Meagan put some pictures of Keira on Facebook. She is precious.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Meagan and Matt's Baby
Picture sent by Sarah Chipps to Facebook.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Hard Times
I have to remember because I always forget. I am very lonely when I come to San Diego. Last year I had Kelsi, this year I don't even have her. I should just stay home, yes, I am lonely there, but it is expected. I am alone. Somehow I always think it will be different down here.
Everybody has their life. Everybody lives so far a part. It costs me too much down here and unless I have money to spend for clothes, etc I am just stuck on the computer which I can do at home.
I thought I would be so focused and work on scanning, on finishing my quilt, on sewing. I don't want to do any of those things. I do much better at home just doing my own thing.
I thought I would get out and exercise and eat less. I still weigh the same as when I came down a month ago. So obviously nothing is working... I thought I would spend some time with Meagan in anticipation of the baby but not so.
My legs ache so much when I walk, I just can't get any good exercise. Bummer. Hard Life. Not happy anywhere anymore.
Everybody has their life. Everybody lives so far a part. It costs me too much down here and unless I have money to spend for clothes, etc I am just stuck on the computer which I can do at home.
I thought I would be so focused and work on scanning, on finishing my quilt, on sewing. I don't want to do any of those things. I do much better at home just doing my own thing.
I thought I would get out and exercise and eat less. I still weigh the same as when I came down a month ago. So obviously nothing is working... I thought I would spend some time with Meagan in anticipation of the baby but not so.
My legs ache so much when I walk, I just can't get any good exercise. Bummer. Hard Life. Not happy anywhere anymore.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Bad Day!!!
Today was a bad day for me! The restoration to my new computer from my on line back up was just 9 hours away from being complete when the new computer started freezing. After many attempts to get it up and running strong, I called Toshiba. We did a system restore with no loss to my data, however, still freezing up.
Three Toshiba reps later I was finally convinced we would have to do a system restore and lose all my data and programs I had put in the last two days. Ok, I was resigned to that.
However, I had bought Microsoft Office 2010 and installed it and now I can't find the key card!!! I called Microsoft because I do not have the receipt with me to run over to Walmart. Always helpful, they said if I faxed in the receipt tomorrow, they would replace it with a new disc, not just a card. Cost would be $23 plus $5 postage. Not bad, for a $200 loss!
First I will travel across town tomorrow to get my receipt--it is at Linda's house--and I am at Maria's house today, a loooong way a part. I wonder if the Walmart near Linda's house will help me or will I need to go to the Walmart near Maria's place, a loooong way back?
Not to mention all the work of having the restoration done. A friend suggested no lap top has enough memory to hold all of my pictures and maybe that is what caused the freeze. How will I know that until I have everything restored and it starts freezing again. So frustrating. I can say with all honesty that computers have been such a delight to my life for the last 25 years but they have also caused me more frustration than anything else in this world, with printers coming in a close second.
Three Toshiba reps later I was finally convinced we would have to do a system restore and lose all my data and programs I had put in the last two days. Ok, I was resigned to that.
However, I had bought Microsoft Office 2010 and installed it and now I can't find the key card!!! I called Microsoft because I do not have the receipt with me to run over to Walmart. Always helpful, they said if I faxed in the receipt tomorrow, they would replace it with a new disc, not just a card. Cost would be $23 plus $5 postage. Not bad, for a $200 loss!
First I will travel across town tomorrow to get my receipt--it is at Linda's house--and I am at Maria's house today, a loooong way a part. I wonder if the Walmart near Linda's house will help me or will I need to go to the Walmart near Maria's place, a loooong way back?
Not to mention all the work of having the restoration done. A friend suggested no lap top has enough memory to hold all of my pictures and maybe that is what caused the freeze. How will I know that until I have everything restored and it starts freezing again. So frustrating. I can say with all honesty that computers have been such a delight to my life for the last 25 years but they have also caused me more frustration than anything else in this world, with printers coming in a close second.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
The New Computer
- A couple of months ago Melissa observed my computer was probably due for a crash, from what I had told her about it.
- My friend Mary Anne told me about backing everything up with Carbonite (which I did).
- Last week I received a certificate from Walmart for 0 interest financing on a computer.
- Then the back of my computer broke.
- I did a survey on Microsoft to see what requirements I needed for a new computer, considering my activities.
- Mike and I went shopping for those specs and found some possibilities at a Walmart near his home.
- I reviewed the requirements I needed with possibilities Online.
- It takes too long Online...I need it before I leave on the 7th, all set up.
- Then I did a survey to see if any of the possibilities I wanted were in a local store. I zeroed it to two.
- One was in the Walmart store near Mike, One was in City of Industry in L A, all the rest were Online only.
- I bought the one at Walmart for 0 interest financing and Mike helped me set it up with cross over from my old computer and it is now restoring from Backup with Carbonite.
- Sounds like Destiny, doesn't it...or good planning and research...Which?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Kristi's Fun Bunch
Kate, Kristi, Ryan, and Mike Stewart
Kriti's Blog is a must to keep up on. This last week is especially charming about the Christmas in Wyoming. What a beautiful place and what a beautiful family, great pictures, Kristi, thanks for keeping us current with the Stewarts.
Melissa--Another Writer in the Family
Another interesting blog to read, my granddaughter Melissa. She has written quite a few insightful blogs and poems and recently did the 30 Day expose'. Very interesting, Melissa. And you should definitely keep writing and you should definitely take up dancing and go back to your acting, you were fabulous. We saw her in some high school plays and she was so good!
