Giving up things for Lent

Usually I procrastinate about my personal chores, like put them off until I HAVE to do them. For example, having company? clear out the dust bunnies....clean the basement/closets/cabinets? nah, not today the weather is too nice, too cold, too rainy, too anything (for the last few months)...stuff like that. 

I thought the problem might have been spending too much time on Facebook or some other social media. I find I can fill the hours with all sorts of distractions - some I LOVE like knitting and my dogs, some I enjoy like certain TV shows and some that are just a distraction like You Tube.

I thought that maybe Facebook (or all of social media - Twitter, Google +, Pininterest) fell into one of categories. So, on Ash Wednesday I made this blatant declaration: I'm giving up Facebook for Lent.  I know it's only a few days, but I realize that I still haven't cleaned the basement or my closets. I have dusted but I do that every Saturday morning anyway.

So my conclusion is that FB is not the source of my procrastination - gee, what did I do before FB? My procrastination has been with me my entire life. I ONLY procrastinate on personal chores because I don't like doing them!!!! That's the truth. REALLY I should have said for Lent, I will give up procrastinating cleaning the basement. That would be a HUGE start.

Besides, everyone's life is on FB. How will I see my kid's and grandkid's latest pics, keep up with my family, hear the wonderful events in my friend's lives, get my daily dose of humor, words of encouragement, news, knitting updates and politics so quickly. Actually, reading all of this on FB is faster than making phone calls to all of my friends to see how things are going.......

So, back on Facebook when I have time.

"...And in the end... The love you take is equal to the love you make." ---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Knitting for the holidays

In August, my hubby and I trekked to the Knit Picks Warehouse Sale in Columbus, Ohio and bought all kinds of yarns in small amounts. There's enough yarn to make hats, scarves and mitts/gloves. (I prefer fingerless for driving and working)

Since we have the yarn, I've been working ahead this year and have been knitting holiday gifts for my family and friends. I'm trying to make enough quick knits so I can give one to each of my female relatives this Christmas. So far I have 4 or 5 done.  I need to make at least 15 for my friends & relatives and a few gifts for my kids. I'll just keep on knitting and hope to have enough by Christmas.

After I get a few more done, I'll post pictures.

"...And in the end... The love you take is equal to the love you make." ---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

wow, it's been a month!!

Time sure is flying by. I hadn't realized it had been a month since I last updated my blog. Unfortunately, I am out the door heading to the office but I can give a quick update to all the latest:

1. Received my cello last week, it's been set up, new strings and I took my first private lesson last night. This is gonna be fun. I'll post some pictures that Roland took!! (This is my anniversary and Christmas present)
2. Roland got a new camera, see #1, for his anniversary and Christmas present. It is a Nikon D-SLR camera with add'l lenses and the "works". He's tickled!! He never thought he'd like a digital camera, well, this is no run of the mill digital camera for sure! It takes fabulous pictures. I'll post some soon. 
3. Working at a new client. New client + new project = EXTREMELY BUSY, trying to fit everything else in to my life. I find myself really tired for now. 
4. A friend of mine invited me to work with her to establish and launch and maintain a new non-profit foundation. I'll post more about that later too. It's a GREAT idea. 
5. and finally, I saved the BEST FOR LAST - Roland's KIDNEY TRANSPLANT is scheduled for November 9th. He has 2 more Dr appts, one of those is collecting last minute blood and a few other quick tests to make sure nothing has changed. We're so blessed and excited to receive this organ - it is truly giving him a new lease on life. The donor is anonymous and whoever you are - you will never really know how much this means to us. We are overwhelmed with your caring and generosity!! 

So as you see, I've been very busy and have some busy times coming up. I'll expand on a few of these later with pics.

One last note: (10/16) Happy Birthday Mom, I'm sure you're looking down and happy to see how your daughter's life is turning out!! Love you!!!!!

