On and Off Task, A Disaster in Time Mapping

Sometimes it is absolutely comical getting ready on Thursday mornings, to leave at a decent time and not be too late for Bible study. Of course I had time mapped the morning last night. Ha, I shouldn't have even thought that planning a smooth morning equals smooth morning. I got up in plenty of time but I read the paper while eating breakfast and eased into the morning. Then the outfit that I had pictured to be perfect in my minds eye turned out to be simply horrible from every conceivable concept. Plan B was implemented but it took time. I suddenly remembered that I needed to get a bill taken care of and other various administrative tasks, that took time. I am not a good administrater. In fact I always got a - in elementary school for using time and materials wisely. Just as I thought I would be getting out of the door somewhat on time, both phones began ringing. I answered the call from Roy and his voice overflowed with a languished ease instead of his usual on task conversations. Of course it didn't take him long to realize I was talking to him using my stressed, staccato and overwhelmed voice. Amazon had called him because the UPS driver couldn't find where we lived and he was wondering if I had ordered anything from Amazon. Yes, mainly books that I was preordering by authors I love like Fannie Flagg but Travis Cottrell's book had been released and most probably that is the delivery I said as I licked the envelope and looked for one of those return address labels. I was also trying to respond to a friend about a t-shirt and search for my name tag for Bible study. Just this week I put it someplace so it wouldn't get lost. Ugh! To minimize time I took the EZ Tag Lane on I-10. Watching the news last night I found out that during HOV and EZ Tag shared times, you are never ever to leave the EZ Tag lane even if it is to pass a slowpoke. Fortunately, the Lexus Lane was free of any slow vehicles, so that was one worry off the list. I did use the time wisely to listen to the CD that Lisa P gave me for two songs at the retreat. Of course am I listening to the background vocals, known as BGV in the music world? No, I find myself every time singing with the lead. Think I'll be doing a lot of lip synching. I missed the devotion time but made it in time for core group. I have come to this conclusion after 4 weeks of homework in Daniel. King Neb was on a roof when he praised himself on building such a beautiful city and being a powerful monarch. I'm just a monarch, I have no power or subjects to rule. Anyway, that is when God, after giving him a warning from Daniel and a year to repent lets him go nuts thinking he was a cow. We learned there really is a psychological condition called bovinothogy or something like that. That's when people believe they are bovine in nature. I whispered to Peggy, ah that's the disease all our UT friends have. Or it could be foot and mouth, but I digress... Of course King Neb got in trouble on a roof and so did King David. So Old Testament Roof=bad result. Being on a roof in the New Testament=good. Remember the friends who tore through the roof to get their friend to Jesus? So the New Testament and James Taylor have it right, Up on the Roof.


After Bible study Peggy and I had lunch al fresco at Potbellies, keeping with the animal theme of the day. Then I stopped in at La Centerra outdoor mall and found a couple of good deals. Even began my Christmas shopping today. Had a little yogurt from Berri Pop and I headed back into Houston. Stopped at the bank and then church. I renewed my membership with the Fitness and Recreation Center, the place formally known as the CLC and then went to visit a friend(s).

I came home and was royally welcomed by Buddy. She has missed me today in between her 17 naps. Speaking of naps, I sure could use one but if I fall asleep now I won't be able to go to sleep tonight. Have a morning in the Land of Sugar tomorrow.

Freshly Fall

Fall came a calling today and Houston has responded with a sigh of relief and with arms wide open to embrace this change in temperatures. I didn't see anyone decked out in wool and sweaters but lots of us had sweatshirts on, but just for the morning. By afternoon it was too warm. Of all days for Roy to drive to work and he took Mustang Sally. I've asked him to take the Camry tomorrow so I can run errands with the top down and take it all in.

I actually got up early enough to go workout before meeting Marsha at Buffalo Grille. I had a flustering moment on my way to the gym. An unfamiliar dashboard light was on. So I'm trying to find the book in the glove compartment that interprets what exactly the heck is going on. I turn off into a neighborhood so I can look at the warning signs descriptions. I think the SUV behind me thought I was casing the neighborhood and followed me for the longest time. I finally was able to pull to the side of the street. (those are awfully narrow streets) It was the tire pressure light. I called Roy. Was a trip to Discount Tires needed? He said no, just go to full service at the Shell station and have them top off the tank and have them check the tires. Best $16.00 bucks I spent today. A back tire was a little low. Got that taken care of and I was off to Lifetime.

Tonight I met with a small group of women from Summit. We will meet several more times this semester. I already love them! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store in the coming months for us.

Celebrating Monalblog's 750th Post and I Got Nothin'

It is a quiet Saturday afternoon. Roy should be getting home from photography class soon. The instructor selected five of his photos to enter into some contest. I'm pretty proud of him and the hard work he's put into his new hobby. I am also proud of him going to the men's prayer deal at church this morning and foregoing pecan pancakes at Pappasita's. He's so strong! I'm already dreading the Saturday morning I'm at the women's retreat and won't be able to get my weekly fix. So while he was praying this morning, I was preying on some pecan pancakes at Pappasita's, just me and my book. It was a very enjoyable breakfast. Afterwards, I went and worked out. Hello Lifetime, it has been awhile. I just got the OK to go back to working out from the Dr. Not too strenuous, so not to worry, I took it really easy. I rode the bike and listened to the alto parts of Christmas music for Celebration. It was difficult not to sing out loud with all the great songs. In the big picture I'm glad I was able to restrain. I'm sure the people around me would thank me if they knew that I wanted to sing.


Of course a workout isn't a workout unless I stop by Anthropologie that is located next door. They had puppies and the cutest kittens that the SPCA or someone was trying to get people to purchase and take home for their very own pet. There were two of the cutest calicos and I was so tempted to call Roy and see what he thought about having another cat at home with us. Wisdom prevailed and I didn't make the call. I stood there a long time and contemplated it though. This would have been the perfect opportunity to buy some ghastly amount of clothes and then defend the action by saying, well I could have brought home a kitten, a sweet, cuddly but feisty kitten. Of course that plan wouldn't have worked because I am too old for the clothes at Anthropologie, but not too old for the accessories, books, journals and candles one can find there.


