Have you ever seen the movie ' Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants'? Well, the idea is the pants 'do' something for each of the wearers in a significant way. Not related to their body and appearance but more to their life, in general. Amazingly, they fit each body size (and there are a few differences too)!
Well, I have been wishing those pants could be mailed to me. I have been looking for a pair of slacks to wear that actually fit me and look good enough to wear to a big GALA event. Obviously they would not be jeans but anything that fits good without alterations. That is a dream, girl!
I started a few days ago looking for a fancy dress for tomorrow's event but ended up empty-handed. Nothing fit. Even if it did, what would I wear for shoes? These silly 'orthotics' do not fit into anything other than a big toed shoe or a running shoe - same thing almost! I was lucky in Dec to find a black pair of Skeechers which had some fancy design on the toe to make them 'hip' or 'cool' or 'different', maybe. Anyway, I wear them with EVERYTHING! Summer is coming and my transition will be directly to a pair of open toed sandals that accommodate my ortho. That gives me two shoes.
Anyway, back to the pants. I found some slacks but they are too long and after paying the money for the slacks I would have to go and get them hemmed which is about 15-20 dollars. The sales clerk said these are easy wear and wash pants. They 'cling' to the body which after checking myself out in a triple mirror, decided NO. However, I did take them home hoping they might look different in my dimly lit bedroom but alas, they did not 'do it' for me. I am on my way to return them to the store. I treked across town to Kingsway Mall and found Cleo's was having a sale. I ended up buying a navy suit with a sophisticated ruffled blouse which is what I intend to wear to this gala. It is not a cocktail dress but maybe I can stand beside the men who are wearing suits and I will blend in! The one thing I had to do, of course, was take them to get hemmed. Even though they are petites, they are too long. Just long enough to be baggy and not look good. It's bad enough that I have to wear the orthos with the suit but at least the suit should look and hang right! Thankfully, the little chinese lady said tomorrow morning at 10 am. That gives me a few hours in the afternoon to make sure everything goes nicely together! No turning back now.
I am hoping these pants turn out and look good and will be travellin' to the GALA and will get well worn as they now fit with my shoes. Hope they add new dimension to my life as much as the 'travelling pants' did in the movie world!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Special Gift
I received a special gift in the mail yesterday from my daughter. Of course my 60th birthday came and went and although I had received special wishes from her, I did not receive a gift until yesterday. It came in the mail. Don't you love those kind of packages. All wrapped up in brown paper with your name on the front. It's kinda the 'snail mail' thing but who cares? I loved it.
I opened it up to find a black book with my baby picture on the front. It said "Happy 60th Birthday". Inside were these wonderful pages (very professional looking) of me and the kids and the grandkids. Many pictures of John and I together as well. She wrote this wonderful note sharing her thoughts about how she appreciated our times together and how thankful she was to have me in her life. On my 50th birthday she did something similar ... but different. It was more casual with little notes or comments under each picture; this was more polished - more professional. Both are wonderful and I love them both equally!
It is amazing how it warms my heart. I know she had been staying up late working on something but I had taken it to be something for home or a filler while she was feeding Grace. Who knew it was for me. I am forever thankful. This birthday will go down for me as one of my best.
Hope everyone is doing well today. Count your blessings - I am!
I opened it up to find a black book with my baby picture on the front. It said "Happy 60th Birthday". Inside were these wonderful pages (very professional looking) of me and the kids and the grandkids. Many pictures of John and I together as well. She wrote this wonderful note sharing her thoughts about how she appreciated our times together and how thankful she was to have me in her life. On my 50th birthday she did something similar ... but different. It was more casual with little notes or comments under each picture; this was more polished - more professional. Both are wonderful and I love them both equally!
It is amazing how it warms my heart. I know she had been staying up late working on something but I had taken it to be something for home or a filler while she was feeding Grace. Who knew it was for me. I am forever thankful. This birthday will go down for me as one of my best.
Hope everyone is doing well today. Count your blessings - I am!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Hello Friend
I had a good visit with my friend Isla today. I took her out of her room and brought her to our place. We went for a long walk and then had coffee on our deck. It was a cool day but the sun was shining and we were out of the wind. It was almost like summer. I felt bad having to take her back to her place. As she said, 'back to the jail'. I hope that will change. I'm not sure how yet but I know there must be something we can do for her. Thankfully, I enjoy her company, even with her memory loss. I bought her the Edmonton Journal to read and I could tell she has not read for awhile. She was reading one word at a time and sounded 'stuck' on some words although she finally got them out. That is amazing as she has been a teacher all her life! She said she does puzzles and plays Solitare on her computer. She has no access to a paper so she does not read. I think she needs to still have some knowledge of what's happening 'today' and talk about it (hopefully). She was always an avid newspaper reader - front to back! We'll see if she reads this paper or not.
