2018 Predictions

Prediction is difficult- particularly when it involves the future.

Mark Twain

Wow. The Year of the Rooster was NOT what I expected. I did NOT see all that coming---Las Vegas, the #metoo movement, "Rocket Man"...


This year I will change course. No predictions of deaths or tragedies.
 I will locate and share quotes that have to do with new beginnings, new year, etc.

 Please, to enjoy.


All of us every single year, we're a different person. I don't think we're the same person all our lives. Steven Spielberg

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something. 
Neil Gaiman

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Hal Borland

New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change. Sarah Ban Breathnach

Talent Show in the Books. Flu, Crochet, Dryer and Car, Haircuts, and More!

It's been a long couple of weeks.

1. Talent show was not heavily populated, but it was the best one we've done so far, and for that, I'm so very thankful.
2. Luke had the flu and got behind on work, which stresses me out, even if he doesn't seem to be bothered by it. ;)
3. Now I'm sick, hopefully not the flu, but whatever it is, it sucks.
4. Waiting to see if my students who entered the AWF contest won anything. I really want someone to have won SOMETHING. Anything. PRAY!
5.  I have started a knitting/crochet club here at school and it meets on Thursday for the first time. I
hope it goes well.
6. Our dryer got fixed! Halleluyer! Makes all the difference.
7. My question for God got answered. (Previous post)
8. I just want to get into this weird bed/pod and snooze.

9. Chris took care of my van issues and it is running so much better now. Sweet.
10. Boys got haircuts and no longer look homeless.
11. I stuck my foot in my mouth via email with a colleague and feel stupid.  I got exactly what I deserved.
12. Learning how to granny square.
13. Love love love watching The Eagles documentary over and over again. Feels good. Gonna order books about them.
14. I am looking forward to...

• The Walking Dead coming on soon,
• my new Bible study class, 
• feeling better than I do now, 
• seeing my boys improve in the ways they need to (guilt because I feel like I'm not doing enough to help them, or sometimes that I'm doing too much for them schoolwise...guilt either way), 
• President's Day holiday because we are off, 
• Valentine's Day because, well, CHOCOLATE
• Public Library's book sale
• Field trip to the U of M right down the street from where I live (har har)

Wait

Stretched

So I am supposed to be doing the following things right now, but I need a breather and need to list them and think about them.

My list:
1. I am half responsible for a talent show coming up next week and I'm freaking out a little bit because I'm not sure we are ready at all.  I am nervous because last year we had tech difficulties and it was embarrassing and I felt like we let the kids down.  (Pray please.)
2. I am responsible for getting students to a writing conference which needs its check by Feb. 1.  I only have four who have signed up. I need 12. I am sharing a bus with another teacher from another school and this is a first for me and I'm confused and worried about costs.
3. I am in charge of the lit mag and I love it, but it takes a long time to enter stories and poems and (blessing alert) we have a lot of entries this year.  I have a long way to go. Right now, only one person can enter them on one computer--mine.
4. I have a test I should be typing right now. But I am not.

Good thing:  We just entered a beau coup of stories, poetry, and one acts to the state writing contest so I hope to hear something good by Feb. 3.  (Pray please.)
Good thing: I have lost 4 pounds this week.  I am thrilled and motivated to keep it up. Fitbit, flavored water, and a nurse to keep me accountable----all good.
Good thing: I love where I work. It's hands down the best place I've ever worked.

The weather is gray outside. Eh.

Time Travel and Threads

My heart is full.

My parents' 50th wedding anniversary was yesterday and they held a reception/party in the same exact place where they were married 50 years ago.  This was special. The entire day I felt surrounded by love. I hope they did too. Heck, I know they did. The expressions on my mother's and father's faces told me so .My parents are a rare thing. Parents who stuck by each other for 50 years? I mean, really!

I remember witnessing the small acts of kindness and love that Mom and Dad showed each other through the years. How patient they were with each other and with their children. I'm not going in crazy detail here because they are private people. Especially my mother. Hi Mom!

At their anniversary reception, I felt a tad overwhelmed and hope no one took any offense if I didn't spend a lot of time with them. So many relatives I haven't seen in so long. So many friends of the family. I sat down with Chris and people watched a good deal of the time, taking in the scene, not quite sure where to move (it was crowded) or if I could interrupt those already talking with those I wanted to talk to.

