Pennylu was a woman I met in St. Louis, MO while serving a mission for my church. She was awesome. She had Christmas in her basement all year round and Pepperidge Farm cookies everytime we went to see her.
She burst with life. She was the only 50ish-year old I knew who could outlast the energy of a toddler. She had a player piano and maracas. She had padded "butt-pants" for roller-blading. She had a poster on her bathroom wall entitled "Things That Make Me Happy"
I don't remember anything on that poster, but it inspired my companion and I to make one of our own. Through the years I have had several lists of things that make me happy. I can look at them and feel my spirits lift. It is time I make one again. This time I will share it with you.
There's a new page on this here blog if any of you care to look. It's my list. Some will make complete sense and some will leave you wondering. Rest assured though, all of them lift my spirits.
Showing posts with label Personal randomness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal randomness. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Don't worry, I can blackmail myself, Part 2
So, my eyes are so tired that they are dry and it feels like they could pop out of my head any minute now! Tragedy is that it is only 9:00! When did I get so old?!?
I've been sitting here for awhile contemplating on what to post. I'm sure somewhere in the madness that is my mind there is something waiting to be said... needing to be written down for all the blog-reading world to see. Something humiliating and painful and buried deep down that is begging to be heard. But what! What little snippet of information could flow so well from these fingers of mine and be released on the unsuspecting world. Hmmm...
I've got it! As the packing and unpacking went on, I found a priceless treasure trove of sure to be embarrassing material. My junior-high school/high school journal. Looking over this journal, I am surprised to see on paper just how boy-crazy I was and how often my boy-craziness was the direct result of imaginary relationships. For example:
August 29, 1990 (I was 14... oh my)
Today turned out to be the best day of my whole entire life!! (the exclamation points were accentuated with hearts) I went swimming at Riverdale. Nobody there was my age. But low and behold ______ ______ was THERE!! I didn't even get to talk to him but ____ _____ did. He likes me. I mean really likes me. He even wanted to ask me to go down the slide with him!!! I thought he liked ______ but he doesn't. He was gonna ask me but his mom told him he had to go. I wish he had asked me sooner. Just to imagine what it would be like sends my heart POUNDING!! I'M IN LOVE!!
No one's got better dirt on me than I do. Think you know who belongs in the blanks??? Try your best guess... especially Ginny. (one of those Summer loving type things)
I've been sitting here for awhile contemplating on what to post. I'm sure somewhere in the madness that is my mind there is something waiting to be said... needing to be written down for all the blog-reading world to see. Something humiliating and painful and buried deep down that is begging to be heard. But what! What little snippet of information could flow so well from these fingers of mine and be released on the unsuspecting world. Hmmm...
I've got it! As the packing and unpacking went on, I found a priceless treasure trove of sure to be embarrassing material. My junior-high school/high school journal. Looking over this journal, I am surprised to see on paper just how boy-crazy I was and how often my boy-craziness was the direct result of imaginary relationships. For example:
August 29, 1990 (I was 14... oh my)
Today turned out to be the best day of my whole entire life!! (the exclamation points were accentuated with hearts) I went swimming at Riverdale. Nobody there was my age. But low and behold ______ ______ was THERE!! I didn't even get to talk to him but ____ _____ did. He likes me. I mean really likes me. He even wanted to ask me to go down the slide with him!!! I thought he liked ______ but he doesn't. He was gonna ask me but his mom told him he had to go. I wish he had asked me sooner. Just to imagine what it would be like sends my heart POUNDING!! I'M IN LOVE!!
No one's got better dirt on me than I do. Think you know who belongs in the blanks??? Try your best guess... especially Ginny. (one of those Summer loving type things)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Beginnings and Endings.
Beginning to feel like this new home is actually a home instead of a temporary place to keep our stuff.
Ending of a chapter of my life.
Beginning of a new chapter with an uncertain future.
Ending of my calling as Primary pianist
Beginning of a new calling as Primary teacher... hmmm.
Ending of Winter, hopefully
Beginning of Spring and green and buds on trees
Beginning of allergy season
Ending of my cute haircut, it's sooo time for another one.
Ending of an old week with slight disappointments.
Beginning of a new week with possibilities.
Ending of a book that I'm not so sure I liked
Beginning to think about things more seriously, particularly gospel things
Ending of my rope?? or
Beginning with new hope...
Ending of a chapter of my life.
Beginning of a new chapter with an uncertain future.