Off to work again tomorrow. Boy, Monday comes around fast!
Off to work again tomorrow. Boy, Monday comes around fast!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Blah Day
It rained or should I say 'sprinkled' overnite. As a result, it is cool this morning and overcast. It is still windy so any moisture we got is getting swept away pretty quickly. A big dark cloud was here this afternoon but it only drizzled a bit. No real moisture but oh that crazy wind....
I got a lot of ironing done today. Isn't that the kind of day that you do ironing? I remember mom always seemed to be doing this on a cool, cloudy day. I could smell the moisture from the clothes when I came in from school. Those were the days when you used to dampen the clothes, wrap them in a ball and put them in the clothes basket for ironing later. It kept them moist and easy to iron (I guess). Anyway, I am not talking process but rather the 'feelings' I now get now when I iron on an overcast day. Sometimes, the steam smells the same way. Interesting how memories are reguratated eh? Simply from a smell, a certain action, a scene, or a feeling. Strange. Anyway, these feelings were all warm and fuzzies so that is a good thing!
Going out tonite for supper. Someplace downtown which we have not been to for awhile. A nice relaxing evening with our friends. John has been out for most of the day working a funeral and will be happy to relax with friends.
Hope everyone is enjoying their day to the full! I close with this cute saying on my calendar for today:
APRIL 23, 2010
Do all the good you can.
By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can.
At all the times you can.
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.
---John Wesley
I got a lot of ironing done today. Isn't that the kind of day that you do ironing? I remember mom always seemed to be doing this on a cool, cloudy day. I could smell the moisture from the clothes when I came in from school. Those were the days when you used to dampen the clothes, wrap them in a ball and put them in the clothes basket for ironing later. It kept them moist and easy to iron (I guess). Anyway, I am not talking process but rather the 'feelings' I now get now when I iron on an overcast day. Sometimes, the steam smells the same way. Interesting how memories are reguratated eh? Simply from a smell, a certain action, a scene, or a feeling. Strange. Anyway, these feelings were all warm and fuzzies so that is a good thing!
Going out tonite for supper. Someplace downtown which we have not been to for awhile. A nice relaxing evening with our friends. John has been out for most of the day working a funeral and will be happy to relax with friends.
Hope everyone is enjoying their day to the full! I close with this cute saying on my calendar for today:
APRIL 23, 2010
Do all the good you can.
By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can.
At all the times you can.
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.
---John Wesley
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Pondering Eternity
I am home from work today but the work does not stop. Just a different kind. Right? (to all those moms who work outside the home). I have been busy doing the laundry as well as cleaning out my drip coffee pot with bleach etc. Once you start on the coffee pot, you find all sorts of things that need to be cleaned 'again'. It's that time of the year, I think. Seems like Spring always gets us moving. As I stare out the window with my hands up to the elbows in bleach, I can see the willow tree starting to get leaves already. There is a green hue to it. The grass has already turned green and a few 'unsuspecting' flower bushes are already 3-4 inches above ground. They are not even thinking that it is only mid-April and there is a very good chance of more snow before the May long weekend. We know that it is VERY dry here and some rain or snow would be welcomed but hopefully not a killer frost! It feels like summer with these record breaking high temperatures for this time of year. I think it is going to be 'one of those memorable years'.
We had a great Life Team meeting last night. There were 12 of us and two absentees: one was sick and one out of town. Attendance is usually pretty good for this group. Lots of talk about the miracles of Jesus. We found out that Jesus was not 'big' on showboating his miracles. He performed them only out of compassion for others - not to make a big show out of it to impress people or political parties. Interesting enough, even the many that actually witnessed the miracles, did not accept him as the Son of God. The Bible tells that when he did not continue to provide the miracles they wanted to see, many left grumbling, even some disciplies deserted him (mentioned only in the book of John). "He was bringing a hard message of obedience and sacrifice, not a sideshow for gawkers and sensation-seekers". The miracles attracted large crowds and applause, but rarely encouraged repentance and long-term faith. We discussed how Jesus' miracles would go over with our generation. We concluded they would likely get the same kind of responses. To sum it up, we quote Fyodor Dostovesky "Faith does not spring from the miracle, but the miracle from faith."
We know a number of people who have friends or family who are suffering from cancer and going through treatment. Some are even dealing with severe depression and have been hospitalized. We always hear of people needing work, experiencing financial difficulties and other problems and realize how fortunate we are to have our health, our home and our jobs (even our working part-time helps).
As I sit and ponder family and friends and how fortunate I am to have both...I notice today's saying on my perpetual calendar called "Favorite Quotes for Friends" as follows:
There are two things one should know about the direction of life:
First is: Where am I going?
Second is: Who will go with me?
