I Miss You, Steve!

Mark’s birthday was Monday, and my parents had us come over for cookie cake to celebrate.  At Karen’s spot, she had a Blues Clues birthday napkin.  I said,  “Aww!  Look at that!  Remember, Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper?   Oh, Slippery Soap!”  I was so excited to reminisce about the “good ol’ days.”  My mom went over to her cabinet, and lo, and behold, I was blessed with a different Blues Clues napkin.  This one had clues for what Blue wanted to do that Steve had drawn in his “handy dandy notebook.”  FUN!  My dad even remembered that the guy on the show was named Steve.  We then discussed how much more we liked Steve than Joe.

The next day, Mark sent me this photo of Steve.  Mark likes the change.  I miss the old Steve.

Back to the Future-Part 3

Yes, yes, we are finally getting to the actual reunion part of my story.  Keep your pants on.

When we left Michelle yesterday, she was going to go get a drink and calm her big self down.

I went into the bar and there were faces that looked somewhat familiar, but not necessarily friendly.  Think Star Wars Cantina.  (I can’t help it.  Gotta throw a Star Wars reference in whenever I can.)  I smile at those who actually make eye contact.  One guy is really good-looking, but I can’t remember his name.  And, remember, no name tags.  Great.

I get my drink and I hear, “Michelle?”  I turn around and there is a guy I’d know anywhere.  We grew up together in elementary school.  I didn’t need a name tag.  I hug him and he introduces me to his wife.  The three of us find out that we all live in Wildwood and that their daughter will be going to middle school with my two kids next year.  His wife takes our picture, and we say we’ll see each other outside.  Now, I walk out of the bar with confidence.  I am passing those same faces that I saw when I entered, but now I’m not avoiding their eyes.  I’m smiling and nodding like I’m Miss America or something.

When I get back outside, I find out that there are now name tags, plus a sign-in sheet.  Another sigh of relief escapes me.  The pen we have to use, though is definitely a fine-tip one.  (I’m an office supply freak/geek.  I know my pens.)  This makes me laugh and as I mention to the women I saw when I first arrived, “Sure, we may need to use our hands and read them like Braille, but at least they are name tags!”

Another great elementary buddy comes and finds me, and we hug.  ( I had thought before I left, “What if these people aren’t huggers?  I’m a hugger.  Oh gosh.  Turns out, those I felt like hugging often hugged me first.  Those I just kinda knew?  No hugging necessary.  Weird.  It was like these were real, normal people or something.)  I tell him that he was so sweet to me in high school because I rode the bus all the way through high school, but he would pick me up in his pickup truck once in awhile when he saw me standing alone at the bus stop.  He threw his head back and laughed.  “That big ol’ white pickup?  Wow!”  He later mentioned that to his wife who told me that that same pickup had broken down on her when they were dating.

Then I saw my friend from church and her friends and there were more hugs.  Everyone’s got name tags on now, so I don’t have to use my not-so-great memory to remember who these people are.  (And, these ladies don’t have their husbands there either, so I’m not regretting not dragging Tom along.)  We start talking about the clothes we used to wear and how important those were to us.  We each remembered what pair of Nikes we had.  We thought that was hilarious!  Twenty-five years go by, and I still remembered my dark blue Nikes with the light blue swoosh.  We talked about Candies, Yo-Yos, and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans.  I was laughing so hard tears were practically shooting out of my eyes!  If there had been a fire right then and there, and they made everyone go home, I would have thought it was the best night I’ve had in a long time.  This is why people like to attend reunions.  The laughing and the memories.

I headed over to what I called The Music Department Table.  If you were in band, orchestra, or choir, you were over there.  Again, hugs all around.  One guy said to me, “You know.  I haven’t been in St. Louis for years.  And, when I came back, and decided to go to this thing, there were certain people I really wanted to see.  You are one of those people.”  Awwww.  How cool is that?  He introduces me to his wife, and I meet the other Music people’s wives.  Awesome.  (I just now realized I’m the only female there from the Music Dept.  Didn’t even think of that until now.)

I move on into the bar area now and see my friends from earlier, and more people start to arrive.  Lots of screaming “Hi!!!!!!!” and lots of “Quick!  Who is that in the blue shirt?” right before that person comes up to talk.  Not all the name tags are staying on, it seems. 

One of my old friends tells me that she’s mad at me, and winks.  I asked why and she said I stole the solo in “God Bless America” from her in high school.  I said, “Seriously?  I don’t even remember that.”  Then I laughed and said, “I can’t believe you are even speaking to me after that!”  I guess you can forgive pretty easily after 25 years.

I saw lots and lots of people that night.

