New Year, New Me???

Okay, this year I did not even think about New Year Resolutions. Yeah, I did run through the "getting in shape", "learning not to procrastinate", and my all-time favorite, "spending within my means" scenarios, but the truth is that I am older and wiser. I know that making a list with all my potential improvements will remain a list for the next year with only a hint of guilt for not following-through.

I have gone with a new approach. I am trying to be better in some way everyday. Maybe it will be eating right, or doing a project early, or maybe just not buying that book or gadget that I was dying for in the first place. Or maybe it will be thinking about the act and deciding that I really do want it and will make it work accordingly.

Like me, I am sure you know what I am talking about as January 1st comes around each year and a new plan is needed to make a fresh start. However, I have a feeling that it is not necessary to restart or begin over again, but maybe like tortoise and "keep a-goin".

The point being that I am going to live in the present in a meaningful way- each and every day. No matter worrying or planning out what will never be accomplished from a insignificant man-made list. I do have to do all those things I mentioned, but for me and not because I am suppose to do it. Quality, not quantity is my new philosophy.

I will work on my weight and exercising to be healthier and live longer. I will whittle away at my "to do" list a little at a time, and I will use my money to make my life better and the people around me. Making time to enjoy my pursuits as well as handle my responsibilities. So, I will pursue my classes, finish paying my credit card debt, work and volunteer on a regular basis while allowing myself some all important "me" time for writing, creating, and actually relaxing on occasion.

With a new granddaughter, two wonderful grown daughters with their own lives, and a husband of a gazillion years, I have learned that they are what makes my life whole. Having that in mind, I know that they are my priority this year and every year. If I miss with them, I miss completely. So, I believe that this year there will be a new me. It will one day at a time even if it takes all year. Persistence is the key...

Life is What You Make It...

I have not posted a blog since July. It is now October and the weather is turning to the cool crispness of Autumn. This summer I was preparing to be a grandmother for the first time and although I certainly feel way to young to be one- the prospect was wonderful. Instead of feeling older with a Grandma next to my name, I feel miraculously alive in an amazing way. Suddenly, I have so many reasons to be everything I can be and more. This gift is not lost on me either. All the great plans for the future mean so much more with a new life to share it with(as long as her parents will put up with me). Let the adventures begin.

So, on July 23rd at about seven minutes to midnight my first born gave birth (just minutes before being 10 days late) to her first born, Olivia Belle. At nine pounds, eleven ounces, 22 inches long, and did I mention almost 10 days late(?) my husband and I became grandparents. Life as we knew it changed once again. Blessed beyond measure over the years with family and friends to enrich our lives, the next chapter began.

However, this does not mean all things, all the time are copacetic. The majority of the time it is a great life. I might not have as much money as I would like, my last few classes for my degree are stalled because of funding, a little too much credit card debt, and some house repairs that keep popping up on a daily basis, yet I remain a happy camper.

Do not get me wrong- financially speaking life can be rough. I keep waiting for the proverbial pot-of-gold to land in my lap and allow me to fulfill my dreams, but I have come to realize that if it never gets here I will be okay. I keep dreaming and learning while I am finding time to do what I want to do for me. Putting things on hold until the right circumstances appear is crazy. Tomorrow I might not be here and I will only be a memory to the ones I love. Nope, not me...I am going to enjoy it while I can...until next time.

Relay for Life Gurnee/Wadsworth, IL

So,last Saturday night the communities of Gurnee and Wadsworth once again came out in force to celebrate another successful Relay for Life. This is a homecoming of sorts for so many people each year. By my last count there were well over 70 teams participating and many more who volunteered in one way or another. At last count, they had not reached their goal dollar-wise, but donations are still being accepted into August.

Many of the people sharing their time, are friends and acquaintances that come out like myself to honor the ones who have had cancer or to remember the loved ones we have lost. Either way- the number are far too many!

Seeing the survivor lap in the opening ceremony and luminaria with glowing lights around the track or in the bleachers will choke anyone up. If that was not emotional enough, when the looping footage of all who have been touched by cancer appears on the big screen, the love and strength are palpable as everyone continues to walk in the darkness and charged silence.

I was just a lightweight this year in the volunteer department, because of the impending birth of my granddaughter. I worked the accounting tent for awhile, donated some money, and walked for a bit on the track, but being part of this amazing event for even a little bit makes me feel part of the effort and so proud of my neighbors and friends.

This year the RFL was headed by Heidi May, Samantha May, and Megan Kile. They did an awesome job!! Hot as it almost always is, the Warren Township High School athletic field (Home Sweet Home), the weather held for the 12 hour walk. Lightening, dark clouds, and humidity, was all-around Gurnee, but above the track not a cloud in sight. It was wonderful!

