Tooty

"What did he just say? Who is this person? How long does this last?" Those were all the comments flying around the Humble HS Auditorium on my first day In-Service as a new teacher there. The auditorium was packed to gills. Teachers, old, new, fat, skinny...restless...why are we trapped here in this uncomfortable chair?
And, then, after several boring people, the Assistant Superintendent walked to podium to give an elaborate intro to Ms. Tooty Byrd from Austin, Texas. Well, curious name, for sure. She's the Keynoter...sounds good. Okay, refreshed, refocused, bring her out!
Taaaa daaaaahhhhhhh there she was. She entered from stage left. Awe, man, who were they kiddin'? Was she 80 or a 100? She walked slowly across the stage, slowly lifted her prompts to the lecturn, laid her forearms across the wooden lecturn and engaged, "Hello, I'm Tooty Byrd." Her voice was 3 octives lower than a good man with a slow, steady Texas drawal. Speak that for second...it's funny. But, that was on purpose.
Yeah, yeah, we see ya...they fooled us. Teachers began pulling work out to put in their laps, scrambling for crossword puzzles, anything to ignore this little old lady on the stage.
Tooty stood about 5'3". She was somewhat plump, white hair, wavy all over her head, dressed very fine, and a voice that sounded just like...TOOTY BYRD!
Suddenly, she spoke. Her intro was dynamic and interesting. She was a counselor for many years in the Austin ISD. The goal of her speech was to light a fire under 1500 teachers, coaches, administrators and all. Slowly she began to set the 'hook' as she talked of her past.
Within minutes, we couldn't take our eyes off this little 'ol power packed, dynamic woman. Suddenly, we respected her and all the 'junk' disappeared from laps. Immediately she was making sense and speaking of real world stuff that had happened in her tenure as teacher/counselor.
She told stories that had us rolling in the floor with laughter as we wiped the tears from our eyes. Her stories were real and she had the knack to 'pull it off' in front of a huge crowd of disgruntled employees. As the laughter rolled, she segwayed into the heart thumper. She had us, now it was time for the real reason she was there.
She began to speak of a freshman boy that entered her high school. Tooty was, at that time, the Sophomore Counselor. The counselors there moved year by year with their grade level. They got them in ninth grade and took them to graduation.
All of the counselors' offices were housed in the hallway just beyond the main building entrance. It was that place where students could slip in a few minutes early if they chose and move to their lockers. I heard Tooty in 1981, so her experiences were from those days of goodness, trust and what do you mean 'a gang?' Those were the good days in the world of public education!!
A tall, slender Freshman boy walked past her door, early every morning. About the third day as he passed, she caught his glance as he looked in her doorway. As was her practice, she smiled and said, 'good morning. Have a good day!' The young man acknowledged her salutation every day of his life. It was as though he could not begin his day unless he walked past Tooty's office to hear a welcome from her.
The years passed, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior....and then in the middle of his Senior year, his familiar face was not walking past her door. She had never been his counselor but she wondered where he was. Did he move? Did he drop out? Was he ill?
Towards the end of that school year, the young man walked into her office and asked to speak with her. She welcomed him, curious to hear from him. They had shared smiles and good mornings for many months.
He began with, "I want to thank you." Tooty was surprised. "No need to thank me, I say good morning to lots of kiddos." His reply, "Ms. Byrd, for four years at this school, you have been the only adult to acknowledge I was alive. You have shared a smile and hello with me each time I've passed your open door. I want to thank you for encouraging me to graduate." Tooty was dumb struck. Where was he leading? All she had done was said 'good morning'.
She leaned across her desks, peering into his eyes and asked, "why are you saying this?" Without hesitation, he said, "my dad died in January of this year. He left my mom and three of us behind. I started to drop out because I needed to assume the man of the house role. But, I remembered you taking time each day to wish me a good day. Because of you, I chose to find work at night and continue here. I'm graduating with my class."
To hear Tooty share that story brought us to our knees. We had laughed at comical stories til the tears rolled, now, the tears rolled because our hearts were touched. Her kindness to a student she never knew or worked with had impacted his life.
You see, whether it's kids or adults, someone is always watching us and hearing what we say. Sometimes, it's the one in the back of the room with a newspaper stuck in his face. Be aware and share a good morning or hello with a smile.
The reason we were all humbled with her Keynote Speech was because she stood for the real reason teachers should be in the classroom. It's not about the money or the time off (they all work two and three extra jobs)...it's about the kids.
Thus, I took that little 'ol Tooty Byrd's message to heart and went into the first day fired up to the nines. I was always thankful that I was one of the teachers in Texas privileged to hear her.
She impacted me, changed my thinking about the classroom and instilled tremendous desire to positively affect students.
I can't tell you how many students received a smile and a 'hi, have a great day' from me at Humble Middle School. Ihad the best room in the building...back corner across from the amphitheatre and the exit door to the buses. I stood in that hallway between every class and threw hello to many faces.
It's never too late to bring 'light' into someone's day. I hope many of us are doing on a regular basis. We have family and friends facing challenges, dealing with health issues and much more. It's not necessary to know every detail of our friends/family, but it is necessary to pause once in a while and say 'hello'...it makes a difference!
As I departed the auditorium that day, I carried some important tools with me that Tooty handed off...respect, courage, kindness, patience, honor, hard work and more. Building blocks of character. They made me who I am today and hopefully, made some impressions on many students who walked through my door over the years.
Building blocks of life = a strong foundation. Due to that...one day closer, one day stronger. I can do Lap Band! Have a good day!

They Impacted My Life

Somehow, through the halls of Junior High School, it became appearant to me that I would be a teacher. Why? I'm not sure. There was Mrs. Yancy (6th grade) who couldn't keep her left bra strap up on her shoulder. Her continuous motion of reaching across to reset that strap drove me crazy! 7th grade, Mrs. Kitchens...Social Studies. She knew her stuff, held my attention and actually taught me some stuff.
As I reflect today, however, two dynamic individuals made wide treadmarks on my life. For some reason through third grade, I hated school, was fearful of 'them' and wished to be at home, on the farm. But when I entered fourth grade, a blessing walked into my life. It was Mrs. Brode. She was elegant, kind, patient and so very nurturing. Somehow she knew how to warm your heart and enable you to engage at peace. I never feared her, her classroom or her assignments. It was just a safe harbor for me every morning of the fourth grade year. She impacted my young life and earned my love.
Second tremendous teacher (and I've written of her in the past) was Mrs. Mabel Legg, Senior English at LaVega High School. She was LaVega High School. She stood perhaps 5'4", slightly rounded shoulders, gray hair pulled back, loosely, and she appeared as gentle and kind as my grama Davis. Her thin, wire rim glasses hugged her face and her pale blue sweater graced her shoulders. She was slight in frame and moved gently about the classroom. She had a Teacher's Edition, but it was just for looks! Mrs. Legg had that entire text book memorized. Simply amazing and truly something to witness as we moved through our Literature book.
Those two teachers planted the vision within me to become an educator. Notice I said 'educator'. I believe the 'best' teachers in the world were/are those who are educating the whole child. They are not simply teaching a lesson for the day to earn one more dollar..they are teacher, counselor, surrogate parent, friend, safety and so much more to the student. I'm speaking especially about the K-8 grade level.
Once I entered the 'realm' of the classroom, I had a personal mission to impact childrens' lives. Many students arrived on campus all together and 'with it' for the day. They came from solid homes, sound parents and a life that enriched them at different levels. Those kiddos were energized and could be strong assistants in a classroom, creating a dynamic climate and culture for the period. We were in 'learning mode'.
Other students arrived at the door in bits and pieces, tired, hair needing a good wash, scruffy looking in their clothes and totally confused about life in general. Those were the students who needed a safe harbor to land in once a day. That was one of my most important goals as a classroom teacher. Create an inviting environment, engage in learning and share some smiles throughout.
They say if you hear from one student throughout life that says 'thank you' for being my teacher...you have experienced success. I often wondered about that until the day Karen Donnelly walked into my office at Connally Jr. High.
As I lifted my eyes from my desktop to see if someone had crept in behind me, I was somewhat startled. There was this beautiful young lady, standing with a sweet smile across her lips. Her blue eyes twinkled and she lifted a finger as she pointed at me saying, "you don't remember me, do you Coach Freedman? You were always so bad at names!" Well, that was true. But, there was something about her and the voice.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightening flew across my gray matter. B A M!! I said, very cautiously, "Karen Donnelly? Is that you?" She shook her head and the smile broadened as she bent over to hug my neck. I was completely in shock and awe. Had she come to 'do me in' or what?
Karen played basketball for me and ran track...7th/8th grade. She ran the 880 which was two laps around the track. I put her through challenging workouts daily, she had to meet certain times at various points of her runs. But, she was a strong minded gal. One day she didn't care for her workout and walked to middle of the football field to fall face down kicking and flailing arms as she cried/screamed I hate track.
Calmly... I walked towards her and began to encourage her to (save her life) stand up, get control and go on to the dressing room. Her workout was over before it started that day. With hesitance she went, frequently throwing glances back over her shoulder at me and the other coaches running workouts from the starting line.
That weekend, she made her move for retaliation. We were at Gatesville HS, Junior High Track Meet. Karen was an eighth grader. I had her warmed up and primed...reminded her to be on her toes and get in the right 'heat' as they called them out. There she stood, on the football field, a few yards back from the starting line. Where was I? I was leaning on the fence down at the final turn with stop watch in hand. I timed my kids as they ran their heats to know where we were.
I heard, "Runners to your marrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkk, Readdddyyyyyy, BAMMMM" and they were off. It was a flying first 220 around the first curve and on to the final curve. There I stood in disbelief. Karen Donnelly was flying...awesome...great time...big 'ol smile on her face as shouted, "See, Coach, I told you how good I was, you shoulda listened at practice." She threw her hand up and waved at me and I smiled awaiting her second turn around that final curve. As she waved the second time, I shouted, "great job, be sure and tell them you are an 8th grader though, you're in the 7th GRADE HEAT!!"
As she slowed and almost stumbled, I added...."And, Karen, finish the race...do not stop!!!" She finished, she had great dislike for me for a couple of weeks and finally, her parents relocated. Bye-bye!
Five years later, there she stood. Finally I said, "what brings you here Karen? We didn't always agree, did we?" She smiled and replied in a somewhat humble tone of voice, "No, I threw tantrums and didn't always listen. But, we left here and moved to Spring, Texas. I ran track there, Coach, and I have a scholarship to college now." I was elated to hear that...before I could respond, she added, "I've come back to say Thank You. You were tough on me...but because of you, I was successful." Those were tremendous comments and compliments. She was the first of three throughout my career to acknowledge "I made a difference."
At retirement, they made a special Book of Memories. I'm not sure about you, but I always wondered after everything, how'd I do? One of the Assistant Principal's in the district wrote the following to me:
"Pat - Best, best wishes for a grrreatt retirement! I'm sure you will begin a new career (doing something) because it's hard to keep you off of the track and not giving something a 100% whether it's a job, a cause, a service, etc. You always do a good job at whatever you do - your people skills are sincere and very strong, as well. Character Ed. is a valuable tool in education and thanks to you, it is a strong program among us!
Thanks for all of these years!" Love, MD
I had arrived. I'd been there, done that and perhaps gave it 'my bestest shot'! There were other kind remarks, but those individuals were sincere folks...not game players. I tried. I loved it. I earned the 'formula' and I changed directions.
Backgrounds, family experiences, friends and life experiences enable us to travel our destinations. Some are done well and some, perhaps we could have done a little better.
I'm one day closer to surgery. One day closer to Lap Band. One day closer to serious life change. One day closer to a new phase of my life.
Perhaps in late January, I'll be reflecting upon the experience of surgery. But, through it all, when I pause and let my mind roam, I find niches of my past that bring me back to a complete 5'8" and allow me to go again.
I hope someone in your life made a tremendous impact on you. More so, I hope you have told someone 'thank you' for caring. It's never too late to make a 'mark' on someone's day. Think about it...what will you say?

