I am not getting my money's worth out of my 24 Hour Fitness membership. I only manage to go when I force myself. I dislike the walk from office to club. The walk back is not so bad. Once there, I force myself onto a machine and watch the clock eagerly for the time I must return to the office. It helps if they have a news channel on and not just soaps and sports - or if I remember my iPod Touch and can
listen to podcasts of old news. (being at work all day makes me feel so out of touch with the world. Podcasts help even if I am always a bit behind) it also helps if someone nearby pounds out a good rhythm on the treadmill. As it nears time to leave, I do start not being so eager to stop & usually stay just another minute or two longer so I am often a couple of minutes late back to work. I feel good afterwards. Still, I don't see paying so much for not so much.
I canceled my membership, so I have one month left. At the end of this month Costco is discontinuing their $300 2 year membership and starting a $400 3 year membership. I don't think so!
Last night the boys and I played several sets of Wii tennis, a few rounds of Wii golf, and a couple of games of Wii golf. (I am very bad at all of them. Benjamin skunks both us - more practice time at home while we slave away at work! Plus natural ability and youthful good health.)
The point is (as Benjamin often says) it was much more fun, interactive with my guys (the dog even got some attention) and already paid for.
I must make a point of more Wii time. And at work, more
walking Capital Park - a prettier walk with fewer disreputable people along the way. I must do better, but I am afraid the gym is not my answer.
Sent from my iPod Touch
I am glad you came by to visit. I would enjoy hearing from you.
"Guardian of the Sea" by Nicky Boehme
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Working out is not working out
Nice surprise for me! Debi had to come downtown on an errand for work. She called and arranged to pick me up for lunch. We went to Johnny Rocket’s and had hamburgers. Her treat. Sweet!
Of course, Tuesday and Thursday are supposed to be my gym days (with other days ‘optional’), but lunch with Debi is a very rare delight.
Not only did I not go to the gym, I had American fries.
I don’t think 24 Hour Fitness and I are going to last. I do feel good after I go, but I don’t much enjoy going. And I have time management problems. Last Wednesday, was a non-knit night (say that several times quickly. Then say ‘Feed friends feasts of flan in Flin Flon’. How about ‘Sariah says "sit silently, sister!"’ or ‘Debi doesn’t dare deny David donuts.’ ‘Just Joseph and Jared jump joyfully’ ‘Esther eats Easter eggs easily.’ Ok, ok, I’ll stop now.) Anyway, Wednesday, being a non-knit night (Now, don’t let’s start that again) I was ‘supposed’ to go work out while Benjamin was in YM. Instead, I stayed in work (instead of work out) clothes and hoped to catch the Stake Secretary to get an appointment with a member of the Stake Presidency to re-new my temple recommend (it's a religious thing. Stake is roughly equivalent to a diocese, I think. Only members 'in good standing' go inside the temple. To show that you are in good standing you obtain a recommend by being interviewed by a member of the Bishopric - the Bishop is like the priest of our congregation, he and his two counselors constitute the bishopric -and by a member of our Stake Presidency - who is head of a diocese? I forget) . He wasn’t at the church, so I went shopping instead. Mostly at the 99 cent store and then at Raleys – looking for red, white, and/or blue things that might be fun and/or useful to send to a certain missionary. I already missed Memorial Day and couldn’t it get there in time for Flag Day, but it should make it in plenty of time for the Fourth of July. I took the risk of mailing it (on furlough Friday) directly to where he is instead of the mission home hundreds of miles away. I figure at a motel, someone will be there to take the mail.
I wanted to send some party snaps, but didn't think that would pass customs. They are very serious and not very fun people.
So, I didn’t work out Wednesday. Nor did I go to the gym Furlough Friday – although the guys and I did ride bikes to Bel Air (about 2 miles round trip). And I did not go to the gym Saturday. Too many other things to do and too little time – and desire.
I told myself that I was definitely going to go at least on Tuesday and Thursday lunch and try to work in some other times. You see how well that is going. I am going to try to go at least some times during the time I have already paid for . And I HOPE that it does me some good. Biking to work regularly should help some. I will not continue the month-to-month membership. $$$! And at the moment I rather doubt that I will invest in the 2 year membership. Maybe, but. maybe not.
However, I had better do something! sigh
Of course, Tuesday and Thursday are supposed to be my gym days (with other days ‘optional’), but lunch with Debi is a very rare delight.
Not only did I not go to the gym, I had American fries.
I don’t think 24 Hour Fitness and I are going to last. I do feel good after I go, but I don’t much enjoy going. And I have time management problems. Last Wednesday, was a non-knit night (say that several times quickly. Then say ‘Feed friends feasts of flan in Flin Flon’. How about ‘Sariah says "sit silently, sister!"’ or ‘Debi doesn’t dare deny David donuts.’ ‘Just Joseph and Jared jump joyfully’ ‘Esther eats Easter eggs easily.’ Ok, ok, I’ll stop now.) Anyway, Wednesday, being a non-knit night (Now, don’t let’s start that again) I was ‘supposed’ to go work out while Benjamin was in YM. Instead, I stayed in work (instead of work out) clothes and hoped to catch the Stake Secretary to get an appointment with a member of the Stake Presidency to re-new my temple recommend (it's a religious thing. Stake is roughly equivalent to a diocese, I think. Only members 'in good standing' go inside the temple. To show that you are in good standing you obtain a recommend by being interviewed by a member of the Bishopric - the Bishop is like the priest of our congregation, he and his two counselors constitute the bishopric -and by a member of our Stake Presidency - who is head of a diocese? I forget) . He wasn’t at the church, so I went shopping instead. Mostly at the 99 cent store and then at Raleys – looking for red, white, and/or blue things that might be fun and/or useful to send to a certain missionary. I already missed Memorial Day and couldn’t it get there in time for Flag Day, but it should make it in plenty of time for the Fourth of July. I took the risk of mailing it (on furlough Friday) directly to where he is instead of the mission home hundreds of miles away. I figure at a motel, someone will be there to take the mail.
