In forty minutes I will turn 50. I have been anticipating this moment since January 1, 2009. I thought it would somehow make it less traumatic if I were mentally prepared. I may have been wrong. It’s not that it’s hard in a wringing my hands or gnashing my teeth sort of way. Nor am I crying or dreading the moment the clock strikes midnight…I simply don’t know where the time went.
It seems as if something memorable should happen as the hands pass over the 12 on the clock…fireworks; a beam of light shining down from the sky, or a hallowed rendition of the Hallelujah chorus, however, my guess is that as I watch the hands slowly but steadily move to 12:01 I will neither hear nor see anything differently taking place except for a few “Happy Birthdays” and “I love yous” from the ones I love.
As I sit here waiting, watching and saying goodbye to the 40s, I ponder the many things I remember from my childhood, things that seem as if they took place last year instead of decades ago. I guess that’s how it was meant to be…the steadiness of time passing, not significantly so, but significantly nonetheless.
I remember having a conversation with my grandmother when she was in her 70s. She told me she still felt like she was 18 years old…on the inside. How can one grow older in such a visible manner and remain the same on the ‘inside’? It’s spiritual in nature and that it why it is what it is, a simple, gently passing of time.
Life…just saying.
Turning 50
January 12, 2010 by lifejustsayingThoughts on College Basketball and the Fans
January 4, 2010 by lifejustsayingThoughts on College Basketball and the Fans
My thoughts on the game are many. My thoughts on the fan base are even more. I can sum it up simply by saying, “OMG! What?!! Seriously?!!” But I can expound, and I think I will.
I grew up in a house of UK fans. The tradition of UK basketball was deeply rooted in my family of origin, which is why I naturally had to become a UL fan! Come on people it’s a game! A game you’re not playing! A game of two colleges you didn’t even attend! Enough said? Unfortunately not.
College basketball has become more than just a sport for some. It appears to have taken over their lives. I know folks who have anxiety attacks if it looks as if their team isn’t going to win. They tell me this is common, not just something UL/Uk fans experience.
I think it may be considered a bit over the top, if at family functions, the conversation goes to a game played in 1998, and how this player did that, and that player did this, and you know this because you own the recording and watch it on a somewhat regular basis. Seriously?
The banter that goes on before, during (via Facebook), and after the game, between fans is enough to make you hurl. Maybe it would be wise to subscribe to the philosophy of Mother Teresa when asked to protest against the war. She responded that she wouldn’t do that but to contact her when they had something to stand up for. How did cheering for one’s team become about trash talking the other? How did cheering on one’s team become applauding when the opposite team misses a shot? How did college sports become about taunting people about their screw-ups and life’s mistakes?
“It’s all in fun, good-spirited rivalry, I am told, “you just don’t understand.” Oh really? Why have referees at all then, if the madness is just about the game? Why not just play to the death, like the gladiators of old? Or at least until a player becomes dismembered?
I do understand being an avid fan, truly I do. My hackles rise a little by unfair calls or obnoxious fans. I want my team to win same as the next guy. But to listen to adults hand each other insults and slams in the name of loyalty and team spirit has become too much for me to stomach. Reading the status’ of sore losers and winners isn’t my idea of a good time. I didn’t ask to read those things, and don’t really care about your opinion on the game but I guess that’s the nature of social networks. I showed much restraint while reading the banter between the fans of both teams after the game. My status is, and will remain for the rest of the day, “It is better to keep one’s mouth closed and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”
Enough said? I think so.
Wisdom of the Aged
January 4, 2010 by lifejustsayingSunday, January 3, 2010
The Last Day of the First Decade of the 21st Century
It somehow seems befitting to write something on this blog on this last day of the first decade of the 21st century. The problem with that is I have so very much to do to prepare for the party to usher in the new year. But what a year 2009 was. I learned so much. I’m so excited about the new year…more excited than I have ever been about…well…anything! The most important lesson I learned is this: things are not always what they appear to be. The second most important lesson is: life is a game…make it fun!
In a couple of weeks I will turn 50. I don’t feel 50 nor do I look 50 (at least that’s what I’ve been told). I just can’t believe how fast time is ticking by. I remember throwing my dad a surprise party when he turned 50. It seems like just a couple of years ago, when in fact, it was more than 25 years ago. He wasn’t happy about turning 50 and now that he’s turning 78…well it’s all relative.
