The Smile

I sat alone at the table today

The people who passed seemed miles away

I watch and I see as they work and play

But not once did I see a smile today.

I walked along the path today

The people who passed seemed miles away

I watched and I see as they work and play

But not once did I see a smile today.

As I watch these people move along today

I realize they are thinking I'm miles away

They watch and they see as I work and play

But not once did they see me smile today.

After a while I realize as I go on today

I realize that if I take the time to say

Hello to the people who passed by on their way

We seem to smile at each other today.

Appreciation...Does it Really Exisit?

I know that we are suppose to do things without expecting anything in return. That's what I have always been told. Do your best as unto the Lord. I agree with that 100%. But does that mean no matter what you are doing? Even if it's a job? What about going above and beyond what is expected? Do you get any thank you's from the people that should be giving them? I don't think so. Those people are few and far between.

I believe if you are doing something to better another person's life then do as unto the Lord. I believe that if you are doing something to bring peace to those in need...do as unto the Lord. I believe if you are doing your job to help your family, do as unto the Lord. In everything you do...well you know...

What about your job? If you have times, and we all do, that you get behind and just want to get caught up and it's something you can do at home, then why is it that your are treated like you commited a crime? Being told, you don't get paid for taking work home, even if it betters your performance at work, what's the big deal?

Well, I guess it's a big deal. There are people out there making deal after deal after deal without thinking of the people who helped get them there. They will "swallow" an elephant, but then turn around and "choke" on a gnat. I guess what I'm trying to say is big money means nothing when they are the ones playing the game, but if one of their employees tries to make things better for the company, they choke as if you poisoned them.

I don't know if this is making any sense. I know this goes on everyday all around the world and has forever. I guess just once I would like to know that I am appreciated. They say, "well you have a job". Yeah I do, but we all like to hear "you are doing a great job" ..." I appreciate that you were willing to take the work home to get caught up"...."I appreciate you".....

If you're reading this and you're the boss, please tell your employees how much they mean to you. They are the one's keeping you up and running. If you're the employee...remember...you probably won't get that pat on the back, so just keep on keepin' on......

Well people...

Keep the sun outta your eyes...but let the "SON" always shine on you"...

Sunday Evenin'

It's a quiet Sunday evening at home. My husband is still in China. He will be home Wednesday night. I'm so excited. I have missed him so much.

Right now, I have two dogs lying on the floor sleeping and a cat lying on my chair a while ago and then moved to the coffee table on my laptop case sound asleep. It's times like this that I wish I could be a cat or dog.....well, not really, but seems like there are times when the "carefree" life of a dog/cat would be nice once in a while.

Earlier today I went to my mom's for lunch with the family. It was my granddaughter Emily's birthday this past Friday. She turned 8 and is just beautiful. Then went in to work for a few hours, back home in time to talk to hubby and then just chilled out.

This is a day in my life. Nothing grand, just calm and blessed.

Have a great week people.

I Made The First Move....

Ok...I did it...what did I do you say? I went to a place that I love and would like to be a part of and got an application. I have wanted to work in a coffee house/cafe for I don't know how long. Yes, I do have a job. No, I'm not going to quit. Yes, I do want to learn the ropes of how to run/work in a cafe. Part time. For now. Maybe.

Stepping outside your comfort zone can be very intimidating. I know, I've done it before. Somehow I end up back in my "comfort zone". Why? Fear, serious self critisim, perfectionism to the point of ...if I don't do it right the first time...I don't do it. Anyone out there have the same problem? I sure would like to know.

I know that even at my age, I can still learn to do something that I think I would love to do. I hear from lots of people to not give up on your dreams. What do you do when your dreams seem to be just inches out of your reach? Stretch up on your toes until you feel like you're going to fall off that cliff? Is there a rope to hold on to while you reach out? Or are you believing that if the next step has no place for your foot...just mid air...that you close your eyes, take a deep breath, raise up your hands.....and....GRAB!? When you open your eyes, you look down to see the world...and it's then you realize that the only thing that is holding you up is your faith in what you believe in.

