Friday's Child

5:06:48 PM EDT
Feeling Smitten

I remember the first time Nick sauntered into my life.  It was early evening.  He walked in slowly, hesitantly.  At first I didn’t think he noticed me.  He was so handsome he took my breath away.  I just kept watching him.  He would steal glances in my direction but never moved toward me.  I just sat there and watched him eat and then watched him leave.

 

I couldn’t stop thinking about him.  I didn’t want to think about him.  It was way too soon.  George had only been gone a couple of months.  He broke my heart.  I wasn’t ready.   I just didn’t know if I could even try to go through that again.  But I kept wanting to see this handsome guy again.  So I started hanging out looking for him.  Sometimes he would show up and sometimes he wouldn’t.  Each time I saw him, he would become just a little more friendly in my direction.  After a week or two of this, I finally realized that he was just super shy.  So, I finally took the initiative one night.  I discovered that he was just as apprehensive as I was.  After three weeks, he moved in with me.

 

We’ve been together about three years now.  As with any relationship, we both have undergone adjustments.  I have watched him develop and mature and grow to be even more handsome and loving.  I must admit, though, he has some routines that can drive me wild but I live with it.  He’s worth it.

 

I enjoy reading for a while before going to sleep.  He likes to lie down with me and cuddle while I’m reading.  That I like. But sometimes he can be pushy at the most inopportune times.

 

“Oh, Nick, you’ve got to be kidding me.  It’s three o’clock in the morning,” I moan as he slowly begins to climb on top of me.  “I’ve got to get up in two hours.  You can sleep all day.”

 

He keeps pushing my hand.  When that doesn’t work, he begins nuzzling my neck.  Then he moves up to kiss my eyelids, the tip of my nose, then my cheek.  He never kisses me on the lips.  I wonder about that.  Maybe he likes hearing me groan and doesn’t want to silence me.

 

He’s really starting to get into it now.  He is so totally absorbed in his own thoughts and actions.  So much so that he is actually drooling.  A little drop of spittle fell on my chest.  He just keeps on with that slow steady rhythm.

 

But then, once again, he loses control.  He starts scratching me.  “Ow,” I mumble in a groggy voice.  “That’s enough, now stop it!”  I’ve finally had enough of this nonsense.  I manage to turn over on my side, pushing him off me to the other side.

 

He just sits there looking at me with his sad, confused look of rejection.  It’s always the same thing.  He pouts, I take pity.  “Oh, all right, come here,” I mutter as I reach out for him.

 

He lies back on top of me once again.  This time he just sleeps and purrs like the beautiful cat he is.

 

 

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9:31:05 PM EST
Feeling Happy

 

I got this great graphic from Donna quite some time ago.  It brought back some fun memories of my youth.

 

I don’t remember of ever really dreaming of being a ballerina; I just always loved to dance.  When I was three, my mother enrolled me in tap and ballet classes.  I don’t know how long I attended.  Not long enough.  It might have been because we moved.  Who knows.

 

 

I remember taking ballet classes again when I was around eight.  There were classes in the basement of the Marsh Hotel (see earlier entry for story of the Marsh) where we lived in Van Wert.  I think I attended as a guest because my parents owned the hotel.  I also took baton lessons from one of the high school cheerleaders.  She held classes in a studio above her father’s grocery store.  You’d think I was in training to be a cheerleader but that’s something I never even tried.

 

The next dance involvement I had was in high school.  In 1966, when I was a junior (11th grade), a friend talked me into trying out for a girls’ marching drill team.  This was in Lexington, KY.  It was a program sponsored and operated by the County Recreation Department.  And was I happy when we made it!  We were known as the KY KADETTES.  I performed with them for two years.  My senior year, I was voted “Miss Congeniality” and appointed Captain.  I had two Lieutenants.  This was probably one of the best things I ever did as a kid!  I had more fun and it was good for me.  As the Captain, I was out front by myself, my costume colors were reversed from the others and, best of all, I was the one with the whistle!  When we were marching in parades, I would turn and march backwards, raise my baton and blow the whistle to signal the start of our routine.  I loved it. 

 

 

 

 

These two little snapshots are the only pictures I have from those two years.  These costumes were obviously for  dance presentations rather than marching.  I can’t even remember exactly where we were performing for these.  We did a lot of parades, a lot of half-time shows at basketball and football games.  Once we even did a performance at the Lexington Trots (horse surrey racing).  They said that ESPN or whatever its equivalent was in 1967 was going to be filming and we might be shown on their show.  Well, I think we made the cutting room floor!  I never saw or heard about it being shown. 

 

I have been trying to track down more information from the Recreation Department in Lexington but I suppose 40 years is a long time to dig back in the records.  I can’t for the life of me remember our instructor’s full name.  I think her name was Margaret but I don’t remember her last name.  She was an instructor at the University of Kentucky because after high school graduation, several of us enrolled at U.K. and signed up for a modern dance class with her.  We also performed in a modern dance troupe that she choreographed. 