• A best friend from elementary school that didn’t associate with me in high school, but was so excited to see me.  She looks just like her mom, and talking to her brought back all the good memories and none of the bad.
• A girl that didn’t talk to me in high school and still didn’t talk to me that night.  Okay, several girls.  And guys.  But, what was I going to catch up with them about anyway?  I didn’t know anything about them 25 years ago.  I thought it would bother me when they would look at my nametag and move on, but it didn’t.  I did the same thing when I saw their nametags.
• Guys that were so popular and good-looking in high school that are still good-looking, but aren’t married, and wish they were.  Or at least wished they had kids.  And, I wasn’t deathly afraid to talk to them.  Twenty-five years will do that to a person!
• Classmates that weren’t “popular” at all in high school, but were having the best time circulating and talking to anyone and everyone!
• People that I kind of knew in high school, but were so friendly and fun to be around at the reunion.
• And, finally, classmates I had honestly forgotten about, but was absolutely thrilled to see and catch up with. 

It was truly an amazing evening.  I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said, “You haven’t changed at all!  You are still so funny!”  (I don’t remember being funny in high school.  I thought that came later.  Shows you what I know!)  If you had asked me last year, or even last month for that matter, if I would be attending, I would have laughed out loud, and said, “No way!”

There are several classmates that I am sure I will see before the next reunion.  Two of the guys are in a band together and several of us plan to go hear them play whenever we can.  But, now, I can honestly say that I cannot wait for the next reunion.  Which just goes to show you, “Never say Never.”

Second Career

I’ve found my second career.  Not as difficult as my first career which was teaching 2nd grade.  That was rewarding, but a lot of work.  This job is one that I could do, leave, and not bring my work home with me.

I want to paint the lines on crosswalks and the arrows for turn lanes.  I saw guys doing that today, and I thought, “THAT is the ultimate stenciling project!”  I wonder if MODOT hires people specifically for that job.  I look great in safety yellow.

Why Isn’t This Happening Everywhere?

Karen and I went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries last night.  (Hang on a minute.  I have to wipe the drool from my chin.  There we go.)  Something caught my eye, and I said to Karen, “Now look at that.  Why don’t all restaurants do that?  That is brilliant!” 

An employee was going to put a new bag in a trash can.  She MOVED the trash can out of sight, and took out the garbage, and replace the bag.  THEN, she brought it back!  How nice to not to have to look at garbage while eating!  FABULOUS! 

And, yes, I’m going to go to the web site and compliment them right now.  Excellent!

Good for a Laugh

Usually, I don’t want to hear another Christmas song after Christmas is over.  But, I can never get enough of some of the parodies.  This one is just about my favorite.

The Twelve Pains of Christmas 

Update

Tree is up with green lights.  These are the lights we usually put outside, but they didn’t make it up this year, so now we have some lights on the tree.  I thought about just putting the ornaments on and not having lights, but I knew the kids wouldn’t really go for that.  Plus, my mom reminded me that when I was little, my aunt decorated her tree without lights and I asked my mom if my aunt was Jewish.  The kids had a half day, so when they got home, we put the ornaments on, and WE…ARE…DONE!  Finally.  I can check that off my list.   

I called my doctor and he sent out some Rx to help with a problem that I don’t want to discuss on here as a courtesy to the men who read this blog.  Made a HUGE difference in less that 24 hours.  Gotta love that guy.

Now, I just hardly have a voice, and am still wiped out.  But, hey, this is truly an improvement over yesterday and the day before that, and the day before that, etc.

So, things are much better here.  Just watched “When Harry Met Sally” and that always gives me a warm, mushy feeling.  And, it has a holiday-ish theme to it, so maybe I’m ready to take on this holiday! 

Too bad my voice is more gravely than just going away.  I could make a lot of money making calls and saying, “What are you wearing?”  Maybe I’ll do that anyway, and just freak people out.

Box or Homemade?

I took the time to make my kids actual hot cocoa with milk, cocoa, sugar, etc.  My son took one sip and said he really liked the packet kind better.  I said that was okay, that I liked mashed potatoes from a box better than homemade.  (Sorry, Mom.)  I’m waiting for my daughter to drink hers, and am completely expecting her to turn her nose up at it.

It did make me start to think about other things that are quick and easy that people like better than the homemade (and usually more time-consuming) kind.

One thing my family (minus me) likes better is the Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff versus the one that seemed to take half a day to make.  I was actually happy about that one, since the HH is much much quicker and doesn’t have to be planned well in advanced.

Cake comes to mind.  I’m not a real fan of cake in general, so I don’t really have a preference.  However, my mom’s side of the family makes some great cakes from scratch, but they also can do wonders with a cake mix and caramel, and pecans.  OIY&^R  Oops, got a little drool on the keyboard there.  Sorry.

My aunt prefers instant coffee to brewed.  I know.  She’s probably the only one in the entire world other than those actually working for Taster’s Choice.  But, I think they probably sneak in the brewed stuff while they are at home behind closed doors. 

What do you like better boxed than homemade?  Oh, and, by the way, my daughter has abandoned the hot cocoa all together.

Is it November 4th Yet?

