Musings of an everyday woman . . .

Reflections on living and loving life . . .

Over the top! October 24, 2009

Filed under: Inspirations,Reflections — everydaywomanusa @ 8:46 pm
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Thanks to Abbie at Farmer’s Daughter for awarding me with the “Over the Top” Blog Award!

I’m passing it along to 6 other bloggers who  are “Over the Top,” too! 

Here are the rules . . .

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1.) Thank and post URL to the blog that gave the award.

Thanks to Farmer’s Daughter for nominating Everydaywoman!

2.) Pass the award along to 6 brilliantly over the top blogs (blogs you love!)  Alert them so they know to receive the award.

I’m nominating these 6 blogs:

The Pioneer Woman—Ree is my absolute idol in the blogging world!

The Quiet Country House—Aisling hosts the most awesome “Sunday Stroll” each Sunday!

Uncarved Block–Cloudhands is inspiring (and in her 7th decade!)

An Island Life—Kailini hosts the incredible “Aloha Friday!” feature

GreenMamma—Jessica is so inspiring, heartfelt, honest, open!

Retro Housewife Goes Green—Lisa is a true-green environmentalist blogger!

 3.) Copy and paste this quiz… Change the answers, ONE word only!! 

 1-Your cell phone?  Pocketbook  

2- Your hair?  Reese Witherspoon-ish (I wish)  oops! too many words!
 
3-Your mother?  Inspirational!
4-Your father?  Deceased  
5-Your favorite food?   Cheese
6-Your favorite drink?   IcedTea
 7-Your dream last night?  Wierd

8-Your dream/goal?   Grandma!

9-What room are you in?   DR

10-Your hobby?   Photography 
11-Your fear?  NotEnoughTimeForMyBucketList (does that qualify as one word?)

12-Where do you want to be in 6 years?  Here!

13-Where were you last night?  Home

14-Something that you aren’t?   Negative

15-Muffin?   Carrotcake! 
16-Wish list item?  Greatroom!

17-Where did you grow up?   Farm

18-Last thing you did?  Cooked

19-What are you wearing?  skirt/sandals

20-Your TV?  putsmetosleep!

21-Your pets?  Horses/dogs!

22-Friends?  BEST!

23- Your life?  Prettydarnedgood!

24-Your mood?  Positive!

25-Missing someone?  Peter

26-Vehicle?  MustangGTconvertible!  (crazy gift from my fam!)

27-Something you aren’t wearing?   Bra (sorry, kids!)

28-Your favorite store?  Online

29-Favorite color?  Sienna

30-When was the last time you laughed?   Today

31-Last time you cried?  Today–sad song on the Country Music station!
 32-Your best friend?  Can’t limit to one!

33-One place you go to over and over?  Grocery store, ugh!

34-One person who emails you regularly?  Abbie

35-Favorite place to eat?  OUT!

Have fun playing along!!!

 

Happy Mothers’ Day!!! May 10, 2009

Filed under: Inspirations,Reflections — everydaywomanusa @ 9:45 am
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I just couldn’t resist picking up a T-shirt with this message on it recently when I was in D.C.  My clever daughter saw right away that this was Michelle Obama in “Rosie the Riveter” garb.  Of course it also made me think of my earlier post re:  those awesome arms.   At any rate, I think it captures the true spirit of Moms everywhere who have that “can do” attitude.

If you’d like to catch the first lady’s Mothers’ Day message for Moms of those in the service or Moms themselves in any branch of service to our country, click  here.

HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY TO ALL MOMS, EVERYWHERE! 

HOW ARE YOU SPENDING THIS DAY?

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1/2 Empty or 1/2 Full? April 14, 2009

One of my all-time favorite bloggers, Chile,  got me thinking with her “Half Empty or Half Full?” post.

I’ve always seen my glass as “half full,” I think, and a couple of recent events really convinced me of this.  I think I’m a pretty positive person, at least that what everyone tells me . . .

