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

Reconnecting with friends

It's so important to keep in touch with your friends. Even a quick phone call or email can do the trick. Everyone seems to be SO busy and time is of the essence, but think of time wasted that you could spend with a friend.

Reach out this weekend, be a friend!

"...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

Lessons Learned

Life sends lots of lessons our way. Ideally, we learn from those lessons so we don't have to keep repeating the past. Life's lessons come in all sizes, all degrees. If we learn from these lessons and grow in wisdom, we can mentor and share support with those going through the same lesson. There is no substitute for experience!

'Don't talk to strangers' 'Lock the doors' 'Put on your seat belt' 'Do unto others...' 'Love like there's no tomorrow' 'Get gas before you run out' (hehe!) 'Don't stop at the Bates Hotel' (ok now I'm being silly) 'Don't judge a book by it's cover' 'Follow your instincts about men' 'If you think they are bad, they probably are' 'Don't spoil the kids, dogs' 'You are what you eat' (OY!) and so on!

Those are the little ones, but are important.

Then there are bigger ones - like trusting strangers, watching out who are your friends, watch the circle you keep. Those can start innocent and you think you're having fun, but before you know it you are into drugs and/or something that you can't easily escape. These days people like that don't let you just "leave"; it's hard and you can find yourself trapped or hurt or worse.

It's unfortunate that the world isn't a wholesome, trusting place as it once was. I grew up in a time when innocence was passing and the result is this world today. It's not all bad, don't get me wrong, but it has changed alot since my parents lifetime. There seems to be more crimes, more child abuse, more child predators, more murders, more drugs, more government in our lives, more fear, more caution, more more more.

You can't let your children go play alone, ride bikes all day, run around i nthe woods (well, there's no woods in SoCali), but you get the drift. We used to get up in the morning, walk to school, cut through the woods to get to school, hang out with our friends, play until dark and I don't think my mom knew exactly where I was - she had an idea. Today, you have to know where your kids are, who they are with, you have to drive them everywhere, you can't let them just go out and play. It's terrible.

I want to go back to a simpler time. Live where there's lots of trees, farms, peace, quiet, families and friends. Hope to be going back to Ohio soon..............lesson learned: California is a GREAT place to visit, but Ohio is a WONDERFUL place to live.

Thursday morning....back to the grind :)

Even though I don't consider my job a "grind" like some people do, I'm still heading to work on the train and wishing I was still in Cincinnati. I miss my kids, friends, family. They really want us to move back and after being there, it would be the smart thing to do. We don't have any support system here - and with Roland's health issues we will need it.

If something happens to him, I'm the only driver in the house now, so it will be all on me. If we were living in Cincinnati it would be totally different. His family, my family, the kids, our friends - we could all drive him if he needed it. Plus, there is a good transportation system for medical support in the area.

It would be an adjustment of sorts: we would end up paying LESS for gas, housing, utilities, food, clothing, taxes - well GEE - WE WOULD PAY LESS FOR EVERYTHING!! What the heck! Our family and friends are watching out for good pieces of property for us to consider buying and as far as everyone is concerned - we are moving back to Cincinnati.

I would have a job either way - would prefer to keep my current job because I really do love it. Don't know how they would feel about it, but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
The vacation was great, the time off was needed, the trip was absolutely divine! Funny, we live in 'vacationland' and prefer to go back to the midwest for vacation - my co-workers think I'm nuts! And they are probably right, but not for this reason!

I'm on the train - it actually rained today so I didn't want to drive my car - the traffic is at a standstill anyway but even worse when it rains. These people would be lost if they had to drive
in the snow :) I hope when they go to Big Bear to ski, that I'm not on the roads. I do love the train, I love that I can type/read/listen to music and ride to work. It's so worth it! I was going to try to get there at 7:30 this morning, but I just couldn't make myself get up in time. I guess I am having a tough time getting off of vacation. :)

Thanks for everyone that I got to see for making my trip so much fun and for those that I didn't get to see or talk to, when we move back I'll be sure to see you! Wish me luck making the decisions, getting my company on board and making another cross country move. (THE LAST ONE I HOPE!!)

healthy living

My son and his wife were just here showing me some of the health products they sell with their business. I think it's great because they are really into it, they like the products and gave me samples. Has anyone ever heard of Quixtar? They have "exclusive" products that are making eating and staying healthy simple. If it's simple will we do it?

I already try, but sometimes the cravings take over. If there are healthful alternatives maybe the cravings can be controlled. I'm going to try...........I've been on vacation and so far it's been an EAT-FEST!! Good thing there wasn't Oktoberfest while we were in town - we ate enough Cincinnati food - Skyline, Frisch's, White Castle (yes, against my will I had a cheeseburger), Riley's, IHOP (and it was horrid), Cazadore's, Dancing Wasabe (absolutely wonderful), and my favorite the cookout at my friend's with all the home cooking.