Holy cow!  I am starting to go nuts.  I am not going to talk about the actual views of each side or even which side I am on.  Those of you that know me, know what where I lean.  Those of you that don’t, I realize that my viewpoint isn’t going to make any difference to you, so I’m skipping that.  Besides, once I get started, I can’t stop.

My problem with this time of year is the tension.  I have already decided how I am going to vote, so all these commercials are not going to make one iota’s bit of difference.  Other than the fact that I’m getting way too worked up. 

I do have some friends that are on the “other side of the aisle” and I don’t even want to talk to them about this.  It’s like the elephant in the room when we get together.  Or at least I feel that way.  Now, yesterday, I spent the morning with a dear friend from the other camp, and we had a great time.  We had plenty of other stuff to talk about, thank goodness.  But, she’s the exception to the rule, I think.  Since this is at the forefront of my mind, I want to scream, “HOW CAN YOU VOTE FOR HIM?!?!?!?”  when I am with other people.  I’ve had to call my friend in Texas so that I can vent.  She calls me to do the same.  It’s crazy. 

So, I’m just using this venue to vent my frustration and release the tension.  Thanks.  Trust me, the world is better off now that I got that out. 

I am praying.  I’m voting.  That’s about all I can do.

Much Better, Thanks

Oh, yes!  Yesterday was officially the Day One on the tote board.  Welcome to day two!!!

So, today I’m just going break away from the bipolar/depression blog and try another bit of observation.

Strip Malls.

They are everywhere.  As they are being constructed, you wonder, “Oooh!  I wonder what is going to go in there?”  Well, let me take a little of the guessing out of it.

Places of business that occur in most strip malls are:

• Edward Jones – this one for some reason really irks my son.  He is actually the first one to notice how these offices seem to be everywhere!
• A Nail Salon – no excuses for nasty looking nails.  Just find a strip mall.  Chances are, there is a nail salon.
• Dentist/Orthodontist – There is one at a strip mall near you!
• Dry Cleaners – no matter what the name, strange or not-so-strange, you can usually drop your shirts off before getting your nails done.

Once you start looking, you’d be surprised at how many of these are actually in each strip mall.  Keep in mind, I’m not saying every strip mall has all of these, but usually at least two or three, if not all four!

So, while you are hoping to see a fabulous bakery, high-end shoe store, or a place that sells nothing but pink flamingos, just know there aren’t many spaces available.

Zuzu Lama is Here to Help

In my last two sessions with Kent, we discussed meditation.  I told him that I was having a little trouble with racing thoughts.  I couldn’t concentrate.  Especially while praying.  Other than reading a book, my mind is often 17 places at once.  Now, while I realize that this happens to even “normal” people, it can be extremely disruptive for someone with bipolar disorder.

I was expecting him to have me close my eyes and go to a “happy place.”  What I was not expecting was a lesson in yoga!  But, apparently, those yoga folks have the right idea.  Here’s why:

calm down

• Sitting in the cross-legged position on the floor gives you a sturdy, triangular base, so that your back can be straight, and your body doesn’t sway.  When you stand and don’t move, your body does begin to sway.  Not so with this position.  Now, just keep in mind, you don’t have to put your feet on top.  Just sit like you did in Kindergarten to listen to the latest Dr. Seuss book.  Or “criss-cross applesauce” as my kids learned in preschool.
• Now that arm thing.  Palms up on your knees.  What is that all about?  Well, that brings your shoulders down and back naturally and keeps them that way.  You don’t need to necessarily touch your middle finger and thumb together, but if it feels comfortable, do it.
• By sitting this way, you can breathe properly with your diaphragm.  My choir teacher, Mrs. Goessman would be so proud!
• No humming is necessary, but breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth allows your mouth to dry up so that you don’t swallow, which can be distracting.  (This one was a shocker to me!)
• You also need an external sense to focus on.  For example, sight= a candle’s flickering flame, smell = incense or the candle’s scent, taste = (I teased Kent and said his must be coffee.  He grinned and said yes, but he also uses cherry cough drops.  Okaaaay.), sound = one of those tabletop waterfalls.
• Then, you begin to count from 10 backwards.  He said to envision it like the old elevators that showed you what floor it is passing at the time, or stair steps.

Practice doing this when you are already calm.  Trying to do it for the first time while you are anxious, may make you more anxious.

I practiced a few time last week, and then was able to use it in real life on Sunday.  It was when it was pouring down rain and the wind was high.  I hate driving in either of those weather conditions, much less both of them together.  (I know.  I know.  I sound like an old lady.  These conditions just make me anxious and drive with white knuckles all the way)  I decided I needed to calm down.  So, I went upstairs to my room and started to meditate.  It only took me two trips down the elevator to completely calm myself!  It really did work!

I hope this helps the next time you are nervous or anxious about something.  A trip to visit the Dalai Lama is expensive, kids!  I only wish George Harrison had come to me instead of going all that way.