A couple of weeks ago, I was involved in a very minor head-on accident.  (Minor and head-on are oxymorons, don’t they?)  Anyway, an elderly woman hit me as we were both pulling out of driveways across from each other, onto a very busy state road.  I saw her coming into my lane and I braked and she was just crawling, so we really barely hit.  It was a beautiful, sunny day and I had just popped the top down on my convertible that my family had given me for Mother’s Day.  All I could think of was my little ‘stang would be crushed and my wonderful family’s feelings would be crushed, too.  I certainly didn’t want to be the first one to put a dent or ding in it.

I got out to see how the other woman was.  Neither of us was hurt, physically, thankfully.  We both just shook our heads, so sorry that it had happened.  I encouraged her to pull into our farm market driveway (that’s where it happened) and I called our local police, because that’s what you’re supposed to do.  Since it wasn’t an emergency, we must have waited 20 minutes or so.  In that time, we chatted and she said that she used to sell bread to my mother-in-law at our farm market and what respect she always had for farmers.  We then talked about organic gardening, insurance rates, and how she was afraid her rates might go up or she might lose her license.  She was really a very nice woman.

What really surpised me was that the damage to my little red ride was very minimal, perhaps  nonexistent.  How is that possible with a head-on collision?  When the cop finally arrived, he asked, “Where is the damage to your car?  Do you really want me to fill out a police report?”

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Wow!  There really wasn’t any visible damage.  Then, the young cop (young enough to be my son) told me what a nice car I have . . .and if I ever got tired of driving it . . .

Back to the 1/2 full . . . I was a little “gun shy” the next few days when I was pulling out, always looking left, right, and straight ahead, a few extra times . . . and all I could feel was thankful.  I took this minor accident as a wake-up call.  It could have been a lot worse and I really should pay more attention to the job at hand when driving instead of thinking of all the things I have on my “to-do” list.

I felt so lucky that this woman and I were both fine, really no damage to our vehicles, and we both had another chance to be more careful next time.  Some people don’t get a second chance.

OK, there’s something else too, but this is really gross . . . I don’t think I’ll post a picture just yet.  I had to go through a very ugly procedure recently to take care of pre-cancerous cells on my forehead.  It was actually a chemotherapy cream that BURNS your skin–all layers—and then forms these VERY UGLY scabs that take forever to fall off before the new skin forms.  All I could think was THANK GOODNESS for bangs (which I had cut to hide the ugliness, because I felt like a leper!) . . . and now thank goodness for the new, baby-like skin which I have now. . . and that I have a second chance to take care of it, to be smart enough to wear sunscreen and cover up, so it won’t get worse!  (More on that later. . . as I do have pix, that my own kids are threatening to break out when they see me in the sun again!)

I was also concerned about scaring the children at school because I really did look like a leper.  My doctor said I should use it as a Science lesson, but I really didn’t want 8- and 9-year olds to think their teacher was dying or something, so I hid it the best I could.   A colleague suggested I should make up a good story to explain the scabs to the kids.  I really wasn’t into story telling until this happened . . .

8-yr-old girl, looking at me, kind of strange.  (I realized my bangs must have opened to reveal the crusty scabs on my forehead.)

Me:  “Oh, don’t let that distract you.  Just a little snowboarding accident.”

Girl:  “How OLD are you?”

Me:  “Old enough to know better.  I should have been skiing instead of snowboarding.  I’m a much better skiier!”

And that was that . . .

OK, so I’m pretty much a “half-full” kind of person, but what about you?

IS YOUR GLASS HALF-EMPTY OR HALF-FULL????

 

“Gratitude Sunday” March 29, 2009

Inspired by Green Mamma and Imelda/Greenish Lady, I’ve decided to do a “Gratitude Sunday” post instead of a Sunday Stroll today.  I’ve gotten away from my “Thankful Thursday” posts a bit too long.

On this gray, rainy, Sunday at the end of March, I’m extremely thankful for:

  • My wonderful family who seems seems to understand and support me, even when they question why I would want to start a Doctoral Program at this point in my life!?!
  • GREAT friends, who also support me and push me to think about doing some even crazier things, like doing a mini-marathon (more on that another time!)

