Gazelle...

Chas called this afternoon, one of her friends was trying desperately to give away a Gazelle! How awesome is that?! I have been wanting one, but frankly, since our incomes have been reduced...I don't spend money on many "wants". So I was very happy to take it off her hands!! I offered to pay her for it, but she really just wanted to get rid of it!! It wasn't until after I saw the photo above that I realized why it is called a Gazelle! It's in our family room downstairs...just to the left of the T.V.! I am looking forward to some diversity in my cardio!

In other news...the new neighbors came over to introduce themselves this evening. We had a nice chat on the porch, but I couldn't help noticing that the girl looked a bit terrified. Her husband was totally relaxed and extremely outgoing, so the whole thing was a bit odd.

When I left for work this morning, the sky was grey and heavy with clouds, so I closed all of the windows. By the time I got back at 3:00 it was hot as heck inside! I spent an hour or so in the pool, then at 5:00 I fixed a quick dinner of fish, baked potatoes and carrots, which we ate on the deck where the breeze was blowing nicely! After we got the Gazelle cleaned up and carried downstairs, we got back in the pool for an hour or so! It was great!

All in all...the day turned out a lot better than I anticipated!

Be Well!

Monday

Every other day, every other day,
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes,
but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin' all of the time...

(Well...maybe "cryin' all of the time..." is a slight exaggeration...but I do hate Monday! )

Another week is on the horizon! So far it is shaping up to be a 'not so good' week. the forecast is for rain every single day, and Tuesday is looking like it will be the meeting from hell. Our best hope lies in hoping that it passes quickly! Our neighbors of 11 years moved out on Friday, and although I did meet the new owners (briefly), they have not begun moving in yet. Getting new neighbors is always scary...they could turn out to be anyone or anything...from the Adams family to the Cleavers! We'll just have to see how this goes! The old neighbors have moved to Texas, and will be a short distance from South Padre Island (how cool would that be)! I wish them all the best...and we will miss them! The only thing that I really know about the new people is that they have 3 dogs....I am a dog lover...but 3 seems like a lot! Perhaps they are all very well trained and will behave nicely...and perhaps pigs will fly.

Have a great week!

Be Well!

Like a Hoover...

Well, this day sucked like a Hoover. It seems that my car is having issues...possibly a new starter is needed. We will find out for sure tomorrow. While we were at the auto parts store, I was approached by a woman carrying a gas can, and asking for money. I was hesitant to open my purse while standing within reach of her, so I said "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't have any money." I went on in the store and retrieved a dollar from my bag, then headed outside to give it to her...when I noticed that she seemed to be staggering. I decided NOT to give her the dollar. Marvin was standing in front of the car talking with the salesman and when they finished...she approached him. He handed her a $5.00 bill straight away! I felt a bit like a cad...but was glad that he was more charitable than I had been. We got into the vehicles and headed several blocks over to a different auto parts store...and there she was...already that far down the street...carrying her can and panhandling! I was irritated, and at the same time...vindicated.

This has been a long, tired day! We didn't get to sleep until well after 12:30 last night, and then I awoke almost every hour all night long. At 5:30, we were both awakened by a terrible crash inside the house...which scared the heck out of us! We both flew from the bed, and after grabbing the pistol and phone...we 'cleared' each room on both floors. Nothing was amiss. We finally gave up, put the gun away, hung up the phone and headed back to bed. I stopped at the bathroom on the way (I think it scared the pee out of me), and there in the bottom of the shower...lay the source of the crashing sound...the shaving mirror and both razors...and a huge spider! The upshot is...that I'm glad we didn't shoot the shower!

Here's hoping for a better nights sleep tonight!

Be Well!

Just a quick note...

Just a quick note to catch up a bit! The weekend flew like the wind with working at Shane's and church! It was a good weekend, just too short! His window's look great and hopefully the rest will follow soon!

This has been one of those Monday's! Every single thing that I have touched...I have screwed up and had to redo! It happens! Tonight is Park and Recreation Board and Tree Board, and the way that the day has gone has left me a bit apprehensive about the evening! It would be fabulous if a quorum was not forthcoming and we adjourned early...but that probably won't happen...so I will make sure the tape recorder is on and hopefully it will provide the necessary backup for any disasters!

We had neglected the pool over the weekend, and it was a mess today. I vacuumed three times and skimmed repeatedly. It finally looked decent, just as the sky clouded over and it threatened to rain! I decided to go ahead and shock it anyway, so hopefully whatever falls from the sky will be sufficiently neutralized!

Dinner is almost ready, then the second half of my work day begins!

Be Well!

Keeper...

So far the holiday weekend has been very nice! We arose Saturday morning at 6:30, puttered around a bit, showered, then packed food, soda's, swim suits and beach towels, and headed out (at 9:00) to meet the kids and pick up Candy! We got to Kaw Lake around 11:00! The day had started out cloudy and cool, with intermittent sprinkles, but by noon it began to warm up nicely! We sat around a picnic table with lots of family and talked and laughed for a bit, then Marvin and I took a walk along the sandbar. The water was muddy, dirty, filled with bobbing debris, and moving rapidly enough to be scary! It has rained so much over the past two weeks or so that many ponds, rivers and lakes are not only swollen...but above flood stage! The rising waters had deposited lots of 'treasures' on the sandbar, and we took an hour and a half or so to explore a section about a half mile long! Among our finds were several left shoes (no right ones), a pacifier, an auto headlight, a basketball, a tennis ball, two softballs, several buoys, many fishing 'bobbers', a refrigerator, four chairs, a wide variety of bottles, a trot line, and lots and lots of driftwood! We eventually went back to the campsite for lunch and later in the day, Chas, Shane and Candy went with us to check out the beach again! The day passed quickly and before we knew it, we were back on the highway headed home! Our swimsuits were still dry as the waters were too choppy and nasty for swimming, and too full of debris for skiing or tubing!

Marvin and I missed church Sunday morning due to a nasty migraine that I awoke with. Thankfully, it subsided and the rest of the day wasn't ruined! We eventually headed out in search of lunch, groceries and a bit of recreation (not in that order). We had a bite of Bar B Q, then drove downtown to see if we could locate the 'troll in the hole' (a new piece of artwork recently installed below a grate along the river). The top picture above is of the 'Troll in the Hole"...Chas took it earlier in the week. We searched diligently, but failed to locate him! A phone call to Chas (later in the day) provided better directions, so we will try again! During the course of our 'troll hunt', we checked out the newly refurbished "Keeper of the Plains" statue (the middle picture above) outside of the Mid-America All Indian Center . I was not particularly impressed with the sculpture, but I really liked the bridge leading to it (the bottom picture)!

Since it had not begun to rain yet, we put the top down and headed in the general direction of the grocery store. Along the way, we spotted a new antique store/tea room called "The Cup-n-Saucer", so we stopped to investigate! It was delightful! I left with an antique pull toy in the shape of a horse, and a doll rocker that was so unique I couldn't leave it behind!

We concluded our trek with (of course) the grocery shopping. After putting things away, we both fell asleep on the couch for a bit! All in all...it has been a lovely weekend so far!

Tomorrow...a cookout at our house and a special lawn game called "Monkey Bar Golf" (which Shane has promised to teach us)! I am looking forward to another great day!

Be Well!

Friday eve...

Thankfully, it is almost Friday! This week has been excruciatingly long. The days have been fraught with depression, worry and illness, and the night’s mostly void of sleep. I am so looking forward to a three-day weekend!

For the past couple of weeks our plan has been to go to the lake for at least one day and enjoy water sports, day camping and family. The weather is attempting to put a serious ‘kibosh’ on things…but we shall remain undaunted. If indeed it does turn out to be cloudy, chilly and wet…we will find other ways to enjoy this time off!

