Someone Special

I have insomnia with my new medicine, so at 4:30am I was cleaning and sorting in the kitchen and for some reason I must have come across an item or picture that reminded me of the boys in kindergarten. Daniel, Tim and Seth all had Anne Fisher as their Kindergarten teacher at Third Ward Elementary School. She was a balance of structure and kindness and calm and respect that they all needed in their own ways. Daniel once called a little girl a "bitch" in class and she called me about it. She decided it wasn't of much consequence since he couldn't remember the word later when she talked to him in the hall. I surely didn't know where he had heard it, as it wasn't from Jim Tice's mouth! I asked Tim one day after he had been in kindergarten awhile if he had a girlfriend. I would never ask that now... He said he had three but he was only going to marry Mary Bay. I will leave it at that, Tim. Seth had to go to the principal, Millie Bankston's, office a few times, which we just had to get used to from then on through his school career. She called me once to check about one of his visits and asked me if she should scold him with or without her peepers on. I think she meant should she be stern, as peepers contribute to that look. I, of course, said "Yes! With peepers!"

 Mrs. Fisher survived all three and they started out on paths that have led them to amazing places of success, and growth, and love. We are all thankful for her. We all were there at her reception when she retired. Daniel doesn't say any bad words around me, Tim is not going to marry Mary Bay, and Seth has been reformed. I am a very grateful Mother.

Natural highs

Last night Jim asked for salmon patties. I remember how the boys asked for those alot, at least Tim and Seth. My mother made them all the time and I loved them and I think Jim remembers that, too, from his mom's cooking. So I think salmon patties qualify for a natural high.

Jim found this poster at a school and it lists some terribly awesome ways to get high - naturally. I think I will get started this afternoon. . . after I eat a salmon patty.

NATURAL HIGHS

Falling in love. Laughing so hard your face hurts. Watching a child do something for the first time after you taught them. Getting mail. Working a successful project with a good friend. Going out to eat with friends. Being in love. A bubble bath. Lying in bed and listening to the rain outside. Finding out that the sweater you want is on sale for half-price. Feeling when the fish takes the bait and is off and running. Holding someone you love in front of the fireplace. Hearing a song that reminds you of someone you love. White water rafting. Seeing someone you love do something outstanding. Making the winning score. Being told you did an excellent job by your peers. The first time your child says, “I love you”. Sledding down a hill during a big flake snow. A new hobby. Hitting the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. Running your best time. Hugging your Dad! Mom! When your brother or sister says they love you. When your dog jumps around because he’s glad to see you. When your boss says, “perfect”. Finishing a good book. Pay day. Having flowers sent to you. A clear day at the beach. An unexpected present. A surprise visit from a friend. Meditation. Seeing a falling star. A beautiful sunset. Hitting the lottery. Finding a nest of baby bunnies. Solving a problem. A hot air balloon ride. Eating pizza. Your favorite meal. A job well done. A long-distance call from a friend. A hug. A spider web with dew on it in the early morning sun. reading under an electric blanket on a cold, rainy day. A long, hot shower. Making somebody laugh. Walking on the beach. Decorating a Christmas tree. Loving yourself. Music. International travel. Intimacy. A great idea. Plunging your hot body into a cool pool. Singing. The quiet after a snowfall. A letter from a friend. Dancing. Breakfast in bed. Candlelit dinner with the one you love. Hearing someone say, “I love you”. Holding hands. Clean hair. The first spring flower. Snuggling the soft skin of a baby. Having a wish come true.

J.Mayer & Associates ©1990

A Meloncholy Day

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Perhaps it's my age, perhaps my love of technology that started with a chance encounter with an Apple computer, perhaps it is the experience of loss of Nancy to cancer...but today is a pensive one. The world has seen the coming and going of another of the genius, creative and honorable minds wrought of God's most powerful wishes. Steve Jobs is one of those people who you expect to see live forever and when they die it takes your breath away. My hope and fervency is for his legacy to remain pure and focused. "To infinity and beyond!"

Overwhelmed

So Jim and I are overwhelmed. But it is not necessarily with bad things, as so often seems the case. It is now with so many fabulous things. For example, Daniel and Rebecca getting married in December and seeing them getting ready after contemplating this for so many years. And Tim and Jane on their journey with Tim absolutely engaged in his new job and Jane getting ready to leap into her masters work. Seth is so on a path by turning around those lemons into lemonade and trying to focus the lens on a career in medicine and helping others.  We are trying to become more tech savvy so that more is done efficiently in that realm. Talk about overwhelmed! As a teacher, it makes my job seem so daunting and yet so challenging. I think I just have to concentrate on being my best for my future grandchildren. : )

It's a girl!

So, how many months has is been? Too many, but the road to a great blog is paved with good intentions. Isn't that the old saying? After starting on the estate work Jim and I also spent much time with Mom and Dad as we all mourned the loss of Uncle George. Not only did we lose him unexpectedly, he left us with a mell of a hess. And he left his companion, Tica. Distraught in the question of a home for her, Mom and Dad were visibly relieved when Jim and Beau and I took her in. Now we are all fast friends. It took awhile. You can imagine the adjustment after living in the quiet environment of a 75 year old bachelor! Beau and Tica are both 9 years old and just live the retirement home life, especially Tica. She loves lounging in the sun by the pool.

Getting Healthy

JT, Beau and I have been discussing getting healthy. I have been looking into yoga and tai chi, Beau has requested more walkies, and Jim not only walks but is really wanting to join a disc golf group. We haven't found one of those nearby and I am truly afraid that I might miss and Jim would end up headless.

Mid-week

The new adventure is the "estate". Jim and I have never had to deal with as much stuff and paperwork ever before. Is there a super hero called "The Shredder"? That would be me! I have shredded at least 30 bags full including paperwork from the 60's. It has inspired us to update our wills, streamline our estate, and totally clean the clutter!!!

Tuesday, March 1

There is so much that goes on in a family...even one our size. And ours is a bit smaller these days. Without Pop, Jim and I are missing a large part of our days and weekends, filled now with paperwork and cleaning and sorting. We would much rather be hearing Pop's stories. Beau gets more attention though.