I wish all the grandchildren would keep up their writing because they really are all individuals with different kinds of talent and I, for one, like to hear about their lives. They may seem dull to them, but they are very intersting to me.
Looking Beautiful at almost 9 Months!
Way to go, Meagan, we are all so proud of you for doing it all. Of course, there might be a little crimp in her international traveling for awhile.
This is a neat lunch place called the Renaissance Center off Towne Center in UTC. I should never have left the Golden Triangle, great area, I love it here. When we bought our house in La Jolla Heights, this place was all hills and weeds and motorcycles.
Julie Thayne Smith
Introducing my grandniece Julie Thayne Smith-- Julie lived with my sister quite a while and was always such a delight to visit with. Now she is married to Morgan and has son Nixon and has a full and exciting life. I enjoy reading her blog from time to time and added it to my other blogs I follow. I liked what she said in Facebook and I quote:
I am swimming through this life, jumping in head first as deep as I can, only coming up for air when it's absolutely necessary:)...... I don't want any regrets....... I want to ALWAYS remember my dreams and follow them with all of my heart...I hope to do my best to be worthy of the blessings I have and will receive.... What keeps me breathing and has made me who I am-? My beautiful son and husband.... The longing and hope I had as a child and as I grew up for peace and justice in this world, the pristine beauty and encompassing power of nature and our Father in Heaven's hand in ALL that is tranquil beauty around us...... Remembering when I lived in France and found and left part of my soul there and traveled through Europe to receive an expansion of my perception through my journies- I long to return and regain that part of my dormant soul and I will one day... The sweet all encompassing joy I feel going to our cabin in breathtaking Silvergate, Montana: a place where time stands still, the air is clean and crisp, wild animals roam free, and it's brilliant nature scenes engulf me... The beach of Laguna where my childhood memories come rushing at me as the waves of this life and crash into my existance. The sting of the salt and the force of the water so powerful as the strengthening sun kisses my skin.... If I have loved enough If I have served enough If I have lived enough......
What a great attitude toward life. And... I think we have another writer in the family.
I love her blog, she has a lot of great pictures from the cabin at Silvergate. By the way, Julie is the daughter of David Thayne, son of my sister Jeanne Thayne. Her husband Morgan Smith is a dentist and they live in Utah.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
I Got the Call Today!
SBA is calling me in for training for Customer Service Feb 6 to 16th in Sacramento. Actually I had the training in 2005 for Customer Service prior to Hurricane Katrina but I retired in 2006 and then rejoined in 2007 and this past year I switched from Loan Officer to Customer Service (taking applications in the disaster area). When I rejoined in 2007 you could only join as a Loan Officer, no openings in Customer Service. However, since they want to use locals as loan officers, if possible, there is little chance for work unless there is a major, major disaster (when you live so far away from Sacramento and Fort Worth).
This past year my friend Mariebeth emailed me from Sacramento and said they were recruiting Customer Service Reps again and so I applied and got in. Some of my other friends did it later and for some reason the positions were pulled, not sure just why.
When they first started the Disaster Reserve program in 2000 we were expected to serve wherever they asked us to be--either in the office making loan decisions or out in the field taking loan applications and we were all called loan officers. I remember the first time we were asked to put our preference of which we wanted to do on a sheet of paper. The leader was trying to convince me of all the reasons it was better to work in the office and stay in a nice, safe environment in Fort Worth.
However, I noticed the regulars were really excited when they were called to travel and they brought all their suitcases to the office and then took off together and had exciting tales to tell when they returned. Luckily, I was able to experience both over the years and traveled to Maryland, West Virginia, Guam, Galveston, Texas and Louisiana. I also enjoyed the many times I worked in Fort Worth and then the Sacramento office. There are challenges and perks to both but now, there is no choice, it is one or the other.
Hopefully, there will be no fiasco with me flying from San Diego instead of driving from Lake Almanor--somehow the information you give one doesn't always get to the right person. It will be fun to see Mitch and Melissa again, glad I will be there over the weekend, but I may miss the big event, the birth of Meagan and Matt's daughter...hate to miss that.
This past year my friend Mariebeth emailed me from Sacramento and said they were recruiting Customer Service Reps again and so I applied and got in. Some of my other friends did it later and for some reason the positions were pulled, not sure just why.
When they first started the Disaster Reserve program in 2000 we were expected to serve wherever they asked us to be--either in the office making loan decisions or out in the field taking loan applications and we were all called loan officers. I remember the first time we were asked to put our preference of which we wanted to do on a sheet of paper. The leader was trying to convince me of all the reasons it was better to work in the office and stay in a nice, safe environment in Fort Worth.
However, I noticed the regulars were really excited when they were called to travel and they brought all their suitcases to the office and then took off together and had exciting tales to tell when they returned. Luckily, I was able to experience both over the years and traveled to Maryland, West Virginia, Guam, Galveston, Texas and Louisiana. I also enjoyed the many times I worked in Fort Worth and then the Sacramento office. There are challenges and perks to both but now, there is no choice, it is one or the other.
Hopefully, there will be no fiasco with me flying from San Diego instead of driving from Lake Almanor--somehow the information you give one doesn't always get to the right person. It will be fun to see Mitch and Melissa again, glad I will be there over the weekend, but I may miss the big event, the birth of Meagan and Matt's daughter...hate to miss that.
"I Got the Call Today!"