I have been reading about ‘Contemporary Poverty Syndrome’…it explains a lot of things in our world today. The things that I have always thought of as ‘causes’ of poverty are in fact ‘factors’ of poverty. There is a huge difference. The sad thing is that it all seems to be a vicious cycle…with no foreseeable end. I have been able to clearly identify characteristics of those deeply afflicted by this syndrome…in members of both my extended family and Marvin’s. I am really beginning to question our welfare system. Instead of helping those in need…we have apparently become ‘enablers’. However, as in many other things, perhaps the problem isn't in the system itself, and definitely not in it's original intent...but in the abuse and eventual mutation of it. It would appear that in most cases…the attitude of poverty began many generations ago…and will be perpetuated for many to come. It’s so much more than money.

In any case…a little knowledge is a dangerous thing…so I will continue to study this issue…it is very interesting.

Be Well!

Another one bites the dust...

I can't believe the weekend is already over! It seems as though it's only just begun...when...BAM...it's gone!

Saturday - We rose early (Marvin at 7:00 and me at 7:30 a.m.). We watched about 45 minutes of T.V., then Marvin cleaned the garage and washed the cars while I did some laundry, cleaned the house and cooked breakfast. By 11:30 we were in the car, with the top down enjoying the sunshine! We headed for Riverfest and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying music, people watching, dodge ball (did you know this was an actual sport?), and strolling along the river bank. The weather was perfect and we had an excellent day!

Sunday - We decided on the early service, so we got out of bed at 6:15. For the first time ever...we beat the kids to church!! After what seemed like a very loooooong sermon...Shane and Candy headed to Candy's grandparents house for lunch, and Marvin, Chas and I tried to have breakfast at The Good Egg. We drove into the parking lot and saw that the waiting line was all the way out the door, so we backtracked a bit and had lunch at Chili's instead! After lunch we drove back to Park City to retrieve a Penney's gift card, picked Chas up at her house and hit the mall in search of swim suits! Chas tried on two, and although both looked fabulous on her, she decided to stick with her old one. I tried on twelve (seriously), and finally bought one. It didn't 'knock my socks off', but it wasn't terrible. I'm not sure that I will ever find a swim suit that I am 'happy' with, so all in all it was a successful trip! We are going to the lake next weekend, so I was pretty much down to the wire! After shopping, we met Shane, Candy, Harold and Diane at the Warren and saw Shrek the Third! It was hilarious! My Shrek favorites are definitely Donkey and Puss In Boots!! The evening ended with dinner at Il Vicino and a walk when we got home!

The coming week is already shaping up to be the week from 'you know where'. I will be filling in for the receptionist (she is on vacation), and it is supposed to be one of the busiest weeks of the entire year. Hopefully, it will pass quickly!

Have a great week...take time to laugh!

Be Well!

Under the bed...

I was reading CJ's blog tonight...she mentioned a childhood fear of intruders under the bed. It made me think of someone that I hadn't thought of for a long time...


Fred...

The lights were all off
The day over and done,
My mind was all filled
With laughter
and
fun!

The darkness and shadows
Intruding and scary,
I started to think...
Of monsters...
all spiny and hairy.


The clock said "tick
tock"
The shutters they creaked,
I pulled the blanket up tight
The wind started to shriek.

I waited in terror
For demons unknown,
From hunchbacks to boogie men
My
Worried
Mind
roamed.

From somewhere quite near
I heard a new sound,
Gripping the bed clothes...
My heart started to pound.

I strained...
And I listened...
I wanted to hear,
The source of the sound...
Became suddenly clear.

It was not in the closet...
But under the bed,
Not at the foot...
But up by my head!

I sat bolt upright!
Trembling and cold,
Frightened and scared,
And not very bold...

A bit louder it came then...
A sob and a whimper,
"I'm frightened, and chilly,
and I've got a big blister!"

My mind all confused
I hadn't a clue,
As I thought and I pondered
What now to do...

Up on my knees
I crawled to the edge,
Resigned to do battle
U
N
D
E
R
the bed.

I slid to the floor
And took a deep breath,
Consumed by the fear
Of a horrible death!

I yanked up the bedspread,
Then, fell back on my hiney...
There, rolled in a ball
Was a monster...
All shivery and whiney.

My eyes took him in
From the tips of his paws,
To his small,
purple
chin.

His eyes were as big
As two saucers could be,
His arms were quite l o n g…
Well past his knees!

I looked on in wonder
And, frankly...in envy...
As his big, floppy, striped ears
Perked
up
to
hear me.

He shook and he shivered
His long arms hugged himself,
"Are you cold?" I inquired...
Afraid for his health.

"Oh yes," he replied,
"Really quite so! And I'm frightened,
and lonely...from my head to my toes!"

"Is it possible..." I asked,
“do you think it could be...
that we could be friends?
best friends...you and me?"

He cocked his bright orange
Fur covered head,
At a
comical
angle
u
n
d
e
r
the bed.

He closed one green eye
In a humorous wink...
Then he smiled,
and I saw that his teeth
Were bright pink!

I reached
out
my
hand,
And losing my dread,
I asked him his name
And he answered me...
"Fred!"

I took his green paw
And gave it a tug,
He scurried on out
And we stood on the rug.

"It's time for bed, Fred"
I told him quite sternly,
"We must get to sleep now
for morning comes early!"

We climbed in...
underneath the big quilt,
And we talked and told stories...
And we laughed and we squealed.

I'm not afraid now,
For the truth is...you see...
My monster, my best friend,
My protector
is
he!

Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Be Well!

A bit behind...

Once again I’ve managed to fall behind in my blogging. I keep promising myself that I will do better…but I’m afraid that I’m hopeless. Now that summer is here, it will probably only get worse! This is my favorite season! Sunshine, warm breezes, butterflies, flowers, the sound of birds singing in the morning and locusts serenading the evening, children playing outdoors until the last rays of light fade away, open windows, fluttering curtains, shorts, tank tops, bare feet, cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, lush green trees, tall pampas grass…amber waves of grain...the list goes on and on!

Unfortunately, tonight is not a great night. I haven’t felt well today…I can’t put my finger on the problem…I just don’t feel well. I’m so exhausted that I can barely put one foot in front of the other, my eye is scratchy and irritated, and…although I don’t have a headache…my scalp and my hair hurt (I know, that’s weird)! I may just be tired. Sleep has been elusive for a while now…it happens. As icky as I feel…Shane is feeling sooooo much worse! Please continue to keep him in your prayers! Yesterday’s x-ray’s show some improvement, but he is still in a LOT of pain!

I had the best Mother’s Day in history, and I am continually grateful for the family that God has blessed me with! I love all three of them more than words could ever express!

I know this is short, and doesn’t really do anything but ramble…but I’m gonna call it a day and curl up on the couch.

Be Well!

A great weekend!

I know it's probably a bit late...but we had a really nice weekend! So...here it is!

Saturday - We hit the highway Saturday morning around 10:00 a.m., headed for Oklahoma City! The drive down was cloudy and cool, but nice! We arrived in the City about 12:30, and drove through Bricktown! It was already bustling with activity! Since Marvin had never seen the memorial to those lost in the attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building , we decided to stop there! I had been there once before, but this time we were fortunate enough to arrive just in time to hear a ranger give a short presentation on the history and design of the memorial! It was fascinating! The memorial is beautiful, and definitely evokes a myriad of emotions. Realizing that this horrific event not only affected those within the walls of the building during the explosion and their loved ones...but also represented the first terrorist attack on our own soil...changing forever the way our society functions...was overwhelming!

We left the memorial in search of lunch! A short distance away, we found a place called Jimmy's Egg. Always up for new culinary experiences, we wandered in! Jimmy's turned out to be an excellent choice, although I blew my diet with a ginormous yeast biscuit and wonderful thick, white gravy! As we waited for our food, I noticed a signed picture of a man who I recognised as 'famous'...but I wasn't sure who he was, so I pointed it out to Marvin. As it turned out...the picture was of Garth Brooks...who apparently is a 'Jimmy's Egg' fan! Apologies to all you 'Country Western' folks...I'm just an old rocker...country just isn't my thing!

