42nd Wedding Anniversary

Where did all the years go?? The Army, VietNam, back to school, baby, careers, loss of parents, houses and jobs, travel near and far, good times and not so good times but all of it knowing we were in it together for the long haul. It's been a good journey and I'm thankful for a good partner to share it all with.

So how did we celebrate? Gone birding, of course. Brazos Bend State Park this morning, Pappasito's for lunch, and a long afternoon nap. Perfect.

25 Questions

This is the best summary that I have read recently as to why I have continued to assert that the recession is far from over:
http://www.businessinsider.com/questions-to-ask-anyone-who-is-delusional-enough-to-believe-that-this-economic-recovery-is-real-2010-5#in-what-universe-is-an-economy-with-3968-million-americans-on-food-stamps-considered-to-be-a-healthy-recovering-economy-1

IMHO, the tough times are just beginning. As I have said on numerous posts, do what you can to maintain at least one income stream and more than one if you can, get out of debt with gazelle intensity, and do everything you can to maintain your health.

s.l.o.w.l.y.

I am slowly, very slowly getting better. I went to the gyn yesterday for my yearly exam; she said something that resonated with me. She said that the longer we are sick, the longer it takes us to get back to where we were. I had just thought that once the ERCP was done-->problem fixed-->right back t0 going full at things again. Not. I was sick for 6 months and now less than a month post procedure so it is no wonder that I am just now feeling well enough to get anything done. I still have several doctor visits scheduled--next being a follow-up with the GI doctor on Friday. I am very thankful for the medical attention that I have received but I have seen more doctors this year than in the previous 10 years combined and am looking forward to not needing to see one for at least 6 months...

WTHIPO List Update

When we were scraping every penny that we could get together to pay off the house, I made a list of things that I wanted to do When the House Is Paid Off. It helped me remember that I was not saying "No" to these things, just saying "Not Now". The house was paid off in February and I am slowly making my way through my WTHIPO list. Here is the updated list:

1. Replace dishwasher--done
2. Replace cracked window--done
3. Window blinds & valances
4. Living room furniture
5. Tile in laundry room
6. Ceiling fans in bedrooms--done
7. Electric logs in fireplace
8. Repair wedding ring
9. Repair grandfather clock
10. Yard scooter
11. Refinish sewing machine cabinet
12. Linens--sheets, towels--done
13. Carpets cleaned

We are saving for a new vehicle so the WTHIPO list is going slowly but that is fine with me. Not sure what will come next on the list.

Chico's!!!

I've discovered Chico's!! I was ranting and raving about how I couldn't find clothes that both looked good and fit me and my sister-in-law suggested that I try Chico's. I have found it so frustrating to shop for clothes that I had to force myself to go today because I really need clothes. Anyway, as I went in the door, a young woman introduced herself and asked if she could help me. (This is light years away from the mall stores with miles of racks and not a sales person in sight.) I explained that I needed pants and tops with a light summer jacket and that I hated clothes shopping and was no good at putting things together and I would very much appreciate her help. Well, we got on like a hand in a glove, like hot fudge on a sundae, like well you get the idea!! We went around and she got a feel for what I liked; then she whipped up pants, tops, jackets, belts, jewlery that was just what I wanted and liked. I was in and out in under an hour. She has my e-mail address and will sent me a note when something is in that would suit me and sales coupons. Christie at Chico's, I love you!!

The Oil Spill

I am so horrified at what is happening in the Gulf of Mexico that I try my best not to think about it. Offshore drilling is risky, dangerous work; I know this because DH was a petroleum geologist working for first Pennzoil and then Conoco. He has spent many weeks on offshore rigs. Drilling at the depths that are being done now is unknown territory; experience is very limited. However, from what we've read and from DH's experience, it is for certain that BP ignored glaring warning signs because to stop the drilling would have cost millions of dollars. Well, as it turns out, BP's best option would have been to stop everything before it got to the critical state. BP is to blame, our government's regulatory and inspection agency is to blame, and all of us oil-addicted drivers and disposable everything consumers are to blame. However, it is the living creatures of the ocean and marshes who are going to pay the price and I can hardly bear to think about it.

A New Season

I had planned to keep working 4 days a week until I was 66 but it is looking like I just physically can't do it. My employer was very cooperative when I cut back to 4 days a week. Now I have requested 3 days a week and they are once again working with me on it. They are even letting me keep my benefits and insurance. I am quite relieved. DH is still working full time and wants us to switch to his health insurance just in case I have to quit altogether.

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven." It looks like this is the time for more rest and less work.

An Ordinary Day

Today I did my housework, went to the grocery, napped with the cats, and will cook dinner. It was just what I needed--an ordinary day. I'm tired of coping and working and coping with work. I work Wednesday and Friday and then will have a week of vacation. I want them all to be ordinary days--lunch or dinner with my DD, maybe a movie--just ordinary days.

Since it has been an ordinary day, I'll tell you about ordinary things--we've had lots of rain recently and the corn fields are gloriously tall and green. The baby swallows from both the front porch nest and the back porch nest have flown--6 fledged babies. There are caterpillars on the salvia and milkweed, the black furry kind; we counted 9 of them--I wonder what kind of chrysalis they will make and what kind of butterfly they will turn into.

I watched a Netflix DVD yesterday--Summer Hours. The story was interesting but the movie dragged; maybe 2 stars. I am still listening to Out of Africa; I love it but don't like it on my i-Pod because I have so much trouble getting it to where I left off.

Quotation for the day:

"We are all in this world together - people , plants and animals - and we had better make the most of our opportunities. We are all here for some purpose: I believe that it is to live a good life, individually and collectively. That means for us humans to do as little harm as possible, to other humans, to animals and to the whole environment, and to do as much good as possible. To live simply, not elaborately; to consume the least possible, not the most possible. If you have any religion, let it be helpfulness, love and unity. We will then fulfill the purpose and take our part in the great plan. It is as simple as that."~Helen Nearing (1904-1995)

Forget diamonds, it's morphine that's a girl's really best friend

What a week this has been! A trip to the ER and 4 days in the hospital (where I gained a true appreciation for morphine). My GI problem includes (but is not limited to) a closed bile duct. I had an ERCP on Wednesday for a temporary stent but have to go to the big medical center hospital later where a robot will place the permanent stent--> I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to that... On the other hand, with enough morphine, it may not be so bad after all.
I am feeling better but I feel like I have been beaten up. Who would have thought that 4 1/2 days in bed would leave one exhausted??