OLW January

Here's my title page for the One Little Word binder for this year. I've had this beautiful crocheted butterfly for months and never used it. It's the perfect extra for the title page. I've also done the photo page, but not going to post that here. I still have the definition page to do, but lack the correct page protector for it. On order, but not here yet. So, I'll post that later.

So far, January is going well. I'm enjoying thinking about my word each day. I'm walking each day and feeling much better with the exercise. I'm also spending a few minutes a day going through papers to weed out what is no longer necessary. Next I'll be moving onto a closet that is filled with stuff: sorting, tossing, passing on, organizing what is left. It feels good to finally be taking some action on things that have been hanging over my head for several years.

2011 will be a good year. I can feel it.

OLW

once again I'm participating in Ali Edwards' one little word. I've chosen a word to be a guide for what I want to see during the year for the last 3 or 4 years. This year my word is release, as in let go. After looking up the definition of my word in the dictionary, I found that my word has many other definitions. I think I will open up myself to whatever definition seems to prevail.

Originally I had thought to let go of unrealistic expectations, to let go of stuff that I no longer needed or wanted - both physically and emotionally, and to let go of preconceived notions I seem to have regarding this stage of my life. In other words, I wanted to cut to the chase. We'll see what happens.

To start with I have begun decluttering my home. I went through all of the Christmas decorations and culled out those that were worn out or no longer appealed to me and also set aside some that I will give to Eli in the years to come. Those tubs are put away much lighter that they were when I took them down the first part of December. The past couple days I have been going through a box that contains most of my household papers. It's amazing what stuff I have saved. So far, I've dumped 12 pounds of paperwork in the recycle and I'm only 2/3 of the way through it all!
This photo shows it in the wastebasket before it went in the paper recycle.

And here's the box that was once so stuffed full that I couldn't even get another piece of paper in it. I expect it will be only half full when I finish.

Already I feel lighter. I think this OLW will be just fine.

Different/Unique

Again the post from http://reverb10.com/ challenges me. What is different about you? What do you do that lights people up?



I'm not really sure how to answer those questions. I have never felt like someone who 'lights others up'. I've felt pretty much like the status quo, the normal person, the melt into the woodwork kind of a gal. I've had a talent for helping those who are ill to be more comfortable. I've been an advocate for my patients with their doctors and with their families. I've always felt strongly that people have the right to correct information about their health/disease so they can be part of the solution. I've been able to hold another's hand when they need someone to just 'be' there. My family would say that I'm a fixer. I want to 'fix' broken things. While I think that has been more true in the past, I do still get sidetracked into the fixing mode. Age has mellowed me and granted me a greater acceptance of my limited ability to fix anything or anybody.



So if those things are a unique part of me, than so be it. The lighting up will have to be something that just happens as a result of those unique qualities.



And, speaking of lighting up. This photo was taken at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Pioneer Square in Portland, OR on November 19th.

Reverb 10 prompt for December 2

A blog called reverb http://reverb10.com/ has prompts for December to spark contemplation. The one for today is: "what do you do each day that doesn't contribute to your writing....what can you do to eliminate it? " Interesting question.

I grew up in the age of letter writing. Every gift I received demanded a thank you note. My mother wrote letters to me weekly when I was in college. My husband and I exchanged almost daily letters when he was in Viet Nam. The last letter I wrote was a 'why I'm thankful for you' card at Thanksgiving. I can't remember the last letter I wrote prior to that. Writing now consists of short statements and even just letters of the alphabet that stand for words on facebook and in e-mails. I don't even hand write anything in a journal any more. I do, however, write in my own hand on many of the scrapbook pages I make.

Writing takes time which is thought of as in short supply in today's world. We text, we leave voicemail messages, we make cell phone calls while we're waiting in lines, while walking the dog, while doing something else. We multitask. Writing requires full attention.

So, what to eliminate? Really rather what to substitute or move up on the priority list? I think I'll take just a few minutes in the evening to write in my journal again. It encourages contemplation. That's a good thing.

Eli as she watches people, lights and the tree lighting ceremony in Pioneer Square. Yes, if the bomber would have been successful, things could be very different now.

One word

Well, it's December 1st and I don't have a December Daily page to share. My printer ran out of yellow ink so I can't print the photo that I'm using for page one. Instead I'm going to write about a prompt for the day entitled, one word.

We're to chose one word that would describe the year 2010 for ourselves. There are several words that come to my mind: retirement, infirmity, constraints. But the one word that is foremost is the word I had chosen last January that I wanted to focus on this year. That word is peace.

