November 2017 and what I am thankful for . . .

November 1, 2017

     Happy November . . . and be sure to take a moment to think about what you are thankful for this year.  One area of my life I am always thankful for is my family.  Even though we can not all be together this year,  it is at least easier to stay in touch with technology now.  I can remember when I was a child, and my mom calling my grandparents long distance and having to watch how long we talked as the call was so expensive.  If you lived in another state - you didn’t talk very ofter.  We wrote cards, letters, and sent gifts because we didn’t see each other that often.  

     Fast forward to 2017, with cell phones-and Facetime or Skype - texting and daily social media posts.  It is so much easier to stay in touch and current in each other’s lives.   Then again, we have to be aware of putting down our electronic technology, and being present for those people who are around us.  If we are only “social” with our computers, tablets or phones then how can we “communicate” with a living person?  Children need to learn how to be social in settings outside of school, and how to talk with each other and adults who might have a different opinion or idea, and how to act when together.   This happens when the phones/tablets/computers are not available.  

     Make time this month for actual "FaceTime" . . .  Be present with those around us - family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.  Talk with each other, play games, complement each other, work together on an art project or cooking activity, talk a walk around the neighborhood, volunteer or make a difference in someone else’s day . . . but most of all enjoy your little part of the world this November 2017.  

New Adventures!

October 18, 2017

     It is a new day!  I know it has been a while since I last posted a blog - lots has been happening in my life, and sometimes you just have to simplify to stay mentally and physically healthy.  I know many of you understand what I mean, or will learn about this in your future . . . just remember - it is okay to make changes when you feel like it is necessary.

     One of the big things happening recently- I moved from Oahu, HI to Spokane, WA at the end of August.  My oldest son, daughter in law and grandsons were moving for new teaching jobs at one of the colleges there, and since I want to be around my family - I moved too.  It has been a hugh committment of time, planning, money, and decisions as to what I would ship and what I would sell/give away.

     There are decisions to make whenever you move - whether it is in the same town, state, or across the ocean.  You begin to understand what is really necessary, what you can replace when you get to your new address, and what you can live without.   Over the last five years I have moved from CA to HI, two different places in HI, and now to WA.  Before that I lived in the same house for 18 years!  

     Needless to say, I can understand how you feel lost at times, and have to be open to new friendships, making new traditions and trying new adventures.   It definitely is easier to stay in touch with family and friends through technology (Facetime, Facebook, text, email, etc).  I have learned how it feels to leave or give up the things that are a part of what makes you who you are now, and can emphasize with others who have left their homes, families, city, state or country to begin a new life in a different place.  

     If you are thinking about making a move, give yourself time to make these adjustments.  I have heard others say it takes at least a year, and I can agree with that now.   Make lists, set short and long term goals, and don’t feel like you have to do it all in one day.  For me, daily reading of Bible verses about changes, or listening to Joyce Meyers has helped to give me the peace and strength I needed to cope with all the changes.

     Be sure to give yourself something that helps you feel “normal”.  A familiar routine, even if its in a new place, can help you cope.  Go get that coffee, explore and begin to find where you like to get your groceries.  Talk to people . . . you can’t begin to feel connected unless you reach out . . . and again - give yourself time to adjust to this new adventure in your life.  

         

     

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Same Ingredients . . . different results!

     On this 19th of January, 2017 I am contemplating the way you can use the same ingredients, but come up with different results.  Take flour, eggs and shortening . . . they make pancakes, waffles, bread, cake, cookies or doughnuts!  This idea came up the other day when I made doughnuts for my grandsons.  They were amazed that we could do that at home, as they always got them from the bakery or the grocery story in the past.
     They had a ball helping to roll out the dough, cut the doughnut and the doughnut hole, and watch them be fried up in the pan.  I also talked with them about baking the doughnuts in the oven as another option for cooking them.  After the doughnuts cooled,  I put out an assortment of goodies to decorate their doughnut.  We had frosting, several different kinds of sprinkles, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar and nuts.  I am including a link to the recipe I used from Food Network here http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/basic-doughnuts-recipe.html
     These ingredients are also the same ones we use for pancakes, cakes, banana bread and pie crusts.  My grandsons are beginning to learn "cooking language".   They see their dad experimenting with food ingredients and spices, and cooking evening meals or holiday tradition recipes.  Their mom loves to make cakes, cupcakes, and crockpot recipes.  She always talks with them about "healthy choices" and how the food they are eating helps their body grow and develop.  My son and daughter- in-law are doing an excellent job teaching their sons about the importance of the food we eat, and its  effects on our body.  My grandsons have talked about making doughnuts for several days now.
     What started out as just flour, eggs, and shortening has become a family memory.  When one of my other sons found out we made them, he said, "I want some too!"  Tomorrow I will be getting out the measuring cups/spoons, ingredients and frying pan to make some more "memories".

    

 Let me know if you make anything great food with your family.  

Enjoy your weekend!  

Sunshine, Rain, Snow, Ice . . .