Can I be that person? Can I have that kind of faith...to believe in the impossible? Right at this moment, I don't know. All I do know is that if I don't try, if I don't give it a shot, I will be forever locked inside myself, never to dream again.

Does this sound like "drama"? Maybe. Who doesn't need a little drama in their life? Sometimes drama can be fun.

Well, I think I'll leave things as is for right now. I have lots to ponder and pray about. The big thing will the the discussion with my wonderful husband. Dreams are wonderful, but decisions must be made together.

Later.....

Just Another Manic Monday.....

Ok...so the weekend is coming to an end. Monday is only a few hours away and we all get back to the mundane things we do 5 days a week....unless of course you are a stay at home mom, then it never ends. How do I know that you ask? Because I spent most of my time with my children through most of their school years at home...that's how I know. It is a daunting yet awesome task that we take upon ourselves.

Oh well, back to the topic at hand. For those of us who have an empty house (kids grown and on their own) but still have to get up every Monday morning and go back to that place we call our job, I know that I for one, wonders why? Why didn't I pay more attention to saving my money, why didn't I pay more attention to the fact that I really didn't need that pair of shoes with the pocketbook to match. Then I wouldn't be sitting behind a desk 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

The things we think of after we get older, the shouda's woulda's coulda's....I sigh...why bother looking back. It changes nothing. I must look forward. Forward to the day when I can do exactly what I want to do. The things that will make my life complete, happy, peaceful. I'm not saying that I'm not happy or complete or peaceful now, I'm just saying that I know there could be more. There has to be more. If not, then why do I care. Why does it mean so much to me to look for more in my life.

I will wake in the morning, slowly rising from bed, feeling all the aches and pains of my age...stumble my way to the shower and try to get my head together to deal with that otherwise dreary Monday. All the while thinking to myself, only 4 more days till the weekend.

Well ladies and gents...what about you...

Have a great Monday!

Time For...

Everyone seems to be in a hurry these days. I am one of those people. Why? Why are we all in such a hurry? Are we running late for work, a date, an appointment? Why do we wait to get out the door of the mornings when we know what time we have to be where ever we are to go? Is it that subconsciously we are wanting to slow down?

Do you ever ask yourself why you don't have "Time for" sitting down with an old friend to have lunch or dinner, go to a bookstore and find a different sort of book, get a coffee and just sit in the bookstore for a while and read. What about walking through a park and listening to the sounds of other people and nature?

What would you like to do if you made "Time For...."?

I know that if I would make "Time For" I would learn how to work in a coffee shop. I would learn how to decorate cakes. I would learn how to make the best cookies in the world. I would start a book club....get a bunch of us together and pick a book, meet once a month and discuss that particular book.

So, there's a few of the things I would do if I would only take "Time For" ....

Again I ask you...What would you do if you made "Time For"?

Maybe I will start one of mine.......

HAVE WE FORGOTTEN WHO WE ARE?

I heard on the news today of a school who chose, at their football game, to have prayer (the students decided) for a fallen athlete and a moment of silence in rememberance of 9/11. Well, you probably have already guessed what happened next...ONE person was "offended" and called...you know who..the ACLU...geez...when is this country going to learn that each time they are 'called' in to 'take care of' a situation, we lose more and more freedom.

I am sick to death with hearing how we have no right to do anything. We have got to put a stop to this before our children become nothing more than "yes men". I don't care what your religious views are...I don't step on you, don't step on me.

If I don't agree with how you feel, I don't have to stay around and listen to it. I'm not going to go 'crying' to some stupid organization that has no ones best interest at heart...they only have one goal...to become more powerful and to take what rightfully belongs to us away. The freedom of speach.

I agree to disagree, but I do not agree for the minority to tell me what I can or cannot do in public. Yes, they are the minority. It may seem like they are not, but it's because we have become numb to what is happening around us. I am part of the numbing of this country as well.