Back to the Roots...Where I Come From

I mentioned my wonderful gramma Davis. Her full name, Nancy Elizabeth Davis...married John Franklin Davis. Through the years, I spent time sifting through the past with mother and asked many questions. She was one of ten phenominal children, next to last in the long line.
Her name, Martha Lucille Davis Freedman...married James William Freedman. As a baby, her name was Lucille Davis. She said, "I always loved the name of Martha. When I was a little girl, I asked mama if we could add that to my name." Obviously, the answer was yes. Over the birth of many nephews and nieces, one of her favorites was named after her and called by Martha all of her life.
Mother's sister, Lois, always known as the 'matriarch' of the Davis Clan had two nieces named after her. At reunions, one of the fun and 'could not forget to do things' was for the Martha's and the Lois's to have their picture made together.
Our family was built on love that thread itself deep inside and out over the course of time. If you met us...we hugged you. If you joined the Davis Clan...we hugged you. If you bumped into us in town...we hugged you. When you arrived at the reunion...yep...WE HUGGED Y O U!!!
I loved hearing of my mother's childhood. She grew up in the depression...one pair of shoes for the year. When she was in elementary school, she stayed in trouble. Dancing was her fascination. Told by her, she'd get up on the table and dance, dance across the floor at school and dance anytime she had the chance. What happened...you wonder. She danced a hole in the sole of her one pair of shoes! That's what happened.
The stories of 'cotton pickin' days were always intriguing to me. Each child began the picking grind when they turned 6. My mother was not a strong 6 year old. So, two brothers, Clarence and Alvin, positioned her between them as they went down row after row of cotton during the heat of each day. She picked everything, junk, vines, whatever her small hand (gloved, of course) could grab in a hurry. The two brothers would toss some of their picks into her bag as well. They drug the long sack behind them with the rope handle positioned over one shoulder. Their goal each day, as guided by Papa, 60 pounds.
Come the end of the day, the cotton wagon was perched at the end of the pasture...the old mule waiting patiently as he dozed. Each of the siblings had to take their bag of cotton, toss it over the sides of the wagon and prep the wagon for the cotton mill where it was weighed and tallied. For Lucille, her brothers always tossed her load first and then quickly emptied their pick of the day over the top. Why? They were covering for her. Remember, she picked trash and all. Papa would not have been a happy papa had he known that.
Each of the children had one pair of overalls, one pair of sox and one pair of pickin' boots. The boots were high calfed and laced from the toe to the top. The girls all wore handkerchiefs over the tops of the heads, under their floppy brimmed hats. They wanted to keep their fair, ivory skin just that way!
The story goes that each evening when they hit the house, they changed their clothes and laid them over a chair or something in the corner, out of the way of the main traffic. When the morning light broke through the windows, they were up and at it again. Sometimes the overalls were dry, sometimes they were still damp. Nevertheless, they had to be worn. EEwweeee. She always swore if they were dry, by the end of the week they 'could stand in the corner alone!'
Those children grew up in a time where they had to create their fun. No television, no bowling alleys, no this or that. Some of the games they played on a typical summer day went like this: Red Rover Red Rover; Pop the Whip; Tin Around the House, Kick the Can and many, many other games. An artesian filled lake was positioned not too far from their house...many hours were spent there in a boat.
Back in those days, church supers were a fun event. Those gatherings represented a combination of food, fellowship and fun. It was always, one great social! Grama Davis cooked pies, fried chicken, made salads..and all the other mothers did the same things. As I was told, "we ate the best of all foods. The tables wore festive cloths and iced tea was served in fruit jars. There were tubs of sodas, swimming in ice!" Now, what kid wouldn't enjoy those fellowships?
To me, our Christmas was always enchanting, exciting, delightful and just fun! We began after Thanksgiving and shopped til we dropped, wrapped packages, put up our tree and planned our meals. That all occurred between the candy baking!
For my mother...their Christmas was also a festive time. She recanted, "When I was very little, I remember the secrecy and excitement in the air. Mama made pies and cakes for Christmas. Her specialty was Lemon Pie. The scent of lemon pie always makes me remember the long bench in our kitchen with all the pies cooling."
"We did not have a Christmas tree, but on Christmas Eve, we each chose a chair for Santa Claus to leave our presents on. We hung our stocking over the chair back and on Christmas morning, they were filled with fruit and nuts. Our gifts were in the chair and around the chair. We always found the scuff marks from Santa's sleigh in our fireplace. Papa was always sure to make the marks in the heavy soot on the back wall of the fireplace before he went to bed!!"
As said by my mother, "Christmas was just another celebration that bonded us with love and appreciation of the things mama and papa did for us throughout our lives." Strange, that's exactly how I feel about my childhood.
Thus, when I have spoken about strong Christian family, how I grew up and more, now you have a backdrop to encompass those memories. Were we rich? Nah. Did we travel the world? Nah. Did we eat Green Eggs and Ham? Nah. But we shared life, built a strong foundation and launched myself and my brother into life careers of our choosing.
As for Christmas at our house...Jim was a driving force for the grand finale. We all lived it, loved it and couldn't wait for it to come again. In my final years as an Instructional Coordinator, I drove the others on my floor wild. A couple of years in a row, when mid-October arrived, I began to put my Christmas CD's on. They would kick and scream for a while..and, then. I'd hear them humming Christmas songs.
Strength, communication, cooperation, respect and hard work with a dash of pride forged this kid prior to stepping into the big, real world.
Have I given back? I think so. Family, friends and a lot, a lot of students who walked into my classroom. For some of them it was perhaps the only hug they got in a day, a week, a month or a year. But, it didn't cost a thing and, perhaps, it gave them a small piece of goodness that thrust them forward for one more day!
Weight has always been my challenge. Now, the wait is my challenge. But, preparing for a new life change has opened new doors to me. I knew I liked writing...but, I never knew I loved writing. It's good to see your own thoughts flow onto the page. And, who knows? it may offer a smile to someone else.
Someone once said,
"Life is a song - sing it.
Life is a game - play it.
Life is a challenge - meet it.
Life is a dream - realize it.
Life is a sacrifice - offer it.
Life is love - enjoy it."
How ya doin' in Life 101 today?

Whatchu Talkin' 'Bout, Willis?

Our big 'ol white house on the hill was our home. It was a Welcome Mat to anyone choosing to walk through the doorway. It provided plenty of space for guests, birthday celebrations, holiday fun and meals and so much more.

Until my folks bought me a 1964 Ford Fairlane, I rode the bus to school. I can think back to my younger days, grabbing the last bite of breakfast and flying through the front screen door, pitter pattin' down a bunchhhhh of steps to the front yard and then going into burst of speed mode to arrive on the side of the country gravel road as Mr. Worrell pulled up and screeched #25 to a halt!