"...And in the end... The love you take is equal to the love you make." ---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

It's Family Time

It's a family weekend!! My son, his wife and 17 month old daughter - our granddaughter :) 

They are visiting from Kansas City. It's been 5 months since I saw them, so I'm especially excited to have them around. It's wonderful to see them, hold my granddaughter, watch how much she can do now, how much she's grown. It's amazing in 5 months how much a child changes!!  She's walking, dancing, singing, talking, swimming, up and down the steps, playing all the toys, reading all the books. She loves the dogs, the yard, the pool. And of course her grandma and grandpa!!!! And everything is quick - short attention span, she does something for a few minutes, then off to something else. So much fun! So much action!! She wore me out!!

So, in the usual way at our house - there's lots of food, lots of laughter, good stories, catching up, and excellent family time. It's a short time, but a good time.

"...And in the end... The love you take is equal to the love you make." ---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Roland's quest for a kidney

I like to think of myself as a technologist. Professionally, I help companies find technology solutions to business problems. Now I get to use my skills for my husband.

As many of you may know, Roland has Polycystic Kidney Disease, http://www.pkdcure.org/ for more info.  We are in the process of creating a blog just for his, a facebook page to raise awareness and get out the word that he needs a kidney. So look for these 2 new sites, I'll publicize them on FB and my blog. I sure love him and want him to have a good quality of life, much better than he has now.


I like to support others in this effort as well, here's a few websites and folks that need a kidney. I pray that donations come forth for all.

Melissa Freiberg Larson has 2 sites for more info:
http://www.kidney4mel.com/ 
Melissa Freiberg Larson Kidney Transplant Motorcycle Run

Jeff has interest from FB users: 
Jeff Timpanaro needs a kidney transplant

"...And in the end... The love you take is equal to the love you make." ---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Life & Death

The last 2 weeks have been quite a ride of emotion and life events. It started with my husband in the hospital. He's got a terminal disease, PKD - polycystic kidney disease. And even though it's our reality with dialysis, a huge regimen of drugs, we don't really think about death on a daily basis. Or at least we don't talk about it. But when he was in the hospital our mortality was in my face and I'm really not ready for it.

But since then, I've been to a baby shower - such a blessed celebration of life! Then to a wedding of a dear, old friend. Another wonderful celebration with family and friends! Both events were lively and fun, filled with laughter and love.

Our lovely Lyrikah had her first swim in our backyard pool. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in the garden, digging in the dirt is so therapeutic - but I got stung by some unknown assailant in my flower bed - enough that I actually had to go to the Dr! 

My ex-husband and I have actually figured out how to have a "friendly" relationship and our kids are overjoyed! I really have to thank Beka for reminding me how much she loves him even with all his flaws. As a result my house is getting a facelift and paint will be going on the walls starting today!!

A friend of mine's daughter, Shelly, is exactly the same age as Jake, 25, born the same day. Shelly's daughter, Melanie, was 6 years old and died in March due to cancer. Shelly had such a hard way to go herself, because I have learned she too, has cancer. Things escalated and she had to have surgery last Thursday. They removed the tumor, think they have it all and now will face chemo and radiation treatments. The prognosis is hopeful.

After all of those events, the final curtain has fallen on 2 people that I know. My friend, Steve's dad, Al. He was elderly, lived a nice long life and died in his sleep. Very restful way to go. He had some health issues, but refused treatment because he was ready to go and wanted to go at home. Blessings to his family - the funeral is this Thursday night.

But the shocker of the week - my friend Jeff who painted my house in Reading when I was moving to California. Jeff was a great gardener, my inspiration for learning organic gardening. He knew everything about growing anything. He was only 48 years old. The sad part for Jeff is he was an alcoholic, druggie guy. We all loved him anyway, because we didn't have to deal with the aftermath of his addictions. But his Mother will have to bury him and Jeff didn't have anything. So, this will be a sad sad day coming up.

2 little weeks in the life ... and see how many things have happened!  It's a constant reminder of how precious life is. Love, laugh and live!!!  It's gone in a blink.

