I haven't been on this site for a LONG time....maybe as much as two years. But today, or just a little while ago a little voice in my head said to go to blogger and see if anyone was still around. So are you there?? I did check out a couple of blogs and was just about to leave and go back to what I originally got on line to do when that little voice asked, "Aren't you going to post anything?"
So here I am. It is finally summer here in Michigan. Been hot for the last several days. I thought I would be volunteering for the Foster Grandparents this summer but somehow I never got placed in a position. They used to have the Summer Reading Program but it was decided to discontinue it. Instead the Grandmas are going to the Y, the Boys and Girls club, the daycares, or waiting for the pop-up summer reading camps to begin with the Intermediate School District. I had hoped for a position at the Library helping there with the Reading Club for Children, but instead, I found myself left out of that and felt hurt and left out. I'm over it now but I need to find something to do. My school teacher has asked me to babysit her boys for two days and that will give me the money I'm missing to pay my bills. I can't believe I can make more money in two days of babysitting than 5 days at school....but that's the way it is. She won't need me again until the end of the month, so money will be tight until then.
I still have this dream of moving to Florida. My friend Jill moved to Ft. Meyers....she would like me to move close to her. So I've been on line looking for jobs and apartments there....I know....I'm kind of old to be looking for a job but I wasn't wise in my younger years and didn't put money away for retirement so I guess I'll have to work until I die. I don't actually mind....I hate just sitting around the apartment. And that's what I do most days now. It is strange when you're working that you think of all the things you would do if you stayed home...but when it happens, you sit like a bump on a log and wish you were back out there.
I got a different car last year. It is small...a little Ford Fiesta....now I'm wanting a bigger vehicle. So today I called to get a payoff on my loan and I actually think I owe more money than I borrowed! How can that be? Maybe this year I have only paid interest? If anyone knows how that works maybe they can explain it to me. I'm going to find the original paperwork and do some research on it. So I'm thinking of trading my car for a mini-van. I think it would be beneficial if I ever did move. I could just load it up with things I really want and get rid of everything else. It's a thought anyway.
Well, I think I'll go back to job searching....let me know your thoughts.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Finally, my internet is back and working fine. Today I called the provided and they gave me a credit of $6.67 to take off my bill. I was satisfied with that. Glad to be back on line. That was Tuesday.....then I tried to keep busy the rest of the week.
School ended for the summer last week and I knew that it would lead to some long days of sitting in my apartment alone. So I decided to buy a new frame for my bed and get rid of the waterbed drawers under it. I knew better than to do it alone so I got my grandson for the day to help me do the job.
He thought it was easy-peasy.....he helped to empty the drawers into a storage tub and then vacuumed the floor. Then we opened the box the new bed frame came in and he said he hoped I had tools....well no tools were needed and he said it was the easiest thing to set up that he had ever seen...soon we had the bed together and I told him I needed a break. I had taken several breaks before that. He said that it was a good thing I didn't help out at his house as they weren't allowed to take breaks when doing projects. I told him when he got as old as I was that he would need breaks too. Once we took a break he didn't complain though. :)
The next day I work up and my back hurt. I took some aspirins and got ready to go to my daughter's for the graduation party. It hurt all the time I was gone....I took aspirins, Tylenol and was looking for ibuprofen but couldn't find any in my purse. I left the party right after I had eaten. Came home and was on my sofa for the rest of the night and two days later--I decided it wasn't going to get better on its own. So I called the doctor and went in to get checked. I would rate my pain level around a 10 by the time I drove to the doctor's office. (It was almost as painful as my knee surgery!) I hardly ever cry in front of anyone but found tears flowing as I sat in the room alone. I was having a real pity party for myself. I ended up getting a steroid shot....pain pills, steroid pack, muscle relaxers and a sheet of exercises. I left the doctors office and thought I should just go home and get the medicine later or wait and see if my daughter could pick them up...then I just bit my lip and said to myself that I had better go now....if I went home I wouldn't want to go out again and I didn't know whether my daughter would even do an errand for me. I remembered the other days laying on the sofa and wishing she might call and bring me a take out which never happened....best to take care of myself.