His gruff 'mornin' and why are you late again, greeted me as the wheels slowly pulled forward. Now, Mr. Worrell didn't care for me, 'cause I was country. I didn't care for him 'cause he was McGruff. More than once we exchanged thoughts about our farm. He never did win one of those arguments. Imagine that.

Those were the days of skirts, sweater tops, bobby socks and penny loafers. And, to enhance the skirts, we wore no less that 8 ruffled petticoats 'neath those skirts. Geeze...back in the day, pants/slacks were not the 'in' thing for us. But, I managed and my favorite of all skirts (made by my sweet mother) was a pink 'poodle' skirt. How cute was I???

At the end of the school day, we'd mess around out front of the high school, not injure anyone and watch the cars leave the parking lot. Finally, here'd come 'ol slow #25...my ride for the day, again. And, McGruff in his usual 'here we go again'...out to the country. Hey, if it hadn't been for kids like me, he wouldn't have had a job!!

In the house on the hill, I had the front bedroom. It was large, with three huge windows there. I was the 'hot box' kid of the clan, thus, one of two huge air conditioner units was placed in my window. At night I'd slide the bar down to freeze and drift off to dreamland. One of the huge windows was to the right of my bed...and, I was always safe. Rip (my devoted German Shepherd) slept on the front porch by the front door and my window all night til the wee hours of morning.
He had his routine of bounding off the porch and making his circle of the farm. By the time daddy hit the back door to go milk, Rip would be back in place like nothing had happened.
That was okay, until any morning he had crossed paths with a SKUNK!! I don't know how the skunck faired, but whether he lived or died, his revenge wafted into our nasal cavities! Ewwweee. Yuck 'o duck. I was always the lucky one who needed to take the vinegar and ketchup and rub him down. Double EEEWWWWEEEEE.

Now Rip wasn't the only one to smell of skunk at our home. I remember back when I was maybe 4 or 5 and Jimmy (my brother) was 12 or 13. He and a favorite cousin, Eddie, had spent Sunday afternoon roaming the farm. Obviously, they thought it would be fun to chase a skunk. Yeoww. The skunk won. They came home smellin' to high heaven and none of us wanted to be near them. No! I did not rub him down with vinegar and ketchup!! That Sunday night we went to church at old Concord Church. I seem to recall the youth sat up in the choir loft on that Sunday night...and, yep...there sat Jimmy and Eddie! Top row, all alone...no one near them! They stunk! Like skunk!!

For many years, we had a maid that came every week and cleaned our home. One of the most memorable was 'ol Clemmie! She was a trip and she was destined to train 'Pat' to be neat and organized. NOT! I'd come through the house and I'd hear Clemmie cut loose with, 'Ms. Pat come hea a minute, child.' Come, I did to see what was happening. She'd open my huge closet and show me how neat and orderly she had arranged EVERYTHING! Sweet Clemmie would give me a sermon on 'how to' and I'd smile and say, 'ok, Clemmie, I'll do better!' NOT.

Now our dad hand raised our beef. We had a 300# freezer that sat on the small back porch. It stayed full of Ribeyes, T-bones, roasts and more. Anytime we had just brought a load home from the butcher, as Clemmie would leave, she's smile and ask, "Ms. Lucille, you gots any brain or kidneys in this hea freezer? I knows ya'll don't eat dat stuff."

If we did have those very special and tender organ meats (aaarrrggghhh), mother would put the packages in a brown bag and hand it to her. Of course, she got some great cuts of meat, as well. Not only did that freezer serve her well and us, but Jim and Sandy were married and on their own. They came about every weekend from Waxahachie or where ever he was Education Director and when they left, they left will sack fulls of beef. I've heard him tell of his pastor, Sam Tullock, inviting them over for a bologna sandwich one Sunday after church. Jim's reply was, "well, thanks, we can't come and we can't afford bologna. We have to go home and eat Ribeye and T-bones."

Yep, those were the days. How's my closet today? A mess. Where's Clemmie? LOL. How's my car? Great...somewhat nicer than a 1964 Ford Fairlane. How's my freezer? Fair, but not filled with home grown anything! How's life? Challenging, sometimes frantic, other times steady and slow. How's my blood pressure? Perfect these days.

At times when I am moving at warp speed, have too much spinning in my head and can not slow down, I pause and reflect on some favorite sights and sounds from the past. The pasture, that ran perpindicular to the haybarn and calf pasture, had a gentle slope to it's landscape. I loved the springtime when the grass grew over that pasture. It was tall, rich and lusch. I loved to go flop in a spot, spread my arms out side to side and lay quietly to watch the puffy white clouds drift along on a breeze. That was a pause, as a kid, to lie in nature's arms and dream about...whatever I wanted.

One other favorite sight was after a storm. I could walk out onto the huge front porch and raise my eyes to sweep the slope of the front yard, across the gravel road, down the long hill into the bottom and way beyond to creek line and trees. There, you'd see a most gorgeous rainbow glow for many minutes. That was our 'SIGN'. The storm was over, we were safe again. Life could resume.

Those are the things that enrich each day now for me. I'm one day closer to Lap Band surgery. One day closer to life change forever. One day closer to a new beginning. I hope everyone is one day closer to something. It doesn't have to be a health 'thing'...I hope there's something on the horizon of your life that brings you into focus at least once a day.

Life has a way of leading us through the portals. It is our choice to follow, turn away or run through with zestful youthfulness to see what's there. Enjoy each day and live it to the fullest. I wish everyone 'green lights' and 'blue skies' with every new dawn. And, while you are moving forward, do something kind this week for a stranger. Random Acts of Kindness are gifts that require no more than compassion and creativity!

Celebrate life today.

Don't Mess with My Old, BFF's

This week's been interesting. Suddenly, email opened, a stranger has responded to an old LaVega classmate's comments regarding politics and today's situations...and bzzzzzzz. I reacted. Why? Let's just say when the remainder of our 110 graduates from the Class of '67, LaVega High School, has managed to stay connected this many years (via email)...ya don't take cheap shots from the 'nosebleed section!'
A stranger who knows nothing about us managed to launch some 'not so nice' labels and then moved on into the world. I responded and I did it for the intruder to prove a point. All of us went out into the world to do many things in life. Many of us attended colleges and universities, many of us did not. That doesn't matter. Success is success labeled with the same spelling and it didn't/does not require higher education for all.
I've had that on my mind today because I feel I jumped, reacted and shared insights that may have somehow insulted some of my fellow LVHS grads. That was not my intention at all. I just wanted the stranger to 'butt out' of our class communique and move on to her own territory where she does know people, places and things.
As I have thought about the comments back and forth, the world's situation and the price of gas (falling, finally)...I paused to ponder...why am I so focused on all of these issues? I have a major life change just around the corner and it's deep and wide. Of course, I become less wide once it's done and that's a positive.
Daily, in the back of my mind, my thoughts trail ahead in the scheme of time. It's saying..last Thanksgiving feast, last Christmas with all the goodies, last chance to eat Mexican food, etc. At least it hasn't registered The 'Last Supper'!! Whew! That's a good thing.
Imagine this...you are going to be required to consume 65 grams of protein a day after surgery. Now that's amazing, you think. How so? It comes in mixes, in round tubes you can carry in your purse, in the form of prepped protein ready to swallow, etc. Now, those 65 grams have to channel through a one ounce pouch. OUCH! You mean I can no longer consume all those things which do not eat me first? Awe, mannnnn.
But then, a brighter light ignites in the gray matter. Imagine down the road, -30, -60, -100...now that's something to ponder. Go figure! Me...minus another person! Yeee hawww! Let's do it.
Nothing is impossible. We live life. We face challenges. We defend our old classmates. We SURVIVE! I've done it once, can do it again. As I sat and thought about 'stuff' today, I thought of my sweet, sweet gramma Davis. Nancy Elizabeth Davis.
She was mother of 10 children in the days of depression. They had an Uncle Charlie that lived with them for a long time. She prepared three square meals a day, made the bread and desserts for every meal...and then, cleaned up to do it all again. She was a remarkable woman.
In her later years, she struggled with congestive heart failure and lived with her children for months at a time. I delighted in her time 'with us' in the country. She had long, silver hair that was wound up in a tight little knot on the back of her head. Her soft, blue eyes would look at you and her thin lips would curve into a smile that said, "I love your heart. Spend some time with me."
Gramma spent all of her days lying down on the bed with a fancy foot pillow under her ankles. She propped her feet 24/7 to help with the edema she experienced. If you wanted to play, she was there. If you needed a hug, she was there. If you needed a friend and maybe some quiet time, she was there. Karram, Go Fish, Old Maid...all games that she'd play til the cow's came home.
Her love overflowed and her love for family was beyond all others. She had birthed today's DAVIS CLAN (what we called ourselves each summer at reunions) and had survived life. I was thirteen when she passed. My heart was broken, but life moved on.
When I pause and remember those days, I can see her frail outline, dressed in the soft blue plaid seersucker dress in summer. I can recall the Daniel Green slippers that nestled her feet and the soft handkerchief she held all the time. Her hankies always had flowers on them and they were just a part of her. When she walked to the car for a doctor's visit or to come out to our farm, she walked with someone on either side of her, holding her frail arms and guiding her every step.
She depended on us. She trusted us. She loved us.
Remembering her adds to my confidence in this ROUND TOIT deal I have on-going. I am not frail. I can walk, bowl, drive and cause trouble at all hours of the day. I have strength, courage (I'm working on as I type) and a strong will to be the best at whatever. Thus, challenging, but doable.
I feel that everyone is capable of accomplishing all things they set their minds to do. It takes effort, thought, process and purpose. I have all of the specialists lined up in my half-court, waiting for the time to pass when I have met Aetna's required six month requirement in December. All I have to do is DO IT!!
In the meantime...I will probably react again, if a stranger takes on an old BFF. I certainly would react if it were my family. What would I do differently? Perhaps think 15 seconds longer before I react.
Oh, one of our classmates responded saying perhaps we should just go back to giving information, events, etc. My response was why? We all have the power to make a choice and act on it. In this day and age of computers and keyboards, it's described with six letters...
D E L E T E. Problem solved!

