After all the health issues these past several months, Dad jokingly stated he was waiting for the doctors to find something else; however, I think he really was serious. Although the cancer might not be as much of an issue as originally thought, Dad now has been diagnosed with gout. The diet was already quite restrictive, but now--WHAT JOY! Sense a disheartened spirit in Dad especially when it comes to the one thing that he looked forward to in the day--FOOD.
Gout can be a one-time occurrence, so hopefully with eating a more restricted diet and taking medication, Dad can return to eating beans; soups; rich and creamy desserts; chocolate candies; more than a daily two-ounce serving of certain meat, poultry, and fish......
Please continue to keep Mom and Dad in your prayers.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A NEW TASTE SENSATION
Culinary magic. Trying new recipes. Experimenting with favorite cuisines. Inventing recipes for prize money at the annual Pillsbury bake-off. Yesterday I discovered a new taste treat purely by accident. Every morning for breakfast I ingest a large bowl of oatmeal and load it down with cinnamon not only for flavor but to stabilize the blood sugar due to possible carb overload. While pouring out the cinnamon, I noticed a strange color and realized that the paprika was in my hand (they are in identical containers). It was too difficult to remove the paprika and didn’t want to start over, so just added the cinnamon and would try to choke it down (waste not, want not they say).
What a surprise! There was a slight difference in taste but not too overpowering; actually it was much better than usual. So this morning, out of curiosity, I added a little paprika to my cholesterol-reducing concoction. Yes, it definitely does taste better. You might want to try it sometime.
What a surprise! There was a slight difference in taste but not too overpowering; actually it was much better than usual. So this morning, out of curiosity, I added a little paprika to my cholesterol-reducing concoction. Yes, it definitely does taste better. You might want to try it sometime.
Friday, December 21, 2007
LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES
Life is funny isn’t it? Oh, not comical or laughable, although it certainly can be that and more, but strange and bizarre. Never thought I would be one to participate in internet dating. Of course, never thought I would ever be interested in looking for love period after losing Carl almost six years ago.
Tried to come up with an ingenuous title for my ongoing love life (eHarmony Update seems so boring) so this will have to do, although don’t consider it all that clever. How is it going, you might ask. Not too bad. Actually I’m in the pursuit of two gents (is that even proper internet dating etiquette), one who lives in California, actually in the same town, and the other in that sin-filled city in Nevada.
As you may know, eHarmony matches up men and women who seem compatible in their responses to some 400+ questions. Have had many matches and closed many, mainly because of the physical distance. Changed the age range in my match ups to 46-61. A ten-year age difference is the max for me; however, if he looked like Tom Selleck or George Clooney, well…oh, never mind.
After waiting for the gentleman in Long Beach to respond to my communication request, I closed the match; however, he asked me to reconsider since he thought we had great potential, so I obliged. It’s somewhat annoying that he takes his time to respond to anything, but he might have limited access to the internet, so patience is a virtue they say (and come to think of it, one of his “can’t stands” is someone without patience.) His name is Larry… Why did Larry the Cable Guy just come to mind?
Now on to Mr. Vegas. What can I say about this man? Ken was one of my first matches, and we’ve been corresponding for almost a month and seem to have great chemistry--at least on paper. He’s self-sufficient; is spiritual and attends church; is involved in a homeless ministry; is Italian and considers himself a great cook (learned from his mom and was in restaurant management for many years); has a great sense of humor… Need I go on? He seems level headed and hasn’t been scared off by my openness, honesty, and telling it like it is. Case in point--told him when I first saw his photo, thought I was watching an episode of the Sopranos but to please take that as my warped sense of humor. He got a big kick out of that. Also, Ken actually addresses all of my concerns in a way that I can understand.
Although it can be difficult to build a relationship from afar, we’ve agreed to take it one day at a time. Will admit I’m quite hopeful and the heart strings are pulling; however, there is also a sense of trepidation of getting my heart broken, smashed, or snapped in two. Really do like this guy and consider him a great big teddy bear.
In any case, a lot of excitement has certainly been added to this humdrum life.
Stay tuned.....
Tried to come up with an ingenuous title for my ongoing love life (eHarmony Update seems so boring) so this will have to do, although don’t consider it all that clever. How is it going, you might ask. Not too bad. Actually I’m in the pursuit of two gents (is that even proper internet dating etiquette), one who lives in California, actually in the same town, and the other in that sin-filled city in Nevada.