Last night I watched Julie&Julia. I liked that movie a lot. I feel inspired by that movie to do more blogging, especially since the big 5 0 is upon me. So Happy New Year and may you be blessed beyond your dreams in 2010.
My thoughts on the game are many. My thoughts on the fan base are even more. I can sum it up simply by saying, “OMG! What?!! Seriously?!!” But I can expound, and I think I will.
I grew up in a house of UK fans. The tradition of UK basketball was deeply rooted in my family of origin, which is why I naturally had to become a UL fan! Come on people it’s a game! A game you’re not playing! A game of two colleges you didn’t even attend! Enough said? Unfortunately not.
College basketball has become more than just a sport for some. It appears to have taken over their lives. I know folks who have anxiety attacks if it looks as if their team isn’t going to win. They tell me this is common, not just something UL/Uk fans experience.
I think it may be considered a bit over the top, if at family functions, the conversation goes to a game played in 1998, and how this player did that, and that player did this, and you know this because you own the recording and watch it on a somewhat regular basis. Seriously?
The banter that goes on before, during (via Facebook), and after the game, between fans is enough to make you hurl. Maybe it would be wise to subscribe to the philosophy of Mother Teresa when asked to protest against the war. She responded that she wouldn’t do that but to contact her when they had something to stand up for. How did cheering for one’s team become about trash talking the other? How did cheering on one’s team become applauding when the opposite team misses a shot? How did college sports become about taunting people about their screw-ups and life’s mistakes?
“It’s all in fun, good-spirited rivalry, I am told, “you just don’t understand.” Oh really? Why have referees at all then, if the madness is just about the game? Why not just play to the death, like the gladiators of old? Or at least until a player becomes dismembered?
I do understand being an avid fan, truly I do. My hackles rise a little by unfair calls or obnoxious fans. I want my team to win same as the next guy. But to listen to adults hand each other insults and slams in the name of loyalty and team spirit has become too much for me to stomach. Reading the status’ of sore losers and winners isn’t my idea of a good time. I didn’t ask to read those things, and don’t really care about your opinion on the game but I guess that’s the nature of social networks. I showed much restraint while reading the banter between the fans of both teams after the game. My status is, and will remain for the rest of the day, “It is better to keep one’s mouth closed and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.”
Enough said? I think so.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Perhaps, however,I am wrong and they are indeed linked. So the many aged idiots that come to mind doesn’t mean they don’t possess wisdom, but simply that they do not walk in that timeless rite of passage into the senior years. But if wisdom truly does come with age and the aged choose to live their lives in quiet desperation; walking around as a sheeple; neither questioning nor stopping to think about why things are the way they are, or why they do the things they do; if that’s the way they choose to manage their existence, then I come full circle to my original thought that age and wisdom do not necessarily go together. For why would a person with such wisdom choose to conduct their lives in such a mindless manner?
Being wise doesn’t mean you have all the answers to all of life’s questions. Neither does is mean that you never make a mistake or feel threatened or afraid. It means, to have the patience to think things through. It means you not only have the ability to weigh the matter and unbiasedly look at the facts, to seek the counsel of those who have gone before you, to admit that you are a fallible human being that can use the help of others; but that you choose to walk that path. If this is the criteria of being wise…then I am ready.
Just saying…
The Last Day of the First Decade of the 21st Century
January 4, 2010 by lifejustsayingIn a couple of weeks I will turn 50. I don’t feel 50 nor do I look 50 (at least that’s what I’ve been told). I just can’t believe how fast time is ticking by. I remember throwing my dad a surprise party when he turned 50. It seems like just a couple of years ago, when in fact, it was more than 25 years ago. He wasn’t happy about turning 50 and now that he’s turning 78…well it’s all relative.
Last night I watched Julie&Julia. I liked that movie a lot. I feel inspired by that movie to do more blogging, especially since the big 5 0 is upon me. So Happy New Year and may you be blessed beyond your dreams in 2010.