SBA is calling me in for training for Customer Service Feb 6 to 16th in Sacramento. Actually I had the training in 2005 for Customer Service prior to Hurricane Katrina but I retired in 2006 and then rejoined in 2007 and this past year I switched from Loan Officer to Customer Service (taking applications in the disaster area). When I rejoined in 2007 you could only join as a Loan Officer, no openings in Customer Service. However, since they want to use locals as loan officers, if possible, there is little chance for work unless there is a major, major disaster (when you live so far away from Sacramento and Fort Worth).
This past year my friend Mariebeth emailed me from Sacramento and said they were recruiting Customer Service Reps again and so I applied and got in. Some of my other friends did it later and for some reason the positions were pulled, not sure just why.
When they first started the Disaster Reserve program in 2000 we were expected to serve wherever they asked us to be--either in the office making loan decisions or out in the field taking loan applications and we were all called loan officers. I remember the first time we were asked to put our preference of which we wanted to do on a sheet of paper. The leader was trying to convince me of all the reasons it was better to work in the office and stay in a nice, safe environment in Fort Worth.
However, I noticed the regulars were really excited when they were called to travel and they brought all their suitcases to the office and then took off together and had exciting tales to tell when they returned. Luckily, I was able to experience both over the years and traveled to Maryland, West Virginia, Guam, Galveston, Texas and Louisiana. I also enjoyed the many times I worked in Fort Worth and then the Sacramento office. There are challenges and perks to both but now, there is no choice, it is one or the other.
Hopefully, there will be no fiasco with me flying from San Diego instead of driving from Lake Almanor--somehow the information you give one doesn't always get to the right person. It will be fun to see Mitch and Melissa again, glad I will be there over the weekend, but I may miss the big event, the birth of Meagan and Matt's daughter...hate to miss that.
This past year my friend Mariebeth emailed me from Sacramento and said they were recruiting Customer Service Reps again and so I applied and got in. Some of my other friends did it later and for some reason the positions were pulled, not sure just why.
When they first started the Disaster Reserve program in 2000 we were expected to serve wherever they asked us to be--either in the office making loan decisions or out in the field taking loan applications and we were all called loan officers. I remember the first time we were asked to put our preference of which we wanted to do on a sheet of paper. The leader was trying to convince me of all the reasons it was better to work in the office and stay in a nice, safe environment in Fort Worth.
However, I noticed the regulars were really excited when they were called to travel and they brought all their suitcases to the office and then took off together and had exciting tales to tell when they returned. Luckily, I was able to experience both over the years and traveled to Maryland, West Virginia, Guam, Galveston, Texas and Louisiana. I also enjoyed the many times I worked in Fort Worth and then the Sacramento office. There are challenges and perks to both but now, there is no choice, it is one or the other.
Hopefully, there will be no fiasco with me flying from San Diego instead of driving from Lake Almanor--somehow the information you give one doesn't always get to the right person. It will be fun to see Mitch and Melissa again, glad I will be there over the weekend, but I may miss the big event, the birth of Meagan and Matt's daughter...hate to miss that.
No Pictures!
Sunday I shared a birthday lunch at James' and Camber's residence for the next year. The birthday cake was to die for--from Coldstone. The view was pretty great as well. Next time I am there I will have to take pictures, a lovely equestrian scene in Rancho Santa Fe. I received two lovely jackets from Coldwater Creek, one from Christmas and one for my birthday. Of course, I will need to exchange them, I am not as small as they think but I will have fun doing that. Thanks, Hardys, for a nice birthday lunch.
I spent most of my time helping Kelsi put her clothes away and hanging up her dresses while she entertained me with dancing and talking, what a lively girl. Lea does very well at organizing her things by herself, she has been taught well. She even has room for the keyboard in her room, great idea.
Jacob had a big job in his room as Jimmy was off doing other things so I worked with him and we did very well till it was time for me to go home. I do not like driving at night anymore, not sure just why, I think it is the way the pin points come out from the head lights too much. It gets dark so early!
It takes exactly 30 minutes from Linda's to James' home on a Sunday afternoon, not bad...
I spent most of my time helping Kelsi put her clothes away and hanging up her dresses while she entertained me with dancing and talking, what a lively girl. Lea does very well at organizing her things by herself, she has been taught well. She even has room for the keyboard in her room, great idea.
Jacob had a big job in his room as Jimmy was off doing other things so I worked with him and we did very well till it was time for me to go home. I do not like driving at night anymore, not sure just why, I think it is the way the pin points come out from the head lights too much. It gets dark so early!
It takes exactly 30 minutes from Linda's to James' home on a Sunday afternoon, not bad...
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Christening Dress
Yesterday while I was helping Kelsi put her clothes away in her new bedroom Camber brought me the Christening Dress I had been looking for. I had thought Linda and Maria were blessed in it but I can see Mom had sent them a nylon dress from Andersons. Anyway I believe Linda's daughters were all named in the dress and Melissa. Camber's Mom had bought Lea a new dress and so she and Kelsi never used it.
Anyway it is in perfect condition if Kristi or Meagan want to use it for that special occasion of naming the new baby daughter.
Anyway it is in perfect condition if Kristi or Meagan want to use it for that special occasion of naming the new baby daughter.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 22, 2011
For my birthday we gathered at my favorite fish taco place called El Portal Mexican Grill
and the food was delicious. I shared some gluten free cupcakes and they liked them, too.
We didn't do a very good job of getting everyone's picture though. We missed Matt M, Maria and Linda.
