Okay ... it's too early on Saturday morning, I stayed up too late last night and now I'm feeling wired and a little bit beside myself.
Time to dust off the cobwebs and change my PunkyMood:
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Addled
Dragon Mood? -- addled
Okay ... it's too early on Saturday morning, I stayed up too late last night and now I'm feeling wired and a little bit beside myself.
Time to dust off the cobwebs and change my PunkyMood:
Okay ... it's too early on Saturday morning, I stayed up too late last night and now I'm feeling wired and a little bit beside myself.
Time to dust off the cobwebs and change my PunkyMood:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
A month of absence
Dragon Mood? -- recalling & catching up
Where have I been? I've been away for a month - too long. Let me tell you what I've been doing. July 29th, S's mom, Sally, had spinal surgery. The surgery went well and she came home to our house to convalesce. That was about three weeks ago. Since then, I've been here, at our home in the pine trees, while S has returned to Detroit to work during the week.
Sally and I have managed quite well I think, a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, "in-laws" of a sort, even though the good people of Michigan don't recognize S and my relationship as a marriage. We've talked and eaten meals together, sat out on the deck, listened to music, watched TV and videos, played some cards, worked on a large puzzle together. LOTS OF TOGETHERNESS. LOTS. You get my drift?
I'm ready to resume my normal, usual routine, at the pied-a-terre with S, being together, her working, me hunting for a job. I would presume that Sally would like something that feels a bit more normal for herself as well, but there's this wee problem of her driving. She has not been cleared to drive her car yet by the surgeon. That won't hopefully happen for another eight days. AND ... she has two appointments next week, one for physical therapy and one to meet with the doc ... to get the go-ahead on driving!
So, what to do? Call the doc, get the go-ahead early? Bite the bullet and stay here for another week? Go to Detroit for three days and come back early to drive her to her appointments? All three are possibilities. (heavy sigh) Caregiving can be a big pain in the ass!
Where have I been? I've been away for a month - too long. Let me tell you what I've been doing. July 29th, S's mom, Sally, had spinal surgery. The surgery went well and she came home to our house to convalesce. That was about three weeks ago. Since then, I've been here, at our home in the pine trees, while S has returned to Detroit to work during the week.
Sally and I have managed quite well I think, a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, "in-laws" of a sort, even though the good people of Michigan don't recognize S and my relationship as a marriage. We've talked and eaten meals together, sat out on the deck, listened to music, watched TV and videos, played some cards, worked on a large puzzle together. LOTS OF TOGETHERNESS. LOTS. You get my drift?
I'm ready to resume my normal, usual routine, at the pied-a-terre with S, being together, her working, me hunting for a job. I would presume that Sally would like something that feels a bit more normal for herself as well, but there's this wee problem of her driving. She has not been cleared to drive her car yet by the surgeon. That won't hopefully happen for another eight days. AND ... she has two appointments next week, one for physical therapy and one to meet with the doc ... to get the go-ahead on driving!
So, what to do? Call the doc, get the go-ahead early? Bite the bullet and stay here for another week? Go to Detroit for three days and come back early to drive her to her appointments? All three are possibilities. (heavy sigh) Caregiving can be a big pain in the ass!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A quiet July Sunday
Dragon Mood? -- reflective
Sunday morning used to be a busy time for me: playing the organ at church or hurrying children along to go to church or warming up my voice with the choir before worship services. Ahh, that all feels rather long ago. Now my Sunday mornings are much, much quieter. And that actually feels good to me. Rather than so much busy-ness, I feel some quiet in my heart. If God decided to talk to me, there might be a snowball's chance in hell of my hearing God!
This has been a rather slow, reflective week for me. Sad in some ways. I am still grieving Cisco's death. I see her coming around the corner or waiting for me at the door. Before, I couldn't get up from my seat without her jumping up as well to shepherd me to my destination. Now, traversing the house, I move unimpeded, a strange unwelcome reminder.
My search for a job this past week was half-hearted, at best. I felt like I was moving in slo-o-ow motion. Thinking back, the only thing that really impacted me was watching Republican senators try to penetrate Sonia Sotomayor's imperturbable calm. More than once, I felt like yelling at the TV screen.
S worked tremendously long hours this past week. She has a not-to-be-missed deadline coming up. I spent one or two evenings on Jan & Tom's porch with them, drinking red wine, visiting, laughing and simply enjoying being in the company of people. They are such good neighbors and friends!
S's mother, Sally, is here with us this weekend. Last night, we had an awesome bonfire in our rolling firepit out on the driveway. Sally and I fed the fire while S did some woodworking in the garage. I gave it up around midnight, but those two intrepid night owls stayed out there until after 3 a.m.! Amazing!
I hope this next week is better for me. More productive. Happier. That's my hope.
Sunday morning used to be a busy time for me: playing the organ at church or hurrying children along to go to church or warming up my voice with the choir before worship services. Ahh, that all feels rather long ago. Now my Sunday mornings are much, much quieter. And that actually feels good to me. Rather than so much busy-ness, I feel some quiet in my heart. If God decided to talk to me, there might be a snowball's chance in hell of my hearing God!
My search for a job this past week was half-hearted, at best. I felt like I was moving in slo-o-ow motion. Thinking back, the only thing that really impacted me was watching Republican senators try to penetrate Sonia Sotomayor's imperturbable calm. More than once, I felt like yelling at the TV screen.
