Why do I do this so often? I go shopping for something to wear... find it on the rack, purchase it, and when I get it home, it's ill-fitting or looks wrong, or something that makes me hate it. So, back I go to the store to return it for a refund or for an exchange. The reason is because I despise trying things on in the dressing rooms!
I'm lazy, I guess. I don't like to undress, try on, undress and redress in a tiny box with lying mirrors! I'd rather take it home, try it on before my own lying mirrors and get an honest opinion from my husband about how it looks. The trouble is, he's a very cautious (and wise) man with his honest comments. He knows that if I've bought the item, I obviously like it. He doesn't want to be negative, even if it's honest, if he thinks I might want to keep it. But, I've learned that if I am make all the negative comments, he'll either question me about why I say that, because 'it's really pretty' or 'it looks nice on you'....or he'll say, "It's up to you, Love." Very honest....very cautious... and no help at all! I always know though, if he really likes something, from his "Whooo,
look at YOU!" or "Wow!"
So, here I go again today....back to the store to return something. I didn't even ask my husband about this one, as it's easy to know when something is too large. The lying mirrors had a moment of clarity and made sure that I knew that my ample chest was not ample enough to fill the space in that area of the dress. Though I could do a few nips and tucks in the fabric in spots, I am not going to do that. Instead I'm going to take my by-now-all-too-familiar face to the return counter and hope that there's someone new working the area! This is getting embarressing!
At least I'm not spending double gas mileage just to return something that I probably shouldn't have bought anyway. Not today. I've also got some errands to do, so I'll get those out of the way, and pop in to Michael's for something I need for the Christmas ornament exchange. I'm going to hold on to those returned dollars tightly, because Michael's or Hobby Lobby is my version of the den of iniquity! Pure temptation at every turn, on every aisle. I must focus....get what I need and get OUT of there!
I will remind myself of these things the next time I don't feel like trying things on in the dressing room. I will look myself square in the eye in the lying mirrors, and I will say, 'Just think of the money you can save by trying on instead of spending extra gas to make a second trip. You can avoid going to the den of inquity and overspending there. You will not buy what you don't need! Actually...if you try on, you'll find something you really are happy with right here, today...and you can spend a little more on jewelry or shoes to go with it. You'll still end up saving money!"
Oh, the tricks we play....
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Words of Wisdom II
After finishing the blog the other day about the wise sayings of my elders, I remembered a number of others....probably many too many for this entry. I thought I'd share those too.
I don't know how many times my mother has said in my lifetime, "Beauty is as beauty does." I always knew what it meant when she said it. I was probably wrapped up in how I looked, rather than how I was acting. I've come to realize that a beautiful spirit is far more appealing than any face or body that we might consider to be attractive. If a soul is living as one knows is right, peace is evident. Soft spoken, content spirits are likely to be kinder, gentler people. Without kindness and loving actions, there is nothing very beautiful in a person.
My aunt, who was quite a 'fashionista' used to tell me that you need to 'dress for success.' While I was working, I always attempted to look my best, be modestly and appropriately attired for the office. I don't know if I truly was more successful in doing so, but I certainly felt better about myself that I did on those days when I was home in my 'grubbies'.
Whenever something was a troublesome situation, my Dad used to say, "this too shall pass." Those words come from the Bible, and are pure truth. Nothing lasts forever on this earth....all things pass sooner or later. It is a verse that gives me hope when I hit a rough patch in life's path.
It only lasts for a little while, and we move on to a brighter day.
Both of my parents have said, as does my beloved husband, "Anything worth doing is worth doing right." And.. since we cannot know what we would do if we were put into another person's situation, "Don't judge."
There are so many words of wisdom that I've heard in life. The older I get, I think I'm gathering them in my heart. I glean them from the old familiar hymns. I hear their messages in lines from books or movies. My Bible is full of them, but then of course, what is more wise than the voice of God? The words seem to echo in my ears when I need to hear them most.
I'm grateful for them, and I'm still learning from them. As another old sage once said, "We are never too old to learn."