It was strange, because this assortment of people is, well, what one would expect at not so fun events---all these wonderful family members and friends of my parents that I rarely see.  It was emotional and felt crazy wonderful to have these people there and for there to be a happy reason to come together.  I hugged harder than I used to, for I think I love harder than I used to. Losing friends and family does that to us as we get older, I suppose.


That little church, that little reception hall, where so many family members were married, is looking a little worn, and is surrounded by the burned remains (literally) of the mill buildings that burned down not too long ago. This church is part of my family history and it holds weight in my heart.

Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years. Simone Signoret

Taking Stock of Life As of This Moment

Making : crochet scarves

Cooking : tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches a lot!

Drinking : more water than normal, otherwise, sweet tea and Diet Dr. P

Reading: The Good Girl

Trawling: old blogs

Wanting: To lose this weight.

Looking: My students writing a short short short story.

Deciding: To just move more and eat less.

Listening: A lot of Eagles, Foo Fighters, and radio Top 40

Buying: yarn at Walmart when I want to get over to Hobby Lobby and check out that stash

Watching: The Bachelor

Marveling: Not sure I'm marveling about anything, lol.

Cringing: ?

Needing: Better black flats.

Questioning: Why my children are not big readers. Feel like a failure as an English teacher mom.

Smelling: Pink and Red Door, oddly enough.

Wearing: jeans, black Mary Janes, black shirt, black cardigan, red sparkly scarf

Noticing: other people's new Christmas clothes

Happy Friday,

Jen 

Today's Random Bible Selection: Parable of the Ten Virgins or "Naw, you get your own."

So I'm gonna try to open up my new Rainbow bible on a daily basis and find a random passage (without looking, just pointing my pointer finger and seeing where it goes) and well, take a look at it and see how I can apply it to my life.

So here's what my finger found, and what I read (with my favorite parts in bold):

Matthew 25:1-13King James Version (KJV)

25 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.King James Version (KJV)Public Domain

Here's a cartoon version.

Well, my first thought was, "Ah ha,I know that last verse." But I didn't know it was part of the parable of the ten virgins. In fact, I don't remember ever reading/hearing about the ten virgins. But it reminded me of the parable of "The Ant and the Grasshopper." So there's that. Also some children's story about ten dancers or something like that. I'll figure it out.

The last line (13)  scares me and gives me hope at the same time.

I thought it was interesting that those who had oil didn't give any of theirs to those who weren't prepared,which surprised me, you know, cuz Bible.

I read this explanation of the parable and it humbled me. I have been that lady who wants to borrow other people's oil. Gotta get my own oil.

That's it for today. Until next time.

The One Where I Got Lost on a Freakin' Golf Course While Out Walking

So last Friday, I decided to put on my black coat, black "walking shoes" (that sounds old), and leash the beagle and go put some miles on my Fitbit. Headed out on the main road, passed the horses, sidestepped horsepoo, and headed towards the sloping golfcart tracks at the golf course nearby. Thought it would be safe because I saw a couple, a male and female, walking their dog a bit ahead of me. They looked like they were in full datemode, and it was cute to watch.

Beagle and I crossed the road and started out, a bit behind the couple. Felt safe and happy. I kept tapping on my Fitbit to check progress.

And we, the beagle and I, walked. And walked.

All was well until it got darker. Quickly. Then I realized I wasn't where I thought I was. I didn't recognize this area of the golf course.  The wind was getting colder. Now, granted, I was not lost on the prairie. I wasn't in the desert. But still. What the crap?

I passed the couple, who had stopped and were letting a dog run around. We nodded at each other awkwardly and I thought, "They might kill me and I don't know exactly where I am."

Hmm. I headed the way I thought I should go.

I realized I had my Spotify blasting (sans headphones) and Elton John and that Kiki Smith(?) song was on:"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" ... I was going uphill, beagle panting, my heart going faster. On either side of me was high shrubbery. I could hear Keith Morrison's voice, "Jennifer had just gone for a quick walk..."

"So this is how I get killed. Or have a heart attack." I was thinking I should turn off Spotify so I wouldn't attract a rapist. So I turned it off.

Steep hill. Getting dark.

Got to the top of the hill and sat down and let my heartrate slow down.  Beagle waited.

Finally pulled up my Google Maps and discovered the way home.  I had been going in the wrong direction. Nice.

Got home with Spotify playing "I Believe in Miracles (You Sexy Thing)"  and felt ridiculous.

It was dark and much colder than when I left. I had a LOT of steps on my Fitbit.
Chris goes, "Damn, I was starting to get worried about you."