S worked tremendously long hours this past week. She has a not-to-be-missed deadline coming up. I spent one or two evenings on Jan & Tom's porch with them, drinking red wine, visiting, laughing and simply enjoying being in the company of people. They are such good neighbors and friends!
S's mother, Sally, is here with us this weekend. Last night, we had an awesome bonfire in our rolling firepit out on the driveway. Sally and I fed the fire while S did some woodworking in the garage. I gave it up around midnight, but those two intrepid night owls stayed out there until after 3 a.m.! Amazing!
I hope this next week is better for me. More productive. Happier. That's my hope.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Remembering Cisco
Dragon Mood? -- sad and grieving
Friday, we lost a member of our family. Cisco, our 12-year-old dog died here at home after several months of deteriorating health.
Cisco knew long before we did. She quit thriving. Her appetite took a nose-dive and she began to lose weight. I took her to the vet a couple of times. We gave her several rounds of antibiotics. The vet instructed us to jazz up her food. Her weight loss was too much, too fast. I started feeding her pricey human food simply to entice her to eat. All the while, Cisco waited, waiting for S and I to catch on to what was going on.
She seemed to know that it was her time, that she was dying and that it was time to follow her instincts. She quit eating, sleeping more, lying still for hours at a time. Her hind quarters got very wobbly. She became weak. Offered chicken or beef, she would turn her nose away.
All last week we were on something of a death watch. When a creature simply stops eating, it's only a matter of time. We decided that as long as she appeared to not be in pain, we would keep her at home, trying to allow her to die in familiar surroundings with her people there beside her.
Last Friday morning, she seemed weak but still like herself. I watched her or checked on her regularly. When she lost control of her bowels, I moved her outside. I laid her on a rag rug in the cool shade and sat beside her, stroking her body, talking to her. I told her that she was a good dog. I told her that I loved all the walks we had taken. I told her that it was okay. I talked to her like a baby needing comfort. I didn't want her to be afraid. Her body seemed too still; only her eyes and twitching eyebrows still seemed like her.
Her breathing grew quieter. After about 30 minutes, she suddenly stiffened her legs, straightened her spine, arched her tail and her eyes went vacant. She was gone.
I cried. After our neighbor came over to help me move her body, I bawled like a baby. I knew that this was coming, we wanted her to have as calm and peaceful a death as possible, but it still hit me hard. Our good ol' girl was gone.
S and I drove her body to the vet's office. We arranged for her to be cremated. We drove home, ate a little something and then slept. Everything felt too quiet, things didn't feel right, someone was missing.
How we are missing Cisco is surprising us. It catches each of us in unexpected, sad-all-over-again ways. Our feelings reverberate like being inside of some bell ringing loudly with grief. It catches me by surprise every time. Talking about her makes me want to cry all over again. I try to tell myself, "... but she's just a dog."
No, she was our dog, a part of our family and we're really missing her.
Friday, we lost a member of our family. Cisco, our 12-year-old dog died here at home after several months of deteriorating health.
Cisco knew long before we did. She quit thriving. Her appetite took a nose-dive and she began to lose weight. I took her to the vet a couple of times. We gave her several rounds of antibiotics. The vet instructed us to jazz up her food. Her weight loss was too much, too fast. I started feeding her pricey human food simply to entice her to eat. All the while, Cisco waited, waiting for S and I to catch on to what was going on.
She seemed to know that it was her time, that she was dying and that it was time to follow her instincts. She quit eating, sleeping more, lying still for hours at a time. Her hind quarters got very wobbly. She became weak. Offered chicken or beef, she would turn her nose away.
All last week we were on something of a death watch. When a creature simply stops eating, it's only a matter of time. We decided that as long as she appeared to not be in pain, we would keep her at home, trying to allow her to die in familiar surroundings with her people there beside her.
Last Friday morning, she seemed weak but still like herself. I watched her or checked on her regularly. When she lost control of her bowels, I moved her outside. I laid her on a rag rug in the cool shade and sat beside her, stroking her body, talking to her. I told her that she was a good dog. I told her that I loved all the walks we had taken. I told her that it was okay. I talked to her like a baby needing comfort. I didn't want her to be afraid. Her body seemed too still; only her eyes and twitching eyebrows still seemed like her.
Her breathing grew quieter. After about 30 minutes, she suddenly stiffened her legs, straightened her spine, arched her tail and her eyes went vacant. She was gone.
I cried. After our neighbor came over to help me move her body, I bawled like a baby. I knew that this was coming, we wanted her to have as calm and peaceful a death as possible, but it still hit me hard. Our good ol' girl was gone.
S and I drove her body to the vet's office. We arranged for her to be cremated. We drove home, ate a little something and then slept. Everything felt too quiet, things didn't feel right, someone was missing.
How we are missing Cisco is surprising us. It catches each of us in unexpected, sad-all-over-again ways. Our feelings reverberate like being inside of some bell ringing loudly with grief. It catches me by surprise every time. Talking about her makes me want to cry all over again. I try to tell myself, "... but she's just a dog."
No, she was our dog, a part of our family and we're really missing her.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Dragon Mood? -- excited, full of anticipation
Happy Wednesday, Happy Wendishday as we say in the family, and ... if you're working ... Happy HUMP day! I'll settle for the first two salutations.
