OK, the 70's had to be one of the ugliest decades for fashion. Why am I thinking that? I have spent some time the past few afternoons looking at FB pages and websites of Houston from the 1950s and beyond. There is a page on FB called, does anyone remember Westbury Square? Oh my gosh, of course. It was the hangout place. Even before I was old enough to know how to hang out and be "really cool," Westbury Square was a Camp Fire Girl's sponsor's dream. We got to make and dip our own candles at the Candle store. There was Rumplehiemer's, ice cream, candy and limited menu items. A lot of my allowance was spent at Cargo Houston. That was a fun store to shop through for all the latest must haves. Westbury Square was ahead of its time, the mixture of shopping and apartments overlooking the shops. I thought my dream come true would be to rent one of those apartments when I was older. There was a pizza place, the Village Inn, I think. My boyfriend and I would go there for pizza when we wanted to hang out with my friends and we went to the Pizza Hut on Hillcroft next to the Purple Cow when we wanted to see his friends from Bellaire. The Villiage Inn Pizza place is where we went after going to a James Robinson Crusade and Revival service. We both were saved that night. It was our first true test by fire, because we told everyone I knew that happened to be there, what had happened to us at Willow Meadows Baptist Church. After that night, it was never difficult for me to share my faith. Westbury Square had great 4th of July fireworks and since our friends had the perfect house for up close viewing, we headed over to their yard each year to ooo and ahhh ourselves silly with the spectacular show. Even as young marrieds, Westbury Square was trying to hold on. I never felt so grown up when we ordered personalized Christmas cards from the Pink Giraffe. Fast forward to 2012 and Westbury Square is pretty much vacant and the civic club is trying to get what's left of it demolished.
There is another page on FB and it is a remember when of Southwest Houston. People have posted videos from their childhood and pictures of places that have been gone out of sight but not out of memory for a long time. Meyer Speedway, 2 K's, Meyerland Shopping Center when it first opened for business and lots of other places like Wee Wild West, Peppermint Park, Kiddie Land and Playland Park. Amusement parks before Astro World came on the scene.
I even read through a page dedicated to the Westbury Rebelettes. I interviewed to be a part but the first question I was asked in the interview was, if I didn't make it into Rebelettes, would I play on the volleyball team? Even then, I knew my fate was sealed and I would never be a Rebelette, but I had a lot of friends who were.
Lots of fun memories of places that are etched into the fabric of my childhood and teenage years. Almost all those places are gone, in ruins or have been re purposed. It has been fun looking back. I am so thankful that my brain and emotions didn't stop growing and maturing because there are way too many people whose lives are still ensconced in their "glory" days. Too bad, they are missing a lot of the present and soon to be future. The 70's weren't that great of a decade to get mired in, remember double knit, pant suits,leisure suits, polyester and the whole disco thing came from that decade.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
A World of Firsts
An update on Buddy the border cat. Apparently, I wasn't too observant on Buddy's behavior toward the stuffed sheep on display in the guest bedroom. True, she hasn't been ripping their faces off as she has with other stuffed animals, but strangely enough, on the sheep, she is chewing through their feet and legs. What can I say other than Buddy is being biblical in the sense of being a good shepherd that breaks the lambs leg to keep the lamb from straying. This morning I was pulling some sheets and towels out of the linen closet not paying attention to Buddy's where abouts because this is usually her late mid morning nap time. I just happened to see a flash of gray tail on the towel shelf. Buddy has ensconced herself in the linen closet with the towels. Good thing I saw her tail because that door would have been shut. Once she woke up and wanted to move about, what noise she would be making and what if I was gone for most of the afternoon? She would not be a happy camper for sure. I left her in the closet but with the door slightly ajar.
