Did anyone get to see the lunar eclipse last night? My husband Ray and I did! As we were getting ready for bed last night we watched the news to see if we could find out when optimum viewing time was. When we heard that it would be between 2:30 to 4 in the morning we looked at each other and decided to set the alarm clock so we could go outside and see what we could see.
As it turned out, we didn't need the alarm set. I woke up at 2:48 a.m., went to the bathroom and quietly came back to climb into bed. Ray was awake and said, "Do you want to go take a peek at the moon?" So we got up and walked outside to look.
The moon was beautiful! It was partially red and we could see a dark spot which, we guessed, was the Earth's shadow. We stood looking up for a few seconds then Ray said he was done and wanted to go back inside. It wasn't until we came back in that it occured to me that watching Perseids and lunar eclipses probably isn't something that a lot of people do. "Am I weird?" I kept asking myself. Then it struck me; if I'm weird, then I'm married to the right person because we always do these things together.
I'm so fortunate to once again have this kind of love in my life. It's something that I never expected to happen again, but it did. I thank God for bringing this wonderful man into my life and giving me the opportunity to have someone to share His miracles with. If you have a chance, watch the Perseides or a lunar eclipse sometime with someone you love.
God bless our troops. Please bring them all home safely.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
My Dad & Heads-Up Pennies
This week I observed the third anniversary of my father's death. You would have to have known my dad to understand the disbelief I still feel that he's gone. He had a very strong personality and was always doing something, or making plans to do something. He also worked out at the gym and had quit smoking in 1983 to improve his health. He had no serious health problems until he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002/2003. Even in the face of his illness, he always wanted to spend time with his grandchildren. He took my kids many places in the years between their father's death and his death on August 23, 2004. He was never too tired to spend time with them and loved all his grandchildren with all his heart and soul. Shortly after his death, my mom consulted a psychic and was told that whenever we found a heads-up penny, it was a sign that he was present. Since finding that out, I have found heads-up pennies in the most unexpected places and during the most unexpected times.
The first was on February 19, 2005. I married Raymond that day and as I was waiting in the bride's room at the church for the wedding to start, I bent over to put my rain boots into a bag when I noticed a penny lying on the floor. Upon closer inspection, I noticed it was heads-up! I knew then my dad with with me at my wedding. My mother found a heads-up penny in her hotel room in Hawaii as we were leaving for my daughter's wedding so she picked it up and gave it to Candie. But the last heads-up penny I found was this past week in my office. . .
On Friday I registered Nikki, my 12-year-old daughter, for 7th grade. As a special treat I invited her and her friend Cassidy to ride with me to work and then I let them go the the mall, which is located across the street from my office. I walked them to the signal and watched as they made their way across the street, into the mall parking lot and into the mall. Being the mom I am, I called Nikki several times during the day to check on them. Finally I got a phone call from the girls that they were ready to come back to my office so I walked back to the corner and watched them come through the parking lot and across the street. They sat on the floor in my office excitedly showing me the things they'd bought. I called Martha, my babysitter, to come pick the girls up. When she got there, I walked the girls downstairs to say "Hi" to my son, then I returned to my office. Once back in my office, I sat down at my desk and noticed that on the floor in front of my file cabinets exactly where my daughter had been seated was a heads-up penny! I knew then that my dad had been at the mall with the girls all day.
Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. They need our prayers and support on a daily basis.
The first was on February 19, 2005. I married Raymond that day and as I was waiting in the bride's room at the church for the wedding to start, I bent over to put my rain boots into a bag when I noticed a penny lying on the floor. Upon closer inspection, I noticed it was heads-up! I knew then my dad with with me at my wedding. My mother found a heads-up penny in her hotel room in Hawaii as we were leaving for my daughter's wedding so she picked it up and gave it to Candie. But the last heads-up penny I found was this past week in my office. . .
On Friday I registered Nikki, my 12-year-old daughter, for 7th grade. As a special treat I invited her and her friend Cassidy to ride with me to work and then I let them go the the mall, which is located across the street from my office. I walked them to the signal and watched as they made their way across the street, into the mall parking lot and into the mall. Being the mom I am, I called Nikki several times during the day to check on them. Finally I got a phone call from the girls that they were ready to come back to my office so I walked back to the corner and watched them come through the parking lot and across the street. They sat on the floor in my office excitedly showing me the things they'd bought. I called Martha, my babysitter, to come pick the girls up. When she got there, I walked the girls downstairs to say "Hi" to my son, then I returned to my office. Once back in my office, I sat down at my desk and noticed that on the floor in front of my file cabinets exactly where my daughter had been seated was a heads-up penny! I knew then that my dad had been at the mall with the girls all day.
Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. They need our prayers and support on a daily basis.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
In Appreciation of Housework and Children
My vacation is now over and I'm back at work. I miss being home with my kids and being able to do things with them anytime I want to. I loved being a stay-at-home mom because I got to go on field trips, be a room parent, team mom and have "the house" that all the kids love hang around in.
The other day I asked my husband to check his lottery tickets to see if he'd won so I could quit my job. I long for the days when I cleaned my own house every day, folded towels and laundry and had my house organized. I've already made up my mind that if we somehow become independently wealthy, I will still drive a Nissan X-terra, live in my own house (remodeled and landscaped, of course) and clean and do my own laundry. Once again I'm reminded that the simple pleasures in life are the ones that are most important. Things like washing the floors, having time to sit down and help with the homework and going on field trips with the kids are what matters to me.
On Tuesday I enrolled my son for his second year in high school. Tomorrow I enroll my daughter in 7th grade. . .where is the time going? How is it possible that these two precious babies I so lovingly cuddled, nutured and loved can be more than half way through their school years? Unfortunately, the nature of children is that they are temporary gifts from God. Parents often forget that the baby they bring home from the hospital will not be that way forever. One of the ironies of parenthood is that if you do a good job with your children, they become independent and leave you. The upside of that is that they grow into the most incredible adults; I've seen it with my older son and daughter.
Please remember to be patient and appreciate the beautiful gift that your children are. The Lord has only loaned them to us for a very short time.
God bless our troops all over the world. Please say a special prayer for the 14 killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq, some of whom were stationed at Schofield Barracks where my son-in-law is stationed.
The other day I asked my husband to check his lottery tickets to see if he'd won so I could quit my job. I long for the days when I cleaned my own house every day, folded towels and laundry and had my house organized. I've already made up my mind that if we somehow become independently wealthy, I will still drive a Nissan X-terra, live in my own house (remodeled and landscaped, of course) and clean and do my own laundry. Once again I'm reminded that the simple pleasures in life are the ones that are most important. Things like washing the floors, having time to sit down and help with the homework and going on field trips with the kids are what matters to me.
On Tuesday I enrolled my son for his second year in high school. Tomorrow I enroll my daughter in 7th grade. . .where is the time going? How is it possible that these two precious babies I so lovingly cuddled, nutured and loved can be more than half way through their school years? Unfortunately, the nature of children is that they are temporary gifts from God. Parents often forget that the baby they bring home from the hospital will not be that way forever. One of the ironies of parenthood is that if you do a good job with your children, they become independent and leave you. The upside of that is that they grow into the most incredible adults; I've seen it with my older son and daughter.
Please remember to be patient and appreciate the beautiful gift that your children are. The Lord has only loaned them to us for a very short time.
God bless our troops all over the world. Please say a special prayer for the 14 killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq, some of whom were stationed at Schofield Barracks where my son-in-law is stationed.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Two Wolves
This was sent to me by Nubia (LA Times Pressmans blog) and contains a good life-lesson.
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between the two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between the two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Little Humor
I received this in an e-mail yesterday. It impressed me for two reasons; 1. it's a funny story, and 2. it speaks volumes about prejudice and assumptions about people. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
"For anyone who didn't see David Letterman's take on this:
(And it's a true story...) On a recent weekend in Atlantic City , a woman won a bucketful of quarters at a slot machine. She took a break from the slots for dinner with her husband in the hotel dining room. But first she wanted to stash the quarters in her room. "I'll be right back and we'll go to eat," she told her husband and carried the coin-laden bucket to the elevator.
As she was about to walk into the el evator she noticed two men already aboard. Both were black. One of them was tall...very tall...an intimidating figure. The woman froze. Her first thought was: "These two
are going to rob me." Her next thought was: "Don't be a bigot; they look like perfectly nice gentlemen." But racial stereotypes are powerful, and fear immobilized her. She stood and stared at the two men. She felt
anxious, flustered and ashamed. She hoped they didn't read her mind but gosh, they had to know what she was thinking!!!
Her hesitation about joining them in the elevator was all too obvious now. Her face was flushed. She couldn't just stand there, so with a mighty effort of will she picked up one foot and stepped forward and followed
with the other foot and was on the elevator. Avoiding eye contact, she turned around stiffly and faced the elevator doors as they closed. A second passed, and then another second, and then another. Her fear increased! The elevator didn't move . Panic consumed her. "My God," she thought, I'm trapped and about to be robbed! "Her heart plummeted. Perspiration poured from every pore.