In spite of all that's happened this past year, peace is what I have found in the midst of it all. Retiring in February really set the stage for me to find real peace...with myself, with my family and friends, with my new reality healthwise, and with my place in life. I'm much better at not sweating the small stuff. I don't feel the need to give advice as freely as I have in the past, and I'm able to accept/listen to advice from my family and friends.

I can relax in the evening even when my to-do list is still my left-to-do-tomorrow list. I enjoy scrapbooking and sewing more without the need to compete or have the latest and greatest. I love gardening and accept that my time there is limited by my physical constraints. I don't worry about the weeds quite so much as in the past. I've found peace in my new reality. It's wonderful.

Now it's time to think seriously about another one word for 2011. So far, nothing has really grabbed me, but I'm certain one will float to the surface before the clock strikes 12 on December 31st.

And because no post is complete without a photo, here's one of Eli on her 18 month birthday.

Coast Trip

Last week I drove the two hours to Bandon where I had not been in two years. It's really ridiculous that I had not taken the time to go in so long, but life just seemed to get in the way. I love this part of the Oregon coast. Willie and I loved to wander through the shops in Old Town, eat fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants, and scour the beach for stones and shells. Perhaps I had put this trip off because it was such a part of our lives together that it is difficult to go alone now.

This trip I stopped at the local quilt shop to see what they might have of interest. It's a nice little shop with lots of 'coast' fabrics as well as a good selection of holiday, batiks, and general fabrics. I found a few fat quarters that may work in a project I have planned for later this year. Since high tide was around noon, I then headed to the harbor to browse the boardwalk and the shops in Old Town. I love the book store and the cranberry candy store. Indulged in a small package of cranberry treats.

Then it was on to the Crab Shack for a lunch of fresh crab in the Famous Crab sandwich, which I ate while sitting in the sun facing the harbor. A sunny day at the coast is to be relished as much as the fresh crab.

I hit the Table Rock Wayside at the perfect time as the tide was going out. There was plenty of beach to walk on and only two other people off in the distance. The surf was LOUD just like I love. There is something about it that just changes my focus and lets all the stress drain out of me. I wandered about a 1/2 mile down the beach and back, getting my feet (OK, up to my knees) wet, picking up rocks that struck my fancy and taking tons of photos. Then it was time to head back home. One last photo from the top of the hill and I said my good-bye.

The drive home is lovely and the road is pretty good most of the way. I can still hear the sea in my head and recapture the calm when I look at my photos. I vow to be back there sooner next time.

Portland Marathon - Mayor's Walk

This past Sunday was the Portland Marathon. Sara had run it three years ago and I had walked it nine years ago. Neither of us wanted to do it again this year, but the 10K Mayor's Walk was just the goal we both could achieve this year. Even Eli had a number and was a participant. The first few steps wore her out so much that she slept most of the rest of the way. So here we are ready to take off.

The weather was perfect - cool and overcast until the last couple miles when the sun started to peek through the clouds.

We had just gotten started walking when the first three runners passed us. They looked like they were out for a Sunday jog when they past the 20 mile marker. It was fun to watch the runners go by us as we walked. Some were really struggling and others were running easily.

The cheers of the crowd that lined the route helped us pick up the pace. And we finished in under 2 hours - 1 hr and 50 minutes. That was a great time for me. I told Sara as we neared the finish line that I would like to still be doing this in 20 years. Guess that means I need to keep moving. :)

Back home

I got back home last Sunday after being gone for about 10 days. I was amazed with how my garden had grown in my absence. Here's a photo of the front year that I just put in one year ago. I'm afraid I will have to dig up some things by next year as they have filled in so quickly. The rhode in the background in front of the house window is COVERED in huge pink flowers. It is nice to see the fruits of last summer's labors.

I missed a haircut appointment while I was gone and my hair became a mess. So, I finally got in for the overdue trim yesterday. I love the way Victoria styles it and have not been able to replicate it. So I took a couple photos so I could remember how good it looks when she does it.

Maybe some day I'll get good enough with the curling brush and the hairdryer so it will look like this all the time.

I finally have some time to get to work in the garden today after working every day this week. I'm just not used to that schedule, but we've moved into the CCC building while still treating patients at the old building. It's kept all three of us nursing personnel working full time to take care of both places. I'll be glad when everyone is moved over and we're all in the same place again.

Off to the garden.......

Flowers

There is nothing quite like the unexpected gift of flowers, especially these lovely tulips in January.

During November and December I worked five days a week to fill in for the full time RN at work. Last week she surprised me with this lovely bouquet of pink tulips as a thank you gift. They were so unexpected and such a breath of spring.
I'm really enjoying having them in my home this weekend.