Going West Day Three
September 22, 2009 by lifejustsayingWe were only on the interstate for an hour or so before we exited to a more ’scenic route’. I have a great appreciation for those side roads because they are, well, scenic. Though the roads are usually narrow, curvy and very hilly, the sites to be seen are so worth it.
On our way to Moab, where we would visit Arches National Park, the sites were unbelievable; seemingly getting better and better each mile we drove. Once we arrived in Moab, we set out for a driving tour of the famed arches. We could have rented a multi-passenger jeep, with or without a guide to show us around, or the oh so popular ORV (off road vehicles), but we chose to stick with the familiar, our trusted rental van.
The various rock formations did resemble the things they were named after, with a couple of exceptions. The one that looked like a canned ham, Balanced Rock, I think it was called, and the one that looked like the Oriental three kings from the Christmas song. I’m not sure what the official name of that one is.
One of the last formations on the tour was The Arch…the one on the license plate. We had to abandon the comfort of our air conditioned van for the hot and very dry air, to walk a one mile trail in order to view this. My parents decided to stay close to the van, under the shade of an unidentified, very small and willowy tree. Since they were awaiting our return, we only hiked until the arch came into view and then took a few minutes to stop and watch the ligthening streak across the sky and sheets of rain way off in the distance, before returning to the parking lot. It was hard to tell if the storm was coming our way or how long it would take for it to get to where we were. As it turns out, it only rained a tiny bit in the park, but we were all happy to be back in the air conditioned van, gulping cold bottled water.
After dinner, in a very western looking restaurant, we went looking for Moab’s other claim to fame, The Apache Motel. The AAA Tour Book stated that John Wayne stayed in that very motel while he was on location in Moab, filming a movie. Either John Wayne no longer holds any appeal to this current generation of movie-goers, or no one even remembers who he was, because it was not an easy place to find. There was a lone sign with an arrow pointing down a side street. Once we turned off the main road, we were pretty much on our own. When we finally discovered the location of this infamous motel, it was much to our disappointment. The Apache Motel, located in a residential area, stood there with its neon vacancy sign flashing. That was the only thing that resembled Hollywood. It was, in fact, an old and needy motel that had seen its better days. In spite of its appearance, I did snap a few pictures because I do remember John Wayne, in all his cowboy and war hero glory; and he belongs to a time in the past.
We were most definitely in canyon land, and tomorrow we would see even more.
Going West Day Two
September 21, 2009 by lifejustsayingWe left early for another day-long drive. The destination for the day…Grand Junction, Colorado. What a beautiful state. Riding toward Denver and seeing the moutain range in the horizon was quite a site. Driving through Vale was a beautiful ride, even if it was spitting rain during that time. Those quaint little tourists towns were all beckoning me to exit the interstate…but I couldn’t…I had a destination. That was the problem with this trip…so much planned and only 12 days in which to do it.
We didn’t make it all the way to Grand Junction. Everyone was battle weary. The drivers especially. Driving that van seemed a lot like work just keeping it on the road. Combine that with the steep grades and curvy desents…it was tiresome indeed. We stopped instead in a place called Rifle. I loved that town as well. We could view a mountain outside our window, along with a little strip of shops with places to dine. It was within walking distance from our hotel so we strolled along the sidewalk. It felt good to be out of the van for a while.
I poseted on Facebook that the day’s destination was Grand Junction. A friend who once lived near there told me of several must-see places, but once again that was a luxury we couldn’t allow ourselves if we wanted to reach Moab, Utah the next day and visit Arches National Park.
It was with sadness that I bid farewell to Rifle, vowing once again to return and stay a while…especially in Grand Junction.
Going West Day One
September 21, 2009 by lifejustsayingMy family took a vacation a few weeks ago. We traveled 4500 miles+. My husband, three teenage kids, and my parents were all together in a 15 passenger rental van for 12 days.Togetherness has taken on a whole new meaning. Granted, my parents stayed in a seperate hotel room but trust me when I say, we spent a whole lot of time in the van.
The first day we traveled from my home state of Kentucky to Abiline, Kansas. It was a small quaint town that I would have enjoyed exploring more. Right across the street from our hotel was a restaurant called Brookville Hotel. The hotel itself traces back to the 1870s. It has been moved from its orginal site. I’m not quite sure where that was but Abiline became it’s new hometown in 1999. Though the location is a bit sketchy in my mind the dining experience lives on, as it was a lovely place to dine.