I wanted to send some party snaps, but didn't think that would pass customs. They are very serious and not very fun people.
So, I didn’t work out Wednesday. Nor did I go to the gym Furlough Friday – although the guys and I did ride bikes to Bel Air (about 2 miles round trip). And I did not go to the gym Saturday. Too many other things to do and too little time – and desire.
I told myself that I was definitely going to go at least on Tuesday and Thursday lunch and try to work in some other times. You see how well that is going. I am going to try to go at least some times during the time I have already paid for . And I HOPE that it does me some good. Biking to work regularly should help some. I will not continue the month-to-month membership. $$$! And at the moment I rather doubt that I will invest in the 2 year membership. Maybe, but. maybe not.
However, I had better do something! sigh
Friday, June 4, 2010
What, Me Join?
I never thought I would set foot in a gym, let alone consider joining one. A fat old lady does not belong among the young, fit, and spandexed.
I was surprised at myself when I accepted my daughter's invitation to go as a guest to her gym two weeks ago. Even more surprised when I not only survived, but pretty much enjoyed it. I didn't hear any loud gasps, insults or hysterical laughter, either, so either everyone was too busy minding their own business to concern themselves with me or at least they were discrete.
Emboldened and encouraged, I got a free two week pass to the 24 Hour Fitness closest to my work and tried to figure out how I could work gym time into my life. After work? No, I have too little time at home as it is. I do not feel safe downtown after work hours. Once I get home, I am not going out again to go to another gym. I considered starting work 15 minutes earlier and leaving 15 minutes later so I could increase my lunch break to an hour. I quickly realized that although I can sacrifice some of my 'me' time before I start work, I could not face staying later every day. I would have to settle for a 45 minute lunch. On gym days that translates to 5 minutes changing time beginning and ending, 10 minute walk each way, and 15 minutes actually at the gym. In that first two weeks, I went to the gym 6 out of 8 working days. I almost hate to admit it, but I do feel good afterwards. Also, I recently read that the benefits of a 10 minute workout lasts for over an hour - whatever they mean by benefits. Although 'workout' is putting what I do very strongly. But I figure 20 minutes of fairly good walking (as opposed to strolling) plus 15 minutes on an elliptical or something similar is certainly more beneficial than 45 minutes of sitting.
Still not certain whether to commit to the more economic (if you use it) $300 for 2 year Costco plan, I decided to buy one month for $40. Well, I was wrong on a couple of counts. It's more like $36 or so, but you have to pay the first and last month up front. They automatically charge you monthly until you tell them to stop - then they burn out your last month. oh, well. I signed up. I need to tell them to stop so I only get charged for two months. By the end of July, I should have a good idea whether I will really use it or not.
Will I go at least twice a week at lunch, occasionally on Saturday and sometimes on Wednesday evenings while Benjamin is at YM? Will I FEEL better? Will my diabetes improve? Enough to stay off insulin? Is there any hope of me ever losing weight? That would be something, wouldn't it?!
We can only wait and see.
I was surprised at myself when I accepted my daughter's invitation to go as a guest to her gym two weeks ago. Even more surprised when I not only survived, but pretty much enjoyed it. I didn't hear any loud gasps, insults or hysterical laughter, either, so either everyone was too busy minding their own business to concern themselves with me or at least they were discrete.
Emboldened and encouraged, I got a free two week pass to the 24 Hour Fitness closest to my work and tried to figure out how I could work gym time into my life. After work? No, I have too little time at home as it is. I do not feel safe downtown after work hours. Once I get home, I am not going out again to go to another gym. I considered starting work 15 minutes earlier and leaving 15 minutes later so I could increase my lunch break to an hour. I quickly realized that although I can sacrifice some of my 'me' time before I start work, I could not face staying later every day. I would have to settle for a 45 minute lunch. On gym days that translates to 5 minutes changing time beginning and ending, 10 minute walk each way, and 15 minutes actually at the gym. In that first two weeks, I went to the gym 6 out of 8 working days. I almost hate to admit it, but I do feel good afterwards. Also, I recently read that the benefits of a 10 minute workout lasts for over an hour - whatever they mean by benefits. Although 'workout' is putting what I do very strongly. But I figure 20 minutes of fairly good walking (as opposed to strolling) plus 15 minutes on an elliptical or something similar is certainly more beneficial than 45 minutes of sitting.
Still not certain whether to commit to the more economic (if you use it) $300 for 2 year Costco plan, I decided to buy one month for $40. Well, I was wrong on a couple of counts. It's more like $36 or so, but you have to pay the first and last month up front. They automatically charge you monthly until you tell them to stop - then they burn out your last month. oh, well. I signed up. I need to tell them to stop so I only get charged for two months. By the end of July, I should have a good idea whether I will really use it or not.