Sunshine, Rain, Snow, Ice . . .
     Right now, on this Friday the 13th, I know someone going through each of these kinds of weather. Here in Hawaii it is sunny (with some vog - fog and volcanic ash that is blown over from the big island of Hawaii because we don't have trade winds today . . . agggggh . . . my sinuses and ears need to calm down!).    My family in California are going through rain and MUD!  The horses, dogs and kids are covered in it as they try to clean stalls and exercise.
     My family in Missouri are preparing for a five day ice storm, making sure the generators work for the dairy to still be able to milk the cows.  There is no way you can milk that many cows by hand!  Also, making sure they have water and a safe place to stay warm during the low temperatures and storms.  My brother and sister in law will be staying out at the dairy instead of making the ten minute drive from their house, as it is too dangerous.  Praying all goes well for them the next few days!
     The snow level in the Sierra Nevada mountains is at the highest ever seen in a long time.  Good for the California drought situation, but my friend who lives in that area is having to deal with this.  Snow is beautiful to look at, build snowmen and make snow angels, but it is also hard work shoveling or plowing the driveways and roads so you can get from one place to another.  Spring will be muddy and messy!
     Life also can be like those weather words.  When everything is going right - sunshine!  Feeling down or crying - rain . . . being buried in work or worried about things going on with you or family is like snow - sometimes you have to plow through it to get to where you are going.   Mad and don't want to be around someone, hardening you heart to others is like ice.
     Remember, the weather has daily - sometimes hourly - changes, season changes and climate/global changes.  Life is like that also, and will change even though it may not be as quickly as you want it to be.  Just keep that umbrella and rain boots or shovel handy, so you can get through those muddy or messy times.   I go to my Bible, and pray for direction during those times.  Having a family or friends you can count on to support you may be helpful.  Or you may be that person someone else needs for support!

Situations and life will change as we go through it.  

Like the weather - just hold on and ride it out!

   

Happy First Friday of 2017!

     In Hawaii, the first Friday of the month is called "First Friday".  When you are done with your work or "pau hana" (pronounced "pow ha na"), you get together with your friends and family to celebrate this day.  So. . . Happy First Friday of January 2017!
     I have been reading about all the goals and New Year's Resolutions that people are making for this beginning of 2017.  As I reflect on the ones I made last year, which were to continue to regain my movement and strength with my left shoulder after my surgery in October 2014, and to make a decision about if I felt I would be able to return to the special education elementary classroom.  I did complete those resolutions, so I feel good about that!  I made the choice to stay available for my family in helping to care for my mom.  I am so glad and honored to have been able to be a part of her life during this past year, before she went to be with God and Jesus in Heaven a month ago.
     As I think about the resolutions I am making for 2017, I am going to make on a short term goal, and the other a long term goal.  My short term goal is to spend these next few months decluttering/getting better organized.  I will be filing, craigslist ads and giving away/throwing away items I don't need or haven't used in a while.  My long term goal or resolution is to get in better shape overall.  I have always been very active, but since having this shoulder surgery, it has really slowed me down in what I activities I am used to doing.  I want to increase my walking, do a cardio activity, and do some yoga and core strengthening exercises daily and weekly.  I am a firm believer when you are doing something that is exercise or a physical labor activity, it helps to get the chemicals in you brain and body balanced - besides working on your muscles and endurance!
     I also am making a resolution to eat more fruits and vegetables, instead of the quick snack of chips or cookies, and to drink more water.  I am not a "soda drinker", but I do love coffee!  I usually drink it black, so not worried about the calories.  I tend to reach for that though, instead of water.  I need to be more mindful, and a better example for my grandsons.
      These are just some of the things I have been thinking about this week . . . hope this helps you to make some goals to work on this new year!  Have a great weekend!
    
   

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2017

Happy New Year!      Happy New Year!      Happy New Year!

     As you can see from the dates, it has been several months since my last posting.  A lot has happened. As many of you know, I was helping my sisters and brothers with caring for my Mom.  She went to be with God on December 5, 2016.  It has been a very emotional time for all of us, as we are all feeling this loss, but also know that she is out of pain now.  For anyone else acting as the caregiver for a loved one, please know others are going through this too, and they do understand.

     As we start this year, I am going to keep in mind it is a new year, new day, new minute, and new second . . . one foot in front of the other . . . just breathe . . . and one thing at a time . . .

     As for this blog, I am going to try to write something a few times a week, and continue to let it shape and grow as we go along . . .

     Remember to give hugs, kind words, and tell those special to you how much you appreciate them in your life . . . as someday they will no longer be there, and you won't have that chance anymore.
     

Caring for others . . . simply real life!

     It has be a while since I posted, and that is because I got a call on July 4th that my mom was taken to ER and admitted to the hospital.  Michael and I quickly rescheduled our plane reservations (we were coming over for a few weeks later in July), threw clothes in a suitcase and got on a plane from Hawaii to California.  We spent the next few days helping to make sure Mom had someone from the family with her at the hospital 24 hrs a day.  We also helped with chores and cleaning on their small ranch.
     Over the past two weeks, my mom has been back over to the hospital three times, and was admitted again last night.  She is a fighter, and not quite ready to leave this Earth - but has a strong Christian faith and believes everything in God's timing!  Yesterday my dad came down with a cold and needed to use his oxygen more, and one of the horses had to be taken to the equine hospital for colitis!  To say it was an eventful day is putting it mildly!!!!  My day started at 6:00 am and ended at midnight . . .
     If you know someone who is providing care for a parent, sibling, or child - take a moment and give them a hug, provide a meal or house/yard care service, give them a shoulder and neck rub, bring them flowers or their favorite coffee/drink of choice.   It can mean so much!
     Advocate or write letters to your representatives about this, as there is a lot of work currently being done at the state and federal government level to recognize the sacrifices caregivers have to make with work and personal life to provide care to family members.  The idea of "home being the best environment" can have serious financial, physical and mental health consequences on the person providing the care if they don't have a good support system.  Talking with others in the same situations helps to build knowledge of what is available out there to help.  Finding the right doctor, getting necessary equipment and furniture, learning the balance needed for nutrition, exercise and medicine all help in these situations.  Also, realizing and accepting "you have to take time to take care of yourself, so you can care for someone else!" can help with the stress involved in this situation.

Caring for others . . . simply real life!