While struggling to walk across the yard from my car to the house, on ground that had been a mud-slush mess the day before, and now was frozen solid into ankle-breaking bumps and clumps, keeping my face burrowed in my nice, woolly turtleneck, struggling to find the door key with my bulky thermal gloves on, "oofing" because the cold makes me have to pee even more, the cell phone rang. I answered it after I got in the door, because I could see it was DD.
"Hi, Mom!" she says brightly. "What're you doing?"
"I just got home," I said. "What're you doing?"
"Oh, nothing right now. But I'm going to the beach tomorrow with some friends" (she goes to college in sunny Florida.)
"That is not even in my scope of reality right now," I shivered, toying with the idea of actually turning up the heat in the house.
"Oh, it's in the 90's here..."
sigh
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
On Being More Appreciative
I was reminded of LunaChick's entry about vacuuming out the inside of the vacuum (after removing the bag...) when I accidentally lit myself on fire. I had just taken my early a.m. shower, and was wrapped in my new robe from Turkey that my sister-in-law gave me. It's thick terrycloth, wonderfully soft and cuddly and absorbent (hence the term "Turkish towel.") Tiptoeing around the house, so as not to awaken DH or Little-Sir-3-Year-Old (and have more time to do schoolwork in peace and quiet,) I was being extra careful about unnecessary noise.
Our gas stove has an electric self-ignite (you know, the click-click-click-whoosh of flame), but sometimes, when I clean around the burners, it doesn't work so well for a day or so and needs a match to get it started. We have a box of kitchen safety matches, but they're almost all gone, and I couldn't find them in the store. DH brought home some cheapy ones from the gas station to tie us over. Now, I've had a problem with these cheapy ones before...they are hard to strike, and sometimes, because I press so hard, the sulphur-topped tip comes off when it ignites, flying like a tiny burning meteor. Once before, one of those little meteors hit my neck and burned me. So, Miss Brilliant Mind that I am, I knew that this could happen, and the "Little Voice" in my head said, "don't use the cheapy ones, use a safety match." But the Miss Stubborn Cheapskate side of me said, "No, they're almost all gone, and I have to save them." (for what???)
Very, very quietly I filled the teakettle with water, set it on the stove, took out my teacup and sugar bowl, reached for the cheapy matches and struck one. I promptly went up in flames. The tiny flying meteor must've hit the robe (which was damp, fortunately), and fast-as-lightning, the top layer of little terrycloth loops were burning all down my front. I quickly patted them out, then heard a "whoosh" down my back, and realized the back was on fire, too. I took off the robe, wrapped it up, extinguished it, and threw it in the shower to wet it thoroughly (all in my naked glory in my budget-conscious-low-temperatured house...thank goodness Number One Son wasn't home to see...)
I was mildly shaking, thanking God that I didn't have to be rushed to the hospital with awful burns. I was mourning my beautiful yellow robe, which now has an over-layer of dark brown where the loops have been burned off, and a small hole in the back that's black around the edges.
And then it hit me.
I've done this before.
sigh
Our gas stove has an electric self-ignite (you know, the click-click-click-whoosh of flame), but sometimes, when I clean around the burners, it doesn't work so well for a day or so and needs a match to get it started. We have a box of kitchen safety matches, but they're almost all gone, and I couldn't find them in the store. DH brought home some cheapy ones from the gas station to tie us over. Now, I've had a problem with these cheapy ones before...they are hard to strike, and sometimes, because I press so hard, the sulphur-topped tip comes off when it ignites, flying like a tiny burning meteor. Once before, one of those little meteors hit my neck and burned me. So, Miss Brilliant Mind that I am, I knew that this could happen, and the "Little Voice" in my head said, "don't use the cheapy ones, use a safety match." But the Miss Stubborn Cheapskate side of me said, "No, they're almost all gone, and I have to save them." (for what???)