Something has been kind of rolling about in this addled brain since Wednesday. Nothing to do with Chilly Bowl, at least not directly. Pictures will be coming of that fun event. No, it has to do with a conversation I was having with a friend and fellow choir member. We were discussing Bible study and the subject of a particular study that has three initials that are kind of like BFF came up. We both laughed at our mutual lack of personal diligence and personality that would make us less than suitable for following their strict rules. My friend had actually gone for a couple of weeks and thought it best that she and the Bible study part ways. I only tried one attempt of joining that study, early on as a young married. In fact, it was probably in the hay or hey days of this organization. There were so many women wanting to study the Bible that they limited their enrollment and would only take a few new ones to participate. The old sanctuary of Second Baptist, which back then was the only sanctuary at Second Baptist, was filled with women interested in studying the Bible. We filled out the information cards and would be notified by mail if we had made the cut. My mentor had been studying with them for a couple of years and she knew how much I loved to study the Bible. My mentor had been my Sunday School teacher when I was a new Christian and junior in high school and now she was once again my Sunday School teacher in the young marrieds class. Her presence in my life had made a huge difference and effect on my life, and still it continues even to this day. Because of her teaching and influence, I believe I was picked at Southwest Texas University's Baptist Student Union to be on the freshman council. My area of service; Bible studies to be started and led in all the women's freshman dorms. Loved that and even when I came home to finish out my studies at U of H, I was involved in leadership for Bible studies there on the campus and at church. And now, I was thrilled to maybe have the opportunity to study the book I loved so much and serve the Lord with all my heart. But, it wasn't meant to be. The year I wanted to join, they already had their quota of Baptists and would put me on the long waiting list if ever a "Baptist" spot opened up. Never heard from them again. Yes, I was overly disappointed and at that time I didn't think the rejection had much impact upon me. In retrospect it did. Not by any one's fault but my own, my interest in studying and learning about the Bible wained, I audited a few Bible courses at HBU, but my spiritual journey took a detour. I became a little more cynical about "Bible study" and a whole lot more cynical of women's ministry in general. I saw it more like the popular sorority and like B*F, and pursuing any activity involving women's ministry surely would just lead to more rejection. So I did the real mature thing and rejected it before it rejected me.
With that, and I have written about this before, we kind of put other priorities in a different order than we usually had. Pretty soon you could really only find us at church on rainy Sundays and that was due to the fact it was raining, so we weren't out sailing with friends. But, the Lord had other plans for us besides sailing and He is bigger than any real or perceived rejection I felt. It wasn't Sunday School attendance or Bible study attendance that got us to step back in the doors at First, other than rainy Sundays. The Recreation and Fitness Center, formally known as the CLC, opened and it is there we made so many friends. Also about that time, Beth Moore was transitioning from aerobics instructor to Bible study teacher. A friend invited me to attend her Bible study at First Baptist and I was hooked! There wasn't any closure on enrollment. As her classes grew, room was made for the expansion. I think I started Bible study with Beth when it first moved to the chapel. Beth actually went over the homework with us. Along the way, that love for the scriptures and study returned. I wanted more than a casual Sunday morning relationship with Jesus and I was learning how that happened and how love for Him could grow. I made many friends from that Bible study and all these years later, we are still friends.
There have been a lot of firsts at First. The style of the worship center with access to the balcony from the main floor, The Christmas Pageant, the dream and creation of Gerald Ray, made cantata's and shepherds in bathrobes obsolete, a church that survived and thrived during a four and a half year interim period without a pastor, calling a pastor who had never pastored a church before and giving a young woman the opening to change Bible study forever. Fast forward to 2012 and Bible study with Beth fills the worship center, the chapel, the fellowship center and probably every other room that has a flat screen in it. All are invited and there isn't a quota for only a certain amount of every denomination. In the words of Toddlers and Tiaras, Bible study with Beth is the complete and total package. There is worship, learning, guidance, laughter, fellowship, friends (both old and new and those waiting to become friendships), growth, dreams birthed and maybe, just maybe many would love to wear a tiara to Bible study.
In no way am I trying to lift up Beth and her Bible studies or trying to ease my way into attracting her attention. I'm merely marveling at the mighty needed change she introduced into women's ministry and Bible study and how God has used this to His glory. She never set herself up as the perfect example of what a Christian wife or godly woman looks like. She shares her struggles and victories. No rules concerning how many inches needs to be between you and the next person sitting on the pew, no discussion not allowed if you haven't completed the homework, no exclusion because the class has too many Baptists or any other such silliness to this sanguine. I'm very thankful to be blessed to have had the opportunity to attend and be changed and transformed by the Word.
In reality, it is probably good the B*F didn't chose me, I would have probably been kicked out before the first semester began.
Well, I better go check on Buddy's status and see if she has moved from the linen closet onto one of her regular napping spots.