For me, this is a few days of preparation and waiting. We will travel to Madison, Wisconsin, tomorrow night to join Caroline and Ron and friends to build the deck you've been seeing here in earlier posts. Caroline has spent over $1000 in pressure-treated wood, along with 32 bags of ready-mix cement to secure all the posts.
The deck will be L-shaped, the main portion measuring 12' x 20' with a 6' x 10' foot. It will be angled about 15 degrees off of horizontal and stand about 10 feet from the back stoop of her house.
S and I are excited. Well, I know that I'm excited. I think S is kind of exhausted with work, trying to pace herself through the week. Work is automotive-related and as a result, terrifically stressful. She walks in the door and I can see the stress all over her face. It is troubling to me to see her that way. I'm hoping that working with her tools, being outdoors, working with wood will help evaporate some of the stress from her body.
What will I be doing? Anything and everything that I can. Holding the dumb end of a tape, holding framing lumber while it's clamped, schlepping wood from one place to another and my specialty: I mark all the fine cuts for S to make. It takes a good eye and ability to visualize things that are yet-to-be. I imagine that I also may be involved with food prep, meal cleanup and myriad other little details.
The other event that I haven't mentioned is that my son, Josh, hopefully will be joining us for at least a small portion of the weekend ... and bringing a guest, a young lady. I know that her name is Leah, she's an MSU alum, a packaging engineer in the Milwaukee area and someone that I am looking forward to meeting. And I'm looking forward to spending a little time with Josh. He is a very successful actuary who works hard and spends long hours doing his job. He is in the busiest time of his work year, so we'll see him for only a portion of the weekend.
Can you tell I'm excited?
Happy Wednesday, Happy Wendishday as we say in the family, and ... if you're working ... Happy HUMP day! I'll settle for the first two salutations.
The deck will be L-shaped, the main portion measuring 12' x 20' with a 6' x 10' foot. It will be angled about 15 degrees off of horizontal and stand about 10 feet from the back stoop of her house.
S and I are excited. Well, I know that I'm excited. I think S is kind of exhausted with work, trying to pace herself through the week. Work is automotive-related and as a result, terrifically stressful. She walks in the door and I can see the stress all over her face. It is troubling to me to see her that way. I'm hoping that working with her tools, being outdoors, working with wood will help evaporate some of the stress from her body.
What will I be doing? Anything and everything that I can. Holding the dumb end of a tape, holding framing lumber while it's clamped, schlepping wood from one place to another and my specialty: I mark all the fine cuts for S to make. It takes a good eye and ability to visualize things that are yet-to-be. I imagine that I also may be involved with food prep, meal cleanup and myriad other little details.
The other event that I haven't mentioned is that my son, Josh, hopefully will be joining us for at least a small portion of the weekend ... and bringing a guest, a young lady. I know that her name is Leah, she's an MSU alum, a packaging engineer in the Milwaukee area and someone that I am looking forward to meeting. And I'm looking forward to spending a little time with Josh. He is a very successful actuary who works hard and spends long hours doing his job. He is in the busiest time of his work year, so we'll see him for only a portion of the weekend.
Can you tell I'm excited?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pergola update
Dragon Mood? -- pleased with the result
Who needs a day job when there are DECKS and PERGOLAS to be designed? Our daughter, Lina, laughingly informed me that, "sorry, Mom, but there's no 401(k) with this job." Darn, and I was already counting those retirement pennies!
Who needs a day job when there are DECKS and PERGOLAS to be designed? Our daughter, Lina, laughingly informed me that, "sorry, Mom, but there's no 401(k) with this job." Darn, and I was already counting those retirement pennies!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Zeroing in on a design
Dragon Mood? -- having fun!
Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching! S and I are spending our evenings working on Lina & Ron's deck, critiquing our attempts and, oh yes, watching American Idol, The Unusuals and Ugly Betty! What?!?
Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching! S and I are spending our evenings working on Lina & Ron's deck, critiquing our attempts and, oh yes, watching American Idol, The Unusuals and Ugly Betty! What?!?
Friday, May 08, 2009
These are for me???
Dragon Mood? -- relishing being appreciated and celebrated
Look what arrived at our doorstep yesterday, completely unannounced and an absolutely lovely surprise!
The attached note said these are for both S and me, thanking us for all that we do.
I DEFINITELY enjoy being celebrated!
Yeah for moms!
Happy Mother's Day to ALL YOU MOMS out there!
Yeah for moms!
Look what arrived at our doorstep yesterday, completely unannounced and an absolutely lovely surprise!
The attached note said these are for both S and me, thanking us for all that we do.
I DEFINITELY enjoy being celebrated!
Yeah for moms!
Happy Mother's Day to ALL YOU MOMS out there!
Yeah for moms!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
REcycling
Dragon Mood? -- tickled
Feeling in love with spring, the beauty of the Earth? Try recycling to show your love and care for our Mother Earth.
One of the things I LOVE about the community where we work is its awesome recycling service! We can recycle just about anything in our weekly curbside bin. We recycle plastic, cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, junk mail. I enjoy looking for new things to recycle.
Feeling in love with spring, the beauty of the Earth? Try recycling to show your love and care for our Mother Earth.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Saturday recap
Dragon Mood? -- musing
Sunday morning and my brain is feeling all cotton-y and slo-o-ow. I'm all ready on my second cup of coffee, so what's my excuse?
Yesterday seemed like a busy and slightly discombobulated day. We slept in, arose slowly and gently and I made us a yummy onion-broccoli-and-tomato omelette. S took the landscape trailer over to our friends, J & J, for them to use. I headed off to town to do some errands.
