Word of the Post
Today's word is: condone
/con*done"/ verb
To regard or treat (usually action that is bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable or harmless. To overlook an offense; to pardon; make allowances for, or be lenient with.
When a child is caught doing something bad, many parents today condone their actions instead of punishing and educating.
~~~~~~~~~~
I got the car back, and things seem to be operating properly. I now have to settle up with the shop. I don't like giving up my money. I didn't even have to work for this money, but it just seems wrong to pay so much for installing such tiny parts. Dread fills my being. Unfortunately, I am also an honorable person, and must pay my debt. I want the guys to make the money for their labor. Just not so much of it. I have told the guys in the office more than once: I appreciate the work you do for me, but I am really getting tired of looking at you.
I think the cats are trying to break the door between the living room and the garage. They run throughout the house, at break-neck speeds, and hit the cat door at full tilt. One of these days, the door is going to pop out of its place, or just break in half from the force.
Of all the things that can go wrong, I have to deal today with the most painful. I have been having horrible back spasms. It hurts to walk, hurts to sit, hurts to move. I have iced my back, rubbed it with Tiger Balm, massaged, taken Tylenol, heat packed, and stretched. I have no idea what is pinched or what is out of place, but my muscles are crying. I wonder how much of this comes from all the walking I did over the weekend, going to the craft fair and a Blazers hockey game. You might question why going to a hockey game should make my back hurt, and I have the answers. I spent all day Friday at the State Fairgrounds at An Affair of the Heart, a twice annual craft fair. My legs and feet hurt for two days after that. On Saturday, we went to the hockey game at the Ford Center. We park about three blocks away, and walk to the arena. Then we have to hike up and down the stairs to get to our seats. The seats are not built for babies who have back like I have. I have to sit in the seats at a bit of an angle, and I am sure that is the actual culprit.
Thankfully, none of these will last forever. I have the money in hand to give to the shop for my car. I know the pain will go away soon enough. I should not complain. It brings everyone else down, and doesn't make me feel any better. Just know that I am doing all I can (for free) to help myself.
I wish for all my readers, loyal or new, to have a fun and safe and Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
And A Cherry On Top!
Today has been a bit of a roller coaster. I went to my friend's memorial service. It was one of the shortest, happiest funerary ceremonies I have ever attended.
The man was a Christian, and lived a long and happy life. He was full of awe at new experiences, and loved any new gadget he could get his hands on. He was well-loved, and will be much missed. The preacher who did the eulogy was impressed with the masses of people that kept the family company at the Heart Hospital. Apparently, even without me, the room was always full from Sunday night when he had the initial heart attack until Tuesday morning after he passed away. The Heart Hospital at Mercy was even good enough to bring a food cart for the guests. Amazing.
The funeral was a mix of congregational singing (our church being fond of acappella music), and a short talk about his life. I felt a bit self-conscious during one song. I was the only alto I could hear, on an alto lead part of the chorus. I don't think I was the only one singing, but I KNOW I was the only one the song leader could hear. It took a few minutes for all the adrenaline to get back to a normal level. I like singing, but I didn't want to be the center of attention at a funeral.
We laughed, we cried a little, and we broke for food. The actual service was only 1/2 an hour. He would have been happy to know that we all visited a long time over a good meal. His widow is such a sweet woman. I feel for her. She will no longer have her husband to listen to her. Her son lives with her, and I think things will be fine. He is a good son, taking care of his parents recently.
His daughter, my good friend, works for Hertz. I find it funny that the meaning of the name Hertz is "my strife". There are very few people I know who have worked there that enjoyed it; and I know a LOT of people who have worked there. Even I worked there for a short while. I guess you have to be off the phones in the call center, and then things are fine. Hertz (yes, the rental car company) is not fond of letting its people off for any old reason. But today, there were many people who work with my good friend at Hertz, and came to the funeral. It was neat.
The service was not a preachy service. The minister didn't try to convert the heathens who knew this man. We just celebrated his life, and it was peaceful.
I still don't have my car back. They keep trying to fix the sensors that trigger a fan that cools the system. They have replaced the water pump and two sensors, as well as the thermostat. They have one more part they are replacing tomorrow, and I should have the car back after that. I hope it works correctly. I miss my Malibu. I love that car. I have said before, if we could put the cushy seats and the cassette player from the Buick into the Malibu, the Malibu would be close to perfect. But perfect requires working. So, we wait. Pray that I don't go crazy without my car.
