I Always Have Something to Look Forward To!

 As I get older, I double down on  things to look forward to as I age. Even though the list of things may be getting smaller they are no less satisfying. Today, as I was getting dressed, I added another item to my list: Looking forward to No longer having to wear a bra. The fewer pieces of underwear I have to wear the more comfortable I am. The older I am, the less others would even notice or care. Getting older is interesting and I plan to embrace it and make the best of it.

Indoctrination, Really!!!

 

 

IMO, it’s not the fear of the school indoctrinating their child, it’s the fear of their child learning new facts and gaining knowledge that may make them question their parent’s indoctrination. 

Another thought-

As for this present election, It’s one indoctrination against another. Which one you agree with is how you will vote. Can we just quit using the term indoctrination already?

Both side are guilty of spreading misinformation. However, I think one side is doing a much better job of it- (again, in my opinion).

Note: as a retired teacher,(and I believe most teachers practice this) it was always my practice and conviction that a student should never be able to know what my political leanings were. I always tried to give facts and allowed students to give their opinions as long as they could back it up with sound reasoning. I also emphasized that just because people don't agree, doesn't mean either of is wrong. However, I always stressed the importance of being respectful.

Just an Observation

Some have outgoing personalities, are open, friendly, and are admired by many.

Some are grumpy, whiney, and just don't like people.

Some are quiet, introverted, and enjoy their own company more than being in a crowd.

But....some of the most interesting are those quiet ones who speak the loudest through  their dress, their tattoos, their body piercings,  and/or the their vibrant hair color. 

You have to admit, this world is quite an interesting place filled with interesting humans.

Election Is Over

 Whew, the election is over, the incumbents, me included, won by a significant margin, and one of the two names on the ballot won the empty seat. In other words, none of the write-in candidates succeeded in an election upset. The margin was wide enough that I can safely say, the majority of the voters support what we are doing and that is what we feel is best for all kids in our district. 

Note: I know this is post is way overdue, but better late than never. 

Challenging Times

Being on two boards and feeling discouraged and anxious at times about the turmoil we have been going through these last two years with this pandemic and sitting through some contentious board meetings with some heated disagreements about how to best mitigate the spreading of the Covid virus, I sometimes want to just "chuck" it all and quit. Then I think, who better than me to be in this position. I've lived long enough to develop some pretty tough skin, I appreciate opposing points of view, and I know this isn't the first time in our country's history we've been through tough, divisive times, so I will continue to humbly serve and support what I think is the most appropriate actions to take to provide our students with the best learning environment possible as well as keep our entire staff and student body healthy.

Now, with the upcoming election and someone running against me as a write-in candidate, there is the possibility I won't be serving much longer. If that is the case, I wish my opponent the best and hope she understands being on the school board is much more than just making mitigating decisions during a pandemic.

All for now---

https://youtu.be/P8ByVzrN7pk

https://youtu.be/A7iw7YsdKGA

Priorities and Bucket List.

 I noticed I haven’t posted since about this time last year. Wow, and what a year it has been. I’ve lost some friends, some related to Covid and some due to other health issues. Either way, it seems a disproportionate amount of people I know have passed this past year. I would say it could be because I’m older and this kind of thing is somewhat expected. However, most of the people who have passed weren’t that old. Either way, it has made me re-evaluate my priorities. 

Fortunately, after the first few weeks of the lockdown last year, I haven’t experienced much depression or anxiety. I have become more thoughtful though. I tend to analyze others’ actions more trying to understand why they do and say the things they do. This whole Covid experience has definitely brought out the worst and the best in people. I find that quite interesting.

 My top priorities now have become my family and friends. Now, if we have a chance to get together, I make the effort to be present. No more excuses of being too busy. 