 

I’ve lost touch with everyone.  I have no photos of any of our performances.  I really wish I did.  I tried to find two of the girls who are sisters who were in the KY KADETTES with me – Linda and Gloria Sharp.  Linda was Captain in 1966 and Gloria was Lieutenant when I was Captain in 1967.  Their Mom was pretty involved and traveled with us and was always taking pictures.  But I’ve not had any luck in my search.  I keep looking for them on Classmates.com.  Anybody out there have a premium membership?!  Oh, well.  It would be fun to connect up with somebody or find some pictures from then. 

 

Well, I started out college as a dance/physical education (P.E.) major.  After my first semester, I met with one of the college counselors about my major.  Darn if she didn’t convince me back then there was no future in P.E. unless I wanted to just teach. HAH.  Hindsight.  Good grief, who knows what I could have done with it!  Oh, well, guess it doesn’t matter over 40 years later!

 

Well, I’m still dancing!  Sort of anyway.  I love doing aerobics.  The music keeps me hopping and I love learning the dance steps.  I’m just not into plain, old straight walking!  I find it too boring.  Guess I need the loud music and the beat!

 

Well, you know what they say – DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING!!  That’s me!

 

As a final side-note.  My grandson is home and doing well.  He’s gorgeous and so tiny!!  I'll be getting some photos.  What a little bundle of joy.  He had a rough start but he’s on his way now!  Thanks to all of you who had kind words and prayers.  They are so appreciated.  God bless each and every one of you.

 

 

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8:12:11 PM EST
Feeling Worried

Well, let me try this entry again.  I just lost it.  This picture represents the month we've been having.  I had hoped this entry would be more upbeat than my last one.  There's so much going on.

My DIL was in labor for hours.  We were all hoping that she would dilate enough to give natural birth but it turned out they finally had to do another cesarean.  My little grandson (second child for them) was born about 12:40 a.m., 2/20.  Everyone was doing fine.  Then the next morning before any of us could get to the hospital, they had to put little boy in an incubator, on an IV and on oxygen.  He seemed to be having trouble breathing.  They said his blood count wasn't right but nobody seemed to know what the problem was.  He would get better, they would take him off the oxygen and then he would get worse again.  We have not even been able to get in to see him.  Apparently, they've decided he has infant pneumonia possibly caused by some milk getting into his lungs.  I feel so bad for him.  No one is allowed to even hold him.  It's just not right.  At least they told us today that he is improving and that the doctor feels he is going to be fine.  It's just been so scary. 

And I've got things going on at work that are causing a lot of stress.  Boy, when I was younger I always thought that life had to get easier as you got older.  HAH!  Okay, I'm sounding really negative now.  Best I move on.

I'm feeling such empathy for my friend, Anne, who just recently lost her beautiful dog, Luke.  Our animals become such an integral part of our families.  Losing a pet is like losing a family member.

Well, I just had to get this out.  My favorite mantra is "this too shall pass" and that is so very true.  When you look back on the trials you have gone through, it never seems quite as bad as when you're in the middle of it.  So, I know things will get better again.  God is in charge so I'll just try to do what I'm supposed to do and let Him lead the way!!

I've missed visiting your journals.  I'll be back around pretty soon.  I do hope all my J-Land friends are doing well.  God Bless each and every one of you!

 

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8:08:29 PM EST
Feeling Chillin'

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A timeto cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.  

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, KJV)

 

Well, I’m finally taking a few minutes to sit down and try to gather my thoughts.  This past week and a half has been, well, it has just been.  And we’re still not back to square one yet.

 

A week ago Wednesday, my dear sweet mother-in-law passed away at the age of 86.  Those of us left behind will miss her sweet spirit but I know she’s happy and pain-free now.  She’s definitely in a better place!  We spent Thursday and Friday making the preparations.  We laid her to rest on Saturday afternoon.  It was a beautiful service.  The weather was beautiful; the sun was shining.  She will be missed.

 

But the cycle of life continues.  We should be adding a new grandson to the family any day now.  He will be number 4 and the first boy!  His little sister, Alexis, is so excited.  She’s so cute to watch!  But, then, we’re all so excited.  Every time the phone rings now, we think “this might be it”!!

 

The calendar said that Monday was my birthday.  All I remember of that day is my boss making up for my “lost” work time.  It became a week of very long days.  I do like my firm, though.  The firm itself tries to make things good for the staff.  I work for a large law firm so that’s saying something!  They’ve really been good for me.  They brought in Weight Watchers at Work and I lost 35 pounds.  Weight Watchers is ongoing.  This year they’ve started a walking program offered through the American Heart Association.  Anyone who is interested can participate.  We’ve put together our own little teams for some competition.  It’s a good thing!  My problem is, I’m not a walker.  I absolutely love aerobic-style workouts because of the choreographed steps and the music.  Walking just isn’t the same!  I don’t know if they’ll be able to figure out how to convert things like jogging, aerobics, etc. into steps but we’ll see!