The Horse with A Roman Nose

Yes, actually, that's a true statement. That horse had a longer looking head and as it narrowed to his muzzle, the angle began to curve slightly downward. What a special looking horse! NOT!
I didn't care for them at all...I wanted a beautiful horse who could run like the wind. And, I got him. Rounding the last curve to approach our house on the hill out in the country, I sat next to the window on Bus #25! Yep, rode that dumb bus for many years.
Mr. Worrell drove it. He obviously didn't like the country ( I'm not sure he liked anything or anybody ) and I got on his nerves! Go figure! On my 9th birthday, we rounded that curve and as he pulled to a grinding halt in the middle of the gravel road, I lifted my eyes up the driveway and exploded!
Standing with a brand new saddle, blanket and bridle was the most gorgeous paint gelding I'd ever seen! WOW! My hundred petticoats 'neath my royal blue skirt bounced up and down as my Penny Loafers carried me like the wind.
That boy was tied to the white rail fence beside the mailbox. As I ran, dropped books and screamed in delight, daddy came bouncing out of the dairy barn to meet me.
He said, "Happy Birthday, daughter. He's a 3 year old gelding I bought from Bill Swanner." I didn't care...I jumped in the saddle and rode off down the road. The name of the gift became Commanche. Wrong choice, for he lived up to his name.
Basically, he was 'green broke' ... meaning broke to ride, sort of. He had a long way to go, baby. The next day I entered the pasture and caught him, clipped my lead line to his halter and led him to the garage to saddle him. He wasn't happy. I didn't care.
I led him out into the drive and placed my left foot in the stirrup. Once aboard, we turned to head out the drive for a day's pleasure. Not to be. Commanche, remember? He began to 'crow hop' (meaning just kicking both back feet up a little into the air) and then, he began to buck. Small buck, but buck.
Jim was home (my brother) and he came and got on that beautiful, dumb horse! Dumb because he didn't realize what a great home he would have!! lolol and, ME!
I stood and watched as Jim rode that gelding down the pasture hill to the bottom land. There was a 'slew' of water that ran and long way through the middle of the far pasture there. He kicked that horse into high gear and rode him to death. Round and round the slew, across the slew and wore him down.
When Commanche came walking up the drive, he'd had IT. So, I got to jump on and enjoy riding then.
The most fascinating part of that entire scenerio? My brother didn't give a whistle over horses! But, for the next few weeks, he'd ride the horse down so I could get on. One day I decided to just ride. Wrong choice.
I had Commanche in the calf pasture. I'm glad, it was a softer landing. Remember, I'm 9 years old. I thought I was Annie Oakley, but I was just me. He bucked, I hit the ground, the tears came and I grabbed the reins and led him to the barn. My dad was milking cows, had his tall rubber boots on and said, lead him through here and give him to me.
Now, he was angry with the horse...forgot his boots were wet from cow, uhhh, stuff and water...my stirrups were my length (he was 6' tall)...and, he stepped into the saddle. Wrong formula. The horse bucked, the slippery boots flew out of the very short stirrups and my dad hit the ground. He led the horse back to me and said, 'he'll be sold this week." End of Commanche's life on our farm.
Sold him. Found a nine year old gelding that was as gentle as a breeze, brought him home and loved him for years. I write of the farm often, but after all, I didn't leave the farm until age 23. We had many tremendous experiences on the farm and of course, we were shaping our lives.
I credit parents, always, for their love and strong values passed on to us. But, I also love the old days we were privileged to experience. Young folks will never know about stopping to buy a bottled drink out of the ice chest in the store. They'll never dig under the cushions for one more penny or nickel to complete the deal so everyone in the car can have a soda. A loaf of bread for a quarter; a hamburger for a quarter; a bag of chips for a nickel; a mound of groceries in the basket every Saturday for a whopping $35; a ride through Cameron Park and picnics under the giant, old oak trees and so much more.
We ran, chased, played, studied and passed Life 101 back then. Baby Boomers we are...but, I wouldn't have it any other way. Life was slower, more enriched and robust with experiences. We didn't fear drive-by shootings, robbery on the parking lot or worse. And, in those days, we rarely locked our doors. There was trust, integrity, love, patience and more.
Did we know our neighbors? Certainly. Would we be there for them, of course. Life was an entirely different level back in our days. And, from all of that Essence of Life, I learned to be independent, assertive, caring and respectful of all. If you hesitate and think about it, our era steeped us in all the 'right stuff'! It's difficult to be obnoxious or rude, disrespectful or discourteous and, that makes me proud.
Parents, aunts and uncles and goodest 'ol grammas...carved some good folks out of us. I'm facing one more huge change in my life. I bet some of you have and will, as well. Aren't ya glad we have inner strength to pull us through and...for me? My faith in the Lord steeps me in comfort, calm and the ability to face medical challenges now. I'm not sure how a non-believer gets through ordeals, tragedy and loss, but I'm thankful I do have Him on my side!!
Pause and have a cup of coffee as you reflect on your past. Don't sit and think of the wrong things, the bad events or the worst times in your life. Reflect on the positives, the celebrations and the victories you had as a family. Sometimes, we do need to JUST SIT AND THINK! Would you like cream and sugar?

Country Girl Meets a Farmer

It's time to 'catch up' on the events in the life of a Lap Band candidate of the year!! I had to see my PCP yesterday (end of the month, ya know) and weigh in and talk and smile! Finally a better report...-6 pounds! He was happy and, so was I!
Leaving his office, I walked to the other end of the hall and entered the Baylor College of Med Cardiology Department. I was to see Dr. Farmer for the first time.

He was nice, laid back, calm, and sorta looked like an older Papaw to me! But, he made this 'chicken girl' feel more at ease. I have great anxiety (cowardness) when I meet new doctors. They're all looking for something. WRONG! Yipes. I knew he'd get close and personal!
Following our long chat, I was off to the back area for an echo cardiogram and an EKG. It was arduous. A very small framed, tiny woman did the echo. I didn't realize someone that small could almost push an instrument straight through to my backbone. OUCH AND OUCH AGAIN! Yep, bruised and sore as can be today.
She was tiny, I was, well, not tiny! She was sure I was dying. I knew I was not. She didn't think I could take it. Fooled her. She ended up and had a nurse come and shoot dye in my veins. I wanted to shoot her!! The nurse flipped when she stuck the OSAT thingy on my index finger.
Oops, it's only 82. She said, "I need to put oxygen on you." I said, "you're right. Make that 3 liters to go, please and I'll behave myself." She smiled and nodded as if to say, "you don't realize it, but you slipping away...you'll probably be gone by the time the test ends!" Now that was funny!
She put oxygen on me and then she said, "Wow, right back up!" I said, "to what is it?" (I already knew) Her reply, "unbelievable, 98% !!" Finally, she relaxed! It truly was comical. But, they don't get too many goofed up big girls like me, I'm sure!
Got the doctor's phone call this afternoon. I was sweatin' bullets. They made me decide something was wrong! He said, "I have a good report on you!" Well, blow me over! I was so happy!!! There is no kind of leakage with any of the valves and the pressures are all good!
He is sending a letter to my surgeon stating I'm good to go! And, he's glad for the Lap Band...he says all will be even better and the heart won't work as hard. YA THANK??!! I already done figgered that out mysef!!!!!
Anyhow, comes November and December and then....dom, dom da dom, dom da dom da dom da dommmmmmmmm! S u r g e r y!!
So, we've invited my family here for Thanksgiving (traditional, my request) and we are going to Michael's daughter's home for Christmas in Tampa. Gotta celebrate and enjoy prior to....dom, dom da dom, dom da dom da dom da dommmmmm!!
We treated ourselves to a new Chinese Buffet place here today. We got a Seafood something off the buffet. Michael took his first bite and said, "I'm not sure what that was, it was too chewy. But, I see you have one to." Oh great, I'm thinking as I look at that whatever it was. So, I forked it and flew it between my lips and over the teeth and began to chew. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? It got bigger and more rubbery and bigger and more rubbery. He began to laugh and finally, I grabbed my nappy and nested that THING in the napkin.
Me thinks it was calamari...cut larger and musta been an old fella when they caught him. Tough old thang. Anyhow, a nice lunch and then we went and bought two different kinds of palm trees. We're landscaping and doing the tropical look. IT IS SO COOL!
And, so...tonight, I'm chillin' and bangin' this keyboard. I'm getting better at facing new doctors. My blood pressure is very good when they pump it up. A good beginning. I guess as we get older, we decide, what the hey. Whatever is, is. There's not a lot we can do about it. I'm so glad to be this age and have all the hoopla behind me.
We're older, perhaps wiser (perhaps not), we're retired so we can say or do whatever we wanna, many of us have blue decals for handicap!!!...mine's on my license plate these days and some of us are old enough for the Senior price at Denny's!! Hey, that's livin'!!
Now, what will this old, fat chick decide do to tomorrow? Shhhhhhh. I'll never tell!