One Word

I like the idea of choosing one word to define a direction for a new year. Resolutions made in the light of a fresh start usually fall by the wayside once life gets in the way. So, one word.

Last year my word was perseverance. I tend to leave things half done rather than pushing through (persevering) to the end. So, this past year I have persevered in completing the Master Gardener's course and volunteering my required hours, in living within my means, in working way more than I wanted but which paid for a couple luxuries I would not have been able to afford otherwise, in completing a huge front yard project that took most of the summer, in losing some unhealthy weight, and in walking through some valleys that I had not anticipated.

Welcome 2009 and a new word, GIVE. Now, more than ever, I am conscious of how blest I am with a steady job, health, a wonderful family, and great friends. This year I will look for opportunities to give back, pay forward, or otherwise give of myself for others. My giving will be out of a grateful heart without any thought of being thanked or repaid. The payment will be in the giving. This is the last you will hear of my word as I chose to be private and not toot my own horn.

A new year, a new focus.

A Questionaire

Two posts in two days must be some kind of a record. I read my friend Becky's blog this morning and she had a questionaire that was interesting, so I decided to answer it. So here it is:

1. What do you add to your coffee?
Coffeemate either Crème Brulee or Hazelnut

2. What are you reading at the moment?
I'm between books

3. Do you own a gun?
Yes, and I know how to use it

4. Are you registered to vote?
Yes.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Not usually.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Never eat them, but think they are the feast of the county fair

7. Favorite Christmas Song?
What Child is This?

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Coffee

9. Can you do push ups?
Yes, but only girly ones
How many?
Haven’t tried lately

10. What was the name of your first boyfriend?
Jim Clow in the 6th grade

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelery?
My wedding and engagement rings from my last marriage. And a necklace my father gave my mother on their 50th anniversary.

12. Favorite hobby?
That’s a a tough one. It’s a toss up between scrapbooking and gardening.

13. Do you work with people who idolize you?
I don’t think that’s the right word, but I work with a wonderful group of people who work together well

14. Do you have ADD?
No.

15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
Procrastination.

16. What’s your Middle name?
Jean, after my grandmother

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment…
a). I hope I get everything done on my to do list
b). I hope we get lots of rain today
c). What am I going to fix for breakfast.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday.
Nothing, nada, zero

19. Name 3 beverages you regularly drink.
coffee, water, milk

20. Current worry right now?
concerns about my daughter’s health

21. What side do you dress to?
Don’t know

22. Favorite place to be?
the beach

23. How did you bring in the New Year?
Asleep

24. Where would you like to go?
The SW US, England, Switzerland.

25. Name three people who will complete this.
Have no idea.

26. Whose answers do you want to read the most?
See above.

27. What color shirt are you wearing?
Wearing jammies

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
Never even been on satin sheets.

29. Can you whistle?
Yes.
30. Favorite colors(s)?
Green,
31. Could you be a pirate?
No

32. What songs do you sing in the shower?
I don’t

33. Favorite girls name?
Sara – my daughter’s name

34. Favorite boy’s name?
Eric – my son’s name

35. What’s in your pocket right now?
nothing

36. Last thing that made you laugh?
The boxers across the street playing in their yard

37. Best bed sheets as a child?
Only had plain white ones.

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had?
I’ve been incredibly lucky and haven't had any serious injuries. But the worst was being hit by a vending machine van when I walked across the street (in the crosswalk with the walk sign). I spent several days at home on muscle relaxants with back pain. Had no long term effects.

39. Do you love where you live?
Yes. Good thing, too. I’ve lived in this area for over 30 years. I do love my little house that I’ve been in for several years.

40. How many TVs do you have in your house?
One, and it’s seldom on.

41. Who is your loudest friend?
Can’t think of a friend who is loud, but a former co-worker is the loudest person I know.

42. How many dogs do you have?
Just one.

43. Does anyone have a crush on you?
I hope not.

44. What are the most fun things you ever did?
Going to Charleston with my late husband for a reunion of his SeaB buddies. Almost anything we did together.

45. What are your favorite books?
The Anne of Green Gables books, Little Women, Cold Mountain, anything by Amy Tan. I could go on and on.

46. What is your favorite candy?
anything dark chocolate

47. Favorite Team?
don’t have one

48. What songs do you want played at your funeral?
haven’t even thought about a funeral - too busy living

49. What were you doing at 12 AM?
Sleeping

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
What time is it?

Congratulations if you made it all the way through this.