Purchased yet another large, covered saucepan to replace the expensive one that started peeling off its Teflon coating. ArrrghhH! Went to Meijers, bought groceries as well as eco-friendly fluorescent bulbs and remanufactured ink cartridges for our long-dead printer. Don't get me wrong, I really like shopping at Meijers, but, oh my gosh, even the remanned ones are incredibly expensive! Yet ANOTHER consumer rip-off!
I'll try to keep this consumer tirade short, but I get so DAMN tired of being exploited by our money-crazed, take-em-for-all-they're-worth corporations and culture! Cooking utensils that peel toxic substances into our food. Printers that need ridiculously expensive cartridges. It makes me want to scream , long and loud.
(heavy sigh) Okay, I feel a little better now.
Anyway, I returned home to a quiet, empty house. S and son, Mark, had taken two of the three grandbabies for an ice cream cone. The grandbabies are really not babies any more, not literally, but they are babies to us. Preston is now four, very chatty and animated (especially after a sugary ice cream cone). Madison is two-and-a-half and and an extremely focused, I-will-not-be-swayed type of little girl. I predict that she will be a force to be reckoned with in her lifetime ... and that requires no crystal ball to say that!
When the four of them returned, the energy meter went from 'still' to 'off the charts.' Mark and I talked, Stephnie played with the kids and read them a story. She fed them some pizza and milk. Grandma, I want this, Grandma, what about that? Poor Steph, she was in a whirlwind. I sat pretty much still, quiet and watched with a little bit of amusement. Be careful what you ask for ... you may GET IT!
After Mark and the grandbabies left, she and I watched Changeling, a lovely though incredibly sad movie based on a true story. Angelina Jolie was beautiful, as usual, but the depiction of the LAPD back in the 1920s had me swearing at the TV. I got pretty upset watching it. I didn't know that the movie had been directed by Clint Eastwood. And Steph and I both enjoyed feeling the slow pace of that time. Are there places where you can still live at that pace?
Sunday morning and my brain is feeling all cotton-y and slo-o-ow. I'm all ready on my second cup of coffee, so what's my excuse?
Purchased yet another large, covered saucepan to replace the expensive one that started peeling off its Teflon coating. ArrrghhH! Went to Meijers, bought groceries as well as eco-friendly fluorescent bulbs and remanufactured ink cartridges for our long-dead printer. Don't get me wrong, I really like shopping at Meijers, but, oh my gosh, even the remanned ones are incredibly expensive! Yet ANOTHER consumer rip-off!
I'll try to keep this consumer tirade short, but I get so DAMN tired of being exploited by our money-crazed, take-em-for-all-they're-worth corporations and culture! Cooking utensils that peel toxic substances into our food. Printers that need ridiculously expensive cartridges. It makes me want to scream , long and loud.
(heavy sigh) Okay, I feel a little better now.
Anyway, I returned home to a quiet, empty house. S and son, Mark, had taken two of the three grandbabies for an ice cream cone. The grandbabies are really not babies any more, not literally, but they are babies to us. Preston is now four, very chatty and animated (especially after a sugary ice cream cone). Madison is two-and-a-half and and an extremely focused, I-will-not-be-swayed type of little girl. I predict that she will be a force to be reckoned with in her lifetime ... and that requires no crystal ball to say that!
When the four of them returned, the energy meter went from 'still' to 'off the charts.' Mark and I talked, Stephnie played with the kids and read them a story. She fed them some pizza and milk. Grandma, I want this, Grandma, what about that? Poor Steph, she was in a whirlwind. I sat pretty much still, quiet and watched with a little bit of amusement. Be careful what you ask for ... you may GET IT!
After Mark and the grandbabies left, she and I watched Changeling, a lovely though incredibly sad movie based on a true story. Angelina Jolie was beautiful, as usual, but the depiction of the LAPD back in the 1920s had me swearing at the TV. I got pretty upset watching it. I didn't know that the movie had been directed by Clint Eastwood. And Steph and I both enjoyed feeling the slow pace of that time. Are there places where you can still live at that pace?
Friday, April 24, 2009
What I've been doing
Dragon Mood? -- busy
Italked to my son, Josh, the other day and he asked what am I doing with my time? I'm sure he was anticipating hearing about resumes and cover letters and job ads and all that sort of thing.
No, I'm learning SketchUp.
Which always reminds me of (whispering softly) 'ketchup' when I say it in my mind, but Google's SketchUp is a wonderful, 3D modeling software available online ... (here's the best part) for FREE!
So, here's the rest of the story.
My daughter, Lina, is thinking about building a deck in her backyard. She asked S and I to put some thought to designing a deck for her (and her live-in sweetie, Ron). Being a former designer and a visually-oriented person, I first did a rendering in Photoshop:
Well, then S suggested just HALF of a pergola, so I tried this:
I wasn't very happy with the appearance of this rendering (even after a couple of tries) and concerned that I really had the scale OFF. I downloaded Google SketchUp (hearing ketchup) and began to play with it. Pretty soon, I had this:
That's BETTER! This is a 12' x 20' deck with a pergola over half of it. I also exported a .png file out of SketchUp (hearing ketchup) and into Photoshop where I added the amateur-ish grass and the fuzzy impressions of the modest fencing surrounding Lina's backyard.