Sunday Afternoon Football

My daddy watched football til the cows came home! No, really...till he had to milk those girls!! After he sold the dairy, no question about Sunday afternoons, it was football, coffee and small talk. Mother was right there as well. And, as a widow, she watched football games in the fall, basketball playoffs, baseball all the time and loved to watch Tiger Woods on the golf course!!
With the cool Fall weather here upon us, it's easy for me to think of those 'goodest 'ol days' when life was just life! One of the first impressions that surfs through the empty spaces in my head is the picture of the lazy bottom that lay out in front of the house. You had to cross the gravel road, drive, ride or run down the lazy hill to get into the pasture part and then, nothin' but space.
Our big white house had a huge front porch, painted gray. You could sit on the top step and stare out over the land and dream anything you wanted. Now when I did that, Rip was right there wondering what I was thinking. He was a most faithful German Shepherd and smarter than most.
There was a tank in the right lower pasture there. We hosted wiener roasts, hayrides, sing alongs and anything else you can think of. My brother, Jim, would bring Golden Wave Band members out to the farm for different things. We always had church groups out for hayrides and wiener roasts and...when family came from the coast, there were times we shared that same fun event with all of them.
Our house had 10' ceilings and daddy and I guess, Jimmy had helped...converted the long open hallway into a nice living room area. We picked out pale green shag carpet for that floor and who would have ever guessed? The most unusual, but fun, group to watch sit all over that floor and furniture were the Kappa Kappa Psi members from the Baylor band.
Jim would have them out for the Academy Awards night. Mother would prepare food, they would all begin arriving and me? I was a silly teenager who stared and picked out all the cute ones!!
Those guys came from some ultra rich families and homes from all over the place, but when they hit our living room...they were more at home than most. It didn't matter that the drive was somewhat lengthy to get out there. It didn't matter that the smell of a dairy hit your senses as you drove up the long drive. It didn't matter that we were 'country folk'...all that mattered was laughter, fun, the warmth of our home open to them and good times they all spent watching our little 29" or whatever size tv we had.
Life as we grew up was simple compared to the chaos and challenges of today's world. Many days I thank my lucky stars to have been a baby boomer for those days were truly the GOOD 'OL DAYS! We played games, went to movies, went to fellowship and went to school. Succeeding was high on our lists because we didn't want to let our parents down.
Our parents had expectations for our lives. They talked to us, they supported our choices and they cheered when we graduated from LaVega High School. They'd have it no other way back then.
The past couple of weeks have offered some moments of frustration for me. I've had the eye surgeries...doing fine. I'm recooperating and seeing interns. But, in the back of my mind, the clock is ticking a bit faster over January's approach. The month of January issues in a an entire new spin on my life. I find myself wondering if I'm ready for this change? What am I really made of?
On those days I know I'm thinking far too much (most of them), I make me slow down and remember the good times. And suddenly, I wonder about those folks who have no good times to fall back on? What do they do?
I can't solve those thoughts...I can just sits and thanks about 'em. I do know that the family/friends connection sure makes a difference. No, I don't hear from people every day...sometimes it's long periods of time in between. But when I do hear from them it's neat to know they are thinking about me and wishing good things for me.
Foundation. That's what we all have by this time. Life's foundation. It came from elementary, junior high (barf) and high school. Some of those teachers I despised an some I worshiped...Mabel Legg...she was the bestest of the restest!
I hope this week smooths out and runs like a mercedes...but, it may not. I do know that each day and week now brings me closer to my new challenge. Thank goodness I will be asleep for the carving party!
I've spent today catching up in the house. Laundry, vacuuming, dusting, etc. etc etc. Clutter drives me crazy and I need something to do anyway. In some of the past critical times with my sweet mother and her health...you could even find me ironing in the middle of the night!
That's right. It sort of became the 'joke' about me in a crisis! Make me worry over health conditions of a loved one and I'll probably break out the iron! Hey, it worked then...probably still would.
All I have to say at the end of this epistle is this... I DO KNOW WHERE MY IRON IS!!! Do you? lololol
Have a super week and make someone smile! Do something special and kinda sneaky! It's fun!

Food for Thought

As long and arduous as my day was today, I came home in a good frame of mind and prepared to enjoy the evening. Michael and I went out to dinner at Amedaus, Italian, of course...I had my first Peach Belini...very sinful, but, I did enjoy it! Following appetizer and tremendous entrees, we headed home to 'crash!'
I've become great at crashing. I push all day, whether seeing interns or not, and go with a a full steam. Guess that comes from my sweet mother...my brother Jim, is the same way. However, I'd have to admit he's run circles round me all my life with energy, planning and all. But, I could do some horseback riding to match no other and spike a volleyball with finesse and a smile! That was a lot of fun...and running those bleachers (about a million a day) and skipping that dumb rope kept me hopping!
As I struggled with students' attitudes in classrooms today, I fell into some deep thoughts regarding today and the yesterdays. We grew up with strong parenting, strong Christian homes, loving parents and a good life. We respected all elders, saying "Yes Maam" and "No Maam", showing kindess in word and deed and would never think to humiliate anyone with our rudeness and disrespect for all humanity.
Some of the students in these schools have little or no respect for anyone or anything. It's all about them, their 'wanna be' gangs and get out of my way. My, how times have changed! It makes me very thankful to have retired in 2002. My Interns are dealing with some challenges that I would not even care to think about having to control today. I'd probably go to prison for 'hurtin' sumbody bad!! lolol
When I began teaching, I was in a learning curve for a few years. Then, I thought I was the expert. WRONG ANSWER! What I was then, more confident and loving my position. I looked forward to getting to school to see what each day would bring. Sometimes fun, sometimes problematic, sometimes just a nice day with a good end to it.
As I drove all over Houston town today, my mind wandered (as it does frequently) to some dear old friends from the Waco area. They lived out in the country, beautiful brick home, acres and acres of land, cattle, a business...but, they both taught school as well! She taught reading, he taught elementary, was a principal for a few years and even coached middle school basketball just because. They loved life. They were laid back. They had it all going their way.
Suddenly, their lives changed when he laid his hand on the back of a 5th grader's shoulder as he said, "go back to your desk and sit down." The little girl trumped a big lie up and said, "he fondled me in front of the class!" She had a small group of little girl friends who fell right into that scenario as her witnesses.
It ruined his life. He was indicted but, not brought to trial for nearly two years. The Waco DA was up for re-election, I'm guessing that looked good for him. My friend however was ruined. He would not take a 'leave' from his school position, he resigned. He thought every day he would be sent to prison for nothing. Retirement was only a short, few years away for him in the education circle...but, he would never get to retire and draw that pension.
He resigned and spent many weeks and months staying around home suffering terrible anxiety attacks, especially when he'd be outside working and see a neighbor drive by. His pain would be overwhelming from embarrassment and anguish, causing him to retire inside for the remainder of any given day.
Ultimately, the charges were dropped. Time had passed, each little girl's family had relocated for whatever reasons and as the subpoenas were being delivered, each little girl broke down in tears and admitted, she lied.
Luckily for my friend and his wife, he had been given a job at a local business establishment and had rebuilt his life.
All of us suffer pain and unpleasant events in our daily lives. Sometimes it becomes too easy for me to feel so empathetic for myself! And, then...I think of friends, family, past acquaintances, etc. and recall some of the challenges they had or, perhaps, are having , and my life doesn't seem so bad.
The second cataract surgery this past Tuesday was one more huge challenge for me, I admit it! I thought I had it made. I'd been there, done that with the right eye, I knew what to expect! WRONG ANSWER, AGAIN!!
Tough 'ol cataract in that eye. I was hanging in there, under the cloth that covered by face, listening the rock 'n roll music playing and trying to think good thoughts about surviving the ordeal! But, the doctor said, "well, go ahead and get ??? instrument ready, I can't get hold of it!"
My mind screamed WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY? Just listen to the music, think good thoughts, DO NOT PANIC! And then he said, "oh, never mind, I got it..good to go!" HALLE LU JAH BROTHAS AND SISTAS!!
And, yes, I survived the second and I'm so happy we don't have three eyes!!! I think twice around the block is all I'm capable of for now!
Life experiences. Life challenges. Life changing ordeals. Life threatening instances. Life altering events. Life one day at a time.
That's what all of us are about. Lately, if I allow me to slip a little and begin to think, oh woe is me, I change the thought to OH WHOA is me!! Get with it. Buck up. Face the music and be the best at whatever!
I face some music tomorrow at 2:30. I'm see the Baylor College of Med Cardiologist. Joy. Wow, I just can't wait. Am I nervous? Yep. Am I hesitant? Yep. Am I still a chicken? YEP, YEP, CLUCK, CLUCK!!
Bottom line, this too shall pass. My neat experience today was a phone call at the end of the day. I called a friend. No answer. I left a silly message on the home line. I called the cell number. No answer. Within 5 seconds, my cell phone rang.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" Wow! That was too cool. Just knowing that one friend would drop everything, including a call she was on to immediately call me. She knew with two phone calls in a row, something was up.
Not really, I just wanted to say hello and share some thoughts! But, a nice ending to a long day!
Be a great friend, a good neighbor and a concerned 'on looker'. If your life is flowing smoothly tonight, congratulations! If you have a few bumps in the road, congratulations again. Those are the things we handle. Keep your heads up, your eyes open and your 'random acts of kindness' on call!
The smallest, most insignificant thing can mean the world to that person having any size struggle at any given moment. I'm facing surgery in January. The best part of that I know for sure... I WILL BE PUT TO SLEEP!! I will not be hearing the doctors discuss this and that and PAT'S FAT!! J/K!!!
Be strong. Laugh often.Live life before it runs out!!