As you may know, eHarmony matches up men and women who seem compatible in their responses to some 400+ questions. Have had many matches and closed many, mainly because of the physical distance. Changed the age range in my match ups to 46-61. A ten-year age difference is the max for me; however, if he looked like Tom Selleck or George Clooney, well…oh, never mind.
After waiting for the gentleman in Long Beach to respond to my communication request, I closed the match; however, he asked me to reconsider since he thought we had great potential, so I obliged. It’s somewhat annoying that he takes his time to respond to anything, but he might have limited access to the internet, so patience is a virtue they say (and come to think of it, one of his “can’t stands” is someone without patience.) His name is Larry… Why did Larry the Cable Guy just come to mind?
Now on to Mr. Vegas. What can I say about this man? Ken was one of my first matches, and we’ve been corresponding for almost a month and seem to have great chemistry--at least on paper. He’s self-sufficient; is spiritual and attends church; is involved in a homeless ministry; is Italian and considers himself a great cook (learned from his mom and was in restaurant management for many years); has a great sense of humor… Need I go on? He seems level headed and hasn’t been scared off by my openness, honesty, and telling it like it is. Case in point--told him when I first saw his photo, thought I was watching an episode of the Sopranos but to please take that as my warped sense of humor. He got a big kick out of that. Also, Ken actually addresses all of my concerns in a way that I can understand.
Although it can be difficult to build a relationship from afar, we’ve agreed to take it one day at a time. Will admit I’m quite hopeful and the heart strings are pulling; however, there is also a sense of trepidation of getting my heart broken, smashed, or snapped in two. Really do like this guy and consider him a great big teddy bear.
In any case, a lot of excitement has certainly been added to this humdrum life.
Stay tuned.....
Monday, December 17, 2007
SECRET SANTA STRIKES AGAIN
Last year I was most appreciative and quite humbled to be one of the recipients of the LBCC anonymous Santa who so graciously and lovingly bestows monetary gifts to those who have had financial hardships throughout the year.
On Friday, as I collected the mail that was delivered to my box, therein lay an envelope from the church. After opening it there was a typed written note attached with the words, “You have been selected to receive this gift by an anonymous donor in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please accept this in the spirit it has been given. God Bless & Merry Christmas.” It was deja vu. What a generous soul! What a heartfelt individual who displays such unselfish behavior.
This year I was not the only one in my immediate family who was a recipient of this special blessing. Mom and Dad also received an envelope in the mail with a check and the same note attached. Mom was dumbfounded because she doesn’t consider themselves financially burdened; however, it was obvious that their exorbitant medical bills over the last several months were deemed a financial crisis. Yes, the bills were steep, but Mom still felt quite embarrassed and undeserving and her first inclination was to return the check by means of the Sunday morning contribution plate because she knew there were so many others who needed the money more. I reminded her of the words in the note--“Please accept this in the spirit it has been given”--and that she should do so.
My parents have always been generous with their means whether it be giving every Sunday or a worthy cause here and there (which is more than I can say), but they have gone over and beyond in their unselfish quest to assist their own family with no strings attached. I can’t think of two people who deserve this special gift more.
What do you say to such a remarkable human being? “Thank you, Secret Santa,” seems so trivial. There really are no words to express what this wonderful gift has meant to me these past two years.
On Friday, as I collected the mail that was delivered to my box, therein lay an envelope from the church. After opening it there was a typed written note attached with the words, “You have been selected to receive this gift by an anonymous donor in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please accept this in the spirit it has been given. God Bless & Merry Christmas.” It was deja vu. What a generous soul! What a heartfelt individual who displays such unselfish behavior.
This year I was not the only one in my immediate family who was a recipient of this special blessing. Mom and Dad also received an envelope in the mail with a check and the same note attached. Mom was dumbfounded because she doesn’t consider themselves financially burdened; however, it was obvious that their exorbitant medical bills over the last several months were deemed a financial crisis. Yes, the bills were steep, but Mom still felt quite embarrassed and undeserving and her first inclination was to return the check by means of the Sunday morning contribution plate because she knew there were so many others who needed the money more. I reminded her of the words in the note--“Please accept this in the spirit it has been given”--and that she should do so.
