Driving to work yesterday I realized how much I miss Owasso, not for the turning of the leaves, the friends, the Ram Cafe, the Tijuana Tater or for the frito chili pies. No, I miss it for the roads, the country roads to be exact, the ones where you can take your car out and open up the carburetor and fly. It seemed like flying to me when I was learning to drive and drive fast.
Driving fast appears to be genetic, my grandfather drove fast, my father drive fast as do I, it seems the old adage is right, I just can’t drive 55. There is nothing like the feeling of all that power at your fingertips, under your foot as you press against the accelerator, the numbers going higher on the dashboard. The realization that you are flying over the pavement, it smacks of freedom, there is nothing but you, the machine, the road and the music. One cannot drive fast without good music filling air of the car, it is intoxicating, better than any drug around.
All last week, while sitting in unbearable traffic, I missed Owasso, even driving down main street behind the old people from the retirement home that took up both lanes. You knew that it would end in roughly 10 minutes, there was no end to the traffic here last week. I have a shift that has me going in later, typically there is very little traffic. Last week we had ice here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and since Texans can’t drive on ice it was a mess. A horrible, frustrating mess, filled with people hitting their brakes on the ice, or just speeding up on the ice. Insanity was the word of the day. Ok, the week.
I learned to drive on the ice and snow thanks to my dad, I remember shortly after my 16th birthday, he told me to get in the car, we drove up Dalton Hill. It’s named after the Dalton Gang, google them if you are not familiar with them, the hill was named after them due to the fact they used to hide out there. I digress, we get to the top of the icy hill, he turns the car around, gets out and says figure it out. He then proceeded to walk home.
I did the only thing I could, I moved to the drivers seat and figured it out, I will say this, he got home before I did, however I learned to drive on ice and snow and every other condition one can think of. Well, not a monsoon, we didn’t have those in Owasso, or earthquakes, but Oklahoma weather, I’m good.
Next week is Christmas and I am way excited, I will once again take up the reigns of hosting our Christmas Eve celebration in our new home. I will cook the food, wrap the presents and we will welcome my children, granddaughter and a new person to the celebration this year.
I hope everyone has a great day and a wonderful pre-Christmas week. Remember the reason we even have this season, the Birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Inspired by Stephanie Lacy
Ok, so, I just hate it when this happens, I was convicted, if you are Baptist you will know what this means. The other day, on Facebook, of course, my friend Stephanie posted something provocative. She said before you begin your day, say a prayer that God will enable you to see others through His eyes, not yours. I thought hmmmm now this is interesting, then I couldn’t let it go, so I did.
You see there is a person that is an acquaintance that, well, without going into detail, is kinda gross, loud, obnoxious and generally not a lot of fun to be around. I was working behind the scenes to get this person away from my acquaintance area so to speak. So that day I prayed, and I meant it, you see it’s not enough to say the words you have to mean them. So I did.
I went about my day and I saw this person differently, I saw their loneliness, I saw their need to be a part of a group, to be accepted and I saw their heart. Their willingness to jump in and help and there was sincerity in that desire to help. I was ashamed I had tried to have this person removed from my acquaintance area. I immediately took steps to rectify the situation, begging God for forgiveness for my ignorance.
This person didn’t change, they are still kinda gross, loud and obnoxious, I was the one who changed, that is what happens when you truly look at others around you through God’s eyes and not your own. As I said, I was convicted, and man I hate it when that happens. However, it is truly better than praying for patience, in case you don’t know, God doesn’t give you patience, He teaches you patience. They are not easy lessons, in fact they are extremely tiring and frustrating until you learn your lesson.
As you go about your busy Christmas shopping weekend, buying the presents, wrapping them, if you come across a person who is not all that pleasant, say a quick prayer and look at them differently. You might see something you missed.
My Dad
I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad lately. I don’t really know why, there is no obvious trigger to the thoughts. They are simply there.
My dad was the most interesting person I have ever known. He led a life based on principles, morals, a strong sense of right and wrong. Take a stand, look out for people who are not able to look out for themselves. Always do the right thing, not the popular thing, the right thing. He lived a life that exemplified what Jesus would do long before the whole WWJD saying was popularized.
