Square Peg

Square Peg: a person in a position, situation, etc. for which they are unsuited or unqualified.

Time and time again, I am finding myself in very uncomfortable situations. This square peg just isn't fittin' into some of the circles I used to! (or jeans... I'm just sayin')

I frequently find myself looking on to a conversation or event with nothing to add. Yes, me, at a loss for words! (Those who know me well are raising their eyebrows right now.) Then, I start to have an inner dialog and analyze the fact that I have nothing to add. Let me just say right now, that I am a champion over-analyzer!!!! (this is common with us chicas, I know)

Has this happen to you?

Through my 'over-analyzing', I have come to believe that in some circumstances, I have outgrown the relationship. (by this, please understand that I don't mean I'm 'better' than anyone! rather, our thoughts, values, perspectives have just gone in different directions.) We don't look at things the same way or value things on the same level. What is of primary interest and important to me is not to them, and visa versa. One's ways are not better than the others, just different.

I'm wondering if again, I'm entering another season of life. We are constantly a work in progress. I think I may just be on the Potter's wheel again getting reshaped. (this time could it involve a smaller dress size too please.. you know, while you're at it and all..)

As uncomfortable as it is (and it really is!!!) I'm reminded of what great comfort and wisdom I get from reading the book of James. I remember that God will perfect us in our faith through trials.

Lord, this too shall pass I know. Help me not give in to self doubt or fear as I know You are in control and have a greater purpose for everything! Thank you for the joy you have given me and that even in trial, it never dies out!!

Amen!

I had another great day today with my my youngest son and the girls I care for and then later with my other son and husband.

Right now, I'm sitting here at my computer getting ready to head upstairs and take a nice hot shower and then enjoy a piping hot cup of tea.

As I'm thinking about this it hits me... How blessed am I?!

Sometimes it is so darn easy to take the little day to day things in our lives for granted.

Lord, help me to always be mindful of all of the blessings you have given me.

my family

my friends

the children you've entrusted to my care

my home

our cars

this computer I type on

indoor plumbing (so thankful for this!!)

tea!!

the stove to heat my water

etc...

Even the smallest is a great gift from you!!

Help me to always remember, I'm too blessed to stress!!!!!

AMEN!

Billy Boy

To turn off music so you can listen, just look to the right hand column and scroll down until you see the pink music box. Click on the middle button and it will stop the music.

This is Billy singing (sort of, 'his song' Billy Boy)

Where have you been Billy Boy Billy Boy

Where have you been charming Billy

I have been to seek a wife

She's the joy of my life

But she's a young thing and can not leave her mother

One Year

It has been one year since my mother died.

I can't believe it has been a year.

Not really ready to write about it right now - so I'm posting an encore of my sister's eulogy to my mum. I love you Mum!!

Our mother, like most mothers, was a very special person. She was warm and loving and funny. You often hear people say how those that have passed will leave a hole or a void. The absence of my mother will leave an abyss. Or at least, that’s how it feels.Our mother was a big presence in our lives. For us, she was truly the tie that binds. Over the past few days, I’ve found myself wondering how we will carry on without her. I know, of course, that we will, but the idea of it seemed inconceivable.But as I thought about having to face life without my mother, without my best friend, I realized how, because of her, we will certainly get through this terrible time together.My mother taught us many things, as most parents do. But three things we learned from her are perhaps the most important lessons for dealing with life.Naturally, she, along with our father’s help, taught us right from wrong. Through her example, we not only learned the typical rights and wrongs, but we learned the right way to be a good friend, the right way to care about others and the right way to treat the people that are important to you. And she taught us that it is right that family takes care of family. More than once my mother told me what a great comfort it was to her that if ever any of her children were in trouble or in need that we could turn to any of the other 4 and we would be a help and support one another.Another thing we learned from our mother was to love one another and to do so openly. More than a few people have commented over the years how affectionate my family is to one another. We always great each other with hugs and kisses and do the same again when we part. Well – ok – maybe Eddie and Mark don’t hug and kiss each other – but there is certainly brotherly affection. When we speak to one another on the phone, conversations almost always end with “I love you”, and “I love you too”. We tell our children and our nieces and nephews all the time how much we love them and how special they are to us. Something we learned from our mother.The last of the three important lessons learned from Mom, was to laugh at life – even if it’s at your own expense – which, in her case, it often was. Mom loved a good laugh. All of the Rockwood family loves a good laugh and we are never together that we don’t laugh a great deal. We learned not to take ourselves so seriously that we couldn't laugh at ourselves – something my mother excelled at. In fact, if she did something funny and there was no one to witness it, she would'nt keep her goofs to herself – she’d tell everybody, which is funny in itself.So, as I think of these things, I realize, though the void is sizable and though the coming weeks, months and even times throughout the years will find us mourning our dearly loved mother, we will as a family, get through it together.We will stand by one another. We will love one another. And we will laugh together. And in doing so, we will keep our mother’s spirit with us always.I hope that some of you will learn from my mother, especially to tell the people you love that you love them – and tell them often. Not because life is precarious and you never know how much time you will have together. Not even because it’s what people who love one another should do. Tell them simply because you DO love them.I know that we will pass these lessons on to our own children and grandchildren: To stand by your family and love and support them; To tell them often how much you love them and to laugh at life – even if it’s at your own expense. Oh – and to never, ever tell a child you have eyes in the back of your head.

IKEA

I finally went to the furniture mecca that I've been told 'I Must!' go to.

I went... I walked... I walked... I walked....

You see, I learned that the English translation for the Swedish word Ikea is: labyrinth!

They get you in, but you can't find your way out!