Something has been kind of rolling about in this addled brain since Wednesday. Nothing to do with Chilly Bowl, at least not directly. Pictures will be coming of that fun event. No, it has to do with a conversation I was having with a friend and fellow choir member. We were discussing Bible study and the subject of a particular study that has three initials that are kind of like BFF came up. We both laughed at our mutual lack of personal diligence and personality that would make us less than suitable for following their strict rules. My friend had actually gone for a couple of weeks and thought it best that she and the Bible study part ways. I only tried one attempt of joining that study, early on as a young married. In fact, it was probably in the hay or hey days of this organization. There were so many women wanting to study the Bible that they limited their enrollment and would only take a few new ones to participate. The old sanctuary of Second Baptist, which back then was the only sanctuary at Second Baptist, was filled with women interested in studying the Bible. We filled out the information cards and would be notified by mail if we had made the cut. My mentor had been studying with them for a couple of years and she knew how much I loved to study the Bible. My mentor had been my Sunday School teacher when I was a new Christian and junior in high school and now she was once again my Sunday School teacher in the young marrieds class. Her presence in my life had made a huge difference and effect on my life, and still it continues even to this day. Because of her teaching and influence, I believe I was picked at Southwest Texas University's Baptist Student Union to be on the freshman council. My area of service; Bible studies to be started and led in all the women's freshman dorms. Loved that and even when I came home to finish out my studies at U of H, I was involved in leadership for Bible studies there on the campus and at church. And now, I was thrilled to maybe have the opportunity to study the book I loved so much and serve the Lord with all my heart. But, it wasn't meant to be. The year I wanted to join, they already had their quota of Baptists and would put me on the long waiting list if ever a "Baptist" spot opened up. Never heard from them again. Yes, I was overly disappointed and at that time I didn't think the rejection had much impact upon me. In retrospect it did. Not by any one's fault but my own, my interest in studying and learning about the Bible wained, I audited a few Bible courses at HBU, but my spiritual journey took a detour. I became a little more cynical about "Bible study" and a whole lot more cynical of women's ministry in general. I saw it more like the popular sorority and like B*F, and pursuing any activity involving women's ministry surely would just lead to more rejection. So I did the real mature thing and rejected it before it rejected me.
With that, and I have written about this before, we kind of put other priorities in a different order than we usually had. Pretty soon you could really only find us at church on rainy Sundays and that was due to the fact it was raining, so we weren't out sailing with friends. But, the Lord had other plans for us besides sailing and He is bigger than any real or perceived rejection I felt. It wasn't Sunday School attendance or Bible study attendance that got us to step back in the doors at First, other than rainy Sundays. The Recreation and Fitness Center, formally known as the CLC, opened and it is there we made so many friends. Also about that time, Beth Moore was transitioning from aerobics instructor to Bible study teacher. A friend invited me to attend her Bible study at First Baptist and I was hooked! There wasn't any closure on enrollment. As her classes grew, room was made for the expansion. I think I started Bible study with Beth when it first moved to the chapel. Beth actually went over the homework with us. Along the way, that love for the scriptures and study returned. I wanted more than a casual Sunday morning relationship with Jesus and I was learning how that happened and how love for Him could grow. I made many friends from that Bible study and all these years later, we are still friends.
There have been a lot of firsts at First. The style of the worship center with access to the balcony from the main floor, The Christmas Pageant, the dream and creation of Gerald Ray, made cantata's and shepherds in bathrobes obsolete, a church that survived and thrived during a four and a half year interim period without a pastor, calling a pastor who had never pastored a church before and giving a young woman the opening to change Bible study forever. Fast forward to 2012 and Bible study with Beth fills the worship center, the chapel, the fellowship center and probably every other room that has a flat screen in it. All are invited and there isn't a quota for only a certain amount of every denomination. In the words of Toddlers and Tiaras, Bible study with Beth is the complete and total package. There is worship, learning, guidance, laughter, fellowship, friends (both old and new and those waiting to become friendships), growth, dreams birthed and maybe, just maybe many would love to wear a tiara to Bible study.
In no way am I trying to lift up Beth and her Bible studies or trying to ease my way into attracting her attention. I'm merely marveling at the mighty needed change she introduced into women's ministry and Bible study and how God has used this to His glory. She never set herself up as the perfect example of what a Christian wife or godly woman looks like. She shares her struggles and victories. No rules concerning how many inches needs to be between you and the next person sitting on the pew, no discussion not allowed if you haven't completed the homework, no exclusion because the class has too many Baptists or any other such silliness to this sanguine. I'm very thankful to be blessed to have had the opportunity to attend and be changed and transformed by the Word.
In reality, it is probably good the B*F didn't chose me, I would have probably been kicked out before the first semester began.
Well, I better go check on Buddy's status and see if she has moved from the linen closet onto one of her regular napping spots.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A Lovely Way to Spend a Weekend
We've enjoyed two days of wonderful January weather. No really! Actually, Friday wasn't half bad either. I went to the eye doctor to pick up my new glasses and took the opportunity to have brunch at Le Peep. On my way back home I heard from Peggy and she wanted to know if I wanted to go shopping or eat. Called her and we decided to go look at the gift shop at Brookwood and look at a few shops in Fulshear. Only, I had to stop at Hobby Lobby first because I think that is where I found the wheat grass looking stuff, Brookwood has lots of cute spring decor out. Peggy bought some plants and I contemplated a few things in the gift store. Yesterday, Roy and I had breakfast at Otto's since we got a late start because of Buddy's mani/pedi appointment with the vet. The farmer's market was out again at La Centerra and after eating we did a walk through. This time there was actual produce! Got some home grown tomatoes and some spun cinnamon honey that tastes like red hots. Had some on my toast this morning, not the tomatoes but the honey, and it was delicious.