Then one of the men said, "Hit the floor." Instinct told her to do what they told her. The bucket of quarters flew upwards as she threw out her arms and collapsed on the elevator floor. A shower of coins rained down on her. Take my money and spare me, she prayed. More seconds passed. She heard one of the men say politely, "Ma'am, if you'll just tell us what floor you're going to, we'll push the button." The one who said it had a little trouble getting the words out. He was trying mightily to hold in a belly laugh. The woman lifted her head andlooked up at the two men. They reached down to help her up. Confused, she struggled to her feet. "When I told my friend here to hit the floor," said the average sized one, "I meant that he should hit the elevator button for our floor. I didn't mean for you to hit the floor, ma'a m." He spoke genially. He bit his lip. It was obvious he was having a hard time not laughing. The woman thought: "My God, what a spectacle I've made of myself." She was too humiliated to speak She wanted to blurt out an apology, but words failed her. How do you apologize to two perfectly respectable gentlemen for behaving as though they were going to rob you? She didn't know what to say. The three of them gathered up the strewn quarters and refilled her bucket. When the elevator arrived at her floor they then insisted on walking her to her room. She seemed a little unsteady on her feet, and they were afraid she might not make it down the corridor. At her door they bid her a good evening. As she slipped into her room she could hear them roaring with laughter as they walked back to the elevator. The woman brushed herself off. She pulled herself together and went downstairs for dinner with her husband.
The next morning flowers were delivered to her room - a dozen roses. Attached to EACH rose was a crisp one hundred dollar bill. The card said: "Thanks for the best laugh we've had in years." It was signed:
Eddie Murphy
Michael Jordan"
"For anyone who didn't see David Letterman's take on this:
(And it's a true story...) On a recent weekend in Atlantic City , a woman won a bucketful of quarters at a slot machine. She took a break from the slots for dinner with her husband in the hotel dining room. But first she wanted to stash the quarters in her room. "I'll be right back and we'll go to eat," she told her husband and carried the coin-laden bucket to the elevator.
As she was about to walk into the el evator she noticed two men already aboard. Both were black. One of them was tall...very tall...an intimidating figure. The woman froze. Her first thought was: "These two
are going to rob me." Her next thought was: "Don't be a bigot; they look like perfectly nice gentlemen." But racial stereotypes are powerful, and fear immobilized her. She stood and stared at the two men. She felt
anxious, flustered and ashamed. She hoped they didn't read her mind but gosh, they had to know what she was thinking!!!
Her hesitation about joining them in the elevator was all too obvious now. Her face was flushed. She couldn't just stand there, so with a mighty effort of will she picked up one foot and stepped forward and followed
with the other foot and was on the elevator. Avoiding eye contact, she turned around stiffly and faced the elevator doors as they closed. A second passed, and then another second, and then another. Her fear increased! The elevator didn't move . Panic consumed her. "My God," she thought, I'm trapped and about to be robbed! "Her heart plummeted. Perspiration poured from every pore.
Then one of the men said, "Hit the floor." Instinct told her to do what they told her. The bucket of quarters flew upwards as she threw out her arms and collapsed on the elevator floor. A shower of coins rained down on her. Take my money and spare me, she prayed. More seconds passed. She heard one of the men say politely, "Ma'am, if you'll just tell us what floor you're going to, we'll push the button." The one who said it had a little trouble getting the words out. He was trying mightily to hold in a belly laugh. The woman lifted her head andlooked up at the two men. They reached down to help her up. Confused, she struggled to her feet. "When I told my friend here to hit the floor," said the average sized one, "I meant that he should hit the elevator button for our floor. I didn't mean for you to hit the floor, ma'a m." He spoke genially. He bit his lip. It was obvious he was having a hard time not laughing. The woman thought: "My God, what a spectacle I've made of myself." She was too humiliated to speak She wanted to blurt out an apology, but words failed her. How do you apologize to two perfectly respectable gentlemen for behaving as though they were going to rob you? She didn't know what to say. The three of them gathered up the strewn quarters and refilled her bucket. When the elevator arrived at her floor they then insisted on walking her to her room. She seemed a little unsteady on her feet, and they were afraid she might not make it down the corridor. At her door they bid her a good evening. As she slipped into her room she could hear them roaring with laughter as they walked back to the elevator. The woman brushed herself off. She pulled herself together and went downstairs for dinner with her husband.