Ending of my calling as Primary pianist
Beginning of a new calling as Primary teacher... hmmm.
Ending of Winter, hopefully
Beginning of Spring and green and buds on trees
Beginning of allergy season
Ending of my cute haircut, it's sooo time for another one.
Ending of an old week with slight disappointments.
Beginning of a new week with possibilities.
Ending of a book that I'm not so sure I liked
Beginning to think about things more seriously, particularly gospel things
Ending of my rope?? or
Beginning with new hope...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday Random
This blog was inspired by Tawnya who's Friday randomness makes all of this okay.
1. I came home and actually hung pictures on the wall today. This could turn out alright just yet.
2. I found a hole in the linen pants that I wore to work today and I'm very very sad. I love those pants!
3. Breakfast is my favorite meal for anytime of the day. I have had three today. Yogurt and a banana for breakfast, a breakfast skillet from the Hub for lunch, and cereal for dinner.
4. I would love more than anything in the world to be able to write a book... Seriously don't know where to start. Would I end up hating it if I did?
5. I love the fact that when I get out of work late it is still light outside!
6. I also love love love that I have large windows in this new place. It's so nice to open everything up and let the sun shine in.
7. I have one more box with DVD's in it to put on the shelf and I just can't bring myself to do it.
8. Does it seem weird to anyone else to be knitting when the weather gets warmer? I feel like I'm breaking some kind of seasonal law. Thou shalt not make warm things when Spring is around the corner.
9. Today I felt a little bit like this picture, which totally cracks me up. It is a restaurant in Zihuatenjo, just by Ixtapa. The Fat Mermaid.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Come philosophize with me
Why am I such a glutton for punishment?!
You know those people that you used to hang around with that were so dang much fun. You laughed, you cried, then you went your separate ways. Life takes it's twists and turns and you find yourself in different paths, and quite happy with it too. Then life twists your way again and you come face to face with a opportunity to renew a friendship. Only you're not really sure if you want to.
It's the rose-colored glasses scenario. You look back at those memories with fondness, initially. Then as you dwell on the past you realize that perhaps said past wasn't as rosy as you prefer to remember. In fact, if you are completely and brutally honest with yourself, a lot of those times really sucked rocks. Like that one time when everyone was invited to dinner but you. Or that other time when you are conveniently left out of the end result of your own "hey we should all get together for dinner sometime" idea. It's then that you begin to question if any of it was real or if you were simply a "friend" because you happened to be breathing and in close proximity at the time. A friend by default.
You know those people that you used to hang around with that were so dang much fun. You laughed, you cried, then you went your separate ways. Life takes it's twists and turns and you find yourself in different paths, and quite happy with it too. Then life twists your way again and you come face to face with a opportunity to renew a friendship. Only you're not really sure if you want to.
It's the rose-colored glasses scenario. You look back at those memories with fondness, initially. Then as you dwell on the past you realize that perhaps said past wasn't as rosy as you prefer to remember. In fact, if you are completely and brutally honest with yourself, a lot of those times really sucked rocks. Like that one time when everyone was invited to dinner but you. Or that other time when you are conveniently left out of the end result of your own "hey we should all get together for dinner sometime" idea. It's then that you begin to question if any of it was real or if you were simply a "friend" because you happened to be breathing and in close proximity at the time. A friend by default.
Well, it's time to take a stand... right? Why get it touch with people that just do the same thing as before? Invite you over and then leave because they got a better offer at the last minute. Friends?? I don't think so. More like a reminder of a semi-painful past. Who needs it?
Real friends are those you keep in touch with and mean it. No smoke blown. Whether you get in contact daily, weekly, or yearly, doesn't matter so much as the sincerity.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
1. I can't throw a live plant out even if I hate it. It usually works best if someone else does the dirty work for me. In fact I would rather commit "accidental" murder and let it freeze outside while "getting sun" than throw it out healthy and alive.
2. I use the same alarm clock I used during high school complete with melted button from where I put a curling iron on it. Still works!
3. I am going to learn how to knit, my first lesson is tonight!
4. I have recently developed a fetish for earrings. I don't know how it happened. During my mission and several years after I had the same pair of silver "balls" in my ears, as in they never left my ears. Now I don't even know where they are. I have big dangly things that David is still shocked about.