Freedman, Here's Your Camera

Ahh, the gold 'ol days at middle schools! My first year teaching was in Killeen ISD...elementary PE. Drove me nuts. I love those children, but, they are babies who wanna touch, hug and smile at you all the time! Sweet, but kids, remember, I need my 9' of personal space!
My career began there. Outside on a huge playground with one million physical education students grade 3-6! The bright spot in each day was 'Watkins', the boy's PE teacher. He was a hoot and I was hooter. We ran that playground and school like clock work! What he didn't know, I did. And, that was in the days of paddlin'. So, I shared my paper thin paddle that a fellow teacher made for me.
She painted it light blue, put really pretty butterfly decals all over it and tied a ribbon around it as a gift! Welcome to the world of Principal Gene Franklin, the man who believed in paddlin'!!!
Now, understand, the thin banger board didn't bruise anything...but it stung like the dickens. I had to learn how to administer 'licks' to kids with the tiniest hinies in the entire world! Oh, you say, how mean was that? Get over it! We didn't do it for fun, and for some odd reason back then, their brains were located in that very mysterious spot!
I learned so much that first year with Watkins as my mentor. But the funniest thing I learned was how to duck out of the book room when over taken by laughter as I witnessed him giving pops.
He took Kenneth in one afternoon after his third warning. Kenneth, the third grader leaned over, grabbed his ankles and that anchored his nose about 2" off the floor. I was standing behind and there it went. Strike one. Right on the tiny hiney! And, there went the largest of the butterfly decals...floating on air, just as if it was real.
It floated carefully to the floor, swooping under Kenneth's nose and gently landing perfectly right before his big, brown eyes. That kid's eyes flew open, his mouth gaped and he drew a big breath! But, he was frozen in place and dared not say a word, he was already in big trouble! He thought the real deal had flown in the book room. I was overtaken by the whole scene and barely managed to excuse myself.
Lucky Kenneth, got him out of a boatload of trouble. Watkins lost control and as he began to laugh, told Kenneth to go to class! Ya had to be there to really appreciate it all.
In August, 1981, I accepted a position in Humble ISD. I told Ed Denney, the principal, I really didn't care to coach any longer. However, one of his women coaches had to return to Victoria to live with parents and take care of them. So, I coached three years there. When it was no longer 'fun' for me, I told him, "it's time to get me out of the coaching scene. The girls are worried about sweating in practice because the boys might be at the mall when they got there!" GIVE ME A BREAK!
Thus, he said, "ok, Freedman, I need a Journalism teacher and that's your minor. You'll continue as Health Department Chair and teach Journalism, sponsor Yearbook and Newspaper." That was okay with me...ready to go.
School began and I had my classes assigned. As I stood outside my room one day, Joyce Williams approached (an AP) and handed me a camera saying, "Freedman, here's your camera." I smiled as she shoved it in my hand and as I handed it back to her, I said, "no thanks, I don't do cameras." She forced it back into my palm saying, "you do now, your the Journalism teacher." I thought that was so cute as I gave it back one more time.
Her come back that round, "dammit, Freedman, take the camera and have fun." Well, I knew that was suddenly my camera! For some reason I began to take some decent candids around the building. Teachers would comment on those 'sharp, neat pictures' and I would say, they are just snapshots.
One day, a teacher brought one of her home shots to share. She had shot her two little girls and in the pic you saw these two little heads in the bottom right corner and an entire wall in the remaining print. That was a snapshot, what I was doing was kinda looking like photography.
And so it was to be. Suddenly, I had teachers asking if I'd do photos of their family. Well, far be it for me to refuse anyone's wishes. I did. I did more. I did a lot more. And, within 6 months I had people calling for my work.
I invested in all of my own equipment and went to town. The Journalism position threw me into a Freelance Photography business for the next 9 years and it blossomed like a Cherry Tree.
I had to decide in October, 1992 whether I would begin teaching a half day and doing photography business the other half day....or....would I apply for the Instructional Coordinator's position that had been posted. It was hard to decide. I had reached a point where I grossed about $20,000 a year off my cameras. But, I applied and was hired. I finished my last nine years as a coordinator and had a great time!
My cameras had allowed me to be published on a magazine cover, inside a kid's magazine (an athlete), a young lady published an album in Kingwood with my cover shot on it, and much more. It was a super experience and lots of fun!
As I thought about that experience today, it correlates somewhat to where I am today. However, Dr. Rogers said, I'm referring you for Lap Band and I didn't even blink twice! If I perform for this as well as I did with the cameras, it will all be fine.
When someone confronts you with a challenge of any kind, think before you take two steps back. If we all balk at new adventures, how boring would our lives be? I'm the first to admit, sometimes you must reach deep within and grab something called courage and inner strength!
Once you've found that, go for it! And, do it with a smile!

Home was where the Heart Lived

There was a time we lived up the tiny road in the big, old farm house. It was huge with great rooms, high ceilings and a front porch all the way across. As you entered the front door, you climbed about 10 cement steps to pull the screen door back and step onto the wooden floor of the porch.
In another 8-10 steps, you had entered the hallway where a choice had to be made. To the right, the huge living room area. 10' ceiling, big, open room with a couple of windows on the sidewall. Once in that room, you could turn left and enter the tiny kitchen or turn right and enter another, very large, bedroom area.
If your choice was to take a left in the hallway entry and enter the extra large bedroom there, you walked into a room facing two very large old country windows. Living on the farm, away from the world, allowed you on the hot summer nights to lie in bed beside the open window and listen to the sounds of the night.
A symphony coursed through the still night to the sounds of crickets, bullfrogs and other creature noises. It was all illuminated with the flight of lightening bugs, twinkling stars and sometimes, a beautiful, full moon. You could lay and stare out the screened window and dream the dreams of your life. Finally, with a cool night breeze wafting over your skin, you'd fall into deep slumber and colorful dreams til daybreak.
From that front bedroom, you could walk through another door into a smaller bedroom. It had one window in it, a door that led to the screened back porch and a second door leading into a last, back bedroom. That bedroom was interesting because the walls were those tiny, slat looking boards. They ran from floor to ceiling and for a little girl, it caused a great curiosity because it looked and felt different from all the others.
As you left the back bedroom and stepped onto the big porch, you were standing next to the small bathroom on your left. Not too large, yet large enough. Big bath tub, sink and potty...and, a window above the tub.
As you left the potty room, you could step out and touch a rock 'well' that sat on the back porch. I can't recall that it really worked, but you really had to leave it alone!!
Walking the back porch, you would ultimately turn to the left and head to the other kitchen entrance. Just outside the kitchen was the old screen door and few more steps to launch you into play wonderland!
I guess the worst thing I ever did as a little girl was with my bow and arrow. Yes, I had a Daisy Rifle BB gun at an early age and next came a bow and arrow. Guess my daddy thought I could handle anything! Fact is, I was always 'just lucky' with everything. I shot that arrow straight up into the sky one Sunday afternoon. A cousin was standing across the yard. As I watched the arrow soar into the blue and make it's turn for the return to dirt, I brought my eyes level across the yard and suddenly, my laughter became panic.
That arrow missed that cousin's head by maybe two big feet! WHAP! It stuck solid in the hard dirt. Suddenly, the 'jig was up'...everybody in the yard looked around and I was just about 'run outta town' for that one! Needless to say, I learned...bow and arrow not good in crowds!!
Now, the big old house saw many good times. Croquet; Red Rover, Red Rover; chase around the house; throwing the ball all the way over to the other partner and many more games. We didn't stay glued to television, we played and we played hard!
As an infant, I battled asthma (so I was told by my mother)and many times it nearly won. Story went, the asthma would come on and somehow, more often than not, go into pneumonia. There we'd go again...to the hospital and I was told I spent many days sitting in the middle of the hospital bed under the old, huge oxygen tents.
The Nuns would come by everyday to smile and scare the bejeebers out of me. They wore the 'habits' and looked alien to me. Nope, they never touched me, not even close. They could stand in the doorway and wave and then, they had to git or I busted loose in tears and screams.
With the asthma, came the tonsils. They were a worst nightmare as a little girl. In the first grade and second grade, tonsilitis came to visit too often. Finally, one of the doctors said, "Mrs. Freedman, the tonsils need to come out. We'll put her on special meds prior to the surgery so she won't bleed profusely." And, they did.
The capsule was about a foot long, as big around as a hot dog and I was expected to slam that thing down my throat each morning? Mother would hand me the pill and a small glass of orange juice. She'd turn and walk into the kitchen while I stuffed the pill down the side of the green recliner and drank the juice.
Following the surgery, my parents were yelled at big time by the doctor. I had bled like a crazy person and gave them a run for their money. Didn't seem to be anyone's fault, it was just a thing.
Huh! No one's fault until the end of the following week when mother was vacuuming the living room. Suddenly, she moved the green recliner and a couple of red pills rolled onto the floor. Danger, danger! She tipped the chair and the entire prescription rolled out.
You want to talk about trouble? It was boiling, right on the top of my blonde head! I cried really gigantic tears that morning and escaped with my life! I was a kid..what did I know about the importance of pills?
I lived, the tonsils got yanked and there ya go. I do remember laying in the hospital bed after surgery and for a time, was not allowed anything but chips of ice. I'd ask for daddy to come in and see me. I just knew if I could get him to look into my little girl blue eyes, he'd get me some ice cream RIGHT THEN!! Wrong! I couldn't even make him cheat for me!
Many life issues came and went over the years. But wrapped in all the days of life in the country are so many strong, terrific memories.
We were carefree, we ran with the wind blowing through our hair, we had acres and acres to roam and create games...we didn't fret over life's small issues. Our family was strong, parents loved us and provided for us and allowed us to grow and discover life one day at a time.
When you stop and remember 'back when' ... I hope you have a vast kaleidascope turning in your mind. It should be of many hues, shapes, sizes and values. Never struggle over the challenges, celebrate the experience and stand firm on the foundation you built.
There are no second chances at life. It's a one shot deal, make the most of it. If you want to be outstanding these days, throw in a Random Act of Kindness with every opportunity and watch the expression on one's face! Share the wealth...give someone a smile!