"...And in the end... The love you take is equal to the love you make." ---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

All Turned Out Well

Hubby is recovering nicely. Dr's decided it was a viral infection when all the test results came back "normal". And as we all know, "Normal is GOOD"!! He's been recovering at home since Wednesday night. I think today, he's finally feeling like is "normal" self or at least pretty close :)

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. God is good and answers our prayers!

"...And in the endThe love you take is equal to the love you make."---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

My Hubby is in the Hospital

I took my dear hubby to the hospital Monday at 2:30 am. By 7am they decided to keep him. Apparently he has Acute Pancreatitis which may be caused by either his Gall Bladder or his meds. They have given him a CT Scan on his mid section to look at the inflamed pancreas and surrounding areas for any other reasons that could have caused this attack, plus today they did an ultrasound to get a good look at the gall bladder.

I'm planning on being at the hospital by 9:30 so when the dr gets there around 10 or so, I can hear the problem and planned treatment.

I'm praying for a speedy recovery and easy but effective treatment.

"...And in the endThe love you take is equal to the love you make."---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Attributes I Wanted in a Husband

Over 5 years ago, I finally sat down with my journal and wrote this VERY list of the top attributes I wanted in a husband. My son suggested I do this. I'm so glad he did, because once I wrote it down the blinders were lifted and I could clearly see what was important to me. NO MORE COMPROMISE!  When I think of a lot of my relationships or dates, they were mainly me compromising and accepting these guys 'as they are' but they weren't what I really wanted.

I suggest everyone does this - it's your roadmap to a successful relationship. And lo and behold, within a year of writing this out, God answered my unspoken prayer and sent me Roland. A lot of people meet him and wonder about him because he's so quiet. But rest assure - he is this list!!  I love him sooo much!


Here's the top attributes on my list:

1. he cannot be addicted to alcohol or drugs, recovering or active. It's preferred that he can go out to dinner or a party, have a drink and be socialable. No judgement on me because I have a drink.
2. he has to have a career. I do, so should he.
3. he has to have a retirement plan. Hey, I'm not getting any younger!! I want to know that I am not going to be stuck working until the day I die! Not only does he have to have a plan for the future, he has to have money saved so that it can come to fruition.
4. he has to love my kids, even though they are grown up and may/may not live with us. First and foremost, I will ALWAYS BE A PARENT!!
5. he has to have his own place to live - apartment, condo or house, I don't care. He CANNOT live at home with his parent(s), unless it's due to parental illness or some other extenuating circumstances that is beneficial to the parent(s).
6. he must have a creative outlet - play an instrument, love music, movies, and art, paint, draw, read books, even playing video games is acceptable. However, the creative outlet can't be the only thing they do!! i.e. if they are a non-working musician they have to have another job. 
7. he has to know how to clean up after himself, can't be a slob, know how to do the dishes, laundry, clean the house.
8. he has to be handy around the house, general maintenance, lawn care, house care.
9. he has to like to eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. I am a vegetarian that eats fish (sometimes grilled chicken) and I cook some very interesting dishes. He has to be adventurous with his diet and willing to try new things as I find them. He has to like to try new restaurants and ethnic food.
10. he has to LOVE THE OUTDOORS! I do and I can't fathom my life without being outside. I love to camp, I love to visit the mountains, tne woods, streams, fields, trees, lakes, sandy beaches, anything outdoors!! I love the fresh air and the beauty of God's creation.
11. he has to have a good sense of humor, an even temperment, be able to put up with my constant need for communication, talking, writing, doing anything. He has to understand that I am an extremely outgoing person and need external stimulation of all kinds.
12. he has to like my friends. I have some neurotic friends, don't we all?? He even has to like them!! I have friends that I have had my whole life, since I was 5, 12, 21. I won't give them up for anyone.
13. he has to like sex as much as I do or more. None of this - once in a while crap, it has to be on a regular basis.
14. he has to think that I am beautiful and have a great body. Even when I don't think it's so great! I mean, I've lost 55 pounds since Sept. and am still working at it to lose more. 
15. he has to think I'm the best thing that's ever happened to him.
16. AND HE MUST LOVE ME MORE THAN I LOVE MYSELF!!