Well, I'm tired of being numb. I want to stand up for what I believe.

I don't know exactly where this path will start, unless this is the start. I only know that if we as a country, that was founded on freedom of religion, don't stop this insanity, we are doomed.

We say "God Bless America" but do we really mean it. Are we willing to make sure He does bless us? Then we had better make a stand.

As for those out there who believe other than Christianity, don't think for one minute that you won't be next. Regardless who you pray to...we are all in the same boat...FREEDOM IS BECOMING EXTINCT IN AMERICA!

So, what to do? Pray America, pray. Don't let the fools take away what is ours. We all have a common goal. We all need to work together. Lets put back what this country was started for in the beginning...Freedom.

Just something to consider......do you want to be a slave...or do you want to be free?

Skype...it's the greatest!

Well, I thought I would just mention how wonderful skype is when your husband is on the other side of the world and some of your family is in Lousiana. It brings a bit of sunshine in your life when you feel alone.

I know that my hubby will be home next week and my daughter and her family will be coming home in December, but for now...skype will keep us close.

Sometimes I feel like I'm on the outside looking in and then I get that morning or evening call from the man I love and I realize I am outside...looking inside...a computer...at the most wonderful man in the world.

....and when you can see and talk to your children and grandkids, it's so great. My little grandson Jacob has the swine flu and they are treating him and all the other kids with tamiflu. When I saw him on skype it looked as if the meds and the meds for his fever was working...he was full of it..LOL

I know that my blog seems to be just a bunch of ramblings, but it feels good to be able to put my feelings down in words. I am by no means any kind of writer, however, I do like to write.

For now...it's off to watch the last show of America's Got Talent!

A Sad Day

I just wanted to stop in and make mention of the passing of a wonderful actor/dancer, Patrick Swayze. He was one of my all time favorites and I think I feel in love with him when I saw Dirty Dancing. My prayers are with his family. I know he gave it a good fight and never stopped trying. He was a couragious man.

My heart goes out to all who are dealing with any type of cancer or dealing with a family member who has it. You are all so couragious and give us such inspiration.

God Bless You All.

Good Morning Sunshine

Well, it is a wonderful day today. The sun is shining so brightly. God has definitely made this day and I will be glad in it.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. I was able to talk to Bryan a little bit this morning. He is now in bed, fast asleep while I'm wide awake and getting ready to head to my mom's for lunch and visit with one of my daughters, son and fiance and several of my grandchildren.

If I can get them to stand still long enough, I might get some pictures taken. Well, one can hope...LOL

As I sit here typing in my blog, I have the front door open, sun pouring through, cicada's chirping in the background and a wonderfully cool breeze blowing in. Makes me wish I could have this moment for a long time..only with my dear hubby here.

He went on a boat cruise on Tao Ho Lake (I know I didn't spell it right) but it's the largest lake in Shanghai (I think that's what he told me. You know, I might want to get my facts straight before I publish them, but that wouldn't be who I am...LOL. If I'm wrong I'll come back and correct myself.) Anyhoo, the cruise was about 4 hours and he said he met people from all over the world. He loved it. I would love it if he would come home..lol but that will be on the 23rd.

He is able to pick up on languages so easily it boggles my mind. I have a hard enough time just trying to speak my own language..(oh btw..I'm just a country girl). Bryan said the people there were very impressed with how he tries to speak their language and his willingness to learn. They evidently don't get too many that try. That should say something to those who come here....learn the language!

No, I'm not predjudice, I just believe if you are in a different country, you learn their language, not the other way around. If someone is offended by my feelings, don't read this. I mean no harm or offense to anyone, but I will speak my mind. In a polite manner. Sometimes. Maybe.

Well, I'm not sure where that soapbox came from, but consider it put away..for now...LOL.

Ok..gotta finish getting ready to head out. Once again, ya'all have a great one and hug your momma!

