What this Old Broad knows for Sure...

I know for sure that as I get older I take my overall health less and less for granted. The problem is...

how can one undo years and years of abuse to oneself?? Is it even possible?? Where is the cut-off age when it's just too late and why bother??

Not that I believe I'm at that age yet, but there are some bad habits I've had for so many !%*0# years, I wonder if I were successful at changing, how much difference will it make now?

Isn't the damage already a done deal??

STOP! Slap me!! In fact...

Slap me twice!!

I'm starting to make excuses for not changing when I KNOW FOR SURE any small change will at the very least make me feel better.

At the very least...

As much has I'd like to, I know for sure I can't turn back the clock and make better choices.  A lifetime of bad habits can't be totally undone, but I can start by making one small change at a time.

One... small... change...

at a time.

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I know for sure many of us are addicted to social media whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Texting, YouTube or whatever. Some signs that you may have a problem are...

1. You text people who are in the next room.
2. You speak in sentences with 140 characters or less.
3. You cannot resist checking your alerts no matter what you're doing.
4. You're at a table with friends or family and everyone is engaged in some sort of social media rather than conversing in "real" time.
5. You know more about what's happening to people you care about through tweets, statuses, etc rather than real time contact.
6. When you have a problem the first place you turn for advice is Facebook.
7. You check Facebook in the morning before you do anything else.

If you answered yes to more than 3 of these questions, chances are....

Yuppers, you are addicted to social media!
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I know for sure I need to make a dentist appointment, but keep delaying it.  Why?  I'm not afraid of the needles, drilling, extracting or any of that jazz.  Not afraid...but can't say I jump for joy when the dentist hauls these barbaric instruments out!

 

I can't use the excuse of no insurance plan as I do have a decent one, although the atrociously, high prices send me running to my doctor with heart palpitations!  No, I don't have any good excuses for procrastinating except, it just irks me to go!  Yes, irks me...

 

Aside from the aforementioned exorbitant costs (which do irk me) I despise when the dentist (or hygienist) lecture about my dental hygiene.

 

...do I brush and floss "at least" twice a day?

...do I use the most expensive (preferably theirs) toothpaste?

...do I yes an electric toothbrush?

 

No, I don't always brush or floss twice a day, but always "at least" once a day...sorry.

No, I don't use their toothpaste brand choice, but usually what is on sale...again sorry.

Yes, I do use an electric toothbrush, which was offered free on a bid to get new clients, but NEVER offered to me!

 

The other irritating, irksome, ridiculously obvious attempt to exhort more buckeroos out of me and my insurance company is when they insist I need this and that dental work done...not now...but right now!!

 

Plu..eeze!  When I was young and naive, I fell for this line, but now I am contented to keep the teeth the good Lord gave me!  So unless, it will relieve pain or prevent  pain...

 

Stick your high-priced, unnecessary orthodontic treatments "you know where"!  This is exactly one of the reasons insurance costs so much!

 

This I know for sure...

 

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Ta Ta!

 

 

 



The Tidiness Project...

Instead of Spring cleaning I've decided to call my somewhat feeble efforts at getting my adobe in order; "The Tidiness Project" and...

oh, how I do love cleaning this time of year!  Music is in the air and it just feels right and good to freshen up the place where I abide! La la la la la...

and what a bunch of hogwash!  I don't really "love" cleaning, but I do love the results.  If I could, I'd go on a wonderful 2 week vacation and leave "The Tidiness Project" to Servpro!  However, I can't and I'm not so, it is me, myself and I who will undertake this cleaning thang!  (At least, there are 3 of us...) Hummmm!

I'm tackling it room by room, starting in my office, on the upper story (huh uh, I really do live in a castle!).  I already have a very distinct feeling this may turn into a Spring/Summer project; perhaps, even a Autumn endeavor! 

My problem... aside from no Servpro...

is that because of my back injury and now my right knee being buggered up, I only have short bursts of energy, before it hurts too much to continue.  This really cramps (literally!) my style, plus...

it's fricken' frustrating!  However...