So, I came home with a book about writers from Anthropologie and proceeded straight to bed to take a nap. The non-strenuous workout just about knocked me out. I'm sure 3 pecan pancakes had nothing to do with it. I happily slept with reruns of the Andy Griffith playing softly in the background. I'm glad I didn't nap as long as I did yesterday. Roy and I had a late lunch and then ran a ton of errands. We put everything up upon returning home and I told him I was going to take about a 20 minute nap that turned into a 2 hour nap. I'm surprised I was able to fall asleep last night but it did take several episodes of Locked Down New Mexico State Prison to do the trick. I do not know why these prison shows interest me so.


So there you have it, the 750th post on the ol' Monablog and I got nothing really to share. No insights, biblical truths, no lessons learned, no not one...thing. Just this I guess, a peace that passes any understanding that is guarding my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Well, now that I think about it, that is a whole lot. Happy 750!

Just Another Day in the World of Fashion

It is kind of a tradition that I break my fast at Buffalo Grille after doing fasting blood work. So after having my blood taken I headed that way. It was a happening place for a Wednesday morning. Tables were a premium but I found one next to some staff members from another church and no they weren't from the sister church located across the street from Buffalo Grille. I recognized one of them because I had heard him speak several years ago. I'm sitting there with my book, sipping toasted cinnamon coffee and eating a scrambled egg and I'm trying desperately not to listen to the conversation. These guys were not using their inside voices so it was difficult not to overhear. They were complaining, ragging and half way making fun of some of their church members. Now that didn't surprise me. There are some people who just push every button and get on every last nerve and when you're on staff you have to treat them nicely and kindly as unto the Lord. I'm not so removed from my church staff days. No what shocked me was how loud they were venting the latest adventures with those who try man's patience. They need to learn a little tidbit from women. Always use the hushed holy voice like some use when giving a prayer request if you're going to gossip. And a former staff member and friend suggested men should add "bless their hearts" to the end of the sentence like women because it makes it all legit. Too legit to quit! (MC Hammer shout out this afternoon)


Of course after a delicious BG breakfast I headed to The Nord because it is triple point time. I found some things on sale, thank you very much. I also went to Macy's and wasn't disappointed.


I had a little time before my next appointment so I stopped in at The Rack. I was feeling adventurous this morning and decided that today was as good as any to tackle jeans that are sized like 31, 32, 33 and so on. I find those sizes to be intimidating but I pressed on and found a pair of True Religion and some other fancy smancy brand to try on. Good Night Nurse! One pair fit but they were sized to be low riders. The other pair, too small. As most stores do Nordstrom Rack lets you know that Nord employees are monitoring the dressing rooms. I gave them quite a show this morning trying to pull up the too small size jeans. As I returned them to the woman working the dressing room area, she mentioned I might like CJ, Cookie Johnson jeans. She was trying to be so politically correct and diplomatic trying to say, they'll fit your older body better than these other brands. She told me where to find them and I found two pairs and tried them on. Wow, they fit so well! And they are long, like 35 and 36 inches inseam.


On a health note, the new medicine I'm on is not helping. It ain't fixing my broken heart. :) I have an appointment in the first of October to see what the next step is. My heart is working really hard but not efficently. That means I'm retaining fluids a little more. Yeah, that's what I like to do, weigh everyday. I'd appreciate any prayers if I come to mind.

Some Pictures From Last Week

Roy hasn't loaded all his pictures on the computer but I thought I would post some pictures from the past week. He loves his photography class and he and Peggy were talking shop on Sunday at lunch. I was impressed. After the Astros game, we drove around a bit for him to practice his new found hobby. It was a rather nice night temp wise, so we put the top down on Mustang Sally.

Foghorn Leg Hair

Tuesday after my massage and a quick look see at Anthropologie, I returned to the outside table and chairs at Life Time. I was feeling the need for a respite and a Diet Coke made the resting all the more refreshing. A slight breeze was gently blowing with the hint of less humidity that announces that maybe, just maybe, cooler weather is on the way. Ah, what a moment. But something little was disturbing my peace and rest. At first I thought it was a gnat or small fly buzzing around my ankles that was distracting me from this appointed rest. Man I swatted like mad at invisible bugs for a few minutes. I wondered if anyone looking out their window at that moment might think that some crazy lady was outside making all kinds of crazy gestures and whacking the heck out of an ankle. So of course I stopped to see if all my motions had done any good. The breeze welcomed me again and that annoying feeling of something moving just the slightest bit on my leg and ankle continued right along with the breeze. So I decided to investigate further. Could it be I was sitting near an ant bed? No, no...I'm allergic to ant bites and I'd be swollen up so fast one would think my 127 pounds had returned. And then I saw it. I saw what tormenting me... Now before revealing the culprit(s) I need to remind you oh gentle reader of my postmenopausal problem of not seeing well while saving my legs. Mainly that is due to it being performed sans glasses. I have shared how sometimes my legs look like I have some kind of crop rotation going on with rows of smooth skin and right next to that smooth skin a fine, fine row crop of hair. I have also shared that when I played softball we would do side burn checks around the ankles in between games at tournaments when we were bored. Sometimes it is difficult to get to that pesky area behind the ankle bone near the Achilles tendon. If we found long leg hair there because one had not done their due diligence on hair removal, we would loudly proclaim ___________ has sideburns. I didn't have sideburns on Tuesday but just one long, lonely leg hair that looked more like a comb over. The breeze had that hair flying out in the wind just like an American flag totally unfurled and distinctly seen stars and stripes. Somebody needed to be singing, "Oh say can you see, that long leg hair on me!" I couldn't believe it! How long had I missed that one strand of hair? This hair must have had a two year growth span going. It seemed I felt like some kind of lesson was trying to get my attention. That if on a bright, sunny, breezy day, after a massage, totally relaxed and laid back, a leg hair got my attention...could it be the answer my friend was blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind. Oops, little shout out to Peter, Paul and Mary. Could I be as sensitive to knowing God's presence in my daily, ordinary life as I had been to that long, flowing leg hair flapping in the breeze? God knows the hair on my head, so surely that means He knows the very numbered hairs of my legs!
Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.