I don't know how many times my mother has said in my lifetime, "Beauty is as beauty does." I always knew what it meant when she said it. I was probably wrapped up in how I looked, rather than how I was acting. I've come to realize that a beautiful spirit is far more appealing than any face or body that we might consider to be attractive. If a soul is living as one knows is right, peace is evident. Soft spoken, content spirits are likely to be kinder, gentler people. Without kindness and loving actions, there is nothing very beautiful in a person.
My aunt, who was quite a 'fashionista' used to tell me that you need to 'dress for success.' While I was working, I always attempted to look my best, be modestly and appropriately attired for the office. I don't know if I truly was more successful in doing so, but I certainly felt better about myself that I did on those days when I was home in my 'grubbies'.
Whenever something was a troublesome situation, my Dad used to say, "this too shall pass." Those words come from the Bible, and are pure truth. Nothing lasts forever on this earth....all things pass sooner or later. It is a verse that gives me hope when I hit a rough patch in life's path.
It only lasts for a little while, and we move on to a brighter day.
Both of my parents have said, as does my beloved husband, "Anything worth doing is worth doing right." And.. since we cannot know what we would do if we were put into another person's situation, "Don't judge."
There are so many words of wisdom that I've heard in life. The older I get, I think I'm gathering them in my heart. I glean them from the old familiar hymns. I hear their messages in lines from books or movies. My Bible is full of them, but then of course, what is more wise than the voice of God? The words seem to echo in my ears when I need to hear them most.
I'm grateful for them, and I'm still learning from them. As another old sage once said, "We are never too old to learn."
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Words of Wisdom
On Sunday we attended a bride and groom shower. My husband had never been to a shower before, so he wasn't sure what to expect. He wasn't entirely enthused about going, knowing that he'd know only a very few people there. I have to give him credit for treading these unknown waters. Even though I told him he didn't 'have' to go with me, he set his feelings aside and went anyway. He's so good about things like that! He survived...and I think, actually had a fairly good time.
While there, each guest was asked to write something that they'd learned through the years of marriage...words of wisdom. "Never go to sleep without saying I love you. You can't stay mad that way." "Be slow to anger, quick to forgive. Bite your tongue...a LOT." "Always be honest with each other." Someone said, " Decide from the get-go who the boss will be." The father of the bride spoke up. "I rule the roost, but I know who rules the rooster!" That brought some laughs, but is also often true!
All this made me think about the words of wisdom I've received over the years from those who were older and had more experience than I did. In my foolish and youthful years, I often rejected the advice, thinking that I knew better, but as I've grown older, I realize that those who've plowed these fields of life before me, certainly know how to get through the clods and clear the stones that I find myself tripping over. I've learned that it pays to listen. (My Mom told me that early on in life, but I didn't learn that 'til later!)
Just the other day I remembered something that my mother wrote in my autograph book when I was about twelve years old. It said, "Keep your face always toward the sun, and the shadows will fall behind you." Being, now, a woman with a strong faith in God, I think about that quote, and think 'the Son' instead of the golden orb in the sky. If I always keep my eye on Him, the things that could be called 'shadows', the problems I encounter, are not so obvious to me.
Another adage Mom gave me was to always look on the bright side. She said that "every cloud has a silver lining." When something gets you down, look for something good in it. Sooner or later, it will show up, I promise! She taught me the same thing about people..."look for the good in people. It's there. Nobody is ever ALL bad." And along that same vein, she taught me that there's little reward in loving those who are easy to love. The good comes in overcoming the urge to run from those who are difficult to love. (That's still a hard one!)
There have been many things said by 'the sages' over the ages. They are repeated, I'm sure, because they are worthy of sharing. Ears would do well to listen and wise people would reap the benefits of practicing the advice. It's never too late.
I end this with a question for you...what words of wisdom have you heard, learned from and passed along? I'd love to know...I might learn something from them!