"...And in the end The love you take is equal to the love you make." ---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Movie Review: Extraordinary Measures

First of all, this movie makes me so thankful that my children were all healthy and so are my grandchildren. The next thing I think of after watching this movie is all of the children that are not as healthy. The miracle of modern science to be able to figure out how to replace an enzyme and to reverse a disease. Just think of it. To a non-scientist is just amazing. I understand technology, I understand science. But it must be such an awesome feeling to be that scientist that discovers a cure or a medical treatment to save a life.

I have prayer and I use it as my "help". Scientists have passion & knowledge to persevere. I am so thankful to science and to doctors for the vision and drive; and to God for the knowledge and gifts He has given. It's just awesome. 

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

today is the day

still have some small but important things to take care of today. It's going to be busy but GREAT! Today we are getting married. All of my children are in town and most of my family. My friends will be there and it will be a joyous celebration - one that I've waited for my entire life.

Thank God for bringing us together at just the right time in our lives.

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Holiday Weekend aka Wedding Weekend

I haven't had a chance to write lately because I've been so busy:

• working - kicking off a project takes a lot of time, especially this one!!
• planning the wedding - just pulling everything together, making sure we have bought everything we need. 
• planning the food for the weekend with the kids, family and friends. We have lots of activities planned for the weekend so it's gonna be a BLAST!! 
  
• Beka moved - so we helped her get settled, went shopping for her - a little early Christmas / Birthday present :)
• helping out on a friend's website - I have a dear friend who is launching a website next week but isn't technical, so I've been helping her get it ready. 
• knitting - has been last on the list, but I have to finish my beaded shawl for my company holiday party on 12/4. I only have about 15 rows to go --- I am going to find time this weekend to work on it while I'm hanging out with the girlfriends. 

I guess things will get back to normal just in time for Christmas!!

Happy Thanksgiving and here's to a WONDERFUL WEDDING ON FRIDAY!!

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Wedding 19 days and counting :)

wow, it's coming so fast. The most important part of this whole process is having all of my kids and our entire family together to celebrate with our friends. It's going to be so much fun. I just hope it turns out as I have imagined it :) 

The good thing is that I'm really not stressed. I sort of just think it is what it is and I'm getting married!!  No matter what else happens that day - I'm getting married to my high school sweetheart after 35 years!!!!!  It's amazing and awesome.

Pictures will be coming.....I can't wait to see how big Abigail has gotten since August. And to see all my grandchildren together and all my kids - it's such a blessing. I love my children and grandchildren so much!!  And then to be marrying Roland is just the icing on the cake. I'm an truly happy.

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Lyrikah at the Pumpkin Patch

Lyrikah at the pumpkin patch!!

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Look how big.....

It's great to be a grandma, again!!

Last night I was babysitting, so I got to take all sorts of pictures of Lyrikah. She's 7 weeks old today and my oh my, how she's grown. When she went to the Dr. last week she was a little more than 12 lbs!! She's starting to fill out and her little legs are definitely getting longer!! She tries to sit up, push off of you with her legs and her favorite place to be is hanging over your shoulder!! She reminds me of her mother.

While I was babysitting, we were looking at pictures of her cousin, Abigail. Remember when she visited in August? Well, it's only a month but check out these pictures that Michelle posted. Oh my little sweetie!! She is really getting big!

Michelle took a whole series of her in her stroller. She is a happy baby that's for sure, always smiling, strong, sitting up by herself, crawling and trying to walk!! And she's only 5 months old. I'm not sure when Michelle took these pics, but in a month she's grown so much!! She is definitely her Father's Girl!! Wow! The whole family will be here in November, there will be lots and lots of pictures of all of us that weekend. Can't wait to see Abi, Michelle and Jake!