I really want to do it myself, if at all possible.  Why?  Remember in my last post here I mentioned something about being "anal" well...

I do like things done a certain way (some may call me a clean freak), but more importantly, I want to prove to myself that I can still take care of my home, even if it does take me a looo...nnnn...ggg time!

 



Another problem affecting my timeliness with getting everything shipshape, is that for over 3 years, I wasn't able to do much more than keep the homestead tidy which means I didn't do much in the way of dejunking (is there such a word?).   So, now I must go room by room chucking crap, starting in my office!

The very good news is that when finished I should have accumulated enough useless items (dah,wonderful treasures!) to hold a FANTASTIC garage sale!  Wowzers!  Cash... Buckeroos... Dough... Moola...

Perhaps, then a wonderful vacation??  Or maybe, next Tidiness Project, I'll call Servpro!

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Ta Ta!

All About Me...

I thought I'd share a couple of little known facts about myself...betcha just can't wait to read these!  Here goes...


I got my first and only Barbie when I was 7 or 8 years old.  I loved, loved, loved this doll!  Then much to my excitement I also, got Barbie's bedroom suite for Christmas and I thought I'd pee my pants!  Perhaps, I  did, but...I'll never tell.

The suite included the canopy bed, a small dresser for the foot of the bed and a fancy dresser with a mirror. It had a pink canopy and bedspread that I thought it was beyond beautiful. 

I eventually got Barbie's BFF, Francie, and a convertible car (no, not a real one!) and that was that...for my Barbie accessories...and...

 I was a very happy, little girl.

How...times...have...changed!

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Second little know fact...

When I was in my late teens and going to college, I had zero intentions of ever getting married or having children.  I was intending to be a Navy nurse and travel the seven seas or at the very least, be a carefree, single, career gal...

Why?  Mostly I was commitment shy and my preception of marriage and children looked like nothing, but work and heartache. Yuck!  Icky!  Blah!
I wanted nothing to do with it...

until I met Hubby and fell in love for the first time. Unless of course, you count being "in love" when I was 9 years old with a neighbour boy.

Hubby and I married 9 months later...and NO our first baby girl (Miss J) didn't arrive until almost 5 years later!  But once we figured out how to do it; we had our second girl (Kel) 11 months later.  Do the math...our girls are the same age for about 5 weeks!  Not bad for someone who never wanted to marry or have children, huh? 

So, now 36 years later (and they said it wouldn't last!), Hubby and I are still married and still in love...and yes, it's true, it did take lots of work and heartache!

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One more thing...

Here is a short list of some of my favorite things (some well known, others not so much):

-  I've had peanut butter & toast with a cold glass of some sort of milk (regular, almond, soya) almost every morning for so many years that I couldn't tell ya...

-  I love the sound of a train, but have yet to find it on a relaxation CD...guess most folks don't find a train whistle relaxing??

-  I've been called "anal" about many things, but perhaps, none so much as how things are stored in the fridge.  It drives me CRAZY if things (i.e. milk) are not put in the right place...yes, in my mind, there is a "right" place and a "wrong" place to store items. Huh uh...

-  I love crime shows, especially those that have a unique twist like the newest offering,  called "The Following", starring Kevin Bacon.

-  There is nothing I like better than a hot tubby, clean jammies and fresh bedding!  I imagine Heaven feels like this all the time...yummy!

-  I could eat some form of cereal for almost every main meal and likely never get tired of it.

-  Writing is my not-so-secret passion...someday I'd like to publish a book.

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Tha...tha...that's all folks!

Being Traumatized...

I wanted to feel traumatized when I heard about the bombing in Boston.  I wanted to be, but I wasn't.  This grieves me greatly. 

I did feel...