Also, there have been a few things I have wanted in the last few years that I postponed getting thinking I’d wait until later. This may sound shallow to some but if you know me that is not the case. I’ve always been frugal and very careful with money. However, I decided I’m not getting any younger and if I want something, within reason, I’m going to get it. For instance, for years it’s been on my bucket list to buy ONE brand new car (and pay cash) before I die. Well, with some careful planning and fortuitous stock market investing I was able to do that this year. What made it really fun, no money came out of our personal budget. It was like winning a vehicle without paying an exorbitant luxury tax. Another thing on my bucket list was to give more to the charities important to me, whether that be a specific person, family, or organization. Again, with careful budgeting and somewhat following Dave Ramsey’s financial philosophy, my husband and I have been able to do that. 

I'm tired

Any criticism by one side just ramps up the resolve of the other that "they" are absolutely right!

Yes, this political bar fighting is really getting me down. more so than being quarantined at home. Yes, I want to see stores able to open, yes, I want to see more testing, yes, I want to see a vaccination or a medicine that can prevent or cure this disease. What I don't want to see is all the vicious bickering and name-calling and ridiculous memes degrading groups of people as either morons or snowflakes.

Can we please just stop. I don't mind thoughtful and spirited discussion. I don't mind listening to other's points of view. But please don't get angry if my opinion doesn't align with yours. I actually like to have a good, spirited discussion and listen to other's opinions, but when it starts to become hateful and xenophobic, I'm out.

I think everyone can agree that this is a safe, non-political video clip! 😊

My Happy Place

Things I've Learned Over the Past Six Decades on This Earth (A Reflection)

As another birthday has so quickly come and gone I started thinking about what all I've learned over the past six decades. During some decades not so much and others just about everything. Anyway, not being one who likes to be overly loquacious, here's another of my not-so-famous lists:

1. The 50's- not a lot since I was born mid-century (1955), but one thing does stick out in my mind during the latter part of the decade. Anytime someone would come up and remark on what a "pretty little girl" I was, my mother would always reply "Pretty is as pretty does".  That has stuck, for the most part, however, I do not get many (none) of those compliments anymore. Maybe someday I will hear what a "pretty little old lady". (Nope, probably not!)

2. The 60's- Hippies are weird. I didn't think of them as good or bad, just weird. (That is all)

3. The 70's- I knew EVERYTHING. In all fairness, just about every child entering their late teen years feels about the same way, right?

4. The 80's- I knew NOTHING. Yep, this was the decade I was a young mother with two small children and I realized, "I knew what I didn't know",  and that it was a lot.

5. The 90's- I learned to start paying attention to what was happening around me and I really started enjoying learning something new whenever possible. As a teacher that "learning something new" happened about every day. I also realized how lucky I was that I had found my dream job as a middle school teacher. (Yes, this says volumes about my personality and craziness I know).

6. The 00's- I started questioning some of my long-held beliefs and started listening more. I also started worrying less about whether I was liked by "everybody" or not and in turn feel I became more likable because of it. Not sure how to explain myself here, so I will just leave it at this for now.

7. Now- I've learned I have "Waaaay" more questions than answers about just about everything and am completely ok with that. I have also learned to cherish each day, and I don't take one minute for granted. And finally, I have learned that you don't let different beliefs, personalities, or lifestyles get in the way of making some true, loyal friends that you know you can depend on!!!

Happy New Year 2019!

Side note: My husband and I just celebrated another anniversary this month also!

Happy 45th Anniversary and this picture kinda explains why don't ya think?

More Deep Thoughts from This Old Woman

On Childhood

You're only a child once, so never grow up.

On Faith

Sometimes all that's left is faith; the most important possession.

On Life

If I would get a second chance at life, I would pretty much do the same thing just a little better.

If I'd become everyone I'd envied as a teenager, I'd be fat, divorced and childless #GladToBeMe

The only person you should ever be better than is the old you!

If you can enjoy your memories without wanting to live in the past, you have a good life.#OldAgeWisdom

On Parenting

Only those who have no children are perfect parents!

As a parent, one thing I have no regrets for is NEVER saying, "My child would never do that!"

On Food

Calories are a bit like money to me. Before eating something, I consider if the calories are worth the consumption just like I consider if spending money on an item is worth what it costs. I’d rather eat 180 calories worth of Hershey’s dark chocolate than 160 calories of peach yogurt.