What's flapping around in my life that is keeping me from the complete and total rest and peace that God has for me? I sat there a while contemplating this deep thought, being still and knowing He is God and to be truthful, thinking about the soon coming quick and swift chopping down of the comb over leg hair. I left with peace in my heart and the determination to get on to Target before out of school moms and kids hit the aisles. I shopped, checked out and pushed the cart out to the car. I had scored a primo parking place, front row! As I pushed my purchases out to said car, I noticed a guy kind of loitering and sauntering around the parking lot, but I soon took him off the radar because he was sauntering away from where I parked. Loaded the trunk and I was just about to tie the tops of two bags that had vitamin waters in them so they wouldn't roll around in the trunk on the drive home. I had this feeling on the inside of me that something was wrong... it was just like that little annoyance of beginning to swat at a bug that turned out to be the longest leg hair in the world. I looked up and that guy was making a beeline toward me. Suddenly I didn't care if vitamin waters would be rollin' on the river in my trunk, I closed the trunk and secured a firmer grip on my purse. I walked away from my car, which was locked and took the basket to the receptacle a few spaces down from my car. A woman was standing there and asked me, do you know what was about to happen to you? I said yes, I had an idea that the guy was going to grab my purse sitting there on the edge of the bumper while I loaded the car. She said I am going to watch you go back to your car and if anything happens I have my finger on speed dial for 911. I turned around, the guy had stopped in his tracks and when he knew I had seen him, he sauntered down another row, waiting for another opportunity. I flagged down the security officer and told him what happened. As I drove out of the parking lot and my heart was beating 90 to nothing, I knew that noticing leg hair had just been an opportunity to see if I am listening and aware of God's presence out and about in daily life.

Weekend, Yesterday and Today

I have fallen hard for Ice Breaker's Orangeade and Limeade sugar free candy. The only place I have found them are at Target at the checkouts. They take the edge off wanting something sweet in the late afternoon and right before bed. The sugar -free Sours are good too but the orange and the lime have my attention.


Monday found me at an unexpected Doctor appointment. Sunday morning I had a heart episode in the choir loft. Since I was sitting on the front row with nothing but French horns in front of me, I decided to leave before falling headfirst into the horns. Several told me I should just sit down but I think the reaction of those around me is so distracting to the service rather than just getting out of there. The diagnosis, my heart is all over the place and the new meds are not helping. Now they have upped other meds and told me to stay as stress free as possible, not to over tax my heart and keep taking my readings to see if anything unusual shows up. The cardiologist is reviewing everything and I should be hearing from him today or tomorrow. I think I can guess what the next step will be. Stress free is kind of funny. Sunday afternoon while at choir Christmas rehearsal, I get a message from Roy that Mustang Sally has been stolen and to come pick him up. Then I listen to the second message to call him back so he will know I am coming to get him from the grocery store. So with my heart racing, I call him only to find out he was two rows off from where he parked. I know it happens and I can't make fun of him because he was doing the shopping so I could rest. And I once did the very same thing years ago at Baybrook Mall. I was more than a couple of rows off, I was in a completely different section of the parking lot.


Monday night was Bunko. I really wanted to have it here at home but the stark reality of no room in the inn for 12 fun and loud women hit about a month ago. So Peggy graciously let us come out there and play. We had a good time although probably the distance kept a few from coming and getting subs instead. No matter, we had a great time. I ordered a pan of Rice Epicurean chicken pot pie. Delicious! We also had rosemary bread and fruit salad. After playing Peggy made everyone a milkshake from their soda fountain. After helping Peggy get everything cleaned up and back in place I headed home.


Tuesday brought a much needed massage. Denise has really worked out all the junk that caused my shoulder to be in so much pain for so many years. She is awesome! I miss Stacey though. Her massages are a bit more relaxing.


Today I have been running errands and working around here. I have new books that are calling out to me for a reading, but I need to take care of the other stuff. A nap is calling out to me too and that is a call I will take.

Thankful

• Thankful that we didn't go to NYC nine years ago
• Thankful for those who saved my life two years ago
• Thankful for a wonderful and loving husband
• Thankful for good friends
• Thankful that I got out of the choir loft before fainting and falling head first into the French horns yesterday morning. Thankful for friend leaving the loft and coming to find me.
• Thankful for an EKG this afternoon
• Thankful that I get to host Bunko tonight at Peggy's and I think I have remembered everything. Thankful for friends who will forgive me if I didn't.
• Thankful that the Monarch house in Shreveport sold and closing was on Friday. Thankful that Roy made the trip up and back safely in one day.
• Thankful that Roy went to his first photography class on Saturday and he is so excited to begin learning everything that goes into taking good pictures.
• Thankful for CBS Bible study beginning and the new friends I have made there
• Thankful that Buddy the cat has calmed down and almost always sleeps through the night without getting a case of the ya ya's.
• Thankful to God for His goodness and kindness to us. Thankful for His faithfulness and that everything is under His control and in His plans. He isn't surprised at anything!

Happy Monday morning!

Happy Anniversary, 33 Years and Counting

September 9, 1977

• We both had brown hair.
• Today one of us is blonder and one of us is grayer.
• Both of us wear glasses now. Roy has cut his eye wear in half but big lenses were all the rage in 1977
• I'm skinnier now than when we married. Roy is back down to his wedding weight.
• I'm about an inch shorter now
• We just thought we were in love with each other back then. Today we know we are in love with each other

Here is our attendants. Looking from left to right back row, Jack (Roy's older brother), Gus, Phil, Bob (my boss at Pennzoil and good friend of Roy's), Mike (Roy's younger brother), and Doug (my brother)

Bridesmaids: Karen, Mary Madeline, Debbie (not crazy friend Debbie but my roommate), Jackie B (friend whose mother held up the cup and saucer to shake her head no. Like we wouldn't see that), Nancy (friend from Pennzoil days) and Donna. Fall colors and it was like 95 degrees outside. The day began with rain but it ended in the afternoon.

Ah, the blushing bride.