My parents have always been generous with their means whether it be giving every Sunday or a worthy cause here and there (which is more than I can say), but they have gone over and beyond in their unselfish quest to assist their own family with no strings attached. I can’t think of two people who deserve this special gift more.
What do you say to such a remarkable human being? “Thank you, Secret Santa,” seems so trivial. There really are no words to express what this wonderful gift has meant to me these past two years.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
ANXIETIES OF A NEW JOB
Well, the first week of the new job is now history. Can’t believe how nervous I was the Sunday before that big first day. Commented to Arlene about that fact so they had a special prayer for me at the conclusion of our monthly Sunday night prayer meeting. Joked after the “Amen” that I was no longer scared; however, it must have worked because the week went quite well.
The position is an intermediate clerk. The job is in the health and wellness center of a community college in Orange County. It literally is a medical office inside a college campus. Never new there was such a thing. The hours are part-time at 30 hours a week (right now only work Monday through Thursday) with 75% medical coverage, and the insurance is darn good. Although didn’t realize that I will only be working 10 months out of the year, there is a positive angle--can work in another area of interest during this hiatus.
The job is hectic with lots of variety---right down my alley. There’s a lot to learn and seemed to catch on quickly, especially the computer programs which to me were considered just more in a long line of software I’ve had to use over the years. Left work every day with nothing more than a great attitude and the desire to return (haven’t experienced those feelings for a while), except the first day--left with a massive headache. Try to avoid taking any type of pain reliever but knew this sucker would not go away without popping a generic Advil.
Another interesting event happened at work that somewhat surprised me. On Wednesday a student came in to inquire about getting a TB test. Tests are only given on Mondays and Tuesdays. I understood his inquiries, and he understood my answers. He seemed appreciative and three coworkers were standing on the sidelines somewhat flabbergasted. Must say I was taken aback myself. The reason--this student was deaf, and we were signing back and forth to each other. I fumbled a little but felt proud of being able to communicate with this young man, since I haven’t used sign language much over the last 20 years.
Knew working at a college would be a good deal. When the school is closed, our office is closed. So after December 13 with only two weeks under my belt, I’ll be off for three weeks, and, yes, I do get paid. And there is a flex week in February, and spring break, and….
The people are nice and everyone seems glad that I am there and no wonder--my position had been vacant for 1-½ years. Now there is just one problem--the Human Resource Department called to schedule me for an interview. The same position but in a different department. Since I really like what I’m doing there would be no difficulty in making a decision; however, this position is full-time and that means more money. What’s a person to do?
The position is an intermediate clerk. The job is in the health and wellness center of a community college in Orange County. It literally is a medical office inside a college campus. Never new there was such a thing. The hours are part-time at 30 hours a week (right now only work Monday through Thursday) with 75% medical coverage, and the insurance is darn good. Although didn’t realize that I will only be working 10 months out of the year, there is a positive angle--can work in another area of interest during this hiatus.
The job is hectic with lots of variety---right down my alley. There’s a lot to learn and seemed to catch on quickly, especially the computer programs which to me were considered just more in a long line of software I’ve had to use over the years. Left work every day with nothing more than a great attitude and the desire to return (haven’t experienced those feelings for a while), except the first day--left with a massive headache. Try to avoid taking any type of pain reliever but knew this sucker would not go away without popping a generic Advil.
Another interesting event happened at work that somewhat surprised me. On Wednesday a student came in to inquire about getting a TB test. Tests are only given on Mondays and Tuesdays. I understood his inquiries, and he understood my answers. He seemed appreciative and three coworkers were standing on the sidelines somewhat flabbergasted. Must say I was taken aback myself. The reason--this student was deaf, and we were signing back and forth to each other. I fumbled a little but felt proud of being able to communicate with this young man, since I haven’t used sign language much over the last 20 years.
Knew working at a college would be a good deal. When the school is closed, our office is closed. So after December 13 with only two weeks under my belt, I’ll be off for three weeks, and, yes, I do get paid. And there is a flex week in February, and spring break, and….
The people are nice and everyone seems glad that I am there and no wonder--my position had been vacant for 1-½ years. Now there is just one problem--the Human Resource Department called to schedule me for an interview. The same position but in a different department. Since I really like what I’m doing there would be no difficulty in making a decision; however, this position is full-time and that means more money. What’s a person to do?
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