Why I Like Living Below My Means

1. I can be a big tipper.

2. I don't have to worry about paying down credit card balances.

3. I don't have to make car payments.

4. I don't have to make house payments.

5. I can go on a spur-of-the-moment shopping spree if I want.

6. I don't have to beg a banker for money.

7. I don't have to worry about paying back those "Title Loans"  with hight interest rates! (scary stuff!!!)

8. I can donate to causes important to me.

9. I can buy what I want at the grocery store, and more often than not I prefer the generic brand over name brand on many items.

10. I don't feel the need to brag about what I have or what I don't have. (You know some people really do brag about their lack, or is that whining??)

11. I LOVE being debt free!!!

Living below my means is AWESOME!

My Turn to Rant

Oh how  I wish people would not impulsively post knee-jerk reaction memes or "news" articles after horrific events such as school shootings. Little research is done to see how valid or true the messages are that these memes and articles  claim. What good does it do??? The only thing it seems to accomplish is division, of which our country has enough. Instead, why can't we work together to find common ground and have an intelligent conversation with both sides listening and hearing what the other has to say. That would be a start.

In closing I would like to paraphrase a favorite quote of mine.  It would be better to just keep our memes to ourselves and keep our mouths shut. Sure we may appear ignorant, but wouldn't that be better than opening our mouths or posting our memes and removing all doubt.

Mom Betty

The following is a draft I wrote over a year ago and never published. Well, it's time. Mom Betty is not doing well at all now and I hope the transition to her next life is peaceful and painless. She is one very special lady and I'm honored to be her daughter-in-law.

A couple of years ago while visiting my 90-something mother-in-law, I was "patting myself on the back" for helping her address envelopes to send a few Christmas cards to some of her few remaining friends. (Most have died). I was feeling pretty smug about how patient and helpful I was being when it hit me, I'm not doing anything above and beyond; this is what we all should do for our elderly parents. Treat them with dignity, help with simple tasks that are no longer simple for them, and quit thinking we are being so darn extraordinary for doing it. Look what they have done for us all those years ago when we had trouble writing neatly when we weren't sure where the address went on the envelope, or  on  which line is the city, state and zip code supposed to go.

My mother-in-law is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. She has always been nothing but kind to me and appreciative of anything I have ever done for her. She is now in the last years of her life in a rest home where some days she isn't sure if she should be there or if she should be somewhere else. However, she still knows her children by name and she always knows me and most of her other close relatives who take the time to see her regularly. She knows who she is and she knows her memory is failing her more and more every day. Sometimes she gets very confused and upset because of it. I just wish there was something extraordinary I could do for her, like help her remember things and people like she so desperately tries to do. However, since I can't do that, the one thing I shall continue to do are the ordinary things we all should do, help them be as normal as possible. If that is showing them exactly how to address an envelope line by line so they can send a few Christmas cards in their own handwriting, then do it.

Thank you, Betty Marshall, for being the best mother-in-law anyone could be so lucky to have.

On Birthdays and Anniversaries

Well another birthday and anniversary has come and gone. I'm feeling lucky and blessed to be here healthy, content, and grateful for another year on earth and another year married. Believe me, as you get older that content and grateful part is very sincere and not just words used to fill space on paper or in conversation. As I turned another year older on the eighth of this month, I looked at a few pictures of way back when and reminisced about my younger days as a young mother and wife. Although I enjoyed the walk down memory lane, I also had a minor epiphany about the present:

"Don't dwell in the past or fret about the future, but enjoy the present; every single day of it!" 

And this is just what I intend to do. 

Then

Now

Happy New Year; Some Reflections

As I look back on the past year, I am very thankful for just about every single day. However, a few stick out more than others.

* Of course, my last day of teaching comes to mind first. I loved teaching and I think that is what actually made it easier to enjoy retirement to the fullest. I have never regretted retiring at 62. I'm young enough to pursue other interests and old enough to appreciate them to the fullest.

* This last summer was great. We were able to enjoy the grandkids several times during June, July, and August. And yes, we successfully entertained and (refereed at times) all seven of them here at the same time. Great memories being made!