We have one more day here in town, then when we get up Wed. morning, we're heading back to San Diego. One of these days, it will be the opposite way...we'll be leaving San Diego and heading back home.

"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." - Amelia Earhart

Vacation

We are having so much fun on vacation! We're visiting our family and friends and it's fantastic!! We've eaten so much food it's ridiculous!! I wanted Skyline - he wanted Frisch's - I wanted wings (getting that today) - he wanted White Castle (eeeeccckkk!) - we had a cookout at my best friend's house last night, big bonfire, great time - great food, friends, family and laughter. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE MY FRIENDS!! We all had a wonderful time.

One thing about Cincinnati, we have everything that California has (except the beaches and mountains) but as for stores, restaurants, events, football, baseball - there's always a festival, somewhere to go and something to do.

Yesterday, we drove around in our rented red, convertible mustang - we went all over the place, started out in Springdale, hit Winton Woods, NCH, Hartwell, Reading, Amberley, Deer Park, Kenwood, Madiera, Indian Hill, Loveland, Maineville, Landen, Mason, Goshen Township, and ended in Milford. It was so much fun - so many trees, so much green, big beautiful houses, giant yards, perfect weather. I just can't tell you how wonderful it is here.

Don't get me wrong, So Cali is amazing - but it's crowded and expensive. Here it's friendly, open, affordable and wonderful. :) Can you tell I miss it??? hehe

Oh well, we're off to church, going to the Vineyard - totally great church - and then off to watch the Bengals. So, I have to go get ready, more later!!!

Vacation count down

Got the airfare - got the hotel - got the rental car - got the luggage - decided on a kennel - READY TO GO!!

Heading to Cincinnati on Thursday, have some very busy days at work coming but then, no matter what - I'm on vacation - I get to see my kids, my friends, my family and my city!!! You know, it's great being here in So Cali. I love the ocean, the breeze, the mountains, the weather, but I miss my home town - Cincinnati!! I miss the Reds, the Bengals, Riverfront, Newport on the Levee, great restaurants, good business, strong economy. I just love it all!!

So, I get to be there for a whole week!! Party next Saturday - cookout, bonfire, friends, food, drinks! Yeah!! Bengals vs Browns on Sunday..........Cazedores, sushi/wine!

Thank God, it's cooler

Man, did I ever think I would spend my time blogging about the weather once I moved to SoCal??? NO I DID NOT!! But here I am.........thankfully, it's in the mid-70's with a nice cool breeze and I actually think I'll be able to sleep all night with only a fan. What a BIG improvement over the last couple of weeks.


Look where I get to go next week......... I can't wait. My hometown - Cincinnati, OH! I will only be there for 5 days, but I get to see my son, Jake and his wife, Michelle. Beka, who only left last week, and her boyfriend, Jack. My cousins, Roland's sister and her husband, my family, his family, my friends and Cincinnati! I miss the city. It's where I've lived all my life and I am so familiar with it's windy roads, colored leaves falling, and restaurants that abound.

We get to go to Skyline, get sushi and drink lots of wine with my friends, have a cookout with my family. I just can't wait to get away, go back home and just be in Cincinnati. We are also going to look at some houses in the city - JUST IN CASE! I want to see what's available, how much house for the money. We would love a pool, hot tub, deck, basement, 2-3 car garage and a good location, out in the country with 1/2 to 1 acre of land. And next door neighbors that are not close enough to hear them cough!! Oh California! how wonderful it is to hear my neighbors sneeze!!

Well, at least I don't think we'll have rolling black outs since the weather is better. And I won't be such a bitch since I'll actually get a full night's sleep :)

Surprise!!

It's been FOREVER!! I keep thinking of writing but I've been too busy with work and commuting and my family.

But today, I'm working from home.....well, Panera Bread - Free WiFi and A/C. My house doesn't have A/C and it's like hotter than hell today, so I came here. I don't have to commute because I'm only a few miles from my house - so I have a few minutes to say HI TO EVERYONE!!

I haven't had time to read what's going on with any of you, but I will start coming to these free hot spots and take a few minutes to myself before I get back to my SUPER BUSY routine.

What's new?

I like my new job alot. It's taken quite a bit of work to really get in the groove, learn the products, my customers and all the systems. But I'm getting it just fine, so I'm really into it now.

My personal life is great, things are moving along quite nicely.

Roland's disability retirement for his kidney disease has finally been approved - so he's been off work for about 3 or 4 weeks now. He is LOVING IT!! I love it too - he's really helping me alot - he has been doing the laundry, the grocery shopping, cleaning the house and some of the cooking. Geez, I've got it "MAID"!! hehe

Beka is moving back to Cincinnati in 10 days. I sure am gonna miss her. She is in love and well, we know what love does to our sense and sensibility!! it's all gone :) But she'll be fine, I'm sure of it. she is a strong young woman, doesn't take any crap, is self-sufficient and ready to be on her own this time. So, it's time for Mom to let her go - white knuckled and all!!