Our next stop was Quail Springs Mall. We spent the next three hours shopping and people watching! It was a great afternoon! I tried on 6 different sundresses, but failed to find one that 'knocked my socks off'. Although, I did find a pair of shorts at Express (thank you Shane), and Marvin got a new cover for his cell phone. Around 5:00 we left the mall and checked into our hotel, where we rested for an hour or so, then freshened up. Dinner was at a steak house, which I don't remember the name of...but whose wonderful, moist, sweet, bread pudding...I shall never forget! Finally, on to the UCO Jazz Lab, for an evening with Garrett “Big G” Jacobson! He was phenomenal!

Sunday - We rose Sunday morning to grey skies and rain, but our spirits were undaunted by the weather! After a quick breakfast (back on my diet with oatmeal and yogurt) at the hotel, we put the top down and pointed the car in the direction of Stillwater and Eskimo Joe's, Stillwater's Jumpin' Little Juke Joint! We arrived just in time for lunch, then took a quick turn through the gift shop, where we purchased 6 Eskimo Joe cups (two that change color when wet, and four that glow in the dark).

As we drove on toward Kansas, the weather changed almost minute-by-minute! We had spoken with the kids, and were aware of dangerous storms ahead, so we were particularly cognizant of the clouds! A brief visit with each of our mother's signaled the end of our trek, and we headed toward Wichita...tired...but in a good way!

It was a wonderful weekend! (Thank you Marvin!)

Be Well!

Procrastination...

Well, I hit the mall after work this afternoon. I have had my eye on a GORGEOUS dress all winter! It was black and white, sleeveless, ankle length, arm holes tapered back a bit, tapered waistline and it buttoned up the front, with a standing collar and a 'sort of deep' neckline. I could just imagine it on someone a little less 'fluffy' than I was. I pictured the way it should fall...and flow when the wearer walked. I promised myself that 'if and when' I lost weight...I would buy that dress! I even visited it once. It is gone. My own darn fault...I know that....but dang it! In it's stead...I tried on a number of sundresses. I have wanted to wear a nice, pretty, strappy sun dress...with a semi-flippy skirt...for about 3 years now. Every time I tried one on though...I was reminded by Admiral Mirror...how unattractive 'back cleavage' and 'wings' are! Those things seem to be gone...but now I can't find a dress that I like! I am determined to find one...so...the hunt is on!!

Unfortunately, it is also swimsuit time. Fortunately, the suit that I had last year is very large now! Unfortunately, this means that I will need to steel myself against Major Mirror...and find a new one! Swim suits forgive nothing...so I walked a bit extra today...this is going to be ugly!

Be Well!

Third day...

Migraine headaches suck. For the third day in a row I am battling one. If only it were possible to slap Eve backward...away from those stinking apples...what was she thinking.

Just for the record...

Lowfat, no sugar added, vanilla frozen yogurt SUCKS!!

Interesting day...

My step dad is doing much better than we expected. Although he did have a small stroke...there was only minor damage. He has begun some therapy..both physical and cognitive...and hopefully by the first part of the week he will get to return home. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for him and us! Please continue...he's not out of the woods yet.

The afternoon was interesting. I learned many things about my childhood that I did not know...ranging from how sheltered and disciplined we were (not) to Chester the molester. My mind is somewhat discombobulated tonight as I mull this new info over. In the end...I'm not sure any of it matters. Life is weird.

Be Well.

Finally...

It looks as though Spring has finally arrived! The temperature is 68 degrees and the forecast is for upper 60's to low 80's for the next seven days! There is rain in this glorious outlook...but it is so much easier to stand if it is a warm rain than if it is freezing pellets of ice. I spent a couple of hours enjoying the deck after work.

Warm, smooth boards…
A gentle breeze
Touches my face.

Accordian music
Drifts lazily
Over the fence
In soft melody.

Billowy clouds
Move slowly…
Sparrows criss-cross
The peaceful sky.

Windchimes…
Soprano tones
From…
Nowhere.

Peace…be still.


Be Well!

Just a thought...

Every once in a while, we get a glimpse of how harsh life really is. It isn’t always in the things that happen to us…sometimes it’s in the things that don’t happen. Whatever the case may be, we tend to become jaded…and wary…of everything. Then out of the blue, God provides a reminder that He is still in control. There is still Hope in this world. Through that Hope…we learn to have Faith…but it never ceases to be slippery…almost elusive. It’s a bit like holding onto an icicle in a hot tub.

Pick up trucks
Kids at play…
Life goes on
One more day.

Shades of dread
Hues I know…
When will the
Darkness go.

In the distance
Faint, dim light…
Strains of gentle
Pierce the night.

Faith and Hope
Two old friends…
Comfort hurting
Hearts again.

Be Well!

Just a follow up...

Above...candid pictures of Woody, Funguy and Shorty, awaiting the results of the paternity test. As you can see...Funguy was still wearing that smug grin of his. Below...Woody and Shorty look on in horror as Funguy loses consciousness when Larry Birkhead announced that indeed HE was the father! Sometime later, Funguy told reporters that he would not contest the results. He is, however, planning to leave immediately for a much needed vacation...in an undisclosed location...amid rumors pertaining to Britney Spears.

Sticks and stones...

Daytime TV is always crap…but today has proven to be even worse than usual! With all of the events going on in this world…the media is almost solely focused on one stupid comment, made by a world class jackass. I could have understood a mention in the news…but this is ridiculous. To make matters worse…a news conference was held…so that the media could grill the team members on their feelings and thoughts regarding this now all consuming issue. I stumbled across the conference…already in progress. As I watched and listened…I was amazed at not only the lack of public speaking skills, but the poor diction and grammar of the participants (both black and white). If these young people from Rutgers University…epitomize higher education in this country…we have bigger problems than a “good ole boy” with a run away mouth! But…I digress. The remark made by Imus was indeed callous, ignorant and unnecessary, but it was no more offensive than rap and hip hop lyrics…or comedic dialogue often spewing forth from Comedy Central. Yet, Imus is singled out (I am NOT an Imus fan and I do NOT agree with what he said), while the aforementioned music enjoys a huge fan base…both black and white…and Comedy Central maintains good ratings. What is the deal?? Either we need to police the entire population…no matter who they are…or we need to grow up and realize that people always have…and always will…say hurtful, thoughtless and stupid things. I am the queen of the latter group…I belong to an elite class called the Human Race. Speaking without thinking is what we do. Move on.

Be Well!

Six...

We went to Wal-Mart tonight, to pick up a few things. I have needed some new jeans, but with summer approaching rapidly I had decided not to buy them until fall. Once the sunshine and warm breezes are here to stay...I will only be wearing shorts and skorts (and of course work clothes). But, with the snow this week and a chilly forecast for the next week or two...I knew that I needed at least one more pair. I picked up a pair, in the same size I have been wearing (size 8), tried them on and put them in the cart to buy. Marvin noticed the size and suggested that I get a size smaller...to which I replied..."There's no way I can wear a 6." So I turned my back to him and asked him to check the size tag on the inside back label of the jeans that I was wearing. He stood there...fishing around for the label and finally said, "uh...this probably looks a little odd...me looking down the back of your pants...in the middle of Wal-Mart...and all I can find are the washing instructions!" So...I took the size 6 jeans in to try them on. As I headed for the fitting room...I began to get depressed...knowing that I would never even be able to pull them all the way up. Much to my surprise...they fit! I stood there in shock...then I ripped them off and searched all of the tags...convinced that they could not possibly be a size 6...but they were! Thank you Spark People!!! It made my day!!!

Be Well!!

What the heck.......................

That's right...snow. April 5, 2007...! How weird is this! It began to snow around noon, and it has been falling steadily since! As you can see...the deck, yard, pool...everything is completely covered! HURRY

SUMMER!!!!!

Be well!

Wednesday...

Greetings...from the depths of an empty mind. I seem to have a leak somewhere. I'm usually not at a loss for words...even when I am not really 'thinking' about anything...my mind is full of silliness. That hasn't been the case this week.