While there, each guest was asked to write something that they'd learned through the years of marriage...words of wisdom. "Never go to sleep without saying I love you. You can't stay mad that way." "Be slow to anger, quick to forgive. Bite your tongue...a LOT." "Always be honest with each other." Someone said, " Decide from the get-go who the boss will be." The father of the bride spoke up. "I rule the roost, but I know who rules the rooster!" That brought some laughs, but is also often true!
All this made me think about the words of wisdom I've received over the years from those who were older and had more experience than I did. In my foolish and youthful years, I often rejected the advice, thinking that I knew better, but as I've grown older, I realize that those who've plowed these fields of life before me, certainly know how to get through the clods and clear the stones that I find myself tripping over. I've learned that it pays to listen. (My Mom told me that early on in life, but I didn't learn that 'til later!)
Just the other day I remembered something that my mother wrote in my autograph book when I was about twelve years old. It said, "Keep your face always toward the sun, and the shadows will fall behind you." Being, now, a woman with a strong faith in God, I think about that quote, and think 'the Son' instead of the golden orb in the sky. If I always keep my eye on Him, the things that could be called 'shadows', the problems I encounter, are not so obvious to me.
Another adage Mom gave me was to always look on the bright side. She said that "every cloud has a silver lining." When something gets you down, look for something good in it. Sooner or later, it will show up, I promise! She taught me the same thing about people..."look for the good in people. It's there. Nobody is ever ALL bad." And along that same vein, she taught me that there's little reward in loving those who are easy to love. The good comes in overcoming the urge to run from those who are difficult to love. (That's still a hard one!)
There have been many things said by 'the sages' over the ages. They are repeated, I'm sure, because they are worthy of sharing. Ears would do well to listen and wise people would reap the benefits of practicing the advice. It's never too late.
I end this with a question for you...what words of wisdom have you heard, learned from and passed along? I'd love to know...I might learn something from them!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Once Upon A Time
In the late 1970's there was a time my husband and I call, "the CB Age." It was a prehistoric communication system created, I believe, by big riggers. (aka semi drivers or 18 wheeler truckers.) There were two way radios, somewhat like walkie talkies, except they were installed in
trucks so that drivers could contact the company they worked for, or warn other truckers of all manner dangers on the road. They might also use the CB to contact their family, if they had a set at home. It was more convenient to use than finding a pay phone and less expensive too. It was a pretty useful tool. (More on that subject in another entry on another day.)
I'm not sure how the fad of CB radio using came into being for the 'every day man', but it was, for a time, quite a popular pastime for many in our little town. Some of us had a home station and a vehicle unit, some had one or the other. There were conversations going on all day and half the night, and since it was possible for everyone to hear everyone else, I likened it to an old-fashioned 'party line' like homes used to have.
It was kind of a precursor to today's 'social network'. We made 'friends' on the air waves, as well as talked to real friends and family. There were some rough characters on the air now and then, but mostly people obeyed the laws of the FCC. We quickly learned who we wanted to chat with, and who we didn't.
There was a special language 'adopted' when you picked up that mike to speak. You'd identify yourself by call letters, and then identify the person you wanted to talk to. Everyone had a 'handle', the equivalent of today's 'screen name'. You named yourself with your own choice of handles, making it up from who-knows-what hobby or for some reason-or-other. My husband, owner of a tree care company, was called the "Tree Mender". Another who was a lay-preacher called himself "the Parson." There was a bleached blond who called herself "Blondie", a singer who called herself "Nightengale". As for me, I was " The Old Lady in The Shoe".
Ok...when you finish laughing, I'll tell you how I got that name. Are you ready yet? Ok...just one more guffaw....then stop! Ready or not...here's the story. One afternoon I stopped for gas at a local gas station. Those were the days when some teenaged boy or an older man would pump your gas for you. On that afternoon, my big old station wagon was packed with my four youngsters, as well as my friend with her two children. I got out of the car to ask the man to check the air in the tires when he was finished pumping the gas. I guess he took note of the number of little heads in the car and that I had a round, basketball belly with Baby #5 riding safely inside. He tipped his hat back and grinned and said, "You don't, perchance, live in a shoe, do you?" And that's how the name was created. Nothing romantic or creative, but very appropriate considering our full house!
