Curveballs When Least Expected

Normally, I have a post by 9 AM every morning. Lately I have been a bit preoccupied with other stuff around here. Kids are fine, and Hubby is fine. I thank the Good Lord for that. But sometimes Life, Fate, whatever it is, tends to throw a curveball to see if I’m paying attention.

Last week I found a hard nodule in the upper right pectoral milk dispensing device. No, not the one that was *ahem* bitten by my neighbor’s dog. The other one. Anyway, I was very frightened, and also very angry. But the anger was directed at myself. I know to check myself for these eventualities, but had neglected to do so for several months. My last mammogram had been clear and just fine and dandy, so I slacked off.

That is unacceptable. One simply cannot take chances at my age that things will be just fine. And the worst part is actually having close friends who are in treatment for breast cancer. I was lucky it was cystic. I have no excuse for my laziness, but I do hope that this inspires others to be more careful, and to check themselves often. We all get one shot at living on this rock, and we should take care to make sure we live it to the best of our ability.

There will always be curveballs. The trick is to plant your feet, watch it coming at you, and SWING!!!!

Second Best

I’m not a very vain person. Sure, I know I have some rather nice qualities. Patience is a strongpoint, for example. But I am the type to be content with being second best. I am second best at many things: singing, playing Scrabble™, bartending. Many of us try to excel at one thing, and I admit to trying to be Numero Uno at certain things. But I realize that I can’t succeed at everything. Being second best is a good alternative for me. I don’t advocate being “good enough”, mind you. I just tend to appreciate that sometimes trying my hardest will not elevate me to the top.

I can be second best mom, after mine. I can be second best friend, second best writer (Ok, maybe seventh or eighth in that department!), second best Spanish tutor, second best cook. There is no shame in being second best, as long as I have tried for first.

The trick is to keep trying 🙂

A Bit Nippy

As God is my witness, I am not making this up.

Yesterday, the window on my van was repaired. That required the presence of a “stranger” in my driveway. My neighbor’s dog, an awesome, well-trained Australian Shepherd, was consequently driven nuts by the fact that someone he doesn’t know was in such close proximity to the area he is tasked to guard. I could hear him barking even while I was inside my house. Anyway, my neighbor was also dogsitting for her parents’ Aussie, a much younger, active, less-trained puppy. This puppy has the gift of egging other dogs on about barking and chasing and doing the things dogs normally do, only at a few orders of magnitude. In other words, the puppy is usually the instigator.

Not the actual Aussie, but gorgeous nonetheless!

After the repairman left, I moved the van into the garage, and then proceeded to go move the Pathfinder to the driveway, since I had parked it on the street. My neighbor, blessed woman that she is, was out with both dogs letting them relieve themselves. Her dog wasn’t on a leash, because he is trained to stay on the lawn. Before I go any further, I must underline how much I like this dog. As I walked down my driveway, perilously close to my neighbor’s yard, the dog, still in protective mode, charges at me. As taught, I stand my ground, and as HE was taught, he charges again.

My neighbor is screaming at her dog while frantically holding on to the instigator puppy.

On the second charge, the dog finds something to nip at. Now, my arms were at my sides, and I was standing sideways to him by this time. The only thing he can detect, small as it is, is my *ahem* upper pectoral milk decanting device. As I said, he is well-trained, so he only nipped at it.

But holy cow that was more than enough!!!

In tears, I get in the Pathfinder and move it, while my neighbor is calming and reinforcing training on her dog. I get out to let her know I’m fine, and hilarity ensues.

Neighbor: ARE YOU OK????

Me: Yes, it hurt a bit but..

Neighbor: OMIGAWD!! Did (name redacted to protect the innocent) bite you???

Me: Just a nip, nothing serious, really. (I am trying to calm her down by now)

Neighbor: Where??

Me: Uh…. (pointing).

Neighbor: OMIGAWD!!! Did he break skin???

(Keep in mind if a dog does draw blood, it must be quarantined for 72 hours, and the person treated for it)

Me: Oh no… not at all. I’m fine.

Neighbor: Are you sure? Take a picture of it and send it to me.

Me: (Laughing) No offense, but that is something I would only do for Hubby!!