We went to K-Mart after church on Sunday, to buy weed killer and a handy spreader to apply it to the yard with. While there, I picked up a nice little addition to my 'other world'. Meet Sam. Some of you may think that he is almost certainly related to Shorty...but he isn't. Contrary to popular belief...all gnomes DO NOT look alike. Marvin's first question was "Are you going to put the rest of the group out in the yard too?" Holy Cow...I couldn't believe my ears. "No," I replied patiently,"Sam is, of course, an outdoor gnome...! Shorty, Funguy and Woody...not so much...how could you not know that?" He stood there for a moment...looking puzzled...Shorty and Funguy rolled their eyes...while Woody simply looked frightened.

Be Well!

Thank You...

A long, hard battle came to an end, during the early morning hours on Thursday, March 22. Becky took her last breath, surrounded by those who loved her. Gathered by her bedside, the soft hum of the oxygen machine in the background, we held her hands and spoke to her as she struggled for each breath. It was not an easy passage, by any definition. We had hoped that when the time came, she would simply fall asleep…peacefully….but that was not to be. She is free from pain now…for that we are grateful.

In the days that followed, we have experienced many highs (mostly induced by sleep deprivation), and many lows. We have dealt with horribly rude florists, and extremely compassionate funeral directors. We have met family that we did not know we had, and we have seen the best and worst sides of those that we were already acquainted with. We have smiled when we wanted to cry…and shed many tears at inopportune moments. Now the business of life has begun again…and we are charged with going forward.

We have received so many expressions of sympathy, from so many people…and to simply say “Thank You” doesn’t seem to be enough. We have been uplifted and comforted by kind messages and gifts from Kentucky to the UK…and we appreciate and treasure each expression of sympathy…and its giver! So…though simple words are not enough to convey our feelings…Thank You…to each and every one!

I am including a poem for Becky today…we will miss you!

For Becky…

Into our lives you came
An unexpected friend…
Too soon, we let you go
Our time is at an end.

You took each one
Accepting us…just the way we came
No expectations of big change
But loving each the same.

The years have come and gone now
And in the recent past…
We’ve watched you stand so brave and strong
As you fought so hard and fast.

We thank you for the love and light
You brought into our lives…
It was for us…you fought the fight
You wouldn’t have it otherwise.

We’ll miss you more than words can say
We’ll treasure precious years…
Into the Father’s arms today
We let you go…with tears.

Jody

Be Well

A long road home...

It's been a long weekend. I left work at 2:00 on Friday afternoon, so that I could get the car serviced and leave for Coffeyville early. Everything was on schedule. As I sat at Quaker State, waiting for the car, I began to get a mild migraine. The car was ready in about 30 minutes, then I went across to Dillons to get a couple of things to take with us, and on home to take some Tylenol and lay down for a bit while I waited for Marvin to get home. The gas tank was full, the engine serviced, and the luggage loaded, so as soon as he hit the door, we headed back out and hit the road. As we drove through Augusta, we decided to pull through McDonald's drive through for Cokes and a bite of supper to eat on the road. The line was short, and we were back out on the street in just a few minutes, sitting at the stop light, waiting to go again. I leaned forward to get some fries out of the sack (which was sitting on the floor between my feet), and suddenly the world exploded. I remember a loud bang, then my body snapped back and slammed into the seat. I was still trying to process what was happening, when I was thrown forward...until my seat belt locked, then there was another loud bang and I was slammed back into the seat again. The mild migraine was now worse...and I seemed to be disoriented. I knew that 'something bad' had just occurred...but honestly...I couldn't quite get a handle on what the heck it was. I'm told that I screamed something (not repeatable) out loud...but I don't remember doing that. As I held onto my head (I'm not sure why), I looked over at Marvin, and he was getting out of his seat belt and telling the man from the car in front of us that he thought we were okay. I watched as he got out and spoke to the guy in front of our car, and as he opened my car door...I realized that I was shaking from head to toe. He asked if I was okay, and I replied that I wasn't sure. I asked if he was okay, and he said he was. After that...it's a bit hazy for a few minutes. We eventually moved from the street to the curb and sat down on the legs of a portable sign. The paramedics came, I ended up on a backboard, in an ambulance. Several hours, a head and neck CT, and three prescriptions later...we were on the road again. Neither of us was hurt...only shaken up. We finally arrived in Coffeyville around 10:30 p.m. The car was drivable, and doesn't look bad at all...although...it will probably be about $3000.00 in damage (thank heavens the guy that hit us was insured). We still aren't sure how the guy behind us, ended up slamming into us...but he did. He was driving a minivan, and apparently, the bumpers lined up just right to avoid a much worse outcome! I have no idea how his van looked, but I'm told that the car that he slammed us into had almost no damage. We both feel extremely blessed...it could have been sooooooo much worse!

Saturday proved to be a very rough day. Becky was in terrible pain most of the day, and we struggled to help alleviate what we could. It is very difficult to help someone...who can't tell you exactly where the pain is. After some trial and error, we finally deduced that her head might be the main source of discomfort. Blocking the light with a washcloth over her eyes and a blanket covering the window, then a double dose of Morphine...all finally combined to bring her a brief respite. Her breathing was labored, her muscles jerky, and her eyes rolled back in their sockets. It was a sad and frightening day. I did not expect that she would make it through the night on Saturday. We finally managed to get her to swallow some meds for the inflammation in her brain, and by this morning, she awoke without the pain, and her eyes were normal again. There are so many terrible things going on in her body...that it is impossible to say that she was doing well this morning...but comparatively...she was so much better. I have no idea how much time she has left...but I expect it is a matter of days now. Her food intake has almost stopped, and her fluid output is substantially decreased.

The whole weekend has reminded me, just how fragile life is. In the blink of an eye...everything can change. Hug the people that you love as much as possible...and make the most of every minute! I hope that the coming week is uneventful...even boring.

Be Well!

A beautiful beginning...where did it go?

This morning dawned with a beautiful sunrise. It has gone downhill from there.

When we were nervous, and couldn't sit still...my grandma used to say that we were "wound tighter than a nine day clock." That's what I am tonight....wound tighter than a nine day clock. It's been a long, hard week...and after talking to my dad this evening, I'm afraid it may get longer and harder. Becky has almost stopped eating altogether...not even taking fluids now, except for an occasional sip...which she chokes on. For the past 24 hours, she has moaned almost constantly...the morphine doesn't seem to help. He has rushed in several times today to pull her to a sitting position to stop the choking. The nurse is supposed to be in yet this evening...but so far she hasn't shown up. Dad can't tell whether she is in pain...or simply making involuntary sounds...he wanted my opinion...he held the phone close to her, my heart broke as I listened to her moan/cry.

We have made the journey to Coffeyville every Saturday morning for weeks now...but we have decided to go early this week...we will head out tomorrow. For some time now...I have felt peace each weekend, as we packed and as we drove down...tonight that peace is gone...I am filled with worry and dread, and I am fighting back tears. I hope that my emotions are simply a result of an exhausting week, and my ever present lack of sleep...but this feeling seems to be growing by the minute.

As much as I know that it is selfish to want her to rally again...and live...it is very hard to let her go. Emotions are in total conflict and turmoil now...for all of us. It is the way of life...and death.

Taste of Spring...

Sunshine and warm breezes! After putting in the first half of my workday (10:00 - 2:00), I came home, ate a bit of lunch, tried out my birthday present ,the cool glider with the table in the middle (thank you guys), talked to my dad a bit, then went for a walk! The pond was magnificent...sunshine bouncing off of a million tiny ripples. I walked an extra half mile or so, because it was so nice outdoors! During the last block of my trek...I was joined by a tumbleweed...which, oddly enough, kept pace with me the rest of the way! If you aren't from Kansas...tumbleweeds used to be everywhere...blowing across the prairies like solitary wanderers! These days they are rare...but I think they are cool! I took this picture of it as I hit the garage door button to go inside.

Council meeting tonight...and it looks like it could be a long one! The agenda is 4 pages...and packed with potential controversy. I wish it were another night...I'd love to spend the evening on the deck, just enjoying this taste of Spring!

Be Well!

Weekend at a glance...

I can't believe it is Sunday evening! The weekend has once again flown by in a whirl of activity.