Entertainment, silent auctions, and lots of donated food to feed the masses, it was a feel good night for all! A time to give, to meet with friends, and exercise those muscles does not seem like an obligation, but an honor instead. Next year, I will be there for the whole thing as we all work again to eliminate cancer forever. Until next time...

July 1st- New Chapter

I am one of those lucky ones who have a little over a month off during the summer, because I work in a school district. Until this state goes to an all-year school system, my pay gets stretched out into a full year. Despite public opinion, this does not give me more money for less work, but a paycheck all year to compensate for my not getting the opportunity to work at my job. Like teachers, I have no say on when I work per se- I work when the school year permits.
Having said this, I know I am blessed with a period of time that I can refresh, reconnect, and reconfigure my life. Sure there are some routine and mundane chores that I could tackle and sometimes do, yet just some down time to reeavulate what I am doing with my life is really, really good.
I realized just recently that with this time off configured as it is, I am doing this introspection at the half way point of the year. I planned all my me-work just after the summer solstice, which seems significant to me. I have plans to work-out more, eat better, organize my growing pile of stuff, and concentrate on my writing.
There is another reason this time seems so significant as the beginning of a new chapter- I am going to be a grandmother for the first time. My oldest daughter is due very, very soon. As I look back at my pregnancy with her about the same time of year, I do become retrospective. All my hopes, fears, and plans were not much different than hers are now. I have the joy of knowing those feelings have worked out for the most part, well.
Also, realizing that the human spirit is resilient when overcoming the bad things and forever hopeful for the yet to be. I relish each part of this new chapter in my life. Until next time...

Can't We Just Vote on It?

Would it be so terrible when this nation is faced with a pressing issue that may affect life as we know it, that we just get out and vote on the option at hand? There are polls to analyze polls and political commentators all over the news telling us what we think and how we should think.It is just getting really old.
Take our first ever health care bill to be signed into law recently. Wouldn't it have been much easier to just poll the American people and see what they really wanted? Don't get me wrong- I was for the legislation, but I grew weary trying to sort out all the political maneuvering going on in this constituent's name. Even a straw poll would have given a real voice to the voters and isn't that what we really want?
I know we voted these politicians into office, yet something happens once they get in the fray that really worries me. Special interests, political alliances, and bargaining for their little piece of the pie becomes more important than the people back home. They are our representatives or are they? I sometimes wonder what happens to those statesmen when they get the party call to unite.
So, would it really be so bad if we really did a vote on these big issues and then have the legislature hammer out the details? How easy would have been if they knew right away that regardless of the party line- the citizens of this country wanted health insurance to be available for everyone? Then they could have dealt with that alone without tagging all the other stuff that came along with the bill to get it passed.
I am sure there are other topics that could benefit from a nice clear vote with majority rules. Education, War, outsourcing jobs, immigration laws, and what about dare I say- bailing out Wall Street ever again??? Yep, let's vote on it!
Until next time...

Merry Christmas!

Okay, once again I was up until after 3am wrapping, separating, and organizing all the purchases I made in the last 24 yours. Ever since, Mike and I were married(December 26th), shopping for the holidays have been a chaotic,marathon with last minute dashes to find just the right present in my budget.
In the early years, the last paycheck before Christmas was the budget, but now it is not necessity- more habit. The good thing about that time of wrapping after candlelight service is putting in one afte another movie classic to keep me company during the wee hours. This year the original Bishop's Wife and Holiday Inn. I finally had to order them, because even though there are hundreds of channels on cable- none play those movies anymore. Heck, not even the Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life! What is up with that???
Anyway, the gifts are open and a calm is settling into the day. It is just enjoying the time with friends and family, basking in the warmth of those I love. It really is the best feeling.
Gifts are just a small part of what Christmas is all about. When raising the kids, that thought sometimes became a bit clouded with the search for that favorite toy...the Cabbage Patch year was the worst!
Take time, at least today to count your blessings, and that includes the people around you. Life is good, not always easy, but there is plenty of love to smooth those rough spots that come up. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to you and yours!! Until next time....

Thanksgiving- A Time for Reflection

So, things are not great. Money is tight. Work has become routine and life isn't quite going the way I planned. However, I am financially getting by. I have a job that is pretty secure and there is hope in the future. I believe that my dreams can come true.

I have two marvelous daughters who are finding their way in this crazy world. The economy is improving. I am whittling away on my degree and I am learning exactly who I am. Not bad in my fifth decade on Earth. I am in a better place. Learning even as my bones begin to moan and slow.

Peace is out of reach for the world and my soul tonight. Yet, the tools for me personally are within my reach. It is same for our country's leaders, as well. If we stop the judging of others, learn to take responsibility for our actions and trust that we can make a difference when we care enough- we will change for the good.
Until next time...