Last night we went to Taste of Texas with David and Emily and 100's of our closest friends. We even went at senior citizen time of 4:30 and it was rather crowded even then. Is there ever a bad meal at Taste of Texas? I think not. Better than the food was the conversation and laughs. Since we started dinner so early it was close to 7:00 when we left. Ah, the night was still young. So we went to Barnes and Noble before heading back out to the prairie. Once we got home Roy began working on some things at the computer. He ended up having to call HP support for a problem he was having with a DVD. He said it was after midnight when he came to bed. He is our official wake-er upper and he overslept this morning. Thus, I did too. So, we took a sabbatical Sunday. We went early to lunch to beat all the Katy church crowd and headed back Brookwood way. He needed to take more pictures for his homework assignment in his photography class. How convenient! He could take pictures and I could go back and get the things I looked at on Friday. Roy also suggested we make a trip out to the Katy Prairie Conservatory for Birds. So after Brookwood we headed over to Brookshire and farther North past Dewberry Farm. The last part of the drive was on rocks and we had just had the car washed on Saturday, so I suggested he come back at sunrise one Saturday to find all the birds he wanted to take pictures of. Funny, we were doing the very same thing today that I hated as a child, the dreaded Sunday afternoon drive. We saw lots of cows, rice fields, birds and did I mention cows? Oh and some beautiful horses. Once we got back home, I was ready for a nap. After getting a few winks in, I joined in the good fight against weeds. Roy and I got up a lot of the bigger ones that have slowly been taking over our backyard. We focused on some of the smaller ones in the front yard. All in all, not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Last night we went to Taste of Texas with David and Emily and 100's of our closest friends. We even went at senior citizen time of 4:30 and it was rather crowded even then. Is there ever a bad meal at Taste of Texas? I think not. Better than the food was the conversation and laughs. Since we started dinner so early it was close to 7:00 when we left. Ah, the night was still young. So we went to Barnes and Noble before heading back out to the prairie. Once we got home Roy began working on some things at the computer. He ended up having to call HP support for a problem he was having with a DVD. He said it was after midnight when he came to bed. He is our official wake-er upper and he overslept this morning. Thus, I did too. So, we took a sabbatical Sunday. We went early to lunch to beat all the Katy church crowd and headed back Brookwood way. He needed to take more pictures for his homework assignment in his photography class. How convenient! He could take pictures and I could go back and get the things I looked at on Friday. Roy also suggested we make a trip out to the Katy Prairie Conservatory for Birds. So after Brookwood we headed over to Brookshire and farther North past Dewberry Farm. The last part of the drive was on rocks and we had just had the car washed on Saturday, so I suggested he come back at sunrise one Saturday to find all the birds he wanted to take pictures of. Funny, we were doing the very same thing today that I hated as a child, the dreaded Sunday afternoon drive. We saw lots of cows, rice fields, birds and did I mention cows? Oh and some beautiful horses. Once we got back home, I was ready for a nap. After getting a few winks in, I joined in the good fight against weeds. Roy and I got up a lot of the bigger ones that have slowly been taking over our backyard. We focused on some of the smaller ones in the front yard. All in all, not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Slopes, Slop, Shepherds and Scripture
The weather has settled down here in the Rancho de Five. Our little pond that is to the side of the house now looks like a lake. It will only look like a lake for a day or so and then it will go back to its normal size within the sloping banks. Ad a P to sloping and you get slop. That is something entirely different. We were fortunate not to have lots of lightning and thunder, but there were a few too many lightning flashes that seemed rather close by for my comfort. Buddy was glued to my side and never left my presence. We sat there together on the couch while I did my Revelation homework. The sound of thunder is really such a nice back drop to Revelation 13. Since Peggy lives only 2.6 miles from us and we being farther west; Peggy called to tell me when she is picking me up for choir and we discussed the weather. Weather with TV alliteration, Wicked Weather! Both of us had the coverage of the storm on in the background. It is really sad to be a reporter and nothing weather wise is happening when the anchors do the check in with you. The reporter and camera person show drains, flags barley blowing in the wind and maybe a piece of trash that floats along lazily like a summer's day to the storm drain in the curb. One day we plan to dress up as Mildred and Gertrude and run to where all the crazy rain coverage is and see if we can get interviewed. We would so look the part. We might shoot a video to send in and see if it ever makes it on the air.