Saturday morning - We arose at 6:30 a.m., and by 8:20 we were headed across town to pick Chas up. We decided to take 54-400 to Coffeyville again. It seemed like an easy deal. We took this same route last week and ended up getting lost 3 (yes three) times, so we assumed that we would now know the way. About an hour and a half down the road, I dozed off in the back seat, awaking sometime later...to the sound of conversation and laughter. As I looked out the window..I assumed that we were driving through Independence. Never assume anything. As we passed a large brick building...I noticed the lettering on the front "Parsons Public Library". I've never been to Parsons....(well...I guess I have now)! Anyway, I leaned forward and asked "Are we on Parsons?" This query drew gut busting laughter from Marvin and Chas. "Ok," I went on, "Why are we in Parsons?" (More laughter) It seems that we missed a rather significant piece of signage on the highway...and took a wrong turn. So...after a potty stop at Burger King, gas, directions and Diet Coke at a convenience store, we were "on the road again"! After approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, we arrived at our destination...which should have been approximately 2 1/2 hours away. On the upside...we saw some lovely old 'federalist style' brick homes! After arriving, we ate a quick bite of lunch and Marvin and Dad went to the flying field to fly planes for a couple of hours, and Chas and I kept Becky company. The afternoon began solemnly. We had been told that she had not been awake for more than a few minutes, or spoken in several days. We sat on opposite sides of her bed, chatting, and to our surprise, she not only opened her eyes, but spoke to us! Over the course of the next several hours, we chatted with her, watched a movie and two shows with her (which she watched, understood, and commented on repeatedly). She maintained this level of alertness until close to 10:00 p.m. Saturday night, then awoke Sunday morning...not only talking and comprehending...but moving her arms about (her right one had not moved in about 6 weeks, and her left one had not moved in three weeks). She not only had her wits about her...but her sense of humor shone through several times as well. I have no idea what all of this means. She is barely eating anything...but is drinking lots of fluids.

Sunday morning - Betty came to stay with Becky, and we headed to church. The sermon was short, and the people were friendly, as always. My dad is the lay leader of the church, and conducted his portions of the service nicely, and Chas enjoyed watching the 'cutest little elf like' pastor deliver his 3 points and a prayer. Shortly after we got back to the house, Becky's sister and brother-in-law popped in for a visit, then we loaded up the car and hit the highway once again. We stopped briefly in Ark City, to check on Marvin's mom, and my mom and step dad, and finally arrived at home a bit after 5:30 p.m.

We are exhausted. We left dad in good shape for the coming week...the house is clean, the laundry done, and the dishes put away. None-the-less, it will be a long, stressful time for him. Not only is he dealing with Becky's illness, but the recent robbery has left him skittish...and fearful.

We just finished some leftovers for supper, Marvin started the laundry while I was heating things up, and we are settled in for "Deal or No Deal". The coming week is shaping up to be a tough one. This is Council meeting week...and the Agenda is very long. I'm hoping for a solid 8 hours of sleep tonight.

Be Well!

Grandma and Nana...

My prayers are with CJ and her Nana. Reading about her illness...brought back great memories of my own grandma! I miss her!

Grandma’s House

Grandma's house is a magical place
A place I love to be
Inside grandma's wrinkly skin
Is a little girl just like me.

There's a big, round mirror
In grandma's room
And an ivory vanity
Where rose bud's bloom.

We sit right there
Like two best friends
On the pretty pink chair
And we pretend...

We adorn ourselves
With all manner of things
Pearls, and brooches,
Beads, bangles and rings.

We put on hats
And fancy, high-heeled shoes
And capes and shawls
In reds and blues.

When we're done
Dressed to the nines
Away we go...
With the queen to dine!

Chocolate milk
In a fine tea cup
On peaches and cream
We soon sup!

To the parlor then
And the big old chair
Alice In Wonderland
Waits for us there.

Copyright©2005 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Be Well!

Odd day...

Well, today has been an odd day! It began with Chas having major plumbing problems...which have resulted in a ginormous hole being dug in her back yard and at least $800.00 in repairs. Then Chas, Shane, Marvin and I met for supper...and Shane arrived with a horrendous cold! However, while we were waiting in the parking lot of the restaurant for the guys to arrive...the doctor called Chas to tell her that her biopsy results were fine! Thank you Lord!

I'm calling it a day now!

Be Well!

A different questionare...

1. First name and middle initial: Vicky J.
2. Were you named after anyone? Yes
3. Do you like your handwriting? Yes...usually
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Shredded ham
5. Do you have kids? Yep! The two most fabulous kids on the planet!
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? I'm not sure...
7. Do you have a journal? I have two journals
8. Do you use sarcasm a lot? As often as possible
9. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes
10. What is your favorite cereal? Life Cereal
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Usually
12. What is your favorite ice cream? Chocolate
13. What is the first thing you notice about people? Whether they laugh
14. Red or pink? Pink
15. What is your least favorite thing about you? My appearance
16. The last thing you ate? A Hershey's Kiss
17. What are you listening to right now? The wind...I love it
18. Favorite smells? A summer morning
19. Eye color? Blue
20. Last book you read? Stephen King's "Cell"
21. Favorite sound? Laughter
22. Furthest you have been from home? California
23. When were you born? A long time ago
24. Where were you born? In a Galaxy far away
25. Do you think that you are strong? No
26. Do you have brothers and sisters? How many? Yes...I'm not sure how many...they keep popping up! Apparently, one of my dads was a busy guy.
27. What do you want to be when you ‘grow up’? Someone who matters to someone
28. What is the meaning of life? The quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body
29. What do you do with your pocket change at the end of the day? I put it in a plastic pig...or a plastic replica of a building in Vegas...or a small black box on the dresser
30. What is the first thing you do when you get home from work? Take off my clothes
31. Do you dream when you sleep? Always
32. . Do you dream when you are awake? Always
33. Any extra toes? Not anymore
34. Ever seen a ghost? Yes
35. Ever seen a celebrity? If so…who? Yes...that guy from Crossing Jordan...the Aussie.

Be Well!

I scanned the pond yesterday for any sign of the little fuzzy critter from earlier in the week...to no avail! The temperature was 70 degrees and 8 geese swam lazily about...while this little guy sunned himself. It was an absolutely beautiful day! Unfortunately, the temperature right now is 34 degrees...with a predicted high of only 45 degrees. A light dusting of snow fell while we were sleeping! Kansas weather is so odd! Sometimes it is hard to believe that Dorothy really wanted to return! Wouldn't it have been fabulous if that twister had set them down in Florida!

Be Well!

Wicked good cookies....

Fat Police

Evil little girl scouts,
Hangin round my door...
Wicked yummy cookies,
To bloat my waistline more.

Skipping through the neighborhoods
Fairies on the wind…
Making sure that we consume…
More than we expend.

Chocolate, Mint, and Peanut Butter
Coconut surprise…
Marvelous confections
Loom before our eyes.

Who are these little nymphs…
Cute, grinning tykes in brown…
Or…insidious, fat crazed imps…
Making us all round!

Let’s call the fat police…
And have them taken in!
For peddling all their carb laced wares
And causing us to sin!

Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Small furry Nessie??????

I went for a walk around the pond this evening, and as I stepped up to the edge...this little fur ball popped up out of the murky depths...and cavorted with the ducks! It was VERY cool!!!!!! I don't know for sure what it is...it may be a beaver, or some other fuzzy mammal. It swam faster than the ducks, but was totally playing with them! They chased him, then he disappeared under the water...and reappeared halfway across the pond. He then rose gracefully out of the water, arched his body, dove back in...swam on his tummy for a ways...then flipped over on his back for a ways! I raced to the other side of the pond...thinking to snap a picture of him on dry land as he exited the water...he had other ideas! As he neared the side, he headed straight for the drain pipe (it is almost 2 feet by 2 feet), and swam right inside...followed closely by the big duck! After a few minutes...the duck came out...the fuzzy guy did not! What a great walk!! Marvin suspected that he might be an otter...but they are not indigenous to the area...at least I don't believe they are...? If you know otherwise...let me know?

Be Well!