Will I go at least twice a week at lunch, occasionally on Saturday and sometimes on Wednesday evenings while Benjamin is at YM? Will I FEEL better? Will my diabetes improve? Enough to stay off insulin? Is there any hope of me ever losing weight? That would be something, wouldn't it?!
We can only wait and see.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
ARP
I read this on my daughter Sariah's blog. It is such a powerful message and I am (as always) pressed for time, so I am just copying her entire post.:
My friend shared an incredibly important post today on her blog and I realized that I need to share the same thing. At the end of my post, I have links to more information, including the ARP handbook on-line. We all need to know this program is available to us because we never know when we or someone we love may need it.
Few people, even few members of the church are aware of the church's Addiciton Recovery Program (ARP). It is one of the church's best kept secrets and that is something that I would like to change! The first few things that people need to know about ARP is:
I have seen this program CHANGE lives. I have been in a position to personally witness as it saved a marriage and family. My bishop shared with me a startling statistic. With everyone he knows or has referred to this program who has actually committed to it and gone through the process (attended the support meetings as well as gone through and completed the workbook), there has been a 100% success rate. 100% It WILL help every person who wants to change.
The program is more than the "4 R's" of repentance; it is an in depth 12-step program, centered on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It helps you to identify triggers so you can learn to prevent temptations and better prepare yourself for when you are most likely to experience them. You learn to humble yourself completely and totally rely on the Savior to work a true and complete change in your heart.
I heard one person who was struggling say that they didn't believe they could ever really overcome their addiction. The best they could hope for was to "white knuckle" their way through life, fighting and struggling everyday to not give in to their temptation. Then they went through this program. It takes time, this is serious in depth stuff! But after a couple of years, this same individual has a completely different attitude. Now, they are completely different. They have more than just overcome it; their whole understanding of the atonement and repentance is different. They have learned that they CAN give it to the Savior and He will take it from them. For one who is struggling, that is something incomprehensible, but this program teaches exactly how that can happen and it will help guide each person who wants to experience that.
In the marriage/family I witnessed, I was impressed by how it changed the whole family. A spouse learned to forgive and trust their spouse and children learned to respect their parent as they watched their loved one commit to and follow this program. It brought their family so much closer than it was before.
You may not need this. You may not know anyone at this time who needs it. But someday you might. I recently heard my father say, "If I had known about this program years ago, it could have saved my marriage." I pray that no one I know will say to me in 5 or 10 years that "if they had only known this program was available it could have saved their marriage." I would like everyone I know to at least know it is here, in the event you or someone you care about ever needs it.
Links:
Information about the church's Addiction Recovery Program.
How to find a support group in your area. You could also talk to your bishop to get the most current location and schedule for your area, but a bishop's referral is NOT required.
LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program Workbook on-line.
Combating Pornography A new website from the church specifically for those who struggle with an addiction to pornography, including helpful resources for their loved ones.
My friend shared an incredibly important post today on her blog and I realized that I need to share the same thing. At the end of my post, I have links to more information, including the ARP handbook on-line. We all need to know this program is available to us because we never know when we or someone we love may need it.
Few people, even few members of the church are aware of the church's Addiciton Recovery Program (ARP). It is one of the church's best kept secrets and that is something that I would like to change! The first few things that people need to know about ARP is:
- It is for anyone, LDS or not, for any kind of addiction.
- It is FREE.
- It is completely confidential.
- Any one of us could benefit from it, not just addicts.
- And most of all, it will change your life.
I have seen this program CHANGE lives. I have been in a position to personally witness as it saved a marriage and family. My bishop shared with me a startling statistic. With everyone he knows or has referred to this program who has actually committed to it and gone through the process (attended the support meetings as well as gone through and completed the workbook), there has been a 100% success rate. 100% It WILL help every person who wants to change.
The program is more than the "4 R's" of repentance; it is an in depth 12-step program, centered on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It helps you to identify triggers so you can learn to prevent temptations and better prepare yourself for when you are most likely to experience them. You learn to humble yourself completely and totally rely on the Savior to work a true and complete change in your heart.
I heard one person who was struggling say that they didn't believe they could ever really overcome their addiction. The best they could hope for was to "white knuckle" their way through life, fighting and struggling everyday to not give in to their temptation. Then they went through this program. It takes time, this is serious in depth stuff! But after a couple of years, this same individual has a completely different attitude. Now, they are completely different. They have more than just overcome it; their whole understanding of the atonement and repentance is different. They have learned that they CAN give it to the Savior and He will take it from them. For one who is struggling, that is something incomprehensible, but this program teaches exactly how that can happen and it will help guide each person who wants to experience that.
In the marriage/family I witnessed, I was impressed by how it changed the whole family. A spouse learned to forgive and trust their spouse and children learned to respect their parent as they watched their loved one commit to and follow this program. It brought their family so much closer than it was before.
You may not need this. You may not know anyone at this time who needs it. But someday you might. I recently heard my father say, "If I had known about this program years ago, it could have saved my marriage." I pray that no one I know will say to me in 5 or 10 years that "if they had only known this program was available it could have saved their marriage." I would like everyone I know to at least know it is here, in the event you or someone you care about ever needs it.
Links:
Information about the church's Addiction Recovery Program.
How to find a support group in your area. You could also talk to your bishop to get the most current location and schedule for your area, but a bishop's referral is NOT required.
LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program Workbook on-line.
Combating Pornography A new website from the church specifically for those who struggle with an addiction to pornography, including helpful resources for their loved ones.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
24 Minute Fitness
Saturday I did something I thought I would never ever do in my life. I went to a gym.