I think Buddy has a bit of border cat in her. Either that or she is a frustrated Shepherd. In our guest bedroom I have some old wooded boxes and of course they are stacked in an interesting eye catching way. The top crate is open with the lid back and in it I have put some of my favorite stuffed lambs from my ubiquitous lamb collection that is all over the house. In the night time when nobody knows about it, Buddy shepherds the sheep. I wonder if she is familiar with Psalm 23 because she sits some of the sheep around her water bowl and places others around her food bowl. If it is an especially busy night, she has the sheep spaced at various intervals around the house. Sometimes she even has them sitting on the couch. I'm surprised that she is such a gentle shepherd because unlike her stuffed cats and bear, she has not ripped their faces off.
If there is one thing I'm consistent with and to my disadvantage is; having random, from all kinds of devotionals, or verses posted on Facebook or something biblically that has my interest in researching quiet times. Today a quote on Twitter got my attention in between breaking news, gentle teasing, cynical observations, sports updates and the like, there was a quote from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. "Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace." Oh I so needed to read that today and also the accompanying scripture from Hebrews 13:15. My natural inclination is to set a fast pace and these past couple of years have been an up close lesson from the Lord to slow down, to stop being busy for busy sake, to stay in a moment, to know where I am in the transition process, to listen for His voice, to watch His hand and to choose joy. Another quote from today's reading; "Sit still in the Light of My Presence and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones." I mean really, who couldn't use God's blessing and who couldn't appreciate especially God's blessing on loved ones. Most importantly the loved ones who get on your last nerve, you know those loved ones who sometime make it difficult for you to call them a loved one. And I am so sure that I sometimes, hopefully not too often, can be the one getting on every one's last nerve. Selah!
The pace of laundry is calling out to me because a pair of jeans that I want to wear to choir tonight need to be dried. Going early so Peggy can get ready for Chilly Bowl.
I think Buddy has a bit of border cat in her. Either that or she is a frustrated Shepherd. In our guest bedroom I have some old wooded boxes and of course they are stacked in an interesting eye catching way. The top crate is open with the lid back and in it I have put some of my favorite stuffed lambs from my ubiquitous lamb collection that is all over the house. In the night time when nobody knows about it, Buddy shepherds the sheep. I wonder if she is familiar with Psalm 23 because she sits some of the sheep around her water bowl and places others around her food bowl. If it is an especially busy night, she has the sheep spaced at various intervals around the house. Sometimes she even has them sitting on the couch. I'm surprised that she is such a gentle shepherd because unlike her stuffed cats and bear, she has not ripped their faces off.
If there is one thing I'm consistent with and to my disadvantage is; having random, from all kinds of devotionals, or verses posted on Facebook or something biblically that has my interest in researching quiet times. Today a quote on Twitter got my attention in between breaking news, gentle teasing, cynical observations, sports updates and the like, there was a quote from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. "Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace." Oh I so needed to read that today and also the accompanying scripture from Hebrews 13:15. My natural inclination is to set a fast pace and these past couple of years have been an up close lesson from the Lord to slow down, to stop being busy for busy sake, to stay in a moment, to know where I am in the transition process, to listen for His voice, to watch His hand and to choose joy. Another quote from today's reading; "Sit still in the Light of My Presence and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones." I mean really, who couldn't use God's blessing and who couldn't appreciate especially God's blessing on loved ones. Most importantly the loved ones who get on your last nerve, you know those loved ones who sometime make it difficult for you to call them a loved one. And I am so sure that I sometimes, hopefully not too often, can be the one getting on every one's last nerve. Selah!
The pace of laundry is calling out to me because a pair of jeans that I want to wear to choir tonight need to be dried. Going early so Peggy can get ready for Chilly Bowl.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Once Again, Avoiding Homework
It's Tuesday and once again I find myself doing everything but Revelation homework. Once I get into it, I love answering the questions or if I don't understand what the answer to the question might be, I just use a ? and maybe come back to it later. Since it is supposed to be rainy tomorrow, I hit the grocery store this morning. Since returning home, I've been busy hanging all kinds of accoutrement's in the laundry room and in my reading room. I also rearranged the mantel since a few things have been added to make the mantle all things springish. Love the red iron gate I found at K T Antiques. It is the centerpiece of the mantle. Friday afternoon kind of looked like Christmas around here. I think the UPS and Fed Ex deliveries were about 2 minutes apart. I finally found a picture for over the bed in the guest room and it was in the massive bunch of boxes sitting in front of the door.