Just another day...

We arrived back home from Coffeyville just a bit ago. It was a long weekend, but I think going on Friday was a good idea this time. It gave us a chance to get up on Saturday, after a good night’s sleep and be ready to help instead of expending 3 hours of energy driving. The weekend was good, overall. Becky is gradually slipping away. Her right arm and both legs are paralyzed, and her left hand sometimes has a mind of its own. The medicine to help her swallow is doing its job…but she is becoming weak enough that after a few bites…chewing just takes too much energy. Her eyes are rarely open at all…and when they are…they only open into tiny slits. I don’t know whether she can see or not…but I suspect that most of the time, she cannot. Her body is occasionally shaken by sudden spasms. I know that much of the time, when we think she is sleeping…she is awake and hearing everything…but unable to respond. It is very difficult to see her this way…but it would be even more difficult…not to have had these opportunities to help her and be with her. Please continue to pray for her, for my dad, and for all of us.

Chas and Shane got up this morning with headaches, and sick tummies. I am afraid they may be coming down with the flu! Please pray for them! We dropped Chas off at her house, moved our luggage from Shane’s SUV to our truck, and then headed across town…home! For the first time in a month…I completely unpacked my suitcase. I may regret it…but I just felt the need to live out of dresser drawers this week!

I have just turned the heat up, and the coffee is making. I’m sure this evening will pass like lightening! It will be Monday morning again before we know it! The coming week already looms large. Monday…a friend (and the mom of Shane’s girlfriend) is having surgery – Tuesday…council meeting – Wednesday and Thursday…I need to spend making copies of some old family documents, which will then be turned over to people who are in the appropriate bloodline to possess them. – Friday…a trip to the doctor with Chas for more tests – Saturday…Coffeyville.

And so it continues…

Be Well.

Wichita burns...

Holy cow! As I prepared to go for an afternoon walk...I flipped on the TV to catch a bit of news. I was surprised to see a local channel on...doing the news in the middle of the afternoon! Apparently, there is a large neighborhood 'up the road a piece'...on fire. So far it is a 6 alarm fire (over 100 firefighters have been called in), which started as a grass fire and has grown to encompass at least 4 homes! People have been evacuated to local churches to wait it out! The situation isn't threatening to us or ours...the location is several miles away and to the southeast...but it is frightening! Today is a typical, late winter, early spring...Kansas day...! The temperature is 68 degrees, the sun is shining, and the wind is blowing a steady 35-40 mph...with frequent (every 10-15 seconds) gusts of 50+ mph. When you live in these parts...you become accustomed to a LOT of wind...that's just the way it is! Grass fires are very common place as well...but usually not in neighborhoods...and usually not this large! Preliminary reports are saying that it may have been started by a cigarette butt! Just one more reason to restrict smoking to small, designated, cement areas! I would love to see a law making it illegal to throw a butt in the street or on the ground or sidewalk! I am sooooooo tired of the world being the smokers ashtray!Okay...off my soapbox!

I did go for a walk...and as I leaned into the wind...struggling with each step...my Ipod shuffle literally blowing along behind me...the geese came in to land on the pond! It was a very funny site! The strong winds were causing large whitecaps on the water...and the geese rode them like fine feathered surf bums!

We will head for Coffeyville in a few hours...hopefully it will be a good weekend! The week has been long...and I am so glad to see it end! There have been ups and downs...and in-betweens...but it has all been exhausting!

Catch ya on the flip side!

Be Well!

What a difference a day makes! The ice is almost gone…and the ducks are enjoying the 66 degree weather! I came home with another headache…but it went away after three extra strength Tylenol and a couple hours of rest on the couch! So…after dinner…away we went…me and my entourage…The Eagles, Elton John, The Beatles, Rod Stewart, Carol King, and a host of others! It was a lovely walk! Above is a picture of the nicest part of the stroll!

Be Well!

Long days...

It’s been a long several days! We have run the gamut from praying continually for God’s intervention in a very frightening medical situation…to the death of an aunt. We have been depressed, scared, confused, and finally…elated. God answer’s prayer!

The situation with my step mom, Becky, is beginning to change…very slowly and in subtle ways. For several days, her ability to swallow was almost gone. A new medicine was introduced, which rectified the physical problem…but now she seems to have lost the desire to eat. My dad is taking everything in stride…as much as possible. However, adding insult to injury…his shop was robbed Saturday night while they slept. There was extensive damage to the entry door…and around $1500.00 in cash and merchandise taken. From all appearances, it was done by someone who was familiar with the shop and the location of items inside…which makes it worse really. Everyone who he deals with knows that his wife is inside the house…next to the shop…dying. It is hard to fathom the kind of cold hearted person who would perpetrate such a thing…under those circumstances. What a world we live in! But…at least they weren’t harmed…it could have been so much worse!

Meanwhile, my step dad saw a surgeon today. He is in serious need of a hip replacement…constant pain has been his companion for the past several months. The doctor informed them that, due to his overall health (hardening of the arteries, congestive heart failure) he would most likely not survive the operation. So…the doctor refused to do the surgery. While I must admit that I am relieved that he will not be undergoing such a risky procedure…I can’t imagine knowing that the kind of pain that he is in…will never go away.

I sometimes feel like I am outside of myself…looking in…watching…while I have begun to be fearful of what may happen next…I am also thankful for the multitude of blessings that we have received lately. As I walked around the pond today, the trillion points of light bouncing off of the still frozen center of the pond…were breathtaking. Around this glittering island…flowed a stream of water so reflective...it could have been liquid diamonds…the outer portion of the pond, which has begun to thaw. The air was crisp…but not biting, the breeze was gentle…and the sun warmed my face. Spring is on the way…better times are just in the offing.

Be Well!

Spread some love...

Happy Valentine's Day from Frank (aka F. Ace)! Just a reminder, that Valentine's Day is more than just romance and roses! It's an opportunity to spread a little bit of love...to someone who needs it, a chance to tell those dear to you...how much they mean to you, a day to go the extra mile...to share a smile! So go out there today and hold the door open for someone, give up that primo parking spot...to the car that raced you up the aisle for it, wave at the guy who cuts you off on the freeway...with all your fingers! Do something nice today!

Be Well!

Thank you Sparkpeople...

I'm wearing a pair of pants today...that I bought several months ago. I bought them because I really liked the way they are made...but when I tried to sit down in them...let's just say it was possible but highly uncomfortable. I put them on this morning...and they fit perfectly...sitting...standing...bending...!

Be Well!

Move over Howard K Stern...

As I prepared for my morning workout...I overheard a startling conversation...between Shorty and Funguy. Without going into the sordid details...Funguy admitted to Shorty that he is indeed...the father of Anna Nicole Smith's child.

I crawled under the table to get closer to this 'coffee klatch confession'...and managed to snap this candid photo of the two of them. Note the smug grin on Funguys face!

Quick post...

Just a quick post as I am preparing to pack a few last minute things. As most of you know, we have been making the trip to Coffeyville each weekend to help my dad in the care of my step mom. This weekend...is her birthday. The small party of family attending her 'party' has grown somewhat...and there are some dark dynamics at work as well. Emotions are running high, as each day with her may literally be the last. Please keep us in your prayers this weekend. But mostly, please pray that Becky's final transition will be peaceful...and gentle...that she will only feel God's all encompassing love.

Be Well!

Hump day...

Hump day passed much like the past two weeks have...in a flurry of activity...faster than a speeding bullet. This has not been a good week. I have fought a recurring migraine, since Monday, and a blue funk since last Friday. I know that brighter days are ahead...but the distance seems long right now.

For the last week and a half, Becky was more alert and articulate than she has been in a couple of months. For the last 36 hours...she has hardly spoken a word, and is sleeping almost around the clock again. Sunday is her birthday...we have a party planned. Just a few close family members, and the cake that she asked for a week ago...when she was doing so well. I'm fearful that we have planned a party...and will end up with a wake.