The boys had come from a roofing job, and James and Lea from moving from one house to another and Matt M from soccer so I really appreciated everyone making the special effort to wish me a Happy Birthday!!
I also appreciated the birthday song on my cell from Camber and Kelsi, calls from Jeanne, Marilyn, and Carole, all the birthday wishes on Facebook and a special birthday call from Ryan and Kate, the great grandchildren. Thanks to everyone for a lovely birthday!
Me, Mike and Meagan
and the food was delicious. I shared some gluten free cupcakes and they liked them, too.
We didn't do a very good job of getting everyone's picture though. We missed Matt M, Maria and Linda.
The boys had come from a roofing job, and James and Lea from moving from one house to another and Matt M from soccer so I really appreciated everyone making the special effort to wish me a Happy Birthday!!
I also appreciated the birthday song on my cell from Camber and Kelsi, calls from Jeanne, Marilyn, and Carole, all the birthday wishes on Facebook and a special birthday call from Ryan and Kate, the great grandchildren. Thanks to everyone for a lovely birthday!
Me, Mike and Meagan
Matt V, Johnny, Matt S and Kelly
James, Lea, and Mike.
Sarah was trying out for softball league with her Dad Gary and Jacob and Jimmy had soccer with their Mom.
After we went to see the new digs the James Hardy family is living in this year in Rancho Santa Fe. I think Maria decided it was a terrific place to have a wedding. Yes, the date is set for April 2 for Maria and Johnny!
I told everyone no gifts but I surely ended up with a lot of nice things and gift cards and even movie tickets. So nice to be with family at birthday time.
Next big event is Gary's birthday and Meagan's new baby--both scheduled for February 6, can hardly wait!!
Sarah was trying out for softball league with her Dad Gary and Jacob and Jimmy had soccer with their Mom.
After we went to see the new digs the James Hardy family is living in this year in Rancho Santa Fe. I think Maria decided it was a terrific place to have a wedding. Yes, the date is set for April 2 for Maria and Johnny!
I told everyone no gifts but I surely ended up with a lot of nice things and gift cards and even movie tickets. So nice to be with family at birthday time.
Next big event is Gary's birthday and Meagan's new baby--both scheduled for February 6, can hardly wait!!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Zoo Again!
Kelsi and I hit the Zoo again to take the bus ride and ended up with their big soft cones--so good! My legs ached so much after my last day at the zoo, the bus was great.
Instead of going to the Wild Animal Park on Friday, Kelsi wanted to see a movie. We saw "Tangled" and it was as good as Linda said it would be. Fun time with Kelsi.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Back to the Zoo!
Since James and Camber are moving from one house to another this week I am taking Kelsi to the Zoo again. We will ride the bus this time and try and catch the big animals we missed and the Pandas and Sea Lions and maybe, just maybe we will check out the Wild Animal Park on Friday before I deliver her to her new home. I will have to wait and see how tired I am. But this is such a great time of year to go. The only problem I have is my aching legs. I am so out of shape.
I will never forget one hot, hot day in the sumer when I had three of Maria's at the Wild Animal Park. Melissa was still in diapers (which we ran out of) and she had diarrhea. I was so hot, my capris were soaked. The children were all too little to be of any help, it was a disaster. I don't know why I thought I could manage them all by myself. When I saw a worker go by with a cart he was driving I wanted a ride so badly, I will never forget that trip but I am sure the children don't remember it at all.
Sort of like taking our own children on a train trip so they would have that wonderful memory. I am sure they don't remember it at all.
I will never forget one hot, hot day in the sumer when I had three of Maria's at the Wild Animal Park. Melissa was still in diapers (which we ran out of) and she had diarrhea. I was so hot, my capris were soaked. The children were all too little to be of any help, it was a disaster. I don't know why I thought I could manage them all by myself. When I saw a worker go by with a cart he was driving I wanted a ride so badly, I will never forget that trip but I am sure the children don't remember it at all.
Sort of like taking our own children on a train trip so they would have that wonderful memory. I am sure they don't remember it at all.
Check-Up
Today they checked my carotid arteries at Scripps and they are looking good!!! No need to check again until next year so I really am doing fine! Dr. Hemp asked me how old I was and then said, "Oh, well, you are already beating the odds."
Truly as I sat there in the waiting room and saw so many people in wheel chairs I did feel very healthy indeed. I also read half of my new book "Home to Holly Springs" by Jan Karon, one of my favorite authors,
so time was not wasted by waiting.
Biggest problem is driving home in the dark. My eyes do not like all those bright lights from the cars and such--I just should not drive at night at all. Couldn't be helped though, Dr. Hemp was two hours late for his appointment as usual. I shouldn't complain. He doesn't see many patients at all, he mostly just does surgeries but when he asked if I had a Dr down here and it was negative, he said to just see him again next year and they would do the test. I appreciate that.
Truly as I sat there in the waiting room and saw so many people in wheel chairs I did feel very healthy indeed. I also read half of my new book "Home to Holly Springs" by Jan Karon, one of my favorite authors,
so time was not wasted by waiting.
Biggest problem is driving home in the dark. My eyes do not like all those bright lights from the cars and such--I just should not drive at night at all. Couldn't be helped though, Dr. Hemp was two hours late for his appointment as usual. I shouldn't complain. He doesn't see many patients at all, he mostly just does surgeries but when he asked if I had a Dr down here and it was negative, he said to just see him again next year and they would do the test. I appreciate that.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Books, Books, Books
Good news today, visit to skin cancer doctor--none this year!!