 

I did get some new Ecco boots and some really nice perfume for my birthday.  I really do like them.  I doubt I’ll be able to wear the boots very much here in Florida but, oh, well!  I like them!  I sure could have used them more in January.  Oh, well, there’s next year!  Tee hee.  Hubby took me out today for a birthday lunch.  I picked Mimi’s Café cause I love their quiche!  Yummy!

 

I haven’t been able to visit any journals lately.  But I do think of them and I miss my journal friends.  I hope everyone is doing well.  Blessings.

 

 

 

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11:48:46 AM EST
Feeling Frustrated

Okay, I don't like politics and I promised I wasn't going to verbalize my thoughts.  But this is my one and only time.  Some might agree.  Others will not.  Whatever.  I luv's ya all anyway!

I'm a very conservative individual.  I don't necessarily vote the party, I try to vote for who I believe most emulates my beliefs.  I can't say out loud what I think of the Clintons, particularly Hillary.  Obama does not agree with me. Neither does McCain.  I don't believe in abortion in general, only in extreme individual circumstances.  I believe the federal government is already too interfering and I think we're already shredding the Constitution.  I don't believe in all these social welfare programs (yes, there are cases where help is temporarily needed).  They're taking and spending OUR money but when I needed help I couldn't "qualify".  We're spending billions more on ILLEGAL immigrants in this country than we are on the war that's protecting this country.  The closest candidate to my beliefs is Romney and it has NOTHING to do with religion.  But I'll try not to rant!!  Oops.  Well, shucks, I didn't bring up the politics, did I?

 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

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5:13:15 PM EST
Feeling Quiet
Hearing I Believe in Christ

For more information, please feel free to visit MORMON.ORG!

 

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12:49:50 PM EST
Feeling Loopy

This is my "little" Zuzu!  Lately she has developed this new method of waking me up.  What I hadn't realized is that she had seen it on one of my emails!  Let this be a warning to all who have animals.  Be very careful what you allow them to view!!!  Here is my new wake-up call.  I'm just thankful she has toned it down just a bit!  But for the most part, it is her to a tee!  :O

 

Well, I guess that about sums it up!  Hope you enjoyed my story!  Here's wishing everyone a beautiful weekend.

 

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8:19:00 PM EST
Feeling Loopy

 

Jake is 5 and learning to read.  He points at a picture in a zoo book and says,

 

"  Look Mama!  It's a frickin' Elephant."

 

Deep Breath... " What did you call it?"

 

"It's a frickin' Elephant, Mama!  It says so on the picture!"

 

and so it does...

 

 

" A f r i c a n  Elephant "

Hooked on phonics!!! Ain't it wonderful?

 

 

(sorry I just couldn't resist this!) 

 

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8:21:42 PM EST
Feeling Happy
Hearing No music - watching Bourne Ultimatum!

My goodness, it's been quite a while since I've taken the time to visit my journal.  I find I do miss visiting all my J-Land friends.  I hope and pray that everyone had a blessed Christmas.  I haven't had a chance to check my friends journals to see what's been happening this month.

We had a nice quiet Christmas.  My stepson, his wife and their little girl came for Christmas Eve dinner.  It was so nice having them here.  I'm not posting their pictures for now as I have not asked them how they would feel about it!

 

I took some pictures today of our little doggies.  It's almost impossible to get them to sit still long enough.  It's not the best picture but it will do for now!  Bobby, the Boston Terrier, is the oldest.  He's almost 8 years old now.  He's a leap-year baby.  His nickname is Psycho!  For example, someone in our neighborhood just now set off some firecrackers so he bolted out the door and he's barking like crazy!  Loud noises set him off -- that or one of the other dogs barking!

Emmy, the Maltese, is about six months younger than Bobby.  She came to us by way of Florida Poodle Rescue when she was just about three months old.  She may be the smallest of the three but she's the real boss around here!!  Right now she's laying beside me here on the couch flat on her back, her four little legs sticking up in the air.  She's a hoot!!

We believe that Pippin, the Poodle, is quite a bit younger than the other two.  We're not sure of his age.  He came to us several years ago all buy himself!  I was home one day and Bobby and Emmy started barking like crazy at the living room window.  I couldn't figure out what it could be until I looked out the window and saw this extremely skinny, scrawny, matted, dirty little poodle.  I was afraid that when I went out front to approach him that he would try to run away.  Au contraire!  This little baby came right up to me wagging his tail.  I brought him into the garage and started picking the mats and bristles out of his hair.  I gave him a bath to try and kill some of the fleas and then flea-treated him.  I gradually introduced him to Bobby and Emmy and it's been a wild pack of dogs ever since!!  tee hee!! 

They're a handful in conjunction with our three indoor cats but we wouldn't have it any other way.  They give us so much more than we're able to give them. 

God Bless each and every one of you!  Linda

 

 

 

 

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12:15:33 PM EST
Feeling Silly

Couldn't resist again!!

 

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male
And female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to Mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they Give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's
Reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a Girl.

We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a
red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!  HO HO HO!!  :)

 

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