Luckily, I am married to a doctor who took it upon himself to *ahem* check it over to make sure it was ok. Yes, it’s a bit tender, but it will heal. Suffice it to say, the dog was very contrite, and did snuggle up to me to make up for it. He sure is an awesome dog, but apparently takes that whole “take a bite out of crime” thing to extremes 😉

Reflections

I’m not very good at looking inward. I try to just go along and do what needs or has to be done because there is no other alternative. When I was giving birth to Eldest, I dilated so fast, I had to start pushing without the aid of an epidural. I had no choice in the matter! I see Life in pretty much the same way. One can reflect on alternatives that are available, but I usually fall back on Occam’s Razor™. The simplest solution is usually the best one.

Sometimes, it fails. That’s usually when I do have to take the time to reflect on the various possibilities available to me, either to grow, or to find happiness, or to deal with loss and pain. I am not one to ask myself if I’m happy. I assume I am since my family is doing well, and there are no major calamities wreaking havoc in our lives. Usually that is enough for me. But for the rest, I do take the time to analyze what has to be done. Sometimes going the simplest route is not an option.

I suppose the trick is in knowing when to cut to the heart of the problem, and when to carefully trim away the excess. I’m still learning, and trying to do what is best for everyone. It will be a long time before I can make decisions solely based on me. Being part of a family precludes that luxury. But in the end, it’s totally worth it 🙂

Fate is Fickle, and She Laughs A Lot

It never fails….

Yesterday started really well. I was cleaning, getting the house ready for a visit from The Nomstress and her family. SQUEEE!!! Anyway, I was in the groove, moving along, and getting stuff done, when there was a knock on the door. It was the Lawnmower Man™, but not to collect payment. Turns out while mowing the front lawn, the mower kicked up a small rock with enough force to take out a van window.

My first thought was, thank goodness no one was hurt. The next thought? “OMIGAWD!! WHAT DO I DO NOW???” But I calmed down, talked to him, and agreed on a payment plan, called my insurance, and arranged for replacing and clean up.

Unfortunately, I spent two hours in the hot Texas sun cleaning and picking glass out of the lawn, instead of getting their room ready in the cool comfort of my home. Several cuts and a nice red face later, I managed to finish my chores prior to their arrival, but only just. I want to think Fate is done playing with me, but I get the feeling she’s found a perfect target for her mirth 😉

Memed

So I was minding my own business, reading the blogs, when I saw that The Real Dave had posted a challenge: just something to reveal a little more about myself. Like y’all don’t know enough about me already. But I’m feeling low on inspiration, so I will take the easy way out, and answer the questions.

#1– Book or movie, and why?

Well, this one is a no brainer for me. Books! There is far more detail in a book than in an adaptation of it on film. It also lets me imagine the scenario far better than if I were watching another person’s interpretation of it. I usually find myself disappointed in that regard.

#2– Real book, or e-book?

Oh dear…. Full disclosure: I own a Nook Color tablet and a Nook reader. And still I prefer the feel of the pages. I can’t help it. The anticipation of physically turning the page to read what’s next is palpable to me.

#3– Funniest thing you’ve done in the past five years?

Every day here is an adventure. Lately I have been having some issues, but that’s not to say funny stuff doesn’t go on. One of the funniest things was the horrible time I had trying to make some bread. I couldn’t find the blade for the bread machine, and spilled oil all over the floor, and slipped and fell on my derriere. The dog was very judgmental that day, too.

#4– Do you put yourself in the books you read/write, or the movies you watch?

All the time. Sometimes it’s disappointing in a movie, because you see the lead character through your eyes, and when they do something that goes against your beliefs or your facts, you want to yell and tell them to do it right. Once again, books win out.

#5– How would your best friend describe you?

Hubby is my best friend. I’m pretty sure the terms “naive” and “neurotic” would be used, but overall, he still thinks I’m ok.

#6– Favorite kind of car and why?

This is where y’all will hate Aggie. My answer is…. none. I view cars as utilitarian, their purpose to get me from point A to point B. End of story. Some cars out there have beautiful lines, and awesome engines, but I just don’t have a favorite in that regard.

#7– Would your choice of party be a catered meal, or a barbeque out back?

BBQ, for sure. The catered meal sounds awesome, until you take into account the social graces that you must practice with it. I’m not saying I couldn’t do it, but sometimes it strikes me as pretentious and phoney. A BBQ is laid back, and feels more natural as well as strikes a primal chord. I just can’t see me talking about Aunt Bunny’s mustache at a catered affair.