What would we do without books to read? I am into a new author to me, Luanne Rice. I just read a fun, family mystery called "The Secret Hours" and now I am reading another of hers called "Summer of Roses" and there are so many more. I love it when I find an author I have not read. I put her quote about "Conservatives are just liberals who have grandchildren" on Facebook and immediately a sidebar showing her Facebook came up. It is unbelievable how far reaching Facebook is. I see the young adults from Church get their social calendar from there also. What a world we live in.
Yesterday after church the Pulsiphers had a marvelous roast beef dinner with both roasted and mashed potatoes. Tanner did the mashed potatoes. It is one thing they all do so well.
I always marvelled that my mother could put on a roast beef dinner every Sunday, I somehow could never manage that.
What would we do without books to read? I am into a new author to me, Luanne Rice. I just read a fun, family mystery called "The Secret Hours" and now I am reading another of hers called "Summer of Roses" and there are so many more. I love it when I find an author I have not read. I put her quote about "Conservatives are just liberals who have grandchildren" on Facebook and immediately a sidebar showing her Facebook came up. It is unbelievable how far reaching Facebook is. I see the young adults from Church get their social calendar from there also. What a world we live in.
Yesterday after church the Pulsiphers had a marvelous roast beef dinner with both roasted and mashed potatoes. Tanner did the mashed potatoes. It is one thing they all do so well.
I always marvelled that my mother could put on a roast beef dinner every Sunday, I somehow could never manage that.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Piano Teacher
Yesterday afternoon while waiting for prescriptions from Wal Mart I learned about a library that was close by. Needing to replace my lost SD library card anyway, I spent some time there and checked out "The Piano Teacher" by Janice Y. K. Lee. I remember I had read the review in the Costco magazine. It is her first novel.
In reading reviews, I was surprised at several who did not like it. I am really enjoying it, she reveals bits and pieces at a time of the characters. I am especially interested in Hong Kong during WWII and how it affects the Americans and British who were living there. Marie Arana gave this review and I like that she introduces me to three new books about WWII, which is a subject I like to read about. The fact that I actually can visualize some of the places in Hong Kong it mentions is really neat. Meagan flew me over there in 2005 and I especially remember the Peak area which plays a big role in the book.
"War. Love. Betrayal. The harsh lessons of history. These are big subjects for any veteran writer, and yet, in her first novel, Janice Y.K. Lee confronts them admirably. The Piano Teacher is an intricate tale about the British colony of Hong Kong during World War II, when the island's inhabitants were overrun by Japanese forces, suffered a harrowing occupation and emerged profoundly shaken -- their sense of self undone.
It's hard to imagine a more complicated theme. Few have dealt with it successfully: J.G. Ballard did so in Empire of the Sun, about a lone English boy in Shanghai during the Japanese invasion; Graham Greene, too, in The Quiet American, about the French in Saigon after the war; and J.G. Farrell in The Singapore Grip, about British bankers in 1939, on the verge of a terrible conflagration. These are superb novels that manage to convey the divided loyalties, sudden reversals of fortune and deadly opportunism that a colony in peril can breed."
Anyway, good read and three more to come, yea.
In reading reviews, I was surprised at several who did not like it. I am really enjoying it, she reveals bits and pieces at a time of the characters. I am especially interested in Hong Kong during WWII and how it affects the Americans and British who were living there. Marie Arana gave this review and I like that she introduces me to three new books about WWII, which is a subject I like to read about. The fact that I actually can visualize some of the places in Hong Kong it mentions is really neat. Meagan flew me over there in 2005 and I especially remember the Peak area which plays a big role in the book.
"War. Love. Betrayal. The harsh lessons of history. These are big subjects for any veteran writer, and yet, in her first novel, Janice Y.K. Lee confronts them admirably. The Piano Teacher is an intricate tale about the British colony of Hong Kong during World War II, when the island's inhabitants were overrun by Japanese forces, suffered a harrowing occupation and emerged profoundly shaken -- their sense of self undone.
It's hard to imagine a more complicated theme. Few have dealt with it successfully: J.G. Ballard did so in Empire of the Sun, about a lone English boy in Shanghai during the Japanese invasion; Graham Greene, too, in The Quiet American, about the French in Saigon after the war; and J.G. Farrell in The Singapore Grip, about British bankers in 1939, on the verge of a terrible conflagration. These are superb novels that manage to convey the divided loyalties, sudden reversals of fortune and deadly opportunism that a colony in peril can breed."
Anyway, good read and three more to come, yea.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
New Beginnings
Linda prepared and gave part of the presentation, which was spectacular. The girls are so fortunate to have such beautiful, accomplished and caring leaders to guide them during this exciting time of their life as they change from girls to women and develop their talents and beauty.
Sarah gave part of the presentation and was with the group who sang the closing song about Virtue. It is a new song and was especially well done. They gave such a great performance. Gary gave the closing remarks so it was a family affair.
My mother used to lament that we were missisng Mutual, which was such an important part of her life. I can see it would have been very helpful to me. We pretty much winged the growing up thing, without any more than motherly advice, which is not always taken as well as it should be.
Gorilla World
After Linda, Kate, and Ryan left we ate some Nachos and Ice Cream. Kelsi kept saying she wanted to see the umbrellas, I thought. But it was the gorillas she wanted to see. They were very active and close today so very fun. Especially when papa took a swipe at mama? to make her get out of the way and baby stole papa's doo doo and preceded to eat it. Always fun watching the gorillas, Kelsi was right. 