• deeply saddened for all those who lost their life's or were grievously injured
• heartbroken for the families and friends who were affected 
• disgusted with this horrible action by, the then, unknown suspects
• baffled about what possible motive or gain
• profoundly disturbed by the endless display of wanton violence in this day and age

but...

shocked, stunned, appalled by another act of brutality in this world, well...

no, I wasn't.

Have I become so jaded in my old age that cruelty and bloodshed doesn't shake me up? NO!  I will never get use to or accept all the hostility and hatred that exists, but I admit I may be world-weary.  I have lived too long to idealize the present state of mankind. The seemingly endless means of producing suffering that continues to flourish, fails to surprise me anymore.

I never would have imagined 40 years ago that someone could dare bomb a world-famous marathon?  I would have been utterly shocked, stunned and appalled, but today... well...

 I almost expect some type of assault happening at any large gathering of people.

If it doesn't happen, I heave a sigh of relief, thanking God that another event went unmolested.  But when it does happen... I feel horrible, not horrified.  Why?  I'm not heartless or cold...

It...just...happens...too...often!

Then today's media replays the ordeal over and over and over.  So, like treating someone's phobia by exposing them repeatedly to what they fear; the endless spiel of  repeatedly viewing the tragedy, ultimately (I believe) desensitizes me. There has to be a better way to inform me other than overdosing on all the gory images.

Yes, we live in a world where violence has become almost everyday "normal".

This is not right...

This is not moral...

This does horrify me and I pray it horrifies you, too.

This isn't Working Anymore...

"If the horse has been dead for ten years, it's time to dismount"  Joyce Meyer

How many of us keep doing the same old thang, the same old way, with the same old results?  I know I have and I do.  The question becomes, why?

Why do we keep doing what hasn't worked for us in a long, long time?  Except maybe...

on some level it really does still work or, perhaps...

we are insane!

" Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results! "  Albert Einstein

I really don't want to admit I'm insane (maybe somewhat craaaazy...) but, on the other hand, do I want to admit that some ridiculous and ineffective practice that I continue actually works in some way?  Not really...

Truth is for me, is that I know some of my actions don't work anymore but, I'm just to @!&%! lazy to try somehting new!

Hmmm...maybe I am insane?  Insanely lazy!!  Could it be true?  Am I by definition...truly lazy?  At least, about certain things??

Like change...

This is most of my problem.  I do not like change.  I get into a kinda, sorta comfortable coma and even if doing something new would wake me up well...I prefer to just snooze.

"Why Darlin' I'd just fall into a near swoon if you ask me to change..."  Me

 Yuppers, I confess, sheer, unadulterated, unmotivated, unexcused (well...maybe excused), rut-digging laz...i...ness!!

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Ta Ta!!

I am an Old Car...

Dear Health Care Professionals,

I am an old car...

I know you've seen a thousand makes and models just like me this month.  I know we all have similar complaints; after all there are only so many things that can go wrong.  I know we're all looking to you to be fixed, but...

I don't care about the other nine hundred and ninety-nine and when we're together... nor should you.

I am an old car...

I know you feel unappreciated, overworked and unrewarded.  Don't we all?  I'm only asking you to do what you've been trained for, what you signed up for...

If I could fix myself...I wouldn't be bothering you.

I am an old car...

So, when you look under the hood, please look as if for the first time and really see ...  Just because  I look and sound like so many others, I'm not.  My mileage is different and I may have been down much bumpier roads.  You don't know who may have used or even abused me in my life...be gentle...

be kind. 

I am an old car...

Treat me like you would if I were your sister's or your mother's.  If it's something serious, like engine trouble, have "real" compassion.  I've been down too many roads not to spot phoniness. 

I am an old car...

I want to be rebuilt and shiny new again.  I know you can't do this, but you must realize, I see you as my rescuer, my fixer...   If I can be restored, but must stay in the shop for awhile, take the time to tell me all the details. Be clear and use layman language because, you see, I really don't understand your professional jargon.

I am an old car...

If I've seen too many miles and the damage is irreparable, tell me truthfully, but with tenderness.  Prepare me as best you can about what will happen next.