The food was very tasty, home cooking served family style. They brought my party of 7 three and a half chickens as our portion. That along with mashed potatoes, cream style corn that was the best I’ve ever tasted, biscuits and gravy and a relish tray with home style ice cream for dessert…OMG.
There was another historical restaurant in town but we were back on the road very early so I was unable to visit that place. I plan to return to that little town one day and do a bit more exploring.
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August 8, 2009 by lifejustsayingFREE CD from Robert Kiyosaki on The Perfect Business. www.DannysFreeRKCD.yolasite.com
Marriage
August 3, 2009 by lifejustsayingI’ve been married for 29 years…to the same man. My marriage has had it’s ups and downs, no doubt about it. I have witnessed a lot of marriages die a slow death over the years; and some not so slow. I find it to be more provalent around the 25 year anniversary and after. I’m not sure what that’s all about, but I have noticed that contrary to popular belief, it is usually the woman who wants out, not the man who has found someone younger and firmer. I have also found that the husband, in most cases, doesn’t know what hit him and can’t understand why he finds himself in this new place of singlehood. Not sure why that is either. I have my theories, but theories is all they are. One being the woman is tired of trying, so very tired of settling. Life is short, the kids are raised and hopefully out of the house, and it’s just the two of you again…alone…
I’m here to tell you that there is help; there is hope. It doesn’t have to be a marriage of just “making do”. You can have a fulfilling lovelife with your spouse! If you desire meaningful phsical intimacy in your marriage, I think you might find this ebook very helpful. Check it out and let me know what you think!
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I’m Back!
August 1, 2009 by lifejustsayingJuly…what a crazy, whirlwind month. It started with getting my 12 year son ready for a trip to Ft Myers with a friend and his family. It was his first airplane flight. The day he returned, I took my daughter and her friend to the beach for a week. I’ve been home a week now and catching up on everything. I have finally found the time for reading, reflecting and blogging.
When you live with someone, even for a week, you truly come to know them…for better or worse. That is what I experienced on my trip. This young lady who traveled with us to the beach was one of my favorite people; certainly the favorite friend of all my children’s friends. I had even decided to make her my daughter-in-law. Forget the fact that she and my son were just friends. Forget the fact that she has a boyfriend she is crazy about. Forget the fact that my son recently met a girl through a mutual friend and spends all his time on Facebook chatting with her while holding the phone in his hand texting her. Not anymore. Not the chosen friend or the chosen daughter-in-law. I still love her, always will but I learned a valuable lesson on that trip to the beac h…well two lessons actually. One is waking up to a sunrise on the Atlantic is still on the list of favorite things to do and two…being frugal and being cheap are two entirely different things.
Having said those things about my trip, I move on to higher things…things of greater importance…thinking like the masses. I keep several books going at once. In the mornings I have a quiet time where I read great writings from the Bible, a very inspiring way to start the day. I then move on to the few books I am reading, a little at a time every day. I am finishing The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. What an amazing book that is. Still so relevant today.
Another book I am reading is Richer Life Secrets: 16 Chapters of unparrelled Sucess Coaching. I was reading today how “conformity is a plague within the human consciousness”. Thinking like the masses is not a good thing. Of course, when it comes to following and obeying common laws, well, that’s a given, but just because everyone is doing the same things day in and day out, doesn’t make it the right thing to do. Thinking is creating. You were born as a very unique individual, one of a kind. Have your own thoughts, live your own life. Experience everything life has to offer, good and bad; positive and negative; sucesses and failures. For without the failures you can never achieve success.
Another book I just started is called: ASK and You Will SECCEED by Kenneth D. Foster. I want to end this blog with an excerpt from his book. “Thinking is a process of asking and answering questions. You are constantly engaged in this activity. Psychologists tell us that the average person has about 60,000 thoughts each day. What most people don’t know is that the average person also asks the same questions over and over, resulting in the same 60,000 thoughts the next day. Is it any wonder why things stay the same? How can things change if you think, say, and do the same things over and over? You must focus your mind in a new direction and change the questions that you are aksing for real change to take place.” Awesome.
Life…just saying