Sure, there are blue signs hanging from the ceiling that say: 'Exit', but they are really just a trick. A mirage if you will, leading you a seemingly never ending journey through a see of very contemporary, brightly colored home stuffs. (I hate the word 'stuffs' by the way .. but it fits here)

I have never in my life felt claustrophobic before, but I did there in that 100 billion square foot store. We did the top floor (hubby and I) and it was pleasant enough; sofas, beds, children's rooms and toys. But then when we hit the bottom level and I decided there really wasn't anything of interest to me, I wanted to leave. But after running through the isles like a science lab rat, I began to panic. It was all I could do to not yell out "I'm not going to buy anything!! Even if you force me to see every single floral lampshade, florescent rug, busy comforter, odd shaped plate, and every lighting fixture known to man! Let me out! Let me out!!!!"

Finally, we followed our noses to the source of the smell of cinnamon buns and we escaped, I mean we left the establishment.

Ikea... Not going in again with out a GPS system and a bag of bread crumbs!

On the plus side: We were not bothered once by a sales person (but don't know how easy it would be to find one for help if I needed one), they have a child care drop off (I'm not recommending this as we didn't use it - has anyone tried it? interesting idea though!!), and I did see some items I'd like for my home child care at very reasonable prices.

Having Sons Means:

Be forewarned, this post is not for those who are not well acquainted with the world of boys, who cringe at 'potty talk', or who in general, just can't handle frank talk about young children and all of their 'unrefined' ways. Read on at your own risk...

Having sons means:

* it's hard to get an actual sentence out of them between the sound effects of light sabers clashing and bombs exploding. "I psh don't woosh want chuchuccc to ahhhh eat brmm pasta whoohaaa for shooomoooo dinner bchhhhh."

* being awoke to the bellowing of a child wanting you to come into the bathroom quickly, only to discover that he simply wanted to show you the impressive size or shape of what he has left in the potty and then giving you a thumbs up.

* is knowing that this sight will not be as rare as you'd hope. (please see picture: this particular injury happened as a result of an air born cup, thrown by brother.)

* that action heroes are not meant to have a conversations (other than, 'I'll get you' - 'Now you've done it' - 'I'm super strongest'), but just beat on each other repeatedly until one loses a limb.

* bathroom humor will never get old. And I mean never!! I have two brothers and my husband to prove it.

* (and furthermore to the above) simply saying a bodily function/body part word is cause for a fit of complete hysterics. Especially when it is said at the most 'opportune' of times - such as when mum is talking to the Pastor's wife (thank goodness she has grandsons around the same age and is completely understanding!!), or breaking out into the song they composed themselves 'Bummy bum bum... Bummy bum bum' at the library counter (poor librarian was unamused!).

* using a cartoon character (Popeye) to persuade children to eat their green vegetables.. which seems great, until they then start picking up objects that are really too heavy for them to show their 'mushcles.. aye yi yi'. "Look, I can lift this chair right over my head (wobbling about to crush him) because I ate a piece of broccoli. Now I'm as strong as Popeye.. no, I'm his nephew Poopeye." (yes, they saw a cartoon with his nephew 'Poopeye')

* never looking over at your son when you can feel his eyes staring you down during library story time. When you do, you'll simply find him smiling broadly while shoving his finger as far up his nose as possible with a big grin as if to say, 'This little show is just for you mum!! You can't reach me through this sea of children, you have to just sit there and let me torment you.'

* hearing phrases such as, 'Now it's my turn to put my feet on your head.' 'But I want to be Captain Underpants now (did I just have the nerve to capitalize that?) you can be him later.' At least they're taking turns, right?

* (and the best!!!) melting when you hear, "I love you too my sweetheart" when you tuck them into bed.

This list could go on for pages, but you get the idea.

Ah boys! :)

I love em'!!

Thursday TV

I love Thursday night tv!

8:00 pm - Ugly Betty

9:00 pm - The Office

10:00 pm - ER

UB ~ I guess I'm just a sucker for the idea that the 'inwardly beautiful' girl can make it in the cut-throat fashion industry while keeping her values, and sometimes gets the guy. And let's face it girls, we always see not very good looking guys who are out with these beautiful little women. But how often do we see great looking guys with 'inwardly beautiful' women?

I love her self-esteem and courage!

I love that she's going to give Matt a shot!! (did you see tonight?)

The other cast of characters are great too! I hope they're not done with her Scottish friend now that she had her baby!!

The Office ~ Ok, if you've ever worked in an office environment, then you are bound to watch the show and be able to swap out names. Jim is Bob. Meridith is Kathy. Andy is Jack. Ryan is ... HR guy.. can't remember his name... Any how, you get the picture. (I've worked in multiple offices' so I can list these names knowing that these names were common enough not to indicate any one person.)

It's so totally off the wall. I love tuning in just to see what they're up to this time. Michael says the most bizarre things.. or maybe Dwight does.. I don't know. And then when Jim, one of the few in their right mind gives that look to the camera. Love it!!

"I'm not superstitious. Just a little stitious." ~ Michael

ER ~ What can I say, I've been watching ER since the second year I believe. (or maybe 1/2 way through year one) They lost me for about a year (I thought it was getting boring.. same story - 'are they together, aren't they....' This year though, where they're bringing back lots of the original cast - great stuff!!!

Carter is back. I love Carter!!! And the way they tied this in to his biggest story line from years ago - great! Sad mind you, but great!

Can't wait to see who else they bring back. I wish Anthony Edward (Dr. Green) could come back - but he died. They did do a little recap on him several episodes ago, but not the same. After that... I don't know. Maybe Jeanie. I really don't care if Dr. Ross comes back (sorry, not a big Clooney fan. don't dislike him, but it wont make the last season for me.)

It's sad that it's ending. It's been around my whole adult life practically. Great show!

Ok.. my shows are over. Time for bed.

until next Thursday...