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There is one of those old cronies who still refers to me using that handle, even though my babies are grown with babes of their own. Every once in awhile when I think about it, I wish we'd been able to buy a shoe-shaped home in Pennsylvania which had been built the year after I was born, as an advertising gimmick by a shoe salesman. That might have been fun....but I think we'd have had to build another, to make a pair, in order to accommodate our brood! Can't you just see it now?
trucks so that drivers could contact the company they worked for, or warn other truckers of all manner dangers on the road. They might also use the CB to contact their family, if they had a set at home. It was more convenient to use than finding a pay phone and less expensive too. It was a pretty useful tool. (More on that subject in another entry on another day.)
I'm not sure how the fad of CB radio using came into being for the 'every day man', but it was, for a time, quite a popular pastime for many in our little town. Some of us had a home station and a vehicle unit, some had one or the other. There were conversations going on all day and half the night, and since it was possible for everyone to hear everyone else, I likened it to an old-fashioned 'party line' like homes used to have.
It was kind of a precursor to today's 'social network'. We made 'friends' on the air waves, as well as talked to real friends and family. There were some rough characters on the air now and then, but mostly people obeyed the laws of the FCC. We quickly learned who we wanted to chat with, and who we didn't.
There was a special language 'adopted' when you picked up that mike to speak. You'd identify yourself by call letters, and then identify the person you wanted to talk to. Everyone had a 'handle', the equivalent of today's 'screen name'. You named yourself with your own choice of handles, making it up from who-knows-what hobby or for some reason-or-other. My husband, owner of a tree care company, was called the "Tree Mender". Another who was a lay-preacher called himself "the Parson." There was a bleached blond who called herself "Blondie", a singer who called herself "Nightengale". As for me, I was " The Old Lady in The Shoe".
Ok...when you finish laughing, I'll tell you how I got that name. Are you ready yet? Ok...just one more guffaw....then stop! Ready or not...here's the story. One afternoon I stopped for gas at a local gas station. Those were the days when some teenaged boy or an older man would pump your gas for you. On that afternoon, my big old station wagon was packed with my four youngsters, as well as my friend with her two children. I got out of the car to ask the man to check the air in the tires when he was finished pumping the gas. I guess he took note of the number of little heads in the car and that I had a round, basketball belly with Baby #5 riding safely inside. He tipped his hat back and grinned and said, "You don't, perchance, live in a shoe, do you?" And that's how the name was created. Nothing romantic or creative, but very appropriate considering our full house!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Doctor Visit
On Wednesday I had a doctor visit. It was a routine, annual physical, nothing serious, nothing I look forward to. But, in my book, it's a MUST DO. I believe in taking care of myself and check ups and mammograms are a part of that for me.
When we moved here, I had no idea how to go about finding a doctor. So, I asked our friendly and helpful insurance representative, who was volunteering all manner of things we should know about as new residents. She tipped me off to the doctor that she uses, so we wrote down the phone number for future use. As it turned out, Cathy's doctor had a full house, but he had an associate with him who could see us. In my estimation, it was a stroke of good luck!
Dr. S. is a well-trained, friendly physician with the same religious convictions that I have. He's a joy to visit once a year, though he'd love a bi-annual 'date', when I protest, he says, "Well, you're a healthy woman in pretty good shape, good chemical workup. I just want to be sure you stay that way." Well, so do I, but at this point, if he doesn't insist on two visits annually, I won't go but once!
Wednesday was my day this year. I reported at the desk a little late, 9:15 instead of nine, thanks to some unforseen traffic problems, but it wasn't a big deal to the lovely ladies who do the paperwork. After a short wait (about 5 minutes) I was called into the office. You all know the drill, blood pressure check, temperature check, weight (UGH) check. Then...off to the other office for the actual physical, the good old yearly female thing, an EKG (routine with this doctor) and a good once-over. Dr. S. and his nurse and I had discussion this time about my 'good genes', talked over our agreeable thoughts about botox and fat removal, (aka 'aging ungracefully) a few silly jokes, and lots of question/answers. At precisely 10:30 a.m., this happy patient paid the bill and walked out the door.