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  • A job/career that I love!  Working as a Math Specialist/Teacher in elementary schools, I have the opportunity to support children who are struggling; extend students who need enrichment; and provide training and collaboration to fellow teachers.
  • A lifestyle that is continually evolving, as I attempt to live “mindfully” each day, thanks in large part of my daughter Abbie, at Farmer’s Daughter, and all my GREEN blogging friends out there, including you!  You all make me think so much!
  • Electronics that make my life so much easier—and more difficult at the same time!  Now that I’m so dependent on the Internet, my Blackberry, digital camera, etc., I don’t think I could live without them!
  • That the hope of spring is in the air, as the snow melts and warmer temps envelope us, new life emerges, in the green of plants and within animals on the farm.

For big things and small, I am so grateful.  Thanks for allowing me to count my blessings!

What are YOU feeling especially thankful for today?

 

Valentines Meme February 21, 2009

Here’s a little Valentine meme I stole from the Farmer’s DaughterActually, she encouraged me to do it. If you want to try it, too, by all means, “steal” it from me!

My Valentine and Me

What are your middle names?
My given middle name is Susan after my grandmother on my Mom’s side, but I changed it to my maiden name  when we got married.  My DH’s middle name is David, after his Dad, also a family name from generations way back.  By the way, I was delighted to change my last name when we got married:  much prettier and easier for everyone to spell!

How long have you been together?
Wow, married 31 years, together for 34 in all, but it seems like just yesterday . . . 

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We first met when my uncle took me on a fishing trip to my future husband’s farm when we were about 12.  All I remember is that this cute guy baited my hook because I thought it was gross and his Mom made great cupcakes.  He remembers my floppy red hat.  We both attended the wedding of that same uncle’s daughter in our pre-teen years, as  the two families were mutual friends.  But, we really noticed each other when we met again at the same uncle’s pool during our high school years.  My valentine remembers a white bikini I wore (that my Mom had made!)  and I remember him coming straight from football practice . . . I guess it was destiny . . . it just took a few times meeting!

Who asked whom out?
He definitely asked me out.  I had a line of babysitting jobs and actually said no the first three times.  No one had EVER said no to him before, so I guess I was playing hard to get.  My mom finally covered for me on a babysitting job, so I could go out!

How old are each of you?
Old enough to know better . . . and old enough that 2 of our 3 children are of legal age!!!

Whose siblings do you see the most?
He sees his most, just about every day at work . . . family business.  I don’t see his–or mine–nearly enough, due to work commitments and distance.

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Demands on our time . . . making time for each other!

Did you go to the same school?
Nope.  We went to different high schools, and if we had EVER gone to the same school, we would NEVER had hooked up.  He was a jock; I was a nerd . . . oh, and did I say I was in the band?  And, yes, I’m still in college as well as working full-time, going for a 4th degree, so I guess I’m still a nerd. . .  and I believe opposites DO definitely attract!

Are you from the same home town?
Nope, we’re from neighboring towns, though.  Now, I actually live in my husband’s family’s town, which is the town MY mother grew up in!

Who is smarter?
I will NOT answer this question on the grounds that it may/will incriminate me!  He’s definitely more common-sense smart, though!  We’re both smart in different ways, in different things . . . again that “opposite” thing!

Who is the most sensitive?
Me, hands down.  I’ll cry at the drop of a hat . . . or when a sad country song is on the radio . . . or an upsetting news story . . . or a happy memory . . . or a touching moment . . . or pretty much any good movie!  Although I’ve noticed, he’s growing more sensitive with age . . . or is it living with me?

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Wherever the kids decide that they want us to take them for their birthday dinners!

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
To the wilds of Katmai, Alaska, to walk with the Alaska Brown Bears (his dream); and to the tropical islands of Jamaica, Nassau, and Bimini (my dream!)

Who has the worst temper?

Again, can’t answer this one on the grounds that it may incriminate me, but it’s definitely NOT me!  I’m always the one who gives in!

Who does the cooking?
Me.  Although our kids tell me it doesn’t really count as cooking if you don’t use more than three ingredients.  He does make a mean cheesecake and baked Alaska, though. . . that is, he made each one exactly once in 34 years.

Who is the neat-freak?
Neither one of us and it would probably be a good think if ONE of us were . . .

Who is more stubborn?
Again, I plead the 5th, but I’ll give you a hint . . . it’s the taller one of us!

Who hogs the bed?
The one who’s 6’4″.  I just take up less space.  The “hogs” used to be our kids and the dogs, but now they finally have their own beds.