Time Flies When You're Gettin' Old!

WEll, it's been a while since I wrote any thoughts for the readers out there. A 'bestest old friend' called today to check on me. She said, "I just wanted to know you're okay, you haven't blogged in many days!" And, as I stood watching the Kroger deli worker slice Black Forest Ham, I agreed and thus, here I am.
By the way, when you're kinda hungry at the Kroger deli, each time your order a different kind of meat, they give you a sample! LOLOL I know, there I go, focused on food, AGAIN! J/K and playing with your mind!
After a semi long day traveling around Houston town to observe teacher interns, I was glad to get home and get comfortable!! No, we don't run around nekkid!! But, comfort is the key word. Everything hangs loose, light weight material for cool and it tickles Percy (my maltese) too death 'cause it says...'she ain't leavin' again today!' He's a heart warmer and he doth love his 'mommy!'
My main mission this afternoon was to look up the cardiologist my PCP referred me to see. I finally called and made an appointment for next week, Thursday at 2:30. By then, Dr. Mann will have taken care of the second cataract and I'll be seeing perfect for distance with both eyes.
Since Dr. Mann did the right eye two weeks ago, I've felt as though I'm walking lop-sided! The left eye is total blurr for distance and the right eye crystal clear. Try bowling with those binoculars! Challenging, to say the least!
But, I'll introduce you to my new extended family.
There's Dr. Rogers...would you be his neighbor? Probably not, but he is a good guy with a great smile! He and I discuss my weight with each visit. We're performing for Aetna for six months. December marks the sixth month and then January, THE SURGERY!
There's Dr. Manion, the lung man! He will be elated over the Lap Band and weight loss, he's been riding my 'case' for a year and a half since I gained 27 extra pounds! I can't help that I married a chef and enjoyed the fantastic food for the first year and a half. Butter, melting, hot and enriching every pore of whatever food he cooked it in. Olive oil, the magic touch. Barbequed ribs, brisket, Tuscan chicken, oriental dishes, lavish desserts when I would allow myself. Okay, so, I gained 27 pounds, but, I have no regrets!
Third in the list is Dr. Vadim Sherman, surgeon. He's very nice. Why wouldn't he be? A fat chick walks in the door, he knows she's gonna have a procedure, so, hey, treat her very gingerly and smile lots!! I was just so thankful when I walked through the door from the waiting room...or was that weighting room?...I could walk past the huge scale in the outer office area. I'm not sure how much some of these folks weigh, but I believe a small dump truck could be backed onto his LARGE SCALE!
Me? I just got to lightly and gingerly step on his regular, Healthometer scale! Isn't that special?
The cardiologist's name is Dr. Farmer. Strange, I grew up on a dairy, think that means anything? I'll let you know after we meet and exchange questions and answers. He makes me nervous...but, then, so do all of them!
I have a tremendous ENT...ear, nose and throat doc. He's from good 'ol Baylor U. He's cute as a pup and can he ever deal with sinus issues! I've been with him since '04. Thank goodness, since I was put on Medformin for diabetes, the sinus infections ceased! So, I haven't seen my Baylor bear since last spring. I know he's happy!
The Nutritionist's name is Lin Lin. Nope, she's not black and white and in no way resembles a Panda!! She sure can name the food groups though and talk about vitamins, 6-8 of those tubby tubes a day. I have to practice chewing them thoroughly so they don't get jammed in the guzzle after surgery. A one ounce pouch t'ain't very big, huh?
I had a session with a Psychologist...forgot her name! Funny, after taking her million question true/false test, how could I let that happen. Anyhow, I escaped the white coat that wraps your arms really tight against your tummy! Score one for ME.
And there you have it! Lots of doctors on the team. Lots of issues within this marvelous, fabulous body with which they must deal. And, lots of appointments and trips down to the med center.
All of this shall pass eventually. I remind myself daily, a new beginning, a new chance to regain some of the energy and stuff I used to know. Is it frustrating? More than anything in the world.
Since I began this trip, Michael has lost 42 pounds! Well, great! What about me? I'm just trying to lose 15 by the end of December. Easy, you say? Not so. Think about it. You have enjoyed all kinds of food throughout life. Especially anything that didn't eat you first! Look good? Eat it. Smell good? Eat it. Taste good? Devour it, quick before it escapes!
Suddenly, you are in this whirlwind of dieting to lose a few pounds before the surgery. You also realize each day, that come January, life skids to a halt like a cutting horse in the arena and life turns around in the blink of an eye and a slice of the knife! So, what's the issue? Half of me says better enjoy..it all goes away next year. Half of me says, behave yourself, you are supposed to lose 15 pounds. Therefore, a war rages within me every day now.
Thanksgiving is upon us. Next year I will have a four ounce pouch. That's okay, but that's next year. So, what do I want for Thanksgiving? Traditional, wonderful food like my mother always cooked. And, that's another story for tomorrow.
Times past with the holidays and Grandma Davis! Holidays were so very special to our family.
And so ends tonight's epistle. You can tell that there are many thoughts swirling within my gray matter. I am doing good though. You must take all of this with a grain of salt (oops, food, again) and put it all in perspective.
It will be a total win-win for me. No more bipap mask at night, no more oxygen at night, blood pressure should be great, diabetes perhaps leaves and hopefully, the dyspnea (shortness of breath upon exertion) will be much,much better. It's all related to the March, 2004 escapade.
I share all of these thoughts with everyone to give you perspective and to read my own words. I know there are many of you who read this blog that will be rooting for me the entire way. Friends and family are what life's all about. I am truly thankful for all of the folks who have come into my life and for my family...lots of cousins in there!
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride!" My friends, I'd already be to Hawaii. Yep, a Unicorn! Yep, a large Unicorn. But, next year, a 'lil bitty baby unicorn will do the trick!!

Oh, You Shouldn't Have, IKE!

Saturday, September 13, 1 a.m. He's here with a special birthday greeting! My 60th and he's one of two people who even bothered to remember. How special. And, he made such a fuss over it all. Howling wind, pounding rain, crashing trees and more. What a special day it turned out to be! NOT!
It's a lonely feeling as you sit in the middle of your home listening to night sounds during the fury of a raging storm. We spent all day Friday watching the local channels with reporters standing on the sidewalk across the street from the Seawall. Somehow, you knew this storm was so very different and extremely dangerous.
In my twenty five years living here, I've never witnessed the gulf doing the things it did all day. When the level of the water was level with the edge of the Seawall, I realized something terrible was coming our way. To see the huge waves rise and crash into the lip of the wall to send water spewing 30-50' in the air, unbelievable! And, then, as the wave crashed back to land, it hit the street and crawled with dead aim over and down the other side. Trouble was here.
Michael covered our windows early Friday in preparation for the event, we put things in place in the backyard and locked the doors. There was a monster in town and he would ultimately come right up the freeway to our 'Humble' abode, literally!
Things stayed relatively normal around here all day and even into the evening. We were watching it all happen down on the Island, via television and commenting on the fury lashing out in every direction and yet, it was normal here. That is the strangest feeling in the world. Suns out, gentle breeze in the air, people hustling and buying gas, food, water and ice.
But the one thing we noticed by late afternoon...where are the birds? Where are the outdoor sounds? Where did the crazy 'hue' of the afternoon come from, suddenly. And, when we realized those changes had come about, the gentle breeze was done. We were wrapped up, lashed down and hunkering in place! The monster was on the way.
1 a.m. Michael had laid down a couple of hours earlier to be prepared for the long night. Suddenly, the wind whipped and the show had begun. I went into the bedroom to wake him and have a partner in this all nighter! Lights were out, power gone...everything locked up and by morning, the house was muggy. The 'uncomfortable' feelings of our modern day conveniences had vanished. Flashlight, radio, candles and strong inner self took over.
Little did we know that was the beginning of eight very long, uncomfortable days. Saturday morning as we listened to the radio we began to realize this was the worst of the worst. Daylight gave us the opportunity to open the shades and peer into the backyard. Whoosh! One 12 year Pin Oak tree down! It managed to miss the air conditioner, the deck and the house! Thank you, Jesus! Big favor that was! And, as we looked to our left...fence down. Hey, it was old and rickety anyhow, we just got help in boosting our new fence time line that's all. Pine needles everywhere, broken tree limbs all over the place. In the front yard...not much of anything, thank goodness!
We've had the tree removed and the yards cleaned to the tune of a couple of hundred bucks! Hey, cheap compared to others! We finally got our power today and have cooled off.
Things I learned (again)...
glad I wasn't a pioneer in covered wagon days; I love air conditioning; I never liked camping AND STILL DON'T!; it's a good thing indoor potties arrived just before I was potty trained, would never have gone at all; it was challenging enough to tinkle in the dark!' I am too conditioned to flipping the light switch every time I enter a bathroom; cold showers are misnamed...they are FREEZING; leather furniture sticks to ya on a hot day or night and really makes ya SWEAT; pets want to be close and lay in your lap...NOT...TOO dang hot as it is; stainless steel grills are life savers; I hate ice chests and having to procure ice every dang day; I despise all neighbors with generators...and, I had to listen to the motors ALL, HOT NIGHT LONG!' gas lines suck; people get really mean when they're hot; cleaning out refrigerators in the dark is frustrating....and, I don't like hurricanes!!!
Nuff said. So, Pat, how did you do with your 'dieting' in all of this time? Are YOU KIDDING! Back to norm now in the coming days...refocus on January and Lap Dan...oops, Band! Get with the program, girl!!