He was a worker, as long as it was honest work he was all for it. During the depression he rode a freight train to California to find work. I wish I knew more about that adventure. He didn’t talk a lot about that time. He did talk about being a migrant worker with my mom.
They worked their way from Oklahoma to California, working whatever jobs they could find. They weren’t too proud to do an honest days work for an honest days pay. They picked cotton from here to California.
My dad worked in a gold mine in CA, a real gold mine. Then he got the job with McDonald-Douglas which allowed him to transfer back to Oklahoma and settle in Owasso.
My dad was one of the smartest men I have ever known. His thirst for knowledge was legendary. The man read everything about everything under the sun. However, he wasn’t a know it all, you know the type I mean.
My dad made everyone who walked into his home feel welcome and important.
I miss my dads wisdom, but most of all I miss his laughter. He used to say it’s better to laugh than cry. If you have to cry make sure it is something worth crying over.
I laugh a lot, I find humor in every day things, I like to think that is his influence in my life.
My dad was a truly great man who lived an ordinary life filled with extraordinary happenings.
Romance
Nobody puts Baby in a corner, those words ignited the romantic gene in a generation of girls. At first glance Johnny appears to be a the quintessential bad boy, however, when one looks deeper you realize this is a good guy with a heart of gold. He is simply from the wrong side of the tracks, while Baby is from the right side of the tracks, the daughter of a doctor, wealthy, privileged with high ideas of right and wrong.
She is the actual hero of the story, she teaches everyone around her not to judge based on preconceived notions of what people are capable of based on their birth circumstances.
That is a real lesson that is often overlooked, everyone focuses on the romance of it all, they don’t see the moral of the story, don’t judge on preconceived notions, people can overcome where they come from.
People overlook the true moral of the story in a lot of things, Romeo and Juliette for one, that was not written as a romance, it was a cautionary tale of what happens when children don’t listen to their parents. There is nothing romantic about taking your life people, it is horrible, selfish and maddening. Bonnie and Clyde, once again, not romantic, these were two vicious killers, who robbed and killed their way through the midwest. People have deified them, they are on a pedestal of great romance, I look at this and think What.
My mom and dad was a true romance story, they fought all odds, lived through the depression, recession, they were migrant workers, going from Oklahoma to California. They did what they had to do in order for their family to survive, they picked cotton, my dad worked in a gold mine in California. Any job as long as it was legal was not beneath them, it meant the survival of the family, I will thank God to my dying day that type of mentality was instilled in me.
Stop looking to people who do not exemplify true romance, look to the every day, ordinary people who lived through extraordinary circumstances, battled together and will truly spend eternity together.
Artemis
Well, it appears we have a mighty hunter in our midsts, yes, Stormie, she hunted and killed her first rabbit last night. I actually heard the horrible sound a rabbit makes before it dies. The Irishman and I were taking groceries out of my car and I heard this horrible noise coming from the backyard. I said did you hear that, he said Stormie was back there, we both looked at each other and he ran to the backyard.
Where he found her with the rabbit in her mouth, it was gone, she was proud, wanted to bring her prize in the house and would not let it go. It took some doing to get her to put the thing down so we could dispose of if properly.
She was incredibly proud of her accomplishment, she is the mighty hunter, perhaps we should have named her Artemis. Although I do believe Stormie is an apt name for our family member as she is a whirlwind of activity and love.
Well I am off to face the day, whatever it may bring, I do believe the forecast of cold, wet, ice, stormy goodness is God telling me all will be right in my world.
Catching Up
I know it has been a while since I checked in, however, in my defense, I have been very busy. Last week was insane, as you know we got the house, we were moving. It was Thanksgiving, which means a visit from Jeffrey’s pup Russ, this year Mickey joined us, our 20-year-old cat that lives with Elizabeth Anne. So, if you are counting, that is 3 animals with us, then to McKinney every day to feed, water, clean the litter box of the other cats that belong to Jeffrey and youngest Alex. Then pack, of course working Thanksgiving and the day after made things incredibly complicated, but we got it done.