Later....

My Grandson Noah...he's the youngest..ain't he cute..

...the story continues

Well I'm back...been a few days since my last post...as whoever may have read it...it wasn't a good day. Things are better today, but that's how it is when you're 50 something.

I have been able to talk with Bryan via Skype most days. While he is in China we have to make sure we are both in the right place at the right time since it's 12 hours difference. He is having a good time and really likes it there. The town where he is at is considered a "small" town. 6,000,000 people. Uh, I don't think that would pass for a small town in my mind, but there....well it is.

I spent most of the afternoon pickling different types of peppers for him. It wasn't so bad except that the fumes of some of them burnt my nose, eyes and throat. The good thing is, they all sealed. He is planning on making pepper sauce. I'm sure that will be the kind you have to measure by the drop. LOL

I am curious how some of you think and feel at this point in your life. It doesn't matter if you're 50+ or not. You could be older or younger. I'm just curious how everyone is dealing with the different aspects of your daily life.

I have always had a desire to be my own boss and have a business where I can be with people and make lots of wonderful friends. I have tried many different types of things from Avon to Mary Kay, Pampered Chef to Jordan Essentials. I think that I talk my self out of being really good at any of them. Working full time everyday, all I want to do is come home and sleep. It's not exactly how I want to live, but when my mind is exhausted, well.....

I am trying to keep to my new way of eating, but this past week hasn't been a good one. I have not drunk enough water like I have the last few weeks and I can feel it. I have also eaten too much chocolate. I need my veggies....will probably have that tonight. It's amazing how you really feel when you start eating right and then "fall off the wagon" so to speak.

On to a different subject....we went to Chattanooga over the Labor day weekend. I love being in downtown Chattanooga. I would move there if I could, but I would be too far away from my mom, kids and grandkids...and I need them in my life more than I need to be in Chattanooga. So, I will make it a point to go there more often. :>)

We will be going to Flatrock NC on the weekend Bryan gets back from China for the Flatrock Festival. This will be a camping trip, tent and all. I just hope it doesn't rain this year. Last year was terrible.

Ok...enough for now...Please feel free to leave your comments. I really am interested.

Ya'all have a great weekend.

Ok So I'm 50 Something....Now What

Yeah..I'm 50 something. I know I'm not the only one out there, but sometimes I feel completely alone. I wonder, does anyone my age have the same feelings, fears, dreams. Do you feel like life happened and forgot to take you along? Everyone else is doing something special with their life and you, well, you're just watching it go by. That is how I feel most days.

I try not to let it get me down, but it's hard. You wake up in the morning too tired to get up, but you do it anyway. You feel all the aches and pains of an 80 year old, but you keep moving, almost without thought, just actions. You get yourself ready to do what you do, day in and day out. Go to work, come home, take care of animals because your husband is out of town due to work, fix a bite to eat and then go to bed. Only to start the same thing over again.

Right now, my husband is getting ready to go to China for the second time. The first time was only a few weeks ago and was to be for 1 week but ended up being 2 weeks. Now, once again he will be gone for 2 weeks. The first time was really hard. I don't like being home alone. I'm not afraid nor am I helpless. I just don't like it.

I'm trying to do a different program of nutrition to start feeling better health wise and with it will probably come some weight loss. That would really be great. I don't particularly like some of the foods that my nutritionist suggested, but I try. I think maybe it might make a difference in how I see myself.

This is what I find in me everyday...ramblings...so many thoughts I don't know how to put them in any kind of reasonable order. Sometimews I'm not sure if I have much of a memory left.

There are so many things that I want to do with my life that I have no idea what to do first, if there is anyway that I can get out of the box I'm in.

My reason for starting this blog is for others to post their opinions, questions, statements etc.

I will not always write in the "black" mood. I am happy and loving and have lots of wonderful things to say. It's just right now, the mood is not so cheery. But that is ok...for now it's enough....

....more to come....