That afternoon waiting at Walmart's was difficult but when I got home and took the pills it wasn't long until I was feeling better. So, is my back better?....no...I can still tell that the pain is still lurking in the background but at least I can function.
The other strange thing that happened is when I was taking things out of the bedroom a snapshot went flying across the floor. It brought back a flood of memories that I have buried for about 12 years now. It was a picture of me and my last husband....It almost sucked the breath out of me because I can't remember the picture ever being taken. Here it is
I know it must have been around Christmas time.....and it just sucks that we looked so happy...because it all ended so badly. This week while on the sofa I watched the new show Married at first Sight....the last episode was last night. Its a show where couples who have never met get married and try for six weeks to make it work....then they make a decision to stay married or get a divorce. This time two couples decided to stay together and one couple opted for a divorce. It made me think of the picture....my husband and I only knew each other for about a month when he proposed and we were married 3 months later. I wonder if we had spent a little more time getting to know one another if it would have ever happened. It still hurts to looks at pictures because I didn't want a divorce...but he didn't want to be married to me anymore. Sometimes I think divorce is worse than a death because death isn't a choice but divorce is. Funny thing is when the kids at school ask about my husband I fib and tell them he died. I hope Jesus forgives me for that...if I tell myself that enough it helps.
School ended for the summer last week and I knew that it would lead to some long days of sitting in my apartment alone. So I decided to buy a new frame for my bed and get rid of the waterbed drawers under it. I knew better than to do it alone so I got my grandson for the day to help me do the job.
He thought it was easy-peasy.....he helped to empty the drawers into a storage tub and then vacuumed the floor. Then we opened the box the new bed frame came in and he said he hoped I had tools....well no tools were needed and he said it was the easiest thing to set up that he had ever seen...soon we had the bed together and I told him I needed a break. I had taken several breaks before that. He said that it was a good thing I didn't help out at his house as they weren't allowed to take breaks when doing projects. I told him when he got as old as I was that he would need breaks too. Once we took a break he didn't complain though. :)
The next day I work up and my back hurt. I took some aspirins and got ready to go to my daughter's for the graduation party. It hurt all the time I was gone....I took aspirins, Tylenol and was looking for ibuprofen but couldn't find any in my purse. I left the party right after I had eaten. Came home and was on my sofa for the rest of the night and two days later--I decided it wasn't going to get better on its own. So I called the doctor and went in to get checked. I would rate my pain level around a 10 by the time I drove to the doctor's office. (It was almost as painful as my knee surgery!) I hardly ever cry in front of anyone but found tears flowing as I sat in the room alone. I was having a real pity party for myself. I ended up getting a steroid shot....pain pills, steroid pack, muscle relaxers and a sheet of exercises. I left the doctors office and thought I should just go home and get the medicine later or wait and see if my daughter could pick them up...then I just bit my lip and said to myself that I had better go now....if I went home I wouldn't want to go out again and I didn't know whether my daughter would even do an errand for me. I remembered the other days laying on the sofa and wishing she might call and bring me a take out which never happened....best to take care of myself.
That afternoon waiting at Walmart's was difficult but when I got home and took the pills it wasn't long until I was feeling better. So, is my back better?....no...I can still tell that the pain is still lurking in the background but at least I can function.
The other strange thing that happened is when I was taking things out of the bedroom a snapshot went flying across the floor. It brought back a flood of memories that I have buried for about 12 years now. It was a picture of me and my last husband....It almost sucked the breath out of me because I can't remember the picture ever being taken. Here it is
I know it must have been around Christmas time.....and it just sucks that we looked so happy...because it all ended so badly. This week while on the sofa I watched the new show Married at first Sight....the last episode was last night. Its a show where couples who have never met get married and try for six weeks to make it work....then they make a decision to stay married or get a divorce. This time two couples decided to stay together and one couple opted for a divorce. It made me think of the picture....my husband and I only knew each other for about a month when he proposed and we were married 3 months later. I wonder if we had spent a little more time getting to know one another if it would have ever happened. It still hurts to looks at pictures because I didn't want a divorce...but he didn't want to be married to me anymore. Sometimes I think divorce is worse than a death because death isn't a choice but divorce is. Funny thing is when the kids at school ask about my husband I fib and tell them he died. I hope Jesus forgives me for that...if I tell myself that enough it helps.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Again not a lot to write about.