Go with God, Friends.
The man was a Christian, and lived a long and happy life. He was full of awe at new experiences, and loved any new gadget he could get his hands on. He was well-loved, and will be much missed. The preacher who did the eulogy was impressed with the masses of people that kept the family company at the Heart Hospital. Apparently, even without me, the room was always full from Sunday night when he had the initial heart attack until Tuesday morning after he passed away. The Heart Hospital at Mercy was even good enough to bring a food cart for the guests. Amazing.
The funeral was a mix of congregational singing (our church being fond of acappella music), and a short talk about his life. I felt a bit self-conscious during one song. I was the only alto I could hear, on an alto lead part of the chorus. I don't think I was the only one singing, but I KNOW I was the only one the song leader could hear. It took a few minutes for all the adrenaline to get back to a normal level. I like singing, but I didn't want to be the center of attention at a funeral.
We laughed, we cried a little, and we broke for food. The actual service was only 1/2 an hour. He would have been happy to know that we all visited a long time over a good meal. His widow is such a sweet woman. I feel for her. She will no longer have her husband to listen to her. Her son lives with her, and I think things will be fine. He is a good son, taking care of his parents recently.
His daughter, my good friend, works for Hertz. I find it funny that the meaning of the name Hertz is "my strife". There are very few people I know who have worked there that enjoyed it; and I know a LOT of people who have worked there. Even I worked there for a short while. I guess you have to be off the phones in the call center, and then things are fine. Hertz (yes, the rental car company) is not fond of letting its people off for any old reason. But today, there were many people who work with my good friend at Hertz, and came to the funeral. It was neat.
The service was not a preachy service. The minister didn't try to convert the heathens who knew this man. We just celebrated his life, and it was peaceful.
I still don't have my car back. They keep trying to fix the sensors that trigger a fan that cools the system. They have replaced the water pump and two sensors, as well as the thermostat. They have one more part they are replacing tomorrow, and I should have the car back after that. I hope it works correctly. I miss my Malibu. I love that car. I have said before, if we could put the cushy seats and the cassette player from the Buick into the Malibu, the Malibu would be close to perfect. But perfect requires working. So, we wait. Pray that I don't go crazy without my car.
Go with God, Friends.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
With Whipped Cream
Today, I got the car back at lunch, and had to take it back to the shop by 4. It overheated again. The shop replaced a thermostat or a sensor of some kind, and a seal that had a leak. They even put more antifreeze in it for the winter. I again had Roadrunner in the car, with her boys picked up from school, and she told me that the car still smelled funny, and the boys told us the car was leaking. While driving between the school and the house, I noticed the temperature going up higher than it should have. The car dumped about 3 cups of fluid on Roadrunner's driveway.
We still have the other car, so I am not totally stranded at home, but we have lots of things to do tomorrow, and will be one car short still.
We will be attending the memorial service for my friend's dad who passed away on Tuesday morning. They have made sure to tell everyone to dress casual, so I don't have to find my blackest skirt, or wear uncomfortable shoes. His widow will be happy that we are comfy. He is being cremated, so there will be no viewing, and no trip to the graveside. I think this service will be more of a celebration of a life lived happy, than another funeral for an old guy at church that died. I know his family will be happy with that.
I suppose that my own emotional state is still in question, but I have to support my friends. I could not go to the hospital on Monday. I don't like hospitals, and I was certain that I could not be helpful there. I can do funerals for weeks, but I don't want to see you with tubes hanging off of you. It isn't really a phobia, it's more of an issue of comfort zone.
I hear wine is good for the heart, if taken in moderation. Unfortunately for me, that requires grapes. I don't much like grape juice, and to let it get sour over time in a wooden cask does not improve it. I have, however, found a few select wines that are not so bad.
Oklahoma produces sweeter wines, according to the owner of the winery we have been to a few times. We started going there the first time for a wedding we attended. We have been back for a whim on the spur of the moment, and have been there for a Wine Festival. At the Festival, they sell tasting glasses for $10, and this includes free tastes all day long. We got to try each flavor without buying a whole bottle. I avoided the driest of the reds, but actually liked a few that I was sure I would hate. I wish I had my own pictures. This winery is so very pretty. They have an area outdoors that is set up for weddings, and give free tours of their facilities. They also have local artists, candle makers and musicians at the Festival.