How many of y'all are watching Downton Abbey? I missed the first season but have the DVDs to get caught up and it doesn't seem too difficult to follow coming in on the second season. Sunday night I was flipping between Downton Abbey and Mob Wives. Talk about conflicting culture. Basically, the same problems of comparison, gossip, getting along, misunderstandings, love, and talking things out take place on both shows, but the way the people of 1919 deal with these problems and the ways of 21st century language include massive bleeping out of cuss words on Mob Wives, sets itself apart from the genteel. You can't confuse the two for sure. Masterpiece Theater must balance out Mob Wives, Toddlers and Tirara and Dance Moms. We have recently discovered Cajun Pawn Stars and we've gotten a kick out of that show. Doesn't it seem like I really, really need to be doing my Revelation homework instead of discussing the fine high brow entertainment we fill the evenings with?
I find it oddly disturbing that advertisers know what I have been shopping for online and those things are running on the sides of websites reminding me of what I had been interested in at one time. Things from the Levenger catalog and from One Kings Lane website have been showing up. Williams Sonma and Pottery Barn send follow up emails to see if I am still interested in nesting tables. Yes, but I refuse to pay such high shipping and handling charges. I'll takes me chances on finding something in person.
OK, I better go and do homework.
How many of y'all are watching Downton Abbey? I missed the first season but have the DVDs to get caught up and it doesn't seem too difficult to follow coming in on the second season. Sunday night I was flipping between Downton Abbey and Mob Wives. Talk about conflicting culture. Basically, the same problems of comparison, gossip, getting along, misunderstandings, love, and talking things out take place on both shows, but the way the people of 1919 deal with these problems and the ways of 21st century language include massive bleeping out of cuss words on Mob Wives, sets itself apart from the genteel. You can't confuse the two for sure. Masterpiece Theater must balance out Mob Wives, Toddlers and Tirara and Dance Moms. We have recently discovered Cajun Pawn Stars and we've gotten a kick out of that show. Doesn't it seem like I really, really need to be doing my Revelation homework instead of discussing the fine high brow entertainment we fill the evenings with?
I find it oddly disturbing that advertisers know what I have been shopping for online and those things are running on the sides of websites reminding me of what I had been interested in at one time. Things from the Levenger catalog and from One Kings Lane website have been showing up. Williams Sonma and Pottery Barn send follow up emails to see if I am still interested in nesting tables. Yes, but I refuse to pay such high shipping and handling charges. I'll takes me chances on finding something in person.
OK, I better go and do homework.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Convoy or Erie Canal, You Be the Judge
What is it with hair appointments and eye doctor appointments? Both of them seem to require a nap after the appointment. This morning I had my annual eye check up with Dr. Yankelove. No, I did not make up his name. He's a great opthomologist and the process of getting an eye exam is so organized. This time since I had a coupon for half off, I went with the MAP and limited eye dilation. That is so the way to go. My eyesight has barely changed since last year and everything is looking healthy inside my I spy with my little eye, eyes. A couple of years ago when the doctors discovered that the virus that had attacked my heart had also attacked my pancreas, that made my vision go south in a big hurry. It was as if it had changed overnight and literally it did. Since that time my vision has improved and they feel like my eyes are out of harm's way and today that was confirmed. PTL! Not having the regular type of dilation made picking out frames much easier. After the appointment I called Roy and announced boldly, that with this limited dilation, I didn't even feel that I would need a nap later in the afternoon. Ha ha ha...I was so very wrong. Usually, since my eyes are dilated, lunch is next door at Collina's. Since I was finished a little before 11, I went to Le Peep for brunch. Oh cinnamon pecan pancakes how I have missed you! Then I headed back to the prairie with a Target run on the way home.
Both morning and afternoon trips in the Ranch de Five, I feel like I have been surrounded by a mini van convoy. It was frightfully Erie. OK, I totally know I used the wrong Erie in the previous sentence. I am not trying to say that it was frightfully Erie, like on the Erie Canal, but I cannot remember and spell check isn't being very helpful in giving me the correct word. Sure I could use another similar descriptive word, but dang it, I am hung up on using Erie. Has word gotten out about my dislike of mini vans because almost everyone who drives one, thinks they are driving a Greyhound bus? Those mini vans had me boxed in. Two ahead of me, one to the side of me, thus I could not change lanes, and three mini vans behind me. I was really getting impatient with the whole slowed down, I am driving a bus mentality. In fact I sang out a few of the only words I could remember from that trucking convoy song of long ago...CONVOY! Then I got to thinking and yes, I am getting ready to go all spiritual on you, that maybe these slow moving mini vans were like some kind of guardian angels and by only going 25 mph just might be keeping me from a speeding ticket. Maybe it was just the timing of my trips. I left for the appointment right after school had started and my return trip just happened to be right before school lets out.