Went to school this morning and the kids are getting wilder and wilder. Today was the day of the math test.
Each student was given a folder to put up in front of them (so no one can look at another's paper)...then the test is handed out. It was two pages with 4 problems on each page. The first four were addition problems and the other page was subtraction. The teacher reads the question and then gives the children time to answer.
But I forgot...before that happened there were pencils to be sharpened (by me) and erasers to be found. It's the end of the school years so both are in short supply. But somehow we manage to get everyone ready.
First question was something like this ....there were 5 birds on the fence...3 more birds landed there...how many birds in all.
Well...two weeks ago this would have been easy for them....but since I haven't seen any math done in the last couple of weeks...it was like asking them to write the formula for an atomic bomb or something. I was sitting at one table beside a girl that begged me to sit with her. "Grandma" she whispered..."help me." I said that I couldn't...it was a test. She started crying.
I moved to another table.
Next question and the little boy sitting next to me said "I need help Grandma" So again I whispered that I couldn't....It was heartbreaking. More that half the class turned in papers that were incomplete...but there was some surprises too....some children that I thought wouldn't know seemed to have no trouble at all.
When I left school today I was worn out. Six more days to go. I stopped to think about that and realized then I wouldn't have anything to do to keep me busy. I will really miss my days with the kids then.
Today I learned that there is a chance my daughter who lives in Florida might be moving to Alabama. I don't know anything about Alabama....now I wish I would have gone to Florida with my friend tomorrow....I might not get to go again. That is just sad.
Went to school this morning and the kids are getting wilder and wilder. Today was the day of the math test.
Each student was given a folder to put up in front of them (so no one can look at another's paper)...then the test is handed out. It was two pages with 4 problems on each page. The first four were addition problems and the other page was subtraction. The teacher reads the question and then gives the children time to answer.
But I forgot...before that happened there were pencils to be sharpened (by me) and erasers to be found. It's the end of the school years so both are in short supply. But somehow we manage to get everyone ready.
First question was something like this ....there were 5 birds on the fence...3 more birds landed there...how many birds in all.
Well...two weeks ago this would have been easy for them....but since I haven't seen any math done in the last couple of weeks...it was like asking them to write the formula for an atomic bomb or something. I was sitting at one table beside a girl that begged me to sit with her. "Grandma" she whispered..."help me." I said that I couldn't...it was a test. She started crying.
I moved to another table.
Next question and the little boy sitting next to me said "I need help Grandma" So again I whispered that I couldn't....It was heartbreaking. More that half the class turned in papers that were incomplete...but there was some surprises too....some children that I thought wouldn't know seemed to have no trouble at all.
When I left school today I was worn out. Six more days to go. I stopped to think about that and realized then I wouldn't have anything to do to keep me busy. I will really miss my days with the kids then.
Today I learned that there is a chance my daughter who lives in Florida might be moving to Alabama. I don't know anything about Alabama....now I wish I would have gone to Florida with my friend tomorrow....I might not get to go again. That is just sad.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Happy Memorial Day
I hope everyone had a happy memorial day and was able to reflect on the people who have served in the armed forces to protect our freedom. I had plenty of time to think about it today since I stayed home alone. I can remember many memorial days when I didn't even give the true meaning a thought....it was just a day off and usually with a picnic. Maybe it's because I am older now and tend to be more thoughtful of things but I am appreciative of all those who have served and especially overwhelmed that some gave their lives so I could have the freedom that I do.
I haven't blogged in almost a year. No real reason just didn't have much to write about. Life is about the same for me. My knee is so much better. I only have a little stiffness if I sit too long....but I am able to walk without pain! (For someone reading this that didn't know I had a total knee replacement and was recovering when I last wrote. )
I am still doing the Foster Grandparent program. This year I was in a kindergarten class and just loved it. Last winter I realized one day that hardly any children had neck scarves....I felt bad for them because it was so cold so I asked if they wanted me to make them one. Of course they all wanted on so I had quite a job to get them all done. Here is a picture of them with their scarves
Altogether I made 19 scarves....several children were absent the day of the picture.