Tuesday was warm and sunny...almost 60 degrees! It was absolutely beautiful! Sugar and I took a walk around the pond...which (to my surprise) was still frozen solid and totally white with snow. The air was fresh...and the promise of Spring enveloped us. It occurred to me how odd it is...that one part of the world can be so 'right'...while the other part is in such chaos. The ironies of life are puzzling.

Today dawned colder than cold. Cloudy skies reigned, and a frigid wind has blown most of the afternoon.

I know that I am rambling...but at least I am writing. I have sat down to blog several times lately...but the sheer emptiness of the screen has loomed like a monster in the closet. I haven't had the energy to organize my thoughts into a cohesive piece...until tonight (and as I read back over what I have written...cohesive may be a stretch). Marvin asked me why I hadn't been blogging...and I knew it was time to get back back in the saddle. I'm glad that I did.

Be Well!

Get Over It...

I'm thinking of having these lyrics printed on pocket cards...laminated...and passing them out to idiots everywhere. I never realized how lame...John Q public really is. All that nonsense about "Everyone is basically good..." it's really just that...nonsense.It seems to me...more each day...that most of them are just looking for a free ride...while the rest of us pay.

Get Over It

I turn on the tube and what do I see
A whole lotta people cryin' 'Don't blame me'
They point their crooked little fingers ar everybody else
Spend all their time feelin' sorry for themselves
Victim of this, victim of that
Your momma's too thin; your daddy's too fat

Get over it
Get over it
All this whinin' and cryin' and pitchin' a fit
Get over it, get over it

You say you haven't been the same since you had your little crash
But you might feel better if I gave you some cash
The more I think about it, Old Billy was right
Let's kill all the lawyers, kill 'em tonight
You don't want to work, you want to live like a king
But the big, bad world doesn't owe you a thing

Get over it
Get over it
If you don't want to play, then you might as well split
Get over it, Get over it

It's like going to confession every time I hear you speak
You're makin' the most of your losin' streak
Some call it sick, but I call it weak

You drag it around like a ball and chain
You wallow in the guilt; you wallow in the pain
You wave it like a flag, you wear it like a crown
Got your mind in the gutter, bringin' everybody down
Complain about the present and blame it on the past
I'd like to find your inner child and kick its little ass

Get over it
Get over it

All this bitchin' and moanin' and pitchin' a fit
Get over it, get over it

Get over it
Get over it

It's gotta stop sometime, so why don't you quit
Get over it, get over it

Eagles - From the album Hell Freezes Over 1984

Be Well!

Jammies...

Interesting theory...if one's jammies are inside out...it will snow? I am thinking seriously of canvasing this entire area...and fining people who are wearing their jammies inside out! The weatherman told us that the snow wouldn't start until after noon today...it was snowing heavily by 6:30 a.m., the weatherman said that there would be no accumulation...we got 3 1/2 inches! It's cold, it's dreary, it's wet, it's slick as snot (as Chas will attest to)! If that stinking groundhog doesn't give us good news...well...let's just say that I'm looking up recipes for stew...with mystery meat!

Be Well!

Sleepless in Kansas...

Not much to say today...my mind is on the fast track...to no where. After three sleepless nights...I just need a few Z's.

No ups…no downs…
No rhyme…no reason,
No fancy metaphors…
No poetic season.

Only moving...
Through the day,
Seeking hope...
Along the way.

copyright jschoonover2007 all rights reserved

Be Well!

Water, water, everywhere...but ne'er a drop to drink!

A long and winding week is finally behind us! I will be filling in next week (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), for the receptionist at work. I have become accustomed to 20 hour weeks lately, so I expect that next week will be exhausting. She is going to Jacksonville, Florida for vacation...and I am sooooooo jealous! I love Jacksonville Beach, and St. Augustine! Oh what I wouldn't give to be 'leaving on a jet plane'! Lying on a sandy beach with the sun warming my face, and the ocean roaring in my ears...bliss!

Work started out badly this morning...within minutes after I arrived, the phones began to ring off the hook! Apparently, a neighborhood at a time, the city water supply was shut off. Several memorable calls came all in a row;

Woman: "I don't have any water...my sister-in-law lives two blocks away and SHE has water...why don't I have water?" (I don't think she was as upset that her water was off...as she was that her sister-in-law's water was still on!)

Man:" I'm a pastor...I have to preach a funeral in 45 minutes...and I am standing in my bathroom...all soaped up...and no water to rinse with!"

Woman: "I have a newborn baby here...and I can't fix formula, or wash bottles, or anything...should I go buy some bottled water?" (At this point I sympathized with her, and told her that we were still in the process of determining what the problem was...and would rectify it as soon as possible) "Oh" she said, "Well, can you tell me exactly WHEN it will be back on?" (I replied that, until we assessed the situation completely and determined why the water was off...there would be no way for us to tell her when it would be back on...but that service would be restored as soon as possible.) "But", she stammered, "Can you just tell me HOW LONG THAT WILL BE?" (I reiterated all of the aforementioned explanations, and refrained from reaching through the phone to shake her.)

Fortunately, the situation was assessed, the problem repaired, and service restored in about 30 minutes.

We are planning to head to Coffeyville tomorrow, to see my step mom...Becky. I'm not sure whether she will realize that we are there or not...but I hope that our visit will lift my dad's spirits a bit. Becky is bed fast now, and sleeps 20/24 hours a day these days. I know it will be a stressful time...but hopefully beneficial in some way.

The sun is shining, and the temperature is around 44 degrees...but it is slated to begin dropping later this evening and the weekend is projected to be very cold! Although the snow was fun...I am tired of being cold. Hurry spring!!

Be Well!

You gotta see this...

Sorry about the commercial...but wait for the video...it's worth the wait!

http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/world/2007/01/24/vo.japan.rare.shark.rtv

Priceless...

Feeling better...$1,000,000
Having more energy...$1,000,000
Being in a better mood...$1,000,000

Wearing that skirt (today) that I have NEVER worn...because it was too small when I bought it...PRICELESS!!

Be Well!

No shoes....

I decided to go to the mall today...to get my walking in. I purposely ended my walk on the upper floor...at Payless Shoes. I went in...lusted after many shoes...even tried some on...but bought nothing! I haven't bought a pair of shoes since late September! I know this sounds like a silly thing to most people...but I LOVE shoes! My closets runneth over...with shoes. Since the downsizing of our income...I have been trying to shop more wisely...and...for the most part...it has been working! (Except for those 'unpoppable' bubbles, which were screaming "FUN, FUN, FUN").

So...perhaps by Spring...a new me. The diet is going well, the exercise is going well, the new attitude about spending...is going, and hopefully, I will have paid off the untimely truck repair in the next three or four weeks...enabling me to incur more debt...at the dentist. So with any luck, I will be able to eat real food by then too!

I am anxious for warm breezes, sunny days, and open windows!

Be Well!

Speedy...

Here are a couple pictures of the snow fort that the kids across the street built! It's pretty cool! It looked even better the day that they built it! It has seen many battles since Sunday!!

I got home on Monday just in time to see the boy next door, loading his clothing and his dog into his mom's SUV. He has lived next door with his dad for several years now. They have always been good neighbors. My first thought when I saw them was..."Oh no...Speedy's moving!" Speedy is his gorgeous black lab. He's also been next door for several years now...since he was a pup. When he first came...he got very lonely at night...and would bark incessantly. I can't count the number of times that I either opened the bedroom window and spoke softly to him...or actually went out on the deck and talked to him...across the fence...in the dark of night. All he wanted was to know that he wasn't alone. At the sound of my voice, he would stop barking...and wag his entire body, as he 'grinned' back at me! I got so used to talking to him...that I rarely stepped out the back door...without greeting Speedy! I will miss him very much! It saddens me to see the dismantled dog run across the fence now.

Be Well!

Just a bit of winter fun! 8 inches of snow can be a good time! Meet Dolly and me...(Dolly's the one in the pink glasses)!

Be Well!

Wonderland...