Tomorrow is our anniversary. Roy and I have been married for 33 years. The time has gone by so quickly! He was 25 and I had just turned 23 when we were married way back in 1977. I loved Roy then, but I love him even more today. He is one of the kindest, most generous, loving, and patient men that God ever created. He loves me. He even loves me when I am cranky in the morning or before taking a much needed nap in the afternoons. We have walked through some difficult circumstances together but we have had many more good times than bad. I love our conversations, now. There was a time when I didn't look forward to any lengthy talk with him because it usually ended in his asking me about my goals both long term and short term. I found the perfect answer, to have fun, to be popular and have lots of money. My short term goals were to get him off any goal type discussion. When he took me out to lunch all those years ago to Charlie's 517, we both came back a little disappointed. Oh, not in the food but when my friends asked well how was your lunch with Roy? I sadly reported he was the most arrogant man I had ever met! When his friends asked about lunch, he said, she is the shallowest person I have ever met. So, we didn't have a good first impression foundation to build upon. We went out again and purposely overlooked each other's shortcomings. And it was true then as it is today, Roy is much more fun away from work. Our first date was in October, we dated 3 months, were engaged in January and married in September.

On Sunday after church and lunch, we went to The Amish Craftsman. We found a chair that we both loved, it was on sale, it was a floor model so I didn't have to be patient for the Amish to build and it was delivered today. Remember those anniversary gift guides, what you give each other depending on how many years you've been married? Well, 33 falls in between 30, pearls or diamonds, and 35, jade or coral. So we decided oak is what you give one another for a 33 year anniversary. Roy just wished me a Happy Anniversary because I just emailed him to let him know it had been delivered.

Our new chair.

Picture me reading here. I can see me there in the cold, I mean cool winter months with a hot cup of tea or coffee, a book and Buddy on my lap.

I'm sitting here re-reading this post. I wish I could be all mushy, gushy but that's not me. I'm a sentimental type that treasures things in my heart. I treasure and cherish Roy. I love him! He made me a Monarch and there ain't nothing wrong at all with that.

All in All, It Was a Good Labor Day Weekend

Celebrating Labor Day weekend began on Thursday for me. Thursday morning CBS Bible Study started. We are studying Daniel this fall. I've already done the homework, always a shock to Roy since homework hasn't been one of my favorite things in the past about Bible study, and I'm looking forward to and excited to get to know those in our core group. Peggy and I requested to be in the same group and CBS actually honored our request. Bless them! She and I grabbed a quick lunch afterwards and I headed home to pack for Diva Night in Huntsville, TX. Dena had heard about it several weeks ago when she was there with her mom and sister. So she bought tickets and made a reservation for us at a hotel. We were on the road by 2:45. There was some traffic to contend with, but we made it in time to drop our things at the hotel and grab dinner before the Diva shopping event.

We ate at a great place, the name escapes me right now. It is in an old house and it is on TX Road 30. Awesome food and awesome conversation. Of course upon leaving we made the required bathroom stop and we got more than we bargained for in laughter. Old house, old bathroom with room for two, but stall seating for one. I went first while Dena was refreshing her eye make up. We had laughed a lot during dinner and as is her custom left most of her eye make up on the white cloth napkin. Anyway, when I flushed there immediately came this high pitched soprano scream. Hm mm...never even heard Dena hit any kind of note like that and being the low voiced alto that I am, I've never even dreamed of hitting such a high note. When I opened the door I, and this is going to be such a weird description, but I lip synced the high pitch note as if it was me. About this time any eye make up that had been refreshed was exiting quickly because we were laughing so hard. That toilet had some range. Maybe I should invite it to choir, Mission 250. Dena's turn but as is my habit, I didn't do anything to refresh my make up. It's kind of like once it is on that's it. I might reapply lipstick but rarely do. The question, would the toilet make the same high pitched scream again...? Flush, just the sound of rushing water, but then came the delayed scream and we were all over ourselves laughing upon exiting the miniature hallway that housed the office and restrooms. Ah, that was just a sign of the good times to come we thought.


We drove out to Magnolia Lake where this shindig was being held. There were women everywhere...E V E R Y W H E R E!!! Parking was a premium and as I waited for a woman to leave her spot, some Huntsville Hillbilly Diva in her big silver suburban stole my place. Now there was a day and it wasn't too long ago, I would have pulled in behind her and would have probably initiated a conversation about the rudeness of said act. Chances are, I'm taller than she is and when I am rilled up, I can be a tad, no a lot scary. But dang it, I had my Sunday School teacher and friend in the car and didn't want to be used as a "Debbie Don't" example in her lesson. Also, because of my heart and stress issues I cannot allow myself to be that angry and if I am going to be credible in December when I speak on "peace" I can't be doing that kind of stuff. Now this all ran through my mind in a couple of seconds, much less time than it has taken to write or read this and choose joy. I parked in the grass and hoped not to get stuck. Did I mention that it was pouring down rain? Dena and I shared our one umbrella and made it over to the building. The line to enter was out the door, beyond the covered porch and entrance way. We finally made it inside to become the group that was wall to wall crowded. I bet every fire code violation was broken that night. The celebrity waiters, I thought maybe they would be some death row inmates or something, did a great job keeping the food coming. Guess they thought the only worse thing about women wearing pink boas, ready to shop with some disposable income and dressed to kill (neither Dena and I were dressed to kill, we dressed to bore) would be if they were all that and hungry. Smart men, wouldn't have been a pretty sight. We hung in there and the crowd began diminishing, so we were finally able to shop and actually get past people to touch the merchandise. We bought a few things and decided to call it an event. We drove back into Huntsville and went through the drive through at the Dairy Queen for dessert and iced tea. I could tell you about trying to use the drive through order box, but that is another story for another time.


The night at the hotel was rather uneventful except for being able to hear the man one floor below snoring, the trash dumpster being emptied at the What a Burger and the motorcycle noise that came a little before sunrise. If hotels weren't trying to be so "green" all that would have normally been drowned out by the ubiquitous hotel A/C that one runs all night. Now, those units cut off and are silent for long periods of time no matter how low you set them. Dena got up around 2:00 am with her flashlight to lower the temperature even more to make the darn thing kick on. You know somethings wrong when we both think the room is hot. I always choose the bed closest to the A/C vent.