Very, very quietly I filled the teakettle with water, set it on the stove, took out my teacup and sugar bowl, reached for the cheapy matches and struck one. I promptly went up in flames. The tiny flying meteor must've hit the robe (which was damp, fortunately), and fast-as-lightning, the top layer of little terrycloth loops were burning all down my front. I quickly patted them out, then heard a "whoosh" down my back, and realized the back was on fire, too. I took off the robe, wrapped it up, extinguished it, and threw it in the shower to wet it thoroughly (all in my naked glory in my budget-conscious-low-temperatured house...thank goodness Number One Son wasn't home to see...)
I was mildly shaking, thanking God that I didn't have to be rushed to the hospital with awful burns. I was mourning my beautiful yellow robe, which now has an over-layer of dark brown where the loops have been burned off, and a small hole in the back that's black around the edges.
And then it hit me.
I've done this before.
sigh
Sunday, February 18, 2007
P.S.
As a post script to my previous entry, in light of Erma Bombeck's thinking, and generally being more appreciative, I would like to say that:
1. This cold weather makes me really enjoy a good hot shower. Of all the things modern society has given us, clean, hot, running water is a particularly wonderful advance for me.
2. I've recently learned that sleep burns more calories than reading or watching t.v., has multiple physical and mental health benefits, and that most women don't get enough of it. To that end, I will gratefully hibernate more this February.
3. I've also learned that skin exfoliants, such as scrubs, are particularly beneficial in this cold weather. So, this morning I treated my face and feet (and thereby, my hands, also) to a nourishing scrub (in the hot shower, of course.) I feel deliciously warm and free of the top layer of dead skin cells now, thank you very much. It's supposed to make me prettier, too. Hmmm...
4. This cold weather has made me really appreciate my one online course, and that I only have to drive to Stony Brook Univ. 2 nights a week, instead of 5, like last semester.
Ok. Now I feel properly appreciative, instead of whining. Thank you.
1. This cold weather makes me really enjoy a good hot shower. Of all the things modern society has given us, clean, hot, running water is a particularly wonderful advance for me.
2. I've recently learned that sleep burns more calories than reading or watching t.v., has multiple physical and mental health benefits, and that most women don't get enough of it. To that end, I will gratefully hibernate more this February.
3. I've also learned that skin exfoliants, such as scrubs, are particularly beneficial in this cold weather. So, this morning I treated my face and feet (and thereby, my hands, also) to a nourishing scrub (in the hot shower, of course.) I feel deliciously warm and free of the top layer of dead skin cells now, thank you very much. It's supposed to make me prettier, too. Hmmm...
4. This cold weather has made me really appreciate my one online course, and that I only have to drive to Stony Brook Univ. 2 nights a week, instead of 5, like last semester.
Ok. Now I feel properly appreciative, instead of whining. Thank you.
February Doldrums
I agree with Natasha from her "Thinking Out Loud" blog. This weather is making me fat!
I just cannot make myself go out walking or jogging when I can feel the flesh of my face freeze after 5 minutes. The last time I tried, I was covered up to the eyelids, breathing through my favorite, soft scarf. Well, my breath caused condensation inside my scarf, and this condensation quickly froze. I then had tiny ice beads scraping my face as I plodded along. I was afraid to go too fast, for fear of hitting a patch of ice and ending up on my butt, hurting something.
I am always cold, except when driving my car, which has had ample time to heat up. At home, I'm trying not to call the oil man too soon, so the thermostat's as low as I can stand it. I periodically jump around the house, warming up and burning a few calories. But my basic survival has been drinking lots and lots of hot beverages...and all I want to eat is comfort food...potatoes (baked boiled, mashed, I don't care as long as they're hot!), chocolate (especially in the form of warm chocolate chip cookies), warm grandmotherly things like nutbreads and pumpkin muffins...I'm fantacizing about this stuff!
Meanwhile, the scale is creeping up IN THE WRONG DIRECTION! Ugh. You'd think all this cold would be making me burn extra calories, but apparently not enough. And, in the evening, all I want to do is get under the covers and watch a movie. (I've been a regular at the library's video/DVD shelf.)