There was a neat little thing that was interesting. They called it a Wine-a-Rita. It was a margarita mix that was made with either white or red wine instead of tequila. I had a tiny little taste of the white one. It was much better than tequila, there is no doubt about it. All slushy goodness. I could see myself getting quite sloshed with a drink like that. Which is why I didn't buy any of it.
Our favorites are (in no particular order or significance): Noble Red, Blush Delight and Fiesta Blanca. We are much happier with the sweet light wines. At the winery, they serve cheeses from an Oklahoma company, but I didn't buy any of it, so I don't remember the name of it. I prefer my cheese from Watonga, Oklahoma. They make cheddar cheese with bits of bacon in it! Yum-O! There is a cheese festival they do. We have talked about going there someday. Maybe next time.
I am not one to promote reckless drinking. I don't drink anything to get an effect. I don't like the buzzed feeling that can come from alcohol. I prefer to taste a little bit. I like to experiment with flavors, not get crazy. The tasting was quite fun for jokes. DH watched his favorite college team lose (they were playing the game to entertain the people who would have been at home otherwise), and told me, "I need a drink!" and went back to get another taste. It was funny, only because it was so out of character for us.
I would encourage anyone who wanted a new experience to go to a local winery and play for a day. You don't have to drink anything to have a good time, and you may come away with a new-found affinity for a certain libation. Just make sure that you buy and drive home to drink. I don't want any accidents because I told you to go to the grapes.
Here's to your health!
We still have the other car, so I am not totally stranded at home, but we have lots of things to do tomorrow, and will be one car short still.
We will be attending the memorial service for my friend's dad who passed away on Tuesday morning. They have made sure to tell everyone to dress casual, so I don't have to find my blackest skirt, or wear uncomfortable shoes. His widow will be happy that we are comfy. He is being cremated, so there will be no viewing, and no trip to the graveside. I think this service will be more of a celebration of a life lived happy, than another funeral for an old guy at church that died. I know his family will be happy with that.
I suppose that my own emotional state is still in question, but I have to support my friends. I could not go to the hospital on Monday. I don't like hospitals, and I was certain that I could not be helpful there. I can do funerals for weeks, but I don't want to see you with tubes hanging off of you. It isn't really a phobia, it's more of an issue of comfort zone.
I hear wine is good for the heart, if taken in moderation. Unfortunately for me, that requires grapes. I don't much like grape juice, and to let it get sour over time in a wooden cask does not improve it. I have, however, found a few select wines that are not so bad.
Oklahoma produces sweeter wines, according to the owner of the winery we have been to a few times. We started going there the first time for a wedding we attended. We have been back for a whim on the spur of the moment, and have been there for a Wine Festival. At the Festival, they sell tasting glasses for $10, and this includes free tastes all day long. We got to try each flavor without buying a whole bottle. I avoided the driest of the reds, but actually liked a few that I was sure I would hate. I wish I had my own pictures. This winery is so very pretty. They have an area outdoors that is set up for weddings, and give free tours of their facilities. They also have local artists, candle makers and musicians at the Festival.
There was a neat little thing that was interesting. They called it a Wine-a-Rita. It was a margarita mix that was made with either white or red wine instead of tequila. I had a tiny little taste of the white one. It was much better than tequila, there is no doubt about it. All slushy goodness. I could see myself getting quite sloshed with a drink like that. Which is why I didn't buy any of it.
Our favorites are (in no particular order or significance): Noble Red, Blush Delight and Fiesta Blanca. We are much happier with the sweet light wines. At the winery, they serve cheeses from an Oklahoma company, but I didn't buy any of it, so I don't remember the name of it. I prefer my cheese from Watonga, Oklahoma. They make cheddar cheese with bits of bacon in it! Yum-O! There is a cheese festival they do. We have talked about going there someday. Maybe next time.
I am not one to promote reckless drinking. I don't drink anything to get an effect. I don't like the buzzed feeling that can come from alcohol. I prefer to taste a little bit. I like to experiment with flavors, not get crazy. The tasting was quite fun for jokes. DH watched his favorite college team lose (they were playing the game to entertain the people who would have been at home otherwise), and told me, "I need a drink!" and went back to get another taste. It was funny, only because it was so out of character for us.
I would encourage anyone who wanted a new experience to go to a local winery and play for a day. You don't have to drink anything to have a good time, and you may come away with a new-found affinity for a certain libation. Just make sure that you buy and drive home to drink. I don't want any accidents because I told you to go to the grapes.
Here's to your health!
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