I showed it to S. She laughingly responded, "It looks like a houseboat! That's not right. Try something else. How about in the middle?"
(heavy sigh) Okay, I responded. Well, not really. I LOVE design challenges!
So, then I went to town yesterday in SketchUp (hearing ketchup). I completely redrew the model, using groups instead of individual entities, made new posts, moved the pergola over the center, created a rough-but-passable porch swing and basically had some fun while adding to my proficiency:
I was pleased with my learning curve in SketchUp but the deck and pergola design is not done. It's a HALF-BAKED CAKE at this point.
More to come, folks! But I'm really enjoying designing in SketchUp (hearing ketchup).
Italked to my son, Josh, the other day and he asked what am I doing with my time? I'm sure he was anticipating hearing about resumes and cover letters and job ads and all that sort of thing.
Which always reminds me of (whispering softly) 'ketchup' when I say it in my mind, but Google's SketchUp is a wonderful, 3D modeling software available online ... (here's the best part) for FREE!
So, here's the rest of the story.
My daughter, Lina, is thinking about building a deck in her backyard. She asked S and I to put some thought to designing a deck for her (and her live-in sweetie, Ron). Being a former designer and a visually-oriented person, I first did a rendering in Photoshop:
Well, then S suggested just HALF of a pergola, so I tried this:
I wasn't very happy with the appearance of this rendering (even after a couple of tries) and concerned that I really had the scale OFF. I downloaded Google SketchUp (hearing ketchup) and began to play with it. Pretty soon, I had this:
That's BETTER! This is a 12' x 20' deck with a pergola over half of it. I also exported a .png file out of SketchUp (hearing ketchup) and into Photoshop where I added the amateur-ish grass and the fuzzy impressions of the modest fencing surrounding Lina's backyard.
I showed it to S. She laughingly responded, "It looks like a houseboat! That's not right. Try something else. How about in the middle?"
(heavy sigh) Okay, I responded. Well, not really. I LOVE design challenges!
So, then I went to town yesterday in SketchUp (hearing ketchup). I completely redrew the model, using groups instead of individual entities, made new posts, moved the pergola over the center, created a rough-but-passable porch swing and basically had some fun while adding to my proficiency:
I was pleased with my learning curve in SketchUp but the deck and pergola design is not done. It's a HALF-BAKED CAKE at this point.
More to come, folks! But I'm really enjoying designing in SketchUp (hearing ketchup).
Small pleasures
Dragon Mood? -- excitedly endorsing
Where's Google Ads when you should have them? I have to chuckle at myself any time that I want to endorse a product here in my blog. Who reads it? I don't know. Do I care? Not really. But I DO want to tell you about this product.
About two months ago, I happened to pack in my purse one of those small, complimentary bottles of lotion that you get in hotels. I used it on my hands several times and came to LOVE the smell of it.
I wondered if I could find more of this stuff. Turns out, I can! It is Suave Hand & Body Lotion with Aloe. It's available at your local drug store. It is cheap. I just bought a big ol' bottle for under $3.00. Check it out. You will LOVE the smell of it! It smells clean and fresh. S says it smells like old-fashioned Ivory soap. I don't know about that, but I do LOVE it!
Where's Google Ads when you should have them? I have to chuckle at myself any time that I want to endorse a product here in my blog. Who reads it? I don't know. Do I care? Not really. But I DO want to tell you about this product.
I wondered if I could find more of this stuff. Turns out, I can! It is Suave Hand & Body Lotion with Aloe. It's available at your local drug store. It is cheap. I just bought a big ol' bottle for under $3.00. Check it out. You will LOVE the smell of it! It smells clean and fresh. S says it smells like old-fashioned Ivory soap. I don't know about that, but I do LOVE it!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day 2009
Dragon Mood? -- celebrating and loving Mother Earth!
When I heard about "EARTH DAY" wa-a-yy back in 1970, I thought it was well-intentioned but kind of gimmick-y. Shows what I know, huh?
Happy Earth Day! Do your part! Let's all take care of sweet Mother Earth, whaddaya say?
When I heard about "EARTH DAY" wa-a-yy back in 1970, I thought it was well-intentioned but kind of gimmick-y. Shows what I know, huh?
Happy Earth Day! Do your part! Let's all take care of sweet Mother Earth, whaddaya say?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Breastfeeding BENEFITS!
Dragon Mood? -- pleased
There's an interesting article published by the BBC stating that breastfeeding provides health protection not only for the baby, but for the mother, as well.
Here's are some numbers to back the article's claim:
And now, thirty years after the fact, to find out that I am STILL benefiting from breastfeeding my children, well, that's like the ultimate FROSTING ON THE CAKE! It's so lovely to hear some GOOD NEWS!
There's an interesting article published by the BBC stating that breastfeeding provides health protection not only for the baby, but for the mother, as well.
Research has found that breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk of ovarian and breast cancer and osteoporosis in later life.I breastfed Caroline for a year and Josh for a year, as well. I loved every minute of it. Well-l-l, almost every minute of it. But seriously, given the opportunity again, I would breastfeed my babies (or even someone else's baby -- go, Salma Hayek!) in a HEARTBEAT!
And the list of benefits for the baby is long, with breast milk credited with protecting against obesity, diabetes, asthma and infections of the ear, stomach and chest.
The latest US study, by the University of Pittsburgh, focused on nearly 140,000 post-menopausal women.