The next morning flowers were delivered to her room - a dozen roses. Attached to EACH rose was a crisp one hundred dollar bill. The card said: "Thanks for the best laugh we've had in years." It was signed:
Eddie Murphy
Michael Jordan"
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
LA Times Pressman Bloggers
The funeral for Bryan Padgett was held today. It has been a very long and difficult week, and now begins the long and difficult adjustment for the Padgett family. For as long as I've known Ed, this was the first time I'd met all his children or any of his siblings. It was also the first time I've met some of the contributors to Ed's blog. For my readers who are not familiar with how my blog came about, I am a contributor on Ed's blog, the Los Angeles Times Pressmens Twenty Year Club. We each have our own personality and point of view, which adds the to blog's diversity. I've known Nubia for years, but it was my first time to meet Jesse and Kanani.
Kanani is perhaps one of the most loving, warm women I've ever met. There is a calm, easy-going part of her personality that made me feel at ease immediately. Jesse is also a friendly, warm and supportive person and I enjoyed meeting him, as well. I am honored to be a part of their "family" and look forward to watching our friendships grow. I'm sure we will all be there for the Padgett family in the difficult days ahead.
The events of the past week have reminded me of how important friendships and relationships are in our lives. I value my friends and family because without them, my life would be so empty and unfulfilled. My heart is happy knowing that I have new friends in Kanani and Jesse, as well as the rest of our little family. I thank God for this wonderful gift.
Please continue to pray for the Padgett family, and our troops and their families.
Kanani is perhaps one of the most loving, warm women I've ever met. There is a calm, easy-going part of her personality that made me feel at ease immediately. Jesse is also a friendly, warm and supportive person and I enjoyed meeting him, as well. I am honored to be a part of their "family" and look forward to watching our friendships grow. I'm sure we will all be there for the Padgett family in the difficult days ahead.
The events of the past week have reminded me of how important friendships and relationships are in our lives. I value my friends and family because without them, my life would be so empty and unfulfilled. My heart is happy knowing that I have new friends in Kanani and Jesse, as well as the rest of our little family. I thank God for this wonderful gift.
Please continue to pray for the Padgett family, and our troops and their families.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Our Perseid Adventure
It is 2:01 a.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2007. Expanding on a long-standing family tradition, the entire family and my sister went up to a mountain road, away from the city, so we could have a good view of the Perseids. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Perseids, it is a meteor shower that is visible at the same time every year. This year is supposed to be one of the best for viewing the Perseids because there is no moon.
Our original plan was to travel to Blythe or Laughlin, check into a motel, and watch the meteor shower from the desert. In the past, we've always set alarm clocks and sat outside to watch. We would usually see one or two falling stars, but never enough to be really impressed. This year we had plans, but when Ray couldn't take the time off work, we came up with an alternate plan. At 11:00 p.m. we drove up the Cajon Pass onto Highway 138 toward Silverwood. When we were well away from the city lights, we pulled over on a turnout, parked and settled in to watch the meteors. It was fun to sit out there in the middle of nowhere and scan the sky to see the occasional falling star. We talked, laughed and made a plan for next year to go camping in the mountains to watch.
Of course, we all realized that tomorrow night will offer the greatest opportunity to see the meteors, but Sunday would be impossible since we work on Monday. It was fun anyway and we are looking forward to next August. I may still go outside to see if I can see anymore meteors tomorrow night.
God bless our troops and their families. Also, God bless Ed, his late son Bryan and his entire family. May the Lord hold them close to His heart.
Our original plan was to travel to Blythe or Laughlin, check into a motel, and watch the meteor shower from the desert. In the past, we've always set alarm clocks and sat outside to watch. We would usually see one or two falling stars, but never enough to be really impressed. This year we had plans, but when Ray couldn't take the time off work, we came up with an alternate plan. At 11:00 p.m. we drove up the Cajon Pass onto Highway 138 toward Silverwood. When we were well away from the city lights, we pulled over on a turnout, parked and settled in to watch the meteors. It was fun to sit out there in the middle of nowhere and scan the sky to see the occasional falling star. We talked, laughed and made a plan for next year to go camping in the mountains to watch.
Of course, we all realized that tomorrow night will offer the greatest opportunity to see the meteors, but Sunday would be impossible since we work on Monday. It was fun anyway and we are looking forward to next August. I may still go outside to see if I can see anymore meteors tomorrow night.
God bless our troops and their families. Also, God bless Ed, his late son Bryan and his entire family. May the Lord hold them close to His heart.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Tragic Loss of Bryan
My heart has been aching since I heard the news this morning that my high school buddy, Ed, lost his son in a car accident. There are no words capable of expressing my sadness and sympathy for my dear friend. It's hard to imagine that kind of loss, especially since Bryan was a young man justing starting his adult life.