After a lovely breakfast at the hotel, we hit the road to see the sights. I love that the prison, downtown Huntsville and Sam Houston State University are within blocks of one another. We went to some awesome shops. Dena also took a picture of the brick they had put in the SHSU Alumni Garden to honor her father. We ate lunch at The Farm House. Whoa, that was some great home cooked comfort food and we got our dessert to go. The shop across the way and owned by the people who own the Farm House was closed, but we met the owner when we were leaving. His wife was in Canton and she ran the shop. He unlocked the doors and said to look around and he would send someone over later to check us out if we found anything we wanted to purchase. That would never happen in Houston! We both found some clothes we liked, so unlocking that door was a profitable endeavor. We did some shopping on the town square and headed back to Houston. We discussed stopping for Mexican food once we got into Houston, but we were stuffed from lunch. We had such a good time and experienced such a fun shopping trip.

Saturday, Roy and I started the morning at Pappasita's for breakfast. We ran a couple of errands and then came home to sort through and organized our guest bedroom which right now goes by the name of the beverage barn. Gatorade and Power Aid have been on sale, along with Diet Cokes and bottled water. That guest bedroom which doesn't have a bed in it right now becomes the beverage depository. There isn't room in the inn for it to be anywhere else right now.

Sunday, we went to church. After lunch we went to The Amish Craftsman because they are having a sale. We were looking to get another glider/rocking chair but instead bought a floor model chair and ottoman. Love getting Amish furniture and this time I don't have to be patient for it. Usually it takes months because the piece is built when ordered. Roy announced Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! I will take a picture of the chair after it arrives tomorrow for the old blog. Upon arriving home Sunday, I took a much needed nap, then we were off downtown to Roy's office. He needed to scan and get a contract back to the real estate agent for his mother's house. Looks like closing will be on Friday. Needless to say, the whole family is glad to have sold the house and the soon closing of the estate.

On Monday we went back to our cleaning and got several things ready for Goodwill. We moved the glider/rocking chair to our bedroom and will put the new chair in the living room. Roy brought home a pizza and we had that and watermelon for dinner. Neither one of those things are on my diet but they ended our weekend in a good way. Oh that and the I Love Lucy marathon that was on the Hallmark channel last night.

Feeling a Little Nehemiah-esck Today

Oh Tuesday morning, (the actual day and morning, not the store) you are most welcomed. Guess mainly due to the fact that I get to ease into today. Yesterday, I was up at 6:00 am and yes it has been quite some time since I've had to rouse myself that early to be ready to hit the road by 7:30 am. I had a fasting blood lab appointment first thing. After giving blood I was on to the tastier portion of the day, breaking the fast at Buffalo Grille. For 45 minutes I ate, read and sipped cinnamon toasted coffee. Delicious! And like other early morning visits there I learned a lot about real estate, investments and the local political scene. Most men do not visit with their inside voices. There was a good smattering of ladies who breakfast with the noticeable lack of children due to school. Only one well behaved toddler was in our midst.


After a relaxing breakfast I was off to the medical center for my cardiologist appointment. A little more confident this trip in comparison to my last journey into the bowels of medicine, I allowed 45 minutes to drive, valet, and arrive just a tad early for my appointment. This perfect time mapping plan was nearly nixed by a dangerous minivan driver. He and I was surprised it was a man driving the beast, stops traffic in the middle of Fannin to let out two passengers whose efficiency of de-vaning the minivan was atrocious. They must have mistaken the wires overhead for a porte cache. (Knew I could work in my favorite word into the old blog this morning) Everyone behind me is honking, not just short toots of the horn but a laying into of said horns. I wanted to get out of my car to proclaim my innocence of it not being me stopping traffic but the stupid minivan. Of course I kept my composure because low numbers were of the essence for my forthcoming appointment. After sometime of the leisure actions of the minivan, he moved on, straight to valet parking... Uh, they couldn't have waited for the light to change and make a right turn? Anyway, I wanted to give this man a glaring of a lifetime, but how can one do so when the gentleman makes no eye contact? And I promise you this man had his pants hiked up so high, way past a waistline so that his belt touched the bottom of his shirt pocket, and with that my glare would have soon turned to a snicker if there had been eye contact. Uh, that has to be uncomfortable in the southern hemisphere region of the body. Dude, the man wasn't overweight at all, so it was really odd to see pants that high.


I arrived with 7 minutes to spare to a waiting room filled with old people. I realized most of these people's appointments were after mine. I think this doctor's office has realized the mistake of having closed sliding windows at the front desk area and locks on the door to the sacred back rooms. The elderly don't feel so shut out and don't make the every 5 minute trip to the window with specious questions and their motive is just to make sure they KNOW that they are THERE with it all open. Each time the nurse came to the waiting room and called out a name, the lucky named called went back and left the rest to ponder who would be named at the next calling. On one trip the nurse called out the name and no one responded. He called the name again, left for a moment and came back to call for the next named appointment. Some were gleeful in that they had moved up when the no show had left, whether it was for a short trip to the bathroom or had left for the day.


My name was called (so long suckers :) ) and I didn't get a room with a view this visit. Fine by me, I had a great read going on. Now I had dressed in case the appointment was short so that I could attend a funeral i.e. a dress. That was certainly the wrong choice of clothing because I had to do another EKG. Note to self, no more dresses to cardiologist appointments. After that laughable experience it was rather mundane for the rest of the appointment. But they spent two hours with me, asking questions, running tests, asking more questions, giving me answers and then the final verdict of the Dr coming in and giving me the plan. He said, my patients are only those whose lives are falling apart and I think today will be a significant step toward rebuilding you. My thoughts immediately turned to the book of Nehemiah. My heart walls were broken down, gates destroyed and had been left in ruin. Now here came a Doctor who has inspected it all, the bad and the good, the improvements and the lack of improvement, the job started but then stalled and says, "let's start rebuilding." I replied back to him, "yes, let's start the rebuilding and begin this good work."