Tamara is doing good, making good money on her job, heading back to Cincy for a VISIT to see her son - it's his birthday this week - he's 15 years old! Amazing! I can't believe it.

We're going to visit Cincinnati in Sept. I can't wait, see my son, my daughter in law, see my daughter who will only be there a few weeks, see my friends, family and take in the sites. Wow, it's gonna be Roland and my first trip back in 2 years. I REALLY CAN'T WAIT, I MISS EVERYONE THERE SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!

Well, I wish everyone good health. I've gotta run, will try to write more often. I do have so much to say, lots of commentary, lots of politics going on, I just don't take the time. Prioritize !!

Baked Ziti

This is what I'm making tonight. I "borrowed" the picture from the internet, it's not an actual picture of my finished product. I have made this before and the only thing that is different in this recipe than my recipe is the addition of sour cream. We'll see how it goes, it sure sounds good.

INGREDIENTS
1 pounds dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pounds lean ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 Tbls grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
2. In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

4. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.

5. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

I'm making this is an aluminum baking pan so I can toss it when we're done and I'm going to double the recipe.......the best aroma in the kitchen - ITALIAN FOOD !! yum!!

Skyline Chili, Cincy, and B-Drive

What is it about a friend visiting? IT’S FABULOUS!!! B-Drive is here visiting for 3 days and unfortunately those days are working days, but we knew in advance that it would be like this. Regardless, I am so happy that he is here. We have been friends for 11 years now. We met at UC, became INSTANT friends, took classes together, lived next to each other, really became integrated into each other’s lives. The last time we saw each other was Dec 2005 until yesterday. Wow!!

I watched him mature into a wonderful, responsible man – well, he was always wonderful and responsible and a man, but now he is one nice package all rolled up into one. He has a great girlfriend (who I still hope to meet soon), his own computer business, a real estate endeavor which was very successful, comes from a wonderful family and great parents, has some of the funniest friends I’ve ever seen, has the most friends of anyone I know, well traveled and a seasoned, experienced man. And on top of it all, he’s kind, sensitive and loving! I’m proud to call him my friend. Overall, I would vote him to be one of the best men I have ever met.

He has watched my kids grow up and is still very involved with them. He has always cared for them and they for him. Since he still lives in Cincy and so does my son, it’s nice to know that he’s there for moral support from time to time as needed. Honestly, he could have been my little brother and in another life, we most definitely had to be connected in some way.

So this is how we are when we’re together – we laugh, talk, drink, eat and talk more. We talk on top of each other, we debate political issues – sometimes I think we should not. Sometimes we agree, but more than likely we don’t. He’s more liberal than I am – but he also remembers a time when I was more liberal. My politics changed after 9/11 and as my kids grew up. Maybe I learned some things the hard way that he hasn’t learned, maybe it’s my upbringing coming out in me – but I am more conservative now than I used to be. So, as you can well imagine, it’s a point of debate, healthy debate I might add.

Regardless of our politics, we have a deep love, caring and best interest in mind for each other. We will remain friends the rest of our lives. Funny, how that happens in our journey. Meeting people in the strangest ways, but connecting instantly. It’s undeniable that it’s fate or kismet or whatever you may want to call it. But when it happens it’s real and it lasts. So, for the next 2 days I am going to enjoy as much of his time as I can.

Oh yea, thanks for the Skyline – he brought us an entire CASE of Skyline!! I love it!!

"Here's all you need to know about men and women: Women are crazy, and men are stupid. And the main reason women are crazy is that men are stupid."

-- George Carlin

The Year In Review

I was going to publish an END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER, I had stories written, picked out all these pictures, created this collage, but I stopped right before I sent it out. Instead I thought I'd recap the highlights here and post the pictures!! Hope you enjoy it!



1. Moved to San Diego, got a GREAT job!!
2. Tamara visited us in July for her birthday, BIG FUN!
3. Beka moved in with us in May and started college.
4. Jake and Michelle got married in October!!
5. Got to travel all over So. Cali and see the sights!
6. For Christmas, I received the BEST present EVER - a high powered, computerized, professional-type telescope!
7. Sherry came to visit us in April.
8. Had reconstructive foot surgery in December.
9. Rollie started dialysis in July.
10. Made some friends!
11. Went to Las Vegas and won!!

Enjoy the pics!

"Here's all you need to know about men and women: Women are crazy, and men are stupid. And the main reason women are crazy is that men are stupid."

-- George Carlin

new Pics at Flickr

I added some new pics on Flickr, so scroll down and on the left, click on the Flickr box of pics. You'll see Jake's wedding pics, some California scenic pics and family/friends pics!!

Enjoy!