Old Time Rail

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 “Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” ~Jenkin Lloyd Jones

This quote was read at a wedding I coordinated.

Wise words for a Sunday...or any day, for that matter!

10-4, Jack

This picture of Jack made me smile when I saw it. Then I looked closer, and it made me laugh out loud. The kids were all fascinated with the walkie-talkies on our summer camping trip. Most of the time they were within ear shot of the person they were speaking with, making the device unnecessary. They still loved it! Look closely in the background. There's Pa talking to Jack on the other walkie-talkie, again, within ear shot! These two ~ thick as thieves, as they say! Pa is always up for putting in the backyard, tossing the football, shooting hoops or building a fort. Proving, once again, that children need our presence more than our presents.
That's a big 10-4, Jack!

So Much

Yes, yes I do!
How about you?

Ragnar

My daughter, she who abhorred exercise her entire life, has become a health nut complete with good eating habits, working out and running regularly. To say I am proud of her is an understatement.
Well, like the person who quits smoking or the drinker who hops on "the wagon", she has decided to plunge into fitness with both feet (no pun intended!) She found this crazy race called Ragnar. It is named after a legendary Norse ruler and hero. The photo above describes the race in a nutshell. Twelve people start out in two different vans, planning on being in those vans and in this race for almost 200 miles and 36 hours!!! Each person is given a "leg" of the relay race. These legs can be from 3 to over 8 miles. Obviously, your strongest runners are given the longer, harder legs. Each runner must complete three legs, in the same exact order. Now, any of you who have run before must realize, that is the tough part. I have never run three times in 36 hours EVER! I know I can complete a half marathon (my 12th is next month!), but, again, running three times in a day and a half is a bit daunting. In between, we will be in a van with the other runners and the driver (Search & Rescue Marko, for our van!). Sleeping, eating, changing, etc will all be under less than ideal conditions.
 Last year, over 700 teams entered the Southern CA race. 700 teams times 12 people means over 8,400 people WANTED to have experience this!! These races are run in cities all over the United States and many people run them year after year. Why would we, or anyone for that matter, do this??? Reasons may vary, but I think it is the challenge and testing yourself in ways you never dreamed. I think it is creating memories and stories that can only come from being with twelve people for 36 hours. I think it is doing something out of the ordinary. I think it is being disciplined enough and dedicated enough to want to give your best to the other eleven people on your team. I think it is being able to look back and say, "Hey, I did that!!"
I am the oldest person on our team. Some people I know well and some I have not met yet. I am related to a couple by blood. I think I will feel related to the rest by the time it is over. My son heard about this adventure and decided to enter a team of his own.
I say, the more the merrier...or is it, misery loves company?!?!?!
Biggsuzi

Where to Shop

 

HA! For many years I have heard these words from my family. "You're so hard to buy for!" With Christmas only 94 days away (yes, check it, I'm not kidding!!), I thought I'd share this funny with you. My shopping has begun, full force. I like to spread it out over time rather than run around like a crazy woman at the very end. I keep an Excel spread sheet of all the people I buy for, all the gifts and what I spend. I have for years. Yes, I know, I am crazy! Hence why the liquor store is always a good place to find my gift!! HA!
Tomorrow it will be 93 days...

A Compliment

I had a doctor's appointment this morning and afterwards they asked if I wanted my flu shot. Thanks, Kaiser, and your "one stop" shopping!! As is my nature, I chat it up with the nurses. Heck, I figure, make friends with anyone holding the needle that's about to go into your arm!
Not sure how the conversation started, but we ending up talking about food and cooking (surprise!) and feeding a family on a budget. Somehow, I ended up telling her about our family tradition at dinner called "high-low", where we all go around the table and tell the best thing that happened to us that day and the worst thing that happened to us that day. She paused and looked at me and said, "What a wonderful idea. I am so glad I met you today!" I can't remember the last time anyone said that to me. I left the office smiling.
And, PS, the shot didn't hurt a bit!

Take What You Need

Saw this...loved its simplicity...food for thought...
So, what would you grab first???