Be Unto Your Name

Friday, you were a long time coming this week. Not that the week has been a particularly difficult one, but there have been moments both sad and joyful. A friend from church passed away this week after a long and hard fight with cancer. She is at home with the Lord, complete and whole. Another friend is preparing for the passing of a much loved family member. Other friends have just had their first child. Our thoughts are turned to a loved one whose beginning a new and wonderful adventure. Roy anticipates his photography class. My numbers have been the best they've been in quite some time and thankful for that since my appointment is Monday with the heart specialist. Hopefully good numbers will mean I'll start on a medicine that will help my heart behave. Hello Friday!












In choir we have been singing, Be Unto Your Name. These words have brought hope and peace to this week's events. Yes, even in the mundane and ordinary trappings of regular days. If you have time listen to this song and be encouraged!

Mis-Taken Steps

How did this happen? Well, I know how, my ADD kicked in and I've been off in a bunny trail I never planned to go down this afternoon. Anyway, this morning after running a few errands which included a trip by the ol' church house and working out at LT, I returned home energized for a little more organization around here. Although I noticed this morning on my iPod, none of my Tina Turner had been transferred onto it, that task would only take a few moments to complete and onward toward organization. So while I was eating lunch Tina began transferring over. Of course I had to listen to a few of those songs that I LOVE. Then I thought I'd better get the choir Fall tunes over into itunes and onto the ipod. So of course I had to get on Facebook and then look at blogs. I've realized that not all of Tina is in my music itune library. Who knows where those CDs could be, but I began looking. Oh wow, in my search, I came across some more CDs I'd forgotten about and never have put them into itunes. Of course things around here are begging to be organized and going through all these CDs is making more of a mess. I don't mind, Tina tunes are playing in the background. All my steps around here are to the beat with some flourishing the beat with arm and fist punches. Now to begin some of this mad organization. Oh, by the time I start it will be time for me to get ready for choir. Maybe tomorrow or better yet Friday sounds like a great day to be more organized.

Weekend Recap

It has been quite a fun weekend. Roy's new camera arrived on Friday and he is one happy and excited camper. He is signed up for photography classes that begin in September. None of the following pictures were taken with his new camera. So, we celebrated the much researched and much anticipated arrival of his camera and backpack. On Friday evening Dena and I went out to dinner to celebrate her....___ birthday. Let's see, she is two years younger than me. Anyway, she picked out one of our favorite oldie but goodie places, Massas Grill. They serve the best fried shrimp and steak fries. We were a little disappointed to find that the tomatoes capresse is no longer a salad option but the raspberry endive salad was divine. Dinner conversation was not at a loss and we began contemplating our dessert options. Massa's is really good but their desserts are not calorie worthy. I mean if you are going to take a major step off the healthy eating plan, the dessert needs to be worth it. Foolishly, we thought, oh yes dessert at Grand Luxe. Ha ha ha...what were we thinking? No parking and the line waiting for a table was out the door. Plan B was Mama's Cafe. They serve some great coconut creme pie and cinnamon coffee. Perfect! After dessert, we waddled back to the car and headed to her place so that she could open her birthday gift. Had the scare of the evening while she was showing me her new computer and as I was turning to leave the room I stepped on something that made noise. First though, oh gee, I've stepped on Sassy (her cat) but it was this stuffed animal. A lion and it made all kinds of funny roaring noises. I almost wet my pants laughing so hard cause I might have set a new world record in the standing broad jump.

On Saturday morning, Dayspring our Sunday School class, celebrated Dena's and Carolyn's birthday at Pappasitta's. Yes, introducing more to the joy of the pecan pancakes. We all had a blast!

One can meet the most interesting people and decorations in the Pappasita's party room.

This is Dena and me posing for a pic.

This is Thuy, pronounced Twee. She is a blast and loves The Nord too. She's good people.

Of course a birthday isn't a birthday without the sombrerros and a Happy Birthday song at Pappasita's. No head lice were procurred from previous wearers of the sombrerro.

You be the judge. Either one of these two is very shy or one of them did not follow directions. If you guessed did not follow directions, you are correct.

Today was Back to School Sunday at Houston's First Baptist. We were asked to wear our team colors or shirts from a school we root or support. Roy graduated from LSU and University of Houston, but his "play" college he supports is Rice. I went to Southwest Texas State, now known as Texas State University and University of Houston. I was accepted at Baylor, love rooting for Rice but had to go with Old Dominion University. Why? Because they are the Monarchs. We support Team Monarch, so I ordered t-shirts from Old Dominion to proudly display that fact. Roy also wore a baseball jersey from Rice University.


These are our friends David and Emily. We went out to lunch with them after church today and had a great time. Love them! Yes, even though they wear the burnt orange, we still love them and will share a meal with them.

Ah Sunday evening, you came quickly. Sunday evenings when I worked were the hardest. It's the time when you close down the weekend and begin ramping up for the work week ahead. Tomorrow is the beginning of school for most here in the Houston area. The malls will be strangely but nicely quiet, the gym will be less crowded and Target won't be too bad until after school lets out. Summer has gone by too fast but I wouldn't be telling the truth if I told you I'm looking forward to the fall named months and the hope of cooler temperatures.

The Calm Before Shopping the Tax Free Weekend

I just got back from lunch, in The Bistro at The Nord. A fellow traveler on the journey of heart issues and I met. We talked about a lot of stuff but there was a smattering of shop talk of the heart kind in between our other subjects. There is all such manner of topics, meds, doctors, little chest pains here and there, fears, prescribed life changes and the such. Since we both have slimmed down considerably, we loved talking about smaller sizes. In fact after lunch we celebrated smaller sizes by doing some shopping on level 2 in Point of View. Even thought the special of crab mac and cheese was tempting, we both made the right choice of the crab stack. We sat there in my favorite booth in The Bistro and reveled in the generous gift of God of extending our lives and enjoying and giving our gratitude to Him for such a wonderful day. We were ensconced in that booth and several times as we compared our journeys and reminded ourselves of our treasured friendship, it likened the thought and comparison of the deep bonds that form in bunkers and trenches of those involved in war. Although we didn't do this verbally, as we talked and gave all glory to God for His goodness to us in the land of the living, we could have shouted...or maybe just said, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26





It seems life is to be lived in rhythms not balance. We need to be more in tune with the ebb and flow and seasons or even trans-seasonal times. It is more about managing our energy than it is about managing our time. It is being fully aware of what God is doing or saying to us. The other night David Jeremiah said something so interesting. He named Moses, Elijah, Job, the disciples and a few other Biblical people whose names now escape me and David J made the point that God spoke to them out of the storm. David Jeremiah said, when we are in a stormy season, know that the Lord is speaking to us, we have to stop listening to the wind, the thunder and storm noises to hear His voice and listen to the wise word He has for us. Speaking for myself, too many times I am running away from the sounds of the storm because storm noises can scare me. I'm seeking shelter instead of seeking Creator God in the midst of the storm.