It may not be my favorite way to spend an hour, but I feel that I'm in good hands. It is good to be comfortable (well, as comfortable as possible with your feet in stirrups) with your doctor. It is good to know that he has time to answer questions or concerns, even if they are regarding my husband or my mother, during my own visit. (Suffice it to say that they are true concerns, or I would not bring them up during my visit! Dr. S. doesn't mind, but I would never abuse his willingness to ease my mind.)
When I got into the car, with an appointment card for a January appointment (ok, he won. I will see him twice next year...so I guess I'll be twice as healthy, huh?) I smiled at the thought I had on the drive to his office. I couldn't say it after he asked me to return in six months. What was it I'd thought I'd say? "Bye, Cliff...I'll see you the same time next year!"
When we moved here, I had no idea how to go about finding a doctor. So, I asked our friendly and helpful insurance representative, who was volunteering all manner of things we should know about as new residents. She tipped me off to the doctor that she uses, so we wrote down the phone number for future use. As it turned out, Cathy's doctor had a full house, but he had an associate with him who could see us. In my estimation, it was a stroke of good luck!
Dr. S. is a well-trained, friendly physician with the same religious convictions that I have. He's a joy to visit once a year, though he'd love a bi-annual 'date', when I protest, he says, "Well, you're a healthy woman in pretty good shape, good chemical workup. I just want to be sure you stay that way." Well, so do I, but at this point, if he doesn't insist on two visits annually, I won't go but once!
Wednesday was my day this year. I reported at the desk a little late, 9:15 instead of nine, thanks to some unforseen traffic problems, but it wasn't a big deal to the lovely ladies who do the paperwork. After a short wait (about 5 minutes) I was called into the office. You all know the drill, blood pressure check, temperature check, weight (UGH) check. Then...off to the other office for the actual physical, the good old yearly female thing, an EKG (routine with this doctor) and a good once-over. Dr. S. and his nurse and I had discussion this time about my 'good genes', talked over our agreeable thoughts about botox and fat removal, (aka 'aging ungracefully) a few silly jokes, and lots of question/answers. At precisely 10:30 a.m., this happy patient paid the bill and walked out the door.
It may not be my favorite way to spend an hour, but I feel that I'm in good hands. It is good to be comfortable (well, as comfortable as possible with your feet in stirrups) with your doctor. It is good to know that he has time to answer questions or concerns, even if they are regarding my husband or my mother, during my own visit. (Suffice it to say that they are true concerns, or I would not bring them up during my visit! Dr. S. doesn't mind, but I would never abuse his willingness to ease my mind.)
When I got into the car, with an appointment card for a January appointment (ok, he won. I will see him twice next year...so I guess I'll be twice as healthy, huh?) I smiled at the thought I had on the drive to his office. I couldn't say it after he asked me to return in six months. What was it I'd thought I'd say? "Bye, Cliff...I'll see you the same time next year!"
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Random Thoughts
This week has passed so swiftly and I've found myself wrapped up in much busy-ness.
We were away most of last week, returning home on Tuesday. That always means unpacking and putting away, at least one load of laundry and other catching up to do. It's bill-paying time of the month, and since I like to pay them as they come in (all 4 of them!) I had to sit and write checks. The water bill jumped from the usual $22 to $69. That was due to a mistake my husband made, going to bed and leaving the sprinkler on all night, so it ran for 12 straight hours from start to finish! Ack! I don't care as much about the size of the bill as much as I do the wasting of water, but what's done is done, and I'm sure our plants are happier for it. We'll have to make an effort not to make them quite so happy again, though!
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Our friends' daughter is being married in September, and a bridal shower is on the calendar for tomorrow. That means that I had to shop for a gift from us and one from Mom, who is invited as well. Then I made the cards to accompany the presents. We're invited to another wedding in July, a couple in our church who we don't know at all. We're not sure what to do about gifts or even if we'll attend, but it's on our minds.