A Day at the Zoo
Kelsi waits by the entrance for Kate and Ryan.
Yea, Linda arrives with Ryan and Kate.
Ryan and Kate are a caterpillar and a butterfly.
Petting goats at the Children's Zoo is fun.
Cute Bugs.
Always fun to climb on the turtle.
Good ride, Ryan.
Dipping in the ice with the Seals.
Ryan pops up. This is all a new attraction to the Polar Bear exhibit. The bears were having
great fun showing off but the children were more interested in playing in the ice caves.
Climbing in the helicopter is also a new thing at the Zoo!
Meagan came to join us and I forgot to get her picture...darn it.
Dinner and Games at the Pulsiphers
First party since arriving in San Diego was at Linda and Gary's house on Sunday night, the 9th. Linda made some pulled pork for sandwiches and beans and Camber and Maria brought salads. Yummy. Oh, yes, and the Pulsiphers had made wonderful cupcakes.
We played silly games and it was fun having all the grandchildren old enough to join in the games.
Linda and Kristi
We played silly games and it was fun having all the grandchildren old enough to join in the games.
Linda and Kristi
Meagan and Matt
Jacob and Camber
Jacob, James, and Jimmy
Johnny and Maria
More Pictures at Pulsiphers
Matt S, Kelly, and Matt V
Kate, Sarah, and Lea
Kelsi
Tanner
Janet and Mike
Friday, January 07, 2011
Selective Memory
My sister, Marilyn, called and said she loved reading "The Montana Years" and that there was a lot more detail than she remembered.
She did say I had forgotten that we had an 18th Birthday Party for Marilyn at Norma Kay's house. Kay was in my grade, not Marilyn's. I do not remember it at all.
It is very interesting what "selective memory" we have. I am not sure that term applies here but I did look it up and this is what it means:
Lacunar amnesia is the loss of memory about one specific event. It is a type of amnesia that leaves a lacuna (a gap) in the record of memory.
According to Steven Johnson, (the author of Mind Wide Open: Your Brain and the Neuroscience of Everyday Life):
"Scientists believe memories are captured and stored by two separate parts of the brain, the hippocampus, the normal seat of memory, and the amygdala, one of the brain's emotional centers... the brain is designed to preserve emotionally strong memories. Even amnesiacs, under the right circumstances, can remember their past feelings."
Furthermore, according to Alex Chadwick speaking on NPR:
"Some scientists now believe that memories effectively get rewritten every time they're activated... Theoretically, if you could block that chemical reaction in a human brain while triggering a specific memory, you could make a targeted erasure. Think of a dreadful fight with your girlfriend while blocking that chemical reaction, and zap! The memory's gone."
Daniel Goleman, in his book Vital Lies, Simple Truths, defines a lacuna as :
"... Lacunas, in short, create blind spots "
As I say, I can't imagine why I would selectively forget Marilyn's birthday party, but the above has certainly happened in the selective memories I have regarding relationships that fall apart. I simply have erased certain memories from my brain, absolutely. I also would erase from my mind disagreements with my husband. It certainly makes for a more peaceful coexistence. Richard, on the other hand, could remember everything--this is not nearly as good for the psyche.
Selective memory is a great survival mechanism.
She did say I had forgotten that we had an 18th Birthday Party for Marilyn at Norma Kay's house. Kay was in my grade, not Marilyn's. I do not remember it at all.
It is very interesting what "selective memory" we have. I am not sure that term applies here but I did look it up and this is what it means:
Lacunar amnesia is the loss of memory about one specific event. It is a type of amnesia that leaves a lacuna (a gap) in the record of memory.
According to Steven Johnson, (the author of Mind Wide Open: Your Brain and the Neuroscience of Everyday Life):
"Scientists believe memories are captured and stored by two separate parts of the brain, the hippocampus, the normal seat of memory, and the amygdala, one of the brain's emotional centers... the brain is designed to preserve emotionally strong memories. Even amnesiacs, under the right circumstances, can remember their past feelings."
Furthermore, according to Alex Chadwick speaking on NPR:
"Some scientists now believe that memories effectively get rewritten every time they're activated... Theoretically, if you could block that chemical reaction in a human brain while triggering a specific memory, you could make a targeted erasure. Think of a dreadful fight with your girlfriend while blocking that chemical reaction, and zap! The memory's gone."
Daniel Goleman, in his book Vital Lies, Simple Truths, defines a lacuna as :
"... Lacunas, in short, create blind spots "
As I say, I can't imagine why I would selectively forget Marilyn's birthday party, but the above has certainly happened in the selective memories I have regarding relationships that fall apart. I simply have erased certain memories from my brain, absolutely. I also would erase from my mind disagreements with my husband. It certainly makes for a more peaceful coexistence. Richard, on the other hand, could remember everything--this is not nearly as good for the psyche.
Selective memory is a great survival mechanism.
Marilyn, a few years ago, at the Anderson Cabin.
Dad's Birthday
Back Row: Dave and his wife Dorothy, Janet, Dick
Front row: Jeanne, Mom, Carole, Dad, Marilyn
He said they both enjoyed my book "The Montana Years" but I had forgotten he went to Dawson County Junior College in Glendive before he went to Utah State and he had two years there, ever though he did not graduate. He went straight from college to marriage and then managed one of the several stores my Dad and his brother had at that time. He said he also didn't remember me being with the folks when they picked him up in Idaho after he burned his legs in an accident. Neither one of us could remember what car we had. I just remember seeing his feet stick out the back door whenever we stopped and I was cautioned not to close the door on his feet.