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Two week visit is over....

Two weeks really goes fast when you're having a wonderful time and did we ever have a wonderful time !!  I was so blessed to have my daughter(-in-law) visit with Abigail. She is a great Mom, wife, daughter and friend.

We just got back from the airport, dropping them off to catch their plane. I know that Jake will be overjoyed to see his girls, but we were sad to see them go. But I did get to spend the most time I've spent with Abigail so far. She is an absolute delight. Here they are at the airport, and here's hoping / praying for a safe trip home.

Bye - hope to see you soon!! I love you!!  Now off to start my 2nd knit project, a blanket for Abigail :)

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Prepare Yourself - Life Happens :)

Here it is...the next phase of my life and I didn't even see it coming.






My oldest grandson's birthday is today - he's 17 years old! And yes, he seems more like one of my kids than a grandson. He's a wonderful young man. And I am so blessed to have him in my life.

Then comes Abigail. She's almost 5 months and she's visiting us with her Mom. It's been wonderful to have her in town. She is a delightful baby, always smiling and always happy!!

And here is our newest addition, little Lyrikah! She's only 2 weeks old and sooooooo sweet!!

I'll be spending as much of my time with my grandbabies as possible. And when we're not together, I'll be knitting for them and their parents.





Here's one of my first projects in years! It's a blanket, about 2/3 complete.

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Everything happens for a reason

"Everything Happens For A Reason" We've heard this saying, probably repeated it from time to time. I know I have. I believe it. The older I get the more I believe it. How can I not believe it? Think of how many things have happened and how many people we've touched in our lives.

I was driving to work this morning and this popped into my mind. One of my routes to work passes by someone's complex that I used to hang out with. It made me think about past relationships and my life. Pretty deep for first thing in the morning. So here's what I was thinking. I dated this guy for a short time. And for people that really know me, they know I'm an easy going person, I love just about everyone. And I don't apologize for that, because of that I have some very wonderful friends everywhere I worked and lived.

Anyway, this particular person really had some big issues in his life. The issues were pretty overwhelming for him and I think that without my critical and organizational thinking, he wouldn't have gotten through it without imploding! After we got it all put together, we stopped seeing each other. Just in enough time to provide him with a place to live. Mission completed!

Another friend had health issues and didn't want to ask for help. But through numerous conversations and persuasion, she finally did ask for help, told more people about her health and actually got quite a bit of support through her family, close friends and health professionals. She had cancer and she did finally pass on. But when she passed she had so much support and love in her life. I'm so thankful.

Another close friend that I love dearly spent time with me and my family, got his self-esteem boosted quite a bit and has been able to carry that on in his music career. He's an excellent musician, close and very dear person. I haven't spoken to him in over a year, but I am certain that he's doing great.

And in these three examples were the outcomes all for them? NO!! I certainly have gained some experience, love, caring, and life lessons from them too. They have all helped me to grow as a person, to learn from their experiences and to share parts of ourselves with each other. I think that everyone we meet gives us a piece of themselves and vice versa.

I am the sum-total of all the life experiences that I have and they have prepared me for the challenges that I face on a daily basis. I don't always handle everything 100% right, but I do try and I try to learn from others to incorporate improvements to myself. So, for all the folks that I have met in my life, I thank you for leaving a little bit of yourself for me to be a better person.

And now the reward for me is my current life - I have been so blessed. I live with the love of my life and even though I have loved others in my life, none have affected me or touched me the same as he has. His love has never left me all my life. How blessed!!

"...And in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make."
---The Beatles

Thanks for reading my Heavenly Thoughts

Carpe Diem!! "Seize the Day"

I'm about to make an announcement about a change that I'm making in my personal life that has a high impact on not only my immediate family, but friends, co-workers, companies and the like. This announcement is bubbling up in me to come out. BUT, I have one more hurdle to cross (hopefully today) in order to make the announcement. Timing IS everything!