I am an old car...

I have come to you expecting honesty, compassion, caring and if possible, restoration. I have come for this because...

this is what you do.

I am an old car...

 

Cereal, Crib and Memories...

We've been blessed with 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson.  We love them all. Each one means something special to us and we pray regularly for their well being and happiness. 

Lil Miss is the second oldest and often asks to come spend the weekend with Hubby and I.  Now, there was a time (long, long ago) when Hubby and I might have been considered remotely interesting and perhaps, a wee bit exciting. Huh uh... However, those times have gone wherever our youth and charm went...well, maybe not the charm!  Anyway, Lil Miss still likes hanging with Grandma & Grandpa, but...

she is about to enter the "dreaded" teens by turning 13 this month.  My prayer is that she doesn't change too much from the "old lady" she is now.  Old lady at 13???  Trust me...she is.

Lil Miss so comfortably syncs with our par...tic...u...lar quirks & habits that honestly it's like spending the weekend with some old biddy from the seniors lodge!

She seems to enjoy things such as:

• eating cereal for supper (and brekkie and lunch)
• competing with Grandma for the heating pad and the furry blanket
• playing crib
• watching whatever boring crap (mostly sports) with Grandpa
• doing manicures/pedicures with Grandma
• watching whatever boring crap (mostly crime dramas) with Grandma
• playing hidden object games (snooze fest)
• just a whole lot of boring crap Grandma & Grandpa do on a weekend

I'm sure some of our "fun" activities aren't all that much fun for her so, to save her sanity, she does spend time on Face book talking to friends, playing kid games on the iPad but...really...

wouldn'tja think it would be more fun to hang out at home with her friends?? 

But, we are delighted she enjoys our "stimulating" company as much has she does and we treasure the memories we have created and hope to continue.  But sadly, Lil Miss, like all our wonderful grandchildren will grow up, mature and change. 

It is right...

It is normal...

But oh, how I wish we could keep all of them small forever...

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Toodle Loo!!

Oh Really...

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it."
William Arthur Ward

Oh really?

The previous quote could be an example of some of the so-called positive jib jabber toted everywhere these days.  When did all this affirmative crap begin?  Perhaps as early has the 60's with the decade's "free love" message that failed miserably, but heh, why remind people of such sad events? 

Does this mean I don't believe in achieving greatness or dreaming big.  NO!  I do believe we need faith in our abilities and even in miracles, but we need to temper our dreams with common sense and humility.

Let's examine the above quote...

It seems okay upon first glance, but with deeper reflection and no context, it's just dumb.  Why, you ask?  (you did ask, right?)  Because I can imagine and dream anything.  Any...thing...

• I can dream of becoming a ballerina
• I can imagine being a Nobel prize winner
• a famous movie star
• marrying Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling...
• I...am...a...wing... nut...

And only the last one is possible if I really believe any of that worthless nonsense!

Now I'm sure William Arthur Ward wasn't referring to dreaming or imagining what would be ridiculous!  Put in context, I'm sure he was simply encouraging people to dream and imagine what is realistic for them, not go off half cocked believing the impossible. There are some things we just cannot do and never will.  Nor should we...

But, I will admit that at times (if God's will) the impossible does happen and miracles prevail, but under normal circumstances we may have our heads in the clouds, but our feet need to be planted on Terra firma.

We are born equipped to do certain things in our lifetime and sadly many of us fail to do what we are meant to do. So, if Mr. Ward's quote is put into context of what we are truly capable of, then ...

• I can become a ballerina
• I can become a Nobel prize winner
• I can become a famous movie star
• I can become Tom's, Brad's or Ryan's wife

And if I'm I wing nut, I will run around trying to become, do, dream, whatever that I cannot now nor ever will...do!

Just saying...

To Do or Not to Do....