Dave and Dorothy eventually ended up in the Anderson's store in Miles City. Miles City was about 80 miles from Glendive. One time when I stopped there on my way to or from someplace he let me out the alley door where my car was parked. It was early in the morning and someone he knew came by and was gawking. Dave called out, "She's my sister."
 |
| Dave and Dorothy 2009 |
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Kathy Bishop's Family
Mary lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Kathy and Myron live in Lander, Wyoming.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
New Year's Resolutions
Yes, I think this is a good time to review my personal goals, habits and determinations. It is never to late to make a fresh start. Seems the things I want to improve on are always the same but that just means I am probably not trying hard enough. What do I need to do for 2011?
More Exercise--although I am busy all day long, it is hard for me to stick to an exercise routine, especially since I have problems with my left metatarsal. This has resulted in Bandido and I each acquiring a few pounds this year. Yes, I will work on that.
End mindless snacking--I do this when I have a project, when I am thinking about something, when I am stressed, when I am bored, when I am lonely--it seems the reasons for mindless snacking are endless. I need to try and understand that outlet and stop it!!! I have given up so many foods such as gluten products and it has not been hard so I know I can do it. I just need to keep my head in gear instead of drifting into a daze.
Make time for things I enjoy and stop tasking all the time. Yes, I am great at finishing my tasks. I need to be better at doing what I enjoy which is???? I will work on that. Smile, smile, smile is the first order of every moment. And laugh out loud at least once a day. Things don't seem as funny to me as they used to...
Sleep more, yes, sleep more. I am sure I am sleep deprived--eat those cherries before bedtime, Stop staying up late. Get back to my habit of early rising, exercising, and then dressing for the day. I have spoiled myself with too many pajama mornings, just because I can.
Reach out more--I am too satisfied with my little world--I need to get more involved...although this is just a goal, it is not a prerequisite for my happiness, it is just something that would probably add to my life.
Oh, yes, Janet, and don't forget to get back to your 30 minutes of dancing a day...you ditched that for 2010...put it back in your life for 2011. Now print this off and put it front of your face once in awhile!!!
More Exercise--although I am busy all day long, it is hard for me to stick to an exercise routine, especially since I have problems with my left metatarsal. This has resulted in Bandido and I each acquiring a few pounds this year. Yes, I will work on that.
End mindless snacking--I do this when I have a project, when I am thinking about something, when I am stressed, when I am bored, when I am lonely--it seems the reasons for mindless snacking are endless. I need to try and understand that outlet and stop it!!! I have given up so many foods such as gluten products and it has not been hard so I know I can do it. I just need to keep my head in gear instead of drifting into a daze.
Make time for things I enjoy and stop tasking all the time. Yes, I am great at finishing my tasks. I need to be better at doing what I enjoy which is???? I will work on that. Smile, smile, smile is the first order of every moment. And laugh out loud at least once a day. Things don't seem as funny to me as they used to...
Sleep more, yes, sleep more. I am sure I am sleep deprived--eat those cherries before bedtime, Stop staying up late. Get back to my habit of early rising, exercising, and then dressing for the day. I have spoiled myself with too many pajama mornings, just because I can.
Reach out more--I am too satisfied with my little world--I need to get more involved...although this is just a goal, it is not a prerequisite for my happiness, it is just something that would probably add to my life.
Oh, yes, Janet, and don't forget to get back to your 30 minutes of dancing a day...you ditched that for 2010...put it back in your life for 2011. Now print this off and put it front of your face once in awhile!!!
On Waking Up More Beautiful
I thought this was an especially helpful article--I already do several of them, but I surely haven't heard of the rooster pill???
1. Get an Early Start
Make a habit of washing your face a few hours before bed. If you wait until you're tired, you're more likely to blow it off -- allowing "toxins and dirt to stay on there all night," says dermatologist Laurie Polis of N.Y.C. Another consequence? You miss the best time to treat your skin. "At night there's more blood flow to the skin's surface, and there's nothing else on your face to interfere with absorption," Polis says.
2. Sleep on Your Back
Note to Audrey Hepburn fans: Lying on your stomach is bad for "beauty sleep." The average head weighs 7 to 8 pounds -- a lot of pressure to be putting on your face every night. In fact, many dermatologists say they can tell what side of the face people sleep on by the number of wrinkles there.
3. Get a Lift
Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows, or put the headrest area of your bed on 2- to 4-inch pieces of wood. Gravity helps lymph and blood flow so fluid won't accumulate, Polis says.
4. Save Money, Not Wrinkles
At night you don't need to worry about eye treatments smearing your makeup, so slather on the richest formula you can. Polis swears by Aquaphor: "It conditions lashes and hydrates the delicate eye skin really well."
5. Sneak a Glow
Mix a drop of self-tanner into your night cream or use a cream that contains a bit of tan-producing DHA.
Try: Clarins Radiance-Plus self-tanning cream, $52; clarinsusa.com.
6. Avoid Carb Face
To wake with defined cheekbones, eat a high-protein, low-sugar dinner (try salmon and asparagus, a natural diuretic). Skip the rice, pasta and potatoes. "When our diet's high in glycemic carbohydrates, our features take on a soft, doughy appearance," says Connecticut dermatologist Nicholas Perricone.