Now, repeat after me...
I am not a couch potato
I am not a couch potato.
Maybe I'll make a pot of chicken soup with lots of veggies. It's hot and comforting, and nutritious, but not fattening.
Brrr.
I just cannot make myself go out walking or jogging when I can feel the flesh of my face freeze after 5 minutes. The last time I tried, I was covered up to the eyelids, breathing through my favorite, soft scarf. Well, my breath caused condensation inside my scarf, and this condensation quickly froze. I then had tiny ice beads scraping my face as I plodded along. I was afraid to go too fast, for fear of hitting a patch of ice and ending up on my butt, hurting something.
I am always cold, except when driving my car, which has had ample time to heat up. At home, I'm trying not to call the oil man too soon, so the thermostat's as low as I can stand it. I periodically jump around the house, warming up and burning a few calories. But my basic survival has been drinking lots and lots of hot beverages...and all I want to eat is comfort food...potatoes (baked boiled, mashed, I don't care as long as they're hot!), chocolate (especially in the form of warm chocolate chip cookies), warm grandmotherly things like nutbreads and pumpkin muffins...I'm fantacizing about this stuff!
Meanwhile, the scale is creeping up IN THE WRONG DIRECTION! Ugh. You'd think all this cold would be making me burn extra calories, but apparently not enough. And, in the evening, all I want to do is get under the covers and watch a movie. (I've been a regular at the library's video/DVD shelf.)
Now, repeat after me...
I am not a couch potato
I am not a couch potato.
Maybe I'll make a pot of chicken soup with lots of veggies. It's hot and comforting, and nutritious, but not fattening.
Brrr.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Hello All,
A friend of mine sent this in an email, and I thought it good enough to post here. I tried copying and pasting it, as it had pretty pictures, but alas...I am technologically challenged and all I got was black and white print.
I grew up reading Erma Bombeck, and loved her. So, from Erma and me, to all of you in Blogland.
In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that t he wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's" More "I'm sorry's."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.
A friend of mine sent this in an email, and I thought it good enough to post here. I tried copying and pasting it, as it had pretty pictures, but alas...I am technologically challenged and all I got was black and white print.
I grew up reading Erma Bombeck, and loved her. So, from Erma and me, to all of you in Blogland.
In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that t he wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's" More "I'm sorry's."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Beauty of Winter
The beach in winter has its own spectacular beauty, especially when it's been cold enough to freeze. I've been watching the bays from afar all week, waiting for the opportunity to go for a long walk, when the icy blasts of February died down. Today was perfect! DH, Little-Sir-3-Year-Old and I went to Indian Island and walked all along the beach border this afternoon.
There's something particularly lovely about the edges, where the foam is frozen, and the ice is in waves, like they've been flash-frozen. The air was still cold, but not brutally chillingly so, like it has been. The sun felt warm on us, as we happily tramped along, watching a flotilla of swans where the ice ended and the water smoothly flowed. The guys took turns throwing stones on the variations of ice...in some places, the stones were absorbed, as in snow...in others, they bounced and skidded over the surface. The air was fresh and clear and tasted deliciously cold, and we gloried in being outside again.
Who knows when the weather will permit our next excursion together like this? Our time to just be us, without a schedule to keep, is so fleeting and precious. Today was a special gift, and I plan to savor the memory of it.
There's something particularly lovely about the edges, where the foam is frozen, and the ice is in waves, like they've been flash-frozen. The air was still cold, but not brutally chillingly so, like it has been. The sun felt warm on us, as we happily tramped along, watching a flotilla of swans where the ice ended and the water smoothly flowed. The guys took turns throwing stones on the variations of ice...in some places, the stones were absorbed, as in snow...in others, they bounced and skidded over the surface. The air was fresh and clear and tasted deliciously cold, and we gloried in being outside again.
Who knows when the weather will permit our next excursion together like this? Our time to just be us, without a schedule to keep, is so fleeting and precious. Today was a special gift, and I plan to savor the memory of it.
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