5. My favorite holiday is Christmas followed closely by Halloween.
6. I hate shrimp. It's like eating dead fingers.
7. I never really learned how to swim even though I took swimming lessons as a child. I can do the dead man's float really well though.
8. I like to scrapbook, though you wouldn't know it because the urge only comes once or twice a year. I have to take advantage of it.
9. I HATE cleaning the bathroom. David is kind enough to do it for me.
10. I have several pairs of socks with sentimental value.. sigh.
11. I have two screws in my ring finger.
12. I keep my toenails painted all the time, even in the winter when no one sees.
13. My favorite scent in candle or spray form is Pear.
14. I am allergic to Clover Club BBQ potato chips.
15. I threw up after my first kiss. It was my 16th birthday.
16. I prefer to make my own birthday cake cause then I get exactly what I want.
17. I can read books while running on a treadmill. (It's more difficult when running on the street)
18. I buy my own toothpaste cause I don't like David's choice.
19. I am a cat and a dog person (go figure!)
20. Even though swimsuits are not my friend, my vacation spot of choice will always include a beach.
21. I once cut off a mole on my arm with a pair of fingernail clippers.
22. I hate it when other people try to "organize me" or my stuff or anything else. No touchy.
23. I don't share food unless it is my idea.
24. I like to exercise by myself.
25. Last but not least, I actually like the snow even though I seem to hate it at times.
2. I use the same alarm clock I used during high school complete with melted button from where I put a curling iron on it. Still works!
3. I am going to learn how to knit, my first lesson is tonight!
4. I have recently developed a fetish for earrings. I don't know how it happened. During my mission and several years after I had the same pair of silver "balls" in my ears, as in they never left my ears. Now I don't even know where they are. I have big dangly things that David is still shocked about.
5. My favorite holiday is Christmas followed closely by Halloween.
6. I hate shrimp. It's like eating dead fingers.
7. I never really learned how to swim even though I took swimming lessons as a child. I can do the dead man's float really well though.
8. I like to scrapbook, though you wouldn't know it because the urge only comes once or twice a year. I have to take advantage of it.
9. I HATE cleaning the bathroom. David is kind enough to do it for me.
10. I have several pairs of socks with sentimental value.. sigh.
11. I have two screws in my ring finger.
12. I keep my toenails painted all the time, even in the winter when no one sees.
13. My favorite scent in candle or spray form is Pear.
14. I am allergic to Clover Club BBQ potato chips.
15. I threw up after my first kiss. It was my 16th birthday.
16. I prefer to make my own birthday cake cause then I get exactly what I want.
17. I can read books while running on a treadmill. (It's more difficult when running on the street)
18. I buy my own toothpaste cause I don't like David's choice.
19. I am a cat and a dog person (go figure!)
20. Even though swimsuits are not my friend, my vacation spot of choice will always include a beach.
21. I once cut off a mole on my arm with a pair of fingernail clippers.
22. I hate it when other people try to "organize me" or my stuff or anything else. No touchy.
23. I don't share food unless it is my idea.
24. I like to exercise by myself.
25. Last but not least, I actually like the snow even though I seem to hate it at times.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"Bob" is gone
Just a quick update because frankly that's all I'm up to right now.
"Bob" was taken care of and is no longer a part of my life, the little devil. Turns out my surgery was two for the price of one. The doctor found a spot of endometriosis while he was in there and got that taken care of too.
So the silver lining is that it was better to go in now and find a little bit of "extra stuff" to get taken care of than to wait another 5-6 months and find out then. See, the Lord does have a plan!
"Bob" was taken care of and is no longer a part of my life, the little devil. Turns out my surgery was two for the price of one. The doctor found a spot of endometriosis while he was in there and got that taken care of too.
So the silver lining is that it was better to go in now and find a little bit of "extra stuff" to get taken care of than to wait another 5-6 months and find out then. See, the Lord does have a plan!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Power of Suggestion
Oh the power of suggestion... how devilish it can be.
So, it's been awhile since I posted anything about the ol' life, so here's an update. Last week I found out that once again a wrench was thrown into the "multiply and replenish the earth" commandment for David and I. For those of you who don't know, I have a little addition to my girl parts that really needs to go away. Some call it "cyst" but I've decided to call it Bob.
Bob has been with me for about 4 months now. Being an unwanted guest I've tried a few different things to get rid of him. This last round of meds was hopeful, but alas, 'twas not to be. As it turns out Bob is just as stubborn as I am! He doesn't want to go away. So more drastic measures must be taken. This Friday I will be going in for surgery to get rid of Bob once and for all. I really hope he doesn't have any relatives that feel the need to take his place.