Green Eggs 'N Ham

The past week has been a most interesting time, I must say. Following a week ago visit with my PCP and seeing the scale up instead of down really knocked me on my keester. Painful, actually, as I've never had much of a keester! Guess it was from riding in the saddle so many years!! lolol
But, I decided since food was the reason I'm in this situation and the surgery is going to reduce the stomach to a one ounce pouch, WHY NOT REDUCE MY INTAKE NOW? OMW...and, I'm not even a ROCKET SCIENTIST!! If you put too much in, it's going to show somewhere on the 'getting too old' fat body!! If you deny it's entry, E U R E E K A!! Wham, bam, thank you mamm...by George, you've got it!
So, last Saturday I slammed the door on me and frantic frenzies of Oh My Word, the world is coming to end next January. Run, hunt, eat, taste, roll in it and savor the flavors.
I hadn't even pulled into a new burger place here in the area until two weeks ago. And, I didn't pull in then for a burger. They have frozen custard! OH, CHI WA WAAAA...is that stuff ever so tasty! And, for that week..I 'bout had a dip or two most every day! WHAMMMMM...extra pounds on.
No more frozen custard...no more craziness...by my scales this morning, this child is down several pounds. I also told Michael, "we're only cooking (who am I kidding, WE? he does all the cooking) every other night. You're on your own on those nights." I find if I have very little intake every other night, I have a wonderful reward the next morning!
On the days we are eating cooked meals, I've cut me down to 3 ounces of protein, two vegetables...THE END. And, our dinners are baked or broiled meat...no one pot stops of stuff any longer.
Since I have to practice drinking protein stuffs and shifting toward liquids prior to the surgery...I've started doing that for my midday meal. Nope, not fun, but sensible. What I think will be a hoot is if I return to Doc Rogers at the end of this month 10-15 pounds lighter!! lololol He'll faint, I'll smile and we'll know I'm capable.
Understand, he wants me to lose 15-30 pounds total in the next 5 months. If I get ahead of the game...well, we'll see what we see.
Shifting gears...went to worship service this morning. It was very good, went to the 11 a.m. service, Contemporary. That's really so I can dance in the isle when the band plays!! Nah, I don't do that, I just stand and wiggle now and then...lol
However, there were four new mommies with new babies...cute as could be...butt...give me a break! Isn't that what excellent nurseries are for? Babies and bottles. You know, I could've leaped over the chairs and grabbed one kids bottle!! But, no, I showed extreme self control!
It is somewhat irritating however when you're forced to watch a wiggly, squiggly tiny baby while she grunts and squirms and slaps her mommy in the cheek. I tried to maintain focus on the pastor, but, he had some stealthy competition!! It is fun though to really tantalize that baby as the mommy throws her over her shoulder to quiet her and you begin to wink, blink and smile like crazy at the kid. It makes them bonkers and it makes them squirm more! Not that I did that, but, you know, it would be possible.
Our neighbor is out of town for the week. Poor 'ol Linda. She asked us to check her pool thingy that catches leaves. Oh, I'm checking it...in between strokes!! Yessss...it's cool, but man is it refreshing. I've been swimming, kicking, moving arms and getting a full regimen of activity in that cool water. But, I am checking for leaves!
Where'd poor 'ol Linda go for a long week? Switzerland!!! Yipes! Am I jealous? Oh, nooooo...I have her pool to keep me company!! But, it gives me an added activity I haven't experienced in a very long time. Does she have a swim suit your asking yourselves? No, she does NOT!
Do you really think I would have shown THIS body to the world in the past years? NOT! So, I swam in my old shorts and t-shirt..and had to drip dry at the front door..forgot a towel. After a few BIG DRIPS...I ran through the house to jump in a hot shower. Cool temp on wet clothes means one thing...PAT CAN ACTUALLY RUNNNNN!!
And, so , enough of this chatter for this night. I have 14 teacher Interns right now and tomorrow I begin making visits for observations. I'll be up at 6, out the door by 7:30 and in the fabulous, can't live without Houston traffic. Do I worry? NOT.
Why? I have an Infiniti. So? It accelerates at a quick clip and outruns all the cops in town, too! J/K. The traffic is challenging, but trust me, I've learned to out manuever your average bear out there. So, I'll cruise, do my visits and come back home to ...
G O J U M P I N L I N D A ' S P O O L. Wouldn't she be so jealous? She's having to deal with Switzerland and Europe. Bah..doesn't even compare to my excitement here on Kingfisher Dr.!!
Have a super week...jump in something if you don't have a pool. Eat less, move more and remember...
when it's all said and done, we'll see what the term SKINNY DIPPIN' really means!!!

Hold the Pickles, Hold the Lettuce

It's been a while since I've genuinely focused on the 'MISSION' at hand. Thus, tonight's epistle will unravel some of the 'gray' area a few of you may have.
My Lap Band surgery will not happen until January! That's courtesy of Aetna...they are requiring 6 months of weight management efforts under the watchful eye of my PCP. I saw Dr. Rogers this week...I had gained a couple of pounds. What can I say?
This is the most challenging thing in life thus far. So, I've backed up and started over with a serious overtone from this week forward. Understand, the knowledge of knowing all eating as it has been for 50.5 years ends. That's really alright, but...instead of an ounce pouch, I'm still sporting the 'regular' model stomach!
But, alas, this too shall fall into place in the coming weeks. Aggravating? Yep. Insulting? Yep Causing some tensions around the home? Oh, YEP. Is it fun? Nope.
I attend my first two seminars soon. One's tomorrow night at Baylor College of Med from 6-7 p.m. and the other is next Wednesday, same place, same time, different topics. One's on Emotional Eating and, uh, I forget the other one. Could be on how to "not murder your spouse" over meal planning and such! J/K...maybe.
Within the coming weeks I also must see the BCM Cardiologist. Joy of Joys! NOT...I know I get to have some super duper tests of all tests. Not looking forward to it, but at least we all will know where I stand. Another new doctor. Wow, why am I soooo lucky?
Other than those featured items...I'm good to go until end of December...then, January....the procedure. After it's done, we can play CONNECT THE DOTS on my stomach!! Four puncture holes and four thingy's placed within the holes...all laproscopic...no big cut, thank goodness.
And, so, for this night, I guess that's about it. The brain's dead from watching hurricane stuff, the body's tired from doing nothing all day and the eyes are burning from looking at the computer screen.
I've taken my meds for restless legs. Felt like it was a night to celebrate and SLEEP..so, I took two of those. Nah, it's okay. I only do that ever so when I really want to knock me in the dirt and sleep like a big 'ol bear.
Think about it. You lay down to sleep...you have a giant spider attached to your face....called BIPAP...and the hum of the machine lulls you into a deep place where the brilliantly colored dreams stream most of the night. You're hooked to a hose that's about 4' long, thus, if the right side of the bed's your side, you sleep all night on your left side. Why?
If you turn over on your right side, the air slips out the connector and hisses as it streams on your husband's head. Does that make him happy? NOT. Can you say, "turn over????!!!!" And, with lightening speed, at that.
I had to miss my nail appointment last Wednesday with all of Michael's hours at the VA. Not a problem, but I can't get to her until this Wednesday. My nails are about 2' long by now and hang on everything! I called Toni, my hairdresser today for an appointment...haven't heard back from her yet...my hair is toooooooooooooo looooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg!
Can you tell it's been such a terrific past several days? Wanna come visit? Probably not! Wanna go out to eat? Probably not! Wanna share secrets? Probably not!
Hope everyone else is smiling, having great days and running in high gear! I often revert to my driving experience.
D IS FOR DRIVE
R IS FOR RACE
That's about all I know about cars and upkeep. My car these days is far smarter than me...Infiniti M-35. It has bells and whistles and warnings and reminders and all push button, keyless. Great, until you turn the radio down for something and forget to TURN THE CAR OFF before going in somewhere. Yep, I've done that too. Oh, Cheeee wa wa...Michael almost had a CAT!
We now have new phones that beep and bump and buzz and whang....you just touch the screen and it dances and responds. Folks, I'm getting to old for all this!! lololol Perhaps when I'm much thinner my brain will work in high gear and allow me to appear to be intelligent.
And, perhaps not. Have a super one...all day long!
Tomorrow's a new day, new hurricane!