Miriam belongs to 24 Hour Fitness and every now and then they have days when members can bring a guest. I went with some trepidation, but I not only survived, I pretty much enjoyed it – of course, I was with Miriam. We worked out on the elpiticals for about 300 calories for me. She worked harder and I think did 400. Then she showed me some of the weight equipment. I dodged the salesman – although now we are getting phone calls.
This week I checking out the Downtown Plaza
If I go after work, I have to worry about safety downtown in the evening and what to do with all my stuff I carry back and forth to work. Even walking there on lunch time is not entirely comfortable. Lots of homeless and questionable looking people hanging about. I am not walking or biking there after hours. The light rail does not come close enough or often enough for me to feel safe using that either. Besides, the clientele after hours is much the same as on the streets. ,
If I go during lunch, my stuff can stay at the office and I will feel safer, but I will have to start work earlier so I can take a longer lunch. 30 minutes won’t get me there, do anything, and get back. Not to mention I cannot work out in work clothes or go to work in work out clothes even though the word work shows up everywhere.
It takes me about 5 minutes to change. So I need half an hour before I even start exercising. This week I have been starting work 15 minutes early. That still only means 15 minutes of exercise (not counting the walking/biking – my warm up and cool down?) Am I willing to stay at work another 15 minutes later (if my boss approves it)? Probably.
The good news is that they have bicycle racks out front. Interestingly, it seems to take about 10 minutes whether I walk or unlock, bike and lock up. So, I will probably walk.
I am hoping this does work out (well, PART of me is) and that it will significantly help my diabetes. I hate to admit it, but I do feel good after spending even 15 minutes on the elliptical – as I do when I bike.
It has been suggested that I simply climb stairs in my building, but I have found that is too hard on my joints to do much regularly. And boring. Or that I simply ride my bike at lunch time. The bike is already there and I could see a bit of Sacramento, but there is too much traffic and too many lights for really good riding until I get too far out to get back on time – unless I do extend my lunch time which for some reason I am less willing to do if I am not going to the club. And I don’t really want to exercise with any great enthusiasm in 100 degree or winter weather. At the club I can also plug in headphones and watch their TV.
I think I like the idea of the club. Enough to pay that much money and keep going? Still thinking, but leaning toward yes. I might decide next week.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sacramento Satisfaction
Last week I became aware of and seriously considered a job opening in Fort Bragg a place where I have loved camping - living, in fact, in my favorite state park! With some wistfulness, I have decided for many reasons that this is not for me - at least now. As much as I love Fort Bragg and MacKerricher Park there are a few things I love more. Most especially my children and proximity to them. One benefit from this experience is an increased awareness and appreciation of what I love about my life in Sacramento.
Like I said, proximity to my children. 6 of 8 children, 2 (soon to be 3) of 4 (soon to be 5) grandchildren are here. Sariah lives a straight shot on I-5 in Vancouver, WA and comes down at least once a year. I can keep in contact with those who are not here by phone, Facebook, and blog. I don't see/hear from David and Teresa nearly enough, but I keep hoping he might find a job somewhere not too far away.
The Sacramento family group gathers for birthdays, high holidays, occasional Sunday dinners, and now and then just because. If someone needs help, we are there for each other. We live our own lives, but we all know the others are here.
I enjoy the blessings of a cell phone with my kids on the same network so we can talk freely. We don't use it nearly enough! But it is there. In Fort Bragg cell phone reception is almost nil, computer is dial-up and TV pretty much by satellite or maybe a phone company bundle. I have free TV here. What about radio? I enjoy classical music on NPR and Armstrong & Getty on the am dial.
Here I can bike to work or, after a short drive, catch light rail to my building. I am 10 minutes from church, close to shopping, Kaiser, and the Sacramento Temple. Fort Bragg has an LDS chapel, but for anything including more than just our congregation, they go to Ukiah. Costco is in Santa Rosa. They attend the temple in Oakland. I don't know where we would go to get to Kaiser. Everything is easily accessible here.
Fort Bragg has the College of the Redwoods (I do like the name!) which I hear is very good. We have 3 community colleges, a couple of universities, and uncounted career/business schools.
Sacramento is on a freeway hub with wonderful roads going in every direction. "Only" 2 hours to the coast or the mountains. While I am 2 hours from the beach, Sacramento is a city of trees and parks.
I like the people with whom I work. I would probably like my new co-workers, but I do like these people. Same things with friends at church.
(The credit union and) I own my own home. It needs MAJOR repairs, but it is mine. I have my orange trees.
It is expensive living in California, even more so in Fort Bragg. Transportation costs, technology costs, the damage wet, salty air does to homes and cars. I need to pare down my expenses (or increase my income) $800 to survive, not find ways to increase them!
But this is about the blessings here, not the problems there. I enjoy many blessings here. Most joyfully, Miriam, Ruth, Tom, Esther, Jared, Naomi, Debi, Joseph, Andrew, Benjamin. Priceless.
In many ways I am already living a dream come true. Other dreams can wait.
Like I said, proximity to my children. 6 of 8 children, 2 (soon to be 3) of 4 (soon to be 5) grandchildren are here. Sariah lives a straight shot on I-5 in Vancouver, WA and comes down at least once a year. I can keep in contact with those who are not here by phone, Facebook, and blog. I don't see/hear from David and Teresa nearly enough, but I keep hoping he might find a job somewhere not too far away.