Nordstrom and The Galleria in general had a calm about it today. Everyone is waiting to descend upon retailers tomorrow to start off tax free weekend. The mall had the feel of everyone already being back in school. Even Macy's was good. There must be a customer service emphasis at the Macy's in The Galleria. Customers are greeted from all over the store. They are even using paper shopping bags. Those bags are like gold, Jerry, gold. There is not a bag to spare, no spare bags except for huge plastic things that don't really do the job. Today, the Galleria Macy's didn't have what the Memorial City one has in some merchandise I was interested in purchasing. Wow, they ordered it online for me and included free shipping. Macy's is getting all Nordstrom-like. Very nice!



I leave you with this fun video. This could so happen in the parking lots and parking garages in and around Houston. Be careful out there all you brave ones attempting tax free weekend.

I Can't Take Another Sad Animal Story Right Now

With heat advisories in Houston and experiencing mid day energy depletion while out and about running errands, it is no wonder that I have been reading like a wild woman, indoors. I've been knocking off books in my to be read pile in record time. I started a new book yesterday and had to stop reading it when the main character accidentally shoots her dog. Maybe I will try to start it again but I don't know, it is tough getting past that. Over the weekend I read a book that I've anxiously waited for the release of, Let's Take the Long Way Home, a memoir of friendship. On the inside of the jacket of the book is this quote, "It's an old, old story: I had a friend and we shared everything, and then she died and so we shared that too." So, I know going in one of them dies so I was braced for that moment, but what I wasn't prepared for were words concerning the long time four legged friend of the writer and that precarious adventure. I was crying, ugly crying on Sunday night as I finished the book. Dang it, I was saddened by her friend's death but totally unprepared for the rest of the story. Last night I began Laura Bush's book and I really like it so far. Nothing sad better happen to an animal in her story, I just can't take it right now. It is strange how we can or how I can get so moved by animal stories. Maybe I was more sensitive because Buddy the cat has been much more loving and affectionate lately. She cannot get enough of me, my lap and having the side of her head rubbed.


This morning was my monthly massage with Diane. She has done a wonder with my shoulder. Her deep tissue massages are the bomb and it grieved me something awful to tell her I didn't think I could take it today. Being on blood thinners and bruising easily made that decision for me. It was still good. After drinking an Energizer smoothie, I was off to Anthropologie with a 15% off birthday coupon for my total purchase. I've had my eye on some small plates and bowls and a few other fun things. Of course I had to stop at Barnes and Noble, since I was so close. It was not a wasted trip. Now I'm fight the urge to nap.


Roy bought some purple hull peas on Saturday morning at the farmer's market and I made them on Sunday evening. So tonight, we will have the last of the leftovers, along with sliced home grown tomatoes. Nope, I didn't grow them but somebody at their home did. And it has been ever so delightful to have no sugar added ice cream with strawberries. We eat them according to the correct portion, so you know that means about a 1/2 cup of ice cream and a whole bunch of berries. No animals were hurt in doling out the half cup portion.

Quiet Thoughts

On Monday I had lunch with two friends from my tennis playing days. Only Patt is still playing tennis. Seems like so many that were so gung ho about tennis, myself included, no longer play. Many have taken up bridge or golf. There is only so much pounding you can take and I'm not talking about feet on the tennis court. At the time I played, tennis politics took up too much time and energy. At the end of our lunch we pulled out our calendars and made another date for lunch. Loved that! Typically, that is how every match ended when everyone would pull out their calendars and start throwing out dates months in advance to make games. Roy told me when I was in the early days of recovering from myocarditis that he was so glad he didn't have to make phone calls finding subs for all my tennis games.


This week I've been easing back into a routine of having "something" every day. A lot of my summer schedule has been numerous Dr visits for various reasons. Most days I'm able to ease into the day and most importantly keep stress to a minimum. It has been good for the body and mind but it tends to make me a little more boring. Oh well... This week I was scheduled to go back to the specialist but he had to reschedule due to a conflict. That is fine by me because it is giving me more time to adjust to the new meds.


The journey I've been on has created quiet in me. I am content. The unnecessary "fight" in me has dissipated. That is not to say there isn't "fight" in me to function, live and be healthy, there is. It is the unnecessary "fight", nothing more than an energy thief that now seems to ebb more than it flows these days. In Isiah it says in quiet and confidence is your peace. The New Testament encourages us many times to seek peace, to pursue peace. So peace is a hard sought state and if it is going to be experienced consistently, it it pursued constantly. I've come to realize it is not a balance but a rhythm. I was telling a friend last night that these days I feel more like who God really created me to be. I'm comfortable in who I am in Christ and that overflow has helped put to rest all those things I thought I had to be. A little example is this: God created me funny...no that doesn't sound right, let's see...He created me to be humorous. That's better! I don't crave the stage, never really have, I'm more comfortable being humorous in conversations or in writing. Wednesday night Peggy and I did a promotional thing for the choir. It was fun but while I was on the stage I remember thinking, "what in the Sam Hill am I doing up here?" On the physical side of things the next morning I found myself with several large and painful bruises from the slap stick. I knew that since part of the parameters given to me health wise is to stay away from bruising, that for this season I will need to step back and let others take to the stage. And I'm not upset about that at all.