What a beautiful morning it has started out to be! Snow is falling softly, on an already white landscape...a clean, pure world awaits...just outside the window. The flag across the way billows gently in the wind. A flock of small birds swoop across the sky...two tiny stragglers, a ways behind the group, play their own game of 'drop and glide'. The snow capped water tower watches over the neighborhood...the words 'Park City'...more like a promise than a name. An almost sacred silence prevails...broken only by the distant rumble of a plane overhead.

Be Well!

Almost there...

Thursday evening. It's been a loooooong week. I am tired to the bone tonight...and very much looking forward to the weekend! My dream weekend at this point would be a full body massage...followed by a sleeping pill...followed by a full body massage...followed by a sleeping pill...you get the picture...!

Be Well!

Hump day...

It's Hump Day. Work was crazy...I only took a 30 minute lunch...I'm beat...I'm cold...and I'm sneezing my brains out.

I just have to share these...the sweetest gnome (thank you Diane!), and a mushroom head to keep him company (he looked lonely)!

Be Well!

Because I'm an idiot...

Because I'm an idiot...and I can't figure out how to post a snapshot of last weeks progress...here it is...the long way.

Goal = Calories(1200-1550) Fat(27-60) Carbs(135-252) Protein(30-136)

Jan 9 = 631 Calories - 10 Fat - 117 Carbs - 23 Protein
Jan 10= 558Calories - 20 Fat - 77 Carbs - 19 Protein
Jan 11= 508 Calories - 4 Fat - 100 Carbs - 18 Protein
Jan 12= 627 Calories - 23 Fat - 77 Carbs - 24 Protein
Jan 13= 436 Calories - 9 Fat - 65 Carbs - 20 Protein
Jan 14= 936 Calories - 45 Fat - 106 Carbs - 30 Protein

My scales don't work right...so I can't really measure the results in pounds...but I was still recovering from the dizziness of the week before (inner ear infection)...so I did not get to exercise...so I don't expect that it was spectacular. I am exercising this week though...so hopefully, that will help!

Be Well!

Thank you...

Today marks one year since my first blog posting. I have to say…I love it! A chance to express my feelings, reflect on life, love…and everything in between…is (to me)…a little piece of heaven. Thank you Shane and Rich…for encouraging me to blog! If not for that encouragement…I would never have started…and I would have missed out on so much!

As I looked back at the past year…something became apparent. I am not as consistent as I should be…193 posts in a year. However, there have been times when I just had nothing to say…and that’s okay. Part of the allure of the blog, is that it is not obligatory…it’s like an old friend…waiting until you return, and welcoming you with open arms.

I am an aspiring writer. While my file of rejections continues to grow…I appreciate the opportunity to post my poems, etc…otherwise known as ‘babblings and nonsense’. There is much satisfaction in sharing those things…and even more satisfaction in receiving your responses to them! Whether you like them…or don’t like them…I value each opinion…each thought…it helps me to grow as a writer.

And so…I embark on this second year…with a sense of ambition…to be more consistent…to write more…to expand my horizons…and open my mind a bit, to the amazing possibilities of the universe, limited only by imagination.

Be Well!

I remember when...

Sometimes life is so strange. I remember when –

… I was a teenager…and I stood across the street from City Hall, with my gaggle of longhaired, barefooted friends…and yelled insults at police officers. Now I work at City Hall…and smile as I spew forth casual pleasantries to police officers in the break room.

…I grew up in a house where at least one utility was usually off…or in danger of being shut off…and mom parked the family car on the lid of the water meter…so that the city couldn’t turn it off. Now…I call people to tell them that if they don’t pay their water bill by a certain time…on a certain day…we will shut it off…and I wonder…if they have thought about parking their car on the meter lid.

…I viewed anyone with a title…as an extension of ‘the establishment’…and I treated them with contempt. Now…I sit in Council meetings…taking the minutes…trying not to roll my eyes in disgust at those who seem to have no respect for the office of Mayor.

Sometimes I wonder…if I have moved forward or backward. There was a certain satisfaction…in being a rebel. Have I now become…what I disdained…? Or have I simply slipped…an inch at a time…into the bottomless chasm...of society’s groove…unable now to hoist my lost individuality back up the slippery walls of that dark place of 'cookie cutter' beings.

Be Well!

January 9, 2007

After a two day bout with an inner ear disturbance…I finally got in to see the doctor this morning. I paid the $25.00 co-pay, then listened while she told me to simply keep on taking the medicine that I had already started. I figured that as long as I was already there…and had bought my ticket…I might as well get in any other complaints that I could think of! So…”I’ve been having this uncomfortable ‘stiffness’ in my back and right side for a couple of weeks…” to which she responded…”It’s muscular…I’ll give you a pamphlet with some back and neck exercises to do.” Hmmm…okie dokie. I really didn’t think that the stiffness was muscular…but…I’m not the doctor. By noon, most of the dizziness was finally gone. My side is still bothering me…but I suppose that will take a while.

I’ve been off all day today…due to the council meeting this evening. I will go in at 6:45 and take notes for the minutes…until it is over. I spent the afternoon reading a book that Carolyn had sent to me…and I enjoyed it so much, that I could not put it down! (Thank you so much Carolyn! ) If you get the opportunity…The Memory Keeper’s Daughter (by Kim Edwards)…is an excellent read!!

I also spoke to my dad this morning. The news is not good. My step-mom is not doing well. She is sleeping almost around the clock now…only waking for a little bit to eat…and to ask my dad to lay with her. I could hear the strain and heartbreak in his voice…and it hurt to know that there is nothing that I can do.

I hope that when the time comes…for her to go home…it will be easy and peaceful…and even pleasant…for her. This is in my brain…


Sensing the day
Was coming to a
Close…
Anxiety claimed
Her mind.

Panic filled
Sapphire eyes
Darted from
One unfinished task
To another.

Reaching, holding,
Lifting, moving,
Remembering,
Thinking…
All treasures of the past.

A voice
Clear…small
Audible only to her…
Announced departure
In sweet melodic tone.

One last look around.
Pale flesh curtains
Covered the blue…
A sigh escaped her lips…
Renewed, reborn,
Her journey continued
In a new place…

Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Be Well

January 6, 2006

Christmas passed away quietly this morning, at home…surrounded by loved ones. Christmas will be remembered as loving, kind, gentle, exciting, magical…and of course…sparkly. It is survived by distant cousins; Easter, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and the black sheep of the family…Halloween. A short memorial was held in the living room immediately following its demise. Mourners looked on as a 21 marshmallow gun salute was fired into casks of hot chocolate…by a small brigade of nutcrackers. Interment will be in the basement closet...behind the old toy box.

Big Bertha

I fell asleep thinking about Big Bertha...so here she is...just for fun!!

Big Bertha

I was walking along
All alone one day
I missed the bus
Cuz I wanted to play!

I took off my shoes
Untucked my shirt
I jumped and I ran
Drug my toes in the dirt.

Sun high in the sky
Wind puffed at my hair
The playground was mine
Not another soul there!

I swang on the swings
I slid on the slide
I took a big drink
I rode every ride.

I ran to the middle
To the big Oak tree
I climbed up inside
And hung by my knees.

There I was…
Swinging to and fro
When I saw Big Bertha...
Now, wouldn't you know?!

She scared me so bad
I fell to the ground
I jumped to my feet
And made not a sound.

I watched as she came...
She was almost to the tree
Her big scary eyes
Looked straight at me.

My mind was a whirl
My stomach a knot
If the rumors were true
She would smash me...on the spot!

I'd heard all the tales
All the stories of woe
She would rip out your eyes
While she stood on your toe.

She towered over me
Blotting out the sun
Her hair red and wild
My legs wouldn’t run…!

“Are you hurt?” she inquired.
“You fell a long ways!”
“N…no…” I replied.
As I looked in her face.

“Good!” she exclaimed,
“Would you like to play?”
I tensed and I waited…
“…what did you say?”

She grabbed my right hand
Took off at a run
“Come on!” she yelled.
“Let’s have some fun!”

Well, suffice it to say
Big Bertha was FINE
We ran and played
And we had a great time!!

Don’t listen to rumors
Don’t believe what you hear
Big Bertha heard…that I had a tail
And feet like a deer!

Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.