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I use to be so efficient and got most of my "To Do" lists done on a timely basis, but lately (truthfully it's been awhile) my "To Do" lists look more like "Did Not" lists.  I have excuses...lots of them...some even sound decent, but...

truth is; methinks I've lost it!  Yuppers...I've lost my Grade A, top notch, head of the class, efficiency badge!  I'm no longer the teacher's pet...so sad...

This has been rather upsetting to me because in my "past" life I prided myself in my proficiency skills and delighted in any forthcoming compliments.  Ahhh...but pride goeth before a fall...

and fall I did.  A back injury, subsequent surgery and ongoing disability has rendered my organizational skills somewhat (politically correct) deteriorated.  In other words, I can't get a    #%*& thing done anymore!!  There I said it!  My competence is obsolete, out of commission, defunct, down the toilet...pssst...gone!

And you know what???

I don't care anymore!  I am FREE!  I have won the battle with time (albeit out of necessity) and I don't give a rat's you-know-what!  I am free to make a "To Do" list that says...

• "When I get to it..."
• "If I get to it..."
• "I'm too tired now..."
• "Maybe later..."
• "Whatever..."
• "Sure, sure, I'll get right on that..."

For the first time since I became a "responsible" adult, I am free "To Do"...

NOTHING!!

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Ta Ta!

Mindful Monday...

I use to love grocery shopping...I know, I know, crazy huh?   I just enjoyed the entire process from the 30 minute drive with Hubby, to the filling of the cart with all the tasty foodstuffs (plus a treat or two or three...) right through to the finish line of putting it all away in my soon to be full cupboards.  What a glorious, satisfying feeling!  Yes, indeedy!  (The only part I didn't care for was the hauling in of grocery bags and Hubby usually took care of that end.).  Yuppers, my big, strong man!

I still like most of the process, but now the price tag at the cashier just horrifies me!  Is it just me or has everyone else noticed how incredibly expensive grub has gotten in the last 10 years??  Especially the past 5 or 6 years??

I've tried going to the discount store (I fondly call it the "Second hand Food Store") but, I am considerably spoiled by shopping in an atmosphere of quiet music, mostly cheerful, unhurried staff and cleanliness.  Sorry, call me a diva...

And what about the dubious "No Name" cuisine?  I have tried these and I do not like them. (Disclaimer:  I'm not referring to the store brand which are often quite decent, but rather the yellow, blue, whatever colour label products).  The price tag may be a heck of a deal, but the food contents definitely are NOT!  In fact, in many cases, well...they're downright revolting!  As for the cleaners, paper products, etc., what can I say?  Useless...inadequate...worthless.

Have you ever wondered how "No Name" can be sold soooo cheaply?  Well...I have...

I get that the packaging would cost less such as the labels, boxes and perhaps even the cans, but what about the contents?  You know...the food?
It obviously isn't the same quality as the brand name equivalent.  Sight alone tells me that, let alone the taste, which is at best described as...Yucky!

So, why is it so baaad tasting?  Haven't you ever speculated what is done differently with "No Name" vittles?  Well...I have...

Since the "No Name" food isn't in the same class as brand name methinks that the veggies, fruits, cereals, sauces, soups, etc. must be the left behind muck that no one would normally buy.  Shouldn't it be used in pet food or perhaps, compost?  In fact, before "No Name" was heard of, what were the food manufacturers doing with their discards?  Perhaps, throwing them away? Or...

maybe using them for pet food...compost...

Regardless of where "No Name" comes from or how economical, I assure you, anyone who can afford better brands (unless they're El' Cheapo) will buy the brands.  And...

you can argue with me all you want that there is no significant difference between "No Name" and their brand name counterpart, but I say phooey!  I have tried many of the so-called "there is no difference" groceries,but there is noooo foolin' this cowgirl!

I get that sometimes it is necessary because of budget restraints.  I have had to buy this way at unfortunate times in my life for those reasons, but...never willingly nor...

have I EVER deluded myself or tried to convince anyone else that, "It tastes, wipes, cleans, whatever...just as good."  It doesn't and...never will...

because it was never intended for human consumption/use until some smart cookie saw a way to make a buck off of it!  And...

right or wrong, cynical or not; this is my honest opinion of "No Name" products!