Who wakes up earlier?
Me.  I’ve gotten into the habit of starting my day at 3 or 3:30 am.  I just naturally wake up then.  It’s getting harder to stay awake at night, though!

Where was your first date?   The Durham Fair–an agricultural fair in a neighboring town.  Actually, my future DH went to ask my father’s permission first, who was in the barn milking cows at the time!

How long did it take to get serious?

Once we actually went out on that first date, not long at all!  I think my Mom liked him as immediately as I did!

Who eats more?
I cook for three BIG guys with football-player appetites most of the time.  They like meat; I don’t.  You guess!

Who does the laundry?

 I totally spoiled my family when I was a stay-at-home Mom with our three children, doing ALL of the household duties.  Even though I’m working full-time now, the division of duties really hasn’t changed.  We’re just each better at some things, like I could NEVER EVER mow the law, weedwack, and chop wood as GOOD as him, plow snow, so who’s complaining?

Who’s better with the computer?
Let’s just say that he fully expects he can go through life as what he terms “computer-illiterate” and I’m blogging . . .

Who drives when you are together?
He does.  It’s just easier . . . I get to catch up on sleep!

What’s the sweetest thing he’s ever said to you?  (I just added this one because I have a great answer!)

Just a couple of days ago, he said, “You’re my heartbeat!”   Awwww……I just melted!

Include a wedding picture or a picture from your early dating days!

We are both not recognizable from those early days, so here’s a more recent one.  Notice the bear in the background?  My Valentine keeps life exciting for me!!!

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PLEASE feel free to answer these questions in the comment section or post on your own blog—and leave a link so we can read it!

 

How are YOU celebrating Valentines Day? February 13, 2009

Filed under: Inspirations,Valentines Day — everydaywomanusa @ 3:26 am
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Please share how you’ll be celebrating this “day of hearts” by responding to this poll in the comment box!

**   I’m taking my honey out for a romantic dinner. . .

**  I’m creating some fancy culinary delights at home. .  .

**  I’ll be enjoying a good book at home . . . any maybe some wine and chocolate!

**  I’m still looking for that perfect Valentine!

**  I’ve got something else in mind!  (Tell us about it in a comment, if you dare!)

 

 

Beautiful Sunrise February 7, 2009

Filed under: Farm,Inspirations,Winter — everydaywomanusa @ 9:24 am
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Couldn’t resist the opportunity to catch this incredible sunrise as I was heading off to school yesterday morning!  Now, if the sun will just bring some warmth with it this weekend!

 

Tag, You’re It! February 1, 2009

Filed under: Adventures,Awards,Entertainment,Friends,Humor,Inspirations,Reflections — everydaywomanusa @ 7:39 am
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OK, I’ve been tagged by the Farmer’s Daughter.

Here are the rules:

–Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
–Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog – some random, some weird.
–Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their    blog.
–Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So, here goes, probably way more than you want to know:

7 Facts about myself:

  1. BK (Before Kids), I had a career in publishing as a writer/editor for an international technical magazine.  I traveled to interview mostly old men in wire mills and I usually got questions like “What’s a nice, young girl like doing in a place like this?”  (I secretly hoped I’d get a really exciting writing job for Cosmo or at the very least Good Housekeeping some day!)
  2. I’ve walked with Grizzlies in Alaska . . . yes, I really can’t believe that I did that, too!
  3. I also rafted the Colorado River for 5 days, sleeping in the canyons at night in thunderstorms, with the river or a pail as our only bathroom.  (#2 and #3 were my husband’s ideas, but I’m glad I lived through them because now I can impress people who think I’m a risk-taker, even though I’m really not!)
  4. I learned how to use a computer back in the DOS days.  (“What’s that?” you youngsters are asking.)
  5. I’m probably addicted to three things: coffee, the sun, and my Blackberry.  (I know this because I get a headache if I don’t get my DD in the am and I got a Blackberry so I could check my e-mail on the run.  I am trying to change my habits re: the sun due to the negative effects of too much exposure.)
  6. I started college at age 40, when my husband challenged me to pursue the teaching career that I had always planned.  It was one of the best decisions of my life (second to marrying that dear guy!) and now after my 8th year of teaching (and two more degrees) I’m planning on starting a doctoral program.
  7. My crazy, wonderful family gave me a brand-new, candy-apple red Mustang convertible for Mothers’ Day a couple of years ago, which I enjoy driving “topless” more than I ever imagined!  The ‘Stang’s tucked in the garage for the winter next to their ’66 classic mustang.  (I think they gave me mine because they didn’t want me to drive theirs!)

