Rainy Days and Mondays

I really don't think a person should have to go to work on Mondays. Nothing good can come of it. I mean, when have you ever had an easy, smooth running day on a Monday? Me neither. Usually, it's like 3 regular working days rolled into one.

It started with my leaving for work this morning, even before that. Remember a couple of days ago, I said I like most dogs? True enough, but I didn't mean I like most dogs all in the SAME PLACE AT THE SAME TIME! I guess I should have been more specific, because God missed that little point! For the last couple of weeks, the gazillion dogs in my neighborhood have decided to have these "howl-a-thons" several times each night. And you know what I mean....and there are at least 20 of them. Different colors, different families. But running around loose all the same. So, at specific intervals during the night, they get together and howl /growl /fight/ bark/whatever! For about 10 minutes each time! And guess where they do it? That's right, in MY FRONT YARD! Right in front of my bedroom, where we (my dog included) sleeps. So naturally, he doesn't want to be left out, so he barks/cries right in my ear! Each time! It's not funny anymore, but what do you do when you live in the country? Animal Control doesn't really want to hear about your problems, "you're not in the city limits". And I'm not the violent type, or you know what would happen!

Now, back to leaving this morning...as I was getting in my car, I stepped in "it". Yes, "IT"! What a way to start my week...and it went down hill from there.

But hey, what's new with you? =)

A Stroke Of Bad Luck

I'm doing much better with my walking this week, and much worse with my blaaaaaaaaging! I'd say I'm better off, and so are you!

Let's talk about something important to women...

STROKE

If you are not aware, then you can't fight! Here is a good acronym to remember:

Remember the "3" steps: S.T.R. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke:Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.

T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (coherently) i.e. It is sunny out today.

R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke ------- Stick out Your Tongue
Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

Read here for some interesting statistics about women in South Carolina, the buckle of the "Stroke Belt".

Now put down that fried chicken, chitlins' or Edy's ice cream and start WALKING!

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

(Wo)Man's Best Friend

As my mind was wandering this week (my job is so mentally exhausting lately, it's like a mini-vacation!), I was thinking of things that make me smile and the NO#1 thing that I came up with is - - - dogs! I just love my dogs, and I actually love most dogs! Everytime I come home, my dogs are happy to see me, tails wagging, waiting to be petted on the head. Kind of like your children did when they were small - but that didn't last! Now you're lucky to hear a grunt out of them!

Anyhoo, dogs are not just for men. They really are the ideal companion. They love you unconditionally, they only want food and love (in that order), and there is no back talk! Just fantastic! My baby is Patch, a half-breed of some type of bull dog and bassett hound. He's a great combination of fiesty and lap dog! He is really the best dog I've ever had, and I will be heartbroken when he leaves me. He was by my side the entire time I was sick last summer, and that just sealed the deal. Not that I wasn't crazy about him before.

There have been other dogs in my life; as a child there were Frosty (mother) and Frisky (son). Then there was a long period of no dogs, a few cats, then back to my senses. As a married adult I've had Maggie, Abby, Nick, Toby & Molly (briefly, another story altogether!) and now Patch and Catdog. They were both strays and there is something great about strays. They are so easy to satisfy. They don't cop attitudes as much, they'll eat almost anything, and then there's the love you unconditional thing. Catdog was thus named because she is almost feline in behavior, very prissy and cleans herself like a cat, rarely barks, very delicate. She's not real smart, but maybe that's an act. Maybe she's manipulating us and we don't even know it! Hmmm...scary.

The Father loves US unconditionally, and sometimes we are like dogs ourselves. And I don't mean that in a nice way. But all the same, He loves us and always will. Isn't that just the best thought? Now that makes me smile...

First of all, I want to say hi to LYNN WEST who got on my case about not updating my blog today! Hey - I never promised you brilliance every day!

I went to a funeral today for one of my husband's very best friends. They have known each other for about, uh, at least 50 years. They have been through several lives together, and when they they did talk, although not real often anymore, it was as if they hadn't missed a day. My husband is a loner of sorts; he has few friends that he stays in close touch with. But Jerry was one of them. The chaplain officiating the ceremony had some very positive things to say, things we would all like to be said about us. He quoted a poem written by Mary Oliver, entitled "Yes! No!", referring to our need to have an opinion. The last line is most intriguing - - "To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work". Hmmm...pay attention...have an opinion...what does it mean? Jerry knew. He paid attention, he tried to be a friend in need. He wasn't afraid to help those around him, to antipcate their needs and offer his shoulder. He saw the good in people. He would give counsel, have an opinion, whenever he was needed. He took the time, he cared.

Do we pay enough attention? Are we there for those around us? Do we put others before ourselves? Many of us would say, "if you are a mother, you put others before yourself"!! Yes, of course that's true, but how many of us really pay attention to the wonderful things around us, the things of God, the goodness in people, the simple art of relaxation? Have you ever really noticed the petals on a wilddflower and thought, "how beautiful and simple is that?"

Take a walk around town, your neighborhood, even your own yard. Take the time. Pay attention. See the good. Care.

Halfway to Goldfield!

I thought that sounded like a good title for a blog, although I tend to go with song titles, why I don't know! Halfway to Goldfield (NV) is where we are in our cross country virtual walking challenge - between San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC! We have a LONG way to go, but a short time to get there (a song from somewhere?) but the idea is to get yourself moving! I am as guilty of sitting around as ANYONE! Maybe more so! I sit at a desk 8 hours a day, then come home mentally exhausted, which leaves me wanting to sit! I've been walking for a few weeks now and I can really say I'm starting to feel a bit more energized and I don't think my flab bounces quite as much when I run! YIPPEE!!

Let's talk BMI...what is that, you say? Big Mad Indian? Bad Mood Instigator? No, of course I mean BODY MASS INDEX! Let's see where you stand - Meausure My BMI.

I find myself in the "normal" catagory, but my cellulite doesn't look normal to me! They say it's hereditary (thanks, mom!) but I say - I can whip this body into shape! I just need to focus on one day at a time.

If you feel discouraged, or thinking about NOT walking today, remember this: you are cheating yourself and no one else! Tell everyone to hold their horses while you go walk for 30 minutes!

Good luck!