On average, it had been 35 years since the women had last breastfed - suggesting the beneficial impact lasts for decades.
As well as cutting the risk of heart problems, breastfeeding for more than a year cut the risk of high blood pressure by 12%, and diabetes and high cholesterol by around 20%.
And now, thirty years after the fact, to find out that I am STILL benefiting from breastfeeding my children, well, that's like the ultimate FROSTING ON THE CAKE! It's so lovely to hear some GOOD NEWS!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
What day is it?
Dragon Mood? -- a bit confused
Because I traveled down here to the pied-a-terre two days later than usual, it feels like it should be Tuesday or Wednesday. Certainly not Thursday!
Yesterday, I contacted my former employer about a mix-up on my paycheck. Thankfully, I knew the HR person I spoke to, she was sympathetic and said she would try to get a new check cut for me ASAP.
I also revamped my resume, including my latest employment and the skills I used there, giving much less attention to my automotive product design skills. Funny, but with all this news about two of the Big Three facing bankruptcy, I don't think there's going to be much market for automotive designers any time soon.
And my confusion about the days is just a confirmation that I'm relaxing, letting go and actually trying to enjoy this time off. I'm giving myself permission to grieve the loss of my job and, unlike last time, I'm taking my time jumping into job-hunting. It's just feeling too soon, too early. Working on my resume was enough; actually, working on that felt just about right. Now, I know how Goldlilocks felt inside the three bears' house. FELT JUST ABOUT RIGHT.
Last night, S announced around 10 that she still had to mail her federal taxes. We took the five minute ride to a post office that was open until midnight. There were orange cones, police directing traffic and postal employees wearing special orange vests at the mailboxes taking the tax returns of the most hard-core procrastinators in metro Detroit. That's my honey: HARD-CORE!
Because I traveled down here to the pied-a-terre two days later than usual, it feels like it should be Tuesday or Wednesday. Certainly not Thursday!
Yesterday, I contacted my former employer about a mix-up on my paycheck. Thankfully, I knew the HR person I spoke to, she was sympathetic and said she would try to get a new check cut for me ASAP.
I also revamped my resume, including my latest employment and the skills I used there, giving much less attention to my automotive product design skills. Funny, but with all this news about two of the Big Three facing bankruptcy, I don't think there's going to be much market for automotive designers any time soon.
And my confusion about the days is just a confirmation that I'm relaxing, letting go and actually trying to enjoy this time off. I'm giving myself permission to grieve the loss of my job and, unlike last time, I'm taking my time jumping into job-hunting. It's just feeling too soon, too early. Working on my resume was enough; actually, working on that felt just about right. Now, I know how Goldlilocks felt inside the three bears' house. FELT JUST ABOUT RIGHT.
Last night, S announced around 10 that she still had to mail her federal taxes. We took the five minute ride to a post office that was open until midnight. There were orange cones, police directing traffic and postal employees wearing special orange vests at the mailboxes taking the tax returns of the most hard-core procrastinators in metro Detroit. That's my honey: HARD-CORE!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Silver linings
Dragon Mood? -- focusing on the POSITIVE!
One of the advantages to being unemployed and not spending 40 hours a week hunched over two computers at work is that I now have the time AND the inclination to hunch over my personal computer, surfing, digesting information and blogging.
I have already posted 13, count 'em, THIRTEEN posts for the month of April, or since I was laid off from my job.
Hurray!
One of the advantages to being unemployed and not spending 40 hours a week hunched over two computers at work is that I now have the time AND the inclination to hunch over my personal computer, surfing, digesting information and blogging.
I have already posted 13, count 'em, THIRTEEN posts for the month of April, or since I was laid off from my job.
Hurray!
Same-sex marriage, timing and attitudes
Dragon Mood? -- intrigued
From the New York Times:
From the New York Times:
And now there are four. In the space of a week, the number of states allowing same-sex marriage has doubled, with Iowa and then Vermont joining Massachusetts and Connecticut. In California, gay and lesbian couples were exchanging vows for five months before voters put a stop to the practice in November. Californians are still talking it over, though, and loudly. New York and New Jersey may be next to debate the question.
... Court decisions on issues like school desegregation, abortion and same-sex marriage can raise questions about the judicial branch usurping the democratic process. But there are strategic issues as well. The Supreme Court not only decides cases but also decides which cases to decide. In jurisprudence as in life, timing is everything.
Even some strong supporters of abortion rights believe, for instance, that Roe went too far too fast and may have been counterproductive. One of them is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“The court bit off more than it could chew,” Justice Ginsburg said in remarks after a speech at Princeton in October. It would have been enough, she said, to strike down the extremely restrictive Texas law at issue in Roe and leave further questions for later cases.
“The legislatures all over the United States were moving on this question,” she added. “The law was in a state of flux.”
...The pattern on same-sex marriage, Professor Egan said, is that “Republicans react very opposed and Democrats react very, very neutrally.” As a consequence, he said, “opposition to same-sex marriage shoots up a bit in the month or two or three after a big court decision.”
Later, though, unless the decision is overturned, the public lives with the consequences and decides for itself. “Over time,” Professor Egan said, “people’s experience with the policy changes their attitudes.”
... “There has been a shift of about 10 percentage points in five years” in public support for same-sex marriage, Professor Persily added. “On a deep moral issue like this, that’s very rare.” Public opinion about abortion, by contrast, “has been largely frozen for years.”