 OK, that’s probably way more than you wanted to hear, but I’m tagging:

 Margaret  at Periodic Pearls

Aisling at The Quiet Country House

Cloudhands at Uncarved Block

Nan at Letters From a Hill Farm

Ernestine at My Journey to Mindfulness

Dee at Red Dirt Ramblings

Linda at Vulture Peak Muse

Thanks for playing, everyone, and I hope you have a little fun with it!

~~Ruth

 

Good Friends January 31, 2009

Filed under: Friends,Inspirations,Reflections,Thankful Thursday — everydaywomanusa @ 11:17 am

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I really feel blessed to be going through the ups and downs of life with some really good friends. The four of us “clicked” when our kids were in a playgroup together many years ago.   Between the four of us, we have 10 kids, four husbands, 200 birthdays (our own!), an assortment of demanding careers, a menagerie of pets, and LOTS of memories.

We’ve weathered childhood illnesses,  summer day-trips to beaches and parks, overnight camping trips, first dates (of our children), driving license exams, proms, graduations,  4 weddings (again–our children), among other milestones.  Three of us are mother-in-laws, one is a grandmother, and one is a grandmother-to-be.  (I’m looking to acquire that title myself one day!)

The picture above was taken at one of our friend’s son’s wedding, when we realized that we were the last ones standing on the dance floor after the DJ asked all  couples to remain standing who had been married for 5 years, then 10, 20, 25, etc.  At 30 years, we were still there!  We were amazed because  we were quite sure they were others there much “older” than us and we certainly don’t feel old . . . most days!  Maybe we were just lucky in love!

Anyways, that mother-of-the-groom gave each of us a copy of this photo at another one of the friend’s birthday dinners recently.  We all look pretty happy because that’s how we feel when we get together.  Now that our kids are grown (mostly!) and we’re all so busy, we really don’t get much of a chance to get together that much anymore.  We do still try to get together somewhere near each of our birthdays (not that we want to count the years), but it gives us a chance to touch base at least 4 times a year.  We can still laugh, talk (loudly, much to the chagrin of others diners, I’m sure), and reminisce with the best of them.

I am so thankful to have close friends to  share life’s fortunes and sorrows; people who are always willing to listen and to whom you’re not afraid to share your biggest worries and embarassments!

Thank you Pat, Rosanne,  and Roberta!  We’re more like sisters than friends!

I hope everyone has someone special to get through the ups and downs of life with!

 

3 Generations January 3, 2009

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I am often inspired by the generations around me, both older and younger, and this holiday season was no exception.

My  Mom (center) has the most positive attitude of any 86-year-old I know.  Recently, she wanted to show a granddaughter who lives in Texas how much she enjoyed her Christmas gift of a new “cowgirl” hat, so she posed for this picture with horses on her own farm. 

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Despite being robbed of her sight by glaucoma over the years, she manages to be extremely agile, upbeat, and pretty darn technologically proficient.  Recently, we finally convinced her that she could use a cell phone (for her safety) after she accidentally locked herself in the chicken coop and had to crawl out the tiny “chicken door.”  Now, she uses her cell for enjoyment as well when she discovered that she has “free” nights and weekends, calling long-time friends who now live further away.

While “Mema” can be pretty hip, my daughter, two generations younger, can also be very fashionably “old-fashioned.”    Abbie, also known as the Farmer’s Daughter, is another person who impresses me to no end, linking family values, social issues, and a purposeful lifestyle.  A teacher and environmentalist at heart, she “walks the talk,” living a green, old-fashioned lifestyle today, embracing family values, good old-fashioned cooking, growing and using local foods, sewing, knitting, and creating wonderful gifts of herself for those around her!

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Each day I feel thankful for these incredible women around me.  Thank goodness for the three generations in our family!