I've given this serious thought for the last 7 months. Our family has discussed it and agreed with the plan. My best friend and I have talked about the feasibility, timing, steps to complete to get there. Originally we were talking next summer. However, it's like a speeding train, once it's in motion it's quite a task to stop it.

You know when things are working out when all pieces of the puzzle fit together so nicely that you couldn't have planned it that way. That's what it's like. Call it Karma, call it kismet, call it divine intervention, call it whatever you want. But do understand that even I, the project manager of my life, could not have pulled all of this together (again!) without help from above.

I can tell you this much: I love my life, I love the people and friends in my life and no matter what has happened they have been there for me through thick and thin, successes and failures, happy and sad times. We've kept a positive outlook and been able to influence our situation for the common good - the "win-win" - in our lives.

Last Christmas, we pulled together to help a family in Cincinnati that I knew was in need. We provided presents, rent money, food, Christmas tree and decorations, AND LOTS OF EVERYTHING, all while I was lying in bed recovering from foot surgery. I found my friends to be very generous, caring, giving and loving. And I was NOT surprised. They are great friends!! All Blessed and sharing the Blessings!

I am fortunate. I don't have any regrets, I cherish the memories, I try to live life to the fullest and seize the moment! Carpe Diem! I hope to be able to share my announcement by Monday night. I think many of you will be surprised, even shocked perhaps. Some of you will just nod and know that it's the best decision for me. And others will think I'm crazy! And you know what - you'll all be right! I am crazy, I am excited, I am happy and it IS the best thing for me and my 'soon-to-be' hubby.

More to come…………………...

some quick updates

Hi - I'm in a "bulleted list" mood. So here is my latest updates of random thoughts ;)

1. things are getting back to 'normal' in San Diego. I base this on the fact that it took me more than 35 minutes just to get onto the 805 north yesterday afterwork from my office. My office is less than 1 1/2 miles. Then after I got on the 805, it took me OVER 1 hr to get home. The total trip is 35 miles, takes me without heavy traffic about 35-40 min; total yesterday 1 hr and 45 minutes!!

2. work is good - I am appreciated at least. I got a Magellon GPS system for my car as a present yesterday! nice.

3. Hillary Clinton changes her mind in the middle of a sentence. But I have to say: IF YOU LIKE GW BUSH, YOU'LL LOVE HILLARY! God help us all!!

4. 11 illegals are in the hospital in San Diego, burned by the fires. I'm proud of our workers for sending them to the burn center, but I worry about who is going ot absorb the costs - could exceed $1.5 Million!! Oy!!

5. Drivers Licenses to Illegals............glad I don't live in NY State

6. My hubby is WONDERFUL, he made me homemade (from scratch) brownies and pumpkin/cranberry bars for my company halloween party yesterday. Everyone loved them and thanked him. I love him and thank him :)

7. Going to Cincinnati for a quick trip next week. I have some personal business to attend to, quick in and quick out!

8. Had a disturbing dream that I was a waitress again; my first day I had an entire restaurant full of tables to wait on - it was CRAZY!! Ever since I had the dream, Tamara has had too many tables at work and been busier than she normally is. Eeek!

9. We're hiring a program manager at work. That will totally help out! I will be more than happy to hand off the work!

10. My family is doing great! Jake and Michelle had their first anniversary; Beka and Jack are figuring things out and it seems to be working; Tamara is still happier than ever and Roland and I are getting closer to our wedding!!! (sorry, still no date)

11. how crazy is this??? In one week, I got 2 letters from different companies telling me that my identity was compromised by their lack of ability to protect it. What is up with that? I'm starting a company that will consult to companies to teach them not to put personal information of their customers/clients/etc. on some fools laptop who leaves it in their car in plain site at the frickin' mall. Good thing I'm on top of my stuff and have already planned ahead. Geez!

that's it for now, gotta eat this fantastic dinner that has been so lovingly prepared for me!
bye!!