We sure had a good time this year. I can't believe that all these children now know how to read
and also some are great writers. Just this last month I started teaching them how to play chess...some have caught on quite well.
If you notice I have a new profile picture. My hair has changed....don't know for sure if I will keep it like this (blonde) but I will try it out for this summer.
I have also joined a fitness center and am trying to get in shape...it sure is difficult as we get older!
That's about all for now. Be back soon.
I haven't blogged in almost a year. No real reason just didn't have much to write about. Life is about the same for me. My knee is so much better. I only have a little stiffness if I sit too long....but I am able to walk without pain! (For someone reading this that didn't know I had a total knee replacement and was recovering when I last wrote. )
I am still doing the Foster Grandparent program. This year I was in a kindergarten class and just loved it. Last winter I realized one day that hardly any children had neck scarves....I felt bad for them because it was so cold so I asked if they wanted me to make them one. Of course they all wanted on so I had quite a job to get them all done. Here is a picture of them with their scarves
Altogether I made 19 scarves....several children were absent the day of the picture.
We sure had a good time this year. I can't believe that all these children now know how to read
and also some are great writers. Just this last month I started teaching them how to play chess...some have caught on quite well.
If you notice I have a new profile picture. My hair has changed....don't know for sure if I will keep it like this (blonde) but I will try it out for this summer.
I have also joined a fitness center and am trying to get in shape...it sure is difficult as we get older!
That's about all for now. Be back soon.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
I just read on the internet that Friday marked the 45th anniversary of the song "Let It Be" by the Beatles. Hundreds flocked to Abbey Road to do the traditional walk across the street.
I did this walk in the 90's....so I thought I would share two pics...as you see I certainly looked different and was just recovering from a bad fractured arm.
As you can tell I was hurrying...and traffic was bearing down on me....now I guess they are going to put a traffic warden there to aid people who want to walk across.
Until just recently I thought that I was one of the few who chose to do this but I guess it is quite the thing to do and many hundreds of people have done it.
Tomorrow I head out to Florida....so the only internet I will have is on my IPhone....hard to blog that way. Not sure when I am returning....time will tell.
Have a great weekend!
I did this walk in the 90's....so I thought I would share two pics...as you see I certainly looked different and was just recovering from a bad fractured arm.
As you can tell I was hurrying...and traffic was bearing down on me....now I guess they are going to put a traffic warden there to aid people who want to walk across.
Until just recently I thought that I was one of the few who chose to do this but I guess it is quite the thing to do and many hundreds of people have done it.
Tomorrow I head out to Florida....so the only internet I will have is on my IPhone....hard to blog that way. Not sure when I am returning....time will tell.
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Thinking Tuesday
I am calling today Thinking Tuesday. Just for myself. I am home today and going to do some thinking. I have had a busy couple of weeks. I went to the Ann Arbor Art Fairs....actually four of them were all going on at the same time. It was crazy full of people and I actually got to have a conversation with the man who won best of show for painting. I was walking by his booth and stopped to ask him some questions about his paintings. He answered and we had a little conversation. Later when I went by the Art Fair Booth I saw that he was the winner! To me this was amazing because I just stumbled on his booth. It seems like they place the best paintings in one area so I always make it a point to browse that area before I am too tired.
I also went to the county fair. It was at my daughter's insistence. Lately she has been making sure that I do things. Maybe it is the idea that I may be leaving to live in Florida...but whatever it is she has been keeping me busy. This weekend we are going on a little trip up North....stopping first at Frankenmuth. I haven't been there in ages...for those far away Frankenmuth is stuck in Christmas...there are quaint little shops selling Christmas items and of course, a store named Bronners...could possible be the biggest Christmas store ever. I will try to take pictures.
Last night I brought in some more stuff from the trunk of my car. I went to my storage and got stuff to go through. I usually bring it in late night when the other residents are asleep....they always have questions like...."Are you moving?" So I thought I had it made but when the elevator went up it stopped on the second floor and a lady got in with two books (our library is on the 2nd floor). First thing she asks is...."Are you moving?" lol.