If I could, I would gladly take some of the pain away from Ed and the rest of his family. In the days to come there will be so many things taking place they won't have time to think. But life has a way of waiting for you to come back to it and that's when the reality will hit.
I am praying that the Lord will keep them close and guide them. I've always believed that if the Lord brings you to it, He'll see you through it. Please add the Padgett family to your prayers.
God bless you, Bryan. Watch over your dad and the rest of your family.
If I could, I would gladly take some of the pain away from Ed and the rest of his family. In the days to come there will be so many things taking place they won't have time to think. But life has a way of waiting for you to come back to it and that's when the reality will hit.
I am praying that the Lord will keep them close and guide them. I've always believed that if the Lord brings you to it, He'll see you through it. Please add the Padgett family to your prayers.
God bless you, Bryan. Watch over your dad and the rest of your family.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Back in the Saddle Again!
Happy Monday! Since my last post, the slumber party went off without a hitch and was a success. I'm also about 95% recovered from the cold I caught last week.
Summer has gone by way too fast and I'm beginning to dread the return to reality that hits once the kids return to school. This coming weekend will be the beginning of my final vacation for the summer. We plan to head out to the desert this weekend in hopes of seeing the Perseides (a yearly meteor shower) in an area free from lights. This is something we have done for the past 6 or 7 years with the kids. It's become a ritual at my house for us to set alarms for 2 a.m., then trudge out to the front yard with blankets and lay on the lawn to see the meteors as they come down. Trouble is, where we live there are too many streetlights. It seems like every year we say, "Next year let's go somewhere we'll be able to see better."
Watching (or trying to watch) the comets is one of those unexplained traditions that came out of nowhere. I can't wait to see if one of my children carries on this ritual with their children. If they don't, you can be sure I plan to!
Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. God bless everyone...
Summer has gone by way too fast and I'm beginning to dread the return to reality that hits once the kids return to school. This coming weekend will be the beginning of my final vacation for the summer. We plan to head out to the desert this weekend in hopes of seeing the Perseides (a yearly meteor shower) in an area free from lights. This is something we have done for the past 6 or 7 years with the kids. It's become a ritual at my house for us to set alarms for 2 a.m., then trudge out to the front yard with blankets and lay on the lawn to see the meteors as they come down. Trouble is, where we live there are too many streetlights. It seems like every year we say, "Next year let's go somewhere we'll be able to see better."
Watching (or trying to watch) the comets is one of those unexplained traditions that came out of nowhere. I can't wait to see if one of my children carries on this ritual with their children. If they don't, you can be sure I plan to!
Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. God bless everyone...
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Sick Today and the Slumber Party
Today I'm not feeling well. I've caught a cold that seems to be getting worse by the day! Sunday it started with a sore throat, Monday I sneezed all day so I took 2 Benadryl capsules and went to bed at 8:30. Yesterday I was woozy from the 2 Benadryl I took the night before and spent most of the day trying to wake up. Today I'm sneezing my head off, I have a runny nose and my stomach hurts. I'd love to go home and sleep the rest of the day but I can't. All I can think of is my daughter's slumber party on Friday night and all the preparations I have to make.
Of course, the slumber party should be fun. . .it's a 1980's party! My daughter is planning on wearing jeans with leg warmers, a big t-shirt cut at the neckline to hang off one shoulder, lots of plastic bangle bracelets and, of course, some big plastic earrings that were mine in the 80's. Since she has naturally curly hair, it'll be easy to duplicate the spiral perm with an old banana clip and she's planning on wearing make up that I will put on her, just like I used to wear. I'm really looking forward to the party, if only I could get over this cold!
I hope everyone is enjoying their day and please remember to pray for our troops. My cousin, Jan, deployed to Iraq today so say a special prayer for her.
Of course, the slumber party should be fun. . .it's a 1980's party! My daughter is planning on wearing jeans with leg warmers, a big t-shirt cut at the neckline to hang off one shoulder, lots of plastic bangle bracelets and, of course, some big plastic earrings that were mine in the 80's. Since she has naturally curly hair, it'll be easy to duplicate the spiral perm with an old banana clip and she's planning on wearing make up that I will put on her, just like I used to wear. I'm really looking forward to the party, if only I could get over this cold!
I hope everyone is enjoying their day and please remember to pray for our troops. My cousin, Jan, deployed to Iraq today so say a special prayer for her.
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