The trend toward greater support for same-sex marriage is likely to continue, Professor Egan said. Part of it is generational: younger people are far more apt to support gay rights than older people. And part of it is a product of changing social attitudes.
Happy 33rd You-know-who-you-are!
Dragon Mood? -- a tiny bit sheepish
Yeah, I've got to admit that this is after the fact. I shoulda posted something about this before the weekend. Unfortunately, I didn't.
But I say better late than never. So here goes:
You have my heart ... completely! I love you.
Yeah, I've got to admit that this is after the fact. I shoulda posted something about this before the weekend. Unfortunately, I didn't.
But I say better late than never. So here goes:
You have my heart ... completely! I love you.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Lead on, Vermont
Dragon Mood? -- happy and hopeful
A second good-news story about gay marriage in one week? Wow!
From the Associated Press:
A second good-news story about gay marriage in one week? Wow!
From the Associated Press:
Vermont, which invented civil unions, on Tuesday became a pioneer again as the first state to legalize gay marriage through a legislature's vote, suggesting growing popular acceptance of the idea.Yes, yes, YES!
Bills to allow same-sex marriage are currently before lawmakers in New Hampshire, Maine, New York and New Jersey. The three other states that currently allow same-sex marriage — Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa — each moved to do so through the courts, not legislatures.
... Using the civil rights language of equality — the measure in Vermont was dubbed the marriage equality bill — could help make gay marriage more acceptable elsewhere.
Insomnia
Dragon Mood? -- annoyed
Here's an announcement I'm sure you've been waiting for: I HATE having insomnia! I woke up around 4 a.m. for no particular reason, with tension in my left ankle and toes. S HATES when I crack my toes, so I did so as quietly and c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y as I could.
I lay there for another 15 minutes before I realized that I had to go to the bathroom. Ahh, the realities of a fifty-something bladder! But, I will focus on the positive: I'm not wearing Depends. Thank goodness! I'm not ready for that.
Here's some OTHER things I'm giving thanks for:
Here's an announcement I'm sure you've been waiting for: I HATE having insomnia! I woke up around 4 a.m. for no particular reason, with tension in my left ankle and toes. S HATES when I crack my toes, so I did so as quietly and c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y as I could.
I lay there for another 15 minutes before I realized that I had to go to the bathroom. Ahh, the realities of a fifty-something bladder! But, I will focus on the positive: I'm not wearing Depends. Thank goodness! I'm not ready for that.
Here's some OTHER things I'm giving thanks for:
- My general health is good
- S is a loving, supportive partner
- We are very blessed; we have not just one house, but two
- Believe it or not, batteries. I turned off the TV and fired up our shortwave radio to listen to music yesterday. I was very thankful we had a couple of fresh C-size batteries to power it.
- I got my taxes done Monday. The bottom line is I'm getting money back. Hurray!
- For the pleasure of an unexpected call from my sister, Ruth. She called on her lunch hour and we had a lovely, "remember when ...?" conversation. I'm SO thankful for her.
- Essential oils. I've been burning a tealight candle under our scent diffuser and I so appreciate the lovely smells.
- Hot tea. Keeping me warm.
- Wool socks. Ditto.
- The internet. I feel like I'm part of something much larger than myself. I especially enjoy blogging and looking at intriguing/energizing/awesome photos on Flickr.
- Origami. In the process of doing my taxes, sorting through old papers, I found a snappy, hey-look-at-me brochure from Ethan Allen, an upscale Michigan furniture supplier. The brochure's larger format and heavier stock made for some very NICE origami boxes. Maybe I'll take some photos and post them.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
H 24 B
Dragon Mood? -- remembering & celebrating
And if you're wondering what that means, it's meant for my niece, Jess:
HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY, JESS!!
She was born on Easter Sunday morning, many, many years ago (just kidding)! Ask my sister!
And if you're wondering what that means, it's meant for my niece, Jess:
HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY, JESS!!
She was born on Easter Sunday morning, many, many years ago (just kidding)! Ask my sister!
Factoid for the day
Dragon Mood? -- proud to call myself a Spartan
While Michigan State's loss to North Carolina last night stings a bit, it was the tournament journey that aroused and propelled people all over the state to forget their troubles and unite in rooting for the Spartans.
Here's a fact I hadn't realized and one that speaks to how well Tom Izzo has coached the men's basketball team:
While Michigan State's loss to North Carolina last night stings a bit, it was the tournament journey that aroused and propelled people all over the state to forget their troubles and unite in rooting for the Spartans.
Michigan State had one national title and four Final Fours the last 10 years entering the 2009 tournament while North Carolina had one national title and three Final Fours. They have been the two most consistent, most successful programs through the last 10 NCAA tournaments.My hat's off to you, Coach Izzo, and the entire Spartan team. Thanks for a GREAT March Madness!
Friday, April 03, 2009
Third state legalizes gay marriage
Dragon Mood? -- an emphatic YES!
Here's some exciting news from Iowa, as reported by the Associated Press:
Here's some exciting news from Iowa, as reported by the Associated Press:
Iowa's Supreme Court legalized gay marriage Friday in a unanimous and emphatic decision that makes Iowa the third state — and the first in the nation's heartland — to allow same-sex couples to wed.
In its decision, the high court upheld a lower court's ruling that found a state law restricting marriage to between a man and woman violated Iowa's constitution.