I found this all out last Friday. My doctor went over the procedure briefly so that I could be just as prepared as possible. It's amazing what the power of suggestion does to me. As he talked about where he would "go in" and what to expect for recovery time, I ended up walking out of the office already hurting. It was like ghost limbs in reverse. My body was remembering something that hadn't happened yet. Even now when I think about it I automatically get the feeling that the waistband on my pants is in the wrong place and squishing my stitches. I feel pale and withdrawn, half a person really. I need to lie down, or at least do things very slowly. Everyone knows that if you have to have surgery then you are sick right.!? So what business to I have walking around like a whole person! I'm not whole! I have a Bob!
Ridiculous, I know. Wish me luck.
So, it's been awhile since I posted anything about the ol' life, so here's an update. Last week I found out that once again a wrench was thrown into the "multiply and replenish the earth" commandment for David and I. For those of you who don't know, I have a little addition to my girl parts that really needs to go away. Some call it "cyst" but I've decided to call it Bob.
Bob has been with me for about 4 months now. Being an unwanted guest I've tried a few different things to get rid of him. This last round of meds was hopeful, but alas, 'twas not to be. As it turns out Bob is just as stubborn as I am! He doesn't want to go away. So more drastic measures must be taken. This Friday I will be going in for surgery to get rid of Bob once and for all. I really hope he doesn't have any relatives that feel the need to take his place.
I found this all out last Friday. My doctor went over the procedure briefly so that I could be just as prepared as possible. It's amazing what the power of suggestion does to me. As he talked about where he would "go in" and what to expect for recovery time, I ended up walking out of the office already hurting. It was like ghost limbs in reverse. My body was remembering something that hadn't happened yet. Even now when I think about it I automatically get the feeling that the waistband on my pants is in the wrong place and squishing my stitches. I feel pale and withdrawn, half a person really. I need to lie down, or at least do things very slowly. Everyone knows that if you have to have surgery then you are sick right.!? So what business to I have walking around like a whole person! I'm not whole! I have a Bob!
Ridiculous, I know. Wish me luck.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thirty-Something...Really?
My knees hurt. I don't think it's fair. My hip hurts too, just one though. I'm 33 years old as of 8 days ago. I don't think that I am supposed to be feeling this way without having first had children. All of my life I've been under the delusion that it was the coming of children that made the hips spread, the knees go bad, the hair go gray, and excess weight attach itself. It's the physical act of procreation that brings gravity into full effect and slows down our metabolism. If I had but looked around I would have noticed the lie right away, but who looks around when you are an indestructible teenager with her whole life planned out?
As it turns out my life had plans of it's own and it quite successfully put gravity into effect without the childbearing step. I have no children and I still have wider hips, bad knees, and more poundage than I feel necessary. I don't really know if I have any gray hair since I dye it. On my 31st birthday I got up and ran 5 miles just to prove to myself that I still could. Thirty-one had a more devastating effect on me than 30 ever did. Thirty was a milestone, something that everyone talked about with fear and dread. In fact it was hyped up so much that it was kind of a disappointment. I'm not sure what I expected, perhaps dark clouds hovering ominously in the sky, a personification of death standing at the foot of my bed holding a scythe, a face full of wrinkles to appear immediately letting myself and also everyone around know that I was in fact older. It was nothing like that. I was still a newly wed and I felt pretty darn good. But 31 was horrible. It hit me quite abruptly the morning of my birthday that getting older doesn't stop. Aging will proceed whether we are ready for it or not! I was devastated, which is why I got up and ran. I wanted to stay young and free and full of vitality! Why I had just barely begun to live right?
I also used to live under the delusion that "if I couldn't have kids then dang it, I would be sexy!" I still am sexy, but only to my husband (thank the heavens for him!) and older men with bad eyesight.
It's the delusional life that gets the better of me more times than I like to recall. The "imaginary relationships with real people" the "denial of my pant size, dang it I will fit into these again" the "it doesn't matter if I'm not where I thought I would be, I really am happy". It's the last one that gets me the most. Perhaps it's because it's the line I feed myself so often. How can we be truly happy when we measure ourselves against a ruler that was created in the all-so-knowing years of high school? Who said that was the measuring stick of life? It's time for a change. Throw the old one out and make a new one. One that fits, one that's real. One that's flexible. Who really knows what the future brings but God? Perhaps instead of creating my own measuring stick, I should try harder to understand the one that God has for me.