Aside fom my family and friends, I am thankful to say that I am always being led by the One who cares for me the most and has only my best interest at heart - Jesus. I encourage others to experience this peace also.
John 4:6 I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
We had a great Life Team meeting last night. There were 12 of us and two absentees: one was sick and one out of town. Attendance is usually pretty good for this group. Lots of talk about the miracles of Jesus. We found out that Jesus was not 'big' on showboating his miracles. He performed them only out of compassion for others - not to make a big show out of it to impress people or political parties. Interesting enough, even the many that actually witnessed the miracles, did not accept him as the Son of God. The Bible tells that when he did not continue to provide the miracles they wanted to see, many left grumbling, even some disciplies deserted him (mentioned only in the book of John). "He was bringing a hard message of obedience and sacrifice, not a sideshow for gawkers and sensation-seekers". The miracles attracted large crowds and applause, but rarely encouraged repentance and long-term faith. We discussed how Jesus' miracles would go over with our generation. We concluded they would likely get the same kind of responses. To sum it up, we quote Fyodor Dostovesky "Faith does not spring from the miracle, but the miracle from faith."
We know a number of people who have friends or family who are suffering from cancer and going through treatment. Some are even dealing with severe depression and have been hospitalized. We always hear of people needing work, experiencing financial difficulties and other problems and realize how fortunate we are to have our health, our home and our jobs (even our working part-time helps).
As I sit and ponder family and friends and how fortunate I am to have both...I notice today's saying on my perpetual calendar called "Favorite Quotes for Friends" as follows:
There are two things one should know about the direction of life:
First is: Where am I going?
Second is: Who will go with me?
Aside fom my family and friends, I am thankful to say that I am always being led by the One who cares for me the most and has only my best interest at heart - Jesus. I encourage others to experience this peace also.
John 4:6 I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Relaxin'
Saturday morning and I should be relaxing but I am busy getting organized for the guys who are coming to help John re-shingle the garage roof! John got a good price on shingles and now we only need the manpower. This morning four guys showed and have been working steadily since 9 am. We broke for lunch and John cooked up sausage and kobasa and we had potato salad and fresh vegetables and dip. Throw in juice, freshly baked brownies, a cup of coffee and you've got a great meal (and a great excuse for a mid-afternoon nap!!!). They broke for about 45 minutes and are back at it again.
I can now sit for a few minutes as I have cleared away all the dishes and put things away and everything is in the dishwasher. First time I have used it for awhile! I thought I would take a minute to say what I have been up to.
I had to go to the west end yesterday to pick up our income tax returns so I decided to stop in on the way to pick up my friend, Isla. She was just getting up (11:35 am) because the staff were encouraging her to do so! She tells me there is nothing much to do so might as well stay in bed! Well, I arrived at her room and asked if she wanted to run around with me to do errands and she said 'YES!" So away, we went. We stopped for lunch (as she had not had breakfast or her morning coffee). We went into Tokoyo Express and had a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl each with a cup of iced tea. She said she quite enjoyed it. Then, we went to Costco while I picked up a few things for today's 'work bee' and then off to Sobey's to get a few smaller items and home to put everything away. John was working on the garage roof with a friend so we all stopped to have coffee and cake for a coffee break. She seemed to be quite fine and enjoyed chatting with the guys and just being outside. I had to take her back to her room about 3:40 pm and I felt like a heel doing so! Of course, I know that will be the last time she will be out until another friend or family member comes for her. If it depresses me, what does it do to her? She was so thankful that I came. How can I not????!!
After a light supper, I headed to my Ladies 'Rest Easy' group event at a friend's place just down the street. Only 7 of us ladies showed up tonite (out of 13) but we had a great time. Each of us brought a little something to snack on and we played a game (Buzz Word, I think) and generally just chatted, laughed and at the end of the evening had a great prayer time. There are so many needs. The end of a wonder FULL day by 11 pm. Slept like a baby until 7:30 this morning.
It is a beautiful day today. Perfect for shingling a roof! It is so nice to have friends who can help out. Count your blessings if you have lots of them. As I sit here writing this, I am wondering about Isla. If I could zap her here I would. I guess life for her will never be the same now. She said she didn't think she was forgetting things but thinks others do. She didn't know for sure. She does repeat herself but then so do I. She definitely would like to know where her clothes are and why she is in this facility and her son is in her house! No wonder she sleeps in!
Well, I guess I will do what I can, when I can and I guess that is how it has to be for the time being. Need to learn about about this disease and what is important and can help and what can't. If I were in her place, I would want her to care about me.
I think Psalm 142: 1-7 would adquately cover Isla's call for help. My friends and I pray for God's mercy in her situation.
(vs 1: I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. And vs 7: Set me free from my prison that I may praise your name.)