So to get to the point I was writing about in the first paragraph, when I got home I felt as if I had been drugged. My eyes were heavy laden and my energy level low...only thought being...must.take.nap. It was heavy sleep in nap time. I only hope I can fall asleep tonight. Those limited dilation drops and the yellow dye drop did me in. Or maybe it could have been the carb laden pancakes? I don't know, but I feel refreshed and ready to go out and eat dinner. Never mind the Target purchases that need to be put up, I will think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.
Both morning and afternoon trips in the Ranch de Five, I feel like I have been surrounded by a mini van convoy. It was frightfully Erie. OK, I totally know I used the wrong Erie in the previous sentence. I am not trying to say that it was frightfully Erie, like on the Erie Canal, but I cannot remember and spell check isn't being very helpful in giving me the correct word. Sure I could use another similar descriptive word, but dang it, I am hung up on using Erie. Has word gotten out about my dislike of mini vans because almost everyone who drives one, thinks they are driving a Greyhound bus? Those mini vans had me boxed in. Two ahead of me, one to the side of me, thus I could not change lanes, and three mini vans behind me. I was really getting impatient with the whole slowed down, I am driving a bus mentality. In fact I sang out a few of the only words I could remember from that trucking convoy song of long ago...CONVOY! Then I got to thinking and yes, I am getting ready to go all spiritual on you, that maybe these slow moving mini vans were like some kind of guardian angels and by only going 25 mph just might be keeping me from a speeding ticket. Maybe it was just the timing of my trips. I left for the appointment right after school had started and my return trip just happened to be right before school lets out.
So to get to the point I was writing about in the first paragraph, when I got home I felt as if I had been drugged. My eyes were heavy laden and my energy level low...only thought being...must.take.nap. It was heavy sleep in nap time. I only hope I can fall asleep tonight. Those limited dilation drops and the yellow dye drop did me in. Or maybe it could have been the carb laden pancakes? I don't know, but I feel refreshed and ready to go out and eat dinner. Never mind the Target purchases that need to be put up, I will think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Weekly Thursday Thoughts
Quiet evening out here on the prairie. Roy got home, grabbed some dinner which I opened, plated and then heated up. That counts as cooking right? It should, I went to the store, microwaved it and then presented dinner in the buffet style. Roy gobbled down dinner with a little bit of conversation. He brushed his teeth, kissed me goodbye and I'm personally glad it was in that order and has gone to his photography class. He is taking a break from the one offered by Spring Branch and is branching out in attending the one in Cinco Ranch.
Today was brunch day at Bible study. At first, I wasn't a fan of the monthly brunch but this year it is a favorite thing. There are some great cooks in our core group and we really enjoy one another's company. Our ages range from newly married to oldly marrieds. Our discussion of the antichrist and the beast from Revelation 13 was deep and interesting. So glad I had actually sat down and did the homework. This afternoon our core group leader emailed me letting me know that I hadn't missed as session yet and I believe in the fall I chose Bible study over the opening of the Nord Rack in the land of sugar.
The construction noise around here is almost deafening. So instead of coming home to sound of framing and the laying of water pipe, I decided to drive the back way over to Brookwood. It is a beautiful drive and the scenery looked like a cold, winter day but probably the look is due to the drought, not dormant trees waiting for the beginning of spring. I turned off the radio and drove in silence. Refreshing! Then I shopped a little at Brookwood and headed back home going a different, but as scenic route. The quiet soothed my soul. Really, after reading and discussing all the horrors that are coming in the Tribulation, it was a respite and a moment to be grateful to the Lord for His handiwork and the beauty of the earth.
I stayed up way too late last night. Peggy and I rode together to choir. We left a little earlier than usual because she needed to get into the costume closet at church. Some churches have a crisis closet, but we have a fun and well locked closet of fun and biblical outfits. She is working fervently on Chilly Bowl for the cast, orchestra and choir. Choir practice was awesome, maybe even amazing, amazing. The Pastor shared with us that someone in the 9:30 service had anonymously given generous funds to help with the choir mission trip in June. We rejoiced at this welcomed news. It was kind of funny that after the Pastor had shared this and left that John chose the choral arrangement of Jesus Paid it All to be the next piece we worked on. I don't even think he thought about the timing of it. After choir, Peggy met with those in Chilly Bowl and we ended the evening at church visiting with friends. Rides home after choir are much more fun with Peggy. I was so wired when I got home and couldn't settle down. So I watched the latest DVR'ed episode of Toddlers and Tiaras and then some Dance Moms for good measure. Getting up this morning, difficult and with additional time needed to fix a salad for brunch, I was a tad late for Bible study.