7. Wrap It Up
To minimize A.M. frizz, sleep on a satin pillowcase or put your hair in a silk scarf. "Those fabrics are much softer than cotton, so there's less friction," says Harry Josh, a John Frieda stylist.
8. Find Your Inner Ballerina
Pile hair into a twist on the top of your head (use a scrunchie to avoid crimping). "In the morning you'll have major volume and beautiful waves," Josh says.
9. Turn on the Hair Conditioning
Sleep with a moisturizing treatment in damp hair overnight. We like Philip B. Katira Hair Masque, but any rich conditioner will do. Rinse in the morning.
Try: Philip B. Katira Hair Masque, $40; philipb.com.
10. Pop a Rooster Pill
Trust us, we were skeptical. But after swallowing two Wake Up on Time pills at 11 P.M., we found it much easier to get out of bed seven hours later. Created by a sleep-deprived single mother, the pills contain an energizing blend of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12 and guarana-seed extract. It's formulated with a coating that releases ingredients into your bloodstream toward the end of your last sleep cycle, so you wake up feeling clear-headed, not fuzzy.
Try: Wake Up On Time, $30/40 tablets; wakeupontime.com.
1. Get an Early Start
Make a habit of washing your face a few hours before bed. If you wait until you're tired, you're more likely to blow it off -- allowing "toxins and dirt to stay on there all night," says dermatologist Laurie Polis of N.Y.C. Another consequence? You miss the best time to treat your skin. "At night there's more blood flow to the skin's surface, and there's nothing else on your face to interfere with absorption," Polis says.
2. Sleep on Your Back
Note to Audrey Hepburn fans: Lying on your stomach is bad for "beauty sleep." The average head weighs 7 to 8 pounds -- a lot of pressure to be putting on your face every night. In fact, many dermatologists say they can tell what side of the face people sleep on by the number of wrinkles there.
3. Get a Lift
Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows, or put the headrest area of your bed on 2- to 4-inch pieces of wood. Gravity helps lymph and blood flow so fluid won't accumulate, Polis says.
4. Save Money, Not Wrinkles
At night you don't need to worry about eye treatments smearing your makeup, so slather on the richest formula you can. Polis swears by Aquaphor: "It conditions lashes and hydrates the delicate eye skin really well."
5. Sneak a Glow
Mix a drop of self-tanner into your night cream or use a cream that contains a bit of tan-producing DHA.
Try: Clarins Radiance-Plus self-tanning cream, $52; clarinsusa.com.
6. Avoid Carb Face
To wake with defined cheekbones, eat a high-protein, low-sugar dinner (try salmon and asparagus, a natural diuretic). Skip the rice, pasta and potatoes. "When our diet's high in glycemic carbohydrates, our features take on a soft, doughy appearance," says Connecticut dermatologist Nicholas Perricone.
7. Wrap It Up
To minimize A.M. frizz, sleep on a satin pillowcase or put your hair in a silk scarf. "Those fabrics are much softer than cotton, so there's less friction," says Harry Josh, a John Frieda stylist.
8. Find Your Inner Ballerina
Pile hair into a twist on the top of your head (use a scrunchie to avoid crimping). "In the morning you'll have major volume and beautiful waves," Josh says.
9. Turn on the Hair Conditioning
Sleep with a moisturizing treatment in damp hair overnight. We like Philip B. Katira Hair Masque, but any rich conditioner will do. Rinse in the morning.
Try: Philip B. Katira Hair Masque, $40; philipb.com.
10. Pop a Rooster Pill
Trust us, we were skeptical. But after swallowing two Wake Up on Time pills at 11 P.M., we found it much easier to get out of bed seven hours later. Created by a sleep-deprived single mother, the pills contain an energizing blend of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12 and guarana-seed extract. It's formulated with a coating that releases ingredients into your bloodstream toward the end of your last sleep cycle, so you wake up feeling clear-headed, not fuzzy.
Try: Wake Up On Time, $30/40 tablets; wakeupontime.com.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Everything I Never Needed to Know About My Birth Day
Your date of conception was on or about 1 May 1932 which was a Sunday.
You were born on a Sunday under the astrological sign Aquarius.
The year 1933 was not a leap year.
Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/6/1932 and ending 1/25/1933.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Monkey.
The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 16 April 1933.
Your lucky day is Saturday.
Your lucky number is 4 and 8.
Your ruling planet(s) is Saturn and Uranus..
Your birth flower is CARNATION
Your birthstone is Garnet
The Mystical properties of Garnet
Garnet is used as a power stone
Your birth tree is Elm Tree, the noble-mindedness
Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, tends to a know-all-attitude and making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humour, practical.
The moon's phase on the day you were born was waning crescent.
Sunday, January 22, 1933
Moon's age (days): 25
You were born on a Sunday under the astrological sign Aquarius.
The year 1933 was not a leap year.
Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/6/1932 and ending 1/25/1933.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Monkey.
The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 16 April 1933.
Your lucky day is Saturday.
Your lucky number is 4 and 8.
Your ruling planet(s) is Saturn and Uranus..
Your birth flower is CARNATION
Your birthstone is Garnet
The Mystical properties of Garnet
Garnet is used as a power stone
Your birth tree is Elm Tree, the noble-mindedness
Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, tends to a know-all-attitude and making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humour, practical.
The moon's phase on the day you were born was waning crescent.
Sunday, January 22, 1933
Moon's age (days): 25
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