Our church is having Vacation Bible School next week and I was asked to prepare a craft item for that. It's almost finished, and I'm not happy with it, but it's what I was asked to do, so do it I did!
And speaking of crafts, one of the online groups I'm a part of is doing a "Christmas in July" ornament exchange. I've still got a few more of those to do, and then it will be time to get them in the mail. I can't wait to see what will come my way in a few weeks! What fun to exchange crafts with new friends!
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I'd so love to be at the beach in this heat, but we'll wait until Fall before we head for our first visit to the SC coast. We'd like to see Myrtle Beach, but not at tourist time! We've never been to Charleston, so we'd like to tour that city,too, while we're over that way. I'm sure that we will come home with one of those famous grass baskets that the Gullah people in the "low country" sell! I love local crafts and folk art. http://savannahnow.com/coastal-empire/2007-07-27/centuries-old-basket-weaving-tradition-sc-threatened
I need to get busy and wrap these gifts, and finish the project for VBS. I'll see you all tomorrow, or as we used to say in the days of CB communication, "I'll catch you on the flip-flop." 'Til then, be well and keep smiling!
We were away most of last week, returning home on Tuesday. That always means unpacking and putting away, at least one load of laundry and other catching up to do. It's bill-paying time of the month, and since I like to pay them as they come in (all 4 of them!) I had to sit and write checks. The water bill jumped from the usual $22 to $69. That was due to a mistake my husband made, going to bed and leaving the sprinkler on all night, so it ran for 12 straight hours from start to finish! Ack! I don't care as much about the size of the bill as much as I do the wasting of water, but what's done is done, and I'm sure our plants are happier for it. We'll have to make an effort not to make them quite so happy again, though!
Our friends' daughter is being married in September, and a bridal shower is on the calendar for tomorrow. That means that I had to shop for a gift from us and one from Mom, who is invited as well. Then I made the cards to accompany the presents. We're invited to another wedding in July, a couple in our church who we don't know at all. We're not sure what to do about gifts or even if we'll attend, but it's on our minds.
Our church is having Vacation Bible School next week and I was asked to prepare a craft item for that. It's almost finished, and I'm not happy with it, but it's what I was asked to do, so do it I did!
And speaking of crafts, one of the online groups I'm a part of is doing a "Christmas in July" ornament exchange. I've still got a few more of those to do, and then it will be time to get them in the mail. I can't wait to see what will come my way in a few weeks! What fun to exchange crafts with new friends!
I need to get busy and wrap these gifts, and finish the project for VBS. I'll see you all tomorrow, or as we used to say in the days of CB communication, "I'll catch you on the flip-flop." 'Til then, be well and keep smiling!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Favorites
A fellow blogger mentioned her favorite sounds, and asked what her readers were. It led me to think of the other senses...and I decided to write about my favorites today.
There's nothing sweeter, in my opinion, than the smell of a tiny baby when it curls up under your chin. The freshness of it's skin.
The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking.... well, any cookies baking!
The fragrance of new rain on the grass...
The smell of newly-mown grass.
The scent of honeysuckle on the muggy night air.
The salt-air before a storm.
My favorite sights:
A sleeping child...
Dusty sunbeams filtering through tree leaves
Silent snowfall
The American Flag against blue skies with puffy white clouds
A neat flower garden
My husband's sparkling,mischievous eyes!
My grandchildren!
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Another day will bring other favorites. What are YOUR favorite smells and sights?
There's nothing sweeter, in my opinion, than the smell of a tiny baby when it curls up under your chin. The freshness of it's skin.
The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking.... well, any cookies baking!
The fragrance of new rain on the grass...
The smell of newly-mown grass.
The scent of honeysuckle on the muggy night air.
The salt-air before a storm.
My favorite sights:
A sleeping child...
Dusty sunbeams filtering through tree leaves
Silent snowfall
The American Flag against blue skies with puffy white clouds
A neat flower garden
My husband's sparkling,mischievous eyes!
My grandchildren!
Another day will bring other favorites. What are YOUR favorite smells and sights?
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