The wonderful movers of Tom and Jerry moving showed up Saturday and were wonderful, I cannot imagine this move without them. They made it way less stressful. Saturday was busy right up to 11:00 pm. trying to find things in boxes I had marked not shoes was interesting. God bless the Irishman, he didn’t say a word of criticism on my labeling system. We found enough things to have coffee Sunday morning, so yay.
The house is wonderful, roomy, light and a really good neighborhood, I had forgotten how much I love living in a house as opposed to an apartment. It was a revelation having no one walk on my head during the night.
Stormie is adjusting to her new abode as well, I think she takes delight in sliding on the tile and wood floors. She is so funny, love that dog, she is a true Husky, loving, fun-loving and a wicked sense of humor.
At work yesterday, they gave us the news that 30 people will need to leave our office, there are only 80 of us, this is not good news. Of course I immediately took stock of my skills and realized none of them are marketable outside of the phone company. It is a devastating thought, I don’t know what to do if I am one of the 30. Where will I go, how does one start over at 50, incredibly depressing thought.
The things I love doing I don’t get paid for, being on the radio, writing, none of it pays. So that is out, roller disco doesn’t pay and neither does spouting my opinion.
My dream job would be to watch television and write reviews of my favorite shows, however, I don’t see people paying me for that either. If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them. Real ideas, not pie in the sky ideas.
I am going to sign off now, Buffy is on, coffee is in hand and I am thinking of cooking myself some Blue and Gold sausage. Happy Wednesday!
Thanksgiving Reflections
Thanksgiving for me is a time to reflect on what I am truly thankful for in my life. The one constant thing I have been thankful for, well for the past 27 years, is my children. They are my constant, my pride and joy, at times my heartache, at times, most of the time, complete pride. I am so thankful when I look at them and see all that they are accomplishing in their lives that I had a small part in it. I am so thankful that God chose me to be a parent to these particular humans.
I am ever thankful for a roof over my head, food on my table, electricity lighting my home and cable television. I am thankful for a good job that enables me to have these things. I am thankful for a job that gives me the opportunity to work Thanksgiving and the day after to make extra money for Christmas.
I am thankful I have had such wonderful animal companions in my life, starting with Whiskers, my parents dog, Suzy my cat, Mickey, Arthur, Nocona, Chewie and many others. Animals teach us so much about ourselves, they are our first real responsibilities if we have them as children. They are more dependent than our children, as children grow up and learn to take care of themselves.
I am thankful for being able to reconnect with my cousins, and getting to see a favorite uncle again before he went home, and two beloved aunts, I’ll be forever thankful for that happening. I am thankful for reconnecting with my favorite cousin Cindy, she was my first friend in life, I am happy to report we are still like kids together. Giggling at silly things, confiding hopes, dreams, reality and so much more.
I am thankful for my friends, friend is such an odd word, it can describe so many different facets of friendship, I have FRIENDS, and yes they are all capital letter worthy. From my bff Tammi, from those days in Owasso, to my bbff Jess, I have too many to name, Jan who stuck with me during a trying divorce and bitter custody battle, she never left my side. The friends I have made in the phone company, people I would never have met if I had not started working there. When I say am thankful for my job, it is so much more than a monetary gratefulness. I have met so many good people in this company, so many I am proud to call friend.
I am thankful for the Irishman, he has shown a belief in me that I really didn’t know a human could have for another. He encourages me when I am down, he tells me he is proud of my accomplishments and lets me know they are bigger than I think they are. I am thankful his health continues to improve daily.
I am thankful to my friend Shanon J, for asking me to be on the air with her, create a show out of nothing and see so much from it. We are growing and taking on topics that are difficult and controversial and doing it with dignity.
I am thankful that I have a God who never abandons me, even when I am at my worst, He is steady, true and approachable. He is there to listen to my praises, He is there to listen to my laments and there to comfort my tears.
These are the things I reflect on today, in America, land of the free, home of the brave, I am ever hopeful, ever optimistic, ever joyous. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
An Only Child
So, Stormie thinks she is an only child, or at least she behaves that way, apparently sharing is not coded into her DNA. Russ has come to visit, as he does every Thanksgiving, when Jeffrey is out of town. At first Russ ran around whining, the Irishman said he was looking for Nocona. Nocona was his buddy and I know he must be confused.