"We are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective," the Supreme Court wrote in its decision. "The Legislature has excluded a historically disfavored class of persons from a supremely important civil institution without a constitutionally sufficient justification."
My first Etsy purchase
Dragon Mood? -- delighted
Once upon a time ... I learned about Etsy from my web-savvy, creative daughter ... who was setting up her own Etsy page.
Last Saturday, I made my very first Etsy purchase, these gorgeous earrings made by a talented woman known as msbelle:
They arrived the day after I was laid off from my job. What a lovely antidote to an unlovely experience! I'm wearing them now and I LOVE them!
Once upon a time ... I learned about Etsy from my web-savvy, creative daughter ... who was setting up her own Etsy page.
They arrived the day after I was laid off from my job. What a lovely antidote to an unlovely experience! I'm wearing them now and I LOVE them!
I heard my name
Dragon Mood? -- still reeling in disbelief
Sitting here in my snuggly flannel pajamas, I heard my name called out on TV. Yeah, I did!
A TV broadcaster, reading the daily news items, announced that 658,000 people lost their jobs in the month of March. Wow, that's a lot of people! And then I realized, WOW, that's me, I'm one of those folks!
Can you tell I'm still adjusting to the brave, scary world of unemployment?
Sitting here in my snuggly flannel pajamas, I heard my name called out on TV. Yeah, I did!
Can you tell I'm still adjusting to the brave, scary world of unemployment?
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Coping
Dragon Mood? -- like I said, I'm in a coping mood and mode
Yesterday, in shock and my feelings bouncing around like overheated molecules, I cleaned. Cleaned with a capital C! I stripped our bed right down to the mattress, laundered all the linens, not only rotated but also FLIPPED our queen-size mattress all by myself (a.k.a. layoff energy!), vacuumed the floors, knocked down incredible spider webs (sorry, spiders) and whirled around the little pied-a-terre trying to dissipate energy in my disbelieving state.
Today, I woke at my regular wake-up time (5:20 a.m.) in an absolute panic that I had overslept. Then I remembered. (heavy sigh) Oh, geez.
I couldn't summon layoff energy for a second day so I spent a lot more time today at the computer. Particularly, I Photoshopped. I knew it would be good therapy for me. I worked on the cute little dragon image at the top of the right-hand column on this page. I'm very pleased with the results.
Yesterday, in shock and my feelings bouncing around like overheated molecules, I cleaned. Cleaned with a capital C! I stripped our bed right down to the mattress, laundered all the linens, not only rotated but also FLIPPED our queen-size mattress all by myself (a.k.a. layoff energy!), vacuumed the floors, knocked down incredible spider webs (sorry, spiders) and whirled around the little pied-a-terre trying to dissipate energy in my disbelieving state.
I couldn't summon layoff energy for a second day so I spent a lot more time today at the computer. Particularly, I Photoshopped. I knew it would be good therapy for me. I worked on the cute little dragon image at the top of the right-hand column on this page. I'm very pleased with the results.
Bad News
Dragon Mood? -- shocked
In this time when it's almost impossible to listen to any media source and not hear bad news, ... well, I've got my own story to tell now.
Yesterday, the last day of March, I was laid off, sacked, given the boot; however you want to say it, I am now unemployed.
And this is no April Fool's joke. I wish.
(heavy sigh)
We were cautioned about six weeks ago that layoffs were coming. At the beginning of February, however, I was given a merit raise for my job performance. I was sent to three days of training in March for an upcoming software update. Would you conclude that you were targeted for layoff based on those actions? I wasn't.
So, honestly, I was surprised. Shocked actually. As my boss's boss greeted me in a conference room with the requisite Human Resources person, my heart began to pound. I thought for sure they could hear it, it was so loud in my chest. I just wanted to cry out, "No, no, NOT ME!"
So, I am now unemployed. I join the ranks and crowds and hundreds of thousands of people out of work. Small comfort in not being alone.
Damn!
In this time when it's almost impossible to listen to any media source and not hear bad news, ... well, I've got my own story to tell now.
And this is no April Fool's joke. I wish.
(heavy sigh)
We were cautioned about six weeks ago that layoffs were coming. At the beginning of February, however, I was given a merit raise for my job performance. I was sent to three days of training in March for an upcoming software update. Would you conclude that you were targeted for layoff based on those actions? I wasn't.
So, honestly, I was surprised. Shocked actually. As my boss's boss greeted me in a conference room with the requisite Human Resources person, my heart began to pound. I thought for sure they could hear it, it was so loud in my chest. I just wanted to cry out, "No, no, NOT ME!"
So, I am now unemployed. I join the ranks and crowds and hundreds of thousands of people out of work. Small comfort in not being alone.
Damn!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Before the crack of dawn
Dragon Mood? -- concerned
At what seemed like the crack of dawn this Saturday morning (I just realized it was before the crack), S had an MRI in East Lansing this morning. Our doctor is trying to identify what is causing her chronic low back pain. After some extensive Googling efforts, we're both wondering about a prolapsed lumbar disc.
At what seemed like the crack of dawn this Saturday morning (I just realized it was before the crack), S had an MRI in East Lansing this morning. Our doctor is trying to identify what is causing her chronic low back pain. After some extensive Googling efforts, we're both wondering about a prolapsed lumbar disc.
Hearing his speech again
Dragon Mood? -- inspired and proud
On a cold winter day, President Obama begins his first inaugural speech ...
On a cold winter day, President Obama begins his first inaugural speech ...
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