Yesterday was a wrap on therapist sessions of working through the process of my mother's death and some of the after shocks that accompany loss. No, I don't think a couple of hours is enough to deal with a loving lifetime of a dear mother. I'm so glad that many years ago a call and visit to Cheryl began the journey to deal with another kind of loss and so much discussion and hard work tracks had been laid down. I cannot say enough good things about going to a good, Christian therapist. She has saved my life from lots of unnecessary burdens and taking ownership of emotions and jobs that were never mine in the first place. It was a good session yesterday and we booked an appointment several months down the road if there is any dangling loose ends that haven't been resolved. After the appointment, it just seemed right to make a visit and pay my respects to the play grocery store. I headed back to the prairie after several other errands. Found a jewelery store in old Katy to get some watch batteries replaced and made a major mistake of stopping in HEB after school has let out. My goodness...it is not the place to be. It felt a little chaotic and frazzled on the aisles.
That's it. If you have made it all the way through this post, congratulations! Now if you have insomnia this week, return to this post and it should do the trick and put you right to sleep.
Today was brunch day at Bible study. At first, I wasn't a fan of the monthly brunch but this year it is a favorite thing. There are some great cooks in our core group and we really enjoy one another's company. Our ages range from newly married to oldly marrieds. Our discussion of the antichrist and the beast from Revelation 13 was deep and interesting. So glad I had actually sat down and did the homework. This afternoon our core group leader emailed me letting me know that I hadn't missed as session yet and I believe in the fall I chose Bible study over the opening of the Nord Rack in the land of sugar.
The construction noise around here is almost deafening. So instead of coming home to sound of framing and the laying of water pipe, I decided to drive the back way over to Brookwood. It is a beautiful drive and the scenery looked like a cold, winter day but probably the look is due to the drought, not dormant trees waiting for the beginning of spring. I turned off the radio and drove in silence. Refreshing! Then I shopped a little at Brookwood and headed back home going a different, but as scenic route. The quiet soothed my soul. Really, after reading and discussing all the horrors that are coming in the Tribulation, it was a respite and a moment to be grateful to the Lord for His handiwork and the beauty of the earth.
I stayed up way too late last night. Peggy and I rode together to choir. We left a little earlier than usual because she needed to get into the costume closet at church. Some churches have a crisis closet, but we have a fun and well locked closet of fun and biblical outfits. She is working fervently on Chilly Bowl for the cast, orchestra and choir. Choir practice was awesome, maybe even amazing, amazing. The Pastor shared with us that someone in the 9:30 service had anonymously given generous funds to help with the choir mission trip in June. We rejoiced at this welcomed news. It was kind of funny that after the Pastor had shared this and left that John chose the choral arrangement of Jesus Paid it All to be the next piece we worked on. I don't even think he thought about the timing of it. After choir, Peggy met with those in Chilly Bowl and we ended the evening at church visiting with friends. Rides home after choir are much more fun with Peggy. I was so wired when I got home and couldn't settle down. So I watched the latest DVR'ed episode of Toddlers and Tiaras and then some Dance Moms for good measure. Getting up this morning, difficult and with additional time needed to fix a salad for brunch, I was a tad late for Bible study.
Yesterday was a wrap on therapist sessions of working through the process of my mother's death and some of the after shocks that accompany loss. No, I don't think a couple of hours is enough to deal with a loving lifetime of a dear mother. I'm so glad that many years ago a call and visit to Cheryl began the journey to deal with another kind of loss and so much discussion and hard work tracks had been laid down. I cannot say enough good things about going to a good, Christian therapist. She has saved my life from lots of unnecessary burdens and taking ownership of emotions and jobs that were never mine in the first place. It was a good session yesterday and we booked an appointment several months down the road if there is any dangling loose ends that haven't been resolved. After the appointment, it just seemed right to make a visit and pay my respects to the play grocery store. I headed back to the prairie after several other errands. Found a jewelery store in old Katy to get some watch batteries replaced and made a major mistake of stopping in HEB after school has let out. My goodness...it is not the place to be. It felt a little chaotic and frazzled on the aisles.
That's it. If you have made it all the way through this post, congratulations! Now if you have insomnia this week, return to this post and it should do the trick and put you right to sleep.
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