Anyway I went through the box and it was mostly junk...some paint brushes...and some oil paints that are probably ruined by the cold winter....then I opened the bin and found more summer clothes...so I spent the next 1 1/2 hr trying on clothes.....I only found a few items that didn't fit....and the rest I really liked. You see I never buy something unless I love it....so I just have so many things that I love. It will be hard to whittle things down for a move. That is one of the things that concerns me on moving. I know I have to let go of things but it is so hard for me. My daughter is no help....she really doesn't want me to go so I can't ask her to help me decide what stays and what goes....and I definitely can't take everything with me....heavens, I have just too much and to pack it and move it would be too costly for me.
Sometimes the little voice in my head asks if I am doing the right thing. My son and daughter who live here think I am not making a wise decision. My son told me no one will hire someone my age. I can't go there and not do some kind of work. My daughter who lives in Florida says that getting a job won't be a problem...but it is here so why would it be different in Florida. In two weeks I will
see what the job situation is in Florida...on the internet there seems to be lots of jobs advertised...but whether that is actually true remains to be seen.
Today I read about a woman called the woman in black. She is seen along the highways between Georgia and Ohio....She only carries a little bag with her. She dresses all in black. How did she make the decision to give up all she had and just walk and live on the land? Is she desperately sad or really more content. Jesus tells us that we shouldn't lay up treasures on earth,
Matthew 6:19
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
Maybe I need to keep that thought in mind in my personal situation.
Well, enough for now.....have a great Tuesday...it is cooler here in Michigan today...hope the sun is shining where you are and that blessings are raining on you.
I also went to the county fair. It was at my daughter's insistence. Lately she has been making sure that I do things. Maybe it is the idea that I may be leaving to live in Florida...but whatever it is she has been keeping me busy. This weekend we are going on a little trip up North....stopping first at Frankenmuth. I haven't been there in ages...for those far away Frankenmuth is stuck in Christmas...there are quaint little shops selling Christmas items and of course, a store named Bronners...could possible be the biggest Christmas store ever. I will try to take pictures.
Last night I brought in some more stuff from the trunk of my car. I went to my storage and got stuff to go through. I usually bring it in late night when the other residents are asleep....they always have questions like...."Are you moving?" So I thought I had it made but when the elevator went up it stopped on the second floor and a lady got in with two books (our library is on the 2nd floor). First thing she asks is...."Are you moving?" lol.
Anyway I went through the box and it was mostly junk...some paint brushes...and some oil paints that are probably ruined by the cold winter....then I opened the bin and found more summer clothes...so I spent the next 1 1/2 hr trying on clothes.....I only found a few items that didn't fit....and the rest I really liked. You see I never buy something unless I love it....so I just have so many things that I love. It will be hard to whittle things down for a move. That is one of the things that concerns me on moving. I know I have to let go of things but it is so hard for me. My daughter is no help....she really doesn't want me to go so I can't ask her to help me decide what stays and what goes....and I definitely can't take everything with me....heavens, I have just too much and to pack it and move it would be too costly for me.
Sometimes the little voice in my head asks if I am doing the right thing. My son and daughter who live here think I am not making a wise decision. My son told me no one will hire someone my age. I can't go there and not do some kind of work. My daughter who lives in Florida says that getting a job won't be a problem...but it is here so why would it be different in Florida. In two weeks I will
see what the job situation is in Florida...on the internet there seems to be lots of jobs advertised...but whether that is actually true remains to be seen.
Today I read about a woman called the woman in black. She is seen along the highways between Georgia and Ohio....She only carries a little bag with her. She dresses all in black. How did she make the decision to give up all she had and just walk and live on the land? Is she desperately sad or really more content. Jesus tells us that we shouldn't lay up treasures on earth,
Matthew 6:19
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
Maybe I need to keep that thought in mind in my personal situation.
Well, enough for now.....have a great Tuesday...it is cooler here in Michigan today...hope the sun is shining where you are and that blessings are raining on you.
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