As it turns out my life had plans of it's own and it quite successfully put gravity into effect without the childbearing step. I have no children and I still have wider hips, bad knees, and more poundage than I feel necessary. I don't really know if I have any gray hair since I dye it. On my 31st birthday I got up and ran 5 miles just to prove to myself that I still could. Thirty-one had a more devastating effect on me than 30 ever did. Thirty was a milestone, something that everyone talked about with fear and dread. In fact it was hyped up so much that it was kind of a disappointment. I'm not sure what I expected, perhaps dark clouds hovering ominously in the sky, a personification of death standing at the foot of my bed holding a scythe, a face full of wrinkles to appear immediately letting myself and also everyone around know that I was in fact older. It was nothing like that. I was still a newly wed and I felt pretty darn good. But 31 was horrible. It hit me quite abruptly the morning of my birthday that getting older doesn't stop. Aging will proceed whether we are ready for it or not! I was devastated, which is why I got up and ran. I wanted to stay young and free and full of vitality! Why I had just barely begun to live right?
I also used to live under the delusion that "if I couldn't have kids then dang it, I would be sexy!" I still am sexy, but only to my husband (thank the heavens for him!) and older men with bad eyesight.
It's the delusional life that gets the better of me more times than I like to recall. The "imaginary relationships with real people" the "denial of my pant size, dang it I will fit into these again" the "it doesn't matter if I'm not where I thought I would be, I really am happy". It's the last one that gets me the most. Perhaps it's because it's the line I feed myself so often. How can we be truly happy when we measure ourselves against a ruler that was created in the all-so-knowing years of high school? Who said that was the measuring stick of life? It's time for a change. Throw the old one out and make a new one. One that fits, one that's real. One that's flexible. Who really knows what the future brings but God? Perhaps instead of creating my own measuring stick, I should try harder to understand the one that God has for me.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tagged
Approximately 500 years ago, Sophie tagged me and I never responded... Now is the time.
Marriage Tag
What is your husband's name? Michael David Sullivan
How long have you been together? Married for 3 years, 1 month.
How long did you date? 1 year, 2 months
Who said I love you first? Me, I couldn't quite help myself.
Who is taller? David by 2 inches or so
Who sings better? David would say I do, but I think it's a toss up
Who is smarter? Definitely me, except for math and other things that have to make sense in a logical and analytical fashion... I just B.S. better
Who does the laundry? Me
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me
Who pays the bills? Me
Who mows the lawn? Both, I actually quite enjoy it
Who does the dishes? Lately both, used to be David more though... something about bacteria taking over the world starting with our kitchen. That's what I get for marrying a biology major
Who drives when you are together? I drive to the grocery store or to go shopping, David usually drives on trips, dates, anywhere else.
Who is more stubborn? David thinks he can give me a run for my money on this one, but I beg to differ, I beat him in stubborness hands down.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? David is... what a guy huh.
Who kissed who first? David kissed me first.
Who proposed? David
Who is more sensitive? Me
Who has more friends? We have friends??
Who wears the pants in the family? We both do
I tag anyone who wants to be tagged!
Marriage Tag
What is your husband's name? Michael David Sullivan
How long have you been together? Married for 3 years, 1 month.
How long did you date? 1 year, 2 months
Who said I love you first? Me, I couldn't quite help myself.
Who is taller? David by 2 inches or so
Who sings better? David would say I do, but I think it's a toss up
Who is smarter? Definitely me, except for math and other things that have to make sense in a logical and analytical fashion... I just B.S. better
Who does the laundry? Me
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me
Who pays the bills? Me
Who mows the lawn? Both, I actually quite enjoy it
Who does the dishes? Lately both, used to be David more though... something about bacteria taking over the world starting with our kitchen. That's what I get for marrying a biology major
Who drives when you are together? I drive to the grocery store or to go shopping, David usually drives on trips, dates, anywhere else.
Who is more stubborn? David thinks he can give me a run for my money on this one, but I beg to differ, I beat him in stubborness hands down.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? David is... what a guy huh.
Who kissed who first? David kissed me first.
Who proposed? David
Who is more sensitive? Me
Who has more friends? We have friends??
Who wears the pants in the family? We both do
I tag anyone who wants to be tagged!
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