*I ran for  public office for the first time ever....and won. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I am pretty excited to sit on our local school board. What makes this even more interesting is I'm sitting on the board of the school district from where I retired in May.

*I started doing some volunteering that I never (or thought I never) had time for when I worked. We have a local food pantry in our small town and I man the pantry two to three times a month for a couple hours a day. Some days I feel good about what we do and some days I feel more than some are taking advantage of our generosity. That is why it is so important for me to read the sign on the door to the pantry, "Judge not, lest you be judged." It's tough sometimes but like my neighbor says, "You will have to give to the greedy to reach the needy." I will continue to volunteer at the food pantry.

*Two things I've found I love most about retirement are not having to live by an alarm clock, and not having to decide what to wear to work everyday.  I don't sleep late by any means, but I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn either. I also don't need as big a closet. I'm continuing to purge and hope to soon have all my clothes (all seasons) in ONE closet.

This last year has been great!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! It's all good!

I don't understand the controversy over whether someone says Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. Instead of getting your panties in a bunch about how you are greeted in the month of December, why not concentrate on thinking of others and what you can do to help your neighbor. I assure you, you are not taking the "Christ" out of Xmas by greeting someone with Happy Holidays. By the way, you might also want to check out what the "X" means when Christmas is spelled Xmas. Check it out here!
#JustMyOpinion

Peg's Blog: Grandkids and Giving Thanks

Peg's Blog: Grandkids and Giving Thanks

Grandkids and Giving Thanks

During this holiday season, I thought I would talk a little about grandkids. You know, those little humans you get to enjoy after experiencing the challenges of raising one of their parents. Well, we just had our seven grandkids for a week while they were on Thanksgiving break from school. They had a great time and were reluctant to go home. Yes, Grandpa and I are tired, but it was worth it. During that week, we learned some interesting things from our grandkids:

1. Just because a four-year-old scratches his lip severely enough to require a band-aid, doesn't mean the band-aid should be applied to the location of the injury if it fits so much better farther up on the cheek instead.

2. You can prepare for two Thanksgiving feasts and pull it off successfully with seven extra little people in the house.

3. Grandkids don't always want to play video games. They also like to play board games that require thinking and strategy. Yes, they can be pretty competitive playing Scrabble and Rummy Cube.

4. It really is fun having kids in the house and listening to their conversations.

5. As they get older, they also like to learn how to make Grandpa's famous French Cookies, and Grandpa really likes helping them.

6. And finally, no matter how tired we get after seven days with seven kids, we always look forward to their next visit.

We even fit it an impromptu birthday party

Cousins

Intense Board Game on Thanksgiving

French Cookie Making Lesson

Good Conversation and Then Dessert!

Lamenting and Appreciating

You ever notice how marketers encourage us to be the envy of our neighborhood and urge us to keep up with the "Jones" at all costs when spiritual and financial leaders encourage us not to. What a dichotomy in our society. No wonder we feel pulled. What I have learned in my 62 years on this earth is that I've gone through the whole spectrum of this conundrum and am now on the other end. The end where I'm very comfortable not keeping up with the "Joneses" and I buy nothing on credit. If I can't pay cash, I can't afford and half of what I thought I had to have 30 years ago no longer interests me. Here's what I find most meaningful and satisfying to me now:

1.  good health

2. family vacations

3. happy, healthy grandkids

4. high quality (and a bit expensive) yarn

5. a patient husband

6. absolutely no debt

7. good friends

8. shoes

9. comfortable clothing

10. peach Schnapps in my fresh brewed iced tea on a hot summer day

note: I reserve the right to add to this list as needed.

Don't Complain

This is very interesting and takes less than a minute to watch. Plus, I believe it! ;-)

#Complaining...affects you more than you know! #thruththeory #betteryou #makeachange #itchangesyou #today#VRPC#BeMore #BeBetter #BeNext pic.twitter.com/rTA1rS6ZQx

— Dr. Vernice Richards (@VerniceRichards) May 27, 2017

RETIRED

It's not official until June 1, but my last day of school ever was Thursday, May 25. I've taught 38 years and am looking forward to a lot of enjoyable, healthy retirement years. Yay!