The Sacramento family group gathers for birthdays, high holidays, occasional Sunday dinners, and now and then just because. If someone needs help, we are there for each other. We live our own lives, but we all know the others are here.
I enjoy the blessings of a cell phone with my kids on the same network so we can talk freely. We don't use it nearly enough! But it is there. In Fort Bragg cell phone reception is almost nil, computer is dial-up and TV pretty much by satellite or maybe a phone company bundle. I have free TV here. What about radio? I enjoy classical music on NPR and Armstrong & Getty on the am dial.
Here I can bike to work or, after a short drive, catch light rail to my building. I am 10 minutes from church, close to shopping, Kaiser, and the Sacramento Temple. Fort Bragg has an LDS chapel, but for anything including more than just our congregation, they go to Ukiah. Costco is in Santa Rosa. They attend the temple in Oakland. I don't know where we would go to get to Kaiser. Everything is easily accessible here.
Fort Bragg has the College of the Redwoods (I do like the name!) which I hear is very good. We have 3 community colleges, a couple of universities, and uncounted career/business schools.
Sacramento is on a freeway hub with wonderful roads going in every direction. "Only" 2 hours to the coast or the mountains. While I am 2 hours from the beach, Sacramento is a city of trees and parks.
I like the people with whom I work. I would probably like my new co-workers, but I do like these people. Same things with friends at church.
(The credit union and) I own my own home. It needs MAJOR repairs, but it is mine. I have my orange trees.
It is expensive living in California, even more so in Fort Bragg. Transportation costs, technology costs, the damage wet, salty air does to homes and cars. I need to pare down my expenses (or increase my income) $800 to survive, not find ways to increase them!
But this is about the blessings here, not the problems there. I enjoy many blessings here. Most joyfully, Miriam, Ruth, Tom, Esther, Jared, Naomi, Debi, Joseph, Andrew, Benjamin. Priceless.
In many ways I am already living a dream come true. Other dreams can wait.
Mother's Day weekend
Last weekend I did have a Furlough Friday. I did errands in the
morning and spend the afternoon getting ready to feed missionaries.
Benjamin cleaned, organized and worked his magic. I really should
check with him when to sign up for the missionaries because he is the
one that mostly makes sure the house is presentable. He also sets up
a table in the family room, decorates and sets it. Then he usually
helps with the food prep, too. His wife is going to be a lucky woman
for many reasons.
He also made sure we invited his siblings. I didn't think they would
necessarily be interested as the family was gathering for Mother's Day
and they might think it too much of a good thing. Hinds were busy,
but Debi and Miriam came. ; ) Baked Potato and Salad Bar. yum!
Saturday morning Benjamin and I joined the rest of our Stake on our
Mormon Helping Hands service project at East Lawn Memorial Park. Some
of us wonder why we were working at a business instead of a city,
county, state or national park like other groups. I suspect that they
were leaning on the word 'park' in their name and that people from the
neighborhood do go walking and jogging in the cemetery. People coming
to tend and put flowers on their mother's graves thanked us. (Ben and
I were cleaning dirt and debris off headstones.) I wondered, but on
the other hand we were following the counsel of called leaders,
enjoying a lovely spring morning, getting mild exercise, spending time
together, and doing something good. They had donuts and orange juice
in the morning and were going to have hotdogs, chips and soda for
lunch, but we didn't eat either. (Later that day I threw a package
of hotdogs on the grill because they had gotten me in the mood.) Ben
wanted to keep a vest, but they were collecting them. Later I learned
that a friend asked and was allowed to keep TWO. Sorry, Benjamin!
We watched Jared and Esther Saturday afternoon-evening. The boys
played with them on the tire swing while I worked on diminishing a
pile of tree branches that have fallen, been trimmed by linemen,
and/or been trimmed by neighbors who didn't want the over hang and
tossed over the fence. This will be an bit of an on-going project. I
also keep wondering if I should invest in a small power saw. The kids
played with the Wii and made their own pizzas. My original plan was
to drive the kids and the uncles back over to Hinds, put the kids to
bed, and then leave the guys standing watch while I went home.
However Benjamin had gone off on a couple of more service projects
which kept him much longer than anticipated and an hour past the kids'
bedtime, he was not yet home. I took them home, eventually got them
to bed, and then napped on the couch.
Sunday was Mother's Day! Debi had sent a dozen tulips to my office
on Thursday. They came in a sturdy box which fit nicely in my bicycle
bag when it was time to go home. They looked very pretty in the
middle of the table for Friday's dinner. Sariah ordered flowers, too,
but they had not yet arrived by Sunday afternoon. Benjamin made me
breakfast Sunday. Joseph did my morning chores. Miriam came to
church at my ward. All the young children sang to the mothers. The
youth handed out Hershey Kiss roses they had made plus a little packet
of more Hershey Kisses – in case the mothers now wanted to eat
chocolate but didn't want to mess up their roses? After church
Miriam, the boys and I had lunch at a park – croissant sandwiches and
fruit. Yummy. Then we hurried over to Ruth's where everyone one
would gather for Andrew's phone call and dinner. (LDS missionaries
only get 2 phone calls home a year – Mother's Day and Christmas – it
is much anticipated!) I got to talk to all 3 of my out of town
children, but unfortunately our missionary phone call was shorter than
I expected and they didn't get to talk to each other. The Sacramento
group enjoyed BBQ chicken, a great pasta/artichoke heart salad,
pineapple, strawberries, and killer chocolate truffle brownies. Ruth returned my camera which she has borrowed for ages. I got a Stampin'Up order in. ; ) When
I got home, Sariah's bouquet was waiting on the porch. It was a
lovely day.