Once he settled down, he decided to get to know Stormie, they have been playing, Stormie seems happy, however, I noticed this morning she gathered all of her bones and was lying with them in front of her, with her front paws around them. She was letting Russ know she will not share her bones.
It was so funny, she is truly an only child and not built for sharing, she also slept with us last night, the first time she has done that, I think she was establishing her rank.
Dogs are funny to watch, they have human qualities, Stormie definitely shows signs of humor, loyalty, wanting to please, stubbornness and a loving heart.
We are moving Saturday, so everyone pray it goes smoothly, I am already stressed, I will be working 5 days this week, no Friday off for me this week, then moving on Saturday, coming back to the apartment to clean on Sunday.
I hope you all have a great week, a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember if you do go shopping on Black Friday, be kind to the workers. They have given up their time with their families to make your life a little easier.
Great News
I have not written in a while, I admit, since Nocona went home I have been having a hard time. I really miss her, I think I am getting better, today, for the first time since she passed I had scrambled eggs. Yes, I shared them with Stormie, it evoked bittersweet memories, but it was good.
I have amazing news, The Irishman and I are moving to McKinney! for the first time since 1987 I will not be a Planoite, so strange to think that. Plano has been the place where I raised my children, made friends that will last me a lifetime and where I have seen my greatest heartaches.
The move will be great, it will put me closer to Jeffrey, Elizabeth, Alex and Tessa, which makes me incredibly joyous. It will be about the same distance to work as we live in far west Plano now.
The house itself is total greatness, a huge living room that one can roller skate in (wood floors) a nice size kitchen and a two car garage. It is all very exciting and I feel overwhelmed with the amount of work that has to be done in order to make this happen in a short amount of time. But we will get it done and by this time next week we will be firmly ensconced in our new home. Just in time to decorate for Christmas, I cannot wait to put the tree up and light the lights.
This will not be a long post as I have a ton of things to do today. I did take time off yesterday to go buy a new refrigerator and watch Day of the Doctor. I am a huge Dr Who fan, just in case you didn’t know. I have been watching since I was 12, I love it, the stories, the thought of a Time Lord, going from not only planet to planet but through time. The thought is thrilling indeed, meeting different races on different planets. I am one of those people who believe there is only one race here, the human race. We are different colors, different ideologies, different ethnicities, but we are all human. Made by God, and yes, I believe Adam and Eve started us all off. So there you have it in a nutshell.
I hope you all have a great day, remember, we are never alone, we always have the Great Comforter through it all.
Working on Thanksgiving
With all of the news stories regarding stores opening up on Thanksgiving I thought I might weigh in here. First and foremost let me start by saying I don’t see anyone posting anything about how horrible it is that tech support is open on Thanksgiving. Or, how horrible it is that radio stations are playing music, and DJ’s are on the air.
I work Thanksgiving and the day after, I have worked those days since being in tech support. My children are with their dad and his side of the family on Thanksgiving. That is the way we have done things since our divorce, it is the way it is, I am happy that my children can continue that tradition.
But here’s the thing, those two days, considering the holiday pay, pay for Christmas, it enables me to be able to give nice gifts to my children without breaking the bank. If stores are paying their employees holiday pay, and asking for volunteers, which is the way it is done, then I have no objections to this. People choose what they want to do on holidays, if they choose to work, then that is their right, some stores are open 24×7 anyway, I don’t see people objecting to this either.
As I stated before, I have never, in my entire life, seen anyone objecting to other people working and businesses being open. No one objects that the police station is open, that telephone operators are at work, or the gas station being open on this day.
I really do not see what the uproar is about, this is not a religious holiday, repeat, not a religious holiday, I have issues with stores being open on Christmas and Easter, however, have taken advantage of said stores being open. Does that make me a hypocrite? Possibly. I don’t really have an answer for that one.
If retail employees would like to make extra money on Thanksgiving by working, they have my blessings, as I will be doing the same.