#8– What is your favorite season and why?

Hm…. I like all but Winter. I don’t care for cold weather. I happen to think sn*w is a four letter word. But if I had to pick one, I would say Spring. I love to see my bluebonnets bloom.

#9– What specific lesson have you learned: spiritual, educational, occupational?

I learned that you can’t take a break from giving everything you can.

#10– Besides writing (for the blog, or otherwise), what’s your favorite thing to do when you get some extra time?

Uh, what extra time? Does sleep count? If I get inspired, I do some altered artwork, or read. That always helps me gather myself.

#11– What is one place you can be found at least once a week?

Well, everyone knows I love bubblebaths. But you can also find me sitting under the tree out front. It’s the one place I can think, and hopefully, the one place where I can hear answers.

Well, if you are reading this, consider yourself tagged, and go meme yourself 😉

On a Diet

But not a regular, run-of-the-mill diet.

I’m on a financial diet. I admit I lurves me some shopping, but in my opinion, I think I have been using it as a substitute for something. Perhaps being alone, or maybe wanting to feel good about myself. Frankly, I’m not sure. I do know I buy gifts for a lot of people, and having a large family doesn’t help. Luckily I am done with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts, and almost done with Christmas.

Yes, I am that bad.

I’m not cutting my card, but I am cutting myself from using it, with the exception of grocery shopping and getting the kids clothing they need. I pretty much have everything I need as does Hubby, and having lost weight during Lent facilitated me fitting back into my clothes, so that is a major plus. Oh, and I’m still losing weight. Getting in the habit of smaller portions sure is helping there!

And gift card shopping doesn’t count 😉

Bearing a Sadness

No, I can’t say that I am depressed. I have seen friends who have suffered from depression, and I can honestly say I’m nowhere near that. For that I am grateful. I don’t think I could write a post if I were in such pain.

I am, however, feeling very sad. It sometimes happens to me. It’s not cyclical, or even predictable as some hysterical maladies can be, if you get my drift! It just happens. The timing of this sucks rocks, though. I am used to keeping a cheerful face for the kids, but this time the whole family knows I am not myself. Trying to allay fears and lessen the impact is difficult, though. Usually this passes after a few days, and I hope that this time it will pass a bit more quickly than that. I am not one to wallow in self-pity. Unless I spill my coffee. But I am having a tough time keeping it under wraps. So, forgive me friends for my absence at your blogs. I promise I shall return eventually, as caustic and sarcastic as ever.

It’s just going to take me a little time 🙂

Sunday Wisdom

Oy, what a way to start the day. We had plans to attend the annual dorm picnic today, only to find out Little One has a project due tomorrow and is having a friend over to help. Then my mother-in-law called us to offer her tickets to a shindig up north of Austin this evening, but it being a school night, we had to decline. And just when I start adjusting to new plans, the other kids pipe in with more stuff.

My glass was looking half empty. And then I saw this:

Wisdom from my friend Deb. Sometimes I forget how to be glad and happy for what I do have. Of course, some would argue that a half full or half empty glass means that there’s a bartender somewhere needing to fill it, but I’m willing to just be happy with the contents left in it 😉

Losing Marbles

I received a chain email from a friend this morning. I usually read and delete, since I really don’t like to send along “forwards”. This one actually gave me pause. It was about a man who had calculated the average amount of Saturdays in the average lifespan. In 75 years, you have 3,900 Saturdays (75×52= 3,900). That is the average amount of Saturdays a human being has to enjoy. Admittedly, when that human is very young, it has no concept of “enjoying a Saturday”, but then again that same human has only the responsibility to investigate his or her environment, so it is enjoying pretty much every single day of the week. The man went on to tell of how he only had 1,000 Saturdays left to enjoy, so he went out and bought 1,000 marbles. Every Saturday he would take a marble, and throw it away.

By throwing the marble away, he could see Time running, and focus on what is most important in his life. There’s nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.

By my calculations, I have 1,545 Saturdays left on this Big Blue Marble™. Now, I’m not going out to buy a bunch of marbles. If I did, the kids would end up playing with them. But I will concentrate on enjoying my Saturdays with my family, while keeping a journal of how I spent each one. That way, when I finish the 1,545th entry, I can then appreciate the little extra time I have been gifted on this Earth that much more 🙂