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After awhile crocodile!

Wildcard Friday...

 

 Fifty Shades of Grey

The missus bought a Paperback

Down Chapter's, the other day,

I had a look inside her bag;

... T'was "fifty shades of grey".

Well I just left her to it,
And at ten I went to bed.
An hour later she appeared;
The sight filled me with dread…..

In her left she held a rope;
And in her right a whip!
She threw them down upon the floor,
And then began to strip.

Well fifty years or so ago;
I might have had a peek;
But Mabel hasn't weathered well;
She's eighty four next week!!

Watching Mabel bump and grind;
Could not have been much worse.
And things then got really bad;
She tripped, fell over her purse!

She struggled back upon her feet;
A couple minutes later;
She put her teeth back in and said
That I must dominate her!!

Now if you knew our Mabel,
You'd see just why I spluttered,
I'd spent two months in traction
For the last complaint I'd uttered.

She stood there bare and naked
Bent forward just a bit
I went to hold her, sensual like
And stood upon her tit!

Mabel screamed, her teeth shot out;
My god what had I done!?
She moaned and groaned then shouted out:
"Step on the other one"!!

Well readers, I can't tell no more;
About what occurred that day.
Suffice to say if I had black hair,
It turned fifty shades of grey.

 

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Ta Ta!  Have a happy weekend...

Thoughtful Thursday...

You know what I hate (among other things) about getting older?  I HATE how my eyesight sucks!

 

Yes...this is one of the many, many "joys" of growing older!  Now let me be clear about this or as clear has this Old Broad can get; I am eternally grateful that I'm not blind or suffering from a serious eye disease...let's say Amen!  However...

when my beautiful granddaughter, Little Sis, puts my laptop or iPad on a measly 100% and fails  to return it to "I can't BELIEVE you need it so BIIIIGGGG" and I, go to use the laptop/iPad and it takes a moment to realize that I'm not actually going blind, thus causing a near fatal heart attack...well...you get the picture!

That is if you can see the picture...

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Hubby and I enjoyed a loverly Easter dinner with my family and friends, graciously hosted by Miss J & Quick Draw.  They invited a co-worker/friend of Hubby's making him feel as welcomed has family.  Hospitality is their gift...a true blessing for everyone who is received into their home.

Having the gift of hospitality (1 Peter 4: 9,10) is God-given and not all of us have this gift to make others feel at home with such warmth and kindness  My daughter and son-in-law have this grace and have it in spades.  I'm sure they've been a blessing to many...  and this is as it should be...

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Ta Ta from my house to yours!

What this Old Broad Knows for Sure aka Wednesday's Wisdom

I know for sure that smoking is harmful to your health and anyone around you.  It wrecks your lungs, weakens your heart, slows healing and a myriad of other health issues.  Anyone over the age of five likely knows this...

I also, know for sure smoking is highly addictive (even more than heroin) and unless you're 100% committed, quitting is doubtful.  What does surprise me are the numbers of young people who are inundated with anti-smoking messages from early childhood, but still take up this very expensive, highly susceptible and unhealthy habit.

In response to this issue the Ontario Government has started an ad campaign on YouTube specifically targeting young adults who "social" smoke.  These are the guys who have deluded themselves that the rare "social" smoke is okey dokey.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb5q2eie4ko&feature=player_embedded

Although, humorous, the idea behind these ads is to start serious discussions around the so-called "social" smoker. Supposedly they don't consider themselves "real" smokers because they don't smoke full time.  Whatever...

Personally, I believe these smokers are in denial.  It is a slippery slope and could take very little to become an addicted smoker. 

However...will these YouTube ads really be effective?  Maybe...for some...only time will tell.

 Nevertheless, I know for sure, these ads are very clever and quite funny.  Lets hope they work!
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Toodle Loo Kangeroo!