I can now sit for a few minutes as I have cleared away all the dishes and put things away and everything is in the dishwasher. First time I have used it for awhile! I thought I would take a minute to say what I have been up to.
I had to go to the west end yesterday to pick up our income tax returns so I decided to stop in on the way to pick up my friend, Isla. She was just getting up (11:35 am) because the staff were encouraging her to do so! She tells me there is nothing much to do so might as well stay in bed! Well, I arrived at her room and asked if she wanted to run around with me to do errands and she said 'YES!" So away, we went. We stopped for lunch (as she had not had breakfast or her morning coffee). We went into Tokoyo Express and had a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl each with a cup of iced tea. She said she quite enjoyed it. Then, we went to Costco while I picked up a few things for today's 'work bee' and then off to Sobey's to get a few smaller items and home to put everything away. John was working on the garage roof with a friend so we all stopped to have coffee and cake for a coffee break. She seemed to be quite fine and enjoyed chatting with the guys and just being outside. I had to take her back to her room about 3:40 pm and I felt like a heel doing so! Of course, I know that will be the last time she will be out until another friend or family member comes for her. If it depresses me, what does it do to her? She was so thankful that I came. How can I not????!!
After a light supper, I headed to my Ladies 'Rest Easy' group event at a friend's place just down the street. Only 7 of us ladies showed up tonite (out of 13) but we had a great time. Each of us brought a little something to snack on and we played a game (Buzz Word, I think) and generally just chatted, laughed and at the end of the evening had a great prayer time. There are so many needs. The end of a wonder FULL day by 11 pm. Slept like a baby until 7:30 this morning.
It is a beautiful day today. Perfect for shingling a roof! It is so nice to have friends who can help out. Count your blessings if you have lots of them. As I sit here writing this, I am wondering about Isla. If I could zap her here I would. I guess life for her will never be the same now. She said she didn't think she was forgetting things but thinks others do. She didn't know for sure. She does repeat herself but then so do I. She definitely would like to know where her clothes are and why she is in this facility and her son is in her house! No wonder she sleeps in!
Well, I guess I will do what I can, when I can and I guess that is how it has to be for the time being. Need to learn about about this disease and what is important and can help and what can't. If I were in her place, I would want her to care about me.
I think Psalm 142: 1-7 would adquately cover Isla's call for help. My friends and I pray for God's mercy in her situation.
(vs 1: I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. And vs 7: Set me free from my prison that I may praise your name.)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Morning Tea
I went to a Ladies Morning Out 'Tea' today at the church. A few years ago I used to be one of the leaders and now I have been 'invited' by a newcomer!! Anyway, I was pleased to go. It is nice to attend where you don't have to setup, cleanup, washup, etc. I just enjoyed. I always enjoyed the Ladies Morning Out in the past years but just found it too much with working Mon and Tues and then going out Wed morning and off to Stephen Ministry Wed nite. Also, I started training on Thurs nites for SM so it just got to be too much (of a good thing)!
I came home and tried to start working on cleaning up my spare room and have decided that I definitely need to reorganize my stuff. I do need a printer for my laptop and that will be my next priority I think. We have a printer on the hard drive downstairs but it is a pain sending my stuff 'downstairs' all the time! I would like a nice 'office setup' in the spare room upstairs. So, that's what I am now planning. It would be nice to have a bookshelf for all my books as well as a long flat tabletop so I can 'spread out' stuff. Under the table could be file drawers or pull out drawers or baskets. I have seen this on 'Renovation' channels. Not sure how I can do that but I might take a trip to IKEA. They seem to have everything. Maybe I just need to look around a bit.
Well, it has been windy today but the sun is out and there is no snow around so that has got to be a good thing. They are calling for temps around 17 for the weekend. Wow. Must be spring. Looking forward to that but don't want the buds to come out too soon. It is only April, right? Then again, who can argue with Nature?
Psalm 1:1,3 Blessed is the man....He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
I came home and tried to start working on cleaning up my spare room and have decided that I definitely need to reorganize my stuff. I do need a printer for my laptop and that will be my next priority I think. We have a printer on the hard drive downstairs but it is a pain sending my stuff 'downstairs' all the time! I would like a nice 'office setup' in the spare room upstairs. So, that's what I am now planning. It would be nice to have a bookshelf for all my books as well as a long flat tabletop so I can 'spread out' stuff. Under the table could be file drawers or pull out drawers or baskets. I have seen this on 'Renovation' channels. Not sure how I can do that but I might take a trip to IKEA. They seem to have everything. Maybe I just need to look around a bit.
Well, it has been windy today but the sun is out and there is no snow around so that has got to be a good thing. They are calling for temps around 17 for the weekend. Wow. Must be spring. Looking forward to that but don't want the buds to come out too soon. It is only April, right? Then again, who can argue with Nature?
Psalm 1:1,3 Blessed is the man....He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)