; )
morning and spend the afternoon getting ready to feed missionaries.
Benjamin cleaned, organized and worked his magic. I really should
check with him when to sign up for the missionaries because he is the
one that mostly makes sure the house is presentable. He also sets up
a table in the family room, decorates and sets it. Then he usually
helps with the food prep, too. His wife is going to be a lucky woman
for many reasons.
He also made sure we invited his siblings. I didn't think they would
necessarily be interested as the family was gathering for Mother's Day
and they might think it too much of a good thing. Hinds were busy,
but Debi and Miriam came. ; ) Baked Potato and Salad Bar. yum!
Saturday morning Benjamin and I joined the rest of our Stake on our
Mormon Helping Hands service project at East Lawn Memorial Park. Some
of us wonder why we were working at a business instead of a city,
county, state or national park like other groups. I suspect that they
were leaning on the word 'park' in their name and that people from the
neighborhood do go walking and jogging in the cemetery. People coming
to tend and put flowers on their mother's graves thanked us. (Ben and
I were cleaning dirt and debris off headstones.) I wondered, but on
the other hand we were following the counsel of called leaders,
enjoying a lovely spring morning, getting mild exercise, spending time
together, and doing something good. They had donuts and orange juice
in the morning and were going to have hotdogs, chips and soda for
lunch, but we didn't eat either. (Later that day I threw a package
of hotdogs on the grill because they had gotten me in the mood.) Ben
wanted to keep a vest, but they were collecting them. Later I learned
that a friend asked and was allowed to keep TWO. Sorry, Benjamin!
We watched Jared and Esther Saturday afternoon-evening. The boys
played with them on the tire swing while I worked on diminishing a
pile of tree branches that have fallen, been trimmed by linemen,
and/or been trimmed by neighbors who didn't want the over hang and
tossed over the fence. This will be an bit of an on-going project. I
also keep wondering if I should invest in a small power saw. The kids
played with the Wii and made their own pizzas. My original plan was
to drive the kids and the uncles back over to Hinds, put the kids to
bed, and then leave the guys standing watch while I went home.
However Benjamin had gone off on a couple of more service projects
which kept him much longer than anticipated and an hour past the kids'
bedtime, he was not yet home. I took them home, eventually got them
to bed, and then napped on the couch.
Sunday was Mother's Day! Debi had sent a dozen tulips to my office
on Thursday. They came in a sturdy box which fit nicely in my bicycle
bag when it was time to go home. They looked very pretty in the
middle of the table for Friday's dinner. Sariah ordered flowers, too,
but they had not yet arrived by Sunday afternoon. Benjamin made me
breakfast Sunday. Joseph did my morning chores. Miriam came to
church at my ward. All the young children sang to the mothers. The
youth handed out Hershey Kiss roses they had made plus a little packet
of more Hershey Kisses – in case the mothers now wanted to eat
chocolate but didn't want to mess up their roses? After church
Miriam, the boys and I had lunch at a park – croissant sandwiches and
fruit. Yummy. Then we hurried over to Ruth's where everyone one
would gather for Andrew's phone call and dinner. (LDS missionaries
only get 2 phone calls home a year – Mother's Day and Christmas – it
is much anticipated!) I got to talk to all 3 of my out of town
children, but unfortunately our missionary phone call was shorter than
I expected and they didn't get to talk to each other. The Sacramento
group enjoyed BBQ chicken, a great pasta/artichoke heart salad,
pineapple, strawberries, and killer chocolate truffle brownies. Ruth returned my camera which she has borrowed for ages. I got a Stampin'Up order in. ; ) When
I got home, Sariah's bouquet was waiting on the porch. It was a
lovely day.
; )
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Weekend a week ago
Weekends! Weekends! Much too short.
There are standard chores I need to do each weekend – which, sadly is not to say that they actually get done. Wash clothes, gas the car, restock food supplies, sort my medicines, check my bike tires, change my sheets, clean house, make my work breakfasts. Sometimes, however, the weekends are just too busy to get them all done.
A week ago, for one thing, no Furlough Friday. I suppose we should get used to that, they only last through June. If I could be sure we will actually go back to full pay, it wouldn’t be so bad, but there is a good chance we will have pay cuts. Not so good.
A week ago Saturday morning I went hiking with the Single Adults. A few family and friends have expressed surprised that I would go to any Single Adult Activities. One tends to think of it as a less-than-successful meat market for less-than-successful desperate singles. There may be aspects of that in some activities, I don’t know. The singles groups are to help meet the needs of single (for whatever reason) indiviuals - a place to get support, have fun, serve, grow, - to belong etc. in a family oriented church. Not that we are excluded from any other group or function. I am not interested in “finding someone” right now for many reasons. Which is probably just as well, as I am not a prime commodity in an already unbalanced market.
This was my 3rd singles activity, if you include a Meet-and-Greet they had after church so we could meet the reps. The male and female representatives were at the Meet-and-Greet with lots of something – donuts ? I don’t remember. The entire Bishopric was there. Also, a recent convert who is also divorced and me. That was all. The whole idea was just for the singles and the reps to lay eyes on each other and to let the singles know what’s available. They are not (just) a place for singles to ‘meet’. Supposedly not at all, but … I am sure that there is the hope that singles will join the everlasting covenant. They do have dances to which I have no intention of going any time soon, but they have other activities simply for fun, support, service, etc. – some of them family friendly. The first thing I went to was back in December when I helped wrap gifts for some charity. Oh, Tiffany (our Stake SA Rep) counts Museum Day, too.