The idea that my blog has to be intentional in delivering biblical truths or holding forth a lesson for others is found in this quiet. If God uses anything here, to Him be the glory. I'm just sitting here sharing life and not waiting to be discovered by the thousands. This is a pleasant avenue to put some thoughts together, sometimes serious, sometimes random, sometimes funny and sometimes unnecessary. Then I have them put into book form and they are in the midst of my journals and the blog presence is to take the edge off. I would like my descendants to know that life wasn't always about the hard and difficult, which journal writing tends to drift toward, but there are many more days of joy, gratitude and experiencing generous days.


There are other areas that God is creating a change in but those aren't for the old Monablog. But the quiet going on inside of me is quite refreshing and welcomed.

What Comes First a Chicken or a Laughing Cow?

Roy and I are back on the straight and narrow path after taking a few detours and side trips that happened during the birthday week. It was encouraging after Wednesday's breakfast of two donuts and later that evening when dinner concluded with dessert, that I missed the simple foods that are the staples of our eating plan. On Thursday I was happy to go back to yogurt and fruit and no real sugary dessert after dinner. Now Friday night, a little side trip at Taste of Texas in the arena of bread was a delightful jaunt and apple crisp with cinnamon ice cream was a delicious diversion. Although it was fruit and the cinnamon in the ice cream helped to stabilize my blood glucose. I have real estate in the swamp to sell as well....


So, tonight for dinner I thought Nancy, well I could have thought Susan but I wouldn't have responded, Nancy why don't you make a delicious dinner of toast, tomatoes and egg beaters? I decided that instead of having a dinner from My Fit Food, I would make scrambled eggs and use egg beaters. Now something that I have found that works so well with the egg beaters is a wedge of low fat/low calorie Laughing Cow Cheese. And since I didn't have enough egg beaters to make a serving, I added one egg to the mixture. Now, have I ever mentioned that I have the attention span of a gnat? So sometime during getting my low calorie whole wheat bread into the toaster and returning to the scrambled egg mixture on the stove, I completely forgot about using egg beaters and adding the Laughing Cow Cheese. Since I forgot this vital information I began stirring the mixture and this thought pops into the old brain, "what is that white stuff there amongst the eggs?" Remember, I am forgetting I added cheese, using one real egg and the remaining mixture is egg beaters and of course I freak out. Oh my goodness, this is a HUGE chicken embryo that has been developing inside the egg. Oh no! I just participated in the abortion of a small baby chick! Oh and being the Bible scholar of weird and strange verses, of course this verse comes to mind. It comes to mind because it kind of, in a funny kind of way, has been my life verse during the past two years while I've been losing weight.

"Don't people complain about unsalted food? Does anyone want the tasteless white of an egg? My appetite disappears when I look at it; I gag at the thought of eating it." Job 6:6-7


I began to gag and choke a bit. I was in a hurry to dump this mess and retreat to the safe knowing of My Fit Food. Suddenly it hit me. I was reminded, oh yes, this white blob is not an aborted baby chicken, it is merely the by product of a laughing cow. Man, I began to laugh because this is not the first time I have had this happen while preparing scrambled eggs. A good reminder to Roy and to me, it really isn't safe for me to be alone in a kitchen preparing food.

Pictures From the Week

Here are a few pictures from last week.

Here are my Pappasita's Brunch Bunch


This is from Thursday at the Nord. Lisa P and I celebrated my %^ birthday. She is pouring some delicious Orange Dulce tea.

Friends know what ya love and Lisa P knows I love me some good jammies. How much better to have little lambies on my jammies, cause I love lambs.

Here we are after our lunch and the mess that is tissue paper. The bag says Rock On and we did.

Another view of the Pappasita's Brunch Bunch. I believe a few became believers in the goodness that is pecan pancakes.

Peggy and Lisa P ordered from the bar... pink lemonade.

Peggy observed that if she had raised the glass just a little more, it would look like Lisa was drinking from the nose.

This is Michael. He was our waiter at Taste of Texas on Friday evening. Dena and I celebrated my %^ birthday. It was all good. If you know Dena, there is always a to go box in her hand when she leaves a restaurant. Not this time.

Here we are on the way to licking the platters clean.

Today I Am %^ Years Old

Today I am %^ years old. Buddy Lee and I share a birthday but she is only 3, I mean #, today. She might be younger but I think I'm getting the better celebration on our birthday. This morning Roy got up early and made a donut run to Shipley's. During the past year while losing weight the only food and this is only if donuts are considered a food, that I craved was iced cake donuts. Believe me, my Simpson's watching has been curbed because in almost every episode Homer has a pink iced donut....argh....donut. Sorry, had to stop my drooling. So this morning because it is my birthday, Roy went out and brought home iced cake donuts for my birthday breakfast. Can I tell you they were delicious! Yes, I ate two. Anyway, I ate them with a knife and fork to prolong all the goodness of those cake donuts for as long as possible. My long time friend since high school, Mary Madeline, called this morning and we had a fab-u-lous time visiting. The Facebook birthday wishes have overwhelmed me with such kind words. I am most blessed with wonderful friends!

Tonight Roy is taking me out to dinner. My choice of place was made solely on a dessert choice. I did think to weigh this morning before tackling a day of forbidden sugar and I have lost another pound. Makes the total of 127. Of course tomorrow's numbers will be totally different both weight and blood glucose wise. But, I know it is only one day that I'll be taking part of stuff that is not normal consumption for me these days.

For a change of pace work out wise, I did some cardio in the pool yesterday morning. It was tight timing in between the two groupings of old ladies that monopolize the pool and won't let you read because they want conversation. While drying off I did visit with Fern. I'm thinking of going out there again today but I missed the morning window of time, so I will opt for the afternoon slot after the old ladies retreat and before the young people converge.

Love that later this week I also have a couple of birthday dinners with friends. Ya gotta love the extendomatic birthday. Well, I just got a call that flowers are being delivered and they are in the office. Since it is my birthday I'm still in my jammies. Guess I better get dressed or throw on my bathing costume complete with cover up and get on down there and pick them up.

Maybe I will wake Buddy up from her second mid morning nap and give her some birthday treats. She'll think the flowers are for her because she is always interested in flowers in vases.