I had hoped that the boys would go on the hike. Scout Expo took Benjamin. Joseph wanted to go to some Bike Month thing inWest Sacramento . He wanted me to go with him. The plan was something like bicycle to the rally or whatever it was, hear speeches, maybe see booths, maybe even get stuff, then join some bicycle ride to somewhere before bicycling home again. I figured I could get to WS eventually, although Joseph would be frustrated with my lack of speed, but it would be too humiliating and useless to attempt to ride with real riders (who didn’t love me and wait for me). I wouldn’t even be eating their dust because it would all be settled before I got to it. Each of us kept hoping the other would give up his/her activity and join the me/him.
As I said, Joseph ended up missing his bike thing, but I had a great time on the hike. Ok, part of the time I was not enjoying it as much as I would have if I were fit, but it was beautiful and the company was good. We hiked about a mile and a half mostly down hill toHidden Falls
Then I went hiking in a more urban setting – Winco, then Costco. Didn’t buy any of the cold stuff I normally get at Winco because I was going to go to Costco, so I am not sure if the two trips in one is really a great idea.
Joseph was very good about helping bring in the food. (Usually Benjamin does the lion’s share.) In fact, he brought in most of it while I put away the little bit of cold stuff I got at Costco. Then the non-cold stuff just sat around the front room and dining room because I was tired.
Benjamin called for me to pick him up around 10pm. He had a good time, mostly hanging out with a couple of guys named Ethan. He didn’t have all that much to say about the Expo.
Sunday after church I put away a lot of the food, which involved putting it in the family room as food storage and taking older stuff out of the family room into kitchen. Since it was food storage, I hoped it was not a serious Sabbath violation. Just a few more little faggots on the fire this time. I hope.
There are standard chores I need to do each weekend – which, sadly is not to say that they actually get done. Wash clothes, gas the car, restock food supplies, sort my medicines, check my bike tires, change my sheets, clean house, make my work breakfasts. Sometimes, however, the weekends are just too busy to get them all done.
A week ago, for one thing, no Furlough Friday. I suppose we should get used to that, they only last through June. If I could be sure we will actually go back to full pay, it wouldn’t be so bad, but there is a good chance we will have pay cuts. Not so good.
A week ago Saturday morning I went hiking with the Single Adults. A few family and friends have expressed surprised that I would go to any Single Adult Activities. One tends to think of it as a less-than-successful meat market for less-than-successful desperate singles. There may be aspects of that in some activities, I don’t know. The singles groups are to help meet the needs of single (for whatever reason) indiviuals - a place to get support, have fun, serve, grow, - to belong etc. in a family oriented church. Not that we are excluded from any other group or function. I am not interested in “finding someone” right now for many reasons. Which is probably just as well, as I am not a prime commodity in an already unbalanced market.
This was my 3rd singles activity, if you include a Meet-and-Greet they had after church so we could meet the reps. The male and female representatives were at the Meet-and-Greet with lots of something – donuts ? I don’t remember. The entire Bishopric was there. Also, a recent convert who is also divorced and me. That was all. The whole idea was just for the singles and the reps to lay eyes on each other and to let the singles know what’s available. They are not (just) a place for singles to ‘meet’. Supposedly not at all, but … I am sure that there is the hope that singles will join the everlasting covenant. They do have dances to which I have no intention of going any time soon, but they have other activities simply for fun, support, service, etc. – some of them family friendly. The first thing I went to was back in December when I helped wrap gifts for some charity. Oh, Tiffany (our Stake SA Rep) counts Museum Day, too.
I had hoped that the boys would go on the hike. Scout Expo took Benjamin. Joseph wanted to go to some Bike Month thing in
As I said, Joseph ended up missing his bike thing, but I had a great time on the hike. Ok, part of the time I was not enjoying it as much as I would have if I were fit, but it was beautiful and the company was good. We hiked about a mile and a half mostly down hill to
Then I went hiking in a more urban setting – Winco, then Costco. Didn’t buy any of the cold stuff I normally get at Winco because I was going to go to Costco, so I am not sure if the two trips in one is really a great idea.
Joseph was very good about helping bring in the food. (Usually Benjamin does the lion’s share.) In fact, he brought in most of it while I put away the little bit of cold stuff I got at Costco. Then the non-cold stuff just sat around the front room and dining room because I was tired.
Benjamin called for me to pick him up around 10pm. He had a good time, mostly hanging out with a couple of guys named Ethan. He didn’t have all that much to say about the Expo.
Sunday after church I put away a lot of the food, which involved putting it in the family room as food storage and taking older stuff out of the family room into kitchen. Since it was food storage, I hoped it was not a serious Sabbath violation. Just a few more little faggots on the fire this time. I hope.
Is It Heaven Without The People You Love?
Is It Heaven Without The People You Love? Of course not.
Although I have not completely ruled it out, I am probably not going for that job in Fort Bragg
Number one reason: 8*3*5
3 of the 8 might go with me, but what future would they have there? We have several colleges and universities here. Fort Bragg
It was a blow to me when Ruth moved from almost next door to 20 minutes away. When neighborhood sounds drift in, I wistfully remember listening to my grandchildren playing. 4 hours seems like a bit much.
Sariah says they would come to visit. How often? Right now they are a straight shot on I-5. Of course, on the other hand, when they come here we have to share them with his family and the friends of their youth.
Additionally, there are the practical matters -
The job comes with a mobile home pad (with a big yard, the best in the park she says), but I cannot afford to buy a mobile home right now. Or afford to rent a place to live if I could find one.
The credit union and I own my house, mostly the credit union. I am not totally confident that I could sell it if I wanted to. I would be lucky to come out even. And I am still of the old mindset that home ownership is a small measure of security. My kitchen really could probably be condemned, anyway, which makes sale difficult and pretty much rules out renting the place which I might consider otherwise.
Right now I bicycle commute or drive 2 miles to light rail. In Fort Bragg Sacramento
And yet…
I had email business with my prospective boss in Fort Bragg again today and as a PS asked her where people who live in Fort Bragg
It sounds wonderful. Yet, I don’t think this is the time for me. If my circumstances change (which I rather hope they do NOT if that means my kids moving away), I hope I get the chance again.
When Sacramento spends day after day in triple digit weather, I will think wistfully of my missed chance. I will then think of my children and my grandchildren and count my blessings.
Next time I make it to Fort Bragg, I will pop in at the office and also check out 'my' pad.
When Sacramento spends day after day in triple digit weather, I will think wistfully of my missed chance. I will then think of my children and my grandchildren and count my blessings.
Next time I make it to Fort Bragg, I will pop in at the office and also check out 'my' pad.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Temptation!
Lucy, District Administrative Chief, Mendocino, upon learning that I was newly working in the Revolving Fund Unit, said "Welcome to Mendocino."
To which I replied, "I wish I were in Mendocino!"
She responded: "I have an opening for an accounting MST advertised in the bulletin with a double wide mobile home pad located at MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg if you are interested. It is a beautiful place to work and I’m planning to retire in a few years."
The bulletin item to which she referred:
MANAGEMENT SERVICES TECHNICIAN ($2495 - $3426) – MENDOCINO DISTRICT
The reporting location for this position is the District Office at Russian Gulch. This position will work under the direction of the District Administrative Chief. The incumbent will be responsible for the district’s fiscal section. This includes auditing and processing purchase documents, reconciling expenditures with CID and preparing expenditure reports. The successful candidate should be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Access. State housing may be available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Lucy Johnson at (707) 937-6128 or ljohnson@parks.ca.gov
It is seriously tempting. The pay range is less than I am in now as an Accounting Technician, but I would go in at the same monthly and simply top out sooner. Fort Bragg! MacKerricher - possibly my favorite state park!
Questions - mobile home or just the pad? What would I do with my house? Could the boys have any future there? Could I stand moving away from all my other kids? What if the boys wanted to stay in Sacramento? Would I be ok leaving all of them????? Even for Fort Bragg? I have done the Sacramento - Fort Bragg drive (4-5 hours) and back in a day - lunch dates would work. Would they make the drive to visit if they could stay with me? Could I get a discount (free??) camp sites for visiting family? - when there are too many for the trailer. What about the dog and cats? And the drive from MacKerricher to Russian Gulch (the office - in a State Park??!!) when it's foggy.
Even my boss says I should think about it.
I love MacKerricher. How much? To live on the California North Coast would be a dream come true. What dreams would I have to give up?
Also, my only Microsoft experience is here at work. But I could learn.
I might not go online every break if I was there! Walking in the forest or on the beach! sigh
Break is over. Back to work buried in a building downtown.
To which I replied, "I wish I were in Mendocino!"
She responded: "I have an opening for an accounting MST advertised in the bulletin with a double wide mobile home pad located at MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg if you are interested. It is a beautiful place to work and I’m planning to retire in a few years."
The bulletin item to which she referred:
MANAGEMENT SERVICES TECHNICIAN ($2495 - $3426) – MENDOCINO DISTRICT
The reporting location for this position is the District Office at Russian Gulch. This position will work under the direction of the District Administrative Chief. The incumbent will be responsible for the district’s fiscal section. This includes auditing and processing purchase documents, reconciling expenditures with CID and preparing expenditure reports. The successful candidate should be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Access. State housing may be available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Lucy Johnson at (707) 937-6128 or ljohnson@parks.ca.gov
It is seriously tempting. The pay range is less than I am in now as an Accounting Technician, but I would go in at the same monthly and simply top out sooner. Fort Bragg! MacKerricher - possibly my favorite state park!
Questions - mobile home or just the pad? What would I do with my house? Could the boys have any future there? Could I stand moving away from all my other kids? What if the boys wanted to stay in Sacramento? Would I be ok leaving all of them????? Even for Fort Bragg? I have done the Sacramento - Fort Bragg drive (4-5 hours) and back in a day - lunch dates would work. Would they make the drive to visit if they could stay with me? Could I get a discount (free??) camp sites for visiting family? - when there are too many for the trailer. What about the dog and cats? And the drive from MacKerricher to Russian Gulch (the office - in a State Park??!!) when it's foggy.
Even my boss says I should think about it.
I love MacKerricher. How much? To live on the California North Coast would be a dream come true. What dreams would I have to give up?
Also, my only Microsoft experience is here at work. But I could learn.
I might not go online every break if I was there! Walking in the forest or on the beach! sigh
Break is over. Back to work buried in a building downtown.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)